Thursday 28 May 2009

Three Hundred!

Unbelievably this is my 300th post... how did I ever find time to write so many words? I wasn't sure what it would turn out to be when I first started this blog almost two years ago. I had a vague notion it would be a journal of my progress through my degree but as many of you will know there is comparatively little about the degree or my embroidery but an awful lot of baking, family life and teaching... which is probably a far more accurate representation of my life! It is self indulgent, allowing me to look back over events of the past couple of years (have I really made that many cakes???), it has made me several new friends, some of you still "imaginery" but others very real and most of all it has felt like a happy place. Lately though it has felt like a bit of a chore at times and I feel this is a good time for a break. I've a busy couple of weeks ahead with teaching, I start a new degree module on Monday and feel I need to devote more time to developing my own work.

But first of all a thank you and a giveaway... Huge thanks must go to Michaela for making fifteen wonderful wiggly bags all in fabulous cheery fabrics that I know will be much appreciated by their recipients. If you would like to know more about wiggly bags then follow the link. Please feel free to email me for instructions if you would like to make some.

I couldn't go without some baking... Apple and cinnamon muffins made this morning with a jar of Bramley Apple sauce that was lurking in the back of the fridge on the wrong side of its sell by date!

And the giveaway... I have made some more felt chocolates and thought these might be fun to give as a prize.


But then perhaps I should give something with a bit of machine embroidery so thought about this lutradur and felt covered notebook...

But I can't decide which...

So I have decided to give them both away...
If you would like a chance of winning either the chocolates or the notebook leave me a comment telling me which one you would like by 7th June... regular readers or new visitors I don't mind. I will then perform the customary draw and announce the winners on the 8th June. I'll be gone at least until then... and maybe a bit longer until my blogging mojo returns. The last time I took a break it only lasted 10 days so I doubt I'll stay away very long. And I'll still be visiting to see what you are all up to....

73 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your 3ooth post.
    I would love to win the lutradur and felt book. It is beautiful. I have some lutradur but not sure what to do to it. Enjoy your blog and the yummy baking you do.

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  2. Congratulations on your 300th blog! It is through you that I have got into blogging and it has opened up a new world to me. If I should be lucky enough to have my name drawn out, I would be happy with either prize.

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  3. Three hundred - cor that is a lot of words Missus!

    I would hate to have to make a choice and should I win will love what ever comes my way. Although now I think about I could have a lot of fun tricking small children with those chocs ;-)

    Enjoy your bloggy break and see you on the other side.

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  4. Wooooo! 300 posts that's a novel or two!!!

    Have a well earned and productive bloggy-break Gina!

    If I'm lucky enough to win a prize, I love the look of that notebook. I'm in need of travel journal for a planned adventure later in the year ;-)

    Celia
    x

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  5. Congrats on 300! Gosh, I love both prizes...hmmm, but maybe the chocolates a little bit more? Could it be the subliminal message??? Enjoy your break!

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  6. 300 Whooo Whooo :-)

    Congrats and please enter me in the draw for the books, Thanks!

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  7. I love your blog and will miss you, but recognise the need to simplify life at times.

    I would love the book cover, but my sons would love the felt chocolates, so I hope I'm lucky with one of them.

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  8. it just has to be done! (leave a comment that is) please don't stay away too long Gina. Kirsty has started following your blog as she likes the cakes and she actually asked me to make sure we had some ingredients in today as she says it made her feel like baking-wonders will never cease!!! Hpe to see you next Friday.

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  9. Congratulations on your milestone and nearly 2 years of blogging! Enjoy your blogging break, it's probably something we all need from time to time. If I was lucky enough to be drawn I would love one of the beautiful notebooks. See you when you've had enough of a break or at the end of June whichever comes first :o)

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  10. I think we all seem to get to a stage where no matter how much we love everything about blogging we just need a break from it for a while. Just don't be gone too long - you'd be too badly missed!

    Congratulations on 300 posts - I've loved getting to know you and meet you and count you as one of my lovely friends.

    Lucy xxxx

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  11. Have I been reading you so long? Doesn't seem it:)
    I'd love either prize if I was lucky enough to win
    thank you

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  12. Congratulations on 300 (300!) postings and on the break!
    The chocolates are delicious looking I might forget and snack on one so I would like to be included in a draw for the beautiful notebook please.
    Happy Thursday,
    Joanie

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  13. have a productive break Gina and good luck with the new module.

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  14. Congratulations on your 300, It is all your fault that I have a blog and spend half my life reading all about so many great folks. Hope you will be back soon, I just love it when you chat. If you do happen to pick my name out any prize will do but those yummy sweets make my mouth water.

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  15. Oh choices, choices Gina. I love both, but will say the notebook as the work in it is so delicate. Have a wonderful (if busy) break and look forward to seeing you return xx

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  16. huge congrats on 300 posts!!! wow, amazing! would love to win one of your notebooks, they just look so beautiful! will miss you but with your busy schedule i should think a break would be helpful!

    xxxx

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  17. Hi Gina! Congratulations! we must be bloggy twins .. I love that notebook, very beautiful! Hope you have a nice break. x

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  18. congratulations and have a wonderful break from blogging, sounds like you'll still be busy though. Look forward to seeing your ideas and work when youre ready ~ thankyou for the good luck wishes ~ its all very exciting at college ~ see you soon (maybe 11 days!) ~ Judy xxx

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  19. crikey - 300 blog! That takes some doing! It's a good excuse for a little blog holiday - so enjoy it!!

    I would love the lutradur book - it looks delicious!

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  20. Congratulations on your tricentennial blog post, and thanks for sharing such lovely thoughts and creativity with us! I'm never lucky, but if I was, I'd love the notebook cos it's cover is delightful.

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  21. Wow Gina, congratulations on 300 posts! And of course I want to be in the draw!

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  22. Funny that I should follow Jackie, as it was Jackie's blog that lead you to me and me to you. Congratulations on your three hundredth!!! The felt chocolates look lovely. x

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  23. Congrats on 300 posts and nearly as many cakes!

    I would love the calorie free choccies but the notbook is to die for, can't decide, if I get lucky I'll leave it up to you.

    Don't be gone too long.....

    xxx

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  24. Congratulations on your 300th post Gina! I love visiting your blog and seeing what you create (food and art wise).
    Would love to be included in yuo draw. Love the lutrador book!
    Hope Barley is feeling much better.
    Dot xx
    P.S Enjoy your blogging break.

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  25. Wow 300 posts!
    Good luck with your next module Gina.
    I love your book of course!

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  26. Congrats on 300th posting. I really love the notebook, would love a chance to win it. Your felt chocolates look fab.

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  27. Wow, 300, unbelievable isn't it, how blogging is so enjoyable? It can take over your life though, I do agree. I've been 'resting' recently but still have to lurk around my favourite bloggers.
    Hope you enjoy your time away and good luck with the module,my daughter is on her last also.
    As I am always sketching, doodling and making notes I would love the notebook please, sorry, chocs (real) are off the diet at the moment so felt ones would seem like a taunt.............

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  28. Happy 300th! You don't look a day over 299!
    Enjoy your break - I will be hanging around ready to for a cup of tea and a chat when you open up for business again.

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  29. Wow! 300 posts, I'll miss your baking over the next few weeks, I'll look forward to reading your blog when you return. Enjoy the break and I hope to see you at Chrissythreads on Friday. If I'm lucky enough to win I'd love the book.
    Bye for now!

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  30. Congratulations. I know loads of stuff about your studies from reading your blog.

    The journal is lovely and everyone knows we all need lots of lovely places to write important notes.

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  31. Congratulations, 300 posts I haven't even got to 50 yet! I hope you enjoy your break although I am sure you will still be busy.
    If I was lucky enough to win my favourite would be the notebook.

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  32. Wow Gina! Well done on reaching 300! I know what you mean about the blogging mojo leaving you at tmes. I've just had a protracted break but I'm now catching up with everyone. I've missed reading what everyone's up to - just need to get into a routine of writing again.
    I'd love the notebook if I get drawn out of the hat.

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  33. Have a lovely break, and huge congrats on 300! Have a wonderful break, and I still haven't forgotten about grabbing you for a cream tea ;-)

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  34. congratulations on your 300th post,
    your sewing is beautiful, oh please can you enter me in the give away, i really dont mind which if im lucky enough to win, i think i like the felt chocolates but i do love notebooks too!!! fingers crossed!!!
    felicity xx

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  35. You will be sorely missed Gina. But I had a short break myself a short time ago and I just couldn't get going. But when I came back I enjoyed it as much as ever. I hope you will be back soon.
    All the best with your new module and thanks for the cakes once again.
    Not much chance of winning anything with all this crowd of your friends wanting something is there?

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  36. I want to say "don't go" but I understand why you might need to!
    Your work is inspirational and I look here often to see what you're up to.
    I would looooooooove to win the notebook, it's gorgeous!

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  37. congrats on being so chatty - 300 chats!! LOVELY. Your chocs are great but I would love the notebook - please enter my name in the draw!

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  38. Hello Gina, Congrats on your 300th!! Your giveaway looks gorgeous and if I was lucky enough to be pulled then I would love to receive your beautiful notebook

    I hope you enjoy the break away from blogging and find inspiration for new work, have a great weekend, Carolyn x

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  39. Congrats on number 300! I would love the book - it is so beautiful!

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  40. Glad you like the wiggly bags (and you are just too polite about the stitching - maybe I should try and get on one of your courses!)

    I would love to win one of your prizes - they are both stunning and no way could I ever choose from either of them. Happy 300th birthday!

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  41. Congrats on your posts. I would love the chocolates if I win.
    Thanks!
    1bmore @ gmail . com

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  42. 300 posts...wow! I'm not a blogger, but I tried it once & didn't make it past 20 or so posts. (I'm more of a reader than a writer!) I love the items in you giveaway and if I'm lucky, I'd love to own the beautiful notebook. Thanks for hosting
    Lisa

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  43. Congratulations on your 300th blog post,I do enjoy reading them.
    If I should be lucky either would be wonderful.
    Judith

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  44. Wow! 300! Congrats!
    Both your giveaways are superb. I'd love the notebook because I'm a true notebook-holic!

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  45. Enjoy your break from blogging and good luck with your next module.

    Should I be lucky enough to have my name drawn out I would love the notebook.

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  46. Ooh, I love them both, Gina - how would I ever choose? Irrelevant, of course, as I won't win :)

    Congrats on the 300th post - will look forward to the next 300 (no pressure or anything)

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  47. Congratulations on making it to 300. I'm so glad your dog is doing better!!

    I love the Lutradur book and would just love to win it. I bought some of it and now you have shown me what to try with it.

    Doni

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  48. Gina, 300th posting! What an achievement. enjoy your break. I would love to win a Lutrador felt book. Best wishes Lesley

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  49. Congratulations on your 300 posts - I have enjoyed reading every single one of them! IF I am lucky enough to have my name drawn, i would like the little book. Enjoy your blogging break.

    Shelley

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  50. Happy 300th! You don't look a day over 299!! Those muffins look good and have a gold star for not wasting the apple sauce. I love the felt chocs - they look good enough to eat, but the Lutrador notebook is just exquisite. I would love you to include me in the giveaway for it, please. Good luck with your next module, and 'drop us a line' when time allows.

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  51. Congrats on your 300th post! Enjoy your bloggy break, I love the lutradur book.
    twiggy x

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  52. congrats- would love either one Please enter me. mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom

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  53. Congrats on 300 posts!

    I'd like the notebook.

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  54. CONGRATULATIONS on your 300th post!!!

    I enjoy reading your post.

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  55. Congrats! Please enter my name for the notebook. It's beautiful!

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  56. Congrats on 300! Enjoy your time off. I would like to be entered for the Notebook, I have been keeping a journal since my daughter was born (she is 4 months!)and this would make a really cute journal.

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  57. Hi Gina, Congrats on the 300th post, will I ever get there? I already have some felt chocs, hee hee, so if I should happen to win I'd love the lutrador book (I know, I know I should make my own but it would never be as beautiful as yours!

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  58. 300th post, it soon whips round doesn't it. I would definately have to hope for the book cover Gina. It is fabulous, are you sure that you want to part with it? It would be lovingly given a home.
    xx

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  59. Hi Gina! I've been lurking on your post for a while - I know of you via Missenden Abbey - I am trying very hard to finish my Diploma in machine embroidery! I loved seeing the Lutradur books you made with your class, and so it would be wonderful to own the genuine article. It's also good to discover a fellow machine embroiderer who loves to bake...

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  60. Congratulations on your 300th blog post. I love both of your giveaway prizes, but I think if I were lucky enough to get chosen I would pick the beautiful book. Susan

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  61. Congratulations on your 300th post, I hope you have a lovely break and good luck with your next module. I'd love to be in your draw for either of your special gifts. Jane x

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  62. Well done on 300 posts! I really enjoy reading your adventures and cakes! Best wishes with the next module for your degree. If you have time please could you let me know the course you are doing (it changed didn't it?) and where it is?
    I love the notebook so please could I be entered in the draw for that? :)

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  63. Congrats on your 300th post!!! I really hope you are enjoying your break, sometimes it's good to step back, get on with life and wait for the old mojo to reappear! Take care
    Kimx

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  64. I bet you get 300 comments for those lovely prizes!! I hope you find your break refreshing and that you still find plenty of time to make cakes!

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  65. Congrats! Love the notebooks!
    Thanks
    Sarah
    believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

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  66. Congrats on # 300!

    The chocolates look awesome!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  67. hope you have a great break. I now need to look at how many posts I've done as I have no idea but it will be nowhere near 300!
    If I'm lucky enough to be drawn the notebook would be great.

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  68. Congratulations on your 300th post!!! Wow, that's great. I love the chocs and the notepad, so if I were lucky enough to win, I'd be delighted with either! You have many lovely photos of different muffins it's time I made something too! Have a lovely weekend. Love Salx

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  69. 300 posts - wow, no wonder you need a break! Don't stay away too long though x
    I would love to enter your giveaway and would be delighted to win either of your items, they are both gorgeous.

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  70. would love to win the notebook and Happy 300th!

    madamerkf at aol dot com

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  71. love what you have done with the lutradur and good luck with he next stage of the degree

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  72. Thank you for your comment on the sock monkeys. I hope that you are enjoying your blogging break.

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  73. Ack! Am I scraping in by the skin of my teeth! Well done, 300, woo hoo! I'm a sucker for a beautiful notebook...please...

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