Wonder how he knows

Our cat, Bogey is a quiet unassuming kinda feline  He is not aggressive in the least.  Has standoffish moments as well as some fleeting sweet, loving  moments.  But like most cats there aren't many of those. 

We rescued this sweet black kitty from Desert Hot Spring Animal Shelter.  He was about five months old and adjusted quickly.  Mr Doodles and I made a pledge that the new little guy, Bogey would not get any human food at all.  We have lived up to that promise.  All animals need treats tho.  So we decided twice a week he would get a small can of wet food.   Yes I know dry food is better for him  and also wet food stinks to high heaven.  That's  why I made Mr Doodles in charge of treating the furry creature.

Here's the part that puzzles me....................How does he know what days he gets his turkey and giblets  or his turkey and gravy or the roast chicken with gravy.  On Wednesday a.m. and Sunday a.m. the beast jumps up on the bed roots around, purrs as loud as a lion cub and sniffs noses.  Where do you keep your calendar Bogey?

He is quite helpful tho

He does keep us entertained in other ways also by playing catch with a little ball made of yarn my sister made for him.  Yes he can catch the ball when thrown but when tires of that activity he will hide said ball when he is ready to play again.  Careful Bogey don't be bringing that ball to our bed.  He also does an odd thing when you sit on the couch he will get on the back  and comb your hair.  He's quite gentle I just think of it as a cat massage.  And for some strange damn reason he enjoys that.

An annoying scenario

We all know that people talk on their phones while driving and walking.  Therefore those folks aren't paying attention to their surroundings.  That goes without say DUH!!

So here's my problem............................... picture this scenario;

I am driving down the main aisle in front of my favorite grocery store.  I reach the front of the store and folks are walking out in front of my BIG A** truck.  They are on their phone probably talking to Millie asking her what she wants to bring to the pot luck.  Well could ya have done that when you were still sitting in your car.  Nooooooo your gonna get out of the car, punch in Millie's number all doing this while walking in front of my truck and not even looking.  Oh and the moron behind me is honking his horn,  Trust me buddy I would love to have smacked the lady but no I was being POLITE.

Now Millie's friend was/is not the only humankind that does this.  Just walk out of the store you were just in or going in to, just walking, on the phone or not, walking willy nilly  without a care in the world. My truck is kinda hard to miss.

Now yes I know there is a crosswalk in front of stores for people to go in and spend their hard earned money. 

Now you tell me where/when  did common courtesy go out the door.

My motto PLEASE BRING BACK COMMON COURTESY!!


Disclaimer here dear readers I am far from perfect we all have our moments but the above scenario is happening all the time and I am getting damn sick of it.

Sharing a recipe

We usually have a Super Bowl gathering at our place. They gather here cause we have a TV outside.   Friends have asked for this dish to be served again this year.


I am about to share one of the better chili recipes I have come across.  I wrote the original  entry  a few years ago. Since then I have found this recipe that's a pretty good replication of the ever popular Wendy's chili.


1 pound ground beef
1 - 14.5 Oz. can tomato sauce
1 - 14.5 Oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 - 14.5 Oz. can kidney beans (with liquid)
1 - 14.5 Oz. can pinto beans (with liquid)
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced green chilies
1/4 cup diced celery
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoons cumin powder
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
   salt if needed
1 cup water (instead of water I use beef broth, gives the chili a richer flavor)

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain off the fat.
2. Using a fork, crumble the cooked beef into pea-size pieces.
3. I sauté the onion & celery instead of putting it in raw.
4. In a large pot, combine the beef plus all the remaining ingredients,
and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook, stirring every 15 minutes,
for 2 to 3 hours.
For extra heat I will add a few dashes of Frank's hot sauce or a small can of Hatch red enchilada sauce.

Makes about 10 servings.

Most of the time I make this I double the recipe because it's usually for a crowd...........your choice cause it does freeze well.

 

Now follow this  next part and you will thank me later.

This is one of my favorite go to dishes for a cool lazy Sunday evening.

Start by making your favorite chili recipe.....................now follow the photos and you'll end up with a delicious dish.

start off with a burger patty in a bowl suitable for chili

next ladle chili over the burger
follow that with some diced onion and grated sharp cheddar

There ya have it.........my old standby go to meal when you want something hearty, warming and comforting. Add some toasted sourdough bread and a beverage of your choice, just remember to make enough because seconds will be requested I'm thinking.

 

Not Hatch

and certainly not 25 lbs. as I have tackled in the past.  But tasty none the less.
Now I shall come up with some tasty recipes to use with these peppers

Shame on me ...................

It has been a long time since I have posted here.  Seems Christmas goings on gets in the way.  Tree lot was really busy this year.

Lot's of happenings let's see if I can remember some of the..................

First of all congratulations to my dear sister for selling some of her art work.  It is just the very best feeling knowing that someone else likes your work.  And liking it is one thing but paying good, hard earned money to own it is another.  So dear sister keep up the good work as you shall prevail.

Speaking of selling things, dear Mr Doodles has sold several of his beaded bracelets in the last month or so.  Once again someone is forking out some cash for a piece that you made.  Good job Mr Doodles.

Some good friends got a job down in Texas, on the Gulf.  They are managing a quite fancy RV park that is right on the water.  And they don't even fish.  Well maybe they will once they get settled.  Funny we will be spending the 2014 summer on the beach in California.

A good friend became a Grandmother for the first time this past October.  This could be the only one so look out this child will well attended to. 

Our Stepmother finally sold her condo and will be moving on to bigger and better things I'm hoping.

My dear brother-in-law got another reprieve and his bladder cancer  test came back good.....YEAH!!

I start a new Yoga class next week.  We'll see how that works out.

There are some new places in Yuma to visit.  Good to see the town does not stagnate while we are all gone.  There is a cooking class I want to attend during the Lettuce Days Fiesta.

I was surprised by Mr Doodles with a Christmas gift a bit belated but a lovely gift none the less.  He ordered my a new Ninja mixer.  Not a Vita mixer which I would never agree to as the $$$ is over the top.  He told me he read all the reviews and heard of some problems after a few uses. My present blender was not doing my smoothies the way they should be made.   No matter I'm happy it will soon arrive and give my Ninja review here.

Happy New Year to all......................here's hoping 2014 is less turbulent in  many ways.

Something for you

Mr Doodles features his beaded bracelets on Etsy.  He decided to give an early Christmas gift to all.  Mr is being very generous this year.

Here on Tombstone Bead Collection we will be celebrating Cyber Monday........................ALL WEEK LONG FREE SHIPPING. 

PLUS IF YOU BUY TWO OR MORE BRACELETS YOU WILL RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT. Sale ends 12/9/2013. 12 a.m. PST

So click on THIS  and you be in his shop in a flash. Don't forget to share this with your friends.  

Merry Christmas to all!!

Stocking Stuffers

Etsy has some terrific items..................vintage and handmade.  So I thought I would post some links to Etsy  that  would work for stocking stuffers.

Who doesn't use lip gloss and on a key chain no less

https://www.etsy.com/listing/112960824/lip-gloss-key-chains-great-christmas?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=christmas+stocking+stuffers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto5&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=christmas+stocking+stuffers


Everyone likes nice dish towels
https://www.etsy.com/listing/167013470/french-kitchen-dish-towel-le-chat-noir?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=christmas+stocking+stuffers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto5&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=christmas+stocking+stuffers

For naughty boys and girls
https://www.etsy.com/listing/57237788/soap-coal-soap-christmas-stocking?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=christmas+stocking+stuffers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto5&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=christmas+stocking+stuffers


For your fishing buddies
https://www.etsy.com/listing/166070029/fishing-christmas-stocking-stuffer-gifts?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=christmas+stocking+stuffers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=christmas+stocking+stuffers

I have purchased a few items from this shop..........................love her artwork
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PainterPeeps

Always looking for something cute to put in that stocking
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FeltLikeHelping?ref=pr_shop_more

Squeezing in a lotta stuff

When visiting dear Sister and family here in Southern California, during our time between selling pumpkins and pedaling Christmas Trees, there are things to do, $$$ to spend and places to go.

While driving to one destination we make up our menu for our Thanksgiving. I will tell you that my dear family is quite accommodating by celebrating Thanksgiving on the Saturday before. Family and friends will gather at Sister and Bro-in-law.  We start at the tree lot on that Sunday.Having the tree lot means you must kick Christmas into gear Thanksgiving week.  And I don't know if you have looked at your calendar but between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2013 we have less than four weeks.  So this season is gonna be slammed.  New Years will be here before you know it.  So get those letters to Santa.

This last week has been busy with touristy things also.  Mr Doodles has never been to UCLA campus so sweet nephew in law took us all on a quick trip.  A quick snapshot of each historic building and the Hall of Fame is amazing.  I haven't been there in years so it was great for me as well. 

Earlier that day sister, brother in law Mr Doodles and I spent the morning at the Annenberg Foundation Space for Photography. 

The Annenberg Space for Photography is a cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting both digital and print photography. The venue is the first solely photographic cultural destination in the Los Angeles area.

The current exhibit is National Geographic  Exhibition of 125 years of Photography.  If you happen to be in Los Angeles don't miss this exhibit.   Take advantage of their generous offer of validating your parking garage ticket if you don't you'll be paying $35 instead of $3.50.

Of course anytime you spend time with our family  there will be eating involved.  A trip to Tito's in Culver City was on the agenda.  Always good and never disappoints.

Thanks to all for a fun day.

Mr Doodles protecting the Bruin Mascot from them Trojans

Thanksgiving is upon us.......

So you know what that means.................a great meal is in our future.

 But before that we have a ton of reason to be thankful.  I dare not bore you with any of my thanks but one.  

Since it is Veterans Day  I know we are all thankful for our Veterans past, present.

The following is a blog post I did a few years ago.  I still practice this today and hope many of you do also.  And if you have an opportunity please donate whatever you can to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Thanks for stopping by.

Veteran's Day 2006

It bothers me that there is such commercial aspect of Veteran's Day. There are sales everywhere. I have always refused and staged my own little mini protest of not buying anything on a so called Veteran's Day sale. The only thing I buy would be the essential food items.

Many of our family members were in the Armed Forces. Our Dad was in the SeaBee's which is a branch of the Navy. The SeaBee's were kinda like the construction crew for the Marine's. My brother-in-law and husband were in the Air Force during a very turbulent time in this country.

Celebrate this Veteran's Day by thanking a soldier. And wander over to a friends blog and check out how their family recognizes Veteran's Day. http://kidsinthecastle.blogspot.com/

Well...........

We survived pumpkin season on a new lot.  Better than expected I might add.  Lot of new customers so maybe that will bode well for the upcoming tree sales.

Mr is laying the new wood flooring in the RV and so far it is beautiful.  By that I mean he is not finished so when he is completed the installation it surely will look gorgeous.  Just as I had hoped and pictured.  Photos to follow once the place has been cleaned up of construction stuff.

Mr took a break from DIYing  to the RV  Saturday to celebrate our 43 years of wedded bliss.  Great day lounged around the house till we thought late lunch was required.  I had been wanting to try this obscure, off the beaten path Cuban restaurant.  With a name like Hidden Havana Cafe.............what else would you expect but food to die for.  Brought back great and fond memories of our time in South Florida,  I recently had a dream of eating plantains.  I know odd but true.  What a great place.  Small, cozy cafe with the wall adorned with some wonderful photos of Cuba.  The menu is small but contains all the perfect Cuban foods you would expect in South Florida.  I smiled when I walked in cause somehow I just knew this was gonna be good.  Boy was I right.  Portions were perfect.  They even made us a coffee con leche.  
A great way to celebrate our Anniversary.

But wait there's more......................right across the street and up one block is one of the best Hispanic markets ever...............VALLARTA Market.  Mr wandered the aisles while I picked up some wanted items.  Mr would come back with his wanted  items. 

Like I said what a great way to celebrate our 43rd year of wedded bliss.


 

Halloween Shopping on Etsy

I never really enjoyed Halloween until a few years ago.  Now I bet you are like me and had no idea that there is this much Halloween stuff sold on Etsy..........all I shall say is WoW!!!  Cool stuff folks go take a look.

To celebrate Dia de los Muertos..............love these.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/158911626/decorative-dia-de-los-muertos-themed?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=dia+de+los+muertos&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto2&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=handmade

Beatiful work
http://www.etsy.com/listing/123807880/pumpkin-copper-necklace-wire-wrapped?ref=fp_treasury_11 


I love ACEO's
http://www.etsy.com/pt/listing/152178555/dia-de-los-muertos-4-day-of-the-dead-4?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest

Must think of somewhere to wear this.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/163192486/frida-kahlo-flower-crown-day-of-the-dead?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=dia+de+los+muertos&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto2&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=handmade 

I find sugar skulls fascinating
http://www.etsy.com/listing/153498312/day-of-the-dead-dia-de-los-muertos?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=dia+de+los+muertos&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto2&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=handmade 

Cool ring
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62779084/dia-de-los-muertos-filigree-sugar-skull?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=dia+de+los+muertos&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade

Wanna cookie.........these are amazing.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/162742648/one-dozen-dia-de-los-muertos-sugar-skull?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=dia+de+los+muertos&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade

Looks like Bogey
http://www.etsy.com/listing/59132985/halloween-greeting-card-halloween-card?ref=favs_view_8

Too funny!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/110153261/halloween-decoration-prop-audrey-3?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=halloween+shopping&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade

Great graphic shop
http://www.etsy.com/listing/164342266/instant-download-premade-halloween-shop?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=halloween+shopping&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade

Just for the Day................perfect
http://www.etsy.com/listing/163322118/halloween-cobweb-press-on-nail-design?ref=sr_gallery_2&sref=sr_5d8a58f6b22788851d36b326fb01f46416ea1d751fa5528765d03e01ffcaceb5_1380844612_14438435_halloween&ga_search_query=halloween+shopping&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade 

Halloween Candy
http://www.etsy.com/search?q=halloween%20candy&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US


Beautiful, just beautiful.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/113694300/day-of-the-dead-fine-art-giclee-print?ref=favs_view_20

for more shopping ideas OR Go to Etsy.com and put in the search bar what you might be looking for.  You will not find better craftsman or even better prices.

I love October

And I will tell you why.........

• Sweaters
• Jackets
• Boots
• Jeans
• Pumpkins to carve 
• Weather
• Soup
• Chili
• Time to think about the holidays
• People are friendlier in the fall
• World Series 
• NASCAR

What do you love about the fall?

Unique items you'll love!!

As I have been saying  about Etsy in these last few posts shopping at Etsy is like shopping  at your local neighborhood store.  Oh the things you will find.  The following are things of my taste and choices.  Feel free once you are there to go poke around.

You must see this shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarriageOakCottage?ref=pr_shop_more

more of my favorite copper jewelry
http://www.etsy.com/listing/158463775/copper-lace-necklace?ref=fp_treasury_9

Oh my,,,,,,,,,,,,vintage
http://www.etsy.com/listing/159541545/antique-tatted-lace-hexagon-doily?ref=fp_treasury_10


Dodger Blue
http://www.etsy.com/listing/160953330/custom-dodgers-shoes?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=dodgers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all

#1 Guy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/160136005/mens-or-womens-la-dodgers-vin-scully?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_search_query=dodgers&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all

Soap...............not your ordinary soap
http://www.etsy.com/listing/113222229/cinders-soap-woodsmoke-burning-leaves?ref=fp_treasury_1

Cool earrings in tortoise shell
http://www.etsy.com/listing/163997241/tortoise-shell-style-earrings-with?ref=shop_home_active

Art Deco Necklace in a great vintage shop
http://www.etsy.com/listing/160782406/art-deco-necklace-1940s-choker-length?ref=shop_home_active

Beautiful pendant
http://www.etsy.com/listing/123127647/amethyst-transparent-purple-quartz-wire?ref=shop_home_active

And of course our shop
http://www.etsy.com/people/tombstonebead?ref=owner_profile_leftnav


Happy shopping!!
 

Winds

Very high winds here in the desert will not be allowing us to drive into Los Angeles.  Santa Ana winds can be  brutal.and quite dangerous.  Desert sand can pit a window in seconds.  And being that we are dragging an RV behind the big truck  we do not want to be dragging anything.  Think we will stay put for a couple a days.  Pumpkins won't be going anywhere.  Tents better be anchored quite well however.

literally...............

Etsy sellers in time for your holiday shopping.

Turban head wraps are just too cool right now  this shop has many!!
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/159823792/turban-headband-twist-headband-pick-your?ref=favs_view_16

These sock monkeys are just the cutest damn things.  Want a different one for everyday
http://www.etsy.com/shop/socksandmonkeyhugs

copper.........and other gorgeously made metal pieces at the most incredible affordable prices......ahhhhh I see a copper ring in my future.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/stacyjayjewelry

looking for a whimsical gift.  fun items to put on your office desk
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tamarakraft?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count

This woman has the most unusual items oh and so very colorful.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/118666346/ooak-primitive-african-heart-fridge?ref=related-1 

I'm quite fond of eye pillows  these really caught my attention
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizkingdesigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name 


 T-shirts fun and very clever t-shirts
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/createmeatshirt?ref=l2-shopheader-name


This man crafts the most gorgeous wood cutting boards
http://www.etsy.com/shop/foodiebords?ref=l2-shopheader-name 


It's about that time for Halloween so jump on over to the Etsy section for Halloween goodies.  Please do not skip the pet costumes  if for nothing else a bit of entertainment.
http://www.etsy.com/browse/halloween?ref=fp_ln_new_halloween

And of course there is our shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TombstoneBeads?ref=si_shop


Happy shopping................remember shopping on Etsy is like shopping local.

Till next time..............................
 

Updated talent that I'm betting you didn't know about

I am not going to beg but I would appreciate a yes or no comment if this is something you would like me to continue.

Many of the shops over on the Etsy site are gearing up for the holiday shoppers.  I hear the groaning but folks it's closer than you think look at the calendar.  Don't get caught having to go thru a horrible last minute crush of shopping morons.  Be smart shop early.  Here are a few of my favorite shops lately.  And as a reminder please check the shops policies and shipping charges before you hit the order button.

•  I love vintage pins and this shop has many and well priced http://www.etsy.com/listing/162176755/vintage-bsk-leaf-pin-with-jade-vintage

•  What a fun shop............I purchased a couple of these.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thespiderlady  

•  If you are a crafter you will love this stuff!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaZoie

•  This woman makes the most beautiful scarves   http://www.etsy.com/listing/161944673/totoro-scarf-silk-scarf-hand-painted-fan?ref=favs_view_22 

•  Haven't purchased from this shop yet but her products are tempting.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/CedarCreekSoaps1?ref=l2-shopheader-name 

• Of course you could always purchase an Etsy gift card http://www.etsy.com/giftcards/?ref=fp_giftcards

•  There is a fun Guy section.............http://www.etsy.com/browse/men?ref=fp_ln_new_men

•  And an over abundance of Kids section...............http://www.etsy.com/browse/kids-category?ref=fp_ln_new_kids-category

For those of you getting married soon I am going to do a whole wedding post soon.  There are just amazing shops on Etsy.

Now as you know you can always go shopping at our shop  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TombstoneBeads?ref=si_shop  



Click a link and go shopping!!

There is a season for everything

This big guy 3-4 inches long, is called a Mexican General.  But has a latin name also.  When those camo wings spread underneath is a beautiful red and gold color.  They don't fly far most creep and hop.  They do carry their lady friend on their backs.

Most of us enjoy four seasons, we are not one of them thank you very much!!  Let's list some of the seasons.

• allergy season...........not for me cause my allergies know NO season.  They are with me always.
• there is the rainy season.  now that happens to be different for different areas of the US.  Here in Southern Arizona we have monsoon that are with us for the merry months of June, July and August.  Please note it is September as I type and the rain is still with us.  I'll call Mother Nature and tell her to flip her calendar.
• And then there is bug/insect season.  We seem to have an enormous, more than last year, grasshoppers.  All shapes and sizes, who knew!!
• That dreaded word snake.  Lots of non life threatening snakes that wander thru the grasses and scare the living S**T out of ya when slither by.  I am not good at recognizing the different species, well with the exception of the rattler, so I just have a healthy respect for all of them.  As a side note of trivia just in case any of you come upon a diamond back rattler.  Those bastards have learned how not to rattle.  The discovered after all these years that if they rattle they'll get caught.  So beware with your eyeballs not your ears.  Just thought you should know this.
• Spiders.........I don't like spiders.  One bit me this summer and it's taking forever to heal.  No it wasn't a poisonous one but a spider none the less. We mainly have here black widows and bark scorpions.  Oh and the stink bugs............don't step on them.  Ask me how I know.

Time to de-clutter AGAIN!!

Seems  hard to believe that we are going into our seventh year of RV'ing.  Or as my sister likes to refer to us as the Gypsies.  

I would not trade the last few years for anything.  The people we have met, friends we have made and oh yeah the places we have seen.  This life, I know, is not for everyone.  But my friend if you have a fleeting thought that it might be fun give it a go.  I would not want to be the one to say ya know ya shoulda tried RV'ing.

Now about that de-clutter stuff.  I am amazed at what you can accumulate in such a short time.  And my other amazement is how much crap you can cram into  a 34 foot RV.  There are nooks and crannies EVERYWHERE!!

We have been here in the desert of Southern Arizona  for six months.  Being in one spot for that long you tend to get comfortable and accumulate.  I am seeing a trip to Salvation Army next week.  As we will be leaving here the end of the month.

But I'm thinking that de-cluttering is healthy.  It will clear my mind to prepare for pumpkins and trees.  Yes folks it's that time.

More talent

Craft.....................an activity involving skill in making things by hand.

Crafty................... clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods.

I know a few crafty people  but I know  more people that know their craft.

Here let me show you

I'm getting some of these for Halloween..................kids will love them.  How clever she is making these gems.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thespiderlady?ref=l2-shopheader-name

These gals are so clever and talented.  I have a couple a favorites.  Makeup bags are  a item I covet.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tavatotes?ref=l2-shopheader-name

I think I need a key chain that is brite and cheery.  Check these out.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/127318507/pastel-pink-and-green-flowered-key-ring?ref=favs_view_12

Say no more I need this brooch
http://www.etsy.com/listing/160324626/prickly-pear-cactus-brooch-cute-cactus?ref=favs_view_21

Celia puts out some very pretty sparkly pieces.....................some would look terrific with our beaded bracelets.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BubblesandGems?ref=pr_shop_more

Domenica has some very pretty stones I need to look into her shop for a project I have in mind.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrystalEnergyCanada

Are these cute or what!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheEnchantedSlipper


Last but never least my beautiful and talented sister and her stunning art work

http://www.saatchionline.com/deborahdebono
http://www.deborahdebono.weebly.com

e-commerce is EVERYWHERE!!!

I mean everywhere.  I am not going to list them all but I am going to mention a few.

There's Goldsmith that seems to be very similar to Etsy

Of course there is Facebook for selling.  It's called StoreYa.  Why they got into this I'll never know.

I understand My Space is coming back strong and trying to rival iTunes.  Good Luck!!

We got tumblr, stumbleupon, pinterest, wanelo, luulla, and a number of others that escape me at the moment.

My sister sells her art on a ecommerce site strictly for artists.  I'll post all the links next week.  Sister's art work in a word is stunning!!

This site I discovered just the other day  Kitsy Lane.  Interesting article.  I am not an expert at these kind of sites however I appreciate them.  It is obvious they know something I don't know.  Look out Etsy this one could sting ya!!

Now don't think I am talking behind Etsy's back I am not.  Many of these comments have been made on the forum over there.  Many disgruntled sellers.  Maybe they just don't like change.  I say don't get your knickers in a twist and do what you came to Etsy to do.  I am forever an optimist, the glass is always half full kinda person.

Having said all this I have no intention of leaving Etsy at the moment but I did set up a stand alone site that I dearly love.  You might like it also.  It has a very odd name  TicTail.  They are based in the Netherlands and are growing by leaps and bounds.  Are they going to turn into any Etsy? gads who knows but like I always say