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It’s here! For weeks now I’ve been teasing on my facebook about a big giveaway. Finally I’m ready to share the full prize package with you and show off some of my newest favorite handmade brands.
Spring is here and now that many of us can open the windows and let in some fresh air, it’s a great time to get your home spring-ready. You might already have some store-bought brands you love, but I wanted to share some handmade essentials and extras to add to your arsenal this year.
The natural place to get cleaning is in the kitchen. Let’s start with the basics. I’ve tried a lot of sponges and scrubbers and I’m blown away with these handmade scrubbers from Kari Creates. They are durable, large and they get the job done. And the neon red is right on trend for spring and summer.
I have a weak spot for tea towels. I have tons. When selecting prizes for this giveaway I knew we had to have this tea towel from 618 Love. I love the cheeky quote (“Experiment In Progress: Please Do Not Disturb The Dust”). Perfect for drying dishes and cute enough to hang on your stove. What’s not to love?
Lets move to sink essentials. Every kitchen sink needs a great hand soap. Sure you can just use your dish soap, but why not pamper your hands after scrubbing the stove top or planting spring sprouts. Lemon is one of the freshest smells in the world to me and this Meyer Lemon hand soap from Eucyalpto Organics is so clean and bright. And it makes my hands feel clean and healthy.
Another bonus for your kitchen sink comes from Zinnia Designs. Growing up, I remember my grandma always taking off her rings before working in the kitchen and putting them in a cute china dish by her sink. This chickadee ring bowl is just the right size to keep on a shelf or windowsill to keep your rings safe while you prep food for the grill this summer or wash fresh veggies from the garden.
And now for some fun extras to get you in the cleaning and organizing mood.
To get myself in the cleaning mood on my days off, I like to open the windows, turn on some music and put on my trusty apron. This striped apron from Meyer Textile Company is so gorgeous in person. It’s perfect for women and men. You could use it while harvesting in the garden or dusting the bookshelves.
Spring is the perfect time to get organized too. Why not dress up your canisters and jars with these cute chalkboard labels from Image Fountain Designs. They come ready to stick to any surface and are great for kitchens, playrooms and even closets. The possibilities are endless.
Spicy candles are so warm in winter and fall, but when warmer weather rolls around, I like something that smells clean. This Clean Cotton candle from Recyclights smells like clean laundry with hints of floral and citrus notes. I’ve been using it in our living room where the dogs like to hang out and watch walkers.
And don’t forget to get yourself cleaned up for summer! Lady Gatsby has offered a pair of products from her shop to help get you ready. The Cranberry body scrub is perfect to exfoliate your winter skin and get it glowing before it’s sundress weather. And the Tigerlilly Soap is so feminine and floral.
Prize pack includes:
- Rustic Striped Apron from Meyer Textile Co.
- A set of Chalkboard Labels from Image Fountain Designs
- Tigerlilly Bar Soap and Cranberry Body Scrub from Lady Gatsby
- Three Handmade Red Pot Scrubbers from Kari Creates
- A Chickadee Ring Dish from Zinnia Designs
- A Printed Tea Towel from 618 Love
- A Bottle of Meyer Lemon Hand Soap from Eucyalpto Organics
- A Clean Cotton Candle from Recyclights Candle Co.
That’s a prize pack valued over $100! The whole prize will be shipped to the winner in one big package.
Use the widget below (WIDGET NOT VISIBLE ON RSS FEED, CLICK HERE TO VIEW), to enter to win this amazing prize pack! There are tons of ways to enter. Lots of great blogs, facebook pages and twitter accounts to follow. A few of the craftsmen have also asked you to lend a hand with some marketing questions.
This giveaway will end on Saturday, May 4th at 12:00am. That gives you two weeks to enter! Thanks so much to all the vendors participating and all the entrants! Good luck!
Note: I was given some samples of some products as compensation and in order to provide accurate descriptions and photos. However all opinions expressed are my own and I do stand behind each and every one of these craftsmen.
In case you missed it, over the course of the next month or so I’m on a mission to trade, alter and thrift my way to a fresh summer wardrobe. I’ve already started, but I wanted to put my goal in writing. So here is what I’m aiming to add to my closet:
- 4-5 Tops
- 2 Pairs of Shoes (1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of flats)
- 1 Cardigan
- 2 Skirts
- 1-2 Casual Dresses
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- 3-4 Accessories
There are a couple of bonus items that would be challenging and not totally necessary, but if I have money leftover or get really lucky with a good deal I’d like to add something from this list:
- 1 Handbag
- 1 Bathing Suit
- 1 Formal Dress
- 1 Risky/Impractical Item
Shoes are probably going to suck up a chunk of my budget out of pocket budget since I would prefer new to used when it comes to shoes. Jeans are also going to be a challenge. I’d like a nicer pair of jeans, but ordering them online is a risk. I’ve never ordered a pair that fit right when they arrived.
As far as my bonus items go, I don’t think we’re going anywhere that would require a bathing suit but I haven’t purchased one since the beginning of college. And I finally had to throw that one out because it was so old the elastic got stiff and crumbled. We also don’t have any weddings to attend this summer, but I can never say no to a cute formal dress. What I mean by a risky/impractical item is something out of my comfort zone or a really specific show-item. Something that I can’t wear every week, but something that really makes an impact when I do wear it.
I spent yesterday on a thrifting date and I’m actually feeling pretty confident I can do this. I was a little nervous at first, but with the progress I’ve already made this week, I’m pretty excited about sharing the end result in a few weeks.
Your mission should you choose to accept it… blah blah blah. Neverrmind.
Let me start over… I’ve set a goal this spring. We have been trying to cut back to save up for some bigger projects. At the same time, I have been dealing with a quarter life wardrobe identity crisis. I really want a new summer wardrobe to give me some confidence, but I really don’t want to spend a lot. So here is the game plan…
- Deadline: June
- Budget: $100
- Rules: Trade, thrift, alter, resell, negotiate, barter, etc.
- Goal: Enough new pieces to mix and match outfits for one week
To clarify the budget, I only want to spend $100 out of pocket. I can supplement that budget if I sell some of my outgrown clothes. I’ll get into how I’m doing that as I go along. I’ve already started and I can’t wait to share a new tool with you.
I can’t wait to show you what I have already purchased and how this all turns out. I’m already on my way and feeling really confident I can do it (or come pretty close). Let the countdown to summer begin!
How is your week going?
I know it’s only Tuesday, but I know I’m kind of feeling like I could use a belly rub. Not a literal belly rub, but a metaphorical, happy thoughts “belly rub”. So how about we share some happy thoughts. What video, story, quote, photo, good deed, etc. made you smile recently? Lets share. I imagine those kinds of things feel like what a belly rub feels like to a pup.
Photo from my Instagram. Follow me @lostandfawned.
I would love for statement rings to become the new statement necklace. Two of my sponsors this month are masters of the statement ring, so I figured this would be a great time to feature a pair of my favorites. Big, bold rings are great for both day and night. I created 2 looks, a market day look and a date night look inspired by rings from Hedgerow Rose and Andrea Bonelli Jewelry.
First up, is a look I would love to wear to the first market of the season.
Inspiration Piece // Songbird Ring by Hedgerow Rose Jewelry
- Bistro with the Flow Dress from Modcloth – $59.99
- Chloe Stud Earrings from Piperlime – $35
- Two Tone Canvas Tote from Gap – $49.95
- Emily Gladiator Flats from Target – $15
- Bluesteel Sunglasses in Chestnut from Bonlook – $99
And the second look is perfect for an early summer date night to dinner and ice cream or maybe a wedding.
Inspiration Pieces // Rutilated Quartz Ring by Andrea Bonelli Jewelry
- Black Silk Dress from H&M – $69.95
- Linen Skimmers from UO – $24
- Companion Crossbody Pouch from UO – $24
- Beaded Headwrap from Forever 21 – $3.80
This post is part of the Lost & Fawned sponsorship program. Both artisans were featured as part of their medium ad package. To be featured in a future sponsor feature, visit my advertising page.
This post is a little different than my usual blogging, but I know many of my readers are animal lovers so I wanted to reach out.
You might know that recently we brought a new dog into our home. He was a homeless dog that was lucky enough to get picked up by Pawsibilities or Humane Society of Greater Akron. They took great care of him, helped him put on some weight, gave him lots of love and rehabilitation and then helped match him up with us. It was the most wonderful experience and we are so thankful to have Finn in our family.
This May, we’ll be joining Pawsibilities for their annual Bark in the Park walk. As a nonprofit, they rely on events like this to keep going. We’ll be walking with Finn and are aiming to raise $200. If you would like to contribute, you can visit our team page on First Giving and make a donation. Even $5 can go a long way to help feed and care for a furry friend in need. It’s quick and secure.
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To find out more about Pawsibilities, visit their webpage or check out their Facebook page to see the newest lucky animals to find themselves at Pawsibilities and watch their journey to finding a forever home. Or visit Bark at the Park if you are in Northeast Ohio and want to join us in May.
And now back to your regularly scheduled blogging. Thanks for your support!
Metallic may be by favorite “color”. And the best place to find metallic paper goods and pretty things is Inkkit. Confetti, washi tape, envelopes, twig pencils, glitter stickers and so much more. What I wouldn’t give to spend an hour wrapping pretty packages in their studio.
Visit Inkkit on etsy or their blog for more.
All images property and courtesy of Inkkit. Feel free to pin or share, but please always link and credit lovingly.
I love working with Nicole at Sent Well. She always has something new up her sleeve. This month when I sent he a “What’s new?” email, she responded by sending me some photos of her newest line of cards. These cards are perfect for brightening someone’s day or just catching up. And they come with a bonus! The top part is perforated and the inside has a keepsake recipe card.
Since we both have a sweet tooth and soft spot for lemon desserts, I used the recipe card to send my grandma a copy of this Easy Lemon Cookie recipe. She loves getting old fashioned mail, and this one will come with a little surprise. She’s going to love that she can tear out the card and add it to her recipe file.
The other 2 cards in this line include a crafty DIY directions card and a cocktail card that includes 2 cocktail recipes. All 3 cards are currently available on Sent Well. Sent Well ships super fast and has a unique collection of independently designed cards and gifts.
Visit Sent Well today and treat someone you love to some good old fashioned mail or stock up on cards for this summer’s showers, weddings and special occasions. Make sure to throw in a couple of these perforated cards just in case.
Affordable handmade is one of the best kinds of handmade, and Oh, Little Rabbit has the best of affordable and handmade quality. Their shop ranges from reusuable lunch bags to onesies, all hand printed with original illustrations. For more of Jason and Cara’s work visit Oh, Little Rabbit on Etsy or visit their Facebook Page.
All images property of Oh, Little Rabbit. Feel free to pin or share, but please link lovingly.
If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen that recently CafePress helped me put together a little merchandise shop featuring ‘Deer’ Prudence, my little mascot. CafePress is great. There are a ton of pre-designed items for sale from designers all over the world, AND you can slap your own logo or design on hundreds of items. It’s easy to design your own t shirt or put your logo on a coffee mug or pajamas! And the great part is, you can order 100 pieces or just 1! I’m really in love with this stacking mug set and this canvas lunch tote.
Stick around for a CafePress Giveaway coming soon to Lost & Fawned. Until then, head over to CafePress and give it a try! The branding possibilities are practically infinite!