Giveaway Winners!

First, I'd like to sincerely apologize for being so late with this post. I really thought I could travel for a month and jump right back into things. A little delusional perhaps, but I'm finally getting caught up and am excited to announce the winners of our Four Year Anniversary Giveaway!

Giveaway #1 » Thai Ceramic Vessel

E-mail List Winner » Lorraine Meere

Lorraine, I will send you an email. You just have to pick your favorite piece!

Giveaway #2 » Silk Ikat Scarf

Facebook Winner » Samantha Parrington

Samantha, I have your address and scarf ready. Will ship to you soon!

Giveaway #3 » Kids' Blanket and Pillow Kantha Set

Pinterest Winner » Laura Lucero

Laura, thank you for following me all over the internet. Please message me at roni@loadedtrunk.com with your mailing address at your earliest convenience so I can ship you this beauty!

Giveaway #4 » Cobra Stapler

Twitter Winner » @katrinann

Thank you Katrin for the follow and great #traveltip. Wearing shoes that you can slip on and off easily is a must for the modern traveler and security lines.

Thank you all again for following along. I hope you all enjoy your gifts!

To Four and Many More

 

When I started my business four years ago, I didn't know where I would be today or even if I'd still be in business. But against all odds and two recessions, I am still hanging on, and I'm very proud to say I haven't changed my original concept of being global, ethical, ecletic and timeless. 

I have you, my wonderful customers, to thank for enabling my addiction to travel, joining me on my adventures in cultural immersion and making it possible to continue working with artisans all over the world. You inspire me with your living spaces, how you mix styles and fusing the old with the new.

As a special thank you to my readers, buyers, fellow textile junkies and collectors, I'm giving away four special items from The Loaded Trunk, one for every amazing year.

Here is to year 4! See below for details on how to enter and win. 

1. I have four separate contests for each different social media platforms. I realize not everyone has the time to join everything so I'm spreading the love. Just follow the directions below and message me if you have any questions.

2. Win extra chances by following the blog and leaving a comment in this post.

3. Contest runs the entire month of July. Winners will be announced on or before August 9th. Good luck!

Sign up for our email list here and win one of these lovely Thai Ceramic Vessels.

Like The Loaded Trunk on Facebook and take your pick of one of these Silk Ikat Scarves.

I'll post this contest to our facebook page. You just have to leave a comment

and tell me which scarf you like best.

Along with so many others, I love Pinterest for keeping me inspired.

Pin this image and follow The Loaded Trunk here for your chance

to win this sweet Baby Kantha blanket and pillow .

I'm still feeling my way around twitter, but I'd love for you to join in on the conversation.

Follow me on twitter, tweet me your best travel trip and don't forget to hashtag it with #giveaway.

The winner will get their pick of one of these large alligator or crocodile staplers.

First Year Closes and a New One Begins

Pillows, Pillows, Pillows!  Thanks to all for commenting on the last giveaway.  Congrats to Karena!  So many lovely choices..

Photos from the loaded trunk

With exhilaration and excitement I begin my 2nd year of business at the loaded trunk.  For the final giveaway I am choosing from a group of pieces that come from one of my first trips.  They embody the nature and reason that I started this venture: the sheer adventure and pleasure I get hunting, gathering and spending time haggling with and meeting the people of countries I go to.  

These pieces are from South Eastern Turkey near the border of Syria.  A beautiful and magical place called Gaziantep. It is known for a few of the world's favorite things: pistachios, peppers, and tinned copper. My daughter and I spent days visiting and getting to know many merchants before they would even bring up the subject of selling to us and then we spent days of negotiating over these rare objects.  During this process we were constantly reminded  it was all about the relationship.  Luckily Ryan, my daughter speaks Turkish, so it did make things a bit easier and ultimately a bargain was made and these pieces became some of the 1st put in the loaded trunk. 

These copper pieces come in all sizes, designs, and shapes. With their various states of age and handling, each piece has as much personality as the people of Turkey. So the winner may choose one from the pieces below and through them feel a bit of the travel bug I feel each time I touch them.

Just remember when you leave a comment leave your contact information in order to be considered.

old-world relics meet modern entertaining in these pitchers.

Add significance to your daily rituals with these unusual hand-made pots: Flatter company with the “good” teapot

Turkish tinned copper teapot

Turkish tinned copper teapot

 iyi sanslar (good luck!)

First year mark!

Sometimes I pinch myself to make sure this is really my life. Yes, I made a huge life change and left a career in the wine business of 17 years, steady paychecks, benefits, great wine, eating and entertaining at terrific restaurants. Like so many people I craved change. I dreamed of being my own boss and to choose like-minded people to work among. I wanted to make a difference in the world I live in and most of all I yearned to travel. A large portion of my childhood was spent living in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. I gravitate so naturally to the art, food, crafts and culture in this part of the world so it seemed fitting that this is where I would begin my new journey; and what a trip it has been.

Beginning next week and for the entire month of July, I will be giving away something from the loaded trunk each week. A little exotic gift from me to you. I am starting with art from Hanoi. It was a place that really caught me by surprise. The burgeoning art scene, amazing food, the warmth of the people in spite of their tumultuous history.

Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

A lake that has inspired writers, painters and philosophers with its beauty. This small lake between the Old Quarter and the French Quarter is central to Hanoian folklore.

image taken in Hanoi-by me

The Turtle Pagoda

A ghostly shrine standing on an islet, at its center pays homage to a golden turtle. In the 15th century, this heroic reptile is said to have returned a magic sword to its home in the lake after it had been taken. These days, you will find postcard sellers, hawkers, old men playing chess, freelance money changers, lone photographers looking for a lucrative shot and, at about 5 am every day, locals practicing tai chi.

image taken in Hanoi-by me

"Cha ca" is a favorite dish of Hanoi. Located on Cha Ca street (in the old quarter), Cha Ca La Vong ("cha ca" means grilled fish) is a restaurant known to many Hanoians as well as tourists from around the world. The food is supposed to have been created by the Doan family. According to Mrs. Ngo Thi Tinh (a 4th generation descendant of the family), the family started the business of selling "cha ca" to earn money to support family members and to have a meeting place for the Vietnamese people who wanted to fight against French colonialism. Overpriced, very touristy, but I am a sucker for history!

image taken in Hanoi-by me

 

Vietnamese Propaganda Poster Reproduction

The role of the poster has been historically connected with Nationalistic struggle in many countries and has played an important role in provoking political action.

So thanks to everyone who helped make it possible to get through my first year at  the loaded trunk. This poster will be the first giveaway, just leave a comment below to enter.  The winner will be chosen at random and announced on each Saturday through July.