January 21, 2011

Heidi-and-Seek Boutique is giving you a warm hug on a cold day!

Posted by Crystal's Blog

I have never seen one of these scarves before, but it's such a great idea! I'd love to own one of these, especially with the wind chills that we experience here in Manitoba!

Heidi-and-Seek Boutique is a small business run by a small-town girl with big dreams! I've been running a little Etsy shop for almost 2 years now selling handmade clothing, art and accessories. I'm passionate about being 'eco-friendly' so all of my items have been re-purposed from previously used materials. I love turning something old into something new!

I'm also passionate about giving back and helping others. I spent 4 years going to bible school in Abbotsford, BC and in my last year took a Youth Work class, and one of our guest speakers was from an inner city youth mission called the Cyrus Centre. This Centre provides care and support to homeless and at-risk youth. I was horrified and moved by the testimonies she gave about the lives of the kids they encounter and when we asked what kinds of things we could do to help she mentioned even basic necessities like toilet paper, a hot meal, or gifts for the kids at Christmas. I realized that I have been blessed with a lot which means I probably have a lot to give! I decided I wanted to use my gift of creativity to bless others, so 10% of all my sales is donated to The Cyrus Center.

I love what I do and I'm excited to be able to share it! :)

My Gift:
A one-of-a-kind Heidi Hood© - a hooded circle/infinity scarf to keep you cute and cozy on those cold cold days!
And a $10 store credit to my Etsy shop!






That is a total value of $35!! A huge thank you to Heidi-and-Seek Boutique for donating the perfect winter accessory!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to Heidi-and-Seek Boutique on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. While you are on her Facebook page, check out the photo albums or go to her Etsy shop by clicking HERE, and let me know which product you would love to purchase or maybe is already a favorite in your house. Then comment below stating that you "like" Heidi-and-Seek Boutique AND include the product you like. In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

I am such a big fan of Lil' Bo Peeps and I have many items from there such as soother clips, a travel wipes case (one of my favorites), hair clips & the newest addition to our collection is one of these gorgeous pillows!! We got my daughter one of these owl pillows for her birthday last Friday and it's already her favorite thing to sleep with!! It's so soft and CUTE!!

Lil' Bo Peeps is a handmade kid's boutique that specializes in Wipes Clutches, Wipes Tubs, Baby Leg Warmers plus much more! Lil' Bo Peeps has a large variety of unique gifts that are perfect for the new mom! I do local orders in Winkler/Morden and I also have an online shop for those that are not local which is: www.lilbopeepsshop.com. "Like" Lil' Bo Peeps on Facebook to get sneak peeks at new products and to be part of giveaways! Thanks for being a part of this giveaway and good luck to all! :-)

The giveaway package will include:


A Whimsical Owl Pillow (colors of your choice) ($20 value)
A $20 gift certificate for Lil' Bo Peeps



That is a total value of $40!! Thank you so much Lil' Bo Peeps for donating this adorable prize!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to Lil' Bo Peeps on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. While you are on her Facebook page, check out the photo albums and let me know which product you would love to purchase or maybe is already a favorite in your house. Then comment below stating that you "like" Lil' Bo Peeps AND include the product you like. In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

January 19, 2011

My Valentine's gift to you!

Posted by Crystal's Blog

Well, here is where the idea of this giveaway began. I wanted to give away something for Valentine's Day to my clients...whether you have ordered from me in the past, whether you will be a client of mine in the future or maybe you're just a fan of my work, and we need those people too!!! After I hosted a successful giveaway on my blog last year I thought it would be fun to try it again and do it even bigger this time, and WOW did we ever!! The response from businesses around Southern MB has been phenomenal. A huge thank you to all the businesses who are participating and also a big, big thank you to everyone who is entering into the giveaway. It wouldn't be a success without either side.

Here is a little bit about me and my business in case you don't know....I am a wife & a mother to three beautiful children ages 4 1/2 years, 2 years and 4 months old! I love being a mom, and being able to work out of the home is a dream come true.

CT Designs is a small business that offers services in many design and advertising areas. Services range from Christmas cards, Wedding Stationary, Social Tickets, Birth Announcements and Milestone Cards to Business Cards, Posters, Brochures and everything in between. I enjoy taking your pictures and creating designs that you will cherish for a lifetime whether it's pictures to remember those special moments in your child's life or creating the perfect stationary for your Wedding from the Invitations to the minor details of table #'s & place settings. My policy is 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed and I stick by that.

My gift to you:

Your choice of either 30 custom designed Valentine Cards OR a $35 credit towards any service that I offer.


That is a $35 value!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to CT Designs on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” my page. Leave me a little note letting me know that you're a new fan (I would definitely love to hear from you)! If you already “like” my page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. While you are at my Facebook page, feel free to check out the photo section to see what types of services I provide. Then comment below stating that you "like" CT Designs AND include which prize you would choose (Valentine cards or credit) and why. In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

An exfoliant is excellent for anyone who lives with the dry, winter conditions that we in Southern MB have to endure every year. This is the perfect gift for any female in your life this Valentine's Day!

Arbonne creates premium skin care, cosmetics, and nutritional products. Arbonne is committed to the development of unparalleled products free of harmful ingredients, they are botanically based, formulated without animal products or by-products and are free from mineral oil, dyes, and chemical fragrances!! Our commitment begins with research and testing to ensure that each of our ingredients meets or exceeds industry standards for purity. Arbonne personal care and nutrition products are Vegan certified: Our formulas are never tested on animals and do not contain animal derived ingredients or animal by-products.* We firmly believe that consumers have a fundamental right to know every ingredient in our products.

My Gift to you is a Sea Salt Scrub (453 g). The exfoliating action of this sea salt scrub — enhanced with the Awaken Essential Oil Blend — sloughs away dead surface cells revealing brighter, healthier-looking skin as it moisturizes. No more winter shedding of dead skin.

That is a total value of $35!! A big thank you to Shirlie for donating this excellent product!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to Arbonne - Shirlie on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. While you are on her Facebook page, check out the product album and pick one product that you'd love to try from Arbonne. Then comment below stating that you "like" Arbonne - Shirlie AND include what product you'd like to try. In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

I have had the pleasure of having Michelle as a sister-in-law and as a seamstress!! She has done everything from hemming pants and fixing buttons to sewing beautiful clothing for her children, altered ladies pants/bottoms to make into maternity wear, made grad gowns and so much more! She was even part of the 2007 Project Runway in Winnipeg!














Sewing and Alterations by Michelle is a local business operating in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We offer a variety of services including (but not limited too!) hemming, clothing repairs, custom design, custom draperies/pillows and sewing instruction. Do you have clothes that you love but don't wear because they just don't fit properly? Simple alterations can breathe new life into an old wardrobe!

Michelle has been sewing passionately for the last 10 years. She has certificates in Apparel Design I and II from the University of Manitoba. She believes everyone should feel fashionable and comfortable in the clothes they wear.

Our Gift to You:


Ken is taking Barbie out for Valentine's Day and she has had a special gown made just for her! You'll receive FREE, Barbie's red, strapless gown with lace overlay (as pictured below). A $15 value!














He'd better be taking her somewhere nice!

Also, receive a $20 credit towards any clothing alteration OR 1 hour of sewing instruction with Michelle.

That is a total value of $35!! A big thank you to Michelle for donating this wonderful prize!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize you must do the following TWO things...

1. Go over to Sewing and Alterations by Michelle on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today.

2. Comment below stating that you "like" Sewing and Alterations by Michelle AND include what you would like to either learn from Michelle if you chose to use the 1 hour of sewing instruction OR tell us what you own right now that needs to be altered by a seamstress (eg. hemming pants, taking in a waistband, shortening curtains, etc). In order for your comment to count as an extra entry you must tell me both things!

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

January 16, 2011

Another chance for an EXTRA entry!!

Posted by Crystal's Blog

Do you want another entry for this AMAZING giveaway?? Type the following on your Facebook or Twitter status TODAY ONLY:

Go check out @CT Designs at ct-designs.blogspot.com and enter to win the CT Designs & Friends 2011 Amazing Valentine's Giveaway!!

*Be sure to put an @ before CT Designs (no space between @ and C)and it will link back to my wall. You also need to be a fan of CT Designs in order for it to pop up when you are trying to link it.

Then leave a comment under this post letting me know you did so and that will give you an EXTRA entry for the Grand Prize. At midnight tonight I will not be taking any more entries for this particular task, but I will be posting another exciting prize tomorrow that will give you another chance for an extra entry!!

We're now passed the middle of the month and the total value of the Grand Prize is still more than half of the total value of prizes so far which is currently at $280.50. That means the remaining prizes are getting even bigger and better!! That also means we're going to make you work a little harder to get your extra entries in for the remaining businesses, so read carefully on how to enter in the coming days & weeks!!

Here is a recap of the businesses that we have highlighted up until now. If you haven't already got your extra entry in for these businesses, click on their name which will take you to their Facebook page, "like" their page, then come back to my blog and scroll down to the specific post where their business was highlighted and leave a comment on that particular post saying that you now "like" their page.

2011 CT Designs & Friends Giveaway begins - Get your official entry in here! This is a mandatory entry in order for all other EXTRA entries to count into the giveaway.

B Jewelled

Playful Peanut


Just Baked Desserts

Little Tweet


Unique Treasures Boutique

Crystal Gayle Photography

Crochet crafts by Daphne

Naomi's Mary Kay beauty

The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe


BK's Lawn Care


Heritage Bath Essentials

DD's Shoppe

January 15, 2011

DD's Shoppe has a great gift package for your little one!

Posted by Crystal's Blog

I'd love any of these accessories for my little girls!

DD's Shoppe: I am a young single mom of 2 beautiful little girls who were and still are my inspiration for DD's Shoppe. It started off as just a hobby and turned into something more. DD's Shoppe makes products such as non-slip hair clippies (alligator, and snap clips), nylon headbands, as well as winterized headbands for those little ears. Other products include fleece and flannel baby or toddler blankets!

Feel free to check out DD's Shoppe on Facebook or visit my website at www.ddsshoppe.weebly.com.

Here are the products I have donated to the blog give-away.
-a variety set of 10 hair clippies
-1 nylon headband
-1 uni-sex flannel blanket


That gift package has a retail value of $34.50! Thank you to DD's Shoppe for donating these lovely prizes!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize, please go over to DD's Shoppe on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today. Once you “like” DD's Shoppe, leave a comment below this post saying that you “like” her Facebook Page & that will be your EXTRA entry for today's business.

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name & a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

January 14, 2011

Time to relax with this gift from Heritage Bath Essentials!

Posted by Crystal's Blog

Your dry, winter skin will love the products that this business has to offer! Maybe you'll want to enjoy a nice, relaxing soak in the tub to end off the perfect Valentine's Day!

Heritage Bath Essentials is a home based business making Handmade Bath and Body treats! We also make Candles and votives for those relaxing evenings. We make everything by hand and skip all the chemicals and extras you find in most store bought items. We provide Glycerin Soaps and Cold Process Soap both work great for sensitive skin and we have had great feedback. Our Body Butter is great for dry skin and winter chapping! This year brings a bunch of great things. The first being a new owner and soap designer! Her name is Lianna and she is excited to provide the same products you are used to and new ideas! I will be working with her for the next year and look forward to providing the same great personal service we have been providing. Next we are working on new products for Mothers Day and look forward to seeing you at our sale! Finally we will be busy getting our new shop set up and ready to provide quality Handmade products for your skin! You can visit us at www.heritagebathessentials.com and on Facebook at Heritage Bath Essentials.

We are excited to donate: A tub of Body Butter and 4 Cupcake Bath Bombs, perfect for that special someone to enjoy for Valentine’s Day!





Those items have a retail value of $32! Thank you to Heritage Bath Essentials for donating this wonderful gift!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize, please go over to Heritage Bath Essentials on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today. Once you “like” Heritage Bath Essentials, leave a comment below this post saying that you “like” her Facebook Page & that will be your EXTRA entry for today's business.

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name & a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

This is definitely one prize that I would love to win! As I look at the forecast, I see snow for the next two days and I know that my wonderful husband will once again be out there shoveling along with everyone else in Southern MB. This prize can help with those winter shoveling blues!!

BK's Lawn Care
is owned and operated by myself, Ben Klassen, a husband and father of two young boys. We are previously known as Clean Cut Lawn and Garden. I have many years a lawn care experience and I do every job as it were my own yard that I am working on. I specialize in finishing mowing, rough cutting, hedge trimming, building fences, tilling and snow removal, which is something we could all use these days.

My Gift to you:
A $30 credit for snow removal, which is the cost of clearing an average size driveway.



Obviously a value of $30! Thank you to BK's Lawn Care for giving one lucky winner a break from shoveling!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize, please go over to BK's Lawn Care on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” his page. Leave him a little note letting him know that you're a new fan (I'm sure he'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” his page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today. Once you “like” BK's Lawn Care, leave a comment below this post saying that you “like” his Facebook Page & that will be your EXTRA entry for today's business.

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name & a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!

This is one of my top 5 businesses to look at on Etsy!! She makes the most adorable creations & I am privileged to own some of her lovely items.

The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe offers tasty creations, 100% calorie free :) From sweetly embroidered onesies, baby knot hats and super soft towels to personalized aprons, chef hats and super hero capes, there really is something for kids of all ages!


Hello!! My name is Amber, I am 28 years old. I have an amazing husband (my high school sweetheart!) of 9+ years and three wonderful daughters (ages 5, 3 and 2).

My girlies are my inspiration...I see A LOT of pink in one day and that is where the cupcake theme came from :) They love the idea of a cupcake shop in their own house (even though I don't sell 'real' cupcakes!) and love modeling my creations. I started The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe back in March 2009 when I was looking at one of my daughters onesies and thinking "It would be really neat to have her name on that!" So, I ran downstairs and started stitching!

I am passionate about my work. I do most of my work at night so I spend many hours in my dimly lit basement creating and experimenting. I am proud of each and every one of my creations and a lot of love goes into making each item :)

My Gift to you: A onesie (size 3-6 months) and a heart baby hat (as shown below)



That set is a total retail value of $30! Thank you to The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe for donating this tasty creation!

If you'd like to get an EXTRA entry in for the grand prize, please go over to The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe on Facebook by clicking HERE and “like” her page. Leave her a little note letting her know that you're a new fan (I'm sure she'd appreciate it)! If you already “like” her page you do not need to do that step in order to enter today. Once you “like” The Cotton Cupcake Shoppe, leave a comment below this post saying that you “like” her Facebook Page & that will be your EXTRA entry for today's business.

**Please remember, when you are leaving a comment as "anonymous" you need to leave your name & a way to contact you in the comment in order for your comment to count as any entry into the giveaway. I do not know who you are if there is no contact information, therefore an anonymous person can not receive a prize. Thank you!