Tuesday, January 13, 2009

big! huge! best ever! giveaway!

Remember this fiasco?  Good things come from bad situations, right?  And this could be your 'Lucky' day!  :)

I never quite figured out what to do with this box of stuff.  I marked the product out of our inventory, but never really sorted through what was salvageable or not.  And so it's basically still sitting here looking for a home.

Would you like it in your home?  The good, bad, ugly, damaged, and salvageable?

It's value is probably worth a few hundred dollars.  And it's yours for the taking.  Problem is, I'm completely uncertain what kind of 'contest' this should be.

Asking what you'd do with the product seems lame.  Maybe something to do with a new year, fresh start?  Not really a resolution ... but maybe a goal?

That's it!  Leave me a comment with your #1 goal for 2009.  I'll pick my fav and you get the goods!

Let me start ... my #1 goal for 2009 is to go back to basics.  With my family, and with my life.  Sigh ...

46 comments:

*katy* said...

I lived out of the country for five years, in a place where the local mail was spotty at best. Sending anything more than a postcard was an expensive risk, and packages that were sent to me frequently went missing.

While I kept in touch with friends and family via email, I really missed being able to send personal letters and packages to loved ones. Now I'm back in the U.S. (in Madison - go Wisconsin!) and one of my goals personal goals is to not only be more mindful of birthdays and other special occasions (I'm usually the queen of the belated card), but to put in the time and effort to recognize the occasion in a special, more personal way, now that I have the trusty US Postal Service back on my side!

* said...

one of my personal goals for 2009 is to be better at staying in touch with people. with the economy it's evident that relationships are the most important thing. I'd like to send a note to friends and family randomly throughout the year. Simplicity at its best.

Unknown said...

My goal in 2009 is to better REconnect. I recently moved back home following an over 5-year absense, and I've found my once broad social circle and network completely transformed. While I've been good about reaching out to new people, and I need to do a better job of corresponding with the old. I need to get back in touch with the people and neighbors who were once a daily part of my life, but I've since found myself shy about reapproaching.

In 2009, I want to focus on reinforcing my circle of friends, not just growing it.

Abbie said...

My goal is to focus on the 5 F's: family, friends, faith, fitness & finances. I think those are life-long goals more than resolutions, so I can keep them up in future years. I would also like to organize my office!

What a great "giveaway"!

five dot design said...

nothing too exciting... but important, i think.

:: Be Content ::
If none of this ends up panning out, I want to know that I at least had fun this year... which so far, is going very well.

(p.s. here are the rest
http://fivedotdesign.blogspot.com/2009/01/to-resolve-or-not.html)

handmade_cass said...

My goal is to do what makes me happy. To stop, take a second, stop talking about, and actually do it. I've wasted too much time with all of the things in life that distract. This year will be all about going back to Wisconsin to see my college friends (and Broadway Paper!), finishing that scrapbook I started two years ago, going on hikes, learning how to cook (edible food - not the frozen pizza my husband is used to me "cooking"). I am going to spend a couple minutes every day doing something that puts a smile on my face - usually has something to do with paper - and feel content. Life is short and ther is no time like the present to start enjoying it!

a. said...

My #1 goal for last year was to get engaged - it was actually more of a wish and it came true just under the wire 12/25/08...so my #1 goal for this year is to get through the wedding planning in 6 months without having a nervous breakdown :-)

Love your store, I have purchased so many fun things in the past!

Anonymous said...

I can identify with a@coterie- I got engaged in November and life has been O_o since then, especially considering I am not from Milwaukee, but will be getting married here... but enough wedding talk :)

My #1 goal of the year is to "take charge" of my life a bit more. My life has been dedicated more in the past few years to helping some of my friends and family that were going through hard times, and while that is a worthy cause, it's also been one that's come at a bit of a price.

So this year I am going to focus a bit more on taking care of myself; perhaps going back to school, getting in shape, teaching myself to cook, and really trying to take time for myself when I need it. Which will for sure include trips to Broadway Paper, soaking in the tub with my Lush bath bombs, and dreaming of letterpress invitations.

Katie said...

My #1 goal for 2009 is to focus on the word "nourish"...for example, nourishing my body by eating more vegetables, sleeping more and exercising. I also want to nourish my spirit by taking time to read, do crafts and soak in the friendships I have. I really want to nourish all areas of my life this year. What a fun, fantastic giveaway!

Kristine said...

My goal or resolution is not all that different than some of the other posts. For 2009 I want to just enjoy life and have fun. My 2favorite quotes are "life is for living" and "it is not the years in your life that matter but the life in your years."

Life gets so busy that it just seems to pass by without time to savor the moments!

Unknown said...

My word for the year is "determined". My big picture goal goes something like this "I am determined to accomplish those things that will enhance the happiness and succes of my/our life." I have specific mini goals in place that will help me achive by big picture goal as it relates to home, relationships, work, & paper crafting.

Here's to 2009 and the endless possiblities of a new year.

Gretchen said...

My goal for 2009 is to stop and be in the moment instead of just a quick glance at the moment and it passes me by.

LobotoME said...

My # 1 goal for the year is to SIMPLIFY! (that probably doesn't mean bringing more stuff into the house but i'm quite certain that Samme & I could find all sorts of cool things to do with that box of goodies!)

J :)

aldesmarais@gmail.com said...

As a future architect, designer and lover of all things creative, I am a deep, artistic thinker and passionate about all things inspiring. However, in my recent efforts to figure out who I am, I discovered a stranger. I was lacking the motivation and the stimulation that was once was so important to my personality. So this year, in lieu of the typical, never accomplished resolution, my #1 goal is to tap into my long deprived senses and recall the things that make me... me. To write and finish another chapter in my book; to sketch and rediscover my hand; to design and redefine architecture as it is to me; and to understand the old soul that lives within me.

…And spending some quality time with a big box of treats from Broadway Paper wouldn't be such a bad idea either…

Anonymous said...

My number 1 goal this year is to live in the moment. I know that has nothing to do with paper but it is what I lack in doing. I am always regretting past mistakes and trying to figure out how to do better in the future. I want to enjoy the here and now. If I win I would appreciate what is offered, not what these lovely pieces once were, but what they are now, useful, inspiring designs.

looploft said...

my goal for the new year...our oldest child is leaving for college in the fall, my goal is to come up with loads of fun and creative ways of keeping her connected with the ones she left behind. we all know how fast emil is at keeping us connected, but, there is still no replacement for good ole' snail mail! nothing quite like a big care package of homemade cookies and a handwritten note from mom!

Unknown said...

After moving from WI to Boston for my residency in Pediatrics, my husband and I realized that what we missed the most (besides the Mac & Cheese at Noodles) was all our friends.

This year is dedicated to them: from cards on their birthdays, to bringing back our annual parties (March Madness, Halloween, the Ping Pong Tournament, New Year's, etc), to just catching up here and there over food/drinks/good cheer, being away has taught us a lot about what we find most important!

Happy 2009, everyone!

Danielle said...

My goals for the year are somewhat uncertain. I graduate from college in April and then what? Who knows...Mostly I'd just like to take time to stop and enjoy things, not sweat the small stuff, and definately take more time to do things I enjoy (which will include making some letterpress stationary on my new press!).

Unknown said...

:) My biggest goal is definitely to have a healthy baby. We're due in June, so of course there are tons of goals to go along with having our first baby...but more than anything I just want a happy healthy baby. :)

Amanda said...

My number one goal for 2009 is to do more things that *I* love to do. As a wife and mom to four kids (8 and under) I find myself forever worrying about everyone else, and at the end of the day, I realize I didn't do anything *I* wanted. I love to do things like make homemade gifts, but the past few years I haven't set aside time. I have so many half finished projects it would make your head spin! This year I hope to give myself at least a few hours a week to just do whatever makes me happy!

sarah stoll said...

I'm not sure if I'm eligible for this contest but I have to try!!

My horse trainer often tells me (or yells at me) that forward fixes everything. I have found this to be true for more than just horses and I have embraced it as my motto for 2009.

It is so easy to get caught up in the fight of me wanting to go left but life taking me right. And when that fight happens, I don’t go anywhere and everything stagnates. I am finding that as long as I keep moving somewhere, even if it wasn’t *my* originally intended goal, I will eventually end up where I wanted to be or somewhere even better. I am learning to trust that between my own judgement and my faith I won't be led astray. or into a wall, if i happen to be on a horse :)

Jessica B said...

My #1 goal is to take more time for myself and my family and to really focus on what is important. I am expecting my first baby in May and I know that my focus is going to change a lot so I might as well start changing things now. Does it really matter if I bring a homemade dish to every potluck, make a homemade card for every event known to man, throw every baby shower, bridal shower, etc? It's time to let others start doing and take more time for the things that are really important.

Nina said...

For once I am actually VERY excited about my New Years Resolution / Goal for 2009! Since high school I had always been interested in design - whether it was drawing, using QuarkXpress on the computer or being creative with my writing. In college, however, I put graphic design aside and majored in Journalism and Advertising (what can I say, I have expensive taste, and it wasn't going to be pursued with a degree in graphic design).

I started to completely regret it the past few years. I have been in a career that I am not 100% satisfied with. So I decided to take action -

I recently got married in October - I ended up creating our invitations, our monograms, the layout of the room, the programs, you name it. And my love and determination re-surfaced! I am now in the works of starting my own freelancing business for both design and wedding consultancy. This box of goodies would be an incredible gift and a huge inspiration to me to get started with ideas and pursue this goal.

Ellekay3280 said...

I've decided this year is going to be fun! As easy as of a goal as it may sound this one is tough for me. I can easily work 70+ hours in a week and not even realize it. Looking back on 2008 I have a really hard time remembering any times that I was truly happy. Sure, I'd also love to lose 50 lbs, reconnect with old friends, plan a wedding (all of my last years goals), but I think in the end I can say I just want to have fun! I want look back at 2009 know that I enjoyed life to the fullest and made the best of whatever life can throw at me!

Anonymous said...

One of my main goals for 2009 is to share as many photos w/ family & friends as possible. I love photography and am terrible at sharing/printing pictures. I recently set up a photography blog, which I post pictures almost daily.

Staying in touch w/ family/friends is very important. Best of all, I love knowing that they have a smile on their face when they open up a handwritten card w/ a photo enclosed.

I am sure that there are some amazing items in that box that I could sent to all of my family and friends, of course enclosing some of my favorite photography.

Unknown said...

Thank you for having such a wonderful giveaway - I can hardly wait to hear what is in the bundle of happiness!

My #1 goal for 2009 is to do something creative everyday.

Whether it is how I handle our finances, make breakfast, read/act out a book to my toddler, answer the phone, pick out accessories, etc. - I plan to add a creative touch to it. You just never know whose face it will bring a smile to or what doors it may open that you never knew were there.

Love your store, site and blog!

:: from one paper addict and craftaholic to another :: *cat

IC said...

No Regrets. This has been something I try to live by everyday. Yes, we all make mistakes, but don't regret them. Instead, learn from them. Sure it sounds cliche and silly, but most life goals tend to come off that way as real as they may be. So, I challenge all of us to live without regret.

No Regrets :)

Brooke in WI said...

My goal is to slow down and pay more attention to the daily things. Life goes by fast enough, me not paying attention to what is happening doesn't help.

btw, I LOVE your store and am sooo glad I'm only 15 minutes away when I need the perfect gift.

Happy Henry's take on life in that glorious dog run known as New York City. said...

My goal for 2009 is to be happy. And it won't be with something I bought, it'll be remembering a thought or a kind gesture or the way the sun looked one night as i walked home from work, pissed off at my boss. I'll find joy in savoring the coldness of my dog's nose against my hand as he tries to get my attention. and i'll give it to him, fully. i won't live in the moment in 2009, the moments will live in me.

NikiNicole said...

My goal for 2009... to find balance in my life. Balance between my job, my friends and my family as my mother undergoes a bone marrow transplant to continue her fight with leukemia. What a challenge to be at your best and find time to be at peace with all the changes happening in life. I am determined to do it.

BizzyBee said...

My goal for 2009 is to stop with the “poor me s.” Last year, I began to feel more sorry for myself than usual. Quit an job was going nowhere. Burned through my savings with 2 months of unemployment. Got a new job that paid less (a lot less) that I have no real passion for. Worked 36 hours a week while taking 15 credits.

And the whole time complained, mostly to myself, about how crappy and poor I am. Not to mention just having it with weight issues (gaining 50 pounds in the last year when I lost 40 the 2 years prior). Then last week, I realized my lease would be up in a few months and the reality is as a wage slave, I can't even really afford a studio and don't want to burden a roommate with my pets.

I literally sat in a stupor the whole of last week dreading the next four months of my life. 15 credits again (which already knocked my GPA down from 4.0 to a 3.2). Going back there as fat as I have ever been. Having heart palpitations (probably because of the weight) because I'm so stressed about my financial situations. Annoying family. And. on. and. on. And I am realizing WTF is wrong with me.

Why am I complaining. Yeah my life is not easy, but whose is (besides Paris Hilton). It is better than 99% of the other people on this planet. I might not like how my body , but I am pain free and strong as an ox. I have family and friends who love me and the drive to keep going like this because I know failures not an option if I want a better life than what my family has settled for. I see the light at the end of my tunnel. I don't suffer disease, famine, war, genocide, or the elements. I'm just fighting a litter harder for my piece of the American Dream. So my goal for this year is to just get over myself. My life could be a hell of a lot worse.

Anonymous said...

I am playing along with Ali Edward's one little word challenge.

My word is "Choose". I can apply it to so many aspects of my life... choose to ear healthy, choose to spend quality time with family, etc...

By selecting a word... it's so easy to think about several times a day.

I've been enjoying your blog. We met in Chicago... I'm friends with Traci with and 'i".

Sherry

Nikki B said...

My goal for 2009 is to try something new whenever I go out to eat. I always end up getting the same thing at our standby restaurants... time to be more adventurous!

Anonymous said...

My #1 goal is to find a balance between being present and enjoying the little things, and making a difference. It seems simple, but I know I'll struggle with it all through 2009 and beyond! It's so easy to feel like I'm letting people down if I say "no" to things, but I don't think it's fair to my family to be bogged down with endless obligations.

Tosa Garden Girl said...

2009 is (finally!) my year to get rid of anything in my house I no longer use or love. I've started January 1 and have not stopped. My children are old enough now to give away toys no longer loved, which is a HUGE step for all of us, and a wonderful lesson. By removing clutter in my house, it opens up my creativity and I am able to enjoy my life without guilt and make time to do the things that make me smile.

kristin h. said...

My main goal this year is to be still with God and learn to hear his voice. Following that, I want to be obedient to his calling.
I have so many major decisions to make this year and my goal is spend the time to really hear him and find his will in my life. His plan is always better than ours and I am so excited to see what he is going to do with my life! With a career change, going back to school, getting married and moving away from my family, I know he can do all things!!

everyday inspirations said...

Thanks, Tracie, for having such a fabulous giveaway!

My #1 goal for 2009 is to look at the world as if through the eyes of a child. My 21 month old daughter has taught me a lot of things since her birth. Just as I teach her things everyday, she has opened my eyes to many, many more things and has since taught me the true meaning of:

• patience
• acceptance
• unconditional love
• happiness
• wonder
• forgiveness
• gratitude
• understanding

I hope and plan to apply these to my world in hopes to pay it forward and make the world a better place, one day and one action at a time.

Enjoy each moment of each day! Thank you Elle :)
-catherine (aka mommy)

Meli's Metal said...

My #1 goal for 2009 is to save money to build a future. I love my friends and family, I am the one who will go out of my way to find the perfect card & the perfect gift for the events in our lives, baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, birthdays, holidays etc. The Thank You cards that I receive in return mean so much to me and keep me connected to my family and friends. As a single woman who lives in an apartment, I have a decent amount of expendable income that I have been using to find these "perfect" items, but I have been doing myself a great disservice for not putting away money in a rainy-day fund. My goal for 2009 involves saving money for a condo one day and starting a college fund for my friends children rather than focusing on books and toys which I normally give them for their birthday. We all deserve to have a bright and successful future and this is how I am going to give them a chance at that.

Dionne said...

I wasn't going to have a big New Year's Goal for this year, because every year I procrastinate and don't reach it, so this year I had nothing set.

But then one of my husband's old friends from highschool called him and wants to fly out from California to visit us in Texas. It was kind of out-of-the-blue, because he is such a workaholic, it sooo wasn't like him to say he wanted to make a trip out here to see us.

My husband said that would be great, and then his friend said that his goal for 2009 was to visit people that are important to him.

He booked his ticket and will be here next month. He acted on his goal, and it's sooo inspiring.

So my goal is to not only be inspired, but to ACT on my inspirations!

lisa said...

Okay, I haven't read the other posts because I didn't want to be influenced by anyone else's great ideas. My goal or resolution for 2009 (are we really already in 2009?) is to find and accept peace in my life. 2008 ended in the loss of an extremely loved person in my world, and this has thrown everything up in the air. I want to reevaluate the way I've been spending my time, treating my relationships, speaking to strangers. I want to simplify the unnecessaries in my life, and draw from what is really important - and try as best I can to introduce a peaceful sensibility into my life, and hopefully it will spread a little to those around me!

Bree said...

My number one goal is to be the artist (I'm a photographer) I see in so many others! I think I'm on my way, but I've got a long way to go. I'm so excited for this year and all the possibilities it holds.YAY for 2009! Bring it on!

Carolyn G said...

My main goal is to lose weight.

Emily said...

My goal is to live simply and be content. I think with the state of the world, the economic crisis, and the busyness of life, it's best to pair down and enjoy the simple extravagances of life.

Relationships, connections, and notes of appreciation make everything a little easier.

Anonymous said...

I used to make resolutions that involved unrealistic weight loss, or set unreachable goals for work (I will be the first in the office and the last to leave every day, etc.). And somewhere along the line, I guess I grew a little older and wiser because I feel like I finally have found myself. I'm never going to be a size 4, and I'm never going to be everything to everyone at work. For awhile I stopped making resolutions altogether, but that seems so ... well, unambitious.

So this year, having attained an age where I understand and accept who I am, I'm going to focus on one thing: Being a better me.

I might not end up in size 4 jeans, but I can always work to be healthier. I might not always be the one who keeps the longest hours at work, but I can understand that taking a long lunch to hit a pilates class is going to make me a better co-worker. I might get down but I can always work on looking for the positive. I'm going to stand up taller (back to the pilates again), smile bigger and just ... BE A BETTER ME.

baby r.t. and house too said...

I love goal setting! Here is what I'm striving for in 2009:

To only do things that keep my life balanced. Take more time out for creative inspiration. Plan a trip to France. Find little ways to let my friends and family know how fabulous they are. Live an authentic life.

Sandy said...

One of my most important goals for the new year is to start a family with my husband. I've loved every minute of the 5 years we've been married, but it's time to experience the abounding love that having a baby will bring. I know that being a mom will challenge me to be a better person and teach me so much about myself, in ways I never thought possible!