My Blogaversary *AND* my 500th post are coming up soon!

That little counter in the right sidebar that ticks away the days to my blogaversary tells me it's coming up in two weeks!

My blog will be two years old and not only that, I've just about reached 500 posts, too!  I'm excited about both of those milestones and would like to celebrate with everyone who reads this blog.

 Yes, I'm talking about a giveaway!

How to get the giveaway gift:

• If you're a follower, "old" or brand new, just comment on this post and say hello!  That is your first entry!
• Then, every comment on every post between now and December 10 at 11:59 PM will get an automatic entry - no need to mention the giveaway!

I'll choose the winner by a drawing of names and announce it on December 11.

Bonus: currently, 183 friends follow this blog, but I would love reach an even 200 followers. So, if by the time this contest ends, I have at least 200 followers, I will give away a second gift (and it's a surprise!)

So, recommend my blog to friends you think would like it, and then there will be two winners!

I gave a lot of thought to what I'd like to give away to you.  There's really nothing I own that can give back what you all give to me by visiting me here like you do.

I've learned that bloggers and blog readers are some of the kindest, most generous and open-hearted people there are!

Some of you have become great friends, 'though we've never met in real life.  Others I have had a chance to meet, and you're just as much fun in person as you have been on line!

I enjoy each and every comment, and the conversations we have had as a result.  I've loved reading your blogs, and learning from you, and being inspired by you.

First, I knew I wanted to give away something I made myself, and so, just for this giveaway I created a journal.

The front and back covers are from a vintage book, in warm coral and pink tones,

to which I added a fashion plate picture

I embellished the front with a big piece of bling, and vintage seam bindings and lace.

Inside, there are 14 leaves, for a total of 28 pages.

One side of each page is decorated with vintage and antique papers

to inspire your thoughts - or photos - or whatever you'd like to fill them with.

  'Just about every bit of it is an antique or vintage original piece from my ephemera collection.

 'Though I have added a few newer embellishments,  and scans of antique originals, here and there.)

  But mostly you'll see original pieces, for an overall "old" feeling.

 There is plenty of space for writing...

 and places to slip things in,

  or tie them on...

 and extra pages to open up...

 and write inside of...

 or decorate as you like!

Plus: the rings are large enough that you can add your own additional pages if you want to!

I put many hours into this journal and I can't wait to send it off to one of you!

But, I also wanted to be able to treat you to something you really want...so, I'm adding to this giveaway a gift card in the amount of US $25, to the store of your choice!  (Note: it must be a store that I can purchase a giftcard from online.  Some suggestions are: HobbyLobby.com, or Amazon.com, or Starbucks.com, etc. )

Thank you everyone for being here, for being a friend, and for helping me to celebrate

2 years

and

500 posts!

Remember, comment along in the coming days and you may mark the day of my blogaversary with a gift from me!

Thank you to The Graphics Fairy for all the cute antique pictures and photos at the beginning of this post!