Congratulations to Debra Ann Gulley
of Squaw Valley, California SouthwestBlend.com’s
Annual Big Bonanza
Prize Package Winner!
 

Below is a list of the prizes she won!!!

Click here to join The Burro Express
so you can have a chance to be our
next winner!

Art & Home Decor Prizes - Win over $730 worth of art and décor prizes - Click here to view.
Books  - Win over $390 worth of books - Click here to view.
CD's and Music - Win over $120 worth of CDs - Click here to view.
Jewelry plus Bath, Body & Beauty - Win over $400 worth of Jewelry, Bath, Body & Beauty gifts  - Click here to view.
Food & Culinary Gifts - Win over $130 worth of Food & Culinary Gifts - Click here to view.
Travel Destination Packages – Win over $4250 worth of Travel Destination Packages including:
Fallbrook, CA; Julian, CA; San Diego, CA; Wrightwood, CA;
Silver City, NM and Southern Arizona
Click here to view.

The winner will personally receive their prizes from SouthwestBlend.com Editors - Nancy J. Reid and
Lisa D. Smith. Prizes will be delivered before Thanksgiving 2007.
To see the winners of our last contests, click here.

PRIZES NOW VALUE OVER $6000.00!!

Art & Décor Prizes
 

San Diego Skyline" Giclee by artist Carly Castillon, from Fallbrook Fine Art - This beautiful picture is by oil painter Carly Castillon. Carly’s favorite subjects are found in nature: seascapes and the majestic scenery of Yosemite are her best sellers. She also enjoys painting portraits of loved-ones and animals. Whatever her subject matter, Carly has a flair for capturing the detail that depicts the emotion of the moment in her painting. Her personal work can be seen at Fallbrook Fine Art Gallery in the art community of Fallbrook, California. For more about Fallbrook Fine Art -  Click here.


Wood-turned Bowl Handcrafted by artist Ken Philbrook - This beautiful wood-turned bowl is made from Blue Streaked Denim Pine, and was created by wood-turner and artist Ken Philbrook. Ken handcrafts beautiful pieces of functional art out of various wood species. He exhibits in galleries, gives demonstrations at art shows and fairs, and also teaches his craft. This bowl is over 12.7” wide, and 4.5” high. For more about Ken Philbrook or to view his work - Click Here. Click here.


Black Bear Relief Carving from Uniquely Thai Furniture & Gifts, LLC - This beautiful Black Bear Relief Carving is hand-carved out of Teak, and comes from Uniquely Thai Furniture & Gifts, LLC in Oxnard, CA. They carry a fine selection of quality Rustic Teak Wagon Wheel and Rustic Root Southwestern Furniture constructed of solid reclaimed teak, rosewood, redwood and sleeper wood. They also carry a wonderful collection of Wall Art, and Cowboy & Native American wood statues. Read our article about Reclaimed Teak Furniture - Click here. Browse the Online Store at Uniquely Thai Furniture & Gifts, LLC -  Click here.
 

North American Wilderness Quilt by Patch Magic, from The Pony Express Trading Post – Made by Patch Magic, this beautiful quilt depicts North American wilderness and wildlife, featuring bears, mountains and forests, moose, birds and ducks, fish and more. It is 50” x 60” and is 100% cotton. This quilt is from The Pony Express Trading Post, a wonderful Western clothing and gift store, located up in the mountain village of Idyllwild, California. For more about The Pony Express Trading Post, Click here.

Custom Photo Tile from Cameo Print Management - Treasure your favorite memory or photo with a ceramic photo tile that will become keepsakes to last forever. For your prize, Cameo Print Management will take one of your most treasured photos and have it sealed into a 6” x 8” ceramic tile. These ceramic photo tiles make excellent wedding gifts, or holiday gifts for friends, family, or business clients. To view samples, or to find out more about Cameo Print Management - Click here.
 

 

Assorted Note Card Set by artist Chandee Richins – This lovely set of 12 assorted art note cards is by Utah based artist Chandee Richins. From watercolors and chalk art, to photography and sketching, Chandee Richins has an eye for beauty and the talent in transferring it to a medium which can be shared with others including Gift cards and Calendars. For more about Chandee Richins or to view her work – Click here.

Books

Autographed Book Set by R. Michael Wilson author of Wild West Tales - Robert Michael Wilson has turned his expertise to examining stories and incidences that occurred during the "old west" time period. He has a penchant for the truth, making sure that what he writes is factual--at the same time, he has the knack of bringing the old west characters to life. This autographed book set includes his books - Drenched in Blood, Rigid in Death; the true story of the Wickenburg massacre; Tragic Jack; the true story of Arizona Pioneer John William Swilling; Encyclopedia of Stagecoach Robbery in Arizona; Crime & Punishment in Early Arizona; Murder & Execution in the Wild West; Great Stagecoach Robberies of the Old West; Great Train Robberies of the Old West; Frontier Justice in the Wild West; and his latest book, Encyclopedia of Stagecoach Robbery in Nevada. For more about R. Michael Wilson including our audio interview, and his articles –Click here.


Tastes & Treasures ‘A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona’ - Produced by Historic League, Inc., a non-profit fundraising arm of the Arizona Historical Society Museum; ‘Tastes & Treasures’ is an intriguing journey through Arizona history, based on the cuisine served in hospitality-based establishments that are at least 50 years old. To read our review, listen to an interview, and to enjoy recipes from the book – Click here.
 

‘Built To Last’ - An Architectural History of Silver City, New Mexico – Co-authored by Susan Berry and Sharman Apt Russell, this book features Silver City’s architectural history with an extensive use of period photographs and quotations from newspapers, diaries and memoirs, to bring the historic era to life. Softbound, with 132 pages with 84 historic and contemporary photographs, it also features a picture glossary of architectural terms, and extensive listings of individual historic buildings. To read our review and listen to our podcast interview with author Susan Berry -  Click here.
 

Culinary Confessions of the PTA Divas’ – Stylish Recipes & Saucy Secrets for the Everyday Gourmet’ - Co-Authored by Anne-Marie Hodges and Pam Brandon, and published by Menasha Ridge Press, this cookbook features tasty recipes from two very funny ladies that dish up "how to" and "time saving" tips as a side dish. These are not ordinary recipes, but recipes that sound gourmet, look gourmet, and will impress your friends. To read our review - Click here.

 

Designing Your Destiny - Written by Lisa Marie Platske, ‘Designing Your Destiny’ is more than just a book about life management and balance--it is a book that really makes you think about where you are in life, where you are going, and how you intend to get there. Author and president of Upside Thinking, Lisa Marie Platske is also an inspirational speaker, and leadership coach. To read our book review and listen to our podcast interview with her - Click here.
 

60 Hikes within 60 Miles - San Diego including North, South, and East Communities - Written by Sheri McGregor and published by Menasha Ridge Press, this is a gem of a book for hikers. It is concise, well presented, easy to use, and gives you all the directions and information you need including the level of difficulty of each hike, as well as the time it takes to complete each hike, and even whether or not fees are involved. To read our review - Click here.

 

 

Vision with a Capital V – Create the Business of Your Dreams – In this motivational book, author Joanne Victoria demonstrates how to expand your vision, expand your business, and expand your life. This books features the "Is your Business for Real?" quiz;  the "Tell the Truth about the Current State of Your Business" quiz; Caution Light Clues; The Vision with a Capital V - Twelve Step Program’; and Seven Strategies to Keep Your Vision Alive. To find out more about Joanne Victoria, and read her articles - Click here.
 

 

Kayak, The New Frontier – Published by Menasha Ridge Press, this Animated Manual of Intermediate and Advanced Whitewater Technique is written by William Nealy, who was revered as the Poet Laureate of the white-water community. If you are a kayaker, this is the book for you, a fun read with lots of cartoons! Staying true to Nealy’s style and humor, this book shows updated equipment and techniques through marvelous cartoons and cryptic notes. To read our review - Click here.



 

‘Julian City and Cuyamaca Country’– Written by Charles R. LeMenager, this book is ‘A History and Guide to the Past & Present’ for the mountain and back country regions of San Diego County. Julian is a historic community noted for its colorful gold mining and agricultural heritage. This book is from the Julian Chamber of Commerce. To find out more about this popular mountain destination’s history and travel information –Click here.

 

 

Keeping Hearth & Home in Old Colorado – A Practical Primer for Daliy Living - For just a glimpse and feel of what it was like to live in the mid to late nineteenth century, a copy of ‘Keeping Hearth & Home in Old Colorado’ will give you an insight to the day to day quandaries of the housewife at that time. What we find humorous today, was valuable advice "back then". Compiled & edited by Carol Padgett, Ph.D., and published by Menasha Ridge Press. To read our review -  Click here.

 

Lighting Your Path! How to Create the Life You Want – Everyone deserves to create the life they want and this inspirational book written by Joanne Victoria, a 25 year Core Vision Strategist, will help you create clarity about what is really important to you; help your take charge of your time and your life and create a life that you want to live – all in 3 simple steps! To find out more about the Joanne Victoria, and read her articles - Click here.

 

Amado Territory Ranch Cookbook’ – Amado Territory Inn, located just south of Tucson, in Southern Arizona, is known for its delicious and hearty home-cooked breakfasts. After many requests from their guests, they have assembled, in one special volume, some of the best Amado Territory Ranch recipes – it’s Southwest cuisine the way Ranchers do it!  With their favorites ranging from Tostadas de Tinga Poblana to Snickerdoodles - this is the Rancher's cooking companion! For more about Amado Territory Inn - Click here.

 

 

Day & Over-Night Hikes, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - A compact book that is easy to use, extremely well organized, and full of vital information for anyone interested in hiking the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California. The hikes are rated according to difficulty, trail condition, scenery, solitude, and also gives information on distance, time, and where to park and includes maps for each hike. Written by Sheri McGregor and published by Menasha Ridge Press. To read our review - Click here.

 

‘Edible Art’ Cookbook - This delightful cookbook is a delicious compilation of favorite recipes from the artists at Brandon Gallery, which is located in the art community of Fallbrook, in Southern California. With exhibitions changing monthly, the gallery showcases regional art and fine art crafts including paintings, original prints, photography, sculpture, pottery, hand-blown glass, and wearable art. For more about Brandon Gallery - Click here.

 

Reflexology for Beginners,’ by David F. Vennelss - Written by David F. Vennells, this book is easy to read and covers the basics of Reflexology including the history of reflexology, the healing and spiritual aspects of reflexology and more. It features over 40 illustrations and provides step-by-step instructions for treatments. This book comes from Trinkets & Tomes a ladies boutique, and southwestern and desert gift shop located in Twentynine Palms, CA. For more about Trinkets & Tomes -  Click here.

 

 

Unlimited Prospects, Unlimited Referrals – Written by Gerry Rose, owner of Integrity Networking Solutions, this helpful book is for business owners, entrepreneurs, and any of us serious about making our career or business succeed. This book will help you develop the least costly method of attracting clientele, will show you how to develop relationships and keep them, and demonstrates how to successfully invest your time, energy, and creativity into your business or career. To find out more about the Gerry Rose, and read his articles - Click here.

 

 

Arizona Grown Cookbook – Yuma, Arizona, is the ‘Winter Lettuce Capital of the World’ and every January, Yuma Heritage Festivals is host to the Lettuce Festival which is held in Yuma’s historic downtown district. This great cookbook celebrates Yuma’s agricultural heritage with a tasty collection of recipes from Yuma locals. For more about the Lettuce Festival, Yuma Heritage Festivals or the Yuma Heritage area - Click Here. Click here.

 

CDs & Music - 8 Titles

3 CD Set from Evren Ozan – Dubbed as ‘an old soul returned to the people’, Evren Ozan is an extremely talented fourteen year old, award-winning Native American Flute Musician whose compositions are heard on CDs, radio, independent films, and in concerts. His newest CD ‘Alluvia’ was recently named ‘best Instrumental Recording’ at the 9^th Annual Native American Music Awards, 2007; and the 50^th Annual Grammy Awards entry list includes Evren as "Best New Artist" and ‘Alluvia’ as "Best New Age" album. His 3 CD set features his 2006 album ‘Alluvia’, 2003 album ‘As Things Could Be’, and 2001 album ‘Images of Winter. To read more about Evren – Click here.


 

2 CD Set from Albert Tenaya – Albert Tenaya is a fascinating and inspiring Native American Singer/Songwriter/Storyteller, of the Ahwahneeche band of the Yosemite Valley California Paiutes. He is a rare talent-- a master storyteller that successfully brings his Native American heritage to life and shares it with you in a very personal way. His two CDs include ‘Medicine Water Flute Songs,’ where Albert pays tribute to our most "sacred resource", water; his second album is called ‘Warrior Dancer’ and features a collection of stories handed down to him by his Grandmother. To read more about Albert and listen to our audio interview with him - Click here.



‘Way Down Deep’ by Olivea Watson - Award winning singer-songwriter Olivea Watson has just released her debut Indie Album - ‘Way Down Deep’. With a touch of blues, a little R&B and a taste of country, ‘Way Down Deep’ paints the honest story of a musician’s struggle to make it, and how she learns to ‘Let Go’ and simply let the music take over. And the music does take over. Based in Los Angeles, Olivea performs with her band ‘The Unsung Heroes’. Among other achievements and awards, she was recently nominated for the 2007 New Music Award "AC Breakthrough Artist Of The Year", and has just won Gibson Guitar’s New Musician Award for 2007. To read our review and listen to her phone interview discussing her songs, music career, and more -Click here.
 


‘Soft Dreaming Blues’ by Ed Teja - Ed Teja is a master musician and song-writer, and his new album ‘Soft Dreaming Blues’ certainly shows it - it’s soft, it’s dreamy, and has the perfect combination of blues and smooth jazz. Ed’s music has been featured in a selection of internationally released CDs, and in film and TV. He can be seen performing around Silver City, New Mexico, where he plays with his band ‘The Gypsy Feet Band’. To read more about Ed and listen to our audio interview with him - Click here.



‘Let It Snow Zydeco’ by the Bayou Brothers – Based in San Diego County, the Bayou Brothers have a passionate and heartfelt respect for Cajun and Zydeco music, and continue to keep the traditional music of Louisiana alive by entertaining audiences all over the Southland with their toe tappin', foot stompin', and heart thumpin' feel good music. Just perfect for the Holiday season, their album ‘Let it Snow Zydeco’ features an upbeat collection of traditional and original rockin' Zydeco and Cajun Christmas Songs. To find out more about the Bayou Brothers, read our article about them, or check out their show calendar - Click here.
 

Jewelry plus Bath, Body & Beauty

Picasso Marble Pendant & Sterling Silver Chain - This beautiful Picasso Marble pendant is from New Age Concepts. The marble comes from Utah, and the wrap is by designer Cranston, who is from Ashland, Oregon. The pendant comes with a sterling silver chain. New Age Concepts is a wonderful shop featuring gifts for the body, mind and spirit, including rocks & crystals; jewelry; spiritual guidance; Feng Shui; home & garden; bath & body; candles & incense, and more. They are located in the high desert community of Yucca Valley, near Joshua Tree National Park, in Southern California. For more about New Age Concepts – Click here.


 

Inlaid Feathered Pendant & Dream Catcher Earrings – This lovely inlaid feathered pendant is handcrafted and signed by Zuni artist, Duran, and features Sterling Silver, Wild Horse Magnesite, Turquoise, Sugilite, and Carnelian Agate. The set includes a pair of sterling silver Dream Catcher earrings. This jewelry set is from Crossroads Treasures.

 

 

 

Whole Body Care Basket - This body package features products from OneGroup/Miessence Certified Organics including vitamin-rich and moisturizing Sunflower Body Wash; revitalizing and moisturizing Intensive Body Cream; smooth and silky Luxurious Body Powder (a non-talc powder); a Tea Tree Cleansing Bar and a Rose Geranium Cleansing Bar – both hand crafted from organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil from the Pacific Islands; and delicious Jaffa Lip Balm. This prize is from Sharyn Olin, of SkinFusiuonOrganics.com, an Independent Representative for Miessence in Yuma, Arizona. For more information – Click here.



Colonial Candle Violet Petal Fragrance Layering Gift Basket - Featuring a sweet, natural fragrance, mixing the scent of fresh blooming violets with hints of melon, orange, and peach; this Gift Basket includes a reusable wood basket, a 10 oz jar candle, ceramic potpourri urn, 2.2 oz fragranced botanical potpourri 2 ceramic votive/tea-light holders, and 1 pack of 9 tea-lights. This Gift Basket comes from The Pony Express Trading Post, a wonderful western clothing and gift shop located in Idyllwild, a popular mountain destination in Southern California. For more information - Click here.

 

Camille Beckman Cactus Blossom Fragrance Bath & Body Products - Capturing the essence of spring blossoms, Camille Beckman Cactus Blossom Fragrance Glycerin Bath & Body products include Hand & Shower Cleansing Gel; and Hand Therapy Lotion & Cream. This beauty package comes from The Desert Robin, a desert themed gift shop located in Borrego Springs, a Southern California desert resort community surrounded by the vast Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. For more information - Click here.


 

BeautiControl ‘Warming Trend Green Tea Masque’ and ‘Herbal Serenity Crème’ – A wonderful skin cleanser, Warming Trend Green Tea Masque is a botanical enriched and self-heating facial masque formulated with vitamins C and D, and minerals. The Herbal Serenity Crème is a pampering and luxurious crème that contains menthol to soothe and refresh tired, over-stressed feet, knees and elbows. These nurturing prizes are from Merle Baker, an Independent Representative for Beauticontrol. For more information – Click here.





Handcrafted Soaps & Bath Bomb Basket - After a long and hard day, these Handcrafted Soaps & Bath Bombs are sure to comfort. Handcrafted Soaps include Country Cranberry, Apple Jack & Peel, and Pumpkin Spice Soufflé. Bath Balls include Fresh County Breeze, Sugar Kisses, Sweet Sensations, and Tropical Dreams. This pampering Bath Basket is from Myrtle Creek Nursery, a