Things I Found At The Party

The Guests Make The Party

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.

Is it OK if I introduce a few of them to you?

top row: Dept of Agriculture Victory Garden poster via The Sunshine Grove; polka dot bolero via fox burrow vintage

middle row: necklace via Katie Bug Creations 4 U;  vintage Irving Berlin sheet music via Art's Old Sheet Music;

via Arts Old Sheet Music

bottom row: homemade strawberry ice cream via pamela’s heavenly treats;

pink and gold roping via This and That Crafter

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



Things I Found & Overheard At The Party

via cottage crafts online

 

Did Everyone Find A Seat?

 

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.

 

 

sources:  gift wrap ideas via confetti style & vintage book via sweet posy dreams

 

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.

More goodness for you.

 

sources: fabric flower via violets buds; love art print via placefulness; resin heart necklaces via sigal f jewelry;  hot pink burlap ribbon via cottage crafts online

Oh my. It's a festival of pinks today. 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things I Found at The Party & Take A Walk

via i delight in you

The Music Was So Loud, The Police Did A Driveby

Yup. That kind of party.

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.

1. rose & clematis card via AmyBrngerArtCards  2. valentines embroider via milo and molly
3. sunflower seeds via corky crafts  4. blue feather earrings via I Delight In You
5. do pendant via heidi kind finds  6. a day at the museum via inside my hideaway
7. stoneware bowl via Cornish Hill Pottery  8. statement necklace vie Retro Revival Boutique

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.

Ciao for now,

What I Found & Overheard At The Party

via linkouture

Thanks For Coming

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?

1. pyrography sign via bk inspired
2. terrier brooch via myhideaway
3. vintage ring via little white chapel
4. wire bracelet via KatKeRosCorner
5. tunnel photograph via trinkets by dana
6. to walk a mile in gwenyth’s shoes via hybrid handmade
7. gold hammered earrings via linkoture
8. indiegogo farm raiser via cubits
{more info here on the cubits blog}

9. handbag via love and luck

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.

Ciao for now,

Things I Found At The Party

via strum and sparkle

So Nice Of You To Come To The Party

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:

1. upcycled silk dress via delight worthyn2. blue rag rug via handmade michelle
3. mermaid ornaments via easy street gallery

4. wristlet via with love and luck5. tea stained thank you tags by strum and sparkle6. hawaii photo via from paradise with love
7. bird print via tangram

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. 

Just. Go. Vote.

Please.

Have a great day. I'll see you on the flip side.

  

What I Found & Overheard At The Party

via Shusha Handmade Arts

It Keeps Going And Going And Going

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).

1. awesome antler via Upscale Downhome

2. park bench in beautiful light via Holly Robinson Photography

3. amazing Fall nature mandala via Brigit’s Bell

4. heavenly (get it, heavenly?) bookmark via Cloud Nine Designz

5. Autumn in a bracelet via Glimmer of Beauty

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

7. TeePee Tutorial and the cutest kid's playroom ever via Blueberry Junkie

8. oh-so-chic pillow cases via Adopting Nations

9. charmingly rustic printable shower invite via KTsARTsDESIGNs

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.

If the party didn't provide you with enough new people to meet, it's Monday Meet Up over on our facebook page. Be sure to stop by and leave your links.

The Weekend That Was

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?

See you on the flip side,

Things I Found At The Party & A Bright Blue, Sunshine Kind of Day

via Lee's Whimsy

Oh, The Things I Find At The Party

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.

1. Old Store Photo via Writing Places

2. Gorgeous Vintage Fabric via Vintage Sewing AU

3. Sweet Reclaimed and Upcycled Wall Vase via Coffee House Gallery

4. Dew Laden Pasture Grass Photograph via Lee’s Whimsy

5. Blues & Greens of the Ocean via Moonlight In Paris

6.  Romantic Patchwork Tote via Patchwork Crafters

7. The Most Wonderful Birth Story of Robin via Cubits Organics

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.

(the building of Freedom Tower)



Things I Found & Overheard at the Party

via get lathered

Did You See This?

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). 

1. Black and White Leaf Print Hobo Bag, via Oyeta

Love that print. Love the shape of the bag.

2. Vintage Wedding Week at The Sunshine Grove
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Jeremy and Natalie's story,

and the story of Natalie's grandparent's wedding and in

Cuba and the making of her Gram's wedding gown.

3. Rosekraft
What a lovely garden to walk by.

Rosekraft is lucky enough to do son a regular basis.

4. Dirty Girl Designs
Fabulous black and white dolphins. Did you know I was a dolphin?

No, not in another life. It was the school mascot for our college...

something about them being intelligent creatures.

5. Get Lathered
Shampoo that looks like a serving of summer sherbert. Sweet!

6. our picket fence
Jane Austen fans take note. An ever-so-charming Emma doll.

7. long eared designs
Want a hair-do that stands out for all the right reasons?

Top it off with a simple, feminine flower comb.

8. squirrel photo

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. 

Now this is love...... Oh that George Bailey.

via Bates Mercantile Co.

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.

Thanks so much for being here.

See ya on the flip side,