When you look up the meaning of the word 'everyday' in the dictionary, you are given 2 different interpretations:

1.    of or pertaining to every day; daily: an everyday occurrence.
2.    such as is met with every day; ordinary; commonplace: a placid, everyday scene.

When it comes to the fine art photography from The Everyday Kumquat,  I think you would agree with me that Michelle Wyse's photos are something you would like to look at every day of the week.

Every photo has an atmospheric quality to it, and showcases both shadow and light in an interesting way. 

I also love the Montreal photographer's contrast of black & white and color photos in her shop – each one playing nicely off the next so you could literally choose any bunch of prints for your shop and they would all work nicely together on your wall.

I will definitely be getting a special frame for my Dead Bicycle Print, and I highly recommend you check out Michelle's new online gallery of stunning photography, interesting portraits and The Everyday Kumquat's custom photography for businesses.

Popularity: unranked [?]

The Monster Moustache buttons from Girlontherocks.com that were in my October edition of The Sampler are the ultimate in kitschy cute!  

With a vampire, zombie, pumpkin and Frankenstein rounding out the cast of creepy characters, one can't help but laugh at the idea of these creatures of the undead trying to scare up some screams on Halloween while sporting a silly moustache.

If you can't get enough of the kookiness of these pins, check out Girl On The Rocks' shop for similar button packs, such as the Trick-or-Treat Moustaches or the Stache-o-lanterns.

Photo: courtesy of Girl On The Rocks 

Popularity: 3% [?]

Although we may have left summer behind, there's no reason you can't whisk yourself away to your own private island – even if it is only in your mind.  

The Sarong roll-on perfume from Theme Fragrance that I received in the October edition of The Sampler is your ticket to the tropics, and you won't have to worry about bringing your sunblock.

The roll-on bottle is a brilliant idea, making it just as easy to pop your perfume into your purse as it does to quickly whip it out and roll it onto your pulse points. A little dab'll do ya'!

After slicking the scent onto my wrists, the scents of Creme de coconut, white sands, night blooming flowers and vanilla in the Sarong scent lasted all day, even after tending to a sink full of dishes.  The scent seemed to melt into my skin, making it seem as though I was lightly dusted with a powder puff of vanilla stardust.

With 3 other scents in the Theme Fragrance line in both 4.6 ml roll-on and half-ounce eau de toilette bottles, be prepared to be sniffed and savored by everyone within smelling distance!

Photo: courtesy of Theme Fragrance 

Popularity: 7% [?]

No, it's not the dance music DJ, but the Mini Mobi Mobile I received in the October edition of The Sampler from Leah Glass is just as colorful.  

With kaleidoscopic glass baubles, and it's free-form composition, Mobi will hang anywhere (like from your rearview mirror) and dance, spin, and twirl – kind of like that dance-music-DJ-of-the-same-name!

Designer Leah Pellegrini also creates larger mobiles, cool mini mobiles for your laptop or computer screen, and lovely glass sculptures.  How cute would this Glass Tree Sculpture look decked out in its red, green, and blue baubles for the holidays?!

Check out Leah's shop, or visit her website to find out about her art, to order a custom mobile or to find out about the classes she teaches at Aquila Art Glass.

Photos: courtesy Leah Glass 

Popularity: unranked [?]

I have to admit – whenever I hear talk of Wolfie & The Sneak, I can't help but think of Pinkie & The Brain.

And although they may be trying to take over the indie world, Wolfie & The Sneak are doing so with fine lines and cool prints.

The Red Maple Seeds Print I received in my October edition of The Sampler instantly brought me back to my childhood, watching the helicopters float down to the ground.  If you were particularly crafty, you would peel open the seed and stick the sticky-sweet maple 'propellers' to your nose!

But the fine lines don't end there! 

Wolfie & The Sneak's juxtaposition of black line art, swirly turquoise design and contrasting snowflake patterns makes their January Print an intricately inked piece of abstract art.

Check out Wolfie & The Sneak's shop for other exquisite doodles, drawings and doodads! 

Photo: courtesy Wolfie & The Sneak 

Popularity: 3% [?]

Rich in detail and vibrant color, the Field Mice Letterpress Card Set from Flora & Fauna in the October edition of The Sampler truly highlight the beauty of letterpress. 

These note cards certainly underscore the joy of letter writing, making it a tactile experience. Come on. You know you can't resist running your fingertips over the red & navy bumps and ridges.

I love the simple graphic design of Flora & Fauna's Christmas Hollies Card Set, and the letterpress design gives them an even more nostalgic feeling.

With an entire line of cards, as well as custom designed invitations and announcements, letterhead and business cards, owner, printer & designer Christine Brandt's Fine Arts background help make Flora & Fauna a living, breathing example of artful design.

Photos: courtesy Flora & Fauna Press 

Popularity: unranked [?]

It's getting frightful outside as Halloween approaches, and there are plenty of indie goods out there celebrating the haunting spirit.

Love the contrasting red & turquoise colors of the Spider Notecards from Sarah Ridgley Letterpress, definitely a lovely break from the traditional black and orange you normally see at this time of the year. Sarah's also got some cool black cat gift tags for all your ghoulish gifts.  $10 for a set of 4.

Your home & your nose will thank you when you indulge in one of Beccalights' seasonal scents for autumn.  Whether you want to indulge in the bakery scented-goodness of Pumpkin Cheesecake or Frosted Pumpkin Bread, satisfy your sweet tooth with Taffy Apple, or get a little sinister with Witching Hour, Beccalights makes it easy to scent your world.  $10 for scented candles or $5 for scent melts.

Looking for something to adorn your digits?  Opt for something a little different – and totally graphic! – with this Ace of Skulls Ring from Tasty Jewelry.  Made from the designer's original artwork on an adjustable acrylic form, this piece is a great way to show off your darker side.  $6 each.

Don't forget about your pooch when it comes time to primp for trick or treating.  2 Hounds Design has got your furry friend covered with a Jack O'Lantern Collar that will definitely get your pup happily howling at the moon!  $31 each.

Photos: courtesy Sarah Ridgely Letterpress, Beccalights, Tasty Jewelry, 2 Hounds Design 

Popularity: unranked [?]

The lost art of letter writing gets a sweet injection of cartoony cuteness with Mau Studio's Funny Bunny Hello! Notecards Set featured in the October edition of The Sampler.  

With 6 notecards, 6 envelopes, a button & matching stickers, it's easy to get addicted to writing notes to your pals.  Who says you need to stick to boring old paper when Funny Bunny can say your hellos for you?!

The nice surprise about Mau Studio's online shop is their selection of more than just stationery.  With a bunch of consigners, including adorable prints from Bees Knees Studio, retro-licious cards from Pepperina Press and handbags by Loverly Ink (to name but a few of the great designers!), there is certainly something for your soft, silly, and girly sides all under one virtual roof.

Popularity: 3% [?]

It's getting cool and crisp outside, and the goblins & ghouls are stirring.  It's the perfect time for a dose of indie goodness from The Sampler!

We have decided to expand our monthly coverage of The Sampler!  What does that mean?  Multiple posts on each monthly edition of The Sampler, and more pimping of all things indie! 

Look for our "Sampler-rific" posts, which will include a list of all entries we've dedicated to that month's edition of The Sampler.  As we add new entries, the list will be automatically updated, so check back often!

Time to get started!  Click the links below to read all posts featuring the October Sampler.

Popularity: unranked [?]

I am the queen of many empires.  Similar to the Great And Powerful Oz, I am seldom seen, preferring to run my empire from high up in my tower on the 32nd floor – in a manner of speaking.

Truthfully, I work from home.  All day, every day.  I'm living the dream! But just because my 'co-worker' is my cat, doesn't mean I shouldn't have a snazzy laptop bag to tote my Gateway from the dining room table to my home office.

Janine King Designs has countless briefcases, totes and gadget keepers, and will make any one of them to custom fit your personal laptop specs.

With so many amazingly vibrant fabrics to choose from, you will be hard-pressed to find the same selection at your local Best Buy.  I opted for a laptop sleeve in the Twirl pattern, and not only do I love it, but I was very impressed with the sturdy construction and stylish design.  I love that the sleeve isn't overly bulky, and can be carried by its webbed handle or slipped into a larger tote.

Janine King is single-handedly outing the "funk" in functional when it comes to smart, sassy bags for your laptops & gadgets!

Photo: courtesy Janine King Designs 

Popularity: 3% [?]