Happy Monday! How was everyone's weekend? Mine was pretty relaxing, we took a little visit to my in-laws' house on Saturday and had a nice barbecue dinner last night. It was so good, probably the best pork chops I've ever had. I took a quick iPhone snapshot of them before they disappeared, so there may be a recipe post in the future for you!

 Alright, enough about food...I bet you all can't wait to find out who the winner of the Star Struck Stones giveaway is. But, first have you seen the new items in Michelle's Etsy shop? 

Find these items here, here, and here!

I am crushing on the black and turquoise bracelet with the leaf charm, the color combination is so striking. The black beads are lava rock and are said to promote courage and strength. I could use a little of that right now. Last week I finally started back on my workout routine and need a little strength and courage to go on with week two of Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30 DVD...she is kicking my butt! 

 Oops, there I go running on about something other than the giveaway winner! Shall we get back to the real reason everyone has stopped by the blog today! Drum roll please.....and the name of the winner is....

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big congrats to our winner Erika, a big thank you to everyone who entered, and a VERY BIG THANK YOU to Michelle. I really can't thank her enough for the gorgeous bracelet she sent me for the review and the one she is sharing for the giveaway, she's so sweet.

Don't forget to stop by Michelle's shop Star Struck Stones for a 10% off discount until October 1st with the coupon code WorldAroundHer.

Now go and have an excellent day! 

Handmade Jewelry and a Giveaway!

I started to put together a fall round up post last week, but then life got a little busy and now it's been two weeks since I last wrote. To make up for the lack of posts I have an awesome giveaway and a coupon code for you guys from Etsy shop Star Struck Stones. Shop owner Michelle is best friends with my younger sister Christina, they have known each other since middle school and are now both in their twenties (my sister will be 25 this Saturday, happy birthday sis!).

 I couldn't wait to share Michelle's handmade jewelry on my blog when I found out she was starting her own Etsy shop. Lucky for me she was just as excited and sent me a few items to review...

She let me choose the bracelet and when I spotted this gorgeous blue and purple piece in her shop I immediately fell in love. To my surprise she sent me a ring and an Amethyst stone as well. 

 The purple stones on the bracelet are Agate and hold protective properties. The blue stones are Dragons Vein Agate and are known to heighten creative vision. 

Most of the beads and stones in Michelle's shop have metaphysical and therapeutic properties, so be sure to read more about your stones when ordering. 

How gorgeous is the design of this jade wire wrapped ring?! Maybe she'll teach me the secret to making these! 

The jade stone is said to bring good luck to those who wear/carry it and I have to say I am feeling the luck of this stone lately. Very good things have been happening...very good things! 

This pretty little amethyst stone is said to help relieve stress and anxiety to create a peaceful environment. So, with the wrapped jade ring and this amethyst stone I can look forward to plenty of good luck and stress free days, I'm down with that!

OK, enough about my jewelry pieces, I know that you are all waiting to see what you can win from her shop...

I'm actually kind of jealous that I can't enter, but I guess I'll just have to ask Michelle to replicate this bracelet so I can purchase one from her! 

I love the colors; the opal and turquoise stones will look great with any outfit and the feather/wing charm is just too cool. I love that she also included a citrine point for one of my readers to win along with the bracelet. 

*For everyone else that doesn't win (and even if you do!), Michelle has a 10% off coupon code for you. Use WorldAroundHer at check out in her Etsy shop on any purchase.*

Giveaway: 

Enter below in the Rafflecopter...

Note: 

 Michelle only ships within the United States, sorry Canadian and overseas friends. I will email the random selected winner next Friday, September 12. Good luck! 

{This giveaway has no affiliation with Facebook.}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA!!

We hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday!! Enjoy the bbqs, the fireworks, the beach, or whatever you may be doing!!

PS I just finished reading "Baby Proof" by Emily Giffin and now Im reading "Heart of the Matter" by Emily as well. I really loved "Baby Proof" and would love to talk to any who has read it. What are you reading this summer? Any good books on your list for me to read next?

These firework photos are from the block party we went to last weekend...

MY LOVE!!

Also we are having a giveaway on AllWomenStalk...stop on over! Also check out the inspiring story of Laura from Asters in August. She has a wonderful jewelry shop on Etsy and she is hosting the giveaway on our blog.

Adorable Giveaway at Daisy to Sunflower...

My friend Hilljo just got married a few weeks ago!! And she is so happy and filled with love that she wants to share that happiness with us and give away one of her adorable sock monkies she handmade!! I LOVE THEM!! Come check out the giveaway at her blog Daisy to Sunflower!

(source)

I TOLD YOU...ADORABLE RIGHT!!!

Also check out her adorable handmade owl hats at her etsy shop.

How is everyone's summer going so far? What do we have planned? Miss everyone, I'll be on here more soon, I promise! <3

Etsy Love...

There are so many things on Etsy that I would have loved to buy for our wedding but I really didn't know too much about the site yet. Plus most of the accessories I did buy were purchased last minute! What wedding items did you find on Etsy, have any favorite sites? I think we can find every wedding item you would ever need on there! I love the wedding dresses from AmyJo; sweet, delicate, vintage...what's not to love! I love the quality of the handmade items. They are wonderful for the bride and groom who are looking for a DIY handmade wedding but just don't have the time to put into it.

What wedding items are you still looking to accessorize yourself or your wedding with? Check out these beautiful handmade items I found on there over at Wedding.AllWomenStalk.com


This is one of the bridal dresses I love on AmyJo's Etsy shop!

(AmyjoTatumBridal)

How cool are these for the music loving couple!

(Braggingbags)

Having a winter/Christmas wedding? These would be beautiful for your bridesmaids or flower girl to carry!

(AprilHilerDesigns)

Where do/did you go to buy your favorite wedding items? 

Contest Alert!

Check out this great contest over @ Etsy Wedding blog... it's for a free canvas of a photo or words of your choice from Etsy seller GeeZees