Monday, December 27, 2010

A true gift

This year I was in charge of collecting Christmas gifts for a homeless shelter for my daughters 4th grade class and we ended up getting so many presents that I had "extra" come Christmas morning.

I felt very guilty that I had a huge bag of gifts sitting in my kitchen...gifts that were meant to bring smiles and hope to underprivileged children this morning...so after my family celebration, I grabbed my cousin and the bag of gifts and jumped in the car.

We headed to downtown Clearwater - an area that could use some Christmas cheer - and we drove around the neighborhoods looking for children to distribute the gifts to.

After about an hour, we had handed out everything...toys, clothing, books, toiletries and every child we gave a gift to said "Thank you." Not only that, they had the biggest smile on their face!

One child in particular caught our attention. He was about 11 years old and was leaning on a railing on his bike looking at the creek below. He had his chin resting in his hand with the saddest look on his face. I mean, really sad. Way too sad for a child. After we gave him this skateboard toy, he gave us the biggest smile...something I will always remember.

I'll never know why he was so sad...what he was thinking about... and we'll never know the impact (if any) we had on these children but doing this simple act of passing out Christmas presents was the ultimate highlight of OUR Christmas.

Every way we can help someone...a gift dropped off at your local Church, a check written to your favorite charity, food brought to a food bank is a wonderful thing to do but if you ever have the opportunity to PERSONALLY give a gift to someone in need, I highly recommend it!

My cousin and I made a pact that we would do this every Christmas from here on out...I would even like to bring my children with me next year so that they could learn the importance of giving...

Truly a memorable Christmas...

64 comments:

  1. Wonderful Christmas story Tracy!!!!!!!!!! I love that you made a pack to do it every Christmas how great. Real life Santa-ettes.
    LOri

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  2. What the season is all about! Makes me feel inspired to do something like it next Christmas. Thanks for living the reason for the season, Tracy. Ginny

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  3. Thanks Lori and Ginny! I am already starting my collection for next year with all of the gifts my family was given this year that we can not use....looking forward to it already!

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  4. Once again Tracy inspires us to push ourselves to be the people God intends us to be! :-)

    Why am I not surprised? You are a great example to us all.

    Happy New Year everyone!

    Our church moto for 2011
    "Closer to Heaven in 2011."

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  5. Tracy, You are truly and inspiration. I have helped, Cloth a child for years at the holidays and the gratification I got from it was much more than the effort and money I could ever put into it. I hear what you are saying...

    Mary, I love your church motto! Cute and easy to remember. I also want you to know I often say prayers for a better New Year for you and your family.

    Did anyone hear anything on the show? How is it looking for season 2? How did Switch a Dish do? I couldn't view it and was wondering if anyone heard Kelly speaking of the last 2 episodes or did she just leave them flat?

    Deedra, Have you had any big businesses contact you trying to buy you out? Or want to hook your headbands up with their companies? Have you sold a ton of them because of the show? Come-on Deedra keep us up dated. I am living vicariousness through you.

    Happy New Year All! Let's hope it is better than the last one.

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  6. To say I am in "inspiration" is just so wonderful, thank you all!
    I am listening very carefully to the direction God is guiding me...the invention/pitching dream is just not panning out so I figure that there is another path for my life...just trying to figure out what that is...
    I am trusting in HIM and hoping I get a true sign soon because I am getting antsy :) Until then, I'd love to hear if you have been "shown" your path...
    xo!

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  7. Hey, I wanted to tell you about an incredible show I came across - it's called "I Survived - Death and Beyond". Have you heard of it? It's on the Bio network around 10:00 or 10:30pm. I have seen two episodes and it's really cool! The people talk about how they "died" and came back and what they saw/felt/heard while on the other side. Very moving - I highly recommend it!

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  8. Lovely Tracy....what a great Christmas tradition to start!!!! Love hearing that.

    For Anon: Yes, I'd love to hear from a big company!!! I'm still a-waiting on a few things! Klipzon sales aren't paying the bills yet, but it's a start!!

    Tracy, when are you going to let us in on your new plans.... :)

    Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  9. tracy,
    I think that sometimes we are in our path and and don't realize it. It may not be life changing or epic but you may already be living your path. Sounds like you have created a pretty wonderful life as it is and what a gift that is and what a great "path"!

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  10. Deedra, thanks for the update!
    My plans are/were to start doing product reviews here on Product X for a small fee but I am still figuring out the kinks. When I saw how many hits Product X gets, I thought it would be fun to feature WI and their inventions for all to see!A great way to get the word out...

    Anon above...that sure is something to think about and you might be right on! I am living such a blessed life with a loving husband and children...I have 7 hours of free time each day when the children are in school so I was hoping to find something creative/giving to do during that time...

    Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2011 brings you love, health and happiness!

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  11. Happy New Year Tracy and ProductX followers! Wishing you all the very best!!

    Trac - I just saw that show the other night as well!! It was incredible to hear them all describe such a comforting feeling at such a dire time - very interesting.

    Stay safe and warm everyone!!

    XO

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  12. Happy New Year to you as well Jen! I see you have a new post up - headed over to check it out!

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  13. HAS EVERYONE GIVEN UP ON HM? WHERE ARE YOU GUYS? IT SEEMS AS IF AS SOON AS DEEDRA WAS FINISHED WITH HER SLOT THAT WAS THE END OF THE COMMENTS OR INFORMATION. ANY NEWS?

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  14. Did everyone read Debbie comment on Jenn's blog! Oh my GOD... It is so exciting! She will truly be a homemade millionaire and from the sounds of it so will the rest of the winners. They are putting together a story of how they made it! Now, I am getting excited because it sounds like a new curtain call for anyone who is waiting and all of us who need to get out there. Go Homemade Millionaire!

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  15. OK, Debra Lee said that "we" the winners are getting together. Not that HM is helping them. Some of the winners products STILL have not sold out of their first run. Debra Lee has done great, but until we hear otherwise I think HM is done. And I don't think they will all be Millioniares, but perhaps other doors will open. Time to find another avenue. It was a fun ride.

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  16. Hi Y'all!!!

    Here in Texas school just started back today. My family spent the entire break SICK! All 5 of us 1 to 3 at a time! I'm the last one, so now it's my time to recover.

    So, I just submitted a kitchen idea to Everyday Edisons. I remember someone else on the blog did that and got to level 7. Now that I know what that means I'm even more impressed. Tracy, you should put the EM on there!

    Still working on a few things for Klipzon that I hope will bring some great news. Can't wait to share.

    OK, now, it's a new year. What else does everyone else have in the works?

    My hubby's got the two younger ones busy while I'm going to take a quick nap. Maybe God will give me dreams of great ideas! :)

    Let's keep it going ladies!

    Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  17. Ladies - you should also head on over to Erika's www.clipcleany.com/blog and check out her latest couple of posts. I posted a long comment which is still being moderated, but I know she would be really appreciative of anyone who would care to briefly share any tips or tidbits from their auditioning experience whether with HM or other avenue.

    Hope everyone's new year is off to a great start! Deedra - hope you're all on the mend! Bet your immune system was down after all of the excitement!

    Love hearing from Debra Lee and other contestants! I have changed my mind and think there might must be a Season 2...

    Ciao for now!!

    XO

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  18. This just in: JenC gets wild hair and submits to Everyday Edisons, thanks for the inspiration D!

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  19. whooo hoooo Jen! Seriously, I think it could be cool to see a bunch of friends on EE!!!

    Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  20. Hi, Ladies...all exciting news above. So contagious, your enthusiasm! Deedra, hope you're soon good as new. Jen, checked out your blog and - boy - lots of newsy stuff there! I LOVE the idea of those bake huggers and can see that product, definitely, going through the roof. This is especially true given our uniquely American love affair with cupcakes (bake huggers will make those annoying paper cups a thing of the past, I'm convinced of it!) As for me, I'm delighted to learn that my cable company (Cablevision) has picked up OWN. I only lament that I didn't have it when it was Discovery Health and Deedra's show was on. That was such a bummer :-( Happy New Year, kids!! Ginny

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  21. So nice to see Marcy's Cambia clutches are a Customer Pick on HSN with fabulous reviews. These are high-end purses at $199 a pop but it seems they are very fine quality and customers are more than satisfied with them. Way to go, Marcy! Also favorable reviews for Switch-a-Dish! Unfortunatley, the Magic Dress is not doing so well in the reviews.

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  22. I'm really in awe of the predictable selection of HSN's products on HM. Has anyone else picked up on it? Just about every one on the winners had "convertable" or "interchangable" items. With the exception of Marcy's cabinet, all other items had dual or multiple purposes (i.e. Jennifer's Magic Dress, Grace Choi's convertible jewelry, Karen's dishes). Even Bake Huggers are hyped to be holiday/occasion specific and useful for all sorts of baked items (not just cupcakes). Sarah's cleaning agents, too, did double duty. And although Marcy's cabinet won, it is really her convertable clutches that are being sold successfully on HSN. Wow, their desired product formula is pretty clear. So ladies, unless your product performs multiple functions, I don't think HSN is interested. Just my observation. Ginny

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  23. I did notice that after my show taped, they started selling headbands with flowers you can clip on and off.... :) :) If only I had known! :)

    Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  24. Weird that Marcy is a customer pick with only 5 reviews. The Magic Dress has dozens. And Grace and the necklace have 0. Switch a Dish has three 5 star reviews. I couldn't even find Bake Huggers (can anyone else find it) to see what reveiws there were. And THINK natural cleaner I couldn't find either but did find this:

    BETTER LIFE 100% Plant-Based Whole Home 6-piece Cleaning Kit
    Completely clean your home without worrying about exposing your family, pets and the surfaces in your home to harsh chemicals. This superior kit includes everything you need to scrub, shine and spray your way to a stunning, spotless home.

    If only Tracy would have taken her husband's products and repackaged, she could have ANOTHER natural cleaner on the market.

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  25. HSN requires a minimum of five 5-star reviews in order to be noted as a Customer Pick (which is really a big deal). Funny, because I've often thought that anyone could just secure five good friends to order their product and then write good reviews! Although The Magic Dress has dozens of reviews, unfortunately, they are not good reviews (at all). I, too, noticed that Grace has zero reviews - and that's just plain odd. Bake Huggers were gone in a hurry and nowhere to be found; however, I understand they are finessing the product and bringing it back in greater quantity since they were such a success. I don't know about THINK. I agree, Tracy, you could have made your life so much simplier had you known that yet ANOTHER cleaning product was what HSN wanted! :)

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  26. Wow! I'm excited to have to of you (Deedra and Jen) on the Everyday Edison journey with me. Yes Deedra one of my kitchen ideas made it to G7 status 4 different times. It was heavily considered by Presto but alas after 3 1/2 months they decided it would be too costly to make. I have reentered that same idea in the Everyday Edison Product search. I also have 6 other entries one that already got Xed. I figure while this is an online search I should go for broke and enter all my best ideas. This opportunity is an inventors dream. By having the EE product search on-line the chance to show all your products is now a reality. It is what we all want a chance to hear if our ideas are worthy of becoming products. What I love about EE is that they really do do what we all thought HM and HSN would do. And that is help the inventor bring their product from idea to product to store shelf (that is if your one of the chosen 12.) Anyway best of luck to you two my friends.

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  27. Just to let you guys know, I found Bake Huggers on the HSN site under Bake Huggers, Santa and Candy Canes. The item number was 108-816. The reviews were very good and yes I have heard they're finessing the line as well. Several of my friends ordered and loved them!

    The amount of product sold seems to be what drives the interest for HSN. How the product line can grow and money as we know, is the bottom line.

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  28. Just want to say Happy New Year to Product X friends as well. I have just started the process trying to find a manufacturer for Window Origami™. My goal is to license the product but I am willing to manufacture a small run myself. I have repeatedly tried to contact Discovery to make sure all is clear legally but get no response. Every day I still get at least 10 people asking where to buy Window Origami™ so I am very motivated to keep on going. I never thought the process would take so long but still believe it will be worth it in the long run. So if you really believe in your idea's don't give up! Robyn Zimmer-Inventor Window Origami™

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  29. Robyn, if you have a date on your contract and that date has passed.... you are free to do whatever you want. At least that's how it is with EVERY OTHER BUSINESS IN THE WORLD! Good luck!

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  30. Mary,

    Sooooo impressed by what you have done on EE now that I know the process!!!! That's better than I did on HM!!! :) :)

    We will see what happens! Keep us updated on your statis!

    Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  31. CLEARWATER, FL -- (Marketwire) -- 12/21/10 -- TV Goods Holding Corporation ("TV Goods"), a direct response marketing organization and wholly owned subsidiary of H & H Imports, Inc. (OTCBB: HNHI), announced the acquisition of exclusive global marketing rights to the TurboBaster™. The TurboBaster™ was a featured product on the first season of ABC's hit show Shark Tank.

    TV Goods acquired exclusive global marketing rights across all distribution channels for the product. Under the terms of the agreement, TV Goods will manage a comprehensive direct response marketing campaign for the TurboBaster™.

    The TurboBaster™ is an innovative, battery-powered food baster that will siphon, baste and marinade your favorite foods. It is more efficient and versatile than a traditional bulb baster. For more information, please visit www.turbobaster.com.

    Marian Cruz, product developer for the TurboBaster™, stated, "Thanks to Kevin Harrington's expertise in seeing the potential in the TurboBaster™, he was able to help make my dreams a reality."

    My "Product X" 2 Cents:You have to check out Turbobaster.com and play the vid...they refer to this as "more efficient than a bulb baster" and are trying to market this product for marinading too. I know the EM has GOT to be a faster marinade aid than this slow electric bulb baster. And didn't Kevin Harrington express some interest in the EM? I smell a slick and shameless publicity stunt for the new season of shark tank. I predict they will do a follow up success story on the baster for one of the episodes. Tracy, don't give up on the EM. This is just confirmation that experts belive in the marinade market. This message is meant to encourage just in case it doesn't read like one.

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  32. Robyn, I was thinking of you and wanted to find out if you have ever read Sandra Lee's book, "Made From Scratch?" One product she used to sell on QVC was an interchangable window treatment "kit." Sandra Lee shared some interesting pitfalls that she suffered with QVC and I know it would be an advantage for you to know what to avoid while you are sourcing your manufacturing and hopefully selling on QVC one day.

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  33. Christina is no longer at Milojo. She was such a sweet girl.

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  34. Deedra, Do you mean to say they stole your idea for clip on headbands? Didn't you have it patented? I don't understand... are they completely different but the same? This upsets me!

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  35. How do you how that she is no longer there? Did they cancel the show?

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  36. Robyn, I am sure that your lawyer could get a response from their legal on the matter of the contract. However, I am certain that once the show airs you are out of that contract. Maybe Deedra could enlighten you on this. She said she was on her own and so did the Erika after the show aired. Erika, any in put?

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  37. Christina is still listed on the Milojo web site.

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  38. I just found this. Looks like a season 2! What do you think? http://streaming-episode.org/watch/homemade-millionaire-tlc-casting/

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  39. Oops, I read that wrong. Scratch the last blog.

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  40. No, not my idea....my idea is a clip-on headband. The new headband they have up is a standard headband with clip-on decor. Different, but "why didn't I think of that?" Actually, I did, but didn't present a prototype to the show. :)

    BUT, for everyone else, ANYONE can submit an idea to HSN. I think it was clear that a convertable product is right up their alley!!!!! I'm still thinking..... :)

    Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  41. For what it's worth, I left my two cents on OWN (they have a forum) suggesting that HM be picked up and that the concept of "women inventors" seems right up Oprah's alley. True, there are about a gazillion comments (!) on that forum, but I just thought I'd pass it along if anyone else wants to also make the suggestion. Ginny

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  42. Yeah Christina at Milijo is going back to show.
    I didn't get any ting about a new season from that link? Where do you get that anonymous?

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  43. I said oops in the next comment. I just read it wrong. Sorry about that.

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  44. Did Christina ever really leave?

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  45. YES, she left!!!!!!!!! Try emailing or calling her if you'd like.

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  46. Oh i meant that Christina said that she is going back to school In Jan.

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  47. I didn't understand, first you said she left then you said she was back then you started yelling. I'm glad you realized your mistake. Just a type-o. Did she say anything about the show and season 2?

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  48. Hi,
    Christina told me that she wasn't sure yet if there would be a season 2. Guess everyone is waiting. Now they know how it feels, ha ha : 0 )

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  49. Hey Ladies, I am off and running already this morning but I wanted to say "Thank you" to the Anon post about Kevin/My EM - it does get me thinking...also, love hearing from all of you again and seeing the dialog...I will post later today or tomorrow morning.
    Quick question, I watched "Your OWN Show" last night but did not catch the ending...anyone know who was booted off? Did anyone else see the show?

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  50. Hey Ladies,

    A note of kinda a personal nature but I'm amongst friends and feel very comfortable sharing my happy news. My daughter has found the man I believe God has chosen for her and more importantly that she believes God has chosen as her spouse. Soooo no dragging the feet no long wait I have 4 months to plan a wedding. UGH! Exhausting when I say it out loud. (Well not really out loud but you know what I mean) The date is et for April 16, 2011 and I am knee deep in wedding plans already. Quite a challenge on many counts. First all of our side of the family lives in NH except for us and so I have to plan both a TN wedding and a NH Reception and of course a bridal shower as well. So crazy and all this on a shoe string budget. UGH! Good thing I'm creative and have passed the creative gene on to my girl (which is an interesting trick considering she's adopted. lol) Anyway just saying I may be a little out of touch for a while but just know that I am going crazy at the same time having the time of my life.
    Even though I have all this new fun stuff going on in my life and I am under quite a time restraint I still have managed to keep my month of February open just in case Everyday Edisons needs me to be there as a finalist. Tee-Hee. Is that selfish and wrong?

    Anyways Blessings to all it looks like 2011 is going to be a great year!

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  51. Thank you anonymous above for suggesting the book "Made From Scratch".
    I am anxious to learn anything I can! My attorney is also trying to get some answers. But in the mean time I am moving forward. Tracy, what is your e mail address again? Phone ? I have an idea for you about your product. you can e-mail it to me at windoworigami@yahoo.com.

    Robyn
    Inventor- Window Origami™

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  52. Mary, What is your e-mail or phone? I have something to help you with your wedding planning.

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  53. Wonderful Blessings Mary!!! Thanks for sharing them with us!!! :)

    Tracy, I can't remember if I posted that when I auditioned for MY OWN SHOW I got a call back. From Dallas, from what they told me, less than a hundred were called back. Don't know if that means 99 or 25. At the callback, I pitched the idea to the casting director and after I pitched she said it was the best idea that she had heard so far and she had listened to over a 1000 pitches. She said, "I want to watch this show, I want to BE on this show!" Well, now seeing the show, I know my idea was NOT what they were looking for. Mine was a competition reality show! WE'RE all familiar with that format, aren't we all!!!???!! :) :)

    So, it was fun to see the show. Although, I am surprised, as I was with HM, that there weren't more auditions highlighted. Just like with American Idol, I LOOOOVE seeing the auditions! Almost the most fun part. Tracy, it was the stay-at-home Mom in the tutu that was sent home.

    OH PS Mary, hope to meet you in person in Feb. :) :)

    Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  54. Thanks, Deedra. Funny...I could not keep my eyes open for the final few minutes of the show and I, too, missed who was sent home. Now that you say it, I kind of thought that would be the case. Mary, congratulations on your happy news! I just completed "the wedding" last February (bridal shower, etc.) and NOW, a year later, I'm in the midst of the baby shower. It's next Sunday. Oy! So much work, but for such a happy event! I wish you lots of thrills, chills (and bills?) No, just kidding! You can be creatively economical. I had to me, too. Have fun! It's such a special time. Ginny

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  55. Good morning,
    Mary, congratulations! What exciting and blessed news!
    Thanks for letting me know about OWN...I will continue to watch and Robyn, I will be emailing you.
    Have a beautiful Sunday!

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  56. Thanks for all the well wishes Ladies.

    My email is luvinventing@yahoo.com For my friend who wants to help me with my wedding plans. Hmmmm what could it be?

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  57. I'm just looking through my new Country Living magazine (February) and they have a nice article on two moms in Grays Lake, Illinois who started a baking supply business with a $50 initial investment. They feature vintage-looking cake and cupcake toppers, paper baking cups, and lots of other baking-related unique things. Cannot help thinking about the Bake Huggers lady (forgive me, but I forgot her name at the moment) and what a great fit her product would be there once HSN no longer has an exclusive. The website is layercakeshop.com. I'm sure they'll get a lot of play from the article if even I went to check them (and I don't even bake! LOL!) Ginny

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  58. Has anyone heard anything about a season 2 for HM? Has anyone heard from anyone who is taking over for Christina? Was anyone let out of their contracts?

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  59. I haven't heard a word except that Christina said that they were all waiting to hear if there would be a season 2.
    Lori

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  60. TLC employee said the ratings were not what they needed to be to be on TLC so that's why it got moved to Discovery. Most of the HM winners have not been asked back to HSN at this point. If the contract date has expired, your contract is up, unless you have extra clauses added as a winner.

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  61. It would be nice to hear this from the Discovery Law Dept. Not hear say on a blog.

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  62. Did anyone else hear anything?

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  63. My contract didn't have an expiration date. Believe me how in the world could they hold it against us for moving one when they won't even reply to us. I know for a fact that Clarissa the one that had the clothing for large breasted women kept selling her product the whole time even though she was under contract and she was still on the show.

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  64. I'm sure if you sold a million, they would want their share. I don't think they care if your trying to push it yourself. It's all about the money!

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