Lost from the blog world for a while

Well I have as you may have noticed taken a break from the blog. It was not intentional but it appears that everytime I even glance towards the computer I just get this feeling of "not today". For someone that spends hours and hours typically on the computer I just haven't had the desire, it seems once the kids are in bed the couch is calling my name. It sounds like the blues but honestly I am just tired so I am making a conscious decision to leave the computer behind until the new year, that way I don't feel bad for not keeping to the obligations I have put on myself, after all this is supposed to be my fun release, last thing I need is another task I don't want to do.

With that said I would like to wish EVERYONE a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful start to 2010!!!!!!!!

Cheers

Stocking Stuffers - $5 and under feature

So I know I just finished a post on Halloween and not 24 hours later I am starting a stocking stuffer feature, but really, can you ever be too early getting ready for Christmas.

What I plan to put together over the next couple of weeks are stocking stuffer features. $5 and under, $10 and under, $15 and under, and last but not least $25 and under.

So here is the first of the bunch.

Fishy Soap for Kids
http://www.soapwerks.etsy.com/

Bath Lollybombs
http://www.sinfullysweetsoap.etsy.com/

Candy Gift Bags
http://www.shannondean4.etsy.com/

Magnet
http://www.mudhutt.etsy.com/

Coin Pouch
http://www.momof3monkeys.etsy.com/

Bird Tag Set
http://www.misseskwittys.etsy.com/

Magnetic Fly
http://www.magnetwear.etsy.com/

5 Star Shine Crayons
http://www.magicrayons.etsy.com/

Post It Note holder
http://www.kreationsbykarma.etsy.com/

Chocolate Chip Cookie
http://www.homemadesoy.etsy.com/

Margarita Lime Tea Lights
http://www.hollycandleshoppe.etsy.com/

Mouse Ear Beaded Girly socks
http://www.girlysocksandmore.etsy.com/

Pocket Mirror
http://www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com/

All of these great items can be found from Etsy shops and are no more than $5.00.

Mothers Day & Christmas

I celebrated my first Mothers Day only days after Trevor was born. He was due weeks after Mothers Day but gave us a great surprise and came to play earlier than expected. I loved that I was able to celebrate that year and I have to say each year only gets better and better.


For the past couple of weeks Trev has been telling me that they have been working on a Mothers Day gift but he was really good and kept it a secret, he is very much my son and secrets are really hard for him so I was quite proud of this.


He was too excited though to wait until Sunday, so at 7:45 a.m. in bed on Saturday I was presented with an envelope, inside the envelope was what he had been working on for the past few weeks.

These are love coupons and there are 4 in total. The coupons include, helping wash the dishes, helping with dinner, making his bed, and my favorite, help me bake. This one is my favorite because I can't bake, I don't have the patience, so any help would be appreciated.

The next item I received was a booklet he had been working on which detailed all the things he loves about me. It was so sweet!

These handmade gifts are such a treasure, I love the work he put into them and I will surely keept them in a safe place to enjoy for years to come!

Christmas was part of my title. I know it is months away but I have a question, when do you start to get organized for Christmas? I have a number of handmade cards to list on Etsy as well as my boxed sets for ebay and I was a little late last year, so is it too early now to start listing them or should I still wait just a bit?

Cheers

p.s. My boys didn't do it, I was very sad to see the playoff run come to an end but after thinking about it they did ok considering they were not even expected to make the playoffs.

I have decided to take the plunge!

I made the decision last night to go forward with a company website. I have found that I have been stressing over the Etsy, ebay question for too long and it is time to take the plunge.

As I noted in previous posts I was uncertain whether to do this or not due to the economy but I am hoping that by the time I get the site up and running the economy will have taken a bit of a turn in the right direction. Probably a little bit of wishful thinking but that is my new mantra these days, positive thinking will evolve into positive results, here's hoping :)

Anyway the plan is to finish all of my Christmas card designs today and tomorrow, I am also working on some photo brag books, once I have done this I will start to focus on the new website.

Hit by the Christmas bug!!! Can I be Martha Stewart this year?

Last month I posted about how Christmas seems to be arriving earlier and earlier every year. I was upset about this but it seems now I have been hit by the Christmas bug. I find myself throughout the day singing Christmas carols and can't wait until I can decorate the house.

Every year I have these grandious plans to be the Martha Stewart of Langley. I want to have the most elaborate decorations, the biggest most beautiful tree, and little fairies dancing around the house, ok just kidding, but I think you get the idea.

Well what happens, life! I never find the time to complete all projects, or I take on too much and don't finish the projects like I want them to be.

So here's what I did today. I signed up for the Martha Stewart Christmas workshop, this starts today www.marthastewart.com , apparently this is supposed to help organize me.

So will it happen?, well I don't know, but maybe this year I can get a little closer to my Martha Stewart Christmas, or I will again just be satisfied with happy kids, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Cheers

Wow the talent on Etsy is mind blowing!!

As the title states the talent on Etsy is mind blowing. I put out an offer for Etsy shop owners to be featured on my blog and the response was incredible!


I decided to make this a Christmas gift feature with quite a number of different items and shops. I wasn't able to include all simply because my fingers would fire me for all the typing but I have to say that every shop that responded was amazing!

So let's get started, hoping that you will be able to find that perfect Christmas gift from one of these sellers.

HammelmanArt - http://www.hammelmanart.etsy.com/

This shop includes a wonderful selection of watercolor paintings. Florals, Abstracts, Land & Sea, and much more.

They are currently have a great sale. If you purchase anything in their Holiday Gift section you will receive another item of equal or lesser value FREE.

Here is one example of the beautiful work in the shop.

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Just Add Charm - http://www.justaddcharm.etsy.com/

Well if I had girls I would be spending a ton of money in this shop. Since I wasn't allowed to cut my hair until I was 12 you can imagine just how many ponytail holders I have worn. These are by far the sweetest I have ever seen. These would make a great stocking stuffer for sure!

This shop is also offering free shipping for all orders over $20.

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AlloverArt - http://www.alloverart.etsy.com/

This shop features oil paintings, pet portraits, pendants and more.

The pendants really struck me, simply beautiful and a great selection.

Here is my favorite. Be sure to check out the shop as they have many different designs.

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Treeartist - http://www.treeartist.etsy.com/

When I came across this shop I fell in love with the paintings, they are so unique and really vibrant. I was quite happy to see that the artist was just down the highway from me. I love supporting local business.

Currently they are offering free shipping on all purchases till November 30th.

Check out these wonderful paintings

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Across the Pond Designs - http://www.acrossthepond.etsy.com/

This shop has something that I have never seen before and I think it is the greatest idea. Perfect gift for the person who has everything.

It is a wooden locket that you can do so much with, here are some examples from the artist

Some ideas for using your locket:

-Use index prints from your photo processing

-Print tiny pictures from your own computer

-Type up your favorite quotes

-Put inspirational messages that you can look at throughout the day
-Collage a tiny little scene

-Scan and reduce a love note from your favorite person

Here is my favorite

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Once Upon a Box - http://www.onceuponabox.etsy.com/

Here is another very talented shop owner. The quality of the work looks outstanding and the originality is superb.

If you are a butterfly or cat lover this is one shop you don't want to miss

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Dreamin of Beadin - http://www.dreaminofbeadin.etsy.com/

There isn't much to say about this shop because the pictures speak volumes. Stunning work for sure. I can't imagine any woman on your list that you couldn't find that perfect gift for.

This shop is also having a great sale, Free earrings with a minimum $20 purchase. Please check with the store for further information on this sale.

Again my favorite:

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Bancroft Studios - http://www.brookepickering.etsy.com/

One look at the dinnerwear available in the shop and I'll bet you' ll be in love. I know I was.

All of the pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe. Currently they are offering nautical or hydrangea designs, however you can visit http://www.bancroftstudios.com/ for other designs as well.

This piece is beautiful!

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Jillian Haupt & Co - http://www.jillianhaupt.etsy.com/

If you have a princess or cupcake in your life then definitely stop by this shop. The items for sale are just so sweet that every little one should have something special like this.

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Tias - http://www.tias.etsy.com/

Are you looking for a ring that is truly unique to you or for that someone special on your shopping list. Well look no further. The rings available in this shop are stunning. Stop by an take a look, so many different colors!

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Covetables - http://www.covetables.etsy.com/

This is the description on their front page and I think it describes their inventory wonderfully.

Welcome! To the home of lovable, huggable, joyful, covetable toys, dolls, craft kits, t'shirts and more!

There isn't one item in their shop that isn't really sweet, this below just happens to be my favorite

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Wimzee - http://www.cmu55@etsy.com/

Ok doesn't every little girl deserve a strawberry hat. I think they all do, or maybe an acorn hat, cupcake hat etc. The items available here are so much fun. I mean really Mary Jane booties, awesome!

Take a look at these pics, just two of the sweet items currently for sale.

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Ok so finally I was dared by a fellow shopowner to feature their shop. Well I never step down from a dare, lol. I do not wish to add pictures but another shop to visit on Etsy is:

http://www.naughtyknits.etsy.com/ (be warned they disclose mature items on their pictures)

Happy shopping everyone, only 39 sleeps til Christmas

Cheers