Tuesday, September 7, 2010

African Soap Sample Set Giveaway

AND THE WINNER IS:
#457
ANGIE!
CONGRATULATIONS!!

Everyone knows I love B&B products. But doesn't everyone else too? Of course you do! Madame Koiteh has soap, hair care products, spiritual supplies, perfume and more! Be sure to look through her shop and enter the wonderful give away below!

How did you decide on your shop name?
I have two shops on Etsy one is called MadameKoiteh, the other is Scarfandskirt. The name of the second shop was easy, because those are my two favorite items to sew and design. There is something so feminine and beautiful about a nice skirt or scarf, I love them! And my other shop is named after me.

How did you get started on Etsy?
I found Etsy when I was shopping around for hand-painted yarn. Some of the most gorgeous fibers are here on Etsy. I used to admire the yarn so much, but I didn't understand what Etsy was or how to buy anything. Once I started poking around the site, I fell in love with it and decided to open my own shop here last summer.

How do you describe your style or point of view?

My style is called Urban Village. Everything I do, whether creating bath and body, haircare, or fashion items, is a representation of my double life as a modern Western woman and an African. The Urban Village style is my way of making something beautiful out of the sharp contrasts in my life-- the old and the new, the traditional and the progressive, the spiritual and the mundane. I use many natural African ingredients in my products,
but I try to find new ways to use and apply them. The same is true for my fashions. I like to mix traditional African fabrics with modern shapes, and style our cultural jewelry in new, cutting edge ways. I think I'm influenced by everyone, really. I admire so many other artisans and designers, some are famous and some relatively unknown. I just like to admire people's creativity, sometimes I find myself re-interpreting some beautiful thing I've seen.

What or who inspires you?
My main source of inspiration is definitely nature. By nature I mean all the things that have been created by God. The rock, the tree, the river, the flower, they are all infinitely fascinating to me. To think that some benevolent creator thought so much of a tiny blossom to embellish it with elaborate colors, fragrance, precise folding petals, fuzzy leaves, and all is just amazing to me. It makes me put as much attention as possible into my own work. To reflect on how perfect all of creation is makes me want to do my best to make excellent things, to find satisfaction in the act of creating something that will increase the beauty in this world.

How did you learn your craft?
I've had lots of mentors, and not just in my creative fields. Most of my mentors have been spiritual, but I learned sewing and crochet from my mom, and herbalism from my extended family. I also learned a lot about crafting from books.

In one way or another, I've been creating all my life. My family has a long tradition of spiritual healers and herbalists, so I've been playing around with flowers, herbs, oils, and clays since as long as I can remember. When I was five years old, I made my first little perfume. It was some liquid that I don't remember, mixed with my mom's bottle of Opium Perfume, and a broken peach seed... You can probably imagine what it ended up smelling like. By the time I was nine I had moved on to sewing, crochet, drawing, beading, and potpourri. My first potpourri was pretty nice; it smelled good and I only lost the jar last year :)

What's your supply addiction?
That's a serious question for me, because I have a major supply addiction for all my crafts. There are closets full of yarn, fabric, herbs, and oils all throughout my house! And don't forget copper and brass jewelry supplies, gemstone beads, African trade beads, soaping supplies... My addictions take up a lot of space!


What do you want people to know about your craft that they might not already know?
The one thing that I think many people don't know about my craft is how deeply passionate I feel about what I make. I guess you could say that I am a "temperamental artist", but I am really serious about my work. There are many nights that I don't sleep because I am creating, documenting, organizing, or involved in some other aspect of the work. Being an artisan has changed my life in so many ways, because it is unlike having a job in the traditional sense. Every finished product is not just the work of my hands, but the work of my heart too. It has helped me to share my ideas and interests with the world.

The one thing that I would like to tell everyone is to take the time to develop your skills in whatever field interests you. You don't have to make a business or even a full-fledged hobby out of it, but if you spend some time exploring what really matters to you, you will learn a lot about yourself. After all, any craft or discipline is just another way for us to contribute to the beauty of this world--the great thing is that we all have a unique way of doing it.


NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
Win 4 - 1 oz samples of genuine African Black Soap, Organic Yellow Shea Butter, Organic White Shea Butter, and Organic Cocoa Butter. Experience the exotic beauty of Africa with this fabulous 4 piece sample set!


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THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!

The draw will take place on: September 24 @ 10PM Central
This is open to US & Canada Only!
Good Luck Everyone!!



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Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!


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Sunday, September 5, 2010

Parazul Scarf Bag - $340

AND THE WINNER IS:
#911
TANYA!
CONGRATULATIONS!!

What kind of purse/handbag do you have? Is it large, small or medium size? I don't like big bags. After carrying a diaper bag for a number of years - I like small to medium size purses.

I was given the chance to do a review/give away for this amazing company. If you love purses Parazul is the place for you. They have really amazing bags in a variety of colors to choose from. I was sent the Classic Bag in beige. It came with a wonderful Scarf and also a logo charm.

I'm very impressed with the quality of this bag. It's well made and easy to clean. The size is perfect, I can fit everything into it I need. LOVE the pockets inside - a purse can never have to many pockets :) The scarf is a really nice touch, dresses up the purse if you are going out someplace in the evening. But the purse is still great for everyday use.


Parazul has four styles of bags to choose from with a variety of colors, and many accessories (scarves, charms etc.) to dress up your bag. Take a look - you will find something you love :)

NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
The winner will receive a beautiful Parazul Scarf Bag designed for big style and maximum versatility. The White Scarf Bag comes with the 100% silk Beige logo large scarf as well as the Parazul logo charm. $340.00


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THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!

The draw will take place on: September 24 @ 10PM Central
This is open to US & Canada Only!
Good Luck Everyone!!



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Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary of this product by Parazul, for review and giveaway purposes. No monetary compensation was provided and opinions of the product are solely my own.



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Saturday, September 4, 2010

Sakura Necklace Giveaway

 AND THE WINNER IS:
#592
STEPH!
CONGRATULATIONS!!

I'm beginning to develop a fondness for beautiful jewelry. Bead Pod on Etsy has some really beautiful necklaces featuring flowers. Really like flowers :) Wait until you see the prize!

*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am from Singapore and creating jewelry has always been something I loved to do since I was a child. I have been encouraged by my family and friends to sell my jewelry so i signed up for Etsy.

*What or who inspires you?
My family, especially my children are a constant source of inspiration. Apart from them, I am inspired by everything around me. Nature, colours, prints, even scents.

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
Aside from the love and passion I give in creating each piece of jewelry, each piece is created with careful thought to do the design and attention to detail. So I would like people to think that they are buying not just a piece of jewelry but also a piece of art.

*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
When I am not being an artist, I am a mom to five wonderful children. I enjoy cooking for dinner and spending time with them. We watch movies and go on vacations together.

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
I enjoy making all the jewelries in my shop, it just depends on what mood I am in or the inspiration I get on that particular day.


NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
Win this beautiful Vintage Style Sakura Necklace.
Framed sakura flower necklace. A statement piece you can wear everyday. Antique finish gives the vintage touch. Necklace is 18 inches long with 2 inch extension.



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THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!

The draw will take place on:
September 24 @ 10PM Central
This is open to
Worldwide!
Good Luck Everyone!!



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Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!



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Friday, September 3, 2010

Snorg Tees Giveaway

AND THE WINNER IS:
#416
JANE!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!

My boys are finally starting to wear t-shirts with sayings on them. For the past 8 years they have only wanted plain colored t-shirts, but since so many people are wearing "fun" t-shirts now, maybe they finally thought it was "cool"! Who knows :)

Snorg Tees has a huge selection of funny shirts at very affordable prizes. I was given the opportunity to review a t-shirt and host a give away, but let me tell you - it wasn't easy picking one. Luckily Luke was home one weekend - so I had him pick one that he would like to wear. This is Luke modeling the t-shirt:

Isn't he cute? Ok - it's a mother opinion, but the t-shirt is great! The material is really soft, Luke loves the way it fits. He's very picky about his clothing but he's totally happy with this shirt.


Here are some of my favorites from Snorg Tees:

Be sure to check out the Sale Section. They also carry Hoodies and have a Kids section too.

NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
The winner get their choice of T-shirt from Snorg Tees. Many different sayings and colors to choose from.




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THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!



The draw will take place on: October 22 @ 8PM Central
This is open to US & Canada Only!
Good Luck Everyone!!




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Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary of this product by Snorg Tees, for review and giveaway purposes. No monetary compensation was provided and opinions of the product are solely my own.





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Silk Charm Necklace/Bracelet Wrap Giveaway

AND THE WINNER IS:
#78
HOMEMADEBABY!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!

Charms are a wonderful way to personalize a bracelet or necklace. Stella & Dot by Amy - Independent Stylist is a site with really beautiful jewelry.

If you are looking for a necklace, bracelet, charms, earrings etc. - they have a really wonderful selection. I was so happy to see gold jewelry! It's amazing how much silver there is out there, but I don't wear silver. Though sometime silver and gold together is really stunning! This necklace is a New Arrival is is definitely one of my favorites.

If you already have a chain, a are just looking for Charms, they have a wonderful variety - inspirational, whimsical, initials and more to choose from.

These are my favorite from the earring section. LOVE the pearl and the circles.


Stella & Dot also carry rings and jewelry totes. If you want the option of your purchase being a necklace or a bracelet - you might want to check out the Silk Charm Necklace & Bracelet Wraps. They come in two beautiful colors and you can choose any charm or charms that you would like to show off. It includes their signature heart charm and can be purchased for $12 US plus Shipping. Or you could win one here :)

NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
One winner will receive a Silk Necklace/Bracelet wrap in their choice of color, and also a Symbol Charm of their choice from Stella & Dot.




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THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!



The draw will take place on: October 22 @ 8PM Central
This is open to US Only!
Good Luck Everyone!!




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Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!




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Give Away Entries Rant

First - a really big Thank-You to everyone for entering all my give aways and making my blog such a success. The more successful my blog - the bigger/better give aways I can bring you :)

However over the last month, it's been quite a chore picking winner's for the give aways I'm hosting. With quite a few give aways I've had to pick a winner 3-4 times because people are not leaving me a way to contact them.

If you don't leave your email in the comments, or don't have it linked in your profile where I can find it - you can not win a give away!

So PLEASE leave me a way to contact you with each comment you make, or have your email linked in your blogger profile. It will make picking a winner so much easier for me - and you can be contacted if you win.
Thank-you.

Zak Mellow 8pc Mixing Bowl Set w/Lids Giveaway

AND THE WINNER IS:
#1067
BRIAN!!
CONGRATULATIONS!

My kitchen cupboards are full of plastic bowls, containers, cups etc. When Brad & I were engaged, the family had a tupperware shower for us so I have quite a bit of tupperware in my cupboards too. But I can never seem to find the right lid! Why is that? It would be so much better if I could store the bowl sets with the lids on - but that would just take up WAY to much room!

ZAK Designs has the solution. They sent me this wonderful bowl set w/lids to review and to give away as a prize! There are two color choices, and I picked the blue and white set since I knew that as soon as Luke saw them he would want them :)


LOVE these bowls! They have a no-skid ring on the bottom, so when I'm mixing the bowl isn't sliding all over the place. I really love the fact that I can store them together, each with it's own lid on! They fit together so nicely so they don't take up as much room and I don't have to search for the lid in my drawer of other lids.

Haven't tried tipping one of these in the fridge to see if it seals well, since it would be pretty impossible. They have a really nice flat bottom, one of the best features of these bowls. I really don't like it when I shove something into the fridge only to find out later that a bowl of liquid tipped and now I have to clean the fridge. That won't happen with these bowls.

ZAK Designs carries a wide range of products For the Home. Everything from mixing bowls, tableware, storage containers and much much more! Unfortunately you can't purchase from their site, however they do have links on Where to Buy. I looked through all the links and the best places to see all their products is LaPrima Kitchen. They have a huge variety of ZAK products. I am so impressed with these bowls, I won't buy tupperware again. These are stronger, easier to store, and don't tip in my fridge! All pluses for me. They are brand new and will be available at LaPrima Shops soon. The SRP for the bowls is $32.99.

NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
The winner will receive a Mellow 8pc Mixing Bowl Set w/Lids, in their choice of Color Combination. Choose between Blue & White, or Orchid & Lime.
Preparing Your Favorite Recipes Will be a Snap with This Set of Mixing Bowls

  • Non-skid bottom
  • Each bowl has a snap-on lid for convenient storage or transport
  • Bowls are microwavable
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THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!

The draw will take place on: October 15 @ 10PM Central
This is open to US & Canada Only!
Good Luck Everyone!!





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Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary of this product by ZAK Designs, for review and giveaway purposes. No monetary compensation was provided and opinions of the product are solely my own.






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Pink Kristi Earrings Giveaway

AND THE WINNER IS:
#16
SHENNY!
CONGRATULATIONS!!


If my quest to find wonderful shops to host give aways, sometimes you find an extraordinary shop. One with beautiful items, but also one that gives back for a wonderful cause. Julie Ellyn Designs has a wonderful cause that she is raising money for. Please read all about it before entering the give away.

Support Breast Cancer Awareness.

Kristi Lowery Lim lost her battle with breast cancer last summer mere months after being diagnosed. Kristi was a dear college friend of my husband and a fellow physical therapist. To honor Kristi, and support her family, my husband and I have set up college saving funds for her three young daughters. Nothing will replace the loss of their mother, but we hope to help them carry on with positive memories and a successful future.

ALL proceeds for earring sales go to college funds for Kristi's three young daughters.

This is our second year honoring Kristi. Last year we blew our $300 goal out of the water by raising $1,400 for Kristi’s daughters. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful support and love!

The Kristi Earring is just under 3/4" long, from the top of the sterling silver earwires, made with bezel set PINK Swarovski Crystals.

A matching necklace is available, please convo me if you are interested (or would like a large order).

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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Also check out our new dedicated fundraising store Courage for Kristi full of wonderful donated handcrafted items from other Etsy artisans.

NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
The winner will receive a pair of Kristi Earrings from Julie Ellyn Designs. The Kristi Earring is just under 3/4" long, from the top of the sterling silver earwires, made with bezel set PINK Swarovski Crystals.




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THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!

The draw will take place on: October 22 @ 8pm Central
This is open to Worldwide!
Good Luck Everyone!!





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Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!





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Dinner's Ready Cookbook and CD Giveaway

AND THE WINNER IS:
#167
CATHY!
CONGRATULATIONS!!

How do you feel about cooking? Do you love it? Hate it? Or maybe you are like me and really enjoy cooking, but just can't figure out what to make some days. It's so frustrating! I've tried everything from winging it to planning a whole weeks worth of meals, but just can't seem to stick to my list.I do believe I have found the solution to my problem. 30 Meals in One Day has 3 amazing cookbooks that are going to help us with our cooking dilemmas. They sent me their cookbooks, a CD with all the recipes on it, and a package of labels to stick to all the containers of food that I make.

In the beginning of each cookbook it explains how to make 30 meals in one day. I guess it would be possible, but maybe a bit much for me to tackle on the first try :) They do strongly suggest that for a first timer to try a smaller amount of meals so you don't get overwhelmed. This is re
ally a terrific concept for those who work full time and just don't have the time/energy to cook every evening when they get home from work. With this concept, you can cook a whole weeks worth of Dinners/lunches in one day!

So one one Saturday I decided to make Basic Meatballs (oven),
Spaghetti Sauce (stove top), and Pork Ribs (crockpot), with Oriental Rice Pilaf (Sides). The cookbooks are divided into 3 sections, plus "Assembly". This makes picking the recipes you want to do so easy! It's not that much work putting everything into the crockpot, then making the meatballs and placing them in the oven to bake, and starting the spaghetti sauce in a pot on the stove. I was quite impressed with myself :) Once everything was done, I put them in smaller containers and froze them. Luke was very happy when he came home on the weekend - I had lots of food to send back with him on Sunday!



I've also made some Sweet and Sour Chicken and Beef Fajitas then froze the left overs in a ziplock bag for Luke. You can print really great labels to place on your containers, with the name of the recipe and what to do with it. You can find the Chicken recipe on their Sample Recipe page along with many others.

There are many things I love about the CD. You can plan your whole week by saving the recipes you would like to make, then print a grocery list that is divided into the sections of a grocery store. Way less confusing than my usual list that makes no sense at all and has me running all over the store 2-3 times. You can delete items from the grocery list that you already have. If you want to adjust the recipe, you can do that too!

The recipes are amazing! We've tried at least 12 others so far and have loved them all. They use mostly ingredients I have on hand, they are simple to make, and taste delicious. After reading the beginning of the book and realizing how it works - I'm sold! It's a wonderful concept, that even a stay-at-home mom could use. You don't have to make 15 or 30 meals in one day, you can do as many or as few as you like. You can buy the whole set of 3 cookbooks & CD on sale now for $75 + shipping, or the 3-in-One CD for $45 + shipping. Each book and CD can be bought as a set or separate.

If you happen to live in the US - you can get FREE shipping on your order by entering the promo code CAROUSEL at checkout. That's an amazing deal! If you want to make a purchase now and happen to win this give away - 30 Meals in One day will refund your purchase! If you purchase all 3 books and the CD - you would be refunded $60 if you win the give away. But since there is only one winner - I would suggest making a purchase, you won't be sorry.


NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
Win a Dinner is Ready Cookbook and companion CD from 30 Meals in One Day!
Beautiful 240 page 6" x 9" softcover cookbook contains clear instructions plus more than 150 freezer-worthy recipes. No strange recipes. No strange ingredients. All simple, freezable and delicious. Easy to read, large print format. One recipe to a page.

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THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!

The draw will take place on:
October 1 @ 10PM Central
This is open to
US & Canada Only!
Good Luck Everyone!!




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Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary of this product by 30 Meals in One Day, for review and giveaway purposes. No monetary compensation was provided and opinions of the product are solely my own.





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