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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Giveaway Day!!

Yay!  Giveaway Day is here again!  And I'm so excited to be a part of it again.  If you don't know, the web site Sew Mama Sew, which was one of the very first sewing/quilting blogs I found on the internet (and a big reason I began blogging) hosts a semi-annual giveaway day where bloggers worldwide can link up and give something away.  You can choose whatever you want to give away and set up all the rules around it.  It's awesome!  I've won a few things in the past, but I think it's even more fun to pick something to give away and see who'd like to get it.



 So...as in the past, I thought long and hard about what to give away and finally inspiration struck close to home.  Recently, my back has been hurting a lot to the point I felt like I was walking around like a little old lady (I'm 32, nowhere near old, right...right????).  I am a runner, albeit a self-made one and a slow one to boot, but I wondered if all of my running had hurt my back.  I saw the doctor and he recommended physical therapy for it.  I laughed to myself that an otherwise healthy "athlete" would need to go to physical therapy, but at the same time, I was excited to go and learn any tips, tricks and advice to both heal my back and improve my running.  And one of the tips they gave me...get a good heating pad.

And to get to the point, I decided to whip myself up a Rice Warmer Bag and one for one of you!  I've made a few of these as gifts and they're always well received.  I actually use a tutorial from SMS, so it's really full-circle that I use this great tutorial from their site as my giveaway prize.

This is the bag from the tutorial

These little bags are awesome and really helpful for those nagging aches and pains or for cold feet on a winter's night.  I made my bag in shades of blues and brown and used an mix of German Chamomile and Sweet Orange Essential Oils to give my bag an uplifting and soothing smell, but the winner of this giveaway will get to choose their colors and essential oil from my stash to make it completely perfect and personalized.



And what about those booboos or the aches that come right after a run or a long day on your feet?  I'm throwing in a square rice bag that you can throw in the freezer and use cool instead.  It's the same concept, but that way you'll have one for heating and one for cooling off.  I usually scent this one with peppermint for additional cooling, but again, the winner and I can discuss the details...  And I'll throw in a couple of other relaxing goodies which may or may not include chocolate and bath goodies...  Because honestly, who doesn't want to be pampered?

"BooBoo Bag" or Cold Therapy Bag from tutorial

And this is mine!!

What do you have to do to be entered to win this great wellness package that will be delivered to your door?  Just leave me a comment answering this question:  What is your favorite way to de-stress?  I mean, after all, this giveaway is all about relaxation, so share your best secret for doing so with us.   I like easy giveaways 'round here, so no hoop-jumping, just comment and then you're free to enter all of those other great giveaways too!

The giveaway will be open until Friday, December 16 at 8 p.m. EST and after that I'll randomly choose a winner and contact you via email.  Please make sure you aren't a no-reply blogger so I'll have an email to contact you with.  If you're not sure or you want to play it safe, make sure to include your email address in your comment.  If I can't contact the winner, I will announce it here and wait for a few days to hear back before choosing a new winner.



Giveaway Details:  Winner will receive one Rice Warmer Bag (finished size approximately 6 x 13 inches) in your choice of colors and essential oil scent from my stash, one Rice Cold Therapy Bag (finished size approximately 6 x 8 inches) in your choice of colors and scent as well, and a few other goodies of my choice to help you fully relax.  Just leave a comment here with your favorite way to de-stress and make sure I have a way to contact you!

Have fun with the giveaways this week!!  Click here to check out all of the different categories!  Mine is under Gifts for the Home.

124 comments:

  1. Kelli made me these for Christmas one year and they are fantastic! They work so well, my husband will even use these "un-manly" pink bags!! ;)

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  2. My favourite way to de-stress is to sit by water - be it a lake, river or ocean.

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  3. Aren't you clever!? These are great. And my sewing room - that's where I destress the best!

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  4. My favorite way to destress is a long hot bath ... with the kids occupied elsewhere!

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  5. Very cool! The ultimate way I destress is when I wash my feet and my hubby massages them for a very long time... total bliss!

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  6. My favorite ways to de-stress are knitting, reading, and weeding (in the summer).

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  7. how nice! I love to listen to classic music to relax. thanks!

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  8. I know it's cliche, but I do my best destressing in the tub. Preferably with a glass of red wine.

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  9. This sounds perfect for me as I'm currently mid-pregnancy! I like to relax with wine (although not currently), cheese, homemade bread and a good movie.

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  10. My de-stress is a long, hot shower. Your prizes look great!

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  11. My favorite way to de-stress is to curl up in bed listen to soft music and snuggle up under the covers with a good book. Thanks for the chance to win!
    okiedokiemama at yahoo dot com

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  12. Oh! These sound delightful. I am definitely going to have to check out that tutorial for maybe some Christmas presents! I like to de-stress by lighting some nicely scented candles and watching classic Disney movies. For some reason they are my comfort movies. LOL

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  13. My favourite way to de-stress is to sing.
    However if there are members of my family about, I have to limit it to in the shower or when vacuuming otherwise it has the opposite effect on them!

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  14. My favorite way to de-stress is to read craft blogs and do a little pinning ;)

    Best,
    Michelle
    daydreambelievershop {at} gmail {dot}com

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  15. I love these bags! De-stressing for me would have to be a bowl of popcorn and a good book.

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  16. I destress by sewing!
    beth(dot)sebastian(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. I sew to destress, would love to win this for my Mom!

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  18. Awesome giveaway, Kelli! I made one of those rice bags, too, probably from the same tutorial. I used mine every evening last fall/winter when I was pregnant and it was so helpful in easing the pain in those achy joints and ligaments. Plus, our house can get really cold so it was a great personal heater!

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  19. a glass of wine and a bath... ahhhhhhhhhh

    laurenlehman@gmail.com

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  20. Cute giveaway! My de-stress involves nachos and a chick flick!

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  21. I relax by reading a good book all curled up on my couch with a blankie. Pick me! :D

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  22. My best de-stressor is yoga; a mind-body connection can't be beat! I'd love to try your rice packs on my chronic headaches!

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  23. My favorite way to de-stress is a yoga class! Or, if not possible, camomile tea usually does the trick too.

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  24. A hot bath with a good book
    Thanks for the chance to win

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  25. When I need to de-stress, I make a pot of coffee and iron. Thank you for a great giveaway!

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  26. I love a boozey hot chocolate at the end of a long, cold, stressful day. Just a little nip. More for the taste then the booze.

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  27. My favourite way to de-stress is yoga class. My yoga teacher has such a nice personality and soothing voice. And she has these awesome lavender eye pillows that she puts over our eyes during savasana. Ahhhh...

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  28. What a wonderful giveaway! I like to use quilting to help de-stress. All those straight lines can be soothing!

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  29. I love to sew and see something come to life

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  30. When I get time I love to take baths! Thanks for the great giveaway! Lilsis_75@Hotmail.com

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  31. My favorite way to de-stress is to take a nice, long walk. It always makes me feel better!

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  32. My favorite way to destress is a warm bath followed by going to bed early. I think extra sleep and warm water do wonders.

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  33. 2 ways I de-stress: play the piano (badly) and sing along and sewing-design and piece quilts and embroidery. Thank you for the tutorial and giveaway.

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  34. I read. I have 4 lovely little girls so I don't get to read often but when I do it's heaven!

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  35. Oh goodness . . . I'm preggers and that looks heavenly. I de-stress with music and a nice foot massage from my husband (when I can get one!)

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  36. I find that having my hair brushed, crocheting, embroidery, lying in the back yard all work for me to help de stress... but i don't really stress anyway...hehe... but i have friends who do it for me lol..

    xo Steph

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  37. My favorite way to de-stress is to have my boyfriend give me a back rub! Or a nice heating pack across my shoulders. I also like to sleep, but that's not always possible.

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  38. I de-stress by going out to my front porch with a cup of tea or coffee in the evenings, settling in a rocker and knitting until the kids have settled down for the night. It's a great way to just let all the chaos of the day dissipate.

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  39. Hot bath! Also just sit and watch a show with my husband. carrie dot hare @gmail.com

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  40. A hot cup of chocolate and a good book !

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  41. A good long chat with my sister, or a massage!

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  42. a good cup of tea or a walk with the dog.

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  43. I've recently started doing Hatha yoga and it has become my new lifeline for stress relief!

    And this is a *great* idea for a giveaway!

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  44. I love these! I wanted to make one for my husband for Christmas, but I have to hand sew it, so winning would be easier! LOL! My favorite way to destress is to get into my studio and MAKE STUFF!

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  45. I love a good soak in the bathtub with a warm cup of cappucino!

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  46. I have never thought about putting one of those in the freezer. What a great idea! My favorite way to destress is to either do some yoga poses, get a pain therapy massage, or go fabric shopping. :)

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  47. mmmm. would love that giveaway right now. my fav. way to destress is a hot bubble bath, candles, and ear plugs (so i can't hear the kiddies at the door knocking).
    mcintoshsusan at hotmail dot com

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  48. Favourite way to destress, lay down and read a book, candle lit, music playing...preferably with the kids out of the house!
    love your ideas for a giveaway!

    nancebagance at yahoo dot ca

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  49. My favorite way to de-stress to to a read a fantasy/science fiction book. escape into another world.

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  50. Great giveaway! My favorite way to destress is to get onto the computer and look at blogs.

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  51. Charming giveaway! I de-stress by getting out in Nature, listening to birdsong and breathing in the fresh air. Bliss is right around the corner...

    mynadala(at)gmail(dot)com

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  52. My favorite way to destress is to settle in a cozy spot with my Kindle and a cup of coffee.

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  53. You had me at chocolates!
    My favorite destresser is a curling up with a quilt, a cup of coffee, and a crossword puzzle.

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  54. What a great giveaway. I de-stress by relaxing with a fun book.

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  55. This sounds relaxing! My main destress is relaxing on the couch with the boyfriend. Sounds weird, but rubbing his feet relaxes me. I can't get him to rub mine.

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  56. my fave way to destress is to walk... or drive... somewhere that I can enjoy the weather, the scenery and the place different from my normal environment! Thanks for a great giveaway!

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  57. Thank you for this amazingn relaxing givaway!
    I de-stress best with a yummy rose flavored white tea, a good book, candle light and some good smell of cinamon and orange.

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  58. I like to watch cheesy old movies that make me laugh. Thanks!

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  59. What a fabulous idea - thanks for the chance to own them! My favourite way to destress is to listen to some favourite music and sew! Or phone a friend!

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  60. i find knitting to be a destresser...the rhythm is soothing to me :) raineoc@yahoo.com

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  61. Such a great giveaway! You are the craftiest and sweetest person! To destress I make a cup of coffee and start sewing. :)
    Jenny

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  62. I have a 2 year old, so I don't relax much! But a hot mug of tea or a shower with no interruptions are high on my list!
    mindfulhome at gmail dot com

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  63. If I had time my favorite way to de-stress is to get some time in front of my sewing machine. A nice long bath and reading also helps, but who has time for that?

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  64. I love to de-stress by going on a long walk (or even better-hike!) with my husband and our sweet dog. Thanks for the generous giveaway. akmajor (at) gmail (dot) com

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  65. I like to de-stress with a long hot shower and some yummy-smelling shampoo. Thanks for the chance to win!!

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  66. A long, hot shower, without being interrupted by a toddler is bliss!

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  67. Those bags look, and sound like they smell, wonderful :) I de-stress in a few ways, depending on my mood.. and the weather. A nice long leisurely walk, usually with my camera, is always good, but when the weather is against that, I get out my beads and sort through them .. on the pretense of making something, which some times I do... but usually just playing with them and thinking of what I can do with them helps me relax. and when that fails..I snuggle up in my furry blanket with my kitties and watch tv :)

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  68. Thanks for doing this giveaway! When I need to de-stress, I usually turn to crafting - knitting, sewing, card-making - the concentration takes my mind off of my concerns and the creativity works a different part of my brain.

    ----------------------------

    deborah (at) savvygirls (dot) ca

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  69. two words: bubble bath. (preferably quite hot, candlelit, and heavenly scented.) i turn on the bathroom fan so i don't have to hear any screaming children on the other side of the wall!

    confession: i have actually made and given these bags away too, but how amazing would it be to have somebody give one to ME?! i'd love to have you make me one in deep greens... i would love it. thanks so much for the chance!

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  70. Hot chocolate or tea while relaxing with a good book or movie.

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  71. I am from Central Florida as well! We are practically neighbors =)

    Something I do to de-stress is separate myself from all the craziness of life- and do something for me. Whether it's take myself to a movie, paint, sew, or eat a bowl of raw cookie dough (bad for my health, good for my soul) =)

    ann.cardamone @ gmail.com

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  72. These are lovely -- you color palettes are right up my alley! I try to destress by meditating -- and just taking deep breaths if there's not enough time for that! Going to go check out the tutorial now -- thanks for the link...

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  73. I love to relax either by listening to music or laying down and just day dream.
    shilobeedy@gmail.com

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  74. I love to get a massage. It rarely happens anymore, though.

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  75. I love the colors you have chosen!! I try not to stress too much, but LOVE my alone time to read or catch up with my bloggy friends!! I guess that is how I de-stress! :) Thanks for the chance!

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  76. A nice hot cup of coffee with lots of cream, sugar and whipped cream...and a good book to go with it :)

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  77. My favorite way to de-stress... Probably sleep! LOL! They always seems to help. Deep breathing and praying are always really wonderful as well!

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  78. For quite stressful times I love going out to cycle for as long as possible. I'd be gone for 3 hours or more if I could. Nature, sun/cold, motion, exercise and accomplishment feel so good. Those hot and cold packs would be great for after a ride! And the winner gets to pick both colors and scents? How nice, thanks.

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  79. I love a hot bath with herbal salts! Thanks for the chance!!

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  80. Watching a movie is my de-stresser. Thanks for the chance to win. stephspitzer at gmail dot com

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  81. Zumba is great for giving me a happy boost and sewing of course! If I am really stressed then something repetitive ike chain piecing (that I would normally otherwise get bored with quickly)

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  82. My birthday is Saturday, so this would be such a great birthday present!

    My favorite way to destress is to read. I read about a book a week.

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  83. a hike in the woods usually does it!

    thank you!

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  84. Wow,this is so lovely and generous of you,thanks for chance to win it.My ways are crochet and walks.

    Happy holidays!!

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  85. What a great giveaway! Thank you
    I like to sit by the fire with a glass of damson gin!!!

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  86. My best way to de-stress is a bubble bath with essential oils. Usually lavender.

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  87. my favorite way to destress is to get a massage, unfortunitly they tend to cost too much for me right now. so my second way would be to curl up with a warm blanket a book and a cup of coffee.

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  88. Wow, what a great giveaway! I discovered that I love to swim, the more laps I do the more relaxed I get. That or a nice long bath. I guess as long as I'm submerged in water that is my favorite way to relax!

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  89. These are very pretty; I love the calming blue and brown colors and patterns. I think my favorite way to destress is to cuddle in a blanket with a good book. And maybe some hot cocoa. With it cold/raining/snowing outside, especially.

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  90. Yoga class!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  91. My fav de-stress these days is my box-o-wine. :)

    Thanks for the chance!

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  92. I like to spend some time alone in my sewing room...that always calms me down. Reading the bible helps, too. Merry Christmas!

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  93. Thanks for the idea! I will actually make one as a gift for my friend. I had been wondering what to make her and you just inspired me! Great gift I think.

    I de-stress by... sewing! Not a surprise there I guess.

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  94. Favourite way to de-stress is to give my craft and sewing area a well earned tidy-up. This seems to just lift my spirits and focus on solving all of "life's little up's and down's".

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  95. HI, I love your rice bags, they are beautiful and we ALL need help to de-stress, heal and relax. How do I destress? It can depend, but spending time with my dog, going for walks, letting all the extraneous thoughts go is one good way, reading a good book and having a warm rice bag for my feet would be a great additions to that activity, spending time with friends who can make me laugh is a great way to separate from the stress and often quiet meditation is the key. I can imagine having a hot rice back, up against my back, while I meditate would be a wonderful idea.

    Thanks so much for the chance to win.

    Michelle

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  96. I like to read a book--or blogs. And when I'm really stressed a walk in a beautiful quiet place makes a huge difference.

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  97. this looks awesome! I will have to check out the tutorial if I don't win. With a 2 year old there is plenty of stress around our house. My favorie method of relaxation is reading!

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  98. Fantastic giveaway!
    My favourite way to de-stress is either going for a long run, or else doing yoga. It all depends on what kind of stress it is!

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  99. I love to de-stress by going into my 'cave' and sew. I can't hear anything while I am in there and it is just so peaceful for me!! I also love to go out shopping by myself for with a girlfriend or two!

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  100. My favorite way to destress is put on a good movie and do some handwork- knitting or embroidery.

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  101. Nothing like a good book in a hot bath. I love your wellness package! Thanks for a fun giveaway!

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  102. A hot bath, a cup of tea, some relaxing music and a good book. That is my ultimate way to de-stress, though it doesn't happen very often. Now I wanna go do that...

    Thanks for this giveaway!

    chibidani at gmail dot com

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  103. I love to take a long walk in a quiet place. I must compliment you on your designs and color choices... beautiful!

    Thanks and Merry Christmas!

    winterwrens at gmail dot com

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  104. I de-stress by reading blogs, novels, or magazines.

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  105. Drinking hot chocolate and being on the computer helps me de-stress.

    hwcutie@hotmail.com

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  106. I love your destress bags and I sure could use one. My sewing is my destresser, I love it every day.

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  107. This may be the best giveaway I've seen yet - it's so perfect for the season!

    One way I often de-stress is by listening to music.

    ikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca

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  108. I like to de-stress by listening to soft music and reading.
    kaety-scott(at)att(dot)net

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  109. I de-stress by going to my studio whether to sew or read or just sit and rest. My studio is off limits to interruptions unless you're invited in. DH is very kind to honor this little quirk of mine. I could use your Wellness giveaway more then I could ever explain. thanks for the chance to win.

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  110. I de-stress with a hot bath and an audiobook or by crafting.

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  111. This bgas are fantastic. I love to had one

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  112. My favorite way to destress is to have a piece of chocolate.

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  113. My best destresser is a glass of wine... or two... and some easy knitting with some really lovely yarn :)

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  114. I prefer some quiet time with a book or taking the baby for a long walk to unwind and reduce stress. But hey, wine works, too!

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  115. I love a good back rub from my husband.

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  116. My favorite expensive way to relax is a massage. My easier, cheaper way is to grab a cup of hot tea and a good book and be alone in the quiet for a little while. Thanks for the chance to win these great pampering gifts! ellen@myerly.net

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  117. My favorite way to de-stress is to sew. After a tough day when the kids are in bed (or DH takes over for the night) I go into my room and sew oftentimes to midnight or later. I wake up the next day as if I had a full nights sleep :)

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  118. OH- my email is vpaustian@yahoo.com

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I'd love to hear from you, so let me know...whaddya think!