giveaway - Stuff Parents Need

Capture Your Child’s Growth in a Fun, Modern Way (GIVEAWAY!!!)

May 20, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 69 Comments

Edit: This giveaway is CLOSED!

My baby is growing. Every single day she makes a face I’ve never seen, or she reacts in a way she never has before. The wheels in her brain are turning at warp speed as she absorbs information. And when I hold her, I can’t help but notice that she isn’t the tiny little bean we brought home from the hospital only 9 months ago. Watching her grow fills me with mixed emotions: I mourn the itty bitty baby that is disappearing just a bit more every single day, but I celebrate the bright little child that is making herself known a bit more with every passing hour. Can the other moms out there relate to this feeling? I bet you can!

We’ve captured Darah’s growth through her baby book, through video and through photos. And now we have a way to capture her growth in a way that is fun, interactive, and that will be a keepsake forever. We are doing this with a little help from a giraffe name Uli.

Lovely readers, meet Uli from Giraffes + Stuff. Uli’s super long neck serves as a measuring stick, allowing us the opportunity to have a growth chart for Darah. It starts out at 24″ and goes all the way up to 60″. I really love this concept because it is portable. We’ll likely not be living in our current home 10 years from now, and I would be so sad to have to leave behind pencil markings we would have made on a wall charting her growth, especially knowing that the next owners would just paint over it. Did anybody else out there grow up with a wall in your house that had growth marks on it for all the kids? I did, but that was back in the day when people didn’t move houses as often.

The growth chart from Giraffes + Stuff can handle multiple moves, for sure. It is made on sturdy artist canvas. It is thick, but it can still be rolled up for easy transport. It has 4 grommets on the edges so that you can easily nail the chart into place wherever you like. And as cute as Uli is, some of you may prefer to get the chart with her older brother, Oli, on it, so know that he’s an option, as well. I think the colors in the chart are bright and beautiful. Everything about it looks professional, and I think the price of the item, especially for the quality of the product, is superb (you can snag one for only $19.99!).

A modern art growth chart makes a fabulous baby shower gift. It comes in a beautiful box, needing only a bow to make it gift-ready! I especially think it would make an ideal gift for a child’s first birthday. We started using the chart on Darah’s 9 month “birthday” and we definitely got her height wrong. We marked her a full 1 1/2 inches shorter than she actually is because she doesn’t stand up on her own, but we were still trying to mark her height while having her stand. Oops! It cracks me up every time I see it, and it makes for a good memory.

Yulia, the graphic designer behind Uli, Oli, and other great characters, offers a lovely variety of modern nursery decor on her site. She started Giraffes + Stuff after she was looking for a modern growth chart for her son’s room. During that search, she discovered that modern wall art for babies can be seriously pricey. So she did what any savvy and skilled mom would do…she made her own! Yulia offers a wonderful way to have a great keepsake that is also a lovely piece of art to use when decorating a room. She is happy to work with you on custom orders so that your wall art, growth chart and wall stickers can all match or coordinate with each other.

Win It!: Does your home need a visit from Uli or Oli? Well, here’s your chance to win your very own growth chart from Giraffes + Stuff! The winner will receive your choice of the Uli chart or the Oli chart. he contest will run until Sunday, May 30th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me if you want Uli or Oli, and whose growth will be charted on it! Choose wisely, as you’ll win what you select in your entry if your number is drawn.

Other current giveaways: picture frame decorated with quilled paper (ends 05/25), Tinyleaves earrings (ends 5/27), Super Stars wipes solution (ends 5/28), modern art growth chart (ends 5/30), children’s nasal irrigation system (ends 06/01), bird’s nest necklace (ends 06/03)
Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Baby Wipes Solution I Love

May 18, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 94 Comments

So I’ve been talking about my journey with cloth diapering over the past few months. One thing that we started doing long before using cloth diapers, though, was using cloth wipes (except for poop, and we still haven’t become brave enough to use them for poopy diapers!). Cloth wipes are such a great economical choice, as is a wipes solution. We have most definitely gotten our money’s worth out of our wipes, and then some. Since we started using cloth wipes in November, we’ve purchased maybe 2 or 3 packages of disposable wipes, which is awesome!

I want to welcome back a business that I’ve featured on Stuff Parents Need, because they have a new product that is ideal for cloth wipe users. BareBebe is a store that offers a wonderful variety of products for your home and your little one, all with the quality and style kept in mind! BareBebe’s newest product is from their PureBebe line, and it is unique, economical and oh-so-useful. If you use cloth wipes, then you know that the biggest drawback to them is having to make the wipe solution every few days. It’s not enough of a hurdle to make me not want to use cloth wipes, but it is kind of annoying. But not anymore! Alison, the owner, has created these amazing Super Stars that have everything you need for your wipes…just add hot water! Now instead of making the mix myself, I just drop one star into 8 ounces of really hot water, and let it dissolve. Done! And while my own solution didn’t smell bad, this stuff smells GREAT! I received Super Stars in the rain scent. Oh, it is such a delightful smell…fresh, clean and calm. That’s exactly what my home is like (if only in my head!).

My old mix had canola oil, baby shampoo and baby lotion in it. I just kept those bottles on my kitchen counter since I used them frequently. The Super Stars are in a small canvas pouch and take up so little space. They help make my kitchen less cluttered, and anything that can help out with that disaster area is awesome. Also, I confess that I was using Johnson & Johnson products to make my own solution…that stuff is LOADED with questionable chemicals, and I was wiping it all over my baby’s most sensitive areas! PureBebe’s Super Stars are made with the following ingredients: coconut oil, palm oil, safflower oil, glycerine (kosher), aloe vera gel, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sorbitol, soy bean protein, essential oils (if chosen), fragrance oils (if chosen). This is all stuff I can recognize and pronounce.

In addition to using this solution for baby wipes, you can also use it as a natural hand sanitizer. Just pour it into a spray bottle and you are good to go! Since there are no dyes or harsh chemicals in the stars, there’s no need to worry if your little one puts her hands in her mouth right after you wipe them down.

I was also sent two precious cloth wipes, one with a transportation theme, and the other with love birds in trees. I really love Alison’s cloth wipes because they are very sturdy. They are made with bamboo velour and cotton flannel, so they are super soft, but also ready to tackle those bigger messes. Having these wipes is giving me the courage to use cloth wipes full-time, even for the you-know-what diaper changes, because I know they will actually work! She offers these wipes in a set of 4 for $8.50, and she has many beautiful prints from which to choose.

Alison gets her inspiration for the products she offers from her family. She is mom to 3 girls, all under 5! BareBebe provides a way for her to share the solutions she has created for her own family over the past few years. And we all know that moms come up with the BEST ideas! Check out her wool dryer balls, pail freshener, and adorable pacifier clips! There are so many great things to choose at BareBebe, but let me strongly encourage you to go ahead and take the plunge if you are thinking about trying out cloth wipes. These PureBebe Super Stars and cloth wipes are stellar, in my opinion, and the prices are more than fair.

Win It!: Alison wants you to experience how great going cloth really is for yourself! She is giving away a package of 33 PureBebe Super Stars wipes solution AND a set of 4 wipes (winner’s choice)! Trust me, you are going to love them! The The contest will run until Friday, May 28th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me the Super Stars scent you are dying to try!

Disclosure: I received complimentary products for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

What is Paper Quilling? Examples from Quilly Nilly

May 15, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 75 Comments

What is Paper Quilling?

Today I’d like to introduce you to an art form that was completely new to me until recently. It’s called paper quilling. Here’s the definition, courtesy of trusty ‘ol Wikipedia: Quilling or paper filigree is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. The paper is wound around a quill to create a basic coil shape. The paper is glued at the tip and the coil shaped, these shaped coils are arranged to form flowers, leaves, and various ornamental patterns similar to ironwork.

Sound like a fun hobby? You can get started very easily with a few key resources! I recommend checking out the beginner quiller kit on Amazon, as well as a great book with fun quilling designs!

I recently got to know a Memphis quilling artist named Tracey. Her creations are on display at the Etsy store Quilly Nilly. Go take a quick look around; I bet you will be surprised at the amazing things that Tracey makes out of paper. In fact, her business logo is, “Yes, it’s paper!”

Tracey says that she loves quilling because there are so many different ways that paper can coil and be combined to create larger shapes and designs. She enjoys every quilling project she takes on, but she’s particularly fond of making owls, and she’s enjoying her new ventures in making 3-D miniatures and paper sculptures.

I knew that the results of quilling were cool just by looking at the items for sale at Quilly Nilly. When a package arrived from Tracey, however, and I got to see a finished product for myself, I was absolutely delighted by how unique, fun and positively precious her items are! Tracey sent me this beach-themed picture frame. Notice the sun, pail, the super cute shovel and beach ball, all made from quilled paper! Everything about this frame is so cute, and it looks professionally done (while also looking like something you can’t find anywhere else). I am thrilled with it, and can’t wait to get a picture of Darah in her swimsuit in the frame.

In addition to making perfectly precious frames, Tracey also makes the perfect note cards for special occasions, very fun magnets to dress up your fridge, and many other cool things! If you have an idea for something that could be made more lovely through quilling, convo Tracey…I bet she can make it for you! Her creations start at just $3.25, and I guarantee you that you are going to fall head over heels for anything she makes for you! Tracey is also offering my readers a 10% discount on any purchase you make just by entering “STP Blog” in the comments section when you make a purchase (money will be refunded via paypal).

Tracey is a really organized artist (which is a bit unusual!), and I know this because of her design process. She says, “Typically when I’m starting a new project I will sketch out what I hope for it to look like, as I work I write down how much paper it took to do each section; if I decide a year from now I want to create a butterfly to go on a smaller note card I’ll know how many strips of paper it took and it makes things a little easier.” Wow!

Originally from Connecticut, Tracey has been calling Memphis home for 16 years now, after coming down to go to college. She loves that this city has a terrific and accessible mix of art and music. She also said that our zoo and our botanic gardens are wonderful places to visit, and I have to agree. Of the people, Tracey says, “You can walk into almost any store here and strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and walk out feeling like you’ve got a new friend.” She’s absolutely right. Memphis may technically be a big city, but really its just a humongous small town! 🙂

Edit: Giveaway CLOSED

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need Reader is going to win a summer-inspired frame that will have fruit on it. It is going to be so cute! The contest will run until Tuesday, May 25th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me your very favorite item at Quilly Nilly!

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Subscribe to or follow Tracey’s blog
4. Add Quilly Nilly to your Etsy favorites
5. Become a fan of Quilly Nilly on Facebook
6. Suggest an item you’d like to see Tracey make using quilling
7. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Jewelry Inspired by A Legendary Woman (Memphis in May GIVEAWAY!!!)

May 13, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 151 Comments

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED

There are so many great examples of women of courage throughout history, and even in legends. One such woman was Lady Guinevere, King Arthur’s queen and the supposed lover of Sir Lancelot. Our next Memphis in May featured business takes its inspiration from Lady Guinevere. Let me introduce you to Gwynevere Creations. Shannon, the owner of this company chose Lady Guinevere (also spelled Gwynevere) as her muse because she wanted to evoke feelings of strength, independence and creativity in her jewelry designs. Her work is also inspired by romance, and all of these elements combined made her think of this legendary queen.

Shannon is a graphic designer by day, and turns to jewelry making as a way to express her creativity through a means other than the computer. While she enjoys making all types of jewelry, she is particularly fond of making earrings. She says, “The combinations of texture, color, and design are interesting — from weaving to wire wrapping — each pair makes a specific statement about who you want to be and how you want to present yourself that moment … from demure and simple pearl earrings to glamorous dangly chandeliers, and in such a small space.” She has an excellent point, don’t you think? Your choice of earrings really can say a lot about your personality, your mood and your personal sense of style.

Shannon sent me a beautiful pair of pinkish amethyst earrings with wire-wrapped tops in sterling and sterling ear wires. I loved the shade, which almost seemed a bit closer to lilac than pink to me. The earrings were very delicate and simple, yet far from unnoticeable. I have yet to find an occasion for which these earrings aren’t perfectly suited. If you take a look around Shannon’s shop, you can’t help but feel as though each piece has been inspired by something in nature, or some romantic idea. I was surprised (but loved) hearing from her that while she finds inspiration in those things, she also often finds inspiration in the food and bedding aisles of Target. Ha! Creativity and beauty really is everywhere, if you just take a moment to look for it. Two of her pieces that are making me swoon right now are the cascading flowers earrings and the alchemy necklace. So lovely!

Shannon had two answers when I asked her about her very favorite Memphis thing. First, she said that she absolutely loves Playhouse on the Square, which is a wonderful community theater company with a brand new amazing building! She says of it, “From the shows they choose to perform to their support of the community; it’s just an impressive concept.” She also said that she loves the mockingbirds that call Memphis home. She says, “They don’t live near Syracuse, where I grew up so the first time I had ever seen one was when I moved here. They’re so fun to watch and beautiful, especially their tails. And they look so very elegant.” I think I’ve always taken these birds for granted, and I’m glad she brought them up so that I could take a moment to really appreciate them and their true beauty. Thanks, Shannon!

If you live in Memphis, you can see Gwynevere’s Creations in person at Rivertown Gallery downtown, as well as at Mango Street Baby in the Saddle Creek Shopping Center. For everyone else, check out Shannon’s shop on Etsy…I think her photos give you a good sense for the beauty of her work.

Win it!: Here’s your chance to bring the legend and legacy of Lady Guinevere to your jewelry collection! Shannon is offering any pair of earrings that are similar in style to the ones I received and that cost $18 or less. There are many beautiful pairs on her site to choose from! The contest will run until Sunday, May 23rd at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry: Comment on this post with a link to the pair you would choose if you are the winner. Choose wisely, as you will win what you pick!

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Follow Gwynevere’s Creations on Twitter
4. Add Gwynevere’s Creations to your Etsy favorites
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Gorgeous Frames for Your Gorgeous Family (Memphis in May GIVEAWAY!)

May 11, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 134 Comments

Do me a favor a take a quick look around the desk you are likely sitting at right now. Is it somewhat lacking in the “cute” department? Does it have a picture of someone you love on it? The odds are pretty good that the picture frame holding that photo pales in comparison to the image. That’s as it should be…to a point. I’ve realized that most of the frames I own are quite simply dull and don’t add any color, texture or fun to my desk (both at work and at home!).

Well that’s all about to change, thanks to my next Memphis in May featured artist, Erin. Erin owns a wonderful Etsy shop called Round the Bend. This store features absolutely beautiful frames of various sizes. Erin loves any opportunity to express her creativity, but her very favorite thing to make are the small frames with paper. She says, “There are so many pretty papers available, I love going to the scrapbook store and searching for ones that I think would look great. Plus, I can make so many different styles – modern, formal, girly, young, bright, etc, that hopefully everyone can find something that appeals to them.” I have to agree…there’s something for everyone at Round the Bend! Erin also really enjoys making things for her kids such as playmats, bibs and blankets. Those will likely be making an appearance in her shop soon, so stay on the lookout!

Erin sent me a 3.5 x 3.5 transportation frame to check out. This was perfect for our family, because Tim is a Transportation Planner! It now sits on his desk and has the cutest picture of Darah in it. Erin decorated the frame using really cool paper. The back and sides are painted black, and the front has been painted over with acrylic sealer. The end result is a very smooth and glossy finish. I can tell that this frame is going to hold up beautifully for years to come. Tim absolutely loves it, and it is so much cooler than anything I could have found at TJ Maxx (which is the brick and mortar store with the best frames, in my opinion). The price tag for these frames also rivals that of TJ, starting at just $12.00. I don’t know any other place where can you get such a cute product that is handmade with pride for such a bargain. On my current wish list is a fabulous tweet tweet frame, which looks just perfect for Darah’s nursery.

Since Erin has a husband and two sons, she gravitates towards pinks and pastels in her creative work. With that said, however, she really enjoys working with people to create custom designs that meet their needs. If you are looking for something in particular to help add to your home decor, whether it be the girliest of girly looks or something more masculine, Erin can help you out!

Erin is a native Memphian, having lived her almost her entire life. She’s lived in east Memphis, Cordova, Midtown and Arlington, so she’s really been all over the area! She loves the diversity she has found in each part of the city. She also says, “I love the small community feel in each of the different parts of Memphis, but still having access to all the big city amenities, especially the Zoo, Shelby Farms, and the sports (go Tigers!). Plus you can’t beat the beauty of the dogwoods and azaleas at this time of year. Gorgeous!” I have to agree with her. Memphis is positively splendid right now, crazy flash floods aside…

Buy It! During the giveaway, Erin is offering readers a 20% discount for any purchase. That is so awesome! If you have a beautiful picture that is just waiting for a beautiful frame, now’s the perfect opportunity to buy one. At checkout, include “Memphis” in your note to seller and 20% will be refunded to you after payment is made.

Win it! Erin wants to offer one Stuff Parents Need winner a 3.5 x3.5 frame of your own from the ones currently listed. So exciting! The contest will run until Friday, May 21st at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me which 3.5 x 3.5 frame you would choose if you are the winner (and choose wisely, as the winner will receive what s/he selects for this entry!).

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Add Round the Bend to your Etsy favorites
4. Become a Fan of Round the Bend on Facebook
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product sample for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Celebrate Memphis BBQ with an Adorable Pig Onesie (etsy GIVEAWAY!)

May 9, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 102 Comments

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED

We all know that there is no shortage of adorable children’s clothing on the market. I’d say that kids under the age of 5 safely have the most options of us all for looking too cute for words. But sometimes, our beautiful children can get lost under all of those ruffles, bows or zany patterns. I think my daughter is the star of the show in my world, and I don’t want her outfit to upstage her! That’s why I like to have a good chunk of her wardrobe be simple. But simple doesn’t mean boring, by any means!

Kim, the owner of gurleygurl design based out of Memphis, totally understands this idea. She says, “I love the simplicity and brightness of children’s design. It’s not over thought, it’s just fun and happy.” She makes so many cute onesies that are very simple, but also very fun! In honor of Memphis in May and the National BBQ competition that is taking place this month, Kim sent Darah a precious pig onesie. I absolutely love it, first because a pig is just SO MEMPHIS, and she doesn’t have any outfits yet that pay homage to her hometown (no, I haven’t bought her an Elvis jumpsuit…yet). I also love it because her appetite is growing so fast, and she is currently eating many different types of veggies and grains at dinner time, which sort of reminds me of how pigs eat (just being honest, here!). I’ve washed the onesie several times (due to all of the food that is getting on it!) and the pig print has held up beautifully. Kim also has some other cute onesies for sale, such as the airplane onesie (which reminds me of FedEx, a company you’ve probably heard of that is based in Memphis) or the giraffe onesie (which reminds me of our zoo!).

Kim works at an ad agency during the day, which is exciting work in its own right. However, after 10 years working on ads, Kim decided that she wanted to resurrect gurleygurl design, which had been her senior graphic design project at the University of Memphis. She’s had a wonderful response from local folks, and her presence on Etsy allows her to reach beyond our beautiful river city. She says, “I love to see someone open a gift I’ve made and hear the ooo’s and aah’s in the room. That instant gratification makes me so happy. No one is ooo’ing and ahh’ing when they see a print ad for a bank in a magazine.” That really made me laugh, because the truth is, she’s right!

When I asked Kim what she loved about Memphis, she couldn’t choose just one or two things. You can tell she has a lot of pride in her city by her response, which was, “Midtown. Tiger basketball. Best people, best food, best music. The arts, the festivals, the parks…I could go on for days!”

There’s a lot to be proud of here in Memphis, and Kim just adds to that with her company, gurleygurl design. Whether you want a onesie for your little monkey, a bold tote bag, or even some custom note cards, Kim can design it for you.

Win it! gurleygurl design wants to send a taste of Memphis your way in the form of your very one pig onesie! The contest will run until Wednesday, May 19th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me what item you like the very best at gurleygurl design.

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Tell Kim one thing you’d like to see her sell in her shop
4. Add gurleygurl design to your favorites on Etsy
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Don’t forget to check out these other giveaways! handmade stuffed animal (ends 05/13), silky scarf (ends 05/15), $25 jewelry gift certificate (ends 05/17), handmade detergent-free soap (ends 05/18)

Disclosure: I received a product for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Cold Process Soap and Hot Process Soap

May 8, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 154 Comments

Since becoming a mother, I have a whole new appreciation for quiet moments to myself. They are extremely rare, to say the least, and I know that they will become even more rare as Darah grows and learns how to follow me all over the house! I have always enjoyed shower time because it just feels good to get clean, and I also tend to keep a supply of nice smelling shampoos and soaps on hand to either rev me up in the morning or help me wind down at the end of the day.

My next featured Memphis in May business is Mocha’s Handmade Soaps, and this is yet another company that I’m so glad to have found and to now share with you. Vikki, the woman behind the company, makes a wonderful variety of cold and hot process soaps made with ingredients you can pronounce, and even has a nice selection of vegan soaps for sale. Vikki has been making soap and perfecting her craft for 3 years now. She loves being able to create something new and original that will bring people joy and also promote healthy skin, especially as we age (a fact I’m becoming all-too-aware of now that 30 is just a few months away!). I really enjoyed learning that Vikki makes all of her soaps by hand and cures them for 3 to 6 weeks. Furthermore, her soaps are detergent-free, which is not the case for the vast majority of soaps that you find in the stores.

The soaps I have sampled from this shop smell heavenly, lather beautifully, and help provide a peaceful space just for me when I step into the shower. I was so excited to read about the ingredients that are used in her soaps: “Saponified oils of Olive, Soybean, Palm Kernel, Coconut, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Palm, Sunflower, Avocado, Sweet Almond, Fragrance, Goats Milk, Vitamin E and other skin-loving oils and butters. Herbs and grains are also added to some recipes for a natural, gentle exfoliation. Some soaps are colored with natural oxides from the earth, ultramarines, & micas.” I recognized every single thing! I had the opportunity to try a cold process soap, and I was so impressed with how silky smooth (but not greasy!) I felt after using it. The bar also produced a great lather, so I can tell that one bar is going to last a good long while! I also had the opportunity to try the Hollywood Pink soap (Vikki’s version of an Avon scent). This was not a scent that I was familiar with before, but let me tell you, the first time I used it I just kept sniffing it again and again! It is light, but warm. I loved it! Finally, I tried the Peppermint Soap with Goat’s Milk. This is definitely going to be my go-to soap in the morning when I need some help waking up. It smells so refreshing and I feel nice and clean after using it!

I asked Vikki to share what she loves most about our great city. Her answers: the weather and the BBQ. May must just be the best month ever to her, then! 🙂 I’m sure she’s still making time to fill orders in between playing outside and eating some of the world’s best BBQ, though!

Vikki takes great pride in her work and stands behind every product she makes. If you can’t decide which soap to try first, though, she did say that if she had to choose 3 favorites, she would suggest Love Spell, Black Raspberry Vanilla and Baby Grace Philosophy. I say that you can’t go wrong if you go with the artist’s recommendation! If you have a particular kind of scent in mind and wish you could have it in a soap form, convo Vikki…the odds are decent that she can make it for you, which is really cool! Also, Vikki gives free samples with each purchase, so what are you waiting for?! Her bars of soap start at just $4.00.

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED

Win it!: Here’s your chance to bring Mocha’s Homemade Soaps (and a little bit of Memphis) into your home! Vikki is giving one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader a cold or hot process soap of your choice from the ones she has listed on her site. Nice! The contest will run until May 18th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me which bar of cold process soap or hot process soap you would like to win (and choose wisely, as you will get this pick if you are the winner!)

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Add Mocha’s Homemade Soaps to your Etsy favorites
4. Tell me one scent you would like to see Vikki offer in her shop
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Disclosure: I received product samples to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Update Your Wardrobe with Mozella Designs Jewelry (GIVEAWAY!)

May 7, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 136 Comments

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to one seriously skilled Memphis jewelry designer. Take a look around Mozella Designs Etsy store. You see a lot of beautiful things, don’t you? Take this silver and gold interlocked mesh bracelet, for example. That’s a piece that would go with pretty much everything! Or what about this fluttery flower ring? It is so delicate, and yet, so bold! This flower pendant necklace could take most any outfit from drab to fab, as well.

The pieces at Mozella Designs are beautifully crafted and very in tune with current trends. They must be made by someone who has been doing this professionally for years and years, right?!
NOPE! Christine, the designer, has only been making jewelry for a few months! I could hardly believe it, myself. I think her work looks like the product of someone who has been around long enough to know how to get it right every single time. Beginner’s luck? I don’t think so. I think Christine has a gift! She says that she really enjoys learning different techniques for making all types of jewelry, but she is currently especially fond of making rings. She’s doing really well in that department, I think!

Christine sent me these lovely earrings, and lovely they are! I have worn them every chance I could. They can easily go with a fitted top and jeans and they look just as great in business attire. I love that they incorporate such pretty dangling features without being loud or garish, as dangle earrings can sometimes be. The Swarovski briolettes add just the right touch of shine to the gold hammered rings and glass pearls. I love these earrings, plain and simple!

Christine says that she doesn’t really have a specific process for making her jewelry. She tries to stay on top of currently fashion trends to get style or color ideas, but often she just imagines a particular design at random times and then goes with it. She keeps a notebook on hand so that she can sketch out her designs when brilliance hits!

I asked Christine what she likes best about Memphis, and she said that the spring and summer months are her favorite because the city is always alive with festivals, parties and other opportunities to just be outside. If you live in Memphis, you might run into Christine at the rooftop party at the Peabody Hotel. Look for the lovely young lady with the best jewelry at the party. That’s her!

Buy It: Mozella Designs’ creations are beautiful, unique and very fashionable. Pick out something special for yourself or a friend today!Having a hard time choosing the perfect gift from so many different beautiful options? That’s ok, because Mozella Designs offers gift certificates so that your loved one can get the perfect item!

Win it!: Christine is giving you the chance to snag your very own handcrafted jewelry by offering a $25 gift certificate to her shop! You guys are SO LUCKY!!! The contest will run until May 17th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me your very favorite item at Mozella Designs and where you would wear it!

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Follow Mozella Designs on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
4. Become a fan of Mozella Designs on Facebook
5. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Don’t forget to check out these other giveaways! Reusable snack bags (ends 05/09), handmade stuffed animal (ends 05/13), silky scarf (ends 05/15), handmade detergent-free soap (ends 05/18)

Disclosure: I received a product sample for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Infinity Scarf Makes a Splash!

May 5, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 107 Comments

One of my very favorite ways to accessorize is by wearing scarves. I’m so glad that decorative scarves have grown in popularity. Now there are so many pretty pieces that can take the most boring of outfits and make it stand out.I wore scarves all the time this winter. I’ve been feeling a bit lost in the accessory department now that the weather has warmed up. I have some nice jewelry, but a scarf just seems to pull an outfit together so effortlessly!

If you can relate to this feeling, Terry, the owner of Etsy shop Memphis Gypsy, has a solution for you! She has created super cute infinity scarves that are perfect for spring! Hooray! Terry sent me this navy and purple floral scarf to try out. Just adding a whimsical scarf to an outfit can make all the difference between looking drab and looking very put together, and this scarf has definitely brought new life to a few of my work outfits as well as to my weekend attire. I’ve had several people comment on what a great idea the spring/summer scarf is, and I have to agree! Scarves at Memphis Gypsy are 34 inches around and about 6 inches wide.

In addition to working with various fabrics and knits to make scarves, Terry also loves to work with beads and resin material. When I asked her what her favorite thing to make was, she answered, “Well that’s a hard question, it is kind of like asking a mom what child is her favorite. I just love creating and wearing what I make. It really depends on my mood, whatever I am making at the time is usually my favorite and then changes an hour or so later.” Can’t you tell that Terry is such a creative force with a passion for living life to its fullest?

Here’s an example of her passion in action. Terry is a woman with a dream. She offers her creations for sale not only because she truly loves to make things, but also because she is working hard to make the cut for the hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance!” She was featured a few times during season 6 (if you watched it, she was the girl in all white). She got some encouraging feedback from the judges, and her goal is to make it to Las Vegas during season 7! Any money she makes from selling her crafts goes to help Terry get to the audition and live out her dream. Pretty cool, huh?

So why is Terry’s Shop called, “Memphis Gypsy?” She says, “I am just a girl from Memphis who loves to make jewelry. I get called ‘Gypsy’ all the time ( mostly by my mother) because I can never narrow down what accessories I want to wear so I wear everything!” Now she gets to pass on her flare for accessories to others through her Etsy shop!

Since this series is about highlighting artists in Memphis, I asked Terry what her favorite thing is about the city. Her answer? The live music scene! She says, “There are so many under-appreciated musicians in Memphis. You can pretty much go see a great band any night of the week. I only wish I had more time to go see more bands.”She is so right. Memphis has produced the King of Rock ‘N Roll, and what few people realize is that the talent pool here continues to be amazingly rich. If you are a fan of truly great music, a vacation to Memphis should be in your plans, for sure.

Buy It!: If you are looking for a versatile piece to add to your wardrobe, the silky scarf from Memphis Gypsy is what you are seeking! Scarves are available in several designs for $15.00.

EDIT: Giveaway CLOSED!

Win It!: Terry wants to help one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader look her best by giving away one of her silky scarves! The contest will run until Saturday, May 15th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory Entry:
Tell me which infinity scarf you would choose (and choose wisely, because that is the one you will win if your number is selected!).

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS, email or Google friend connect (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe more than one way)
2. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your Twitter ID)
3. Follow Memphis Gypsy on Twitter
4. Become a fan of Memphis Gypsy on Facebook
5. Add Memphis Gypsy to your Etsy favorites
6. If you left a Memphis in May comment on this post before May 2nd, leave a comment for an extra entry

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product sample for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.