2012 Holiday Gift Guide Guide: NOVICA {Review & $40 GC Giveaway}

Featured Sponsor

Admittedly, I am a sucker for something unique, eclectic and beautiful. Recently, I was introduced to NOVICA.com offering just that.  NOVICA.com (in association with National Geographic) is online site that is in many ways different from many others that I have come across out there. They bring together a collection of  unique, hard-to-find items at great values.

About Novica

(source: Novica.com)

NOVICA unites you with more than 2,000 extraordinary master artists around the world. Read about their lives, explore their fascinating cultures, and customers have the ability to select from more than 30,000 handcrafted works of art.

NOVICA.com was founded twelve years ago as an online, fair-trade marketplace based in Los Angeles, with offices in eight developing nations. NOVICA features more than 30,000 limited edition and one-of-a-kind handmade works of art daily, ranging from artisan-crafted jewelry to handmade apparel to world-style home decor. So far NOVICA has succeeded in helping change the lives of more than 50,000 people in developing nations, including artisans and their dependents, uniquely helping each artisan earn personal recognition and real-world prices for their work.

 ace and friends thoughts

NOVICA's amazing unique gift section immediately got my attention. I've always loved the designs and creations from around the world. This section offers the ability to search from very broad to very specific types of gifts including ~ Handbag Gifts for the Adventurer, Romantic Christmas Gifts for Her, Yoga Gifts for Men... and even have Cooking Gifts for the Animal Lover Man!

From their beautiful selection of Spring home decor, from their Murano hand blown vases to natural fiber baskets, there is definitely something for everyone this holiday season. I was instantly attracted to the stunning jewelry, including a wide selection of Garnet Dangle Earring to beautiful Silver Pendent Necklaces.

I completely fell in love with Tiger's eye and carnelian cluster earrings and the 'Garden Bower' Beaded cocktail ring from Thailand.  Included with each piece is an artisan story card that has a particular quote from each artist as well as a description of the purchased piece. Admittedly, the earring and ring were even more lovely in person and I was completely thrilled with my selection. I can see all the love and hard-work that went into each detail of these earrings and ring.

Because each piece is shipped directly from their international fulfillment center, shipping takes around two to three weeks, but the wait is well worth it! Overall, the selection at Novica.com is a little overwhelming, but I certainly enjoyed looking at all the amazing and beautifully creative pieces, as I am sure you will too. I will definitely return to NOVICA in the very near future to add to my new artisan collection!

Finding that unique gift for the special person in your life is a breeze now with Novica's  unique gift section... take a look.... you will not be disappointed!

************************************************************

Buy It

The earrings and ring as well as a wide selection of many artisan pieces are available at NOVICA.com.

************************************************************

Win It

Thanks to the NOVICA, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win

a $40 Gift Code to spend on their heart's content this holiday season!

************************************************************

Pin It

A New Twist on Friendship Bracelets With Rainbow Loom {Review & Giveaway}

Featured Sponsor

If you grew up in the 80's and 90's, I'm sure you remember the friendship bracelet. Just to refresh your memory, a friendship bracelet is given from one friend to another as a symbol of their friendship.

Recently my sister introduced me to a new twist on the friendship bracelet that involved using rubber bands instead of thread. It was so cool that I had to investigate and find out where I could get a kit for my oldest daughter.... and with a little research, I discovered Rainbow Loom. What was even more exciting was that Rainbow Loom was a local business not too far from me! 

About Rainbow Loom

Rainbow Loom is a fun and easy to use kit to create and make unique rubber band bracelet, using pony tail size rubber bands.  

The Rainbow Loom plastic peg template allows kids (and adults) to design and create unique, fun and stylish rubber band bracelet, rings and more.

Each Starter Kit Includes: Rainbow Loom(TM), Mini Rainbow Loom(TM), hook, a bag of c-clips, instruction manual and 600+ mix rubber bands (colors may vary). Make up to 24 rubber (single) band bracelets!!

Recommended for: Ages 8 and older. Children under 8 with adult supervision. Not for children 3 year and younger due to potential choking hazards. Package contains functional sharp object (plastic hook).

ace and friends thoughts

*a* was super excited to start using her new Rainbow Loom. Even though she didn't know too much about it, she knew that anything to do with jewelry was going to be *cool*. We read through the directions together and following the step by step instruction (which included photo snapshots) were pretty easy to understand and follow. The photo snapshots were truly helpful when we were trying to figure out how to create a single band bracelet. To begin, I showed *a* how to loop the rubber bands on the Rainbow Loom. She immediately was able to add a variety of different color rubber bands to start her masterpiece.

After adding the rubber bands, the next step involved using the plastic hook to loop the rubber bands back onto itself to create a *locking* type loop.

Once each loop was complete, a small *c* plastic clip was used to secure the ends. The final step was a little confusing and took a few minutes to work through, but once we figured it out... securing the ends was very simple.

Check out that adorable rubber band bracelet created by *a*. Super simple, super cute and a perfect gift for that tween on your list this holiday season!

************************************************************

Buy It 

Rainbow Loom Kits ($14.99 + shipping) are available on their site HERE.

************************************************************

Win It 

ONE LUCKY *ace and friends* reader will win

a Rainbow Loom Kit of their very own!

************************************************************

Pin It

Get 20% Off Hot Mama Heirloom Jewelry #mamajewelry

Shannon Sunderland & Sahra Cahoon form the dynamic duo of Hot Mama Designs.  Hot Mama Designs rejoices in celebrating motherhood, family and the one-of-a-kind feeling of the handmade object. Their inspiring designs are created to tell stories and celebrate life. Celebrate Family ~ Celebrate Motherhood ~ Celebrate You!

They rejoice in the art of metalsmithing!  As artists they are intrigued by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which is (loosely translated) the beauty of things that are unpretentious and unconventional. In our mass-produced world, their jewelry celebrates the one-of-a-kind feeling of the handmade object!

COUPON: Get 20% any order of $100 or more.  Promo Code: mamalove226

A perfect gift for this gift giving season!

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]

Pin It

2012 Spring Fling Guide: NOVICA {Review & Giveaway}

Featured Sponsor

Admittedly, I am a sucker for something unique, eclectic and beautiful. Recently, I was introduced to NOVICA.com offering just that.  NOVICA.com (in association with National Geographic) is online site that is in many ways different from many others that I have come across out there. They bring together a collection of  unique, hard-to-find items at great values.

About Novica

(source: Novica.com)

NOVICA unites you with more than 2,000 extraordinary master artists around the world. Read about their lives, explore their fascinating cultures, and customers have the ability to select from more than 30,000 handcrafted works of art.

NOVICA.com was founded twelve years ago as an online, fair-trade marketplace based in Los Angeles, with offices in eight developing nations. NOVICA features more than 30,000 limited edition and one-of-a-kind handmade works of art daily, ranging from artisan-crafted jewelry to handmade apparel to world-style home decor. So far NOVICA has succeeded in helping change the lives of more than 50,000 people in developing nations, including artisans and their dependents, uniquely helping each artisan earn personal recognition and real-world prices for their work.

 ace and friends thoughts

NOVICA's amazing unique gift section immediately got my attention. I've always loved the designs and creations from around the world. From their beautiful selection of Spring home decor, from their Murano hand blown vases to natural fiber baskets, there is definitely something for everyone. I was instantly attracted to the stunning jewelry, including a wide selection of Garnet Dangle Earring to beautiful Silver Pendent Necklaces.

I completely fell in love with Tiger's eye and carnelian cluster earrings and the 'Garden Bower' Beaded cocktail ring from Thailand.  Included with each piece is an artisan story card that has a particular quote from each artist as well as a description of the purchased piece. Admittedly, the earring and ring were even more lovely in person and I was completely thrilled with my selection. I can see all the love and hard-work that went into each detail of these earrings and ring.

Because each piece is shipped directly from their international fulfillment center, shipping takes around two to three weeks, but the wait is well worth it! Overall, the selection at Novica.com is a little overwhelming, but I certainly enjoyed looking at all the amazing and beautifully creative pieces, as I am sure you will too. I will definitely return to NOVICA in the very near future to add to my new artisan collection!

************************************************************

Buy It

The earrings and ring as well as a wide selection of many artisan pieces are available at NOVICA.com.

************************************************************

Win It

Thanks to the NOVICA, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win

a $25 Gift Code to spend on their heart's content!

************************************************************

Pin It

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: PANDORA Jewelry {Review & Giveaway}

Featured Sponsor

Looking for something special for that certain someone this holiday season? The way to my heart is without a doubt through jewelry. I'm not choosy, really... I love jewelry, especially from PANDORA. 

About PANDORA 

It all started nearly 30 years ago. Back in 1982 a jeweler’s shop that would one day become PANDORA was established in modest surroundings in Copenhagen, Denmark, by Danish goldsmith Per Enevoldsen and his wife Winnie.

What started as a modest import business blossomed what it is today, an international fine jewelry giant. PANDORA designs, manufactures and markets hand finished and modern jewelry made of genuine materials and at affordable prices. The PANDORA jewelry is sold in more than 50 countries on six continents through approximately 10,000 points of sale, including over 320 PANDORA branded stores.

PANDORA has maintained it's mission as it did back in 1982, which is to offer women everywhere, high quality, hand-finished, modern and genuine jewelery products at affordable prices, inspiring women to express their individuality. All women have their own individual stories to tell – a personal collection of special moments that makes them who they are. That is why we celebrate these moments. That is why PANDORA says these moments are just unforgettable!

ace and friends thoughts

If you haven't heard of PANDORA, don't be alarmed. You are probably more aware of it than you know! If you've seen women wearing a variety of different bracelets with a collection of unique charms, then you've most likely seen a PANDORA Bracelet. 

I was recently introduced to something quite different from PANDORA. The Double Leather Black Bracelet is a unique twist on the traditional PANDORA bracelet that I have seen on other people. This particular bracelet wraps twice around one's wrist instead of just once...which means, more room for more charms, right?

What charms you ask? Well PANDORA offers more than 600 pieces in sterling silver, 14k gold and two-tone to choose from, you’re certain to find one for each of your special moments.

Check out the adorable little present charm on my bracelet, just in time for the holidays. It's super adorable and I'm definitely looking forward to expanding my collection. The present looks quite lonely all by itself, don't ya think?

In addition to bracelets and charms, PANDORA also offers a wide selection of necklaces, pendants, rings, earrings and watches. Many more than I ever knew they had in their collection. So, if you are looking for something extra special for that certain woman in your life this holiday season, make sure to look no further than PANDORA, you will, without doubt, find the PERFECT bracelet and charm just for her!

Hey, are you thinking about taking a vacation in early 2012? Why not join PANDORA and Royal Caribbean? From March 8-12, 2012, PANDORA will be teaming up with Royal Caribbean to host an amazing cruise. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Not only will you enjoy a wonderful vacation, but you also get learn so much more about PANDORA. For additional information, please visit: http://www.pandoraunforgettablecruise.com.

************************************************************
Buy It

PANDORA jewelry is available in specialty and department stores.

Check HERE to find a store location near you.

************************************************************

Win It

Thanks to the PANDORA, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
a Double Leather Bracelet and one charm (limited to company's choice)!

************************************************************

Pin It

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: String-Ring {Review & Giveaway}

Featured Sponsor

Remembering things... what's that? Literally, I forget stuff ALL the time. I've noticed that as I've gotten older and had kids, my memory just isn't what it use to be. Sadly, it's just not up to par! Back in the day, they would say, tie a string on your finger to help you remember something important. Great idea, but who wants to walk around with a string on their finger? Not me! Recently I was introduced to a unique twist on that old idea... the String Ring and I will definitely wear that... really...  what girl doesn't LOVE jewelry?

 

About String-Ring

The String-Ring™ is a cue to remind yourself, and those who notice it, to be kind to one another. To do a kind act, or even think something kind. Designed to be threaded with the provided colored string, String-Ring reminds you of the particular act of kindness you wish to remember.



ace and friends thoughts

I was quite impressed at the uniqueness and beauty of my new String-Ring™. It is crafted from the best quality silver and comes with 20 replaceable colored strings, a jute bag, polishing cloth, stickers, and a list of color meanings. For example, blue reminds you to be patient, white represents kindness to one's self and  yellow represents optimism.

The self explanatory instructions were easy to follow and after a few practice attempts, I was able to create the different types of tying styles. The ring fits pretty true to size and was quite comfortable. The String-Ring can be worn on any finger. But, I've been wearing it on my left index finger because according to the ancient belief, it is said to most influence memory and helps remind us to remember kindness.

 Take a look below at how to create "The Duo". It's pretty cool!

So, if you are looking for a stylish, unique and funky gift idea, the String-Ring™ could just be what you've been searching for this holiday season!

************************************************************
Buy It

Get your own String-Ring™ ($38.95) on their site HERE.

************************************************************

Win It

Thanks to the String-Ring, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
a String-Ring of their very own!

************************************************************

Pin It