Queen Bee Designs

I am so excited to introduce you to a friend of mine, Amanda of Queen Bee Designs.  

Just to make sure you keep reading, I will give you a little spoiler first... there is a giveaway at the end of this post!  No, not a monster Grover... a giveaway!

Okay, now that I have your attention... back to Amanda.  

I think this story is kind of awesome, so I hope you enjoy it.  

Twenty years ago, when I was in sixth grade, I went to a camp called Alpine Covenant Conference center.  Did you ever go to summer camp?  I loved summer camp!  I went every year from third grade on.  I truly believe that summer camp is one of the best investments you can make in your child's character, so if you ever have the opportunity... send your kid to summer camp!

Off my soapbox... back to my story.

So the summer of sixth grade I met Amanda and Katie from Arizona.  

Don't judge... that was a very awkward phase for me!  

Notice Amanda leaning in to stake her claim on Tyler... the camp hottie.  

I have pictures from the next winter camp of Tyler with Katie, but don't worry... they didn't let it come in between their friendship.  

We hit it off right away that summer at camp.  We ended going to several summer and winter camps together, then Katie and I continued to be pen pals for a few years before losing touch.

Fast forward 18 years.

Nathan and Beau and I move into our new neighborhood.

We meet all our new neighbors.  

{Side note... we love them.}

The next day one of the neighbors says to me, "It's been driving me crazy all night, but I think I have figured out how I know you.  Did you ever go to summer camp at Alpine?"

"Yes!  Wait, what is your maiden name?"

She tells me.  I say, "Katie!  We didn't just go to camp together... we were pen pals for like three years!"

So after all these years, my pen pal from sixth grade that lived a state away from me was living right across the street (and happened to be married to a guy I went to high school with).  

If you don't believe God cares about the details in your life... think again.

Through Katie, I got reconnected with Amanda, and a few months ago she came to visit!

Amanda is still in Arizona with a husband and two adorable little boys, running her jewelry business, Queen Bee Designs.  

She makes beautiful hand-stamped personalized jewelry like this:

and this:

and even stuff for men like this:

 But this is my favorite piece:

Amanda makes every piece of jewelry to order, so you can get any name, phrase or quote that you would like.  She even made me a necklace that says "Much Ado" in the center and has my tagline "Where fabulous is personal again" around the outside.  

It is fabulous.

Now {what you have really been waiting for, and the only reason you are still reading} Amanda is giving a 

$40 gift certificate to one of my lucky readers!  

Her stuff is very reasonably priced, so you can get just about whatever you like with $40.

***This giveaway is now closed***

The contest will run until thisSunday (May 23rd) at midnight PST.

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment with your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

If you want a second entry:

Become a follower over in the right sidebar and let me know in your comment.  

If you already are a follower, just remind me.

If you want a third entry:
Put my button on your blog {the code is in the left sidebar} and let me know in your comment.  

If you have already done this, let me know... and thanks for the support!

If you want a fourth entry:

Blog about this giveaway and... you guessed it... let me know in your comment.

If you want a fifth entry:

"Like" Much Ado About You on Facebook here, and let me know in your comment. 

Want 5 bonus entries???  Then go to the Queen Bee Designs shop and tell me which design is your favorite.

I will announce the winner first thing Monday morning!