Showing posts with label give it away. Show all posts
Showing posts with label give it away. Show all posts

July 12, 2017

Shop Local | Tennessee Gift Baskets from Maryville-Based Clover Hill Trading Co.


Summer is a time for celebrations...from weddings to baby showers, birthday festivities and housewarming parties. And there's nothing like a thoughtful gift to make a meaningful occasion that much more memorable.

I love finding new and unique gift options that make people feel special and I recently stumbled across an awesome local company with some great gift baskets.

Clover Hill Trading Co., based in Maryville, Tennessee, offers carefully curated gift baskets filled with local goodies that are sure to delight everyone who receives them.

Owner Stacey is an artist who believes there is nothing like receiving a gift filled with items crafted locally and I completely agree! And our region of East Tennessee has some incredible makers and artisans creating lovely wares.

Clover Hill Trading Co. baskets come in a variety of styles with products and goods for different occasions. Local potters, farmers, candle makers, coffee roasters, and apiaries have been carefully selected and sourced for these splendid baskets.

Joyful Morning Gift Basket | Clover Hill Trading Co. 


This gift basket is sure to get your morning started on the right foot. It has nearly everything you need for a "joyful morning" from locally roasted coffee to handcrafted pottery made right in East Tennessee. Yes, that's a mug from none other than McQueen Pottery, a favorite of mine whose wares grace the tables at Blackberry Farm and other fabulous eateries. 

This basket also includes wares from Knoxville Chocolate Co., Smokey Ridge Apiary, and Laurel Mountain Candles. 

This would be a perfect gift for a bride and groom to enjoy on their first morning as a married couple.


Clean Slate | Clover Hill Trading Co. 


This summer has been hot....and I'm not just talking about the weather. The real estate market in East Tennessee has been on fire with buyers competing for fewer homes than in many years.

But for those lucky folks who do manage to snag their dream home, why not give them a memorable housewarming gift?

There are plenty of other reasons to celebrate a clean slate...perhaps a new stage in life, a new job or a new way of thinking. This gift basket will help clean out the cobwebs (literally and figuratively) in style!

Clean Slate | Clover Hill Trading Co.

Gourmet Charcuterie | Clover Hill Trading Co. 


July is National Picnic Month and what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a really grand picnic? Clover Hill has you covered with their Gourmet Charcuterie gift basket.

Including tasty snacks from East Tennessee's Century Harvest Farms, plus fruit, local chocolate, goat cheese and more, this basket will make your mouth water.

There's no reason a gift can't be for yourself...so consider this awesome ready-made picnic for your next soiree!

Gourmet Charcuterie | Clover Hill Trading Co.

Fireside | Clover Hill Trading Co. 


This might just be my favorite Clover Hill Trading Co. basket because it reminds me of another favorite of mine: fall. Cooler weather, crisp leaves and nights spent around a crackling fire. 

This basket includes everything you need to make your next fireside experience more delightful, starting with a wool blanket, kindling and matches, plus your very own s'mores kit. Add a bottle of wine and the locally made insect repellent, and you're all set. 

Perfect for your next romantic getaway! 


Clover Hill Trading Co. offers hand delivery within 30 miles of Maryville, TN and if you want to send a basket to someone who doesn't live nearby, there are shipping options available too. I have friends all over the country who would be tickled to receive these beautiful baskets...how about you?

Are you a local vendor or purveyor of fine goods? Clover Hill is always looking for craftsmen to add to the collections. If you are interested, contact Stacey at hello@cloverhilltrading.com.

March 12, 2015

Fun Staycation Ideas that are Simple & Affordable

Spring means spring break, but not everyone gets to fly away to some tropical paradise. If like me, you are spending your spring break as you would any other week, why not look at it as an opportunity for a fun Staycation?

So what if many of your friends are traveling to someplace fabulous. You can still have a blast staying home...all you need to do is think outside the box.

One great idea for a staycation is to have an impromptu party. I'm sure you have other pals who are not traveling and if you get together with them, it will definitely take the sting out of your being stuck at home.

But not just any old party will do...get creative and throw a Swap Party for your pals. Not only is it a great excuse to clean out your closet and home, but it's a free chance to get some new (to-you) stuff!

How to Throw a Swap Party 


First, you'll want to decide who to invite. Choose enough people that there's plenty of opportunity for variety in the items up for swap, but not too many that it becomes chaos.

Specify what types of items you want the swap to include. Clothing might get tricky unless everyone is around the same size, so I think accessories might make a good swap. This could include fashion accessories like jewelry, scarves, and handbags as well as accessories for the home like photo frames, book-ends, and vases.

Once you've settled on your guest list, extended invites and decided on specifics for the party, it's time to get down to the details of how the swap will work.

The best way to keep a swap party fair is to make sure everyone brings roughly the same number of items and that they are also in good condition. Make it clear in your invitation that this isn't the time to pawn off ratty old things. It's more a chance to pass along gently used items that you don't have much use for anymore.

One way to manage the swap is by using a point system. Larger, more expensive items could be worth more points and everyone can get points to shop with based on what they bring. You could also have the swap be for like items. For example, if you bring a purse, you get to take a different purse home. But this might take more planning to ensure that there are enough of the same types of items to go around.

Ultimately, it's just a fun way to spend some time with friends and hopefully gain a few new things at the end of the evening.

Serve some snacks and maybe a signature cocktail to make it more memorable!

Tropical Cocktails - Not Just for Vacation Anymore! 

Even if you aren't beaching it for Spring Break, there's nothing that says you can't bring a bit of the tropics to you! Another way to enjoy a staycation is to make up a batch of fruity cocktails...to share or keep to yourself.

Come home from work and unwind while channeling your inner beach goddess.

It could be something simple using whatever you have on hand. I recently mixed up some Simply Raspberry Lemonade with Vodka for a great little martini I'm going to start calling the Tropi-Tini Raz-Bikini. Seriously...try to say that without giggling.


Rim your glass with a little colorful sugar, add a paper umbrella and you'll swear you were somewhere warm and sandy! Okay, maybe not. But a staycation is still just as good a reason as any to sip a fruity cocktail! 

Challenge Yourself 

Finally, look at your staycation as a chance to get some things in order. Maybe there's a big project you've been putting off, but would like to complete. 

Or what if you just need to set some new goals and create new routines to help yourself achieve them? 

Another fun staycation challenge is to finally tackle some of the projects and recipes you've pinned to Pinterest. Do you ever feel like you pin and pin, but never actually make or do any of the stuff? I challenged myself to make a couple recipes for fun St. Patrick's Day treats I had pinned last year but never got around to making. 

There's just something so satisfying about challenging yourself and rising to the task, only to be able to check that thing off your list as complete. Maybe it's just me, but I like this sense of accomplishment. While it might not be as glamorous as a Caribbean cruise, everything is relative....and as my grandpa loves to say: "All you get out of life is what you enjoy." If you enjoy crafting or baking, or hiking or anything else, I hope you'll take some time to do that stuff! 

And when your friends come back from Cozymel with all sorts of stories to tell, you'll have plenty of your own to share of your staycation adventures!

May 29, 2014

Southern Living Summer Cookbook Giveaway

The life of a blogger has its perks...one of which is some of the really great products that come my way every now and then, in exchange for a review. I recently received three incredible cookbooks to review and since my cookbook collection is already bursting at the seams (oh the woes of a tiny home), I decided to offer them up in a fun giveaway!

I'm also hanging out with my pals on Knoxville's Mornings with Fox43 today and sharing a few recipes from the books. If you're just visiting after hearing about the giveaway on air, welcome to Southern Belle Simple!

Check out the books below and then leave a comment to be eligible to win them!

1) Southern Living Scooped: Ice Cream Treats, Cheats, and Frozen Eats


Scooped is a visual treat for your eyes! From the moment I took it out of the package, I couldn't stop staring at the gorgeous images of yummy-looking frozen treats. 

The thing I loved about this cookbook is that all the recipes are pretty easy. 

And it doesn't require you to make your own ice cream from scratch...it's more of a collection of ice cream hacks with delicious implications. I had trouble choosing a recipe to create on air, but I know Abby Ham is a fan of S'Mores so I chose that one. I think it was a hit! 


2) Southern Living Country Music's Greatest Eats - Presented by CMT: Showstopping Recipes & Riffs from Country's Biggest Stars 

Another really fun book, this volume was packed to the brim with all sorts of fun information and not just food-related. Country music is such a southern staple. And it's fun to read about folks who have become big, big stars and be reminded that they eat pretty much the same stuff we all do. 

I was excited to receive a copy of this book because its author is a friend I met through the Southern Food Writers Conference. Tanner Latham is an all-around good guy and his southern podcast Authentic South is worth a listen. 

3) Southern Living Heirloom Recipe Cookbook: The Food We Love From The Times We Treasure  


This cookbook might be my new favorite. It read more like a slice of history than a simple collection of recipes. The beautiful handwritten mementos and other notes combined with stories of yesterday made for a really lovely experience. 

Something else you'll love if you're a Southern Living fan is the vintage SL covers throughout the book. 

What a neat walk down memory lane! I remember flipping through my granny's magazines as a child and thinking the food always looked so perfect and delicious. 

If you've been looking to enhance your cookbook collection, here's your chance! I'm giving away these three incredible cookbooks from the Southern Living collection (via Oxmoor House) and you can win them. To enter, just leave a comment on this post. Tell me what's cookin' at your house right now? 

Giveaway will run through midnight EST Sunday, June 1st. I'll choose the winner at random and announce Monday, June 2nd. Good luck to you all! Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

Disclosure:  I was provided with copies of these books for review purposes.  

December 5, 2013

A Southern Holiday: Gifts Made in the South

There are so many talented and creative folks who call the south home. This is why I've decided to buy local, southern-made goods and items this holiday shopping season. Not only does it support southern purveyors, artisans and merchants, but it's also a fail-safe way to make sure the people on my holiday list are delighted with what they receive.


Since I'm visiting my pals at Knoxville's WTNZ Fox43 this morning for a segment, I decided to share some of the southern made holiday gift items that I've gotten so far. 

1) Hostess Gifts & Stocking Stuffers 

You should never show up to a party empty-handed, whether you bring a covered dish, flowers or a plant, or a bottle of wine. For some folks in my family, a bottle of wine could be substituted for a jar of moonshine, but you get the idea. 

Here are some great options for southern made hostess gifts, which could also double as teacher gifts, stocking stuffers or items for a white elephant gift exchange. 


1) "Christmas Candle" from oil & wax soy candles {made in Nashville} Available at Knoxville's Rala or online
2) Original Salted Caramels from Shotwell Candy Co. {made in Memphis} Available at Rala or online
3) Sea Salt Chocolate Bar from Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co. {made in Nashville} Available at Three Rivers Market or online 
4) Muddy Pond Sorghum from the Guenther Family {made in Monterey, TN} Available at Blackberry Farm
5) Baby Buns Lavender Soap from Wild Hare Soap Co. {made in Knoxville, TN} Available at Three Rivers market or online

2) Gifts for the Foodie


Not sure if you're shopping for a foodie? If you have someone on your holiday shopping list who reads cookbooks for fun, subscribes to a zillion food blogs, and loves eating local, it's a safe bet a foodie is in your midst. I highly recommend this cookbook by my friend Carrie Morey. Pair it with a package of her famous Callie's Charleston Biscuits (available at Fresh Market and other retailers) to make the foodie on your list oh so happy.

3) Gifts for the Fashionista

Europe and NYC no longer corner the market on high fashion. Make those fashionistas on your holiday list pleased as punch with the gift of custom denim and jewelry made right here in the south. 


Marc Nelson Denim is based in Knoxville, Tennessee and creates custom fit and small-batch run denim made in America (in the south). The men’s and women’s collections can be found in boutiques and specialty retailers across the U.S. as well as the company’s online store

Knoxville shoppers can find Marc Nelson at Bliss as well as other area retailers. I just got my first pair in the slim boot style and they make me feel like a rock star.

Another great southern made item for the style-setter on your holiday shopping list is Lenny & Eva jewelry. Now in boutiques all around the country, this brand was started by a sweet gal from my hometown. She's even graced the blog before when I featured her photography from a vintage southern wedding (to die for). 

Knoxville folks can find a wide selection of Lenny & Eva at Bliss (or you can check for a store near you using the store locator). 

4) Gifts for the Art Lover 

The gift of art is always a good idea because it allows you to present someone special with a one-of-a-kind piece that you chose just for them. The south is home to lots of talented artists, but two I happen to really like are Beth Meadows and Brian Pittman


Beth is known for her colorful mason jar art while Brian's pen and ink drawings center around cathedrals and other architectural marvels. Beth Meadows and Brian Pittman are extremely talented and I love supporting their creative endeavors. 

Both have work available at Knoxville's Rala and Brian will be on hand Friday, Dec. 6th for a First Friday event.

These are just a few of the locally made items that caught my eye this holiday season. Are you supporting local merchants and artisans? I'd love to hear what some of your favorite items are! 

For more southern gift ideas, check out these other posts featuring local and DIY holiday gifts

April 5, 2013

The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen Giveaway!


Happy Friday y'all! Hope your week has been enjoyable. Mine was great, including the chance to meet that talented pair of food lovin' gents, the Lee Brothers! Matt Lee and Ted Lee, southern cooks, authors (in my opinion, southern food anthropologists) are on a whirlwind book tour that happened to include a stop at a fabulous local bookstore in Knoxville.

{What's a southern book signing without some snacks? Pimento cheese on a biscuit anyone?} 
I was fortunate enough to meet them and chat a little bit about the latest book and what makes it special. If you're a fan of theirs, you won't be disappointed in this volume, The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen. It's more than just a cookbook...it's really a narrative, a love story to Charleston and all the wonderful, delicious food dishes the city is known for.

{image via Charleston City Paper
And you have a chance to win a signed copy! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me the last thing you cooked/baked/made in the kitchen...even if it was just a mess! The giveaway will run through Friday April 12 at noon EST. Now what are you waiting for? Don't you want to win?

You can also order a signed copy (among other goodies) from The Lee Bros. website! And if they are coming to a city near you, I highly recommend you go see 'em and tell them I said hi! 

March 4, 2013

Free John Bates Tote Bag Giveaway

Ok, I've got a confession to make and I must preface it by asking that you don't judge me. I've never seen Downton Abbey. I know, I know...there's something wrong with me. I'm not sure how it happened, but I just didn't watch and then I was so behind that I felt like I'd never catch up. And now I've heard the BIG spoiler and worry that I can't watch without thinking about that. Let the judgment commence. 

That being said, some of you might know that part of my job involves working with a fabulous local PBS affiliate station, through which I scored a great piece of swag in the form of this Free John Bates tote bag. And since I've never seen the show, I just wouldn't feel right about carrying it around...even though I think it's way cool. I worried that if I carried it, people would want to talk Downton Abbey with me and then I'd look like a fool who hasn't seen it. 

So the bag is up for grabs. Just leave a comment saying you'd like to win and you're in the running. And if you want to tweet it, that's cool too. I'll pick a winner at random Friday March 8th at 10 am EST. 

And if you just want to buy a bag, here's a link to do so! 



December 13, 2012

Southern Holiday Gift Ideas


I've gathered some gift ideas to share with my friends at Knoxville's WTNZ Fox43 this morning and I'm thrilled to share them here too. I'm about fifty percent finished with my Christmas shopping and only beginning to feel the pressure as December is quickly passing by. Hopefully some of my ideas will inspire you as you are selecting that perfect holiday gift for each person on your holiday shopping list.

1. Shop Local -


I can't say it enough...local businesses are so important to our communities and I believe we've gotta support them this holiday shopping season (and all through the year). A college sorority sister of mine opened a great shop in Downtown Knoxville called "Nothing Too Fancy" that offers a wide selection of unique, one-of-a-kind items. From iPad cases made of recycled flannel shirts, to Dolly Parton t-shirts and items with our area code, this shop captures the spirit of Knoxville.

I can almost guarantee that wherever you live, there's a local merchant nearby who would appreciate your business. Won't you join me by shopping local and supporting the livelihoods of folks who are pursuing their passions to make amazing products available to the public?

2. Gift the Gift of Art -

I love giving and receiving handmade art and craft items as holiday gifts. I already mentioned my visit to Asheville's Big Crafty craft fair and there are probably craft events like this in your area as well. Another great holiday gift that I'm hoping to receive is this year's Dogwood Arts Limited Edition Print. Knoxville's Dogwood Arts Festival does a great job getting art out there in our community and each year they choose an artist's work to reproduce as a print. This year's artist is Andrew Saftel and the print, from an original work entitled Scenic Roadis just gorgeous. You can get one here for $100.

3. The Gift of Thrift -


Some people are funny about giving/getting second-hand items as gifts. I am most definitely not one of those people. I LOVE getting thrifted gifts. Who cares how much it cost if the person saw it and thought of you? You can get really creative with thrift store shopping and put together all sorts of gift sets/combinations that you know the folks on your list will love.

I found three nice mugs at my local Goodwill for $1 and made little gift sets with tins of tea and a holiday ornament tied around each one. This would make a great teacher gift. Then I bundled some vintage cookbooks together with twine and tied a whisk to the bundles with a bright ribbon. These are great for an aspiring (or amateur) chef. Finally, I found a vintage lidded candy dish at an estate sale recently. I cleaned it thoroughly and filled it with peppermint bark. An easy gift for a hostess or a dear friend.

4. Food for the Soul -


For my final gift idea, I put together a holiday basket of breakfast goodies...what can I say? Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I included local treats such as bagels made here in Knoxville, jam from Emily G's and coffee roasted right here in East Tennessee. A holiday tea towel makes it complete. You could include whatever items you (or the recipient) would prefer, but this is a really good way to give a gift you know will be appreciated. I mean, we all gotta eat, right?

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! If you have other gift ideas that you think would inspire us, please share in the comments!

January 10, 2012

Stella & Dot Giveaway from Southern Belle Simple

What is it about a new piece of jewelry that just brightens up a gloomy day? If it’s rainy and gray outside your window like it has been outside mine these past few days, I know just what will cheer you up!

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I recently met Heather Peterson, an independent stylist for Stella & Dot, and she has graciously agreed to give away a fabulous pair of Stella & Dot earrings here on Southern Belle Simple.

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For a chance to win the Goddess hoops (shown above), just hop over to Heather’s Facebook page and give it a like. For an extra chance to win, you can follow her on Twitter. Leave me a comment or send me a tweet (by midnight Thursday) to let me know you entered and we’ll announce the winner on Friday. 

You can also visit her Stella & Dot site to check out the 2012 Spring Collection…it’s gorgeous, I tell ya! I’m definitely putting the Pippa earrings from the Amalfi Collection on my wish list.

S&D Pippa earrings

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week, and best of luck in the giveaway!

October 26, 2011

Holiday Cards from Shutterfly

Last year I was contacted by the kind folks at Shutterfly and offered some free Christmas cards in exchange for a post. At that time I’d never ordered cards from them before and didn’t want to recommend anything I hadn’t used. We ended up buying our cards from them and I gave the promo code away to a lucky reader.

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This year I was contacted by Shutterfly again and provided with codes for 2 lucky readers to win 25 free cards. As someone who always made her family’s cards each year, it’s so nice to be able to upload a picture and be done with it. Not to say getting that perfect picture is ever easy, but at least half the battle’s won!

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These are some of my favorite card designs…especially the retro ones with cute fonts. There’s nothing cookie cutter about Shutterfly’s designs, many of which allow you to customize color and messages.

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The hardest part is deciding which ones to get! If you’d like to be eligible to win 25 free cards, leave a comment on this post or send me a tweet (some folks can’t comment for some reason). I’ll use randomOrg to pick a winner. One entry per person and I’ll close the entries at midnight on Oct. 27th.

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Oh and if you’re a blogger, you get a double chance to win by also entering here.

Are you ordering cards this year or getting super crafty and hand-making them, thus putting the rest of us to shame? I say order some pretty ones and spend that time baking cookies instead!

{P.S. I wonder if the folks on these cards are actual families and couples or just attractive card models?}

May 19, 2011

#GWTW75 Celebration & Giveaway

In honor the anniversary of Gone with the Wind’s publication (75 years ago today!) I’m giving away a copy of the beloved book. I happened to see this special anniversary edition at the grocery store of all places and picked up a copy for one lucky reader!

gwtw75 book

To be eligible, just leave me a comment/send a tweet finishing the following phrase: “Frankly my dear…” You can vent something, be funny/silly or just tell me something that’s going on in your life! I’ll randomly choose a winner Sunday at midnight and announce it Monday!

If you tweet, please use the hashtag #GWTW75 to spread the word about the festivities taking place in Georgia this summer to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Here’s mine…frankly my dears, I’m glad the weekend is almost here! Happy Thursday!

May 3, 2011

A Helping Hand, or Bowl

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Last week I was invited to attend a fundraising event for a wonderful cause….Second Harvest Food bank (now known nationally as Feeding America). Working diligently with other partnering agencies, my local chapter of this organization feeds 158,000 hungry folks each month by stocking food pantries and providing other resources. The event is called Bowlicious and this year marks its 9th anniversary. 

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For the price of a ticket, each attendee was given a gorgeous handcrafted bowl, donated by local potters. We then used our chosen bowl to enjoy the event’s meal, several varieties of soup and chili donated by local restaurants.

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The idea behind Bowlicious is to remind us just how much we might take one bowl of soup for granted and bringing our bowl home at the end of the night serves as a lasting reminder of this.

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I think it was a really good idea for a  fundraiser and I felt so special to have been included. I chose a medium sized turquoise bowl, in case you were wondering and it’s already gotten some good use.

Happy Tuesday!

March 15, 2011

The Things We Keep

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This weekend, after many weeks of cleaning out all the nooks and crannies in my house, I had a garage sale. It was actually a joint-effort with a few other lovely ladies and I think we were all pleased with the results. I don’t know about you, but for me, having a garage sale can be a sobering experience. When I see all the excess things I’ve accumulated, laid out on tables for strangers to pick through, it makes me ask myself why I thought I needed those things in the first place.

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This is not to say that I won’t end up accumulating more things over time and ultimately, have the need for another garage sale. I just want to put more thought into my purchases. In the south we attach a lot of meaning to the objects in our lives. This can be a good thing, but not always. I’d rather enjoy what I have (dishes, silverware, etc.) and get some use out of things than keep them packed away for “someday.” Do you struggle with this too or are you the ultimate minimalist?

[images are of my grandpa’s collection of things, including his many license plates…not part of the garage sale!]

December 1, 2010

Vintage Holiday Décor & a Deal with Flourish!

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I scanned the above image from a vintage issue of McCall’s Magazine (1961) because I fell in love with the fun use of Styrofoam balls to adorn this doorway. I always see them in craft stores, but usually think of them as something that needs to be decorated. I never thought about just leaving them as is and treating them like snow balls!

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Since I woke up today to find this all over my car (and also falling from the sky), the snowy retro doorway seemed a fitting image to post. I’m not sure if I will tackle my entire doorway, but a small wreath of white Styrofoam balls might be kinda cute. 

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If this gorgeous pink wreath is more your style, you might want to check out Southern Flourish Magazine for some wonderful holiday ideas. A fabulous e-magazine released quarterly, this formerly free publication is now going to become subscription based…but have no fear! The fine folks at Southern Flourish have offered a great deal to Southern Belle Simple readers.

For $8 you’ll get a year’s worth (4 issues) delivered to your email inbox on the day of publication. If you subscribe before December 31st, you’ll get an extra issue free! Just use the code BELLESIMPLE when you subscribe to get the deal. Southern Flourish’s holiday issue is out and the previous issues can be accessed online for free, if you want to check it out before you subscribe! I’m thinking this might be a good gift for a few people on my list!

November 30, 2010

A Holly Jolly Giveaway!

lenny resize{Leon’s Christmas Card pic from last year…yes, I send out pictures of my dog…just to a select few people}

I'm not really sure when the whole tradition of sending out a family picture with your Christmas cards started, but my family has always participated. When I was young, my mom would get my brother and I gussied up and take us to Deuel's, the local photography studio in my hometown, to have our Christmas card picture taken. I was responsible for smiling and sitting patiently while the friendly photog and staff attempted to coax a smile from my brother while he proceeded to scream bloody murder, pitch massive fits, pee himself, or barf on me (or any combination of those).

xmas11{don’t let this adorable face fool you…my bubbie could pitch one heck of a fit}

As we got older, the Christmas card picture evolved to feature our entire family. We've done every trendy pose under the sun....on a beach in all white and khaki, in front of a fireplace, in the front yard of our house in a pile of leaves, etc. Every year starting in about August, anytime a photo is being taken of us, it never fails that someone says "Let's try to look good...this could be the Christmas card!"

This year our picture was taken on a farm. It's a pretty decent shot (i.e. nobody's eyes are closed and all flies are zipped...I think). I was actually planning to participate in a promotion Shutterfly is doing for bloggers who post about its products in order to receive 50 free Holiday Cards. My mom and I were playing around on Shutterfly after Thanksgiving and we decided to go ahead and order the card we created on there. It was so easy to upload our image and complete our card that my mom didn't want to wait for the free promo code.

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Here are a couple of the cute options available to you on Shutterfly. Since we were so happy with the results of our card, I decided to post about it and share the love with one of you. All I have to do is upload a link from this post to Shutterfly and they will send me a promo code. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I'll select one winner for the 50 free cards. Any takers? I’ll try to get the code asap so you can create and order your free cards! The turnaround is pretty quick so you should have plenty of time!