Tuesday, April 10, 2012

TOMS Books for Bloggers + A Chance to Win!


I remember the first time that I spotted a pair of TOMS shoes. I was in college, and while walking King Street in downtown Boone, I spotted a pair in a tiny boutique. I was immediately intrigued. Cute, comfy shoes that gave back? A brilliant idea in my mind! Because I can never make up my mind, it took me nearly four years to finally decide on the perfect pair for me. A pair of TOMS was delivered to my doorstep back in October and they have been adding some extra glitter to my days ever since.

TOMS shoes lured me in immediately with the fun styles and celebrity press and the fact that they give back was all the more reason to buy a pair. Knowing that a child in need would receive a pair of shoes because I purchased a pair was reason enough for me to make a purchase. It wasn't until I read Blake Mycoskie's (TOMS founder and Chief Shoe Giver) book that I 100% stood by the glittery slip-ons that look so happy on my feet.

Shortly after I purchased my TOMS, I was selected to be a part of the Books for Blogger program. This program was created to raise publicity for Blake's book because, in keeping with his "one for one" theme, for every copy of his book sold, a new book would be provided for a child in need. I just finished reading "Start Something That Matters" and my mind was blown. Blake's story is inspiring, eye-opening, and full of GOOD. In his book, he highlights the steps that made him successful and how you, too, can follow your passion and do something with it. I am never one to hide my inner nerd, as I found myself reading with a fresh pack of Post-it tabs in hand so that I could mark things I wanted to remember later. And when I misplaced my Post-its, I turned to the "dog ear" on the corners of each page.


"The more strongly you feel about what you do, the more likely you are to push yourself to be good at it and find a way to make a success of it. If you organize your life around your passion, you can turn your passion into your story and then turn your story into something bigger- something that matters."

Blake didn't compromise who he is as a person, or any of his values. He didn't start TOMS with the mindset of making it something huge or becoming the wealthiest man on the planet. He found his passion, and figured out a way to make it into a career. He tells his story through his work and his work is not work, it's who he is and what he stands for. Blake is an outstanding person with a passion for life and a bright, entrepreneurial spirit that is contagious.

" If it isn't clear already, I firmly believe that every person alive can make this world a better place"

Start Something that Matters is an outstanding read. I love stories that ignite a fire inside of me and this book did just that. We all need that extra push from time to time and I opened the pages of this book at the exact moment that I needed to. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a heart- it's that good. I also highly recommend TOMS shoes. I love my comfy go-to kicks and we all know that glitter makes everything better. It's not everyday that you see someone be-bopping around town in bright, glittered shoes. I get stopped every time I wear them which gives me the opportunity to tell the TOMS story. A story I now know the ins and outs of, and one that touches my heart and makes me want to start something of my own.

Today, April 10, TOMS is spreading awareness "of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child's life by taking off our own". Visit www.onedaywithoutshoes.com to find more information.

As part of the TOMS Books for Bloggers program, I have another copy of Start Something That Matters to give to one of you! I'm so excited for the chance to share this great book with one of my lucky readers. All you need to do is enter below and leave a comment on this post letting me know that you want to win! The giveaway will be open through April 14, 2012.

Additionally, as a little something fun, if you have a pair of TOMS and love them, let me know! Either e-mail (ninalovesfood@gmail.com) or tweet (@ladolcevitanina) me a picture! I'll put together a little collage filled with TOMS love that will be posted when I announce the winner, next Monday, April 16.

I truly believe that we all have it in us to start something that matters. Good luck and thank you again to all of you, from the bottom of my heart, for reading my tiny nugget of the internet.

*Thoughts and opinions in this post are completely my own. In keeping with their core value, TOMS provided two copies of the book, one to keep, and one to giveaway.

12 comments:

  1. I def want to win! I need a new good book in my life! :)

    courtneywyse@gmail.com

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  2. I want to win! :) Love the shoes and would love to read the man behind the soul of the shoe!

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  3. I for sure want to win! I love those inspirational books! They make me want to find my passion for life.

    peacelovedecor.com

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  4. Would LOVE to read this book! Sounds like a super encouraging read! I haven't purchased a pair of TOMS yet. It's on my summer bucket list... :)

    Kenzie

    www.lifeaccordingtokenz.blog.com

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  5. YAY!! My first time writing in for a giveaway! :) I'd love to read it. I only heard of TOMS after Jack received a pair last summer!! They have been on my radar ever since... I'd like two pairs: a pewter glitter (even though you say gold is the way to go) and a linen pair to wear as an everyday shoe. I'll send pix of Jack in his--that is if his fat little paddies still fit in them! :)

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  6. I for sure want to win and you know I love toms! I love books that really give you something to think about and this book sounds just like that :)

    Also, I have three pairs of toms. red, gray and gold herringbone. :)

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  7. I would love to win because I am a huge fan of people who do GREAT work!

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  8. He is such an inspiration, I would love to win!! Because who doesnt need inspiration?

    I cannot decide for the life of me what to get. I have been debating for about a year now, ha! I am a horrible decision make when it comes to things like this!!

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  9. Nina, I would love to read this book (and put it on my bookshelf. Ha!). I don't own a pair of TOMS yet...but that is about to change. I finally found the perfect pair for me and I just need to order those bad boys. Thanks for sharing and for offering this awesome giveaway!!

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  10. Sounds like an amazing book - love the thought behind all of it and your blog! Thanks for the giveaway Nina!

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  11. I just bit the bullet and invested in a pair of TOMS sunglasses. My first pair of TOMS was a pair of black glitter, then a pair of pink glitter...then I just got a canvas pair with "fingerprint" designs. I have the book and keep it on my shelf as a reminder to practice what I preach and inspire myself that business (even for-profit) can do good, and we can contribute to the world with what we wear (instead of just taking and extorting people, our fashion can make an impact).

    LOVED this post.

    BTW, would it be possible to enable name/URL to comment? My google account is linked to nowhere!

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  12. I'm sad I missed this giveaway...I am such a follower of Blake's & just blogged about participating in One Day Without Shoes last week!! I am definitely ordering his book & can't wait to read it. If you love reading about like-minded individuals like Blake, you should check out "Shake the World"...the author interviews numerous young, successful entrepreneurs out there trying to change the world & make a difference (Blake's in there). It's SO inspiring!!

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