On Having Sponsors & the October Giveaway

*For some reason, I'm having a REALLY hard time putting my experience at the Allume conference last weekend to words.  This is, obviously, ironic since the whole conference was about words and blogging and putting what the Lord is doing in my life to paper (metaphorically).   Actually though, I think that's what makes it so hard.  I want to do the conference justice.  I want, more importantly, do to the lessons I learned there justice in this space.  And, frankly, I think I'm just a little thought and talked and written out right now.  So... It is coming.  (It really is, I promise.)  But, it will probably be a few days still.  Sorry friends!

In the meantime, I am happy to brag on my amazing sponsors for a little bit today, and I've got some great working mama guest posts lined up for the later this week... Can you believe it is already the end of October?  Seriously, whoa.

If you've been around for a while, you probably know this drill by now.  Every two months, I take a minute to thank the people and small businesses behind this blog, AND I give one of you $25 to spend in any of their shops!!!  Today will be no exception; BUT, while the give away part is the most fun, I really don't want to skip over just how grateful I am for this part of E, Myself, and I...

Cameron, Erika, Sandy, Leanne, Jennifer, and Lisa are so much more than just sponsors to me.  They have become friends and partners over the last few years of working together.  Many of them are loyal readers and have supported my writing from the very early days.  I genuinely care about each of these girls and their success, and I am proud to represent businesses that (truly) fit the vision and purpose of this blog.  

The truth is, I would exist without them.  Ads are not the meat and potatoes of this blog, and they certainly aren't "making me rich;" but, like a nice glass of wine or a decadent dessert, they make this that much sweeter for me.  Having sponsors allows me opportunities like attending Blogher in July and Allume last weekend, revamping the look of my blog or having a cute button made to match a new series, and - most importantly - to give back to the community whether it is by sponsoring a child through Food for the Hungry (which we just did this weekend - his name is Samson, he is eight, and he lives in Ethiopia.  WE are sponsoring him friends!), or giving to charities that you all have a heart for through projects like my Get & Give Away contest at the holidays.  In so many ways, those little ads don't take away from what I'm doing here - they add to it!! 

I'm not writing all of this to defend my decision to have advertising on my blog.  I know people have strong opinions about that, and I'm not really willing to argue about it.  I am writing this because I want you to know what a blessing you are to me and to each of these women when you shop in their Etsy shops and on their websites.  These are mamas (two of which are currently expecting) - like you and me - doing what God has called them to and using the talents He has given them to be able to stay home with their kids, express their creative energy, raise money for adoptions, etc. etc. etc.  

With the holidays approaching quickly (Jeff and I just had our "holiday budget talk" - ugh), would you consider supporting one (or all) of these awesome ladies?!?!

Here are a couple of ideas...

How about this sweet monogrammed toddler dress for your daughter from Lil Sweetie Designs?

Or this precious buffalo checked shirt for your son from Room to Romp?

What about some Christmas iron-ons to dress up plain (cheap) onesies from Boy Oh Boy Boutique for your friends' kids?

Adorable handmade headbands or bows for your nieces from Shared Joy?

Or this stunning bag from Noonday Collection for your mom?

Want to update your blog design before the holidays?  Or have custom designed Christmas cards?  The Fairy Blogmother can do it!!!

It is so easy to represent each of these great shops, because I really do LOVE what they are selling!  Go look around, I promise you will find that "perfect" thing.

And... just so you know I put my money where my mouth is... I'm upping the ante this month (Jeff is going to kill me) and giving away $50.00 (FREE MONEY PEOPLE) for one lucky reader to spend any way they want in these shops!!!! *Usually, the sponsors themselves contribute something little to the giveaway; but, honestly, I just want to bless them this time!  I hope you'll get on board!

Entering is easy: Simply leave a comment on this post telling me how you'd spend the $50 if it was yours, all yours!  You can also earn extra entries by posting about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your own blog and leaving a link in the Rafflecopter widget below.  And, this month only, I'm giving TEN extra entries to anyone who actually buys something from one of these gals.  (Just leave the order number in the widget.)  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will announce the winner next Monday!  Can't wait!