Best Friends Forever – Sweetness Sundays

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We have all, at some time or other, been grateful for our true friends. Not just our acquaintances, but the people who know us sometimes even better than our own families do.  If you have a best friend, or several, you know that these relationships are very special. Sometimes these relationships start in childhood, others form later in life. Our best friends can be neighbors, sometimes they are actually family members, a close aged cousin or sibling, and sometimes they are even our spouses.  Whomever you call your best friend, make sure they know how very special they are to you. [All Item/Image Credits And Details Follow At Bottom of Post]

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We did it easily in childhood, we would ‘claim’ our best friends as such in front of classmates or contemporaries. We would hold their hands, share secrets, have sleepovers, and they would be the person we saved a seat for at the lunch table or at our birthday parties.  As adults, it is somewhat more difficult to express publicly our friendly affections without it feeling a bit odd, we may hug them hello or give them a quick squeeze when we say goodbye, but we often assume they understand how much they mean to us.

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 Sometimes they do know, and that is perfectly wonderful. But no best friend ever complained that they heard too often how much they mattered in another persons life.  Often the times we most rely on these friends are the hardest moments in our lifetimes.  When we suffer the loss of a loved one, when we go through a trauma, when we end a significant relationship.  During those times, we are often not in a place to be aware just how much we are dependent on our very best friend.

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These are the people that make us laugh at ourselves and know just what to say to make us know they are happy just to be with us when we are miserable. Think about the last time you laughed till you cried, laughed so hard that your sides hurt and you doubled over, was it your best friend that made your sides split?

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Real friends would never complain of it being a burden, they understand that the nature of the best friend relationship is based in the reciprocity it allows. We are there for them when they need us, and they are there for us in our hard times, that is just the way it works, at least with true best friends. One-sided relationships are often exhausting and rarely last, but a true best friendship is one of the most sacred bonds we may ever know.  Therefore, today’s Sweetness Sundays post is dedicated to that sweet relationship known as the Best Friend.

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Children have become hooked on the term “BFF“, meaning Best Friends Forever. We can blame that lovely little bit of terminology to the likes of Paris Hilton, who popularized it on her TV reality show. Teens often refer to their best friends as “Besties“, I hear that term quite frequently from my neices. Adults tend to drop the “Best” part, we know who our closest friends are and don’t want to make any of our general acquaintance feel awkward by pointing it out.  Whatever we call them, whoever they are, make sure you make a point this Valentine’s Day of telling your best friend(s) that you love them.

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Valentine’s Day, in my mind, is a day we celebrate love in all it’s forms, not merely romantic love.  We are expected to send cheesy cards to our spouse, partner, or significant other. Parents often remember their children on St. Valentine’s Day, and children often pepper their entire classroom full of peers with themed printed Valentine’s Day cards.  If you want to really show your friends you care, take a lesson from any parent of young children, there is nothing more precious than something hand-made with love and care.

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If you aren’t crafty, well that’s where the good news comes in, there are lots of people who are. You can find heaps of lovely best friend ‘themed’ gifts and cards on Etsy and other on-line sources.  Personally, I choose to feature Etsy vendors often because I find the process of shopping Etsy to be so simple. The descriptions are usually very clear, you can see what you are getting and the images are often so beautiful and attractive that you can get a real sense of the objects special qualities, and you can almost always pay securely by PayPal.  Today’s post is packed with amazing items celebrating the special friendships in our lives, and no matter what your age, you can never tell your friends enough just how much they are valued.

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If your child has a best friend, or if you know a child that does, make sure you encourage them to acknowledge the relationship for how special it is.  We may have many best-friends throughout a lifetime, but the value of the relationship is a certainty.  Call your best friend today and tell them how much you care and how much they mean to you. Now isn’t that sweet?

1. BFF Chain Link Hat & Wristmarmer Set Crochet PATTERN Fits 4T – Preteen PDF 121 by Kristine Mullen, Ambassador Crochet on Etsy.
2. Little Girls’ BFF Matching Hand Bags by ZeeaDarling, FilthyCute Boutique on Etsy.
3. Best Friends Necklaces BFF – Oreao Cookie Necklace – Cute Necklaces – Kawaii Heart Charms – Best Friend Jewelry by Kawaii Desu Ne, oh, it’s cute! on Etsy.
4. Best Friend Art Print – Home Room Decor – Gift For Friend – 8×10 Print by Jordan Eaks, Something Beautiful Photography on Etsy.
5. Best Friend, Sister Art Print – HUMAN NATURE by Shira Sela, Shirae on Etsy.
6. Best Friends Necklace – Two Necklaces by Mary Beth Heishman, I Adorn U on Etsy.
7. Friendship Art Print – Best Friends – Archival – Limited Edition Print -8×8 – 2 divided by 2 equals by cori dantini by Cori Dantini, corid on Etsy.
8. Best Friends Art Print Room Decor – You Are My Best Friend Ever – 8×10 Art Print by Ortal, 2010 Gifts For All on Etsy.
9. Set Of Two Best Friend Enamel Owl Necklaces – Hand Stamped Necklace Best Friends Gift by Kristen, Kikiburra Beads on Etsy.
10. B.F.F. 11×15.5 Giclee Print – Best Friends, Girlfriends, Sisters, Contemporary Art, Friendship, Love by Jahna Vashti on Etsy.
11. Best Friends – Boys – 8×10 Archival Print by Rosy Designs Online on Etsy.
12. Two Peas in a Pod Best Friends Necklaces, Mother Daughter Necklaces, Sisters Necklaces by Dragon Fly Tears on Etsy.
13. Best Friends Handmade Fabric Dolls by Laura Hunter, Roving Ovine on Etsy.
14. Custom BFF Best Friend Art Print Set // 8×8 by Kate Gabrielle, Flapper Doodle on Etsy.
15. Hand Stamped Bestie BFF ONE WORD Best Friends Cuff Bracelet Aluminum Set of 2 Friendship by Kitty, Always A Memory on Etsy.
16. You Plus Me Equals Awesome, Awesome Print, Wedding Print, 8×10, Best Friends. Custom Colors Available by Rose, Pumpkin and Butterfly on Etsy.
17. Best Friend Greeting Card by Alisson Burda, Artsy Fartsy on Etsy.
18. BFF Necklace Set in Teal by Jessica Marshall, Jessica Marshall Jewelry on Etsy.
19. Greeting Card… Best Friends by Christa Howard, C Howard Designs on Etsy.
20. Available for Pre-Order Only, Set of 2 Best Friends Initial Letter Bow Necklaces, Limited Edition by Indie Meadow on Etsy.
21. Best Friends Postcard by Sophie Parker on Etsy.
22. The Best Friends Girls Art Print by Claudia Tremblay, Print Illustrations on Etsy.
23. Seahorse Buddies – Best Friend Necklace Set by Wishbowl Jewelry on Etsy.
24. Gumby and Pokey Best Friends Black and White Wall Art Mexican Framed Print by Michael Dexter, DexMex on Etsy.

Uncultured Pearls – Motley Mode Mondays

Genuine Irregular Shaped Pearl Wrapped in 925 Silver, On Silver Chain – B039 by bettylaboutique on Etsy.

It’s fashion post Mondays again, and this week I decided to get all wrapped up in what I call “Uncultured Pearls”. A bit of word play on my part, but it all started with a little look about for irregular shaped pearl jewelry, and then it turned into something else. Irregular jewelry is something that is not really seen in the local jewelry store at the mall or big name designer stores. Those places offer mass produced items, and even if they have customization options, as with a charm bracelet, they are not truly one-of-a-kind [OOAK] items if they can be duplicated exactly by just about anyone with the cash. You would have to work with a jeweler to design something really unique for your Valentine Sweetheart, the only other option is to go with a vintage jewelry piece, which is also wonderful but sometimes very costly.

Broken China Jewelry Handcrafted August Birthday Month Pendant Necklace By Charmedware on Etsy.

Irregular Beautiful Colored Porcelain Pendant OOAK by Porcelain Art Jewelry on Etsy.

Broken China Red Heart Necklace by Robin’s Nest Creations on Etsy.

So what are the options for those of us who want to wear, or gift, OOAK jewelry items that don’t take weeks of planning or searching in a little independent jewelry store or consignment shop? Well, the internet of course. Etsy in particular is a great place to look for really high quality items, it offers small cottage industry artisans a place to sell their one of a kind designs to a wide audience. If you are buying something for a OOAK person, then you want a OOAK item.

Dark Matter – Alchemist – Original Dall Parts Locket Necklace by KarolinFelix on Etsy.

Baby Blue – Retro Specimen, Cabinet of Curiosities Doll Parts Necklace by KarolinFelix on Etsy

Red and White Dots Brooch, Love Valentine’s Day by Cerasa’s KITCHen on Etsy.

Here is a beautiful selection of jewelry made with unique items; irregular pearls, odd shaped stones, strange and unique combinations of materials. Sometimes it is how the items are used not so much the fact that they are being used at all that makes for that unique item. Just a simple pendant necklace becomes a really eye-catching creation , it’s a bit like wearing a tiny museum around your neck.

Golden Pyrite Necklace, Freeform Chunky Gemstone Cube, Oxidized Sterling Silver by Great Expectations on Etsy.

Natural Agate Necklace by Kezi Handmade Jewelry on Etsy.

Strings of beads in semi-precious stones, shells, pearls, glass, coral, or wood strung in unique colour combinations can become absolute show stoppers when they go ‘outside the box’ and use seemingly random combinations. Using materials not normally associated with fashion jewelry making is also really special. Crochet, ribbons, silk flowers, or fabric yo-yos can have huge eye appeal.

Irregular Textile Choker by PirilampoRiscado on Etsy

Chunky Beaded Necklace by Crafts and Love on Etsy.

Dark Red Tones Crochet Long Necklace, Handmade and Beaded, Fabric Roses Flowers by seragun on Etsy.

Even if there are traditional elements to the piece of Jewelry in question, a unique color combination or unique construction method can be very special for a wearer that may not be looking for a statement so much as a piece with personality.

Hand Beaded Green and Light Brown Toned Necklace by ObsidianRain on Etsy.

Charming Mother of Pearl Ring In Warm Colors by DortheasDesign on Etsy.

Necklaces With Free Form Embroidered Pendants MADE TO ORDER by MisPearlBerry on Etsy.

Asymmetrical placements of featured pendants or embellishments, such as a floral element, really add a lot of impact visually. Our eyes and brains are trained to recognize patterns, and when they are not obvious or as expected, they draw our attention as we try to sort out the elements we are looking at. My favorite irregular and OOAK item in Jewelry of any sort is the Pearl, particularly natural pearl with irregular shapes. I find them to be natural wonders, the way pearls and mother of pearl is created is so interesting. Grains of sand that are coated in lacquer over long decades and suddenly you have a beautiful and natural jewel. 

Awesome Three Mother of Pearl Flower, Leaves, Beads – Twisted Wire – Show Stopper by Bella Mia Creations on Etsy.

Copper Wrapped Champaigne Keishi Pearls Necklace by Mayahelena Jewelry on Etsy.

So love those irregular Uncultured Pearls, those OOAK wearable pieces or art. If you want to be a cookie cutter and have the same heart shaped dog tag around your neck as every other person in your circle of friends, that’s fine. But I am more partial to being the one wearing the piece that no one else will ever be able to duplicate because it is mine alone.  Show your Valentine that they are your OOAK work of art by giving them jewelry that is as OOAK as they are.

Roller Derby Dreams [Part 2] – Wacky & Wonderful Wednesdays

So all you Roller Derby wanna-be babes, like me, we have covered a lot of Fabulous finds in Part 1 of this post. We started with “The Jammin Jewelry” and moved on to “The Blockin Bags“, and amazing array of hand-made, unique, and one of a kind items from all over Etsy, and all with a nod to Roller Derby Divas. We now roll on to “The Whipin Wearable“, “The Pivoting Prints and Painted Things“, and last but certainly not least “The Derby Decor“

The Whipin Wearables

Va-Va-VOOM Ruffle Butt Hot Pants in Pink – Made to Order by Anna Wilkerson, xANNABOTx on Etsy.

Pretty Girls Turn Heads Roller Girls Break Necks Roller Derby shirt on Alstyle Apparel by Derby Love, blacksheepsk8 on Etsy.

Hand crocheted newborn baby roller derby rollerskates with flower by Charlie Farley, Lottie’s Creations on Etsy.

Skate Scarf and Arm Warmer Set in black and white by Erica, Caustic Threads on Etsy.

Roller derby shorts, The Maple leaf – Canadian flag by Nichola, knickerockeroller on Etsy.

i heart derby girls roller derby shirt by Lyn Hooley, Replica Chicago Inc. on Etsy.

Pair of lime green roller skate patches (more and custom colors available) by Clare, Dolly Cool on Etsy.

Big Girl Panties Magnet or Button – You Choose by Tamara Kraft, Pithitude on Etsy.

The Pivoting Prints and Painted Things

Jammer: 8.5 x 11 magenta on textured white by Heather Webster, Donutdisco Prints on Etsy.

Movie poster Whip It 12×18 inches print by Claudia, Claudia Varosio on Etsy.

11X14 Tattoo Inspired Roller Derby Tribute by Whim Factory on Etsy.

Pop Skates by Lauren Kurtz, ElPonyP on Etsy.

Derby Doll – 8×10 giclee pinup print by Jen Oaks, Jen Oaks Illustration on Etsy.

Retro Roller Skates Photography – TTV Fine Art, roller derby photography , green, red, white on rustic chair – 5×5 by Megan, Jade Eye Photographer on Etsy.

Roller Derby Girl Print by Matt Mulford, Mulford Arts on Etsy.

Bonnie N. Collide, Nine to Five Roller Derby Comic by Monica Gallagher, Lipstick Kiss Press on Etsy.

The Derby Decor

Roller Derby girl theme cushion by Gail, ANTEMACCASSA on Etsy.

Roller Derby Mug or Planter – Vintage Disco Skate Ceramic Cup by Tiffa, Hippopo Vintage on Etsy.

Derby Love gift card set. by Infrared Studio on Etsy.

roller derby legs window/car decal by Neil, beepart! on Etsy.

Don’t you just love living vicariously through a little shopping therapy? In this case window shopping as it were. Next time you need a little reminder of how truly tough and cool girls can be, just think about the women of Roller Derby.

NOTE: Official Whip It Theatrical Release Poster above. Directed by Drew Barrymore. Staring Ellen Page, Kristen Whig, Juliette Lewis. Released in 2009.

Roller Derby Dreams [Part 1] – Wacky & Wonderful Wednesdays

OK girls, it’s time to fess up, how many of you have harbored dreams of Roller Derby stardom? I know I have. There is something so bad-ass about the women who Whip It. There seem fearless, fierce, and wild. At one time or another we have all wished we had a place to go, a secret life, where we were strong and powerful, where we had the camaraderie of kindred spirits, where we could let off some steam. We may never actually have the guts to do it, but we can all dream of a night of Roller Derby action. If you haven’t seen it, you need to have a girl’s night where you order up Drew Barrymore’s Whip It (2009) on your Netflix, and live vicariously. I promise you will love it, Ellen Page is brilliant and it is a girl-power fest.

Redhead Rollergirl by Rhoda Perdition on Etsy.

Now that you have a little Roller Derby love-in going on, you will naturally want to have some wonderful trinkets and reminders of the romance. And that’s where Etsy comes in to this little story. There is a whole set of fabulous creators that celebrate Roller Derby babes, culture, and fans. Whether you are a Blocker, Jammer, or Pivot, you’ve got to appreciate some home spun fandom. Here is a Fab sampling of some of my favorite Derby delights.

The Jammin Jewelry

Derby Chicks Rule Brooch in Rainbow by Amanda Whitelaw, Hungry Designs on Etsy.

Silver Roller Derby Winged Skate Necklace by Lauren Grace, Lauren Grace Jewelry on Etsy.

Blue Locket Necklace Roller Derby Queen Vintage Locket by Birds of Oregon on Etsy.

ROLLER DERBY Ring Solid Sterling Silver. Best Derby Accessory, Apart From Your Skates and Protective Gear by Glam Rock Emporium on Etsy.

Rainbow Socks Roller Girl – Roller Skating Scrabble Tile Pendant – Silver Plated Ball Chain Included by Michelle, Creations by M on Etsy.

AWESOME KITSCH ROCKABILLY ROLLER DERBY SKATE NECKLACE by LuliCool on Etsy.

White Resin Roller Derby Love Pendant by Jaime Johnson, Hard Candy Tattoos on Etsy.

Roller Derby Jammer Star BOTTLE OPENER with Keychain 2-1/4 2.25 Green and Black by Amanda Maria Edmonds, amepix on Etsy.

Custom Personalized Pendant – Your Name surrounded by glitter by High Strung Bead on Etsy.

The Blockin Bags

Fuchsia Bird and the Hand Power Skate Tote by Flat Track Revolution on Etsy.

Roller Derby Skates Reusable Natural Cotton Canvas Grocery Tote Bag (Choose Your Ink Color) by Linthound on Etsy.

roller skate clutch – “roller derby disco queen” : hot pink skates on black & white stripes by Kirsten Rangel, Snap Dragon Style on Etsy.

Roller Derby Girl on Girl Action Heads Are Gonna Roll Skating Pinups Cigarette Case or Wallet by SweetHeartSinner Creations on Etsy.

I heart roller derby – Zach Trover for Tinymeat, Wallet by Michael Wood, tinymeat on Etsy.

Roller derby mini messenger bag, mini messenger with pockets, hurt in a skirt, The Falcon by Karen, Zoe’s Bag Boutique on Etsy.

Flask – 8oz. – Hell on Wheels – Stainless Steel by Trixie and Milo on Etsy.

Want More? Of course you do! Check out “The Whipin Wearable“, “The Pivoting Prints and Painted Things“, and last but certainly not least “The Derby Decor” in Part 2 of this post!