Favorite Finds: Etsy Style

Shades of Pink & Gray

I'm currently finishing up a logo design for a client and I am loving the color combo of pink and gray that we chose. It's just gorgeous together. I'll show you the logo when it's finalized (nearly there!), but for now some favorite finds in shades of pink and gray.

 

sources

kariherer: horse and flower art

urban cartel: lip bowl

beridan naturals: bath salts

the bauble department: pyrite necklace

sources

factory 21: pendant lamp

margaret vera: leather cuff bracelet

belalulu: vintage stool

blackbird tees: women’s equal tshirt

Take a moment to visit these shops. I don't think you'll be disappointed. They are all small, independently owned and offer either handmade or vintage items. The best thing about etsy is you'll find shop owners who strive to please their customers and offer the kind of service you deserve when you're spending your hard earned money. I know it's early to think of the holidays, but buying from small business owners is one of the best way you can give your gifts more meaning.

As you probably know, I also have a shop on etsy- Bates Mercantile Co.   One of my recent customers was Margaret Vera. That's their leather cuff above.  I was lucky enough to design a shop header/banner, with a bohemian feel. It was easy using their beautiful product shots.

If you have an online presence and you need a banner or header designed (or a logo or other branding collateral), keep me in mind.....ok?

Yesterday

What a whirlwind day. It went by in the blink of an eye. So fast, I didn't even get a Muse post done. Which would be fine, except it was my Dad's birthday. I went over to 10 Tobey last night and we all celebrated on the porch, complete with a cake that my sister made.  My great nephew Cayden helped present the cake with its extremely large taper candle to 'great grampy'.  [Note to Mom: buy birthday cake candles.] A good time had by one and all.  The shrimp wasn't bad either. Happy Birthday Dad! A day late and a dollar short, but the sentiment is the same. Love you (despite the fuzzy picture)!

Hope you're having a great Wednesday. I'll do the same. It's crisp, but the sun is shining! Enjoy.

Ciao for now,

Weekend Wrap Up & Many Happy Returns

Poof, It's Gone.

My post was just eaten by the computer, so here's a condensed version. The Dublin visitors left this morning. That said, you can imagine we tried to make the very most of the past weekend. 

Some of the things we did included:

• stroll through Prescott Park
• lunch at RiRa
• Friday evening visit across the street in Tom & Joan's driveway
• back to The Bates Estate for a campfire
• lots of laughter and many memories made. oh yes, the stories will be told for years to come.
• Saturday date with a Ralph & Cathryn's Lobster Bake
• Sunday BBQ at The Bates Estate with birthday cake and wish for Harry & Dad

• Made Sangria, Guac and rice/shrimp/caper salad
• Listened to everyone moan and groan over how good the banoffee was, thanks to bil Niall (I'll post the recipe sometime soon and you do not want to miss it....bananas, whipped cream, caramel, ginger snaps...bring on the goodness!) 
• Got stung by a yellow jacket on my thumb. Ow. 
• Sang happy birthday to godson Harry and Dad
• Made scrambled eggs with help of niece Leah
• Goodbye time with our Dubliners

It was a great visit, and hopefully it won't be too long before we see each other again in person. Until then, we're very grateful for Skype. 

Dad's Big Day

It's my Dad's birthday today. He got to enjoy a little pre-birthday celebration at the cookout yesterday, complete with his serving of the banoffee with candles to blow out for wishing.

Here he is serving up one of his specialties....linguine with clamsauce.  He's a heck of a cook. 

He's also a missile test engineer, problem solver, community volunteer (lions club, elks club, and many, many more), skilled woodworker and folk artist, voracious reader, excellent writer, Dad to 5, Grandfather to 8, Great Grandfather to 2, husband for 59 years, friend to many, traveler, go-to-man and man with the microphone....the list goes on.

cake photo via karaspartyideas.com

Hope you have a fantastic birthday Dad!

Thanks for being here everyone.  It sure makes my day.

See you on the flip side,

Summertime Mantle & Input Please

July, America's Birthday Month

As I prepped for the annual Bates Independence Day Lobster Bake, I decided it was the perfect time to change up the mantle.  All I had to do was a little tweaking to go from Spring to Summer.  In honor of the red, white and blue, I went with my version of a patriotic summertime theme.  Here's the mantle as it was all dressed up for Spring.

A few quick changes, and viola, the Summertime mantle.

I took away a few things, and added some, including the beautiful flag my Dad made me, handcarved to boot. 

Also, you'll note the lobster, which really is a salt and shaker holder my nephew Pat and his girlfriend Ashley gave me on last 4th of July. I took the salt and pepper out of his arms and moved him from the pantry to the mantle. He makes me laugh.

Then I spied my Jeter bobblehead (Garrett had just glued him back together after a terrible mishap) and thought the 'boys of summer' would be a perfect addition.  Poor Jeter lost part of his cheek and it was unrepairable (is that a word?). I'll have to do a little flesh color paint job on the poor boy. Baseball can be rough.

I kept things on the mantle that had gold, silver, blue or red and also kept my big Ireland print because, well....because it usually hangs out there. Plus, the houses are very Summery colors, don't you think. Again, not sure if Summery is a word, but it is today on Mercantile Muse.

My mantle extends a bit to the top of my bookcase, which is where Uncle Sam landed. Yup, you guessed it. My Dad made him too. He's quite the folk artist don't ya think?  Uncle Sam reigning high above all else. Perfect spot.

As you can see, I added some beads. Our 'neighbors-in-laws' Emile and Carol gave us a bunch when we saw them just before the 4th. I think they made a pretty big statement for a small detail.

Please ignore any dust that is still visible. That's life, right?

Do you have anything in your home that you change out for the season? This is really the first year that I've been doing the mantle change-a-roo and it's been fun. It's a nice change since it's one of the first things you see when you walk into our house. I'll keep the mantle like this for at least the rest of the month and maybe the entire Summer, unless I'm feeling a need for another change. Variety is the spice the of life, after all.

Photo Challenge Input

I was overwhelmed with the positive response to the potential photo challenge.  You guys are totally on board which makes me happy. I really appreciate your input and more is welcome. I'm thinking, instead of so many days 'straight', which can be hard for a lot of people to keep up with, probably 3 days a week for 4 weeks? How does that sound?  Perhaps Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday's? It will probably begin next Monday. If that's what I settle on, I'll be outlining all the info on the challenge at the end of this week. How does that sound? I've got a few good ideas for topics, but if you've got any I'd be happy to consider them. Feel free to share. 

Check That Off the List

I was able to get all four photographs that I featured yesterday, listed and up for sale in Bates Mercantile Co., our etsy shop. Yay for me. Darn it all, I just love checking things off the list (hey, that reminds me- I still have a 'how do you juggle it all' post to write for Kristen at Milo & Molly....can I just say, not always well!!!). When I actually get to cross things off the list it makes me happy as a clam. I'd like to know where the heck that saying came from...has there been a study on the happiness of clams and I don't know about it? Did someone interview them about their state of mind and word spread across the world about the Bliss of Bivalves? Just wondrin'. Back to the subject at hand, and in case you're interested, you can find the new photographs for sale here.

On another note about yesterday's post, I told you the story of a little pebble from France making it's way to me in the mail. The sender, Cari-Jane, told a much better version on her blog yesterday. One little beach pebble spreading happiness the world over. I wonder if he's related to the clam?

Here's hoping you have a great day. You've already made mine super just by being here.

Ciao for now,



Belated Wish & What I Found

Happy Father's Day

It was a busy weekend with my niece Caitlin's wedding and all. I didn't get to wish my Dad a Happy Father's Day on The Muse yesterday, because the wedding celebration continued with brunch. It turned out to be a beautiful day for Cait and Jon and Dad. The sun was shining and there were lots of good memories flying around the patio at my sister Gloria's.

Love the shot of me and Dad below. I'm a good few pounds heavier than I was in this shot, so that's a little depressing. OK, I'm over it. I just really like the picture.

My Dad is Mr. Fix It, and I'm not talking about building repairs although he can do that too. He's just a natural born problem solver.  He's also Mr. Get It Done. If you need something done, just ask him, whether it's something small or big. Raytheon figured that out and would have him handle tough cases to 'fix it and get it done'.  We're all lucky to always have him on our side.  He also feels at home with a microphone in his hand, has been known to dress up as a nun.................

.....and sang every word of You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You to Cait when they danced at her wedding Saturday.  That of course made Cait cry. Of course, a coffee commercial would make Cait cry. Actually, the wedding festivities were quite emotional. We can all blame that on my father, he's the emotional one we all got it from. I blew this picture of him and Cait (with Cait's bridesmaid Crystal in the back) up for Father's Day. Everyone loved it.  Grampy and Cait. Yesterday my father wore one of his 'Cait' tshirts to the brunch.  You know, those tshirts you can make in the mall. Cait was about 12. It was classic.

Here's to you Dad. Happy Father's Day- You're the best! Hope you enjoyed your day. I sure did. It was fun sitting around the table reminiscing. 

What I Found & Heard at the Party

As usual, lots of great stuff popping up at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party which is still going on!

I was blown away by the work of Ashleigh Coyner of Bleu Oiseau who has an etsy shop and blogs too.

via ashleigh coyner/bleuoiseau

via ashleigh coyner/bleuoiseau

via collaboration of Sharon Pederson & Ashleigh Coyner/BleuOiseau

via ashleigh coyner/bleuoiseau

Amazing. Right?

Reshma of Ahkriti is a regular at these link parties, but her jewelry is way beyond 'regular'. It's more like......um.....GORgeous.

via Ahkriti

The deep midnight blue color of this piece is spectacular.

via ahkriti

Speaking of color, you can visit Reshma's blog Color Canopy and you'll find this great watermelon and feta recipe. Mmmmm. Salty and sweet.

One of the wonderful things about etsy, you will find artists and crafters of every medium.  Multiples. All talented in their own right.

What a sweet thank you note by the lovely Sara from Royal Regards. 

via royalregards

Rational Designs' to pink note cards are sure to make a statement.

via rationaldesigns

How cute would these be on top of cupcakes?  LittleSugarTops will make your cupcakes even happier with fondant creations that are sure to bring a smile.

via littlesugartops

via littlesugartops

Need even more fun? How about this Super Hero PJ Pillow from fAveritte Creations? The cuteness knows no bounds.

via fAveritteCreations

I mean, what kid wouldn't want love pulling their PJs out of one of these at a sleepover?

via fAveritteCreations

Too cool for school. (That's why they're for a sleepover.)

One more thing in the fun category......the GIVEAWAY!!! If you haven't entered yet, there is no time like the present. There are serious quantities of great stuff to be had.

Enjoy the day. The sun is trying to come out here. It's quite coolish today but the rest of the week is supposed to be in the 80s and 90s. Going to do my best to get the pool ready toot-sweet.

Ciao for now,



Simply Remember

The Memorial Weekend Plan

My plan on Memorial Day is always to simply remember.  I think it's extrememly important to remember those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. Think of that. They've given their lives.

As this weekend begins, let's pay respect to those we have lost through all wars, those who served beside them, and our servicemen and women who serve today. As I see so many people still being oppressed around the world, I think it is fitting to make time, not only to remember those lost, but to enjoy our hardfought freedoms. Otherwise it would all be for naught.

Say thank you to the veterans in your life and those you meet who you may not know.

Here's to those in mine.

Here's my Mom with my Dad and my Uncle Norm a few years ago. My Dad was lucky. His engineering skills kept him on US soil during the Korean War, my Uncle Norm, not so much. He served during WWII and survived Guadal Canal and the Pacific campagin. He witnessed horrific things.  His wife Auntie Auggie, who we lost a few years ago, served as a nurse in WWII.

Then there's Uncle George, behind Col. Lessard (who we just call The Col), in the jeep.

If I remember right, I think Uncle George may have done one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. Wish I could say he made it home in one piece, but he didn't. He survived a horrible injury, but you'd never know it today. He leads the gun salute at the cemetery every Memorial Day.

Then there's my favorite Navy man. My godfather Boski, who I really miss.

Here's to all of you servicemen and women. I will never forget the sacrifice of those who didn't come home or those who were willing to serve their country.

Our Memorial Day plans are to do some stuff around the yard. I have work to get done first, but I sure would like to dig in the dirt in the next few days. I'd love to plant some of our vegetables and my window boxes. Beyond that, I'll attend the parade and services in my hometown on Monday, and then back to Di and Al's for a BBQ. Later that day, we'll pop over to our neighbors for another BBQ. There is always something going on in the hood. If the weather holds out tonight, burgers on the grill and a campfire out back are on the agenda, which sounds like the perfect way to enjoy our freedoms. 

What are your plans for this Memorial Day weekend and unofficial start to summer? What's happening in your corner of the world? 

ttfn,

Off To Boston

Bringing the Egg Money In

I'm on my way to Boston to bring my dad into see his eye specialist, Dr. Peter Lou.  My Dad has macular degeneration ( a very common eye disorder that affects the central area of your vision) and Dr. Lou has been treating him for probably close to 20 years at this point. When we check in, since we're travelling in from the 'country' so to speak, my father always says, "well, we're here with the egg money".  We were on a schedule that had us seeing Dr. Lou in winter (tough time to travel with the egg money), but somehow we're back on the Spring schedule. This makes me much happier because right about now, the courtyard at Dr. Lou's will be in full bloom with tulips, daffs, and every blooming tree imaginable. Whoever does the landscaping for the condo complex that Dr. Lou is in (residential above, commercial on first floor) reall knows what they're doing. It's quite a show.

Beyond that, Dr. Lou is great, if you ever need an eye specialist in Boston.....he's a 'first do no harm' kind of guy. He's not going to risk what you've got, for what you might get. Which when it comes to your eyesight, is probably the best way to go.

So, enjoy your Friday and have a great weekend. Any plans for the Derby? We'll meet our usual gang at the track to place a few bets. Always fun to have a couple of dollars on a horse or two so you can root them on.

Freeform Friday

Went to a party for an old friend and former boss tonight. All us bookclub/champagne ladies were invited. It was a hoot. She was surprised to see everyone. Lots of old familiar faces I hadn't seen in a long time. We ended the evening back at my friend Kath's place, Blue Moon Evolution, for a nightcap. Many thanks to Lenny, who makes the loveliest Rosalita.

Here's to my gals. Thinking of them and how I love and need my time with them. Of course, this especially for Pearl and Kath and Martha will understand.

If you're reading by email, click here.



ciao for now,