tod'stod 2010tod's

Queen for a Day Giveaway 2011
by Kara on April 25, 2011

in giveaways

Thanks for visiting Simple Kids. If you subscribe to the blog via RSS feed or via email, you'll get helpful tips and inspiration for simple parenting sent straight to you, for free,tod's!
Welcome to Simple Living Media’s Queen for a Day Giveaway! Today, across the network we’ve got five giveaways full of treats to celebrate the mom in your life, just in time for Mother’s Day on May 8.
I heard a speaker recently who said that if you asked a mom what her guilty pleasure was she would probably answer you with something that was beneficial and contributed to her well-being like taking long walks, a night out, or ordering take out pizza after a busy day.  In other words, the things moms feel guilt about they shouldn’t and they don’t often pamper themselves.
While I don’t want moms feeling guilty, that collective self-sacrificing instinct is one of the many things about moms that I admire.  We’re a great group, aren’t we?
Because moms are so great and self-sacrificing, the editors of Simple Living Media wanted to do something to say thanks for all that they do.
We contacted some of our favorite etsy shops, stores, and other vendors and they agreed:  moms are worth pampering and we should do something special and fun just for them, so …. we’re having a giveaway!
This week, I feel so thankful that Simple Kids gets to bless one mama with a gift basket full of wonderful items! All of the items included would make a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day that any mom would appreciate.
1. A Mug Rug from Bungalow Quilts
Sheri at Bungalow Quilts sent me one of her Mug Rugs and I love it,tod's!  It is bright, cheerful, and makes me smile to use it.  It adds that perfect feminine touch to my otherwise fairly utilitarian workspace and it helps my morning coffee to seem just a touch fancier.  It is 9 inches square, making it the perfect size for a cup and a snack.
Sheri stocks the most beautiful handmade items in her shop, any of which would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift. That table runner that so many of you have commented on and emailed about when it appears in my pictures?  I purchased it from Sheri.  And, of course, Bungalow Quilts has many beautiful quilts, too.
Bungalow Quilts is including one Mug Rug in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
2. Gardener’s Gift Box from Graham Gardens
The Gardener’s Gift Box from Graham Gardens includes a 3.25 oz bar of Gardener’s Hand Soap and a tin of Gardener’s Hand Repair.  Gina sent a set for me to try and I have to tell you that my hands are so happy!  I’m almost looking for excuses to get my hands dirty so I can use the poppyseed and dill scrubbing soap.
And, the balm? Aside from being a great softener for hard working green thumbs, this knitter has found it soothing for her wool-weary hands as well.  And, those dry spots on my ankles and feet that aren’t quite so “sandal ready” after a long winter?  Good-bye!
I’ve always got at least one tube of Graham Gardens peppermint lip balm with me.  Their balms come in many other flavors to treat moms, and their soaps, salves, and lotion bars are pretty wonderful, too. You can even build your own gift basket for the special moms in your life.  Between now and May 14, you can use the code HAPPYMAMA20 for 20% off everything on the Graham Gardens website!
Graham Gardens is including one Gardener’s Gift Box in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
3. Green Market Baking Book
My friend Aimee’s recommendations on all things kitchen and food related are like gold to me.  So when she said that the Green Market Baking Book by Laura C. Martin was “very special book” I knew that I had to have a copy!
Aimee was right: this is a very special book.  Arranged according to the seasons and with a focus on local, organic, and naturally sweet and savory baked goods, this book is a treasure.  There are even chapters on gardening tips and preserving the harvest.  With its beautiful illustrations and over 100 treats to make, this one of those cookbooks that is as much of a pleasure to read as it is to bake from.
I know you’ll find me stalking the Farmer’s Market this summer because there is a Peach and Nectarine Upside-Down cake that has my name on it!
One copy of The Green Market Baking Book will be included in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
4. Michele Maule (art)
Somehow items from Michele Maule’s artwork shop just keep popping up in my etsy wish list,tod 2010!  I really enjoy her work.  Her paintings and prints are unique and simple and capture a real feeling of warmth.  Michele sent me a very sweet bird reproduction print that now hangs over my desk.  The writer in me has her eye on the Little Blue Typewriter print, too, so I think I’ll be adding to my collection.
One Simple Kids reader is going to win a Tea 5×7 reproduction print from Michele’s shop.  If you are searching for a unique and special gift for the art loving mom in your life, browse through Michele Maule’s work and I’m sure you’ll find something that speaks to you.  Michele also has a blog, How 2 Draw a Cup of Coffee, that I think is pretty special, too.
Michele Maule is including one 5×7 Tea Print in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
5. Owl Necklace from Nifty by Nature
Frances Brown is the creative force behind Nifty by Nature, an etsy shop full of hand-painted, handmade items.  I have the Ichthus necklace and appreciate that it is well made, yet lightweight.  Her necklaces are the perfect little something “extra” to add to an every day outfit and, because they are made of a lightweight clay, they are comfortable enough to wear all day long.
She’s got the cutest things in her shop, including initial necklaces (I think one of these might have to make its way to my jewelry box), rings, and cuffs.   Because she is always designing and creating new things, you never know what you will find at Nifty by Nature.  Frances is giving one Simple Kids reader a very sweet Sleepy Owl necklace from her shop.
One Owl Necklace will be included in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
6. Organized Simplicity
Written by my friend and my boss here at Simple Living Media, Tsh Oxenreider’s book Organized Simplicity is one that I think every person desiring to live mindfully and intentionally should read.  As Tsh says, “Simplicity isn’t about what you give up.  It’s about what you gain.”
The book gives readers a simple, realistic 10 day plan for organizing each room in your home step by step.  There are also recipes for non-toxic household cleaners and natural toiletry items like toothpaste, deodorant,tod's hommetod's soldestoods, and shampoo.
Tsh also encourages you to create family purpose statement to help you figure out what your priorities are and how to create a life that reflects them.   You can take a peek at Tsh’s book here on the Organized Simplicity website.
One copy of Organized Simplicity will be included in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
7. The Reluctant Entertainer
Written by Sandy Coughlin, The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman’s Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality puts the focus of entertaining, not on perfection, but on having “an open door and an open heart.”
Sandy hits the nail right on the head when she lists anxiety as a reason many of us are not opening our homes and being hospitable to others.  I think we often have the desire to welcome people, but get bogged down and overwhelmed by the idea of every gathering having to be perfect.
As someone whose life philosophy is “peace, not perfection” I really am enjoying this book.   So much more than a cookbook, The Reluctant Entertainer is for the woman seeking delicious recipes to serve her guests, of course, but also practical advice on preparing her home and heart to entertain, thrifty tips, as well as  encouragement from this popular blogger (Sandy is a Simple Mom contributor, too.)
A copy of The Reluctant Entertainer is included in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
8.Bracelet from Shabby Apple
Dangling from my wrist right now is a beautiful bracelet from Shabby Apple.  It is a simple chain bracelet in gold with teal and gold glass-cut beads from their Alice in Wonderland line.  One lucky Simple Kids reader is going to have her very own caterpillar bracelet.  Every mom deserves something nice and sparkly, don’t you think?
While you’re shopping for Mother’s Day gift ideas, be sure to check out Shabby Apple’s aprons, which have beautiful  feminine detailing, are available in gorgeous prints, and come with recipe cards. You don’t need to know sizes for these! Whether she is a world class chef or making peanut butter sandwiches, every mom needs an apron at some point and it might as well be gorgeous, right? And, you can use the code  simpleliving10off until 5/22/2011 for a discount, too! Thank you, Shabby Apple!
One Bracelet from Shabby Apple will be included in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
9. Steady Days
If you’ve been reading Simple Kids for a while, then you know that I have personally benefited from some of the ideas in Jamie Martin’s book Steady Days.  From rotating toys to Steady Thoughts to structured play ideas, Jamie gives her readers advice on how to treat motherhood as an intentional, professional occupation.
Many of you are probably familiar with Jamie through her writing on her blog Steady Mom as well as her work as the editor of Simple Homeschool.  Jamie is generously giving one Simple Kids reader a copy of her book, a prefect gift for any special moms in your life.
A copy of Steady Days will be included in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket,todsgrouptod's hommetod's homme!
10. Make-a-Plan Workshop from Visionary Mom
Lisa, my friend and the force behind Visionary Mom, has a motto for moms – “You’ve got big ideas, let’s make them happen!” Though her coaching, blog, workshops, and teams, Lisa encourages moms to go for their dreams and gives them the practical, real-world advice that helps take those dreams and turn them into reality.
If you are looking for unique, out of the box gift for a mom in your life, I encourage you to think of Lisa’s Make a Plan Workshop.  The workshops are self-paced, allowing you to cater them to the speed that works for your life.  I’m looking forward to participating in the Make a Plan – Create a Map to Get Where You Want to Go workshop because lately I’ve felt a little stuck in my path and I need some extra motivation to keep moving.  Having worked with Lisa before, I know that this will truly be a gift that keeps on giving.
While you’re checking out Visionary Mom, be sure to sign up for the Weekly Dare newsletter.
One reader will be enrolled in the Make a Plan Workshop from Visionary Mom as part of  the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
11. Wee Bindery
Wee Bindery’s beautiful handmade blank books and journals inspire writing, sketching, and creating.  Artfully made with quality paper, covers, and binding it is obvious that great care goes into their crafting and design.  I think every mom needs a lovely journal like this to encourage her to keep in touch with her creative, dreamer side. From fabric to leather to hardcover, and in a range of sizes, there is a journal in the Wee Bindery etsy shop to match every mom’s style and needs.
One Simple Kids reader is going to receive a Wee Chunky Handmade Book as part of our Mother’s Day giveaway.  I have one of these blank books and plan to take it with me when we head out on vacation in a few weeks.  I’m looking forward to doing some sketching and reflecting on our trip and this is the perfect size to tuck into my tote bag.

One Wee Chunky Handmade Journal is included in the Simple Kids Queen for a Day gift basket!
How to win
One Simple Kids reader will win all of the items listed above, making it a very sweet gift basket for the mom in your life (maybe it’s YOU)!
Everyone has three chances to win. Here’s how:
1. Comment on this post, answering this: Tell me something you love about a mother in your life.
2. For an extra entry, “like” Simple Kids on Facebook. Then come back to this post and leave an additional comment letting me know you’ve done so.
3. For an extra entry, tweet about this giveaway, using @SimpleKids and the hashtag #mothersday. Then come back to this post and leave an additional comment letting me know you’ve done so.
This giveaway will end this Saturday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m. EST, and I’ll announce the winner this Sunday. I really hope you win,tod'stod'stod's gommini!
Check out the rest of the Queen for a Day baskets:

I really appreciate your post. It gives an outstanding idea that is very helpful for all the people on the web. Thanks for sharing this information.And I’ll love to read your next post too.
Regards:
Optiontips.in