A FORCED HIATUS

Regrettably this week is becoming one of those you really wish would go away!  I am taking a forced HIATUS until next Monday!  Sorry bout this but..........I am in need of a new heating system, the odors coming from my existing furnace was playing havoc with my physical system, terrible headaches, only thing good about all of this is that I am a fresh air fiend and have my windows open 24/7!  According to the technician my Landlord sent in I could possibly be dead!  The dreaded carbon monoxide would surely have done me in if I had not been sleeping with open windows!!!  WHOA now I would say this was a huge eye opener....wouldn't you?

SO TOMORROW I get my new furnace and my new Carobon Monoxide Detector.....yay no more headaches or other wierd stuff!!! 

I am extremely Thankful to be here and writing this post, this morning! 
IF YOU HAVE a heating system other than electric, I would suggest you double check it is in good working order, take it from me, it will pay you to do this.  I am so happy I handled this right away, I shudder to think of the consequences!

Forgive the self indulgence today, but I am also a seller on Etsy and need to take just a wee hiatus in writing posts for you,  The Bag Lady from The Bay, is where I sell my hand made quilted bags, cosmetic bags, Totes for Toys for little children, as well as place mat sets and quilts.  
Due to The Bag Lady having committed to attending three local craft fairs and since selfishly I also need to earn a little something, it is with hopes that there are shoppers out there wanting some hand made quilted items!  In order to fulfill these obligations I had best get back to the sewing machine as I wish more inventory to take along with me to the craft fairs.   Luckily a repeat customer was here this morning and bought this one I made yesterday, so sadly I had to delist it from the shop this morning!  YAY it sold!

WITH ONLY  56 sleeps left until the ALL Important Morning arrives, please, check out your Etsy Independent Shops owners if your on line seeking great Christmas ideas!  Don't forget to plug "SALES" into your search bar while at Etsy because many, many shops are holding wonderful sales with great items just waiting for you.... 

Please remember, all shops @Etsy.com  are Independently owned and operated under the Umbrella of  @Etsy.  

Remember too, if you want something for Christmas, order it as soon as you can to avoid disappointment in it not arriving on time, you do realize how busy the mail systems become at that all important time of the year, so shop early, save and be ready to relax and enjoy the festivities you've worked hard to achieve for this coming Christmas season. 

I promise to do more shopping next week, and, if there is something your seeking or something special you want and haven't found, do go to the specialty teams on Etsy, I just bet there will be someone there who can help you find what it is your seeking or wanting to be custom made just for you!


*IF you have a comment, an idea, or just want to have your say, there is a comments section on this blog for your use, I would be very happy to hear from you and to participate or respond, so please help yourself, leave a comment!

See you here again this coming Monday!

Different From The Norm!

Here I am, back at it again!  Took the weekend off to do a local event and to vegetate after it, though the vegetative state wasn't long enough as there were other commitments squashed into those two days which I had agreed to take part in...however, this morning the sun is shining, the temperature is super and I am enjoying it considering our weather man is predicting that awful "S" word for the coming weekend!  YIKES!   Can you say snow without meaning snow, hissssssssss!!!!

There are only 58 days until the BIG day oh my goodness the days seem to be dwindling fast!

We all have a man or more in our lives and what to get for them?  The shops at Etsy can certainly fill the bill, all we have to do is discover what it is they might enjoy having or using, which for me is one of the hardest choices because men are pretty specific in what they like and what they will wear and which tool or gadget they just have to have.  So here goes, a few ideas I found for the men in our lives that I honestly feel are uniquely different from the norm!

Men no longer wear things just off the rack of several hanging in a department store, no, men are more discerning in their fashion choices, in how they look and the persona they exude while out in public!  Men are now exerting their own personal style in what accessories fit their distinctive personalities.  With this in mind I am shopping for that out of the ordinary gift this year!

I found these wonderful handmade Flannel shirts from cuffNroll, a shop out of St. Louis, MO.  Whoa camel, these are wonderful and men love to be comfortable especially come winter!  These are fantastic! What a great comfortable gift to give a guy who loves this type of shirt with that sun washed look and the idea that no two flannels are alike, making it unique!

Men enjoy very much a gadgetry type of gift they can use and wer on their person at the same time, this particular item is so different from the norm that I just have to share it with you!  This is a working reproduction brass compass, it is not only a wearable device, but it actually works and has the look of being something old all at the same time, perfect for the guy who has everything!   I bet if he's a gadget fellow, he doesn't have this, at least not yet!
I found this at the CoughingCowNChicken shop!  Doesn't it look old and yet it is very new, I can assure you?

any men still love a close shave, but to get a good close shave they need to use a good razor and we all know mens' skin is so different from us women!  Men need a soap that is mild and gentle to the skin they shave every day and sometimes twice a day!  This kit is a great gift idea for your guy!  A soap made specifically for men through the EcoChipsSoap shop!  For the man who loves a close shave and the feeling of softness after that shave there's nothing to compare using a soap made just for him!  This is an attractive shaving kit and at a very reasonable price with very good ingredients....

 I don't know about you, but I find shopping for men the hardest shopping I have ever had to do!  Men have a particular style all of their own and for me something generic like a shirt, tie or socks won't do at Christmas time, so I must find something different.  I found this leather bracelet which is so manly and attractive that I just have to share it with you!
It comes from the eliziatelye shop at Etsy!  So manly, so unique, your fellow I am sure will love this!  The shop is filled with a variety of styles, I am positive you can find one for your man's style and personality!

This Christmas give the man in your life something totally out of the ordinary, sure, buy his some of the things you think he needs, but remember to find him that one special unique gift you know he'd enjoy because it is different from the norm!



****The choice of items I choose to write about is my own, I am not affiliated with any crafting community, sellers or the shop owners or individual or company!    I do not extract nor do I get paid  for my publications of any item or items or personal opinions contained within this my personal blog.   I do not know nor am I affiliated with any person or shop I write about whatsoever*****

Gran Isn't Dowdy

Hey there, yes you!  Have you a granny on your list to buy for this year?  

Our grandmothers, who almost always have everything and leave you scratching your head on what it is they might need, or, what it is they may get use of and if they will enjoy it?  Having said this, in my youth grannies were old, but no so today!  Nope, they're not old by any stretch of the imagination! Today's grans are very hip and for the majority very active, what with activities and hobbies they never had time for while bringing up baby!  Today, grandmothers are very active, outgoing and into participating more than ever before.  Lets see what nifty ideas we can come across while shopping for our Grans!

Most grans today have cell phones, or i-phones even Blackberry's so how about her own Leather Phone Case!  So Chic!

This comes from ChloeStanyon and it is perfect, all leather and hand made just for Grans phone, possibly even ask if  it can be personalized with her favorite quote or her name?

If Gran is satisfied with her phone case she presently has, how about a beautifully crafted leather bag which isn't over the top heavy or cumbersome?

Like this beauty from ltdleathercraft, actually if my grandchildren are reading, I want this! 

Many of our grans wear mementos, then possibly something like this beautiful locket from DearestMine! 

There is room for the tiny special memory messages from the grandchild(ren) inside it...now this is such a special gift that Gran will certainly treasure!

Or a pair of Earrings the color of Azure Blue Island Water?  These earring from LimonBijoux are spectacular and I just bet Gran will love them!

OR, how about giving Gran a special personalized leather journal with a list of  questions and requests from her grandchildren, like, where did you meet grandpa; how do you bake your famous red velvet cake; ask for pictures from your gran mothers family and their names and what they did so you can have this for your family's future, or her favorite music, her favorite book and why?  What was the best time in her lifetime?  This information you may want for posterity can all be written in grans own hand writing for you to have in your future! 

This comes from the LadyArtisan shop and I just bet if you ask for a Custom Order it can be personalized with Grans own name on it....

Now I realize these are but some suggestions, but grandmothers aren't all into soap and lace bed jackets anymore, our grandmothers are youthful and vibrant, full of energy and up on the latest in this century, so don't go all dowdy, go bravely and seek out something that suits your special Gran and which tells her you put some thought into this special Christmas gift this year!

Find something to fit your Grandmothers' personality and make her realize just how very special she is to you!

Your comments are always welcome, so if you have something to offer, leave it here!

****The choice of items I choose to write about is my own, I am not affiliated with any crafting community, sellers or the shop owners or individual or company!    I do not extract nor do I get paid  for my publications of any item or items or personal opinions contained within this my personal blog.   I do not know nor am I affiliated with any person or shop I write about whatsoever*****

Yesterdays Toys for Todays Girls and Boys

Years ago when my child outgrew his playthings I donated all of the Fisher Price toys and as well as a Fisher Price toy wagon to my Aunt who was day care sitting at the time.  Then when she was no longer doing day care these toys were passed along to her grandchildren and now those grandchildren are planning families and the toys are being asked for from a cousin who got them some time ago for her children as well as the Toy Wagon, (which wagon is still in fantastic shape I heard).  

Fisher Price Toys from the 1960's were well made toys and my child had just about every one that was going, which began with his grandparents giving him this Roly Poly Chime Ball from DarlenesCountryGoods shop 

(remember these?)
 and from all accounts I hear this is actually still being passed around the family babies...... AMAZING isn't it?

WITH only 63 days left until Christmas I got to thinking about good toys and decided to see if there were Vintage Fisher Price toys available at the Independent shops on Etsy!  Sure enough, all I had to do was put the name Fisher Price into the search bar and up they came, there are pages and pages of these enduring toys!   These were popular in the 1960's and remain as popular with the youngsters of 2014!

As a grandparent, an Aunt or an Uncle you cannot go wrong buying a Vintage Fisher Price.  These toys have not only survived the children who once owned them, but remain in such great shape that now many other children are able to enjoy them, and their value is in how beloved these were once and how well loved these are today! 

SO, if you have been searching for just the perfect toy to give this year, give one that lasted, will last and provide hours upon hours of creative play for the child you have in mind. 

Have you been searching for those Little People from the Fisher Price toys  for a long time?  I found some over at the ClockworkRummage shop, nineteen assorted little people for your little ones to put into their Fisher Price school bus, or the air plane, or the Castle..what a bargain too!

Luckily the School bus is also available at the FriendsRetro shop, isn't this cute

 and these Fisher Price Vintage toys have never gone out of style because little tiny tots love them no matter what year it is.  Something about these toys that grab hold of their imaginations and never lets go!  Your little one will play with this for hours on end as did my son, his child and countless of other children who came visiting over these past 34 years. 

In the PeachyBeam shop I found the Toot-Toot-Train from 1964 and it looks brand new in this photograph...WOW these toys never wear out!

In the ShaginyandTil shop I found the Little People Farm Barn also from Fisher Price....I wish Etsy had been around when I was looking for some of these!

AND at the TeacupsNMore shop I found the Little People Circus Zoo Train set... oh wow,  I remember my son played with this for hours and hours, he loved putting in the animals and little people and chugging about making those funny sounds children make when their totally in their own element with their favorite toys!

Isn't it wonderful to be able to buy these precious vintage toys, all in terrific condition and give these to a child to be entertained with for countless hours each day?  Little tots don't recognize the year of the toy, they just happen to enjoy playing with a good toy that remains together for ever!

****The choice of items I choose to write about is my own, I am not affiliated with any crafting community, sellers or the shop owners or individual or company!    I do not extract nor do I get paid  for my publications of any item or items or personal opinions contained within this my personal blog.   I do not know nor am I affiliated with any person or shop I write about whatsoever*****

Expecting Needs

Busy, busy am I with Exchange student and craft fairs coming along that I need all of the 64 days which are left to get my shopping done for this Christmas....

I know of many expectant Moms and Dads out there who are going to need a lot in the baby items department.  So, with this in mind I am going baby needs shopping today!

I have found the most wonderful fabric softener sheet substitute, just perfect for inside your dryer for baby diapers and clothing, these are called Eco-Friendly Wool Dryer Balls.  You pop these into your dryer instead of fabric softener sheets and these do the job of softening yet being scent and chemical free.  Now this is a great SUBSTITUTE!  These come from the MICHBROWN1973 shop!   What a fantastic solution, eco-friendly, saves you money and no chemicals!  

FOR THOSE new parents who have chosen cloth diapering instead of the disposables, here is another great gift you can give!  These are hand made diaper covers with liners, wow, wish I had these when my children were babes!  So cute and these come from the tinyhinycovers shop! 

 A novel idea as well as being eco-friendly as well as economical.  More and more parents are going back to the days before disposables, not only are you doing your new child good with cloth diapering, but your also minding what it is that is not going into the landfill sites....A very good thing!

NEXT, these Organic wipes would make a very thoughtful and eco-friendly gift to give new parents.  These are so handy and being reuseable makes these an economical gift as well!
THESE come from the curlymonkey shop and make such a nice gift to receive. 

Run over to the swaddelmesnugly shop for some of these organic burp cloths!
Non-gender specific and wonderful to know these too are organic and eco-friendly!  

There are so many shops that hand make everything I have shown you here and more!  Buy a hand made attractive Diaper Bag, change pad and burp cloth combination, and you can add to it with some of these wonderful items I have introduced above and you have a super gift to give this Christmas for the expectant parents to be!  Simple and easy-peasey!

I found this cute Hand Made Diaper Bag at the PickeeKids shop, sew cute Winnie The Pooh notable phrases and words all over it!  Also non-gender oriented and hand made!

There are any number of things you can find for the expected Bundle of Joy coming into your family this year and all can be found at Etsy.com!  Once you begin searching the items are endless helping you check off another gift from your list of "Need to buy" for Christmas this year. 

****The choice of items I choose to write about is my own, I am not affiliated with any crafting community, sellers or the shop owners or individual or company!    I do not extract nor do I get paid  for my publications of any item or items or personal opinions contained within this my personal blog.   I do not know nor am I affiliated with any person or shop I write about whatsoever*****

MOM IS IMPORTANT

Jack Frost has been to visit and I was not too pleased to see him show up on my doorstep this morning, but, he's telling me with his appearance that soon that white stuff might fall from the skies and that there are only 65 days left before the BIG day arrives!!

Some wonderful gift ideas were discovered by me last night as I was browsing when I should have been doing a bed inspection!

This is such a wonderful gift idea for the MOM's in our lives!  It is a mother's necklace from the Divinestampings shop, what a novel idea for Mom and when you think she has everything, does she have one of these and to make it even better it is on SALE!  (Such a lovely word - SALE)!+

Ohhhhhhh take a look at this Vintage Monet Brooch which the seller, Beautifulbitz is selling, again whats not to like about this gift?  It too is on SALE!

AND take a look at this lovely piece, it is Vintage but it is absolutely gorgeous!
This is from Millpondsupplies, this is definitely on my Santa list!

Many Sales on at Etsy this week, why not head on over and do some of that necessary Christmas Shopping before time runs out?

It is difficult at times to find just that perfect gift for Mom but take it from me, there is are many wonderful items to chose from at any one of the Independent Etsy Shop owners, just use that ever handy search tool and find what it is you believe your Mom would love to be given this Christmas.

****The choice of items I choose to write about is my own, I am not affiliated with any crafting community, sellers or the shop owners or individual or company!    I do not extract nor do I get paid  for my publications of any item or items or personal opinions contained within this my personal blog.   I do not know nor am I affiliated with any person or shop I write about whatsoever*****

GO SALE....ING!

I found the sales at Etsy, what with Halloween not yet here and only 66 days left until the Big day, what better than to go sale (ing) at Etsy!

Weddings are still ongoing and if your having a wedding this Fall, take a look at these wonderful glass table decorations!

I found these at JessieChesbrough on Sale!!!!  I actually saw one of these lass pumpkins in a television commercial!!

Ohhhhh look Iridescent Necklaces on Sale, would make wonderful gifts for the ladies making up your Wedding party!  I found these on SALE at  The RockStarGoddess shop!

All you need to do to find SALES happening at Etsy Shops is to plug in "SALES" into your search bar and all sales happening at Etsy Shops will come up.  Once the sales posters are in front of you, you can shop for what your looking for....fast and simple, isn't it?

I see there is just about everything from beautiful pillow covers like this one

from CarolineMint who actually uses photography for these wonderful pillow covers.  So many to choices and some very beautiful photography!  Any cushion cover such as this one would certainly make a wonderful gift to give this Christmas, or as a wedding gift or anytime gift!

To Christmas Wreaths from the WoodandBurlap shop like this one

Wreaths are so beautiful at any time of the year and for any season!  These make for beautifully crafted and inviting outside decor, a very welcome to your home.

Another idea for those who have bought for the ladies in the wedding party, but not the men!  Well, PaulaLapidot has you covered there!  These wonderful personalized Signet Rings for me are terrific as well as being on SALE!  These will be appreciated by your groomsmen for sure!

With the advent of fall there always comes this busy season, thinking of the weddings, or the costumes for the children at Halloween and then of course Christmas, which I have been motivating you to think about.  

66 is the number - 66 days is not a long time period, only because there are many events and things to do within this time period! 

It isn't just this Fall that these SALES are happening at Etsy shops, nope, these are happening all the time, all you need to do to find the sales is to put "SALES" into the Etsy Search Bar and the sales will pop right up!!!!

Do yourselves a huge favor, go SALE...ING at Etsy, you will be more than pleased with yourselves for being frugal and getting just that special something you have been looking for!

****The choice of items I choose to write about is my own, I am not affiliated with any crafting community, sellers or the shop owners or individual or company!    I do not extract nor do I get paid  for my publications of any item or items or personal opinions contained within this my personal blog.   I do not know nor am I affiliated with any person or shop I write about whatsoever*****

Star of the Show

I overheard a young man excitedly telling an acquaintance he ran into at the store we were in all about this upcoming event he was planning where he was going to use it to propose marriage.  He was so excited, so charged up because he would be ring shopping this coming week.

Lately the trend of staging an event where the fellow asks his sweetheart to marry him seems to be the in thing to do, so it got me wondering, how do you fellows go about selecting that perfect "STAR" of the event Finale?  You know the RING?

Having that overheard that conversation and with Christmas being just 67 days away, as well as Christmas also being one of the traditional times of year for marriage proposals and Engagement Announcements, I know you'll be needing to shop for just the perfect engagement ring!

67 days from now will be Christmas Day!  Not a long time to shop for that perfect ring which your lady will wear forever, question is do you choose something which suits her physical hand or which physically suits her personality?  

I found this exquisite Blue Lavender Sapphire Bezel surrounded with White Gold, a very romantic ring set off by the filigree setting from the 1920's.  Lavender Sapphires were worn for protection, good fortune and spiritual insight!  What better to give than the splendor of this romantic Lavender Sapphire!  If you go and speak with Amy of DiamondAddiction  I just bet your going to find this ring and many more Vintage rings which were superbly crafted in a time long ago when jewelry designers crafted the romance into each ring they designed and made. 

Isn't it stunning?

Possibly your a traditionalist and want a diamond rather than a colored gem, then, this Romantic beauty from FergusonsFineJewelry will steal her heart!  This exquisite  Cluster Diamond ring is not only all diamonds set in White Gold, but it looks like a floral bouquet of forever romance!  It takes your breath away!

I just bet your not going to see a duplicate of this ring, some possibly similar but not like this unless someone copied it verbatim.  

One more just to entice you to make finding the perfect engagement ring a priority is this spectacular Diamond I found at WilsonBrothers !

Isn't this just too exquisite?  Can you not picture any one of these on your beloved's finger?

At Etsy your in for such a welcome treat, it is here you can search from thousands of engagement rings made in an era from long ago, possibly even before you were both born, or, you can find that perfect new ring all without having to make the trek from storefront to storefront in the brick and mortar section of the City or Town your living in!  

Being that I so love everything Vintage, I have chosen but a few just to show that Etsy Independent shops can really serve the consumer well.  
Etsy Shop owners are so able to act as Cupid and Santa all at the same time, your sure to be well pleased with your choice and all from relaxing in the privacy of your own space without being distracted.  

Planning on making this Christmas a very special time of your life, then get busy, the days are quickly counting down to that all important event..

****The choice of items I choose to write about is my own, I am not affiliated with any crafting community, sellers or the shop owners or individual or company!    I do not extract nor do I get paid  for my publications of any item or items or personal opinions contained within this my personal blog.   I do not know nor am I affiliated with any person or shop I write about whatsoever*****

Dare to be Different

Can you believe it is Friday once again?  I have been busy quilting and sewing for three local events on my calendar and need more inventory!  Having said that,  fall is definitely in the air as well as Fall Weddings and I actually overheard someone moaning about needing a new hat for a Fall Wedding and wondering how she'd find one around where we live!  

....so I am thinking Fall Hats this morning!

Like this CarolinesOriginals 

 Brimmed with White Roses and tulle making it perfect for fall yet fancy enough for weddings or fall functions without making you feel out of place!

Look at this one I found for you at the xanaduaccessories shop whoa, you will definitely be noticed in this hat! 

and this fancy Velvet red and black hair Scrunchie for those who would like to have something on their heads just not quite a hat!  These are lovely hand made hair scrunchies in a variety of colors if red isn't to your taste....

AND from the pookaqueen shop this lovely burgundy and grey headband, just perfect for those of you who need a hair adornment for a fall wedding but do not wish to wear a full head covering!  I adore these two colors together, and perfect for just about any outer garment your wearing...

AND from TUTUHandmadehats this vintage looking Cloche hat!  

I chose these head coverings because of their style and of course the red or burgundy is such a vibrant color. 

No matter which type of event your attending this Fall, some may require you wear a covering over your beautifully coiffed hair making some of these style just perfect for the wearing.  

These shop owners make these hats and have the ability to make changes to their custom designs or orders just for their customers, so, if your looking for a pretty head dress piece to wear on your head this Fall and you dare to be uniquely different, why not go shopping at Etsy for it?  

You can't miss with something hand made and totally made just for you and when you arrive at your event you'll be among those who decided to stand apart by wearing the non traditional department store variety hats or head dresses and be very happy that you did!

****The choice of items I choose to write about is my own, I am not affiliated with any crafting community, sellers or the shop owners or individual or company!    I do not extract nor do I get paid  for my publications of any item or items or personal opinions contained within this my personal blog.   I do not know nor am I affiliated with any person or shop I write about whatsoever*****

Someone Special

Remember there are only 69 days left until Christmas morning this year!!!

Recently I have been attempting to motivate you to begin your shopping early this year to avoid that melt down feeling come Christmas morning!

Christmas gifting has been my main topic of late but there is another topic I wish to address today!  Shopping for someone who has special needs!  That special someone who might like some of their items renewed or replaced, possibly some of these gift ideas may be of some help?  

I am so proud to tell you I have found several Etsy Independent shops who cater to items for our family and friends as well as our pets who have special needs.

One such shop the Grandma and Baby Turtle shop s a terrific selection of items for walkers, wheelchairs and carry bags for a variety of genders and age groups.  Take this very cute Strawberry Shortcake wheelchair bag, just perfect for the little gal to carry her personals in....

and this one for the young fellow for all of his necessaries?

There is a fantastic selection for all age groups and nothing is as good as something hand made!

Now here is something even I need, it is called a Grabby Grab Bar!  So useful with lowering and getting up from the commode!  This is really a useful tool and looks very attractive for the powder room, if you need one this is just the ticket to have.  More attractive than those white or chrome looking bars that seem to stick out like a sore thumb as well as being very cost effective as well!

I found this hand made item at the RusticNickNacknStuff shop, of course where else but at Etsy!

How about keeping the body temperatures up?  This very attractive Lap Quilt would do the trick! 

This is wonderfully generic as to colors and would suit either gender while keeping warm in a wheelchair, or sitting on a sofa for that matter.  This pretty quilt was discovered over at the Knitrx shop .

Now everything I eat leaves a sample of it on my clothing when I eat means I should be wearing a bib, well, I have discovered some wonderfully proportioned adult bibs over at the BellaCucinaAprons shop!  Look at the area these Bibs cover and these look like a comfortable fit while it is on!!!  Perfect for me and would be perfect for your family or friend too!

Some of our senior friends at the Retirement home near me must use Oxygen.  Those portable tanks look quite ugly sitting in their wheel chairs but there is a solution for that!  Over at the AmariJade shop the shop owner Yvonne Humphries makes these wonderful carry and cover bags made especially for those portable oxygen tanks.   This is but one example, there are many more to chose from!

Let us not forget, some of us actually have pets with special needs!  
I found a shop that actually caters to our pets with some very wonderfully made items such as this Diaper cover with a harness 

and this Scootie!  

from a shop called DisabledPet Essential!

Aren't these pets adorable?

Now I am not suggesting that the items I have shared above are the only things people with special needs want, no, far from it, but sometimes the item they have could use being replaced or refreshed, and it is good to know there are shop owners at Etsy who can help us with these choices!

****The choice of items I choose to write about is my own, I am not affiliated with any crafting community, sellers or the shop owners or individual or company!    I do not extract nor do I get paid  for my publications of any item or items or personal opinions contained within this my personal blog.   I do not know nor am I affiliated with any person or shop I write about whatsoever*****