The Wrath of Sandy & What You've Been Waiting For

via Bates Mercantile Co.

The Aftermath 

We were lucky. Really lucky. We got through Sandy, the mega Super Storm, relatively unscathed. We're having a little issue with the well pump (again) and we have some minor limbs down, but that's it. So many people have been affected in the worst possible ways. 

I was hoping and praying that all our family and friends in the NY and NJ areas were O.K.  Luckily they were.  Some of their homes were not as lucky.

I don't know if you saw the devastation to Breezy Point, NY - a little neighborhood in Queens, but it really broke my heart. You see, my college roommate's Uncle had a cottage in Breezy that we used to go to for some holidays and on weekends when we could get away from school.  Garrett and I have very fond memories of Breezy Point and I sat and cried yesterday morning as I viewed the pictures on TV and in this slideshow. It simply broke my heart to see a place that holds such wonderful, happy memories to be the picture of utter devastation. Fire took out close to 100 homes on Breezy Point. It's dessimated. It's unfathomable. I found out yesterday that the Fire Chief in Breezy is the Uncle of another college friend. I can only imagine how unbelievably helpless he and his force felt watching the destruction and not being able to save these homes because of the storm conditions.

I finally heard from other college friends I was concerned about at the end of the day yesterday....they were OK.  They live on the peninsula next to Breezy Point and lived through hell. My college pal Noreen could only say 'no words. there are no words. we are ok, but the house is devastated'  Her sister said, 'my car floated to the beach and the house is devastated'. I think they were both in shock, but that didn't stop them both from relying on their senses of humor and strength. 

It is them and others like them that inspired me today, to create a new typography illustration. I'm sure the quote was with regard to 'personal storms', but Sandy's aftermath is a personal type of storm in addition to a physical storm. She left more than just flotsam and jetsum in her wake. She left lives that will forever be changed.

via Bates Mercantile Co.

I hope and pray for all those affected to have the strength they need to adjust sails, and find a kinder and gentler wind to cath their sails and move them forward toward recovery.

Keep them all in your thoughts.

Good News

We could all certainly use some good news after the witnessing the horribly images and hearing the heartwrenching stories of Sandy.  So here's my contribution to making one lucky person's day.

The October Giveaway ended and a winner has been chosen by Rafflecopter.

If you are Ashley Sackett from Boise, Idaho, it's your lucky day!  Thanks for following on Google Friend Connect and hanging at Mercantile Muse.  I'll be contacting you for your mailing info, which I will pass onto my sponsors. Lots of wonderful things will soon be coming your way. Congratulations! (on a side note, your facebook timeline cover gave me my laugh for the day...love those animals).

Hey, did you now my parents used to live in Boise? They lived in lots of places before I was born.  They drove all over these here United States and lived in just about every corner.  Of course, that doesn't really have to do with anything other than the fact that Boise also has some gal named Ashley doing the snoopy dance today.

Peace out,

Tutorial: Clipboard Art & Giveaway Winner

Make A Clipboard Its Own Work Of Art

Hey there peeps. Happy Monday. I hope this finds you well.

If you read yesterday's post, you know I was dabbling in a little paint this weekend. It being a perfectly rainy weekend for crafting, I started with started with some of my driftwood sticks and then moved on to another blank canvas so to speak.  A clipboard. This one was a mini clipboard, but I have larger ones I'll be doing jazzing up (oh man, did I just say jazzing up? now all I can think of is jazz hands!) much in the same way.

What you'll need:

clipboard of any size
smaller craft paint brushes
painters tape
acrylic craft paint in various colors

Now for the easy as pie steps:

Keep in mind that I went over each area a couple of times to get more opaque colors.

Oh yeah, I just said snazzy too. Shazaam!

At this point I added some hand painted embellishments, like dots and dashes wherever I saw fit.

Viola!

Pick out something to feature on your clipboard.....a photo, a piece of art, a souvenir, or what have you, and hang on wall.

Painted clipboard = love.

This was a very easy project and perfect for a Sunday afternoon. I will be doing it again and I see other possibilities for this project.  I'll share when I've had a chance to try them out.

Winner!

Wow. The response for the September Giveaway was overwhelming. I thank all of you who entered and a huge round of applause for those of you who facebooked, tweeted, and pinned away. Many thanks for also taking the time to visit my sponsors shops. 

I hope you're sitting down Io Sophia, because you are the winner of $180+ in handmade and vintage prizes. I've contacted you via email so keep an eye out!

Thanks again to my sponsors. They're simply the best.

Dream Pillows

Pillows created by Matthew James with beautiful fabrics.

Papyrusaurus

Providing you with fun and sometimes awkwardly hillarious papergoods, from art for your walls to handmade stationery, and whimsical ornaments.  Like the Papyrusaurus facebook page for upcoming craft show appearances, shop updates, coupons and giveaways.

Starlight Woods

Eco friendly handmade Jewelry, Key chains, pendant necklaces, chunky rings, stud earrings and hand painted ornaments made from storm damaged trees and fallen branches that we re-purpose into unique and one of a kind pieces. Lisa's creations were recently featured in the August issue of Real Simple Magazine and she is currently a finalist in Martha Stewart's American Made Contest (you can vote for her here).  You will also find Starlight Woods on Facebook and Twitter.

Storytellers Vintage

"Every item has a story to tell.  What is here today, may be starting a new story tomorrow."  You will also find Storytellers Vintage on Facebook.

Lia Artisan Concrete Designs

"From the Earth, Cast In Stone". You will find Lia Artisan Concrete Designs website here, wholesale orders are welcome. They are available retail on Bates Mercantile Co.

Hazel Brown Designs 

Hazel Brown designs happy, fresh, unique clothing and other goodies, inspired by the fun-loving, carefree personalities of her 5 children.  You'll also find Hazel Brown Designs on Facebook.

fAveritte Creations

"Infecting the world with color and honest joy, one unique creation at a time."  You will find Amy blogging, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Pinterest.

Bleu Oiseau Photography

Beautiful Home Decor: Fine Art, Landscapes, Nature, Still Lifes, Wood Blocks, Recycled Cards.  You will find Ashleigh blogging here and on Facebook, on Twitter.

Bates Mercantile Co.

That's us! Me and Garrett that is. You'll find Bates Mercantile Co. on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. And as you probably know, you'll find me blogging right here, on Mercantile Muse. 

 

Just in case any of you are wondering, YES, there is another giveaway in the works and it will be announced as soon as I've got the details pinned down. Needless to say, I think you're going to love it.

 

Have a super day,

 

Drum Roll Please.............

Someone's Day Just Got Better

I know how badly some of you wanted to win this giveaway, and I don't blame you.  My sponsors helped make it not-to-be-missed.

There were a lot of entries. A LOT. It would be a scene and a half to pick without rafflecopter. However, with Rafflecopter, it's as easy as pie.

If you are Beth Gal, I'll assume you're pretty happy right now, because you my dear ARE THE WINNER!

Thanks to all of you who entered and visited my sponsors shops and other links. They've all got such great shops and deserve the exposure.

I'd like to thank each one for their participation and support of Mercantile Muse. It means the world to me.

StarlightWoods

Bleu Oiseau Photography

DreamPillowZzz

Lee'sWhimsy

{PaperKeeper}

HayleysPaperLove

Lia Artisan Concrete Design

If you haven't visited their shops, even though you may have missed the giveaway, I'd highly suggest you take a look. It's worth your while.

If you're interested in being a sponsor for the next giveaway, shoot me an email and I'll send you some info. There's an email button right under my profile in the righthand sidebar. I've already got some super things you are all going to want. Would I lie? Look at the stuff Beth just won!

Visitors

Our Dublin family goes home tonight, before the next wave arrives next Wednesday. We've had a great week with them and topped it off last night. My parents came over for dinner, along with my sister Di and my niece Maddie.  My Irish nieces and Maddies have known each other a long time now and are 'across the pond' pals, so they were all happy to get to see each other. 

After we got some pics of Sunset Meadows.......

Maddie, Carolina and Ali

Mom, Ali, Maddie, Carolina and Di

.....we started the Friday night dance ritual a day early.  The girls were teaching us the 'Saturday Night Dance'. Even Gar gave it a whirl.

Lucan wasn't sure what to make of it.

We convinced the girls to give us a step dance like they used to. Obviously my camera was on the wrong setting. Sorry about that. But you get the idea.

My parent's were thoroughly entertained. Again, wrong camera setting. I hate that.

Then Gar gave Ali a whirl around the living room, to which Ali announced..."Gar actually knows how to dance."

Then my Father gave me a whirl around the living room with a little Lyndy lesson to some Glenn Miller. Too bad I'm a rotten follower. However, I'm a wicked leader. We all joined in a parade around the house to When the Saints Go Marchin' In while my parent's got another good laugh. We even did the Hokey Pokey, the Macararena, The Time Warp and sang a song or two, just to make the night complete.

There were a lot of laughs. A good way to end a visit. 

Bon Voyage Bates Of Clonsilla. Until we see you again.

Sunset Meadows

It sure was pretty last night. A big Summer sun going down.

Freefrom Friday

Go on, you know you want to. It's just a jump to the left...and then a step to the rrriiiiiiggggghhhhhtttt.  Click here if you're reading by email.

Get and give it a try. It's Friday! It's silly. It will make you laugh at yourself. Don't forget to bend your knees inside.

Ciao for now,

One Year Gone. Really?

A Whole New World

A year ago today, I began blogging. It's all I expected and more. I've met some of the most wonderful people and struck up friendships far and wide (like all the way around the world 'far and wide').  When I wrote this post last year at this time, I guess I had an inkling of what I'd be doing here. You see, for the most part I stuck to plan. Who knew? I wrote: 'It's certain that I will touch upon many subjects including, but not limited to: interior design, graphic design, gardening, writing, pr, food, art, advertising/marketing, and the good life in general.'

I'd also add to this list:

tutorials like 'make a paper star'

{still one of my favorites}

a good dose of creativity and crafting thanks to people like Kristen from Milo and Molly

hosting parties so others had a chance to promote themselves and so I could introduce followers to some truly talented people- a group of crafters.....artisans.....bloggers extraordinaire.

like Amy from Maison Decor.......

via maisondecor

and Cari Jane Hakes of Hybrid Handmade

via hybridhandmade

Falling into the category of the 'good life', I guess you can put 'nature' and 'free things'.  I have really enjoyed sharing sunset meadows, our walks with you, and fun free designs. 

What I'm trying to say, is it's been a really fun ride and I hope you'll stick around for the rest of the trip.  I'll be Thelma to your Louise, or vice versa.

Oh, I forgot to add one thing to the list, something I know you've all been waiting for...........GIVEAWAYS. I've been able to host some really fun giveaways. What? You want to know who won the giveaway to end all giveaways? The fantastically wonderful blogavesary giveaway?

First let me thank my sponsors again, because without them it wouldn't have been much of a giveaway. Give them a little of your time, would you? They're worth getting to know.

Kristen from MiloandMolly:  blog, twitter    

Duni from PeriDotbyDuni: blog

Angela from Garden and Sea: blog, twitter, pinterest

Paige from Little White Chapel: blog, twitter, pinterest , flickr

Bonnie from {PaperKeeper}: blog, twitter, facebook 

Leona from Lee'sWhimsy: facebook    

Amy from MaisonDecor: blog

Garrett (aka G-Man, Gar, dh) from Lia Artisan Concrete Designs: website

While we're on the subject of sponsors, I'm a lucky gal to have Large Rugs & Carpets on my team. If you're looking for....well it's kind of obvious.....a 'large rug or carpet' (wink wink), you must visit their site.....Personally I'm very fond of the Kermans.

Back to the giveaway. All I can say is this woman has the 'green thumb' of giveaway luck lately. In fact, she recently one a beautiful design by the lovely Ms. Cari Jane Hakes (jealous).  Today, she can count herself lucky again thanks to Rafflecopter (which by the way made this giveaway easy peasy from this end). The winner of my blogaversary giveaway, picked randomly by rafflecopter is...........Are you sitting down Leona?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you all SO very much for following along. A special shout out to the new people who found me via the giveaway- I look forward to getting to know you all better.

You'll never know how much it means to me that you're all here.

Freeform Friday

I know I've freeformed this before, but just because we had so much fun dancing to this and many other songs at the wedding last Saturday--

oh yes we did-

 and because it gets me in a 'hey, the weekend is here' kind of mood....get your scarf out and give me your best Jagger moves. Go on. Nobody is looking. I swear.

Another busy weekend ahead. The G-man and I will be celebrating our 24th Anniversary a little early (it's Monday but always fun to lengthen a celebration, don't you think?).  We'll probably enjoy dinner out, which always makes both of us happy. We will also be planting our garden. We are ridiculously late with that. It's been a crazy Spring between weather, going away to NYC, niece's wedding, etc. It just kept getting pushed off. I will also be spending time in the pool, which we are still playing 'cloudy' games with, but when it's this hot, I couldn't care less.

How about you? What's your weekend looking like?

Ciao for now,

Right Out Of The Hat

Literally, Out of The Hat

We have a winner folks! I tallied the entries to our first giveaway of the year. Wrote all the names down, some more than once because they'd earned extra entries, cut them up and put them in the hat. My winter hat to be exact.

I put my hand in and pulled out.............

It's Ms. Cari-Jane Hakes, from Hybrid Handmade!  Can I get a whoop whoop?

I want to thank all of you who entered for taking the time to share the giveaway, check out our shop and comment. Sweet!

As for Cari, I'll contact you to find out where I should send your print. Congratulations!!

Speaking of Cari, she's got a really pretty FREE February Calendar desktop wallpaper you can download from her blog, Hybrid Handmade.  Check it out!

Keep your eyes open for our next giveaway that starts next Thursday, which will also mark the beginning of our next shop and blog link up party.

Until then, if you are an online shop owner, check out the shop link up/hop over on 'lifebesprinkled' and tell Thauna and Lizzi I sent you.  I also want to thank the gals for including my Grow Love print as one of the featured picks from the previous hop. Very cool!

Freeform Friday

This video cracks me up. Really. Cracks. Me. Up. Nothing like a little laugh to start your weekend off right. Click here if you're reading by email.

Have a fantastic weekend. Ours includes me working at my desk tomorrow at least for part of the day. Still on mission organization, but I am making progress.  Garman is will be trying to put a threshold in and some trim. Tomorrow night we're off to our friends house to see them and other friends who are coming from NJ for a visit. Yay!

Enjoy your day,

The Tree Oddessy, Give Me A Cuppa, And Who's Winning

Oh What An Adventure

When we left the house on Sunday we had no idea we'd be gone so long or that we'd have so much trouble finding a new tree farm. Had we known, we would have gone just down the road to Hampton Falls where there are a few and where our old tree farm used to be (unfortunately they retired the tree farm, which is a bummer because it was great). 

All that said, we thought we'd take a drive and have a look around.

Look around we did.

We found the oldest town forest in America just up the road 15 minutes in  Newington. Who knew?

We passed the bay which was a beautiful shade of blue with sun sparkling all over it.

Met a couple new friends along the way, as big as a house.

Passed lots of farms (just not Christmas tree farms) and lots of cows. We caught two cows necking- one kissing the other's neck. I missed getting shot of that one, because I was laughing too hard.

We drove all over hells bells. Found roads we never even knew existed. Which also brought us upon some pretty vistas.

We even ended up on a dirt road or two.



Yup. We were in the sticks.

Alas, we made our way back to a tree farm literally 5 minutes from the house.  We'd been there before, but they didn't have much of a selection. Luckily they planted more which the sunflowers were standing guard over.

Some were too skinny, while some were too big and fat.

I sent Gar back up to the corner where I'd spied a spruce. Prickly yes, but still my favorite Christmas tree. I love their habit with space in between branches, it's shows my ornaments off nice.

We both agreed it was it.

She's a beauty.



Yeah, yeah. I know. She's a beauty that currently stands underneath my snowman collection, with only half her lights. The other two strands that I bought last year have called it quits already.

Fingers crossed, I'll be dressing her up tonight.

Tea Lovers Unite

Just in case I haven't said it before, I love my tea in the morning. Irish breakfast tea, nice and strong. Just milk. No sugar.

My latest illustration, which will be available at Bates Mercantle Co., is More Tea Please.

If you have a tea drinker on your list, this print would looks great framed.

She's a Winner

Jess from KazooVintage is the winner of our latest giveaway.  Jess will choose from either personalized notecards from Bates Mercantile Co.......

.......or an ad on Mercantile Muse through the end of the year.

Keep an eye out for our next giveaway, soon to come.

Tomorrow marks the next Gotta Have It, Gotta Blog It Link Up so be sure to swing by if you have a shop or blog and link up. If you don't have a shop or blog, be sure to shop by and take a look around.

Happy Tuesday everyone. Make it a great day.