birthday giveaway {1}

Today, I have a special treat for you. I thought it would be fun to share the love on my birthday and host a series of giveaways. Each day will feature up to three handmade shops.

Meet Melissa of SoChick Handbags

How long have you been in the handmade business? What's your favorite thing about it? I started SoChick! in August of 2010, but first taught myself the art of bag making in early 2008, via blogs, books and google. I love being able to share my passion with others whether it's through an item i've made that they in turn use, or sharing my knowledge of sewing. I love the handmade community from artists to consumers.

What's your favorite thing to do in October? Being in coastal NC, October doesn't exactly 'feel' like fall, so I enjoy decorating with mums and Halloween themed items to get the Fall 'feel' going. :-) When I lived back home in Sleepy Hollow, NY, October was all about Haunted Hayrides, apple picking and football... so I enjoy what I can of that here in NC. Read: Football. *wink*

Tell us about your favorite city. My favorite city that I have been to would have to be Savannah, GA... with Vegas coming in a close second for various reasons. I love the architecture, history, traditions and 'front porch feel' of Savannah, GA... it's a beautiful city and I can't wait to visit again.

Ms. Megan of Moonbeam Wishes

How long have you been in the handmade business? What's your favorite thing about it?

I opened up MY SHOP about a year and a half ago, but I have been making cards and giving them with gifts + birthdays forever. I love the little handmade touch and letting people know you care by writing something small and heartfelt on paper. I love handmade products! I love hearing peoples tales and seeing their ideas come to life.

What's your favorite thing to do in October?I love baking in the Fall more than any other time of the year!!! I always break out my PUMPKIN BREAD RECIPE and cook this up several times in October!! I never make it any other months, because it is just such a fall recipe and it should be reserved for October (and in November too!!). I also love to watch fun Halloween films like Hocus Pucus, The Monster Mash and When Good Ghouls Go Bad.

Tell us about your favorite city.

My favorite city is a place that is on my bucket list of places I want to visit:: Dublin, Ireland. I have read many a book about this magical place and it seems to be the perfect place for adventures + magic!!!

Meet Cory of Sorelle Accessories

How long have you been in the handmade business? What's your favorite thing about it?
I have been making/creating handmade arts and crafts for as long as I can remember and LOVE to do it....but I have only been featuring/selling items on Etsy since July 2010. It keeps my mind fresh and creative and is manageable while I work full time as a High School Art teacher

What's your favorite thing to do in October?
I LOVE to get up to see the Aspen Leaves change in the Colorado "high" country...and also pumpkin spice lattes :)

Tell us about your favorite city.
My favorite city is Florence! I am an Art History teacher and am in love with the "romance" of this timeless city. I consistently have dreams of eating "amarretti gelati" and sipping warm, foamy "cappucinos"! I can't wait to go back!!!


Today's giveaway includes:
>>$30 shop credit to SoChick!
>>This set of note cards from Moonbeam Wishes
>>50% off ANY item of your choice from Sorelle Accessoies

How to enter:

Visit SoChick! Handbags, Moonbeam Wishes and Sorelle Accessories  and tell me your favorite item from each shop in a comment.

For more entries:
((leave a separate comment for each))
-follow Melissa, Megan and me on Twitter ((one entry))
-like SoChick! on Facebook ((one entry))
-heart Sorelle Accessories and Moonbeam Wishes on Etsy ((one entry))
-like dot...in the city on Facebook ((one entry))
-tweet, blog or facebook this giveaway and leave the link ((up to three entries))

{sample tweet}
I'm celebrating @dotinthecity's birthday with giveaways from @moonbeamwishes and @thesochickchick http://tinyurl.com/3sancnc

The giveaway winners will be announced on Monday, October 31st!
{all photos used by permission and provided by the shop owners}