how to celebrate one (plus) year of blogging…with a give away of course

(THE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED PHOTO OF THE WEEK HAS BEEN PREEMPTED FOR THIS EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT)

I mentioned not long ago that I would be doing a give-away to celebrate my one year “plus” of blogging.  I technically started in August 2010 at the urging of my BFF.  I had never even read a blog when she first suggested this to me.  I thought it sounded kind of weird to just write something, anything, and have it hanging out there in cyberspace for someone , somewhere to find, read and possibly enjoy.  I have always had the dream of writing–she knew this–and I think it is great that she steered me into blogging.  What a great venue for sharing, expressing, practicing one’s craft, vocalizing thoughts, etc.  Whatever it may be–blogging can open up worlds to the writer and/or reader.

I would like to thank every single person who has ever taken a few minutes to visit my blog, read my garble and, at times, leave a comment.  Just someone hitting that “LIKE” button can make my day.  And if someone is crazy  gracious enough to hit the “FOLLOW” button–well, then…well–there are just no words to describe my inner glee.  For everyone that has linked to my blog in some way, shape or form…a big Merci!!

With every new experience or endeavor there are unrealistic hopes or dreams, right?  Here were some of mine:

1.  I thought after a year of blogging, I would well be on my way to a book deal.  Tee hee.  There’s no deal. 

2.  I also thought I might be making some money at doing this.  I had read a book about blogging before I started and the author really made it sound like this was a possibility. There’s no money.

3.  I saw a possible business launching from this site.  By writing, I thought I would be delving into my creative reserves and it would result in a plethora of lightbulb moments… new ideas flickering right and left in my brain all the time–FIREWORKS!  There’s no light.

Ah!  C’est la vie. 

But there have still been surprises.

I am amazed by all the different people I have gotten to know–from all over the world.  It is so cool.  I have also learned so much from the many talented people who are sharing on blogs.  Whether it is how to:  tie a scarf, bake bread, be chic, be smart about my money, minimize my belongings, waste less, make my own beauty products or simply laugh heartily, I have found it through blogging.*

So it is my time to give it back.  I want to celebrate this year-plus of writing with a lovely giveaway.  These are the gifts I decided to share:

1.  An In-Touch Clutch (“roses” design)  from downstairsDesigns.  I have fallen in love with her products.  I had bought an In-Touch clutch for myself and recognized that it would be a great gift idea.  A few weeks later I did gift it to Adrienne at Rich Life.  She liked it so much that she recently partnered with Jennifer at downstairsDesigns to offer her readers a discount for purchasing products from the Etsy store.  Check out the store…you will love it.  The pochettes for eReaders are fantastic too.

2.  Gold Canyon “TEN” Candle.  This candle’s scent is described as  “woody florals and creamy spices meant for a soulful elegance”.  Well…let’s light up then, shall we?  I have had a couple of these through the years and have enjoyed the fragrance immensely.  Once the candle has burned down, I have also used the decorative jar in the bathroom for holding Q-tips or cotton balls.  It’s very frenchy looking.

3.  A  two ounce sampling of either “Paris” or “Leaves of Provence” loose leaf tea…the winner chooses or maybe I will just give both.  It is not pictured because I would want to buy it fresh for you.  (the links I provided are for information only…I source my tea from a local merchant).

AND THAT’S NOT ALL!

My fourth item is not pictured either but very exciting.  Last week when I was reading The Daily Connoisseur I found out that Jennifer has been published (remember my unrealistic hope/dream #1 above?  evidently talented people do get published).  She had run a series on her blog during this last year called the “Top 20 Things I Learned While Living in Paris”  and decided to put these valuable lessons into a book form.  I was so excited that I jumped over to Amazon and ordered 2 copies straight away.  One for me, one for you.  Then I shot an email over to Jennifer to congratulate her on her book/success and let her know I had already ordered with the intent of giving one of the copies away in my upcoming giveaway.  In her reply, she  graciously said, “Non, non, non!  You must keep your extra copy to give to someone  and let me offer an autographed copy to your winner” (not an exact quote but it is the essence of her offer).  Isn’t’ that amazingly generous and sweet?  So, once the winner is announced she/he will contact Jennifer to provide the necessary information to have the autographed book sent to her/him.

I am very excited about this giveaway and hope that I will have maximum participation.  Here is how to enter:

1.  Leave a comment saying you would like to be entered for a chance to win.

2.  Earn another chance by becoming a “follower” of my blog.

3.  Link back to this post letting your readers know about the giveaway–but let me know you’ve done it.

4.  Sign up for an email subscription.

Please indicate in the “comments” which of the four you have done and your name will be put in the drawing accordingly.  Do one or all four…it is up to you.

 Opportunity to enter will end on Thursday, December 15th…the winner will be announced Friday, December 16th.  My future posts will link back to this one so many will have the opportunity to read about the giveaway and enter, should they choose.

Thanks again EVERYONE for a great year-plus!!

and

HAPPY MONDAY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*obviously I am not out here to learn about quantum physics,  world political agendas, or global warming.