Saturday 25 May 2013

Blogging Buddies and Giveaways

 
Over the years I have read hundreds of Blogs and some just keep you going back over and over, they're totally addictive.  We don't necessarily all do the same things or even agree with everything other Bloggers say and do, but we form a little band of folk that dip into each others life and wonder at the brilliant ideas and achievements we all make in our lives.  One of my favourite reads is Ilona's Blog 'Life After Money', in her own words -
 
Hi there, my name is Ilona,I am 64, and I'm having a wonderfull retirement I live a simple life, I downshifted and went onto part time working ten years ago. I was sick of slaving away and wanted a better quality of life, I was also concerned about what consumerism was doing to the planet. I reduced my income and reduced my spending. By cutting back I have managed to pay an extra £10,000 off my mortgage capital. This blog is a record of how I spend my time. I walk a lot, I grow vegetables, I do crafts making things out of rubbish, I have three cats, I walk dogs, and I keep my village tidy by picking litter. I am an expert on managing on very little money, proof that you can have a good life on a pension.
 
So I was thrilled last week when I found out I had won one of Ilona's lovely handmade bags in her Blogging giveaway and after reading her post about making her own packaging (see HERE) I immediately recognised the parcel left at the end of our drive.

 
 
And yes the packaging works really well, although the rain was pouring and the postman had only just tucked it into the box next to our wheelie bin, the contents were as dry as anything and all the stickers and labels were fully intact.  Her other parcel from that days giveaway will be winging it's way over to Canada, I think with packaging this sturdy it will arrive in perfect condition, although the sniffer dogs at the airport might be slightly interested in it (although there was no scent of Bakers for me).
 
I'm absolutely thrilled with my bag, many many thanks Ilona, I love it. :-)
 
 
Sue xx

13 comments:

  1. A fabulous and useful bag to win. I have followed Ilona's blog for a long time and she makes the most incredible things with what would be termed as waste to some people. She always comes across as a lovely and caring human being.

    I too would be proud to go shopping with a bag like that one, I bet it lasts longer than any you could buy.

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  2. A lovely bag. Ilonas blog is one of the best I reckon.

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  3. Zooming my way over to her blog right now. Thanks for the connect. Lovely bag.

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  4. I love her blog and have read it since she started it

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  5. Oh, I'm getting excited now!
    Perhaps we should take photos of our bags in use...united across the Atlantic by Ilona's bags!
    Jane x

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    1. Sounds like a brilliant plan, I will if you will :-)

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  6. Great bag, I love Ilona's blog too, very inspiring.
    Twiggy x

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  7. I love her blog too, she does amazing things with what see as rubbish! And it was very nice of her to do the extra bag draws :)

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  8. Ha ha, it's funny to see a pic of my parcel on your blog. Glad it kept the contents dry. Thank you for saying nice things about me, I feel chuffed.

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    1. Thanks again Ilona. You know it's ironic that with the nickname 'Meanqueen' you are totally one of THE most generous hearted and lovely spirited people I know in the Blogging world and maybe even in 'real life' too.

      I hope one day we meet, the way you're busy walking round the country our paths are bound to cross one day.

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  9. Yes, Ilonas bags seem to be gaining a reputation.

    I won one about 6 months ago, it's in constant use, very sturdy and waterproof, it should out-last just about any you could buy.

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