Can you believe that 2013 is almost over? I can't believe that Christmas is just a week away - less than that, really!
2013 has been one of the best years of my life. I am not even slightly exaggerating when I say that. I started the year off with a bang by winning a $5,000 Delta Vacations gift card - I'm still in shock over that, almost an entire year later. I never win anything! Angeline is doing well in school (better than last year, anyway), she was accepted into a weekend and summer science program at Zoo Miami, my husband stopped traveling for work, my blog grew by leaps and bounds - and I knocked quite a few things off of my bucket list.
Oh...and Chris and I celebrated 12 years of marriage this summer. That in itself is a major accomplishment, right?
I was invited on a cruise through the Mediterranean with Carnival Cruise Lines, where I had the opportunity to spend two weeks with Angeline exploring places that I've dreamt about for years. I still get a little teary eyed thinking about that trip. We started off on our own in Spain, visited France, Croatia and a few stops in Italy, then we ended the trip on our own in Rome for a few days.
It was the stuff dreams are made of.
I walked the red carpet alongside some pretty awesome bloggers (like Crystal from Simply Being Mommy behind me here) adn gorgeous movie stars at the red carpet premiere of Iron Man 3 as a guest of Disney and Marvel Studios.
I met Chris Evans, Mr. Captain America himself!
I was asked to join Microsoft in the Windows Champions ambassador program for 2014 - holy crap, right? And then the icing on the cake of my best year ever, I was invited to attend CES out in Vegas in a few weeks!
2013 has been an amazing year for me, and I have pretty high hopes for 2014 too! Though, really, how could this year possibly be beat? Short of winning the lottery or making out with Jensen Ackles (with Chris's blessing of course), I don't think it will happen.
To start your 2014 off with a bang, I've partnered with a few pretty cool bloggers to host this $200.00 Amazon.com giveaway! Consider this my feeble attempt to pay forward just a tiny bit of all of the good fortune that found its way to me in 2013.
Check out my blogging pals and their favorite posts from 2013!
Tammilee Tips - Crock Pot Monkey Bread
Domestic Executive Online - Best Ever Oatmeal Scotchies
The Mom Reviews - Kauai Travels
Rebel Chick - Chewy Chocolate Chip Kit Kat Cookies
Sweep Tight - Our Pirate Ship Wedding
The Mommy Files - The Mommy Files and Daddledo are getting married
Mommy Gaga - 3 reasons to take your family on a Costa Rican Vacation!
Crunchy Frugalista - Best Recipes of 2013
dawn
So many things you could buy with this! I'd probably buy a great new book and something for my sister's birthday in January!
Jackie
Your year HAS been amazing! All those adventures, what a fantastic payoff on all your hard work. I'd settle for a hug from Jensen Ackles 😉 It's a little boring but I have my eye on a great blender that the $200 would go a long way toward buying.
Jennifer Quillen
Just a hug? DREAM BIG girl! LOL!
Penelope
Wow, that WAS an amazing year! Here is to an even more amazing 2014!!
Tiff
Wow, what an incredible year! So much to be grateful too. You are just beautiful too.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
Wow, you did have an awesome year! Hears to another great one!
Donna
How awesome! I'm so happy for you! Here's to another year just as great and even more so!
Toni
Woot. I have had a great year too, I am hoping I can add a few things like you did (cruise and travel wise) in my 2014 year 🙂
April V.
I'd use it to buy Christmas presents for next year! I'd be all set and have a relaxing holiday for 2014!!
kath g
I'd use it to buy some of the stuff on my wish list....like a new doorbell and a a new watch.
Mandala
Use it towards a new laptop. Thanks!
Brooklynshoebabe
If I win, I'm going to get refill bands and C-clips for my rainbow loom; buy some outfits for my daughters' Journey Girl dolls and buy some Kindle books for my daughters' and me.
abedabun dawn
What will I buy with the gift card if I win? I dont know but whatever it is, it will be for my grand daughter.
kath g
I might buy some down pillows.
Lauren Becker
I really want to get the Cornetto Trilogy on Blu-Ray!!
Alena
Wow, you have had a stellar year! I'm a little bit jealous. #lol Thank you for a fantastic giveaway. I hope I win! If I DO win, I plan to buy the kitchen playset from Kidkraft on Amazon that I've been eyeing for my daughter, Serenity.
Stefanie
It was a great year! I'm so happy that I could share some of it with you!
Susan P.
I would buy some new clothes.
Trish F
I would probably get some suplements that my dr. wants me to take and a couple of books that I have had on my wish list. Thanks for a great giveaway!
kath g
I think if I won, I might buy a new printer, the one I have never works right.
Deborah Caudill
I will buy some games for my son's XBox One and /or a microwave. My microwave has been broken for a while and I really miss it. Thanks for the giveaway!
kath g
I might treat myself to some music and dvds.
BlackAsphodel
I'll buy a pair of boots.
My e-mail: blackasphodel(at)yahoo(dot)com
kath g
I might get a nice blender.
Tina
I would use it to help buy my daughter some college textbooks or to help buy a laptop.
kath g
i'll have some family birthdays coming up, so i might use it to buy some presents.
Tina
I would love to use this for a variety of things. I would get some stuff for the house and maybe some clothes or books.
Hallie Grace
I'll buy one of the chromebooks each of my kids want for their new house 🙂
Emily N.
I'd buy some athletic shoes.
kath g
i know it sounds dull, but i'd buy a roll of bags for my food sealer.
margaret peg m.
...accessories, like jewelry & makeup. and a little somethin' for the hubs.
Susan P.
I would apply this towards a new computer.
Whitney L
I would love a Kindle Fire!
Lisa
new movies and video games
kath g
i could use some new kitchen things..bowls, utensils, etc.
Cynthia Sizemore
If I win this I will buy something for my husband and son because I wasn't able to get them a Christmas gift.
Rosamund Skegg
Who can resist this contest?
Tammy Woodall
I would put it towards an Mini iPad.
Lisa
some new movies
Carissa Joslyn
If I won this Gift Card I would save it, & put it towards re-doing my mudroom. I just moved to 3 bedroom apartment from a 1 bedroom. I'm a single mom with no income ATM & I really want my place to look nice and not look like I'm poor! So I'm hoping by summer time-I'll be able to save up enough to make it all nice 🙂
Jennifer P
I need a new Toaster Oven and a new printer so I'd put it towards buying those if I won.
Susan P.
I would use the $ and use it for helping to pay for a new iMac.
Jennifer P
If I don't get the toaster over and printer, I may put it towards a new HD TV.
Susan P.
I would invest in a new computer.
BlackAsphodel
I'll buy clothing.