Swap Reminders

Happy Monday, Ladies. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

We hope that everyone has receive their packages and has had fun getting to know their partner. If, heaven forbid, anyone has NOT received a package, please drop the Goodness Girls an email at sweetgoodnessswaps@hotmail.com so we can make it a good experience for you.

Also, we have a Flick'r group set up at http://www.flickr.com/groups/sparklingwinterwhiteswap/. Don't forget to check out the goodies and post your pictures as well.

Thanks for a great swap! We hope everyone enjoyed the theme this time. Be sure to sign up for email announcements for our swaps so you can know about our NEXT swap!

The Goodness Girls

Flickr group!

Hello Swappers!
We hope that by now most of you are anxiously awaiting or have received your swap packages! We've created a Flickr group where you can show off pictures of the items you sent or received. Come join us!

Sparkling Winter White Mailing Day

Hello Swappers -

Just a friendly reminder that Friday, December 11th is mail out day for the Sparkling Winter White Swap.

Don't forget to let your partner know that you have mailed your package. If for some reason, you will be mailing late - please let your partner know that as well.

We will be setting up a Flick'r group so everyone can share their goodies. We are excited to see all the creative ways that everyone expressed the theme and color combinations.

We had fun - hope you did too!

The Goodness GirlsPS Heaven forbid, if anyone is having problems with their partner, please drop us an email at sweetgoodnessswaps@hotmail.com.

Swap angel needed...

It looks like we may be in need of a swap angel...if you're interested, please email ASAP to sweetgoodnessswaps@hotmail.com!

Sparkling Winter White Swap Button

Here is a swap button for you to use on your blogs to share the Sweet Goodness Swap love!


Hope all the swappy communication is going great - if not - let us know!

The Goodness Girls

Shara

*Feeling quite happy with herself for making her first button! :)

Swap Partner Info and Blog Listings

Hello Swappers! All the parter info was sent out this weekend. If you have not received your email, please check you JUNK box and if you still don't have it - let us know. All partners are listed below. Please be sure to visit our fellow swappers lovely blogs .

Kersten C.
Altered Gypsy
CHRISTINE N.
INSPIRED


Liz M.
Scrapilicious Life
Jennifer M.
Our Snapshot Life



Melanie L.
Mel's Crazy World

Dara S.
Deetle's Bird



Michelle C.
Mama's Journal
Cassie S.
Gifts For Nonnie



Nanci H
none
Julia C
none



Rachel K
Chippy Cottage Charm House
Ann T
Keepin Up With The Tatums



Raesha d
My Love
Emily R
Jaybird and Me



Rebecca R
Thrifty Goodness
em R
10000 beads



Robyn H
Happy House of Haas
Patty L
none


Sally S
none
Wendy K
The Corvidarium



Shawnee H
Shawnee's Tangled Tales
Jenny S
The Red Bulletin Board



Sue D
Bountiful Acres
Catie
Catiean & Co.



Susan G
Days Too Short
Carol C
Sassafras and Lulu


Tammy R
Home in Virginia
Monica V
Ruby Begonia's



Tammy S
Let's Slip Away
Jenn H
Mysteries of the Juniper



Whitney D
Pink and Green Pup
Ali H
Wilasway



Ashley C
Life is Beautiful
Jane L
Out of the Crayon Box



Andrea O
none
Aimee S
m-verdi



Erica V
none
Angela C
no blog


Charlene R
none
Amanda N
no blog


Genevieve O
none
Gretchen B
no blog


Mary K
Vintage Patina
Shara S
monkeybox



Theresa F
no blog
Kelly W
Java's Whimsy



Julie M
none
Laurie T
luluanddaisy



Kelly K
none
Heidi G
Vacuuming in High Heels

Swap is ON, Not Hibernating

In case you received an update saying the Goodness Girls were hibernating, well, we aren't! Not sure how or why that post got re-posted since it was over a year old. Ah, the joys of computers and Internet!

As for the Sparkling Winter White Swap - all partners will be notified by Monday morning. Then you can "Get Your Sparkle ON"!

SWAP is CLOSED

The Sparkling Winter White Swap is CLOSED.

Thank you for the great response!

The Goodness Girls are pairing up the swap partners and will be emailing everyone as soon as possible.

Stay tuned for crafty inspiration, Flick'r groups and much much more!

The Goodness Girls

Sparkling Winter White Swap is NOW OPEN!

This swap is all about Winter.

Winter White.

Sparkling Winter White.

Have you ever looked out your window at night after a snowfall? The moon glistens off the snow and the icicles gleam. It is truly magical.

That is what this swap will represent. The colors of a freshly fallen snow - white, silver and clear. Think snow, icicles, frost and snowflakes. Think white material, silver glitter, crystal drops. White chocolate, silver sprinkles, sugar. Snowmen, moonlight, ice covered branches. Use your imagination!

As always, Sweet Goodness Swaps require that you include one thrifted/vintage item, one handmade item and one sweet treat in your swap. Price limit is $20.00 not including shipping. Of course you can always do more, but please do these three things. Make sure you get to know your partner. Read their blog. If they don’t have a blog, ask questions! There is a questionaire at the end of this post that will help us partner you with someone with similar tastes and styles.

Partners will be assigned as soon as the limit of 50 participants is reached. Mail out date will be December 11th. That will give everyone a chance to handle their swap responsibilities before the real hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season begins. Please, if you commit to a swap, follow through. If you cannot mail on time, please let your partner know as well as the Goodness Girls. If, for some reason, you cannot follow through on your commitment, please email the Goodness Girls as soon as possible so that other arrangements can be made for your partner.

Edited to Add: ***Sorry, only open to USA and Canada at this time.

To sign up: Please send an email to: sweetgoodnessswaps@hotmail.com with the following information:

Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Blog address or website:

What are your hobbies?

What is your favorite thing about Winter?

Do you have any allergies? (Scents, foods)

Do you collect anything?

What Winter Holidays do you celebrate?

What is your decorating Style? (Modern, vintage, country, primitive, etc.)

You MUST send all of this information in your email in order to be accepted in this swap. An “I’m IN” email isn’t enough - we need more information so that we can partner up like people to ensure a fun fabulous swap for everyone!

What are you waiting for? Sign up NOW! It's going to be fun!



*The Goodness Girls
sweetgoodnessswaps@hotmail.com

Rebecca, Heidi, Shara, Jodi and Leigh Ann

Swap Open Monday November 9th

Sparkling Winter White Swap

The newest Sweet Goodness Swap will be open for sign ups on Monday!

Icicles, Freshly Fallen Snow, Moonlight, Frost

All things Winter.

All things white, silver and clear.

Details on Monday!

See you then!

Swapping Etiquette - Wrapping Packages

Have you ever sent a lovely box full of wrapped goodness, only to receive a box of things thrown into a box? Well, that's no fun. Or maybe you are new to the swapping world and you received a box of goodness all wrapped up in tissue paper, wrapping paper and ribbon and just sent yours in a box.

Although there are no set rules in the world of swapping, there are a few guidelines. First, follow the set theme. Second make your box reflect the taste of the person you are sending it to - not necessarily your taste. Third, make your package fun to look at and fun to open. That's the focus of this post today.

Let's pretend that the photos in this post are for a "Pink Vintage" Swap. By reading through your partner's blog you see that they collect vintage birthday items, pottery and tablecloths so those are the main things you find to send them (along with more goodies to round out the set price limit).

"Oh, what's this on my doorstep? Oh! My swap package is here!"

"What's this? Plastic bags?"

" A jumble of stuff?"

The items look good. But, they could look much better.

Let's try that again.... with a few ideas to make your package *POP*!

"What's that on my doorstep? Oh! it must be my swap package!"

Pink tissue paper, a card to the recipient and a calling card from the sender.

Under the first layer of tissue paper - a taste of what's to come - pretty pink doily's, a pink horse show ribbon and a sweet pink bird.

Under that layer of tissue paper - lots of goodness all wrapped and specially packaged.

It's like Christmas! Lots of presents to open. You know, they are presents. Even though you are "swapping" you are really sending presents to the other person.

Make it fun to receive!

A sweet pink gift bag that fits the theme, filled with pink tissue paper and a sweet pink vintage doll peeking out of the wrapping.

The tablecloth is too lovely to wrap - so how about a tulle bag or just a ribbon around it?

A small pink Chinese take out inspired box with a "Happy Birthday" pick attached and a vintage Birthday Candle box.

Inside the container - pink cupcake picks, pink cupcake liners and pink ballerina cupcake toppers.

A prettily wrapped package could contain anything. If your partner collects blue aprons, send a vintage blue apron, but wrap it in pink so that it fits the theme.

Some wrapping is for looks, others are for protection.

Why not make it for both?

Inside the pink tissue paper, a vintage pinkish vase - a sweet vintage pink floral pin attached to the outside.
The end result is the same items. But, having them arrive in a well wrapped box, and having each item wrapped certainly makes it more fun to receive.

Use your imagination. Find items that can be used as gifts, but als0 as fun packaging. You can place a small fragile gift inside a oven mitt, or fill a vintage tin with ephemera items. The goal should be to make your package lovely to look at and lovely to open.

But, don't stress - HAVE FUN putting your package together and look forward to receiving your swap!

Sweet Goodness Swap - Coming Soon!

There's a new swap in the making. Swap will be announced the first week of November. Be sure to become a follower of SGS to get updates. This swap will be a fun one with lots of room for creativity and ingenuity. Put your thinking caps on!

Leading up to the swap reveal, we will post a number of tutorials on swapping. If you are a new to the swapping world, these tutorials will help you learn the secrets of successful swapping.

*How to wrap items and packages in a fun creative way.

*How to handle should you need an extension or cannot fulfill your swap.

*Ideas for low cost swap extras.

Don't forget to check back in for the tutorials and for the BIG REVEAL on our newest Swap.

Don't get left out in the COLD. (hint*hint*)

Swap Questionnaire reminder

Good Friday morning, Swappers! :)

We hope you had a fun July 4th holiday weekend and were able to enjoy some of the treasures you received from your swap partners. Now that things have calmed down a bit, we hope you'll consider filling out and emailing us your answers to the Post Swap Questionnaire. (You'll find the questions in the post just below this one.) We've already received some responses and they've been very helpful to us as swap organizers so that we know what we can do to help our swappers send & receive the best packages possible. We definitely want to know what we can do to educate our swappers and improve our swaps, and we'd love to have more responses--so keep them coming!

Also, (and we hate to have to include this part) if there is anyone out there who hasn't yet received a swap package, please email us ASAP! If for some reason you haven't sent your swap package--contact your partner IMMEDIATELY and let them know what's going on! We truly hate for any of our swappers to have a bad experience in one of our swaps.

For everyone else, thanks so much for participating in our swap! Be sure to pop over to the Flickr group and see all the fun and creative ways our participants interpreted the theme--we know you'll be inspired! And send us those post-swap surveys!

Post Swap Questionaire

Hello all you Red, White and Blue Swappers. By now, we hope that everyone has received their packages (and sent, of course) and are enjoying all their goodies.

Anyone that has doen more than a few swaps can tell you that swapping is fun. It's fun to put things together, to get to know your partner and to get a box of goodies in the mail. But, for every few awesome fantastic boxes you get, there's the one that is so-so, or not so good. I've had a few arrive (not from SWG) that went straight to the donate bin or the trash bin. Those swaps just make you sad. ;o( And, no one likes to be sad.

The Goodness Girls want to know how your swap experience has been. We'd love for you to answer these questions about your experience, your partner and how you feel about Sweet Goodness Swaps. All answers will be held in confidence. If you were pleased, let us know. But, just the same, if you were not pleased for any reason (please specify) we would like to know that too.

Here goes....

Your name:_____________________________

1. Did you receive your package in a timely manner? If not, did your partner let you know it would not be on time?

2. Do you think the package you received was put together with thought to your likes and the theme itself?

3. Were your packages wrapped and fun to see when you opened the box?

4. Did you like most of what you received? Do you think you received equal to what you sent?

5. Did you receive items that were true to the theme? (Red, white, blue and Americana)

6. Did you receive anything that let you know that your partner specifically sent it FOR YOU - (something you collect, a certain crafting item you like or your favorite candy...)

7. How would you rate your parter and the box you received?

1...............................................................5..............................................................10
Terrible Good Yippppeeeee!


8. Did the Goodness Girls answer your emails and questions in a timely manner?

9. Will you return to SWS for our next swap?

10. Any additional comments? We'd love to hear them!


Please cut and paste these questions into an email and send them to hurrahswap2009@hotmail.com .

We look forward to hearing from you!

**And, if you haven't already, please visit the link to our Flick'r page and post what you received and check out the goodies that everyone else sent and received. There is a lot of red, white and blue creativeness over there!

Don't forget to join our Flickr group!

I'm starting to see evidence on blogs that Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue swap packages are finding their way to their delighted recipients and wanted to just remind you to join our swap Flickr group to share your photos! We all love to see the creative ways in which the theme was interpreted and the fun things you made and found to send each other! There's a quick link over to the right side (it's the second one down, right below the button code box) that will take you right to the Flickr group so you can join and upload your photos. We can't wait to see them!

Crafting Inspiration from Country Living magazine

Hello Swappers! We hope you're making progress on your projects for your swap partners. Remember that the mail-out deadline is just a few days away, on Friday June 19!

In case you're still stumped for something fun to make, here's some vintage-style 4th of July crafting inspiration from one of my favorite sources, Country Living magazine!

These cute projects were featured in the July 2007 issue and were designed by Melissa Neufeld. Here's my version of the crepe paper rosette banner that was featured:There are several different projects featured in the article (but beware--the instructions are vague or missing entirely). There's even a page with links to several vintage patriotic postcards that you can print out for use in your own crafting.

As always, please feel free to email us if you have any concerns. If by chance there are any of you who still haven't heard from your partners, please email us ASAP!

Happy Crafting!
Heidi

One more swapper needed!--GOT ONE! THANKS!

Update: Another swapper signed up! Thanks so much!

Did you hope to sign up for the Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue swap but miss your chance? We are in need of ONE MORE SWAPPER! If you are interested, please respond immediately to the swap email at hurrahswap2009 AT hotmail DOT com!

To those of you who are currently signed up for the swap, if you are interested in having more than one partner, you can email us as well! (This means you would send 2 packages and receive 2 packages).

Thanks!

Helpful links for new swappers

We always have a mix of new and seasoned swappers sign up for our swaps, and this one is no exception! If you're new to Sweet Goodness Swaps and want to get an idea of what kind of packages people usually send and receive, we've created a feature in the sidebar over to the right that has links to all the Flickr groups for our past swaps. We hope this will be helpful in giving you an idea of what an appropriate swap package looks like so you're not worried about doing too much or too little.

Also, don't forget to sign up for the Flickr group for this swap! Click on the image in the second sidebar feature to be taken directly to the group so you can join!

Swap button up for grabs!

Hello Sweet Goodness Swappers! We hope you've all been in touch with your partners and are starting to get excited about creating a great package for them. Remember, if you haven't been able to get in touch with your partner by the end of this week, please let us know ASAP by sending an email to hurrahswap2009@hotmail.com. This swap window is a bit shorter than most of our others so we don't want you to waste any time!

We've created a swap button that you can put on your blog sidebar; you can see it over in the sidebar to the right -------> The code is right below it to install on your blog.

Here are instructions on how to install the button to a Blogger blog (Typepad or Wordpress users, I'm sorry but you're on your own!):

1. Open your blog and go to where it says "Customize" to get to the Add and Arrange Page Elements page. Click on "Add a Gadget" in the sidebar. Choose "HTML/JavaScript."

2. Copy the code in the box from the Sweet Goodness blog (that little box right below the swap button). Paste it into the "Content" box in your HTML/JavaScript window. You can choose to title it or not. Save to exit the window.

3. Save the changes to your blog and check out your new button! When you click on the swap button it should bring you here to the swap blog.

Red, White & Blue - It's All About YOU!

It's always helpful to know a bit about your partner when swapping. If your partner has a blog, that really helps. But, if your partner doesn't - well, then that makes it more difficult.

Here are a few questions you might want to answer and see the answers from your partner.

1. What is your decorating style? Vintage, glittery, old fashioned? Clean, bright and modern? Eclectic? Other?

2. Do you have any allergies? Scents? Foods?

3. Do you like to decorate certain areas for the 4th? Your house, hour patio, your porch, your garden, etc.

4. What are your hobbies? Crafting, reading, movies, thrifting, spelunking?

5. What sort of crafts do you enjoy? What sort of crafts don't you do?

6. What are your 4th of July traditions? Picnics, parades, boating, etc?

7. Do you have children? If so, how many and what are their ages?

8. Are you a cook? A baker? A Take-Out Queen?

9. What is your favorite scent? Least favorite?

10. What is your favorite sweet treat? (Chocolate melts this time of year...)

This is just a suggestion of questions. You don't have to answer them on your blog - just let your partner know your answers if you want. It will help you send a better swap and receive a better swap too!

Happy swapping,
Shara
*The Newest Goodness Girl*
Thanks girls!

Inspiration!

And the swap is on!! Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue Sweet Goodness Swaps!


Partner emails are going out, please let us know if you don't receive your partner info ASAP!
Remember everyone who is joining along with us in our newest summer swap that Goodness Rules here at Sweet Goodness Swaps. We ask that you communicate with your partner, get to know her, and keep to the swap rules as far as contents, shipping times, and theme of the swap. Please join our flickr pool, located at the right of the blog sidebar. Use the group to share pics of your package received and sent so we all can ooohhh and ahhhh at all the Red White and Blue Goodness that will soon be traveling from coast to coast!!


Cheers!

The Goodness Girls!

Welcome, Shara!

The Goodness Girls are proud to announce the newest member to our "staff" - Shara!

If you haven't visited Shara's blog, Monkey Box, you are missing out! Shara is a wonderful writer, an incredible thrifter and a marvelous crafter. We are so happy she has agreed to give us a hand here at SGS. With Shara on board we'll be able to open our swaps to larger groups and have one more creative mind to come up with fun swap ideas.

Welcome, Shara!

***************

Spots are filling up FAST for the Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue Swap! Send an email with your name and blog address (or other web page if you have one) to hurrahswap2009@hotmail.com. Sign ups end tomorrow!!!

Fondly,
The Goodness Girls

Rebecca, Heidi, Leigh Ann, Lucy and SHARA!

Swap sign-up is now OPEN!

Good morning, Swappers! Hope you all had an enjoyable holiday weekend!

Sign-up for the Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue Swap is now OPEN!

RULES: Please send your partner a package with at least one handmade item, one thrifted/second hand/vintage item and one sweet treat. Items should be in a red, white and blue and Americana theme.

You may include other items as you see fit but please try to stay in the price range of under $20 not including shipping.

SIGN UP BY: Friday, May 29 - HURRY!

Please note: This swap is limited to the first 50 people. Swap sign-up will close when we reach 50 participants or on May 29th, whichever comes first. Swaps fill up quick, so don't delay! Please remember this swap is open to US residents only.

SEND OUT BY: Friday, June 19th to allow everyone to receive their goodies before the July 4th holiday.


TO SIGN UP: Send us an email at hurrahswap2009@hotmail.com with your name and a link to your blog, webpage or etsy shop if you have one.

Please remember that if you sign up for the swap you are making a commitment to follow it through to the end! If for some reason you will be late or are unable to finish the swap please send us an email at hurrahswap2009@hotmail.com.

Cheers,

Rebecca, Lucy, Heidi, & Leigh Ann

The Goodness Girls

Hello, Sweet Goodness Swappers! It's that time again--time for another fabulous Sweet Goodness Swap!

Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue!

Swap guidelines: Send your partner a package of goodies celebrating everything Americana with a red, white and blue theme! Package should include: one handmade item, one thrifted item, and one craft supply. Please keep your packages to $20, not including shipping. Mail-out deadline is Friday, June 19 to allow us to get our packages before July 4th. Due to the nature of this swap, this one is open to USA residents only--international folks, we'll catch you on the next swap!

Swap sign-ups begin Tuesday, May 26!

Swap is open to the first 50 people who sign up. Check back on Tuesday for the email address you'll use to sign up!

From Sea to Shining Sea

You're a grand old flag, you're a high flying flag . . .

Stay tuned! Summer Swap to be announced!

It's Mail Out Day!!

If for some reason you can't make the deadline today, PLEASE be a considerate swapper and contact your partner ASAP! When you receive your package, be sure to take photos and post to the Flickr group (link in previous post).

Swap Flickr Group

Hello Sweet Goodness Swappers!!

Just a friendly reminder that the mail out deadline for The Winning Hand swap is Monday, March 9--that's one week from yesterday! If for some reason you won't be able to make the deadline, PLEASE be a courteous swapper and contact your partner right away to let her know of the delay.

We have set up a Flickr group for this swap to show off all the fun things you are sending and receiving! Please be sure to note who the items are from/to. We can't wait to see all the creative ways you've found to interpret our theme!

Partner Emails have been sent!

Good morning swappers! All partner assignment emails have been sent! If you received a swap confirmation from us but are missing the partner email, please be sure to check your spam or junk mail folders to see if it's hiding in there. If it is truly missing, please email us at thehandswap@hotmail.com and we'll resend the email.

Please be sure to email your partner and introduce yourself! Exchange information about what you like, styles, colors, hobbies, etc. Everyone loves to receive a swap package that is tailored to what they personally like!

One other thing--there is no color theme for this swap! You may choose to stick with the traditional red and black like you see on playing cards OR you can go out of the box and choose springtime pastels or your partner's favorite colors! Be creative and look at different ways you can represent the suits of hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs. We can't wait to see what you all come up with!

REMEMBER...the swap send out date is Monday, March 9!

SWAP Closed!

Thanks for joining in the swapping fun! The Winning Hand swap is now closed. Stay tuned in the next few days for partner emails.

Cheers!
The Goodness Girls

NEW SWAP!! SIGN-UP TODAY!!

The Winning Hand

We've fallen in love with the idea of doing a swap with the four suits - Diamonds, Clubs, Spades, & Hearts - and we know you will, too. There are so many ways to incorporate them into our crafty, thrifty ways. Have fun with it!

RULES: Please send your partner a winning package with at least one handmade item, one thrifted/second hand/vintage item and one sweet treat. All four suits must be represented in some manner.

You may include other items as you see fit but please try to stay in the price range of under $20 not including shipping.

SIGN UP BY: Friday, February 6th - HURRY!

Please note: This swap is limited to the first 50 people. Swap sign-ups will close when we reach 50 participants or on February 6th, whichever comes first. Swaps fill up quick, so don't delay!

SEND OUT BY: Monday, March 9th

TO SIGN UP: Send us an email at thehandswap@hotmail.com. Please remember that if you sign up for the swap you are making a commitment to follow it through to the end. If for some reason you will be late or are unable to finish the swap please send us an email at thehandswap@hotmail.com.

Here's to A Winning Hand!

Cheers,

Rebecca, Lucy, Heidi, & Leigh Ann

The Goodness Girls

Somethings coming . . .

Something GOOD. Stay tuned! The next Sweet Goodness Swap will be announced in the next few weeks and you don't want to be late to the game! Sign ups will be limited.



You can bet this one will be a good one!

Hibernating . .

Hello friends, we here at Sweet Goodness Swaps will be hibernating for a few months. We really wanted to host a fun holiday swap this year but it seems we are all very overwhelmed with life, the holidays and new opportunities and don't think we'll have the time to dedicate in order to make a sucessful swap.



But don't fret! WE WILL BE BACK bigger and better than ever. We plan to relaunch SGS in January with our first ever Winter Themed Swap. Perhaps it will be a silvery snow theme or a red bird and pine cone theme. You'll just have to wait and see. :)

So please hang in there and visit us in 2009.

From all of us here at Sweet Goodness - Rebecca, Lucy, Heidi and Leigh Ann - have safe and happy holidays!

Fondly,
The Goodness Girls

Swap Shipping Day: June 30th!

Tick tock says the clock!! We hope all you Sweet Goodness Swapper gals are having fun collecting the polka dots, opening the parasols, and swigging down the pink lemonade for this swap!!

Shipping date is coming up next week--by June 30th your items should be in the mail. While we didn't require you to get a confirmation number, it may be a good idea to track your item if possible and share that number with your partner so they are aware of when to expect your swap items!


We love to check out the photos of all your wonderful swap items so you can upload them here.
Please tell us about the package and who your partner is!!

Thank you all for joining our swaps--please be sure to grab our feed so you can be first to know about our next swap!! We are now limiting our swap to the first 50 or 60 participants to keep things manageable for all, so getting in early is key!

Martha's Frozen Margarita

Just in time for summer Martha has a fun frozen margarita Good Thing:



Heat 1 cup sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar

Stir in 2 cups fresh lime juice.

Pour into 9 X 13 inch metal pan and freeze overnight.

Just before serving, scrape with a spoon until slushy.

Stir in 1 cup tequila.

Transfer to glasses and garnish with lime! Viva Margarita!

From July 2008 Martha Stewart Living

Martha's traditional non-frozen margarita recipe can be found here.

I'm thinking that this would be a nice if you replaced the tequila with seltzer for a non-alcholic lime fizzy drink!



The Summer Swap is in full swing! If you haven't heard from your partner yet please drop us a line at parasolswap@hotmail.com. Remember to check your spam folders just in case your partners emailed landed in there!

cheers ~ The Goodness Girls

20 Questions!

Let's Get to Know Each Other And Play 20 Questions!

Please copy and paste into your blog (if you don't have a blog, please email your partner with your replies).

1. What is your favorite Summer Drink(s)?

2. What is your favorite Summer Activity?

3. If you could spend a lazy afternoon reading, what would be in your hands?

4. What is your favorite type of craft/art medium?

5. What is one art/craft supply you absolutely have been dying to have or try?

6. What are your favorite colors in our 'rainbow sherbet' theme? Pink, lime green, yellow, orange, aqua (or blue)

7. What is your favorite sweet treat?

8. Are there any craft or art supplies you would NOT be interested in receiving?

9. What is your favorite song today?

10. How do you 'pamper' yourself during the hot summer days?

11. Do you have any kidlets or pets?

12. What is your best potluck dish for summer get togethers?

13. If you could take a summer vacation anywhere, where would it be?

14. Describe your decorating style. Does that say anything about your personality?

15. What are your initials?

16. Why do you like to join swaps?

17. You have 25 dollars to spend just on you for a little treat. What do you buy? ((you can list more than one thing)

18. What's one craft supply or art supply you absolutely can not live without?

19. Who's the last person you hugged?

20. What's your favorite number and why?


***Just a little mis mash of questions to help you get to know your partner!! Please comment on this post once you have your 20 questions up so we ALL can visit you, too!!!*****

Partners Paired!

And the Swap is On!!!

The partner emails went out to all participants this weekend. Please let us know asap if you did not receive information from us.

We've included all the partner pairs below. We thought it would be fun for everyone to get to know each other so please take the time to visit each other's blog and say hello!

**If we don't have a link correct or are missing yours (we had several join that did not provide us their blog) please let us know so we can correct or add yours!!!

Cheers!

Rebecca, Lucy, Heidi, & Leigh Ann

Jane & Laura

Angela & Monica

Dana & Patty

MaryAnne & Glenda

Chrystal & Emma

Joyce & Samantha

Robin & Kersten

Tamy & Ceekay

Leslie & Melissa

Paula & Ali

Rebecca & Melissa

Renee & Kimberly


Cynthia & Julia

Jennifer & Michele

Kelley & Lola

Amy & Leigh Ann

Kelly & Karen

Susan & Sarah

Heidi & Kari

Lucy & Katie S.

Stephanie & Jilly

Shara & Heidi S.

Vallen & Katie B.

Lyn & Rachel

Kirsten & Mandi

Geri & Sarah S.

Mary & Maureen

Wendy & Jane

Hope & Jenn

Leah & Tiffany


Wowza--we are so tickled to see so many 'veteran' Sweet Goodness Swappers as well as all the new peeps join us!!

Stay tuned for:

Getting to know you Summer Swap questionairre

Summer Drink recipes

Craft/Art project ideas

Flickr Page for all send outs

And anything else the Goodness Girls can come up with!!!

Swap is CLOSED

Wow, we are overwhelmed by the response for the new swap! We've met our limit for participants for this one so I'm afraid we'll have to close the sign-ups. For those of you who are signed up and received an email from us, partner emails will begin to go out on Monday, June 10. If you weren't able to make it to this swap, please be sure to sign up for our email notification over there on the right side so that you'll receive notice when we announce our next swap.

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm! :)

The Goodness Girls

Parasols, Pink Lemonade & Polka Dots Summer Swap

Parasols, Pink Lemonade & Polka Dots Summer Swap

Three wonderful things that make us think of lazy summer days! The idea is simple, put together a package for your partner to help her enjoy the coming summer months incorporating the three theme items. We know this make be a little tricky so here are some ideas to start:

Parasols - drink umbrellas
Pink Lemonade - brings to mind the colors pink and yellow and cool summer drinks
Polka Dots - that one is easy and who doesn't love polka dots?

Throughout the swap we'll be posting ideas, drink recipes and inspiration to help you on your way. Have fun with this one!

THEME: Parasols, Pink Lemonade & Polka Dots

Please send your partner a package full of summery goodness incorporating the theme of parasols, pink lemonade and polka dots. Please include at least one handmade item, one thrifted/second hand/vintage item and one sweet treat. You may include other items as you see fit but please try to stay in the price range of under $20 not including shipping. Get to know your partner and exchange a little summer cheer.

COLORS: No specific colors but "summery" brights and sherbet colors fit the theme (pink, orange, blue, yellow and green)

SIGN UP BY: Friday June 6th - HURRY! Please note: This swap is limited to the first 50 people! Swap sign-ups will close when we reach 50 participants or on June 6th, whichever comes first. Spots are going VERY QUICKLY, so don't delay!

SEND OUT BY: Monday June 30th

TO SIGN UP: Send us an email at parasolswap@hotmail.com

Please remember that if you sign up for the swap you are making a commitment to follow it through to the end. If for some reason you will be late or are unable to finish the swap please send us an email at parasolswap@hotmail.com

Here's to summer!

Cheers,
The Goodness Girls

Must See Flickr Page: Spring Time In Paris!

Be sure to check out our Flickr page for more wonderful Spring time in Paris photos!!

Thank you to all of our loyal Sweet Goodness Swappers!! As always, it was lots of fun :)

Mail Day Coming Up!!

Hello Paris Swappers!!! The time is almost upon us to ship out your lovely Spring Time in Paris packages (holy smolly, where does time go???))!

Send out date is: April 28th

PLEASE upload your photos either sent or received to our Flickr Group:

Last but not least, please drop your partner a line and let them know when you received your package (and thank them...lol).

We hope you had some creative fun as well as made a friend along the way during this swap!! We appreciate you joining and playing along so nicely :)

Stay tuned for our next swap coming up this summer!! Whooohooo--it's going to be a juicy one!!

Fondly,

The Goodness Girls!

Pars Swap Button

Attention Paris Swappers! Here is your button for the sidebar of your blogs!




Bonsoir!

Partners Paired

Hello, Swappers!

Partner emails were sent out last night. Please let us know at parisswap@hotmail.com if you have not received your email.

Please be sure to email your partner, introduce yourself, and exchange addresses.

Happy swapping!
The Goodness Girls
Rebecca, Lucy, Heidi, Leigh Ann

Springtime In Paris Swappers--

Paris Swappers--partner information will be out this weekend!

Hold tight, we are traveling across the creative waters for this swap!!

We can not wait to see what all you wonderful ladies are going to come up with this time!

Cheers!!

The Goodness Girls

Paris Swap is now Closed!

Thank you for the quick responses! The Paris Swap is now closed and emails have been sent to all 60 participants. Partner information will be sent out shortly!

Cheers!
The Goodness Girls

I love Paris in the Spring!

Bonjour, Swappers! The Goodness Girls are happy to announce our new spring Sweet Goodness swap!

PARIS IN THE SPRINGTIME SWAP

Sign up by: Monday March 31st - SWAP IS CLOSED! SWAP IS FULL!

Partner names will be sent out by Friday April 4th

Send out by: Monday April 28th

Description: You will send your partner a swap package including one handmade item, one thrifted item, one sweet treat and one craft supply. Feel free to send more but not less! Get to know your partner! :) Anything goes as long as it sticks to following rules:

Colors: Pale blue/teal/aqua, white and black

Theme: Must include at least one item that is French-inspired. Examples, something must say France or Paris, or include an Eiffel tower or the fleur de lis. Be creative! If you are signing up for this swap you most likely have some French-inspired ideas already rolling around in your head!

Open to: The first 60 swappers so sign up quickly! Just PLEASE remember that if you sign up you MUST complete the swap ON TIME. Please please see the sidebar for details.

Value: Please try to make your swap value $20 (not including shipping).

Please email us at parisswap@hotmail.com to sign up! Remember to let us know if you are willing to ship internationally should we have any overseas participants. Also make sure to include a link to your blog or Flickr page in the email!

We're excited for this swap and think it will be so much fun! :)

The Goodness Girls
Rebecca, Lucy, Leigh Ann & Heidi

Spring Sweet Goodness Swap Sneak Peek #2!

Bonjour mes amis! Got any ideas about our theme yet? :) Remember, sign-ups start Monday, March 24 and will run for a week. This swap is limited to 60 participants so make sure to sign up early! Have a wonderful holiday weekend and we'll see you on Monday!

love,
The Goodness Girls

Spring Sweet Goodness Swap Sneak Peek!

1. 4. Aqua Crystals Faceted Round Blue, 2. Aqua Blue Candies, 3. Pale blue W, 4. pale blue, 5. Pale Blue, 6. robins egg blue3, 7. robin's egg blue hot rod, 8. robins egg blue buttons, 9. Robins Egg Blue Nest Mixed Media Collage

Remember, sign-ups for this swap will begin Monday, March 24! We are limiting this swap to 60 participants so be sure to sign up early! Stay tuned for another sneak peek sometime this week...

Coming Soon . . .

The Springtime Sweet Goodness Swap will be announced on Monday, March 24th!

Happy Easter

The Goodness Girls

Time to get the Hanging Hearts Swaps in the mail!

Hello Swappers!

Monday February 4th is the deadline to send out your Hanging Hearts Swap to your partner! If for some reason you think you'll miss that date PLEASE contact your partner!!

Don't forget to post pictures on Flickr here. There are some amazing items in there already!

Cheers!

Heartfelt Apologies!

Sweet Goodness Heart Swappers--
We apologize, we missed a few swappers on our list from the looks of our comments in the last post!! Please check your in box now if you were missing your partner info, we do believe we have everyone's information taken care of now. However, there are a couple messages that keep returning with delivery failure so there may be someone left without a partner info still.

IF BY SOME CHANCE there is still a swapper out there that has not heard from us, please email me (lucy) directly at:

johl3 at windstream dot net

or leave a comment on one of our blogs (links found on the sidebar).

If you and your partner need a couple extra days to complete because of this delay-please touch base with one another to confirm on an agreeable time frame.

We hope that you all get to know your partner during this swap and have lots of creative fun with it!!!

Please post photo's of your package sent and or received on Flickr:

HERE

You must join the group to upload photos. After joining, upload your photos to your flickr page. After uploading photos, go to your flickr page. Click on the photo(s) you want to add to the group. At the top, there will be a button that says "Add to Group" when you click on that, your groups should appear. Click on the SGS Heart Swap link and it will send to the group. You can add a description by clicking under the picture. A yellow box will appear that will allow you to write details about your photo.

Thank you again for all of your patience while we sort out the swap list!!!

xoxo

The Goodness Girls

Hello, Swappers! Partner emails have now been sent out. If you didn't receive anything, please email us at heartswap2008@hotmail.com to let us know! Please be sure to email your partner and introduce yourself and exchange addresses. Remember, the mailing deadline for this swap is Monday, February 4. Happy crafting!

Swapper Needed!

***Thank you for everyone who responded. We have an even number of swappers now! You should be receiving your partners today or tomorrow.***

Hello! We ended up with an odd number of swappers for the Hanging Hearts Swap. If you wanted to sign up but missed the deadline please send us an email. The first we receive will be our last swapper!

Cheers
Rebecca

Hanging Hearts Swap Button!

Thanks to Tamy we have this fabulous swap button to offer! Thank you!



Just right click, save and add to your blog!

cheers!
Rebecca

******UPDATE*******
We have some swappers replying on our comments that they would like to join but not emailing us....please reply back to us on our email with your info so we can count you in officially!!

heartswap2008@hotmail.com

Please include your blog if you have one and whether or not you will ship internationally.

HURRY--sign ups end on Friday!!!!!

Hanging Hearts Valentines Day Swap!

Happy New Year! We're back and ready for a great year of swapping in 2008! Didn't think you'd hear from us so soon, heh? Well Lucy and I now have TWICE the amount of help and we're off to a bang up start!

Leigh Ann will be joining us again now that she's all set up in her new home in Kansas and please welcome our newest Goodness Girl, Heidi! So look out swappers, you've got a load of crafty women over here ready to get your creative juices flowing! (and let me tell you, the ideas already being discussed for future swaps are amazing!)

And the first swap of 2008 is . . .



HANGING HEARTS VALENTINE'S DAY SWAP


Sign up by: Friday January 11th (hurry up!)

Partner names will be sent out by Tuesday January 15th

Send out by: Monday February 4th

Description: You will send your partner one Hanging Heart Valentine! Be creative! You can use any media as long as your Valentine is smaller than 8x10. We want to keep this a quick and easy swap, aim to fit your valentine into a small box or padded envelope.

Your Valentine doesn't even have to be a heart, just something related to the holiday that your partner can display by hanging. Ideas: fabric hearts, paper hearts, dolls, mixed media collages, fabric post cards, you name it! If you can attach a ribbon to it and call it a Valentine it will work. :) (And we know you'll most likely include a heart on it somewhere.) This is your chance to really put your brain to work and come up with something unique!

Colors: You can do the traditional colors of Valentine's Day or be creative and shake it up a bit like pink and aqua or pink and brown. (Rebecca's personal favorite!)

Open to: All swappers! As this will be a fast and fun swap anyone can join. Just PLEASE remember that if you sign up you MUST complete the swap ON TIME. Please please see the sidebar for details.

Please email us at heartswap2008@hotmail.com to sign up! Remember to let us know if you are willing to ship internationally should we have any overseas participants. Postage should be low on this swap!

Swap button and Flickr groups to come!

Cheers ~

The Goodness Girls

*******SIGN UP ON THE SIDEBAR TO GET OUR POSTS RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX AND BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN WE ANNOUNCE NEW SWAPS!! As we only do a few posts a month you won't be overwhelmed with emails. ;) **************

December Swap!!

Hello all of our Sweet Goodness Swap Sisters!!

This post is just a little late. I'll blame it on the dog-he ate my mouse and couldn't post anything for a few days...snicker....snort! ;) Okay, so it wasn't really the dog. I've got holidayitis which means that everything is running a few days late but it will all get done even if I have to stay up all night to do it a few nights! Why do we do this to ourselves??? My 2008 resolution needs to be, don't put too many things on your list, don't bite off more than you should chew, and not wish for Fridays as the days go by fast enough as it is.

With that said-hopefully most of your final swap packages are safely in route to your Sweet Goodness Swap Sister and you have all enjoyed getting to know your partner! Rebecca and I have heard a lot of good feedback on most of the pairings so we hope you agree this was a successul swap.


Please be sure to upload your pictures to ,Flickr on our December swap group. As soon as we have more pictures uploaded we will recap the 3 swaps, and have a final posting.

Thank you all for your participation, you holiday and sisterly spirit, and for sharing your creativity with a friend you had never met before.

Happy Holidays to All!!

Lucy

and

Rebbeca


PS---if you should need to contact us, please do so through our blogs or regular emails through the end of December.

johl3 at windstream dot net

Are you Ready for the Holidays?

December 1st is Saturday which leaves only 25 days until Christmas! Can you believe it? Time sure does fly. I'm am so not prepared. Ugh.

Anyway, by the time all the November "Swags & Tags" packages should be out and everyone should be thinking about their December package. Lucy created a Flickr pool to share all your November swap goodies. You can find it here. Don't forget to post your photos there, we all want to see the goods!

December swap packages should be sent out by December 15th.

DECEMBER SISTER SWAP DETAILS

Please send your sister, by 12/15/07, a Sweet Holiday Goodness package!

So what should you send?

Please include a few recipes for your sister to treat her friends and family. Put your recipes on recipe cards and include them in a hand made "bag" of some sort. Suggestions: fabric bag, decorated gift bag or brown paper bag. Also include something to encourage her to make one of your yummy dishes, a whisk, a spice, measuring spoons, you name it! Please also send a hand made or purchased/thrifted small gift of your choice. By this time you should know your sister pretty well and will know if she will enjoy some scented lotion or a vintage kitchen tool or a thrifted apron. Just a little something to say Happy Holidays! Try to limit your spending to between $5 and $8 per package if you are asked to supply something you cannot make from your stash.

If you have any issues with your swaps please let us know! Leave a comment or visit us!

Rebecca
Lucy

hugs!
R

November Swap Challenge!

The Blessing of Friends

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."

--Anais Nin
(A little hint about my project...which is not finished, and may not work out according to plans...ahem....but it's coming along :)


Is November already almost halfway through?? Ummmm where did these last couple of weeks go? Where did October go for goodness sake?? I feel like Sleep Walking Not So Beauty lately, with my life on fast forward. I'm not prepared, I'm not ready, I'm standing here wondering how I'll get everything done....but done I will do, done I do well, at the last minute (normally) but oh how I wish I was one of you...who is so well prepared for everything, who has the decorations out and ready, the crafts for the holidays in full swing, shopping under her belt, cards all signed and addressed, the gravy made ahead, the lists more than half crossed off---how I wish I was more like you who has their life under control and ready to rock and roll at every waking minute. That is you, right?? :)

Well, without further ado--please check your email for a reminder of our upcoming swaps and some important links! I'm sure most of you probably have your packages just about complete and heading out to the post office already. Or, maybe you are more like me and finishing up (or ahem...just getting started) and will be sending out closer to actual ship date. Either way, please communicate with your partner and let her know when your items are shipped--and I know I don't need to remind you, but our "legal" advisors say we must disclose this--don't forget to send a "Thank You" to your partner when your package is received!!!

We had a lot of great feedback and tons of responses to our last survey, so we thought we would do another "get to know you" post. Here's this month question/story we would like you to share on your blog (for all of us nosey Sisters) or via email to your sister. Please do this BEFORE Thanksgiving and LEAVE A COMMENT here if you choose to blog it, so we can visit your post!

What is it we ask?

Please share one of your favorite quotes (thank your Breanna for the question poised to Rebecca for our inspiration for this post), and tell us how it relates to a favorite Thanksgiving (or holiday) story of yours.

Hmmmm.....I could say "Everything Happens For a Reason" and tell you about the Thanksgiving my refrigerator went south.....that was a fun year!! NOT!

Or--maybe I should tell you about.....well....I'll save that story for my post ;)

We can't wait to hear what you have to share with us!

Tags and Swags!

All you Sweet Goodness Swap Sisters out there, our October swap date has come and gone, so it's almost time to get your Tags and Garland on for our November swap. Check out this photo here, courtesy of Gigi who started early with this luscious candy garland for her partner.

Here's some info that she so "Sweetly" passed on:
Hi ladies~
So these are my first attempts at garland making in general so I pretty much "winged it" ~ that's how I roll these days : ).... love to "not "know what I'm doing! LOL
I wasn't sure how long they would take to do so I didn't precut my length of yarn. I spread out on a nice clean vaccummed floor ontop of a picnic cloth. If you have pets I suggest this (noone wants kitty hair tied up in their garland)!
I tried to figure out a pattern first before I started to tie the candy on.
For the main string I used regular cotton yarn (nothing stiff but not flimsy either). Then for the string that I used to tie on all the candy I used that really thin crocheting type of thread (nice and cheap 400 yards for $1.50). I tried to pick candy that is twisted at both ends so it's easy to tie onto the main yarn. I imagine you could tie them into bows if you wanted to but I opted for tying them into knots for security. The one garland that has all of the Smarties on it took a few hours, but the one with pom poms went very fast. I used a thin string with a needle and strung the pom poms on first ~ spaced them out how I wanted and came back to tie the candy on last. So I think that about does it! Hope the directions make sense : ) Please message me if you need more info! Thanks : )
***

To see more of Gigi's fun creations check out one of her several blogs!

***

Be sure to upload your October pictures here!! There are already a bunch of fun "Sweet Goodness October Treats" featured, and that's no Trick! :)

*****

Reminder for November, your package should include a selection of handmade gift tags & a garland, banner, or swag for our "Swags and Tags" portion of our swap. Tags are simple and so fun, there's tons of great pictures on flickr or check out etsy for inspiration! Banners & garland celebrate the coming of a season, a celebration of someone or something, or proclaim the oncoming of a grand occasion. Use your imagination, go with the season, or perhaps celebrate your partners "Creativity". Or, shout it out with her name on a flag!---Whether it's your first banner, swag, or tag--be creative and make something your partner would hang proudly on her mantle, doorway, window, or above her desk! Most of all, have fun!. For more ideas, check out the links I featured in our discussion on the October swap page.

Send out date is on or before November 20th!

***

If any one wants to share tutorials or links, please leave a link in the comment section for more tags and swag ideas!

October Swap Deadline!

(Picture from Martha Stewart's Halloween section of Martha Stewart Living)

Hello Sweet Goodness Swap Sisters!!

Rebecca and I had good intentions to send a mass email out to all of our sister swappers however we have over 50 on our mailing list and it's not letting us send out in a block nor is it letting us break down that group to email for some reason....so hopefully most of you have your BLOGLINES or other feed set to this blog and will receive this post update! Hopefully we will figure out the issue before long so we can send email updates as well as blog updates!

This Saturday, October 20th, is the send out deadline for your Halloween/October swap, here is a reminder of the details:

OCTOBER SISTER SWAP DETAILS



Please send your sister, by 10/20/07, a Sweet Goodness Halloween Treat! Please include one hand made item with a Halloween theme (Halloween cone with treats inside, a trick or treat bag for your swap sister's kids, Halloween ATC, Halloween potholders, fall pincushion, note cards, a home decoration, etc.) and some sweet treats. Please make sure to check with your sister to see if she has any allergies (chocolate, nuts, etc.) or cannot have sugar.

We now have a flickr group set up for your pictures, please join the group and upload the swap received (and if you want to, sent items).

For those of you who haven't uploaded much to flickr here's a basic recap on how to do it:

Join in the flickr group.

Upload your pictures to flickr (I downloaded a flickr uploader and it sits on my desktop which is very easy to use, just drag and drop).

Click on your picture.

On the top of picture, there should be a little box that says a variety of things....click on "Add to group" and it should list in another drop down box all the groups you belong to.

Click our flickr group and it will automatically upload picture.

Repeat for as many pictures as you have.

2nd option:

On your main page, click on the top button that says "Organize".

A grey box should appear and then you click on Groups which is on top of the grey box.

Your groups should appear in the "Pool".

Drag and drop your pictures which should be at the bottom of the screen to the correct group.

Let me know if you have any issues. I'm not an expert but I can hopefully help you to upload. :)

*****

Stay tuned--Next week we will be doing Part II of our "Get to know you" posts for our November swap!

*****

I'll leave you with a fall recipe favorite of mine:

Coconut Pumpkin Loaves
5 eggs
2 c. canned pumpkin
1-1/4 c. vegetable oil
3 c. all purpose flour
2 pkgs. (3.4 oz. each) instant
coconut pudding mix
3 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
3/4 c. chopped pecans
1 tsp salt

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and pumpkin until smooth. Add sugar and oil; mix well. Combine the flour, pudding mixes, cinnamon, soda, and nutmeg; add to the pumpkin mixture. Stir in the nuts.

Transfer to three greased and floured 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350º for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. You can wrap and freeze these loaves for up to six months.
****I like to add cinnamon sugar mixture to the top of loves about 1/2 into cooking as well as some raisins to the mixture above*****

*****

Can't wait to see your "Spookatcular Swaps"!!