Thursday, August 30, 2012

Through The Mouth of Babes





Through the mouth of babes we are reminded how important the little things are and how flawed we are to believe the rules and regulations we put into place to "protect" the endangered, really mean anything. I ran across this video while watching YouTube videos. I am truly a fan of the site and felt a need to share this video from a little girl with a HUGE passion to bring awareness to the endangerment of animals and how important it is to improve their existence.

You can click the link provided in the middle of the video box below to watch it on YouTube or just the link here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e86hSRwkVoA

Win a $100 #GiftCertificate to Rustic Cuff from As Mom Sees It - 1 Day Left!




As Mom Sees It is having a $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway to Rustic Cuff. Visit  As Mom Sees It  to enter the giveaway! This event ends: 8/31/12, 11:59pm/EST
*I enjoy sharing awesome giveaways and this is my way of sharing the good news about some great bloggers! No financial compensation was given. Enjoy!
Enter HERE!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Free #Blogger Opportunity for Jewelry Candles! Open to US. Giveaway Begins 9/7! SIGN UP SOON!





Hello Everyone! Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose is excited to announce an upcoming FREE Blogger Opportunity for Jewelry Candles. You know how much I LOVE Diamond Candles and I have also just been introduced to a similar company but they provide jewelry of different kinds inside. Read what the host has to say about Jewelry Candles and if you're a blogger who want to share this upcoming giveaway event with your readers, then complete the form below after sharing this event on your blog! I can't wait! ~Selena

Free Blog Opp: Jewelry Candles Giveaway 9/7 to 9/21

Hey everyone! My name is Maryam (Elitemama) and I am here to bring you another Jewelry Candles giveaway. They were excited, amazed, and thankful for the last giveaway that we did, that they had asked to do another one. Woo-hoo! 
For those of you who are not familiar as to what Jewelry Candles are, here is a brief discription: Jewelry Candles are almost like Diamond Candles. But, they are different in many ways. Their candles are made with 100% soy, they come in over 18 different scents, and each candles has a hidden gem inside. Each candles contains on piece of jewelry. You might find a rings, necklace, pendant, a pair of earrings, bracelet or even an anklet. Each piece of Jewelry can be worth anywhere from $10 to $7,500! Sounds lovely, doesnt it =)
And now for the best part, the giveaway. They giveaway will begin 9/7 and will end 9/21. It is open to the US. There will be 2 winners, meaning 2 candles as the prize of course, lol. The candles are going to be a mystery, so the winner will get whatever candle Jewelry Candles chooses. 
There is no charge for the giveaway, BUT, I do ask that you help promote the sign-up sheet (NOTE: This is not mandatory, but it would really help). Let's try to get as many bloggers as we can. There were over 50 bloggers promoting the Jewelry Candles giveaway last time. But for this event, lets make it bigger!!! Let's gather as many bloggers as we can =) All bloggers get 2 FREE links! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at elitemama89@gmail.com. I will also email everyone with the HTML, so please make sure everything is correct before hitting submit. Thank you all so much for your help. You are all awesome!
* Required


Friday, August 24, 2012

Free #Blogger Sign Ups: Vampire-rific Tru Blood Halloween Giveaway!





Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose is so excited to be one of the blogs participating in this Halloween Giveaway! I am a HUGE Tru Blood Fan as well and this will be a very special Free Blogger Event for you and your readers. The host has provided the prizes for you to see what your readers will receive if they are the winner and the sign up form link is provided below as well!



The Giveaway will go live on 9/15 at 12:00 am EST and end on 9/30 at Midnight!!
*****We are having a blogger referral prize of $25 PayPal cash to the person who refers the most bloggers to this giveaway!!
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****There are also 5 Co-Host spots available for for a $10 fee.
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**We will be emailing everyone at a later date after we figure out how many page hosts we will need. So you will have an opportunity to bid on those later.
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*****Also note that this is a FREE facebook link and I have not seen any giveaways like this one going around and I think we will get tons of attention and entries. FREE Links are great but please think about supporting and helping out with the cost to help keep our out of pocket down. Even just $1 for 1 xtra link will help us out!
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*****You may purchase other links (and I would because this is going to be huge) for $1 each. The paid link choices will be twitter, Networked blog, pinterest, email sign ups or RSS feed.



IMPORTANT!


Before completing the Sign UP Form HERE, make sure to announce this FREE Blogger Event on your blog. You MUST have a blog to participate. 

Lastly, in the Who Referred You, box, please reference my blog with link http://blog.selenabrown.com


Thank you!

 D.L. & Company Glass Forsaken Candle and Diffuser Set

True Blood: The Complete Fourth Season (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)

True Blood Fangtasia Cocktail Set

Last but not least.. A Mystery Prize!! Any money that was collected that went above the cost of the prizes above will go to the mystery prize.



Free #Blogger Opportunity: $200 Amazon Gift Card





Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose is happy to announce a FREE Blogger Opportunity for a $200 Amazon Gift Card. If you have a blog and want to provide your readers with a great giveaway, then this is a great opportunity for you. The hosts have provided all the information about the sponsor, Instant Bucks, who will be providing the $200 Amazon Gift Card!

Read the information provided below to Sign Up for this Blogger Giveaway and complete the form below.

amazoncash-1

Instant Bucks $200 Amazon Blast

Are you ready for another fabulous giveaway! This time Instant Bucks will be sponsoring this 

fabulous event, offering our readers a $200 Amazon Gift Card! Event is sponsored by Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog and Diva Fabulosa!

 If you have not signed up with Instant Bucks, do it now! They are new, and you will love them!  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP! 

Join us and offer your readers this fabulous prize! What do you get for helping us promote? Event will run from Sept. 1, 2012 until Oct 1, 2012! Plenty of time for all of your readers to enter this fabulous event!
  • FREE Facebook Link
  • Additional Links $2
  • Daily Votes $3
First, you must post an announcement of this great giveaway on your blog! Need an idea for a blog post? Click Here

***Important*** For SEO purposes, please write your blog post in your own words. 

Second, complete the Sign Up form below. Make sure to put http://blog.selenabrown.com in the 'Who referred you' box below. 

Thank you!


Instant Bucks Sign Up's

Thank for joining us for another wonderful giveaway!
* Required
















Win a #Kindle Fire! (Open to US.) - 11 Days Left!




Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose loves bringing you AWESOME giveaways and this one is just that. AWESOME! I visit Sweepstakes Advantage often to post my own giveaways and to see what giveaways they have listed that I can share with you and this time, they have decided to give you a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE!

To enter, all you have to do is click the banner provided below and it will take you to the VERY SIMPLE entry form by Punch Tab. This giveaway is OPEN to US. You must be 18+.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

As #Time Passes by...





Photo by  ilco 

This past weekend, I visited my little niece to celebrate her 2nd birthday! While with her, I found myself writing down my thoughts. Here is what I came up with:


I stood rocking my 2 year old, niece, to sleep watching her fight it until it finally won. I suddenly began to realize how time passes by and no matter how much we try to fight with time, it still wins. 

We come into this life as a child, filled with innocence, folly, and naivety, soaking up everything we hear and see. Until one day as we're playing and feeling the freedoms that dance within our dreams and our conscience, we encounter resistance from outside forces. Some will get knocked down and others will take the resistance as lessons-learned.
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Standing there singing little melodies and lullabies to my niece took me back to the way I once was. I was shy, introverted, and eager to learn everything I could. I never imagined that life would be full of tests and emotional ups and downs. However, learning to accept the changes have eased my falls and have allowed for new spaces, within myself, to harbor hope and discovery.
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I stood there rocking my niece to sleep, watching her fight the sleep that would ultimately win and knowing that one day there will be more for her to tackle as time passes by.

Questions to ponder:

1. Do you find yourself looking back through your life and reflecting on how much time has passed you by? 

2. How do you feel about the changes that have brought you to where you are today? 

3. Do you remember the time when you were a little girl or boy and how similar and/or different your insights on life were?

4. Write in a journal the accomplishments in your life that have made you very happy and then follow those up with future accomplishments you are still working towards. 

This will help you to measure how influential life has been for you and how powerful action can be even more into your future as time continues to win.

#Actors Tidbit: Can you take direction? (8/16)





You may think the opposite when it comes to getting multiple directions from a director or casting director in an auditioning room or on set but it is okay when you're given more than one. During my last session at the Brian Reise Acting Studios, here in Los Angeles, CA, at http://www.brianreiseacting.com/ on August 16th, I learned that if you're given adjustments than that means they like you.


Photo by srbichara

I have learned that not many actors can take adjustments or directions well. Can you take direction? I found out fast during our exercise that this requires so much concentration, focus, and the ability to listen to the entire direction before executing the action. Brian even gave us all a taste of how real the experience could be in an auditioning room with people who are looking for the gems among the masses for their projects. Being the savvy guy that he is, he even broke down 4 tips to be the best you can be at taking direction and making the adjustments that the casting director needs from you in the audition. 

Here they are listed for you to take and learn from. After reviewing them, ask yourself, "Can I take direction?"

1. Make sure you understand what the adjustment is? Get clarity for yourself. 

The person giving the adjustment to a film scene or role may have stated their desired changes fast and unclear, at first, so it's okay to ask. Don't feel intimidated by this. You are there because you meet the initial stats for the role and a great actor so now show how well you can listen and be attentive to their full directions. Remember, no question is a stupid question when your career opportunity is at stake.

2. Repeat the adjustment back to the adjuster. 

By repeating the adjustment for your character in a scene or an action you must take, you then confirm within yourself that you have heard all the direction, clearly. This will also let the adjuster know that you are listening and know what you must do. 

For example, the following dialogue:
Casting Director: This time, I would like for you to be even more threatening with the character. 
Actor: This time you want me to be even more threatening.

3. Don't judge the adjuster.

Trust me! The adjuster knows much better than you do what they are looking to achieve in their next film or television project. They know what they are looking for in each character so don't go in the room thinking that you are going to reinvent the wheel. Listen to what direction they are giving you and execute it! It's just that simple! Some projects need to be cast fast and don't have much time to find the right person for a role so you must be flexible and open in that regard. 


Be the clay and let them mold you, in the moment, to what they desire for you to bring forth. -Selena

4. Commit 100% to the direction or adjustment.

Sometimes it may seem as if the direction or adjustment for a particular character is way off. However, committing to and trusting what is given to you 100%, will reign supreme in the end. We all think, in general, that we know what's best for us, but those looking from the outside at us, may see an entirely different person or perspective of us. You are blessed with the gift to share stories and bring written work to life on screen, so why not commit 100% to the material that was written with blood, sweat and tears, right?

I found that this exercise tested my abilities to listen even more and challenged me to take direction even more tactfully and with a greater confidence. We all are instruments and learning never stops, whether the learning is good or bad for us. Take these pointers and thrive in your next audition.

 Have fun my fellow actors and actresses!


Share your insights or leave a comment below if you would like.

Friday, August 17, 2012

My Diamond #Candles Review and #Ring Pics!





Today, I am happy to announce that I have burned my candle and to the point where I have found the hidden ring that I have been so anxiously waiting to see! But, first I must say that I was very impressed with how FAST my diamond candle arrived. It came in 2 days and was wrapped so nicely in bubble wrap. The size of the candle is definitely worth the price as well!


The scent that I chose was cinnamon roll. When it burns, it is not overpowering, but very gently gives my home a nice, sweet, smell. Most of the time when I go to the mall, I can't help but stop by Cinnabon and this candle smells like their cinnamon rolls. Yummy! 

The Diamond Candles are not just about the ring inside of them but also about the candle itself, which is a Soy Candle. I'm looking forward to trying other scents as well in the future, but will definitely be buying cinnamon roll again.

Once I got to the point that I could get the ring out of the wax, it was wrapped so nicely in a gold foil and then a plastic ring baggie, which protected it very well. Then, the moment arrived for me to open the foil and the plastic to reveal my hidden prize.

And...Here it is on my finger! Isn't it lovely!

Each Diamond Candle comes with a ring, worth $10 to $5000, so you never know what you're going to get! I don't know my ring's value but like it a lot. It's a little big for my small fingers so I wear it on my middle finger, which still looks very nice. I love silver, so this was a perfect surprise for me. 

With this company, you do not only get hype and a bunch of bloggers having giveaways, but a company who deserves to be shared with so many people. Now, I understand why so many bloggers talk about them so much and I have added to the noise. 

Overall, I would have to say that my first Diamond Candle experience will definitely NOT be my last. If you are curious to see what your first candle would smell like and your ring would look like, inside, then hop on over to Diamond Candles to place your order, Here! Also, I wanted to let you know that I have NOT been compensated in any way by Diamond Candles to write this review, so this is just me raving about this company and their product. 

Share your Diamond Candle experience with me in a comment below. What scent did you get? How did your ring look? Did you find out its value? I would love to hear about your Diamond Candle moment! 

Thursday, August 16, 2012

#Actors Tidbit: How To Connect with the Room in an Audition (8/9)





On Thursday, August 9th, was my weekly acting muscle workout with Brian Reise Acting Studios, here in Los Angeles, CA, at http://www.brianreiseacting.com/. On this day we talked about and then practiced how to present ourselves when we enter the room to meet producers and other very important people (VIPs) for a costar or guest star role. As an actor, you just can't get out of it. We have to show the decision maker(s) what we have outside of our talents as an actor or actress.

Here are a couple of bullet points I took notes on to share for you:

photo by  christgr

  • You have to be the one who connects with them. They see so many talented actors and actresses a day but what about you will make you stand out from the rest?

  • They ask themselves the questions: "Can they do the job?", "If so, do I want him or her to do the job", and "Do I feel comfortable enough working with them on set for the period of time necessary to get the job done?" (I'm hoping that you and I will get all YESs!)

  • Do you have a personality? I know, you walk into the room and you're thinking about your lines and you forget that you have to be personable to the people who are deciding on whether you are the person for the job. I know, I have been a creature of habit to do this sometimes and now I've learned to always bring out my peoples-person personality. I LOVE meeting people and learning from people, so they want to know what's exciting in your life, if they ask! So, share just one exciting thing you've been up to besides ACTING

  • Be on Time! This is a big one for any profession, but if you can't be on time to your audition, how can you expect them to think that you will be on time to the set. 

  • Your headshot MUST look like you! They are casting from photos and then once you enter the room, it's your time to WOW them with your acting skills and personality! Do you own makeup! When you get to the audition, are you going to have a make up artist there for you too? Think about this. ;)

  • Stay away for the Sir and Ma'am. I know some of my readers, actors and actresses are southern raised and respectable, but it doesn't seem to go off well over here, so it seems. Personally, I was raised to say Yes Sir and No Ma'am, but I know, it's complicated.

  • All of my jewelry lovers. Make sure to tone down the jewelry because it takes away from you. When you get on set, they will be putting on you what they want you to wear and you should come in as a clean canvas. You're beautiful just the way you are ;)

  • Make sure in everything you do, keep things positive! We all have bad days and occurrences in our lives that make us really sad and angry, but leave those moments at the door. Lighten the energy of the room with a positive occurrence in your life and who knows, you may mention something that can help someone in the room have a better day.
Alrighty, my fellow Actors and Aspiring Actors! Have fun!

If you have any comments, leave them in the comment section below. ~Selena

Saturday, August 11, 2012

The Rebound - #MovieReview





I enjoy a good movie that works with my imagination and allows for me to see real life results. I've watched a number of movies lately and I can say that I really enjoyed the movie, The Rebound, with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Justin Bartha.



We all have those moments when we feel like our lives are falling to pieces. We love someone so much that when they disappoint us by giving their love to someone else, it can be devastating. We don't know how we're going to ever recover from the lost or disappointment until out of nowhere we find peace with an unexpected person. 

The moments are so great that we begin to share our troubles but in a very easy and nonthreatening way, this happens. This person becomes a listener for us and we do the same for them and magic happens to begin our healing. However, when we wake up and see who the person is we've been sharing moments with, do we look at them for who they are or do we measure their worth by their age or status?

Catherine Zeta-Jones makes her role look easy as she has to deal with a new life in New York City with her two children. She eventually becomes involved with her 20-something neighbor who's many years her junior.

I like the fact that the movie keeps the time between events realistic and it leaves you, at moments, thinking about how relationships come and go, but have a possible chance for a better future, once allowed to prune. It was funny and light for a nice evening at home watching movies. I enjoyed the comedic moments of it and would watch this one again. I enjoyed the ending because I was able to see what happened to each of the characters and how their lives connected.

I gave  The Rebound  a 4 out of 5.

If you're at home and looking for a movie that will, make you laugh, open you up to new possibilities in love, and take you on a journey of how real relationships have their ups and downs, I recommend you taking a look. The Rebound is available as an Amazon Instant Video for a 24 hour rental or you can buy it, Here

I like the instant gratification so I enjoy the instant video access.

Sneakpeeq #Freebie! Fly Away With Me Feather #Earrings!





Are you a member of Sneakpeeq yet? How about a free pair of Fly Away With Me feather earrings?



Celebrate your final weeks of summer with this a hot new freebie from sneakpeeq and dash a free pair of Fly Away With Me feather earrings just for becoming a member! Get in with the neon trend of the times with this funky accessory. Get your free Fly Away With Me Earrings ($59 value) just for joining sneakpeeq! Please note that shipping is $1 or more on all sneakpeeq freebies.*** Click the banner ABOVE and it will take you to the Sneakpeeq website for you to join for free and get your gift!

Super #Saturday Melter Gems with Ring #Giveaway! Flash for Tonight Only! (US) Ends: 11:59PM/EST





Happy Saturday! I decided to stay inside to rest and relax to beat the 108 degree heat here in LA. I thought to myself, "It would be fun to help sponsor a Super Saturday Flash Giveaway with some other amazing bloggers for Melter Gems!

Have you heard about the Melter Gems with rings in them worth $10 - $1000? I didn't know too much about them so I wanted to give you a little information about the prize, one (1) winner will win in the Flash Tonight!

To ENTER: Please enter all your entries on the Rafflecopter provided below to be counted and Good Luck! ~Selena

ABOUT Melter Gems
These gems provide you with the most effective way to create a fragrant and elegant atmosphere in your home. When you buy melter gems they also provide you with peace of mind due to their subtle and calming aroma. Melter gems are able to reduce the level of stress and they are available in various fragrances. What you need is a tart melter, and as soon as you put the gems into the melter they will produce intense, long-lasting aroma that is just nice and not piercing to your smelling bud.

 These gems are practically made from crystal, but they look similar to expensive gemstones and in a way they can definitely increase the aesthetical value of your home. Apart from that, many home owners tend to place melter gems in the living room so that the gems become the focal point in that particular area. Additionally, the use of melter gems is very cost-effective because they won’t get affected by the natural warmth of a room temperature. Therefore, unless you switch on the tart melter the gems will always stay in their original shape.

They also come with a ring worth $10 - $1000, which is definitely a plus to look at while enjoying the aroma.
Lavender scented melter gem crystals have been known as among the best stress relievers
Photo from  http://meltergems.net
Prize: Melter Gems
Event Date: 8/11
Time 7:00 PM – 11:59 PM EST
Host
&
Prize Sponsored By:
Sponsors:
Please Note: Winner Will Be Announced on the Rafflecopter of This Post by 11:59 AM on 8/12

Issues With RC:

Please Note: If you are having an issue with Rafflecopter Please just keep refreshing until you are able to enter and Do Not Leave any Inappropriate Comments on this Blog Post They Will Be Removed
MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A COMMENT AND THE NAME OF THE BLOG YOU ARE ENTERING FROM FOR ALL YOUR ENTRIES TO COUNT

Thursday, August 9, 2012

#Glass Handbag #Giveaway! Open Worldwide. Ends: 9/10





Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose has done it again! I haven't gotten over the handbag fever and have jumped on the team to bring you this Glass Handbag Giveaway. Below, the hosts have provided extensive details about the AMAZING Glass Handbags. To enter, make sure to enter all of your entries on the Giveaway Tool form below. Good Luck, Selena

Welcome to the Glass Handbag Event!

Giveaway sponsored by Glass Handbags.

About our sponsor: Have you heard of Glass Handbag? These handbags are amazing, seriously different from the rest. So what exactly makes these handbags so amazing? These handbags are luxury designer 



handbags, with an integrated light system, the functional designer lighted handbag that offers a fashionable look for anyone. These handbags are hand-made by extremely skillful craftsman in 3 different areas: Leather, Hardware and Electronics. These fabulous lights take up no space, have low power consumption, are moisture resistant, extremely flexible, and long lasting battery life, up to 25,000 hours. Each handbag also comes with a patented glow that you won’t see in any other handbag. The glow is the Glass Handbag light, a striking feature that cannot be found anywhere else. These patented lights are thin, take up no space, low power consumption, and very flexible. When you buy a Glass Handbag you can rest assured that you are buying only the best handbag on the market. The top brand handbag selection includes:
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  • Beautiful Leather Handbags



    • Shimmering Gold Purses
    • Glamorous Crystal Clutches
    • Radiant Jewel Patent Satchels
    • Stylish and Roomy Duffel Bags.
    • Each handbag comes with a Glass Handbag gift box, and FREE Shipping.
    Details:
    • Dates: 8/10/2012 12:01 (EST) until 9/10/2012 at 11:59pm (EST)
    • Open worldwide
    • 18 +
    • Winner chooses their own handbag, up to $900 value.
    Yes ladies, you choose your prize, I told you Glass Handbags is amazing because it’s ran by amazing people. ($900 value)

    Disclosure: Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose did not accept compensation for this event, nor is it responsible for shipment of prize. Prize will be shipped by sponsor of the event.

    Loading Entry-Form...

    Wednesday, August 8, 2012

    #BackToSchool Your Way #Giveaway Sponsored by Tokii.com! Open Worldwide. Ends: 8/26, 11:59PM/EST




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    Back To School is just around the corner for some and in other parts of the country has already begun! Selena Thinking Out Loud With Purpose wants to help you get ready so I have come together with a great group of bloggers and Tokii.com; to bring you the Back to School Your Way Sweepstakes!  

    For the next two (2) weeks, you will have a chance to win CASH to help get the kids the essentials they need to head back to school in style.  Thanks to the hosts Crazy House Reviews, Raising My 5 Sons, and  The Jackson Five Family Blog for graciously hosting the event and for all of the other bloggers who have joined in to help! We know how difficult it can be for all of the moms and dads out there so we are happy to make this opportunity a reality for you. We can't wait to see who the winner will be and hope that you will get through the beginning school year a lot easier. Good Luck Everyone, Selena

    About the Prizes
    (1) Grand Prize is $300
    (2) Runner's up prizes are $100 each


     Payments will be made Paypal or Amazon, whichever they choose.

    Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE.



    Read More and Improve Your Love with Tokii,  Our Sponsor
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    Tokii is the first self-help relationship site specifically designed to enrich and strengthen all types of relationships through interactive games, moods, quizzes and trading.  Tokii tools positively impact relationships by inspiring, re-engaging and reminding couples why they fell in love in the first place. Tokii.com offers more than 250 games and more than 120 moods that you can send to your partner.  You can also discover how you want to be loved by filling out the LoveZones quiz or discover how closely you and your partner's stars are aligned with the Erotic Horoscopes.  Tokii even boasts a Facebook Mood App that allows users to set their moods from the comfort of their Facebook profile.  You can connect with your partner anytime from anywhere via the Tokii app, now available on all iOS devices, Android smartphones or on www.tokii.com;.  We think relationships are fantastic and Tokii helps everyone make the most of theirs!

    Just fill out the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter to win! 

    a Rafflecopter giveaway