giveaways

This giveaway is now closed.

The first giveaway for November comes to you from one great company and from, well, yours truly.  And it also happens to coincide with the next project in the 12 Weeks to Prepare for Christmas series.

Now’s the best time to start working on your holiday card plans.  These days, sending digital newsletters or digital cards is the norm, but I still enjoy sending out the tried-and-true snail mail method (though yes, I detest paper clutter).  For me, it’s all part of the holiday spirit to take a family photo, address and stamp envelopes, and lovingly display the ones I receive in return.

If you plan to include a family photo in your card this year, take your first shot this week while you’ve still got plenty of time, so that you’re not rushed and have time to try again.  And if you’ve collated your address list, you should already know how many cards you need to order.  It’ll save you money to order early with some shops, including mine.

Start addressing envelopes now, just a few at a time, and you’ll be golden by early December, when you can mail all your cards in one fell swoop.  Keep your address list and envelopes in a convenient location, and write out a few at a time here and there.  It’ll be painless.

If you plan on sending out photo cards this year, then I’ve got an chance for you to win some in this giveaway.  One reader will win a customized high-resolution digital photo card file of their choice from Chickpea Designs, my graphic design shop. The file is yours to keep forever - you can make as many prints as you want, when you want. In addition, you will receive 10 5×7 prints of your photo card, free.

(And although I’m referring to holiday cards here, I’ve also got baby announcements, save-the-date cards, and birthday invites - any of those designs are eligible for this contest.)

The second addition to the giveaway is from PictureItPostage.  You will win two sheets of personalized US postage stamps - simply upload your photo on their site, edit and align it, and voila - stamps with your children (or dog, or hamster, or neighbors) are headed your way.

PictureItPostage also has a hilarious contest going on right now - until November 19, upload your worst holiday photo, whether it be flat-out embarrassing or simply unflattering.  Starting December 1, people can vote for their favorite photos - and two grand prize winners will win a new Canon Digital SLR camera and five sets of stamps.  Plus, think how entertaining it will be to endlessly peruse horrible photos.  Now that’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Here’s how you can win a personalized photo card design, 10 5×7 photo card prints, and 20 personalized postage stamps:

1. For a single entry, simply comment below, and answer this question - what’s your favorite holiday?

2. For a second entry, email me at simplemomblog (at) gmail (dot) com with the secret code in the email’s subject line (no need to write anything in the email’s body, as it won’t be read).  To find the secret code, make sure you’ve subscribed to Simple Mom’s feed either via RSS or via email, and look in the footer of any post.

3. For a third entry, mention this giveaway on your blog, and make sure I somehow find out about it.

This giveaway will end on Friday, November 7, midnight CST.  I hope you win!

Photo by Gregor Winter

This giveaway is now closed.

My husband recently reminded me that he likes it when I look like a girl.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I wear combat boots - but I do have the “mom style” going most days.  You know the look - the jeans, t-shirt, and flip flops.  All day, every day.

Since his reminder, I’ve made a point to wear more skirts, which in all honesty, I prefer anyway.  I think they’re cooler than shorts, and much more flattering when they hit the knee at the right spot.  And I’m pretty sure my husband likes them.

I’ve also made more of a point to wear a bit more jewelry, style my hair, and put on a smidge of make-up - even when my day’s agenda only involves being at home.  And you know what?  It really does help a little.  I feel more put together, so I have more energy, and I’m in a better mood.

You already know I love me some Lisa Leonard jewelry.  I wear my “tiny squares” necklace almost daily - they’re adorned with my two children’s names,  And I get compliments on them every time.

I love her jewelry’s handcrafted look, that she hammers the design just-so, giving each piece its originality.

I love that it’s feminine without being cutesy.

I love that so much of her work honors family.

And I love that one of you will win her latest necklace!

Lisa is giving away one “sweet and simple bird necklace.”  I absolutely love it.  It could go with anything - from t-shirts to dresses.  Perfect for a busy mom.  Also good for an upcoming Christmas gift!

Here’s how you can enter:

1. Simply leave a comment on this post, answering this question - “What’s one thing on your Christmas wish list?”

2. To get a second bonus entry, subscribe to Simple Mom’s feed and email me the secret code to simplemomblog {at} gmail {dot} com.  You will find the code at the bottom of all posts when you look in your reader or via email (not directly on the site).  Just keep looking - scroll to the bottom - it will be the last line on each post.  IMPORTANT - simply write the secret code in the subject of your email, and don’t write anything in the body.  If you write anything in the body, I won’t see it.

3. To get a third bonus entry, write about this giveaway on your blog and let me know about it.

This giveaway will end next Monday, September 22 at midnight CST.

I hope you win!