Blondie's Shop

Today I have a treat for you all - Blondie's Shop! Created by the wonderful Heather, who also blogs over at ...this & that..., this esty shop is full of adorable note cards. Heather specializes in one-of-a-kind, beautiful stationary. I have a set of her note cards so I can speak from experience when I say that I adore her work! Whenever I want to make a good impression or send a note for a special occasion, I use my cards from Blondie's Shop.

I had the pleasure of meeting Heather in person a few months back and she is just as sweet as her creations! So sweet that she's offering you all a discount to her shop. More about that in a bit. First, here's a little Q&A session so you can get to know Heather better:

When did you open your shop?
I opened my shop December of 2010 between Christmas and New Year's.

What inspires your creations?

Wow! I'm inspired by so many different things. For starters, the blogs I follow. Some of these ladies are so creative but, really sometimes it's the pictures that are posted. Just recently I was inspired by a few different bloggers backgrounds - I was inspired to create cards that match. Oh yes, and I did it too! It's really a lot of fun to visualize a design and figure out which papers, textures, ribbons, inks, and embellishments will make my vision come to life! In a nutshell if you were to give me a few ideas for design and say a color scheme you'd like me to stick to I'd be able to design the card.

Have you always been crafty, or is it a fairly recent development?
I'd have to say that I've been a crafty person for quite some time but, it comes and goes (with time). I enjoyed home economics in junior high and as a kid we did some crafty stuff. Candidly, my creations relieve stress! Yes, they do. You see, I taught myself to knit several years ago as a way to relieve stress and I love scarves so, it's a win-win situation. Plus, I enjoy making things for others as well. I will admit that my craftiness over the last 9 months has been in extreme high-gear!

Are there any words of wisdom you'd give to people who want to create their own esty shops?
For anyone out there that has a talent and wants to showcase that talent please do so! Starting an etsy shop is not difficult and affordable. I'd suggest that if someone is interested they do a little research first, I did. My etsy shop is part part-time and for fun - I do have a full-time job that keeps me quite busy. And remember in the beginning of owning a shop there is a learning curve and it will seem quite cumbersome; however, with time that eases.

A few tips for starting an etsy shop:

1) research other etsy shops and similar products to your own, 2) calculate how much time and product you need to determine the price (and don't forget to include mark-up, roughly 30%), 3) make a schedule and set aside time to work on your shop and this includes your to-do's, 4) set some goals for your shop (sales, creation), 5) network, network, network (it is important to share the word about your shop), and 5) remember to have fun. And remember that your shop is a real business so treat it as one.

Great advice I'd say! Thanks so much to Heather for sharing with us :)

Now it's time for the discount code. Simply head to Blondie's Shop and use the discount code jointhegossip at checkout for a 20% off discount!

Overstock Discount

For the past few years I have seen Overstock.com commercials so I figured it was beyond time to check the site out. I mean, what do I have to lose? They advertise how shipping is less than $3, no matter order size. How can you go wrong with that?!

I am so excited to share an Overstock discount with all of you, good for 10% off all Overstock.com products. No expiration date! Just use the code: ?121728?

There are so many items to choose from! A few of the shopping categories include:

tables necklace and pendants sunglasses mirrors

And there are many, many more that will lead to countless hours of browsing. Or at least it did for me ;) You can even buy books and DVDs! I've added quite a few items to my wish list.

Personally, I hate shopping aimlessly. I go straight into a store and get what I need then run to my car as fast as I can. When I am shopping for others I usually don't know exactlty what I want. The thought of browsing packed stores for holiday gifts this year is a dread already in the back of my mind. This year I am going to enjoy Black Friday Sales on Overstock. Again, shipping under $3 + no lines = purchasing bliss!

Have any of you shopped on Overtock yet?

Photos courtesy of: Overstock.com

All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code.

The Bangle for Every Occasion

A. Tierney has the cutest Rosecliff Bangles for $38...well that's before you take 20% off just for being a Join the Gossip reader =) These beautiful accessories are timeless, great for any season, and perfect for a casual or dressy outfit.

To see how you can order yourself a bangle, see below.

In addition to these fabulous bangles, the site also offers goods like headbands, pendants, and watches. I love the assortment of preppy products! Be sure to stop by the online shop whenever you get a chance.

Photo courtesy of: A. Tierney

A. Tierney Summer Special

Hello and happy Friday! I have something that'll put a little extra shine on your day. A. Tierney is offering Join the Gossip readers a spectacular deal: a tote sale + a free shipping code!

These totes, which can be personalized with monograms, are the perfect preppy gifts. They'd be great for a friend's summer birthday. Or even the holidays (I know it's too early to be thinking about that!).

In my opinion an object is that much more special if it's personalized.

Check it out, this is what is being offered:

• Large Totes- $15 (regularly $49.50)


• Mini Totes- $10 (regularly $38)


• Mini Totes- $5 (regularly $19.50)

*Plus you can add a monogram for just $10!

To redeem these discounts, simply enter SUMMER09 at checkout for free shipping on orders over $50. The code is valid through Labor Day, so there's still plenty of time to get your shop on!



Photo courtesy of: A. Tierney

Canadian MAC

I wish I could have posted this sooner, but there's always next time. Today I visited the MAC store online to make some purchases using the current SAVE25 sumo promotion. Upon checkout, I couldn't find where to enter the discount code (duh!) so I started instant messaging an online rep.

She helped me out more than I could have imagined. You see, after my discount was entered I noticed that I wasn't receiving free shipping for my over $60 purchase. She insisted that I should be able to use the discount code and get free shipping for my hefty purchase. The nice lady gave me two customer service phone numbers. I tried the first one a few times only to receive a busy signal. Frustrated, I tried the second number.

What happened next was a pleasant surprise. I learned that I called the Canadian customer service number but was certainly able to place my order over the phone. The delightful voice on the other end of the telephone proceeded to tell me that because I had called the Canada number my order would have no tax. Fabulous!

By the end of my call, I had purchased all of my products and saved over $20! No tax, 25% off, and no shipping. Wow, those Canadians really are as nice as everybody says =)

For $50 something, I made out with a Pro Palette Eye Shadow X 4, Technakohl Liner in Graphblack, Eye Shadow/Pro Palette Refill Pan in Ricepaper, Select Sheer/Pressed powder, and Prep + Prime Skin. The powder and primer alone would have cost the amount I paid for all of the items I bought. AND the rep threw in a free mascara for me. I'm sure it's a trial size, but it's MAC...I'll take it!

The SAVE25 discount is good today, so you may still be able to get your order in. It's worth a try.

From now on, if you are going to order from MAC I suggest you call the Canadian customer service number 1-800-387-6707. You welcome! ; )

Photos courtesy of: MAC

Boots Baby, Boots!

June gloom has settled over the skies of Southern California. I am not sure if this happens in other areas, but it's always so cold during the beginning of June. Right about now I am regretting that I didn't purchase boots after winter when they were on sale. But alas! There's still hope.

Thanks to the great people over at Whooga Boots, you can snag yourself a pair of comfy, stylish ugg boots at a great price!

Simply visit the site here and shop for your perfect pair of boots, then proceed to checkout. Be sure to enter the discount code: JOINTHEGOS to receive a $30 (US) and 9 pound (UK) discount. Yup, it's that easy!

My personal favorite pair is the Gold Tall Ugg Boot. I also adore the Tan Weave Boots - Classic Tall. 

It may be summer, but Fall will be here before you know if, then the holidays. A quality pair of boots would be a great gift. Keep that in mind while browsing the site ; )

This discount is open to all Join the Gossip readers, but for one purchase only. Take advantage of the great deal today! 

Photo courtesy of: Whooga Boots