giveaway Archives - Keeping With The Times

Field Guide to Everyday Magic Blog Hop

August 24, 2017 by Barb

Hello, and welcome to the Field Guide to Everyday Magic Blog Hop hosted by Bella Grace Magazine!

The hop consists of a group of about 15 writers who are willing to share their ideas, stories, and photography to help launch the new field guide (and I’m beyond thrilled and truly gob-smacked to be included!)

Inspired by its sister publication, Field Guide to Everyday Magic is filled entirely with the worksheet-style prompts, captivating photographs, and inspirational quotes that Bella Grace Magazine has come to be known for
~Bella Grace Magazine~

I hope my contribution today inspires you in some small way, and if my words resonate with you, please make sure to leave a comment to become eligible to win a copy* of this beautiful guide. PLEASE NOTE: CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

I Will Not be Afraid and What to Do in Case of Fear (My Story)

It was autumn, about two years ago, when I first started thinking about how easy it is to become afraid of anything and everything.

I remember the morning so clearly; I’d headed out on my usual walk along the secluded country road I call home, the unconfirmed report that a cougar had been spotted in the area running through my head.

It was clear, peaceful, and beautiful as ever.I stood quietly, listening to the rustle of leaves and peering into the shadows of our beautiful boreal forest. I scanned the tops of the trees (cougars are a cat, after all) but only saw a friendly raven. It croaked a quick “hello” and flew off.

I pushed the thought of the cougar to the back of my mind until I rounded the bend where I could no longer see our house.

I stopped. A flicker of unease ran through me.

The road ahead was deserted but that cougar was definitely prowling around (if only in my head) and I couldn’t control my fearful thoughts: cougars stalk their prey … you never see them coming … they can run at speeds of 60-80 km/hr …

I suddenly wanted to turn around and go back, so I knew I had a decision to make. Was I going to turn back to the safety of my home and become a prisoner of my fears? or was I going to continue on my walk and remain free? After a few minutes of inner struggle, a small voice whispered “I will not be afraid.”

Was it possible there could be a cougar lurking in the area? Yes of course. Was it likely? Not really. I’d heard of cougar attacks on humans and the thought is horrific. (Note: after a bit of research I found there has been only one fatal attack in Alberta since 2000 and it was in the mountains.) I do not want to trivialize that terrible statistic, but how likely was it that it would happen to me, on this day, in this place? Not likely.

I went ahead and finished my walk that day, even taking a shortcut through the trees where a beautiful path winds its way to the lake. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel a tiny bit apprehensive (I did), but my bigger fear became how my world would shrink if I gave in!

Don’t let your fears distort your thoughts to the point they paralyze you …As I stood taking in the gorgeousness, I thought about other things that have scared me throughout life: plane crashes, illness, bear attacks, people attacks …

Our biggest fears are related to things that are difficult to predict (and I might add, control)
~Philosopher and Psychiatrist Damiaan Denys~

Later I decided to purchase bear spray and bear bells and I now carry them in a small backpack whenever I walk. It’s a small bit of reassurance and gives me a sense of having control … especially over my fears.

Does this mean I am never afraid? Of course not. Not ever being afraid is not possible. Our brains are hardwired to see threats everywhere, but I take steps to minimize wild imaginings, and move ahead despite the fear.

What to do in case of fear:

sit down with a cup of tea and write down your fears
analyze (what are the chances?)
prepare (carry bear spray)
trust (all will be well)
have faith (faith makes you feel strong)
stay quietly strong and repeat “I will not be afraid”
move forward

What are some of your fears, and how do you deal with them? I’d love to hear!

Simply leave a comment on this blog post by Thursday, August 31/2017 to become eligible to win one free copy of Field Guide to Everyday Magic.

*Please note: contest is open to U.S. residents. International participants are eligible to receive a free digital edition of Bella Grace. But wait! I also have a secret surprise of my own to send to a runner-up no matter where you live, and I know you’ll love it ;)

I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened
~Mark Twain~

Many thanks to Bella Grace Magazine for including me in this blog hop and for generously providing me with a copy of the guide for the contest.

Good luck everyone!

*DISCLAIMER:

This is simply a personal account. Do not attempt an activity of any kind based on this blog post. Exercise caution in all activities and do so at your own risk. Keeping With the Times does not accept responsibility for anything related to this story.

COMMENTS CLOSED! WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY SEPTEMBER 4th!

Sunday Sundries Feature December 18 and a Winner Announcement!

December 20, 2016 by Barb 2 Comments

Hello, and welcome to Sunday Sundries Feature for December 18th (on a Tuesday). Thank you everyone who tags their moments of beauty and gratitude to the hashtag!

So let’s celebrate the work of these talented photographers! and if you get a moment, please visit their Instagram galleries and leave some love!

Sunday Sundries Feature December 11, Keeping With the Times

TL: @ehpyle TR: @the_vintage_palace BL: @remainsoftheday_ BR: @wezyrnezycie

I’m so thrilled to announce the winner of the beautiful set of winter themed cards from the Q & A with Elizabeth of Bottle Branch on my blog.

… drum roll please!

Our winner is:

Laura of The Sweet Life

Congratulations Laura, I know you are going to enjoy the cards tremendously!

And a huge thanks to all who participated in the contest.

So what am I celebrating this past week?

An amazing and beautiful early Christmas celebration with our nearest and dearest people. You know who you are xoxoxoxo … just so much to be thankful for.
Despite there being a LOT of sickness from food poisoning (not caught at our homes :) to stomach flus and colds, everyone seems to be coping … argh. What more can I say? I’m not celebrating the sickness … I’m simply celebrating that everyone seems to be coming around (small mercies ;)
I shall celebrate next week if the hubs and I don’t come down with anything … argh ;)
A small, but quiet reprieve this week before we get to do it all over again this weekend!
A warm home, food on the table, safety, peace.

So that’s it for me! have lovely week-before-Christmas everyone!

PS … this is the last instalment of Sunday Sundries … time to move on to new and fresh ideas. Thank you so much to everyone for following along.

#sunday_sundries and #stilllifeisreallife will continue on Instagram.

Q & A | @ehpyle/Bottle Branch and a Giveaway

December 13, 2016 by Barb 44 Comments

Today I’m beyond thrilled to bring you a Q & A with the beautiful creative soul that is Elizabeth, or @ehpyle of Bottle Branch. I’ve admired Elizabeth’s work greatly since I first laid eyes on it. She has an incredible Instagram account, a beautiful blog, and a thriving business on Etsy. I’ve always wanted to know more about her and she has graciously agreed to share her journey with us. Thank you so much, Elizabeth.

So let’s get started!

Q. Who are you and why are you here ;)

I’m Elizabeth. I’m a former botanist, avid gardener, printmaker, photographer and mother of four. I first connected with Barb on instagram, where we share a love of flowers, nature and still life photography. I’ve since been honored to send her some of my own work though Bottle Branch, and loved watching her #sunday_sundries hash tag take off and soar. I was thrilled when she asked me to write a little about Bottle Branch, my botanical photography and paper goods business.

Q. So, can you tell me more about what a botanist is/does?

Yes! Botanists are the people who professionally identify plants in the wild (as opposed to horticulturalists, who study garden plants) and I studied Botany in graduate school. I spent hours in the field collecting plant samples and learning to identify plants by their subtle details – distinctive leaf shapes, elegant branching patterns, delicate flower structures. I like to think these years of close observation inform the botanically inspired art I now make. Even now, I try to identify the plants I work with. To me, naming a plant is part of truly knowing it, and a knowing plants is my passion.

Q. How did you get from being a botanist to starting Bottle Branch, the shop?

When my youngest child was born, I went from working mom to stay-at-home mom. I took up printmaking, wrote for a parenting blog, dabbled in needlework, and started gardening a lot. (Like Barb, I’m a fan of trying new things, as fearlessly as possible.) I grew vegetables, perennials, annuals and lots of cutting flowers– cosmos, zinnias, calendula, scabiosa, nigella, and more. As my garden grew, I developed a fascination with arranging and photographing flowers and plants.

My shop was born in late 2015, when I took a leap and listed a few silkscreened linens, woodcut prints, and photo cards in a shop on etsy. It has grown over the past year, and shifted to mostly photography and paper goods, but at its core, Bottle Branch was born from my passion for plants, flowers, and making things.

Q. How did you choose the name Bottle Branch?

I grew up in the southeast USA where a small stream or trickle of water is known as a “branch” and the one that ran behind my house was called Bottle Branch. I spent hours there with my siblings and neighbors, swinging on rope swings, looking for cray fish and chasing a single elusive bull frog. It was a place of joy, discovery, untamed nature. So, in 2013, when I started an open-ended blog about creativity and nature, I named it Bottle Branch in the hopes that it would be a place to share moments of joy and discovery; a place to marvel at the wonders of nature; and place to chase a single grandiose idea, even if it never worked out.

So here I am, still chasing that joy and wonder, and delighted to have had the chance to share my story with you.

Thank you so much Elizabeth. I’ve so enjoyed learning more about you and your shop and I’m sure my readers have as well.

And now, we’re in luck, as Elizabeth would like to offer a giveaway of a set of 5 “winter” theme cards from her shop!

All you need do is simply leave a comment here on my blog, on this post and you’ll be entered into the contest. Draw to be made Friday, December 16th at 1:00 pm MST.

**Please note that Christmas is coming :) and Elizabeth will be closing her shop and enjoying this sacred season with her family, so delivery may not be until the new year.**

Again, thank you so much Elizabeth, for sharing your story and for the beautiful giveaway! Your cards are exquisite!

Here’s where to find Elizabeth:

Etsy: Bottle Branch
Pinterest: Bottle Branch
Twitter: zibpyle
Instagram: @ehpyle and @bottlebranch
Blog: Bottle Branch (you might want to check out Elizabeth’s time-lapse capture of a strawflower opening up … it’s astonishing!)

Good luck on the draw everyone!

COMMENTS CLOSED – WE HAVE A WINNER (TO BE ANNOUNCED) YAY!!

Happy Socks Giveaway!

October 5, 2016 by Barb

Recently Happy Socks contacted me and asked if they could send me a few pairs of socks … and if I liked them, to perhaps post a photo and a shoutout to my Instagram Feed.

Well, for sure I said! and I not only like them … I love them! They’re soft, a great quality product, and the ones I ordered are the perfect weight to wear in my new autumn boots ;)

Happy Socks is a Swedish manufacturer and retailer of socks and underwear. The company was founded in 2008, and their socks are sold in 70 countries.

Wikipedia

Happy Socks is a really nice company to work with. They were professional and generous … and the ordering and delivery process was smooth as … as … these happy socks!

And… I’d love to send one lovely person a pair! To enter the contest, simply leave a comment, a heart, a happy face, whatever (as long as it’s nice ;) on this photo on my Instagram account.

Draw to be made October 7th at 12:00 pm MDT

Good luck one and all!

PS … I’m closing comments here to avoid confusion :)

The Studio 2.0 (a Giveaway)

August 20, 2016 by Barb

This September Kim Klassen is launching The Studio 2.0 a brand new classroom and community space to learn and grow together.

And today, I’m beyond thrilled to be able to offer you a chance to win an ALL-IN membership to The Studio 2.0.

STUDIO 2.0 ALL-IN includes:

a one year membership to The Studio 2.O classroom and community space
BONUS download of The Complete Studio Preset Collection (a $149 value) at no additional charge
Immediate access to the original Studio | Online classroom ($199 value)
One year access to The Lab (launching October 3rd) (a $99 value)
$526 value for just $199/year

I’ve been a member of the original Studio | Online classroom since the beginning, and I can tell you it’s absolutely jam-packed with information and inspiration. Because of Kim’s easy-to-understand instructions and guidance, I’ve grown my Lightroom and photography skills to a point I did not believe possible (and you can too.) I seriously did not think I could “do” Lightroom, but Kim proved me wrong and now I can’t imagine working without it.

So, all you need do is leave a comment on my Instagram @keepingwiththetimes on this post … and one winner will be chosen using Random.org on Monday, August 22nd, 2016 at 12:00 noon MDT.

For more information about the class go to The Studio 2.0 at Kim Klassen dot com.

Good luck to all!

Mingle Magazine Winner!

May 17, 2016 by Barb 7 Comments

Today I’m very pleased to announce the winner of the Mingle Magazine giveaway! This gorgeous publication is going to the lovely Nancy Janiga!

Many congratulations, Nancy. I’ll be sending it on it’s way to you today.

This photo of Xanthe was my submission, and I’m bursting that it was published!

So much gratitude to Kim Klassen for hosting Finding Stillness | 2015, Gigi Thibodeau and Diana Foster for submitting to Mingle Magazine, and Stampington & Company for providing me with a copy.

Mingle Magazine Feature and a Giveaway!

May 2, 2016 by Barb

Mingle Magazine is a beautiful publication by Stampington & Company and today I have the utmost pleasure in being able to offer you, my readers a chance to win a copy!

Brighten your day with the visual feast of imaginative gatherings that unfold from the pages of Mingle, along with the uplifting stories behind uniquely creative get-togethers — from small and intimate “girls’ nights in” to larger scale art retreats.

Mingle Magazine

So what does Mingle have to do with me … well I’m so excited to tell you!

Last September I attended “Finding Stillness|2015” with Kim Klassen and 9 other photographers in her brand new space in Rivers, Manitoba, Canada.

“The Studio” is a light-filled photographer’s dream, full of lovingly gathered teacups, books, pillows, throws, baskets, tables, chairs, and other vintage items too numerous to mention. It’s completely magical.

The retreat focused on styling, shooting, and editing still lifes. But there was so much more to it. Meeting people who “get” you, who understand why you would stand on a step-ladder, teetering over a collection of various objects, taking dozens of photos, and discussing shutter speed, ISO, focal points, etc. is not something many of us experience on a day-to-day basis. It was amazing.

And then, two of the participants, Gigi Thibodeau of The Magpie’s Fancy and Diana Foster of the Studio 56 decided to put together a submission to Mingle Magazine about the retreat, and drumroll please … it was accepted!

So, if you’d like to win a copy of this beautiful publication and read about our retreat, just leave a comment … that’s it, that’s all!

A winner will be chosen on May 8th (Mother’s Day.)

Contest open world-wide!

Many thanks to Stampington & Company for providing me with this copy of Mingle!

PS … that is not my photo on the cover :)

Comments closed … we have a winner!

Bella Grace Giveaway Winner!

April 2, 2016 by Barb 3 Comments

Good morning everyone, today I’m thrilled to announce that I have not just one winner of the Bella Grace giveaway, but two winners! Yes! I’m so excited to be sending one copy to Jo-Ann Blondin, and one copy to Linda Sattgast! Congratulations to both of you! A huge thank you to Bella Grace Magazine for sending me two complimentary copies … oh my gosh … I adore this beautiful publication!

Ladies, I will have your copies in the mail shortly …

This post is part of the Grace Notes blog hop. Grace Notes is the new blog companion to the stunning and inspirational Bella Grace magazine. Much like the magazine, Grace Notes is devoted to discovering life’s ordinary magic.

I’ve been following and reading all the other blogs on the hop and it’s been a fun ride so far. The hop goes until May 6th.

I’d like to thank everyone for reading and commenting on my blog post A Different Kind of Power, and adding to the discussion about aging. I’ve read and re-read all the comments and it seems like we are overall a pretty positive bunch and I find that very heartening.

Bella Grace Magazine Giveaway!

December 9, 2015 by Barb

Incredibly, I recently had the privilege of being published in Bella Grace Magazine, Issue 6 and I could not be more astonished or proud.

I became aware of this publication when Issue 2 hit the stands … I was in Barnes and Noble, and as I flipped through the pages, I slowly moved toward the nearest bench and sat down. My heart was pounding a bit … and when that happens to me, I pay attention.

The photos were so real … perfectly imperfect, and beautiful, and intriguing. The magazine itself felt like a coffee table book with beautiful, thick paper (I believe I thumbed along the edges and smelled it, and maybe even said “oh wow” out loud.)

As I skimmed a few articles, I realized I was reading pull-quotes and storylines that were highlighted or printed in different fonts and sizes … it was pure magic. I knew I wasn’t going to be leaving this treasure behind, and as I tucked it under my arm and made my way to the cashier, I know I was smiling.

So when I was contacted and asked if I would like to have some of my Instagram images appear in their Instagram Spotlight feature, I nearly fell off my chair! I was flabbergasted and excited. I didn’t waste any time getting the required images and text to them … I think it was within hours … ;)

Here are a few of the images I submitted:

Today I am thrilled that Stampington & Company has generously offered to supply one copy of Bella Grace Magazine for a giveaway** on my blog!

All you need do is leave a comment saying that you’d love to have this magazine! That’s it! That’s all!

But if you’d like a little prompt from me, write a comment describing what fills you up and feeds your creative soul. Is it an afternoon spent sipping tea and reading? or a walk? or maybe it’s shopping … sure why not? but maybe for the antiques and treasures kind of shopping … so please share … what feeds your creative soul?

**Contest is open to U.S. residents only**
* Draw to be made December 16 at 1:00pm MST*

With deepest gratitude to Stampington & Company and Bella Grace …

Comments closed … winner announced December 17th!

Artful Blogging Magazine Giveaway

November 4, 2015 by Barb

Today I’m celebrating something I dreamed of, but did not quite believe would ever happen … my blog has been published in the winter issue of Artful Blogging!

The moment I laid eyes on a Stampington Publication many years ago, I was smitten. I’d never seen so much creativity in one spot; such inspiring and unique creativity. Since then I’ve amassed quite the stack of these treasures: Somerset Studio, Somerset Life, Stampers’ Sampler, Where Women Cook, Where Women Create, Digital Studio, Mingle, Artful Blogging, Bella Grace … so many! Goodness, I can’t even list them all here! To say I’m obsessed … um well … maybe?

No matter! To celebrate, I want to gift a copy of Artful Blogging to one of my lovely readers … could it be you?

If you would like to be entered into the draw, please leave a comment here on my blog saying that you’d love a copy (I’d love to send it to you) … don’t be shy – everyone welcome!

The draw will be random and will be made on November 10, 2015. ** comments are now closed **

Thank you for visiting and remember that dreams can and do come true …

Barb

Day 4 #nablopomo

Set of 3 Greeting Cards Winner!

July 2, 2015 by Barb 5 Comments

Good morning! The winner of the Set of 3 Greeting Cards is Barbara Skrobuton … Barbara, I’ll be sending the cards to you right away, and I hope you enjoy them.

And just because I can’t create a post without a photo … I present to you another peony shot … I had a lot of feedback on the template and the word art – and am so happy everyone enjoyed them!

Giveaway Winner!

September 6, 2014 by Barb 3 Comments

Sunflowers

Good Saturday morning! Just here to announce the winner of Photoshop Elements 12.

It’s Sheila of Odd Mood Designs. Congratulations, Sheila!

Thanks to all who visited and entered the draw!

Good Monday Morning!

September 1, 2014 by Barb 8 Comments

Just popping in to wish everyone a happy holiday Monday and to share some tidbits of my week!

I also want to remind you that I’m giving away a copy of Photoshop Elements 12, so if you’re interested go to this post to enter the draw!

I pass this lovely barn many times on my travels and I have dozens of photos … it just never gets old …

autumn leaves, keeping with the times

#asseenonmydriveway #autumn #wereontheverge

autumn-leaves-copy

What a gorgeous time of year!

harvest-copy

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Photoshop Elements 12 Giveaway!

August 30, 2014 by Barb 39 Comments

NOTICE: DRAW IS CLOSED. WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW HERE ON THE BLOG!

Do you, or anyone you know, need/want Photoshop Elements 12? Perhaps you have an earlier version and have hesitated to upgrade, or you have a student in the family that would just loooove to have this!

Well, I have an exciting offer today! Digital Scrapper has provided me with one copy to give away!! Woot!

Now, I don’t need to “sell” you on the idea but if you’re interested in what’s new in PSE 12, you can check out this article at Adobe.
adobe ps 12, giveaway, keeping with the times, digital scrapper

So please, simply leave a comment and just say you’d like to have it, and your name will be entered in the draw (to be chosen by the True Random Number Generator.)

Make sure I am able to reach you … if you’re a no-reply blogger I have no way to respond.
Winner will be chosen on Friday, September 5th at 1:00 pm MDT.
If no one claims the prize by Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 pm MDT, another winner will be chosen.

Good luck!!