Monday, November 16

A transformation and A GIVEAWAY!

Don't we all love transformations? Every week, some of my favorite parties feature transformations. Susan at Between Naps on the Porch hosts Metamorphosis Monday, and Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage hosts Transformation Thursday. I really enjoy reading all the wonderful before-and-after stories.

This week, I want to tell you about one of the biggest changes that has taken place in my house over the past several months. The object of change? Me.

You may have read here about some of the challenges my family has faced over the past 18 months. As 2009 winds down, I find myself hoping that 2010 will be a calmer year for our family. But one thing in particular has happened to me during that time, something for which I'm very thankful: I've become a blogger.

This time last year, I had a blog. One that I'd started in May 2007, then dropped after writing half a dozen posts. Then a friend introduced me to Nester's and Kimba's blogs. From there, I went on to meet Emily, and Darcy, and Amanda, and Rhoda, and Manuela, and Melissa. . . well, you get the picture. And a whole new world opened up to me--one that I sorely needed. The inspiration I drew from these and other wonderful bloggers helped to rescue me from the pit of inward-focusing in which I found myself. I needed inspiration and re-energizing--and I found it. I found it among bloggers.

So today I am celebrating the transformation of Richella from non-blogger into blogger. And I am marking the publication of my 100th post (!) with a giveaway.


I'll bet you're familiar with Vietri. . . you know, the Irresistibly Italian pottery? You've admired it in stores, haven't you? Perhaps you haven't bought any, because it's fairly pricey, but I know you've seen it. Well, you probably didn't know that Vietri is headquartered just down the road from me. The next town over from Durham is Hillsborough, North Carolina, home of Vietri. The Vietri goods are all made in Italy, then they're imported to the U.S.--right here to North Carolina! And the company headquarters includes a wonderful Vietri outlet, where beautiful pieces are sold at a discount. I made a trip to the Vietri Outlet and found a wonderful treasure that I'd like to give away to one of you:


The Rudolfo chip and dip. Isn't it darling?

It's actually two separate pieces, so you can take it apart and use the platter and bowl separately if you like.


Just leave a comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway. I'll keep the giveaway open until midnight Sunday, November 22, and announce a winner next Monday. You don't have to be a blogger to enter--you can always leave a comment as "Anonymous," but include your name and contact information in the body of the comment.

Thank you so much for visiting me here at Imparting Grace! I wouldn't be a blogger if no one were reading. I am so grateful for your friendship.

Lots of love,

66 comments:

  1. Congrats on your 100th post. I hope next year settles down for both you and me.
    I am following you

    cheri

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  2. I have recently found your blog and I love it!! I would love to win your give away. My husband is Italian and I love anything that comes from there!

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  3. I have just said a big thankyou to the friend who showed me how to blog, and like you, it has become a lifesaver. Although I go to a fairly big church now, it is easy to think that I am part of something small, but Facebook, and now blogging, have shown me that I am actually part of something huge! What a blessing blogging is, and yours is one of my favourites. Here's to a great and blessed 2010.

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  4. I find such inspiration from you blog...thank you!

    What a fun chip and dip set! So generous of you!

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  5. Congratulations on 100 posts. Such a milestone. I hope next year is better for all of us. Hugs, Marty

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  6. Congratulations on your 100th post! What an awesome milestone for you and your blog.
    I just read your family story, and at one point when you said you lived mostly at Duke I kinda chuckled, because at one point I used to tell people we had a penthouse suite at UNC (We live not too far from you!). We've faced similiar challenges and you must keep your sense of humor, it really helps.
    Blog on!

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  7. CONGRATS on yout 100th post...I came over from Imperfectly Beautiful, today. I look forward to reading more of your blog.

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  8. Congratulations on your transformation from non-blogger into blogger!! I just started blogging this year and can't believe how amazing it is... I wonder why I waited so long. ;) There are so many unbelievable women out there that we get to know because of this little thing called bloggin'!

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  9. Happy 100th Post! I am hoping that you have a better, more settled, year. I love your blog.

    June

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  10. I absolutely love reading hour blog. Your posts are inspirational. Congratulations on your 100th post.

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  11. Yep, you finally admit you are a blogger! Welcome to the club miss 100 post.

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  12. Well I obviously don't get out much because I've never heard of 'Vietri'! But it does look beautiful. I love anything Italian ;)
    Congrats on your 100th post, and I'm so glad I found your blog.
    I hope I get a chance to post about your lovely giveaway later. I'll be sure to let you know when I do
    xxxx
    hugs
    Denise

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  13. You're not an official blogger? Um....no one else knew. :)
    Love ya, girl!

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  14. Congratulations on your 100th post! We're all so glad you joined the blog world.

    What a fun giveaway! I'm crossing my fingers for this one. :-)

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  15. Richella,

    You are a beautiful soul and I feel so lucky to be one of the first to know you online, and be included on that short list of really great bloggy girls.

    Congrats on your 100th post. That is true stick-to-it-iveness!

    Warmly,
    Darcy

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  16. Isn't it an amazing feeling to wake up one morning and realize that people are actually reading your blog?!? I sometimes just have to sit back and grin. ;)

    {Jacky} at The Sweetest Petunia

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  17. Way to go on 100!!!! Thanks for offering the giveaway!

    Be Blessed,

    Amy

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  18. I am so glad you are a blogger! I love reading your posts and seeing all your great ideas. Congratulations on #100!!! Keep up the great work, sweet friend. Blessings!

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  19. i'm fairly new at blogging and appreciate the talent so many women have...just a phrase can set my mind and heart in a new direction. glad you're baaaccckkk......

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  20. Richella - I am so glad I came upon your wonderful space. I have you programmed in my google reader, so I never miss a post.

    Congratulations on your 100th post.

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  21. Congratulations on 100! Doesn't it go by fast? Beautiful giveaway and I would love win. :-) Thanks for offering it!

    pk @ Room Remix

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  22. That is a beautiful piece of pottery... isn't it amazing how quickly your bloggy friends start feeling like IRL friends? :) I love the Nester's blog too.

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  23. Ahhhh, Richella, so glad to be included in those bloggers you love. I'm so glad you started blogging too, there are so many wonderful women out there. And glad that you are doing much better this time around.

    Congrats on 100! It's a lot of work to run a blog, but SO rewarding. I'd love to win the giveaway, that would look darling in my green kitchen. :)

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  24. Happy 100th!! That chip and dip set is soooo cute!

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  25. Yay Richella! Congrats on your 100th post. That is a big deal. To think you've hit "publish" 100 times already...with hopefully 100s more to go. I'm so glad you have stuck with it. I value your voice in the sea of blogs out there.

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  26. I am enjoying your blog! I was able to attend homecoming this past weekend and saw many of our classmates! Wonderful memories!

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  27. Wow I have been so impressed with your Blog, I look fwd to each day you have a new post. Hope your Upcoming Holiday Planning is a B L A S T !!!!

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  28. Congratulations on your 100th post and welcome back to blogging. I'm new to this. Just began my blog in August, and I'm hooked. Like you, it is the inspiring friends that I've been introduced to through the world of blog. It is amazing to read so many creative blogs each day. Thanks for sharing with us. ~ Sarah

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  29. Just found your blog and you nailed me! I'm trying to be consistent in posting--but am having a difficult time. Congrats on your 100th post and I've added you to my "reading list"!

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  30. Congratulations on your 100th post! That's quite an accomplishment! Here's to a 100 more (at least)!

    I for one am so glad that you blog! Your sweet spirit shines through every post and I'm always glad to see a comment from you on my blog. Thank you for including me in that wonderful list of ladies! I'm honored.

    Manuela

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  31. wow, my daughter lives in Durham so I am going to tell her about this place!! You can enter me , kiddo!

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  32. COngrats!! Check out my latest blog entry if you get a chance and spread the word!! Prayers needed!!

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  33. 100 is a very exciting number! richella... i am so glad you are a blogger :) and i am praying for a calmer 2010 for you!

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  34. Congratulations! What a beautiful item you have picked for your giveaway. I pray for a blessed 2010
    Jackie

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  35. Richella! Congratulations, girl! One of my very favorite bloggers and I feel honored to be mentioned on your blog and I have to say, I had no idea what you have been through this past year, and wow, I look to you for strength even more. You are truly amazing~
    love ya!

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  36. Glad you found blog world again... God is faithful, I'm sure you know that better than most people.

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  37. I know that I have been blessed to have found your friendship thru your blog, so I am ever so thankful that you started blogging!!! Congrats! I am a follower for sure, and would love to be entered in the giveaway!!
    Thanks!

    Suzanne

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  38. 100th post...that's great. I started blogging when we were transfered away from family and friends to keep in touch. You have a really cute blog. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  39. CONGRATS on your 100th post!!! I am so glad we found each other, Richella. You have become a dear sweet friend and I am blessed to know you!

    Love
    ~Amanda

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  40. Congrats!

    I found your blog through Darcy.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    I live in the foothills of NC.

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  41. Congrats on your 100th post. My 'story' is very similar to yours. Dropped off blogging, began back after finding several and tuning into my creative crafty side which gives me joy. Sharing it with others, hearing their stories, their inspiration ...well it worked wonders. I am CLOSE to my 100th post too! And will have a celebration. The serving piece is beautiful. I'd love using it in my home.

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  42. This is my first visit to your blog and I love it! Congratulations on #100!

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  43. I just found you from Naps on the porch. I am also a fairly new blogger, and I know exactly what you mean about the blogging community. My mother is a blogger, and my first and most faithful followers came from her site. Hope you next year is filled with blessings! I am going over to hit the follower button. Oh, and can I have that cute chip and dip set PLEASE?
    Merry Christmas, Karyn (39 days left)

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  44. I have also been the object of several changes and still have a few I am working on. This is my first visit to your blog and I have become a follower and look forward to more vsits. Congratulations on your 100th post. I love the Rudolfo chip and dip piece. Have a nice week.

    Blessings,
    Elizabeth

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  45. Keep the faith my dear. Nothing, last for ever...hugs michelle

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  46. Congrats on 100 posts...wonder if I will make it to 100...hope 2010 is a friendlier year for you.

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  47. Congrats!!And here is to the next 100 posts and far beyond!!

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  48. Congrats on your 100th post. I just found your blog, and I'm looking forward to reading the past...and the next...100 posts!
    :o)
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

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  49. Congratulations! It's my first time over on your blog. It's beautiful. Here's to your next 100!

    Carolyn

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  50. Count me in! I don't blog......yet!

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  51. Following the link from your Favourite Things post to say Congratulations on your 100 post and because I love Vietri pottery :-)

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  52. I love your blog! Congratulations on your 100th post...the pottery is absolutely beautiful.... I love pottery....all sorts of pottery.

    Thank you for a chance to win!

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  53. Congratulations on post 100. I just had my 100th last month after blogging for 10 months.

    Please enter me in your give away. Thanks.

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  54. I think self promotion was like a sale ad. So thanks for the chance to win this super cute item. Good luck with your blog. :)

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  55. Oh, that's lovely Richella ! Count me in - I wanna win !

    Congrats on 100 posts, yay !

    Kate

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  56. I've just found your blog and look forward to following you. God bless for a peaceful year.

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  57. Yes you are definitely official now! Congrats to you! Thanks for being a lovely part of blog world!

    blessings!

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  58. Just found your blog through google and enjoyed reading your posts! Very pretty Italian set, have never heard of them before, but love their design!

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

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  59. molly@toileinthefamily.blogspot.comNovember 22, 2009 at 10:18 PM

    Congratulations on your 100th post!! I have just started blogging myself because of people like you! I found so much inspiration and MOTIVATION from such lovely blog-ladies that I couldn't help but pay some homage by blogging about my quest to do just a little of what you all do. Thanks for sharing your life, your ideas and inspiration. I truly hope that 2010 is a year of peace and joy for you!

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  60. Thanks for the giveaway! I just found your blog through 320 Sycamore.

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  61. Congrats on your 100th post. I love, love, love Vietri.

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  62. Just found your blog and love it! Congrats on your 100th post!

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  63. Just found your blog, and I love what you said about how visiting here is kinda like being in your virtual home...I love it!
    Congratulations on your 100th post, I plan on seeing you to your 1,000th!
    Thanks for the chance to win the beautiful giveaway, stay blessed!

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