May 10, 2012

My 200th post and a very special giveaway!

This contest is now CLOSED. Winner will be announced on Friday May 18th. Best of luck to all who entered!

Hello, my sweet ones,

Since I started blogging in October of 2009 my life–and my blog–have undergone some very exciting and unexpected changes. I never knew where this journey would take me but I’m pleased that 200 posts later I have developed some wonderful relationships with so many of you and have gotten to know you on such a unique level. For those of you who have reached out with support, kind words, virtual *hugs*, a raised glass, a sympathetic ear… I simply cannot ever thank you enough.

But I’ll try to come somewhat close.

I reached out to Shabby Apple not too long ago after drooling on my keyboard and clicking through the many dresses, accessories, skirts, and swimwear they had available on their Web site. I have also entered just about every Shabby Apple giveaway I have seen posted at the homes of many of my favorite bloggers because I am just obsessed with their clothes. OBSESSED, PEOPLE! Their dresses are stylish, sexy, sophisticated, and perfect for spring/summer. I love the whimsical feel of the Mad Hatter line, the elegant shapes and earthy tones of the Yosemite dresses, the off-the-set-of-Mad-Men styles in the Skyscraper collection and this. THIS DRESS. The Che bella maxi.

Or this one, the Da Vinci. Pretty much anything from the Roamin Holiday line is bellissimo.

But enough about what I would purchase. Today, I want to give thanks to you.

One lucky winner of this giveaway will receive a $50 giftcard to Shabby Apple to use on anything their little heart desires. But choose carefully; there are quite a few stunning pieces in this collection.

Mandatory entry:
    “Like” Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave a comment telling me which Shabby Apple item is your favorite

Leave a comment for each entry and one random winner will be drawn next Thursday (winner will be announced Friday 5/18). My Pixie Blog readers are eligible for a 10% off coupon for anything from Shabby Apple for one month–just enter coupon code mypixieblog10off at checkout. I have already decided that I will also be purchasing myself a little somethin’ somethin’, now that warm weather beckons and a closet full of sweaters needs to make way for a cute new spring dress (or two).

Posted at: 10:06 am by |Filed Under: giveaway | on writing/blogging | , 70 Comments
March 19, 2012

winner winner chicken dinner!

Good morning, my sweet ones! I trust this finds you all well in body and in mind after a nice St. Pat’s weekend. What did you all do to celebrate?

Today’s post will be on the short side as I have not yet had my cup of coffee and can barely form a sentence. I might also be slightly hungover from the St. Patrick’s Day parade I went to yesterday. I hope Bryan wasn’t too upset about missing the Dropkick Murphy’s show in Boston (he showed me a clip last night and it did look like quite the party), but I think he had a very nice time listening to some bagpipes and drinking some beers with friends at a local pub. It was a good day.

Thank you all for entering Ninette’s lovely Josiah’s Oils giveaway contest, but with the help of a Random Integer Generator (how’s that for fancy? Say goodbye to slips of paper and my big floppy hat!), the winner of the essential oils is Leah from Far From Perfect Mamma. Congrats, Leah! And thanks to all for playing!

I will return shortly with a far more stellar post. Zzzzzz…

Posted at: 9:42 am by |Filed Under: giveaway | 3 Comments
March 16, 2012

a week of firsts

you are getting sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeepy...

In the past week, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone on quite a few occasions to do things I’ve always wanted to try. I went to see a hypnotist conveniently located three blocks from my office thanks to an amazing deal I found recently on Lifebooker (though I often complain about working in the big city, I’ll never take the convenience of everything at my fingertips for granted). I had no idea what to expect but was told it wouldn’t involve hocus pocus or pocket watches (sadly). I was a ball of schvitz and anticipation by the time I rounded the corner and made my way up the stairs. Once there, I eased into the chair with my heart rate through the roof.

I think the hypnotist noticed because she told me nicely that I appeared a bit nervous.

She quickly explained the benefits of hypnosis, how it works, and what exactly we would be doing together. We did some basic exercises and she asked me to revisit some stressful events in my past so she could walk me through them once more. She taught me different ways to approach situations which I have been implementing into my daily routine with much success. I’m not sure if it’s because I had invested a bit of faith in the idea that something like hypnosis could actually help me or because I really gave it my all while in that chair, but I’m feeling infinitely better since I tried it. Hallelujah.

I also (finally!) got my tattoo. I’m very happy with it. Bryan and my best friend came with, each took a hand, and did much to ease my nerves. But it really wasn’t so bad and I’m already considering my second. This, I imagine, is how it all gets started, isn’t it?

excuse the poor image quality and redness

This past Wednesday I appeared on a radio talk show to discuss dating and relationships. I think it went well but I realized I have the tendency of saying “like” and “you know” a thousand times. I’ll work on that. Does anyone have any information on getting involved in radio? I’d love to hear it!

Other than that, things are looking good. Phish summer tour has been announced. I’m still smitten and Bryan and I haven’t killed each other after five months. And it looks as though I have some exciting projects in the works. Details to come soon.

Also, if you haven’t already, please enter my giveaway for an awesome gift basket!

Posted at: 10:27 am by |Filed Under: giveaway | ink | 14 Comments
March 9, 2012

giveaway time! meet Ninette of Josiah’s Oils

Not sure about you, but this is the time of year where my mind is off in the Caribbean somewhere. I imagine myself lying in a hammock and gazing out into the clear ocean waters, margarita by my side, the smell of suntan lotion strong in the sweet air. If I try hard enough, I can feel the breeze in my curls and the sand between my fingers as I strech over the edge of the fabric.

It’s so vivid an image that I sometimes have to remind myself that I am, in fact, on a crowded train on my way to work in midtown Manhattan. I conjured up this image just the other day when a man just behind me was so eager to get on the path train that he shouted “move, move, move!” in my ear while pushing me forward. I didn’t have the voice so early in the morning to explain nicely that it’s customary to wait for people to file out first before entering the train… and I have a feeling my words may have been punctuated by a slight jab in the ribs.

Until I am able to afford a getaway to the Caribbean (or anywhere outside of the tri-state area, for that matter), I’m excited to tell you about a company that may help ward off some of the winter blues. I was recently introduced to Ninette, a hardworking mother of five (!) and the founder of Josiah’s Oils at an aromatherapy party I attended with my friend Nicole. Offering a wide range of 100% natural and holistic essential oils, her products help to decrease depression, increase relaxation, reduce sleeplessness, increase focus, and much more. In other words, they are the perfect pick-me-up and remedy for this time of year.

Ninette has graciously offered to donate some products for a giveaway to one very lucky reader of My Pixie Blog. He/she will receive the following items from Josiah’s Oils:

(1) 4-oz. bottle of Relaxation Diffusing Mist Spray
Contains distilled water and the following essential oils: tangerine, citrus fruit, lavender, ylang ylang, patchouli, and blue tansy. All of these oils calm tensions and lift the spirit, promoting relaxation. When massaged on the bottoms of the feet, this product can help you enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Ninette says she “…find[s] it especially calming and comforting to young children after an overactive day or activites!” I have this at home and spray it in the sheets before I go to sleep. It is magical, truly.

(1) 4-oz. bottle of Sinus Relief Diffusing Mist Spray
Contains distilled water, and the following essential oils: peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon. These oils are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, promoting oxygen to the lungs and breaking mucus. Just inhale and feel the difference–immediately! These fine mist bottles also work to diffuse the oils into the air.

(1) Herbal Weighted Eye Pillow
This relaxation eye pillow is made of organic dried corn, grains*, and lavender, sage, or rosemary. It can be chilled (simply place in a ziplock bag and put it in the fridge or freezer) or microwaved. Pillow not only relaxes, but removes puffiness, too!

*Gluten-free version is also available.


Rules:

1) You must live in the United States to be eligible for this giveaway.
2) “Like” My Pixie Blog on Facebook (+1 entry)
3) Follow My Pixie Blog on Twitter (+1 entry)
4) Like Josiah’s Oils on Facebook (+1 entry)
5) Tweet about this giveaway (+1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winner will be announced on March 19, 2012. Good luck to all!

Posted at: 9:32 am by |Filed Under: giveaway | 31 Comments
September 26, 2011

Vlog: Easy Canvas Prints Giveaway Winner!

Let’s just pretend for a moment that I don’t look like a complete lunatic. And that my hair isn’t fighting a losing battle on my skull or that I sound like I have a giant frog lodged in my throat. Yes? If we can do all of those things, then here is the video in which I announce the winner of the Easy Canvas Prints Giveaway!

Congrats to Blond Duck of A Duck in her Pond on the win and I’ll see you all when I return from Paris (and if I could just ask for one tiny favor, do a little dance that this tickle in my throat leaves so I can really swap spit with the Parisians. I KIDDDD! Kinda’). *HUGS*

See you all, my sweet ones, when I return.

Posted at: 9:37 am by |Filed Under: giveaway | the bachelorette lifestyle | travel | 20 Comments
September 20, 2011

Giveaway: Easy Canvas Prints

It’s funny. I’ve lived in my apartment going on three years now and I still feel it’s a work in progress. I’ve never been one of those motivated movers who sorts, files, empties, cleans, and VOILA–new home in a matter of hours! There are STILL shelves that need to go up on the walls (hello?! Where is a handy man when I need him??), furniture that needs to be rearranged, and large gaping holes in my walls that are just begging for artwork. To say I was happy I won this giveaway from Tina of Florida Girl With a New Life is quite an understatement. I’m hoping that with a few of these beautiful puppies on my walls, my apartment can feel more like a home.

And now I can pay it forward.

Easy Canvas Prints is teaming up with My Pixie Blog to give away one free 8”x 10” photo wrapped canvas of your choosing (you get to upload the picture) to one very lucky reader. Need further convincing?

Here are just a few of their selling points:

  • Custom canvas prints allow you to turn your captured pictures into stunning pieces of art. So now you can finally do something with all those Facebook memories and digital keepsakes—hang ‘em on your wall!
  • High quality, gallery-ready prints available at affordable prices
  • In just four easy steps, you can customize your canvas with border options and image and color effects.

How to enter:

In order to enter this giveaway, you can “like” MyPixieBlog.com on Facebook. If you already like my blog, simply leave me a comment telling me so.

For extra entries “like” Easy Canvas Prints on Facebook or follow Easy Canvas Prints on Twitter and leave a separate comment for each.

Tweet this post for another extra entry and let me know in a separate comment.

You must live in the contiguous US to win.

Winners will be announced next Monday, so stay tuned. Thanks, and good luck to all!

Posted at: 12:42 pm by |Filed Under: giveaway | , 18 Comments
August 16, 2011

business cards giveaway from uPrinting!

When I was contacted by UPrinting about hosting this particular giveaway I was over the moon. Why? Because getting business cards has been on top of my list of things to do for, oh, I dunno, the past year. I frequent networking events, meet other bloggers, and often find myself commiserating with single women and when the topic of my blog comes up, I reach for the nearest napkin or receipt and scribble down my info. Effective? Yes. Professional? Not so much.

UPrinting.com is an online printing service that offers a wide range of paper products to suit every need. But the best part (and one that appeals to my eco-friendly heart): this company uses vegetable and soy-based inks to reduce harmful carbon emissions AND they offer paper options that contain up to 55% post-consumer recycled content (the remaining content comes from sources that practice sustainable forestry).

Each comment left below will qualify as one entry in this contest. I will randomly choose a winner on Thursday, August 18 and will announce the winner here on Friday, August 19th. Get your entries in soon and best of luck to you all, my sweet ones!

Prize details:
250 pcs Die Cut Print Business Cards for one winner
2 x 3.5″ Rounded Corners, 2×2″ Rounded Corners, 1.75×3.5″ Rounded Corners, 2×3.5″ Leaf, 2×3.5 Rounded one corner, 2×3.5″ Half Circle Side, 2×3.5″ Oval, 2.5″ Circle
14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated
6 Business Days Turnaround
*Free shipping

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only. Contest not open to anyone who has won a print giveaway from uPrinting within the last 6 months.

All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. This custom business cards giveaway was sponsored by UPrinting. I was not provided with any monetary compensation but will receive a set of business cards in exchange for this review. For more information about printing services, please visit UPrinting.com.

Posted at: 8:53 am by |Filed Under: giveaway | 15 Comments
June 12, 2011

winner announced! first giveaway, first vlog

Hey, guys! So uhm, those of you who know me personally know that I’m super soft spoken. This is about as loud as it gets, ya’ll. Anyhoo, I’m pleased to announce the winner of this beautiful butterfly necklace designed by Ally of 400 Wake-Ups. You can check out her awesome jewelry line, Daisy and Elm, here. Seriously, I have received a TON of compliments on some stuff she designed for me this week, so I hope the special winner enjoys this butterfly necklace:

And now, my alien face. And low audio. Sorry, I tried to project. I really, really did. AND I totally said “without further ado.” Twice.

Congrats, Tina of (Florida) Girl with a New Life! Expect an email from my shortly :) Thanks to all who participated! Also, new post to come shortly. Still recovering from two nights of Phish this weekend and I have a date tomorrow so I’ll have some stories for you soon. *HUGS* to you all, my sweet ones.

Posted at: 10:15 pm by |Filed Under: giveaway | 18 Comments
June 6, 2011

My Pixie Blog turns 100 and my very first giveaway!

Last Monday, after cleaning off all traces of mud on my legs and picking out the leaves and god knows what else from my locks, I had the pleasure of meeting two very special bloggy friends of mine for some drinks at the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal.

This was my third time meeting the very awesome Shana of Fumbling Towards Normalcy, a fellow Sarah McLachlan fan who details her humorous and often head-scratching experiences working in the greatest city in the world, and it was my first encounter with Allyson of 400 Wake-Ups, a wonderfully sweet Southern Belle who takes readers on a journey of her life as an army wife. Our time together was far too brief but it was lovely to meet outside of blog land and connect in real life. There is photographic evidence of that evening but I’ll have to wait until Ally gets back to post. I’m pretty sure I had crazy eyes again. Why am I incapable of taking a normal photograph? I think from now on I’ll keep the shades on everywhere I go.

This marks my 100th post, which is an accomplishment I’m insanely proud of. I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited about a raise, promotion, or any other professional achievement as I am about this… and it’s because this blog has really put me in touch with my love of writing all over again. As a special thank you to all my loyal readers, I am hosting my very first giveaway courtesy of Ally who has her own jewelry design business called Daisy and Elm. She has graciously donated a beautiful necklace to one very lucky reader.

But first, let’s take a look at some of the jewelry items she has recently hand crafted (these pieces are now a part of my collection and I can’t wait to take them along with me this summer).

Aren’t they purrrrrty?

And here is the necklace up for grabs. When Ally showed it to me, she told me she wanted to design something that screams girl power. And I think this necklace does just that:

Rules: I’ll try and keep these simple because I am too much of a spazz to register extra votes for Twitter/FB followers, etc. You MUST be a Google Friend Connect follower and reside in the US/Canada in order to be eligible to win. Each comment left on this post will count as one entry. All entries must be received by 10pm on Sunday, June 12th and winners will be announced on Monday, June 13th. Simple enough, right? I’m even considering creating my very first vlog where I choose the name out of a hat to announce the winner, but because I’m not exactly “tech savvy,” I can’t make any promises. There will be not be a random generator though. Folded up pieces of paper and a hat, ya’ll, ’cause that’s how I roll.

Good luck!

Posted at: 8:11 am by |Filed Under: giveaway | , 24 Comments