$50 PayPal GA-WW-Jan 5th marks 3 years of Miki’s Hope-Ends 1/30/2014 | Miki's Hope

$50 PayPal GA-WW-Jan 5th marks 3 years of Miki’s Hope-Ends 1/30/2014

Monday, December 23, 2013


I am having trouble believing that I have had this blog for 3 years! Yes, it was started on or about Jan 5, 2011—where have the years gone. Like all things it has changed over the years and although I like what it is now—it will probably change again somewhat-eventually!

When Sheri Carpenter, who was the person who convinced me to start this blog (and believe me that was not easy!) AND set the entire thing up for me (she is responsible for how pretty it looks) and literally babysat me through the entire learning process—I really was a royal pain in the neck-I wanted it to be about charities and books. My first ever post was a review for The Literacy Site. Then I got sidetracked.

At that point in time I still had a website with lots of really nice affiliate sites—but it never really took off and I have very recently let it go. I also picked up a couple of affiliate places that were blog friendly and started to blog and do giveaways of those items. I am still an affiliate of some of them—but no longer even attempt to sell! I am so not a salesperson—if someone buys-I’m happy—if not—no problem. I was wise enough to pick companies where I did not need a monthly quota nor did I have to pay for their websites.

People have been after me to do product reviews for like forever—truthfully unless I actually need or want the item—and remember I am 63—well I will do them once in a while and will put giveaways for other bloggers on my blog (for which I receive a rafflecopter link)—I have always been a reader—and used to buy books by the dozens—so I always had a bunch on hand. I started by doing giveaways of the books I owned and eventually found the rest of the book bloggers and more important-the publishers and authors found me! Now I read and review books that are sent to me which really helps since I now am semi retired!! There are giveaways with a lot of these lately-but the “gift’ is from the author or publisher or sponsor mostly). I definitely do not get paid for this nor am I an affiliate of Amazon. For a while I was able to review sites but then Google decided to drop my PR because of do follow links—I have gotten it back (8 months later)-but will no longer take the chance (unless it involves NO follow links).

Miki’s Hope has evolved over these three years into a Book and a Giveaway Blog-with some miscellaneous stuff thrown into the mix (like my Diabetes Saga) and of course Charities when anyone asks me--

Most recently I decided to recap my blog into a post which I will update daily and tweet, G+ and put on FB—you see all 3 of the major social media are going a little crazy lately and I am not playing their game—Heavens, you’d think these companies could learn to play nicely! With this change I might even be able to blog about my tyrant cat Baby more often!


One other change that has occurred is that I use Rafflecopter for my giveaways instead of comments—and on that note--

To celebrate Miki’s Hope 3 year anniversary and to thank each and every one of you for making Miki’s Hope what it is today- I am self sponsoring this giveaway (you will always know if I am self sponsoring!) I will be giving 1 lucky winner $50.00 Pay Pal. This contest is open World Wide to thank ALL my readers and of course as all of my self sponsored giveaways are—this will be short and sweet and easy as pie to enter. I would also like to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, Happy Chanukah and a peaceful, wonderful New Year filled with family, friends and love!

a Rafflecopter giveaway







All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

244 comments :

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Julie Baswell said...

I love your generosity of sharing all these giveaways with us. Have a very Merry Christmas.

Rh0ze said...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful giveaway....goodluck to all people entering in this contest....

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE NEW YEAR TOBYOU AND TO YOUR FAMILY

Unknown said...

I like the soft colors on your blog. It may seem like a little thing, but it matters. I suspect you did not choose the pale peachy-pink on accident, so thank you. Not being bombarded with bright garish hues makes a person want to stay awhile :)
Mele Kalikimaka to everyone (bet you can guess what that means), and I'll go one further in case I do not get the chance to say it as the year changes. Hau'oli makahiki hou.

mystickitchen said...

Sweet blog, with loads of great info! thanks and hope you and your family have a Safe and Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

I like your blog & congrats on your 3 years of blogging, when i come here it feels cozy, SO Merry Christmas To You & A Happy New Year

Masshole Mommy said...

It's fun to look back at how we started sometimes isn't it? I started just over four years ago and my blog has totally taken on a life of its own since then. Good luck in the future and keep up the awesome posts :)

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year all :)

Evie said...

Congrats!!!
And Happy Holidays :)

Anonymous said...

I enjoy the book reviews, while all the books are not my style, I have found some that are outside what I normally read that i have really enjoyed. It is funny how blogs grow and change as we do, luckily there are a lot of great fans that stay with us through it all.

Jackie said...

Happy almost Anniversary I enjoy reading the book reviews.
Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

pippirose said...

I have to agree with another poster--your site is soothing to the eyes (and brain). I love the colour of the background, and the fact that there isn't glitz and bling and flashing stuff. It's easy to navigate.
Have a wonderful holiday season! :o)

Aisha Kristine Chong said...

Ohh.. and I love to join this contest!

Aisha Kristine Chong said...

Merry Christmas and Happy new Year <3

barb said...

I LOVE YOUR Kindness and generousity to your readers. you have the most amazing contest. congrats on your blog and i wish you many more years of posting. barbara

Unknown said...

I like coming here because you are interesting. Have A Happy Holiday to you and yours

Unknown said...

i like many things about your blog but just to name a few i like that its easy to find what you need also that not too many people joined more of a chance to win

mail4rosey said...

I love all the book reviews you do, it's amazing to me that you find time to do it, and make it seem so effortless. Thank you for hosting the giveaway that was nice of you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

I love the books on your site and of course the giveaways! I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

steve weber said...

you run so many giveaways every day.. thank you for doing so!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you and everyone!!

Margay Leah Justice said...

Miki's Hope has some great posts - and giveaways! Happy Holidays!

denise smith said...

i love the contest and all the post HAPPY NEW YEARS !!!

MzBaker said...

You have Great Giveaways, always lots of different book reviews so if I'm interested I get an idea right there from the details. You have a very nice site too. Thanks for Giveaway and congrats on 3 years!!

MzBaker said...

Merry Christmas to everyone! Hope you all have a great holiday with family and friends or pets :)

Our pets get special lil gifts on Christmas and dinner on Thanksgiving :) so when they smell that same smell again I wonder if they remember last year? lol :) Have a good one!!

Amy Orvin said...

Happy New Year to you and everyone here and I love your giveaways the most!

Sherry Butcher said...

Congrats on you 3 year Birthday! Love the books, the giveaway and just reading the post.
Happy Holidays all!

Unknown said...

My blog is a little over three years old too. Congrats!

Sherri G. (@WinneratLife) said...

You always host great giveaways! Thanks so much and Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

laurie nykaza said...

Have a Happy New Year!

Pam said...

I am looking forward to seeing more posts about your cat, Baby, too! Congrats on (almost) three years of blogging!

ANNIE M said...

Congrats on the upcoming 3-year blogversary! That is huge :D

Tough Cookie Mommy said...

Congrats on your three year anniversary. You are right, blogging is a labor of love but it certainly is a lot of work. Here is to many more successful years.

Kelly Kimmell said...

Lovely blog, family a friendly and awesome giveaways!

rebeka deleon said...

I want to wish you and everyone a happy holiday and wonderful new year! love the colors of your blog.

Shannon said...

I do hope that your holidays are a peaceful and happy time whatever you choose to do. Thank you so much for the chance to enter your giveaways.

Colleen Boudreau said...

Happy New Years everyone!

Seyma Bennett Shabbir said...

I love that you have so many giveaways and your book reviews! Have a great Christmas and new Years!

Alexandru Rusu said...

Happy Anniversary and thanks for all great giveaways from this blog! :)

Emma @ Our Whimsical Days said...

Congrats on 3 years blogging!

benz1171 said...

Happy New Year everyone!

Reviews By Kathy said...

I think your site is beautiful!

Alexa COhen said...

Happy New Year Everyone!

Ruth said...

I think I have followed your blog almost from the beginning, and I love the fact that you use rafflecopter for your giveaways. Sounds silly, possibly, but I remember the old way of doing your giveaways, and I was so glad when you changed! I have won a couple of giveways over the years, and I have seen your blog have its ups and downs. I have subscribed for quite a while, and I am so happy for you to celebrate this milestone!

Elise said...

Wow, what a story! Thanks for the giveaway, and happy holidays!

Katherine Bartlett said...

Great story and great giveaway for the holidays!

Pam said...

Happy Holidays. Love reading all of your book reviews. Keep up the good work!

A GAL NEEDS... said...

It's amazing isn't it, how the time goes! I also have had a little blog and it's been going now since 2010. I think that a blog has its ebbs and flows, but if you love it, then it will survive. It's obvious that you love doing what you do, so I know we'll see you around for some time to come! Congratulations!

Unknown said...

I love all your giveaways. Keep them coming! Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

happy anniversary! i love your giveaways!

Michelle H said...

So generous of you. I understand completely what you are saying about choosing reviews to do. I only take ones that are really going to benefit someone in my family-since I'm pretty kid focused right now, it's lots of talk about toys and tv, Curious if you're picky with books to review like you were with products, or if you will review any book they send to you?

L. Kerr (Admin) said...

I enjoy visiting your blog everyday and checking out your reviews! Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

Unknown said...

Congrats on the pending 3 year blogerversary. Merry Christmas!

Patrick Siu said...

Merry Christmas! i love your giveaways :)

Unknown said...

Congrats on 3 years!! Happy New Years!!

PamelawE said...

Congrats and happy holidays to you and yours

Juana said...
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Juana said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Juana said...

Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year.

Anita Marita said...

Wishing you and your readers the happiest year ever! :)

Unknown said...

Wishing everyone a very happy new year!! Thanks for the awesome blog!

darlene miller said...

congrats on your 3 yrs. have a properous new year

Dawn said...

I like the variety of giveaways you offer and there easy to enter and load fast. I havent won yet but maybe in the new year!

Unknown said...

Love all your post!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!

kitblu said...

I love you chatty writing style. Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2014.
MPaula

Unknown said...

merry christmas and a happy new year :D

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to you and all of your readers.
heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com

Emily N. said...

Have a Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Wishing everyone a Happy and safe New Years:)

Sofia said...

I love all the giveaways you host as well as your book reviews! I have found quite a few wonderful books thanks to you :D

Juliee said...

Happy News Years Everyone - hope it's the best for all

Sierra McBride said...

Happy New Year !!

I love all of the amazing giveaways you post.

Andrea Amy said...

Happy 2014 :)

Aowyn07 said...

I hope you have an amazing new year! I like the clean and easy to use format and the variety of things you post. :)

Christine Savinelli said...

I'd like to wish you & all your fans a Happy Healthy New Year!

Karen Greenberg said...

Happy New Year! I hope you have another fantastic year of blogging in 2014.

mysweetiepiepie said...

Happy New Year everyone!

Emilie Proctor said...

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all have an amazing 2014! Keep your heads up!!

Shayna said...

I love your giveaways !!! Have a Happy New Year :)

shebebes@yahoo.com

Susan O'Bryant said...

I love your blog, of course, and your giveaways, absolutely! :) Happy 2014 to you and yours.

Anonymous said...

So cool! Ho doesn't need 50 bucks

Christy Maurer said...

I love all of your book reviews and your friendship! So glad to know you through blogging!

JLT said...

Love the giveaways. Have a happy new year!

Seth said...

Happy holidays and a happy new year to everyone.

Unknown said...

Happy Holidays!

Daniel M said...

Happy New Year to all! - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Angela Sears Cunningham said...

Happy New Year!I love that you are so animal friendly :)Congrats on 3 years!

Angela Sears Cunningham said...

Happy New Year!I love that you are so animal friendly :)Congrats on 3 years!

Kim G. said...

Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

I like the design of your blog (the colors and how easy it is to navigate) and all the giveaways that you share. Thanks for the opportunities:)
Happy New Year!! Hope you have a wonderful year and that you get all that you wished for:)

Edna Williams said...

I like your book reviews. Hope you have a Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year to All!

maryjaco1 said...

Happy New Year and a healthy one.

Stephanie said...

Happy New Year EVERYONE :)!

deniseyweesy said...

Happy New Years!

Karla S said...

Happy New Year!!
(Karla Sceviour)

mandala said...

Learning about new authors and books. . also the giveaways. Happy New Year!

kmcgrew213 said...

Happy New Year! :)

Kim Reid said...

Love your blog - Happy New Year!!

kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com

Jinxy and Me said...

I like that you have giveaways!

Betsy Barnes said...

Congrats on 3 years! Love all the wonderful giveaways! Happy New Year :)

Spamgirl said...

Your giveaways! :)

Jen L said...

I am new, I appreciate the Canada friendly giveaway and the sweet kitteh!

Elnaz S said...

I like the lovely giveaways like this one! Happy new year to you and to all :)

michie2003 said...

I like all the giveaways and that it is a great blog.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!!! And Thank You for the best cat photos ever on FB. Elizabeth C

Tasha said...

I love all the great giveaways and reviews! Happy New Year to you and your family :)

Floridian Artist said...

Happy New Year to you and everyone else who reads this!

Mary said...

I like your informative posts! Congrats on 3 years! Happy New Year to you and Everyone!

Life's Simple Pleasures said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's the 1st over here anyway. I have always loved your style of writing and your many posts.

Michelle said...

Happy New Year!

Natalie Parvis-Nichols said...

I love your book reviews and giveaways! diesel_had_my_baby@yahoo.com

Yvettewithdt said...

wishing everyone a safe New year

Becky Worley said...

I really like the fact that you are not a pushy Sales Person, I am like you in that area. I let my customers know whats new,and let them decide if they want to buy or not

denalichix said...

Happy New Year everyone !!

sohamolina said...

Happy 2014 to you and your family.

Terri Moore said...

Wishing you and everyone everywhere a very happy new years! 2014 here we come.

Emi said...

I like reading about the cancer charities that you support. I have several friends that have had cancer and support them in their cancer charities.

Unknown said...

Happy New year . All the best in 2014 :)

Unknown said...

Congrats on the three years! I just started mine in April, I feel like such a newbie still!! :P

annies home said...

happy new year :) hope you have a great one

Jenn Oldaker said...

I hope everyone has a blessed and Happy New Year! :)

Unknown said...

Great blog. Ty for the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

Great giveaway! I posted it in our giveaway link-up, here: http://salesandsweeps.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-link-up.html

Brandy said...

I love your giveaways! Happy New Year!!

Unknown said...

I always enjoy someone with good humor and does a good job blogging. Enjoy this new year.

wilma2389 said...

I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year

Unknown said...

of course i love the giveaways best, but i really do love the variety and commentary too

petchk79 said...

I like the color of this website, it reminds me of the color I want to do in my daughters room, like a pinky peach!

Unknown said...

I like all of the giveaways. Happy New Year!

Lissa Crane said...

I enjoy many things about your blog, but I most like when you blog about your cat! Baby looks just like my cat, that we lost a few years back-best fur friend I ever had! So when you blog about Baby it makes me think of the past and smile!

katlynwomack said...

Happy New Year everyone!!!

GabbyLowe said...

have a great new Year! (Laura DeLuca)

Wendy Mastin said...

I like your blog and reviews and giveaways that you post.

stacey dempsey said...

Happy New Year to you all

Sandy Cain said...

I love that you are still excited about your blog after 3 years! It's lasted longer than many marriages!

Pauline MIlner said...

I am a regular visitor to your blog. I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for the super giveaway opportunity. Keep up the terrific blogging and have a wonderful 2014.

Anita Yancey said...

I enjoy your reviews, and I love your wonderful giveaways. Have a Happy New Year!

CindyWindy2003 said...

Happy New Year Miki's hope and all readers, I love how often you participate in blog hops!

Unknown said...

Happy new year Miki's and everyone!

Judy Thomas said...

Happy New Year.Great Blog, thank you :)

tls271 said...

Congrats on 5 years..I think I have been with u for about 2 years now..HAPPY NEW YEAR and many more years of me being ur fan :)

vanessa • withgreatheart.com • attractive, affordable blog + web design said...

Happy happy new year to you and yours!

Unknown said...

I enjoy your book reviews. Happy New Year, I hope 2014 is good to you!

Unknown said...

I just found your blog today and it's great. Happy New Year!

KMichelleC87 said...

i love when bloggers recommend someone elses blog or let everyone know about other giveaways

kmichellec87(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Happy New Year everyone! I really like your blog and book reviews! The giveaways are nice too hehe :)

Anonymous said...

Happy New year..I love your page cause its REAL!
(Lori Jackson)

Unknown said...

I love you site! I hope you have an amazing New Year!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year's to you and all the fans of the site!

cotec007 said...

Bonne Annee!

Michelle aka Naila Moon said...

You are a sweet host.
Have a great new year.

Journeys of The Zoo said...

I love how supportive you are. I hope you know how much I appreciate all that you do.

Thanks for posting this to my weekly giveaway linky (http://www.journeysofthezoo.com/category/giveaway-linky).

Besos, Sarah
Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo

Debra (dubbage42) said...

First, a very happy New Year to you. I love your blog - from adventures of the kitty type to the diabetes saga. And yes, the giveaways are cool too.
Thank you for all that you do!

ruckustheeskie said...

HNY! I like the texture and colors of your blog.

Nassep said...

love the pink

Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden said...

Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary. Happy New Year!

Tooth Fairy said...

Wishing you and yours and everyone else and their's a fairy Happy New Year 2014! Healthy + lotsa Good Luck!! ☺

Linnie said...

I love your giveaways!

Unknown said...

thx

Kathy K said...

Happy New Year to you and everyone!Hope 2014 is the best year yet!

Karen O said...

Happy New Year. I recently found your blog. I like the way you help others (giveaways and charities).

OzarksUSA said...

Happy New Year to you and all the readers of your blog! :-)

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Michelle! I love coming over and entering your giveaways, always simple and straight forward. No fussy, messy things to muddle through, plus you are AMAZING! and a very good listener, too!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year!

lemonlaurie said...

have a great new year

Lesley said...

I like the giveaways! Thanks for all you do, and Happy New Year!

Linda Szymoniak said...

Hope 2014 brings great things for you.

slehan said...

Happy New Year!
Thanks for all the great contests.

slehan at juno dot com

Unknown said...

happy new year and love the giveaways..i am disable and gives me something to do.!!

wilma2389 said...

Thanks for the giveaways and stories about your cat

Unknown said...

Wishing you and your readers a Wonderful and Happy New Year!

richied.becky said...

I love the happy atmosphere :)
happy new year everyone!!

orange0487 said...

happy new year!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Well, New Year's may be officially over, but I hope 2014 is filled with great things for you and everyone!

Anne Marie Carter said...

Hope that your blog continues to grow in this new year.

Mystica said...

A happy new year to you. I like the variety found on your blog!

Unknown said...

I love the giveaways, & happy new year.

Jenn Hiles said...

I love the the giveaways :) and Happy New Year to all!

Brynn said...

I love all the fun giveaways! This is one of my favorite blogs! :)

Diana Corlett said...

Your site is an interesting read always. Happy New Year to you and to all your readers!
Diana Corlett

Torialeigh said...

happy newyear

monica said...

happy new year to everyone :)

LAWonder said...

This site has a fun variety.

sadier said...

Hope the best for all of you during the New Year!

Wendy ArtsyChaos said...

I think I have been around since the beginning. Congrats and keep up the great work!

Kathryn Depew said...

Happy New Year, hope you have a wonderful 2014. I'll be back to visit again!

Lynda Del said...

Happy New Year!

Kathleen Hiskey said...

wishing you and Baby a great new year and can't wait to see more posts on your gorgeous kitty :) thanks!

Colette S said...

I like the variety of giveaways

Anne Marie Carter said...

I like blogs that give away books because it is a fun way to read new genre.

247mama said...

I love the great giveaways! Happy New Year!

Christine M (tubbytelly @ gmail.com) said...

Happy New Year!
I use your giveaway linky :)

Stephanie - Couponing Momma said...

Happy New Year Everyone!

AnneRose Fine said...

Happy New Year to everyone! Thanks, Miki's Hope, for hosting great giveaways!

Amy Heffernan said...

Happy New Year!!

Victoria K said...

Happy New Year!!

Salleefur/Jesselyn/Jesster said...

Quality writing, good taste and great giveaways! Wishing you and all your readers what I wish for myself: good health, happiness, peace of mind (and on Earth) and one sweet dream come true each day.

Jesselyn A/Jesstinger
jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com

Jessica Cox said...

Happy New Year but I do like all of your reviews and giveaways
Jessica Cox

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