One Thing I Learned From Blogging

I can't believe that this is the 100th post!

It actually went by quick because of all of you.  I started blogging because I love to create and I wanted to share some of my creations.  I started out mostly making cards and other paper crafts.  Then, through this incredible world of blogging, I met so many creative people who inspired me to venture into other creative endeavors.  I have since come to love refinishing furniture, sewing, and thrifting at yard sales, estate sales, and thrift stores.  Can you believe that prior to blogging I had never been to an estate sale? Blogging has truly opened up a whole new world to me.

I've learned so much from blogging, but didn't want to keep you here all day so I narrowed it down one major thing that I thing encompasses it all:

1. I am the only one who holds me back from accomplishing ANYTHING creative. All the resources are out there through the blogging world.  I've learned how to create a ruffle, how to paint laminate, how to bake a better chocolate cookie, and so much more from blog searching.   There are A LOT of genius people out there (including YOU)!!!

The thing I've been blessed by from blogging is all of the bloggy love and encouragement.  I do love to create and I feel like I come alive when I'm creating something new so it's something I will always do. But the bloggy love I feel through someone new following my blog or through reading a sweet comment is definitely inspires me to create as well.  Well... to be honest, without those two things, I would still create, but I probably wouldn't take pictures or write about it anymore... who likes to talk out into the void?  ;o)  

I was a lurker for a couple of years and I never understood how encouraging it was to leave a comment or to become a follower.  So I just want to encourage you all... show some bloggy love to someone new today! :o)  Leave a kind comment or become a friend/follower to someone who inspires you. 

I wrestled over this for awhile.  I like to be inclusive, but I really wanted to show my appreciation and love for those that have encouraged me and have left a comment or followed my blog.  So today I'm giving away two really fun things to YOU (followers or previous commenters)... A brand stinkin new copy of Tara Fey's Blogging for Bliss and BH&G's Fall 2009 copy of 100 decorating ideas under $100.  Are these right up our alley or what??  

Blogging for Bliss is FILLED with great tips for making your blog look better.  It has tons of links to sites that would be helpful to you and to blogs that will inspire to you.

BH&G's 100 decorating ideas is AWESOME!!!!  It has ideas on making an armoire into a cute but heavy duty kitchen storage system, instructions on how to decorate your living room for the seasons, and it is has a gazillion DIY projects that will keep you busy well into the new year.

So... you wanna know the rules???

1. You must be a follower or have commented previously to be eligible.  On the follower thing- you're welcome to become a new follower and enter.  On the previously commented thing... this is really on an honor system.  I know not everyone has a blogger account and can't follow, but you're still awesome for leaving comments, so this is my thanks to you.
2. If you fit the statement above, you are welcome to enter once every day until the end of the giveaway.  
3. To enter, leave me a comment and mention once of your favorite blogs or share with me something you've learned through blogging.

I'll use Random.org to chose the winner at 10:00 p.m. PST on November 22nd.

I can't wait to hear from you!! :o)  Good luck!!! I can't wait to see who wins!!!