happy friday:

March 26, 2010


image source unknown - please message if you know it.
feeling a little bit like this right now.

image source.
i want to escape to a sweet little cottage.

image source unknown - please message if you know it.
i want to do this.

image source. (thanks brandi!)
i want to spend some time at the beach.

image source
i want to organize.

image source
i want to feel light.

image source
i want to feel simplicity.

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i like this photo :)

happy friday friends!

i just stopped in to say that i'm going to take a little blog break next week. i've been really scattered and it's been hard to prioritize things i need to do, not to mention that i am stumped on inspiration and things to post on the blog. i feel overwhelmed and wonder where all my time goes - i barely am able to send out etsy orders, blog, and answer emails. i don't know how some other people do it!

i think i just need some time away from the computer. i hate to leave the blog empty for a whole week but i didn't plan any guest bloggers or anything. i will be posting a blog reader survey next week so please check back and participate so i can get your feedback on the blog and the content. i will be offering a mini cake stand to the winner too! while i'm away, i'm going to be working on finishing up the lovely package exchange (so very sorry it's taken me so long!!) and trying to get my letterpress printing, taking pictures, cleaning + organizing, spending some time at the park.. and maybe a mini-road trip? :)

what about you? have you felt drained from spending so much time on the computer every day? can you offer up any suggestions of every day things to do or a refreshing activity that don't involve a computer? :) or any tips on multi-tasking/organizing/time management? i need some tips, desperately!

hope you have a really fantastic weekend, see you soon! xo.

66 hello's:

  1. I hear you on the feeling drained thing. Unfortunately, I'm the worst person to ask for advice on how to address it. Taking a blog break seems like a good idea.

    I love the little cottage in your round-up... that would be a good place to escape to and unwind!

    Hope you enjoy your time away and come back recharged.

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  2. danni,
    enjoy your time off!! whenever i feel drained, i often shut off the computer, the tv and just settle down on the couch and spend time with my girl watching disney classics!

    if you get a chance drop by my blog and check out my ruffle inspired giveaway!

    http://lolasgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/with-gratitude.html

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  3. Hi Danni,

    Spending time outside of the house is always great! Go for a walk, get your favorite bite to eat, get your favorite drink to drink, or if you need creative inspiration visit a museum, a botanical garden, a park, and just soak up the air, and take a slower pace. Ooh, a zen garden would be perfect!

    Another thing is to laugh! Hang out with your family and friends that are full of fun and laughter, they'll put your mind on happy things :)
    Hope you come back refreshed! Enjoy your break! Everyone needs one :)
    xo,
    Merissa.

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  4. danni! you really deserve time off!
    i can only imagine how swamped you must be with everything! enjoy your break!
    hope you come back re-charged!
    thanks for the continual inspiration.
    j.
    oh and my tip is to do what you are doing! a good lengthy break! :)

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  5. When I get sick of it all I jump in the car and go exploring. Sometimes I visit a place I've never been but sometimes if I can't go far I find pleasure in taking a closer look at the places near to me.

    Enjoy your break!
    You will be missed!

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  6. Aw, I hope you feel better! I totally know what you mean. I have an endless cycle of school, work, and weddings. It's crazy but sometimes I sneak out and just read at the park.

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  7. I can relate 110%! I feel like I wake up and next thing I know it's 6pm!

    Between working full time, starting out my new blog, taking care of a house, a puppy, planning a wedding, dealing with day to day stuff, trying to live in the mean time . . . there just isn't enough time!!!!

    I know what you mean!!! Catch your breath. We will still be here. I LOVE your blog. Your loyal fans will not be going anywhere :)

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  8. I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one feeling this way from time to time! I too wonder how some people seem to find time to do everything! Long walks and spending time outdoors definitely works for me, every time! Hope you feel better soon!

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  9. I feel your pain, dear! At the end of the semester I often spend over 20 hours a day on the computer and when it's over all I want is to throw out my computer. I usually go away with my boyfriend just for the weekend somewhere in the mountain. I am lucky to have lots of beautiful places less than an hour away. I leave my laptop, turn off my phone and just relax, take walks in the forest and forget about the loud, busy city.

    I hope that you find something nice to do and when you come back you'd be fresh and relaxed! xo

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  10. Hope you have a great break! I love your etsy shop BTW.

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  11. i am feeling so drained too. so much to do!! have a wonderful break and do something special for yourself every day - take a bath, treat yourself to a latte, read, etc.

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  12. Absolutely! So overwhelmed since the majority of what I love is on the computer/internet. It can get a bit unhealthy/hectic. Oy.

    Good call on the break. Enjoy it!

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  13. Hi Danni, I hope you're feeling a little better about yourself by now. It's such a nice day outside, and it's supposed to stay like this for the whole weekend - so I guess you chose the perfect time for some computer time out ;) Just walk away from it all. Get out of the house, even if it's just for a walk around the block. Meet friends and do a little window shopping and people watching - that always helps me out when I'm uninspired and a bit down. Don't be afraid to take some time off - you will only return with more energy and inspiration. Enjoy!!!

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  14. aw i'm sorry you're feeling so overwhelmed -- i can totally relate. i was just saying how i felt similarly last night with so many things on my plate & trying to break into the blog & small business world. my husb advised me to take it slow & just set aside certain chunks of time to be online, then to force myself to get away from the computer during my time off. it's always refreshing to invest in good, deep relationships & conversations too... i think that always gives me renewed perspective on what's most important in my life!

    hope you're feeling better after a week of rest! and no pressure about the lovely package exchange -- i think everyone would be happy with an extension. :]

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  15. I feel ya girl! Enjoy your break! :)

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  16. hi danni! i've only been blogging for 3 motnhs and sometimes i get overwhelmed already! originally i had a goal of blogging only once a week but that quickly turned into wanting to blog every weekday! i am literally losing sleep some nights trying to muster up a post for the next day and it's not healthy! :( i mean i enjoy it, like i am sure you do too, but we all definitely need a break once in awhile! i think taking time away from the internet/computer once in awhile will get you recharged and refreshed!! and a mini-vacay sounds like a great idea to me! =) enjoy your time off!

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  17. I agree with the recommendations to get outside! Yesterday I slacked off a bit on my own biz duties after coming home from the day job and I took a jog/walk down to the park and back. Honestly though, it was just what I needed. Spring is here and sometimes you just need to enjoy the world outside!

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  18. enjoy the week, you deserve it!

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  19. enjoy the week, you deserve it!

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  20. sounds like you will have a fun week:) i just spent some time today at the beach and watching some birds but i really want to go to that cottage right now! :)

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  21. Honestly, when I'm creatively drained, I sleep. I find that it gives my brain the time it needs to process all of the overload. When I awaken, I have more clarity. I also find that organizing (and purging) really helps to clear my head and give me fresh ideas. And finally, just take the break you need and get out and enjoy springtime. If you're not having fun, it's just a sign that it's time to take a step back. Enjoy!

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  22. danni... dont be hard on yourself... breaks are always good and you always feel refreshed after.. i am starting a cleanse today so i definitely feel like the first photo and i did take some time off and went to the beach and i felt sooo much better. we all need to take more time for "us". enjoy... rest well xx

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  23. Enjoy your break. We'll miss your posts, but it just means we'll appreciate them even more when they're back up. And let me know if you would like a guest blogger...I'd LOVE to do it!

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  24. don't worry dear.
    your blog and all of your readers will patiently wait till you feel inspired and energetic again.
    as many already said: going outside is probably the best thing to do and loooots of cuddling with your man!

    <3
    Mila.

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  25. Go fly a kite. Literally. You'll feel like a kid again and you will be so happy you did it. It works every time for me. Have a great time off!

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  26. Wow, it does sound like you need to take a break...unwind (away from the computer!).

    You know what works for me?

    Curling up with a good 'ole fashion book that I am really into and getting lost in its' pages. Even if it is just on my couch with a cup of tea nearby.

    Happy unwinding!

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  27. I'm at that point right now, too. I've been working on a stop motion animation all semester. You can see some sneak peek photos on my blog if you're interested in what's consuming my life!

    http://lovelierthoughts.blogspot.com

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  28. I'm at that point right now, too. I've been working on a stop motion animation all semester. You can see some sneak peek photos on my blog if you're interested in what's consuming my life!

    http://lovelierthoughts.blogspot.com

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  29. Hi Danni! Hope you're feeling better. I just noticed that your "source unknown" pic from a beautiful mess is an Anthropologie picture. I have the quilt on the left!

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  30. I don't blame you one little bit!
    I'm constantly amazed by how much you are able to accomplish!
    I need to organize too.
    I am in the process of setting up a new and larger studio, and the going is slow. I have a lot of sorting to do and need to do repairs, wiring and painting.
    Things to do that I think are relaxing:
    Walking. Esp. walking my collies in the country.
    Hot baths. Esp. with lavender or ginger.
    Chocolate. Esp. a little bit of good quality dark chocolate, it's a happy food.
    Sleep. Lots of it.
    Chamomile, mint and licorice herbal teas.
    Reading short stories.
    Massage of any kind. Feet and hands and shoulders.
    I hope that you have a wonderfully relaxing week off. ;)
    Best wishes,
    S.

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  31. take the break! you deserve it!!! can't wait till you get back. you are one of my favorites!
    xoxo
    http://bibliochicshop.blogspot.com/

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  32. Having a break sounds like a great idea. A few weeks ago my laptop was broken and it went to the hospital for nearly a whole week. I can't tell you how revitalising that was - I got so much done, as I could only go online for half an hour each day (to check orders etc.) I think it's good to stick to proper working hours, ie no computer at weekends and after 6pm. I'm not good at sticking to it though. Also I've found it helpful to write all my blog posts for a week in one go and schedule them. And, not stress about inspiration. At the minute I have quite a few ideas, but I'm sure they'll run out soon - but then it's not the end of the world if I'm not blogging all the time.

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  33. I recently read someone's blog who has decided to allocate a certain amount of time (for her one hour) to her 'computer' each day. That's it. Whatever else won't get done. She's taking back her life and re-engaging as she says. I like the idea, its too easy to turn on the computer and get swallowed sometimes.

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  34. i can totally relate! how i yearn for even just a week-long vacation without doing anything in front of a computer! a total break to enjoy fresh air, the beautiful nature and people! I hope you have a lovely break:)

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  35. I so much love the way you illustrated your wants. Visualising your desires helps you reach them. Wishing you happiness.

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  36. What a great blog...and post :)...the pictures are so lovely. I spend too much time on the computer also. Sometimes it becomes mind numbing. I like to take a break with a cup of tea with my favorite tea cups. I've also been trying to monitor how much time I spend on the computer. Allowing only so many hours in a day.

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  37. Blogging should be fun and not stressful so you go enjoy some time off. We'll be waiting when you're ready to come back.

    Just wanted to drop you a little note to tell you that I passed on the Beautiful Blogger award to you. You always have the most beautiful pictures on your blog and I look forward to your posts every time I visit.

    Check it out when you get back from your break. :)

    http://marci-itsalwayssomething.blogspot.com/

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  38. Your pictures are always so inspiring! Love them all!

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  39. Giveaway at my blog!! come check it out :)
    mylovelylittlesuitcase.blogspot.com

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  40. Yes, I have felt drained this week gathering all the numbers for the accountant for the tax return.

    I rather be sewing ... :)

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  41. danni - those photos are so heavenly!! xoxo

    Hope you have a great weekend!

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  42. take a nap, read your Bible and go for a walk! Never fails to give me a fresh new perspective.

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  43. I am so glad I found your post. I JUST posted today about feeling so blah. I have so many things started and can't seem to finish anything.....

    I love your blog. Take the time and rejuvenate yourself.

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  44. i think it's always a good idea to step back and take a break every once and again. i know i've been feeling overwhelmed and drained lately. getting plenty of sleep helps so does managing my time (very strictly). i hope you have a wonderful, rejuvenating week.

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  45. feeling the same way. maybe it's something in the santa ana winds. still, i'm glad to hear u're taking a break! just breathe. =) love ur blog and shop. enjoy ur time off!
    -linda

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  46. I would love to spend some time at the beach myself :)

    xoxo Laura

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  47. I completely understand. I think time away from the computer is probably one of the best things to do. I don't know how everyone keeps up either.
    I think you just need some time to yourself to relax and be revived.
    As for time management skills I barely have any myself so no tips from me :(
    x

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  48. These pics make me happy! Look forward to seeing your bloginess again when you come back :)

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  49. i felt like the first picture to yesterday.. minus the pretty dress and hair.. my version was over sized pjs, messy hair and puffy eyes. not a pretty sight

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  50. Oh how I know how you feel! I find that if I need a break from all things bright and glowing (computer, tv, phones) I grab the dog and just start walking. I usually don't have a destination, but getting out for an hour or two usually does the trick.

    Feel better!!

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  51. I know how you feel! I really do!
    Enjoy your week off! Sometime it's good to take a break!

    Can't wait to have you back!

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  52. i just love love your blog...i spent about 20 minutes going through your photos. theyre amazing. and i love them!

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  53. Hi, I have never ever commented before. But your blog rocks and you are an amazing person with some serious energy! Please go have a ball of a break!! Have a girls night out maybe...

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  54. That cottage oh goodness!! I am in love. Good for you take some time off! I was crazy last week and so behind in my life. We are too connected aren't we? This weekend I cleaned caught up in the day to day and relaxed relaxed relaxed. I am feel quite better this week.

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  55. Enjoy your week off! Sometime it's good to take a break!
    data entry work from home

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  56. Danni, I have felt the same way lately...and all I want to do is go outside and play! ha ha
    A blog break will be refreshing...doing the same this weekend to observe the Easter triduum.

    Have a Blessed and Happy Easter!
    <3
    Anna

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  57. I love that first picture! Hard to tell if she's sad or happily dreaming. Either way she has a pretty back.


    www.shirinhandmade.com/blog

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  58. i am right behind you on needing tips for time management. right now, that's my biggest downfall i'd say.
    & i love the picture of the buttons. makes me want to make some jewelry out of them. & i like the beach picture too :)

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  59. Now I want to escape to that little cottage too! Simply magical!

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  60. i'm so glad i came across your post today - it's nice to know i'm not the only one who can't keep up with everything! and sometimes it's good to take a break and get refreshed...it's always amazing how much that can help!! i think i need to do that myself :)

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  61. Hello! Seems I've caught you on your time away. I love your blog and am now a follower:) Hope you're able to hit the reset button and come back to blogging refreshed. Until then ...

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  62. mmm, wood buttons. always good to remember those. instant up-grade to anything!

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  63. I just stumbled onto your blog today while struggling to focus on my own blog and business. You've encouraged me. Thank you!

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Friends, Thank you so much for reading + supporting my blog, and for taking the time to leave me a comment. Your comment support truly means so much to me. Have a lovely day! xo, danni