anewjewel on Etsy: Giveaway!

I must admit, I'm not the crafty type.  However, it doesn't mean I don't love to cruise Etsy now and again to admire all the beautiful hand-made items by so many amazingly talented shop owners.

Meet my wonderfully talented colleague, Aly, who is the owner of the new Etsy shop, anewjewel.  Aly is a vibrant and dynamite kindergarten teacher.  I even have the pleasure of working in her classroom everyday with her adorable little six-year-olds.  We teachers have a lot of tricks up our sleeves, but making jewelry?  I guess that's what happens when you're the daughter of an art teacher.  Anyway, let's get down to business.

She crafts these gorgeous everyday pieces by hand and they are simple and elegant.  I love her style.  She's even offering her customers 15% off at checkout for Valentine's Day!  So please have a look-see and check out what she's got.  They make GREAT gifts!  She's got bracelets, earrings, necklaces and more.  She can even craft you a custom piece, especially designed for you.

One of my favorites from anewjewel
Large Infinity Turquoise Gold Necklace

Ok, are you ready?  Aly has so graciously offered up an amazing opportunity for the readers of Stowed Stuff.  One lucky winner is going to get to choose a piece of choice from anewjewel (according to availability.)  So get over there, start browsing and pick your favorite.  You'll have to leave a comment below telling me which piece makes your heart go pitter-patter for Valentine's Day.

Here's how to enter:  (MANDATORY, Good for one entry)

• Leave a comment below about your favorite piece from anewjewel.
• Like anewjewel on Facebook and leave a comment for Aly on her wall.

Make sure your comment below is not anonymous and lets me easily find you on the web.  I can't even tell you how many times I have chosen a winner that can't be contacted.  Sadness.  (Check your profiles, peeps!)

Red Hot Mint Dangler {LOVE}

For an extra entry, complete the following:  (LEAVE AN EXTRA COMMENT FOR EACH THAT YOU'VE COMPLETED)

• Tweet this giveaway
• Share this giveaway on your own Facebook wall
• Like Stowed Stuff on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to this blog

There you have it.  Contest period ends at 8pm (EST) on 2/14/12.  Winner will be chosen using random.org and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.  Open to continental U.S. residents only.  Good luck!
____________________________________________________________________________________Many thanks to the the cute little red head in 428.

My View #Febphotoaday

This girl made me do it.  But it should be fun.  This is my view:

From the driver's seat of the Traverse

That flash gets 'em every time.  I love my kids.

The Puke Bug

My kid missed both days of preschool last week because his crazy mother was deathly afraid of catching the dreaded bug that everyone I know on Facebook seems to be status updating with.

Photo from Fit Sugar:  Great tips for battling the stomach bug

• "Now Steve's got it."  
• "Luke had it on both ends!"
• "I have an idea to discourage teenage pregnancy....as part of sex ed class they should be required to do a 48-hr internship at a household with small children when the whole family has the throw-up bug."  (This, by the way, seems like a genius idea, C.W)

I will not be a victim.


I ask my kids every hour, "is your stomach ok?"


Our hands are crisp and crackly from too much hand washing.  I sneakily pull down my sleeve over my hand before touching any doors at preschool or work and hope for the best.  I got wind that the dreaded bug made an appearance at the home of our cute little baby-sitter - so I didn't let her come over yesterday and even canceled ballet!


I bought some shares in Wet Ones and Lysol.


"Anyone missing from school today?  Why do you look so pale?  Was that a hunger growl?  Why am I cold, do I have a fever?"


I will not throw up.  I have a problem, but it seems to be working.


How are you coping?


I should also add that lice is back in town.  Again?  Yes, again.  "Anyone got an itchy head?"  So picture this:  me, digging around in my own scalp in front of the bathroom mirror - looking for nits, bugs, and grays ~ may as well.  So far, I seem to be OK.   Heavens to Betsy.  Is it spring yet?

Join Me For A Twitter Party with HATCHEDit

Save the date, folks!  I'm hosting a Get Organized Twitter Party on Tuesday, February 7th at 9pm (EST)

You are all invited to join me over on Twitter to learn how to use Hatchedit.com, an online calendar for every family CEO, Mom!

Party Details

Where:  Twitter

When:  Tuesday, February 7th 9PM (EST)

Who:  Join host @anniestow or @hatchedit

Hashtag:  #FreshlyHatched

Grid:  http://bit.ly/ABSTO4

There will be tons of great prizes provided by The Container Store, Happy Baby Foods and HATCHEDit.com  In order to be eligible for the grand prize at the end of the hour, please RSVP below.

Can't wait to see you there!  Be sure to log into Hatchedit.com today so you can get your family's schedule organized, once and for all!