tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39638752483712749422024-03-12T16:33:29.981-07:00Swoozie'sTamiko Murman, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18378557472032798000noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963875248371274942.post-1044531568882254742010-03-23T16:10:00.000-07:002010-03-24T07:50:20.544-07:00A letter to our customers...Dear Loyal Swoozie’s Customers Everywhere,<br /><div></div><br /><div>For the past 9 years, you have supported Swoozie’s and have been the livelihood of each of our 43 neighborhood locations. Therefore, I feel a responsibility to reach out to you and include you in what is about to happen to our company. Some of you I know personally, and others, I feel as if I do. But each of you are important to me and to Swoozie’s. And unfortunately we are at a crossroads. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Many of you are already aware that Swoozie’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. While I kept a positive outlook throughout this process with respect to finding a way to emerge as a reorganized company, it doesn’t appear we are going to be offered that chance. I am now facing the somber reality that Swoozie’s is swiftly approaching a path to complete liquidation barring some unforeseen miracle at the auction which is scheduled for Thursday, March 25. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>This isn’t just a business for me, this is my life, my family and my passion. My late husband, David Dworkin who passed away 3 years ago, and I built this company from the ground up based on our knowledge of the industry, my experience as a woman and mother of three and our love of retail. It was built for women just like you. And, because I found so much joy in being on the floor and meeting customers, I have had the pleasure of experiencing countless moments that I will cherish. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I have watched the joy on the faces of so many brides-to-be. I have seen the spark when we find that special gift for a precious new baby. I have experienced hundreds of first birthdays. I have heard and lived the story of so many graduating students from all grades and colleges across the nation. I have seen the perfect gift through the eyes of a proud grandmother. I understand what it takes to be a ‘favorite teacher’ and the special gift that accompanies that title. I understand how it feels when you get the news that a close friend or a loved one has cancer. And, I have shared in your determination to find the one gift that will make it better at least for a moment. All of these stories and experiences will resonate with me. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>These stories and the people involved are why I was committed to Swoozie’s even after the pain that came with the death of my husband. It was for you, for our employees, for our countless vendors. After all you have become my family. And, although I am so sincerely sorry for any pain or hardship this situation is causing, I will always appreciate and hold dear the people and the experiences that Swoozie’s has introduced along the way. I am a woman of faith, I am confident that this has a larger purpose that will one day make sense. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Thank you for your support over the past nine years. I can only hope that we have met all your expectations. My husband had this vision for our company of impeccable customer service for each and every customer each and every time they visited a Swoozie’s. I want to personally apologize to any customer who did not receive that perfect service experience. And, I particularly want to say that I’m sorry to any customer who was affected or will be affected during this unfortunate period. </div><div><br /></div><div>Swoozie’s foundation is the important events in life that make it special, the celebrations. Although I still believe in this brand and remain hopeful, we are looking at what could very well be the end of this celebration, and I want to thank you for joining the party. It wouldn’t have been the same without you. I wish you all bright days, much laughter and the level of joy that I have gained from this company. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ0SHYuvM6inzjkBaA168naPBFJsNuW0zDO6froKMMlpE6_889xLqsQy92-Ukg224zvEZkt464u_rgmKl6JXlgY0Pd5HYQx1cGo4qwRmEkszBr4yG4xHKP1eFKWK6jxKwsbCPCmxAsjsw/s1600-h/kelly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451974068261713458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 90px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ0SHYuvM6inzjkBaA168naPBFJsNuW0zDO6froKMMlpE6_889xLqsQy92-Ukg224zvEZkt464u_rgmKl6JXlgY0Pd5HYQx1cGo4qwRmEkszBr4yG4xHKP1eFKWK6jxKwsbCPCmxAsjsw/s200/kelly.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><p align="left"><br /></p><br /><div></div><div>Respectfully, Kelly Plank Dworkin</div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Co-founder, President and CEO</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963875248371274942.post-85499276527180484092010-02-05T08:49:00.000-08:002010-02-05T08:50:28.623-08:00Swoozie's Knows Weddings!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Swoozie's is excited that <span style="font-weight: bold;">WEDDING SEASON</span> is in full bloom! We kicked off this special season with nationwide bridal shows, inviting engaged couples and their loved ones to see all that Swoozie’s has to offer from the moment she says “yes!” through the magical day they say “I do!” </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Twenty brides at each of our forty-three locations received a bridal goodie bag full of fabulous treats, and all guests received a special Engagement Pass, entitling them to savings on all personalized orders through March. Swoozie’s is the expert on personalization! We offer custom printing, custom monogramming, custom engraving, and so much more! Personalized gifts are a thoughtful way to express gratitude to the bridal party, the shower hostess, the flower girls, and parents. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our bridal shows have been a smashing success! Many stores invited local vendors from the wedding industry to participate in the show, including photographers, bakeries, venues, calligraphers, and many others. Check out these beautiful pictures from a few of our shows:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(You can also visit <a href="https://www.aimeelaine.com/photography/shop/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=2247">Aimee Laine Photography</a> for </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">some fabulous photos from Cameron Village & Triangle Town Center, <a href="http://robinnathan.net/">Robin Nathan Photography</a> for pics from Brookwood's show, and <a href="http://www.miapaigephotography.com/">Mia Paige Photography</a> for New York!</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKU7-P_BrrOkcAFNnC8kgGHZ-jJ3K_ux3JyuoUgiqOdmEe_z580kljgl7RuMjouWH87P4fa_-ykQc0I-RrItrH9_ACv6AQ2Jz1e7SGIv2RUtUYDVchiZamc27x6o0JK76hnewyNP-NQhi/s1600-h/CameronVillage_AimeeLaine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431224695207315426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKU7-P_BrrOkcAFNnC8kgGHZ-jJ3K_ux3JyuoUgiqOdmEe_z580kljgl7RuMjouWH87P4fa_-ykQc0I-RrItrH9_ACv6AQ2Jz1e7SGIv2RUtUYDVchiZamc27x6o0JK76hnewyNP-NQhi/s320/CameronVillage_AimeeLaine.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-vvv_Vd9Bui3Gp9poNkSOepPffHJLxtuapN9PQCoq6G0EqCbci_Rg8oqsiTUGePXX8sO22yqWVApqRyBPx81USb5K9mvHkR9raZf5u0GZ0nyzmuAu6PNK3FFsAKotVXkYyuA658Htmmy/s1600-h/BurrRidge1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431224690423643282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-vvv_Vd9Bui3Gp9poNkSOepPffHJLxtuapN9PQCoq6G0EqCbci_Rg8oqsiTUGePXX8sO22yqWVApqRyBPx81USb5K9mvHkR9raZf5u0GZ0nyzmuAu6PNK3FFsAKotVXkYyuA658Htmmy/s320/BurrRidge1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 242px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PJN_fWTsqdKdPhqTdS6_qDCQaVuDjfKd7UyP2mkGV3NwofBRAs2YX67AZY2ruaDvOJyhuyC-Edb7QhH5wEahx0mCoZJM39u-__VmdcxUHQeTjCkcEh6cCGub2tpc-RXSumHmWthOFa-E/s1600-h/Middletown1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431224682877575266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PJN_fWTsqdKdPhqTdS6_qDCQaVuDjfKd7UyP2mkGV3NwofBRAs2YX67AZY2ruaDvOJyhuyC-Edb7QhH5wEahx0mCoZJM39u-__VmdcxUHQeTjCkcEh6cCGub2tpc-RXSumHmWthOFa-E/s320/Middletown1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gzRntBc97-hIm_Q_u9jakThN3u2yvo5oc1jKkQD_ucKsXtEFttlg0Hknjk3FFYi_7VDRGm_WixV-xtnNnZF5Z9-OxcPTOyO0U1bslgPXWi0zRPMhUc2ENlx-Ft3cZNbtoLrCRcBur8_1/s1600-h/Brookwood6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431224674600038930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gzRntBc97-hIm_Q_u9jakThN3u2yvo5oc1jKkQD_ucKsXtEFttlg0Hknjk3FFYi_7VDRGm_WixV-xtnNnZF5Z9-OxcPTOyO0U1bslgPXWi0zRPMhUc2ENlx-Ft3cZNbtoLrCRcBur8_1/s320/Brookwood6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 213px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO1fOwNwiV0wAdEeK8qT9g4tKUjrs0ejuF3hmVF2iS3cM57j_0zJv2iDmoyFfJq_LRNkTZeCNH9qk_zgYKc2Lvn91vBFot2zEWyV73jm7glA8Q0YD2KLzJkHCBgtEqSmg7Vo3WPoqIlHo/s1600-h/Brookwood.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431224663265565618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO1fOwNwiV0wAdEeK8qT9g4tKUjrs0ejuF3hmVF2iS3cM57j_0zJv2iDmoyFfJq_LRNkTZeCNH9qk_zgYKc2Lvn91vBFot2zEWyV73jm7glA8Q0YD2KLzJkHCBgtEqSmg7Vo3WPoqIlHo/s320/Brookwood.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 213px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
(Last 2 photos courtesy of <a href="http://robinnathan.net/">Robin Nathan Photography</a>)<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">While Swoozie’s knows {and loves} weddings, we pride ourselves on being there for a woman at every stage in her life. From the “I do” to the announcement of your firstborn (and every party, holiday, and milestone in between), Swoozie’s loves to celebrate YOU!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Don't miss our <a href="http://www.swoozies.com/chapters.asp?action=form&formID=2752&recordID=310370">2010 Wedding Gift Book</a>!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you’re a bride-to-be, be among the first 5 to comment and receive a 15% Engagement Pass to use toward one online purchase!</span></div>Tamiko Murman, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18378557472032798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963875248371274942.post-35957571550152435602010-02-02T13:28:00.000-08:002010-02-02T13:32:48.279-08:00A "Swoozied Up" Super BowlThe New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts will battle it out this Sunday, February 7 for the Super Bowl Championship! If you’re a football fan, don’t miss the opportunity to host a fabulous Super Bowl party with your family and friends. My husband loves football, and we enjoy using big games as an excuse to entertain loved ones. Thanks to Swoozie’s, I’ve collected several festive tabletop items such as a football-shaped chip bowl and cocktail napkins that read “We interrupt this marriage to bring you football season” (my favorite!). They are always a big hit with guests. Check out some other great Swoozie’s football goodies:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpVFEwWqEbRlrY0e3_fKB9mtDDKzz0oLtkIyG7W11FTsGDihvAUuPdOqFJ8mzBY5ehZINztcAwTGcWCoRJGt6rBI8DraBVe_SK5gXFczYKIcCAPG_jokQWHi0HGOccbtLfr-mhRH7Wnyl/s1600-h/FootballPic2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpVFEwWqEbRlrY0e3_fKB9mtDDKzz0oLtkIyG7W11FTsGDihvAUuPdOqFJ8mzBY5ehZINztcAwTGcWCoRJGt6rBI8DraBVe_SK5gXFczYKIcCAPG_jokQWHi0HGOccbtLfr-mhRH7Wnyl/s320/FootballPic2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431873585069955682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://swoozies.com/shop.asp?action=details&inventoryID=108024&catId=NULL"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oe8li26CfFmGEvINytfX6YW3zi_FTYjJRjFhez06QMrxFa8YIAyv2ec-dsBM-Xc-7P7wJ6uLaMzWoilsNG62UwS8Sppe16DW2GHJkroMPDanhMj89KMaAmKZHjgt83_ka2I7Py7qY556/s320/FootballTVBeer_cocktailnapkin.asp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431873935509873026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />In addition to fun entertaining pieces, you can get creative with your decorating! I LOVE this centerpiece from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Style-Parties-Complete-Elegant-Entertaining/dp/1932994114">InStyle Parties</a> (compliments of <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2008/01/super-bowl-playing-field-centerpiece/">Hostess with the Mostess blog</a>).<p></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19q87HIb2GFmp29kN-TAV31yrnbYcDVVRGXsTqhZx_oqj-NrbpHtlTBBDi0Xu3UWqp2NGbVEMHZQBjNhamgSQPOhTlDVePwirmGZmwgU5SjBwPym-EE8gWkcOuUtmZ_K1ERa4zflavxUn/s1600-h/FootballCenterpiece.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19q87HIb2GFmp29kN-TAV31yrnbYcDVVRGXsTqhZx_oqj-NrbpHtlTBBDi0Xu3UWqp2NGbVEMHZQBjNhamgSQPOhTlDVePwirmGZmwgU5SjBwPym-EE8gWkcOuUtmZ_K1ERa4zflavxUn/s320/FootballCenterpiece.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431874560790861330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For a sweet ending, why not tackle these football truffles from <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/super-bowl-funday/">Bakerella</a>? Don’t they look delicious?!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUgF_WysfN5KBQ__UyeDrvLGPJsww6CTfHfpLTEH1zsF9YqQLEGfp2quy9U1qY87ZUplxv-1KCmWTLQf6LEVhnefognakZ3FU03Yab0g4OVnwgRWxLyqkxyIV9hK04dNjcHsv-RHrbqsM/s1600-h/FootballTruffles_Bakerella.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUgF_WysfN5KBQ__UyeDrvLGPJsww6CTfHfpLTEH1zsF9YqQLEGfp2quy9U1qY87ZUplxv-1KCmWTLQf6LEVhnefognakZ3FU03Yab0g4OVnwgRWxLyqkxyIV9hK04dNjcHsv-RHrbqsM/s320/FootballTruffles_Bakerella.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431874823031293426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Swoozie’s has some great Super Bowl party items <a href="http://swoozies.com/shop.asp?action=cat&catId=19436">online</a>! If you’re not hosting your own party, why not bring football truffles on our <a href="http://swoozies.com/shop.asp?action=details&inventoryID=136306&catId=19436">“We Interrupt This Marriage” acrylic tray</a> as a hostess gift? Or give <a href="http://swoozies.com/shop.asp?action=details&inventoryID=108024&catId=NULL">cocktail napkins</a> and a <a href="http://swoozies.com/shop.asp?action=details&inventoryID=136282&catId=19436">whistle ice scooper</a>! Or a bottle of wine in our <a href="http://swoozies.com/shop.asp?action=details&inventoryID=136280&catId=19436">referee wine bag</a>! <span style=""> </span>The entertaining and gift options are endless at Swoozie’s.<br /><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Have a great Super Bowl Sunday!</p>Tamiko Murman, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18378557472032798000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963875248371274942.post-80222573948921714082010-01-28T12:00:00.000-08:002010-01-28T11:51:40.079-08:00Welcome to Swoozie's!We are excited about the launch of the <strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Swoozie’s Blog!</span></strong> The personalities behind the presents, paper, printing, and pizazz will use this space to inspire, teach, and celebrate you. As we look forward to celebrating Swoozie’s 9th Birthday this March, I can hardly believe how much we have grown! From a one-location operation in Atlanta, Swoozie’s has expanded to <a href="http://www.swoozies.com/locations.asp">43 stores nationwide</a> with an ever-growing web presence. All of that is thanks to you, our customers. You are the reason we are here, and we are making every decision at Swoozie’s with you in mind.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.swoozies.com/">Swoozie’s</a> products and services have never been more important as they are in today’s environment. We all continue to celebrate our children’s birthdays, our parents’ anniversaries, and our daughter’s engagements. As we all re-evaluate how we spend our resources, we are also reminded of what is most important: family and friends. We are here to make sure that you have fabulous options for the celebrations, parties, and milestones you share with loved ones.<br /><p>From the smallest gesture, such as a handwritten note, to the lavish extravaganzas, Swoozie’s is honored to provide the products and services that create lasting memories. And now, with our blog, we are happy to offer our expert advice on gift-giving, entertaining, wedding planning, social etiquette, and much more! Enjoy!</p>Kelly Plank-Dworkin, Co-founder and CEO<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCo06JCSvJNAWN1vp7oArVmjLcVmckFs9AGWCvr6xXWFyunsorabrq_P9PWz_5TDnyA7cEAdHeSbUrkWeuBwzquuQcMxMjP2mBLosbTZRAvZ6nLAdRVt03dKXrSretVnNgxS6C1VgPiUSt/s1600-h/kelly.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 65px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCo06JCSvJNAWN1vp7oArVmjLcVmckFs9AGWCvr6xXWFyunsorabrq_P9PWz_5TDnyA7cEAdHeSbUrkWeuBwzquuQcMxMjP2mBLosbTZRAvZ6nLAdRVt03dKXrSretVnNgxS6C1VgPiUSt/s320/kelly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431877203036871010" border="0" /></a><div></div>Kelly Plank-Dworkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260264474391649059noreply@blogger.com0