Springtime Giveaway ~ Choose Your Prize!

 My lantana is blooming.... ain't she purty?

I've been wanting to throw a spring giveaway for awhile now... just haven't had the time, as usual!  So here it is, and I've decided to give the winner their choice of prizes.  

Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America
I have two copies of this marvelous book, so I would love to share one with my readers.  Since I received my copy several months ago, I have identified quite a few birds around our parts, and I've even helped some blogger friends identify birds that they have photographed!  This is a great book, one I'm sure anyone who loves nature will enjoy and use as a reference for many years to come. Approx. Value: $17.95



My binoculars have become one of my closest friends in recent months... just the other night I saw a juvenile black-crowned night heron in a tree near our pond.  Their call is so distinctive that I had been wondering, what the heck is hanging out around our pond?  One evening I saw an adult fly away.  Click on the pic below to enlarge and see exactly what I'm talking about - it's the bird at the top of the page.

{Does that mean I'm getting old because I'm starting to enjoy bird watching??!!}


Bradford Exchange "Soft Elegance" Limited Edition Plates (includes all 4)
Or perhaps you're a kitteh lover!  I have a numbered series of plates from the Bradford Exchange (click on photos to enlarge).  These are part of a numbered and dated (1994/1995) limited edition and measure 8-1/4" each.  They are from my grandmother's estate, and are in mint condition ~ never hung or displayed, no chips, cracks, dings, NOTHING. As you can see, I also have the certificates for each plate.  If you're a plate collector, this is definitely something you'll love to add to your collection!   
Approx. Value: $29.95 per plate


Plate titles, from top left, clockwise: Alexandra in Amethysts, Emily in Emeralds, Tabitha on Taffeta, and Priscilla in Pearls.  They are all numbered on the back, with full descriptions and Bradex numbers.  These plates are for DISPLAY only and not to be used with food.


Lee Middleton "Best Friend Bear" Doll by Reva Schick
(Artist Studio series)
Lee was from Ohio, Springfield to be exact, and she started making dolls modeled after her two kids -- friends loved them and began to want their own, hence how her company got started.  I won't go deep into the history but it's really quite interesting.  She died suddenly in Jan 1997 (heart attack) and three artists were found to carry on her work.  This doll is by "Reva Schick" and part of the Artist Studio collection, the premium line of Lee Middleton dolls. She is numbered 2332 and signed by Reva Schick at the base of her skull; I do not have her original certificate, but she does have both her wrist tags.  She is also missing the small pink teddy bear that came with her. She measures 20" or so, and is weighted to feel like a real baby.  Approx. Value: $158.00

Since she's not porcelain, a little girl can actually play with this doll, so it's an ideal gift for a young daughter or a favorite granddaughter.  Or you can keep it safe on display with the hope that it will grow in value over the years as a collectible.

But she's adorable nonetheless, don't you agree?



The winner of my spring giveaway will be selected in a random drawing of commenter names by Tori... she loves to do this, and I think it's more fun than using the random generator.


The winner will have their choice of any of the above items.  I will email the winner, but I need to hear back within 24 hours or I will award the giveaway to another drawn name.  This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents, however, if you live abroad and are willing to pay shipping costs, then I will happily open it up to international residents.  :-)

So, just leave me a comment, tell me which prize you'd like to win, and you have until next weekend to enter.  If you want extra entries, just tweet or Facebook the giveaway and let me know.  But one comment is all it takes to get you into the giveaway!

We will draw a name on Sunday, May 23rd, and announce the winner no later than Monday, May 24th.

And a big thank you to all who come by to read my blog.  I love your comments and appreciate that you find my blog interesting to read!

41 comments:

  1. I would like the bird book. I had some birds in my backyard lately and couldn't figure out what they were. This book would have been helpful. Does this mean I'm old too.

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  2. I would love the bird book if I win...

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  3. Spring Giveaway - wonderful! -- I love the Lee Middleton doll - how precious!

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  4. I would love the cat plates. My daughter has an awesome cat and she would love the plates. Pick me Tori - hahahaha.

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  5. If I won, I'd love the Bradford Exchange "Soft Elegance" Limited Edition Plates! lockwoodmerrie@yahoo.com

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  6. Susan - this is such a generous give-away! You're such a sweet woman, with a wonderful sense of humor, and a really big heart. I just love you.

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  7. Oh, Susan all three are wonderful!!! I cannot decide.
    I have a huge a doll collection and made a commitment to myself (and J!!) no more!
    I have a gazillion kitty things and made a commitment to myself (and J!!!) no more!
    So probably the birdie book.

    Hey, I use binoculars all the time, too. It does not mean we are getting old. We are just very committed to our hobbies (and we need a little help!)
    Have a great weekend, Susan! Hopefully no more tornadoes your way!
    xo, misha

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  8. p.s. I showed J and he asked if we could win the dog!! (like we need another mouth to feed!)

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  9. I dropped my binoculars one time too many, they just broke a couple weeks ago. I kept them in the windowsill at the kitchen table so I could get a close up view of the different birds that come to visit. I would like the bird book. I am just now getting to know some of the names of the birds coming here.

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  10. Oh Oh Oh!! The bird book!! LOVE birds!! I have SO many around here! When I bought my place the former owner made sure to give me *instructions* on feeding the birds and left a full barrel of bird seed LOL!!

    I'm SO jealous!! My lantana's are not blooming yet :( But neither are my peony's! What the heck is going on here?!

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  11. I'd love the bird book! I have been thinking about getting one some day, I love to sit and watch the birds!!

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  12. I have several bird books, but one more with such great photos would be a welcomed addition! (I keep hoping I'll find one that says it's ok to shoot the hawk and mockingbird that kill/chase away my other birds!)

    Are you sure you shouldn't save that doll for future granddaughters?

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  13. Susan...love that last photo!!!! It's a fantastic shot! It was nice to catch up on your blog this morning. :)

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  14. I have an older edition of Peterson's Field Guide. I've enjoyed bird watching for years, and I'm not old yet. Birds are cool. Did you know that their chirping at dawn is what signals plants to wake up? What if we could all use birds as our alarm clocks.

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  15. oh yippee a giveaway...I love the birdwatching book...I'm really into birds these days...

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  16. No! You're not old. I love watching birds too and finding out what type of bird they are. And I'm not old at all ;-) Didn't recognize any of the birds on that page. They don't travel all the way to the Netherlands I guess.
    I'd love to win the dog in the last picture. I'd be willing to pay shipping costs ;-)

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  17. Hey Oz Girl, well I am from OS, Australia, so we'd have to check the shipping costs. Love Priscilla in Pearls! I'm a bird watcher from way back and am definitely not old - a rainbow bee eater is my prized spotting to date. Imagine my shock at the photo of your lantana. Over here it is a noxious weed! Am just about to pull some out of my forest where it is trying to take over. Just goes to show that a weed is simply a plant in the wrong place. I couldn't admit it locally, but I've always loved those flowers - used to collect them and sprinkle them like confetti as a kid! Have fun with your giveaway!

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  18. I've thought the same thing about the bird feeding watching thing...I've decided to wait and dive in whole hearted once all the last of our kids have moved out. I figure It will just be a different form of watching, feeding and identifying:)

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  19. I LOVE, LOVE dolls - Especially baby dolls! I have quite a few and someday my little granddaughters will get them all. This is a great giveaway. I need to have one someday soon.

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  20. My daughter loves all things cat! The dishes would be a wonderful gift for her to display in her room. :0)

    Bird watching is for ALL ages! If you enjoy it, it doesn't matter what age you are!

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  21. Susan, I was given binoculars for gift some time back and decided to watch birds in my back yard. As you know I live in an urban area and my backyard is barely 50 foot by 50 foot. Anyway I set about looking in the trees for birds of different kinds when it dawned on me that if someone saw me it would give the appearance of me trying to look in the back window of the house behind me. That's all I would need is to get labeled as peeping tom in a neighborhood full of kids. I have to say that I now listen to the birds sing and don't watch too much.

    I do have a bird that sings to me every Spring and Summer morning at about 5:30am to usher in the beginning of the new day. I noticed it about 4 or 5 years ago. It's either the same bird or the offspring of the same bird. I don't know how long birds live.

    Old Nebraska Dave

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  22. The Peterson Field Guide sounds great. Count me in please, and thanks for your generosity.

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  23. What a nice give away! Love the Doll or the Bird book.

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  24. Hey Susan, I also have some awards and a tag for you if you are interested:

    http://theslamdunktrove.blogspot.com/2010/05/tagged-and-awards.html

    Have a great day.

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  25. I'm definitely into the bird watching. I have a bird that offers great companionship so I've come to appreciate them more than ever. Also jealous of those that have such variety of color in their bird visitors - the orioles, bluebirds. I do love or cardinals and swallows, though.

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  26. Wow, what a fun giveaway! I really like the field guide! We actually have a lot of interesting birds here in Arizona.

    It's fun doing the giveaways, isn't it?

    Thank you for the chance.

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  27. Oh baby what a great giveaway! Thanks for givin' us the chance for a big win. I too love, feed and watch birds but I have a wonderful field guide. What I do have also are granddaughters who would just love to rock that precious baby. Therefore, this rockin' Grandma would love to have the baby doll to take up residence in the bassinet that I used as a baby.

    You have the best day sweetie and may it be filled with blessings from above!!!

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  28. Well, I'd like the dog, please. Ohhhhh not a prize??? Darn! O.K. Then I'd LOVE to win the bird reference book!
    GREAT giveaway, and a GREAT blog, which I just discovered today, and am thrilled that I did.

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  29. I would love the bird book please. Thank you!
    Suzanne

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  30. Finally.. I made it just in the nick of time I hope :) All fab prizes, but that Bird Book would be my choice {think: owls} :D I am sooo jealous of your lantana. I can't seem to make it by the greenhouse to search for some - all this rain doesn't help!
    Thanks so much!! -Tammy

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  31. What great give-aways... And your dog is gorgeous.

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  32. Is that a blue Merle Border Collie or an Aussie, I can't tell for sure from the head ? I have one too (Border Collie)her name is Miranda, she is soooo smart.

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  33. I stopped in for the flower pic, but stayed for the give away ;0) Pretty dog too!

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  34. Dear Susan!

    It was so nice to see that you stopped by on my blog the other day...it's such a long time we haven't visited each other and it's always a pleasure to see you...

    Lovely giveaway...those plates are beautiful /but do not enter me I'm international :-)/

    Have a great weekend dear Susan!

    Cheers: Evi

    Ps: My first giveaway post is up. Check it out when you have some time.

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  35. Hi Susan!

    Looks like some great stuff, but I just stopped by to say hello.

    Not sure when (or if) the blogging will commence, but I'll keep ya posted!

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  36. I've been birdwatching since I was very young; you don't have to be old to enjoy it. I'd love the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America.

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  37. I'd love the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

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  38. The Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America would be awesome. I'm always wondering what type of birds are in the neighborhood. peanut[at]nyc.rr.com

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  39. Well I missed the giveaway Oh Well You might find this blog interesting
    http://www.britgalusa.com/

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  40. Susan, I know I am too late for the giveaway but wanted to say something about Lee Middleton. Her doll shop was in Coolville, Ohio in the beginning but she and her husband moved it to Belpre, Ohio (that's my hometown, born and raised there) The store is still there I believe; I am not a doll person so I am not sure if it's still in operation. The property where the store sits used to be a big open field where they held horse shows :-D, I do remember that!!! Horses of course!
    Good luck to the winner, if I had paid attention I would have gotten in the drawing and would have loved to have had the bird book!
    hugs.....
    Jane and the Magnificent Gilly

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