Friday, February 25, 2011

NOVICA {Review & $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway}

NOVICA{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, ruslady!}

There are times that I'm struck by the thought that the world is such a big, big place. Here I am going about my daily life and there are families all across the earth that are moving through theirs, except that what is normal to them might be an extraordinary and fascinating culture to me.

And even though I have traveled some (and will continue to do so), there is no possible way that I will get to experience what it is like in all of the various nations that are out there. The chance of me being able to not only meet the people, but see their way of life and the handcrafted works of art that they create to support themselves seems pretty slim.

Unless I spend time browsing NOVICA. Because there I know that, through my computer, I'll be united with more than 2,000 master artists from around the world and have the ability to select from more than 30,000 handmade works of art to incorporate into my own life.

NOVICA giftsFounded 12 years ago as an online, fair-trade marketplace, NOVICA now offers limited edition and one-of-a-kind handcrafted works of art that are each stunning in their own way. Carrying everything from silver jewelry to hand-sewn apparel to home decor that you're not going to find in a store near you, NOVICA not only gives you the ability to find something for you or the unique gifts that you're looking for, but you'll be helping others.

NOVICA has already succeeded in helping change the lives of more than 50,000 people in developing nations, a number that I find both inspiring and extremely impressive. So while you may just think that the tableware or vases are lovely, NOVICA has provided a way for the artisans who handmade necklacecreated them to earn personal recognition and receive real-world prices for their work.

Now that just makes the necklaces even a little more beautiful, doesn't it?

And let me tell you, they truly are gorgeous works of art. It took me days to go through the clothing, handbags, collectibles and more that NOVICA has before I finally admitted that the sterling silver jewelry had indeed been calling my name. Of course that still meant deciding on not only which type of accessory but then which particular one...

I'm not cut out for difficult decision-making like this sometimes. However, I did know that I wanted earrings and I did know that I wanted to add a little color, so that helped. And, when I had finally chosen and waited a little while for my picks to arrive all the way from Thailand, I couldn't wait to see them in person.

earringsThe Silver Dangle Earrings and the Amethyst Floral Earrings were every bit as beautiful as they were in their photographs and even arrived in their own striking jewelry boxes.

jewelry boxesOpening them up, I loved the simple, chic design of both pairs and the way that they were just the right combination of elegant and casual so that I can wear them for any number of occasions.

turquoise earringsAs I examined each earring closely, it was clear that although both pairs were delicate and lightweight, that they had also been crafted extremely well and would hold up easily to a small or large amount of use.

I also really enjoyed the artisan story card that came along with each set of earrings, giving me insight into not only the artist that created them but the inspiration behind the design, name and more.

amethyst earringsWhen it comes to shopping for an item that is distinct as well as good-looking, NOVICA has a huge selection that is sure to provide plenty of options. But, of course, the fact that by shopping there you can help make a difference in improving lives and preserving traditional crafts worldwide just means that you (or your recipient) can be even a little more satisfied with your purchase.

Plus, thanks to the generosity of NOVICA, one person will be able to browse the handcrafted works of art to choose their favorite, because...

One lucky person will win a $50 gift certificate to NOVICA!

NOVICA giveawayTo enter to win: Visit NOVICA and tell me the name of one of the beautiful items there (other than those mentioned above) that you might purchase if you win.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow NOVICA on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a $50 gift certificate to NOVICA for beautiful jewelry, decor, apparel and more! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/fMDOWX #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 18th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open worldwide! If you're reading this then you can enter!

A big thank you to NOVICA for providing a gift card for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

1189 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 1189   Newer›   Newest»
cw said...

I love the mystical pedal amethyst necklace.

cw said...

entered pj greetings

cw said...

entered target

cw said...

entered pear tree

yonca said...

Silver Dangle Earrings look beautiful! I hope you are doing well, Xenia.Wish you and your family a happy weekend!

For Our Family said...

I think I would buy the Blown glass juice glasses, 'Blues'

For Our Family said...

follow on gfc - 1

For Our Family said...

follow on gfc - 2

BethElderton said...

I love Novica! I have my eye on the Sea of Sapphire Batik Robe.
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

BethElderton said...

I follow Novica on twitter as mbm218
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

BethElderton said...

I have Novica as a FB friend--Beth E.
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

BethElderton said...

I follow you on twitter as mbm218 and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/mbm218/status/41187518896545793

bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

BethElderton said...

I'm a gfc friend
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

BethElderton said...

gfc friend
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

BethElderton said...

I'm an email subscriber
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

BethElderton said...

email subscriber
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

BethElderton said...

I have you in my google reader
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

BethElderton said...

google reader
bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

Diana D said...

On a quick look I would select the silver spider web pendant.Thanks for the wonderful giveaway


dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

Diana D said...

Email subscriber #1. Thanks


dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

Diana D said...

Email subscriber #2. Thanks


dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

Diana D said...

GFC follower. Thanks


dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

Diana D said...

GFC follower #2. Thanks


dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

b said...

These are gorgeous! I'm going to have to follow...I will follow on facebook and tweet about these beautiful products. I'm already following you on Twitter!

Xenia,
I'd love to ask you more about how you get the products you get. I'm starting a new blog...Do you have an email?

Betsy at Zen-Mama said...

hese are gorgeous! I'm going to have to follow...I will follow on facebook and tweet about these beautiful products. I'm already following you on Twitter!

Xenia,
I'd love to ask you more about how you get the products you get these products. (I think I may have posted twice...sorry)

grndbaygal said...

i like the Cotton shoulder bag, 'Naga, Mighty Dragon'. grndbaygal@gmail.com

grndbaygal said...

e-mail subscriber grndbaygal@gmail.com

Gina said...

I like the Silver Dangle Earrings.

andalene said...

I love the Cedar decorative chest of drawers, 'Rose Princess' - beautiful! abrennan09@hotmail.com

wigget said...

i might get the Wood cribbage set, 'Challenger'

wigget said...

subscriber

andalene said...

abrennan09@hotmail.com
subscribe through email - 1

wigget said...

subscriber 2

wigget said...

entered Build-A-Bear Workshop giveaway

wigget said...

entered Dinosaur Train Make A Match giveaway

andalene said...

abrennan09@hotmail.com
subscribe through email - 2

wigget said...

entered The Popcorn Factory giveaway

wigget said...

entered PJ Greetings giveaway

wigget said...

entered Big G and Hot Wheels giveaway

wigget said...

entered Hallmark's Recordable Storybook giveaway

Savvy Addy said...

I love the Women's batik robe, 'Through the Seas' - absolutely breathtaking!
savvyaddy at gmail dot com

wigget said...

entered Pear Tree Greetings giveaway

Savvy Addy said...

I follow Novica on twitter as SavvyAddy
savvyaddy at gmail dot com

Savvy Addy said...

I subscribe to the RSS Feed in my Google Reader - entry #2
savvyaddy at gmail dot com

Savvy Addy said...

I follow via GFC as Addy Sue - entry #2
savvyaddy at gmail dot com

Savvy Addy said...

I entered the Bag Holder giveaway.
Savvyaddy at gmail dot com

Savvy Addy said...

I entered the Hallmark Recordable book giveaway.
Savvyaddy at gmail dot com

Savvy Addy said...

I entered the Pear Tree Greetings giveaway.
Savvyaddy at gmail dot com

Savvy Addy said...

I entered the Infantino Savvy Bag giveaway.
Savvyaddy at gmail dot com

Savvy Addy said...

I entered the Comfy Sacks giveaway.
Savvyaddy at gmail dot com

Savvy Addy said...

I entered the Chili's giveaway.
Savvyaddy at gmail dot com

andalene said...

abrennan09@hotmail.com
Entered the Blushing Dove g/a.

andalene said...

abrennan09@hotmail.com
Entered the Mars Needs Moms g/a.

andalene said...

abrennan09@hotmail.com
Entered the Fake Bake g/a.

andalene said...

abrennan09@hotmail.com
Entered the CHILI's g/a.

andalene said...

abrennan09@hotmail.com
Entered the Hallmark g/a.

Annie1 said...

I love the Pearl cocktail ring, 'Iridescent Network' by Jenny Setiawan

ty

nancyrobster at gmail dot com

Annie1 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
robynl said...

Wood sculpture, 'A Heart Shared by Two' is what I might purchase if I win

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

robynl said...

follow Novica on twitter as rlee1950

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

robynl said...

Like Novica on facebook

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

robynl said...

entered the Hallmark Recordable Storybook giveaway

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

robynl said...

entered the Mars Needs Moms giveaway

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

driii said...

if i won i would probably buy the Coconut shell vase, 'Chocolate Snowcone'

driii said...

follow NOVICA on Twitter

driii said...

follow you and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/driii123/status/41205073669394432

robynl said...

follow you on twitter as rlee1950

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/rlee1950/status/41204849148301312

driii said...

follow via gfc 1

driii said...

follow via gfc 2

robynl said...

like you on facebook

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

1

driii said...

facebook fan 1

Adriana F

robynl said...

like you on facebook

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

2

driii said...

Facebook fan 2
Adriana F

robynl said...

follow via GFC as primrose

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

1

robynl said...

follow via GFC as primrose

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

2

robynl said...

subscribe via e-mail

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

1

robynl said...

subscribe via e-mail

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

2

coliebear said...

I really like the Silver dangle earrings, 'Leaf of Nature'
lenz.nicole(at)gmail(dot)com

coliebear said...

I am a GFC follower (coliebear) #1
lenz.nicole(at)gmail(dot)com

coliebear said...

I am a GFC follower (coliebear) #2
lenz.nicole(at)gmail(dot)com

Yours Truly said...

I would like the Pitcher, 'Amethyst'!

Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Yours Truly said...

I entered the Hallmark giveaway.


Trudy
onlyjustine at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I would buy the Steel wall art, 'Soul of Harmony' found here
http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=178597
kathydetweiler@gmail.com

Unknown said...

following NOVICA on Twitter @kdet62

Unknown said...

Liked Novica on Facebook
Facebook name Kathy Detweiler

Unknown said...

I also entered your 25$ Outback gift certificate giveaway

Unknown said...

Following you on Twitter @kdet62 and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/kdet62/status/41225853752979456

Unknown said...

Follower on GFC as Kathy Detweiler
entry 1

Unknown said...

Follower on GFC as Kathy Detweiler
entry 2

Unknown said...

Subscribe to your RSS feed in Google reader
kathydetweiler@gmail.com
entry 1

Unknown said...

Subscribe to your RSS feed in Google reader
kathydetweiler@gmail.com
entry 2

Katie said...

I love the Natural leaf gold pendant necklace, 'Forest Filigree'
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Email subscriber
email used kathydetweiler@gmail.com
entry 1

Unknown said...

Email subscriber
email used kathydetweiler@gmail.com
entry 2

Katie said...

I like Novica on FB
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I follow Novica via twitter (katerwalker)
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

Follow via GFC (DaKaWa) #1
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

Follow via GFC (DaKaWa) #2
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Liked you on Facebook
Facebook name Kathy Detweiler
entry 1

Katie said...

Email subscriber #2
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I'm a facebook fan #1
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I'm a facebook fan #2
katerwalker@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Liked you on Facebook
Facebook name Kathy Detweiler
entry 2

Julie said...

love the stoneware ceramic leaf platter
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

like novica on facebook
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

followyou via GFC
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

follow you via GFC #2
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

facebook fan
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

facebook fan #2
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

emails #2
hbgarden@aol.com

peg42 said...

I would love to get the Iron welcome sign, 'Cat Smiles Welcome'
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

Julie said...

entered build a bear giveaway
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

entered outback giveaway
hbgarden@aol.com

peg42 said...

I follow Novica on Twitter (peg42)
Thanks again
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

peg42 said...

I follow Novica on FB (Margaret E. Smith)
Thanks again
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

peg42 said...

I follow on twitter (peg42) and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/peg42/status/41243110533107712
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

peg42 said...

I'm a GFC follower (rickpeggysmith)
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Entry 1

peg42 said...

I'm a email subscriber.
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Entry 2

peg42 said...

I'm a FB friend (Margaret E. SMith)
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Entry 1

peg42 said...

I'm a FB friend (Margaret E. SMith)
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Entry 2

Amy and Luke said...

I would get one of the onyx cocktail rings! thanks.

itnyreax@pwcs.edu

Amy and Luke said...

I follow you!

itnyreax@pwcs.edu

Amy and Luke said...

I follow you #2.

Amy and Luke said...

entered Target

itnyreax@pwcs.edu

Amy and Luke said...

entered Build A Bear

Amy and Luke said...

entered Novica

itnyreax@pwcs.edu

abfantom said...

I really like to get Novica's Amber cuff bracelet, 'Golden World'

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom said...

I follow via GFC: abfantom entry #2

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom said...

I'm an email subscriber entry #1

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom said...

I'm an email subscriber entry #2

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom said...

I entered the Popcorn Factory giveaway.

abfantom at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

I think the Sterling silver solitaire ring, 'Blue Moon' is very beautiful

hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

follow novica on twitter @bayctygrl

hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

like Novica on Fb Jennifer Bee

hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

follow on google, Jennifer #1

hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

follow on google, Jennifer #2

hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

subscribe to email #1
hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

subscribe to email #2
hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

like you on FB Jennifer Bee #1
hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

bayctygrl said...

like you on FB Jennifer Bee #2
hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

batik cotton cusions, sunny blossoms


jcwga@hotmail.com

Jenette said...

My husband spent some time in Bolivia so I'd love to get him the Recycled paper mask, 'Tiahuanaco'

Jenette said...

follow novica on twitter vanrobmac

Jenette said...

entered build a bear giveaway

Jenette said...

entered hot wheels giveaway

Jenette said...

entered guidecraft giveaway

Jenette said...

follow gfc comment 1

Jenette said...

follow gfc comment 2

Jenette said...

get your emails comment 1

Jenette said...

get your emails comment 2

Jenette said...

button at jenettes.blogspot.com
comment 1

Jenette said...

entered tanga

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

BLUE COBALT PITCHER

Unknown said...

I would LIKE to get the Pearl dangle earrings, 'Sunrise Spirit'
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

Follow NOVICA on Twitter @Gerisandoval
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

LIKE NOVICA on FB [Geri Sandoval]
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

Follow thxmailcarrier on twitter @Gerisandoval
and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/Gerisandoval/status/41351408053792768
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

Follow Thanks, Mail Carrier via GFC [Geraldine Sandoval]
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

Subscribe via email
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

Subscribe via RSS feed
eartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

LIKE Thanks, Mail Carrier on FB [Geri Sandoval]
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

jayedee said...

i would love to purchase the Pearl and amethyst drop earrings, 'Tropical Symphony'!!!!!!!

jayedee said...

i like novica on FB - jayedee halpin dewitt

jayedee said...

i follow novica on twitter @ntiveheart

Unknown said...

#1 - Put you cute button on my blogs sidebar @
http://heartnsoulcooking.blogspot.com/
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

#2 - Put you cute button on my blogs sidebar @
http://heartnsoulcooking.blogspot.com/
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

#3 - Put you cute button on my blogs sidebar @
http://heartnsoulcooking.blogspot.com/
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

jayedee said...

i follow you on twitter @ntiveheart

jayedee said...

tweeted!
http://twitter.com/ntiveheart/status/41353142239117313

Unknown said...

#2 - LIKE Thanks, Mail Carrier on FB [Geri Sandoval]
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

jayedee said...

i follow via gfc

Unknown said...

#2 - Follow Thanks, Mail Carrier via GFC [Geraldine Sandoval]
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

#2 - Subscribe via email
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

jayedee said...

i subscribe via email @ ntiveheart@gmail.com

Unknown said...

#2 - Subscribe via RSS feed
heartnsoulcooking[at]gmail[dot]com

Nicole said...

I love the Statuette, 'Lucky Buddha of Prosperity'

nikle714 at gmail dot com

Nicole said...

Follow Novica on twitter

nikle714 at gmail dot com

Nicole said...

like Novica on FB

nikle714 at gmail dot com

Nicole said...

Follow on twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/nikle714/status/41377205099573248

nikle714 at mgail dot com

Nicole said...

follow via GFC

nikle714 at gmail dot com

Nicole said...

follow via GFC

nikle714 at gmail dot com #2

Nicole said...

sub via rss feed

nikle714 at gmail dot com

Nicole said...

sub via rss feed

nikle714 at gmail dot com #2

Nicole said...

sub via email (nikle714 at gmail dot com)

nikle714 at gmail dot com

Nicole said...

fb fan

nikle714 at gmail dot com

Nicole said...

fb fan

nikle714 at gmail dot com

susan said...

I'd love to get the Sterling silver bangle bracelets, 'Olympian' (set of 5).

susan said...

I follow NOVICA on Twitter.

susan said...

I follow you and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/susanlanai/status/41393628509257728

susan said...

I follow via Google Friend Connect 1.

susan said...

I follow via Google Friend Connect 2.

susan said...

I'm an email subscriber 1.

susan said...

I'm an email subscriber 2.

susan said...

I Like you on Facebook 1.

susan said...

I Like you on Facebook 2.

susan said...

I entered your Big G & Hot Wheels Super-Fan Family Prize Pack Giveaway.

susan said...

I entered The Popcorn Factory Super Bowl XLV Commemorative Tin Giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your Hallmark Recordable Storybooks Giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your Guidecraft Nesting Sort & Stack Cubes and Cylinders Giveaway.

susan said...

I entered your Comfy Sacks Giveaway.

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