Wednesday, January 26, 2011

GIVEAWAY & NOVICA TABBLEWARE REVIEW

NOVICA
I am not the kind of person who likes advertising for just any product in oreder to make money or having a blog that looks more like the pages of a newspaper than that of an independent site. I enjoy my freedom and refuse to have an internet page that ressembles a catalog and is polluted by senseless ads...

It is for that reason that I generally decline advertisement offers. If one proposition sounds interesting and the philosophy of the firm in question fits my way of thinking and principles, then I might take it in consideration and accept it. I need to stay 100% behind what I'm promoting as well as I feel obligated to be honest with my readers, otherwise I would feel like a fake and a liar.

Therefore wh
en I was contacted by NOVICA I knew that it was something for me as their way of doing business is totally adequate with my believes and respects them. What I really like about them is that they are different and fight to promote an alternative. NOVICA wants to provide us with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow. Their aim is to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity as well as to create a bridge between us and the many talented artisans across the globe. It is important to them that we know about who we are buying from, to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.

Novica 6 bis
In association with THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, this fairtrade and eco-friendly organization's purpose is to create a revolutionary system through which the artists and artisans of the world (the global team comes from different cultures, countries and language sets - Andes, Bali & Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand and West Africa) can display their fine works to a global audience of prospective customers.

NOVICA does not charge artists any fees for listing their items on the website. Furthermore, artists remain fully independent (they are free to raise their prices, lower their prices, or remove their items from their website). By cutting out the long strings of middlemen, NOVICA allows both consumers and artisans to get the most out of each and every transaction. Besides, they also give the customer the chance to help the artists by making a free of interest loan (microfinance service) directly to craftspersons.

Novica 1 bis
They offer a vast array of products ranging from home decor (furniture, tableware, tapestries, etc...), jewelry & apparels (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc...) to paintings (abstract, religious, landscapes, etc...) and also specialise in corporate as well as green gifts. As you can imagine it was very difficult for me to choose from their catalog as there are so many exquisite objects on offer. Anyway, being a foodie and loving hadmade tabbleware I decided to order some bowls.

I've always been a big fan of Southest Asian art and lately I've been dreaming of finding Mexican dishes, so it was all naturally that I ordered a "Ceramic Salsa Bowl" made by Javier Servin from the state of Guanajuato in Mexico and a pair of "Frangipani Leaves" bowls made by Putu Oka Mahendra from Bali in Indonesia.

Novica Picnik collage bis
I placed my order last Monday and both my items arrived at the same time, on Friday (same week). What a fast shipment considering the fact that the merchandise came directly from the artists' place! Everything was well-packed and came to destination in perfect condition.

When I discovered my items I was totally blown away by their sheer perfection, refinement, elegance and beauty. In front of me were three
exceptional items that were extremely splendid and gorgeously executed. They were even nicer than on the photo (and the photos were good)! I was so pleased with my gifts. What a delight for the eyes and senses!

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Novica 3 bis
GIVEAWAY

1x 100$ gift certificate

Rules and Entry Details
:
- You must leave a COMMENT in the comment section of this post (one entry per person).
- Winner will be chosen using the "hat method".
- Winner will be notified via the contact email provided on the comment contact form (please leave your e-mail adress if you don't have a blog).
- This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE (please check their International Shipping Table to know if they can ship to your country).
- The contest closes on Sunday, February 13th, 2011 at Midnight, 12:00am CE
T.

Statement:
This giveaway is provided to you by NOVICA. Please note that I only promote things that stay true to my tastes, convictions and interests. The opinions expressed on Rosa's Yummy Yums are purely my own and based upon my personal experiences with NOVICA. I was given a gift certificate, however I was not paid to publish a positive review.
Thank you NOVICA for sharing your wonderful tabbleware with us!

Novica 5 bis

87 comments:

  1. The dishes you chose are beautiful! And, it sounds like a great online shopping opportunity.

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  2. That's a great review and both objects are very beautiful pieces of art Rosa. Who wouldn't love to have one of these?

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  3. Goodness! I'm smitten with both - they are absolutely beautiful pieces. Off to look at the website :)

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  4. oh my gosh this is beautiful!!! lovely giveaway Rosa!

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  5. WOW...The dishes look gorgeous !!!!

    I simply love and have a sort of craze for the handmade cookware.

    It is always nice to know that something you own is the only piece of its kind in the world !

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  6. Oh its beautiful! love the last pic.

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  7. Thanks for the info about Novica. Just had a look at their site, its fantastic what they do. Entrepreneurs in the region I work in would benefit tremendously from this initiative. I will get in touch with them.

    The products look unique and amazing.

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  8. Rosa, these are absolutely gorgeous. I remember you saying on facebook you were so pleased with the quality and I definitely can see why. Sounds like an incredible company as well. I would love to win!

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  9. I first saw this picture on facebook, fell in love with it straight away. Love those colours on that pot and lid, and the fact that they're painted in 3D so to speak. Ok so I saw that you could win some... I just had to enter here, what else was there to do.
    They have great Fair trade shops here in Holland too, with the best ceramics from all over the world.

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  10. That bowl is just lovely and free trade is a wonderful idea-not just for coffee and chocolate :)

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  11. Merci de nous avoir fait découvrir ceci ! C'est très intéressant d'autant plus que moi aussi j'adore la vaisselle... Ce site offre des petites merveilles, que l'on ne trouve nul part ailleurs ! J'aime beaucoup cette idée de relation "éthique" et "verte"... Maintenant, il faut juste que j'économise pour m'acheter des produits du site :D Ou alors que mon petit nom soit tiré au sort dans le chapeau ! Fingers cross ;) A bientôt !

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  12. Je viens de visiter leur site et je suis bluffée. J'ai surtout trainé dans la partie vaisselle et je suis totalement sous le charme.
    Merci pour cette découverte.
    Bien à toi
    verO

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  13. Thank you Rosa for your great recipes and for letting me know about this NOVICA. I always learn a lot with your blog.

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  14. Wow!!! Those are some gorgeous pieces! I would love to win this giveaway :)

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  15. Oh, they are beautiful! Thank you for sharing the information, I haven't read about this tabbleware before. I hope I win!

    By the way, I love your blog, your recipes and your photos :)

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  16. superbes ces cadeaux ! me rejouis de venir les voir ;)
    bises, corinne

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  17. I adore Novica!! The clothes, the jewelry, the home decor section..Everything is gorgeous and with an exotic flavor I love. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
    shoushouchic[at]gmail[dot]com

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  18. The dishes look beautiful Rosa. Loved knowing your thoughts on giveaways and advertising on blogs.

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  19. oh you scored big-time! yay you! lovely dishes and nice giveaway! :) hugs.

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  20. What gorgeous items you now have! Enter me, I would love to order some items.

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  21. That's really pretty! I love all their products!

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  22. I love this shop. Please enter me!

    Ana Belén R.M
    fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
    Spain

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  23. Wow. They have lovely things. Great give-away Rosa. Good luck everyone.
    Sam

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  24. You've made some very fine choices as well as backing a company which happens to be unique and different than the rest that's offered out there.
    It's also great that they can offer a certificate on a world wide basis, thanks.

    Ciao for now,
    Claudia

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  25. I agree, Novica is a pretty fantastic company. The dishes you chose are gorgeous, Rosa!

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  26. WOW Rosa. Both the salsa bowl and covered bowl are a mark of true craftmanship. Just stunning. I can see why you would agree to host a giveaway.

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  27. OMG, this pottery is exquisite. I love the fact that they showcase hand-crafted artisans from all over the world, too, in order to help them make a living at what they love. Thanks so much for bringing such a worthwhile endeavor to light.

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  28. i love the painted covered bowl!!1 it's just stunning!

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  29. Those bowls are gorgeous! What a great giveaway! I have been to that site and seen the amazing works of art featured.

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  30. Your selection are wonderful! Immediately I fall in love with them.
    Salsa bowl is not just an ordinary bowl, it is a piece of prized collection...

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  31. Lovely description of items and gorgeous looking dishes , good luck friends :):)

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  32. Dear Lord, what gorgeous dishes! So unique!!

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  33. Both pieces you selected are breathtaking. I'm not familiar with Novica but I'm certainly impressed with their cookware and ethics. Thanks for this great giveaway!

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  34. Simply Breath-taking pieces! I have never heard of Novica before.So Thanks for the information! I Just had a look on their website...wow its amazing what they do. Beautiful give away, Rosa!

    Cheers,

    Aldy.

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  35. They are truly beautiful Rosa ! Will check out their website, and thanks so much for the info. Win this not hurt either :)

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  36. Buongiorno Rosa, ho preparato una lasagna utilizzando il tuo PESTO alle Mandorle,coriandolo e feta spero ti faccia piacere!

    Grazie per questa info, molto interessate!

    Bisous

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  37. wow They are so beautiful!! I love that salsa bowl....just so pretty that I can't help but love it.

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  38. Hi Rosa,
    Thanks for introducing us to Novica in such a nice post!(I totally share your view on ads...) It is great to know that they have ethics, directly deal with the artists and are efficient in delivering the goods! The website is a real "caverne d'Ali Baba" as we say in French... and I have already fallen in love with the celadon elephant tea set!!

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  39. Merci de nous faire découvrir cette marque... j'aime beaucoup!
    Bonne journée, bises

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  40. Wow!! Both of them are soooooooo lovely!!

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  41. Such pretty tableware! my sister will squeal at those!

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  42. It's nice to see someone promote what they truly believe, in this day and age!

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  43. Very beautiful Rosa. I love pottery--I have thrown some pots. I love to glaze too.

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  44. très jolies photos, bravo rosa !

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  45. This tableware is just gorgeous!

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  46. Wow, so beautiful! I'll enter the drawing! :)

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  47. You're right to wait for products you can get behind 100%. I can see why you chose these ones. Very beautiful stuff. Count me in!

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  48. I absolutely love Novica's stuff, and I love what you ordered. I spent a large chunk of my day browsing their site the other day... so much for everyone, and such pretty stuff!
    Please include my name in this fab giveaway!

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  49. Elle est très belle cette soucoupe!
    Sans parler de ces petits biscuits, miammm
    Bise

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  50. Beautiful servings pieces that will brighten any table setting!

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  51. Il est vraiment trop mignon ce plat. Les petits motifs colorés lui donnent tout son caractère. J'adore !

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  52. Beautiful works of art! I have been so impressed with Novica, I really should order from them more.

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  53. I appreciate your concern about unwanted advertising but when beautifully crafted pieces like this are presented with a worthy company it is wonderful to see.

    I love your blog and see so many Yum Yums to investigate :)

    ~Susan

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  54. Great giveaway and wonderful products from Novica. Thank you for spreading the word.
    Keep my finger cross for the giveaway

    I really like your blog and the atmosphere in your pictures

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  55. Those dishes are stunning! You have an excellent taste :)

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  56. The dishes you chose are really lovely.

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  57. Thanks for the introduction to this company Rosa. I like their thinking.

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  58. Rosa, thank you for introducing us to Novica. Such a wonderful place for artists to promote themselves and share their hard work. Sign my up for this giveaway & thanks for making it worldwide entries! xo

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  59. Novica seems like a great company with beautiful items. Thanks for your honesty and for making it easy to enter your giveaway.

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  60. I hadn't heard of Novica before your blog post. Thank you for introducing me to them and their philosophy. Based on your STUNNING pictures, I know they will have many items I didn't know I needed. I appreciate the ease of your giveaway :)

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  61. How curious, yesterday I went to the supermarket and bought some passion fruit. I really love this fruit for its taste, a combination of acidity and sweetness.
    Your dessert is intense, fresh and an absolute treat.
    Lovely giveaway.
    Have a great weekend ♥

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  62. Thanks so much for the giveaway! I love the jewelry at Novica.
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

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  63. Novica ware's is always a class apart in terms of their designs. Been on my wishlist and do add me in this giveaway too.

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  64. I almost bought that salsa dish from Novica recently!
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  65. Novica has so many beautiful things :)
    bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

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  66. I've just been browsing on the Novica site, and the items are beautiful. I love the pieces you chose too.

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  67. wow I love that concept! It's so hard to find that kind of things and even if you're going on a trip to these places it may be hard to pack the item well to get back them at home!
    That's really a very nice discovery!!! (sorry for my poor english!)
    kimchi

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  68. Really original pieces, not found too often in the market !

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  69. I so agree with you about giveaways but this one does look fabulous! It is such a stunningly beautiful bowl and lid! Beautiful!

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  70. Wooooooo love the dish..amazing.. thanks for sharing.

    Pavithra
    www.dishesfrommykitchen.com

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  71. beautiful dishes, love them!

    sweetlife

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  72. Those pieces look lovely Rosa! I like the concept.

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  73. Wow Rosa you made beautiful choices with your dishes! I especially love the salsa bowl, just stunning. Would love to pick out something myself from their site, thanks for hosting this giveaway and highlighting such a great company! :)

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  74. Ils t'ont gâtée. C'est très beau.

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  75. Wow de wow!! J'adore ma chère Rosa!! Bizous xx

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  76. The dish and the pot is SO very charming. I have seen some of their product and absolutely love the look and feel of them.

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  77. Wow, these are just gorgeous!!! Glad to hear about Novica and also know that they ship to France. Enjoy your new dishes!

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  78. The pattern on the bowl is really beautiful!

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  79. Hi Rosa
    Your presence in the blog world is unmistakeable.I have followed you for a while now and love your dedication. I love Novica's business concept, so much so on a whim a few years ago I called them up to see how I could apply to work for them!
    Best wishes for all your new writing ventures.

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