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Sunday, December 31, 2017

A Scandinavian Design for the Season's Givings Blog Hop and Giveaway

Happy New Year!! It's time for one of my favorite annual blog traditions - the Seasons Givings blog hop. This was started six years ago by my friend Latisha Yoast, and the purpose of it is just to give bloggers an opportunity to thank our readers with some art and some giveaways.

I do so appreciate all of you, and your comments. I'm grateful that you choose to spend any part of your day here, and I love reading your comments.

So I have a thank you card today to thank you! It's with some Pinkfresh Studio stamps that I adore, and I tried to recreate something from my childhood with it. You'll have to watch the video below the card to see what I'm talking about. I die cut a circle from the middle of a card front with this die, and then masked that to preserve some space around it before I stamped with this die and masking paper. This was so, so much fun to make! Their stamps are really nice - they aren't overly sticky so once you ink them up, they don't lift the paper in your MISTI. They are also very crisp, sharp images, with no fuzziness at the edges, as you can see. I see some more shopping in my future! I saw someone using these in October, and I bought them back then but haven't had time to use them until today. I actually spent part of my vacation "filing" stamps and labeling them and as I did that, this was got held out to play with before heading back to work. I'm glad I did! This card makes me happy! That stunning blue and red ink really makes it over the top.
Beautiful Scandinavian inspired card by Understand Blue

Playful animal friends 2 – Pinkfresh...
[ PNK | SSS ]
Die-namics Linked Chain Circle Frames...
[ MFT | ELH | SSS ]
Circle Infinity Dies (H)
[ HA ]
Gina K. Designs Red Hot Ink
[ GNK | SSS ]
Hero Arts Hybrid Ink - Indigo
[ HA | ELH | SSS ]
Stewart Superior Memories India Ink...
[ AMZUS ]
MISTI Stamping Tool
[ MSW | SSS | SBC ]
Rotatrim Professional Series Cutter -...
[ BLIC ]
Whisper White Cardstock - Thick
[ SUP ]
Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Laser...
[ AMZUS ]
Absorber - Synthetic Cleaning Cloth
[ AMZUS ]
Multipurpose Liquid Glue by Stampin' Up!
[ SUP ]

Aren't they the CUTEST??? I love those critters. Here's my video - I hope you enjoy it!



So let's talk about the hop, because you have a chance to win a TON of goodies to start your New Year with.

First - I have a gift for all of you. I spent a little time on vacation pulling together some of my favorite things I discovered this year in a few categories - books I listened to / read & podcasts I loved, life favorites - things I use every day around the house or in my planner, etc. and can't live without, food/drink favorites, websites I like, and of course crafty favorites. The lists are here, and contain links to all the things I love - click on the list title to see each one:
  • Crafty Favorites - I tried to group things in here, so all my organizational stuff is together, all my photo/video stuff is together, etc. The two stamps in this list is the one I use for my blog calendar - I have a video on how I made that here - and the stamp I use on the outside of my envelopes. I've also linked to my favorite source of custom stamps and other fun customized goodies. Other than that, I love a billion stamps, so I didn't even try to list any in this list. A note on the mat with the MISTI stuff  - I cut these down and use them in my MISTI because they are sticky so they hold your paper really well.You can get two from one mat.
  • Books I loved in 2017 - this was the year of the podcast for me - so many addicting ones - but I got a lot of books in this year as well. I grouped the links to the books as follows: Non-fiction, then fiction, then improvement/education.
  • Podcasts I loved in 2017 - I love spoken word and had been an Audible maniac for many years, but that's an expensive habit, and Serial threw me into podcast-addict status, and I found some great ones this year. The last one in the list is the only fiction one - it's an interesting full cast production with David Schwimmer. Gripping and strange - thanks for that find, Brian King! I find that listening to audiobooks/podcasts while I do design work makes me very productive and helps me not overthink what I'm doing, because I'm focusing on following the story. I could never watch anything on TV when I craft because I work with my eyes, if that makes sense - so visual content is a distraction. It also makes boring tasks like cleaning or organizing fly by. I have a little hardware apron (included) that I wear with my phone in the pocket when I'm working around the house and listening. I also can't stand those headphones that stick in your ear or cover your ear, so I've included my favorites in this list. I've never had a good experience with bluetooth headsets either. 
  • Food Favorites - some things I can't live without - I rarely eat out and love to cook, and so these are some staples I always have around to cook with. I also included some sweet treats from Hawaii that some friends brought to my retreat that are amazing. I have two salts in this list - my daily salt which is the best salt in the world, and a flaky sea salt that I use when I make my Brown Butter Fleur de Sel cookies once a year. 
  • Life Favorites - some notes on this list - the sticky dividers I use in my planner (also in the list) to flip quickly to often used sections. The little wipes in the list are for any of you who are as allergic to bandaid adhesive as I am - these are a lifesaver. All my favorite pens are here and a lot of my favorite cooking stuff. Also, an authentic German honey that's my fave. Most honey - if you read one of the books in my book list, you'll see - is counterfeit food - corn syrup and Chinese chemicals. Germany has the strictest labeling laws around honey and does not produce fake honey. I've eaten this brand since college, when a friend introduced me to the creamy variety. It's delicious and tastes very different from commercial "honey." Also I will not cook in or serve from anything made in China, so I've included some Made in the USA essentials I use to cook and serve with. Every one labeled Made in the USA their entire line is, so search for other products by them if that's important to you. I've also included a line from France that I love. 
  • Websites I enjoy - This is a list of places I frequent online, followed by some of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow. This is a good summary of my random brain :). 
You can also get 20% off sitewide at Arkon (home of my video filming stand for my Iphone) with my coupon code - UNDERSTANDBLUE.

So I hope you enjoy perusing those - I always appreciate it when people share their favorite things with me - and Latisha does that very generously, so I thought I'd return the favor. Now on to the hop!


I will be giving away the following goodies on this hop:


This includes the Love Notes Stamp & Die Bundle, the Simon Says Stamp Plush Puffy Cloud die, Gina K Designs Happy Mail Set, Concord & 9th Christmas Cottage stamp set, 3x3 Whisper White envelopes, Pop of Pink washi tape stack, Mama Elephant Sightseeing Stamp Set, Tiny Treat Boxes, Pattern Party Decorative Masks, Tombow Mono Multi and Honeycomb embellishments. You can see these closer up with the links. Openwork bowl with my Christmas Ornaments not included :). In order to be eligible to win, please leave me a comment with your favorite books or podcasts from 2017. Comments must be left by midnight on January 4th, central time, and the winner will be announced with my blog post on January 5th.

If you're new to my blog, I'd love for you to subscribe to my blog and my YouTube channel, and you can find me on Instagram here.

Enjoy hopping through all these beautiful blogs with amazing thank you giveaways and I wish you the absolute best in the coming year! Remember life is too short not to share - share everything - your favorite recipes, your cards, your time and your gifts. Happy New Year!


YOU ARE HERE >> Lydia Fiedler << YOU ARE HERE



Loveyameanitbye.

250 comments:

  1. Happy New Year Lydia!!! Even on a give-away post, you are the QUEEN enabler!!! LOL

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  2. Ur video was mesmerizing! Love how the card turned out. :-)

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  3. Eeek! I am crazy about that Scandanvian designed card with all the cute critters! Thank you for always inspiring me, and making the chuckle along the way. Happy 2018!

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    1. Forgot to say that I have a lot of favorite books that I read in 2017 but the most recent one is Last Bus to Wisdom, which I really loved.

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  4. Awesome prize pack. Interesting card.

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  5. Happy New Year.....My favorite books are anything Nicholas Sparks....but I still prefer my crafting over reading! Shame on me.....Thank you for sharing.

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  6. Nobody, and I mean nobody, writes a blog post as well as you do, Lydia! My favorite Texan, lover of Santa Fe, and all around "Get Her Done" woman at SCS! Thank you for taking the time to write this amazing post. We should be giving you a prize! I LOVED your card - when you find that excellent yellow let me know. I'm so sorry we missed each other again this September. One of these days I'll sneak up behind you and we'll give each other a big, big hug! Happy New Year my friend!

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  7. My favorite podcast from 2017 has nothing to do with crafting. I love listening to Dave Ramsey's podcast. He helps keep me grounded on working on debt and not getting to far out there with spending. I want to be debt free within the next e years.

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  8. Happy New Year! Omg I love the card. the first thing I thought though was... Ikea!! I think it's the colors and pattern. LOL

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  9. I don't listen to podcasts, but my favorite read of 2017 is The Girl In The Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz. However you need to start at the beginning of the series...The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest.

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  10. Happy New Year! 🎉 Such a generous blog hop, thank you! Gorgeous start of this crafty year! 💖 I am new to your blog but I will follow now here and instagram. :) Cheers!

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  11. Great card and tutorial and awesome give away.
    Happy New Year!

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  12. Wow, what a bright, bold and cute card!
    Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2018!
    Thanks for the chance to win your fab and generous giveaway!

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  13. Wow!! That’s a great way to share kindness!! Thank you so much everyone for coming together! :) Happy New Year :)

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  14. Gorgeous card, and such a fabulous prize! My favourite book (well, series of books) of 2017 was a Christmas present the previous year - Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy. Not new to 2017, but that's when I read them and I really enjoyed them. Thanks for the chance to win, and Happy New Year :)

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  15. Lydia, I thoroughly enjoyed your video tutorial that I have subscribed to your You Tube channel. How fabulous to be able to recreate a memory from your childhood. I love the cleanness and colours of the design. Thank you for being so generous in your "Give-away" - I am a fairly new crafter so I am currently building up my stash. I have a stamping positioning matching - I could not do without it! My favourite read of 2017 is a selection of books by Milly Johnson, she is a new author to me but I found her recommended by authors such as Jodi Picolt and Celia Ahern. Milly's stories are very homely and you are drawn into the stories and I can assure you once you start one it is really difficult to put it down! Happy 2018! :O)

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  16. Happy New Year! Thank you for inspiring me to create throughout 2017 and here's to more fun in 2018. This year I hope to find more time to create and my resolution is to create at least 10 cards a month.

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  17. Awesome list. That took some time and I appreciate it. I havent caught the audio fever yet as I tend to be more visual than audio, but I read a lot. I reread A Christmas Carol this year and that was fun. The Poldark books are very good. If you haven’t joined the Aiden Turner brigade, the books are a good start! Happy 2018.

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  18. I enjoyed A Man Called Ove this year on audiobook.

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  19. Hi, Lydia! Happy 2018! I will be following you this year and can't wait to see what you create! Wonderful giveaways! My goal this year is to build up my followers and create with images that make everyone smile like your projects! kReN @ http://afourthlife.blogspot.com

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  20. Loved your card - it immediately brought me back to my childhood since I saw a great deal of those plates and decor while growing up. Thank you for sharing your inspiration and how you made it.

    Thank you also for your "Life Favorites" - some very useful stuff that I'm filing away for the future!

    Some favorite books I read in 2017 - "Kiss Carlo" by Adriana Trigiani, "Lilac Girls" by Martha Hal Kelly and "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah. I am a voracious reader so I'm always reading. I love anything by Adriana Trigiani and look forward to Kristin Hannah's next book, "The Great Alone".

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  21. Lydia, I always enjoy your blog posts. The best book I read during 2017 was Ken Fillet t's Pillars of the Earth. Of course I then got stuck on his bike and read several! Happy new year and keep on doing what you do!

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  22. This is so beautiful! That is a pretty amazing stamp set to stamp so crisp and clean!!! Your scandanavian look is fabulous!
    It's been a weird year for me trying to gain some balance. I don't think I finished a single book this year! How sad is that? I started a fantasy book series because Seth wants to talk about it with me but I am not at a point where I would recommend it. I am reading Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker. She makes me laugh. I have never read any of her other books. She makes a bit of fun of herself in the opening pages. The entire book is peppered with laughter but still has serious things to chat about. Happy New Year, Lydia! You always inspire me. I hope you have a bright 2018.

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  23. I don't read much except the Bible. There are too many great blogs to read which have taken over my reading time. Your prize is amazing! One of the reasons I enjoy following you is due to your out-of-the=box ideas. You continually surprise me with things like a leg lamp stamp or a string art card. So much fun to read your blog and learn.

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  24. Hmmm... my favorite books of 2017? That's a tough one... I tend to do a lot of re-reading! I did reread my Mark of the Lion book series again this year. It's one of my favorites. I probably read a few hundred books a year so I can't pick a favorite. I LOVE Kindle Unlimited as I don't feel bad about how fast I read. It gets expensive to try to buy them all... and my daughter bought me a Kindle reader this year, so I can build up my digital collection!

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  25. What a beautiful card and a beautiful start to 2018! Thank you. Happy New Year!

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  26. My current favorite podcast is Larry Wilmore Black on the Air. Thanks for your generosity! Happy New Year!

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  27. Generous giveaway. I've been buried with reading things for school this year since I have 3 preps. The kids and I have enjoyed reading the scripts for Twilight Zone episodes for fun!

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  28. Sweet card!! I got this set for Christmas and I can't wait to use it!! Happy New Year!!

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  29. Really cute card and that red and blue are perfect (pause while I put those on my wish list). Great package of prizes you're giving away. I've only read 15 books this year, but one that was very thought-provoking in ways I don't generally like to be provoked was "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess" by Jen Hatmaker. Two other books that I enjoyed a lot were "A Taste of Fame" and "Bake Until Golden" by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson, books #2 & #3 from the Potluck Catering Club series. Thank YOU, Lydia, for sharing your art, your knowledge and your fabulous sense of humor. Happy New Year!

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  30. Thanks so much for sharing your favorites with us! My favorite book that I read in 2017 is The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin. Happy 2018!

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  31. Gorgeous card! The colors are so striking! Thanks so much for the lists of faves. I didn't read any books in 2017. I am planning on starting The Dark Tower again however soon and my son gave me the Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven. I think that's what it's called. He thinks I'll like it and I can usually can trust him...lol...happy new year!

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  32. Happy New Year mf....awesome card too! love the look.
    Thanks for sharing about you, I always love reading about the people I know.
    xx Karen

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  33. So I'm sure that I was Scandinavian in my past life because I love that style. Your card is FABulous. The red + blue combo is perfect and so are the sweet solid images.

    Thank you for all those linkies you shared! That's a labor of love collecting them!

    Favorite Podcast: This American Life

    Happy New Year!

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  34. Happy New Year! Love the cute card you created. I have done a lot of reading this year, but not for pleasure, it was all work. From the work category, my favorite reading is the American Nurses Association publications that keep me current on what is happening with my profession. Thank you for inspiring me to create and reminding me that I need to start reading for pleasure again!

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  35. Here's to an amazing 2018!! Last year, I read a couple by Ruth Ware and Sara Blaedel...for this year, I have a couple by Lisa Jackson, waiting on deck! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  36. Happy New Year! I really enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for all the inspiration!

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  37. Beautiful!!! Happy New Year to you and thanks for the chance to win. I've been mostly reading books by Patricia Cornwell.

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  38. Love ypur card, thanks for the video and the chance to win.😊

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  39. This is such a cute card Lydia and a great video tutorial.
    My fave book of 2017 (was 'new' to me then), was Big Magic, Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. I am sure you have already read it but it is fantastic!

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  40. So very unique and pretty. Love it.

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  41. Happy New Year, great card! Also, thanks for putting your favourite lists together - it's nice to see what others liked and enjoyed & recommend :-) The book I enjoyed a lot in 2017 was "Origin" by Dan Brown.

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  42. My favorite podcast right now is Up and Vanished. I realize you already know about it, because you shared it with me, but it truly is awesome. Especially as one of the key players has popped out of the mystery and become our Facebook friend. Bonus points. Your card is truly amazing, as are your favorite things. Thank you so much for sharing, always. I adore your generous and kind heart. Happy New Year. I love you to the moon and back.

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  43. I love your card, Lydia! This stamp set has LYDIA all over it...all over it!

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  44. Love your card!!!
    My share are the "Shetland" series of mystery books by Ann Cleavec

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  45. I cant wait to check out some of your favorite things - thanks for sharing. VERY generous giveaway!!! OH MY!

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  46. Wonderful way to start the New Year! Thanks

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  47. Wishing you a blessed New Year. Thank you for the chance to win. [Bunny]

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  48. I know that you listen to the true crime podcasts, and none of these fit that bill. I haven't started any of these yet myself, but they are on my list. Happy New year!!
    Freakonomics
    99% invisible
    The moment with Brian koppelman
    The dinner party download
    Throwing shade - maybe
    Call your girlfriend - maybe
    Reading lives
    You must remember this- Karina Longworth

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  49. Awesome prizes! My favorite podcast podcast from this year has to be Jen Hatmaker’s For the Love!

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  50. So fun to look through your lists of favorites! My family has always celebrated my Norwegian heritage so I grew up with the wonderful crisp and graphic images on tea towels and other decor items. I listen to books on dvd while commuting to work and am currently listening to the Pendergast series by Lincoln and Child.

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  51. I love this card! What an adorable stamp set! I will surely take the time to peruse your "favorites" lists, as soon as I get through this ginormous blog hop! Thanks for sharing!

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  52. I really enjoy reading and The Lilac Girls, Nightingale, and Orphan Train were tops for this past year.

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  53. Wow, that's very generous! One of the books I liked this year was Blink by KL Slater. Happy 2018 to you!

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  54. Favorite non fiction book? Grit! Too many fiction books I have loved to list here. Thanks for putting together such a great prize package and all of the links. Can’t wait to explore the links you have listed!

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  55. Awesome prize offered!
    My favorite book this past year is Fervent by Priscilla Shirer

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  56. Thanks for a chance to win,Happy New Year, I have never listened to a Podcast eeek.

    robcath11@gmail.com

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  57. Love the folk art feel of your card! I really enjoyed going through your non-crafty fave categories. I've definitely added some of your items to my list, including a few books! Thanks for sharing with us!

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  58. How sweet of you to share, share, share, it's a great inspiration and reminder for us all! And I just gasped over your adorable folk art card, it's so amazing and original! Thanks so much for the chance to win~!

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  59. "not a bill" - what a stamp! Um, the book that "stands out" most from my summer reads, Mischling by Affinity Konar... Happy new 365 days!

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  60. Your card is lovely! My favorite book this year is 100 Amazing Paper Animal Snowflakes by marion T. Nichols.

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  61. Happy New Year. I loved watching your video. I could not wait to see the ending product. I would so love to get the dies and that stamp set for card. Sooo many possibilities .

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  62. Favorite books----I've gotta' give the Bible the #1 slot followed by anything non-fiction. I love true crime. (I'm always trying to solve those cases.). I also like reading non-fiction books written by doctors where I usually end up bawling my eyes out by the end of the first or second chapters. Thanks for a chance to win all of these goodies. What fun things!!

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  63. Happy 2018 and thanks for the chance to win! Oh, love those colors on your card!
    My favorite podcast in 2017 is So Suzy Podcast:-)

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  64. what a great card! Love the color combo! I have 3 kids under the age of twelve so I don't have a lot of time to read (or listen to podcasts). It may be the only book I read this year was Orson Wells' "1984" which I enjoyed until I got to the end and then it was awful! I also started reading "Grapes of Wrath" but haven't gotten very far into it, yet. I do love to read, so maybe I will have to make more time for it in 2018. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  65. Hi Lydia, thanks for participating in this giveaway with such awesome prizes and for sharing your favorite things! A book I read last year that sticks in my mind was titled Charm Bracelet however I cannot remember the author. I am new to podcasts so will have to explore those a little more.

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  66. Thanks Lydia for all those great lists. Can't wait to check them out.

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  67. Have a Blessed 2018. One of my all time favorite books is one I re-read every Christmas, "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. I even got copies of 3 different movies and binge watched them on Christmas day. The favorite is the 1954 version with Sim playing Scrooge.

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  68. Hi Lydia! I'm new to your blog, but I have seen you many times on crafty chat for online card classes and I always enjoy your insight. I love that you made this card extra special by drawing inspiration from your childhood. One of my favorite books is Sarah's Key. My most enjoyed podcast of the year by far is the Do Something Beautiful podcast hosted by Leah Darrow. Each episode is an interview with someone making a special impact on the world. It's very inspirational and uplifting. Happy New Year!!

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  69. Happy Holidays, I am not a reader, at all - I think the only book I read in 2017 was The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks, and I did enjoy it. I just can't sit still long enough to read.

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  70. I love those bold colors!
    My favorite podcasts are from Living La Vida Low Carb by Jimmy Moore!

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  71. Love your Scandinavian Card! I started reading a series about vampires by I T Lucas this year and it is pretty good. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series as soon as I finish the latest one! Not very heavy reading but with the craziness of my life I like to read something light that I don’t really have to think about too much. I also love anything on true crimes and stories about local legends like the Jersey Devil, Mothman and many others! I have been known to scare myself if I read these at night when I am home alone! LOL I keep a can of aerosols disinfectant Neat my bed as protection! So if you plan to sneak into my house in the middle of the night you may want to wear a gas mask or goggles to protect your eyes!
    Thank you for the awesome posts each day and the chance to win this prize package M Happy New Year and TFS!

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  72. I always love your posts! You are so upbeat, to the point and have the best integrity! Thanks for making my life so much better. If I had to choose one thing to list as a favorite it would be cooking! I love #feedtheonesyoulove!!!

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  73. My gosh what a lot of info you have given to us in just one post! Amazing feat! I'm definitely going to try audio books while I create, as I get distracted by all the visual cues in my work area. I read daily, so it is hard for me to chose a favorite. I really enjoy crime/detective fiction, along with biographies and British and or American historical fiction. Especially Victorian era. One book I loved was not new, but vivid and memorable: Time Line by Michael Crichton.

    Oh, and I must say your sense of humor is right down my alley. I stalk you on Instagram! 😏

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  74. What a gorgeous card! I will try that technique soon. I am very basic when it cocmes to making cards, so fancy ones can intimidate me lol. My favorite book of 2017 is "Only Dead on the Inside" by James Breakwell. Check him out (IG: XpodingUnicorn) - he makes parenting so hilarious!

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  75. Puppies and kitties; what's not love. Great card. Oddly, the book I read that I loved was Salt Fat Acid Heat. Not just a cookbook, but an amazing science that has changed how I cook. Happy New Year.

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  76. I love the Scandinavian look so fun! I love following the So Suzy Podcast, always interesting and I learn something new every time! Happy New Year and thanks for the chance to win!

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  77. Wow, what a fun giveaway and thanks for the tips. Have you the read The Gentleman in Moscow?

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  78. Lydia, Thank You for your inspiring blog posts throughout the year! Wishing you all the best for the New Year!!

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  79. It is so fun stopping at all the blogs. Especially yours! Thanks for sharing all your favourite lists. My favourite books are the conflict of the ages series that I started reading this past year.

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  80. LOVE the red & blue of your card! And such cute critters. They're always a favorite for me.
    I didn't read very much this past year. I love books by David Baldacci. I am reading 'Saving Faith', which isn't new. And two of his books are on my wish list: Zero Day and The Hit.
    Hope you have a fabulous 2018! Thanks for a very generous giveaway!!

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  81. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah was my favorite book this year. Thanks for the links; will be checking them out. Happy New Year!

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  82. Wow! Just wow! Happy to come across your blog today and what an amazing bundle of goodies. Thanks for the chance to win, Happy New Year!

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  83. I am an accomplished insomniac, therefore a voracious reader. The last 3 good books of 2017 for me were......Whiskey Roses by Bradley Wright; Winter's Law by Stephen Penner; The Senator by Ken Fite.
    Happy New Year!

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  84. Thanks for the chance to win, and for sharing your ideas! I just read Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng and loved it.

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  85. My favorite books are the Janet Evonavich series. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  86. Thank you for all your wonderful work this year! My favorite podcasts are Death, Sex, and Money and 2 Dope Queens.

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  87. These look like great goodies! I already follow your blog and I'll be adding your Instagram and Youtube to my follow lists as well.

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  88. I've enjoyed your projects all year long! I really love Scandinavian mysteries, but this year, one of my favorite American cozy writers published TWO books, and it was a great read and a nice break. her name is Donna Andrews, and the book I recommend is called Gone Gull! It even takes place at a craft workshop! You'll love it! Have a wonderful 2018!

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  89. I have only read self help books this year. My podcasts are for my work as a database analyst. I love your site and the list of your favorites. I will be checking them out.

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  90. Love you card! The bright blue and red is stunning

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  91. Among the Lesser Gods by Margo Catts was my favorite book this year.

    Happy New Year!!!

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  92. Happy New Year boo!!! My favorite book of 2017 was Kevin Hart's I Can't Make This Up. It was hilarious and I will be reading it over and over again.

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  93. Love your card! I actually loved Turtles All the Way Down by John Green...took it off my daughter's bookshelf!
    Happy New Year!

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  94. I am also a podcast lover and am so happy to see your list. I know I will find some great new podcasts. I love the Concord and 9th stamps too. The set you posted with the trees is giving me many ideas, and your Scandanavian take with your stamps is something I want to try too. I see a turquoise color when I try mine. Thank you for all your recommendations. I am so happily thinking of new ways to be creative.

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  95. Happy New Year. Love your card and do want that stamp set! One of my favorite books this year was Between Shades of Gray. Interesting novel about those sent in virtual slavery to Siberia.

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  96. Love the Scandanavian design. It's clean and crisp.
    the colors are great. I read a lot of mysteries -
    some are hardcore and some are cozies. At Christmas
    time I read the Christmas romance books (never read
    romance any other time of the year). Don't know
    that I could pick out a favorite - as I'm reading
    that one is the best. thanks for sharing.
    Happy New Year
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  97. My favorite book is always the one I’m reading now. It’s light reading his time, “The Fortune Cafe” by Julie Wright. And the book I read most often is The Bible. Thanks for sharing!

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  98. any Lee Child's book - love Jack Reacher lol

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  99. Thanks for sharing your favorites and also for a chance to win that prize. Your card is gorgeous too. Happy New Year.

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  100. Such a pretty card! thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win your great give away!

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  101. That is an awesome cat set, and you've made an awesome card using them!!

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  102. I'm currently reading The Great Halifax Explosion and as I read everyday, all year, I would have to say this is my favorite. I haven't read a non- fiction book in ages and this one has such historical value. Happily New Year!

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  103. I don't listen to podcasts {I know, I know} and I read like a FIEND, so to pick out a favorite book is impossible; however, I loved 13 Reasons Why & Big Little Lies on TV {actually cable} - thanks for the lists & the fantastic prize :) StampinDiva at yahoo dot com

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  104. I grew up next to a Norwegian family as well (Twilight Zone moment)! Gyda and Olie (O-Lee). She was always baking something wonderful. They were so kind. I love this card. I'm not a book reader but I do have one reference book I depend on. Essential Oils Natural Remedies, Althea Press. Reducing my toxic burden has helped my a lot.

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  105. Like your card! that linked chain frame has been on my wish list :)

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  106. Lovely card! I loved reading "The Girl Who Drank From the Moon: by Kelly Barnhill. "A hope more powerful than the sea." by Melissa Fleming was really good, too.

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  107. Great card I been listening to programs related to my genealogy research and reading books on watercolor

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  108. I'm also a podcast addict. It all started with Serial but Undisclosed got me hooked! I'm currently listening to all episodes of Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom. If you haven't listened to season one of Accused, give it a try. It's a good one.

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  109. Thanks so much for the chance to win such a great prize!

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  110. What an adorable card! Unfortunately I can't remember one book I read last year besides the Bible. I know there were a few but nothing memorable I guess. Obviously I need to remedy that this year and do more reading!

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  111. So many great books from last year but here are two I enjoyed, Gwendys Button Box and written in my own hearts blood.

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  112. Love my cat and love your work. What a wonderful prize you are giving. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Happy New Year 2018.

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  113. Happy New Years thanks for sharing

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  114. I like the folk art look to your card. Thanks for sharing your favorites.
    slrdowney at hotmail dot com

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  115. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration! Love your creativity - I'm reading The Vacationers by Emma Straub - it's a fluffy holiday read!

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  116. I love all your work and thank you for being so generous with your talents and gifts. My favorite book this year was Make Your Bed. I am always looking for inspiration, and this was one way to find it.

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  117. I'm a Stephen King fan so i love most of his books. Cute card. I subscribed to your you tube channel.

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  118. Beautiful card Lydia, love the blue and reds and the animals! Happy New Year to you and yours, and thanks for the chance to win these goodies! Here's to a great 2018!

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  119. Thank you for sharing your talent with us! Happy New Year!

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  120. thanks so much for putting together that favorites list of things. Can’t wait to check it out!

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  121. Happy New Year! I read a few Danielle Steele books this past year.

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  122. I haven't done much reading but my son turned me onto this pod cast called Serial and I loved it. Thank you for all of the wonderful inspiration you shared this year. Happy New Year

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  123. Hi, everytime I watch you on YouTube I feel like I'm taking an art class, thanks for all your inspiration! I belong to my local library book club and my favourites from 2017 are All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer, A Man Called Ove by Fedrick Backman. Have an awesome year!

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  124. Love those cute critters! Darling card! Already a subscriber to YouTube and your blog!
    Happy New Year to all! I am enjoying this fun hop! Favorite reads... anything by Stephen King... my favorite author!

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  125. I love Mike Rowe's podcasts! He's the new Andy Rooney!!

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  126. Cute card Lydia! What is my favorite book, hard to remember as I read through about a book a week, read at night before going to sleep, mostly Christian Romance, easy reading!💜🤗🎄

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  127. You card is adorable. The blue and red are so vibrant. I dont read much. Maybe something I should do this year. I do love anything James Patterson. He really knows how to write and keep you in a book until the end. Happy New Year!!

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  128. HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I'm reading In Cold Storage!! Its a TRUE story about a couple Murders that happened around my Home Town in the 80's!! Here's to a FABULOUSLY Creative 2018!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and for the chance to WIN!!
    HUGE HUGS!! <3 <3 <3

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  129. What a great prize package! I can’t wait to go back and check out your favorite thing too!

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  130. Great card with a very unique style

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  131. I'm not a reader, other than the Bible, but thank you for the generous giveaway and Happy New Year!

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  132. I like all books by Donna vanliere. Thanks for the giveaway! Have a happy new year!!!

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  133. My favorite book from 2017 was The Queen's Poisoned. Thank you for the chance to win, and Happy New Year!

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  134. Love that card! And thank you so much for your lists of favourites! Thanks also for the chance to win!

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  135. Thank you for making a video. I so enjoy videos rather than reading directions for the steps.

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  136. Happy New Year! Thank you Lydia for all your fabulous posts! I just love your sense of humor and the blogs and the fantastic cards you make - so very inspiring! Thank you!!!!

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  137. Happy New Year 2018! Sweet card and have been your follower for years. Thanks for the chance to win this!! jordanbev5@yahoo.com
    Beverly Jordan

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  138. OMG, I truly LOVE your card!! So crisp! My 2018 goal is to make something every day.

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  139. What a great list of favorites! I too watch labels on my food for country of origin, but no worries on the honey . . . I buy local! Happy New Year and thank you for the give away!

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  140. The Scandanavian card you shared is great. Thanks for your lists of favorite "stuff." How do you get time to do all those things and still have time to stamp. I love to read also.

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  141. My favorite book this year was a re-read of Outlander. I'm a big fan!

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  142. Lydia...I love your pretty card...I have not seen that chain link die. Love it! I wish for you a happy and crafty fun 2018!!! Happy New Year!!!!

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  143. Thank you for your beautiful inspiration and the chance to win such a generous prize! Happy New Year!

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  144. I've been catching up on books by Lori Wick.Love to read right before turning out the lights

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  145. Sadly i don’t read lately and i don’t really know what is a podcast ? But since I love fountain pens, my favorites information sources are The Goulet Pen Company with their amazing YouTube channel, Stephen Brown (YouTube sbrebrown) And David Parker (YouTube channel Figboot on Pens). And your card is really great ! Thanks fo your generosity.
    [margessw (at) icloud (dot) com]

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  146. Such a great giveaway! Some of the books I read in 2017 were diverse, but one that I really enjoyed was 'The New I Do' by Susan Pease Gadova. A great book for those who are sceptical about marriage. :)

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  147. I like mystery books and have several authors I follow. Among them are Anne Perry, J. D. Robb and Sue Grafton (who passed away a few days ago). Your card is gorgeous, so crisp and clean looking. Awesome giveaway. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  148. You're right, the blue and red against the white on your card are just stunning! I enjoyed reading Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. It was a gift from a friend and an unexpected, compelling read. Happy New Year! Cheers to a fabulous 2018!

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  149. I love your card, those colours look fab together and great layout too!
    I read on the bus to work so go through about a book a week - its hard to pick a fave but The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan is definitely up there! Hated Girl on a Train!

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  150. I read The Designer. Looking forward to seeing what you create in 2018.

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  151. My favorite book I have started (actually listened to) in 2017, but didnt finish yet is “How Not to Die” by Dr. Michael Greger.

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  152. Happy New Year! My favorite book from 2017 is To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon. Love your fun card and how you masked the circle. Hope you have a blessed new year.

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  153. I enjoy your blog post and your humor. Thanks for sharing your inspiration and a chance to win. I wish you all the best in 2018.

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  154. What a sweet card! Happy new year to you and yours Lydia!

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  155. Thank you for sharing your card- I love the blue and red. I spent much of 2017 reading through my great-aunt's book collection she left me when she passed. If anyone likes historical fiction, I'm obsessed with anything by Helen Topping Miller.

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  156. HNY, Queen of blue.... Love your posts!

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  157. Happy New Year! My favorite podcasts are regarding the Green Bay Packers! Thanks for a chance to win

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  158. Lovely card.
    My favorit book was Singing Trough the Night
    I wish you all the best and a lot of inspirations in 2018.

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  159. Goodness, what a creative and generous group of people in this Season's Giving blog hop. I have followed it for 3 years now. My favorite books lean to mysteries, and my absolute favorite author would be J.Sanford. But there are 2 books I plan to read this year, "The True Jesus' by David Limbaugh, and "Let Trump Be Trump" by Corey Lewindowski. Hope your New Year is FABULOUS!!!

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  160. What a cute card. Thanks so much for sharing and wishing you a Happy New Year.

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  161. wow what a great prize and just love your cards- I read anything James Patterson
    thanks for a chance to win! Happy 2018
    Alyse D

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  162. Thank you for making us laugh and inspiring us in 2017! Here’s to even more creativity in 2018! And thanks for the generous giveaway! 🇨🇦 150

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  163. Adorable cards. Great giveaway.

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  164. My favorite books of 2017 were anything by Michael Connelly- loving the Harry Bosch stories.

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  165. Always love stopping by your blog! You really have a way with words that makes it so fun to read!

    I'm sorry to say I really didn't read much this year... I guess my favorite read would be a recipe book- I picked up Love Real Food by Kathryne Taylor this year. It's full of inspiration!

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  166. Crime town was my favorite podcast. My husband is from RI and it was all about Buddy the mayor of Providence and crime families. Very interesting. Can’t wait for the new season. Thank you for sharing your faves, and I hope you have a wonderful 2018.

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  167. Great giveaway, thank you for the chance to win! My favourite author last year was Fredrik Backman (read 3 of his books and loved all of them!) and favourite podcast was Waking Up by Sam Harris and You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney.

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  168. Love the card - bright and festive! Thanks for sharing your favorites! And thanks for the chance to win such a great prize! Happy New Year!

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  169. Such a beautiful card!!!! I can honestly say I haven't had time for reading in 2017. I did download some books to read when we went on vacation and sadly my Nook deleted them so I couldn't them.

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  170. Happy New Year! Thanks for sharing your technique video and your projects during 2017. One of my favourite books this year was actually one of my daughters' from the library – The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Thanks also for your generous giveaway package.

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  171. Happy New Year to you and bless you for the wipe suggestion as I'm also allergic to band-aid adhesives. My favorite book last year was The Bookseller by Mark Pryor. I'm a mystery lover and this is the first of a great series.

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  172. My favorite book from 2017... hmmm... That's a tricky one! LOL! I read Gone with the Wind this year...not a new book, but if you have never read it, I HIGHLY recommend it. As for newer books, I read and LOVED What the Hell Did I Just Read by David Wong. I love his books. They make me laugh. A lot.

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  173. Love your card and what a great giveaway, thanks for the chance to win. HAPPY NEW YEAR

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  174. Had the chance to re-read Persuasion by Jane Austen over the summer but I am usually so busy with card orders.

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  175. fun card, I agree, this is great stamp set. Hard question on books, I try to read about a book a week, so some favorites, anything by Nora Roberts, just finished John Grisham's new book the Rooster Bar, which is pretty good, Little Fires Everywhere, Odd Child Out and The Breakdown.

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  176. Gorgeous card, thanks for sharing and for this giveaway! Like the comment above me, I really don't have "or make" much time to read. I wish I did.

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  177. Bright and fun card Lydia. My favorite book I've read, still reading is "Lifestyle of a Watchman".
    Thank you for the video showing the making of your card.

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  178. Such an amazing prize. Happy Crafty New Year to you!

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  179. Enjoyed scrolling through your lists of faves. I've just recently become a fan of podcasts, and my favorite is On Being with Krista Tippet.

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  180. Wonderful giveaway
    and I read lots of
    romance novels.
    Happy New Year.
    Carla from Utah

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  181. I like your Scandinavian Design card !
    Thank you for the generous give-away; good luck to all of us !
    I just started to read a book by Erica James, The Dandelion Years (translated in Dutch); I think it will be a good one.
    Happy, healthy, creative New Year from Belgium.

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  182. My favorite book for 2017 was






    'Around the way girl" by Taraji P. Henson. Enjoying this blog hop--thanks for the opportunity to win a great prize.

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  183. One of my favs is the Misses Ambitious Podcast. Kiley aka Kylie in Kentucky is a handletter i follow. I am an avid reader and love anything fantasy fiction(Robin Hobb, George RR Martin) to history(Great Britain/British).

    Thank you for participating in the Blog Hop! You have curated a great collection that a newbie like myself would LOVE to win!!
    Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018!

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  184. Lovely colors you used in your Scandinavian card! I've only read a handful of books this year. My favorite was A Man called Ove. It was sweet and uplifting!

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  185. Happy New Year to you tooo.
    A wonderfull card, could almost be a Dutch design tooo.
    And a great video on how you made it and the story of the plates ;o)

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  186. Remarkable how crisp this stamp set stamps. You've captured the Scandanavian feel so well, love it! Thank you for taking the time to post all of your favorite things. I'm in awe! Such a coincidence I've been on a 12 week low carb/no sugar program. Yes, there's a lot of fake food out there! My favorite podcast is The Hot Stove (baseball). Have an amazing 2018!

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  187. Beautiful card and thank you for all of your YouTube videos.

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  188. Yes, I love how crisp your card is! Thank You for a chance to win also.

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  189. Well now I've got to Google and see what a podcast is! The only book I've read lately is Faith, Hope, and Hilarity. Its a compilations of stories from some of my favorite christian comedians/speakers!

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  190. What a great Scandinavian look!
    I read a lot - don't have a favorite, but I like mysteries - J A Jance is a favorite author, as well as anything by Maeve Binchy.

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  191. Such a cute card design! This year, I found a new author that I love. Rick Blechta, a Canadian author - I read When Hell Freezes Over and absolutely loved it! I can't wait to read more of his writing!

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  192. I love your life philosophy!! Great prize package too - thanks for the chance to win. BobbisTreasure at aol dot com

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  193. Yeay! Happy New Year! In 2018, I'm planning to stamp more and share my projects online. In 2017, my favorite book was from America's Test Kitchen (I love to cook, too!) called
    The Complete Slow Cooker. It helped me simplify in the kitchen. :)

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