Finding Hope and Joy: Face-lift Is Complete So Let's Celebrate

Yea! My blog's "face-lift" is complete!
Today I have some news, thank yous and a give-away to share.

First of all - I'm soooo thankful to Sweet Shoppe Designs for their beautiful "blog-lift" kits. I really tried creating my own header, button, and background from scratch using tutorials that I found online. I just couldn't get the size right, or the drop shadow, or whatever. The whole polished and professional look I was going for was not happening. And I was spending hours trying to make it work. Then I found Sweet Shoppe Designs. Woo Hoo! They have blog face-lift kits (and a whole lot more). I personalized things a bit and now am so happy with my new look. So pretty! {fyi ~ I'm not getting paid or anything for this bit of praising Sweet Shoppe Designs; just feel it's good to give credit where credit is due and that they are fabulous}

Before going any further, I need to also say how very wonderful hubby has been as I've spent time gazing at my blog and not into his beautiful green eyes. Thanks babe! You're the best! Guess I owe you some together sports watching time, huh?

Part of the process of redesigning the look here at "Finding Hope & Joy" was done in conjunction with the creation of my new space in blog land. Yea! It's called "Miss Maribel's Place". When you get a chance I'd love for you stop by for a little visit.

So, let's see - that's two thank yous and one announcement.

Now one more thing ...... the celebrating!
I had planned to have a give-away at the one year anniversary of my little blog. However, the makeover, starting Miss Maribel's Place and life has made me push it off a couple of months. But, now it's time!

Here are the details:

Because I'm so excited about another giveaway and about the grand opening of Miss Maribel's Place I'm giving you two chances to win this beautiful perpetual desk calendar:

She Lives She Loves She Laughs

#1: Simply take a look at my blog posts over the last year (there's only 31). Just leave me a comment - back here on this post - telling me which you liked the best & why. Now I realize life is busy and you may not have the time to go through all of my posts, so here are a few of my favorites....

My top three posts from 2010:
~ I Still Believe
~ Running Ahead
~ Lead, Guide or Walk Beside

    * I'll share with you why they have a special meaning to me in my next post *

#2: Visit me over at Miss Maribel's Place and leave me a comment there. It'll be like writing in my guest book at my blog's open house.


     * I've tried to make it easy for you {cause I love ya and am helpful like that} -
          so you can click on the highlighted links to get to:
         each of my three favs, Miss Maribel's Place and even Sweet Shoppe Designs *

Leave your comments by midnight Friday, March 25th. The winner will be picked randomly and announced here at Finding Hope & Joy on Sunday, March 27th.

Here's a snapshot of today's calendar page: