Thursday Three: Healthy Healthy Healthy

I want my whole family to be healthier- so I'm going to get a sign that announces it is a house rule. BECAUSE IT IS. we will eat our veggies and put THIS SIGN on the wall to help remind us. John W Golden makes these fantastic By Order of the Management signs and I bought one mounted on a block and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I feel like he is a "fancy" etsy seller because I've seen his work at the Land of Nod. The only problem for me and all these signs- it's hard to pick which ones you want. Because I sometimes want them all.

last night I went to a gardening class- I'm going to start planning my garden which is so exciting. I tend to be a little more... expansive? ambitious? than I need to be. But today I bought my organic seeds. I'm so excited to have organic seeds to trade with the ladies in the garden club. We were all looking at our Gardener Porn yesterday (that's seed catalogs) and flipping through different garden plans. I like a fairly formal and ornamental design. Cubits is one of the nicest sellers I've ever met on Etsy, so I got me seeds from her. She has a wonderful blog about her organic lifestyle. I'm glad to plant lots of colorful veggies because I'm doing the new weight watchers program online and you can eat all the veggies you want! Deep down in my soul I wish I had the discipline to be vegan but I think an organic garden is a start. Now if only I can convince my husband to never go to taco bell again...

this print is the happiest thing in my dieting life right now. Even though I am full of a very positive attitude it is fun to have a little print to look at for all those other times. I think everyone should have one. I've lost 9 pounds so far and yesterday I had a mini melt down where I went to Olive Garden with my friends and split a tour of italy. oops. It's OK. I can eat healthy and work out like a mother for one year. I can do this. and people will still like me at the end.

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My Dog: Thursday Three

Now I don't know if you are aware, but I happen to have one great big dog. Well he weighs 100 pounds which I think is big. He is a mutt. He is not very smart. He is also adorable. His best trick: down. He also knows how to "get lost" which means go far away from me. I taught him that when i was pregnant. He looks old and always has since his fur has some white in it. He is built for distance and is never aggressive. His worst quality is that if you leave him alone too long in a back yard he helps excavate it with digging. Since he is a lab mixed with a shepherd or maybe a super mutt he sometimes trees things. Or does that great big hound bellow. Or wants to herd people. Or wants to protect us. He flunked obedience class several times. So after this description you should know that EVERYONE wants our dog Austin. He is somehow the perfect dog. He has never had an accident in the house except the day we got him when he was barfing worms. He only weighed ten pounds then. This is the most loved dog in the world- everyone volunteers to take him if we can't have him anymore. He is great with children and doesn't chew on things and is house broken. Plus he is afraid of cords and vacuum cleaners and any other machine that might be trying to kill him. He loves to get his toys out of the bin when I've picked up all the kid toys. He also loves to bark at 12:30 in the afternoon. Once a cat at the vet that had been attacked by dogs got in the area Austin was in. They were found snuggling together and always do when Austin visits. This week's Thursday Three is dedicated to him.

AUSTIN THE GENTLEMAN:
Austin always lets the kids climb on him and even doesn't get mad when babies try to poke him in the eye. He just things they are trying to show him love. He is a Gentleman.



Red Tartan Bow Tie Dog Collar from Sillybuddy
How awesome are these? I love the idea of our noble dummy wearing not only a collar but a bow tie. He knows that he is noble. I think Austin would be friends with Buddy from Sillybuddy. They would run around and Buddy would show Austin who was boss unless there was a bone involved and then Austin would steal it and guard it. Here is a description of Buddy from SillyBuddy: Silly Buddy - Buddy loves bananas, peanut butter, carrots, french fries, homemade popsicles and apples the most. He loves to roll around in warm, clean laundry and although he likes his own giant bed plenty - when we fall sound asleep he sneaks up to cuddle with us in our bed. He steals smelly socks and loves to sleep on them. Buddy loves to swim but he hates to take a bath. He gets so excited and pees his pants when we play with the laser pen and loves to roll around the floor with grandma. He loves to chase squirrels and bunnies, even when there seems to be no squirrels and bunnies around. Buddy loves to travel, he traveled to Europe, made lots of friends and enjoyed more European food than we were able to. When its late at night Buddy is very considerate, he goes up and down the stairs very slowly and quietly. Buddy gives so many kisses and loves catching bubbles. Buddy jumps so high you'd think he has a built in trampoline and could probably fly really high if he tried with his dumbo-like ears. Buddy is jealous, yet so gentle and kind. Sometimes he is a lion, at times he is a bird, sometimes he is a deer and a little bit of the time he is a pig. Buddy can find his red ball no matter where we hide it. Lately he can't seem to part with his peanut butter filled bone - When we go for a walk, Buddy brings his bone.

Buddy loves us, and we love Buddy more.

Don't you think they would be doggie friends? Austin loves other black dogs.

Austin the Famous:
Austin is sometimes very smelly. He doesn't always understand that smelling bottoms is not a polite thing to do. He seemed especially interested in smelling my bottom while I was pregnant. He knew before I did.



King Of Farts Dog Tag by Sudlow
One of my first and best Etsy purchases EVER- the King of farts dog tag. My dog is truly a king of farts. Actually now that I think of it I should send one to Austin's pug friend Ralph who is truly a royal farting dog. Did you know that Austin modeled for Sudlow? And when I say modeled I mean we sent them a picture of our dog with his dog tag on and they put it in the listing :-) Famous! One guess which one is Austin:



Austin is in the bottom right. He is using everything inside of him to sit still. also John was holding him back. Rachael Sudlow has a Website HERE. I love her stuff and my dog loves his necklace. Everyone I know loves it. They are always a little surprised to find his name is Kind of Farts. Then they laugh. because it is true. This dog can aerosolize waste. More about Rachael:

A graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design, Rachael's photography work captures the landscape with an unusual perspective, bringing the bovine & barnyard up close and personal, while transforming them into a new reality.
Her work in all aspects focuses on nature & the organic side of life. The jewelry line has been described as 'a whimsical take on the everyday'. Her line of jewelry is sold among stores across the world and is also available online.

Based out of her Lawrence, Kansas studio, she also teaches jewelry at the Lawrence arts center.

Austin the Lazy:

when Austin was in beginner obedience class three times he was really only good at one thing: down. Everyone else would be anxiously waiting to be released and Austin would lay on his side and sometimes fall asleep. He begs by sitting across the room and laying down. The only thing he really gets up for really fast is danger- like the Vacuum cleaner.

XXL 50 by 57 Unique Tough Big Dog Bed from BowWowBeds

Austin likes to eat his stuffed animals and kill them just as much as the next dog. They are loved bits of threadbare stuff after a while. Nothing is more exciting than fluff. You can imagine that his beloved beds do not fare much better.
BowWowBeds has a great dane named Darth Vader. I wonder if he could make more slober than my dog.
This bed would be perfect for him. It can be Personlized. From the description:

Our dog bed covers are made to order from durable, machine washable, 100% pure cotton duck canvas. Owners with dogs who like to chew will appreciate our no zipper-pillow sham design. Stuff them with sleeping pillows, memory foam or even an old dog bed whose cover has long since bit the dust.

This XXL (50x57) listing includes the personalization fee of $5. If you do not want personalization, please see the XXL listing which has NO PERSONALIZATION in the title!

One name up to seven letters (military font, all caps as shown, each letter measures about two inches) or one stencil saying (in fonts as shown, measure about 11 inches across) is done with non-toxic black or white fabric ink by hand. Feel free to choose one image as shown if preferred.

When you checkout, please put your fabric color preference along with your personalization request in the comments section to seller. Or feel free to email us. If an image is not specified you will receive text only. If black or white ink is not specified we will choose.

Duck canvas is one of the toughest fabrics available but not indestructible to a dog that can chew a rawhide bone at ease! If you have a pet that likes to play with or chew on bedding, only allow them to have it when you are around to teach otherwise. Dogs are smart! Positive consistent training=problem solved.

I like personalized items.


What would your get your dog?

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Front Page Curation

A Taste for the Etsy Taste Test

Did I mention?
I'm so excited that ClaireandMedesigns had a treasury that was featured on the front page a while back. I was using the etsy taste test feature (which is super fun) and found some beautiful stuff.

A few thoughts about the taste test- The first thing you do is pick between two collections. I would recommend not picking one if you don't like either of them. they will refresh and give you more options. And I mean- you really like them.
second- and this is not as happy- they had a lot of Front page treasuries from the taste test and many of the items were the same items I had come up with- I think there are a limited number of items and shops that are given as options for the taste test. Why are so many of the items the same? They can't just be from random shops- for example the featured shops have beautiful photos. I've looked at the favorites of my friends and not all shops have great photos.

I still love the taste test though- and I really want to have more front page treasuries.

thanks etsy!

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Thursday Three

This week the Thursday Three is going live on Saturday. And They are based on my top followers in 2010- an app I found on twitter. I was a little surprised- but I love all these ladies! it's nice to have friends you like- don't you think?

JillHoff is one of my top followers on Twitter- and I love her accessories. I want this headband for Danielle. Actually I want it for me but I am turning 30 in 2011 so it might be a little too young. Or is it?

I love the linen fabric- and the little wooden squirrel. We call my daughter a squirrel. I want one. You can find it by clicking HERE.

My friend Garden22DesignStudios has a beautiful Etsy shop. I love it. and I love this locket-
from her description

This is the last available locket.

A perfect gift for the garden lover in your life. This shabby chic locket has a turquoise acrylic applied and then it is sealed so that it enhances the beautiful vines covering it. It opens for you to tuck in a special memento or tiny keepsake! Necklace closes with a lobster clasp and chain measures a generous 24 inches. Locket measures 33x24mm.


If you would like to see the rest of my nature inspired jewelry, visit this link:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Garden22DesignStudio?section_id=6761751

To enter my storefront, click here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Garden22DesignStudio

So my last friend is KimArt and I love this embroidered peice from her shop. It is titled "rain rain, go away." You can find it HERE. KimArt is a student and she is really nice.
you can learn about Kim on her Etsy Profile:
I am a college student and I love to create pieces in my spare time. Originally I wanted to go into Art Therapy, but I turned to business instead. Being an Economics major with a minor in Human Resources, life is hectic but always fun & interesting! I hope to oneday establish my own line of artwork and own an art gallery! I love creating bright, interesting pieces that make people smile. I'm a hopeless romantic and I've found my beau that completes me :)

My main website is:
http://www.kim-art.org

Find my blog:
http://www.kimartblog.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter (i chat a lot!):
http://www.twitter.com/kim_art

I make:
Original Paintings
Handmade Cards
Hairpins & Brooches!
Bridal Bouquets
Home Decor

I am a proud member of:
Etsy Chatters Team
Etsy Labrats Team
Indie Free Spirits Team
and Crafting in Color team!

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Inspired by the 80's 28 of 31

Inspired by the 80's

I happened to be on twitter and etsy said they wanted to see treasuries about the 80's. then they linked to a video with some great break dancing.
So I decided to make a treasury about the 80s. I was born in the 80s so I have a special love for them. and slap bracelets.

I can't believe I've made a treasury for 28 days in a row! Factorygirlashli has made 175! I'm glad I based this challenge on her blog A Treasured Year this month- because it is super fun.

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Thursday Three

Three Things on My Mind Today

1. I hurt my car today. I feel stupid about it.
2. Both of my children took a nap.
3. I love Food and Anti-Depressants. They make me happy.

The Thursday Three today is inspired by these thoughts.

Maybe I wouldn't have over corrected and hit that pole if I had purchased a car trash bag, like this one from AllysonHill on Etsy. I love the idea of a little bag to hold trash- no more trash in the door for my husband! The woman has had like 8 billion sales on Etsy and I like her stuff.

I didn't take a nap when my kiddos did, but I could have. It was a large miracle that both children napped. I vacuumed, which I sometimes find just as relaxing as a nap. I am pretty sure it is normal to have a warm fuzzy feeling when the stairs are freshly vacuumed and the house smells a little bit like bleach. I realized that it had been two days since I vacuumed, and our hair machine dog had been hard at work. Just imagine how I would have loved to sleep with this cute pillow on my bed. I want a bed drowning in pillows and I think I could sneak another another one past my husband. Maybe I could just put it on the couch and tell him he can take naps with it. He seems to like to nap on the couch. I love the Pillows from HoneyPieDesign. They are fantastic. once I won a blog contest and got one so I just have warm and fuzzy feelings for them.

Last night I got really anxious. I started to have a pounding heart and difficulty breathing. This is the gift of my second child- really bad anxiety. In good news my heart is doing just fine- but I love taking medicine to help me function as a mother. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with John in school. I feel like I should be able to do more. Last night I just wanted hot chocolate. So I got some. My husband remarked that I seem to really like hot chocolate. This is true. I like the Swiss Miss marshmallow lovers mix. and I would love getting some special hot chocolate or marshmallows, like the white almond marshmallows from OhYum on Etsy. Seriously she also makes white chocolate popcorn I covet.


What did You Want Today?

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Treasury Challenge Week 15 :Isha Earrings

UPDATE- this Challenge is going to be extended until Saturday October 16th- ENTER PEOPLE-!

BaileyBelle won the last treasury challenge and now we will make a treasury with a beautiful item from her shop.

ISHA Earrings

I S H A
Hebrew name meaning woman.

This whimsical pair of Peacock feathers have been hand cut and wrapped by me with Sterling Silver wire. They are attached to hand formed sterling silver ear wires and adorned with antiqued silver bows. Very feminine and flirty.
For this challenge you just have to make a treaury with this item in the first three rows.
The Prize: a Ten Dollar Amazon Gift Card

THE RULES:
first off, please follow my shop blog. now for the official rules:

1. Go to the Treasury page of Etsy HERE and make a treasury with ANYTHING, as long as the ISHA Whimsical Peacock Feather Earrings in Sterling Silver from BaileyBelle is included in the first three rows of the treasury.
2. Put "Treasury Challenge" somewhere in the title of the treasury.
3. Link Back to this blog post- that way people can find the challenges and you can get credit for referring them!
   
4. Tag your treasury "treasury challenge"
5. Tag your item "Peacock"
   
6. COMMENT with your link to the treasury- BUT YOU HAVE TO COMMENT HERE.
7. Please refer people- tell them to say you sent them. If the winner mentions your name you will also get a the same prize they do.

Notes-

• if your treasury makes front page you win a ten dollar gift card from amazon in addition to other prizes from this competition.

• MULTIPLE TREASURIES ARE ALLOWED. and encouraged. You can feature this item to your hearts content.

if the item sells out just pick a different item from the shop- as long as you link back here and write a comment you are good to go.

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Etsy Blogs: A Treasured Year

There are so many beautiful Etsy Blogs out there. One of my favorite is inspired by Etsy treasuries. It is from my friend Ashli from twitter. She is so fabulous on Twitter she is private. You have to request her elusive friendship. And I would, because it will blow your mind. She's nice. and she's quite a force- she has a well maintained Etsy shop, a shop blog and posts regularly on the curation nation blog. Also, her blog I wanted to talk about today features a daily treasury.
I like her treasury making style- I would describe it as "romantic". I can't imagine how hard it would be to make a treasury every day.
You should check out her treasury blog. and follow it. If you look on the right of the blog there all links to all the front page treasuries she has curated- so many!

to see it click HERE

A Treasured Year

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Thursday Three

This Thursday i thought about decorating my house. With little houses. My office is blue and white and she happens to have a little set of houses that say home. TheLittleRedDoor is a great etsy seller. She even does custom homes, and I love that you can pick your own colors. If it was for my sister I would have it say "HOPE".
Her shop invitation described what her shop is centered around:
"My signature item is the little house featuring a little red door, with many varieties and styles there's a home for everyone. Start your little house collection today!"
My sister Rachelle has had two treasuries featuring TheLittleRedDoor on the front page of etsy. Her photos are quite good.

Another Item for my House: Soap from SunbasilGarden. Now Danielle has been potty trained a few months but she is still getting the details worked out- like how to wash her hands. She isn't always very excited to wash her hands. We have tried regular hand soap but a squirt of that soap seems able to coat my entire bathroom sink. The foaming soap is hard for her to push down.
But I found Sunbasilgarden's Halloween soap and fell in love. I bought some for fun and then Danielle LOVED it. She loves to wash her hands with her pink ghost soap, and she does a great job cleaning up. the soap is really solid so it isn't a mess in the soap holder and it doesn't make her hands dry. Her Holiday Soap would keep Danielle excited to wash her hands.

The Third Item I want for my home: the 6 Folklore and Fun Plates from NinaInVorm. I love blue and white china and this is such a fun variation.
I love her description of where the design comes from:
"These lovely vintage 1960s breakfast plates show people in the Dutch folkloristic costumes they wore back then in certain communities. Nowadays these plates are popular collector's items in the Netherlands. I added some colorful accents that make these plates look fun, modern and happy. The original set consisted of six different plates. I currently have a few different plates from the series available here on etsy (see my other available items for the other ones), as well as some breakfast sets with a cup and saucer in the same design."
I don't know where I would put these- would I hang them on the wall? Would I have a shelf for them or buy a hutch I would display them in? Maybe Danielle would try to steal them for herself. I could see kids wanting to use these plates. NinaInVorm makes the most beautiful things for my house.

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Madness

I feel like one of the most important parts of having an etsy shop is learning how to organize everything. I get these prints and I want someone to buy them but suddenly the place I used to get everything printed at gets a new tech and all the pictures come out the wrong color. Yuck. Also it costs a lot to buy all the packaging to mail things to people. I have gained a new respect for people that offer free shipping to everyone. Are they making any money? I still can't bring myself to charge people what it really costs for all the packaging and shipping costs- it is just a little bit to shameful.
To me there is nothing more exciting than getting a new box of cards. I think they are beautiful. I personally am a hoarder of stationery. I love it. I cherish it. It's like my precious. I order Christmas cards every year. I still have 200 wedding invitations I never sent out. I don't seem to be able to part with my beautiful paper. It is part of my history, my life.
So selling it comes somewhat naturally, and I am shocked that I don't sell 400 cards in a week. Who doesn't secretly want a relationship disappointment card? If not to give to yourself when you are having a bad day. We have all had a friend go through a hard breakup. If that breakup coincides with a diet it's hard to know what we can do for the friend.
I get these cards and then if anyone does order them I feel overwhelmed packaging them up. Most of the packaging supplies are in the frozen basement after all. So John and I got out the bag maker and got all of them ready for mailing. We watched two shows while this was happening. Before things are organized there is an inevitable mess. It looks like there was an explosion all over the living room floor. I decided to take a picture. We packaged the cards over two days and I realized that if I sit on the floor my hips hurt. When did I become such an old woman? Is this normal? Maybe I should get one of those old lady cushions or a floor pillow to sit on. We got finished with the 100 cards that came. Will they ever pay for themselves or gasp-make money? I don't know. maybe they will just become part of my precious collection. At least I am ready for them to go pouring out of my house.

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Magnolia Pottery on the Front Page

Etsy is a great place to sell things. I would like to think that I convinced my sister in law to get an account on Etsy. Of course she has the best shop ever. I like her pottery a lot. I guess so does etsy since she has been on the front page Twice! look at her mugs in the bottom row middle. Congratulations Brooke! I have never been on the front page but it is SO exciting that she is on the front page.

Brooke is quite the woman. She has THREE children and teaches pottery in a studio in her house. I wish I lived close enough to take pottery lessons. I have a beautiful bowl with blue in it that she made. I LOVE it.
congratulations on the FP Brooke. To check out her super awesome shop go to magnoliapottery.etsy.com

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