10.06.2011

From Me, To You :: Year 2

*   *   * THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED - THANKS! *   *   *

In exactly four weeks (November 3), this blog will have been up and running for two years. I'm no mega-blogger, I don't have a Busy Nothings page on Facebook, I've even recently taken down the "Follow Here" link on the sidebar after a good reminder from Lexi in the comments. I've gotten no book deals (that seems to be the thing these days, doesn't it?), my one and only link-up attempt was a flop, and unless you want to hear about my latest Pinterest project or how I've failed this week and the Lord has worked on me, Busy Nothings probably won't shoot up to #1 on the Blogger chart.


But while I may never be the next big thing in the blogging world, I am so thankful for the way that it has connected me to sweet encourager's like Molly and Karen, to fellow book lovers like Jessica and Charlotte, and inspiring decorators like Emily. Even though my life (and style) is totally different, I look forward to laughing each day as I read what Melanie and Kendi have to say. Because of past participation in blog link-ups, I now count people like Tiffany, Sophie, and Emily among my blogging "friends" around the world. I love that I've reconnected with childhood pals like Erika, Rachel, BethKaysi, and Kel - all because of our respective blogs. I could go on, but I think you get the idea!

Two years have come and gone (almost, anyway!), and I've been trying to decide what I want to do to celebrate. I knew I wanted to do a giveaway, but then I thought, "Why stop at one?", so because you're such a fun little group of people, I'm giving four of you the chance to win! For the next four weeks (10/13, 10/20, 10/27, and 11/3) one lucky winner per week will receive a "Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the Internet" token gift of appreciation. I've got three sets of gifts for sure and have my fingers crossed that #4 is going to be worthy of a two year blog-a-versary.

Ready? The first giveaway starts now!

You already know about my pumpkin fetish, which is why the very first giveaway includes two pumpkiny products from one of my favorite stores, Bath and Body Works. I have bottles of their Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin hand soap sitting at every sink in my house, but I just discovered the ever-so-yummy Creamy Pumpkin anti-bacterial hand soap and, let me tell you, it's another winner.

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Can't make it to the pumpkin patch this year? Not to worry, with the Slatkin and Co "Pumpkin Patch" candle, they bring the pumpkin patch to you. I love this scent and have variations of this little version all over the house. Nothing says fall to me more than pulling out and lighting the first pumpkin scented candle of the year, and this is a great little addition to a bedside table or end table.

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And finally, what to do when you have an urge for a caramel apple but the South Beach Diet says, "no-no"? Laugh in the face of the diet and pull out your Caramel Apple PocketBac hand gel from Bath and Body Works. I go through gobs of these little bottles at work, so I know that it's the perfect size to slip in a pocket, a purse, or a car cup holder. I actually had to stop using this flavor at work because the people at the Bath and Body Works lab did such a realistic job of making it smell like a real caramel apple, my co-workers were getting hungry when I would use some! You have been warned of the yummy goodness.

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How to enter? Simple. Leave me a comment telling me about your:

1) Favorite fall scent OR
2) Favorite fall beverage OR
3) Favorite fall activity

That's it. No following necessary. No sharing on Facebook or Twitter (unless you want to - which I'm never going to object to). Just tell me what you love about fall and I'll select (randomly, of course) a winner from the comments. Make sure you check back next Thursday (10/13) to see if you won and what my next humble offering will be. And since I have friends all over the world, it's open to everyone!

Have fun - I can't wait to read your responses! See you next week!

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Sorry, pumpkins NOT included in prize package {wink}

27 comments:

  1. Congrats on 2 years of blogging! I have totally enjoyed reading what you have to say :)

    Anyways, I was just going to let you know that my favorite fall drink is a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. Followed closely by good ol' apple cider.

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  2. Firstly, congratuations! Secondly, how hilarious is that image you've used... might have to steal that. ; ) And I'm delighted to be counted among your blog friends, despite my flaky commenting these days. I always enjoy visiting and am constantly amazed by the people I form friendships with through blogging who I would never have met.

    Hmm, favourite fall beverage... not sure. Apple cider, maybe? I read recently about an apple cider cocktail with rum and maple syrup and lemon juice, but the stupid magazine didn't give us the amounts.... Sounds amazing though, no?

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  3. I love your blog! Sorry I don't always comment. Our internet has been SO bad here lately I have been working on a picture post for my blog for a few days now and still can't get it finished! But that's not really an excuse... I'm just a lazy commenter :-) I do enjoy your blog, though.

    To answer your question, I love any kind of fall scent. Pumpkin, apple, cinnamon spice, you name it, I love it... especially when it's a candle burning in my home!

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  4. Congratulations on year 2, I just finished year 1 and am hosting a giveaway too...though I'm making people work for it! (By the way...on a side note, I love your fall banner...too cute)

    I'm going to do all three...cause that's how I roll. I love wassail, I'm going to make a batch for church on Sunday. I love the smell of burning leaves. And tomorrow I'm going through a corn maze with my friend and her two little girls, which should be a blast! Happy fall!

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  5. Happy {almost} blogoversary!
    I could not agree more with your reasons for blogging. It has been such a blessing to "meet" so many fun friends around the world. And you, my dear, I include in that number! Thank you for the shout AND for hosting a month of giveaways.

    This yummy little package is the perfect way to celebrate fall. I had a giant apple candle that I finally finished during the Christmas season last year that was my favorite thing to bring out during fall. Who knows? Maybe pumpkin will be my new "go to"!! :)

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  6. Yeah! Happy almost 2 year anniversary :) And thanks for mentioning me. I consider you one a dear online friend who is so very like-minded ;)

    Sounds like a fun series of giveaways coming up -- and Lexi is right, your new fall banner is awesome.

    I think fresh pressed unfiltered apple juice is high on my list of favorites, and apple cider with spices.

    Smells -- wood burning in fireplaces and roasted pumpkin seeds (my new favorite thing to make lol).

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  7. Congratulations on your two-year blog-a-versary! Wow! Unfortunately, I'm a hit-and-miss reader, but I do enjoy reading your blog when I can find the time. I've never actually posted a comment before.... So, I am now forced to (shamelessly) admit that I have been totally snowballed (or perhaps pumpkin-rolled) by the fact that you have dangled the bait of a chance to *win* fabulous fall goodies! With that in mind, I shall commence to commenting!

    I like the spicier fall scents. As I am typically a floral-fragrance kind of girl, finding fall and winter fragrances that appeal to me can sometimes be challenging. Warm Vanilla Sugar, Apple Pie and other food-scented things make me vaguely nauseous...but Cranberry or Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla-Mint, Peppermint or other things where the spice fragrance is more prominent than the fruit or sugary sweet undertone are usually winners with me. :)

    Favorite mainstream fall beverage (hands-down!) is Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. However, I did make my first batch of homemade spiced apple cider in the crock-pot this past weekend (pure heaven!). We always make a batch or two of wassail at Christmastime, but I guess I've wandered into winter there.

    My favorite fall activities are harder to narrow down. My birthday, of course, becomes a week-long fall extravaganza. Cedrick and I also love taking brisk early evening walks with the dogs. (The changing foliage here in the mountains is breath-taking!) And, of course, there is always much debate at our house over who's carved pumpkin is the coolest. :D

    Best wishes to you & your blog as you move forward into year three!

    --Lisa

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  8. Wow, I feel famous!! =) I hope I make it at least two years with my blog, haha! Now that I've temporarily deleted my Facebook, I'm particularly thankful for your frequent posting because it gives me something to read when I would normally be checking for new notifications. =) Congrats on your upcoming milestone!

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  9. Happy 2 years! I love reading your blog and always appreciate your frank discussion on religion. Who has two thumbs and likes Carrie's Busy Nothings? This girl!

    FYI - I would have commented anyway, despite the giveaway. But if you must know, I LOVE the crisp air of fall. Combine that with coffee in the afternoon and I am livin' the good life.

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  10. I feel unoriginal, but my favorite fall drinks are definitely pumpkin spice lattes and fresh apple cider! YUM! But I save them for special treats here and there since I'm trying to eat low carb....
    Congratulations on 2 years of a great blog! :)

    PS I think you mentioned once that Peter makes great pumpkin spice lattes. Would love to learn the recipe!

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  11. Fall is definitely one of my own favorites! Nothing beats fall in TN. after living in MI and moving to TN I called it fall in 3-D because of the mountains! Of course our Alaskan falls are much too short but beautiful as well. One of my favorite fall things to do is to make pumpkin bread using the recipe I got from you!!! Need to make some soon!
    Sue

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  12. Congrats and I love your blog page-it inspires me. = ) I hope I can be writing a post like this in 2 years-for now my goal is to blog away over the next year and see what happens.

    OK, so I have to say my most favorite fall beverage is a pumpkin spice latte from a coffee franchise around where I live. I love to mix it up a bit and shake a little cinnamon in it. For me its extra special because I have a strange creamer allergy so I am able to get this particular drink made from soy and no whip and it doesn't cause me any strange allergy reactions.

    Oh Carrie--you make blogging so much fun. As a new blogger, I have to say I'm glad I found your site. Keep doing what you do-it's inspiring. = )

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  13. oohh yay!! I'm in! Have loved getting to know you through blogging. Fave fall scent - a crisp morning breeze.
    Fave fall food (instead of drink) pumpkin pie with obligatory whipped cream. of course.

    Fave activity - going up to the Blue Mountains to see the Botanic Gardens and the leaf changes.... Sniff sniff, we don't get much autumn here.

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  14. Yay! for 2 years! Love to read you and wish you'd have an excuse to visit Ethiopia... alas, there's no MAF here. :(

    I love anything cinnamony... a most pleasing scent!

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  15. Congratulations on 2 years! Has it really been that long?!! I have enjoyed reading your posts now and again. I haven't made any comments before, but truly enjoy your frankness and openness. That being said, I'll just be as honest, I love winning things, large or small...tickles my funny bone :)
    So, the answers to your categories are: I love vanilla brown sugar (by Bath & Body Works). My favorite beverage is coffee, but sometimes I switch to Chai Latte at Biggbys or Starbucks. My favorite activity this time of year is raking leaves (when the kids were younger we made leaf forts. Sometimes we made yard leaf mazes) But, then, the real fun begins when we burn those leaves!! I absolutely love that..and then sitting around that fire roasting marshmallows, chatting with the fam, etc.
    So, there you have it...:) Thank you for letting me in on glimpses of your busy nothing life...Keeps me feeling a little connected with you, too.

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  16. One of my fall drinks is a Carmel Apple Cider at Starbucks.. Congratulations of your 2 yrs. blogging.. This is my first time checking you. Miss seeing you in Ingles..

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  17. Happy 2 years!

    My favorite fall scent is the smell of crunchy leaves. Nothing beats it :)

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  18. Favorite fall beverages are apple cider and white chocolate mocha coffee. Favorite fall scent is cinnamon. Favorite fall activity is hard to narrow to one, but I love watching leaves turn colors, high school football games on Friday nights and picking pumpkins. Oh and can't forget "Do you exterminate ghosts?"

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  19. The thought of pumpkin lattes and pumpkin candles makes my nose excited. Besides pumpkin, I love the smell of burning leaves in the crisp fall air (not much of that down here in ATL).

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  20. I love love love hot apple cider!! trishbazin(at)yahoo.com

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  21. I love the smell of apples in the fall! I love everything about the fall!!!!

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  22. Love the smell of pumpkin and apples!

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  23. I love the smell of apples. I hope I win! Kbroderi@msn.com

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  24. First, I am glad I found your blog and it has been fun reconnecting through the blog world. I especially love your fall posts as it too is my favorite season. My favorite fall drink of course is a pumpkin spice latte (with soy) from Starbucks. Scent would have to be Leaves from Bath and Body Works. My candle is quickly getting smaller as I burn it all the time and it is just the right combination of fall scents. Apple Crumble is a close second. Food: anything pumpkin, except for pumpkin pie. this weekend I'm planning to make pumpkin cupcakes with pumpkin cream cheese frosting. very excited!

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  25. my favorite fall scent is pumpkin pie

    renelmiller803@yahoo.com

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  26. Fave fall activity is putting up decorations with my kids.

    Follow you on GFC.

    Amanda
    amandalm21@gmail.com

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  27. LOVE apple cider

    eksmith331@yahoo.com

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