A wonderful Christmas time

This was probably one of the best Christmases I've had in years. Like, since I was living in Philly with my awesome college roomie, Beth Ann. There was no drama and no annoying roommates hanging about (not a reference to Beth Ann, there). We had a nice tree, lots of fun holiday events and several family gatherings (I cooked for one of them!).

Here's a small peek into my holiday world (from top- cheese and cracker platter; Christmas Eve feast remnants; me and SuperD; Thing 1 and Thing 2's stockings- although the good thing is questionable; our Christmas tree):












































































I hope you and yours all had as wonderful a Christmas as I did and many happy wishes for the new year!

Buy handmade, shop local

This holiday season, I'm doing my best to shop local and/or buy handmade. Of course, there are certain things where that isn't possible (the sleigh-full of electronics on SuperD's list comes to mind). But, everyone on my list is getting several handmade items- some I made for them, others I bought from other Etsy sellers.

I put a lot of handmade stuff on my Christmas list, too, but I fear that Ety's checkout process discouraged some people from buying. Not that I think the checkout process is difficult, but my loving, but technologically impaired mother had issues even creating an account. But I'm still hoping at least one person will honor my handmade pledge and buy at least a few handmade things for me this holiday.

And for those of you looking to get involved in the handmade movement, here's a list of really cool sites where you can find lots of handmade goods:

Etsy
1000 Markets
Art Fire
Handmade Fuzion
iCraft
Dawanda
Ruby Lane
Shop Handmade
Trunkt
Wink Elf
Lolli Shops

Of course, there are tons more, but this list is a good start of some of the larger venues. Some of these sites even have very cool vintage and antique sections (not handmade, but still part of the reduce/reuse/recycle process). So get shopping! There's only 11 days left until Christmas!

For those of you looking to shop local in the Lancaster, PA area, check out downtown Lancaster shopping for some great local shops, galleries and artisans.

Not in Lancaster or just want to shop online? Check out Etsy's Shop Local feature. Just type in your town and find artisans and crafters in your area.

Get free stuff!

Check out the Modish blog giveaway. It's jam packed with tons of way cool indie designer and artisan products. Today is the last day to enter to win this handmade goodness.