2.05.2014

swap on!



I'd like to take a minute to suggest (request?) that any of you lovely ladies who've not updated your blogs in a good long while do so as soon as possible so that your swap partners can get to 'know' you a bit~  it has come to my attention that some of your blogs aren't active/updated, and while a break is a lovely and needed thing, for the purpose of the swap and the potential for connection via the swap, it would be most helpful to have some recent posts. thanks so much!






so..... surely there's some gizmo that can randomly assign numbers.  but do you think I used any such thing to draw names for the blogger swap?  of course not.  I wrote out numbers 1 through 68 on a piece of copy paper, then cut them into little squares and put them in mason jars.  (the mason jar with very few is the canada jar)  I then went down the list on my good ol' legal pad and drew numbers from the jar as I went.  brilliant.  not exactly high tech and possibly not the most efficient way to go, but very satisfying for this list-maker.

and so.
I am now off to start the long process of emailing each of you lovelies to let you know who you got.

a funny little story: after all was said and done and I'd called on a friend to fill in a needed spot, I ended up drawing my name for her (she was the last on the list, I was the first).  what are the chances!?  (don't answer that- I do realize it is one in 68) she is one of only two people in this who shebang that I actually know in person.  so, I called upon Mike to call out a random number and did a little switch-a-roo.  which, to be honest, wasn't so easy because she makes some amazing things, this friend of mine.  in fact we were all practically fighting over her goods at the last swap here at my house.  but in the end, I figured it'd be most fun for everyone to both give to and receive from someone they don't actually know.


let's use this post as a place to leave a comment linking back to your own blog letting us know how the swap is going for you- be it on the giving (or making and prepping to give) or receiving end (I personally think it'd be pretty fun seeing pictures of all of ya'll and your goodies).  I think it'd be fun for everyone to not know who is sending them a package until they receive it, so if you can stick with that and not let the cat(s) out of the bag(s), great.


off to start that emailing~

cheers!

120 comments:

  1. This sounds so much fun, had I still be living in the US I would have loved to participate : ) Anyone reading living in Switzerland?? Maybe next time.

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  2. Amanda, I love the way you paired partners, mason jars are great for so many things.
    I am so happy to know who I am making gifts for and I have just spent a little time stalking her blog, ;) It's so nice to 'met' another beautiful soul.

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    1. oh I love mason jars. and I can't wait to see everyone's swap 'goings-on' in their posts!

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  3. Like Tracey, I now have a new 'friend' even though right at the moment I feel more like a stalker!!! so fun. thanks again for organizing this---and I personally don't think it would have been nearly as cool without the mason jars!!

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    1. hooray for all of this appropriate stalking happening! ;)

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  4. I can't wait to see who my partner is! I'm itching to get started making something for her!!!

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  5. Thanks for e-mailing my swap partners name and blog address. I've been checking out her blog to get a bit more insight. Looking forward to seeing what everybody else is creating! :-) Thank you for all the work you put into this swap!!

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    1. I'm looking forward to peeking into everyone's swap worlds as well.
      you are most welcome!

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  6. So much fun! Loving the matching my mason jars technique and am excited to know who I'm making gifts for. :) Thank you so much for all the time and energy you've already put into this!

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  7. Yay for the "Canada jar"! Can't wait to see who I've got and start stalking her blog! :)

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    1. you've got Kim at mothering with mindfulness to thank for that Canada jar! ;)

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  8. http://dymacek.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-game-is-on.html

    The swap is on!

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  9. Yay! Thank you so much for organizing this!!! I'm having fun just planning what to make so far!

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  10. Got my e-mail and am THRILLED with my swap partner! I love the way you assigned numbers. It'd make my list making heart happy to do it that way too :-) Thank you for the work you are putting into this so we all can have fun!

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  11. So excited to meet you all and get reinspired to create. I've been in such a rut since the new year.
    Xoxo, jules

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    1. I'm expecting to feel quite inspired myself! can't wait to see what everyone has up their sleeves!

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  12. Oh. My. The pressure. I am excited with this fun little adventure but would be lieing if I said wasn't just a little bit stressed about what to create. And I don't have this problem when I make stuff for the food swaps I go to.

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    1. I bet we're all feeling a little bit of that- but I'm also betting our recipients will be quite pleased with these boxes of goodness being shipped all over the country!

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  13. thank you for your hard work and the matching up! I'm already thinking of what to make and what to send :)

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    1. you are most welcome, Karen! thanks for sending so many swappers my way!

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  14. This is all so much fun! I have my box all set aside... just adding a few little touches and need to take some photos! I will blog about it very soon!
    Thanks again for pulling it all together. The mason jars rock!

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    1. you are most welcome, Dawn! can't wait to see the photos, please share a link to that post here!

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  15. amanda, you are so wonderful for putting this together! i am having so much fun with it! i got started yesterday and blogged my progress today... here's a link! http://phishybee.blogspot.com/2014/02/for-my-swapper.html

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    1. jenny those stamps are incredible! I love them and I'm sure anyone would be thrilled to receive them~ and, now I really want that book even more!

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  16. Thanks for putting this together. I am planning right now and will post about it soon.

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  17. Hi Amanda,
    I am so enjoying the swap. I am posting my package today along with a package for you as hostess.
    I update my blog daily during te week. I will write a post once I receive my package.
    XXOO
    Elizabeth

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    1. Elizabeth! you are so sweet. I'm so glad it has been a fun experience for you, I can't wait to see what everyone gets in the mail in these coming couple weeks!
      cheers!

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    2. I'm so glad you posted here, Elizabeth - you didn't include your e-mail address or your blog URL in your note & I wasn't sure how to find you. (Besides writing back, which I plan to do, but I wanted to say hello before that.) THANK YOU so much for the lovely things you sent! I am going to post about them in the next few days. xoxo

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  18. Thank you for this opportunity Amanda. It is a whole lot of fun. Very exciting!! Here is a post of a little peak into my crafting for my friend. Peace, Christina http://clloveblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/11/crafting-for-the-blog-swap/

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    1. those look like some nice goodies, Christina! and you are right- it was all randomly drawn! thanks for posting a peek into your swap experience so far~

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  19. I just posted my package yesterday after a mega creating session in the kitchen. I hope my recipient likes homemade soap and lotion bars :) Godspeed, little package :)

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    1. I can't imagine anyone NOT liking those things! sounds wonderful, Sarah!

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  20. My gifts are made, the box packaged and now I just wait on the post office to open.

    http://clover-seven.blogspot.com/2014/02/i-hope-she-like-them.html

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    1. hooray! they all look so lovely, Tracey~ a lucky recipient yours is, to be sure ;)
      xo

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  21. Hi Amanda! I received my swap package on Saturday and posted about it here: http://happyindolevalley.blogspot.com/2014/02/blog-swap.html

    Will be mailing a goodie-filled box to my swap partner on Wednesday when I'm in town... So fun! Thank you so much for making this happen. :) ~Lisa

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    1. ooooh~ soaps and candles, oh my! what a nice package to receive~

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    2. nice work, Sarah from Pennsylvania! ;)

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  22. http://clloveblog.wordpress.com/ All done! ready to mail out! Thank you! Christina

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  23. Here is a little about part of my package: http://mygrandmotherslegacy.wordpress.com/

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    1. oh Molly- YOU are behind that lovely soap?! maybe that's another reason you seem familiar- I'm sure I've seen you at the tailgate in Black Mt? oh, I'd love to come smell the inside of that soap shed!

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    2. Yes. I was not at the market much this past year (my business partner, Sydney, did most of them). But, I'm sure you have probably seen me there!

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  24. Here's my package all ready to be sent off this morning :) http://www.motheringwithmindfulness.com/2014/02/blog-swapping-fun.html

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    1. oooooh! I'm getting excited by all of these posts from folks sharing their packages...... can't wait to see posts of the receiving as well!

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  25. I'm head to the post with my package! http://homespunlife.typepad.com/homespun/2014/02/swapity-swap.html

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    1. I love the little hearts on the hand warmers! and cinnamon-clove soap sounds amazing!

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  26. I finally wrote about my package - not the one I sent, but the one I received. :) http://www.fourwildblueberries.com/fourwildblueberries/2014/02/lovely-little-things.html
    This was so much fun; thank you so much for arranging it, Amanda! xo

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    1. very sweet~ I got a small package from Elizabeth as well and it is clear that she put a lot of time and love into her creations~

      I'm so glad you've enjoyed it Meghann!

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  27. http://dymacek.blogspot.com/2014/02/i-hope-she-likes-it.html

    OK! There it goes!

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  28. I mailed my homemade package this morning! What fun creating the items for my lady to receive :-) I will be back to post a picture soon, but part of it has her name on it so I will wait a day or so.

    I do wish that the links in the comments were hyperlinked so we could just click on them and be directed instead of having to cut and paste.

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed being a part of the swap!

      this is where my lack of technical prowess shines through loud and clear...... do you know if there is a way to enable them as hyperlinks from my end? you can also access everyone's blogs via the links in the post in the upper left sidebar: 'participating blogger list'.

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  29. None Amanda that would not require more time on your part. You have already given us much of that already and I think I can speak on behalf of all of us that we each have found this swap a joy to take part. I did as you suggested and for some all it took was a scroll down their blogs to find their swap pics.

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    1. thanks for your kind words, peggy~ If I could figure out how to do it I'd do it gladly!

      cheers from NC~

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    2. one way just for giving you the idea for a future swap perhaps or any other little get together you would like to do is Mister Linky. I have used it for many years now and if my memory serves me right, the basics are free. I recently upgraded because I wanted to be able to see the ladies pictures when they linked up :-) You can see how I use them it at my blog. I use it for the daybook, book club and something new I am working on. Just letting you know if in the future it would be something you would like to consider.

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  30. I received my swap package yesterday and LOVE it!! Thank you, thank you! http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2392045019&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=10873869&link=aHR0cDovL2xpdHRsZWxlYWZmaWJlcnMud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8yMDE0LzAyLzIyL215LWF3ZXNvbWUtc3dhcC1wYXJ0bmVyLw&frame=1&click=0&user=0

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  31. hmmm. that was a weird web address... try this one! http://littleleaffibers.wordpress.com/

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    1. funny- maybe it was something else you'd recently copied?
      it's funny seeing photos of my goodies on your blog~ so glad they've made their way to their new happy home ;)

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  32. this was so much fun….i just blogged about my fab box of goodies!

    http://www.woolythyme.typepad.com

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    1. oh my, that is quite the box of goodness to receive! I'd love just to be able to smell it!

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  33. Here is my post on the box I sent. http://mygrandmotherslegacy.wordpress.com/2014/02/24/homemade-gift-exchange/

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    1. what lovely gifts! those napkins are so sweet, the salt looks delicious, and of course the soap looks amazing!

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  34. here it is. the little things that went into my swap box on saturday. thank you amanda, for setting this all up. it was so much fun! and, of course, i hope she likes it. ;)
    http://livefree.typepad.com/living_free/2014/02/swapping-hatching-and-the-daffodils-look-lovely-today.html

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    1. I got it!! :) Thank you so much for all the wonderful items. They were put to use right away! I just commented on your blog as well. Just wonderful. Thank you!

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    2. Nichole your gifts looked amazing- I'm so glad you enjoyed being a part of this!
      xo

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  35. I received my swap goodies today and they made my day! :-) http://cox-himmel.blogspot.com/2014/02/blogger-swap.html
    The goodies I made were sent out last week, but I have not yet heard if they made it to the recipient. Hopefully she'll like them.

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    1. I'm so glad you received your swap goodies, Anke~ hooray!
      hmmmm...... hope you hear from your swap partner soon. I'll put out a call to see if anyone hasn't received packages in the next week or so, but hopefully she received them alright and will get up with you soon!
      cheers~

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  36. oh gee, I would have loved to get in on that swap and I'm up in Canada so there'd be one more to add to the mix

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  37. Love Love Love the swap. My partner sent me the sweetest items. I had each of my boys unwrap one of the gifts. What a great way to end a Monday with a surprise in my mailbox that was not a bill. Thanks Lisa at Happyindolevalley@blogspot.com.
    For a picture check out my blog at motherhoodwithoutchildbirth@blogspot.com
    If anyone ever wants to organize another swap count me in....:)

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  38. My package in finally in the mail! I am sure I am bringing up the rear, but be assured swap partner, it is on it's way!
    http://littleleaffibers.wordpress.com/2014/02/25/488/

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    1. Mine is being boxed up as we speak! :) I needed some time to myself to make it happen :) So your not alone!

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  39. http://motherhoodwithoutchildbirth.blogspot.com/
    maybe a easier link?

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    1. sounds like an amazing package you received! the picture doesn't seem to have posted, but I'll check again for a peek! thanks for sharing~

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  40. Finally getting my package into the mail today to Sandra. Sorry for the last minute mailing, I've been juggling a sick baby for too many days this month.

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    1. no worries! it is still within the requested 'by the end of February' deadline ;) hope your little one is on the mend!

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  41. This was soo much fun! It was so nice to have some peaceful time to myself -- or well, I used it as an excuse to have some! :) Thank you! xo

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    1. thank you for participating! have you received your box yet? it's an amazing one coming your way......

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  42. Thank you Amanda! I am sure it was time consuming for you, putting it together as well as monitoring the whole thing as it was going on. Summer received my package. And her pictures were beautiful! I am looking forward to being in touch with her. Here is a link to my post about it http://clloveblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/26/yay-she-received-it/

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    1. You are very welcome! I am thrilled that it has all gone so well and seems to have been hugely successful. I read your post, and Summer's - what a lovely package! I loved her pictures of her little one donning the bag you made- how thoughtful you are!

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  43. My box was sent off last week but of course I didn't take a picture of it! I promise to take pictures of the box I receive. Such a bad blogger I am! Thanks for doing this - it was so much fun.

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    1. you are most welcome, Donna- thanks for joining in!

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  44. My post about my rockin' package I received! http://gentle-home.blogspot.com/2014/02/blog-swap.html

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    1. very nice! you sent out and received some pretty fabulous packages, Sarah!

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  45. Thank you, Amanda for putting all this together!!! I received my box the end of last week and managed to put a post together this morning! :-)
    http://ihappyree.blogspot.com/2014/02/these-days-752.html

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    1. you are most welcome, Jen. thank YOU for participating! I enjoyed your post, thank you for sharing!

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  46. Got my box in the mail earlier this week. Can't wait to hear!

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    1. what a beautiful shawl! I love it, that color is soooooo lovely~

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  47. My swap package has been sent! Here is my blog post about it: http://cityhousestudio.blogspot.com/2014/02/craft-swap.html

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    1. very nice! I'll take chocolate as a first aid remedy any day!

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  48. I wrote about my lovely package today. http://journeytogreener.blogspot.com/2014/02/swapped-goodies.html
    I was a little late getting mine in the mail but it appears it's being delivered today!

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    1. oh my goodness- she knit your baby-to-be a sweater?! that is lovely!
      Stephanie, you are so incredibly thoughtful!

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  49. Book witch, I got my lovely package from you! Scrabble necklaces are fantastic and I've started collecting them. Beautiful goodies, and a perfect book.

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    1. Joy, I'm so glad you received your package~ if you get a chance, can you share a picture? I'd love to see that necklace and your other goodies~
      cheers from NC

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  50. Thank you so much for organizing this!!! I had so much fun! My partner received her package earlier this week, and I received mine yesterday. I'm still geeing out over my partner!!! Thank you!

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    1. you are welcome, Jessie! I'm sure it was a great package that came to you- can't wait to see pictures!

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  51. Blogged about getting my craft off in the mail here: http://knittingnautilus.blogspot.com/2014/03/craft-swapping-and-general-life.html
    It should be at my swapper's house on Monday! Hooray! Thanks for hosting, this Amanda, its been super fun.

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    1. ooooooh, I can't wait to see what's inside that pretty box! love the octopus card. I'm glad it's been fun for you Allison, thanks for participating. I love your blog already. also- your package has been sent to you, over a week ago actually. fingers crossed it'll be delivered today! (it's coming from all the way across the country)

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  52. Hi Amanda,

    I received my lovely gift from Jaime at www.hootnowlhomestead.com. I really love it. Everything she chose to make is so perfect for me.! I have only been blogging for under 2 months, so it must have been hard for her to figure these things out...but she certainly did. Thank you for hosting Amanda! My blog post showing my gifts can be found here http://clloveblog.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/my-blog-swap-surprises/

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    1. what a lovely box to receive! thanks for participating!

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  53. It gives me great pleasure to share my blog post!
    http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/2014/03/homemade-blogger-swap-to-receive-part.html

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    1. oh my goodness, Peggy~ wow! that is an incredibly generous box you got there! how kind of Marisa to have spoiled you so ;) thanks for participating in the swap, I hope it was very enjoyable for you~

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  54. http://dymacek.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-pick-me-up-and-finish.html

    I got my swap! I love it! I can't wait until the summer swap!

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    1. awesome! thanks so much for playing along~ I am very much enjoying all of my goodies from YOU!

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  55. Hi Amanda
    I got my blog package and wrote a post today.
    I am so thrilled to have Heather as my partner. She really spoiled me.:)
    XXOO
    Elizabeth

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    1. hooray, hooray, hooray! what a lovely package, Elizabeth~

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  56. Yay! My box arrived yesterday: http://www.mybitofearth.net/2014/03/handmade-swap-goodies-received.html

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    1. I love it all! especially that adorable clothespin holder! thanks so much for playing along, Meryl!

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  57. I just posted what I received. Check it out!
    http://adventureswithkelly.blogspot.com/2014/03/february-blogger-swap-with-sweet-potato.html

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    1. what a sweet box of goodies~ I love the little heart in the leaf photo! and those cards are lovely. thanks for participating, Kelly~ I'm so glad you had a good time, and I love that you savored opening the box and waited until you had the house to yourself to do so ;)

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  58. Amanda, I had the best time participating in the swap and can't wait to do it aghttp://clover-seven.blogspot.com/2014/03/kindness-touched-me.htmlain.

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  59. Got my package yesterday :) Thanks again Amanda for hosting this wonderful swap..so much fun!

    http://www.motheringwithmindfulness.com/2014/03/blogger-swap-goodies.html

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  60. Here's the link to the lovely gifts my blogger (Melissa from sqrlbee.com) sent me: http://mygrandmotherslegacy.wordpress.com/2014/03/13/special-things/

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thanks for taking the time to read and comment~