A Good Start To The Week: I'm A Winner. No Kidding.

This Usually Doesn't Happen To Me

That is to say, I'm not usually the winner in this house. It's usually the 'Luck Of The Irish' lad. I mean, he even won a trip to Dublin for St. Patrick's Day one year and we got to surprise his family! I did win a trip to Florida once so I guess I can't complain (really I can't), but if we're doing the math, G wins things way more often than me. Scratch tickets? I'm not sure why Santa even brings them to me in my stocking. I'm lucky if I win a buck.  G? Another story completely. In fact, I usually make him scratch some of mine because I know if anyone is going to scratch a winner, it's him.  OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. I did also win on Kentucky Derby Day a couple of years ago, but still, bar that and the Florida win, mine are few and far between.

However..............this morning I started my day with an email from the lovely Diana over at exPress-o, notifying me that I'd won the giveaway she had on her blog last week. I won a beautiful custom stamped bangle/cuff bracelet from SimaG Jewelry. Woohoo.......lucky me!

 

bracelets by SimaG Jewelry

Awesome Dawson!

I won, I won, I won, I won..........doing my own little snoopy dance over here.

Now for the even funner part, I get to decided what to have stamped on my bracelet. Oh, as you can see from the above image, the possibilities are endless, even with just 20 letters max.

At the top of the running for me are: 

- live, love, laugh

- be happy

- peace

Well, what's your vote? Which of the three above would you choose. Which do you think 'I' will choose? And if you were choosing for yourself, what would you put on a bracelet from SimaG?

Many thanks to Diana at ExPress-o for hosting the giveaway and to SimaG Jewelry for sponsoring.  I don't know if I've told you this, but I'm a bracelet kind of gal.

So, how was your weekend? Ours was good. A little trans-Atlantic Skyping with my best frined Tina on Friday. Saturday, I watched some hockey (we won!) and a movie or two. Yesterday we ended our day with a cocktail and some cheese and crackers with the neighborhoodlums.  And, as you can see, my week has started off with a bang! What's happening in your world?

Ciao for now,

Shifting Focus

Keeping It Simple

When there is a lot on my plate, as there has been and continues to be, I find it helpful to stop trying to multi-task. Stop looking at the entire list. Break it down to one task at a time.

Make a conscious choice.

Choose simplicity.

I'm working on a couple of logo designs right now that are inspired by natural elements.  It's easy for me to find inspiration for that. 

Even in one small leaf.

Friday didn't end up being as productive as I would have liked. After my printer ran out of toner, my mouse and keyboard up and quit on me. Don't you just hate that?

So, by choosing to focus on simplicity, I'm hoping to set myself up for a stellar week.  No matter what challenges lie ahead.

What do you find helps you when there is a lot to be done and things don't go quite as planned?

Have a great week in your corner of the world.

Ciao for now,

Pin Worthy

In Need of Color

Currently, it's a gray rainy day. Though it does look like the sun is trying to make the slightest go of it. Not sure if it will be successful or not, but sure would be nice. 

In case it doesn't though, I thought I'd offer up a little color explosion via some of my pinterest pins. Just to give my day a necessary infusion of color to push the grays away.

sources:

Vintage Revivals/painted plywood wall  

I am pascal/taped stairs 

luxe and lilies/colorful dining area

the mod collective/multi-color pottery

sources:

the marion house book/jenn’s bedroom walls (Benjamin mooredark harbor)

photo by kristins jaarda

iron and wine/tour poster

naniiro/fabrics

I feel better about the rain already.

Yoga update:

So, I have finished week 2. I met and exceeded my goal of 5 days with yoga practice. I didn't get practice in on Monday because it was a very busy day. I was not happy (this is a good sign) about that.  This meant I had to fit a practice in on my weekend, which is fine, but I'd rather know I met my goal before heading into the weekend. Well, in all honesty, it didn't matter. I wanted to take time with my mat on Saturday and did. I also wanted to practice Sunday too, so I did. Progress, not perfection. I did well focusing on my form and listening to my body and not pushing too hard. I had a couple of practices where it was hard to quiet my mind, which if you've never done yoga, is essential or you'll just topple right over.  I was able to get a handle on the mind jabbering and ended the week quite happy with where I am after two short weeks. It feels great to be back on my mat.  

I found this video on pinterest last night and was completely amazed at this woman doing yoga. I can't even imagine ever being good enough to do even half of what she does. All I can say is I am gobsmacked. What the human body has the ability to do, is really quite mind blowing and beautiful. 

She is really something. She is my inspiration for the week. Be forewarned she's only wearing bra and undies.   Click here if you're reading via email.

My goal for the week is to practice 5 days.  To practice at the start of the day, if at all possible. And again, work on form and mental focus since that was a challenge last week. I also need to drink way more water.

How are you doing on the 'be good to yourself' front?

Ciao for now,

Take That, To Do List!

Monday, The Day To Get Things Done

I am going to take care of my to-do list today. Crossin' things off left and right.  That's the order of the day.

So, I shall be brief so I can get down to business.

A little look at fall neutrals, etsy style. A treasury to pay it forward to some of these fine folks who have featured my things in a treasury.

You can see the treasury, complete with links to these wonderful shops, by clicking here.

Yoga update:

So, I told you all last week that I needed to get back on my mat, that I'd let other things get in the way of taking time to take care of myself.  I can't tell you what a difference this has made already. I surpassed my goal of 4 days of yoga practice last week, and ended with 5. Three of the days, I did two practices- one in the morning, and one at the end of the day. I feel better- body & mind, am sleeping better and just feel better all around.  This week, I would like to get 5 practices in again, and really focus on each thing that goes into a certain pose.

This has been my inspiration for the week.

Thanks to valerie lavigne yoga for the nudge. Though honestly, I didn't really need it. I wanted to get on my mat. I wanted to take the time. I wanted to practice yoga. This in itself is a positive change.  More on the yoga progress next week.

Have you been making any positive changes to take better care of yourself? I'd love to hear how it's going.

Have a great Monday. It's a great day to have.

Ciao for now,

Things I Found & Overheard At The Party

via cottage crafts online

 

Did Everyone Find A Seat?

 

It's a good thing the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party is a virtual party. There is no doubt our little cottage would be bustin' at the seams with all of you Winter party-goers.

 

For those of you who may not know it, I like parties. So, to get my party fix, I host a party here on Mercantile Muse every two weeks. It's a place for online shops (etsy or otherwise) and bloggers to show us their stuff....to compete with the big guys....to introduce themselves to new people. And have they got stuff to show.

 

I never cease to be amazed at where the links the party-goers have left behind lead me.  Following the links at the party, is like opening one little gift after the other.

 

This week's party (which you are still welcome to join or browse through and do a little window shopping) is full of great guests. It led me to some wonderful places and things.

 

The proof is in the pudding.

 

Here's some things I found at this week's link party.

 

 

sources:  gift wrap ideas via confetti style & vintage book via sweet posy dreams

 

How sweet are these packages that Shelly wrapped?  Perfect for Valentine's Day.

 

Heads up.  I'm just putting this out there...........if someone doesn't get over to sweet posy dreams quick.......that book is going to be mine. I love, love, love that cover.  Fair warning.

More goodness for you.

 

sources: fabric flower via violets buds; love art print via placefulness; resin heart necklaces via sigal f jewelry;  hot pink burlap ribbon via cottage crafts online

Oh my. It's a festival of pinks today. 

 

Violet's Buds' pretty fabric flower is Versatile with a capital V. It can be worn in your hair, clipped to a headband or even clipped to a lapel.

 

Isn't placefulness' art print just perfectly lovely? OK. I couldn't resist,but it really is lovely.

 

My etsy friend Sigal has added resin designs to her beautiful jewelry.  The hearts are very sweet.

 

I don't know about you, but I can't say I've ever imagine burlap in bright pink. Oh my. Thank you Cottage Crafts Online for making me swoon. You see, I've got a thing for burlap.

 

A quick shout out to Katrina at Pugly Pixel for all the wonderful freebies she offers on her site, which include the fun hang tags I used in the photo collages. She's got the best stuff and is so kind to share it.  If you've never been to Pugly Pixel, I suggest you take a swing by. I could get lost on her site for ages between the tutorials, the eye candy and the blog bling.

 

 

Monday, Monday

 

Here we are, in the middle of another Monday, which of course means the weekend is over. Always sad words in my book, because I do love the weekend. I think it has to do with the slowed down pace (well, most of the time) and the lack of schedule (again, most of the time).

 

We enjoyed the company of the neighborhoodlums Friday night. I got up at a ridiculous hour on Saturday and was out the door in my PJs in the freezing cold taking pictures of the Wolf Moon setting over the field. Think I needed a tripod for this one simply because I coudn't keep my hands still thanks to the cold.

 

We visited with my parents on Saturday. Did some food shopping. Made to-die-for paella (recipe tomorrow). Got a little hockey watching and X Games in, as well as laundry and other house stuff. 

 

How about you? How was your weekend? Was it full to the brim or quiet and calm?

 

Hey, it being Monday and all means it's Meet Up Monday on our facebook page. Just another way to connect with new people. Feel free to pop on by.

 

Make it a great day in your corner of the world, and I'll do the same.

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

PS- Just to make sure I'm not assuming things........did you know you can quickly pin any of the posts on Mercantile Muse? There is a pin button below each post that makes it super easy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Challenge: Day 8

via Mercantile Muse

It's In The Details

Happy Monday gang. Hope you enjoyed your weekend. We did. Had a great 'neighborhoodlum Friday night' in Tom's garage. We tend to gather there for appies and a cocktail.

We did in fact top that off with a little youtube dancing as predicted. Ya just can't stop us. This is one of our new favorites to do a little 'livin'-room-kitchen-jive' to, the Smoking Time Jazz Club. Don't be misled. We are not this smooth, but it's really all about having fun. Good thing my husband plays along because I'm a dancing fool.  If you're reading via mobile or email, click here.




Beyond that we enjoyed a John Wayne Saturday night (you can't begin to imagine how darn happy that made me, and for once I'm not being sarcastic). We also both had lists and checked things off. Wahooli! Not that there isn't more, but it's always good to take care of at least some things on the list. 

Onto today's photo challenge. Isn't it funny how you can simply not even notice things if you don't take the time to look around?  I'm constantly saying this to Gar when we're on vacation and I'm trying to take pictures and he's rushing by. He misses stuff. It's as simple as that. Here's what our photo challenge participants caught by taking it a little slower and looking closer and finding the details.

Bonnie and her family took a quick trip to San Fran to escape the triple digit heat at home.

'House Of Chocolate', via Bonnie, at {PaperKeeper}

You guessed it. Ghiradelli Chocolate! This part of the beautiful facade from their old building. Oh how they used to know how to adorn everything to make it special, even buildings.

Speaking of buildings, the detail of the buildings in San Francisco are one of the reasons Bonnie loves it. Very charming.

'all in a row', via Bonnie at {PaperKeeper}

How great is the detail on this Oreo Cookie Cow. Whenever I see them, they make me chuckle. I've always had a thing for cows. I'm so glad Karen captured this one. Honestly, how great is this cow?

'oreos and milk', via Karen at Bridgit's Bell

Karen is also capturing a bit of .....shall we say.....anatomical correctness in this Goddess doll she's making. Apparently, it has provoked a few comments. What a hoot.

'i'm a goddess afterall', via Karen at Bridgit's Bell

I'm with Karen on this one.....Why the mops? For some reason, even though they appear to be mops, this makes me think that perhaps Father Virgil Homer McDaniel (quite a name Father), was one of the early quidditch players.

'he cleaned up well', via Karen at Bridgits Bell

Of course, there's always great detail in flowers if you take time to stop and smell them.

'lantana love', via Karen at Bridgits Bell

Here's one of the things Garrett missed. We were walking away from Grand Central and we passed this non-descript building. Except it wasn't so non-descript afterall. All the way up one side of both corners of the building were these insets with all types of people....a soldier, a pioneer, a young girl with her doll. The next time we're there, I'd like to get more info on this building. I'm sure there is a reason for these details and I bet it's interesting.

'you take the high road', via Pam at Mercantile Muse

I'll give my husband this, he always takes time to take in the details of Grand Central Terminal with me. It's one amazing building. One of my favorite features are the beautiful windows that lead to the blue ceiling adorned with constellations, complete with twinkling star lights.

'grand it is', via Pam at Mercantile Muse

Of course, details can be found whether you're in the city or the country. Our corner of the country includes the beach.

'sand flower', via Pam at Mercantile Muse

I love the utter gnarliness of barnacles. If you've never stepped on a stone with barnacles, I'm here to tell you.... it hurts. They're rough, they're tough and they cling on for life once they've attached themselves to something.

'rough around the edges', via Pam at Mercantile Muse

Even the details of a flower past is beautiful and Cari-Jane is forever noticing these little things. I love that about her and her work.

'life cycle', via Cari-Jane at Hybrid Handmade

Who would ever think to put this kind of detail on a hinge? See what I mean about how they used to adorn everything beautifully? Kathy really had to be looking close to catch this detail.

'10 Gallon Hinge', via Kathy at Double Nickels and Beyond

Now if you look really, really close at this picture you'll find my favorite part. Kathy not only captured the hinge, but also a Texas cowboy just inside the door. So awesome.

If you'd like to join in the photo challenge, we'd love to have ya. This is a no pressure challenge and just for fun. You'll find more details here.

And what could be more fun then a giveaway with over $150 worth of handmade goods? If you haven't entered yet, there is still time. This is something you do not want to miss.

Did you miss the walk in the park yesterday? What a beautiful spot to take in some details.

Enjoy the beginning of a new week and make it a great one.

Ciao for now,

Photo Challenge: Day 5

via myboju life

Retro Groove

The Mercantile Muse Photo Challenge is in full swing and a has been a ton of fun. What a hoot it's been seeing everyone's take on one theme. Still plenty of challenges left if you want to join in.

From the streets of London to aMAZE-ing Hawaii, retro grove can be found in all corners of the globe. That doesn't even make sense, seeing as how a globe is round. However, retro groove is everywhere.

While on vacation recently, Bonnie got to visit this neat museum. A time capsule of sorts.

'gonna sit right down and write myself a letter', via Bonnie, {paperkeeper}

For good measure, Bonnie sent this one of her mom and friends looking ever so glamourous at the beach. Fabulous!  Bonnie's Mom is styling the longer curls on the left.

'bathing beauties', via Bonnie, {paperkeeper}

The 70s grass cloth wallpaper in Kristen's home has been the bane of her existence for a long time. It's down, but it took a lot of effort. I kept telling her, I kind of liked it.

'keep off the grass', via Kristen, Milo and Molly

Maybe I'm just a nut, but I actually think the other wallpaper Kristen had to deal with is kind of groovy too. Kristen? Not so much.

'if these walls could talk', via Kristen, milo and molly

This one is killing me. Emma, that pineapple really suits you.

'ahola `oe', via Emma, mybojulife

You must read about Emma's pineapple maze skills. Not all was lost Emma, you got some great shots, right?

Kathy's shot forces me to date myself. I'm here to tell you, I was a cheerleader and I wore saddle shoes.  We might have been the last squad to do so. I think they're still in my Mom and Dad's attic.  I thought they rocked. 



'saddle up', via kathy, double nickles and beyond

I'll admit something else. I have never mastered the hula hoop. I think I can can get them going now, but my problem is I always use too much hip.

'70s swing', via Pam, Mercantile Muse

Love everything in this vignette from Traci ....the ginger jar lamp, the camera, the scale, the suitcase. Well, you get the idea.

'classics in their own right', via Traci, All Things Luci Rae

This 'see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil' picture from Karen makes me want to know more of the story. Where was this? When was this? Were you at a concert? Were these you high school or college pals?

'what were they up to', via Karen, Bridgit's Bell

Harken back to a gentler time and place.....around the May Pole of course.

'rainbow ribbons', via Karen, Bridgit's Bell

Came across this mint condition el camino in our yard sale travels last summer.

'cherry red', via Pam, Mercantile Muse

I only have to look out my window to see my neighbor's barn.

'nice view', via Pam, Mercantile Muse

Ashley's dh's totally groovalicious tie collection. I would seriously be stealing these from my husband.

'fit to be tied', via ashley, papyrusaurus

How'd you like to cruise around London in this classic Ford Popular? Well, that's what Cari-Jane and her husband have been doing, now that he got this baby running.

'toot toot', via Cari-Jane, Hybrid Handmade

According to Cari, 'people STARE, take photos and you get to feel like a celebrity (except that it is the car that is the celebrity).   The horn goes 'toot toot' and the indicators are little flags that pop out of the side.'  Other than the olympic flags in this shot, this could be London many moons ago.

Oh how I'd love a ride in that baby.

Fantastic submissions as usual. Thanks for joining in.

Other fantastic things? It's Monday. Start of a fresh, new week.  Yesterday's pop-up drenching thunder/wind storm only rained on 5 pieces of clothing instead of an entire wash like last week (I was too fast with the laundry basket this time).  The giveaway is going strong and has some of the best stuff around, all for you to win. To top things off, there's a little bit of networking happening on our facebook page. Stop by and share a link to your shop and/or blog and meet some new peeps. If you're not a shop owner or blogger, stop by and 'like' us anyway. I post a lot of neat stuff that you won't necessarily find here on the Muse.

Make it a great week. Don't forget to get your submissions for Day 6 of Photo Challenge (eency weency) to me by end of day tomorrow.

Ciao for now,

Photo Challenge Day 2

via bridgitsbell

Vast

Happy Monday gang. I hope you had a good weekend. We worked on organizing all day yesterday and made good headway. More to do, but isn't that always the case.  Today is day 2 in the Mercantile Muse Photo Challenge. I love today's theme of vast theme and just new it would brings some beautiful shots.

Ashley captured this shot. I love all the textures going on in this.

'Sea Level', via ashely croyle, papyrusaurus

Karen looks she might have snuck down for a walk at my beach (am I right Karen? North Beach, Hampton?). I know, it's not exactly 'my' beach. However, when you grow up a mile from it, and spend a gazillion hours on it growing up, you kind of think of it that way. Thank goodness I only live 10 minutes away. 

'Golden Sand', via Karen Traversy, Bridgits Bell

Another from Karen. One bird and one big blue sky.

'Soaring', via Karen Traversy, Bridgits Bell

And one more from Karen. Soft, muted tones. 

'via 'Peach Over Sea' via Karen Traversy, Bridgits Bell

Thank you Emma for making me feel like I'm standing there with you, looking at the Smokey Mountains. Stunning.

'Blue Smoke', via Emma, MyBojuLife

My beach. Wink wink.  That's Gman next to the rock.

'Beach Shine', Pamela Bates, Mercantile Muse/Bates Mercantile Co.

Gar may be on the beach, but I think Traci might have been on the water.

'Sailing Away', Traci, All Things Luci Rae

Check out the rainbow above the center catamaran. Not sure if it was a real rainbow, looks like too nice a day for that. Maybe a sun spot? Looks awesome either way.

Wow. Bonnie from PaperKeeper was lucky to be a witness to this beauty and thanks to her, we get to share in it.

'Deepest Blue', via Bonnie, Paper Keeper

That deep blue water is amazing.

Such a wonderful way to start the week.

Thanks for playing along gang. Really enjoy getting your submissions. If you haven't heard about the Photo Challenge yet, you can learn more here.  All are welcome to join in the fun. Next theme: Self Portrait. Ugh. Why did I include that one? Get me your shots asap....I'll be prepping it tomorrow. 

Self portrait or no self portrait, here's something that will surely make you smile.....we're only a few days away from the start of the Mercantile Muse August Giveaway!!! This one is really gonna float your boat.  Here's another tease........

Even better news.......that's not all. I've got fantastic sponsors for this giveaway and you guys will surely want to enter this one.  Soon my dears. Soon.

Ah, the beginning of a new week. All full of promise of the things you'll get done. My list is pretty long but I feel so so happy to be starting my week off with a clean and organized office. I'm pretty tempted to do the Snoopy Dance!

What about you? Is it a really full week? Will you be able to squeeze in some 'you' time? We have part of our Dublin family coming for a couple of days at the end of this week and it's nice to have that to look forward too.

Happy Monday,