Souvenirs [Search results for Giveaway] 

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

I have to admit, that when Fifi contacted me, I thought it wouldn't go right...
that she wouldn't like it...
I was out in the garden, nails full of dirt, and hot and tired from working out in the garden when my husband called to me "Fifi's on the phone"
I started laughing... it just didn't even sound right!... but it was for real...
she started talking to me and her voice was so sweet... and she was so genuine... and she put me at ease immediately asking me questions about our farm
I answered the best I could, but it all didn't sound worth it for being in a book... so I asked Fifi if I was going to be in the 'decorating no-no section' or the 'romantic faux pauxs'
seriously
but she laughed and said "i don't think so sweetheart"
afterall, I knew the other women who were going to be featured in the book... and I knew that their talent and creativity and decorating skills far excel mine
but here we are... she did like our home, and actually did put it in the book...

after a day of photography shoots in and out of the farmhouse, we gathered some elements from inside and actually brought them outside to our prairie we have in the back 3 acres, for a fantastic candlelit dinner shot
... it really was so romantic... so Romantic Prairie Style

we then enjoyed dinner on our deck with both Fifi and Mark... and the next day, our little 5 year old daughter asked when "Uncle Mark" was coming back (she missed him already... and seriously thought he was her uncle... so cute!)
both Mark and Fifi are a part of our family now... part of our memories here on our prairie, and I hope when you see our home in Fifi's book, that you feel a part of our life here too...
no amount of money could buy the gifts I have received by knowing this sweet lady...

SO WHAT'S THE GIVEAWAY???

A SIGNED COPY OF HER NEW BOOK! enter the giveaway by: * taking the giveaway button and placing it on your sidebar, and linking it back to this post * leave a comment here sharing with Fifi and I what you love (if you wish) Deadline is: February 11th, 2011... 12/midnight Winner announced: February 14th (Saint Valentines Day)

PLEASE NOTE: that the book will not be published until the end of April, and the winner of this giveaway will be mailed a signed copy shortly after the release date...
and remember, that Fifi and Mark will both be here at the farm May 20th and 21st for the Farm Event! They will be selling and signing copies here both days... if you want to book your stay for the event, then go HERE ROOMS ARE GOING FAST! (limited rooms available)
All the best... xo+blessings, Fifi and

AND BY THE WAY... I'm linking this post to my friend Jenn's fantastic party!! go HERE to join in on the fun!

Out of the generosity of their hearts... for the love of creating... the passion for teaching... and because you all deserve a little time away...
Jeanne, Jen and Jill are giving away a package worth $500!!!

This is in conjuction with the October 7th and 8th Barn Sale/Event (45 min. West of Geneva, IL)

Can you believe it???

To make it a little more special, Jason and I are giving the winner VIP parking up by all the fun + some homemade goodness... we're putting extra care into your winnings!
(a little hint: it'll be so sweet...)

The winner will receive 2 SPOTS FOR EACH OF THE 2 DAYS OF ART classes... AND You will also get a FREE HOTEL ROOM courtesy of the three of them at the 4 star hotel: Holiday Inn Express! To enter the giveaway all you have to do is:
1. Blog about the Art on the Farm classes at the NaDa Farm Sale and the Girls Weekend Giveaway. Once you have blogged about it come here to my blog and let us know.
or
2. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Twitter for a second entry! Once you have talked about it let us know here on my blog.
or
3. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Facebook for a third entry. Once you have talked about it on Facebook come back and let us know here on my blog. or
4. Pin it to Pinterest! Once you have pinned it, come back and let us know here on my blog.

All entries to be entered here (on Anne Marie's blog) only make sure you leave a comment for each entry you do
DRAWING WILL END THIS FRIDAY! (Sept 23rd... at midnight)

Classes are filling up quickly as the NaDa Farm Sale date is getting closer.

If you want to sign up for the art of business, vintage journal or vintage mixed media class you can email Jeanne at Jeanneoli@hotmail.com to register.

If you want to sign up for Jennifer Rizzo's Reflections of the Prairie class you can email her at thecraftyhome@comcast.net.

To sign up for Jill Harris' Salvaged Treasures class you go can directly HERE to sign up.

***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY!

Can't wait to see who wins!! peace+blessings,

The Boho-Ball at the farm is only a few months away...
it happens Friday night, May 20th from 5-8pm...
here's what you have to look forward to at the Boho-Ball: (there is more to come later on this oh-so-fun event) champagne!
treats!
an AWESOME giveaway at the door for anyone who comes dressed for the event!

MEET FIFI O'NEILL!!! and let her sign her new book!!!!
shopping!
inspiration! (can you tell I'm excited??) it gets better... 


my sweet friend Tracy Porter can't make it to the event, but she said how much she was bummed she was missing out on so much fun! So we decided to do a giveaway for ANYONE reading this post!!
no need to become my follower — or post about it -
no obligations
this is FOR FUN! in honor of celebrating life with creativity!!
if you want to add it to your sidebar to tell your friends about it (feel free) you get one chance... one comment... that's all!!
are you ready??
Tracy is giving ONE BLESSED WINNER A $250 GIFT CARD TO HER ONLINE SHOP!

I know!

ISN'T SHE THE BEST??
here's some of what her shop has to offer:

here's the rules again: -only ONE comment that's all!
*STARTS TODAY, APRIL 1st AND GOES UNTIL NEXT FRIDAY APRIL 8th — midnight-*

All the best to you! Tracy and I simply can't wait to see who wins!!!!
xo+blessings,

remember... ONLY ONE COMMENT PER PERSON... winner will be chosen per random.org *GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

Congratulations Amy!!! you won the ART on the Farm Giveaway!!

here's Amy's comment: {Amy} said...
This sounds like the coolest thing ever, what a generous give-away. And I am in Illinois... I could actually do this. This is just what my creative soul is looking for right about now!
blogged:: http://amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/2011/09/hello-there-fall.html 

-visit Amy's totally cute blog by clicking on the above picture-

(I love meeting new people!)

Here's what you'll be getting... ~ 2 seats (so bring a friend!) to all the art classes here on the farm + a ~ FREE night's stay in the 4star Holiday Inn Express just minutes from the farm!! (and you'll get some little goodies from me too) ~Greg Wheaton (palying here Friday night at 5-8pm) wanted to participate in this giveaway as well, and he is giving you one of his CD's Amy!!! This man is playing at the Hard Rock Cafe this next week in Chicago... he's no ordinary guitar player — he's extraordinary -

This was so much fun hosting this giveaway — and it was all from the generosity of Jeanne, Jill, and Jennifer
there are a few seats available still in all classes (at least, last time I checked!) so please make sure you sign up today if you are thinking of coming... and OH! good news!! The hotel is allowing the special pricing of $97.75 still apply up until next Friday!

What's so amazing about these art classes, is that you are amongst nature when you are here
it's so peaceful, and it allows your creative side to flourish under the direction of your teacher
All three of those women teaching are amazing artists! and are so willing to open up this opportunity for you to come and create/shop/listen/eat:)
If you are 'on the fence' for coming to take a class, just remember how important it is to allow God's gifts to you come through... and sometimes that might just mean learning a new technique... it might just be exactly what you need to get you going in a new artistic direction,
or
You could be like me, and pick up a paintbrush and draw giant feathers on the wall, to which I don't paint, don't draw, just sketch garden plans and hog houses or a simple skirt or dress on paper... but it was the most unexplainable time being in "that mode"
Jill is making that weekend even MORE special! take a look:


click on image to sign up for one of Jill's classes  we all have a busy life, let's take some time out of that life to enjoy it

peace + blessings,

I so wish I could give you all a giveaway like this... thanks to everyone who entered...

I received a package from Jo Packham, the woman behind putting together Where Women Cook Magazine, and she sent me 2 copies of Where Women Cook...

one for me and one for YOU!!

this magazine is so well put together... and I don't know about you, but I read a cookbook like a book... and this one has a lot of great articles, fantastic photography, and delicious recipes!!!!

If you would like a free copy of Where Women Cook, the current issue, then you get one chance, with one comment if you are anonymous, then leave me your email address in the comment

INCLUDED IN THIS GIVEAWAY:
:: The current issue of Where Women Cook (Cannelle et Vanille is on the cover!)

ONLY SHIPPING WITHIN THE UNITED STATES... no over seas entries will be considered...

GIVEAWAY ENDS TONIGHT, December 5th... at 12 midnight

God speed!
(because there is no such thing as luck)

xo + giving blessings,

yes, there will be a giveaway, from myself and Jo Packham but I think it's vital for others to know a bit about who she is

Jo is the amazing woman behind some beautiful publications such as Where Women Cook magazine.
Together, Jo and I (and my very talented friend & photographer Traci Thorson) have now completed a few projects...
Working with Jo, I couldn't help but be encouraged by her enthusiasm and entrepreneur spirit... it really got me wondering more about her
Finding more about her has only increased my opinion of her strength and versatility and confident creativity this woman possess... very wonderful traits to aspire to have.
To tell you all how prfoundly amazed I am that she has chosen me to work with her on a few projects, is quite frankly not only an understatement, but has given me the confidence to keep doing what I am doing: just being me

so here's a little Q & A... with Jo Packham...
1) You have helped so many women attain their dreams. What prompted you to start doing that? It is something that I have always done — for as long as I can remember. I believe that when we help each other we are all so much stronger. And I don't believe in competition because there is more than enough for everyone and we need to inspire and be inspired by each other.

2) Out of all the women you have met along this journey of your life, whom would you like to thank the most? My mother. She was wiser than her education and taught me to have confidence in myself and how to find the answers that I needed.

3) What kind of art/creativity do you like to do in your spare time? I make jewelry and paint walls with tiny brushes in lots of different colors.

4) What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do? Lay-off an employee due to circumstances that were beyond our control

5) Due to your business and life experience, what advice do you have for someone who is stuck and wants to break into being published? Do your homework and don't give up. Try a different angle. Wait a month and try again.

6) You are a wife, mother, friend and business woman... some of us know you professionally, but tell us about what you like to do on a day off... if I am not with my grandchildren or my children I really do like to work. It is what I do even when I don't get paid.

7) What projects are you currently working on? Anything you can reveal to us??Magazine #3 and new licensing agreements under WWCook.

8) What is your favorite kind of cupcake? red velvet

9) What is your favorite color? green — bright chanteuse green


10) If you could pin down your style, what would you name it? bohemian — eclectic

Thank you Jo... for everything... it is always such a pleasure working with you.
it was an honor having my name on the cover of the latest issue and being inside your beautiful quarterly magazine (which is really like a mini cookbook!)

click on cover to peek inside...

*stay tuned for the giveaway*

The new Spring 2011 issue (the one on stands now) of Romantic Country Magazine, features the Farm Barn Sale from this past October!!!
Actually, this issue is really great! So much so, I'd like to giveaway a copy to you! (along with a few other surprise goodies)
Just leave me a comment on this post.
DEADLINE WAS DECEMBER 22nd, midnight

* GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*
WINNER!!! from Random.org is...
comment #34:

Laurie said...
Congratulations! I'll have to get a copy if I don't win:)
12/19/2010

CONGRATS LAURIE!! email me your address!! Merry Christmas!!

I DID HAVE A GIVEAWAY... BUT NOW IT IS CLOSED...
*THANK YOU*

NOW until April 20th
for the following items sent from Jo Packham herself!

2 Where Women Create Magazines 2 Where Women Cook Magazines 1 Where Women Cook CELEBRATE Book 1 bookmark:)
from me: 1 Where Women Cook Magazine (current issue) (featuring my Family Style Homemade Pizza and Potager Pie) surprises tucked all in the box:)
since there is no such thing as luck: Godspeed!!! no need to be a follower or whatever
you only have ONE CHANCE
ONLY LEAVE ONE COMMENT PER PERSON
xo+creative blessings,

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

— GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED -
the giveaway with Jo Packham and myself will end tonight at midnight...


for more information on the package, visit HERE .

have a lovely weekend!
xo + blessings,

Christina Strutt, of Cabbages and Roses is having a giveaway on her blog... go HERE... to have a chance to win Fifi's new book!!

You can read a little more about the book and Fifi in her interview
(thank you so much ladies, for mentioning 'Anne Marie' and linking your post to me)

Christina wrote the forward in the book... I can't wait to get a copy... can you??
If you don't win the giveaway, you can purchase your copy for only $17.20 on Amazon right now
go HERE to order your copy

How so very wonderful that the connections people share
if you are genuine in spirit, the connections last and are real...
~have a beautiful Sunday~
xo+blessings,

YOU WON JoLynn!!!
(winner taken by using random.org) Send me your address at: ndfmama@gmail.com in order to receive your signed copy of Romantic Prairie Style, by the one and only Fifi O'Neill!!

Here's JoLynn's comment: ____________________________ JoLynn said...

Oh, how I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this style!! I feel like I have just "figured out" what my style is {actually a mix of things}, but I would be so thrilled to win this book!!! Thanks for the generous giveaway!:)
Wednesday, February 02, 2011 ____________________________

Congratulations JoLynn! Fif and I have loved reading your comments... and if you aren't JoLynn, then both Fifi and I would love to extend the invitation to come to the Farm Event this May 20th and 21st, here in Illinois, where she and the photographer Mark Lohman, will be selling and signing the book... hope to see you!

Fifi &

decorating that is... or I should really say: rearranging
lace is so amazing to me... hand done lace that is, not mass-produced items I love the thought of a woman sitting and creating her signature piece..and this is one of my favorites
I don't care if lace is in or out: it's in here at farm

can you believe we got snow?? this picture is so much better looking now with snow!!!!
so if you remember my post a few days ago, you remember the bird cages hanging? well, that's exactly what I did!! with a very unique piece of art by Dore, from Burlap Luxe she has some amazing pieces of art — and I especially like the stages she has created puppets, marionettes, finger plays, paper plays... I love it all thank you again Dore

I don't care if things don't match this is a bowl from my late grandmother and a shepherdess picture of a girl that reminds me of my young daughter... surround yourself with things you like!! forget about trying to fit in...

pears = organic & safe decorating:)

absolutely now the best place in the house — we were all here in this room last night decorating the tree, eating a treat or two and enjoying chai tea (the kids' favorite)

Christie Carter, from Carter's Cottage, generously gave me a hostess gift of some Annie Sloan paint, in a creamy white, and I am so tempted to paint this cabinet...

Christie has a very generous giveaway going on right now with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and accessories!! go here to enter! giveaway ends December 31st!!!

and from "some" of us here on the farm...
have a jollyFULL day!

sale ends this next week in the shop!! order this weekend for you to get your package by Christmas!!!!
thank you again to all of you who love Jason's spoons... they have gone to a chef, a mother of six, and gift wrapped for people all over the country... btw... we just added a few more yesterday!! here's the link to the shop: http://ndafarmlife.org/

peace + blessings,

WOW! 300 people entered this giveaway... we loved reading all your comments!!
however... per random.org... COMMENT #80 IS THE WINNER!!
Kerry said...
love TRACY... love your site... hope to win!
Kerry... give me your contact information
HAPPY SHOPPING KERRY!! and in case you still don't know about Tracy's generosity, if you sign up to be on her emailing list, sometimes you get up to 75% off coupon to use online! I highly recommend joining the email list I did!
have a great weekend everyone!!
From both Tracy and I:
xo+blessings,

whenever I come across fabric that speaks to me, for whatever reason, I purchase it...
whether it's vintage... antique from France... or new...

this fabric is so luxurious... silky... so feminine... I had to play around and take it's picture up my stairway to show you it's glory...

it will be transformed into a few gowns... which you could wear to the Boho-Ball that I'm hosting here at the farm May 20th — the Friday night event -
being no stranger to creating gowns, this is one sewing project that I'm so excited to get started on
more on the Boho-Ball coming soon...
and another giveaway tomorrow to kick of February' Farm theme: "romantic spring"
xo+blessings,

Kathy! ( rikami212@gmail.com) you are the winner of my little giveaway...

I'll be sending it right off...

it couldn't be a more appropriate day... considering the reason behind the word "santa" is Saint Nicholas...

who was he? a very generous man who lived a long time ago yes, but extremely loved The Lord, followed the Church's teaching of charity, and helped 3 girls out by giving money tossed in their window so as they wouldn't be forced to live on the streets

i think that's pretty great!! and Kathy... you will be getting a nice surprise inside your box!

Thank you to all who entered... the magazine can be found at Barnes & Nobles, JoAnn Fabrics stores as well as online

xo + giving blessings,

given to me the other day (THANK YOU THANK YOU KAREN!)
is this AWESOME glass chandelier with crystals to hang over our bed (near the foot but not at the end)

Bedding?
I have chosen a Rachel Ashwell new linen line of duvet cover in oatmeal... (thanks Lu)

a writing desk is essential in our master bedroom... a place I can take refuge and write letters and novels looking out to the countryside...
i have chosen to "attempt" my first ever faux paint job onto a piece of furniture I already have, styled after this great desk by Tracy Porter:

a possibility of adding mirrors over the end tables, which will be painted such as these as well


image from googling "shabby chic bedroom" (please forgive me for not jotting down the correct link!)

the great Bella Note

image taken from Cottage Style magazineright now I'm redecorating my oldest daughter's bedroom to an equestrian style room, for her birthday, but as soon as I'm done, master bedroom here I come!
*some of you have emailed me regarding my pregnancy... and I hope I have gotten back to you all... if not, or if you are curious... the baby and I are doing fine... and he or she is due the ending of Feb/beginning of March*
thank you for your concern and prayers... you're the best!
WOOHOO! I just found out from Jenny, from City Cottage, I just won her pillow!!!! from her recent giveaway! HOW AWESOME! I have never won anything in my whole life, and this pillow, all plush, handmade and downfilled is going to be PERFECT in my bedroom... I can't wait!
I have followed Jenny's blog ever since my friend Maria from Dreamy Whites told me about her...

so thank you both Maria and Jenny for this pillow... I'm super excited...

xo+blessings,



my workspace is rather cluttered right now... especially since that hutch was moved to the kitchen... but I rather like it right now...

it's dripping with lace, textures, color, and the scent of a rose...

For every Event on the farm, or any huge sewing project for a client, I always do an inspiration board
it keeps me focused and I'm surprised at how often things turn out how I envisioned them in my head onto the board
all messy and random (yup, that's pretty much sums me up)
i put on there: vintage trim, buttons, inspiring pictures...

it's the lace and textures that are inspiring me for the May Event... and pretty much my life in general

Where I sit...

I'm even enjoying making some mixed media art, with this as inspiration...

The image was given to me by my good friend Tracey at Christmas... I love it Tracey is having a FANTASTIC giveaway right now!!!
here's one of the items!

I also wanted to make sure you know about how another good friend Maria opened her new online shop this past week

and it's gorgeously photographed and styled (later this week I'll show you what she sent me in the mail...)

xo+blessings,

Here's the line up for this October 7th and 8th Barn Sale/Event! Ada Lilly Aprons Carter's Cottage Counting Your Blessings
Gypsy Brocante * Jeanne Oliver Designs * Jennifer Rizzo * Lucid Dream Team Maggie Jane's Vintage nadafarm
RoomsRoomsRooms Simple but Different Tattered Tiques
and musical guest Friday, October 7th 5-8pm by: Greg Wheaton
— in case you live around Chicago, Greg's next performance is Oct. 6th at Hard Rock Cafe -
both Friday and Saturday are also ART on the farm classes with *Jeanne, *Jen, and *Jill as the instructors THIS IS THE LAST DAY to sign up for the fun+fantastic giveaway, so go here!! (2 seats to all art classes+a free night's stay at the hotel+yummy goodies from me:)
Jason and I didn't want to forget to tell you more about a few special additions:
~ the prairie lounge ~ (where you can warm up to not only Greg's music but a homemade cup of soup and enjoy a sweet treat & coffee)
three hours passed me like the swiftness of a cloud's shadow when I did this... peace + blessings,

never before have I given a whole area to a dealer "in the shop" at the event...
but this time I did
to Jennifer Rizzo... this has been her third sale here... and her most successful!! She had the space with the vintage tea cups hanging from branches... that created this whimsical perspective on vintage tea...
her new line is a reflection of vintage iron stone... patinae silver trays... funky coffee mugs...
she had this throw for sale that was a crocheted afghan with hand crocheted flowers bunched and adorned everywhere (sold right away)

actually, most of what she had for sale sold... she had THE COOLEST funky orange tufted couch (with sold right away)... like an antrho catalog it was... she had hats, fingerless gloves, these super cute tea towels with pom pom fringe and hand embellished prints of birds...
let's just say she's a busy girl trying to re-stock her shop right now...
she has some new items listed and will be doing so all week and I for one, cannot wait to get my hands on a hat and some jewelry...
if you know Jen, you know her funky vintage side and creative soul and how they come together on this new line... oh! she has a giveaway... I almost forgot!! Go here to enter...
thank you to you all who have taken the time out to email me about your experiences here on the farm at the sale... I have had such a good time this week reading them... it means so much to me!!!
peace + blessings,

*it's been such a pleasure reading all of your comments on the GIVEAWAY* (you still have time to enter if you haven't yet!) go HERE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The past year of the sales/events here at our farm, I have decided to make that transition from just 'barn sale' to an event
it gives me the opportunity to really get creative with the events...
May 2010 was the Patisserie (to see more pictures visit my good friend Tracey)
October 2010 was all about the story of Bridgette (she encapsulated my spirit, and I'm still working on the ending to the book)
_________________________________________________________________
This May, has been in the works ever since last fall, and I'm so excited to share it with you...

__________________________________________________________________ (further this February, I will be feauturing each of the amazing/creative men and women participating in this event)

I know a lot of you cannot make it to the event... and I so wish you could...
so I came up with an idea!
One of the displays I'm erecting for the event is a huge inspiration board

photo credit: Canadian House and Home
So I thought it would be fun if you want to be a part of the event, that you could send me your business card... no bigger than a 5"x8", to the farm, and I'll put it up on the board... the more the merrier!!
and when people come to visit the event, they'll see "so and so" from "that blog I love!" up there on the board...
If you are interested in participating in this idea, then take the flyer picture and put it up on your blog's sidebar, and feel free to tell people YOU are a part of the Farm Event!
I do hope to meet some of you... and if you do come... make sure that you introduce yourself okay? I'll be the one with the newborn snugly wrapped around me...
email me at: ndfmama@gmail.com in order for you to get the address to send your business card to add to the inspiration board!
xo+blessings,