Tuesday, August 21, 2012

SodaStream Giveaway

Welcome to the SodaStream Giveaway

This awesome event is hosted by,

Jenns Blah Blah Blog and Diva Fabulous

and sponsored by SodaSteam

Thanks to our wonderful co-hosts, Inspiration CAN be Found EVERYWHERE, Oh! My Heartsie,

I love To Gossip, Pink Ninja Blogger, and Moms Vacation Spots

I desperately want one of these! You have NO idea! I would use it all day, every day. I would even carbonate my orange juice! :) Good luck.

Jenn's Blah Blah Blog was lucky enough to recently review an awesome SodaSteam machine. Please feel free to read full Jenn's Blah Blah Blog's SodaSteam Review. One lucky person will receive the Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit. Fountain Jet - Soda Starter Kit

This awesome kit is valued at $99.95, you can also take a quick peak at it HERE Kit includes:

Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)

1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years

Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda

Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors

3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

Giveaway will run from 8/20 at 12:01am EST and end on 9/15 at 11:59pm EST, must be 18 years or older to enter. This giveaway is open to US residents only, SodaSteam can only ship within the continental US.

Disclaimer: Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique received no payment for posting this event, nor is it responsible for shipment of prize. The prize will be shipped from the sponsor. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, August 16, 2012

LuckyLu Creations Review {Plus a giveaway!}

Recently, I was given the opportunity to sample some products from LuckyLu Creations.

LuckyLu Creations offers beautiful handmade greeting cards, invitations, cupcake toppers, banners, party favor tags and more. They also offer personalized product tags, iron on fabric tags, sew on fabric tags, mini thank you cards and logo stickers. LuckyLu Creations uses CPSIA complaint materials for their fabric labels. All items found at LuckyLu Creations are made in a smoke-free home.

I was ecstatic when Kara Dowling, owner of LuckyLu Creations, offered to let me review some of the products she sells. She sent a great selection of items that included a 15 pack set of Hand Colored and Glittered Cupcake Tags, sew on fabric labels displaying my company logo, and foldover fabric labels displaying my company logo. Since my primary business is running a crochet shop, Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique, I have wanted to try out fabric labels for my products for quite some time!

The tags arrived in a cute, individual plastic bag with the LuckyLu Creations logo sticker on front. This sticker is an adorable example of the logo stickers she makes custom for any company. The labels arrived safely wrapped in a manila envelope, ready for use! I was stoked!

The Glittery Cupcake Tags were sent as a pack of 15, with five fun cupcake designs. The back of the tags say "To:" and "From:" with plenty of space for you to write in the lucky recipient's name. The front of the tags display super cute cupcakes that Kara has taken the time to hand color and hand glitter. That's right...she does it ALL by hand! I can only imagine the amount of time this takes, especially since the tags are immaculate! They are made of such nice quality paper. They are not at all flimsy. And they hang from fun lengths of baker's twine, adding to their charm.

My new fabric labels printed out beautifully. Like I said before, I have wanted labels for quite a long time, but didn't know where to purchase them. And seeing how most of the companies I had researched only offer labels in large quantities, I wasn't ready to purchase something without really knowing how they would turn out. Having a sample in my hands really helps me make my decision. I will be buying my labels from LuckyLu Creations from now on.

I was given TEN sizing options, which I thought was incredible. All I had to do was figure out how large or small I wanted my labels to be. Below is a list Kara gave me of all the size options for the labels. Kara writes, "Here's an estimate of how many labels fit per sheet, this number is subject to change based on the seam allowance you prefer. Other sizes are available, please just ask. Fold-over labels are the same price, however the quantity will be cut in half to account for the extra fabric needed for the other half of label. The quantity per sheet may change slightly depending on the amount of seam allowance you prefer.

20 labels 2 x 2 in size

28 labels 2 x 1.5 in size

30 labels 1.5 x 1.5 in size

32 labels 1.75 x 1.25 in size

30 labels 2 x 1 in size

48 labels 1.25 x 1.25 in size

50 labels 1.5 x 1 in size

65 labels 1.5 x 0.75 in size

80 labels 1 x 1 in size

80 labels 1.5 x 0.50 in size"

For both the regular and foldover sew-ons, I chose to go with the 1.5" x 0.75" size with a 1/4" seam allowance. After grabbing my measuring tape, I visualized these to be around the size I wanted. I was worried anything smaller might not be large enough to read. My fears were unfounded though, as the labels are extremely high quality and completely legible, and would probably be fine even a little smaller. The mind-blowing fact is that they are only $10 per sheet! So for the amount of regular labels that fit with my logo at the chosen size, they end up only $0.25 cents per label, and only $0.42 cents per foldover label! So worth it! And Kara sells these by the sheet, instead of in huge batch requirements.

As I'm terrible at cutting a straight line, I enlisted my trusty rotary cutter and cutting mat for the job. The labels were easy to cut, as the fabric is the perfect stiffness to cut cleanly. I folded my labels, ironed them on a low heat setting for a clean look, and went to sewing them on by hand with a needle and thread.

I knew the first item I would label would be one of my daughter's favorite hats. I love this pink hat on her, and think it is so neat that I can now label the kids' items with anything I dream up. I'm actually thinking of having Kara print some labels that say, "Made by Mom," or "Crocheted with Love by Amanda." How fun is it that I can make all types of homemade clothing and accessories for my kids, and have them labeled forever! These labels turn my handmade items into even more cherished keepsakes.

The result? My daughter's hat is now tagged! I absolutely love how it turned out! I can't quit looking at it and thinking about how this label tells the world that I made this hat. The final step to consider is laundering. Kara gave me specific instructions for washing items that are donned with my new labels. She let me know that she has done a colorfast treatment on the labels. The fabric company instructs using caution with detergent, and that it is best to hand wash the labels. This works out fine for me. Since my items are crocheted, I always suggest handwashing my items.

Kara said that in her experience of working with and selling the labels, she hasn't had any personal issues with using detergent on them, but that machine washing should be done on the gentle cycle. Although, she doesn't recommend using a heavy duty cycle, with vigorous or heavy agitation, as this could affect the design printed on the labels. I absolutely love my new labels and plan to purchase more in the future from LuckyLu Creations. Check out some of my other favorite items, found in Kara's Etsy shop.

The Supergirl Mini Lunchbox Notes - Surprise your little girl in style!

The Personalized Football Favor Tags - Add style to your football kick-off party!

The Princess and the Frog Happy Birthday Greeting Card - The attention to detail is amazing!

Kara was a joy to work with. She took so much time making absolutely sure that my labels were perfect. Kara considers herself a perfectionist, and it couldn't be more apparent in her work. Her handwork is beautiful and extremely detailed. She offers a unique one-on-one shopping experience, and her prices can't be beat! Please check out her shop for all that she offers, because I know you'll think the same!

Here, Kara tells us a little bit about herself.

"I am a Southern California transplant, now living in Maine, and am a mother of two little ones. My husband and I also own an Indoor Children's Play Center, so busy is an understatement, but I love what we do. I have been scrapbooking for as long as I can remember, and have always made my own cards. I finally decided to start selling them 3 years ago and the rest is history. Last year, I added Fabric Labels to my shop, and they became hugely popular. Part of the reason is because of my biggest order yet, for 1000 labels that were added to items in the Emmy Award gift bags. Pretty neat! My labels are popping up everywhere (most recently on a baby blanket for Snooki's new bundle of joy, from "Jersey Shore") And my paper-based items have quite the history, too. Most recently my popcorn tags were added to the MTV Movie Award Swag Bags. I love custom orders and making party decorations, too!"

GIVEAWAY!

LuckyLu Creations is offering you a chance to win your own Glittery Cupcake Tags and 2 sheets of Fabric Labels, like the ones I received! She is graciously sponsoring our 8K Facebook Fan giveaway. {ENTER HERE} from 8/15/12 - 9/14/12!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

LuckyLu Creations

Kara Dowling, Owner

E-mail: luckylucreations@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/luckylucreations

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucreations

WE MAKE FOLLOWING LUCKYLU CREATIONS EASY!

NOTE: I do not receive payment for reviewing products. I give my honest opinion and am not a spokesperson for the companies I review.

If you would like us to review your product, please contact Amanda at SugarMamaShop@gmail.com.

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Website: http://www.sugarmamassweetbowtique.com/

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Sugar Mama's 8K Fan Celebration!

It's finally here! While planning our 5,000 Facebook Fans Giveaway, the fanbase shot up to 8,000! And to celebrate, Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique has partnered up with some of our favorite companies to bring you this fabulous giveaway, where we'll be choosing 24 winners for over $800 in total prizes!

We'd like to thank our lovely co-host, Team Ibrahim, for helping us with the giveaway!

Prizes offered from Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique include:

Emmy Jane Elephant, Betsy Lou Bear, Helena Hippo and Manda Panda

You can also buy them here.

Our Sponsored Prizes Include

#1 Denise Calhoun, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant: Limited-Edition Mary Kay® Mint Blossom Pedicure Set {RV $24}

#2 That's Sew Julia: Baby Boy Diaper Cover and Necktie Set (6-12 month size) {RV $24}

#3 Technogel: Technogel Pillow of choice {RV $169}

#4: WoolfWorks: $20 Gift Certificate

#5 Posies and Petals: $20 Gift Certificate
#6 Oliver's Labels by Jennifer: $25 Gift Certificate
#7 Rosy Bows: $20 Gift Certificate
#8 TLC Woodcrafters: Dinosaurs Name Puzzle {RV $55.95}

#9 Melissa Berry, Independent Scentsy Consultant: "Scratch the Cat" Scentsy Buddy AND "Skinny Dippin'" Scent Pak
#10 Coastal.com: Prescription Glasses {RV up to $98}
#11 LightShine Designs: Handcrafted Necklace and Earrings set {RV $20}
#12 KK Children Designs: Organic Cotton Knit Dress {RV $63}

#13 Three Monkey's Unique: Embroidered Birth Blanket {RV $25}
#14 The Eclectic Willow: Hand-Poured Gourmet Herbal Candles {RV $20-24}
#15 Foxy Baby Boutique: Fairy Wand and Hair Accessories {RV $20}
#16 Stargazinglily: $27 Gift Certificate

#17 Profoot: $20 Prize Pack
#18 Bear Haven Boutique: Boy OR Girl Stuffable Bear AND an Outfit to go with it {RV $24 to $26}
#19 LuckyLu Creations: Glittery Cupcake Tag 15 Pack AND 2 Sheets of Fabric Labels
#20 Simply Quirked: "Freedom Multistrand" Necklace & Earrings Set {RV $22}

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclaimer: Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique and all other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment.
Find full disclaimer information on the Rafflecopter terms and conditions section.
As this is a multi-sponsored giveaway, this giveaway is open ONLY to residents of the 50 United States, due to shipping, tax and legal requirements.
Each winner will be notified by email, after entry verifications are complete. Winners will have 48 hours to respond, or risk forfeiting prizes.
Shipping is FREE to all winners. Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique is not responsible for prize shipment. Sponsors are required to ship their prizes in a timely manner, preferably within 30 days of picking winners.
The following statement is posted on behalf of Technogel: "If the winner of the giveaway is a blogger as well, he/she should be invited by the blogger to eventually make his/her own review on his/her website. We are willing to consider the possibility to give to the winner a free giveaway as well.".

Monday, August 13, 2012

Bear Haven Boutique Review {Plus a giveaway!}

Recently, I was given the opportunity to sample some products from Bear Haven Boutique.

Bear Haven Boutique offers great products, such as stuffable plush kits, unique toys, gifts, clothing and accessories, all at great prices. They also offer party supplies, baby shower gifts and personalized items. Bear Haven Boutique is located in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.

I was so excited when Lesa Rumbalski, owner of Bear Haven Boutique, offered to let me review some of the products she sells. I have a daughter and a son, so Lesa sent some products that are perfect for them! We recieved two stuffable animal kits, each with an outfit to wear!

Lesa describes her stuffable animal kits like this, "My stuffable animal kits include everything you need to make your own stuffed animal. You get the stuffable animal skin, the fluff (or as my daughter calls it, 'fluffin'), the 'wish insert' which is usually a star or a heart, and a birth certificate so that you can name your new pal. You also receive a reusable tote which you can decorate for your new pal or use for library books or to carry special items!

In addition to the stuffable animals, I also carry stuffable dolls and outfits for all of the stuffable friends. I also carry clothing for American Girl dolls and a unique selection of educational toys and fun boutique gifts."

The first animal we opened up was Cottonball the Bunny Rabbit (16"), a perfect present for my daughter. Cottonball came with a fun, Pink "Winter Wonderland" Outfit (16"), complete with earmuffs and a "Love" red star wish insert! There was an instruction sheet, with detailed infomation on how to create our new friend and a blank certificate, celebrating the adoption of our new bunny friend.

The pink outfit fit her perfectly after being stuffed. The back of the dress is a simple velcro closure system, making it easy for my daughter to remove it if she likes. Bear Haven Boutique offers a ton of great clothing to fit the stuffable animals they sell. My daughter loved stuffing the bunny, and I thought adding the red "Love" star wish insert was a cute touch. My little girl also loved the reusable tote bag, as she is really into carrying around purses.

My son's new animal was next. This adorable Bull Dog (15") came with a "Bear Sox" Baseball Outfit (16"), a "Courage" blue star wish insert and his own pet adoption certificate. The animals are so easy and fun to stuff. The kits even come with all the stuffing you need. You simply stuff, stuff, stuff the filling into your pet from the back, cinch up the stuffing pocket, close the velcro strips together and voila, you're done!

The last step is to fill out the certificate. My kids will have their pet adoption certificates to look back on for a fun keepsake. It even brings back fond memories of owning Cabbage Patch Kids when I was little. They're able to name their new friend, add the date and place where they "first met," write in their own name as the new "best friend," and write why the new animal pet is special to them.

We had a blast making our new stuffed buddies! The quality of the animals is top notch. I can see these as really wonderful birthday party activities for kids. And not only would they provide a party activity, they would also serve as a parting gift for attendees. I fully recommend Bear Haven Boutique products to all of my family, friends and readers. If you are in the market for fun party gifts and accessories, Bear Haven Boutique has great stuff at even better prices. Check out some of my other favorite items, found at Bear Haven Boutique's website.

The Personalized Zebra/Hot Pink Birthday Hat - Customized with age, name and thread color of choice!

The Dinosaur Excavation Kits: Triceratops OR T-Rex - I can only imagine the fun kids would get out of these, especially at a birthday party!

The 18" doll Party Dress - Fits perfectly on American Girl dolls!

Lesa's products are fun and creative! You can find some great party gifts and activities at Bear Haven Boutique. Please check out her website for all that she offers! Plus, this is a great time to take advantage of a special coupon code, 5kgiveaway, good for 15% off between now and Sept 15, 2012, for all Sugar Mama's Sweet Bowtique fans! And check out Lesa's blog for fun party-planning ideas, giveaways and much more!

Here, Lesa tells us a little bit about herself.

"I started Bear Haven Boutique five years ago as a way to make a little extra money while staying home with my children. Since then, I have been building an online presence and now also a local presence in my community. While I specialize in children's parties, my collection of unique toys and gifts has become an important part of my business as well!

My goal is to provide parents a way to have an awesome party without breaking a budget. For those that are local, I work with budgets and ideas to plan the best party possible. For those far away, I show them how to plan an awesome party on my blog using products from my online store.

I love getting to be a big kid, and of course, my kids like that too! I also like being able to help make a child's day extra special!"

GIVEAWAY!

Bear Haven Boutique is offering you a chance to win a Boy OR Girl Stuffable Bear AND an Outfit to go with it! She is graciously sponsoring our 8K Facebook Fan giveaway. {ENTER HERE} from 8/15/12 - 9/14/12!