inspiration – sarah vail

Adult Acne? These Crystals Might Help

Posted on February 20, 2018 by

My interest in crystals has been ramping up lately. The more I learn about the different gems, the more fascinated I become. I’ve got to create when inspiration hits, which it did after a recent Woman of Size Podcast episode.

In this post, I share the graphic, provide a brief summary of each stone, and give credit where credit is due – to the sources.

The Graphic

The Crystals

Selenite

Selenite is a great crystal for skin conditions. It amplifies healing and pulls away negative energies and blockages that cause that particular skin condition.

Turquoise

Touted as the master healer, turquoise has detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce acne breakouts.

Azurite with Malachite

Azurite with Malachite, a combination stone, is a powerful conductor of energy and a powerful healing force for the body. It is an excellent stone for treating all skin conditions.

Black Onyx

Black Onyx is a soothing, cooling stone. Use this stone to help fight infection and calm inflammation. This crystal helps to rebuild confidence and self-esteem.

The Wrap Up

Do you have any crystal recommendations for reducing acne? I’d love to hear them!

In the meantime, I’m working on a few more crystal-related graphics, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay in the loop!

The Sources

https://www.theholisticdirectory.co.uk/articles/story/crystals-for-healing-skin-by-bunmi-aboaba

https://ecologicskincare.co.za/2017/02/crystals-and-complexions/

5 Healing Rocks and Crystals for Flawless Skin

5 Sources of Inspiration from 2017 Holiday Season

Posted on January 1, 2018October 17, 2024 by

Happy New Year!

Before I fully commit to 2018, there are a few things that came out of the 2017 holiday season that can only be described as just plain delightful!

In this post, I’m sharing five things that I found to be surprisingly inspirational this past month.

MUST-SEE Saturday Night Live Skit, Welcome to Hell

Trashin’ Through the Snow

Both the phrase and this sweatshirt, which is the newest addition to my holiday wardrobe.

The sweatshirt was a fundraiser to support the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, the geniuses behind the Trash Wheel Family.

I’ll detail my love for both Mr. and Professor Trashwheel in a separate post, but for now, here’s a short intro if you’re interested.

Lego Advent Calendars

I’ve mentioned Heidi from Casa Pena Designs in the past, but we’re going to be working together more strategically in 2018. While I was at her office working on some shared 2018 goals, I noticed that her son had some holiday-themed legos, and upon further inspection, it turned out to be an advent calendar!
Christmas & Star Wars Themes

I’m getting one of these for myself next year, as well as all the kiddos in my life!

Puppies Crash Christmas on Hulu

It’s hard to explain, but if you’ve ever seen the Puppy Bowl, it’s along those lines, but without the kitten halftime show.

Ability to link Amazon and Hiltons Honors

I used to travel a lot for work, so I’ve been lucky enough to benefit from free reward programs. It takes some time to accumulate points, but eventually, I find something to use my points on.

I’m not how I found this, but Amazon has an option to link to a Hilton Honors account so that you can use points to purchase items. I did, and my 3,000 points are worth around $6.

Perhaps it’s less than life-changing, but I thought it was notable!

What inspired you in 2017?

It’s a Dolly Parton Kind of Day

Posted on October 3, 2017October 3, 2017 by

I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time. It’s the first official day that I’m working out of the luxurious Casa Pena Designs office.

That’s a fancy way to say that I’m working at Heidi’s kitchen table while she’s crouched over her desk-like cubby, in the corner with the weird shadow. But it’s our first official collaboration day, and it’s exciting!

I Always Find Inspiration Outside My Comfort Zone

My comfort zone = my house (+ dogs + refrigerator).

Today, the inspiration began before I even left the city. My normal radio stations weren’t giving me what I needed, so I reached over and grabbed the book of CD’s (I know, I’m old AF) that slid out from under the passenger seat.

I chose at random, and the universe richly rewarded me with the familiar opening of Dolly Parton’s Jolene:

Man, I love this song. It’s so good, and there are so many great iterations of it, like this one:

The fact that she sang it with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus is almost too much for me to handle. But the time she did a collabo with Pentatonix and nailed it so hard I involuntarily burst into tears of joy, it was too much:

Or how Drunk History shared the origin story of the song. If it’s true, then Dolly Parton finds inspiration everywhere, too!

Dolly Parton is More than Big Hair and Big Talent

While Dolly Parton’s talent easily earns my respect, I’ve loved her for as long as I can remember because there are so many stories like this one, as depicted by Drunk History:

Recently, I was moved to tears, yet again, when I learned of her long-term generosity for the nearly 900 victims of Tennessee wildfires. This article outlines the details, but reader beware: you’re going to fall in love with Dolly Parton!

My Annual Date with Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

I could go on and on, but I think you get it – I love Dolly Parton. From where I sit, she represents all that is good in the world, and the epitome of this sentiment is captured in my favorite holiday album, Once Upon a Christmas, a collabo with Kenny Rogers.

As per tradition, I’ll be listening to this album, nonstop, from the day after Thanksgiving to December 25th.

Dolly Parton, you are most certainly good design. Thank you for the inspiration today and always. I love you.

Neon Signs of Twin Peaks

Posted on September 13, 2017November 1, 2017 by

I’ve always admired neon signs, and I’m currently drawing inspiration from them. Each sign is unique and represents so much more than meets the eye. But fun for the eye they are!

One-Eyed Jack’s

We’ve talked about somehow reimagining the One-eyed Jack’s sign since we first laid eyes on it (huh huh), perhaps with colored lights or painted on a wooden door.

Beautiful, right?!? But to get the full effect, that flickering J ties into the storyline in ways I still don’t quite understand.

Jack with one eye didn’t make an appearance in the Return, so it’s hard to know if he (or she) survived the past 25 years.

What we do know that the Renault family took special care of their neon, because it was in most, if not every (I’ll confirm this soon) episode:

The Roadhouse, aka The Bang Bang Bar

At first, I was horrified that some fans were referring to it as the Bang Bang Bar.

It’s the Roadhouse, Millennial! I’d exclaim to the podcasters who would casually complain about the epic long sweeping scene.

But by the end of the season, I discovered that I enjoy saying “Bang Bang Bar sign!” so much more.

One and the same. What’s unclear is what Sarah Palmer is one and the same with.

We got a glimpse after she walked under this noisy neon:

Elk’s Point #9 Bar

In case the audio doesn’t come through, you can almost feel the sound of the electricity. Although the log lady didn’t come right out and say it, this is a sure sign that someone’s face is coming off.