Monday, March 1, 2010

Paying It Forward (GIVEAWAY!!)

In the past several months, I've been the recipient of more generosity and kindness than I can begin to acknowledge.

-My parents & in-laws who were quick with the financial help while we were immersed in the 2009 Construction-n-Major-Life-Upheaval Rodeo ... my mother, who flew 1000 miles to help me paint my house ... my BF, who rolled up her sleeves and helped me move furniture, paint, put away laundry, and anything else that needed doing during the months of renovation ... a friend who took the time to make sure the treats she was sending in to school for her son's birthday were safe for Bear's nut allergies ... the bloggers and blog readers, whose writing/comments and friendship has come to be an important part of my life. The list goes on and on.

So when I was contacted by an internet company this week and asked to host either a giveaway or choose a free item do a review on this blog, it was a no-brainer for two reasons:
1. I can't repay most of what I've been given in kind,
so why not pay it forward?
2. Review blogs bore me.

(Just to be clear, though, if this company had offered me shoes or a trip to Italy? You'd totally be reading a review blog right now).

The company that's hosting the giveaway has a ton of sites, carrying everything from kids beds, to bar stools, to cookware. I've spent quite a bit of time poking around on their websites, and frankly, they carry some version of just about anything I could think to type into the "search" box. And believe me, I can think of some pretty random things.

The winner gets to pick an item up to $75 (must include shipping) from any of their websites. Here's a sampling of some of the things I'd be likely to pick:


1. The Eurostyle Maybelle Aluminum Coat Rack, $67.95 + free shipping.

I can't say that I really need a coat rack, but I think this one is really cool and sculptural looking. I also think that I would need to buy a fabulous new coat to hang on it to make it look complete.












2.The Le Creuset Zen Teakettle in "Caribbean", $59.95 with free shipping.

It speaks to me. It says, "Put me on your stove where I will look pretty and make you tea."















3. WHOA. This company has a SHOE WEBSITE? This is seriously testing my whole kindly pay-it-forward philosophy. Here's what I would have picked (IF I were a selfish bitch, which I'm not. Usually.)









To Enter: Leave a comment in the comment section telling me what you would buy with a $75 credit!

I'll be choosing a winner at random. Check back Friday morning to see if it's you!

17 comments:

Jen on the Edge said...

There's no question, I'd buy shoes and not even blink.

Nana said...

I'd probably choose something unique for my new kitchen. Like the Caribbean tea kettle which reminds me of...well, the Caribbean and all things blue and beautiful (to my eyes). I might even let you use it when you visit.

Anne Moss said...

Books, books, and more books! You can never have too many books!!!

Dawn in D.C. said...

Well, I'm thinking spring is going to be here any day now, so I would definitely get sandals. Or books. Or sandals. Or books.

Tell you what, if I get books, I'll read them and send them on to you. I never keep them.

seejenngo said...

Forget the fact that I would scoop up the Zwilling JA Henckels Twin L 5 Piece Household Scissor Set in a heartbeat; what I really want to say is that I'm totally impressed that I know someone who was contacted by an internet company to choose between a giveaway and a review. Such power!

(And If I've accidentally published this more than once, it wasn't to increase my chances - I'm just having trouble getting Google to recognize me. These word verifications kill me - "faccas" HA!)

Butternut Boutique said...

The Pedoodles Pink Smoothie shoes(love these!) for my 2 year old who always gets her big sister's hand me downs. Yes, even shoes.

Catherine D said...

I would choose something for my kitchen, along the lines of the Caribbean tea kettle. I love the shape.

Anonymous said...

Oooh, that coat rack looks awesome. I'm in need of one (the cats love it when I throw my coat on a chair or the couch) but keep pushing it down the list. Shoes are way more important!

Quilting Grandma said...

I love The LeCreuset Zen Teakettle in Caribbean. I can hear it already steaming away a top of my Wolf Black Range, so I can make a cup of tea to enjoy with some of Daddy Shortbread's scones, while I take a break from my numerous quilting project. Does it come in Red? :-)
I would like to remind you the my current Revere Ware Tea Kettle is over 100 years old:-(
However, the sandal's are to die for, but with my orthotics, they just will not work. Dang!

Robyn said...

Ooh, that is a very nice kettle... Definitely something for the kitchen, maybe some new decent cookware (mine is all either new and crappy or decent and aging). Ooh, or a good knife set. Or a floor lamp! (That's not really for the kitchen, is it?) I'd go for a swank new appliance, but I've got a teeny apartment kitchen and nowhere to store it. :(

Do they make $75 dollar cutting boards? Because that might be the best idea yet...

Stacyb said...

I think I would by something for Garrett's bedroom to help organize it a bit. We have toys, toys everywhere!!

Country Girl said...

I like books an awful lot but also like decor for the farm. Maybe some cooking goodies.... the possibilities are endless.

Rose said...

I love the kettle! I've been drinking tea like a mad Englishwoman and I NEED that kettle!!! Plus, it might be the jumpstart I need to redecorate my kitchen this summer. Pick me, pick me. (Is that too needy?)

Jen said...

I would buy the trip to Italy and visit the vineyards, Tuscany, eat lots of pasta and - oh, that wasn't an option??? well, I guess the shoes would do.

Jen said...

PICK ME, PICK ME, PICK ME!!!! Is that convincing enough????

Mary S. said...

Not sure what I would pick but I would be the selfish one and pick something for me (for a change) and not the kids!

Nana said...

You wouldn't want to upset your mother, would you? PICK ME!!!