Artisans (giveaway!)

The holidays are fast approaching. Stores are squeezing the witches, ghosts, and pumpkins on their shelves to make room for the accumulation of holiday lights, cards, and ornaments. But as I look at the store shelves, I have such a “ho hum” feeling.

It’s all the same. The same old holiday stuff.

I learned recently about a fabulous online shopping site called Novica. In association with National Geographic, Novica’s mission is to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity.

Want to know what this means for you?

It means you can find unique, quality, handcrafted ornaments and home décor for the holiday season. And unique, thoughtful gifts! Novica offers handmade jewelry, gorgeous handbags, home décor, and more. Even corporate gifts for those hard-to-shop-for business people.

About a month ago, I won a Novica giveaway from a fellow blogger. I was so pleased with the experience and the items, I am excited to spread the word. And happy that the good folks at Novica were willing to let me do so.

The first item to arrive at my doorstep? The adorable and fuzzy alpaca wool finger puppets, crafted by Virginia Apaza Ticona from the Andes.




They came packaged in a charming bundle with complimentary gift wrap.



Amelia loves her new animal puppets! Considering she puts socks on her hands on a regular basis, I knew these would be well loved right away.

  

I had a difficult time deciding what to select for myself. The jewelry is really lovely. The handbags are colorful and fun. But in the spirit of the upcoming holidays (and a desire to fight the same-old, mass-produced blahs), I selected these precious celadon horse ornaments from craftswoman Duangkamol Srisukri from Thailand. Seeing them online, they made me smile right away.



I chose the museum gift box as well. I knew it would give me an extra grin when I opened my package.

  

How pretty is this? I’m definitely keeping this box.

The horses even came with a story:




Unlike the stores, I have restraint when it comes to pulling out the holiday décor. So I don’t have my sweet little horses hanging on a tree yet. For now, they get to enjoy the view from our family room mantle.

I look forward to these horses being part of our Christmas tree decorating festivities for years to come. Hopefully Amelia will have them on her tree one day. If I agree to let her grow up, that is.

To experience the beauty and craftsmanship of handmade products from around the world, visit Novica.com.

Want to shop Novica.com for FREE?
Enter for your chance to win a $35 gift code to use on the site.
(But I warn you… you will have a really hard time deciding what to buy!)

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This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered!

Congratulations to our friend @JunkFoodKids!


Winner was chosen with Random.org from my spreadsheet of entries. GFC follower entries = x3.
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NOVICA provided a gift code for my purchased items. All opinions about the experience and products are entirely mine.

Friends 2 Follow Friday

TGIF!

Thank goodness the weekend is almost here. And thank goodness for another Friends 2 Follow Friday!



If you don't yet know Jamee from A New Kind of Normal, you're missing out! She is an amazing person, fighting many battles while holding strong to her faith and relationships.




Blog name? A New Kind of Normal

When was your blog born - and why? My blog was born in July 2007 as an outlet during our struggle to get pregnant. So it began as an infertility blog but grew into a chronic illness and faith blog. Along the way adoption and parenthood have been added in as well!

Twitter/Facebook?  Both!

Find Jamee on TWITTER
Find Jamee on FACEBOOK.

The writer behind the words - list 5 adjectives that describe you.
Nerdy, Compassionate, Discerning, Persevering, Musical

What surprised you most about parenthood? How you to could love someone so deeply in such a short amount of time! The moment Abby was placed into my arms

Open Waters

We were on a boat. A sailboat, if I recall correctly. Amelia, a little round toddler bundle in her orange life jacket, was squealing with glee as we crested wave after wave. I could see the breeze come to life as it rippled through her shiny hair. I saw myself in the reflection of my husband's sunglasses when he looked over to grin at me. I almost expected child-like squeals from him as well.

We were laughing and smiling. Basking in the warm glow of the summer sunshine. Feeling our faces moisten with sea spray. Scanning the waters for sea life.

I have no idea where we were.

Or how we got there.

Because then I woke up. Slightly confused, I looked around the darkness of the bedroom. My heart sank... because I realized it was all a dream.

But even a dream can make you happy. I can't hold back a smile even now. Maybe I had a glimpse of the future. Maybe we'll go boating - in a few years once Amelia's had some swimming lessons.

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru  (Cinderella)

(This post was inspired, once again, by MamaKat's Writer's Workshop! I chose this prompt from this week's selections: "...and then I realized it was all a dream")

Wordless Wednesday

Daredevil!