Bangle Resin Ring METALSGIRL	Bubble Wall Decals MC VINYL GRAPHICS	Blue Circle Textile Artwork LUPIN
Lunch Box MACBETH COLLECTION	Linked Circle Mahogany Earrings ORNO	Abstract Acrylic Art AISYAH ANG

The Carrie Bicycle Basket is such a stylish way to transport items on your bike! It would definitely come in handy when you are trying to run errands without wanting to drive your car like so many of our eco-friendly readers are doing these days. This basket also has a shoulder strap and is easily removeable, so you’ll have no trouble carrying things inside or worrying about someone stealing it off your bike. Scandinavian Grace also features a large selection of contemporary products that may be unique to the American market. I found some neat solutions such as this stylish Metsänväki Tray, a collapsable strainer which would be perfect for small spaces and a beard cap for fun.

A - Purple Flower Needle Book and Pincushion Set from Jenn Maruska Design ($18.00)
B - Skip Hop Mod Dot Pillow from Modern Seed ($20.00)
C - Monster Coin Pouch from StitchPixie ($18.00)
D - Pomegranate Polishing Creme from Belle Lucce ($17.00)

I am a firm believer in things happen for a reason such as the case with Lisa of Ellembee. She was recently laid off from her job and it gave her the motivation to finally start her own clothing line. Without this unfortunate event, we wouldn’t have been blessed with some seriously cute tees, tanks and onesies (love the dinosaur one). My husband was standing near me when I made the header and he commented on how nice the tees are! So clearly if my husband thinks they look sharp, you know you’re gonna be turning heads while dressed in style. I’m a sucker for florals and patterns and floral patterns, so these were practically designed with me in mind. The Blossom Tee (center image above) is my favorite! I love that this shirt has capped sleeves, is the perfect shade of blue and that the length of the tee falls much longer than usual which is ideal when wearing low rise jeans. Whether you buy one or a dozen of these shirts, shipping is always $5.50 within the USA! Neato.

I know our readers will never tire of giveaways even after our mega giveaway! I’m pleased to announce our latest one from La Mia Designs out of North Carolina. This shop has kindly donated a Green vintage fabric swatch necklace valued at $25. This necklace features a one inch square of gingham fabric sewn to create a pendant and is accented with lovely crystals and assorted beads attached to chain. There is also a vintage tea towel tote valued at $28 which is 18 inches by 13 inches and clearly large enough to carry everything you’ll need for the day. There will be TWO WINNERS for this giveaway. How awesome is that? Growing up without a television set, allowed the creative mind of Stephanie to flourish into her shop today which sells clutches, totes, decorative pillows, aprons, baby items, pet items, jewelry and dare I say more? Oh, there’s loads more!

I love that many of the handbags available at La Mia Designs are created from vintage fabric or old linens and clothing. Not only does it result in a unique quality product, but it is also very eco-friendly to find new uses for otherwise discarded material. Some highlights while browsing to share: yoga mats, Vintage Flower Button Earrings (in her etsy shop, so don’t forget to browse there as well), Multi-polka Dot Artist Brush Roll, Grey Toile Cooking Apron and the Red Flower on Tan Tote. With such great variety comes a special something for everyone at La Mia Designs as she truly is compassionate about creating.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
• Post a comment here saying which item you like the most at La Mia Designs or in her etsy shop. Otherwise, your entry will be removed.
• Make sure your e-mail is entered correctly in the form in case you win.
• Duplicate entries will be removed. One entry per person please.
• Only USA residents are eligible for this giveaway.
• Giveaway ends on Saturday, August 30th at midnight CST.
• Winners will be announced the following day and a new giveaway will begin. Good Luck!
• To find out about our giveaways, sign up for our monthly newsletter or subscribe to our RSS feed.

I hope our readers had fun checking out all the 30 indie shops that sponsored our mega giveaway! I won’t stall, on with the winners which were selected using a random number generator. Please join me in congratulating all the winners of the mega giveaway who won prizes valued at over $750 in total! All winners have been contacted through e-mail.

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#1: CUSHY BRANDS | www.cushybrands.com
PRIZES: 1 each of the following luxury handmade soaps: Lime Colada, Citrus Bliss, Cinnamon Muffin, Pink Fig and Lime Cologne ($60 value)
WINNER: #1748

Michelle August 17th, 2008 at 5:23 am (1748)
Cushy Brands - the pink bunny star notebook

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#2: ALICE IN PARIS | AliceinParis.etsy.com
PRIZE: print of winner’s choice ($20 value)
WINNER: #1288

CanCan August 12th, 2008 at 12:00 pm (1288)
Alice in Paris: I love the Owl and the Pussycat print!

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#3: FUTUROWOMAN FOTOGRAPHIE | futurowoman.etsy.com
PRIZE: Holga Polaroid Print ($25 value)
WINNER: #2095

Emily August 19th, 2008 at 7:14 pm (2095)
Futurowoman fotographie: home on the Range print

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#4: PAPER PATTERN SILK | www.paperpatternsilk.com
PRIZE: Forged Petal Earrings in aqua, pink or green ($18 value)
WINNER: #1794

Elizabeth M. August 17th, 2008 at 1:24 pm (1794)
The teal zebras bracelet at Paper Pattern Silk is beautiful. I love that it’s one of a kind too. The colors are gorgeous!

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#5: EVERYDAY WONDERS | www.everyday-wonders.com
PRIZE: 6×9 inch print of winner’s choice ($35 value)
WINNER: #1977

Kate August 19th, 2008 at 1:34 pm (1977)
#5: EVERYDAY WONDERS - I like the 3 “Verdure” prints. I want all three to hang as a series. Really cool.

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#6: BODY RUSH | www.bodyrushbath.com
PRIZES: 2 oz. Shea Body Frosting (any scent), 4 oz. Shea Body Polish (any scent), 3 Bath Bombs (any scents), 6 oz. Hair Conditioner (any scent), Lip Gloss (any flavor), Handmade CP Soap (set of 2 - Very Berry Cherry and Strawberry Champagne scents) and 2 oz. Cream soap (Blackberry Sage scent). ($34 value)
WINNER: #715

Julie Kocher August 11th, 2008 at 7:58 am (715)
#6: BODY RUSH - I would like to try the BODY RUSH - Shea Butter Bath Bomb - Italian Lemon Ice.

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#7: ON A STRING DESIGNS | www.onastringdesigns.com
PRIZE: Chalcedony Wave Earrings ($32 value)
WINNER: #2895

Jessica August 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm (2895)
#7: ON A STRING DESIGNS - So there are a few things at this site that I am loving. The Double Peru Drop necklace, the Pearl Torsade necklace, the Whisper Necklace, and the Turquoise Kisses earrings. I think my favorite is the Pearl Torsade necklace.

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#8: FETERIE | www.feterie.com
PRIZE: WordPlay Greeting Card Sampler Set ($20 value)
WINNER: #1681

Lindsey August 16th, 2008 at 6:43 pm (1681)
#8: FETERIE: The Chocolate Stripes flat notes are sweet!

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#9: MANIC TROUT | www.manictrout.com
PRIZE: Giolla Falling For You Necklace ($35 value)
WINNER: #1506

Gina August 13th, 2008 at 9:18 am (1506)
Manic Trout: the Past In Present necklace is beautiful! A Graduation Day Necklace would be great for my niece. I also love the Soul Meets Body necklace!

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#10: B|E CREATIVE | www.becreativestationery.com
PRIZE: Personalized Flat Note Card Set ($28 value)
WINNER: #372

Desiree August 10th, 2008 at 5:15 pm (372)
#10: B|E CREATIVE - Pink Floral Personalized Flat Note Cards

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#11: COUNTRY MEADOW | www.countrymeadowsoaps.com
PRIZE: Tuscan Tomato Sugar Scrub ($30 value)
WINNER: #866

Karen August 11th, 2008 at 12:27 pm (866)
#11 Country Meadow — Wow, they have SO many ‘flavors’ of soap to choose from! The Oatmeal Milk and Honey sounds delicious.

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#12: SASSYLICIOUS | Sassylicious.etsy.com
PRIZES: Sugar and Spice, Love and Red White And Blue Bow Sets ($12 value)
WINNER: #2639

Reeva August 22nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm (2639)
#12: SASSYLICIOUS - Baby Rag Quilt

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#13: SWEET SASSAFRAS | sweetsassafras1.etsy.com
PRIZE: Custom Photograph Nightlight ($23 value)
WINNER: #958

Emma August 11th, 2008 at 5:00 pm (958)
My favorite from #13 Sweet Sassafras is the Chocolate Brown and Blue Floral Glass Tile Pendant with Ball Chain and Acrylic Box!

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#14: SEW BETTIE | www.sewbettie.com
PRIZE: DIY Headband Kit ($14 value)
WINNER: #551

Michelle August 10th, 2008 at 7:59 pm (551)
I love the “Big Fat Rubbery Ducky” fabric from shop #14 Sew Bettie; that would make great curtains in a bathroom.

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#15: JENNIFER SQUIRES | jennifersquires.etsy.com
PRIZE: Choice of Photographic print up to 8×10 inches ($35 value)
WINNER: #2347

Paula H August 20th, 2008 at 4:48 pm (2347)
#15: JENNIFER SQUIRES I like the Pickles picture. It reminds me of the summer when we canned a ton of pickle, even during a hurricane.

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#16: HEY PRETTY CUPCAKE | www.heyprettycupcake.com
PRIZE: Octopus or Custom Resin Necklace ($20 value)
WINNER: #1161

Casey August 12th, 2008 at 1:24 am (1161)
My favorite item from Hey Pretty Cupcake is the Red Dot Flower Folding Wallet. The pattern is so cute!

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#17: MONKEY BEANZ | www.monkeybeanz.com
PRIZE: Cassandra abstract Halter Dress in size 12-18 mos ($22 value)
WINNER: #81

Mary August 10th, 2008 at 10:46 am (81)
i like monkey beanz amelia flower dress!

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#18: GERBERA DESIGNS | www.gerberadesigns.com
PRIZE: XL Messenger Bag ($56 value)
WINNER: #775

Monique Bradley August 11th, 2008 at 9:39 am (775)
My favorite item from Gerbera Designs is the “forever flowers sm messenger”. I love this print and I think that the size of this messenger bag would be perfect for everyday use.

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#19: HERB + GINGER | www.herbandginger.com
PRIZE: Bollywood Star Herbal Tea ($9 value)
WINNER: #25

Dara Nix August 10th, 2008 at 10:00 am (25)
My favorite item from HERB + GINGER is the Summer Mango Fruit Tea! I bet it would taste GREAT as an iced tea!! Thanks!

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#20: SOAPYLOVE | www.soapylove.com
PRIZE: Neapolitan Soapsicle ($8 value)
WINNER: #223

Sarah Jane August 10th, 2008 at 12:26 pm (223)
#20: SOAPYLOVE - I can’t decide between Lemonade and Nilla Sammie

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#21: BIG BOO | www.bigbooinc.com
PRIZE: Stationery Set or T-shirt of winner’s choice ($30 value)
WINNER: #2152

Mary August 20th, 2008 at 12:32 am (2152)
From BIG BOO - Smooth Like Butter tee.

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#22: FETO SOAP | www.fetosoap.com
PRIZE: Lemon Bar Soap ($7 value)
WINNER: #2720

Lessa August 22nd, 2008 at 10:13 pm (2720)
#22: FETO SOAP: The Blackberry Sage Handmade Shea Butter Soap is certainly intriguing. I’d love to be able to “scratch ‘n sniff” over the Internet!

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#23: VAEDA BATY | vaeda.etsy.com
PRIZE: Braille Fine Art Photograph ($30 value)
WINNER: #2447

Victoria August 21st, 2008 at 10:19 am (2447)
#23 vaeda baty-either side of the day orginal fine art potograph 8×10. This is a photograph that I would be glad to display in my house. Thanks for such a awesome giveaway.

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#24: QWERTYO | qwertyo.etsy.com
PRIZE: No Trash Lunch Kit of winner’s choice or custom ($17 value)
WINNER: #798

Hil’Lesha August 11th, 2008 at 10:21 am (798)
Qwertyo - Skinny Wallet

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#25: THE PEAR PROJECT | www.thepearproject.com
PRIZE: Three Birds Vinyl Wall Art ($8 value)
WINNER: #2079

Kay August 19th, 2008 at 6:15 pm (2079)
#25. the pear project - I love, love, love the violet & mums purse! Classy!!

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#26: JAC JEWELRY | jacjewelry.etsy.com
PRIZE: White Pearl, Turquoise and Sterling Silver Earrings ($25 value)
WINNER: #2888

Kayce C August 23rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm (2888)
Something Blue Part II - Lapis Jade and Sterling Silver Bracelet from JAC JEWELRY

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#27: SUNSHINE PAPERIE | www.sunshinepaperie.com
PRIZES: Set of rectangular and set of mini vinyl labels ($40 value)
WINNER: #256

Danielle August 10th, 2008 at 12:56 pm (256)
#27: SUNSHINE PAPERIE - I love the personalized Apple mini lists. They are perfect for grocery shopping!

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#28: BEADS IN THE BELFRY | beadsinthebelfry.etsy.com
PRIZE: Custom Caged Bird Necklace ($42 value)
WINNER: #1943

Kathleen August 18th, 2008 at 9:52 pm (1943)
Beads in the Belfry: Oh, I just love her stuff! I think the Flower Vase in the Window is my favorite, but I just adore the bright colors and the way they all burst out. So cute!

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#29: J.LYNNE COSMETICS | www.jlynne.com
PRIZES: Mineral Glow Illuminating Powder, Soft Silk Mineral Blush, Smooth Color Lip Cream, Smooth Mineral Foundation (4 sample jars) in winner’s choices of colors ($38 value)
WINNER: #673

Jessica August 11th, 2008 at 1:29 am (673)
I love the Treasured Multi-Dimensions Eyeshadow from J. Lynne Cosmetics!

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#30: A PUNKIN CARD COMPANY | apunkincardcompany.etsy.com
PRIZE: Set of 12 Mix and Match Flowers Cards ($20 value)
WINNER: #318

Ingrid August 10th, 2008 at 2:57 pm (318)
#30 A Punkin Card Company - I really liked the Red Flowers. It kind of looks like the design on some milk cartons in my country. From the 80s, so it reminds me of my childhood.

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Please join me in thanking all the wonderful indie shops that sponsoring this event! Without this, we wouldn’t have been able to make the mega giveaway possible and giveaway so many wonderful prizes! I hope you will continue to support these amazing indie shops. Many thanks to Vanessa of Cushy Brands, Shelagh of Alice in Paris, Nancy of Futurowoman Fotographie, Monica of Paper Pattern Silk, Natalie of Everyday Wonders, Kendra of Body Rush, Merle of On A String Designs, Cathe of Feterie, Sierra of Manic Trout, Bridgett of B|E Creative, Rebecca of Country Meadow, Emily of Sassylicious, Kara of Sweet Sassafras, Cara of Sew Bettie, Jennifer of Jennifer Squires Productions, Vanessa of Hey Pretty Cupcake, Julia of Monkey Beanz, Vanessa of Gerbera Designs, Andrea of Herb + Ginger, Debbie of Soapylove, the folks at Big Boo, Lisa of Feto Soap, Vaeda of Vaeda Baty, Susan of Qwertyo (I just realized most of those letters are right in a row on the keyboard!), Brooke of The Pear Project, Janna of JaC Jewelry, Amy of Sunshine Paperie, Nina of Beads in the Belfry, Jessica of J.Lynne Cosmetics and Amie of A Punkin Card Company.

I’d love to hear feedback from our readers regarding this event, so that we can try to make our giveaways better in the future! This week’s giveaway will begin shortly…

A few weeks ago, I went through my closet and found some craft supplies that would be better suited in a new home as my free time continues to decrease. There’s bottle caps, earring components, beads of many varieties (including Swarovski Crystals, glassblown, etc), some paper good making supplies and so forth. All the prices listed are POSTAGE PAID within the USA. Everything is marked considerably less than what I initially paid for the items to help them move! I might even include some freebies with your order too! There’s three pages to go through, so check them out or click on the ’shop’ button at the top of this blog. Thanks!

Unrelated, I just made some sugar cookies for the first time ever. Unfortunately, I somehow messed them up despite usually never having problems baking stuff. They turned out rather thin and buttery, but still taste good. I suppose that’s all that really matters anyway. Are you baking anything this weekend?

Update: I just realized what caused the cookies to turn out how they did! I didn’t add enough flour! I was using the 1/2 cup measuring cup instead of the full cup one because I couldn’t find it! I did the sugar fine, but when it came time to add the flour (which was last), I totally forgot. The instructions said the mixture would be really thick and mine was still smooth. I thought it was weird, but didn’t think too much of it. At least it only took me about 4 hours to realize my mistake, haha. So I added 1 cup of flour instead of two, who’s counting?

My friend, Aimee, was looking for a new bag to hold all her goodies plus her camera. I instantly through of Crumpler Bags because I own one myself. Some of their bags are made specifically as camera bags, so they’re thick enough to help protect your camera but they’re so stylish that you can’t even tell they’re camera bags. They have inside dividers that are attached by velcro, so you can remove it completely or adjust to suit your needs better. They also have some extra pockets for more storage. I suggested the 4 Million Dollar Home Bag for Aimee because the $58.50 price and the smaller size are both ideal. It is also available in other color options.

If you need help to find that perfect gift or something to treat yourself with, contact us and I’ll do my best to help you. Provide as many details as possible such as price range, preferences (colors, sizes, styles where applicable), who the item is for (yourself, gift), likes/dislikes, etc. Please keep in mind the types of products we feature on this blog as the source of inspiration.

Sometimes I come across shops and when I see their products, I think to myself, “Wow, that is really pretty!” This happened several times while skimming through the inspiring jewelry by The Ardent Sparrow out of Ontario, Canada. My absolute favorite piece is the Pining For You Necklace (left image above)! I love the antique copper chain, the mint green color of the glass beads and the precious pine cone branch! Everything about it is just perfect! Not only are all of Rebecca’s jewelry one of a kind with their distinctive vintage charm, but they are also unique in that she lets you select the length of the chain as well. Right now, The Ardent Sparrow is having a Buy One, Get One Free Sale on Bobby Pins and Barrettes such as the Scarlett Garden and Wedding Aisle.

Tree Address Book MELVYN EVANS	Vintage Telephone GALISON	Into the Night ALI J ART
Cherry Blossom RE:PAPER	Amy Ruppel THE FAT FINCH	Hello Blythe GINA GARAN