Outnumbered 3 to 1: April 2011

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Spring Fling - The Garfield Show: Private-Eye Ventures Review

Spring is finally in the air and we have some great things to share with you to kick off this wonderful season! From backyard bar-b-ques and outdoor fun to Easter and Mother's Day gifts and Spring Cleaning, we've got you covered. Make sure to stop by daily to see the wonderful products we have to share with you. Of course there are a whole bunch of giveaways you can win too!

Vivendi Entertainment released The Garfield Show: Private-Eye Ventures mid April.

"Follow the clues and get ready for fun-filled adventures with Garfield. You'll be on the case with Jon, Odie and your favorite orange feline as he meanders from one caper to the next, investigating talking lasagna, undercover kitties, time travel and the most important mystery of all: what's for dinner?"

My kids love to watch Garfield. We always seem to catch it on TV near the end of the show and they always complain that they never get to watch the whole show. They were so excited to watch the entire DVD on a rainy Saturday afternoon. My kids loved all of the shows. Their favorite show on the DVD was when the alien switched Odie and Garfield. They have been going around the house quoting Grandma, "I just want my fluffy-kins back." It must be a kid thing, because when one of them says it, all three burst out laughing.

They also run around the house screaming "aaahhhhh" as they reenact the scene when Garfield goes to another planet and meets "the other Garfield" that is really a huge monster (picture Garfield + octopus). I am so happy my kids were able to get their Garfield fix! I am sure any kid (or adult who loves that big, orange fluffy cat) will love this DVD.

Buy It! You can purchase The Garfield Show: Private-Eye Ventures on Amazon for $12.99.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Spring Fling - Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care Razor Review

"Shaving a Path in Razor History

Schick® traces its origins to the inventive U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Schick. He retired from the military in 1910, but then returned to service at the start of World War I.

During his respite from the army, Colonel Schick staked mining claims in Alaska and British Columbia. During one particularly severe winter, while the temperature hovered at 40ø F below zero, he noticed he had a difficult time trying to shave.

About this time, he sprained his ankle and was forced to remain in camp alone for several months. It was during this lonely period that he first conceived the idea for a dry shaver and sketched out a design that could shave without water or lather. After the war, he attempted to generate interest in his design, but had no luck and began to work on other inventions."

I came across this fun bit of information above while browsing through the Schick website. This isn't all of the interesting bits I found though, so I suggest heading over and reading up on shaving history.

Shaving is such a tedious task. It's never ending. The Summer months are even worse because our skin is always exposed. This makes it hard on me because I have sensitive skin issues and over-shaving really dries out my skin. Shaving cream is a must for my legs unless I want to break out with tiny red itchy bumps all over my legs.

That's why I am so glad to have been introduced to Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care razor. Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care has a skin conditioning solid built right in around the blade, completely eliminating the need for soap or shaving cream! It's a perfect combination!

The package is is even "green"! It's 100% recyclable and made with 55% post-consumer recycled paperboard, 25% post-consumer recycled window, and VOC-free inks.

The following are key benefits of Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care:

Skin Conditioning Solid™

o        Eliminates the need for shave gel, soap, or body wash, so you can lather and shave in one easy step
o        Enriched with Vitamin E and 100% natural Aloe to lather and moisturize skin during shaving

Four-Blade Razor

o        Helps eliminate nicks and cuts
o        Allows for a precise shave, with a pivoting head that follows the body’s contours
o        Makes it simple to experience a flawlessly smooth shave

One-of-a-kind Ergonomic Handle

o        Shaving made easy with the slim design that fits comfortably into the hand
o        No-slip rubber grip on sides allow for precise control

What I especially love about the Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care Razor is that it is so easy to use. I like that I don't have to lather up first, which definitely saves me time in the shower. It leaves my skin feeling very smooth and I've never gotten razor burn after use!

For a limited time, you can get a $3 off coupon by visiting the Schick Facebook page.

Buy It!

The Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care Razor handles and refill cartridges are currently available at mass and natural lifestyle retailers nationwide for $9.29 (razor), $9.99 for 3 ct, $17.59 for 6 ct.

I received samples for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Spring Fling Winners 4/29

We've got quite a few winners today from the Spring Fling giveaways. Congratulations to you all! There are still a ton of giveaways to enter and even more to come, so make sure to hit em all up!

SJ Creations Organic Green Tea & Ginger Body Lotion Claimed

#58 Jackie

$25 My Baby Clothes Boutique GC Claimed

#113 Michelle

Pillow Pets Claimed

#199 Susan M. Heim

Adoption Nation Book {3 Winners}

#22 s Claimed

#9 aledol Claimed

#5 Kimberly Claimed

Safety 1st Round Potty Claimed

#11 jerricapuck

Most UNlikely to Succeed Book by Nelson Lauver {2 Winners}

#20 Nancye Claimed

#10 Linda Kish Claimed

Costume Squad Claimed

#43 cloud10277

Target/P&G Prize Pack Claimed

#125 coriwestphal

Toilet Tree Shower Mirror Claimed

#72 ShellieAndBrutus

ProMist Claimed

#48 Jackie

Kymaro Claimed

#164 aledol

Spring Fling- Born Free Trainer & Drinking Cup Review

"BornFree™ has developed a range of products baby bottles, cups and accessories that is totally free of the potentially dangerous chemicals Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates and PVC. BPA is a known estrogen mimicker that is used in the production of polycarbonate plastic. According to researchers, BPA may cause developmental and neurological problems if it leaches from plastic. Reports suggest that small amounts of BPA may leach into food or beverages stored in polycarbonate containers, especially when the contents are heated. In addition, BornFree™'s cups and bottles feature the unique BornFree™ venting system, designed to reduce colic and ear infections."

I wish I would have known about these sooner!! My oldest son is now 2 years old so when we were ready to make a the transition to a 'sippy' cup from a bottle I had no idea where to start. I ended up wasting my money on quite a few different cups until I found one that he would actually use. Born Free sent me two different kinds of cups to review, one is the Born Free Trainer Cup and the other is the Born Free Drinking Cup.

The Born Free Trainer Cup is for 6 months and up. My twins are pushing 7 months, so I have been testing this out on them here and there...

The guys seem to really like them! We are still using bottles the majority of the time, but once in a while to mix it up, I'll give them these. We love the handles- and the flow is perfect for them.

The Born Free 9 oz. Drinking Cup is suitable for 9 months and up so I let my 2 year old give it a whirl. He is obviously capable of using an older cup, but I wanted to see what he thought and he also liked it!

" The first ever, BornFree Bisphenol-A Free plastic Training Cup that combines a hard spout with a low vacuum valve...Availible in blue, green, orange and yellow."

I can tell you that all three of my boys liked using these cups. Did I see a change in colic or inner ear infections? No. We don't have issues with either in the first place so I wasn't hoping this would help. Would I try it if I was? Sure.. What mom doesn't try whatever she can to help keep ear infections or colic at bay??! I can say that the fact these are BPA free, which made me really happy! Even if that were the only wonderful thing about them, I would still recommend them.

Buy it:

Born Free Training and Drinking Cups are available at your favorite baby gear retailer or at Amazon for $8.26 and up.

I received samples for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

eChook Digital Publishing Review

"TEN MINUTE ESCAPES IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND"

eChook is designed for those of us that love to get absorbed in a good story but never have the time. It offers a range of apps full of well-written stories that take up no more than 10 minutes and soothe the soul like a nice warm cup of cocoa. eChook is brain candy.

Taking the idea from a chapbook, a small single-chapter book that was once popular during 16th century England, Tessa Smith McGovern developed eChook, a digital publisher that turned her linked short stories into an App. She re-imagined the short story genre for this new generation that is much too busy, without a much time to rest.

"Life-affirming, thoughtful stories can help us relax so we can attend the next meeting, collect the kids or greet our families with more energy and joy." - Tessa Smith McGovern

There are several ways you can enjoy eChook. You can buy full-color chapbooks online, from the app store or on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android Market, iTunes and coming soon the Kindle, Sony Reader, Kobo or Nook! You can choose short stories linked by a single theme or collections of linked short stories that follow characters through different adventures. Each app has information about the author and genre. There are so many amazing short stories on here that it was really hard to review this in the 10 minute mind-set! I was completely absorbed.

Here is what stunned me the most though. As a writer I became as giddy as a child with a new toy. eChook pays up to $100 for 750 - 2,000 word short stories! Available for writers around the globe, they welcome fiction, non-fiction, memoirs and essays! This is outstanding! An amazing gift for readers, an opportunity for writers to reach out across the globe and share their stories with the world; which is why I am sharing this with you.

"I believe everybody has a short story in them."

You can purchase eChook for $2.99 for the iPhone / iPad. Prices may differ in the Android Market. A portion of all profits goes to UNLD, the United Nations Literacy Decade.

I received samples for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Spring Fling - Rene Furterer's New Vegetal Styling Straightening Gel Review & Giveaway! {CLOSED}

Wash, rinse, comb, blow-dry, straighten... the same actions repeat themselves every morning of my every day. It takes me 1 1/2 hours to fix my hair alone because it is long, thick and frizzy in this Mid-western humidity. To straighten my hair takes at least 45 minutes! It takes so long, in fact, I can't do it all the time even though to not do so makes my hair poof out like a Pomeranian Puppy. Finally, I had found something that saved me from this tedious work! Rene Furterer's New Vegetal Styling Straightening Gel! YES! I can be frizz-less!

"Like the NEW VEGETAL MOUSSE, SCULPTING GEL and FINISHING SPRAY, NEW STRAIGHTENING GEL is formulated with patent-pending Cakile extract to keep hair hydrated from within since lack of moisture at the hair core is the first culprit of frizz. Cakile, a succulent plant from the Mediterranean and ocean shorelines, is known for its astonishing ability to withstand the harsh effects of coastal sea spray, wind and a lack of water. René Furterer exclusively grows their Cakile in France, employing their own farmers to ensure pesticide-free plants and sustainable harvesting. Just imagine what this miracle plant’s natural ability to retain water can do for your hair"

I'm not saying that it has replaced my flat iron completely. It is just that Rene Furterer's New Vegetal Styling Straightening Gel replaced having to choose between being a poofy frizzy mess or 45 minutes of my time tediously straightening it with a flat iron. I could apply a small amount to my towel dried hair and then just blow dry! That's it! No frizz, no poof and it actually straightens it almost enough to pass as flat iron beauty. My sister and I both used this product, her with long fine hair and mine long and thick and in both cases it straightened our hair right after blow drying which resulted in exclamations of glee! Bye, bye Frizz! It left our hair feeling healthy, silky, gave it that boost of high-shine and smelled wonderful as it is scented with Grapefruit, Lemon, Petitgrain, White Flower and Lily of the Valley. A Mommy must have if you are like me and just don't have the time to tame your wild hair before having to try and tame wild kids.

Buy It!

You can buy the Rene Furterer's New Vegetal Styling Straightening Gel for $26.00.

The Giveaway: How would you like to win Rene Furterer's New Vegetal Styling Straightening Gel!? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway head over to Rene Furterer.com and tell me something you've learned! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

Follow @furterer on Twitter
"Like" Rene Furterer on Facebook
One extra entry for having the "Spring Fling" event banner on your site!
Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect , subscribe by email or through a reader {1 entry for each}
"Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or follow through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
Post the Outnumbered 3 to 1 button on your blog sidebar and/or add us to your text blog roll, leaving a link {1 entry for each}
Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post. Make sure to leave a direct link {5 Entries, commenting 5 times}
Tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win Rene Furterer's New Vegetal Styling Straightening Gel! @furterer @OutnumberedMama http://outnumbered3-1.com #Giveaway

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until May 12th at 11:59 pm.

Check out a complete list of giveaway rules.

Spring Fling - Duca del Frassino Wines Review

Duca del Frassino Wines
I will not proclaim myself to be a wine connoisseur. Truthfully, I really don't know anything about wine. The extent of my wine knowledge is that I can't stand dry wines and I don't like to pay an arm and a leg for it. So basically I know nothing except that I really enjoyed the Duca del Frassino Garganega/Pinot Grigio.

I was excited to try this wine because I really do enjoy a nice glass of wine from time to time but never know what to buy so this was the perfect opportunity to try something new and different. I chose the Garganega/Pinot Grigio because from what I read online this was light, crisp and had well-balanced flavors of stone fruits and paired well with seafood and light pastas. Sounded like my perfect wine!

My husband and I were both very impressed with this wine. It has a very light yet crisp fruit flavor and it really is an incredibly smooth wine. This wine comes in a very stylish box and contains 3-liters. I found the box to be incredibly convenient when it came to putting it in my fridge and it comes with a very handy pouring spout. Now I know boxed wine has always had the image of cheap wine but the Duca del Frassino Garganega/Pinot Grigio really contradicts this stereotype. I have had cheap boxed wine before and was NOT impressed but I had the total opposite opinion of this wine. I will most definitely be buying this next time we have company over as I know everyone else will be very pleased with it too.

Buy It!

You can buy the Duca del Frassino Garganega/Pinot Grigio for around $19.99.

I received samples for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Mother's (Grandma) Day Card

Hello everyone. Just in time for Mother's Day, I made a very quick card for my 90 years old Grandmother.

Supplies

Paper - white craft paper 8 x 5 1/2 inches; Citrus Mat Stack by DCWV

Stamps - Paper Trey Ink, Women of Life and Women of Life Addition

Ink - Paper Trey Ink, Terra Cotta and True Black

Adhevisive - ATG 714, Stampin Up - pop dots

Punch - Stampin Up scallop

Fold white paper in half so the card size will be 4 x 5 1/2 inches. I cut the following paper:

Dotted flower paper 3 3/4 x 5 1/4 inches

Plain terra cotta paper 1 3/4 x 3 1/2 inches

Big flower paper 3 x 4 1/2 inches

White paper 1/4 x 4 inches

I adhered the dotted flower paper, layered the plain terra cotta paper next, and the big flower paper last. I used the terra cotta ink to stamp "It's YourDay" on the white strip. I used true black ink to stamp "Grandma" on the scallop flower. I adhered the white strip and scallop flower with pop dots.

You could use any paper to create this card. If you don't own a punch, you could use a sticker for a flower. If you don't have stamps, you could print out your message from your computer, use stickers or rub-ons. There are so many ways to create cards.

I hope you liked this card. Until next week...

We Have Some Winners!!

We have some winners from a few of the Spring Fling giveaways! Congratulations to you all! If you didn't win this time, don't fret. There are a bunch more to enter, so go enter your little heart out!

KrankyKrabs $25 Gift Certificate

#41 Dana West Claimed

Chicken Soup for the Soul New Mom (2 books)

#18 Rachel Claimed
#24 Linda Kish Claimed

Adoption Nation (3 books)

#7 Diana D Claimed

#38 Nancye

#6 Nfmgirl (on Seaside Book Nook blog) Claimed

Most Unlikely to Suceed (2 books)

#4 Kims

#17 Bonita12 Claimed

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Pork Chops with Mushroom Sauce - Manda's Meals

What You Need

Pork Chops

1 Can of Cream of Mushroom

6 oz of sliced Mini Portobello Mushrooms

2 mined Garlic Cloves

2 tbsp of Olive Oil

Season Salt

Ground Pepper

Cayenne Pepper

Paprika

Garlic Powder

Season the Pork Chops with all of the seasons on both sides: Season Salt, Ground Pepper, Cayenne Pepper (just a pinch), Paprika and Garlic Powder. Make sure the seasons are rubbed into the meat.

Add 2 tbsp of Olive Oil to your skillet and heat to Med, brown the Pork Chops on both sides. Remove the Pork Chops once they have been browned and set to the side. Turn the temp down to Med/Low and in the same pan, add your Mushrooms and Garlic. Saute until the Mushrooms are tender making sure to toss frequently so as not to let the Garlic burn.

Once the Mushrooms are tender, set the Mushrooms and Garlic aside and place the Pork Chops back into the skillet. Add the can of Cream of Mushroom and let the Pork Chops simmer on Med until tender. This takes roughly 30 min. Once the Pork Chops are cooked thoroughly and tender turn off the stove and add the Mushrooms and Garlic. Let it cool for 5 min before serving.

Spring Fling - ProFlowers Garden Bouquet Review and $50 Gift Code Giveaway {CLOSED}

Flowers directly to you
"Once hand-picked, our flowers are delivered directly to you. Others take a longer route through brokers, middlemen and, finally, a florist's shop. By the time they reach the recipient, their best days are long gone."

Mother's Day is less than a couple of short weeks away. Flowers are always a great way to let someone know that you care and I bet that special mom in your life would just love any of the breathtaking Mother's Day bouquets from ProFlowers to make her Mother's Day extra special!

ProFlowers sent me the Garden Bouquet for my review and I have to say it is just perfect for this time of year. It includes nine each of roses and alstroemeria, a Hydrangea and some greenery.

I opened up my box and immediately got a whiff of these invigorating flowers. They have been filling up my kitchen with their flowery aroma for well over a week and have gotten me many compliments. It's funny because every time that I get flowers to review, i joke around and tell people they're from my "other boyfriend" since the Man doesn't buy me flowers very often. I better stop though, because one of these days, someone might just believe me!

One thing that really sets ProFlowers out from the rest is the way they ship their flowers. Each delivery comes in a flower box and the flowers arrive in a block of watered flower foam to ensure freshness. They're wrapped tightly to prevent breakage and include a 7 day freshness guarantee on each and every order.

ProFlowersCoupons.com is a great resource to help you save some money when purchasing flowers including coupons to Save 20%, Free vase, Free weekday delivery and other deals. You can also "Like" ProFlowers on Facebook and get 20% off your order!

Buy It!

You can buy the Garden Bouquet for $44.99.

The Giveaway: How would you like to win a $50 Gift Code for ProFlowers? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway head over to ProFlowers and tell me which flowers you'd buy with it! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

Follow @ProFlowers on Twitter
"Like" ProFlowers on Facebook
One extra entry for having the "Spring Fling" event banner on your site!
Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect , subscribe by email or through a reader {1 entry for each}
"Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or follow through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
Post the Outnumbered 3 to 1 button on your blog sidebar and/or add us to your text blog roll, leaving a link {1 entry for each}
Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post. Make sure to leave a direct link {5 Entries, commenting 5 times}
Tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win a $50 @ProFlowers Gift Code @OutnumberedMama http://outnumbered3-1.com #Giveaway

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until May 11th at 11:59 pm.

Check out a complete list of giveaway rules.

I received samples for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - The Great Outdoors w/ linky 4/27

Yesterday was an absolute gorgeous day, the first one that we've actually been able to enjoy this year. So we piled all the kids up in the truck and set out on a journey of the wilderness. Well... maybe not really the "wilderness" but some of our parks around here are just as close! There are hiking trails, lake views and even animal sightings. We all had a great time and enjoyed some nice "fun" family time together.

Head over to Slice o' Heaven, Wordless Wednesday HQ and 5 Minutes for Mom for more Wordless Wednesday and make sure to let everyone know to link up here as well!

This is NOT a giveaway linky! Please click here to list your giveaways.

Spring Fling - Glytone Cleanse and Boost Kit Giveaway - 6 Winners! {CLOSED}

"Precision, Purity and Expertise in Aesthetic Dermatology

The physicians-only product line, GLYTONE is the only skincare line that provides a customized step approach formulated with the highest free acid values available.

Free acid values, clinically proven ingredients and a customized step approach combined in GLYTONE in-office treatments and at-home regimens work synergistically to maximize product efficacy and skin tolerability, giving you visible, long lasting results.

The most effective customized approach to optimal skin health.

Take the step to visible results!"

Us "girls" just love skin care products. There is nothing else like making your skin look and feel beautiful, so I'm always on the lookout for great products that do just that.

Glytone carries a very wide variety of products for every skin type. So whether you have a problem with acne, aging or dry skin, Glycone has got you covered with extensive product lines to meet your needs.

The Giveaway: How would you like to win a “Cleanse and Boost” kit from Glytone that includes the Mini Peel Gel, a travel-size Mild Gel Wash and a mirror? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway head over to Glycone and tell me which product you'd really like to try! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

Follow @Glytoneusa on Twitter
"Like" Glytone on Facebook
One extra entry for having the "Spring Fling" event banner on your site!
Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect , subscribe by email or through a reader {1 entry for each}
"Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or follow through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
Post the Outnumbered 3 to 1 button on your blog sidebar and/or add us to your text blog roll, leaving a link {1 entry for each}
Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post. Make sure to leave a direct link {5 Entries, commenting 5 times}
Tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win a Cleanse and Boost kit @Glytoneusa @OutnumberedMama 6 Winners! http://outnumbered3-1.com #Giveaway

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until May 10th at 11:59 pm.

Check out a complete list of giveaway rules.

I didn't receive anything for this post. It is strictly a giveaway only. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Spring Fling! Novica 'Treasures of the World' Review & Giveaway! {CLOSED}

"We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow. At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe. We want you to know about who you're buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it. In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together. NOVICA. The World is Your Market."

You must check out Novica and all the amazing international artists! Novica, in association with National Geographic, works directly with thousands of master artisans in Asia, Africa and Latin America, helping bring their beautiful creations, and their stories to collectors worldwide. Also, you can read about 'Lives That You've Changed' by supporting the artists at Novice. I had a hard time deciding what to pick since there was so many pieces of jewelry that I liked.

This is the beautiful ring that I picked from Novica. It is called 'The Lilac Spin' and it is a .925 Sterling Silver Solitaire ring with an emerald cut Amethyst. Bahvesh is the name of the the Artist who created this elegant ring and he comes from Jaipur, India.

"Jewelry crafting is our family tradition, dating back to the ancient time when Jaipur was brought to its present structure by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. During that time, my ancestors were jewelers in the kingdom of Jaipur. Since then, the tradition and art have been handed down from generation to generation."

I am absolutely in love with this ring! The ring came in a very pretty jewelry box. I was also so surprised by the additional items it included; there was a little booklet about Novica, the artist, the ring and its design! Also, there was a postcard from the artist's city with a handwritten personalized note! There are a few things that will have me ordering from a company over and over again: one is a handwritten note, even it is just a "Thank you, Jane Doe" and another is how nicely the product is packaged. Novica gets an A+ on both. I also received an email during the entire shipping process that said that the item was packaged, shipped, entered the US and was in route to my home.

There are so many other items to purchase besides jewelry. I recommend you check out their wonderful unique gifts which include handbags, paintings, clothing and much more! I have a love for earrings, but decided to 'go outside the box' and focus on the rings for my review. Though here is my confession, I just went back and ordered a pair of earrings that I just had to have!

Right now Novica is launching NOVICA Live! NOVICA Live provides a unique cultural shopping experience where you can travel the world through entertaining home shows and see multimedia presentations of artisans creating the very items you will hold in your hands. So YOU can help Novica make an impact on the world by hosting a show or become a consultant!

Buy It! You can purchase 'The Lilac Spin' Amethyst Solitaire ring for $47.66.

The Giveaway: How would you like to win a $50 gift certificate to Novica? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway go to Novica and tell me something that you would choose! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

"Like" Novica on Facebook
Follow @Novica on Twitter
One extra entry for having the "Spring Fling" event banner on your site!
Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect , subscribe by email or through a reader {1 entry for each}
"Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or follow through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
Post the Outnumbered 3 to 1 button on your blog sidebar and/or add us to your text blog roll, leaving a link {1 entry for each}
Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post. Make sure to leave a direct link {5 Entries, commenting 5 times}
Tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}