Today is the day. The kick-off of my attempt to brainwash you to buy books and handmade goods for Christmas this year.
Wait. Does it still work if I tell you I'm doing it?
Here's the deal...they always say "Buy a book, save an author..." and it's true. With the state of publishing right now, it's more important than ever to buy books, so if you're a reader or know someone who is, what better Christmas present can you find?
On top of that, and this is something near and dear to my crafty-little-heart...so many artisans, crafters and designers offer such UNIQUE items, they're perfect PERFECT for your holiday gift giving.
So, to kick off this week of brainwashing gift-giving, I am excited to introduce you to my friend, Jeanne.
Jeanne and I go way back. And usually when I say that, I'm talking about someone I met an hour before and I'm using my sarcastic voice...but in this case, I'm being sincere. We grew up in the same tiny Christian school and her sister, Amy, was in my class. I still have vivid memories of their big old house, of Amy's birthday party at Showbiz Pizza, of watching Jeanne and the rest of the older, COOL girls play volleyball.
Fast forward to 2008(ish) when my first book was released. She got in touch with me to tell me how excited she was and bought two copies to give away on her blog. Before it was cool to do blog giveaways.
Trendsetter, she is. (I said that in my British accent.)
I had no idea she had this growing business...no idea she designed clothing and jewelry and beautiful ruffly, girly purses:
No idea we had so much in common...
And, I also had no idea we'd move to Colorado a few years later and live only a couple of hours away from her. She helped me acclimate to this new place and told me I would love it here. Even when I wasn't so sure.
Well, this past weekend, Jeanne launched her new collection. Just in time for your holiday shopping...and yes, it's a stunner. Jeanne is able to pull styles from the past into the present day, giving it all her own unique flair.
I got myself an early birthday present in her shop over the weekend:
It says "sold" because it's going on MY wrist. And I can't wait till it arrives!
So, I'm a big fan...so I wanted to share Jeanne's shop with you because I know you'll be a fan too! Even better...guess what I get to give away today? From a new addition to Jeanne's line: Little Jeanne...
You can win little girl's dress & messenger bag:
Or this little dress if you've got a wee bit:
And a little girl's cuff:
This one says "I Believe in You" but you can choose which one you want.
But that's not all! This is quite the artsy giveaway, so what better to accompany it than a book about an artist? My new friend Kate Lloyd has just such a book!
First off, this is Kate:
I met her on the hotel shuttle at the marketing seminar we had with our literary agency. (We both have the same agent.) I was thrilled when she told me about her book, A Portrait of Marguerite.
A book about an artist? I'm all in, baby! (I said that in my Buddy Valastro voice.)
So, we get to give one away. (And by "we" I mean "I" because I'm the only one here.) I thought it made the perfect accompaniment to the other beautiful items one lucky duck is going to receive!
About the book: When single mom Marguerite Carr's son leaves for college, she feels as though her life has lost its purpose. When a friend drags Marguerite to a drawing class—her first since college—she rediscovers her long-lost passion for painting, finds unexpected love, and begins a relationship with God.
It sounds like such a beautiful story, no? I can't wait to read it myself!
To Enter: Leave me a comment here on the blog (not on Facebook) and answer the question: What do you most want for Christmas this year?
For extra chances to win, you can Blog, Facebook or Tweet this giveaway and then come back and leave another comment saying you did so. (So up to three extra chances to win!)
Help spread the word so we can support artists, designers and authors this holiday season!
And have a Merry Tuesday. :)
