NOVICA: A small piece of National Geographic in your hands

I have a new obsession and its called NOVICA - in association with National Geographic and to put it simply, it is like putting a small piece of National Geographic in your hands.  Their philosophy is to create a bridge between us and the many artisans from around the globe.  NOVICA wants us know who we're buying from, feel attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.

I didn't quite get the experience until I started window shopping on the site.  Each piece has detailed information - size, weight, material and my favorite --- a picture of the artisan, a small bio and story behind the piece.  It took me a week to finally decide on the pieces I wanted.  After all there are over 30,000 handcrafted works of art.  While I was narrowing down my choices I curated a collection of my favorites.  You can curate your own collection board and enter to win a trip to Machu Picchu!    

I am a huge fan of little details and the FREE gift wrapping on my Valentine's Day gift to Chris (and one I chose for both of us) was exquisite.  The pieces were securely wrapped with bubble wrap and cardboard.  I was beyond impressed.  Even more impressive?  They each came with a postcard!

I can't say enough about NOVICA, all around impeccable and this is where you need to spend your money to impress someone with a unique gift.  If you aren't sold yet, I don't know what to tell you --- Here are my pictures to seal the deal.

Get social with NOVICA:  @NOVICA on Twitter / NOVICA on Facebook

Disclosure: I was provided with a gift card to review products.  All opinions are my own.  

What Bloggers Want For Valentine's Day

I was thinking about gifts I want for Valentine's Day when I realized that everything on my list was blog related.  Thats the life of a blogger!  This is the big list - I'd settle for a few things off the list.  No rush, its open for my Birthday and Christmas too!  

• Blog redesign for my one year blogaversary
• Media Kit
• The funds to attend Alt with Ruby next year 
• Brand Ambassadorship 
• To learn Photoshop 
• 2 hours of kid-free time per day to work on bloggy thangs
• A prop and giveaway closet

I asked my blogger friends what blog related gifts they would love to receive on Valentine's Day --- the big winner:  Canon cameras!  

I would love to attend Alt Summit with my amiga Xenia because we deserve an adventure this year. It would make the perfect gift for me because my creative mind needs all the inspiration it can get!  Plus who wouldn't want to spend a weekend away with their friend? -Ruby of Growing Up Blackxican

As a food blogger, this KitchenAid Artisan in Boysenberry is on my list of most desired gifts for Valentine's Day. What could possibly be more romantic that this beautiful machine in that gorgous color, perfect for this romantic holiday?

On my list of most desired gifts for Valentine's Day is this Canon EOS Rebel T3i. This camera could make even the most ordinary foods look amazing for my blog, and the bonus is the photos I could get of the rest of my family with it too! -From the Kitchen of Mama Harris

As a food blogger and baker, I'd love something that can go from oven to table seamlessly, not to mention something that would look beautiful in photographs. This Heart-Shaped Casserole from Le Creuset fits the bill perfectly. It's excellent quality from a well-respected brand and not only does it stand the test of time, but it ensures even cooking/baking & makes every dish look like something out of a Julia Child cookbook. -Marilla of Cupcake Rehab

You'll often find me multitasking on various media platforms. I use my smartphone to record videos, take pictures and tweet. That's difficult to do simultaneously. I'm attending the Oz: The Great and Powerful junket and I would love to record the interviews with a voice recorder. The Philips LFH0655 has excellent ratings and the price isn't through the roof! This is on the top of my Valentine's Day Blogger wish list!

I need a blog redesign! I would love a fresh new look for That's IT Mommy. The undertaking could be expensive and intimidating! The real issue is that I can't decide on a look or a logo! BUT, it's definitely time for a facelift. -Tee of Thats IT Mommy

It's always important to have the best quality photos on my blog, so having a brand new camera for Valentines Day that does the job would be amazing. The Canon PowerShot is compact, easy to take along with you, not only for photos but video as well. It's the perfect camera to take along and take pictures of my life and the things I love. -Sabz of The Eclectic Grab Bag

What would you love for Valentine's Day?

Shutterfly Valentine's Day Cards Giveaway!

Valentine's Day is our 3rd favorite Holiday.  I wasn't a fan till I met my husband.  Chris makes it special for me every year by bringing me beautiful roses and the best card.  Sometimes he makes the card and sometimes he buys it, all that matters to me are his words.  Our Valentine's Day is complete when we go out to lunch or dinner.  Last year was sweet because I was pregnant and Duke was in school so we enjoyed a precious hour of alone time.  But we're funny and rushed over to Duke's school after lunch to surprise him at his Valentine's party.  What can I say... we love our kids and Valentine's Day is a family tradition for us.

With four sons, we hope we're teaching them how to share the love on February 14th and it starts with cards.  I live for choosing the right card.  Yes, I'm a dork like that.  I checked out Shutterfly's Valentine's Day Cards and so excited to order our first personalized cards for family and #culturefanclub!  There are over 50 new styles, fresh color stories, artistic typography and 5 different card sizes!

I couldn't help but check out Shutterfly Photo Gifts and would love a Woven Photo Blanket!  I know my mom would love one with a picture of the boys.  Other fun photo gifts are iPhone cases that can be personalized with photos or monogram - this would be perfect for my sister!  The photo mugs are perfect for my parents - my mom drinks tea and my dad drinks coffee so I was thinking of making a gift basket with teas and coffees with photo mugs of funny pictures of my sons!    

Check out Shutterfly Photo Gifts and tell me your favorite for a chance to win 50 4x5 Cards and 5x5 Desktop Plaque!  
 

Get Social with Shutterfly:  Shutterfly Blog / @Shutterfly on Twitter / Shutterfly on Facebook / Shutterfly on Pinterest / Shutterfly on Instagram / Shutterfly on Google+

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Shutterfly is providing products in exchange for this post and giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.

Send Me Cookies!

I didn't know what I wanted for Christmas... turns out its cookies.  Homemade cookies from my friend Jessica.  6 varieties.  Made with love.  I know if my mailman knew what was in this package, he would've stole it.  My happiness at this package is immeasurable.  She made us magnets and coasters too.  If its the thought that counts, she loves me A LOT.

Don't buy me stuff.  Make me stuff!

These sugar cookies... nom nom nom!

Chocolate Chip, Sable, Ginger Snap and Lemon Sugar

Oatmeal Raisin didn't survive the trip... or my husband's hands!  So good!

My babies!!!

These are amazing pieces of art!  Jessica should totally sell 'em!


I LOVE YOU SO MUCH JESSICA!  You are an amazing baker and crafter!  XOXOXO