If you are like me, it feels like this year has been full of heavy, soul-searching things so I’m here to bring a little cheer because it’s my birthday and I want to share the celebration!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED! Congratulations to the winners!

Grand Prize:

Mini Portrait Session* from Danielle Hardesty Photography

3 digital images included (more available for purchase)

lasts up to 15 minutes for a single family, milestone, maternity, head shot, front porch or graduate session

2nd Prize:

Children’s Books from

Elizabeth Gerlach with Ben’s Adventures Children’s Book Series

&

Michelle Schaub, author or Dream Big, Little Scientists (autographed)

3rd Prize:

2 pairs of lightweight earrings from JMF Leathers (or on Instagram)

Please note: Everyone is welcome to enter but need to live within 15 miles of Darien, IL or willing to meet within that radius to claim their prize.

Here is more information about each of the small businesses involved in my birthday Giveaway:

I encourage you to follow each of these companies on social media as it allows others to discover these wonderful local small businesses as well!

Danielle Hardesty is a Chicagoland based family and newborn photographer capturing memories for families to treasure for generations. The mission of DHP is to love encourage and strengthen families through the art of photography. I capture images for generations to enjoy by providing guidance from styling to locations, engaging children and adults (every personality type) through play and laughter, helping parents re-kindle the spark through couples portraits and capturing the connection of relationships within the family. She is also expanding her branding photography in 2021!

I grew up in the western suburbs and now live in Darien with my amazing hubby! When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me practicing pilates, singing on my church’s worship team, or with a good non-fiction book in my hands! I also make a mean chocolate chip banana cookie that is best enjoyed with good friends!

Danielle Hardesty Photography’s Website

Danielle Hardesty Photography on Facebook

Danielle Hardesty Photography on Instagram

Danielle Hardesty Photography on Pinterest

Ben’s Adventures author, Elizabeth Gerlach, is also a mom, wife, marketer, furniture refinisher, and most recently fundraiser alongside her writing.

She was inspired to develop the Ben’s Adventures series as a tribute to her son, allowing him to live on and share that even though his short life was a struggle, he was a little boy first … with friends, dreams, and a love for his family and his life.

In spring 2017, Elizabeth launched the Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation (www.BenSmiles.org) to spread Ben’s story, his smile and to support their community through gifts and acts of service. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will go to Ben Smiles.

Originally from Virginia, she is a southerner at heart. She believes that things happen for a reason, and this was meant to be their story.

Ben’s Adventures Website

Ben’s Adventures on Facebook

Ben’s Adventures on Instagram

Michelle Schaub is an award-winning children’s author and veteran teacher. Her book Fresh-Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmers’ Market won the 2018 Growing Good Kids Award and 2019 Northern Lights Book Award. She is also the author of Finding Treasure: A Collection of Collections,an National Council of Teachers of English notable poetry book for 2020,and Dream Big, Little Scientists.Her poems appear in several anthologies, including The Poetry Anthology for Celebrations and Great Morning! Poems for School Leaders to Read Aloud.  Michelle speaks at conferences on the power of poetry to boost literacy and shares ways to use poetry in the classroom on her blog POETRY BOOST, www.michelleschaub.blogspot.com. 

She is available for virtual and in-person author visits and loves meeting kids from local schools. She lives in Downers Grove with her husband, three children, and a lazy golden retriever named Bear. When she’s not writing, you’ll find Michelle visiting her local farmers markets or cruising around on her bicycle.

Learn more about Michelle and her books at www.michelleschaub.com or follow her on Twitter or Instagram @Schaubwrites. You can also find her on Facebook.

JMF Leathers makes handmade leather earrings in a variety of styles, shapes and patterns. The craftsmanship is top notch and the earrings are so lightweight it barely feels like you are wearing earrings! It is a woman owned small business and the earrings are great for keeping on hand for a birthday gift or a little surprise to bring a friend that is having a hard day, week or season of life.

JMF Leathers on Facebook

JMF Leathers on Instagram

You may enter anytime from now to 11:59pm on Dec. 14th, 2020. Winner will be drawn on December 15th, 2020!

*Not valid for lifestyle newborns, events, weddings or real estate photos and is only valid between January 1st and August 31st, 2021 while following strict COVID-19 protocols in Illinois and DuPage County and adhering to any restrictions in place on the scheduled session date.

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