Enter to Win a Big #Brawnyman #BlogHer #Giveaway

There are two things you need to know before I tell you a story:

1. I rarely win anything.
2. I am a big fan of paper towels.

In a food allergy family, paper towels can even be called a necessity; you just don't want to risk that someone used the dishtowel to clean up a milk spill, or that a wheat-eating family member used the cloth towel to wipe their hands after making a sandwich. Paper towels help me keep my kitchen contaminant-free.

But enough about that (for today anyway), on to my story.

Last week I attended the BlogHer conference in San Diego. This is a very-big-almost-overwhelming conference. In addition to great programming and parties, there is an expo hall – an enormous expo hall – with hundreds of vendors. The evening before the conference started there was an expo party - two hours dedicated to checking out the products, collecting samples (so much that many attendees bring an extra suitcase to carry it all home in). Imagine 3500 women storming the doors at 6pm to be the first in line to get their loot. I am exaggerating, but not much.

I was tired from a long trip across the country, but the expo was clearly the place to be. I was visiting booths and trying to pick up only what I would actually take home, when I stumbled upon the Brawny paper towel exhibit. As I mentioned, I am a fan of paper towels, yet I couldn't imagine trying to stuff a roll of paper towels in my suitcase. But the Brawny team (who surprisingly all look like the Brawny man) asked if I wanted to enter a contest and my ears perked up. All I had to do was have my picture taken with the Brawny man (an oversized cardboard figure) and tweet my picture. Sounded easy enough. I entered and went about my business collecting stuff, finding great food to try (like the gluten-free cupcakes you see here), and making new friends.

I told you that I rarely win anything, right? Despite the dozens of contests I entered, I figured the odds were against me.

The next morning there was an email in my inbox that said, "Congratulations, you won the Brawny giveaway, please stop by the Brawny booth to claim your prize." I made a mental note to return to the booth, certain that they would hand me a roll of paper towels and I’d be on my way.

When I made it back after lunch (and after a totally fabulous and unexpected flash mob), I stopped by to see the Brawny team. I was treated like a celebrity. I was indeed the winner of the big prize - a year’s supply of Brawny paper towels and a $50 visa card. Of course I was delighted. "Just exactly how much is a year’s supply of paper towels?" I asked. I don't know the answer yet, but was told not to worry, they would deliver them to me.

But wait, there's more! Are you ready for this? Because I was the grand prize winner one of my readers wins too! Brawny is giving away a year’s supply of Brawny paper towels and a $50 visa gift card to one of my readers. I don't really get giddy, but if I did I would have been giddy with excitement, because this is a truly awesome giveaway. See the smile on my face?

Here are the rules to enter:

Because this is such an awesome giveaway, you can enter up to three times. You get one entry for leaving a comment here telling me what you like about Brawny paper towels. For a second entry, tweet this giveaway (just click the twitter sharing link below the post) and leave a second comment that you tweeted it. For a third entry, visit the Brawny facebook page and click like, then leave a comment letting me know you did so. 

The contest ends Sunday August 21st at midnight. That gives you a week to enter. One lucky winner will be announced on Monday August 22nd. Don't forget to come back to see if you have won. I’ll need to get your contact info so your prize can be shipped to you.

A big thank you to Brawny for being one of the BlogHer '11 event sponsors and hosting this giveaway!