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!

Linking to:

Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage
Market Your Biz & Giveaways at Homemaker on a Dime
Whatever You Want Wednesday at Free Pretty Things for You
Sugar and Spice at Seven Thirty Three
Fridays Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound