Thursday, September 3, 2009

100th Post Giveaway


Our late summer days at Surfside Beach, SC were wonderful.

There were daily walks along the beach.
On the last day I jokingly told my husband that we couldn't go home until he found a sand dollar.
Shortly after that comment he stopped walking, pointed down and didn't say a word. There it was ~ the first sand dollar either of us had ever found. It looks much prettier now that it has been soaked in bleach water.


Cute & colorful houses lined the beach.
It was a great way to rap up the summer.

Since we've been home the temperatures have been cooler.
The feel of Fall is in the air.
It made me want to do a little nesting, so this week I have started deep cleaning one room at a time. I began with the living room. Once I got it spruced up I thought I'd put a touch of Fall decor in there. It is a bit challenging to do that when your couch fabric looks like the photo above. Not exactly fall colors.


I happened to be putting away a table runner and noticed these embroidered linen pieces in the drawer. I had purchased 3 of them at a thrift shop several months ago and forgot all about them. They are all in perfect condition and I thought that rose & green leaf just might work into my living room fall decor.


Last night I stopped at Michael's and spotted these cute plastic leaves. I bought a bag and was happy to see that some of the colors matched my thrifty linens.



I dumped the rest into a hurricane vase I had and added a candle. This is my favorite room to read in at night. I will enjoy lighting the candle particularly on those cool autumn evenings.



These little nesting leaf dishes are white with a yellow edge. I found them at an antique shop a few years ago. Their subtle colors will tie into my theme just fine.
As I continue to bring fall touches to my home, I wanted to spread a little fall cheer to one of you.
Since this marks my 100th post, I'm doing a giveaway.
I first stumbled across the blog world a couple of years ago when I was doing a search for "cozy fall homes" (or something on that order). When I clicked on a link that took me here I was hooked. For many months I did a lot of blog reading before I summoned up the courage to try it myself. I still remember the feeling when I pushed that publish button for the first time on June 7, 2008. I also remember the thrill I got from my one and only comment which came all the way from Heidi in Holland. In her comment Heidi warned me that blogging would change the way I looked at life. Boy, was that ever true. It has definitely changed the way that I look at life and in a very good way.
Coincidentally my life has changed drastically since I first hit the publish button. If you follow my blog you already know that in the last year I moved my mom near me and became her POA as she suffers from Alzheimer's, saw her decline drastically and have 2 strokes last year. I saw my husband leave for a business trip perfectly healthy and return very ill only to spend the next week in ICU at the hospital. When I thought life was perhaps going to be on a more even keel for awhile, I received the most shocking news of all ~ my sister's stroke. Originally I had no intention of sharing any of this on my blog. But, as I went through each of these trials it was pretty much all I could think about. I decided that maybe I would share a little bit of it and was totally overwhelmed by the kindness, prayers and good thoughts I received from all of you. Now, I am going to admit something to you. There was a time during all of this that I said to my husband "Maybe I should have never started this blog. Maybe it has brought me bad luck because life was so much easier before I began it" I knew I was being superstitious, but I couldn't help but wonder. Well, he said to me "I think it was the opposite of what you are saying. I think your blog was a blessing because it has helped you get through these trials." I know that he is right and in all of the many ways (too numerous to mention) that your blogs have inspired, blessed and touched me I am truly thankful to you, my friends.
Now, enough of my rattling on ~ let's get to that giveaway!!


When the cooler days of Autumn come a callin', our thoughts turn to comfort foods, upcoming holidays, cozy decorating & tailgate parties ~ to name a few.
To help you get moving in that direction I am including this Autumn Gooseberry Patch book.


It's full of recipes like this one.
After a long walk through the fallen leaves, wouldn't this be nice to come home to?



Cute ~ yet simple ideas to add little touches of fall to your decor.




When the frost is on the pumpkin this chili might be just the thing to warm you and your family from head to toe.



This would make a cute centerpiece for the day that you serve that pumpkin chili :-).


How about a new recipe for all of that leftover turkey?


Once that yummy fall food is fixed it will need a bit of seasoning.
This little squirrel is here to help.
He's filled his acorns with salt & pepper.
He will be included in the giveaway.



As the days grow shorter and it gets dark earlier, a candle is always such a welcoming sight.
I love to burn candles and change them out for the season.
These triple fragrance candles are among my favorites.
Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon & Cranberry Spice.
Mmm... perfect scents for the Fall season.
This candle will be added to the giveaway too.


If you would like to enter my giveaway, please leave a comment before midnight on Sunday, September 13th. I will draw one name on Monday the 14th. If you don't have a blog, please leave me your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you are the winner.

Thank you all for coming by to visit.


Good Luck!!


42 comments:

  1. What a lovely post! I'm glad that you had a great time on your holiday and you're back home full of energy and good spirits.
    I was sorry to read about all the hardships in your life. I'd agree with your husband on how blogging helps go through them. I started blogging after my mum died three months ago. I desperately needed something to distract me and I also wanted to get in touch with people who knew nothing of her sickness so wouldn't ask how she was all the time.
    That book for the giveaway looks fantastic!
    Have a great autumn!

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  2. As usual, Kim, you find the sweetest things to decorate with. That was one of the first things that drew me to your blog last winter. That and the fact that we both had moms with Alzheimers. I'm glad you've chosen to share these things. It has helped me to move out of my own private sorrows and pray for other ladies like you. I still have a hard time talking about things that are difficult, yet I don't like giving the impression that I don't have problems. Thank you for being genuine.
    Now I can see that I need to get over to Michaels, as I have not seen those little leaves and have some lanterns that are in need of fillers. Hey, I'm in!
    Debbie

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  3. Another outstanding post of carefully and colorfully arranged photography, with inspiring and heartfelt words that continually bless my visits here. I just feel so blessed to have discovered your blog. The true joys of participating in the world of blogging outweigh the thoughts of not blogging. I understood your thought process through the many painful journeys that you have found yourself on, but I agree with your husband on how blogging did help. We were there for you, caring and praying.

    This is a lovely, generous gift that you are going to give. Since Autumn is my favorite time of the year, I consider this book the perfect gift.

    So thankful that I discovered your blog many months ago. I look forward to every visit and truly do appreciate your kind comments to me via my blog.

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  4. congratulations on your blog success, and what a delicious giveaway!! :)
    thanks so much, I am blessed to follow your blog and with the things your share!!
    It is a good way to get thru tough times, isn't it, to share with friends?

    suzanne

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  5. Good mornng Kim, I'm so happy that I found your wonderful blog! Your honesty and creativity always lifts my spirits.
    Sharing our joys and concerns with our friends is such a blessing...
    Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Kim, your feelings are so similar to mine when it comes to blogging. I'm glad you have shared about the trials with health in your family. Really, we all have our trials and it's so much easier when you share with others.

    Your give away is adorable and perfect for this time of year!

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  7. What a wonderful giveaway! I would be SO thrilled to have these precious things! I love Gooseberry patch! And I was shaking my head as you told about your blog experience. What a difference my blog has made and I like what you said...a blessing! Here's to happy blogging and to happy @ home!

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  8. A lovely post as always. Love all your photos. I liked all the colored houses on the beach and would have loved to walk along the beach.
    I would love to win your giveaway!!
    Enjoy the cooler temperatures - though I'm not really ready for summer to end just quite yet!

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  9. Pick Me!
    Pick Me!

    Fall is my favorite time of year. I enjoy your blog, congrats on the 100th post.

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  10. Pick me! Pick me!
    Congrats on the 100th post.

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  11. Pain always seems more bearable when it is shared...blessings and prayers to you and your family.

    I enjoy your blog and your wonderful posts. I LOVE your sand dollar!

    Happy Fall, I hope you pick me!

    Tammi
    VisionsOfVintage.blogspot.com

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  12. Ohhhh....I want to win that cute little squirrel! I love those little devils.

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  13. Isn't the beach a great place to walk the sand and enjoy the vastness of the ocean. I love going to Mrytle Beach or Hilton Head. Glad you had a good time.
    Congratulations on your anniversary of blogging. Your giveaway looks great.
    I love your Fall decor. The leaves are such a pretty colors.
    I will be getting mine out soon.

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  14. What a lovely post Kim and I'm glad you started Blogging!! Count me in for the giveaway! cmcdermitt1@carolina.rr.com. Thanks for doing this giveaway and congrats on your 200th post!

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  15. In a time where people quit so many things and take up the new I believe you've achieved an admirable milestone, 100 posts. Whoever wins will be blessed.

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  16. I so look forward to your post. Especially regarding your Mother. About the same time as you, I had to put my 85 year old mother in assisted living. I am her POA as well. I feel we could be sister sharing our experiences.
    Blessings,
    Patti

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  17. Congratulations on your 100th post. I too remember pushing the button on that first post and then receiving my first comment. Little did I know how much enjoyment I would have or know how many wonderful, caring friends I would make through the blogging world. Yes, it's been amazing!

    Thank you for such a great giveaway! I LOVE fall and would love to win any of the fun goodies you're giving away. Thank you for your generosity!

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  18. Congratulations on your 100th post! I'm so glad I found you early on so that I could be a part of your journey. Your husband is a very wise man. The blogging community has banded together to lift you and your loved ones up in prayer and that's a miracle! You are so sweet and we all love you, Kim. I can't imagine you not being here. What a wonderful giveaway. You are very thoughtful to do that. Have a nice day! Twyla

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  19. I enjoy reading your blog.I just started blogging!!! Love all the fall items. I love the way you put things together.

    Blessing's
    Ann

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  20. Wow, nice photos of your holiday.

    I've not had to deal with anyone with Alsheimers. My grandmother had hardening of the arteries - which behaves a little like Alsheimer's - but I was not the one helping her get through those last years...my mom and dad were. It was a hard road...and so I understand some of what you deal with - only as an observer, though.
    Will pray for you.

    And the pretty fall colors and decor are so nice.

    Please enter me in your giveaway.

    Blessings on you and yours.

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  21. Please enter me in your 100th Post Giveaway.

    Gretchen
    www.birdnestcottage.typepad.com

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  22. Another lovely post, Kim! So glad you and your hubby had a great time at the beach and how wonderful you found your sand dollar! = ) I understand what you mean about blogging...at times it can feel a bit like a chore, but oh the blessings!!! So glad you decided to begin Happy @ Home. = ) I'm grateful you shared these things with us so that we could pray for and encourage you. (That's what friends are for, you know...) I love your charming fall touches and your giveaway couldn't be more perfect. = ) Happy Fall to you!

    Blessings,
    Tracy

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  23. You're having a giveaway and you just won mine!!!! Send me your address so I can mail your disc hangers to you, my friend! Congratulations!!

    Suzanne

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  25. Congrats on your win from sweet Suzanne over at Southern Inspiration. She is a wonderful bloggy pal.
    Love your blog and will be following along, hope you don't mind.
    Hugs from NE Texas. Have a blessed one.
    Oh and love all the blue! Makes me happy!

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  26. Hi! I found your blog via Southern Inspiration, she is such a sweet new blog friend. What beautiful pictures. Your recipes sound delicious.
    Take care,
    Alyshia

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  27. I just found your blog through Suzanne at Southern Inspirations. After reading your blog I found out that you are from NC too. Small world, isn't it? When I saw that you had been to Surfside Beach, I knew you might be from either SC or NC, possibly. We go to the beach near there. Isn't it the prettiest area? Your blog is beautiful and I immediately joined as a follower. Congratulations on your win. I too have had a lot of tragedies in my life these past 6 years, but God has blessed me in many ways, despite all the hardships I have been through. I love blogging and have made so many wonderful friends. I have also learned so much too via my blog friends. It is amazing!!!! Have a great weekend. Love & blessings from NC!

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  28. What an inspiring and beautiful post! Thank you for sharing I also enjoyed the tabletop decoration that you created! Thanks!

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  29. Congrats on your 100th post! You won't believe how I came to your blog just now. I am trying to figure out what to do with the sand dollars I collected...googled "sand dollars + bleach" and landed up here. How neat is that! Wishing you many joys as you continue the journey...and keep blogging!

    You have me thinking autumn now.

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  30. I love Gooseberry Patch! It's the only cookbooks I buy. I have been reading The Cranberry Chronicles, but was not familiar with the other one. I've already clicked over and saved it to favorites to check out. Almost like my blog title, so maybe we're kindred spirits! Your husband is one wise man (a keeper!), and I'm so very glad you kept with it. We must share our goods and our bads and our happys and our sads, and be the better for it. We women tend to stick together through thick and thin! Happy blogging anniversary!
    Brenda

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  31. Dear Kim,

    What a lovely giveaway...fall, my favorite season, what a way to welcome it in!
    Congratulations on your 100th post!

    Blessings!
    ~Nadine

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  32. Kim, pleas enter me in your giveaway. those glass leaves are very pretty. I'm trying to feel the mood for fall too.

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  33. Kim, congrats on your 100th post! I just started my blog a week ago! I love it and just from reading blogs and joining a few swaps, I have already met so many great ladies! You are right lot's of support and caring!! Oh how I would love to win your giveaway! That squirell is to cute! Thanks and take care, Fran.

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  34. I just came upon your blog and what a great time to do so! What a lovely giveaway. I know what you mean about blogging changing your life. For a long time I have been a reader of blogs and decided last week to start my own and I'm amazed at the kindness of fellow bloggers!

    So blessed to have found your blog!

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  35. Hello Kim, I found you through another blog (don't ask me whose, because I get so lost flipping around the blog world) but I am so glad I found you. Love the look of your blog (okay, I've used the word blog three times already... is that overuse?) My husband has Alzheimers and I love connecting with others in like situations. I've had such an outpouring of love and concern from the blog (whoops, there I go again) friends I have made. Will be back to visit you often. Good luck, hang in there.

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  36. Happy Fall! My favorite time of year.
    Count me in on the giveaway

    Christie
    dctm at bellsouth dot net

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  37. Kim, your giveaway is precious. Isn't this funny? I have been using my new cookbook all weekend and just had this idea this afternoon.

    Happy 100th post to you!!!!!!

    Blessings, Barb

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  38. What a lovely farewell to summer, Kim, and a beautiful post. I enjoy visiting your happy home...you are the sweetest.

    Congrats on your 100th post, and what a generous giveaway! Please count me in, dear friend.

    Big hugs,
    Donna

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  39. Congratulations on your 100th post...

    I love your beach images, a reminder of summer gone. The different colored houses images is my fave.

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  40. I found you through "Farming On Faith" and glad that I found your blog. Your post is great and so is your giveaway! Please enter me in it...Thank you.

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  41. Kim, I am absolutely freaked out here. I posted my cookbook winner and added another recipe for everyone to enjoy. It is the Great Pumpkin Chili. I came over because I remember you listed some recipes. I cannot believe this!

    If this bothers you, please let me know and I will remove the recipe. I am just amazed! Yes, I missed Valerie Parr Hill on Tuesday...I was out all day but I just adore her and have her things everywhere in my home.

    Happy Fall!
    Barb :-)

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  42. Hi Kim
    I am so glad that you began blogging, otherwise we would never have met you!! You have had quite a time of it haven't you?
    Congratulations on your 100th posts. Here's to many more. Somehow I missed getting in on the giveaway!
    Hope the garage sale went well.
    ((hugs)) Rhondi

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