Small Business Saturday

Well, hello there! I decided this was just as good a day as any to dust off this old blog and put her to good use.

Being a small business owner myself, I can appreciate the idea behind Small Business Saturday. For those of us who run our businesses with fervor and joy, the support of our community (online and neighborhood!) is what allows us to be successful.

Naturally, I'm offering some GREAT deals on my handcrafted jewelry in my own Etsy shop! Here's what's going on right now at bel monili:

• 25% off of your entire purchase of $35 or more using code BF2013 through midnight EST 11/30/13
• 20% off of your entire purchase of $10 or more using codeSBS2013 through midnight EST 11/30/13

And...keep your eyes peeled (hint: follow us on Facebook and sign up for our email list) for an awesome Cyber Monday deal to follow!

On this Small Business Saturday, here are some of my most favorite small businesses (and some of them even have some great sales to check out!). Here are just a few of MY favorite things:

Welcome to my friend Amy's shop, where you can find Alphabet Photography Prints, custom orders and already pre-designed prints are available. They make unique gifts for weddings, housewarmings, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, parties and any occasion. Using her original photography of architectural and natural objects, Amy has created alphabet photography art with a heavy focus on Pittsburgh, PA.

Amy also offers custom alphabet photography name prints! 

Charis (pronounced: khar'-ece) is the English translation for the Greek word (χάρις, ιτος, ἡ) for grace. Meanings: a gift or blessing; favor; gratitude, thanks; joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness. Share "charis" with someone you care about via the thoughtfulness of a handmade, handpicked, specially designed card or gift. 

 Use coupon code SBS13 starting today, Saturday the 30th, to celebrate Small Business Saturday and will be good through Dec 6th for 15% off any Etsy shop purchase of $10 or more

 

Small batch natural and organic ingredient bath and body products! My dear friend Krystal of Green Bubble Gorgeous makes AMAZING bath and body products, and as an added bonus she recently began to offer FREE domestic shipping on every order!

Green Bubble Gorgeous will be offering a Cyber Monday code in her Etsy shop: Use code cyber2013 all day Monday 12/2/13 to get 15% off your order of $25 or more!

You all know my bestie Jeanne of juNxtaposition, and if you don't...well, then you simply MUST stop over for a visit to her website! 

Typewriter key jewelry, stamped silverware handles, and overall awesome upcycled stuff!

 

I am proud to say that Adriana of Little Miss Snazzy started out her great venture by learning a couple of beading tricks from me...now she makes GORGEOUS jewelry using a variety of materials including semi-precious stones, leather, and metals.

Enjoy 25% off of your purchase of $25 or more in her Etsy shop using coupon code SMALLBUSINESS now through Sunday 12/1/13.

Happy Shopping!

7 States in 7 Days: My Journey with juNxtaposition (Day 1)

My quote of the week (and quite possible one of my best ever):

"These girls pack a trip like we pack a truck. 7 states in 7 days."

The voyage began almost a year ago, when I was invited to participate in The Vintage Bazaar at Pettengill Farm in Salisbury, Mass. It took VERY little convincing to get my bestie Jeanne (juNxtaposition) on board, and our New England road trip was born.

We left Pittsburgh, PA and made our way east across the state, stopping first in a little town called Frackville, PA. We were astounded at the FULL SERVE gas station (which apparently is the norm in New Jersey and Oregon), and the wonderment didn't stop there.

 This is Granny's Motel & Restaurant in Frackville, PA. Notice the headless doll being carried by the giant, terrifying child.

 We did love the colors of the motel, though. Check out that adorable aqua door!

 Looks like someone tested out a Pinterest idea...this vertical flower garden looked great!

 An ornate gilded church, decidedly out-of-place in this somewhat gritty area.

 The main street of the town was filled with abandoned storefronts, each with their own haunting charm and perfect patina.

 Almost every single window in town had these old flag holders attached to the window frames.

 I was enamored with the perfect chippiness of this aqua paint.

 Such an interesting juxtaposition of the title and the state of the property.

 A peek into the mail slot reveals this gorgeous Singer machine...too bad the door was locked!

 The somewhat ornate brickwork and detailing indicates that this was a once flourishing town.

 

 The facades with old-fashioned fire escapes topped each storefront...charming.

It was a shame to see this gorgeous breezeway filled with junk...

and there wasn't really anything good to pick.

This old computer store was FILLED with "new" computers that looked to be at least 20 years old. It was as if they simply locked the doors and walked away.

These beautiful little weeds were all over the place.

 As if it wasn't perfect enough, here's the barber shop complete with a functioning barber pole!

 Just down the road from Frackville, we came across the mining town of Gilberton, PA.

 This was the largest construction truck I have ever seen. It may look normal at first glance, but look closely at the size of the truck compared to the full-sized dumpster it's sitting next to. 

Jurassic equipment!

Shortly after passing into New Jersey we came upon this beautiful overlook. Aah!

A tiny, perfect graffiti heart found on the wall.

These beautiful white flowers lined the path back down to the highway.

So, in summary, day 1 was a complete success! 

Day 2 photos are coming up next...

see what we did in Mystic, RI and our adventures in Plymouth, MA.