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,

Need a Little Extra Happy? It's Time To Party!

 

 

Can You Take A Hint?

 



Yup, it's that time. You know me, can't keep me away from a good party for too long. If you have an etsy/online shop link up! If you have a blog, link up!  If you don't, come along for the ride. Just be sure to buckle up. 

Look around, hop around, follow one link to another and get set to discover things you've never even read about in books. OK, maybe you have, depending on the books you've been reading.

I thought we can always use an extra bit of happy in our lives, so this party is dedicated to that which makes us smile. Things that make us happy and generally make life that much better, just like a good party.

sources: double rainbow factory via pearson maron; best friend papercut card via ashley pahl; painted lady via SandraEterovic; Nancy Drew book via See Dolly Run

#1. I love rainbows. Double rainbows? Even better. I saw the best double rainbow ever a couple months ago while I was at the grocery store. It was huge and awesome. Of course, my phone battery was dead. How annoying. There was a guy next to me in the parking lot taking pictures and I really wanted to ask him to send a couple, but I didn't want him to call the police about the crazy lady that was stalking him.

#2. friends.................need I say more? OK, I will. We have been truly blessed this department and we're lucky enough to say our family are our friends too. I know that's not always true. Our friends are always ready for a good time and will do anything for a few laughs.

#3. Art. Any kind. Any how. It just makes me happy. It doesn't even have to be whimsical, but it's a nice 'happy bonus' when it is'.

#4. A good book.  We've been getting stuck in at night, going from book to book.  Some good ones I've read lately, The Pioneer Woman: High Heels and Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond- the woman could make me cause drink to shoot out my nose, if I was drinking while reading.  Someone Will Be With You Shortly by Lisa Kagan- another laugh out loud so much your husband reading next to you is not nearly as amused.  The Bastard by John Jakes- do any of you remember the Bicentennial Series....I mean do any of you who were alive at the time remember the series?  This was the first in the series and I read it many moons ago and thought I'd give it another go. A thoroughly enjoyable read that mixed a lot of history about the birth of our nation amongst a story that kept me turning the pages.  Wasn't sure if I'd be up for it after two funny ones, but I was hooked about 25 pages in.  I started one I got from one of my bookclub/champagne ladies last night, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats.  So far so good. But what about Nancy Drew you say? I think I read every single one, tucked in under the desk in my parents room with a giant flashlight, or curled up on the living room couch. I was quite obsessed.

What? One more?

#5. Parties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know me, I'm a party girl at heart. I'm the last one to leave and surely, if there is a lampshade in the room, I could be wearing it by the end of the night.


Now, time to link up.




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

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,

Take A Walk With Us

Time For A Break

It's Monday. The start to a new week. The to-do lists are long and we all wish the weekends were longer.  I certainly do.

So, even though you may not have the day off, you can certainly take a breather.

Sit back, relax and enjoy some nature sights from the last week around the Bates Estate.

A foggy dawn to the East.

Skeleton of Queen Anne's Lace, with milkweed.

Frosty oak leaf.

Crystalized rose.

A brighter, pinker dawn to the East.

And to the West, a moonset over the barn.

The evergreen heart my sister in law made me, which now hangs on the front door. 

After snow on Saturday, unseasonably warm temperatures and more fog.

Breathe in. Breath out.   Breathe in. Breathe out.

There now, don't you feel better?

Hope you enjoyed your weekend. We started to get into the spirit with Champagne Ladies/Book Club Christmas. Even the guys get to attend that one. Delicious food (can you say stuffed mushrooms, fig and olive tapenade, bacon glazed bread sticks, lobster corn chowder, gorgeous marinated roast, scalloped potoatoes and a chocolate 3 layer jameson cake? oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about), fun company and yes, karaoke.  Gar and Martha now have a go-to duet.....Margaritaville. I of course had to sing back-up on my theme song.

I've been working on the Giveaway post this morning. Have a couple of more items to incorporate to make even bigger and better, and then it will be a done deal.  Tomorrow is looking like the big launch day......be here if you know what's good for you, or if you simply want a chance to win some really fantastic prizes.  So excited. Another boat-load of awesomeness, to be sure.

If you missed the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party, do stop by. If you're a shop owner or blogger, please link up and show us your stuff. If you're not a shop owner, you can still stop by and have a look around. You might even get some Christmas shopping done right from the comfort of your keyboard. 

Have a fantastic Monday.

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,

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, 

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),