My Family Ties Review and Gerbera Daisy Clips Giveaway (CLOSED)

My kids wear uniforms to school, so everyone is dressed in the exact same thing. Because we can't use clothing and clothing styles to do it, we have to establish our individuality a little bit differently.

My daughter prefers cute hair clips, jewelry and accessories that really express her personality - that's why I was thrilled for her to try out some handmade hair accessories from My Family Ties on Etsy. I'd love to tell you how we enjoyed them - and to give you a chance to win some of your own! But first...



About the Designer:

My name is Brandi. I'm a 35 year old mom to a 3 year old little girl and a wife to a great guy! I come from a wildly creative family with people who can do everything from draw and paint to sew and arrange floral pieces. I have been making childrens' hair accessories for a bit over a year. While this is relatively new to me I love doing it!



I draw, cut, and stitch everything by hand. My inspiration comes from all things kid related...story books, coloring books, characters, and lots of suggestions from people who ask "can you do this in felt?". My favorite things change constantly but I am rather fond of the Birthstone Flower clips right now.



These are my sister's creations which leads me to what I think is great about our shop ~ we are 3 generations of women who each have something unique to bring to the shop. Our shop keeps us in touch on a weekly, even daily basis. I love that my middle sister and I have developed a common ground and that we keep each other motivated :)

The Review:

I LOVE that this family is doing this together - and creating some truly adorable accessories in the process. Brandi was so nice and responded so quickly when I contacted her about doing a giveaway! She sent us two of the beautiful Gerbera Daisy flower clips. The first thing I noticed about them was how soft they are! Usually, clips and hair accessories will irritate my daughter after a day of wearing them and she's ready to yank them out as soon as she gets home from school, but not these! You can see her wearing one of them below:



I also noticed that they held a lot better than some of the other clips we have - which is good because it keeps the hair in place and looks great all day. My little girl was in love with these clips - and she wanted to see the other ones available! There are tons, by the way, so we'll be doing some shopping tonight! These clips are a definite winner.

The Giveaway:

Brandi has generously offered to send one of you lucky readers a set of two of your very own Gerbera Daisy clips. You're going to L.O.V.E. them! Each one is sketched out by hand, cut and then hand-stitched. Brandi and her family are so talented!



How to Enter: (Note: You MUST be following this blog publicly in order to enter.) Browse through the My Family Ties shop and let me know what your favorite accessory is.

Extra Entries:

• Heart the Family Ties Shop. (1 Extra Entry.)

• Purchase Something from the Shop and Let Me Know What You Bought! (5 Extra Entries.)

• Subscribe to this blog via email. (1 Extra Entry.)

• Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway. (2 Extra Entries.)

• Comment on any post here that is NOT a giveaway. (1 Extra Entry.)

That's it!! This contest will end March 3, 2010 at 8PM EST and the winner will be chosen with Random.org. Note: Please make sure you leave a comment for each entry so each one counts, and include your email address if it's not available in your public profile. Thanks!

I was sent an item at no charge to review, but was not monetarily compensated in any way for my review. My opinions are 100% honest and mine!

Barking Maddison Customized Leather Cuff Bracelet Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

Bracelets are my absolute favorite type of jewelry! I love them all - dainty and sparkly, chunky and funky, bright and earth-toned. My favorite bracelet usually changes from week to week - and I'll admit that I have a bit of an obsession. Now, I have a new love that doesn't look likely to change soon! Barkingmaddison from Etsy sent me a custom leather letter word cuff that I. ABSOLUTELY. ADORE.


Forgive my terrible picture-taking skills (obviously I only took the above one - lol) for the moment and let me tell you how much I love this bracelet. First of all, when you get one of these cuff bracelets, you can completely customize it. You choose the color, the words, and you give your wrist measurements so that it can be created specifically for you! I chose pink, and the words 'To Live is To Write.'



You can choose 1 to 3 words that will be repeated, or you can choose up to 20 words - so song lyrics, your kids' names, a poem - pretty much anything can be put on your bracelet. Niclana will totally create your bracelet just for you. It has a snap closure, and is the perfect chunky bracelet for any outfit - plus it's not likely that anyone else will have a bracelet like yours, which is something I love!

I am absolutely enamored with this bracelet and have gotten so many compliments about it! It's such a great accessory and can be paired with jeans, a cute skirt, a summer dress - whatever you want. It's a definite statement piece with a literal statement.

I can't tell you how pleased I am with the bracelet. There are a ton of other great handmade items in Niclana's shop, too. Based in New York, Niclana often creates items that are inspired by vintage items, and her travels to various flea markets and other places also help her create her fabulous pieces.



Not only does Niclana create fabulous leather goods like guitar straps, clutches, belts and bracelets, but she also makes beautiful jewelry.



The Giveaway:

Now - here comes the exciting part!! Niclana has kindly offered to give one of you lucky readers your very own, personalized cuff bracelet. There are so many colors to choose from - and which words will you show off on your gorgeous bracelet? It will be created just for you...



How to Enter: Every comment must contain your e-mail address if it's not on your profile!

• Follow this blog publicly - mandatory! Visit Barkingmaddison on Etsy and browse through her amazing creations. Then, leave me a comment letting me know what words you'd choose and which color you will choose if you win! (Initial Entry)
  

Extra Entries:

• Make a purchase from Barkingmaddison and come back here and let me know. (10 Extra Entries)

• Heart the Barkingmaddison shop. (1 Extra Entry)

• Follow me on twitter. (1 Extra Entry)

• Tweet about this giveaway. Example "Win a customized leather cuff bracelet from Barkingmaddison and @2LilMuffins - http://tinyurl.com/y9voa8m" (1 Extra Entry and you can do this daily.)

• Enter any of the giveaways over at Champagne Wisdom and let me know which one. (2 Extra Entries)

• Subscribe to this blog via email. (1 Extra Entry)

• Visit my partner Yona Williams' brand new blog and subscribe via RSS! (left side of page, scroll down) Come back here and let me know. (3 Extra Entries)

• Refer a friend! Have them tell me in their comment who referred them and the email address. Then, you leave a comment letting me know you referred someone. They must follow this blog publicly. (2 Extra Entries)

SHEW. That's a ton of extra entries, so you get a ton of chances to win. Keep this beautiful bracelet for yourself or give it to someone as a great customized gift. It's absolutely gorgeous and mine has found a comfortable place on my wrist. This giveaway will end Friday, February 12, 2010 at 8pm EST and the winner will be chosen by Random.org. Good luck!

I was sent an item to review for free by the sponsor of this giveaway. I was not compensated monetarily in any way for my opinions, and they are 100% honest and mine.

10 Handmade Valentine's Day Gifts Under $30

There is still time to order the perfect Valentine's Day gift for the one you love. Valentine's Day is all about that special person in your life - the one that still gives you butterflies and melts your heart - and it's up to you to let them know how special they are! Here are 10 great handmade Valentine's Day gifts for under $30!

For the Lady You'll Never Let Go Of:

Listen up, gents...these are the things she really wants, and a gift from this list won't empty your wallet, either!

1. Vintage Style Brass Heart Locket from Pinking Edge Designs on Etsy:

$23

2. Valentine Heart Ruby Red Swarovski Crystal Bangle Bracelet by Beaded Jewelry For You on Etsy:

$24.99

3. Relaxing, Rejuvenating Spa Extravaganza Basket by CRSisters on Etsy:

This gorgeous basket features handmade soaps, bath salts, bath oil beads, a candle and more!
$15

4. Enchanted Long Swarovski Crystal Earrings by Luxedeluxe on Etsy

$29

5. Leather Flowers Wallet by Vintage Pass on Etsy

$20

For the Man You'll Always Stand Beside:

Ok ladies...you don't want to get another electronic gadget for him this year. So what do you get your man on a day that's monopolized by flowers and candy? Here you are...

6. Craved Unisex Necklace by On The Bead on Etsy:

$13

7. Wooden Vintage Pinup Girl Cufflinks by Nostalgiclink on Etsy

$18.99

8. Leather iPod/iPhone Case by inblue on Etsy:

$14

9. Rising Sun Bi-Fold Wallet by QuietDoing on Etsy:

$28

10. Shotgun Barrel Belt Buckle by City Cowboy on Etsy:

$28

What an amazing selection, right? Remember to buy handmade this Valentine's Day! The sellers above have a ton of other great items worth looking at, as do all the talented sellers on Etsy. If you make a purchase, tell them 2 Lil Muffins sent you. Happy Valentine's Day, all!

Etsy Spotlights

Etsy sellers are so willing to do giveaways and give discounts for blog readers - they've been absolutely wonderful to me! The best way I can think of to thank them is to get their shop information out there - and of course, buy handmade. That's why I'm thinking of starting the 'Etsy Spotlight' here on 2 Lil Muffins. This is where I'll choose a different shop each week and tell you guys about the products, the artists, etc.

I'd like to know if this is something you guys would appreciate and enjoy - because after all, if no one's going to read it, it will be useless, right? So, let me know what you think! If you guys like the idea, I'll start this week! Leave me a comment and give me your thoughts...

Win a Crocheted Goodie - Your Choice! (CLOSED)

Anything crocheted or knitted is really popular right now, whether it's a cute scarf, a hat, or even a bath poof! That's why I was so excited when Amy from Amlowi on Etsy generously agreed to sponsor a giveaway. Amy is a crochet genius and her diverse shop features hats, scarves, drink cozies, and even arm warmers.


I looked through her items to try and find my favorite...and had a hard time choosing! All of her things look so cozy and warm - and I'm dying to try one of her super-cute hats with ear warmers.


Twilight fans will love the 'I heart Edward Cullen' scarf, which gives them the chance to show everyone just what 'team' they represent. Don't worry if you love the wolf pack better - she has a Jacob Black scarf too!


So - here comes the great part! One lucky reader is going to win an item from the Amlowi shop - your choice.

• How to Enter: Visit Amlowi on Etsy and then come back here and let me know what you'd choose if you win the giveaway. (1 entry)

Extra Entries

• Purchase any item from Amlowi's shop. Let her know during the purchase that I sent you - then come back here and comment that you've purchased something. (5 entries)
• Follow my blog publicly. (1 entry)
• Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Example: "Win a crocheted goodie of your choice! - http://tinyurl.com/y86dvbw" (2 entries)
• Subscribe to this blog via email and confirm. (1 entry)
• Put my button on your blog and then leave a comment with a link. (3 entries)
• Enter any of Jamie's giveaways over at Champagne Wisdom. (2 entries)

That's 15 chances to win! The winner will be chosen by Random.org and the contest ends January 22, 2009 at 8PM EST. Please tell your friends and family about this giveaway blog - thanks!