As I mentioned in my last post, it's time for a give away!! I have lots to celebrate, so I figured I should Pay It Forward and share something with y'all!
This month has been crazy busy over at my shop. I've been really working on it a lot, trying a few new things and just keeping it going. It is A LOT of work! I know you all can understand, and I don't even sell that much each day, but it's enough to keep me busy!
My goal when I began the shop, Sugar*Sugar was two-fold:
1. Earn extra money doing something I love.
2. Focus on the things I love rather than the things I despise! ha!
Number 1 was tough at first. I started with around $100 and lots of advice from friends and TONS of support from my husband. I had a part time job that paid $10 an hour, but honestly, I just couldn't do it anymore. I soooo wanted to start something of my own (I always have...) and Etsy seemed like something I TOTALLY could manage.
Now, I know my little shop isn't HUGE or anything, but it does make Number 2 very do-able! I've mentioned before, that I was coming out of a hard place in life and seemed like I hated everyone and everything! I was hurt and angry about a lot, and at times, thought it would never end. So, focusing on the positive, REALLY, really changed my life.
All that said, I just reached a small goal in my shop, 200 sales! YIPEE! Oh, and also with the Somerset Life article... meeting all my blog/flickr/etsy gal pals.... it just TOO TOO MUCH!
But more than that, I am a MUCH happier and fulfilled person on the inside. Annnd, THAT, you cannot buy!
So for the GIVE AWAY... I'm so, SO sad that I missed ArtsyMama's For the Love of Supplies Swap... it's SO up my alley! Instead, I put a pretty chocolate box of goodies together for one of YOU!! Valentine's Day is coming soon!
To Pay It Forward, for all of the happiness I now enjoy, THANK YOU!
XOXO
This is better than chocolate! I've added lots little fun bits for YOU to love!
Get a good peek, YOU just might be the owner of this sweet set of goodness!!!
I've included vintage buttons, trims, laces, die cuts, a ballerina cupcake topper, oh, all kinds of goodies! All in Pink and Red just in time for Valentine's Day!
I will be taking Give Away entries until midnight WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6th... just leave me a comment! (Don't forget to leave me your info. in case you win!)
I will announce a winner on Thursday, Feb 7th!
Soooo, leave me a comment!
Happy Day Everyone!
And good luck!
~Analise~
Just looking in the pretty box inspires me!
What a fun collection of goodies!
Hugz, Dolly
Posted by: Dolly | February 10, 2008 at 08:41 AM
You have grouped together such pretty things, I want to encourage you to keep going, all of your creations are wonderful, and beautiful eye candy I might add. Thanks for sharing your feelings it is good to know that there are more people like us working to achieve our goals and having fun in the process. Love your Art (:
Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Saturdayfinds | February 07, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Hey! I am hosting a swap and I would love for you to join! come by my blog to check it out!
Toodles-Sarah
http://gypsymermaidlife.blogspot.com/2008/02/hanging-up-springtime-swap.html
Posted by: sarah | February 07, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Soo gorgeouse! Better than Chocolate! ;-)
Posted by: M&Co | February 06, 2008 at 09:25 PM
I just found your blog this evening. I loved your article in Somerset Life. You use the colors that I am always drawn to.
I will definitely be bookmarking your blog!
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Danner | February 06, 2008 at 09:21 PM
The blog world has been inspiring to me also! Your blog is great! I am glad that all this creativity has helped you! Please count me in!
Carol G
Posted by: Carol G | February 06, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Would love to be part of your giveaway! Your stuff is beautiful -- I found it on Flikr and it's great. I totally believe in the whole "getting paid to do something you love" :)
Posted by: Lisa Larson | February 06, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Love all the valentine goodness! Lots of inspiration from you! Jamie V in MT
amzanioli@yahoo.com
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jamie V | February 06, 2008 at 02:04 PM
I love looking at all your work! It is such an inspiration. Please enter me in your contest!
Happy Valentines Day!
Julie
Posted by: Julie | February 06, 2008 at 11:00 AM
What a sweet collection of goodies! I am so glad to have found your blog today! Your Etsy shop has been one of my "favorites" for some time now. You are an inspiration to us all! Emily. XOXOXO
Posted by: RememberMeEmily | February 06, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Me, me, me, pick me!!!! I will keep my fingers crossed and I'm glad you have some inner peace.
Posted by: Cindy In Carolina | February 06, 2008 at 05:12 AM
What a beautiful and creative gift. Please put my name in.
Posted by: Evonne Quezada | February 05, 2008 at 08:52 PM
I must say I am new to the world of blogs, and I am really enjoying yours. What an uplifting message about feeling all negative about the world and then doing something positive to change your outlook - it is very inspiring! I love all your wonderful little things - I would love to win a yummy valentine heart full of your "sweets"! Thanks again. Karen
Posted by: Karen Provost | February 05, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I love you post and your honesty! It is so true that creativity is therapuetic!! Please enter me in your contest, the box you made is super sweet! God Bless...Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Seling | February 05, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Congratulations on reaching your 200th sale! That is awesome.
Good luck on your future sales!
Sweetest regards,
Shelley
shell@bex.net
Posted by: Shelley Davis | February 04, 2008 at 04:54 PM
I love all your pretty things!! :) Good luck for 2008!
Posted by: Concha | February 04, 2008 at 04:40 PM
You have an amazing sense of beautiful things! Love looking at your blog and store!
Posted by: Sue | February 04, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Congratulations! You are such an inspiration and I love your sense of design!
Posted by: Jaia | February 04, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Hiya every since I found your shop on etsy can't seem to stay out of Sugar Sugar. That is the first shop I look in when I log on the computer and also check every day!!!! I think my paycheck enjoys you too!!!!
Posted by: Sherri ( butterflykissesnhugs) | February 04, 2008 at 05:28 AM
I'm very happy for you that your shop is doing so well! congrats on 200 sales!
~Cerri xoxo
Posted by: Cerri | February 04, 2008 at 12:19 AM
What wonderful little goodies!!!!
Consider me signed up!!!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | February 03, 2008 at 11:57 PM
ooooh....lovely! PLEASE sign me up, Sweets! I'm so glad to hear so many great things have happened in your life lately. It IS wonderful to find that something we love can make a little extra cash, isn't it? :) We still need to get together for that coffee, don't we? I have a FULL Starbucks gift card that is just "asking" to be spent so let's do it SOON! HUGS...Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl Dack | February 03, 2008 at 10:24 PM
What a wonderful gift! Love all the goodies you've picked to put in the box!
Thanks, love your blog!
Posted by: Tammy | February 03, 2008 at 09:52 PM
So sweet, so pink.. Good job!
maddie
www.domesticanarchy.blogspot.com
Posted by: Maddie | February 03, 2008 at 08:14 PM
gorgeous goodies!
it sounds like you have found your "passion" - congratulations on reaching your goals and getting more out of everyday life!!!!
Posted by: tamy | February 03, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Every little piece in that heart is a treasure to behold. Each piece you create is truly from your sweet, warm soul. I would be blessed to enter :)
Thank you!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | February 03, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Congrats on your personal success...doing what you like instead of being stuck just doing...how wonderful! Please enter my name in your giveaway.
Posted by: Teresa @ PlumWater Cottage | February 03, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Inspiring! Looks like a great box full of fun.
Best wishes ~
Cathy
Posted by: cathy | February 03, 2008 at 06:18 PM
What a wonderful looking kit! Love it!
Diana
Posted by: Diana | February 03, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Congratulations on your good fortune and your willingness to pay it forward.
Enjoy your success!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | February 03, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Analise, I sure could put that box of sweet goodies to good use!How sweet you are to offer this!
Posted by: Sue | February 03, 2008 at 05:37 PM
So enjoy all your pretty posts and ideas! Gald you've found your joy, a life of sadness isn't a life at all and I know too! Great give-away, no calories, pink and red, and girly girl toys as I call them!! Take care, and have a fun day! Lori
Posted by: Lori | February 03, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Analise - this is gorgeous! I'm very happy for your success and more than that, I admire you for following your dream! Lisa L.
Posted by: Lisa L. | February 03, 2008 at 10:53 AM
oh! pink and red and all that fun!
hope it comes my way or to someone like me who will love it!
what a great little package!
xoxo
Happy Valentines :)
Posted by: teresa | February 03, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Loved your spread in Somerset LIFE! I recognized your sweet pink offerings right away! Please enter me in your wonderful give-away!~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Holcombe | February 03, 2008 at 05:37 AM
Oh sweeties, sorry you missed the swap. I'll be having a May basket swap again this year. You won't want to miss that. The box you put togehter is GORGEOUS! Please put my name in the hat.
Kari
Posted by: ArtsyMama | February 03, 2008 at 04:19 AM
cOnGrAtUlAtIoNs!
please
PICK
me!
i
NeEd
those
LOVELY
gOoDiEs!
<3,
karri
@
*a*LiTtLe*MuCH*
Posted by: karri | February 02, 2008 at 10:13 PM
OHHHH my. I hope you pick me. LOL. This is beautiful. Have fun doing your giveaway!!!!
Posted by: amy | February 02, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Great job with the blog! Love the idea of the PIF giveaway!
Posted by: Katiegirl | February 02, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Great job with the blog! Love the idea of the PIF giveaway!
Posted by: Katiegirl | February 02, 2008 at 05:33 PM
oh, lovely valentine goodies! who wouldn't love to get that in the mail ~ hope it's me! xo
Posted by: heidi | February 02, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Awesome!! So glad I found your shop and can't wait until you add more stuff so I can buy more!!
Posted by: Bethany | February 02, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Wow, what gorgeous goodies! Congrats on the success of your shop too. You should be proud of your achievement's :)
Posted by: Katrina | February 02, 2008 at 02:45 PM
That sure looks like a fun pack of goodies to win...I'm making a few Valentine gifts now that could use some embellishment.
I'm glad you found what gives you joy - an outlet for creativity for you & a great place for us to visit. :)
Posted by: tammyCA | February 02, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Oh my - I am on a sugar high. It all looks so yummy. Congrats on your sweet success. Kimi
Posted by: kimi griffith | February 02, 2008 at 10:54 AM
You know how to put together an awesome giveaway! Please add my name to the list--I could sure have fun with that box of goodies!
hugs,
brenda bliss
Posted by: brenda bliss | February 02, 2008 at 08:26 AM
A lovely giveaway! I'd love to be included in your drawing. It was nice to read how much blogging has has changed your life, I'm sure that a there are a lot of newbie bloggers reading that who will be encouraged and hang in there! It's a blessings to be where you are!
*Heidi*
Posted by: *Heidi* | February 01, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Sweet Pea, your Somerset ad was 2DIE4 and so is everything you create and sell. The color combinations are beautiful and the way you pull it all together is PERFECT. Thank you for being you and giving us all a chance to know the happy person you've become! We love you just the way you are.
xoxo
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy Scalise | February 01, 2008 at 04:11 PM
OH!!! What fun you could have with all of that lovely stuff.
Posted by: Becky | February 01, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Love your blog girl... Your a girl after my own heart.... Would love to win your box full of goodies,. so pick me.... pick me... pick me....pick me........
creatively,
Tammie Moore
Posted by: Tammie Moore | February 01, 2008 at 03:48 PM