It's Twilight Thursday...Which Do You Like Better

...Wild or Refined?





Come on, let me know what you really think?

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Wedding Wednesday...Shape Up For The Big Day Part 3

In continuing with our "Shape Up For The Big Day" series, we have reached the third month. Please feel free to bookmark these entries so that you may refer to them later as I realize we are not doing this on a monthly basis and in reality if you have started the program would not have gotten to this point yet.

If you missed Part 1, you can check it out here: http://etherealbeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-wedding-wednesdayshape-up-for-big.html

or Part 2, please click here: http://etherealbeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/06/wedding-wednesdayshape-up-for-big-day.html

Month 3

This is usually when people start to give up. Get out your diary, and flip back to your first entry. Remind yourself why you are doing this. Also, flip ahead in your calendar and check how quickly your wedding day is approaching: Aren't you glad you started exercising weeks ago? Weigh yourself and take your measurements again. Are you making progress? Even if you haven't lost weight, you should see some results in your muscle tone. Good to know: Muscle weighs more than fat, so you might have gained a few pounds, but you've most likely turned some of that fat into muscle.

Weeks #9 and #10

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

Weeks #11 and #12

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

Be sure to use your hand weights when doing your bicep and tricep curls.

If any of you have started the program. Let me know how you are doing. If you have any queries, please feel free to leave them in the comment section as well or you may message me through my shop at http://www.etherealbeginnings.etsy.com/.

Thanks so much for blogging in. See you tomorrow for Twilight Thursday.

Cheers and Blessings,

It's Travel Tuesday...Where in the World

Shhh...Just imagine and dream:)







Thanks for stopping by!!

Cheers and Blessings,

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.

******************************************************

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!!

********************************************************

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?
*********************************************************

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 Marvelous Monday...Mini Suede Journal Giveaway

Each week I have a giveaway here and this week I'm excited to say 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:

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 Marvelous Monday.

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

**********************************************************
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.

*********************************************************
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.



*******************************************************
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!!
*********************************************************

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,