Gift it Forward

Food & Entertainment

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BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GODIVA.

IMAGES BY 2ND TRUTH, Floral by MAVEN.

 

*** THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED ***

It’s that time of the year that I look back, and more often than not think, how is it already the end of the year? 2017, which seemed so distant, is less than a month away. This year has certainly been one for the books. Business has been good and what once seemed unbelievable, I’ve been able to expand my “little hobby” into a legitimate business, with a studio space and small staff. When I started doing this a few years ago, I never imagined myself having an office, let alone work and a team to run.

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2016 has been a huge year for me personally as well (obviously, if you’ve been anywhere on this site or Instagram over the last few months). In becoming a mother, I’ve challenged myself to be more present at home and when I am with my family. I’ve set boundaries and am (mostly) sticking to them.

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In this time of reflection, I absolutely know that I would never have survived all of the ups and downs of the past year without some truly remarkable people in my life. These are just a few of the key people that truly shaped my view of the world in 2016.

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My Granddad. He passed away a little over a month ago, arguably during a time when we need his infectious positivity the most. When I’m feeling blue or down, I remember how he was always thankful for what he had, because it was his. I may not be perfect, but what I have in front of me is pretty amazing. I’m thankful his memory will always be synonymous with giving thanks.

Our nanny, Karen. When we had August, we decided we would try to get a nanny for the first year of his life. Neither of us are very good at creating structure at home, and we both knew that babies need structure. Karen’s strengths mirror almost all of my weaknesses and it’s been such a pleasure watching August grow and develop thanks to her dedication and patience. She’s the glue that holds our family together!

My mom. Our relationship changed when August was born, and in so many ways I feel like I got to know her better after I became a mother myself. She stayed with us for 3 weeks to help around the house and I’ll forever be grateful for her help and support during those first fragile weeks.

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What they have done for me over this past year cannot be repaid, but I will do my very best to do so.

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I’m partnering with Godiva to continue this infectious gratitude and generosity with those that have made a difference in my life. While I feel that I can’t fully repay in kind, I will (attempt to) come close with Godiva chocolate. This year, Godiva has introduced a new line of chocolate, the Buche de Noel Chocolates – a new twist on a classic European holiday tradition. These chocolates, inspired by the classic French Yule Log Cake, these are light as air and are completely irresistible. (Ed Note: Seriously delicious. The brand sent us a HUGE FedEx box of chocolates that the entire staff of Wit & Delight devoured as soon as this shoot was complete.) The chocolates come in five different flavors including chestnut creme, hazelnut praline, holiday tea, intense dark chocolate and mocha creme. My favorite is, by far, dark chocolate (is there really any other choice?!).

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Godiva is helping me to continue to pay forward the gratitude I am feeling this season. Their “Box That Keeps Giving” truly is the best of both worlds; the box is divided in two, with one box labeled “To Give” and “To Keep”. Not only do I get to give the gift of chocolate, I get to keep a little for myself.

In this spirit, I want to share with you, dear reader, how thankful I am for you. Thank you for riding this crazy rollercoaster that was 2016 with me. The highs and lows, the rants (hello, Twitter feed) and quiet moments of pure joy that I’ve experienced this year have been shared with you. In this season of giving, I’m thrilled to be able to share Godiva’s “Box That Keeps Giving” with one reader, selected at random*. To be considered, please tell me in the comments the individual(s) you would share this unique “Box That Keeps Giving” with and why. One reader will be chosen at random to receive the unique gift of Godiva’s rich, Belgian chocolate; one side for you and one side to share with someone to whom you are grateful.

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What I find most magical about gratitude is that once you experience it, you want to continue to pay it forward; to keep surrounding yourself with kindness.

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*Giveaway will close at 12noon CST on Friday, 12/16/16. No purchase necessary to be considered. Multiple entries/comments will not increase odds of winning. Winner will be notified by Wit & Delight via email.

Ed. note: This post was sponsored by Godiva. The compensation received in exchange for placement on Wit & Delight is used to purchase props, hire a photographer and videographer, write/edit the blog post and support the larger team behind Wit & Delight.

While compensation was received in exchange for coverage, all thoughts and opinions are always my own. Sponsored posts like these allow for development of additional dynamic content to be produced, unsponsored. Thank you for supporting our partners!

Additional tabletop items courtesy of UnisonDots Canvas Placemat // Gingham Napkins // Eve Brushed Glad 5 Piece Flatware Set  // Acacia Round Board

BY Kate Arends - December 9, 2016

36 Comments
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Elisabeth
December 9, 2016 10:38 am

These look delicious! I would gift one to my best friend 🙂

carol clark
December 9, 2016 10:53 am

id share with my daughter she is in her first year of college and its so nice that yall are doing this

Katherine
December 9, 2016 11:03 am

I suspect I am not eligible because I live in the UK, but this is a lovely reminder about reflecting on the year, when the good things have sometimes felt drowned out! And that table is amazing, I hope there was actual eating that went on as well in such delightful surroundings.

sarah
December 9, 2016 11:05 am

I would give it to my father in law, who is one of the most humbled souls I know and who shares my love for chocolate!

Amanda
December 9, 2016 11:13 am

Beautiful setting! I’d gift one to my mom. She’s always surprising me with a sweet treat when I need it!

Kelly
December 9, 2016 11:37 am

I would gift it to my mentor – someone who has showered me with kindness this year and continue to do so even though we no longer work directly with one another. I would share my half with my husband who is a constant source of support and love too 🙂

December 9, 2016 12:22 pm

I’d share with my aunt Sue, because she has been an incredible support for us and because she looooves chocolate 🙂

Felicia
December 9, 2016 12:24 pm

I would share it with my husband who is so supportive and loving. He has been so amazing helping me along through my pregnancy. We have four weeks to go till our baby’s due date and he has helped cook, clean and gives me foot rubs every night, so I am so grateful for all his help through the entire pregnancy 🙂

l p
December 9, 2016 12:55 pm

I would gift it to my sister – my best friend. The fact she knows and loves great chocolate as much as I do makes it an easy decision. Thanks.

Lilly
December 9, 2016 12:58 pm

With my sister. She is a constant force in my life for good and this year she just got cleared from her food allergies so finally she gets chocolate again!

Jennifer Torres
December 9, 2016 1:12 pm

I would gift this to my mom. She’s had a difficult few years and always manages to put on a smile and support and love everyone around her so fiercely. She doesn’t have much, never asks for anything, and deserves the world. This is something she would never get for herself and would feel like such a luxurious treat!

Liz
December 9, 2016 1:20 pm

What a beautiful post! So sorry to hear about your Granddad. If I were to receive these delicious chocolates, I’d share them with my mom who’s spent so much time this year selflessly caring for her own mother who’s 100 (amazing!) but not doing well. My mom never complains and always has a positive attitude about her mother (my grandma) and what a life she’s led. What a fun way to give her a little treat this holiday season!

Libby
December 9, 2016 1:31 pm

I’d love to share a box with my office mate. She makes sharing our work life fun, and is overly generous with her love for my new pup that comes to work with us. She deserves something extra sweet!

Kate
December 9, 2016 1:40 pm

2016 has been a record year of highs and lows in our family. I’d share with my sister, whom I’m so grateful to still have here. She got married early this year and then nearly died of blood clots this summer. I’d share with my mother, whom we lived with for four weeks this year as we moved from one city to another. I’d share with my daughter, who is the kindest soul and biggest helper I know. And I’d share with two friends: one who became a mother this year and one who lost her husband to a tragic… Read more »

Molly
December 9, 2016 1:52 pm

I would gift to our nanny as well. I too, gave birth this summer to a beautiful baby girl, and the overwhelming feeling of returning to work and leaving my little was very HARD, to say the least. Out of some sort of miracle, we were able to find the most generous of human beings to care for our babe while we work. I leave every morning excited for what she will learn and she’s only five months old. I will be forever grateful for this person and would love to share that feeling with her.

Lisa G
December 9, 2016 2:03 pm

I would give the other box to my best mom friend, Jess. I’m 20 months into my own mom journey and her friendship has been a constant reminder of why we all need kick ass women in our lives.

Jennifer
December 9, 2016 2:15 pm

I would give it to my daughter. We moved just over a year ago for a job, and it’s been difficult for our family. She’s had a rough transition, but so have I, with work and medical issues. She’s consistently been positive and uplifting for me, helping out where she’s able. Im grateful for such a compassionate and generous child.

Barbara
December 9, 2016 2:32 pm

MY kind, selfless, giving mother would be the person I would share these fine chocolates with. Her ability to give (in so many ways) is heart warming and inspiring. Happy Holidays!

steph
December 9, 2016 2:53 pm

My mom always receives gifts of chocolate. This is a special year, as we are sharing that one more grandchild will be joining the family. This would be great to give her!

Elizabeth
December 9, 2016 4:11 pm

I’d give it to my brother. He’s been such a champ making time in his busy schedule to give me career advice lately!

December 9, 2016 6:19 pm

I would share with my Mother In Law, Marilyn. We had a bit of a rough start to our MIL/DIL relationship but she has become someone I can really rely on and have a laugh or shed a tear with. ♡♡♡

Alyssa
December 9, 2016 7:50 pm

I have four sisters who would all love this, but only one has a Godiva membership card…so she wins haha. I love this idea though! Thanks for the giveaway!

kelli
December 9, 2016 11:10 pm

i would love to send a box to my mom. i don’t think i’ll make it up to see her this year, but would love to send her some presents. she loves godiva, so this would be perfect!

Rachel
December 9, 2016 11:10 pm

I’d share with my mom to say thanks for always being the best cheerleader in my life!

December 10, 2016 9:01 pm

I’d share with one of my dads. I remember giving him Godiva chocolate as a first present, way back when.

Grace
December 10, 2016 11:20 pm

I’d gift it to my mom and my aunt. They have always been my biggest cheerleaders and have loved me through some unlovable times.

kkp
December 12, 2016 1:48 am

Definitely with my family who are always ‘there’ for me. And love great chocolate.

Lori
December 12, 2016 8:41 am

I would share with my grandmother when I visit her for Christmas.

Mary B
December 12, 2016 11:57 am

I would share with my husband who does so much around here. Teamwork!

sharon
December 12, 2016 3:12 pm

i’d share the chocolates with my grandpa.

Lorelai
December 12, 2016 6:09 pm

With my mentor–one of the strongest, proudest and most determined women I know.

Rachel
December 13, 2016 1:22 am

I would give this to my mom, who has a weakness for chocolates of any type and variety, and whose endless love and sacrifice I never truly appreciated until I had my first child this year (seriously, Mom, how did you do it with five kids??!!). You’re right that you can never repay people for the undeserved kindness you’re shown, but you certainly can try — with chocolate 😉

Allizon
December 13, 2016 9:00 pm

I would share the box with my mom, who doesn’t want to admit I get my sweet tooth from her! Our relationship has grown so much the last year and I don’t spend enough time going down memory lane. Would love to do it over a box of chocolates.

Raegan
December 15, 2016 11:12 am

I LOVE Godiva! Have gifted it every year for Christmas to my sweet grandparents. We both share a love of boxed chocolates and enjoy it together on Christmas eve. This box was meant for us!

Ashley
December 15, 2016 2:42 pm

I would share this box with my Dad. I don’t know anyone else who loves chocolate as much as he does!

December 15, 2016 4:18 pm

Dude, right on there brehotr.

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