Monday, December 31, 2012

Year One Statistics

Well, here we are at the last post for 2012.  I want to thank everyone for all the love and support of my site.  When I started my blog in February, I really didn't know what to expect.  I didn't know if anyone else cared about what I wrote, or created, or shared.  I had a goal of posting an average of one a week, or 52 posts for the year.  It wasn't easy, let me tell you! 

My intention for the blog was sharing all my crafting creations.  Reality set in when I found out how much time it took uploading pictures, writing the post, checking out other blogs to share with, sharing to those blogs, commenting, commenting, and more commenting.  And all this with slow, crawling dialup.  All this adds up to no time for crafting, and nothing made to post about.  This is the reason why I included blog hops, giveaways, etc. 

Even so, I was able to keep my original goal of 52 posts (including this one).  Let me share with you what my blog statistics show up to now:

    52 Posts  - 1 per week average
  394 Comments  -  half are my replies of course
  115 Followers  -  11 bloglovin, 17 linky, 87 GFC
      2 Awards  -  token I know, but I'm still proud of them
      1 Featured  -  thanks to Marigold's Loft

6493 Pageviews  -  all time history tracking
2975 Pageviews  -  tracking posted on main page since install around June
  805 Highest Month Pageviews  -  November  (Update: December had 1060, woo-hoo)

The top referring site was SimpleandSane.com with 368 pageviews, and Organize365.net comes in second with 239.  Thanks guys.  You rock!

My Lotus Flower  post received the most pageviews at 205.

So there you have it.  It's way past my expectations.   I still have a lot to learn about blogging, but with these figures, I feel I'm off to a good start.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to include me and my blog in your life.  It means the world to me.

Everyone have a wonderful and fulfilling 2013!


Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. 

Times are tough, money is tight but it's gonna be a wonderful new year.  I just know it.  I'm going to put on a smile every morning (if you only knew how tough that is for not-a-morning-person me), and make sure it's still there when I go to bed at night!

It's all in the attitude, people.  You think happy, you are happy.  It's all up to you.  You may not can change your situation, but you can change your thoughts.  And others will see it and react likewise. 

Why not try it from this point forward?  You've nothing to lose.

Well, bless my little heart, I think I finally got the Christmas spirit.  Can you tell?

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Snowflake

I have a snowflake for you to see.




















I know the picture is a bit blurred, but this is the best I could get it to take.  (Hint to Santa:  I need a new camera.  Pleasssee.)

I got the pattern off the internet.  This started as 6 square pieces of paper.  You cut slits in them and curl half around to the front, and half to the back.  Has anybody tried this?  As you can see, my curls would not stay together no matter how many times I redid them. 

I'm gonna try a couple more to see if I can do any better.  If not, I won't be making these.  I just thought they would be pretty hanging from the ceiling as decorations.

Anyone have any suggestions or tips to help me on the next ones?  I would love to hear them.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

A Christmas Village Collection

How many of you have a Christmas village collection?  Sorry to say, I don't.  I just don't have the budget for one, even if I were to buy a piece at a time.  I do enjoy seeing them on display though. 

Have you seen the handmade houses at A Creative Dream?  Yes, I said Handmade!!!  Take a look at these?

    Give away alert !  



Aren't they darling?  Look at that first one, the yellow and red one.  Guess what?  I just won it!  I think it is so cute.  I know it's not traditional colors or style, but I'm not very traditional anyway.  As you can see from the picture, it can also be used as an ornament.  I don't think so!  This is my first Christmas village piece, and that's how it's gonna be used.  It even has a hole in the back to insert a light.

So, I can now say I have started my Christmas village collection!  And since it started as handmade, guess I'll have to figure out what I can make to add to it.  Stay tuned....you know me, I'll think of something.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Aloha Friday

Aloha Friday Blog Hop


Hello all!  Today I am visiting over at What Jean Likes for her Aloha Friday Blog Hop. 

I know I'm a few days later than Friday, but better late than never, right?    You still have a couple more days to link up if you're interested.  Take the time to check it out.  Jean's blog is worth following. 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Tis The Season Blogaholic Community Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's community blog hop: "Tis The Season"

Here is how it will work:

The one and only rule: You must be a member of BSN. If you are not a member you can join here for free.

Link up a post that is based around this time of year: Christmas, Hannukah, winter activities, decoration ideas, posts about traditions, Holiday recipes, Winter photos, Winter bucket list, Holiday cards and crafts, etc......anything Winter or Holiday themed!

Once you add your blog- stop by a few other blogs on the list to follow and leave a comment, let them know you are stopping by from BSN so they know you are a new friend and can connect with you on the community as well!

Feel free to Tweet about the linkup, post it on Facebook, or even grab the code for your blog (the code is located below the linky list) a great way to fill up a post for a day ;) If you add it to your blog please copy the full post so others know the rules.

If you don't want to grab the full post and linky code feel free to grab a blog hop badge!


The blog hop will be open until 12/27/12

Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Lin Handmade Greetings Card Giveaway

One of the blogs I follow is Lin Handmade Greetings Card.  Here is a giveaway that she is hosting this month.



It's an embosser (as if I had to tell you that).  Wouldn't you love to win this?  I know I would.  I'm sure gonna try!

If you're interested in the giveaway, go here to enter.  You have until December 31 to enter.  Of course this is assuming the world doesn't end on the 21st.  :)  Why take the chance?  Enter today!