A moment of thanks || OM [one moment] meet up

It's been a nutty week and looks as if next week it will get even nuttier.  I do need to get cracking on production as I am scheduled to be a holiday sale December 3.  So, hopefully, I will have some new items to show you very soon.

I do want to take a moment to thank my contributors Lindy and Diana.  Lindy shares handmade Fab Finds on Thursdays and Diana brings us amazing photos via Captured on Mondays.  They both have a great eye for art and bring something new to each post.

As the holidays approach, I encourage you to visit their shops.  You will find something for everyone as well as yourself.  I personally use one of Lindy's calendars and have a photo print by Diana resting on my family room mantel.

Crafted by Lindy - handmade cards and art prints

D.S. Brennan Photography

What was your moment this week?

Kartell in Boston - Combining three of my favorite things

Window Shopping, originally uploaded by alamodestuff.

Walking back to our car on Sunday, after a day of shopping on Newbury Street in Boston, we stumbled across Kartell. I love this store.

As I drooled over their chairs, I spotted these great rubber boots. Three of my favorite things: modern chairs, boots, and shopping. The perfect way to end our day. Thanks, Kartell.

A Crafty Holiday - blog hop and support for buying handmade over the holidays

Angela Flicker at The Artists' House organized a special Crafty Holiday blog hop.  This hop is designed to promote buying handmade over the holidays.  November 1 - December 16, you can find wonderful gift suggestions on the participating blogs.

I'm committed to buying handmade over the holidays and want to encourage you to do the same.  Here are 4 reasons why I buy handmade:

1.  For the individually unique quality of the product that can only come from handmade.
2.  For the care and craftsmanship that goes into each item.
3.  To support fellow artisans and their work.
4.  To pay it forward as I, too, am a handmade artisan who's work has been promoted by others.

These are some of my gift ideas.  I've even included some of my own favorites so that it will be easy to buy for me (hint, hint family).

For me:

(please note, family, that you can find more of my favorites here by clicking "alamodestuff" below):

For all:

Holiday Photo Cards - snowman photo cards by Jumping Jack Designs

For baby:

monkey hat by Cite Fuzz

baby shoes by Caamel Diezel

bib and burp cloth set by Allisa Jacobs

For teens:

zombie silhouette mobile by Salty and Sweet

cheeseburger pillow by Felt Like It

fingerless gloves by The Beach Comber Studio

For him:

beer ties by Toy Breaker

leather Kindle case by Julie Boyles

baseball cufflinks by qacreate

For her:

cloudburst brooch by Fringe
custom flats by Hydra Heart
wool knit poncho top by Sand Maiden

 For the traveler:

  map journals by Kristin Crane

For the typography buff:

recycled wood sign by William Dohman

 For the dog lover:

 

I dig your dog calling cards by River Dog Prints

You can follow along from the beginning of this hop by visiting the first two posts yesterday:  Angela Flicker's The Artists' House and Where Women Create.  Tomorrow, my good friend, Candy a.k.a. Candied Fabrics, will be sharing her list.  You can see the entire schedule for A Crafty Holiday here.  Join us, won't you?!

Hello from San Francisco

Well, I've been lost in a sea of fog here.  Actually, today it is sunny and lovely. 

We arrived Saturday afternoon and settled into the hotel downtown.   So far, I've spent a lot of time shopping.  Frankly, I'm beginning to feel a bit shopped out.  But nothing is more fun than running around with a good friend of 25 years trying on shoes, drinking flavored lattes, and laughing.  We've had a blast.

Yesterday, we drove to Reno to look at my dream house - a mid century modern home just minutes from C's new office.  Fingers crossed, if all goes well, we will be living in it next year.

Staying downtown has it's limitations.  We are mostly surrounded by big name stores.  I did come across a great boutique today called A Miner Miracle.  It is a shop that offers a big selection of famous maker clothes (Calvin Klein, DKNY, Via Spiga, Michael Kors and more ) at 50-80% below retail.  Best of all, it is a non-profit organization whose proceeds go directly to low-income families.  It has been recognized with an Oprah's Angel Network Award and named the "best place to get designer duds."  I bought a few sweaters there and realized that next year I'll live close enough to come back to one of their popular sample sale benefits.  Great fun, great cause!

Will be heading to dinner soon, but wanted to check in.  Hope you are having a great week!

5 ways to make your holiday shopping easy

I don't know about you, but the holidays stress me.  The commercialism has bummed me out for years.  I actually get a knee jerk reaction to all the advertising and promotions.  I refuse to go to the malls and cringe at the thought of fighting any crowd.  Luckily, much of my shopping can be done online since I have to ship all over the country anyway.  As the holidays are just around the corner, I thought I'd share with you 5 ways I've made my holiday shopping easier:

1.  Make a list.  My list often starts earilier in the year.  How many times do you see something that you think your best friend or family member might like but then you forget it by the holidays?  Write it down for future reference.  Carry your list with you (mine happens to be on my phone).

2.  Shop local.  I take advantage of the holiday artisan and craft shows in the area.  I find everything from teacher's gifts to that special gift for the hard to buy for person.  I will be sure to share some local shows with you in the coming weeks. 

3.  Shop by your ship to location.  I had an epiphany last November when I was running late to ship my mom's birthday present (I'm always late for birthdays).  Why not buy from someone in her area?  The shipping would take less time and I'd be introducing her to a local artisan.  So, I searched for Etsy shops located in the Denver area and purchased from a great person who even offered to deliver the package. 

4.  Buy handmade.  To me, a gift that is handmade and carefully chosen or made for me is treasured dearly.  I know the work and passion that goes into the item.  I appreciate the thought that went into choosing it just for me.  Every time I see, wear, or use it I always remember the person who gave it to me. 

5.  Join me in A Crafty Holiday blog hop.  Angela, of The Artists House, is hosting a blog hop that will take place November 1 - December 20.  Participating blogs will feature handmade shops and items on their personal lists (be it to give or to get) and share why they are vowing to buy handmade this year.  You can participate by reading our posts OR you can be a participating blogger.  For more details, please visit Angela's blog and sign up.

I'm vowing to make this a stress free, handmade buying holiday this year!