Monday, December 03, 2012

Faux-Prah's 2nd Annual Favorite Things Giveaway

Oprah! That lying fool!  She swore that she was all done doing her "Favorite Things" episode and I positioned myself to become the next Media Cajillion-aire by declaring myself "Faux-prah".  Then Oprah brought back her "Favorite Things" episode as a special.  She is a total liar, but of course, I'm a total sucker, fell under her spell, and I watched the special.  I cried, cheered, and screamed right along with the ladies on the TV.
This lady loves Faux-prah! 
My absolute favorite thing about Oprah's Favorite Thing show was watching the ladies get whipped into a frenzy about everything they were getting.  Then I would call one of my friends who absolutely hates the show but watches anyway and we would go over the details.  I would tell her all the things I just HAD to have and she would tell me how many ladies fainted clutching their free loot. 

Even though Oprah brought back her show, I'm still going to carry on building my "Faux-prah" empire.  Which, lucky for you, includes my annual "Faux-prah's Favorite Things" giveaway.  I pick a handful of my favorite things and you get to win them! Hooray!  You can see what was on last years list here, and details on how Faux-Prah got started.

I had the best time coming up with this list and a hard time narrowing it down.  

#1 - The Our Best Bites Cookbook by Sara Wells and Kate Jones
I've made some terrible meals in my lifetime, I come by it honestly, my mom was a mediocre cook.  She tried and we were always on some crazy diet that the latest medicine man or village healer was prescribing my family.  Oh the stories I could tell just on that subject alone.  I also find that I just don't really have the enthusiasm to plan and cook a meal every night, especially if it's just going to be ho-hum.

Then last year while shopping at Costco in LA, I stumbled upon a cookbook called Our Best Bites:  Two Mormon Moms in the Kitchen.   I picked it up and had to think for a moment, "Wait, am I in Utah?  Idaho? No... what in the world is this book doing in Los Angeles?"  I bought it, just because I was curious to see why these Mormon Moms were in Costco.

I tried the Spicy Honey Chicken (page 119 and on their blog) and my family cheered!  We grilled up the Pineapple-Ginger Flank Steak (page 136) and my family raved about it.  One day I made these ladies homemade breadsticks to go along with their Lemon-Zucchini Fettucine and Mr. Man said, "Wow, this dinner is great!  Where did you order it from?"  He was taken back when I said, "I made it all myself!"

This Thanksgiving, I tired Kate's Thanksgiving Turkey, and it was the best Turkey I've ever tasted.  It was out of this world.  When people asked about our Thanksgiving, my family would chime in with, "The Turkey was my mom's best EVER!"    Mr. Man is probably the "Our Best Bites" ladies #1 fan.   I haven't made anything that my family didn't love and I haven't been slaving in the kitchen for hours.  I love it when I come out looking like a champ and I didn't have to put in much effort. 

Even better, the food tastes fancy, but doesn't require me to hunt to the top of a mountain during a snowstorm to retrieve 2 quail eggs from a white dove like Mrs.Mother-in-Law's cookbook.   (In the off chance you already have this cookbook, I'll happily supply you with their 2nd Cookbook, Our Best Bites: Savoring the Seasons.)

#2 Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm
Lip Balm?  Yes, really.  This is more like a "lip experience" than a lip balm.   It's no secret I've been getting what my dermatologist likes to refer to as a "35,000 mile tune up" on my skin.   I have had some laser treatments done to my face to remove sun damage and erase some fine wrinkles.   People can tell something is going on because every other month I seem to channel Jackie O for a few days while I heal.
One of my favorite compliments I've received was, "Madamoiselle, tell me... did you have your lips done?"  I haven't had my lips "done" but I have switched to this fabulous lip balm.  I don't know what it is about this stuff but it makes your lips look just a bit plumper, smoother, and gives it a subtle hint of color.  I have given this to all my friends and said, "I love this.. try it!"  They all love it and I'm pretty sure you are going to love it too!

#3  $25 Amazon.com Gift Certificate
 

Amazon is a repeat offender on my Faux-Prah giveaway.   I just didn't see how I could do the list without it.  With my prime membership, everything from applesauce to the worlds best screwdriver is delivered to my door.   I rarely have to leave the house, thanks to Amazon and now the Amazon delivery man and I are BFF's.   Amazon has really enabled me to become a crazy recluse who talks to deer as though they were actual friends.   My only beef with Amazon, is the fact that I have unsuccessfully been able to bribe the Amazon delivery man to pick up bread and milk.   If he did that, I swear I'd never leave my house. With the gift certificate, you'll be able to qualify for free delivery and maybe you might use it to pick up some of last years favorites.
 Like Mr. Seven Hands...  who I just can't keep my hands off of.

#4  The Book Thief 

This book was one of those books that once I got past the first 25 pages I just couldn't put down.  Then after I was done with the book, I missed the characters like they were friends.   It is narrated by the Grim Reaper during the Holocaust and gives such an interesting point of view.  I don't really want to say too much about it, other than I loved it.  It was my favorite book I've read this year, and I'm dying to discuss it with someone.

#5  The Snap Leash  
*Dog not included
This leash is my new favorite because of it's versatility.   When I have one of the dogs with me at the park, I usually end up tying them around the bench or a tree while I help a kiddo on the equipment.  This leash is a snap! I can adjust the length of the leash to any length and I can wrap the leash around any size tree or bench.   Miss AK likes to walk Zoey, and I can make the leash super short for her to have a short lead.   It's been super handy and it's the leash I always leave in my car because I can use it anywhere.  

To enter the contest:  All you have to do is leave a comment in this post.  You can tell me your favorite things or favorite holiday activity.  To receive an additional entry, you can share this giveaway on Facebook, just leave me a comment below that says you shared it on Facebook.

The contest runs until Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 11:59pm. The winner will receive all five of the items listed above.   Winner will be picked via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond. The winner will be announced Thursday December 13th, 2012.

*Disclaimer: I received zero compensation for this post or any of the items in the giveaway.  All opinions are my own, and this giveaway is not affiliated with any of the companies listed above or Oprah herself.

102 comments:

Cimblog (tm) said...

Do I get a bonus for being first?! (i hope i'm still first)

Cimblog (tm) said...

...and shared on FB. ME ME ME ... pick me!

Cindy said...

Ooo. My new favorite thing: Burt's Bees Grapefruit Lip Balm. Seriously. Awesome!

Cindy said...

And I shared on FB, too. Shut it down, now. If I win, I'll share with Cinnamon. We've never met, but we'd probably be BFFs.

Hillary said...

Oooh, I love me some lip balm. Never tried the Neutrogena kind but I'd love to compare with my Revlon Lip Butter (hint, hint).

Hillary said...

Shared on FB! Yes, I did!

Shawnda said...

That cookbook sounds great...and I love easy meals! I hope I win!

Karlea said...

Fun Wendy!!! (I mean Faux-Prah). I love that cookbook too. It has saved me on many an occasion. The Mr. 7 hands looks like something I need...yesterday!!

Karlea said...

I shared on FB!!

Wendy said...

Count me in - my favorite thing- people who share their favorite things! :)

LFP said...

I don't know how Cindy and Cim can be BFFs when I'm already BFFs with both of them.

LFP said...

Aaaaaaand - posted on Facebook.
Bam.

head said...

My new favorite things include the FedEx Office store (formerly known as Kinkos), Sharpie pens, International Delight® Liquid York™ Peppermint Pattie Creamer Cups for hot cocoa, and The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness: A True Story by
Joel ben Izzy.

head said...

And I shared your giveaway on FB!

Unknown said...

I love your blogs and especially your giveaway! I also shared on Facebook! Please pick me and thanks for the book recommendation. If I win can I get it on Kindle?

Lindsay said...

My favorite holiday activity would have to be drinking hot cocoa and watching Christmas movies with my family.
Great giveaway!

Sarah Malufau said...

From the Juans, the deer, the remodel, the kids, the antics, your personal family trials, and your favorite things, your blog is a great read and I really enjoy it. Keep it coming!

Sarah Malufau said...

Oh, and I shared your blog on my facebook too.

Maxmomma said...

Count me in! (although, my new blog address is ourharmonhome.blogspot.com.... I don't know how to get it to change my blog profile!)

hannah said...

Favorite holiday thing: Playing Christmas music on Pandora all day long. (I may also do this in July...)

hannah said...

Also shared on FB. BTW, love this idea! Hope I win!

Kristen said...

My favorite thing is probably Hot Cocoa from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. :) I have had WAY too much this week.

Kristen said...

Oh yeah, shared on FB

vera said...

Favorite X-mas thing... Fluffy socks and flannel pajamas... for the entire family.

vera said...

Shared on FB, because I love FB...

Jennifer said...

Oh How I love amazon. I love how it just magically appears. !

jlkelly@q.com

Melanie said...

My new holiday favorite thing... the Chocolate Oranges in White Chocolate! Yum!

Melanie said...

Shared on FB!

Crys said...

My new favorite thing is this blog! (thanks for sharing Melanie Shult!)

Crys said...

oh...and I shared on FB, too :-)

Hilary said...

yes, please!

Sara said...

That cookbook looks fabulous! I'd love to win it. :)

Sara said...

I also shared on facebook. :)

Kimmie said...

What fun! Thanks for the chance :)

Connie said...

My favorite Christmas thing is mint M and M's!

Whitney said...

That cookbook looks wonderful!

malibou said...

Wow, Faux-Prah, what fun things. I too am a bit challenged in the cooking dept. That cookbook sounds perfect. Ahhh to hear real comlpiments about my cooking.

Fighting a cold, so my current favorite thing is Mr. Sock-o. A tube sock filled with rice and some lavendar and tied at the top. Pop him in the microwave for 2 min, and you have yourself a new boyfriend.

Traylor Family said...

Ohhh, my favorite holiday things are winning fun stuff on peoples blogs! No seriously...it is! Well that and the joy on my children's faces when they wake up Christmas morning to discover that Santa is much kinder than their parents.

Traylor Family said...

I shared it on facebook and I may or may not have been nice about it. That lease looks rad, (I'm counting down the days till we add a four legged friend to our family) and I love books! If I don't win...I'm buying that book!

Nora Mair said...

I like funny blogs, like yours and the yes project.
The kids make Christmas gifts for each other in my master bath art studio.

Nora Mair said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michele said...

Oh what fun you must have had choosing the favs!

LTL said...

Fun Fun Fun !!! Thanks for the opportunity!

LTL said...

Fun Fun Fun !!! Thanks for the opportunity!

Heather @ Raising Memories Blog said...

I love it :) I have always wanted to try that cookbook! AND, I'm on a quest for truly good lip balm. :)

dawn said...

I'd love to enter but I don't have a dog. :)


I'll share on facebook too when I can log in.

Becky said...

I'm already in love with the Neutragena Lip Balm. Mine smells like bananas, do they all? I'm almost out. Thanks :)

Martha said...

I love your Faux-Prah giveaway! :) I hope I win! :)

Jennifer said...

I would love to try the lip balm! Fingers Crossed!

Jennifer said...

I would love to try to lipbalm. Fingers crossed!

Anne said...

Laura shared on FB, and I almost always read what she shares. This is a good one:) (But I also peek into your blog from time to time--I enjoy your humor.)

Melinda said...

My favorite thing is days off during the holidays! Planning on buying the lip balm - so when I win, I'll have 2!

Deea said...

FUN Stuff! I would love any of your favorite things. I will try the lip balm even if I don't win. :)

LauraD said...

Ugh, will be adding some of these things to my shopping list, I can't pass by a cookbook or lip balm.

*christine* said...

Ooh that cook book sounds very interesting and I could use a new leash for my adorable Napolean complex shih tzu who has busted the retractor on his retractable leash getting a little too brave with the neighbors black lab.

Claire said...

Every single thing you are giving way sounds AWESOME! I love Christmas!!!!! :D My fave tradition is stuffing my kids' stockings, and watching them open each item with glee. It was always my favorite part of Christmas morning, and now it's my kids', too.

Kathleen S. said...

My favorite holiday activity is winning someone else's Favorite Things :)

Kathleen S. said...

Oh, and shared on Facebook. Thanks!

ashley said...

I love baking cookies!
ohsmiledarling(at)gmail(dot)com

ashley said...

I shared on fb!

Alaine88 said...

Yay! thanks for the giveaway! Some of my fave things are Ferraro Rochers, Overstock.com & anything mint :)
family74014 at gmail dot com

Peggy W said...

My favorite thing about Christmas is going to CA to visit the French/O'Neil family for New Years and the Rose Parade. I could just pick up the gifts when I am there ;)

Tater said...

My favorite thing is sugar cookies!!

Tater said...

And I shared on facebook!!

TLC said...

What a great giveaway! My favorite thing is the new Trader Joe's that just came to my city! Love it!

Tammy said...

i wanna win all of these thing! I LOVE WENDY!

Amanda said...

my favorite thing is a good book. No favorite book....just books in general. :)

Jackietex said...

My favorite thing is that my two daughters will be home for the holiday!

Jackietex said...

Shared on Facebook!

Positively Patty said...

Avon lip balms: http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.aspx?pf_id=46019

ConnieC said...

I'll have to check out the cookbooks. My favorite thing right now is my new baby and shopping on Amazon.

ConnieC said...

I shared the giveaway on Facebook.

kristin said...

Favorite holiday activity is taking my kids and all their local cousins to Zoo Lights. SO MUCH FUN!

klewald said...

I love the sound of that lip balm... :]

sara :) said...

My favorite thing about Christmas is watching my kids get so excited about Santa.

sara :) said...

Shared on facebook!

Brittany Jensen said...

i could really use some lip balm!! :) i love your faux-prah giveaway!

JustMe said...

I shared on facebook! Yeah

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your blog!

Jody said...

My favorite holiday activity is driving around with the kids and looking at all the beautiful christmas lights. That and decorating sugar cookies.

Michelle said...

I'm all for a fake lip plumper!

Unknown said...

Found your comment on 4 Men 1 Lady's blog about how to start a blog, keep up the good work!

Lisa said...

I too love Our Best Bites but so far I have only enjoyed their recipes online. I'd love a copy of their book!

Lisa said...

Shared on facebook!

gilian said...

My favorite holiday activity is decorating house and making monkey bread on Christmas morning!

Unknown said...

PLEASE ENTER ME INTO THE CONTEST.

Unknown said...

Please enter me into the Faux-Prah!

Jennifer said...

I'd love to win! One of my favorites: Philosophy body wash ... they come in a ton of fun scents, like cupcakes, birthday cake, frosting - no guilt enjoyment!! :)

mom of three boys (a teenager and two munchkins) said...

So glad to see that it is not too late for me to enter. Favorite things: Goo Gone - it works and love the smell; Cookbook: Cakewalk by Robin Gourley - best cakes ever; Family recipes - tried and true; and lastly - Family in general - they drive you nuts but they also make you smile!

mom of three boys (a teenager and two munchkins) said...

Also, shared on FB.

Darcy said...

I love the leash!!

Michelle K. said...

A few of my favorite things are the Speculoos Cookie Butter and sliced honey roasted almonds from Trader Joes. Nom nom nom. Also I love the Costco wool socks for women. They are so soft and I am a total nerd that way.

apple slice said...

love the french! i love lights in trees. i love red. joyeux noel!

Jamie said...

Love this list of favorite things. Amazon prime is also one of my favorite things. I wouldn't be able to get my family on the west coast all the things I do without it.

Jamie said...

I also shared this on facebook!

Sue5007 said...

I'm always on the lookout for a good lip balm and it sounds like I must get that cookbook...if i don't win it. ;)

oneil said...

Pick me, Pick me, Pick me!!!!

Lisa said...

Pick me, please! I said please... I'll even spread the love by giving away the dog leash to someone who actually has a dog! I L.O.V.E. reading your blog, Wendy!

Lisa said...

So, even though I never share things on FB, I did!

Sister Jenny O'Neil said...

basically i love christmas time at your house.. and caroling in our debbie-hand-made white christmas outfits! :) Can't wait for this year! :)

p.s. sharing this right now on the good ole FB!

Jackie said...

Pick meeeeee!!! :)

Brooke said...

Me, me, me!! :) Love dry shampoo - I'll have to try the Suave brand - I always get mine at Ulta and it's pricier. And can I just tell you - Tim has Amazon Prime now and I have literally ordered every single Christmas present off Amazon. it ROCKS!!