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,

 

 

Let Me Introduce You

Have You Looked Around The Shop Link Up?

Yesterday was the start of our second 'Gotta Have It' Shop Link Up and our first 'Gotta Have It' Blog Link Up. It's been quite a party so far, I'm afraid of the mess I'm going to have to clean up when we're done.

If you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for?   I'm thrilled about the amazing things I've found while poking around.

I came across these seriously awesome original (not prints) hand painted/illstrated cards by artist and fellow esty shop owner Christine Fredendall.  

via Christine Frendendall

via Christine Frendedall

Christine's prices are CRAZY for original works of art. So I suggest you check out her shop before the word gets out about how wonderful her shop is (or before I get back there!).  Christine also linked up her blog, where I found out that she has just been informed that she is the winner of the Connor Meigs Art Award. Two thumbs up for Christine.

Need something to brighten your day? I do. It's miserable here and might even snow later. Is that necessary? I think not.  To the rescue is Lisa, from Writing Places, who has made these super sweet journals for recording all your wishes, desires and secrets.  The first one is even called 'Bright Day'.

via WritingPlaces

via WritingPlaces

How about Hamsas? Now, I've seen Hamsas before and thought they were interesting, but I never knew their exact meaning until Suzan linked to her beautiful shop Hamsas. 

via Hamsas

Suzan explains, "For those of you who are not familiar with Hamsas. Well, Hamsas are a palm-shaped amulet that is used in many countries, but its popularity is mostly in the Middle East and North Africa. Hamsa is a derivation from a Semitic root meaning ‘five’. The Hamsa is worn (or displayed) to fight the evil eye and it is usually incorporated in necklaces, earrings, rings, and other accessories (and also wall hangings and home decor). To a certain extent folklore and superstition are behind the Hamsa's popularity and for the most part it has nothing to do with the official Jewish religion."

Who knew? I sure didn't.

Have I told you I'm a hat girl? Well, I am. It's one thing I love about Winter.  You get to stay warm and look super chic with the right hat. Now, my sister Dianne.......well, let's just say, not so much a hat girl. A baseball cap doesn't even look right on her. Really. Cross my heart. It just looks weird. She's reading this and nodding her head, aren't you Di?  I, however, love and wear them in all shapes and sizes and don't look nearly as weird.

Look at this bright, happy, red cloche I found from delightworthyn, who took part in the current Gotta Have It Shop Link Up. Ever so stylish. And you could wear it for whatever reason you like, not just because it's Winter.

via delightworthyn

See all fun you can have at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party?  And we learned something too. I wasn't expecting that. 

Did you find something at the party that you think is spectacular? What is it, I'd love to know! 

The link up runs for another 5 days before it is closed to new links. If you know other online shop owners or bloggers who could benefit, I'd appreciate if you spread the word.

One more thing, I just want to remind you that Stacey at A Sort of Fairytale is hosting her weekly link up, Shopping Therapy Thursday. Pop on over and add your link! It's free and it's fun.

Well, gotta go clean up all the Champagne glasses. Have a lovely Thursday in your corner of the world.