Four years ago, I made a decision that I thought was small-ish, but turned out to be BIG. I got this idea to start a blog about easy eco ideas. I knew that I wanted an eco partner in crime, so I started looking around for another like-minded blogger to share my idea with.
As it happened, I had been reading Green Girl in Wisconsin for several months and had a feeling that she might be my gal. We didn’t really know each other and, as I recall, I don’t think we’d even communicated outside of comments on each other’s blogs, but I just had a feeling that she might be interested in this plan I was pondering. I emailed Melissa, told her I had an idea I wanted to run by her, and asked if we could talk on the phone. She shared her phone number, I called, and an hour later, Eco Women: Protectors of the Planet was in the works. Four years later, I am so grateful for the friendship that was also born during that phone call. I love it when the phone rings and I see on Caller ID that it’s coming from Wisconsin. I find a comfortable place to sit, because I know I’m in for a treat and I want to enjoy it.
Melissa talks the talk and walks the walk. When she blogs about something at Eco Women, she knows what she’s talking about, whether it’s making her own cleaning supplies, hanging her laundry out to dry, planting her kitchen garden, or researching solar panels for her home, which is located on 60 acres in Wisconsin.
Beyond all the eco-ness, she is a recovering PTO president who just announced that she’s running for school board (there oughta be a 12-step program for volunteerism just for her), she has a second degree black belt in karate (she could totally kick anyone’s ass), and she is the mother of three boys who have the most vivid imaginations. Go read that linked post — I’ve read it at least three or four times and every time I get to the point where Melissa’s “fourth son” is mentioned, I’m laughing so hard that I’m choking.
If you aren’t reading Melissa’s blog, you should be. She is a really entertaining writer. And, lucky for all of us, she is also a published author — her latest book, Whipped, Not Beaten, just came out last month. Here’s the blurb:
Sadie Davis is craving change. Recently dumped and working for a boss she despises, she is determined to shake up her life as a single woman in the city of Madison. She takes a side job as a home party consultant selling kitchenware, hoping that it will be the spice that turns her life around. Through failed recipes and cold ovens, Sadie works to create something that’s a bit sweeter, a lot richer, and oh, so very delicious.
If you haven’t read Whipped yet, you should. It’s hilarious. I’ll even make it easy for you: This week, I am giving away THREE copies of Whipped, Not Beaten by Melissa Westemeier. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post between now and 9 p.m. EST Friday. I’ll do a random drawing of three names over the weekend and announce the winners next Monday. Good luck.
P.S. If you’re going to post a photo of yourself on your blog and want me to link to it here, I need to hear from you by Thursday. If you want to post a photo on my blog, I need to hear from you as soon as possible.
UPDATED on January 13 at 9 p.m. EST: This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered. The three winners will be announced on Monday the 16th.
Melissa is the awesome.
I could use a funny book to read!
If you enjoy her work, I know I will. Thank you for the offer.
Love the title. I could use a good laugh this am, will go check out that post.
Will start reading Green Girl, I am all about recycling. And hanging clothes up.
Hey, sure – I like free books! Entertain me now!
(For others who like free books, I happen to know of another book giveaway happening right now over on the Goodreads group for my husband’s book podcast. It’s a very different kind of book than above, but hey, a free book’s free, right?)
“Whipped, Not Beaten” looks awesome!
Pick me! Pick me!
Oh, I’m so glad you posted the story of EcoWomen – love reading it every day, even though I don’t always take the time to comment.
I’d love to win a copy of this book! Otherwise I’ll just go buy it.
Thank you!
Oh, I’m so glad you posted the story of EcoWomen – love reading it every day, even though I don’t always take the time to comment.
When I talk to my blogging friend Katie on the phone, I always have to find a comfy chair too, becuase it’s some of the best conversation ever. So I know what you mean!
I’d love to win a copy of this book! Otherwise I’ll just go buy it.
Thank you!
I. Cannot. Wait. To. Read. That. Book.
But I will wait. I will wait until I receive my #WINNING copy. What? I am more optimistic than impatient. What? I am. What?
XO
Sounds like a fun read. I’ll have to put it on my summer reading list!
I want it. And I’ll donate it to the library when I’m done reading.
Sounds like a great read! I bet my single daughter (mother of two) would really enjoy it as well. Please include me in your drawing
Anna
I can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for offering it as a giveaway.
Sign me up! Would love to get my hands on it. : )
Oooh pick me pick me!!
I’d love to read it! If I don’t win, I’ll be buying it
This book sounds like a great time!
been wanting the book since it came out. Fingers are crossed!
I think I would love anything that Melissa writes!
I’m adding it to my to do list!
This book sounds divine! Would absolutely love a funny one to get through the winter!
Thanks for sharing!
Pick me! Pick me!
As a fellow Virginian, I’m up for a read.
I want one! She makes me laugh and our lives aren’t even the same.
I.Want.This.Book.So.Badly. I’m willing to make sentences out of one word. Her post yesterday invited us all to write in run-on style. I haven’t done that yet – still trying to come up with a response where I can run everything together. Melissa is one of the sweetest people that I don’t know (IRL) but would love to know. Her blog cracks me up. I’m not sure how I found it but certainly glad that I did.
I love Green Girl, and I would love to win her book.
I would love to win this book and am so excited for Green Girl.
Melissa’s blog is on my favorites list. and in the spirit of saving the best for last. I read all my other blogs first. I would love to have a copy of her book. Thanks for the giveaway.
You are right: Melissa is awesome *and* hilarious! I can’t wait to get my hands on her book! Now I need to read the post you linked to, because I think I might have missed it the first time around…
I’m so excited for Melissa and I’m excited to read her book. In fact I was just thinking I need to get my hands on a copy! (Hope that means it’s my lucky day…)
This Ozark Farm Chick is here from Green Gals place. I just had to meet her bloggin’ BFF!!!
The book sounds great, there can never be too much laughter in the world.
God bless ya from the happy hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa!!!
Woohoo…I just adore a great giveaway. Have fun with it sweetie
)
Melissa is cool and sweet and funny and I like pretending she is my friend, too! I am so pleased for her latest accomplishment.
I’m in for Melissa’s book. She’s a Packer fan and so am I. What better person to read her book and tell everyone about it on my own blog. I love the apron on the front cover.
Very kind of you to do this. Going to check out the other site.
I would LOVe to win the book, pretty please!
Mel’s book is a totally GREAT read; those who don’t win a free copy should run out and buy your own! You won’t be disappointed~
How did I miss this? I would love to read the book and a give a review on my blog. Thanks, Jen!