1000 and 40 and 35 (A Giveaway)

Dear readers,

Let's celebrate my 1000th post (which was technically this one).  And my 40th birthday this weekend!  And 35 weeks of pregnancy!  And spring - why not? - let's throw spring in there too, even though I'm still wearing knee socks, winter coats, and flannel pajamas.  In defiance of the cold, I bought daffodils for my birthday this morning and a friend brought me potted tulips.

I made you a little something - a hotpad in the hopeful greens of spring - and then I knit up a bright dishcloth and added a cute green pear loofah scrubber (safe for even delicate surfaces, tough enough to scrub off gunk  - and made in India with profits returning to the people for schools, medical care, and improved living conditions).  

the three items of the giveaway

not included in the giveaway - just a lovely prop, the pair of collages by our friend Judith Rempel Smucker

To win this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post and be sure to include your email if I can't access it from your profile. For fun, if you want, you can tell us about a number that is special to you right now.  I'll close the comments on Sunday evening, March 29, and pick a random winner.  Giveaway open to U.S. and Canada addresses only (sorry dear international readers!!), but please feel free to leave a comment anyway if you wish.

Thank you, all, for your wise, funny, and kind comments that add a conversational element to this blog.  I'm not sure I would have written 1000 posts without your feedback and interest!  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

love, 

Margo

our first day of spring - sighhhhh

35 weeks!

UPDATED:  The giveaway is now closed (although the comments remain open).  The winner is #5 Kathi D in Florida.  Congrats, Kathi!  I'll be in touch to send you the goodies.

Small and Good Blogs

A shout-out to some of my favorite small and good blogs that I enjoy reading - I do read more than the blogs in my sidebar.  I'm linking up with Meghan's linky party to broadcast the news.

1.  Natasha over at Hong Kong Housewife

Natasha offers fascinating observations on life abroad, as well as personal anecdotes.  She just had a baby, too, which makes for interesting life (and blog) changes.

2.  Jodi over at Life & Oh-La-Dee-Dah

Jodi has great photos and great style.  She tells interesting stories and gives family an honest, yet sweet look.  I love following her on Pinterest, too.

3. Polly over at The Trinity Chronicles

Polly is a ponderer with a joyous heart.  I am encouraged and inspired when I visit Polly's blog.  I became an even bigger fan of Polly's after she sent me fabric and books out of the kindness of her heart! 

Who is your favorite small blog?  Let's find some new favorites!

Tag!

Emily tagged me - I was happy to play along and pick out posts from my blog to fit the categories.

Most popular post:
Thanks to a canning-jar-cloche mention on facebook, this is the most popular post on my blog. 
Farm Tour (Our Back Yard) with a Few Flowers

Most controversial post:
Oil is always controversial, no?
Doing Something About the BP Oil Crisis

Most helpful post:
A good reminder to ask our grandmothers how they handled things without disposables.
Old Fashioned Diapers and Wipes

A post whose success surprised you:
Just camping, I thought.  I guess camping is more about nostalgia than anything else (comfort, for example).
Camping Lists

A post that deserves more attention:
Because this salad is truly revelatory and beets are often maligned.
Raw Beets

The post that you are most proud of:
I think I flew my freak flag very prettily in this one.
Fried Dandelion Blossoms

And now I tag several other bloggers (I do read more blogs than the ones on my sidebar):

Sarah at spoonful

My French Corner

Tracy at Back to Basics

Giveaway Winner

The winner of the oven towel is #20, EvaGirl!!  I feel like this is poetic justice since I won a giveaway on her blog a while back.  Thanks to all for your kind words; I was pleased to "meet" some of you for the first time.


Here is your sequence:



20


31

4


Timestamp: 2010-12-13 23:19:23 UTC
Random.org

We are One Year Old! Giveaway

One year ago on Sunday, I started this blog.  And I started it with an oven towel, so it seems fitting to celebrate with an oven towel. 

I made this towel, to give away to one of you, my dear readers.

 If you hang it up in December, it could be thought to be a Christmas towel:  the substantial linen is an attractive olive-y color and the topper is true red. 

But the rest of the year, it's just a pretty hand towel featuring the complementary colors red and green (when in doubt, use complementary colors - they're famous together for a reason!).  The button is from a vintage 1950s wool cape that I have; I had to replace the vintage buttons because some were missing when I bought the cape and I found a close, but not exact, match. 

Now, officially, I want to thank my readers.  You all make this blog more fun and more real than if I was just keeping A Record in a journal somewhere.  I confess that I hang on to your every comment, question, and suggestion.  I adore conversation in real life and bloggy life. 

And I would be so honored if all my lurkers (I know you're out there!) would introduce themselves in the comments of this anniversary post.

To enter the first-ever Thrift at Home giveaway, just leave a comment on this post.  I'll close the comments on Monday evening, December 13, at 6:30pm E.S.T. and draw a winner.