The Ultimate New Year, New Goals Giveaway: Celebrating Community & Growth

Good morning and welcome to our spectacular New Year Giveaway! As we embrace the fresh start that 2013 brings, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of organizing this special event alongside some of my absolute favorite blogger colleagues. This giveaway is more than just an opportunity to win fantastic prizes; it’s a heartfelt expression of gratitude for your incredible support of This Gal Cooks, and a wonderful chance to introduce you to a vibrant collection of blogs you’re sure to adore, whether you’ve visited them before or are discovering them for the first time. We believe in the power of community, sharing, and growth, and this event embodies all of those values.

The dawn of a new year often brings with it a surge of inspiration and a renewed commitment to personal development. We all find ourselves setting new goals, aspiring to better ourselves, and striving for new achievements. As the host of this giveaway, I’m excited to share some of my own aspirations for 2013, and I’m equally thrilled to present the insightful goals of my fellow blogging friends. It’s always fascinating to see what drives others, and I hope their visions for the year ahead will inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me.

Setting the Stage for 2013: Our Personal & Professional Goals

For me, 2013 is all about refining my approach to life’s demands and pursuing long-term ambitions. My primary goals revolve around strengthening my financial discipline, making more informed decisions about how I spend my time, and consistently advancing towards my bachelor’s degree. Juggling a blog, personal life, and academic pursuits requires significant dedication, and I’m determined to master the art of balance and efficiency this year. It’s a journey of continuous learning, and I’m ready for the challenge.

To truly capture the spirit of new beginnings, I reached out to my wonderful blogger friends, asking them to share their personal and professional goals for 2013. Their responses are a testament to their diverse passions, aspirations, and commitment to growth. Let’s delve into what some of them are aiming for:

Inspiring Goals from Our Blogging Community:

Pamela from Pamela’s Heavenly Treats: Walking by Grace and Pursuing Wellness

Pamela, the creative force behind Pamela’s Heavenly Treats, is embarking on 2013 with a powerful theme: GRACE. She shares, “My goals for the new year are to walk by God’s GRACE (that is my word for the new year)! To watch God show up and show out! To keep eating healthy, exercising, to lose the remaining 50lbs before December 2013. For my Healthy Cupcake and Cookie business to have more business each month, and for my Etsy shop to have an overflow of orders, I am so ready for that!” Pamela’s holistic approach to her goals, encompassing spiritual growth, physical health, and entrepreneurial success, is truly inspiring. Her dedication to healthy living, exemplified by her pursuit of a significant weight loss goal, demonstrates a deep commitment to personal well-being, while her ambition for her “Healthy Cupcake and Cookie” business and Etsy shop highlights her passion for sharing her culinary talents.

Jen from Boys will be Boys: Speed, Structure, and Savings

Jen, the spirited blogger behind Boys will be Boys, focuses on enhancing efficiency and financial wisdom this year. She states, “I want to get faster with my running. I want to get more organized. I want to get better at saving money.” Jen’s goals reflect a desire for both physical and practical improvements. Her running aspiration speaks to a pursuit of personal bests and a commitment to fitness, while her emphasis on organization and saving money are fundamental steps towards a more streamlined and financially secure lifestyle. These are common yet incredibly impactful goals many of us can relate to, underscoring the universal desire for a more orderly and prosperous life.

Sarah from Fantastical Sharing of Recipes: Mastering the Art of Balance

Sarah, the creative mind behind Fantastical Sharing of Recipes, faces the delightful challenge of balancing multiple roles. She explains, “My main goals for 2013 are to find balance between having one baby in school and one at home, keeping up with two blogs, volunteering in my husband’s unit, and being a total bookworm – all why trying to keep my house clean and not let my DVR get too full.” Sarah’s goals paint a vivid picture of a modern multi-tasker striving for harmony. Her aspiration to balance family life, a vibrant online presence with two blogs, community service through volunteering, and personal passions like reading, all while maintaining her home and entertainment, is incredibly ambitious and inspiring. It’s a testament to the dedication required to manage a full and fulfilling life.

Raquel from Organized Island: Financial Savvy and Culinary Creativity

Raquel, the ingenious blogger from Organized Island, is setting her sights on both financial prudence and expanding her digital and culinary skills. She shares, “My goals for this year include: saving more money, better understanding Google+ and baking more cupcakes.” Raquel’s goals beautifully blend practical financial management with an eagerness to master new digital platforms and indulge in the joy of baking. Her desire to better understand Google+ reflects the evolving landscape of online presence, while “baking more cupcakes” reminds us to embrace the simple pleasures and creative outlets that bring joy. Her approach highlights the importance of continuous learning and joyful pursuits.

Deb from Cooking on the Front Burner: Elevating Skills and Wellness

Deb, the talented cook and blogger at Cooking on the Front Burner, is focused on sharpening her technical skills and enhancing her well-being. She states, “My goals are to learn how to use my Rebel camera to improve my picture taking, hit the gym 4 days a week, cook dinner meals under 500 calories and to finish going through my magazines and organizing my recipes!” Deb’s goals showcase a dedication to both professional development and personal health. Her ambition to master her camera for improved food photography is crucial for any food blogger, while her commitment to regular gym visits and healthy cooking underscores a holistic approach to fitness. The task of organizing magazines and recipes speaks to a desire for efficiency and creative order in her culinary world.

Jaime from Mom’s Test Kitchen: Prioritizing Time and Passion

Jaime, the dedicated blogger behind Mom’s Test Kitchen, is focusing on making more time for what truly matters. She shares, “My goals for the new year are to be better organized and to find more time for the things I enjoy – find time to read, find more time to cook and spend more time with my family.” Jaime’s goals resonate deeply with many parents and busy individuals. Her pursuit of better organization is a foundational step to unlock more precious time. The emphasis on carving out moments for personal enjoyment like reading and cooking, alongside prioritizing family time, beautifully illustrates the universal quest for a fulfilling life that balances responsibilities with personal passions and loved ones.

Carrie from Frugal Foodie Mama: Cultivating Skills and Financial Health

Carrie, the resourceful voice of Frugal Foodie Mama, is concentrating on honing her craft and fortifying her financial foundation. She elaborates, “My New Years Goals – Improve my food photography skills. Be more present with my family more often. Get on the right track financially.” Carrie’s goals highlight a strategic approach to both her blog and her personal life. Improving food photography is essential for a food blogger to visually engage her audience, while her commitment to being more present with her family speaks to the importance of mindful living. Her goal of getting on the right financial track is a crucial step towards long-term security and peace of mind. These are aspirational yet achievable goals that offer inspiration for practical self-improvement.

The Importance of Setting Goals for a Fulfilling Year

As you can see from the diverse aspirations shared by these amazing bloggers, setting goals is a powerful practice that provides direction, motivation, and a roadmap for personal and professional growth. Goals transform abstract desires into concrete objectives, allowing us to measure progress and celebrate achievements throughout the year. Whether it’s enhancing a skill, improving health, strengthening finances, or finding better life balance, each goal contributes to a more purposeful and fulfilling existence. We encourage you to reflect on your own dreams and turn them into actionable goals for 2013!

Join the Excitement: Our Amazing Giveaway Details!

Now that we’ve shared our inspiring goals and the spirit of new beginnings, it’s time to move on to the part you’ve all been eagerly waiting for: the giveaway itself! This is your chance to win some fantastic prizes as a thank you for being such a wonderful part of our blogging journey. We’ve worked hard to bring you a collection of items we think you’ll truly love, all made possible by the incredible generosity of our participating bloggers and sponsors.

Giveaway Rules: Ensuring a Fair and Fun Experience

To ensure a smooth, fair, and enjoyable experience for everyone, please take a moment to review the giveaway rules carefully. Adhering to these guidelines helps us maintain the integrity of the contest and allows us to celebrate our winners with confidence and transparency.

• Authentic Entries Only: We kindly request that you only submit for an entry if you have genuinely completed the task required for that entry. As the organizer, I diligently verify all submissions to ensure fairness. In the past, I’ve regrettably had to disqualify a selected winner due to uncompleted tasks, and we want to avoid any such disappointments. Your honesty helps us keep the giveaway legitimate and rewarding for truly engaged participants.
• Geographical Eligibility: Due to the logistical challenges and varying costs associated with international shipping, this giveaway is exclusively open to residents of the United States and Canada. We appreciate your understanding in this matter, as it allows us to offer more substantial prizes and manage the distribution efficiently.

We believe these simple rules help create an equitable environment for all participants. Good luck with your entries!

Meet the Incredible Bloggers Behind This Collaboration!

One of the most exciting aspects of this giveaway is the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the amazing women who have made it all possible. This collaboration is a testament to the supportive and vibrant nature of the blogging community. By joining forces, we not only offer you a fantastic chance to win, but we also create a platform for you to discover new voices, innovative recipes, inspiring lifestyle content, and valuable tips that can enrich your daily life. Let’s get to know the wonderful gals who are participating in this giveaway!

Introducing Your Host & The Esteemed Participants:

Your Host: Julie from This Gal Cooks

First and foremost, allow me to reintroduce myself! I’m Julie, the passionate voice and recipe developer behind This Gal Cooks. My blog is a celebration of delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring joy to your kitchen and your dinner table. From comforting classics to exciting new dishes, I aim to inspire home cooks of all skill levels. It’s been a true pleasure to connect with so many of you through shared love of food, and I’m thrilled to lead this collaborative giveaway as a big thank you for your loyalty and support.

The Lovely Gals Who Volunteered to Participate: Discover Their Amazing Blogs!

• Fantastical Sharing of Recipes: Dive into a treasure trove of culinary delights with Sarah. Her blog is a fantastic resource for home cooks seeking imaginative and delicious recipes that cater to family life and busy schedules. Prepare to be inspired by her creative kitchen adventures!
• Cooking on the Front Burner: Join Deb in her kitchen where she shares her passion for home cooking. Her blog offers a diverse range of recipes, cooking tips, and insights, all crafted with a practical approach to meal preparation that will make your time in the kitchen enjoyable and rewarding.
• Boys will be Boys: Explore the vibrant world of Jen’s blog, where she navigates the adventures of family life, personal growth, and practical tips. From running insights to organizational strategies and saving money, Jen shares relatable experiences that resonate with everyday challenges and triumphs.
• Pamela’s Heavenly Treats: Indulge your sweet tooth and discover a healthier approach to baking with Pamela. Her blog is a delightful destination for recipes that combine deliciousness with wellness, along with a peek into her entrepreneurial journey in the world of healthy treats.
• Organized Island: Uncover smart solutions for a more organized life with Raquel. Her blog is brimming with tips for home organization, time management, and creative ideas that help bring order and joy to your daily routines. She also shares some delightful recipes and insights into modern living.
• Call Me PMc: Patricia, the voice behind Call Me PMc, offers a wonderful collection of mouth-watering recipes, entertaining ideas, and inspiring lifestyle content. Her blog is a haven for those who appreciate good food and beautiful living, making every day feel a little more special.
• Frugal Foodie Mama: Discover how to eat well without breaking the bank with Carrie. Her blog is a treasure chest of budget-friendly recipes, clever meal planning strategies, and smart financial tips designed to help families enjoy delicious food and a financially sound lifestyle.
• Mom’s Test Kitchen: Jaime brings you tested and approved recipes perfect for family meals and busy schedules. Her blog is a practical guide for home cooks seeking reliable, flavorful dishes that simplify mealtime, ensuring every dish is a success.
• White Lights on Wednesday: Head over to White Lights on Wednesday for a vibrant mix of recipes, crafts, and entertaining ideas. This blog is a fantastic source of inspiration for adding a touch of creativity and joy to your home and special occasions.

We are incredibly grateful to these talented bloggers for their participation and their continuous contributions to the online community. Their diverse content truly offers something for everyone!

Thank You for Your Support!

Thank you once again for joining us in this celebration of community, goals, and generosity. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about our aspirations for 2013 and discovering these wonderful blogs. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win! Your continued readership and engagement mean the world to us, and we look forward to sharing many more delicious recipes, inspiring stories, and exciting collaborations with you throughout the year.