In Utah

We are in Utah having arrived yesterday and I have some cute travel pictures of the kids to share on my camera. In typical Cozy fashion however I failed to bring with me the cord to connect my camera to the computer to share them with you. I guess that will have to wait until my return home.

Happy Birthday !

Lots of new stuff in this guy's life! New wheels, new house, new brother, new school and now a new age. He is another year older today and I want to wish Jordan a happy birthday!

What a Treasure

Introvert that I am most of the time I took a deep breath last year and joined an Etsy Street Team. I choose the EtsyBloggers because I had started a blog the year before and found myself enjoying it. This love of blogging and love of Etsy with a a global outlook when it came to geography or the art or craft represented lead me to this team. I am glad I made the choice and the shop and member I will show you today certainly is part of this pleasant street team experience.
This member sometimes affectionately know as Lil_ is always on the Etsy forums or the team message board with kind words of welcome and encouragement for everyone. She recently became a co writer of the EtsyBlogger Mini Monday features on our team blog and I look forward to many more of her articles about fellow bloggers.

Enough chatter. Just look at some of her very special creations and after you look here you can see more in her Etsy shop and keep up with her on her blog.

Another Olympics Post

I know there are a million or more Olympics related blog posts going on in the world. I just figured I should add one of my own. I have mainly been watching swimming, gymnastics and beach volleyball. I am excited for and proud of all Olympians. I am glad there is an event such as this where once every four years I can see the best in the world.

I do have a question for all my readers out there. Don't you think that Aaron Piersol is just about the cutest thing to climb in or out of a pool? (He is on the left.)

The Sale Continues!

Clicking the link above will take you away to a shopping adventure you don't want to miss. You will see a list of about 40 Etsy shops all offering discounts or free shipping or a combination of both. Each shop has decided on their sale offers so your deal could be as individual and wonderful as the items offered.

For my own shop I am offering a 20% discount on anything in the shop. To make your purchasing easier you can choose what you want, pay for it and I will send you a refund by PayPal. Doing it this way is easier. It means you don't have to wait for answers to emails or revised invoices to have what you want.

I ask $6.00 for my headbands that are created in a way you can't find anywhere else and now through Sunday you can get them for $4.80!

I ask $12.00 for a set of 4 hand knit 100% cotton dish clothes in an extra scrubby pattern stitch and you can now have them for $9.60!

New listings include two new scarves. One of them is a Mobius twist scarf in a grown up pink and the other is a not so basic beige that is long, thick and oh so very soft!

The pink scarf is listed at $25.00 so until Sunday it could be yours for $20.00.

The beige scarf has lots of yarn and knitting time in it. Each fringe has been knotted at the ends to prevent ugly fraying. It is priced at $44.00 but during the sale your price is $35.20!

To bring any of these things to your door I use USPS Priority Mail service with Delivery Confirmation when available. I will send your tracking number by email as soon as your order is shipped. To get this quality serve you only pay me a flat rate no matter what size your order.


Remember my 20% discount ends on Sunday! Shop Now!

School Day Priorities

I remember getting my children ready for school each year. I think I enjoyed looking at and choosing supplies for the coming year more than they did. Pens, pencils, paper and notebooks were replaced yearly. Sometimes we got a couple years use out of a backpack or book bag before a new one was insisted upon.

Of course for most elementary aged kids the most important parts of the day are recesses. The chance to get out, stretch your legs, socialize and get ready for whatever comes next. The most important of those breaks was at lunch time when you had time to eat and play longer. I remember many times shopping for the perfect lunch boxes because in their younger years I packed lunches every school day morning.

As is usual for me for this topic I went window shopping on Etsy and found a great shop for lunch bags. Sandra Kay Creations has lunch bags for kids and adults. Each bag comes with 2 cloth napkins that coordinate with the bag. So whether it is off to elementary school, junior high, high school or college you could find the perfect bag for the lunch break that gets you through your day.
This post is part of the EtsyBloggers Team Carnival. It will be published on August 18th, 2008 and hosted by Lazy T Crochet.

Celebrating August 13th to August 17th!

The EtsyBlogger Street Team is finishing up their first year. This has been a year for me of meeting new people and lots of blogging fun. I have been able to be an author on our team blog which has allowed me to show off members in our Mini Monday features and send greetings on birthdays. Another regular event for the team is our blog carnival. These carnivals are postings by 20 to 30 or so members on a specific theme. You can find a link to our archived carnivals in the carnival widget in my sidebar on the left.

In common we all have shops on Etsy and blogs. Beyond those two things we come from all over the world and have an amazing array of skills and talent that shows in what we offer for sale. You can find jewelry designers, polymer clay artists, photographers, quilters, knitters, crocheters and those whose sew bags or clothing for all ages.

To celebrate our anniversary about 40 of our team members are having sales. Each of us has decided what special deals will be offered during the 5 sale days of August 13th to August 17th.

For a list of participating shops click the EtsyBloggers sale graphic in this post and be ready to shop!

In my shop "A Cozy Life" I am offering 20% off all purchases excluding shipping costs. I will refund the 20% to you through PayPal after your funds are confirmed in my account. I always ship by Priority Mail within 2 days of receiving your money.

For this sale I have put 4 new headbands in my shop. I have sold several of these and the feedback has been positive on all sales. I am usually told that they are even better in person than in my pictures. I guess that means I make a very nice headband or take lousy pictures or a combination of both. (I am always working on getting better pictures.)

For those of you that plan ahead and are thinking of fall and winter keep an eye on my shop starting tomorrow. I will be adding some knit scarves and possible some shawls. The 20% off for the sale will make these a good deal for yourself or early holiday shopping.

Will You Be Ready?

There are many people who get very excited about the Halloween holiday.I always thought of it as a special day or rather night for kids. I know that some grownups really get into it as well and are always on the look out for the very best in Adult Halloween Costumes. Of course there are those who go beyond all the simple costumes and really want to party and go a little wild on Halloween. Finding the perfect one of a million Sexy Costumesavailable is their goal. This is all a little beyond me.

As a mom I needed to help my kids look for Childrens Costumes that they would enjoy wearing and that I was willing to pay for. Making a statement of how cool you are or representing your favorite character or hero is very important to some kids. The decision to be someone from the Harry Potter stories or a super hero or a Disney character or Spiderman can be hard for some and easy for others. As you may imagine in this day and age all the help you need for your costuming or party supplies can be found online. One place you may wish to start your search for what you need to have a fun Halloween, whether young or old could be to start at Halloween Adventure.

Starting Tomorrow!

The EtsyBloggers are one year old this month and to celebrate many of the team shops are having a sale. This sale is for 5 days and each shop has decided what kind of special deals they will offer. You have about 40 shops to browse and buy from participating in this event.
Remember it is 5 days only - from August 13th to the 17th so don't miss out!
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Visit these EtsyBloggers shops from Wednesday 8/13 thru Sunday 8/17 and celebrate our team's 1st Anniversary with us!!

http://www.abracapocus.etsy.com
Original Digital Illustrations, Photography and Note Cards
FREE SHIPPING

http://AKeepersJackpot.etsy.com
All items except custom orders:
Spend $10-19.99 save 10% on your order
Spend $20-29.99 save 20% on your order
Spend $30 or more save 30% on your order
Free domestic shipping (US) on all orders over $50
*If paying with PayPal, I will refund your savings after purchase.

http://aprettyrock.etsy.com
Handcrafted Limited Edition Jewelry
But One, Get One 1/2 half off (of equal or lesser value - no custom items, please)

http://aromaticbodyoils.etsy.com
20% off all orders

http://beadedtail.etsy.com
Jewelry for animal lovers!
10% off all items (excluding shipping) with code "Bloggers sale!"

http://bfbeads.etsy.com
Breastfeeding jewelry, necklaces & bracelets
Free priority mail shipping on orders over $25

http://CandyStickLane.etsy.com
See sale section for specials.
Free shipping on all orders

http://www.chicycreations.etsy.com
A free gift with all orders over $10.00 (before shipping)

http://colorfuldayz.etsy.com
25% Most Items
Pillows, Cases, Cards and other Fabric Goodies

http://cozy.etsy.com
I will refund 20% of purchase price to all sales from August 13th to August 17th.
(excluding shipping which is flat rate fee by Priority Mail no matter how large the order)

http://CraftyChefGraphics.etsy.com
250 free business cards with a pre-made or custom design package.

http://dizzydragonflies.etsy.com
Free shipping and an extra 10% refunded if you mention that you heard about the sale from etsy bloggers!!

http://donnapool.etsy.com
All Pocket Mirrors and Puzzle Ball Toys & Christmas Ornaments
50% off

http://www.dorsethillbeads.etsy.com
Unique handmade lampwork beads
FREE SHIPPING on all purchase...
Special SALE section with already Reduced Priced items

http://FaerieRebecca.etsy.com
Natural dolls and playthings
10% off items in sale section

http://FaerieWaldorf.etsy.com
Inspiration and supplies for the homeschooling family
Free shipping on all items

http://goldtonedesigns.etsy.com
Accessories, Luxury Lounge Travel Wraps
10% off all items with code Bloggers10%

http://homemadeoriginals.etsy.com
See special sale section in my shop

http://impawsibletoresist.etsy.com
See Sale section in my shop

http://joeyandaleethea.etsy.com
Super cool baby and children's clothing...monster onesies, monster jeans, Ankle Biters...
FREE SHIPPING plus 10% OFF everything in our shop!!

http://julieantinucci.etsy.com
"Handmade Items for Everyday Use."
See My Special Sale Section.

http://LazyTcrochet.Etsy.com
Many items on SALE now, plus get FREE SHIPPING on orders of $40.00 or more.
(Custom orders not included.)

http://www.lieblingdesigns.etsy.com
jewelry
25% off in SALE section, free shipping on orders of $50 or more using promo code EB08 in notes to seller!

http://macaroniandglue.etsy.com
Take $2.00 off any boxed blank note or thank you card set!
See SALE sections in my shop for all the designs to choose from

http://madebymelissa.etsy.com
Buy any two items and get the 3rd half off! (Valid on all items except blankets, item of lowest price will be discounted)
Refund to be issued through PayPal, if paying by money order, convo first to confirm total price.

http://mamasmagicstudio.etsy.com
"Fraternal earrings" and dragonfly suncatchers
Free priority mail shipping on orders over $25

http://memoriesforlifesb.etsy.com
Buy one Custom Name/Word Album, get $5 a second album.
Buy two Custom Name/Word Albums, get $15 off a third album.

http://miesmama.etsy.com
10% off everything in my shop, to be refunded through paypal.

http://www.pinetreedesigns.etsy.com
Hand Stitched Paper Art for You and Your Home
Free Shipping!

http://www.rockababyclothingco.etsy.com
Vintage inspired clothing for kids and their dolllies too
FREE SHIPPING

http://rockstash.etsy.com
Gemstones, beads and more!
Free Shipping on orders over $20

http://roseworksjewelry.etsy.com
Free Shipping and 10% off - jewelry.

http://scottieacres.etsy.com
10% off on all orders.
Discount will be refunded or you can convo to have price adjusted prior to checkout.

http://shellmitchell.etsy.com
cute fingerless gloves
free shipping!

http://spottedcowsoaps.etsy.com
Handcrafted soaps & toiletries, Crochet Bath Accessories, Soy Candles & More
Check out our sale section for reduced price items.

http://storybeader.etsy.com
Special EtsyBloggers 1st Anniversary Sale
Great jewelry and beaded items, ½ off regular price
Look in Section: Anniversary Sale

http://stormydesigns.etsy.com
FREE shipping on orders of $10 or more.
Your choice of a FREE pair of earrings with order of $20 or more.

http://sugarlovehoney.etsy.com
10% Off

http://thefabmissb.etsy.com
Free shipping on all greeting cards

http://thejumpoff.etsy.com
See sale section for specials
Free shipping on all orders

http://theophany.etsy.com
Original art, photography, hand painted bags, and more..
Free shipping during sale!

http://ToteNTots.etsy.com
Free domestic and international (Australia, Canada, Europe) shipping on orders $40.00 and more.

http://TulipsTreasureBox.etsy.com
See my EtsyBloggers 1st Anniversary Sale Section
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5508373§ion_id=5417430

http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com
Free shipping on all items
Specializing in all things zany for babies including: blankets, bibs, stuffies and clothes.

http://weeoneslittlethings.etsy.com
Boutique Baby Essentials, Blankets and Baby Carriers
Buy one item, get the 2nd of equal or lesser value for 50% off!!!!

http://wylesstyle.etsy.com
See special sale section in my shop
I have an assortment of items on sale, including purses, totes, wristlets and clutches.

♥ You can always find the beautiful items from our team members by searching for "etsybloggers team":
http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=etsybloggers+team

Go shop! You know you want to!

Happy Birthday!

I do hope he is happier on his birthday than he was this day in February when his mom was going around with a camera taking pictures of every one. This is my son James, or as all the family calls him, Jimmy. He is 28 years old today and I wanted to wish him a happy birthday here on the blog.

He and I share a love of computers and handcrafted things. He likes to figure out how things work just out of curiosity and started this at a young age. (Insert embarrassing mom story here.) The first memory I have of this trait in him happened when he was about two years old. I was on the phone with someone and assumed he was playing with toys in the other room. While I was talking he came up and showed me that he had found a screwdriver and taken all the handles off of the drawers on the desk in the living room. After the phone call we of course had a lesson on how to put them back on.

His life has been a busy one lately with a move from apartment living to a house, a lovely wife, 2 busy boys and a dog.

Happy Birthday Jimmy!

This Monday

The EtsyBloggers are a busy bunch of bloggy goodness on Mondays. I wanted to share with you what is going on today. First of all there is the regularly posted Mini Monday feature on the team blog. This week we are showing off the talents of Simply Sentimental.

The other event today is the publishing of the biweekly blog carnival. This is a gathering of writing about one of two chosen topics and always makes for some great reading. The carnival published today is hosted by Spotted Cow Soaps. The topics are book reviews or grilling recipes. You will find lots of stuff to make your mouth water or your mind wander. Take a look!

Good Coffee

Around here we like trying different coffees. We are not that fond of flavorings but just enjoy a really good cup of black coffee. We have found that one of the best ways to get that is to grind your own beans just before you make the pot of coffee. You can find coffee grinders at the capresso website along with so many other things for making great coffee. For those more adventurous you can get espresso machines, coffee makers, milk frothers and other filters and accessories. Spend more than $50 and it is shipped to you free!

Always More

Jim has a laptop and I have a desktop. We think a little differently on how we use computers so it really is best that we each have our own and don't touch the others. He keeps his desktop very clean and neat and I have icons for all kinds of thing all over mine. It is my version of post it notes. He is basically the keeper of the family and travel photos on his computer. He has several years of pictures on it and has added to his laptop memory several times. To be safe we also have them backed up on disks and portable hard drives. About the only time I look at his computer is when I want to see or send pictures.