[THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]
It’s the end of year and that means ONE THING. It’s my annual year-end Massive Bag of Swag giveaway!
Woo hoo! This year I went to a number of conferences as well as had a number of companies send me samples and I’ve decided instead of hoarding it all myself, one lucky reader out there will get it all! That’s right, one of you guys will get a Massive Bag of Swag sent to you!
Included in my giveaway, as always, are a number of great cookbooks. Merry White’s Cooking for Crowds is one of the books, which is a wonderful book for those who are trying to cook for large groups. The original book was printed back in 1974 and this reprint brings back recipes designed for servings of 6, 12, 20, and 50. The Dollop Book of Frosting by Heather “Cupcakes” Saffer is also included, an awesome book of various icings, spreads and other innovative toppings for cakes and more. Heather takes the idea of frosting and stretches it to the limit with some fun and funky flavor combinations like strawberry balsamic goat cheese frosting and cookie dough frosting. I’ve also thrown in Baked Doughnuts for Everyone by Ashley McLaughlin , a great cookbook on gluten free baked doughnuts as well The Petit Four cookbook by Brooks Coulson Nguyen, the perfect little book for making the perfect little bite size treats.
I also have a few fun card games thrown in there, suitable for the family, including MimiQ and BoomBoomCards (family edition) as well an awesome jar of Alma Lavender Caramel (why am I giving this away?!?) and a large bottle of Roland’s White Balsamic Glaze. A bunch of Honey Board items (honey sample straws, some honey lip balm, a water bottle and spatula) as well a green oven mitt, courtesy of Driscoll’s Berry is also in the box.
I’ve also have a set of four red ramekins by Sandra Lee, a couple of oversized jumbo red mugs, a California Milk Advisory Board Ice Cream T-shirt and a water bottle and a Starbucks travel mug included. There might also be a few other random surprises thrown into the box as well, depending on what else I can fit into the mailing box (an apron? more cookbooks? random spice packet samples?). Whatever else I put in there, it’ll be good! Trust me!
All you need to do to enter to win this box of swag is leave a comment below and tell me the best thing that happened to you in 2013! Did you get a job? Have a baby? Get married? Got divorced? Win a contest? Eat a great piece of pizza? Learned how to ski? Discovered your love to snorkeling? Learn how to make bake cookies from scratch? Tell me! I wanna live vicariously through you all. I’ll pick one reader randomly to win all this awesome stuff. Good luck!
Special thanks to Adams Media, Fair Winds Press, Princeton University Press, Ulysses Press for providing review copies for me to giveaway. Special thanks to the California Milk Advisory Board, The National Honey Board, Driscolls’s and all the conferences out there that gave out great swag bags. Though they provided review copies to me without charge, I was not paid for this post, all postage of this box will be paid out of my own pocket and all opinions are my own.
The fine print – PLEASE READ
By leaving a comment below to enter, you are agreeing to the Official Rules.
▪ NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
▪ VOID WHERE PROHIBITED
▪ You must be over the age of 18.
▪ This contest is only open to U.S. Citizens. Sorry non-US people!
▪ The contest starts as of today, and will run until Sunday January 4th, 2014, 9am PST.
▪ The retail value of everything is about $200.
▪ The winner will be chosen by a randomly selected comment. All comments will be numbered and I will use Random.org to pick a random number.
▪ The number of eligible comments below determines the odds of winning.
▪ If there’s a problem with contacting the winner, I reserve the right to award everything to someone else randomly chosen. So in other words, make sure you type in your correct email address if you want the membership and respond within a week to me when I contact you or I’ll give everything to someone else.
▪ This box of swag will be coming directly from me, which means I can’t guarantee that I’ll get it to you in a timely fashion. I’m EXTREMELY lazy so taking a box to the post office may take some time. That said, I WILL get it to you. If you haven’t received it after a couple of weeks, please email me again to see where I am with it. If you bug me enough times, I’ll eventually get it to you!
▪ Because this is coming from me and not from a publisher, PR company or a brand and I’ll be packing it myself, I can’t guarantee that everything will arrive in one piece. I will try to pack it as securely as possible (I’ve never had a problem in the past) but things happen in shipping. If something breaks I apologize in advance but I can’t replace it. Sorry!
Katherine says
I went to Peru and hiked the 7-day Salkantay Trek through the Andes to Machu Picchu! It was phenomenal!
Belinda @zomppa says
What a bag! Just wishing you & AJ a happy new year!
Tracey says
Nice swag. Happy New Year!
Claudia says
I made it back to the wonderful monastery in the pine forest, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Mariah-Food,Booze,&Baggage says
Getting married and our 2 week trip to Europe. Really the whole year was wonderful and I can’t wait see what 2014 holds!
Tim Donahue says
Best New Year to y’all!
Amy Martin says
The best thing to happen to me this year, besides having a great year with my husband and two sons, was discovering your blog! I find it very interesting and fun and love all the recipes! Hopefully I will get the chance to try a lot of them in the New Year!
Stefanie E. says
I just received a holiday bonus! It’s not terribly large but considering I have been on an extended medical leave, I was really surprised to receive at all. It’s the little things that make me happy these days 🙂
Michelle C. says
I was laid off from my job in April, which seems like it should be a negative. However it gave me to opportunity to be a stay at home mom to my 3 kids ( now 14,8 and 11 months). Best year ever. 🙂
itzia says
That’s a sweet swag bag.
Jill H. says
In 2013, I learned to play the ukulele and made friends with a bunch of really cool other ukulele players.
Beth says
The best part of 2013 for me was getting married!
Rachael says
Finally (after 2 years of trying!) got a job 200 miles closer to home (so I’m now only 100 miles away) that is allowing me to be a better daughter, sister and aunt. Big up haul but well worth the stress and the wait!
Kerry says
In 2013, I transferred to a new college and started a job I’m really passionate about. I’m a behavioral therapist for a 3 year old boy with autism, and it’s been the best start to my day everyday!
Mary Jo Manzanares says
The best thing that happened to me this year (OK, one of the best things) was the opportunity to take cooking classes in Thailand and Malaysia. The travel was great, but bringing home recipes and cooking techniques means I can recreate that experience at home.
Tami says
I studied in Paris for two months.
Patrick Rabon says
I am now a National Board Certified Teacher (was only a state certified teacher before). A year-long process of essays, video samples, and exams, and I passed the whole process on my first try!
Meghan F says
I discovered my love for cooking and baking this year and it has become an absolute release for me! Happy holidays!!
Tyler says
It sounds bad at first, but I got really sick and had to have surgery. I’m all better now. The good thing was that I got a long time off after the surgery that I got to spend with my family.
Janice Wilhelm says
This year my daughter (14) became more active in our church. Starting in the late spring we get together each Saturday morning with a group of about 15 other folks and prepare a dish. Those dished are then frozen and on the Saturday before Thanksgiving we hold a sale. The proceeds from the sale go to our various community outreach endeavors.
We have also been baking a lot this year for our family, friends and for some of our churches fellowship hours. We talk often about recipes, what worked and what we could tweek to make better. I’ve enjoyed your blog for the recipes, pictures and for the antidotes from your life.
Wishing you and yours a awesome year!
PS: We made your Orange, clove & cinnamon cookies for Christmas and everyone loved them. Spices are the best.
rayray cartucci says
I started homeschooling my 5 year old son who has autism. It’s been hard but I know it was the best decision I could make for him.
Nona Manson says
Thanks for sharing, I hope I win them. Happy New Year!
Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe says
In 2013, I scored my very first KitchenAid Stand Mixer, my first Pasta Maker, and a niece-in-law when my oldest nephew got married. A good year indeed. 🙂
Suzanne says
It’s been a great year, with grandson number 3 (Tobin) arriving. But a highlight this year was having our family gathering at Easter captured by Irving. I feel like I was given my 15 minutes of fame for just feeding and enjoying my family and their good friend Irving’s company. Looking forward to many more gatherings in 2014!
Thomas says
Best part of 2013 was taking the family to Hawaii. We rented a house on the beach. A great time.
marie says
My oldest son graduating was an wonderful experience! Also, finishing all of my real estate classes and passing the tests was the BEST! Can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for me :). Happy New Year!
Tiffany says
in 2013, I graduated and got a job offer! I also completed my 2nd marathon, which is pretty awesome too.
Ruzielle says
The best thing that happened to me was get my 4 year degree after years of being a college drop out. I also paid for everything in cash!
Kat says
The best thing that happened to me this year was rediscovering my love of creation, whether it be with words, food, cloth, or anything else I come across.
Emily Henry says
I moved from California to Texas! Huge adjustment but I LOVE it and I love my new baby adoptee kitty cat that has joined me!
Imane says
I learned how to bake and decorate cakes and most important I learned to be more patient and more comprehensive.
Happy holidays to all
Nancy A. says
Well, I have nothing near as exciting as all these other things that happened to people this year! I am just happy to learn something new everyday and wake up every morning and see a beautiful new day arrive! My daughter makes me very happy, she got a job and is doing very well for herself, so no more help from good old mom!
Holly says
My son helped me build two raised beds and I had the best veggie garden harvest ever. There’s nothing like stepping out my back door and gathering greens or herbs for a dish. I’m hoping to expand that garden into the front yard and add some fruit trees in 2014.
Jeannine says
I started working after 9 years of being home with my kids! It’s exciting to be back in the work force:)
Arthur in the Garden! says
Happy New Year! I think the best thing I discovered this year is to listen to that inner voice! It’s telling you to do that thing you love…
Alexandria Whitney says
Finding this website and trying new recipes!
Connie says
We downsized houses, including selling our share of an RV. In the process, we cleared out a basement and multiple closets of extra stuff. Not exciting exactly, but very cleansing!
Nasreen says
The best thing that happened this year was my acceptance into medical school!
Marcella @ broadappetite.com says
After many years of saying I’d start a blog, I started a blog.
Reta says
Peace, love, health, and joy to all the world, including you!
libby says
I won a Kitchen Aid Mixer!
Jackie Mantini says
I baked my heart out for my 1st sons HighSchool graduation. Happy New Year.
Hillary says
This year I took the biggest risk of my life. I packed my bags and moved to Maui! I love it so far, but now it’s on to the next challenge: starting a food business!
Sue says
Love the Bag of Swag!!! What a clever name and a fun giveaway. Enter me? Yes please!
Joanne says
The best thing that happened to me this year was that I decided to move back “home” near my family. It was a scary change at first but I am so thankful to be near them rather than see them twice a year. I’m also learning to make the baller middle eastern foods that mom raised us on. Happy new year!!
Lori Himmelsbach says
I quit my day job to start my own catering business.
Samantha V. says
This year I got in-charge of my health….healthy eating, exercising and introduced this new way of life to my 4 children and husband.
Lani Santos says
This year I gave birth to my youngest child a daughter last January and turned 41 in March. I’ve been sleepless, tired and busy, but being there to see my child’s firsts was absolutely priceless.
Jordan says
2013 was a crazy year. Most exciting thing was our trip to California- San Fran and Napa! So fun!
Patti says
2013 was awesome! I have so many blessings, but probably the best thing was my husband and I renewed our vows after 25 years of marriage. Our first wedding was really very small, so we had a big shing-dig for the anniversary party/vow renewal.
Msry Ann says
I retired after teaching high school for 36 years. I don’t know whether or not it is a good thing yet–I’m more than a little bored. Maybe I’ll win your new cookbooks and I can cook my way through the long, cold, winter.
Rian N. says
On a trip home to California, I went to Yosemite and had the time of my life in the outdoors – hiking, photographing, reliving beloved memories. Can’t wait to see where the next year will take me!
The Suzzzz says
I struggled. That seems like a weird thing to list as the best thing that happened, but it’s true. 2012 sucked big time(divorced, car wreck, stressful job, financial problems) and it carried over into 2013 where the crowning glory of struggle was that I was laid off from the job I hated. After 2 months of unemployment & job searching I took a job I thought I was going to hate…out of sheer desperation to have gainful employment. I’ve worked at that job for 4 months and it is now the most lucrative and least stressful job I’ve had in 10 years. Struggling taught me to be more creative in problem solving (can’t throw money at something to make it go away, when you don’t have any), it taught me to be more patient with other people, it showed me how many people care about me and were willing to step up and help (even when I was too proud to ask for it), and it showed me that life is beautiful (even when it kind of sucks).
Taylor Orci says
I got a medical bill for $10,000 and fought it down to ZERO!
Judy says
Life goes on with all its joys and sorrows.
Sharon says
This was my banner year!!! After the long slow road through marriage, childbirth and divorce, I finally graduated from college and was accepted into a masters program for marriage and family therapy- AND I was married on Nov. 2nd to the absolute love of my life.
Diana @ASpoonfulofLuxe says
We moved to a new home, and have had so much fun cooking in a much larger kitchen!! 🙂
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See says
Studied abroad in Nantes, France 🙂
Kevin O'Leary says
Well this year found me getting married to my partner of 32 years, pretty long engagement eh? That was amazing and it also found me really devoting my focus on my cooking site and finding you and others with amazing tips and ideas for blogging, conferences and writing. Thanks to you and others I have a renewed passion for baking again. As for my site, I am currently re-theming it now to launch a new in 2014. Hopefully you can check it out. Happy New Years to you and AJ.
Pat R says
I was blessed with my eleventh grandchild this year……….priceless gift, as was the previous ten.
arlene T. says
The best thing that happened to me in 2013 is I finally went to Yellowstone National Park & the Grand Tetons National Park. Amazing places. I want to go to more NP in the future.
Yas N. says
I survived my first semester of medical school ~
trenda t says
The best thing that happened to me in 2013 is I met my soon to be husband!
Dawn L says
My daughter graduated cum laude from college
Erin R. says
Ooh, what fun! Fantastic giveaway. I loved 2013 because we were finally able to sell my husband’s house and buy our new house together (after five years of marriage!). Next up: selling my house. Fingers crossed!
Kim C says
2013 has been a whirlwind of a year. There was a lot of ups, but so many more downs. I think that the best thing that happened this year was that I reconnected with a friend and I am so very glad that I did.
Amanda Gilley says
The best thing that happened to me in 2013 was that I became a Registered Dietitian and got my first big girl job!
Carla S says
The best thing that happened to me this year was learning how to use a sewing machine.I’ve always wanted to learn (this wasn’t an exciting year).
[email protected]
Brianna A says
My baby brother turned a year! Love him. Thanks for the chance to win!
Alissa A says
I had Lasik surgery. I can see again!
Leslie says
2013 was a rollercoaster of a year, but my family and I are doing well and all the better for it. That, and we’re all excited for 2014!
Tracy says
My husband and I saw a gray whale mother and baby in the wild!
Unforgettable !
Brenda says
I’m self employed with my hubby and in 2012 we almost didn’t make it. But we did. We.SURVIVED! Barely! In this past year, we have seen our business go back up almost 30% and it feels so good to not have to pinch every single penny. I’ve so enjoyed going to the grocery store and buying what I want, not what was on sale and only what we needed for the week. (Although, I got really, really good at feeding the 2 of us well on $50 a week. And, that included a bottle of wine.)
Chloe says
I graduated college! I am positive and excited about what 2014 will bring me!
Megan says
I signed up to study abroad in Paris next July. While that is happening next year, it has me happy all the time now because Paris is my dream! Happy New Year!
Kristine says
I got my first ever article published in a magazine!
Tonya says
The best part of 2013 for me was getting to spend a few weeks exploring several states in the western US. It was so beautiful!
Lacey says
I broke up with my horrible boyfriend and it feels great to be freeeee!
Rose says
Three great things happened to me in 2013! I moved to a brand new state, started a new career, and fell in love. Let’s see if 2014 can top that!
edward ang says
Received the best gift ever – reacquainted with my favorite junior high school teacher via FB after 30+ years! She’s become one of my favorite buds, and I just LOVE her. 🙂
Theresa Sea says
I quit my job (that was stressing me out and had no room for upward-movement) so I could complete my last year of my MSW. One semester to go, and I see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Carrie @ poet in the pantry says
It’s so hard to pick one best thing. I would have to say one of the best things that happened to me in 2013 was the kitchen tour I was invited to attend in NYC. I got a behind-the-scenes look at Bon Appetit, The Daily Meal, and Food 52, met some wonderful food bloggers who are a continual inspiration, and it set in motion a series of changes for the better in my life and within me. 2013 has been a pretty awesome year!
Nancy says
Thank you for all of your posts this year. I have learned much and enjoyed them all!
Karen says
Hardest year of my life, lost my Mom to lung cancer in June. Best part of my year, I became an ordained Minister to marry my cousin and his beautiful wife! They are now expecting, so I have added more cousins to the mix! Thanks for the opportunity! xoxo
Allison says
I learned how to knit this year, which was awesome. I also came much closer to my goal of baking all of the bread my family eats (but I have about 20% more to go to get there in 2014).
Mary Mihaha says
My big brother got engaged in June! I’m so happy for him and so pleased I get a big sister too!
Elin says
Took a much needed vacation after five long years of not being able to escape!
Amy says
Finally got a kitchenaid mixer and learned to make key lime pie from scratch. My new fave!
Donna says
Life goes on,Thank God! Another year for hope. May everyone have a blessed New Year!
michelle says
Finally got to see the Grand Canyon! Looking forward to traveling to Iceland for the first time in 2014!
raquel perez says
The best thing that has happened to me was that I graduated college and now I am a licensed Occupational therapist asst. 🙂 Thanks for this awesome giveaway! God bless you and your family this upcoming year!
Chelsea says
I think my best thing in 2013 was a tie. In non-food life, I got a new job! In food news, I successfully made a gloriously flaky piecrust. But just once. Repeat attempts were tough and dense again. Maybe that’s what 2014 is for…
susie king says
The best thing that happened to me was I was able to go home to see my 90-year old grandma, family, and friends after years of being away.
Rachel B says
The best thing that happened to me this year was meeting Jameal! He’s a wonderful person who I greatly enjoy spending time with. I also won a bike contest that allowed me to fix up my bike to help me commute to work!
Oh, one more, I got to see my amazing uncles twice this year 😉
Jennifer P says
Thanks for the chance!
Connie Tillman says
2013 brought the birth of my 4th (and last) child, along with a very well earned college degree — 2014 looks to be very promising!
ten b says
In 2013, we started a garden, made a plot plan and cleared the acre nearest the house and put in 4 fruit trees. My 13 year old son also discovered his love of baking – he’s now better at baking bread than I am.
Lily says
The best thing – well, 2013 still has some hours…
Finding new friends – and as of course I am living in Europe I would give your give away to a friend in the US.
Amanda S. says
The best thing that happened to me in 2013 was moving to Florida from Wisconsin!
Leslie H says
The best thing that happened to me this year was getting my son’s first report card from Kindergarten. He is the youngest in his class and I was a little worried that he might not be ready. He is doing exceptionally well and is very happy in school.
darlene lehman says
thank you for the chance
Taryn T. says
The year 2013 has honestly been a tough year for us! It has been hard to pick out a joyous occasion, but at the age of 34 I was diagnosed with a rare pregnancy related heart condition, and developed congestive heart failure. This year, I celebrated my third year after diagnosis. Each year that I spend with my children is a year to celebrate! Thanks for the chance to win!
Robin Miller says
This year- I picked up 3 very part time flexible jobs that allow me to stay at home with my two daughters the majority of the time- I’m very blessed!
shira f. says
I had my first solo photography show (and sold a few pieces too!)
erica says
Happy New Year. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to be lazy.
Megan says
I had a baby this year! He is wonderful.
Marianna says
I started graduate school to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse practitioner!
Meghan Malicoat says
I became a full time stay at home mom, something I had been wanting to do for years!!
donna b says
The best thing that happened in 2013 is that I have 4 young ones who are happy & excited to go to school! They also love to help in the kitchen 🙂
Lisa Johnson says
the best thing that happened to me in 2013 was to have weight loss surgery. the surgery gave me a new lease on life and gave me a new chance to actually live my life the way it was meant to be.
Rebecca says
2013 was a year of progress. I made significant advances in my PhD process and deepened meaningful relationships with my partner and my friends.
Trish says
During the year of 2013, I lost 30 pounds, started eating better- no more processed foods, severely sprained/strained my knee (been in crutches for 6 months, may need surgery), hit financial despair and almost ended up homeless, found help and a new place to live, grew closer to my husband as he packed and moved our apartment and unpacked nearly all by himself and did a great job! ( I helped mentally but very little physically. lol.) Whew! We may have been a bit delayed on some of our progress but 2014 will be a better year! I plan to heal this knee somehow, get back into a better physical shape, help my husband on the path to accomplish his dreams, and show more love to all! 🙂
Katharine says
I got a great new job!
Keina says
My fave part of the year was all the little trips and mini-vacays I crammed into the end of the summer!
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
The best part of 2013 was a dream Christmas vacation that I took with my family. Sometimes you just really need that time!
Kristi Harrington says
I decided to do a kind of “home bake sale” to raise money for a local animal shelter this holiday season. I advertised at my office beginning the week before Thanksgiving and to date I have made $700!! And one of the recipes that was popular was YOUR dark chocolate pumpkin cheesecake swirl brownies. Mmm mmm mmm…and thank you!! =)
Patricia Cory Parsons says
At the end of 2013, I had carpal tunnel release surgery, it was the best thing to happen because it means in 2014 I will be able to use my hand! 🙂
Casey Mclendon says
The best thing that happened to me in 2013 was continuing to nurse. And through nursing learning I can cook better than I thought. And I found that I enjoy cooking with more whole foods and healthy ingredients 🙂 I lost 30 lbs 2013!
Lei says
My husband and I moved back home to help my mom take care of my dad. Being able to cook for them and connect them to far-off family via Skype has done wonders for their morale and ours. We are blessed!
Lisa Salazar says
The best thing that happened to me in 2013 was I finally learned the lesson of balance — between work and life. This meant leaving a job as a college professor that I loved, and going back into corporate america, but also meant finding myself and learning to interact with my family again. Was a good move on SO many levels. Oh and I saw Journey in concert too… “Be good to yourself” has definitely became my mantra 🙂
Dezh says
I went into remission (without meds) from my uc. So I’m pretty happy about that.
Carolyn says
Best thing happened at the very end of 2013: Went traveling, in the hopes of finding THE city I should live in and … realized my childhood home (Brooklyn!) is exactly where I belong.
Zakiyyah says
Nice swag of which I could use, your baked goods always make me wanna get in the kitchen! Happy New Year!!!
Keri says
I had 100 friends travel from near and far to celebrate a milestone birthday with me!
Chrissy says
My husband received his Doctorate in May and we took a fantastic 2 week trip to Florida with our 3 kids to celebrate! Bring on the swag!!
Juanita A May says
My son moved back to town with his family and rented the house 3 doors away from me. I am in heaven having them close by!
sydney says
nice swag, happy new year
meredith says
I learned how to make pretty decent gluten free food and its made me feel better/healthier in 2013!
Sarah says
I went to weddings of two of my best friends, plus got to spend lots of time with my family on the east coast.
Margaret Maggie Porter says
The best thing that happened to me was being recruited for a job that I love. I had taken a job when my company closed. Hated it. Then I was recruited for my present job. Good feeling to be needed and wanted.
Sharon says
We got to hike many time together as a family! That translates to ‘ our bodies are healthy and we enjoy being together!’
Crystal says
Spent the entire year with my now 12 1/2 month old son.
Sibyl says
The best thing that happened in 2013 actually happened 365 times. I woke up every morning to another glorious day! Who could ask for more?
Sarah says
We adopted a new kitten. I have been waiting for her for 11 years!
Katie says
I successfully taught a class of 23 first graders for five months and completed two 5Ks this year. No wonder I sleep so well 😉
Happy New Year to you and AJ, Irvin!
Amber says
I bought a house and got engaged in 2013!
Bekah says
The best thing to happen to me this year was to throw out my back completely. Why? Because it made me stop and think and take responsibility for how I treat my body and forced me to explore other less physically stressful means of employment. Got my creative juices flowing!
Montanna Lyndsey Sutherland says
The best thing that happened in 2013 was the birth of my daughter in January! It started off with a bang and she didn’t let me have a dull moment all year! I feel so blessed to have such an awesome kiddo, it’s hard to believe we will be celebrating her birthday in just 7 days! Montanna6 [at] gmail dot co.
Chrissy Malave says
I became closer to a friend who I now consider my best friend. In 2012 I would never have imagined the bond we have now, and now I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Elaina K says
Great giveaway
Shawna says
I’ve learned to appreciate people more. You never know when things can be taken away from you.