Minnesota, I knew. I grew up in the Twin Cities.
But I had never lived in a small town before. I wondered if I would fit in. I didn't have my first baby until I was almost 30, clearly making me an "older mother." (I hear you laughing, AM.) I spent most of my free time online. I rarely ate fast food. I loved my coffee. I had never set foot in a Wal-Mart. Would I stick out like some sort of traveling California freak show?
Much to my relief, God connected me almost immediately with a group of women who put my fears to rest. Most of them were from Tiny Town, but they were still "my people." They were funny, authentic, smart and friendly. And their homes! Oh my word. I guess when you don't have to spend $500,000 to buy a two-bedroom rambler, you can actually afford to decorate with Pottery Barn. They were all like something out of a magazine spread. These ladies had great style and sharp wit and loving hearts. (I forgive them for not feeling that epidurals are necessary for childbirth.) I no longer live in Tiny Town, but I know many of those friendships will continue for the rest of my life.
That is the back-story behind my fabulous prize for the Bloggy Giveaways Fall Carnival. One of my friends from that playgroup went on to start her own business. It's called Sloppy Baby, and it makes über-hip bibs, burp cloths and blankets that are sold in trendy boutique stores all over the U.S. They are so chic, they are even included in fabulous baskets of baby swag given away to celebrities.And now you have a chance to own a whole Sloppy Baby set for yourself. My gracious friend has agreed to give away a full gift basket -- a fully reversal bib, a matching burp cloth and a patchwork baby blanket made out of patterned cotton squares and plush fabrics -- to one lucky winner.
My favorite is the Samantha set, because I'm a sucker for pink and brown. (Teyla is wearing pink and brown today, in fact.)
But check out the Finley set, pictured at left. It's super fun, made with bright colors and playful sock monkeys. If I had a baby boy right now, I'd be all over that.And of course, everything is machine washable and super soft and touchable. My best friend, who has the Julia blanket, says its her daughter's favorite snuggle toy.
Which would you chose? Just go to the Sloppy Baby website, check out their gift sets and leave me a comment letting me know which one is your favorite. Comments will be open until midnight on Friday, October 31. (Insert scary ghostly moans here.) I'll pick a random winner this weekend and announce the winner next Monday.
Be sure to check out Bloggy Giveaways all week for more fabulous prizes. It's like Christmas in October.
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