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Books (with Pretty Pictures) for the Holidays

12/6/2020

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books with pretty pictures for the holidays
A guest post by Mermaid Waterlily

If you're anything like me, you have taken advantage of 2020 by finding more ways to entertain yourself. I have personally found a lot more time to read, write, and explore new books this year compared to last year, especially those with pretty pictures to admire. Some of these books would make wonderful gifts for friends of all ages this holiday season and surprisingly, they aren't all mermaid-related!


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Maiden Mermaid Book
Maiden Mermaid - The Tale of Sirena
Written by Sheri Wall, Illustrated by Ilona Stuijt

This is a great book for children and mermaid lovers anywhere. It's a fun tale that also teaches kid's about trust and patience.


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Julian is a Mermaid book
Julián is a Mermaid
Written and Illustrated by Jessica Love

A beautiful story of love and acceptance that proves how anyone can be a mermaid.

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My Body, My Home book
My Body, My Home: A Radical Guide to Resilience and Belonging
Written by Victoria Emanuela, Illustrated by Caitlin Metz

An interactive and inspiring book that inspires mental health, healing, and connecting with oneself. The prompts are thought-provoking and unique. My Body, My Home is truly one of a kind!

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Duskie the Owl book
Duskie the Owl
Written by Matthew Gindling, Illustrated by Melissa Rohr

An adorable story about belonging and friendship, Duskie sure goes on a wild adventure! The illustrations in this book are sure to make people of all ages smile.

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Aquatic Coloring Book
Coloring Books By Melissa Rohr

​Not all books need words and coloring books are always a hit this time of year! Melissa Rohr has unique and fun coloring pages for everyone. Dive into her Aquatic Coloring Book to remember summer days on the beach or pick up her Robot Coloring Book to see into the future. She even has a Mermaid Coloring Book!


​Books are a great way to exercise our brains and take a much-needed pause from all the news and social media take over. Hopefully this little list can come of great use to someone in need of a break because if there's any gift that someone could use this year, it's definitely a good book.
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28 Days of Gifts (Days 22 - 28)

12/13/2019

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We are excited to share 28 Days of Gifts with you! Here we will be sharing our favorite gift ideas for the holidays, with some special offers and sales sprinkled throughout. Follow along on our Facebook and Instagram for special offer codes!

​Disclosure: Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Octopus Gifts
Day 22 - A cute octopus gift for the octopus-obsessed person in your life! Find our five favorite octopus gifts here.

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Kiwi Bird Gifts
Day 23 - A quirky kiwi bird gift for your friend. Find our five favorite kiwis here.

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Little Bird Books
Day 24 - An illustrated children's poem. Check out Loni Hoot's Little Bird series! Find books 1 - 3 on Amazon: Little Bird, Little Bird (book 1), Little Bird Meets Anne Marie (book 2), and Little Bird's First Day (book 3).

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Woodland Gifts
Day 25 - An adorable woodland animal gift. Find our five favorites here!


Gift Tags
Day 26 - Gift tags! I made these bear gift tags last year, and they are now sold out. Find some free printable gift tags here!

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The Inky Octopus gift card
Day 27 - A digital gift card to The Inky Octopus!

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Sledding Bear Coloring Page
Day 28 - Our gift to you, a free printable coloring page! Find tour full section of printable coloring pages.

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Five Favorite Octopus Gifts

12/13/2019

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5 Adorable Octopus Gifts from The Inky Octopus
8 legs of fun! Octopuses are curious, intelligent, and cute! Find our five favorite octopus gift ideas from The Inky Octopus below.
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Octopus Postcard Set
1. A fun Octopus Postcard Set, which makes a great stocking stuffer!
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Octopus & Anchor Mousepad
2. A cute Octopus & Anchor mousepad, available in my Zazzle shop!
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Octopus Coloring Book
3. The Octopus Coloring Book, available at The Island Octopus, and on Amazon!
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Octopus & Umbrella Tote Bag
4. A silly Octopus & Umbrella tote bag, available in my Zazzle shop!
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All the Shells original illustration
5. An original illustration, like Alll the Shells! Find our current selection of adoptable critters here.
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The World of Natural Resin Incense

12/5/2019

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Frankincense Resin
A guest blog post by Matt from Ethereal Aromas Incense Company

Resin incense is one of the world's oldest forms of incense. These are naturally occurring in various plant species, especially in trees from the Torchwood (Burseraceae) family. You might have heard resins referred to as “sap”, such as the aromatic sap that is produced by pine, fir, and spruce trees. Some of the oldest and most widely known incense resins include Frankincense (Boswellia), Myrrh (Commiphora), and Dragon’s Blood (Dracaena/Daemonorops). The New World resins known as Copal (Bursera/Protium) are famous for their use as incense by the Maya and various other cultures throughout Central and South America. Many resins have been historically used in religious settings, for purifying the air, for repelling insects, and even for medicinal uses.
Christmas Dragon Incense
Traditionally, small pieces of pure resin are placed on top of a hot piece of charcoal so that the resin smolders and releases its fragrance. In modern times, special charcoal is now widely produced with the intent to be used for this style of incense, such as the Three Kings brand. Many other methods have been devised over the course of the centuries, but they all have one thing in common: they all produce a heat source. Resin incense must be heated to release its naturally-stored aroma.
Incense Censer
Electric incense heaters are now becoming more widely available at an affordable price and are optimal for using naturally fragrant material. Rather than producing smoke, these heaters warm the resins and unlock the aromatic essential oils, releasing them into the air. This method is becoming more common and is preferred for indoor use. This method releases the therapeutic aspects of many plant materials without the hazard of smoke being released into the air. Some electric heaters, such as the Golden Lotus, provide a wide range of heat settings by thermostat control and may be also used for dried plant leaves and flowers, fragrant woods, and even essential oils. For those who love natural fragrances, but are turned off by the smoke produced by most incense, electric heaters are the way to go.
Electric Incense Censer
I have been making my own resin-based incense blends for almost 10 years now. Acquiring unique and interesting resins from all over the world has moved from being a hobby to a business venture. This has allowed me to merge my background in graphic design with my love for creating artwork and creating incense blends. The incense blends created under Ethereal Aromas Incense Company are unique in that they are mostly resin-based. Other natural ingredients such as fragrant wood, leaves, spices, flowers, homemade extracts, and essential oils help make up the unique blends that are sold in the Ink ’n Scents store. I strive to use all natural ingredients and to be able to identify the sources of the ingredients used in all of the incense blends. If you or someone you know loves incense, perfume, or aromatics, resin incense provides a unique window into the traditions rooted in thousands of years of history and lore.

Shop our selection of gift-able resin incense blends in our new Island Octopus shop!
Black Forest Incense
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28 Days of Gifts (Days 1 - 7)

11/22/2019

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We are excited to share 28 Days of Gifts with you! Here we will be sharing our favorite gift ideas for the holidays, with some special offers and sales sprinkled throughout. Follow along on our Facebook and Instagram for special offer codes!

​Disclosure: Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Raccoon Holiday Card
Day 1 - An adorable Raccoon Card for sending to your family and friends. Customize this card on Zazzle!

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Mini Illustration
Day 2 - A mini illustration for your friend who's decorating her new home. Check out the current selection of adoptable critters in the shop!

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Mice Holiday Collection
Day 3 - Sweet mice greeting cards, available in our Zazzle shop. Customize the inside greeting, and even order matching stickers and return address labels!

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Stationery set
Day 4 - A stationery set to send to your best friend who lives out of town!

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Yeti Santa Holiday Greeting Card
Day 5 - A whimsical Yeti Santa card, to make your friends laugh. Available from Zazzle!

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Custom Pet Illustration
Day 6 - A custom pet illustration, for your friend with the cutest dog ever! 

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Natural Incense
Day 7 - Incense to make your home smell like the holidays all month long. Check out the selection of all-natural incense blends!
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Mermaid Waterlily's 2019 Gift Guide

11/16/2019

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Mermaid Waterlily's 2019 Gift Guide
Although mermaids are known to sink ships into the depths of the deep sea, they can be swayed by creative and MERaculous gift giving. This year, I've discovered some whimsical products from fin-friendly creators that are sure to spark joy in any merling's life.

Listed in order of age group (youngest to oldest) :
Maiden Mermaid Book
1. Maiden Mermaid - The Tale of Sirena 
Sheri Wall takes a legend and makes it a colorful world of rhyming and adventure with many lessons along the way. A must read for all little mermaids! Find The Tale of Sirena at A Matter of Rhyme.

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A Mermaid's World Coloring Book
2. A Mermaid's World Coloring Book
The Inky Octopus never fails to have the most personality and magic in all her coloring pages, my favorites being A Mermaid's World, Unicorn and Pony, and Puppy and Dog coloring books. 


The Thankful Mermaid Book
3. The Thankful Series 
This coloring book and gratitude journal series by Hayley Rose is a splendid way for little mers to write out their thoughts and express their goals and dreams.

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Capecali Robe
4. Capecali Robe
Nothing is fancier than a mermaid in her own luxurious robe in her favorite scale shade, especially when it's too cold to go tail-less! 
P.S. They currently have Holiday Deals! 


The Green Sorceress
5. The Green Sorceress Jewelry and Accessories 
Mermaiding can get pricey, especially when it comes to finding plenty of FINtastic accessories that fit your mersona. The Green Sorceress handmakes plenty of affordable and abSHELLutely beautiful jewelry that can make all mers swim with excitement! 

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Shop Small, Shop St. Louis

11/24/2018

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Small Business Saturday inspired me to write a post featuring some of my favorite local businesses! Although I do enjoy big box stores and our favorite online retailers as much as most folks, it is great to support local businesses, artists, and restaurants. Spending some of your money with these folks helps to support your local economy and improve your community! I encourage you to try shopping from some small businesses around you for the holiday season. If you're in the St. Louis, Missouri and surrounding area, here are some of my favorite places for holiday gifts!

Restoration Alley DIY Studio and Handmade Market located in Ellisville, features a variety of handmade items from local crafters. You can also sign up for classes in their studio, with projects for all ages.

LotusColour offers a variety of handmade and custom clothing for yoga, festival-wear, performance, and more. Check out their super soft fabric and unique designs! 

Binx Ceramic is the best place for super sweet ceramic creations! Find Binx at a variety of local craft fairs, and stop by the open house on the 21st!

The Tiny Hedgehog offers a selection of handmade baby & toddler clothing, featuring adorable fabrics and trendy designs.  Pick up something fun for the tot on your list!

Riley Construction offers modern handmade rag dolls and stuffed animals. Her plush mermaids are the cutest!

Bright Idea Toys located in Town & Country has a great selection of the newest, popular, and educational toys. They also have lots of fun events (they even hosted us, and our friend Mermaid Waterlily last month!), and they also offer gift-wrapping in store!

I Dream to Be written by local author Rebecca T. Clark encourages readers to use imagination by dreaming of different occupations.

The Sleep Catcher by local author Za Goodbrake is a captivating wordless tale about a young girl's dreamy quest to fall asleep.

Kind Soap Company in Webster Groves offers natural skin care, and other scented goodies! I just recently tried a few items from this shop, and love them!

Jewelry by Michele Mohr offers beautiful handcrafted enamel jewelry. What a decadent gift one of her pieces would make!

St. Louis and the surrounding area is really becoming a restaurant city! There are so many delicious choices, and I love that many are locally-owned. Here are a few places I frequent: Lulu's Local Eatery, Candici's, Tree House, Kakao Chocolate, and Sarah's Cake Shop.

If you're looking to find a variety of handmade items, check out one of the many holiday markets this month! 
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Mermaid Waterlily's Top Treasures

11/13/2018

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Today's guest blog post is from my friend Mermaid Waterlily!
Mermaid Waterlily
​Being a mermaid really is all it's made out to be, considering we get to splash with the waves, flip our long luscious locks, not to mention all the MERchandise we get to enjoy! I picked out just a few of my favorite unique treasures that I think would make a fine addition to any siren's collection.
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A Mermaid's World Coloring Book
1. Color all your bubbly visions in A Mermaid's World Coloring Book from The Inky Octopus.
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Mermaid Art Print
2. Show off your fantaseas with the Larina & Bubbles the Octopus print by The Inky Octopus.

Purrmaid ceramic kitty mermaid
3. Get yourself a Purrmaid buddy from Binx Ceramic. 

Mermaid Box
4. Would you love new mermaid goodies every month? The Mermaid Box subscription from Mermaidful is always full of pleasant surprises for all merbabes.

Mermaid Crown
5. Flaunt your sea queen sparkle with a handmade mermaid crown from Wunderland Arts.

Blue Whale
6. Give back to the earth and adopt a sea critter from WWF, or any critter for that matter!
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Thanks for reading! You can follow Mermaid Waterlily on Instagram and Facebook for more delightful mermaid fun!
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Top 5 Kiwi Bird Gifts

11/5/2018

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Five Adorable Kiwi Bird Gifts
Kiwi birds are the cutest! These adorable, plump birds are native to New Zealand, and are unable to fly. Kiwis have a very long bill with nostrils at the end, which helps these nocturnal birds forage for food on the ground. Find our top 5 kiwi bird gifts below!
KIWI BIRD MAGNET
1. This adorable Kiwi Bird Magnet, available in my Zazzle shop!
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KIWI BIRD PILLOW
2. This colorful Kiwi Bird Pillow, available from BittenByErmines on Zazzle.
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KIWI BIRD TSHIRT
3. This funny ​Kiwi Bird T-Shirt, available from mikejoos on Zazzle!
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Kiwi Bird Stamp
​4. A kiwi bird stamp, perfect for envelops, scrapbooking, and other fun. Find it from WoodlandTale on Etsy!

Kiwi Bird Earrings
5. This pair of kiwi bird earrings that are just too cute! Find them from SilverRainSilver on Etsy.
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Disclosure: Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.


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6 Gifts for the Animal Lover

11/29/2016

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Six Holiday Gift Ideas for the Animal Lover:
1. A cute hedgehog art print bring a little woodland fun to their wall.
2. A kiwi bird stationery set, complete with stickers.
3. An Aquatic Coloring Book for some underwater sketching.
4. An original sea otter watercolor illustration for a playful gift.
5. An adorable holiday mouse greeting card.
​6. Six fun woodland animal postcards for sending or keeping.
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    ​Disclosure: Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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