Merry Christmas Empire

Words by Reachel Bagley, Illustrations by Beth Allen of Le Petit Cheval

read the true tale of how Levi came to us one year ago tomorrow, here.

Merry, Merry Christmas.

And an extra Merry to Lauren

who won the Le Petit Cheval Giveaway!

Last Minute Meaningful Gifts: Le Petit Cheval Giveaway (CLOSED)

The Lavender Scented Bath Salts should continue their path through decomposition on the aluminum convenience store shelf next to the Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials.  Deliver a gift she'll store in her heart instead of the back of her bathroom cupboard.  

 Le Petit Cheval

For Your Tweenage Daughter
A reminder that she doesn't need to alter an atom

For Your Newlywed Baby Sister
To commemorate her recent nuptials

For Your Mother Who Never Seems to Need Anything
A simple pleasure print (limited quantity available)

For Your Pregnant Cousin
Custom baby shower invitations, announcements, or a
decorative print of birth details honoring her imminent arrival

For your Letter Writing Nana
Personalized stationery bearing her monogram

For your Engaged Bestie
A gift worthy to sit below the tag: From your maid of honor

For the Love of Your Life
A tailored fairy tale, or whatever other personalized fancy you envision. Contact her for custom work, then start stretching your jaw so you don't injure yourself when she responds and it drops.

Win a $25 Gift Certificate 

to be used towards any purchase at Le Petit Cheval

Respond with the best gift you ever received or gave.

And while you await the ding of my e-mail arriving in your inbox with prize claiming details,  enjoy 

25% off the entire Le Petit Cheval line 

with the coupon code 

HOLIDAYCHEER

Most pieces can be customized within 48 hours.  Then you just print and deliver.   For professionally prints delivered by post, order ASAP and she will do her best to deliver by Christmas.

Goodie Jar Giveaway WInner

one

two

three

four

five

Andrew's Annual Work Party =  

a) an excuse to wear false eyelashes

b) an opportunity to cavort in a photobooth

c)  a hope to see my husband dance once everyone else is inebriated

d) a clue to the winning Goodie Jar Giveaway Entry

e) all of the above

Goodie Jar Giveaway Winner: #5 Zumbra

Get your hand into the Goodie Jar, because you need to fill your fist with $25 worth of pretties.

Contact me and we will negotiate delivery.

Live the Life of a Catalog + Goodie Jar Giveaway (CLOSED)

By the third dawn of any new month, I can break the seal on a dream from my mailbox: a Peruvian Christmas, whimsical romance in an industrial flat, acting in an independent theatrical production.  Living between the glossy still frames of a catalog may by beyond the reach of your manicure, but the least I can do is relate how to combine and style pieces to look like your pretty little foot just stepped out of one.  And I'll even have some acclaimed and applauded guest bloggers to cooperate in our cause.

Here are the docketed brands to date:

clash clever not crazy

Combine equal parts bold and unexpected with classic and traditional

But alas, who else to include?  Kate Spade, 7 For All Mankind, Zara's, Bebe, Lucky Brand,  H&M, Juicy Couture?

Pray divulge your bestie brand in the comments.  If you do, you'll be entered to win a $25 prize from the Goodie Jar.

In the meantime enter drop "Empire11" into the Goodie Jar checkout to deduct 15% off your total.

Spread giveaway cheer via Facebook, Twitter, or some other social mechanism and you get an additional entry.

Sneak and Peak + From Eve Handmade Blooms Giveaway (Closed)

A little over two years ago I was alone, in an out of state hospital, being wheeled into emergency surgery.  An undetected ectopic pregnancy had ruptured my fallopian tube, and I had lost nearly a third of the blood in my body to internal bleeding.  

As they lifted the guard rails on the gurney, I didn’t think about the hoards of unanswered e-mails in my inbox or the decay of dirty dishes in my kitchen sink. I could tolerate leaving behind all these untidy details of my temporal life.  My heart did not wish to lay last eyes on financial documents, nor cradle any diplomas or honors I had received.

The heaviest weight on my mind and soul was five pounds seven ounces.  The baby daughter that we had sought for more than half a decade had finally been found by a selfless birth mother and placed in our arms only days before.  A dear sweet friend had rushed me to the hospital and taken charge of my less than week old daughter, but Andrew was still a state away, and I hopelessly frightened. 

My uninterrupted prayer amidst the squeaking wheels on sterile linoleum was: Heavenly Father, I haven't been sealed to my baby yet.  I need to get home alive, so Andrew and I can take her to the temple.  

Last Saturday we were finally able to tie that eternal knot.  Coco’s Native American heritage caused some unexpected delays but I would have considered waiting twice as long a bargain in exchange for the honor of being her mother. 

This darling baby girl with tender dark eyes, a mischievous grin, and the elusive scent of green apples is my daughter.

From Eve Handmade Bloom

In consequence of my abundant emotional frolic, I have a present for you.

Tell me the celebration you're currently anticipating
in the comment and you will be entered to win your very own From Eve Handmade Bloom.  Giveaway will close Sunday, December 3rd and a lucky winner will be announced Monday, December 4th.

(Get an extra entry for every tweet, blog post, facebook mention, or other word spreading device you execute)

In the meantime, procure adorable stuffings for some lucky girl's stocking at From Eve.
Buy One through December 4th, Get One Free, just let Jenna know you're a CE certified reader.

Calculating Thankful Winners

$10 x 25 months x black friday sales = dreamy baby wedding dress

One Alexander Hamilton was preserved every fourth Sunday I waited to marry by baby daughter

Today was Black Friday.  Today we emptied the jar and bought a dress.  I'll show you tomorrow. Along with the house, polished and in her pretties.

But first, the Stella Grace Boutique Winner.  Her name is Hannah Parris.  

Congratulations to your and your niece Hannah!  E-mail me and we will coordinate your winnings.

Did I mention I'm marrying my daughter in the morning? 

Officially & Legally Grateful Giveaway (CLOSED)

This beautiful, perfect baby girl is my daughter.  Stamped, Signed, and Recorded.

Well, I suppose I should say "our" daughter as An-doo constitutes about her every third word.

We even got the world's prettiest judge to tell us we could drop the "foster" prefix from our relationship to Coco.

Saying I'm grateful, it's like trying to put a barbie bikini on a walrus.

Completely inept.

Speaking of baby acquisitions, meet Coco's latest adoption: Miss Stella Grace. 

Since baby Stella arrived in the mail this weekend she has taken 18.3 stroller rides around the house, received 42.1 kisses and/or hugs, had both ponytails orally investigated by Levi 2.2 times, attended 3.4 tea parties, watched 1.6 episodes of Sesame Street, and sat by herself about 0.4 minutes.
    

Enter to win your customized baby Jo or Jane doll by commenting what you're grateful for.

Giveaway ends Thursday, November 24th at midnight

Winner Announced Friday, November 25th

Or order up now in time for Christmas at 15% off.

Use STELLA15 at checkout.

Hello There! House Comp Ticket Winner

Source: style-files.com via Amy on Pinterest

Liz, your backyard and closet just won a Fairy Godmother.  E-mail me ASAP and we will get you your ticket.


Congratulations!!

Giveaway Emergency: Hello There! House Conference - CLOSED

Following is a compendiary four pronged case justifying your attendance at the
Hello There! House Home & Garden Event
this Friday and Saturday

1. You will learn how to do deftly DIY your entire domicile from the musty armchair that needs a new skin to the corner bleeding beige walls in your office
2. In my Charming Closets breakout on Saturday, I'll guide you through the five steps of closet catharsis and instruct you on how to display your clothes rather than store them
3. I'll be giving away a Cardigan Empire closet cleaning to one lucky class attendee
4. You deserve a pretty break, and your boss/spouse/children/home will appreciate you more following your self investment inspired absence.
5. I have an unclaimed complimentary ticket that I'm giving away on this very post.  To win tell me what you want to learn at the conference, and give me your digital word that you will come, because I am going to cry ugly tears if my guest pass goes to waste

I'll announce the winner today at 5 pm.

For every potential DIY jedi that doesn't win, register at my discount price.  Rather than $250, I'll get you in for $100.

MyMemories Suite Giveaway Winner

Pretty and easy aren't always a complementary team of descriptors, but when it comes to the MyMemories Suite Package, it couldn't be more flattering.

And Lady Emily is going to have pretty memories of her wedding, easy remembrances of her progenitor's wedding, and pretty easy recollections of her ridiculously adorable daughter's ...bfirst day of school...or some other age appropriate event, because she won the MyMemories Suite giveaway.

Here's my sum of 5 minutes + cell phone dump +  MyMemories Suite 2.0.

Untitled from Reachel Bagley on Vimeo.

The layout became reachelandrew ready in less than a handful of clicks,  and it's so snappy that Grandma is going to be getting a much more regular supply of her personal addiction.  

You can feed your gram gram's addictions too, get $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 total value)

CE Promo Code: STMMMS14508

Shopping Memories Giveaway

Some of my most cherished merchandise related memories have ensued without a loaded pocketbook. For some shopping forays lead to acquisitions, others acquire research, and a treasured few conjure only convivial giggling. Below records a session that was primarily the middle point with a touch of the last.

Both of these items will eventually join my closet crew.  Did I mention my sister now works at J.Crew, watch over them for me Ashley.

Longsleeve Tops by J.Crew

Aileen gives Joanie's Mad Men competition in a wiggle dress

Longsleeve Tops by J.Crew

Beth's demure elegance and linear form channels the essence of country clubs and collegiate study groups. 

Longsleeve Tops by J.Crew

Seeing these pants reflected back through a camera lens reminds me that putting a lower figure in slim, cropped, electric hued trousers may be a fun idea, but is still probably a bad idea.

Casual Pants by J.Crew

According to Aileen, Dominicans prefer to smolder rather than smile for pictures.

Mid-length Skirts by J.Crew

It's like Beth's head is it's own present tied up in this sweet little scarf.

Casual Pants by J.Crew

Now, I have a whole hard drive of memories like this, and I haven't updated my personal website since Baby Boyfriend was born...9 months ago.  So I have a unchecked list item to employ My Memories to rectify this situation.  You'll see.  Because I promised Levi's grandma.  And she will hunt me down if I don't

And maybe you have a bunch of loose memories floating around your hard drive as well.  So you should...

Win your own My Memories Software by commenting a memory you need to visually archive.  You can also follow them via their blog, twitter, or facebook for up to three more entries.

Winner will be announced Monday, October 1, 2011.

In the meantime get $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 total value)

CE Promo Code: STMMMS14508

What Goes With This? Giveaway

Miss Miranda wrote:

"My only brother's wedding is coming up in mid-August and I have been on the hunt for something to wear. I fell in love with this tapestry inspired skirt but haven't the slightest idea what to pair it with. Do you have any suggestions? I am a 5' 4" lower figure and am completely at the will of your fashion expertise."

And I thought to my self, "Self, people need to know what goes with what they already have and love?"  and then self said, "I've told you to do this at least a dozen times.  But go ahead listen to Miranda, why pay attention to me?"  Then self and I made up and we awarded Miranda our first winner of the first ever Cardigan Empire, What Goes With This contest: 

Here is her prize:

Gigham & Metallic

Gingham keeps the look from straying to fussy while metallics keep it from falling into casual. Its a balanced juxtaposition.

Mid-length Skirts by Anthropologie
Pumps by Adrienne Vittadini

Color Blocked

Bold colors equal fresh interpretation.  And each of these pieces could be easily remixed into an everyday wardrobe.

Mid-length Skirts by Anthropologie
Pumps by Miz Mooz

Tribal Glamour

When mixing and matching patterns, choose one dominant pattern and accent with simpler patterns.  In this ensemble we let the floral shine while the stripes and small animal print support.

Mid-length Skirts by Anthropologie
Pumps by Carlos by Carlos Santana

And then we gave her alternatives...

More Asos...

You can't buy this service, you can only win it. To enter, post a comment with a link to the item you want outfitted and any details on occasion and/or budget.

Or use linky tools below to linkedy on over to your blog and show me a picture of what you already have. (instructions also follow)

Or send me an old fashion e-mail with all the details.

Two winners will be selected, one tomorrow (Thursday) and one the day after tomorrow (Friday).  Contest entries will close on Thursday (August 4, 2011) at the stroke of twelve, midnight.

So here's how LinkyTools works: Firstly, Click on the "Click here to enter" link below. Secondly, In the "Link it to:" section, leave a link to a post which features your item seeking outfit. (note-the whole post doesn't need to be about the item, it just needs to include it) Fourthly, In the "Caption or Title:" section, elaborate concisely on your outfitting need and/or budget. (ie-bridal shower $$) Fifthly, wait for the winners to be announced