Posts Tagged ‘giveaway’

Give & Receive: Creating A Beautiful Ripple Effect in 2010

December 3rd, 2009 | 16 Comments »

Birthday CupcakeIn honor of A Beautiful Ripple Effect’s First Birthday, I am throwing an end of the year party! In school, end of the year parties consist of teacher evaluations, final exams, and lots of cupcakes. I’m throwing out the final exam, but have decided that it’s about time for YOU to help me improve this blog for 2010. Truthfully, I can’t believe how much I love blogging and the incredibly community that has formed. I am honored that you read my little (okay, pretty long) posts and have taken time out of your busy lives to support my journey (and all of its bumps) over the past year.

The Party Details

  • Who
    • You! Anyone who has been a part of A Beautiful Ripple Effect 2009 — via twitter, blogs, the book release, facebook … that’s about a million people, but please – no party crashers!
  • What
    • An End of the Year Party with multiple events (including amazing giveaways)
  • Where
    • Right Here! On A Beautiful Ripple Effect…. and possibly a few other “secret” locations TBD
  • When
    • December 2009
  • Why
    • To create a beautiful ripple effect in 2010 (and as a fun way to gather the community that has formed over the past year)

Let the Party Begin!

Complete the survey to be entered into the event giveaway. Giveaways will be selected at random using random.org. Each individual can receive up to 3 points in this event. Only one individual per household can enter. The points earned in this event will carry over to the next event, unless you are a recipient of this giveaway. Confused – Hope Not! But if you are leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to answer :).

To enter the giveaway: complete this survey (you must be familiar with this blog to complete the survey)

Once entered into the giveaway, you can receive up to 3 points (each point represents how many times you will be entered into random.org) –> More Points = Greater Chance of Winning

-> Complete the Survey = 1 Point

-> Leave a comment on this post (comments can be related to anything, but I would be so grateful for comments related to this blog!) = 1 Point

-> Send out a tweet recognizing someone who has demonstrated perseverance. Include #perseverance somewhere within the 140 characters. = 1 Point

The Party Favors

In this event, TWO individuals will receive the amazing giveaway – The Flip Ultra Camcorder! This camcorder is absolutely amazing and so much fun to use. To learn all about it, check out the Flip website!

*Only points obtained by by Wednesday December 9th at 11:59 PM EST will be included in the selection. The recipients will be announced on the blog on Thursday December 10th!

Thank you for celebrating this milestone with me!

Let the Party Begin!!!

– Updated 12.10.09 –

Congratulations to Joy M. and Beth D. — the recipients of the Flip Ultra Camcorders!

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Creating A Beautiful Ripple Effect – Got Tips?

June 1st, 2009 | 4 Comments »

CarolynRubenstein.com

After working with various web site designers, I finally found the perfect company (a year after first starting) to work with on my “author” website. I am so excited about the website and its potential! We launched the site on Friday May 29th — a soft launch, since there is still a lot of work to be done. But I just couldn’t wait anymore! I am working with the incredible company, Being Wicked, based in London– perfect for my weird schedule (I’m usually working at full speed when they are just getting up!). They are seriously talented and so detail oriented. It has been an incredible experience!

One of my favorite sections that is already up, The Daily Tips. I’ve been working a ton on these tips and hope you really enjoy them! I think you’ll recognize them as almost mini blogs (or normal blog post length for most people!).

I will be posting a new tip every day and have some fun ideas as to how they will be archived and displayed as more accumulate! I am looking for contributors to help with the daily tips and would love for YOU to get involved! They have a pretty simple format that I will discuss below. I will post a link as well where you can submit the tip! One tip a day — with your name and link as the tip contributor. Definitely keeping to what I love on A Beautiful Ripple Effect: quality over quantity. Please read below to learn how you can help create a beautiful ripple effect and contribute to the daily tips on carolynrubenstein.com. I am so grateful for your help!

Creating A Beautiful Ripple Effect Badge

–> Got Tips?

The Daily Tip: 5 Main Components

  1. Tip Title
  2. Quote
  3. Description
  4. Why do This
  5. Take home Message

(1) Tip Title

A quick title for your tip (typically begins with a verb)

Examples:

Experience Ordinary Moments

Look on the Bright Side

(2) Quote

A quote that goes with theme of tip.

Examples:

“Experience is communicated by small details intimately observed.” – Ernest Hemmingway

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” – William James

(3) Description

Description typically contains two parts: Overview of Tip and An Exercise that someone can use to put tip into action!

Example:

Mindfully focusing on what you’re experiencing requires filtering the distractions that consume your thoughts. Rather than thinking about this process as “letting go,” think of it as “taking control.” [This would be the "Overview of Tip"]

Now, we will use a quick exercise to begin experiencing ordinary moments. Staying right where you are, choose something to focus on (e.g., an object on your desk; a button on your shirt) for only 5 seconds (count in your head). After 5 seconds, turn away from the object and write down 5 thoughts related to that object/experience. Now try this same activity, but focus solely on listening to your immediate surroundings. [This would be "An Exercise"]

(4) Why do This

Why would someone try this tip? What do you believe are the benefits?

Example:

By filtering distractions and focusing on anything you wanted for 5 seconds, you took control. As you practice mindfully attending to specific experiences, you will find that there really are no ordinary moments.

(5) Take Home Message

One or two sentences that sum up the tip!

Example:

Capture moments and treasure them as presents for yourself.

–> Contribute a Tip!

I would love for you to contribute a tip! Click the link below and get started! Please don’t hesitate to post a comment if you have any questions and I will send you an email! I am really grateful for your help!

[Update] Tips can be broad or specific. My first few tips posted are pretty broad so I don’t want you to think, your tip has to be “broad.” It can be similar to the ones posted above or something more specific, ex. create a collage or write a haiku!

You can also send me a tweet, if you have any questions: @clrsimple2

–> Each week, I will post contributed tips on the blog and will begin to post tips from contributors this week! Please submit as soon as you can :)! I will be creating a contributor section on the website as well — so lots of fun to come! I am looking for a diverse range of contributors — people with different experience from different backgrounds.

–> Contribute!

Copy/Paste this Link:

https://clrsimple.wufoo.com/forms/carolynrubensteincom-contributors/

[Update]–> Post in the Comments that you Submitted a Tip and Win a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate

Post in the comments that you submitted a tip (not the actual tip) by Tuesday June 9th at 10:00 PM EST. Recipient announced on blog by Wednesday June 10th at 10:00 PM EST.

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Information + Inspiration [File 3]

May 19th, 2009 | 13 Comments »

in2 file 3 main image

image via lululemon

Weekly Snippets of Information + Inspiration [File 3]

image via rfrantzdesign on etsy

InformationFiles:

-> Event: BookExpo America [Largest book publishing event in North America occurring in New York City from May 29-May 31. I am just starting to learn about this event and it seems absolutely incredible. Check out the website if you are at all interested in books or the publishing industry! I'm very excited to be signing advance-release copies of my book from 12:30 - 1:30 pm in the Author Autographing Area on Saturday May 30th -- come say hi if you'll be there!]

-> Book: The Courage to Give (Jackie Waldman) [I am grateful to know Jackie. She is even more unbelievably caring than any story can possibly portray. She volunteers her time to help select the recipients of CCC's college scholarship program. A little intro from Jackie's book website: "We all have something to give, no matter what. That's the courage-the courage to step out of our own lives, even when we think we can't, and step into the life of someone else. When we find the courage to give to someone else, sharing what we love to do and making a difference for someone else, that's when we can begin to live joyfully, no matter what." Jackie is also on Oprah's Angel Network, and has an article called, Begin with Yourself. I love how Jackie discusses volunteering as something that must begin within rather than an activity that is purely extrinsic. An unbelievable woman who is changing the world through her own experience with MS, her words, her books, and most importantly -- her personal actions.]

-> Mind + Body: Hip Tranquil Chic [I found Kimberly Wilson (i.e. the Hip Tranquil Chic) through twitter and just love her unique and fun approach to yoga and tranquility. SCARY! I promise I didn't know about this before just now -- check out who was featured yesterday on Kimberly's blog -- Featured Tranquilista: Christine Mason Miller! I feel like a stalker. Christine, I promise I am not stalking you! But if Christine is a tranquilista, then you gotta know it must be worthwhile to make a stop and read about the tranquil chic and how to become one.]

-> Creative: Are you creative? Answer: Yes. I would love your help! My non-profit, CCC, is creating a few fun designs and slogans to sell on apparell as a way to help increase donations (100% of every dollar donated goes to a scholarship). If you have any ideas or know someone with ideas, please let me know! You can learn more about the organization at our website and gain inspiration from there as well for different design ideas. But we want to do something a bit different than our normal image – so all ideas are welcome! Please just leave me a comment below and I’ll email you with more details (and yes there will be super thank you gifts from yours truly). CafePress has an abundance of ideas — but it can suck you in! Since I know nothing about the design world, I thought I would appeal to my design friends and readers :).

-> Care: What Gives?! [A social goodworking blog. Want to do more to help a cause, but not sure where to start? Have an idea and need support? Want to know about the cool stuff happening behind non-profit work? A community of supportive individuals who have questions -- just like you and me -- and want to do good and have fun at the same time.]

in2 file3 inspiration

… remaining images via seejanework

InspirationFiles:

-> Wear: SocChic: Chic Necklaces Benefiting Social Causes [Learn more about SocChic and check out the beautiful designs. Dream: one day CCC becomes "SocChic" -- a girl can dream!]

-> Website: Lululemon [Definitely mentioned before (apologies for the repetition), but the website keeps getting better! Some favorite parts: goal setting, the community, manifesto, blog]

-> Visual: ColorSchemer [You don't need a big project to add fun colors to your life -- think: bullet points, document header, font color -- little pops of color in unexpected places do a lot to boost your mood]

-> Quoted: Marian Wright Edelman (see below) read this Shel Silverstein quote to conclude her speech:

Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be. – Shel Silverstein

-> Power of One: Marian Wright Edelman (President, Children’s Defense Fund) [Commencement Speaker at University Of Miami 2009 -- Best speech I have ever heard. Period. And now I can't find the speech online (oops). I'll find it and post an update. I found an excerpt of the speech, that you can peruse in the meantime. Additionally, you can read Marian Wright Edelman articles every Monday on the Huffington Post. My mom was so moved by the speech that she told Edelman that she was a better person just after hearing her talk. My mom was much more eloquent than that of course -- simply put: everyone was inspired by the commencement speech and the life's work of Marian Wright Edelman.]

in2 file3 bonus

Bonus:

-> Featured in Post (Say Tweet!): @bookexpoamerica, @tranquilista, @cccscholarships, @jessconstable, @lululemon, @childdefender

-> Thank You Gift (from me to you): SocChic Necklace — Visit the website and let me know in the comments which necklace you love and why — it will be hard to pick one! I know this thank you gift is a bit buried, so I’ll remind you later in the week just in case! Comment by Tuesday May 26th at 10:00 pm EST. Please only one comment per family. Thank You! Winner will be announced by Wednesday May 27th at 10:00 pm EST right here!

***
Information + Inspiration [File 1]

Information + Inspiration [File 2]

Say Tweet @clrsimple2

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A Beautiful Ripple Effect Celebration Finale

March 12th, 2009 | 13 Comments »

[March 16, 2009: Update! Thank you so much to everyone who participated!! Each person who commented on this blog entry will receive one of the five items posted below! I will email you for details later this week! Thank you again for celebrating with me.]

Time to have lots of fun! The finale giveaway celebration. Simply post a comment about an item featured on this post by Sunday March 15th at 11:30 pm EST. Watch for updates to this post over the next few days! Thank you for celebrating a beautiful ripple effect with me!

Each individual artist featured in this giveaway inspired me recently with their unbelievable kindness. I won’t be able to feature all of the artists in this giveaway, but will be doing so very soon through the first beautiful ripple effect event (the surprise announcement still to come)!

(1) Jennifer Causey: Simply Photo [Your choice of a print from Jennifer's Etsy shop]

JenniferCausey1 JenniferCausey2

(2) Sarah Gardner: Your choice of a print from Sarah’s Etsy shop

sarahgardner1 sarahgardner3

(3) Jess Gonacha: Your choice of Jess’ fabulous new coasters

JessGonacha1 JessGonacha2

(4) Jennifer Ramos: Your choice of a print from Jen’s Etsy Store, MADE BY GIRL

jenramos1 jenramos2

(5) Marisa Haedike: Creative Thursday [Your choice of a gorgeous nightlight]

creativethursday1

creativethursday2

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Celebration Day Three Giveaway Recipient

March 7th, 2009 | 5 Comments »

Wings

[Image by John&Fish via Flickr]

Using random.org, the recipient of the four items from day three of the celebration event is the comment from mishmash29 (Michelle)!

Congratulations, Michelle!!

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Day Three of the Giveaway Celebration Event

March 3rd, 2009 | 7 Comments »

girl in field of grass

image by pafe (istockphoto username)

What do you love reading about on blogs (i.e., general topics)? Leave your response in the comments section by Thursday March 5th at 11:30 pm EST. I will contact the recipient shortly afterward and post him/her on the blog as well.

I decided to post all four items this time — so no surprise item!

Okay, time for some fun!

• • •

Item 1: Sunblooms by Amy Butler: A Stationery Collection (30 sheets and envelopes — 6 Different Designs)

sumblooms-stationery-box

Item 2: Russel and Hazel Patterned Mini Binder

rh-binder-inside

russell and hazel mini binders with pattern

… Description from Russell and Hazel Website: our patterned binders will add perk to your workday, sans the caffeine. Reinforced corners and a laminated cover in one of three motifs. Mix and match with other colorful Mini Three-rings to build your system.

- 1/2″ ring holds over 75 sheets
- metal-reinforced corners
- dry erase interior
- made from 100% post-consumer materials
- 7 x 9″ size”

Item 3: Ordinary Sparkling Moments by Christine Mason Miller

ordinary-sparkling-moments-book

… image from Christine Mason Miller …

… Description from Etsy: Is it possible to find meaning in our day to day existence? Can wisdom be attained while we run errands, do the dishes and pay our bills? Ordinary Sparkling Moments – a joyful combination of the writing, collage and photography of Christine Mason Miller – explores these questions and more, celebrating the deeper truths that await our discovery in some of life’s most mundane moments.

Details

160 full color pages / 8″ x 8″

This book is a self-published labor of love, printed in the U.S.A.

“In this book Christine asks us ‘What does it mean to live an authentic life?’ By sharing some of her thoughts and experiences she attempts to peel away the layers of the created self in search of what it means to live fully open to what gives us the greatast meaning, even when that is extremely challenging.” -From the Forward by Keri Smith, author of Living Out Loud, The Guerilla Art Kit and Wreck This Journal

Item 4: Decoylab Wall Hanging Clock (Aqua)

decoylab clock

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Celebration Day Two Giveaway Recipient

March 2nd, 2009 | 2 Comments »

Goldmund Photography

… image by Goldmund Photography …

Using random.org, the recipient of the four items from day two of the celebration event is the comment from Elisabet Vigeant!

Congratulations, Elisabet! I will email you today for your information — make sure to check out the surprise item added to the day two giveaway items!!

Happy Monday (and March)!

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Celebration Day One Giveaway Recipient

February 27th, 2009 | 2 Comments »

illustration

… illustration by yiying lu …

Using random.org, the recipient of the four items from day one of the celebration event is the comment from ikkinlala!

BUT — I told you there would be surprises SO each person who commented on the day one giveaway post will be receiving a special surprise!! I will email each of you individually on Monday to get mailing information.

Thank you again for such inspiring comments.

I will post day 3 giveaway items and day 2 giveaway surprise tomorrow. I’m a bit behind!!

Happy Friday!

Carolyn

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Day Two of the Giveaway Celebration Event

February 26th, 2009 | 8 Comments »

What are you looking forward to this weekend? Just leave a comment with a response to that question by Saturday February 28th at 11:30 pm EST. I will contact the recipient shortly afterward and post him/her on the blog as well (and will share the fourth –surprise– item).

Don’t forget to visit tomorrow for more fun and little treasures!!

• • •

Item 1: Bob’s Your Uncle 8 Days-a-Week Journal

Item 2: Listography Journal: Your Life in Lists (Paperback) by Lisa Nola and illustrated by Nathaniel Russell

… For a great post about this journal be sure to read this CRAFT Blog post!

Item 3: Slate Gray Chalkboard Wallies

… Description from Paper-Source: We think these 9″x12″ slate gray chalkboard panels are brilliant! Use inside a kitchen cupboard, a kid’s locker, on the fridge, or even right on the wall. The panels are repositionable, removable, and won’t harm most wall coverings. Chalk is included so you can start writing your notes and doodles wherever you choose! Includes four panels.

… Update …

Surprise Item!

Anne Harwell Print

Your choice of a print by Anne Harwell! Anne is an incredibly talented artist. I bought my first item on Etsy from Anne. Anne’s paintings are breathtaking! And she is unbelievably sweet!!!

Be sure to check out Anne’s Etsy Shop and her incredible blog!

There are 13 prints to choose from — see all 13 here.

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And the surprise item is…

February 26th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Thank you so much for all of the incredible comments so far on the giveaway post. And the fourth (surprise) item — still part of day one — is…

A print by one of my favorite artists, Kelly Rae Roberts. It is already in a matte and signed.

“Let it Go 2″

– As seen/published in Taking Flight: Inspiration + Techniques to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings

Kelly Rae Roberts

image from etsy

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