It's A Boy! {& A Giveaway}

Today a royal baby took his first breath.  I have to admit, I find this kind of news exciting!  Babies, royalty, fanfare... what can I say, I love it all!  Now, we await a decision on the future monarch's name.  What fetching & fitting moniker would you choose for a future king?  I'm thinking William {after the little one's princely dad} something something something...

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

In honor of Kate & Will's blessed event, I'll be giving 1 U.S. Bess' Bag reader a DVD which features the entire royal wedding + an engagement interview with the couple that aired on British TV.

To Enter: You must be a U.S. "Gal Pal" of Bess' Bag {i.e.: a follower} & you must leave a comment with your royal name pick &/or baby names you love {specify which name(s) you're leaving}.  One comment per reader please.  The winner will be chosen on July 29, 2013 {July 28, 2013 is the last day to enter}.

Baby Love,
-Bess-

The winner of the DVD is Gabrielle!  Congrats!

Paying it Forward {On My Blogoversary}

It’s Bess’ Bag’s one year blogoversary! What better way to get the celebration started than a little gift giving? {I promise a longer post shortly.} I participated in Lauren’s Pay it Forward event on her blog, “With a Smile & a Song” recently… & now it’s time for me to pay it forward, too.


Here’s How it Works…
I will be sending a little package of small *mystery* goodies (perhaps… stickers, ribbon, handmade items, bookmarks, bracelets, beads, tiny gifts, etc.) to 5 of you.


The Rules…
You must have a blog. You must be a Gal Pal {i.e.: follower}. You must live somewhere/anywhere =) on this Earth. You must commit to Pay it Forward on your blog. You must be one of the 1st 5 bloggers to leave a comment on this post!


All right, I’ll do my best to fill in the spots as they become filled. Hmmm, it says the traditional 1 year anniversary gift is paper. I’ll keep it in mind.


1. Ashley Nicole
2. Grace
3. Kendra
4. Anna Faith
5.

*If you're one of the blessed girls above leave me your address in a comment (which I won't publish, of course) or in an e-mail (bessbagblog@yahoo.com - put something recognizable in the subject so I don't think you're spam=).  Your goodies will be coming within the next 2 weeks!

Paying it Forward With Love,
-Bess-

Crafty Christmas Blog Design Winner...

An online random number generator presented me with a #2…the writer of comment #2, & winner of the custom blog design bundle from Annie Joy, is…

Lily!

Congratulations Lily & thanks to all who entered!  Lily entered all 5 chances into the giveaway; here's some of her responses:

She penned 2 sweet haikus...

Shepherds and kings see,
All wrapped in swaddling clothes,
Our baby Savior.
__________________

The snow falls softly
From the heavens to the earth,
On this Christmas Eve 

This was what she was excited to give this past Christmas...
My favorite gift I'm giving this Christmas is a friendship bracelet to my best friend. I have a matching one, so we'll be bracelet-buddies. ;)

& here's her New Year's resolution...
Here's my BIG resolution for 2011: Be more patient and kind to those around me. (:

Thanks again Annie Joy for offering one of Bess' Bag's readers with a fabulous blog design package handmade by...you!  Love ya bunches!

-Bess-

P.S.: Lily, please leave me a comment (which I won't publish) with your e-mail address.  I will e-mail Annie Joy with your info (blog address & e-mail) & she will get in touch with you!  Enjoy your blog's new look!

Crafty Christmas Blog Design Giveaway

Christmas Greetings, girls!  I have a special announcement for ya...


The oh-so-talented Annie Joy has generously offered to give one of you a new blog design for the new year!  New year -  new blog design! =) I can't think of a better way to freshen up your blog for 2011, than a beautiful new design hand-crafted (afterall, this is Crafty Christmas) by Annie!


Thanks so much Annie for this fabulous offer!  You're such a thoughtful sister-in-Christ!  Thanks for making the lovely button below, too!




<center><a href="http://bessbag.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac124/JOY-in-Jesus/Buttons/GiveawayButton.png" /></a></center>

This giveaway begins today (Dec. 20th) & ends on Dec. 30th at 12 noon EST.  It's open to blogging girls {who use Blogger} everywhere! 

The Design Package Will Include:

header OR header menu (header with links)
background
blog button and code box
signature
post divider
sidebar divider
favicon
custom navigation feet ('home', 'newer posts', 'older posts')
costumisation of template
custom font and text transformations
colouring of links and blockquote
custom footer design of choice
custom "about me" (if desired)
post icon (if desired) 

Here's How to Enter....

READ CAREFULLY

Please leave each entry as a seperate comment on this post (one comment per entry)!  Each entry is worth one chance in the giveaway.

Mandatory Entry:

To enter, you must either create a poem about the real reason for the season (i.e.: the birth of Christ=) (this can be rhyming or free verse & any length).

-or-

Tell how your family keeps Christ at the center of your Christmas.

(I just might post some of these, if they come in before Christmas!=)

(1 comment)

Extra Entries:

Choose as many as you like!

Post the giveaway button on your blog!

(1 comment)

Become a Gal Pal (follow me=) or tell me if you're already one!

(1 comment)

Tell me one of your favorite gifts you're giving this Christmas & why.

(1 comment)

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  Share one of 'em for 2011!

(1 comment)

You have a total of 5 chances to enter if you do them all!

Love {in Christ} From,

Annie Joy & -Bess-

And the Winner Is...Bridget!

After tossing everyone's chances into a hat, & having my ever-fair mom pick one out (without looking=), we have a winner....

Congrats, Bridget!

You are my 100th post giveaway winner!

Leave me a comment with your address so I can get the goods out to you (your address won't be published or shared).

Sorry about not posting this yesterday, but my mom & I went on a mini road trip to a great nature-y arts & crafts community a few hours down the road from us. We had a great time looking at all the unique crafts + checking out a few outlet stores. Everything looked so beautiful outside! There were absolutely tons of pretty pink, fluttery mimosas in bloom hanging across the road & in great bunches hugging the side. God is definitely the best artist of all! I was ready to burst forth with "For the Beauty of the Earth," but I refrained so my mom could keep her sanity. Yep, I try to be a good daughter. =)

Blessings,

-Bess-

P.S.: I wish I could give something to all my dear sisters-in-Christ! Thanks to all who entered & shared their thoughts on purity with us! I enjoyed reading all your comments (as always=)! You're all winners in my book!

Enter My 100th Post Giveaway HERE

ONLY ENTRY COMMENTS ON THIS POST PLEASE
ONE COMMENT PER ENTRY

Rules:
This giveaway is open to girls worldwide! It will end on June 24, 2010 at 12 noon est time.

To enter…
Become one of my Gal Pals by following this blog & leave a comment on the “Enter My 100th Post Giveaway HERE” post sharing your stance & thoughts on purity. NOTE: It doesn’t have to be long; just a note explaining the importance of purity in your life.

Extra Entries: (NOTE: You must enter the above way first before you can enter any extra ways!=)
1 Extra - Blog about the giveaway on your site! Leave me a link!
1 Extra – Put one of my Purity & Romance “buttons” on your site. Leave me a link!
1 Extra – Put one of Grace’s Purity buttons on your blog. Leave me a link!

Don't know what this is all about. Look at the post underneath this one! =)

B.B.'s 100th Post Party!

I can’t believe it’s my 100th post here at Bess’ Bag! You know, I never thought I’d be a blogger, but it’s been such a fun journey with all of you! Thank you to all my Gal Pals, sisters in Christ, readers, & anyone who just stumbled upon this little spot on the Web! You girls are all SO special to me! =)

I have to offer a BIG thank you to my sweet & creative sis in Christ, Grace, who created purity buttons on her blog in honor of Purity & Romance month! I am very honored, Grace, you are an amazing daughter of the King! Click the link to check em’ out! I chose the 2nd one, but they’re all so beautiful it’s truly hard to choose!
http://gracesgardenwalk.blogspot.com/2010/06/purity-buttons.html

Let’s Look Back…
Bess’ Bag officially joined the blog world on February 15, 2010! Yes, the day after Val Day (perfect for our Purity & Romance theme this month).

Bess’ Bag now has 50 Gal Pals. I’m the 50th one! I thought it was about time. =)

Most Popular Post (By Way of Comments / Not Counting Awards Posts): With 8 comments each, it’s a tie between…
“Think Pink” & “That’s A Wrap!” Click the links to visit these popular posts!
http://bessbag.blogspot.com/2010/04/think-pink.html
http://bessbag.blogspot.com/2010/05/thats-wrap.html

These girls always have a great comment to make my day a little brighter: Grace, Amber, Shaynie, Jenna, & Moe! Thanks for being such faithful commenters, not to mention great friends!

My Favorite Post: (Oh, this is going to be tough!)
20! (I think this is it! Now if I could only remember all those things – I mean really remember ‘em)
http://bessbag.blogspot.com/2010/03/20.html

My Favorite Video I’ve Posted:
The Stranger Series: “Walk on Water” (This is one of my all time favorite shows!)
http://bessbag.blogspot.com/2010/03/jump-ship-30.html

Be sure to vote in the special edition poll in the sidebar on your favorite posts! NOTE: You can choose more than one!

-Bess' Bag Scrapbook-

Now To the Giveaway

One blessed girl will win…
-a stretchy bracelet I made (note the hearts on the ribbon, perfect for this month, don’t you think=)
-a joyfully “waiting” bookmark I made
-1 note card + 1 envelope of “fancy” stationary to write your future Prince a love note
-1 solid pewter “Purity” charm (this would look great strung on a necklace or bracelet, etc. – the word purity is stamped on the charm)

Rules:
This giveaway is open to girls worldwide! It will end on June 24, 2010 at 12 noon est time.

To enter…
Become one of my Gal Pals by following this blog & leave a comment on the “Enter My 100th Post Giveaway HERE” post sharing your stance & thoughts on purity. NOTE: It doesn’t have to be long; just a note explaining the importance of purity in your life.

Extra Entries: (NOTE: You must enter the above way first before you can enter any extra ways!=)
1 Extra - Blog about the giveaway on your site! Leave me a link!
1 Extra – Put one of my Purity & Romance “buttons” on your site. Leave me a link!
1 Extra – Put one of Grace’s Purity buttons on your blog. Leave me a link!

LEAVE ONE COMMENT PER ENTRY ON THE ENTRY POST.

Thanks to all my dear readers! I hope you can find some encouragement, truth, smiles, & fun here at Bess’ Bag! It's definitely been a real journey with laughter, tears, & all the in-between! I love you guys!

-Bess-

P.S.: Here's a couple goodies for all! Click the link to receive a free sample of Nivea Happy lotion (cause you gals make me happy=).
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-free-samples.aspx

Get a free 8X10 collage print from Walgreen's using the code: GOBIG8X10. Choose "In-Store Pickup" to get it free! Hurry this is only good thru 6/19/2010!

And The Winner Is...Shaynie!

Shaynie, you are the winner of Bess' Bag's 1st ever giveaway!

Using www.random.org number 4 was chosen...& commenter #4 is Shaynie from "The Book Blog." Congrats, Shaynie! =)

(Sorry, I can't figure out how to post the number generator on my blog to verify - but I promise that #4 was the number chosen.=)

I wish I could give everyone who entered & reads my blog on a regular basis a treat! =) Well, you'll be glad to know I hope to host more giveaways in the future!

Love For All My Sisters in Christ,

-Bess-

P.S.: Free samples galore (that change frequently - so be fast) can be found at these following sites:

http://startsampling.com/retail/kroger/

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-free-samples.aspx

Enter My Giveaway Here

This is where you need to enter for the giveaway!

Have no idea what I'm talking about? Visit the post below for guidelines/instructions!

-PLEASE ONLY ENTRY COMMENTS HERE-

-SEPERATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY-

Giveaway is open to girls worldwide!

Giveaway closes on Sat. April 24th (10 PM EST)

Bess' Bag 50th Post Extravaganza (+ Giveaway)

Bess’ Bag turns 50! Well, this is my 50th post, that is! It’s exciting to think that this very post you are reading is number 50 – half way to 100! Thank you BIG TIME to all my sweet sisses in Christ who drop by for lots of visits here & leave your dear comments that make my day! You girls are great! A big HUG to all my Gal Pals, whom I just L-O-V-E! This special post should be one full of fun & surprises…so, let’s get started!

..Fun 50s Trivia..

Traditional 50th Anniversary Gift: something gold

Fav “50” Verse: Mark 9:50 “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its salty taste, you cannot make it salty again. So, be full of salt, & have peace with each other.” (I have a little salt packet (one of those you get from a fast food place) tacked on my bulletin board to remind me of this.)

Fav 1950 Flick: Walt Disney’s Cinderella (Hard to believe “Bibbity-Bobbity-Boo” is that old.=) Be sure to click off my main music Mixpod (at bottom of Bess' Bag) first!



Fav 1950 Tune: Sisters sung by Rosemary & Betty Clooney (real life sisters=) (Later used in the great holiday film “White Christmas.” It's a funny little song!)




As you can see, I’ve been hard at work re-vamping here & there. I kinda like to think of my blog as a sort of online scrapbook, so I’ve added lots of fresh, what I call “blog stickers” – just for fun little ditties - to my sidebar. I created all of them through a great new site you just have to check out if you have a blog, scrapbook, or family album! The site is www.picnik.com & is a free place (you don’t even have to register (though if you want more of the services you can + there is a fee for “premium” services, but you don’t have to use those=)). What you do is go to the site, upload a picture or image from your computer & then get creative with funky & sweet text, stickers, picture effects, etc. I am SO glad to find this site! My new header, the pic in this post, & my new “blog stickers” were all created there. I just did the simple no-registration method & am happy as a clam about it!

I’ve got some new pages (right under my jazzed-up Bess' Bag sign). I hope you’ll take the grand opening tour & explore a bit! I’m especially excited about the “Girl Talk” page! Let me tell you about it. Each month there will be a new topic & post featured on my Girl Talk page. I’m working at picking relevant topics we can all sound off on. After you read my post, lend your own voice to the conversation by leaving a comment in response to the topic or another gal’s two cents. Our Girl Talk sessions will be a special time to share, encourage, & be real with each other – please keep that in mind (as I know you girls will=). Each topic will last for a month, so head on over & let the girl chatter begin!

Drum Roll… In honor of my 50th post I’m hosting my 1st giveaway!

One blessed gal will win:

-(because this is Bess’ Bag, after all) a sweet little fancy pink beaded handbag (Old Navy) – I hope you guys don’t think this is terrible (or tacky), but this little bag used to belong to me. I took great care of it, & now I want to pass it on to one of my sisses in Christ. It looks new! =)
-Emma bookmark – This isn’t anything fancy, just a cardstock bookmark, but it does feature the new Masterpiece Classic flick on the front.
-a custom-made blog sticker that can be used as a blog button or sticker

Guidelines (READ CAREFULLY=):

To enter simply leave a comment on my Giveaway Post, which should be up above this one, telling me the type of posts you’ve enjoyed most or the type of post you want to see here at Bess’ Bag. New to Bess’ Bag? Visit the archive in my sidebar to see what you’ve missed, then leave your comment.

EXTRA WAYS TO ENTER (PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT ON THE GIVEAWAY POST FOR EACH ENTRY=):

-Become a gal pal. Already one? Even better! Just let me know!
-Put one of my NEW blog buttons (or calling card) on your blog. Let me know + give me a link!
-Visit the brand-spanking new Girl Talk page (at top of blog) & chime in on the topic of the month by reading the current post & leaving your own thoughts in a comment on that page – then come back to the Giveaway post & tell me you did so!

You could have your name in the pot a total of 4 times!
This giveaway ends on Sat. April 24th, 2010. Hurry & enter!

A Treat For All:
Click my cassette in my sidebar to see all the free Christian music you can get on Amazon.com. My fav is “Time In Between” by Francesca Battistelli – get as many free songs as you like!

Here's to the next 50!

Lots of Love From Your Sis in Christ,
-Bess-