We are spending the week hosting a 15-year-old Japanese boy. On his to-do list was to drive up The Columbia Gorge, which we did on Sunday. I think this picture captures the freezing cold rain pretty well. I'll let you imagine the hail which was also there. Welcome to Oregon!
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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Please note that this giveaway has ended. Congratulations to “Kristin B,” whose comment was randomly chosen as winner!
Today is day seven, the very last day of Giveaway Week and I am giving away a copy of Home Dairy With Ashley English: All You Need to Know to Make Cheese, Yogurt, Butter & More.
You probably know that I am very much a make it from scratch kind of womyn gal, but I have yet to make the leap to my own dairy products, (although I have been wanting to try The Frugal Girl’s yogurt recipe.) And if Ashley English’s books on Canning, Keeping Chickens and Keeping Bees are any indication, this book is going to be filled with both information and inspiration.
To enter to win this book, write something in the comments section about why you want to win this book.
I will randomly choose a winner this Tuesday, March 29 at 9:00 P.M., west coast time.
Click HERE to enter Monday’s giveaway of Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff.
Click HERE to enter Tuesday’s giveaway of Dave Wann’s The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living.
Click HERE to enter Wednesday’s giveaway of Natalie McNeal’s The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life.
Click HERE to enter Thursday’s giveaway of Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean my Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.
Click HERE to enter Friday’s giveaway of Homemade Living: Keeping Bees with Ashley English: All You Need to Know to Tend Hives, Harvest Honey and More.
Click HERE to enter Saturday’s giveaway of Maya Frost’s The New Global Student: Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition and Get a Truly International Education.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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Please note that is giveaway has ended. Congratulations to “Maria,” whose comment was randomly chosen as a winner!
Today is day six of Giveaway Week, and I’m giving away a copy of Maya Frost’s The New Global Student: Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition and Get a Truly International Education. I was first sent this book when it came out in 2009, but somehow haven’t worked it into any of my blog posts. (Although I did read it!) That is, until now.
This book is the story of how author Maya Frost found wonderful international learning opportunities for her daughters, while also moving her family to Mexico and Chile. Many other students are profiled in this inspiring book, and even though I read it two years ago, I remember it well.
For those who may not know, I chose a non-traditional eduction for my 12 and 15-year-old sons, when I placed them in a public school Japanese immersion program. Although neither my husband nor I have a Japanese background, we thought it would greatly broaden the boys’ world view to be exposed to such a different language and culture. My older son has now been studying Japanese for ten years, is close to fluent and has been able to travel to Japan twice. We’ve welcomed Japanese exchange students and teachers into our home six different times, and my lucky husband even got to chaperone one of the class trips. It was one of the highlights of his life.
My older son will hopefully spend summer of 2012 in Sapporo, which is Portland’s sister city, and I am planning for a family visit afterwards.
To enter to win this book, write something in the comments section about your exposure to other cultures.
I will randomly choose a winner this Tuesday, March 29 at 9:00 P.M., west coast time.
Click HERE to enter Monday’s giveaway of Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff.
Click HERE to enter Tuesday’s giveaway of Dave Wann’s The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living.
Click HERE to enter Wednesday’s giveaway of Natalie McNeal’s The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life.
Click HERE to enter Thursday’s giveaway of Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean my Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.
Click HERE to enter Friday’s giveaway of Homemade Living: Keeping Bees with Ashley English: All You Need to Know to Tend Hives, Harvest Honey and More.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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Please note that this giveaway has ended. Congratulations to “Carissa” whose comment was randomly chosen as winner!
Today is day five of Giveaway Week, and I’m giving away a copy of Homemade Living: Keeping Bees with Ashley English: All You Need to Know to Tend Hives, Harvest Honey & More.
I am very excited to be giving this book to one lucky blog reader, as English’s other two Homemade Living books, (Canning and Preserving and Keeping Chickens) have been so beautifully written and photographed, they’re like works of art. Having home hives has become very popular in the last few years, with many municipalities passing legislation to support this latest tenet of the homesteading movement.
For those who may not know, Ashley English pens the blog Small Measure, as well as a weekly column for Design*Sponge. But really, her claim to fame at my house, is that she’s married to Glenn, a friend of mine from college. Which reminds me, I think it’s my turn in Scrabble.
The enter to win this book, write something in the comments section about your proudest homemade goodies.
I will randomly choose a winner next Tuesday, March 29 at 9:00 P.M., west coast time.
Click HERE to enter Monday’s giveaway of Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff.
Click HERE to enter Tuesday’s giveaway of Dave Wann’s The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living.
Click HERE to enter Wednesday’s giveaway of Natalie McNeal’s The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life.
Click HERE to enter Thursday’s giveaway of Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean my Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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Photo courtesy of The Frugal Girl
The weeks have been whizzing by for the 52 Weeks 52 Letters Project, and I’ve written two letters which catches me back up, and seems to be my habit. (No letters one week, but two the next!) But since I am officially up to date, I’m not going to give myself any grief.
The first letter was to Susan, with whom I went to college, although I’ve only really gotten to know her through Facebook and the blog. She had asked for a letter, and I was more than happy to oblige, even though she’s back in her native country of England.
The second letter was to my friend Barbara in Boston. She and I were part of the same social circle in high school, and we spent the next year together in Israel. We had completely lost touch, but found ourselves back in contact through, yes, Facebook. We’ve spoken on the phone since, and hope to figure out a time to see one another in person. But until then, she’ll have to make do with a letter from me.
As a complete aside, I wrote both letters on the darling Goodwill stationery that I pick up a few weeks ago. And let me serve as a cautionary tale when I share that 1974 Hallmark notecards and envelopes are as cute as can be, but possibly lethal when licked. Twice. Seriously, I thought I was going to lose my lunch.
Are you participating in the 52 Weeks 52 Letters Challenge? Don’t worry if you’re late to the game, as the idea is to write a letter a week, whether you join in January or March. I’ve really enjoyed the project so far, and like thinking that the recipients enjoy receiving their actual handwritten mail.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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I recently gave an interview for Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness-Project, and it’s running today.
Click HERE to read the article, which includes some information I’ve never shared before on the blog.
And if you are a new reader who found me through The Happiness Project, welcome! The Non-Consumer Advocate community has a Facebook group, as well as a Twitter feed.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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Note — This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to “ChristyB” who will be receiving a copy of Gretchen Rubin’s “The Happiness Project.”
Today is day four of Giveaway Week, and I am giving away a copy of Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean my Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.
This newly released trade paperback of Rubin’s wildly popular book, (it’s currently number one in a number of markets, including airport bookstores!) is a perfect addition to the library of anyone who is interested in how deliberately made choices can lead to a happier life. I read this book when it was first published and have since lent it out to a couple different people, and happily it was always returned. In fact, I think it’s time for a re-read.
To enter to win this book, write something in the comments section about one deliberate thing you do that helps you feel happier.
Click HERE to enter Monday’s giveaway of Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff.
Click HERE to enter Tuesday’s giveaway of Dave Wann’s The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living.
Click HERE to enter Wednesday’s giveaway of Natalie McNeal’s The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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Note — This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to “Maggie” who was randomly chosen to win a copy of “The Frugalista Files.”
Today is day three of Giveaway Week, and today’s book up for offer is Natalie McNeal’s The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life. Now, I actually bought this fantastic book as a birthday present to myself, as I have a big time Compact (buy nothing new) exception for books written by friends, and although we’ve not met in person, I consider Natalie to be a friend.
However, it’s not just my connection with Natalie that made me like this book. I really enjoyed the diary format and reading about the author’s year long transformation from spender to saver. I carried this book with me everywhere and devoured it in under 24 hours. So great, loved it! Highly recommend.
The enter to win this book, write something in the comments section about your favorite money saving tip.
I will randomly choose a winner next Sunday, March 27 at 9:00 P.M., west coast time.
Click HERE to enter Monday’s giveaway of Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff.
Click HERE to enter Tuesday’s giveaway of Dave Wann’s The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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Note — This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to “Laura” who was randomly chosen to win a copy of “The New Normal.”
Today is day two of Giveaway Week, and today I will be giving away a copy of Dave Wann’s The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living. Long term blog readers will remember Dave Wann as the author of Simple Prosperity: Finding Real Wealth in a Sustainable Lifestyle, which was the one and only Non-Consumer Advocate book selection. He’s also the co-author of Affluenza.
Wann’s new book promotes “An agenda that puts responsibility to our fellow citizens and the health of our planet front and center.” I haven’t actually read this book yet, but the publisher sent me a copy, which I’m happy to share. (I can always get a library copy.) Dave is a great guy, and was really helpful when we did the book club, providing guest posts, giveaway books and even sending me a word document of the entire book so I wouldn’t have to copy out passages!
To enter to win your own copy of The New Normal, write something in the comments section about something, however small that you’re doing in your life for your fellow citizens.
I will randomly choose a winner next Sunday, March 27 at 9:00 P.M., west coast time.
Click HERE to enter yesterday’s giveaway of Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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Note — This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to “Sarah” who was randomly chosen to win this book!
I have decided to do an entire week of book giveaways here at The Non-Consumer Advocate, and I’m starting out with a hardback copy of The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard. Leonard gained her audience through her online videos, which started with The Story of Stuff and has continued on with The Story of Cap and Trade, The Story of Bottled Water as well as a number of others.
For those who may not be familiar with The Story of Stuff, the video (and book) explore the materials economy that produce all the stuff that we, as consumers buy and subsequently toss.
To enter to win this book, write something in the comments section about your stuff.
I will randomly pick a winner next Sunday, March 27 at 9:00 P.M., west coast time.
This week’s Giveaways will also feature:
I will probably add a few more books as well, so keep checking back for your chance to win. Good luck!
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
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