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Friday, November 14, 2008

200th Post Give Away Sign Up.....

Please note this Give Away is closed

In my last post I shared day one of my shopping experience with you. Day one I kept it small potatoes by shopping in a one stop store. On day two I braved up and went to the strip mall with more than one store and everything! I trudged into every store there and the search was futile until the very last store. That is where I got my Jesus loves me jacket. One of the items on my necessary list was a jacket o
r coat. After wandering aimlessly past some of the oddest fashions I have ever seen I passed a clearance rack. Peeping out was the sleeve of what appeared to be a coat.

Curious I went closer and sure enough it was exactly what I was looking for in color, style, and size. It was the only one on the rack and I thought someone had just discarded it because why would it be on a clearance rack full of summer items? I pulled it out and gingerly raised the price tag, turning it over, and I gasp, no way could the price be right. I slid it on and it was truly a moment of gratitude.

Before I went shopping I prayed that my needs would be met, not wants, just needs. I was on a budget and needed certain items and needed to purchase them within my budget. I stood there feeling like the most beautiful lily in the field. Even Solomon in all his glory could not have been better arrayed. My Heavenly Father knew what I needed and how much I could pay and He provided it. So, I have dubbed this my Jesus loves me jacket and every time I wear it I will be enveloped in and reminded of His provisional love. (In case you are curious it was a black knee length trench coat with a removable liner marked down to 1/4 of it's original price a true bargain at $30.00)

I wasn't too traumatized by day two of shopping so when day three arrived I was ready to pull out all the stops and drive into the capitol city to the MALL! I decided to give those new bronze flats a real work out. I mustered up my courage by sipping on a diet Pepsi on the drive in. Arriving, I parked on the opposite end of where I wanted to shop thinking I could get in a little workout.

Non shopper that I am I zipped and I do mean zipped into that mall with nary a look to the right or to the left, not even tempted to stop and look at all that beckoned from each storefront window. I was power walking like no bodies business until I hit the store I wanted to shop in. Things got a little bit fuzzy when I was hit by all those perfume waving ladies who must have thought I stunk because they all tried to swipe me with samples and my makeup must have been a mess too because a barrage of painted beauties wanted to swish their magic makeup brushes over my face. The hair must have been OK because nobody wanted to stop me for that. I smiled and waved them off with a polite no thanks.
Then I had to sheepishly return to ask for directions to the department I was seeking. T
hey looked a little shocked and I did hear whispers of pity as I walked away.

A very nice sales lady helped me and I got what I needed and then power walked right past those powder puff and perfume ladies feeling slightly self-conscience of my unscented best I could do made up self. Two more items got ticked off my list after two more stores and that was about all the mall I could handle, so I left!

There was a reason I rushed through that mall and it lay two parking lots and one street away, a light at the end of my shopping tunnel, a BOOK STORE!!!! I wanted to weep for being back on familiar ground. My feet hurt, my head hurt, and my Pepsi had worn off. I felt a jolt of energy flow through me as I grasp that big brass door handle. The whoosh of the opening door was music to my ears! One, two, three, four, five steps and I was inside, the smell of coffee and the sight of books slowed my pulse and brought my blood pressure back to normal. I wanted to jump for joy, now HERE was a place I could shop!

So ends the saga of Miss Sandy's shopping spree. I got all but one item on my necessary list and truth be told I am not disappointed to do without it. Every item I did purchase was on sale and I came in under my budget due to the goodness of my Heavenly Father who knew my needs.

All this angst over finding the right style, color, and fit and the exhaustion at the end of it inspired the give away package to celebrate my 200th post and shopping success. I have put together a little basket of must have gifts to ensure shopping success!


For the first item I purchased a HOT OFF THE PRESS book by Shari Braendel, "If Clothes Could Talk"!
This book will help you learn to identify your body type and which clothing styles suit you best, (wish I'd a had this BEFORE I went!), quick tips for dressing thinner, her 16 point accessories rules ( we all know I need this advice after that whole earring thing!), the power of color, essential wardrobe pieces, and much more! Shari is a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaking team and her perspective on fashion and beauty come from a heart that wants to please her Heavenly Father. You can visit Shari's blog here.

For taking notes from Shari's book or to keep up with your shopping needs, I will include a handmade mini fashion inspired blank journal. (Picture to follow, I am still working on this item)
Every girl needs a timeless fashion accessory so I have chosen a creamy soft Cashmink scarf to include in the gift basket. The creamy color will go with anything and it can act as a security blanket in those uncertain shopping decisions!A fun, funky, fad fashion accessory is a must have and you know I cannot resist tucking in a handmade item so I will include one of my new birds nest and branch broaches! The broach is 1 inch high and 2 1/4 inches long. The nest is made of woven wires and fibers. Inside the nest rest three glass bead "eggs". The nest is perched on a suede branch with tiny green velvet leaves at it tips.After all that shopping you will be exhausted and in need of rest, relaxation, and refreshment. I've got you covered with a mini spa experience! For those tired feet I am tucking in my favorite Watermelon & Balm Mint foot scrub, notice it says anti stress on the toes, it is soooo true! I love this stuff! The mint leaves your tired feet tingling and refreshed.After your tired tootsies have had a massage how about smoothing away all those frown lines you have acquired after turning over price tags? Another personal favorite from the same anti stress line is a cool Cucumber peel off masque that leaves your face feeling fresh and clean, will also be included.While your mask is setting why not slide down into a relaxing lavender scented bath? Toss in this fizzing bath ball where millions of tiny bubbles release skin softening conditioners and stress reducing lavender.How about some softly scented lighting while you soak? For this I have included a Fresh Cotton scented votive candle. This barely there fragrance will not overpower and will provide a soft ambient light to bathe by.To top off the mini spa experience why not indulge in a bit of decadence? A smooth milk chocolate melt in your mouth Dove bar will crown off the experience.To sign up for the give away, just leave a comment on this post. I will post a winner on Tuesday, November 18, 2008. I so appreciate and treasure each and every one of you who visit here. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
Miss Sandy

27 comments:

SandyQuilts said...

Congrats on your 200th posting.

It always amazes me how "he" gives us just what we need. Please throw my name into the hat.

Now I must check out your blog in depth.

Susie said...

You have such a way with words Sandy. You've taken one of your 'un' favorite things to do and turned it onto such a positive. The good Lord above always meets our needs doesn't he? I can't believe the buy on that coat. Love, love, love those fabulous buys!

Your giveaway looks absolutely fantastic! I would love to win! Thanks Sandy!

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Thank you for sharing your shopping trip with us... I'm not much of a fan of clothes shopping myself!

What a lovely thoughtful giveaway!

Victoria xx

Wanita said...

The bookstore was a great reward after your shopping trip!

Your giveaway is wonderful!

Hope you have a great weekend.

Blessings,
Wanita

Anonymous said...

Miss Sandy, Please add my name to your wonderful drawing, and congrads on your 200th post. Love the shopping story I love to shop for the house or crafts but I hate clothes shopping. Vicki Page

crafty diane said...

Congratulations on you 200th post! I could sure use a little spa treatment right now!
Have a Blessed Day,
Diane

Vee said...

Awwww, Miss Sandy, you are the sweetest gal anyone could ever wish for in a friend.

Your collection of gifts to bless some blessed gal with sounds delightful!

I'm happiest in a bookstore, too. Must tell you that recently John and I had to go someplace rather special and he was all dressed up and looking great. I said something like "I'd better try to dress up and match you." He had tears in his eyes! Obviously, I am doing a whole lot wrong, but just don't can't see my way around it. Sigh.

Guess what arrived in the mail today? Your little gift brought tears to my eyes. I was busily unwrapping when I realized that I had to STOP and get the camera. John was waiting to see what it was and got very antsy at my having to document. LOL!

Thank you, Dear One. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

AmyB said...

So happy your "Jesus loves me jacket" found you! You're giving away an entire experience you generous soul, you! Please do toss my name in the hat. Bless you for your most inspiring & uplifting blog. - Amy Bauer

Vickie said...

Miss Sandy - Sign me up! That sounds like a wonderful day to stay home from work, self-indulge, and allow your generous and thoughtful gifts to soothe away the stress of the outside world. You are a jewel! Vickie

Julie said...

What a great story about the jacket! I love it. With five little children I am always amazed at how God provides me with just the right thing at just the right time for each of them!
Congrats on your 200th post!

Anonymous said...

Your adorable wish journal arrived in today's mail. My husband and brother waited as I untied the pretty packaging. We all had tears at the sight of the glittery butterfly you placed on the front. Butterflies will forever be special to us and it's so thoughtful of you to have incorporated one into the design. My sincere thanks for the post you so tenderly wrote about Mother and for your friendship and encouragemet. May you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving. Mildred

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Maybe perseverance earned you the jacket! I avoid "The Mall" at all costs. BTW, I received my cute think pink notebook you sent me! I was soooo excited to receive one of your creations!

Fete et Fleur said...

What an adventure Sandy! I could have written this. I have a phobia of clothing stores. I only go when I'm absolutely desperate. Congratulations on your 200th Post! Your giveaway is the best!!

Hugs!
Nancy

SharDon Exclusives said...

Sandy, I have sent you an email but I just wanted to thank you for the lovely way you paint a canvas of the beauty of the Lord, through your words. Truely the paintings of our lives must always 'reflect' the Lords' work in the Miracle of living with Him. Everyday is an adventure when our hearts look for the Lord in all of the big and little miracles. Thank you dear soul for sharing your life with us.

Sandi said...

From one Sandy to another...God bless you! I just found your blog through Dawn's blog and I am amazed!!! Your way with words has me wanting to sit here all day long and read your whole blog! And I am so happy you found your Jesus loves me Jacket...what a neat story! Please enter me in your wonderful giveaway.
Blessings!
Sandi

Fresh Air Deligths said...

Sandy! You are so sweet to be giving this giveaway. I think the best part is the spa thing, sounds sooo relaxing. God bless you sweetie!

BrendaLea, the Prpldy said...

Congrats on all your post! What I've read so far I have loved! I found your blog via CindyisCrafty's blog and she said we would love yours, and I do! And what an awesome give-a-way! Ohhh how I want to win...have never had any cashmere!

Mama said...

I'm very glad I found your blog today. I'm enjoying the good writing here! And looky! A giveaway. Yes, please enter me. And come visit anytime.

cpullum said...

I love the fact that God gives us mazing things for us to use to relax with!

Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

KathyB. said...

What a fun shopping adventure I had vicariously with you !The book store is always a highlight for me. I dislike shopping, but not as much as you.

Do you sell your little nest pins ? Of all the items you showed in your give away, your little nest pin is the most precious ! If you sell them, may I ask what the price is ?

As usual, I love your blog . Thank-you !

Joyce Mineer said...

Sandy,
Loved sharing your shopping experience with you. I would FAR rather spend my dollars on my home or family or baking goods (yum) than clothes for myself - UGH!!! A little secret...I'm still wearing things from the 80s...yep, I have a few pieces that have withstood the test of time - and fashion - and so, I wear them! That's how much I HATE shopping for clothes!!

Couldn't pass up the opportunity to participate in your give-away; what a great "treat yourself" goodie basket! Put my name in the hat, too!

Elaine said...

I just came to visit from Dawn's The Feathered Nest. I love your shopping story and Father's provision. It stirs my faith to go after some things I need. So please enter my name for the tantalizing refreshments for the journey!

Significant Snail said...

Wow, what a generous gift basket - you have lovely taste! I'm a new reader to Quill Cottage and I'm looking forward to reading more.

Kimberly said...

What a wonderful post and giveaway!

Bonita said...

I actually enjoy shopping, but I'm clueless with today's fashions. They just don't make sense to me. Loved your post. Isn't Shari wonderful?

The Joy of Nesting said...

Happy Happy 200rd dear Miz Sandy!!!

What a great adventure to have behind ya :c) I know the feeling well. It hits me about the time the plane hits the tarmac in the US and doesn't go away until I'm safely back home!!

Pattie :c)
Mazatlan Mexico

bluemuf said...

Sandy, that was one great adventure. I really don't care for shopping for clothes, heaven only knows why.

Hugs Karen

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