Monday, February 2, 2015

Blogging Anniversary and Giveaway

Sheep on the Askrigg Common

Today I realized that on the 28th of January, I had been blogging for five (yes, FIVE) years. How does this happen?? Anyway, I thought it would be a great time to hold another Giveaway of my handcrafted, vegan soap for all my lovely followers. Check out the easy instructions below the post, which happens to be a copy of my very first blog post, published on January 28, 2010.

***

"Okay, this is it. I've been lurking long enough and it's time to step into the wide, wide world of blogging. It's a pretty steep learning curve, but I'm told that it's best to just jump in, which is against my nature, and learn as I go along. I'm trying to get this posted so I can let myself watch Mystery tonight on PBS and get ready for the weekend at our son's home - our first 'overnighter.' We're looking forward to seeing the grandkids and having breakfast with the fam on Saturday morning!


In case anyone wants to know, my favorite little sheep is a cross between a Scottish Blackface and Yorkshire. We met these delightful creatures in the Yorkshire Dales a few years ago. I never tire of looking at the darling little face which, I'm sure you've noticed, carries a sweet smile.

I wonder if I'll clean off my desk before we leave for the weekend. It's always such a dilemma: clean off the desk and never find anything again OR don't clean the desk, know where everything is, and have the mess staring at me. Worst of all, when my desk is piled high with papers and books, I can't view my Tube Map of London which is under my glass desktop. How will I know if it's Bakerloo or Circle and District that runs from Picadilly to Elephant and Castle.

Speaking of order, having lost the rabbies vaccination certificate on Bridger, my big German Shepherd, I had to pay for a duplicate so we could get a dog license again. Why, oh why, my husband asked, is your file labeled 'Vet Bills' under the D tab? What a stupid question. It's under D for dogs, of course. Where else would you expect to find it?? I could have been more specific, I suppose, and put it under B for Bridger. Alas, I was probably in a hurry and filed the rabbies vaccination paper under something like Vaccination or Health or maybe even Miscellaneous. I don't know. It was definitely worth the $3 to get another certificate from the vet clinic and not have to spend the entire day looking for the thing. They FAXed one to me immediately. Isn't technology wonderful!"

***

Note added February 2:  Upon re-reading this blog post, I am reminded how some things never change. You know what they say about old dogs.


 Why didn't I brush her before taking this shot?
Because as soon as she sees a brush, she falls into her 
'I'm being tortured' pose.

***

On to the Giveaway

THREE of my sweet blog followers are each going to receive two of my natural, handcrafted vegan soaps. Check out HomemadeSoapnSuch.com or HomemadeSoapnSuch.Etsy.com.  Then come back here, leave a comment on THIS POST with the name of the two different soaps you'd like if you're one of the three winners. Giveaway entries close on Friday, February 6, at 10 PM CST. Giveaway winners will be announced on Saturday's (February 7) Cranberry Morning blog post. 

Thanks, friends. I hope you all have a wonderful week.


***

Check out my natural, handcrafted vegan soap!
Buy any 5 or more, Get 1 FREE

Downton Abbey Celebration

Country Gentleman
Highland Tweed
English Rose
Lady Mary

...and more! Check out all my handcrafted soaps at


This post is linked to


61 comments:

J_on_tour said...

Congratulations on your blogging anniversary, Think I've been following you for at least four of those years as I'm a few months behind you.
What an opportunity for me to thank you for a blog that is homely, engaging, conversational, has depth and is humorous.
Can't believe I'm one of the first here instead of one of the last !!

Arlene G said...

Downton Abbey Lady Mary and Orange Spice...I had to do that first or I would forget judy!! Congrats on the five year mark in blogging. I always enjoy your posts and you are so generous to do a give away!!

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

Congratulations! I think my 5 years is in October, doesn't seem like it, does it?

You know I always love your giveaway's. Count me in! If I win, I would choose Cinnamon Stick and (I'm so happy to say this next one!) Sweet Baby Calendula.

Unknown said...

Congratulations!!!! I would love to try the strawberry soap and the lady mary soap. What a great idea with the downton abby theme !

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

How Marvellous to have been blogging this long. Congratulation on this milestone. Your soaps look lovely and I will join in the fun and tell you I like lady Mary and Cinnamon Stick. My birthday is the 7 February so you never know I might be fortunate to win. Thanks for your generosity.. Have great week.

Linda said...

Congrats on your Blogversy!!! We have a German Shep and he lovessssss to be brushed, I actually think he thinks he is some sort of prince! (gigging)

Oh your soaps look so pretty! I'll join in on the fun as well...let's see...English Rose and Lady Mary. (although she is annoying me, lol)

Blessings to you.

Debbie said...

Good morning! Yes, it goes pretty fast. I've been blogging almost 6 years now! I would love to try Downton Abbey, Lady Mary or Rose Soap, English Rose. Truthfully this was a hard decision as there are a couple others that I'd love to try too, lol. Anyway, thanks for the opportunity. Soo exciting. Have a wonderful day!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Wow! 5 Years! You have one of my most favorite blogs...I love your photos of the countryside where you live. And your hodgepodge is always a lot of fun. AND I love your soap. I know I shouldn't enter but you know I will! haha! I would choose Lady Mary's soap and the lemongrass! Happy Monday my friend! Hugs, Diane

Sara - Villa Emilia said...

Hello Judy,
and thank you for your beautiful blog!
Oh, I really would love to win in your giveaway! All your soaps look gorgeous (and "no animal products" is a great thing), but let's say...Lavender Bud and Woodland Flowers!

MadSnapper said...

Happy blogaversary... great Idea to re post.. how time flies. Bridger looks adorable no matter the brush or not. i love that sheep, is he one of the prizes? LOL
my choice would be coconut lime and Lemon verbena.



when i saw this i thought i wonder what foolishness I posted my first post and popped over to see it. i might just repost it. the only comments were from 2 friends... and i did not post again for post another for 10 months.

Donna said...

Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! I adore your soap, so I would be thrilled to win. My blogging anniversary came and went with no fanfare this year, but my blog passed the seven year milestone on January 1. Blogging opens up a whole new world of friends, so it is definitely a blessing.

I had to laugh about your filing methods. As organized as I am, I detest filing. It just seems like such a worthless exercise with little payback. Rarely do I ever need to dip into files to retrieve something, and if I do, it is something that is recent. So I adopted several years ago a very simplified filing system. It's called a "pile." One single pile. And I go through it once a year to shred what I no longer need. What needs to be kept goes on the bottom of the new pile. Haha!

Pamela Gordon said...

Yay for 5 years of blogging. I really enjoy visiting here Judy. I could almost eat some of the soaps you offer. They all look like they'd be wonderful but I did find two that I'd enjoy, should I win the giveaway ~ Pumpkin Spice and Peaches & Cream. I wish you a great first week of February. Pam

Mrs.T said...

I feel rather selfish entering the giveaway, since I had won a giveaway here in the past. Think it was a Father's Day one ... know the soaps I won were men's fragrances. And very nice they were!

If I should be fortunate to win this one, I would choose the Rose soap and the Balsam & Fir.

Congratulations on this blogaversary! It is truly a milestone. I get your blog via email so I don't miss anything!

(I just checked, and I will have been blogging 10 years in August! Guess I will have to come up with a really special giveaway to celebrate that.)

Anonymous said...

Awww - sweet dog! And congrats on your five years.

Victoria's Vintage Designs said...

Def. Rosemary Mint & Sandalwood! Both sound delish!! Vicki

Nancy said...

Happy Blogversary!

Thanks for the opportunity to win some of your soap, but since you recently shared some bars with me, I'll give others a chance to experience your marvelous soap.

Susie said...

Happy blogaversary. I am glad I found your blog. I have enjoyed so many wonderful photos of yours. The fences, the barns, the trip to England. I have loved it all. Wishing you many more fun years of blogging. xoxo,Susie

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Wow Happy Blog Anniversary! Five years is such an accomplishment. Wishing you many more years of blog fun and new friendships. If I won from your very generous giveaway I would pick Lady Mary and English Rose. Thanks so much for your sweet friendship and the giveaway.
your follower of about 2 years Julie at Julie's Lifestyle

Linda Kay said...

Thyme/Lavender and Jasmine! Congratulations on your 5 years, Judy. That is amazing and I really enjoyed the post. It looks like you file like my hubby. I can never find anything, but he can go to the file cabinet and pick something right out for me!

M.E. Masterson said...

Happy Anniversary !!
I enjoyed reading your first post especially about the organization. The paper filing is a bit close to home. Mine are all filed under Critters! Now to rememb e r that is a whole other story.
Please add my name to the hat...thanks!!

Deborah Montgomery said...

Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! I think filing vet bills under "d" is perfectly logical! I love your soap, so please let someone else win who hasn't tried it yet. It's lovely.

Stephanie said...

Congratulations, dear Judy, on 5 years of blogging! Your blog is always a joy to visit and the pictures you share are very inspirational.

As for the soap...Woodland Flowers and Coffee. Thank you for the opportunity to win your wonderful soap. Hugs!

TexWisGirl said...

adorable sheep. :) congratulations on 5 years! as for your soaps, i'd choose rose soap and lemon verbena, please. :)

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Congratulations on your five year anniversary! :)

I can't use any scented products so if I won I'd give it to my DIL..they all look wonderful ! I'd pick the strawberry and a vanilla one for her...couldn't go wrong with that! :)

Debby Ray said...

Hi Judy...Congrats on your 5th year bloggeversary! I thought of you this weekend as I was watching a show on PBS about the cranberry farms of Wisconsin...I found out some interesting facts! If I am one of the lucky winners, I would love Lady Mary and Coconut Lime :)

Ginny Hartzler said...

So I guess I just comment in order to enter? Congratulations, I loved reading your first ever post! So this sheep is not a blackface, but a cross. We love Downton Abbey!!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Five years, congratulations Judy. You know, I have no idea where I'm at but will have to look now.
I've seen that fearful look in the eyes of my dog too when the brush comes out - big babies!
Downton Abbey English Rose and Jasmine would be my selections for soap please. Any chance for a sniff and scratch option of the screen for your soaps? LOL

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary! I love your blog, Judy, it's one of my favorites.

I loved, loved, loved the Woodland Flowers (I loved all the others I've tried, too!) and would love to win another and I'd like to try the Ocean Mist as the second choice. Thanks for putting my name in the hat!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Enjoyed reading your first post. I'm all in for the giveaway. I love your soaps. I'm using the Clover Flower right now and love it so would love to have another one. Pumpkin Spice would be my second choice because I gave mine away to someone at Christmas.

Primitive Stars said...

Afternoon, Congrats on the 5 years blogging, how great...... oh I love the homemade soaps. Strawberry and Pumpkin Spice would be nice. Blessings Francine.

Terri D said...

Orange Spice and Oatmeal Vegan!! You know I love your soaps, and so do the people I give them to.

I have been blogging since Summer 2007, but was on Yahoo360 first, then Multiply, before coming to Blogger, when Multiply closed. I've been here around 4 years, I think. Glad we connected!! :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. :) I had such a difficult time choosing two favorites as you offer so many choices. I think I would choose Raspberry Sorbet and Thyme Lavender. :) Thank you for the chance to win.

Tanna said...

Judy, your writing style is such a delight to read! Congratulations on your Fifth Anniversary! So glad I have found you. =) blessings ~ tanna
ps patchouli incense or lavender bud

Carla from The River said...

Hello Judy,
Congratulations. :-) 5 years, that is awesome.
I will pick Clover Blossom and Lavender Bud.
Thank you,
Carla

podso said...

Your first post sounds just like you! (or what I know from your writing). Congratulations on five years. I wonder how many posts? Because you post frequently.

My two choices in soap: Downton Abbey Lady Mary, and Lavender.

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Happy 5th... I know, time sure flies when you're having fun (and even when you're not).

How generous to share the celebration with a giveaway. I'd love to receive such a treat.

Please count me in.

Wishing you a beautiful day.....
Brenda
xox

20 North Ora said...

First - congratulations on your blogging anniversary! Next - yum - I'd go with strawberry and vanilla - my two favorites. Thanks for the giveaway!

Judy

Theresa said...

Oh I almost missed this:( I love the orange spice and ocean mist! Thank you so much for the opportunity and congratulations on your bloggerversary! Have a blessed evening, HUGS!

Darla Mae said...

Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! I haven't been reading you for that long, but I sure enjoy your blog.

I had a hard time choosing just two...but here it goes, Winter Forest and Woodland Flowers.

Thanks for the chance to win!
Darlene

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary, Judy!

I enjoyed reading your first blog post as I did not know of your blog back then. My husband and I went through a similar file dilema recently while looking for our car title. We filed it under the brand name of our car---lol!

I'd love to win Lady Mary and the Ba Balsam and Fir soap scents.

OhioLori said...

Happy 5th Blogiversary!! Here's to many many more years!! (& lots of blessings along the way!!)

I would loooove to win a Chai Tea, and for new Granbaby due in April..the Sweet Baby Calendula soap! Thanks for the chance to win!

Lorrie said...

Congratulations on the blogging anniversary. I don't know if your giveaway is open to Canada, but the Rosemary Mint and the Lemon Verbena soaps would be my choice.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary, the years pass by quick don't they?!
Have a fantastic week!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! I would love to try Pumpkin Spice and Morning Brew Coffee. Those two would get my day off to a good start. Here's to five more. :-)

Ann said...

Definitely Fig & brown sugar and Peaches and almonds.

Cynthia said...

Happy anniversary, love the fig and brown sugar. Congrats!!!

Cindy

Katie said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary. Wow, all of your soaps look amazing, but I'd probably go for the Morning Brew Coffee and Fig & Brown Sugar ones first. What a darling idea to make Downton Abbey themed soaps too.

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Congratulations! Goodness, how time flies! I don't even remember when I started following, but it feels like a long time, Lol! Keep up the good work!

Nancy Shuman said...

Congratulations! Winter Forest and Lady Mary sound soooo apppealing (actually, they all do). And happy birthday to your reader Margaret, who shares my birthday on the 7th!

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

Happy blogiversary! One of my cat is even afraid when I take my own brush to brush my hair... The other loves being brushed. If I win and you'd agree to send to France (I'd totally understand if you count me out), I'd love to try Lilac and, of course, Ocean Mist!

Anne Payne said...

Happy Blogging Anniversary! Your soaps look delightful. I would especially like to try the Patchouli Incense, and the Lemon Verbena. I have made my own hand-milled soaps in the past so I can appreciate the time and energy it takes to make all of these wonderful soaps.

Bonnie Schulte said...

What a wonderful giveaway. I've been wanting to try homemade soup for some time, and if I win, I love the scent of Lavender and Almond. Thank for so much for this chance.

Rachel said...

Congrats on your Blog-a-versary! :)
I've been blogging just over five years too. I can't remember when I starting following your blog, it must have been through some blog hop, I think!

I love your soaps, I've become a big fan of lavender lately! :)

Have a great day!

Ida said...

Happy Blog Anniversary. You've got a wonderful blog that I really enjoy. Thanks for the chance at one of your soaps. I'm thinking, Cinnamon Stick or Coconut Lime. They sound good enough to eat.

The Cranky said...

Happy Blogging Anniversary Judy! I always enjoy stopping by your blog. =)

Soaps, love soaps, so of course I have to be greedy and enter your contest. First, the Calendula baby soap... Calendula is my big go-to for overly sensitive skin! And the Vegan Honeysuckle soap; love honeysuckle and I can still smell it!

Junebug said...

Congrats on your blogging anniversary! I love how your soap looks like crowns. We all need to be Queens in our life.

Bethany Carson said...

Congrats on 5 years of blogging, and thanks for hosting the giveaway!

If I won, I would choose French Lilac & Lavender and Peaches & Almonds or English Rose.

Elizabeth said...

Congratulations on your blogaversary! I would love anything downtown abbey!!lavender, almond, peach are my favorite scents!

Empty Nester said...

I saw this on today's post and thought you were giving away a trip to your winter wonderland. LOL No problem, you know how I love your soaps! Congrats on the blogversary!

Unknown said...

I would choose Mandarin Orange Spice and Peppermint Tea. Congratulations on your Blogging Anniversary!

Gosia said...

Wow, five years . Congratulations from heart of Europe

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