Shop-owner Rachel has this to say about Pickles & Chapstick:

"Before the days of Pinterest, I found myself making my own cards, wrapping paper, gift tags, party decor, etc. I was always frustrated with the selection most stores had to offer and if they did offer something I liked I hated how expensive it was, so I decided to make my own. This is how the idea for my little Etsy shop got started. I wanted people to have access to handmade items that have a bit more of a personal/unique touch to it."

There you have it, straight from the horse's mouth and all that jazz. Keep this shop in mind for birthdays too! I think the little toothpick poms would look great on some cupcakes for a New Years Eve party as well. You just can't really go wrong with silver and gold, so classic! 

I hope everyone is taking it easy on this last busy week before the the craziness of next week. Happy Holidays everyone!

A quick post today guys, but I HAD to do a post on this. What are you looking at? You are looking at two houses, completely covered in Christmas decorations. Yup. For the past 35 years, this family has decked out their habitat with loads, and loads of decorations. It is a beacon on Washington and Twelve mile road in Royal Oak, and I have stopped at this house to gander at the madness for years, years I tell you! As you can see, some of these decorations are vintage, and I think that it is awesome that the family has held onto them for so long. 

Sadly, this is the last year they are keeping the display up, sadness! The time it takes to get the lights up and running, combined with the cost of electricity, they just can't do it anymore. I have joked that this family was crazy for putting all of these decorations up every year (some stuff they leave out, but not much) and now I am going to miss it. It is the end of an era!