Self Improvement and BALANCE

I love improving myself... Body, Mind and Spirit. I do some form of yoga every day, climb about a mile on my adorable pink stepper and do about 150 squats a day. (I just noticed the difference yesterday!) Seeing and feeling results has been the biggest reward and has kept me going, with excitement. 

Our bodies are always changing. As we age, we start to loose muscle which is replaced by fat, we loose vitamins, and elastin in our skin so it starts to sag. A lot of these things are inevitable, but they can be combatted with a healthy diet and exercise..  I'm starting early in life, since aging is inevitable, I'd like to do it with grace! 

On top of my exercising and active lifestyle I have started a new daily beauty regime. 
I was shopping around at the local market for some healthy eye creams that were rich in minerals and vitamins that my skin would need to combat aging. I didn't find too much, so I gave up for about a day.....

Thanks to synchronicity with the universe (something I've been meditating on to strengthen), I was contacted by Tula. A skin care company that revolves around healthy living, and balance. I got to try out some of the products before they were released, and am extremely excited to review them!

The skin care products are made with probiotics and vitamins! It's everything I was looking for, but packed full of things I didn't even know I wanted! Tulā’ is sanskrit for "Balance." Which is something I strive to achieve daily. 

I've been using the Tula's skin care regime for about 2 weeks now and I'm liking it. I'll be back to do another review in the next 60 days or so when I really can see a difference. It takes time to notice results, like my first paragraph stated, I just noticed results from my squats! (My butt totally feels like a different butt.... but I think that's a post for another day.) 

First off, I don't have a lot of wrinkles, I don't really have many fine lines but sometimes I notice make up sticking to my skin creating wrinkles. In the right light, I do notice fine lines under my eyes and the skin under my eyes has felt very thin lately .. So that was my starting point. 

Here is what I thought of each of the products.

Purifying Face Cleanser: I have very sensitive skin, and use a face wash at night from my dermatologist, so I only used this in the mornings so I don't mess up my night routine... which I feel would throw my face into a massive breakout.  The cleanser is very smooth and silky and didn't sting my face..(remember, I have very sensitive skin, everything stings it!) 

Illuminating Face Serum: I loved this stuff, it evens out the skin tone and adds a nice glow. I'm not a huge fan of concealer or foundation, so I loved this stuff as it evened my skin tone out enough to where I felt comfortable without wearing any make up! 

Hydrating Day and Night Cream: I actually noticed a difference with this stuff. Any lines I noticed before have been fading, and my skin feels firmer and moisturized without feeling oily.

Revitalizing Eye Cream: This stuff really firmed the skin under my eyes! I've never been prone to dark circles, but I have noticed the skin lightening up and firming.

I can honestly say I love these products so far!

This is my face after using the Tula Skin Care.. totally bare faced with just mascara on.. 
The way I like it. My face doesn't feel weighed down by product, and it doesn't feel oily. 

The creator of Tula is a total babe as well.  Reading her about me page was awesome. She sounds like such an amazing woman too.. Such a healthy glow to her. 


I'm extremely excited about the results. Noticing my body improving with healthy eating and exercising, my mind improving with meditation and yoga and my face improving with Tula! 

I can't wait to do another review in a month or two to show even more results! 
Check out their website, and facebook .



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Thursday Threads - When Nothing Matches

I'm not sure if I have shared this outfit before. We drove all the way up to Sundance for these photos. and they must have been taken all the back in July. I remember it being hot. Not like the cold day we have today. The special things about this outfit is the mismatching prints, and the wonderful jewelry. I'm wearing a beautiful candy skull necklace from The Hemp Butterfly and a beautiful ring from AnChus jewelry. I love the prints and colors of this outfit, and I love how nothing quite matches.

Skirt - Nowistyle

Necklace - The Hemp Butterfly

Ring - AnChus

Scarf - Charlotte Russe

Shirt - Charlotte Russe

While we are on the subject of fashion, my friends over at Romwe are having a flash sale.

Go grab some great styles for only 12.99! 

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Free Giveaway Space!

It's been a long time since I've made a new ad! But, here it is! 

Taking some of my new work, and tying it to the blog. 

Yessssuh. (Feels good!)

So, I seem to go through spurts of having lots of amazing giveaways going on for a month or so then I go a little while without any, then a month with a few, than a month without.

So...I decided to do a full two months of giveaways!

I love doing giveaways on my blog.  It helps get the artist's name out, and increases views for all parties. I used to be against them for some reason. Like it was a fad that I didn't want to be a part of. 

Of course, now I wish I would have started doing them sooner! 

So, that being said, 

I am offering free giveaway slots for two months  on the blog.

This means that you can sign up to do a giveaway on my blog for free! 

I normally charge for ad space, but like I mentioned earlier..
Summer can be a bit of a dry time between sales for independent artists.
There aren't any huge gift giving holidays in the summer aside from Mother's Day and Father's Day.
(I'm still not 100% sure what I'm doing for that!!) 

I'll be running this promotion for about two months.. or in other words, there are 8 slots for the spaces.

Here's how you participate:
 All you have to do is go and "purchase" the LARGE ad. (Not the XL Spot.. too many big images on that side bar!)
Once you go to purchase the large ad, enter the promo code 1FREE! 

Then, upload your ad and I will do my best to contact you ASAP about your giveaway. If you don't hear from me in a few hours you can send me an email. I'll need to know the date you'd like, the giveaway prize, and other little details like that.

Remember, there are only 8 spots! 

I'm hoping this all makes sense. Please don't hesitate to email me if you have questions. 

And while  we are on the topic of views, blogs, ad space, etc... 

Here is the link to my newest button for your blog! 

<center> <a href="http://www.talk2thetrees.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8919/largebuttonart.jpg" /></a></center>

Getting To Know Wood Art For Living

Hey everyone! It's time to get to know Norm of Wood Art For Living. 

If you haven't already, enter the giveaway to win this beautiful wooden bowl.

 

Please give us a brief bio, where you are from, who you are.

I'm a retired mathematician, physicist, computer scientist and engineer. I studied mathematics and physics in college and graduate school, initially believing, as Einstein and Dirac did, that there was an inherent beauty in the representation of nature through mathematics. But, after only a few months of employment in an engineering company as a solid state physicist I came to realize that I was more interested in creating useful things than in developing esoteric theories. My subsequent study of computer science and over three dozen years of employment as an aerospace engineer proved me right as I developed computer models, electronic devices, and ultimately complex real-time control systems.

I am a New Yorker at heart (and by birth), though I've lived in Maryland for more than half of my adult life. I have an intense desire to learn and love to immerse myself in new - and old - fields of study until I understand them. I've just spent a few months catching up on the developments in quantum theory and mathematics that have occurred since my first college studies.

How did you get started in woodturning?

My interest in wood as a medium was rekindled four years ago when I created a special gift for my older granddaughter. During the creation of that small piece, I rediscovered wood's beauty and utility, and starting creating other wooden objects: cutting boards and knife handles.

But it was with a newly-acquired lathe three years ago that my creativity really took off. I started small (the first lathe wouldn't allow anything else), and was soon making candlesticks and handles for ice cream scoops and pizza cutters. It was thrilling to see that I could create works of art that were also functional objects. I fell in love with the process of "unpacking" a piece of wood to reveal its beauty and character, and started turning bowls and clocks and other useful objects.

And two larger lathes later, I'm still loving it.

Norm at the lathe smoothing a miniature bowl.

When did you first discover your creative talents?

I've always had a creative side, and believe that there should be creativity in everything we do. In my early teens I taught myself nature photography, striving to create pictures of flowers and insects that were simultaneously precise representations and beautiful images. I also love model building, creating detailed miniature representations of interesting functional objects: ships, cars, and railroad trains. My photographs decorate several rooms in our home, and so do the models!

What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?

I love the process of taking a simple wood blank and creating something beautiful and useful from it, and I particularly like the idea that someone else will be able to use that item to add the beauty of nature to their everyday lives. And, since I keep finding ever more beautiful pieces of wood, and I'm driven by an innate urge to continually develop new forms, I don't think I'll ever lack motivation!

How would you describe your style?

If the wood is interesting, anything more than a simple, flowing shape interferes with the presentation of its natural beauty.  I only add decoration to the extent that it's needed to bring out the wood's aesthetic qualities.  I love discovering new forms for traditional objects as long as they don't interfere with the piece's functionality.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Intense.  Creative.  Intuitive.  Exacting.  Curious

Share with us something funny that has happened to you recently.

Not much has!! 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway! 

Visit Their Shop!

Like Them On Facebook!

Follow them on Twitter!

February Sponsor Call

I've changed a few things about how sponsoring works here on Talk2thetrees!

Here is a small summary. 

 The Extra Large Ad

There will only be one per month.

Extra Large Ads are 45$ 

This includes an interview, and your choice between a giveaway or a guest post.

You will get a solo post for your giveaway

and another solo post for your interview. 

The Extra Large Ad package also includes weekly shout-outs via twitter and facebook. (see stats below!)

The Large Ad

 Large Ad's are 35$

There will only be 3 per month.

This includes a group giveaway with the other sponsors. 

If no other sponsors are scheduled for a giveaway,

lucky you!

You will either have a giveaway with me, or a solo one! 

The Large Ad Package also includes a group interview post.

If you decide to sponsor another month, your second month will only be 30.00, without a giveaway.

The Large Ad package also includes weekly shout-outs via twitter and facebook. (see stats below!)

 The Medium Ad

Medium ads are 20$

There are no limits to the amount of medium ads at this time. 

This package includes shout-outs via twitter, and facebook twice per month. (see stats below!)

The Small Ad

Small ads are 15$

There are no limits to the amount of small ads at this time.

This ad is a great and affordable way to get your shop or blog seen!

View more details on my sponsor page!

Big Welcome To Kirsten

Today I'm doing a feature on my newest sponsor Kirsten! Her shop is quite lovely, bright a cheerful. Check out her shop, there is a coupon code there for 20% off any purchase from her!

Here is a little about my new friend Kirsten.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I currently live in South Dakota, although I have lived in several other states and grew up in Washington (state). Creating has always been part of my life – I think doing such a variety of crafting and service activities in Girl Scouts and school helped shaped what I believe is important as an adult. Now, I am always on the lookout for something new to try, from learning how to set up a website to taking a pottery class through community ed. I firmly believe that being a lifelong learner makes life more interesting.

 2. Tell us a bit about your shop.

I started Absolutely Kismet a year ago – I had been making and giving away beaded jewelry and wine charms as Christmas and birthday gifts for two years before that. I now sell beaded jewelry, hemp necklaces, wine charms, and new this summer, stitch markers in three different sizes for knitting. I love making things, and the opportunity to sell has been really fun! I’ve found one of the best sources of inspiration is my family. One of the parts of creating I love best is starting a project with someone else in mind and trying to capture his/her interests and personality.

3. What do you hope to accomplish over the next 2 years. 

I have lots of plans for my shop! My first goal is to increase the number of listings at Absolutely Kismet so people can see the variety of things I do within a category. I would also like to introduce several new product lines over the next few years. My hope is that Absolutely Kismet moves from hobby shop to a fully self-supporting enterprise.

4. What is something not many know about you?

Not many people know I always celebrate my half-birthday. My birthday is in the summer, so when I was a kid, my mom used to make cupcakes in February to bring to my class. Now that I’m an adult, I still celebrate in February (and August, of course!), but it’s more low-key with just my husband – although there’s still cake.

5. What is your dream vacation?

I would love to visit a tropical island! I love beaches and have visited several coasts, but no islands. I’ve always found the coast to be a wonderful and relaxing place to visit, summer or winter. Don’t forget the sunscreen, though!

Check out her shop and facebook page! 

Welcome To Giulia!

I've actually known Giulia for a few months now, we have been emailing each other and  even sending letters and small packages for a while. She is a very very sweet and creative girl, and I am sooo excited to introduce her to you today!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! My name is Giulia (Julia), I am Italian and have been living in the UK since 2007. I met my boyfriend back in 2003 while studying as an exchange year student in Cardiff, Wales. Between 2005 and 2007 I went back to Italy to finish my degree in Modern Languages and had a long distance relationship with my boyfriend. Those years were pretty hard as I used to see him every 2-3 months but that time made us stronger as a couple and in some way was very special. Now we are living in London. Coming from a small Italian village, I find London extremely fascinating and glamorous. I love every moment of it!

I enjoy painting, crafting, taking photos, live music and traveling. I am very much interested in different cultures, languages and countries.

2. Tell us a bit about your blog. (When did you start it, and why.)

I have started blogging a couple of months ago and I am now totally in love with it! I blog about my everyday adventures, my travels, my passions (cooking, art, fashion and music) and I have now opened an  Etsy shop called Il Gatto Bianco where I sell my jewelery! I needed to do something to compensate my boring 9-5 job and blogging and crafting have helped me to feel happier and feel more satisfied with myself! I think blogging is a great communication tool to get in touch with people who have similar interests to yours! It's a great community where you can learn, teach, laugh, give and get support! I find it extremely therapeutic! 

3. What do you hope to accomplish over the next 2 years.

At the moment I am working hard on myself. I hope to be able to gain a good self esteem and to manage my anxiety disorders. I also want to focus on my creative side and try to get into a job where I can put a bit more of my skills and ideas.

4. What is something not many know about you?

When I was a child I played piano for several  years. I was pretty good and used to do concerts as well. I jacked it in when I was a teenager and I now regret it so much! When I go back home and try to play my piano I can hardly play the Happy Birthday tune!

5. What is your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is a road trip to the US. I would love to do a coast to coast tour and discover its landscapes and cultures within its states. I also would love to go to Iceland and go to the Blue Lagoon and while there I would love to go to a Sigur Ros gig as well!!! I am a daydreamer oh yeah!

I hope she DOES take a trip to the US, I think her and I would get along splendidly.
Be sure to check out her blog here!
Thanks Giulia! xoxo

Welcome To Brittany!

Check out my new sponsor Brittany! She has just opened her shop on the 3rd! I'm so excited for her. I love when people start a selling handmade online.. It takes a lot of talent and determination as well as lots of creativity!

I love Brittany's style, read this little feature on her, and you will too!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'll try to keep this as short as possible ;) My name is Brittany! I am a 20 year old wife with no children and I love to create :) My interests include mostly nerdy things such as Video Games, Learning Japanese, Anime, Manga, etc. I'm also dying my hair Cotton Candy PINK this month! My favorite magazine is POPTEEN!

2. Tell us a bit about your shop. (When did you start it, what do you sell, and why.)

My shop opened April 3, 2011! So it is a virgin shop, with no sales. I am currently selling slouch hats, and will put up a pre-order of Amigurumi Cupcakes NEXT! I have a lot of NERD related items having something to do with MARIO, etc. in the works as well! I'll probably also sell a lot of Indie related things in the future, I have so many ideas with no direction right now!

3. What do you hope to accomplish over the next 2 years.

Well, above all else I hope to serve God in a WILD way, make friends of every race, religion, gender and belief, travel, be the best wife I can be. BUT! Shop related, I hope to expand my inventory to include crazy cute and nerdy items.

4. What is something not many know about you?

Hmm, I think that what I believe in and how I act and look always confuses people. Something that may surprise you is that in spite of what I believe in or how I look (pink hair soon), I am a very open and loving person despite the stereotype that goes with people who believe in God. I don't care what your sexual orientation is, or how you live your life <3 xoxo. Love is always my answer. Sorry if that is a little too deep for this question lol :P

5. What is your dream vacation?

My dream vacation would be with my husband in a house or cabin in the middle of the forest. Wolves howling, Owls, etc. Nature is beautiful! So anywhere surrounded with life really.

Isn't she awesome?! Please check out her shop, and blog!