A Southern Grace: viva italia! (also, a shabby apple giveaway!)

May 23, 2011

viva italia! (also, a shabby apple giveaway!)

Yum

While it's true that I don't eat a lot of Italian cuisine, it's also true that I'd absolutely love to visit Italy one day.

Pizza's was an Italian creation originally, right?
I know we've Americanized it to no end, and this is a perfect example of that--baked beans, ham, and lots o' mozzo.
Not a tomater in sight.

It doesn't look like that'll be happening any time soon, but while I wait for some lephrechauns to bring me a pot of gold (yes, Ireland's a nation I'd love to experience as well)(also, Scotland and Australia, to name a couple more...), I'll have to settle for eating food conceptualized there and wearing clothes inspired by its atmosphere.

That little preface brings me to my giveaway. Have you heard of Shabby Apple? It's a really exciting company which makes it a point to offer stylish dresses that allow you to look fabulous without having to compromise anything else. They're also committed to helping women in many nations and are supporting the fight against global poverty by partnering with Unitus, which is a non-profit organization that accelerates access to life-changing financial services for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Shabby Apple donates 5% of its net sales to support work in India (where Shabby Apple Dresses has sourced many of its dresses and the textiles used to manufacture its dresses). Every $100 donation from Shabby Apple Dresses provides at least 20 women with access to financial services and the chance to live a life without poverty.

Pretty admirable, right? As if that weren't enough, their dresses are amazing! To get the word out, I'll be offering one random comment-maker her (or his...) choice of the following dresses from the Roamin Holiday line:

Da Vinci.

Rosso.

To win your pick of these dresses, leave a comment telling me either a place you'd like to visit or the best place you've ever been (even if it's that spaceship into which you were abducted or Grandma's house right down the street). For an extra entry, like Shabby Apple on Facebook, but be sure to let me know that you did so in another comment. I'll close the comments in a week, on May 30th, and I'll contact the winner shortly thereafter. Leave an email address so I can contact you, and good luck! The giveaway is only open to US residents--sorry, all you Italians (and Irish and Scottish and Australians)!

I think you'll all find the Shabby Apple company a dream with which to work and shop!

104 comments:

cupcakegirl said...

I'd love to visit Morrocco and spend hours milling around the markets and bazzars buying all kinds of spices and pretty fabrics and tasing all the food

cupcakegirl said...

Oh and my email address is kristinepink84@hotmail.com

Neil Butterfield said...

I would love to visit Greece or Italy, but do not want a dress thanks :-)

Lisa-Marie said...

Does this mean you are going to do a pizza dough recipe?

Also,I love that grey dress!

The place I most want to go at the moment is the New English coast. Husband and I want to fly to NY, hire a car and drive through, staying at wee B&Bs.

TKW said...

Oh, those dressed are so glamorous!

Best place ever? Santorini, Greece. Hands down. But I've always wanted to go to Italy, too.

The Blonde Duck said...

I love Shabby Apple's dresses! But i also love the idea of baked beans on pizza!

shaz said...

Shucks, this is one Australian who's not eligible. I would have loved that red dress. Good luck everyone else :) And I have never thought of baked beans on pizza, but it'd be great for brekkie! (Aussie term = breakfast).

April @ PolkaDots n' PinkySwears said...

The best place I've ever been was Washington DC! So many sights to see! I love it!

Anonymous said...

Those are pretty dresses. Hard to pick the best place I've ever been to - perhaps French Polynesia :)

Cookie baker Lynn said...

I think Greece wins first place for me. It was gorgeous. But I'd love to go to France and England. Why aren't transporters a la Star Trek real???

The Teacher Cooks said...

Paris is my dream vacation and I love the dresses! theteachercooks@gmail.com

Hungry Dog said...

Italy is next on my list!

Faith J. said...

The best place I've ever been was a one-week stay in an overwater bungalow in Tahiti. It was my honeymoon, and it was perfect... beautiful, and being with my love was amazing.

fashionkitten03 (at) hotmail (d0t) com

Faith J. said...

I liked Shabby Apple on Facebook (as Faith Jayne)

fashionkitten03 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Katie said...

One these dresses are so cute!
And Paris was my favorite vacation if it wasn't for all the walking I think I would have gained 10 lbs from all of the Nutella crepes I ate!

Angie's Recipes said...

The pizza looks terrific! Those dresses are so pretty. GOod luck to all!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

That pizza looks so good and those dresses are very pretty! A pity the giveaway is only open to US residents...

Cheers,

Rosa

Ashley said...

There are lots of places I'd like to go, but so far the best place I've been was Jamaica for my honeymoon. Amazing!

mrs.marcus2 at yahoo dot com

Megan said...

I have been almost nowhere, so I would really like to visit anywhere new! But probably mostly somewhere warm and tropical or Europe.

Megan said...

Oh, and I "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook.

Rosita Vargas said...

La pizza está muy buena con ingredientes muy ricos y original con las habas,me encantó,cariños y abrazos.

Maria Malaveci said...

The best place that I have ever been is Santorini, Greece. I loved it so much that I went 3 times, and I long to go back again soon. I would love to win a Shabby Apple Dress and wear it there...!

Maria Malaveci said...

I like Shabby Apple on Facebook!

Barbara said...

There are so many places I'd love to go! Australia and New Zealand are at the top of my list.

Jennifer said...

Gorgeous dresses and what a great cause! I am actually going Italy and Paris for a few weeks next summer!

kat said...

That Da Vinci dress is great. So, far my favorite place to visit has been Amsterdam. I'm actually heading back there on Saturday & then off to Stockholm.

Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets said...

Not that I have the height to carry it off but that red dress is so hot ;)

vkochis said...

I would love to go to Tahiti, or anywhere else in the South Pacific.

kelly minx riordan said...

I loved St. Lucia and can't wait to go back!

April was in CA now MA said...

I haven't traveled much, but for our 10 year anniversary last year we went to Acadia National Park in Maine and it was absolutely beautiful.

We've moving to CA in a few weeks so my traveling will finally be expanded a bit!

Heather said...

My Husband wants to go to Australia and I keep telling him the can just drop me off in Fiji on the way, but truely anywhere warm with sand and water will do.

Anonymous said...

During college, I had the joy of working in Yosemite National Park for 3 summers. Waking up to that breathtaking beauty day after day was amazing. The more I explored the valley and high country, the more I appreciated it. Climbing a waterfall before my work shift each day was a dream!

Randi Lynne said...

I would love to visit Paris. I know it may sound a bit cheesy, but I've never been outside the US and would like to go sometime during the Tour de France to experience their biking culture and eat a lot of good food!

Lauren (PB&G) said...

Wow.. so, so cool!

I can't pick just one place to visit! I'd love to go to India, Japan and Morrocco to relish in their amazing cuisines!

jillian said...

I loved Paris and Portland, Oregon!
I would really like to go to Singapore next.

Marjie said...

I'm a plain, simple person. For my money, you can't beat Myrtle Beach, SC: clean, wide beaches, hotels in a variety of prices, and within driving range of half the country. Flying nowadays is such a hassle that I don't know if I'll ever board an airplane again.

Anonymous said...

I went to El Salvador with Habitat for Humanity a few years ago, and it was a gorgeous and stunning country. The food was amazing (before I got sick and pretty much couldn't keep anything down), and the people were so sweet and caring. That plus ocean, beaches, mountains and volcanoes? It can't be beat.

Erica said...

Love the gray dress!I want to go to Italy!!!!

Aubs said...

I LOVED England! I would go back there in a heartbeat :)
aubreybuster@gmail.com

Aubs said...

I also have liked shabby apple on facebook for a long time!! (under A. Buster)
aubreybuster@gmail.com

Sarah said...

Oh well, I am not thin enough for those dresses anyhoo. From Canada so don't count me in but enjoyed learning about this.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I'm out of the running but what a great idea for a company and it's great that they give back. Love that Rosso dress too! :o

marla said...

Grace, this is such a thoughtful giveaway. That Davinci dress is my kinda thing. Love how charitable the Shabby Apple is ;)

Cara said...

Since I couldn't win my own Shabby Apple giveaway, I hope to win yours! I'd really love to visit Portland, OR this summer.

Cara said...

I like Shabby Apple on FB :)

Faith said...

Love the look of that pizza...and of those dresses! I'd love to travel to Venice...it seems like so much fun with the water streets! :)

graciecat said...

I'd really like to visit Australia/New Zealand/Japan (since they are over in the same chunk of world I'm grouping them together) or the Mediterranean. That's a lot of answers but I'd like to go to a lot of places!

Gloria Baker said...

Look amazing Grace, I love it!! xxgloria

Gloria Baker said...

I know I cannot participate but I would love know Paris and Italia, xxgloria


(For the food of course)!LOL

Lyndas recipe box said...

I'd love to go to Australia, Ireland or England, or lots of other places too. This is a terrific giveaway and the company sounds wonderful!

kimberleyblue said...

What a great contest!

I'd also love to visit Italy - it was actually in the works for this summer, but we changed to Hawaii and California instead. Maybe one day!

Juliana said...

Grace, I'd love to go to Paris...and your pizza looks fabulous, mouthwatering. Have a great week :-)

Mimi said...

The dresses are really lovely and such a great cause
Mimi

Joshua said...

Pizza and great views of the Tevere river. Both are tasty

Joanne said...

I would love to go to Morocco or Turkey...for the food. Oh. The. Food. Those dresses are gorgeous!

Gina M (crave to save) said...

I would love to visit Australia to see the Great Barrier Reef! Thanks for this awesome giveaway...these dresses are amazing!!

gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Gina M (crave to save) said...

I like SA on FB! "Crave to Save"
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Leslie said...

OMG..seriously, I just stalked their site. I want EVERY SINGLE DRESS. I love the fact that they show you the dresses by body type. That is AWESOME. I need like 20 of their dresses. Ohhh, if I only had the $! I am totally digging that red Maxi dress!

Leslie said...

Just liked Shabby Apple On Facebook!

Betty @ scrambled henfruit said...

I'd love to visit Scotland! Cute dresses. :)

Emily said...

This is a great giveaway!

I'm absolutely crazy about all three of the dresses. Love them.

I would love to visit Italy someday. It's definitely on my bucket list.

Ally said...

Cinque Terre in Italy! It looks so breathtaking in photos. *Sigh*!

Maris(In Good Taste) said...

I would love to visit anywhere in Europe as I have never been

Elisabeth said...

The best place I have ever been is Paris, France! Everything there is gorgeous!

vandango33 at gmail dot com

Elisabeth said...

I like Shabby Apple on FB-Elisabeth G

vandango33 at gmail dot com

tt moreno said...

i would love to go to Sicily. my ancestors are from there and i've been dying to go!!! (someday.....!!!)

christinarmoreno (at) gmail (dot) com

tt moreno said...

i follow shabby on FB too :) thanks!!
christinarmoreno (at) gmail (dot) com

Hornsfan said...

what a cool line - i'm so glad i got to read about shabby apple! as far as travel, one day i'll see italy and greece but for now i'll have to be content with having been to mexico, uk, holland and france : )

lisa is cooking said...

I have to repeat your destination of choice. I've always wanted to visit Italy, and I have a feeling I won't want to leave once I get there!

PurpleLarkspur said...

I have always wanted to go to Istanbul!

larkspurpurple (at) gmail.com

Catherine said...

*sigh* I wish I was a US resident! That red dress is to die for! Lovely to read about fashion working towards a good cause :)

My favourite place in the entire world is Lake Como, Italy. You would love it, Grace! I'm sure that delicious looking pizza would more than compete with theirs :)

Carol in Indian Springs Village said...

Ooh, I would love to visit Ireland or Scotland but my first choice would be New Zealand. And these dresses are so cute! Thanks for the change to win.

knorris1bellsouthnet

Deborah said...

I don't think there is enough space to list all of the place I'd love to visit!! But yes, Italy is on the list!!

Unknown said...

The dresses look amazing, pity I'm outside of the US

Natalie Jane said...

I'm planning a 10 year anniversary vacation to Hawaii! Never been, but I have a feeling one of these dresses would be perfect!

nataliessentiments@gmail.com

Natalie Jane said...

I'm a facebook Shabby Apple fan!

Unknown said...

I lived in China for a while and LOVE It! Favorite place i've been. And love shabby apples dresses. Dying to have one.
mollyhill32@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am a big follower on facebook!

Half Baked said...

I love Shabby Apple dresses! My favorite place to visit is probably Florence, Italy.
paulahennig@msn.com

christy said...

i would love to go to Italy, to see where my family is from.
yanuzo@hotmail.com

christy said...

i like Shabby Apple on FB.
christy y m
yanuzo at hotmail dot com

Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose said...

I would love to go to Italy with my husband. I know that he's always wanted to go and I'd love see it with him.

Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose said...

I "like" Shabby Apple on facebook!

sweetlife said...

I would love to visit Italy, honestly to even get away for the weekend would be nice with my hubby. loving that pizza and the red dress is awesome!

sweetlife

Pam said...

Wait... where is the pizza recipe - that photo has me drooling.

The dresses are really cute!

Italy,Ireland, Scotland, and Australia are on my wish list too.

Tracy said...

I went to beautiful Australia about 20 years ago and will never forget a single detail!

Nic said...

Hehehe, I was looking for apples on your pizza at first! Looks like a great company.

pam said...

Well, since I rarely venture out of my booming metropolis, Soddy Daisy, I have lots on my wish list. But I would have to say Paris tops the list. Just because.

LAMusing said...

Best place I've been to is a toss up between Prague and Santorini
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

LAMusing said...

I like Shabby Apple on facebook
(as AdrianeCoros)
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

Norma said...

Best place so far is Fiji! I'd love to go to Ireland.
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

Suze said...

I've always wanted to go to Greece! I mean seriously..look at how hot George Michael is...

Angela said...

I would love to go to New Zealand!! However there are so many places to see here in the U.S.
alclossey@hotmail.com

Rachel said...

I am dying to go to Greece to island hop! Hopefully next year

Rachel said...

i just "liked" shabby apple on fbook!!

Jo said...

The best place I had been to is my mom's ancestral home which has sadly been demolished. Now there is a multi story building in it's place.
The house had an open courtyard in the center where my cousin's and i spent countless hours playing under the gorgeous summer sun. I still get dreams about the house.

The place I would love to visit is Cambodia...would love to see Angkor Wat.

bvbabybv at gmail dot com

Jo said...

I like Shabby Apple on Facebook as Jo Sue.


bvbabybv at gmail dot com

Alicia Foodycat said...

I'm not eligible for this contest, but WOW - I hadn't heard of Shabby Apple and I have now got 4 dresses in my sights. I will narrow it down to 2 though. Such beautiful clothes and such an admirable country.

At the moment I don't care where I go but I want a bungalow over a lagoon and a swim-up bar with really good cocktails.

Rosita Vargas said...

exquisita rece muy bien elaborada me encanta se ve muy linda,cariños y abrazos.

Foodhoe said...

What adorable dresses! My favorite place ever was Chiangmai Mai in northern Thailand, it had so many interesting shopping bazaars and temples, delicious food and the people were friendly.

Nutmeg Nanny said...

What a fun giveaway! What girl doesn't love a cute dress :) The best place I have ever been in Switzerland. I stayed at a small hotel on the side of a mountain...it's was beautiful :)

Alicia Foodycat said...

Admirable country? WTF? I meant admirable company.

Unknown said...

I would love to visit Spain! It seems like a country full of magic and romance.. :)

Unknown said...

I follow Shabby Apple on FB.