Meet the Sponsors + Etsy Inspiration!!

I'm a bit behind this month, but never the less SO excited to introduce you to my November Blog Sponsors! Such talented ladies, here's a little about each of them:

Good Knits - Lisa's knit creations are so beautiful and perfect for the cold months ahead!!Boardwalk To Eden - CaL's has recently opened an Etsy shop of her own! (See more below). Her blog, Boardwalk to Eden is full of lifestyle inspiration!Strataflora - Amy's blog is full of colorful design inspiration and beautiful imagery, not to mention the girl makes such pretty jewelry!Eben Lemon - Emma's sweet blog and shop are so cute! She's got a great personality and the prettiest smile EVERLike a Bird - Kendra's photography is beautiful and has a powerful blog to back it up! (She's also newly engaged, how exciting!!!)Please stop by and visit these creative individuals and say hello! I'm so happy to have them on board for the month!

♥ ♥ ♥

I've been very inspired by all the new shops opening up lately, and a few of my friends have opened shops of their own!! Cal and Liz both have spent lots of time and hard work on developing beautiful items for you, and I'd love to share them!!
Boardwalk To Eden is the happiest little Etsy shop! CaL's darling illustrations are perfect for gifts and you can collect them all! Her cute little ladies bring smiles to my face. She's taken a little time and answered some questions I had about herself and her new shop:

"My name is Cassandra, but I go by CaL, which just happen to be my initials. I am from a small, artistic college city in Southern California that is known for it's orange groves, train stations & art walks.

I work a day job but at night I run my creative outlet, a little online blog called Boardwalk To Eden. I have been blogging for quite a while now but just recently turned my brand into something real. Last month I opened my Etsy shop! I design & sell art prints & post cards & will be expanding the goods for the holiday season!

I have always wanted to have my own little shop, a real boutique & some day I hope to make this real. Opening my Etsy shop is a big step in the right direction!

I am so grateful to Chelsea for letting me share this with you! So please, stop by my shop or blog, come say hi & I hope you enjoy your visit!"

Little Gray Suitcase is the fashionable brain child of my good friend, Liz. Her shop is darling and stocked full of vintage home accessories, shoes and funky threads!I'm so blessed to be surrounded in this world of creative people, you all constantly inspire me! Xxoo Chelsea

Etsy Update: Office Appropriate

Hi again! This week will be full of Etsy updates. Yesterday, you saw all the lovely Party Dresses that are new to the Seablanket Etsy Shoppe. Today, open your eyes to some chic vintage office attire. Bow ties, pencil skirts and fun sweaters are perfect for fall and for the day-t0-night transition. Enjoy your shopping!!
xxoo Chelsea

Autumn Lumberjack Pillowcase DIY

I love decorating my home with accents that pay homage to the current season. These autumn-themed lumberjack pillowcases are perfect and practical. Spice up your space with these simple steps:

What you'll need:

throw pillow or pillow form, plaid men's button up shirt, push pins, scissors, sewing machine, soap chip

Begin by laying shirt flat and locate the areas you'd like to use for your pillowcase. Place pillow on top of your shirt, and using your soap chip, outline your desired pillow case sections. (the front and the back of the shirt can be utilized, so don't forget about the fun back detailing). Cut out your fabric pieces and place them face sides together. Pin in place and sew along all four edges if you've included the button up in your cut outs (if button up strip isn't included: sew 3 sides, turn inside out, fill with pillow and hand stitch the 4th side shut). Turn right side out, and iron if desired. Place your pillow inside it's new autumn case and button or snap case closed. Toss on your couch, bed or floor and enjoy all season long! xxoo Chelsea + Munchie

Joe + Me

Each year, I try to get rid of these leopard tights and each year I just can't bring myself to do it. I love them SO much! Thanks to you cold weather, I was able to pull them out from my stocking drawer and pair them with a frilly sweater and pom pom flats and hit the town in search of a piping hot americano. I found the americano and I think it complimented my spunky outlook on the day. Not to mention my rose colored glasses... those always help too!

What I Wore:
Vintage Rose Tinted Hippy Shades
Kimchi Blue Frilly Sweater
UO Black Tank
Vintage Envelope Clutch
Black Shorts
Betsey Johnson Footless Leopard Tights
Pom Pom Flats from ModCloth

xxoo Chelsea

Etsy Update: Party Dresses Galore!

The Holiday season is upon us and it's never too soon to plan what you're going to wear. Thankfully, the Seablanket Etsy Shoppe is stocked full of lovely Party Dresses, perfect for your Holiday parties! Browse the different styles and sizes currently listed, and keep an eye out for even more styles as well as curvy girl sizes being posted later this week!! Hope you enjoy!!xxoo Chelsea

sweet sunday

Don't you just love Sundays? Today I plan on drinking lots of coffee and taking a nap. What are your plans for the day??
xxoo Chelsea

A Blogger's Guide To Budgeting Criticism

Welcome back to Part 3 of the A Blogger's Guide To Budgeting Series. You can view Parts 1 and 2 if you need to catch up, but today, lets talk about Criticism. It's a touchy subject but it's something we all deal with. How we react to it however, will show the world our true colors and therefor must be handled with care. Below are 5 things to consider before reacting to criticism and will benefit in the long run, and potentially help you react professionally and not out of spite.

1. People Talk
Let's face it: If you're trying to do anything that is over or above what's necessary to live, people are going to have a thing or two to say about it. Sometimes it's those who are nearest and dearest to you but more often than not it's complete strangers who must see to it that you have heard from them before you can make a single move. Either way, this is a risk we take by vocalizing our thoughts on the internet. We are subjecting ourselves to the opinions and comments of others. If you can't handle it, get out while you can.
2. Heavy Burdens
I've spent numerous days, even weeks sulking over what some people have chosen to say about myself and my craft. Most of the negative comments I get I'm able to brush off, but some have really cut deep. It left me with that deep heartache, that pit in my stomach that says You're such a joke, You've failed and even more drastic People hate you. They're all lies. It's difficult to not take them personally because of course they're directed at you personally, but do they really matter? That is what you need to ask yourself when looking criticism in the eye. More often than not they don't. Don't let the comments weigh you down, instead... do something about it.
3. Let Them Eat Cake
People will always talk. Gossip is human nature and the pure fact that people are talking should not make you uneasy. You've put yourself out there on the internet and people will critique what you show them. Positive and negative options are how we grow and learn and create identities. Do not be immediately guarded or upset when you catch word that someone has an opinion of your work, instead open your ears to it.
Identify what people are saying. Is it constructive criticism?? That is the most helpful thing to be able to extract from a reader. It's honest, pure and unbridled. Without any constructive criticism you will not know how readers feel about the content you are producing on your blog. If people are all saying the same thing (ie. that was rude, mean, dramatic, etc) maybe they're right and you need to re-evaluate the way you're portraying yourself. OR if you aren't willing to change in any way, you need to find a new audience who will be accepting of the cometary, topics and your point of view.
If people are being downright rude, this also needs to be dealt with. Emotionally, that one comment can outweigh the hundred positive you may get. My rule: don't over analyze it. Be frank with yourself. Tell yourself it's a lie and brush it off.
4. Professional vs. Protective Reactions
When the time comes for reacting to criticisms, often our instinct is to lash out. DON'T! Put it on the shelf for a day or two, and don't touch it. Let yourself separate the emotional reaction from the reasonable reaction and then decide what is best. Many would say to confront the issue with the person head on. This may be the way you need to handle it, but don't go about it publicly. Find a way to handle the issue in private. Send an email expressing how you were hurt by their actions and explain why. Don't play a victim, play a human being. 9 times out of 10 you will hear an apology or reasoning to why something was said. This will make both parties feel heard, respected and both are able to move forward.
For some of us, handling conflict is harder than actually resolving an issue. Sometimes, ignoring an issue is the best possible solution. I would use this strategy for anything that is overly offensive, unreasonable or demanding. Often times these people want things done their way or they'll throw a fit. So let them throw a fit, while you play the bigger person.
5. Safe Zones
Most importantly of all- listen to your own instincts. As a blogger, small business owner or part-time crafter it's important to sift through the input of outside onlookers and listen to your own inner voice, aka your instincts. You are in charge of what you do, you can't point a finger in this online world. If you are finding it hard to decide what to do in stressful situations, or moments of adversary, listen to yourself, be your own moral compass.

I hope this helps some of you out there who are continually in the line of fire. Chin up, and know that if people are caring at all you're doing something right. xxoo Chelsea