Contests

I had never considered myself one to enter contests......until one specific contest caught my eye. It was February of 2011 and John Frieda Canada hosted a giveaway with their Brilliant Brunette line. It was 2 night, 3 day stay at The Surrey Hotel and Spa in NYC, complete with a cut, colour, and style for the winner and guest at the Madison Ave John Frieda Salon. The trip included gift cards to the Henri Bendel on 5th Ave, as well as to the Tao restaurant....PLUS a little spending money. All airfare included. HOW could anyone pass up this opportunity to win such a great prize?! First on my list was to make sure it was legit, so I called the number on my trusty old Brilliant Brunette shampoo, that I truly use consistently...and sure enough it was the real deal.

It was a Facebook contest and with 1500 entries, I was certain I would NEVER win. I had entered the contest late and it was based on votes. The entry required was a photo of yourself explaining why you shine...NOT an easy blurb to write of yourself. I had a really hard time coming up with anything that was not over-indulgent, as I know there are few people who enjoy listening to anyone ramble on about how wonderful they are...and quite honestly that is not me. So, I kept it short and sweet. My photo included a picture of myself and my then only 3 boys with the caption: "These busy little boys make me shine" or something of the sort...which could not be more true. These boys are the reason for my existence.

I am not entirely sure how it came about, but when I woke up the next morning I had hit the first page. I can only credit my wonderful family and many friends who believed I could possibly win this thing. The goal was to make it to the top 10, as then John Frieda would choose the ultimate winner. After a SOLID month of voting EVERY SINGLE day, I had somehow stuck first place and was later announced the winner and it was absolutely, 100% the trip of a lifetime...and I am forever grateful to those who voted. It was for myself and a guest and my husband and I had a much needed mini-vacation that July. I have nothing, but praise for The Surrey, The Tao, Henri Bendel and of course John Frieda for making my experience most memorable. When I am back in NYC..which I most definitely will be, I will make it a point to go back to these locations..I am forever a fan!

Tao

                                                                           The Surrey

Henri Bendel

Having won such a wonderful prize gave me a contesting bug. My most recent contest was also on FB and hosted by an up and coming leather handbag company, Cuore and Pelle. They were giving away 10 of their beautiful Sophia bags and I was lucky enough to be one of the 10 and received my bag just over a week ago and it is stunning..:) I need to add that I am very impressed with this company, so far. Not only do they have beautiful handbags, but being a follower on Twitter and FB, I see how personable they are...this is very valuable to me as a customer. I encourage you to check out their site!

My point: I can't help, but think that of course SOMEONE has to win and I now enter a ridiculous amount of contests, big and small.  I had wondered how legit these "giveaways" really were, but as long as I know the company name and know they have a good reputation, I am all over this new obsession of contesting....and absolutely encourage others to jump on board!