Mid Summer Lagniappe

Since you've been so patient with my MIA on the blog this summer, I thought a giveaway was in order!  Shabby Apple has been a sponsor of Musings for quiet a while - I simply love their offerings.  Most of you are familiar with this amazing company.  But for those who are not, Shabby Apple is an incredible online resource for unique women's fashion.  Their vintage clothing strikes this wonderful mix of hip and classic style.  For this giveaway, Shabby Apple ask me to select the dress!   With all their amazing styles, I don't mind telling you it was not an easy task.  They have so many to choose from, it's insane.  But I managed. :)  

As with my approach to interior design, I always try to find great basics to build upon with accessories.  So, here's my pick for the giveaway.  This is the perfect dress to take you from late summer all the way into the cooler months and then back into Spring.

It is a classic shape which will never go out of style.  Also, I think it will flatter all figure types.

OK, so now for some fun.  As you can see in the above pictures, this cute dress is styled for summer and looks amazing.  But let's fast forward a few months.  Look how great it could look styled for early Fall.  You know, when it's still hot outside, but the leaves are beginning to change colors and you want a more seasonal look.

The accessories shown here are all from Shabby Apple.

So, now that I've got you thinking.  Let's talk about what it's going to take to win this "perfect" dress.

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST click over to www.shabbyapple.com, look around, then pick your favorite items AND come back and leave a comment about it!

For additional entries(increase your odds, people!):
- like Shabby Apple on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791)
- tweet about the giveaway with the hashtag #shabbyapplegiveaway
- or if you're a blogger, post on your blog about the giveaway

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry (up to 4 entries) including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Friday, July 12th at 5:00 PM Central.

Good Luck and Happy 4th! M.

A Little Something Special

With all the things on your plate this time of year, I thought it would be fun to give you a little something special.  Shabby Apple, one of my favorite online boutiques, has graciously offered to give one lucky winner a $50 gift certificate.  In addition to the one lucky duck who gets the $50, they are offering a 10% discount to all Musings readers for the month!  Woo Hoo!!!  All you have to do is use this promo code at checkout: interiordesignmusings10off and your discount will apply! 

If you are not familiar with Shabby Apple, I'm about to change your world.  Whether you're looking for vintage dresses, unique bracelets, shirtdresses, cozy scarves, lace dresses, chic sling backs, and even maxi dresses, Shabby Apple is THE place.

Here are just a few of my favorites as of late.

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Also, many of you have mentioned to me when I've hosted giveaways, what's the catch?  I think some of you have been burned by sweepstakes entries where you get on every single mailing list imaginable after entering.  Well, that's not the case here.  There is no catch.  Just an effort to connect you with some wonderful companies you may not be familiar with on the web.  So, I encourage you to give it a try!  I promise it will not disappoint. 

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST click over to www.shabbyapple.com, pick your favorite item AND come back and leave us a comment about it!

For additional entries(increase your odds, people!):
- like Shabby Apple on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791)
- tweet about the giveaway with the hashtag #shabbyapplegiveaway
- or if you're a blogger, post on your blog about the giveaway

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry (up to 4 entries) including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Wednesday, December 19th at 5:00 PM Central.

Good Luck and Happy Wednesday! M.

Back to School Giveaway

Since going back to school can feel a little depressing . . .

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I thought a happy was in order!

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I'm so thrilled to be teaming up with Novica who is working in association with National Geographic to bring some of the most amazing handcrafted items to the world through their online shop.   

When Novica contacted me and asked if I would be interested in a $50 gift certificate for me to personally use as well as an extra one to give away on the Muse to one lucky reader, I jumped at the chance.   Here are few items I'm considering for my gift certificate.  

I adore the crackle finished celadon green ceramics.  They are such a beautiful subtle color and work in so many places.  I could see this filled with white hydrangeas on any table top in my house.

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For those who are not a fan of Big Al, here is another option!  With this style vase, it looks just as pretty without flowers and tucked into a bookshelf.

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I could use a pair of these soap dishes in my master bathroom next to our sinks.  With this price, I could even get something else!

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A small jar like this can be placed in so many different places.  Such a wonderful accessory.  I know you are seeing a pattern here - Celadon Green!  

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To switch gears, I have lots of dark wood furnishings.  A white accessory like this one really gives you fabulous contrast on the table top of dark wood. Love this hand carved soap stone jar.   

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These glossy boxes give a space some much needed sparkle.  Their scale works so well on a small side table next to a sofa or chair.

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Although I am considering items for the home, Novica has lots fabulous jewelry (like these bracelets and earrings), amazing dresses and tops, and even something for the man in your life (if you want to be extra generous).  So, let's talk about what you need to do to win the $50 gift certificate.  

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST "follow" Interior Design Musings on Facebook, Tweeter  or subscribe to my emails (all these options can be accessed on the menu bar just below my logo) AND

2. After you've "followed" the Muse, come back here and post a comment telling me which is your favorite item on Novica's website, click here to check it out.

Extra Entries (increase your odds, people!):

- Blog or Tweet about this giveaway, linking to my post.

- Include Interior Design Musings on your blog's roll.

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Thursday, August 23th at 5:00 PM Central.

An Inside Tip for You!!

Ok, as most of you know, I rarely post on Sundays, but this giveaway hosted by Splendid Sass was simply too good not to share.  Teresa has partnered with Barn Light Electric and is giving, yes I said GIVING away two separate gift certificates.  One for $1,000.00 and another for $500.00 to two lucky winners.

I know exactly what I would do, if won either gift!  I would order four of these yummy sconces.

Exeter Wall Sconce

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And I would use them as library lights over our bookshelves.  I've been thinking about doing this for quite some time.  But, they are expensive; and there are so many other things on the list.  But if someone is going to give them to me!! Well, what can I say -  this giveaway, has certainly encouraged me to post about it!  

Here is a picture of our bookshelves.  I would place each of the sconces at the top of the four arches.  I think this would give that area a much more purposeful look.  

Here are a few images that inspired me to consider library lights for our bookshelves. 

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So, that's what I would do with the gift certificate.  Now, here's how you can enter to win too!

1.      Look around Barn Light Electric and pick lights you’d love to own.

2.      Feature your lighting picks on your personal blog, and link to the lights if you can!

3.      Copy/Paste these rules at the bottom of your blog article.

4.      Once your personal article is up, you must email your blog link to:contest@barnlightelectric.com to be qualified to win. The contest ends October 12^th, 2011.

5.      Don’t have a blog? Find out how you can enter by visiting their website.

Good Luck! M.