A None Too Shabby Apple {GIVEAWAY & DISCOUNT}

Spring is in the air here in NYC today and you know what that means, right?  It's time to bust out all of my beloved dresses.  There's nothing I love more than putting on a fun frock, some stylin' shoes and sweet sunglasses.  It just makes me feel so.... I don't know.  Girly.  And Audrey Hepburn-esque, you know?

And one of my favorite places to get chic but well-priced dresses is Shabby Apple.  Why do I love them?  Well besides having fabulous designs, they make sure that all of their pieces are what dresses were meant to be - one-piece outfits.  You won't have to add a tank top or belt - if they're meant to have one, it's built in.  Like the Nine to Five dress, which I own.

All you need to add is a cute pair of shoes and you're good to go.  Their simple and stylish clothes make it that much easier to get out the door in the morning!

All of the Shabby Apple Women's Dresses are grouped by collections named after what inspired the designs.  The Oh La La dresses are influenced by the romance of Paris, like the fun L'Amour:

The earthiness of the Berkshires brings you the Cider:

The elegant Moon River dress comes from the All That Jazz collection:

The South Pacific dresses include the stunning North Shore:

Baja is where you'll find the pretty San Gabriel.

And the Marseilles dress comes from my hometown's Central Park collection.

Aren't they all gorgeous?  I would love to own each and every one.  But I'm not the only one who can dress up in Shabby Apple!  They also carry maternity dresses and kid's clothing.  Their little girls collection starts at size 6-12 months and runs to size 8 and they have pre-teen sizes available as well.  I know Gabrielle and Alaina would look adorable in the 45 Words Per Minute dress:

And the adorable Creamsicle wrap!

Too sweet!

In addition to designing fabulous dresses, Shabby Apple is also giving back. They're partnered with Unitus, a non-profit organization that uses micro-finance to help women overcome poverty and provide a better life for their children.  Shabby Apple donates 5% of its net sales to support women in India and each customer has the opportunity to donate an extra five dollars to Unitus every time she buys a dress.  Every $100 donation from provides at least 20 women with access to financial services to build their dream - and the chance to live a life without poverty. Clearly, buying a dress isn't just buying a dress.

If you're ready to kick-start your wardrobe, head on over to Shabby Apple and get to browsing.  I'm sure you'll find the perfect dress to put a spring in your step!

And one lucky AFOMFT reader is going to win one of her very own!  That's right - Shabby Apple has generously offered to give away any of the dresses I showed above.  You can choose from the women's or kid's designs.  How fabulous is that?

To enter, post a comment here telling me which Shabby Apple dress you'll choose if you win (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave a comment that A Few of My Favorite Things sent you.
• 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: #Win the dress of choice from Shabby Apple at @AFOMFT - so prefect for springtime! 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.
• 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.
• Donate $10 to the Red Cross to help the relief efforts in Japan by texting REDCROSS to 90999 (the donation will be billed to your cell phone bill).  (This is worth 5 entries so please post five separate comments saying that you made a donation)

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 March 24th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on March 25th. If the winner does not 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!  Readers of AFOMFT can get 10% off all purchases by entering code MYFAVORITETHINGS10OFF at Shabby Apple through April 24th.  Happy shopping!

Images: Shabby Apple

My Favorite Shopping Spot {GIVEAWAY}

Sure, I love me some Bloomingdales and shopping at swanky boutiques like Intermix, but let's be honest - these days, I pretty much live in clothes from Old Navy and so do my girls.  Their clothes are well-priced and on trend which is just perfect in my book.  Right now, I'm living in their ankle zip cargos:

And I adore my Intarsia sweater:

Meanwhile, Gabrielle and Alaina have been getting lots of compliments on their waffle knit dresses:

With matching tights:

That they rock with metallic boots:

Could you just die?

Since Old Navy is always my go-to spot for affordable and adorable clothing, I figured what better gift to give one of you than a gift card to my favorite store?

That's right, one lucky AFOMFT reader is going to win a $25 gift card to Old Navy.  To enter, post a comment here telling me what who you'll buy something for with it if you win (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• 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 $25 gift card to @OldNavy - 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.
• 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 17th at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on November 18th. 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!

Images: Old Navy

Clothes You Don't Need Mr. Claus For! {DISCOUNT}

The fact that I love the clothes from eShakti is no secret but what you may not know is they have a gorgeous new collection of fall and winter pieces out.  Seriously, it's to die for.  I may have to throw a holiday cocktail party just so I have an excuse to buy this sassy little number.

This cropped jacket is perfect to throw on with cords and boots.

And I know I would live in this blouse with skinny jeans.

In case you're not familiar with eShakti, here's what I love most about them - you can customize their clothes to your exact specifications.  Want a different neckline or a shorter hem?  No problem!  Plus all of their designs come in sizes 0-26W and can be tailored to your exact measurements if you provide them.  Stylish and well-fitting clothes at a reasonable price?  What could be better than that?  Try a no hassle, money-back guarantee and shipping that arrives within 7 days.  I told you I love this place!

You can treat yourself to an early holiday gift from eShakti because they're offering AFOMFT readers a 15% discount!  Just enter code DaCZD1 at checkout.  I'll be using it to buy this dress for Christmas Eve.  It's everything I had on my must-have list.  

Who needs Santa when you've got eShakti?

Images: eShakti

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 - .  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

Get Ready to Shop 'Til You Drop {GIVEAWAY}

 
For our second HOLIDAY HAPPENING giveaway, we're got a $75 credit to one of our favorites, CSN Stores.  This collection of 200+ online shopping sites has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list! 

Don't believe me?  You can get your little guy a John Deere Tool Set.

Or this awesome Rocket Ship.

And little ladies will love the Fantasy Vanity.

And the Rose Fairy Play Tent.

Your hubby will swoon for the wireless game chair.

Or a new wine cooler.

And if you're looking to splurge on yourself, you can go for some cute boots.

Or a fun new stand mixer. 

And no, it's not sexist that I suggested a stand mixer when it's that pretty!

Browsing all 200 CSN Stores could take until Christmas but their search engine is great and really helps you track down what you're looking for.  So head on over and check them out - it truly is one-stop shopping, which at this time of year is a godsend.  No parking lots to deal with, no lines to stand in.  Just simple shopping from the comfort of your own couch.  That's almost present enough!

But don't worry - we've got one more gift to give out.  CSN Stores has generously offered to give one lucky AFOMFT reader a $75 credit to their sites!  To enter, post a comment here telling me what's at the top of your holiday list (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber.
• "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 $75 credit to CSN Stores - 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 9th at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on November 10th. 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!

Images: CSN Stores