this weeks etsy finds

I've had to wake up very early every morning this week to make it to my yoga and stretch classes so I definitely felt chills with the weather getting down in the 40's... So this weeks theme are colors that remind me of WINTER!!! Enjoy these awesome shops and features... Before going on I'd like to share something I read today that holds so much truth and wanted to share with y'all

In the next couple weeks when you're sifting through the Black Friday Ads for the big box stores, don't forget to think about us small handmade businesses willing and wanting to give you an amazing experience during that big weekend. The big stores don't care if you shop with them, but each one of us artisans eagerly waits to meet your needs. Think about the single mom of three kids staying up late to finish batches of soaps in hopes it'll buy this year's holiday gifts. Think about the college grad student trying to find time to make her jewelry in hopes that it will put food on the table next week. Think about that little kid excited to share his artwork in hopes that he'll help Mommy and Daddy make ends meet this year. To the big commercial stores, you're a dollar sign. To artisans, you make a difference in our lives. This holiday season, spread the love and shop handmade. - ♥ Cat

Starting off this week I found this beautiful ring at Irith's gorgeous shop Riorita, The depth of color here speaks to me... The kyanite stone is known for its powerful energy and not to mention stunning beauty, while it used to be sold as only a piece of jewelry it is now said that the longer you keep the stone within your aura the better, You can find it HERE

Next I found this gorgeous pair of pearl and aquamarine earrings from CK silver, Aqua marine is considered to be the stone of courage and serenity!!! I love the cool feeling it gives combined with the pearls. You can find them HERE

Our third spot is the lovely Danielle's shop ChickyD's. This bows colors remind me of the cold snowy days I loved so much in North Carolina the dark blue sky and tree bark were the only things with color after the snow fell :) Isn't it gorgeous??? 

You can find it HERE

Last but not least is this gorgeous off white with blue rug by Ellen and her shop GMaEllen crochet, I admire the lovely handiwork put into it. I would never have patience to create something so gorgeous LOL... The combination of the two colors are simply extravagant, I can picture a frozen lake with snow falling and sipping hot chocolate while digging my toes into such a lovely rug *sigh*  You can find it HERE

I hope you enjoyed this weeks BEST team feature and etsy finds <3 If you'd like your shop featured and could use some more exposure stop by, we love new faces and meeting lovely crafters like yourself.

Gracie

Freedom is not free

"Freedom is not free" growing up in a military home I heard this saying often, the volumes of truth that it projects to me is undeniably strong. There are so many stories I could tell you right now, but there is one in particular which lays heavily on my heart. *** the names in this story have been changed to maintain some privacy***

"It's just another 4 month trip" I thought to myself, Some friends of mine didn't understand how I coped having my daddy gone for so long. Little did I know this wouldn't be an ordinary trip, As that cold morning in December flew by my friend Brittany and I watched as our dads jumped in the car and drove off to training. Without even giving them a proper farewell full of hugs and kisses they just left.

Before I continue on the story I want you all to know how hard it is for me to write this. When I go to the mall or just anywhere in general and enjoy the simple luxury of drinking a cappuccino or whatever, the thought that often pops into my mind is "How is it possible for a place to be so free when were in the middle of a war" so many people live in the daily rush of life and forget how much our troops and their family's go through to keep America free.

Continuing on with my story. . . I loved playing house with my friend Brittany, we would occasionally play army too! It was so cold and snow had covered our entire neighborhood so we played outside like the free girls that we were. Then one morning as I was getting ready for school I heard the doorbell ring, a sick feeling in my gut dragged me to the door like a magnet. As my mom opened the door the tears began running down my cheeks. A man dressed in formal military attire stood there with a folded flag in his hands.

The memory of that day flashes in my mind as if it were yesterday, The man told us that my dad and Brittany's dad (they were best buds) were setting up some electrical wires and Brittany's dad was electrocuted and killed instantly. The rest of that day is a blur to me, I remember being with Brittany everyday for a month after that and suffering with her.

No it didn't happen in war, and no it wasn't fair! Only God knows why these things happen, but if there is one thing I do know its that In order to keep this country free those brave men and women that sacrifice their time with family and even lives help us be the people we are. This 4th of July I hope everyone who lives in the AMAZING country realizes how blessed we are to be so free.


I hope yall have a fabulous 4th of July weekend, stay safe <3

Veronica grace