Christmas Spirit!

During the time I have been "Twittering" I have met many different people who do all kinds of things. We retweet each other and do the traditional #FF thing, but recently I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know a few of my Twitter friends on a more personal basis.

First of all, after having heard so many rave reviews, I ordered the MP3 album "The Garden Within" by Richard Maddok. I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderfully relaxing music by Richard. 

Later, I had the privilege of winning a CD giveaway the Richard did. At that time, I won a hard copy of "The Garden WIthin" CD. As far as I am concerned, you can never have too many copies of this awesome CD!

Now, I am proud to announce that I was the 1st annual winner of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway on the Holiday Headquarters blog! I won over $300 in prizes! I must say that I have  been impressed by the rapid response and professionalism of the small business owners who contributed prizes to the giveaway! 

And so, in the spirit of Christmas giving and sharing, I just wanted to take a few minutes to recognize these wonderful tweeters/ small business owners whom I call my FRIENDS! 

Richard Maddock

@BalletMuzik 
http://www.richardmaddock.com/

I have to start out by saying that Richard is one of the nicest people that I know! I am sure that anyone who knows him would agree. He is also an extremely hard worker. He has put out several CDs and he works very hard to promote them. 

When I ordered the MP3 album, Richard's response was almost immediate. He thanked me repeatedly for my order and I appreciated his attention!

Then, when I won the CD giveaway, I promptly received my CD which was professionally packaged and shipped all the way from Canada! 

If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing Richard's music, I highly recommend that you pop over to his website and order his MP3 album today!

Gr8byz

@Lynnsgr8byz on Twitter

Store  at gr8byz on Etsy

I have just recently met Lynn, but in the time that I have known her I have found her to be a considerate person, a good retweeter, and a talented business owner. She makes all of her own jewelry and has many different innovative designs. You just have to see how she uses hex nuts!

The prize that she contributed to the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway was a beautiful interchangeable pendant set with matching earrings. The first thing that struck me as I took it out of the packaging is how delicate and elegant the set looks. It looked bulkier in the online photo.  

I would definitely recommend Lynn to anyone who loves jewelry or, like me, knows someone who does! 

Interchangeable set Pendant and Earrings 

Made By Tammy

@MadeByTammy on Twitter
www.madebytammy.com 

I also just recently met Tammy on Twitter. She is a regular poster who retweets always. My item from her arrived quickly and was very well packaged. I was surprised as I lifted the bracelet out of the package to feel how heavy it actually is. It is made out of quality material. It is a beautifully made bracelet.

I also must say that I really appreciated Tammy's attention to detail. She included a spice scented note card with the item and a nice drawstring jewelry bag tied with a decorative ribbon. It's the little things that mean the most!

Tammy is both talented and efficient in what she does. Definitely put her on her list of shops to buy from!

Beautiful Holly and Berries Bracelet Bracelet 

Collectible Corner

 @CollectibleCrnr on Twitter

Collectible Corner on Bonanza 

Wow, what can I say about Sarah? She's AWESOME! She is one of the first people I met when I started my Twitter adventure and she is as faithful as they come! She is always there saying something nice about someone, giving a glowing recommendation, and showing her support in any way she can! I can say without a doubt, that not a week has gone by since I have known her (except while her account was jammed up) that she shown her outstanding support of my business in one way or another. As far as Twitter friends go, Sarah's the bomb!

As for the item she contributed to the giveaway, it was a beautiful, quality set! It arrived very promptly and was very securely wrapped. She even included a nice Christmas card! 

Sarah's Bonanza store is truly unique and she has so much to choose from. She is a great business owner and an incredible friend!

Vintage Westmoreland Old Quilt 

Sugar and Creamer

North Coast Cottage

 @morninglaurie on Twitter

 North Coast Cottage on Etsy

I have enjoyed tweeting with Laurie in the short time I have known her! She is always quick to show her support through retweets and mentions. Her Etsy store North Coast Cottage is chocked full of truly striking original pieces that you would just have to see for yourself! 

The set that she contributed to the giveaway was just beautiful in real life. The photo just doesn't do it justice. The necklace is very nice and heavy and has a magnetic clasp. The color is a beautiful coral color and not as red and the picture shows. The package arrived promptly and was very secure. I'd highly recommend this seller any day!

Glowing Red MOP Necklace & Earring Set 

Cookbooks and Crafts Galore 

@redalert2010 on Twitter

Ellie Sanchez on Bonanza 

Ellie is ALWAYS on Twitter. At least it seems that way- LOL. She retweets and mentions and is always very supportive. If you are into cookbooks and crafts (especially crocheting), she's the one to go to! Her contribution to the contest giveaway was this cute-as-can- be strawberry set. It arrived fast and secure- well wrapped and taped up tight. I can see that Ellie is a very hard worker and puts a lot of effort into promoting her items!

Cuts Vintage Japan Strawberry Salt and Pepper Shakers and Jam Pot

Monet Court

@MonetCourt on Twitter

Monet Court on Ebay

Monet Court is all about antiques and vintage knickknacks. Every time I pop over to their blog or eBay store, I am surprised at the varied selection that they have. I have seen many collectible dolls and figurines available. 

These exquisite Russian nesting dolls were their contribution to the Holiday giveaway and I LOVE them! They arrived the very NEXT DAY and so carefully packaged. I appreciate that Monet Court provided the kind of service to me that I strive to provide for my own customers!

Traditional Matrioshka Maiden Russian Nesting Doll

Sew Pretty

@sandysgingham on Twitter

Sew Pretty on Etsy

Sandy is one of my new Twitter friends. As the name of her Etsy store indicates, her specialty is sewing and let me tell you- she's good at it! Just click over and check out her beautiful selection of pillow shams and decorative hand towels. The beautiful Ralph Lauren fabric that she used to make the pillow shams that I received as my gift was of a delicate floral pattern. The package arrived with lightening speed and in good order. I must compliment Sandy on this great talent of hers. I wish I had her around when I have a new pair of pants that needs to be hemmed!

Pair Custom Made Boudoir Shams

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The Happy Hippy Shack

@happyhippyshack on Twitter

The Happy Hippy Shack on Ebay

There's your power tweeters and then there's Debbi! I don't think I have ever failed to see her online promoting her items at any time of day or night. And believe me, I am on at all hours! Debbi is as nice as she is dedicated. She is one of my most supportive followers always retweeting and mentioning! 

I just love that name- Happy Hippy Shack! It just makes me want to pop over and have a look at her store. She has some really cute clothes and jewelry for you ladies who like to look a little funky! Just check out this chic set that she contributed to the giveaway! She made this from re-purposed parts from vintage jewelry. So cute!

Debbi is all business when it comes to her customers! As soon as she knew who the winner of the giveaway was, she was congratulating me and asking about how to send my gift! It arrived the very NEXT DAY! That's service! I give Debbi's Happy Hippy Shack two very groovy thumbs up!

Bohemian chic handmade long necklace 

and matching earrings. 

Girlie Gals

It's a Bling Thing 

@girliegals12 on Twitter

Girlie Gals - It's a Bling Thing on Etsy 

I must admit, I'm not an authority on "bling", but Linda sure is! Her selection of handmade jewelry on Etsy is a girly gal's dream come true! And although I may not know a lot about girly things, I do know about color use and artistry, and I can say that Linda has those down pat! 

Linda's prize in the giveaway was this well made, heavy, quality beaded bracelet. It gives a little jingle when you shake it and it looks very feminine. It arrived promptly and was well packaged. I'm glad I met Linda through this giveaway! She is a great tweeter and a knowledgeable business owner!

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Red Floral and Crystal Bracelet 

P & S Southwest Styles

@psswstyles on Twitter

P & S Southwest Styles on Ebay 

This super Twitter friend is the mastermind behind the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway and to person I have to thank for all of my wonderful prizes. With TWO twitter accounts, these guys can show DOUBLE the support and believe me they do! Always a retweet or a recommendation. As for their eBay store, they have a little of everything! Sheets, purses, toys... you name it! 

This cute Jessica Simpson purse was their contribution to the contest. It arrived so fast it made my head spin! With the tags and original packaging, it looks like it just came of the shelf of a department store! A very nice Christmas card was also included!

Thanks so much for organizing this contest! It was loads of fun!

Jessica Simpson Solid Red Maggie Clutch Handbag

I am thankful to have had the privilege to

meet these wonderful people. Merry 

Christmas to all of you!