A "Very Special" One Year Bloggiversary Giveaway  

Posted by Heidi in

It would seem that April is a big month for starting a blog since there are a ton of bloggists out there who did (and by that I mean Charrette and Lisa). I guess I was on to something when I started my blog one year ago Sunday! So, I’m doing what everyone else in blogdania does and am having a giveaway. Because I might be run out of (the virtual) town on a (virtual) board (whatever that means) if I don’t follow the bloggy protocol.

But wait! This is a very special giveaway for a number of very special reasons.

1. I am not going to ask you to tell your friends. This is for those of you who stop by here frequently, not the masses. Because you’re special! (Still, anyone can enter.)

2. There are 12 items (one for each bloggy month—how is precious is that?) (oops, it would seem there are only 11. I never said I could count.) you can win but you will only be entered in the drawing for the item(s) you wish to own and cherish which means that, potentially, the competition for said item(s) is diminished. Score!

3. You can get up to five entries for each item you want merely by commenting on this post once each day starting today (Thursday) through Monday when the contest will end and I will be home from Utah to select a winner of each item. One comment per day. One entry per day. How cool is that? (Especially for me b/c even though I won’t be posting whilst I am in Utah I’ll still get hits which will prevent me from going into a bloggy decline. ) Be sure to mention exactly which giveaway(s) you want to be entered in—you could do it just once but five times would probably be safer. (Just saying . . .)

4. Lastly, these items are very “special” and by “special” I mean in the same sense that my sisters, after returning home from a semester at BYU, meant special when they would say, “She’s such a special (can you just see the air quotes?) gal.”

See, last week, whilst I was picking up the pieces of my husband and children (in some cases, somewhat, kinda, sorta literally—or at least pieces of the toilet, except that would be a lie because it’s fine, just a bit crooked) I was also going through closets and drawers in an attempt to fit into the house for a teensy bit longer. (We need to fit in the house forEVER because we’re not going anywhere, but I can only ask for one teensy miracle at a time.)

So, even though you are truly special people, my giveaway items are merely “special”. Having said that, all (and by "all" I mean most, or some, or perhaps only one) of these items are possibly worth owning. In fact, a couple of them could be considered antiques and a few others genuine collectibles. So, fear not to make a public claim to my cast-offs. There is no shame in that. Absolutely. None. Whatsoever.

(Come on you guys! This is a humor blog! What’s funny about giving away a book? As for me, I would love to enter a giveaway that offered services such as someone to come finish painting my living room (I hand mixed the paint. A year ago. And it's gone. Good luck.) or clean my house (my motto: Blogging is the new cleaning) or someone to remove the dog doo from my backyard (b/c it would seem the person who does it here has gone on strike).

First up is a beautiful handbag by Mary Coakley Designs. Mary is a local artist in my community and she was at the same craft show in December where I was peddling Miss D. This lovely lady (the purse, not Mary) stared across the aisle from me for a very long seven hours saying "take me home with you!" So I did. She went with me to my first book signing on Feb. 14th, filled with my personal copy of Miss D and a bookmark or two. That is the only time she has been used. It would seem that she is just a bit too-too for me to carry about in public and though she is perfect just sitting around as decor, I already have too many claimants to that honor here in my "quaint cottage". See how she looks at you without looking right AT you? Love it!


This item, in case it isn't clear, consists of two vintage, unused, oversized Valentines. The price on the back says $1.00. That makes them pretty darn old (though probably not as old as I.) These are in like-new condition but sorry, no envelopes (but that's okay because you can set them up in your home on that great day and pretend they were sent by your loving spouse . . .)


How cool are these? We have a very very vintage set of paper napkins and Hawaii themed (wouldn't you know it, IZ is playing on my playlist just now) blank note cards still in the original packaging. My guess is that these are from the 50's or 40's, possibly even the 30's as that was when the man who owned them was married. He and his wife were happening people and threw a lot of parties, only, apparently, none of them Hawaiin-themed. Or, perhaps these were just the left overs. A must have for the mid-century graphics collector. (Can you tell I used to do a lot of selling on eBay?)

Santa messed up this year and brought the wrong My Scene Bryant doll. Mea culpa. This is the original incarnation of Bryant (for those of you with girls who know all about these things) and he is one of the few My Scene dolls that has been discontinued. He is new, never removed from the package. A birthday gift for your daughter, her friend or a doll collector. (Can you tell I want this thing out of my house? My daughter wouldn't even have it in her room.)




This is one of my favorite things ever but I just don't have a place for it. It is the senior picture of a genuine flapper girl from Southern California (I used to think all the Flapper Girls hailed from Chicago or New York but now I know better). Check out that hair-do! And that face! The image is a full 8X10 but it is in one of those permanent cardstock type of frames with REAL GLASS. And, yes, the glass is cracked (hence the line that looks like someone drew on it) but that is no detractor from this wonderful genuine antique image. (The pink coloring along the bottom of the photo is just a camera problem. The same problem-camera I'll be using to take photos of some of you in Utah so if I post a photo of you on my blog that makes you look like you were a little too liberal with the blush, don't say I didn't warn you.)



Peck-Grande Little Women paper dolls. Very cute! They are unplayed with but the package has been opened. Still, a cute thing for your cute girl. Or boy. Just saying . . .


Okay, this might have a little bit of an ick factor but, hey, people buy used clothes on eBay ALL THE TIME. Right? This was my fave maternity outfit ever--a hot pink oversized shirt (size XL by In Due Time) and a darling navy blue knee-length skirt (size petite by Motherhood) with precious kicky pleats in the front or back so if, in your brain-addled pregnant state you should put this on backwards, no one would know the difference (the whole top section is the same loose stretchy stuff so no worries!). You can tell I really love this outfit because it is the only maternity clothing I have saved--7 years for the blouse and, er, 19 (she said mumbling into her hand) for the skirt. I always felt truly lovely in this outfit and so could you!




Another cute kiddie item! A Thomas the Tank Engine pillowcase, never used. One of my kids wanted the sheets but not the pillowcase. (Weirdness abounds at my house.) Clearly it is folded in half in the picture. Should you want it and win, it will come to you in the full sized version. Pinky promise.



New with tags Ana Lee Santa Claus. The tag reads $30.00. Cost to the winner: $0. You do the math.


Large lot of Jonas Brothers (there are 24) posters pulled from the teeny-bopper magazines my 14 year old obsesses over. In fact, she bought each of them FOR the Jonas Bros. posters which she put into a drawer and hasn't even looked at for (in some cases) nearly two years. Of course, most of the posters have a poster on the other side. I didn't really go through them but I caught a flash of a very cute Zac Efron/Whatshername Hudgens one from back when their image was still very sweet and innocent.



This item has such a neat story! My uncle's wife (otherwise known as my aunt) was raised in Denmark. Her father helped Jews flee the country and for that, he was put in prison. When the war was over, the Nazi prison was then used to incarcerate Nazi war criminals. One of them was a very talented sketch artist. Guess who was their guard? (The correct answer is: My aunt's father) He would bring this Nazi officer/artist postcards of famous buildings in Denmark and this German prisoner would sketch them. This one looks like something from an old English village but it is of a famous building in Denmark. An old one, of course.
So, people, one of these fabulous items can be yours! Since they are all very light to mail, the giveaway is open to all nations and I promise I will even actually take them to the post office and mail them to you (though, I must apologize to Sabrina--I'm totally mailing your book when I get back from Utah!) (And as long as I'm apologizing, I HATE that I haven't been to many of your blogs in FOREVER. It seems that I can't get ready to go out of town and read blog posts, too. But I WANT to! See you all when I get back! I won't be blogging again until Wednesday . . .)

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Thursday, April 23, 2009 and is filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .

69 wise, witty and wonderful comments

Anonymous  

Congratulations on a solid year! Whooppeeee!

Okay, so if I should happen to win, PLEASE don't send me the maternity stuff -- I would consider that a very bad omen. However, I'm itching for those genuine "Mahalo!" napkins -- they remind me of my childhood - or the Little Women paper dolls. I have four little women myself, and they love junk -- I mean, fun stuff like this!

April 23, 2009 at 11:11 AM

You're right...April does seem to be quite the popular blog starting month...I'm celebrating my bloggiversary this week, too! I blame waking up from winter hibernation and saying, "Hey! I should start a blog!"

Anyway...lots of fun stuff here. I think my daughters would rather enjoy some of these things, and I would rather enjoy others of these things.

April 23, 2009 at 11:24 AM

Great idea!

Little Women paper dolls for me - such good memories...

April 23, 2009 at 11:30 AM

Lara--I KNEW there was someone else who started her blog in April! Anyway, are you saying you want to be entered in all of them? Or none of them? You have to say if you want to be entered in a specific item--I'm not just entering everyone in all of them. Then Sue might win the maternity clothes and THEN where would we be?

April 23, 2009 at 11:39 AM

Congrats! There are a lot of blogs started in March and April.

And I'm totally crossing my fingers for the Jonas Brothers posters!!

EEEEKKKKK!

April 23, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Anonymous  

Ew, I hate confrontation. I was hoping no one else would specifically want those Little Women paper dolls. Sorry, Kate, but my blog is entitled "Call Me Marmee," and I really do have four little women....

April 23, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Anonymous  

Happy Birthday Dunhaven Place
...and many many more...which would mean, more giveaways....
good for us in blogland.

I would like either the Denmark Postcard with the great story attached or the beautiful handbag by Mary Coakley Designs. I think she is adorable.....

I love your blog, your stories and have fun in Utah.

See you tomorrow...but not over the weekend, don't have a computer at home (I'm the 1% who doesn't own a computer) but will see you again Monday. Fingers cross....

April 23, 2009 at 12:20 PM

Have a wonderful time in Utah.

I think my four year old might pee his pants if he gets a Thomas pillowcase. Which actually isn't a good thing, since he has only been potty trained for a short period of time. But that would make me the coolest mom ever, so I want the pillowcase.

April 23, 2009 at 12:32 PM

Dang it! I REALLY want the Denmark postcard, my husband's from Denmark and I can't tell you how excited I was over that postcard! ME! ME! ME!

April 23, 2009 at 12:33 PM

Oh---I can just think of all the wonderful uses I'd have for the Jonas brothers stuff! Count me in for that! :)

April 23, 2009 at 12:35 PM

Oh man...what to lay claim to, first. *ahem* I, another heidi, would like to be entered to win that My Scene doll. Ther eis a distinct shortage of boy barbies at our house and while Ken is a Pimp, I think he's getting tired and owuld appreciate being able to spread around the babie love.

Have fun in Utah!

April 23, 2009 at 12:53 PM

what fun! My house just isn't complete without that Bryant doll (or at least that's what the little ones think...)

I'd also be willing to take your Mahalo notes, and the beautiful sketch which I can't believe you're willing to part with... and I think I'm going to back off on the rest - especially the Little Women dolls because I think Pam C might come over and kill my blog in its sleep...

Would Marmee actually do that? I don't think so!

April 23, 2009 at 12:54 PM

Just so you all know . . .it's not a postcard but a 5X7 sketch in pencil of a postcard (or maybe photograph). Meanwhile, you're comments are all so entertaining! Off to finish packing . ...

April 23, 2009 at 1:13 PM

Have a great trip! Don't let Kristina kidnap you into her snuggie!

I love those vintage valentines! SO CUTE!!!

happy blogiversary!!!!!

April 23, 2009 at 1:16 PM

Congrats on the year mark! I hope I get to see you Saturday, I really do. . .

Um, I kind of really want the Little Women dolls. Although they seem to be the most popular. . .

April 23, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Anonymous  

I visit occasionally, but probably considered more of the masses, man I'm funny! I wanted to tell you that it's pretty exciting that you're coming to Utah!

Oh and I'm sure couldn't tell by my blog name which fabulous prize I would pick...LOL

April 23, 2009 at 2:06 PM

I WANT IT ALL!!!!! mememememememememe!

Okay, now that I have got that out of my system- of course there are treasures that I would prefer, like the Valentines stuff (because Hubby and I celebrate the whole month and this would get next year's month already started- woohoo!). I would really love the Jonas Brothers for my oldest, the Bryant doll for the son, the super cool purse for UMM and/or the paper dolls for MMIT. I could find uses for any of these items, though. Coolest giveaway ever!

April 23, 2009 at 2:09 PM

Oh, but don't put me in for the maternity- I am a little bigger than petite. And I can't have another baby ever, either. So, I couldn't find a use for those except for as rags, and since it is your favorite outfit that would be cruel.

April 23, 2009 at 2:13 PM

I started blogging in '07 over at Yahoo, but moved over to Blogger in Jan '08. It's been a great ride!

Love the bag! I would totally use that with jeans, a dress, whatever! Very cute.

One prize I would like would be to meet you in person. Wait... :)

April 23, 2009 at 3:03 PM

I want the paper dolls!

You know, I completely skipped my anniversary last month. Just did not know what to do for it. Maybe I should follow your example and clean a few things out of my closets!

April 23, 2009 at 3:32 PM

Hey Happy Bloggiversary!!! Yay for you!

I would enter for the Thomas pillowcase. Can you believe that we have several sheet sets for him that have NO pillowcase. So that's why.

Have a good trip!

April 23, 2009 at 3:48 PM

Have a great trip, wish I was "up North" this weekend. But I'm in Southern Utah, otherwise I'd for sure see you.

I covet the Thomas the Train pillow case. I have a great nephew who won a contest because he is such a huge Thomas fan. He got to ride the Heber Creeper as a special guest.

Have a great trip. The weather isn't going to be wonderful, but I'm sure your trip will be.

April 23, 2009 at 4:01 PM

I want to fight Kristina P for the Jonas Brothers! (She really scares me sometimes! At least I have an 11 year old daughter I'm pretending they're for...)

But what I'd really love are the Hawaiian notes.

Happy packing and traveling! Only two more sleeps (as my nieces used to say!)

April 23, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Anonymous  

Sign me up for the flapper photo. That is wicked awesome!

I started my blog up in April, too. Three years ago, though.

April 23, 2009 at 9:11 PM

Oh dear, I hate to be competing with Becky, but I would like to put my name in for the paper dolls as well. I love that book!

Have fun in Utah!

April 23, 2009 at 9:24 PM

Oh Heidi, count me in for the pillowcase and the Little Women paper dolls.

Congrats on a year. Hope we get to see you Saturday, it is still uncertain whether we can come or not.

April 23, 2009 at 10:05 PM

Oops...I'm glad I came back (I always come back because I enjoy your commentary on the comments).

Anyway, I suppose I'll enter myself for the Jonas brothers posters and the My Scene doll because that would make me the coolest mom ever. And then, I personally would like the Mahalo cards...and the napkinds that come with are cool too.

There.

Happy Bloggiversary! :)

April 23, 2009 at 10:29 PM

I'm finally coming over to check you out from crash and shelle's bloglist and this is what I find!!

A party!

Congrats on your blogiversary!!

I started my blog in April too!

Such a grat month to start one.

count me in for the pillow case and the paper dolls!

you are so great!

April 24, 2009 at 12:05 AM

I think anyone who started their blog in April should automatically win. :)

I could totally go for:

* The drawing. I'm 99% Danish, and went to Denmark a few years ago and that picture is awesome, with it's story.

* The pillowcase. Aaron is crazy about Thomas although he may possibly have seen three episodes at Greg's parent's house.

* The maternity clothes. I'm immune to the ick factor and we're planning on having at least one more. (kid, not ick factor).

*Evie would love the Jonas brother's posters. Would go crazy, really.

I hope you have a BLAST in Utah!!

April 24, 2009 at 1:57 AM

Can't wait to hear about your trip and see pictures.

Kyle would love the pillow case too. I was surprised to see how many people want it.

Kendra would have fun with the posters, especially the one with Zac on the back.

The note cards and napkins would be fun too. Andy's wife Christy lived there for a while and LOVES anything to do with Hawaii.

April 24, 2009 at 7:38 AM

I would love the paper dolls! Piper would love the posters....hmmmmm so many goodies :)

April 24, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Anonymous  

OK, here my second chance to win..would like either the Denmark Postcard with the great story attached or the beautiful handbag by Mary Coakley Designs. I think she is adorable.......

I'm away this weekend but will be back on Monday morning before (hopefully) you make your decision. Wish me luck!

April 24, 2009 at 10:43 AM

Uhhh, kewl stuff. My 15 yr old daughter would totally flip if I win the Jonas brothers posters and have em hanging in her room when she gets home from school. They're neat items you got there.

Oh and congrats on your one year!!

April 24, 2009 at 1:21 PM

Hi Heidi! I just came over so you could keep getting hits while you're gone!! LY

April 24, 2009 at 2:22 PM

Arghh!! I forgot to comment yesterday. I didn't want to comment early, because everyone knows the early commenters hardly ever win anything, so I meant to come back later, but then I started watching Lost in Austen and was so captivated I forgot!!

I would love, love, love those Little Women paper dolls, or the cute napkins or the valentines, and my daughter would kill me if I didn't try for the Jonas pile.

April 24, 2009 at 2:49 PM

keepin' the comment love coming during your absence... and of course I'm just going to be deep cleaning my house tomorrow instead of hanging with you at the library...

oh - and I'll throw in the "honesty" and admit that I'm coming over because I need my daily entry :)

April 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM

My hubbers is Danish. I'd love the post card.

I'll see you tomorrow morning.

April 24, 2009 at 4:26 PM

entry 2 - still wanting the jonas bros and the mahalo cards!

see ya soon!

April 24, 2009 at 8:14 PM

Happy anniversary! Yay!

I love the last item. Very interesting!

April 24, 2009 at 9:22 PM

Oh, and I also like the flapper (flapper, not flasher, mind you) and the Santa. :)

April 24, 2009 at 9:24 PM

Happy Blog-iversary, my friend!!!!! You don't need to enter me in the giveaway. I simply wanted to give you my well wishes.

Hugs,
Cindy

April 25, 2009 at 12:17 AM

Here again for the pillowcase, napkins and posters.

Hope you are having fun!

April 25, 2009 at 7:12 AM

The Hawaii themed vintage WILL BE MINE!

I hope your trip is going along splendidly...I'm sure it is :)

April 25, 2009 at 7:22 AM

so since i talked to you in person, i get that entry we discussed, yeah? okay. :) anyway, all of these items are glorious treasures, but perhaps i should cast in my lot for something specific....um...greta would love the bryant doll. put me in for the bag and the santa as well. :) so fun to see you, of course, and i'm so glad we got that dessert at olivia's. i've thought of it all night and now this morning. mmmm....

April 25, 2009 at 7:31 AM

Ok, since I missed out on Thursday, was too busy making a gift for my MIL, I didn't around to the blogs I usually read, I have a lot to catch up on. So yesterday I said my daughter would love the Jonas collection, I want the beautiful..lol, the Santa, Bryant doll...I'll be back tomorrow to list the last item on my want list..lol.

Hope you are having loads of fun on your trip.

April 25, 2009 at 9:34 AM

It was fabulous meeting you today!

I put the photos and links up on my blog - that was so much fun. I loved meeting the people I stalk!!

and for entry #3 I still want the Jonas Bros (not literally) and the Mahalo cards!

April 25, 2009 at 9:26 PM

Here again for the pillowcase, napkin & card set, and posters.

Now I am going to check out Val of the South to see what pictures she posted.

April 26, 2009 at 7:10 AM
This comment has been removed by the author.
April 26, 2009 at 7:10 AM

Back for my third entry...lol, but I am trying not to be greedy here, aight?

I'm still holding on to Jonas bro. posters, the beautiful bag with those eyes that follow you around..lol, the bryant doll and the santa...see? I can be reasonable..lol.

Just saw the pictures on Val's blog, love em, feeling a tad bit jealous..lol. You ladies look wonderful and from the looks of things, you gals seem like you had loads of fun.

April 26, 2009 at 12:22 PM

trying to get over my annoyance that I didn't get to drive up and meet you in person yesterday... you know, if you'd DRIVE between the two locations instead of flying you could have had lunch about 48 places in-between... because everyone needs 48 lunches right? Not to mention the 3 weeks it would take to reach your destination...

April 26, 2009 at 2:30 PM

I'm feeling a combination of remorse, because I forgot to comment yesterday, and greed because I would like to win so many of your treasures.

Am I supposed to list the things I covet in each comment? I can't remember.

Little women paper dolls, groovy napkins, or of course, the Jonas Bros. loot.

April 26, 2009 at 3:36 PM

DARN! I forgot to comment yesterday!

Denmark drawing!! MEMEMEMEMEMEEEE!

April 26, 2009 at 6:41 PM

I think the denmark picture is very wonderful for its historical value.

My great-grandmother was a flapper. I guess I never even thought much about it.

April 26, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Anonymous  

Zut, alors, I forgot to comment yesterday. Still lovin' those Little Women Paper Dolls. I could incorporate them into my blog header....

April 26, 2009 at 10:03 PM

Entering yet once again!

Jonas Bros, Mahalo cards

Hope you had a safe trip home and all was well when you arrived!!

Come back soon!!

April 26, 2009 at 10:52 PM

Congrats on the year! Wow. Time flies, doesn't it?
I think I'd love that bag. What character!

April 27, 2009 at 5:44 AM
Anonymous  

It's Monday, back again for one last tried, I really hope you pick my name....

I would like either the Denmark Postcard with the great story attached or the beautiful handbag by Mary Coakley Designs. I think she is adorable.....

Thank you very much, this was fun!

April 27, 2009 at 7:21 AM

Hey wish I could meet you at pleasant grove library today. And can't wait to see the meet and greet photos. Saw Vals and it's looked so fun.

April 27, 2009 at 8:43 AM

Now I just feel greedy...I think I'm the only one who's entered EVERY day!

Oh well, here goes, and I'm mixing it up this time!

Jonas Bros, Mahalo cards and the handbag.

Thanks!

April 27, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Anonymous  

I was happy to meet you! It was a blast...

I was sad though that you didn't just bring me the fabulous purse...Oh well I still love ya! ;p

April 27, 2009 at 10:07 AM

Two points awarded to Pam C.for using
"zut alors!"

April 27, 2009 at 10:14 AM

Oooh ooh pick me! Pick me!! I'm a new reader and I love love your blog!!!

I love the purse p.s. It would be my favorite purse of all time if you picked me :) :)

April 27, 2009 at 11:08 AM

I love the last item - the sketch. I also love the flapper because I had a big-hair graduation photo too, only my hair went UP.

Great idea for a giveaway - multiple choice is cool!

April 27, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Anonymous  

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy would have so much fun playing with their bloggy namesakes! (Actually, I don't think we would let Amy near them until she outgrows scissor-mania.)

April 27, 2009 at 3:54 PM

Another day, another entry. posters, napkin card set, and pillowcase.

April 27, 2009 at 4:05 PM

I can't believe I was so crazy-busy this weekend, I actually missed the whole giveaway. (I LOVE the flapper picture! We have one very similar to that...only it's my actual Grandma! Hahaha...But truly, Miss Heidi, meeting you was the best prize of all!

April 28, 2009 at 7:28 AM
Anonymous  

Heidi,
Hope everything went well in Utah, I was visiting today to see if I won anything...

April 28, 2009 at 11:26 AM

Your comments were all so fun to read! (esp. Reed--what a card! Personally, I felt exactly the same way) Thanks, everyone, for entering my giveaway! I'm off to wipe the sleepies out of my eyes (I hardly slept in Utah at all!) and set up my drawings for the giveaway!

April 28, 2009 at 2:21 PM

Well look at that, I fell off the face of the earth for a week and missed the whole darn thing ... just wanted to say happy anniversary!!

April 28, 2009 at 4:34 PM

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