Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Faster I Go, The Behinder I Get and A Giveaway


I can scarcely believe it's been almost a week since my last post...time flies when you're feeling ill...actually it just kind of drags on when you realize how many things are piling up as you huddle in bed!  My title is a quote from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, and it perfectly describes my life at the moment!  You all were so sweet to leave me wonderful comments about my blog anniversary, and send me well wishes as I muddled through the virus I had, and when I was feeling better and finally sat down to try and return emails and answer comments, I realized how very far behind I am on absolutely everything right now!

So instead of becoming overwhelmed, I'm doing what I said I should do, I'm moving forward and tackling what I can and letting go of the rest.  Which reminds me of another great quote from wise Mr. Carroll... "Alice generally gave herself good advice (though she very seldom followed it)."  This time I'm following my own good advice which was Tip #5 from my recent post on blogging!  See, you can teach an old dog new tricks!



I truly did appreciate each and every comment and email and if I could clone myself I would reply personally to every single one of them, but a stack of work emails and deadlines has me busier than a one armed paper hanger right now.

If you could see the Christmas tree still standing in my family room (sans ornaments at least), the holiday decor stacked on my dining room table waiting to be put away, the dust Velociraptors (oh they've grown way past cute bunnies) that litter my floors, and the empty pantry that cries Mother Hubbard's Cupboard each time I open it, you'd understand!



I did however manage to make it out of my house yesterday and today.  Last night I took homemade chili over to my friend Ms. M, and we had dinner with her.  She is doing great and because she's housebound and reliant on the help she has hired, she was thrilled to have a little extra company and one of her favorite meals.  Then today I met a realtor at my parent's house.  We are so very close to getting it on the market, and we hope to finish up the final details before the end of the month!


On my way home tonight, I decided to pop into a few of my favorite stores since I feel like I've been out of the loop for so long now.  I know I should have headed to the grocery store, but it was 4:30 and that meant that everyone and their brother was shopping after work and in preparation of the ice storm we might be getting so I decided we could subsist on what's in the freezer for a few more days...English muffins aren't just for breakfast right?!

I first stopped at Cecil's Country Store, but they had wisely closed down early since it was starting to sleet.  So I drove to another favorite, Lola Belle Co. in Leonardtown and picked up a few things to use as a giveaway.  It's my way of saying thank you for understanding, being supportive, and well, for just being you!



By the time I reached the store the temperature had dropped significantly and the roads were starting to get slippery so I immediately gravitated toward anything that reminded me of spring or summer.  You can tell by my photos that I was craving a little pop of color in everything I purchased, probably because it's been so bleak and colorless outside.

After milling about in the store, I got a phone call from Mr. Tide telling me that I should really head home since he almost fell on our back patio.  So I gathered up my treasures and then jumped in my car to head home before the roads got really bad.



So here is my spring/summer wishes giveaway.  A little mercury glass birdie in pale green to remind you that springtime and birds chirping are just around the corner.  A Village Candle called Summer Breeze, because I could use one right about now!  A bright floral hand towel that ironically is made by Dena Fishbein, whose house I wrote about in Romantic Country Magazine, and I didn't even notice that until I got home...such a small world!  Some lavender bath salts from PRE de Provence, because lavender is soothing no matter what the season.  And last but not least, a bracelet made from shells to remind you that beach weather will be upon those of us in the northern hemisphere before we know it!

This little group of goodies is my way of sending a little springtime and sunshine your way along with a great big hug of thanks!

In order to enter, and because I know you all are just as crazy busy as I am, all you need to do is leave me a comment telling me whatever you like.  Yup, you can say "hi" or maybe tell me what the weather is like in your neck of the woods today, it's up to you!

The Giveaway is open to everyone, and will end on Tuesday, January 18th, at Midnight PST.

67 comments:

  1. I'm glad to hear that you're feeling a bit better!
    Up (and over!) here we're in the middle of a big snow storm. I'm ready to stay home tomorrow, so I'm just snuggling in for the duration.
    Your little display is a shot of summer - just looking at the photo is a win!

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  2. Fantastic! Another great word - 'the behinder I get'. I'm going to add that to the 'upchuck' bit of my vocabulary that Missing Goat taught me! X

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  3. Hi! After hobbling around the grocery stores today (3 different ones), I'm home with the groceries put away, a lovely bowl of hot chilli in my tummy, and house hunting shows on the telly. Time to put my feet up! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  4. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Such a nice giveaway. I love the little mercury glass bird - so cute.

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  5. OH what fun goodies...I'd love a touch of spring right now!! XO

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  6. Oh, Kat, you made me smile...my Mom had this on a little plaque by our phone when I was growing up. I believe it is a quote from Peg Bracken, who penned the favorite sixties classic "Tthe I Hate to Cook" cookbook. Glad to hear you feeling better. Happy New Year!

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  7. Kat,
    Lovely giveaway! Glad you are feeling better! Count me in!

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  8. I'm glad you are feeling better! And it looks like you went shopping for me...all of my favorite things, lavender, a shell bracelet, a bird...hhhmmmm...everything that I love! Please enter me! Stay warm and enjoy the rest of the week! ♥ And take me shopping with you next time! ♥

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  9. Hi! so glad you are feeling better. And how thoughtful of you to think of us. I love your blog and the pics of your beautiful home! I love birds and when I saw the little bird in your giveaway I knew I had to enter! Hugs.

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  10. So glad you are feeling better. Letting go of tasks is never easy but just do it anyway. ♥O

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  11. Hi!
    A nice kiss of summer in the dead of winter!
    I'm in Northwestern NJ, we're getting another snowstorm, and Spring can't get here fast enough!
    I love all of your selections..The lucky winner is in for a treat!
    Think Bluebirds (or green birds) and ocean breezes!

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  12. I'm glad you're feeling a little bit better. Just no fun at all being sick and knowing that there are things around the house you want to get done.

    Love that little bird and how nice of you to be doing a giveaway when you are not feeling well.

    Please throw my fuzzy winter hat into the giveway pile for the drawing.

    Di

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  13. Glad you're feeling some better and you managed to get out of the house for a bit.

    Happy New Year!

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  14. Hi, just took my doggies outside for the last time and it is still snowing in Rockville, MD. I don't think we have much more than an inch or so. Hoping I win your great prizes.

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  15. Now that's a real trooper to venture out shopping when the roads are fast becoming slippery! Glad you're feeling better.
    One of the few perks of winter is the excuse to make homemade chili! How sweet for you to share with your neighbor. I'm sure she felt the warmth from more than just the food.
    Debbie

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  16. I'm pleased to hear that you are over the worst of it. Do take care of yourselves, though. You are wise not to overwhelm yourself. Just do what you can and find a bit of time to rest. We are getting more snow tonight, but that is pretty normal for us, on and off all winter long. I find it so fascinating to watch the news and read blog stories of those of you in areas not used to snow and ice.

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  17. glad you are beginning to feel better :) i am super excited for this lovely giveaway!

    hope you have a great week!

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  18. Lovely (and humorous) post. "Moving forward, tackling what you can, and letting go of the rest"--what great words to live by. Glad you are feeling better.

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  19. So glad you are feeling better. It's cold here in Reno, but no snow today! Watch that icy deck ... it is when you are so close to the house that you let your guard down!

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  20. I love, love the towel (go figure!) and am so glad you are feeling better! Lyla

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  21. Hey Kat, glad you're feeling better and got some fresh air. We are supposed to be getting about 15 cm (6in) over the next 4 or 5 days but as we've been virtually snow free so far, I guess its easy to accept. I figure there's only about 2 or 2 1/2 months of winter left so that's not so bad. Take care- have a nice hot tea with a teaspoon of honey and you'll feel alot better. Say hi to Mr. Tide for me and best regards to the kids.

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  22. I am so glad that you are taking your advice, we are only human and we all understand! I am so glad that you were able to get out and get back home safely! Ice storms are horrible! What a beautiful giveaway and how wonderful that it is full of spring and summer. Happy anniversary and thank YOU for taking time for us! :)

    Hugs to you!!

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  23. Glad to hear you are doing better now. What a wonderful giveaway. Everyone can use a bit of Spring that's for sure :) Everything is so sweet!!

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  24. oh you women and changing your looks on your blogs!! i had to see who i was admiring,i didn't see any cute pups so i looked again...was you! well is snowing in Pa finally and i am now ready to win something springish/summerish.....so put me in Kat!!!

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  25. Oh kat, i I was away and didn't know you were ill. Glad you are feeling better. Hope the storm in your area is not too bad.

    We all need to think spring right now.

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  26. Hi Kat, I know you have been swamped lately! How sweet of you to go shopping for one of us. I love that you are already thinking of Spring and your giveaway is perfect for these Winter blues.
    Will I see you at Chartreuse on 1/21?
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  27. Sometimes it feels like my whole life is in a constant state of "behinder", but you know the famous poster "Keep Calm And Carry On" !!

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  28. Glad that you are feeling better! Stay warm and hope the weather improves for you guys.

    And I must say, the little green bird is adorable!

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  29. I was just popping over to let you know I will e-mail you back soon but I have just been so swamped and then read your post and realized you more than understand - haha! Anyway, will try to get back to you soon. Great giveaway, by the way! Definitely makes me ready for spring!

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  30. I'm so glad I've rabbit-trailed my way to your blog! Photos of your kitchen redo have inspired me to get moving on some projects here. Thanks for thoughts of spring and beaches!

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  31. Hey Sweet Kat! So glad
    that you are better. I
    have finally turned the
    corner on my virus, too...
    ugh and double ugh, be gone
    darn sickness!! Don't jump
    in with too much, too soon.
    I know you....! LOVE your
    giveaway goodies. Nothing
    perks a girl up like some
    new pretties : ) Stay well,
    my friend!
    xx Suzanne

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  32. We've had the nasty crud at our house too Kat, its a real January downer. I'm glad you're up and running again and stay safe with the weather headed your way today.

    Your giveaway is filled with spring and just a refreshing January pick me up. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  33. Glad you're feeling better. Your giveaway is so nice. I love the little mercury glass bird.

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  34. So glad you are feeling better! We have about 7 inches of snow here in Bucks County, PA this morning. The beautiful mercury glass bird reminds me of all the hungry little ones fluttering around my bird feeder right now! Your giveaway items are just beautiful - thanks so much for the chance to win!

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  35. So glad you are feeling better Kat and what a sweet friend you are to those around you. Don't worry about those Velociraptors. They'll be extinct in no time :)

    -Rene

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  36. Spring is just 66 short days away so why with 8-10" of white stuff here in NE Ohio does it seem so very far away?

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  37. This is a great giveaway. I love the bracelet!I think the snow is pretty but I am so ready for warmer weather. So glad that you are feeling better.

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  38. The weather is chilly here in Venice, FL. Highs in the 50's today and freeze warnings tonight!

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  39. Well, glad to hear you are feeling better, that was some virus! And we are buried in snow today - it's beautiful but also a nuisance!

    Stay warm!

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  40. Love the little bird! Glad you are feeling better. Take care today.

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  41. So glad you're feeling better Kat! That mercury glass birdie and the shell bracelet are my favorites. I have never seen a shell bracelet before! You really know how to shop for things that lift the spirit and help transport us into a little pre-spring fantasy land. As the winter surely is just getting started around here! Gorgeous Kat, and I hope when you start to become overwhelmed with returning emails or comments that you can somehow find a way to just let it go! We will all surely understand you know, beautiful blogs like yours just don't create themselves and you always give us so much to enjoy here. xoxo ~Lili

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  42. I'm so glad you are on the mend - it takes awhile to get the energy back, though, doesn't it.

    Thanks for the givewaway - they're lovely.

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  43. though you're busy, you've managed to gather these thoughtful spring/summer collection for your readers :) thanks! i love floral, lavender, bath salts (or scrubs!). i find the bracelet & bird as adorable, i love cute stuff! :)
    i follow you via gfc. pringlespalo(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. Glad to see you are up and about. Thanks for the chance to win. I like the shell bracelet!

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  45. Very pretty, but I am not entering ~ just stopping by to say hello and glad to see you're out and about on the roads. I won one of your beautiful giveaways about a year ago and I would feel bad if someone else didn't have the chance to win.
    We have snow here! But you already knew that ~~

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  46. I don't think I have ever commented on your blog, but I do read and enjoy it. Thank you. Your give-a-away is very nice and summery. I am so ready for summer and Sanibel. We have cold and snow here in MO this week.

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  47. Hi there from very snowy upstate NY! I love your Spring-y giveaway! And I could definitely use a bit of Spring today!

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  48. I'm glad you're feeling better! And don't worry, my Christmas tree is still up too. (Also sans ornaments)

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  49. If I tell you that Florida is the only state that doesn't have snow today will it make me ineligible for your giveaway? Hah! It is cold, however, does that count? Too cold to go to the beach, which means I'm suffering from the winter blues and that doesn't happen around here to often.

    Glad to hear you're feeling better, my bug is still lingering around, not enough to keep me in bed, but enough to be annoying.

    Now I'm just lovin' that shell bracelet, I've never seen one like it before and I love chunky bracelets and only wear shell jewelry for the most part.

    I'm going to be waiting to see what your reps say about the state shell, I'm depending on you now. I'm on a mission!

    Stay warm, put on fuzzy slippers and sip on a nice cup of tea. Don't go out in that white stuff!!!!!!!

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  50. Hi Kat!
    Darn it's hard to be sick and have to worry about what's not getting done! I'm so glad that you are feeling better.

    I love all of your pretties and that shell bracelet is adorable.

    Stay warm and cozy and get better.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  51. Great Finds! Trying to stay warm here in Missouri-
    Snow on the ground and wind whistling outside- Soon, hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies inside!

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  52. The items you choose are awesome - just reading why you bought them made me feel so serene. Then I played some of the songs on your playlist - I loved them. I was in such a tranquil mood. Thank you so much.

    clenna at aol dot com

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  53. Can you take a bath with a puppy so as to keep my eyes on him at all times. Oh what the heck, I will crate him and take a relaxing bath alone.

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  54. Hi Kat! What a wonderful giveaway! The items all conjure up spring and summer! I wish spring and summer were here right now-LOL! Thanks!

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  55. I seem to be reading posts backwards! I'm glad you are feeling better...although shopping when it is sleeting instead of going home? Maybe you still aren't thinking quite clearly? Love the giveaway items...the bird is really cute.

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  56. What a nice giveaway! Keeping my fingers crossed...
    tshaw6580@yahoo.com

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  57. Kelly J/Hunters HillJanuary 13, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    Kat I am glad to hear you are doing better! That glazing of ice was something else the other day, like walking on marbles in the gravel driveway the following morning. I LOVE your touches of color in this post and the more recent one. That shell bracelet and beach scented candle could help anyone feel like summer is not far away - my favorite season !

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  58. Hello Kat,

    I am glad to hear you are starting to feel better. It is wonderful that hubby was able to help you out. I am dreaming of spring and even summer. What a great collection you have put together for a giveaway! Today it was 35 degrees here on the west coast of Florida. Definitely not to my liking!

    ~ Tracy

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  59. beautiful giveaway. I have to admit that winter is my favorite season, but the thought of spring does make my heart beat faster. Thank you for the reminder that it's on its way (and for the chance to win!)

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  60. Glad you are feeling better and how kind of ya to do a drawing. Please enter me in and PLEASE SPRING COME SOON!!!

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  61. What a beautiful give-away - each item so gorgeous and summery! Thanks for the chance to be included in the draw. ;)Sharyne

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  62. Honey, I am ready for spring too. I move from Ohio and the snow follows me:) Hope you are feeling better. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  63. Just found your blog. I love the shell bracelet. I must go read more posts.....

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  64. Hi Kat-
    What a great Spring giveaway-
    I am glad you are on the mend.
    I would love to participate-

    Laura

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