It’s hard to believe it’s only been two short years since I started My Carolina Kitchen. Someone once said that “time really flies when you’re having fun” and that certainly has been the case for me.
When I first started blogging I wondered if anyone would even notice me, much less take the time to leave a comment. I can’t begin to tell you how much your feedback and encouraging comments have meant to me. Many of you have helped me when I’ve run into stumbling blocks or had problems. Others have shared photography, lighting and set-up secrets. Some of you have invited me to your home where I’ve had the pleasure of meeting other bloggers. I’ve saved your recipes and decorating tips and may never need to buy a book again (shh, please don’t tell my husband; you know I’m addicted to books). All in all it’s been a fabulous two years and you my friends are the ones to thank.
Last year to celebrate my first blog birthday/anniversary I took you on an imaginary airplane ride (you got to sit in the window seat) to a gorgeous tropical island out in the Atlantic Ocean called Abaco, a place in the Bahamas that we called home for ten years.
Friends were holding a table for us at one of our favorite restaurants in Marsh Harbour - Wally’s - which is located in a lovely pink colonial building overlooking the beautiful harbor. We had a great celebration and indulged in a rich chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream that had a candle on top.
This year to celebrate my second year and to thank you for taking the time to read My Carolina Kitchen I’m hosting a fabulous giveaway with a gift certificate offered by the great folks at CSN.
The gift certificate is for $75 (does not include shipping, but many of their items do include free shipping). The offer is valid for only US, Canadian, UK and German readers. The $75 will be converted to £50 and €60, respectively, depending on the country of the winner.
CSN has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from a counter stool for your kitchen to an All Clad stainless roasting pan for this year’s Thanksgiving turkey.
One of the items that they offer that I find extremely handy to have in my kitchen is a counter stool. Actually I have two of them. When I’m ready to cook I give my guests a glass of wine and encourage them to sit at the counter and visit with me while I work in the kitchen. I don’t like many people in my kitchen with me, but I do like to visit while I cook.
What about you? Do you allow guests to help in your kitchen or do you encourage them to sit and visit on a counter stool while you cook like I do?
Please leave a comment and tell me if you use a counter stool in your kitchen for your guests. If you’re in the market for one, check out all of the cool ones CSN has to offer and let me know which one you like in your comment.
You don’t have to use the gift certificate for a counter stool. You can choose any item you like from among the thousands CSN offers. Also please do not post on the CSN Facebook Wall about this giveaway, as it is in violation of the Facebook Corporate Page regulations. .
My favorite counter stool from CSN is this one with the rush seat. It comes in a set of two for only $74.99 and includes free shipping.
If you are currently a follower or become a follower, you are eligible for two chances to win the $75 gift certificate. Just leave a second comment saying that you are a follower. Don’t forget, the offer is valid only for US, Canadian, UK and German readers.
Giveaway ends Friday, November 12. Winner will be announced on Saturday, November 13, 2010.
You can use your gift certificate for anything at their online stores. CSN has many of the great name brands we know and love such as Le Creuset, All-Clad, Calphalon, Cuisinart, Staub, Emile Henry, Wusthof, Kitchenaid, Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, and many, many more. Their stores have everything from kitchen and dining to home decor, furniture, rugs, bed & bath, home improvement, patio & garden, lightening, baby & kids and more. All with hassle free returns and free shipping on many items.
Good luck to all.
Happy birthday/blogiversary!
ReplyDeleteI do have a bar stool in my kitchen--it's a beautiful saddle-seat country-style stool like CSN's Wildon Home bar stool. I would love to have a second one!
Love counter stools - use em all the time - right now we have simple stools but my favorite is the old fashioned metal kind with the little step that flips out...
ReplyDeleteoh and I am a follower and if I wasnt one before I am an official one now!
ReplyDeleteCSN is some company!! I love the stool, but no, I do not like anyone in my kitchen because I get so involved in conversation that I forget what I am doing. But, there are so many gorgeous things I would order. Thank you and WOW..2 years. That is so great. Looking forward to spending the next year with you. Oh, by the way, the shot of the beautiful, unbelievable blue waters of the Caribbean...well, OUTSTANDINGLY BEAUTIFUL.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am a follower and happy to be one.
ReplyDeleteSam, congratulations on your anniversary! I enjoy your blog so much, and I hope that one day we'll finally be able to meet.
ReplyDeleteSince I just won your cookbook, I think I should bow out and let others have a chance to win the gift certificate. I'd love to win it, but that seems only fair to give my chance to someone else.
Love those stools. That's a good price for two. My cousin had similar ones in his house in Edgartown, and they were quite comfortable.
Again, congratulations on a wonderful blog!
XO,
Sheila :-)
Happy 2nd bloggiversary!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rosa
Congratulations! I'm coming up on two years myself...I didn't realize we started so close to each other.
ReplyDeleteI love to have people in the kitchen with me, but my kitchen isn't really designed to have seating for "guests." It's one thing that's on my list for a redesign or if we ever move!
Oh, and I am a happy follower!
ReplyDeleteMay I be blessed to read MANY MORE years of your insightful travel and cooking! Congrats and hugs!!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway and Happy Anniversary! Those barstools are great looking and a bargain!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am a Happy Follower too!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday/blogiversary! I do have 2 dark wood and leather seat and back stools in my kitchen for counter guests. I love them! Thanks for having this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am also a follower!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! I am so glad we got to meet in person last month!
ReplyDeleteYes, I do use counter stools. We bought some inexpensive ones we we moved in here. I would love to replace them. My favorite CSN stool is the Hillsdale Fleur de Lis.
Thank you for the chance to win a gift certificate!
xo
Penny
And yes, I am a faithful follower. I have enjoyed seeing all of your yummy recipes!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
Happy Bloggiversary Sam. It seems like only yesterday that you started blogging.
ReplyDeleteThis will be a great give away for someone.
FlowerLady
I am a follower of yours and have been for quite some time now.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
Counter stools - absolutely! In Hope Town they are sea grass, and in Canada they were a creamy fabric, but I love having guests on the OTHER side of the counter while I'm making them a meal!
ReplyDeleteAnd happy second blogiversary, Sam!!
And of COURSE I am a follower, I subscribe on the google reader thingy!
ReplyDeleteSam, Happy blog anniversary! We use counter stools a lot and the ones they have at CSN are outstanding. Our favorite is a Crosley Upholstered 24" Saddle Seat Bar Stool in Vintage Mahogany Finish
ReplyDeleteI've been a follower and email subscriber for a while now..
ReplyDeleteHappy bloggiversary!! I don't use stools in my kitchen but have been looking at adding a few lately - they are great for company.
ReplyDeleteHave been a follower/subscriber for a while - love your blog :)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! What a nice giveaway. I'm partial to the saddle seat stool myself. And while I don't like people underfoot while I'm in the kitchen, I do enjoy when they pull up a chair and chat. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I am a follower, too. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on two years!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! - No, I don't have a stool in my kitchen, wish I did though!
Of course I am a follower, silly!
ReplyDeleteSam,
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by and leaving a sweet comment...it's so nice to meet another southern gal! Yes...I have two bar stools in my kitchen and LOVE them...they come in handy for my guests and sometimes I use them myself...that's when I get lazy and don't want to stand up cooking:) Please count me in on this giveaway...with Christmas just around the corner...this would come in handy.
Blessings,
Linda
I'm a new follower and congrats on your 2nd anniversary!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Linda
Congratulations on your second anniversary Sam. I feel like I have been there with you from the very beginning. We have 3 stools at our island and my guests are usually there when I cook. I looked at the stools available to win and I like the saddle seat counter stools. We can always use one more! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI am also a follower Sam.
ReplyDeleteOh ,how sweet ,i did miss the plane ride didn i,but m gng to take it now,and ofcrz thannnkk u for the window seat!
ReplyDeleteCOngrats on ur blog anniv and am so happy i met u in blogosphere!
Looking forward to more deliciousness galore from ya!!
And these pics are lovely!
i sure do follow ur wonderful blog and thnnxx a ton for the second chance to enter:-)
ReplyDeleteHey Miss Sam!!! I was thinking I was a follower already. I am now!!!! Have a great day and congrats on 2 years!!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
I don't have any counter stools but if I did I would get these!
ReplyDeleteBoraam Cathedral 24" Counter Stool in Es Cherry - 40224
I like the price too!
Happy 2nd Anniversary! Time sure seems to fly when you're blogging, doesn't it? I'm looking forward to seeing what future years bring to My Carolina Kitchen! Thanks so much for hosting the giveaway! I currently don't have kitchen counters...would love some though! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! How wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteI do not have kitchen barstools, but I always use them at other people's houses. The kitchen is the hub of the party! Thanks for the imaginary plane ride, I need some island time about now!
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary, Sam! I do indeed remember your first one. I wonder if I am a dictator in the kitchen - I like people to drink a glass of wine and chat - while I do all the cooking!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a stool because I never thought of getting one. It might be nice. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI became a follower about a week ago. Don't remember how I stumbled upon your blog, but am enjoying it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love to have someone in the kitchen with me so we can talk but not a lot of people because my kitchen is small. I love CSN so any product they sell is good quality. Please count me in. Thanks, Donnie
ReplyDeleteki4ggs(at)gmail(dot)com
HAPPY BLOGGY BIRTHDAY!!!!
ReplyDeleteI do not use a stool for my guest but I should They do have some lovely ones,huh?
Yes,I would love to win 75 dollars to csn.I have so much Christmas shopping to do for the wee ones
Thank you
Hope you have many happy bloggy years to come
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
I'm also a follower too. thanks again, Donnie
ReplyDeleteki4ggs(at)gmail(dot)com
I am also a new follower
ReplyDeletejacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
I remember the photos last year! Happy 2nd anniversary. Blogging opens up a whole new world.
ReplyDeleteI am follower!
ReplyDeleteI don't use a stool in my house now. If I get the house I'm considering, I will have a bar/counter there, though!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Just found your blog and am loving it.
Following on GFC.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
I do not have any stools in the kitchen but I really like the Hillsdale Cierra 30" Swivel Bar Stool - Black Fabric
ReplyDeletehillaryanna at yahoo dot com
Happy Blogaversary! It does go by fast. My blog is only 10 months old, but it seems like just yesterday...sniff, sniff!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower and I could really use a new food processor. The $75 sure would help!
Congratulations on yout two year blog anniversary Sam! I always enjoy all your wonderful informative posts and delicious recipes.
ReplyDeleteI have a small city aize kitche so I don't have room for a counter stool. If my guests want to watch or help in my kitchen they sit by my small kitchen table.
My son has a larger house with a nice large granite counter, however, and they use similar stools like the ones you've shown.
I looked at the link and I liked the Hillsdale Kendal swivel stool on page 6!
Yes, I am definitely a long time follower! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 2nd blogiversary to you! This is such a nice giveaway. I follow you. :) I love that first photo so much. The color of the water is spectacular!
ReplyDeletewow! congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteWe have a stool in our kitchen, and I like them!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
Twitter @Nige270
I follow your blog through Google Connect
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Sam. You have the best blog and I enjoy visiting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting mine and leaving a comment.
Sam, I have been a follower from the very beginning.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your two year anniversary!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Sam,
ReplyDeleteI would love to have you as a guest in my kitchen and have a stool ready for you any time you are in Texas! Happy Anniversary! Lovely to celebrate with you!! I LOVE the photo from the plane. You must be thrilled everytime you see that site. You have a fantastic blog and I love it. Of course I am a follower, and I always look forward to your new posts! Looking forward to many more years ~LeslieMichele
I'm a follower and in agreement with where kitchen visitors should be. When we redid our kitchen several years ago, one of the main critera was to relocate visitors from the stools around the island to those at the bar between the kitchen and dining room.
ReplyDeleteI got excited about discussing kitchen visitors, I forgot to wish you happy blogiversary.
ReplyDeleteI am now officially a follower.
ReplyDeleteSam...although I have not had the pleasure of following your culinary journey from the start...I do very much enjoy my visits with you. BTW...how fortunate of you to have such a glorious spot as a second 'pied a terre' ;O)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 2 years of sharing in our Foodie Blogger team.
Ciao for now,
Claudia
Here's for the giveaway condition...I've been having you on my list from when I began blogging ;o)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Ciao, Claudia
I love stools in the kitchen. My mom always had a couple when I was growing up. Usually my aunt and I would sit there and pester her while she cooked. :-) Congrats on your two year anniversary.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Anniversary, Sam! It has been a delicious two years, and I look forward to many more of your great stories and recipes!
ReplyDeleteCongrats of two years!!!! Amazing! I love your blog and I love your recipes!
ReplyDeleteRight now we have two barstools that are too high for adults and do not have backs. We are in the market for two counter height stools with backs!
Simple, classic lines!
Great giveaway!!! Thanks!
Yes - I have been a follower for some time now!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteWe do not have a stool in our kitchen. Csn has a lot to choose from
ReplyDeletethat I like.
tahearn at roadrunner dot com
I follow with google friends.
ReplyDeletetahearn at roadrunner dot com
Thank you, as always, for visiting Sam!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your second anniversary! It sounds as if you had the same doubts that I had about entering the world of blogging. I'm so glad that I did--and most certainly glad that you did as well. I must backtrack and take the "trip to the island". Were I too win the giveaway, I just might go for the stool. I have a small kitchen but there's room for a guest or two (they could even pitch in) to pull up one (or two) of those stools.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
I've just become a "follower" which is a little embarrassing since I thought I already was one!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
I am a google follower
ReplyDelete♫Happy Blog Anniversary♫ I have two counter stools at my snack bar. They are the basic wood stools that I have apple green padded cushions on for comfort..
ReplyDeleteI have been a follower of your blog for about 3 months.. I was drawn in by a recipe for Lemon Roasted Chicken! ☺
ReplyDeleteHi Sam,
ReplyDeleteI do not have a kitchen stool, but if I did, I would want one like my Grandmother had. It was metal, with a red vinyl back and seat, and it had fold down steps.
Congratulations on your blogaversary. I have been following your blog for quite some time. . .we are neighbors after all.
well happy birthday Carolina Kitchen! A giveaway is the perfect way to celebrate ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Birthday!
ReplyDeleteWe do not use a counter stool because there is no place for it in this kitchen.
I am a new google friend
ReplyDeleteI don't use a counter stool, because I don't have one, but I would love to have one! Enjoyed reading your blog. Unable to join followers via email.
ReplyDeleteI have 3 counter stools/chairs. I find most people vie for those spots..
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 2 years!
Already a follower.:)
ReplyDeleteHappy blog anniversary, Sam! We don't use counter stools but in order to accommodate friends of the cook, we moved the refrigerator in to the pantry and have a cozy corner with two banquettes.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogversary! I do not have a stool in my kitchen - no room sadly.
ReplyDeleteI am an avid Follower!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!!! I don't have a counter stool...but wow, I need one and didn't know it until now! What a great way to play in the kitchen while your guest relaxes in your company.
ReplyDeleteAnd...Im already a follower :)
ReplyDeleteNo bar stools for me.I have too much clutter in the kitchen with the big table and chairs we already have in there.I could use some foot stools for the den
ReplyDeletetruthhole@gmail.com
I follow too
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Sam!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I have stools in my kitchen! Indonesian looking... we love them.
Wonderful giveaway too!
And I'm now a follower. (Thought I already was!)
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest FOLLOWER, I just discovered you over at "Stacy's Snacks"... I've been looking for a stool like the one you pictured. Hmmm, Please enter me into the giveaway... ALSO, I'd LOVE for you to visit my BLOG and join to FOLLOW me if you would like, I DO love company!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you, Donna
Hi Sam,
ReplyDeleteYou said to leave a second comment SO here I am, AND I'm a FOLLOWER and I'm looking forward to exploring your fun BLOG...
Hugs, Donna
I'm your newest follower! Happy Blog Birthday! I'm having one too. Check out my new blog-
ReplyDeletewww.beatricebanks.blogspot.com
I'd be delighted if you followed me back. I'm having a giveaway too!
I love your favorite barstool. Mine are saddle style. They don't take up a lot of room and slide nicely under the counter. We use the bar alot. Great for kids eating breakfast and snacks.
ReplyDeleteMy grandma gave me one, its pine with a black pvc padded top. Old but still comfy and I used to kneel on it to help her bake. I love it as it reminds me of happy times.
ReplyDeleteI would choose this lovely stool if I needed a new one.
Following you too.
http://www.allbarstools.com/American-Heritage-124803-AHB1032.html
Happy 2nd Blogoversary! I don't have a counter stool in the kitchen but sure could use one.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 2nd year... It is fun, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I just got an island in my kitchen... room for 2 stools
This is a great giveaway & a very happy 2nd birthday to your blog. It is amazing how much they change our world. I too will never buy another book - yeah right! Our blogger buddies are coming out with so many great ones I will probably buy more. We could use some bar stools now that my kids are old enough to sit on them ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower! And we heavily use counter stools in my kitchen so that I can be part of the conversation while still cooking!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 2nd anniversary! Woo Hoo!
ReplyDeleteYou know I am a follower!
ReplyDeleteA happy blog deserves a happy anniversary. GREG
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower....beautiful photo's..
ReplyDeleteTwo years! That's wonderful, Sam...congratulations! I could definitely use a counter stool...this one perhaps ---> Great American Barstools 24" Espresso Saddle Stool !? Although, I'd probably end up in coookware ;) Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI am also a follower...have been for sometime!!! xo
ReplyDeleteHi Sam! I don't have counter stools in my kitchen, but I do have an old dinette set from the early 40's which was the very first piece my in-laws bought. Everyone likes to sit there as it is my little "cafe" area! Two years blogging, wow. Congratulations to you, and keep it up as we like to visit!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a follower too!
ReplyDeleteI eat breakfast every morning sitting on one of those stools.
ReplyDeleteHello, Sam, and thank you for your kind visit! What a life it must have been living in Abaco!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 2-year bloggaversary! I just celebrated 2 years as well.
I am so happy to have found you in return and your lovely blog and for a chance to enter your giveaway. I am copying your recipe for mussels below. It sounds wonderful!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add that if I had room for a counter stool in my kitchen, I'd love the red International Concepts counter stool. Red is my favorite color!
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower!
Sam - Times does fly when you're having fun and blogging has certainly proven to be fun.
ReplyDeleteI do use a counter stool in my kitchen.
I'm a happy follower too :)
ReplyDeleteSam, I have two kitchen stools that look very much like the one in your photo. Congrats on your 2nd anniversary, and many many more!
ReplyDeleteSam, I am a follower of your blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Now I know why you are so good. No stools in my kithen; I'm too short.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on Year #2!
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous! We just got back to Florida and I would love to have a stool in my kitchen...I even have a little bar where it could go! I like the one you found! And the price is right! Thanks and happy blogging! ♥
ReplyDeleteI am a follower...and a friend! ♥
ReplyDeleteWhat a fine giveaway Sam!
ReplyDeleteI do as you: I cook and guests are at the counter right here in the kitchen just as last evening: 4 old oak stools, the guests relax and sit while munching on some homemade chips and Green Tomato Salsa chit chatting, my husband stands to my right serving whatever they need (including wine of course), as I put the finishing touches on dinner. It is a great way we enjoy our friends and dinner.
Of course I'm a follower.
ReplyDeleteSam, lovely pictures...and Happy anniversary/birthday :-)
ReplyDeleteWe actually do have two stools in our kitchen for guests and us to sit on. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteChris
zekks at yahoo dot com
I'm a follower as well
ReplyDeleteChris
Hi Sam,
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary - I love the first 2 photos.
Sam,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all of your success with this lovely blog. Here's wishing you many, many, many more years of blogging bliss.
Be well
Happy bloganniversay. I am like you, I did not realize how much fun it would be to blog and how many wonderful people there are out there. I have been a follower for a long while, but dear Sam, don’t enter me in a giveaway as our house is full and we should give away many of our things. Reading your blog is a reward for me, un plaisir.
ReplyDeleteSam! Huge Anniversary!!! I remember that plane trip last year - too fun!!!! Let's do it again some day.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to many more years of fun recipes, photos and travel tales!
I hope you're having a good week!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your second blog anniversary, Sam!
ReplyDeleteI feel like a very lucky duck (a still freely roaming one, that is!) that you share your fabulous recipes with us.
Thank you and best wishes for the future,
Merisi
Funny thing happened:
ReplyDeleteI could have sworn that I was already a follower, but clicking on the (newer) following button at the sidebar, I was able to "follow" anew. Who knows, there seems to be difference between clicking on the follow button above the header and the one on the sidebar (not only on your blog). I haven't figured out the difference.
P.S.:
ReplyDeleteI reloaded the page, still no sign of being a follower.
At this point, I give up, sorry! :-)
I don't use a stool because of the lack of a bar, someday when I buy my first home I will keep that in mind!
ReplyDeleteannemolino at hotmail dot com
I follow you now!
ReplyDeleteI am shamefully late as we have been traveling, but I wanted to wish a happy anniversary. I always enjoy my visits with you and hope you'll continue to delight us with your food, stories and recipes. Have a marvelous day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteI'm late, I'm late . . . but I'm a Follower!!!
ReplyDeleteI love counter/bar stools . . . I'm sure I could figure out where to use one in my kitchen . . .
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sam...how the two years has flown...especially when we love blogging like we do...xv
ReplyDeleteCongratulations...hope it will be even more fun in the future! And people in the kitchen...yes...and everybody gets something to do!
ReplyDeleteBises
Ronelle
Such a beautiful place. My great uncle lives there, and perhaps you know a Bill County on Tamar II, but I regret having to leave it after my 10 day vacation. I plan to return there ASAP.
ReplyDeleteyou make blogging seem easy. The overall look of your site is amazing, let alone the information!