the fox pre-holiday giveaway: be in it to win it!
This week marks my return to the full-time world. This world is rife with meetings, conference calls, budgets, mounting emails and brainstorming sessions, but what makes this return to an office markedly different than what came before is simply this: I believe in the company in which I’m working and I’m finally surrounded by people who are as smart, if not smarter, than me. Believe me when I say that this is a far cry from the days where I literally wept in my office with the door closed. A time where my ideas were smothered, and I was admonished for not being a “team player” whenever I questioned the nonsensical, archaic strategies implemented by executives who held onto their DRM-protected books as if they were children desperately clinging to their security blankets. After two and a half years of holding my head in my hands, I swore I’d never return to corporate life, never set foot in an office, never swipe a passcard. Until now. Until I found a small company where creativity is at the fore, work/life balance is paramount, and side projects are encouraged.
So perhaps I’ve taken a year off to prepare myself for this. Allow myself to think with a clear head, free of bitterness. Allow myself to find my way to where I am now.
What does this have to do with you, you so sagely query? People. I’m happy, deliriously so, so I’m sharing the proverbial LOVE. I’m spring-cleaning during a rainstorm, and I’ve stockpiled a ton of goodies for you. Check out what I’m giving away to one lucky winner:
…and tons of free samples, unused cosmetics from Avon, Lancome, Lipstick Queen, make-up brushes and more. New items will be added to the pot daily. In the last hour, I’ve added ten secret goodies.
Note: After my last two giveaways, the winner failed to respond. If you do not reply with your mailing address a week after the contest closes, I will offer the prize to the next randomly-generated winner.
UPDATE: I’ve decided to address a lot of your amazing! amazing! recommendations in the comments field below. Check out my responses to some of your suggestions.
November 14th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Anne – First off, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. Although we have differing circumstances, I know what it’s like to lose a mother and I spent the greater part of my adult life trying to overcome it. I’ve written in the past week about loss (an old friend) and several posts about my mother. But if there’s one thing that I can offer you, let it be this: lean on the people in your life. Allow yourself to grieve. Allow your friends and loved ones to take care of you. The point of it all is the fact that you will never get over this loss, but, in time, it’ll become easier to bear.
I know we’re strangers, but I hope that these words help a little.
——————
Diana: The funniest book I ever read? Oh, that’s a tough one. I do remember howling while reading David Sedaris’ Holidays on Ice. Much of what Jonathan Ames writes slay me. Both authors have such an acute sense of timing. I also like Cyndy Kaplan’s first memoir.
——————-
Gibu/Kaitlyn: How do I deal with holiday stress/in-laws? I wrote a great post about that last year: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/felicia-c-sullivan/how-to-survive-the-holida_b_73319.html
I don’t have in-laws, per se, but I wrote that based on some scary familial situations with an old ex. Hope that helps.
November 14th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Farrah/Hayden/Linda/Termeh – Holiday dishes! Stay tuned, guys. Over the next few weeks, I’ll try to have a recipe per week, that can apply to holiday cooking. While I’m still trying to find some balance with the new job and blogging, I’m determined to share my affection with food with you. You can also check out the “foodie gal” category on the right hand side, which will show you all the recipes/food posts I’ve written since I’ve started blogging.
——————–
Sunny – Book recommendations? It depends upon what you’re looking to read. I keep a running list (check out the Bookshelf link at the top of the page) of books I’ve read over the years. My current recommendations? Rachel Sherman’s Living Room, Liza Monroy’s Mexican High, Blake Bailey’s Cheever: A Life, Kazuo Ishiguro’s When We Were Orphans, are but some of my favorites as of late.
———————
Everyone who asked after make-up tips: I’ll be honest. I’m HORRIBLE at make-up application, simply for the fact that I don’t wear make-up. But I will reach out to my savvier friends to get some sage tips/guest posts.
———————
Deb/Marilyn: Achieving work/life balance. I definitely plan on addressing that in the coming weeks.
———————
Amber: Family holiday traditions. Regrettably, I don’t really have a family so I can’t speak to this with authority, but I do want to impart this bit of advice. Find your family and make your traditions. I spend the holidays with my dear friend Liz’s family, who has been kind enough to consider me family, or I spend time with friends.
———————
Jennifer: Color-preserving hair products. I don’t color my hair, but I’ve heard wonderful things about Pureology. I would also check out my friend Amber’s blog: http://www.beautybloggingjunkie.com, as she writes a great deal about hair color products.
November 14th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Ginger: I actually share quite a bit of my writing online. Each week I’ll post writing exercises (check out one I did yesterday in response to a movie I saw, and one last week in response to remembering an old friend). I tend to post these bits on Friday, as that is my quite time. However, I don’t feel comfortable publishing new work or excerpts from my new novel until it’s polished.
SmT: Regrettably, I don’t have much interest in the Jimmy Choo for H&M launch. Many of my friends, including http://www.eye4style.com plan to write about it, but I’m not a proponent of “fast fashion.” I tend to not buy very many things, but when I do I make significant investments. So sorry!
Steph: I actually have combination/normal skin, so I’m not able to test products on my skin. However, check out my friends, http://www.eye4style.com & http://www.allaboutthepretty.net, as they tend to feature products for dry, parched skin.
November 14th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Cheryl/Ashley: Finding my path in life! That’s such a great suggestion, and one I’m actually doing on a weekly/daily basis. This blog has been an amazing chronicle of my journey, and now with this addition (a full-time job), I will continue to try to find my way and find my place over the coming years. If you stick around, I promise you that’s something you’ll see.
Jamie: I actually don’t have goals when it comes to cooking. I just love food and sharing it with others. Each week you’ll see recipes, food snaps, and posts about food. As it’s a pleasure and a hobby, I try (as hard as a type-A person like myself can) not to take it too seriously.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Here’s an easy, fast recipe for unexpected guests or if you’re invited to a church ‘potluck”: To one box of JIFFY Muffin mix ( and you can use any flavor for this- even corn muffins) add 1 6oz. cup of fruit flavored yogurt- anything except lime or lemon works great- I like to use mixed berry. Mix in one beaten egg. Prepare mufiin tins with nonstick spray, fill 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees 18-22 min. or until toothpick comes out clean. Makes 6-8 muffins depending on size of your tins.
November 15th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Thanks, Cindy!
November 15th, 2009 at 11:03 am
More updates!
*I definitely plan to write more about skin-care products (although, to note, I have sensitive/combination skin, and I tend to write recommendations in that vein).
*I will have more giveaways!
*I write a ton of articles about hair-care (especially for my coarse curls), so keep checking back!
Aline – Re: foster care system in the U.S. I’ll admit that I don’t actually know more about this. My apologies. I tend to write about what I know, and issues that affect me and those who I love.
November 15th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
good gift
November 16th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Thanks, Leana!
November 17th, 2009 at 11:54 am
All those prizes look amazing. I’d love to win!
November 17th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Heather,
Sounds great! Feel free to enter using the “Contest Widget” widget above.
Cheers, Felicia
November 17th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
this is very nice
November 17th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
I wish the best of luck to you returning to the full-time world. I’m glad you found a company you believe in because there’s not to many out there believable.
Awesome giveaway your having!
Thank you.
November 17th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Teresa,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I do feel grateful and humbled that in the midst of such a precarious financial climate, I managed to find a company that I truly respect and admire.
Warmly, Felicia
November 17th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Thanks, Evelyn! Feel free to enter the contest using the above Contest Machine widget!
November 18th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I suggested a topic but it said there was an error.
November 19th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Kelly,
So sorry. I’ll ensure that you’re included in the mix.
Cheers, Felicia
November 19th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I would love to win this! It would be a great pick me up. My whole family has gone through alot this year. My husband is currently on a 1yr deployment to Kuwait and I recently have had surgery on a bulging disc in my neck. With 2 kids it would be awesome to have alittle something for me!
November 19th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Cristi,
Thank you so much for writing and I’m sending strength and warm wishes your way. Feel free to enter using the the widget in the post.
Warmly, Felicia
November 19th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
This would be a great way to pamper myself. I need it!!!!
November 19th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Laura,
so glad to hear! Definitely enter using the contest widget in the above post.
Warmly, Felicia
November 20th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
i really need some MEEEEEE pampering after going thru a great depression and still struggling
November 20th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Irene,
I hear you! And I plan on having more contests as the days progress! Feel free to enter this one via the widget above.
Warmly, Felicia
November 20th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Congratulations on this new journey in your life! I wish you the very best and it sounds like you are off to a great start. I have been in similar employment situations as you have in the past, where I have had to close the door and have a good hard cry because my ideas were dismissed, or some of my colleagues were just so competitive, all trying to out shine one another, that it made for a non-existent team working environment that left me wanting to hit the road. I am now a stay at home Mom of 3 young children, but one day in the not too far off future I’d like to get back into my career as a graphic designer and I hope I find a company where I can not only be challenged with the work I do, but actually enjoy the folks I work with! You are an inspiration and thanks so much in sharing your joy with us! I’d love some pampering goodies to use, especially during the upcoming holidays when I will need some alone “me” time. Happy Holidays!
November 20th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Joanna,
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a note. I have to say that being an amazing, present mother is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. I watch my friends who are mothers with their children and I’m always astounded by their constant patience, compassion and strength.
Honestly, it’s taken me nearly a decade (I’ll be 34 next month) to finally realize my career path. And I think it’s important for all of us to constantly self-explore, constantly discover, constantly search, regardless of our age.
But thanks for popping by and I hope I have you as a new reader and virtual friend
Warmly, Felicia
November 20th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
i could really use some pamper me time.like most woman putting myself last is very easy. i am working on it.i never seem to have any money left after paying all the bills to pamper myself.
November 20th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
I lost my Father last month! I kindof know what you are going through! Thanks for offering this great giveaway! senekers@comcast.net
November 20th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
i could really use some pamper me time
November 21st, 2009 at 2:58 am
best beauty product gifts for 20.00 and under
November 21st, 2009 at 8:36 am
Thanks, Kerri! If you’d like to enter the contest, please use the widget application above.
Comments aren’t included in the entries.
November 21st, 2009 at 11:42 am
This kit will help to achieve the optimal image of modern woman!
November 21st, 2009 at 11:47 am
Thanks! But the contest is actually closed.