So, did ringing in the New Year go well for you last night? We went to a house party at our friends Gina and Marty's home - much fun! - and stayed over until this morning...
I was hoping to post this MUCH earlier today, but I've been working (yes, even on New Year's Day - I have to get everything done with a deadline before the 13th, and I want to get paid for it all so I can use the money for our trip!) and looking for missing items I know I have, etc.
I used a highly scientific method to select the winners of the blog candy: I printed all the names off, cut them into strips, folded them into small squares and did a carnival-style 'toss' game - trying to throw the little folded strips into a tote perched on a corner of my coffee table while standing behind the couch. I have to say that - as a former softball pitcher - I was abominably bad at it! It took me three or four times through the pile of folded strips to get enough strips for nine winners to land in the tote instead of on the table, on the floor, on the loveseat...
Anyway, thanks SO MUCH to everyone who left comments, and our wonderful winners are:
Karen C, who said "What motivates me to subscribe to a blog is the artwork!....I also go through a weeding process every few months - if it's all been idle chit-chat with little artwork, those are the blogs I may drop."
Cari Shumway, who said, "I love all of it, especially the personal notes. I feel like you're talking right to me, and I can hear your voice and I really like that."
Lisa, who said, "I love when they show me not only a technique but a sample as well. Also I love to hear someone else has problems similar to me LOL."
Debra Pate, who said, "WOWIE artwork is a must for me!"
Gayle Taylor, who said, "Techniques, techniques, techniques! I love searching for blogs that will not only show me some fantastic ideas, but will also show me how to make the different projects on the blog myself."
Tina H., who said, "Hmm...I can't say much about what gets me to subscribe to a blog because YOU are the only blog I'm subscribed to!"
Kat, who said, "I am motivated by creativity...I find using blogs are more helpful than some scrapbooking magazines!"
Kimberly, who said, "I subscribe to blogs that are motivating and inspirational. I love following the stories and, of course, seeing the artwork!"
Robin Hanna, who said, "I subscribe to blogs to get ideas for my own projects. I love that we each have our own way of looking at things, and creativity based on that look."
Those comments are just a sampling, of course - you can go to the original post to read the rest of the comments left by our winners, and the rest of the comments left by the others who responded, if you're interested. Here's a pic of the goodies I'm sending out to these nine loverly ladies:
It's some goodies to help you get started on Valentine's Day cards and such! There are eight Top Notes (two dark pink, two light pink, and four embossed white) and the frames created when I cut them out; an assortment of "bangle bling", sequins, and baubles (similar to dewdrops, but a little larger), an embellished stick pin, six pearlized buttons - two with ribbon, two plain, and two with hearts), six crystal buttons, a felt heart with sequins, and a felt crown with bling. Nothing spectacular, but kind of fun, I think...
If you are one of the winners listed above, please send me an email with your snail mail address ASAP (there's an email link at the top of the column on the left). I'd like to get these packages postal before I leave Monday for my trip, but I will have to wait until the 13th instead if I have no address for you!
And while we're here, let's start with the "Thrifty Thursday", too! You know how Hershey's Kisses come in red, green and silver wrappers at Christmas?
You know how after Christmas they go on sale for cheap? Stock up now, and do this:
Use the red and silver ones now for Valentine's Day, and hide the green ones until you're ready for St. Patrick's Day. I'll show you something fun to do with them on Tricky Tuesday! You can do the same thing with Reese's mini peanut butter cups:
Use the red ones for Valentine's, the green ones for St. Patrick's, and eat the gold ones RIGHT NOW! Yum! I know it's not much of a big deal to start off the new format, but hey - every little bit helps, right? If you're gonna use these candies for these occasions anyway, why not get them on sale? They'll definitely keep!
Okay - back to the "real world" or something like it... Have a great evening, remember to email me if you're a winner, and thanks for stopping by!
EEEK, I'm SO EXCITED!!! I feel so lucky to have missed the table, floor and loveseat... *LoL* I chuckled to myself when I read that you were abominably bad at the tossing despite being a former softball pitcher. Bwaha ha! Boy, I know that feeling ALL TOO WELL! :"P I'm still jumping for joy over here though... what a great start to the day, seeing that I won a little blog candy! I can't wait to get started on Valentines goodies now! Wuhwho!! THANK YOU!
(Wow, there is just no way to accurately express this kind of excitement and joy in comments... *lol*)
Posted by: Tina H. | January 02, 2009 at 10:09 AM
WOW
Thank you You have such aesome ideas Keep them coming!!
All the best to you in 2009
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | January 02, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Wow what a great blog candy gift! If no one claims theirs let me know. LOL
Oh... and the foil wrapped treats... I did that last year. LOVE that idea! And if the treats last long enough in my house to give away it's a bigger bonus. :o)
Posted by: jen | January 05, 2009 at 01:09 PM
OMGosh!!!!! I can not believe I won!!!! Thank you so much Susan! This exciting news came on the perfect day, when I needed a lift! As always, I LOVE your blog and scrapbooking, crafting ideas!!!
Posted by: Debra Pate | January 14, 2009 at 08:47 PM
THANK YOU SUE!!!! I got my goodies in the mail and they are so much prettier than the picture! WOW! I can't wait to use them. BIG HUGS to you!!!!
Posted by: Debra Pate | January 25, 2009 at 01:01 AM