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,

 

 

Things I Found & Overheard at the Party

Rocking The House

Last Thursday was the start of another party in these parts. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up is a way for independent online shop and business owners, and bloggers, to show you their stuff.

As always, a lot of wonderful stuff has been left behind.

In addition to some quarters, check out what I've found in the couch cushions.



landscape painting via asta artwork

hammered copper stacking rings via Jewelry By Debra

botanical pressed rose card via little big top
vintage piano roll ephemera via Grandmama’s Attic

wood wand keychain via Gipson Wands
'Lady of Shalott' soap via Cafe Primrose blog & shop

 

The variety of things and posts that people leave behind is always quite varied and as you can, this party is no different.

 

If you have a shop or blog and haven't linked up yet, the party is still going. Swing on by and leave a link. 

 

If you like to window shop like me and discover new shops and blogs, by all means....come to the party and meet some new people.

 

Hope you're having a good day.

 

The wind finally died down but it's still pretty darn cold. Lucan is manning his spot on the futon right next to the fire. Lucky dog.

 

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,

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It........First Party Of The New Year!

Out With The Old, In With the New

Almost. It's a New Year....and the button above reminds me that it is way past time to update that graphic. Alas, time is all I need to accomplish that task. However, none of that changes the fact that it's PARTY TIME! I know, this news just wiped away all the worry your were having over when I would be able to squeeze in a new button design. Thank goodness.

If you're new to Mercantile Muse and the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party here's the digitty dig details.

You probably already know about etsy (where we have a shop) and the handmade  movement, 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, for a variety of reasons, to give these hardworking people a leg up on the big competition anyway I can.

That brings us to the link party.

The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party is a place for these shop owners and bloggers to share links and introduce new people (like you) to their wares and their blogs.

It's not just for them though. It's for you. It's an all-in-one free for all where you'll find a great variety of products and blogs, just waiting to be discovered by you.

Plus, it's a party. What more can I say?

Shall we?

 

1. black shrug by MIRIMIRIFASHION  2. ‘masquerade mask by monkey thumbs

3. new year banner by mulberry creek  4. treble clef stencil by Cosmic Emotions
5. champagne glasses by amys vintage decorium  6. customized champagne bucket by Susabellas
7. white chocolate and raspberry fudge by SadiSweetShop  8. friendship sister painting by Sascalia

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 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've said it before, but I can not stress enough that I can't make these parties and 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 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 join in 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 did you do to ring in the New Year'

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

Have a great day. The wind is wild here. Balmy though, so this is good.

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,

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,