Initial Request Review and *Giveaway* - Ends Nov 3 - ENDED

WINNER: Dolphin Girl said...

I would give the other bag to my sister. I think she would love it and I am exchanging gifts with her this Christmas in our family exchange.

October 24, 2009 7:46 PM

I never knew I liked monogrammed things until I won a giveaway sponsored by Initial Request. I've never owned anything monogrammed-- I barely knew what it was aside from super expensive towels. Soon I found myself the proud owner of a monogrammed, trendy tote bag! There were my colors:

My name was delicately sprawled in monogrammed cursive in the catchy lime green. The bag arrived at my door smelling SO good-- like new car smell or just cleaned carpets-- and now I want to tell you all about Initial Request!

Initial Request brings you a fantastic selection of monogrammed and personalized gifts, accessories, stationary, home decor and more!

I was thrown into the world of monogrammed sweetness and let me tell you, it brightens up any gift. Just take a peek at what Tanja, owner and Mom of Inital Request, designs:

Fleece Blankets by mint - Hot Pink Zebra $18.00

Tumbler - Giraffe Print $16.00

Butterfly Plate $25.00

Tanja is a beautiful artist, Mom, and business owner! I asked her about her biggest joys and challenges of running a small business:

Whew! Well, I run my operation out of my home...I have
a great shop attached to my garage. LOVE LOVE LOVE working out of my home. I
can run the machines in the middle of the night in my jammies if need be! I
walk to work which saves on gas ...LOL! and I have low overhead! BUT working
from the house also inspires local customers to show up at all hours of the
day or night any day of the week. My biggest challenge is learning to say
"no" or " It's Saturday night...I'm closed." My operation has grown so much
over the past 5 years. I'm amazed and grateful everyday! We work hard to
produce a quality website, provide trendy monograms and gifts and provide a
quick turn around for a truly unique and personal gift giving experience
without having to wait 3 weeks for delivery!

I also asked her to list the five items from her shop she can't live without:

1. Spa Wraps by mint (tm). Minky soft and easy launder! Come in a variety of sizes and prints. Mommy daughter combinations are great for holiday!

Women's Large Spa Wrap Chocolate Giraffe $38.00

2. Christmas Frill Aprons for the holiday hostess. So trendy with a monogram! These are also available in zebra, giraffe and leopard prints for the animal in you! Solid color aprons are also available!

Christmas Frill Apron $30.00

3. Fleece blankets by mint(tm) are a huge hit with children, tweens and college kids! Personalize it for the special gift recipient in your life!

4. Children's waffle weave robes! These are expected to be in within the week. Just like the adult version but for the kidlettes! These make great gifts and are perfect from season to season! 5. NEW! Personalized melamine dinnerware. Check out all of the exciting styles for children AND for your kitchen! Many color patterns to choose from...create your own unique dinnerware for your family! Great as a wedding gift, as well!

Buy It: Initial Request has many great bargains for personalized holiday gifts. You can pick the colors, fonts, and patterns on many of the items. Since you are going to buy Holiday gifts anyway-- why not buy Mom-made and personalized?

Giveaway Time! Tanja has a special giveaway for one of my readers!

One reader will win a large cosmetic case for herself... AND another for a friend! That's TWO cosmetic cases that you can personalize any way you like! Perfect for the holiday season!

Large Waffle Weave cosmetic bags are 9" x 6" x 4". Perfect for travel and make wonderful gifts for family and friends. Choose a monogram and make your gift personal!

Mandatory Entry:

1. To enter this giveaway, check out Tanja's shop, Initial Request, and tell me what you would pick for yourself as a holiday present and why. You must include your email address if it is not in your Blogger profile.

Extra Entries:

1. Tell me which friend you would give the 2nd cosmetic bag to and why.
2. Sign up for the Initial Request newsletter. (will be verified)
   
3. Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect
4. Follow me on Twitter (@sweepstakesgirl)
5. Tweet about the giveaway: "Initial Request giveaway - Win a cosmetic case for you AND a friend! @sweepstakesgirl http://ow.ly/vlp5" (Can be done once per day)
   
6. Grab my button and add it to your blog. Tell me where to find it and give yourself 2 extra entries!
7. Put a link and prize description to this giveaway on your Facebook, blog, or giveaway Mr Linky. One extra entry for each.
   
8. Subscribe to my blog via feed or email.

This giveaway ends at midnight, November 3, 2009. A winner will be drawn using Random.org. This winner has 72 hours to respond to his/her winning email before a new winner is drawn.