Week 8 Meal Plan

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Welcome to Week #8 of my meal planning experiment!

I have been traveling to see family up in surprisingly sunny Connecticut so this week's meal plan will be a short one.  Monday is never a great day to grocery shop so I am going to plan meals for Wednesday - Monday and we will likely eat out somewhere between on the weekend.









Here's the plan for this week :

{old favorites}

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinated in Spicy Soy Sauce & Fresh Grilled Zucchini
1-2-3 Alarm Turkey Chili with White Rice - Yes I have to have this AGAIN this week.  It was so good!
Lighter Chicken Enchiladas
Steak with Quick Mushroom "Risotto"

{new recipes} 

Chicken Cacciatore
Slow Roasted Garlic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables



{baking project - if I have time!}
Black Bean Brownies as suggested by An Organic Wife

View my other meal planning blog entries at this link.  They are all packed with good recipes so enjoy!


* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio

Seeking Food Bloggers

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Happy Spring everyone!  The leaves are budding, the birds are chirping, and I am enjoying having the windows wide open more often then not.

With spring rolling into full gear my mind can't help but plan for summer when my baby is due.  My belly is growing, and the nursery is taking shape.  I would like to keep the blog rolling along by planning posts for the end of my pregnancy and the first months of birth, and decided to also seek out some guest posts to help me along the way.

SEEKING FOOD BLOGGERS

If you are a food blogger I am looking for you!  I'd like to feature a different food blog each week as a Food Blog Friday feature.  In order to be considered your blog must have some kind of healthy food twist - it doesn't have to be 100% health food orientated, but it should include enough healthy recipes to appeal to the readership of this blog.

This is a great way for your blog to be featured, and gain new readers.  The post will be shared with out 3237 and growing Facebook Fans, along with 3290 and growing Twitter Fans.  Any further social sharing you would like to do is encouraged and appreciated.

The format of the post will be as follows :

{Image : Screenshot of your Blog}
{Paragraph 1} Who you are, when you started blogging, why you blog.
{Paragraph 2} What your blog is all about & where it is going.
{Paragraph 3} What is your favorite food & why?
{Paragraph 4} Share 5 fun food facts or links to 5 of your favorite recipes from your blog.
{Paragraph 6} Conclusion, and links to your social networks.

I will be selecting blogs from inquiries, and would like to have posts completed within 15 days of approval.  I can pull the screenshot, but the writing is up to you.  Not every blog will be selected, but you will receive a response to your inquiry either way.  To apply for the opportunity just send me an email with Food Blogger in the subject line, and a link to your blog in the body of the email.  Quick & easy!

Loving Life's Details

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I often write about appreciating the little things in life, but it is a topic that I think bears repeating.  One thing that I really enjoy about the area where I live is the abundance of old trees.  In the midst of new developments, I am still able to find areas where ancient trees have stood the test of time.  Sometimes they are hidden in strange places throughout the city.  I consider these the lucky trees that were somehow chosen to remain standing while others fell.  Most of the time they are off in parks or countryside and beg for me to pull over and admire their detail.  Spring is the perfect time to admire natures beauty, and I often find myself wondering what each tree has bore witness to over its lifetime.  Mysterious, luxurious, and beautiful each tree inspires me to appreciate the little things in my life.


* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio

$550 It's Raining Cash Giveaway

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 Welcome to the $550 It's Raining Cash Giveaway hosted by Giveaway Promote. We've joined a fantastic group of bloggers to give away $550 in cash via PayPal to one lucky person. Just complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries. Bloggers, join us in an upcoming giveaway event! Sign up and we'll keep you posted about future group events, like this one, hosted by Giveaway Promote. If you'd also like to hear about all other events currently open for blogger sign-ups, subscribe to Giveaway Promote's weekly group giveaway events and hops newsletter. 
This giveaway is open worldwide.It will end at 11:59pm EST on April 29th, 2012.a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is brought to you by:Giveaway Promote - U.S. Coupons and Deals - Review and Giveaway - My Kids Review It - Baby Feeding Shop - SwagSaver - Colleen's Book Nook - The Ladies Lounge - Miki's Hope - The Mystic Kitchen - Shopper Strategy - Coupons and Freebies Mom - Girls with Coupons - All Those Things I Love! - ShopaholicMommy - Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo - Cheapskate Cafe - OC Deal Mama - Bake Sew Write - Mommies with Cents - Mary's Cup of Tea - Building Carpenters - 31 Days Early I Rise - Life: Full of Unexpected happiness - From Tracie - Frugal Fanatic - Krazy Couponing with Trish - Show Me The Savings - Made.By.Jess - Skylar Magazine - Tales of Mommyhood - Miki's Hope - Sweet Pea Saving - couponing4you - BeautySecrets-Reviewed - Di Doodlings - MakeUp Fun - Cupcakes & Cucumbers - Central Bargains and Giveaways - Ohayo Okasan - Canadian Dad - Beck Valley Books - JustFindIt4U - Frazzled Five - Camera Mum - Katie's Krazy Savings - A Little Inspiration - LoseInchesWrapping - Emptynester Reviews & Giveaways - Life's Cheap Thrills - Wrapping to feel better - Acadiana's Thrifty Mom - CountryLife4Me - Tracers Coupon Affair - Giveaways & Glitter - My Frugal Mom - Angie's Wraps - Cute-Ecakes - Mommy's Memorandum - adventures of frugal mom - $uper $avin' Momma - Inside My Head - TheFrugalFreeGal - Mom Blogger Buzz - Mompreneur Mogul - Coupon Savvy Sarah - Plum Crazy About Coupons - Disney Contests and Sweepstakes - Mom-ology - Keep the Tail Wagging - voiceBoks - Frugal Experiments - Kat Collins - Ideal Couponing - Frugal Gals - Love 2 Encourage You - Nicki's Coupon Blog - Beyond Beauty Lounge - Book Absorption - In The Kitchen With KP - Adventures of a Maui Mompreneur - Frugal-shopping - Momologues - Average Moms Wear Capes - The Penny Hoarder - Simple Pero Rock - Moms & Munchkins - Linda's Angels - Prolific Shopping - Tatum's Family Reviews - Momanthology - Home Ec @ Home - Mom of 3 Boys - Slap Dash Mom - this mama loves her bargains - Scented Flutterby - Pretty Opinionated - aubut family - Green Baby Goods - Dirty Truth Reviews - A Fixer Upper - Freebie Spot - Bargain Hound - Life With Levi - Alpha Wife Adventures - The Centsible Family - Zoes Printable Coupons - Bubbles Bath Boutique - happy Home and Family - Couponing In PA - Cori's Coupon Corner - Capri's Coupons - Dealy Os - Sweepstakes Mama - IceHuggy - My Little House of Treasures - The Crafty Home - Know My Body - Best Medical Careers - Free is for Me - Book Cover Justice - My Side Of Life - The Content Proverbs 31 Woman - Military Wives Saving - Reviewed by Mom - That's the Caffeine Talking - A BIG bit of Everything - Indiana Savings & Reviews - Cool Chic Reviews - MinaSlater.com - Fabulous Awesomeness - Making Time For You - Stacy's Savings & Other Stuff - A Moms Rantings - At the Water Cooler - This Mom Loves - Fabulous Classroom - Simple Savings For ATL Moms - Griffin's Honey...A Frugal Mom - GetFitWrap - My Frugal Wife - CoupaneerMomma - Viva Pinay - Once Upon A Book

WE'RE MOVING!

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DIRECT YOUR BROWSER TO THE NEW LOCATION OF {cupcakes & cucumbers}

Big News ... We're Moving!  Not me personally, but the blog.

I have been writing at {cupcakes & cucumbers} as a side project to my main website at Brooke Photo Studio for almost a year now.  It has been sort of an experiment, and creative outlet for me to share some of the ideas behind my imagery.

What I have found is that moving the blog away from the main website has resulted in a "prettier" format, but has some drawbacks.  First it is more convenient to visit one website for business, blog and combination visitors, and second having the blog in its own home has allowed me to stray from my original intentions.

So I am moving the blog back to Brooke Photo Studio.  The topics, and stories you enjoy will continue, just in a different spot.  I hope you will visit me over there and say hello!  If you are a fan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Linky Followers your connection will remain the same.  If you follow via Networked Blogs, RSS, or email please update your subscription.

Best,
Brooke


* Images & text copyright 2012 Brooke Photo Studio

GiveAway #38 Winners!

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TweetPin ItLots of Cocoa drinkers out there!  I myself like LOTS of Marshmallows!
Comment results:With Marshmallows - 42 (WE HAVE A WINNER GEORGE!)Without Marshmallows - 21
Additional Mix Ins or comments:Some of these I have never though of before! :)Fresh Marshmallow - 1Marshmallows on the side - 2Frothy Milk on top - 1Peppermint Schnapps - 1Espresso Powder - 1Peppermints - 2Candy Cane - 1Malt - 1Marshmallow Fluff - 2Coffee added - 2Ground Cinnamon - 1Cinnamon Stick - 1Chili powder - 1Sprinkled Cinnamon & Nutmeg on top - 1Whipped Cream - 4

NOW FOR THE WINNERS OF THE FABRIC & THREAD SETS!
WINNER #1 - GREEN SET

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:38
Cheryl'sTeapots2Quilting November 26, 2012 10:08 AM

With marshmallows and malt (we make our own mix). I like the green best, then the red. I have the cute peppermint fabric in my stash. LOVE Gutterman thread, just bought more this past week.


WINNER #2 - RED SET

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:75

Mhairi November 30, 2012 6:27 AM

I love my hot cocoa with marshmallows and at Christmas I love to stir it with a candy cane - adds a real zing to the flavour.
I would be happy with any although I really like the green one (and it is guilt free candy goodness)



WINNER #3 - WHITE SET

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:53
ritainalaska November 26, 2012 3:54 PM

without marshmellows, please! all are pretty christmas fabrics, but like the white best!


CONGRATS!  HAVE FUN WITH YOUR NEW FABRIC & THREAD!

Sew Mama Sew GiveAway Day (Dec 2012) - #2

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TweetPin ItTHIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

OPEN TO THE ENTIRE WORLD!

If you have never participated in Sew Mama Sew's GiveAway Days you are in for a treat!  They happen twice a year in May & December.  100's of blogs participate by linking up to GiveAway craft/sewing supplies &/or handmade crafts.  I always find several new blogs to follow, which is great.
This is my 3rd time participating with my own GiveAways.    

**I'M GIVING AWAY 3 PRIZE BUNDLES OF:**
Fabric & Matching Gutermann 110yd Polyester All-Purpose thread(2 fabrics are 1/3 yd & the other is 1 full yd.  Which is which?  I'm not telling! :) )







You will need something to measure the fabric with to make sure the fabric store got the cut right, so each bundle will come with a Dritz Measuring Tape in it's own storage pod!


And finally, each bundle winner will get a 2013 pocket/purse calendar of their choice.


HOW TO ENTER - EASY PEASY:Tell us if you are a coffee drinker or if you prefer tea (I PERSONALLY DRINK TEA BUT DO LIKE THE SMELL OF COFFEE).  Also tell me which fabric & thread set you want (blue, green or purple) and which calendar you would like (black swirls, pink polka dots or purple cathedral windows).This GiveAway is open worldwide.GiveAway ends (Fri) 12-7 @ 8pm EST.  Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on (Sat) 12-8.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE & HAPPY BLOG HOPPING!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE GIVEAWAYS, PLEASE ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF MY BLOG.

Sew Mama Sew GiveAway Day (Dec, 2012) - #1

To contact us Click HERE
TweetPin It THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
OPEN TO THE ENTIRE WORLD!

If you have never participated in Sew Mama Sew's GiveAway Days you are in for a treat!  They happen twice a year in May & December.  100's of blogs participate by linking up to GiveAway craft/sewing supplies &/or handmade crafts.  I always find several new blogs to follow, which is great
This is my 3rd time participating with my own GiveAways.    


Fat Quarter Shop is sponsoring a Joy by Kate Spain Charm Pack.  You can find the same fabrics in a Layer Cake, Jelly Roll, Fat Quarter Bundle & Yardage.

HOW TO ENTER - EASY PEASY:Tell us if you prefer to drive a vehicle with a stick shift or automatic.  I ONLY DRIVE AN AUTOMATIC, THOUGH DO UNDERSTAND HOW A STICK SHIFT WORKS.This GiveAway is open worldwide.GiveAway ends (Fri) 12-7 @ 8pm EST.  Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on (Sat) 12-8.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE & HAPPY BLOG HOPPING!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE GIVEAWAYS, PLEASE ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF MY BLOG.

GiveAway #42 - Winner of the Little Matryoshka Dolls Fat Quarter Bundle

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TweetPin ItAnd the winner is................

1. 
   
2. EileenDecember 9, 2012 2:07 PMPurple, green, aqua although any one of them would be fun to play with. Probably make something cute for my girlie girls (granddaughters). Thanks for opportunity and have a great day
    BELOW PICTURES ARE IN ORDER FOR EILEEN'S PREFERENCE
   
   CONGRATS EILEEN!  THIS WILL SHIP OUT AS SOON AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AT THE END OF JANUARY!

GiveAway #43 - Olive the Ostrich - Create Your Own Bundle!

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TweetPin ItFor this GiveAway I am offering 2 total yds of fabric.  You are going to create your own bundle from any of the 8 measurements below!  How kool is that!  Olive the Ostrich was created by Lauri Wisbrun for Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  This is a really cute collection perfect for any Valentine's Day sewing you may be thinking about.  As you can see, all of the fabrics in this collection are color coordinated to match with each other so there is no guess work for the winner when creating their own bundle.

SO THAT THERE'S NO CONFUSION, I AM THE SPONSOR, NOT HAWTHORNE THREADS.  I'M JUST BUYING THE FABRIC FROM THEM.

Hawthorne Threads is the only online fabric shoppe that I know of that offers 8 different sizes to cut your fabric!  This really makes it easy to get just the right amount you need for many different projects!  They offer:
1/8 yd
1/4 yd
3/8 yd
1/2 yd
5/8 yd
3/4 yd
7/8 yd
Full Yard
 OLIVE THE OSTRICH IN ROSE
 OLIVE THE OSTRICH IN PINK
 LOVE IN IVORY
 LOVE IN PEWTER
 LOVE IN PINK
 LOVE IN RED
 SWEETHEART LACE IN FUCHSIA
SWEETHEART LACE IN RED
HOW TO ENTER:Just tell me what you would make with your bundle if you won.  Easy Peasy.  Remember that the winner gets to create their own bundle choosing from 8 different length cuts!  (I.E. 2 yds of same fabric, 2 fabrics 1 yd each, 4 fabrics 1/2 yd each, 6 fabrics 1/3 yd each..........etc. etc. etc....MIX & MATCH TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT TO GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT!)This GiveAway will run for a work week from (Sun) 12-23 thru (Fri) 12-28 @ midnight EST.  I will use Random.org to choose the winner & will announce the winner on (Sat) 12-29!

YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO SHARE THIS GIVEAWAY WITH OTHERS, BUT NOT REQUIRED TO ENTER!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE GIVEAWAYS, PLEASE ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF MY BLOG.

Christmas Giveaways: Slippers from Pinkoholic

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I'm sure most of you are planning a cozy, warm Christmas at home with your family. If you are, then I'm quite sure this giveaway will be perfect for you as you can prepare everything as you walk around home with these cute warm winter slippers!Pinkoholic is giving one of my readers the chance to win a pair of My Melody/Kuromi indoor winter slippers (you chose which design you like the most!). 
If you want a chance to win this lovely prize, be sure to enter the giveaway below!
Tenho a certeza que a maior parte de vocês está a planear um Natal, confortável e quentinho em casa com a vossa família. Se estão, então tenho a certeza que esta giveaway será perfeita para vocês já que podem preparar tudo enquanto andam por casa com estes chinelos de Inverno quentinhos!
A Pinkoholic está a oferecer a um dos meus leitores a oportunidade de ganhar um par de chinelos de Inverno My Melody/Kuromi (podem escolher o design de que gostam mais!).
Se querem uma oportunidade para ganhar este prémio adorável, então participem na giveaway abaixo!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


This giveaway is open to Europe and ends on the 23rd December. Good luck!
Esta giveaway está aberta à Europa e acaba no dia 23 de Dezembro. Boa sorte!


P.S. Don't forget to enter the rest of the Christmas Giveaways!Não se esqueçam de participar no resto das Giveaways de Natal!

Christmas Giveaways: Circle Lens from Pinky Paradise

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Sometimes we feel a bit bored with the normal and ordinay and need to change for a bit - wearing circle lens is the perfect solution for it! I know what I'm talking about as you can see me wearing lenses from Pinky Paradise here! I'm sure you'll be astonished with the huge range of circle lens Pinky Paradise has on their website!Pinky Paradise kindly offered to gift one of my readers with a pair of circle lens of their choice (color, brand and prescriptions) and a cute animal lens case!If you want a chance to win this outstanding prize, be sure to enter the giveaway below!Às vezes sentimo-nos aborrecidos com o normal e vulgar e precisamos de mudar um pouco - usar lentes é a solução perfeita! Eu sei do que estou a falar já que me podem ver a usar lentes da Pinky Paradise aqui! Tenho a certeza que irão ficar maravilhados com a quantidade de lentes que a Pinky Paradise tem no seu site!A Pinky Paradise ofereceu-se gentilmente para presentear um dos meus leitores com um par de lentes à escolha (cor, marca e prescrição) e uma caixa para as lentes!Se querem uma oportunidade de ganhar este fantástico prémio, participem na giveaway abaixo!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


This giveaway is open worldwide and ends on the 23rd December. Good luck!Esta giveaway está aberta a todo o mundo e acaba no dia 23 de Dezembro. Boa sorte!


P.S. Don't forget to enter the rest of the Christmas Giveaways!Não se esqueçam de participar no resto das Giveaways de Natal!

Christmas Giveaways: $20 vouchers from Firmoo

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Firmoo is the world's most popular online eyeglasses store. At Firmoo you can find a wide range of glasses that fit your style and enhance your facial features! Also, all their new customers are able to get their First Pair Free glasses only paying for shipping. Firmoo decided to gift my readers with a $20 voucher each to spend on their shop! If you want a chance to win this amazing prize, be sure to enter the giveaway below!A Firmoo é a loja online de óculos mais popular no mundo. Na Firmoo podem encontrar uma grande variedade de óculos que combinam com o vosso estilo e que embelezam a vossa cara! Além disso, todos os novos clientes podem ter o seu Primeiro Par grátis, pagando apenas os portes de envio.A Firmoo decidiu presentear os meus leitores com um voucher de $20 cada para gastar na loja!Se querem uma oportunidade de ganhar este fantástico prémio, participem na giveaway abaixo!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



This giveaway is open worldwide and ends on the 23rd December. Good luck!Esta giveaway está aberta a todo o mundo e acaba no dia 23 de Dezembro. Boa sorte!


P.S. Don't forget to enter the rest of the Christmas Giveaways!Não se esqueçam de participar no resto das Giveaways de Natal!

Christmas Giveaways Roundup Links

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1. Cross Bangle from Blkandnoir2. Lace Dress from Hope Alethia3. Liquid Foundation from Itay Beauty4. Necklace from Little Pink Plum5. Print tights from Pinkoholic6. Linen Dress from Hope Alethia7. Set of Cards from Partly Sunny Studio8. Dream catcher Bracelet from The Purple Shmurple Shoppe9. 8-Stacks Shimmers from Itay Beauty10. Slippers from Pinkoholic11. Circle Lens from Pinky Paradise12. $20 Vouchers from Firmoo

♥

Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Boa sorte e Feliz Natal!

Romwe final Xmas sale

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Romwe Year-end Xmas PromotionEveryone can get a Santa Claus’ Stocking with Mysterious Gift if your order over $60.   This goes from from Dec 19th to 25th
Romwe is having a promotion to celebrate Christmas and the end of 2012! I thought I'd share it with you as, from the 19th to the 25th December, when your order is over $60, you will get a Christmas Stocking with a Mysterious gift! Isn't it exciting? Merry Christmas!A Romwe tem uma promoção para celebrar o Natal e o fim do ano 2012! Pensei em partilhar convosco já que, dos dias 19 a 25 de Dezembro, quando fizeres uma encomenda de mais de $60, ganhas uma Meia de Natal com uma prenda surpresa no interior! Não é entusiasmante? Feliz Natal!

Sew Mama Sew GiveAway Day (Dec 2012) - #3

To contact us Click HERE
TweetPin ItTHIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

OPEN TO THE ENTIRE WORLD!

If you have never participated in Sew Mama Sew's GiveAway Days you are in for a treat!  They happen twice a year in May & December.  100's of blogs participate by linking up to GiveAway craft/sewing supplies &/or handmade crafts.  I always find several new blogs to follow, which is great!
This is my 3rd time participating with my own GiveAways.    

WHAT'S UP FOR GRABS:Minky Polka Dotted FabricGreens & Browns dots31"x37"Polka Dots are just a smidget larger than a US quarter (1&2/8")



HOW TO ENTER - EASY PEASY:Tell us if you are a morning person or you prefer nights (I MYSELF PREFER NIGHTS).This GiveAway is open worldwide.GiveAway ends (Fri) 12-7 @ 8pm EST.  Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on (Sat) 12-8.GOOD LUCK EVERYONE & HAPPY BLOG HOPPING!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE GIVEAWAYS, PLEASE ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF MY BLOG.

5 Winners of the Sew Mama Sew GiveAway Day (Dec 2012)!

To contact us Click HERE
TweetPin ItPhew!  Entering all the great GiveAways made me tired.  There was so much that I liked, hope I win something!

GIVEAWAY #1

1. 
   
2. Marie GDecember 5, 2012 9:03 AMAutomatic 
   

***********************GIVEAWAY #2
 

GREEN THREAD SET & BLACK SWIRLS CALENDAR:
BreeDecember 6, 2012 1:14 PMI prefer coffee but I drink both. I like the green set and the black swirls. Thanks!
jitterbug1(at)gmail(dot)com
BLUE THREAD SET & CATHEDRAL WINDOWS CALENDAR
AnitaDecember 3, 2012 10:14 AM 
Wow...thank you for being so generous! I love the blue. I drink COFFEE...but will also drink tea. I like any of the notebooks. =)
Thank you again!
PURPLE THREAD SET & POLKA DOTTED CALENDAR

1. Kathy HDecember 5, 2012 9:01 AM
2. I like hot tea (not iced tea) but do like coffee ice cream and the smell of coffee too. I would pick the purple set and the polka dot calendar.

***********************
GIVEAWAY #3

RobynDecember 6, 2012 4:46 PMNeither! I prefer afternoons or early evenings. I am not a night owl, but I am also very moody in the morning. Thanks for the giveaway!

robyn(dot)geddes(at)gmail(dot)com


CONGRATS TO EVERYONE WHO WON!