Trinkets by Dana Mobile & Hair Clip Giveaway [CLOSED]

Finally a giveaway again! The generous seller contributing to this giveaway is Dana from Trinkets by Dana, a cute shop selling origami, jewelry, and other accessories. She also sells typography and photography at Retroreve.

I'm Dana. I'm 22 years old with a bachelors in psychology and currently pursuing the prerequisites for a masters in the Occupational Therapy program (MSOT). I started my Etsy shop in my freshman year of college (2009) just to get some crafting time in during all the school stress and chaos. It was more for my sanity-- a hobby-- but Trinkets moved on to be a fun little business over the years. 

I work on an assortment of crafts from origami, simple jewelry, original mixed media art, and fine art photography. The term trinkets really seemed to capture that all and never limit my crafting options at the same time. :) Overall, I'm into making people feel good and happy with these trinkets since it is the little things that make you happy. 

 
One of you lucky readers will win an origami star mobile and a set of plaid bow hair clips, a $28 value!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Trinkets by Dana or Retroreve, and tell me your favorite item.

1 entry: Heart Trinkets by Dana on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like Trinkets by Dana on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow Dana's blog on GFC.

1 entry: Follow this blog on GFC.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MDT on Saturday, November 16. The winner will be announced Monday, November 18. Please leave your email in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open to the U.S only. Good luck!

Photo Shoot

Here are the photos of the boys taken last month at JC Penney when Gabe was about 5 1/2 weeks old. Although I think my kids are adorable, I was very disappointed with the photo shoot. I thought the photography would be more creative and the photographer more involved. Instead, I paid a load of money for photos I could've done myself. Next time I think I'll look for an independent photographer. The only thing I like is some of the collages another employee made.

 

When the family was in town, I also finally received the photos from our wedding reception in Wisconsin. Most of them are of people sitting at tables or are just plain bad (Justin's uncle took them), but there are a few okay ones:

Man, we look so young! The funny thing is that although Justin has followed the stereotype of gaining weight after marriage, I've actually skinnied up over the years. (The summer before we got married I worked at Baskin Robbins. I don't think I need to elaborate!)

Halloween Party for Little Kids

Last night I threw a Halloween party just for kids 5 and under (though there were a few older kids) and on a budget. It was a hit! The only thing I would have done differently is had more games. The party was at my friend's house, since my apartment is too small. We decorated using Halloween items I had collected over the years on clearance, a few handmade items, and a couple things my friend got at the dollar store.

I set up two crafts: making hand spiders (modified from Tutus and Tea Parties) and decorating treat bags.

There were two games: a handmade fishing game and a ball toss I got from the thrift store. The kids won prizes, which I had gotten on clearance and from Freecycle. I also painted the kids' faces and made them balloon animals before they left, the most popular activity.

All the kids dressed up, and some of the parents did too.

Justin's a golfer--basically, himself.

The friend who lent me her home.

For the food, we made carrot fingers, ants on a log, black licorice 7-Up, goblin sloppy joes, mummy hot dogs (from Creative Juice), and worms and dirt in a cup.

 

We had a great turnout and lots of fun! Little kids are so easy to please and entertain, so it made throwing this Halloween party easy, cheap, and enjoyable!

Featured Seller: Esther from Happy in Red

This week's featured seller is Esther from Happy in Red.

I am Esther, a 30-something living in Utrecht, The Netherlands, with my husband. I love to crochet and sew and sell my crochet blankets and vintage-inspired bags in my little Etsy shop.

As a child growing up I used to watch my grandmother crochet, but unfortunately I never got to learn it from her. I picked up the crochet hook three years ago and taught myself how to crochet using a library book and Youtube! Not long after that I bought a sewing machine and took a beginners' class. Thanks to that and so many helpful tutorials online I learned how to sew.

Oh how scared was I to start my own Etsy shop. I guess more and more friends started requesting a bag or a crocheted blanket and that made me realize that maybe other people would like my handmade items as well. I thought long and hard about what I would sell... took a deep breath... and opened my shop on my 30th birthday.

You can find me on my blog: happyinred.blogspot.com
On Twitter: twitter.com/SoHappyInRed
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/HappyInRed
On Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sohappyinred

Check out Esther's shop for more beautiful bags and crocheted goodies. Use the code HAPPYFALL2013 for a 10% discount until December 1!

Marriage Jokes

Adam and Eve had the perfect marriage. He didn't have to hear about all the men she could have married, and she didn't have to hear about how well his mother cooked!

--

--

The wife says: You want
The wife means: You want

The wife says: We need
The wife means: I want

The wife says: It's your decision.
The wife means: The correct decision should be obvious.

The wife says: Do what you want.
The wife means: You'll pay for this later.

The wife says: We need to talk.
The wife means: I need to complain.

The wife says: Sure... go ahead.
The wife means: I don't want you to.

The wife says: I'm not upset.
The wife means: Of course I'm upset, you moron!

The wife says: Be romantic, turn out the lights.
The wife means: I have flabby thighs.

The wife says: I want new curtains.
The wife means: Also carpeting, furniture, and wallpaper!

The wife says: I'll be ready in a minute.
The wife means: Kick off your shoes and take an hour nap.

The wife says: Am I fat?
The wife means: Tell me I'm beautiful.

The wife says: You have to learn to communicate.
The wife means: Just agree with me.

The wife says: Are you listening to me?
The wife means: [Too late, you're doomed.]

The wife says: Yes
The wife means: No

The wife says: No
The wife means: No

The wife says: Maybe
The wife means: No

The wife says: Do you like this recipe?
The wife means: You better get used to it.

The wife says: Was that the baby?
The wife means: Get out of bed and rock him.

ahajokes.com

--
(the rest are from ajokeaday.com)

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.

Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. "Careful," he said, "CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my gosh! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my gosh! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!"

The wife stared at him. "What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"

The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving."

--

Over breakfast one morning, a woman said to her husband, "I bet you don't know what day this is."

"Of course I do," he indignantly answered, going out the door on his way to the office.

At 10 a.m., the doorbell rang, and when the woman opened the door, she was handed a box containing a dozen long-stemmed red roses. At 1 p.m., a foil-wrapped, two pound box of her favorite chocolates arrived. Later, a boutique delivered a designer dress.

The woman couldn't wait for her husband to come home. "First the flowers, then the candy, and then the dress!" she exclaimed. "I've never spent a more wonderful Groundhog Day in my whole life!"

--

Two husbands were discussing their married lives. Although happily married, they admitted that there were arguments sometimes. 

Chad said, “I’ve made one great discovery. I know how to always have the last word.”

“Wow!’ said Sherman, “how did you manage that?”

“It’s easy,” replied Chad. “My last word is always ‘Yes, Dear.’”

No More Grumpy Gus

Gabe is no longer grumpy when awake. Instead, he is smiley and content (provided he is not hungry or wet, of course). Daddy finally got it on camera:

 Gabe likes watching the animals go around on his bouncer. He also likes bath time now.

He has become a thumb sucker, mastering it more and more every day. For the most part he is sleeping longer too.

Today at his two-month appointment he weighed 11 lbs. 10 oz. and measured nearly 23 inches long! He got 3 shots. I was not looking forward to it, but Gabe took it like a little man. He cried, but was easily comforted and fell asleep, remaining asleep for the rest of our errands. Once fed at home, he was back to his smiley self and then went back to sleep. Caden, on the other hand, would cry for a long time, be cranky the rest of the day, and develop low-grade fevers. They are very different, but I love both my handsome boys!

Featured Seller: Sid from Sid Kassidy

It's been a while since I've done an Etsy feature! This week's seller is Sid from Sid Kassidy Master Jeweler.

I am a 32-year-old Canadian mother of 4 and step-mom of 1. I learned to make jewelry with my grandmother when I was a young girl. Always was passionate about it! In 1998 I perfected my art by taking jewelry classes with the well-known Montreal jeweler Josée Desjardin. Since 2000, my work became focused on metalsmithing.

I provided for many local stores and decided to start my Etsy shop in March 2013, working on projects with my lover, who is a wonderful artist. I mainly work with sterling silver pewter alloy, as I love the way I can abstractly play with it during fusion and I love its non-tarnishing quality. I also model for the photo shoots of my work

Check out her shop for more unique pieces. If you see something you like, use the code BABYLOVE for 10% off! Sid also offers free international shipping and a lifetime warranty. Enter her monthly giveaways on her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter.

Gabe's Baby Blessing

All of our family came into town for Gabe's baby blessing on Sunday. Justin's family arrived Wednesday evening, and we all went out to eat. Thursday all the ladies hung out while the boys went golfing, and then Mom made dinner for us.

Gabe found his thumb!

Friday we went to Toys 'R Us for the grandparents to buy Caden his birthday gift. He picked out a Thomas the Train wooden train set. He's been playing with it every day since.

He napped on Grandma for hours!

Saturday my family arrived and my sister-in-law, Rocio, threw Caden a birthday party. We had it at the park, which was busier than I've ever seen it. Fortunately, we were able to find a table, and although it wasn't shaded, the weather was nice. The main course was fried chicken, and the cake was delicious. I was pleasantly surprised. I think I will get all my cakes from Costco from now on.

Everyone had a good time talking and playing. It went really well; we were out there for nearly 3 hours!

He loved the Cars toys he got from the Lyles.

Trying to ride the dragon (Toothless) I got him.

Taking a picture with his play camera. He also got Play-Do from his friend Lily.

My family came over to the house afterward and played Dance Central on the Kinect with us. I love when the boys do it!

Sunday was Gabe's blessing. Justin gave the blessing, and his father and brother, my father and brother, a friend, and the bishop stood in the circle. Gabe fussed a bit, unlike Caden. Justin blessed Gabe to be a righteous leader and have many children.

He wore the same outfit Caden did, which used to be Justin's. We didn't keep the bonnet on.

(That day we also practiced for the Primary program. It was overwhelming for me. I feel like we are still so unprepared. Or maybe just I am.) After church, we gathered outside for photos, my least favorite part.

Justin's family came to our house right after, and we had pulled pork sandwiches for lunch. It was our first time making them and they came out great. We are making the rest for friends on Thursday. The boys played Kinect golf, and then we all played Catch Phrase, boys against girls, and the boys won (by cheating, of course). Then my family came and brought more gifts for Caden: Cars sheets and Bible lift-the-flap board books. My brother and his family came after Justin's left, which ended up being better. I keep forgetting how small our place is until it's filled with people! I got to spend some quality time with my sister-in-law, Rocio. Ever since I became a mother, I've bonded with her more. I loved seeing her take care of my children so lovingly.

Gabe chatting with his Tia Rocio.

Monday, we and Justin's family went to the same ranch we took Caden to last year. They had some new attractions and different games. Caden's favorite was the train ride, of course. He is really into trains right now! Gabe stayed asleep the entire time, which was really nice.

Hay maze. Caden cheated by climbing over the bales.

Panning for "gold" that he got to trade for candy.

The boys went golfing that afternoon, and we ladies hung out with my family (my brother and his family left Sunday night). We played Catch Phrase again, and then my family left. Justin's family left once the boys came back, and they flew home this morning.

Gabe was so spoiled, being held nonstop, that I was afraid it would be hard to get back into our normal routine. Thankfully, it wasn't. Both boys have adjusted nicely, but I know they miss all the fun and attention! They are both so loved!