Sack It To Me! {GIVEAWAY & DISCOUNT}

When I attended the Martha Stewart Dreamers Into Doers Conference back in January, I had the opportunity to meet some amazing entrepreneurs who were truly "dreaming into doing," and one of those women was Rupa Wickrama.  Rupa, who worked in the fashion industry, started a company called Saky Sacks after she had a hard time finding multi-purpose bags that were not only functional but also stylish.  And let me tell you - her designs certainly live up to their tagline "Green Style on the Go!"

Made from Tyvek, a recyclable material, Saky Sacks are machine washable and tear, stain and water resistant.  Fellow moms, I know your ears just perked up!  And while those are amazing characteristics, the two things I love most about these bags is how lightweight they are and how small they fold up.  This is the Saky Weekend.

It measures 15” x 18” x  7.0” and can carry up to 25 pounds.  But get this - here's what it looks like folded up.

It's teeny tiny and so easy to carry in your purse for when you need it.  I know I'm not the only one who can't fit everything back in the diaper bag after taking it out or who needs an extra bag when I'm traveling just in case I want to do a little shopping on my trip, and Saky Sacks are the perfect solution!

Rupa sent me a Saky Weekend so I could get a look at the bags firsthand.  Here's what it looked like when it arrived, all cute and compact.

Here's the Weekend after being filled with lots of goodies with the girls.

And here's how my first attempt at re-folding it went.  Not too shabby!

Since then, I've gotten it down pat - it's super simple thanks to the hand instructions that come with each bag.

I've tried lots of other "green" bags but none of them has been anywhere close to the quality of Saky Sacks.  In addition to being easy to re-fold, the Weekend is so so lightweight, which is what you want if you're carrying around 25 pounds of stuff.  The hardware is pretty and well fastened to the bag and the material is really strong.  Whether I need to lug toys to the beach for the girls or just need to pack a quick bag for an overnight, I know which tote I'll be grabbing! 

In addition to the Saky Weekend, there's the City Saky, which is smaller but can still tote up to 25 pounds.

As well as Sakccessories, two bags that clip to the larger bags and are ideal for your makeup, wallet, cell phones, etc,.

Saky Sacks start at $15 and go up to $25 so the price is right and there are lots of different patterns and designs to choose from.  And although it probably won't be for quite a while, when your bag does finally wear out, it's completely recyclable.  Good for the environment and good for your wallet.  Does it get any better than that?

Actually it does because Rupa has offered to give away a City Saky in Mod Floral to a lucky AFOMFT reader!

To enter, please visit the Saky Sacks site and post a comment here telling me which Saky Sacks pattern is your favorite (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• "Like" Saky Sacks on Facebook and leave a comment that A Few of My Favorite Things sent you.
• Follow @sakysacks & AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway: #Win a fabulous green shopping tote from @sakysacks at @AFOMFT http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here - - to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did. You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.
• Donate $10 to the Red Cross to help the relief efforts in Japan by texting REDCROSS to 90999 (the donation will be billed to your cell phone bill).  (This is worth 5 entries so please post five separate comments saying that you made a donation)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada and ends March 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on March 23rd. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

And that's not all!  Rupa is also offering readers of AFOMFT 25% off all purchases! Just enter code AFOMFT at Saky Sacks to get your discount.  Happy shopping!

Please note that I was sent a Saky Weekend bag for the purpose of this review and giveaway.  No other compensation was received.  The opinions I've shared of this product are my own and yours may differ.

Images: Saky Sacks & AFOMFT

Giving Back with NOVICA {GIVEAWAY}

This time of year, you often hear the phrase "It's better to give than to receive" but let's be honest - sometimes it's nice to receive too.  Luckily, by shopping with NOVICA, you can do both simultaneously!

NOVICA was started to help the artists and artisans of the world display their work to a global audience and it really does exactly that.  In conjunction with National Geographic, NOVICA sells products - home decor, jewelry, apparel, gifts and more - made by the citizens of Asia, Africa and Latin America.  What's great is that they let the artists list their products for free and allow them to remain fully independent - each seller is free to raise or lower his or her prices at any time - and I really like that they've set up a microfinance program to help the artisans finance their businesses by providing 0%-interest loans to those unable to obtain them from a traditional bank.  Just by buying, you're helping to change someone's life.  Now that's something I can get behind!

And while it's great to bean artisan on NOVICA, it's even better to be a shopper.  The site is filled with unique and beautiful pieces from all over the globe that you probably wouldn't find anywhere else.  You can read each artist's story while you browse their merchandise and it really personalizes the shopping experience.  Their products would make terrific presents for your friends and family - or even as a little splurge on yourself!  I love this gorgeous Turquoise Dazzle clutch from Radhika in India.

And the colorful Cat's Paradise bag from Brigida in Brazil looks like something you'd find at Anthropologie!

Gulam from India sculpts beautiful pieces out of soapstone, like this Moonlight Jasmine vase.

And the stunning Golden Garden Painted Glass Tray from Asunta in Peru would brighten up any party.

In addition to great gift ideas, NOVICA has a wonderful assortment of holiday decorations and accessories too.  This Ceramic Nativity Scene created by Feriburto in Peru would surely become a family keepsake.

As would the Christmas Dream Serving Tray from Luis in Mexico.

And I know the girls would enjoy hanging these Wooden Santa Ornaments from Made in Bali on the tree!

But my favorite section of NOVICA's site to browse has to be the jewelry.  There are so many amazing pieces that it's hard not to get overwhelmed.  Some of my favorites are the Midnight Express Necklace from Kalyani in India.

The Jasmine in Bloom Bracelet from Ploy in Thailand.

And the Free Spirit Cocktail Ring from Jenny in Indonesia.

When NOVICA offered me a $75 credit to use to try out their site, I added that ring to my cart immediately!  I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived within a week since I had no idea how long it would take to ship from Indonesia.  I opened the package and was so impressed with what I found!  There was a letter from Jenny with more of her story and this perfectly wrapped box.  The paper flower was so pretty.

And the ring inside the box was even prettier!

The stones are lovely and the quality of the ring is fabulous.  I wear it almost every day and always get compliments on it.

Excuse the pictures of my man hands but I love showing the ring off!

I enjoy a piece of jewelry as much as the next girl, but knowing that a local artisan like Jenny created my ring and actually received all of the money for it (as opposed to a middleman retailer) makes it that much more special to me.  So when you're doing your holiday shopping, consider visiting NOVICA and give a gift to more than just the people on your holiday list.

NOVICA is giving one lucky AFOMFT reader a gift as well, in the form of a $75 credit to their site!  To enter, visit NOVICA and post a comment here telling me what you'll put the credit toward if you win (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber.
• Sign up for to the NOVICA newsletter (it's on the bottom right of their site).
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook
• "Like" NOVICA on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall telling them that A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS sent you. 
• Ask your friends to "like" AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who "likes" our page and names will be cross-checked.  
• Follow NOVICA & AFOMFT on Twitter (@novica & @AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  It's the Holiday Happening on @AFOMFT with a giveaway-a-day all month! #Win a $75 credit to @novica now - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Grab our button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Grab our HOLIDAY HAPPENING button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post.  Comments on Facebook will not count as entries.  This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends November 11th at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on November 12th. If the winners don't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Please note that NOVICA provided me with a $75 credit to try out their site for the purpose of this review.  No other compensation was received.  The opinions I've shared of their products are my own and yours may differ.

Images: NOVICA & AFOMFT

FABULOUS FOR MOM FRIDAY: Banyan Hippo {DISCOUNT}

You may remember that last Friday, I posted about how I love to add color to my city girl black wardrobe when the warm weather rolls around.  Well, I've found a great new store to help me brighten up my closet - Banyan Hippo.  Handmade by a mother of twin girls (obviously a lady after my own heart!), this line of handbags is just perfect for summertime!

From the sunny color to the flirty ruffle, the Frilly style has my name written all over it.  

Then again, so does the Nagy.

And I love the grommet detailing on the Citrine tote.

How perfect would the over-sized Sailor be for a day at the beach? 

And if you need something smaller but still want that nautical feel, the Ahoy will be right up your alley.

If all this color is too much for you, Banyan Hippo has gorgeous neutral options too.  The Candy Bag in Vanilla Cream may not be bold but it will still add sass to any outfit.

My favorite part about this line is that you can choose your favorite style and have it made in any of these fun fabrics.

You can also convo Vildan, the lovely lady behind Banyan Hippo, to customize the strap, pockets or other details.  It's basically like creating your own bag.  So fun!

And while the Banyan Hippo bags look like designs you'd find at Anthropologie for $100+, everything in their store is less than $50!  Crazy right?  At prices like that, you might as well get two!

But before you go running off to Banyan Hippo to start building the bag of your dreams, there's one more important piece of information you need to know.

Vildan has generously offered readers of AFOMFT 10% off all purchases at Banyan Hippo by entering code AFOM in the message to seller box at checkout.  The discount will be refunded to you via Paypal and does not apply to shipping costs.  Enjoy!

Images: Banyan Hippo

FABULOUS FOR MOM FRIDAY: Tamara Handbags {GIVEAWAY}

MOM MADNESS MONTH was such a huge hit on AFOMFT that I decided to start doing a weekly post focusing on fantastic products for moms.  Without further ado, here's the first FABULOUS FOR MOM FRIDAY feature....

I have a thing for bags.  You could call it an obsession but that sounds so.... I don't know, sinister.  It's more like a love affair, and I have to admit, I have a new crush on Tamara Handbags.

Tamara, the lovely lady behind the designs, and I went to college together and in 2003, she started her own line of handbags and accessories.  Since then, her bags have been seen on celebrities including Britney Spears and featured in magazines like Lucky and Us.  All of her pieces are named after her friends so I get excited when there's one titled for someone I know, like the Aria (who was my roommate junior year).  There's even a Danielle laptop bag.

I don't think it was technically named after me, but I love it anyway!

You can shop Tamara Handbags by style or fabric.  My personal favorite?  The Luisa clutch in brown multi-color.  It's perfect for summer.

I also love the leather trim on the Carly style.

And the Ashley.

If you want a small bag but can't live without a strap, check out the adorable Mandy wristlet.

You can attach both ends of the strap to one side and wear it on your wrist:

Or put clip the straps on opposite sides of the bag so you can wear it over your shoulder.  It's like having two bags in one!

Another style I have my eye on is the Amy Triple Zip Satchel in brown paisley.  This design has three different compartments for so you can tote everything you need and keep it organized.  I can totally see this becoming my go-to bag!

And if you're looking for something more classic, the Andrea Satchel in batik paisley will get you through all four seasons in style.

Before I had Gabrielle and Alaina, I never carried big bags, but now that I'm dragging blankets and sippy cups wherever we go, small ones don't make the cut anymore.  The Anya tote is just the right size for all the girls' stuff and the pink paisley fabric keeps it from being boring. 

Tamara is the mom of an 18 month old so she knows very well what makes a great baby bag.  Her diaper bag designs, like the rest of her line, are functional but stylish at the same time.  I love that the Leila comes in a subtle polka dot pattern so dads can't object to carrying it, but the changing pad is a fun red paisley that gives the bag a little sass.

And the Leah baby messenger is great because it can be carried three ways - over the shoulder, across your chest or hung off your stroller.

It comes in two patterns and has a coordinating changing pad, hot pink lining and more pockets than you'll know what to do with!

What more could you ask for?

I can personally vouch for the quality and timelessness of Tamara's line.  I bought one of her satchels and a matching cosmetic bag five years ago and I still carry them to this day.  That's more than I can say for a lot of the bags I've bought!

Tamara Handbags are sold in stores throughout the country and you can also order them online.  If you live in the Boston area, be sure to check out the events section of her website to find shows and shopping events featuring Tamara's line.  You can also get information on how to throw your own Tamara Handbag party and get a complimentary bag for hosting!  But choosing just one may be impossible. Trust me.  My cart currently holds five of them. 

Think you can choose just one of Tamara's bags?  You're in luck because she has generously offered to give a $50 gift certificate to one lucky AFOMFT reader!  To enter, visit Tamara Handbags and post a comment here telling me what you'll put the $50 credit toward if you win (this is mandatory).  For additional entries:

• Subscribe to AFOMFT or let us know you are a subscriber
• "Like" AFOMFT on Facebook -- http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN
• "Like" Tamara Handbags on Facebook --  http://tinyurl.com/TamaraHandbags
• Ask your friends to "like" AFOMFT on Facebook by sending them this link - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFTFBFAN - and post a comment here with the names of each one who does.  You'll earn one entry per new friend who "likes" our page and names will be cross-checked. 
• Follow Tamara Handbags & AFOMFT on Twitter (@tamarahandbags & @AFOMFT or click the birdie icon on the sidebar) and tweet this post by clicking the graphic above or this giveaway:  Need a new bag for summer? Win a $50 gift certificate to @tamarahandbags from @AFOMFT - http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Click here to vote for AFOMFT on Top Baby Blogs and post a comment here that you did - .  You can vote once per day per computer so if you vote every day or on different computers, be sure to post one comment for each one.
• Grab our button and put it on your blog or website and post a link here showing us.
• Blog about AFOMFT or this giveaway (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and post a link to the post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post.  Comments on Facebook will not count as entries.  This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada and ends May 28th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on May 31st. If the winner doesn't contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Images: Tamara Handbags