Some SUPERduper Supporters

The Alabama Horse Council's Equine Expo that is. I met my friend Sandy there. Do you remember her? (She's here and here). Told you I was going to phone a friend. *grin* Can't get much better than horse AND friend therapy combined, right? The only thing missing was the spending money (it's a 7 week stretch between paydays this time - and youch!) Didn't know we were going until the last minute either, otherwise I would have saved some of my Christmas money (well, maybe ;o) I had a ball hanging out with Sandy - always do - and thoroughly enjoyed wandering around looking at all the vendors (DH and his wallet stayed to watch the clinic - the coward). A couple of the clinicians looked interesting but the sound system was terrible and they were very hard to understand. Too bad it wasn't closed captioned. HaHa.

Want to see? I should warn you that it was dark and yellowy (is that even a word?) in there, so the photos are not so hot. Anyhoo, here are a few of the wonderful things I saw and [mentally] salivated over. I immediately thought of Catherine when I saw all the gorgeous tooled purses. The booth owner, Ms. Clydette, gave me her email address in case I rob a bank find some extra money, or if any of you want to ask her about them. Just shoot me an email and I'll be glad to share it with you (unfortunately, she doesn't have a website but she said to just email her ;o)

I don't normally care about such things, but ooooh I wanted one of these purses! Love the burgundy one in the middle below. *sigh* Oh well, maybe next year...

Took the picture below for my friend Lori who [wisely] does the socks only in the house thing:

Then there was the metalworks lady who had this really cool - really big - welded peacock in front of her booth; isn't that neat?

She does have a website (her name is Sonya, and her site is here). I liked this trio of running horses too; it would look so cool on our patio! Rats ;o)

There was quite a bit of overpriced tack, along with a selection of faux hides (a giraffe? seriously?) You know now that I think about it, our living room sofa could use some new upholstery... Not.

But my favorite booth had to be....the jewelry by Engrave This. They don't have a website, but they are on Facebook (here). Everything was sooooo pretty! And look! She even has Arabians! Oh-Oh-Oh, be still my heart! I could have cried. I stood there ogling; bemoaning my December birthday and wondering if 12 months in advance was a bit too much for an early present. *laugh* I spent the next hour mentally working out an emergency script designed to cajole DH in to springing for an Arabian horse charm. For those of you new to this blog, I can only tell you that DH is so tight he squeaks ('nuff said ;o)

I must have looked more pitiful than I thought, as Sandy vanished mysteriously from the ladies room when we ducked in there that afternoon. Sure scared me; those automatic flushers always struck me as being a tad on the dangerous side with their violent vortexes. She'd gone back to the booth for the round charm at the top of the picture above (the sneaky little heifer).  I wasn't expecting that (I was still busy fine tuning my script for DH ;o) Wasn't that a lovely thing to do? Now to figure out what I want to do with it; a pendant necklace I think. Here's what I ended up with - I threaded it through some sheer satin ribbon and wore it long - what do you think?

And look! It's a perfect match for my fabulous copper swirls from Meghann at Little Studio Jewels. She has a beautiful silver pair listed in her shop now (right here). I had a little trouble photographing them though; they swing ;o)

I think I'll wait and tell you about the clinicians next week - I'm out of time (can you imagine? *grin*). Have a big hug and a blessed week everyone!

I've decided to continue with the Etsy theme this week, by publicly thanking two of our regular donors: Brooks Earth Farm and Little Studio Jewels...what would we do without you??

Brooks Earth Farm

Jenni makes the most wonderful handcrafted soaps using all natural ingredients like vegetable oils, fragrance oils and essential oils. She does not use rendered animal fats, detergents or artificial preservatives. Her handmade soaps also contain natural glycerin which is very good for your skin. All of the soaps are handcrafted and cut and labeled by hand. Brooks Earth Soaps come wrapped in rafia or ribbon and are ready to give as a gift or to keep and enjoy for yourself.

Since I have personally purchased and use her soaps, I can vouch for them honestly and feel comfortable enough to express my professional opinion: they rock! :o) A portion of the proceeds from every bar sold is donated to Epic Farms...thank you Jenni!

Pictured above are some of Jenni's lovely soaps from left to right: Arabian Jasmine is a moisturizing body bar with lots of luxurious lather; Woofy Wash is a fun all natural soap for your favorite pooch, it's available in a fresh clean fragrance or in oatmeal and honey for extra moisturizing; and Bulgarian Lavender and Chamomile is made with combined essential oils to create a soothing shower experience.

Please visit Brooks Earth Farm and check out her lovely soaps ~ they make great gifts too!


Little Studio Jewels

Meghann's shop is home to some of the loveliest pieces of handmade jewelry I've seen, and she is as gracious as she is talented. I bought a pair of the earrings pictured below, and they are absolutely gorgeous. I also have a beautiful silver ring from her too, but I'm still lusting after the bracelet :o)

Her jewelry is exceptionally well crafted, and most of her rings are easily and cleverly adjustable although they don't look it. Meghann has named Epic Farms as her charity of the month for September and also has several pieces throughout her shop with a portion of the proceeds designated for the farm. Thank you Meghann!


Pictured left to right: Fleur Ring is a thick non-tarnish silver plated wire with a Fleur-de-lis design on either end and a lightly hammered the shank for a strong, yet adjustable ring; Copper Celtic Swirl Earrings are made using hand-coiled and hammered natural copper wire and suspended in two swirly links to create a fluid and sophisticated pair of earrings; Mathair Pearl and Ceramic Bracelet was created with hand painted ceramic beads, white Swarovski pearls, and silver spacers. It is finished with a hand-crafted clasp and small pearl dangle (mathair is Irish for mother; Meghann created this bracelet with her mom in mind).

Please visit Little Studio Jewels to see the rest of her magnificent pieces ~ she has something for every budget (even one as microscopic as mine :o)

Thank you ladies for all that you do for us, we are so richly blessed to know you both!