Reward System...

Ok, so I am going to make like one of my kids and use a reward system for this weight loss challenge. I am only on day 3 - and this is harder than I thought it would be. Why isn't my will power enough? I figured that because I want to lose weight and get in shape so much, that this would all be so easy. That it would just come naturally. Let me tell you - it is not that easy!!! I have so much respect for people who are doing a lifestyle change. It is hard work and I just want you to know that I am proud of you all for sticking to it. It takes courage to change. It takes courage to overcome food. It takes courage to go on that walk or go to the gym. I want to be that brave...

So here is my reward system. I have 50 pounds to lose, so I am going to reward myself for every 10 pounds lost. Once I hit that last 10 pounds, my reward for hitting goal weight is going to be a new, sexy dress!!! I am so excited. I've heard that the first year after losing weight is the hardest time for maintaining the weight loss, so every 3 months (for a year) that I am within 3 pounds of my goal weight I am going to reward myself.

I think I came up with a good system to help me focus and also a treat to strive for. Here is a tentative list of what my rewards will be.

10 pounds lost: Adorable Make Up Bag - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13346134

20 pounds lost: Beautiful Art Kit - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12056745

30 pounds lost: Lovely Initial Necklace - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14127484

40 pounds lost: Gorgeous Hair Pin - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13486530

50 pounds lost: Sexy Dress - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_4&listing_id=13500400

Etsy at Christmas Challenge Shopping List

Ok, Here is the list of people I need to shop for...

Mom, 1 gift: Loves mineral makeup, the color green and all things Irish.

Dad, 1 gift: Firefighter, loves all things Nascar and Spanish inspired, loves to read

Brother, 1 gift: Just moved into a new place, loves journaling.

Brother's girlfriend, 1 gift: very girly and spunky, cute dresser.

Mother-in-law, 1 gift: Loves bath/body products, purses and matching wallets, big, old-fashion jewelry.

Father-in-law, 1 gift: Retired army, loves all things military.

Sister-in-law, 1 gift: Late teens, in college, wears candy and toy inspired items

Sister-in-law's Fiance, 1 gift: Pseudo-hippie, loves cartoons

Brother-in-law, 1 gift: Loves beanies, scarves and bags, Loves fragrance.

Grandma, 1 gift: Nurse, loves nature, loves all things 'Noah's Ark.'

Grandpa, 1 gift: Preacher, Loves woodsy, outdoor decorations/items.

Grandma, 1 gift: Loves personalized items, loves items that represent her grandkids.

Grandma, 1 gift: Loves sequins and sparkles, loves cardigans, loves Asain inspired items.

Grandpa, 1 gift: Firefighter, loves all things Colts and 'Route 66.'

Son (will turn six 3 months after Christmas), 5 gifts: Loves super heroes, will be in kindergarten, at least one article of clothing (or jammies), at least one toy.

Daughter ( will turn four 2 weeks after Christmas), 5 gifts: Loves princesses and hair bows, at least one article of clothing (or jammies), at least one toy.

Son (will turn two 4 months after Christmas), 5 gifts: Loves 'lovies' or 'softies,' at least one article or clothing (or jammies), at least one toy.

Female friend, 1 gift: Loves faeries, magick and divination, loves bath/body products.

Male friend, 1 gift: Loves quirky, weird, nontraditional things, nothing religious.

'Niece' (will be 4 at Christmas), 1 gift: Loves princesses, hair bows and fairytales, does not need to be a toy.

'Nephew' (will be 6 at Christmas), 1 gift: Loves elmo, special needs child, does not need to be a toy.

Female friend, 1 gift: Loves dolphins and figurines.

'Nephew' (will turn three 4 months after Christmas), 1 gift: Loves trucks and tractors, needs to be a toy.

Female friend, 1 gift: Loves movie memorabilia, loves apple decorations, loves country motif.

Male friend, 1 gift: Loves beer and all things manly, and beer.

'Niece' (will be six 2 months after Christmas), 1 gift: Tomboy, loves books, will be in kindergarten, does not need to be a toy.

'Nephew' (will be four 2 months after Christmas), 1 gift: needs to be a toy.

Husband (this will be the hard one), 5 gifts: Military, total metal head, loves crazy random things, actually has a zombie escape plan (lol), at least one nice item, at least one fun item, at least one article of clothing, at least one romantic item.

I also 3 item for 'Secret Santa' drawings. 1 item must be under $10, must be unisex and this item needs to be fun or different. I then need 2 items under $20, one for a male, one for a female, can be nice or cute.

~~~~for more info please see 'Etsy at Christmas' Challenge blog~~~~

Etsy at Christmas Challenge

Calling all Etsians
I need your help and opinions...

This year for Christmas I have decided to purchase all handmade goods. This means tons of fun Etsy shopping!!!

I am calling this my 'Etsy at Christmas' Challenge (after the song 'Someday at Christmas').
I'm not sure if there is already a pledge or anything like this out there, as I am a newbie. But this is what I am doing and it is really important to me. I am boycotting corporate Christmas. I am trying to make Christmas what it is supposed to be - giving beautiful gifts with importance, that mean something, to show people I love them and truly thought of them this year.

I like to start my Christmas shopping early, instead of waiting until the last minute, so I will be starting my challenge NOW!!! To keep myself accountable (and to stave off any mall slipups), I will be keeping track on my blog and myspace. I will list the people I need to purchase gifts for, along with a short description. I will update gifts (along with seller info) as I make purchases.

If you have any good ideas or just want to show off an item, please let me know. I would love to see what items you love and hopefully find some great gifts too. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Send all ideas and such to:
www.myspace.com/threeofwands
or
shopthreeofwands@yahoo.com

And while your at it, go ahead and see if you can do the 'Esty at Christmas' Challenge. Let's see if we all can go handmade this year!!!

To Purchase Handmade, in a nutshell

I made my first Etsy purchase today!!!

I am so excited. Normally I hate speding money on toys and such, but my daughter was checking out the site with me and fell absolutely in love with a mermaid toy. So I just had to get it for her. And you know what? I felt exhilarated and totally justified in doing so. It feels really good to buy handmade. It feels really good knowing that my daughter will have a beautiful plaything that someone cared enough to actually make, instead of send it down an assembly line. It feels special knowing that she loves something (or will love something, we just ordered it today) that someone else lovingly created.

She watches me work and loves to 'help' mommy, but she doesn't quite understand what I am doing. She is only three, but I hope to instill in her the love and importance of handmade goods. When her new lovey arrives I'm going to tell her how it was created just for her, by someone who knew she would love it very much...



If you would like your own 'Free-Range Mermaid' (made from organic cotton) - please visit:
http://www.cswbeach.etsy.com/