#625: aNOTHER contest.

but this one's a good one.

read more about it here.

hint:

photo by feather love photography.

mmhm.

#604: win it.

need a little something charmy?


or just think this rebecca wynne bracelet would be gorge in silver?

enter a contest to win it. details at happy hour bride.

#601: watercolors.

via courtney khail stationery.

so very very pretty, no?

she's hosting a contest over at design crush for a set of stationery. so go take a gander and maybe you'll win.

or maybe i'll win.




i think if i were to win it. i wouldn't send them out, but frame each one for different rooms in my house. and by house, i mean 1-bedroom apartment.

#598: soap giveaway.

via 100 layer cake.

so the ladies of 100 layer cake are hosting a giveaway. a giveaway of yummy soaps that they handmade. or, is it homemade? anyways, the criteria is to leave them a comment describing something unique you're doing or did with your bridesmaids. and then you get the soaps if you win. and then you can gift them to your girlsies.

sadly. i tried to leave a comment but got stuck. because i don't feel like anything i've done has been...'unique'. so. i'm hoping to be inspired by the comments you leave. you know. to get some cool ideas. heh.

so go. leave a comment. maybe win some soaps.

#550: pull it off the shelf.

a lovely message via photog natalie williams:

I would like to show my son that even when we have rainy days, and when we can barely hold our heads above water that there is still room for love. That love is truly more important than work, despite the financial stability it can bring.

I am offering up my photography services for free to those who are currently struggling. I am asking YOU to nominate these people, even nominate yourself! These well deserving people must have been truly affected by the current economy along the lines of a loss of home, the loss of a job, or even those who are just plain struggling. If you would otherwise not be able to afford full coverage for your wedding or an album this contest is for you. Here is what I am offering:

1 Wedding and 1 portrait session

The Wedding includes:

Up to 10 hours of coverage
A second shooter
All images on a DVD
All images hosted online
A 20 page 10�10 leather album

The portrait session includes:

A 3 hour portrait session
All images on a DVD
All images hosted online
A 20 page 8�8 leather album

I am asking you to tell their (or your own) story via photos, video, or in writing. I would love to hear details of your big day, or your portrait session. All entries must include a photo of the person entering or being nominated as well as a valid email address. Approach your friends and neighbors, anyone who you truly think this would benefit! All entries are due by March 21st, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. The winners will be announced the following week March 28th by 11:59 p.m. The coverage must be scheduled between now and December 31st 2010.

email: natalie [at] nataliewilliamsphotographer [dot] com




images by natalie williams.

#519: are you in indiana?

click here for details.

#507: would you scrap your plans.

Are you an engaged couple who truly wants a one-of-a-kind wedding of a lifetime, but you're finding it next to impossible in the face of an economic crisis? Then this is your opportunity to have the wedding of your dreams!

The Style Network is celebrating the 100th episode of "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" We are searching for ONE LUCKY COUPLE who is ready to scrap their plans and go on a wild ride with one of our featured "Whose Wedding" planners, as we GIVE them the most unforgettable wedding adventure!

Please send your contact info, love story and photos to: WhoseWedding100@trueentertainment.net

All participants must be 21 years of age or older and have a valid US passport. You must also be available for shooting and travel in early March 2009.

The deadline to apply is February 16, 2009.

i'm not sure i'd be willing to just exnay everything i've been working on for the past 2 years. but then again, and given the major economic turbulence around us lately, saving $10,000 sounds mighty tempting.

#502: more contests.

this one's for free photography.


photo by sabine scherer.

#501: contest.

click here for details.

i get pitched a lot of things i don't usually post about on TTO (fact: i do not get offered free printers or chocolate heads. hm. what am i doing wrong.)

but here's a pitch i actually wanted to share with you. because who can't use an extra $2,500 worth of new kitchenware?

all i know is...i'm in. i mean. not yet. but fiance and i will be.

Macy�s and Tyler Florence presents:
�Macy�s Keeps America Cooking.�
As you prepare for one of the most exciting days of your life, I am sure preparing your home is one of the top priorities on your to-do list. So, why not participate in a cooking contest with celebrity Food Network chef, Tyler Florence, for your chance to win a trip for two to San Francisco plus a $2,500 Macy's kitchen shopping spree with Tyler!

The general theme in this campaign is �What Keeps You Cooking?� Perhaps you have a favorite meal that you prepare as a couple, or an original family recipe that your in-laws have passed on to you? We know you (or devoted readers) have a great, original recipe that has received rave reviews- show it off to the world and be entered to win the Macy�s Keeps America Cooking contest!

#498: WIN a wedding film.

via wedding wire.

more details on the contest site or the hakimsons film blog.

#493: myra fans.

head on over to twigs & honey for her 1-year anniversary giveaway.

i commented about this beaut:

via her etsy shop.

why? because i love it.

#486: win a wedding dress.

via preowned wedding dresses.

see details here.

#485: a contest featuring an OC photog.

photo by amanda lynn.

visit bridal inquirer for contest deets.

***********************************

and with that, i wish you all an amazing weekend.

<3,
tto

#483: affordable so-cal photography.

a message to you from eight20 photography:

We are in the process of training new eight20 associates!

For a limited amount of weddings, we will be offering coverage for $1500 (which will include 6 hours, online slideshow/gallery, and digital negatives.) This package will include either Nicky or Eric as your main photographer, plus one of our associates as a second in training. You can also choose 8 hours of coverage for only $2000.

This current special is over 50% off our normal rate!

We are more than 50% booked up for '09 already but I really want to make sure our associates have all the training necessary so I am going to probably take on about 5 weddings at this price.

#479: mrs. milkshake.

mrs. milkshake is offering up free photography.

she'll be shooting in seattle or vancouver.

#456: for the right reasons.

help yourself or someone else in need to the gift of photography.

read more about how to nominate someone deserving on 2000 dollar wedding. details also posted via a practical wedding.

#451: win/win.

via feather love weddings.

noa of feather love gave me a heads up on her winter special.

uh, she had me at 'noa'. and at 'feather love'. and at the shadow picture with the 'stache.

***************************************

I am currently offering a winter special (for brides who book with me before January 30th) for dates in 2009! I am offering a 50% discount on my regular 5 hour rate and I am also offering a la carte prices for more specific brides at 50% off.

This is a great deal for brides on a budget, and it works for me since booking during winter is a little slower... win/win! I am based in San Diego but will shoot all over (travel fees might apply).

***************************************

you can email her at info@featherloveweddings.com.

visit her blog. or her portfolio.

#438: go get them.

major giveaway on style me pretty.

"The set includes 100 invitations and response cards, each with printed envelopes, all letterpressed on 100% cotton bright white paper."

you have until friday to enter to win.

p.s. i myself doth had my invitations designed courtesy of april, multi-tasker-of-the-universe, of blu sky designs fame. more to come on this.

#430: polaDroids.

via oh happy day.

read how to give all your digipics the special polaroid look at poladroid.

is it strange that i want to do this to ALL of my photos?

#429: to give is to receive.

erica of a history of architecture set up a little doo ditty. and i dig the concept so much that i thought you all should know about it.

especially if you like pretty clothes.

here's an excerpt taken from her blog a few weeks back explaining her decision to start the new blog.

blog no. 2--still working on a name--will be open to everyone who is interested in giving away or swapping clothing and accessories online. my only rule is that if you'd like to participate, all you can request for compensation is a small amount to cover shipping and handling ($5-25ish), plus a nominal amount if it's something that was ridiculously expensive. if you would like to post several items over time, i can add you as a team member so i don't have to spend too much time uploading your photographs and descriptions. anyone else can email me their postings, but obviously my life will be a lot easier if i don't have to become the sole site adminstrator. it should hopefully work on its own, more or less.

i don't think there will ever be an easy solution to online swaps, so i'm going to encourage members to do random giveaways instead. if you want to do a swap, that's up to you. it's a pretty simple thing, no? if you're a recipient, it's always nice to offer up something as a giveaway or swap in return. obviously, everything should be gently worn and in wearable/usable condition. it's a place for people to give away neglected but lovely things that deserve better than the goodwill racks but can't be sold for whatever reason on ebay (plus i hate ebay's fees and rules). it should be like a craigslist, but based on trust and not really for profit or self-promotion. if you're new to the blog, be sure to introduce yourself so we don't feel like we're giving things away to total strangers who may turn around and sell it.

i love buying clothes, and i probably spend too much time and money on it. i started this blog hoping to curtail my spending habits--obviously it hasn't been successful! it has, however, taught me to be more careful about what i buy. being able to give away some things is another way of reminding myself both to be cautious about future purchases and to be happy that someone else is going to enjoy something that didn't work out for me. i suspect that others are in the same boat as me, so maybe we can use this new blog to do justice to our unworn or neglected sweaters, necklaces, bags, and boots.

hopefully i'll have the site up and running in the next few weeks, maybe after the election madness blows over. email me if you're interested in being a team member.

the blog has been set up and site is aptly named laws of general economy.