Start Something That Matters Giveaway

I recently received the book "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie as part of a Books for Bloggers program.  Blake Mycoskie is the founder of TOMS.  TOMS is a shoe company that matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.

I love TOMS shoes.  I’m not usually a trendy person.  As an Iowan, I stand little chance of being trendy.  We don’t catch on to trends until the items are available on the shelves of Wal-Mart.  This is one trend, however, I did catch on to early. 

The shoes are not only hip and fun but they are extremely comfortable.  They are like work appropriate slippers.  I am on my feet 8+ hours per day so I need a comfortable pair of shoes (or five).  I appreciate the TOMS movement.  Who wouldn’t want to help out children while wearing cute and comfortable shoes? Brilliant.

As a loyal TOMS customer, I was excited to read more about the company. 

“Start Something That Matters” is a quick, yet inspirational read.  The book discusses the origins of the company and the importance of using stories in today’s marketing.  Would the alpargata inspired shoe have made such an impact in United States fashion without the one for one movement?   My husband and brother would definitely argue “no” because they do not like the style of shoe.  (Keep in mind they are dudes from Iowa. Iowa dudes are even less trendy than the lovely Iowa ladies.) 

I’m a skeptic when it comes to self-help/inspiration business books.  Yes, it would be awesome to love your work and work for what you love but I’m not sure everyone can experience this.  Maybe there are people that LOVE being garbage men but I’m pretty sure the majority feel otherwise.  But garbage men are important and the world needs them. These people fill a need with their work. (I’m also sure there are pharmacists that LOVE their jobs but I’m pretty sure the majority feel otherwise.  These people fill a need with their work. ;))

I did find this book very inspirational though.  Did it inspire me to start my own company?  No. (Maybe an Etsy shop. Hmmm.) Did it make me think that I could change the world?  No.  What it did inspire me to do was think beyond my current stage in life.  What goals should I set for myself?  How can I help others? Should I think about switching careers?  Where should I volunteer?  I like books that challenge me in such a personal way.  I also learned a little about business and other interesting organizations (charity: water, FEED, method) in a way that didn’t bore me.  That’s an impressive feat.

Would you like to win your own copy of “Start Something That Matters”? 

• TO ENTER (required):  An important part of this book is making yourself aware of your passion. One question Blake asks is “If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?”  Answer that question for your entry!
• GIVEAWAY CLOSES: January 8, 2012 11:59PM CST
• NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
• OTHER STUFF: The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on January 9, 2012 .  Check back to see if you are the lucky winner!

***I was given this book for free as part of the Books for Bloggers Program.  I was not compensated in any other way and was encouraged to be honest….even if I only used the book as kindling in my fireplace.  My fireplace is electric but this book definitely wouldn’t be needed to keep me warm…unless you count warm and fuzzy thoughts.***

Sangria Pinterest Madness

Today I would like to share with you a Pinterest story.

Last week I pinned a recipe for Sangria from Yellow Song Bird.  The bestie and I were looking for a good healthy recipe to help us ring in the New Year.  No biggie.  Until I started to receive trillions of re-pinned e-mails from this Sangria pin.  Check this out.  Insanity.

Photo via Pinterest and Yellow Song Bird

Here’s the funny part.  I don’t drink very often. I don’t have any moral/ethical/religious issues with drinking.  It’s just one of my many weird Michelle things.  But on occasion, I do enjoy a good Sangria.  Even in the middle of winter.  Mainly because it’s one of the few drinks that I actually enjoy and don’t have to choke down.

I thought I should share with my dear readers a review of this popular pin.  Did it really live up to the re-pinning hype?

A Sangria Review From A Girl That Doesn’t Drink Often and Hates Red Wine

I gathered my ingredients.

Only the finest $4.99 bottle of red wine will do.  Nothing but the best for my New Year’s Eve guests…

I dumped the ingredients in a pretty glass pitcher as instructed (instructions here)…

The sangria was obviously very pretty and it easy to make…even for a girl that struggles in the kitchen.  I’d say I did it alone but I made Nate open the bottle of wine.  Who corks a $4.99 bottle of wine?  Seriously.  I may or may not have carried the bottle of wine outside while looking for Nate.  This was at noon. 

The sangria was delicious.  Just the right amount of sweet and fruity goodness.  You should definitely add this to your entertaining drink list.  Re-pin this lovely drink!  You will thank me.  And your guests will thank me. 

Any other great Sangria recipes out there?  What’s your most surprisingly popular pin on the ol’ Pinterest?

Bring It 2012

What’s in store for our house in 2012? 

To be honest, I’m not completely sure.  I usually tackle projects when the vision comes to me.  Once I get that vision in my head, you can’t stop me. 

Let’s take a look at some areas that need some love.  I’m not putting pressure on myself to tackle any of these.  I really want to think through my design choices.  I may also be asking you all for advice in the future.  You all can be my vision assistants.  I like it.

The office is on my list.  It’s not like the office is horrendous.  It just doesn’t feel right to me.  Like it’s not really us.  Or finished.  It just feels a little “blah” to me.  I don’t like the wall color.  Nate does…or so he tells me.  I think he likes it because it doesn’t involve painting.

A rarely seen area of our home is our finished basement.  I use the term finished loosely.  What?  The Simpsons aren’t a hot design trend.  Seriously?  Ellipticals and boob lights aren’t either?  Bummer.  Guess we have some work to do. 

I really want a bed frame to replace our icky bed skirt in our master bedroom. Nate can totally build a bed frame.  Right?  Right!

We’re pondering built-ins in our living room.  I like the shelves but we’re thinking extra storage would be helpful if we ever decide to have spawn.  (Mom, please read the key word “if” in that sentence.)

We’re torn on a kitchen backsplash.  I’m sure it would like nice with the right tile choice.  We’re totally commitment phobes on this one.  And we both like the kitchen as is.  Weird, right?

I’m also liking the idea of an 8 person table in our formal dining room.  The bar height wasn’t our smartest decision.  I feel like some of the reason we don’t use this room is because of it’s more formal feel.  We’re definitely not formal people so why have a “formal” dining room.  I want to be able to use it comfortably.  And Nate likes building tables.  Or is it that I like him to build tables?  I don’t remember.  That point is not important.

There you have it.  A few maybe projects for the upcoming year.

Which room/project do you want us to tackle first? Who’s excited to be my vision assistant?