NOVICA for National Geographic $75 GIVEAWAY!

Did you know that National Geographic has an affiliate online store that supports global artists and artisans?  NOVICA is an global platform that highlights handmade work of many talented individuals across the globe.  With each item listed for sale is information on where it was made, who it was made by--including a picture and the artist's or artisans' creative process and inspiration.  Since I'm a huge fan of supporting handmade artists and because I love unique items with a cultural appeal, I was excited that NOVICA contacted me to review their site--and offer one of my lucky readers a HUGE $75 gift certificate for their shop!  That's huge!

Let's talk global handmade products, now, shall we?

The items on the site that have really caught my eye, are bold and with a bit of tribal flair-- like this piece: 

Obatanpa Good Mother

By Emmanuel Atiemoh Yeboah from Ghana

It would go great with my Alhambra Anthropologie Quilt and our African canvas painting that we recieved from a dear friend.

I love the lines and the color blocks in this wool rug, too!

Wool rug, 'Volcano in Color'

By Momosteco Weavers of Guatemala

NOVICA also carries purses and handbags.
This leather hobo would be a perfect replacement for my worn and weathered
brown purse.  Love that handstitched orange detail!

Hmong Treasure
By Chirada of Thailand

With Valentine's Day coming up, I made sure to check out

NOVICA's mens items as well.

I think it would be so neat to give Husband a

beautiful handmade gift from across the world!

I'm especially loving this alpaca wool sweater from the mens sweater line and this alpaca scarf from the scarves line. 

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1)  You must follow this blog--so follow up if you haven't already and let me know in the comments!

You can do so through the 'Join this Site' button or the Networked Blogs 'Follow this Blog' button.  Simple!

2)  Visit one of these links and tell me what items catch your eye:

 Womens Shawls from Indonesia

Scarves

Mens Sweaters

Receive an extra entry for visiting each link and stating your favorite item!

3)  Answer which of the NOVICA regions you have visited or would like to visit most.

4)  Share the love!  Facebook/Tweet this link and tell me you did in the comments.

5)  Share the love!  Blog this link and tell me you did in the comments.

Giveaway ends Tuesday, January 31st 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)

Winner announced Wednesday February 1st.

Have fun & happy Wednesday!

A Berry Delicious Giveaway!

Sometimes I can't resist puns.  It's my mother's fault.

How was your weekend?  Ours was swell.  It included a spontaneous kindergarten cheer camp for Brooklynn, which has since turned my daughter into an aspiring cheerleader.  I wasn't a cheerleader, mainly because I lack coordination, so as I watch her kick her legs arbitrarily, to land on one knee with her poms up, and I agree with my girlfriend, Heather--she definitely got her moves from her Dad.  She had to have.

I also did some garage-saleing and found some cool things that I'll have to share with you, finished my book, 'The Middle Place,' hung out with a girlfriend and her little boy and cleaned carpets.  The rain has hit us here in the northwest, so I'll need to start getting more creative indoors with my time.

A couple weeks ago, the blackberries were practically falling off their stickery vines.  So just as I should have, I gathered them up and made jam.  Two cases of jam!  Some of you reached out to me saying that you miss wild blackberries, so I've decided to giveaway one jar of my {Lemon Infused} Blackberry Jam to two separate readers!

To enter this {Lemon Infused}Blackberry Jam Giveaway:
You can earn two entries:

1) Follow this blog.

2) Tell me what you are loving about fall thus far.

Easy right?!

Giveaway closes Wednesday, Oct. 5th 11:59pm.  Winner announced Thursday!

Happy Monday, friends!

The Huntress--A Giveaway!

Good morning!  I hope your weekend was full of fun festivities!  We BBQ'd, went to a Portland Timbers soccer game, set up camp in the yard and slept in a tent one night with the kiddos, had two bonfires, and had a perfect Belgian waffle breakfast Saturday morning.  The weekend was long, full and quite enjoyable! 

Guess what?!  Today marks the beginning of my Etsy shop, The Huntress' Grand Opening Giveaway!  I am giving away three $15 shop credits to my store and a 10% discount code for all of my dear readers that can be used now until Sunday night.  Use the discount code 'prettythings' at checkout. 

Ways to enter:

1) Follow A Serenade for Solitude and leave me a comment saying that you do.
2) 'Like' The Huntress on Facebook (via my Etsy shop) and leave me a comment saying that you have.
3) Tell me your favorite shop item.
4) Re-blog this giveaway to share the love, and feel free to use the giveaway button with a link to this post. Don't forget to tell me you've done this in a comment!

Giveaway ends Wednesday night 11:59pm.  Winner announced Thursday!

Want a shot at winning the other two $15 shop credits?  Visit A Little Bit Biased and Baby Night Night for details!

Looking forward to your comments and feedback!
And keep your eyes peeled--I'll be adding more items throughout the week!

Have a great Monday!

Cassie

Baby Night Night Boutique...and a Valentine's Giveaway!!

When I was young, I had one friend who was just as passionate as I about Barbies, Barbie houses, towns, and Barbies on Broadway.  We traveled between houses with our pink suitcases and internal alarm clocks that would wake us early enough to
begin a day's worth of Barbies.  That was nearly twenty years ago. 

Just this last year, our lives collided again, not over Mattel toys, but our love for Etsy and creative things.  Although she lives in Peoria, Arizona, and I in Camas, Washington, we've picked up right where we left off, but this time, with children and new lines of creativity. 

Please meet Tricia. 

She's the inspired hands and heart behind the sweet Etsy boutique,

Baby Night Night.

Tricia and baby Bella.

Tricia...

How and when did you learn to sew?

I learned to sew when I was 14...it was a perfect, terrible disaster. My mother had me make a dress for my very first project...needless to say, I never finished that project.

Then when my 3 year old was 6 months old, I picked it up again. I bought a $20 machine from Target that pretty much fit in the palm of my hand. I liked it and started on other little projects and got a "big girl" sewing machine.

What is your favorite item to make in the shop?

My favorite thing to sew is probably refashioned items and my ruffle bloomers. I can't get enough of ruffles. But I do love everything I sew--blankets, snugglies, dresses, hair accessories...anything.

What inspires you when you create?

My inspiration and drive comes from my mother, really. I usually say my girls, which it does also, but really it is the desire to be like my mother. She always made me beautiful for all my school dances, and I felt like a model on my wedding day when she designed my wedding dress.

I just want to provide that for my daughters.

I see that you are celebrating your first year of business!  Congratulations! 

What is your hope for 2011?

My hope for for 2011 is to go for it. Don't hold back! I recently hired a seamstress because of my recent business ventures.  It feels good to do what I want, and have people believe in me and want to be a part of my team.

One last thing...
How long is your Anniversary Sale going?

I hope to keep my sale going on throughout the rest of this week. I want people to know how much I appreciate their business and support for helping me get to where I am in my business.

Ruffle Bottom Bloomers in Soft Pink

Striped Baby Legs With Pink Gingham Bows

Ruffle Chiffon Skirt

Vintage Ruffle Lace Onesie

Vintage Sailor Jane Top

Tricia has been so generous to giveaway a $15 gift certificate to her shop!

Thanks, Tricia!

To enter the giveaway:

(an entry for each comment)

1.Follow the blog Baby Night Night and leave a comment that you have or already do.
2.Visit the Baby Night Night Boutique and leave a comment sharing what you love in her shop.

That should be easy!

Giveaway ends Thursday, February 17th 10pm.
Winner will be announced Friday!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

*Last week's Heart-Full Giveaway will be announced tomorrow.  Thanks!

A Full-Heart Giveaway!

One sweet, fuschia, velvet heart bookmark

for a lovely reader,

because you are dear to me.

Perfect for your cookbook, textbook, novel or journal.

I'll also be adding a sweet surprise!

To enter:

(each in its own comment)

1. Be a follower of this blog, or let me know you already are!

2.  Visit my shop and leave a comment below telling me your favorite bookmark.

There is a variety in the sold tab, too!

3. Link to my giveaway on your blog or in a post.

Giveaway ends Sunday 12pm.

Winner will be announced Monday.

This Giveaway has CLOSED.

Don't forget that today is the last day to have your

Valentine's bookmark shipped in time for Valentine's Day. 

Check out the $10 deals in the shop now!

Are you interested in doing a giveaway swap,

or do you want me to host a giveaway for you??

I'd love to feature your shop!

Email me at cbmccully(at)hotmail(dot)com

Rocky Road Fudge

It's simple, delicious, and will have anyone you make it for asking for more-- 

like my four year old in bed last night.

Because I can't make it for you, here it is.

Rocky Road Fudge

1 pkg. butterscotch chips

1 pkg. chocolate chips

1 C. creamy peanut butter

10 oz. small marshmallows ( a little less than a full bag)

2 C. salted peanuts

1. Melt chips together on low, then mix in peanut butter and peanuts.

2. Remove from stove and gently stir in marshmallows.

3. Pour into a 9x13 pan and put into the fridge for 1-2 hours until hard.

Remove from fridge to cut and place back in fridge.

Note 1.  This can be halved very easy and used with a 9x9 pan instead.

Note 2.  After you cut the fudge, and if you choose to put it on a serving plate, turn the pieces various rotations to show how pretty it looks from all sides.

Note 3. Enjoy!

Now go on and spread the goodness.

Reader Love/Giveaway 3!

Welcome back!

I've finally finished round one of my

Fall line
of book marks.

This series of book marks has been the most fun for me. 

It's most likely because I am fall.

I was born in the fall--September

Started my blog in the fall-October

Married in the fall-November

I love sweaters in the fall,

scarves, boots, hot drinks, pumpkin spice treats,

and walks on cool, crisp, fall days.

I heart the fall.  Big time.

 It is the best time of year, wouldn't you agree?

While visiting my sis in Montana last month, we went bead hunting.  After coaxing my sister's husband into watching six children (including my two) we made our way into the city to explore the bead shop of downtown Missoula.  My sis, Tammy is quite the shopper, and she has one keen eye.  She helped me swoop up some lovely pieces.  Let's just say I spent a nice chunk of change on some fall-esque beads and charms, and didn't regret a penny spent.  How could I?  During our shopping hunt and upon return home, we got quite the kick out of talking about my "Fall line."  Either this is quite funny to you, too, or it's a Davis thing.  Must be a Davis thing. 

I can't believe I'm writing about this.

We also laughed quite a bit that day when my brother-in-law called my two-year-old a "human recking ball." 

I, obviously, received this statement in the form of a compliment. 

He ain't easy.

Go here for more evidence.

I felt understood!

Someone felt my pain!

(Husband does too, but he's Husband, and his type doesn't always realize the reality.)

I'll tell you more about yesterday morning when I woke up to the fumes of hot pink nail polish on my bedsheets and slathered all over Asher's toes, which somehow managed up his neck and in his hair--another time. 

I'm still working through that one.

Now for the GIVEAWAY!!

But first, I'd like to say thank you!

I love exchanging with my readers and getting to know you better.

Thanks for helping me celebrate three years of blogging!

You truly make my blogging experience worth while.

I love this book mark.

I love the filigree, the crushed chocolate ribbon, the unique antiqued copper clamps,

and the gold brushed teal leaf.

 It will make you sigh each time you close your book.

There are three ways to enter this giveaway*:

1) You MUST be a follower. (Stickler, I know.  Reader-Love.)

2) Leave me a comment telling me your favorite things about fall.

3) Re-blog this giveaway and let me know you've done so.

*Remember--each entry must have its own comment.

Giveaway closes Monday, October 11th at 11:59pm

{This giveaway has closed. Thanks!}

The "Fall Line" will be in the shop Monday!

p.s. My check out my Sis's giveaway.  I want it!

Another Giveaway!

Yep, another giveaway. 

This is the second giveaway of three

in celebration of my

3 year Blogoversary!!

About three years ago,

I came across the lovely

Christine Mason Miller.

Her art, writing and wisdom

truly inspires.

For every creative spirit,

she has something.

Credits

credit

The giveaway is

your very own copy of her book--

Ordinary Sparkling Moments

Through the month of October, Christine Mason Miller is donating $10 of each book sale to the  HIV/AIDS projects in South Africa.  You can contribute to this cause by ordering copies of this inspiring book here. 

3 ways to enter the giveaway:

*This giveaway has closed.*

1) Leave a comment below.

2) Follow this blog and leave me a comment saying that you've done so.
3) Re-blog this giveaway and tell me about it!

Giveaway entry closes

Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010

12pm

Winner will be announced Thursday evening!

Giveaway Reminder!

Today, I am achy and stiff. 

I attribute these aches to the heels I wore last night while celebrating our lovely friends' (soon-to-be-family-by-marriage) 20th wedding anniversary!  It was a lot of fun and such a HUGE occasion! 

So, this afternoon, I write to you in my pajamas, with a heat pack behind my back, snuggled on top of my comfy bed, while my children leap to the two foot tall pile of pillows and blankets that Husband has positioned perfectly for them, in effort to reduce boredom.  It makes for feeling pretty old when you have to use a heat pack after a night out.  Oh, the things I endure to feel like a lady!

The heels:

Love them, and I must have got three or so compliments on them last night.

My friend, Shannon actually chose these as the bridesmaid shoes for her wedding last month.
(Pictures to come!)

Weren't they a great choice?

If you haven't already, go enter the Saint Cupcake Giveaway!

It ends tonight at 11:59pm!

Enjoy your Sunday!

 image credit

A Giveaway!

Happy Blogoversary...!

Tomorrow marks three wonderful,
inspiration-filled, {at times heartbreaking,} lovely years.

I haven't regretted a moment.

This site is very much my life...on a blog page.  I feel blessed to be able to share the innermost--

the excitement, aches, loves, and the learning with you.

Thank you for your kind comments, encouragement and friendship. 

You are dear to me.

Curious to see where it all began?  Click here.

I began on Typepad only writing to myself.  After a few months, I decided to invite friends and family along in my journey.  About a year later, I opened myself up to the public.

Now here we are.

It is nice to have you.

It's GIVEAWAY time!
This is one of three giveaways happening between Oct. 1-8th.
3 Years--3 Giveaways.

One special winner will have this delivered to their doorstep:

A half dozen cupcakes

from Portland's finest--

Since I've made your mouth water before,

and since you can't join me for an afternoon treat in the city,

I thought I'd have some of these shipped to YOUR doorstep!

It's not a party without cupcakes, right?!

Don't even get me started on this one--

the TCC

(Toasted Coconut Cream).

It is heaven in a cupcake.

The best part is that YOU get to do the choosing.

Flavor, frosting and toppings!

It really can't get much better, right?

HOW TO ENTER:
*This giveaway has closed*

Two ways.

1) Visit St. Cupcake and tell me what combination looks most delicious.

2) Become a follower of this blog and leave me a comment saying that you're here!

*Want another chance?*

3) Re-blog this giveaway and tell me about it!

Giveaway entry closes

Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010

11:59pm

Winner will be announced Monday, Oct. 4th!

This is not a paid advertisement.

image credits.

Announcement!!

Bring your friends.

This is going to be good.



And Still I Rise

Friends,

This will be short. My family and I are busy having too much fun with my oldest sis, Tammy, and her four boys, who are here visiting from Montana. I will definitely be back to post updates on the adventures of our week. Hope yours is going wonderfully!

For those of you who didn't already see, I am currently hosting a

Maya Angelou poetry giveaway! Go here for the details.
You have until Friday at 12pm to enter.
Have a great Wednesday!

Maya Angelou Sings

Last Wednesday, I joined two friends from my teenage years for a special occasion. First we met for salads at the delicious eatery, Pizzacato, then crossed the bridge into downtown Portland for an evening at the Schnitzer Concert Hall. There we were, along with 2500 or so others, waiting for the wise words of the "global renaissance woman," and Pulitzer prize nominee, who is

Maya Angelou.

As the Schnitzer curtains opened, an urgent hush fell over the audience. It's not every day that one can hear first-hand the words of such an experienced and accomplished woman. She stood standing as the claps creshendoed, plateaued, and then calmed.
Then,

she spoke poetry.

It's as though her words traveled down from the stage and up the balcony into my life, and it's as if I'd seen those very things she spoke of with my very own eyes,

because the poetry of

Maya Angelou

inspires such soul movement.

"This little light of mine...

I'm gunna let it shine..."

she sang unexpectedly.

Then she began to unfold stories of truth, promise and inspiration;

stories of her Uncle Willie, "black, poor, crippled," who had lived in such a way that even white men were encouraged by his words and had gone from being poor wee-ones in North Carolina, into the political world.

"How dare we not realize the power each one of us has?"

"How dare we say, I cannot be a light for you?"

"This little light of mine...

I'm gunna let it shine..."

she sang again, with the final word trailing.

Interwoven throughout her lesson on the power and the inspiration that each one of us withholds, whether we realize or not, were more gems of wisdom.

"Go to poetry,"

she said.

"It has saved my life.

We look to laptops and the Internet. What if they go down?"

She referenced Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem "Sympathy,"

and Daisy Bates as, "an American treasure."

She mentioned her Inaugural poem for President Clinton.

"Courage," she says,

"is the most important of the virtues.

Without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently."

"This little light of mine,

I'm gunna let it shine..."

She closed with these encouraging words~

"If you are asked to do something good--always say yes.

Then pray."

"This little light of mine,

I'm gunna let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I'm gunna let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I'm gunna let it shine.

Let it shine,

let it shine,

let it shine..."

Applause and a standing ovation followed,

and then the curtain closed.

Because she's an American legend, and because

I, too, believe poetry can save lives,

I am giving away
Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women

by Maya Angelou.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

To enter this giveaway you can do any of these things (in separate comments):

1) Tell me of he or she who has been a "little light" in your life and why in a comment.

2) Share with me your mantra or a favorite quote in a comment.

3) Blog about this giveaway on your blog and comment below.

4) Become a follower if you haven't already and comment below.

Good luck! I can't wait to read your comments!

Giveaway closes Friday, June 11, at 12pm.

Winner announced shortly after.

image credit

treasures

I've put a new stash of treasures in the shop!

Also, one of my bookmarks is up for grabs today on the lovely blog

Yes and Yes

as part of her HUGE line-up of anniversary giveaways!

Skip on over to see how to enter.

{forever}

{summer blooms}

{daisy duke}

{unconditional love}

HapPy ThUrsDay!

Big News and Another Giveaway!

Hello there!

I have big news! My Etsy shop is in full effect! Pop on over to my shop, Between the Lines and see if any of those treasures makes your heart skip. I'd love to hear your feedback, and ship some off, of course!

I have enjoyed creating them and would be delighted to help you bring your perfect treasure to life! I do custom orders.

Also, my sis, Amber from A Little Bit Biased, a delightful quilting blog, is hosting a giveaway of one said treasure. Poke your head around her blog. She is an amazing quilter! Click on over, take a look and see how to enter!







May your weekend

be sunny

and bright in all ways.

-cbm

A Giveaway!

About a month ago, I won a giveaway through a sweet and entertaining blogger named Alexis from I need to confess. She had some great prizes! Among them was this beautiful book of works by Jane Austen. And you know when I am presented with the possibility of a new book, my mouth practically waters. So, yes, I chose the book . Isn't it a beauty?

credit
Can you believe I hadn't yet owned anything by Jane Austen? Or that I haven't read Pride & Prejudice? I am slightly embarrassed to admit this since I have a degree in English, and well, it is practically basic reading in the literature world. Now that I think of it, I do recall Sense & Sensibility to be a required reading in one of my online courses. Did you put that together? Recall. Online course. Yeah, for me "distance learning" equaled "hardly learning."

Thanks again, Alexis for the beautiful book! I can't wait to bury my nose into the crisp, golden-edged pages.

While I have you here, aren't these just gorgeous? They are on my wish-list, and would be a lovely addition to my new book!

penguin books

Now for you, my dear readers!

I have been thinking of you so for some time, and am delighted to say that I have finally put the pieces together for my first giveaway!

But before I give the giveaway info, I'd like to say

Thank You!

Thank you for coming by, reading, lending advice, offering support, or even just doing the silent lurk. Thanks for being a part of what has become a special haven for me over the last year and a half. I am continuously inspired by your words and encouragement!

To show my gratitude, the winner of this giveaway will win

one of these three bookmarks.

~your choice~

They are one-of-a-kind and hand-crafted by Yours Truly. You will be able to find more of them in my Etsy shop if and when I decide to take take the plunge to create more. Any thoughts on this venture?

Here is the giveaway info:

Giveaway ends Wednesday, April 28, 11:59pm.

There are 3 ways to get an entry:

1) Leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

2) Link this giveaway on your blog (leave me a comment telling me you did so, so I can count it).

3) Become a follower. I LOVE to see your faces...and lurkers I'd love to know who you are already! I've been in the dark far too long! Plus, you'll stay informed of the next giveaways...like POST 200! But I will not lie. I am thrilled with my followers! Facebook counts. Let me know. If you are already a follower, leave a comment and you will get another entry.

Good luck on the giveaway!