Friday Find: Gump's Spring Sale

Gump's of San Francisco is having a Spring sale and look what I found!

Hello sunshine! This illuminated sunburst sconce in matte gold finish would add light as well as visual interest to any room. The light bulb is mounted behind the fixture, creating an intriguing play of shadows and light on the wall. Was $395 - now $299.99.

Glossy luahnus shells make lovely decorative accents in vases, bowls or planters. Two pound bag now $9.99 {from $19}.

This elegant antiqued rosette mirror would make a beautiful focal point above a fireplace mantel. It is truly a work of art - each etched with flowers - surround the beveled central glass while burnished golden metal frames the rosette's handset pieces. Was $295 - now $154.99.

The Macao Settee is part of Gump's white ash collection and features handcrafted details that reflect the influence of the Chinese Chippendale style. The settee has lovely geometric fretwork backs and handwoven solehia seats. Was $995 - now $599.99.

Happy Friday and decorating to you!

Beautifully Organized - Custom Ribbon Display Boards

Finally an easy and beautiful way to organize and display invitations, family photos and children's artwork! Designed by San Francisco Bay Area mom, Jodie Strecker, Strecks Collage Boards are stylish, functional and adaptable. Select from over 50 designer fabrics and choose two ribbon colors to create a custom board that coordinates perfectly with your existing decor. There is even an option to supply your own fabric for a one-of-a-kind look.

Sliding ribbons are used to frame photos or artwork. There are no tacks, magnets or push pins that can be dangerous for children {thank goodness}. Display boards can be changed by simply taking it down and sliding the ribbons around to any configuration.

Strecks is offering all Simplified Bee readers 10% off all orders over $50. Simply enter the coupon code: BEE. Hurry, this offer is only good through December 13, 2009. Just in time for the holidays!

Organizing Household Paperwork and Buttoned Up Giveaway Winners

Tackling household paperwork is certainly a chore. Even in this electronic age, most of our paperwork is generated from snail mail. If you buried in mail and need simple tips on managing and reducing the amount household mail, you may want to take a look at a previous Simplified Bee post - Snail Mail Organization With Style.

For those of you that need a jump-start in organizing household paperwork and don't want to bother with labeling, the File.starter set from Buttoned Up is for you. It comes with ten labeled, color-coded, file folders grouped into three simple categories; Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. Also included are two blank files for you to fill in with whatever suits your needs. The modern, brightly colored files are easy to find in hanging files and will help get your desk under control for the New Year.

I am also thrilled to announce the winners of the Buttoned Up giveaway. The winner of the Buttoned Up.coupons are Jayme (comment 9) and Carla (comment 23). Congratulations!

The winner of the trio of organizing products by Buttoned Up - Pet Care Package, Fitness.doc and Collision.doc is Kellie (lucky comment 13 picked by random.org). I have a feeling she is going to love the Pet Care Package for sure - the darling Cavalier King Charles Spaniel above is Kellie's Lily. She writes about Lily and more on her lovely blog, Ada & Darcy.

In addition, Buttoned Up is offering all Simplified Bee readers 25% off $20 or more at Buttoned Up. Please enter promotional code 25OFF at checkout - expires 12/26/09. Their products would make great stocking stuffers! Have you started your holiday shopping?

Friday Find: One Kings Lane Invitation

Have you heard about One Kings Lane? It's a fabulous online destination for private sales on home decor, accessories and gifts. Prices are up to 70% off every day! If you want an invitation, please go here. Take a look at some of my favorite items currently on sale:

This Contemporary Sunburst Mirror in ebony and gold leaf caught my eye and so did the One Kings Lane price tag for $299.00 - retailed for $649.00!

With the holidays just around the corner, I couldn't resist including this darling John Robshaw Elephant Stocking on One Kings Lane for $59 (retails for $125). Hurry this sale ends on 11/23 at 11am EST.

This lovely reversible fringed throw made of Merino wool is woven into a striking jacquard pattern. I love the subtle, rich colors. This is a classic. Available at One Kings Lane for $129 - beats the $245 retail price any day!

Are you ready to shop amazing deals at One Kings Lane? Happy Friday and happy shopping!

2010 Goal Setting, Getting Organized and Buttoned Up GIVEAWAY

With 2009 wrapping up in the next month, many of us are looking to set goals for 2010. Getting your home organized may be top of your list. In previous posts I have featured Button Up's excellent organizational products for disaster preparedness and medical documents. Today, I am thrilled to announce a special giveaway sponsored by Buttoned Up - just in time for holiday gift giving and your New Year's resolutions! One lucky Simplified Bee reader will receive a trio of fantastic products by Buttoned Up - Pet Care Package, Fitness.doc and Collision.doc.

The Pet Care Package includes the Pet.doc and Petsitter.pad. The Pet.doc is an agenda-aized notebook with sections of two pets. You simply fill in the forms provided and you'll have everything from basic license numbers and immunizations records to detailed medical histories and training notes in one, easy to find spot. And the Petsitter.pad™ makes it a little easier to vacation without worry – its detailed form ensures no instruction is overlooked, from feeding times and walking schedules to favorite toys. Wouldn't this make an excellent stocking stuffer for those with pets?

Need some help getting back on the fitness wagon? Help yourself or someone you love get fit with the Fitness.doc™ from Buttoned Up. This bright orange book will help anyone who uses it set realistic fitness and weight loss goals, plan how to reach them and implement them in everyday life. Another great organizational tool to help you reach your 2010 goals and you can't beat the $4.95 price tag!

No one is prepared for a car wreck, but they happen every day. Unfortunately, most don't realize they're woefully unprepared to deal with them until afterward. Thankfully, the compact Collision.kit™ stows everything you need to document the situation in a handy zippered case you can keep under your seat or in the glove compartment. This brilliant kit includes a 12-exposure disposable camera with flash, preformatted forms for gathering information from all parties (including the police), pen and clipboard for easy writing, and an envelope for storing registration and insurance documents. An excellent gift for a teenager who just got their driver's license!

Two other Simplified Bee readers will win Buttoned up.coupons! This fun, friendly little coupon book has 20 cleverly illustrated coupons that enable you to lighten the load of someone you love – mom, dad, roommate or friend. The set includes coupons for everyday tasks like taking out the trash, doing the laundry and running the errands. Each one is perforated, so you can give one coupon at a time, or the whole book at once. What a nice way to give back to the one's you love this holiday season!

In addition, Buttoned Up is offering all Simplified Bee readers 25% off $20 or more at Buttoned Up. Please enter promotional code 25OFF at checkout - expires 12/26/09.

Here's how to enter Simplified Bee's Buttoned Up giveaway:

• Leave a comment (include email if you are not a blogger).
• Extra Entry - become a new Follower of Simplified Bee™ Blog (by adding yourself to the follower group on the sidebar) or follow Simplified Bee on Twitter.
• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a post or tweet with a link back and leave a comment letting me know you've done so.
• Extra Entry - sign up for Buttoned Up's e-newsletter.
• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
• Entry period closes at midnight PST, Sunday, November 22, 2009 and the winners will be announced Monday, November 23, 2009.

**Note: The winners will be drawn randomly using Random.org, notified directly via email and listed back at this post using first name only.

Thanksgiving Dinner Guest - Top 10 Hostess Gifts Under $40

Even though hosting Thanksgiving can be a lot of fun, it's also nice to just show up as a guest. If you will be a Thanksgiving dinner guest this year, bringing a special hostess gift is thoughtful and greatly appreciated. A nice bottle of wine, homemade jam or freshly baked bread is always well received. But, if you are running short on time and want to bring something a little different this year, here are my top ten favorite hostess gifts under $40:

One - Personalized Orange Damask Coasters from Red Stamp - go here to receive 10% off.

Two - L.A. Burdick's handmade chocolate turkeys

Three - Branch-to-Bough, robin ornament from Anthropologie

Four - Cardinal Snowglobe from Gump's

Five - Eco-friendly & lead-free Linneas Light Candles {Pumpkin} from Inglenook Decor

Six - Numi flowering tea gift set from Gaiam

Seven - Fleur de Sel French Sea Salt from Williams Sonoma

Eight - Dandelion Wish 4 Bar Letterpress Stationary from Paper Source

Nine - Foglia dishtowel from Crate & Barrel

Ten - Any local honey or Orange Blossom Honey from Olivers & Co.

What's on your top ten favorite hostess gifts?

*this is not a paid advertisement

Sticviews Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Jennifer! Your comment was lucky #14 selected by random.org and you have won a $50 gift certificate from sticviews.

Sticveiws are personalized prints that go anywhere and come off clean. The best part is each sticview is completely unique to your size, shape and image. All sticview prints are easy to self install and remove - they don't leave any residue behind. They're reusable and great if you want a mess-free project.

Also, save $25 off your next order by signing-up for sticviews newsletter (either on Facebook or sticviews blog).

Thank you sticviews for hosting this fun giveaway!

And the winner is...

And the winner of the $50 gift certificate to Duvets Comforters and Bedding.com is Leanne at Organize and Decorate Everything. She was lucky #17 drawn from random.org. Congratulations!

Also, a reminder that all Simplified Bee readers receive a 10% discount on all purchases until the end of the year - December 31, 2009. Just enter the following promo code at check out to receive the discount - R6CDPM2ZJ4

Giveaway and Discount from Duvets Comforters and Bedding.com

It's a fact, we spend about a third of our life in bed. Therefore, our bed may be the most important piece of furniture we own. And because it is typically the focal point in a bedroom, it deserves the right bedding.

If you are looking for new bedding check out Duvets Comforters and Bedding.com. The online store offers a wide selection of high quality duvet bed sets, duvet covers, comforters, duvet insers, shams and pillow inserts at everyday prices. I've included a few images of their duvet sets that caught my eye and you might like.

And they are offering one lucky Simplified Bee reader a $50 gift certificate! To enter simply leave a comment and tell us what you'd like to purchase at Duvets Comforters and Bedding.com.



Also, all readers will receive a 10% discount on all purchases until the end of the year - December 31, 2009. Just enter the following promo code at check out to receive the discount - R6CDPM2ZJ4

Shopping at Duvets Comforters and Bedding.com is easy and secure. And any purchase over $150 comes with FREE shipping. Love that!

Can't believe it is almost Friday - hop on over to Julia's Hooked on Houses blog party!



The Contest Rules:

• To enter leave a comment; all entrants welcome! (include email if you are not a blogger).

• For a second entry, become a Follower of Simplified Bee (if you already follow, simply let me know in your comment).



• Entry period closes at midnight PST, Sunday, October 11, 2009 and the winner will be announced Monday, October 12, 2009.



**Note: The winner will be drawn randomly using Random.org, notified directly via email and listed back at this post using first name only.

Jennifer Jacobson Photography and How To Photograph Your Life Giveaway

Recently I had the pleasure of having Jennifer Jacobson, a lifestyle photographer take my head shot. She is a doll and was so patient with me. I really don't like having my picture taken and always feel awkward. Jenn quickly calmed my nerves and made me feel comfortable. And I was thrilled with the final shots. Here is a sampling of her beautiful portfolio. As you can see, she really has a way of capturing amazing color, human emotion and pictures that are truly worth a thousand words.

To view more of Jennifer's stunning work, please visit her website here. And just in time for your holiday photos, Jennifer is offering all Simplified Bee readers a 15% discount if you book a session before October 31, 2009. Just mention you read it here!

Are you inspired and interested in taking better photographs of your family and friends? Simplified Bee is giving away Nick Kelsh's fantastic book, How to Photograph Your Life - Capturing Everyday Moments With Your Camera and Your Heart. Kelsh has great tips for amateurs - my favorite tip-turn off the flash. He shows how to avoid the mundane and make a simple moment something special.

Here's how to enter this giveaway -

1. leave a comment (include an email address if you don't have a blog)
2. for a second entry become a follower of this blog (current followers eligible too, just remind me in your comment)

Entry period closes at midnight PST, Sunday, September 27, 2009 and the winner will be announced Monday, September 28, 2009.

**Note: The winner will be drawn randomly using Random.org. They will be notified directly via e-mail and listed back at this post using first name only. Good luck!

More Reusable Lunch Kit Options and Kids Konserve Discount Coupon

The nice folks at Kids Konserve were so excited about the recent article on Reusable Lunch Kits, they want to give you 15% off your next purchase. This offer is valid until 10/31/09 - yep, Halloween! To redeem simply enter coupon code: bee

And check out some of their new products!

Trash is a terrible thing to waste! Kids Konserve has come out with insulated bags made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. The ultimate in recycle and reuse.

Don't sweat it! Kids Konserve has also designed a no-sweat, non-toxic and biodegradable ice pack that will keep your lunch cool and fresh all day.

Yes, we can make a difference one lunch at a time!