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,

 

 

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,

Did Someone Say Party?

You're Invited to The Campfire

Since I'm always talking about our campfires out back at the firepit, I thought it was about time I invited you to one. So get ready to enjoy the night air, the smell of a campfire and getting to know some new peeps. Why? Because it's time for the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party.

There are some lovely cheeses, so grab a bite.

There's some beer or hot cider, grab one. 

Now, siddle up to the campfire get to know one another. You'll be amazed at the talent at this party. Seriously. Let us know if you are an artist or crafter, and if you blog.  Afterall, that's what this party is all about.

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 (and from the address pbates@speakeasyinfo.net) in two weeks reminding you that 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, won't you consider becoming a follower (there's several different ways to follow in the sidebar to you're right) if you're not already? Can you do me another favor?How about liking us on facebook too? That'd be so sweet!

*Post one link. Two if you link one under Gotta Have It (for shops)and one under Gotta Blog It (for bloggers).  Be sure you’re posting your link under the right link up!

*Don't link and run, be kind and check out each other's 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, 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. 

*Leave a comment and check back Monday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It could be you!

First up, the shop link up (scroll down page for blog link up)!

Now for the bloggers to link up!

I can't wait to see what you guys bring to the party. It's always amazing.

Almost Forgot Elle Moss

Today's theme for the Elle Moss 21 Day Photochallenge is 'words'.

Have fun at party and remember, you can pin any Mercantile Muse posts easily....the pinterest button is just below this post.  If you want to find me on pinterest, that button is in the righthand column. Let's connect!

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Spring Link Up!

via marthastewart

A Perfect Time For A Party

This link up party is overdue.  So come on in, make yourself comfortable, take a stroll around the gardens, get a drink and something to eat at the buffet and tell us a little something about yourself. Might I be so bold as to suggest you show off a little.....I mean you did wear your best party outfit, right?

via delish

This is the place to have fun while you link up your online shop or blog. If you don't have an online shop or blog, have some fun looking around. You might find some things you just have to have, things you mother would love, or new places to visit for a daily read.  It's all good.

via thoughtfully simple

(what a lovely inspiration board....who's ready to party?)

Get set to mix, mingle, and talk amongst yourselves.

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 (and from the address pbates@speakeasyinfo.net) in two weeks reminding you that 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, won't you consider becoming a follower (there's several different ways to follow in the sidebar to you're right) if you're not already? Can you do me another favor?How about liking us on facebook too? That'd be so sweet!

*Post one link. Two if you link one under Gotta Have It (for shops)and one under Gotta Blog It (for bloggers).  Be sure you’re posting your link under the right link up!

*Don't link and run, be kind and check out each other's 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, 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. 

*Leave a comment and check back Monday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It could be you!

First up, the shop link up (scroll down page for blog link up)!

Bloggers, you're up! Gotta Blog It

Feel free to share a little bit about yourself, your shop and/or your blog in the comments section (including links to your shop and facebook page, pinterest page, etc. if you've got 'em). Let's have some fun getting to know each other better. Thanks for being here,

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog Blog It Link Up Party!

Where's The Party?

Right here of course. It's another promotion party on Mercantile Muse, where you can link up your online business or your blog, or both. Those of you who don't have an online business or blog, think of it as a sort of pop up shop where you'll find neat stuff all in one place.

It's potluck again, because it was so much fun last time. If you're 'bringing' something to share....a coctail, a mocktail or food, please mention it in comments and include a recipe link if there is one.

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 (and from the address pbates@speakeasyinfo.net) in two weeks reminding you that 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, won't you consider becoming a follower (there's several different ways to follow in the sidebar to you're right) if you're not already? Can you do me another favor?How about liking us on facebook too? That'd be so sweet!

*Post one link. Two if you link one under Gotta Have It (for shops)and one under Gotta Blog It (for bloggers).  Be sure you’re posting your link under the right link up!

*Don't link and run, be kind and check out each other's 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, 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. 

*Leave a comment and check back Monday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It could be you!

First up, the shop link up (scroll down page for blog link up)!

Take and look around, get to know each other and most of all have fun at the party. Thanks for coming!

I Love Saturdays 

Happy Saturday everyone.

All is well here in Stratham. It's a glorious fall day. I'm about to throw some laundry in because it's a perfect, breezy line drying day.

I also will be working on getting some new merchandise into our online shop, Bates Mercantile Co. 

Since it's so beautiful, a walk in the field with the hound is also on the agenda. 

It all sounds like a perfectly wonderful way to spend the day.

What are you plans this Saturday?

If you missed Thursday's post, we're in the midst of our first Shop Link Up Party - 'Gotta Have It'. I think it's going quite well! What a wonderful bunch of shops.  Be sure to check out other participants when you get a moment. And more importantly, if you haven't linked your shop---take a couple of seconds to do it!

Gotta Have It

Have Hey gang, it's the first link party at Mercantile Muse! Stacey at A Sort of Fairytale has done such a great job with her link parties and supporting other online shop owners, I thought it might be nice to try the same thing, and if there is enough response and thumbs up for the link up, it may just become a regular feature. I for one, love trying new things while supporting fellow artists, crafters and vintage purveyors. If you like the idea too and have an online shop like we do (check out Bates Mercantile Co.) or a 3D shop, handmake, design or upcycle your own prodcuts, or sell vintage, this is the place to let others know just what you've got. The Gotta Have It link up will run from Thursday until 6pm on Saturday, so if you know others who would like to link up, please spread the word any way you can. This is all about supporting fellow esty shop owners as well as other artists, crafters and vintage sellers.  If you like the idea of the link up enough to participate, it sure would be nice if you became a follower of Mercantile Muse if you're not already.

If you have a blog, feel free to grab the Gotta Have It button, to let your followers know you are part of the Gotta Have It link up and to direct them to Mercantile Muse.....by the way, that would be really awesome.

<div align="center"><a href="http://batesmercantileco.blogspot.com" title="Mercantile Muse"><img src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i448/PamelaJBates/Mercantile-Muse-Gotta-Have-It-125-x125-button.jpg" alt="Mercantile Muse" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Remember, it's up to you guys to make this a regular feature, so link away.  If you don't happen to be a shop owner, but have something to say about the link up, please free to offer feedback as well. Everyone's opinion counts here.

Once you link up, 'share the love' and post a comment and let me know how you're following.......I really like hearing from you! (Note: add the url to your item where it says 'url to your blog post'!)