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.
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.
In case you didn't know, when it comes to the success of a party it's not the appetizers you serve, it's not the bar, and it's not the music, although all of them certainly add to the atmosphere. When you get right down to it, it's the guests that make the party.
That said, the current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party is chock full of awesome people. Talented crafters, artists, bakers, collectors and storytellers.....the list goes on.
How great is that vintage agriculture poster? The Sunshine Grove did a fantastic post on Victory Gardens. What? Never heard of a Victory Garden? Hop on over and learn a thing or two.
I love Brittany's fun style posts over at Fox Burrow Vintage. This girl knows how to piece together on-trend outfits with vintage pieces and she knows how to pick classic vintage that doesn't look dated. She's got some great new polka dot pieces in her shop to. Have I told you lately how I love polka dots. I 'borrowed' a black and white polka dot dress from my sister Gloria once......I never gave it back. I had this great wedge spectator pumps. I'll hazzard a guess I was the only kid in high school wearing a 50s style polka dot dress with spectator pumps. I SO loved that outfit. Hmmmm, wonder if the pumps are still in my mother's attic. {Mom, get down from the attic!!!!}
Pearls are like polka dots....they never got out of style either, especially when they're in an elegant necklace like the one from Katie But Creations 4 U. Swavorski pearls set off with pretty blue and gold. Just lovely.
I've told you before that my musical tastes run the gamut. You'll find everything in our collection from the Sex Pistols to Irving Berlin. I'm a sucker for Irving Berlin. Art's Old Sheet Music has some very charming vintage illustrations and beautiful sheet music. My parents have quite the collection of vintage sheet music and have framed a few of them. The pictures on many of the covers are works of art.
I'm not just a sucker for Irving Berlin. I scream for Ice Cream. It's my favorite dessert. As Pamela at Pamela's Sweet Treats proves, making homemade strawberry ice cream can be fun for the whole family.
Talk about sweet treats, how about a giant lolli? Gotcha. That's just Arlene's (of This and That Crafters) way of showing off her pretty pink and gold roping. Cute, huh? If you need crafting supplies, Arlene has a bunch including some totally retro patterns. She also happens to be one of the leaders of the treasury team I captain over on, Treasury Island. So basically, I think she rocks.
Have you had a look at what people left behind at the party yet? You seriously do not want to miss out. Tons of great stuff and wonderful blogs and some really nice people to meet too. If you haven't linked up, it's still alive and kicking. So if you have a shop or blog, swing on by and join the fun.
Go On............Guess What It's Been Doing
Well, as they say, a pictures worth a thousand words.
It's been snowing. Another Nor'easter. It's just stopped and we got about 12 inches, more than they thought, but we didn't suffer the brunt. The coast is getting battered by very high tides and there is another tonight that could cause serious problems for people. Plum Island just to the South of us in Massachusetts, has already lost one house to the ocean this morning and two more are headed in the same direction.The storms this season have just been too powerful and have washed away any barrier sand and dunes that were there. So sad for those people. Tons of flooded neighborhoods as well. I really feel for them.
Funny how the season started slow with storms and now it just won't let up.
Freeform Friday
No big plans for the weekend. Just work around the house. Will probably hook up with the neighborhoodlums tonight. Tomorrow, hoping to catch the matinee Bruins game at noon. We played a great game last night and came away with the win. Call me crazy, but I love a good physical game of hockey....well, as long as I'm not the one on the ice. We got back into the groove of playing our brand of old school hockey, and that always makes me a happy girl. Of course, sometimes we're a little more refined and that's good too.
Here's the Zman (coming through center ice #33). Zdeno Chara, our captain, who stands 6'9" and is the tallest NHL player. Don't think he can do ballet? Oh yes he can. (And oh how I love the way Jack Edwards calls a game. The guy kills me.)
And to kick Friday into high gear...........here's a little something that's been a Bruins tradition for years. Boy does this bring back memories of watching the Bs on channel 38 when I was a kid. Nut Rocker.
OK, enough sports nuttery. Time to get some work done so I can play later.
Happy Friday gang!
Ciao for now,
PS- if you haven't joined in the Epic Childhood memories here and here, you should. I LOVE reading everyone elses epic memories....be sure to check them out in the comments. So great!
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.
It's a good thing the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party is a virtual party. There is no doubt our little cottage would be bustin' at the seams with all of you Winter party-goers.
For those of you who may not know it, I like parties. So, to get my party fix, I host a party here on Mercantile Muse every two weeks. It's a place for online shops (etsy or otherwise) and bloggers to show us their stuff....to compete with the big guys....to introduce themselves to new people. And have they got stuff to show.
I never cease to be amazed at where the links the party-goers have left behind lead me. Following the links at the party, is like opening one little gift after the other.
This week's party (which you are still welcome to join or browse through and do a little window shopping) is full of great guests. It led me to some wonderful places and things.
The proof is in the pudding.
Here's some things I found at this week's link party.
How sweet are these packages that Shelly wrapped? Perfect for Valentine's Day.
Heads up. I'm just putting this out there...........if someone doesn't get over to sweet posy dreams quick.......that book is going to be mine. I love, love, love that cover. Fair warning.
Violet's Buds' pretty fabric flower is Versatile with a capital V. It can be worn in your hair, clipped to a headband or even clipped to a lapel.
Isn't placefulness' art print just perfectly lovely? OK. I couldn't resist,but it really is lovely.
My etsy friend Sigal has added resin designs to her beautiful jewelry. The hearts are very sweet.
I don't know about you, but I can't say I've ever imagine burlap in bright pink. Oh my. Thank you Cottage Crafts Online for making me swoon. You see, I've got a thing for burlap.
A quick shout out to Katrina at Pugly Pixel for all the wonderful freebies she offers on her site, which include the fun hang tags I used in the photo collages. She's got the best stuff and is so kind to share it. If you've never been to Pugly Pixel, I suggest you take a swing by. I could get lost on her site for ages between the tutorials, the eye candy and the blog bling.
Monday, Monday
Here we are, in the middle of another Monday, which of course means the weekend is over. Always sad words in my book, because I do love the weekend. I think it has to do with the slowed down pace (well, most of the time) and the lack of schedule (again, most of the time).
We enjoyed the company of the neighborhoodlums Friday night. I got up at a ridiculous hour on Saturday and was out the door in my PJs in the freezing cold taking pictures of the Wolf Moon setting over the field. Think I needed a tripod for this one simply because I coudn't keep my hands still thanks to the cold.
We visited with my parents on Saturday. Did some food shopping. Made to-die-for paella (recipe tomorrow). Got a little hockey watching and X Games in, as well as laundry and other house stuff.
How about you? How was your weekend? Was it full to the brim or quiet and calm?
Hey, it being Monday and all means it's Meet Up Monday on our facebook page. Just another way to connect with new people. Feel free to pop on by.
Make it a great day in your corner of the world, and I'll do the same.
Ciao for now,
PS- Just to make sure I'm not assuming things........did you know you can quickly pin any of the posts on Mercantile Muse? There is a pin button below each post that makes it super easy.
I jest. The police weren't called and they didn't have to do a driveby, but I've swung on by the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party a few times just to make sure I don't miss anything that has been left behind. There are still people arriving. No kidding.
The party is all about supporting the handmade movement, vintageers and pickers, artisans and bloggers. If you have a shop or blog, the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party is the place to promote your stuff and it's the place for the rest of us get to make awesome discoveries.
Here's some of what I discovered this time around.
Have a look around at these shops and blogs and everything else there is to discover.
Take A Walk With Us
So, yesterday was 61 degrees F. Hello?
We live in New Hampshire. 61 degrees F in January is a little on the weird side, but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. That said, the hound and I scooted out the door and across to the field for a walk.
Ah. A breath of fresh air. Literally. Sure was needed. Sometimes you just have to get away from the desk and keyboard, know what I mean?
There were lots of whispey lavender clouds.
Couldn't get a good picture of Lucan. The hound was on the move.
Just a tiny sliver of a crescent.
Sunset Meadows.
Enjoy the day. Tomorrow, get your aprons on. Another cookie recipe coming your way. It's super easy. Three ingredients. I am not kidding. Count 'em. Three.
Are you all busy find gifts for the ones you love? I'm nearly done. I say that, but I probably have more to do than I realize.If you're still looking for the right gift, there were certainly many possibilities left behind at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link party last week. Shops are still linking up...it's a happening party to be sure. There is still time if you haven't linked already, and if you haven't browsed, take a break and have a look around. A big thanks to everyone who has linked up, you help make it a party nobody wants to leave.
The places these parties take me.....so much to see, so little time.
Just look at some of the things I found!
1. White and gold chevron tray via Long Eared Designs. Wouldn't this tray look marvelous serving champagne to celebrate the holidays? I think it'd be perfectly wonderful. Or even to coral things on a desk. Either way. Pretty pretty.
2. Fortune cookie calendar via Messy Bed Studios. My favorite 2013 calendar I've found so far. Guy, gal.....everyone can use a little fortune cookie wisdom.
3. Infinity cowl via Garden and Sea. Can you even stand that color? POW. Know somebody who likes to stand out?
4. Blue beaded bracelet via Leah Beloved. Again, this color is speaking to me too. Like the ocean in Winter. Deep blue. This would look pretty on any of the ladies on your list.
5. Silver dish via Upon a Dream Designs. The details on this dish are simply lovely. Is there a vintage lover you're buying for? Someone who likes things that have a bit of history? Check them off with this dish. It doesnt' have to be just for candy. It would look equally nice on a ladies dresser holding earrings or on a man's desk holding paper clips and such.
6. Handwoven baskets via Bright Expectations. Any of your loved ones like to go berry picking? Well, these are perfect for that and so many other things.
7. Groovy, swirly clutch via Eyelah. Is there a girl on your list who is a fashion queen. One with extra style? This clutch is screaming her.
8. copper bow via A Bow for Momma. Want to make that big gift you bought look even more impressive? Top it off with this beautiful copper hand tied bow. Of course, it would look great on a wreath or at the top of your tree too.
Imagine the things you could cross of your list in one fell swoop!
Our bout with warm weather has ended. It was a little weird. It left with full force when the winds picked up yesterday afternoon, dropping temps from the mid to high 50s, to the high 20s overnight. What? That's just craziness. The good news is, the sun is still shining and the wind dried the two loads of laundry we had on the line. Now I just have to put it away.............
Did you enter the December Giveaway yet? I can't get over all the fantastic things.....I'd love to win, but can't. It'd just be so tacky to win your own giveaway, don't you think? However, it would not be tacky for you to win. Give it a try, somebody has to win, it might as well be you.
Today I'm in email marketing design mode for clients. There will be a lot of that the next couple of weeks, as well as ad design. It's all good.
Hey! Did you see how many people linked up at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Party. Phew, that was a lot of links to look through and it sure makes it even harder to make my picks. What a talented bunch of party-goers.
Despite the difficulty of my job, sifting through all the wonderfulness in your shops and on your blogs, it is done. A day late, but done.
I'm sure they're different than your pics, and that's what makes this link party so great. There is something for everyone. Three cheers for talent, creativity and variety.
Here's where the link party led me this week......from man's best friend to 6 degrees of separation from Gwenyth to a farm raisin'. See what I mean about variety?
Where'd the party take you? Did you come away with some new connections and new favorite finds? What? You haven't been to the party yet? Well jeesh, did you come to the front door? We probably didn't hear you knock. Just come around to the back door. That's the one for friends.
If you want another chance to promote your wares, head on over to Life's Jewels On A String, Kat Ezat's blog, and take part in her Stock Take link up. If you don't have a shop, you may just want to stop by anyways to see all the great things that are being linked up. It's the perfect time of year to do a little browsing.
Enjoy your day today and I'll see you on the flipside.
The link parties on Mercantile Muse are always such a pleasure. So many goodies to search through.
Finding what people have left behind, is like finding little hints that lead you to different paths and different places. I followed the trail you all made for me, and just look at the things I found:
I'm glad that so many of you linked up at the party, and I'm eternally grateful to those of you who took the time to support small independent business owners by checking out the links they left behind. So awesome! In case you are a small handmade/vintage shop owner, or blogger, and haven't linked up yet.....the link party is still live. So be sure to link up. This party is a great way to reach new people.
In Case You Didn't Hear
Today is election day here in the states. Finally, no matter what side you're on, I bet you'll be glad you don't have to watch or listen to all the negative advertisements after today. I bet it's one thing we can all agree on.
Please get out and cast your vote today. Remember the people who have fought, and some who have died, so that you can go to the voting booth. Think of all the people around the world who are still fighting to gain that right. It matters not who you vote for, what matters is that you exercise your right to vote. In case you need me to hit this point home, here's a little reading about 'The Night Of Terror' during the women's suffragette movement in the United States. Think of this happening ten-fold, or 100 fold, all over this world at different times during history, including right now.
I know, I know...it's another one of those parties. What can I say, other than, that's just the way we roll around here. The current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party is still cranking. There are still people coming through the door, so if you haven't had a look around, or even if you did, there's a ton of links to explore.
One of the best things about hosting this virtual parties, is all the stuff you guys leave behind (and I'm not just talking change under the couch cushions).
6. notepad cover!!!!!!! (can you tell I LOVE this idea. I am a legal pad kind of girl and they'd look so much prettier in one of these) via Shusha Handmade Arts
10. loading the cart vintage postcard (addressed to a man in the my birthtown no less) via postcards in the attic
Lots of familiar faces at this party, but lots of new faces too. That sure makes me smile. Everyone getting to know each other, wonderful handcrafted and vintage finds, and new blogs to discover. What is not to love about this party?
If you have a shop or blog, the party is still live and so swing on by and link up. You never know who might find you this way. Those of you who don't have a shop or blog are always invited too. There's so much great stuff to browse through.
It was a busy weekend, what with the craft fair and all. Friday night we finished our prepping. Saturday involved lots of hauling, unpacking, packing, and hauling. We both agreed it was worth it (more on that tomorrow-- there is one quick peek photo of our booth in yesterday's post). Sunday was spent unpacking, cleaning and organizing. I changed up my mantle for Fall in the midst of all that (will post later this week) and we ended the weekend with a Sunday dinner of chicken cordon bleu. It's one of my old standbys and a favorite (keep your eyes out for that too this week).
The sun has been shining since Saturday morning, after a lashing rain storm Friday night. This alone, makes me happy today. What's making you happy?
If you haven't taken a moment to have a look around the current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party, you are really missing something. Maybe even a few somethings.
It's a great way for handcrafters, vintage purveyors, and bloggers to share their stuff with new people....namely you. It's a way for me to support my fellow etsy shop owners and bloggers. It's also a fun way for those who don't aren't shop owners or bloggers to do a little window shopping.
Generally speaking, it's all good.
As usual, I really enjoyed looking through what everyone left behind at the party and choosing my picks. It's never an easy job, but I love the places it takes me. I think you'll agree.
Honestly, how could I not pick blogging/etsy friend Laura's story of her new little Baby Robin. Just look at him resting on Daddy's chest. So sweet.
If you have a shop or blog and haven't linked up yet, or you haven't had a look around yet, the party is still going on. Yup, it's one of those never ending parties. The best kind.
Shoutout
I didn't realize the other day, when I blogged about bil Niall and sil Caragh's anniversary, that it was also my Aunt Joan and Uncle Bobby's anniversary.
(That's Aunt Joan to my left and Uncle Bobby -
my mother's 'baby brother' as she likes to say, to the left of Gar)
Happy Anniversary A. Joan & U. Bobby. Sure do wish we all lived closer, but we just love it that you've been regulars at the 4th of July Lobster Bake! Hope you had a great day. You guys deserve it.
Get A Load of This!
Did you see the new giveaway? You know, the one with more than $180+ worth of awesomeness? Go. Enter. You'll be glad you did.
Bright, Sunny, Blue Sky
It seems every year, when we mark the terrorist attacks of 9/11, it's the exact same kind of day. A sky as blue as can be. The sun shining brightly. It makes it all seem like a dream to some extent. I wish it was.
I am still moved to tears when I think of our beloved city of NY and see pictures and videos of that day. Quite simply, it breaks my heart. It saddens me right down to my gut to consider the hate that must exist for these kinds of acts to be brought to fruition. You'd hope that the world had learned enough about hate, but it seems some never quench the thirst.
We visited not long after the attacks, at the beginning of November. The things that still stay with me to this day, that truly make my heart ache for humanity, are the posters of loved ones that were still posted and strewn everywhere....on light posts, on buildings, on signs....and being able to glimpse through a tall barricade, the shattered, broken and burned facade of the Twin Towers.
I hope and pray we will never see another day like this in the history of my country, that we never lose so many in one fell swoop at the hands of mad men who hearts hold hate instead of love. They can say they do these acts in the name of their God all they want, but most of us know better. There is no God that would want people to act in hate. No matter who you pray to, God is unconditional love. Let's remember that today.
Every two weeks, Mercantile Muse hosts a heck of a party for a few reasons.
One, it's a way for those with online shops/businesses and blogs to link up and spread the word about their stuff.
Two, it's a fun time for those who link up and even for those who don't because everyone gets to have a look around, mingle and get to know one another. You know, because it's a pah-tay.
Three, I'll be honest here.......I LOVE a good party.
I actually enjoy the 'clean up' after these parties, when I get to have a good look around and see what everyone left behind.
Here's my picks from the most recent party (there's still time to link up if you haven't).
There is something about the composition of this photo that I'm quite taken with.....pretty good pair of legs too.
I know many of you enjoyed the party too from your comments. Did you discover new shops and blogs at the party? Did you find new favorites? I'd love it if you shared them in this post's comments. It's think it's pretty interesting to see where the party led others.
What's New
I've been able to add a few things to our etsy shop, Bates Mercantile Co. over the last week. Here's the latest.
Is it ok to really like my own illustration? I am framing this one and hanging it on the wall.
It's a Wonderful Life has a multitude of messages about what really matters in life and that makes me feel good inside.
In case you hadn't noticed, we've been in the midst of a photo challenge at Mercantile Muse for a couple of weeks. We have had some seriously wonderful submissions. You can see our previous challenges here. You can also join in if you'd like. There are 4 more challenges left and the next one is 'the color of love'. Get me your submission by end of day tomorrow (you can shoot me an email via the little button in right hand sidebar, just beneath my profile) so I can include it in Wednesday's Photo Challenge post.
If you found the Muse recently because of the August Giveaway, I'm so glad you did. Our sponsors this month and their prizes quite simply, awesome. $150 worth of some the nicest handmade stuff around. If you've been around here for awhile, I'm so glad you're here too. You guys all make this a happy place for me to be each day.
Did you guys know if you like this post you can share it easily? There's a bunch of ways right under the post....email, twitter, pinterest and more. When you guys tell two friends, and they tell two friends, our little community here on the Muse grows and that is always a good thing. Personally, I can't get over the interesting and talented people that hang out here. If I was a blusher, I'd surely be blushing.
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.
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.
