Gifts. A few ideas.

Great gifts. Great prices. New on Smashing Darling.com

Whosiepie in the Press

The Eco-Friendly Green Grocer Bag is sweeping the nation.
Here it is at FASHION TRIBES and COQUETTE
and also at THIS NEXT...

New Aprons!

Check out the new aprons from Whosie... Don't mind the wrinkles in this particular photo. I just had to get a shot of this one. Whimsical, washable and wearable in or out of the kitchen.

Quintessential Connecticut Holiday Fun...

Trish and I did a Holiday Show this weekend at Hadlyme Hall across the CT River from Mergirl. It was cozy, festive and we were joined by Thistle Downs, Georgia Eve and Vessel - all friends from Smashing Darling. Thanks for inviting us, Lisa! We had a really good time.

Thank You...

To the wonderful people who have been on board with me (and the WHOSIEPIE) over the years, I am very, very grateful for you!!! I have been so fortunate in this lifetime and am overwhelmed by the amazing people that I am surrounded by, consistently. I wish everyone a peaceful and safe Thanksgiving. And am sending extra love to you people that are far...

And Bri - Happy Thanky-king, my little stick figure pilgrim carved on the back of the wooden furniture - wish you could be here. Send pictures of your new cat.

Dear HHH,

They've just arrived.
Thank you SOOOOO much!
You are such a dreamfriend.
You are so kind and generous.
They are perfect.

I wish you and Sam tons of LOVE this Thanksgiving. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, I wish for a joyful and safe ARRIVAL to the BABY HUGHES. You are going to be amazing parents!!!

Buy HANDMADE this season!

(from buyhandmade.org)

Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.

The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can
be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.