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.


I love your generosity of sharing all these giveaways with us. Have a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this wonderful giveaway....goodluck to all people entering in this contest....
ReplyDeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE NEW YEAR TOBYOU AND TO YOUR FAMILY
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 :)
ReplyDeleteMele 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.
Sweet blog, with loads of great info! thanks and hope you and your family have a Safe and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteIt'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 :)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year all :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy Holidays :)
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.
ReplyDeleteHappy almost Anniversary I enjoy reading the book reviews.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy and Healthy New Year!
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.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful holiday season! :o)
Ohh.. and I love to join this contest!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy new Year <3
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI like coming here because you are interesting. Have A Happy Holiday to you and yours
ReplyDeletei 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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI love the books on your site and of course the giveaways! I wish everyone a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteyou run so many giveaways every day.. thank you for doing so!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and everyone!!
ReplyDeleteMiki's Hope has some great posts - and giveaways! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeletei love the contest and all the post HAPPY NEW YEARS !!!
ReplyDeleteYou 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!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to everyone! Hope you all have a great holiday with family and friends or pets :)
ReplyDeleteOur 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!!
Happy New Year to you and everyone here and I love your giveaways the most!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on you 3 year Birthday! Love the books, the giveaway and just reading the post.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays all!
My blog is a little over three years old too. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteYou always host great giveaways! Thanks so much and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing more posts about your cat, Baby, too! Congrats on (almost) three years of blogging!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the upcoming 3-year blogversary! That is huge :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats 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.
ReplyDeleteLovely blog, family a friendly and awesome giveaways!
ReplyDeleteI want to wish you and everyone a happy holiday and wonderful new year! love the colors of your blog.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years everyone!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have so many giveaways and your book reviews! Have a great Christmas and new Years!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary and thanks for all great giveaways from this blog! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 3 years blogging!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone!
ReplyDeleteI think your site is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Everyone!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a story! Thanks for the giveaway, and happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteGreat story and great giveaway for the holidays!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays. Love reading all of your book reviews. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteIt'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!
ReplyDeleteI love all your giveaways. Keep them coming! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletehappy anniversary! i love your giveaways!
ReplyDeleteSo 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?
ReplyDeleteI enjoy visiting your blog everyday and checking out your reviews! Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and a Happy New year!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the pending 3 year blogerversary. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! i love your giveaways :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 3 years!! Happy New Years!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats and happy holidays to you and yours
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWishing everyone a wonderful New Year.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your readers the happiest year ever! :)
ReplyDeleteWishing everyone a very happy new year!! Thanks for the awesome blog!
ReplyDeletecongrats on your 3 yrs. have a properous new year
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteLove all your post!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
ReplyDeleteI love you chatty writing style. Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2014.
ReplyDeleteMPaula
merry christmas and a happy new year :D
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and all of your readers.
ReplyDeleteheather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com
Have a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWishing everyone a Happy and safe New Years:)
ReplyDeleteI love all the giveaways you host as well as your book reviews! I have found quite a few wonderful books thanks to you :D
ReplyDeleteHappy News Years Everyone - hope it's the best for all
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year !!
ReplyDeleteI love all of the amazing giveaways you post.
Happy 2014 :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you have an amazing new year! I like the clean and easy to use format and the variety of things you post. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to wish you & all your fans a Happy Healthy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I hope you have another fantastic year of blogging in 2014.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone! I hope you all have an amazing 2014! Keep your heads up!!
ReplyDeleteI love your giveaways !!! Have a Happy New Year :)
ReplyDeleteshebebes@yahoo.com
I love your blog, of course, and your giveaways, absolutely! :) Happy 2014 to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteSo cool! Ho doesn't need 50 bucks
ReplyDeleteI love all of your book reviews and your friendship! So glad to know you through blogging!
ReplyDeleteLove the giveaways. Have a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays and a happy new year to everyone.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to all! - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!I love that you are so animal friendly :)Congrats on 3 years!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!I love that you are so animal friendly :)Congrats on 3 years!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI 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:)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!! Hope you have a wonderful year and that you get all that you wished for:)
I like your book reviews. Hope you have a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to All!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and a healthy one.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year EVERYONE :)!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
ReplyDelete(Karla Sceviour)
Learning about new authors and books. . also the giveaways. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! :)
ReplyDeleteLove your blog - Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeletekimberlybreid at hotmail dot com
I like that you have giveaways!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 3 years! Love all the wonderful giveaways! Happy New Year :)
ReplyDeleteYour giveaways! :)
ReplyDeleteI am new, I appreciate the Canada friendly giveaway and the sweet kitteh!
ReplyDeleteI like the lovely giveaways like this one! Happy new year to you and to all :)
ReplyDeleteI like all the giveaways and that it is a great blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!! And Thank You for the best cat photos ever on FB. Elizabeth C
ReplyDeleteI love all the great giveaways and reviews! Happy New Year to you and your family :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and everyone else who reads this!
ReplyDeleteI like your informative posts! Congrats on 3 years! Happy New Year to you and Everyone!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR! It's the 1st over here anyway. I have always loved your style of writing and your many posts.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI love your book reviews and giveaways! diesel_had_my_baby@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletewishing everyone a safe New year
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone !!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2014 to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and everyone everywhere a very happy new years! 2014 here we come.
ReplyDeleteI like reading about the cancer charities that you support. I have several friends that have had cancer and support them in their cancer charities.
ReplyDeleteHappy New year . All the best in 2014 :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the three years! I just started mine in April, I feel like such a newbie still!! :P
ReplyDeletehappy new year :) hope you have a great one
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone has a blessed and Happy New Year! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. Ty for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! I posted it in our giveaway link-up, here: http://salesandsweeps.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-link-up.html
ReplyDeleteI love your giveaways! Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy someone with good humor and does a good job blogging. Enjoy this new year.
ReplyDeleteI would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year
ReplyDeleteof course i love the giveaways best, but i really do love the variety and commentary too
ReplyDeleteI like the color of this website, it reminds me of the color I want to do in my daughters room, like a pinky peach!
ReplyDeleteI like all of the giveaways. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone!!!
ReplyDeletehave a great new Year! (Laura DeLuca)
ReplyDeleteI like your blog and reviews and giveaways that you post.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you all
ReplyDeleteI love that you are still excited about your blog after 3 years! It's lasted longer than many marriages!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your reviews, and I love your wonderful giveaways. Have a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Miki's hope and all readers, I love how often you participate in blog hops!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year Miki's and everyone!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.Great Blog, thank you :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats 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 :)
ReplyDeleteHappy happy new year to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your book reviews. Happy New Year, I hope 2014 is good to you!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog today and it's great. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletei love when bloggers recommend someone elses blog or let everyone know about other giveaways
ReplyDeletekmichellec87(at)yahoo(dot)com
Happy New Year everyone! I really like your blog and book reviews! The giveaways are nice too hehe :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New year..I love your page cause its REAL!
ReplyDelete(Lori Jackson)
I love you site! I hope you have an amazing New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year's to you and all the fans of the site!
ReplyDeleteBonne Annee!
ReplyDeleteYou are a sweet host.
ReplyDeleteHave a great new year.
I love how supportive you are. I hope you know how much I appreciate all that you do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this to my weekly giveaway linky (http://www.journeysofthezoo.com/category/giveaway-linky).
Besos, Sarah
Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all that you do!
HNY! I like the texture and colors of your blog.
ReplyDeletelove the pink
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 3 year anniversary. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours and everyone else and their's a fairy Happy New Year 2014! Healthy + lotsa Good Luck!! ☺
ReplyDeleteI love your giveaways!
ReplyDeletethx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and everyone!Hope 2014 is the best year yet!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year. I recently found your blog. I like the way you help others (giveaways and charities).
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and all the readers of your blog! :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy 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!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeletehave a great new year
ReplyDeleteI like the giveaways! Thanks for all you do, and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHope 2014 brings great things for you.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great contests.
slehan at juno dot com
happy new year and love the giveaways..i am disable and gives me something to do.!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaways and stories about your cat
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your readers a Wonderful and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI love the happy atmosphere :)
ReplyDeletehappy new year everyone!!
happy new year!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, New Year's may be officially over, but I hope 2014 is filled with great things for you and everyone!
ReplyDeleteHope that your blog continues to grow in this new year.
ReplyDeleteA happy new year to you. I like the variety found on your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love the giveaways, & happy new year.
ReplyDeleteI love the the giveaways :) and Happy New Year to all!
ReplyDeleteI love all the fun giveaways! This is one of my favorite blogs! :)
ReplyDeleteYour site is an interesting read always. Happy New Year to you and to all your readers!
ReplyDeleteDiana Corlett
happy newyear
ReplyDeletehappy new year to everyone :)
ReplyDeleteThis site has a fun variety.
ReplyDeleteHope the best for all of you during the New Year!
ReplyDeleteI think I have been around since the beginning. Congrats and keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, hope you have a wonderful 2014. I'll be back to visit again!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeletewishing you and Baby a great new year and can't wait to see more posts on your gorgeous kitty :) thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like the variety of giveaways
ReplyDeleteI like blogs that give away books because it is a fun way to read new genre.
ReplyDeleteI love the great giveaways! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI use your giveaway linky :)
Happy New Year Everyone!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to everyone! Thanks, Miki's Hope, for hosting great giveaways!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteQuality 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.
ReplyDeleteJesselyn A/Jesstinger
jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com
Happy New Year but I do like all of your reviews and giveaways
ReplyDeleteJessica Cox