Feb SS-yes?

[Bad JuJu]

Sounds like a great idea, Canuck! I've been out of the SS for the last month or so, so eager to get back in. Thanks for volunteering to organize.

Theme suggestion: Mardi Gras/Carnival? (Ash Wednesday is 21 February.) I don't even know whether this season is celebrated in Australia, but here in the southeastern U.S. (mainly along the northern Gulf coast), Mardi Gras activities have already begun, and the purple-green-gold color scheme is cropping up everywhere (see my avatar). Hmmm, not sure how that relates to cycling, but we could use the color scheme or the traditional beads-and-feathers decor or anything else that's wild and crazy, according to the Season of Misrule.

Just a thought. In any case, I'm sending a PM as we speak.

[mtbdarby]

Hey CC - you beat me to it! How about "from the heart"? Anything homemade or near and dear to your senders heart (a hobby, person, charity, about hearts, etc?). I'll pm you.

[Offthegrid]

Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive, but I think if I got a bunch of heart items I'd be quite sad. Valentine's Day is going to be tough to me. I ended my engagement 4 months ago. But red items would be OK.

[Bikingmomof3]

I like the theme and sent a PM. Thanks for takig this on CC!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have to confess something-
I love giving (and getting) gifts just as much as the next person. But I'm a little hesitant about doing SS again because it seems (or is it just my imagination?) the number of items bought and the expense is getting more and more abundant each month, and now it's common to photograph displays of all the goods recieved as well. I DO understand how much fun it is to shop and send and get goodies (believe me i DO!), but if SS shopping and sending becomes too daunting or expensive or competitive, I fear there might be more people putting off sending their packages because they don't think they have bought enough things yet, or just not participating in the first place. (Just a thought, not trying to spoil the fun)

[Bikingmomof3]

I have to confess something-
I love giving (and getting) gifts just as much as the next person. But I'm a little hesitant about doing SS again because it seems (or is it just my imagination?) the number of items bought and the expense is getting more and more abundant each month, and now it's common to photograph displays of all the goods recieved as well. I DO understand how much fun it is to shop and send and get goodies (believe me i DO!), but if SS shopping and sending becomes too daunting or expensive or competitive, I fear there might be more people putting off sending their packages because they don't think they have bought enough things yet, or just not participating in the first place. (Just a thought, not trying to spoil the fun)

I liked seeing photos, which is why I posted mine this month. I did not even think it might be upsetting so I apologize and shall remove mine.

As for gifts getting more expensive? I do not know. I tend to spend within the given limit, due to my personal budget restraints. I am not bothered if someone receives what appears to be more than I send or receive. I send what I can and each gift is purchased with my heart. All I hope for is that whomever has me does the same, picks something from the heart.

[Bluetree]

There's a limit?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I liked seeing photos, which is why I posted mine this month. I did not even think it might be upsetting so I apologize and shall remove mine.

As for gifts getting more expensive? I do not know. I tend to spend within the given limit, due to my personal budget restraints. I am not bothered if someone receives what appears to be more than I send or receive. I send what I can and each gift is purchased with my heart. All I hope for is that whomever has me does the same, picks something from the heart.

It's not "upsetting", Jennifer- don't worry about your pix!
I've spent within the suggested $20 limit a couple of times, but my packages seem so meager compared to some. It's all about doing it from the heart, as you say. But I'd hate to see people get discouraged from participating if they get the idea that they have to send a big selection of stuff.

[five one]

I have to confess something-
I love giving (and getting) gifts just as much as the next person. But I'm a little hesitant about doing SS again because it seems (or is it just my imagination?) the number of items bought and the expense is getting more and more abundant each month, and now it's common to photograph displays of all the goods recieved as well. I DO understand how much fun it is to shop and send and get goodies (believe me i DO!), but if SS shopping and sending becomes too daunting or expensive or competitive, I fear there might be more people putting off sending their packages because they don't think they have bought enough things yet, or just not participating in the first place. (Just a thought, not trying to spoil the fun)

I had a lot of fun putting together the goodies for my January SS, but I do agree with Lisa and wonder if it's getting a bit out of hand. This was the first month I participated, so I'm not sure what has happened in the past. I would like to hear from someone who has been around since the fun began. What's the history? Is there a $$ limit? I wonder if more would more participate if we exchanged just one item that fit the theme of the month and stayed within the monetary limit? I'm certainly willing to to so.

[Aggie_Ama]

I have to confess something-
I love giving (and getting) gifts just as much as the next person. But I'm a little hesitant about doing SS again because it seems (or is it just my imagination?) the number of items bought and the expense is getting more and more abundant each month, and now it's common to photograph displays of all the goods recieved as well. I DO understand how much fun it is to shop and send and get goodies (believe me i DO!), but if SS shopping and sending becomes too daunting or expensive or competitive, I fear there might be more people putting off sending their packages because they don't think they have bought enough things yet, or just not participating in the first place. (Just a thought, not trying to spoil the fun)

I am sorry, I posted the photos the last two months because I am not visual. I LOVED when Clockwork Orange posted her lovely gift as I never would have understood all the neat items she enjoyed. It is not about bragging or encouraging people to send more. I just love seeing the creativity on the board. Like BMO3 I never thought it would hurt someone, I am going to remove my photos.

I believe $10-20 is a wonderful gift. The best gift is the ones I have received that were so personal. Someone took the time to make me a ride calendar, it is lovely and I am enjoying it.

The old cliche is true: "It is the thought that counts". That is what I strive for each month, not a $$$.

[wannaduacentury]

What's the theme again?? Red and homemade?? hee hee I'm joining in for this one. Jennifer