This Etsy shop (called MarigoldandSage) has a wide variety of items listed – from baby shoes to wallets. I am most drawn to this seller’s great selection of bags.

My favorite is the everyday tote in dandelion and gray, which is selling for $35.00.  Check out some other favorites of mine from this shop:

- Jackie

Loving this cute coin purse from Octopurse on Etsy.com!

I first heard about this seller via this Etsy Treasury (Being Audrey Hepburn) and loved pretty much every single thing in this shop.

The typewriter purse featured above is my favorite item in the shop, but here are some close seconds:

Cool stuff, right?

You can see all the handmade listings in this seller’s shop by clicking the Etsy shop link (Octopurse) at the top of this feature!

- Jackie

At the risk of being totally cliche as we approach the New Year, I have to tell you guys something…

I’ve been working out like a maniac (and I kinda like it!)

I started going to spinning classes regularly in the summer and have kept up the work twice a week since.  If you are thinking about picking up a new activity, I’d highly recommend spinning.  It’s a killer workout overall, and it’s enjoyable (a total bonus!)

Want to know more? Learn more about spinning here.

The second thing I just recently started in mid-November is training for a 5k that’s happening April 2012.  I never wanted to “train” for a 5k because I’m one of those people that either wants to run a marathon or skip running altogether.  However, my doctor told me that she was training for a 5k, and it gave me some inspiration.

I downloaded this app for my iPad and started training.

And I seriously love it.

Don’t worry, I’m not one of those “I run everyday” people (yet), but I am genuinely enjoying it!

The app is great, and the training plan is super easy.  It promises to turn non-runners into 3.1-mile runners in 2 short months.  I was slightly skeptical since I really hate running, so I am doing the training over the span of 4-5 months.

So far, so good people. I’m shocked.

I think too often we do cool things and don’t tell anyone about it.  I wanted to share this new excitement over exercise not to brag, but to give a pat on the back where it’s due.  Plus, how many of us have picked something up because we heard someone else liked it?  Maybe you guys will try out spinning or running!

After all the New Year’s Eve booze and yummy food though, right?  Right!

- Jackie

Meet Etsy seller Ioanna Pattichi, the amazing graphic designer and illustrator behind the Etsy shop Loukritia. I met this seller via my Etsy Item of the Day shop submission page.

“I use the computer a lot, so when I get my hands dirty with paint and markers, I’m in heaven!” Ioanna told me.

When she’s not making cool bags for her Etsy shop, Ioanna likes to do a number of activities.

“I love learning languages. Currently i’m learning italian and french. I also like scuba diving, reading books, theatre and being with friends!” she said.

When I asked Ioanna about where she likes to shop on Etsy, she told me about a shop called JulieAnnArt.

“Even though I’m new to Etsy and I haven’t explored much, I really like JulieAnnArt,” she said.  ”I love the messages on her cards and the illustration style.”

This shop rocks! I featured her handmade cards awhile back, and I’m happy to see there are other fans out there!

So what’s coming up next for Ioanna’s Etsy shop Loukritia?

“I am thinking of selling handmade scarfs that I am currently creating,” she said.

Be sure to check out her website and Facebook page to connect with her!

- Jackie