Posts Tagged ‘giveaway’

Winner Announced – New England Mystery Giveaway!

Posted in Daily Bliss, Travel Bliss, tagged , on October 9, 2017| Leave a Comment »

We’re back from New England…

and…

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

First, I want to send out a big THANK YOU to all of you who entered the contest.

And now without further ado..

it’s time to get down to business!

So you must be wondering what quintessential New England treasure(s) I found.

I had no idea what I would find, but the one thing that a New England autumn is known for is fall foliage, maple syrup and pumpkins!

On our fifth day, we hadn’t really experienced true fall foliage because up until that point it had been an unseasonably warm autumn.

Although our first days in Boston followed by Maine gave us just a small sampling of fall foliage, the autumn we hoped for started once we entered New Hampshire!

Green leaves were being overtaken by bursts of reds, yellows and oranges – a glorious display that made my heart beat faster with every turn of the road!

One thing I really enjoyed photographing in addition to autumn leaves were covered bridges, and New England had them in abundance!

But what’s better than a cute covered bridge in the heart of New Hampshire…?

A cute covered bridge that has a souvenir shop inside!  (Squeals of delight!!!)

Behold the Bartlett Covered Bridge!

Talk about a kid in a candy store!

Hubby watched our son so I could play (as he calls it) and see if anything caught my eye.

And something did…

The Birch Necklace

It reads:

“The gleaming white bark of the silver birch and its graceful branches have rightfully earned the name ‘lady of the woods’. This product contains a real leaf that has been carefully selected, preserved and transformed from nature into treasure.”

How could I refuse?

It’s so delicate, and the light just dances off of the leaves, and the color, well…it just truly represents a New England autumn!

I hope the winner enjoys wearing this autumn-themed necklace all year round!

But wait…there’s more!

How can I not include something maple-y in this prize package?

As we drove south on Vermont’s Scenic Byway Route 100, we stopped off at Cold Hollow Cider Mill to enjoy lunch, try some cider and of course, check out the gift shop!


This Maple Flavored Pop was too cute to pass up!

We stocked up on these for my hubby’s team at work and also one for the winner (ok and one for me too!!!)

Our second to last day found us back in Massachusetts on the Mohawk Trail in search of the Johnny Appleseed trail.

After getting turned around a few times, we literally stumbled upon Sholan Farms in the town of Leominster.

Sholan Farms

Filled with pumpkins, produce and autumn-y goodies…

I couldn’t refuse to check it out!

Well before I knew it, the Wicked Pumpkin Crunch lotion was in our car going back to the hotel with us!

After testing out the sample, I thought, now THIS is autumn!
I mean, who doesn’t want to smell like pumpkin pie?!
And bonus – it’s made locally!

So there you have it!

One lucky winner will receive the Birch Necklace, the Maple Flavored Pop and the Wicked Pumpkin Crunch lotion!

Now it’s time for the second item of business – who won?!

Rafflecopter did the honors and randomly selected the winner out of the 225 entries.

Can we have a drum roll please?

And the winner of the New England Mystery Giveaway is…

(Round of applause echoing through cyberspace!)

Congratulations Robyn!!!

I hope you enjoy wearing this necklace as you savor the maple leaf pop and indulge your senses with pumpkin crunch lotion!

Robyn, please email me the address you’d like to have your goodies shipped to at passporttobliss@gmail.com.

If I don’t hear from you by midnight (PST) on Wednesday, October 11th, another winner will be announced on Thursday, October 12th.

Thanks again to all who entered.

Stay tuned for a recap of our New England adventures!

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The Maine Event + Giveaway!

Posted in Daily Bliss, Travel Bliss, tagged , , , , , , on September 22, 2017| 42 Comments »

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN!!!!!

Hi everyone!

I’m back!

Well, I haven’t really gone anywhere except into motherhood overdrive!

I’ve been so busy with the many facets of being a mom that this blog, which was once treated like my baby (before baby), has sadly taken a back seat.

Summer hasn’t given us many opportunities for family travel, and the motivation to write just hasn’t been there…until now! 

That’s right, I’m excited to say that in one short week, hubby, baby toddler and I will be boarding a plane and taking the red eye to…New England!

A destination that was once unchecked on our bucket list will soon be crossed off, and I look forward to giving you a first hand account of our New England road trip and the many adventures we will surely have with our squirmy, curious, happy, fussy, soon-to-be 2 year old!

Our itinerary will consist of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont…but I must say, even though I’m looking forward to exploring all 4 beautiful states, I’m looking forward to Maine the most!

Why Maine?

Well, ever since grade school, I was fascinated by lighthouses, and I envisioned myself living in a Maine lighthouse.  The thought of this California girl traveling to the easternmost state and being in charge of lighting the way for souls at sea pulled at my imagination! To me, Maine was the ultimate nautical destination, and it had an aura of mystery! I also was pretty certain I’d marry a Maine fisherman while I was living in my Maine lighthouse! (And this was all from the mind of an 11 year old!)

Well, even though it was a nice childhood dream, little did I know that a much better California dream would unfold that didn’t include a lighthouse or a fisherman!

Things happen for a reason!

So here we are, getting ready for our first extended trip with our youngin’ to a place I’ve only dreamed of.

I also can’t wait to experience a REAL AUTUMN and to also brush up on one of my favorite hobbies…photography!

With the recent California drought, we get to experience leaves in various shades of brown.

It doesn’t make for a thrilling autumn, but the influx of pumpkin spice lattes at most coffee shops slightly makes up for it!

I must say though…I don’t know how I’ll react when I witness the vibrant punch of reds, oranges and yellows painted across New England!

I might just shed a tear!

To commemorate our journey and to KICK OFF THE FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN (WOOHOO!) , I’m having a fun little

As in true Passport to Bliss style, this giveaway is so mysterious, even I don’t know what I’m giving away!

As we peruse quaint little New England shops and markets, I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for something quintessentially New England…or maybe it’ll be something that truly represents autumn, or…who knows!

So how do I enter, you ask?

Well, it’s really easy.

Follow this link to enter the drawing via Rafflecopter, and choose your entry option! Or you can do all 3 and increase your chances of winning!

The giveaway begins TODAY (September 22nd) and will close at midnight (PST) on Sunday, October 8th. The winner will be announced on Monday, October 9th.
*Open to U.S. & Canada residents only!*

It’s just my little way to say thanks for just dropping by or following me (even though I’ve been on a mommyhood hiatus) and for being so awesome!

Good Luck to you all….

& HAPPY AUTUMN!

 

 

 

 

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Winner Announced – Caribbean Mystery Giveaway

Posted in Travel Bliss, tagged , , , , , on February 19, 2015| Leave a Comment »

We have a winner!

First, I want to send out a big THANK YOU to those of you who entered the contest.

It was fun reading about your dream cruises, and it gave me several ideas for future excursions (Alaska cruise…I’m looking at you!)

Now it’s time to get down to business…

caribbean mystery giveaway

So you must be wondering what treasure(s) I found.

I had no idea what I would find, but the one thing that the Caribbean had lots of was handmade jewelry and rum.

On our port of call in Barbados, the home of famous Mount Gay Rum, we came across a little shop that sold rum cake…and that was it!

A sweet lady had samples for us to try, and OH MY GOSH…they were so moist and delicious!  I have to admit, I almost cleaned out all of her samples, but I had to make sure that we made the right choice since they came in a variety of flavors: coffee, vanilla, lemon ginger and chocolate.  Well, that choice was too hard to make, so we decided that it would be in our best interest to buy all 4 flavors.  Seriously, they were all so amazing, and I couldn’t choose a favorite!

I’ll be honest, the thought of sharing these cakes hadn’t crossed my mind. The intention was to devour all four in one sitting upon my return!  (They’re 4oz in size, so that would’ve been easy to do!)  But then I thought, I need to share the love, and who better to share it with than my readers (oh…and my wonderful parents who enjoyed the vanilla rum cake!)  So my dear readers, one of the gifts the winner will be receiving is:

rum cakeCalypso Coffee Rum Cake!
It’s supposed to contain the famous Mount Gay Rum infused inside!  Yum!

One of the things I enjoyed looking at was the handmade jewelry across the islands.  A popular material they used was coconut shells!  On our last port-of-call in St. Maarten, I found a delicate bracelet made out of beads and coconut shells. It wears lightly on your wrist and fits comfortably. I had the choice of brightly colored beads or those that were more earth tone, but not knowing the winner’s color preference, I thought earth tone with a hint of (faux) gold would be a better option.  So without further ado, here is prize #2:

bracelet

Now it’s time for the second item of business – who won?!

Today I had my partner-in-crime, the hubby, do the honors of choosing a winner.

Can we have a drum roll please?

And the winner of the Caribbean Mystery Giveaway is…

ligail2001

(Round of applause echoing through cyberspace!)

Congratulations to ligail2001, whose dream cruise is going to the Mediterranean.  Great choice!

I hope this coffee rum cake & coconut shell bracelet give you a little piece of Caribbean bliss!

ligail2001, please email your mailing address to passporttobliss@gmail.com.

If I don’t hear from you by midnight on Sunday, February 22nd, another winner will be announced on Monday, February 23rd.

Thanks again to all who entered.

Stay tuned for a recap of our Caribbean adventures!

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Caribbean Mystery Giveaway!

Posted in Travel Bliss, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 27, 2015| 102 Comments »

Grab your Coppertone 45, put on those flip flops and meet me on the lido deck!

The giveaway you’ve been waiting for is here!

Two years ago, I held an “Aloha Mystery Giveaway” which involved me searching high and low for that perfect mystery gift during our Hawaiian vacation.

I had so much fun that yes…I’m doing it again!

Ladies and gents, I present to you the…

caribbean mystery giveaway

Next month, a floating hotel will take my hubby & me to six gorgeous Caribbean islands!

Throughout our cruise, I will be on the lookout for the perfect gift for one lucky reader.

Unlike Hawaii where I had an idea of what kinds of gifts I might find, the Caribbean is a completely different story.

I have no idea what I will find!  (But that’s all part of the fun!)

The giveaway begins TODAY so enter NOW to win!

How do I enter, you ask?

1.  Leave a comment telling me what your dream cruise is and why…AND YOU’RE IN!

2.  If you want to DOUBLE your chances, follow me on Twitter (and just notify me that you did.)

The giveaway will close at midnight (PST) on Tuesday, February 17th  

Good luck to you all!

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Custom Media Kit Giveaway!

Posted in Daily Bliss, tagged , , , on July 21, 2014| 23 Comments »

MEDIA KITS…do you have yours?

With various blog conventions coming up, I’ve been noticing a need for media kits in the blogging community.  As a Freelance Graphic Designer at Creative Jen Designs + Travel Blogger, I’m super excited to announce that starting next week, I’m adding a new service to my repertoire: Media Kits for Bloggers!

I’ve only recently created mine, and I had a blast doing it!

Some of you might think, “Um…what’s so exciting about a media kit?  It just shows boring blog statistical data.”

THAT IS SO NOT THE CASE!

The great thing about media kits is that you can be as creative as you want to visually showcase your stats/pertinent information to sponsors & advertisers by letting your unique blogging personality shine through…and stand out from the rest!

So to kick off my new service, I’m having a…

media kit giveaway2
What better way to stand out from the rest than to have a Custom Media Kit designed specifically for YOU!

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me a little bit about your blog.

That’s it?

YEP!  Sooooo easy  🙂

All entries must be submitted by noon this Friday, July 25th.

One lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced later that day.

The winner will receive a PDF file perfect for emailing or printing out.

The winner must be willing to let me post your media kit on my Creative Jen Designs portfolio.

The winner will also need to supply me with content they want to showcase on their media kit.  Examples of this include:  Headshot, blog logo, blog bio, demographics, blog stats, popular posts, contact info, services offered, photos from your blog, colors you want to use, etc…  Having all of this info in a nicely designed package will make the sponsor’s job that much easier!

The media kit can be up to 3 pages.

Good luck to all of you!

Okay, let’s get this GIVEAWAY STARTED!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to THE LEMON DAISY!  You are the WINNER of the Media Kit Giveaway!

 

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And the Winner is…

Posted in Travel Bliss, tagged , , , , , , , , , on June 12, 2013| 3 Comments »

Aloha everyone!

I’m back from my Hawaiian getaway, & let me just say…it was FAB-U-LOUS!

The last time I visited Maui was over 14 years ago…I was a mere 25 years old…wow.

Maui is still gorgeous as ever!  And we both got to experience the Big Island of Hawaii for the first time which was a complete treat for us…as well as our cameras!  (More on that in a later post…)

Now it’s time to get down to business…

aloha mystery giveaway

 A big thank you to those of you who entered the contest.

So you must be wondering what treasure(s) I found.

I have to admit, it was tough work!  There were so many fun goodies to choose from that I actually bought 2 items, and the winner will get to choose one!  (The other one will go to a family member or friend…or me!)

On day 3 of our Maui getaway, we traveled to the artsy town of Paia filled with quaint boutiques, delicious eateries and beautiful art galleries.  One of the shop owners suggested we check out the “cowboy” town of Makawao about 10 minutes south that had even more boutiques and rustic charm…so off we went.

We decided to check out the store “Designing Wahine Emporium” filled with local arts and crafts.

Designing Wahine Emporium

As my husband paid for some jasmine soap that I was salivating over earlier, I looked to my left and saw a basket of what appeared to be lava rocks in the shape of feet.  Intrigued, I inspected them closer…

…and fell in love!

I’m all about clever and creative ideas, and this was both…and it’s super cute!

Footsies

Wrapped in a turquoise ribbon are these adorable pumice stone footsies and sweet smelling tuberose soap.

Footsies

Who wouldn’t want their feet to smell scrumptious while scrubbing away the stress of the day away using a little piece of aloha (literally!) 

Needless to say, we snatched up the footsies and continued on our journey.

I was pretty certain that this was the giveaway prize.

Then the very next day as we neared the finish of the famous Road to Hana on Maui’s east coast, we came upon a random row of shops, outdoor eateries and free ranging chickens, roosters and chicks.  (Yes, you read right.)

I decided to check out the shop “Nahiku Ti Gallery” and started browsing around.

Nahiku Ti Gallery

I don’t know about you, but I love shell jewelry…and this shop did not lack in that department!

Strewn across the back of a door were dozens of unique shell necklaces.  My heart beat faster, and my eyes widened at the sight of them.

The heavens opened…the birds sang…and I quickly snatched up a mother of pearl necklace (for me) and this lovely abalone shell necklace for the giveaway:

Abalone Necklace

I love the design and delicate finish of this necklace.  The way the light plays off of the shell is just gorgeous, and it’s a really striking piece.  It gets my seal of approval! 

OH…and bonus!  The shop keeper let me choose a cute decorative bag to keep the necklace in…and that, my friends, is included with the necklace…SCORE!

Decorative bag

So there they are – the 2 giveaway prizes.

But WAIT – there’s MORE!

While on the Big Island of Hawaii, we did a lot of sunset watching and beach strolling.  The thing I loved most was what was scattered all over the beach – CORAL!

The beaches were full of them!

It was like Christmas morning for me!

I spent so much time just looking at the various shapes, sizes and intricate cuts.  But my favorite had to be the ones in the shapes of hearts!

So along with the prize you choose, you will also be receiving a heart-shaped piece of coral.

Coral

Now it’s time for the second item of business – who won?!

Today I had my partner-in-crime, the hubby, do the honors of choosing a winner.

Can we have a drum roll please?

And the winner of the Aloha Mystery Giveaway is…

Christine!

(Round of applause echoing through cyberspace!)

Congratulations to Christine, whose idea of paradise is “a week of no work”.   I hope this little piece of paradise brings you bliss!  🙂

Christine, please email the prize you would like and also your mailing address to passporttobliss@gmail.com.

If I don’t hear from you by midnight on Friday, June 14th, another winner will be announced on Saturday, June 15th.

Thanks again to all who entered.

Many happy alohas to you all!  

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Reminder: The Aloha Mystery Giveaway closes June 10th!

Posted in Travel Bliss, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 30, 2013| Leave a Comment »

aloha mystery giveaway

What is the Aloha Mystery Giveaway, you ask?   Well check THIS out!

As of a few minutes ago, there were 10 entries.  For those who entered, that makes your odds of winning the “mystery gift” REALLY GOOD!

If you LINKED this post to your blog or MENTIONED the contest on your blog, please let me know so I can enter your name in the drawing.

For those of you who are thinking of entering but haven’t – why not give it a try?

The more the merrier!

My hubby and I are leaving on our Hawaiian getaway first thing Friday morning (CAN’T WAIT!), so as of today, that gives you 11 days to enter the contest.

What is the prize?  Well that is the mystery now, isn’t it?

I’m going to search all over Maui and Hawaii for that island treasure, and as promised, it will not disappoint!  (well…at least I hope it doesn’t!)  lol!

With that said, I need to finish packing and give my abs one last killer workout.  Yep, this is what happens when your husband insists you bring a bikini when you are so NOT bikini ready!  Thanks honey (in sarcastic tone.) All I can say is thank God for green smoothies, Michael @ www.sixpackshortcuts.com, Laura @ www.lauralondonfitness.com and Jessica @ www.jessicasmithtv.com…all of who, in 2 weeks, helped me to somewhat flatten (emphasis on somewhat) my midsection through their motivational and hard core workouts.

So until I return my dear readers…

Aloha…and GOOD LUCK!!

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Aloha Mystery Giveaway!

Posted in Daily Bliss, tagged , , , , , , , , on May 11, 2013| 31 Comments »

You know what’s better than a giveaway?

How about an ALOHA MYSTERY GIVEAWAY!

aloha mystery giveaway

This giveaway is such a mystery…even I don’t know what I’m giving away yet!

At the end of the month, my hubby & I are taking to the skies and flying across the Pacific to Maui and Hawaii.

Throughout our vacation, I will be on the lookout for the perfect prize for one lucky reader!

Jewelry?  Perhaps…

Hawaiian souvenir?  Maybe…

Grass skirt?  Not if it finds its way in my closet first!  Lol!

Curious?

Yeh, me too!

But I promise you…it’ll be worth it!

Even though we’re leaving for Hawaii at the end of the month, I’ve decided to start this giveaway TODAY so you all have one month to enter!

How do I enter?

Well I’m glad you asked!

1.  Leave a comment telling me what your idea of paradise is…AND YOU’RE IN!

2.  If you want to DOUBLE your chances, then just link this post to your blog and spread the love!

The giveaway will close at midnight (PST) on Monday, June 10th  

Good luck to you all!

Aloha!

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It’s Here!

Posted in Daily Bliss, tagged , , , , , , on September 22, 2012| Leave a Comment »

It’s here!  It’s here!

Autumn Is Here Gliter image

I sprung out of bed for my morning hike into the hills, eager to get a taste of the first hours of Fall…and to my surprise, for about an hour, it felt like Fall!  The air was crisp, there were pretty cloud formations hiding the sun as it tried to make its’ appearance, and I actually saw some red leaves (like 3 or 4…)  but STILL!  Not bad for California!

Okay, so I have some good news and some bad news…

Let’s start with the bad news:
There’s only one day left to enter my Makeover My Blog Header Design Giveaway.

And the good news:
If you’re the only person who enters, it looks like you have a 100% chance of winning!  LOL!

The contest ends at midnight, so you have all day to decide if you want to score a new header design.  Or maybe you know of someone who needs a fresh look for Autumn.  You are welcome to enter on their behalf.  🙂

Well I hate to chat & run, but my carpet is begging to be vacuumed, so everyone have a WONDERFUL first day of Autumn!

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New Blog Header Design + Giveaway!

Posted in Design Bliss, tagged , , , , , on September 9, 2012| 1 Comment »

So something exciting is happening in almost 2 weeks…the beginning of my favorite season, AUTUMN!!  And you know what that means…crisp weather, colorful leaves, cute scarves and a new blog header! 

Designing the banner was so much fun, and I just couldn’t wait til September 22nd to put it up!

I hope it inspires you to jump in a pile of crunchy leaves…

or in Charlotte’s case…sit in a pile of leaves…

or toss them in the air…

Heck…just cover yourself in them!!

What?  You’ve never covered yourself in leaves?!

I told you I love autumn!

Living in California doesn’t allow me to experience each season to the fullest, so it was a real treat when I got to visit my sister in Idaho two years ago during Halloween.  Can you tell I thoroughly enjoyed it?

Speaking of things I love, I’m kicking off my favorite season by having my very first Passport to Bliss giveaway!

Drum roll please………….

Main Entry:
• Comment on this post telling me what you love most about autumn.

Bonus Entries:
• Like me on Facebook
• Follow my blog
• Reblog this post
• Tweet tweet!!  You can copy & paste this:  @passporttobliss is giving away a free blog header design! Enter now through September 22nd.  http://www.passporttobliss.wordpress.com

**Please leave a comment for each additional bonus entry

I’m really excited to work with the winner and create a blog header that really captures their personality and style!

Until then, enjoy the last 2 weeks of summer.  For me, my California summer will probably last well into October, but I’ll get to jump in that pile of crunchy leaves at the end of September when I go visit my sister in Washington!

Have a great week everyone!

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