Sandier Pastures

** This contest has ended. **

I felt left out during Fall Y’All bloggy giveaway carnival last year but guess what? I will not be feeling like a castaway this time! For some reason, I am able to access typepad blogs now and therefore, be a part of this year’s first Bloggy Giveaways carnival at Shannon’s Rocks in My Dryer.

So since I am caught by surprise with this sudden change of luck, I didn’t have time to think about or shop for a ‘creative’ giveaway so it will be:

PRIZE: $20 gift certificate to Amazon (I’ll give you the liberty to shop for your favorite book)

HOW TO WIN: Just comment mentioning your current/ultimate favorite book here.

DRAW: A winner will be chosen at random on February 3.

This giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere and you don’t even need a blog to join. Goodluck!

This should be fun! I’ll see if I can come up with another giveaway (something unique) on my way home today.

Today is the official one year anniversary since the birth of this little blog. Sandier Pastures, first inspired by my relocation to Dubai and my want to share our desert living  experience with the world, is one year and 475 posts old!

~ don’t clink your glasses too loud, alcohol is prohibited in public places! ~

It has been a great year. Writing about life in Dubai has brought me to discover more about this diverse (sometimes strange) place, it’s history and culture. At first, I thought I would tire of it and give up but I haven’t  and I’m surprised it actually made me think of my surroundings and made me strive to experience something new every week.

So what’s in store for the bloggiversary party? In case you forgot, there was a little contest I posted three weeks ago which got an overwhelming response! Thanks to all those who helped spread the word.

Now, without much further ado, I present you the winner of a blog makeover I wished was for me:

UPDATE: I was informed that Susan already won the SAME prize at a different blog so I get to chose another contestant. She is twice lucky!

 Congratulations to Susan of Dirt Makes Fat Nathalie of Kennedy & Friends Co.

Nathalie wins a Gold Package Blog Makeover (valued at $100) courtesy of RS Designs.

Thanks to everyone who participated, posted shout outs and greetings. All your comments and visits had become an inspiration for me to post every single day. Here’s to another year of blogging!