Monday, September 07, 2009

Back-to-School Blues Giveaway

I got the back-to-school blues, and am singin' my woes in my latest T/S piece. I don't know if other parents out there feel like I do. I realize I'm in the minority with this sentiment, but hey, I'm not really 'in the norm' anyhow!

So, I thought I'd try to lift spirits with a cookbook giveaway (you choose which cookbook)! It's been a while since I've thrown a book your way, and now's a good time! Even if you already have my books, you can always score a copy to give to a friend, or relative... maybe help with your Christmas gift list?!

Comment on this post to enter, and with the answer to this question: when the winter weather hits, where will you likely find Dreena? (hint: click through to find the answer). Also, the standard rules of my giveaways apply, found here.

Be sure to leave your comment on this blog post, not on the True/Slant article (of course you're always welcome to comment on t/s, but that comment will not be eligible for the contest).

Go read, and good luck!

111 comments:

Kirs10 said...

I love both of your blogs! I definitely have the back-to-school blues. I started school last week and have been searching for time to bake up a sweet treat.
We can find you "plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea"

Unknown said...

In front of the fireplace--just like me!

aimee said...

Ha! I loved your article. I'd also like to spend the winter in front of my fireplace. It'd be even nicer if I could have a fire in it! Looking forward to your lunch and snack packing tips!

Janae @ Bring-Joy said...

You're in front of the fireplace with some herbal tea. My kids aren't in school yet so....I can't say I have the back to school blues. But I do loathe the short, cold and dreary days of winter. NO fun! Thank goodness for the holidays.

radioactivegan said...

i know i'll find you plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea. i'm in a similar place to you, except (having no kids) i'm the one going back to school. luckily college students don't get as much lice :)

the fortress said...

Winter leave you, like me, in domestic lockdown. And this year I'll even have a fireplace to plop in front of with some tea and chocolate, too!

Hope the cold weather holds off for a bit!

Leah said...

You'll be plopped down in front of the fireplace with some tea, a cookbook, and some chocolate. I would not look forward to the germs of kids in flu season either!

Melissa said...

In front of the fireplace with tea, chocolate and/or ice cream. Sounds good to me!

Elise said...

You'll be in front of the fireplace, which is exactly where I'd be had I a fireplace.

becca said...

We can find you in front of the fireplace with tea and chocolate or ice cream!

nora said...

Thanks for the giveaway! In front of the fireplace with a cup of tea! I didn't even need to click, I read your article earlier when I saw it on facebook! :)

East Village Vegan said...

We can find you plopped in front of the fireplace with a cup of herbal tea. A cookbook, chocolate or ice cream would likely go well with your tea! Looking forward to your next article.

demicmic said...

Glad we don't have a fireplace, I might never leave the house when winter hits. I would be right next to you in front of the fireplace and I love herbal tea too!
Winter is awful to me.
theindy4 at sbcglobal dot net

SewCalGal said...

You have such great ideas and recipes. I really need help when it comes to learning to cook.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Desdemona said...

I am also a parent who gets the blues when my kids go back to school (interestingly, I never feel that way about MY semester starting back up)...fortunately, the fireplace and hot drinks sweeten the pot a bit!

Carla said...

My girls are back to school this week too! The youngest is starting Kindergarten and I find myslef getting quite emotional at the thought. I'm being abandoned!!

I'm not looking to the running around to start eityher, though having a few hours here and there as me time (for the first time in what seems like an age) is the upside.

and, in front of the firepalce with a cup or herbal tea and some icecream?? Sounds perfect!!

Unknown said...

We homeschool, so I don't have the worry of back to school. I do however LOVE this time of year. I relish fall and thoroughly love winter. Of course, I live in the SW United States where it is cool but seldom cold. So, although I could find you "plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea" I will be out hiking and biking and enjoying our cooler temps :)

Willie said...

In front of the fireplace! Always a good place to be in the winter :)

Marianne (frenchfriestoflaxseeds) said...

When that winter weather hits, you can be found in front of the fireplace, herbal tea in hand, perhaps with a cookbook, chocolate, ice cream, or maybe all of the above even? :D

TZel said...

In a warm place- front of the fireplace with tea! Sounds good to me!

vijita said...

Plopped in front of the fireplace!

Save a seat and a cuppa tea for me. :)

Kristen said...

You make me wish I had a fireplace! we only have a very odd decorative fireplace, a la San Francisco

- "Ploppped in front front of the fireplace with herbal tea"

MamzelleRoxanne said...

Plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea... Just like me! That's why I like cold weather ;)

Animal-Friendly said...

In front of the fireplace with some tea- my house is freezing right now and that sounds perfect to me!

Unknown said...

This is exciting! We could find you "plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea." If I had a working fireplace, I'd be in the same spot! I'm a warm weather-lover, too. Piling on layers of clothing is so cumbersome to me!

Josiane said...

We'd likely find you "plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea"... which is something I love doing (except I'd be by the wondow since I don't have a fireplace anymore) while watching the first snow coming down.
Good luck with the back to school thing - I don't have kids, but I can imagine how hard it must be!

Mrs. LC said...

You'll be plopped down in front of the fireplace with herbal tea!

Or you could come visit me in Florida - we don't even need fireplaces! :)

~Kris said...

In front of the fireplace - of course! If only I had one to join you in such....
Tomorrow is my 2 oldest back to school day - *sigh* it seems so soon...

carrie said...

We'll find you in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea.....and if you're lucky a cookbook and some chocolate!!

Megs said...

In front of the fireplace with herbal tea! Like me...if I had a fireplace...or a kettle.

Peace, Love and Veganism said...

Having been a teacher for almost a decade, and now in a different job, "back to school" definitely has mixed feelings for me, too! I'm looking forward to fall, but not winter. I guess if it has to come, I can always curl up in front of the fire like you, though I'd spike my tea :)

Em said...

We can find you "plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea"

In AZ, we tend to spend the winter outdoors not indoors :)

e edith said...

plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea! Sounds great to me!

North of 17 said...

Fantastic giveaway!
At least you don't live where it is minus 30 degrees! We make the best of our winters - downhill skiing, snowshowing, ice fishing - but nothing beats sitting by the fire with a hot cup of herbal tea flipping through cookbooks and dreaming up new creations!
I am getting anxious for your new cookbook, maybe more time for your testing of recipes? - I just finished baking up goodies for lunches for the week, Oatmeal cookies and Lemon Poppy seed Cookies. Yum Yum! Any tips you have for kids lunches would be great - my little guy started JK last week. He needs a lunch, morning snack, afternoon snack - my fridge is full with lunch bags and my organizing skills are geing tested.

Z said...

You're right where you ought to be! In from of the fireplace with herbal tea!

Ileana said...

In front of the fireplace with herbal tea!

S.A.Belle said...

Hey, Dreena! I love your food! And I love that you'd be vegging infront of the fireplace with a nice herbal tea, chocolate, and maybe even a cookbook. The funny thing is, I was actually going to guess that before I read your other blog. =)

Julie said...

We'd find you in front of the fire with a lovely tea, which sounds really good right about now!

Ashley Gibson said...

We can find you in front of the fireplace with some tea - that is the best place when it's chilly!!!

nico said...

great article--looks like we'll find you plopped in front of the fireplace, with tea. sounds divine!

Unknown said...

In front of the fireplace. You and me both!

ikkinlala said...

You'll be in front of the fireplace. Sometimes I wish we had one, but I suppose I'll have to make do with propping my feet on the oven door of a wood stove.

Quiltbug said...

so you are in front of your fireplace and if I had one I'd be there too.

Everyday Superhero said...

The Pea starts school (SK) tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it. I'm going to miss her.

Jade said...

I have the blues too, even more so because I work at the high school and I had to return to work. I miss my kids too, even though it was getting very hairy around here with all the fighting and we all needed a break.

Jade said...

I forgot to mention - you're in front of the fireplace with a cup of herbal tea. I wish I had a fireplace!

We are Team Brummy said...

Im a teacher so I usually witness the back to school blues of the parents and students (it's middle school, they would much rather have an endless summer). This year, I'm the student and not the teacher! I know you enjoy being in front of the fireplace with a cup of herbal tea, so do I, but with a cup of mulling spices!

Unknown said...

in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea!!

Same place I like to sit after a long walk in the cold and rain with the dog!

KristieS said...

You'll be in front of the fireplace just like we will! We love our fireplace :) As for our teacups, they're usually filled with a good vanilla rooibos... yum.

Sara said...

In front of the fireplace. We need to get our wood stove refinished to keep us warm this winter. I much prefer spring and summer.

Holly said...

Nothing is better than sitting in front of the fireplace woth some hot herbal tea all cozy in my sweats on those brisk cold days! Love your blog... and your recipes!!!!!! So inspiring! Thank you!!!

laurelvb said...

I know Dreena! You're sitting in front of the fireplace with your cookbooks and tea dreaming of Vegan Lemon Curd.

Lorena said...

I certainly wish that I could be found in front of a fireplace come winter, like you, but we don't have one (not that there's much need for a fireplace where we live in Southern California).

And, I agree with the start of school doldrums - getting back into a fast-paced schedule is painful!

Jenni (aka Vegyogini) said...

Plopped in front of the fireplace with tea and possibly a cookbook, chocolate, or ice cream! Sounds like a fantastic winter activity to me. :)

Unknown said...

In front of the fireplace. My favorite spot too!

Yvonne said...

"Plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea" - I would do just that if I had a fireplace and if I didn't have to go to work (at the bakery) here in this cold, often wet, little country called The Netherlands ...

Celeste said...

Plopped in front of the fireplace with chocolate or tea. I'm a full-time nursing student struggling with those back-to-school blues as well....but you're right, there's nothing better than curling up in front of the fire!

Monica said...

You will likely be enjoying the moment, mindfully, plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea with a cookbook, and some dark chocolate or ice cream, to keep that tea company. A wonderful way to spend a winter day.

Sarah said...

in front of the fireplace with tea!!

i'm actually sad that i'm about to move, but i am moving from Maine to North Carolina, so less harsh winters for awhile.

come visit! :D

Lizzy said...

You'll be in front of the fireplace with herbal tea :)

I'll be in front of the fireplace with warm spiced wine.. hehe.

Heather said...

The coziest spot in the house: in front of the fireplace with some herbal tea. Aaah!

Samantha said...

In front of the fireplace, with some herbal tea. Sounds like a great way to spend winter!

Vicki's Vegan Vice said...

I'll find you in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea and a cookbook -- that sounds nice, Dreena!! Great article. :o)

angela said...

you say "plopped in front of the fireplace" but you neglect to add with a chocolate treat to go with that herbal tea! I was thinking of what you said today as I watched my daughter put on a brave face & try to talk to kids. Sigh. I don't really understand back to school euphoria - as I miss my daughter & no, I do not spend all my time making crafty thangs - I just like her contributions to our family. It is a reticent time.

Candi said...

Hi Dreena!

I think you'll be in a very safe and happy place: in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea. If you are super lucky, you will have some chocolate or ice cream AND a cookbook!!

Sounds ideal! Scoot over and make some room on that sofa for all of us!

foxy vegan said...

In front of the fireplace with some herbal tea and a cooking book. Sounds like a great time. Thanks for the giveaway. :-)

mpluthero said...

You’ll usually find me plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea. some chocolate or ice cream to keep that tea company, and I could stay there most of the season! I like to go for the occasional ski day or a hike myself but a book with some tea in a comfy chair is always good.

Samantha said...

Plopped in front of the fireplace with herbal tea! Nice place to be when it's chilly outside :)

Tofu Mom (AKA Tofu-n-Sprouts) said...

"...In front of a fireplace with some tea."
Oh how I can relate to this. Except wait... I don't have a fireplace....

Thomasin said...

You'll be in the front of the fire with a cup of tea--exactly where I would be if I had a fireplace. ;-) I'm lucky that my baby doll is only 10 months old and I don't have to send her off to school yet, otherwise I'd be singin' the blues too.

Mona said...

We can find you plopped in front of the fireplace, drinking tea, and hopefully writing your NEXT wonderful cookbook!

I haven't been affected by the back-to-school blah's yet - my daughter is three years old, so her first year of school will be next year. I get a bit sad thinking about it, but then I try to focus on the amazing lunches I'm going to pack for her and I feel a bit better.:-)

Nens said...

you'll be in front of the fireplace with some herbal tea (with a cookbook, chocolate an ice cream). i'll be doing the same but in front of the wood stove instead.

Brooke said...

By the fireplace with tea and maybe something sweet! I might have to try out my fireplace this winter.

Mona said...

by the fireplace.

Caroline said...

We can find you plopped in front of the fireplace with an herbal tea (and maybe a piece of healthy dark chocolate).

shacek said...

In front of the fireplace is a great place to be in winter!

I felt the same way the beginning of every school year.

Leandra said...

In front of the fireplace with an herbal tea! *now crosses fingers*

Unknown said...

In front of the fireplace with a cup of herbal tea. I wish I had a fireplace; I would probably be there too! But I'm with you on the herbal tea part at least.

Unknown said...

You will be 'plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea'. I love the fall, but once winter hits, I am all about making a fire and curling up with a good book.

Anonymous said...

You'll be on domestic lockdown in front of the fireplace. I'll be there too!

julia said...

In front of the fireplace with a herbal tea, a cookbook, and some chocolate or ice cream. How bout chocolate ice cream?

Jane Kernan said...

You will be found "plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea." It's been a while since I lived in Ontario, but somehow I'm colder than ever here in Rhode Island when it gets chilly. It's only September, but tea is a nightly event :).

Unknown said...

We can find you plopped in front of the fire place with herbal tea. Hand you a cookbook and some chocolate or ice cream and you could stay all season. Dark chocolate is a great choice.
I used to hate the dull, dreary gray of winter, so I moved to southwest Florida 19 years ago.

Unknown said...

you rock and Dreena will look beautiful plopped in front of the fireplace eating tea and cookies!

Heather said...

- plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea, is where we can find you.

I too miss my oldest when she is gone, almost cry when she gets dropped off at school. it is quiet in the house with just one. no fighting on who is looking at who or who took the other ones dolly dress. Next year I will be all alone : ( next year will be Kindergarden and 2nd grade
strangely i am looking forward to winter this year, no idea why. i grew up in florida, now in virginia and i hate the cold

Anonymous said...

We can find you plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea.

My SIL is starting to incorporate vegan meals twice a week in their household after trying several recipes I made for them from ED&BV. Thank you for making vegan cooking so easy and health. If I win the giveaway I will definately pick a copy of ED&BV for her so she can keep making vegan meals and who knows, maybe they'll go 100% vegan!

Anonymous said...

In front of the fireplace!
Can't wait for that almond raspberry recipe to come out, looks delicious!
-K

Jenny K said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I also have the back-to-school blue :(
In the winter, we can expect to find you in front of the fireplace with herbal tea (and possibly some chocolate or ice cream), which sounds like a good place to be!

Anonymous said...

In front of the fireplace with a cup of tea :)

KingdomHealthWellness said...

You will find Dreena in front of the fire place with an herbal tea-oh that sounds lovely!

Daniella McConnell said...

When the winter weather hits you get into domestic lockdown and will likely be found in front of the fireplace with a cup of Herbal tea. If you have a cookbook in hand and some chocolate or ice cream to go with the tea you can stay there most of the season! Sounds just like something I love to do too!

pixiepie said...

So you’d usually be plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea and possibly a cookbook, some chocolate or ice cream to keep that tea company! I'll order one of those starting in November, please! I don't ski. I don't snow-shoe. And when given the option between a fire with tea and chocolate or venturing out into the freezing morning to scrape the ice off my windsheild while inhaling toxic fumes as my car attempts to warm to life, hmmm... toughy...

Me said...

We can find you plopped in front of the fireplace with an herbal tea! I would love to win one of your cookbooks. I have checked them out from the library, but I want one of my own.

And I have back to school blues too. It's been so chaotic this week it's crazy. I have more "homework" than the kids do with all of the darn forms I have to fill out.

Tam said...

I have mixed feelings about back to school time too...

And when winter comes, I'd sure like to hang out there with you - 'plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea' and sweets.

Anonymous said...

"Plopped in front of the fireplace with an herbal tea!" My favorite is always peppermint, or chai with soy milk and splenda (if it's a special occasion) I'm new to your blog, but it makes me feel very "at home" so thank you!

Anonymous said...

In winter, you love to be in front of your fireplace with a cup of herbal tea...that sounds wonderful! I don't have a fireplace but snuggle up in my favorite chair with my blanket, tea and some yummy treat!

sham

Unknown said...

In front of the fireplace! Good plan!

Mommas in the House said...

In front of the fireplace with some herbal tea!

Anonymous said...

You'll be plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea.

Loved the article!

Robyn said...

Domestic lockdown isn't so bad. I too enjoy being in front of the fireplace with some tea, chocolate and a cookbook... hopefully one of yours if I win!

ScherkenMom said...

You'll be in front of the fireplace with a cup of herbal tea. Great idea! When mine are in school, I am usually running around like a madwoman trying to get all my errands done. Of course, mine are in preschool so I only have 5 precious hours a week... Thanks for both the blogs! I enjoy reading them!

Sam said...

Plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea!

(The same place you can find me.)

CrazyVeganMom said...

Plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea. Sounds good to me.

myrtle said...

You'll be "plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea". We don't have a fireplace, but I'm with you on the tea!

Erin said...

Dreena~
What a sweet idea, helping others with the back-to-school blues. And there's something lovely about perching in front of the fireplace in winter!

mom2ross said...

You'll be on domestic lockdown - in front of the fireplace. Man, I wish I had a fireplace... A new cookbook would be just as great! Thanks for the giveaway, I'll be crossing my fingers.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dreena!

You would be found curled in front of the fireplace like me -sipping on some heavenly tea!
-when i am not chasing after my two little girls, that is!

i would love a new cookbook...never owned an actual vegan cookbook- used would be great too!..i always just veg/veganized omni recipies....

Anonymous said...

We'll find you plopped in front of the fireplace with herbal tea - the best place to be when the weather starts getting chilly!

~ Kelly

Janelle said...

You will be plopped in front of the fireplace with herbal tea and preferably chocolate and a cookbook. Mmmmmmm. Can I join you?

Julie said...

In front of the fireplace with herbal tea. Probably a cookbook. Maybe some chocolate. And me, because that sounds awesome.

tonsils said...

I’ll find you plopped in front of the fireplace with a herbal tea.

Hand me a cookbook, and i'll know i won the competition!!

xoxox