It’s the sixth night of Hanukkah, and Smart Bitches gave to me… the Extrava-Hanukkah Giveaway of great simplicity!
Sometimes you just need books, and maybe some things to read with.
Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered: today’s giveaway is….
A $100 Amazon gift certificate!
That’s easy enough, right?
Here’s how to enter: leave a comment below and tell us something good you learned this past year. Maybe it’s a new author, or a new skill, or a Very Important Lesson suitable for a Very Special Episode of Blossom? Whatever it is, tell us about a good thing you learned, and you’re entered to win!
Standard disclaimers apply: I’m not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Must be 18 years of age and ready to shop though there’s no need to stop, drop or roll. We’re all safe here. Open to international residents where permitted by applicable law. Comments will close at or near 12pm ET on Friday 30 December 2016 and winners will be announced shortly afterward.
Good luck and thank you for being here!
Update: The winner is Sue Rice, who learned some pretty powerful things this year.
Here’s to more learning and growing in 2017!
I learned I’m not always right.
Like, really.
That’s taken some time…..
I learned I’m pregnant !! 🙂
This year, I learned what I can survive. Because after everything that happened this year, that may be the best thing I can take from the experience.
I learned that I am obsessed with all things Hamilton. I listen to the soundtrack and mixtape all the time, bought the Hamiltome, am currently reading the Chernow biography and saw the show twice!!! Has helped me get through what has turned out to be just a terrible year.
Also discovered new to me authors Kelly Bowen, Emma Chase and Lorraine Heath. Can’t wait to see what the New Year brings. Thanks!!!
I was able to be convinced that ithings are overpriced . i learned to navigate cheape devices whoch had android systems.
I learned to read non-fiction books.
I learnt that my library has a limit on the number of books you can be on the waiting list for…and I didn’t find that out by reading the manual 😀
I learned this year to stop worrying about everything and to try and stay positive even when circumstances are not moving in that direction.
I learned that when everything is falling apart, your family and friends will rally behind you! Also, that Aldi sells a yummy Riesling for only 4 bucks.
I learned how to drive again, after years of living in the city with no car!
I am learning to be patient with myself.
So I’ve battled depression since I was 12 or 13ish and, during the past several years, high anxiety. And this past year has been my worst, ever. Typically winter is hardest on me and despite my life situation remaining the same, I feel like I am successfully managing my depression for the first time in a decade. I’m getting better at dealing with the anxiety, too.
I’ve learned a lot about myself and, I think, just life along the way. Reading the comments here – giving up complaining for three weeks, making concrete plans, etc., I will add these items to my list as well to continue with the self-improvement.
Most of the things I learned during this year are not things that I should post online as others are affected/involved. Let’s just say I’ve learned to walk a fine line between nagging and making sure things don’t fall through the cracks. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to be willing to become the target if the universe isn’t going to head straight for the fan.
I learned that even though it doesn’t seem so at the time, some things truly are a blessing in disguise.
I learned that I will always be a work in progress, but that is ok.
I learned that, sometimes, Dollar Tree has yarn. (Seriously, that’s the best I can come up with.)
I learned to ask for help.
This year I learned there is life after retirement. Still adjusting but I am busier than I thought I would be.
This year I learned about mortgages and the process of buying a house. I’m sure next year when we start looking in earnest I’ll learn even more.
This thread is like a giant hug of feels. I admire you all so much.
This year I learned that I can occasionally do things on schedule…
I learned that the IRS can act on applications for charitable tax-exempt status surprisingly quickly.
I learned how to stop procrastinating and produce something fun and marketable. Hopefully!
I have learned that I need to read more, knit more, and learn to take more time for myself and my sanity.
My lesson for this year is it’s okay to give people a second chance, maybe even a third. But at some point, you need to start being honest with yourself about the people in your life. You shouldn’t be the one always compromising and sacrificing. It’s okay to walk away. Surround yourself with people that love and value you.
I learned not to waste my valuable time with books (movies, tv) that I don’t enjoy. I used to feel guilty if I didn’t finish a boook I started, but I don’t anymore. I give it a little time and if I’m not interested in continuing that’s a sign for me to put my energy elsewhere.
I learned so much from all of you wonderful Smart Bitches. You’ve made my love of reading so much richer and I wish all of you a very happy and healthy new year!
I found a new-to-me author — Emma Chase. I really liked Royally Screwed by her, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
2016 is the year I started reading romance novels. I learned there’s so much more to them than cheesy covers.
I’ve learned I can successfully and compassionately help care for someone fighting cancer despite my own personal issues surrounding illness and death.
I learned about this website and amazing community! Thanks! I have learned about so many great books and authors that I would never known existed without smart bitches!
I’m not a big fan of salmon or other heart healthy fish. But my husband had heart surgery (completely unexpectedly), so this year I learned a dozen new, healthy, delicious seafood recipes that don’t taste fishy.
I learned how to bake a layer cake!
I learned to be less self-conscious. All of those people I am sure are watching everything I do and finding fault are not actually watching me at all . . .
This year I learned a great deal about small liberal arts colleges as I helped my daughter through her application process. Since my degrees are from giant state schools, this was all new territory for me.
Gosh, I learned that “you’re not safe from surprises til you’re dead,” as Rachel Lynde would say. What a crazy year.
On a more positive note, I learned that I can like a hard Sci fi book with no romance and that my husband knows me well. He kept insisting I’d like The Martian by Andy Weir and I’d roll my eyes. I hate Robinson Crusoe, Castaway, etc because I’m much more interested in human interaction than man vs nature type stories.
I finally gave it a try and loved it. I think it shows the power of the right character and author voice. Mark was such a funny and relatable character, I had to root for him. One of my favorite books the year.
I am learning to schedule my time better to get things done.
I learned that I love my job but hate my boss hopefully a figure out what to do about that soon
angela
I started to learn to meditate!
I learnt how to talk about American football so I can communicate with my obsessed nine year old American son: ‘Did you see that pocket just collapse around him? Man, that offensive line needs some serious work, he’s gonna get sacked!’ You guys, I’m doing SO well at this.