Lauren Nicole Jewelry & Gifts

Winner of Name Bar Necklace Giveaway

2012-02-02T05:01:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to "Amber" who won the drawing for the Name Bar Necklace. A new giveaway starts tomorrow.

New - Silver initial Rings

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is February already!! I still haven't gotten used to putting "2012" on everything and now it is time for a new month. I have been busy coming up with some new designs for my website. This one has been on my list for a long time and I just put the Initial Rings on the website. Would you rather see more initial rings or rings with names?

25% Off Small Hair Bows - Ends 2-2-12

2012-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

This weeks Thrifty Tuesday Sale is 25% off Monogrammed Small Hair Bows. Just enter the coupon code: THRIFTY to receive 25% off (ends at midnight 2-2-12).

Winner - Weekend Crafter Giveaway

2012-01-30T05:15:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Connie who won the drawing for the rubber stamp set! If you haven't had a chance to enter I am running another giveaway this week for a name necklace, ends 2-1-12.

Weekend Crafter Giveaway - Ends 1-29-12

2012-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

This Weekend's Crafter Giveaway is a "For All You Do" rubber stamp set from Stampin' Up. The giveaway closes at midnight on Sunday 1-29-12. To enter just leave a comment on the post letting everyone know what your favorite type of project is.....my new favorite project is learning how to crochet. I am hoping to be able to make some scarfs and blankets for Christmas gifts this year. Have a great weekend!!

2012-01-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

New Giveaway starts today for the "Name Necklace" necklace....I am taking entries until midnight on 2-1-12 and will announce a winner on Thursday 2-2-12. To enter just leave a comment on this post letting me know what name or word you would put on the necklace. Have a great weekend!

Winner of the "Key to my Heart" Necklace

2012-01-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to "Dropastitch" who won the drawing for the "Key to my Heart" necklace.

Thank you to everyone who entered!! Stayed tuned tomorrow for the new giveaway :)

Monogrammed Button Earrings

2012-01-25T05:13:00.000-08:00

I have had several requests to bring back the monogrammed button earrings. I added them to the website with 18 fabric choices. I changed the design so that the earring posts and ear nuts are made out of sterling silver.

25% off Headbands - Ends 1-26-12

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

This weeks Thrifty Tuesday Sale is 25% off headbands. Just enter the coupon code: THRIFTY to receive 25% off (ends at midnight 1-26-12).

Winner- Weekend Crafter Giveaway

2012-01-23T05:17:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to "Michelle" who won the drawing for the Cupcake roller stamp giveaway.

Have a great week!!

Learning to Crochet

2012-01-22T04:52:00.001-08:00

I have been wanting to learn how to crochet forever!! I have been trying to learn from a book, but I think I am going to take a class at a local yarn store. Bailey likes to help me hold my place in my crochet book. He always does this when I read just to make sure I don't forget to pet him. If anyone is learning how to crochet there are tons of free patterns on line. I found a lot of them on the Lion's Brand yarn website. You just have to register in order to access their free crochet and knitting patterns. I will post some pictures as soon as I crochet something that does not look like a blob!

Weekend Crafter Givaway - Ends 1-22-12

2012-01-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

This Weekend's Crafter Giveaway is a cupcake rubber stamp roller with ink cartridge. The giveaway closes at midnight on Sunday 1-22-12. To enter just leave any comment on this post.

Have a great weekend!!

Giveaway Ends 1-25-12

2012-01-20T03:15:00.000-08:00

New Giveaway starts today for the "Key to My Heart" charm necklace....I am taking entries until midnight on 1-25-12 and will announce a winner on Thursday 1-26-12. To enter just leave a comment on this post.

Earn Extra Entries:
1. Mention this giveaway on Twitter
2. Mention this giveaway on Facebook
3. Pin this giveaway

Winner - "Love You More" Necklace

2012-01-19T05:13:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to "Jakiesmom" who won the drawing for the "Love You More" necklace giveaway.

Thank you to everyone that entered the drawing!! I will post a new giveaway tomorrow.

Monogrammed Hats & Hairbows

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

After moving and putting a lot of work into the house I finally have some free time to design some new things for the website. I took a break from drywall and painting and finally got a chance to add Monogrammed Ribbon Hats and Monogrammed Hair Bows to the website. I have a lot of other things I am working on this month (which means that I bought way too many craft supplies over the last six months and have to figure out what to make out of all of it).

30% off - Ends 1-18-12

2012-01-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

This weeks Thrifty Tuesday Sale is 30% off the Footprint Charm Necklace (made with your baby's footprint) . Just enter the coupon code: THRIFTY to receive 30% off (valid until midnight on 1-18-12).

Winner - Weekend Crafter Giveaway

2012-01-16T07:23:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to MommyMandi who won the drawing for the mini rubber stamp set.

Have a great week!!

Weekend Crafter Giveaway - Ends 1-15-12

2012-01-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

This Weekend's Crafter Giveaway is a set of mini rubber stamps. The giveaway closes at midnight on Sunday 1-15-12. To enter just leave any comment on this post.
Have a great weekend!!

Giveaway Ends 1-18-12

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

New Giveaway starts today for the "Love You More" charm necklace....I am taking entries until midnight on 1-18-12 and will announce a winner on Thursday 1-19-12. To enter just leave a comment on this post.

Earn Extra Entries:
1. Mention this giveaway on Twitter
2. Mention this giveaway on Facebook
3. Pin this giveaway

Winner of Last week's giveaway: "Lmbrunken"

30% Off - 1-10-12 Only

2012-01-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

This weeks Thrifty Tuesday Sale is 30% off the Border Initial Necklace . Just enter the coupon code: THRIFTY to receive 30% off (valid until midnight on 1-10-12).

Winner of Weekend Crafter Giveaway

2012-01-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to "Hillcrest Acres" who won the drawing for the weekend crafter giveaway - a rubber stamp set from Stampin Up.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Where's Benny?

2012-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I couldn't find my puppy yesterday. For a little dog he has a really loud bark, but when he whines I can barely hear him. I could hear him whining somewhere in the house, but it took me a while to find him. He must have climbed up on the pile of towels and jumped in the laundry basket, but I guess he is just too small to climb back out.

Weekend Crafter Giveaway - Ends 1-8-12

2012-01-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Weekend Crafter Giveaway - I am giving away a rubber stamp set from Stampin Up this weekend. The giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday 1-8-12. To enter just leave a comment on this post letting everyone know what you love to make. Have a great weekend!!

Giveaway - Ends 1-12-12

2012-01-06T05:05:00.001-08:00

I thought I would get in the Valentine's Day spirit and run some heart jewelry giveaways this month. I am giving away one of my new Heart Initial Necklaces. I will be taking entries until midnight on 1-12-12 and will draw a winner on Friday 1-13-12. To enter just leave a comment on this post. You can also earn extra entries by mentioning this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook. Giveaway winners will be announced on the following week's new giveaway.

Congratulations to the winner of the wax seal necklace: "Preppy Girl Meets World". Thank you to everyone who entered and wrote about your New Year's resolutions. My New Year's resolution is to eat healthier! I am hoping to find some really good healthy recipes and post them on my blog this year :)

30% off 1-3-12 Only (Gemstone Necklaces)

2012-01-03T01:35:00.000-08:00

I am bringing back a favorite sale...Thrifty Tuesdays! Every Tuesday I will put one item on sale for 30% off. The item will be announced on my blog on a Tuesday and will be on sale until midnight. This week the Gemstone Necklaces are on sale. Just enter the coupon code: THRIFTY to receive 30% off (valid until midnight on 1-3-12).

Giveaway - Ends 1-5-12

2011-12-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

I am giving away a wax seal initial necklace. I will be taking entries until midnight on 1-5-12 and will draw a winner on Friday 1-6-12. To enter just leave a comment listing one of your New Year's resolutions.

Winner of $50 Gift Certificate

2011-12-23T13:17:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Jean for winning the drawing for the $50 gift certificate.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!!

Christmas Order Deadlines

2011-12-16T07:19:00.001-08:00

I am still taking orders for Christmas. So far, the Wax Seal Jewelry has been the best seller this year.

Priority Mail Cut-off 12-20-11

Express Mail Cut-off 12-22-11

Free priority shipping on orders of $75 or more if shipped within the U.S.

15% off all orders - use coupon code FACEBOOK15

Gift Certificates (win one)

2011-12-05T07:12:00.001-08:00

We now have Lauren Nicole Gift Certificates. The last day to order custom jewelry and gifts is 12-15-11. To enter to win a $50 gift certificate just leave any comment on this post. I will draw a winner on 12-17-11.

Giveaway Winners

2011-12-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Sorry it took me so long to post the winners...it has been crazy around here!

The winner of the headband and button ring drawing is Nicole Colli

The winner of the "You Choose" giveaway is Amy from The McCathran Family Blog. She chose the Raised Rim Initial Charm Necklace.

Congratulations to the winners and Thank You to everyone who entered!

Small Business Feature: J'adore Tutus

2011-11-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today's feature is Rosselli, owner of J'adore Tutus. She loves providing customers with girly inspiration and can be found online on Twitter and Facebook.

Tell us a little about yourself and your small business: My name is Rosselli Tanuyan, married to my husband of 8 years, and mom to a lovely 5 year old daughter. I work full-time at Toronto's financial district, and the proud owner of J'adore Tutus. All the tutus are custom handmade by yours truly, using the finest tulle and materials for each piece. Each tutu is made with lots of girly inspiration and is 100% Canadian.

What inspired you to begin your small business and how did you get started? I am into arts and crafts, and enjoy things like photography, soapmaking and baking. My cousin suggested that I make tutus for my daughter because she was into ballet. I thought it was a great idea and another fun project. So I started with one pink tutu, and began making other colours. Then friends and family began ordering from me. That's when I realized that this could be a good business opportunity. So on January 5, 2011, which is also my birthday, J'adore Tutus was born.

Who or what has been your biggest source of support? My family - my husband, my mom, my sister.

Is this business something you’ve always dreamed of doing? I've always wanted to be a fashion designer ever since I was a child. I thought that would be such a cool job. But obviously that didn't happen until I got into making tutus. Creating and designing tutus is the closest to fulfilling my dream as a designer.

How do you strike a balance between your personal life and maintaining a successful small business? Honestly, I really don't know how I balance everything. My situation is somehow uniquebecause I don't just have a business, I also work full-time, I'm a wife and mommy on top. So you can imagine how crazy it could get. Some people have asked how I do it. Well, I make sure I have time for my family especially my daughter. I never bring home any work from my corporate job because work will still be there the next day. Whatever free time I have, is for family and fulfilling tutu orders. I think it's working so far.

Where do you see your small business five years from now? I hope in 5 years, people will recognize J'adore Tutus more. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity do work with some companies and do collaborations. By then, I hope to have more designs and continue to love making tutus.

Black Friday - Cyber Monday Specials & Giveaway

2011-11-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I set up the Black Friday-Cyber Monday specials early because we will be gone for a few days for Thanksgiving.

Please visit the Cyber Monday section on the website for all details:

1. Spend $50 and get free shipping (coupon code: FREESHIP)

2. Spend $75 and get 15% off plus free shipping (coupon code: cyber1).

3. Spend $100 and get 15% off, plus free shipping, plus a free monogrammed pocket mirror (coupon code: cyber2)

4. Spend $250 and get 15% off, plus free shipping, plus a free monogrammed pocket mirror, plus a free $25 gift certificate (coupon code: cyber3).

5. Five $25 Gift Certificates for $100

To win a $50 gift certificate to the website just answer the following question? "What was the craziest Black Friday shopping experience you ever had?" The giveaway closes at midnight on Monday 11-28-11.

Have a wonderful holiday!!

Button Rings & Headbands (win one)

2011-11-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

Button Rings and Headbands are back. I have had so many requests to bring back my original product line so I have decided to start adding it back to the website. This week I added grosgrain ribbon headbands and button rings.

For a chance to win one of each just leave a comment on this post letting me know which one you would wear. I will draw a winner on 11-27-11.

Have a great weekend!!

What I am Thankful for this Holiday

2011-11-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

This holiday season I am thankful for getting the chance to spend time with family. With all of the military moves we rarely live close enough to any of our relatives and we usually don't have enough time to travel. This year we are only a six hour drive away from half of my family and I am really excited to visit for Thanksgiving.

But enough about me, I want to hear about YOU! What are you thankful for this holiday?

Be sure to blog about your experience and then link up right here with us (linky starts today). The Linky will remain open for a full week, so get those posts ready and come back for some blogging fun!

Giveaway - You Choose Giveaway Item (ends 11-26-11)

2011-11-13T02:51:00.000-08:00

The new giveaway is for an item of $100 or less of your choice from my website. The giveaway closes at midnight on 11/26/11 and I will draw and announce a winner on Sunday 11-27-11.

Required:
1. Let me know what your favorite item is (with a value of $100 or less) by visiting Lauren Nicole Gifts and leaving a comment on this post. If you win the drawing the item you will win the item you list in your comment.

2. Follow or subscribe to my Blog OR Post about this giveaway on Facebook

Additional Entries:
1. Follow me on Twitter
2. Follow me on Facebook

The winner of Friday's Giveaway for the Ponytail Holders is "NightOwl"...Congratulations!!!

New Button Earrings

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have had a lot of requests to bring back button earrings. I re-designed them because I think I like them better as dangle earrings rather than post earrings. I am working on matching necklaces too! I also working on kid's hats, ribbon key fobs, and headbands....hope to have those soon.

I will be running some Cyber Monday specials this year. The specials will be announced in my newsletter a few days before Thanksgiving. To receive the newsletter please sign up here:

SALES NEWSLETTER

I promise I won't send you tons of emails.....I only have time to send about 10 a year and they are always about sales or specials.

Small Business Feature: Personalized Sketches

2011-11-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today’s feature is Maria from Personalized Sketches. She has an adorable shop as well as a blog, so be sure to visit her!

Tell us a little about yourself and your small business: I am a truly blessed, wife of 29+ yrs, married to a wonderful retired Army aviator, mom of 1 college Junior son, 1 dental school daughter, 1 doctor(Dentist) daughter and 1 doctor (Physician) son-in-law...& looking forward to future grandbabies! I am thankful for the Lord Jesus, my dear family, friends...a wonderful life. After being a SAHM, I'm now a licensed dental hygienist. (really love meeting those who come in for their pearly white cleanings!)

I love to sew, craft, cook, crochet, travel, quilt (I am a novice quilter) and I love, love, love to draw. I'm a self-taught artist, blessed that others are interested in the Personalized Sketches artwork I do...each one is drawn entirely with a name. I've been taking orders for these since 1985.

From the beginning, I have called the art I do~ Personalized Sketches. Each "sketch" is drawn entirely with a person's name. ANY image with ANY name. And I have always said "Personalized Sketches...it's All about You!" or "P.S...it's All about You!" It has been a couple of years since I started my blog, Etsy Shop and facebook art page. I appreciate soooo much all the blog friends I've met that I otherwise would not have met.

What inspired you to begin your small business and how did you get started? I first did one drawing with the name of my brother in it...it was a gift, and as a newlywed, we were limited in our finances. I went to find a frame for it at the local arts and crafts store, and while there, some of the employees saw it and asked if I could draw other images with any name. That is how I started back in 1985 to take orders for these. And with my husband in the military, wemoved about every 3 years. So taking orders at the various shows on the military installation was what increased the number of orders, since many orders were for farewell gifts from different units. Throughout the years, I have many repeat customers and word of mouth advertising from those that have purchased or have been given the art. Besides farewell gifts, they have been given for birthdays, weddings, showers, appreciation gifts, graduations, retirements...etc...

Who or what has been your biggest source of support? My family, especially my husband... and again, I appreciate my customers for continuing to think of other gifts to give their family and friends.

Is this business something you’ve always dreamed of doing? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE doing the art that I do, so this business is something that I had not imagined when I first started doing them for people to purchase. Like I mentioned previously, I am so blessed that others are interested in them and it is fun to see what images and names that they would like to have drawn.

How do you strike a balance between your personal life and maintaining a successful small business? I was a stay at home mom for many years, so the art has been awesome to do, because I could do it any time (like when our children were in school). I was very involved at their schools and after-school activities and sports, but I was able to get art orders
completed throughout the day and evening. For the past 2 years, I have worked as a dental hygienist, so I usually do the art in the evenings. Our three are grown and with just my husband and I, I will do these while we are watching television together. I am able to pick my art pad and ink and do these any time and any where.

Where do you see your small business five years from now? Now that I have been on the internet with my blog, etsy shop and facebook page, I see an increase of orders from those that I would otherwise not have shown the Personalized Sketches to. I also see continued and constant flow of interest.

New Blog Topic and Linky Opportunity

2011-11-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those of you who participated in my monthly Lauren Nicole Gifts Linky series! It’s been so much fun reading your blogs and getting to know you! {For those who may have missed the news, here are the deets with the new topic for this month}:

Each month, I will be hosting an original Linky right here on the blog at Lauren Nicole Gifts and the idea is to inspire one another through our posts and obviously, make some new connections! Bloggers that write around a specific topic typically have much to share, so it’s a great way to meet new bloggers as well as post about a topic that you love! And I will always give you at least a one week notice of the new topic so you have plenty of time to write, prepare and linkup!

The next Linky will take place the week of Monday, November 14th and here's the topic: Write about what you are thankful for this holiday season; perhaps it's a special gift, a visit from someone special, a small gesture from a loved one, you name it! Spill it on the blog! Share photos if you wish and be sure to include my blog link within the body of your post and come back here beginning 11/14 to linkup!

Can't wait to read your blogs!

Giveaway - Ends 11-10-11

2011-11-04T04:46:00.001-07:00

This week's giveaway is a set of 17 hand made ponytail holders. The giveaway closes at midnight on 11/10/11. I will draw and announce a winner on Friday 11/11/11.

Required:
1. Let me know what your favorite item is by visiting Lauren Nicole Gifts and leaving a comment on this post.

2. Follow or subscribe to my Blog OR Post about this giveaway on Facebook

Additional Entries:
1. Follow me on Twitter
2. Follow me on Facebook

WINNER of the Stocking Stuffer Giveaway: "Hillcrest Acres"....Congratulations!!

Have a great weekend!!

Lessons from Mom: It's OK to Get Your Hands Dirty Sometimes

2011-11-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

My guest post today comes from Alexa who is the co-admin for the site Art Room Melody. She’s sharing a personal experience today that will make you think of your own lessons learned from Mom.

There are few human beings on earth as great as moms, if any.

They're somehow able to juggle kids, a husband, work, friends, personal time, household management, leisure, volunteering, chauffeuring and still have time to take us shopping for new
jeans.

From relationships to household tips and tricks to life-lessons, there is a lot to learn from your mom. She's an invaluable source of knowledge and information in your life and, no matter how old you get, there's always more to learn.

What I've Learned from My Mom:

While I can't boil down all the lessons I've learned from my mom into one blog post, I'll discuss one of the most important things I've ever learned, a lesson that's carried me through life (so far) and that I've gotten more mileage out of than my favorite pair of jeans.

I've learned the importance of being able to get my hands dirty, in a good way of course.

Back when my family was living in Los Angeles, I used to put up a huge fuss about cleaning my room. I didn't understand why I had to make my bed, hang up my clothes or organize my Barbies. My mother tried to tell me that cleanliness was an important habit to learn, and that it would pay off in the long run. She soon learned the futility of telling a child anything about the "long run" or "cleanliness". I begrudgingly cleaned my room, did chores, helped wash dishes and took out the trash, but only because she said so. Within a few years, I'd stopped grumbling, chalking up household chores and cleanliness to habit. No big deal, right? I'd learned how to get my hands dirty without complaining and my mom never had to lecture or breathe down my neck. She was calm but persistent, and pretty soon, I succumbed to her subtle assertiveness. Cleaning? Check.

By my teenage years, I was dealing with a whole other slew of issues: relationships. Friends, boys, teachers and everything in between were my biggest concern. When I'd complain to my mom, she'd stay calm yet again, but she'd help me out. She'd give me advice about choosing my battles, dealing with some conflicts head-on, ignoring other squabbles and learning how to
mediate. It's a lot for a 15-year-old to learn, but with my mom's help, I was soon navigating relationships of all types like a pro. Conflict? Check.

So, how do cleaning and conflict resolution ever reconcile? College, of course. Everyone's got their fair share of college roommate stories. From sleepwalkers to total slobs, we've heard it all. My senior year of college, I lived with a few girls that gave me a whole new appreciation for the
lessons my mother had taught me. Not to put anyone else down, but I seemed to be only the girl in our duplex that was willing to get her hands dirty. I cleaned when no one else would or could, I resolved conflicts no one else even knew how to approach, such conflicts like sloppy boyfriends making a mess of our living room and squatting for free. The other girls shied away, but I knew that those were the types of situations that wouldn't dissolve on their own, so I faced it head on. Polite but assertive just like my mom, I told my roommate and her boyfriend that his behavior in our home was unacceptable. And you know what? It worked.

Gleaning life-lessons from chores Los Angeles house cleaning, middle school conflict resolution, and organizing Barbies could only be the result of a hard-working mom.

Advice For Parents:

Coming from a former kid, there are a few things we hate: Don’t lecture, we don't listen. Instead, talk to us from your experience. Let us know that you're only trying to help us. It makes all the difference. Start early. Sure, I hated cleaning our home as a kid, but it paid off in the end. Be
persistent. My mother's persistence made all the difference in helping me develop life-long habits.

And most importantly: have fun. We want to have fun just as much as you do. Intersperse learning experiences with genuine good times.

We'll come around, sooner or later.

Giveaway - Stocking Stuffers (ends 11-3-11)

2011-10-28T04:35:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid stockings were always my favorite. My mom would let us open presents on Christmas Eve, but we had to save the stockings for Christmas morning. This giveaway includes the following stocking stuffers: 3 gift tins, 3 snowman book markers, 3 snowman necklaces, and 3 purse hooks. The giveaway closes at midnight on 11/3/11. I will draw and announce a winner on Friday 11/4/11.

Required:
1. Let me know what your favorite item is by visiting Lauren Nicole Gifts and leaving a comment on this post.

2. Follow or subscribe to my Blog OR Post about this giveaway on Facebook

Additional Entries:
1. Follow me on Twitter
2. Follow me on Facebook

Have a great weekend!!

Winner - Christmas Present Giveaway

2011-10-28T04:18:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!!! The winner of the Christmas Present giveaway is Michelle from Stuttering Shell.

Here is a picture of what is in the surprise package: Vera Bradley portfolio, Vera Bradley pocket notes, Sterling Silver & gemstone bangle bracelet, "I Love you to the Moon & Back" Necklace, "Key to my Heart Necklace", Freshwater Pearl earrings, and an ornament with Jangles Beads.
Thanks to everyone that entered! I will post several more giveaways in time for Christmas. Have a great weekend.

30% off Everything - Three Day Sale

2011-10-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

There are only 60 days left until Christmas. To help everyone get started on early Christmas shopping we are having a three-day 30% off sale. Sales ends at midnight 10/30/11.

Just enter the coupon code CHRISTMAS in the coupon box during checkout.

This is the last big sale of the year. We were able to buy some of our supplies at a greater discount and we are passing the savings onto you. Supplies are limited so we are offering the coupon for only three days (we are not counting today, but you may still use the coupon today).

-The sale ends at midnight on Sunday 10/30/11.
-The coupon code must be entered when the order is placed, we cannot enter it later.
-The coupon is valid on everything we have in stock

www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

Small Business Feature: Consultant for Stampin Up!

2011-10-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

The next small business feature is Barb Gornick, an Independent Demonstrator with Stampin' Up! It’s a wonderful company (a home based business) that she is so proud to be part of.

What inspired you to begin your small business and how did you get started? I LOVED the products - Scrapbooking and Paper Crafting. I did about 3 long-distance "Catalog Shows" and then decided to sign up as a demonstrator.

Who or what has been your biggest source of support? My biggest source of support is a customer I met online named Lorrie. We have never met, but we talk daily. She has been so helpful with me in terms of my business.

Is this business something you’ve always dreamed of doing? No, I was an Inner City School Teacher. That was my dream along with adopting children from another country. Once those dreams became fulfilled, I decided I wanted to do something fun for me!

How do you strike a balance between your personal life and maintaining a successful small business? I have to say, I work too much but my work is play-creating paper projects and coming up with new ideas all the time!

Find Barbara on her blog and online store!

Christmas Present Giveaway - Ends 10/27/11

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do something different for this week's giveaway so I am giving away a surprise Christmas package. Right now there is one item in the box, but I will be adding one item each day for the next 6 days. The winner will receive all 7 surprise items. A few of the items will be from my website and some will be items that I purchase. The giveaway closes at midnight on 10/27/11. I will draw and announce a winner on Friday 10/28/11, and also post pictures of what was in the box. Since there will be seven items in the box you can earn up to seven entries. Please post a comment on this post for each one that you complete.

Required:
1. Let me know what your favorite item is by visiting Lauren Nicole Gifts and leaving a comment on this post.

2. Follow or subscribe to my Blog

Additional Entries:
1. Follow me on Twitter
2. Follow me on Facebook
3. Post this giveaway on Facebook
4. Post this giveaway on your Blog
5. Tweet the Giveaway

The giveaway will close at midnight on Thursday, 10-20-11. A winner will be drawn and announced on 10-21-11.

The winner of the $100 gift certificate giveaway is "MommyMandi". Congratulations!!

Have a great weekend!!

Longitude & Latitude Necklaces

2011-10-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

I made some longitude and latitude necklaces for a customer last year and I am finally putting them on the website. I made several different styles that are under my "Hand Stamped Jewelry" section. The pendant can be customized with coordinates to any special place and then a date can be stamped on the smaller charm. This necklace is stamped with our wedding date and the coordinates of where we got engaged.

I am still running a 15% off coupon for the website through 12-13-11. Just enter the coupon code "FACEBOOK15" in the coupon box during checkout.

Christmas Countdown

Linky Winner

2011-10-20T03:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to "Literal Mom" who won the Linky drawing for the $75 gift certificate.

Don't forget to enter our other giveaway for $100 gift certificate. It ends tomorrow 10/20/11. A winner will be drawn on Friday morning (10/21/11).

Small Business Feature: Jangles

2011-10-19T03:00:00.001-07:00

Jennifer Jangles a.k.a. Jennifer Heynen is a ceramic artist and licensed designer. Besides ceramics Jennifer is constantly working on something new. She loves to sew, build, paint, and string beads. She has a studio and craft gallery in Watkinsville, GA where she creates her work that is sold all over the world.

What inspired you to begin your small business and how did you get started? I have been creating for as long as I can remember. It was just something I always knew I would do. I received my BFA in ceramics and had a corporate job designing floral arrangements for hotels, parties, etc. I had a couple of bosses that, let's just say, weren't great. That's when I realized I needed to run my own show. I quit my job, took a part time job and work late night, after late night to get my ceramic tile business up and running. That was fifteen years ago.

Who or what has been your biggest source of support? Definitely my husband. He's the one who told me to quit that first job. Looking back, I can't believe I really quit it. It was a lot of money and insurance I was giving up and it was when he was in grad school. We were pretty broke once I quit. Still today, he listens to me every night ramble on and on about my business. Poor guy, he must really love me.

Is this business something you’ve always dreamed of doing? I think so....that's a hard one. I used to play art shop when I was a child. People would call and tell me what they wanted me to make and I would create it for them. It's very similar to how I used to play. I don't know how much dreaming I did about this business. My business is just me doing what I
love.

How do you strike a balance between your personal life and maintaining a successful small business? The best thing I ever did was move to a separate studio. Before there was no line between work and play. Now I have "time off" even though my time off is
usually spent making something.

Where do you see your small business five years from now? I have had a couple of year of crazy growth with my handmade buttons and fabric designs. Huge changes took place in my business, like moving out of my house, hiring help, etc. I feel like I am finally comfortable with it
all, so I am enjoying the place I am in right now. I can't think about five years from now.

Follow Jennifer Jangles on the Blog, Website and Etsy Shop!

15% off Coupon

2011-10-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

15% off everything on the Lauren Nicole Gifts website. Just enter the coupon code FACEBOOK15 in the coupon box during checkout. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Valid until 12-31-11.

Most Inspirational Person in My Life

2011-10-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

I admire so many people, but I would have to say that the person I admire the most is my Mom. I posted this picture of my mom on my blog a few years ago. She was always trying to get us to act like "ladies" and wear dresses. I remember when she used to make me walk around the house with a book on my head so that I wouldn't stomp around like an elephant. We made her a scrapbook for her 60th birthday and thought it was funny that we didn't find any pictures of my mom in dresses. We only found pictures of her dressed as a cow girl, guns and all.

My mom is a very strong person and also the most creative person I know. I remember watching her sew when I was very young and hoping someday that I would be able to make everything the way she did. Here is a picture of the first doll I made with my mom. I made it for a 6th grade project. She wanted me to embroider the face, but because I am stubborn I waited until she took a nap so that I could glue on a felt face. I couldn't wait for the doll to be finished and I didn't want to spend time embroidering it!!
When I was five I wanted to grow up and make things. I was told by teachers for years that I would never make any money by sewing or making things so I went to college and started a career I didn't really love. I really admire my Mom for being so supportive when I wanted to quit Corporate-America. She really encouraged me to follow my dreams and kept telling me that there was more to life than a career. I am so glad I listened because I am so much happier now. Whenever I am unsure of something my mom always has time to listen. There are six of us and that is a lot of listening!! Thanks Mom!!

Now, I would love to hear about YOUR inspiration! Be sure to blog about your experience and then link up right here with us! Once the Linky has closed, I will be choosing a winner at random from the linked up posts to win $75 to shop my store!!! The Linky will remain open for a full week, so get those posts ready and come back for some blogging fun!

$100 Gift Certificate Giveaway - ends 10-20-11

2011-10-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Don't worry, I haven't either. To help give you a head start on your Christmas Shopping I am giving away a $100 gift certificate to my store.

Required:
1. Let me know what your favorite item is by visiting Lauren Nicole Gifts and leaving a comment on this post.

2. Follow or subscribe to my blog

Additional Entries:
1. Follow me on Twitter
2. Follow me on Facebook
3. Sign up for my Newsletter (there is a link on the home page of the website towards the bottom of the left side).

The giveaway will close at midnight on Thursday, 10-20-11. A winner will be drawn and announced on 10-21-11.

Have a great weekend!!

Winner of Wax Seal Necklace Giveaway

2011-10-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to MsAngelaFinds for winning the drawing for the Wax Seal Necklace!! Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway

"Heaven Sent" Bracelet

2011-10-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have been working on some new bracelet designs and just made this new mommy bracelet. My husband named it "Heaven Sent". I am really glad he helps me name some of the pieces sometimes. I would have named it "moon bracelet". All those years spent working as an accountant doesn't help me with the creative naming of jewelry. I tend to name things based on exactly what I see in the picture, "heart necklace" , "Star necklace" etc..., how boring is that??

Don't forgot to enter the wax seal necklace giveaway. It ends today; I will draw a winner on Friday.

There is also another giveaway for a $50 gift certificate hosted by MamaTrack that ends on 10-10-11.

Small Business Feature: Krizzy Designs

2011-10-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to announce a new feature I will be sharing on my blog (in addition to the fabulous guest bloggers). I will be featuring some wonderful woman-owned small businesses! If YOU own a small business and would like to be featured, please contact me!

The very first business to kickoff this series is Krizzy Designs who specializes in Blogger and WordPress designs, logos, business cards, invitations, announcements, greeting cards, twitter pages and so much more!

What inspired you to begin your small business and how did you get started? I really needed a creative outlet. I found myself playing with my own blog design and was hooked. Friends then asked me to help them with their blog, and I got started. I then branched out to print designs (announcements, invites, etc) and social media graphics.

Who or what has been your biggest source of support? Hands down, my husband.

Is this business something you’ve always dreamed of doing? Never in a million years. My BS and MS are both in Chemistry. I've always done creative and crafty things (I think I'm right and left brained), and I just sort of stumbled upon it. And, now, it's my dream to keep doing it and work at home. I'm a pretty good boss!

How do you strike a balance between your personal life and maintaining a successful small business? Since resigning from teaching full time and trying to design full time, it is definitely easier to balance my schedule. Now, I work during the day, and spend my evenings with my family instead of getting on the computer and working every night. It's also nice, I can go have lunch with a friend or my husband during the day without worrying about work.

Where do you see your small business five years from now?
Wow, this is a tough one. I'd like to see my business growing and changing. I'd like to do more websites and learn even more about web design. I'd also like to build up my print portfolio. I'd like to continue to meet new clients and work with new companies.

Be sure to visit Krizzy Designs and check her out on Twitter!

Footprint Jewelry

2011-10-04T01:25:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite new pieces. I love working with customers and making footprint charms out of their baby's footprints. These can be made by taking current prints or I can use a scanned copy of the original footprints that the hospital took when the baby was born. This item was just reviewed by Natalie from MamaTrack. She posted it on her blog and is running a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to shop in my store. Just go to MamaTrack to enter the giveaway which ends 10-10-11.

New Linky Opportunity & Topic for Bloggers

2011-10-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those of you who participated in my very first Lauren Nicole Gifts Linky last month! It’s been so much fun reading your blogs and getting to know you!

{For those who may have missed this last month, here are the deets with the new topic for this month}:

Each month, I will be hosting an original Linky right here on the blog at Lauren Nicole Gifts and the idea is to inspire one another through our posts and obviously, make some new connections! Bloggers that write around a specific topic typically have much to share, so it’s a great way to meet new bloggers as well as post about a topic that you love! And I will always give you at least a one week notice of the new topic so you have plenty of time to write, prepare and linkup!

So, what do YOU as a blogger get out of this Linky? Aside from the potential of meeting some wonderful new bloggers, I will be giving away gift certificates to shop my store, Lauren Nicole Gifts, each time I host a Linky…so basically if you linkup your post, you will automatically be entered to win the giveaway – which is $75 to shop at my store! How awesome is that?

The next Linky will take place the week of Monday, October 10th and here's the topic: Write about someone inspirational to you in your life. We can’t wait to read your stories!

Share photos if you wish and/or describe why THAT one person is truly someone you’ll never forget! Be sure to include my blog link within the body of your post and come back here beginning 10/10 to linkup for YOUR chance to win!

So fellow bloggers – are you in?

Wax Seal Necklace Giveaway (ends 10-6-11)

2011-09-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

We are giving away one of our best selling necklaces, a silver Ornate Wax Seal Initial Necklace. The pure silver pendant measures 3/4" X 3/4" and comes on a 16" chain with a freshwater pearl. The winner can pick the initial.

Required:
1. Let us know what your favorite item is by visiting Lauren Nicole Gifts and leaving a comment on this post.

2. Follow or subscribe to our blog

Additional Entries:
1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Follow us on Facebook

The giveaway will close at midnight on Thursday, 10-6-11. A winner will be drawn and announced on 10-7-11.

Have a great weekend!!

Home is Everywhere

2011-09-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

My guest post today comes from Alexa who is the co-admin for the site Art Room Melody. She’s sharing a personal experience today that will make you think of the answer to the question, “What does HOME mean to you?”

Due to my father's career, I traveled all over the world as a child. We mainly lived in Paris, but I have also lived in London and New York City, and traveled throughout Europe, Asia, and the U.S. I did my undergraduate studies in NYC, and graduate school in Chicago.

When I first moved to Chicago, I was underwhelmed. Having lived in so many large cities, Chicago seemed small to me. Additionally, my parents lived in New York, and I really missed being able to see them on a regular basis. As a result, I contemplated transferring to a school in NYC to complete my degree after only two weeks in Chicago. My mother came to visit me over Labor Day weekend that year, in order to bolster my flagging enthusiasm.

As she had never been to Chicago before, I carefully researched Downtown Chicago Hotels in order to find the perfect hotel for her stay. I made a reservation at The James, both because it was a familiar name from NYC, but also because of its ideal location. It was within walking distance of The Museum of Contemporary Art and various other attractions, and I wanted my mother's stay to be a memorable one.

As we walked along Michigan Avenue, my mother sensed that all was not well with me, and she asked me what was up. The words spilled out, that I was homesick, that I didn't like living so far away from her and my father, and that I was thinking about moving back home.

Her response was simple: "Define home." I was at a loss. Home was where my parents were, always had been. I tried to convey this to her, hating that I sounded like a little girl.

“Chicago isn't all that far away from New York, you know," she replied. She looked around at the buildings lining the street and continued: "You have lived all over the world. It would be one thing if you had always lived in the same place, but you haven't." Again, I was at a loss.

"You know, before I met your father, I had never travelled out of Minnesota," she said. "When the time came for me to move across the Atlantic, I was terrified. I hated London, and I detested Paris. However, I came to realize that the cliché, 'Home is where the heart is,' is true to an extent. Home is also what you make it. It can be London, New York, Chicago…it can even be a farmhouse in the middle of Indiana. Home is “subjective.”

I tried to imagine my mother as a young, scared woman moving to a foreign country in order to be with her love. I had never considered her in that light, as I had always viewed her as cosmopolitan and cultured. She switched the subject after that insight, and we continued with our day.

We had a great weekend together, catching a performance of "Wicked" at the Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre and shopping for things for my new apartment. I started to see Chicago in a new light, feeling at home for the first time since I moved there.

When she was leaving to go back to New York, I found myself dreading her departure. She hugged me goodbye, and I inhaled her perfume. I didn't want to let go. She pulled back and looked into my eyes. "You know we love you, right?" she asked. I nodded. "We are only a few hours away," she continued, "We will visit you every weekend, if it will help you settle in better. We only want you to be happy."

At that moment, I knew I would be okay—not because of what she had just said, but because of what she and my father had taught me throughout my life, namely that home is everywhere. Every time we moved to a new city (or country), my mother had immediately started to make it our home. Her earlier confession shed a new light on how difficult it must have been to have been constantly uprooted, yet she always handled everything with grace and strength. I was determined to carry on her legacy and do the same.

It's been two years since that uncertain time, and I am happy to report that I eventually decided to make Chicago my home, even after finishing grad school. Every time I walk along Michigan Avenue, I am reminded of my mother's visit, and I am filled with a renewed determination to be the kind of woman that would make her and my father proud, one who accepts all of the delightful curveballs that life throws my way.

So far, so good.

Winner of $75 Gift Certificate

2011-09-27T02:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to "Staying Afloat" for winning the drawing for the $75 gift certificate to my store!! Thank you to everyone who submitted a post on the "Most Meaningful Gift". We loved reading them!!

Most Meaningful Gift

2011-09-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

In thinking about all the gifts I have received over the years, I have to say that the most meaningful gift I ever received is my husband. He is in the Army and is gone a lot. My husband was deployed to Iraq several years ago. Between training and the actual deployment he was gone for 1-1/2 years. He missed two Christmas holidays, but on the second Christmas I got a phone call letting me know he was coming home on New Year’s Eve.

I had already spent all of that December filling up my front yard with lights, but never turning them on hoping he would be home soon. I am sure the neighbors thought I was crazy because everyday I put up more lights, but my house was the only house on the street that didn’t have any lights on. On New Year’s Eve I turned all of them on….the only colors I used were red, white & blue.

At 2:00am my husband’s flight arrived and at 4:00am his unit marched into the field house on post which was decorated for Christmas. As they marched in the song “I am Proud To Be An American” by Lee Greenwood was playing in the background. I will always cry when I hear that song! I will never ever be able to completely describe the feeling of seeing him march in that night. We were very fortunate that he came home safe and that was the best gift I have ever received. It was the most memorable moment of my life, even more memorable than my wedding day.

Since that day we stopped exchanging gifts and spend the money on doing things together.

Now, I would love to hear about YOUR most meaningful gift! Be sure to blog about your experience and then link up right here with us! Once the Linky has closed, I will be choosing a winner at random from the linked up posts to win $75 to shop my store!!! The Linky will remain open for a full week, so get those posts ready and come back for some blogging fun!

Labor of Love

2011-09-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

The following is a guest post from Judy Kathleen, a survivor of life, loves and family situations. She has two batches of kids - one set in their 20s and now a new young set. She provides wisdom and funny anecdotes on the blog at My Kids and More.

Parenting is a mixed bag of blessings. On one hand, I find being a mother the most rewarding job that I have ever held. While on the other hand, the most perplexing. Having reared two children already, I am now raising two special needs kids. I choose to call this “process” re-parenting. I get a do-over, if you will. Thankfully, I have learned a few tricks along the previously unpaved and bumpy road of mothering. My six year old son, Phillip has ADHD. My granddaughter, Mariah, also lives full time with us. Mariah suffers from Oppositional Defiance Disorder. I thought parenting children without disabilities was difficult enough. However, it’s an entirely new ballgame when your parenting special needs kids. I am thankful each and every day I have had previous mothering experience. I am also grateful that due to my more mature age, I have the gift of being more patient.

Gratitude and Patience are two key ingredients needed to be a successful parent of a child with any disability. Also, reading up on our children’s particular issues, learning what questions to ask the doctor and organization are priorities.

Gratitude helps me get through the days that seem to have no end, when my bones ache and all I can think is how nice a nap would be. Only, I already know a nap would not suffice. I’d find myself waking up behind the eight ball - not able to get out in front of the issues that arose during my slumber. Fortunately for me, I do have a husband to help with the children. On a rare occasion, I’ll enlist his aide and go to bed super early knowing full well, when I do, the price I’ll pay the next morning. Undone dishes, clothes littering the floor, wet towels laying everywhere, and that list can go on and on. Patience is a primary tool here. Grateful I had the time to sleep. Grateful I have a husband to help. And, the patience not to be upset over the mess I wake up to.

By far, taking the time to learn about my children’s disabilities has been the best resource. Arming myself with much needed information make our days healthier, brighter, and happier. I wasted an entire year dealing with family doctors. Family doctors that told me, “Oh, Phillip is just all boy. He will grow out of this. It’s just a stage.” As if I wasn’t already in denial. No mother wants to admit her child isn’t like every other child on the planet. My son is super hyperactive and very impulsive. These traits have caused numerous problems. I finally decided to take matters into my own hands. I learned from reading online, and books, a specialist was the best way to go. I had an “Aha” moment when I read that.

Took me two months to get an appointment booked, but we were on our way to getting a diagnosis. The new doctor prescribed meds. Phil was immediately like a different child. Home life settled down. I quit getting constant complaints about disruptions at school. Best of all, I could have a conversation with my boy. Phil could never stay focused long enough to actually talk with him (not at him) before he began the medicine. Eventually, I would need further reading to learn about different medicines available - medicines that would better suit his needs at any given time.

I also unexpectedly acquired custody of my granddaughter and I was pretty much a self taught expert in children with disabilities. A veteran road scholar if you will. Didn’t take long to recognize Mariah would need some extra help, too. I immediately swung into action with her. I arranged for a child development expert to assess Mariah. I made an appointment for therapy sessions. I also spent weeks researching a pre-school that would be an awesome fit for her. I didn’t want either of us to go through what Phil and I had been through with schools that did not fit well.

Organization has been my best friend. Keeping up with doctors, phone numbers, and medicines are just a few of items that need to be handy at all times. With my children’s particular disabilities, they both need regular routines. Neither child fairs well with new environments, situations or surprises. If, for whatever reason, we are to break our normally scheduled routine, being forewarned is being forearmed. I’ll sit the kids down the night before and explain what we are going to be doing different the next day. In certain situations, I’ll set time aside to make a preliminary visit.

Gratitude, patience, being knowledgeable about my children’s disabilities, and being organized have made life much more joyful for all of us.

What strategies have you used to make your life a little easier?

Introducing a Linky and Giveaway for Bloggers

2011-09-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to announce a fabulous new Linkup for bloggers! Introducing the Linky that will bring bloggers together through topics of sincere interest to women and moms...this new Linkup should be so much fun!

I’ve been in this business long enough to know that making great connections and cultivating some quality relationships in the social media space is paramount, so I wanted another way to connect with bloggers on a more personal level that went beyond the traditional review/giveaway – I still connect with bloggers and work with them on a continuous basis in this manner, but I want to feel more connected to the bloggers themselves and get to know their blogs beyond that one published post.

Here are the Full Details:

Each month, I will be hosting an original Linky right here on the blog at Lauren Nicole Gifts and the idea is to inspire one another through our posts and obviously, make some new connections! Bloggers that write around a specific topic typically have much to share, so it’s a great way to meet new bloggers as well as post about a topic that you love! And I will always give you at least a one week notice of the new topic so you have plenty of time to write, prepare and linkup!

So, what do YOU as a blogger get out of this Linky? Aside from the potential of meeting some wonderful new bloggers, I will be giving away gift certificates to shop my store, Lauren Nicole Gifts, each time I host a Linky…so basically if you linkup your post, you will automatically be entered to win the giveaway – which is $75 to shop at my store! How awesome is that?

So, we want to ensure we start our first Linky with a handful of bloggers on board – bloggers who are ready to write, post, connect and linkup right here!

First Linky will take place the week of Monday, September 19th and here's the topic: Write about the BEST gift you ever received.

Share photos if you wish and/or describe why THAT one gift was truly something you’ll never forget! Be sure to include my blog link within the body of your post and come back here beginning 9/19 to linkup for YOUR chance to win the first of many Lauren Nicole Gifts giveaways!

So fellow bloggers – are you in?

Who's Your Nanny?

2011-09-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Wendy lives in New York City with three children under the age of four. She credits her productivity to coffee, and her best friendships, to wine. Find Wendy making errors in grammar and judgment at Mama One to Three She’s sharing her perspective on all things related to motherhood here on this guest post:

This is not a post about who has it harder, stay at home moms or working moms. That is a pointless argument invented by men so that we will have little time and energy devoted to competing for the best jobs or ending wars. (This is also the case for mascara shopping, by the way. Time-sucking fabulous mascara shopping.) It is definitely not a response to everyone who may have judged me for staying home and having a full-time nanny. (It's kind of that last thing.)

One recent humid spring morning started a little later than usual, possibly due to my children staying up until all hours the night before listening to thunderstorms. I was up with H and E watching Thomas and Friends when M stumbled in, demanding cereal. No not that cereal. NO THAT CEREAL. And not in that bowl.

Because I hadn't changed diapers yet (it's true. I let them eat breakfast first.), M ran screaming from the table that H pooped, H pooped, H pooped, I SMELL HIM!

Everyone is very involved in diaper changing here--not just the two toddlers actually in diapers. All three have strong opinions on the process. There are big arguments about who goes first, who pulls the wipes out of the container, who gets the diapers from the dresser. And then everyone must inspect the poop. (All before mommy has coffee.)

I didn't feel like dealing with that scene yet. I finally made a cup of coffee, remembered where I had put it down, and let them argue around their little table--yogurt smeared everywhere, blueberries crushed on the floor underneath, very little food actually consumed. Instantly, magically, I was watching a scene in which one or more children were going to be injured. Someone wanted the Elmo spoon, someone else wanted the other spoon back because it's MINE! One child pushed another off her little chair. One pinched another's arm so hard he cried. Everyone was screaming. It was 7:30 a.m. Let's assume it was Monday.

At 9:00 a.m. a ray of light entered my apartment. The music of the angels played. The children quieted. Birds sang outside the window. The nanny had arrived.

This is what happens each weekday morning. My children stop crying, run to the door, fight over opening it, jump on the nanny, begin screaming at her to take them outside, look at this picture, play with this toy... I sneak to the bathroom for a shower. And breathe.

Because I am home, my nanny and I usually split up the kids. Often though, she takes all three to the park in the morning so I can take above-mentioned shower, write, return e-mails, and/or make doctor’s appointments. She says, "I'll take them outside for a bit," and she doesn't flinch. It isn't a cruel joke. She is better at handling my children than I am. It's true. It's true from my viewpoint. And I think my neighbors would agree having heard me scream daily for the kids to STOP TOUCHING THE ELEVATOR and GET INSIDE THIS APARTMENT RIGHT THIS SECOND. Our babysitter never yells. She doesn't cry (in front of me at least). She has never walked out the apartment and slammed the door claiming she is "done." See? She's better.

I realize--mostly from trolling urban message boards--that there is a huge wave of resentment and anger directed toward stay-at-home moms who have help. Again, I don't blame women for this. I blame some nameless, faceless branch of society that has succeeded in dividing women among ourselves, ensuring we cannot successfully unite to fight for education reform, affordable quality day care, equal pay and an end to extreme poverty.

Before I had kids--wait--before I had three kids under the age of two, I would not have thought I'd have or want full-time help. Our current nanny has been with us for more than a year now, and I've had full-time help since the twins were born almost 2.5 years ago. This one addition to our family dynamic may have helped save my sanity and my marriage on more than one occasion. I cannot do it all (without crying). Whether I am actually doing any of it is addressed on a day-to-day basis.

Perhaps I am not as capable as other mothers with three or more kids; I see several of these super amazing women with three or more children in the grocery store or at the playground. A few are my friends. I bow to them. Left to my own, I might make regular meals of Cheerios and Pirate's Booty (the vegetable kind of course!). I am self conscious about having full-time help in my situation: when-I-don't-actually leave-the-house-to-go-to-a-job-where-I-get-a-paycheck-to-pay-for-our-full-time-help.

Other women may care nothing of my childcare situation; the most important judgment does come from my own altered expectations. Sometimes I worry my babysitter--lovely, kind person that she is--might be judging me just a little bit. She seems a little worried some evenings as she walks out the door leaving me with the kids screaming and still not in pajamas. Or in diapers or underwear some nights.

This fall, we will begin sharing our so special, light-of-our-lives nanny with another local family, as our needs are changing as the kids get older and begin new school schedules. Honestly, I am filled with a little bit of fear, a little bit of dread, and a dash of excitement for the change. How
odd that I have become so dependent and so self-conscious of the help I have needed with my children. This fall will bring growing pains and first steps not only for my children, but for their much older, still vulnerable mommy.

And last, I offer an editorial on my own post because that's how I roll: Many families don't have choices about child care or working. I am lucky beyond belief that I have a choice to stay home and the option of having help--any help. I have to say that. I say that to myself most days. Life is good and because it is, I get to think and write about these things...

New Portrait Necklace

2011-09-05T13:10:00.001-07:00

I really got tired of working on the house so I decided to spend some time designing some new pieces. I love photo jewelry, but instead of putting an actual photo inside a pendant I wanted to come up with something that was etched instead. I had a great time making these.......now back to the house!!

Save 40% off one Item

2011-08-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Save 40% off on one item

Save 20% on everything else

Expires 9/1/11
40% off - Limited to ONE item per customer
20% off - No Limits
To Receive the discount just put "End of Summer Sale" in the comment box during checkout so that we know you saw this post.
We will adjust the total of the order once the order is placed and take 40% off the most expensive item on the order, and 20% off the rest of the items.
Orders must come through our website (offer not valid on phone, email, or fax orders).
Offer valid on all items on the website (not valid if we custom create something that is not shown on the website).

Coupon Expires: 9-1-11

www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

1. Not valid with any other offers, sales, discounts, coupons, or vouchers

2. If multiple orders are placed by the same customer we will take 40% off the most expensive item on the first order only. All other items and/or orders will be reduced by 20%.

3. Limited to in-stock items

4. Not valid on orders placed before 8-25-11

Got Mobile?

2011-08-23T08:02:00.001-07:00

I have been MIA for several weeks, but I am really excited because I finished my mobile website! Now anyone can place orders through the website from any mobile device. I will always have my regular website, but the mobile website will be a simpler form of the main website (so that it can be viewed easier from a phone, Ipad, etc.). Here is the new site: m.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

To help test the website I am offering 20% off any orders that are placed through the mobile website now through Sunday, August 28th. Just put the word "mobile" in the comment box during checkout and I will adjust the total of the order after it comes through (if you pay through Paypal I will immediately refund the difference). The orders must come through the mobile website (not the main website). If you have a chance I would also really appreciate any feedback. There are a few drawbacks to the mobile website because I am really limited to space.

Have a great week!!!

Finding Motivation within the Realm of Motherhood

2011-08-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret that being a mother (whether you work at home, stay at home, or work outside of the home) is one of the hardest jobs out there. There’s no salary for all of the long hours we put in; and aside from the beautiful children we give life to, the benefits aren’t all that great either. We’re overworked, underpaid, and unfortunately for so many moms out there, under appreciated.

During the first few months after my son was born, I found myself in a funk. Having struggled with depression during High School and College, I found myself falling victim to something much worse than the “baby blues.” I was on my way to a major case of Post-Partum Depression. The beautiful little boy that adored his mama (and still does, by the way) was sucking the life out of me. Between the unending piles of laundry and the dirty diapers, I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I asked myself over and over again, “Why is motherhood so hard?”

Over time I’ve realized that the biggest problem I had, was finding motivation. My husband was working long hours; we were in a new city, hadn’t made a lot of friends and had zero family around. I found myself stuck in a place between not caring and “what’s the point?” When I finally hit rock bottom and got sick of feeling that way, I decided it was time to do something about it. Getting motivated, when you don’t feel like you have a reason to be motivated is tough. But there are a few simple, everyday things that can pull anyone out of there funk.

1. Take time to get yourself dressed and ready: Whether you stay at home or work at home, getting up and getting motivated starts from the time your feet hit the floor in the mornings. There were many days where I would have just assumed sit in my PJ’s and eat Ice Cream until it was time to crawl back in bed again. Getting up in the mornings, taking a shower and putting a little bit of time into making myself look better ended up making me feel better as well. Not to mention, my poor husband totally appreciated the change.

2. Make yourself a Schedule: I know that when you stay at home with your kid(s) it can seem a little pointless to have a schedule. What could you possibly need a schedule for when your day involves nothing more than tummy time, feedings, and diaper changes? Well, unless you want to end up on the next episode of Hoarders, you will need to clean your house at some point. And eventually, you will run out of clean clothes…so making yourself a schedule and taking note of the little things (like cooking, cleaning, and running errands) can give you something to look forward to everyday.

3. Find a Hobby: I’ve always been a writer, so when my son was born, I turned to blogging as an outlet and a safe haven on those days that things were just too much for me to handle. Aside from the creative outlet it provided, it opened the door to new friendships and a sense of community that I hadn’t found in our new home. Whether you’re interested in cooking, decorating or something totally different, exerting a little bit of creative energy is good for the soul. Buy yourself a new cookbook and work your way through it. Take up crafting or knitting. Find something to occupy your time with. As you get better, consider opening an Etsy Shoppe or teaching a class of your own within the neighborhood. Nothing will make you feel better than achievement and creativity.

4. Get out of the House: I can be a total homebody if my husband lets me. Now that I work from home, it’s even harder to pry me away from my computer and my writing (what can I say? I love what I do!). But it’s so important to your personal sanity to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air and interaction with real people. Join a playgroup, pay a visit to the local library (most of them have some sort of story time during the week you can take your child to), go on a picnic in the park. Even if it’s only for an hour a day, you will feel 10 times better if you get out and away from your house.

Lastly, let me add that if you need help, ask for it. Everyone has been a new parent at some point or another. Talk to your mom or your in-laws. See if they will babysit for a few hours to you can go do your own thing. For me, a trip to the mall (even if I wasn’t shopping) or a visit to the Barnes & Noble to read for an hour and sip on a Starbucks was crucial during my sons first few months. No one needs or should have to deal with the baby blues and new-mommyhood alone. There are loads of people who would be willing to help you out if you ask.

What are your tips and bits of advice on overcoming a funk?

*And thanks so much to Denise for giving me the chance to Guest Post here! I am a HUGE fan of her jewelry! It’s always an honor to be featured and supported in another blogger’s space.

This post was written by Courtney, author of the blog The Mommy Matters. You can find her spilling it all on her personal blog, especially her adventures in motherhood.

Monopolizing Parenting

2011-08-09T03:30:00.000-07:00

“Don’t let her monopolize raising the children,” he said.

It was number three on a list of fifteen do’s and don’ts for marriage, part of a sociology lecture my senior year in college. I took the class to fill elective credits and only half paid attention most of the semester. But this day, in a classroom that sat 300 students on one of the largest campuses in the country, I stopped drawing trees and circles in the margin of my notebook and sat up a little straighter.

Along with edicts for women – “work hard to find a good father for your children” and “don’t play the little women” were rules geared toward men as well.

“If you drink, don’t marry a woman who doesn’t” and “reduce looking at women as sex objects” are in my memory. But the one that I hear in my head every day is, “Don’t let her monopolize raising the children.”

That day, as a 21-year-old, single, childless girl, I didn’t know the weight of those words. I thought it meant something like ‘show up for baseball games’ or ‘eat dinner as a family’ or ‘hand over the credit card when asked.’ I never could have imagined that keeping balance in a marriage and in a partnership between parents could be as hard as finding the ever-elusive balance between ‘career woman who wears cute shoes and likes drinking wine with friends’ and ‘person who never gets to pee by herself.’

10 years later, I think about those words and wonder if I do just that. Do I take charge of our children? Am I sometimes forced to take charge of our children? Does my husband defer to me?

And if so, why?

I have been a parent for exactly the same number of days that he has. We both work. He sees our kids every day. He gets them out of bed, changes diapers, puts dinner on small, bright, plastic plates, and kisses boo-boos.

But when I see him struggling with a tantrum or a fussy infant, I swoop in and fix it. I distract the toddler or take the baby to another room. In the moment, in my rational mind, I just want to fix the problem and soothe the child. In the back of my mind, I want to save my husband from feeling the same frustration that I feel too many times to count.

I walk the hallways in the middle of the night and push myself out of bed when the toddler wakes up with the sun on Sunday mornings. I make decisions about bedtimes and naptime and whether she can skip her bath. I enforce rules. I answer questions about how much medicine to give, if she should have sunscreen on or whether or not he needs a jacket. I schedule doctor’s appointments and talk to nurses.

Is that just the way it is because I’m the mom?

Maybe?

Does being around a lot of kids growing up give me more knowledge of their needs? Eh, I don’t think so.

Does that make me a better parent? Not even a little.

We all need a break from time to time. We gladly accept a pinch hitter who gives us a chance to catch our breath, cracks a joke, offers up cookies or hands out punishments. In my mind I’m being helpful.

But, am I monopolizing parenting?

This guest post was written by Krista, author of the blog Not Mommy of the Year. You can find her blogging about life, motherhood and everything in between.

Seeking Balance in Blogging & Social Media

2011-08-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to be a guest here today! It's always a treat to get around and see other places when you're stuck on your own blog all day. It gets stuffy in there after a while.

I have to admit, between a full-time job, a growing blog, a few gigs on other sites and an ever-expanding, passionate love affair with social media, I'm exhausted just typing this. Oh, and I'm married to a man who I assume likes it when I look at him instead of TweetDeck or my iPhone when we're having a conversation. Plus there's a house to take care of.

Don't we all have a to-do list that's a mile long?

And if you don't, please tell me your secret. Or point me in the direction of whoever you sold your soul to. Whatever's fastest because, let's face it, I'm a busy woman.

I know in my soul that there's a way to fit it all in, feel as though I'm doing my best with the work in front of me, and maintain some level of sanity. I think the word for it is “balance.” There just had to be a piece of the puzzle that was waiting to be found.

So I sat down a few days ago and wrote out a "time budget" - solid blocks of time I know I'm going to spend week in and week out. I stretched a bit in some places and averaged in others. And between sleeping, eating, working, commuting, running errands, doing chores, self-care and cooking I came up with 120 hours of things I absolutely need to do in order to live week in and week out.

This seems like a lot of time until you take into account the fact that there are 168 hours in a week, folks. Leaving 48 hours for all the "other stuff" in life. Not to mention that 10 hours of my week are spent on a train where I flit around social media like the virtual butterfly I am. Making it 58 hours.

58 hours? I have 58 extra hours every week and yet I spend my time feeling overworked, overwhelmed and over it? More than two days-worth of time to spend blogging, commenting, tweeting, writing, etc?

With 58 extra hours a week I should be ruling the world, people! I should be your queen by now. You should be sitting at the foot of my throne and typing this for me.

Yet you are not. I don't even have a throne.

After walking around for a few hours hearing sad theme music on a perpetual loop in my head, all the while questioning life and my place in it, I made a firm decision to make better use of my time from that moment on.

What does this mean? This means I stop multi-tasking.

Sure, there are situations when multi-tasking is required and we've all been there. Life doesn't pause while we focus on one thing at a time. The ability to multi-task effectively is a strength. Too much of it, though, and work suffers. What does get produced is probably of lower quality because focus is blurred by outside forces.

For example, when I write a blog post or edit photos for one, I normally have Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest open in various tabs, plus Outlook and Tweetdeck. Oh, and I'm sitting in the den with the TV on and my netbook on my lap.

In other words I've set up the perfect storm of distraction. Before I know it, an hour has passed and I've done everything but what I set out to do.

(By the way, the flushing sound you just heard was any chance of a successful writing career going down the toilet.)

So what to do?

One thing at a time…Twitter will not cease to exist if I'm not logged in. My tweeps will not send out a search party. The DVR was invented for situations like this. My email will (I hope) be there when I'm finished with the task at hand.

I also need to be more attuned to the amount of time I spend tweeting, pinning, plussing and facebooking. Not to mention reading and commenting on blogs which commands a great deal of energy. I set a certain amount of time and when that's up, I move on. I don't need to read all of my favorites every day. I'm sure they'll understand.

Only one site or program open at a time unless it's absolutely necessary. And I've taken to working away from the TV whenever I can.

Baby steps, of course. But in time I know I'll be making every minute of those extra hours count, and count hard. I'll even get to spend time doing all the things I don't get to do now - you know, gardening, writing my novel, creating recipes, taking over the world.

You may want to start getting my throne ready.

This guest post was written by Jen, author of the blog Misadventures of Mrs. B. If she isn’t spilling it all on her blog, you can also find her on Twitter.

Re-modeling through You-Tube

2011-07-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

We purchased a fixer-upper when we moved to Indiana last month. We decided to do all of the work ourselves. We have never done anything like this before so we are watching a lot of You-Tube videos for each type of project. It is too expensive to hire someone to do all the work. For the same price we can afford to screw everything up at least three times ourselves. Hopefully, we get most of it right the first time. The house is a lovely mix of 1970's and 1980's decor (translation: nasty!!).

So far we have finished two windows. The picture above is the original window above the kitchen sink. The 1970's wood framed window and 1980's birdhouse wall paper trim just weren't doing it for me!!

We found a great window outlet place. They sell custom windows that have been returned because they are the wrong size. We were able to buy a garden window for less than it would cost for a regular window. My husband installed the window and I did the paint and trim.
The bottom of the window just didn't look right painted and I wanted something more durable because I hope to grow plants in the garden window soon. I ended up tiling the window...it was really fun and messy learning how to tile. It is a good thing that we didn't install the hard wood floors yet....I think I got more mortar and grout on the floor than I did on the tile.
Here is the original kitchen window.......lovely 1970's wood trim and 1980's plaid wall paper:
I like this new window much better!!!! I also put up crown molding around the kitchen ceiling (no more bird houses!!!)
This is the BEST tool we have purchased so far....a Miter saw made by Makita. It is so easy to use and makes perfect cuts for trim.

Painting with a Puppy

2011-07-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of our new puppy "Benny". We got him right before we moved to Indiana. He is now 12 weeks old and a whopping six pounds. We bought a small house in Indiana that needs a lot of work so we decided to do all the work ourselves and learn as we go. LESSON LEARNED #1 - DO NOT set the paint tray on the floor even for a second when there is a puppy in the house. I set the paint tray on the floor so that I could move something. As soon as I turned around my other two dogs chased Benny through the kitchen. Of course he ran right through the paint. It took me a while to catch him.....there were paint paw prints everywhere, including all over the living room carpet.

Here is one of my other dogs "Bailey". He learned along time ago to just sit by the mess and look innocent so that the other dog (Bear) gets blamed.
Before I cleaned up the mess I had to give Benny a bath so that he didn't start eating the paint. I couldn't believe how much paint I rinsed out of his fur!! He is now squeaky clean and spending his days picking on Bear and Bailey.

If I Could Turn Back Time

2011-07-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

We have these rickety chairs at our breakfast table. The proportions aren’t right, making the chairs tippy when pushed back. Or when a toddler climbs into them.

Our two-year-old, in his short life, has knocked the chairs over, pulled one over on top of himself, and tipped backwards while sitting in one. My kids love to play under the table, too, and about once a week I hear, “Whoa... whoa..." Followed by, CRASH! Followed by, “Sorry, Mommy. I tried to scoot the chair out of my way and it fell over. Again.”

These chairs have taken years off of my life. I’m guessing if the original plan was for me shake hands with Jesus when I'm 90, I’ll now be lucky to make it to 53.

Except.

Except, it appears that I have unwittingly tapped into a fountain of youth this summer. I believe I’m getting younger, and to prove it, I give you the following.

Sign #1 that I am younger than my 37 years: The Rash.

You’re thinking, *Ew, is she really going to tell us about a rash?* You bet I am.

The first week of June I noticed some odd spots on my abs (please picture Jillian Michaels while you read this; my abs are nearly identical). I didn’t think much of the spots at first. I’m a mother with tippy breakfast room chairs, and I don’t have time to dwell.

But a week later, when the spots multiplied, making baby spots all over my torso, I decided to dwell just a bit. Tippy chairs, be damned. It was time to see a professional.

Turns out I had pityriasis rosea, a harmless ailment that typically effects people between the ages of 10 and 35. Hear that? 35. Beat the curve by two years on that one.

Sign #2 that I’m reverse aging: Acne.

You’re thinking, Really? More gross skin stuff? Yep. Really. Although I promise it’s not that gross. Annoying, yes. Gross? I don’t think so.

As long as I was at the dermatologist for my youthful rash, I decided to point out that my skin, typically so smooth and porcelain, now featured a bit more topography. I had pimples. Not giant, adolescent eruptions or anything, but definitely a breakout.

She prescribed some heavy-duty retinol, and gave me this special card to hand the pharmacist, explaining, “Your insurance company might not like this prescription, because insurance doesn’t accept that anyone over 29 can have acne. Give the pharmacist this special card if you have trouble.”

Anyone over 29? Beat the curve by almost a decade on this one.

Sign #3 that I’m getting younger: I Was Carded.

At Target. Buying a couple bottles of Cupcake Vineyards wine.

The checker appeared to have just said, “Goodbye training wheels, hello training bra!” I assumed that she would take one look at me and say a silent prayer, thanking God that she is not yet some sad, old housewife buying wine at Target.

Instead? She carded me. I kissed her, tears welling in my eyes, and said, “Thank you, dear child. For you have made my day.”

Fortunately, the security guard was also a woman of some maturity. When I explained the situation, all charges were dropped. And? Beat the curve by 16 years, baby.

Now, if I can just get some new breakfast room chairs, I might be able to cheat death entirely.

***For those who are now hung up on this rash - you know who you are, my fellow hypochondriacs - it did exactly what the doctor and the 27 websites I consulted said it would. It hung around for about five weeks and then disappeared, causing me very little discomfort in the process.

This guest post was written by Missy, a fabulous writer who blogs about her life, motherhood and everything in between at Wonder Friend. Be sure to give her a follow and find her on Twitter as well.

Introducing a New Guest Post Series

2011-07-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

I've been so lucky over the last several years to work with some amazing bloggers. I have met so many fantastic, energetic and amazing women who are passionate about what they do.

I teamed up with Heather of Theta Mom Media who is currently managing the Lauren Nicole Gifts community and she will be integrating and highlighting the talented work of such bloggers through a guest post series all its own.

And we would love for YOU to be a part of it, too!

If you are an active blogger and would like to guest post for this new series, please connect with us through email or Twitter!

I have been so grateful for the support that bloggers have shown me over the years so it's a real honor to collaborate in this way. We are so excited to launch this series! Our first guest post will be live on Tuesday so be sure to come back and let the guest blogging begin!

Winner - Name & Heart Necklace

2011-05-23T03:07:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to "SuburbanPrep" who won the Heart & Name Necklace!!

Giveaway - Name & Heart Necklace (ends 5-20-11)

2011-05-07T08:08:00.001-07:00

I am giving away a custom hand stamped name & heart necklace.

Three Ways To Enter (you can do all three so that you have extra entries)

1. Visit the Lauren Nicole Website and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is. www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

2. Follow the Lauren Nicole Blog

3. "Like" Lauren Nicole on Facebook.

A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, May 21, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to "RNJen" for winning the Hand Print Necklace.

Giveaways

2011-05-01T04:32:00.001-07:00

TWO GIVEAWAYS:
"Born 2 Impress" is running a giveaway for one of my wax seal necklaces. Please visit her blog to enter Born 2 Impress

The giveaway for the handprint necklace is still running...will end on 5-6-11. Just go to the original post to enter: Handprint Necklace Giveaway

Giveaway - Custom Hand Print Necklace - Ends 5-6-11

2011-04-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

I am giving away a hand print necklace....the winner will receive a hand print kit. Once a hand print is taken they send it back to me so that I can make a custom hand print necklace.

Three Ways To Enter (you can do all three so that you have extra entries)

1. Visit the Lauren Nicole Website and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is. www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

2. Follow the Lauren Nicole Blog

3. "Like" Lauren Nicole on Facebook.

A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to "Hillcrest Acres" for winning the Easter Egg Necklace.

Giveaway - Easter Necklace - Ends 4-22-11

2011-04-16T04:29:00.000-07:00

I am giving away a silver Easter Egg Charm Necklace.

Three Ways To Enter (you can do all three so that you have extra entries)

1. Visit the Lauren Nicole Website and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is. www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

2. Follow the Lauren Nicole Blog

3. "Like" Lauren Nicole on Facebook.

A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, April 23, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to "Laurie of Lulu & Daisy" for winning the Fleur de lis Necklace.

Giveaway - Monogrammed Wax Seal Necklace

2011-04-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

New Age Mama is hosting a giveaway for one of my Monogrammed Wax Seal Necklaces. Just head on over to her blog to enter: New Age Mama

Giveaway - Fleur de lis Necklace - Ends 4-16-11

2011-04-09T04:16:00.000-07:00

I am giving away a silver Fleur de lis Necklace.

Three Ways To Enter (you can do all three so that you have extra entries)

1. Visit the Lauren Nicole Website and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is. www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

2. Follow the Lauren Nicole Blog

3. "Like" Lauren Nicole on Facebook.

A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, April 16, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to "Donna" for winning the Silver Key Necklace

Giveaway - Key Necklace - Ends 4-9-11

2011-04-02T04:29:00.000-07:00

I am giving away a silver Key Necklace.

Three Ways To Enter (you can do all three so that you have extra entries)

1. Visit the Lauren Nicole Website and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is. www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

2. Follow the Lauren Nicole Blog

3. "Like" Lauren Nicole on Facebook.

A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, April 9, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to "Jakiesmom" for winning the Silver Ladybug Necklace

A special THANK YOU to Snack Bar Reviews for re-designing my blog!!!

25% Annual Spring Coupon Sale (ends4-6-11)

2011-03-29T08:11:00.001-07:00

Save 25% on orders of $25 or more...just enter the coupon code SPRING in the coupon box during checkout.

Valid 3/29/11 thru 4/6/11

Not valid with any other discounts, sales, coupons, or vouchers.

Giveaway - Ladybug Necklace - Ends 4-2-11

2011-03-26T01:46:00.001-07:00

I am giving away a silver Ladybug Necklace. The pure silver charm comes on a long piece of purple silk ribbon that can be cut to any length.

Three Ways To Enter (you can do all three so that you have extra entries)

1. Visit the Lauren Nicole Website and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is. www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

2. Follow the Lauren Nicole Blog

3. "Like" Lauren Nicole on Facebook.

A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, April 2, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to "Snowmanlover" for winning the Silver Owl Necklace

Night Owl Giveaway - to the first 10 bloggers that leave a comment

2011-03-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

The first TEN bloggers that leave any comment on this post will win a peace sign charm. If you are one of the first ten bloggers to leave a comment just email me at admin@laurennicolegifts.com letting me know what color you would like (pink, purple, yellow, orange, brown, green, hot pink, or red) and your shipping address. I will send the peace charm with a coordinating silk cord necklace. The contest ends as soon as ten comments are left by different bloggers.

Monogram It

2011-03-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

After many requests I was finally able to make monogrammed badge reels with larger buttons...the buttons now cover the whole top of the badge reels. I also put the mini monogrammed ponytail holders back on the website with new fabric choices. New fabric choices also for the book markers and regular monogrammed ponytail holders. I am still working on other requests and will try to add everything before we move.

Giveaway - Owl Necklace - Ends 3-26-11

2011-03-19T06:07:00.000-07:00

I am giving away a silver Owl Necklace. The pure silver charm comes on a long piece of silk ribbon that can be cut to any length. To Enter the Giveaway for the Owl Necklace:

MANDATORY: Visit the Lauren Nicole Website and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is. www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

EXTRA ENTRIES: Follow the Lauren Nicole Blog or "Like" Lauren Nicole on Facebook.

A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, March 26, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to "Michelle" for winning the Victorian Wax Seal Necklace:

Fingerprint Jewelry

2011-03-15T05:44:00.001-07:00

The kids across the street from us helped me out with fingerprints so that I could figure out how to make fingerprint jewelry. It was a lot of fun and I was finally able to put the fingerprint jewelry on the website. I am going to spend the next few weeks working on handprint and footprint pendants.

To receive 15% off on the fingerprint jewelry and everything else on the website just enter the coupon code FACEBOOK in the coupon box during checkout.
www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

GIVEAWAY - Victorian Wax Seal Necklace (ends 3-19-11)

2011-03-12T03:52:00.000-08:00

I am giving away a Victorian Wax Seal Necklace. The winner will be able to choose the initial, two bead charms, and a 16" or 18" chain. To ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for the Victorian Wax Seal Necklace:

MANDATORY: Visit the Lauren Nicole Website and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is. www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

EXTRA ENTRIES: Follow the Lauren Nicole Blog or "Like" Lauren Nicole on Facebook.

A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, March 19, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to "Mippy" for winning the Vera Bradley Pocket Notes:

Wedding Bouquet Charm Giveaway

2011-03-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

Another Giveaway - "Saving Money for a Wedding" is hosting a giveaway for one of our wedding bouquet charms (ends 3-25-11).

Here is the link: Saving Money For A Wedding Blog

Mommy Necklace Giveaway

2011-03-09T16:25:00.000-08:00

Tara from MommyHaha is hosting a giveway for us....the hand stamped mommy dome necklace.

Here is the link: MommyHaha

Name Necklace Giveaway

2011-03-09T11:55:00.001-08:00

Real Mom Reviews is hosting a giveaway for one of our Name Bar Necklaces.

Here is the link: Real Mom Reviews

Week #3 Giveaway - Vera Bradley Pocket Notes

2011-03-05T06:27:00.001-08:00

To ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for the Vera Bradley Pocket Notes:

MANDATORY: Visit the Lauren Nicole Website and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite item is. www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

EXTRA ENTRY: Follow the Lauren Nicole Blog or "Like" Lauren Nicole on Facebook.

A winner will be drawn and announced on Saturday, March 12, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Congratulations to "Nightowl" for winning the Jangles Charms:

On The Move - Weekly Giveaway #2

2011-02-26T05:26:00.000-08:00

My husband is in the Army and I have followed him around for twenty years now…..so far we have moved 12 times in 20 years…..and we are moving again in a few months. I HATE moving!! For the first fifteen years I stressed over making each house nice. What fit or worked in one house didn’t work in the next house and it drove me crazy. Finally I figured out that an eclectic house was the best for me and I stopped caring if everything matched or fit well in each house. I started collecting things that make me happy, things that I carefully pack up and can’t wait to unpack at our next house. Before we move I always buy one item, pack it up right away and save it for the next house. I just bought a ceramic dish from Jennifer Heynen at Jangles and I love it! I am going to use it to brighten up our bathroom in our next house and use it as a ring dish!! I love all of Jennifer’s designs and bright colors.

GIVEAWAY:
I use some of Jennifer’s beads and charms in the necklaces that I make for local craft shows. I am giving away a set of Jangles Charms and a 16” chain so that you can mix and match the charms (wear one at a time or wear them all at once).
To ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for the JANGLES CHARMS:
1. Leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite Jangles charm is.
2. Extra Entry – Visit Lauren Nicole and let me know what your favorite item is
3. Extra Entry – follow the Lauren Nicole Blog or sign up as a Facebook Fan

A winner will be drawn and announced on this blog on Saturday, March 5, 2011.

LAST WEEK’S WINNERS:
Little Artist Pendant Winner "Shannon"

Steam Punk Heart Necklace Winner "Katie"

Please email me at admin@LaurenNicoleGifts.com to claim your prizes.

On the Move Again - Weekly Giveaway!!

2011-02-21T07:17:00.001-08:00

We have really enjoyed our time at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, but it is almost time to move again. The Army is moving us to Indiana in a few months and I am busy packing and cleaning out my workshop. I have lots of sample pieces and supplies that I will be giving away over the next few months. This week's giveaway is for a steam punk heart pendant on a long piece of silk ribbon that can be tied into a bow. I will be taking entries now until midnight on 2/25/11. A winner will be drawn and announced at the bottom of the next giveaway contest on our blog. The winner will have 5 days to claim their prize before we draw another winner.

Open to U.S. Residents

TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment on this post listing your favorite Lauren Nicole item.

2. Optional Entry - follow the Lauren Nicole Blog, or follow us on Facebook

Giveaway - Pendant with Your Child's Artwork

2011-02-10T05:49:00.001-08:00

I am still running a giveaway for a Little Artist pendant that is made from your child's artwork. I am taking entries until midnight 2-25-11. A winner will be drawn and announced on 2-26-11. In order to control spam and count all entries All entries have to come through the website:

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE GIVEAWAY PAGE

New Wax Seal Jewelry

2011-02-09T14:14:00.001-08:00

I have been waiting forever for my new tools to come in so that I can make my wax seal jewelry with some new fonts (I say "forever", but it was really only a few weeks....I am just impatient when it comes to waiting for packages). I can now make the jewelry with my new Garamond font and Curly font.

Let it Snow.....NOT!!!

2011-02-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

We are getting slammed with snow again!! We actually went to the store in the storm (mainly because my husband likes driving in it and we were almost out of dog food). We were pretty much the only idiots on the road so it really wasn't dangerous. My husband keeps going out to shovel.....I am a very supportive wife......I take pictures of him from inside the house while he shovels!!!

Little Artist Pendant Giveaway

2011-01-31T09:37:00.001-08:00

I forgot to mention in the last post that I am giving away one of the Little Artist Pendants. The winner will be asked to send in a picture that I can use to create a mold to make a silver pendant. I am taking entries now until midnight on 2-25-11. I will draw a winner and announce it on the blog on 2-26-11.

All entries must come through our website link so that we can control spam and record all entries: CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE GIVEAWAY PAGE

Your Child's Artwork - Jewelry

2011-01-31T07:41:00.001-08:00

I have been promising to make these for a while and finally had time to figure work on it. My sister sent me her favorite drawing that was done by my niece. I took her mouse drawing, shrunk it down, and used the image to make a mold. I was then able to use the mold to cast a pure silver pendant. I also put soldered a silver tag to the back with my niece's name and the year she drew the picture. I made the pendant for my sister and then made a second one so that my niece could use it as a lunch bag tag. I put the pendants on the website as "Little Artist Jewelry".

I am running a 20% coupon special on all jewelry. The coupon code is VALENTINE (expires at midnight on 2-7-11).

Save up to 25%

2011-01-12T10:09:00.001-08:00

EXPIRES AT MIDNIGHT 1-19-11

25% off orders of $100 or more, use code: FACEBOOK25

20% off orders of $50 or more, use code: FACEBOOK20

15% off orders of under $50, use code: FACEBOOK

www.LaurenNicoleGifts.com

Here are just a few of our new items: