Happy February...

It's cold.

There is yet ANOTHER school vacation looming over my head.

February stinks.

Ever wonder why that extra 'r' is in F.e.b.r.u.a.r.y?

Do you think of this month as not really getting your money's worth when you pay your mortgage...I mean geeez, you get jipped by at least two days!

OK.

I digress.

*

Hip hip hooray...it's February!

The only and I mean ONLY reason I kinda do like this short little month is because of Valentine's Day!

I'm no scrooge but really the only reason to possibly celebrate this day is for the pretty colors, my fondness of hearts and the goodies that go along with it.

I get all excited when shop owners bring out their 'Valentine' stuff.

It's up year round in my house!

Oh good grief.

I stumbled upon this shop today and my goodness I fell in love with every darling thing.

I love the simplicity.

I love this sweet lil shop!

If you stop by this shop and I HIGHLY recommend it....for sure you won't leave empty handed!

These just plain make me happy and I know my girls will feel like they own the block wearing these kicks.

Yeah, I'm a crafty mom but sometimes I don't want to come up with a bleeping craft for them do.

I want one to arrive at my door beautifully wrapped like this one.

This shop is genius.

Remember these?

Totally dating myself here people but, I do!

I miss the sweetness that today's Valentines don't have...which is why I'll get mine here!

HA!

I'm only warning you once.

You WILL fall in love with each and every gub in this little factory.

You WILL need to make room for one of these cuties on your bed.

You WILL thank me later...I just know you will!

Now this is what I'm talkin about.

If you're not a baker (I am and that's why this makes me so happy) you will magically transform into Martha once receiving this awesome kit.

This shop totally inspires me to drink tea and cook with exotic spices too :)

****

MUAH!

See ya soon!

Allow me...

A moment to beat my chest while standing on my soap box.

It's soooo easy to walk into Target and snatch up any old toy...Most likely made in China.

Most likely made by underage help.

Most likely made with plastics and chemicals.

Most likely containing lead.

***

But it's SO much easier flipping through Etsy, pointing my cursor, clicking my mouse and waiting for the Postman fairy to arrive with my purchase.

A purchase I made knowing it was made by hand, made with love, without the use of harmful chemicals, supporting small businesses and stay at home Moms.

***

I often wonder who the artist is behind the craft.

I wonder what kind of tea they like to drink.

How many kids are laughing in the next room while they wrap my package neatly for sending.

I wonder what they'll make for dinner, what time it is in their neck of the woods.

I wonder if they too, envision the child who will play with the toy they lovingly crafted by hand.

I wonder now; will these artists I've come to love (just by seeing the love they put into their work)...close up shop?

Gosh.

It's devastating to even think about...isn't it?

I want one of these in every color to decorate my daughter's book shelf.

Are they not cute?

The eyes had me at hello :)

This amazing shop drew me in with her a.m.a.z.i.n.g European fabrics but then I noticed she made children's things and I went gah-gah!

Oooo, I forgot to mention...all her fabric is on sale!!!

Chenille...ahhhhhh.

Would you look at those pear rattles??? Love the colors...so cute!

Her vintage chenille quilt is one to be passed on from generation to generation. So beautiful! You've got to see the goodies in this shop!

I just love, love, love the 'petite chaussures' picture SO much!

I can envision it on my oldest daughter's wall.

The one below it is just darling and perfect for Valentines Day. This artist is so diverse in the types of illustrations she does...she also does portraits!

I'm snatching up a few of these for my girls!

This designer is having a 'going out of business' sale but don't worry! She's got a new venture in the works...I can't wait to find out what she's got cookin'!

I stumbled upon this shop and I'm SO glad I did.

Her mice make me smile.

Make me laugh.

So much personality in each and every mouse.

I thought I fell in love with this brand of rodent after watching Ratatouille and reading Despereaux...oh no! Now, I'm really in love. No more mice traps in this house...no Sir-eee!

xo

Hallmark...

holiday or not.

Valentine's Day is another great excuse to shop...not that I need an excuse to shop. I'm sure this won't be my first heart holiday post because there are SO many lovelies floating around Etsy.

oooo, I just want to smush this little guy and I mean that in the most endearing way.

Does he not scream 'I'm cute'!

This shop has so many fun, funky things it was hard to pick my favorite!
The illustrations remind me of tattoos and we all know I love tattoos :)

How sweet are these pins??? One for you and one for your best friend.

This artist has some great stuff in her shop...go see!

These are the most gorgeous donuts I've ever seen and I've enjoyed quite a few in my time.

The best part about these beauties is that they're fat free! Don't they look like the real thing?

My kids would love these!

So simply stated and I'm a big fan of the XO.

This artist has a beautiful shop and she's really sweet too!

OMG.

I don't really feel like I need to expand on that...do I?

No.

Visit this shop and you'll be delighted with every. single. thing. she makes!

xo