#win Cate & Levi PUPPET! - Elton John also loves it, I think it's too cute too! 9/30

Cate & Levi make all sorts of hand-made toys for kids, I'm talking soft fabric wool/felt covered notebooks, abckpacks, pillows, stuffed animals, Hand Puppets, mittens, necklaces, wall-art, you will find them all!

I like all of the items, and love how they all match with each other! In fact, seeing them online does not even really do them justice because they are sooo much cuter in person. You can tell the quality of it, right away! I loved the luxurious feel and cutesy design. You can tell this puppet is expensive. But really, I think the price is pretty much on point. I would expect to see this in little Suri Cruises room, or some other famous child.   :)


My kids took a liking to the puppet right away. If you look at the images of the puppet we got, it doesn't look the same at all. That's because each puppet is handmade using different patterns. You simply say if the item is for a boy or a girl!


Traditional toy shops fail to meet the growing modern demand for one of a kind and responsibly made baby gifts. Cate & Levi is a new brand of green toy shop that embraces this challenge and ensures that each of our animal themed toys is both environmentally responsible and unique.

At their toy shop we reject the idea of a tradeoff between quality children's toys and production that is safe for our environment. Handmade in Toronto, all Cate & Levi materials are sourced as close to home as possible to reduce their environmental footprint. Crafted using reclaimed wool, parents can rest assured the toys are non-toxic, safe for kids and eco-friendly too. Designed with love and care, Cate & Levi's toys are proof that environmental responsibility and top quality children's gifts can go hand in hand.

You'll never find two of their cute and cuddly toys that are identical. The rainbow of colors and textures reclaimed wool possesses gives the artisans who craft them the freedom to craft truly unique animals. Don't settle for a toy shop that mass produces baby gifts that are all the same. Each child is one of a kind and they deserve toys that are as unique as they are. These eco-friendly toys for kids are our small contribution towards keeping our planet a wonderful place to live and play.


Josh Title is a dad first, but also an Entrepreneur who saw a need for eco friendly unique, re-purposed children's toys!

I loved the videos of Josh Title -- About Me and the one seen here, showing how each item is unique/different and How it's made!!!

The Giraffe Hand Puppet is $30 MATERIAL: reclaimed wool SIZE: 12” tall. Of all the toys, I have placed images of some of OUR favorites on this post! My very favorite is the Bunny Change purse my best friend Beth received for her blog review, that she will be writing soon. Look above- right. It's m,outh is the zipper! It's soooo freaking cute! 
That's actually how I found this brand. I saw her using it and said: "OMG! That change purse is adorbz! Where did you get it?" And she pointed me to the website. Giana loves the bunny too, but the stuffed one above left. I was expecting the giraffew to look identical to the pastel blue/pink one, and upon getting the puppet, looked in more detail at the site and saw why ours was purple and red. But I think I like it better with the colors they sent us anyway, don't you?

Since each item is One Of A Kind, let us surprise you with one that is totally unique!
Visit www.cateandlevi.com  now!






Here are OUR pictures of Giana with our new puppet: "Randolph"

a Rafflecopter giveaway





@cateandlevi
Facebook.com/cateandlevi


*Disclaimer* I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine.

Sleek, Classic and Stylish Jewelry! Channing & Co review/giveaway! arv $40 11/8

***CLOSED!!!***         


 I recently stumbled across this brand on Etsy named Channing and Co. Not only does she make trendy & edgy Etsy jewelry but she also has her very own stand alone website where she sells her handmade jewelry!


What can you win?
Let's talk about that first! Add a pop of color and sparkle to any outfit! I love this color of blue! Mother of Pearl with a handset pave cz bauble. ARV 40$! The winner have to specify if you want the silver or copper pave bead, it is only for one bracelet. 

What did I get?

A gorgeous olive colored pearl choker!

 I love how the pave bead sits off to the side instead of the center. The color is breathtaking. I can tell a lot of work went into making this necklace! I was proud to wear it. I felt so stylish and classy! What I was shocked to find that this necklace was so heavy! I honestly enjoyed the feel of it though. It felt sturdy and expensive. It felt solid and strong. I especially liked the huge lobster clasp because I knew it was holding it strong and steady! I love this necklace and I am so glad I picked it over the other ones. It suits me to a T!

I also really liked a few other things, including the bracelet pictured above. In the end the necklace won out, but only because I wear necklaces far more often than bracelets and I needed a new one!

What do you think? Do I look cute?

A New GiveAway/Review... Owl Paintings from udonchow ****CLOSED!!!****

CLOSED !!!! Congrats REBECCA
**************************************
Ellen - from Thailand, otherwise known as udonchow, (which I learned her Etsy shop was named after her chow named Udon..) makes gorgeous cartoony childlike owl painting that are so adorable you can't help but stop and stare. Adults love them, children love them... They are quite stunning. The very first time I went to Etsy.com she was featured on the homepage and my eyes went straight to her pictures of owls. I've never fancied myself much about owls, but now I have to admit that I do. In fact she has had so many sales, and is so widely known on the internet I didn't know if she would even accept my offer to work with me.. and was quite shocked when she did. Also pleased. I only wish owls really were that colorful in person. I would definitely want one. That first day- I spent hours looking at all of her paintings and the details. If you are considering purchasing art for a child's bedroom, you've found where to get it at!

From her bio
"I'm happily married and living in Bangkok,Thailand with my husband. Besides my family, Owls are one of my greatest loves in my life and these amazing creatures have prompted me to pick up the paintbrushes, canvases and pastels since 2003...and I find it hard to stop creating owl art :D There are times when I try to create a new collection of a different subject matter, an invisible nagging force brings me back to owls again. So it's right to say, I can't help it but to paint them....expressing them over and over again in a naive and childlike manner :D. Thank you for sharing my colorful world of owls, hope they appeal to the child in you too!

Do check out my other stores here on etsy:

for kawaii craft supplies CLICK HERE!

for cute photography prints CLICK HERE!

for kitschy art and accessories CLICK HERE!

My husband's original watercolor art and prints:

CLICK HERE! "

In her letter to me when I asked her about herself she said,
"My name is Ellen and I am a self-taught artist from Singapore, a small tropical island near the equator. I have since moved to Thailand to be with my husband who's also a full-time artist, we have been married for about 3 years and we have 2 furbabies, a chow chow dog named Udon (that's how my store name Udonchow came to be) and a schnauzer named Puupup. It was only 7 years ago that I started to be re-acquainted with my inner creative being and my favorite subject to paint from then till now is OWLS. I sketch and paint owls almost everyday and for some unknown reasons, I find that to be a therapeutic daily experience, a private space for me to put aside the cares and burdens of the day and get in tune with my inner thoughts. Most of my art works are like graphic journal entries of little conversations with myself, some possess a certain amount of depth whereas others are ways to lighten myself up, a reminder to not have to take myself so seriously all the time. My full time artistic journey only began 3 years ago and I sell my artworks, both original and prints on etsy. You can also find me on Zazzle where you can find my owl art on an array of products and gift items."



She let me pick which one I wanted for the review. I like Winter Love the best! When she sent it, she even drew a cute little owl on the envelope. It was packaged nicely, just as I expected. Also, to come from Thailand airmail it was shipped rather quickly.

It is so cute! It is not an original acrylic painting on canvas, unfortunately (for me!) But still cute nonetheless. It is an 8x10 archival print. Which basically means a photo of an original painting of hers. Its going to be so cute framed in Gigi's room, and will go perfect with the own bedspread i got from Target for her.
Here's what Ellen says about the painting
"Ophelia the Owl is pleased with her new kitty cap and knitted scarf, both are handmade creations from a caring friend, they certainly keep her little body warm and most of all, they filled her heart with immense love and warmth during this cold winter time:D

This is a 8 by 10 inches photo printed professionally on quality Fuji Crystal Archive photography paper with a matt finish. Signed and dated on the back of print. Watermark will not appear on the actual print. Will be packed with great care and sent in a bend-proof packaging."
And it was, it was sandwiched between thick pieces of plastic and arrived in perfect condition.
For it to be an archival print the quality is amazing. You can see every little detail that is on the original. I was impressed. Two-thumbs up Ellen! Thanks!
PS. I almost got Wild Thoughts with the cute giraffe, but I liked Winter Love because of the owls cute kitty toboggan.

She has a zazzle store where you can get her work printed on anything from shoes and shirts to mugs and all kinds of other neat ways. I almost wish I had asked for a coffee mug! Or maybe a bag with it printed on it! *sad face!* on zazzle you can buy any of her art on any of these things..
Coasters, Ornaments, iPad/iPhone Cases, Necklaces, T-Shirts, Postage, Invitations, Business Cards, Mugs, Aprons, Bags, Binders, Bumper Stickers, Buttons, Calendars, Cards, Embroidered Bags, Embroidered Hats, Embroidered Shirts, Envelopes, Flyers, Hats, Keychains, Labels, Letterhead, Magnets, Mousepads, Pet Clothing, Photo Cards, Photo Sculptures, Postcards, Posters, Rack Cards, Shoes, Skateboards, Stationery,Stickers, Ties.

~Links to all things Ophelia the Owl!~

1) Etsy UNDONCHOW ETSY
2) Zazzle UNDONCHOW ZAZZLE
3) Read my journal entries at ELLEN'S BLOG
4) 2nd Zazzle Different products on Zazzle from ELLEN
5) RedBubble profile CLICK HERE


She has offered readers of Locomtion of Expressions an exclusive coupon code you can save 15% by using the code OWLLOVE.

For this sweepstakes she will be giving away to you an archival 8x10 print. You get to pick.
Cool huh?

HOW TO ENTER
SO head on over to her Etsy shop and tell me in a comment below what print most calls to you and then tell me which 8x10 print you'd want if you won.
You must be a public follower of Locomotion of Expressions to win. Also, please be sure your email address is listed on your profile blogger or that you leave it in a comment below in this form: yourname @ domain dot com.
For extra entries you can follow me on twitter @1caseycolette (its also on the right sidebar) for one entry leave a comment letting me know you did so (your username on twitter)


For another you can tweet about this sweepstakes by cutting and pasting this into your status:

@1caseycolette enter to #win a cute owl painting from #etsy on http:1caseycolette.blogspot.com #giveaway #sweeps

Again, leave a comment letting me know where I can find this tweet (your username on twitter)

For another entry you can follow Google Friend Connect "A Little of Everything" http://courteneybrianne.blogspot.com

This promotion ends Wednesday, February 23rd at noon Eastern. ~Good luck!~

Stuck On a Cloud ***CLOSED!!!***

***CLOSED**** Congrats to skyxsky27!


Etsy is just the coolest place. Its like Ebay- only..... better.
No bidding, they have set prices, unique items.
While browsing I found a store that called to me.
The creators name is Tiffany Miller.
She makes these stationary cards, fabric art, collages and things of that nature.
It is called stuckonacloud.

She has been featured on other blogs as well including
feature on
http://www.thesaturdaymorningsblog.com/
http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/
I wrote to her, and she agreed to do a review/sweepstakes!
My fave item she has is the cupcake fabric collage.. I'm just girly like that.
She is offering Locomotion of Expression readers a 10% off coupon during this sweeps!
Just enter coupon code LOEGIVEAWAYONE

One of Tiffany's letters to me said,
"Hi Casey,


I just sent out your card set, I hope you enjoy them when they come in.
They will be the same ones that I would like to do for the giveaway.
They can chose the letter and color they want.


Well about me, I am a mother of 3 boys and a wife to an active duty Coast Guard man.
I have always had a love for paper and fabrics, to tell the truth I think it's more the colors and patterns.
I go a bit crazy in any hobby shop. When I was a kid I could care less about the toy aisle, I went right to the
paper and art aisles. I scrapbook and photography is my first and most love, also I like to paint and play with fabrics.
I always have ideas in my head, sometimes it's a bit crazy. I have to control my thoughts, or I will have like 10 things going
on at once.


I opened my shop less than a month ago, with a big push from my husband to do so. I like to use old cardboard pieces that stores might
throw out, to draw on and use as my templets. I use old book pages for my collages and sometimes my cards. I believe that creativity should be
a open and free mind to think of your own ideas. Sometimes people look at art as one way, and not open their minds to whats around them.
Thanks,
Tiffany"

AW!~

She sent me these adorable stationary note cards with matching envelopes with the purplish initial C on them. The card has a collage of torn pages from books glued in a neatly arranged fashion with a C thats has a hand drawn "sewn" effect!
The initial cards are made with book pages, cardstock, and an ink set.
These 4x5.5 cards are blank and come with matching initial envelopes.

Right now the initial card sets have FREE shipping!!
These cards are sure to catch fancy of everyone you send them to, and they will be asking, "Where did you get those?".
In fact, my neighbor came over earlier and saw them on the table and asked that very question.
You can also request a custom item, if you have one in mind.


For the prize of the promotion, she will be making you a set of these cards! You pick the color and the initial.

MANDATORY ENTRY!

Comment on this blog with your favorite item from her Etsy store.
(Must be a public follower via Google Friend Connect (right sidebar!) )

EXTRA ENTRIES (Each worth one entry and each entry MUST have its own separate comment)
"Like" StuckOnACloud on Facebook - Click it!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/StuckonaCloud/177960532239266?v=app_169505045786
If you have an Etsy account leave your username. (Or make one, either way!)
Also if you have an Etsy account visit her shop here http://www.etsy.com/shop/StuckOnACloud?ref=pr_shop_more(click it) and fave it and an item she sells that you most like from your Mandatory Entry. Then, leave a comment on this blog post telling me you did so/which one.
Follow my twitter @1caseycolette and direct message me on twitter and leave in the comment below your twitter username.


EXTRA EXTRA ENTRIES
Earn 2 extra entries for entering the Millie's Place sweepstakes on this blog.. please leave two separate comments saying "truffles" you can find the sweepstakes on this blog by looking on the right sidebar in my archives.
ALSO
Worth 5 entries and you must place 5 separate comments all saying "purchase". This will be verified by the seller. If it cannot be verified all your entries will be VOID. You may use a 10% off coupon code LOEGIVEAWAYONE.


The winner will get to chose their own initial (or if a gift I suppose- someone else's initial.) They will also get to pick their own color.
This sweepstakes will run from 2/5/11 to 2/13/11 noon (eastern).
~ Good Luck to all who enter, and thank you for reading my blog.
CaseyColette

Caramel Chaos GiveAway!

Welcome to the Etsy Caramel Chaos Giveaway!

CLOSED - winner -sandiesfriend1. Thanks for the entries!

I had the wonderful opportunity of being able to review and giveaway some of Caramel Chaos' delicious caramel. I was not paid to endorse it. These are my personal opinions.
First and foremost, they ship so quickly! I was UBER impressed!
The caramels are in glass mason jars, kinda like what you might find at a county fair, where they sell homemade jelly. Now, I knew the caramel would be good. But I think I underestimated HOW good it would be. Its the best caramel I have ever had! Not too sweet, not too runny.. just, well, perfect! The first and only problem I experienced, was figuring out which one to keep for myself, and which two to give away! I finally decided on blackberry. I love blackberry anything. I wasn't sure how a blackberry caramel would taste. I almost picked the plain caramel. Let me tell you, I did not make a mistake. The flavor of it is light, not too strong. But you can definitely taste it! I think I just broke my diet! :)
With the caramel, they also shipped me some recipes, which I have included for you below!
I made Cinnamon Struesel Muffins, and added caramel in the batter! Then, when they were done, I drizzled it on top. They tasted much better than they normally do! Giana loved them!

Did I mention Caramel Chaos is hosting a promo code for my readers? If you cant wait to win, or just have to have it it now, the code is:
Promo code: CHAOS1978 (20%off)

About
Gaylene Glenn & Chef Tony
Kearney, NE
From his bio...

"Chef Tony Foster has been a professional chef for over 12 years. Originally from Colorado and currently in Nebraska; with the limited eateries in NE I decided to go into business for myself with my Caramel Chaos sauces. We have five different flavors available for purchase The Original Caramel Chaos flavor, Blueberry Caramel, Blackberry Caramel, Raspberry Caramel and Jalapeño Caramel. Each flavor is subtly infused with the original flavor to bring forward a nice complex flavor.
We use few ingredients and stick with the natural simplex flavor of the caramel sauce. Our flavors are not flavored syrups but infused caramel.


The caramels are a fruit infusion. They are first and foremost caramel, not flavored syrups. I make them from scratch with real ingredients. I’m sure you have noticed the separation on the bottom of the jar; ( I didn't see any in mine - per Casey) this is due to using real cream and butter. The only way to alleviate the separation is to pack the caramel with preservatives and threaten the integrity of the caramel itself (just give it a little stir and all will be well.) We have five flavors Regular, Jalapeño, Blueberry, Blackberry and Red Raspberry.

“There's a direct path between earth and heaven, and that is caramel.” ~Lorrie Moore from A GATE AT THE STAIRS (Great book by the way)


We suggest refrigeration after opening and stir well before using. You can place the container in the microwave (without the lid of course,) for 30 seconds to loosen the caramel back up.
Payment
We accept Pay Pal, Money Orders"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A good Caramel Recipe from Casey's kitchen..
Caramel Shortbread

Ingredients
First Layer:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
Second Layer:
1/4 cup corn syrup
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (dark is the best)
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
Directions
First layer: Combine flour, confectioner's sugar and 1/2 cup butter, crumble together well. Press into an ungreased 8x8 inch pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Take out of oven and cool on a rack or baking sheet. Second layer: Melt 3/4 cup butter and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan. Add the brown sugar and the sweetened condensed milk. Mix well; then bring to a boil. Boil for 4 minutes stirring constantly. It burns very easily when boiling. Remove from heat, then beat with a spoon until it thickens and gets blobby. You will need to take a moments rest now and then as you beat it. Pour the mixture over the first layer, and let chill overnight. Invert onto plastic wrap (this makes it easier to cut through the bottom). Cut into squares.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chef Tony's Creations and recommendations for uses!
Caramel Recipes from Caramel Chaos

Coconut Caramel S’mores Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream, diced coconut marshmallows, bananas, lightly crushed graham crackers, and some caramel; mix it up cold stone style... This could change your life.

Jalapeño Hot Chocolate: Add a couple of spoonfuls of Jalapeño (or whatever flavor for that matter,) to some hot chocolate for a smooth caramel highlight. Great with coffee as well…

Raspberry Brownies: Use your favorite brownie recipe and top with raspberry caramel chaos.

Caramel Cream Pie: Use your favorite pie crust, whether it be graham cracker, Oreo, Nilla wafer or homemade pie crust from scratch, lay down a layer of melted marshmallows, a layer of caramel chaos, a layer of pudding (vanilla, banana, white chocolate,) a layer of fresh whipped cream and drizzle some more caramel on top. A smooth creamy pie perfect for any occasion…

Caramel Fondue with some strawberries, peaches, brioche and pound cake. Slowly heat up some caramel chaos in a double boiler and pour into your favorite fondue pot and serve with your favorite seasonal fruit and sweet breads.

Caramel Napoleon: Take some pound cake and slice it pretty thin, make layers with your favorite jelly or jam, some homemade whipped cream, and some caramel chaos. Place these fillings between each layer of sweet bread; try to do about three layers.

Acorn squash with caramel: Cut the top of an acorn squash off and deseed. Fill the cavity with butter and brown sugar and bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Pull out let cool, slice and serve with some jalapeño Caramel Chaos.

Caramelized Bananas: Slice some bananas about 1/4” to a ½” thick and sear in a hot pan with some butter. Add 1/3 cup of brown sugar and deglaze with some rum or bourbon. Let the liquor reduce and form a syrup with the sugar (don’t scorch.) Serve over some ice cream or cake with some caramel chaos to blend everything together.

A perfect accompaniment for oatmeal, pancakes, French toast, cakes, cheese cakes, brownies, fresh fruit (apples were actually made for caramel I think,) hot beverages and anything that needs an extra kick of sweet.













FOR THE FUN PART! ~The Sweeps!~

The winner of the sweepstakes will receive 2 jars of caramel, Raspberry Caramel and Original Caramel.

The rules:
Leave one comment per entry. You MUST do the mandatory entry.
You can get extra entries by doing the other things, one comment per thing you do.
Please be sure your Google Friend Connect (or Blogger account) has your email listed where it says "Email" on your profile. If not, please leave it on one of your comment, preferably with your mandatory entry.


MANDATORY ENTRY
Follow this blog and visit Caramel Chaos on Etsy and tell them, in a comment on this post which caramel you would most want to try! Caramel Chaos on Etsy

Extra Entries
EARN 1 Entry - Like Caramel Chaos on FaceBook HERE
EARN 1 Entry - Enter ANY of my other sweepstakes, and comment back here that you did, and which post I can find it on.
EARN 5 Entries - Buy Caramel from Caramel Chaos (This will you get FIVE extra entries, leave 5 separate comments all saying "purchased"
EARN 2 Entries - Share this sweepstakes link/url on FaceBook (must have public profile) and comment with a link to where it is. Please remember to leave 2 comments saying you did this.
EARN 3 Entries - Follow me on Twitter, via My twitter button on the sidebar and tweet this:
" Come check out @1caseycolette sweepstakes on http://1caseycolette.blogspot.com " Again, please remember to leave separate comments to get all 3 entries.


This sweepstakes closes Feb 6th at noon Eastern.
Thats it!~ Good luck!~