Tuesday, January 10, 2012

A Shameless Plug and a GIVEAWAY . . .

The snowbirds are fleeing the cold-weather coop even though the weather in most of the country hasn't been too bad so far this winter.


Those who alight in Arizona, particularly the Scottsdale area, truly will miss out if they don't make a stop at my sister Nancy's unique boutique, The Embellished House--A Workshop Extraordinaire. A magical mix of whimsy and stately, shabby and elegant, many of her beautiful offerings are one-of-a-kind.

She finds, reclaims and--working with artisans in the Scottsdale area and around the country--revitalizes or repurposes antique and vintage furniture and lighting fixtures, industrial and architectural salvage, fabric, paper and miscellaneous bits and pieces. She also does custom projects.

Located on Scottsdale Road, The Embellished House is in a space with a history of its own. Nancy has beautifully renovated the former Drinkwater Liquor, preserving many of its original features and repurposing and reusing many of the original elements such as the cooler doors and the drive-thru space.

Here's a peek into the world of The Embellished House:








I'm partial to this beautiful black and white pillow with its gorgeous vintage brooch. (Smile.) It's one of my own creations that I make for The Embellished House.





The Embellished House doesn't sell on-line at this time. But, Nancy will do custom work. Feel free to contact her through her website. And, when you're in Scottsdale, stop in. But be prepared. It could take your  breath away.

Now for the GIVEAWAY I promised . . .

Back in December (coincidentally, it was the week of my birthday), I reached the exciting milestone of 100 followers--small potatoes for some of you, I know. But, when I started this blog last July, 100 followers wasn't even part of my consciousness. 

Now, about six months later, I have my followers and other readers to thank for keeping me motivated to continue this fun and rewarding journey. 

So, in appreciation of all of you faithful blog friends, I'm hosting a giveaway.


I'm so excited to offer one of my handmade For Giggles and Grins journals. Each journal is a unique compilation of vintage and found paper goods from sources such as estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores and my own lifelong collection. Most covers are salvaged from books that were destined for the landfill.


The winner will receive this French-themed journal. The cover is salvaged from a 1954 Reader's Digest--the Summer Selections edition. I embellished it with a vintage paper doily and a wonderful image from The Graphics Fairy




The book's personality is enhanced by the small flaws that one would expect to find in items that have experienced a previous life.



Each journal includes a few small surprises, including a handmade envelope. Be sure to look in all the envelopes. Doesn't everyone love a surprise?

Use your journal as a place to record your daily thoughts, observations of nature or to capture your poetry. It also makes a wonderful guest book in which your friends can pen a comment when they visit. I'm sure all you creative divas out there can think of many fun ways to use a journal like this.

At this point, most of the journals I make are by special request. They are available for direct purchase only at The Embellished House in Scottsdale.

I'm trying to get organized enough to open an Etsy store and offer the journals there, along with some of my other creations and vintage items. But, where does the time go? I've been saying that for months now.

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:
For each step you complete, please leave a separate comment. Each comment will count as a separate entry. You have up to four chances to win.

1.  Follow Moonbeams & Fireflies, or if you already follow, leave a comment to let me know

2.  Take a stroll around The Embellished House, then come back here and tell me what your favorite item on Nancy's site is

3. Tweet about this giveaway

4. Blog about the giveaway or post the button on your side bar


Be sure I have access to your email address, so I can notify you if you win.

Register before midnight Central Time, Jan. 27. I will select the winner at random and notify by email no later than Jan. 29. 


Make it a great day!

39 comments:

  1. Hi, Ann. Just found your blog and love it!

    My favorite things from The Embellished House are the Architectural Elements! Especially the scrolled gates. But I have to say that my absolute favorite is (img_9248.jpg)the angel-engraved metal piece!Wish I lived in Scotsdale.

    Would love to win that journal! One-of-a-kind and very special. Thanks for the opportunity. Blessings...

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  2. I love the fabulous furniture section the chairs are gorgeous. This is a sweet give away. aimeetwigger@aol.com xxxx

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  3. Hi Ann, Congratulations on your 100 followers and your first giveaway. I love your journals.
    I like the pictures frames and the sea shells at The Embellished House.
    Barb

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  4. Thanks for stopping by my blog today. You know I have been following you for some time now!
    Barb

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  5. Oh Ann, this is lovely!

    Ciao Bella

    Creative Carmelina

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  6. Your sister has some unique and lovely items, the jewelry especially the peacock with the green stones is my favorite. Keeping my fingers crossed for good luck.♥

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  7. Congrats on 100 Followers! I also started blogging in July and I hit 100 followers at the beginning of December! Isn't it fun :) I'm happy to be your newest follower and I simply Adore your journal! Its so lovely :)

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  8. I just tweeted about your giveaway! Hopefully that brings more people to your blog :)

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  9. The birdcage in your sisters shop is to DIE FOR! If only you weren't so very far away :(

    jenniferferriss (at) Gmail (dot) com

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  10. I love this giveaway! Thanks for letting me know about it. I've just started back journaling again so this would be awesome to win! :)

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  11. I love the 'we're all mad here' print. My middle name is Alice so I've always been partial to her story. ;)

    my email is meig.heyburn (at) gmail (dot) com

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  12. Your sister's store looks fabulous! I will definitely stop in next time I am in Scottsdale. Happy Pink Saturday! ~Marti

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  13. ohhhhhhh such wonder and greatness here.. thanks for the opportunity at your blog candy.. luv that bird cage..
    mitz_zee@yahoodotcom ( follower )

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  14. The shop looks wonderful...wish I lived closer! Fun giveaway...I am a follower!

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  15. I love the architectural salvage and repurposed items!

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  16. Nancys boutique is fabulous, If I lived near I certainly would be a regular! Your journal is lovely. happy pink sat.
    Ann

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  18. Happily following you :) Thanks for joining Market Your Biz and Giveaways!

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  19. Wow, that is a lovely journal. Who will be that lucky winner?

    Visiting for Pink Saturday! Here's my share- hope you cans top by:)

    http://www.loveablecassandra.com/2012/01/pink-elephant.html

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  20. HPS visit, have a great week!

    Very sweet journal.

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  21. I am a follower on Blogger!

    sauriola@cwu.edu

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  22. I love all of the halloween decor on The Embelished House! I know it's not Hallows eve, but everything is just so cute! Even for January!

    sauriola@cwu.edu

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  23. I tweeted about this giveaway!

    https://twitter.com/#!/AlyssaSauriol/status/160244476269436928

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  24. I posted this giveaway on my blog!

    http://alyssascereal.blogspot.com/2012/01/journal-giveaway.html

    sauriola@cwu.edu

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  25. I love the black and white striped chair in the client section!!

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  26. I love the Halloween monster/kids ornaments!

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  27. I tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/kluckingbear/status/160392257533521921

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  28. I added the button to my blog's sidebar www.kluckingbear.blogspot.com

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  29. Ann, Wish I was going to Scottsdale this year! My next trip there will be to your sister's store. Love the chair. Congrats on your 100 follower! I'm a follower and would love to be a winner. Laura

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  30. Congratulations on 100 followers. I'm one of them. Your book is beautiful - you should think about the Etsy shop (- I do, it's a maybe someday thing for me). This year I started buying things from Etsy and love it. It seems to be that all of life is courage, work, timing and _____ (fill in the blank). Of course the blank is unique to each person. Happy Sunday!

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  31. Great giveaway! I'd love to win. Yes, I'm a follower.

    Thank you for coming by my blog so I could find yours. Congratulations on your 100+ followers.

    Have a great week.
    Pam

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  32. I'm a new follower of your site; I have enjoyed it very much! Thank you, Lee

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  33. I'm newly unemployed-blek!, but am enjoying some blog time and found your site-I will visit often...would love to win....thanks for the opportunity!

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  34. Magnificent web site. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you in your effort!
    104B Oboe

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  35. I found you as I was googling and see that we have a few mutual friends - The Graphics Fairy and Jann at Have A Daily Cup! So I started following you!

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  36. I went to The Embellished House and all I could connect with were Christmas items. But, I love the "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" wood plaque/ornament!

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  37. I tweeted: https://twitter.com/AfricamSueW

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  38. You're on my sidebar, too! http://suelovescherries.blogspot.com/

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