Sandy a la Mode
Women + Kid's Fashion and Lifestyle Blog
Sponsor Love

Sponsor Love + Giveaway – Sparkle Thots

Entries for this giveaway have been closed!

{shop} {blog} {twitter} {facebook}

{MEET RUTH}

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into jewelry making?

I’m a stay at home mum living in sunny (ok, now rainy) Singapore. I started crafting as a social activity back in 2005 as a means to destress from work. It was strangely therapeutic for me to experiment with new techniques and designs. However it got really expensive. Friends encouraged me to sell online and I did as a means to fund the hobby. Only after my son was born (2007) did I seriously contemplate doing it as a means of livelihood. I love the flexibility and how it allowed me to be home to spend time with my young son. The business has been evolving along the way. Taking a backseat at times as my family changes. Like back in 2009 when my daughter was born.

2. What is one piece of advice you’d give to new shop owners?

Keep focused. There are so many good things to be done but what is the one good thing that fits you. Do spend time to assess and take stock of your business ideas and values. These help to govern you in what you do!

3. What are the best places for a tourist to visit in Singapore (restaurants, shopping, etc.)?

I’d love to have a better list but I’d be frank. I don’t get out much. And when I do, it’s to the simple places because that’s what my kids like! And really, the simple things are enough for them.

If I had to narrow it down to a couple of tourist-y places…

Sentosa! — Universal Studios finally arrived in Singapore and it has been quite a treat. I’d be honest to say that we have not been ourselves because my younger child would freak out on seeing mascots (true story. We have pictures of her crying in family photos taken at Disneyland Hong Kong). But really, all those rides! Can’t go wrong there now.

Sentosa is an island off our main island. It’s now accessible by bridge (walk or drive, even train) but do take the cable car. Starting out at Mount Faber, you get a gorgeous view of the seas and the island as you approach. Also, besides Universal Studios, there are other attractions like the Underwater World and luge rides for the more adventurous. If you do have the luxury of time, spend a day or 2 there!

If you are the sort who loves being ‘on top of the world’ and spying down, a number of vantage spots of sprung up all over Singapore. Each of them have their own plus points.
— Marina Bay Sands (well, casino, luxury good shopping and theatre all rolled into one).
It has a viewing gallery and an infinity pool. Two star attractions in their own right.

— Singapore Flyer  Built last year and modeling the London Eye, this ferris wheel gives a great view of Singapore. Best at Sunset or when there’s some special event going on. Fireworks seen from the wheel? Amazing.

— Ion Sky. Ion pretty much situated on the shopping belt of Singapore. It boasts of a mix of shops and foodie places. Plus its location means you can hop from shopping centre to shopping centre to shop up a storm. They have a viewing gallery, Ion Sky where you have a series of scopes to spy out on the island. The fun part about them is how they have decaled the glass panels with quirky quotes, location details and information about Singapore and erhmm, clouds. Their scopes are also equipped with pre-recorded video feeds which you can toggle to get at the night view amongst others. Not to mention Salt Grill by Luke Managan shares the same floor, offering a great gastronomic experience too.

4. What are some of your favorite color combinations?

Pastels! I am romantic at heart and it shows in my jewelry. I love how rose quartz (light shades of pink) matches with gold and silver perfectly. I also love citrine and personally find that it is best set in gold to enhance the cherry yellow. I used to like silver a lot more but right now, I am split both ways.

5. What is your favorite dessert?

My favourite dessert is this Mango Pomelo Sago combi. It originated in Hong Kong, where I still find they have the yummiest ones. I gorge myself silly with them every trip. Locally in Singapore, there are a couple of dessert stores that do this to perfection. The cold dessert is perfect for Singapore where, more often than not, the days are sweltering hot and humid. Nothing like ice-cold sweets to make the day better!

{GIVEAWAY}

Win $30 USD credit to Sparklethots shop!

1. Visit Sparklethots and leave a comment with your favorite item!

For additional entries, leave a separate comment for each action.
2. Be a Google Friend Connect follower of this blog
3. Like Sparkle Thots on Facebook and write on the wall saying I sent ya
4. Follow @sandyalamode and @sparklethots on Twitter
5. Blog, facebook, or tweet about this giveaway (make sure to include @sandyalamode and @sparklethots in your tweet) and include the link (one entry each). 

Feel free to use this tweet:

Have you seen @sparklethots handcrafted jewelry shop yet? Take a look and enter to win $30 credit on @sandyalamode! http://bit.ly/o9iRKe

This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY and closes on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 12PM CST. Good luck!

Don’t want to wait?  Enter discount code “SANDYXMAS” at checkout to enjoy 20% off your purchase now!

Entries for this giveaway have been closed!

127 Comments

  1. Melissa
    October 17, 2011 / 8:23 pm

    Yay for giveaways!
    I absolutely love the promise – to have and to hold ring.

    if only someone would buy me it 😉

  2. Melissa
    October 17, 2011 / 8:23 pm

    I definitely follow this blog via GFC. (it’s one of my favs!)

  4. Melissa
    October 17, 2011 / 8:25 pm

    & following you both in Twitter.

    *crosses fingers*

  5. districtofchic
    October 17, 2011 / 8:28 pm

    I love how pretty and dainty these pieces are!

  6. Melissa
    October 17, 2011 / 8:28 pm

    Visited Facebook & liked!

  7. Jaclyn
    October 17, 2011 / 8:31 pm

    What a beautiful shop! I think I like the bow rings the best.

  8. Jaclyn
    October 17, 2011 / 8:31 pm

    I follow this blog.

  9. Jaclyn
    October 17, 2011 / 8:32 pm

    I’m a Fb fan of sparklethots.

  10. Jaclyn
    October 17, 2011 / 8:34 pm

    I tweeted! Thanks so much for the giveaway opp, Sandy!

  12. mallory @ total noms
    October 17, 2011 / 9:23 pm

    LOVE the Ribbons Don’t Forget ring in Rose Gold! And well… most everything else in her shop! thanks for sharing! Hope Baby a la Mode is doing well 😛

  13. Meggy
    October 17, 2011 / 9:23 pm

    I love the You’re My Guiding Star necklace!

    Meggy from Chasing Davies

  15. Meggy
    October 17, 2011 / 9:26 pm

    I follow both you and sparklethots on twitter via ChasingDavies

    Meggy from Chasing Davies

  17. Hana
    October 17, 2011 / 10:00 pm

    The natures bud rose necklace is beautiful! I actually love the style of jewelry in her shop, it’s hard to choose one favorite!

  18. Tamara Nicole
    October 17, 2011 / 10:23 pm

    Lovely shop! My fave is Felicity — Bountiful Happiness (Cream)

  19. Dawn
    October 17, 2011 / 10:23 pm

    The pine v2 necklace is so dreamy!!

  21. Dawn
    October 17, 2011 / 10:23 pm

    Following your blog with GFC!

  23. Dawn
    October 17, 2011 / 10:25 pm

    Liked the facebook page and wrote on the wall!

  27. honeymyheart
    October 17, 2011 / 11:02 pm

    what a beautiful shop and collection. i love the ribbon ring, it’s so dainty and gorgeous.

  28. MelodyJ
    October 17, 2011 / 11:53 pm

    I like Fall-Earth Beckons among other pieces.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

  29. MelodyJ
    October 17, 2011 / 11:54 pm

    GFC Follower.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

  30. Beth T.
    October 18, 2011 / 12:17 am

    There are so many lovely things in her shop. I think my favorite might be the River–Blue Danube necklace. Wasn’t an easy choice.

  31. Beth T.
    October 18, 2011 / 12:18 am

    I follow you via GFC.

  34. Stacey
    October 18, 2011 / 1:27 am

    I GFC this blog!

  35. Stacey
    October 18, 2011 / 1:29 am

    I follow you both on twitter @theotherpocket

  36. Simply Sara
    October 18, 2011 / 5:05 am

    I love all the Hepburn. Earrings, so pretty!!!

  37. Simply Sara
    October 18, 2011 / 5:05 am

    I follow your blog!!!

  39. Simply Sara
    October 18, 2011 / 5:15 am

    I follow you both on twitter!

    @SimplySara83

  42. Lorne Y.
    October 18, 2011 / 6:01 am

    I like the ribbons don’t forget ring ! thanks for this great giveaway!

  44. Chrissy
    October 18, 2011 / 6:13 am

    Of course I am a follower!! xxx

  45. Chrissy
    October 18, 2011 / 6:17 am

    I follow you on twitter!

  46. cait
    October 18, 2011 / 6:58 am

    this is awesome 🙂 i follow you on twitter!

  47. cait
    October 18, 2011 / 6:59 am

    of course i’m a follower 🙂

  48. cait
    October 18, 2011 / 6:59 am

    facebooked 🙂

  49. cait
    October 18, 2011 / 7:01 am

    i adore her love necklace 😉

  50. Jade
    October 18, 2011 / 7:42 am

    I love the “A Heart for Romance” necklace!

  51. Krysten
    October 18, 2011 / 7:58 am

    I love the You’re My Guiding Star necklace.

  52. Krysten
    October 18, 2011 / 7:58 am

    I follow you via GFC.

  53. Krysten
    October 18, 2011 / 7:59 am

    Following via Twitter.

  54. Krysten
    October 18, 2011 / 8:01 am

    Tweeted!

  55. doroffee
    October 18, 2011 / 8:04 am

    I follow you via gfc.

  56. doroffee
    October 18, 2011 / 8:05 am

    I love the Nature’s Buds — Rose Blossoms :). I hope it’s not a problem I wrote my mandatory entry 2nd…

  57. doroffee
    October 18, 2011 / 8:06 am

    I like Sparkle Thots on fb as Dorottya Zsófia Bacsi and told them you sent me :).

  58. doroffee
    October 18, 2011 / 8:07 am

    I follow both of you twitter as doroffee :).

  59. Sara Maria
    October 18, 2011 / 8:27 am

    I really really like the Pine-Longing for Winter. It’s absolutely gorgeous!

  60. Sara Maria
    October 18, 2011 / 8:28 am

    I’m a GFC friend!

  61. Sara Maria
    October 18, 2011 / 8:29 am

    I liked Sandy a la Mode on Facebook!

  62. Wendy Hatton
    October 18, 2011 / 9:06 am

    The Stargazing earrings are my favourite today

  63. Wendy Hatton
    October 18, 2011 / 9:07 am

    I am a sandyalamode google friend

  65. Ms. Megan
    October 18, 2011 / 9:14 am

    I follow your blog via GFC
    xo

  67. Suburban Sweetheart
    October 18, 2011 / 9:18 am

    I LOOOVE the You’re My Guiding Star Necklace. I have a star tattoo & am always on the lookout for little star pretties like this!

  69. Nicole
    October 18, 2011 / 9:33 am

    I just love the Tie the Knot necklace! Thanks for this giveaway!

  70. Nicole
    October 18, 2011 / 9:34 am

    I follow this blog via GFC!

  71. Andi T.
    October 18, 2011 / 9:44 am

    My favorite is the tie the knot necklace in silver – so pretty!

  72. Andi T.
    October 18, 2011 / 9:45 am

    I follow your blog.

  73. Andi T.
    October 18, 2011 / 9:46 am

    I liked Sparkle Thots on Facebook (Andi Bauer Trautman)

  74. Justine
    October 18, 2011 / 11:28 am

    I love the Don’t Forget gold filled ring!

  75. Leonora
    October 18, 2011 / 11:31 am

    oOoOO all her “tie the knot” pieces are mega adorbs!

  76. Leonora
    October 18, 2011 / 11:31 am

    new FB friend of them!

  77. Leonora
    October 18, 2011 / 11:32 am

    der I follow you <3

  78. Leonora
    October 18, 2011 / 11:32 am

    i follow you both on the twittah

  79. Leonora
    October 18, 2011 / 11:32 am

    aaaand tweeted

  80. angie
    October 18, 2011 / 11:58 am

    what a cute jewelry store. i love the Promise — To Have and to Hold ring!

  81. angie
    October 18, 2011 / 12:00 pm

    already a GFC of this blog!

  83. Karina
    October 18, 2011 / 12:57 pm

    Thank you both for such an awesome giveaway 🙂

    I checked out her shop and it’s so pretty I especially loved her
    Ribbons — Don’t Forget (Goldfilled) ring 🙂 adorable!

    Kary10024@hotmail.com

  84. Karina
    October 18, 2011 / 12:57 pm

    I am a follower of your blog 🙂

  86. Karina
    October 18, 2011 / 1:00 pm

    I follow you both via twitter. Username:LoveKarinaP

  88. Ami
    October 18, 2011 / 1:27 pm

    love the Tree earrings 🙂

  89. Ami
    October 18, 2011 / 1:28 pm

    following your blog!

  90. Ami
    October 18, 2011 / 1:28 pm

    following u both on twitter @hunnybunny727

  91. Ami
    October 18, 2011 / 1:29 pm

    liked and wrote on Sparkle Thots facebook !

  92. oomph.
    October 18, 2011 / 2:14 pm

    love the “you’re my shining star” necklace!

    [oomph.]

  93. oomph.
    October 18, 2011 / 2:15 pm

    follower of your blog 🙂

    [oomph.]

  94. Dawn {The Alternative Wife}
    October 18, 2011 / 2:29 pm

    Oh I just love all of her pieces! The Freedom necklace is just perfect 🙂

  98. Haylee
    October 18, 2011 / 7:12 pm

    The bow rings are adorable.

  99. Haylee
    October 18, 2011 / 7:12 pm

    long time GFC follower of this blog!

  100. Birgit
    October 19, 2011 / 5:24 am

    I adore the River — The Blue Danube Necklace!

  101. Birgit
    October 19, 2011 / 5:24 am

    GFC follower of your blog

  102. catherine
    October 19, 2011 / 10:28 am

    I love Ribbons — Don’t Forget (Rose Gold)!!!! so pretty~

  103. catherine
    October 19, 2011 / 10:29 am

    i follow through google friend connect 🙂

  105. Nicole O
    October 20, 2011 / 4:14 am

    — I’m a current GFC Follower under: SAUCY | f. | BABY

  106. Nicole O
    October 20, 2011 / 4:14 am

    — I’m now a fan of Sparkle Thots via FB under: Nicole Ordonez

  107. sharde
    October 20, 2011 / 7:54 pm

    I would love that bow ring!!! i love bows, and the simplicity of the bow ring is perfect!

  108. sharde
    October 20, 2011 / 7:54 pm

    i follow sandyalamode on twitter @shardestyle

  109. sharde
    October 20, 2011 / 7:55 pm

    and i follow via google friend connect!

  110. sharde
    October 20, 2011 / 7:56 pm

    just tweeted about the giveaway using both twitter handles @shardestyle

  111. Jasmine1485
    October 21, 2011 / 6:11 am

    My favourite piece (and what I would get myself!) is the ‘Raina — Bottled Wine’ necklace 🙂

    kate1485 at hotmail.com

  112. melissa blake
    October 21, 2011 / 2:32 pm

    You always have the BEST giveaways! I love the rings, especially the to have and to hold one! xoxo

  113. Rhian
    October 21, 2011 / 11:36 pm

    I LOVE the Wishes — Just For You necklace!

  114. Rhian
    October 21, 2011 / 11:39 pm

    I am a GFC follower of Sandy a la Mode

  115. Lori
    October 22, 2011 / 3:19 pm

    I love the …. Sunshine — Always Walk in Sunshine

  116. Lori
    October 22, 2011 / 3:20 pm

    I follow you via GFC. 🙂

  117. Lori
    October 22, 2011 / 3:21 pm

    I follow you both via Twitter…

  118. Lori
    October 22, 2011 / 3:22 pm

    i tweeted!

  119. ♥♥Belén♥♥
    October 23, 2011 / 10:43 am

    I Love Keys II — Unlock The Future. It´s amazing.
    Thankss

  120. ♥♥Belén♥♥
    October 23, 2011 / 10:44 am

    I follow you via GFC as Tras el Secreto de Venus

  121. ♥♥Belén♥♥
    October 23, 2011 / 10:44 am

    I like your Facebook Page . Nick: Secreto de Venus

  122. ♥♥Belén♥♥
    October 23, 2011 / 10:45 am

    Followed @sandyalamode and @sparklethots on Twitter
    Nick: @Secretodevenus

  124. Mandy
    October 24, 2011 / 11:07 am

    I like the A sentimental note necklace.

  125. Mandy
    October 24, 2011 / 11:08 am

    I’m following on GFC as Mandy and Justin

    aandj8804[at]gmail.com

  126. Mandy
    October 24, 2011 / 11:10 am

    following both of you on twitter (@aandj8804)

    aandj8804[at]gmail.com