Vintage Postmark Necklace & Firehose Belt from UncommonGoods.com

When the good folks at UncommonGoods.com asked me to review product to share on my blog, I was extremely happy to oblige. I’ve been a fan of their unique marketplace for years and it took me three full evenings at the computer to narrow down my choices of items to review, there’s that much cool stuff!CH_JSIM_UN_02 Most of their wonderful product is either recycled or handmade, or both. They have an amazing line-up of artists and share information on each, so you’ll enjoy your piece(s) even more knowing something about the person who crafted it.

My first choice was a gorgeous Vintage Postmark Necklace made by artist Susan Rodgers in New York. These pieces remind me of the Free French Postal Graphics I share on my blog.CH_JSIM_UN_10However,  Susan’s designs come with stories:

“Each handmade charm comes with a copy of the original postcard from which the postmark was taken and a story card describing the history of each authentic, historic correspondence. Together, these timeless pieces capture the essence of adventure, the excitement felt when exploring a new city, and the sentimental ties we have with our homes and our most cherished travel spots.”

My charm choice was the Pony Express because that service ran from Pikes Peak to San Francisco, two very special areas in my life history.CH_JSIM_UN_01My necklace arrived beautifully packaged and included an image of the original piece with its postmark, and information about the artist. The sterling silver charm suspends from a delicate silver, adjustable chain.CH_JSIM_UN_06And the detail of the charm is spectacular.CH_JSIM_UN_07This just may be my everyday necklace from here on out. I simply adore it. As the story goes, “A Pony Express rider, while crossing Nevada, met his demise )likely killed by Indians), before being able to deliver his mail. Two years later, in May 1862, the mail pouch from this failed mission was recovered. The mail pouch still had letters contained in it which were bound for the East.”

My second choice from Uncommon Goods, also from their Jewelry & Accessories Collection, was both a recycled and handmade item- the Fire Hose Belt!CH_JSIM_UN_03No, it’s not for me. It’s for my son, Bennett, a volunteer firefighter with a local fire district. CH_JSIM_UN_04He had just told me he was in need of a belt for jeans and what better kind to receive than a heavy-duty one made from an actual fire hose?! It comes with the original rubber lining for extra strength and durability, and is so well made.

Here is Colorado designer, Lori Holliday’s story behind these great accessories:

UncommonGoods.com will soon enough be your go-to market place for really, really unique gifts for the holidays and other occasions, and a delightful place to treat yourself. Along with Jewelry & Accessories, there are additional categories of Home & Garden, Dining & Entertaining, Office, Leisure, cool gifts for kids, and a Christmas Collection. Enjoy!

DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored by Uncommon Goods.  I was selected for this opportunity and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Binder Labels, Paper Houses and Herbed Almonds

Are you an organizer? Can’t get enough labels to label things? Then get on over to WorldLabel.com’s blog for a near endless supply of free printable designs.CH-WL-Binder-Labels-05

My latest contribution are label designs for binders, but they can be used for many other things, like envelope wraps and gift packaging. I used them in my studio. What will you use them for?CH-WL-Binder-Labels-01

In my Etsy shop you can find my paper house template digital download. Well just look what Leena of Kaikkea-Kaunista (All Things Beautiful) made with them…Brilliant!! And just in time for the winter holidays. Paper-Houses-LightsAnd lastly, if you like almonds like we do, then you’re really going to love this simple, gift-giving Rosemary-Provence Herbed Almond recipe by my super talented friend Tamara Berg of Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family show. p1030256-rosemary-almondsPackage them up with more WorldLabel.com/Cathe Holden labels!

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Cubbies Galore: Wall Storage

I’m a little obsessed with cubbies, you know- little spaces to store little things. I wrote about mine and share ideas on creating your own cubbie wall storage with things you may already have over at SC Johnson Family Economics here.Cathe-Holden_Wall-Cubbie As always, your comments there mean so much. Thank you!

Disclosure: I am a paid blogger for SC Johnson.

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