Artisan Handcrafted Beaded Cuff GIVEAWAY - Retail value $45

Earlier this week I was out at the park with my 7 month old, when a beautiful Monarch fluttered across our path. This was the first butterfly my daughter had seen in her short life so far, and she was enchanted by it's beauty (as was I). 

 

The first item in our “Why Shop Global When You Can Shop Local” October event is just as breathtaking.

Truly one-of-a-kind, this piece is a 2-drop peyote stitch cuff designed by Mikki Ferrugiaro called Butterfly Wings. The buttons in the closure are inspired by a design from Jill Wiseman of Tapestry Beads.

The artist, Katie Nelson of Katie's Creations completed this bracelet by using a pattern in which beads are added painstakingly, two at a time until completion.

Generally these gorgeous, hand threaded cuffs retail for $45 and up!

Katie's Creations, also sells necklaces, earrings, and other beautiful bracelets, handmade in Spring, Texas.

Just in time for the holidays, find a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for that certain special person your life at Katie Nelson's Etsy Shop. 

FIND KATIE HERE:

• Katie Nelson's Etsy Shop

• Katie Nelson on FACEBOOK

GIVEAWAY: One reader will win the above pictured Butterfly Wings cuff by Katie Nelson (Katie's Creations)

TO ENTER:   Complete the Rafflecopter form below. The items in bold are mandatory for entry, and the rest are bonus entries. Good Luck!


* * * WE HAVE A WINNER!!! Congratulations to RAE H. of South Carolina for winning the fabulous Butterfly Wings Cuff from Katie Nelson! Thanks to everyone for entering. Stay tuned for more giveaways this month!

McKinney Mommas October Giveaway Event "Why Shop Global When You Can Shop Local"

...............let's get ready to SHOP....and WIN!

Photo by: Danilo Rizzuti

I'm so excited about this month's "Why Shop Global, When You Can Shop LOCAL" event at McKinney Mommas blog.

We will be featuring local Texas owned Etsy shops, REVIEWS and GIVEAWAYS all month long!

Of course, the idea is to turn you all onto shopping local for the holidays coming up. Why local?

Well, because it saves the earth one order at a time. Shorter shipping distance = less pollution and overall strengthens the economic base of your own community. Check out Sustainable Connections for more reasons to shop local, HERE

We're almost filled up as far as Vendors, Shops and Giveaways go, but if you'd like to jump on the bandwagon.........contact me on the right toolbar for more information.

Our FIRST giveaway will be posted TOMORROW, so get READY!

Fall Fun for the Kiddos - Calloway's Nursery Fall Harvest

I've been looking for somewhere local to take my 7 month old to take some photos with pumpkins and "PRETEND" it's FALL even though it's 90 degrees outside here in Texas!

Photo by: nuchylee

 
Instead of making the trek all the way to Celina for some pumpkin farms, we're going to check out the Fall Harvest at Calloway's Nursery tomorrow.

It's specifically geared towards KIDS, with FREE fun all day (see flyer here)from 9:00am-7:00pm including pumpkin carving (each kid gets a FREE pumpkin to decorate), potting station, bounce house, popcorn and a mad science show!

Photo by: Tina Phillips

I'm sure I'll find a pumpkin somewhere for her to take a photo with, right?!  Come join us!


WHERE:  All Calloway's Nursery locations - Click HERE to find the location closest to you

• McKinney Location: 4050 W. Eldorado Pkwy. McKinney, TX

WHEN: Saturday, October 1st from 9:00am - 7:00pm

• Mad Science Show : 3:30 - 4:30 (McKinney location)
• Free Fall Gardening Clinic (for adults) 10:15 a.m

Knit your way to Wellness

Okay, before we start our OCTOBER "Why shop GLOBAL when you can shop LOCAL"...........

Have you ever heard of meditative knitting?

I hadn't either, before today!


It's something about the rhythmic movement back and forth, the focus and precision it takes to move your hands in such a way, that many actually use it as a medium for meditating.

People who spin their own yarn also reap the benefits of the calming, relaxing effect of meditation.

So, if you're looking for a new hobby that also has health benefits, take up a spinning class (NO not the kind at the gym) the kind with a spindle or wooden wheel, people!


While you're at it, check out the beautiful hand spun art yarn at Weird and Twisted on Etsy.

I have never seen such amazing and unique yarn for your projects, I love the Pumpkin Art Yarn with ribbons, pumpkin charms and beads. Gorgeous! Perfect timing for fall weaving!



Weird and Twisted, is a small business from GERMANY! Specializing in fancy schmancy Art Yarn...........like THIS:




Their creations are born out of soft wool, silk and alpaca fibers with beautiful glass pearls, shiny cut glass crystals, semi precious stones and other quality supplies.

Check them out here:

* Weird and Twisted @ BLOGSPOT  (http://weirdandtwisted.blogspot.com/)
* Weird and Twisted @ FACEBOOK (https://www.facebook.com/weirdandtwisted)
*Weird and Twisted @ TWITTER  ( https://twitter.com/WeirdAndTwisted)

Why shop global when you can shop LOCAL!

The entire month of October 2011, McKinney Mommas is celebrating LOCAL Texas Small Business Owners.

Photo by KFleming

Specifically we will be highlighting Etsy Shops, owned and operated by Texas residents.

Why? Well, shopping local, means you travel less and shipping is from a shorter distance, meaning reduced pollution, congestion and carbon being released into the atmosphere.

There will be Etsy shops reviewed and highlighted, as well as GIVEAWAYS for our readers!

Keep your eyes peeled, and FOLLOW us on Google Friend Connect or our RSS feed to get updates on when the GIVEAWAYS and reviews will occur in October and how to enter!

Photo by: Stuart Miles

Let's all SHOP LOCAL during the month of OCTOBER!

* * * If you are a small business owner or etsy shop operator and are interested in being part of our October "Why Shop Global When You Can Shop LOCAL" event" contact us by clicking the envelope symbol on the right toolbar. * * *

Kick start your day with Chai Spiced Oatmeal by Better Oats

 I found this Organic RAW Pure & Simple Mulitgrain Hot Cereal with Flax, on sale at my local Tom Thumb. On sale for 50% off, so I couldn't pass it up as the regular price was $1.59 for 5 pouches.

For instant oatmeal (2 minutes in the microwave) this selection is terrific! I choose the Chai Spiced flavor, and it's ALL NATURAL. No artificial flavors or ingredients.

The warm, earthy, spiced (think holiday mulled cider) flavors were the perfect balance between savory and sweet and the crunch of flax seeds topped off the experience perfectly.

I fed a few bites to my 7 month old, and she LOVED it. She kept leaning forward for more bites of momma's cereal. I feel good about letting her in on this nutritious and all natural breakfast of mine!

So, next time you're in the store, check out Better Oats, Organic RAW selection of hot cereals and you won't be disappointed!

FREE Italian Ice at Rita's in Allen

A new Rita's Italian Ice is opening in Allen at Twin creeks village, this Saturday, September 24th!

Now, I've never had an italian ice from Rita's but the chance to get FREE Italian Ice for a YEAR, count me in!

 Apparently, the first 100 guests in line will receive FREE ice for an entire year, and if you visit the store between 12:00 noon and 10:00pm you can get a FREE regular size cup in the flavor of their choice.


Make it an event for the whole family, since there will be free balloon art and face painting, entertainment for children, and music for all patrons!

WHERE:

• Twin Creeks Village Shopping Center - 816 W. McDermott Drive Suite #316 Allen, TX 7501

WHEN:

• September 24, 2011 - Doors open at 12:00noon - 10:00pm close

If you go, report back with your experience!