A Custom Hand Stamped Personalized Sterling Silver Toggle Necklace for My Birthday!

Thank you to Like Mother, Like Daughter for providing a sample custom hand stamped silver necklace for us to base this review upon and for providing a gift certificate for our giveaway prize.  All opinions expressed are my own.

It's September!  That means the two sapphires of 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires had birthdays this month . . . one of which was me.  Yes, I turned forty *cough* one this month.  Somehow turning 41 seemed to impact me more than 40.  I wouldn't say I'm feeling old . . . just older.  Regardless, nothing cures the birthday blues better than jewelry.  Well, not just any jewelry.  It needs to be something special . . .

No piece of jewelry could be more special than one that was crafted just for me.  While browsing this charming hand stamped jewelry boutique on Etsy, called Like Mother, Like Daughter, I saw this sterling silver washer toggle necklace and I kept coming back to it.  I admit I have an affinity towards larger circular pendants, but I just wasn't sure this was the one for me.  Then I realized that I could make this the perfect necklace for me because it can be customized!

What did I come up with?  Why, it's this mommy necklace that has the names of all five members of my beloved family stamped into the sterling silver washer plus a silver family tree charm dangling in the center.  I just love the way this necklace turned out!  If you do too, you can order this custom necklace here.  It would truly make a cherished gift for a special mom in your life.

Now, I'm one to leave my jewelry on 24/7.  Just as stated in the shop information, this type of silver will develop a patina when exposed to air.  If you aren't a fan of an antiqued look, then I recommend that you keep these pieces stored away safely protected from the air while they're not being worn.  It's also helpful that each piece comes with a polishing cloth to help keep your jewelry looking like new.

To view all the wonderful offerings in hand stamped necklaces, bracelets, and earrings (in sterling silver, bronze, copper, and aluminum) visit Like Mother, Like Daughter on Etsy!  Now it does take some time for your custom pieces to be created, so plan accordingly if you're purchasing a gift.  For me, it was totally worth the wait!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

Weekend Wishlist: Franco Sarto Handbag, 3-D Light-Up Crystal Puzzle, Wireless Headphones, and More!

 It's Friday!  That means I've been browsing the new sales on Zulily.  I love shopping on the weekends because I only pay shipping on my first order and get free shipping on everything else from Friday through midnight on Sunday.  I have already done quite a bit of holiday shopping on Zulily over the past few weeks.  I found some fun fashion items for my mother-in-law and some great deals on some toys.  In case I've never mentioned it, I always check the price of an item on Amazon before I purchase it on Zulily and it is almost always significantly lower.  I bought a few toys this month that were each selling for $10 to $15 more on Amazon.

What's new on my Zulily wishlist today?

1.  Global Amici 248-Oz. Meloni Jar - $16.99 (Originally $25)

2.  DIY Kids Flashing Castle 3-D Crystal Puzzle - $11.99 (Originally $21)

3.  Sterling Silver Crown Pendant Necklace - $10.99 (Originally $21)

4.  Black Wireless Cushioned Headphones & Receiver - $26.99 (Originally $100)

5.  Upper Bounce 7.5-Foot Trampoline & Enclosure Set - $199.99 (Originally $285)

6.  Franco Sarto Leather Teal Delancy Crossbody Bag - $55.99 (Originally $119)

7.  b.o.c. Black Suzi Mule - $44.99 (Originally $85)

8.  Oatmeal Basket Weave Infinity Scarf - $8.99 (Originally $18)


If you haven't already, be sure to checkout my post "6 Tips for Shopping on Zulily"!  What's on your weekend wishlist from Zulily or somewhere else?

My Photos (W/E 9-3-11)

I hope everyone in the Northeast got through last weekend's storm okay. Luckily we did not suffer any damage and did not lose power or experience any flooding.  Still, it was a nerve-wracking day.  I did not get to visit everyone's Weekly Winners posts, but intend to make up for it this week.

School did start on Tuesday, as scheduled, but the school was running on emergency power.  There was no hot lunch served the first day, but everything seemed to go well.  There were some roads closed due to down power lines and trees, so the school buses had to find alternate routes and children were advised not to walk to school.

The twins start preschool this week, so the storm did not affect their first day at all.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

"Mischief-Maker"

"See Me"

"A Closer Look"

Thank you for taking the time to view my photos this week! If you'd like to play along or see more great photos, stop by to see Lotus a.k.a. Sarcastic Mom.

Giveaway & Review: Mother/Daughter Necklaces by Jizo & Chibi (ARV up to $170) [CLOSED]

For me, if a piece of jewelry is not personalized, then it needs to have a unique design. It has been quite some time since I've come across a jewelry collection that has struck me as truly unique. Jizo & Chibi is such a collection.

Valerie S. Johns, the artist behind Jizo & Chibi, was once a resident of Japan. That is where she first discovered these Buddhist characters and began developing the concept for this line, which extends beyond jewelry. Valerie also offers limited edition photographs, watercolors, sculptures, a children's book, and more.

Since Jizo & Chibi handmade jewelry can take on a special meaning for a parent and child, I thought some of these pieces would make a wonderful gift idea for Mother's Day. I received the Sterling Silver Standing Jizo Necklace for myself and the Silver Tiny Chibi for my daughter to review as mother/daughter necklaces. I chose these two pieces because I love the idea of the Jizo holding the tiny Chibi to his chest close to the heart as pictured in the artwork. Of course, any combination of these pieces would take on their own special meaning for you.

Jizo: "I am a teacher. I protect all children and travelers and I will be here until all souls are finished suffering. I hold Chibi safe."

Chibi: "It means "little one" in Japanese. I can be your own child or your inner kid. "

As you can see, both pieces are done in a brushed satin silver. These pieces are available in both the small or larger sizes. They are also offered in 18k gold vermeil and with special accents, such as a pearl or a white topaz. The small pendants come with a 16" chain, but the larger ones offer a choice of a 16" chain or a 16" or 18" long leather cord. I opted for the 16" silver chain. As you can see, although both chains are the same length, the one that accompanies the smaller pendant is more delicate to match the pendant size. The Standing Jizo is actually solid and I am extremely impressed by its weight. It definitely warrants the heavier chain.

Since my daughter is only 3, I've always purchased 12" to 14" chains for her. I was worried that the 16" would be too long, but it actually looks perfectly fine and it is much easier for her to keep the necklace from getting hidden inside her clothing. She was absolutely delighted for us to have necklaces that represented our bond as mother and child.

Currently you are able to purchase Jizo & Chibi art, jewelry, and gifts right on JizoAndChibi.com . You can also learn more about this artist by fanning Jizo & Chibi on Facebook and following Jizo & Chibi on Twitter.

Thank you to Jizo & Chibi for sending us sample necklaces free of charge to base this review upon and for providing another pair of necklaces for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive one "Big Chibi" necklace and one "Tiny Chibi" necklace. (Winner's choice of silver or 18k gold vermeil. Both do not need to be the same finish.)

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the Jizo & Chibi Jewelry Collection and other gifts offered on this site. Then leave a comment telling me what one item you would love to give or receive as a gift (other than the two necklaces reviewed in the above article). You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND JizoAndChibi.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Jizo & Chibi on Twitter and/or fan Jizo & Chibi on Facebook. Then leave a SEPERATE comment with either the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile. If you do both, then you should leave two separate comments.

6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9) Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, April 26th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Giveaway & Review: Bebe Dulce Birthstone Necklace [CLOSED]

Recently, I have featured countless gift ideas for children, but I have not come across too many unique gifts for Mom. This birthstone necklace by Bebe Dulce caught my eye because it is simple with just the right amount of boldness.

The necklace I selected has a handmade pendant of genuine garnet to represent my three children who were all born in January. If your children were not so conveniently all born in the same month, you could opt to choose your own birthstone, your significant other's birthstone, or even the stone that represents the month of your anniversary.




What I thought about my handmade birthstone necklace:

1) The necklace came in a brown box with the Bebe Dulce boutique label and was tied with a sheer ribbon, which made a very nice presentation. This is extremely convenient if you are seeking a gift that is ready-to-give or if you are shipping the gift directly to the recipient.




2) I like that the necklace was accompanied by an information card, which explains the lore behind the garnet stone.

3) I also like that I had a choice between a 16" or an 18" sterling silver chain. I chose the 16" because I like the pendant to sit a little higher so it is more visible.

4) I think it is important that the beads are on a silver wire rather than a string. If the pendant was created with string, then I would not be able to wear this necklace in the shower or to go swimming because the string would eventually get weak and break.

5) Although the pendant is pictured as a more circular shape and is how the necklace arrived, you need to expect gravity to set in. Eventually, the pendant becomes more of an oval shape.

I have worn my Bebe Dulce necklace for over two weeks and have not found a reason to take it off. Because of its simple design, it goes great with just about everything, both casual and slightly dressier outfits.

To see what handmade baby gifts and gifts for moms are offered by Bebe Dulce, visit BebeDulceAspen.com . As one of my readers, you can save 10% off your Bebe Dulce purchase by using Promo Code: 3G2S10 during checkout.


Thank you to Bebe Dulce for providing us with both a review product and a contest prize free of charge.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a $30 GC to the Bebe Dulce online boutique.


Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.


How to Gain Entries:
Browse through the selection of products on BebeDulceAspen.com . Then leave a comment telling me how you would spend your $30 GC if you won this contest. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND BebeDulceAspen.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entries each, follow Bebe Dulce on Twitter, fan Bebe Dulce on Facebook, follow the Bebe Dulce Blog, or subscribe to the Bebe Dulce Newsletter. You can earn 1 entry for doing each of these provided you leave a separate comment for each entry.

6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!