I'm Thankful . . .

Thankful for blog reading pals LIKE YOU!

Come back next week (beginning on Monday) for a week filled with giveaways.
These giveaways are for my subscribers/google friend connect friends ONLY!
But, it's never too late to make a new friend.
Feel free to subscribe at anytime before then or during the giveaways.

A little sneak peek of what's to come :









Plus more . . .

She's having a baby

Kailani is having a baby!
&
We are celebrating.
Click on the banner above for more information.

Check back here later today for some giveaways!!

Happenings around the blog-o-sphere

The ladies over at The Secret is in the Sauce are hosting an auction. All proceeds

will go to MomitForward's charity benefiting Yehu. So, head on over and bid to win! The auction will end tonight @ 7pm.

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Hurry....this coupon expires tomorrow.
Click here to print your coupon.

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The Fresh Air fund is looking for host homes for this summer.
Click on the banner above for more information.
THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2008, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.
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What do you have going on this weekend?
Be sure to post it in Mr. Linky !!

Happenings around the blog-o-sphere

Check out THE MIXER, a new online cooking club from Betty Crocker.
When you join The Mixer online (IT’S FREE!) you will learn the ins and
outs of cooking and baking, while interacting with Betty Crocker
Kitchens experts LIVE during a class and connecting with an entire
community of people just like you. What’s great is that you can do it in
the comfort of your own kitchen whenever it best fits your schedule.

For more information visit www.bettycrocker.com/themixer.

Mark your calendars...
Baskin-Robbins® is hosting its third annual 31 Cent Scoop Night celebration on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. Ice cream lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite Baskin-Robbins flavor for only 31 cents while paying tribute to local fire heroes of all ages. On April 29, America’s favorite neighborhood ice cream shop is partnering with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the nation’s leading non-profit association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services.

Now this is my kind of promotion! Who wouldn't like to enjoy a nice and yummy treat at such a low price? We will definately be there!!
So don't forget....
When: April 29th starting @ 5pm and ending @ 10pm
Where: All Baskin-Robbins store locations nationwide. To find the closest Baskin-Robbins location in your area, please visit http://www.baskinrobbins.com/.
COST: 31 cents for a 2.5 ounce scoop of any Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavor (or a 3 oz. Soft Serve), plus applicable tax. *Limit three scoops per person.
**Now be sure to visit these awesome giveaways below....(If you have one going on at your blog, be sure to leave a link.)

Strolling through the blog-o-sphere

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. Here are some special events going on. Be sure to check them out when you get a chance.

**Calling all home cooks!
The 44th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest is open for entries and looking for the next $1 million recipe... all it takes is one simple idea!
Do you have the $1 million dollar recipe?
One hundred finalists will win a trip to the finals, April 11 - 13, 2010, at the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek hotel in Florida. Pillsbury is looking for original recipes that taste and look delicious, are easy to prepare and that families across America will love to eat. There are four recipe categories - Breakfast & Brunches, Entertaining Appetizers, Dinner Made Easy and Sweet Treats.

Entries are being accepted online between now and April 20th, 2009, at www.bakeoff.com.
You'll also find contest details, including eligible products, prizes and the official rules, at the web site.
*
See this amazing bag?

It is being auctioned off in celebration of Earth Day.
The Sak's eco-extension,Sakroots, is hosting a Celebrity bag auction to benefit The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees campaign and for each dollar contributed, one tree will be planted.
Dates: April 8th-April 22nd
The Celebrity Autographed Sakroots Pax Eco Weekender made of a jute/cotton blend canvas and 100% natural cotton handles. It features The Sak's signature peace print symbolizing the brands' "happy & free" philosophy with artwork created by Paris-born graffiti artist, Gilles Jourdan.
This bag has been signed by the following celebrities:
Robin Wright Penn, Rosie Perez, Blair Underwood, Justine Bateman, Jessica Alba, Alec Baldwin, Sandra Oh and Mena Suvari
The auction will take place at CharityFolks.com.
For more information visit TheSak.com.
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From NOW until April 30th, enjoy an extra 20% off your purchase from Umi Shoes.
Just use code SPRING20 upon checkout.
www.umishoes.com
Umi shoes are adorable!! We just recently did a review on them and are still loving them.
*

Tamagotchi "Wanna Be A Music Star?" Sweepstakes!
Fans can enter the promotion at Tamagotchi.com to win one of the three grand prizes, including:

- 1 Grand Prize Winner to receive an Exclusive Customized Tamagotchi Music Star Epiphone® Firebird Studio Guitar and an Epiphone® guitar strap and guitar case! VIP trip for winner and a guest to The 2009 Teen Choice Awards at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City, CA. Trip includes: Round-trip airfare, 3 days/2 nights hotel, and ground transportation in a Gibson Tour Bus!
- 10 Winners will each receive an Exclusive Customized Tamagotchi Music Star Epiphone® Les Paul Special II Guitar and an Epiphone® guitar strap and hat.
- 25 Winners will each receive a Tamagotchi gift bag filled with cool Tamagotchi and Epiphone® products.

All entries must be received by April 24, 2009.
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If you have a special bloggy event or giveaway going on, please leave it on Mr. Linky below.
We would love to visit!
Also, be sure to check out my CURRENT giveaways.
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Strolling through the blog-o-sphere

Sit back and relax today......You deserve it (wink)!

Enter some giveaways, read some cool NEW blogs and enjoy your weekend.

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Here's some great reads that I found while browsing this week :

Sara at Ohana Mama discusses Bullies and her thoughts on how to handle it.

The whole topic makes me cringe. I was never bullied as a child so I don't understand it the same way as my husband does. However, as a mom I never want my children to be bullied but I know deep down that it WILL go on at some point. How will we handle it? It's hard to say ....

Do I tell them to fight back? Do I tell them to walk away?

What are your thoughts on Bullies and how to deal with them? Head over to Ohana Mama and give your input.

MomDot discussed baby bikinis this week. EEEEEEEEK! Ok, these were not just any BABY BIKINI these bikinis were made to look like ADULT bikinis. I said it over there and I will say it here.....

Yep, at some point both of my girls wore bikinis (when they were much younger). However, the bikini's they wore had ruffles on their tail (booty) and the top definately covered their tata's.

The bikini's were CUTE and NOT ADULT themed. UGH....the whole kid clothing thing just baffles me. Why are these clothing companies trying to make our children GROWN before their time? Why can't I go into a store and find a decent pair of shorts for my girls now days? Have you seen some of this stuff they are selling?

I know a lot of moms that have taken up sewing just to make decent clothes for their kids to wear.

SAD...

Blog events:

Blog Popz twitter party - April 1st @ 9:00 use hashtag #blogpopz to join the fun

(Have you lost your PREmommy body?)

Join Cat from 3 Kids and Us every Monday for MOM FIT MONDAYS.

Giveaways :

Be sure to check out my NEW giveaways. These can be found over on my sidebar.

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Do you have a giveaway going on?

Add it to Mr. Linky below and we will visit!

happenings...

I know that I usually post these on Saturday but these "happenings" just can't wait until then....

(Are the . . . .'s getting on your nerves yet? Sorry! I can not help myself)

First and MOST important :

MckMama's lil Stellan is in the hospital and having a lot of trouble. They could definately use your prayers. Click HERE for the updates. Gosh, MckMama amazes me and I mean

A--MA--ZES me. Just go read this post and be amazed at her strength.

Update: Click HERE to find out how you can help this family. Also CLICK HERE for a few more updates.

Second:

There's a gigantic giveaway going on at Be Thou a Knight.

There are some AWESOME prizes to be won. All $$ raised will go towards their infertility treatments. (Insurance is not covering all of it and you can only imagine how expensive it is.)Let's help them reach their goal and hopefully we will get to see them welcome an itty bitty baby into this world. How exciting!!*And last but certainly not least....*Another giveaway ALERT*It involves handbags and books, what a great combo!!
Sak's "Book in a Bag" giveaway is being held through April 15th. Click HERE for a chance to win a Cambria Medium Round Tote in Beach Stripe and 4 books from Harper Collins .* The Scent of Sake, The Ladies Lending Library, The Miracles of Prato and A Dangerous Affair*I can just picture taking this bag to the beach and reading one of these books while relaxing!:Sigh:Dreams

A little stroll through the blog-o-sphere

Would you like to win an IPhone?
The Play with Pictures blog is hosting their final PWP blog contest and the prize(s):
2 Apple IPhones
Click HERE for more information on how to enter.

Play With Pictures is fun and easy imaging software that allows you to create an imaginative collage or “sticker” effect for photos. Put butterfly wings on a snapshot of your little girl, or turn the family dog into the winner of the Westminster Dog Show! After digitally cutting out an unlimited number of people and props from photographs, they can be layered onto a background of choice along with captions, dialogue bubbles, and more. The resulting compositions can be used in scrapbooks, albums, personalized greeting cards, – they can even bring school projects to life! The tools are simple and straightforward for any user of any age, and an entire composition can be created in just a few minutes.

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Don't forget about the 5m4m Ultimate Blog Party. It's still going strong!

Click on the banner below for details . . .

That's all I have for you today.....If you have something "happening" or if you are hosting a cool giveaway please leave your link below.

Around the Blog-O-Sphere

I have been a lazy blogger this week. I have been trying so hard to get caught up on my comments that I totally failed to find NEW "HAPPENINGS" for you. ((Sorry!))

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This may be of interest to you though:

March 17th is St. Patrick's Day.

So, it's almost time to "GET YOUR GREEN ON".

How will you be celebrating?

Will you wear your favorite "Don't pinch me, I'm wearing green." shirt or what about the "Kiss Me, I'm irish button"?

Before heading to the PUB (LOL, who am I kidding)

Before waking up to the KIDDOS .....

Why not brush up on your Irish? Make St. Patrick's Day memorable and have everyone learn a little Irish language.

**Starting on March 12th, Rosetta Stone is inviting consumers to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit and brush up on their brogue by offering one week of free Rosetta Stone® Irish language tutorials online at their website http://www.rosettastone.com/.

Rosetta Stone fully immerses users into the historical Irish language, recreating the instinctive language-learning experience with the help of vivid images and speech recognition technology. The easy-to-use platform allows users to learn Irish the same way they learned their first language and the program’s addictive quality helps users stay engaged and facilitates success.

You can access the free Rosetta Stone Irish program trial by logging onto and www.rosettastone.com and clicking on the registration link (link will be live beginning March 12th). Free access to the lessons will be available from March 12 – March 19, 2009.

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Now if you have a giveaway going on or a special event, Leave it on Mr. Linky below.

I would love to visit!

Psssssssst.....

Hey guys please remember that the Mr. Linky on my "Around the Blog-o-sphere" post is meant for GIVEAWAYS or BLOG HAPPENINGS. Please do not add your website's link, etsy shop link or any other link that does not pertain to giveaways or BLOGGY EVENTS.

If you would like to have your site or product featured, please do like everyone else and send me an email. *My email address is located at the top left.

Around the blog-o-sphere in ten minutes

Happy Saturday everyone!
Don't forget to SPRING FORWARD this weekend.
(I really HATE losing that hour of sleep but I am so glad that spring is right around the corner.)

So, what's up this weekend?

Blessings Abound is celebrating a special birthday...

3 Garnets and 2 Sapphires has a blogoversary coming up!

Join A Novel Mind for their GRAND OPENING

*click on banners*

Featured giveaways:
La Dee Dah Art giveaway from The Gift Closet
Epic Cleaning Products giveaway from Katydid and Kid
Vinca Lips leather wallet giveaway from The Giveaway

If you have something special going on or a giveaway that you would like for us to visit please leave your link on Mr. Linky below.

Around the Blog-o-sphere in 10 minutes

Let's see what's going on "AROUND THE BLOG-O-SPHERE".....

Visit I Heart Faces and submit your "MESSY" photos. (Begins March 2nd)


Every Thursday, Bridgette is hosting Think Thin Thurs. Why not join?

Hey, Be sure to check out her Label Daddy entry video. It's awesome... AND SHE WON!!

**Be sure to head over and give Cat of 3 Kids and Us some "congrats". THE BABY IS FINALLY HERE and oh-so-beautiful. ((Hugs Cat!!))

This week's featured giveaways:
Win $50 worth of Jockey's NEW Naturals intimates.

This giveaway is hosted by Mom Fuse.

WePlay toys from Munchkin Field giveaway hosted by Life Starring Ellie and Eve.


Melissa and Doug giveaway from Good For the Kids

Got something going on? Maybe a giveaway or just a ROCKIN' POST for us to check out?
Post it on Mr. Linky and we will be sure to visit.

Bloggy Happenings and Giveaways

Whew.....What a week!

I would say that I am glad it's Saturday but to be honest I have to spend my morning here:

Ay Yi Yi!
So, as you can see I would much rather skip Saturday this week and roll on over to Sunday!
I am going to make this short and sweet . . . .

"A few featured giveaways"
Win a LEARNING TOWER from My Wooden Spoon.

Win a $100 gift card from Amazon.com. This giveaway is being hosted by Robyns Online World.

Hey My daughter would like this one: Win a Kajeet cell phone over at The Glamorous WAHM.

Ok, what do you have for us?
Place your bloggy "happening" or giveaway below. We would love to check it out.
P.S. Don't forget to check out my NEW giveaways.
You can find them <--- (on my side bar).

10 minutes around the blog-o-sphere

Happy Saturday!
I hope the lil ones let you sleep in this morning.

I found some great things that are happening around the blog-o-sphere this weekend :

Our Crazy Wonderful Life is hosting a giveaway to celebrate her 100th post. Head over and enter the giveaway and also give her a little CONGRATS for hitting 100!

Need a smooch? We are that Family is hosting the S.W.A.K. Valentine's carnival. Head on over and check it out. (Click banner below)


Sweet 'n' Sassy girls has some great tips on how to "MAKE YOUR OWN BLOG DESIGNS". (backgrounds, button how-to, changing to a 3 column template....) Awesome help!

<---- Don't forget to check out my side bar over there. There are a couple of other "bloggy happenings over there plus a list of my giveaways.

It's your turn.....
If you have a giveaway or special bloggy event going on just place it on Mr. Linky below. We would love to check it out!
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Around the "Blog-o-Sphere" in ten minutes

WOO HOO!

We made it through another week!

I hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday so far. Just wanted to let you know that the Virtual Baby Shower will resume on Monday with MORE great giveaways!
Next week's giveaways include:

*a Baby Lovie from Swaddle Designs

*a t-shirt from Demi Bella (formerly Lucky Me Tee)

*some cute baby clothing from Zutano

Be sure to be come back!
Also, Don't forget to enter our giveaways for the following products...
Rockin' Baby Sling
Jack and Lily shoes
Happy Green Bee tights
Belli skincare
Your turn....Post your "happening" or giveaway below. We would love to visit and enter!

Giveaways around the BLOG-O-SPHERE

I'm hoppin' today. (blog-hopping)
I'm searching for giveaways and just plain COOL STUFF. Do you have something "happening"? Let us know with a comment and if you have a giveaway going on leave that on our Mr. Linky.

Here's some cool things that I found.....

*Win a BUGALUG gift basket worth over $50 from Baby Mogul.

*The fun girls over at MOMDOT are giving away a Hoover "Platinum collection" vacuum.
Also be sure to check out the "Bloggers Give" campaign while you are there.

*Win a cute Vday onesie from Happy Panda Baby over at Life starring Ellie and Eve

*The Pink Chandelier is hosting the Loop 2 Loop belt giveaway, head on over there and enter!

*A Boutique Buyers Blog is giving away an awesome ring from The Vintage Pearl.
(I own some of Erin's jewels and they are FAB!)

Some great giveaways going on RIGHT.NOW!

I thought these were cute (Of course I would because my kids are too old to be "Squeaking" hee!

Squeaky Feet shoes giveaway hosted by Goodies for Mom.

Halloween Babylegs giveaway hosted by Clementine NW but hurry....this one ends Oct. 25th.

Mommy Calling Cards giveaway hosted by Frugal Mommy of 2

*Giveaways Going on*

Got a giveaway going on? Send me an email and I will post it right here for everyone to see!

*So Bright Designs pillowcase/onesie giveaway hosted by Cool Mom Picks

*The Little Mermaid "Ariel's Beginning" dvd giveaway hosted by Film Gecko

*Butter Bean Bambina giveaway hosted by Simple Finds

(winner will receive a teaching placemat)

*Olive's Kids Mermaid Bedding giveaway hosted by Shopping Gems

I just wanted to say a GREAT BIG "THANKS" to everyone who sent me their giveaway links. I know everyone appreciates entering for a chance to win FREE goodies.

Be sure to tell everyone where to send their giveaway posts, ok??

Have a SUPER DUPER DAY!