Spill the Beans » Contests

tyler mackenzie designs bracelet give-away for valentine’s day!

Rachel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:53:13 +0000

When we discovered Tyler Mackenzie Designs beaded bracelets (and necklaces!), we knew we wanted to share them with our readers. Started by Chicago mom of two, Lauren Rosen, these beautiful baubles are elegant and easy on the wallet. (Each single bracelet is around $15-$22!) We wanted to scoop up armfuls of these beaded beauties. From gemstones such as jade, aventurine and angelite, to gray, black and rose woods, each unique design is interspersed with gold or silver spacers and charms. Choosing the color and combination is the difficult part! But spill the beans and Tyler Mackenzie Designs have teamed up to give a 3 bracelet set away to one lucky reader! Visit the Tyler Mackenzie Facebook fan page to learn more about her fabulous creations. We’ll randomly select one lucky lady from our mailing list. Join today for your chance to win. (It’s simple, enter your email in the join link above.) Think of it as our Valentine’s Day gift to you! Plus, enjoy 20% off your baby gift purchases at the beans closet on Monday, 2/15 & Tuesday 2/16 by using code: love.

*Winner will be randomly selected and notified on 2/17.

spotlight – lauren rosen (tyler mackenzie designs)

Rachel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:51:52 +0000

1. Company profile
Tyler Mackenzie Designs are beaded, stackable bracelets using various wood and gemstone beads mixed with gold and silver accents. Stylish and affordable!

2. How did you get into this business?

I bought some beads and started stringing bracelets for fun. I was wearing them all the time and then started making them for my friends. They all suggested that I start selling them. I wanted people to be able to wear them in a stack and not just purchase one, so each bracelet is priced between $15 and $22! I saw so many similar designs out there that cost a lot more, and most people want to be able to buy 3, 5, 7 or more…and not break the bank!

3. What/who inspires your designs?

No one, really. I just sit on my bed with my box of beads and my box of spacers. I start stringing with the beads and then grab spacers and see what works!

4. Biggest business moment?

My proudest moment was selling to my first store, Just Between Friends, in Deerfield, IL. They have a great business with great traffic, and I was thrilled to have my designs there!

5. How do you find the time to create your designs with a family? How do you manage your work and your family?

I am very lucky that both of my children are very independent (7 and 2 and 1/2). If I have a large order to fill and need to bead during the day, my daughter will play by herself with her barbies, dress up clothes, animals, etc… At night, I am usually sitting on the bed beading while they are both watching tv before bed. My husband has become accustomed to being with me…and my box of beads!!! When we watch tv or a movie at night, I’m usually making bracelets! It has become a part of our routine!

6. What are your hobbies/what do you do for yourself?

I spend a lot of time at the gym. I am currently OBSESSED with spinning, and get such a rush out of the sweaty workout! I also enjoy bargain shopping, either in stores or online…when I have the time.

7. What is your favorite mom tip or advice?

I want to tell all new moms that don’t have time to shower, are up half the night with screaming babies that won’t go back to sleep after their bottle, or have kids that won’t take naps during the day when they need a little break….IT GETS BETTER…I PROMISE!!!! I have two amazing children that were both very difficult the first six months. My son whined all day long, and my daughter would not sleep unless I was holding her! They are now WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL kids!!!

8. Describe your (collection) style in 3 words.

Trendy, Stylish, Affordable!!

Check out the Tyler Mackenzie Facebook page for more info on Lauren’s designs. Click here to win a set of Tyler Mackenzie Designs Bracelets.

win a free NYC photo shoot-by lindsey gray

Michelle — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:03:51 +0000

Are you in search of the perfect holiday gift? Look no further than an amazing photo shoot with NYC children’s photographer, Lindsey Gray. Lindsey specializes in children, families, maternity shots and even can be hired to capture special moments like a child’s first birthday. Her work is truly spectacular!

Winning is easy…

*Become a TBC facebook fan (by Nov 30th) by clicking here… TBC Facebook Fan Page

You are entered!

Winner will be randomly selected and contacted after Nov 30th.

Rules & Restrictions

*The free portrait sitting must take place in Manhattan

*If you reside there it can be at your home, otherwise the shoot will be outdoors.

*Timing is up to winner

*Prize includes 1 5×7 (the remainder of prints must be purchased)

visit www.lindseygrayphotography.com to check out her portfolio.

All TBC fans who book a sitting before Nov 30th use discount code tbcpics for 10% off your own sitting.

email lindsey @ lindseymgray@gmail.com