Something for Sunday

A little of this and that for the day.

These little 'ol ladies--soon to be 98 (oh my gosh!) are friends of mine for 30+ years in my bridge world. Betty in blue and Louise in front. Louise lives at Mary Queen of Angels Assisted Living. Connie and I go over there to play bridge with them about twice a month. We took them out to lunch for Christmas. They are so much fun and really sharp when it comes to bridge. Betty still drives. Louise did too until she fell and broke her shoulder exactly one year ago. That's when she decided to she needed to live at MQA. She's very social so she had no problem adjusting.

On to Stephanie's house.

A pretty inviting entry!

I love the lights. 

Her table is so pretty. I love all of her new decor!

And then their tree! Everything is so festive and cheery. I just love Christmas!

I found these cute little gingerbread mug riders at Trader Joe's. I'll be setting up a beverage bar for Christmas. I'll share that later.

Hmmm, which to buy? Okay, I settled for the old one with the black circle logo. I think the new cans look too generic.

My first thought was that "Strawberry Lime Chilly" sounded disgusting. Then I re-read it and realized they were just playing around with "chilly" and NOT "chili!" I wonder how many other people didn't get it right away? My brain just read the word and thought Mexican.

 

This took every bit of my willpower not to buy any of this at 2 for $6.00. So pretty. But, considering I have 3,278 BIG plates and 5,000 matching napkins that I got from Sam's, I was able to pass. But I guarantee you that before I use up all of the ones from Sam's, I'll be sick of them and give them away! In fact, I might just hand out a stack to everyone who leaves my house!

As I was pulling out recipes for Christmas, I came across this cute little cherub--a Christmas present from Elizabeth in 2011! I think she was 5 or 6.

I love fun surprises!!

Okay, on to the next thing! I hope you are having a fun and festive holiday season!

Scrapbook Saturday

As you read this, we are in Atlanta celebrating Christmas with Sandy and family. This has become a tradition for us. We go the weekend before Christmas every year--well except last year, we had the "big" birthdays on this weekend--Jordan turned 30 and Mindy turned 40. It was so much with the just about all of the family together. 

Anyway, I love going to Sandy's because her house is decorated so beautifully. And, it really seems like a vacation when we go there. I just get to sit back and take it easy. It's so relaxing. Just what I need--the calm before the storm!

I got this post ready a few days ago. I am loving my "December Daily" project--even though I was held up for over a week while I waited for new ink. It finally came in on Tuesday. Luckily, I was able to spend all day Wednesday in my scrapbook room. The pages shared here are from before I ran out of ink.

Day 1.

Day 2.

2. & 3. 

3. I used a Starbucks bag to make this pocket. I cut it up and stitched it with my sewing machine. 

This is the backside of the pocket and what's inside. I cut the actual cups to make the flat cups.

On the backside of the photo of Stephanie and me holding our cups is the journaling.

On Wednesday when I was actually able to work some more on this, I finished the days all the way up to December 12th. Stay tuned...

Friday Funnies

As you are reading this, I am having my 3rd annual Dickens Party. Dec. 19th is the anniversary of the publishing of A Christmas Carol. I'll report on the party later. Butch and I will be leaving right after for our weekend with Sandy and family in Atlanta. 

In the meantime, here are some regular Friday Funnies.

The is not really funny, more unbelievable. That's 5 football fields straight up! Kind of amazing. I wonder how long it takes. He better not forget anything!!

Five Things Thursday

I thought I better share these now so you have time to plan them for next week!

Make something pretty and fun--surprise everybody!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Okay, so I agree that this is a handy little list--just in time for the holidays. But, there's no way you can do everything on it in 15 minutes! If they are referring to each section being 15 minutes, then you better start the day before your guests arrive!!

Travel Tuesday

This post is not about our travel, but about the neighbor next door. 

Apparently, they have had a little traveler from afar. Isn't this just about the cutest thing--parked in the driveway. 

They do not have little children and all of their family is out-of-state. I have not talked to my neighbor to find out what the deal is.

It moves around in the parking area as if she's been out and about sightseeing in Nashville--maybe doing a little Christmas shopping!

Our neighborhood is turning over with lots of kids. I love it! Especially when one is visiting next door in her own little car. So darn cute!

Me on Monday****

****Before you go to the trouble of reading all of this, I want to let you know that the issue has been resolved and I am getting a full refund from Etsy!!! I also got my credit card company involved. I figured the money was already lost, so I had nothing to lose to try every angle. I sent Etsy pictures yesterday morning and they responded in the afternoon saying they "escalated" my claim and have issued a full refund! I went from being mad and sad to happy! It's a Christmas miracle!!!

************************

I'm calling this "Me on Monday" because I am so MAD! This post could actually be categorized as "What I Buy Wednesday" or "Friday Frustrations!" Since it is still consuming me, I'm going with "Me on Monday."

This is super lengthy, so you might prefer for me to just cut to the chase. Here's the short version:

I purchased the most darling crib mobile off of Morgan's baby registry as her "big" Christmas gift. 

The seller on Etsy has a 4.7 star rating. What the seller wants to send does not even resemble what I thought I was buying. 

After dealing with the seller and getting nowhere I've filed a dispute with Etsy and contacted my credit card company. Although I paid the seller through my card, I haven't yet paid Visa, so I might have some recourse as they are filing something and dealing with the seller. We'll see.

Here is the back and forth between me and the seller. Crazy! I'm just getting the run-around!

My first message from the seller:

Message:

Order Update: Your order should be delivered between 09-13 Dec

I’ve just updated the dispatch date for your order. Since everything is handmade, I’m taking a little extra time to make sure every detail looks perfect before shipping.

Your tracking number will be uploaded as soon as the package is handed over to the carrier.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding — I truly appreciate it! 💛✨

7:44 AM

Me:

Message:

No problem. I don't need it until Christmas!

8:52 AM

Seller:

Message:

Hi Barbara,

Thanks so much for letting me know! 💛

Since Christmas is coming up and the postal system is very busy this month, I think you should upgrade to express shipping ($100) to ensure your phone arrives in time for the holidays.

Standard shipping is still acceptable, but express shipping is much faster and safer.

If you would like to upgrade, let me know and I will send you the link. ✨

Best regards,

Sheri

8:19 PM

Date:

Tue, Dec 2

7:36am EST

7:36am EST

Me:

Message:

I'll stick with standard shipping. $100 for express is crazy!

6:36 AM

Seller:

Message:

Thank you so much for letting me know! 😊

I’ll proceed with standard shipping as requested.

If you need anything else or have any questions along the way, I’m always here to help.

Warm regards,

Sheri

7:39 PM

Date:

Mon, Dec 8

11:35am EST

11:35am EST

Order shippedView tracking

Opens a new tab

Thu, Dec 11

12:17pm EST

12:17pm EST

Seller:

Message:

I’m happy to let you know that your handmade order has now been fully completed. Everything is ready, and your parcel will be handed over to the carrier within the next 12 hours.

Before I ship it out, could you please confirm that all order details are correct? Once I receive your confirmation, I will proceed with the shipment right away and upload the tracking number for you.

Thank you so much for your patience and support — it truly means a lot. ✨

Warm regards,

Sheri

11:17 AM

Me:

Message:

I don't know where the to find the information you are requesting. My address is:

Barbara *****

****************

Brentwood, TN 37027

Phone: *************

Please call me if you have any other questions. I am anxious for this to be on its way to me as soon as possible.

2:04 PM

Seller:

Message:

Hi Barbara,

Thank you so much for your message and for sharing the details.

We just need you to confirm that the product in the photo is the item you ordered. Once you confirm, we will ship it immediately.

Please let me know within 12 hours, and I'll take care of the rest.

Sincerely,

Sheri

Me: (Side note—I did not see this picture which was above her message until after I sent her my mailing information. I tried to send her a picture but couldn’t get it to work. This was my response:

8:37 PM

Message:

No, that is not what I ordered. This looks nothing like what I ordered. I cannot get the picture to load, but if you look at the order number, it's there.

Order #3872254941

In transit

On Dec 9, 2025

$249.45 Purchased from SheriVogleArt on Nov 21, 2025

Handmade Crochet Savanna Safari Baby Mobile Custom Animal Amigurumi Crib Toy Nursery Decor Gift

Handmade Crochet Savanna Safari Baby Mobile Custom Animal Amigurumi Crib Toy Nursery Decor Gift

STYLE: STYLE 1

OPTIONS: Full Set

Personalization: message me

Transaction #4834707357

Quantity: 1

9:33 PM

Seller:

Message:

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for your message. I’ve carefully reviewed your order details, and the item shown is the exact style that was selected in your order.

That said, your satisfaction is very important to me. If there are any specific details you’d like adjusted or changed, please let me know as soon as possible and point them out clearly. I’ll be happy to make the necessary corrections as quickly as I can.

I’m here to help and want to make sure the final piece meets your expectations.

Warm regards,

Sheri 🌷

Me:

9:42 PM

Message:

This looks nothing like what I ordered. You need to look at the listing you posted which is what I I purchased. Please look at the original listing picture and then the picture you sent me and you'll see they are nothing alike. I would like a refund.

9:48 PM

Seller:

Message:

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for your message. I’m truly sorry to hear that you’re feeling disappointed, and I completely understand how important it is for the item to match your expectations.

I have carefully reviewed your order again alongside the original listing. The piece was created based on the style and options selected at checkout, and as noted in the listing, each item is 100% handmade, so some natural variations in shape, arrangement, or proportions can occur compared to the listing photos.

That said, your satisfaction is very important to me. Before proceeding with a refund, I would really appreciate the opportunity to understand which specific details you feel do not match (for example: animals, colors, layout, or elements). If you’re willing, you can point them out or send a screenshot, and I will do my best to offer a fair and appropriate solution.

I truly want to resolve this in the best way possible and appreciate your patience while we work toward that together.

Kind regards,

Sheri 🌷

10:31 PM

Me again—this part is not in our conversation. 

I was able to attach a screenshot and asked her too compare the two. Here’s the response: 

Seller:

Hi Barbara,

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback and for sending the photo. I’m truly sorry to hear that you’re feeling disappointed — I completely understand how important this order is to you.

I’d like to gently explain that each of our pieces is 100% handmade, created individually by hand rather than mass-produced. Because of this, it’s unfortunately not possible for any handmade item to be 100% identical to a reference photo. That said, the overall design, colors, theme, and structure of your mobile were made to closely match the sample image, with natural variations that come with handcrafted work.

As a small handmade shop, we put a great deal of care and love into every piece, and we truly appreciate your understanding of the nature of artisan products.

Most importantly, if there is any specific detail that you are not satisfied with — such as colors, size balance, or individual elements — please let me know. I would be more than happy to make adjustments or corrections where possible to ensure you’re happy with your order.

Your satisfaction really matters to me, and I’d love the opportunity to make this right for you.

I look forward to hearing which details you’d like adjusted.

Warm regards,

Sheri 💛

Me:

I am a maker myself. This is unacceptable as it is not even close to what you advertised.

Seller:

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for your message. I’m truly sorry that you feel disappointed — I understand how important it is for a handmade piece to meet your expectations, especially as a maker yourself.

I’d like to assure you that I followed all the details and elements shown in the sample listing as closely as possible, with the natural variations that come with handcrafted work. That said, your satisfaction is very important to me, and I am absolutely willing to make adjustments to any specific details you’re not happy with.

If it would help, I can also take additional close-up photos and record a detailed video for you, so you can carefully review each accessory and element more clearly before we decide on the next step together.

Please let me know which specific details you feel are not meeting your expectations, and I’ll do my best to address them promptly.

Kind regards,

Sheri 💛

Me:

Surely you can see the problems. Why are you acting like both items are the same. If you would send me the original piece you used for the listing photos, I would be happy. Not a single element looks close to the original. Just give me a refund and let's be done with this!

Seller:

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for sharing your concerns. I truly understand how disappointing it can be when a handmade item does not meet your expectations, and I’m very sorry that you feel this way.

However, I would like to kindly clarify that, as stated in our shop policies, we do not accept refunds once a custom handmade product is already in progress or completed. Each piece is made entirely by hand, requires significant time, skill, and material costs, and this particular item is especially complex and labor-intensive.

That said, I want to emphasize that I am fully committed to working with you. I am more than happy to make adjustments and refinements to the existing piece and continue improving it until you are satisfied, rather than abandoning the work that has already gone into creating it for you.

I truly appreciate your understanding and respectfully ask that our shop policies be taken into consideration. Please let me know which specific elements you would like adjusted, and I will do my absolute best to address them.

Kind regards,

Sheri 💛

Me: I didn’t even respond to this last message. I’m getting the run-around and it’s ridiculous. Then I got another message from the seller.

Seller:

Hi there,

I’ve sent you the detailed photos for your review.

Please take a look, and if you’d like any adjustments or changes, just let me know and I’ll be happy to update it for you 😊

Warm regards,

Sheri 💛

Me:

I would like the animals to be re-done to closer reflect the original listing. Otherwise, I want a refund.

Seller:

Auto-reply from Sheri:

Thank you for reaching out to SheriVogleArt. You’ve reached me outside of my normal hours, but I’ll try to respond as soon as I’m back. In the meantime, be sure to read my full item descriptions and shop policies, where you’ll find answers to lots of common questions. Thanks!

Seller:

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for messaging and sharing your concerns. I truly understand the importance of the final product being exactly like the original image in the product description, and I greatly appreciate you noting this.

Because this is a handmade product, there may be some minor variations due to nature; however, I want you to be satisfied with your order. I am fully willing to cooperate with you to adjust and rework the animals to better match the original design in the product description.

To make the process smoother, please let me know which specific elements or details you feel need adjustment (e.g., color, shape, or proportions)? Once I receive your details, I will consider the best adjustments and confirm the next steps with you.

I truly value your order and want to resolve this in the best way possible. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Sheri 💛

Me:

The problems are so obvious! But, okay, let's play it your way:

1. Zebra--proportions are wrong--looks more like a giraffe.

2. Giraffe--proportions are wrong--it's too chunky all the way around/ the colors are wrong and there are no little antlers on top.

3. Lion--the legs are sticking out and there are no paws; the mane is crumpled.

4. Elephant--legs sticking straight out, ears are completely round like a lollipop, and the trunk is flat--no dimension.

5. Butterflies--they don't look like the butterflies on the original.

6. Tree--the trunk is fat and there are no limbs.

7. Leaves--they look like grapes.

There is no fixing this. It needs to be completely re-done! Please just refund my money!