Featured Sponsor: Pretty Zoo

I'm so so so very excited about this month's featured sponsor, Zoe from Pretty Zoo! Not only is her blog chock full of inspiring bits and bobs, but her new jewelry venture is absolutely stunning. It doesn't hurt that she's a total babe and sweetheart either! Zoe is here to answer a few quick questions for all of you Honeybees and she's going to share a super rad giveaway at the bottom, too! Be sure to click through and see just how adorable and talented she is for yourself, and then enter to win! xo


You're quite the world traveler, are you not? What's it like to move internationally?
It's amazing!! Moving with my boyfriend from New Zealand to Germany was a huge and slightly scary step, but an awesome challenge! We learnt some German, travelled around Europe a bit, and experienced living with a completely different language and culture. We lived there for almost a year, then moved to London a couple of months ago which was so exciting, and I'm absolutely loving it here! 

Pretty Zoo is the name of your blog and new jewelry line. How did the name come about?
I'm not 100% sure!! I love animals and pretty things, so I think I just combined the two! I also like how it kinda references my name with the letter Z, and the idea of my blog and shop as a collection of pretty things in a place people can visit (like a zoo!) II'm a bit torn about zoo's; I love them, but I hate the enclosures. 

How did you decide you wanted to get into making jewelry?
I've wanted to make jewellery for a while now, and have had little ideas brewing in my head. Then when I was in Germany working as a design freelancer, I'd find myself with spare time so I decided it was now or never! I did alot of planning and developing, and finally launched my shop in September after we had moved to London. 

Your pieces are undeniably gorgeous, and incredibly unique! Where did the inspiration for your work come from?
Aww! Thankyou! The inspiration for my jewellery came from my love for the Old World, vintage ephemera, botany, natural history, and explorers! I'm obsessed with the idea of cabinets of curiosities and adventurers setting off on long expeditions and discoveries, so my jewellery has a strong antique/explorer influence.


You're also a graphic designer and illustrator! How fun! Have you always been an incredibly creative (and talented!) gal?
I love making things! I'm project obsessed, and I can't stick to just one or two creative outlets! I was pretty arty growing up, and ever since I could I've studied art, drawing, design, photography and other creative subjects. I always wanted to have a creative career- I went through phases of wanting to be an Art Teacher, Tattooist, Architect, Artist, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, Photographer... they all seem so fun! :)

What's a typical day like in the life of Zoe?
My typical day has recently changed dramatically!! For the past year it was pretty much just working on freelance design and illustration work, designing blogs and print work for Freckled Nest, developing my jewellery, blogging on Pretty Zoo and dreaming up creative projects. But, as of last week, I am employed full-time! And I mean FULL time! My days currently look a bit like this: Up at 6.30am, on the bus at 7.30am, two train changes and then I'm at work a little after 8.30am. I work with an amazing team of really passionate, hard-working and incredibly lovely and fun people, designing prints and garments for leading high street retailers like Topshop and ASOS. (It's a dream come true!!!) Lunch is had at my desk, and I leave sometime between 6.30 and 8.30pm. I'm usually home after an hour, then I have some dinner with the boy while we chat about our days. Then at about 9.30pm I'm onto my computer again to catch up on emails, and most importantly, do design work and emails for my Freckled Nest clients. I try and get to bed by midnight, then it's up again early in the morning! 

Who are some people that inspire you on a daily basis?
I'm most inspired by people who are passionate about what they do, or what they're working towards. I'm inspired by Leigh-Ann and Kyla of Freckled Nest, they've built an amazing little design company and are incredibly smart and talented. Also Elsie of Red Velvet who seems to be living the dream! I love Bri from Design Love Fest too, she's a great designer and a stylish, smart lady! And I really admire Kaelah for making her Honeybean dream come true! I'm so happy for her :)

Let's daydream for a minute. If you could write your life story, where would you write yourself 5 years from now? 10? 20?
Five years from now, I'd maybe still be living in London, designing up a storm and having adventures! After ten years, I would've travelled around the UK and Europe, as well as a road trip around the States, a visit to Canada, and would possibly be back in New Zealand, either creating for kick-ass clients or having my own shop! Or both! And after twenty? I've never thought about that, but there'd probably be some babies along the way by then, eeek I can't think that far into the future!! ;)

Where else can the lovely Honeybees find you online?


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Do you just love her yet? Right?! So in honor of this super rad feature, Zoe is giving away an original pattern illustration, set under glass in a hand-stained wooden frame! It's 100% one of a kind as it features the original drawing. Swoon! And here is how you can enter to win:



Visit Zoe's shop, Pretty Zoe (Here's the Etsy version, too),  and tell me your very favorite piece in her shop! Then just leave a comment below (with your email spelled out!).

For extra entries, do the following and leave a separate comment for each!
+ Follow Zoe's blog
+ Follow Zoe on Twitter
+ Tweet/Tumblr about the giveaway and include a link (tag @kaelahbee and @zoeweir)
+ Blog about the giveaway and include a link

That's 5 ways to win! A winner will be drawn next Thursday!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
The winner of the group giveaway last week was: Comment #24 Mih.aela!

If you're interested in being the Featured Sponsor of January (or any month in 2012!), shoot me an email at kaelahbee@gmail.com or check out the Sponsor page for more info! Book by the end of the month to get $30 off!

102 comments:

  1. Love the Flight Of Fancy Hot Air Balloon Pendant - although "Fan Dangle" is the best item name ever :) Thanks for the giveaway and interesting interview!

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  2. those necklaces so so cute!!! loooovee

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  3. I really love every. single. thing.

    If I had to choose one, though, it would the the Pair of Hares necklace. I'm so happy about this feature because I am definitely going to add some of her jewelry to my Christmas list this year. ;)


    chandelier.jenny[at]gmail.com
    http://chandelierjenny.blogspot.com

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  4. I now follow her blog via BlogLovin'. :)

    chandelier.jenny[at]gmail.com

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  5. The Butterfly Collection Pendant is so pretty :)
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    nessieourunderwaterally(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. My favorite item from her shop is We Were Explorers 'Butterfly Collection' Framed Pendant.



    Goobernickel(at)yahoo(DOT)com

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  7. How could anyone choose a favorite piece in that shop? Everything is so amazing and I want it ALL. I would love the squirrel woodland brooch because I think it would look so great on a big chunky scarf.

    Lauren @ Sea Parrot

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  8. I love Teacup kitty! So cute

    slytherins-heir[at]hotmail.com

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  9. Oh my goodness, I've been swooning over the Original Pattern No. 1 since I found Zoe's beautiful jewelry. So amazing! I am so excited about this giveaway!

    aspotlessmind17@gmail.com

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  10. I love this giveaway. I follow the pretty zoo blog

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  11. I follow the Pretty Zoo on Twitter

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  12. My favorite thing in the Pretty Zoo Etsy shop is the framed pair of hares necklace. So cute.

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  13. I love Zoe's shop! She's such an incredible lady and as a big fan of well, everything she is a fan of, I can't help but fall for the gorgeous pieces. They remind me of field journals in jewelry form. ♥

    At the moment, my favorite piece from Pretty Zoo is: We Were Explorers 'Grand Ship' Framed Pendant

    And my e-mail is: lariatsandlavender[at]gmail[dot]com

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  14. I follow Zoe's blog!

    My e-mail is: lariatsandlavender[at]gmail[dot]com

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  15. I follow Zoe on Twitter! (Just followed - though I thought I already did, oi!)

    My e-mail is: lariatsandlavender[at]gmail[dot]com

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  20. The Angelica Illustrated porcelain pendent is so, so beautiful.
    <3 Megan
    withasentimentalheart@gmail.com

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  21. Ohhh lovely. I would like a Teacup kitty. Beautiful.

    marta.turkalj@gmail.com

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  22. I love the Flight of Fancy Hot Air Balloon Pendant, and I absolutely adore the orignal pattern pendant!

    tawniebair at yahoo dot com

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  23. I follow her blog, too.

    tawniebair at yahoo dot com

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  24. I follow her on twitter, too. @lillyellaco

    tawniebair at yahoo dot com

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  25. I really love the Ribbon In The Sky Hot Air Balloon Pendant! It's soo pretty :)

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  26. She is super cute & creative! I love the Cordelia cameo. theloudermouth AT gmail DOT com

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  27. Ah! I forgot to mention my e-mail, haha. Well, my favorite piece is the Ribbon in The Sky Hot Air Balloon Pendant! It's soo pretty :)

    nicole.franson[at]hotmail.com

    All of the pieces are so vintage, and I'm getting into that style

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  28. Any of her pieces in the Cabinet of Curiosities collection are my favorites. The wooden borders with the sweet little black and white pendants just make me want to be completely ladylike. I love them!

    also, in her lookbook page on her website, the extendable eye binocular is so exciting. I want one so that I can be a curiousity explorer! :]

    amylouart@ymail.com

    amylouart@ymail.com

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  29. following on her blog via bloglovin!

    amylouart[at]ymail.com
    www.stillbeatheart.blogspot.com
    www.stillbeatheart.tumblr.com

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  30. and DEFINITELY following on twitter!
    I can't wait to see what this lady pumps out for her next works!

    amylouart[at]ymail.com
    www.stillbeatheart.blogspot.com
    www.stillbeatheart.tumblr.com

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  31. I love the Original Pattern Pendant No. 1! It's so pretty and cute!
    ~Sara S.
    (sara.strauss8922@yahoo.com)

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  32. Just did a tumblblog about this giveaway on my tumblr. Trying to spread the word about this lady's work! I would love to own a piece from her collection, so I just can't not spread the word!

    you and zoe are tagged!


    amylouart[at]ymail.com
    www.stillbeatheart.blogspot.com
    www.stillbeatheart.tumblr.com

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  33. I really love the mister rabbit necklace!
    :) Floor

    floorbrock(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  34. I also follow Zoë's blog (already did! :) ) via bloglovin'.

    floorbrock(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  35. I love the Mister and Misses Rabbit pendents! They are too cute!

    newtowngirl@live.co.uk

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  36. I'm also following Zoe's blog with BlogLovin xo

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  37. I love her Mr and Mrs Rabbit Porcelain Pendant.

    agnesdeer(at)hotmail(dot)com

    http://fromheretofashion.blogspot.com/

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  38. I'm following her on Twitter too!

    agnesdeer(at)hotmail(dot)com

    http://fromheretofashion.blogspot.com/

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  39. I LOVE the message in a bottle necklace and the garden ruin earrings - can't decide which is more perfect. I need to own both asap!

    allysonrempel at gmail dot com

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  40. The brooches are my favorite- but everything is lovely!

    crystalmichie at hotmail dot com

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  41. I love everything in Zoe's shop, it is all so unique and adorable! I especially like the Tee-Pee Hot Air Balloon Pendant!

    - bhrabacka@gmail.com

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  42. I follow her on twitter ;)

    bhrabacka@gmail.com

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  43. Beautiful work! I love the illustrations with the wood - so lovely. My favorite is the We Were Explorers 'I Spy A Fox' Pendant.

    Earthakitsch(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. I love the Message In A Bottle Pendant!
    ceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com

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  45. So cute! I really love the spyglass pendant.

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  46. I honestly love every piece...
    you are so talented and they are all so gorgeous and unique but if I had to pick a favorite it would be between Cordelia Illustrated Cameo Porcelain Pendant, Garden Ruin Earrings & Necklace or Buttercup Hot Air Balloon Pendant.
    If I had to pick one.. which I think I do.. it would be the Garden Ruin Earrings and Necklace. I love it! I'm definitely adding some pieces to my Christmas list this year! Keep up the amazing amazing work!
    :)
    my email is maddieksmith(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. Zoe's work is so unique and GORGEOUS!! I am so in love with the Flight Of Fancy Hot Air Balloon Pendant. The thought of a bunny in a hot air balloon is TOO CUTE!

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  48. Oh my goodness, the Framed Pair of Hares necklace is absolutely amazing! Literally in love with every piece in her shop though.

    - Jaimie
    jetherri@gmail.com

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  49. Following on Twitter as @fawnandfoe

    - Jaimie
    jetherri@gmail.com

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  50. Following Zoe's blog via Bloglovin' (:

    - Jaimie
    jetherri@gmail.com

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  51. I follow Zoe's twitter!

    aspotlessmind17(at)gmail(dot)com

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  52. boy do her days sound crazy but great to hear someone doing what they love! her pieces are beautiful, def hard to pick a fav but I'd have to go with the We Were Explorers 'Grand Ship' Framed Pendant since it's such a bold vintage necklace & reminds me of my travels.

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  53. Following on bloglovin now, excited to check out her blog : )

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  54. tweeted about it as well. email: dusanabotswana(at)hotmail.com sorry I forgot that in the other entries.

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  55. I love the We Were Explorers Vertical 'Isabelle' Framed Pendant :D

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  56. I really love the Marvelous Extendable SPYGLASS Pendant and the Pair of Hares pendant. What a great shop! Thanks for sharing it!

    Alexis
    bobbysoxie@yahoo.com

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  57. I really love the Marvelous Extendable SPYGLASS Pendant and the Pair of Hares Pendant. Such a great shop, thanks for sharing it!

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  58. Wow a great blog too! I'm following!

    Alexis
    Bobbysoxie@yahoo.com

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  59. I'm in love with the hot air balloon with the rabbit in a basket charm, so beautiful. I have both a hot air balloon and a little rabbit tattooed on me!

    adermos [at] gmail.com

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  60. I followed Zoe's twitter :]
    (my twitter is @dermiederm- in case you check!)

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  61. I LOVE the Whimsical Woodland Brooch in Darwin's Beetle. Will probably have to buy this regardless!

    meredithspence@gmail.com

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  62. The Teacup Kitty Illustrated Cameo Porcelain Pendant is perfect!


    w.d.grimes(at)gmail(dot)com

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  63. Following Pretty Zoo with Bloglovin'!

    w.d.grimes(at)gmail(dot)com

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  64. Following Pretty Zoo with Bloglovin'!

    w.d.grimes(at)gmail(dot)com

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  65. Following Zoe on Twitter!

    w.d.grimes(at)gmail(dot)com
    http://twitter.com/#!/dawngwimes

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  66. Tweeted giveaway!

    http://twitter.com/#!/dawngwimes/status/128256397447151616

    w.d.grimes(at)gmail(dot)com

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  67. I love the 'Butterfly Collection' Framed Pendant!

    darkthra at gmail dot com

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  68. I followed Zoe's blog on bloglovin!

    darkthra at gmail dot com

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  69. I follow Zoe on twitter!

    darkthra at gmail dot com

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  70. I tweeted about the giveaway!
    http://twitter.com/#!/darkthra/status/128303104302120961

    darkthra at gmail dot com

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  71. I like the garden ruin earrings and necklace. And my e-mail is janelle.keller@gmail.com

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  72. just fell in love with her shop!

    artofbeingcool.blogspot.com

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  73. they're all so beautiful but i guess if i had to choose my favourite would be the We Were Explorers 'Butterfly Collection' necklace..

    I'm definitely adding this to my Christmas wish list!!

    minetteheartsyou[at]gmail.com

    thanks for sharing her work.

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  74. I LOVE the "We were explorers" necklace, or the "Garden Ruin" earrings. (there's a necklace too but the earrings are more my style)

    harris.elspeth@gmail.com

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  75. I'm following her blog.

    [harris.elspeth@gmail.com]

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  76. I"m following her on Twitter.

    [harris.elspeth@gmail.com]

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  77. I tweeted about the giveaway, I'm @paper_cranes.

    [harris.elspeth@gmail.com]

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  78. I love the hot air balloon bow necklace! So darling!

    xoxo,
    Tara O.
    taraophotos@yahoo.com

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  79. I now follow her on my google reader, damn she is adorable!!!

    xoxo,
    Tara O.
    taraophotos@yahoo.com

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  80. I really like the whimsical nature of her hot air balloon pendants. Though, all of her jewelry is incredibly unique.

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  81. I love the Butterfly Collection framed pendant necklace. Beautiful!! The realistic look of the butterflies with the wood just suit my fancy! Thanks for the giveaway. ashlee(at)musemyworld(dot)com.

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  82. i love all the hot air balloon pendants, but i think my favorite is the little twig earrings! super cute, and what an interesting interview!

    maggiedickinson09 [at] gmail [dot] com

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  83. Really love the 'I Spy a Fox' pendant! Way too lovely!

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  84. I LOVE the framed butterfly necklace! They're all awesome though.

    Jill
    murderbyjill(at)gmail(dot)com

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  85. i love the fox pendant!

    marlashep(at)aol(dot)com

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  86. One particular piece that caught my eye is the Marvelous Extendable Spyglass Pendant:) it is feminine and fun and Pirates :)
    Email: elizabethquah@gmail.com

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  87. I followed Zoe's blog
    GFc: BethQuahSooJing

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  88. Followed Zoe twitter page @ BethQuahSooJing

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  89. Tweeted on this jewelry giveaway :) twitter handle@BethQuahSooJing
    Tweet URL: https://twitter.com/BethQuahSooJing/status/130032306063818752

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  90. I can't decide! I love the butterfly and the one with ships! What a talented gal!
    salvagedstrawberrymplsATgmail.com

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  91. Ah, I love the we were explorers grand ship. So pretty! All the frames are gorgeous!

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  92. I actually love the piece that's being given away with this contest, so that's pretty perfect. :)

    Amanda
    amanda@dragonflightapparel.com

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  93. Just tweeted about the giveaway!

    @bekkibacka

    Bhrabacka@gmail.com

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  94. My favourite is the spyglass pendant. leahevans1 at gmail dot com

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  95. I follow Zoe on twitter (@leahevansnz). My email is leahevans1 at gmail dot com

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  96. I have been following Zoe's blog for a while now! Love! my email is leahevans1 at gmail dot com

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  97. I just retweeted about the giveaway too! My email is leahevans1 at gmail dot com

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HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB