Etsy Seller Friday (and a brief update)

My attempts at starting a regular Friday post have been just that-attempts. I'm still not sure that I will keep this as a regular part of my blog, although I really enjoy doing it. This means that at the least, you will see random Etsy seller reviews on this blog. Etsy is a crazy-fun website that needs more attention from the general public, not just from fellow crafters. I tend to feature sellers that make some really unique and sort of kitchy things that I adore, but there are plenty of folks on Etsy that craft unique yet fashionable/chic products. On a similar note, I intend to start blogging a lot more about eco-friendly living. I want to write about eco-friendly living in a tone that is not "preachy." Instead, I hope to share some knowledge and advice that I have learned from my personal experiences as well as get advice and ideas from my readers.

This review is going to be a bit different. Today I'm going to share a little bit about several different sellers and let you do the shopping. I tried to pick a theme that would tie each of the sellers together...so if you're into boho, rustic, Earth-tone chic, you will enjoy this review.

(Photo: Sparkle Philosophy by Flora Bond)

This first photo is a necklace made by Flora Bond. Pretty much all of her peices are "statement" pieces. Each item has a sort of vintage feel to it. Most of her necklaces would be perfect for weddings and other special occasion that call for getting all dolled up.



(Photo: Shabby Rose Corset Skirt by Patches and Rags)

This gorgeous patchwork skirt was made by Patches and Rags. These are some of the prettiest patchwork skirts I've ever seen. They could be both casual or dressed up with the right shoes and jewelry.



(Photo: Grey Ruffle Tank by Sue Bradbury)

Sue Bradbury (her seller name is ellainaboutique) makes all sorts of clothing and accessories. Mostly she has tops, skirts, and handbags in her shop. You'll find plenty of warm, Earth-tones in her Etsy shop. I love that Sue Bradbury's tops look great with a pair of jeans or with slacks. Go look for yourself!

Oops

My bad. I goofed and forgot to do an Etsy seller Friday blog! I'm not sure how this happened, but I do know that it makes me think that I need to change the day that I do these reviews. Especially since there is a chance that I may have to work some Fridays and will totally blank and forget to write a blog. Perhaps I will change it to Wednesdays.

Something that I've been wanting to do for a while is reviews of eco-friendly products. This would include things like household cleaning products, personal care items (I would limit this to things such as lotion or shampoo), and maybe even clothes. I use many eco-friendly products on a daily basis and would love to share a little about them. Oh and while I'm on this topic, I have been searching for a new daily moisturizer. I like the kind that I'm already using but I hate the brand as it is not eco-friendly or cruelty free. I've tried Alba's daily moisturizer but found that it clogs my pores. What daily moisturizers do you ladies use?

Jobs, Coupons, and Tomatoes

Despite having applied for tons of jobs, I've yet to get hired. Keep in mind that I've been applying for jobs that require a bachelor's degree, not entry-level jobs. This week I've given up and have applied at an entry-level job at the place where my boyfriend, two best friends, and many of my friends and acquaintances work. Because they are looking to hire someone quickly as well as someone that is a friend or family member of one of the employees, I'm a bit too confident that I will get this job. It will be a full-time day job which means that I am now looking for a weekend job to bring in extra money. One of the best things about this job is that I and my boyfriend live only a few minutes away which means that we can ride in together which will save us a ton in gas. He has been able to and from work for a week with the gas light on.

Because I'm now the primary grocery shopper (by this I mean that I create the menu and grocery list), I've become obsessed with coupons and deals (such as BOGO). I've always been fond of coupons but am finding them especially wonderful these days. Also, I've been trying to find the best place to shop for groceries that isn't Wal-evil. So far, I've found that Food Lion has really good prices (especially on their store brand products). There are still some things like Method brand and Seventh Generation brand products that I would like to buy but can only get at either Target or Publix. I love both of these brands equally but am learning that Seventh Generation is usually a bit cheaper and offers many coupons on their website. With Method you are mostly paying for attractive packaging and some pretty yummy scents.

On a totally different note...this summer I made an attempt at growing heirloom tomatoes. When I lived and my mom's house, she and I planted (actually she did all of the planting) and worked on a veggie and berry garden. Our berries didn't come in at all this year, but our veggies, which included zuchinni, summer squash, and cucumber, were amazing. We have two different types of tomtoes: Brandywine and Moskvich. Neither one of them did too well. I just got my first tomatoes a couple of days ago. They both took forever to ripen (which is fine with me and is typical of heirloom tomatoes). My problem is that by the time they started to turn red they were nearly rotten in places. I've never had this problem with tomatoes before. Does anyone have any experience with growing heirloom foods? I would love any advice that you might have.

I now live in an apartment so obviously I can only grow things in pots and window baskets and am considering getting one of those topsy turvy things. Many of the other residents in our apartment complex have some impressive potted gardens and I'm terribly jealous. The only plant that I brought with me from my mom's house is my aloe plant. It doesn't seem too happy after the move. I fear that we just don't get enough sun on this side of the building. Again, I'm seeking advice here too. Does anyone know what plants (including herbs and veggies) grow best in pots/window baskets/hanging pots?