Gotta Blog It Hop

 

Time To Discover New Blogs

 

Hi guys.  I mentioned that I was considering splitting up the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up for a couple of reasons. Number one and foremost, there hasn't been as much participation by bloggers in the link up as I'd like. Why is this important to me? Well, just as it's important to me to support fellow independent shop owners, artisans and crafters, it's just important to me to support fellow bloggers.

 

This is the thing............there are some AWESOME blogs out there. Some have a good following, some have a tremendous following and others are yet......well, sort of undiscovered.  This is a way to discover them all. I mean, people are writing and creating seriously read-worthy content that includes the likes of daily inspiration, exploration of their creative process, nature, history, just for laughs, cooking up a storm, pretty things and so much more. So, let's get discovering!

 

Welcome to the first dedicated Gotta Have It Blog Hop.

 

I hope if you have a blog, you'll join in and link up and perhaps share a link to this blog hop (the button is available on the button page).  The more the merrier, right?  FYI, the Gotta Have Blog It Hop will be live for a week, so bloggers can add their links until next Thursday.  AND, if you add your blog link, you have the chance being featured here next week on the Muse. So, leave a link!

 

If you don't have a blog, I hope you'll take a look around a follow some links. I think you'll enjoy discovering new blogs.

 

Just a few things before we get started:

 

 

Remember, even if you don't blog, you should still take a look around! 

*****If you are linking up your blog, please read before linking.*****

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up, I'd really love it if you followed too. There are plenty of ways in the sidebar.

*Don't link and run. Be kind, hop around and follow links others have left behind.

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter, tumblr. I'd love to connect!

*These blog hops can't be a success without your help. Can you share a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, pin, share wherever you can? If you  inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome. Everyone is welcome - tell your fellow blogger pals. 

*When you take part in the link up, you'll go on the Mercantile Muse mail list. {Correspondence will come from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net.} I'll let you know when the next hop is underway and about other happenings at the Muse.

*BY ALL MEANS, feel free to leave a comment. Share a little more about you, your shop or blog. Need help to get started? 'How'd you get started blogging?'

 

 

 

 

Thanks for being here and joing in the fun. It really makes my day!

Ciao for now,

 

Things I Found & Overheard at the Party

Rocking The House

Last Thursday was the start of another party in these parts. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up is a way for independent online shop and business owners, and bloggers, to show you their stuff.

As always, a lot of wonderful stuff has been left behind.

In addition to some quarters, check out what I've found in the couch cushions.



landscape painting via asta artwork

hammered copper stacking rings via Jewelry By Debra

botanical pressed rose card via little big top
vintage piano roll ephemera via Grandmama’s Attic

wood wand keychain via Gipson Wands
'Lady of Shalott' soap via Cafe Primrose blog & shop

 

The variety of things and posts that people leave behind is always quite varied and as you can, this party is no different.

 

If you have a shop or blog and haven't linked up yet, the party is still going. Swing on by and leave a link. 

 

If you like to window shop like me and discover new shops and blogs, by all means....come to the party and meet some new people.

 

Hope you're having a good day.

 

The wind finally died down but it's still pretty darn cold. Lucan is manning his spot on the futon right next to the fire. Lucky dog.

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things I Found at The Party & Take A Walk

via i delight in you

The Music Was So Loud, The Police Did A Driveby

Yup. That kind of party.

I jest. The police weren't called and they didn't have to do a driveby, but I've swung on by the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party a few times just to make sure I don't miss anything that has been left behind. There are still people arriving. No kidding.

The party is all about supporting the handmade movement, vintageers and pickers, artisans and bloggers.  If you have a shop or blog, the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party is the place to promote your stuff and it's the place for the rest of us get to make awesome discoveries.

Here's some of what I discovered this time around.

1. rose & clematis card via AmyBrngerArtCards  2. valentines embroider via milo and molly
3. sunflower seeds via corky crafts  4. blue feather earrings via I Delight In You
5. do pendant via heidi kind finds  6. a day at the museum via inside my hideaway
7. stoneware bowl via Cornish Hill Pottery  8. statement necklace vie Retro Revival Boutique

Have a look around at these shops and blogs and everything else there is to discover.  


Take A Walk With Us

So, yesterday was 61 degrees F. Hello?  

We live in New Hampshire. 61 degrees F in January is a little on the weird side, but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.  That said, the hound and I scooted out the door and across to the field for a walk. 

Ah. A breath of fresh air. Literally. Sure was needed. Sometimes you just have to get away from the desk and keyboard, know what I mean?

There were lots of whispey lavender clouds.

 Couldn't get a good picture of Lucan. The hound was on the move.

Just a tiny sliver of a crescent.

Sunset Meadows.

Enjoy the day.  Tomorrow, get your aprons on. Another cookie recipe coming your way. It's super easy. Three ingredients. I am not kidding. Count 'em. Three.

Ciao for now,

I LOVE A Party!

via jack smooth

If Not Now, When?

That's right. You heard it here first. It's time for some serious quantities of holiday cheer.  You're up for that, aren't you? I certainly am.

This little party is all about making new friends and supporting the handmade movement, vintageers (as I like to call them), and small business owners in general.  It's a way for small business owners and bloggers to reach new people and promote themselves since none of them have large marketing machines doing it for them like the big guys do.  It also happens to be the last party before Christmas. 

Whether you're a shop owner, a blogger or neither, remember that this party is about having a blast.

So come on in and make yourselves at home.  Shop owners, if you'd kindly leave a link at the party below and help spread the word, this party is an open house. The more the merrier. Other guests, you will not feel left out here...........take a look around, follow the links and find some new things that are sure to go on your wish list. You're going to meet some really nice and very talented people. Everyone, take some time to get to know each other. That's what parties are for, right? 

I do hope you all wore your dancing shoes because it's not really a party without a little dancin'!

1. retro invites via Believe Papergoods
2. red seqin cocktail dress via Bad James Vintage

3. cocktail shakers via Ohio Picker
4. cocktail picks via jack smooth
5. fagottini mozzarella pouches via orobianco
6. tomato jam via copper pot traditions
7. robert goulet via Erma Jewels Vintage
8. ‘dancing’ print via matte art

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 these guidelines before linking up.******

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up, please follow too. There are several ways in the sidebar.You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*Don't link and run. Follow links others have left behind. People have made sales because of these parties, but in the end, it's about supporting each other.

*Link once for your shop, once for you blog to save space for others. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter, tumblr.  It's be great to connect with you as many ways as I can.

*I want these to be the best parties around, but I can't do it without your help. Will you help me by sharing a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, pin, share on any etsy teams? If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

*When you take part in the link up, you'll go on the Mercantile Muse mail list. {Correspondence will come from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net.}  I'll let you know when the next link up party is underway so you can promote your shop and blog again, and about other happenings at the Muse. 

*BY ALL MEANS, let us get to know you better. Leave a comment that tells a little more about you, your shop or blog.  Need help to get started? 'What at the top of your wish list this year?'

Time to pah-tay! (If you're reading by email, click here to go to the party).

I'm so glad you're all here at this last party before Christmas. I trust that you are all making your holidays merry and bright.

Thanks for being here.

I'll see you on the flip side,

What I Found & Overheard At The Party

via linkouture

Thanks For Coming

Hey! Did you see how many people linked up at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Party. Phew, that was a lot of links to look through and it sure makes it even harder to make my picks.  What a talented bunch of party-goers.

Despite the difficulty of my job, sifting through all the wonderfulness in your shops and on your blogs, it is done. A day late, but done.

I'm sure they're different than your pics, and that's what makes this link party so great. There is something for everyone.  Three cheers for talent, creativity and variety.

Here's where the link party led me this week......from man's best friend to 6 degrees of separation from Gwenyth to a farm raisin'. See what I mean about variety?

1. pyrography sign via bk inspired
2. terrier brooch via myhideaway
3. vintage ring via little white chapel
4. wire bracelet via KatKeRosCorner
5. tunnel photograph via trinkets by dana
6. to walk a mile in gwenyth’s shoes via hybrid handmade
7. gold hammered earrings via linkoture
8. indiegogo farm raiser via cubits
{more info here on the cubits blog}

9. handbag via love and luck

Where'd the party take you? Did you come away with some new connections and new favorite finds? What? You haven't been to the party yet? Well jeesh, did you come to the front door? We probably didn't hear you knock. Just come around to the back door. That's the one for friends.

If you want another chance to promote your wares, head on over to Life's Jewels On A String, Kat Ezat's blog, and take part in her Stock Take link up. If you don't have a shop, you may just want to stop by anyways to see all the great things that are being linked up. It's the perfect time of year to do a little browsing. 

Enjoy your day today and I'll see you on the flipside.

Ciao for now,

What I Found & Overheard At The Party

via Shusha Handmade Arts

It Keeps Going And Going And Going

I know, I know...it's another one of those parties. What can I say, other than, that's just the way we roll around here. The current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party is still cranking. There are still people coming through the door, so if you haven't had a look around, or even if you did, there's a ton of links to explore.

One of the best things about hosting this virtual parties, is all the stuff you guys leave behind (and I'm not just talking change under the couch cushions).

1. awesome antler via Upscale Downhome

2. park bench in beautiful light via Holly Robinson Photography

3. amazing Fall nature mandala via Brigit’s Bell

4. heavenly (get it, heavenly?) bookmark via Cloud Nine Designz

5. Autumn in a bracelet via Glimmer of Beauty

6. notepad cover!!!!!!! (can you tell I LOVE this idea. I am a legal pad kind of girl and they'd look so much prettier in one of these) via Shusha Handmade Arts

7. TeePee Tutorial and the cutest kid's playroom ever via Blueberry Junkie

8. oh-so-chic pillow cases via Adopting Nations

9. charmingly rustic printable shower invite via KTsARTsDESIGNs

10. loading the cart vintage postcard (addressed to a man in the my birthtown no less) via postcards in the attic

Lots of familiar faces at this party, but lots of new faces too. That sure makes me smile.  Everyone getting to know each other, wonderful handcrafted and vintage finds, and new blogs to discover. What is not to love about this party?

If you have a shop or blog, the party is still live and so swing on by and link up.  You never know who might find you this way.  Those of you who don't have a shop or blog are always invited too. There's so much great stuff to browse through.

If the party didn't provide you with enough new people to meet, it's Monday Meet Up over on our facebook page. Be sure to stop by and leave your links.

The Weekend That Was

It was a busy weekend, what with the craft fair and all.  Friday night we finished our prepping. Saturday involved lots of hauling, unpacking, packing, and hauling. We both agreed it was worth it (more on that tomorrow-- there is one quick peek photo of our booth in yesterday's post).  Sunday was spent unpacking, cleaning and organizing. I changed up my mantle for Fall in the midst of all that (will post later this week) and we ended the weekend with a Sunday dinner of chicken cordon bleu. It's one of my old standbys and a favorite (keep your eyes out for that too this week).

The sun has been shining since Saturday morning, after a lashing rain storm Friday night.  This alone, makes me happy today.  What's making you happy?

See you on the flip side,

Things I Found & Overheard at the Party

[via notional notions]

Oh My, What A Party

You guys have outdone yourselves this time around. As if it's not hard enough to make picks from the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party, I really could have kept wandering the world wide web from all the great links you left behind.  Have you ever heard it's the people that make the party? It's true. It was so fun sitting in the 'ball pit' with you guys. Thanks for humoring me, but it is kind of nice getting to know each other a little better just like at a real party? Right?

If you receive Mercantile Muse by email, you might have missed my reason for this delayed post (scroll to the bottom of today's email and you'll find it down there). Basically, the power went out. I was just finishing up some stuff in Illustrator before I began posting and bing, bang, boom. That was it. Computer down. Lights off. No power.

It's fixed now. Thanks to the workmen. Two thumbs up for them. However, a good part of my post hadn't been saved and I had to do a little recreating. Good to go now. 

Drum roll please..........here's my picks from the current party (still time to link up if you have a shop or blog!).

1. loving this purse fabric. gorgeous.

[via lucky cat handmade]
2. upcycled and reinvented tape measure bracelet.

[via knick of time]

3. pretty pink solid shampoo.

[via Taryn's Bath Treasures] 

4. farm visit story & laugh of the day.

(would have loved seeing Kristin push her out of the wagon!)

so glad she didn't push her out of the wagon)

[via Milo & Molly]

5. Shirley, aka America's next top model (because she's all she's got...ha!).

[via Trees. Hides.] 

6. candles in classic toile.

[via upon a dream designs]

7. lovely foliage and flowers acrylic painting.

[via lisa salazar art decor]

8. wonderful watercolor of Italy. we dream of going back.

[via notional notions]

9. the sweetest little tiger lily.

[via the lamb's love]

Thanks to all the shop owners and bloggers who have linked up and to all of you for checking out the party. You're the best.

New Giveaway Coming

Can't rest on my laurels, can I?  Actually, I'm don't think I even have laurels. Sure, there's a holly bush under the kitchen window, but no laurels that I can recall. Despite this sad shrub story, the last Mercantile Muse giveaway was happy. Well, the winner sure was. It ended just over a week ago and it was pretty spectacular. The October Giveaway won't be any different.

Not to taunt you or anything, but here's a teeny-tiny, eency-weency tease. Just a taste of some of the things you'll have a chance to win.

What? You want to know more? You'll just have to wait with bated breath until the giveaway is launched tomorrow. That's all there is to it.

See you on the flip side (with bells on),

Party Like It's 1999

via bizbash

Celebrate September Bash

Man, the weeks are rolling by. I can't believe it's time of another party already. In case you have been before, this party is all about promoting your business/shop/blog and connecting. If you don't have a shop or blog to promote then it's all about having a look see at all the great stuff out there on this world wide web.  It's always a ton of fun. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party is all about you and the other guests. So if you have a shop or a blog, by all means link them up.  

First, slip off your flip flops, feel the grass between your toes, and mingle to your heart's content because we're doing it up picnic style.  It's still summer in this neck of the woods!

Grab a glass of sangria.

via Mercantile Muse

A little prosciutto and fennel salad crostini.

via real simple

And please save room for dessert.

 

via heart and home magazine 

**********************************************************************************

If you are linking up, please read the Rules of the House before doing so:

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on a list of participants and receive an e-mail from me (from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net) when the next Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party is underway.

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, I'd love it if you followed too. There are several different ways to follow in the sidebar. 

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

*Don't link and run. Be kind and check out each other's links. It's all about supporting each other after all. 

*Will you share a link to the party? 'you two tell friends, and they tell two friends, and so on and so on'. It benefits us all--- 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, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

  **********************************************************************************

Be sure to check back next Tuesday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It might even be you.

Time to get our party on (if you're reading by email click herehttp://www.batesmercantileco.blogspot.com/2012/09/party-like-its-1999.html it will bring you to the party). 

If you're not linking up, won't you have a look around at all the wonderful things left behind? I don't think you'll be disappointed about sticking around this party.




Nearly Time for a New Giveaway

Just like these parties, the giveaways on the Muse just keep getting better and better. You guys are going to swoon over all the stuff you can win in the September Giveaway. The last sponsor hopped on board today and you will have the chance to win a truckload of great prizes from 10 Shops.  Stay tuned tomorrow.  If I can pull it all together in time, the giveaway may launch! If not, there will be a sneak peak and launch day will be Monday.  

Have a great day and thanks for coming to the party,

You Are Cordially Invited to the Party

via BatesMercantileCo.

The House Is Rocking the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party!

Come in. Just throw your coat on the bed and be sure to stop by the buffet.

Lots of goodies this week at the link party.

For the dd's.......a lovely black currant cider sparkler. It's divine!

via marthastewart

For the rest of us, ginger shandies. I know it's not summer, but a girl can dream.



via food and wine

What? You saved your appetite? Get a load of this!

via frankie, via panninihappy

Oh my.

Before the party gets into full swing, just a couple of things.

Yesterday, I found out that my designs were featured in two places. What a nice surprise.  Plus-Model-Mag.com featured two of our printables in their 'last minute Valentine's Day roundup'. Super cool!

via plus-model-mag

To top it off, our 'Shower Your Love' print was featured on Jillian's blog MimiNicole. Sweet!

OK, OK. Enough about me. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party is all about you. Time to link up your shops and blogs!

Please read the Rules of the House, before linking:

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on a list of particpants and receive an e-mail from me (and from the address pbates@speakeasyinfo.net) in two weeks reminding you that the next Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party is underway.

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, won't you consider becoming a follower if you're not already? 

*Post one link. Two if you link one under Gotta Have It (for shops, crafters, artisans, vintage sellers) and one under Gotta Blog It (for bloggers).  Be sure you’re posting your link under the right link up!

*Don't link and run, be kind and check out each other's links.

*Share a link to the party, 'you two tell friends, and they tell two friends, and so on and so on'. It benefits us all--- blog, tweet, facebook, 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, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome. 

*Leave a comment and check back Monday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It could be you!

And now for the bloggers...........





One more thing, there is still time to enter our current giveaway for an archival print of my photo 'Barn Rye'.

It ends tonight at 11pm est. Better enter now to be sure you're in the running!

Have a great day,