Just Visiting : Hamburgh Holidays

Alright, so sometimes there's an interesting event in your own backyard that's worth mentioning. And for me I'm throwing out Hamburgh Holidays. This is a series of events that celebrates the various winter holidays in the town of Hamburg, NY. But why is it interesting enough to mention? I love when people ask that part.

Hamburgh Holidays is an event that kicks off this month on what they're calling "Green" Friday(Black Friday to most shoppers aka today), continuing through December 31st with a variety of events for the whole family. I'm particular interested in seeing the Santa Claus Parade on Saturday November 25th, maybe I'll find someone who wants to go with me.

Anyway check out the calendar below, and if you decide to go to the event, let me know what you thought. Have a magical weekend and I hope you found what you were looking for.

Shops for a Unique Look

Today we're going to be looking at some more accessories. There's nothing like an accessory to give the right amount of detail to a look. Plus sometimes the right accessory becomes more than an accessory, they become a staple to your daily look. So today we're going to be looking at shops that offer a variety of items you can add to your outfits to create depth and detail.


Wanou Et Moi

This shop offers a wonderful variety of hair accessories made from a wide selection of materials. Their Twisty Locks make a fantastic alternative to a scrunchy or hair tie. They aren't just for dreadlocks or straight hair, they're for all kinds of hair. I even heard talk that they're going to be releasing wool beads soon for adding color and pop to your hair. Currently not available through etsy, you can order through facebook or instagram. Custom orders always welcome. And I will say I love my twisty lock .

Facebook : Wanou Et Moi
Instagram : Wanou Et Moi



Silver Dawn Jewelry

Silver Dawn Jewelry is another shop that offers hair accessories. They also offer a variety of different jewelry. But what I love from this shop are their hair pins. I have a few different types, and they're simplistic yet elegant style makes them a frequent addition to my daily life.

They offer hair forks, as well as hair sticks that look similar to pins. I have used mine to keep large hair fall pieces in place. But the shop also offers jewelry pieces to add a delicate yet sturdy detail to your outfit. These pieces make great gifts for people with long hair, and take little time to learn how to use.


Etsy : Silver Dawn Jewelry




Project Om Jewels

Jewelry from this shop is sure to make a statement, and offer a unique glimpse into who you or your loved one are. The pieces are often inspired by topics in magic, lore, and superstition. The style varies, but has a very high end chic and boho feel to it.

Project Om offers some gorgeous ouija inspired planchette pieces, crystal ball styled necklaces, and a wide variety of small to large designs to appeal to even the more reserved dresser.

Etsy : Project Om Jewels
Facebook : Project Om Jewels

Music Monday : Happy Birthday Blog!

No it's not my birthday, but it is the anniversary of the blogs first post. It's finally turned 6! At least I think it's 6...  Isn't that a nice thing? I hadn't even realized that we've been doing this that long. Which also means I have to admit to being excited that I've stuck with this, even if there has been a few quieter times. I'm going to get myself sorted out. I have been the past couple of months, and I'm happy to be able to share things with you even if I don't get to see many of you face to face often.

Growing up seems to ruin friendships, as people grow apart. Not always because we want them to. But situations get in the way. Working opposite shifts at work, day shift, evening shift. Makes it hard to make plans at times. But that doesn't mean you don't still love your friends.

In the long run it's all about the memories we make. So I hope you have the chance to make many memories with the ones you love. Because someday, the memories might be all you have left.

Stay magical and have a great week.

The Rocket Summer : The Brat Pack

Egypt Central : White Rabbit

Ivy : Worry About You

The Mills Brothers : Till Then

Jill Tracy : Evil Night Together

Hijacking the Blog for Off the Shelf!

Hi, my names is Amanda, and I'm hijacking Katie's blog.  Wait!  Wait!  Don't rebel yet - it's with permission.  She asked me to do some book reviews, as she knows I'm a hard-core reader, and I have a backlog to share with you.

My name is Amanda, Katie and I have been friends for more years than either of us wants to own to, but I feel like she is my sister.  I'm glad to do this for her, but I'm a bit of an easily-distracted scatterbrain, so I'm way behind.  I'm hoping to make it all up to her, though.

About me:

1) I like books.  A lot.  As a change from Katie, I prefer solid book form to an e-book, as I tend to multi-task on a computer a lot, and I also lose my place a lot easier when I'm reading from an Adobe-like file.  I love the feel of a book in my hands, new or used, and the ambience and smell of a library or a good used book store is amazing to me.

2) I own a menagerie.  Four cats, a moose disguised as a dog, about a dozen fish in two aquariums, a hamster, and now an axolotl.  It keeps me busy.

3) Since agreeing to do these reviews, I've bought a house, renovated, moved, and supported my fiance through the trials of getting his NREMT (he just completed this within the last month).  So I slacked off horribly, which left your book reviews in limbo, me being a bad friend to Katie, and more on her shoulders.  But I'm gonna try to change all that now.

4)  Back to books... I like to think my favorite genre is fantasy, but honestly, it's romance.  Now that I'm older, I can admit this, though I promise not to deluge with a bunch of torrid x-rated items.  Not really my thing, and I do have more varied tastes.  Just do not be surprised if some of the fantasy or other items have at least a tiny bit of romance somewhere in there... but I also have Katie's list, and a treasure trove of books from before I became Prince Charming obsessed to fall back on, so you're in for a variety.

Enough with excuses and introductions... It's nice to meet you all, I'll hopefully see you fairly regularly, and she hopefully won't kick me off her blog when she sees my taste in books.

Ciao, book lovers!

Shopping for Flair

Flair is an interesting word. People like to think of themselves as individuals. They want to have flair. They also say swag, but swag doesn't give me the same joyful feeling. Today I'm going to share a few shops that I think offer some really fun types of flair to add to wardrobes. Shirts and accessories go a long way to giving us each a unique look. They also are useful for helping us to share things we enjoy with the people around us.

Flair invites interest and thought, as well as questions. What is that from? What does it mean? Where can I get one too? It also lets you personalize your look. Today the recommendations might be considered unique, but I know someone out there is looking for the same things I am. So happy hunting, and may your shopping be a delightful experience.

Jess Adorables.

Jess Adorables used to be called Ragamuffpins. I have some of her pieces in my collection and recently ordered a couple more. I can't even begin to tell you how much detail is put into the pins. They are both great additions to a collection, as well as fantastic conversation starters. Jess Adorables offers a variety of products including but not limited to enamel pins, clothing, and art prints.

Website : Jess Adorables
Facebook: Jess Adorables



Two Ghouls Press

Two Gouls Press has a wide variety of products, including sci fi and horror movie themed patches. I find patches to be a fun accessory that can add detail to a bag....coat...shirt....or anything you decide to add it to. They also have a collection of pennants to add a vintage fun look to decor. I'm personally torn between the Hocus Pocus Pennant and the Cereal box monsters one. I hope I make up my mind before they're sold out.

Website : Two Ghouls Press
Facebook: Two Ghouls Press


Jeremy Dolce

Jeremy Dolce has a unique collection of apparel products that pay homage to some of the cult classics from your youth. His Jawbreaker t-shirt is both comfortable, bright, and is appropriate for both men and women. It's a sort of pale lavender color. He's currently got pre-orders open for beanies inspired by Heathers, The Craft, and Party Monster. So get on those pre-orders if you want a unique winter cap. Or check out the other merchandise in the shop.

Website : Jeremy Dolce
Facebook: Jeremy Dolce



Cavitycolors

And for the movie lover in your life, check out Cavitycolors! They have a unique collection of horror themed shirts and accessories to surprise almost any movie lover in your life. As you see they have a fantastically frightening Slimer shirt, They even offer licensed Elvira gear. And if you're interested in some vintage themed enamel pins, they have Boglins. So head over and check it out.

Website: Cavitycolors
Facebook : Cavitycolors

Well that was fun! Do you have any shop recommendations for me? I'd love to find out more about the ones you frequent or enjoy. Feel free to leave a comment to tell me about them. And don't forget to check out the other shops we looked at last week. Shopping 1

Music Monday : November Drags On

November seems to be moving along much slower than the past ten months did. Which leads me to question why the rest of the year sped along, but now that it's getting chilly things are slowing down. Slowing way to far down to be honest. But that doesn't mean we have to stop going forward.

Winter will be here soon enough. So let's enjoy what time we have left and enjoy the  chillier fall days we have left.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler : Pressure

AM Kidd : Somebody Special

Bonnie Mckee : Sensitive Subject Matter

Dana Glover : Thinking Over

Death Cab For Cutie : I Will Follow You into The Dark

What's on Screen? Clan Tynker Presents The Dream Train

So when we're out and about going to various events we have the pleasure of seeing all kinds of amazing acts. Musicians, artists, and actors. This is sometimes frustrating because when we see amazing shows we want to share with people we care about. This particular film is an example of this.

Clan Tynker is a family circus group and they have been performing at the Sterling Renaissance Festival now the past two seasons that I attended. While sometimes it's easy to keep your group together this year the part of the group I really thought would enjoy Clan Tynker, got distracted after lunch and missed the show.

So being a good aunt, I purchased this movie figuring they will enjoy it just as much. And while the kids have yet to watch it, I HAVE watched it more than once, and I find it very enjoyable.

Unlike the live show which has a much more circus like approach, The Dream Train is more steampunk. Not a bad thing at all, as it's also something we enjoy. And since the kids in my life LOVE trains more than most things, I know they're going to love this video.

There are a few moments where there are flashing images on the screen, and those didn't sit to well with me, but it's not the fault of the artists. I' just acknowledging it because I know other people have a sensitivity to it as well. The flashing images are infrequent though, they were just unexpected.

I HIGHLY recommend this video. It's creative, as well as inspires the imagination of the viewers. A great video to watch with your family.

Small Shops for Amazing Results

Small shops are amazing options for locating unique gifts for your friends and family. They offer a variety of unique items that you won't find in stores, where mass produced items are the majority of offerings. Many small shops are ran in people's homes where they spend their time working on their crafts to create the pieces  that they offer to the world at large. Many of these shops offer some meaningful gift options that may take the artist some time to create and match the demand. So you should keep this in mind when you think about ordering items to get them on time.

 So today I want to share a few smaller business with you that I think you should consider looking at for collecting pieces for the holidays, and even birthdays that pop up yearly in your life. Please remember, since these shops make each item by hand, the earlier you order, the easier it is to be sure it will arrive in time for the holidays. Also, it's polite. Art takes time.

 Violet Phoenix Designs

Fandom inspired gifts tend to be a hot commodity around the holidays. After all, nothing makes someone smile like a gift that clearly shows you've taken an interest in what they're interested in. Or at least have tried to. Violet Phoenix Designs creates everything from gorgeous fandom inspired aprons, to ties for any occasion. You might even be able to find a christmas stocking for that hard to shop for loved one.

Facebook : Violet Phoenix Designs
Etsy : Violet Phoenix Designs

 The Yarn Ball Creations

Looking for a hard to find animal for a difficult child? The Yarn Ball Creations can help with that. Specializing in amigurumi, she has a menagerie of animals available. She can even create dolls to look like the people in your life. This means, not only is the gift personal, but it's destined to become a favorite.

Facebook : The Yarn Ball Creations
Etsy : TheYarnBallCreations

 Rieshaw Knits

Maybe you want something that's knit? How about a pair of thrums? They're warm, unique, and from the reactions they get desirable. They're also fashionable, and can be made in a variety of colors. I have an amazing pair made in a scrap colorway that's unique just for me. I call them my weasly mittens. Rieshaw Knits does most of her work by commission to you can always ask if there's something you're interested in having made as a unique gift for a loved one or yourself.

Facebook : Rieshaw Knits



716 Wooden Buffalo : Handcrafted Bentwood Rings

Have someone in your life that has a metal allergy? I know a number of us have people we love that can't wear rings that we can easily gain access to due to the mixed metal content.  And let's be honest, silver and gold can get really expensive to purchase around the holidays. So why not look at this gorgeous wooden rings as an alternative?

Facebook : 716 Wooden Buffalo : Handcrafted Bentwood Rings
Website : 716 Wooden Buffalo: Handcrafted Bentwood Rings



I hope that you're feeling inspired. Because I know the closer the holidays get, the harder it is to find a meaningful gift. I have a few gifts left to find myself. But that's what makes looking into shops like these so much fun, they frequently offer unique options not carried in our local stores.

Music Monday : It's November Already?

Where has this year gone? In some ways it's a relief that 2017 has sped past in the way that it has. But there are some things that have happened that have made it a bit hard to swallow. But hey, that happens right? But it's monday again meaning it's time to think about music to get us off for a great start.

This week I think we're going to go with some older music because it's inspiring me lately. Notice the key word, this is the music inspiring me lately. Let that sink in a little. I hope some of it inspires you and that you have a magical week.

Buffalo Springfield : For What It's Worth

Simon & Garfunkel : The Sound of Silence

Dion : Abraham, Martin, and John

Zager and Evans : In the Year 2525

Paul Revere & The Raiders : Indian Reservation

Holiday Shopping Starting Line

I have to get something off my chest. I finished the majority of my holiday shopping before August. Seeing as my list is around 42 people long, I have found it beneficial to spread the shopping out over the whole year, so when the holidays roll around, and now I only have 5 people to shop for, the sting isn't as painful.

But what about all the people who are starting holiday shopping now?

Well they're likely going to be watching for sales, but there are other options as well. After all, whole people may enjoy a video game or new tie, you can get them a more meaningful handmade gift instead, and often times for a similar cost.

Now, it is true that many people seem to be of the mind that a hand made gift is cheap. They're quite wrong, because these gifts require both forethought, shopping, and time to create. Or if you are going to purchase the gift from an artisan, it takes them time to create as well as ship your item.

So here's my warning shot. Christmas is now about 2 months off. In the next two weeks I'm going to be sharing a few gift ideas that you may find useful for some of your more difficult to shop for family members or friends.

I look forward to sharing the work of some amazing artisans and crafters with you, and I hope you'll find some inspirations in the works they create.