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Sunday, November 25, 2012

Blog Wishes



Blog Wishes Giveaway



When people ask me what my favorite holiday is, the answer is always Christmas. Being from Texas, we don't often have that postcard, white Christmas, but there's something about Christmastime; something changes in the air. Maybe it's the familiar chiming of the Salvation Army bells and red kettle, or the excitement of gift shopping and wrapping. I never grow tired of seeing the twinkling lights, feeling the chill outside and the warmth of a fire, and hearing bells and carolers.

A few months ago, I posted some Silver Toms that I really wanted on my blog post. I never imagined I would get them 2 months later on my birthday! Caitlin saw my post, and decided to get that for my birthday. My very thoughtful friends (CaitlinAriJoanna, Heather, and Kristen) all chipped in and got me my very comfortable, sparkly flats! The funny thing is, my sister saw the post and thought the exact same thing and got me the same TOMS! :) I need to return those, and get some new TOMS!

Anyway, I was so surprised and happy. It was definitely one of the best birthdays ever.
It got me thinking about my first giveaway. What if I made a giveaway about blog wishes? Where you post something you really want and actually get it? And it's just in time for Christmas!

Here are the basic guidelines:

1. You need to enter through Rafflecopter below. You can receive up to 6 entries for the giveaway.


  • 1 entry for commenting on this post with your name, link to your item, email, and blog site (this is mandatory).
  • 1 entry for blogging about my giveaway. Please email me at madebyfirenze@gmail.com with your blog      entry about my blog giveaway including a link to my blog.
  • 1 entry for liking  my blog page on Facebook (MadeByFirenze)
  • 2 entries if you follow me on GFC! If you already do, I will make sure you get 2 entries. :)
  • 1 entry for Tweeting about the giveaway. I wanted to do Pinterest, but that wasn't available for me. If you  don't have Twitter (which I don't either) you can follow me on pinterest (minjoo) and pin my blog giveaway photo above and receive 1 entry.


Now for your item:


  • Choose one item on your Christmas list you would like. It cannot be a gift card, or 2 items. Only one.
  • The item must be less than $55. No exceptions.
  • It must also be something that can easily be bought online. No rare items or ebay items.
  • It should be from legitimate sites like amazonAnthropologieJ.Crew, or Target etc. If I have any concerns with your item, I will let you know.
  • If your item requires a size or color, please specify in your comment.


Please follow the Rafflecopter entry rules. Any false entries will be taken out.

I will contact the winner through email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends.

Good luck and have fun choosing your item!




Looking back...

Christmas is very special to me. When I was 5 years old, my father passed away from stomach cancer at home. Even though I was little, I knew my life would never be the same.
And I also knew I would not have a Christmas that following year. That was just an accepted fact. I saw my mom struggling to make ends meet raising my sister and I and I just knew I couldn't count on opening or giving presents. That is why my 6th Christmas was the most memorable, special time in my childhood. On Christmas Eve, the doorbell rang. As my sister and I opened the door, we heard ringing of bells and a distant  "Ho, ho, ho, merry Christmas!" And there, on our front porch were piles of beautifully wrapped Christmas presents with our names on them. I just remember my sister and I jumping up and down shouting to my mom that Santa had come and brought us presents!
I was so so happy and just remember thinking, he actually came to our house. He didn't forget about us. We had a Christmas. We could celebrate.

Of course, years later, I found out it was actually the wonderful officers at Garland PD who came that night and left those gifts for my sister and I. They were there the night my father passed away.
I don't remember what the presents were; they were probably dolls, toys, stuffed animals; My Little Ponies, or an Etch A Sketch. I don't have these things anymore.
But I still have the memory of that night. The joy I felt not from those items, but that someone actually remembered and thought of us. That's what I think of when I think about Christmas. It's about family, hope, giving of yourself, and love. And of course, the greatest gift of all. Jesus.

It is in that spirit, I am doing this giveaway. I hope it brings a little joy to your Christmas. Also, all the entries I receive, I am going to double that number and donate that dollar amount, half to the charity of the winner's choice, and half to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which is important to me.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

50 comments:

  1. What an awesome and generous giveaway!
    www.athomewiththehinkleys.com is my blog (Natalie Hinkley)
    veggienat@gmail.com
    and this is my #1 thing on my Christmas list currently :http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Mood-Tilly-The-Wall/dp/B008TK7IUS/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3C2EGIBOT38ZP&coliid=IKGLP9U4MR57
    I'll be sure to spread the word!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such an awesome giveaway!! Thanks so much!!
    www.footballandrainbows.blogspot.com is my blog
    christinadanielle182@gmail.com is my email
    I would love this for my new place.
    http://www.target.com/p/bella-dots-12-cup-coffee-maker-fushia-pink/-/A-14114703#prodSlot=medium_1_46

    I will spread the word for sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is such a cute coffee maker! Love the color!

      Delete
  3. Yay for your very first giveaway and what an awesome and generous one at that! :) Thanks so much for hosting!!
    Taylor Norris and I blog at Goings on in Texas (http://taylornorris.blogspot.com) and I would love...these Toms http://www.toms.com/womens/campus-classics/texas-christian-university-women-s-campus-classics in a Size 7

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. goingsonintexas at gmail dot com {Sorry I forgot that part}

      Delete
    2. Those TOMS are so cute! :) Thanks for entering!

      Delete
  4. Best giveaway ever! I've always wanted one of the animal paper mache busts from Anthropologie, but can never bring myself to splurge on myself.
    Love this ram one: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/B970121.jsp

    schrader.jill@gmail.com
    www.reallifenotes.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. YAY! I finally figured out what I want. This was not easy.
    Sarah Kil.
    https://subscription.realsimple.com/storefront/subscribe-to-real-simple/site/sm-2for1hol0912.html?tcmid=footer_gift&link=1001112
    (If there's extra $$ not used from the gift, can we add that to the charity pot?)
    loveee.sarah@gmail.com.
    loveeesarah.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good find! That's a good idea too. Would I do the one gift option?

      Delete
  6. Florence..thank you again for hosting such an awesome giveaway...

    I thought long and hard about this...and I picked something that I would never buy myself.

    http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/catalog/Product/227/ in plum stripe

    email atxbikegirl at gmail.com
    viewfromthe512.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janna, you and I think alike. I really want the thirty-one lunch tote!

      Delete
  7. What an amazing thing to do! I am a mom of three boys and we are having our fourth boy in March I really just want some new cute baby clothes. I just used this one as an example but really anything that hasn't been worn by three other boys would be awesome.
    http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=89337&vid=1&pid=914775002

    ehumphries3@gmail.com
    www.emilysanity.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congrats on your baby! How about cute hats to go with it? :)

      Delete
  8. omg what a great giveaway! i have been dying over the naked palette from urban decay! would love that!

    xx
    jessicataylor(at)about(dot)me
    http://www.jessicawho.me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love it! Thanks for entering.. Please spread the word!

      Delete
  9. Love your giveaway, what a great idea
    here is my amazing find on amazon
    http://www.amazon.com/Super-Techno-0-08ctw-Ladies-Diamond/dp/B0068OS27U/ref=sr_1_69?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1354597743&sr=1-69&keywords=lady+gifts
    Thanks
    acook160(at)hotmail(dot)com
    www.tartantastesintx.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love this giveaway and I love this Handpainted Still Life Monogram “C” - http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-room/25690942.jsp#

    -Arianna Cooper
    lavenderandpinkblog@gmail.com
    lavenderandpink.weebly.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey, thanks for hosting such a generous giveaway. That is really amazing. I would love a pair of gray TOMS. http://www.toms.com/womens/classics/ash-canvas-classics-shoes in size 7.

    Cerise Wade
    newlywades@rocketmail.com
    www.craftcherry.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yea Cerise! Thanks for entering! TOMS are perfect!

      Delete
  12. This is such a generous giveaway! Such a sweetheart you are! Thanks so much!

    I would choose this because I have been looking at watches forever :) http://www.amazon.com/XOXO-Womens-XO9027-Seven-Interchangeable/dp/B007WZZYKC/ref=sr_1_8?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1354845416&sr=1-8

    Breanna
    http://mybeautifulcrazylifex33.blogspot.com
    breanna.6218@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is such a thoughtful giveaway, thank you!

    Can I choose an item from Etsy? I'd love one of these necklaces with a "B" on it :) http://www.etsy.com/listing/112089653/gold-initial-necklace-hand-stamped-gold?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=gold+initial+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade

    Aileen
    aileenbarkerdesign (at) gmail.com
    www.aileenbarker.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Etsy is fine! I have an initial necklace like that from Stella and Dot!

      Delete
  14. What a great idea and so generous of you to donate to a charity as well!! I've been eyeing this iPad case (original iPad version) for awhile. It just happens to come in at $54. Fate? Maaybeee.

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/67841982/ipad-caseipad-coveripad-sleeveleather?ref=usr_faveitems

    Thanks for the sweet giveaway and Happy Holidays!
    Jessica at The Paper Plume
    thepaperplume@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for entering Jessica! It was meant to be :)

      Delete
  15. How fun! Made me go search through my Pinterest to see what I'd pinned just to pine over. This is not nearly $50, but it's what I'd really want:

    http://cableandgauge.com/item/ec77200--shimmer-cowl-neck-raglan-sleeve-top

    ecarian at yahoo dot com

    Scribbleprints.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. PS: My dad had Parkinsons...thanks for what you are doing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My dad has it. I hope we can be a support system for each other!

      Delete
  17. What an awesome giveaway. I love these necklaces and just never seem to buy myself one.

    I would love to have : http://www.mommynecklaces.com/Locked-Donut_p_1079.html#
    (the color would be raven and the standard 20".

    abuttaduaro(at)aol(dot)com
    http://thebuttadaurofamily.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. Matt Schmunk

    size Large Pearl iZUMi Men's Quest Cycling Short
    http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-iZUMi-Quest-Cycling-Short/dp/B002KT3XQM/ref=sr_1_1?s=athletic-clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1354886175&sr=1-1&keywords=cycling+shorts+men

    mattschmunk at gmail dot com
    http://msgiveaway.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. What an awesome and generous giveaway! Thank you for hosting this!!

    If I were to win, I would choose this item for our family game night:

    http://www.target.com/p/new-super-mario-bros-wii-nintendo-wii/-/A-11691757#prodSlot=medium_1_2

    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  20. My 7 year old desperately needs snow boots for the winter. It would be so awesome to be able to get him these:
    http://www.6pm.com/kamik-kids-shadow-2-toddler-youth-charcoal?zfcTest=mat%3A1
    He would need a size 3 youth.
    Thank you so much for the opportunity!

    Rafflecopter:Mechele JOhnson

    ReplyDelete
  21. I would love to try bareminerals!
    http://www.sephora.com/bareminerals-customizable-get-started-kit-P267207?skuId=1459353
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  22. My name is Laura Bradley =] This is a great opportunity, thanks for the chance!! (Go Saints! :P)
    lawrararuh@gmail.com

    The item I would choose would be a Drew Brees jersery t-shirt :) (Size XXL)
    here's a link:
    http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Orleans-Saints-Sleeve-X-Large/dp/B0082ARTOK/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1354929009&sr=1-2&keywords=drew+brees+t-shirt+women

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a great idea for a giveaway-especially adding a charity donation on top of it. You're very sweet. I would choose a Kelty camp sink like the one shown here http://www.kelty.com/p-292-kitchen-sink.aspx

    michelle.wanderingstill@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hello!
    I would love buy this tackle bag for my father.
    http://www.basspro.com/Browning-360-or-370-Satchel-Bags-or-Systems/product/10221622/

    Monica
    hockeyheaven7@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would like some Keurig cups from amazon such an awesome giveaway!!!TY

    myamurphy@mail.com

    ReplyDelete
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  28. What an amazingly generous giveaway! Thank you very much!
    I would love to get this Mack T-shirt for my fiance. He works so hard to take care of me and our kids.

    https://www.mack-shop.com/mti/VALUE/Itemdesc.asp?ic=M3080LG&eq=&Tp=

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a great giveaway. Thanks so much! I would replace my current knives. They won't even cut balogna right now. My email is 1franticmom@gmail.com.

    http://www.target.com/p/giada-de-laurentiis-for-target-steak-knife-set-polished/-/A-12061082#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=steak knives

    ReplyDelete
  30. http://www.amazon.com/Pinzon-Basics-Overfilled-Microplush-Mattress/dp/B000VESM46/ref=sr_1_1?s=bedbath&ie=UTF8&qid=1354937266&sr=1-1 Thank you for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. entered under Choni Sonia Guerra email bohemianbabushka@gmail.com p.s. should I win, you can give my portion over to the Michael Fox organization also.

      Delete
  31. My name is Erum Shaukat and i would love to get the plasma car for my toddler here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Edition-Glowing-Rolling-Coaster-Wiggling/dp/B005OFKVX2/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1354938896&sr=8-12&keywords=plasma+car

    my email address is erum.shaukat@gmail.com

    thanks for the chance to win!!

    ReplyDelete