Catching Up

Lots to catch up on, it seems. I've been meaning/wanting to blog about so many fun things, and I thought I'd wrap a few of them together in one big fat post.

If you read this magazine:

Then maybe you saw this ad:

Last week, I received my subscription issue in the mail, and was thumbing through it casually, completely forgetting that I had an ad in there. {don't ask me how that is possible, but it's true.} Then I came to the back of the magazine and saw my ad and was totally caught off guard! It was a funny moment to say the least. I'm so happy to be advertising in this wonderful publication. I've been a faithful subscriber since the premiere issue launched back in 1997, and I love it so!

Choosing advertising partners can be tricky, and you never really know if it's the right decision until you start tracking sales and feedback. I'm optimistic that this is a good fit for One Hundred Wishes! Lots of crafty & creative readers turn those pages every month. Let's hope!

Switching gears {I'm not even trying to create a graceful transition here}.....

I decided to join in the Pre-Silver Bella swap with 12 other bloggers who are attending the event. You may have seen some of their posts about this swap and their pictures of the goodies we all shared with each other. I so enjoyed being a part of this creative group of women! Not to mention, I'm looking forward to meeting them all at Silver Bella. I really enjoyed seeing the unique creative style of each participant. These are some of the swap gifts I received. The pretties pictured above are from Heather. The ones right below are from Holly, Cheryl, and Cheryl.

These treats are from Jennifer and Jessi. {by the way, girls, thank you for the candy. It was all gone before I could even snap the picture. It's been a while since I've poured a Pixie Stick down my throat!}

 

Some gifties from Karla {the hostess!} and Analise.

And finally, the goodies sent by Carol, Kim, Tiffany and Natasha. Thanks girls, for a fun exchange of creativity!

 

Speaking of Natasha.....she sent a beautiful package across the ocean not too long ago. All of these goodies are from her shop. She draws, she paints, she sews, she makes faux desserts, she seems to have endless, boundless energy that makes me feel like a slacker! She's always up to something creative. She painted these beautiful vintage prom dresses, which I love. I've told you before that I cannot paint, so I think I appreciate painted pieces all the more.

She also sent some of her sweet faux cupcakes. Looking very cute on a shelf in my kitchen, I might add.

And she made these lavender-filled velvet strawberries {yay!}. They are wonderfully fragrant sachets, and I have one tucked into each drawer of my unmentionables....

She also sent some her beautiful original designs on greeting cards and postcards. Prom dresses, a cupcake and roses...all things Natasha is known for. I'm always looking for special cards and have already used a couple of these. Why is it always so hard to part with pretty cards?

She spoiled me with all of this and even more! There were vintage trims and rhinestone charms {which I put in my jewelry box and forgot to photograph} and even a SO thoughtful gift for Mario. She sent balloons of Australian animals and also some Cadbury chocolate bars. I told Mario that my friend sent these gifts for him, and that she lives far away where The Wiggles live. His eyes grew as big as quarters!

Thank you again Natasha, for so many thoughtful and beautiful gifts.

Whew! Now you're all caught up. Well almost...

Halloween goodies coming next week, my little witches! {I mean that in the nicest possible way} 

Comments

[psmulican]

You are going to have an amazing time at Silver Bella. I got signed up too late last year to participate in any of the swaps, but the gals who did had a wonderful time. As no doubt you can already attest with the bounty you all have exchanged. So sad I'm not going this year. Hope you'll let us know how you enjoy it. I'm going to check out Natasha's blog/website. Love her stuff-the velvet strawberry sachets are a great idea!

[Vanessa {Bloom Right Here!}]

I did notice your ad! I thought to myself, "Hey, I know her!" So, I don't really know you, but I'm a faithful blog reader. Love it!

[SONIA]

I SAW YOUR AD IN THE MAGAZINE. CONGRATS!! LOVE THE SWEET ITEMS YOU RECEIVED IN YOUR SILVER BELLA SWAP. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HALLOWEEN TREATS YOU HAVE FOR US. HAVE A GREAT WEEK-END!!!

[clarice]

I meant to write you. I saw your advertisement in Home Companion. It looks wonderful and very you. oxoxox Clarice

[Korie B.]

I read my MEHC cover to cover last night & chuckled when I saw your ad. Beautiful...
Look at you! Making it big!!

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

I did see your beautiful ad in the magazine and was so happy for you.

You received such lovely gifts!

[Ele at A bit of Pink HeavenE]

I saw your ad and it is gorgeous. The swap gifts are lovely. Such fun to create things with stuff from other people!

[Natasha Burns]

Oooh so that means my copy must be travelling across the oceans now, how exciting! It's fun to see your ad, so surreal to see your things/name in print, or to say "oh I know her!"

The pre-bella swappy goodies are gorgeous, can't wait to see them all. I've asked Karla to keep mine there until I get to Kansas.

So glad you like all your goodies and that Mario liked his balloons! Did you taste the chocolate? Cadbury make really yummmmmmmmm chocolate.

oxox

[DanaSmith]

I have my Home Companion in the car ready for my trip to TN and KY. I'll have it read and your ad checked out by the time I get to Charlottesville! Wait...I'm driving! Maybe I'll go read it now before I go to sleep(it's 3:54am)!
Dana

[Andrea Villarreal]

I found you thru Home Companion. I always look thru the Artists' Gallery and post sticky tabs to each one I want to go on. I love your website and have already placed an order. Can't wait to get it!! And now my 2 friends have you on their favorite's list as well. Don't know how much the add was but you've got three new friends out of it.

[Alissa Millsap]

i did see your ad...congrats! what a great swap...lots of fun goodies. i had been hoping to go this year but it didn't work out. i am sure it will be a great time had by all.

[karla nathan]

thanks again for being a part of our swap, it was such a fun one!

[deb]

beautiful!! Yes, just got mine yesterday and had a chance to glance through it today and saw. *Gorgeous* add!

[Rosemary]

Lots of pretty things Andrea!!
I am going to pick up a copy of that magazine next time I am out!
Can't wait to see the witches!
Rosemary

[Dorthe Hansen]

What a wonderfull present to resieve, i love the velvet -lavender, strawberries
and the beautifull painted dresses, so sweet.
Hi Dorthe

[Amanda]

What a lot of eye candy! Beautiful. :) I did see your ad in the magazine! I hope you get lots of traffic to your shop from it!

[Kathy]

I just got that magazine and noticed your ad in it : ) You have beutiful things, and love your blog.
Kathy

[Katie Trott]

I did see your ad in ME :) It was so cute, I thought "hey, I know this girl!".

[Meagan Gilpatrick]

Hi! I found you and your blog while searching for velvet ribbon for an upcoming wedding. I love your web site and enjoyed visiting your blog. Congratulations on your ad in ME's Home Companion, I hope it works well for you!
http://www.maineseasons.blogspot.com/

[LizzyJ]

Oh, how great that you forgot about your ad and just stumbled upon it. It's like feeling other people's excitment when they saw your beautiful ad for the first time. Congrats!

[Miss Sandy]

You Bella girls really know how to shower each other with creative goodness! I did see your ad in the magazine only somehow I did not connect the dots from it to you!

[joyce]

Cool goodies you have there...been seeing some of it over at Karla's, you twelve should try and have your picture taken all together. That dark coral ruffle trim that isn't quite coral and not red and then somehow I was thinking Italy and then thought of tomato and there you have it...it reminded me of one of my fav colors of paint, Tuscan Red. And then i think some dark burgundy velvet ribbon (maybe a garnet shade), or you might go with a more ruby burgundy...and then i start thinking of a neutral to go with that and then i think grey and maybe some of your ruffle ribbon in toffee -it's amazing what triggers color and art thoughts. Happy happies to you Andrea.

[ashley crim]

fabulous ad andrea!!! i hope it brought you all the traffic and sales you so deserve!!!

[Brenda]

Your ribbon reminds me of the smell of sagebrush.
Or a steely ocean.

LOVE your blog.