Giveaway with AmiMia! Win €30 to the AmiMia Etsy Store

I'm so pleased to introduce you to the lovely Amanda today, along with her adorable Etsy store, AmiMia. As you may have guessed from the introduction image, AmiMia is filled with the sweetest crochet creatures, from bunnies to kitties to *squeee* bumble bees! You'll find out a little more about Amanda below, and after the interview, you'll have a chance to enter to win a €30 gift voucher to the AmiMia Etsy Store! You can choose to spend it on something listed in the store, or commission your own project for Amanda to whip up for you once the giveaway is over.

Can you tell us a little about how you got started creating your cute little animals and developed your hobby into a handmade business?

Its hard to find the beginning point. I always enjoyed crocheting and knitting. At some point some of my friends and family members started to ask for toys and it turned out to be a wonderful project. I wouldn't say it is a business yet (although I hope it will grow); it is still my hobby and additional income at the moment is just a bonus.

Nevertheless, without people around me encouraging me to put my little animals up for adoption I probably would still make them just for my friends and wouldn't make big future plans about them.

What inspires you creatively?

People. I love seeing others do creative things and succeeding, it inspires me to go for more than I expect. Also long conversations and discussions; whenever I feel stuck in creative process I meet up with someone for a glass of wine and get my mind open for the craziest ideas.

Most importantly changes; when things are changing, I am changing and my environment is changing. Routine and calmness are my creative enemies; I don't like to be stuck at one point for long.

You are originally from Latvia, do you have any travel tips for the folks out there on places to see?

I come from Latvia but last 5 years I have been living in the Netherlands where I work and study. Latvia is a wonderful country and it will always have my heart. Most of the tourists usually visit Riga, the capital city which is hipster paradise. A lot of nice cafes, live music almost every night and a great Jugendstyle architecture.

But I suggest to go further from the capital city and visit Liepaja (my hometown) with the beach and club Fontaine Palace which has its own special aura. On the way it is obligatory to stop in the Rudales Palace and go along the Baltic sea shore to see the cliffs (well, those are cliffs for Latvian people). The farms and country living is much different and worth paying a visit also. And most importantly, go on top of every church you see to see the city from above. It is a possibility almost everywhere so use it!

Almost everyone in Latvia speaks English and are very friendly and will be happy to show you around.
By the way, at the moment there is a possibility to enter a contest to get a paid weekend in Riga with one of our celebrities, just check out www.celebritycouch.lv

How would you spend your perfect weekend?

At the moment I would really love to be in some music festival with my best friends or simply spend a weekend at the beach in my hometown, sleeping in, having drinks with my friends, swimming in Baltic see, listening to good music and catching the last of the sun this year.

When you're not creating cuddly creatures, how do you spend your time?

Last couple of month have been crazy for me and I don't really have had any free time. We have just moved to a new house (which means a lot of new ideas in any possible sphere of my life) and it takes most of my time. I am also working my student job, building up my portfolio and preparing to start my Master studies in September. Additionally to that I am always in constant explosion of thoughts what else could I do. I guess I could say, I keep busy so I don't have free time; if I do, I sleep.

What do you do to relax?

I crochet. At least for now it is still the thing I am looking forward the most when I am stressed out at work or tired from running around. Its a thing where I count my hooks, listen to music and turn off from everything around; then it is just me and my soon-to-be animal.

If you'd like to see more from AmiMia, you can visit and follow along over at the Etsy Store, Blog, Facebook and Twitter. Before you run off though, pop an entry in for the giveaway so that you have a chance to own one of these sweet friends handmade in the Netherlands!

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Kitty
xo

WIN a Wacom Intuos Pen + Touch Tablet with Pen & Peplum!

I'm so excited to be sharing a fantastic giveaway with you today! It's Miranti's birthday, so to celebrate, a group of bloggers have chipped in to give one of you an amazing present. Sounds good, right? The prize is a Wacom Intuos Pen + Touch tablet. If you're a designer, or edit images a lot, this tool is a game-changer. Many moons ago when I first tried a tablet in place of a mouse, I was dubious, but honestly, it's indispensable. I use mine every single day, even for non-creative tasks like web browsing and email.

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Tara Victoria | Mamages | Of Trees & Hues | We Resolve | Diana Willard | A Lively Blend | Helarious | Type & Title | Fernaly | Emma Lou Designs | Lucky Number 7 Studio | Love Grows Design | A Fine Line | Thou Swell | Cocorrina | Safaris and Sunsets | Folk & Fest | Kitty and Buck

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Wanna celebrate with us?

Here are the details:

+ the giveaway will run for two weeks until midnight on the 12th August 2014 (AEST).

+ to enter, simply use the widget below. Once you submit your first entry many (many!) more will pop up. You can choose to enter one or all, but more entries mean more chances of winning!

+ once the giveaway is over, a winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted for further details.

+ And yes, this giveaway is open to international readers.

Good luck!
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Giveaway on The Nectar Collective

Howdy! I've been a bit under the weather today, so I didn't to finish the post I had planned. But I thought I'd drop in and let you know that I'm hosting a giveaway over at The Nectar Collective. It's open internationally and the winner will get $100 gift card for Anthropologie plus an $80 gift card for Amazon! You can pop over to Melyssa's blog to check out all the details, or you can even enter right here, using the rafflecopter widget! Good luck :D

The Wellness Doer | Break the Sky | Kitty & Buck

Rainstorms and Love Notes | Jade and Oak | Beauty in Your Eyes | The Vibrant Living Project

The Alisha Nicole | A Harvest of Blessing | Sea Salt and Caramel | The Nectar Collective

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Sticky9 Review and Giveaway!

Well hi there! I'm really excited today to bring you a giveaway from a cool little company called Sticky9. You may have heard of them, they recently had a name change and were previously called StickyGram.

Sticky9 started out creating magnets from your Instagram shots, and now offer phone cases and tablet covers as well. But the magnets. I received my first set when I won a giveaway myself! It's really easy to order, you just log into the Sticky9 website with your Instagram account, where you can select which photos you'd like to include on your grid. A grid can be made up of 9 individual photos, or you can choose the "Jigsaw" option which uses one photo, broken into 9 pieces.

Sticky9 has also recently launched a 40% larger size, which is what I tried out for this review. I have... I think, 5 sheets of the "Classic" sized magnets, which are great. The "Classic Large"? Same greatness, but bigger! I duplicated some of my small magnets for the large one show you the difference.

I don't have a preference for one size or the other, but the large magnets are easier to spot detail in and make more of an impact when displayed on their own. I've tried a few magnet brands and these are good quality, fairly strong, without being overpowering. Stuff isn't falling off my fridge, which is a good thing! They have a nice matte finish as well, which I prefer over a glossy effect.

What do you think? If you're curious about Sticky9, or you have some magnets already and want MORE (you can never have too many), it's your lucky day! Sticky9 have kindly offered a sheet of their magnets to one Kitty & Buck reader. All you have to be to be in the running is follow the directions on the rafflecopter widget below. Good luck my friends!

If you can't wait to see if you win, you can grab 15% off using the code FRIENDNI69 *Full disclosure: If you use this code, I will also receive 15% credit into my Sticky9 account. As an added bonus, Sticky9 also offers free delivery worldwide and this giveaway is open... worldwide - oh yeaaah!

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April Sponsor Giveaway - Win $50 for Ban.Do!

April's giveaway is fabulous! Especially if you're fond of bright colours and shiny things. We are offering one lucky lady (or gent) a $50 store credit to spend at Ban.Do. My personal favourites are the sequin heart clips, suitable for shoes, or anything else that needs a little extra something. Aside from that there are goodies galore including zippered cases, headbands and bits and bobs to dress up your gadgets. All you need to do to enter is tell me your favourite colour! Easy, right?

This giveaway is made possible by my April sponsor team, please visit them to show your appreciation!

Katie: Normal Girl | Amy Grace | The Way I Wanderlust

To enter, simply follow the rafflecopter widget instructions below. There is one compulsory entry and a bunch of bonus entires to give you more chances to win. Good luck!
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Kitty
xo

Under The Shade Of A Bonsai Tree Giveaway!

Jacquie from Under The Shade of a Bonsai Tree has long been a friend of Kitty & Buck. A creative Australian lady, based in Tasmania, Jacquie creates beautiful jewellery and accessories from Tasmanian wood, Japanese paper and other materials such as polymer clay and acrylic. You can see me wearing a number of her pieces on the blog, including her Origami Crane (and here), the Harajuku Bows range (and here), and her Patchwork Brooch (and here). I have to admit, I was pretty chuffed to be able to take the Harajuku Bows on a visit to Harajuku in Japan!

Under The Shade of a Bonsai Tree has obvious Japanese influences, especially when you consider the use of Japanese Chiyogami paper in pieces like the gorgeous faceted wooden bead necklaces. There are origami inspired pieces, cherry blossoms and koi featured in the designs. But it's not all Japanese, there are aspects of arts and crafts in the patchwork range, bold geometric designs, and always, the influence of nature in both the materials and subject matter. There's something for everyone, while still maintaining a distinct style that tells you that this is a piece by Under The Shade of a Bonsai Tree.

Not only is Jacquie's work unique and beautiful, but it is all handmade in Tasmania and a percentage of profits also goes to Kiva.org, which provides micro-loans for people in poverty stricken countries in order to enable them to open or grow their own businesses. So you get extra feel-good points for supporting an indie business lady as well as others around the world.

Today I'm really excited to be offering one lucky reader the chance to own their own Harajuku Bows! The winner will receive either a Harajuku Bows Brooch OR Harajuku Bows Necklace in the colour of their choice, with a matching pair of Harajuku Bow Earrings as well. All you need to do to enter is follow the directions on the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

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Kitty
xo

Cat Ears Ring Giveaway!

Welcome to my March sponsored giveaway! This month, my sponsors and I are giving away a gorgeous gold plated cat ear ring from The Rogue and the Wolf on Etsy. This is one of their most popular pieces, but I really love everything in their store! The giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be able to choose the size ring from the available sizes on The Rogue and the Wolf product page.

This giveaway is made possible by my March sponsor team, please visit them to show your appreciation!

 Color Me Missy | Amy Grace | Hi + Lo
Whispering Sweet Nothings | Unrehearsed Kickline

To enter, simply follow the rafflecopter widget instructions below. There is one compulsory entry and a bunch of bonus entires to give you more chances to win. Good luck!

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Kikki-K Stationary Pack Giveaway

It's time for the monthly sponsored giveaway! This month, we have a beautiful prize pack up for grabs from Australian stationary suppliers, Kikki-K. This Swedish-influenced, Aussie based company makes such a lovely selection of planners, stationary, paper, pens, anything stationary-related. I love their Gel pens :)

One winner will receive the pictured prize pack, which contains:

1 x Gold polka-dot Black leather clutch

1 x Pink Leather bound notebook

1 x Pink Leather snap bracelet

1 x Pink Leather Heart keyring

1 x Metal rollerball pen

1 x Metal Ballpoint pen

All of this is valued at $149.95! (RRP)

This giveaway is made possible by my February sponsor team, please visit them to say thanks!

 Victoria's Class | Twentieth Street | Hi + Lo | Glitter Web Analytics

Shadylane | Hunting Bears | Amy Grace | Little Tree

To enter, simply follow the entry instructions on the widget below and good luck!

*Open worldwide. This giveaway has no affiliation with Kikki-K, I just love their products

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Giveaway: $75 ModCloth Voucher

It's time for my monthly sponsored giveaway. I'm sure you already know and love ModCloth's range of gorgeous and unique clothes, accessories and home-wares, they have something for everyone! This month a gift voucher is in order, to allow the winner to choose their very own goodies. Are you a vintage vixen? Modern lover? Do you need to update your office wardrobe? Or maybe enhance your accessory collection? Perhaps you need to redecorate your home with some pretty new trinkets. Or, are you like me, with some items hanging out in your shopping basket!? This $75 voucher will definitely get you well on you way. I want to add a special thanks to ModCloth for sponsoring this giveaway too, with their help we've been able to offer you a larger than average prize value this month! Thanks ModCloth ❤

This giveaway is sponsored by:

ModCloth | Sketchy Notions | Poverty Luxe. | Hunting Bears | Shadylane | Katie: Normal Girl

This is the monthly sponsored giveaway, supported by my advertisers. Please take a moment to visit their blogs and shops, without these lovely folk, this giveaway would not be possible. It is open worldwide, providing ModCloth can ship to your country (check here) - they ship to 51 countries worldwide, so you should be good! Right now, ModCloth are also offering free international shipping on orders over $150!

If you'd like to sponsor next month's giveaway, check out my advertising page. Last month's winner of the Frankie Calendar and Daily Journal was Vanessa, congratulations!

To enter, simply follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget below. There's one compulsory entry which will unlock a bunch of bonus entries, so you can feel extra lucky :)
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*This giveaway series is a selection of gorgeous goods chosen by Kitty & Buck and has kindly been supported and additionally sponsored by ModCloth
Kitty
xo

   

Custom Portrait Giveaway with Sombras Blancas Art & Design

Cristina is the lovely gal behind Sombras Blancas Art & Design. Based in Spain, she specialises in branding for small businesses and blogs, including logo design, business cards, social media graphics and website design. I'll let her introduce herself:

My name is Cristina and I am a Spanish graphic designer. I started this project a couple of years ago and now I am working full-time on my shop, creating new products every day and giving my best to meet my client expectations. I really enjoy what I do and I think that is reflected in the results. I also create original, custom vector gifts and that is what I would like to offer you through this giveaway. Valentine's Day is close and this can be a great present for your loved one.

Cristina is offering one lucky Kitty & Buck reader their very own One-Of-A-Kind custom couple portrait! The portrait will include a custom illustration of two people and will be delivered in a digital format (it is not a print). The prize is valued at $60(USD).

You can find more of Cristina's work on the Sombras Blancas Art & Design website, along with a showcase of her services. You can also find her posting work and inspiration on Facebook, and on Etsy, where you can purchase design services and premade designs.

The digital portrait is such a sweet idea for a gift to your favourite couple, or as a treat to yourself (and a loved one) on Valentines day (yup, it's on the way!) For a chance to win, simply enter using the Rafflecopter widget below, and good luck!

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Giveaway: Frankie 2014 Calendar and Journal

Welcome to my first sponsor giveaway! Since we're about to enter a new year, what better prize than a beautiful calendar and daily journal? I know Frankie Magazine has a loyal following outside her native Australia, but in case you're not familiar, Frankie has been around for about 9 years now, and was created as an alternative to the fashion magazines widely available. It celebrates many of the same things we love at Kitty & Buck, living well, supporting handmade and indie business, being yourself and embracing the creative lady (or gent) that you are! Each year Frankie puts out a gorgeous calendar and journal, featuring illustrations from artists around the world. I've included some peeks inside below so you have an idea of the beauty within.

These are so popular, they inevitably sell out each year. I've snagged one of each for you and they're waiting here for one lucky winner to hang out with for the next 12 months. 

This giveaway is sponsored by:

Unrehearsed Kickline // Starletta // Bookworms In Dresses // Hunting Bears // Red Parka Diaries

Starting this month I will be holding a special monthly giveaway, sponsored by my advertisers. Please take a moment to visit their blogs and shops, without these lovely folk, this giveaway would not be possible. It's is open worldwide, I'll be shipping the prize from here in Australia. If you'd like to sponsor next month's giveaway, check out my advertising page.
*This giveaway series is a selection of gorgeous goods chosen by Kitty & Buck and has no affiliation with Frankie

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Bella Rose Fashion Co. Giveaway - Three Winners!

It's all about the Aussies this month! I have a great giveaway from Australian based Bella Rose Fashion Co. today. If you haven't had a chance to check out their store, take a second and have a browse. They have a big collection of jewellery and accessories, I've collected some of my favourites above.

Everything is super affordable and you'll also get free shipping in Australia! Bella Rose Fashion Co. has generously offered three prizes of $25 vouchers to their store for Kitty & Buck readers. Everything pictured above is currently under $25 so you'll definitely get something awesome if you win. Simply follow the instruction on the rafflecopter widget below and you're in with a chance. Good luck!

Exclusive Discount!

If you'd like to take advantage of the free shipping within Australia, you can use the discount code kittyandbuck to get a further 10% off! (International shipping can be quoted)

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Kitty
xo
   

Giveaway: Ted Baker Jakko Bag with Amy Grace!

Amy Grace is a fellow Australian blog with a focus on all things beauty. Amy is the lady behind the blog and she writes about her adventures here in Australia as well as the odd DIY and of course, beauty reviews! She has chosen this beautiful Ted Baker cosmetic bag for one lucky reader today, all you need to do to enter is follow the directions on the rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!
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*The winner of the Urban Decay giveaway is Sarah!