Time to say thanks & share... an Award & a Book Giveaway

** UPDATE: Given the chaos of Thanksgiving, the Book Giveaway has been extended to Sunday, 29 November, 11:59 PM. Winner will be announced on Monday! **

This is my 100th post!!! So, first of all, I want to thank all you readers for reading, commenting and sharing & making me a better cook and blogging so much fun! And, to show my gratitude for your patronage, I am hosting  my very first giveaway!! Details, later in the post....

I also wanted to take the time to say thanks to the many wonderful people I have met and who make my life so much fun! When you live away from the country you grew up in and your family, friends become family. I have been fortunate and I am grateful for life's generosity.

Recently, I joined Twitter, after much reluctance, and that opened up a whole new world of friends to me. As it happens, some of them are also wonderful food bloggers. We have laughed together, shared stories and virtual coffees and cakes and inspired each other in so many ways.

Barbara is one of the wonderful people I met on Twitter. She writes about her adventures in her kitchen at Barbara Bakes and her wonderfully cheerful blog is filled with sweet, delectable recipes. Now, she has gone and given me a Lemonade Stand Gratitude Award. My very first award!!! Thank you so very much B!

The rules of accepting and sharing this award are:

Put the logo on your blog or post
Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude
Link to your nominees within your post
Comment on their blog to let them know they've received this award
Share the love and link to the person who nominated you
Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude

Blogging has enriched my social life in so many ways. So, I want pass along this award to my blog-buddies who I share my day and its unimportant and important moments with...
- Janet of LaDue & Crew
- Deeba of Passionate About Baking
- Jamie of Life is a Feast
- Meeta of What's for Lunch Honey
- Shaheen Purple Foodie
- Aparna of My Diverse Kitchen
- Barbara of Vino Luci Style
- Pam of The Cooking Ninja
- Renee of Flamingo Musings
- Mowie of Mowielicious

Thank you, guys, for making my days more fun and happening ;-)!

I have one more thing to share; a book giveaway. As you know, I am member of BloggerAid and through them, I had the opportunity to review Notes on Cooking by Lauren Braun Costello and Russell Reich.

The book is aimed at the everyday cook wanting to improve, the seasoned expert looking to review the highest culinary standards and the food lover seeking a fascinating glimpse into the pursuit of epicurean excellence.You can read my full review here. It is a handy book to have, filled with tips and advice for the best dining experience from grocery to kitchen to table. And, it would make a great gift too!! Read my full review here.

I am thrilled to announce that RCR Creative has agreed to do a giveaway of the book to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and spread the word about the giveaway through twitter (ref @ashafsk) and facebook (If you use any social media, please leave me a note with your username). Please do make sure to enter your email address, so I know where to reach you.

The giveaway is on until midnight on the Friday after Thanksgiving, 27th November, and I'll announce the lucky winner (selected randomly) on the following Sunday. RCR Creative, will be sending the copy directly to the winner.

Have a great Holiday Season, peeps!