TEN THINGS TUESDAY: Monogrammed for Mother's Day

Can you believe it's May already?  That means one thing in my book - Mother's Day is just around the corner!  Lately, I'm drooling over all things monogrammed, so here's my list of ten great personalized presents any mom is sure to love!

Double Duty Bag I'm Loving:  If there are two types of bags I adore, they're clutches and cross-bodies and this sassy number from Tiny Tulip can be either.  Pair the versatility with the bright, bold color options, and I'll take one of each!

Cute Cuff I'm Loving:  The Enamel Initial cuffs from C. Wonder are simple and elegant, and I love the idea of wearing a set of them with each of your family member's initials.  

Initial Ring I'm Loving:  This sterling silver monogram ring from Kraftshop has a beautiful vintage feel to it.

Wrap I'm Loving:  I don't know about you, but I live in pashminas.  They're the perfect accessory in my book, and this monogrammed version from Marley Lilly gives a fun twist to an old favorite.

Tote-ally Awesome Bag I'm Loving, Part 1:  Longchamp's bags are an investment but they'll go with everything and last forever.  And the new personalized Le Cabas style has me head over heels - you pick the shape, size, leather color, lining and monogram to make a bag that's as one-of-a-kind as you are!

Tote-ally Awesome Bag I'm Loving, Part 2:  Want something a little easier on the wallet than the Longchamp?  The Buckle Tote from Tiny Tulip should fit the bill.

Adorable Accessory I'm Loving:  This monogrammed pillow from Studio Design Lab is a pretty way to help personalize her space.

Necklace I'm Loving:  The Acrylic Block Monogram Necklaces from Moon and Lola are super mod and come in tons of fab colors.  I think I want one in kelly green.

Gadget Gear I'm Loving:  There are tons of great iPhone and iPad covers available out there but I love the modern feel of the ones from Pencil Shavings Studio.

Sweet Bracelet I'm Loving:  The dainty Initial Heart Charm bracelet from Hot Mix Cold is perfect to wear every day.

Bag to Go in a Bag I'm Loving:  I'm of the belief you can never have too many fun little pouches and these personalized pretties from JuJu Baju are just perfect.  

So there you have some of my favorite monogrammed gift ideas for Mother's Day.  See something you like?  Just leave your browser open with this post up and hope your hubby happens to notice....  And to check out more of my must-haves, visit my Mama's Wish List Pinterest Board.

I'd love to hear about the things you're loving right now!  Share the app, movie, book, craft idea, TV show, whatever that's got you giddy in the comments and your picks might be included in next week's TEN ON TUESDAY feature.  And for more of my favorite things, check out my Pinterest boards!

Please note that this list is made up of things I actually use, read, watch, try, etc. and truly enjoy.  These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way to share them here.

Give Yourself a Little Something {GIVEAWAY}

This time of year, I spend so much time shopping for other people that sometimes it would be nice to buy a little something just for me.  You know, something with a little sparkle.  A little sass.  And a whole lot of heart.

Enter The Vintage Pearl.  If you're on the hunt for a unique and meaningful piece jewelry, look no further.

Run by Erin, a mother of four, The Vintage Pearl has designs for every taste and style.  You can create exactly what you want with the build-your-own Dainty Eclectic necklace:

Or opt for something simpler like the sweet Family Nest design I recently bought as a gift for a friend.

I adore the vintage-inspired pieces, like these silver initial charms.

And the beautiful aged baby feet pendants.

But I think my favorite style of all may be the photo charms.

What an easy way to keep your little ones near your heart all the time!

When you finally get around to putting together your holiday wish list, make sure you visit The Vintage Pearl.  You deserve something as special as you are!

One lucky AFOMFT reader is going to get to treat herself to a special something because Erin has generously offered to give away a $75 credit to her store!  To enter, visit The Vintage Pearl 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.
• Subscribe to The Vintage Pearl newsletter
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook 
• "Like" The Vintage Pearl on Facebook and leave a comment 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 The Vintage Pearl & AFOMFT on Twitter (@thevintagepearl & @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 @thevintagepearl - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  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 worldwide and ends November 18th at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on November 19th. 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!

And that's not all.  Get 5% off your purchase from The Vintage Pearl with code FAVETHINGS5 through November 30th.  Happy shopping!

Images: The Vintage Pearl

Get Hands On For the Holidays {GIVEAWAY & DISCOUNT}

Woo hoo!  It's the first day of November which means we're kicking off the HOLIDAY HAPPENING here on AFOMFT!

What does that mean?  Over the next 30 days, we'll be posting yummy recipes, cool crafts, great gift ideas and more to get you ready for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas.  And that's not all - we'll also be having at least one giveaway per day!  After all, they say it's better to give than receive, right?  So grab our HOLIDAY HAPPENING button, put it on your blog and get yourself in the holiday mood because things are kicking off right now.

I'm so excited about our first HOLIDAY HAPPENING feature because I love Christmas ornaments.  Love them.  Growing up, my mother let my brother and me choose a special ornament every year and about 15 years ago, I started collecting ornaments from every place I visited.  Now when I hang them on the tree, it's so fun to reminisce about what they all represent.  Sure, pretty ornaments are great but the ones that mean something make tree trimming all the more fun, which is why I adore the new holiday collection from Hands on Keepsakes.

Hands on Keepsakes was started by Sarah and Rachelle after a mutual friend brought back a pendant from England with her daughter's handprint and name on it.  They both loved the idea but were unable to find anything like it in Canada, where they're based, so Hands on Keepsakes was born.  Being moms themselves, Sarah and Rachelle understand how quickly time flies and how important it is to hold on to each and every memory.  Their new line of ornaments helps you do just that.  Take a look:

Yes, those are James' and Jake's actual hand and foot prints.  Is that sweet or what?  And even better - you won't have to pack this ornament away when the holidays are over because you can remove the ribbon and replace it with a key ring (one is included with every order).  Genius!

There are so many wonderful personalized designs to choose from.  Baby's First Christmas is just precious.

 I love the pieces made from children's artwork!  Hands on Keepsakes can take this:

And make it into this!

 
And there's even something for your four-pawed friend!

In addition to ornaments/key rings, you can also order personalized print necklaces.  This one is perfect for mothers of twins.

And the lettering on this adorable pendant was actually written by the child. 

One of my favorites is the Family Tree Tags.

You can put names on all of the tags, or use words and phrases like FAMILY, CHRISTMAS 2010 or EST. 2007.  I love that you can add to it over the years and that, of course, you can carry it with you always.

Sarah and Rachelle want you to find the perfect holiday gift or keepsake so you can customize almost anything in the shop.  Choose from bronze or silver, get the tags in round, oval, rectangle or heart shapes, pick the fonts, change the text - it's all up to you!  And if there's something you don't see that you'd like, be sure to contact them because they adore custom work and would love to create the perfect memento just for you.

Hands on Keepsakes helps you celebrate the joy of the holidays all year long, which is why they're first on our 2010 HOLIDAY GIFT PICK list. 

And they're offering a present to one of you too!

Hands on Keepsakes has generously offered to give away one set of four Family Tree Tags to a lucky AFOMFT reader! 

To enter, visit Hands on Keepsakes and post a comment here telling me which item in the store is your favorite (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber.
• Publicly follow or subscribe to the Hands on Keepsake blog.
• Visit Hands on Keepsakes on Etsy and make the store a favorite.
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• "Like" Hands on Keepsakes on Facebook
• 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 AFOMFT on Twitter (@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 family tag ornament worth $60 - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  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. and Canada and ends November 8th at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on November 9th. 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!

And that's not all!  Hands on Keepsakes is offering readers of AFOMFT free shipping through Sunday, November 7th!  Enter AFOMFT in the message to seller box at checkout and your shipping fees will be refunded via Paypal or contact Sarah and Rachelle before you checkout and they'll create a reserved listing for you.  Happy shopping!

Images: Hands on Keepsakes

Psssttttt!!!! {GIVEAWAY}

Remember that secret I told you about a few weeks back?  I've got another one for you today.  Use code babyfaves123 to get 10% off your entire purchase from eShakti!  This discount is exclusive to AFOMFT and runs through August 31st.  I think I'm going to use it to get this gorgeous Cascading Ruffle Silk dress.

But I wish I had a wedding or something dressy coming up so I'd have an excuse to buy this Pearl & Crystal Yoke dress.

So many beautiful choices, so little money to spend.  Good thing I have the 10% off code!

I've got another secret - I'm giving one lucky reader $25 to put toward anything she wants at eShakti!  To enter to win, click this banner to cast a vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs.

Make sure you also click the "Cast Your Vote For..." graphic that comes up and then leave a comment here telling me you did.  That's it!  You can vote once per day per IP address so if you have more than one computer or can vote from your phone too, you can earn extra entries each day. 

Please leave a separate comment for each entry 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. and Canada and ends August 12th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on August 13th. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Images: eShakti

tenthings {GIVEAWAY}

Well, the MIDSUMMER BLOG PARTY is coming to a close and while this post may be the last of the bunch, it's by no means the least.  In fact, the jewelry from tenthings is so stunning that some might say I saved the best for last.

Designed by Kerri, a mother of two from Southern California, the line completely evokes the beauty, whimsy and carefree nature of life at the beach.  The Sea Twig Earrings are a perfect example.

I love the organic feel of them.  And how gorgeous are the Native Flower Hoops?

I'm totally head over heels for the tenthings earrings that are made with stones.   The Seville Spanish Dancer pair would look great with a sundress.

The Marrakesh Bohemian Stained Glass duo is sure to make a statement.

And the Moroccan Swirl earrings are simple but striking.

And then there are the necklaces!  This Bohemian Lavender Pendant combines the best of all worlds - a delicate gold filigree pendant, a pretty rose and aqua jade beads.

I adore the Wild at Heart Lost Feather necklace.  It's one of those pieces that goes with everything.

And the Marrakesh Aqua Moroccan Boho (don't you just love the names?) just reminds me of the summertime and puts a smile on my face.

Sure, everything looks great in the photos but what are they like in real life?  tenthings sent me a lovely pair of earrings and I can tell you they are fabulous!

They are lightweight (a huge plus in my book!), well made and look terrific on, if I do say so myself.  {Please excuse the self portrait and split ends!}

I don't normally wear gold but I know these earrings are going to be my go to pair from now on.

Wearing a design by tenthings brings a bit of California bohemia to wherever you are.  And the prices are right - everything I featured here costs less than $50.  What else can I say about this wonderful line?  Just fine, fresh, fierce - Kerri's got it on lock!  (how could I resist?)

And Kerri has generously offered to make one lucky AFOMFT reader feel like a California girl by giving away this gorgeous pair of India Bohemian Ruby Paisley Earrings.

Aren't they divine?  To enter, visit tenthings and post a comment here telling me which item in the store is your favorite (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook -- http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN
• "Like" tenthings on Facebook
• 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. 
• Subscribe to the tenthings blog.
• Visit tenthings and make the store a favorite.
• Enter one other MIDSUMMER BLOG PARTY giveaway and leave a comment here that you did 
• Follow tenthings & AFOMFT on Twitter (@ten10things & @AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  #Win a gorgeous pair of Bohemian Ruby earrings from @ten10things & @AFOMFT - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  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.
• 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. and Canada and ends July 30th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on August 3rd. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Want to enter the more of the MIDSUMMER BLOG PARTY giveaways or enter one of your own?  Link up here!
  

Please note that tenthings sent me one pair of earrings for the purpose of this review.  I received no other compensation for this post and the opinions I've shared of their products are my own.

Images: AFOMFT & tenthings