Social Media and... Contests?

I don’t win things. Flat out. The only thing I have ever won was an Atari 2600 when I was about four years old. Okay, my parents won it, but I was the one that put up the hissy fit about going to McDonald’s that night, and if we hadn’t gone, they wouldn’t have entered, and we wouldn’t have won. Ergo, I won the Atari. (That my stupid little brother then turned around and sold a few years ago… but I’m not bitter or anything…)

Over the last few weeks, I seem to be on something of a winning streak. I haven’t been crocheting very long, and usually when I see a crochet contest, I’ll enter, because I would love to round out my knitting books with some additional crochet books! A few weeks ago, I did just that, and entered a contest on the Cute Crochet blog to win a copy of Sarah London’s Granny Square Love. I’m really good with crocheted washcloths and hats, but the world of Granny Squares is one that I haven’t ventured into. Imagine my shock and surprise when I got an email saying that I had won! I was so excited! When the book arrived, I flipped through the pages, and I am delighted to say that it is a gorgeous book and the images are fun, vibrant, and a great resource to compliment the pattern. We have all seen or attempted patterns that, even though they have a beautiful image, aren’t the most clear, and the accompanying image is of little to no help. I seriously can’t wait to do several patterns from this book… after Christmas.



Next up was a random contest from Keen Footwear. I have sworn by Keen shoes for the kids for years. Ethan got his first pair when he was in preschool and Xavier got his first pair of sandals when he was barely a year old. They are by far the most durable, perfect for kids shoes I have ever come across. Not only do they last for one kid, my kids (who tear through shoes) have passed their Keens along to other kids, who have worn them for just as long! Todd has had several pairs, and although he is currently banned from any more sandals (they just reek after a few weeks… nothing that can really be done about it), he found a great deal on a pair of mid-height boots at REI during one of their sales.



Jenni's Betty Boots!



If you couldn’t tell, I really swear by (and LOVE) their shoes! So when I saw a tweet from them asking if you won a Keen Recess kit, who would you share it with? I immediately thought of Ethan’s Second Grade teacher. She is his favorite teacher ever, and quite frankly, with all of the cutbacks in our district, well, they don’t get rewarded enough for all that they do.



My Bern Baby Bern Boots!



WE WON! Our kit included t-shirts for both of us, socks, note pads, lanyards, hacky sacks, lip balm (side note: one of the best lip balms I have ever used!), and a pair of shoes for EACH of us! She didn’t believe me when I told her we actually won!  It was a great surprise and many, many thanks to Keen for choosing us! For us, they are a local company that does a TON of great things for our area and I am happy to promote and support what they do!



Fyberspates Scrumptious in Teal

Finally, I commented on the Lantern Moon blog and won DK/Worsted weight of their new Fyberspates Scrumptious yarn! I’m waiting on this to arrive and will do a full review when it does, but I am SO excited to get this one!

All in all, I’m considering myself a pretty lucky girl! I’m pretty sure I should go play the lottery now. I am recusing myself from any further contests until after the new year though, to give others the chance to win something!!