Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a wonderful, safe and happy new year this year.

On the other hand, I seem to have a "bad rap" with New Years...

2011 Began with me having surgery.

End of 2011/begining of 2012 - my husband and I came down with a horrible stomach virus.

End of 2012/ beginning of 2013 we lost of a dear loved one, and I was sick with a sinus infection and lost my voice for nearly a week.

The new year is a time to be "starting fresh" or "starting over", isn't it? It seems to me that the final week of December through the first week in January is the worst time of year for my family and I. 

I'm hoping to turn this year around, and get it back on track to be "MY year". A year for good and positive changes and events.

So, to start getting rid of the bad mojo that this year has begun with, I compiled a list of all of the blogs/parties/magazines that my Origami has been featured in.

I am so thankful and happy that I was able to work with each and every one of these amazing bloggers and party planners. They are all incredible in their own way, and have worked so hard to get to where they are now. It was an absolute pleasure to work with each and every one of them. Thank you so much to all!

If you haven't seen one/any of these posts before, you absolutely HAVE to check them out. The details are incredible, and nothing was missed from ANY of them!

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Love you to the Moon Baby Shower

By: Pen and Paper Flowers

Featuring: Custom printed lucky stars

Blog Post:

http://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2011/01/love-you-to-moon-baby-shower.html

(Party was also featured on Amy Atlas Events):

 http://blog.amyatlas.com/2010/12/over-the-moon-guest-feature/) 

Pen and Paper Flowers has also featured my Lucky Stars and Fortune cookies, which were made from a set of Designer Paper that she herself made:

http://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2011/01/sweet-treat-origami-delights.html

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Abracadabra ~ A Magic Party

By: The Party Wagon

Featuring: Lucky Stars and Star Balls

Blog Post:

http://party-wagon.com/childrens-party-blog/2011/10/25/abracadabra-a-magic-party.html

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Boat Party ~ Sailor Party

By: The Party Wagon

Featuring: Origami Boats

Blog Post:

http://party-wagon.com/childrens-party-blog/2012/11/12/boat-party-sailor-party.html

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Superhero Party

By: Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line

Featuring: Custom Printed Lucky Stars

Blog Post:

http://bugger-dixonline.blogspot.com/2011/06/super-j-party.html

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A Lorax Inspired Giveaway

By: Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line

Featuring: Seed Bombs

Blog Post:

http://bugger-dixonline.blogspot.com/2012/03/lorax-inspired-giveaway-origami.html

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Rollerskate Party

By: Crossing the Bugger Dixon Line

Featuring: Large and Small Flower Balls

Blog Post:

http://bugger-dixonline.blogspot.com/2012/08/roller-skate-party-full-party-post.html

(Party featured in Bird's Party Magazine):

http://www.blog.birdsparty.com/2012/08/birds-party-magazine-fall-2012-issue-6.html#.UOwyFm9ZVv4

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Superhero Party 

By: A Little Tipsy

Featuring: Custom Printed Lucky Stars

Blog Post:

http://www.alittletipsy.com/2011/12/super-hero-squad-party-decor.html

(This party was also featured on her local T.V. Station!):

http://www.alittletipsy.com/2011/12/its-here-its-live-its-meon-tv.html

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Fall Festival Photoshoot and Giveaway

By: Violet's Buds

Featuring: Spiral Paper Flowers and Lucky Star Garland

Blog Post:

http://violetsbuds.blogspot.com/2012/10/fall-festival-giveaway.html

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I do so hope you head over and check out the details from each one. 

They are all incredibly amazing and so much work was put into each and every party and feature.

Share the love :)

Day 29: 30 Days of Thanks Giveaway!!

Well, we are close to the end of the giveaway (It's tomorrow, already!?)

 

I'd like to thank each and every one of you who has stopped by to check out each sponsor, to enter, comment and enjoy everything we've had for you.

 

Today we have a set of two cute items from Scrappy Rat Designs.

I really love the girl on the tin, don't you?

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter :)

Not entering but still want contact info? You can find Scrappy Rat Designs here:

Etsy Shop

Facebook

PLEASE NOTE: Entries are limited to residents of the US only. The Rafflecopter tool does not have a filter and therefore WILL allow you to enter even if you are outside the US, but to be fair on shipping costs to all of the sponsors, only those within the US will be eligble to claim the prizes.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 23: 30 Days of Thanks Giveaway!

Today is the unoffical, offical start of the holiday shopping season.

 

Did you go out today? If you go out, why? Tradition? Deal finder? Shopping addict? Do you go out every year?

 

I've never been even remotely interested in going on out Black Friday.

 

I try my best to be a "bargain hunter" and deal finder, but the idea of standing outside for hours in the bitter cold, to fight crowds and people who are willing to stop at NOTHING to get what they want has never appealed to me.

 

But, that doesnt mean I don't like to partake in the giving goodness :)

 

So, starting today through midnight Monday night, you can use coupon code TURKEYLURKEY in my shop for 25% off your order.

 

Since today is Black Friday, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, and Monday is Cyber Monday, I thought I would extend the savings throughout the entire weekend, just for your saving pleasure :)

 

Also, I'm sure that there is someone on your list who would look just FABULOUS wearing this beautiful felted brooch from PailandPie

 

Pin this picture to your Pinterest and earn an additional 5 entries!
Leave a blog post comment with a link to your board to receive credit!

 

 

It's so lovely, and would go so well with nearly any outfit.

 

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter for your chance to win!

 

Not entering, but still want contact info? You can find PailandPie here:

Etsy Shop

Blog

 

PLEASE NOTE: Entries are limited to residents of the US only. The Rafflecopter tool does not have a filter and therefore WILL allow you to enter even if you are outside the US, but to be fair on shipping costs to all of the sponsors, only those within the US will be eligble to claim the prizes

  

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember: some important notes and quick reminders about the giveaway (these reminders wil be posted each day of the giveaway!):

1) Each entry that you earn with be checked for accuracy. Please do not say you following a blog, made a purchase from a shop, like a page, etc. if you in fact did not. If you are caught cheating, you will be automatically disqualified from the ENTIRE giveaway, not just the one day.

2) Whether you win or not, please take a moment to say "thank you" to the sponsors. Each sponsor took their own time and resources to provide us with the opportunity to have this wonderful giveaway. No sponsors = no prizes = no Giveaway.

It only takes a moment to pop into their shop or FB page to say Thank You.

Please do.

3) You may enter on as many or as few days as you wish. Yes, that means you or someone else may win on more than one day, and that is absolutely A-O.K. Also, sponsors may enter only on days that their item is NOT being featured. (aka, don't enter for your own item). Might seem silly, but it's a good reminder, trust me ;)

4) Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize. If not claimed after 48 hours a new winner will be drawn for that days prize.

5) Have fun and Good Luck!!

Day 5: 30 Days of Thanks Giveaway!

Happy Monday!!
 

I know, those two words don't really go well together.
 

But if you win todays prize they just MIGHT :)
 

Todays prize is a beautiful pair of earrings donated by Tracy of Thistle Hill Glass.
 

She is a local artisan (local to me, that is) that creates amazingly beautiful glass beads. She works out of her home studio which I have had the pleasure of seeing, and could honestly sit there all day and go through the drawers and drawers of lovely creations.

 

 

She has donated this beautiful pair of blue and green earrings:

They are made for pierced ears and hang just under 3" long.

All beads are properly annealed to strengthen the glass and prevent breakage so this would make a wonderful gift for yourself or a loved one that will last for years to come.

Use the Rafflecopter Widget below to enter for your chance to win!

Not entering but still want contact info? You can find Thistle Hill Glass here:
Etsy Shop
Website

 

Entries are limited to residents of the US only.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember: some important notes and quick reminders about the giveaway (these reminders wil be posted each day of the giveaway!):

1) Each entry that you earn with be checked for accuracy. Please do not say you following a blog, made a purchase from a shop, like a page, etc. if you in fact did not. If you are caught cheating, you will be automatically disqualified from the ENTIRE giveaway, not just the one day.

2) Whether you win or not, please take a moment to say "thank you" to the sponsors. Each sponsor took their own time and resources to provide us with the opportunity to have this wonderful giveaway. No sponsors = no prizes = no Giveaway.

It only takes a moment to pop into their shop or FB page to say Thank You.

Please do.

3) You may enter on as many or as few days as you wish. Yes, that means you or someone else may win on more than one day, and that is absolutely A-O.K. Also, sponsors may enter only on days that their item is NOT being featured. (aka, don't enter for your own item). Might seem silly, but it's a good reminder, trust me ;)

4) Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize. If not claimed after 48 hours a new winner will be drawn for that days prize.

 

 

5) Have fun and Good Luck!!

Day 4: 30 Days of Thanks Giveaway!!

Happy Sunday everyone!

 

I know, half of you are grumbling at me because if today is Sunday, that means tomorrow is the most dreaded day of the week.

 

Hopefully today's prize will make your week a little happier :)

 

Today we have a very fun, reusable item from Sarah at Hiros Heart.

 

Hiros Heart is a unique shop, filled with art jars, fabrics, crafting supplies, and home decor. If you have a favorite animal, I'm sure you'll be able to find a jar in her shop that was made just for you ;)

 

My favorite animal just happens to be tigers..and my favorite color is red. So, when we were working out what item she would like to donate, I was rather excited when she offered up this jar, which features a Red Tiger! I hope you enjoy it just as much as I do!

 

 

Inside the jar is a mix of fabric scraps, and over 250 beads!

 

The beads are mostly glass but there are a few other types of beads too. There are many different styles of glass beads such as millefiori, heart charms, rondelles, seed beads, 1 swarovski crystal bead and some sterling silver bugles (these will be bagged separately since they are the most valuable and can scratch easily). You also get a glass pendant charm which can be attached to a necklace.

 

 

It's like a jar of treasure just waiting for you to win it :)

 

Use the Rafflecopter Widget below to enter to win!

Not entering but still want contact info? You can find Hiros Heart here:
Etsy Shop
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 3: 30 Days of Thanks Giveaway!

Well, hello again! Or if this is your first visit, Welcome!!

 

Thank you all for starting your weekend off right by stopping in :)

 

Todays sweet prize is brought to us from Donna at The Epicurean Crafter.

 

 The beautiful banner that she has donated can be used for so many different events. Valentine's Day, a wedding or anniversary, briday shower, baby shower, you name it!

 

The banner is handmade from recycled sheet music, tan cardstock and strung on jute twine. It is approximately 6 feet long and the letters are free moving so that you can space them on the jute twine as you wish.


If you think love is going to be sweet to you today, enter via the Rafflecopter Widget below for your chance to win!

Not entering but still want contact info? You can find The Epicurean Crafter here:
Etsy Shop
Facebook
Blog
Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember: some important notes and quick reminders about the giveaway (these reminders wil be posted each day of the giveaway!):

 1) Each entry that you earn with be checked for accuracy. Please do not say you following a blog, made a purchase from a shop, like a page, etc. if you in fact did not. If you are caught cheating, you will be automatically disqualified from the ENTIRE giveaway, not just the one day.

 2) Whether you win or not, please take a moment to say "thank you" to the sponsors. Each sponsor took their own time and resources to provide us with the opportunity to have this wonderful giveaway. No sponsors = no prizes = no Giveaway.

It only takes a moment to pop into their shop or FB page to say Thank You.
Please do.

3) You may enter on as many or as few days as you wish. Yes, that means you or someone else may win on more than one day, and that is absolutely A-O.K. Also, sponsors may enter only on days that their item is NOT being featured. (aka, don't enter for your own item). Might seem silly, but it's a good reminder, trust me ;)

4) Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize. If not claimed after 48 hours a new winner will be drawn for that days prize.

5) Have fun and good luck!!

Day 2: 30 Days of Thanks Giveaway!

Welcome to Day 2 of the Giveaway!!!

The winner of the Kanzashi Clip from Day 1 is Shanna U.! Congrats Shanna!
 

I hope you all enjoyed yesterdays prize, and will continue to come and visit each day to at least check out each sponsor :)

 

Todays prize has been given to us by Julia at Eternal Girl.

 

Her shop is full of incredible, hand drawn rings, necklaces and greeting cards, all inspired by henna art. I absolutely love the patterns and designs that make each and every peice unique.

 

She was so very kind to donate this ring:

 

 

The image is secured in an antique styled bronze base with round glass covering. The size of the round top is 20mm, and the ring itself is adjustable to fit any finger size. It is drawn in black on a cream colored background.
 

Do you LOVE it? I do :)

 

Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win it :)

Not entering but still want contact info? You can find Eternal Girl here:
Etsy Shop
Facebook
Twitter
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember: some important notes and quick reminders about the giveaway (these reminders wil be posted each day of the giveaway!):

1) Each entry that you earn with be checked for accuracy. Please do not say you following a blog, made a purchase from a shop, like a page, etc. if you in fact did not. If you are caught cheating, you will be automatically disqualified from the ENTIRE giveaway, not just the one day.

 2) Whether you win or not, please take a moment to say "thank you" to the sponsors. Each sponsor took their own time and resources to provide us with the opportunity to have this wonderful giveaway. No sponsors = no prizes = no Giveaway.

It only takes a moment to pop into their shop or FB page to say Thank You.

Please do.

 3) You may enter on as many or as few days as you wish. Yes, that means you or someone else may win on more than one day, and that is absolutely A-O.K. Also, sponsors may enter only on days that their item is NOT being featured. (aka, don't enter for your own item). Might seem silly, but it's a good reminder, trust me ;)

4) Winners will be announced the following morning and will be posted (around 10am) at the top of the next days Blog, on Facebook, and on the rafflecopter widget. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize. If not claimed after 48 hours a new winner will be drawn for that days prize.

5) Have fun and good luck!!

30 Days of Thanks Giveaway!!!!

Today is the big day!

 

It's the offical start day of my month long giveaway to say "Thank You" to everyone who helped me reach 1,000 sales in my Etsy shop.

 

Without all of my wonderful fans, followers, friends, buyers and supporters, I would not have made it to this huge milestone. I truly appreciate every sale, "like", comment, feedback, picture and e-mail from each and every one of you.

 

So, again I will say THANK YOU to each and every one of you.

 

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Next, we head on to some important notes and quick reminders about the giveaway (these reminders wil be posted each day of the giveaway!):

 

1) Each entry that you earn with be checked for accuracy. Please do not say you following a blog, made a purchase from a shop, like a page, etc. if you in fact did not. If you are caught cheating, you will be automatically disqualified from the ENTIRE giveaway, not just the one day.

 

2) Whether you win or not, please take a moment to say "thank you" to the sponsors. Each sponsor took their own time and resources to provide us with the opportunity to have this wonderful giveaway. No sponsors = no prizes = no Giveaway.

It only takes a moment to pop into their shop or FB page to say Thank You.

Please do.

 

3)  You may enter on as many or as few days as you wish. Yes, that means you or someone else may win on more than one day, and that is absolutely A-O.K.  Also, sponsors may enter only on days that their item is NOT being featured. (aka, don't enter for your own item). Might seem silly, but it's a good reminder, trust me ;)

4) Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize. If not claimed after 48 hours a new winner will be drawn for that days prize.

 

5) Have fun and good luck!!

 

 

Now, let's get on with the goodies! :)

 

Day #1 is brought to you by Violet's Buds.

 

If you remember, I posted about Melanie and her wonderful work just a few days ago (here) and was so excited when she agreed to be a sponsor for the giveaway.

 

Their shop (it's a husband and wife who share the shop) is full of beautiful hair accesories AND magic wands. 

 

When looking through the shop all I can do is name who I want to purchase each item for (I have quite a few neices!) and then think of all the fun my boys (and myself, actually) would have "casting spells" on each other with the wands.

 

They have donated this beautiful 6 Petal Red Kanzashi Lotus Flower which is on an alligator clip for super easy placement and removal :)

 

 

 

If you love it as much as I do, or know someone who would, then use the Rafflecopter Widget below to enter away :)

Not entering but still want contact info? You can find Violets buds here:
Facebook
Etsy Shop
Blog
 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Etsy Gift Card Giveaway

Just in case you haven't heard, Etsy is giving away ten $100 gift cards to celebrate the "Grand Opening" per se of Etsy Gift Cards.

 

How to enter?

 

Easy! Click here! 

 

That link will take you to the Etsy FaceBook page where you can fill out a simple entry form and Viola! You're in!
 

I would absolutely love to get a head start on Christmas shopping...how about you?

 

UPDATE!

 

As I mentioned before, I did finally reached 1,000 sales in my shop. It's a tremendous milestone and I want to share my joy and thanks with all of YOU.

 

So, November 1 is the offical start date of my 30 Days of Thanks Giveaway.

 

Each day, starting November 1, I will have a new post on my blog, with a new item that you will be able to enter to win. Let me tell you...I've been working with some wonderful artists and crafters and we have a great lineup! You won't want to miss a single day!

 

Fall Finds

It's usually right around or right after Halloween when I start to feel like fall has left us and its now just "before the snow falls" winter. It's most likely just a side effect of all the leaves losing their leaves and looking dead...and the grass turning brown...and it being cold out all the time....but alas, it IS still fall, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

 

I thought I would take some time to put up a reminder of all the fun, cute, lovely fall and Thanksgiving items there are to be found on Etsy, so that any time of the year we can have a reminder of what a lovely time of year it is.

 

 

All of these items were found simply by doing a search for Fall, Harvest, or Thanksgiving, and each picture is itself a link back to the item in the shop it belongs to.

 

Enjoy!

 

 Turkey & Pie Invites from girlingearstudio

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Thanksgiving Wreath from twoinspireyou

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Fall Table Runner from FestiveHomeDecor
 

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Fall Tutu from TutusTiesandTreats

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Edible Sugar Fall Leaves from andiesspecialtysweets

 

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Thanksgiving Personalized Shirt from CabinFeverCo

 

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Burlap Thanksgiving Pillow from HouseofHardy

 

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Fall Sparkle Acorns from urbanalpaca

 

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Fall Colors Paper Straws from ThePartyFairy

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Fall Banner from thecottagebythesea

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Turkey Food Tags from YourlittleCupcake

 

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I hope you've enjoyed everything, and perhaps have been inspired to hold a little fun harvest party of your own.  :)

Spiral Paper Roses from Origami Delights

 





Updates and News

Hello again everyone!

Yes, I once again seemed to have mysteriously disappeared for what seemed like ages, but I'm here with lots of news and updates, and a little bit later I'm going to post a list of fun Fall Finds for you all to enjoy :)

 

Update #1:

I've reached 1,000 sales in my Etsy Shop!! WOOHOO!!! I'd like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has made my shop such a success!

 

 

 

Update #2:

I have been planning a giveaway since around the time I was at 850 sales for the time I hit 1,000 as an added 'thank you' to everyone. Since I hit the magical, milestone number about 2 weeks ago, the giveaway has not started yet due to crazy life happenings (see update #3), but I'm happy to announce that the (tentative) start date is NOVEMBER 1st!

So keep an eye out and check back for your chance to enter to win some great stuff!

 

Update #3:

I've been a bit behind with orders in my shop and posting because of this:

 

 

My poor little baby (he's 2) was playing with his brother and fell, landing wrong and thereby fracturing his tibia. He will be in a cast for about 4 weeks. He is up and walking around on it now, so he's doing better, but it still breaks my heart to see him hobbling around :( . 

So, if you have an order in and it's taking a little longer than expected, please understand that I am working on it, but my little man is taking priority.

 

 

News:

 

I am part of a really great team on Etsy called Yay for Trades!

(for those of you that don't know, I'm very trade friendly in my shop)

 

It was while wandering through the discussion boards on this team (looking for some gift ideas for Christmas!) that I came across a post by a wonderful lady named Melanie from a shop called Violet's Buds.

 

Her shop is shared between her and her husband, and includes a wonderful mix of lovely fashion accessories and magic wands (which I'd love to get my hands on one!)

 

In short, she was looking to trade peoples fall themed items, for professional images of them from a photoshoot (and then a giveaway) she was planning, and I happily offered my paper services :)

 

Boy, am I ever glad I did!!!!!

 

Not only is Melanie an incredibly sweet lady to work with, but her photoshoot was ADORABLE and I can't stop loving on the pictures that were sent to me...

 

 

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Seriously in love with it all! And the models are just lovely and so cute as they "planted" and "picked" and smelled the flowers! Hehehe.

 

Stop by the blog at Violet's Buds here to see the full photoshoot and to see a list of all the other amazing items and sponsors!

 

Be sure to give her FB page a "like" too (here), to keep up with all her wonderful items and happenings :)

Front Page Feature!

A great big THANK YOU to Keri from toocutecustomcrafts for making this INCREDIBLE treasury that was featured on the front page this morning!

St. Patricks Day Super Party Giveaway!

Everyone is Irish on St. Patricks Day.

Ok...so maybe not EVERYONE, but so many people enjoy wearing green or pretending to be a leprechaun for a day (even if they aren't Irish and are too tall to be a leprechaun.), and that's alright with me. As I've mentioned before, I LOVE holidays and I feel that the more people there are to celebrate with you, the better it will be.

That's why I'm happy to announce my very FIRST giveaway which will provide the winner with ALL the decorations and goodies they need to have a green-filled fun time with their family and friends at their St. Patricks Day Party or Dinner.

So, without further wait, here are all the wonderful items the winner will receive!

300 Green and White Hand-Punched Shamrocks From Looneyjoontees

A Set of 3 Poms in Citrus, Key Lime and Fresh Lime from PomLove

A Set of 25 Dark Green Striped Paper Straws from CupcakeSocial

These adorable P.I.Y (Print It Yourself) Party Tabs and Designer Papers from Pen and Paper Flowers

A Set of 6 Glitter Green Shamrock Gift Tags from AlmondCrafts

A set of 24 Green Shamrock Cupcake Wrappers from Welldressedcupcakes

A Set of 25 "Lucky" Cupcake Toppers from Origami Delights

An 8.5' Long "Luck O' The Irish" Garland from Origami Delights

A set of 6 Green and White Kusudama Flowers from Origami Delights

Well...Thats a LOT of stuff!

So how do you enter??

Easy! Check out this widget for everything you can do! (you may need to click "read more" to view the widget.)