First things first. Have you heard about this “little” fire outside of Boulder? It has now grown to over 7,000 acres, 3,000 people have been evacuated and 100 structures/homes have been burned. While we’re about ten miles away, we’re affected. Yesterday our kids were inside for recess and all outside after school stuff was cancelled. The air quality stunk (literally). It’s pretty eerie at night to see the foothills on fire. By day, the sun is covered by a thick band of smoke. Hopefully progress will be made today.
When I was 15 there was a forest fire that caused us to evacuate. My mom left uncooked ground beef in a pan and we grabbed the cat, the dog and the photo albums. We walked miles and spent the night in the American Embassy. Our house was spared with only a few bushes burned, but a house right across the street was charred to the ground. The smell of smoke in the air always reminds me of how scared I was back then. My thoughts go out to everyone affected by the Four Mile Canyon Fire. Here’s what it looked like on Monday:
Now – to the giveaway!!
Free money. That’s what it is. Money to dress up your home. Money to buy that new toaster. Money to spend on a new coffee table.
Those poor guys stuck underground in Chile* might not know about CSN Stores, but if you breeze in and out of the blog world, you certainly do. In fact, this is my second giveaway with these guys. CSN Stores has over 200 specialized online stores featuring a variety of home goods such as furniture, home decor, house wares, fitness equipment, shoes, bags and luggage. Plus, they provide free shipping and returns.
Want $80 in CSN bucks? Do this (a comment for each):
- Write about this giveaway on your blog - +1 entry
- Become a follower of my blog if you’re not already or if you are, tell me - +1 entry
- Tell me about the one thing you’d most like to improve about your house, apartment, condo, etc. – + 1 entry
Good luck! Giveaway ends Wednesday, September 15.
The fine print:
If I don’t hear back from the winner within 2 days after posting that they’ve won, I’ll Random.org another name
Thanks for playing and good luck!
*I’m not being glib or minimizing here. These guys are a complete testimony to how the human spirit can prevail. Stuck 2,300 feet underground until Christmas. I bet Oprah is trying to get a phone down there to set up their first interview.
i NEED more storage space - maybe via some new small tables/shelves?
ReplyDeleteI am a follower
ReplyDeletealso, i'm already a blog follower via google reader :)
ReplyDeleteI need to reorganize our master closet
ReplyDeleteHere is my link: http://christy-goingthedistance.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaways.html
ReplyDeleteSo sad about the fires...was thinking about you Colorado peeps today while watching the news.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
Our master bath needs some serious attention
ReplyDeleteI am a follower. Love the blog!
ReplyDeleteI need to organize my laundry room, hoping it will motivate me to clean more!
ReplyDeletestay safe! i'm a follower already
ReplyDeletei'd like to improve the lighting in my apartment. it's terrible!
ReplyDeletei'm linking to you in my next post
ReplyDeleteneed some better storage items!!! badly in need of it at my apartment :(
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAlready following you!
ReplyDeleteCool giveaway! I shall post about it today!
ReplyDeleteI am, of course, a follower. :)
ReplyDeleteI linked ya on my blog side bar!
ReplyDeleteI need so much in this house...but what I would probably do is use it towards either a rug or a small kitchen table...but that's assuming I don't come across another must-have item first, like a coffee maker or new pan or kitchen items...
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteWe really need to improve our organization in the garage.
ReplyDeleteand, I'd probably get some things for the kitchen
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I'd like to improve most about my house is my bedroom! It needs a revamp! A new bedset would definitely help with that!
ReplyDeleteI still really want a foam roller ... and other such fitness nonsense.
ReplyDeleteI thinking about my front-ranger friends today. I hope all goes well.
ReplyDeleteum..yeah...I'm a follower... :)
I would like to improve my towel status. Why oh why can't I just buy new towels like a normal person?
ReplyDeleteYAY I follow you --- maybe even to Vegas. PLEASE tell me you are scared by NOW?! ;)
ReplyDeleteI want a foam roller. To hit the pita over the head with.
ReplyDeleteI would love to redo a few rooms in my house. The first would be the master bedroom and bath and then also the kitchen. The kitchen needs new floors and a new frig and a few other items.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower of your crazy journey...lovin every second of it!!!:)
ReplyDeleteRight now we are working on improving our sunroom. We laid tile this past weekend, and my husband is painting the room today. I would love to find some neat pictures or furniture to go in our sunroom off of CSN.
ReplyDeleteI already follow you!!
ReplyDeletejacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
Just one thing to improve??Well, the foundation is off at the house so my front door shifted and now it will not lock!!!I need a new door.
ReplyDeletejacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
Im a follower on Google reader
ReplyDeleteI would like a new cabinet or something for my overabundance of bake ware. The kitchen is overflowing
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower. Thank god for Smokey and all those years of fire suppression, right?
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
ReplyDeleteLinked to your giveaway in my blog sidebar.
ReplyDeleteThe thing we've struggled for years to try and improve is the wall affectionately known as the 'Yellow Monster'. One long, large wall in our family room that is painted a yellow/gold color that we can't seem to find the 'right' thing to put on the wall for decoration. Thus, it sits in all it's undecorated splendor.
ReplyDeleteNot another entry, but in response to your comment on my blog .... "That's what she said."
ReplyDeleteCouldn't resist.
I'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, Follower of SUAR!! Deb
ReplyDeleteBeth, Lving Room is in shambles (literally under reconstuction), it will need help to finish. Deb
ReplyDeleteposted on my blog!
ReplyDeleteand I want a fancy mcpants blender! it would greatly improve the overall look of my house, trust me.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about you and worried about the fires near you - how scary! The smoke is not too bad here but I can definitely feel it in my eyeballs and lungs.
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo, I am a follower :)
I follow.
ReplyDeleteSince a have the daughter in college, I have no $$ for house remodeling, though the whole house needs a total revamp. I'd start with my family room, it's the biggest "stuck in the 80's" room.
ReplyDeleteFaithful Follower!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeletePosted your giveaway on my sidebar.
ReplyDeleteposted a comment on my blog
ReplyDeletehttp://ctcupcake.blogspot.com/2010/09/wishlist-wednesday-and-giveaway.html
am also a follower and FB fan
ReplyDeleteThe walls of my house need more decoration. I don't like clutter at all, but some of my walls just look kind of bare.
ReplyDeleteAnd...what my house really needs is new kitchen appliances - I'm talking dishwasher, stove, microwave...if I win, what it will get is flatware to replace my missing spoons and forks - seriously, where do they disappear to?
ReplyDeleteBummer on the fire - always so scary. Hope it's put out soon.
my apt needs more comfy seating, am desperate for an armchair, so winning would help towards the purchase, since all I have is one couch and no armchairs
ReplyDeleteIf I could change something about my home, I would put more then ONE outlet in my kitchen... then I'd get ALL new kitchenware...knives, pots, pans. All those wedding gifts must have had a 3-year lifespan, as they all went to crap at the same time a few yaers ago. And since I'm nice, I let my children eat food instead of buying new stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!! AND....I'm dying for a new coffee table!!! The dog bed just isn't cutting it anymore :(
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
ReplyDeleteHow could I not be. You ran with DEAN! We probably have his sweat covered towel listed on ebay by now. heehee
Linking you in tomorrow's post. You can check me on it. Linking you on Face book too.
ReplyDeleteMy house. Well, the Pa house (kids and I) need our furance to work. It doesn't currently. That's not a problem in 80+ degree weather however the 40 something nights are reminding me that I probably should be at least getting some estimates. You think?
ReplyDeleteOpps, and the VA house (Hubbs stationed there but we have a house). We need the front porch made safer. (Older house.) and some more furniture would be nice. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteim a follower
ReplyDeletei would buy a steam vac because our carpet is pretty gross and so far thats all i could think of that needs improvement
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower! Woop woop :)
ReplyDeleteI'll post a link to my blog tonight/tomorrow morning.
ReplyDeleteI could totally use a pressure cooker. Or, a crock pot. Either would be so lovely :) Thanks for the sweet giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to improve the mess that is my apartment. Not sure how one can correct their cleaning skills, unfortunately....
ReplyDeleteim a follower!! :)
ReplyDeleteannnnd i could use some new bedding!! real bad.
ReplyDeleteI would love new rugs - mine are just worn out! Our home is only 3 1/2 years old , so we don't need a lot of updating, but I think rugs and new throw pillows would freshen things up a bit!!
ReplyDeletei want to sell the current house and start from scratch at a new place.
ReplyDeletei am a follower
ReplyDeletei linked it in the sidebar of my blog
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're linked, in a post and on my sidebar.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know where to start with what I'd like to improve but since we're renting and I can't do the things I'd like (completely gut it and start from scratch), I think I nice throw rug or new curtains could do wonders.
ReplyDeleteWe moved into our house more than a year ago and we have no decor on the walls. It's sad really.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
ReplyDeleteThat would have been a horrifying experience! No wonder you are still scarred. I hope they are able to make some good progress against those fires SOON!
ReplyDeleteCount me in for the giveaway - I'm a follower!
My home needs to be PAINTED!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
ReplyDeleteWe really need to work on our siding and paint the exterior of our house.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
ReplyDeleteand
ReplyDeleteits totally not in the "home improvement" aspect
but
If I won the gift card I would use it to get my kiddo (whose bday is next month) a plasma car. He has been wanting one and lo and behold CSN carries them.
you dont want to let a little kid down, do you :)
That fire is so scary. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
ReplyDeleteIf I could, I'd paint and decorate the kids bedrooms.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteAnd one thing I'd like to improve in our condo is to add some interesting patterned wallpaper to a small strip of wall in our living area to give the room some color punch.
ReplyDeletei'm a follower.
ReplyDeletehewella1 at gmail dot com
I would love to improve my kitchen and give it a Tuscan feel.
ReplyDeletehewella1 at gmail dot com
I'm a follower of your blog!
ReplyDeleteI just finished grad school, so just about everything in my apt could use an upgrade!
ReplyDeleteFirst and most important, prayers that you all are ok and that fire is controlled quickly.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I'm already a follower.. how could I not be?!! You're amazing.
and... third, I need a new ice cream maker. OK -not a home improvement but it would be a "mood uplifter" if that counts.
ReplyDeleteClosets! I would have all the closets redone with closet organizers, space savers, and anything else that would maximize the space.
ReplyDeletekarenb1961(at)gmail(dot)com
We just bought our first house and we are trying to pretend we are real adults and get nice furniture. I am desperately trying to get a new kitchen table, and some new bedroom furniture.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have added the give away to my blog. The link is here: http://livinginahayes.blogspot.com/2010/09/wednesday-september-8-201080-csn.html
ReplyDeleteI am a follower of you blog. LOVE IT!!!!
ReplyDeleteI really would like to draw up plans and completely re-work my backyard. make it more pleasant and usable for the family.
ReplyDeleteIn Southern California, we get wild fires every year. It's really the only weather-related issue we have to deal with, aside from the occasional earthquake.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the fire in your neck of the woods, though. It's BEAUTIFUL out there.Hope I get to travel out there to do a race some day.
I'm a follower! Baaaa!
ReplyDeleteI really, really, really, really want a vitamix mixer - and having $80 to put towards it would make my hubbs very happy!
ReplyDeleteI've entered for this so many times! I have to win!
So sorry to hear the fires are so close - out here in California they are a regular occurance. Hope you are all staying safe!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower :)
ReplyDeleteI'd put the money towards a new sofa/futon - the one my roommate and I have now is so uncomfortable that I don't think anyone's used the living room in at least a month (no exaggeration).
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
ReplyDeleteI would put the money towards a table. I have no table :(
ReplyDeleteCool! I am already a follower. I would like something to decorate my bedroom, something that I would not normally spend money on!
ReplyDeleteSad to say, that we have accumulated a lot of papers to be filed. I would really like to get a nice filing system down and throw out everything we really don't need or want
ReplyDeletemmatt624 at gmail dot com
google friend connect follower
ReplyDeletemmatt624 at gmail dot com
blog entry
ReplyDeletehttp://mbf-babble.blogspot.com/2010/09/80-csn-giveaway.html
mmatt624 at gmail dot com
New follower
ReplyDeletetruthhole@gmail.com
I am a follower.
ReplyDeletehillaryanna at yahoo dot com
I'm a follower! :)
ReplyDeleteI need storage containers big time for all of our stuff!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower! And would looove to make my bare walls more interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've been following.
ReplyDeleteGot your Give-a-way on my blog.
ReplyDeletewww.imafitnessjunky.blogspot.com
Improvements - We are building a new house in a few months and I could go crazy with some CSN $$$!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteI still live at home so i have one room to myself lol... i would probalby get some sort of storage or shelving :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to tile or put in wood floor. Our carpet is gross with 3 kids!
ReplyDeleteYuck. Hope the air is getting better.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
I'd love to get rid of my crappy cabinets. But I don't think an $80 gc will do it. Bummer.
ReplyDeleteposted your giveaway on my blog
ReplyDeletealready a follower
ReplyDeletei wish my kitchen was bigger, that's what i'd like to improve
ReplyDeleteI'd like to decorate more with vases, paintings, etc.
ReplyDeletei'm a blog follower too - evil_eva12
ReplyDeleteHoly, my thoughts go out to anyone affected by the fire as well.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
Hmmm, as for improving my apartment, I'd invest in my bed - new sheets!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to narrow down just one thing to improve on our house (we moved about 4 months ago) but I could really use some better organization? I'm sure I could find something @ CSN to help with that....
ReplyDeletei'm a follower! google reader, baby! :)
ReplyDeletei'd love to redecorate my living room. the pillows on our couch are gross and i'd love some coordinating decor for the walls!
ReplyDeleteI"m following via GFC
ReplyDeleteI would love to declutter! Having 4 kids makes time a little short.. but I *will* do it :O)
ReplyDeleteI linked to this giveaway on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!!!
ReplyDeleteGet rid of PAPER!!!! It seems like as soon as I get rid of a stack the next stack is already starting - just can't keep up.
ReplyDeleteHope that your place stays safe and that they are able to get the fires under control - I LOVE Boulder - it is a great city. It actually reminds me of Madison . . . except for the foot hills and mountains and weather. But otherwise they are very similar. ;-)
ReplyDeletei want some tables and some lamps in the apt... my bf hates lamps... all the more reason to get one... or five!
ReplyDeletei am a follower
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I would change about my bed is I would love to get a headboard/new bed brame!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteI need lamps/lighting and some new bedding!
ReplyDeleteI've got a good feeling about this one this time. I follow!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to spruce up my patio.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the fire. Been hearing all about it from my peeps in Erie. Hope they get it out soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
I would love a big huge screen TV for my bedroom. You can get that with $80 can't you?
ReplyDeleteI blogged about this giveaway and posted here:
ReplyDeletehttp://thespanglyprincess.blogspot.com/2010/09/csn-stores-gift-certificate-giveaway_08.html
lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
I’m following you publicly via GFC. ID: lyndadawinda1074
ReplyDeletelyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
I am currently trying to reorganize my closets.
ReplyDeletelyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
Google Friend Connect follower
ReplyDeletequacklynn at gmail dot com
I'd love to get some new bedroom furniture. I hate my dresser!
ReplyDeletequacklynn at gmail dot com
blog posting
ReplyDeletehttp://babyonthemind.blogspot.com/2010/09/80-csn-stores-gift-card-giveaway.html
quacklynn at gmail dot com
I would love to take out all the carpet and install wood floors ....and then put glorious rugs everywhere. :)
ReplyDeleteI am following you on GFC.
ReplyDeleteBlogged!
ReplyDeletehttp://vintagefabulous.blogspot.com/2010/09/shut-up-and-run-80-csn-giveaway.html
heatheranne99 at gmail dot com
I'd like to improve my dining room furniture. They're falling apart.
ReplyDeleteheatheranne99 at gmail dot com
i just became a new follower
ReplyDeleteandrea d
drea8685@yahoo.com
I'm a follower
ReplyDeletePosted to my blog sidebar: http://soskinnyontheinside.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI need to better organize everything in my house - getting there, but not done yet!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to tile my house. And, to get rid of all the toys from my 3 kids - but that'll be about 6 years or so.
ReplyDeleteFollowing your blog :)
ReplyDeleteWhat I'd most like to do is get a new house!! Otherwise, some new storage would probably make this one much more livable. We need to move! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I hope everyone's okay in the Boulder area...such a beautiful place & hope the fire gets under control.
ReplyDeletewow, what a scary childhood memory!
ReplyDeletei'm already a follower and i need to improve my general decorating. we've lived in the new house for over a year and the walls are still bare. i suck at it.
This Fire business is awful, I'm sorry you all are so close to the actual thing - it's hard to remember how bad it is over here because the skies are clear and the smell of smoke hasn't reached us just yet.
ReplyDeleteIf you need somewhere to run, smoke-free, I can show you around my 'hood! :)
I'd like a new couch!
ReplyDeleteCLOTHED MUCH, a modest fashion blog
I follow your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to buy a new poofy bed for my dog! He has just about worn out the one he has in the living room!
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe that fire! We landed in DIA on Tuesday and driving down I-25 we were like "Where did the mountains go? Is that FOG?".
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
Our house is sparse and white. I would love to spruce up the walls with some bright paints and nice decor.
ReplyDeleteA new coffee table might be nice too...
I am a follower
ReplyDeletethe one thing i would like to improve would defiantly be the clutter. i need more storage ideas to de-clutter our apartment, especially before baby gets here
ReplyDeleteIm a follower!
ReplyDeleteMy house desperately needs something to organize my garage, get some of the clutter out of the house and into its own place!
ReplyDeleteFollower!
ReplyDeleteI want to remodel my kitchen....VERY BADLY. (BAD?)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to redecorate our bedroom - it's just kind of blah.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Google Reader
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Organization - please more organization! I really hate clutter.
ReplyDeletealanna
I just became a follower!
ReplyDeleteIn my home, I would like to improve my closet space, which means more organization and more organizers :)
ReplyDeleteAlready a follower!
ReplyDeleteLinked to my blog!
ReplyDeleteMy house is new and still has the contractor paint on the walls. I would like to repaint every room!
ReplyDeleteHere via Tall Mom. I'd replace the nasty carpet in our dining room with hardwood flooring.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower. And I want a well-stocked applianced kitchen for all my baking ventures!
ReplyDeleteI posted this giveaway on my blog runzoerun.com.
ReplyDeleteDude, I hate hardwood/linoleum floors, and my entire downstairs is covered in it. So, eventually I would love to put in some carpet.
ReplyDelete