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

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

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.

Plan ahead for Holidays & Special Events

It's been an interesting year so far, with a wonderful selection of guests that have left a mark of inspiration here at the Almost A Fairy Godmother blog. I wanted to take a moment to remind you all about them, as well as give you a heads up concerning the holidays.

Butterfly Print from Tina T. Ames

Personalized handmade gifts can be seen as welcome surprises at the holidays. They're often tailored to the tastes of someone you care about, and help to add a more thoughtful perspective to the task of gift giving. Yes I just called gift giving a task. It can be hard work to find the perfect gift. But personalized art can make a unique impression on someone.

So that's why I'm reminding you about our wonderful spotlight artists. I'm sure any of them would be delighted to be chosen as the person to help you create a piece that will bring a smile to the face of your loved one. But you have to remember that making something by hand can take time, and shipping around the holidays can be a bit hectic which is not the artists fault. So please make sure to get your requests in early so there's no disappointment.

Animals in Clothes by Koalarazorclock

If you're thinking about a toon like piece you can check out art by Seph Jocuno or Silly Panda's Art Blog. Either artist has a great handle on anime type art styles, and can provide you with a unique artwork that can bring a smile to your face. They've both got instagrams that are active if you're uncertain about what to expect. You can find more direction from the artist spotlights. Seph Jocuno Artist Spotlight or Silly Panda's Artblog Artist Spotlight.

Maybe you'd like to have a picture turned into a watercolor? Koalarazorclock offers this service, and her work is lovely. She also does adorable art portraits of animals in clothes. Check out the artist spotlight on Koalarazorclock to see more as well as get some ideas. Or perhaps you'd like to add some unique photography to someone's collection? Check out pieces available by Mahikol Torres.

Jewelry is always popular, and there's no reason not to check out the pieces created by Hada Pixie Designs again. These unique pieces of jewelry can add a unique edge to an outfit, without necessarily going over the top.  The Artist Spotlight on Hada Pixie Designs can offer more direction. There are also the unique hair pieces created by Wanou Et Moi. These pieces can add a unique flare or twist to someone's daily hair routine. Check out the the artist spotlight on Wanou Et Moi for more information. Pieces by these artists are great for the individual as they're each a handmade piece of art.

Vampyre Rosary by Hada Pixie Designs

Or maybe you want something a little different. An oracle deck can be inspiring as well as beautiful to look through. Or perhaps you'd like an inspirational artwork to add to someone's graduation gift. Tina T. Ames has some amazing pieces that can be used for just that. Check out the artist spotlight for more information on her artwork. Artist Spotlight Tina T. Ames.

Perhaps you're interested in something more practical? You can look into some handmade soaps. They come in  a variety of scents from Cark Farm NH. You can check out their available products and read more about them in their spotlight.

Please remember to give them enough time to create the pieces that you're interested in, because artists do have daily lives, and some work a full time job on top of trying to keep up with their artistic talents. But by sending in your requests early, you can ensure that there's enough time to have your unique creation completed before the holidays. Yes I know that I sound like I'm repetitive, but time is very important for creation and shipping.

Plan accordingly, and here's hoping your holiday planning is magical. (Personally I'm about halfway done with my shopping XD)

Pokemon are still a Thing

And that's alright. In fact it's kind of awesome.

When I was a bit younger, I remember Pokemon being a cartoon on tv. I also remember eating a LOT of Kids Meals trying to find the talking Pikachu my little brother wanted. I also remember playing Pokemon Gold on a black and white Gameboy.... But in today's modern Pokemon Go phase there is a multitude of merchandise being pushed. But with that in mind, there's a number of unique items you can collect to accessorize and show off your love of the little digital monsters, regardless of the team you've chosen.

You don't doubt me on that I'm sure, but to prove the point I'm going to share some of the interesting things that I've seen on Etsy of late. I'm always exploring and enjoying the various pieces people share there.

So one of the first item's I'd like to share with you actually surprised me. Because it turned up in my feed when I was researching chainmail, not Pokemon.

These chainmail pokeballs are gorgeous little heavy duty keychains, that you can see offer a unique take on the classic pokeball.  They're available in a variety of colors (and I suspect if there's a color you'd prefer other than what's shown, well... maybe it can happen). Love these and highly recommend them for the more classic gamer type, or even the newer sort. They have a nice classic edge to them. When this blog was written they were available for $6.00, not bad for gifting. (Just remember to order early) Find them here : Aislinn's Collared Designs Chainmaille Pokeball

Our next selection is actually something that plays with the fighting between the teams.

A maker called TheFreshPinsofLA has this pin available. To my rather untrained eye, it appears to be a combination of the three team emblems featured in Pokemon Go! The Team Harmony pin made me smile, because it was a unique take on a rather silly thing. People shouldn't be split up based on the team they pick, unless it's friendly rivalry of course. You can find the pin here:  TheFreshPinsofLA Team Harmony Pin

The next thing up for your perusal is something that I kinda wish I'd get to see in person. I'd wish it was something I could get except I'm not really someone that looks good in yellows.

Isn't it the cutest apron ever? It's a Pikachu cosplay apron! It even has a tail!!! It'd be an awesome look for any Pokemon fan that's not really sure they'd be comfortable in an adult onesie at con. Or for a gal (or guy) who wants to cosplay as a couple (you know.... if their partner wants to be Ash or something >.>). These are handmade by a seamstress that I've been following for a long time, and I do personally own some of her pieces. Maybe I'll share them sometime, but her attention to detail on this piece is smashing! So YES! Pikachu Cosplay Apron for the Win! Find it here : Violet Phoenix Designs Retro Anime Cosplay Apron (P.S. She also has some awesome Team Ties available)

I hate to admit it, but the next item I'm sharing plays into one of my personal odd likes.

Yes, that is an Oddish Planter. It's adorable, and everytime I look at the picture I can't help but smile. The idea is really cute, and they also have Bulbasaur available. Meaning you can pick whatever plants (within size reason) you want to grow out of them. Too cute, and also a reasonable gift for the holidays. Available here : 3DPMakery Pokemon Planter

And how about something to end on a giggle.

Yes... That is a Deadpool Pikachu Cross Over enamel pin. Why I found it in my instagram feed, I have no idea. But I love this pin. It's in my checkout basket right now, I just haven't figured out if it's one of those purchases I want to make because it's a cross over of two fandoms I kind of like... Or if it's a purchase I want to make because it's a cross over idea I never would have expected. It's too cute and I laughed too hard.  You can find this on etsy here : KingOfThePin Deadkachu Pin

Anyways, I'm glad you stopped by, and I hope you're still enjoying your Pokemon of various sorts as much as I am. See you soon!

Product Review : Mio

People are frequently looking for the next best thing to add to their cupboards or picnic baskets. Something that's light, useful, and offers an option they haven't had before. At least not as simple and clean as it is offered now. For years we've had the powdered drink options. But now these concentrated drink liquids are growing in popularity.

These are 4 of the Mio's that we have in house currently.

Mio is advertised as a Liquid Water Enhancer. Basically that translates to concentrated koolaide like flavoring. It comes in a wide variety of flavors, and even options energy drink like options. They allow you to choose how much flavor to add to your water (whether you use tap water or bottled water doesn't matter, it's a matter of personal preference). I like mine a little more flavored than Polke does.

We have had a number of different flavors of this product pass through our household. So far my favorites have been the Berry Blast and the Arctic Grape variants. Polke's Mother likes the Sweet Tea flavoring. While Polke likes the Blueberry Lemonade one. To be honest though, I think we've tried most of the flavors.  None of us liked the Mio Energy Green Thunder, and to be honest, the Mio Energy variants in general weren't found to be appealing by our household.

Current list of Mio flavors we've tried:
Cherry Blackberry
Berry Pomegranate
Strawberry Watermelon
Blueberry Lemonade (household favorite)
Lemonade
Sweet Tea (household favorite)
Mio Energy Black Cherry (won't re-buy)
Mio Energy Green Thunder (won't re-buy)
Mio Fit Berry Blast
Mio Fit Arctic Grape (household favorite)

We do enjoy the fact that these enable us to have a number of different flavors on hand, while not taking up the large amounts of space packages of gatorade might take up. Not only that they're small. You can pack them in your purse and have them wherever you go. It makes it easy to have options, without being committed to one thing for extensive periods of time. So on the most part, Yes this is a good product. And there seems to be a flavor option for everyone.

Thanks for reading! I hope you find a flavor you like! We'll let you know about another interesting product sometime soon. Maybe even something amusing. Like...socks?

Happy Valentines Day!

So it's another holiday am not sure I like. But since I missed posting for mardi gras, I may as well post for you today. Yes I have an amusing valentine that i saw at the store to post for you, ready? here it comes.....

There we go.... It amused me because it is a bit of a furry one... and who would have thought to put big foot on a valentine XD.... on top of that WHO thought to use beef jerky as a valentine? It's cute and amusing on an odd silly level, but that's ok.

Here's more piggies! I'm not really a piggy bank collector, but they're interesting to look at. Personally I prefer rubber duckies. But I haven't really gotten around to finding some interesting ones to post pictures of for you. But then again, who knows what I might find to post for you!