etsy

Are you shopping small today?

by Stacy on November 26, 2011

Have you heard of Small Business Saturday? I only found out about it yesterday, but it’s a movement I am proud to support. It’s a day to rally together for small business owners, help put money back in to the hands of actual consumers, boost the economy, and reinvigorate communities across the country. Sounds wonderful to me! In fact, plugging holes in local economies was the subject of my research for school this week. How wonderful to actually get to do something about it!

In honor of the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday, I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite small business owners. I hope you’ll take a quick moment to visit their shops and hopefully find the perfect gift for someone you love.

First up is She & Me Designs, you may have noticed the ad on my sidebar ->
the last few months, but I have yet to give it a proper introduction here on the site. She & Me Designs is an Etsy shop I started with my Mother In Law over the summer, we specialize in aprons for boys and girls and Mommies too, plus one of a kind quilts.


KSW exclusive: Use the code SAVE20 to save 20% now through Monday night!!

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Next comes Kellie, my sweet friend in Tennessee and her crazy cool shop, Nest of Posies. She makes the cutest felt flower posies, adorable scarves and embellished bags around. I have this one and I get compliments on it wherever I go.

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My cousin, Nisee Made, wows me with all of her creative illustrations, I love each and every one of her designs. I’m betting you will too.

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There’s Lisa of Shop24 – specializing in embroidered goodness like this and this. That last one has been on my wishlist for awhile, perfect for a wedding gift or anniversary present.

And her four incredibly talented daughters who just opened, Little Women. I love this shop because each sister has her own unique talent and everything they do impresses me so. I’ve been reading Lisa’s blog for so long I feel like I know each one of them and can’t help but be excited for them.


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Cha Cha has to be one of the nicest ladies in the entire blogosphere and I am so happy to call her my friend. Her shop, the Heartfelt Home has some really unique gift ideas. She creates one of a kind pocket pillows that you can use to store treasures you want to hold dear; bible memory verses, pictures of loved ones who might be far away, letters or prayers or anything else you can think of.

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I’ve been reading Jackie’s blog, Sweetie Pie Style for as long as I can remember, I’m so glad we’ve become friends along the way. Jackie uses her eye for vintage and design to curate One Sweet Find ~ she appears to have sold out this weekend, but trust me you’ll want to watch what she fills her shop with next!

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And finally, my girl Lakeitha. Lakeitha took her love for design and a big leap of faith and started her very own business, Swoon Worthy Boutique. Ever wonder where photographers get all those vintage props for their photo shoots? Swoon Worthy Boutique!

Do you have a small business of your own? Let us know by telling us a bit about yourself and leaving a link in the comments below.

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Life is Better with Friends

by Stacy on July 25, 2011

Life is better with friends

Print from Etsy $15

29 months ago I left behind life as I had come to know it, to embark on a new journey. A journey, I had dreamed of since the moment my first child was born. It was a huge step, one that involved flying across oceans, saying goodbye to friends who had become family, shedding my identity and moving to a place where I knew no one.

Life should have been wonderful, I had everything I had ever wanted. A handsome, albeit absent husband. Three wonderful, very active children. A home I could finally call my own. A colorful city just waiting to be explored. Still, something was missing. A hole that grew bigger and demanded more of my attention than I wanted to give it. A hole, I started to fall in to … sacrificing happiness in other areas of my life for all the time I spent focusing on how large it was becoming.

It’s been a long, slow crawl to get where I am today. It has not been easy. In fact, it has been incredibly lonely. But, I am finally on the edge of something wonderful, peeking in, dipping my toes and testing the waters. I’m so excited to say, the water feels great. I’m this <> close to diving in and all I can say, is ….

Life is certainly better with friends!!!

And you wonderful ladies have been such an important part of this realization, I don’t know what I would have done without you! Please accept this Big GIANT {{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}} from me!! And if you’re willing, leave me one of your own in the comments. It’s a love fest y’all and everyone’s invited.

I think I am finally able to cast my worries aside and blog from my heart, finally able to talk to you as if we were the bestest of friends because in my eyes we already are!! and I hope you feel that way too.

Mwah, I love you guys!

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Put a little glam in your life

by Stacy on January 30, 2011

Got to feeling like I might need something a little glamourous in my life. I think these handmade pillows by Home Centric would be just perfect for my bedroom/office redo.

Circle of Life Pillow Cover ~ $30

Jute Flowers Pillow Cover ~ $23

Dreams & Pearls Pillow Cover ~ $28

What do you think, do you love them as much as I do? She’s got 1,010 other options if you’re looking for something a little different. I promise there is something in there for everyone.

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KSW Handmade Holiday Gift Guide

by Stacy on November 24, 2009

Make it a Handmade Holiday

When everyone else is running around frantic this holiday season, may I suggest you make yourself a hot cup of cocoa – settle into your favorite chair and do a little internet shopping instead.

While you’re at it, why not go handmade this year. Your family will love you for it and you can feel better knowing you gave your money to someone who will truly appreciate it.

For more Fab finds or for prices and links try the KSW Gift Guide Page

*~*~* More gift guides coming soon *~*~*

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More Sunshine and Whimsy

by Stacy on February 5, 2009

I’ve got a real treat for you today, the fabulous Ez of Creature Comforts was gracious enough to let us share her Daughter’s Bedroom Makeover.

Just when you thought you’d seen the last of the Whimsical Sunrise nursery, along comes this extremely elegant, chic .. even mature ~ mellowed out version of the theme. This room, designed for a 10 year old, is much more subdued and even more whimsical. It makes me feel like she’s a budding artist living inside of Etsy.

Allow me to introduce you to a little slice of lemon meringue heaven:

Creature Comforts Kids room

I know, gorgeous right? Ez claims she’s a “lazy decorator” and says she spent only $350 on this extreme makeover. I’m left speechless and wishing she could come on over to my house – I’d let her go hog wild for $350. Imagine what she could do to the rest of your home? Or the KSW Green Living Home for that matter …

Just look at the amazing effort that went into selecting the details for this room:

Creature Comfort Kid Details

I just love that striped pillow ~ a few other favorites are the gilded mirror and the little blue desk

Gilded Mirror
Little blue desk

I’m such a sucker for painted wood furniture

My favorite part about this whole makeover is that she lays it all out for you, step-by-step, AND provides you links to almost everything in the room. She also links to her flickr album where she’ll likely add even more info as time goes on. Personally, I’d like to know about the cute paper dolls by the gilded mirror ~ see post.

Head on over to Creature Comforts now to check out the full story on this fantastic Before and After Makeover. Bravo Ez, Job Well Done!! Seriously, let me know went you want to come over and do my house ~ did I mention it’s brand new and I’m moving in 2 weeks? And I’m 7 months pregnant?

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