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Monday, June 7, 2010

Hot Mama Handbags Review and Giveaway



When I first started looking for a diaper bag about a year ago now, I must say, I wasn’t really impressed with what the stores were offering. I could’ve found something I liked more for well over $100, but I really couldn’t see spending that kind of cash on something just so I could carry around a cuter diaper bag. Let’s face it, there was a good chance it would get puke and/or poop on it and I’m not in the habit of spending that much on something that may end up ruined. I ended up purchasing a plain old brown diaper bag from the baby store. It was plenty big and not exactly ugly, but not really with any style to it either.

About a month or so ago I was reading a blog (sorry nameless blog, I can’t remember which you were now) and they were talking about Hot Mama Handbags. I instantly fell in love with these bags. They are so cute AND affordable! I immediately went and checked out her etsy store and blog to look over more of her work. As Rosemary is getting older, (7.5 months now!) I no longer need the humongous starter diaper bag that fits everything but the kitchen sink. I was definitely in the market for a new bag and I thought a Hot Mama Handbag would be exactly what I needed.

Maranda is a mom of two and started making these wonderful bags for the obvious reason; she herself needed a fabulous diaper bag to tote around her own baby supplies. The rest is history. Now Maranda makes these bags in three great sizes to accommodate your personal needs. The bags in my opinion are perfect for a diaper bag, a purse, a beach bag, and overnight bag – the list goes on. She also makes wristlets, changing pads, key fobs and more that you can buy separately or have her make to match your bag.

I really love how you can get everything to match if you'd like!

When deciding which fabric I wanted for my own bag, I had such a hard time narrowing it down! Maranda has a large selection of fabric, so I’m sure everyone can find something they love. I really loved this bag in the Del Hi Earth fabric, but I also was thinking I wanted it a little different at the top, so I asked her to do the top section and the straps in just a dark brown. She was perfectly happy to accommodate my individual needs. So, when you're looking through her products, even if you see a bag exactly the way you'd like it, just know it's no problem at all to have her tweak it a bit. Maranda will work with you on whatever you’d like!

Since there are so many fabrics to choose from for both the inside and outside of the bag, different sizes, different strap choices - I feel like Maranda does such an excellent job of making the bags unique to each individual owner. The possibilities really are endless with all the choices.

After I chose my fabric, I had another hard decision – size. I was torn between the Medium Emma bag and the Large Emma bag. I decided to go with the Medium Emma as I really was looking for a smaller bag that I could take on my daily errands, like to the library or the grocery store.

I think it was three or four days later and Maranda sent me an email saying my bag was ready to ship. Amazing turnover time! Two days later, I had my perfect bag!


My bag!

I’m not kidding when I say it’s perfect! I love, love, LOVE how it turned out! I can’t believe she MADE this bag. It honestly looks straight out of the store and you would never have guessed someone sewed this at home. The bag is absolutely perfect for my style, but it’s also perfect for my needs as a mother too. In my Emma bag there are 6 pockets which make for perfect little sections for all my random toys and accessories for Rosemary. It has a nice magnetic snap to keep the bag securely closed. There is also a nice key hook at the top of the bag so I can attach my keys so they don’t fall to the bottom which avoids me constantly having to dig around in there.

In my Emma bag here’s what I’m carrying now just so you can get what that size will hold: 2 burp cloths, 3 diapers, wipe case, change of clothes for Rosemary, small blanket, my wallet, my cell phone, two little toys for Rosemary, my camera, and a bit of room to spare for any last minute add ons. Pretty good for a small bag that passes as a purse!

Hot Mama Handbags has an etsy store, a website and a facebook page that you can go to check out all of Miranda’s different products, fabrics, prices and any other details you’d need to get your very own Hot Mama Handbag (or accessories)! These bags are perfect for yourself, make a great gift, or she even has gift certificates available as well.

For the month of June, Maranda has graciously offered all of my readers free shipping on their purchases! At the end of your purchase, enter the code MAMA STORK – FREE SHIP.

For one even luckier reader, you are able to win $25 dollars to Hot Mama Handbags!

To enter simply visit the Hot Mama Handbags etsy store or website and return here commenting on something you'd love to have. Please leave an email so I can contact you if you're my winner.

For extra entries you may do any or all of the following:

1. Follow my blog publicly via Google Connect (over on the right side bar). You must follow publicly in order for this to count. Current followers just have to write that you already follow me. (2 entries)

2. "Like" A Mama Stork Knows on facebook - must do this as an individual (adding as your blog favorite will not count)

3. "Like" Hot Mama Handbags on facebook - must do this as an individual (adding as your blog favorite will not count)

4. Follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You may do this once a day. Please leave a url so I can check your tweets. If you don't tweet, you may instead add this as your facebook status. You may use the following to tweet/post:
"Enter to #win a Hot Mama Handbag Gift Certificate over at @AMamaStorkKnows http://bit.ly/d74lYD #giveaway RT"

5. Add my button to your blog or add me to your blogroll; leave your blog url so I may check

6. Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs and/or Picket Fence Blogs. This may be done once daily.

Leave separate comments for all of your entries and remember to leave an email address in at least one of them so I may contact you. You must do the main entry in order to win the Hot Mama Handbags Gift Certificate. Good luck!!

Giveaway is open to entrants in the U.S. and ends on June 22, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A comment number will be drawn at random from random.org. Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. If I don't hear back, another winner will be selected.


I was provided with this product free of charge by the highlighted company and/or its PR agency in order to test the product first hand and to provide you with my personal opinion on it. The opinions I have provided are mine and mine alone. I am in no way required to write a positive review and my review was not influenced in any way by monetary means. Please investigate before any and all purchases as I am not liable nor responsible for any losses nor damages you may incur. Please read my Terms of Use before entering this contest.

131 comments:

  1. I would pick a Large Emma handbag in Amy Butler Morning Glory Linen with the Wall Flower Cherry lining. The large is the PERFECT size for me and just what I've been looking for!

    tangysweettart50 @ aol . com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I "liked" A Mama Stork Knows on FB!

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  3. I "liked" Hot Mama Handbags on FB

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  4. following you on Twitter & tweeted
    http://twitter.com/lifewithvivian

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  5. I voted for you on Picket Fence Blogs

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  6. I would pick the Ironworks Emma Large. I have been looking for a new bag to tote stuff back and forth from work with. This would be perfect!

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  7. I am following you on twitter

    http://twitter.com/bellesbutterfly

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  8. I would love the Martini Mustard Wipee Dipee. Too cute!

    cortnortcc@yahoo.com

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  9. liked mama stork on fbook

    cortnortcc@yahoo.com

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  10. liked hot mamma on fbook

    cortnortcc@yahoo.com

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  11. voted on top mommy blogs

    cortnortcc@yahoo.com

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  12. voted on picket fences

    cortnortcc@yahoo.com

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  13. http://www.footwearclothes.com
    wholesale prada handbags
    $45/pairs forsell

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love this bag..so cute.
    I am a follower GFC...entry #1.
    circleoflove.jennifer@gmail.com

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  15. Would love the Emma Medium Messenger bag.
    Entry #3

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  16. I LOVE hot mama handbags! I have purchased 2 bags from her and can't get enough! I would love to add a "optic blossom medium clutch" to my collection!!

    kritty_loo@yahoo.com

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  17. I follow your blog :)

    kritty_loo@yahoo.com

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  18. I follow your blog :) #2

    kritty_loo@yahoo.com

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  19. Im a facebook fan!

    kritty_loo@yahoo.com

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  20. Ive been a facebook fan of hot mama handbags forever :)

    kritty_loo@yahoo.com

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  21. I added your button to my blog :)

    http://kzwright.blogspot.com/

    kritty_loo@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I voted for your blog!!

    kritty_loo@yahoo.com

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  23. I love the Orchard Ginseng Emma!

    s_salik@yahoo.com

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  24. i LOVE my hot mama handbag! i got to do a review of one as well!! i would get a matching wristlet or changing pad for my diaper bag!!

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  25. already like Hot Mama Handbags on fb

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  26. I am a follower of your blog! #1

    s_salik@yahoo.com
    www.bakersfamilyblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am a follower of your blog! #2

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  28. already like Hot Mama Handbags on FB

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  29. like a mama stork knows on fb

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  30. voted for you on top mommy blogs!

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  31. sorry to screw this up, but forgot to leave my email in a comment: amoschel at msn dot com. :) and it turns out i was follower 300 not 299. lol.

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  32. voted for you on picket fence blogs!

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  33. I LOVE these handbags, they are so gorgeous! My pick would be the Emma Medium bag in Optic Blossom - love the color combo!

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  34. I "liked" Hot Mama Handbags on Facebook.

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  35. I follow you on Twitter, and retweeted from @WeeLittlePea!

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  36. I posted about you on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/WeeLittlePea/123858224302971?ref=ts
    haleybpearson(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I would love to have the Hollywood Medium Clutch with detachable strap!

    northssclub at yahoo dot com

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  38. I follow your blog publicly via Google Connect - entry 1

    northssclub at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I follow your blog publicly via Google Connect - entry 2

    northssclub at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I "like" A Mama Stork Knows on Facebook (as Alli Tsao)

    northssclub at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I "like" Hot Mama Handbags on Facebook (as Alli Tsao)

    northssclub at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I voted for you on Top Mommy Blogs

    northssclub at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I like the Wipee Dipee Midnight Kisses..

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I follow on GFC

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I follow on GFC

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. LIKE you on facebook

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. LIKE HOT MAMA HANDBAGS on facebook

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I follow on Twitter and Tweeted

    http://twitter.com/HalleelujahMom/status/15730076420

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. YOUR button is on my blog

    www.halleelujahmommy.blogspot.com

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I voted on TOP MOMMY BLOGS

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I voted on PiCKET FENCES

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

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  52. I like the Del Hi Eggplant Messenger Bag.

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  53. I follow on Google Friend Connect. #1

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  54. I follow on Google Friend Connect. #2

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  55. I want the Hollywood Emma Medium Messenger

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I follow your blog with GFC - SugarPlumsMomma
    entry1

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I follow your blog with GFC - SugarPlumsMomma
    entry2

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I have your blog button on my blog - www.sugarplumtreasures.com

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I liked the blog on facebook (Christine C Horne)

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I voted on TMB

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I voted on PFB

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. Liked Hot Mama Handbags on Facebook - Christine C Horne

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. My favorite is the Ginseng Mulberry Emma Large Messenger Bag.

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  64. I like A Mama Stork Knows on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I like Hot Mama Handbags on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I love the Morning Glory Changing Pad by Hot Mama HandbagsRTS
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Voted on top mommy blogs today

    ReplyDelete
  68. Voted on picket fence blogs today!

    s_salik@yahoo.com
    www.bakersfamilyblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. daily tweet

    http://twitter.com/HalleelujahMom/status/15795276407

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I voted on TOP MOMMY BLOGS

    halleeujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I voted on PICKET FENCES

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Wow...the bags are so cute! I would pick the Emma medium bag in pink demask. Love it!

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  73. I just got a medium Emma bag and love it! Looking at the site the things on the top of my wish-list are a nursing cover and a small size Emma bag (probably in Gray Damask (with Pink Dot Lining)).

    ReplyDelete
  74. I "liked" Hot Mama Handbags on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I "liked" A Mama Stork Knows on Facebook.

    mandy.pack@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Voted on top mommy blogs today!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Voted on picket fence blogs today

    ReplyDelete
  78. I tweeted http://twitter.com/lifewithvivian

    tangysweettart50 @ aol . com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Love the Kleo Sophie messenger!

    ReplyDelete
  80. voted for both top mommy and picket fence

    mommyburgh@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. You know I already like you on Facebook! hehehe


    mommyburgh@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. your button is on my blog

    www.mommyburgh.com

    mommyburgh@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Tweet Tweet

    http://twitter.com/PGHmommy/status/15994811904

    ReplyDelete
  84. voted on top mommy blogs today

    ReplyDelete
  85. voted on picket fence blogs today!

    ReplyDelete
  86. voted on PFB today

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I voted on Top Mommy Blogs today

    northssclub at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I tweeted! http://twitter.com/lifewithvivian

    tangysweettart50 @ aol . com

    ReplyDelete
  89. daily tweet
    http://twitter.com/HalleelujahMom/status/16322418516

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I voted on TOP MOMY BLOGS

    halleelujahmommy@Gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I voted on PICKET FENCES BLOG

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. voted on top mommy blogs today!

    ReplyDelete
  93. voted on picket fence blogs today!

    ReplyDelete
  94. daily tweet

    http://twitter.com/HalleelujahMom/status/16417455885

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I voted on TOP MOMMY BLOGS

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I voted on PICKET FENCES

    halleelujahmommy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. Hollywood Skirt Bag Sophie Large is an item that I like.

    madamerkf at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I follow you via GFC as wendy wallach

    madamerkf at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I follow you via GFC as wendy wallach

    madamerkf at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I really LOVE the Aqua/Teal Paisley w/ coconut button Medium Bag! It looks perfect to not only fit all my purse belongings but also my baby's stuff when I do not carry the diaper bag!

    cindytonyaguilar at mac dot com
    www.thisadventureourlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Already Follow via GFC #1

    cindytonyaguilar at mac dot com
    www.thisadventureourlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. Already Follow via GFC #2

    cindytonyaguilar at mac dot com
    www.thisadventureourlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. Already like your FB page

    cindytonyaguilar at mac dot com
    www.thisadventureourlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. Like Hot Momma Handbags on FB

    cindytonyaguilar at mac dot com
    www.thisadventureourlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. Added your button! Sorry thought I had it :) but I do now!

    http://www.thisadventureourlife.com/friends/

    cindytonyaguilar at mac dot com
    www.thisadventureourlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. Tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/this_adventure/status/16744964364

    @this_adventure

    ReplyDelete
  107. Voted for you on TMB

    cindytonyaguilar at mac dot com
    www.thisadventureourlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. Voted for you on PF

    cindytonyaguilar at mac dot com
    www.thisadventureourlife.com

    ReplyDelete