It's beginning to look a lot like ...

Some beautiful handmade things which can be yours... Click on the link under the photo to go to the Etsy listing.

Christmas card handmade by Stacey

Christmas bracelet handmade by Joy

Skirt for a little girl handmade by Doris

101 Ways to Reduce Stress Part 4 - a few of my favorites

I ran across some great suggestions called 101 Ways to Reduce Stress. Click on the link to read them all! I've been posting a few at a time, and now I'm going to conclude here with my favorites out of the rest of the list.

Schedule play time into every day. (I love this one! No matter how much I have to do, I have learned to take breaks. My ways to relax are listening to Praise music and praying while driving to and from work; taking 2 breaks a day at work to get away from my office, go for a walk and chat with friends in other departments; and at home, watching the Home and Garden channel while eating supper or a snack.

Believe in yourself. Stop saying negative things to yourself. (This has been a lifelong struggle but I've grown a lot in this area and will keep on working on loving me.)

Develop your sense of humor. (I am very serious by nature and as I've aged, have discovered great joy in lightening up and making other people laugh.)

Look up at the stars. (Ah, this gives such a sense of wonder!)

Do a brand new thing. (This keeps us young. I am learning, slowly, to crochet and WILL make beautiful things in the coming year.)

Buy yourself a flower. (Have never done this. I think I'll try it this week.)

Strive for excellence, NOT perfection. (This needs to be my life motto. I get so discouraged when I fail, but I'm learning not to be so hard on myself.)

Recognize the importance of unconditional love. (God and my doggie love me this way and my grandparents and my daddy did too. It's not always easy to love others this way but I'm working on it.)

101 Ways to Reduce Stress Part 3

I ran across some great suggestions called 101 Ways to Reduce Stress. I think 101 at one time is kind of overwhelming so I'm posting a few at a time.
16. Repair anything that doesn't work properly. (Ha! My sewing machine has been sitting in the corner of the dining room for a couple of years, needing to be serviced. Maybe a good New Year's resolution.)
17. Ask for help with the jobs you dislike.
18. Break large tasks into bite size portions.
19. Look at problems as challenges.
20. Look at challenges differently.
21. Unclutter your life. (Working on it.)
22. Smile.
23. Be prepared for rain.
24. Tickle a baby. (A couple in my church choir have a beautiful new baby boy and since he's a little young to tickle, I've been holding him each week while he sleeps, enjoying his funny expressions and precious baby noises. Sigh. Such a peaceful loving experience.)
25. Pet a friendly dog or cat. (I love to pet my doggie's tummy when I'm sitting on the couch and she loves it too.)
26. Don't know all the answers.
27. Look for the silver lining.
28. Say something nice to someone.
29. Teach a kid to fly a kite.
30. Walk in the rain.

101 Ways to Relieve Stress Part 2

I ran across some great suggestions called 101 Ways to Reduce Stress. I think 101 at one time is kind of overwhelming so I'm posting a few at a time.
7. Practice preventative maintenance
8. Make duplicate keys
9. Say no more often (This is a constant challenge! As I grow older, I find that I have a little less energy as time goes by and I have to be careful not to overdo. I cut out a few craft shows this year that involve driving back and forth to another town 30 miles away on Friday and Saturday. It's just too much with working full time.)
10. Set priorities in your life.
11. Avoid negative people
12. Use time wisely.
13. Simplify meal times.
14. Always make copies of important papers.
15. Anticipate your needs.

101 Ways to Reduce Stress

I ran across some great suggestions called 101 Ways to Reduce Stress. I think 101 at one time is kind of overwhelming so I'm going to post a few at a time.
1. Get up 15 minutes earlier. (That would be hard, but I recently changed my hours at work to coming in/leaving 30 minutes later. I'm getting up at the same time, so I actually have 30 more minutes to drink tea, look at stuff online, and get dressed. It makes a huge difference not to have to rush. I feel better all day.)
2. Prepare for the morning the night before. (I always decide on my clothes and pack my lunch at night, so I don't have to think too hard when I'm sleepy in the morning.)
3. Avoid tight fitting clothes.
4. Avoid relying on chemical aids.
5. Set appointments ahead.
6. Don't rely on your memory...write it down. (Good one. I have so much to remember that I have to make lists and write notes to myself.)
Let me know what you think of these.

New Christmas Ornaments, Jewelry & Gifts

It's time to start Christmas shopping! And don't forget to treat yourself! Lots of new goodies at Artsy Clay on Etsy and at Artsy Clay on Zibbet. Custom orders are welcome!

Graceful Couture

Check out my friend's new etsy shop, Graceful Couture, selling beautiful handmade children's clothing. Be sure to add to your "favorites" so you can come back and see what's new!

Polymer Clay Inspiration

I really enjoy the posts each day from Polymer Clay Daily on Facebook! Isn't this beautiful?

Click here to see more... Outside-The-Lines-Polymer

Family Reunion

We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! The whole family got together at our son's house in Raleigh and we all had a great time. Here are Mike and me, 3 sons and 8 grandkids - ages 16 to 9 months! And Ty's little chihuahua, Pipsqueak.

Our 3 sons and daughters-in-law: Wendy and Scott, Heather and Jeff, and Rebecca and Kipp

I am so very thankful for my wonderful family!
Psalm 69:30 (NAS) I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving