NaNoWriMo

Now that it's over, I finally have time to write about it! The month of November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which challenges people to write 50,000 words in one consecutive piece, starting completely from scratch on November 1st. Their website, which allows you to track your progress and get in touch though the forums with other local writers, is a wonderful resource.
This was the first year I've participated, and I'm proud to say I had 53,000 odd words by November 30th! This entitles me to the cool winner stamp you see above and allows me to purchase a cool winners t-shirt, and also print a certificate which I can do with as I please. NaNoWriMo is completely non-profit, so any money spent on their site goes to maintaining the site and continuing the writing programs they offer to schools.

If you're a writer or want to be a writer, I encourage you to check them out and maybe next year take the challenge. They say it's not about the winning, it's about feeling the accomplishment of just trying, but frankly, I like the winning. ;)

BESTeam Feature

Check out this fun and unique hand crafted sterling silver ring from Riorita on Etsy. This ring has a pomegranate design that you will not find elsewhere. Do you know what pomegranates remind me of? The myth of Hades and Persephone. If you don't know the one I mean, Google it!

I think I'll try to keep with the mythology theme, and while this isn't exact, it's pretty close! What does thread mean to you? This soap by Sandy Vern on Etsy has knitting needles and yarn, which may remind you of Grandma, but three other older ladies who played with string were the Fates.


Here's a pretty hair piece by Ms. Formaldehyde on Etsy. She has a variety of hair accessories, but this one reminds me of a tropical island, which reminds me of the ocean, which of course reminds me of Poseidon, God of the Sea.

I'm also supposed to feature Redemption Art on Etsy, but she's at an open studio sale today, so her shop is temporarily in Vacation mode! I'm so sorry I missed you, Connie! Please visit Connie's shop tomorrow when she'll be open again. I've featured items from Redemption Art in the past, and have found her to have a wonderful variety of Vintage, Hand-made, and Upcycled items.

Are you enjoying reading my features? Would you like to write some of your own, and be included in similar stories? Consider joining the BESTeam on Etsy!

Alcatraz Views

Do you know anyone interested in The Rock? Here is the perfect book! Released just last week, Alcatraz Views is a photographic collection of what was formally the prison for people who had escaped everywhere else and is now a tourist attraction.


Aaron Hockley of Vancouver, Washington, is the mastermind and photographer behind this 40 page montage of different sites around both the prison and island. You can buy the book HERE as a soft cover coffee table book or as an ebook for your Apple accessory (iPad & iPhone).

If you click on the photo of the cover of the book, you can preview eight pages to see what kind of pictures are included. You'll see that each picture also has an explanation, giving you information about the history of this iconic island.

Aaron also photographs events, professional headshots, and for companies. His website is http://www.hockleyphoto.com/.

BESTeam Feature

Here is something brand new and bright from Chicky D's on Etsy! This pillow is bright and fun and full of color and life. In addition to the hair bows I have long admired, there are lots of great pillows just looking for a chair to rest on.


In other things bright, The Orange Windmill on Etsy has handmade leather journals. I particularly like this burnt orange colored thin journal, for people like me who are trying to keep their purses a little on the lighter side.

This cute wine tote from GMa Ellen Crochet Gifts won't fit in a purse, but it's ready to make any picnic a little bit more grown up.


Finally, I could not get by without showing of the beautiful chain bib necklace from Jewelry by Jaynemarie on Etsy. Just think of the necklines you could wear to show of the sparkle here!

Are you enjoying reading my features? Would you like to write some of your own, and be included in similar stories? Consider joining the BESTeam on Etsy!

BESTeam Feature

Here's a brand new shop to Etsy! Creativity Bugs is hardly three months old, but already going strong. Look at this neat 2x2 base for a picture holder! The top part that holds the picture is a wire spiral.
Keeping it pink, here's something lovely and pink from Stitch Princess! While this apron is too cute and too handy for all the cooking you might be doing soon, Stitch Princess also makes a lot of beautiful custom dresses, both formal and casual.
This wreath from Angels N Everlastings reminds me of a relaxing beach cottage. I think the pink is soothing, and the seashells are just enough and not too much. This shop also has a lot of other neat wall hangings, and I noticed a beautiful angel Christmas tree topper!
I know I've posted something from Empty On The Inside before, but I just have to share this nostalgic card, just waiting for your own message. I call the shoes Keds, some go with Converse, and some with Chuck Taylors, but however you want to say it, I just want to say once upon a time, I had pink shoes just like these.

BESTeam Feature

Oh, wow! Check out this beautiful bangle from Riorita on Etsy! I absolutely love the simplicity of the design, and yet there are so many dimensions that it isn't just the same old thing.
Keeping with Simple in Silver look, check out this lovely Tree of Life necklace by Blue White Wear on Etsy.
Coming to us from CK Silver is the beautiful pair of hand hammered earrings. I think the touch of carnelian dangle just sets the tone. Have I mentioned how much I love carnelian?
Okay, I know this last one isn't silver, but gold is pretty close, right? The versatility of this lovely gold scarf by Joy Flower on Etsy is amazing, and doesn't it just look luxurious?

Remember to consider joining the for a great group devoted to giving each other a shout out through blogging!

Green is the way to go

Mint is a lovely color, and I just love this mint green choker by Poison Garden on Etsy. It's a little bit Gothic and a little bit steampunk, perfect as a gift for someone who needs a bit of dress up.




In other things green, check out these pretty seaweed earrings by KC Dragonfly. I think the dangle here will make a great shimmy/shake on the wearer! And while the earrings have been given the name "seaweed," I can't help but remember there's another holiday coming up which uses a lot of green!




Finally, I can't help but love this little green knit newsboy hat by Knitful Dezigns. How cute will it look on any child or baby you know? I also love that it is unisex, so it can be easily traded around!



Are you enjoying reading my features? Would you like to write some of your own, and be included in similar stories? Consider joining the BESTeam on Etsy!