It's Fantastic Friday...Winner of This Week's Giveaway

This week's giveaway is a phenomenal Mini Suede Journal from Christine Marie Ford (http://www.christinemarieford.etsy.com/). Christine is a fabulous artist who specializes in Jewelry, Fiber Art, Quilting and Inspiration! Please visit her linked just above for fantastic gifts and treasures!

This week's winner, that I am pleased to announce, is a fellow Etsian who specializes in stuffed toy animals, plush dolls, playsets and handbags.

And the winner is....................WISH WITH ME.....................!!

Please also visit Wish With Me at http://www.wishwithme.etsy.com/.

Congratulations, I do hope you enjoy your Mini Suede Journal.

Thanks for blogging in and I hope you will join me next week. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Twilight Thursday...Bella & Alice Fragrances

Good Day Twilight fans!! Can you believe it...only 20 more days to the release of Eclipse. I am getting so excited I can hardly keep to my seat. And in honour of the release of the third installment of the Twilight Series I have a special announcement.

I will be releasing two new fragrances in my shop in time for the opening of Eclipse:

BELLA ~ A sweet and spicy formulation consisiting of plum, jasmine & pear melding with lilac cinnamon, clove leaf and peach. Orange flower and musk completes this complex fragrance. A perfect representation of Bella Swan.

ALICE ~ Sensual and Romantic with light floral notes of orange blossoms, citrus and marigold melds together with base notes of carnation, vanilla and musk. Could Alice Cullen be described any better?

These scents are available in all products, (such as; Body Butter, Perfume Oil, Bath Oil, Body Lotion, Body Spritzer and more), through Ethereal Beginnings, http://www.etherealbeginnings.etsy.com/. Please keep an eye out for these fantastic new scents. If you would like to reserve any products in advance please message me through Etsy.

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Also, today is the last day to enter this week's giveaway from Christine Marie Ford (http://www.christinemarieford.etsy.com/) A fabulous artist who specializes in Jewelry, Fiber Art, Quilting and Inspiration! Christine is giving away this lovely Mini Suede Journal valued at $22.00

How to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry

2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave contact link)

3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)

4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)

5. Purchase from my shop, Ethereal Beginnings ~ 1 entry

6. Purchase from Christine's shop ~ 5 entries (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)

7. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 7 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Christine's Mini Suede Journal/Sketchbook.

Thanks for blogging in and have a happy Thursday.

Cheers and Blessings,

Wedding Wednesday....Shape Up For The Big Day Part 2

Okay, so last week I started a six part series on how to get in shape for your special day. If you missed Part 1, you can check it out here: http://etherealbeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-wedding-wednesdayshape-up-for-big.html

Obviously, it hasn't been a whole month yet but here is what you need to do when you get to Month 2:

Now's the time to get out that measuring tape and scale. Any improvements? You shouldn't focus too much on weight loss yet, but your energy should be higher. Keep writing in your journal, and pay special attention to how you feel, how you're dealing with stress, and what you think you are gaining from your exercise program. Tip: Remember to check your heart rate about 15 minutes into your aerobic exercise to make sure you're hitting your target heart rate. If you need a reminder on how to check your target heart rate, please refer to the above link.

Here is the breakdown of what you should be doing each week during Month 2:

Weeks #5 and #6

• 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
• 2 sets of 10 stomach crunches
• 1 set of 10 push-ups

Weeks #7 and #8

• 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week
• 3 sets of 10 stomach crunches
• 2 sets of 10 push-ups

Please note this is an information only post, if you are experiencing any ill effects from an exercise regime, you should consult with your physician.

Next week, I will be going over Month 3. Have you started working with this program? I would love to hear know how you are doing!!

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Please don't forget that I am hosting a giveaway for Christine Marie Ford (http://www.christinemarieford.etsy.com/) A fabulous artist who specializes in Jewelry, Fiber Art, Quilting and Inspiration! Christine is giving away this lovely Mini Suede Journal valued at $22.00

How to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry

2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave contact link)

3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)

4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)

5. Purchase from my shop, Ethereal Beginnings ~ 1 entry

6. Purchase from Christine's shop ~ 5 entries (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)

7. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 7 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Christine's Mini Suede Journal/Sketchbook.

Thanks for blogging in and I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Travel Tuesday...Jamaica Mon

A place I have dreamt of visiting since I saw the movie 'Cocktail'. I want to lay on the beach, drink champagne and watch the sunset while listening to steel drums.

Probably one of the most notable things about Jamaica is the music. Thumping, infectious and passionate sounds are the trademarks of Reggae, Jamaica's most internationally recognised music. Although this is Jamaica’s music, its origins are in the villages of Africa where people mourned the passing of an ancestor, heralded the birth of a son or celebrated the end of a harvest with song and dance.



Jamaica's traditional music is heavy with the substance of their collective experiences, struggles for personal freedom and independent nationhood. Music has been a tool for rebellion and for communication, nature and the Divine. It also provides a lyrical voice for their social and political commentary. The fusion of African and European heritage has produced several forms of music that still thrive in many modern communities.

Also, I would love to sit and listen to them talk. Their language is one of simplicity and joy. It is a colourful lingo spoken by a people with a gift for vivid imagery, ridicule and irony, down-to-earth humour and bawdy cuss-words. A creative intermingling of words which that their roots in the English of the colonisers and the African tongues of the majority.

A lot of it is quite easy to adapt to. Jamaicans tend to drop the "r" at the end of words, so that dollar becomes "dolla", and water becomes "wata". Double "t's" within words sometimes become double "k's", changing little to "likkle", and bottle to "bokkle". They often add or subtract "h" at will so that when you "harrive" at your "otel", "heverybody" will tell you "ello".

Where would you love to travel to?
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Please don't forget that I am hosting a giveaway for Christine Marie Ford (http://www.christinemarieford.etsy.com/) A fabulous artist who specializes in Jewelry, Fiber Art, Quilting and Inspiration! Christine is giving away this lovely Mini Suede Journal valued at $22.00

How to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop, Ethereal Beginnings ~ 1 entry
6. Purchase from Christine's shop ~ 5 entries (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
7. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 7 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Christine's Mini Suede Journal/Sketchbook.

Thanks for blogging.

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Fantastic Feature Friday...Christine Marie Ford and Winner of Weekly Giveaway

TGIF fellow bloggers!! Hope everyone has had a great week.

I'd like to start off by announcing this week's giveaway winner. Gloria of gloriajeanDesigns (http://www.gloriajeandesigns.etsy.com/) and Giggle Rainbow (http://www.gigglerainbow.etsy.com/ ) offered a $20 gift certificate for this week's giveaway. I would like to say thanks to Gloria for letting me host her giveaway and we wish her many happy sales :D

So...the Winner is...................KimNettieDesigns..................!!!
Congratulations Kim, thanks for participating ;D

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Today, on Fantastic Feature Friday, I am featuring an amazingly talented artist who specializes in Jewelry, Fiber Art, Quilting and Inspiration!

Christine Marie Ford (http://www.christinemarieford.etsy.com) is a full-time artist located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She says "Versatility is my niche." Here's what Christine also has to say about her craft:

"As an artist and craftsperson I love to create rich and colorful contemporary fabric art, quilts and jewellery. My art quilts are often created with an abstract flair inspired by themes of nature and the human spirit. My first quilt was made entirely by hand and took one and a half years to complete."

"Today with the aid of a sewing machine, I create my own designs and specialize in a process called “free motion” quilting in which I can literally draw with the needle! Some of my newest work is completely “improvised” from start to finish. I tend to use 100% cotton commercial prints and batiks as I enjoy the “thrill of the hunt” but am also known to paint on fabric from time to time."

"I’m also known for my innovative fabric vases, textile jewellery and beaded jewellery and have much to share with you! I’m always redefining my personal style and looking to transform my work in new and exciting ways."

"My life before fabric and jewellery making was as a stage and screen actress for over 22 years and this theatrical background greatly influences my bold and dramatic creations. I continue to participate in the performing arts as a singer/songwriter and just about everything in between!"

I must say that I love everything that Christine creates. Her items are exquisite and would lovingly grace anyone's home or personal presence!

Christine is also offering an item from her shop (http://www.christinemarieford.etsy.com) for this coming week's giveaway.

This gorgeous Mini Suede Journal/Sketchbook is created with beautiful high quality medium brown suede leather which Christine hand picked right from the tannery. It als features 160 pages total(both sides); size is approximately 3" x 3.75" (50lb, acid free, 100% recycled) and is hand bound with beige waxed Irish linen thread. The strap is made from a more unusual leather to add visual interest and to hold the book closed when not in use. There can be only one lucky winner! Best of luck to all who enter!!

How to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop, Ethereal Beginnings ~ 1 entry
6. Purchase from Christine's shop ~ 5 entries (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
7. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 7 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Christine's Mini Suede Journal/Sketchbook.

Thanks for blogging in on this fantastic Friday. Hope you have a great weekend.

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Twilight Thursday....Edward, Bella and Jacob Hit the Red Carpet

Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner are scheduled to present an exclusive scene from Eclipse, the third movie of the Twilight Saga, at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards which airs this Sunday, June 6th, 2010 at 9pm ET/8pm CT.

Giving fans worldwide more of the beloved vampire film franchise they adore and vote tirelessly for each year, MTV announced that Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner are confirmed to present an exclusive scene from the highly anticipated summer blockbuster The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (in theaters June 30, 2010) at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. Twi-Hards will get a first look at a never-before-seen scene from the next installment of Summit Entertainment’s vampire love story movie phenomenon.

Also, I am so excited to report that a member of The Twilight Saga wolf pack hits the red carpet; The Twilight Saga: Eclipse cast member Chaske Spencer will serve as the official MTV International 2010 MTV Movie Awards guest red carpet correspondent. Spencer – who stars as werewolf Sam Uley in The Twilight Saga – will man the mike on the red carpet as part of a special edition of MTV At The Movies, which will bring audiences closer to the biggest names in the industry and the most talked about moments as part of MTV’s global coverage of the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.

After Twilight swept the 2009 MTV Movie Awards with five popcorn awards in the BEST MOVIE, BEST FEMALE PEFORMANCE, BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE MALE, BEST KISS AND BEST FIGHT categories, The Twilight Saga: New Moon is nominated in five award categories this year. Devoted Twilight fans voted through the roof to have the feature film included in the 2010 list of final nominated theatricals, actors and moments. MTV fans hold the destiny of the golden popcorn awards in their hands.

From May 12 – June 5, viewers can visit http://www.MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote and make winners of their favorite nominated films, movie moments and actors. So...get online and go vote for Edward, Bella and Jacob.

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Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway...today is the last day for entries.

Gloria is offering a Giveaway, yay!! Please enter to win a $20 Gift Certificate which you may use in one or both of Gloria's shops ( http://www.gloriajeandesigns.etsy.com/ or http://www.gigglerainbow.etsy.com/ ). There can be only one lucky winner but I do have numerous ways for you to enter and to earn lots of ballots. So, here is how to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop, Ethereal Beginnings ~ 1 entry
6. Purchase from either of Gloria's shops (Giggle Rainbow or gloria~jean Designs)~ 5 entries (no minimum required) (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
7. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 7 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Gloria's $20 Gift Certificate. Best of luck to all.

Thanks for blogging in. Please join me tomorrow for the announcement of this week's giveaway winner and my Fantastic Feature Friday.

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Wedding Wednesday...Shape Up For The Big Day

Happy Wednesday!! It's mid-week, which means we are just that much closer to the weekend!! Today I would like to start a mini-series on wedding fitness. So many brides want to have that perfect body for their special day and I am going to show you how to get it with a six month program that will shape you up for your day!! I will do this series in 6 parts.

So...Want to get in shape for your wedding day? Use this simple month-by-month plan as a guideline for your workouts. With it, you'll find all levels of exercise, and reap all the benefits. The program uses two-week cycles, so if six months sounds too long, just take it two weeks at a time. The best part? No gym membership required!

Wedding Fitness Checklist:

Cardiovascular workouts, like walking or jogging, can be done anywhere outside. Just make sure you have the following:

Comfortable clothes
Running shoes
Two 3- or 5-pound hand weights
A straight-back chair
A mat or blanket (optional)

Month 1

This month, you should mainly be focused on just getting active and engaged in the program. A good way to get motivated is to start a workout diary. Write down the date, all the reasons why you need to work out, and what your goals are. Write down your weight (always weigh yourself in the morning for consistency), and use a measuring tape to record the size of your chest, waist, hips, thighs, and forearms, so you can monitor your progress. To stay motivated, keep notes all the way through. Tip: Weigh in and take measurements once a month only. Focusing on quick results will only discourage you.

Weeks #1 and #2

• 20 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week (consisting of walking, jogging, swimming laps, 20 min. aerobic only work-out video ~ anything that gets your heart rate into your target heart rate zone ~ formula for finding your target heart rate is below)

Weeks #3 and #4

• 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week

How to find your Target Heart Rate?



To really burn calories and get in shape, you should try to stay within your target heart rate zone during workouts. To find your zone, first figure out your maximum heart rate (the highest your heart should be beating during your exercise session), use this formula:

• 220 - your age (in years) = maximum heart rate

Once you've found your maximum heart rate, use the following formulas to find your target heart rate zone. Your target heart rate zone should be somewhere between 30 and 60 beats per minute less than your maximum heart rate:

• maximum heart rate - 30 = target heart rate
• high maximum heart rate - 60 = target heart rate low

Example for a 25 year old woman:

• 220 - 25 = 195 (maximum heart rate)
• 195 - 30 = 165 (target heart rate high)
• 195 - 60 = 135 (target heart rate low)

Therefore, your target heart rate during your exercise session should be between 135 and 165 beats per minute.

Please note this is an information only post, if you are experiencing any ill effects from an exercise regime, you should consult with your physician.



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Also, please don't forget to enter this week's giveaway ;D


Gloria is also offering a Giveaway, yay!! Please enter to win a $20 Gift Certificate which you may use in one or both of Gloria's shops ( http://www.gloriajeandesigns.etsy.com/ or http://www.gigglerainbow.etsy.com/ ). There can be only one lucky winner but I do have numerous ways for you to enter and to earn lots of ballots. So, here is how to enter:


1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop, Ethereal Beginnings ~ 1 entry
6. Purchase from either of Gloria's shops (Giggle Rainbow or gloria~jean Designs)~ 5 entries (no minimum required) (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
7. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 7 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Gloria's $20 Gift Certificate. Best of luck to all.


Thanks so much for blogging in. Please join me tomorrow for Twilight Thursday. :D

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Travel Tuesday...Alaskan Cruise

It has been so warm here these last few days that I thought I would like to travel somewhere cool, hehe! I've always thought an Alaskan Cruise would be fun!

Breathtaking. Dramatic. Majestic. With almost 34,000 miles of shoreline, an Alaskan cruise is the best way to see and enjoy the great land of Alaska. These cruises continue to be one of the most popular ways to experience Alaska's grandeur and unspoiled beauty and provides opportunities for passengers to explore the quaint and charming seaside towns, get up close to tidal glacier, discover the outlying wilderness, and witness wildlife in their natural surroundings.








Alaskan cruises from Seattle or Vancouver are offered by numerous cruise lines and are an affordable option; some starting as low as $699. All Alaskan cruises from Vancouver sail the Inside Passage route, known for the magnificent scenery of the lush temperate rainforest and wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, sea lions, and whales.


Such gorgeuos beauty to behold on one of these amazing crusies. It has now made my top 10 list of places I must travel too!!
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Also, please don't forget to enter this week's giveaway ;D

Gloria is also offering a Giveaway, yay!! Please enter to win a $20 Gift Certificate which you may use in one or both of Gloria's shops ( http://www.gloriajeandesigns.etsy.com/ or http://www.gigglerainbow.etsy.com/ ). There can be only one lucky winner but I do have numerous ways for you to enter and to earn lots of ballots. So, here is how to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop, Ethereal Beginnings ~ 1 entry
6. Purchase from either of Gloria's shops (Giggle Rainbow or gloria~jean Designs)~ 5 entries (no minimum required) (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
7. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 7 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Gloria's $20 Gift Certificate. Best of luck to all.

Thanks so much for blogging in. Please join me tomorrow for Wedding Wednesday. :D

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Marvelous Monday...Giveaway and My Marvelous Broadway Kids

Today, I thought I would share some amazingly talented teens with all of you. My daughter sings with a marvelous group of off broadway singers. Their last show of the season was this past Friday and I got some wonderful pictures of them. They always have a wonderful selection of songs for their performances. This last set was entitled "Rockin' Thru the Darkside". The first act consisted of hits from the 40's to the 80's such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Mr. Sandman, Jailhouse Rock, I Got You Babe and Footloose; the second act included songs from darker broadway shows such Jekyll and Hyde, Sweeney Todd, Secret Garden and they even recreated the Thriller Dance. It was an awesome performance from very talented and gifted kids.




"The Deadly Divas" singing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy!! My daughter is in the middle, hehe!!










"Sonny and Cher" singing I Got You Babe!! This was so fun ;D














A thrilling performance of "Jekyll and Hyde's Confrontation"!!













"The Thriller Dance"












My daughter singing "In His Eyes from Jekyll and Hyde"









Just Us and The Offbroadway Singers, singing the Footloose Finale :D





It always amazes me the talent of youth. I so enjoy every performance these kids put on. It is professional and fun at the same time ;D

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Also, please don't forget to enter this week's giveaway ;D

Gloria is also offering a Giveaway, yay!! Please enter to win a $20 Gift Certificate which you may use in one or both of Gloria's shops. There can be only one lucky winner but I do have numerous ways for you to enter and to earn lots of ballots. So, here is how to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop, Ethereal Beginnings ~ 1 entry
6. Purchase from either of Gloria's shops (Giggle Rainbow or gloria~jean Designs)~ 5 entries (no minimum required) (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
7. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 6 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Gloria's $20 Gift Certificate. Best of luck to all.

Thanks for blogging in. Please join me tomorrow for Travel Tuesday.

Cheers and Blessings,

Fantastic Feature Friday + Giveaway...gloria~jean Designs & Giggle Rainbow

Today's Fantastic Feature is of a wonderful seller who has two amazing shops on Etsy, gloria~jean Designs and Giggle Rainbow.

Giggle Rainbow was the first shop that Gloria opened here on Etsy. She says, "Creating, art, crafting and sewing have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have a passion for creating, I love to paint and sew, and I love interior design. Hubby thinks it might be a compulsion, he might be right. Is there such a thing as a compulsive crafter, painter, or designer? I am always thinking of new things to make or paint; a better way to organize this or that in a creative new way."

"My first experience with sewing was making clothes for my dolls with only a needle, thread and a scrap of fabric. Then my Gramma gave me her old sewing machine, and my skill improved with every effort. I've moved on to a better machine, better fabric, and better results. When I had my babies, my compulsion to create went into high gear I found that making baby clothing and accessories is one of my favorite creative outlets. I truly love to sew for babies. I hope you find something for your special baby as making these items brought me much joy; truly they are a labor of love."

Just four months after opening Giggle Rainbow, Gloria opened gloria~jean Designs. In this shop, she offers, "Artistic expressions for you and your home. Original Paintings; Custom paintings; Creative Decor; and "Go Green" items for your home. Artistically stylish and colorful accessories, bags, and organizational items for you.

Please visit Giggle Rainbow, http://www.gigglerainbow.etsy.com and gloria~jean Design, http://www.gloriajeandesign.etsy.com for wonderful items to add your home. ;D

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Gloria is also offering a Giveaway, yay!! Please enter to win a $20 Gift Certificate which you may use in one or both of Gloria's shops. There can be only one lucky winner but I do have numerous ways for you to enter and to earn lots of ballots. So, here is how to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop, Ethereal Beginnings ~ 1 entry
6. Purchase from either of Gloria's shops (Giggle Rainbow or gloria~jean Designs)~ 5 entries (no minimum required) (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
7. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 6 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Gloria's $20 Gift Certificate. Best of luck to all.

Thank you all for blogging in. For my American friends, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend. :D

Cheers and Blessings,

Fantastic Feature Friday...ScrapHappyLyrebird

Today's Fantastic Feature is Scrap Happy Lyrebird. A wonderful new Etsian whom I have had the pleasure to come to know.

Tess of Scrap Happy Lyrebird is a Decoupage Artist. Here is a little of what she has to say about her craft:

"I began decoupaging after I envisioned a special card box for my wedding, but couldn't find one anywhere. I covered an entire wood chest with vintage ephemera and fell in love with the process."


"My pieces are made with a mix of authentic vintage ephemera from my antiquing trips, scrap-booking materials, and odds and ends that strike my fancy from around the house. I spend a lot of time trying to evoke a certain feeling from the past with each of my pieces, and making sure that each little scrap adds its own unique quality."

"I love decoupaging boxes in particular because of the endless possibilities they present; they can be secret hiding places for little treasures, repositories for love letters, or lovely presentations for a special gift."

Please visit Tess at Scrap Happy Lyrebird, http://www.scraphappylyrebird.etsy.com.

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Today is also the day that I announce the winner of my weekly giveaway.

And the winner is..................Jewelry of Note..................

Congratulations!! I hope you enjoy your "Sample Tea Chest" from Teaman.

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Thanks so much for blogging in this week. Please join me on Marvelous Monday to check out my new giveaway. I hope you all have a Fantastic Friday and fantastic weekend.

Cheers and Blessings,

Twilight Thursday...Countdown to Eclipse

I've changed my Thursday theme to "Twilight Thursday". I am a huge Twilight fan and I know that many of you out there are as well. If there is anything you would like to know about or see regarding Twilight, please let me know by leaving your query or idea in the comments section.

Only 40 days until the Twilight Saga continues with the release of Eclipse, the third movie in the Twilight series. Check out my new Eclipse Countdown Counter, located in the left column. And here is a little preview to tempt you:



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Please don't forget about my giveaway of Teaman's, http://www.teaman.etsy.com, "Tea Sampler Chest". Today is your last day to enter. Winner will be drawn at 12:01 a.m. and announced in my Fantastic Feature Friday blog.

Teaman's Tea Sampler Chest is the perfect taster pack for the tea lover. This beautiful black lacquer wood tea chest contains 75 tea bags in 15 of the most popular flavors of tea: Peppermint, Blueberry and Blackberry, Mandarin Orange and Mango, Chai Black, Earl Grey, China Green, Strawberry, Citrus White, Vanilla, Apricot, Raspberry, Chamomile, Darjeeling/Ceylon, Apple/Cinnamon Spiced Green, and Orange Spice Green.

There can be only one lucky winner but I do have numerous ways for you to enter and to earn lots of ballots. So, here is how to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on today's blog post ~ 2 entries (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop ~ 5 entries (no minimum required) (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
6. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 6 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Teaman's "Tea Sampler Chest". Best of luck to all.

Thanks for blogging in. I hope you all have a thrilling Thursday. Please be sure to blog in tommorrow for my Fantastic Feature Friday and the winner of Teaman's Sample Tea Chest.

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Travel Tuesday...Come Fly With Me to Bora Bora

Travel Tuesday is the day of dreams. Imagine that money is not an hinderance, where would you travel to. Today, let us fly off to the Maru Spa located in Bora Bora of the French Polynesian Islands.

Discover the only treetop Spa in Polynesia, the Marù Spa welcomes you to this lush environment of the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa. Located on a secluded motu in the middle of the most beautiful lagoon in the world, it is situated on the beachfront, surrounded with exotic basins, waterfalls and gorgeous lilies, in a peaceful and serene decor marked with Polynesian wisdom.

Masterfully designed with hardwood floors, bamboo and stone décor; high up in the midst of two giant Banyan trees are wooden cabins, containing hidden treatment rooms. Listen to the soft breeze of the wind passing through the leaves. A quartzite bath on the ground floor, welcomes you for a rich bath with coconut milk and fresh local flowers—a pure romantic relaxing moment. Our private independent suite offers a couple massage-rooms as well as a “rain shower,” for a traditional massage, a natural scrub or a vegetal wrap.

Marù Spa’s Polynesian influence echoes throughout with their signature spa products created especially for guests of the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa. Locals have retained the knowledge of using plants, flowers and specific fruits, such as the Noni, for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The Tahitian recipes, like the Monoï oil, are known and used all around the world for their benefits to hair and skin.


The mission at Marù Spa is to offer you an authentic and holistic Polynesian experience. Their therapists are influenced by Maohi culture and tradition; their aim is to meet your expectations and offer you renewal of your MIND, BODY and SOUL, whether alone, as a couple or a family.

The resort has 44 Over-the-Water Bungalows lined along three walkways arrayed from the beach over the lagoon. Each bungalow is furnished with a king or two twin beds and a private deck from where steps lead directly into the lagoon. The beautiful underwater sea life can be admired or fed through the illuminated glass-topped coffee table.

Each bungalow is built in the traditional Polynesian style with thatched roofs made from pandanus leaves. Inside it features, high-polished Yucca wood floors, Kaori wood walls, Kohu wood floor-to-ceiling louvers and timber blinds, authentic local-style furnishings, a two-meter couch in the living room, air conditioning, a bathroom with bathtub, separate shower and double basins, hairdryer, bathrobes, minibar, private safe, television, DVD player, tea & coffee making facilities, ceiling fan, direct dial phone and iron & iron board.

And why not take advantage of their Canoe Breakfast delivered right to your private deck. A canoe outrigger, manned with Tahitian staff will set up this delightful breakfast of Coffe, Tea and/or Hot Chocolate; Fruits Platter; Pastries; Butter, Jam and Cheese; Scrambled Eggs; Fruit Juice and a 1/2 bottle of champagne.

These and many other amenities await you at the Maru Spa where Polynesian service will make you feel welcomed and at home in their lush paradise.

To experience a hint of this Polynesian wonder, I invite you to come by Ethereal Beginnings ( http://etherealbeginnings.etsy.com ) and pick up your jar of Tahitian Vanilla Body Butter. Paradise in a jar!! A complex, exotic fragrance. Rich and creamy nuances of vanilla with a hint of heavenly tropical flowers. ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/46811489/body-butter-tahitian-vanilla-free ) for only $11.99 (free shipping)!!

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Please don't forget about my giveaway of Teaman's, http://www.teaman.etsy.com, "Tea Sampler Chest".

Teaman's Tea Sampler Chest is the perfect taster pack for the tea lover. This beautiful black lacquer wood tea chest contains 75 tea bags in 15 of the most popular flavors of tea: Peppermint, Blueberry and Blackberry, Mandarin Orange and Mango, Chai Black, Earl Grey, China Green, Strawberry, Citrus White, Vanilla, Apricot, Raspberry, Chamomile, Darjeeling/Ceylon, Apple/Cinnamon Spiced Green, and Orange Spice Green.

There can be only one lucky winner but I do have numerous ways for you to enter and to earn lots of ballots. Entries for this giveaway are accepted until Thursday, May 20th at 11:59 (EST). So, here is how to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on my blog ~ 2 entries (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop ~ 5 entries (no minimum required) (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
6. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 6 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Teaman's "Tea Sampler Chest". AND...if you do ALL 6 everyday you will have a total of 80 entries, woo hoo!! Best of luck to all.

Thanks for blogging in. I hope you all have a great Tuesday filled with dreams come true. Tomorrow we will be going back to Bora Bora for a Polynesian Wedding on our Wedding Wednesday!!

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Marvelous Monday...Giveaway and Tootin' My Horn

And what a Marvelous Monday it is!!

I was so excited to get a message from Donna of DZ Fantasy, letting me know that she had featured me on her blog. She even interviewed me!! ;D I want to thank Donna for featuring me. She is a lovely etsian with a great heart. Please visit her blog at http://dzfantasy.blogspot.com/2010/05/featured-etsy-shop-ethereal.html.
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Another wonderful thing that happened to me this past weekend!! I am now an official member of the EGG (Etsy Goodie Goodies) Team. I am so excited to be a part of this team and there is a featured seller giveaway happening on our team blog. Please hop on over to enter to win, http://etsygoodiegoodiesteam.blogspot.com/.
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I'm also so excited to announce this week's giveaway. My Fantastic Feature Friday was Teaman, http://www.teaman.etsy.com, and I am pleased to be giving away his "Tea Sampler Chest".

Teaman's Tea Sampler Chest is the perfect taster pack for the tea lover. This beautiful black lacquer wood tea chest contains 75 tea bags in 15 of the most popular flavors of tea: Peppermint, Blueberry and Blackberry, Mandarin Orange and Mango, Chai Black, Earl Grey, China Green, Strawberry, Citrus White, Vanilla, Apricot, Raspberry, Chamomile, Darjeeling/Ceylon, Apple/Cinnamon Spiced Green, and Orange Spice Green.

There can be only one lucky winner but I do have numerous ways for you to enter and to earn lots of ballots. Entries for this giveaway are accepted until Thursday, May 20th at 11:59 (EST). So, here is how to enter:

1. Follow my blog ~ 1 entry
2. Comment on my blog ~ 2 entries (be sure to leave contact link)
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook Fan Page ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your facebook page link in the comments section so that I may fan you)
4. Twitter about this giveaway ~ 1 entry (be sure to leave your twitter link in the comments section so that I may follow you)
5. Purchase from my shop ~ 5 entries (no minimum required) (please copy your transaction into the comments section for valid entry)
6. All of the above ~ 10 entries

So...if you do ALL 6 of the above you will have a total of 20 entries to win Teaman's "Tea Sampler Chest". AND...if you do ALL 6 everyday you will have a total of 80 entries, woo hoo!! Best of luck to all.

Thanks for blogging in. I hope you all have a Marvelous Monday. Come fly with me tomorrow for Travel Tuesday!!

Cheers and Blessings,

Fantastic Feature Friday...Tim the Teaman

Happy Fantastic Friday!! Every Friday I feature a fantastic etsian. If you would like to be featured please convo me at http://www.etherealbeginnings.etsy.com/ or leave a comment here on my blog.
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Today's Fantastic Feature is Teaman. Teaman has amazing hand blended teas in both tea bags and loose tea. Here's a little more about him from his bio:

"I am originally from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I relocated to the US in 1996. I reside in the quaint little town of Howell, Michigan. I have a great wife, two wonderful daughters and a pug."

"I take great pride in my tea products and feel that customer service is my top priority. I have worked with the production and custom blending of tea for years and I am quite confident you will love my items. My tea is bagged with the highest quality tea paper providing great flow through ability yet prohibits product dispersion keeping its contents intact. Whether it is Assam, Ceylon, Kenyan, Chinese, Indian or Japanese, my teas are always fresh and are of the highest quality. Hand blended with real fruit, spices, roots, or beans then enhanced by adding flavor flakes. A fairly unique process which sets my teas apart. It is like flavor crystals that enhance the flavors of the fruit and spices. Along the lines of flavor crystals when added to chewing gum. The crystals flavor is dispersed with the addition of boiling water filling your cup with robust flavor!"

Tim says, "Tea really is the best thing you can put in your body! I invite you to take a minute and read some healthy facts about tea. A cure for most ailments and a step in the right direction for anyone looking to cut their caffeine intake or rid their diet of sodas. Also helps reduce wrinkles!

www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/11/051117174842.htm

http://www.realage.com/tips/smooth-your-skin-with-a-cup-of-this

"Don't forget most of my teas can be enjoyed iced as well. Follow the same method as if you were making hot tea, using approx. 5 teabags for a gallon pitcher. Add boiling water to teabags and let cool. After cooled, remove teabags and pour into individual serving, then add sweetener, stir and add ice."

Teaman offers over 35 varieties of teas and they are beautifully packaged in a variety of ways. Please visit Tim's shop at http://www.teaman.etsy.com . He is offering some amazing deals starting at $1, $2, and $3. So, come on over and have a cup of tea.
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Today is also the day I announce the winner of my weekly giveaway. I would like to say thank you so much to all who participated. We are definitely growing and I love reading all your comments :D

And the winner of this week's giveaway is......ScrapHappyLyreBird......hope you enjoy shopping with your $20 Gift Certificate!!

Thanks so much everyone for blogging in. Be sure to come see me on Marvelous Monday for the start of a new week and a new giveaway!! It's going to be marvelous so don't miss out!!

Cheers and Blessings,