Sunday, September 19, 2010

Novica Review & Giveaway (Closed)

I was contacted by Novica a few weeks back and they asked if I'd like to order from their website, write a review and host a giveaway. I was given a gift certificate code to place an order for anything on their website, but I was not paid to write this. The opinion of their products and website are purely my own. I'm just now getting to share with you my purchases because it took me forever to decide on what I wanted. They have so many wonderful and unique gifts that it was hard to narrow down. Seriously, I spent hours searching through all the treasures Novica has to offer.

Before I tell you about my goodies, I wanted to tell you a bit about Novica. Ever heard of them before? I hadn't until I saw a review done by Barbara Bakes and as soon as I went to their website I found a beautiful amethyst pitcher in their corporate gifts section. When it was actually time to place my order that pitcher was no where to be found, but that's okay because I still got some things that I'm happy with. I'm not generally a fan of ordering online because I like to support local businesses and I'm cheap and don't like to pay shipping, but Novica is different. Novica is associated with National Geographic and they don't have run of the mill stuff. They offer one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, eco-friendly green gifts, jewelery, clothing and home decor all made by over 2000 artisans from all over the world. How cool is that?

What I liked about this website and company and what made me feel good about ordering from them was that you know who you're ordering from. When you view an item, the website shows you a picture of the artist as well tells you a bit of their history. It's personal. It's almost like shopping at a world market and these talented artists are offering you the fruits of their labor. It's a beautiful concept and I wish there were more websites like Novica. And it gets better... Novica offers a program called microfinance that helps people like you and me support their artisans. Microfinance allows anyone around the world to give their artists loans at 0% interest so that they can keep on creating, building and crafting. It's a perfect scenario, because it's people helping people, and that's a company I can get behind.

Now onto the goodies I ordered. I got the Contempo Tray and Pineapple Spoon Rest from artist Luis Martinez in Mexico, and my favorite, Silver Plated Coffee Bean Earrings from artist Danai from Thailand. The tray and pineapple arrived in about a weeks time and were gift wrapped in thick paper and tied with a raffia bow. The earrings were tucked into a little pillow in a handmade paper box. Both came with postcards from their respective countries as well as a handwritten note from the artisans. I continue to be impressed by them. The only drawback was that the spoon rest wasn't quite big enough to accommodate my spoonulas, but I'm using to cradle my jewelery instead. Not only are they beautiful, but they're quality too- you can see and feel it.

Novica has kindly and generously offered to give one of you a $50 gift certificate to use on their website. Anyone and everyone is eligible for this giveaway. Here's what you need to do in order to qualify for this giveaway:

  1. Go to Novica's Corporate Gifts section and find something you'd like to have.
  2. Leave me a comment on this post (one comment per person please) telling me what you'd like to have and who the artist is. Make sure both of those details are in your comment or your entry will be void.
  3. Please make sure you leave your contact info if you should win.

A winner will be chosen and revealed on October 1st. Best of luck!

Thank you Novica!

99 comments:

  1. I saw the review on Barbara Bakes as well -- I like your choices!

    I love the Cobalt Dreams Tumblers from Javier and Efrén's workshop. I also like the Cobalt Spiral ones -- difficult choices!

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  2. The glass nativity scenes by Jose Pinpinco are beautiful!
    kimprine1@yahoo.com

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  3. Oh how I wish I could have found this website earlier. My anniversary is Thursday and I found the perfect gift for my husband. Figures I would finally find something five days prior lol. :/ I would have to choose this wood sculpture http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=63904 by Nyoman Karsa as I could always put it up for Christmas or his Bday in January. :) Thanks <3
    Mandy
    textenn5543@yahoo.com

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  4. Wow! That website is amazing!!!! Seriously. I was in love with so many different things!
    I liked the wood bowls by Blas Ponce, however there are about a million things on the website I would love to have!

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  5. The items on this website are so Beautiful! I would pick the Glass Pitcher 'Cobalt Spirals of Thought' and the matching Blown Glass Drinking Glasses 'Spirals of Thought' both by Javier & Efren(Mexico)!!

    -Nichole
    mnkruger846@msn.com

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  6. I really liked Shot glasses, 'Ruby Red' by Javier and Efrén.

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  7. no need to enter me in the giveaway. Just wanted to say I love your blog! I have been looking for cooking inspiration lately and you have been incredibly helpful. Great photos as well :)

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  8. I would chose the Sterling silver drop earrings, "Elephant Love" by the artist Jantana and give it as a gift for a good friend who loves elephants. What a cool website, I love that it is affiliated with National Geographic and features handmade gifts from around the world!!

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  9. Oh, the alpaca wool throw blanket-brown luxurious geometry is wonderful. Alpaca is so soft. The artist is Isidoro C'cahuantica.
    Thanks for sharing this site with us.
    Lynn Fitzgerald (lynndianne55@hotmail.com)

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  10. I really like the Men's carnelian ring, 'Dragon Eye' by Wayan Sarjana. Thanks for the great giveaway!


    Chris

    zekks at yahoo dot com

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  11. What an amazing Web site. I enjoyed just browsing. I like the Alpaca wool throw blanket (Alpaca shadows) designed by Isidoro C'cahuantco. It is going to be winter soon, and what is more inviting when the snow is pouring down outside? Yup, a nice warm blacket, one you can snuggle on the couch with. My contact is angie.walker41@yahoo.com

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  12. Great site, I like the Iron magazine rack, 'Book Garden' by Ketut Sudana Antara.

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  13. I consider myself to be quite the internet shopper but I wasn't aware of this site. I found so many things I would love to have starting with the sapphire blue martini glasses and aqua freeze margarita glasses handcrafted by Javier and Efrén. I also love the Studio Photography statuetee by Armando Ramirez. I've bookmarked the site. Thanks so much for the info!!!

    JulieP 2GenMom.POM@gmail.com

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  14. I love the Citrine and carnelian choker, 'Fire Flower'. The artist is Busarin.

    Deanna C

    haileylanedesign@bellsouth.net

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  15. I really like the "Sprirals of Thought" blown glass drinking glasses by Javier and Efren! We always seem to be out of drinking glasses and these look like they would be beautiful to use for guests!!

    BTW: I love the new blog header picture and background!

    kelgirl105 at yahoo dot com

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  16. The Pearl dangle earrings by Caine are my fave. They are so simple yet elegant. Loved them!

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  17. I think the Wood salad bowl by Blas Ponce Manrique is fantastic! Great company!
    -Nora
    soonsoon881[at]gmail[dot]com

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  18. The "Passage of Time" Bag by Ricardo Hinojosa is AMAZING! I have been looking for this exact bag! WOW! It is perfect. I am getting ready to do a little traveling! I love this website! I have a friend who dreams about being a photog for NG, so I also passed it on to her! Thanks, Monica for sharing so much with us!

    ~ Nicole
    nldavis321@gmail.com

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  19. What a great company! I would choose the wood sculpture "Everlasting Kiss" by Made Wirata and would give it to my beautiful daughter, who at 34, was becoming so discouraged by being single - she has found him! They are a beautiful couple and though it's only been a few months, I see "everlasting" in their future!

    Gayle L.
    wrenway@hotmail.com

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  20. I'd like to have the Leather briefcase, 'Executive Elegance'by Ricardo Hinojosa of Mexico.

    couponboss at gmail dot com

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  21. I like the Floral Lace Bracelet by Achara.

    I love your new blog banner! I need to get motivated and update my layout!

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  22. I'd definitely go for the wool handbag found here http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=111951
    by Teofilo Huayanay, my bags always seem too small, but I think that this one has just the right size =)


    http://zuvalupa.livejournal.com/

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  23. SO many pretties!!

    Insanely hard to choose, but I'm definitely drawn to the Ceramic teapot, Buddha and the Jade Elephant by Putu Oka Mahendra.

    I've been looking for cool tea pot for a while now and I think this one is just gorgeous ^_^

    stepharoo@gmail.com

    If I don't win I might have to just buy it anyway, hehe.

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  24. I love this website! I have never checked it out before. I have fallen in love with
    1) Silk and Cotton Shawl, 'Fal Foliage' by Thanyarat Sananpanich
    2) Beaded necklace, 'Blue Floral Cascade' by Busarin....

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  25. Wow! So many choices but I would love the earrings "Waves" to give to my daughter. She is graduating this December and I know she will be making waves in grad school.

    masperle@austin.rr.com

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  26. I love Novica,I have bought a terrific purse there for my mother in law and a pair of earrings for my mom!
    Leather travel bag, 'Passage of Time'is what I would love to have from the corp.section!If I could afford to get something that nice,wow,I would carry that bag every where!!!

    Ricardo Hinojosa is the artist.

    jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

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  27. I would like the Natural leaf gold-plated necklace, 'Forest Solo'
    Danai Leosawathiphong is the artiest
    floatingonabiscuit at gmail.com

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  28. I loved looking through everything. But the Pearl drop earrings, White Forest by Nyoman Rena (Bali and Java) really caught my eyes! they are so beautiful!

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  29. How to pick? Clearly items by Javier and Efren as I love glass work, but which? "rainbow gems" or cobalt tumblers? The beautiful cobalt spiral highball glasses? Cobalt charm pitcher? I also love the Blue Ribbon wine glasses. . . .
    The rings by Buana and by Kenari are beautiful as well, but after TONS of consideration, I think if I could only purchase one thing, it would be the Amethyst "tulip" ring by Agung Pribadi.

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  30. Wow! This is a fabulous site! I'll be spending many hours and many dollars here! I really like Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Be Bold' by Warren and Robbin. Gorgeous!!
    Cathy akagreenhouse@hotmail.com

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  31. What a great store!! I looove the Ceramic teapot, 'Buddha and the Turquoise Elephant.' It's designed by Putu Oka Mahendra. :)

    lcintocable[at]gmail[dot]com

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  32. Ooo, tough choices. For myself, I would pick the "Lemon Blossoms" glass and aluminum vase by Rajendra from India but for Dude I would pick the "Happy Giraffes" wood sculptures by Francis Agbete. You know he loves himself some giraffes!

    I love the new fall header too-very cute!!

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  33. I love "the man in thought I" sculpture. I'm a sucker for heads, fantastic art. I love this site!

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  34. Oh oh oh the garnet and citrine earrings "swan" by Piyush Khandelwal are gorgeous!

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  35. Soapstone coasters, 'Elephant Checkers'-- I love the pineapple spoon rest -- that is very pretty.

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  36. Pearl & Agate Flower Necklace "Maritime Fantasy". A beautiful a necklace by Nareerat

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  37. Hmmm? If I'm to choose anything, I'd say the blue Pashnmina shawl by Syed Izaz Hussein. But if I'm to choose something that I'd purchase from the $50, it would be perhaps a couple of pairs of earrings, the "Moon in the Forest" by Wadarat Supasirsuk and the beautiful "Balinese Medallions" by Indah.

    Thanks so much for the opportunity to win.

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  38. Wine glasses, 'Blue Ribbon by Javier and Efren


    kerri.bryan@yahoo.com

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  39. I would love to have the dotted blue glass picture by Javier and Efren. darlabeck(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  40. Cedar and Leather Trays by Abel Rios.

    They are beautiful and we are a family of tray users!

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  41. I would choose the highball glasses "cobalt spiral" by Javier and Efren.

    mehaver@msn.com

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  42. I am so excited to see that companies like this exist! We had a "Free Trade" type business in the town I used to live in and I really miss being able to support these artisians.

    I think I would get the "Cobalt Spirals of Thought" glass pitcher from Javier and Efren. I am more than happy to spend more money to support these guys as they truly have a passion for what they do!

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  43. Love the sterling silver cuff bracelet "Feeling Free" by Oscar Figueroa Escorcia of Mexico

    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. I like the Celadon ceramic tea set "Thundering Dragon" by Thatsanee and Ramphan (Thailand)
    bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

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  45. I love the glass nativity scene "Blue Christmas" by Jose Pinpinco. Gorgeous and it would fit so well with my nativity collection!

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  46. During my infancy stage of blogging, I was contacted by this company. Being paranoid, I didn't accept their offer. Now I regret it. I'm so glad you checked the out and reviewed their items. I LOVE the earrings you chose. I got lost in their bookend collection. I have TOO many cookbooks!

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  47. I'm loving the filigree dragonfly by Alfredo Ingo.

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  48. I would love to have 2 or 3 sets of the Margarita glasses, 'Happy Hour' (set of 4) By Javier and Efren. They are perfect for any party involving margaritas!

    PJ (pjheavner@gmail.com)

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  49. I would love to have the Alpaca wool throw blanket, 'Alpaca Shadows' by artist Isidoro C'cahuantico. Simply beautiful!

    Randi
    randi (dot) wedekind (at) gmail (dot) com

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  50. Such lovely things--it's an amazing site. I was torn between Gulam Rasool's "White Jasmine" soapstone jewelry box, and Melati's "Ocean Blue Blossom" silk batik fan. Gorgeous! How nice to see artisans featured like that.

    Thanks!

    hpbugg@hotmail.com

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  51. Monica,

    Thanks so much for the sight. I have been looking for a braclet to match my ruby ring and I think this one:
    Carnelian charm braclet "Empress"
    artist Alicia de la Paz

    Would look just beautiful with it.

    Meemaw

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  52. WOW! this website is amazing!!! So many choices, but I definately fell in love with the Confetti Highball glasses by Javier and Efren. This website has such incredible products, that I will hopefully be placing an order with them in the future!

    Denice
    rdfillmore@eastlink.ca

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  53. I love the Caribbean Dream hammock by Maya Artists of the Yucatan!

    email in my profile
    Thanks for the chance!

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  54. I love the Soapstone candleholders, 'Tea Roses'by Gulam Rasool!!

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  55. I just came across your blog recently, and wanted to say thanks! I have been enjoying it!

    What have you done here? I found so many things to love! I narrowed it down to two.

    I collect Christmas things, so "Blue Christmas" by Jose Pinpinco is calling my name.

    I also fell in love with Gulam Rasool's White Jasmine soapstone box.

    Barbara
    stelladogo@msn.com

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  56. I, too, LOVE Novica! I visit them often (but need to plan ahead, since the goods come directly from the artists!). It's fun to get stuff from all over, isn't it??

    After perusing the Corporate Gifts section, I found a Bee-YOU-tee-ful Silk Batik Shawl, "Brave Java," by artist Yuni Kristina -- she's from Bali & Java. I would love to have it!!

    Thanks for this great giveaway!

    Kathy in CA

    oldhippiegrrl@yahoo.com

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  57. Beautiful items, how about any of the cashmere wool scarves...Soft, luxurious, warm and stylish!

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  58. I must have that tray you have with the candles on it - it's Lovely!

    Have a happy week!

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  59. 'Filigree Dragonfly' by Alfredo Inga.

    I love the new look of your blog!

    Thanks for the giveaway :)

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  60. EEEEEK!!! I love Novica! I would like to have every single thing, but I'll choose the Cobalt charm pitcher (by Javier and Efran) ...or maybe the Aztec Sun Stone (by Angel Ceron). Awesome, thanks for the chance, Monica =)

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  61. I really like the Lace Teardrop Earrings by kadek wijanegara

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  62. Monica,

    I love this site. Everything is so beautiful and I love reading the artist's story. It would be hard to choose what I would order, but I love
    Peridot dangle earrings 'Heart's Desire' by Yuniati.


    Mel

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  63. I love the hammock "Sea Breeze" by the Maya Artists of the Yucatan. The colors would be perfect in our backyard in Cape Cod and I can just feel what it would be like to sink in with a good book and iced tea!

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  64. I love the Natural leaf gold-plated earrings called 'Forest Duet'. These earrings are made by an artist named Danai who's from Thailand.
    lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

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  65. How can you pick just one thing with so many to choose from, def know where i'm gonna get some really neat christmas gifts esp love the highball confetti glasses by javier and efren

    traceymr@gmail.com

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  66. I LOVE the Pearl drop earrings White Forst by Nyoman Rena. Beauuuuutiful!

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  67. The cotton handbag, Lemon Lime Spring is adorable. Nareenat made this.

    Thank you!

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  68. I love the leather map "Modern World" by Francys Ferrria- so beautiful as well as the braided silver bracelet "blessing" by Wayan Asmana...love it!!
    Your site looks fantastic BTW!

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  69. Mosaic glass mirror, 'Hope for Peace'
    by Vidri Arte. Everything is so pretty!

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  70. Love, love, LOVE their 'Good Demon Boma' mask by by Oka Pastika and Ketut Mustika!

    Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    d(dot)fi(dot)gravity(at)gmail(dot)com

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  71. Wood chess set, 'Traveler' by Khyali Ram . There's so many beautiful items to pick from, it's hard to decide.
    katd528(at)aol(dot)com

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  72. I like the elephant dangle earrings from Jantana. Thank you for the giveaway and for the idea of the responsible gifting- I will keep this in mind this holiday season!

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  73. I love the Ceramic flower pot, 'Allende' by Castillo Family I'm trying to redo my kitchen with a mexican theme and this would look perfect! lizzey82@yahoo.com

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  74. I love the collection of Wadarat Supasirisuk. I'd love to have any item...but the rings are my favorite! :)

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  75. There are just so many beautiful items to pick from. I really love the coffee bean earrings you purchased. I have a favorite coffee from here in Hawaii that I am passionate about so I think that they would remind me of something good. I also love the earrings by Indah.

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  76. What a cool website! The Mosaic glass mirror, 'Hope for Peace'
    by Vidri Arte would look amazing in my hallway!
    cla517(at)yahoo (dot) com

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  77. I would love to have the Murano glass decanter by the Seguso Family artisans. Beautiful!
    sara_lewis01(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  78. WOW! So many beautiful items. How to choose? I went w/earrings: Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Winter Leaves' by Shanka. Thanks for the great giveaway. Blessings, SusanD

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  79. I would love the Christmas ornament set, Joyful Melody, by the artist Syed Izaz Hussein. Gorgeous!! Brenda N.

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  80. What an amazing site! Thanks for letting us know about it! I smell Christmas Shopping!!!! I love the Earings "Bali Melody" by Indah. Just as the meaning of her name... her work is BEAUTIFUL!

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  81. I've seen a bunch of great things but I love the tortoise shell martini glasses by Javier and Efren!

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  82. What a cool website! I'd get the Margarita 'Happy Hour' glasses by Javier and Efren!

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  83. I like the Alpaca wool shoulder bag 'Green Meadow' by Yurivilca Family.

    saraleland@att.net

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  84. I love the Tray, 'Mirror Image' by Luis Martinez in Jalisco. It is so striking and would look lovely displayed in my home.

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  85. the Hammock by Mayan Artists of the Yucatan

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  86. so many wonderful items, but I am a sucker for earrings and love the sterling silver "paradise" earrings by Sariashi.

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  87. I really liked the Carnelian pendant necklace, 'Love's Light'=)
    Thanks so much for a chance!
    Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

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  88. What a neat website! I really like the Wood batik bowls, 'Poker Run' (set of 4), by Indah and Indra. I will defiantly be frequenting and shopping at Novica more often!

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  89. I like the Venus Moon silver earrings by Guillermo Arregui. And the coffee bean earrings rock, too!

    Lea Bullard
    lbullard at gmail dot com

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  90. I really liked the Sweet Memories Stationary.

    Very nice choices.
    ~ingrid

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  91. I'd love this Murano glass vase: http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=126450. It is crafted by the Seguso Family.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

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  92. After searching the Novica site and accidentally forgetting my whole wheat pasta was on the stove (it boiled over)..I decided a pretty belt would be a long overdue gift I need to get for myself. I've lost 20 lbs in 3 months and I am in dyer need of a belt! Nothing fits! It's all too big!

    I think the coconut shell belt by Sasithon Saisuk is so pretty. And it looks like it could match with a bunch of my clothes.

    http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=151620

    My email is in the right hand column of my blog.
    http://730apron.blogspot.com/

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  93. I almost missed this! I would pick the Blown glass tumblers, 'Confetti Fiesta' (set of 6)by Javier and Efren.

    I'm not familiar with this company, but they had some beautiful things.

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  94. So many lovely things - I could go crazy there!

    That said, I think I'd have to go with the simply gorgeous mirror "Desert Breeze", by Veronica Ossio!

    Thanks!!

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  95. I think it's nearly impossible to choose just one thing from here. The coffee bean earrings you featured above are awesome!

    I also super duper love the blown glass pitcher "Confetti Fiesta" by Javier and Efren. http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=157060

    I also love all of "The Invitation" collection by Jorge Quevedo. Here's where you can find the stunning pitcher, and if you click on the "larger picture" you can see the whole collection. http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=142189

    I absolutely die for this Midnight Blossom blouse by Ketut Suwitra. http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=169727

    And this New Greetings silk tunic by Reema and Vicky. http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=152267

    I think I must stop now! LOL! Thanks for sharing this site with us!!!

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  96. I like Novica too, for exactly the same reasons you gave. I can spend hours looking around at all their terrific items, but right now I would like something to scent the house invitingly, since it is getting colder outside, and now doors and windows are closed, so I would like the Scented candles and incense set, in 'Aromatic Vanilla'
    by Na (Thailand)
    Thank you for hosting this gc giveaway.

    terrymac1a at hotmail dot com

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  97. I like so many things but would have to choose the water glasses by
    Javier and Efren

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  98. I love the sterling silver "rugged" ring by Ying. Its so beautiful!

    katiemarie713@juno.com
    bakingandbandaids.blogspot.com

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