Sometimes happiness CAN be bought

I found myself getting excited about the holidays this year. I have to be clear, I technically celebrate Christmas, but not for what its generally accepted to be. My family isn't really into Christmas and I've never really been a Christian. We celebrate the giving of gifts to those we love and we love decorating for this fun holiday time. My mother always loved the extra excuse to make a ton of amazing food and wrap gorgeous presents.
Personally, I am agnostic. I'm not gonna explain it to you, look it up. I have had a hard time enjoying the season for the past ten years though, so I'm very excited to learn that I'm back in the swing of things. I'm very excited this year and have very much enjoyed the music, spectacle and shopping that I've been a part of. I can only say that I'm overwhelmed by this spectacular feeling and I hope I continue to find it again every year.
This is not to take away from the incredible love I still feel for my sister, who died on Christmas Eve day in 1999. Understandably, it was hard for me to experience the joy of the holidays for a while. I miss her so much and this new ability to fully enjoy the season again just makes me love her even more, even after all this time.

In strange honor of this holiday I give you something productive.

I give you: My top five favorite Etsy shops

Buying things for other people makes me happy. Buying them from small shops and individuals from the "artsy" community makes me feel even better. In order for you to feel this special feeling I thought I would help you (and them) out. Go check out these great shops and thank me later.
*Sincere Costumes
-Run (and hand crafted) by my amazing friend, this shop has all the very different and awesome things you wish you had the time (and creativity) to make for your friends and family. I especially note her mustache ornaments.

*Gromidez
-Specializing in "geek" the way it was meant to be... crocheted. You can't tell me your family doesn't need a crocheted blanket of your favorite Mario character.

*Polly925
-She doesn't have a whole lot to choose from, but what she's got is awesome. Geek Chic is always so underrated, so get a piece of this nerd fashion and sport it proudly.

*the Mad Aristocrat
-More cute geeky stuff! They're just so DAMN CUTE.

*Toy Breaker
-For the guys, and gals, who love artsy geeky things and always want to be stylish. I love this stuff so much...


If you've had enough of this mad emotional seasonal rollercoaster, I hope you check out my next blog about the awesome costumers. The fifth one at that.