It's A Valentine's Day Party!

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up

 

Hey gang, guess what? It's time to pah-tay Valentine's Day style! If you have an online shop/business or blog I hope you'll join in and link up. If you don't, I hope you'll have a look around and discover new shops and blogs to follow. It's all good.

 

This little link up is my way of paying forward. I want to give small independent business owners and bloggers a place to promote themselves and reach new people. The big boys have marketing departments to do that for themselves. Small business owners and bloggers? Not so much.

 

Join me in supporting handmade artisans and crafters, and bloggers; meet some new people and make new friends at the party.

 

The calls have been made, love is in the air, grab a bit and a drink and enjoy!

 

 

sources: vintage red phone via Mariya Decor: book page red rose wreath via anthology on main; dark choclate shortbread via butter blossoms; champagne glasses via zoe designs vintage

 

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up, it would be so nice if you would please follow too. There are plenty of ways in the sidebar.You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

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

*Link once for your shop, once for your blog.

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

*These parties aren't a success without your help. Can you share 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) for your blog, that would be wicked awesome. Everyone is welcome - tell your friends. When you all take time share this party, they are totally rockin'. 

*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 party is underway and about other happenings at the Muse.

*BY ALL MEANS, feel free to leave a comment. Tells a little more about you, your shop or blog. Need help to get started? "Do you celebrate  Valentine's Day, and if you do, how?"

Time to have some fun! (If you're reading by email, click here to go to the party).

 

 

 

Happy Valentine's Day to you all. Spread the love!

 

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,

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party

via Oh Dier Living

Holiday Style: Small = Big

It's official. The holidays have begun. Cue the celebratory music and applause.  It's a time to gather with friends and family, enjoy all that the season means to each one of us, embody the spirit of Santa and spread good cheer.

At this time of year it's easy to get overwhelmed. My mission during this  hectic season is to simplify.  I'll be supporting other small businesses, locally and online, for gift giving. I'll also make quite a few gifts myself. I'm going back to basics for party fare, and most of all I'm going to remember to just breathe and take it all in. It starts tonight. I'm going to Holiday Open House in Exeter, the next town over. It's a chance to see the tree lighting, say hi to Santa, enjoy the festival of trees, do a little local shopping, spend some time with friends and generally speaking- get into the spirit of things. (In my days at the Chamber of Commerce, I used to be the one who had to throw the switch to light all of downtown...it was very nervewracking...will they all go on? will any go on?.....I like enjoying it much better.)

Like my surroundings here (OK, maybe not the house yet, but certainly our seacoast area), everything is starting to get into holiday mode and so goes the Muse.  Let's celebrate all that small business (handmade, vintage, art, photography.....) and bloggers (recipes, tutorials, inspiration....) have to offer this season at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party!

1. tis the season via seaborn press invitation
2. holiday tassle garland via Studio Mucci
3. pink cocktail salt via dellcove spice company
4. charcuterie board via living wood design
5. mid century bar stools via charlie’s nest
6. 'joy' military blanket pillow via Upscale Downhome

7. chocolate peppermint covered marshmallows via nicole’s treats
8. handmade wooden breathe sign via OhDierLiving

 Onto the 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 these guidelines before linking up.******

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, please follow too. There are several ways in the sidebar including via email, Google Friend Connect, Network Blogs, and Bloglovin'. You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*Don't link and run. Follow some of the links others have left behind. People have made sales because of these parties, but in the end, it's all 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 'round these parts.

*BY ALL MEANS, let's 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's the best gift you ever received?'

 

Let's get down to business. Time to pah-tay!

 

 

 

The next giveaway is really coming together and I'm so excited to have  returning sponsors and some new ones too. It is going to be SO much fun making one person's holidays a little bit brighter. I was hoping to launch it tomorrow, but since 'remembering to breathe' is on my holiday to-do list, in all honesty, I don't see that happening. The beginning of the week is more likely. Be sure to be here because this is going to be one awesome prize package.

 

Whether you go out or stay in, find a way to put a little 'holiday cheer' into your day.

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

A Party To Give Thanks

via let them eat pie

A Heaping Helping of The Holidays

Honestly, where does the time go? I simply cannot believe that a week from today is Thanksgiving.  Even if Thanksgiving isn't a holiday in your country, it doesn't mean you can't take something away from this special day.  Take time next week. Cook a nice meal. Gather some people you love. Most importantly, give thanks for all you have.  I think it's a great way to start our holiday season here. The sentiment of thanks should be carried all through the season and into the new year. Shall we begin?

I am very grateful that you're here today, whether you're here to link up your shop/business or your blog, if you're a regular reader of Mercantile Muse, you just found your way here, or are simply browsing through the things people have left behind. It's all good. You all add so much to my day.

Today I'm hosting a link party on Mercantile Muse. It's my way of supporting other small independent handmade artists, crafters, vintage sellers and fellow bloggers.  There are a lot of great people who might be under the radar, but are creating and doing great things. I'd like to change that. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party is is the place to discover wonderful things.  [If you're reading Mercantile Muse via email, click here to stop by the party.]

1. landscape photograph via moonlightphotography

2. autumn bunting via peony and thistle

3. appetizer tray via redemption art

4. linen napkins via laurelsusanstudio

5. silver plate spoon via red truck designs
6. grace via LASERolio

7. wine rack via rchristopherdesigns
8. apple pie in a jar via let them eat pie

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

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up the party, please follow too. There are several ways in the sidebar including via email, Google Friend Connect, Network Blogs, and Bloglovin'. You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*Don't link and run. You're linking up because you want new people to discover your shop? You'd love to make a sale, yes? Well, please follow some of the links others have left behind. People have made sales because of these parties, but in the end, it's all 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 your on? 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 will 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 and about other happenings 'round these parts.

*BY ALL MEANS, let's 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 is your favorite thing about the start of the holiday season?'

and now, the party..............

Don't forget, Monday I'll be showcasing my picks I found through links left behind at the party, so be sure to be here.

I'm hoping you have a great Thursday in your corner of the world. Mine is cold, but bright and sunny and I stocked the fire so well last night it was still going this morning. This makes me very happy.  That baby is cranking.

If you missed yesterday's post, check out the rainbow pictures and the sunset.  Just scroll down or click here for an nice little break at your desk.

I'm in the midst of a mega pile of bookkeeping, you know....my favorite thing to do. Not really.  Don't let me fool you. However, I will be very glad to be organized and to have my desk clear when I'm done.  I'll also be taking some pictures today because I've got good light, planning some new products for Bates Mercantile Co. for the holidays and getting things listed. I'm also pulling together the next giveaway which will be a holiday giveaway, if you're interested in being a sponsor, drop me a line and let's see if we're a good fit for each other (there's an email button below my profile). Add to that some printing of prints, packaging, shipping and my Speakeasy stuff and it's a full day.

Ciao for now,

Pinning with a Helping Hand

Perhaps We Can Help Each Other Out

Are you on Pinterest yet? Damn. I just love it. It's as simple as that. I still can't get over the fact that guys thought of it.  It's not that I think they couldn't , but I bet for the most part, women were cutting things out of magazines and putting them into idea files or pinning up on bulletin boards more than men. Of course, I've been wrong before. Those guys I was talking about, there were not wrong about Pinterest. I see it growing and growing and growing.  I  also see it as another way for us small independent shop owners to support each other.

I want to throw something out to you, I want to Pin you. Yes, I do. I want my boards to not only reflect my likes, but I want them, like this blog and my facebook page, to support independent shop owners.

I have a board for my Etsy Favorite Finds, but it sure could use some more pins. I also pin other Etsy favorite finds onto boards, but I want more!   

So, if you're up to it, let's do this: I pin you, you pin me and let's see where these pins may take us. It's an easy way to lend each other a hand.

Of course, you don't have to have a shop on etsy. If you have a website or a blog and you'd like me to pin something from there, just say the word.  All anyone has to do is leave a comment or link below. If you have something specific you'd like me to pin, again--let me know, otherwise I'll just browse and pick something of yours to pin. Remember to leave a comment or a link though, or I won't know you want to be pinned. Let's boost the reach even more....if you have a facebook page or twitter account, hit share to facebook or twitter after you pin when Pinterest prompts you. It'll be a Pinterest Wave!

And, if you don't have a shop, but love to pin on Pinterest, join the fun and see where the comments below take you. If you find something you like, Pin It!

I'm game. Are you?

PS- if we haven't connected on Pinterest yet, you can find me here.

Things I Found At The Party

via strum and sparkle

So Nice Of You To Come To The Party

The link parties on Mercantile Muse are always such a pleasure. So many goodies to search through.

Finding what people have left behind, is like finding little hints that lead you to different paths and different places.  I followed the trail you all made for me, and just look at the things I found:

1. upcycled silk dress via delight worthyn2. blue rag rug via handmade michelle
3. mermaid ornaments via easy street gallery

4. wristlet via with love and luck5. tea stained thank you tags by strum and sparkle6. hawaii photo via from paradise with love
7. bird print via tangram

I'm glad that so many of you linked up at the party, and I'm eternally grateful to those of you who took the time to support small independent business owners by checking out the links they left behind. So awesome!  In case you are a small handmade/vintage shop owner, or blogger, and haven't linked up yet.....the link party is still live. So be sure to link up. This party is a great way to reach new people.

In Case You Didn't Hear

Today is election day here in the states.  Finally, no matter what side you're on, I bet you'll be glad you don't have to watch or listen to all the negative advertisements after today.  I bet it's one thing we can all agree on.

Please get out and cast your vote today. Remember the people who have fought, and some who have died, so that you can go to the voting booth. Think of all the people around the world who are still fighting to gain that right.  It matters not who you vote for, what matters is that you exercise your right to vote. In case you need me to hit this point home, here's a little reading about 'The Night Of Terror' during the women's suffragette movement in the United States. Think of this happening ten-fold, or 100 fold, all over this world at different times during history, including right now. 

Just. Go. Vote.

Please.

Have a great day. I'll see you on the flip side.

  

Are Your Costumes Ready? It's Time to Get Our Party On!

via dahlia house studio

Halloween/All Saints & All Souls/Dias De Muerte Style!

It's the time of year for ghosts and goblins, trick or treat, and remembering the saints and the mere mortals who have passed.

Did you wear your costume? I mean, it is a costume party after all. This weekend at the neighbr's barn party Gman and I dressed as The Old Man and the Sea (I know, so literary)- he was the old fisherman and I was The Sea.  Then Sunday night I went down to my sister's to hand out candy. I dressed as a pajama party.  It's one time of the year when we can just let our imaginations run wild. More on all the Halloween hoopla tomorrow.

More importantly, it's time to party at Mercantile Muse!  These little 'link parties' are my way of supporting somethings I really believe in. Small business people, the handmade movement, vintage goods and bloggers. It's a place for independent shop owners, business people and bloggers to link up their stuff, show off a little bit and get to know each other and you.  It's a virtual helluva good time. So by all means, join in the fun.

1. day of the dead invites via lucky lady paper
2. ‘waiting to be picked’ via Rosemary Jordans
3. victorian dress via Edgar and Annabel
4. sugar skull necklace via mrd74
5. gold skull swizzle sticks via GnomeSweetGnome
6. haunted house poster via wallpost
7. white chocolate pumpkin bread via Simply Divine Desserts
8. ‘evening celebration’ via dahlia house studio

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

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up the party, please follow too. There are several ways in the sidebar.

*Don't link and run. You're linking up because you want new people to discover your shop? You'd love to make a sale, yes? Well, please follow some of the links others have left behind. People have made sales because of these parties, and it's all 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.  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, share on any etsy teams your on? 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 will go on the Mercantile Muse maillist. Corrsepondence will come from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net.  I'll let you know when the next link up party is underway and about other happenings 'round these parts.

*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? 'Did you dress up for Halloween? What was your costume?'

One more thing before we rock on.  Would you like to see these Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up parties every Thursday or do they work for you on an every other week basis? You input means a lot.

Let's party!

Thanks for being here.

Have a fantastic Thursday and I'll see you on the flip side,

Freeform Friday

It's Raining Again

Well, it might have stopped for now, but it's gray and ugly. Yesterday  however, was pretty nice....sun-wise.

Other than that, my computer and computer program are testing the outer limits of my patience as I try to finish the desk calendar design so I can print some off today for the craft fair tomorrow.  My work was eaten on more than one occasion. I'm back at it again today. Still plugging along, but I won't kid you. It's not going as smooth or as quickly as I'd like. And it's not the only thing on my list, which is making it incredibly frustrating. So, if you're got good vibes, send them my way. I shall prevail!

All of that aside, yesterday eeked out a very pretty sunset for us.

Aaahhhhhh......washes all the cares of the day away.

Top that off with the fact that this week's shop and blog link up party is rocking the house. I know of at least one shop that has had a sale as a result of it. (Right Lisa?!!!). So, if you have a shop and haven't linked up, do it now so you don't miss the fun.

Freeform Friday

Boy you should see the party guests dancing to this one. Feels like another earthquake. Just what I needed on a semi-rainy, gray day. And yes, I AM dancing. How about you? (If you're reading by email click here).

Hope your having a great Friday. Got any plans for the weekend?

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.

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

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,