Favorite Finds

Do I have to chose?

As an lover of etsy (an online marketplace for handmade, vintage goods and supplies) and a shop owner of Bates Mercantile Co. I am lucky to be exposed to the most wonderful things on a daily basis. Here's some of my recent favorites:

Grandma Moses never looked so good. I love this pillow..........

copyright BlueFlowerVintage

.....from the people in the wagon, to the man in the barn, to the snow on the rooftops. Charming.

I've noticed a few things with dandelions recently, including this easy-as-pie tutorial by Lucy at Craftberry Bush........so dainty.

copyright CraftberryBush

And this lovely little mirror by lilliesnightgarden. Very sweet.

copyright lilliesnightgarden

This vintage Italian cigarette case reminds of a little nail case of my gram's that sits on my dresser.  Lovely.

copyright PruAtelier

I don't play cribbage, but this antler board sure makes me want to learn.  Very cool.

copyright alteredarcheology

Lovin' the neutral tones and patterns on this bowl. 

copyright liciapfadt

One more pop of color. Happy little fabric rings. You could wear a different one for each day of the week.

copyright hgrillo

No rhyme or reason to this week's favorites, other than they caught my eye. Click on the pictures to check them all out in more detail.

Featured on MyParadissi

As a new sponsor of MyParadissi, a really lovely design blog based out of Crete, blogger Eleni gave us a very warm welcome today.  How very nice.  In addition to our current giveaway on the Muse, we're also sponsoring a giveaway on MyParadissi this week. Be sure to check it out.

And, don't forget to enter the previously mentioned giveaway we're hosting right here on the Muse. You only have three more days to enter (including today), and it really is very easy to enter. If you don't try, you can't win. So go ahead. Enter today!

Your chances are looking pretty good.

Here's hoping the sun is shining where you are. It's out today here, after a brief rain day yesterday. Everything is so much better with a little sun (and also with favorites).

I'd love to know which of today's favorites speak to you? Do share, won't you? 

A Birthday Dinner and Blog Sharin' Love

I Knew He Was Coming So Baked a Cake

My dad celebrated his birthday on Saturday, and extended the celebration last night when he and Mom came over for a birthday dinner.  He chose pork roast, one of our all time favorite Sunday dinners, and I was happy to oblige.

I probably could have 'styled' the pork roast better, but it sure tasted good. Sides were those yummy pressed potatoes I told you about last week and a biggo salad.

That's me, Mom and Dad, having a quick toast before filling our plates.

Since it was Dad's birtday, I even baked a cake.........from scratch. I can say with confidence that I am a good cook, I think because I can put my twist on things. There is leeway. Baking is much more specific and not generally my forte, but I've baked this Italian Apple Butter Cake before and it did not disappoint last night.

It was a delicious end to the birthday evening, complete with tea light candle for Dad to blow out and make a wish. I'll share the recipe later this week.

Spreading Some Blog Love

There so many wonderful blogs out there, one could get lost. Here's a few that I think you should check out.  I read them and really enjoy them for many different reasons.

Lori is an illustrator and has a wonderful eye. Her blog automatism is a wonderful collection of design finds that tickle her fancy, and mine.  Lori has a wonderful weekly post of links that she shares and I always love exploring them.  While you're there, check out our ad!

Eleni is an architect working on the island of Crete. I just found her blog myparadissi last week and am already smitten. Like Lori, she shares wonderful designs finds. Bates Mercantile Co. may be advertising here soon.......let us know what you think!

Like Lori from automatism and myself, Fiona is also an illustrator. I can always count on her blog Cafe Cartolina to be colorful. That makes me happy. 

I thank Jaime at Crafty, Scrappy, Happy for introducing me to the talented Lucy and her blog Craftberry Bush.  She has the most wonderful projects! Check out today's wheat and wire pumpkin. I'm just in love with the wheat.

If you visit any of these blogging ladies, which I really think you should, mention that I sent you their way.  I know that once you take a look around, you'll be a fan too.

Happy Monday! The sun is shining, the air is crisp and the birds are chirpping. What more can a girl ask for?

I'm working on whittling down my to-do list today, and also need to make some time to move, whether a walk or hitting the yoga mat at the end of the day. I need to work 'movin' back into my daily routine, big time. What are your plans?