Yellow & Savvy Design Template Giveaway

I have a fun giveaway for you guys today! Steph Anne is one of my all-time favorite people. She is gorgeous, sweet, and one of the craftiest and creative people I know. (Have you seen her house? Sigh. Perfection.) I have followed her blog for a long time and have seen her switch up her layout multiple times. It can be such a subtle shift in her header or sidebar, but I’m always impressed by her design skills.

Steph Anne runs a design business, Yellow & Savvy Design. She does everything from blog designs to business cards to “Save the Date”’s. Her designs are whimsical and feminine, always with a creative edge I don’t normally see in other designs. The blog designs she has done are some of my favorites which is why I am so excited to say I am giving away one of her templates to one lucky winner!

The prize is this: if you have a Blogger blog or are on self-hosted Wordpress, YOU are eligible to win one of these fantastic templates. You get to choose which one! She’ll work with you on customizing the theme to your blog title and tagline and give you detailed instructions on how to install the template. Seriously, I’m so excited for the winner!

So, how do you get in the pot to win? You have three ways!:

• MANDATORY: Visit Steph Anne’s Etsy shop and tell me what blog design you would choose if you won!
  
• Tweet about the giveaway! Feel free to use this tweet: “I want to win a pre-made blog design made by @luxechandelier! Hosted by @stephanywrites -- http://bit.ly/y8s0ZW”
  
• LIKE Yellow & Savvy Designs on Facebook

This giveaway is ends on Monday, February 20 at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 21st. Good luck!

PlanetGear.com Giveaway

It’s no secret that I’m trying to lose weight. Or that I struggle with motivation. Or that I’m doing it the old-fashioned way: by changing my diet and adding in exercise. So far, exercise has been the easiest part of the battle. I’ll whine and complain, but I usually drag my butt to the gym five days a week, working out for at least an hour. And when I’m there, I’m fully invested in bettering myself and my body.

And looking good while doing it.

PlanetGear.com is a website that offers huge discounts on fitness gear, apparel, and travel destinations. All sales are made on a first-come, first-serve basis, start at 8:00am PST, and last up to 72 hours. They offer up to 70% off on all their discounts and the sales are pretty sweet, if I do say so myself.

Spinning fanatic as I am (even though, uhhhh, I haven’t gone in maybe 2 weeks? Whoops?), I have my eye on this pair of TYR Sport Women’s Kinetic Spin Sports, valued at $46, selling for just $22. Yes. I need these in my life. Or maybe a TYR Sport Women’s Kinetic T-Back Tank to go along with it, valued at $42, and selling for $22. Yes, please!

And from now until the end of October, PlanetGear.com is donating $1 for every new member and “like” they receive on Facebook to the Breast Cancer Fund. The Breast Cancer Fund “works to connect the dots between breast cancer and exposures to chemicals and radiation in our everyday environments.” They want to educate the public on scientific evidence and truths about chemicals and radiation to help prevent cancer and sustain our health.

The most fun part of all of this? PlanetGear.com has agreed to host a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive this pretty awesome training ball. I am a huge fan of training balls for exercise because they’re a great way to do add something NEW to your workout. They have the ability of taking a workout to a higher intensity (ever do push-ups on a training ball? Not. Easy.) or lower intensity, which is especially helpful if you have back or knee problems. Plus, they’re just plain fun to work out on! I feel like a kid when I use a training ball! The even cooler thing is that this ball has printed exercises located around the spine so you have built-in ways to use this to target specific muscles in the body.

Want to win it? You have four ways to enter:

1 - (Mandatory) You must be a follower of my blog. Leave a comment saying you do.

2 - Become a member of PlanetGear. (Membership is FREE and super simple! Be sure to mention my email stephanywrites@gmail.com when you sign up!)

3 - “Like” PlanetGear on Facebook

4 - “Like” my blog on Facebook

 

Leave separate comments for each entry. Multiple entries in one comment will count as one entry. The giveaway ends on Monday, October 3rd at 11:59pm. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 4th.

Good luck!

JackPot Designs Giveaway!

About a month ago, I (finally) ordered my graduation announcements and knew I wanted a fancier address label than what I have. (Which, um, is writing out my address longhand.)

So I searched out Etsy for some cheap, but nice, address labels and stumbled upon JackPot Designs. I loved the variety of her designs and especially loved that she was selling “Class of 2011” address labels. I had to grab them and she even customized them with my school colors! Love.

But what I loved most was Morgan’s prompt delivery and simply fantastic customer service. I ordered the labels on a Saturday afternoon and by that night, she had sent me a message, letting me she had completed my order and would put them in the mail on Monday. I received them on Wednesday and they arrived in cute packaging, with a nice coupon attached!

I was so impressed with her shop and the person behind the shop, that I asked about doing an interview and giveaway. She agreed to both and I’m excited to share her shop and inspirations with you today.

1. Why were you inspired to start JackpotDesigns?

I’ve always loved beautiful stationery and address labels in particular. I love getting a letter or package in the mail that is elegant and thoughtful—it is something we’re losing sight of these days. So, the idea for my Etsy shop grew out of wanting to help people make their invites and announcements that much more special. After all, the first thing anyone sees is the envelope.

As a side note, the name “Jackpot Designs” came about after my son, Jack, was born. He was a preemie, born 10 weeks early, and because he was lucky to have thrived so well, he acquired the nickname “Jackpot.” I thought it was a fitting name for my new business!

2. What is your favorite item from your shop (if you have one!)?

I have lots of favorites! But, I think my “most favorite” favorite is the “joyful” address labels and seals. I just love how elegant they look!

3. What has been the hardest part about owning an Etsy shop?

The hardest part has been juggling my shop, my family and my day job. By day, I am a Reference Librarian who orders books and does research for patrons. I am also a wife and mom to my 2 year old son, Jack, and 10 month old daughter, Claire. I run my Etsy shop early in the morning and late at night and sometimes the long hours are a struggle. Even so, I genuinely love my shop and my customers and that makes it all worthwhile!

4. What is the most rewarding part about owning an Etsy shop?

I have absolutely THE BEST customers! The most rewarding part for me is getting emails from happy customers going out of their way to thank me for making their special event just that much better. That’s why I love what I do and it humbles me to think that someone chose one of my designs to grace their wedding invitation, baby shower thank you note, or graduation announcement.

5. How do you see your shop growing in the next year?

I have already been so blessed by the success my shop has seen since I opened in January! I have no idea where it will go this year, but I’m along for the ride. I have lots of design ideas swirling around in my head and my goal is to get those done and up in my shop. Ideally, I’d like to have 200 designs for sale by the end of the year.

6. Do you have any advice for aspiring Etsy shop owners?

YES! First, have confidence. In yourself, in your abilities and in your product. Remember that your time is valuable and don’t short change yourself in an attempt to make every sale. Second, become part of the Etsy community. Read the forums and/or join a team. I have learned so much from the seasoned sellers who comment on the forums. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as many of them have encountered the same issues you are. Third, great customer service is vital! Great customer service means answering emails and convos as quickly as you can. It means sending a convo thanking customers for their purchase and letting them know when their item will ship. It means FAST shipping. It means having nice/pretty packaging with a little thank you note or freebie inside. The worst is when you order something, never hear from the seller and receive the item in a bland envelope with no personalization. Customers want a pleasant buying “experience” in addition to their product. That’s what makes Etsy so personal and, in my experience, that’s what turns customers into repeat customers.

And now for the fun part! Morgan has generously agreed to give away one of her address labels! You have the choice of either design in a variety of colors: black, brown, red, orange, teal, green, navy, pink, or purple.

 

Aren’t they adorable? Your choice between an address label or an address seal.

I’m giving you a ton of ways to enter!

1. Mandatory entry: Leave a comment, telling me which design and what color you would choose. (1 entry)

2. Tweet about the giveaway, using this tweet: “Psst! @stephanywrites is giving away a set of gorgeous address labels! Enter here: http://bit.ly/kMxcAE” (1 entry)

3. Hop on over to JackPot Designs and let me know your favorite item in her shop! (1 entry)

4. Follow my blog on Facebook. (1 entry)

5. Follow JackPot Designs on Facebook. (1 entry)

6. Add my brand-spankin-new button to your blog, found on my sidebar. (2 entries)

7. Blog about the giveaway. (3 entries)

You can leave a comment for each, or leave one comment but make sure to include all the ways you’ve entered!

The giveaway lasts until Thursday, May 12th at 8:00pm, winner announced on Friday, May 13th.

CSN Stores Giveaway

Last month, I hosted my first-ever giveaway on the blog which was incredibly exciting for me. So when CSN Stores approached me to do a giveaway with their company, I jumped at the opportunity! This month, you have a chance to win a $55 gift certificate to CSN Stores. And with their vast array of stores and products, there is really something for everyone.

Check it out!

It’s really so easy to find so many things to buy from CSN. They have 200+ stores, including luggage stores which quickly caught my eye. I realized after my trip to Orlando that I desperately need new luggage. It took us about 3 trips to get from the hotel to the car so this one is perfect! It has so much space and is pretty, too!

 

Then again, I firmly believe everyone should own a Crock-Pot. There’s is nothing like chicken made in a Crock-Pot! It makes cooking so simple and so easy, but you’re still getting a yummy meal! 

You could always show your dog some love with a new bed. This one is perfect for my little cuddlebug!

 

There are multiple ways to enter! (Leave 1 comment per entry)

1. Let me know what you would buy with a gift certificate to CSNStores.com! (1 entry)
2. Tweet about the giveaway. (1 entry)
3. Like “Stephany Writes” on Facebook and leave a comment saying you did. (1 entry)

This giveaway is open until Sunday, January 23rd at 7pm EST. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced on Monday, January 24. You have 48 hours to contact me via e-mail after the winner is announced, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

Christmas 2010

I’m not sure I could sum up Christmas Day in one word. It was definitely a rollercoaster but I must say that our first year hosting Christmas (albeit with a small crowd) was a success.

Christmas started at 7:30am when my mom and I exchanged stockings and then gifts. We spoil each other every Christmas, but since it’s the only time of the year we do so, it works for us. I think I did all right in the gift giving department with her. Among the many gifts was a new armband for her iPod (to replace her old one that still has blood on it from her accident, despite washing it.), tons of clothes, and a new Vera Bradley bag and wallet.

And she totally spoiled me. Witness:

Oh, and this:

Yes. She spoiled me greatly.

After presents were unwrapped, it was time to stuff the turkey, get it in the oven, and prepare for Christmas dinner! We were busy putting the apartment back together, showering, decorating, and cooking but there was such an enveloping sense of peace about this day. Even though we got hurtful news about something a family member attempted to do, we knew we were spending Christmas Day with the four people we loved the most and who loved us the most.

My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew came over around noon and then it was on to more present opening! Since my nephew was sleeping, we left his presents for later while my brother and SIL opened their’s. A customized 49ers jersey for my brother, along with more clothes and candy. And a Bath & Body Works gift set in my SIL favorite scent (unbeknownst to me! I’m just good like that.), a travel mug, as well as Mario Kart for Wii (which I badly want to play because Mario Kart used to occupy my brother and I for hours when we were younger.)

My mom was finishing up cooking dinner when my nephew woke up. He is definitely his father’s child in that he usually wakes up a little grumpy and just wanting to cuddle for a long while. He eventually warmed up and opening some of his presents. But since he’s only two, he doesn’t quite understand the concept yet. He would open a present and only want to play with that one so eventually, we had to open up presents for him and show him all the cool stuff. True to form, we spoiled him greatly for Christmas with a soccer set, a baseball set, a wagon, tons of clothes, and a doctor’s set.

He was more interested in playing with his toys than eating dinner, so we all sat down to eat some yummy turkey, delicious mashed potatoes, green beans, fluffy dinner rolls, and the best stuffing in the world. Oh, gosh, was dinner delicious! My mom is forevermore hosting Christmas dinner.

And then it was onto playing! It’s so much fun having a child around for Christmas because we get to buy him FUN things and there’s such a pure joy in his eyes when he’s playing. Next year will be even more exciting when he understands who Santa Claus is and I just can’t wait!

 

All in all, this was a very successful Christmas. I’m so glad my mom and I decided to host it at our house because it was calm, peaceful, and relaxed. (Well, as calm, peaceful, and relaxed you can be with an active two-year-old!) I’m sad this magical day is over but I’m looking forward to wait 2011 will bring for me and my family!

And for my giveaway winner! I was so excited to do this and I couldn’t believe the response so thank you! I will definitely have more things to giveaway in the future. I used Random.org to pick the winner so a huge congrats to Kim! Shoot me an e-mail with your address and I’ll mail off the prizes ASAP.

Holiday Week: A Holiday Giveaway For You

This is my first-ever giveaway! I have wanted to do a giveaway on my blog for the longest time but have been so indecisive about what to get. My biggest worry is that everyone will think the items I’m giving away are lame and nobody will enter.
Well, I threw all that worry out the door as I headed to Target on Friday to look for fun things to put in a little holiday giveaway. It’s not anything exciting, but I had so much fun strolling through Target, throwing things in my cart that I think my lovely blog readers would like.
I recently hit 100 followers (through Friend Connect) which is such a huge milestone for me. I love every single one of you to bits and pieces, even the lurkers. (I have lurkers! How cool!) I blogged for so long with nobody reading or commenting that the fact that I can write a blog post and know people are reading and connecting with what I say? It’s amazing.
Here’s what you can win!

1 – Greenroom small notebook, made of 70% recycled material
2 – A three-pack of Uni-Ball Fusion pens in violet, pink, and blue
3 – Nicole by OPI nail polish, in “It’s Possible!”
4 – A sparkly headband

There are multiple ways to enter:
1. Leave a comment, telling me what you’re most looking forward to this Christmas. Only you can’t say “family” or “giving gifts.” Be creative! (1 entry)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment saying you do. (1 entry)
3. Tweet about the giveaway and leave a comment with a link to the tweet. (1 entry)
4. Blog about the giveaway and leave a comment with a link to the post. (3 entries)

Giveaway closes on Sunday, December 26 at 7pm EST. Winner will be announced on Monday, December 27.

I bought all of these items with my own money, I have not been compensated by Target or any of the companies mentioned above.

photo credit