Friday, September 27, 2013

NOVICA REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Those of you who enjoy my blog and are acquainted with me know that I am an honest person with values, principles, ideals and an acute sense of integrity. This is why I take my role as a "influential" blogger seriously, refuse to bullshit my trusty followers and exclusively associate myself with brands I can relate to.

As a matter of fact, I regularly turn down offers as I'm very exclusive/picky in my selection. My desire is not to brainwash you with cheap adverts for useless knacks or tacky bric-a-brac. All I want to do is showcase items that have a real value to my eyes and which I can present to you without feeling like a complete sell-out or a vulgar whore running after freebies or a few easily earned coins...


NOVICA logo_lg

Now that we have cleared this point, I wish to talk to you about NOVICA, a US-based company with whom I have previously collaborated twice (in 2011 and 2012) and whose business etiquette is fully compatible with my beliefs. 

I embrace their philosophy and truly adore their goods, hence when they contacted me for the third time and proposed to organize another giveaway, there was no way I was going to refuse the opportunity of making one of my readers a lucky winner and treating myself to one of their exquisite and irresistible objects.

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 bargain prices that only the internet infrastructure can allow. Their aim is to give artisans around the world a global platform where they have the possibility to express their true artistic talents as well as spur their creativity and forge ties with the buyers.

Mexican Bowls 4 5 bis
In association with THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, this fairtrade and eco-friendly organization's purpose is to establish a revolutionary system through which small producers (the 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 an international audience of prospective customers.


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

They sell a vast array of products ranging from home decor (furniture, tableware, sculptures, tapestries, etc...), fashion and jewelry (women's clothing, women's accessories, men's clothing, men's accessoriesmen's scarveswomen's scarvesshort dresses, Peruvian Chrysocolla jewelry, pearl drop earrings, etc...) to paintings (abstract, religious, landscapes, etc...) and also specialise in corporate as well as green gifts. Perfect if you want to spoil yourself or others!

As you can imagine it was very difficult for me to choose something from their catalogue as there are so many wonderful items to pick from. Anyway, being a big fan of South American art, a food enthusiast who loves handmade tableware and a photographer with a soft spot for pretty props, I decided to order a set of four delicately manufactured and enchantingly colorful Talavera soup bowls made by Pedro Alba from Mexico.
 

The merchandise was fastly shipped (I placed my order on a Tuesday evening and my parcel arrived on Friday) and everything came to destination in mint condition (extremely well-packed).

After a very long session of packet opening, I finally discovered the objects of my longings. For a few seconds, I stood there breathless and incredulously gawping at my flawless, refined, elegant and beautiful ceramic bowls (they look even better than on the photos). How on earth did I manage to get my hands on such gems, I asked myself in disbelief. I felt like a kid in a candy store and bubbles of happiness were dancing in my heart. A dream had come true...

Mexican Bowls 5 6 bis
GIVEAWAY
One 75$ 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 email (please leave your e-mail adress if you don't have a blog).
- This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE (please check NOVICA's International Shipping Table to know if they can ship to your country).
- The contest closes on the 4th of October 2013 at 12pm CEST.


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.

97 comments:

  1. I definitely admire your blogging-ethic, and of course would pay attention to any product you decide to back up.

    I know Novica and wow, nothing would make me happier than that gift certificate... their stuff is amazing! Almost as amazing as your photos! ;-)

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  2. Thank you for introducing me to Novica. I am always looking for something new and exciting to my kitchen collection and it looks like a site for me.

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  3. These are the type of bowls I would like to own. Good choice!

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  4. Thank you dear Rosa for you honest post! Ceramic bowls are true treasure, they look earthy and it would be great addition to any kitchen!

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  5. I love Novica stuff...those ceramic bowls are really beautiful.

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  6. Oops my post went away.
    It started with:"that's our Rosa..to the point':-)
    In my next life..should I be granted one..
    The bowls are heirlooms..even now:-)
    Super bes Rosa.
    Well deserved.

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  7. That bottom picture (with the plums) is breathtakingly exquisite. Really, really good. Those bowls are lovely, too. Sounds like a great company - thanks for turning us on to them.

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  8. Thanks for introducing Novica to us, Rosa. Love their work and of course, your clicks are so good :)

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  9. I love your blog because of your philosophy :) Never heard of Novica but would absolutely to check it out :)

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  10. I love hearing about a give away that's world wide. So many are just for the US and/or Canada. That makes NOVICA even better in my book, besides of course all the wonderful goodies they have. Those bowls are gorgeous and I can see why you chose them! It helps that you captured some beautiful photos of them.

    Now I'm off to go check out everything they have and make a wishlist :D

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  11. I love your blog,I trust your blog...
    and I love these wonderful bowls!
    Kisses,dear!

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  12. Gorgeous bowls, beautiful photos. It's always a pleasure to visit your blog. Bon week-end!

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  13. wow. what a beautiful pattern of bowl ... really ? they are from US ? I really need to check around shopping mall than .. that is so beautiful, Rosa ... * I really tough that is product from Europe... ..

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  14. Rosa, thanks so much for bringing Novica to the attention of your readers! Love this!

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  15. The bowls are gorgeous ... but that plum photo darn near took my breath away!! I would love to hang that in my kitchen!

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  16. Oh, what lovely bowls! Every food bloggers dream!! :D

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  17. The bowls you have chosen are beautiful Rosa.

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  18. G'day Rosa and thank you for allowing me to learning some new re NOVIA today, true!
    Talavera ceramic soup bowls, 'Guanajuato Flora' bowls are absolutely stunning and always enjoy learning more about recipes that photograph well with various colored bowls too!
    I also believe bloggers need to stay true to who they are and what they promote ...
    Cheers! Joanne

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  19. My mother bought me a necklace from Novica a few years back and I cherish it to this day...it is so beautiful, and I get so many compliments on it. I still can't believe sometimes how something so PERFECT wound up in my hands.

    So, yes, I am all for Novica and find their values ethical and in-line with my own. Plus, they make pretty stuff.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  20. Beautiful bowls and your pictures are perfect!

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  21. I admire your ethics and feel exactly the same way. Gorgeous bowls. What a nice give-away Rosa.
    Sam

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  22. Love your bowls, Rosa. And your plum photo is one of your best!

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  23. Those bowls look so ethnic and now I picturing in my mind how Indian food look in those gorgeous bowls....awesome giveaway and good work novica....

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  24. The few things you have promoted on your blog have each been extraordinarily stunning artisan goods and these bowls are no different. They are beautiful! And I love what Novica is doing to give these artists a global platform. Good for you for promoting them!

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  25. The tableware is stunning! It has depth and character which is a sign of good artisan work. Love it.

    Velva

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  26. I remember your previous giveaway from Novica. They have such beautiful objects. If only I had the money to buy them, I would buy them all. Your photos should go in their catalogue.

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  27. Those bowls are gorgeous, as are your photos, as always.

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  28. I came over to admire your beautiful photography but I'm walking away having learned about Novica's beautiful program. The bowls are gorgeous but that last image of the plums takes my breath away.

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  29. Fancy tableware, i wish coud get it here in Indonesia....
    btw, i thought the bowl is quite big in the first photograph, i guess i was wrong...

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    Replies
    1. I'm sure they ship to Indonesia... It is a closeup. In fact the bowls are medium sized. ;-)

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  30. From your great pictures I understand that I missed something, I did not know Novica thanks for this info, Hello

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  31. Bonsoir ~

    Quelle superbe collection d'objets artisanaux. Rien n'est mieux que le fait-main ~

    Bon weekend

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  32. I know that you will never lead us astray Rosa. Thanks for your integrity.

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  33. What a beautiful find! Thank you so much for offering such a generous giveaway.

    Cindy Aiton
    clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  34. Such a generous giveaway!! Love their colorful products :)

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  35. I visited their website and they have very beautiful masks. I collect them. Thanks for the giveaway, I appreciate.

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  36. Beautiful bowls!! Lovely pictures!!

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  37. Hi Rosa, nice click! I sure love the bowl, look so cute and pretty. :)) Thanks for sharing.
    Have a wonderful weekend, regards.

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  38. Beautiful bowls and your pictures are perfect, Thanks for your integrity.

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  39. Those bowl looks so pretty. Thanks for introducing me to novica. Cant wait to check the collection

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  40. Googling Kewra water brought me to your blog... but I am glad I stayed and looked around more. I admire the aim of Novica and look forward to discovering more from your blog as I delve deeper. :)

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  41. You are all of that and more, very inspiring.
    These bowls are so beautiful. I am going to check them out asap.

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  42. These are so pretty - they look a bit like some that my dad bought for me in Turkey :)

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  43. I actually won this another time you did this as a giveaway. I can attest to the beautiful craftsmanship of the Novica items. I love the bowls I got. Their beauty always makes me smile, too.

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  44. i love novica! ive got a bag from them that i just love! what a fun giveaway

    daniellex at gmail dot com

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  45. Bellos posillos y su foto de las ciruelas parecen un cuadro de pintura muy bonito,abrazos

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  46. I love Novica! It always makes me feel good to know that I'm supporting artisans from around the world instead of supporting a giant machine in some factory somewhere.

    looneylunaraven(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. I love shopping at Novica - I am always happy with the products. I have gotten jewelry and handbags .

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  48. The combination of your photo styling and photography talents indeed accent the cheer of these Pedro Alba bowls from Novica. No wonder this is a win-win partnership Rosa!

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  49. Gorgeous Rosa. Both the bowls and the photos! That photos of the plums is a true winner!

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  50. Your photography is stunning Rosa... what a beautiful partnership! I've been peeping into Novica for a few years. They have some really fabulous stuff.

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  51. I love Novica! Thanks for your integrity!
    Massimiliano Maruca massykirk70@yahoo.it

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  52. I like Gorgeous Rosa.
    Alessandra Lora Ronco nadiap47@gmail.com

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  53. Beautiful bowls and your pictures are perfect!
    Nadia Pregnolato nadiapregnolato@libero.it

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  54. Thanks for introducing me about novica...That bowl looks so cute and beautiful...Love your last click, brilliant photography...Thanks for the giveaway...

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  55. Enter me, please. The bowls are beautiful!

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  56. I would like to win the bowls for my wife. She would be excited! Thanks

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  57. Place my name in the hat, please!

    Linda

    mom_of_elijah@hotmail.com

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  58. I love Novica!

    dreaming of them already in my kitchen. lol

    Wade
    errt2002@aol.com

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  59. Beautiful dishes are a passion of mine, and these are gorgeous!
    Laura Clark lwinnclark@gmail.com

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  60. Incredible bowls, Rosa. What a stunning photo of the plums in the bowl. That deep violet hue is so fall and so lovely. xx

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  61. What stunning pictures! Especially one with tomatoes. I want to learn your technique
    .

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  62. i'm a big fan of novica. the bowls are so lovely, as is pretty much everything on that website!

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  63. Wow. I am new to novica. What lovely things. I love their amazing assortment of things for the home.
    Dawnkeenan@mchsi.com

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  64. great giveaway =) thank you for this opportunity!!!!
    fb - fiore di neve
    mail- palermobella2000@yahoo.it

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  65. Fantástico tu cambio de cabecera la foto que me encantó esta bellísima,abrazos.

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  66. What beautiful bowls! Good luck to everyone :D

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  67. This is such a fantatstic giveaway! I will be so chuffed to win, but knowing my luck it will be impossible, haha! I am over to check out their website now :-)

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  68. This sounds like a site that so many food bloggers would love. I have a collection of Talavera plates. My husband had to travel to Mexico for 2 years off and on. Each time he would return, he would bring one Talavera plate until we had a collection! It was so much fun to unwrap it and see which unique pattern he brought back. Good luck with your giveaway and I'm definitely going to take a peed at all of those artisan finds.

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  69. beautiful giveaway.. lovely deco

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  70. Just found your blog! Love novica and would love to have any of the items hard to choose which one. sandyhills25 (at) yahoo.com

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  71. Gorgeous! I love the Middle Eastern look of a lot of their products. They are just screaming out for some chummus and olives. :p

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  72. gorgeous products here! my email is the same as my profile that i used to comment. thanks!

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  73. love the vigilant owl and the radiant natural fiber basket
    mrsrodjac at hotmail dot com

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  74. They are so cute!! Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  75. Hi Rosa,
    Of course you are a very trustful and blogger and on top of that, you have a fantastic taste and this products are absolutely beautiful and gorgeous and I love their design and shape.
    Cheers,
    Lia.

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  76. Rosa, this is such a generous and tasteful giveaway! Please add my name to the hat :) Also I am loving your fall header :)

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  77. Thanks for the giveaway - what unique products from around the world.

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  78. You are an absolutely trustworthy person Rosa and well respected in the blogger world.
    The bowls are beautiful and the colors of the fruits and vegetables chosen for the shots work perfectly with the colors f the ceramic.

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  79. Very beautiful bowls!!! I would like to win for my mother!!!

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  80. Gorgeous bowls and I love the color! I always love the blue color - whatever food you put, it looks amazing! Thanks for the worldwide giveaway!

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  81. C'est vrai, cette couleur est magnifique, elle va aussi bien aux prunes qu'aux tomates (cette photo de tomates, Rosa, j'aimerais pouvoir en faire d'aussi belles!)

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  82. I adore these bowls! I love art from Latin America, especially Mexico. My friend recently went and came back with such beautiful things... hammock, clothes, bags and blankets all with gorgeous colours and patterns!

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  83. l love these bowls!!! I would lile to win :)
    pleadi@inwind.it

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  84. Beautiful bowls and your pictures are perfect

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  85. I can see why it's one of your favorite places. It's beautiful!

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  86. Waouh, jolies couleurs!!! J'adoooore

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  87. The bowls are beautiful! Thanks for the information on NOVICA, I wasn't sure whether to buy a wall-hanging from there, but I have now!

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  88. Love those bowls. They would go perfect in our kitchen!

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  89. Oh these bowls look so so beautiful Rosa...I loved the blue hues. I also loved yur pics of Lenk. Do you live there?

    Shobha

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