Blogaversary Giveaway #4 - Tumbleweeds Handcraft

Kitty & Buck is turning one! To celebrate, I have collected a very special group of creative people together for giveaways throughout the entire month of February. I wanted to celebrate with you by selecting giveaway items from people who I have gotten to know over the past 12 months, thanks to Kitty & Buck. This is my final blogaversary giveaway, and I'm pretty excited about it.

In case you've been living under a rock, I'm going to introduce you to Tumbleweeds Handcraft. (Don't worry, I'm often found under rocks). Tumbleweeds Handcraft is a wonderful handmade business run by the equally wonderful Beca and Douglas, nestled in the Tennessee Mountains (and about to embark on an adventure to Kentucky I believe!) TWHC are the original purveyors of wood veneered sunglasses that you've seen me sporting, as well as many far more stylish ladies (and gents) in blog-land. I cannot speak highly enough of these guys, they work their butts off and truly care about their product and customers.  Plus Beca is a pretty mean macaron chef! (You have to follow their instagram to see her amazing bake-creations - apparently she is a lady of many talents)

Today, they are offering one of you a pair of your very own Tumbleweeds Handcraft sunglasses. These beauties are the "Around Ombre" style, with a gorgeous variety of wood veneer to create the ombre effect. All you have to do to win is enter below! Don't forget to use your bonus entries too for more chances to win.

I always encourage you to support handmade and small businesses, so if you don't win, how's about showing some love to these wonderful southern folk?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What I Wore - Deep In The Woods

If you've been following along for awhile, you've probably noticed that I have a particular style. Everyone does, right? Although I do vary wildly between fairly simple denim, boots and leather and what C calls my "Nanna Outfits" (affectionately, I'm sure) I don't venture too far out of my comfort zone, and stick to familiar jeans, blouses, skirts, collars and retro-y or vintage dresses.

So I feel like with this lovely draping top that I'm maybe messing the whole thing up. Like I need to add more layers, or something. (It's designed for more layers, but I don't really have anything to layer it with!) I think this works though, I do like how floaty the top is and it complements the high waisted jeans nicely. Perhaps I'll venture into more draping, layered looks for winter (yes, it's coming into Autumn and Winter here. ALREADY.)

I'm not sure about the designer of the top, but the style strikes me as Japanese, so I'm going with that. Therefore, let me introduce you to my new brooch Clarence. He's a beautiful paper crane design from Australian designer Under The Shade Of A Bonsai Tree. The brooch is made from Tasmanian Myrtle wood, I adore the wood finish, but you can get Clarence's cousins in red and black too (and even coated in beautiful Japanese paper) Clarence is definitely coming to Japan with us. I remember learning about Hiroshima as a child and making a gazillion paper cranes, I sent a lot to my Japanese penpal at the time.

It's been raining so much lately, perfect mushroom growing conditions. I don't think we get many exotic ones here. I've certainly not seen any red toadstools, but I'm always excited when I stumble across some. C took this beautiful picture (plus all of the pictures in this post) on my iPhone 3G. Really. We got all ready, trekked into the bush, turned the camera on. Nothing. I'd left the battery on the charger. Oops. I think he made the best of a terrible situation, I'm pretty impressed with the results. Welcome to my first phone-camera shoot.

Top // Saxony

BDG High Rise Seamed Jeans // Urban Outfitters

Origami Peace Crane Brooch // c/o Under The Shade Of A Bonsai Tree // Facebook

Geometric Triangle necklace // c/o Jessica-T (old)

Charm Bracelet // Swarovski (gift)

Meow's The Time Shoes // T.U.K. via Modcloth

Kitty
xo

Less than 24 hours left to enter!

Meet My Awesome February Sponsors

I have some wonderful sponsors to share with you this month, and I've discovered some fab new blogs! I hope you love them as much as I do, have you got your tea ready?

blog // twitter // instagram // facebook

We're Ben and Katie. We met in Montana, lived in Ukraine, South Korea, Russia and just moved to the US. Chestnut Mocha is our blog about adventures, food, style, lomography cameras and things that we do as a couple.

My favourite post: Winter Nights in Idaho plus Life Lately - I love these snowy photos! Also, Chestnut Mocha had a blog makeover in February and it's looking really spiffy.

blog // youtube // etsy // facebook

I'm Jenny and I am a creator of many things.  I sew costumes and monsters, paint my face like animals, film and edit stories from my world and the worlds in my head, and write all about it in my blog. I have far too many ideas and projects and my blog is where I organize them all.

My favourite post: Found Favourites #1 - Some cute finds for the week, including a couple of gorgeous dresses! There's also some fun costume posts too!

shop // twitter // instagram // pinterest

ABJ Glassworks is a small handmade business based in Philadelphia, PA.  Working to create whimsical and modern pieces for the home using traditional stained glass techniques, and inspired by the nuances of light throughout the day and the changing of the seasons.  Each product is made with concern for the environment, using eco-friendly techniques, non-toxic flux, and lead-free silver alloy solder, creating pieces for the person who appreciates beauty, functionality and the natural world.

My favourite product: Universe Terrarium Kit, hinged - I adore all of Ashley's work, but I'd love a beautiful terrarium. I'm torn between this one and the hanging ones, but I do love the shape of this one!

blog // twitter // facebook // pinterest

Hey there! I'm Lesley from By the Porchlight. I'm a 20-something living in Newfoundland (that's in Canada). I'm a fairly new blogger but I think I've come a long way in the past year. I love chatting about about diy and creativity, good food, good reads, good deeds and all of life's adventures! I hope you're stop by and say hi!

My favourite post: So Many Places to Go - A lovely travel wishlist that is so tantalising!

shop // facebook // twitter // pinterest

We think personal style is just another form of self-expression...and we make shoes for creative girls who can put together a look with effortless originality. Blowfish takes a break from the ordinary and a cue from the past. There's something unexpected in every shoe we create, just as there's something unexpected about every girl who wears them.

My favourite product: How about a wedge? Try Illi - not sure if I love tweed or black. Both? Or a flat? My pick is Nascha. I love the faux straw finish!

blog // twitter // pinterest

My name is Mo and I'm a New Orleanian, vegetarian , animal lover, pizza addict, bicycle commuter, women's college graduate who currently works in the film industry.

My favourite post: Wishlist Wednesday - this particular one has the "Handbook for the Recently Deceased" and I cannot possibly go past that! Also, Mo just got engaged! You can read all about it here.

blog // twitter // pinterest // instagram

Hello everyone! My name is Sarah and my blog is my little spot on the World Wide Web where I can produce a little sunshine, both for all of you and for myself. I've only had my blog for a couple months so I'm learning as I go along. My posts vary from make-up and fashion, YouTube videos- either my own or other's- and anything else that tickles my fancy.

My favourite post: Crystal Clear - It's more beautiful ice and snow pictures, what can I say? Beautiful.

blog // twitter // facebook

I'm just a simply complex tattooed person who is finding my way in the world of books, baking, blogging, and a life in Athens, GA.  My musician husband/partner and our rescue animals - 4 dogs, 3 cats and 2 fish - are also along for the ride.  You can meet them all on the blog!

My favourite post: What I See - A beautiful collection of photographs accompanied by some equally beautiful words. Plus, a new blog design! It's so pretty.

blog // pinterest

I created Share the Love in 2011 after getting engaged to my now-husband Sean. Initially, it was a private blog to share wedding information with my bridal party. After our wedding this past August, I decided to make my blog public, keep writing and see where this part of the journey leads me!  I had no idea how big (and fun!) was the blogging world. Now I write mostly for the social aspect, and for the love of writing.  And I write about things I love: food/cooking, vegetarianism, animals, art, my life.  Come say hi, I'd be honoured to "meet" you!

My favourite post: Vegan Tuesday: Cauliflower Poppers - yum. yum. yum.

blog // bloglovin' // etsy // facebook

The Vagabond Studio is an eco-friendy lifestyle blog dedicated to encouraging others to live a creative, sustainable, peace-loving life.

My favourite post: Icky Winter vs Natural Supplements - Because who doesn't want to keep healthy, naturally? I need all the immune boosters I can get, catching public transport, working in an office and becoming easily rundown with all the things I get up to.

blog // bandcamp // twitter

Hi there! I'm Chantilly, your friendly neighborhood singer/ songwriter. I sing about stupid crushes and write the best rainy day songs you've ever cried to. My website and personal blog features music, style posts, and chronicles the life and times of a creative gal in Brooklyn, NY.

My favourite post: Coffee Talk: Creativity - I love this post about accepting and taking joy in your creative ideas and inspirations and not being disappointed by your own expectations of success.

blog // shop // twitter // instagram

HIIIIIiii Friends - I am Maddie. People with my name are known to be excited by change, adventure, and excitement. They fight being restricted by rules and conventions, and tend to be optimistic, energetic, intelligent, and to make friend easily. We may be restless, untidy, and rebellious. That about sums me up in a nutshell... I hope you can stop by Thriftary some time and figure out the rest!

My favourite post: My Mom. My Friend. My Weekend - A lovely account of Maddie's mom's visit to Colorado, accompanied by more gorgeous, amazing snow photos!

blog // twitter // facebook // pinterest

Hi, I'm Sabrina and I run The Little Owl! My blog is all about my life in New York City as a college student, recipes, style tips, inspiration, and DIYs!

My favourite post: Five Recipe Fridays - I'm pretty sure I'll need to try that vegan Banana Almond Chocolate Ice-Cream as a special treat one day!

blog // facebook // twitter // pinterest

My Billie is a lifestyle and design blog focused on creative living and finding beauty in each day!

My favourite post: Good Words // 06 - Work Hard and Stay Humble, says it all really!

blog // twitter // pinterest // facebook

Hello, I am the girl behind princess corner, my happy place, where I share pretty things, lifestyle, art, fashion and more. Things that you should know, I am a vegetarian, fashion design student, now i am living in Costa Rica and I can´t wait to share more with you.

My favourite post: Presents For A Tea Drinker - How adorable is the fortune telling tea cup?

shop // facebook // twitter // instagram

I'm a vintage slingin' red head from Portland, Maine who owns a thrift store and runs an online shop.  I adore woodland creatures, 1950s dresses and zombies.

My favourite product: Camel Bandolino Sling Back Cage Sandals - I wish they were in my size! Gorgeous vintage sandals :)

Don't forget about my small sponsors too, there's some real gems over there >>> Just click their ads on the sidebar to immerse yourself in their goodness :)

Happy Monday! I hope you have a fabulous week,

Kitty

xo

Who wants to join me in March?

How about it? If you are a blogger or business owner, we offer affordable advertising with bonus love! March is going to be an exciting month for Kitty & Buck, including more giveaway fun. I'm also participating in a fun blogging event, which is going to be huge! There will be one or two travel themed posts in preparation for my jaunt to Japan in April. As well as the usual outfits, Founds and Wordless Weekend posts too.

The sponsor prices were recently increased, just a little, but if you purchase an ad before the 26th February, you can get a huge 30% off all ad spots, using the code irocksowhat. That's even cheaper than the previous prices, so take advantage while it lasts. It's also a bigger discount than the usual 3 month bulk discount, so if you'd like more than one month, you can lock in multiple quantities at this rate using the "Quantity" box (1 = 1 month, 2 = 2 months etc).

Both XL spots are currently available, as well as a few Large spots. You can book now at this price for the next available date, even if it's a month or two in the future. Sound good? Let me know if you have any questions about sponsorship, or if you need a hand designing a button.

That's it for now, I'm looking forward to March, it's going to be a completely rad month!
Kitty
xo

Guest Post with The Vagabond Studio - Peace

Hello, Kitty and Buck readers! My name is Shai and I blog over at The Vagabond Studio. Today, I want to talk to you about something on which I think we can all agree: Peace. See, I’m a Political and Social Philosophy major, and a Peace Studies minor. I get to take awesome classes like ‘Peace and Human Rights,’ ‘Peace Movements,’ and ‘Peace and Religion.’ Peace is just...sort of my thing.

You know what people who love peace generally do? They talk about it, like I am doing with you here today. They go to rallies and pressure the government to change positions on war and nuclear weapons. They give lectures on the environment, or religious globalism. They become activists. Me, though? I’m a little scaredy-cat. I can write papers and essays all day long, but actually getting in front of people and staking my claim in the matter? I’d pass out first.

Over the last couple of months, though, something in me just ‘clicked’. The lion in me has started to peek out and I’ve come to the realization that I have things I want to share with the world and causes I want to support. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am an intelligent, capable person with a sound voice and keeping my mouth shut is doing a disservice to the people I could be helping. I can speak publicly. Since making that decision, I received the news that I am one of twenty-five people accepted into the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation’s Peace Leadership Workshop this summer. One of Twenty-Five!! In the whole world!! Talk about a kick-in-the-pants ‘You have to do this!’ moment. It’s basically a week of peace leadership training with one of my peace-related heroes - a dream come true. Even better, he is personally training us, and will teach us to speak publicly!!

I will spend seven days in Santa Barbara learning how to put my dreams into motion. Just receiving this news has lit a fire under me - I’m speaking in class more often, presenting ideas to professors, and am even helping with student workshops next month. I realized that I have a voice, and I will use it without fear. So, this summer I will be traveling from Atlanta to Santa Barbara to attend the week-long NAPF Peace Leadership Workshop, and I need your help getting there! I have awesome perks in my fundraiser just for bloggers because, you know, bloggers rock my socks. I want to help the water crisis. I want to help end war. I want to spread equality, love and compassion across the world. And, you know what? I know you do, too, in some way or form. Will you help me face my fear, reach my goal, and spread peace? You can either donate (every little dollar helps!) or tweet and share my fundraiser with your friends!

Thank you so much for sharing your journey Shai, it's so inspiring to see someone following their dreams, especially when they dream of making the world a better place! If anyone would like to find out more, head on over to The Vagabond Studio, or the fundraising page. There are some rewards especially for bloggers, so you should take a look if you're thinking of supporting, you could also land some bloggy benefits for yourself :) Kitty xo

Found #48

 These illustrations by Skinny Andy are just too cute for words. Anthropomorphising food is a weakness though. Look at the outlaw Maraschino!! Soooo cute!

 via: Skinny Andy (each image click back to it's page)

 I love the blog Gems, especially the compilation posts. This one is from a recent post entitled "Smile", just a collection of random smiley images.

via: Gems

Because we have so many books, I'm constantly looking at new storage solutions. This is quite good, I like the fact that there is 'breathing space' around the shelves, I think it might work at making the shelving feel less intrusive. Not sure if my DIY skills are quite there though...

via: Remodelista

Spotted on Etsy, this gorgeous minty dress! Looks like the perfect attire for a tea-party, don't you think?

via: Shop Mod Antoinette

 Speaking of home improvements, how cute is this doormat? Much better than a boring Welcome mat, don't you think? I'd feel a little bad wiping my feet on him though...

via: Modcloth

via: Her Library Adventures

Thoughts on the Evolution of Personal Style. I really enjoyed Sophie's post this week on her personal style adventure. Personal style can develop from a number of influences, including family and friend's style choices, media exposure, music taste, ethics and circumstance (amongst other things, I'm sure). Check out how Sophie came to be the vintage lovin' stylish lady you see before your eyes today, it's a lovely read!

Kitty
xo

Blogaversary Giveaway with Uptights

Kitty & Buck is turning one! To celebrate, I have collected a very special group of creative people together for giveaways throughout the entire month of February. I wanted to celebrate with you by selecting giveaway items from people who I have gotten to know over the past 12 months, thanks to Kitty & Buck.

I met Penny from Uptights right at the start and she is one of the few people not based in the USA that I've come to know. I'm so pleased to call this creative, talented and hardworking lady my friend, I hope you love her work as much as I do! In the Uptights studio, Penny not only cuts, sews and packs up the tights, she also designs the prints from scratch, using a good old fashioned pencil and paper and developing them from there. They are truly unique and made with love :) You can see mine in action here.

Today Uptights is offering one extremely lucky Kitty & Buck reader a pair of her Mexican Lace Leggings, valued at AU$70 (approx $74US) just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, and don't forget to increase your chances by using your bonus entries. Good Luck! If you love Uptights as much as I do, please show your support to this lovely handmade business. To help you along, Penny is offering Kitty & Buck readers a special 10% discount, when you use the code FANOFTHETIGHT
a Rafflecopter giveaway

What I Wore - Melted Gelato in Mango and A Turquoise Sea

For the first time in forever, C and I decided to get an ice-cream and head down to the beach on the weekend. I think that perhaps our enforced indoor activities after many weekends of being rained out induced some kind of sugar-craving cabin fever. There was the most amazing blue ice-cream, but it was bubblegum flavour, and although my inner-child cried out for it, my stomach knew better. I went for a mango sorbet, and boy was it melty. I don't know if it's just been a long time since I had an ice-cream cone and I've forgotten, or if this brand is particularly prone to melting, but I ended up in a bit of a mess. It was pretty fun to be honest :)

That face is a slight gross out and hoping that I didn't just dribble gelato all over my clothes as C was trying to photograph them. I think I was safe...

Jeans // BDG Urban Outfitters (similar)

Blouse // Modcloth (old)

Shoes  // Tabbit c/o Blowfish

Sunglasses // Tumbleweeds Handcraft

Round Ring // Modcloth (freebie)

I like these jeans because unlike every other pair or BDG jeans I own, I didn't purchase them on the internet, they came from the UO store in New Orleans, so I always remember that moment I was walking down Decatur Street and spotted the store. Is anyone familiar with the old Decatur Street trick, "Let me tell you where you got your boots"? I'm pretty sure it's not limited to Decatur Street and unless you want to pay $10 for a spit shine, you best keep walking ;)

Kitty

xo

p.s - Less than 24 hours left to enter the Emerging Thoughts giveaway. We have a new Blogaversary Giveaway starting tomorrow, so make sure you get in before this one closes and check back tomorrow!