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,

 

 

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,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It: Forget the Party Dress

Despite The Cold, It's Time To Party

It's Arctic here. I'm not kidding. I've been hunkered down with the wood stove. 

My windows have ice on them.

Yesterday it was 0 in the morning.

Today, -6. Without the wind chill.

It was so cold yesterday that they had to close one of our ski mountains. It was -47f. What?

Personally, I think it's a perfectly good reason to invite some guests over, grab a mug, get some cocoa, get cozy and enjoy the company.

{If you're new to Mercantile Muse and the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party here's the scoop.  You probably already know about etsy (where we have a shop) and the handmade movement, the resurgence of everything vintage and the explosion of blogs by little peeps like me. Behind that movement are a gazillion creators, pickers, photographers and bloggers who run their own shops and blogs, competing against all the big guys who have gigantic marketing budgets. These little people don't and it's important to me to give these hardworking people a leg up on the big competition anyway I can.}

Now, for Pete's sake.....come on in and join the party.

sources:  winter art photograph via semisweetstudio; mugs via jessicahoward; gourmet hot cocoa via apropros roasters; handknit socks via dmtgun3

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.

******If you're linking up your shop or blog, please read these guidelines before linking up.******

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up, 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 you blog.

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

*These parties can't be 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) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome. Everyone is welcome -  tell your friends.  Thanks to all of you who did at the last party...it was the biggest and best ever! 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? 'What are you working on right now?

Time to get down! (If you're reading by email, click here to go to the party).

There's lots in the works on Mercantile Muse including a bookkeeping/accounting post from the Kate The Great aka Ms. Vintage from StoryTellersVintage. This girl is all about tracking and spreadsheets. She can't help it. It's what she did before she moved to the West coast to explore her more creative side.  I'll also be starting our artist's profile series soon and if you're like me and really enjoy learning the story behind things and the process, you'll want to be here for that.

I'm also diligently working on a redesign which I'm excited about. There is a lot more to do, but just getting stuck into the process makes me happy. I think you're going to like it. 

Thanks for stopping by and joining in the fun.  

Stay warm wherever you are, and if you're in the other hemisphere, stay cool.

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,

 

 

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,

A 'Welcome Fall' Party

[via martha stewart]

It's Time for the First Fall Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party

Hey gang, I hope you're having a great day. 

Can I give you a some background on the parties I throw here on the Muse?  Since my day job consists of helping other small business people to promote themselves through advertising, pr and marketing, these little soirees are a fun virtual extension of that. It's a way for the many independent business owners, shop owners and bloggers to connect with each other and you (in case you're not one of the aforementioned). It's a virtual party, where people share what they make, do or blog about, make new friends and, generally speaking, have a good time.  It's also a chance for you to experience the handmade and independent business movement that's going on, and discover new blogs to follow. There's a lot of people online who have great things to say and are expressing it through their art, craft, business or blog and you can connect with some of them right here at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party.  I think it's important for us independent business people to support each other and this party is one the ways I do that.

Whether you're a shop owner, blogger or someone who just stopped by, you're cordially invited to join in the fall festivities.

In honor of the new season, let's take some time out of our day to celebrate fall.

1. invitation via KT's Art's & Design's  2. pinecones via The Rustic Woodshed

3. pumpkin photo via Summer Owens Fine Art Photography

4. vintage table cloth set via StoryTellersVintage

5. vintage stereo via LCMillard LBSCreations & Vintage Finds

6. cocktail set via followmevintage 7. herb dip diy via Craig’s Emporium 

8. vintage cake carrier via Doodlebug Emporium

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 ________? 

Need more inspiration? How about this video via my blogging pal Bonnie at {Paper.Keeper}. I think you'll like it. It would make the party so much better if we took a little time to sit in a 'ball pit' and get to know one another better.

Now, without further delay...'the party'.If you're reading via email you can stop by the party here.

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

I can't wait to see what you've all left behind at this party. Monday's post on the Muse will feature my picks from the party. Oh, wait......can you hold on just a second while I turn up the music? I think you guys will like this take on a Fall classic.

I'm glad it's Thursday. It's been a busy week and there is still much to do. I'm working on pulling together another awesome giveaway and I'm excited about the shops already on board. You're going to love it. If you're interested in participating as a sponsor, give me a shout to see if you're a good fit for this one. I'm hoping we get a little sun for the weekend because it's been gray and rainy. How's  your week going so far? 

See you on the flip side,

Family Time

Fun Time

Yesterday was the last day of The Bates Of Clonsilla's visit. We took time off to just enjoy the day.

My sister brought our grandniece Sophia over for a swim and my brother's daughter came over again to chill with our Irish nieces. 

Luckily it was a perfectly wonderful pool day at the Bates Estate.

Sophia loved the pool. We all pulled her around.

And around, and around.

She can be a bit timid with new people but she loved playing in the pool with Ali and Caroline.

By the time we got out, we were singing Sir Mix A Lot....'I like big butts and I cannot lie'.

Luckily our family had a late flight so they were able to enjoy the whole day before heading off the airport.

Of course, I had to get our 'traditional' leaving shot of the girls in front of the lilacs. I've been taking their picture like this when they leave since they were very little.

Do not adjust your monitor. That is Carolina's real hair color. She's a Ging. No denying it. We chalk that one up to Granny O'Toole, who nobody knew had red hair because it was gray. That was until one day when Garrett was making fun of the girl next door with red hair and Granny O'Toole set him straight, telling him she had beautiful flame red hair when she was young.  Which he found eventually for himself when his beard grew in red. Just his beard. Weird, huh?

Back to the visitors.

They were all sad to go.  Lucan was sad to see them leave.

Goodbye for now Bates of Clonsilla.

The Bates of Lucan will be arriving on Wednesday for a longer stay.  Yup, Bates of Lucan. It's a town just outside of Dublin's city limits. That's where the hound got his name.

Oh, I almost forgot. The girls got to be the first to put their John Hancock's on our new chalkboard wall. Stay tuned for the chalkboard reveal in the coming days.  Either tomorrow or Tuesday. We'll see how the chips fall.

Monday's post will be my picks from the current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party. If you have an online shop or blog, be sure to link up your stuff. If you don't, you're still invited to the party. Have a look around, you never know where it might take you and what you might find.

Sunset Meadows

I've said it before and I'm sure to say it again. We're so blessed to have the most beautiful sunsets right at our front door. I never get tired of them.

What's hot for your Saturday?  I'm doing laundry and general prepping for the next wave of Dubliners. I'll be heading into the pool later, then we're planning on a campfire and burgers if all goes well. Doesn't get better than that.

Ciao for now,

Things I Found And Overheard At The Party

via etsy stalker, ring by Brooke Scarborough

A Beautiful Mess

As usual, the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party is rocking.  Yeehaw cowgirl! You know what that means if you've ever hosted a party. It means there's a lot of stuff left behind. This party is no exception.

Thanks to all the etsy shop owners and bloggers who left a link to their awesomeness. A big high five to the Muse readers who stopped by the party to have a look around. That's what it's all about. Everyone getting to know each other.

Here's my picks from mingling at the party:

1. make up case via Lilach Oren   

2. Diane's beautiful hollyhocks via dsignsbyds

3. Brooke Scarborough's gorgeous ring via Etsy Stalker

4. classic teal blue ribbon from This and That Crafter

5. sweet girls skirt made by cikimot

6. blueberry struesel muffins (yum) via Color Canopy

7. very hungry catepillar cookies at little sugar tops

8. the loveliest lady via ArtdeLimaginaire
9. a great way to say congratulations from always pretty paper

10. a charming belleek tea cup via myvintagebluebird

See what I mean? I really don't mind picking up behind the guests at these little link up parties. Not. At. All.

If you were featured today, or at any other time, I've added a new 'I've been featured on Mercantile Muse' button in the side bar, complete with code. Grab it for your blog if you'd like.

Did you think you were lost?

Yup. You're right. I changed my header. It's been in the works. I'm still not sure if it's a done deal, but I wanted to see how it feels. That's design for you....work at it, step back, take a look, make some tweaks and so on.  I changed my shop branding and want them to both be consistent. Though I think both might need a 'little' more tweaking.

It's still lil' ole' me though. Me and my musings.

Hey, if you're participating in the photo challenge, get me your entries for 'self portrait' today if you haven't already. What? You don't know about the photo challenge? Check this out.....it's fun, it's low pressure and it's a way to practice your photo taking skills. Everyone is welcome to join the challenge at any time.

Be sure to be here at the Muse tomorrow. It's start of the August giveaway (how on Earth did that happen?) and it is simply not to be missed.

Thanks for being here. It would be awful lonely without you.

Ciao for now,

Did someone say party? Get your cameras out!

via bhg.com

Poof. It's gone.

One wrong key, and the post I was about to post is gone. So......begrudingly....here it is again...as long as I don't hit the wrong key again. Don't you just hate that? That's certainly not going to stand in the way of our celebration! Time for another Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party....where we celebrate the independent business and blogging movement. If you have an online shop or blog, this is the place to link them up, reach new people, meet other independent shop owners and bloggers and have some fun. Not a shop owner or blogger? No worries. This is where you get to find some really neat shops and blogs, all collected in one place. A ton of fun, all right here.

So, take time to smell the flowers....

 via bhg.com

......grab a drink

via bhg.com

......get a bite to eat......

via bhg.com

.....and party on.

One more thing before we get started. Tomorrow the Innaugural Mercantile Muse Photo Challenge begins.

This is a no-pressure challenge. It's about challenging yourself. The winners? Everyone who participates.  So why not join in the fun?  If you'd like to join the rest of us, get me your first submission today as soon as possible. You can learn more about it here.

Now, onto the party.

Please read the Rules of the House, before linking:

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on a list of particpants and receive an e-mail from me (from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net) when the next Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party is underway.

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, shouldn't you follow too? I'd love it if you did. There are several different ways to follow in the sidebar to you're right, if you're not following already. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter. It'd be great to connect with you there too!

*Don't link and run, be kind and check out each other's links. Sure, this is all about celebrating your shop or blog, but it's also about paying it forward and making new connections. You won't believe the wonderful people you meet here on Mercantile Muse. Seriously. They rock. So please have a look around at other links. 

*Share a link to the party, 'you two tell friends, and they tell two friends, and so on and so on'. It benefits us all--- 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, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome.  I know we can make this the best one yet, with your help!

*Check back next Tuesday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It could be you!

And away we go (if you're reading by email click here it will bring you to the party). 

Thanks for being here,