Fall Family Fun

I usually don’t make it a habit to photograph people, not because I don’t enjoy it but because there’s a little more pressure to capture a moment, than say capturing a bowl of fruit. But I made a couple small exceptions for two reasons.  1} I was loaned a DSLR! (I think I’m going to have to make the switch soon)   2.} I just love  the couple and family I had a chance to *achm* shot : ) So without further ado here are a few fun ones.

       

     

Don’t forget to check out the giveaway below. Until than, have a great day : )

October Opulence

It’s fall!! Can I get an Amen!?!  I love this time of year for many reasons but one of the biggest is because it’s when I get to celebrate my birthday.  Exciting right?  To top it all off I’m turning the big 3-0!  I had a couple gracious sellers come through to not only make this as painless a transition as possible but also to give you a chance to get some great stuff!! (hmm maybe I should tone it down on the exclamation point but I just so excited) OK onto the business at hand. What items are you throwing your hat in to receive?

Shop #1

Micslovespink07

This is the beautiful Compact up for grabs, a $28 value!

This owner offers a great array of vintage items, anywhere from costume jewelry to vases.

Where are you from and how did you become a vintage lover?

Born and raised in the Reno, NV area. My mother instilled a love in me for fun things, such as clothing and jewelry and beautiful antiques.

You have some very fun pieces in your shop, where did you get such great taste?
My Mother was always dressed to the nines and was extremely classy.
Looks like your Mother was a big influence in your life. Could you tell us more about your relationship?
We were extremely close, but unfortunately, I lost her to cancer last year. Her disease and strength through everything she has gone thru in her 70 years of life has taught me so much.
Is there anything else you would like my readers to know?
Please visit my store and know that I appreciate great customers and will do everything I can to make sure you enjoy these pieces as much as me!

In fact if you see a piece you like she’s got a great sale going on right now!  Just type LOVEPINK to receive 50% off your next order. I myself have already taken her up on this offer and let me tell you I was not disappointed.

Shop #2
Customhemptreasures

You will get a chance to win a bracelet of your choice

Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in Orlando, and have been a vegetarian for about 8 years.
What are some of the other things you enjoy doing?
besides making hemp jewelry I love to knit and being outside and exercising
Do you have any plans for the future?
My dream is to one day to open my own store where I sell my Scarves and Hemp Jewelry.

Shop #3

ME <3  Rae of Light Photography

I’ve been taking photography for about a year and have really enjoyed being able to share that journey with you.

What you could win from me? How about (2) 4x6 prints of your choice?

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Oh Author Where art Thou?

You may have notice, well at least I hope you’ve noticed, I have been a bit absent from the blogging world lately.  I would like to apologize.  It seemed with everything going on I just couldn’t get in the time and I unfortunately have been neglectful.

To make up for it I’m going to be working on a huge giveaway to encourage you to not give up on me yet : )

Until than I thought I would let you know what I’ve been up to. I talked before about how I am slowly becoming a sweepstakes person, well it seems I’ve also added major couponer to the mix.  I’m not full fledged just yet but I’m having fun learning in the mean time. 

Here’s some of the items I got in one small afternoon of shopping, and how I got them. I must beg forgiveness in advance for the photos they were taken with my good ole cell phone.

#1  A super cute Liz Claiborne clutch

  I found a $10 off $10 or more coupon and lucked out.  They had just done their mark downs at JC Penny. This adorable bag was marked down to $10.40, with the $10 off that made it 0.40! It was normally priced $26

#2 Rimmel Eye shadow

This was an experience in “Stacking”. That is the term used when you’re allowed to take a manufacture's coupon and a store coupon and stack them together on the same product. As far as I can tell only two chains still do this, Target (where I got this eye shadow) and Walgreens.  This eye shadow originally cost $3.99, Rimmel’s facebook page was offering a $2 off coupon  on any of their products and than Target had a $1 off coupon on only Rimmel eye shadow. They had a cheaper one that only had one shade but they were out of all colors save black and white so I opted for this one.  At the end it only cost me .99. 

#3 Lip Gloss and Hand Sanitizer

I got these two great items with a surprise VS coupon. It was $10 off $10 or more as well. The lip gloss was $7 and the sanitizer was $3.50, making these two items a whopping .54.

 

All in all I think I spent about $2, not bad if I do say so myself.  I think I’m really starting to like this couponing gig. 

If your wondering where I get my best tips you should totally check out this great little blog; http://moneysavingmom.com/ You can also go on Facebook, “like” some of your favorite products and many a times they have either free coupons or samples. Oh and samples are the best way to get great coupons. 

Hopefully I won’t be going MIA for a while now that things have settled down here in Joplin but if I do, you know I’ll be out there getting some great deals to show you later. 

Coming Soon to a Blog near you!!! (well this blog at least)

- a wonderful giveaway that is sure to impress

- Adventures at Farm Girl Days, a follow up on some of my most loved photos and maybe some new surprises.

- Extreme Home Makeover is coming to JOPLIN!!! Very excited. I hope to have photos and stories up when it happens

Awesome August Giveaway

 Artist # 1

MasticLashes

Where did the name Mastic come from, what exactly does it mean?

mas·tic (mstk) n.
1. The mastic tree.
2. The aromatic resin of the mastic tree, used especially in varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, and condiments and as an astringent.
3. A paste like cement used in highway construction, especially one made with powdered lime or brick and tar.

How did you get involved with making your beautiful jewelry?

I love resin. Passionately. It's fantastic to be able to create something unique that looks extremely professional and doesn't cost a fortune. I also feel like most gentlemen are shafted when it comes to jewelry selection - those boring black cufflinks available at men's formalwear stores just don't cut it for the modern trendy guy who may have to wear a suit to the office, and would like something nifty to accessorize it.

How long have you been at this and where do you find ideas and techniques?

I've been creating jewelry since I was in grade 7 (for myself and friends), but I recently got married and read this little book called DIY Bride. This book had several resin projects in it which I attempted; the cufflinks turned out wonderfully well, but I was extremely unhappy with the charm method. Because of this, I've set out on a quest to perfect the resin pouring process, and to come up with new unique jewelry products for both men and ladies. I'm also hoping to take some silversmithing classes in the near future so I can make my own bezels, findings and chains.

What makes your shop different than most Etsy jewelry stores?

My store aims to provide unique resin jewelry and accessories for both ladies and gentlemen. I'm slightly addicted to resin work, and am experimenting with new methods all the time.

Are there other ways we can keep up with your latest creations?

Check out the blog to see my current projects!  http://masticlashes.blogspot.com

Anything else you would like my readers to know?

I also added a coupon code - it's RAEOLIGHT for 10% off . It expires after September 30th and only available to your great readers!
And to show you what your coupon could help you purchase check this photo out

One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate good towards anything in her shop.

Artist #2

ME <3  Rae of Light Photography

 

I’ve been taking photography for about a year and have really enjoyed being able to share that journey with you.

 

What you could win from me? How about (2) 4x6 prints of your choice?

 

SO HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

Photo Contest on my Facebook Page!!

Want a chance to win an 8x10 by me well check out my facebook page for all the details. Thanks : )

 

Click here for Details on Contest

A Giant Leap into Sweeps

You might have noticed that I have not been as faithful to my writing as I once was.  There are a few things that factor into that, one, of course would be all the activity happening here in Joplin.  We are constantly on the move and ready to rebuild.  Everyday brings a new vision of walls going up where ruble once stood.  It’s amazing.  But my other diversion has been a new found obsession with a practice commonly called, sweeping.  Basically it’s where you enter a ton of sweepstakes or contests in an attempt to maybe win something.  My obsession began earlier this year when I decided my wish was to be in Disney for my dreaded 30th birthday. Because of lack of funds  I have decided  to enter every Disney vacation sweepstakes under the sun. I will actually be looking for your help in one of these coming up in a week or so, so be prepared : ) Until than here’s a few photos from my past visits

As you can see it’s simply a paradise for adults like me who have a hard time growing up.  The reason why I throw this out there is because sometimes these giveaways might be a great way to get your items out there.    I’m sure many of you have joined my blog to read my very insightful thoughts ; )  but also to keep an eye out for giveaways. 

If you are an Etsy seller looking to boost your image or at least your sales you might consider sponsoring a fellow blogger.  I have had a big boost in my views and sales since I have started offering some of my photos as giveaways.  Nothing says look at me, like the word free. 

There’s a reason contests are done and that’s to get recognition.  I, myself, have found some amazing Etsy artists I would have never known existed had they not been sponsoring a giveaway.  That being said you should also be careful what you offer from your store.  Limit the size of your giveaway based on the amount of exposure you would like to get.  For instance, if you are going to be featured on a blog that has over 1,000 followers than I would go big.  If you are doing smaller blogs than offer something smaller like a gift certificate or a more inexpensive item.  I have found just offering (2) 4x6’s make people very happy.  They are a good size for any desk or small viewing area but aren’t so small you feel like you aren’t getting anything great. 

On the flip side if you are a blogger who has wondered why no one seems to enter here are a few tips.  First find legit sites to advertise on.  I found that they help boost your viewership through the roof.  Also try not to make the entry so difficult.  I myself have been guilty of this and the more I entered other giveaways the more I discovered what I like best for entries.  (side note I’m actually excited to be able to unveil a new method on my next giveaway coming up Aug 12th)  Be sure to look for quality items coupled with sellers who might not have had their break yet.  I can say I’ve seen a couple of the sellers featured here finally get their first sale just by their sponsorship. 

My final advise?  Have fun.  No matter whether you are sponsor, a blogger, or a die hard entry specialist, don’t forget that it’s just a fun way to connect to new people and have a blast.  And as  reminder of the blast I hope to have on my 30th birthday I end with just a few more Disney photos : )  And feel free to let me know any tips you might have on making a giveaway better.

 

Click the above photo to like it on their website : )