No Change In The Couch Cushions

Things I Found At The Party

We had a happy party round these parts last week. Another round of Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party (which is still going on by the way, so link up if you haven't), which brought people from far and wide who left lots of wonderful things behind. These little gatherings are a way for people with their own online shops/businesses/blogs to show us their stuff. To reach new people (that would be you), expand their markets and in general, just get to know one another better.

Here's some of the places my mouse led me this time around.

sources:  

mandala cards via notional notions; vintage green pottery mixing bowl via red hill home; 
shop indie t shirt via krmbal; green turquoise bracelet via jewelry by debra



Something for everyone, yes? The writer, the baker, the change maker, and the jewelry lover.  I'd be quite happy with all four.


Did you find some special things at the party? Share if you'd like. I love seeing what these gatherings lead the rest of you to discover.


I've been mulling something over in my head.  I originally started Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It as a shop and blog link up, but there haven't been nearly as many blogs participating as I'd like. So I'm thinking I may do the shop link up on it's own, and then the blog hop on it's own. What do you think?
If you have a blog and would like to participate in co-hosting the blog hop, just leave a comment. I'd also like to grow these shop link ups because I think there are so many hardworking artisans and crafters that should be discovered. If you have any ideas let me know!


It was like Spring this morning, I even went outside and raked my garden beds a bit. I admit, only because I was on the hunt for mint. Garden report: it's a mess out there and the mint isn't making itself known yet, which surprised me since you can't kill the stuff and it grows like weeds. However, other things like my fragaria (non-fruiting strawberry) was and thyme has been green all Winter under the snow.  I can't wait to get out there and do some real raking and cleaning up.


Have a great day and I'll work on doing the same. Lots to do in the office. Too bad the snoring hound behind me can't help.


Ciao for now,

Did Someone Say Party?

via sugarpiefarmhouse

Come On In And Make Yourself Comfortable

Hey y'all. OK, I'm not from the South, but I always wanted to say that. It sounds so welcoming. 

Do you like parties as much as me? Then you came to the right place. This little virtual party on Mercantile Muse is my way of giving some 'airtime' to my fellow etsy shop owners, independent online business owners and bloggers a place to strut their stuff. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party, gives them all a chance to reach out and let new people know about their products, services and blogs. It's a chance for the rest of you to discover new must haves and must reads.  I think it's important for us independent business people to support each other and this party is one the ways I do that.

I hope you'll stick around, it's always a great time.

1. tags via K is for Caligraphy

2. confetti pinata via Studio Mucci

3. centerpiece vase via The Red Lily Shop

4. radio via Space87

5. tea towel via French Slipper

6. cocktail set via Collectique

7. chip and dip bowl set via BeeJayKay

8. dark chocolate caramel toffee apple via Nicole’s Treats

Ready to party? Remember, even if you don't own an etsy shop or online business and you don't blog, you are still invited to this party. It's a fun place to window shop and see what you might have been missing until now.

Please read the guidelines before linking up:

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, I ask that you follow too. There are several different ways to follow in the sidebar. 

*Don't link and run. Be kind and check out each other's links. You can't believe the things I've discovered at these parties. Plus, it's all about supporting each other after all. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter. It'd be great to connect with you any way I can.

*Will you share a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, share on your etsy team if you're on one, etc. If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse's button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on my email list to receive notification from me (from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net) when the next link up party is underway, as well as other Mercantile Muse news.

*BY ALL MEANS, get to know the person next to you. Leave a comment that tells us a little more about your shop and/or blog and read and respond to what others have to say.  If you need inspiration, here's something to get you started......'How did you start making __________ or blogging about ________? Where do you live? What's happening in your world this week?' 

It's a party, it's all about mingling and getting to know each other.

Now, without further delay...'time to party'.If you're reading via email you can stop by the party here.

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One more thing before you leave, the current giveaway on Mercantile Muse isf for $170 in handmade loveliness.  You really should enter. Especially since you can't win if you don't. 

Have a fantastic day and thanks for coming to the party.

later gators,