giveaway // celebrating Chelsea's birthday

Who doesn't like to win some big cash money?  I sure do.

The lovely Chelsea recently turned 22 (she's trying to call herself "old," but my 29 years say otherwise!), and obviously the best way to celebrate is by throwing up some dollar bills.  That's $230 dollar bills, to be exact.  Not actually throwing them up in the air for you to scramble and collect, but throwing into a pile for you to win.  Making sense?  Nope.  Enjoy!

$230 DOLLA BILLZ GIVEAWAY!

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giveaway // Julep + mani bash!

Happy Monday, friends!

I am really excited to host and offer this giveaway to you guys; it's been brewing for awhile in my head and now I get to share!  And what a lucky lady I am, because so many lovely bloggers jumped right in to join me in the festivities.

This is a "winner takes all" giveaway, and the goodies virtually guarantee that you'll be set for manicure awesomeness for the rest of 2013.  Here's what's at stake:

From left to right:

• Zoya "Electra" holographic glitter polish
• Color Club "Put A Pin In It" metallic bronze polish
• Julep iridescent glitter pot
• Julep "Dakota" metallic copper polish
• Julep "O Canada" multicolored glitter polish
• Illamasqua "Speckle" lavender with glitter polish
• Julep "Simone" metallic lavender polish
• Illamasqua "Purity" peach creme polish
• American Apparel "Crescent Heights" neon lime green polish
• Julep "Daphne" turquoise teal creme polish
• Julep "Abbie" bright yellow creme polish
• OPI "Can't Let Go" Liquid Sand in royal purple
• Julep "Sally" beige creme polish
• Julep Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum
• Julep "Mackenzie" metallic spring green polish
• butter LONDON "Scuppered" metallic bronze with green glitter polish
• Julep "Glenn" metallic cranberry red polish
• Julep "Shenae" metallic mint green polish
• Julep "Ingrid" burnt orange creme polish
• Julep Freedom Top Coat
• Julep "Poppy" coral creme lip gloss
• Sephora nail file

All told, we've got 16 nail polishes and four manicure accessories.  The winner of this giveaway is going to make out like a bandit!  The total prize value is over $300, people!

Please, please, PLEASE be sure to visit the lovely ladies who co-sponsored this giveaway with me (just click on their images to be taken to their blogs)!  I am so happy to have them on board and you'll not regret a visit to their blogs.


Use Rafflecopter below to enter, and GOOD LUCK!

And YES, this giveaway is open internationally.  :)
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giveaway // $400 beach + bikini

Spring is finally here.  You know what that means...summer is just around the corner.

To help you kick off the warm weather season, some blogger friends and I would like to give you a head start on planning for your next beach getaway and new bikini. To be honest, I'm WAY jealous that I can't enter.

1 Winner: $300 Travelocity Hotel Gift Card + Victoria's Secret Gift Card

1 Mandatory Entry + lots of bonus entries

There is just one mandatory entry and that is to leave a comment below telling me where you would go on your beach vacay.

The rest are optional bonus entries, so have at it!

Don't forget to check these lovely ladies' blogs. They are fab!

Dreaming of Dimples | So Shay | This Won't Hurt A Bit

Saturated Canary | Glitter and Gloss | KV's Confessions

Jessica Who? | Gentri Lee | Her Late Night Cravings

For Lauren & Lauren | Meg O. on the Go | Hey, Hollywood

The Life of Bon | Ramblings of a Southern Belle | The Sunshine Diary

Lipgloss and Crayons | House of Rose | the Anna Delores blog

The Vanilla Tulip | Choose to be Happy | The Vintage Modern Wife

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 Good luck! 

*Note: Victoria's Secret gift card is only valid in US. Winning entry will be verified.

giveaway // iPad mini

Happy April, friends!

Today I have a very very special treat for you.  In collaboration with my lovely blogger friend Janee (and a plethora of others!), we're giving away a 16GB iPad Mini!  No joke.  No April fools. This is for real!

Janee is sponsoring this giveaway to say "thank you" to her beloved readers: Yellow Bird + Yellow Beard just reached 2,000 followers!  And just in time for Janee's birthday, too: this lovely lady turns 26 on the 26th of April!

Who are the other amazing women who have contributed to this monumental celebration?  Please find their links below, and VISIT them!  Say hi to them.  Follow them.  They are all more than worthy of your time, guaranteed.

Little Baby Garvin // Shannon Hearts // The Freckled Fox 
Easy Makes Me Happy // Sew Tara // Oh The Lovely Things 
Gentri Lee // Ciera Design // Yellow Heart Art  
Bouffe e Bambini // MaieDae // Jenny Highsmith 
All That Glitters // A Day In A Joyful Life // Oana Befort 
Anna Delores // Bubblewrapp'd // Wild Olive 
Going Home To Roost // A Pair of Pears // Kneadle & Bread

Okay, friends -- you know what to do!  And GOOD LUCK!  :)

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giveaway // essie polish, anyone?

Today is a very special Mani Monday!  I've teamed up with Courtney over at Baxtron{Life} plus a plethora of some of my very favorite ladies to give one very lucky reader a complete Essie Nail Wardrobe.  The winnings include 13 gorgeous Essie shades, a base coat, a topcoat, and the millionails nail treatment (for a grand total value of $135!  Heck yeah!).

This is one giveaway you don't want to miss out on, so max out your entries!  For a close-up of the gorgeous colors with their swatches and details on the other products being given away, you can visit our Essie Giveaway board on Pinterest.

Good luck & share on!!

P.S. while you're at it, remember to enter the Sweet Spot Bags giveaway, too! 

P.P.S. I'm linked up with Carly for YOLO Mondays!

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sweet spot bags // giveaway!

Did you see my post on Wednesday about these super-cute, gift-worthy, customizable bags?  Well, go take a look then!  And then come back.  Because I have a little treat for you today.

One lucky Anna Delores reader will win her choice of location (via global coordinates) on a sun-drenched clutch (or makeup bag, whatever you want!) from Sweet Spot Bags!

The winner of this giveaway can select a location from Malin's collection of coordinates for landmarks, vacation destinations, or pop culture references, OR pick a city of your choice and she'll make a custom bag, just for you.  Maybe you want the coordinates of your college alma mater, or the birth place of your husband, or son or daughter, or dog or cat!  Whatever location you can dream up, Malin can screen it onto a bag for you.

Here's my Sweet Spot Bag, customized with the coordinates of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  LOVE!

You guys know how Rafflecopter works, right?  So get to it!

And good luck!


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giveaway // kitchenaid mixer for valentine's day

Hi friends! 

Do I ever have something special for you today!! 

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Newlywed Moments is teaming up with 30 other bloggers to give away a KitchenAid Mixer!!

Why? Because it's a newlywed must-have. 

I absolutely love my mixer. I can just leave it mixing while I finish up another part of dinner! It is so very helpful!

One lucky reader will win this white KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, valued at $229.99! The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day.

Rules & Information:

• Giveaway is open to U.S. readers only.
• The winner will be verified, so please enter honestly.
• The winner will be notified by email on 2/14/13 and will have 24 hours to respond.

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weddings // bridal baubles

Jewelry is an important component of any bride's wedding day ensemble, and I am LOVING the selection available on Etsy.  There are a ton of gorgeous, luxe options that let you keep an eye on your budget and access handmade, indie baubles.

Anna Delores sponsor Earrings Nation is helping you get one step closer to bejeweled bridal bliss with a giveaway for a gold leaf drop necklace with a lovely minty-aqua glass gem. 

shop | facebook | pinterest

This pretty piece makes a great focal point for a bride's décolletage, a perfect bridesmaid gift, or a sweet Valentine's Day present for your BFF.

Earrings Nation has no shortage of classically lovely jewels for brides and bridal parties, including individual statement pieces and sets of multiple pairs of earrings for your maids.

To enter to win, simply visit Earrings Nation and come back here to leave a comment on which item in the shop is your favorite!  Plenty of extra bonus entries, too -- check out Rafflecopter below!

Good luck!!


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resolution // socialize + enter to win

For those of you who saw this post last week, you know I'm on a mission to lose some weight this year.  The feedback and support I've gotten from the initial I'm going to DO this!" post has been so incredibly positive and wonderful, and more than I expected! 

And, a mini update for today: I've lost 7 lbs. so far.  That holiday weight is slipping off pretty quickly, luckily for me!  But I'm prepared for it to plateau soon; so far I've been sticking to the diet, but slacking on the exercise, which I know is just as important.  I keep making excuses, most of them involving the copious amounts of work I need to do (I'm editing several photo shoots and two weddings at the moment, in addition to keeping up with blogging as much as possible!), but really, I know there's no excuse and I need to man up and GO to the gym!

Anyway, to help support and promote other bloggers who are committed to a resolution in 2013, I hopped on board the Resolutions in Motion movement.  Resolutions In Motion is a 6-week challenge where the participants set a goal and work to achieve it. Every Tuesday, the hosts offer up inspirational guest posts, surprise giveaways, blog hops, and more.

So today, I'm co-hosting, and it's an exciting day to do it because there is also a giveaway involved in addition to making new blogger friends.  So check it out, link it up, and best of luck for the giveaway!  And don't forget about the Shannon Hearts giveaway; it ends in just a few days!

Hi everyone, and welcome to the Resolutions In Motion GFC Hop! Link up your blog below, hop around and check out some new blogs, and cheer our participants on with their resolutions!

Our lovely co-hosts won their spots, so make sure to visit them and follow, as well as our four hostesses!

This GFC hop is for anyone and everyone, and as a special surprise this week, I'm giving away a February featured ad space on my blog (Shaping Up To Be A Mom), and a pair of earrings of your choice from Cents of Style! This giveaway is open to everyone!

Cents of Style 

(Coupon Code "0512" for 10% off!)

Now on to the hop!

Please feel free to share this button:

<center> <a href="http://shapinguptobeamom.com"><img border="0" src="http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx113/Megan10e/GFCrezhop2_zpsda33386f.jpg" /></a></center>
Follow your hosts:  Shaping Up To Be A Mom Covered In Grace (RSS or email) Ramblings of a Southern Belle Craftbotic
Follow your co-hosts: Big Apple Mami VodkaSprinkles Whispering Sweet Nothings A Little Bit of Everything in Bmore Singledou[b]t the Anna Delores blog
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giveaway // shannon hearts

I have a real treat for you today, my friends!  The ever-lovely and fashion-forward Shannon of Shannon Hearts is here, and she is sharing some giveaway goodness in the form of ad space on her gorgeous blog!

I love Shannon's blog -- she has an incredible knack for the cutest outfits from some of my favorite retailers (think J.Crew, Anthropologie, and um, TARGET!).

If you're not already a fan of Shannon Hearts, you are seriously missing out -- but here's your chance!  Following Shannon via GFC is your ticket to entry for consideration in this giveaway, so head down to the Rafflecopter form below (with plenty of bonus entries to increase your odds!).

Good luck!

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Bre's crazy mega 2013 giveaway!

I'm helping my girl Bre celebrate 2013 with a massive giveaway!  Just wanted to share with y'all so you have a chance to enter.

Enjoy, good luck, and don't forget to also enter to win Sarah's $15 "Love + Coffee" Starbucks card giveaway!

Without further ado...

Welcome to the biggest giveaway of 2013! 

All of the incredibly generous ladies below have contributed

over $1200 in prizes that 3 unbelievably lucky ducks will win!

The fine print:

*Must be a follower of Peacoats & Plaid via GFC or RSS to win

*Winners of each prize pack will be verified

*You can enter all prize packs

*Sponsors, you are able to enter whatever prize pack you are not contributing to

Prize Pack Un:

$15 Chelsea Cecelia Etsy shop credit from The Big, Beautiful, and Broke Blog
$10 value 2 months "Just Browsing" ad space from Tales of a 20 Something
$10 Amazon gift card AND $10 value large ad space from Wannabe Green
$20 value 2 months "Venti" ad space from Swell & Stylish
$10 value featured ad space from Discover.Create.Live.
$10 value VIP ad space from Girl Booklet
$15 value Ooh Baby Designs infinity scarf from Oh That Emily
$10 Nordstrom gift card AND $5 Starbucks gift card AND $5 value ad space from The Pretty Pinhead
 $20 value Stella and Dot swallow stud earrings from The Casual Stay at Home

$12 value ad space from By the Porchlight
$10 value set of 8 customized wine bottle tags from Making Life Whimsical
$5 value top position large ad space from The Burghal Girl
$30 value 3 months medium ad space AND $10 Target gift card from Lulu & Sweet Pea
$10 Etsy gift card AND $10 value ad space from Champagne & Cardigans

$10 value ad space, guest post, and g+ or skype chat from Bold Butter Baby
$65 value Estee Lauder advanced night repair eye cream and 2 spa products from My Fashion Forward Blog
$15 value "Sweetly Sassy" ad space from Glossy Blonde
$10 value 200 x 200 ad space from Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
$12 value Buying Erica pair of hair bows and MUA nail polish from Being Erica
$20 value 2 months medium ad space from A.k.a. Chymecindy
$70 value prize pack including: $10 Target gift card AND $10 Starbucks gift card AND Caress prize pack AND 2 months of ad space from The Mustache Diaries
$20 value 2 months medium ad space from Satisfaction Through Christ
$13 value Starbucks gift card AND ad space from Newborn Mama

Full terms and conditions

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Prize Pack Deux:

$8 value chevron mug hug from Chevron Stitches
$16 value medium ad space from Whispering Sweet Nothings
$10 Paypal cash from The Dreamy Meadow
$20 value 2 months large ad space from Antlers & Roses
$12 value digital portrait from What Peggy Said
$5 value set of 5 hair ties from Lovely Life of Leah
$10 value large ad space from Come What May
$90 value 3 months extra large ad space from Rolled Up Pretty
$10 value custom blog signature from Yours Truly

$8 value medium ad space from Wifessionals
$10 Starbucks gift card from This Vintage Grove
$10 value 2 months ad space from A Humble Bumble
$5 value ad space AND $10 Lush gift card from Spunky Real Deals
$6 value ad space from The Eclectic Grab Bag
$10 value ad space AND $10 Starbucks gift card from Ashley Brooke
$10 value ad space from The Domestic Geek
$10 Starbucks gift card from Letters to Sophia
$25 The Sepia Puppy Etsy shop credit from The Sepia Puppy

$15 value large ad space from Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl
$15 Bath & Body Works gift card from Provocative Manners
$6 value large ad space from Happy Pretty Blog
$15 Paypal cash AND $8 value ad space from Lara's Vintage
$30 value clutch purse AND $15 Etsy shop credit from Kitty & Buck
$10 value medium ad space from We Took the Road Less Traveled
$12 value J Crew hot pink planner from Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles
$20 Amazon gift card from Oh So Amelia
$10 Target gift card AND $10 Target photo gift card from Whatcha Makin' Now?

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Prize Pack Trois:

$20 featured ad space & partnership from The Charming Blog
$5 Target gift card from Helene in Between
$8 value "Wedge" ad space from Lipgloss & Crayons
$5 Starbucks gift card from Southern Sunflowers & Coffee Beans
$30 value personal online styling session with 4 outfits from Because of Jackie
$15 value large ad space from Comma with a K
$10 Starbucks gift card from The Chiffon Diary
$15 value small ad space from Sugar & Dots
$25 value silver bracelet from NYC boutique from Sparkles & Shoes

$12 value 200 x 200 ad space from Living in Yellow
$25 value custom reclaimed wood sign from Home with the Urick's
$50 value bottom post ad space from Messy Dirty Hair

$10 Starbucks gift card from La La Lists
$12 value "Hot Mess" ad space from A Beautiful Mess
$6 value 200 x 200 ad space from Nugget on a Budget
$25 value custom state embroidery hoop art from Ten Feet Off Beale

$7 value ad space from For Lauren and Lauren
$20 value infinity scarf from Gypsy Bee Handmade
$10 Starbucks gift card from A Day in a Joyful Life
$10 value ad space from Fortune Favors the Brave
$35 value set of 5 bracelets from Sensational Creations
$12 value ad space from My Crafty Crazy Life
$45 value eiffel tower necklace from The Anna Delores Blog
$25 value Valentine's themed wreath from Finding Michelina
$23 value set of soaps and ad space from You Are the Roots

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a love story: sarah + eric // { plus a giveaway! }

Hello to all of Emily's friends! My name is Sarah, and I blog at One Sweet Tuesday. I am a photography hobbyist that's just beginning to toe the edge of a semi-pro career doing what I love. I have a small son, and he is my number one priority, but maybe one day I will go all the way and be a full-time photographer. In the meantime, I love to blog about my life as a stay-at-home mom and all the beautiful things I enjoy!

Seven years ago this month, Eric and I started seeing each other... and we've barely spent a day apart since.  By Valentine's Day that year, we'd made it official and decided to tie the knot. Quick, I know. I wish Emily could have been our wedding photographer... but, that's another story for another day. Today, I want to share a story of love and coffee.

When you get out of bed as early as I get out of bed... well, the coffee pot will be your best friend. I have had a long love affair with coffee: an affinity for the brew that began in childhood. The craving began long before the heyday of my youth, when I spent long hours of cramming for exams and late nights partying.

I remember watching my daddy drink coffee in the evenings as he got his police uniform ready for his graveyard shift. I remember him sneaking me out of the house some nights to meet my uncle, a long-haul trucker, at the all-night diner. He'd let me sneak sips of his sweetened black coffee from the hot rim of the thick, white ceramic cup. I remember Sunday mornings with my grandmother, her instant coffee sitting in the middle of the lace tablecloth spread over the dining table: the coarse crystals dissolving in the Fire King mug and the spoonfuls of sugar that she added to her drink.

In the early 90s, the Seattle coffee house culture finally arrived in my Southern town. I vividly recall my first taste of velvety latte foam, and the heady flavor of hot espresso. I thought the idea of working in a coffee house seemed so romantic.

I took my first job working in a coffee house when I was 19 years old. I learned how to steam milk, how to tell a good shot of espresso by the "head" that formed on the surface, and how to discern the differences between the flavor of an African coffee and a Latin American coffee.

Several years later, I took a job working at Starbucks. When Starbucks came to town, I hissed and booed the big corporation looming across the street from our local chain coffee shop. My first day working for Starbucks, I was keeled over by the knowledge that the company I now called home had grown by making corporate social responsibility its mission and culture. I worked at Starbucks for five years.

I met Eric while I was working at Starbucks.

He arrived one afternoon, standing behind his friend at my register. I was captured by his bearish good looks, his red beard, his broad mouth and sea green eyes. He handed me his debit card, and my fingers grazed the top of his wide thumb. He smiled at me shyly, laughing as if at some inside joke. I knew I wanted him.

Eric became a regular fixture in our cafe. He arrived promptly at 6:15 a.m., and ordered the same variety cappuccino every day for the next eight months. I looked forward to my morning shifts and the brief minutes that he'd visit on his way to work. I never thought that the feeling might be mutual. I never imagined that he only came in the hope that he'd get to see me.

All along, he was not addicted to the coffee. He was addicted to me.

So, you see: coffee is more than what gets me going in the morning. It is more than a fix, and more than a routine. Coffee is a potent reminder of everything that is good about my life. It is a reminder of childhood simplicity, family loyalties, the long and unadulterated nights of my youth, the warmth of the friendships that I have enjoyed, and the enchantment that came when I realized I had met the love of my life.

As a celebration of her love of coffee (and Eric, of course!) Sarah is giving one lucky Anna Delores reader a $15 Starbucks gift card!  Please stop by Sarah's blog to say "hello" and read more about her, Eric, and her gorgeous son, Seth.
 

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