Friday, July 12, 2013

Something Special For A Blog Anniversary


It's been exactly a year since I wrote my very first post here on Something Ivory. That post was hard and scary to write, and hitting "publish" was even more difficult. It certainly made me feel vulnerable, and a little nervous that no one would be interested in what I had to say. While it still is sometimes scary to hit publish, and I certainly have so much more to learn, after a year of blogging I can safely say that I've loved every minute I've spent typing out the 237 posts I've published since last July 12. The writing has been so stimulating and has kept me thinking and creating, your comments have been so lovely to receive, and I've made some really dear blog friends. Writing this blog is one of the most rewarding things I've ever committed to, and it's becoming more fun every day.


As a thank you to you--all of my lovely readers who are supportive and kind, interesting and thoughtful, in your comments and your emails--I decided to put together a little giveaway of some of my favorite things. Each of these goodies is something I use and love, and I can't wait to see which lucky reader will win! I only wish I had a box for every one of you.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment at the end of this post. I will choose one commenter at random next Friday, July 19, first thing in the morning and I will post who the winner is that day. So make sure to leave your comment by Thursday night!


Now, for the contents of the box:

Green Tea and Aloe hand soap--the best-smelling hand soap around. This version is the foaming variety which somehow feels more luxurious, don't you think?

My favorite Aveda hair product. I put a dime-sized amount of the Smooth Infusion in my palm after the shower and run it through my damp hair. It helps to prevent frizz, keeps my hair soft and protected, and makes my hair smell heavenly (Aveda is known for their fantastic-smelling products--I look forward to the Rosemary Mint shampoo each time I get my hair cut).

Jasmine Green Tea. I love drinking this in the afternoon or evening after a meal, and it can be made into a delicious iced tea too. I find that both its taste and scent are relaxing yet energizing. And green tea is so good for us!

Polka-dotted cupcake or muffin liners. These liners make homemade cupcakes and muffins look extra special, and the blue color is really fun and lively!

Homemade lavender linen spray. I make up my own bottles of lavender spray using distilled water and lavender essential oil and I spray it on our freshly cleaned sheets. I know I've raved about this before, but it's truly wonderful. It helps to erase wrinkles and the scent of lavender is known to be calming and sleep-inducing.

My all-time favorite red lipstick (Dubonnet by Clinique in their long-lasting lipstick line). It's the color I'm wearing in my blog photo off to the right, and I'm convinced it's a universally flattering red. Whoever the lucky giveaway winner is, I may insist on a photo of you wearing this!

Evian Mineral Water Facial Spray. I brought a bottle of this with me on our honeymoon and it was a lifesaver for the long flight to California. My skin tends to get dry when I fly, so I sprayed this on my face once during the flight and once afterward. It made my skin feel refreshed and hydrated. It's also ideal for hot summer days when you just can't seem to get cool enough. It's fantastic!

Assorted note cards. I really enjoy sending mail and there's nothing better than using pretty paper and cards to write special notes on. These neutral cards have some fun textures to them, and they would be lovely for just about any occasion.


That's it! Good luck to everyone who enters. And truly, thank you to each and every one of you who reads Something Ivory. It's a pleasure to write for you. Here's to many more years of blogging.









26 comments:

  1. There is definitely something that can be said for a personal, handwritten note. Stationery is probably one of my favorite things too!!! What a great giveaway...happy 1 year blog anniversary!

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  2. Katie @ Loverly SheJuly 12, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    What a wonderful giveaway, Kate! I absolutely love this little collection of items. Fingers crossed ;)


    Happy blogiversary, friend :)

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  3. This looks awesome. I guess I'd have to start experimenting with lipstick if it came my way :)

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  4. Congratulations, Kate! I haven't been here for that whole time, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two months of reading. Can't wait to see what the future holds for Something Ivory!

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  5. I would love to win this box! Happy blog anniversary -- I've really enjoyed reading your blog this past year.

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  6. What a lovely collection of things Kate! Happy 1 year! *fingers crossed* :-)

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  7. Hi Kate, what a cute idea! I won't be entering the contest (I'm allergic to most scents & cosmetics, unfortunately), but I just wanted to say Happy Blog Anniversary!

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  8. Stationery is the best :) And thanks!

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  9. Thanks Katie! You're such a loyal follower and I appreciate you!

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  10. Oh yes! I didn't start wearing lipstick until my senior year of college and now I only wear it every so often, but it definitely makes me feel sophisticated! Thanks for reading, as always :)

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  11. Thanks Hannah! So happy that we've discovered each other's blogs over the past few months :)

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  12. Thank you Renee, I know you've been reading since the beginning and I appreciate it so very much!

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  13. Thanks Kristin! I had a feeling you would approve of the goodies I picked out :)

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  14. That's really sweet of you Stacey, thanks! And no problem, I'll make sure to keep your name out. Allergies are such a bummer :(

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  15. congrats on finding something entertaining, that you really enjoy doing... we really enjoy reading it! love you Kate!

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  16. Thanks so much Karen, you've been one of my most loyal readers from the beginning :) Love you too!

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  17. Wow, has it been a year already? Time goes by so quickly...congratulations on reaching this one year milestone. Keep the great writing coming!

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  18. Time does go by quickly! And thank you Christine, I always love getting your comments and I'm thankful to have you as a reader :)

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  19. Happy blogiversary! JR Watkins is my favorite. I love their packaging and all of their products smell amazing!

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  20. Thanks Tina! I thought only Target had JR Watkins but a few weeks ago I discovered I can also get their products at Rite Aid (much closer). I'm dying to try their sugar scrub for the shower!

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  21. Congratulations on reaching a year =) Such a milestone that is!! And what a delightful array of goodies...I'll keep my fingers crossed = )

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  22. Happy blog anniversary! I have loved reading such a well-written and inspiring blog. I've always wondered about the Evian spray - it seems so fancy! I completely love your refined taste and sense of style - everything is so simple, yet elegant.

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  23. Thanks Katie! I've really enjoyed having you follow along. :)

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  24. Kristin, you're making me melt! Thank you for such kind words. Simple and elegant are two things I strive for in almost everything I do, so I'm really thrilled and touched by this comment. Made my day.

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  25. OH NO I MISSED THIS! But happy blogiversary - I've loved reading your thoughts along the way. You've calmed me and comforted me and challenged me, and I've enjoyed every post :)

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  26. Sorry you missed this!! :(


    Thank you for such a sweet compliment. That really means a lot to me :)

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