Thursday, June 14, 2012

A Few More Stories ... A LOT More Giveaways!



Welcome back to The Open Window.

It's been such a great start to the party, hasn't it ? !
All the lovely comments you've left have been
overwhelming and so heartwarming.

Let's kick off tonight's post with some more giveaways,
shall we . . . in fact, let's do it BIG !
Nearly $100 in prizes ! ! !


A HUGE thanks to my friends over at Momenta
for providing a terrific giveaway for our party!

Momenta provide really terrific products for
scrapbookers & paper crafters with their fun lines
of designers papers & embellishments.
My friend Jamie Cripps is the Design Team Coordinator
for their team (and is my teammate over at The Twinery  : )
Make sure you check out their blog for loads of inspiration.


Isn't that a beautiful photo above ?

Early in my blogging days, I realized just how much I had come
to rely on The Open Window to be a place to share pretty
much everything . . . happy or not so much

For those of you who have been with me since the beginning,
you might recognize that sunflower.
 The sunflower was part of a beautiful garden just a few condos
down from ours.
One early morning in August, just a couple months after I
started blogging, our 'view from The Open Window' changed . . .

 
 What I continue to call 'The Road to Nowhere' invaded our space
only THIRTEEN PACES from my patio.
It was a trying time for many months and I definitely blogged about it.
You can read more about the story HERE

I wanted to share it with you because it was a time that really
stands out in my mind.  I hope you will check out the photos
I posted because the landscape that was wiped out was
quite beautiful.  It's now a concrete jungle and yes, it leads
somewhere.  To a T-junction less than 75 yards from my door.

On a much happier note . . .

I began meeting lots of fabulous people along my journey.

Do you remember the first time you signed on to your blog
to find all your followers missing ? !
For those of us who had no clue just how temperamental Blogger
can be at times, I was devastated when my first 17 followers came up
missing one day.  I found myself in the help forum frantically trying to
find out if I was the only one, to find out that I was #112,386 with
that same problem !
The good news . . . I made one of the most wonderful connection
that day.  Her name is Paulette and her beautiful blog is called Beedeebabee.
Our story can be found HERE.
We became fast friends.  She does aMAZing work.
Her blog remains HERE
She no longer blogs, but check out this beautiful pin she made for me.
I still get visits directly from her blog nearly everyday.
I love that the work of others can continue on long after they
take another creative path.  I miss her.  I think I might just send her a note.


Let's do another giveaway !


My friend Shannon is simply terrific and so
is the company she started.  Paper Made Bakery is a
monthly kit club and each kit typically includes
quality cardstocks, designer papers from leading
manufacturers, embellishments & stamps.
The kit she is giving away features stamps from the 
uber-popular Lawn Fawn Stamps.
Make sure you make a visit and check out all the fabulous
work from their design team too !

Let's do aNOTHer giveaway ! ! ! 

  
Pixie, a small princess and her pal Patton the pup...celebrate life in her magical studio where everything is not what it seems and  anything can happen. 
I hope you enjoy your stroll down the creative paths of the Studio.  Look carefully as you might find that perfect item you want, or something that you did not even know that you were looking for.


 Well . . . it's getting later than I thought it would be as I type this post to you.
I have loads on my mind to share, but think maybe it would
be best to organize some of my thoughts and collect more
photos for you for posts on Friday.

I've got one more very special giveaway for you tonight !

 
Many of you know that I have been the 
Design Team Coordinator for The Twinery for nearly
two years now and I can't speak highly enough of this
fantastic company.
Nicole {the chief of all the things twine}
has been one of the most gracious people I have ever worked for.
The company has a reputation for terrific service and our design
team is second to none when it comes to inspiration.

The Twinery is offering their mack-daddy of Sampler Packs
for a lucky winner . . .

I Dream in Twine Sampler
15 yards of all 18 colors
{retail value $32}


Before I say goodnight  . . . 

I want to leave you with one last image and the game tonight is
to see if you can tell me what the following photo refers to.
All correct answers will be a part of a random draw and four
lucky winners will win one of today's prizes!


Tomorrow, I will reveal the answer and the story that goes
along with it.

For all the details on how you can be eligible to win
giveaways from the anniversary celebration, please
click HERE and scroll to the end of the post.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to leave a note
to let me know you stopped by . . .


A BIG thank you to:
Momenta
Paper Made Bakery
Pixie Dust Studio
The Twinery



126 comments:

KelliJo said...

I have to post... it's a challenge from the Play Date Cafe!!!! :) :) :)

HAHAHAHAH!!!! OK, now I have to click to see what destroyed your BEAUTIFUL Window scene!!! :( MAN that is CLOSE!!!! :(

Sandy said...

I'm going to guess it's from Play Date Cafe. That scene outside your window isn't my favorite. I get it though... kind of. Someone built a house in my woods - right out my back door. Guess they weren't really MY woods, but geezzz... if it was their land, wouldn't you think they would want more privacy? NOPE!

Fiona said...

Hey Julie I am back to visit again. It's great to fill in some early details from before I first met you. I believe that picture is the inspiration image from the first ever challenge at The Play Date Cafe - and so fun to see these colours combined for a Halloween challenge :)

Cristine said...

That is the first ever challenge at the Play Date Cafe...and a good one at that! It's been fun joining you on this reminiscing journey. Can't wait to see what you have in store for tomorrow. :)

Kara Lynne said...

I'm really enjoying this anniversary party! It reminds me of TV shows in the 70s when one episode a year the family would sit around a table and say, "remember when," and then we would have flash backs to past episodes (I guess so the actors could all have a vacation!). My best guess is that your photo is a challenge from the Play Date Cafe, maybe the first one? Loving the stories!

Jessica Pascarella said...

The picture is one of many wonderful fun challenges from THe Play Date Cafe. It is always fun looking back at your past accomplishments! congrats!

Unknown said...

It looks like a color pallet so I'm going to say it is a PDC challenge. ;o)

Gisèle said...

Visiting for the first time:))

rlovew said...

It is the image and colors for the first play date cafe challenge back in Oct of 2009.

Kelly Sas said...

I came from the Twinery's FB post to check you out. Wow! I know I will be back again. Your work and glimpses into your life are fun! Happy 3rd blogaverserary!

Unknown said...

What a fabulous look backin time and sad look back too :( thanks so much for the chance to win som fabulous prizes from amazing businesses! The Image is from a Play Date Cafe Challenge :)

Audrey said...

Since color is involved, I will say a PDCC color challenge? And since the graphic looks pretty dated, likely the first one? I love the PDCC challenges! :)

jessica said...

Thanks for more great stories! Have to go check out what changed your backyard view!!
The picture is from Playdate cafe's color challenge dated October 2009...wowzers such a long time ago!!
Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win more fab prizes!!
Jessica
Chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com

Felicia - Scrapper in the Making said...

This looks like it might be a color challenge. Just a quick guess. Smooches... Felicia - frankleecrafts [at] gmail [dot] com

Froggietalks said...

Well, I think that the photo has two points: One is a colour challenge (PDC) and the other is that the witch is missing her broom to go out into the night sky. She's looking out the window of trees forlornly.

Thanks for the chance to win some cool stuff:)

Anita Puspa said...

wah what a big prize.. just amazed by your creation.. two thumbs up for your three years creation..

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

I agree with everyone else--it's gotta be a PDCC color story!

This is also another fun post--I remember talking to you about that road behind your patio! Someday I plan on driving down it to get to your house:) So I'm glad it's there--but I'm sad you miss out on so much nature and "peace and quite"! <3

Ashley Pearl said...

I think that the picture is from a Play Date Cafe color challenge. The sunflower picture is so beautiful, makes me really excited for summer!! Bummer about the view out your back door!

Anonymous said...

Challenge from play date cafe.
sure would be fun to win.

Suzane

*Alison* said...

WOW.. I remember that sunflower too.. such a bummer it went down for a concrete wall :( I am going to say.. it's the first color challenge, from the first ever play date cafe post ;) hugs

Moments by Marla said...

I had to go back and read your story. What a horrible thing to happen right out your open window. That is progress - in someone's eye - but of course they aren't looking at it out there window. I also went and checked out Paulette's blog. She so talented and I hope she has continued to make such beautiful items.

Denise Bryant said...

Play Date Cafe color challenge... Love Halloween images so this is right up my alley!
DeniseB

Lisa Elton said...

Well I wasn't even blogging yet, but my guess it's your first Play Date Cafe inspiration photo!

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

What a fun celebration, Julie! Am guessing that the picture is from Play Date Cafe challenge.

jengd said...

It's the first color challenge you posted over at the Play Date Cafe back on Oct. 23, 2009. And WOW! What a horrid thing to happen in what's practically your back yard!!

Kelly Sas said...

I forgot to answer your quiz! I am in agreement - this is a challenge from the first Play Date Cafe post.

Corrie said...

That is the playdate cafe challenge # 1. You have a wonderful blog and I feel so sad you lost your view

Bonnie O. said...

This is my first visit to your blog, and I think I am hooked!!

Tracy said...

That looks like a challenge from the Play Date Cafe. I'm loving your stories : )

Patty said...

My body is telling me I have been online too long today. Even with the lightening breaks. I still wanted to stop by and check on you before I go. You have had such a busy day!

I have decided that I am going to start back here tomorrow (with today's posts) and bookmark every store that has provided giveaways. That way when I need something crafty? I will know I am spending my money with people who care :-)

I also want to visit your friends too! You are going to keep me some busy :-)

Love and sweet dreams to you! Patty

Kimberly said...

Oh my...great giveaways...this image from the first ever challenge at The Play Date Cafe,thanks for the chance to win...

Amy Kolling said...

Of course it's your Play Date Cafe challenge! Enjoying your trip down memory lane!

My Paper Epiphany said...

Another great post Julie. I do feel so sorry for you about the loss of your beautiful view -that would be so devastating!! I remember when our neighbours cut down the trees in their backyard - we lost our lovely shady backyard and I didn't sit out there at all the 1st summer!
The picture is your 1st pdcc - great colours too.

RSM said...

Boy, do you pack a lot into 3 years! Congratulations, Julie Ranae -- you are such an inspiration! XOXO

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

im going with the halloween paper playdate cafe challenge love that little witch!

Kaylee Snyder said...

Looks like a Play Date Cafe Challenge-and a fun one at that.

Sugarlips said...

A challenge from playdate cafe.

I would be so sad if I lost all my tranquility. The sunflowers were so pretty. :)

cin2273 said...

I would love to win. Thank You

Unknown said...

It is the the play date cafe creative challenge #1 by Julie
It was the exciting beginning .

Jessica Buffa said...

Wonderful stories and happy to hop around to see the fun friendships you have encountered and the not so fun bulldozers.
The image: #1 at PDCC
:O)
Jessica S

Unknown said...

It is the the play date cafe creative challenge #1 by Julie
It was the exciting beginning .

Anonymous said...

Looks like a challenge for PDC!

K.C. and Sally said...

I have a sneaking feeling that image is from a Play Date Cafe Challenge (maybe the first one)! Such a fun way to celbrate your aniversary...and all the accomplisments that come with it!!

Diana Maldonado said...

Love your post and to get to know more about you Julie!!!

The photo is from the PDC challenge #1, october, 2009!! thanks for the chance to win!!

Love,
Diana

Ceal said...

I'm guessing The Play Date Cafe'

Unknown said...

It's the first challenge from the Play DAte Cafe- and you chose this first challenge. How fun to learn more about your journey!

Unknown said...

would love the chance to win...the picture was for the color challenge ;)

Romaine said...

I have to admit...I don't actually know....or I did. It until I read the other comments. It would not be fair for me to answer! What a cute image though!
It is always disappointing to have a view that you think of as "yours", only to have the "real" owners develop it! I felt that way about a piece of property on our road when the owners built on it. I had no idea it was a lot. I thought it was still a part of one of the neighbour's yards.

okienurse said...

gotta go with everyone else...challenge from Play Date Cafe. Love all the photos!

Christine said...

Wo, you have met a lot of people in your last three years and I guess that there will be many more to hear about. Love your sponsors for today! All such fabulous companies. The image refers to the very first Play Date Cafe challenge. So glad have learned about PDC. I am looking forward to entering some of the current challenges. Try to get some rest!
xoxo, Christine

Venus and Luanne @ Sisters Craft Cafe said...

hmm from the photo it's a color challenge. But well I've seen everyone's comments. I've been to The Play Date Cafe but never ever been played in a color challenge. I guess my supplies just lack the colors to follow. :) Photo is TPDC first challenge.

Luanne Pang

Makalah said...

Aww, I love sunflowers! How sad!

it's way too early for Halloween colors, but yay for Play Date Cafe anyway!

Jennifer said...

I would also say the color palette is fom a PDCC challenge.

What a remarkable 3 years! Sorry you lost such a sweet view. It must have been devestating! 3 years ago on that day my sweet little Sophie was 10 days old. Man how time flies!

Emily H said...

Wow! It was fun reading the stories! Thanks for sharing. The picture is from Play Date Cafe color challenge. :)

KathyW said...

Hi! I'm a first time visitor sent by the Twinery. It looks like I have a lot more blogs to check out. Congrats on 3 years!

Becky G said...

Congratulations on your blogging journey. Love the story about how your blog got its name! You had an awesome view to begin with. So sad thay took it away!
As for the photo.....I'm gonna have to go with what everyone else is saying and say the first color challenge at The Play Date Cafe!

-) Becky G

StefanieH said...

The picture is from a Play Date Cafe color challenge. great prize :)

StefanieH

Lyndal said...

56 people can't all be wrong, so I think I'm safe in guessing this would be the first PDC Challenge palette!!!

P.S. We moved before they bought in the bulldozers to dig up our backyard. Sunflowers get the thumbs up any day :)

Mandi Roth said...

Can't wait to hear more... Thanks for the giveaway also! :)

Helen said...

I do remember your Road to Nowhere... love that poor sunflower!
So, the picture is from a Play Date Cafe theme...
Wishing you Happy Blogging for many years to come.

Suze said...

Play Date Cafe Challenge #1. These challenges look like fun and I like the look of the current colours. Hopefully, I have enough time to get a card in for it.

Sandra said...

Playdate Cafe challenge?

Sassy said...

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009

Welcome to The Play Date Cafe Challenge #1

I love sunflowers - one of my favorites. They are so beautiful - just like a sunny face. WHOA! Close!

Unknown said...

That sunflower is amazing!! LOL And outside your patio. yikes!! that is so awful! that is from the Play Date Cafe.. can't wait to hear more :)

onescrappychick said...

Challenge number 1 from the Play Date Cafe. Love sunflowers also and so sad you lost your great view.

Miriam Prantner said...

Play Date Cafe! One of the very first challenges I ever participated in....I was so overwhelmed, and a little unsure of myself when I first started creating cards, but I LOVED that in the instructions it says that the challenge is for players of all levels.

Anonymous said...

Well I am a new follower to your blog. I found you through the twinery blog. The image appears to be for a color challenge and according to everyone else it came from the play date cafe. I have not participated in their challenges but will be checking them out. Thanks for the wonderful post and it is a shame about your beautiful view :0(

julie e said...

The picture is a play date cafe challenge - thanks for sharing your stories.

Lizscraps said...

Missed this post as headed to bed..the road to nowhere :( as well all the other neighbors have that same dismal view as well.. the Halloween jpg proably was one of your first Play Date Cafe color schemes I am guessing... fun info in your posts, look forward to reading them today as well :)

Nancy said...

Depending sole;y on the answers of others: from the Play Date Cafe challenge????

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

Shendy said...

The picture was from the first Play Date Cafe challenge. Thanks for the chance to win. I am enjoying your blog!

Melissa said...

I found it! (With a little help from your friends!) The image is your first challenge at The Play Date Cafe. I'm so glad I was introduced to your blog, you're so very talented. I'm checking out all of the blogs and companies you've mentioned, I may have a hard time doing anything else today!

Julie Shearer said...

The Play Date Cafe challenge. Happy Blog Birthday !! I love it here !!

Anita Braddock said...

Wow what Beautiful Image very special from the Play Date cafe challenge. thanks for putting on this Game and for the chance to win. Love all the Stories and Memories.
abbraddock@msn.com

Sarah Anderson said...

it's so, so bad that you lost such a beautiful view, and gained a concrete monstrosity just outside of your window!

April said...

It's so cool getting to know more about you...what a fun celebration! I'll admit I had no idea what the picture referred to (I'm new!!), but since everyone else seems to, I'll go with them and say it's a challenge at Play Date Cafe! I hope that doesn't disqualify me...at least you know I'm honest, lol! ;)
- April

Samantha Taylor said...

Fun post! I'm guessing it's about the Play Date Cafe.

Margie said...

LOL- I have to say that it is the first challenge from the Play Date Cafe (although, I wasn't sure till I read everyone else's comments!).Thanks for a chance to win some awesome prizes!

Jennifer Scull said...

since I am a newbie here, I am really going out on the proverbial limb here with my gues.....
perhaps it is the first challenge that you hosted on your own?
have a wonderful day!

Jamie Lane Designs said...

I would say that image is from Play Date Cafe!

Cyndee K. said...

The picture is a challenge from the Play Date Cafe!

Annette Allen said...

such a fun post...i love all the amazing people you have met along the way...thanks for sharing...

this photo reminds me of PDCC...

Lin said...

Another fun post today, Julie! I went to look, and that is from your very first Play Date Cafe Challenge on October 22, 2009! That's about the same time that I started my blog! Time flies when we're havin' fun, huh?

Pattie said...

Oh that is definitely from The Play Date Cafe color challenges. Have a great day!

Ruby Taylor said...

The first challenge from the Play Date Cafe....a color challenge!

Tami Grandi said...

my guess is a Play Date Cafe challenge- I love to check out the color combos and play along when inspired!

Viji Siddharth said...

Isn't the crafting community wonderful? I have made some great friends along the way. Everyday we learn something new from eachother. It is a blessing!

The picture is from a play date cafe challenge. Thanks for entering me.

Meagan Vaughn said...

My guess which is all it is would be a Play Date Cafe challenge :p Thanks for all that you share! Great Giveaway today.

Jingle said...

I bet that is the first challenge you did on your blog! :-)

Stephenie said...

I do not know if I can have a chance at these fab prizes because I cheated!! I checked everyone's answer, but I did go to the Play Date Cafe blog and found the picture on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 to verify it.

Jessica Fitzgerald (aka MommaJess) said...

I would assume it is a Play Date Cafe challenge that happened at Halloweentime. Fingers crossed that I am right.

Raimi said...

Play date Cafe Challenge :-)!

Rozy said...

Well, I found that...The Play Date Cafe's very first Challenge! But much more importantly...you just introduced me to the Play Date Cafe! What a neat site! I need to go get a cup of coffee and spend a few fun hours over there going through a lot of great blogging! Thanks!

Marcy said...

The image is from PDC. Thanks so much for sharing your stories and a chance to win one of the awesome prizes.

Karen B. said...

Oh that's definitely a Play Date Cafe Color Challenge, and I believe it is the very first?! Love that challenge and so glad you started it. Many things change in our lives, some good and some bad. Glad to hear that you were able to still be happy after your view changed.

Lindsey said...

Talk about some terrific prizes! And that one photo makes me think you were living near Arthur Dent. :D And I do believe that must be an early Play Date Café challenge graphic!

Jennie said...

Beautiful post Julie and thinking the pic if from the Play Date Cafe Challenge blog.

Anonymous said...

I'm not going to guess because it would be like cheating since many people had the same answer. However, as a Halloween fanatic, I have to say I live that image!

Unknown said...

Since I just found your blog have to say I scrolled the comments for the answer--although it did look like a challenge post just was not sure where from, from the answers given then searched by keyword and found that very first challenge post at play date cafe -- great idea and card.

Angi Barrs said...

I agree...I think it's from the PDCC challenge. Love that gorgeous sunflower! :)

Andrea Murdock said...

looks like a PDCC to me! love their inspiration!!!

Tana said...

I think it is your very first Halloween challenge over at the PDC!

Tonya said...

Paulette's pin is gorgeous! I am sure you were thrilled to receive it.

Play Date Cafe Challenge.

Lisa Arana said...

I know a PDCC challenge when I see one. Ha. What a fabulous look back again. I still use PDCC as one of my go to challenges when I'm in a mojo bind.

tearyeyedstars said...

This is from the first challenge from play date cafe!

Donna said...

It's so much fun to be reminded of how blogging has changed our lives. And the people that I've met along the way have really made a difference. It sounds like you have had the same experience. The picture looks like a challenge, definitely a color challenge and a theme challenge too. Thanks for all the great giveaways!

Caroline said...

Thanks for sharing all this with us...

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

Wow, talk about some serious goodies.

Mrs. Brown said...

Oh sorry about all the beautiful landscape being wiped out! I am sure that isn't much to look at now!

Hang in there! Congrats on 3 years!

kellybrown28021@gmail.com

Chriss America Real said...

Hi Julie,

My guess is the Playdate Cafe.

I have had two tramatic events in my life that like you. The first was when I was a child, the woods across the street that I had played in all my life were torn down and a shopping center was built there. The second was in the house I live in now. We had woods behind us. My children grew up exploring those woods, they wood play "flash-light" tag in them at night. One day they just came and started chopping down all the trees to build houses....it is so sad! Can you post a picture of what it looks like outside your window now?

Hugs,

Chriss
america57@comcast.net
www.chrissandlou.blogspot.com

nancyparker55 said...

I wasn't really sure, but from the above comments I gather it has something to do with PDCC.

Veronica Z said...

One of my favorite challenges, PDC! I feel sad that such a beautiful view turned into concrete and asphalt. I live in the country so luckily not much has changed in 30 years. (I live in the town I grew up in.)

Patty or Grandma Patty Ann said...

Today is my day off of my blog and I hope I can catch up on your giveaway :-) Time sure can get away from us so quickly when you are having fun! It is hard to believe that this is day four already! I am enjoying your work and most of your memories. Not the earth moving ones :-) Love, Patty (MUICH) or Grandma Patty Ann I finally realized I was signing these 'Patty' as if everyone should know me LOL!!

Patty or Grandma Patty Ann said...

:-) Play date cafe is brand new to me. Maybe some day I will be brave enough to participate :-)

arlsmom aka Lynda said...

Fabulous giveaways on your blog...so happy to now know about and am following a bunch of new creative inspiration spots!!

SandiB said...

Since I am new to your blog and based on the previous answers I will say Play Date Cafe. I also cannot believe they did not give you any kind of notice before plowing through the sunflower garden and those beautiful trees. How sad it must have been for you and your neighbors.

dawnmercedes said...

Playdate Cafe...and what interesting stories you tell! :)

Sue D said...

From reading the other comments I visited The Play Date Cafe and found it was the very first challenge back in Oct of 2009.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Michelle said...

Playdate care challenge? I'm looking forward to playing along and reading more on your blog!

Tammy V said...

I'm joining you from the deep woods & barely have a signal. Play date cafe's 1st challenge. I know how much passion you have/ had for it.

Karenladd said...

First of all let me say that this graphic is just gorgeous! It is also obviously a color challenge from the Play Date cafe!

Houses Built of Cards said...

Definitely looks like I'm not the only person to think so - but the minute I saw that picture I figured it was from the Playdate Cafe Challenge! One of my very FAV challenge blogs!!!

housesbuiltofcards@gmail.com
www.housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com

Jackie said...

Play date cafe ;) I remember you posting about some destorying your view from your window...some people just don't understand!

SHartl said...

Oh gosh, that story about the Road to Nowhere just broke my heart! I can imagine how awful it must have been while they were constructing it and now it must be a constant reminder of what is now gone.
As for that game question, I know that it was for the first challenge on the Play Date Cafe, but I still hope I can get entered for the draw!

Amy C said...

The image is from PDCC for sure!! Love playing along. So sorry to hear about your destroyed view. They wanted to tear out our front yard a few years ago to build a highway, but thankfully it all fell through and we still have a front yard.

Alicia said...

Oh that in is to die for. <3 it! And lucky you. :)