(…continued from Part I, II, III, IV, and V)

Right about now you should be done with holiday shopping, right? Well, you would be if you took the hints from retailers in October! If you’re like me, then you’re still scrambling for some things. The thought of entering another store in the hopes that you’ll find the perfect gift for so-and-so can be daunting. I had a few people on my list who are particularly troublesome, so I made a list of their favorite things and solved my mini-crisis in seconds. Do it. No, seriously, write down some things (right now!). Your list might look like this: candy, nature walks, recycling, and medieval times. All of these things seem like potential shopping woes. Not so with Etsy! Just search for your items in “tags, titles, descriptions.”

Seemingly unrelated favorite things are easy to find on Etsy:

1. Clever Girl makes sweet jewelry. It’s playful and makes me crave candy!

This pendant is darling!

2. If living a healthy life outdoors is more your speed, check out The Full Spectrum‘s line of tees and totes. The artist screen prints flowers, sea life, and even bikes on an array of colorful cottons.

Don’t worry, not every artist I like caters to just women! The Full Spectrum also has men’s shirts!

3. If you’re worried about the waste that the holidays produce, consider Easy Being Green‘s Eco-Conscious note card set.

The message is snarky, but well meaning! Educations is key, people!

I also love Remade‘s creations using materials with a former life. The artist makes beanies out of beloved sweaters and cuffs out of vintage belts.

I think this would be another great gift for a stylin’ guy.

4. If you’re looking for art with old world charm, then look no further than Emily Balivet. Her artwork is stunning. I’m in love with the Twelve Women with Birds print!

It reminds me of the story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses that I used to read as a child.

Finding the unusual is really quite simple. Shopping always takes longer than one expects, but the benefits of our hard work is absolutely evident when a friend opens up his or her treasure. Take the time to find something just right. Be considerate and buy handmade.

Peace!

Girl Friday recently freaked out about a hummingbird that flew into the office. Considering that a hummingbird flaps its wings about 80 times per second, Girl Friday was reticent about catching it. Apparently forgetting the door through which it flew, the frightened bird tried repeatedly to escape through the tall glass panes at Girl Friday’s cubicle. Luckily, a handy custodial worker came in to save the day. With Mary Poppins-like bird bewitching abilities, Miguel held the hummingbird and returned it safely to the hibiscus trees that surround the building.

Another encounter with nature was a little too close for comfort for one frightened tenant. She discovered a snake slithering through her apartment! Her high-pitched plea for help caused Girl Friday and the staff to assume the worst—the poor boa constrictor in Britney Spears’ video wanted revenge! Thankfully this was not the case, and yet another fearless maintenance worker charmed the snake and set it free in the wetlands by the soccer field.

Finally, the most shocking story of all is about the frightful home-births families are performing in their apartments. According to their self-published newsletter, the births are natural and not at all scary. Girl Friday wonders why pets aren’t allowed if home births are? This isn’t the worst part of the news either…mothers giving birth without the guidance of neutral and unbiased medical staff are naming their babies atrociously trendy names like Ashton and Pepper. What child should have to bear the moniker of a punk ass actor who’s closer in age to his stepdaughters than his wife? How fair is it for a defenseless baby to be associated with Rebecca Romjin’s upcoming cheesetastic WB show? Just something to consider…

Girl Friday’s office life may have changed, but the dramadies continue!

The nature of a Superheroine is to rise above challenges, no matter how small, and turn ordinary life into the most extraordinary adventure. Girl Friday is blessed to know such wonderful women that have larger than life goals and the skills to accomplish everything they tackle. As we speak, Girl Friday is fighting the good fight against complacency with her stalwart determination and sensible, yet fashionable office attire.

Will Girl Friday’s dream of writing the Great American novel be realized, or will she be mired in the quicksand of mediocrity?

Details to come, Paris to approve!