Saturday, October 10, 2009

Book Give Away


Hi everyone! I mentioned last month that I would be having another book give away. This month I'm giving a way a copy of Tracey McBride's fabulous book Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons (Celebrate Holidays with Elegance and Simplicity on Any Income) and Jonni McCoy's Miserly Moms (Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy -revised edition).



Tracey's book shows you how to live beautifully and celebrate the seasons on a small income. The book is divided by Part I - Spring's Promise, Part II - Enchanted Summer, Part III - The Still Small Voice of Autumn and Part IV-The Magic and Majesty of Winter. Some people say she's a bridge between The Tightwad Gazette books and Martha Stewart! Her books have had a huge influence on me and I'm honored that she stops by this blog now and then. She also has her own wonderful blog Frugal Luxuries by The Seasons.


I chose Miserly Moms to give away because even though I admire Amy Dacyczyn and the The Tightwad Gazette, but that's not how I live my life or want to live my life. Jonni was a working mom who lived in San Francisco when she originally wrote this book and quit her job to be a stay at home Mom. She looked at frugality as way to achieve that goal. Some people are naturally frugal and enjoy it and some people do it just because they have to. I don't particularly enjoy it - even though it's second nature to me at this point in my life. But when we have extra money I generally revert to my non-frugal ways! So I really could relate to Jonni more than Amy. All the advice she gives are things she has done herself. Go to her website for more info Miserly Moms. *In this revised edition, she starts off with a whole chapter of stories about women who stopped working outside the home to be home full-time. So I would just skip that chapter if you don't think along those same lines. The rest is full of practical advice. Plus, she really did update it and has changed and added things.


Both books are full of wonderful ideas and even recipes! As always, please feel free to enter even if you have the books - they make wonderful gifts!


Just leave a comment on this post and I'll post the winner Tuesday morning. Next month is another book give away and December's is an Amazon GC so you can get whatever book you want. Just my way of saying thank you to all who stop by and read my blog. You don't need a blog to enter, you do need to leave me an email addy if you don't have a blog. I hope you all have a great weekend!



155 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank You so much for your blog, I try to read it everyday, it is so nice to see new and creative ideas. Thanks again.
Renee

Alison Gibbs said...

What great books you have for your giveaway
Have a wonderful weekend
Alison

Southerner said...

I read Miserly Moms when it first came out. I loved that she was living in a wealthy area. We didn't have a lot of money in our early marriage but you don't have to look like it. She will really help with realistic things to do that don't make you look cheap.

southerninspiration said...

your blog is always so refreshing, Manuela! I love your style, and your "sense and sensibilities"!!! :)

Suzanne

Kathleen Grace said...

You know I'm a big fan of your writing and decorating ideas! These books look great, please sign me up for the give-away:>)

Unknown said...

Oh, I would enjoy both of these.
Have a great weekend!

Katy said...

I would love, love, love to win these!!! :) Thank you for the chance!!!!

Carol said...

Manuela,

Thank you for the giveaway. I'd love to read those books. I'm really new to your blog, and so far I love what I see! I used your idea to put our family's initial on a pumpkin and it turned out great. Thanks for the idea.

Blessings,
Carol

sheista said...

Thanks!
I just found your blog and am loving it!

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage said...

I would love to read these books. Thank you for the fantastic give a way.....

Kathy said...

These look like great books. I will definitely have to check them out. I love your blog!

Kathy
myflsun@hotmail.com

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

These books look great! What a timely idea for this economy!

Tina Leigh said...

Well please count me in! I love the picture you posted!

Manuela said...

They both look like interesting books!
Thank you!

Beth said...

Who doesn't love a good giveaway?! I'd love to read these books.

Amanda said...

Great books. I think I could learn a thing or two after reading these! Thanks, and happy weekend!

trish said...

Good Morning.
Your corn and ribbon looks so pretty.
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

cindy@cottage instincts said...

Beautiful indian corn hanging on your cabinet door. I love all the touches you add to your home...such inspiration for so many of us. I've not read either of those books, so I'd love to have a chance to win. I'll also add it to my giveaway link on my blog.
peace.

Lisa said...

Great giveaway books. Your home is beautiful. I love looking at your blog and seeing your creative ideas. Have a wonderful weekend.
Lisa

Anna said...

Can I take part in your giveaway even if I an an Italian blogger?Say yes,please!I love your blog and reading English books.Ciao!

Denise said...

Thank you for taking the time to blog. I LOVE to visit and see what you've been up to.
Enjoy a lovely fall weekend!

Ursula said...

What great book choices!
Thanks for the opportunity.......
Ursula at uswood1@optonline.net

Blue Creek Home said...

Great blog, great book give-away!
Thanks
Rhonda

Julie said...

Looks like some great books!

Happy Fall!

Marla said...

Manuela, these books look like great reads. Thanks for this opportunity. Marla

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Wonderful giveaway Manuela!!

alissa said...

what a great giveaway! i have started to be more frugal out of need...i found tracey's blog before i needed it. such great ideas!

A Southern Rose said...

I would love to win these books! Matter of fact, I NEED to read these books. LOL I have been thinking about what it would be like to be a stay at home Mom. I have worked ever since I was 14 years old and now I am 43. My little boys begs me to stay home. Maybe these books could help me with some ideas.

I love your blog! I love your home! Thanks for having the great giveaway!

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Cyndi said...

Would love to have a chance to win these books!
Thanks again for the time that you dedicate to making a great blog.

Lorri said...

I always enjoy your blog! Please enter me in your contest. Love Miserly moms, but have never read the book. I have all of the Tightwad books.
Lorri

Little Penpen said...

I have never read the Jonni McCoy book, but used to love Amy Dacyczyn's books... although I could never live "her' way. I would love to read an update on her now that she has been out of the spotlight for so long... wonder what she is up to?

Betsy Brock said...

Thanks Manuela ~ you are so sweet! Both of these books look just great!

Anonymous said...

Would love these books! Love your blog!!
Joni

Love the Decor! said...

I think my collection needs these :)
I love your blog and enjoy visiting with you and learning from your wonderful style

Sami Jo said...

Wahoo! I'm excited! They both look WAY Helpful and entertaining! I'm a stay-at-home mom and my husband works for a nonprofit, so I'm sure you can imagine just how creative I have to be in every financial aspect PLUS we have #2 little boy due around the corner so things are going to get a lot more creative BUT we love it! and I take pride in being frugal!!!

Paula said...

Awesome. I'd love to be entered!

Hope said...

I would love to be entered!

Marti said...

What a great giveaway! I have been looking for Frugal Luxuries (at half-price books of course) ever since I first read it on your blog.

Casa Mia said...

Oh Manuela, these are great books. Enjoy your weekend!

Marle Pierce said...

O those would be so great to have! What a great giveaway idea! Sign me up pleeease.
Marle

Susan said...

Cool! Awesome give away! I'm a newer follower of your blog - found you last week or so, and I am enjoying reading (the archives, too). I'd love to be entered in the drawing. susan dot fairchild at gmail dot com

Susie said...

I just recently found your blog and I love stopping by! Your home is beautiful and inspiring. I went to Goodwill the other day after reading your blog!

Books look great! Thanks!

Farmgirl Paints said...

Sign me up! Looks like a great read. Have a great weekend Manuela:)

Christine said...

Great reviews.
I want to read them even if I don't win!!

My Shabby Rose Cottage said...

What a great blog! I'll add myself to your Followers...and also to my blog. WHat a nice giveaway!! Very sweet of you.

Warm Hugs,
Linda

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

GM Manuela! I would love to be entered into your drawing. I'm a pretty frugal person, even when I don't have to be. I guess it's 2nd nature because of the way I was raised. I'm always interested in new ideas on how to be frugal so these books may be up my alley :)

Julian said...

love your blog. So frugal yet fresh and inspiring!
Thanks, Christina

benthere36 said...

Your blog is beautiful and gracious. I get a warm feeling each time I read it.

Plain Ol' Vanilla said...

Hi Manuela,

Your blog is fairly new to my blog list and it's been fun to check in to see what ideas you so graciously share here.
I'd love the books to share with and bless my young married daughter.

Thank you Manuela for your inspiration!

Joyce

Joan J said...

I'm new to your blog, but I will definitely be back frequently. I've spent nearly an hour here, thoroughly enjoying myself and picking up lots of tips along the way. Thanks for a great giveaway!

Julie said...

That books sounds really cool. After deciding not to go back to work until the kids are in school, I need all the frugal tips I can get. Thanks for the givaway.

Anonymous said...

I found your blog a while back and enjoy it very much. What a great give away. Roberta

robertagowin@Msn.com

Marlana said...

I love a great giveaway! I have heard of Miserly Moms, but never read either book. I, too, could not follow the ways of the Tightwad Gazette. I may be frugal, but I draw the line at a few things. :) Thanks for the opportunity!

Linda said...

First time I've posted, but want to enter the giveaway AND tell you how much I enjoy your creativity. We used to live in Marietta and how I miss The Classy Flea and other fun places to shop! Thanks for a chance to see what creative thing you are up to next.

Christina said...

What a generous giveaway. Please count me in, thanks.

Salsa Mama said...

Wow, this sounds great! I'm going to check out her blog. Thanks!!

Moore Minutes said...

Book giveaways are too fun. I can't get enough of good books. Thank you so much for doing this!

Sherri said...

So interested in the first one with your review! I am going to check out her blog. Anything frugal idea wise is totally me! Thanks for the sweet giveaway.

Wendy said...

I love your blog so much. I feel so happy and inspired after visiting. I love toile too! What a great giveaway. Ü

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Hi - wonderful giveaway. Have you ever checked out any of Mary Hunt's books? She's the founder of the Cheapskate Weekly/monthly/gazette, and related cheapskate books.

Mindy Nelson said...

I really love your blog and would be so excited to win the books! Thanks for inspiring me!

Scrappy quilter said...

I've read both. I loved both books by Tracey McBride in fact Frugal Luxuries is one my all time favorite books. Don't enter me in the giveway....just wanted to comment what a wonderful giveaway.

Can't wait to see who wins.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Fun! I would love to have these books! We all need the kind of encouragement and ideas these books bring!

Lorrie said...

I'm fairly new to your blog and enjoying it immensely. Through you I found Tracey McBride and will be looking for her books in the library. Your giveaway is wonderful - thank you.
Have a superb weekend!

Lorrie

Camille said...

I love coming by for a "visit"...you post such lovely pictures and it feels "peaceful" here...so pretty and inspiring!
Blessings,
Camille

Melissa Miller said...

You always have such nice and generous giveaways Manuela!

Thank you so much for your sweet visit today. I'm so glad you like our new drapes! We are just thrilled with them too.
They were one of those projects that has me wondering why I waited so long to replace them.

~Happy Fall! ~Melissa :)

Pennysue said...

I am always looking for ways to make life a little more special without having to spend a lot of money. I would enjoy both books, thank you! Blessings!

Cara said...

Great book choices for the giveaway! I've added them both to my Amazon wishlist after reading your reviews, but I'd love to win too! :) Love your blog!

Hey Jellisy said...

These sound wonderful. As a new mom, I am learning all about more for less.

Jacki said...

Ooh, me, pick me!! Ha. They sound really good.

Audrey said...

Boy, I need those books! I am trying to avoid all non necessary spending and it is going well, but I need some fresh inspiration. Thanks!
Audrey
bretz@roadrunner.com

Meghan said...

how great is this giveaway!

julie & joe said...

What a great give away!!!

Barb said...

Manuela, these are wonderful books...enter me please.

Oh, I love your outdoor Fall decorations on the post below. Woweeeee!!

Barb ♥

misskp said...

Both books look like wonderful fun! Thanks for offering the chance to win!

Melly said...

I'm totally inspired by your blog and your great book choices for your giveaway. I plan on posting a link on my blog.

Mary Ann said...

Thanks for the chance to win! I haven't read either book so it would be wonderful to win!

Nancy H. said...

I am a new follower of your blog and I anxiously look forward to each new post with all of the beautiful pictures. I have even used a few of your decorating ideas for my home.

Betty said...

Manuela, I'm so glad you stopped by today! I wore out my Tightwad Gazette. I will definitely look for those two books and check that website. I am always looking for ways to save money. Thanks for the info!

A Dusty Frame said...

beautiful giveaway:)
Thank you for entering me.

Lizzie

Anonymous said...

i read you every day and love your creativity thanks for sharing with us! marianne

Sue said...

I would love to win both of these books!! My husband and I just had a "family meeting" to see if there's a way that I could at least work part-time. I could be home more to do the things I love to do....take care of my sweet, devoted husband, dogs and "grown" children!!

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love your blog. I would continue to follow you even without a giveaway. But it's a nice bonus.

Laura said...

Hi Manuela-

Sign me up!
These sound like wonderful, real world books.
Your blog has inspired me to be a better steward of what I have.

Thank you for that,
Laura

Terri Steffes said...

That is a great giveaway!

Thank you for your comment, it is sucha great thing to know!

Laurie - Lolo So Retro said...

Both these books sound very interesting - I will definitely check to see if my library has them!

Laurie S.

Amber said...

Wow! I have a copy of Miserly Moms. It's the older edition, but it's great! This newer edition would be wonderful for my sister who currently works full-time but is trying to figure out how to make it work if she quit her job to be at home with her daughter. I would love to read the "Frugal Luxuries" book (can't remember the exact name of the title.) That sounds very interesting! Thanks for this great giveaway! In my opinion, one can never own too many books!

Richella Parham said...

Manuela, thank you for this giveaway! Your money-saving advice is always good, because it is so real. I am a huge fan of Amy's, but you're right: her life is so very different from the way I actually live. I give her credit for getting me to "think outside the box" about frugality, but it's good to have some advice that's more in tune for my actual life. That's what you provide! So if these books are inspiring to you, I'm betting they'd be inspiring to me. Thank you for offering them!

ShelliRae said...

I love your blog! What great books- thanks for the giveaway.

Unknown said...

Those look like interesting books. I'd love to enter your giveaway!

fiveblessings farm homestead said...

Manuela,

Thank you for taking time to post such informative items on your blog. Great pictures too. Bless you, Paula

Carla said...

I'd love to win one of your books!

GlorV1 said...

Hi Manuela, just popped in to say hi and enjoy your Sunday.

ness said...

they both sound like great books!

i hope i win:)

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'd love to win the books, but even if I don't, they'll go on my list of books to look for in the thrift store and secondhand bookstore!

Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to leave my email address without giving it to the world, which I prefer not to do.

Nonetheless, thank you for your generosity.

Donna in CO

Brenda said...

Thanks for a chance to win these books. I think the second one would be helpful for my youngest daughter who is a single mother.

elisha said...

I just recently started reading your blog. I truly appreciate your style. :)
elisha.francis@cox.net

Anonymous said...

these books are right up my alley! i have wanted miserly moms for awhile now especially! and i love frugal luxuries too!

dixymiss said...

Two of my favorite titles for frugul inspiration. Please count me in for a chance to win ~ thanX!

Anonymous said...

I love Jonni yet I love Amy D. too - different perspectives that are helpful in one's frugal journey. I think Tracey gives a whole different frugal way of thinking too. These are wonderful books, I would love to be added, thank you.

Peggyann said...

What a great idea for a give-away. I am looking for inspiration to be more frugal.

Anonymous said...

Please enter me! Thanks so much!

Rhonda said...

I love Tracey's blogs but I've never read any of her books.
Thanks for hosting.

Ally's Corner said...

Seems the weather turned out ok this week-end, hope you got a lot done. We traveled to the pumpkin patch.

Ally

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

I'd love to enter your darling (and timely) give-away! Thanks for the chance!

Paula said...

Dear Manuela,

What a wonderful giveaway! Your photo is lovely... your home is always so beautiful and welcoming!

You are so right about red paint taking a lot of coats to get that rich color. It is worth it, though, as it is so pretty. I am really happy with it.

I hope you are having a good weekend!!!

Love, Paula

WSU Laura said...

Just came here through Madras Matters. Love what you did outside and was wondering what font you used for your initial? Also what you did with your monogrammed silverware was fabulous. I will be coming back for more of your great ideas.

Carol said...

These look like great books, and what a great giveaway!

Sarah said...

Hi there, I'm a new visitor to your blog and I love it! I love books too! The books seem like they would come in handy these days.

Krissy said...

The books look so fantastic! The book Jonni wrote sounds like the story of my life.

Your blog is beautiful, and I really enjoy reading it. It inspires me to make my house more of a home. Thanks!

Jennifer Millett said...

Oh wow! Being able to stay home is a lifelong dream of mine and anything I can learn to work toward that endeavor is important to me. Manuela I love your blog. You are so creative and an inspiration.

Jennifer
3milletts@gmail.com

Natalie Meester said...

would LOVE to read these books. We are on a very tight budget right now as we haven't sold our old house and we live in a new one....yikes!

Unknown said...

I would love to read Tracy's book - I'm all for frugal living and decorating!
Dawn

Anonymous said...

I remember Jonni McCoy from her pre-book days. I remember an article about her in either Family Circle or Woman's Day in the '70's. I also remember an article from Mary Hunt, another frugaltista, probably from the '80's.

I love your blog, and I would so enjoy reading the books!

Tasha said...

Thanks for entering me in this wonderful giveaway.

Tasha

Jenelle said...

I'n new to your blog and just LOVE your monogramed pumpkin. I have to say, I'm planing on making own of my own. :) Also love your wreath... I made my Fall wreath this weekend and was inspired by your pumpkins & shoots spraying out around the sides. Thank you!

Felicia said...

Another great book is The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn.

GlorV1 said...

Hi Manuela, please pick up your Faith, Hope, and Courage award at my blog. Thank you. Have a great Sunday.

Unknown said...

I love your blog!!! The books look wonderful but I am in Australia so will understand if I am ineligible.

daisymum

Laurie said...

I am a follower of Tracey McBride's Frugal Luxuries site and that's how I ended up here on your wonderful blog. A very nice way to be introduced to new blogs and yours is the kind I enjoy most. I will be back again to peruse your posts. ~Laurie e-mail: pugtrot@aol.com

Anonymous said...

The books sound great. Count me in the giveaway.

Coleen

shauna said...

I would love to win these books! Thanks for the great blog and the giveaway!
shaunsnews@hotmail.com

Elise said...

What a nice idea. A what a great blog. I really appreciate it -- especially since your sense of style so often matches mine (love the chairs with the toile). What a terrific set of books to choose for your readers. Thank you --- Elise

mduke62 said...

Thanks for the book giveaway. I would love to win.

Anonymous said...

I discovered your blog through Thrifty Home Decor Chick. I love your style and sense of making things beautiful without spending a fortune!
Twyla

Darlene said...

Both of those books look WONDERFUL and I would LOVE to be entered in the giveaway. Hope you are having a wonderful evening.♥

Andrea at Opulent Cottage said...

They both sound like great books! What a fun giveaway - thanks!

mamajuliana said...

Your blog is so beautiful!

Michelle said...

Thanks for the great giveaway! I always love a good new book :)

Sharon said...

Hi Manuela! I've been following your blog for several months. I have it as one of my Favorites. I love your approach to decorating!
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
I'd be thrilled to win these books.

Warm Regards,
Sharon
slw_kerr@yahoo.com

Laurie said...

I haven't read the Jonni McCoy book. I follow her blog and know she's got great advice.
I love reading your blog!
laurie@qts.net

Kim said...

Sometimes it is a blessing that we have to tighten out belts. Look how many people have learned to develop their talents. I love all the projects I see posted out there.

WWSuzi said...

I'm just starting trying to be frugal. I can just imagine making a pot of tea and sitting in my chair reading these :)

Deborah said...

Thank you for being so generous with you book giveaway. Thankful I am to find your blog and the chance to be entered into the drawing. Not many people enjoy the pleasures of homemaking as I do. So I look forward to hearing about yours. Added you to my reading list so as to not miss a post.

Deborah

Bombtastic Belle said...

Both books sound like a great read :)
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com

JessK said...

Manuela, Your website as well as Frugal Luxuries and Miserly Moms are on my list of resources as I teach my young daughters to be homemakers. Since visiting your website, we have started attending tag sales and thrift stores and are stretching my husband's hard-earned dollar like never before! Thank you for the inspiration. God bless you, Jess

Anonymous said...

Both books look like great reads.
Brittany
b.leitch@comcast.net

Stacey said...

I look forward in seeing what new ideas you have posted for us each time I see a feed from your blog. You are so talented! I love the corn and ribbon in this post. It is the little things that you make so pretty! Hugs!

Rain said...

These look great.
I love how you decorate your home, you're full of fabulous inspiration.
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I love, love, love your blog and often drop by. You have inspired me in my own home - thank you.
Shirley

STEPH said...

I always love a good read, these books would make a great addition to my collection.

Anonymous said...

Manuela, I'm soooo glad I discovered your blog! You always have yummy recipes, frugal ideas & lovely pics. Thanks for the inspiration...many blessings!!!

Anonymous said...

Id love the win the books.They would be a great add to my library.

Deborah in Atlanta said...

Since I've discovered your blog, I'm back daily to see if you have updated posts. I went through your comments to ensure I hadn't entered the giveaway, and I hadn't. So lucky me! I'm here on the last day and can enter. Yippee! I'm always looking for ways to save money, and these books sound like they're just what I'm needing. Thanks for the giveaway.

I don't have a blog. So here is my contact info: dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com

bonnie said...

You've picked a couple of books that I can't wait to read! They will be fun and I can't wait for some new ideas. You are super! thanx!
Bonnie

marmielu said...

Hi,Manuela! I have not heard of either book, but they sound very interesting. I, too, am not frugal by nature, but have learned to be, and now I can't really go back too much (just a little sometimes!).
I will have to check out the blogs by these authors.
Thanks for sharing them.
Mary Lou

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in your book drawing. As someone newly retired and on Social Security, I need all the help I can get.

Gretchen
www.birdnestcottage.typepad.com

Victoria said...

Oooh oooh I would love to have Miserly Moms! I read her book 12 years ago when I first was married and the book was instrumental in our saving money so that I could stay at home when we had children. I haven't read it in years...in fact, I think I borrowed the copy I read. I would love to re-read it!

Kimberly said...

So fun! I love to read new ideas for making our house a home and haven. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

love this type of book and would love to have one of them. Love your blog.

Jackie

Golie said...

Hi Manuela:
I love your blog and love what you do with found objects! INCREDIBLE imagination and creativity!
Blessings to you,
Golie

Sue said...

Two of my very favorite books! I re-read them often, and highly recommend them. I don't need them, but wanted to say thanks for giving others the opportunity to enjoy them! Loving the 'autumn' postings!

Heather Anne said...

Neither book is in my personal library, but I have borrowed Miserly Moms from our public library and it is really practical! I'll keep my eye out for the Tracey McBride book! Thanks for the tip!

Simply Heart And Home said...

My goodness you do have a lot of comments! I am a new reader and found your blog via Tracey. What lovely books and your blog as well. I am going to add it to my Lovely Reads section of my blog.

I have a monthly giveaway and you are most welcome to enter. Very nice to meet you,

Gina

Unknown said...

I love your blog. I just found it this evening and have already added it to my favorites.

Darla