In Need of Some Inspiration... PLUS a Giveaway!

So guess what? Did you know that it's been a WHOLE year now since I started my blog? I really can't believe it!  179 posts, 65,000 visits, 485 followers, 860 facebook fans, and 3,764 comments later. Not that the stats really matter... okay, who am I kidding, the stats TOTALLY matter :) It's really what keeps me going, if I didn't have all the support of you guys then what would be the point. I might as well just keep a journal instead of a public blog. Really though, I am truly grateful for all your kind words of encouragement and advice. I've grown so much and learned so much over the past year, and I really have you all to thank.
Okay, so now the reason for the title of this post.  I must tell you, writing a song is FLIPPIN HARD!!! I'm not going to give up   no siree, but I have developed a whole new appreciation for song writers. I've been sticking to my commitment but I'm in MAJOR need of some inspiration. This whole process has been pretty discouraging, but as I persist I'm finding it a little easier... well not easier, but I guess a little less daunting.  This type of thing does not come easy to me, but I'm reminded of the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved."




And now for the giveaway!!!!
You all remember those cute Cabaret Leggings I got from Effie's Heart?

Well they have offered to sponsor a giveaway!!!!  We were going to have these leggings be the prize, but they are going so fast we didn't want to risk not having the right size left when the contest was over. So if you've been wanting to get a pair of these you better hurry up. They are offering FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the US.
They have so many other cute clothes and accessories that it wasn't hard to find something else for this giveaway. First let me share a little about them.

"For all modern women who yearn for the true glamour of yesteryear, Effie’s Heart has come to save the day. Kimo, founder of Effie’s Heart, has a lust for easy living, an appreciation of eclectic beauty, and a taste for the finer things of fashion’s past - all of which come together to bridge new fashion ground in Effie’s Heart.


As a fashion adventurist who believes in the accessibility of style, Kimo has created a line wearable by any modern woman who believes that comfort can be bed-mates with fashion. Using color palettes inspired by antique catalogs, art history, nature, and vintage clothing, Kimo has painted a fashion canvas that is both endearing and unique. Fighting against the forces of sameness that trend services push onto mass culture, Kimo would like to introduce Effie’s Heart to all those who believe there is still room for original inspiration."

This shirt is my favorite. I got it in black too!

Now for the giveaway PRIZE!!!

A $36 Gift Card!!!

Don't you just LOVE these gloves? They are called the East End Gloves. They are priced at $41 and they also have them in the Bay blue, same color as this shirt. I'm SO excited about my new stylish gloves, and now one of YOU can also have a pair. Just leave a comment here to be entered, you must be a follower of this blog or fan on Facebook in order to win. For more chances to win, you can leave additional comments by doing a few of these things below (leave a separate comment for each one you do). We appreciate your help in spreading the word. (Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if it's not already public in a profile)

• Like  Effie's Heart on Facebook  and leave a comment on their wall, let them know I sent you.
• Suggest to 3 of your friends to "like" Balanced Moms on Facebook
• Subscribe to Effie's Heart Newsletter
• Follow me on Twitter
• Follow Effie's Heart Blog
• Post about this on Facebook, or your blog

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!
This giveaway will end 11-30