Wednesday, January 02, 2013

From me to you....a giveaway!

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Been a busy day for me.  Aside from the usual puttering around the house, housework and that kind of stuff, I also had to get my grocery shopping done.

Good thing is that the commissary was very quiet today, it was just me and a few other folks in there, all retirees and it made for a very pleasant stress free, relaxed shopping trip.

I picked up a roast chicken, some potato and macaroni salad for our lunch.  Usually I would make this myself but I was going to be out all morning and then coming home and having to get all the groceries put away would really not leave me with much time to fix something to eat.

For $8 I was able to feed our family of four.  Not bad at all, and much healthier and cheaper than if I were to pick up junk food at a drive-thru.

After everything was put away and dishes done/kitchen clean, I quickly made up a batch of Amish Church Peanut Butter Spread.  It's so good and it's wonderful on bread, or crackers or even cake.

Amish Church Peanut Butter Spread

My children love it.

The rest of the afternoon I spent working on a budget.

I know some of you have asked where I'm moving, and I thought I had told everyone already but in case I didn't.....my husband is retiring after 22 years in the Air Force.  We are finally leaving Arizona and heading back to Idaho, which thrills us all very much.

So it's crunch time as we'll be leaving in May, doesn't give us much time but we are saving as much money as we can, planning, looking at realty in the area we want to go and getting all the usual moving paperwork started but times 100 when it comes to retirement.

I'm a planner, so I plan everything to the last detail and I think it will help us immensely when we get out.

Next few months will be all about saving money, cutting bills, making do with what we have and such.  Should be quite interesting hahaha

Time does fly because I feel like I sat down to work on some things and then it was time to get dinner in the oven. I made Mexican Casserole and the recipe comes from one of my Amish Cookbooks and it's a delicious filling one.

Mexican Casserole

And now that I got all that out of the way, it's time for my little surprise.  I do so appreciate every single one of you, and it warms my heart when you visit my blog and leave such kind comments.

As we start a new year, I wanted to say thank you, so I'm doing it with a little giveaway of a few things I made and one that I think you'll really enjoy.

Here's what I'm giving away to a lucky reader, a crochet washbag, a fabric book cover

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One of my favorite cookbooks, and if you love Amish food you'll really love this one.

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And adding two dishcloths, one is crochet and the other is knitted.

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It's not much, but it's truly from the heart and I think a little bit of everything that I love, cooking, crochet/knitting and books :)

I'm opening this giveaway to everyone, so even if you're overseas, you will have a chance to win.

All I need from you is for you to leave comment on this post and please make sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

I will draw a winner next week Wednesday, 9th 2013.  Good luck!



72 comments:

Amber said...

Wow! I think it is a very gracious giveaway. And such lovely things. I've been reading your blog for about six months now, and I truly always enjoy your posts. I always get excited when I see an updated post from you come up in my reader! Anyway, good luck with all of the moving preparation. So nice that you're able to move back to a place that you love!

Lulu said...

beautiful dishcloths,and bag Sandra..
good luck in all your planning for your big move..wow, you are finally going back to where you love so much..thats awesome..
Take care,

Cheri said...

What a fun giveaway!

Jackie Tessnair said...

I love your blog...good luck on your move.I love homemade things.All these are beautiful.I love the amish also,would really love to have the cookbook.Thanks for the chance to win these great things..jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Moving is such a challenge, hope all goes smoothly. Love the beautiful dish cloths!!! Those are the best...

Rachelle S said...

What a beautiful giveaway Sandra, truly from the heart. :)

Miranda said...

I made the Amish pb spread and loved it!! Thanks for sharing your recipes.

~Carla~ said...

Hope you're able to work everything out before the move, but knowing you, you will do great!! :) I love your giveaway and am double crossing my fingers that i'm the lucky one! I love your creations, Sandra!!

Tasha said...

i love your blog and love the dishclothes! :)

crowned4him said...

Wow! Awesome giveaway,the dishes clothes are lovely.

Kristy Jensen said...

Your things are so beautiful. I pray your move is smooth and you get everything done in time. I too am a planner (almost annoyingly). LOL! Would love to win these items!

Bobbi Jo Carico said...

What an awesome giveaway! I hope moving goes smoothly!

MamaBoz said...

Oh how sweet you are! My kids will love the peanut butter spread...Yum! angboz00@yahoo.com

Mari said...

What a sweet giveaway! Thanks for doing this.
I'm so happy about the upcoming move - Idaho will be wonderful!

Judy Kay said...

Love all the goodies you've made, so pretty! I'm glad you will get to move to a place you will love, next year we'll be reading about all the snow you have at Christmas time!
So happy for your family!
God Bless,
Judy

Unknown said...

This is such a wonderful giveaway! The best gifts are from the heart. I have an obsession with cookbooks, and that one in particular looks awesome! My email is Miranda.public@gmail.com

I wish you all the best in your retirement planning and move! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi, I love reading your blog.what caught my eye was your title "Living Simple & Loving God". I Love it! That is my lifestyle too. I can tell you put your heart into what you do. And that you love your kids very much. They will never forget all the cool and fun things you do for them crafting and cooking ect.. Continue doing what you do because it shows you are a wondeful person. Love in Christ,Lisa email address kuntrybumkin@embarqmail.com

Malorie Shepherd said...

I love love love your blog Sandra! It inspires me everyday to be the best sahm /wife that I can be and to enjoy the blessings of having my children hone with me and to love life. My turn to in down times is your blog. I love it! Thank you! ::malorie shepherd ::

Richwithlove1225@Gmail.com. :)

Anita Philipps said...

Thank you for this. You are so very generous.

Unknown said...

What a lovely giveaway. Good luck with your move. I enjoy your blog so much and it's so nice to connect with others who have like ideals. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

that books looks very inspiring...and now want some yummy hot cocoa :)

Sandy J said...

I think all items hand made are from the heart and always mean a great deal to me. Thank you for this opportunity.

Pamela said...

LOVE this giveaway! I have been hoping to learn how to crochet. How would you suggest I do that? A friend has said she would teach me but finding time is the problem right now. Would love some pointers!
Pamela
imperfectlypamela@hotmail.com

Rachel said...

I can say that I came across your blog about 3 months ago or so and it has become one of my favorites. Even if I only have a few minutes to catch up on blogs, yours is one of the ones that I look to first. Good luck in getting everything ready for your move and getting things squared away. :)

Rachel
egan_rachel@yahoo.com

Conny said...

wonderful giveaway! I love seeing your handicrafts and would love to win any of them (cookbook too!). :) thanks for the opportunity.

Annie Lee said...

I am so excited for you guys to be moving to Idaho. I am a born and rasied Idahoan. I love your blog and seeing all your wonderful posts, and the fact you are giving away a few of your favorite things,makes me giddy. That cookbook looks amazing, and I LOVE the washclothes (fingers crossed I win). lifeasalee (at)gmail.com

Renee said...

Wow - such a gracious give away! Best wishes on your move back to Idaho. Wishing you and your family all the very best!

Renee'

Nikita said...

Your handmade items truly are beautiful..

Jenn Aikens said...

would love to win! Your giveaway is lovely!

Stacey said...

I think it is a wonderful giveaway! I love your blog and enjoy following along and absorbing homemaking tips and some fabulous recipes!
Matlockfamily4@yahoo.com

Robbyn said...

Pick me, pick me! I have been following you for as long as I can remember, all the way from Alberta, Canada. Not only do I enjoy your posts but I also find inspiration in them. Thank you and I am eager to see what the new year brings to you and yours!

Kelly H said...

I would love to have some of your handmade creations in my home. I always love seeing everything that you make, food and crafts. I would also love the Amish Cookbook. You inspired me to order some Depression Era cookbooks. This would be a great addition to my Frugal cooking. kel0722@hotmail.com

Sandrocas said...

Hi Sandra,
Everytime I read your blog, I know if we met in person, we would have a cup of tea, and talk about our kids, crochet, Portuguese food, cleaning tips, lol! All the things you love I love, including vintage recipes! Also very happy to hear you are moving, always a lot to do to prepare, but how nice it will be for your family to return home. also, Idaho is not far from BC, if you ever cross the border, you can come to my house for tea and bolos ;)
Sandra from Vancouver
ps, thanks for offering this to ALL your readers!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear Sandra ~ I knew your husband was retiring from the military, I just didn't know when. I can feel your excitement and can relate to the hustle and bustle of these next few months. My husband was only in for 4 years, US Navy, and I can remember when it was our time to head home. I still have dreams about packing things up to this day.

Not only will you be packing up belongings but many wonderful memories of people you've met and places you've been.

Going back home won't be the same as before, it will be a new and wonderful, growing experience of love, peace and joy for all of you. I am happy and excited for you.

Have a fantastic 2013.

FlowerLady Lorraine

Melissa said...

Sandra,
What lovely items :) I read your blog almost daily, although rarely do I have time to post a comment. I do love it tho. Here's hoping that your transitions this year a smooth!!

Melissa

Sue said...

I would be so pleased to win some of your crocheted pieces. They are lovely! I can always use some great new recipes too. Best wishes on the move and thank you for your beautiful blog.

MindyG said...

Such a beautiful give away Sandra! You are very talented. I can't imagine how excited you must be to finally see retirement for your husband and a big move for all of you on the horizon. I look forward to reading about your adventure. Have a blessed New Year!
Mindy
mindygauthier@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Whilst I would love to have a little bit of "The Stay at Home Mom" in my house to remind me of the wonderful homemade goodies and thoughts that Sandra shares with us all daily, I really believe that is us who should be thanking you for enriching all our lives and not the other way round! I also think you should be saving your pennies(cents?) and not promising overseas shipping!!!! You already give me (us) the most generous gift of your time and understanding everytime you post ~ sometime I look forward to everyday! Thank you sooooo much. <3

Angela said...

What a lovely prize! Thank you for entering me! Angela

Wendi said...

You are giving away great stuff!

What an exciting time for you... planning your future and moving to an area you love. Best wishes!

Debby said...

What a lovely give away!!! All of your creations are so sweet, who wouldn't love any of them and the cookbook, be still my heart!! I love peeking into your world, thanks for such a great blog

Jenna Smith said...

Wow-you are giving away lots of GREAT things! I have been wanting to learn crochet so maybe your washcloths will give me some inspiration!

Unknown said...

What a fun way to start the new year with a great giveaway! I would love to win these goodies. Thanks for the opportunity and I wish you all the best for the new year.

Manuela said...

beautiful is all I can say. You are an inspiration to us all.
have a good day!
Marie

Naomi said...

What a fabulous give away, and I'm in with a chance! Yay! :) I love the look of your knitted dish cloths if I do manage to master knitting this year your pattern is on the top of my list to try. Now if only you were moving a little further afield you could teach me... lol!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Naomi | Lovely Little Life xxx

Linds said...

Things from the heart - handmade gifts are always the best! Thanks for including us all, Sandra!

JC said...

We're also at 22 years AF, but hoping to stay for two more. Retirement scares the heck out of me. I don't know how to be a civilian after all these years! Good luck with your preparations!

Angela said...

Would love to win! Thank you! I LOVE cookbooks!
dayfamily6@windstream.net

Elizabeth said...

Dear Sandra, you say this is "not much" to giveaway, but you are quite wrong, these items are so wonderful because they are all about YOU, your love of hand-made items and simple delish (if you say it right you can rhyme that with Amish!) cooking...all so much about the reasons that we love to read about your life!! Back awhile ago, when I used to make more crafts, I had a tag to sew into things that said "From the Hand and Heart of Elizabeth". THAT is what I feel from you: "From the Hand and Heart of Sandra".

It would be super to win these goodies, but even if I don't, I still win because I still get to connect with your family through this bloggy world!!

Oh and Hellooooo Idahoooo!!

Carol said...

Gorgeous work, as always! I would love to win these -- especially that cookbook. It looks great! Thank you so much for hosting this!

Anna said...

YEA! I would LOVE the cookbook.....even though I never have time to cook. Maybe some day I will. The dish rags would come in handy too of course because there are always dishes to do. The book cover....I could find a use for it. Love your Blog and facebook pages.
--Anna

Unknown said...

Great giveaway! The handmade items are so sweet and the cookbook sounds yummy!

Kathleen said...

What beautiful gifts!! Would love to win. Definately trying the Mexican casserole. That looks delicious!

Kathleen Mullin

Steve and Eden said...

I LOVE LOVE your blog!! I've been reading it since Olyvia was born. :) She'll be 7 in April! Makes me want to cry! I've loved watching your kids grow and you are an inspiration to me.

Hugs

Eden

Susan said...

I would Love to win this!! Your blog is the one I go to everyday. You are so talented and just the way you post your day is so great. Have a Happy New Year!!Blessings,Suzy M

Marissa said...

What a great giveaway! You are very talented and I truly enjoy reading your blog!

marissa826@gmail.com

Renate said...

Sandra, What a lovely giveaway!! I'm sure you already know how much I love your blog. Although it makes me sad because I'm positive we would be best friends if we lived next door. Maybe we would watch too much Btit TV. ;) Renate

Unknown said...

All of those gifts are so cute!

Amy said...

What beautiful giveaway items! I would love to win!

Jamie said...

I don't usually enter giveaways, but the prizes here have me hooked!

(Like my crochet pun there?)

Kathy Skinner (Kat) said...

Moving to Idaho?! We live in E. Oregon :) We'll be neighbors! I enjoy your blog and this giveaway is GREAT!

Lora said...

A great give away! Thank you! I can be reached at lgcrouch@hotmail.com

Debra said...

I would love to win this giveaway! You have a wonderful blog and take beautiful pictures. Good luck getting ready for your move.

Debra
lildebbiefant(at)gmail(dot)com

Lara said...

What a wonderful giveaway! I would surely love to have those beautiful things. Thank you for your blog which is an inspiration to many.

Unknown said...

I so enjoy reading your blog! Everyday it is one of the first places I go to when I turn on my computer. The things you make, the things you do, and the things you make due with are all awesome. This is a cute give away. Good luck to all!

Teresa W.
twiers@comcast.net
Michigan

Unknown said...

How exciting! I would love to win such treasures. mistys_series@yahoo.com

Anne Marie said...

Beautiful, I would love it!

Angie said...

What a wonderful giveaway! I love the dishcloths and the cookbook.

Angie :)
www.lifewiththevanns.blogspot.com
angievantine@yahoo.com

Cher said...

Thanks for such a wonderful blog. I love reading about your life and recipes. The cookbook looks great and the dishcloths are beautiful.

JLMattson said...

How lovely of you to offer such a beautiful give away. Of course your gift to us is your refreshing and inspiring writing style. Thank you! Congratulations on retirement.

bea said...

thank you Sandra for opening the giveaway overseas... I read you everyday here in France. You are such an inspiration! please don't stop writing!
Béatrice
bea.18@orange.fr

Missy said...

I always love reading your blog!!
Missyq0814@gmail.com