Serenity Now

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Scentsy Holiday Warmer and Scent Giveaway!

Today, one of my newest sponsors, Theresa from Scentsy is going to give away a full-size holiday warmer and a bar of the Christmas Cottage scent! Keep reading to learn more about Scentsy and to get details on entering!

Most of you know that I can't smell (ever!), but I love to keep candles and yummy smelling stuff in my house because I know everyone else enjoys it. What better way to welcome friends and family into your home over the upcoming holidays than to entice their senses with great smells?

If you're not familiar with Scentsy, it is unique because the product is a wickless, flameless, and smokeless candle. The warmers use a low-watt bulb to melt specially formulated wax that releases a fabulous fragrance. I own two Scentsy warmers and my husband loves when I switch them on because they truly do fill our rooms without being overpowering to his senses! The neat part is that you only have to change out the wax and not the whole candle.

The warmers use special Scentsy bars...you break off what you need and save the rest. They have over 80 scents! Some of the most popular fall and winter scents include Autumn Sunset (for the cinnamon), Pumpkin Roll (for pumpkin with a hint of cinnamon), and Christmas Cottage (for the peppermint). Is anyone else hungry now?

One of my personal favorite Scentsy products is my plug-in warmer (I own the Groovy white). These are great for kitchens and bathrooms, especially if you don't have a lot of counter space!

I love that the full-size warmers also include a holiday line...how cute is the Santa?

With Christmas just 72 days away (??!), shopping in Theresa's online Scentsy shop can help you knock out some of those gifts on your to-buy list. Orders placed online usually arrive in 7 to 10 days...ordering before December 10th is recommended to guarantee Christmas delivery.

There are all sorts of fun stocking stuffers online, including travel tins, room sprays, Scentsy foam, and the adorable stuffed "Buddies" for those special little people in your life:

Theresa joined Scentsy as a consultant in July of 2010, after making several purchases for herself and her family. Her decision was made after seeing the simplicity of the products and the fact that consultants receive a lot of start-up items for a cost lower than many other direct sales companies. She enjoys setting her own hours and says that everything a new consultant would need is included in the starter kit. This is a great time to earn some extra Christmas cash! Another way to earn a few extra products for yourself is to consider hosting a Basket Party to earn free and half price Scentsy products!

Theresa has a fun Giveaway today! One reader will win his/her choice of:

*Silent Night or Gingerbread Warmer and a bar of the Christmas Cottage scent!

Here's how you can enter to win:
1. Visit Theresa's online Scentsy shop and leave me a comment here with the name of the scent you'd most like to test out!
You can also:
2. Facebook this Giveaway with a link to this post.
3. Tweet the following (copy and paste): Win a Holiday Scentsy Warmer & Scent via @SerenityNowgirl #Giveaway http://bit.ly/oMCjT2
4. Join my Weekend Bloggy Reading party this weekend and include a link back to my blog within your post for an extra automatic entry!

Giveaway open until Sunday, 10/16, at 10 pm ET. Open to US residents only.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Virginia State Fair

When T is not working, he enjoys spending time with his leather couch. They are kindred spirits. So when he suggested that we take the girls to the State Fair last week, I was really excited about a fun afternoon of family time. He invited his mom to join us, and we headed south for the Virginia State Fair last Wednesday.

I haven't been to a state fair since I was a little girl, so my eyeballs almost popped out when I realized we dropped at least $150 on admission, games, rides, and 3 ice cream cones. Looking back, it really was worth it--the girls had a blast and it was a good experience. I thought I'd share some pictures from our day. I just wish we'd been able to see it at night--a whole different sight!

Everyone knows state fairs are beacons of healthy eating:

We may have indulged....

My personal favorite part of the afternoon was riding the Ferris Wheel with Michaela Byrd, who enjoyed it so much she tried to stand up and look over the edge of the compartment. Almost gave me a heart attack.

We all enjoyed the agricultural center, with the exception of the "live calf birth" going on...the man on the loudspeaker took great personal joy in narrating that poor cow's traumatic labor. I did my best to talk loudly and distract the girls with baby ducks so they didn't start asking me what a birth canal is. There are some things I don't care to explain at the state fair.

The fair was pricey enough that we'll probably hold off on going again for another year or two. I think we'll stick with the more affordable pumpkin patch next time. Overall, a very fun afternoon though!

Have you ever been to your state fair?

Come back tomorrow for a great holiday-themed Giveaway from one of my new sponsors!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Blogging Myths: Series Wrap-Up and Blogging Resources

I bet you thought I forgot all about my Blogging Myths series. If you're a new reader, this series explored the common misconceptions that many bloggers and readers have about blogging. You can start from the beginning of the series here, but today I'm going to do a recap with the highlights from each week and also include some resources for bloggers.

Here is a quick highlight of each week. You can click on the links to read more about each Myth.

Myth #1: If You Blog It, They Will Come
Good content is most important for a blog, but it doesn't help you if no one knows your blog is out there! Networking, social media, guest posting, blog parties (in moderation!) are great ways to make your presence known. Most of all, remember that building a following of loyal readers takes time...sometimes over the course of months or several years. Be patient!

Myth #2: Blogging is an Easy Money Maker
Most writers start up blogs as a creative outlet, but there are people out there who open Blogger accounts thinking it will only be a matter of time before sponsorship money, product reviews, and paid endorsements come pouring in. This is simply not the case. Blogging requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work, and you often find yourself paying for design work, link and photo hosting sites, etc. Making full-time income from blogging requires a massive investment of time and effort.

Myth #3: The Words Aren't Important
I find that particularly within the craft/home decor niche, bloggers focus so much on their projects and photos that they forget to focus on their words. Taking the time to focus on your words, edit posts, and read what others have to say shows respect for those in the blogging community. No one expects perfection, but effort is nice.

Myth #4: Any Old Photo Will Do
I spend time each week scouring the 'net for blogs to feature for The Best of the Blogosphere series at Centsational Girl. I can't tell you how many times I have come across an amazing project, but had to turn down the submission because the photos were too dark, too small, too grainy, or too much flash. Readers tend to scan posts for a few good photos before moving on, so having decent pictures is crucial!

Myth #5: Blog Design Doesn't Matter
We all do it...judge a book by its cover. If your blog is difficult to navigate, if the font is too small, if you have distracting blinking buttons everywhere...it is not user friendly. Make interaction easy for your readers and you'll see an increase in traffic!

Myth #6: Everyone Loves Controversy
If readers come to your blog expecting good recipes, fun crafts, DIY projects, or sewing tutorials, then choosing to blog about your political preferences could be a bit of a shock. It's your blog, your choice...but don't be surprised if you are the recipient of angry comments or lost Followers.

Myth #7: Snarky Anonymous Comments are Okay
Words can hurt. Think twice before you publish comments on someone's blog. And think three times before you do it anonymously.

Myth #8: Linking Back Isn't a Big Deal
Copying another blogger's work or using their photos (even as a feature) without giving credit is akin to plagiarism. It doesn't generally go over well in the blogosphere. When it comes to blog parties, the hostess is sending traffic your way indefinitely...the least you can do is link back to her specific party url within your post. Not linking back to a blog party is not plagiarism, but it is using another site for your own personal gain without acknowledging where your traffic is coming from. Gracious bloggers endear themselves to others by kindly linking back when they mention another blogger's work or join a blog party.

Myth #9: "Big" Bloggers Are So Cliquey
Most of the "big" bloggers I've interacted with are willing to answer questions, feature others, or support the little guy...sometimes more than other little guys! Most people with larger blogs have been around for awhile...they know what it's like to grow a blog, and many of the friends they've made have been from networking over the years. It doesn't make them cliquey--just experienced!

Myth #10: Blogging is Never a Distraction
Blogging can and will take over your spare moments if you let it. It's a huge temptation to spend time networking through social media, focusing on new posts, and sending off blog swaps. But you'll find that you can't blog about life if you aren't living it! Work out a schedule and stick to it!

Here are a few Blogging Resources that I thought you might find helpful:

-Blogging as a Career from Little Green Notebook
-How to Get Sponsors for Your Blog from Little Miss Momma
-The Business of Blogging from Southern Hospitality
-Money Maker from Thrifty Decor Chick
-On Balancing Blogging from Centsational Girl
-31 Days of Photo Tips from My 3 Boybarians
-Commenting 101 (a series with everything you'll ever want to know about Commenting)

I have an idea for a new series: a how-to on blog parties (hosting them, joining them, etc), but I'm frankly a little scared to start it up. Blog parties (linking back, new parties, how many parties, etc) can be a hot topic in the blogosphere. I'm still thinking about it...

I hope this series on Blogging Myths was helpful for you! Thanks for taking the time to read.

*I'm guesting posting today with a Mini Keyring Photo Album Christmas gift idea at Positively Splendid. I hope you'll stop by to see it!*

Monday, October 10, 2011

Will Return...

Thursday will mark 1,000 published posts for me here on my blog! Y'all, that is a lot of writing. Looking back through my archives, I don't think I've missed a day of blogging in a long, long time. So I thought you would understand if I took a day today to get caught up on some laundry, emails, and yes...the Columbus Day sales. I am ever grateful to Mr. Columbus for his holiday.

source

Back tomorrow with (finally!) the wrap-up of my Blogging Myths series. Enjoy your day! Any special plans?

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Highlighted Weekend Links-- Share Your Best Post!

Happy Saturday! Are you enjoying your weekend? Please pop in to link up YOUR best post of the week at my Weekend Bloggy Reading party. Open for new links until Sunday at 10 pm (ET).

All kinds of posts are welcome: We have recipes, home remedies, room makeovers, crafts, fashion advice, book reviews, and more! The code for the button is near the end of this post.

There are a lot of fabulous posts this weekend! If you haven't yet, please be sure to visit some of the other links from the party and say a quick howdy to those who have taken the time to visit you. That's how a good blog party works--lots of participation. Otherwise we just have a bunch of stagnant links, and that's no fun for anyone!

I'd also really appreciate it if you'd take the time to link back to me within your post(s)...I like to return the favor by Featuring the bloggers who follow through with good old fashioned blogging etiquette!

Keep reading to see just a few of the posts that caught my eye so far:

~Fall Tablescape

~Magnetic Chalkboard Calendar

~Hashbrown Breakfast Sandwich with Jalapeno Dressing

~DIY Knitted Bangle

So, what did you have up your sleeve this week? Come by and share it with us here! Be sure to check out some of the other bloggers' work too. Here's the button in case you'd rather use that than a link back.

I'm working at commenting as well as balancing my family and fun time this weekend...thanks for your patience!

If I've featured you, feel free to snag this button for your blog:

I'll be back tomorrow with more Highlights...there are so many great ones to choose from!

Friday, October 7, 2011

::Weekend Bloggy Reading:: Link Up!

Welcome to Weekend Bloggy Reading. I hope you'll link up your best post of the week today, and maybe leave me some comment love!

All kinds of posts are welcome--recipes, crafts, funny stories, home decor, etc.; but please do not link to Etsy shops, businesses, items for sale, etc. (I have a Sponsors section, if you'd like to Advertise with me.)

Here are a few of my faves from this week:

sources listed below

~Tanya transformed a plain knife block into her own personal sketch pad with some chalkboard paint.

~This gallery wall from 320 Sycamore holds years of family memories. Melissa successfully completed a look that appears to have been assembled over time.

~Hand out treats in style on the 31st with these free Halloween printables from Living Locurto.

~Kate shared a recipe for White Bean with Bacon Soup. Yes, please!

~I found a few helpful tips on Holiday Planning over at Ann Marie's.

~And Me? This week featured:

Time to link up your best post of the week

Rules:

Please link back to me within your post. I will not feature your link if you don't link back.
No items for sale, shops, etc. and please don't link up the same post week after week.
Please visit some of the other links--that's how a good blog party works--participation!

Here's the button code if you'd prefer to use that rather than a text link-back:

Party is open until 10 pm (ET) on Sunday night.

I have some crafting planned for this weekend and hoping to get my family room spruced up a bit!

What are you up to this weekend?

I hope to be back tomorrow with some highlights from Weekend Bloggy Reading!

(This Code is for blogs featured today!):