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,

Dreaming Of Spring Party: Link Up Style

Soon, right?

Yesterday's messy, cold, raw mix of weather (from rain, to freezing rain, to snow, to sleet and back again), combined with today's bird chirpping fest (the cardinals, the chickadees, the juncos, the jays) has me thinking of Spring. If it's not going to be straight up, pretty white stuff, I'd just as soon look out my window and see my flowering crab apple in bloom and my backyard birds flitting about. Is anyone else dreaming of Spring?

So, enjoy today's party as a little breather from the long Winter.  Stick around and share a link to some of your work, or your blog, or just have a look around at a collection of pretty things.

It's another Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party (to support my fellow artists, crafters and bloggers) where you can take a moment to dream of Spring.  

Take time to smell the flowers, pour a glass of champers and enjoy some delicious greens....a nice change from the heavier, heartier Winter palette.

 salad recipe here

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 your 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.  The person who refers the most new participants to the party is assured a profile spot in next week's 'What I Found At The Party' post. Make sure your referrals leave a comment that you sent them to the party.

*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. Share a little more about you, your shop or blog. Need help to get started? 'How are you dreaming of Spring?'

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

 

I hope you're seeing signs of spring if your in this hemisphere. We have a ways to go, but there are good signs that Winter will eventually release its hold. If you're in the midst of Summer, enjoy it while you can!

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 Link Up Party

via Oh Dier Living

Holiday Style: Small = Big

It's official. The holidays have begun. Cue the celebratory music and applause.  It's a time to gather with friends and family, enjoy all that the season means to each one of us, embody the spirit of Santa and spread good cheer.

At this time of year it's easy to get overwhelmed. My mission during this  hectic season is to simplify.  I'll be supporting other small businesses, locally and online, for gift giving. I'll also make quite a few gifts myself. I'm going back to basics for party fare, and most of all I'm going to remember to just breathe and take it all in. It starts tonight. I'm going to Holiday Open House in Exeter, the next town over. It's a chance to see the tree lighting, say hi to Santa, enjoy the festival of trees, do a little local shopping, spend some time with friends and generally speaking- get into the spirit of things. (In my days at the Chamber of Commerce, I used to be the one who had to throw the switch to light all of downtown...it was very nervewracking...will they all go on? will any go on?.....I like enjoying it much better.)

Like my surroundings here (OK, maybe not the house yet, but certainly our seacoast area), everything is starting to get into holiday mode and so goes the Muse.  Let's celebrate all that small business (handmade, vintage, art, photography.....) and bloggers (recipes, tutorials, inspiration....) have to offer this season at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party!

1. tis the season via seaborn press invitation
2. holiday tassle garland via Studio Mucci
3. pink cocktail salt via dellcove spice company
4. charcuterie board via living wood design
5. mid century bar stools via charlie’s nest
6. 'joy' military blanket pillow via Upscale Downhome

7. chocolate peppermint covered marshmallows via nicole’s treats
8. handmade wooden breathe sign via OhDierLiving

 Onto the 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 at the party, please follow too. There are several ways in the sidebar including via email, Google Friend Connect, Network Blogs, and Bloglovin'. You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*Don't link and run. Follow some of the links others have left behind. People have made sales because of these parties, but in the end, 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, 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 'round these parts.

*BY ALL MEANS, let's 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's the best gift you ever received?'

 

Let's get down to business. Time to pah-tay!

 

 

 

The next giveaway is really coming together and I'm so excited to have  returning sponsors and some new ones too. It is going to be SO much fun making one person's holidays a little bit brighter. I was hoping to launch it tomorrow, but since 'remembering to breathe' is on my holiday to-do list, in all honesty, I don't see that happening. The beginning of the week is more likely. Be sure to be here because this is going to be one awesome prize package.

 

Whether you go out or stay in, find a way to put a little 'holiday cheer' into your day.

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

Tomorrow.....Tomorrow....I Love Ya, Tomorrow....

A Little Behind

Hi guys. I haven't had a chance to roam around the link party as extensively as  I want to, so my picks from the party will have to wait until tomorrow. All good things come to those who wait. There's just TOO much stuff to quickly go through it all. I like to take my time so I can discover the undiscovered.  In case you haven't linked up yet, it's still live. If you have a shop or a blog, do link up. It just isn't the same without you.

How was your weekend? Ours was full. It started with a beautiful sunset on Friday.  Sunset Meadows rarely disappoints.

I love the way they always keep changing, minute by minute, right to the end.

As planned, we did enjoy a campfire out back.  Thought the neighbors might smell it and wander over, but it ended up being just the two of us.  It was chilly, but nice by the fire. 

You can't tell, but Gar is in this picture. He's the ghost face to the left of the campfire.

Saturday was sister Di's birthday. Happy Birthday Di. She was heading up to our high school for the state championship football game. Our Winnacunnet Warriors did their thing and came home with the trophy!!! Can I get a woohoo?  I wanted to go, but I seriously needed to do groceries. The cupboards were bare. They are not anymore.

We ended our day attending a transatlantic party for our niece Leah's birthday, via skype.  Oh boy, everyone was in good form. We had lots and lots of laughs with our Dublin family and friends.  Skype is a godsend when half your family is an ocean away.

Sunday it was a catch up day.....you know, laundry and the like. Then we sat down and watched the Patriots whoop butt. That was closely followed by a gorgeous Sunday dinner of satueed duck breast, oven roasted cabbage, and polenta. That was supposed to be Saturday's dinner, but we were having too much fun at the party. It was a perfectly divine Sunday dinner though and a typical Sunday kind of day. 

How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting or did you stick close to home?

Monday Meet Up

Over on the Bates Mercantile Co. facebook page, I host Monday Meet Up each week. If you have an online shop/website/blog....pop on over and leave your links. Just another opportunity to grow your networks, meet new people and reach new markets.

Have a great day. I'm looking forward to putting together picks from the party for tomorrow's 'Things I Found and Overheard at the Party' post. I think you'll enjoy it too, so be sure to be here.

Ciao for now,

A Party To Give Thanks

via let them eat pie

A Heaping Helping of The Holidays

Honestly, where does the time go? I simply cannot believe that a week from today is Thanksgiving.  Even if Thanksgiving isn't a holiday in your country, it doesn't mean you can't take something away from this special day.  Take time next week. Cook a nice meal. Gather some people you love. Most importantly, give thanks for all you have.  I think it's a great way to start our holiday season here. The sentiment of thanks should be carried all through the season and into the new year. Shall we begin?

I am very grateful that you're here today, whether you're here to link up your shop/business or your blog, if you're a regular reader of Mercantile Muse, you just found your way here, or are simply browsing through the things people have left behind. It's all good. You all add so much to my day.

Today I'm hosting a link party on Mercantile Muse. It's my way of supporting other small independent handmade artists, crafters, vintage sellers and fellow bloggers.  There are a lot of great people who might be under the radar, but are creating and doing great things. I'd like to change that. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party is is the place to discover wonderful things.  [If you're reading Mercantile Muse via email, click here to stop by the party.]

1. landscape photograph via moonlightphotography

2. autumn bunting via peony and thistle

3. appetizer tray via redemption art

4. linen napkins via laurelsusanstudio

5. silver plate spoon via red truck designs
6. grace via LASERolio

7. wine rack via rchristopherdesigns
8. apple pie in a jar via let them eat pie

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 including via email, Google Friend Connect, Network Blogs, and Bloglovin'. You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*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, but in the end, 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, 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 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 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 and about other happenings 'round these parts.

*BY ALL MEANS, let's 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 is your favorite thing about the start of the holiday season?'

and now, the party..............

Don't forget, Monday I'll be showcasing my picks I found through links left behind at the party, so be sure to be here.

I'm hoping you have a great Thursday in your corner of the world. Mine is cold, but bright and sunny and I stocked the fire so well last night it was still going this morning. This makes me very happy.  That baby is cranking.

If you missed yesterday's post, check out the rainbow pictures and the sunset.  Just scroll down or click here for an nice little break at your desk.

I'm in the midst of a mega pile of bookkeeping, you know....my favorite thing to do. Not really.  Don't let me fool you. However, I will be very glad to be organized and to have my desk clear when I'm done.  I'll also be taking some pictures today because I've got good light, planning some new products for Bates Mercantile Co. for the holidays and getting things listed. I'm also pulling together the next giveaway which will be a holiday giveaway, if you're interested in being a sponsor, drop me a line and let's see if we're a good fit for each other (there's an email button below my profile). Add to that some printing of prints, packaging, shipping and my Speakeasy stuff and it's a full day.

Ciao for now,

Did Someone Say Party?

via sugarpiefarmhouse

Come On In And Make Yourself Comfortable

Hey y'all. OK, I'm not from the South, but I always wanted to say that. It sounds so welcoming. 

Do you like parties as much as me? Then you came to the right place. This little virtual party on Mercantile Muse is my way of giving some 'airtime' to my fellow etsy shop owners, independent online business owners and bloggers a place to strut their stuff. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party, gives them all a chance to reach out and let new people know about their products, services and blogs. It's a chance for the rest of you to discover new must haves and must reads.  I think it's important for us independent business people to support each other and this party is one the ways I do that.

I hope you'll stick around, it's always a great time.

1. tags via K is for Caligraphy

2. confetti pinata via Studio Mucci

3. centerpiece vase via The Red Lily Shop

4. radio via Space87

5. tea towel via French Slipper

6. cocktail set via Collectique

7. chip and dip bowl set via BeeJayKay

8. dark chocolate caramel toffee apple via Nicole’s Treats

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 ________? Where do you live? What's happening in your world this week?' 

It's a party, it's all about mingling and getting to know each other.

Now, without further delay...'time to party'.If you're reading via email you can stop by the party here.

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One more thing before you leave, the current giveaway on Mercantile Muse isf for $170 in handmade loveliness.  You really should enter. Especially since you can't win if you don't. 

Have a fantastic day and thanks for coming to the party.

later gators, 

End of Summer Party!

Saying Goodbye To Summer In A Fun Way

I was so wrapped up in catching up on things at my desk this week, that it totally slipped my mind that yesterday was Thursday. In fact, it was the Gotta Have It - Gotta Blog It Thursday that wasn't. You see every two weeks I'm a party hostess, and I invite all my friends who have online handcraft and vintage shops and blogs to link up. It's a gathering that certainly all about fun, but it's also a place for these independent, small business owners to mingle and meet new people; a place for artisans, craftspeople and bloggers to spread the word about their stuff. It's a place for those of you who hang here at the Muse to see all the variety of things to discover on this biggo world wide web.  Alas, this week, due to my confusion about the days of the week, we're partying today. Friday. Which also happens to be the last day of summer.

I hate to say goodbye to Summer. I admit, Fall used to be my favorite season until we bought our little home with the pool (a life long dream by the way....aaahhh, a pool). Now, I can't get enough of summer because it equals pooltime, so it saddens me to say, that although I was hoping to get another dip in, I may have swum my last swim this year.  Insert 'I Love Lucy' wwwaaaaaahhh. 

All in all though, I can look back on Summer and say, it was good. It was chock full. It was what Summer is all about. Friends, family, enjoying nature and good weather, and of course good times. So before we start the party, I'd like to tip my hat to the season that just was. A season that included: NYC, a wedding (or two), margaritas in the pool, 4th of July Lobster Bake......

......Sunday drives, flowers galore, sunsets to match, said goodbye to a dear friend, hay bales ready to roll, a photo challenge on the Muse, visitors from Dublin, more visitors from Dublin and our most recent visitors from Dublin, Beantown, just a little singing and dancing and a boatload of full throttle fun.



How was your Summer? Was it low key or jam packed like ours?

Hey....did you see the September Giveaway? It's ridiculous. Really. I don't want you to miss it. Actually, what I don't want you to miss is the chance to win $180+ of handmade & vintage goodness. Go here to enter!

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.

If you are linking up, please read the Rules of the House before doing so:

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on a list of participants and receive an e-mail from me (from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net) when the next link up party is underway.

*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. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter. It'd be great to connect with you any way I can.

*Don't link and run. Be kind and check out each other's links. It's all about supporting each other after all. 

*Will you share a link to the party? It benefits us all--- 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, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

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Be sure to check back next Monday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It might even be you.

Time to get our party on (if you're reading by email click here).

Freeform Friday

If this song isn't stuck in your head from the Summer playlist, I don't know what is.  And yes, I admit it, you could have seen me on the dancefloor a few times this Summer, singing, dancing and of course, doing the universal sign for 'call me'.  Just the like the US Olympic Swim team. Personally, I think I like the underwater robot the best. Click here if you're reading by email.

Happy Friday!

Ciao for now,