(cropped pants: Old Navy, shirt: Madewell, sweater: Old Navy, wedges: Kohls, necklace: Target, watch: Kohls, bangles: Rue 21)
Notice anything different about the right side of my blog?
Look, it’s ads! It’s like I’m a real blog or something.
You’re right, it’s probably just the something. Definitely not a real blog. Let’s not get carried away here, folks.
But since it is the first of the month (did anyone just start singing that song in their head all hip-hop like?), I thought I’d do a little reader appreciate giveaway.
Because I have some pretty loyal readers that need to be rewarded.
So here’s what’s up for grabs:
Selections From One Thousand Gift: Finding Joy in What Really Matters by Ann Voskamp
This book is excerpts from the hugely popular bestseller and full of beautiful pictures. It’s a quick inspirational read that would make a good pick-me-up for a bad day or a great gift for a friend that needs encouragement.
The Beauty Book by Nancy Rue
A book targeted to pre-teens, this book is all about encouraging girls to see past what Hollywood tells you is beautiful and see what God sees. There’s quizzes, activities, and illustrations, all things that make this look more like a magazine than book. This book is pretty down on tattoos and it made me giggle when it talked about all the risks involved. But definitely a good handbook for those awful and awkward pre-teen and teen years.
Love Came Down heart-shaped trivet from DaySpring
The nice thing about this trivet is you can put it out with your Christmas decorations and then keep it out until Valentine’s day. And who doesn’t love a good trivet? (That sounded sarcastic, but I do love a good trivet for the dinner table…I just have a way of making things sound sarcastic even when I don’t mean to. It’s a gift.)
Cradle Rock CD lullaby versions of Michael Jackson songs
This is my favorite of the four gifts. A lullaby version of Thriller and Billie Jean? You guys need to hear this. It’s easy listening for your babes, but it’s a Michael Jackson song so you won’t be mad when it gets stuck in your head. Because there’s nothing worse than Row, Row, Row Your Boat on repeat. I’m serious. It’s torture.
Is that the weirdest mix of gifts ever? Yes, yes, it is. A random mix of goods so I can make sure there’s a little something for everyone. And the rest can be Christmas presents if you want. Or just horde them, they’ll be yours after all.
Giveaway ends at midnight on November 4th.
Open to US residents only.
Why I read- I stumbled upon your blog from a fashion blogger, then I started reading older posts and noticed you share my love of books. Now I read because I enjoy your “voice” and often find myself nodding or smiling at something you wrote.
I pretty much read because you’re a fun person and I like you. 🙂 I have to say I enjoy the posts about fashion and your family. I want you to give away a closet consultation session!!!
I read because I enjoy the book recommendations as well as the frank discussion of imperfections. It’s beautiful to have a nice family photo but realistically most of us have 27 photos of one kid crying, the dog in front of the kid, etc. and it’s nice to see/read about someone else who is honest about those kinds of experiences.
I follow you Mary, because sometimes you manage to get the very thing I’m worried/frustrated/thinking about out on paper in a way that makes sense. Also because you’re brave enough to wear green skinny pants. I had a funny thought on a run the other day, I realized I am probably less self-conscious in skinny jeans and running capris because iof major over-exposure to baseball pants as a kid/teenager. If we could survive that in the least flattering years of our lives, we can handle anything now. Anyway, these are the thoughts I have when I run and that was a completely random addition to the comment.
I absolutely love your outfit posts. You always look amazing and I feel like your outfits are something I could pull off, unlike some fashion bloggers. I also love how real you are and I loved your post about hard times you’ve been through in your marriage and how you pulled through them.
i ADORE your outfit — the colors & polka dots are literally making me swoon. i need to be bold — i am feeling inspired to shop; which does not happen much for me! 🙂
I read your blog (and keep reading) because I can relate to most of what you write. You’re a book nerd, you’re a mom, and when you post a WIW post, I feel I could possibly wear the outfit because it’s not going to clash with my red hair. Also, you’re not afraid to speak the truth: Life is not easy and a bunch of roses. Basically, you’re awesome.
Awesome!!!! I am super excited!