I love rainy days.
The grey calls to me, reminding me of the comfy throw waiting to be unfolded, inviting me to the corner of the couch and bringing to mind all the books I’ve been intending to read. The drizzle, dripping outside my windows, suggests that we light candles and chop veggies for a bubbling soup.
But my favorite part of a rainy day is the moment the storm stops and the sun, with gentle power, peeks through the heavy clouds. Rays of sunshine pierce the darkness, reaching to earth in long yellow ribbons.
Every leaf, petal and blade of grass sparkles in the stillness of that shimmering moment.
Raindrops on Roses
It’s springtime and a bit of warmth has finally made its way to the High Rockies. Our storms are now a mixture of rain and slushy snow.
I love every second of it.
As a bit of springtime fun, I’d like to introduce you to a few more of my favorite things. They’re all people, products or ministries I adore and am passionate about supporting. In fact, I’ve spent my own money on every single one of these–buying gifts for friends, family, and, of course, myself.
Every day this week, Monday through Saturday, I’ll be featuring one of these happy rosy raindrops and giving each of you the opportunity to win them for yourselves.
I’m so ridiculously excited!
And before I introduce you to the first giveaway of the week, I’d like to thank all the wonderful friends who so graciously offered their products for these giveaways when I told them I wanted to do a favorite things giveaway week. A big thank you to all of you!
Now the first giveaway:
If you aren’t familiar with Gussy and her adorably ruffled bags, you are missing out.
I met Gussy (Maggie) at Blissdom in February and fell in love with the laptop bags she had made for all of the In(Courage) ladies. Everyone was gushing over Gussy herself, so I was thrilled when a friend introduced us.
About a month later, I asked Gussy if she’d be able to make my little niece a purse for her third birthday, which she happily did for me. I was ecstatic when I opened the mailing box to discover that she’d sneaked in a little surprise for me also… just because she’s wonderful like that. I use it as my wallet–though it doubles as a tiny clutch when I don’t feel like carrying a purse.
I love Gussy–as a person, and as a seamstress. She’s hilarious, professional and extremely talented.
(Apparently I’ve talked so much about my love of Gussy and her ruffles that for my birthday in April, my husband, my mom AND my brother had all planned to gift me with a laptop bag. So now I also have a laptop bag–only one!–on the way, which thrills me to my little typing fingertips.)
NOW–the fun part!
Gussy is offering one of you a $30 gift certificate to her shop.
I know! Crazy exciting!
To enter simply visit Gussy’s shop and leave a comment on this post naming your favorite item.
(Note: all of the baby blankets, knit by Gussy’s mother, are exempt from store credit. But, my word, have you seen how beautiful they are?)
For additional entries:
- tweet it
- blog it
- facebook it
- follow me on twitter (@heartandhome)
- follow Gussy on twitter (@gussysews)
- subscribe to my blog
- subscribe to Gussy’s blog
You must leave a separate comment for each additional entry to be counted.
Each of this week’s giveaways will be open for one week and the winners will be announced on the same day of the week, next week. This Gussy giveaway will be open until 11:59pm MST Sunday, May 16.
Go check out Gussy’s shop and her blog–I know you’ll fall in love with her ruffles!
This giveaway is now closed.
Yay! First to comment!
Does that give me an advantage? ;)
Favorite thing I saw was the little zippered pouches…and the notecards were cute too..
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE the laptop bags you mentioned! My favorite is the black damask laptop bag – 44, with the red ruffle- adorable! I have visited Gussy before (isn’t she fabulous?), but I have yet to be a proud owner of her products.
What a great giveaway! =)
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bah! i want that laptop bag so bad!!!
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tweeted @davisduo
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following gussy on twitter!
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following YOU on twitter!
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subscribed to gussy’s blog!
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I’m torn between the checkbook cover and the zippered pouches…it’s all so cute!
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I love the notecards!
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Ooh what fun and Gussy’s work is lovely!
If I had a laptop I would pick out one of her lovely bags right now. ;o)
One of my fav. items are the ruffled note cards, so cute!
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I subscribed to your blog with google reader.
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I subscribed to Gussy’s blog with google reader.
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I want one of the new totes! love that you have been expanding into different items :)
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Of what’s in stock, I love the Gus For Work – black damask work/laptop bag with the pink ruffle. I miss the wristlets and the small zippered pouches, though! (I can be reached at greatnarf[at]gmail[dot]com)
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I follow gussy on twitter
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I subscribe to gussy’s blog
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I subscribe to Gussy’s Blog!
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I follow Gussy on twitter!
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I like the laptop bag best. :)
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I love all the Gussy, especially the lap top bags and clutches!
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What a fun giveaway!
My favorite is the black damask laptop bag -43. Love the pink =)
I’ve never heard of Gussy before – thanks for introducing us!
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I follow your blog!
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I also follow you on twitter! @katiecole317
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I tweeted! http://twitter.com/katiecole317/status/13731929553
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I blogged! http://mrspomelow.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway.html
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I’m currently in love with the clutches right now, but boy do I adore the laptop bags!
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I LOVE everything! Too hard to pick a favorite but if I have to then it’s the laptop bags, I guess.
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i love gussy! my current fave are her cute little wristlets. love ‘em!
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i follow you on twitter! @wishfulnals
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i follow gussy on twitter! @wishfulnals
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i subscribe to gussy’s blog!
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So cute! I already subscribe to your blog…
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Subscribed to Gussy’s blog…
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Following Gussy on twitter
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Oh, and I think I like the black damask laptop bag with the fuchsia ruffle the best…
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following you on twitter too :)
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I love the tote bag!
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I follow Gussy on twitter
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I subscribe to Gussy’s blog
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Love the Teal Poppies laptop bag!
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I’m a faithful follower of yours. =)
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I follow you on Twitter.
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I’m now a follower of Gussy’s blog!
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I followed Gussy on Twitter.
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I Tweeted about the contest. :)
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I subscribed to your blog.
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I subscribed to Gussy’s blog!
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I blogged about it!http://mrsgriffin0711.blogspot.com/2010/05/fabulous-giveaway.html
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So cute!! and so beautifully feminine too.
I love the Gussy laptop bag: choose your color
http://www.maggiewhitley.bigcartel.com/product/gus-for-work-damask-choose-your-ruffle-color-49
I would choose chartreuse or bright blue :)
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I follow you on twitter :) (faithmovesmntns)
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I follow you/subscribe to you on blogger too.
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I love the check book cover – so stylish!
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I love the Ruffle Gus – b/w floral checkbook cover (red) – 10! :)
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I follow you on Twitter
@mdmerenghi
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I follow Gussy on Twitter
@mdmerenghi
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I subscribe to Gussy’s blog
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I subscribe to your blog now
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I love the “Lovely Lattice Laptop Bag” The pink and orange ruffle ones are super cute.
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I subscribe in Google Reader.
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I LOVE the lovely lattice laptop bag. Which would be perfect for me to confiscate my Hubby’s macbook for. Oh yes, oh yes indeeeeeed.
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I follow you on twitter.
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And, I follow Gussy on twitter, too!
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I love the “Lovely Lattice Laptop Bag” the red one is really cute!
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I subscribe to your blog.
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Hi! I love the little zippered pouches…noticed they are limited edition…so they may not be around for long! I think I need a laptop now…just to have it in one of those cute purses! Do you think my hubby would get me a laptop for that reason!?! Sounds good to me!
Hugs!
Jolie Newman
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I would get:
Limited Edition blue floral zipped pouch – 16
Plus about a billion other things.. :) Love Gussy!
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I subscribe to your blog via google reader
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I subscribe to gussy’s blog via google reader
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I follow you on twitter (Cascade21)
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I follow gussy on twitter too! (Cascade21)
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Laptop bag, pretty please!!!
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I follow Gussy on twitter
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I am following you on twitter
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I love the laptop and netbook bags. Actually, I love all of Gussy’s stuff. She rocks!
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I follow you on twitter. (@aidenscross)
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I follow Gussy on Twitter too (@aidenscross)
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I subscribe to your blog by Google Reader :)
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I subscribe to Gussy’s blog by email :O)
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I love Gussy!!! I have been eyeing all the laptop bags for a few months now and can’t decide which I like the best! I would LOVE to win this giveaway!! =)
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I tweeted about the giveaway….
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I follow you on twitter….
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I also follow Gussy on Twitter….
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I’m a subscriber to Gussy’s blog….
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And I’m now subscribed to yours w/ my reader! Thanks for this giveaway!! =)
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Yay! I love Gussy! My pick would be towards one of the Gus for Work bags. Love them!
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RT’d it for Twitter as well.
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I would so totally love a damask Ipad bag! But seriously, how can you decide on just ONE thing! :)
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And follow you on Twitter (but of course, you knew that).
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Also subscribe to your blog as well.
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I love the zippered pouches!!!!!!!
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I love the Gus For Work – teal poppies laptop bag!!!
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I follow you on Twitter!
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I follow Maggie on Twitter!
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I follow your blog!
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I follow Maggie’s blog!
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My favorite is the Teal Poppies laptop bag! Cute, Cute!
Thanks for this giveaway!
Olivia
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Gus for work-black damask
I really really love her stuff. I keep entering giveaways, trying to win Gussy (not Gussy herself-that would be weird)
But I won’t say PICK ME, even though I just did. :)
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love the gus. her sweet face would have won miss congeniality at blissdom, for sure!
i lover her little change purses – the rosier the better!
and i love you.
the end.
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Seafoam laptop bag!! Seafoam laptop bag!!!
Want it soooo much—it squeaks perfection at me. And I need it very much.
O.k. I’m done:)
I <3 Gussy.
I'll cross my fingers!
Sara Sophia
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Oh, I already have some deep love for Miss Gussy and her ruffles! ;) The laptop bags are definitely at the top of my list, although the checkbook covers would be a close second!
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Tweeted HERE:
http://twitter.com/sarasophia/status/13763634684
–Cordelia
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I follow you on Twitter. @PennyBlessings
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I follow Gussy on Twitter. @PennyBlessings
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I, of course, follow you on Twitter<3
–Cordelia
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I also, again of course, follow Miss Gussy on Twitter:)
–Cordelia
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I subscribe to you!
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Subscriber in Bloglines<3
–Cordelia
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I subscribe to Gussy!
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I tweeted! @PennyBlessings
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And I’m also subscribed to GussySews in Bloglines.
I have to all my updates of the prettiness, right?
:)
–Cordelia
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ooo. Love the laptop bags! (Especially love the one with the red…)
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I love the laptop bags… but my huge laptop is so heavy, I’m not sure I would want to ruin such a pretty bag. Maybe a zipper pouch would be better for me. :) Either way, I love her stuff. I actually have gotten to meet her! Aren’t I so lucky???
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http://twitter.com/sprittibee/statuses/13768172461
tweet
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Facebooked it!
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I follow you on twitter: @sprittibee
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I sub to Gussy on Twitter. :)
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I added your RSS to my google reader.
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Gussy’s rss is already in my google reader. :)
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I absolutely LOVE the new totes…especially with a pink ruffle!
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I follow Gussy on twitter: @crazyandblessed
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I subscribe to Gussy emails.
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I follow you on twitter @crazyandblessed
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i love her black damask work/laptop bag!
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i follow you on twitter. (hi!)
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i subscribe to your blog! (holla!)
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subscribe to your blog
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subscribed to Gussy’s blog
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following you on twitter
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following Gussy on twitter
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tweeted
http://twitter.com/faithfamilyfibr/statuses/13778058817
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facebook post
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/faithfamilyfibro?v=wall&story_fbid=125471144131915&ref=mf
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I love the black damaste laptop bag it’s beautiful but then again so many of the items are.
I’m already a subscriber to your blog and Twitter xxx
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Love the work/laptop bags-everything is so cute!
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Love bag # 45! So stinkin’ cute!
Such a great giveaway, Ash! Love it!
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I love the b/w floral ckbook cover in pink.
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I follow gussy on twitter.
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I tweeted.
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I LOVE the floral checkbook covers!!!
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I subscribe to Gussy’s blog.
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I follow you on Twitter!
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I love the netbook bag.
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I follow @gussysews on twitter.
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I follow Gussy on Twitter!
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I love this bag: http://www.maggiewhitley.bigcartel.com/product/gus-for-work-black-damask-laptop-bag-44. So pretty!
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I subscribe to Gussy’s newsletter/blog.
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I subscribed to your blog!
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I follow you on Twitter.
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I tweeted about this giveaway!
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I tweeted about the giveaway http://twitter.com/?status=Raindrops+On+Roses+%E2%80%93+Gussy!Giveaway+Week+http://networkedblogs.com/3HQHe
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I am really wanting a Chatty Gus for my new Flip cam
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I would LOVE a diaper bag. Oh, and an iphone case, oh and…
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I subscribe to your blog!
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I subscribe to Gussy’s blog!
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I follow you on Twitter.
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I follow Gussy on Twitter!
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I love Gussy’s totes/diaper bags – hope she has more available soon!
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I love love love the black and white floral laptop bag!
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I follow you on twitter!
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I follow Gussy on twitter!
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I’ve had my eyes on her laptop bags for awhile now. I’d LOVE to win one.
My fav is the damask one and I’d put a tan ruffle on it. Yum!
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I follow Gussy on twitter.
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I subscribe to Gussy’s blog
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Just tweeted it!
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Just shared it on facebook
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Gus For Work – black damask work/laptop bag is by far my favorite :)
I’m crossing my fingers, toes, eyes….. hehe
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I followed you :)
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I tweeted!
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I facebooked!
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I LOVE the Ruffle Gus – yellow floral wristlet/clutch – 54! Thanks for a chance to win!
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I love the laptop bag!
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I follow Gussy’s blog.
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i just love her wristlets & laptop bags!
…here’s hoping!
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I’m a fan of the lap top bag too. I have two of her zipper pouches and I carry them everywhere. Love them!
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I love her clutches!!!
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LOVE Gussy’s tote bags! Her ruffle note cards are adorable, as well!
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gussy blog follower
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your twitter follower
burlapbluesays
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I love, love, love the laptop bags! And I would be over the moon if I could get a checkbook cover to go inside :)
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gussy twitter follower
burlapbluesays
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I follow Gussy’s Tweets!
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I love the floral clutch!!!!!
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I follow Gussy’s blog!!!
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I follow your blog
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Love love love those laptop bags!
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I follow Gussy’s blog!
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i love the laptop bags!!:D
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aaaand i have subscribed to your lovely blog :D
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Count me in for this! I would love to win this gift certificate so that I could use it towards the Ruffle Gus – pink floral wristlet/clutch – 52.
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I sent a Twitter update about this here: http://twitter.com/ChicnPink/statuses/13808743494
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I have added this to the sidebar of my blog under the giveaways section.
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I am now following you on Twitter (@ChicnPink)
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I am following Gussy on Twitter (@ChicnPink)
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I love Gussy! I would really like to have a Ruffle Gus Wristlet to go with my Gus for Work.
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I would love a wristlet/clutch!
Kjirsten
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I am a follower of yours!
Kjirsten
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I am a follower of Gussy’s!
Kjirsten
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I follower Gussy on twitter!
Kjirsten
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I follow you on twitter!
Kjirsten
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Just tweeted…http://twitter.com/kjleah/status/13809777585
Kjirsten
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My favorite is the Gus For Work – black damask laptop bag with the red ruffle!
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I am a new subscriber to your blog!
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I subscribe to Gussy’s blog!
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LOVE the damask laptop bags
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tweeted here http://bit.ly/ayXuSz
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new follower of your blog
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now following you on twitter @ShanLeAnn
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I would love a gussy tote!
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already a follower of Gussy on twitter!
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I follow your blog!
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i follow gussys blog
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i follow gussy on twitter @thetarrpit
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i follow you on twitter @thetarrpit
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I love the Gus For Work – black damask laptop bag – 44. And of course I love her wristlets.
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Tweeted
http://twitter.com/SoBellaCreation/statuses/13811228006
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I gave a shout out on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1501496834&ref=profile
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My birthday is on the 16th and oh how I’d love to win this to purchase an adorable lap top bag! (:
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I follow Gussy on Twitter
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I love the damask bag for work. I shared on FB!
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I LOVE the lap top bags! I would pick one with a pink Gussy ruffle.
Thanks!
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I follow Gussy!
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I follow you on Google Reader Connect!
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I facebooked it!
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I LOVE the laptop bags. So cute!
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I subscribe to your blog via Google!
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I follow you on Google Reader!
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And I follow Gussy on Google Reader!
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I can’t decide whether or not I love the clutches or the checkbook covers more! I fall in love with those ruffles every time I see them..
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I love Gussy!!!
This is my favorite:
Gus For Work – black damask laptop bag – 44
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Awww, cute stuff! I like the wristlet purses the best. :) Adorable!!!
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mmmm…the seafoam print laptop bag is yummy!
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I HEART the wristlets!
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I follow Gussy on Twitter
@graciekate
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the wristlet would be perfect to carry around this summer. so cute!
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I love Gussy! My favorite item is Ruffle Gus – pink floral checkbook cover – 64. I just re-tweeted and I’m already a blog subscriber of Gussy, too! Thanks :)
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I love the laptop bags! So adorable!!
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I love the damask laptop bags!
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I follow your blog!
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I love all of the damask laptop bags!! cute stuff
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i tweeted :)
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facebooked it
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follow gussy already
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follow you on twitter now
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Ive already subscribed to gussy :)
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I love the checkbook covers…too cute!
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I really like the lattice laptop bags!
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I LOVE the damask laptop bags! Oh and the baby blankets too!!
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I follow Gussy’s blog!! I LOVE her stuff.
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I blogged about it!
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I blogged it in my Giveaway Round Up post.
http://sobellacreations.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway-round-up.html
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I really like the black damask laptop bag in red!
evienlizzie(@)gmail(.)com
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I’ve had my eye on the black damask laptop bags for awhile now!
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I follow Gussy on twitter @back40life
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following you on twitter @back40life
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I’m subscribed to Maggie’s blog
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I love the pink floral checkbook cover!
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I LOVE the pink laptop bag!!! Ahhhh SO cute!
Ginger~
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Gus For Work Lovely Lattice in Pink is adorable. My hubby would like the idea of a smaller laptop bag–mine weighs a ton!
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I like the checkbook covers. :)
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Follow you on Twitter(danddgiveaways)
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Follow Gussy on Twitter(danddgiveaways)
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Blogged about ithttp://ofdandelionsanddaffodils.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-links_337.html
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Hope to win…following on twitter!
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Following gussy on twitter
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tweeted about you and your gussy contest
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I really like the little ipad/laptop bags, although it was hard to choose just one! I really like any of the black, white, and red ones!
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I have subscribed to your blog.
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I love her wristlet pouches, glad they are back!
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Tweet;
http://twitter.com/thepeachrainbow/status/13915212028
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FB;
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001026927027&v=wall&story_fbid=116726961701131&ref=mf
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i follow u on twitter
@thepeachrainbow
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i follow Gussy on twitter!
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Subscribed via google reader!
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Gussy follower!
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I love Gussy! I would get the wristlat or the tote.
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I signed up to follow Gussy’s blog. I am so excited for her job change to Gussy full time!
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I really love the laptop bags!!
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I love the zippered pouches!!
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clutches are so handy!!
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love the checkbook covers! so cute! so now!
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I blogged about the giveaway! Would be so much fun!
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I subscribe to Gussy’s blog.
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I follow Gussy on Twitter.
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I tweeted about the giveaway!
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What cute bags! I’d have to say the Pink Ruffled Bag-46 would be my favorite. Thanks so much for hosting this awesome week of giveaways, Ashleigh! :)
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I also subscribe to your blog, which I love, btw! :)
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I like the Lovely Lattice laptop bag w/red ruffle
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I follow you on Twitter.
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I follow Gussy on Twitter.
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I subscribe to Gussy’s blog w/ fbksgirl at gmail
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The colors of the Lovely Lattice laptop bag (wide)–black and pink–are too fun!!
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I’ve been subscribed to your blog (and your momma’s!) since before your youngest little guy was born! You’re my inspiration for blogging (my blog is locked–drop me an email if you’d like to be invited ;-P)…you’re married to a soldier (a girly dream of mine ;-P)… you’re two weeks younger than me… etc…fun stuff! :-D
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I like the floral check book cover!
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I LOVE-and adore Gussy! She is the sweetest! I want the black latisse gussy work/laptop bag with a pink ruffle.
smiles,
gina
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I follow you on twitter!
smiles,
gina
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I follow gussy on twitter.
smiles,
gina
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I follow your blog.
smiles,
gina
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i follow gussy’s blog.
smiles,
gina
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I *heart* Gussy and have been wanting one of her creations for months now!!
mom2chelnjustin(AT)gmail dot com
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I follow Gussy’s blog
mom2chelnjustin(AT)gmail dot com
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I follow you on Twitter
mom2chelnjustin(AT)gmail dot com
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