September sweeps

I know I’ve mentioned before how much I like entering giveaways and contests. And I’ve found that blog contests (versus big company giveaways) are the best – you can get some unique items and not as many people enter them, so your odds are better.  This is my new hobby, and one I can indulge in during short breaks – like my lunch time or after my child goes to bed (if she goes to bed).

My advice? If you going to do this, first only enter those giveaways where you are really interested in the prize(s).  The last time I went on a giveaway-spree, I entered just about everything I could find and ended up with a few things that I then had to deal with because I found I wasn’t that interested.  Not worth the hassle.  Secondly, use a separate email address.  Not that I’ve really gotten spam from entering on blogs, but it still can clutter up your regular email.

August and September were banner months for winning – probably because that’s when I really stepped up the process.  I always keep records of what I won because 1) you are supposed to report it as income on your taxes, 2) it helps to keep track when (if) the prize has been received and 3) it’s a lot of fun to look back and see your stash of winnings!

 

Earlier this year I won a couple boxes of yarn, fabric, a shopping bag, $20 Amazon gift cards, a few books, tea, and digital scrapbooking software.  On average, about one win per month.  Not too shabby.

 

Once I started entering giveaways in earnest during August, I won:

a Hallmark greeting card pack from Life As Mom
the book Root of Riches from Faith and Finance
a ribbon rose pattern from Yards and Yards
a personalized Once-a-Month menu (not sure if this will happen) from Once a Month Mom
six one-yard cuts of Amy Butler corduroy fabric from Manhatten Craft Room
the craft book Heady Affairs from Leisure Arts

 

Pretty nice list, eh?  September was equally nice with this list:

two $5 Amazon gift cards and a printable download pack – all from Life… Your Way
a $20 Amazon gift card from Wise Bread
a S’mores gift package from Once a Month Mom. Box included Hershey’s chocolate, Jet-puffed marshmallows and Honey Maid graham crackers – Yum!
a thread package from another member at ThreadAddicts: three spools of thread, 11 magazines, and 17 books or pamphlets!
the book Inside the Creative Studio: Inspiration and Ideas for your Art and Craft Space from Interweave
Num Num Nectarine homemade jam from FrancisFoodie

 

Do I feel like I’ve won the lottery? No.  But I’ve gotten some great crafting items, a few books to read (while eating my delicious jam), and thanks to these giveaways (and Swagbucks) I have $60 in Amazon credit to apply against specific items I have been saving for.