seals in the surf

Went for a chilly surf today down the north end of ocean city. It made me look forward to my upcoming months in Costa Rica, warm weather and fabulous waves. While I was out today, I saw this black dot out of the corner of my eye -- what I thought to be a fellow surfer, and then it disappeared! Two minutes later it emerged again, a seal!!! A cold-water loving seal - in Ocean City!!! He(or she, not exactly sure) kept popping up every few minutes, checking us out. I bet it was wondering if we were seals as well -- we certainly looked like seals with all of the neoprene on. It was really cute, but I'm glad that there were a few others in the water with me - otherwise I probably would have been a bit scared.

Had some fun little clean waves, and now going to eat a hearty meal. Surfing in the winter, full wetsuit and cold weather, really wipes me out and makes me ravenous.

Stay tuned for Wednesday's Word of the Day!!

Aren't they so cute??

Cambodia

After two months in Costa Rica, I plan on returning home for the month of March, and then back on a plane for a few weeks in April. For some time now I have been trying to figure out where exactly it is that I hope to go. Surf vacations are the usual, so I was hoping to mix it up a bit in April and go on a non-surfing trip. My friend Emily Corkill has been on an Asia-kick for the past few years (she also lives in Chinatown in NYC). First to Japan, then Thailand, then Vietnam and this year to Laos. She always travels solo, and she goes for around about 3 weeks. This is Em in Luang Prabang in Laos:

Emily said of Cambodia that it was the one place that you could really feel and see the heartbreak that these people experienced over the past few decades. There are a ton of orphans, who have lost parents or who have just been given up because their parents simply cannot afford to feed one more mouth. The Vietnam War and their own civil war left millions of Cambodians as refugees, and 75% of their animals were lost in the bombings of the war - they soon were plagued with a famine. With half the population living in dire conditions, in 1975 The Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot came to power and Cambodia was now called the "Democratic Kampuchea". The Khmer Rouge was influenced and backed by China, and they proceeded to destroy anything considered "western". Western medicine, temples and libraries were destroyed; doctors, lawyers, teachers - anyone with a trained skill, were killed. Anyone who wore eyeglasses was automatically executed. A population of 8 million people lost a million citizens to executions, overwork, starvation, and disease, the remaining 7 million living in extreme poverty and not far from death themselves. The 1970's and 1980's in Cambodia were plagued with death: mass killings and an "extermination" of what the Khmer Rouge considered bad. This era in Cambodia is referred to as the "Killing Fields". Vietnam eventually stepped in to put an end to the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror, and with help from the United Nations they reached a ceasefire in the early 90's. All of Cambodia had been shattered: emotionally, economically, culturally, socially -- and it hasn't been until the past few years that they have finally been able to begin rebuilding.

Cambodia's population is 95% Buddhist, a revival that began after the fall of the Khmer Rouge. FIFTY PERCENT of the population is younger than 25, and the median age of Cambodian citizens is 20 years old. It's the third most 'mined' country in the world - 60,000 people have died or been severely maimed since 1970, most of these people being children who were working or playing in fields. 80% of the illnesses children suffer from are water-related -- think of how much you take water for granted, walking around with water bottles. We are so fortunate. Which is why I feel the need to give back. I grew up with wonderful, supportive parents. I have been showered with love since birth - I got a great education, always had nutritious meals on the table, and my parents have given me an endless amount of opportunities. I was searching the world wide web today and found a site that I found very helpful www.projects-abroad.org I emailed them with some questions about volunteer work and the orphanages in Cambodia. Another great site, if you aren't able to travel to Cambodia but would still like to offer some money is www.cambodianchildrensfund.org And if you can't give money, atleast be informed. There are some great sites on the web that go into depth about Cambodia's history, culture and children.

"If you can't feed a hundred people,
then just feed one."
-- Mother Teresa

SURVIVOR GABON - BOB!!!

In my home SURVIVOR is like a religion. It is one show that I tune into each and every week. I feel like I'm a participant in Gabon...part of the tribe. For years since it began, Paulie, my dad, my mom and I have gathered around the TV - glued to the game. Even when I went away to college I would call home to check in on commercials. Every year there is a sneaky person, a bitch, a mother, the provider, and the all-around kick ass player. You catch my drift -- there are some very strong, very individual personalities. There's always one that you didn't even know their name until they were in the final 4, and then you wonder how they got there? Where'd they come from? This season that’s Susie -- she just glided in there, no skill, no intelligence, no strength- just luck. By the final jury it's always rather black and white for me as to who I like -- and this year is no different, but I actually like someone else that's in the final three. Sugar...Sugar, the pin-up model. She is sincere, emotional, and smart. She found the hidden "immunity idol", manipulated the game to work for her, and was not thought of us a threat until she sat up in front of the jury - part of the final 3. Last, and my most favorite, is BOB. Bob, the mountain man from Maine. A physics teacher with a kind face, kind words and cute glasses. He was the strongest mentally, physically and emotionally -- and was the oldest man in the game. Bob won 5 immunity challenges in a row, in the end probably only weighing in at 100 pounds. For those of you who don't watch survivor - these immunity challenges are brutal, not for the faint of heart. This 57 year old man kicked ass. He beat out doctors, teachers, personal trainers, and professional gamers, all while wearing a bow-tie. And the winner is....

BOB.
Here's a bit about Robert Crowley:

Biography

Robert "Bob" Crowley (58)
Hometown: Portland, Maine
Occupation: Physics Teacher

Robert Crowley considers himself a hybrid of Indiana Jones and Robinson Crusoe. He loves the outdoors and is always ready for his next adventure.

Robert is a high school physics teacher in Gorham, Maine and holds both Associate and Bachelor degrees in forestry from the University of Maine - Orono and a Masters of Education degree from the University of Southern Maine. However, after the school bell rings, Robert becomes an entrepreneur. His wide range of jobs span from being a first mate on a research boat for the Smithsonian Institution in Canada to an entomologist for the USDA, to a skunk relocater, as well as President, Vice President and Chief Negotiator for his local Teacher's Union.

When not on an adventure, Robert interests include journal writing, story telling, photography, bone collecting, archeology and camping.

This tree climbing scientist, who describes himself as honest, adventurous, resourceful and witty, built his truly "green" summer cabin back when green was only referred to as the color. His "green" cabin was completely built with recycled material and requires a fraction of the energy of the average U.S. home. He's built numerous structures from recycled material including wharfs, saunas, a chicken house and a hunting cabin.

Roberts strategy is to be a provider and to fly under the radar on SURVIVOR. He's out to prove that nice guys can make it to the end of the game.

Robert and his wife Peggy reside in Portland, Maine. They have two sons, David and John, one daughter, Page, and a high maintenance cat named William. Robert's birth date is February 25, 1951.

Not only did Bob win a million dollars, but he was also selected by all of the viewers as their favorite person on Survivor Gabon -- winning an additional $100,000!

My two, least favorite players were probably Randy and Corinne. Both unnecessarily negative - bad people. Corinne is from LA, California and is a "self-proclaimed bitch". I mean REALLY, do people actually take pride in being a shitty person? And surprise, surprise, she was in a sorority in college. Randy is a wedding photographer who hates people and thinks that marriage is a sham. Also, they both used their chance at the final jury to say mean, hurtful, negative things to the ones who made it to the final three. Classy. Booooooo Randy and Corinne.

This is Corinne...doesn't she just look like a bitch?

Marcus and Bob, my would-be-alliance if I was actually on Survivor this year...

Kudos to Marcus and Sugar, for being kick-ass and playing the game -- if I were REALLY on Survivor Gabon, I would surely want to be in an alliance with you two (and Bob of course!!)!!! Marcus is a smoking hot, super educated, oddly down-to-earth doctor who " ... describes himself as a romantic who enjoys exercising, playing music, cooking and fine wine." Well Marcus, I like fine wine too!! Hahaha. Sugar is a fabulous couch-hopping, short and curvy, free-spirited waitress like myself, so I feel a connection. Love this girl, and I've been into the whole 'pin-up' thing lately, so she ranks high on my list.

Super Sexy Sugar

Super Sexy Marcus

I have a crush on Marcus still. I definitely shed a tear when he was blindsided, but ultimately Bob was always #1 in my heart. Hooray Bob, you’re the winner!!!

Don't worry Jeff, I didn't forget about you...

Ha Ha Ha - Laughing Is FUN.

"Laughter is a mechanism everyone has; laughter is part of universal human vocabulary. There are thousands of languages, hundreds of thousands of dialects, but everyone speaks laughter in pretty much the same way.”

I love to laugh. It's fun. I try to do it as often as possible, for as long as possible -- till my stomach cramps up and I can't breathe. The kind of laughter that distorts your face in the most unflattering way that you try to hide - but can't - because laughter has taken over your body and you can't even move. THAT kind of laughter. I live for it. Laughter is very spontaneous - something that you don't have too much control over. BUT, when I'm in need of a good laugh, and can't wait around for one I...

1. Surround myself with a funny friend (everybody has one or two of them...the people that constantly have you clutching your sides because you're laughing so hard)

2. Make fun of myself. I find myself doing it more and more lately -- making an ass of myself which makes me laugh and surrounding people laugh -- and usually leaves me with photos so I can look back and laugh at myself all over again. Hahahahaha. Or,

3.YouTube. Louis CK. One of the funniest motherfuckers alive! He is damn funny and rather offensive -- a combination that I love, and that goes together like peanut butter and jelly! I'm laughing right now just thinking about it. I picked some of my favorites and I'm going to share them with you - so that YOU can laugh your ass off.

Louis CK has some very funny skits, but the ones about kids and marriage make me laugh the hardest: (I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU TAKING TWO MINUTES TO WATCH THESE)

They call me "Cailin: The Tambourine Queen".

Here are some photos of me either being a jackass or laughing...
enjoying the randomness that is 'life'.
Enjoy.







“One loses many laughs by not laughing at oneself.” - Sara Janette Duncan

For all of the photos from surfer supplies christmas party,and you have facebook, check out this link (Thanks Maryanne!): http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1512434231&ref=mf#/album.php?aid=2007918&id=1512434231&ref=mf

WIKIPEDIA SAYS...

Laughter is an audible expression, or appearance of merriment or happiness, or an inward feeling of joy and pleasure (laughing on the inside). It may ensue (as a physiological reaction) from jokes, tickling, and other stimuli. Inhaling nitrous oxide can also induce laughter; other drugs, such as cannabis, can also induce episodes of strong laughter. Strong laughter can sometimes bring an onset of tears or even moderate muscular pain.

Laughter is a part of human behaviour regulated by the brain. It helps humans clarify their intentions in social interaction and provides an emotional context to conversations. Laughter is used as a signal for being part of a group — it signals acceptance and positive interactions with others. Laughter is sometimes seemingly contagious, and the laughter of one person can itself provoke laughter from others as a positive feedback.^[1] An extreme case of this is the Tanganyika laughter epidemic. This may account in part for the popularity of laugh tracks in situation comedy television shows.

The study of humor and laughter, and its psychological and physiological effects on the human body is called gelotology.

A general theory that explains laughter is called the relief theory. Sigmund Freud summarized it in his theory that laughter releases tension and "psychic energy". This theory is one of the justifications of the beliefs that laughter is beneficial for one's health.^[3] This theory explains why laughter can be as a coping mechanism for when one is upset, angry or sad.

Raju Mandhyan states "The physical and psychological benefits of laughter come second only to the physical and psychological benefits of sex."

So laugh it up.

Planning 2009 with my fabulous purple Planner.

I am a planner. A list-makin' fool. I make a list in the morning for the rest of my day, I make a list for the week, for the month, and for the year. I believe that lists are the key to achievements and success - the only way to really reach all of your goals. Plus, I just find it very rewarding to put a line through things I have finished. Sometimes I will run an errand that wasn't on my list, but I write it down later just so I can cross it out. Victory!!

My life is madness, even when there is nothing going on - my mind is always in a state of mayhem. A few years ago I discovered the joy of a daily planner. And once I realized how much more I was getting done, I became a true-believer - - a "Planner-Pusher". A big thanks to my friend Sharon who purchased me a new, beautiful Purple Planner for Christmas -- she could feel me getting anxious, knowing that my Pink Planner was about to come to an end and I had no other to replace it.

My friend Andy Welker is the King of Goals. He achieved more in his 26 years than most have in a lifetime. Made more money, lost more money - only to make it back again, and started more businesses than all of you combined. He has sold time-shares in St.Thomas & Atlantic City, bought up real-estate all over the eastern seaboard, worked for big-time real estate companies - later, starting his own, and most recently opened a very high-end, exclusive, VIP club in the heart of Dallas - a champagne club with gorgeous chandeliers and beautiful cocktail watiresses. I believe that table service starts at $300 per bottle? He works hard, parties hard, and loves his family. Now that I've sold you "Andrew Welker" -- I'll tell you why -- because he got where he is today by making lists. By writing this down in a planner. By having goals and putting them to paper. He gave me this book a while back, and it's the book that he credits for much of his success (and that's Andy below):

So go out, get yourself a $14 planner and start making those lists. It's almost the new year, let's make this one a good one!

For you procrastinators out there:

There are many benefits to writing thoughts down on paper, especially for procrastinators. Here is why this practice is highly encouraged:

Reason #1 - Improves your health

Writing down things down unclutters the mind and helps you think clearly. Clear your mind by depositing your thoughts. Make a set of lists that contain all your incomplete tasks, however major or minor they may be. This includes:

• Projects currently active and ongoing, including the steps that need to be taken
• Dates for specific tasks and actions
• Someday/maybe list
• Items coming from outside or someone else

Don't waste your mental energy on things that can be cleared from your mind.

Doing this "mind dump" will help you focus on what you need, reduce stress, improve your health and make life a bit easier.

Reason #2 - Identifies tasks

Tackling a large task can be quite overwhelming - to the point that some of us don't even start. By writing the job down, you can break it up into many small, achievable tasks.

Create a list of everything you can think of that you have to do in order to complete the task. You can add more things along the way as you think of them.

Tick or cross off each task that you complete. This important action will not only give you a great sense of accomplishment, it will also give you a visual of what you have achieved by not procrastinating and motivate you to continue.

Reason #3 - Dreams become goals

The thoughts in your mind - your desires, ambitions, wants... are merely just dreams. If you want them to come to pass, your first step is to write them down. When a dream is written down, it becomes a goal to be accomplished.

Writing down your goals also encourages clarity, focus and direction.

Reason #4 - Helps you remember and stay focused

Trying to keep everything in your head can cause clutter, stress and forgetfulness. Writing things down prevents you from forgetting anything that needs to be done.

Having the task written down in front of you is also a good reminder for you to focus and stay on track. This may be in the form of words on paper, writing on your computer screensaver, on a program, or sticky notes.

Reason #5 - Shows you how much you have improved

A great way to see how far you've gotten or how you've changed is to look back at what you have done. By writing down your tasks, dreams, what you've done, etc, you can look back at them one day and see how much you have actually improved and what you have accomplished.

One day I came across some of my old wish lists. It was interesting to see that I had now accomplished all the things written on them.

Reason #6 - Allows you to analyse yourself

Write down your qualities, interests and goals. This is a great practice for analysing yourself and realising your skills, expertise and what you can actually do. Writing it down also confirms your qualities, as well as provides more clarity for your life and helps track your achievements to see how far you've gotten.

All of these reasons are actually great motivators, especially for procrastinators, to realise what they are capable of and can encourage them to complete tasks and accomplish their dreams.

Jane Renshaw recovered from chronic procrastination after many years of suffering. She is the author of "27 Motivation Secrets for Procrastinators". This ebook is bursting with ideas on how procrastinators can create motivation to begin and complete any task. You can get more information at (http://www.motivation-procrastination.com).

"By recording your goals and dreams on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be."
-Mark Victor Hansen

Word Wednesday : Gypsy (EXTENDED VERSION)

So I was checking the "comments" on my site, and saw that someone commented on Wednesday's gypsy blog. They were from England, and informed me about the following:

"Hi from England, here in the UK Gypsy travellers are one of the most persecuted ethnic minority's with some of the lowest health and educational achievements, gypsies are still pushed from pillor to post. when Gypsies do try and buy land and settle down 95% of planning applications are turned down compared to 85% past for the settled community despite being here in the uk for over 500 years it is a banded about term but in the UK the term Gypsy implies ethnic status and protection under law. kusti bok."

I had no idea that the Gypsies live such a difficult life and are/were subject to such prejudice. I started doing some digging, and found some GREAT information at BBC's site. The link is http://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/romany_roots - and it really has every bit of information about Roman Gypsies Roots - their language, their struggle, their traditions - their history to present day.

You can read personal stories about Gypsies here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/romany_roots/people/

To read about their AMAZING history:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/romany_roots/history/

A gypsy without a horse is not a gypsy:

The changing relationship between Gypsies and their horses epitomises the profound changes that have occurred in the Traveller lifestyle in the course of one short generation.

When the horses and caravan gave way to the lorry and trailer something changed forever. A way of life that had remained essentially unchanged for centuries suddenly came to an end, and with it went centuries of tradition and culture.

Today horse ownership amongst Gypsies is on the increase and the relationship is being rekindled in a modern context.

Older Romany Travellers recall the days when the horse was virtually a member of the family and when life was led at the steady slow pace reflected by the sound of hooves echoing along country lanes.

On the day before hitching up and moving on, the caravan would be washed down, harness cleaned, brasses polished and horses groomed. No one who saw this proud cavalcade pass by would dare whisper the words 'Dirty Gypsies' under their breath.

The horse drawn days came to an end in the 1960s when Gypsy Travellers became motorised and the lorry and trailer replaced the old traditional painted wooden Gypsy caravan. It was a pivotal time as the old ways came to a close and the Gypsies embarked on a new journey which would eventually lead to sedentarisation and fears for the very survival of the Romany culture.

The 70s were dark days for the Romany Gypsies, there were not yet any official council sites and the round of agricultural work was drying up.

Lorries and trailers were now the norm and for a while the horse passed from the Traveller experience, but in recent years as the Romany culture has begun to find it's feet in new circumstances, horses are again very much in evidence.

"Kusti Bok" means "Good Luck" in Romany

updates

I have some updates for everybody:


I'm leaving for Costa Rica right after Christmas, and will be gone for a few months -- so I figured that I would play one last show! Christian and I will be playing at Coffee Comedy in Sea Isle City (its on the main JFK boulevard) on Thursday December 18th. It will be a $5 cover charge, but it's a BYOB and we are CELEBRATING the HOLIDAYS!!! Wooohoo, so bring your wine, your egg nog, and your ears to listen to the fabulous tunes. Coffee.Comedy will have some delicious baked goodies and scrumptious coffees for sale as well.

I hope to see you all there - and in christmas attire!! wooohooo!!!

xoxoxo cailin

Cailin & Christian
Coffee.Comedy, Sea Isle City (29 JFK blvd)
$5, BYOB
Doors at 7:30, show starts PROMPTLY @ 8pm
THURSDAY DECEMBER 18th

Also...check out my famous friend, Rob Kulisek:

www.grassisgreenerproject.com

This is what Grass Is Greener is all about:
Grass is Greener was birthed with only one goal in mind- gettin' back to basics. through time, & the influence of modern technology, we've lost so many tools & techniques that have helped craft what so many of us as surfers, artists, & musicians, love & thrive off of to this day; blurry washed-out photographs, non-saturated & faded art, less friendly wave-riding equipment & raw music recordings from our recent golden eras; it all leads us back to the past..

Grass is Greener is our way of bringing it out by the roots & singing it out like some true feelings. showcasing photographs, art, wave-riding, board design, lifestyles, musicianship, history, love, natural flow, positive energy, & creations by artists & advocates alike, that fully represent & live out the past world wide; just like back when the art was pure, the styles were innovative, the music was raw, the boards were basic; & in both the photos & film..
..the grass truly was greener.

They did an interview with Rob, and one of the photos he took of me made it in. Kudos to Rob who is a great person, amazing surfer, and an outrageously-phenomenal photographer.


When you are done checking out his interview with grass is greener, shoot over to his Blog and website to check out his awesome photos (www.robkulisek.com) and tune into his radio, Sun Radio. He has killer taste in music.

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away. ~Eudora Welty

Word Wednesday : Gypsy

Today's word is "Gypsy". I have been called many things, and recently I have been hearing 'gypsy' more and more. I'm going to take it as a compliment, but I thought that I'd like to narrow down the definition of and the history of Gypsies.

Main Entry: gyp·sy

Pronunciation: \ˈjip-sē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): gyp·sied; gyp·sy·ing plural Gypsies

Etymology: by shortening & alteration from Egyptian

Date: circa 1537

1: a member of a traditionally itinerant people who originated in northern India and now live chiefly in south and southwest Asia, Europe, and North America
2: romany
3 not capitalized : one that resembles a Gypsy ; especially : wanderer

: to live or roam like a Gypsy

The definition of Gypsy uses "gypsy" as a description, and "Romany" uses "gypsy" as it's definition...so I looked up 'WANDERER' which is a bit more clear on what a gypsy is:

intransitive verb1
a: to move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal
b: to go idly about : ramble <wandering around the house>2: to follow a winding course : meander3 a: to go astray (as from a course) : stray <wandered away from the group> b: to go astray morally : err
c: to lose normal mental contact : stray in thought wandered>transitive verb: to roam over <wandered the halls>

So YES, I do think that calling me a gypsy would be correct. I do roam {suggests wandering about freely and often far afield} and meander {mean to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose}.

Wikipedia says this of the History of "Gypsy":

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) states that a gypsy is a "member of a wandering race (by themselves called Romany), of Hindu origin, which first appeared in England about the beginning of the 16th c. and was then believed to have come from Egypt". The OED records the first usage of the word in English as 1514, with several more in the same century, and that both Edmund Spenser and William Shakespeare used the word.^[1]

The word derives from the word for "Egyptian" in Latin, the same as the Spanish Gitano or the French Gitan. It emerged in Europe, in the 15th century, after their migration into the land of the Romani people (aka Roma) in that continent.^[2] They received this name from the local people either because they spread in Europe from an area named Little Egypt, in Southern Balkans or because they fitted the European image of dark-skinned Egyptians skilled in witchcraft. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it was written in various ways: Egipcian, Egypcian, 'gipcian, 'gypcian^[3]. As the time elapsed, the notion of Gypsy evolved including other stereotypes, like nomadism, exoticism.^[4]

Gypsies are associated with fortune-telling, free-spirits, boisterous music {percussion, violins, etc.,}, and dancing.

Flamenco has its roots in the melting pot of Moorish, Jewish and Christian cultures of Andalusia, into which gypsies entered five hundred years ago. The gypsies brought with them their own abundant tradition of song and dance from India, their original home. Flamenco was a folk art of the poor, and reflected the hard, raw reality of life on the margins of society. Love and loss, grief and death are typical themes of flamenco song, but there is also a lighter side, a joy in being alive, a love of family, home, land and the simple details of daily life.

Gypsy's traveled with all of their belongings in their "gypsy wagons"...

Here is MY gypsy wagon...


There have been art about gypsies, fairytales about gypsies, movies about gypsies ("Chocolat") and music (look up Martin Sexton's "Gypsy Woman"...you will not be disappointed).

One of my favorite bands, Beirut, take inspiration from Gypsy music and the Gypsy lifestyle. Here is a live video of them playing as street performers:

Sailboats

Sailboats. There is something beautiful and calm about them. I started collecting photos/paintings/prints of them about a year ago. Today when I was scrolling through Etsy.com (see blog below), I stumbled upon this fabulous artist that combines an original photograph that is then digitally mixed with painting. "Labokoff" is from Paris, France and the hauntingly beautiful prints Labokoff offers are breathtaking. Here is the sailboat as well as a few other favorites of mine:

"La Mer"





The prints range from $52 12x12, $26 8.5x8.5, or 6x6 for $15.

You can view work here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5481988

I was looking for sailboat quotes and came across this funny quote from one of my favorite musicians, Nina Simone: 

"I would like a man now who is rich, and who can give me a boat-a sailboat. I want to own it and let him pay for it. My first love is the sea and water, not music. Music is second."

west coast photos

West Coast Photos can be seen here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=187618&l=9e0bf&id=653500240

Bowling Birthday Photos can be seen here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=187621&l=9939d&id=653500240

ETSY.com

I love Etsy.com and I thought that I would share it with all of you. It is the PERFECT place to get that PERFECT gift for your mom, dad, grandma, best friend, coworker, yoga instructor, etc,. Etsy is your place to "Buy & Sell All Things Homemade". I love Christmas - eggnog, parties, food, christmas lights, the decorated tree, cookies, family parties...I love it all. I love giving, and I love receiving, though I'm getting tired of opening another set from Bath & Body Works, or a sweater that I will return. I am not ungrateful, I just really dislike "thoughtless" gifts. If you are an offender, giving people something that will probably sit in the back of their closet and collect dust - OR if you are just a thoughtful shopper searching for that perfect gift - I encourage you to discover Etsy. Plus, you are supporting artists...getting handmade, quality gifts for the same price you'd pay for something at Macy's Department Store. You only need to know one thing about your gift recipient, and type that into the search bar on Etsy. All you know about your mother's cousin Jim is that he likes bacon?

A bacon notebook. $5

Glass Pig Magnets $10

Original Pig Artwork. $13

You need to buy something for your sister, and she's really into a whole retro, pin-up girl phase right now.

For $160, you send a photo to this woman and she paints you in a pin-upesque manner. The commission takes 2 weeks.

Red Umbrella Pin-up Earrings $5

Hand Embroidered, Pin-up Tote $25

Your coworker has a thing for fish (goldfish necklace, $17):

Your niece is a rockstar (koi leather guitar strap, $120):

And your grandma doesn't like to leave home without her Whiskey (personalized flask $40):

That's right people, Etsy's got it all. Etsy's Community is made of thousands of Etsy members with a love for handmade. So check it out. It's all about craftsmanship, and this website is not lacking at all. They sell: accessories, art, bags & purses, bath & beauty, books & zines, candles, ceramics & pottery, clothing, crochet, furniture, glass, housewares, jewelry, music, papergoods, plants & edibles, quilts, woodworking, and more!! And all 100% original!

“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist” - Louis Nizer