Thabto Mood Mugs Review and Giveaway!

Momma Told Me: Two heads are better than one. (THABTO)

This may shock some of my seasoned readers, but as a child I was quite bossy. In fact, with my mother disabled, and I the only child, I was often left to my own devices or in the company of those much older. Whenever it came time to interact with my peers, at birthday parties, play dates, or school, I assumed the role of Momma. It may come as a surprise, but I do not like to be told I'm wrong, and I like even less to be told any idea or solution I conceive could possibly be improved upon. This created circumstances where I would most often elect to complete a school project on my own; that is, until I met my grade-school best friend, Michelle. Michelle and I had been thrust together in an effort to break us both out of out shells. We were truly polar opposites, though to me she was straight from a storybook. Her entire family practiced the art of clown entertainment, and in her home (I am not exaggerating) there was a rainbow wall full of knobs and drawers revealing all shapes and sizes of rubber balloons.

However, Before I knew this girl was so incredibly fantastically awesome, I had stomped home to tell me mother (a-la drama queen fanfare and dramatics) I would have to be home schooled because I simply was not working with her. Momma, undoubtedly foreseeing a future with a 34 year old live at home daughter and several cats, knew it was time my social skills began to blossom. "Jenna, don't you know two heads are better than one?" she explained. Ultimately, in that particular argument, what sold me was the concept I would have to do 50% less work, but the lesson in the end would prove to be one wild Declaration of Independence project, complete with Barbies in grey powdered wigs(my contribution) and a Magic Show. There's a lot to be said for shared innovation, and when it comes to design, no one knows better than Thabto.

European based duo Steven and James were college cohorts on a mission to make the world a little more functional when they graduated from Central Saint Martins, London in 2006. For a while they worked as consultants to larger companies and projects incorporating their modern views ad tongue in cheek designs. Before long it was clear these friends were a force much powerful together, as their inspired first Thabto release, the Knuckle Duster Mug, became a smash hit. Even these somewhat macabre, completely stylish, handled mugs served a dual purpose as functionally easy to handle (no pun intended) beverage containers. In the years since I've often enjoyed discovering the latest Thabto creations direct from the sandbox and concept stages through various high testosterone magazines and online ezines. I simply love the way the brand incorporates modern objects and sleek designs into functionally improved household objects- even the packaging is fun and trendy! My especially favorite item, for now, is the adorable Tea, Coffee, and Sugar canister set, mimicking black ninjas with integrated label system. Their eyes secretly give away what's inside (t- Tea, <- Coffee, and s- Sugar)!

I received a set of 3 Thabto Mood Mugs for review here on Momma Told Me, and was immediately won over by these curiously mod cups. Like an emoticon for your hand, these wise mugs ward against the morning grumps while sharing your Morning Moods: Happy as Larry, Monstrously Moody, Seriously Sleepy, Horribly Hungover, and Cheeky Chappie. Each mug retails for about $10 USD, and offers the added benefit of double walled porcelain insulation- no handle necessary! The beverage inside stays nice and warm, while your mitts remain ultimately cool (and how can they not, sporting these emoting cuties?) These mugs are the perfect size for a morning cup of Joe, though oddly enough there is no Thabto Mood Mug character names Joe (yet), and fit in wonderfully with any kitchenware or decor. But beware, these do seem to sprout legs of their own, as everyone in our house loves to play favorites- Larry's gone missing twice!

What Daughter Says: A Face in the Hand is worth 2 in the cabinet- Bring some style to your mronings with Thabto's innovative design and Mood Mugs.

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win a Thabto Mood Mug set of 3 mugs!

Mandatory Entry: You must be a Momma Told Me follower, then visit Thabto and tell me what you like best.

Extra Entries:
*'Like' Thabto on Facebook +1 (Let them know we sent you if you'd like!)
*Follow Tabto on Twitter +1
*Create your own Mood Mug- Leave a comment with a facial expression and name +2
*Blog about this giveaway +4
*Subscribe to Momma Told Me via email +2
*Grab our button +3
*'Like' Momma Told Me on Facebook AND leave a comment on our wall sharing your favorite Mood Mug character +2
*Follow Momma Told Me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway +2
*Enter another Momma Told Me giveaway +1 each
*Vote for us on Picket Fence Blogs here and claim +2 bonus entries!
*Enter the Gourmet Orchards Blog giveaway of the month +2

Giveaway begins June 18th, 2011 at 9:01 PM PST and ends at 9:01 PM PST on July 3rd, 2011. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid within the US/CAN/UK. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor. Full Contest Rules and Entry Requirements can be viewed here.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.