Thursday, November 4, 2010

Giving Back with NOVICA {GIVEAWAY}



This time of year, you often hear the phrase "It's better to give than to receive" but let's be honest - sometimes it's nice to receive too.  Luckily, by shopping with NOVICA, you can do both simultaneously!


NOVICA was started to help the artists and artisans of the world display their work to a global audience and it really does exactly that.  In conjunction with National Geographic, NOVICA sells products - home decor, jewelry, apparel, gifts and more - made by the citizens of Asia, Africa and Latin America.  What's great is that they let the artists list their products for free and allow them to remain fully independent - each seller is free to raise or lower his or her prices at any time - and I really like that they've set up a microfinance program to help the artisans finance their businesses by providing 0%-interest loans to those unable to obtain them from a traditional bank.  Just by buying, you're helping to change someone's life.  Now that's something I can get behind!

And while it's great to bean artisan on NOVICA, it's even better to be a shopper.  The site is filled with unique and beautiful pieces from all over the globe that you probably wouldn't find anywhere else.  You can read each artist's story while you browse their merchandise and it really personalizes the shopping experience.  Their products would make terrific presents for your friends and family - or even as a little splurge on yourself!  I love this gorgeous Turquoise Dazzle clutch from Radhika in India.


And the colorful Cat's Paradise bag from Brigida in Brazil looks like something you'd find at Anthropologie!


Gulam from India sculpts beautiful pieces out of soapstone, like this Moonlight Jasmine vase.


And the stunning Golden Garden Painted Glass Tray from Asunta in Peru would brighten up any party.

In addition to great gift ideas, NOVICA has a wonderful assortment of holiday decorations and accessories too.  This Ceramic Nativity Scene created by Feriburto in Peru would surely become a family keepsake.


As would the Christmas Dream Serving Tray from Luis in Mexico.


And I know the girls would enjoy hanging these Wooden Santa Ornaments from Made in Bali on the tree!


But my favorite section of NOVICA's site to browse has to be the jewelry.  There are so many amazing pieces that it's hard not to get overwhelmed.  Some of my favorites are the Midnight Express Necklace from Kalyani in India.


The Jasmine in Bloom Bracelet from Ploy in Thailand.


And the Free Spirit Cocktail Ring from Jenny in Indonesia.


When NOVICA offered me a $75 credit to use to try out their site, I added that ring to my cart immediately!  I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived within a week since I had no idea how long it would take to ship from Indonesia.  I opened the package and was so impressed with what I found!  There was a letter from Jenny with more of her story and this perfectly wrapped box.  The paper flower was so pretty.


And the ring inside the box was even prettier!


The stones are lovely and the quality of the ring is fabulous.  I wear it almost every day and always get compliments on it.



Excuse the pictures of my man hands but I love showing the ring off!


I enjoy a piece of jewelry as much as the next girl, but knowing that a local artisan like Jenny created my ring and actually received all of the money for it (as opposed to a middleman retailer) makes it that much more special to me.  So when you're doing your holiday shopping, consider visiting NOVICA and give a gift to more than just the people on your holiday list.


NOVICA is giving one lucky AFOMFT reader a gift as well, in the form of a $75 credit to their site!  To enter, visit NOVICA and post a comment here telling me what you'll put the credit toward if you win (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:
  • Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber.
  • Sign up for to the NOVICA newsletter (it's on the bottom right of their site).
  • "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
  • "Like" NOVICA on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall telling them that A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS sent you. 
  • Ask your friends to "like" AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who "likes" our page and names will be cross-checked.  
  • Follow NOVICA & AFOMFT on Twitter (@novica & @AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  It's the Holiday Happening on @AFOMFT with a giveaway-a-day all month! #Win a $75 credit to @novica now - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
  • Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - Vote For Us @ topbabyblogs.com Top Baby Blogs.  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
  • Grab our button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
  • Grab our HOLIDAY HAPPENING button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
  • Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.
Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post.  Comments on Facebook will not count as entries.  This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends November 11th at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on November 12th. If the winners don't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Please note that NOVICA provided me with a $75 credit to try out their site for the purpose of this review.  No other compensation was received.  The opinions I've shared of their products are my own and yours may differ.

Images: NOVICA & AFOMFT
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205 comments:

  1. I would love to get the Eggshell mosaic bowl, 'Snow Ball' (large).

    autum22(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Subscribe to AFOMFT rss feed through google reader.

    autum22(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Follow you both on twitter-@AutumH
    tweeted-http://twitter.com/AutumH/status/318149094277120

    autum22(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the Ruby Fantasy placemat set...that and a set of nice wine glasses would be perfect! :)

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  5. I love the Alpacan Wool swing sweater!!

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  6. I like NOVICA on FB and left a comment

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  7. I'd love to get some wall decor.
    mmayerfeld at gmail

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  8. I voted for you!
    mmayerfled at gmail

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  9. I'm actually in love with the Free Spirit Cocktail Ring you were showing in the blog. I would buy it with the $75.

    ahcastillo@yahoo.com

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  10. There are a number of items I like at this site and the Aluminum tray, 'Moorings' is one of them that I might put this towards.
    msgb245 at gmail dot com

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  11. Novica has such beautiful things. If I were to win I would love to get the Sterling silver pendant necklace 'Angel Wings'. Fun giveaway - thank you for the chance to win! :)
    tyson 2468 [at] charter [dot] net

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  12. Following both via twitter @HeidiHMc and tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/HeidiHMc/statuses/440279505043456
    tyson 2468 (at) charter (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  13. Voted for you at Top Baby Blogs! :)
    tyson 2468 (at) charter (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like the cotton blouse 'hypnotic geometry.'
    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I subscribe via google reader
    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. like you on fb bethany cardone
    b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'd get the Leather handbag, 'Basket of Dreams'
    merleandtina@yahoo.com

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  18. subscribe via email
    merleandtina@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. follow you on facebook
    merleandtina@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Signed up for to the NOVICA newsletter
    merleandtina@yahoo.com

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  21. voted for you
    merleandtina@yahoo.com

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  22. I love the Orchid Shimmer Cotton Scarf!

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  23. I like you on Facebook (and off) haha!

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  24. Really?!? Just one favorite thing?!? I already fell in love with all of the photos you posted... and then I visited the site! A handbag or a clutch. A mirror or some earrings?!? What a tough decision this would be if I won...

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  25. I like NOVICA on FB and left a comment :)

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  26. Signed up for their newsletter

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is a hard decision, but probably the Mirror 'Poetry'
    myelevenreasons at gmail dot com
    Thanks, Becky Jane

    ReplyDelete
  28. Got your button!
    http://myelevenreasons.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  29. Daily Vote for you @ Top Baby Blogs!
    :)
    tyson 2468 {at} charter {dot} net

    ReplyDelete
  30. I liked the Sterling silver pendant, 'Shining Cross'.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I voted for AFOMFT's.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am an email subscriber.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am a GFC follower under Lucky47.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. i would love to get this pretty bracelet:
    http://jewelry.novica.com/bracelets/favorites/sterling-silver-bangle-bracelet-balinese-weavings/176028/
    erinnicole14@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. i subscribe to your blog via email
    erinnicole14@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. i signed up for the novica newsletter
    erinnicole14@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. i like AFOMFT on FB (erin brady)
    erinnicole14@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. i wrote on novica's FB wall
    http://www.facebook.com/novica/posts/453478075835
    erinnicole14@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/#!/bradywadie14/status/971809998503936
    erinnicole14@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. i have your holiday button on the right side of my page
    http://erinbrady14.blogspot.com
    erinnicole14@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. i posted the link on my FB page
    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=164402993582227&id=152691381437384
    erinnicole14@gmail.com
    1

    ReplyDelete
  42. i posted the link on my FB page
    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=164402993582227&id=152691381437384
    erinnicole14@gmail.com
    2

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  43. Daily Vote @ Top Baby Blogs! :)
    tyson 2468 [at] charter [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  44. I would love a jewelry box for christmas. I like the Cedar and leather chest of drawers, 'Colonial Lace'. So beautiful!

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  45. Grabbed your button: http://bugger-dixonline.blogspot.com/

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  46. grabbed your holiday button: http://bugger-dixonline.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  47. blogged about your wonderful giveaways: http://bugger-dixonline.blogspot.com/2010/11/few-of-my-favorite-things-holiday.html

    ReplyDelete
  48. blogged about your wonderful giveaways:
    http://bugger-dixonline.blogspot.com/2010/11/few-of-my-favorite-things-holiday.html

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love the Leather shoulder bag, 'Milk Chocolate'

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  50. I get the novica newsletter as aleksa91 hotmail

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  51. I love the murano glass vase Tuxedo!
    haydensmommy05@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I subscribe by novica newsletter!
    haydensmommy05@hotmail.com

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  53. I voted on my other computer :)

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  54. I would love to get the Soapstone jewelry box, 'White Rose' from India. That carving work is amazing.
    hotpepper71 at bell south dot Net

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  55. following you both on twitter as SnowflakeDay & tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/SnowflakeDay/statuses/1365191178584065

    ReplyDelete
  56. email subscriber
    hotpepper71 at bell south dot Net

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  57. What a beautiful site! I can't wait to get some good Christmas gifts from there! I would get the Pearl beaded bracelet, 'Gift of the Sea'.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I signed up for to the NOVICA newsletter

    ReplyDelete
  59. I "Like" NOVICA on Facebook and left a comment on their wall telling them that you sent me :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. I follow both on twitter and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/jennmaron/status/1413601847934977

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  61. I'd get the Leather tote handbag, 'Modern Grape'

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I like novica on fb as Dee G and wrote that you sent me: http://www.facebook.com/novica/posts/454065260835

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  63. I follow via gfc as DG


    deeg131 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I like you on fb as Dee G


    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  65. voted for today


    deeg131 at gmail dot com

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  66. email subscriber


    deeg131 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I subscribe to novica's newslettter


    deeg131 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. follow you both and tweeted http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/1426610255298560

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I would get the Wood Sculpture World Peace.
    missdeb1@earthlink.net

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  70. email subscriber
    missdeb1@earthlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  71. like you on facebook-debbie coyle
    missdeb1@earthlink.net

    ReplyDelete
  72. http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=147345931978419&id=1449584700

    facebook posted :)

    deeg131 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=147345931978419&id=1449584700

    facebook posted :)

    deeg131 at gmail dot com


    2

    ReplyDelete
  74. If I won, I'd use my credit toward purchasing this shawl, I'd use it for my wedding...

    Silk and pashmina shawl, 'Extravagant Lilac'

    ise_us@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I'm an email subscriber
    ise_us@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. I signed up for the NOVICA newsletter.
    ise_us@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
    ise_us@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I voted AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs :)
    ise_us@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I'm a twitter follower of NOVICA & AFOMFT and tweeted.

    www.twitter.com/rar1228

    ReplyDelete
  80. I blogged http://bookskidsanimalsandmore.blogspot.com/2010/11/another-great-giveaway-from-afomt.html

    ReplyDelete
  81. I blogged http://bookskidsanimalsandmore.blogspot.com/2010/11/another-great-giveaway-from-afomt.html

    ReplyDelete
  82. I have both of your buttons
    http://bookskidsanimalsandmore.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  83. I have both of your buttons
    http://bookskidsanimalsandmore.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  84. Mahogany cross, 'Floral Grace' is GORGEOUS! I would want that!

    ReplyDelete
  85. You cute holiday button is on my blog!
    http://alililly.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  86. I would buy the Onyx and garnet waterfall necklace, 'Haven' but they have so many choices that it is hard to decide. Everything is so beautiful! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I subscribed to Novica Newsletter under romapup at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  88. "Liked" NOVICA on Facebook & told them you sent me!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Following NOVICA & AFOMFT on Twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/romapr09/status/1836926101364736

    ReplyDelete
  90. Voted for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs!

    ReplyDelete
  91. #1 Shared on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Roma10Max/posts/159807190722821

    ReplyDelete
  92. #2 Shared on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Roma10Max/posts/159807190722821

    ReplyDelete
  93. Love the ring idea - this one is my favorite: Chalcedony solitaire ring, 'Miracle'. It reminds me of a ring of my mothers that I've always loved.

    ReplyDelete
  94. I'd get the Citrine and amethyst flower earrings, 'Starflower'.
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I’m a subscriber via RSS Feed (Google Reader).
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I'm a subscriber to Novica's newsletter/email.
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I “LIKE” you on Facebook! ID: Lynda Castillo
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I “LIKE” Novica on Facebook and commented on their wall! ID: Lynda Castillo
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I follow you and Novica on twitter. ID: Lyndadawinda
    I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/lyndadawinda/status/1871153157120000
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I voted for you on Top Baby Blogs!
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. 1- I blogged about this giveaway and posted here:
    http://thespanglyprincess.blogspot.com/2010/11/novica-gift-certificate-giveaway_08.html
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. 2- I blogged about this giveaway and posted here:
    http://thespanglyprincess.blogspot.com/2010/11/novica-gift-certificate-giveaway_08.html
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I grabbed your button and posted it here:
    http://thespanglyprincess.blogspot.com/
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  104. would go for: Clutch bag, 'Bold Elegance'

    ReplyDelete
  105. have the Holiday button on my blog

    ReplyDelete
  106. I would get the Silk handbag, 'Cinnamon Chocolate'
    alsmalu at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I am a email subscriber
    alsmalu at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I Like AFOMFT on Facebook
    alsmalu at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I Like Novica on Facebook and left message on wall.
    alsmalu at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I voted for you on Top Baby Blogs
    alsmalu at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I voted from my other computer

    ReplyDelete
  112. i like the Copper vase, 'Messenger with Llama'

    jessicacotten@gmail.com

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  113. blog follower!

    jessicacotten@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  114. "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook

    jessicacotten@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  115. voted on top baby blog!

    jessicacotten@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  116. blog button on blog!
    http://jessicacotten.blogspot.com/p/favorite-blogs.html
    jessicacotten@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  117. I would get the 100% alpaca wool sweater, 'Wine Bouquet' by Laura Anaya.
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  118. Email subscriber.
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  119. I am signed up to receive NOVICA newsletter.
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  120. I like AFOMFT on Facebook (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I like NOVICA on Facebook and left a comment on their wall telling you sent me (Elena Shkinder-Gugel).
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  122. Follow NOVICA & AFOMFT on Twitter (@spelena) and tweteed:
    http://twitter.com/spelena/status/2509759668289536
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  123. Voted for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs.
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  124. I voted from my other computer

    ReplyDelete
  125. I'd put it towards the Revolution bracelet - I've been drooling over it for quite a while!
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  126. Voted for you on Top baby Blogs
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  127. I like you on Facebook
    (as AdrianeCoros)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  128. I like Novica on Facebook and posted you sent me
    (as AdrianeCoros)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  129. I would love to get the elephant guardian bookends

    ReplyDelete
  130. I signed up for the Novica newsletter

    ReplyDelete
  131. I "like" Novica on Facebook and left a comment on their page!

    ReplyDelete
  132. I voted for you on Top Baby Blogs just now!

    ReplyDelete
  133. Voted (11/11) for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs.
    elena.cacahuete(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  134. i would like to have the coconut vase

    lmurley2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  135. email subscriber

    lmurley2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  136. like ATOMFT on facebook-lmurley2000

    lmurley2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  137. like novica on facebook-lmurley2000

    posted on facebook wall

    lmurley2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. follow both and tweeted

    http://twitter.com/#!/lmurley2000/status/2791571393093632

    lmurley2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  139. I would love to get the pretty 100% Alpaca wool sweater, 'Winter Bouquet'. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  140. I'm an email subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  141. I'm a Novica newsletter subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  142. Liked A Few of My Favorite Things on Facebook (Lisa L). tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  143. Liked Novica on Facebook (Lisa L) & left a comment. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  144. I love the Sterling silver braided bracelet, 'Dragon Snake'!

    Thank you for this giveaway!

    jessgates at yahoo dot com

    www.jessfinds.com

    ReplyDelete
  145. I like you on Facebook! As "Jessica Gates"

    ReplyDelete
  146. I love the Cotton sundress, 'Chic Ebony'!

    ReplyDelete
  147. I signed up for to the NOVICA newsletter

    ReplyDelete
  148. I voted for you on topbabyblogs!

    ReplyDelete
  149. WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE BLUE CARIBBEAN HAMMOCK THEY SELL kytah00@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  150. SUBSCRIBED TO NOVICA MAILING LIST UNDER THE EMAIL kytah00@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  151. LIKED YOUR BLOG ON FACEBOOK VIA ANGEL JACKLYN facebook.com/kytah00 kytah00@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for the love!