Halloween For Grown-Ups

Dear YOU + ME*,

My boyfriend and I are invited to a Halloween party this year, so it's absolutely imperative that we dress up. However, we're having a difficult time coming up with good costumes. He doesn't have any ideas at all and I feel like all the options for women are sexy _____ (while I'd like to look cute, I was hoping to do so without looking like an extra in an X-rated film). Do you guys have any fun costume ideas that we can put together on a shoestring and wear without looking uninspired or trashy?

Thanks!
J.

Dear J.,

Ugh, you've hit upon a Halloween pet peeve of ours (especially now that we both have daughters!). When there are sexyteenage mutant ninja turtle and sexy cookie monster costumes, you know things have gotten way out of hand. Never fear, there are plenty of ways to partake in dress-up fun without putting on something you'd be embarrassed to be spotted wearing by your mom, dad, or grandparents. All these costumes can be pulled together on the cheap with items from your local thrift store, ebay, or etsy. The key is finding inspiration and here are some good sources:

Your favorite movie or tv show
I've always wanted to dress up as Margot and Richie Tennenbaum with my husband. Is it just because I've secretly always thought he'd look hot with a beard and sweatband? I'll never tell.

source

Don & Betty Draper. There will be loads of Mad Men inspired costumes out there this year, but that's because it's full of droolworthy fashions (that you can only wear for about the length of a Halloween party before becoming intolerably uncomfortable. Girdles anyone?).

source; source

Popeye & Olive Oyl. My sailor of a husband and I dressed as this cartoon couple last year. I found a Navy uniform top in the vintage section of etsy, bought a $4 sailor hat, and drew some anchor tattoos on his arms. I had my dry cleaner sew white ruffles on a red shirt (I would have done it myself if I sewed) and wore it with a black knee length skirt and brown boots that I already had. Easy peasy.

source & Elisabeth's photo

 

History (Time Periods & People)
Have you always thought you were supposed to be an expat in Paris in the 20s? Me too. Maybe your boyfriend would be willing to play Hemingway for the evening.

source

This pair is perfect party fodder: Edie Sedgick & Andy Warhol

source

Your Closet

Do you have a navy blue or chambray shirt? Well, find a polka dot scarf and you're all set to be Rosie the Riveter. I'm sure your boyfriend could dig up some clothes appropriate for a factory worker from the depths of his closet.

source

You both have plaid shirts, don't you? Throw on your favorite jeans, some boots, and maybe a hat and you'd fit right in on the farm or at a ranch.

source

These are just a few ideas for the non-sewing inclined who are ok with some thrift store fun. What about you, clever readers? Any favorite costumes made or thrifted from years past?

Oh, and J., do treat us to a photo of you and your beau all dressed up for the party. Have fun!

xo,
ME*

Small, Inexpensive Hostess Gifts

Dear You + ME*
I have a  couple of upcoming weekend trips to visit friends, and I'm having trouble coming up with host/hostess gifts. I'm thinking homemade and food might be the ways to go, mainly because funds are short (I'm a student) and most of these folks don't really need more 'stuff'.  The gift also needs to be able to make it through airport security and fit in my carry-on. So, what to make? I mean, I visit some of these people a couples times a year; my standard zucchini/pumpkin bread is becoming less and less impressive, no matter how pretty the wrapping.
Thanks,
M.

Dear M.,
As evidenced by how many folks ask about this, and how much we write about this topic (see here and here), this is a question that everyone has. However, a student budget (from what we remember from grad school, the student budget = trying to barter for goods and services using old books) and space restraints can make this a particularly hairy question. Here are a few low-cost ideas that don't skimp on the thoughtfulness.

marthastewart.com
First, your idea about something edible is spot-on. How about some truffles? There are tons of recipes floating around, and they're fairly easy to make. And, they're small and easy to pack. Just remember not to leave your carry-on near any heating vents or in the sun. Cookies are always appreciated; Holly over at 101 Cookbooks made some Limoncello Macaroons to take to visit friends. I would be more than happy to see them show up on my doorstep.

Cue the Strings, blurb.com
Photo books are a low-cost, high-impact gift. As a thank-you present after, you could take pictures throughout your visit, and then create a book using iPhoto or one of the other online book-making services like blurb.com, shown above, and have it sent to their house. If you're a repeat visitor, you could use all of the photos you've taken so far at their house, and present the book to your hosts upon arrival.

Brooklyn, NY Skyline Print, Juggling Feats
I also love the idea of bringing a little souvenir from, or something representing, the place where you live. If I were off to visit friends, I might bring them this pretty little print. If you're into doing things yourself, you could paint, collage, photograph, or draw a that is evocative of your city.

We hope these suggestions help; be sure to let us know how it goes!
xo,
ME*

P.S. The Pretty Mommy recipe exchange is on! Head on over to A Place to Share for Tori's Butternut Squash, Sage, and White Bean Soup recipe!
P.P.S. If you, gentle readers, have a question that you would like You + ME* to tackle, drop us a line at youplusmestyling{at}gmail{dot}com.

Traveling With a Toddler

Dear YOU + ME*,

We’re attending a family reunion in Los Angeles at the end of October. The trip should be great, but it will require me to fly cross-country with my almost two-year-old daughter by myself (my husband is joining us later). I’ve taken many trips by car with her and a one quick flight when she was itty bitty, but nothing like this. You both have small children and I know you travel quite a bit. Any tips? I’m pretty much dreading the whole travel experience.

Thanks,

J.

Dear J.,

You’ve definitely come to the right place for advice. Claire took her first cross-country plane flight at 10 weeks old and I can’t even count how many flights she has been on since then. Miya’s daughter Emi is just as much of a frequent flyer and we’ve both learned a lot along the way.

Take a deep breath. It will be about a million times better than you expect it to be and the trip will go by incredibly fast because you’ll be so focused on keeping your daughter busy.

Circumstances sometimes call for me to alter the plan, but I’ve found this to be the ideal travel situation:

- Be strategic about the timing of your flight. It’s tempting to fly during naptime in hopes that she’ll sleep for a big chunk of the trip, but I find it’s easier to fly during reliably happy times, like the morning.

- Make sure everything is ready the night before so the stress doesn’t start with your trip to the airport. Don't forget lots of snacks, diapers and wipes, plane appropriate activities (more to come on that topic on Friday), a bag with miscellaneous things like tissues, hand sanitizer, and band aids, and finally, a change of clothes. I skipped the change of clothes for Claire once and regretted it immensely after a green smoothie gulped too quickly came right back up as the plane was boarding--just throw a t-shirt and some leggings in there.

- Check your luggage at the curb, including your daughter’s car seat and stroller (they’re still free even if you don’t check them inside or at the gate).

- Carry only a large purse that will fit under the seat in front of you on the airplane. If you pack it full of smaller bags (think one with food, one with toys, one with diapers and wipes, etc), it’s easy to unpack (at security for instance) and repack as necessary.

- Wear your daughter in your favorite carrier (I use the ergo). She’ll probably want to walk and run around quite a bit as you make your way through the airport, but having some sort of carrier makes the security line quite a bit easier. If you use a stroller, you have to take her out, fold it up without her running away, and get everything settled again afterwards. If she's in a carrier, you just breeze right through (you still have to take her shoes off though).

- Board at the last minute. Yes, families can board first, but why make your daughter sit on the airplane for an extra half hour? She could be running around getting her wiggles out. This works because you’re only bringing one bag that fits underneath the seat in front of you--no need to worry about overhead bin space.

- Make sure your daughter has her own seat. Even though she’s under 2 and could fly in your lap for free, it’s not at all worth it. Instead, use the CARES aviation restraint. Toddler car seats don’t fit easily in airplane seats, but a toddler roaming free is an even worse option. This fantastic FAA certified harness makes airplane seatbelts suitable for your toddler and it doesn’t take up much space in your bag. They’re not common, but they should be.

- Entertain her for six hours as you daydream about when flying used to mean reading trashy magazines, taking a nap, watching a movie, and maybe having a cocktail.

Just teasing with that last one (well, kind of). We have some legitimate suggestions for entertaining your daughter and making sure the in-flight portion of your trip goes smoothly. Look for them on Friday!

xo,

ME*

Lovely readers, if you have any questions for us about events, gifts, DIY, food, etc, please drop us a line. We won't be able to answer every question that comes our way, but we'll do our best to respond.

Grown-up Party Favors

Dear YOU + ME*,

I'm going out to (a fabulous Momofuku fried chicken) dinner with a few friends on my birthday. To thank them for celebrating with me, I'd like to bring along some sort of cute party favor for everyone.  Any ideas?  We're grown-ups, but I think it's time to bring back the childhood tradition of letting no one leave a party empty-handed.

Thanks!
M.

Hi M.,
We love that you're treating your friends to presents for your birthday; we think that it's a shame that party favors for adults are not more common. For your particular party circumstances, I think we can all agree that these presents should be playful rather than extravagant, cutesy, or overly serious. Though there may be times when favors can be elegant or chic, this idea lets your guests know how much fun you think they are.

With this favor package, the idea is to create a super-nostalgic pack of goodies for your guests.  You want the toys and candy to be evocative of childhood above all else; these selections are sure to spark conversations about your guests' favorite games and candies growing up.

 

Left: Bounce Back Paddle Ball, Store for Knowledge; Right: Jacks, Melissa & Doug

 Clockwise from upper left: Abba-Zabba, Bazooka, Bun, all from Nostalgic Candy

Still with me?  Here's where the grown-up portion comes in: package everything up in cute kraft paper bags tied with red and white bakers' twine, then either have a calligrapher label them with your guests' names, or use an adorable rubber stamp to label them.

Left: Brown Paper Bags, Twig & Thistle; Right: Bakers Twine, Paper & Parcel

 

Left & Center: Images via The Sweetest Occasion, calligraphy by Left Handed Calligrapher; Right: Thank You Rubber Stamp, Paper Source

Have a wonderful, wonderful birthday! We hope you and your guests enjoy yourselves!

xo,

ME* 

p.s. Do you have a question you'd like to ask You + ME*?  Shoot us an email at youplusmestyling{at}gmail{dot}com! We can't guarantee that we'll answer every question we get, but we can take a stab at lots of them!

Scouting discounts for your little one

Dear YOU + ME*,

My daughter recently turned one and it's time for me to actually buy her some clothes. For the first year of her life, we were able to live off all the wonderful baby gifts she received from family and friends, as well as the abundance of onesies I stocked up on before she was born (everyone told me babies live in onesies and I took that advice pretty seriously). Kids seem to need a lot of clothes, but they're constantly growing. I'd like my daughter to be well dressed, but I'm not willing (or able) to break the bank doing it. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
A.

Dear A.,

Congratulations on making it through the first year of your little one's life--we think you deserve a party or a present just as much as she does!

Buying clothes for babies and young children can often feel ridiculous. You have to cover their little bodies with something, but they grow so darn fast. The temptation is to fill their little drawers with the cheapest clothing you can find since they're going to ruin it or outgrow it so quickly. Fight the temptation and buy at least some quality clothing for your daughter. Really, it's worth it.

Being the first grandchild on both sides, Claire has been gifted more than her fair share of adorable outfits, many of them of much better quality than what I would have gotten for her. It seemed silly to leave them sitting in her closet waiting for a special occasion, so I actually dressed Claire in her good clothes for everyday activities.  I quickly found that these clothes are made to last. Claire's high quality clothes are much less likely to stain, pill, rip, or generally get ruined than some of her bargain clothes. Plus, it makes me happy to imagine dressing our future children in these outfits or passing them on to relatives or friends, rather than tossing them in the trash.  Isn't it better to have fewer beautiful things than a whole lot of disposable clothing?

It's easy to assume that high quality clothing always comes with an exorbitant price tag, but there are certainly bargains to be found (I learned this from my mom who always dressed me and my sister in gorgeous clothes even when our parents were living on a student budget). Here are some suggestions, although our readers may have good ideas as well:

- Buy vintage. Vintage clothing may be older, but there is usually a reason it has lasted this long. You may have a great vintage shop that stocks children's clothes nearby, but if not, use ebay or etsy. On etsy, the best way to start is to select "vintage" next to the search box and to look for "baby clothes" or "toddler clothes." If you love smocking, sailor dresses, and bloomers, you'll have a lot of fun with this.

Left to right: sailor coat from midstatevintage; dress with flowers from miskabelly

- Buy handmade. It should go without saying that handmade is almost always better. If you are one of those super talented people who can make an outfit from scratch, by all means, go for it. Instead, if you're like me and can only dream of such things, hop on over to the handmade section of etsy and shop away.

Clockwise from top left: reversible dress and polka dot dress from allthenumbers; tunic dress and duffle coat from breadandroses

- Utilize sites offering private sample sales, like the mini social, zulily, totsy, and gilt groupe kids. The selection is limited and the sales are only 48-72 hours long (with most of the good stuff disappearing pretty quickly), but the deals are fantastic. 

- Become a regular shopper at your local children's consignment shop. If you live in a big city, you almost certainly have an upscale consignment shop nearby. It's best to shop in person so you know what you're buying, but there are online options like Belly and Babe. It's not unheard of to find unworn clothes with tags still attached.

- Finally, search for discount codes and coupons for your favorite brands. Sometimes this is as quick as a google search, but if that doesn't work, it may be worth getting on the mailing list for the brands you truly love.

To help you out on your quest for discount codes, here is a 20% off coupon for one of our all time favorite brands, Velvet and Tweed. How can you not love a brand whose philosophy is "growing up is a special occasion" and whose clothes are without exception gorgeous and sturdy? You can't, which is why you should check out their recently released Fall/Winter 2010 collection (see above). Just enter you+me+20 in the coupon box upon check out for 20% off.

xo,
miya & elisabeth

Diamond-Free Engagment Options

Dear You + ME*,
I am going to propose to my girlfriend, but she's not really into diamonds. I don't want to propose empty-handed. Any ideas for what I should do?
Thanks,
J.

Dear J.,
Congrats on your forthcoming engagement (we're sure she'll say yes)! Engagement rings are tough, but here are a few diamond-free ideas for you. Remember, nothing says you are bound to convention. We know you've already started picking up clues to what she might have in mind; don't feel like you have to take her "in mind" list to a traditional jewelry store. Maybe your honey likes variety and would like an assortment of rings to wear, or maybe she would like something that feels very modern now with the understanding that she'll switch it up if it starts feeling not-her-anymore, or maybe she doesn't want a ring, but instead wants a fantastic necklace.

If she likes to rock some big jewelry, but just isn't into diamonds for the ethical or cost reasons, there's no reason not to get her something that will be a conversation starter. After all, she's probably going to be just as excited as you to talk about your engagement.

Left: Limited Edition Black Druzy Ring, Maria Burgos (pointed out to me by Meg); Right 14k Lafemme ring with Chalcedony, Michelle Lenae

If she likes simple jewelry, I personally don't think that anything is as pretty as a simple band. Though I love my engagement and wedding rings, I have been coveting a simple gold band for everyday wear for a few years now. They're just so timeless and elegant.

Left: Brushed Gold Wedding Band, Hilliker; Right: dash, elephantine (How hard are these ladies killing it with their photography? I want to frame the picture on the right.)

If you are feeling like you'd just like to propose and have her help you pick something out (which is totally reasonable--jewelry is such a personal thing), you can propose with a placeholder ring, and then whisk her off to a jewelry store (or to sit in front of the computer with you, as the case may be--just don't forget to have a chilled bottle of champagne sitting by your keyboard!).

Left: Ring-A-Day, byAMT; Right: Engagement Ring Crayons, Kate's Lovely Crafts

Thanks for writing in, J., and good luck with your proposal!  If you need help making it special, that's one of our areas of expertise!
xo,
ME*

Vegetarian Grilling

Dear YOU + ME*,

I'm having some friends over this weekend for an end of summer grill fest. Although my husband and I are decidedly carnivorous, some of our close friends are vegetarians. Our grill staples are hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken, so I'm not really sure what to grill for our non-meat eating friends. Are veggie burgers the way to go? Do people grill tofu? Any menu help would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
L.

Dear L.,

You've come to the right place! Miya and I are both vegetarians and California natives (where it's grilling season all year long), so we've had lots of experience with grilling sans meat. First off, your veggie friends are going to appreciate that you're putting so much thought into what they can eat at your end of summer get together. It's so easy to pull that box of veggie burgers from the freezer, chip off the layer of ice, and call it vegetarian dinner or to assume that a hamburger bun and a piece of watermelon will suffice. While I'm sure your friends would be perfectly happy with both those scenarios since they care first and foremost about your company, they'll be blown away that you put some extra energy into grilling something they can enjoy too.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Heidi Swanson's Favorite Grilled Kabob Recipe
This is one of my all time favorite grilled meals. I often don't even deal with making kabobs. Instead, I grill a variety of veggies and tofu using grill plans so they don't fall through the slats and then pile on the Muhammara, an amazing red pepper and walnut spread. You could easily serve this with grilled flatbread, a cold salad or two, and some kind of grilled meat to make an amazing feast for everyone. Actually, I've served this without any meat to plenty of carnivores and I haven't heard any complaints in between the mmmmms and yums.

Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi is a mildly salty and firm cheese traditionally made with a blend of sheep and goat's milk. It can be found in specialty grocery stores (I usually buy it at Whole Foods and I think I've seen it at Trader Joe's). To prepare, cut into slices of your desired thickness. We usually cut our hunk of cheese into three slabs, which makes them about 1/4 inch thick--much thicker and you lose the contrast in texture between the grilled, crunchy part and the melty middle. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown with grill marks. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon. We often serve Halloumi with the kabobs above.

Grilled Tofu. If your whole menu is basically planned and you just want to add a vegetarian protein, you can definitely grill tofu. The beauty of tofu (and also its downfall) is that it doesn't have a whole lot of flavor on its own; instead it takes on the flavors of its topping or marinade. This recipe suggests grilling tofu and then topping it with pesto. An alternative approach would be to marinate the tofu like this prior to grilling. Either way is just fine--you'll just want to make sure you do one or the other. Tofu without a topping or marinade isn't going to tempt anyone's taste buds. If you're seeking an extra firm and chewy texture, you can press the water out, freeze it overnight, thaw, and then marinate/grill. Your friends will be super impressed. 

Oh, one more grilled option to serve people with diverse dietary preferences is grilled pizza, which we wrote about last month. Letting everyone top their own pizza, means everyone gets their perfect pie. 

These suggestions should be a good start for this weekend's menu or for any future grill sessions with your vegetarian friends. You may also consider asking your friends to bring their favorite vegetarian items for the grill. I'm sure they would be happy to contribute to the meal and it might give you additional ideas for next time. Do tell us how your party goes!

xo,
ME*

Dog Essentials

Dear You + ME*,

I am adopting a dog (Ben) from our local shelter, and while I couldn't be more excited about his arrival, the items (collars, beds, leashes, bowls, etc.) that come along with dogs often leave something to be desired. Plus, there are is so much stuff out there that I am confused as to what I'll actually need and use. I feel like the dog supplies out there haven't found a happy medium between utilitarian and dog-as-dressup-doll, and I'm wondering if you have. Can you please help me with some suggestions for necessities that will make both Ben and me happy?

Thanks, T.

Dear T.,
Adopting a dog is one of the best things ever, provided you're ready to commit to one. We both get so much joy from our dogs; like kids, it's hard to remember life without them. We agree, though, that many dog supplies can be either way too over-the-top cutesy or seem to come from the rubbermaid home decor catalog. And, like almost anything else, your options for what to buy are limitless.

Here are a few must-have items that we think hit a happy medium:
You'll need a good set of bowls that won't skid around, but you also want them to be a) heavy enough that Ben can't tip them, and b) pretty enough so you won't be sad about them being in your kitchen. Our dogs, Dexter and Tahoe, both eat and drink out of a pair of utilitarian stainless steel bowls because we dig their unassuming presence in our kitchens. If you're not going for Petco chic, though, here are two more options:

Left: Stick Bowl, George; Right, Personalized Dog Bowl, Sunshine Ceramics

You'll also need a sturdy collar and leash, and some toys with which Ben can occupy himself while you are gone or busy. The collar and leash should be sturdy and look like they can withstand a good amount of pulling, chewing, rolling in the mud, and dragging. If you haven't been tipped off yet about the Kong, consider this your tip. It's one of the best dog toys out there. That said, it's not attractive at all. So here's an adorable moose instead. It features 5(!) squeakers, and each limb is knotted, which will hopefully be more attractive to chew on to Ben than your favorite pair of shoes.

Left: Star of Honor Collar & Lead, Trixie + Peanut; Right: Knotties Moose, Best in Show

Depending on your stance on pets on the furniture, you'll want a bed or 2 so Ben knows his place. Having a bed around is also good for training; you can teach him to go lie down in his bed when you need him out of the way. This has been a lifesaver for us when we've broken a glass, for example, or if we have visitors come over who don't like dogs. This bed is actually a duvet--you can stuff it with old t-shirts, blankets, pillows, etc. Dex has one right by our bed, and I ordered a second today for our dining room. You also may want a place to conceal all of the bags of treats that you will inevitably acquire. This vintage cookie jar is whimsical enough to let folks know that there might not be edible (to humans) things inside, but cute enough to sit on your counter.

Left: Pictures of You Duvet, Molly Mutt; Right, Antique Cookie Jar, Zen Hen

Lastly (I almost forgot, silly me), get Ben some tags with his name and your phone number. If he happens to go astray (and almost all dogs do at some point), you'll feel better knowing that whoever finds him will be able to get in touch with you. Remember to check every few months that your number is still legible. If you're traveling with him, you may want to consider getting him a tag for the place where you're traveling. George also sells these plastic travel tags that you can personalize with a Sharpie or other permanent marker.

Copper Pet Tag, jmanigrossi

Travel I.D. Tags, George

Have a great time with Ben; we hope he brings as much happiness to you as Dex and Tahoe have brought to me and Elisabeth.

(That's Dexie on the left and Tahoe on the right.)
xo,
ME*

S is for School!

Dear You + ME*,

My son is starting kindergarten this fall, and I want to make his first day of school seem really special. What are some simple ways that I can do this?

Thanks,

R.

Dear R.,

We love that you want to make school feel special for your son, and we agree that the simplest gestures can be the very best in this case. Here are a few ideas that will get you going:

Start the day with some rainbow pancakes. These made the blog rounds a while back, but are worth revisiting for the first day of school. You might try adding natural color (and flavor) with strawberries, orange zest, bananas, blueberries, and blackberries. You won't get a vibrant rainbow like this, but you won't have to use the food coloring either. That said, it's one day out of 365...

{I Am Mommy}

Send him to school with his favorite lunch packed in a special lunch bag, and don't forget to put a note in it. If he's not reading yet, you can tuck in a picture of your family and draw a heart around him.

Insulated Lunch Bag by Julie Meyer

Every kid needs a little boost of super power on their first day of school. Order your son some custom super hero shoes, or make your own with some All-Stars and fabric paint.

Super Hero Shoes by Boy Girl Boy Girl

Create a gallery wall while he's gone to showcase all of the art he'll be bringing home from school. Include both frames and shelves so he can show off both his 2-D and 3-D work. Here's one idea (it doesn't have shelves, but the racks are far enough off of the wall so that you could feasibly hang thicker works of art from it):

{via ohdeedoh}

We hope you and your son have a wonderful first day of school, and we can't wait to hear about it!

xo,

ME*

Etsy 101

Dear You + Me*,

You guys find such great stuff on Etsy!  I love the idea of supporting small artists and want to shop using Etsy, but it's so overwhelming. Do you have any tips for an Etsy newbie like myself?
Thanks!

J.

Dear J.,

No, thank you!  We try to find things that you'll enjoy, and we're glad you like what we come up with!  We have to agree that Etsy is overwhelming; it's like shopping at the world's largest flea market.  There are tons of amazing things to find, but you also have to know where to look so you're not sorting through piles of one-eyed dolls and clothespins with little bonnets on them. Here are a few tips for making your trip through Etsy enjoyable and rewarding.

If you know what you're looking for...

1. Search, search, search.    

You can use the search bar at the top to search for "clipboard" or "statement jewelry" or "letterpress."  Using the drop down menu on the left, you can search "Handmade," "Vintage," "Supplies," "All Items," or "Sellers."  

2. Use the Categories.  You can use "Categories" to find what you are looking for because after you choose the category that you want, you can narrow it down, and then search within that.  For example, say I am looking for some striped burp cloths for a pregnant friend who loves stripes. I can chose "Children" then "Baby" then "Burp Cloth", and finally I can search within "Burp Cloth" to narrow it down to stripes.

Once I do, look what's the second item that comes up: 

Lines Organic Cotton Burp Cloth (set of 2) from Organic Quilt Company

Ta-Da!  Five minutes and maybe 5 clicks later, I have just what I am looking for--cute striped burp cloths that are organic to boot!  

If you are just browsing...

3. Use the Treasury, Editor's Picks, and Featured Sellers features.  Some folks are so intimidated by Etsy that they never scroll down.  Etsy has so many ways to find what you're looking for that to just browse by category is akin to buying an iPhone and only using it to make phone calls.  If you scroll down a bit on the home page, on the left, there is a navigation box that has a bunch of ways to sort through everything that's on Etsy.  I love to use the Treasury, Editors' Picks, and Featured Sellers to see what other folks are digging on.  

4. See who hearts your favorite shop.  Etsy has a feature where you can see who likes the items in a shop. For example, I have Dutch Door's CA and NY birds and blooms prints, and they make me happy Every. Single. Time. that I pass by them. Here is the CA one:

California from Dutch Door Press

Maybe I would like to buy something from a seller who also loves Dutch Door's aesthetic.  

By thumbing through the sellers who like Dutch Door, I found this ring:

Silver Constellation Ring from Tider Design

Pretty, right?  And maybe not something that I would have found otherwise.

We hope these 4 tips help and will make Etsy seem less intimidating.  Thanks for writing in, and happy shopping!

xo,

ME*