Something Exciting is Coming!!!!!

It really is! And I cannot wait to tell you all about it.
I am counting down the moments until the big reveal.
You can get in on the fun too, by entering the giveaway: somethingexcitingiscoming.com

It's Another Giveaway!

I’m so excited to announce a new giveaway here at Tales from Bloggeritaville. CSN Stores has offered to sponsor a giveaway for my blog! Not familiar with CSN? Well, they're a huge online group of over 250 specialized stores that sells a variety of home goods. One lucky reader will win a gift certificate worth $60.00 used toward anything at any of the CSN websites. There are a vast array of items to choose from, anything from a new sleeper sofa to baby items.

Personally if it were my $60.00 I would choose these from Le Creuset Look at these Le Creuset items that are allwell under $60. You know how I love Le Creuset! You can find these goodies at Cookware.com

or maybe this adorable apron,

How cute and summery are thess pillows from All Modern!?

And really...No words for these shoes (that I cannot walk in my can admire from afar. I have to stick to my flip flops.)

Prizes can be chosen from any of CSN's 200 stores.

So how can you win this fabulous $60 gift certificate?

RULES:

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents ONLY. Please be aware that there may be shipping charges or in the case of Canadian residents, international fees, for certain products.


HOW TO ENTER:

Easy Entry: You need not have a blog to enter, but you must leave your email address so that I can notify you should you win.


 
Want to increase your chances of winning? Here are some additional ways to get entries:

-If you are or become a follower of Tales from Bloggeritaville or it's sister blog, Plates and Places. See all those beautiful beachy people on the upper right hand side under the title "followers"? I hope you'll also want to be one of my friends in paradise. So click the little follow button, leave a comment telling me that you follow my blog, and you're automatically entered!

- Blog about this giveaway. Leave a comment indicating that you've done so and post the link in a comment for me to see!

- Put my button on your blog. You can find it on the right hand side. Leave one last comment with the verifiable link, and if you already have my button on your blog, just leave a comment saying so! I dont have a html ccode, so you will have to copy, paste and be sure to link the button back to me. :) www.lbratina.blogspot.com

That's (4) ways to enter, and (4) ways to win. Remember to leave a seperate comment for every thing you do. Otherwise, your entries won't be valid.


You have until next Friday, June 11th, by Midnight central time to enter.
I'll pick a winner then so don't forget to come back on Monday and see if you've won!

Whatever you want/need, CSN Stores are going to have it. Trust me!
Good luck! Hope to see you tomorrow here at Bloggeritaville!

Completley Coastal.

My friend Maya of Completely Coastal (it was destined) is having a great giveaway on her blog. Check it out and enter to win! And surf around her site. I think you'll LOVE it.
Happy Weekend!

"Bread" Basket Giveaway!

It's another giveaway here at Tales from Bloggeritaville.

This one is for a large sized fabric utility basket. I call it a "bread basket" because that is how I have used mine, though the possibilites are endless. They can be used for storage, for organization, etc.
The one I am giving away is a large size. The print is a yellowrod gingham print both inside and out (differing slightly from the photo) and is 100% cotton.

To enter the Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment on this post.

2. Leave an additional entry if you are a follower of Tales from Bloggeritaville blog

3. Leave an additional entry if you are a fan of Tales from Bloggeritaville facebook page.

I am also hosting a giveaway of a bread basket on the Tales from Bloggeritaville facebook fan page.
To enter the facebook giveaway, leave a comment under this giveaway post on facebook under facebook comments.

So be sure to check it out! You can enter both giveaways.
Anyone can enter. If you do not have a blog, please leave an email address so that if you win I can contact you.

Contest ends April 6th, with winner announced shortly thereafter.

Good Luck!

Vintage Jar with Initial Giveaway!

GIVEAWAY!

Thankyou to those that entered the Tales from Bloggeritaville (TfB) Gina Hurry notecard giveaway! The winner was announced the TfB FB page and that person was..........Jane, Artfully Graced! Congraulations, Jane! I will put these into the mail for you very soon.
Thank you  TfB FB fans for entering.

Today I am  hosting a new contest, this one is for everyone here at the Tales from Bloggeritaville blog.























I am giving away this vintage inspired glass container with YOUR custom cut monogrammed initial, courtesy of Jessica, Thoughts of a Bama Belle. I filled mine with wine corks, but you can fill yours with anything you want: shells, your secret candy stash, sugar, bathsalts,  etc...

I would love to know what you wouldput in your jar.

To enter....
1. Leave a comment on this post along with your initial, should you win.
2. Leave an additional entry if you are a follower of Tales from Bloggeritaville blog
3. Leave an additional entry if you are a fan of Tales from Bloggeritaville facebook page.

Anyone can enter. If you do not have a blog, please leave an email address so that if you win I can contact you.
Contest ends March 17, with winner announced shortly thereafter.

Good Luck!

The Gina Hurry Giveaway

One of my biggest forms of advice has always been, find what you love to do and make it your career.
Life is to short to be in a job that you are unhappy in. I am also a big fan, being one myself, of mothers. Most mothers are incredible jugglers, keeping a constant flow of motion in the cycle of commitments, obligations and responsibilites.  It can, at times be a thankless job, the on the job hours are a killer, but the rewards and benefits outweigh any amount of money that should come along with the job title.

I would like to introduce you to Gina Hurry. Gina Hurry is just one of those Mom's who juggle who has listened to the passion God put into her heart, the gift he gave her and she has made it her career. I don't know Gina personally, but I picked up one of her pieces of artwork recently and then read more about her, which inspired this giveaway.

Gina Hurry has loved and created art all of her life. She studied at Birmingham Southern College where she received a BA in painting. She has enjoyed many rich relationships with other artists who have influenced her life and work. She works from home -juggling a young family, and her painting .She resides in Birmingham with husband Tim, and their three children.

I wanted to let you all in on a giveaway. Today Tales from Bloggeritaville is hosting it's first Facebook giveaway. Future facebook giveaways may and may not be announced in future giveaways. Which is a benefit of being a FB follower.

The prize is a set of 6 notecards with envelopes designed by artist Gina Hurry.
The artwork is titled "White doves".

TO WIN:
1.Just leave a comment on the FACEBOOK Tales from Bloggeritaville giveaway post. (leaving a comment on this post will not grant you an entry, though I will appreciate it. I always enjoy your kind comments.)

2. You must be a TfB facebook fan to enter. (the facebook badge on my sidebar will direct you to the TfB page)

Giveaway entry ends on March 5th at 10PM CST. Winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Facebook Tales from Bloggeritaville page shortly thereafter.

I will be hosting a giveaway for Tales from Bloggeritaville website followers very very soon!

You can learn more about Gina's artwork by going to her website: http://ginahurry.com/

Encourgament, Blessings and Praise...and potentially a list of best and worst bathrooms.

I think I logged in over 1600 driving miles last week! Between trips to Florida and surrounding areas to trips to Mississippi in preparation for the estate sale and the sale itself. I feel confident enough to publish a brochure of the 10 best and worst places to stop for bathroom breaks in Alabama and Mississippi, though I won't.
In addition to those trips I also went to the University of Alabama with my son, "Bama" to run a few errands and turn in some things before he leaves for college on Friday of this week. Sister Sledge and J Smooth will return to school on Thursday of this week, with meet the teacher days dotting the upcoming week. It's been a busy few weeks! Can you believe that summer (as me and my kids know it) is already winding down? I really hate it, because aside from all the tattling and name calling, pushing and shoving, I do enjoy my kids being home. I really do.
Though I do get a chuckle from this commercial:



Today I was paid a visit by one a fellow blogger, who I like to call friend, Teresa of Grammy Girlfriend. Teresa left this comment, "Always love my stops at your blog....and the music makes me smile....Have a happy Sunday." It made me think, of the simple things in life that can offer smiles. Teresa gave me one today. I jumped over to her blog to let her know and came across a post she has written on Encouragement. She added another (updated) paragraph on her post because she didn't want to "come off as though she had it all". I had this to say back to her,

"Teresa, You are a person that always offers friendship and encouragement, but I don't think at all you come off as someone who is better than anyone (by thinking that they have it all together all the time). I think life and the situations in it are managed through faith and having a positive attitude. Sure, it isn't always obtained, for we all have moments where we are weak, for we are human, but after the pity party (and make it short) dust yourself off and get back in the saddle of life. I relate so much to you in the sentence " I do good in the Big Things...I do a little less than Great in the little things". That is so me. I get so frustrated at little things that sometimes set me off, such as someone who is rude and the big things I am a rock. I also think that through trails we grow as people and we grow in our faith and relationship with not only God but one another. It's through encouragement and support that our relationships deepen and strengthen. And in all those situations that are not good ones, we must stop and think...what is the ray of light in the darkness? Where is the rainbow? Make a positive from a negative.I find so much encouragement from your post...and you. Thanks friend!"

I receive so much encouragement from your visits here to Bloggeritaville. Yes, YOU, my friend, the very one reading this. I have shared this already, but it applies...there are times I feel like I am constantly running attempting to get things accomplished and coming up short. But when I sit down at my computer for a breather, I always find encouragement when I see that you have visited Bloggeritaville and took time to leave a comment or an email. It's like a hug. I feel guilt, as though I have come up short these days in spreading myself around but I promise that after next week, when all of my children are in school I hope to feel less like, (my mom's expression) for lack of a better comparison, "a turd in the toilet bowl". True, it's not a joyful image to conjure up, but life isn't always sugar coated, and often times these days I DO feel as though I am circling round and round just trying to stay afloat. LOL! And one has to laugh. In the grand scheme of things, I have little real worries, for God blesses me each day. I think it's important to stop, and listen. Be still and listen. And count our blessings.I think it is good to count our blessings everyday.

Speaking of counting blessings, I have a praise report..... (my children's friend) Garrett came through brain surgery wonderfully. Doctors are watching a little "something" but feel as though it is swelling. Thank you all for your prayers, and please continue to pray-for he still has a road ahead of him in healing and getting to full speed.

I want to thank my friend Jennifer, Dust Bunny Hostage for asking her readers to pray for Garrett. A prayer chain for Garrett...for where a link alone is weak, many together it is strong. Thank you, Jennifer for your friendship and constant example of christian love and acceptance. I am blessed for knowing you and honored to call you my friend.

I just thought I would publish a rare weekend post.
Just some thoughts I had to ramble off.

I do want to encourage you to visit Teresa's blog. Right now she is hosting her own giveaway, which is valued at over $100.00. And as if that isn't enough, she is also hosting a blog carnival of giveaways, but some very giving bloggers. All you have to do is visit Teresa's blog for details.

Be sure to come back tomorrow. I still have lots to say about the experiences that were made of all those driving miles. And there are many. LOL.
Wishing you a wonderful Sunday!
Praise God!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Thank you for joining in this week for the anniversary celebration. I feel so blessed int he friendships that I have made, the people I have chatted with, the places I travel, the things I learn, see and do...all thanks to you and your blogs! Your comments, which I refer to as roadmaps, have taken me to so many wonderful blogs. I feel so blessed to be a part of this world of blogging.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Winners of Lewa Designs:
1. Ally005 (bird)
2. Kelly Kelly (caterpillar)
3. Still Magnolia (caterpillar)
4. Jen of Dust Bunny Hostage (swirlybird+branch)
I will send you the design that Lewa chose for you.

See all of Lewa's Designs:
Lewa's Designs website (http://www.lewasdesigns.com/)
etsy shop (http://www.lewasdesigns.etsy.com/)
For Blogggeritaville Readers, Lewa is offering a discount in the store!
Just enter the coupon code:
lovinlewas
for 15% off any purchase

Winner of the Bath and Body Aromatherapy Orange and Ginger Boxed Gift Set
1. Bama Belle

Winner of the Bo Bice CD
1.Terri
Rock on Teri! You're gonna love it!


If the winners would please email me your addresses, I will get the gifts out ASAP. I am already behind on my trip to the post office (shout out to "Kirby") so I hope to get them all sent at once.

I love to give gifts. I just love making people happy. That's not to say that I don't love to get them too, because I love to. I love to win myself, which is why I am so happy for those that did win. I am so appreciative of everyone that entered. I wish you could all win. I really do.
I am the one who feels like the real winner. Thank you, for your time, your eagerness to "follow", your comments and your friendships. I couldn't be more sincere in saying that. Many thanks!!

I am posting my Foodie Friday over at my recipe blog, I hope you will click over and check it out as well as all of the Foodie Friday participants.

Leighlapooluza in Bloggeritaville

It is a week of celebration here at Tales from Bloggeritaville! I am celebrating my second anniversary of blogging with a party of sorts, a "Leighlapooluza 2009" . All this week I will be hosting giveaways, with winners announced on Friday July 24!
I want to take this opportunity to thank YOU for taking the time to drop by Bloggeritaville. It sincerely means alot to have your support and friendship. Had someone told me two years ago that I would have web friends, I would have laughed. I have discovered that bloggers are of a different bred. I couldn't be more touched at the support and friendships I have made. I anticipate daily the visits from my blogging friends to Bloggeritaville. I want to take this week to thank you for your support!

Sincere Thanks!
Leigh

Now onto the Giveaway.....

Lewa's Designs is vinyl wall art. And it's fabulous! Lewa's Designs is owned and operated by an elementary school teacher, Brittany Hughes, who is home with her baby right now. I LOVE to support moms in business!

Love these decals? You can win one! In celebration of Tales of Bloggeritaville Second Anniversary, Lewa Designs is kindly sponsoring a giveaway here in Bloggeritaville!

And there will not be only one winner of this giveaway.

Not two.

But three!

Three winners.

Two people will win a Caterpillar design and one person will win a swirly bird design.

The winners and items will be chosen by random.

To enter, leave a comment telling me what your favorite Lewa's Design is in the store, that's it!

You can get up to three additional entries by doing the following:

* Become or confirm that you are an existing Follower of Tales from Bloggeritaville

*Blog about this giveaway

*Put a Tales of Bloggeritaville Button on your sidebar

You will have to leave a seperate comment for each option should you decide to do additional entries.

See all of Lewa's Designs:

Lewa's Designs website (http://www.lewasdesigns.com/)

etsy shop (http://www.lewasdesigns.etsy.com/)

For Blogggeritaville Readers, Lewa is offering a discount in the store!

Just enter the coupon code:

lovinlewas

for 15% off any purchase

Good Luck! And thanks to Lewa Designs for sponsoring this giveaway.
Contest ends at 12 AM July 24th. Winners will be emailed shortly thereafter.

Related links: Alabama Bloggers

Giveaway! Spendervention! Time to be Thrifty!

By now I’m sure you’ve all seen the funny TJ Maxx Spendervention commercials on television (click here to watch the ad). It’s the one where a group of friends get together to convince their girlfriend that they’re spending too much money at designer boutiques when they could be getting the same or comparable items at a much lesser cost if they only shopped at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Believe me, I have personally given a few of those spenderventions with some of my less than thrifty friends. All it takes is a trip to TJ Maxx or Marshall's store for convincing.

Do you need convincing too?
According to TJ Maxx & Mashalls, here are 5 reasons why off-price is the way to shop:

Buying Power - Our merchandise strategy can be summed up in two words – opportunistic buying. While other retailers buy merchandise several times a year, our buyers travel to market over forty weeks a year, sourcing from 10,000 vendors in 60 countries. These wide and frequent market trips allow us to buy closer to need and be smarter about trends. Also, because we are making deals closer to need, we are in a good position to negotiate a better price with vendors, and pass those savings along to our customers.

Unbelievable Savings - Today more than ever our buyers can negotiate even better prices with vendors due to many factors: department stores planning their inventories much lower, overbuying and then canceling orders, or designers overproducing. All these things allow us to deliver the same merchandise sold in department stores, at the same time, at much lower prices to our customers.

Product Quality - At T.J. Maxx and Marshalls our values extend to the important partnerships we have with our vendors. The vast majority of our merchandise is sourced directly from top designers and manufacturers. Over 95% of merchandise at T.J Maxx and Marshalls is the same first quality items that you would find at a department or specialty store at the same time.

Fresh Merchandise - While department stores only receive new merchandise seasonally, our stores receive more than 10,000 new items each week. When you shop at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, you’re bound to find a new, differentiated selection of merchandise with every shopping experience.

No Sale, Ever - Our reputation has been built on offering our customers an ever-changing selection of brand name family apparel at great values every day. We know customers are bombarded with “sales” and savings messages all the time. We try to keep it simple for them by offering great values every day. There is no need to wait for a sale or clip coupons.
So if you’re looking for great items at an affordable price, check out TJ Maxx & Marshalls. Your wallet will thank you!

Those are all great reasons to shop! But let me show you around myself at what I found, including Speedo Goggles for a steal. FYI-My kids are on the swim team and we go through goggles. Speedo googles are great and I can purchase them at great prices-at of all places TJ Maxx!

I also purchased myself some tablescape wares. I am always inspired by the Tablescape ladies. They rock! They are bringing back family dining! I cannot wait to show you my glass serving dispenser that I purchased for less than $10.00!

WIN IT!
In celebration of my two year anniversary of blogging (the countdown is on, see the clock on my sidebar), and thanks to these fine stores I have a $25 gift card for Marshalls to give away to one lucky shopper!

To enter:
Just mention in comments before midnight, July 3rd your Spendervention story.
Or just leave a comment. I am easy. That’s it!
A random winner will be selected and notified via email shortly thereafter.
The winner will then have 3 days to claim their prize.
You need not have a blog to enter, but you do have to leave a way to contact you, such as an email address.

To earn extra entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra ticket but you must leave a separate comment for each one.

*Follow- Tales from Bloggeritaville
*Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here.
*Place my button in your sidebar.

Thanks and good luck!

Lewa's Designs

Lewa's Designs is vinyl wall art. And it's fabulous! Lewa's Designs is owned and operated by an elementary school teacher, Brittany Hughes, who is home with her baby right now. I LOVE to support moms in business!

Love these decals? You can win one! All you have to do is go here for details!

Did I mention that anyone with a blog can win? Yes! Everyone wins!

Hurry! Offer ends the beginning of June!

See all of Lewa's Designs:

Lewa's Designs website (www.lewasdesigns.com)

etsy shop (www.lewasdesigns.etsy.com)

Meets, Eats, Thrifty Treats...and Shutters.

Friday is a big day! Helena Bloggers are having a morning and evening get together! I am so excited to go and mingle with some of the greatest bloggers, many of who are or have become good friends (through blogging). If you are a Helena Blogger, and didn't get the memo, PLEASE email ASAP me so you can be included! (Jen,DBH/Honorable Helena blogger-drive on up)

After the Bloggers get together, is another great event.......let me preface this to say....I puffy heart Waffle House. It holds special memories of days of the past (my adolescence), and even days of the present (with family and their friends). There is a new Waffle House in my area that will be opening next week. But today, is a special friends and family day, open only to friends and family. I got a special invite! My cousin manages several area Waffle Houses so I made the list. Woot! Breakfast, or lunch-whatever the case, is on him! Yes......

Thursday afternoon I snapped away on my camera to get shots of the room redo.....and now the pictures have vaporized! J. Smooth is asleep in his room as I type this so I can't go in now and shoot more pictures....but DO check back later today. I will post the shutters and more projects from the room redo.

In the meantime, visit my friends who have some things going on over at their blogs:
Domestic Fashionista-Grand Openeing of her Etsy store! You can find details and enter her giveaway here...you can win an item from her Etsy shop...your choice!




You KNOW I love to thrift! SongbirdTiff is hosting a fun little thing at her place...."Good Stuff" Thursdays . Link up to posts showing the great bargains found over the course of the week. Bargains include, but are not limited to...
Thrift store finds
Shopping the house (re-purposing what you have, not buying new)
Great sale shopping (i.e. cheap or free stuff from retail stores)
Freecycle and Craigslist finds
Obviously, I havent gotten my post together yet for this SOngtiff's "Good Stuff"...I may have to wait for next week, but it IS forthcoming.

Be sure to visit these fun blogs! Tell them Leigh/Bloggeritaville sent you!

Until then,
May you eat pancakes! (wink)
(come back after lunch time for shutters...)
Leigh

Bloggeritaville Costume Contest!

October is here. And I love Halloween! I love the spooky decorations, I love scaring my friend High Mae with rats, and I love to tune into the Mornings news shows on Halloween Day to see the costume contest. So, I got to thinking......why not? Why can't we that have some Bloggeritaville fun by having a Bloggeritaville Costume Party?
Wah-ha-ha-ha!
Here’s how it will work:
From now until November 2nd, email me your best costume (s). You may enter each category, as often as you like. If you do not have a blog, you can still play, just be sure to leave your email address (Which I will not publish). And a link to your blog, if you have one.
Your costume entry can be a costume of years past or you may want to wait until Halloween night to enter. Photos must be sent as Jpeg's and may be excessively huge (big enough to clog my box). Pictures MUST be your own. You may not enter someone else's pictures or ones that might have been "borrowed" from the web or email source. You must own the rights to publish.
Photos must be in good taste. Nothing that will make me blush or embarrass your momma should she Google you and find you on the Internet. Be tasteful. Be respectful. Be courteous of your fellow bloggers.
On November 2nd & 3rd, all entries will be listed by category slideshow and a voting poll will be opened. Comments will dictate the favorite on the day the slideshow post. On November 4th I will announce the winner of each category.

Once the polls are opened, you may vote just once for each category.
Don’t forget to ask your friends to vote for you, too!

The winner in each category will receive a Bloggeritaville Prize-which is yet to be determined. But I am gonna make sure it's a goodie. I am hoping to get some business sponsorhsip on that one. If anyone is interested, let me know.

The categories are for the Halloween Costume Contest are as follows:

Best Child Costume
Best Adult Costume
Best Pet Costume

That’s it. Let me know if you have any questions! Good luck!
FYI: Voting does not start until November 2nd. Start sending in those pictures anytime.

Cornbread, "a Southern Treasure" *Contest*

We are unearthing a little treasure today. One that has been buried for just a special day such as this. And I have to say, that all this unearthing is dedicated to my friend Freddy Sanchez (guest poster today). He just got such a tickle (and still does) at my going to the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Remember? He had never heard of such a festival and loves to talk about it. Anyway, I thought it time to have a little fun and see what we can dig up.
Why not a giveaway? Cornbread Style! And lets make it interesting. Leave a comment telling me the craziest festival that you have been to. What you did there. Share pics if you've got them. If so, I will run them when I announce a giveaway winner.
Oh! That! What'll you win? Why a bag of goodies from the National Cornbread Festival. Items such as a pen, t-shirt (medium), cornbread mix, recipes and cookbook. It's a good 'un! So dig up your favo festival and let me hear about it. You all know I love a good festival.
I will pick a winner on Monday July 21st and announce here, on the island. Can't wait to hear your tales!