The Year of the Giveaways

I know. I've been MIA for years. 2014 almost took my husband from me, and 2015 brought us a sweet new little family member, and I don't yet know what 2016 will bring.  It's been crazy already, but I love it. And all along I've been working. That's mostly why I haven't been around.

Today I decided that because I have been away from my business facebook page, and from here, I was going to do a giveaway. I've been meaning to do it for ages. We had that crazy flood in October and it seems like it has been raining ever since. I needed a pair of good rain boots and wanted to share.

You see, I have the best of intentions when it comes to client gifts. I purchased 50 apple pies to give to clients at Christmas and got tired after traveling to 30 clients (and many were out of town). I bought 20 awesome lip exfoliation/balm sets to make some of my favorite ladies "kissable" for Valentine's day, but then we had a death in the family and were out of town.  Last Christmas I made 60 hot chocolate mason jars and spent lots of time away from my family over the holiday because I was making deliveries.  So I've come up with a better plan...

I'm going to try to do smaller-scale pop-by's throughout the year. But instead of trying to hit everyone each time, I'm now going to be doing a bigger monthly giveaway on my Facebook page. I don't know why this Marketing major didn't think of this sooner. This is the definition of working smarter. And who doesn't want the chance to win something fabulous?  I'm going to come up with what to give away throughout the year, but here's what I have so far. I'm not set on these, so please let me know if you think something else would be better.  I'm SO EXCITED!!

March

Do you have the Luck of the Irish?  Test it out with this month's **giveaway.**  In preparation for bikini (or board short) season, I'll be giving away a lululemon gift card.  Comment with what you would buy if you win for your chance to enter. Aren't into working out?  I got the Vinyasa Scarf for Christmas, and I L-O-V-E it. And the men in my life can often be spotted in lululemon crewneck tees, so this isn't just a giveaway for the ladies. As always, sharing gets you an extra entry. A review on Zillow or Yelp! is worth 10 entries (but you have to comment, too). Feel free to share with your friends!

April

My favorite sunglasses are sitting at the bottom of Lake Murray, and I need to replace them for the summer of 2016. I love the classics, so this month I'm giving away a pair of Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic sunglasses (in black). Where would you take these glasses?  Comment below with your favorite summer vacation destination for your chance to enter. I have lots of favorites, but this year we are trying out Lake Tahoe. I'll let you know how it stacks up.

May

School is almost out and the beach is waiting. This month we'll be giving away a pair of OluKai Sandals for the guys OR a pair of Jack Rogers for the gals (Hampton, Palm Beach, or Nantucket styles in currently available colors). Comment below with your size/color/style choice and favorite beach to be entered. My favorite beach in the world is in Southern Maine.

June/July

This is my biggest **giveaway** of the year, so we are ending June and beginning July with it. One lucky winner will have it just in time for 4th of July festivities! What is it, you ask? Why it's a YETI Cooler.  Not the huge one, I'm not insane, but the 35 qt version will keep your drinks cold in this SC heat. Comment below with your favorite summer beverage to be entered. My favorite beverage is always Dr. Pepper.

August

Back to School! It's amazing to me all that needs to be ordered to get my wee ones back to school. To help with your shopping, I'll be giving away an Amazon Prime membership to one lucky winner. Not to worry if you already have one. It will just be a $99 gift card for you.

September

It's officially autumn, my favorite season. Step into fall with a pair of Bean Boots! These boots and I share a birthplace (Maine), and my Grampa has had the same pair of Bean Boots for more than my lifetime. His get an actually workout in those New England winters, unlike mine that keep my toes dry instead of cozy. Anywho, I'd like to share a pair of these awesome boots with someone out there. You should know the drill by now. Comment below with your shoe size AND your favorite season (and why). Mine is fall, as I said, because of the colors of the leaves, the start of "sweater weather," my birthday, and my favorite holiday.

October

If I can pull it off, this one will be B-I-G. Just need a little help from my friends. So it's staying a surprise for now.

November

Thanksgiving 2016 and the celebration of my birth both take place this month. I'll help you with Thanksgiving prep (and, duh, making cupcakes for me) by giving away a KitchenAid Mixer. To enter, comment below with your favorite Thanksgiving treat. Mine is, and always has been, Apple Pie with homemade Whipped Cream.

December

Gift-giving is among my favorite things. With a November birthday, I could always spend my birthday money on Christmas gifts. So for this month's giveaway, I'd like to make a donation to the charity of the winner's choice. Comment below with your favorite charity, what they do, and why they deserve the donation.