Balance: How do you achieve it?

We all desire balance in our lives but what does finding balance mean for each one of you and what does actually help you to fulfill all life obligations and save time for yourself and your loved ones?

For me is always a challenge to keep a balance and share more or less equal time between work and private life. I usually manage to feel fulfilled and enjoy working, being with my family and have time for myself. What it does help me is to have an everyday program in my mind (although I never keep it as it is) and remind myself about boundaries. When I get really enthusiastic with making jewelry (which I usually do) I may tend to forget to eat or have a need to stay until late at night to see how a specific design will come up, or to make more new designs, or even read this article that I found in the internet, to reply to my emails or custom requests, to find new materials and the list goes on..., I remind myself that I don't have to do everything perfect and in one day and I give myself time to read a book, to go for a walk and to be with my boyfriend. I also don't forget to congratulate myself for what I have done. We usually tend to forget that..

I would love to hear what do you find helpful to keep a balance between all the things you do in life...

Here are some articles from the internet regarding finding balance in life:
A Balanced Life , from mommd
How To Find That Elusive Balance Between Work and Life, from zenhabits breathe
How to Find Balance in Life, from Pick the Brain, Grow Yourself

Beautiful photos from the gorgeous shop of smiling tree toys

1. wood balancing toy - natural wooden stacker game, colorful Smiling Moon balancer, educational play, homegrown organic finish,
2. organic wooden BALANCING toy - natural wood blocks balancer, educational learning, fine motor skills for toddler, homegrown organic finish,
3. natural SEE SAW wooden toy, an organic pretend playground toy, waldorf inspired educational play for baby or toddler,
4. 12 piece organic wood BLOCKS set - natural wooden toys, learning and building fun, eco-friendly toys for montessori baby, toddler, kids

Sweet and Healthy...

How many times you want something sweet but healthy at the same time? Regarding myself I love candies especially when I make them myself and I can control the sugar and the ingredients I put in. Of course I always search for ideas and ways to cook that don't need so much time to be prepared. I found this homemade peanut butter cups recipe and I can't wait to make them soon!

Recipe: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients

3/4 cup of peanut butter, toasted and salted (or use nut butter of your choice)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla (if you are making this gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free vanilla)
1/4 cup of coconut oil
1/3 cup of chopped soaked and dehydrated nuts, or toasted (I used a mixture of chopped almonds and pumpkin seeds)*
4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate
2-4 tablespoons honey**

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine the peanut butter, coconut oil, vanilla, first 2 tablespoons honey, and nuts. Mix until well combined.
2. Drop by the heaping teaspoon into mini cupcake pans. Place in freezer.
3. Chop chocolate into small pieces and place in the top of a double broiler (or, like I do, in a heat-proof bowl that fits on top of a pot you have). Mix in the honey. Bring about 2 inches of water to a boil in the pot and place the bowl on top. Watch the chocolate carefully so that it doesn’t burn, stirring gently while the chocolate melts. When there are just a few chunks left in the chocolate, take off of the heat and allow it to melt completely.
4. Drop by the teaspoon over the peanut butter mixture and place back into the freezer. Freeze for 20 minutes. Take out, and using a butter knife pop them out. Keep in the freezer or refrigerator and enjoy!

* To toast the nuts, place in a dry pan over medium-high heat. Stir almost continually until they are starting to brown. Take off of the heat.

Recipe and photo from mother nature network

What I Love Today...

Today I came across this unique shop with the gorgeous feather accessories. Most of all I love the feather hair extensions. So wild...and feminine!

Purple Feather Earrings with Turquoise Stones-Megan, Feather Hair Extensions-Daydreamer, Feather Extensions-Siren's Song and Feather Extension Hair Clip with Peacock Feathers - S o p h i a all from ladypancake

So Creative...

Vintage Wedding Confetti by ddeforest

Etsy Faves...

I absolutely love these clothes especially the shirts! I like how the lace is combined with cotton, giving a romantic and street tone at the same time.

1. Black Sheer Lace Shirt, 2. Blue sheer lace shirt, 3. Entomologist field dress, 4. Ill-advised Rendezvous, all from Minxshop

Everyday LIfe...

The beginning of another week started and what better of sharing some great photos from everyday life? Moments, people, situations and places that we all pass through every day and sometimes we do pay attention but other times not. I certainly need to take the time to enjoy every moment, as it comes, without thinking always what I have to do each day! Do you pay attention to every day miracles?

Credit for these beautiful photos can be found here: The Everyday Life Store Lifestyle Goods, Cats on Desk, , Time, Space and Everyday Life,, Scene semplici di un giorno qualunque - Simple scenes from everyday life

Wedding Photography... So Honored...Thank you so much!

I felt so blessed and honored when I saw these photos, from the wedding of my lovely client Amy, where she and her bridesmaids wear my custom made jewelry, that I thought I should share with you, after Amy gave me the permission to use them on my blog. Thank you so much!

Credit for these great photos goes to: Lindsey Mae Photography