My Favorite Birthday Present

This month's Etsy Bloggers assignment is to write about a favorite birthday memory or gift. This one is very easy for me, but it needs to be preceded by a short story.

When I was very young I was scared by a dog. Although I don't remember the incident, I do remember being terrified of dogs. All dogs - any shape and size. Another fact from when I was young is that I adored my grandfather and when I was about 4 he got a dog. A black dachshund named Fred. He gently assured me that Fred wouldn't hurt me and he was right. I fell in love with Fred. I soon found myself feeling more and more confident around dogs and decided that I wanted one of my own, but it had to be a dachshund like Fred, only a different color.

About a week before my fifth birthday my father came home and when I ran to greet him what did I find down by his feet, but the cutest little dachshund which I promptly named Peanut. I had Peanut for 16 wonderful years and can remember the day that I got him (40 years later) like it was yesterday.



I would love to hear some of your favorite birthday memories. Please leave a comment.

It Pays To Ask

Quite a few months ago I put an iPod case in my favorites. I thought that it would make a great gift for my 13 year old son for Christmas. It had a place for the ear bud wires to come out and a clip so that he could attach it to his backpack, duffel bag, etc. When I was ready to shop I saw that it was sold. No big deal, right? I'll just go to the shop and find one there. Well, there wasn't one listed and it looked like there hadn't been one listed in a while. OH NO! It's not being offered any more! I sent a convo to Tenthstreet and within minutes I got a convo back asking what color I would like. The next day I got another convo saying that there was one listed if I was still interested. It was exactly what I wanted. It arrived in plenty of time for Christmas and it came with a freebie - a pink coin pouch. Had I just looked in the shop and moved on when what I wanted wasn't there I wouldn't have this great case for my son



and cute pouch for myself.


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Thanks Tenthstreet - you rock!

Christmas Purchases From Etsy

This year I decided to buy some of my Christmas presents from Etsy to support some fellow artists and crafters. I must say that I was not disappointed and neither were the recepients of my gifts.

For my son I purchased a vintage tie that was made into a guitar strap from kacey's space .

From Valerie's Gallery I bought my sister-in-law a beautiful felted bowl for her to use as a candy dish on her desk.

And for my friend who cuts my hair, some things from Cozy Moments so she can pamper herself.

Great Gifts For Little Ones

Even though my kids are older I thought I would show some great gift ideas for little ones from The Designing Swanky Moms. Just click on the link below the photo to see more from their shops.

Pink and green initial bagPolka Dot Market

Hand Stenciled OnsieHip Kid



Customized TutuTuTu Cute and Moore

Handpainted Letter TrainPainted with Heart

Fun Finds For The Home

Here are some fabulous things I found from Designing Swanky Moms for the house and home. If you like what you see, please click on the shop link below the item to see more great things from these very talented women.

Felted VaseValerie’s Gallery

Cherry Wood SpoonColleen2

Metal Grape Leaf Wall ArtKirsten Skiles Custom Metal Work

Tissue Box CoverSam’s Creations

Handpainted Glass LettersTaDa! Designs

How About Some Bath and Body Gifts

What woman doesn't like receiving some bath and body products as a gift? Take a look at some of these great creations by Designing Swanky Moms. Just click on the shop name to see more of their great items.

Coffee Mocha Latte Gift Set

My S Garden

Cozy Christmas Gift SetCozy Moments

Head to Toe Ultimate Gift SetVintage Body Spa



Soap Gift SetPixie Soap

Vanilla Stress Relief Set
Zaja Natural Handmade Confections

Jewelry Gift Ideas

Even though I make jewelry I still find pieces that I really admire. Here are a few of them. They are all from Designing Swanky Moms. Just click on the name under the photo to be brought to that seller's shop to see more of their work.

Here is a pendant made from old license plate lettersAllison Strine Designs

A beautiful amethyst, jade and sterling silver ring

Higher Chakra Creations

Glass marble dictionary necklace

The Empty Nest

A funky leather cuff

moondog tresures

Beautiful Swarovski crystal earrings

Pink A Wink

Gift Ideas - Totes, bags and wallets

These are some of my favorites for gift giving this holiday season. And they are all Designing Swanky Moms. You can find out more about the DSM's by visiting their website.

This black an white tote is very eyecatching with it's bold white flowers.

Carissa Black

An Orange and Brown Pouch

BeanPickleSprout

Business Card Holders

handmade by Andrea Baker

And a very bold Disco Dots Wallet

daniellebags