Friday, February 25, 2011

cupcakeMAG LOVES Gussy plus a GIVEAWAY!

When we first connected with Maggie the super talented brain behind the beauties of Gussy Sews - it was love at first sight! She whipped us up a custom laptop bag (also used as a diaper bag, tote, and well, for anything we can!) ruffle and all along with the sweetest little clutch that we can't stop wearing. We were immediately smitten with Gussy Sews. It was pure handmade perfection and we couldn't stop swoonin' over our little collection. We are beyond thrilled to share Gussy Sews with you and know you will LOVE them just as much as we do! Read our chat with the lovely owner and designer behind the pretty bags and accessories. And guess what? Thanks to Gussy you are getting a chance to win $100 to start you own Gussy collection! Oh and did we mention - we LOVE her blog. It is seriously a daily read so bookmark it now!



{1} Who is Gussy?

Gussy is a girl that has learned SO MUCH in so little. Two years ago, in January of 2009, my husband and I both lost our jobs. We were living in Michigan at the time and were married just 7 months prior. In a {wonderful} whirlwind we moved 12 hours from our home state to Minneapolis, MN, and somewhere in between moving to Minnesota I quit the job we moved here for to sew full time on Gussy Sews. But there's more to me than just sewing and sharing my journey on my blog. I love to have a good chat. I love to hug, I love to be around people. I love to cuddle our pup, Bauer, and I love to drink Coca-Cola!

{The girl behind the ruffles, Maggie Whitley otherwise known as Gussy & her work space}

{2} What inspired Gussy Sews?

In November of 2008, Zack and I were newly married and also living in a new city in Michigan. Zack was working a job that often meant late-nights or weekend work (TV commercial production). I couldn't stand the thought of watching TV when he was still working, and I had recently found Etsy... so I decided I was going to each myself how to sew. I went to the public library and (honestly) checked out 30 books. I soon became BFFs with YouTube (hello! it is hard to learn how to thread a sewing machine when you're looking at a black & white photo). From there I was sewing things that I would want to use (totes, zipped pouches) and over the last 2 years I'm seeing that sharing & encouraging are two things I love. These two things are what really inspire me :)


{Gussy's Favorite Item! The Yellow Woodgrain Tote Bag, $78}

{3} What is your favorite item currently in your shop?

This is easy! The yellow woodgrain tote bag. LOVE IT!

{we LOVE headbands especially the pink/red floral headband, $14.50}
{4} How do you choose your fabric?

I'm really drawn to colorful, fun, sassy prints :)


{ruffles & houndstooth, it doesn't get much better then that!, Medium Zipped Pouch, $18.50}

{5} When did your love affair with sewing begin?

I threaded my very first sewing machine in November of 2008. The affair officially started in March of 2009 when I branded my products as Gussy.

{6} What is up next for you?

Actually, I'd like someone to fill ME in. I never, ever thought I'd live out-of-state from family, let alone be the owner/designer of a business. For years I was a gal of security -- I always wanted to know what was going on, but so much changed once we lost our jobs. I realized fast that I'm really not in control, God is. And honestly, it's all been amazing. All the tough stuff has made me so much more wise, and all the uncertainty was never uncertain to Him. I'm very thankful.

{WHAT YOU DON'T ABOUT GUSSY!}

1. I like a lot of creamer in my coffee (hello, hazelnut)

2. I will never skydive.

3. I have a tattoo on my right wrist -- it's a Japanese symbol for joy. I got it when I was 18 ;)

4. I don't like shell fish.

5. I don't like to get up early.

6. I love to be cozy on the couch with tea and good friends/family.

7. When I was younger, I loved to read so much I'd often read 3-4 books at a time ;)

8. My mom gave me the nickname Gussy after Gussy the Goose from Charlotte's Web. (Something about the goose having a lot to say, and so do I...?)

9. I have a dual-major in Journalism (editorial) & Art (photography) and am so thankful to use this DAILY.

10. I have a fear of not being prepared, of forgetting things. I think this is why I over think so much :)

{All Things Gussy}

Well thanks to Gussy you can win $100 to get your shop on with Gussy Sews! Read on the enter now!


Giveaway: $100 gift certificate to Gussy Sews!
(US only; baby blankets and discount codes are exempt from the gift certificate.)

How to win: Visit Gussy Sews and tell us just what is on your wish list. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.

2. Follow Gussy on Twitter.

3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.

4. Make sure you "Like" Gussy Sews on Facebook

5. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @gussysews -- you must tweet, not just follow. 

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Friday, March 5th at 11pm. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.





371 comments:

  1. I adore the pretty bouquet make up bag

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  2. I follow cupcakeMAG on twitter! @paveiphotos

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  3. I love the bold color choices and ruffles! So chic and feminine! xoxo

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  4. I love the market tote and the wristlet in grey and yellow!

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  5. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Black/gray damask tote bag // diaper bag. I want some Gussy so bad!! :)

    amschotter at gmail dot com

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  6. I follow Gussy on twitter. :)

    amschotter at gmail dot com

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  7. I like Gussy on Facebook! :)

    amschotter at gmail dot com

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  8. the bold purple floral headband is on my wishlist
    susansmoaks at gmail dot com

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  9. http://twitter.com/#!/fdp4life/status/41208715898134529

    susansmoaks at gmail dot com

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  10. I follow cupcakeMAG!
    I love the yellow woodgrain market tote! I also love the Spring pink wristlet clutch!
    I am a huge fan of Gussy!!! Her stuff is absolutely gorgeous! Hope I win!!!

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  11. I follow @GussySews (@SieversCPA)

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  12. I follow Gussy's Blog! And I subscribed to cupcakeMAG's email!! Yay! Thank you and please choose me! I need some Gussy!!!

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  13. I also follow cupcakeMAG on twitter (@SieversCPA)

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  14. I would love love love to get my hands on one of the Yellow Woodgrain Tote Bag and a matching pouch. The colors are absolutely fabulous!

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  15. I love the spring blue headband. (And I'm a follower of both blogs.)
    kate(dot)obrien219(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. I like Gussy Sews on FB
    kate(dot)obrien219(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. I liked CupcakeMAG on FB
    kate(dot)obrien219(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. And I subscribed to your email updates
    kate(dot)obrien219(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. I'm with Gussy - I LOVE the yellow woodgrain tote. I stare at the listing daily. (pathetic, I know) Thanks Cupcake Mag!

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  20. I like the Yellow woodgrain market tote


    brookelynthomas (@) gmail.com

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  21. I follow Cupcake mag on twitter


    brookelynthomas (@) gmail.com

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  22. I like cupcake mag on FB

    brookelynthomas (@) gmail.com

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  23. And I "like" Gussy on Facebook!

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  24. I love the laptop tote bags!!!

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  25. I follow Gussy on twitter. @julietlawrence

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  26. I subscribe to your updates.

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  27. I love the market totes and the tote bags!

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  28. ...and I like Gussy on Facebook.

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  29. ...I like Cupcake Mag on Facebook!

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  30. I subscribed to your updates!

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  31. OH my gosh!!! I love GussySews so this is AMAZING!! YELLOW WOODGRAIN MARKET TOTE, *NEW* < I would LOVE that bag. I'm a nanny so that'd be awesome to carry books/diapers/toys/etc. I would also LOVE to have the GRAY & YELLOW FLORAL WRISTLET/CLUTCH. I'm realizing gray and yellow are one of my favorite color combos.

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  32. I tweeted about the giveaway mentioning @cakeMag

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  33. I tweeted about this giveaway mentioning @gussy sews (I'm Toaster4JC on Twitter).

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  34. I love everything that Gussy Sews!!!
    So pretty!

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  35. Following CupcakeMAG on Twitter!

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  36. Here is my blog post about this contest http://andtheywillbecomeoneflesh.blogspot.com/2011/02/miscellaneous-ramblings.html

    I follow both blogs as well (Toaster4JC)

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  37. I follow CCM on twitter! @huddyma

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  38. I follow Gussy on twitter! @huddyma

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  39. I subscribed to your email updates!

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  40. I tweeted and included @cupcakemag! @huddyma

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  41. I tweeted and included @gussysews! @huddyma

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  42. Oops forgot I subscribed to your email updates as well! ;)

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  43. I liked gussy sews on facebook! I'm happy to give you my real name/email addy if I win. :)

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  44. I really would like the 'tweet' pouch!

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  45. I love the yellow woodgrain market tote!
    tara_lundgren at hotmail dot com

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  46. I follow Cupcake MAG on twitter
    @MNTara

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  47. I love the yellow woodgrain market tote!

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  48. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  49. I like Cupcake MAG on facebook!

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  50. I love the houndstooth zipped pouch with the pink ruffle & the BLACK/GRAY DAMASK MARKET TOTE with the pink ruffle too cute!

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  51. I wrote a blog post about the giveaway.

    http://libbylifeblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/cupcakemag-giveaway.html

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  52. I want it all! lol I guess I want the Pink Starburst market tote and the Blue Bell in Pink Nook case the most.

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  53. I follow cupcakeMAG on twitter.
    @chelyea

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  54. I follow Gussy on twitter.
    @chelyea

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  55. I like cupcakeMAG on facebook.
    Chelsey v.

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  56. I like GUssy Sews on facebook.
    Chelsey V.

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  57. You can never have to may Gussies! I am now the proud owner of one, but my mom would like to have one too (she *loved* mine!) and well I'd let her pick out whatever she wanted because she is the *best* most hardworking mom. :) Thank you

    capturingbeauty@hotmail.com

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  58. I subscribe to cupcakeMAG updates.

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  59. I *love* Gussy on FB
    :D

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  60. I am subscribed to email updates!

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  61. I tweeted about this giveaway. :)
    http://twitter.com/Chelyea/status/41282488676519936

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  62. i love the pink and floral head band! thanks for te giveaway!

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  63. i like the starburst market tote
    nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

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  64. The PINK STARBURST TOTE BAG // DIAPER BAG is on my WISH LIST! mommy2rylie@ymail.com

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  65. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter. (@Mom2Rylie) mommy2rylie@ymail.com

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  66. Follow Gussy on Twitter. (@Mom2Rylie) mommy2rylie@ymail.com

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  67. "Like" u on your Facebook page. (Shawna Elkins) mommy2rylie@ymail.com

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  68. "Like" Gussy Sews on Facebook. (Shawna Elkins) mommy2rylie@ymail.com

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  69. Subscribe to your updates via email. mommy2rylie@ymail.com

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  70. Tweeted using @Cupcakemag http://twitter.com/#!/Mom2Rylie/status/41356969168080896 mommy2rylie@ymail.com

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  71. Tweeted using @GussySews http://twitter.com/#!/Mom2Rylie/status/41357117407363072 mommy2rylie@ymail.com

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  72. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  73. Ohh! I love the yellow woodgrain tote as well! I also think that the Spearmint Dot Print Pouch is adorable as well.

    I am a follower via GFC of Cupcake MAG and cupcake MAG for littles- (Erin C)

    guinnesspaws(at)gmail(dot)com

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  74. I am a fan of your facebook page (Erin Claringbold)

    guinnesspaws(at)gmail(dot)com

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  75. I am a fan of Gussy Sews on facebook (Erin Claringbold)

    guinnesspaws(at)gmail(dot)com

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  76. The pretty bouquet makeup bag has been on my wishlist for a while now. LOVE it. Thanks so much for the giveaway Gussy and cupcakeMAG!

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  77. Tweeted and included @cupcakeMAG
    http://twitter.com/#!/mdmerenghi/status/41568651689734144

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  78. Tweeted and included @gussysews
    http://twitter.com/#!/mdmerenghi/status/41568651689734144

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  79. I follow @cupcakeMAG on twitter now
    @mdmerenghi

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  80. I follow @GussySews on twitter
    @mdmerenghi

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  81. I am a fan of GussySews on Facebook
    Mindy Merenghi

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  82. I am now a fan of CupcakeMAG on Facebook
    Mindy Merenghi

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  83. I subscribed to your email updates :)

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  84. I've really been wanting a Gussy Market Tote!

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  85. I have to agree with Gussy. The Yellow Woodgrain tote bag is awesome! I also like the Spring Blue Headband. Adorable.
    I follow cupcakeMAG with GFC. Thanks!

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  86. I follow cupcakeMAG on twitter. {mamariser}

    mama[dot]riser AT gmail[dot]com

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  87. I follow GussySews on twitter. {mamariser}

    mama[dot]riser AT gmail[dot]com

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  88. I like cupcakeMAG on facebook. {Laura Marie}

    mama[dot]riser AT gmail[dot]com

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  89. I like Gussy Sews on facebook. {Laura Marie}

    mama[dot]riser AT gmail[dot]com

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  90. I'm subscribed to your updates.

    mama[dot]riser AT gmail[dot]com

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  91. I follow you on Twitter. @coupongoddess

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  92. I adore Gussy's market tote. I've been drooling over it for awhile now and saw people toting their Gussy bags all over Blissdom!

    thecoupongoddessblog@yahoo.com

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  93. I follow cupcakemag on twitter.

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  94. I love the "
    Black/gray damask market tote" with the pink ruffle!

    sisterlycreative at hotmail dot com

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  95. The BLACK/GRAY DAMASK LAPTOP BAG is awesome! Sassy and practical!

    (I follow both CupcakeMag and Littles on GFC)

    larkspurpurple (at) gmail.com

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  96. I follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter. My Twitter handle is @purplelarkspur

    ReplyDelete
  97. I follow Gussy on Twitter. My Twitter handle is @purplelarkspur

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  98. Tweet! http://twitter.com/#!/PurpleLarkspur/status/41719331968655360

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  99. I would love the Gray & yellow floral wristlet/clutch

    monacart32 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter @monacpete

    monacart32 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Follow Gussy on Twitter.@monacpete

    monacart32 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. "Like" you on your Facebook page.

    monacart32 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  103. "Like" Gussy Sews on Facebook

    monacart32 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  104. subscribe to you by email

    monacart32 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  105. tweeted

    http://twitter.com/monacpete/status/41733600554659840

    monacart32 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  106. I'm a follower of both! I love Gussy! I just ordered a bag but really want the black and pink houndstooth zipped pouch now!

    hlkinsey@yahoo.com
    http://smalltownliving-hlkinsey.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  107. I follow CupcakeMag on Twitter!

    hlkinsey@yahoo.com
    http://smalltownliving-hlkinsey.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  108. I follow Gussy on Twitter!

    hlkinsey@yahoo.com
    http://smalltownliving-hlkinsey.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  109. I "like" you on FB!

    hlkinsey@yahoo.com
    http://smalltownliving-hlkinsey.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  110. I "like" Gussy on FB!

    hlkinsey@yahoo.com
    http://smalltownliving-hlkinsey.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  111. I tweeted using @cupcakemag!

    hlkinsey@yahoo.com

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  112. I tweeted using @gussysews!

    hlkinsey@yahoo.com

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  113. I subscribed to your email!

    hlkinsey@yahoo.com

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  114. I'm a follower and I would love the pink starburst market tote!

    sarah at yesteachercrafts dot com

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  115. I follow cupcakeMAG on twitter (@yes_teacher)

    sarah at yesteachercrafts dot com

    ReplyDelete
  116. I follow Gussy on twitter (@yes_teacher)

    sarah at yesteachercrafts dot com

    ReplyDelete
  117. I like cupcakeMAG on FB (Sarah Bee)

    sarah at yesteachercrafts dot com

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  118. I like Gussy on FB (Sarah Bee)

    sarah at yesteachercrafts dot com

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  119. Tweet in 'B&W' is on my wishlist!

    monorox (at) gmail (dot) com

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  120. GFC blog follower and the Pink Starburst market tote
    mframe00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  121. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter- @mframe00
    mframe00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  122. Follow Gussy on Twitter- @mframe00
    mframe00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  123. I like you on FB- Michelle Frame
    mframe00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  124. I "Like" Gussy Sews on Facebook- Michelle Frame
    mframe00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  125. email subscriber
    mframe00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  126. following both via GFC
    I love the pretty bouquet makeup bag!

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  127. follow cupcake mags and cupcake mags for little on tw as jacksondeb

    ReplyDelete
  128. follow gussy on tw as jacksondeb

    ReplyDelete
  129. The Yellow Woodgrain Laptop Bag is on my wish list!
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  130. I like CupcakeMAG on Facebook - my FB name is Amanda Moore
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  131. I like Gussy Sews on Facebook - my FB name is Amanda Moore
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  132. I love the Black/Grey damask market bag. So pretty! I love her products. She is really talented:)
    kweight@byu.net

    ReplyDelete
  133. I am following cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG Littles
    I LOVE the gray & yellow floral wristlet/clutch!

    alexandra_digiorgio at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  134. I "liked" cupcakeMAG on facebook!

    Alexandra DiGiorgio

    alexandra_digiorgio at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  135. I "liked" Gussy Sews on facebook!

    Alexandra DiGiorgio

    alexandra_digiorgio at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  136. I am following both Cupcake blogs!
    kweight@byu.net

    ReplyDelete
  137. I signed up for updates via e-mail!

    alexandra_digiorgio at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  138. Following Cupcake Mag on Twitter!
    kweight@byu.net

    ReplyDelete
  139. following Gussy on Twitter!
    kweight@byu.net

    ReplyDelete
  140. "like" cupcake Mag on Facebook!
    kweight@byu.net

    ReplyDelete
  141. "like" Gussy Sews on Facebook.
    kweight@byu.net

    ReplyDelete
  142. tweeted

    http://twitter.com/monacpete/status/41933970761465858

    monacart32 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  143. Currently on my Gus wishlist is a Spring Blue Headband, a Yellow Woodgrain Market Tote, and Red plaid small zippered pouch. I <3 Gussy!

    ReplyDelete
  144. I follow Cupcake Mag on Twitter too!

    ReplyDelete
  145. I have subscribed to cupcakeMag's updates

    ReplyDelete
  146. I just tweeted about this giveaway mentioning @cupcakeMAG http://twitter.com/#!/Bowmanwm/status/41967303046336512

    ReplyDelete
  147. I tweeted about this giveaway and mentioned @gussysews

    ReplyDelete
  148. I follow both

    And on my wishlist would be the Pink Starburst market tote.

    So cute, And I don't even like Pink.lol

    HarajukuGirl92@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  149. Huge fan! My wishlist would include:
    Spearmint dot zipped pouch, med
    Yellow Woodgrain market tote
    Ruffle headband in grape

    SO adorable:)

    ashleyrn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  150. Email update subscriber *under theresafireinsideme@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  151. Liked Gussy Sews on FB!

    ashleyrn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  152. Liked cupcakeMag on FB, as Ashley Kemp.

    ashleyrn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  153. I love the PINK STARBURST TOTE BAG. I follow via GFC, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  154. Following gussy's blog/email updates, ashleyrn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  155. Following gussy on twitter (as @reniazen.)

    ashleyrn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  156. Following cupcakeMag on twitter (@reniazen.)

    ashleyrn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  157. Tweeted giveaway link
    http://twitter.com/#!/reniazen

    ashleyrn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  158. Following the CupcakeMAG and for littles blog via GFC.(panicxduh)
    Their Yellow woodgrain market tote is on my wishlist at Gussy Sews!
    panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  159. e-mail subscriber.(validated!)
    panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  160. I LIKE Cupcake Sprinkles on Facebook (Erin Mize)
    panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  161. I LIKE Gussy Sews on Facebook (Erin Mize)
    panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  162. Following @GussySews via Twitter.
    http://www.twitter.com/erinxduh
    panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  163. Following @cupcakeMAG via Twitter.
    http://www.twitter.com/erinxduh
    panicxduh[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  164. I follow both blogs and I love the SPEARMINT DOT MAKE-UP BAG!

    darcylee99 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
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