Lights in the Heights!

December 31, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Headline, Join the Fun

lights in the heightsMessage from the publisher: As our holiday season creeps in to an end, enjoy the slideshow created by LindaGJ that displays one of the things that we all love about the holidays, young and old. Christmas Lights. Some of us adore our trees, our windows, our wreaths and others become very creative and “really go to town” it is truely handmade in the making! Speaking of Town and speaking of creativity…enjoy the light show at the Heights and Happy New Years!

By Contributing columnist LindaGJ aka LindaGJ

This year was the 22nd yr. of Lights in the Heights which is one of Houston’s Christmas Events. But what makes it extra special is the eclectic nature of the neighborhood. The Heights is a magnet for the quirky & off beat, the place where artists & musicians live, as well as young professionals who buy their homes there & are willing to restore & want a short commute since it is near downtown. The Heights is the “cool” , “hip” part of Houston & it’s like a small town in the center of the big corporate and suburban city. It has businesses that visitors will not find anywhere else & I’ve been watching it grow & change as far back as I can remember.

Growing up as an artsy person, it’s where I felt truly at home where the artsy people hang!

The Heights is well known for its history & beautiful Victorian homes & was the very 1st planned community in the city in 1887. Some of the oldest homes are found are found there! The Houston Height’s Association, formed in 1973 to uphold & protect the neighborhood’s unique ambiance.

The Lights in the Heights brings the whole neighborhood together and attracts people from all over the city on one special night.

There is a Santa drawn by a horse driven carriage, a small parade, Clydesdale horses, carolers, bells playing Christmas tunes, bands of all kinds from all parts of the world and styles. I was overwhelmed this year & did not make it all the way through the event, & could not catch up to take pictures of Santa or the parade turning the corner a few blocks away.

I’ve been there so many times, I’ve grown to learn each time will be a different experience, but what an experience it is! I only captured a small part of this special night in my little slide show and I certainly hope you enjoy it and I hope you will be able to get a glimpse of what I am talking about when I say it’s very Enchanting and Magical!
And Remember to:
ENJOY THIS SEASON & MAKE IT LAST ALL YEAR ROUND!

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Etsy Lights

December 24, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Favs

From the publisher, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone! Enjoy this amazing “Ets Lights” slideshow that was put together by LindaGJ she is so wonderfully creative and puts so much effort into her beautiful slideshows…so all of us can enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by Indiesmiles and we hope that you do return soon! em>

By Contributing Columnist LindaGJ aka LindaGJ

Lights from a few of the Etsy Artists
One of the things I look forward to during the Christmas time of year are all the enchanting beautiful lights that gives me this overwhelmingly magical feeling that I wish would last all year. No matter what religion you believe in, if you are happy or sad, all is welcome to enjoy the bright lights of Christmas. I just had to visit Etsy.com to see what kind of Handmade Lights were portrayed by these wonderful artisans. Wow, I was not disappointed at all in what I found! All the ingredients I needed were there to make up this recipe of my Enchanting, Beautiful, Overwhelmingly Magical Feeling that I wish could last all year!

This slide video is only a handful of what I found. If you are interested in visiting and/or purchasing any of these shops portrayed in the video, please point your mouse over the image and it will freeze the picture so you can jot down their shop address!

ENJOY THIS SEASON & MAKE IT LAST ALL YEAR ROUND!

dugshop

Shop for handmade ornaments!

November 26, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Shoppers village

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By contributing columnist Megan Eckman aka Studiomme

Many of my friends graduated in May and this will be their first Christmas truly on their own. As such, this means I’ll be sending them all ornaments to decorate their trees or wreaths or the bundle of pipe-cleaners they’re calling trees.

My mother started a tradition when I was little to buy my brother and I an ornament a year so that when we move out, we will have enough to fill our first trees. That’s why I think it’s so important to buy unique, handmade ornaments that will become keepsakes.

When choosing an ornament for a friend, their household, as well as their personality, must be taken into account. Do they have small children? If so, make sure the ornament won’t shatter and has no sharp edges. Do they have pets? If so, shy away from ones made with edible or smelly materials. I had a gingerbread man ornament made from cookies that my cat decided to try and eat last year, so I’m one less decoration now. Are they vegan? If so, what materials went into the ornament? Small considerations like this will negate any incidents that could come up once the tree is decorated.

red-plaid

Etsy can certainly meet any and all of these needs and guarantee you a unique and creative ornament that will bring smiles for years.

circuit-board
You can also check out the Indiesmiles Coupon Directory for some great sales and discounts on many Holiday gifts!

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Pictures courtesy of:

“Live Moss Glass Ornament” by ShaneLilyRain

“Recycled circuit board ornaments” by DebbyAremDesigns

“Red plaid chubbikin ornament” by Erinaellis

Free Shipping!!! December 16-31

December 16, 2008 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Headline

You will find wonderful handmade items from these indie shops which for a limited time offer free shipping from December 16-31 with COUPON CODE FREESMILES2!

Smiles Coupon Categories
accessories | art | greeting cards | handbags | jewelry | pets | supplies

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The EFA Team Store offers a variety of handmade items contributed by members of EFA Artists Helping Animals.

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Bitsy Creations: Graphic Design & Greeting Cards

BitsyCreations offers graphic design services for small businesses as well as beautiful handmade greeting cards & invitations.

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LoopsDesigns: Simple Modern Handmade Jewelry

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Frenzy Studios: Beautiful Art Pendants

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Perpetual Sunshine Creations: Hand Knotted Eco-friendly Jewelry

At Perpetual Sunshine Creations, all knotty creations are made with eco-friendly beads, such as natural stones, salvaged wood beads, vintage, & recycled. Time, patience & LOVE is dedicated to each piece.

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