Back to reality and a great story!

As the saying goes "all good things must come to an end."  I guess that's true because how would we enjoy them then?  Yes, I am back from the beach which was absolutely glorious!  Of course you can expect me to share some pictures from that which I will beginning on Pink Saturday. 

Today I wanted to share an amazing event that occurred while we were away.  Many of you have probably been to Myrtle Beach and thus have visited Broadway at the Beach.  For those of you who have not, this is a fabulous place for shopping, dining, and entertainment.  My daughters and I thought we would spend an evening there while hubby went to a ball game.  All went well until my daughter Erin lost her Coach wristlet which of course contained her money, ID, and her camera.  She had set it on a bench to show me a purchase she made and forgot to grab it when we walked away.  It was literally less than 5 minutes but upon her return it was gone!  There was a gentleman sitting on the bench and my daughter tearfully asked him if he'd seen it.  He did not but was sympathetic.  We reported it to the main office in case someone turned it in.

Erin of course was devastated.  She had all of her pictures (more than 1000) saved on her camera, plus I had just purchased the wristlet for her.  But alas, about 15 minutes after we reported it, the office called and told Erin it was turned in!  Yay!  The amazing part occurred when she retrieved it.  It turns out that the gentlemen that was on the bench turned it in.  He told the clerk that he saw some people with it and approached them, asking if they found it on a bench.  He snatched it from them "I know who that belongs to" and turned it in!  What an amazing man to become involved and ensure that my daughter received her wristlet back.  It sounds as if the group that had it had no intention of returning it!  The gentleman did not leave his name so we don't know who he is. But, wherever he is I would like to give him a big "thank you" for becoming involved and caring about a young woman's wristlet!  I just love when it is reaffirmed that there really are some great people in the world!

Erin and Megan at Broadway at the Beach

Have a wonderful day and I will see you on Pink Saturday!

OXOXOXOX,

Jacalyn

Pink Saturday, the beach and a treat for you!

Hello pink friends!  As you read this, I'll be on my way to the beach!  Yay!  It truly is one of my favorite places in the world! I will have very little computer access while I am away so please be patient with me!  I will return your visit when I get back.

For my pinks this week I thought I would share some of the things I've been working on.  I have been feeling a bit creative this week and you will reap the rewards.  At the end of the post I will tell you more about that!

The pink label counts for my pink, right? He, he!  This is the most amazing all natural foot butter that I've created!  I love the ease of application in the lotion container!  It smells so yummy too with our Cool Caribbean Coconut Fragrance oil.

I found this tray at a recent flea market.  It was silver but I just new it would look so much better painted the prettiest shade of pink!

Everyone that reads my blog knows how much I love cupcakes!  Well, I've created my own out of clay.  Then I painted them and added a rhinestone!  Ahhhhh, I am in love!

I just adore these muslin bags!  I printed out a vintage inspired rose image and applied it!  These bags are great for little trinkets and jewels!  In fact, you'll find one in my suitcase holding my jewelry!

Love, love, love how these Lavender Sachets turned out. I added some extra Lavender F.O. so they are super scented!  I am thinking I should do rose ones too?  Any other suggestions?

I painted this sweet little birdhouse a nice shade of white and accented it with pretty pink rose paper, pink paper roses, vintage lace and a faux egg!

Visit my website at http://www.rmeboutique.com/ for more information on any of the above items!

So how would you like some freebies?  For everyone that leaves a comment I will add your name to the pot!  If you would like to follow I would appreciate it and give you an extra entry!  I love to visit those who visit me and I find it so easy that way.  If you already follow, please let me know and I'll give you an extra entry!

This give-a-way includes a Lavender Sachet, a foot brush, a mani/pedi kit, and our new Foot Butter.  I 've also recently created an awesome Brown Sugar Scrub that is all natural too!  So, I thought I would share that too!  I will announce the winner on Saturday August 21st as I will still be away next week.  Good luck!

Please visit the lovely Beverely at http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ to see all of the pink participants and to thank her for hosting this every week!

I shall see you when I get back from the beach!  Have a great week!

Big pink hugs,

Jacalyn

Beautiful Blogging ~ Self-Esteem Part II

As promised last week, Beautiful Blogging this week will focus on positive self-talk which is essential if you want to achieve a healthy self-esteem!  Click here if you missed last week's post on self-esteem.  Self-talk is a pattern of behavior/thought that we usually establish in childhood.  Self-talk is the message or thought we send ourselves all day long - "gosh I am so stupid why did I forget to pick up the milk" or "oops forgot the milk but that's okay, I'll get it later, no biggy."  Most of us are unaware of what type of self-talk we are engaging in and it can be positive or negative as illustrated above.  Is your thought beneficial (positive) or harmful (negative).  Are you aware that the type of self-talk you engage in impacts your anxiety/stress level, mood, and self-esteem? 

The first step is to assess what type of self-talker you are.  Journaling can be a wonderful tool.  You can write down your negative thoughts throughout the day or write up a summary at the end of the day of all your experiences.  When you notice that you were stressed or upset in some way stop and analyze the situation.  Ask yourself what was happening and what was I feeling.  Lastly, trace this back to the thoughts you were thinking at the time.  For example, you are stuck in a traffic jam on the way home from work.  What did you feel?  Frustration, anger, anxiety, or perhaps calm, yes calm!  Track back and figure out what your were thinking as you sat in the traffic jam "crap... now dinner's gonna be late... this just tops off this awful day I've had" or "hmmm.... looks like I will be late getting home but I'll order a pizza and have a picnic with the kids instead of cooking... oh that will be fun."  Do you see the difference?  Believe it or not, it is not what's happening to or around us, but our perception of what's happening and you choose the perception!

Here's an exercise to try in your journal:
Situation:
Negative Thoughts:
Feelings:
More reasonable, positive thoughts:
Feeling:

Example:
Situation:  I weighed myself
Negative thought:  Wow, I haven't lost any weight, I am such a fat cow!
Feelings:  sad, anger, frustrated
More reasonable, positive thought:  Okay, I haven't gained any weight and I am going to the gym so I am working on it.
Feelings:  calm, motivated

Do you see how your interpretation of the situation will impact your thoughts and thus your feelings and thus your self-esteem?  I believe that many people simply do not understand how their self-talk impacts them.  Would you call your best friend a "fat cow?"  Of course not, so why would you call yourself one?

So, are you positive or negative thinker?  If you're a positive thinker congratulations!  You may leave now, ha! For those of you that fall into the negative thinking category here are a few strategies to aid in changing that behavior:

• Thought-Stopping - when you notice you are engaging in negative thought literally visualize  a big, red stop sign and tell yourself "stop!"  Next, insert a more positive thought.  If you can't readily come up with one, think of something such as a funny joke you heard, your child, or anything that automatically produces a positive feeling.  This takes practice so don't give up after a try or two.  Keep at it!
• Change self-limiting statements!  For example don't say "I can't do this" replace that thought with "How can I do this."
• Journal, journal, journal!  Everyday take some time and process your day and figure out where negative thinking interfered using the exercise above.  If you practice this, eventually you will do this in your head as it is happening or shortly thereafter.
• Ask friends and family to point out when you are expressing negative statements so you can change the pattern immediately.
• Practice, practice, practice!  Did I mention you should practice all of the above?  Remember that any pattern of behavior that we have from eating, to smoking, to self-talk takes time and consistency to change.  Don't give up!

If you find that you are struggling with this please see a therapist.  They can help guide you in changing negative patterns.  And, the good news is, if you're consistent, this pattern can change fairly quickly!

For further reference, here's a book that I have read and absolutely love:  Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem - it is an easy read and walks you through, step-by-step, in changing your pattern of thought.

I truly hope you find this helpful and I look forward to your comments!

Have a wonderful week!

OXOXOXOX,
Jacalyn

Happy, happy Pink Saturday!

Hello Pink Saturdayers (ha, my own word)!!!!  For this PS I thought I would share a wonderful swap that I recently participated in -  Summer Roses Swap - at Etsy Cottage Style.  I adore swaps as you usually get some awesome goodies!  My partner was the lovely Viviana and you can click  here to view her beautiful Etsy shop.  She has the most amazing goodies, some of which she included in the swap.

Some awesome scrap booking goodies ~ tags, borders, charms...

A beautiful hand-crafted card...

The pink card in the upper right-hand corner is hand-crafted by her.  I also receive some great rose decals, vintage lace, and other beautiful papers...

Check out this beautiful rose hand-sewn cover for the journal she included..,

Another view of the lovely goodies...

Of course I forgot to take pictures of what I sent her until I had it all wrapped up and ready to go.  I placed all of her goodies in a white enamelware tray and included pink millinery flowers, hand-built (by moi) pink clay roses, Lavender Room spray, pretty cards and tags, and more.  I also like to "top-off" my swaps with a pink be-jeweled "Create" ornament.

I though I'd leave you this week with some pretty pictures of some pretty pink Lily Flowers that I purchased at the supermarket.  They were (sadly they have now passed) absolutely gorgeous!  There is nothing like fresh flowers and I always try to have some in the house.

Don't forget to visit Beverly at http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ to view the participating blogs this week.

Have a wonderful weekend!  Stop by next week as I am having a give-a-way and you don't want to miss out!  I am sooooo excited!

Big hugs,

Jacalyn

Beautiful Blogging ~ Self-Esteem Part I

Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs (for example, "I am competent" or "I am incompetent") and emotions such as triumph, despair, pride and shame.* So, how's your self-esteem?  I find that time and time again, women tend to experience a negative self-esteem.  Why is that?  Well, we can all surmise a myriad of reasons; the media, our parents, our spouse, and other external circumstances.  While these may all be true, the bottom line is: WE CREATE OUR OWN SELF-ESTEEM!  Yes, ladies, it's true.  We decide our own fate and the fact of the matter is that you may be degrading yourself!

How can this be you ask?  Why the media tells me I must look like a supermodel and that's not possible.  Estee Lauder and Elizabeth Arden tell me I must use their makeup or forget it, I will be ugly forever; my parents told me I was stupid and would never amount to anything.  Yep, that's all true too.  But, as an adult we choose!  We choose to feel good about ourselves or not.  We do this by how we "talk" to ourselves or what is known as "self-talk." 

Here's a quick test you can take to measure your self-esteem.  Why don't you take a quick break and complete it and come back here. 

So, how did  you do?  I wouldn't be surprised if many did not do as well as you thought.  What to do?  The answer is simple  yet requires your time and consistency in making a permanent change.  The website you just visited (I hope) has some answers.

• Focus on achievements.  Very important! 
• Make plans for the future.  Stop procrastinating and start planning. 
• Focus on what you like about yourself and stop highlighing what you think are your defects.  We all have strengths and we all have things we would change.  So, if you can change, do it.  If you can't, why focus on it? 

Again, all of this is so true.  However, please keep in mind that our goals need to be realistic.  For example if you're a 5'4" tall and you goal is to be a supermodel, you're probably setting yourself up for failure as we all know supermodels tend to be very tall.  So be reasonable with yourself.  Set goals that you can realistically achieve.  Also, remember to establish objectives or "small steps" to that goal.  Most goals take time and energy and we feel more productive and successful  when we establish objectives.  For example, I knew since I was in high school that I wanted to obtain a Masters Degree in Social Work.  I started attending college right out of high school but was side tracked a multitude of times for various reasons.  However, I never gave up on that goal.  I focused on what I achieved rather than what my ultimate goal was and it helped me feel successful and stay focused.  Do you know old I was when I obtained my masters degree?  32 years old!  Yep, that's correct, I was 32 after starting out at 18 but I was on top of the world the day I received my diploma.  More importantly, I never gave up.

While achievements are part of how we feel about ourselves, the vast majority of our self-esteem comes from our self-talk ~ recall the old phrase "the glass is half full.  Our style of self-talk generally develops in childhood and becomes a pattern - negative or positive.  Moreover, many of us don't even realize which type we tend to engage in.  But, if your measure of self-esteem is low, you can be sure your style is negative! 

I will devote next week's Beautiful Blogging post to self-talk.  Since it impacts our self-esteem, our anxiety and stress level, and our mood, I would like to share some strategies on how to change your self-talk from negative to positive.  Remember, it's a pattern of behavior, thus we can change this pattern.

ADDED 7/29/10 - please visit my friend Pam's blog to view her post on creative coping http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com/

 Have a wonderful week!

OXOXOX,
Jacalyn


*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-esteem

New All Natural Hand & Foot Butter

I just listed the most awesome ALL NATURAL Hand & Foot Butter on my site!  It is made with Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera Oil and Vitamin E.  Plus, it is scented with our yummy Cool Caribbean Coconut fragrance.  I poured it into lotion bar containers for ease of application.  You simply glide it on and it absorbs readily!  Don't let the name fool you as this butter is great for hands and feet and everything in-between!  I especially like it for my cuticles! Click here to view the Hand & Foot Butter.

Have a wonderful Sunday and don't forget to stop back tomorrow for my weekly Beautiful Blogging post!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

Happy Pink CUPCAKE Saturday

Gosh Saturday sure comes around quickly!  I realized that I needed to do my PS post but guess what?  I didn't take any interesting pink pictures this week!  Oh what to do?!  Well, I asked my friend Google what to do.  Pictures of Pink Cupcakes?  Well, okay Google, show me some pink cupcakes because who doesn't love a pink cupcake! 

http://jameswagner.com/2007/03/the_pink_cupcak.html

Too cool!  A HUGE pink cupcake a top a burger joint!

http://blog.pinkcakebox.com/pink-tutu-cupcake-stand-2008-06-06.htm

http://cococakecupcakes.blogspot.com/2009/04/hot-pink-cupcakes-for-hot-lady.html

Yummy, yummy! The edible kind, ha!

http://www.marmalademoon.com/tag/club-marmalade-moon/

http://www.announcingit.com/main/product.asp?pageno=1&viewall=1&catid=629&pid=631

http://bellamorganboutique.com/category_4/Aprons.htm

What an adorable apron!

http://www.folksy.com/items/288825-Cute-Pink-Cupcake-Necklace

How cute is this?????

I even found a recipe for pink cupcakes!  Sound good, yes?

PINK CUPCAKES

6 tbsp. butter
1 c. white sugar
2 eggs (beaten)
1 c. milk
2 c. flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. coconut flavoring
1/4 c. strawberry Jello powder

Cream butter and sugar. Add beaten eggs and milk.
Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and dry Jello. Add to above mixture. Add coconut flavoring. Mix well. Place in cupcake pan and bake 12 minutes at 390 degrees.

Please visit Beverly at http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ to see all of the wonderful pink participants this week!

OXOXOXOX,
Jacalyn