Roxy Shops: December 2009

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Melissa Woods Jewelry Hanger Giveaway! CLOSED

with my obsession with necklaces, every single one of these hooks would be occupied!

I think my love for jewelry came from my mother. She has an obsession with gold and very unique hand-made items. She'll pretty much ONLY buy jewelry from India. Her collection is so large that she has one of those boxes in the vault at our local bank. The big box.

As I explore designers and find fun and unique jewelry, I'm finding that my collection is growing at an exponential rate. I didn't know where to store everything as I like to SEE my jewelry at all times. I can't just open a box and rummage through.

So when I came across Melissa Woods shop, I fell in love with her wall-mounted jewelry holders. They're movable to adjust for the occasional chunky necklace and a really fun way to display my collection.

Melissa, the designer, got her first wire making kit at the age of 16. With a few tools and a large imagination, Melissa let the wire flow. Her work is unique with character and elegant twists and turns. She especially loves twisting the wire into spirals, as they're timeless to her.

Melissa recently graduated with an art degree and a background in many forms of art, but her love will always be wire and jewelry making... and one day she may own her very own art store/gallery to display it all.

Do you love jewelry as much as I do? Do you have a collection that is in need of a home to hang and be displayed? Well look no further!

Melissa has generously offered to give one of you the same jewelry hanger that I have mounted on my bathroom wall.

To win:

Visit Melissa Woods shop and come back here telling my your favorite item! You must leave you email in the comment as well.

Extra Entry: if you're running a giveaway on your blog, share the link to either your blog or the giveaway! It would be great to direct traffic all over for great prizes!

Contest will end January 14, 2010

Contest is open to US entries only

BE SURE TO ENTER MY OTHER CONTESTS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

DISCLAIMER: Melissa did NOT pay me to do this review. *I* approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter

Thursday, December 24, 2009

My Giveaways

I am very excited to see that I have a great group of followers. I thank you all for entering my giveaways!

CHECK TOP RIGHT CORNER TO ENTER THEM ALL!

I will be taking a break for Christmas and the New Year.

I look forward to more reviews and giveaways then.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

See you in 2010!

xoxo

Roxy

Monday, December 21, 2009

SStargell Designs Giveaway! CLOSED

Hoops earrings are a classic pair of earrings that will never go out of style. Sometimes they become more popular, other times they're simply a pair on every earring rack.

I've never really been a fan of hoops. I guess it's because they seemed too plain to me. It wasn't until I found these heart stopper earrings from SStargell Designs did I start thinking differently about hoops. I mean... why do hoops have to be circles?

They don't, and you'll find many shapes AND textures for jewelry in Steph's shop.

Steph originally started out as a sculpture major and she progressed from there to a quilter and quilt patten designer, to primitive dolls, to mixed media, to jewelry. She finds inspiration from shapes and textures in nature as many artists do, but she tries to differentiate herself by providing unique and classic designs, excellent customer service, and the ability to collaborate with her buyers on custom designs.

I'm fairly certain most of you would choose one of Steph's designs over a custom one, and she has generously offered to give one of you a pair of earrings of YOUR choice from her shop!

To Enter:
Tell me your favorite item from SStargell Designs. It doesn't have to be the earrings you'd choose to win. Be sure to leave your contact email in the comment as well.

Contest will end January 5, 2010

Contest is open to international entries

BE SURE TO ENTER MY OTHER CONTESTS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

DISCLAIMER: Steph did NOT pay me to do this review. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Amelia Kay Photography Giveaway! CLOSED

I've been drinking wine since I was 15. Appalling to some, but eye-opening to me. I wanted to spit out my first sip of wine. It was terrible. However the host of the party and his wife started raving about the splendor of the wine, talking about the year and flavors. Clearly I was missing something... so I finished that glass and continued to try different wines.

Over the years, I've learned which varietels suit my palate. Pinot Noirs from the United States and French burgundies are definitely my favorites. One of the top vineyards being Louis Jadot, the bottle depicted in this photograph from Amelia Kay Photography.

The black and white photo is distuinguished, and that tinge of yellow adds a rustic effect. A quality photo perfectly depicting a quality wine. I love it.

Amelia, of Amelia Kay Photography, took this photo after her sister asked for some wine art photographs, but mostly she loves to photograph flowers.

Amelia has loved photography since childhood. She got her first DSLR in 2006 and has been teaching herself photography ever since! She really got into fine art photography in 2007 with flowers and landscape shots. She feels she is learning every day...evolving her style as she goes along.

Amelia pours her heart into her work. She loves what she does and hopes it shows through her photographs! I certainly can see it!

And I know you all can too, which is why you'll be delighted to find out that Amelia would like to give one of you an 8x8 or 8x10 print of your choice from her shop!

To Enter:

Visit Amelia Kay Photography and comment with the photo you love the most. Be sure to leave an email address as well so I can contact you if you win!

Contest will end January 2, 2010

Contest is open to international entries

BE SURE TO ENTER MY OTHER CONTESTS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

DISCLAIMER: Amelia did NOT pay me to do this review. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter

Friday, December 18, 2009

Boutique Kokosh Giveaway! CLOSED

What do you think of when you hear the word Turkey?

I bet most of you would say Thanksgiving or the animal.

I think of Boutique Kokosh, since the shop is based out of the country Turkey. I found Boutique Kokosh while looking for fun necklaces to feature on my blog, and I fell in love with all the ruffly, feminine, elegant designs.

Nalan, her mother and her sister are the artists behind Boutique Kokosh. Out of their home in Istanbul, Turkey their creations emerge.

Nalan has been making jewelry since 2003, but it was her sister who taught her. They made jewelry for themselves and friends, but hadn't expanded to a business until this year. They love to mix vintage and modern to create innovative styles.

Their jewelry is unique as they like to combine lace, bows, ribbons and Turkish traditional needle lace flowers "OYA". In some of their creations, they love to use natural stones.

"I think people love these different combinations. I take care of using high quality supplies. My sister and I try to make jewelry for everyone's individual liking."- Nalan

I'm sure you'll find you're liking in Boutique Kokosh as Nalan and her family would like to offer one of you a $10 gift certificate and free shipping for their shop!

To Enter:
Visit Boutique Kokosh and come back her to comment with your favorite item. Be sure to leave your email in the comment as well.

If you can't wait to win, Nalan is offering 10% off her shop for my readers. Simply mention that you found the shop through Roxy Shops!

Contest will end December 30, 2009

Contest is open to international entries

Winner will have 48 hours to confirm win.

BE SURE TO ENTER ALL OF MY GIVEAWAYS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

DISCLAIMER: Nalan did NOT pay me to do this review. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Jewel Queen Giveaway! CLOSED

Purple Jam Agate and Gold Filled Earrings

My neighbor introduced me to this great website called Pandora, where you type in the name of a band and the site creates a radio station based on the band and music very similar to it.

One night we were hanging out and typed in Pearl Jam. An amazing array of music followed, and I fell back into my high school days of alternative/rock.

So when I was checking out jewelry online the following day and saw the Purple Jam earrings from Jewel Queen, my mind read Pearl Jam. Of course I then re-read the title and told Eloyce, the designer behind Jewel Queen, what had happened.

Eloyce is more of a fan of jazz and classical, but she was kind enough to send me the Purple Jam earrings in honor of Pearl Jam.

Eloyce first got started in jewelry making when she wanted to give her daughters modern jewelry make from some vintage swarovski crystals. She has always been a fan of fashion jewelry, but once she started making her own, people noticed her talent and her jewelry-making took off from there.

Eloyce would describe her jewelry as classical and functional. She knows all too well that women have a hard time finding necklaces that fit well; either too long or too short. She will gladly custom-make pieces, but she already makes sure her necklaces have an extension to make them more versatile.

Eloyce feels very rewarded to think that someone really likes her jewelry well enough to purchase and wear. If it makes them happy, then it certainly makes her happy to see her jewelry walking down the street.

"Jewelry can take an outfit from OK to outstanding. Just a pair of earrings can do the trick."- Eloyce

I couldn't agree more!

And now Eloyce would like to help one of you take your outfit from OK to outstanding by offering any item in her shop up to $15.

To Enter:
Visit Jewel Queen and comment with your favorite item.

For an extra entry, tell me what band you'd plug into Pandora.

Contest ends December 27, 2009

Winner will have 48 hours to confirm win

PLEASE ENTER MY OTHER CONTESTS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT!

Open to international entries

DISCLAIMER: Eloyce did NOT pay me to do this review. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Bagavond Giveaway! CLOSED

When I first came across spats, my initial thought was how awesome these accessories were to transform any pair of shoes. They're traditionally used in uniform or for safety. And then I remembered my favorite cartoon of all time, Ducktales, where Uncle Scrooge wore spats but no shoes.

I might try that one of these days with these spats I received from Bagavond. They are simple and really cute. When I put them around my Stuart Weitzmann peep-toe pumps, I felt like I had a totally new pair of shoes!

Shelli is the designer behind Bagavond. She actually first got started with fur in 2003, making some fur tote bags from a few old fur coats. She used leather accents on those bags and later began making bags entirely from leather.

The Mini Spats grew from her love of shoes and the importance of wasting as little as possible. Shelli had been saving all the small leftover leather pieces from her handbag making in the hope that she’d find a use for them one day, and then it came to her – shoe accessories!

Shelli love accessories; shoes, purses, jewelry, scarves, etc. She loves anything that can be added to change a look, and she loves how fashion always comes around again. What was old is now new again.

Her goal is to continue making fun accessories, recycling as much as she can.

What a great use of talent and materials!

Now Shelli would like to offer one of you the chance to win a $20 gift certificate to be used in her shop.

To Enter:
Visit Bagavond and comment with your favorite item.

For a second entry, tell me how you recycle. Be it simply recycling paper or actually making items from recycled materials.

If you can't wait to win, Shelli is offering 20% off all items in her shop. Simply message her that you found her through Roxy Shops blog.

Contest will end December 23, 2009

Contest is open to international entries

Winner will have 48 hours to confirm win.

ENTER MY OTHER GIVEAWAYS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

DISCLAIMER: Shelli did NOT pay me to do this review. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter

The Fashionable Housewife & Kooba

GIVEAWAY!

Head over to The Fashionable Housewife for your chance to win an awesome bag from Kooba! (www.kooba.com)

CLICK HERE for giveaway

The Fashionable Housewife & Emily Elizabeth Jewelry

GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win a gorgeous necklace at The Fashionable Housewife blog, courtesy of Emily Elizabeth Jewelry (www.emilyelizabethjewelry.com_

CLICK HERE for giveaway

The Fashionable Gal- PONO necklace

GIVEAWAY!

Head over to the Fashionable Gal for your chance to win a City Necklace in Silver!

CLICK HERE

Monday, December 7, 2009

L & C Creations Giveaway! CLOSED

Elegant Impression by LandCCreations on Etsy

With the health care bill in constant debate, the only statement I'm going to make is this: I want everyone to have free health care, but this plan is terrible. Education needs to be free first.

With that said, here's a bit of education on Orbital Myositis. This is an idiopathic inflammation of the extraocular muscles, also described as an autoimmune disease that attacks the ocular muscles leading to paralysis. Translation: a disease where your eye hurts worse than anything you could ever imagine.

LaRae, one of the designers for L & C Creations, first had this pain at the age of 22. It took months before doctors finally diagnosed her with Orbital Myositis. She was initially treated with steroids and recovered, but really she went into remission for 10 years when it came back.

Symptoms included eye pain, double vision, even some vision loss. Steroids would work sometimes, but other treatments soon became a part of La Rae's life. When talking to her about the day to day life, she told me for a long time she suffered, would even feel depressed.

But thanks to wonderful friends, LaRae was encouraged to try jewelry-making. With some practice, she became better. She also partnered with her friend Cyndi to make beautiful jewelry together that friends and family loved.

One day, the two of them decided to start a business together and that is how L & C Creations was born. LaRae and Cyndi get together several times a week to make jewelry together. They also spend countless hours on the internet trying to find high quality and affordable beads.

With their dedication and talent, I have this beautiful necklace.

But of course, LaRae and Cyndi want one of you to enjoy a beautiful piece from L & C Creations as well, so they have offered a giveaway of a $25 gift certificate to be used in their shop!

To Enter:
Visit L & C Creations and tell me your favorite piece.

For a second entry, make a statement about this health care bill. I'm not looking to start a debate. I'd simply like to know your thoughts.

Contest ends December 21, 2009

Contest is open to US and Canadian entries only

Winner will have 48 hours to confirm win.

ENTER MY OTHER GIVEAWAYS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

DISCLAIMER: LaRae and Cyndi did NOT pay me to do this review. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Maggie McMane Jewelry Giveaway! CLOSED

At the end of my workdays, I head up to the computer room on the ninth floor to finish up some notes and prep the night team with information. My main reason for choosing the ninth floor is that the computer room has the most amazing view of the Rocky Mountains.

We’ve already had quite a bit of snow in Denver, and on a sunny day, the snow-capped mountains sparkle with a subtle hint of blue frosting.

I found these earrings by Maggie McMane that reminded me of the mountain-view from the ninth floor, and I was even more impressed by the way they sparkled on my ears and brought attention to me.

Well now I must bring attention to Denise, the artist behind Maggie McMane Designs. Sparkle has always caught her eye faster than anything else and there is nothing she’d rather do than drool over all types of jewelry-old or new. Ever since Denise was very young, she has always loved fashion, especially jewelry. She loves diamonds and rubies the most, but really anything that shimmers or glows makes its way into her list of favorites.

Denise is inspired everything around her, especially her garden flowers, the woods on her property, the parks near her home and of course, her own imagination. She usually has a story for each piece. I wonder if the story I have the blue briolette earrings is similar to the story she had when making them…

Regardless, Denise wants her designs to appeal to a wide range of people and believes that everyone should have some piece of jewelry that speaks to them and to their world--a statement all their own.

Blue mountains and sparkly blue earrings. That’s how these earrings spoke to me… and that’s my statement.

Now it’s time to make your own statement as Denise would like to offer one of you a $20 gift certificate to her shop!

To Enter:
Visit Denise’s shop, Maggie McMane Designs, and come back here to leave a comment with your favorite piece.

If you can't wait to win, Denise is offering 10% off to my readers. Simply send her a message in "message to seller" on etsy and mention that you found her through my blog.

Contest ends December 19th, 2009

Winner will have 48 hours to confirm win.

Contest is open to international entries.

ENTER MY OTHER GIVEAWAYS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

DISCLAIMER: Denise did NOT pay me to do this review. I want you all to know that *I* approach artists and designers for reviews and giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter

Win Pearls at Piece of ME blog

It's not very often that I toot another blog's giveaway, but I LOVE jewelry and want you all to love it too!

Enter to win a pearl bracelet at Piece of ME blog!

http://makingmyamericandream.blogspot.com/2009/12/pearl-paradise-review-giveaway.html

Friday, December 4, 2009

Joy of Jewelry Giveaway! CLOSED

When I interviewed for residency in Florida, I invited one of my guy-friends to join me. He insisted we go deep sea fishing. Now I am a girly-girl. I like heels. I like dresses. I like the ocean from the beach (in a beach bar).

I gave in and agreed to go as long as he bought the clothes I intended to burn after trip.

On our ride out into the ocean, I saw something jumping out of the water and twirling. It was a dolphin and it was magnificent. It danced for us the whole ride out… and naturally we tipped it with some live bait.

Eventually the dolphin felt full and tired, and left us. But I get to keep the dolphin in memory and also on my foot with this anklet from Joy of Jewelry.

I found Joyce’s shop and love the charms she used to make really unique necklaces and anklets. When I came across the dolphin anklet, I smiled thinking it could dance along with me as I walked around. I was worried that it wouldn’t fit around my ankle, but the best part of this anklet is that it is adjustable without appearing like it is.

Joyce’s jewelry is very unique in that she makes adjustable jewelry that is attractive, one-of-a-kind and made with beads rather than most adjustable jewelry made with knots.

Joyce has been making jewelry since she was 9-years-old, but only two years ago has she been doing jewelry making as a living. Thanks to a very supportive husband, Joyce’s jewelry has taken off. He helps her demonstrate products and works his schedule around her shows.

Clearly Joyce is blessed and she loves what she does. Now she would like to give one you your choice of any item in her shop up to $15.

To Enter:
Visit Joyce’s shop, Joy of Jewelry Shop, and tell me what you would to win!

To those who can’t wait to win, Joyce is offering FREE SHIPPING throughout the duration of this contest. Simply message her that you found her shop through Roxy Shops blog.

Contest ends December 18, 2009

Winner will have 48 hours to confirm win.

Contest is open to international entries

BE SURE TO ENTER MY OTHER GIVEAWAYS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

DISCLAIMER: Joyce did NOT pay me to do this review. *I* approach artists and designers for reviews & giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

HipKnotz Giveaway! CLOSED

One of my favorite cities is NYC. It’s 24 hours. It’s multi-faceted, multi-talented. It’s insane, proper, crazy, fickle. It’s the most fun one could have... or overwhelming. Depends how you feel.

If you’ve ever seen Sex & the City, you already know that fashion is huge in NYC. Mainstream as well as individual. You can walk down one street in NYC and see a bunch of people wearing the same Burberry scarf and you can see a bunch of people wearing God only knows… all of it can be inspiring as Jerra from HipKnotz knows.

Jerra lives in NYC and is constantly carrying her sketchbook around. She also works in the creative design industry so she is surrounded by artists all day. She has been a crafty person since childhood, yet it was only 2 years ago when she picked up a hook to try crocheting.

And boy am I glad she did, because I have an amazing pair of fingerless gloves thanks to her incredible skill. The stitching is flawless. I thought they were so well done, I asked if she sold them in high end stores. Actually Jerra mostly sells her products on etsy, but she has been fortunate to sell some items in specialty childrens boutiques.

Jerra clearly has the talent and promise to one day take her products to the next retail level. For now, she’s come to terms with the fact that she’s got more ideas in her head than she has time to make happen. Though I’m positive everything will come forth in due time.

Jerra herself says “ I have big plans in-store for hipknotz which includes building a brand that covers all of the bases, something for him, her, the baby and the home, all of course with some infused “hip” factor.

Hip indeed… in fact HipKnotz.

Be it custom-made or something already in her shop, check out HipKnotz on etsy as you shop for your loved ones this holiday season.

In the meantime, how would one of you like to win a pair of fingerless gloves like the one pictured. I have a fabulous pair for myself!

To Enter:
Visit HipKnotz and tell me your favorite item in the shop.

As an added bonus, Jerra is offering all of my readers 10% off her shop. Be sure to message her that you found her shop through Roxy Shops.

Have a happy and "hip" holiday season!

ENTER MY OTHER CONTESTS LISTED IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER!

Contest ends December 14th

Winner will have 48 hours to confirm win

Contest is open to US and Canadian Entries only

DISCLAIMER: Jerra did NOT pay me to do this review. *I* approach artists and designers for reviews & giveaways when I find their products online. *I* ask their permission to review their products. Once winner has confirmed, I send winner's info to the sponsor. I am not responsible for delivery of prize thereafter.