tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9803911294158891622024-02-19T05:28:42.850-08:00My Handmade AddictionMusings from my greenish lifeDeannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-26396949178778995262012-01-25T03:42:00.000-08:002012-01-25T03:42:45.219-08:00New Gig<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sorry for the lengthy absence. Check me out over at Karley's blog, </span><a href="http://www.chicandgreendaily.com/p/our-team.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><em>Chic and Green</em></span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> . I will be sharing more of my favorite things that are handmade in America.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hope to see you there,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Deanna</span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-28753952689262605612011-02-15T16:29:00.000-08:002011-02-15T16:32:14.547-08:00Huggerz boot wraps winner<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The lovely founder of Huggerz, Debbie Thelen Miller, has generously offered to allow the winner to select one pair of Huggerz. That lucky winner is....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Keeley Rae</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Congratulations Keeley! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Please contact me at <a href="mailto:mamagiglio@hotmail.com">mamagiglio@hotmail.com</a> and give me your mailing address as well as which pair of Huggerz you would like to receive.</span></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-15762322912169801442011-02-01T18:36:00.000-08:002011-02-02T09:00:56.716-08:00Interview with Debbie Thelen Miller: inventor of Huggerz boot wraps<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>A</em></span> few weeks ago, after a particularly successful "hunting" expedition through<strong> <em><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/"><span style="color: #45818e;">Anthropologie's</span></a></em></strong> clearance racks, my friend Barb and I wandered down the street to a cute boutique called <em><strong><a href="http://www.oliverstrendz.com/"><span style="color: #45818e;">Oliver's Trendz</span></a></strong></em>. One of the very first things we encountered were these faux fur and knitted items that looked like <span style="color: black;">hand muffs.</span> My mind drifted back to early childhood memories of my own genuine rabbit fur hand muffs. {I know what you're thinking but it was the 1970s and we weren't as concerned about cruelty to animals in those days...} But I digress. My mid-day mind fog cleared and we deduced that what we were looking at were boot wraps. I liked what I saw but assumed they were "Made in China" like the preponderance of items in most stores. Boy was I WRONG. It would take just a short time to find out just how wrong I was.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVczVzs0rI0FBkyRTGS1wVLeMivcafkNaVuYuCK-WZGWJkdfKcKEwb-eISALxKZ7pjou3Q1U5X5PsIgmU0EawRK1c3w-75NfytuxV24aKxn1m2Vdfbw-aN8zK3G6Kedzzt5Mq5FCAI5bBK/s1600/Hand+muffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVczVzs0rI0FBkyRTGS1wVLeMivcafkNaVuYuCK-WZGWJkdfKcKEwb-eISALxKZ7pjou3Q1U5X5PsIgmU0EawRK1c3w-75NfytuxV24aKxn1m2Vdfbw-aN8zK3G6Kedzzt5Mq5FCAI5bBK/s320/Hand+muffs.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Toddler's hand muffs from </em></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlemuffet?ref=pr_shop_more"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: small;"><em>Little Muffet</em></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><em> on Etsy, $26</em></span></td></tr>
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About 2 weeks later, another good friend, Angie, sent me a link to <a href="https://www.ugghuggerz.com/"><em><span style="color: #45818e;"><strong>Huggerz</strong></span></em></a> website. She had watched the local Sunday morning news that features a "Made in Michigan" segment quite regularly. Clicking on the link, my synapses started whirring and sparking. I realized these were the very creations I'd seen a few weeks prior. I was giddy as I realized <em>Huggerz</em> were invented by a clever local lady right here in the metro Detroit area!!! I joined <span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;">their<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_677770491"> </a></span><strong><em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Huggerz/152384088135218"><span style="color: #45818e;">Facebook page</span></a></em></strong></span> and began drooling over all the lovely styles. I HAD to talk to the smart lady who came up with this clever product! Thankfully she agreed to allow me to interview her and share Huggerz with you!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>~</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O-iMtBVu2AeKeciMnvfwNqy7oMDhynSmAymvNpP3Xzby2DrGIv62oGjuKIEB4Fw1-vAdfbgN010skUjvZvDLJuNe5NtIbpbmVr5Duwt2GqJfqRs_7Xj13QkC4Ug2F6A7og47Jd4jLjSD/s1600/Sand+Fair+Isle+Huggerz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O-iMtBVu2AeKeciMnvfwNqy7oMDhynSmAymvNpP3Xzby2DrGIv62oGjuKIEB4Fw1-vAdfbgN010skUjvZvDLJuNe5NtIbpbmVr5Duwt2GqJfqRs_7Xj13QkC4Ug2F6A7og47Jd4jLjSD/s320/Sand+Fair+Isle+Huggerz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are my favorite pair of Huggerz:<em> <a href="https://www.ugghuggerz.com/p-13-sand-fair-isle.aspx"><span style="color: #444444;">Sand Fair Isle</span></a></em>, $34</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrki9U5n3AaknYoX3Nk-82ckfamS9wfLU-GJrcLJ-HujCDh3rQAlbJb-L509X7bOLxAj5heYaXCfpnJYtWns6HErErLTQGPgZxi_KZ5hyphenhyphencpQOLyf3kZ7MOziRkuoaylvoOxwjRJL2v7-z/s1600/Rabbit+Huggerz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrki9U5n3AaknYoX3Nk-82ckfamS9wfLU-GJrcLJ-HujCDh3rQAlbJb-L509X7bOLxAj5heYaXCfpnJYtWns6HErErLTQGPgZxi_KZ5hyphenhyphencpQOLyf3kZ7MOziRkuoaylvoOxwjRJL2v7-z/s320/Rabbit+Huggerz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ugghuggerz.com/p-7-rabbit.aspx"><span style="color: #444444;">Rabbit Huggerz</span></a>, $39 shown with handmade<a href="https://www.ugghuggerz.com/p-19-rabbit-pom-poms.aspx"> <span style="color: #444444;">rabbit pom poms</span></a>,$14</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">{<em>An interview with Debbie Thelen Miller:</em><em> </em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><em>inventor of Huggerz boot wraps</em>}</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Debbie, thank you for allowing me to share your story with my readers. By the end of this interview, I know they too will share my love of your ingenious product.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MHA: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those who aren't familiar with Huggerz, please tell us what they are. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Huggerz Boot Wraps are a cover for your boots that make them look like a totally different pair of boots. They do not just look like something added to the leg of the boot</em>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MHA: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you had a tagline for Huggerz what would it be? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Our tag line is "Wrap your boots to suit your moods."</em></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfKQ8uLg3PLjG9F-D9lBBVJBwoWX11HOkDOQcEROkZ7MyBUYzsj4rnD5SoZSZRj7d8tA48l2c3ioqb2a-06ysgL8sjLsU1ljDpyZAFca8laB3UvObMqDwsE3YetuKpD8Uy3UZG_7An8m_/s1600/Embossed+Brown+Beaver+Huggerz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfKQ8uLg3PLjG9F-D9lBBVJBwoWX11HOkDOQcEROkZ7MyBUYzsj4rnD5SoZSZRj7d8tA48l2c3ioqb2a-06ysgL8sjLsU1ljDpyZAFca8laB3UvObMqDwsE3YetuKpD8Uy3UZG_7An8m_/s320/Embossed+Brown+Beaver+Huggerz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ugghuggerz.com/p-5-embossed-brown-beaver.aspx"><span style="color: #444444;">Embossed Brown Beaver</span></a> Huggerz, $39 </td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">MHA: </span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How and where did you come up with the idea for Huggerz? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I was in a hockey rink and my feet were freezing. I was wearing boots and wool socks, but not the super warm shearling style boots. I knew then that I needed to invest in a pair, but when I started shopping, I could not decide what style to buy. I loved the ones with the fur. I loved the ones with the knit. I loved the patterned ones. But, I could not buy 3 or 4 different pairs, and I hated to spend all that money and be "stuck" with one look. That is when the idea hit me.</em></span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MHA:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During our phone conversation you shared with me that all aspects of production are done in Michigan. How many jobs were created by your company?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>To date, we have created 3 full time jobs!!!! We have also added 3 part time jobs. I hope to keep building from there.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">MHA:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When did you first realize Huggerz was going to be a hit? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Hmmm. Well, I knew that I was on to something when I wore my "test" pair out and about and had people stopping me to comment on my boots. The fact that they could not tell that they were covers, really made me happy. I am constantly thrilled to hear how much people love them and hope that the Huggerz "craze" as it has been called, continues.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><strong>**MHA: Deb also shared with me that 1500 pairs of Huggerz was sold in the 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2010...that's impressive**</strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MHA:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How long did it take from the time you got the idea for Huggerz until they were first available for purchase?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I had to wait until I had my patent pending status to sell any. So, I sold my first pairs 4 months after I came up with idea. But those were just more "test" pairs. They hit the market on our website and in local stores almost 2 years after I first had the idea. There was lots of research and product design, along with all the legal work, that had to be done. </em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">MHA:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What has been one of the biggest challenges you've faced with the company?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Pulling together the people and the funding to do it right!</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MHA:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Share with us some of the surprising things that happened to you since Huggerz was "born". </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:<br />
Good question! I think that I have been surprised by the overwhelming response to the product. I have been surprised by how hard it is to find products made in the USA. I have been surprised by all of the details that I never would have thought of! Frankly, I am surprised that I am running a company!</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MHA:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you promote your product? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Our primary vehicle for promotion is the internet. My marketing firm has sent out some press releases to the media, and we have had some nice responses from those. Our best promotion is from people wearing them!</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MHA:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You sell Huggerz through your website but where else can readers purchase a pair? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>There are currently 10 retailers that carry Huggerz Boot Wraps and accessories. They are listed on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Huggerz/152384088135218"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">facebook page</span></strong></a> (Huggerz) under the info tab, and they are currently being added to our website.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MHA:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have plans for eco-friendly and or organic material options in the future? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Absolutely. From the very beginning I have wanted to do a line made from recycled sweaters. I would also love to use organic cotton.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MHA:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As wife, mother and business owner, how do you juggle all of your responsibilities? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>DTM:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Some days, frankly, not very well! My 13 year old has taken to baking. My husband has learned to do the laundry, and everyone has had to get used to a less tidy home! They also expect my phone and laptop to be attached to me..... I have guilt, but I also know that they will all develop good skills from this, and that one day, I hope, it will all be worth it!</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgd0u4LyhO7-zh2EYQiRUnta8Te4l-BiCp1kK4_hx3xuyoq2ttfk_oFGj9qDGeAOdFIc9LJHlTlku0E7nqcd0DcfGBiJRWaeX6HGsmgBhTGzSEiJRFtuM-KEoo2B2HwTp2EvMrl6uL3y9/s1600/Black+Zebra+Huggerz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgd0u4LyhO7-zh2EYQiRUnta8Te4l-BiCp1kK4_hx3xuyoq2ttfk_oFGj9qDGeAOdFIc9LJHlTlku0E7nqcd0DcfGBiJRWaeX6HGsmgBhTGzSEiJRFtuM-KEoo2B2HwTp2EvMrl6uL3y9/s320/Black+Zebra+Huggerz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun and funky <a href="https://www.ugghuggerz.com/p-8-black-zebra.aspx"><span style="color: #444444;">Black Zebra Huggerz</span></a>, $28</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>~</strong></span></span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once again, thank you Deb, for allowing me to interview you and share your cool products with my readers! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Deb has agreed to sponsor a <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>Huggerz giveaway</strong></span> on My Handmade Addiction. The lucky winner will receive one pair of Huggerz of their choice!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The giveaway will run through February 14th. To enter, please comment under this post. If you post a comment on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Handmade-Addiction/101392576587216?ref=sgm"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">My Handmade Addiction's Facebook page</span></a>, you will also receive one entry!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Best of luck to all entrants!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>Stay warm,</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong>Deanna</strong></span></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-7353911229805533442011-02-01T06:11:00.000-08:002011-02-01T06:17:34.707-08:00Teaser....<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>I'm putting the finishing touches </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>on my exclusive interview.</em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em> </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>It should be up </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>within the next day. </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>I can tell you that the interview dovetails nicely with the alleged snow storm </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>due to hit in the next day as well....</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Stay tuned,</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Deanna</em></span></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-50696235347831718832011-01-26T16:12:00.000-08:002011-01-26T16:12:04.153-08:00Exclusive interview coming soon....<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>I will be interviewing a local entrepreneur later this week who invented a clever product that I'm just crazy about. </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>I don't want to give away too many details so please keep an eye out for the new post! </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGA-jq4-xiATf9a4uJxFePNR9U16bTCfGRR9bljHhyExOvxi1MOSuLHIM-bcHD-LUns2meUxShs23eNZQ_psV8hEMLCdRGu13Ky-_Nv8PUjHFJSR21dtAxIrLMnbQQowAsA2-y6JrCpUDo/s1600/Snowflake6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGA-jq4-xiATf9a4uJxFePNR9U16bTCfGRR9bljHhyExOvxi1MOSuLHIM-bcHD-LUns2meUxShs23eNZQ_psV8hEMLCdRGu13Ky-_Nv8PUjHFJSR21dtAxIrLMnbQQowAsA2-y6JrCpUDo/s320/Snowflake6.jpg" width="312" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Have a lovely evening,</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Deanna</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-46240370081918718942011-01-16T04:29:00.000-08:002011-01-16T04:29:01.014-08:00Hot Cocoa<em><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>ushing in through the back door from playing out in the white, blustery Michigan winter with snow drifts higher than one's head. What elixir will thaw a frozen child, quicker than a jack rabbit can cross the yard, embracing you with warm, chocolaty sweetness? HOT COCOA, of course.</span></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>An ode to that beloved beverage of my youth</strong></span></span></em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6koW0yE0W8JHck0bvLWz5PUuMo8zMK_xYI2vLgmjEqrkEAjscoiN5cEm1XYU3fVD9DAxzOylg84YLTf_FToBdBpA5Ghr4_o7k7b5QxeCmwXRDccF_E1g3QFl6QRHIxyjewf1CPMIjbZS/s1600/hot+chocolate+NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6koW0yE0W8JHck0bvLWz5PUuMo8zMK_xYI2vLgmjEqrkEAjscoiN5cEm1XYU3fVD9DAxzOylg84YLTf_FToBdBpA5Ghr4_o7k7b5QxeCmwXRDccF_E1g3QFl6QRHIxyjewf1CPMIjbZS/s400/hot+chocolate+NEF.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65996437/hot-chocolate-and-cardamom-organic-sugar"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: small;"><em><strong>Hot Chocolate & Cardamom foaming sugar scrub</strong></em></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">from Nature's Edge Farms, $9 for 8 ounce jar.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYcMeWT9Qv_113fCJXyCo6-fQxG8g75f-_ULkGeCsxsoXg_dKCr_9iDfSqbCbvsZ9aPatohG6lMgW6dgCCNAhcj0IPec8AckA-GrpUHmUgWGiSOeUkhqTtuEX5C6zAhPoeVkG8RWoCxF8/s1600/hot+chocolate+and+blue+mittens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYcMeWT9Qv_113fCJXyCo6-fQxG8g75f-_ULkGeCsxsoXg_dKCr_9iDfSqbCbvsZ9aPatohG6lMgW6dgCCNAhcj0IPec8AckA-GrpUHmUgWGiSOeUkhqTtuEX5C6zAhPoeVkG8RWoCxF8/s400/hot+chocolate+and+blue+mittens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66024463/mittens-hot-chocolate-and-blue-upcycled?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=hot+chocolate&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: small;"><strong><em>Hot chocolate and blue mittens</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, from Miracle Mittens, $38</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXTJ8RuglhD3yusAVDg_wtY267QP3myrLuHMEDDSDZbzbzr7Gbwz8UIqYWsDmZWvBfv2gehKwmZJIfCiR_TdABnp10Fgczo_ucFpcMdyokTBrIv5XqRotEpehTDJrMA0OjSE5K3jRJ-7J/s1600/hot+chocolate+gift+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXTJ8RuglhD3yusAVDg_wtY267QP3myrLuHMEDDSDZbzbzr7Gbwz8UIqYWsDmZWvBfv2gehKwmZJIfCiR_TdABnp10Fgczo_ucFpcMdyokTBrIv5XqRotEpehTDJrMA0OjSE5K3jRJ-7J/s400/hot+chocolate+gift+set.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65221783/chocolate-lovers-sampler-set-our-newest"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: small;"><em><strong>Peruvian Cacao sampler set</strong></em></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> from Flying Bird Botanicals, $29.75</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwb257bOI8DF9iTpNQVmT0ZBfgo2NjMT81RiWKqYinBlLFwa_5SIkMPfMFrsQIuR_gWA3IbjPLy1bbDm7MPYMPZso0IuvdkbePZ3Znlee09cin-dBHgGw4YAcWCxMZks4CY30rv5WsNIx/s1600/hot+cocoa+ganache+SS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwb257bOI8DF9iTpNQVmT0ZBfgo2NjMT81RiWKqYinBlLFwa_5SIkMPfMFrsQIuR_gWA3IbjPLy1bbDm7MPYMPZso0IuvdkbePZ3Znlee09cin-dBHgGw4YAcWCxMZks4CY30rv5WsNIx/s400/hot+cocoa+ganache+SS.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57303704/cocoa-mallow-body-ganache-silky-whipped"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: small;"><strong><em>Cocoa Mallow body butter</em></strong></span></a> <span style="font-size: small;"> from Solstice Scents, $9, for 4 ounces</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFyLlawLnLKpxzwd7jFagBFsyZp4FkMZCbS26GOgpa6NIxxUF4zRJOqdevzm_EIf7XHP-0I9kJbTGjfGHOAPorq34D13KI7jKN20WoiQt40ov8FZA_dbQhyiOmSKTDai9hQo-D-wPSnba/s1600/hot+chocolate+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFyLlawLnLKpxzwd7jFagBFsyZp4FkMZCbS26GOgpa6NIxxUF4zRJOqdevzm_EIf7XHP-0I9kJbTGjfGHOAPorq34D13KI7jKN20WoiQt40ov8FZA_dbQhyiOmSKTDai9hQo-D-wPSnba/s400/hot+chocolate+art.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62554369/hot-chocolate-open-edition-print"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: small;"><em><strong>Hot Chocolate open edition print</strong></em></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, $38 Janet Hill Studio</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Ah...cocoa warms thy soul. Don't you agree?</span></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-40573126308301433492011-01-10T11:14:00.000-08:002011-01-10T11:14:12.013-08:00What's in store for twenty eleven<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Good Afternoon,</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In the short time I've been blogging, I've so enjoyed sharing my Etsy finds, favorite shops as well as a glimpse into my crafty pursuits. As much as I enjoy sharing those things with you, I find myself wanting to switch things up a little with the coming of the New Year.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBUuhpN1Mwh5A_8YXnMgOzv0SGOzxi2s9sIpki7aJlpqehm5F_iGbowxNpgQDZOnJ5msuuZ47nAUCqznAv3Uh96UrZ-SlGqhwRJlL6pUpzX_RGXxIRtLAyIV8yoQinXtLcJFDXxKAo2Fq/s1600/Love-of-Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBUuhpN1Mwh5A_8YXnMgOzv0SGOzxi2s9sIpki7aJlpqehm5F_iGbowxNpgQDZOnJ5msuuZ47nAUCqznAv3Uh96UrZ-SlGqhwRJlL6pUpzX_RGXxIRtLAyIV8yoQinXtLcJFDXxKAo2Fq/s400/Love-of-Books.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> I LOVE a good story. In 2011, I will be interviewing a few handmade artisans and sharing their stories with you. I already have a handful of folks in mind at this time. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Stay warm and stay tuned,</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Deanna</em></span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-34103016683075540402011-01-04T06:35:00.000-08:002011-01-04T06:35:23.063-08:00Happy New Year: help please<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Hello all,</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Today is the second day of the week and the second day getting back to a schedule of sorts. I've been pondering some new directions I'd like to go with the blog. I'd love to get some input though. Can you share with me what you'd like to see <u>more</u> of from <em><span style="color: #93c47d;">My Handmade Addiction</span></em> in 2011?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">With my appreciation,</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Deanna</em></span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-85867648508014045042011-01-01T13:24:00.000-08:002011-01-01T13:24:50.848-08:00December 2010 giveaway winner announced now<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And the winner for December 2010 giveaway featuring <em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturesedgefarm"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Nature's Edge Farm</span></a></em> handmade soaps and body lotion is....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Christy on the Craggy Moor</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Congratulations Christy and Happy New Year!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-74895085990886728272010-12-29T17:07:00.000-08:002010-12-29T17:08:34.933-08:00Potpourri of Pretty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I feel like part of my brain is still in Christmas mode while another is thinking New Year's and changing seasons. My selection of "pretty things" seems a bit disjointed. I just wanted you to know that I'm aware of my seemingly odd selection.<br />
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Are you feeling this way too?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD_QxCfCAzWTJFLTYDfNr4lxP2E6V9qg8t5ARXxJdI_cqQd4Fvgvi6TiQ28u8E_09fW8cVdg4LKtDoy5Px1KkBL7Ao27j8Ulvn1aMezJxKVQjCbr5dGCPDtfjVq1XXvIsEnvtbLZ2dZDr/s1600/2011+planner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD_QxCfCAzWTJFLTYDfNr4lxP2E6V9qg8t5ARXxJdI_cqQd4Fvgvi6TiQ28u8E_09fW8cVdg4LKtDoy5Px1KkBL7Ao27j8Ulvn1aMezJxKVQjCbr5dGCPDtfjVq1XXvIsEnvtbLZ2dZDr/s400/2011+planner.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64881411/2011-weekly-planner"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: small;">weekly planner</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, $25 from <strong> </strong></span><a href="http://lily%20jane%20stationery/"><em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: small;"><strong>Lily Jane Stationery</strong></span></em></a><span style="font-size: small;"> caught my eye!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQpvZG8G9wvW3Vl85UeuIgjsTZlyW8uSpJbrA6Qeo3BfUMfNYAzF-scTvq63KQMO01xXJMCAW7ZSSxXN8F_450W8KOcIHQApkRAmnGIzato_VIKMUfLUtrKMrPBYKvjUYfKzAv19KIQYx/s1600/red+tinsel+string.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQpvZG8G9wvW3Vl85UeuIgjsTZlyW8uSpJbrA6Qeo3BfUMfNYAzF-scTvq63KQMO01xXJMCAW7ZSSxXN8F_450W8KOcIHQApkRAmnGIzato_VIKMUfLUtrKMrPBYKvjUYfKzAv19KIQYx/s400/red+tinsel+string.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> But so did this </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61900294/red-tinsel-string"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: small;">red tinsel string</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, $6 for 18 feet from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/juliecollings?ref=seller_info"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: small;"><em><strong>Vintage Handmade by julie collings</strong></em></span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HG9432ONH1fzyaTSu6EoW61Dpplj3y3XveqJeHrOlGYlP2KBXIyZJ2WUOZ3NtJdNMtpDvXVD1xA9NPk9L8gIanmZnEEzgK923sKn7W8ysi7Xql-ot-ycml_39jU9hrDHIn_ovGOM6-pd/s1600/white+statement+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HG9432ONH1fzyaTSu6EoW61Dpplj3y3XveqJeHrOlGYlP2KBXIyZJ2WUOZ3NtJdNMtpDvXVD1xA9NPk9L8gIanmZnEEzgK923sKn7W8ysi7Xql-ot-ycml_39jU9hrDHIn_ovGOM6-pd/s400/white+statement+necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wouldn't this </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53858925/vintage-style-romantic-white-floral"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">white statement necklace</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, $39.99 from</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NuevaEspana?ref=seller_info"><strong><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: small;"><em>Nueva Espana</em></span></strong></a><span style="font-size: small;"> look so lovely on New Year's Eve?</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtlmWF-MyL7OUiafzVpYa0R_xi82te6j5Vs9YO3aQ5LmrV49avfpGXnCUQVKypeRKzh94lD9J2TmxWdTzDfjdL_vOgqk-rexJ1DqO4AKMou2ebfdeZh8RR6x17PjfmYGEWChEJ-NrCdtH/s1600/fall+leaf+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtlmWF-MyL7OUiafzVpYa0R_xi82te6j5Vs9YO3aQ5LmrV49avfpGXnCUQVKypeRKzh94lD9J2TmxWdTzDfjdL_vOgqk-rexJ1DqO4AKMou2ebfdeZh8RR6x17PjfmYGEWChEJ-NrCdtH/s320/fall+leaf+necklace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oddly, this autumn necklace entitled, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62310405/melody-of-fall-multicolored-necklace"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Melody of Fall</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, $45 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">f</span><span style="font-size: small;">rom </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beautyspot?ref=pr_shop_more"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: small;"><em><strong>Beauty Spot</strong></em></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> still appeals to me this time of year.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKdyyVwm84NJ_n_gr2g4QYUy8SuHZu0MrYh0SyxfdK5DkGla7WEy9H43pXKIhjZcCRPnXr7KaTHXROHsz9Mpz-oqRxNvdTdKtZyBE9Wc88yX66b3IyXy3XOsNfaVrV6NKmbYKWcG7ly4m/s1600/green+vintage+polish+ornaments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKdyyVwm84NJ_n_gr2g4QYUy8SuHZu0MrYh0SyxfdK5DkGla7WEy9H43pXKIhjZcCRPnXr7KaTHXROHsz9Mpz-oqRxNvdTdKtZyBE9Wc88yX66b3IyXy3XOsNfaVrV6NKmbYKWcG7ly4m/s400/green+vintage+polish+ornaments.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Browsing today, I couldn't help but stop and pause to gaze at these <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_703220843"><span style="color: #444444;">vintage</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64159496/12-vintage-glass-christmas-ornaments"><span style="color: #444444;">green Polish ornaments</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">,</span> $14.75 for one dozen. They just ooze old-school charm! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Stop by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/oodles?ref=seller_info"><span style="color: #45818e;"><em><strong>Oodles and Oodles</strong></em></span></a> to view more of their vintage eye candy goodness! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUisvTX3T-hNOxOafRiTTAL5TgosRCCRAxuHmra_vgWpTejSwlCjClQWfogNC3UIavGFvQ3SCs3qHwu7gT61uXfEAUUevykGyKHFDi5804nl5uk7S7imOyJU3g9-NjLVBiSCnq3GXJl_r/s1600/love+and+compassion+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUisvTX3T-hNOxOafRiTTAL5TgosRCCRAxuHmra_vgWpTejSwlCjClQWfogNC3UIavGFvQ3SCs3qHwu7gT61uXfEAUUevykGyKHFDi5804nl5uk7S7imOyJU3g9-NjLVBiSCnq3GXJl_r/s400/love+and+compassion+pin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love the saying on this nifty little <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62700487/love-and-compassion-are-recession-proof"><span style="color: #444444;">pin</span></a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beanforest?ref=pr_shop_more"><span style="color: #45818e;"><em><strong>Beanforest</strong></em></span></a><span style="color: #45818e;"><em><strong>,</strong></em></span> $1. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This sentiment is season less!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><em>Have a cozy Wednesday evening all,</em></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><em>~Deanna</em></span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-12036522151494352842010-12-08T10:02:00.000-08:002010-12-08T10:02:56.558-08:00For the lover of lavender...a gift set from Nature's Edge Farm<span style="font-size: large;">Yet another reason to shop with Nature's Edge Herb Farm on Etsy... convenience{ and value}! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just take a gander at this pretty </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63869284/lavender-gift-set-ships-priority"><strong><em><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Lavender gift set</span></em></strong></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">John put together for us....</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMU9umjXyOjPYc88SiZIQw2IZ1SHsmXr_TOw3hcnYS6ai4LTe4nEruIIy-zEUfdUwpQXsOlAgQRyUIWaDsoS287nSYB4arOUI-MlPEhCDo0CH8Q-XDM_XvF3DgK2BP1AgfYu_-wCpg2n7/s1600/Lavender+gift+set+NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMU9umjXyOjPYc88SiZIQw2IZ1SHsmXr_TOw3hcnYS6ai4LTe4nEruIIy-zEUfdUwpQXsOlAgQRyUIWaDsoS287nSYB4arOUI-MlPEhCDo0CH8Q-XDM_XvF3DgK2BP1AgfYu_-wCpg2n7/s400/Lavender+gift+set+NEF.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">A beautiful, natural gift for under $25 {including shipping to your doorstep}!</span><br />
<div align="left"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><em><u>The gift set includes</u>: </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>*1 Lavender Fields bar</em></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><em>*1 Lavender Lemongrass bar</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>*1 French Lavender lotion in a purple organza sack</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>*1 Lavender Fields body mist perfume</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>*1 cotton sachet of organic lavender buds</em></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span>♥</div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This would make a lovely gift for a teacher, friend, Secret Santa, hostess gift or gift to yourself to enjoy after the holidays are over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Head over to Nature's Edge Herb Farm to pick up yours! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a happy afternoon,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Deanna</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-92091937610103796652010-12-06T13:40:00.000-08:002010-12-06T14:05:19.720-08:00Crafty distractions<span style="font-size: large;">Hello readers,</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Boy is it chilly here this afternoon. I apologize for being a bit absent again from the blog. If you're like me you're busy too trying to get Christmas shopping/prep done. I have to sit down later this afternoon to get a handle on what I've done and what I have left to do. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In typical fashion, although I tried not to do it...I've veered a bit off course and got myself involved in a Christmas "project". I'm really diggin' making "scrabble tile" necklaces. The ones I've been prepping to make are actually round and rectangular. I got the itch to make them after buying the one pictured below. I get so many compliments on it when I wear it. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg9KWEH4R2Tx_mOEYb6f6DPFulsBDMq9kVTzGj9zW2BKDhPJ37UW-72PBXYvi8h4ESjCYxMlrn3A7T9LdF5w6ubsvGUg-hfmdZYKFtrJOsRX0ixHdc8Po13jJ1XxschUzXbzAb3ij2Dcr/s1600/rose+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg9KWEH4R2Tx_mOEYb6f6DPFulsBDMq9kVTzGj9zW2BKDhPJ37UW-72PBXYvi8h4ESjCYxMlrn3A7T9LdF5w6ubsvGUg-hfmdZYKFtrJOsRX0ixHdc8Po13jJ1XxschUzXbzAb3ij2Dcr/s1600/rose+necklace.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are various shops on Etsy selling them but I was fairly confident I could make them. So, I spent hours upon hours looking at the graphics, jewelry supplies and paper cutting tools both online and in the local craft stores. So this is my current obsession/creative outlet/time consumer in my life! I'll post some of my work when I finish a few pieces. I'm even thinking of making one for my son for Christmas with a soccer ball and his team number on it.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to join the madness, here are a few of the places I've found my supplies:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIXH_9dPJBFCA_OsZYRnDR1fpu8oCAPCMu3Zx7OvyJqtKOPN9wMd58Sj72rtIYgNLduIfUPE16DlL8I2EXMSTVWPbCMQBhR4FG3mcnZTwgqT17HMeBut9mIKip7JrXN5uZ_XzBXQs3wvK/s1600/craft+items+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIXH_9dPJBFCA_OsZYRnDR1fpu8oCAPCMu3Zx7OvyJqtKOPN9wMd58Sj72rtIYgNLduIfUPE16DlL8I2EXMSTVWPbCMQBhR4FG3mcnZTwgqT17HMeBut9mIKip7JrXN5uZ_XzBXQs3wvK/s320/craft+items+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvFa9EXUyHPEvG-R_gHhk8INzRD0rR6rtksmFE5HFp-hMnnG7a1xQ_dYcoS0vB6sjptJV5qx0qPALG9TE8N6PmQyVyw4RNA5PnhmLWTue5HrmIKrFlbLx2Rdn3I6SkpShYtOUWkG5_r9i/s1600/craft+items+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvFa9EXUyHPEvG-R_gHhk8INzRD0rR6rtksmFE5HFp-hMnnG7a1xQ_dYcoS0vB6sjptJV5qx0qPALG9TE8N6PmQyVyw4RNA5PnhmLWTue5HrmIKrFlbLx2Rdn3I6SkpShYtOUWkG5_r9i/s320/craft+items+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.michaels.com/"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Michael's</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and<span style="color: #444444;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span></span><a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/home/home.jsp;jsessionid=87FD8CB166E0F3C25034567E05503968.a3p2?topnavlink=true"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><strong><em>JoAnn's</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> both carry the Fiskars "round and round" paper punches in 1 and 1.5 inch diameter. Use a weekly 40% coupon and you'll spend much less than you can get them for online. Both craft stores (and </span><a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/facebook/coupon.cfm"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Hobby Lobby</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">) carry the 1and 1.5 inch wooden circle/disks that will be the base of the pendants. I picked up the bails and ball and chain necklaces at Hobby Lobby in silver but they're probably not the best quality and the price wasn't great. I already have Mod Podge but there are other glue/glaze products made specifically for this kind of crafting. I'll be trying out a product called Diamond Glaze very soon and also have Paper Glaze.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've looked at several Etsy shops*{see list below} for graphics that I may buy from in the future. For now I've been raiding my scrapbooking stash for pretty designs.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I bought the bulk of my supplies from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CandyTiles2"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Candy Tiles Craft and Jewelry Supply</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> on Etsy. My goodies should arrive this week and I hope to be crafting shortly thereafter! I can't wait!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a warm and toasty night with your loved ones,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Deanna</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*A few Etsy shops that sell pretty digital graphics in 1 and 1.5 inch circles:</span><br />
<strong><em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CharmedMemoryCollage"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Charmed Memory Collage</span></a></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sabinesydney?ref=pr_profile"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Sabine Sydney</span></a></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KitschandKaboodle"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kitsch & Kaboodle</span></span></a></em></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. If you have any questions about crafting these pretty little baubles, please feel free to contact me!</span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-67010311344173007042010-12-02T11:51:00.000-08:002010-12-06T02:44:31.920-08:00December giveaway sponsored by Nature's Edge Farm<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>My Handmade Addiction's </em></span></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">BIG</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>D<span style="color: #93c47d;">e</span>c<span style="color: #93c47d;">e</span>m<span style="color: #93c47d;">b</span>e<span style="color: #93c47d;">r</span> g<span style="color: #93c47d;">i</span>v<span style="color: #93c47d;">e</span>a<span style="color: #93c47d;">w</span>a<span style="color: #93c47d;">y</span> 2<span style="color: #93c47d;">0</span>1<span style="color: #93c47d;">0</span><span style="color: #76a5af;">:</span></em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">From Nature's Edge Farm</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: blue;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Regular readers know how much I love the handmade soaps, lotions and scrubs from <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturesedgefarm"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong>Nature's Edge Farm</strong></span></a>. </span>I've been shopping with Nature's Edge Farm since August 2009. I have never been disappointed with any of my purchases from John EVER! ALL of his products are truly handmade. He doesn't use bases but rather blends all of his lovely bath creations with his own hands {not bare handed mind you, lol}. He scrutinizes each ingredient as thoroughly as a scientist. I adore everything about his products from the ingredients to the packaging. Nature's Edge Farm also offers very generously sized soaps (usually 5 ounces each) at <u>very</u> reasonable prices. John makes using his handmade soaps an affordable luxury. Packages from Nature's Edge farm are shipped so fast I'd swear that we live in the same state.</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nature's Edge Farm first began in Canterbury, CT. John recently moved to the gulf side of Florida. Boy those folks in Florida sure are lucky! Local readers can buy Nature's Edge Farm soaps now at </span><a href="http://kittydeluxe.com/"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"><strong>Kitty Deluxe</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> in St. Clair Shores. Perfect for those of us who need "instant gratification".</span></span></em><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">If you've never tried handmade soap, do yourself a favor and buy a bar. I think you'll like the results. Please keep in mind that handmade soap is softer than commercial bars. Use a well draining soap dish and DON'T keep the soap in the shower. Soap lasts much longer when it can dry out between uses!</span></em><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">To view the details of the products in this month's HUGE giveaway, please click the following links:</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62863582/holiday-five-pack">holiday five pack</a></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62795032/evergreen-lotion-with-shea-butter-and">evergreen body lotion</a></span></em><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aQDaWoH_QbjFIiHjqHGiQGY6wrTEyTYdsymG2vZqgJCgOh8QdkQlLjzmO3-t6yBtUlFZfG_kAayt6cW_2Fb544oYtk9Q16-0vmXalVbnEayQp4lMmkOAogRKlD3vhLPthPyneX1Ujxcj/s1600/NEF+snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: blue;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-aQDaWoH_QbjFIiHjqHGiQGY6wrTEyTYdsymG2vZqgJCgOh8QdkQlLjzmO3-t6yBtUlFZfG_kAayt6cW_2Fb544oYtk9Q16-0vmXalVbnEayQp4lMmkOAogRKlD3vhLPthPyneX1Ujxcj/s320/NEF+snowflake.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">snowflake soap</span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"> <strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">+</span></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQBM_VEKMFceU1I-jg4WGx49xcIzg8zxWkd1wXMs0aveyZJq4ZfziWDqEW4n3IvA99yuEs_jLwYo53uH3RUe-RmE7_5mCbFO9768APRFm_ddQmXHgSVS9TSbX9lzdxVFLrEZUKdW8BDcy/s1600/NEF+bayberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQBM_VEKMFceU1I-jg4WGx49xcIzg8zxWkd1wXMs0aveyZJq4ZfziWDqEW4n3IvA99yuEs_jLwYo53uH3RUe-RmE7_5mCbFO9768APRFm_ddQmXHgSVS9TSbX9lzdxVFLrEZUKdW8BDcy/s320/NEF+bayberry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="goog_1517663726"></span><span style="color: black;">bayberry soap<span id="goog_1517663727"></span></span></em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">+</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd_Of4YAA5aaxEGS3QgxhnrL6fvoFqDP7lEUo4NLXaL2FGQ400IPvZavqEFHwYDotvSgt-YsvyXqj98MDVGo4vhbBvOohGlh39u5WZuazczwv6zigZ4JliniJ1junao-QKzslxYFQZ84l/s1600/NEF+citrus+peel+and+pine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd_Of4YAA5aaxEGS3QgxhnrL6fvoFqDP7lEUo4NLXaL2FGQ400IPvZavqEFHwYDotvSgt-YsvyXqj98MDVGo4vhbBvOohGlh39u5WZuazczwv6zigZ4JliniJ1junao-QKzslxYFQZ84l/s320/NEF+citrus+peel+and+pine.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">citrus peel and pine</span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="color: black;"><em> </em> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>+</strong></span></span></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqvx_9MJ-JOkPN5jL7A2DCUT-0Tky8b4j5qFtR7cuU3fW1BQNZHkB5lwOUMI3v7J8UrShnfLDypKp35t6a-0H0-aSKSUzfADtEwZ8YBpA9r2NaJlaftDGqlCKJNJj_rYDAotT7Q5cda8B/s1600/NEF+Misteltoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqvx_9MJ-JOkPN5jL7A2DCUT-0Tky8b4j5qFtR7cuU3fW1BQNZHkB5lwOUMI3v7J8UrShnfLDypKp35t6a-0H0-aSKSUzfADtEwZ8YBpA9r2NaJlaftDGqlCKJNJj_rYDAotT7Q5cda8B/s320/NEF+Misteltoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><em>Mistletoe soap</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>+</strong></span></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN6s8DVe2Jr660XdEzukraQinLgVMfylQ6X4dq9rl7apVql-9od-gCDmOOjSAoi-HyN6CENrEI0HFlzsCiEdkBSt3utEe20ig7RsJx0MAavYfg_f5vsryDeUqXFosbYcWYOXOtRzfxEGl/s1600/NEF+frank+and+myrrrh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN6s8DVe2Jr660XdEzukraQinLgVMfylQ6X4dq9rl7apVql-9od-gCDmOOjSAoi-HyN6CENrEI0HFlzsCiEdkBSt3utEe20ig7RsJx0MAavYfg_f5vsryDeUqXFosbYcWYOXOtRzfxEGl/s320/NEF+frank+and+myrrrh.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><em>frankincense and myrrh soap</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62477641/frankincense-and-myrrh-essential-oil"><span style="color: red;"></span></a> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong> +</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8kkbFfVRyGDtwhcP7VxMBVnmvwLbswbpVU0DtLGR7oEbh3WgD4wNDJJkEgWmql1e1l3f0-BRiVChSofj0nDjm-KM36sf9JO8hYzGsehR7y5Kd10x8Dx3iqanEWrtShd5gYxIBoAeMt7X/s1600/NEF+evergreen+lotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8kkbFfVRyGDtwhcP7VxMBVnmvwLbswbpVU0DtLGR7oEbh3WgD4wNDJJkEgWmql1e1l3f0-BRiVChSofj0nDjm-KM36sf9JO8hYzGsehR7y5Kd10x8Dx3iqanEWrtShd5gYxIBoAeMt7X/s320/NEF+evergreen+lotion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">evergreen body lotion</span></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>=</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>One thankful blogger,</em></span></span><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One magnificent giveaway for <span style="background-color: white;">December,</span></span></em></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">many people hoping to win,</span></em></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One darn lucky winner,</span></em></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">&</span></em></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">{after using their prize}</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One winner with soft, lovely smelling skin<span style="color: #93c47d;">!</span>!<span style="color: #93c47d;">!</span><strong> </strong></span></em> </span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>HOW TO ENTER:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1) If you are not a follower of <strong><em><span style="color: #76a5af;">My Handmade Addiction</span></em></strong> </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">please do so = 1 entry </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">2) "Like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Handmade-Addiction/101392576587216?ref=sgm"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><em><strong>My Handmade Addiction's Facebook site</strong></em></span></a> = 1 entry</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">3) Comment below with your current email address = 1 entry</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">4) Check back here and on Facebook throughout the month of December for a few extra chances to win :) </span></span></span><strong> </strong> <br />
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<br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>My sincere thanks to</em></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">John</span> </strong><span style="color: #76a5af;">at</span><strong> <span style="color: #93c47d;">Nature's Edge Farm</span></strong><span style="color: #93c47d;"> </span></span></em></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;">for sponsoring this month's giveaway!</span> </span></em></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
</em></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
</em></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><u>You've</u> made me a handmade soap snob</span><strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">!</span></strong></span></em></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6KrjC10FlxhfF5WBRxneLoVGpxDAzaxKl-cuiSkYh-oLYbpZjQn7Z-I2uZsm0P0E-1zeX1brtEGCA83ssQYF9nzZ3VFCpqVkHe-zXTsOTowsNCVG_wsdvQQf_Gl-6bQvjlRKBOb9ODDx/s1600/Vintage+Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6KrjC10FlxhfF5WBRxneLoVGpxDAzaxKl-cuiSkYh-oLYbpZjQn7Z-I2uZsm0P0E-1zeX1brtEGCA83ssQYF9nzZ3VFCpqVkHe-zXTsOTowsNCVG_wsdvQQf_Gl-6bQvjlRKBOb9ODDx/s200/Vintage+Santa.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-35311830227758217122010-12-01T15:39:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:39:38.017-08:00December's giveaway will be announced tomorrow<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Be on the look out for </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>My Handmade Addiction's </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="color: #45818e;">D</span><span style="color: #93c47d;">e</span><span style="color: #45818e;">c</span><span style="color: #93c47d;">e</span><span style="color: #45818e;">m</span><span style="color: #93c47d;">b</span><span style="color: #45818e;">e</span><span style="color: #93c47d;">r</span> </span><span style="color: #45818e;">g<span style="color: #93c47d;">i</span>v<span style="color: #93c47d;">e</span>a<span style="color: #93c47d;">w</span>a<span style="color: #93c47d;">y</span> 2<span style="color: #93c47d;">0</span>1</span><span style="color: #93c47d;">0</span><span style="color: #45818e;">.<span style="color: #93c47d;">.</span>.</span></strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">it's a great one!</span></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-833449050566968072010-12-01T04:19:00.000-08:002010-12-01T04:19:56.912-08:00November's giveaway winner announced...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The winner of the Sweet Potato Soap , a 5 ounce jar of Sweet Potato Sugar Scrub and a cream colored Soap Sack from <strong><em>Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium</em></strong> is.....</span><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Indira G!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Congratulations to you, Indira!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-2952175835303737352010-11-23T15:54:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:06:53.826-08:00More pre-Black Friday deals to share... savings from LouBird Handmade Jewerly<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Hello Readers,</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I have an exclusive offer for you! Karley over at loubirdhandmade.com just emailed me this special offer:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"I have a special code just for readers of My Handmade Addiction....enter code HANDMADEADDICT and save 15% on all orders now through 11/30 at loubirdhandmade.com! I even have a $5 sale rack to make room for all the new stuff going in this weekend, so there are some GREAT deals :) </em></span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Karley"</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Just a small sampling of the loveliness and great deals....</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJObcKV5X9Nn92qQir7_dO2EvNAw32-2f7MXsL-DbYvuh6uD36ct2nSlht7cyZ6rsLrj-DalmCfjyJNUzl6_nh-rr-eWT_T74nHBT24xcJbOxzLnXqS1x1aArlfL-tgN6ZKYKHQxX7fcpA/s1600/loubird+hair+pins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJObcKV5X9Nn92qQir7_dO2EvNAw32-2f7MXsL-DbYvuh6uD36ct2nSlht7cyZ6rsLrj-DalmCfjyJNUzl6_nh-rr-eWT_T74nHBT24xcJbOxzLnXqS1x1aArlfL-tgN6ZKYKHQxX7fcpA/s400/loubird+hair+pins.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h2><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><em>Gabrielle -- Dainty Yellow Rose Hair Pin Duo in Antique Brass, $5</em></span></h2><h2><em><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Only $4.25 with your 15% discount</span></em></h2></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbPQkRbSKgYRBso4a56JJk1_p6MKEHgwyc8xqBBpKpseIwxUKHIqCnKZ4CjI1C9zED4FwraT-YJd6KUhhhJc3ecc2zHFuV1teykW1Y3p6mcP7laZHbRIoyGH8TCkcCQIfLd7yotJMk8tK/s1600/loubird+jet+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbPQkRbSKgYRBso4a56JJk1_p6MKEHgwyc8xqBBpKpseIwxUKHIqCnKZ4CjI1C9zED4FwraT-YJd6KUhhhJc3ecc2zHFuV1teykW1Y3p6mcP7laZHbRIoyGH8TCkcCQIfLd7yotJMk8tK/s320/loubird+jet+necklace.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h2><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><em>Nathalie -- Jet Set Cluster Necklace in Black, $25</em></span></h2><h2><em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">only $21.25 with your discount code</span></em></h2></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax6O2k9pf8miCSQDcIfsIF7rxXh26JJE77aOYBCS4El9ZZv7a_yikWhgknynE9kAiVn1-gKhwLYBa5VNWNB9wRfjVQ_YtVkuMUNPbd-CpV-_uYcgyIvLlE0W0J3J3BnaqoUnp2LzRM-JZ/s1600/loubird+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><em><img border="0" height="342" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax6O2k9pf8miCSQDcIfsIF7rxXh26JJE77aOYBCS4El9ZZv7a_yikWhgknynE9kAiVn1-gKhwLYBa5VNWNB9wRfjVQ_YtVkuMUNPbd-CpV-_uYcgyIvLlE0W0J3J3BnaqoUnp2LzRM-JZ/s400/loubird+earrings.jpg" width="400" /></em></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h2><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><em>Gigi -- Green Vintage Olivene Dangle Earrings, $15</em></span></h2><h2><em><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Just $12.75 with your discount code!!!</span></em></h2></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span><br />
Head on over to <a href="http://www.loubirdhandmade/"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><strong><em>www.loubirdhandmade</em></strong></span></a> and check off a few items from your shopping list or pick up something for yourself to wear over the holiday season!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="color: #666666;">♥</span>Many thanks to dear Karley </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>for sharing this <u>sweet</u> deal with us<span style="color: #666666;">♥</span></em></span></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-82867939880890139932010-11-23T13:16:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:06:21.824-08:00Let the deals begin.....<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Everyone knows that Friday is in official start to holiday shopping. I have a few deals to share with you to get a head start on the <span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: x-large;">Black Friday</span> Madness. On Saturday posted about a fantastic product called <a href="http://myhandmadeaddiction.blogspot.com/2010/11/s-temperatures-begin-to-flirt-with.html"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong><em>Boot Buffers</em></strong></span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Boot Buffers shared a great 2fer deal with me.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62791523/buy-2-pairs-save-2-bucks-the-boot"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Two pairs of Boot Buffers for $30</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong><em>.</em></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #444444;">If you're extra, super nice to me, I'll let you in on another deal.........{is that you, being super nice.......thought so}.......Joan shared a super special coupon code with moi. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><em><strong>use the coupon code <span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #a64d79;">"LOVEMYBOOTS"</span> to get 10% off, starting immediately!</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Be on the look out for more deals from some of my other favorite HANDMADE shops! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">If you know of some great shopping deals, share the love either here in the comments section or on</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Handmade-Addiction/101392576587216?ref=sgm"><strong><em><span style="color: #0c343d;">My Handmade Addiction's Facebook Page</span></em></strong></a></span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-22734886139594502662010-11-20T13:28:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:04:48.443-08:00Boot Weather<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>A</em></span>s the temperatures begin to flirt with the freezing mark, winter coats, scarfs, boots, knitted gloves and mittens all start making their way to the front of the coat closet. I like to be warm in the winter but <u>not</u> bundled up and sweaty hot {think of little Randy from <em>A Christmas Story,</em> bundled so tightly that he </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW4IZ0Flh3M"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">couldn't put his arms down </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">}. I prefer to wear thinner jackets or vests instead of big, heavy coats for all but the most frigid of winter's weather. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Around mid-October I started getting the itch to buy a new pair of boots. If you too have been browsing boot styles recently, you've no doubt noticed this season's trend of above the knee boots. While I really like that look, I don't have the guts to purchase a pair. After much deliberation, I chose a pair of tall riding boots in an grayish taupe color. The color coordinates well with browns, neutrals, charcoal, black and the pretty plums and peacock shades of the season. This versatile boot can be dressed up or down and therefore very practical and very "me". </span></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBZuBq_EUKoXUQvHvZwPr2jZVtP08h-NMFhtpEIWCjB1uQjhbh9vgpZD_4_EMemukAHKKZGiO1rf7a4IKH9ragRm7zHQ3zIHmj5ZoeqpJUd2K0lrIA086KlAWzgz-i7kkUWExqz8yACyp/s1600/grey+riding+boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBZuBq_EUKoXUQvHvZwPr2jZVtP08h-NMFhtpEIWCjB1uQjhbh9vgpZD_4_EMemukAHKKZGiO1rf7a4IKH9ragRm7zHQ3zIHmj5ZoeqpJUd2K0lrIA086KlAWzgz-i7kkUWExqz8yACyp/s320/grey+riding+boot.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="background-color: white;"><strong>Under the knee tall riding boot</strong></span></em></td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">While watching a Piston's basketball game a few weeks ago I spied a casually clad, yet fashionable twenty~something wearing tall boots with woolly, warm socks peeking out of the top. This look was simply adorable. Given my aversion to hot, sweaty feet, I suspected that translating it into a practical, everyday look for myself would be nearly impossible. Nearly! The next morning I scooted up to my keyboard and started browsing...where else but Etsy! I didn't take long for me to hit pay dirt! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NHnd8pMBk0Kwcgtk60N_xbD0HWP4-zSUEEBKd_EKBEYvBuwknHOiNFtBIplegnrkjOWl5rwxJ8HsUFZy_Mo2AYpCT8zWZKP-7yRbVRKFHHT1vAzVDqEeRH62HTzMJPNb3of1k0KnlADB/s1600/Boot+buffer+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NHnd8pMBk0Kwcgtk60N_xbD0HWP4-zSUEEBKd_EKBEYvBuwknHOiNFtBIplegnrkjOWl5rwxJ8HsUFZy_Mo2AYpCT8zWZKP-7yRbVRKFHHT1vAzVDqEeRH62HTzMJPNb3of1k0KnlADB/s320/Boot+buffer+colors.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boot Buffers are offered in a variety of colors, $16</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhk_jFs29xWap5xF36ureNKJfCFEa4yuGcfSQqD0PRQA6zN-21cz1KNgmd0FrkGkVl6ZD9hIzFeaR-_SbGSJSzM-XDFmnza62wX1EsUwyKvdmlaEkUdMhXwCxoif7YL5gsAywUOzLeHnL/s1600/boot+buffer+in+action.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhk_jFs29xWap5xF36ureNKJfCFEa4yuGcfSQqD0PRQA6zN-21cz1KNgmd0FrkGkVl6ZD9hIzFeaR-_SbGSJSzM-XDFmnza62wX1EsUwyKvdmlaEkUdMhXwCxoif7YL5gsAywUOzLeHnL/s320/boot+buffer+in+action.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BootBuffers"><strong><em><span style="color: #741b47;">Boot Buffers</span></em></strong></a> knits up faux socks in an array of winter colors. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marketed for ladies with small calves {not me} who need to "fill the gap" between their too big boots and their lovely little calves! These little knitted wonders are also just plain cute and give the illusion of wearing thick socks without the bulk! OK, I'm convinced...I "need" some! </span><span style="font-size: large;">My only "problem" is which colors of boot buffers will coordinate with most of my wardrobe... :) </span> </div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-71322330552330617932010-11-18T12:24:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:03:43.027-08:00Pumpkin Pie <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqzwLLxQVhiMWdvGECSJbt8bbzq0tW8sJDRvoJWG9oQXASZXj_zlfZTl1ZEIcjrCxkZ_7lU2rjpdlcoDenTY6LlWzm2ezikhsBmGfFRSugVEgFv-NnWLgufuC1b29XNezBYPr40BV27vi/s400/pumpkin+pie+soap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Nature's Edge Farm</em>, Pumpkin Pie soap, $4 </td></tr>
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</div><span style="font-size: large;">I just realized that Thanksgiving is exactly one week away. This time next week I should be enjoying a slice of pumpkin pie with a cup of coffee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My favorite soap shop sells a to die for, calorie free version of that traditional Thanksgiving dessert. </span><span style="font-size: large;">John from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturesedgefarm?ref=top_trail"><strong><span style="color: #38761d;">Nature's Edge Farm</span></strong></a> makes a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58505015/pumpkin-pie-soap"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Pumpkin Pie Soap</em></strong></span></a> that not only smells amazing, but is stunningly beautiful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why not order a bar to take as a hostess gift next Thursday. Your host or hostess may just slip you an extra piece of pumpkin pie to thank you for your thoughtfulness! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a lovely afternoon,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Deanna</span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-72124777428367623922010-11-17T06:02:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:03:10.210-08:00De-stressing for the Holidays: Priorities vs. "shoulds"<span style="font-size: large;">Hello readers,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today is the first installment in a series on maximizing enjoyment during the upcoming holiday season. Common sense tells us if we pare down on holiday obligations, we'll likely enjoy the activities we do partake in much more. So why is it that few of us actual do this? There are a host of reasons no doubt with guilt topping the list. As parents in particular, do we really want to be teaching our children to continue certain "traditions" that are obligatory, stressful and eat up precious time that could be spent elsewhere? The types of activities I'm talking about are very subjective and relative to your circumstances. For example, several years ago when my son was but a mere toddler, baking cookies for Christmas was one of those nasty "shoulds" that jeered at me from my Christmas <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">TO DO</span></strong> list. It wasn't feasible nor enjoyable at that stage in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped baking Christmas cookies for several years...not that I didn't get some "flack" from some who did not approve of my decision. As my son got older, a nice family tradition has emerged in our house. My husband and I bake cookies <u>with</u> our son. I have to tell you, it's so nice having the extra hands in the kitchen. Eventually Cole's attention span and enthusiasm wanes, and Frank and I are left in the kitchen to bake those last few dozen cookies. Even though the baking doesn't quite match up to the "perfect" scenario I have in my head, I still look forward to this annual tradition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One reason why I actually look forward to it is because we've eliminated other less enjoyable "traditions", thereby freeing up time and energy. By way of example, though decidedly beautiful and festive, our Department 56 Christmas village hasn't seen the light of a day in many, many years. It's not that I don't love it. It's just that the amount of energy and time it takes to set up isn't worth it to me at this stage in the game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I challenge each one of you to identify one tradition you want to make time for this year as well as identify one that you'd like to ditch. And please, please, please, do tell so you can inspire the rest of us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a fine day editing <u>your</u> Christmas to do list,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Deanna</span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-756175774507515982010-11-15T15:47:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:02:35.457-08:00What's the deal with giveaways?<span style="font-size: large;">Good evening,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The thought occurred to me the other night as I was announcing the November giveaway that some of you may be wondering why I'm hosting them. I mean I'm not a shop owner trying to promote my products. The reason, dear readers that I do host these giveaways is to give you the opportunity to try some of the handmade products I rave about here on <em><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>My Handmade Addiction</strong></span></em>. As you may have noticed, the shops that have donated their products are all shops that I buy from and love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I suspect you'll love them as much as I do. If along the way you find that you like what I have to say here on my blog, it is my hope that you'll comment from time to time and share a bit of your own wisdom as well! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's all. I promise! I'm <u>not</u> secretly peddling Ginsu knives (not that there's anything wrong with that, lol)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">~Deanna</span>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-68186442854769009562010-11-12T17:40:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:02:06.045-08:00Announcing November's Giveaway<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Good evening all,</em></span><br />
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It's mid November....but November nonetheless. I'm SO excited about this month's giveaway! Last year about this time I first "discovered" Bathhouse Soapery on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bathhouse?ref=pr_profile"><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong><em>Etsy</em></strong></span></a>. Founder Charlene Simon handcrafts her bathing luxuries in her lovely shop, <em><strong>Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium</strong></em>, on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs, AR. In addition to her brick and mortar and Etsy stores, Char maintains her successful primary website <a href="http://www.bathhousesoap.com/"><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong>www.bathhousesoap.com</strong></span></a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctt2wvzjKl6Wvo4g45PwQjgM2Dzw4rvaXrTiaD55L0F2vkS2Rh8cZFYwI2lQbKjpjM7iMMgyLnFMmTPUbdHdLLwGC7tRj8kerR1NzGIoqWZlqGIjOHafQ7oofpnUByN6Qv8UbN6-MD282/s1600/sweet+potato+soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctt2wvzjKl6Wvo4g45PwQjgM2Dzw4rvaXrTiaD55L0F2vkS2Rh8cZFYwI2lQbKjpjM7iMMgyLnFMmTPUbdHdLLwGC7tRj8kerR1NzGIoqWZlqGIjOHafQ7oofpnUByN6Qv8UbN6-MD282/s320/sweet+potato+soap.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I purchased...ahem...<u>several </u>products from Bathhouse last year for Christmas. Two of those items are up for grabs this month. I can attest to the incredible, mouthwatering smell of this scent. You'll feel pampered as your drift off to visions of the sweetest Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole that ever passed your lips!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19MhvoTzk_TDSBU9BM8OVEqqrCsmNvZW6b47tUySLF8AJTrHrg8ch81usciytDXvsUEdLK91W5o1csBW9HC_7Onq3iL5342c7MxjCNcxDl_fW3yWrPnq64Ku4JyjEc-muno_jNnuVB1WL/s1600/sweet+potato+sugar+scrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19MhvoTzk_TDSBU9BM8OVEqqrCsmNvZW6b47tUySLF8AJTrHrg8ch81usciytDXvsUEdLK91W5o1csBW9HC_7Onq3iL5342c7MxjCNcxDl_fW3yWrPnq64Ku4JyjEc-muno_jNnuVB1WL/s320/sweet+potato+sugar+scrub.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Without further ado.....</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The winner of the November giveaway will receive a 4.5 - 5.0 ounce bar of <a href="http://www.bathhousesoap.com/catalog/item/6997083/7447966.htm"><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong>Sweet Potato Soap</strong></span></a> , a 5 ounce jar of <a href="http://www.bathhousesoap.com/catalog/item/6997162/7842746.htm"><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong>Sweet Potato Sugar Scrub</strong></span></a> and a cream colored <a href="http://www.bathhousesoap.com/catalog/item/7043807/8099035.htm"><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong>Soap Sack</strong></span></a>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><u><strong>How to enter:</strong></u></span> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>1<em>) If you are not a follower of My Handmade Addiction please do so = 1 entry</em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><em><strong>2) "Like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Handmade-Addiction/101392576587216?ref=sgm"><span style="color: #38761d;">My Handmade Addiction's Facebook site</span></a> = 1 entry</strong></em><br />
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<em><strong>3) Comment below with your current email address = 1 entry</strong></em><br />
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<em><strong>4) Share a link this giveaway post on your blog = 1 entry </strong></em> <br />
<em>* please comment again to let me know you did*</em> <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Many thanks to</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Char for providing this month's </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>giveaway products! </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>♥♥♥You're a sweetheart</em></span>!<em><span style="font-size: large;">♥♥♥</span></em></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Have a blessed and beautiful weekend all,</div><div align="left">~Deanna</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-58532302092436336252010-11-12T16:27:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:01:26.469-08:00a new look for the winterHello Readers,<br />
I hope you like the blog's new winter duds. It took a bit of time but it's the kind of tinkering I like to do. What do you think????<br />
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Have a lovely evening,<br />
DeannaDeannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-59291839081589457582010-11-11T11:14:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:01:04.196-08:00Christmas Carols: Part I: Etsy treasury: Silver & GoldThis is a little something I pieced together this morning to get you into the holiday spirit....yes, I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet ;)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cdbe525ccf86d9142567f41/christmas-carols-part-i?ref=pr_treasury"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Christmas Carols: Part I</em></strong></span></a></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-980391129415889162.post-37335151893437518932010-11-11T03:47:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:00:30.276-08:00I'm back, baby!Hello Readers,<br />
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"Nobody puts Baby in the corner", lol! Well, I put myself in the corner to attend to a few much neglected areas of my life. But I'm back now!<br />
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As you may have noticed, I've been missing from the blogosphere. I was wrapped up in end-of-the-season soccer activities, Halloween and household "stuff". Part of the household "stuff" I worked on was a major, and I mean MAJOR office cleaning and organizing task. I'm not exaggerating when I say the space was looking like a scene from "Hoarders". I didn't plan to tackle this particular task on this particular day. Oddly, this is a strategy that has always worked very well for me. One day I walked into my office at about 11:00 AM and didn't make it outta there until I picked up my son from school. It was very unplanned yet highly productive. I got through piles that have been in here for as many as seven years. This room has never, ever been this clean. A strange thing happened the following day. I was drinking my morning coffee and I started peeking in the 3 hanging file cabinets and the drawers I keep my greeting cards, envelopes, stamps, address book...you know, the usual stuff in a desk. I could NOT help but start cleaning out and organizing there too. That is NOT like me. Now my office is actually a peaceful and inspiring place to be. <br />
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During this time off I've also been "percolating" on some things I want to share with you. Way back when, I used to practice mental health counseling. This was many, many moons ago. The clinic I worked for put together a kind of "how to survive the holidays with your sanity in tact" type of seminar that never came to fruition. Sadly, some 11~ish years later, the message is one that I believe many families, in particular mothers, would like to hear. Instead of merely "surviving" the holidays, I'd like to take a much more positive, and upbeat approach, focusing instead, on ENJOYING the holidays. Don't laugh, it IS possible even for those of us who aren't Pollyannas! In the following weeks I will be sharing with you some ways to help you and your family enjoy the upcoming holiday season. I invite you all to weigh in on my ideas and to please, oh please, share some of your own personal wisdom on the subject!<br />
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Have a lovely Thursday,<br />
DeannaDeannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14011325242284666453noreply@blogger.com2