Day One of our TWO Day Valentine's Day Give-Aways!

Cody and red hearts
done by Glogirly
Text and big heart
done by Cody

Happy Valentine's Day my furiends!!!!! I don't usually post on Sundays, but when I do, it's Valentine's Day and it is DAY ONE of my TWO DAY GIVE-AWAY for YOU!!!

Day One is a WORLD-WIDE GIVE-AWAY!!!

Late in 2015 Mom and I were  contacted by a sweet lady named Lucie who has a lovely shop on Etsy,  and she has a website too! Mom and I were  flattered because she found our  blog all the way in  Valašské Meziříčí in the Czech Republic!!!!

·      Quirky hand-painted stainless steel jewelry

 and jewelry stands

The above photo are the earrings that Mom chose to feature on the blog
 (she received ONE pair of earrings, but she took two different photos for you).
Visit www.Cinkylinky.com and Cinkylinky on Etsy!!

The jewelry that is in the shop is "Whimsical stainless steel jewelry"

Kitties, you won't believe it, but there are only TWO people in the shop, where Lucie works? Just Lucie and her husband Petr!

FROM PETR ON ETSY: Lucie has always been very good at painting, and when she was fourteen she started to make wired jewelry. She combined beads, stones and semi-precious stones for her friends, whilst also making some extra "pocket money" at her friend´s Mom´s shop by making and selling hand-made products.

The idea to start a business came in 2004, when we were students here in the Czech Republic and wanted to go to Greece during the summer break. We were poor, and could certainly not afford an expensive "holiday". However, we could afford the journey itself, so we bought the tickets, packed our bags with a lot of wires, beads and two pairs of pliers and, after a forty hour coach journey from the geographical "Heart of Europe", we made it to the original "Heart" of European philosophy and culture. We ended up on the beautiful island of Paros, slept on the beach and sold our jewelry to other tourists. On good days, we were able to leave our bags in a bush and go to a restaurant for a lovely Greek meal. Sometimes we even traveled to surrounding islands. It was a great summer, and, when we came back, we were full of enthusiasm for more "good days" - something we knew now was possible. Here in the Czech Republic we found more shops to ally ourselves with, and things started to "roll up".

Then Lucie came up with very funny hand-painted copper birds with wired legs. They were a great success and, because they were very much of a "novelty", they sold so well that we could never make enough of them. At that time we started to go to summer music festivals and craft shows, meeting our customers face-to-face. This was a great joy, especially because some of them had already become familiar with our designs and became our "regulars". 

Photo Courtesy of  CinkyLinky.com

Then we changed from copper to stainless steel, a material which enchanted us with its amazing qualities and characteristics.

We started to sell jewelry because we wanted to enjoy our summer holiday. However, soon it became more than that - making jewelry, and everything associated with it, became a passion we could not live without.

We still bring our designs to customers at craft shows and music festivals and cooperate with local handmade shops. Now, thanks to Etsy, we feel blessed to be able to bring the results of our work to people all around the world.

Petr (2014)

Kitties wait til you see all of the earrings and other adorable items on their website and in their Etsy shop! If you didn't get your human anything for Valentine's Day, you can make up for that right now! When Mom was looking at the site she saw a DARLING cat shaped earring/jewelry holder  that I bet your human would love, and many other items as well!

Photo Courtesy of Cinky Linky.com

Mom LOVES her earrings and they have all sorts of different kinds! There are of course cat earrings, there are also ladybugs, woofies, fish, even LIZARD earrings!

Mom and I thank Lucie for Mom's beautiful earrings and guess what? YOU CAN WIN TOO!!!!! Lucie has generously offered THREE OF OUR READERS WHO LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD the chance to PICK OUT ANY PAIR OF EARRINGS for themselves!!!! (an approx $20 value).

Entering is easy!! Just enter on the Rafflecopter below and good luck!!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In full disclosure:We were not compensated for this review/give-away. Mom received one pair of earrings in exchange for her always honest review.

Our Top 12 Small Business Product Picks For 2014 #shopsmall

Hi every one and Happy Day After Thanksgiving!
Guess what?
Saturday, November 29th is
 SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!

I am not one who loves shopping AT ALL, never have, never will. Back in the days before computers I ALWAYS preferred shopping in "Mom and Pop" stores, or small boutiques that to me were gold mines when it came to finding items that I wouldn't see everyone and their Mama (or Papa) having or wearing. I have always been drawn to things that are unique, and that are often much better crafted than mainstream products found in every large chain store in the land.

Small Business Saturday is one of my favorite days! It was created by American Express back in 2010 for the sole purpose of encouraging people to shop small businesses the day after Black Friday, (a day that I will NEVER in life participate in).

Throughout 2014 Cody and I have done A LOT of product reviews, and today, we would like to feature some of our favorites from 2014 that were created by SMALL BUSINESSES!  (To see products that we loved from larger businesses, visit us the week of December 8th for our Holiday Gift Guide!)

For the purpose of this post, I am  featuring our small business faves, with their name, a photo of the product and a link to our previous reviews, which you can visit to learn about each product by clicking their name! ( Many of these earlier reviews included give-aways which obviously have ended. Also, this is ONLY a list of SOME of our favorites and ONLY feature products that we showcased in 2014. There are many other small business products that we love, but if we didn't feature them in 2014, they did not make the "cut"). Enjoy and if you are looking for gifts this holiday season, give them a holler! Sit back and enjoy!!

CAT (and small dog) BEDS
 FROM COCCOLINO CREATIONS

SMARTCATCHER the "Unordinary" Cat Litterbox  Mat!

 The Petter™ Planner!  It's an  organizer, and 
scrapbook all in one! 

JEWELRY FROM FOR LOVE OF A DOG

Item in photo may no longer be available
Visit their website for MORE
Cat (and Dog) Jewelry!

Custom Body Pillows

Cat Greeting Cards From The Paper Cat

Jewelry Keepsakes

Emma's Pet Portraits, Studio Emma Kaufmann

"Starry Starry Cody"

Purr Baby's Memento Book by Elizabeth Parker

Pawz "N" Clawz Unique Handmade Jewelry

The Googie Cat Bed

Royal Cat Boutique

Like what you see?
Get shopping!
Remember to "Shop Small!"

Friday Fun Find! Pawz 'N' Clawz Unique Handmade Jewelry

There are many things I love about blogging, and right there at the forefront are the amazing and talented people I have had the pleasure of meeting along the way. I have been blessed to meet a number of them in person, but most I only know from my online interactions, Jenna from Love Is being Owned By A Husky is one I haven't had the pleasure of meeting in person (YET), but one day I hope that I will. She is truly one of my favorite people, and her blog is darling.

Click here to visit!!

Yes, the blog is primarily about the three incredibly gorgeous Huskies that Jenna has, but she also has cats "in da house!!" (She happens to have THREE cats.)

I love her blog for many reasons but at the top of the list is how much I have learned about the Husky breed. I think they are beautiful and have greatly enjoyed learning more about them through the information that Jenna regularly shares.

Jenna came on to the blogging scene like a dynamo! She is not only one of the most thoughtful, genuine, unassuming and friendly people I have had the pleasure of knowing, she also exudes love, you can feel it directed at her fur babies as well as everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting her.

Jenna makes it a point to visit each and every person who leaves a comment on her blog and she is a part of nearly every Blog Hop that exists! Her energy makes me dizzy!!! I often marvel at the amazing detail and information she puts in her blog and the amount of visiting and commenting on the blogs of others that she does,  because she is not only a fur baby Mom, she has human children of her own and a husband! I have no clue where she finds the time!

A few months ago, Jenna and her Mom (Lisa), decided to become partners and opened the online shop called:

Click to visit!

Lisa's mother has a talent for making handmade jewelry and also does quite a bit of work with wood.

I had visited Jenna and Lisa's shop page  a number of times, and finally, a few weeks ago I decided to make a purchase!

I was pleased with the entire ordering experience, and the speed in which my order arrived.

The item I ordered was the "I Love My Cat" charm bracelet pictured below:

This bracelet is even PRETTIER in person!!!! When it arrived it came in a lovely and dainty pink bag:

To me, presentation is EVERYTHING....I have ordered jewelry in the past from individuals who merely wrap their jewelry in tissue (if you are lucky), no bag, no box, NOTHING. Did I order from them again? What do you think? That's right, make that a resounding NO!  The packaging above impressed me and made me eager to open the pretty parcel immediately upon it's arrival.
Let me tell you I was NOT disappointed!

The photo doesn't begin to do the bracelet justice, it is soooo pretty in person! Green is my favorite color and the green hue in the stones above is beautiful!

Let's not forget the adorable cat charm!

One of my favorite features of this bracelet is the lobster claw clasp...it might sound minor to some, but to me it is HUGE. Those that know me know that I am FAR from petite. I have a hard time buying bracelets because they often don't fit my wrists because of my large bones. This bracelet has the lobster claw clasp and links that are longer than average, making the bracelet COMPLETELY adjustable!!! GENIUS!!!!! It fits me perfectly and a tiny-boned person would be able to wear it as well!! There is nothing better than an adjustable bracelet!

I encourage you to visit Pawz 'N' Clawz and see for yourself. Have a special request? Jenna and Lisa are here to help you!  From Jenna and Lisa:

We love our pets, and so do you! Show your love for pets through one of our unique designs!

We have now launched a new program! 
For every $100.00 Pawz 'n' Clawz makes, we will be donating a portion of the proceeds to our local shelters!

• Flat rate shipping charge $4.00 WORLDWIDE!

Questions? Feel free to contact Lisa or Jenna at :
 Petjewelryblog@gmail.com



Nope! I was not compensated to feature Pawz 'n' Clawz, nor was I given my bracelet in exchange for this review. I BOUGHT it myself! I am quite pleased with it and wanted those of you who might not be familiar with them to go and check them out!

Winner of the 3D Printed Steel Cat Necklace from Sea Pony Studio!

Today is a lucky day for one SPECIAL person!! Their name was chosen by rafflecopter to be the lucky winner of the:

3D Printed Steel Cat Necklace

 from Sea Pony Studio!

THE LUCKY WINNER IS:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HUGE CONCATULATIONS

TO HILARY!!

For those that may not know, Hilary has a blog called:

FEELING BEACHIE

CLICK HERE TO VISIT!

Hilary, please email

your complete mailing address to:

cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com

THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

WINNER! PURRFECT PAW CAT LOVER BRACELET FROM FORLOVEOFADOG.COM

THANK YOU TO ALL

 WHO ENTERED OUR GIVE-AWAY FROM:

THE LUCKY WINNER IS:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HUGE CONCATULATIONS!!
YOU WILL LOVE THIS!!
Please email your
complete mailing address to:
cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com

Enter to win a 3D Printed Steel Cat Necklace from Sea Pony Studio!

It is with great pleasure today that I am featuring an extra special give-away from our  new friend Sara who is the talented artist who creates the extra special jewelry from:

Click here to visit the Sea Pony Website!

I was delighted when I was contacted asking if I would like to feature Sara's custom jewelry on our blog and even MORE delighted when I asked if I could have a give-away for my readers and Sara said yes!

Sara sent me this beautiful 3D printed steel Cat necklace

 To purchase this necklace click here

It is graceful, and bold and "edgy" I am completely in love with it! It arrived in a  100% recycled kraft gift box. One of many reasons why I love this necklace is because I am crazy about the "steel gray" look which I love because Cody is a Gray Tabby cat, and it goes perfectly with black, and I wear A LOT of black!  I couldn't be happier!

Ready for this?

It also comes in GOLD!!

Click here to purchase!!

Wait there is MORE!!!

And  BLACK!

Click here to purchase

All 3 of the 3D Printed Steel Cat Necklaces are:

• Printed in the USA in small batches
• Are stainless steel with slightly pitted vintage, steam punk finish
• Approx. 1.6 inches tall x 1 inch wide
• Includes 18 inch, 2 mm black rubber cord
• Retails for $45

Meet Sara Pocius:

 I’m owner/designer at Sea Pony Studio. With roots in Chicago and a budding studio space in Los Angeles, I’m surrounded by amazing urban inspiration.

As a graphic designer by trade, I fell in love with the intense personal connection that designing jewelry allows while still being a “visual designer.” Whether it’s my ready-to-wear line or custom jewelry design, my ideas begin on paper and come to life on the computer. Gemstones, precious metals, 3D printing and laser cutting are all tools in my toolbox that I use to create pieces perfect for the wearer.

Please explore my Affinity collection to find the design that speaks to you most. But if you already know that an extra special piece of jewelry is what you’re seeking, please visit my custom jewelry design page to learn more and get in touch.

Sara's journey

Some of my earliest memories are of “making” things (friendship bracelets, recipes, annoying knock knock jokes) and sharing my creations with as many people as I could. Which appropriately landed me in a successful career as an advertising art director. But after a decade of designing marketing for big, faceless corporations, I needed to channel my insatiable desire to create into a much smaller and more personal space.

A simple bracelet class at the local beading store rekindled my love with jewelry making and set me on course to creating Sea Pony Studio. My journey has taken me through beading, macrame, metalsmithing and ultimately to the amazingly awesome line of eco-friendly silver and stainless steel 3D printed jewelry I launched in 2013. I’ve come full circle — creating, imagining, dreaming up and sharing my creations with you.

Sara's Silver Cat Necklace  was Chosen by the Feline Arts Council to celebrate cats as a creative muse for all forms of pop and high culture! Available for purchase exclusively from Fresh Step®/ASPCA®, with 100% of the special $60 purchase price benefiting the ASPCA. (This necklace is NOT PART OF THIS GIVE-AWAY).

  Enter to win!!! Sara has generously offered ONE of my readers who lives in either the U.S. OR CANADA the chance to win a 3D Printed Steel Cat Necklace of their own! A $45 Value!
 (I apologize to my International readers, I do my best to offer my give-aways to everyone but often that isn't possible for a variety of reasons). The give-away is open NOW. All you have to do is enter on the Rafflecopter below.  Be sure to use all of the chances available to you to win! The winner will be announced on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16th. GOOD LUCK!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway













In full Disclosure: I was NOT compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a 3D Printed Steel Cat Necklace in exchange for my honest review.

I'm one HAPPY Cat because of YOU!!

Hi my furiends! I just wanted to take a moment to THANK EVERY ONE who commented on the blog to wish me a Happy Birthday, have you entered our give-away for the

PURRFECT PAW CAT LOVER BRACELET

,

if not, click ON THE NAME OF THE BRACELET  above to enter! FYI: You do NOT need to have a Facebook or a Twitter page to enter, the ONLY MANDATORY entry that is required, is to leave your email address where the Rafflecopter asks for it, so Mom and I have a way to reach you should you be the lucky winner!


I also would like to thank  those who sent me greetings on Facebook and Twitter as well!!! Please enjoy my cards and please visit the blogs/websites of the sweet people who made them!

For Love Of A Dog provided our great give-away!

Visit them here!

 We LOVE our furiends at Crunchkins!!!

Visit them here!!

LOVE this from FOZZIEMUM and the GANG

Visit their blog here!

I told my buddy Sammy from One Spoiled Cat

that he WASN'T LATE!

He was PURRFECTLY on time!

Visit his blog here!!

 Thank you to Ingrid King of

The Conscious Cat

for this beaaautiful card

of one of her girls!

(Not sure which one it is!)

Visit her blog here!

 Thank you to our dear furiend

MamaTom AJ

(who used to blog but hasn't in ages!!)

and her crew

for this adorable greeting!!

Last but FAR from least,

even the woofies

sent me a card!

A huge thank you to our dear furiends at

Love Is Being Owned By A Husky

for this waaay too cute greeting!!

Visit their blog here!!

Thanks to ALL of you for helping to make my BIRTHDAY so special! It made me purr with happiness to have so many wonderful furiends! Love, Cody

Happy Birthday Cody!!! We're Celebrating With A World-Wide Give-Away!! Enter to win a PURRFECT PAW CAT LOVER BRACELET!!!!

Today is my precious boy's SEVENTH birthday!!!!

Instead of becoming all misty-eyed, (as I already am!) Cody and I want to celebrate his birthday by having a SUPER COOL GIVE-AWAY!!!

As you know, I own a number of pieces of jewelry from For Love Of A Dog, (and I recently purchased a bracelet for my "bonus daughter" that she ADORES!!) I have also featured the incredible jewelry from For Love Of A Dog  a number of times on Cody's blog, as well as Dakota's, and Cody and I are honored that our dear friend Sue, offered to have a ***WORLD-WIDE GIVE-AWAY !!!  Just for Cody's readers!!

Want to see what you can win? Here you go!
ONE LUCKY WINNER
WILL RECEIVE THE 

PURRFECT PAW CAT LOVER BRACELET!!!!

Handmade especially for

 Cody's birthday celebration! 

 Adorable three dimensional lampwork glass cat is surrounded by lampwork double sided paw print beads and brilliantly faceted jet black crystal rondelle beads. 

  Glossy black obsidian beads dangle for some extra bling.  Sweet paw print lobster clasp has a puffy scarlet red lampwork heart for love.  All hand wire wrapped with silver jeweler's wire.

Bracelet will be custom sized for the winner and will ship directly from For Love of a Dog Jewelry.  Retail value: $75


The quality and craftsmanship behind each and every piece of jewelry at For Love Of A Dog is superb. Each item is unique! I couldn't be happier with every piece that I own, and I know that you will be too!! Visit her website and see all the amazing items that she offers right here and I have linked to her throughout this post.

Cody and I send a HUGE THANK YOU to Sue at For Love Of A Dog for her generosity!!

EASY ENTRY ON THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW!!
***Winner must agree (by entering) to be responsible for all Customs and VAT fees

GOOD LUCK!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway













In full disclosure:I was not compensated monetarily for featuring For Love Of A Dog Jewelry, I was given a bracelet of my own!

Baseball, Birthdays and Bling!!!

Hi and Happy Monday everyone!

Mom and I read some time ago that you should NEVER use alliterations in writing and we say pffffffffft!!! It's our blog and we'll do what we want to!

Today we have some impawtant mews for you!!!

For those of us who live in the U.S., MANY of our favorite teams will be kicking off the Major League Baseball season today!!! Wooooo hooooo!

My Mom lived in Cleveland, Ohio for 35 years so she still LOVES the Cleveland Indians. Me? I was born and raised in good 'ol Detroit, AND I am a FELINE,  so I am a Detroit Tigers fan!!! Mom and I would like to wish both of our teams the best of luck this season!

Now for more impawtant mews!!!

Tomorrow is SOME KITTY'S BIRTHDAY!!!!

Gee, I wonder who it could be?

You will have to come back tomorrow to find out AND to enter to win THIS from www.forloveofadog.com!!!

See ya tomorrow.........

oh and 

PLAY BALL!!!

Winner of the Handmade Cat Blogger Lampwork Necklace from For Love Of A Dog! Purrfect for #BlogPaws!

Hi every furry and Happy Thursday!!

Oh are we gonna make some kitty's Mama  SUPER HAPPY TODAY!!!

Today I am announcing the WINNER of the

Handmade Cat Blogger Lampwork Necklace 

from:

Visit For Love Of A Dog
right here

Thanks to ALL of you who entered!

Our lucky winner

(as chosen by rafflecopter) is:

Image "borrowed"
from Glogirly's "Meet Us" page

CONCATULATIONS!!!!

You will LOVE this necklace!

Visit:

RIGHT HERE

For those that didn't win:

The REGULAR PRICE of this necklace would be $85 but Sue has put the necklace ON SALE for my readers for at least 2 weeks! The sale price is $50 which is a bargain for meticulously handcrafted, original jewelry that you CANNOT find anywhere else!  If you would like to order the necklace NOW, just click here

For those who might be interested in purchasing the DOG version  just click here

When Mom talks about  the superb quality, value, creativity, uniqueness,  and appearance of Sue's jewelry, she is  saying that as a CUSTOMER, NOT as a person given an item for free to review.