I miss the cuddly, tiny newborn baby stage, don’t you?  When Emma was born I marveled at the small size of her fingers and toes – so adorable!  But they grow up all too fast, and although we love that they grow up there’s always a part of a mommy that wishes for a newborn again.

Now your memories don’t have to be quite so bittersweet because you can preserve that tiny fingerprint forever in a bed of fine silver to wear around your neck!  I was thrilled to my fingertips (pun intended ;-) when I saw the photos of the fingerprint pendants on the Little Ella Bug website – beautiful!  I can’t think of a more unique or meaningful gift idea for a new mommy, or for a grandma who lives far away from her new grandbaby and is unable to see her in person.

How it Works:

Thanks to the wonderful Amber, fellow mommy and creator of the beautiful fingerprint pendants at Little Ella Bug, I was able to experience the fascinating process of making a silver fingerprint pendant.  Amber sent me one of her fingerprint impression kits which includes a special clay for you to capture your little one’s fingerprint in, and a postage-paid return envelope.

The kit is the epitome of simplicity to complete and return, though I can’t say I didn’t worry somewhat about getting the “perfect” fingerprint.  I think the thing to remember here is that each fingerprint is unique and so will each pendant be unique!  Which is, of course, exactly what we want.  :)

So I sent Emma’s sweet (imperfect) little almost two-year-old fingerprint impressed in clay to Amber, and look what arrived about two weeks later!

I am beyond pleased with this beautiful, one-of-a-kind pendant featuring my little girl’s fingerprint.  I love that it is made of pure fine silver, and that the fingerprint shows up so well!  It’s definitely a conversation starter wherever you go.  I plan on purchasing a sterling silver chain to pair with this pendant and give it the justice it deserves.

Final Thoughts:

I’m SO happy with my experience with Little Ella Bug and would recommend working with Amber without hesitation!  Amber is sweet, takes the time to email you and answer all of the questions you have, and is so very patient (I made a mistake on my first kit and she was sooo nice about it – sent me a second one right away).  I love the thought of giving such a wonderful, genuine fellow mommy my business.  When my second little one arrives I plan on ordering another fingerprint pendant and capturing his or her fingerprint early.  So exciting!

Buy it Now!

You can purchase your own unique, handmade silver fingerprint pendant for only $65.00.  A Swarovski birthstone charm can be added for $5.00, and you can also customize the back of the pendant with an initial or name.  Buy two or more and receive a discount!

More from Little Ella Bug:

Besides Fine Silver Fingerprint Pendants, you’ll also find Handstamped Initial and Name Pendants, as well as great products for new moms!

Read Little Ella Bug’s feedback in their guestbook!

Follow Amber on Twitter

Giveaway closed.  Congrats to our winner, Brooke Comperchio!

Now for a giveaway!

Amber from Little Ella Bug is generously offering one of my readers a silver fingerprint pendant!  Enter below:

{Prize} One winner will receive a fine silver fingerprint pendant.
{Eligibility} Open to the US only.

{Mandatory Main Entry } Visit Little Ella Bug and look around, then come back here and tell me in a comment something you learned or something else you would love to own.

Optional Extra Entries – Get 1 extra entry for each unless otherwise noted:
(Leave a separate comment for each extra entry!)

• Tell me in a comment whose fingerprint you would capture if you won!
• Follow Little Ella Bug (Amber) on Twitter
• Grab my Maternity Event button (sidebar) and put it in your sidebar for 2 extra entries!
• “Like” my Kindred Spirit Mommy Facebook Page
• Tweet this giveaway and include @littleellabug (daily tweets available!) – You can use the Retweet button in the top right corner of this post if you want.
  
• Stumble/Digg/Facebook, or share this giveaway in some other way (email, etc) (1 extra each)
• Add my button to your sidebar
• Follow my blog, Subscribe to my blog by feed reader, and/or Subscribe to my blog by email (1 extra each)
• Follow me on Twitter (@kindred_spirit)

• +5 extra entries: Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Giveaway will be closed on September 3, 2010 at midnight PST and winner notified by email and posted on this website (either in this post or in a new winner’s announcement post).  Winner will then have 48 hours to reply to my email or I will have to re-draw another winner.  Good luck, everyone!

Disclosure:  I was provided with the product reviewed above so that I could share my thoughts and experiences with you.  This post is 100% my own opinion and written in my own words, and was not edited or reviewed by anyone.  I do not feel obligated to write a positive review – I’ll always share my honest thoughts!

I am woman, a lover of beautiful things.  A woman who feels the urge to stop and dawdle through the cases of shiny jewelry while shopping.  I cannot pass unheeded the shop full of silvery prettiness while making my way through our local mall.  I love jewelry!

I have to admit, though, that I have a special fascination for silver and titanium jewelry that is handmade.  Many times over the past year you could find me dreamily perusing handcrafted jewelry found on Etsy, adding things to my wishlist left and right.

Then I found a wonderful place that promised to make my dreams come true…

I’m loving Renaissance Fine Jewelry for three specific reasons:

1. Everything in their online store is absolutely gorgeous!  Their photography really brings out the beauty of the handmade pieces, too.

2. Everything is very affordable – I kept thinking, “Can I really have a beautiful ring like that for only $_____”.

3. I’ve been wanting to choose a special set of rings for my husband and myself for a long time.  My husband has totally annihilated his current wedding ring (good grief, it’s only been five years!) and one of my diamonds fell out of my wedding ring, so it’s been put into retirement until I can get it fixed.  Those two rings didn’t match, sadly.  What a perfect excuse to pick out a new matching set!

Before I tell you about my new set, let’s take a look at some of the beautiful pieces found at Renaissance:

These two tension set rings give you a good idea of the range of customization they are able to do for you.  You can have a wide band or a smaller band, anywhere from 4 to 11 mm.  The ring on the right is brushed silver while the left one is shinier.  I personally prefer the brushed silver look.  :-)  There are a variety of beautiful precious stones available in these tension sets.  I think this is a wonderful and unique way of showing off a favorite gem!

Are these awesome or what? I think they would be awesome Valentine’s Day gifts for a man in your life!  That middle one especially is something my husband would love.  Make sure you check out their full selection of unique milled rings here.  There are over 40 to pick from!  And… *ahem*  these would look awesome on girls like me, too.  ;-)

Check out their promotional sale – all of their promotional rings are only $12.99!

You also have the option of getting your ring engraved for only $5.00.

My Thoughts:

Renaissance Fine Jewelry was super generous and sent me three rings to review – a matching set of two rings for my husband and myself, and a tension set ring for me!  I’m excited to have the opportunity to share my thoughts with you, and am glad I am able to cover both styles!

The 4-mm Tension Set Ring with a Natural White Sapphire Gemstone ring that I received is simply stunning and exactly what I was hoping for.  The sapphire gemstone is lovely and beautifully set, and the brushed silver has a nice sheen.  I asked for a size 7 and the ring fits perfectly and is very comfortable!  Four millimeters is a good size if you want to pair two rings together, something I chose to do.  This ring and the ring from the Matrix set are gorgeous together, too!

In the shop policies, we learn that titanium is strong, durable, and hypoallergenic.  I love that it’s hypoallergenic, don’t you?   It also states that titanium can get surface scratches; however, these can be buffed out by a jeweler.  My ring (the tension set ring) does have a small scratch (scratched by me, it came to me flawless), though it doesn’t bother me in the least – only someone looking very, very closely would even notice.

I’m thinking that the brushed titanium rings might show scratches a little bit more than the others since my other ring isn’t showing any scratches.

His and Hers Matrix Set:  I really love both rings in this set.  They have a unique look to them – it almost looks like there is a tiny diamond in each hole, the way they shine.  And of course, I love that they match!  As I said before, both the tension set ring and the women’s ring in this set look beautiful together.

My ring is 6 mm and my husband’s is 8 mm wide.  Can you believe these rings have a lifetime satisfaction guarantee?  This is some beautiful workmanship!

Conclusion: I think that Renaissance Fine Jewelry is a great place to buy affordable quality jewelry.  I tried to think of something I don’t like about them or the shop, but there’s nothing!  I really am very happy with my rings and wear them constantly.  I was giddy with excitement when i first saw them and that hasn’t really worn off.  I would be happy to own any of their other rings and would recommend them without hesitation!  I’m going to keep my eye on their store, for sure.  :-)

Buy Buy Buy!

You can purchase the His and Hers Matrix Set for $72.99 USD, and the 4-mm Tension Set Ring for $46.82 USD.  They have an awesome selection, so make sure you check out all of their inventory including tension sets, sterling silver inlay, 14 karat gold inlay, milled rings, and their matching sets!

Standard shipping in the United States is FREE!

I would like to thank Renaissance Fine Jewelry for sending me three of their rings free of cost in order to write a full review.  This review is 100% my own opinion, my own experiences with the product(s), and in my own words.  No monetary compensation was received.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching – are you ready, husbands?  Boyfriends?  You’d better be!  ;-)

If you aren’t (or even if you are – you’ll need ideas for the future), I would like to make a recommendation:  Sleepy Moon Design!  I myself absolutely love the style and simple elegance of the jewelry found there.  I believe that most women would be thrilled with a Sleepy Moon piece!

If you need a more specific recommendation, here a couple of my current favorites:

I wonder if my husband is reading this… ;-)

About Sleepy Moon Design Jewelry:

Zoe is the mastermind behind Sleepy Moon.  Everything she designs is chic yet evocative, incorporating pearls and precious stones with hammered sterling silver or copper.  You’ll find necklaces, hammered bracelets, earrings, and more – and I have to say that many of her pieces are very fitting bridal-wear.  I would have loved to have had something from Sleepy Moon to set off a beautiful bridal gown.  Alas, it is too late.  *sigh*

Sleepy Moon jewelry is made with quality materials and is still very reasonably priced!

Zoe does custom orders as well, so don’t hesitate to contact her and ask!

~ Review ~

Thanks to Zoe at Sleepy Moon Design, I was able to review a pair of stunning sterling silver Green Leaf Peridot Earrings.

Aren’t they gorgeous?  This is how they came to me – in a delicate mesh fabric bag and tied with this ribbon.

As I stated before, all of her jewelry is made with quality materials.  These earrings didn’t disappoint me – they’re very well-made and professionally put together.  They’re perfectly symmetrical, and a pleasure to wear!  And, though they look delicate, they’re sturdy.  I love them!

Sleepy Moon is my new favorite place to find beautiful jewelry that will go with anything! I can’t wait to see what else Zoe comes up with!

Don’t miss a thing!

Follow Sleepy Moon on:

Twitter (@SleepyMoon)
Facebook
Follow the Sleepy Moon Blog

One lucky winner will receive a pair of lovely Tiny Moonstone Earrings!  Open to US and Canada.

This giveaway has ended.  Please check the “Winners” category in the blog menu to see if you’re a winner!

See full review, giveaway, and disclosure policy here.

Today I want to introduce you to Gypsy Soule, an online boutique dedicated to providing accessories and jewelry that will help you bring out your inner chic cowgirl! I really enjoy browsing their selection of blinged-out boots and flip-flops, and their jewelry is seriously good-looking. You do not have to be a “cowgirl” to appreciate their style, that’s for sure!

About Gypsy Soule:

Review and Thoughts:

Buy it!

The Mexican Flower Cuff retails for $58.00 at Gypsy Soule. Be sure to check out their other jewelry, too!

Friend Gypsy Soule on Myspace
Fan Gypsy Soule on Facebook
Follow Gypsy Soule on Twitter

If you have a moment, leave a comment -
It’ll make me jump up and down for joy! :-)

Twisted Silver is a place where beautiful modern and funky jewelry abounds. Those (like me) who want an assortment of different styles of accessories to match any outfit, dressed up or down, will find themselves happily overwhelmed by the selection Twisted Silver has to offer!

Cool Fact: Celebrities looove Twisted Silver!

Hip and modern necklaces as well as fashionable belts, charms, and earrings can be found at Twisted Silver…

But my favorite section is the wrist-wear! I absolutely cannot stay away from their bracelets!

Aren’t they gorgeous? And there are so many more that I’m sure you will love!

My Thoughts: Twisted Silver sent me their lovely Uptown Bracelet (above) to review. This piece is truly beautiful, and even more so in person. Even their exceptional photography doesn’t capture the true charm of the bracelet itself. It is classy and contemporary chic at the same time – you can wear it with anything! Another thing I really like about it is that it’s easily adjustable with a clasp and chain closure. No more ill-fitting bracelets!

I’m very pleased with my experiences with Twisted Silver’s products and the people I worked with, and I would buy from them in the future without hesitation!

Buy it: You can purchase the Uptown Bracelet for $40.00 at Twisted Silver. Don’t forget to sign up for email updates sent out every Tuesday here!

Visit the Twisted Silver Website
Follow Twisted Silver on Twitter (@twistedrocks)
Fan Twisted Silver on Facebook
Follow the Twisted Silver Blog

Also check out the Outlet Store (some pieces of jewelry as low at $7.00!) and keep an eye on their weekly hot deals! You never know what you’ll find!

Disclaimer: The review item was sent to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

If you have a moment, leave a comment -
It’ll make me jump up and down for joy! :-)

I’m always looking for unique gift ideas for hard-to-buy-for people. You know, the person who has everything already? Artisan glass is something that fascinates, especially when there is something unique about the glass. This is where J. Winterbower Glass Art comes in…

Joe Winterbower is the creator of fine lampwork marbles, paperweights, beads, pendants, and more! He works with molten glass at a blazingly hot torch in order to create gorgeous works of art that will have collectors of beautiful things drooling.

They carry various styles of beautiful glass pendants, beads,

Deal Alert!

Shipping is always free AND they do layaway!

J. Winterbower Glass Art wants to give one of you an artisan glass marble! Winner will be able to choose from the following (and I have more photos of each one to help the winner decide):

This giveaway open to anyone in the world!

How To Enter (mandatory): Visit J. Winterbower Glass Art and tell me what else you would like to own there! Please leave your email address in your comment so I can let you know if you win!

Extra Entries (Optional) (Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry)

• Answer this question: Which of the four marbles would you choose if you won? (+1 extra entry)

• Follow them on Twitter (@jwglassart) and/or fan them on Facebook! (+1 extra entry each!)

• Suggest to at least five Facebook friends that they fan J. Winterbower Glass Art on Facebook! (+1 extra entry)

• Follow/Subscribe to this blog (+1 extra entry each)
• Add my blog to your Technorati Favorites and/or stumble this post (+1 extra entry each)
• Add my button to your sidebar (+1 extra entry)
• Blog about this giveaway (+3 extra entries)
• Follow my blog on Facebook’s Networked blogs here! (+1 extra entry)
  
• Follow me on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/kindred_spirit (+1 extra entry)
• Tweet this giveaway and/or share on Facebook (+1 extra entry) You can Copy/Paste this:
  

  Artisan Glass Vortex, Galaxy, Tornado, and Flower Marbles – Giveaway! http://kindredspiritreviews.blogspot.com @kindred_spirit @jwglassart
  

• Grab my 2009 Holiday Gift Giveaway Extravaganza button and put it in your sidebar! (+2 extra entries!)
  
  <a href="http://not-a-real-namespace/http://kindredspiritreviews.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="A Kindred Spirit's Thoughts" src="http://not-a-real-namespace/http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q83/ladyufshalott/blogeventbutton.jpg" /></a>

Giveaway will be closed on November 28 at midnight and winner notified by email – good luck, everyone!

Disclaimer: This review is 100% my own content and my own opinion, and I was not reimbursed in any way for this post.

If you have a moment, leave a comment -
It’ll make me jump up and down for joy! :-)

At Pearl Paradise, you’ll find many different styles of pearl pendants, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and matching sets! It’s one of the best places to shop online, and there’s something for everyone in all price ranges.

You can also learn a lot at Pearl Paradise, too. Did you know there are many different types of pearls? The pearls in the gorgeous bracelet above are Tahitian Pearls, very beautiful and rare.

I love that there are so many different and unique shapes and colors, too. Ooh, check out this golden pearl:

PearlParadise.com even has an amazing educational section that covers pearl quality, grading, types, history, and care. This really impresses me. They are serious about what they do and want their customers to be informed and happy with their purchases!

I fell in love with this Baroque Tahitian Pearl Pendant on a Silk Cord the moment I saw it!

Isn’t it lovely? I think having the pearl as the focal point is wonderful – it makes me feel as if this pearl is extra special. I imagine it being priceless and fought over by pirates…

Yes, I have quite an imagination. ;-) But it adds to the fun of finding and wearing a gorgeous piece of jewelry, doesn’t it?

My pendant arrived in a lovely black gift case. Included in the package was an envelope with information on how to care for the pearls and clean them. They even included two pearl tissues and a microfiber pearl cloth to clean them with! I also received an appraisal certificate – my pendant (notice I keep saying “my pendant”? I’m enjoying saying that…) was appraised at $600.00! It’s available at Pearl Paradise for $120.00. Find out how they can afford to sell their pearls at such inexpensive prices here.

I found my pearl necklace to be just as beautiful as shown in the photo above and I’m very happy with my experience! I like jewelry that is simple yet elegant, so this fits me perfectly. I would recommend PearlParadise.com without hesitation, and think that husbands and boyfriends would do well to heed my advice and head over to Pearl Paradise immediately!

I have a few great Pearl Paradise discount coupon codes for you that were included in my package!

Pearl Paradise wants to give one of you a Baroque Tahitian Pendant on a Silk Cord just like mine!

Extra Entries (Optional) (Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry)

• Follow/Subscribe to this blog (+1 extra entry each)
• Add my button to your sidebar (+1 extra entry)
• Blog about this giveaway (+3 extra entries)
• Follow my blog on Facebook’s Networked blogs here! (+1 extra entry)
• Follow me on Twitter (@kindred_spirit) (+1 extra entry)
• Tweet this giveaway and/or share on Facebook (+1 extra entry each) Copy/Paste this:
  

  Pearl Pendant #Giveaway – Win a Baroque Tahitian Pearl Pendant from Pearl Paradise! http://bit.ly/1lKCQm @kindred_spirit
  
  

• Grab my 2009 Holiday Gift Giveaway Extravaganza button and put it on your blog! (+2 extra entries!)
  
  <a href="http://kindredspiritreviews.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="A Kindred Spirit's Thoughts" src="http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q83/ladyufshalott/blogeventbutton.jpg" /></a>

Giveaway will be closed on November 24 at midnight and winner notified by email – good luck, everyone!

Disclaimer: I was sent a pearl necklace for review and testing purposes only. This in no way sways my opinion or my post. This review is 100% my own opinion and my own content.

See complete rules and disclaimers regarding giveaways here.

I am a lover of jewelry. Especially silver and copper necklaces and earrings – so totally my style! When I discovered handstamped jewelry, I was in heaven. Beautiful silver jewelry that can be personalized to become one of the best gifts ever or a keepsake for yourself. People put their children’s names on them, their favorite short sayings, words that mean something to them (like “faith” or “hope”), or names and dates that mean something to them. So. Cool!

Sentimental Silver (don’t you love that name?) carries personalized handstamped tag necklaces, pendants of all shapes and sizes, pendants with small sparkly jewels (my favorite), and jewelry especially for couples with hearts galore. You can even personalize with photos!

You could definitely have a lot of fun with this…

About Sentimental Silver:

Christi Farr is the creator of all the jewelry at Sentimental Silver. The pendants, each made from pure silver, are completely handmade and handstamped, making each piece extra special. You can find out more about the difference between pure silver and sterling silver and how each pendant is made here.

My Thoughts/Review:

Thanks to Christi at Sentimental Silver, I was able to review a You Have My Heart necklace.

This lovely necklace was sent wrapped carefully in pink tissue paper and nestled in its own little drawstring bag. I loved the presentation, it really made you feel like you were getting a treasure in the mail. And the necklace itself is gorgeous! Despite the fact that my name is so much longer than John’s, Christi was able to make it look balanced and obviously took a lot of care with it.

The chain is just the perfect length for me, not too long or too short. The one I received is 16 inches. She also carries 18 and 24 inches with several different styles and options to choose from. You can also add a tiny tag – I thought it would be nice to add the anniversary date to that. :-)

Conclusion: This is a beautiful piece of jewelry and knowing that it’s been made completely by hand adds to its charm. I’m going to treasure this and am very happy with my experience at Sentimental Silver!

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Sentimental Silver and tell me what your favorite piece of jewelry is there. Please leave your email address in one of your entry comments!

• Tell me in a comment how you would have your tiny tag necklace personalized (+1 extra entry)
• Follow Sentimental Silver on Twitter and/or Facebook (+1 extra entry each)
• Sign up for the Sentimental Silver newsletter (+1 extra entry each)
• Comment on any non-giveaway post from September (+1 extra entry each – limit 5)
  
• Add my blog to your Technorati Favorites/stumble this post (+1 extra entry each)
• Follow/Subscribe to this blog (+1 extra entry each)
• Add my button to your sidebar (+1 extra entry)
• Blog about this giveaway (+3 extra entries)
• Follow me on Twitter (@kindred_spirit) (+1 extra entry)
• Tweet this giveaway/share on Facebook (+1 extra entry each) Copy/Paste this:
  
  

  Ends Tonight! Sentimental Silver Personalized Handstamped Necklace Giveaway – http://bit.ly/2rEa9 @SentimentalSilv

Winner will be drawn on October 3 and notified by email – good luck, everyone!

Disclosure/Disclaimer: Although Sentimental Silver sent me a sample necklace for review and testing purposes, it does not affect the honesty of this post. This review is my own opinion and in my own words.

See complete rules and disclaimers regarding giveaways here.

Thank you sooo much for sharing this post! :-)