Friday, September 3, 2010

End of Summer Giveaway


Summer is drawing to a close for many of us.  And this holiday weekend the roads will be packed with people trying to squeeze those last sweet moments out of the season.



Just like the birds, we'll flock to the shore or the mountains, and savor each moment spent there with family and friends .



I'm a beach girl through and through, and although I don't bask in the sun the way I once did, I do love the carefree lifestyle that goes hand in hand with summertime.



Like shadows cast on the sand, I will move forward into autumn and the holidays with the knowledge that another year has passed.  And I think the fleeting nature of summer is what makes me love it all the more and look forward to it each year!

In honor of this last weekend of summer fun (for those of us in this hemisphere anyway), I thought I would host a little summer giveaway!



During my recent adventures I picked up a few things I thought some of you might enjoy.



Like this little sea urchin votive holder.



Or this embroidered starfish linen guest towel.



Of course who wouldn't love a cute little starfish spreader to use at your next beach themed party? (I bought one of these for myself!!)



And for one last taste of summer, a lemonade drink mix to enjoy!

I will be spending the weekend kayaking, visiting with my family, and savoring those last few days of summer bliss!  I also hope to find some time to return emails and respond to your wonderful comments!  And THANK YOU to those of you who follow me and have taken me to the 500 follower mark...I never thought I'd reach 100 much less 500, so you all continue to amaze and astound me!!!

To enter the Giveaway which is open to Everyone:

1.  Leave a comment telling me your favorite season and why.

2.  Leave a second comment letting me know you follow...whether you decide to become a new follower or have been hanging out here for awhile.

3.  For a third chance you can blog, tweet, or facebook the Giveaway and come back and leave a 3rd comment letting me know!  Thanks in advance to all who do this!

The Giveaway will be open until next Friday, September 10th at Midnight PST.  

Good luck, and I hope you have a happy and safe weekend!

Be sure to pop over to AtticMag for their Friday Giveaway Link Party!

 

149 comments:

  1. Good Morning Beautiful! hmm.... wish I could pick a favorite season, but I really don't have one. Enjoy all of the new changes, weather, plants, food, etc that each season brings. It's fun to get out there with my camera and experience everything!

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  2. Comment #2 - am a follower on fb and of the blog!

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  3. Whew! Comment #3 - am posting on our "Life's A Beach" group Facebook page for members to see! PS you really should join our group!

    love,
    Caron

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  4. Oh my gosh - that picture of the shorebirds took my breath away - fabulous! What a fun and lovely collection of gifts for a lucky winner - so count me in. I will be back to leave another comment later - I am a faithful follower - LOVE your blog!

    Vicki

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  5. I love fall. It is a time to reflect and be with those we love.

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  6. Found you on Facebook. Beach lovers' unite!

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  7. Reposting your contest through my profile on FB!

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  8. I love summer -- I love the feel of sand beneath my feet, the sound of the waves crashing, the smell of the salt air, and the warmth of the sun on my face (in moderation, of course)

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  9. I happily follow you - and look forward to every post ...

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  10. #2 -- I shared your link on my facebook page -- I know all my friends will love your blogs as much as I do ....

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  11. Aw, what a sweet giveaway! I would looove to win! :)

    My favorite season is definitely Summer! I love going on vacation, even if it's just going to the beach every weekend, wearing lighter clothing, being able to be outside more, and of course all the great foods that are in season!

    Seasidesmitten@aol.com

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  12. I already follow you! :)

    Seasidesmitten@aol.com

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  13. I love that sea urchin candle sooo sooo cute! My favorite season is winter! I love getting all bundled up and being able to wear my ugs again!

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  14. I love fall as well. The cool crisp days and the colors. Have you attended the Amish Produce Auction in Loveville? The fresh fruits and vegetables are beautiful and abundant. They are having a special auction on Saturday, September 25th that will feature smaller lots -- more for the household. Friends and I have been sharing some of the larger lots and canning for the first time. Supporting the local farmers and going for the more simple life makes you feel "green".

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  15. Hi Anonymous! Be sure to leave another comment so that I can contact you if you win the giveaway! And yes I have attended the Loveville auction, but not recently so thanks for the heads up on the one this Saturday! My family and I have been buying our veggies from the Mennonite and Amish communities since I was little, it's such a great resource to have in our community!

    Thanks again for telling me about this weekend's auction!

    Kat :)

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  16. I love Fall. It is a time to feel refreshed from the heat of summer and it is a time to have family and friends gather together!

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  17. Nope, not this weekend, September 25.

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  18. What a fun and sweet giveaway. I love your style so much! Fall is my favorite, because there is finally a break from humidity :)

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  19. I have been a follower for awhile and really enjoy your blog!

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  20. you take such good pics if you were not a beach lover you would be after seeing you pic's.....well anyways yes i am a follower and enjoy following!! just.plzzz@yahoo.com

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  21. I hope you have a super weekend, and enjoy your family. My favorite season has to be fall and spring. It is finally cool here in the desert and everything is blooming, lots of flowers that are all so pretty. Hugs, Marty

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  22. I like summer the best, because I can wear flip flops all summer long.

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  23. Fabulous giveaway. Yes, I am a follower. Love your blog. Hugs, Marty

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  24. I follow your blog through my google reader.

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  25. tuff i love we had all 4 seasons....as i get older i find i enjoy spring and fall so much more....

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  26. i was wondering what the green jar/bottle/container is....a drink container?

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  27. I have to tell you something, I cannot choose the season, because I really love watching the rebirth in the beginning of spring and everything opening up and the robin singing its sweet song, and then the graceful closing of fall with the beautiful vibrancy of colour before the starkness of winter sets in! Thanks for becoming my 80th follower on my blog... I think perhaps I will become your 501!!! Cheers

    Tracy
    www.goodgirlgoneaverage.blogspot.com

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  28. What charming things for your giveaway Kat! Thanks so much for linking up with Giveaway Friday. Hope you're feeling well and have a happy weekend. Jane F.

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  29. I love your images. Have a wonderful weekend. hugs♥olive

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  30. I don't have a favorite season..I love them all....In fall I love the color of the leaves,the smell of a fire,the cool nights & a great sweater..In winter I love a light fluffy snow while im in my pjs with a cup of hot chocolate,In summer I love the smell of fresh cut grass,a good rain & a charcoal grill..And in spring I love to see the leaves & flowers pop out & the sun finally out shining!!!

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  31. Would love to win! I love FALL!!! -the chill in the air and the beautiful colors!
    -Trish

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  32. My favorite season is almost upon us - fall! Love the crsip air - warm days and cool nights.

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  33. Summer is my favorite because of the beautiful flowers, sunshine and all the yummy fruits in season :)

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  34. I'm a fall gal - love the cooling temps after surviving another hot/humid summer, nighttime fires and long sleeves! lol

    I hope your life is calming down some.

    Allison
    Atticmag

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  35. I'm already a follower.

    Allison
    Atticmag

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  36. I love the sea too, although I'm a mountain girl through and through. I love the items of the giveaway!! Becky

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  37. Love the starfish spreader. I saw it in a store here in our area... would have bought it but it's a piece I never would have used. I've been back to the store since and *poof* they were all purchased and now most likely spreading their loveliness on someone's crackers.

    Di

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  38. Love the great beach pictures in this post...all the reasons why summer is my favorite season! Just hanging out at the waters edge at our lakehouse or going on the boat, everyday is a good one!! I'm hoping it lasts a little longer!!

    I'm a follower!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  39. You know I love everything to do with the sea! These beautiful things would be perfect for me! And I love summer time! It's my favorite season of the year...and I make it last as long as I can by spending most of the year in Florida! Enjoy your holiday weekend! Wish I was there! heehee! ♥

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  40. I have been hanging about for awhile! lol And I see you have 501 now! congrats! I love your blog! ♥

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  41. Oh, what I wouldn't give to spend this weekend at the beach!

    I love your giveaway items...of course!

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  42. I've been following a long time! Congrats on 500!

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  43. I have already won one of your awesome giveaways, so don't enter me. I just wanted to stop by and tell you how wonderful your photography is and how much you've grown with it since I first began reading you.
    ~ from a fellow beach girl, raised on the beaches of New Jersey

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  44. What a great giveaway Kat! Summer is my favorite season. It is a time for vacations and spending extra time with family and friends. It also means more time on the beach and in and on the water. I love the casualness of summer. I cling to summer as long as I can and lucky for me, I live in Florida so I am granted extra time which I take full advantage of!

    I hope you have a fabulous Labor Day weekend!

    ~ Tracy

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  45. I am and have been a follower for quite a while now! Congratulations on your 500 + followers!

    ~ Tracy

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  46. Hello Kat Love....!

    I hope you are well....hmmmmm....This is a HARD one for me....We are VERY spoilt down here in Australia with our mild Winters however, I LOATHE the darker months of this our coldest season....Autumn (Fall) makes me sad as the leaves fall from their once bushy boughs & while I DO ADORE Summer & the light filled days, I would have to say Spring is my FAVE season....The way the light changes, the fresh flowery smell on the breeze & the blossoming of the flowers make my heart sing as we move into the warmer months....Yes indeed Kat....Spring is a BEAUTIFUL season here in my part of the world & I LOVE it....!

    Have a GREAT weekend,
    Tamarah :o)

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  47. My favorite season is Spring. I love the feeling of anticipation and excitement I feel when I know that in just a little while, the snow will be gone and the ground will warm up. I love checked each day to see the first peeps from the crocus or Snow Drops. I love watching for leaves on the trees. I love the fresh earth smell from the ground and the sweet rain that helps to wash away the last of the dirty, salt-ridden snow. I love the feeling of new life and promise; the knowledge that no matter how hard of a winter it's been, grass and flowers and leaves and sun will all show their lovely faces again. These things help to keep me optimistic and positive about my own life as well, when I'm in my own winter season.

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  48. And yes, I'm a follower! Thanks for the opportunity to take part in this great giveaway.

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  49. I'm a follower and love the giveaway your offering.. thank you
    Sandy

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  50. My favorite season.. The Fall. I've lived in Snow, Heat, Desert, On the Beach,, but the Fall is the best time of the year for me.. With the falling leaves!
    Thanks so much for this wonderful giveaway.
    Sandy

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  51. Fall is my favorite!! I love the crisp, clean, cool air and fires in our fire pit. The beauty of all the changing colors and hot apple cider! YUM!!!!

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  52. I am a follower and I won't miss it for the world!! Thanks Kat!!

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  53. Kat, my favorite is spring when I know everything will be green and fresh with new growth again and warmer temps. Very nice giveaway.

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  54. You know I am a follower of your wonderful blog.

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  55. I like Fall.
    It isn't too hot or too cold (usually). I love the football games, the tailgating, the apple picking. I also love Thanksgiving.

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  56. I have been a follower for a bit now.

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  57. I love on a coast - the other one - and can't resist anything with a coastal look!

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  58. I'm going to a BBQ/40th bday party tomorrow and then off to the cottage for a few days :-)

    My favourite season has to be summer -- I love swimming & kayaking at the cottage, not having to wear boots & a coat & gloves every time I go outside, no shoveling snow....

    Enjoy your long weekend!!

    Kelly

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  59. Fall is my favorite season! As usual I'm enjoying your photos, especially that shot of the little shorebirds. That starfish spreader is particularly beautiful, what a great collection of coastal items you found. Thanks for the chance to win and I hope you have a nice relaxing Holiday Kat! ~Lili

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  60. Hi Kat, Spring is my favorite season. I love to see the flowers starting to bloom and the bulbs breaking through the ground. Have a great holiday weekend.
    xo, Sherry

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  61. Comment #1 I am a "Summer Girl" and I use the term girl loosely! LOL!!! I love the freedom of clothing, the ease to gather with friends, and the slower pace and the beauty of the beach!

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  62. Comment #2 - Yes, I'm a "Follower" and I'm new to blogging, and I'm having a blast!

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  63. Comment #3 - I added your "Give Away" to the bottom of my most recent post! Check it out and enjoy!

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  64. Oh I just love everything in this giveaway! Thanks so much for having it-count me in!

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  65. I've been a follower for awhile now and will continue to follow you-love your blog!

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  66. I posted about your giveaway on my blog! I also want to say I love the picture of the shore birds-wonderful!

    Have a wonderful weekend kayaking and being with your family!!

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  67. i am a follower. thank you for the chance to win.

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  68. I like fall the best. I like the cool breezes and the leaves falling.My allergies are better and I can get more out door exercise because I am not too hot.I actually love all the seasons very much
    jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

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  69. I am a follower of your blog my dear
    jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

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  70. http://twitter.com/meeyeehere/status/22983716668
    I tweeted
    jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

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  71. Summer is my favorite season. I love to see all my friends. I travel more in the summer. I get to see my grand kids because they are out of school. I like having a cup of coffee outside in the morning. I love being outside - going to the beach or to someone's pool. It's a relaxing time and slower paced. I love summer.

    clenna at aol dot com

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  72. I'm already a follower

    clenna at aol dot com

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  73. I FB your giveaway
    username: Clenna Lyons Emery

    clenna at aol dot com

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  74. I have been a follower for a while..love your blog:-)

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  75. I love the summers in Seattle, maybe because its short and simply divine!!

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  76. Like minds I guess Kat. I find that fall is by far my favorite season but I was up bright and early this morning to head over to what we call the Big Lake (Lake Michigan) to enjoy the change in the seasons. Earlier last week the temps were in the 90's and the sun was out in full summer fun. Today there are heavy fall clouds and the winds are blowing the water over the top of the lighthouse and the temps are in the 60's.

    Your pictures of the last breath of summer are beautiful, thank you so much for sharing your part of the country.

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  77. Your giveaway is a beautiful toast to the end of summer. I too am a follower of your blog.

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  78. I like the fall because of the light, the fall leaves, the crisp morning and very warm afternoons.
    Kindly,
    Chris
    treehouse.queen18(atyahoo.com)

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  79. I am a new follower on GFC although I have been reading and enjoying your blog for several months.
    Kindly,
    Chris
    treehouse.queen18(atyahoodotcom)

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  80. I am torn on my favorite season.

    I love summer because of the weather, the fun times that come along with it, the overall feeling, and the fact that its my brthday season.

    I love fall because of FOOTBALL!!, the weather (im starting to like cool and crisp weather more), the smells, and the holidays.... So Im torn

    Summer or Fall... Waht to choose

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  81. Gosh, it is soo hard to pick my very favorite season...... Since the beach/ocean is fantastic at any season, I guess I will have to say Spring! I love the fresh crispness of a March morning at the coast~

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  82. Comment #2 - I am DEFINITELY a follower of your blog! I simple LOVE it!

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  83. I love fall the best of all. The smell of burning leaves reminds me of my childhood.

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  84. I was a lurker. But just now became a follower. I always enjoy your posts.

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  85. I blogged about it
    http://thanksforthatinfo.blogspot.com/2010/09/can-you-kindly-get-off-my-chest-oh-and.html

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  86. I love fall! I love the weather, the trees changing colors, and it is almost winter which is my second favorite season

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  87. My favorite season is Spring. I love the weather and seeing all the flowers bloom!

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  88. I'm a new follower! =]

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  89. I think probably my favorite season is springtime. That is when we get the prettiest flowers here. And spring is fleeting, as is fall, in this climate. I would follow you to the ends of the earth!
    Brenda

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  90. I really love the Fall because the weather is nice and relaxing, and I can sit outside and read and not freeze or start sweating!

    Lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

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  91. I'm a follower and leaving my comment. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your gift giveaway. Please enter me.

    I'm so excited for Fall, but alittle sad to see summer go. Its always mixed emotions for me.

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  92. My favorite season is fall. It's my birthday month and anniversary month. Its the time of year when all the leaves show their excitement by lighting up the skies. I'm so very happy fall is in the air.

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  93. Oh, and I'm a follower. So please enter me.

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  94. Your pictures are so interesting and inviting! It makes me want to go to the beach...now! Even though my favorite season is Spring, I do adore Fall and the feel of Fall in the air.

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  95. I left a comment on my twitter https://twitter.com/countrycharisma

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  96. I love the summer and it always makes me sad when it comes to an end - sniff, sniff.

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  97. My favorite time? Just about now..., late summer. I want to have this kind of temperature last forever!!!

    Kat, what great giveaway! I'd be super happy to win any of these items -thanks!!!!

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  98. I love Summer the best...flip-flops, tank tops and skirts are my favorite thing to wear. I'm getting sad that Fall is coming and I have to put my fave outfit away!

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  99. I tweeted about it here: http://twitter.com/soalaurable/status/23160283023

    Thanks!

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  100. I love each season for a different reason...Fall because it brings the football season- Go N.D. Irish! The leaves vibrant fall colors. The smell of pumpkin pie baking in the oven. Winter because I love Christmas! A cozy fire in the fireplace and time spent with family and friends. Spring because everything starts anew. And summer, of course the beach and visiting the coast on a lazy summer day!Flip flops, t-shirs and shorts- easy, breezy!

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  101. Comment 2...been following for awhile. Just started my own blog today (live by the sun, luv by the moon). It's a bit intimidating with all of you out there who are so good at it. Thanks for inspiring me!

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  102. My favorite season is fall! I even had a fall themed wedding! haha! Though I am definatetly stating to like the end of summer as well! We go to the beach next week and its a yearly thing! I love it!
    jenn14_85 at yahoo dot com

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  103. I have been a follower for a little while! Loving your blog!!

    jenn14_85 at yahoo dot com

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  104. Tweeted about the giveaway!!!
    http://twitter.com/jennjp0518/status/23188547642

    jenn14_85 at yahoo dot com

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  105. Hi Kat! What an adorable summery giveaway! Thank you for thinking of all of us while you were on vacation, sweetie! I've been a happy follower of yours for quite some time, and can always find some wonderful beachy-ness here. Luv that! I too must just tuck another beautiful Michigan summer in my back pocket..........and start counting the days til I can head to Florida in the spring for vacation! lol!

    xoxo laurie@heavens-walk

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  106. Ooops! I did #2 first! Sorry! lol! You can probably guess my favorite season. Summer all the way --- with it's abundant sunshine, fragrant flowers, flip flops and beach towels, blueberries and raspberries, sand between my toes and curtains fluttering in the breeze. Such a blessing....!

    xoxo laurie@heavens-walk

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  107. Love all the seasons but Fall is probably my favorite....mild weather, football games, changing of leaves! Sigh!!!!

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  108. Oh Yes, I am a follower... can't wait to read your posts! Just delightful!

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  109. Hi Kat!
    I'm not sure
    I have a favorite
    season, anymore...
    They all seem to
    be so fleeting ~
    and each has it's
    many attributes.
    I'm not ready to
    let the summer go.
    But, I do love the
    autumn.....and the
    winter....and the
    spring....Nature
    gives the best gifts,
    in all of their
    forms!
    xx Suzanne

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  110. You are one of
    the first that
    I followed, last
    spring : ) and
    also the first
    giveaway that I
    ever won! Here's
    hoping that good
    luck strikes me
    twice....
    xx Suzanne
    PS: Hope things
    have settled down
    at your house and
    that you had a wonderful
    holiday weekend!

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  111. Fall is definitely my favorite and we got a taste of the cooler weather this weekend in Michigan. Perfect for cider and donuts.

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  112. Spring & Summer are my favorite seasons--spring because it offers hope of green, flowers, windows wide open, fresh peas & rhubarb, gentle rains, and lengthening days; summer is the fulfillment of spring--lush produce, berries for the picking, ocean breezes, winds whispering in the pines, being outdoors, and sunlight, oh so much sunlight. Did I mention casual outdoor entertaining?

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  113. I am a new follower via GFC at the suggestion of Ocean Breezes & Country Sneezes blog. Look forward to reading your blog.

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  114. Tweeted your fun, sea-themed giveaway: http://twitter.com/cspod/statuses/23254944661

    Thanks!

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  115. Just wanted to say thanks for being my "first". I love the beach pictures along with the quotes. I adore the tiny sandpipers. They are one of my favorites to photograph at the beach.

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  116. l love spring, nature is waking up and full of love
    galyettina*at*yahoo_dot_com

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  117. Kat,
    I'm a old follower...as you already know:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  118. Spring...love how everything starts turning GREEN again and the temps are in the 70's!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  119. Hi Kat..
    am a follower..
    and have been for quite some time now!!
    warm sandy hugs..
    Loui♥

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  120. Fall is definitely my favorite season here in Connecticut. The leaves, apple picking, cool evenings, pumpkins, gourds, etc. Oh, and apple cider...I just love Hot Apple Cider.

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  121. Kat..
    Favorite season..
    depending on where I happen to be..
    I love Spring in the South..
    but it rapidly turns to summer..
    but then being a beachy girl..
    gotta love summer!
    warm sandy hugs..
    Loui♥

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  122. I am a new follower and very happy to have found your blog!

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  123. My favorite season is summertime. I live in the snowbelt and hate the amount of snow we get. Sunshine is my daily dose of medicine.

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  124. I am also a new follower and too am glad to have found you. Your photographs are terrific!

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  125. I have two-fall and winter. Where I live, the change from summer to fall is welcomed-it's a relief from the summer heat and humidity.

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  126. I'm following you now, too! Happened to come over from Chronicles of a Country Girl-glad I did!

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  127. I just shared on FB, too!

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  128. I love summer, the long days, time in the yard, time on the beach and feel of the sun .... ahhhh ! Sorry to see it go !

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  129. I love the beach photos...can not wait for summer!!!

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