Wednesday, August 31, 2011

HABA Building Blocks First Letter Fun {Review & Giveaway}

HABA logo{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Ami-Beth!}

There are some toys and gear that I think of as necessities for children. Not the elaborate and intricate ones (even though those are fun), but the ones in which childhood would simply not be the same without them.

Dolls. Cars and trucks. Books. Crayons.

And building blocks; every kid needs a great set of building blocks.

The traditional sets of blocks are always wonderfully classic and provide endless possibilities in terms of imagination, small motor skills, and learning the science of balance. But when it comes to taking something great and making it even better? That's where HABA comes in and turns regular blocks into something so much more with their Building Blocks First Letter Fun.

Building Blocks First Letter FunChances are that if you've read past reviews here, you've seen a mention of the incredibly high quality, eco-friendly children's toys from HABA. As the recipients of almost every toy award that exists, they carry everything from furniture to toys to accessories (and more) for children of all ages to help them learn and grow.

Whether you are looking for a way to enjoy bath time with bright and entertaining accessories, think and imagine with educational games, or love and pretend with a gorgeous collection of dolls, HABA has it all... and is continually coming out with more.

Of their long list of 2011 additions, when the Building Blocks First Letter Fun arrived, I knew that HABA was going to make this a season to remember.

HABA Letter Blocks reviewCombining a child's love for building with the ability to explore the universe of letters and words, Building Blocks First Letter Fun contains 26 letter blocks, four chalkboard blocks, two pieces of chalk and one cloth/sponge eraser for ages 2-6 to get right to work constructing.

alphabet blocksThe simplicity yet ingenuity of these blocks is great! Made from sustainably managed forests, these beechwood blocks are decorated with non-toxic water based stain so, as with all of HABA's high quality products, they are completely safe for kids.

The letters are printed on one side of the letter blocks, making it easy to get started right away building vertically or horizontally and focus on either the fun of the tower or the fun of the word.

letter blocksBoth Big Sister E and Little Sister B were immediately attracted to the vivid, bright colors and went right to work constructing to see just how tall they could get these blocks to go.

HABA letter blocksBut the letters didn't go unnoticed and it wasn't long before we were talking about each one, the sound it made, and what words we could make by pairing it with others. What a great way to include an educational aspect while stacking!

alphabet blocksFuture Scrabble stars, perhaps?

By taking alphabet blocks one step further and including the four chalkboard blocks, however, HABA made it possible to do more than just letter recognition by creating even more words while practicing handwriting. Kids are able to really work on spelling, problem-solving (figuring out which letter is missing), and more... each time these blocks are brought out it is a whole new experience!

HABAHABA was already a trusted name in our house for quality wooden toys, but Building Blocks First Letter Fun has enforced that even further! I love that my kids can be creative with both their minds and their hands and that this is a set that could be used by young children (just leave out the chalk until they are old enough) and still bring interest and use throughout the rest of childhood. I have no doubt that we'll be playing with these for years to come!

With a retail price of $58 (you can find them at Maukilo for $52.19), these blocks do cost a little more than a traditional set, but I do believe that they will get quite a bit more use than if they were just blank. They're just that much more educational, entertaining and fun! And, thanks to the generosity of HABA, one person will get to see just how much the child in their life will enjoy stacking with letters as well, because...

One lucky person will win a set of Building Blocks First Letter Fun from HABA!

HABA giveawayTo enter to win: Visit HABA and tell me another of their amazing items that you would like to own.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you Like HABA on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a set of Building Blocks First Letter Fun (ARV $58) from HABA for letter building! http://bit.ly/nQIK7p @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on September 21st at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to HABA for providing a set of Building Blocks First Letter Fun for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

864 comments:

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Jessica Allen said...

The blocks are adorable! I also like the dolls for my daughter, espically Fiona :)

What a cute giveaway!

Thanks!

Mrs J
mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Tishia said...

So hard to choose! It was a toss up between Pattern Mosiac or Animal upon animal. Pattern Mosaic would have so many pieces to get scattered all over the house, but again, that toy would age with my children much better than the animal upon animal game.

Tishia said...

I liked HABA on facebook

Tishia said...

I'm a follower on google reader.

Tishia said...

My second extra entry for being a follower

Kelly said...

We would love to win these blocks...the wooden scale is also real cute.
krau0728@gmaildotcom

Kelly said...

I subscribe via email
krau07282gmaildotcom

Colleen Maurina said...

I also like their Pushing Animal Chris Croak toy.

colljerr at comcast dot net

Colleen Maurina said...

I like HABA on Facebook. (Colleen Maurina)

colljerr at comcast dot net

Colleen Maurina said...

I entered your Gummy Lump giveaway.

colljerr at comcast dot net

Colleen Maurina said...

I subscribe to your RSS by Google Reader. Entry #1

colljerr at comcast dot net

Colleen Maurina said...

I subscribe to your RSS by Google Reader. Entry #2

colljerr at comcast dot net

Jennifer T. said...

I'd love to own the Ball track Sounds Starter set. I think I'd have as much fun as my daughter with it.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I'm a facebook fan of HABA under username Jennie Tilson.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

tina powell said...

I like the grill set sizzle expert! My son needs to practice grilling so he can make mamma some real food one day! tmdpowell@yahoo.com

stOOpidgErL said...

cute stuff! I like the Haba food items... especially these lollies~ http://www.haba.de/haba/produktAnsicht.htm?c=PC_P_001509&twk=TW_P_Knabbereiensuessigkeiten_KaufladenRollenspiel&hk=HK_P_Kaufladen&rk=Produkte my daughter would love them!

kripley@yahoo.com

stOOpidgErL said...

HABA facebook fan (Kim Ripley)
kripley@yahoo.com

stOOpidgErL said...

email subscriber 1
kripley@yahoo.com

stOOpidgErL said...

email subscriber 2
kripley@yahoo.com

stOOpidgErL said...

I am one of your facebook fans (Kim Ripley) 1
kripley@yahoo.com

stOOpidgErL said...

I am one of your facebook fans (Kim Ripley) 2
kripley@yahoo.com

wigget said...

i also want the First Playing ball track

wigget said...

subscriber

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the CleanItSupply.com giveaway.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...

I entered the Bob the Builder giveaway.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer T. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Magela said...

I would like to own their wooden train. My son would love it.
felipegonzalez1@comcast.net

Magela said...

I follow by email #1
felipegonzalez1@comcast.net

Magela said...

I follow by email #2
felipegonzalez1@comcast.net

Lyra said...

Pushing figure Tumble-turn
usa_schroeder at yahoo dot com

Lyra said...

http://twitter.com/#!/SchroederMommy/status/108961918319996929
usa_schroeder at yahoo dot com

Serendipity Stitcher said...

Terra Kids - Where do the animals live?

Serendipity Stitcher said...

Liked Haba on FB (Kristina Best)

pkgbest at gmail dot com

Serendipity Stitcher said...

Entered the Havaianas giveaway

pkgbest at gmail dot com

Serendipity Stitcher said...

Entered the Thomas giveaway

pkgbest at gmail dot com

Serendipity Stitcher said...

Subscribe to you by email

pkgbest at gmail dot com

Serendipity Stitcher said...

Liked you on FB (Kristina Best)

pkgbest at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

The Pirate & Mermaid Bath sets are adorable!!!

Anonymous said...

email subscriber

Anonymous said...

Entered Havaiana Giveaway

Anonymous said...

entered Bubber giveaway

Anonymous said...

email subscriber (2nd entry)

Katrina said...

love the Clutching toy Little Sheep

ykatrina at hotmail dot com

Theresa said...

Our family would like to have the Ball track Sounds Starter set

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

Like HABA on Fb

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

Entered the Purse to GO giveaway

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

Follow you on twitter and tweeted the giveaway

http://twitter.com/#!/tkups575/status/108976914479333376

cc_girly@yahoo.com

Debbie said...

I love the ball block set!
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I entered the Thomas DVD giveaway
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Debbie said...

I like you on FB
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I like you on FB 2
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Debbie said...

I follow you via GFC
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Debbie said...

I follow you via GFC 2
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I'm an email subscriber
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Debbie said...

Your button's on my left sidebar nofiltermom dot blogspot dot com
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Debbie said...

Your button's on my left sidebar 2 nofiltermom dot blogspot dot com
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

Your button's on my left sidebar 3 nofiltermom dot blogspot dot com
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Debbie said...

I'm an email subscriber 2
dmartinock at comcast dot net

Anonymous said...

Would LOVE the Cupboard Terra Kids

pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks bunches

Anonymous said...

Like HABA on Facebook

pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks bunches

Anonymous said...

subscriber via e-mail

pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks bunches

Anonymous said...

Fan on Facebook

pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks bunches

Christine said...

Would love to own their ice cream shop! my kids love pretending they are making and eating ice cream. HABA toys are awesome and so GREEN!

christinemitchell03 at gmail dot com

Christine said...

like HABA on FB
christine mitchell
christinemitchell03 at gmail dot com

Christine said...

entered guidecraft
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Christine said...

entered sunglasses warehouse
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Christine said...

entered lalaloopsy
christinemitchell03 at gmail dot com

Christine said...

entered bubber
christinemitchell03 at gmail dot com

Christine said...

entered purse to go
christinemitchell03 at gmail dot com

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

I love the Lilo and Tom in Habaland toy! HABA has many awesome toys we would love!
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

Like HABA on Facebook.
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

http://twitter.com/#!/catholicfanatic/status/109022364381097984
Tweeted! Thank you!
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

Following on Twitter as catholicfanatic.
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

I subscribe to your emails.
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com
entry 1 :)
Thank you!

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

I subscribe to your emails.
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com
entry 2 :)
Thank you!

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

Following via GFC.
entry 1 :)
sonyamorris
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

Following via GFC.
entry 2 :)
sonyamorris
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

Fan on FB.
Entry 1
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

Fan on FB.
Entry 2
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com

Kala said...

I'd love to try the ball track sounds starter set
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I subscribe via email
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I subscribe via email entry 2
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I follow via facebook
kalaboo2581@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I follow via facebook entry 2
kalaboo2581@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I entered the blubber giveaway

Kala said...

I entered the purse bling purse to go pockets plus giveaway
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I entered the Thomas in charge dvd giveaway
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I entered the sunglass warehouse giveaway
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I entered the havaianas giveaway
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I entered the lalaloopsy silly hair doll giveaway
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I entered the niagara non aerosol spray starch giveaway
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I entered the ragu visa giftcard giveaway
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I would love to have their Doll Graham. dwelchert@yahoo.com

Kala said...

I entered the melissa and doug sunny patch summer fun from gummy lump giveaway
jkdemeyere@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I liked HABA on Facebook/Debbie Welchert dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I entered your Lalaloopsy Silly Doll giveaway. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I entered your Guidecraft 3-D Feel and Find World Icons giveaway. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I entered your Case of 6 bottles of Ajax 2X giveaway dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted giveaway. https://twitter.com/#!/flipper211/status/109031820384935936 dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

1. I follow you via GFC. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

2. I follow you via GFC. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

1. I subscribe via your Google RSS feed. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

2. I subscribe via your Google RSS feed. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

1. I subscribe via your email. dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

1. Facebook fan/Debbie Welchert dwelchert@yahoo.com

freddie said...

2. Facebook fan/Debbie Welchert dwelchert@yahoo.com

Tina Demarco said...

id get the ice cream shop =D
xbabygurlxxx@hotmail.com

Tina Demarco said...

like haba on fb as tina demarco
xbabygurlxxx@hotmail.com

Tina Demarco said...

twitter follow you xbabygurlx33060
xbabygurlxxx@hotmail.com

Tina Demarco said...

email subscriber
xbabygurlxxx@hotmail.com

Tina Demarco said...

#2 email subscriber
xbabygurlxxx@hotmail.com

Tina Demarco said...

rss feed xbabygurlxxx33060@gmail.com
xbabygurlxxx@hotmail.com

Tina Demarco said...

#2 rss feed xbabygurlxxx33060@gmail.com
xbabygurlxxx@hotmail.com

Tina Demarco said...

liked you on fb as tina demarco
xbabygurlxxx@hotmail.com

Tina Demarco said...

liked you on fb as tina demarco
xbabygurlxxx@hotmail.com

Giveaway Hound said...

I'd like to own Tractor Habaland. giveawayhound at gmai dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

Like HABA on Facebook. giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the coca-cola giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the swiss colony giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the ajax giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the bob giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the fiber one giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the guidecraft giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the melissa and doug giveaay giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the jiffy lube giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the firefly giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the visa giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the sandals giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the sunglasses giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the doll giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the thomas giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the niagara giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the bubber giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

entered the purse to go giveaway giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

follow publicly with Google Friend Connect giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

GFC 2 giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

subscribe to RSS feed giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

RSS 2 giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

email 2 giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

fan on Facebook giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

Facebook 2 giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

added Thanks, Mail Carrier to blogroll. giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

blogroll 2 giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

1 button http://giveawayhound.wordpress.com/ giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

2 button http://giveawayhound.wordpress.com/ giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

3 button http://giveawayhound.wordpress.com/ giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

blog post: http://giveawayhound.wordpress.com/2011/08/31/building-blocks-from-haba-ends-921/ giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

2 blog post: http://giveawayhound.wordpress.com/2011/08/31/building-blocks-from-haba-ends-921/ giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

3 blog post: http://giveawayhound.wordpress.com/2011/08/31/building-blocks-from-haba-ends-921/ giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Giveaway Hound said...

https://twitter.com/#!/giveawayhound/status/109063690833248256 giveawayhound at gmail dot com

s said...

Ball track Sounds Starter set
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

s said...

gfc follower (sl)
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

Kristina said...

I love HABA's stoller toys. amace@cox.net

Kristina said...

entered guidecraft giveaway. amace@cox.net

Kristina said...

entered the havaianas giveaway. amace@cox.net

Kristina said...

entered teh lalaloopsy doll giveaway. amace@cox.net

Tara said...

The mixer role play set at Haba is too cute!

tara_autobee@hotmail.com

Tara said...

I liked Thanks, mail carrier on FB.

tara_autobee@hotmail.com

PitaGirl said...

I like the Play rug Discoverers' Meadow.


pitagirl91(at)gmail(dot)com

PitaGirl said...

Email subscriber

pitagirl91(at)gmail(dot)com

Leah said...

HABA's Japanese House Blocks would be so amazingly magical for my ds! : )

Thanks so very much for this fabulous give~away! : )

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

I am following your wonderful blog via GFC! : )

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

I subscribe to your RSS feed via Google Reader! : )

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

Entry #1: I also subscribe via e~mail! : )

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

Entry #2: I also subscribe via e~mail! : )

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

Entry #2: I am following your wonderful blog via GFC! : )

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

Entry #2: I subscribe to your RSS feed via Google Reader! : )

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

Entry #1: I am one of your newest fans on FB (Leah F.)! : )

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

Entry #2: I am one of your newest fans on FB (Leah F.)! Thanks again! : )

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Giveaway Hound said...

https://twitter.com/#!/giveawayhound/status/109228380372738049 giveawayhound at gmail dot com

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

http://twitter.com/#!/catholicfanatic/status/109255013695623168
Daily Tweet
Thank you :)
sonyamorris@carolina.rr.com

Allyson Bossie said...

My toddler would LOVE this push Fire Engine car. I think that is a good remember for Christmas!

Allyson Bossie said...

liked HABA on facebook as allyson ballard Bossie
masugr@yahoo.com

Allyson Bossie said...

following thanks mail carrier on twitter @masugr
masugr@yahoo.com

Allyson Bossie said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/masugr/status/109280468683329536
masugr@yahoo.com

Allyson Bossie said...

following your rss feed
masugr@yahoo.com

Allyson Bossie said...

subscribed for and receive email
masugr@yahoo.com

Allyson Bossie said...

friend of thanks mail carrier on facebook as allyson ballard bossie
masugr@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I love the simplicity of the Play COoker

kissyjensen at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like the Ice Cream Shop "Venezia"!
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

like HABA on FB - Becky L.M.
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

google friend #1
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

google friend #2
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

subscribe to rss feed #1
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Anonymous said...

subscribe to rss feed #2
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Anonymous said...

email subscriber #1
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Anonymous said...

email subscriber #2
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Anonymous said...

like TMC #1 on FB - Becky L.M.
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

like TMC #2 on FB - Becky L.M.
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I like the little mixer set

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

entered Bob the Builder giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

entered Guidecraft giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I like you on facebook

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Anonymous said...

entered Ragu giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

entered Lalaloopsy giveaway
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Anonymous said...

entered Thomas giveaway
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Anonymous said...

I like you on FB #2

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered swiss colony

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Anonymous said...

I entered guidecraft

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