I came across this very poignant post by a friend this week. It's about the birth of a new tradition for this Holiday season. Everytime we turn around these days we're reminded about how awful our economy is, how people have lost their jobs and in some cases their business. I feel very blessed to be able to continue to create jewelry in my little Studio here on Cedar St. But for some reason, this Christmas Season is different . . . how? Well, for one, I am vowing to buy American made goods. The only way we can get our GREAT Country back on track again is to stop supporting things that are imported here from overseas. 
Well, it's the morning after . . . yes, IT has arrived!!! HOLIDAY by Matthew Mead was on my doorstep yesterday morning. I can't quite explain to you how excited I was to open this "Bookazine" and see what Matthew and his crew have been furiously working on for months. It was their baby, and wow what a beautiful baby it is. GORGEOUS!!! This is NOT a magazine - the paper alone tells you the love that was involved in putting this together. It's thick and has a beautiful hand, like a lovely piece of fabric. The photography is amazing! The stories . . . well, lets just say, they are perfect in every way. 
My in-laws, who enjoyed many years of their timeshare unit in California are no longer able to travel, so John and I were the recipients of this amazing gift. Last Summer we traveled to Ft. Lauderdale, and this year we decided on Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I grew up on the East Coast, in New York. I have always loved the beaches along the Atlantic. White sugary sands, gentle waves, it doesn't get any better. We arrived in Myrtle Beach just in time to see a beautiful sunset last Saturday. But it's the sunrise that is so amazing to me. Because we now live on the West Coast, the Sunsets are what we look forward to. The sunrise over the Atlantic is incredible - it's the beginning of the day for our United States. As you gaze across the water, it's hard to imagine that across that big pond is another world . . . Europe. It just makes me have such an appreciation for our Universe. .jpg)
Okay, so I know that Christmas is months away, but I have to let you in on a little bit of Holiday spirit going on over at Matthew Mead Holiday Magazine. He's having a contest to send in your best Holiday Home Christmas pictures. OMGosh, how fun is this??? Have you ever thought that your home should be in a magazine? Did you put up an amazing display of collectibles and stood back and marveled at your design prowess? Well, if you said yes, get scouring your photo boxes, sift through all your picture files on your laptop, and hurry over to Matthew's site and get the information for this great contest. By the way, have you ordered your magazine yet??? It's only available on-line and yours truly, yes moi, is advertising in this issue. So you just gotta got get yourself a copy today. If you loved Flea Market Style, you must get a copy of Matthew's Holiday magazine. Here's the link: http://www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com/
Greetings Family and Friends . . .
Black Friday came and went. Were you one of the early risers out there looking for great deals? I can honestly say that I have never done that. There's nothing like sleeping in a little longer after a long day of eating, drinking, playing games, watching movies. Sleep in, a little coffee, get the Christmas boxes out of the attic and get going on decorating the cottage. So, in just a couple of days, Cyber Monday descends on all of us. Since this is my first year with a website, I'm not sure that I even know what to expect, but I did decide to jump in with the rest of the world and offer some discounts for all of you to get your Christmas shopping started. Over at www.tippystockton.etsy.com, I'm offering a 10% discount on your entire order + free shipping. I have sooooo many lovely pieces available right now. I'll be listing a few more in the next couple of weeks, so always check back. That's just a sample of the things that are available. 
Then over at www.tippystextilesnstuff.etsy.com, I'm offering a 10% discount on your entire order. I have lovely scarves in a bevy of colors, sweet little decorated boxes (they have been the hit of the season), vases, wands, pillows . . . My Joyeux Noel pillow was featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution Gift Guides this weekend. How fun is that?
I know this post is a little late. I have so many things to be thankful for . . . family, friends, a lovely home, food in my cupboards, and a little business that is humming along. I hope that you had the opportunity to slow down a bit, enjoy the day with the people that mean so much to you, and feel grateful for all that you have. I know I did. Wishing you all the blessings of this wonderful Holiday and may the upcoming Christmas Season be blessed with love, joy and happiness.
