This is a sad post to make since we’re almost at our fifth anniversary on this blog. While not an easy thing to do, I have decided to stop this blog because I simply just do not have time for it anymore. It has been an absolute honor to feature all these indie shops and all the great talent you each have. I want to thank everyone for their support over the years and I feel so fortunate for all the friendships I have made. I will keep the blog up through the end of the summer (when my hosting expires) in case you want to print out a recipe or some other post. I wish everyone the best! Thank you.

Here’s a little post showing some of my favorite items from random ten shops! Just a quick way to help with my long queue of shops to mention.

1. These Catnip Eyeballs from HannaPT would be great toys for my kitties.
2. Aww, this baby bunny necklace from Anirtak reminds me of the bunny I saw the other day while walking the puppy.
3. I will always be a sucker for paper goods and these Cute Owl Flat Cards from Pretty Pixels are no exception.
4. I just couldn’t resist and I just bought two soaps to try from Nettiescrub including the Grapefruit and Lemon Shea Soaps.
5. The color of this Wayfarer Purse from Pesky Cat Designs is sooo pretty and perfect for spring.
6. A Puppy Shampoo Bar? Skin Soothing and Insect repelling from Splints and Daisies.
7. Snap Crafty has lots of great supplies for crafting and jewelry making.
8. I like to pick up pottery when we go to new places and if I ever saw these Rustic Handbuilt Mugs from Just Potters, i’d buy them in a heartbeat.
9. Finding myself drawn to the patterns of the Lovebirds Print created by Naomi Murrell.
10. Let’s not forget about the guys, perhaps they could wear this Vintage Camera Tie from Cyberoptix TieLab to work?

Yesterday morning, we ventured into the Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique located right in the Chicago Loop. This bakery is right next to the building where my orthodontist is, so I always felt guilty about wanting to stop in after my appointment. This weekend, since I wasn’t just at an appointment, I felt like this was finally my chance to taste something from that beautiful display I was always peeking at through the window as I passed by. The options available are five standard flavors as well as additional five that vary depending on the day you visit for a magnitude of over twenty tempting varieties. I went with the Black and White Cupcake and the husband got the Cinnamon Carrot Cupcake. Both of our cupcakes were frosted with their signature bloom (see photo) in a light, creamy buttercream frosting. The cake was ever so moist and delicious. We got our cupcakes to go and they were both placed into a box that secured them from moving around. Be sure to stop by when you’re visiting Chicago to try one or if you’re in the area, consider them for your next event or business meeting.

A – Yellow Vintage Purse from Miss Money ($20.00)
B – Small Greengo Ring from Tias Glass ($20.00)
C – Birds Silk Scarf from Pattern Recognitions ($18.00)
D – Harvest Wing Clip from Fashion Expressions ($20.00)

We are getting that 2nd mortgage down there, it’s currently at 34% and we were able to knock out another 8% on it during the month of April. It is possible that we could have it paid off in either September or October of this year. Or at least that’s what I am hoping ends up happening. Our total percentage change of our debt was 1.2% this month which was a nice change as previously, we weren’t even getting near that 1% for most of the months so far outside of last month which was an exception to the rule. So far this year, we have paid off 6.7% of our debt versus paying off 7% for the entire year of 2009. What was the big difference you ask? I did not graduate until May of last year, it’s nice having a dual income household to tackle this debt even faster. How is your debt busting coming along?

Please join me in congratulating the winners from the giveaway featuring goods from MAU Studio and Becky OH! Thank you so much to both shops for participating in the giveaway and allowing our readers to browse all the wonderful products you have available.

THE WINNER OF THE ASTROLOGICAL SIGN POCKET MIRROR FROM MAU STUDIO IS:
Sarah-Paige says: April 23rd, 2010 at 6:50 pm (95)
My sister would adore the Puggy collection of stickers and magnets from Mau Studio.

THE WINNER OF THE CAMEO HANDBAG FROM BECKY OH! IS:
Jen says: April 12th, 2010 at 11:10 pm (32)
Becky Oh! — I love the intaglio bags. Any of them. Those prints are AMAZING.

Please visit our previous posts for some more savings! Sales and coupon codes are a great way for indie shops to thank their customers for all their support. We would love to feature your indie shop’s sale, please submit one.

GREAT INDIE SAVINGS:
• BEWITCHING SCENTS: Going out of business sale – everything is marked down to only $1!
• BLUE TULIP DESIGNS: Check out the sale section featuring artisan gemstone jewelry.
• CHYLD’S PLAY: The selction of bath salts are now buy one, get one free
• CREATING THINGS: Take advantage of their free shipping promotion on their beautiful handbags
• GROOVYGURLZ: A selection of their reversible A-line dresses for girls are on sale for a limited time
• JPATPURSES: Check out their $5 sale on zipper pouches, but hurry as the sale ends on sunday
• LONDON LOU: Add any crochet handband to your order in a variety of colors and sizes for only $1. Also, purchases totaling $50 or more will receive a free gift.
• MY DAISY DREAMS: Buy 2 pendants, get 1 free small pendant + tiny Silver Ball Chain
• PRECIOUS ACCESSORIES: All orders totaling $25+ before shipping will now receive free shipping
• SHADES OF HEAVEN: Buy one item in this shop, get one other item 1/2 Off! This is valid on jewelry, beads, and all the pretty flower hair clips.
• SHAMS AND COVERUPS: Receive free shipping on their Mini Sticky Coverups plus their Embroidered kitchen towels on sale now through Mother’s Day
• SHOOGI: Check out their shop for some cool vintage inspired necklaces, earrings, etc on sale
• SINAMI SOAP COMPANY: Their soap sampler and solid sugar scrubs are on sale through the end of April. I bet their hazelnut cappuccino soap smells fantastic!
• WALKING TO JERICHO: Buy any photograph sized 8×8 or larger and get a second 8×8 free

à la mode finds new ways to transform those everyday objects into usable, chic goods.
Woven Seatbelt Messenger Bag | Hide And Seek Switchplate | The Big O Hardware Necklace

1 – Anastasia Topaz Ring from Small Bird
2 – In My Garden Flower Ring from Never Ender
3 – Lime Flower Ring from Mann Made Designs
4 – Pink Flower Ring from MAU Studio
5 – Red-Brown Bamboo Ring from Blend Creations
6 – Soleil Ring from Plum and Sage

This Italian shop, Milano 20121, has pretty much the best in everything you could possibly be shopping for! No kidding! They have everything — artwork, accessories, clothing, jewelry and housewares. A great place to start looking for that next present for yourself or someone else when trying to find something original and stylish. I’m digging this Green Leather Belt, the Lavinia Shoulder Bag, this Urban Climbing Bag and these gorgeous Varnished Resin Vases. I appreciate that they even have a whole section dedicated to new moms. Wouldn’t you just love to snuggle your baby close in the Babywrap carrier? Check out Milano 20121 for the latest concepts in Italian design that can now be a part of your everyday style and everyday life.