Smart Chicks Kick It Tour and *Giveaway*

Unprecedented in terms of size, scope and its organization, the highly anticipated Smart Chicks Kick It Tour www.smartchickskickit.com launches an extensive North American tour on September 13^th, 2010.  The ambitious twelve-city, two week tour features eighteen of today’s most buzzed writers of paranormal romance – from international bestsellers and award winners to the genre’s hottest newcomers. 
The Smart Chicks Kick It Tour is author-organized AND author-funded, with the 18 participating authors -- or “Chicks” -- coming from a wide variety of different publishers.  This ground-breaking approach will, for the first time ever, provide fans of the incredibly popular romance, fantasy and science fiction genres the opportunity to meet and talk to some of their favorite authors at one time, even though the authors publish with different houses.  Featuring six to nine Chicks at every venue, the author line up in every city will be different so no two events will be exactly the same.
In 2009 Melissa Marr, creator of The New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series, came up with the idea for the tour and, along with fellow NYT bestselling author Kelley Armstrong, got to work pulling together a line-up of authors who wrote books with “strong heroines, smart heroines, capable heroines...real girls with real strengths, not necessarily out there kicking butt, but able to handle themselves in tough situations. It’s a message that [we] care deeply about and that we thought would really resonate with our fans,” remarks Ms. Armstrong, creator of the Women of the Otherworld urban fantasy series and Darkest Powers trilogy.   
Kelley and Melissa then contacted  #1 NYT bestselling author of The Immortals series, Alyson Noël, to headline the event along with them. “When Melissa and Kelley first approached me to take part in the tour, I jumped at the chance. I thought it was a really great opportunity to reach out to our fans in a unique, author driven format.” The final line-up features an impressive array of both established and debut authors, including fan favorites Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Rachel Caine, and Melissa de la Cruz. 

Melissa goes on to say, “We’re doing something really, truly unique and it feels great.  The support we have received from our fans, the booksellers and our publishers has been overwhelming.  We haven’t even hit the road yet for the 2010 tour and plans are already underway for Smart Chicks 2.0.”  As headliners of the tour Melissa, Kelley, and Alyson will be appearing at all twelve events. 

    The authors and a little about them:

Kelley Armstrong
Kelley Armstrong is the New York Times bestselling author of the Otherworld series and Darkest Powers trilogy (The Summoning, The Awakening and The Reckoning).  The first book in her new Darkness Rising Series, entitled The Gathering, is due out in April 2011.  You can visit her online at www.kelleyarmstrong.com.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Jennifer Lynn Barnes began writing professionally when she was still a teenager and has to date published seven novels for young adults, including Tattoo, Fate, the Squad series, and Raised By Wolves.   At various points in her life, she has been a competitive cheerleader, a volleyball player, a dancer, a debutante, a primate-cognition researcher, a teen model, a comic-book geek, and a cognitive scientist. Jen is a graduate of both Yale and Cambridge and is currently hard at work on a Ph.D.
Holly Black
Holly Black is the author of bestselling contemporary dark fantasy books for kids and teens, including The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Tony DiTerlizzi), Tithe, Valiant, Ironside, The Good Neighbors graphic novel series (with Ted Naifeh), and her new mobster caper fantasy, White Cat.  She lives in New England with her husband, Theo, in a house with a secret door.

Sarah Rees Brennan
Sarah Rees Brennan was raised in Ireland by the sea, and after a brief time riding in fire engines around New York City and scandalizing librarians in London, she returned to Ireland to write and use as a base for future adventures. The first book of her trilogy about attractive but troubled brothers hunted through England by magicians, The Demon's Lexicon, received three starred reviews, was a Top Ten ALA Pick for 2009, an IndieNext Summer Read, long-listed for the Carnegie Medal and a Best British YA novel. The second novel of the series, The Demon's Covenant, is out now.

Rachel Caine
Rachel Caine is the internationally bestselling author of the Morganville Vampires series. Book 9, GHOST TOWN, premieres in the U.S. on October 26, 2010. She also writes the popular Weather Warden and Outcast Season series for the adult urban fantasy market. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

Cassandra Clare
Cassandra Clare is the New York Times bestselling author of City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass. as well as the author of the upcoming YA fantasy trilogy The Infernal Devices. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her boyfriend and two cats.
Kimberly Derting
Kimberly Derting lives in the Pacific Northwest where the gloomy weather is ideal for writing anything dark and creepy. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children, who serve as an endless source of inspiration. THE BODY FINDER is her debut novel; its follow-up DESIRES OF THE DEAD will be released in March 2011.  To find out more about Kimberly, visit her website at www.kimberlyderting.com.

Melissa de la Cruz
Melissa de la Cruz is the author of many books for teens and adults, she is most well-known for the Blue Bloods series, which has sold over two million copies and is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Wall Street Journal and Bookscan bestseller. The series is published in twenty countries and has hit the bestseller lists 
worldwide. Melissa's series The Au Pairs is currently in development as a major motion picture from Warner Brothers with Drew Barrymore's Flower Films producing, RJ Cutler ("The September Issue") will be directing the film. Her anthology Girls who like boys who like Boys, edited with Tom Dolby, will be a reality show from the Sundance 
channel this fall. She lives in Los Angeles and Palm Springs with her husband and daughter.
Kami Garcia                                                                                                                    Kami Garcia is very superstitious, and like any self-respecting girl with Southern roots, she makes her biscuits by hand and her pies from scratch. Kami started writing poetry when she was twelve, and has filled more than fifty notebooks since. She attended George Washington University and has an MA in education. She was a teacher, reading specialist, and led book groups for teens for fifteen years. Kami lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children.
Melissa Marr
Melissa Marr grew up believing in faeries, ghosts, and various other creatures. After teaching college literature for a decade, she applied her fascination with folklore to writing. Wicked Lovely was her first novel. Currently, Marr lives in the Washington, D.C., area, writes full-time, and still believes in faeries and ghosts.
Alyson Noël 
Alyson Noël is the #1 New York Times best selling, award winning author of 12 novels, including The Immortals series and its new spin-off series beginning with RADIANCE. With over 3 million copies in print, her books have been published in 35 countries and have made the USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, Wall Street Journal, NCIBA, and Walmart bestsellers lists. She lives in Orange County, CA where she is working on her next book.

Jackson Pearce 
Jackson Pearce is twenty-six years old and the author of SISTERS RED and AS YOU WISH. Jackson currently lives in Atlanta with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and a minor in Philosophy. Jackson auditioned for the circus once, but didn't make it; other jobs she’s had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist. In addition, she coaches both color guard and winter guard at a local high school.

Mary E. Pearson
Mary E. Pearson is the author of several award winning books for teens, including The Adoration of Jenna Fox, which has been optioned by 20th Century Fox for a major motion picture.  She writes from her home in Carlsbad, California where she lives with her family.  Her forthcoming book, The Fox Inheritance will be released in Fall 2011. You can learn more about Mary and her books at www.marypearson.com.
Carrie Ryan
Carrie Ryan is the New York Times bestselling author of several critically acclaimed novels set decades after the zombie apocalypse: The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Delacorte Press, 2009), The Dead-Tossed Waves (Delacorte Press, 2010) and the forthcoming The Dark and Hollow Places, (Delacorte Press, 2011). Her first novel, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, was #4 on the IndieBound Kids' Indie Next List and was chosen as a Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association, a Best of the Best Books by the Chicago Public Library and named to the 2010 New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age List.  Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and her first book has been optioned for a movie.  Carrie is a graduate of Williams College and Duke University School of Law.  A former litigator, she now writes full time and lives with her husband in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jeri Smith-Ready                                                                                                       Award-winning author Jeri Smith-Ready lives in Maryland with her husband, two cats, and the world’s goofiest greyhound. Her novels include the SHADE ghost series for teens and the WVMP RADIO adult vampire series. When not writing, Jeri can usually be found—well, thinking about writing, or on Twitter. Like her characters, she loves
music, movies, and staying up very, very late. Visit her at
www.jerismithready.com.
Margaret Stohl                                               Writing has gotten Margaret Stohl in and out of trouble since she was fifteen. She has written and designed video games, which is why who two bad beagles are named Zelda and Kirby. Margaret fell in love with literature at Amherst and Yale, earned an MA in English from Stanford, and studied creative writing at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three daughters.
Jessica Verday
Jessica Verday wrote the first draft of THE HOLLOW by hand, using thirteen spiral-bound notebooks and fifteen black pens. The first draft of THE HAUNTED took fifteen spiral-bound notebooks and twenty black pens. She spends her days and nights buying stock in pens and paper. She lives in Goodlettsville, Tennessee with her husband. Find out more at jessicaverday.com.
Rachel Vincent                                                                            Rachel Vincent is the author of the NYT bestselling Shifters series and the Soul Screamers novels. A resident of San Antonio, Rachel has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and she consistently finds the latter to be more useful. She is currently hard at work on the next Soul Screamers novel and hoping to see daylight again sometime before the end of the year.  And now for the fun part, the giveaway details are below.  Good luck and have fun! :)


Giveaway Details:
*This giveaway ends on September 21st
*One winner will receive a Smart Chicks Surprise Pack (three books from authors appearing on the tour)
*Please include your email in your comments
*The winner will have three days to contact me, and then another winner will be chosen
*This giveaway is open to both US and Canada 


Mandatory Entry:  Do you have a tour near you, and if so when is it?


Extra Entries:
*Follow me on Twitter
*Follow me on GFC
*Follow me on Networked Blogs
*Fan me on Facebook
*Subscribe via email
*Grab my button (worth 5 entries, please use a separate comment for each entry)
*Enter my other giveaways (please tell which one(s)
*Tweet about this giveaway, and leave a link to the tweet


I didn't receive any product or compensation for this giveaway.  Non of the thoughts and opinions above are mine, they are a press release for the Smart Chicks Kick It Tour!

 

Must-Have for New Moms: Heading Home with Your Newborn

Pediatricians, moms and authors, Laura A. Jana, MD, FAAP and Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP offer a wealth of "parent-tested, pediatrician-approved" advice in Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality, Second Edition (American Academy of Pediatrics, September 2010). Available on the American Academy of Pediatrics official Web site for parents, HealthyChildren.org. Also available in bookstores nationwide.

The following are excerpts to help you navigate those first crucial weeks of parenthood and caring for a newborn:

Following the Rules: Parenting by the Book
Nowadays it seems you can find well-defined rules about everything from feeding and sleeping schedules to dressing, diapering, and discipline. As convenient as it may seem to have someone write out for you an exact recipe for parenting success, we believe that there is not just one right way to do things. As with diapers and baby clothes, we are convinced that parenting techniques are not simply one size fits all. Our goal is to help famil- iarize you with the basics of baby care, and even more importantly to build your confidence as a parent right from the beginning during what many consider to be an overwhelming time--the newborn period. With a little knowledge and a positive attitude, you will find that you are very capable of anticipating and reasoning your way through even the most challenging aspects of what lies ahead. It's a great feeling to find yourself comfortable enough in your parenting abilities that you don't have to live life with a quick reference guide--ours or anyone else's--tucked in your back pocket.

Breastfeeding Advice
What's "Natural" Doesn't Always Come Naturally
Yes, the act of breastfeeding is "natural," but the truth of the matter is that it doesn't always come naturally. All too often, new parents expect to be handed a newborn who gracefully latches on, nurses no more than 15 minutes on each breast every 3 hours, and delights in a plentiful supply of breast milk within a few short days. While we can only wish this scenario on all of you, clinging to this idealistic picture of breastfeeding bliss is all but guaranteed to set most of you up for perceived failure. If, however, you prepare yourself for the distinct possibility that your newborn may lack interest or sucking stamina, that each feeding may be different, and your nipples may be a little worse for wear early on, well then you only stand to be pleasantly surprised. The most likely scenario: Breastfeeding may be natural, but expect it to be a learning process for you and your baby. Some babies are quick learners, while others take their own sweet time.

Progressive Production
The changeover from colostrum to transitional and then mature milk is an important one. It gives you and your baby's doctor reassurance that all is going well. Because the actual transition is not always so clear-cut, as some women notice very little change in their breasts as their milk supply increases, it is useful to be aware of several other clues that can help you figure out that everything is moving ahead as planned. They include:

* Your breast milk is white instead of yellow in color and appears thinner or clearer.
* Your baby makes more obvious gulping and swallowing noises when nursing.
* Your baby begins to pee and poop much more frequently
* Your baby no longer is losing weight or just holding steady, but instead has begun to gain weight relatively noticeably both on and off the scale.

Formula and Bottle Feeding Advice
We admit it. In many ways, feeding your baby formula may seem much easier than breastfeeding, especially in the beginning weeks. After all, you don't have to worry about having enough of a supply, it's rather painless (if you don't count the sleep deprivation that comes with round-the-clock feeding), and it's easy to monitor your baby's intake. Granted, formula can be costly, you have to wash your supplies, and on occasion a baby will be finicky about which nipple and formula she is willing to accept, but at some point during their child's first year, most of today's parents end up using formula. With that in mind, we intend to give you a practical approach to formula, buying and cleaning bottles and nipples, and troubleshooting for newborns who don't seem to play by the rules.

The Model Bottle: We've found that in reality, most babies go along with their parent's taste in Bottles and there really isn't such a thing as a single "model bottle" - one that outshines the rest. Nevertheless, we have found the following considerations to serve bottle-buying parents well:

* In general, a transparent (ie, not colored) 4-ounce bottle is the most practical choice for newborns.
* Larger (6 or 8 ounce) bottles are fine if you don't mind using them half-full until your baby is bigger.
* Angled bottles and those with disposable nurser bags, built-in vents, or flow and control systems are said to help decrease the amount of air your baby swallows (although regular bottles held at the proper angle will also).
* Disposable bags have the added benefit of, well, being disposable; you only have to wash the nipples after each feeding.

A Bit About BPA
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical used in many hard plastic products, including some baby bottles, and the plastic lining used in cans of ready- to-feed formula. What's the concern? Studies have shown that this potentially toxic chemical can leach out into food and pose a potential health risk--especially to infants and young children. The likelihood of BPA contamination is thought to be greatest when BPA-containing plastics are scratched or heated, contain warm liquids or food, or are washed with harsh detergents. While the use of BPA is not yet banned in the United States, several cities and states are considering or have already prohibited its use.

The advice we have for parents? Minimize your baby's exposure to BPA by purchasing baby bottles that are labelled "BPA-free" and consider avoid- ing plastics with a #3 or #7 recycling symbol on the bottom (since these recycling categories may sometimes include BPA-containing plastics). And lastly, check for labels that state "dishwasher safe" or "microwave safe" before placing plastic containers in the dishwasher or microwave.

*Book excerpts from Heading Home with Your Newborn (Second Edition/Copyright 2010/American Academy of Pediatrics).



The Heading Home with Your Newborn excerpts are sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer's Network.

Zibits Winner

Congrats!  Comment #43--Liz--"I entered the My Secret Circle B.F.F. Pack giveaway".  She has already emailed me back and claimed her prize.  Thank you to everyone that entered.  For more chances to win be check out the giveaways tab! :)


The winner was chosen randomly by Random.org!

My Lip Stuff Winner

Congrats!  Comment #37--TiffsPixieDust--"I entered giveaway: My Friend Tigger and Pooh: Bedtime with Pooh end on August 31st".  Tiffany has already emailed me back and claimed her prize.  Thank you to everyone that entered.  For more chances to win please check out the giveaways tab! :)


The winner was chosen randomly by Random.org!

Honest Tea Winner

Congrats to Comment #87--TiffsPixieDust--"I entered giveaway: Yo Gabba Gabba"  Tiffany has been emailed, and has responded back and claimed her prize!  Thank you to everyone that entered.  For more chances to win please check out the giveaways tab.


The winner was chosen randomly by Random.org!

Let There Be Light, and Not Enough Hours in the Day!!

    Ugh, the day has begun and I have to much to do!  First I'd like to thank you all for participating in the Birthday Event!  I'm so happy with the success of it!  And as you know from the post yesterday I have a Halloween Event October 1st-10th, and a Christmas Event November 1st-30th lined up!  I also have some other ideas for events floating around in my head (you'll learn more about those later).  I'm going to be going back to personal posts (when I can), and reviews and giveaways.  Here's a sneak peak at what's coming up:  Micky Mouse ClubHouse Road Rally, Only The Good Spy Young, The 4 Complete ED Sullivan Shows Starring The Beatles (and you'll learn how much I love the Beatles LOL!), and tons more!  Today I'm going to also try to post the winners of the giveaways, but if I don't post some, please don't get upset, I have tons of them to post, and am bond to miss some.  But if you got an email than you won, and if I don't hear from you will be sending another to make sure, until I chose a new winner!  There are two ladies, that got very lucky during the event, and I want to say congrats to you both!  Random.org, must love both of you ladies!  I sure wish I had that kind of luck LOL! :)  Ok here are some ideas I've been having for future events, please leave a comment telling me which ones you would like, and if you have any other ideas for an event, please share!  I can't read your mind, and you'll be the one entering, so please be straight forward!  As most of you know I'm open to anything! :)
*A book event
*A yoga event
*A adult products event
*A children event (toys, games, clothes, etc...)
If you like any or all of those please tell me which ones, and tell me if you have any other ideas! 

Budget Birthday Party It's A Garden Party Guest Post by: Kristl

by:  Kristl, http://www.TheBudgetDiet.com

The Budget Diet is a diet for your wallet…not your waistline!  You'll discover new money saving tips everyday to help you slim down your daily spending!  The Budget Diet girl Is not a financial planner or an accountant…just a mom that knows how to live the good life on a budget!  Follow The Budget Diet on facebook or twitter


Here’s another budget birthday party idea perfect for springtime!
I’ve come up with a smorgasbord of festive, flowery fun…just pick your favorite options, and voila you’ll have a bloomin’ budget birthday party!
Theme: Garden Party

Invitations:

Option: Flowers (of course!) Simply print an invitation on pretty pink cardstock and tie it to an artificial daisy. A bunch of artificial daisies can be purchased at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s for around $4 using a coupon (Michael’s coupons can be found in your Sunday paper, Hobby Lobby coupons can be found on their website).
Option: Seed packets, print the party details on plain paper and glue onto seed packets.

seed packet invitations

Decorations:

Option: More flowers! If you haven’t planted your spring flowers, now is the time to buy them! Use them as party decorations, and then plant them after the big day!

Option: Artificial daisies in glass bottles…a fun & festive option!

daisy in a glass bottle

Activities:

Option: May Pole Hunt
#1. Tie one end of a ball of yarn to your “May pole” (a broom handle stuck in the ground works well!)
#2. Make a fun trail with that ball of yarn…over the picnic table, around the bush, under the tree and at the end of the yarn…leave a prize!
#2. There will be a different ball of yarn & prize for each child…lots of fun, festive colors!
#3. Each child will wind their yarn back into a ball as they follow their yarn trail to the prize. Of course, there will be lots of tangles with friends along the way!
Option: Watering Can Relay
#1. Divide into 2 teams
#2. Each member of the team must carry a full watering can to the flower bed, water the flowers, run back, fill the watering can and repeat!
Penalty…if any water is spilled on the way to the flower bed, the team member must start over!
#3. First team to complete the race wins!
Option: Paint Flower Pots
#1. Purchase 1 small terra cotta pot for each child (about 50 cents each at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or Garden Ridge)
#2. Decorate with waterproof terra cotta markers (available at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby)
#3. Let the children plant flower seeds and take home as their party favor!
Option: Tissue Paper Flowers
#1. Precut 4″ squares of tissue paper in a variety of colors
#2. Let each child choose 6 squares in a variety of colors
#3. Stack the squares on top of each other
#4. Fold the tissue paper like a fan into 1″ folds
#5. Twist a pipe cleaner around the middle of the “fan” and continue twisting the pipe cleaner together to make a stem
#6. Gently separate the pieces of tissue paper to make a flower
#7. Tissue paper flowers are cute in their hair, in a vase, etc.
#9. You can always make these flowers bigger by starting with larger squares of tissue paper.


Food:

Option: Flower shaped cookie cutter food! (flower shaped sandwiches, flower shaped pieces of melon, flower shaped pieces of cheese & flower shaped finger jello)

Recipe – Finger Jello 4 envelopes knox unflavored gelatin 3 small boxes jello 4 cups boiling water 

In a large bowl, mix unflavored gelatin with jello. Add boiling water and stir until jello is completely dissolved Pour into an 11″ x 17″ pan (rimmed cookie sheet) Refrigerate until firm Cut with the a flower shaped cookie cutter 

Option: Flower cupcakes…make lots of cupcakes and put them on a platter in the shape of a flower (no cake decorating skills required!)

If you haven't already, you should definitely check out Kristl's blog The Budget Diet!

FamilyFun Birthday Cakes *Review*

    This book is so much fun, and it has just about any birthday cake or cupcakes you could ever want!  From dogs to ballerinas, to xylophones the FamilyFun Birthday Cakes book has 50 cute and easy party treats!  And shows, you what to do step by step.  And if your like me, when your done, you won't be able to believe, that you actually made the cake!  We've had a lot of fun making some of the cakes from this book, and trust me, I'm definitely not a baker LOL! :)
    Over 50 kid-friendly cakes from the experts at FamilyFun!  Looking for an extra-special treat for your child's birthday bash?  A sweet way to say "it's your day"?  FamilyFun Birthday Cakes is filled with fifty works of art, but that won't keep you in the kitchen all day.  Most important, these delicious recipes allow plenty of room for you and your kids to add you own creative touches.
    Overall I love the book!  I'm definitely no cake expert so I know I'll be turning to this book often!  This is a great book for anyone wanting to make a cake for their child's birthday, but doesn't know where to start.  I would recommend FamilyFun Birthday Cakes to anyone!




I received FamilyFun Birthday Cakes from Sterling Publishing free of charge so I could do this review.  No other compensation was given.  All thoughts and opinions expressed above are mine and mine alone!

Journal Buddies by: Jill Schoenberg *Review and Giveaway*

    These journals are amazing!  They're a great way to help kids with their self-confidence!  I actually wish I would have had one growing up.  Then maybe I wouldn't be as hard on myself as I am now.  There's a lot of media out there telling our kids that their not perfect the way they are, that they need to look this way, and that way.  It's great that there's a way for your  kids to see how the people they know actually feel, other than what they think they feel!  Kids can be very hard on themselves and to have a journal of what everyone loves about them, that they can look at anytime, would be a great relief!  I love that there is a girls and a boys journal, so that each can have their own attention.  I think that Journal Buddies, is truly amazing!
    Simple but powerful, Journal Buddies is no ordinary journal.  It's an invitation to experience a journaling adventure and to expand your creativity and express your feelings.  Most of all, it's an invitation to strengthen your self-esteem, build healthy relationships and create a positive outlook on life.  To add to the excitement, you complete this unique journal with the help of your buddies---your friends, mom, dad, teachers, grandparents, cousins, mentors, even your pet or your imaginary friend.  You've never experienced a journal like this!  How would you like to:  Learn a fun new activity that you can do with your friends, improve your self-esteem by focusing on the qualities, traits, and talents that you love, like and enjoy about yourself and buddies, and also freely express you feelings in your won unique journaling style!  With Journal Buddies, you're never alone or left searching for something to write or draw about.  There's lots of cool stuff inside the book to help you along in your journaling adventure.  And upon completion, you journal becomes a cherished keepsake a treasure chest full of super great things that you and your buddies like about each other.  Oh and by the way, you can do Journal Buddies with someone who has the book or someone who doesn't.  It works both ways!
    Overall I love Journal Buddies!  They're a great way for boys and girls to express their feelings, and see how their friends, and family feel about them!  This is a great birthday gift for any child, and makes a great addition to any slumber party!  I would recommend Journal Buddies to any parent!  And now for the fun part, the giveaway details are below.  Good luck and have fun! :)

Giveaway Details:
*This giveaway ends on September 13th
*One winner will receive a signed copy of Journal Buddies by: Jill Schoenberg
*This giveaway is open to residents of the US
*The winner will have 3 days to email me back with their information before another winner is chosen
*You must complete the mandatory entry, before completing the extra ones
*Please include your email address in your comments

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me something you learned from the website.

Extra Entries:

*Follow Jill on Twitter

*Follow Journal Buddies on Facebook

*Follow Jill on Facebook
*Follow me on GFC
*Subscribe to my blog via email
*Follow Bzzing Mom on Facebook
*Follow me on Networked Blogs
*Tweet about this giveaway
*Tweet about the birthday event
*Grab my birthday event button, this is worth 6 entries, please use a separate comment for each entry
*Enter my other giveaways, please tell me what giveaway(s)
*Grab my regular blog button, this is worth 5 entries, please use a separate comment for each entry


I received the boys, and girls Journal Buddies free of charge, so I could do this review. No other compensation was given. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are mine, and mine alone. 

The Birthday Event

    Yes the birthday event will be ending tonight.  But there will be some birthday event giveaways that will be going on in September!  And some that I will be posting in a few moments! :)  But first I want to say welcome to all the new followers that have joined since the birthday event!  We're so glad to have you! :)  Just because the birthday event is ending doesn't mean the fun is...oh no...I have tons in store for you ladies this year!  As many of you know this event was my first, and because of the great out come I've decided to do some more!  So here they are:  We will be doing a Halloween event with three other blogs, Nicole at onelittlemister.com, Leann at thesqueakygrocerycart.com and Amy at misavings.com.  If you haven't already checked out these wonderful ladies blogs, I definitely recommend that you do!  They are wonderful women, with great blogs!  The Halloween event will run from the 1st of October to the 10th.  There will be recipes, crafts, reviews, and some great giveaways!  I will also be doing a Christmas event/gift guide with some other bloggers as well which will run from the 1st of November to the 30th.  I will be telling you more about both as the times get closer!  I've also got a ton of catching up to do which means, some great giveaways and reviews, and awesome personal posts, until both of those great events! :)  So without further adieu, here are some great guest posts, and some more reviews and awesome giveaways!  And be sure to get in your last entries in the contests ending tonight! :)

Guest Post By Chris Tolle (Rebecca's Fiance)

Whats Crackin all ya momma blogger's ya all went by and checked out this blatter blaster lol..No just to tell ya all Rebecca is a really great fiance and a wonderful mom she works really hard on this blog i barely ever get to spend time with her...Sometimes i just wish the darn computer would blow up but i guess that's just a wish lol..Good luck too everyone in the giveaways im out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pink Princess *Review and Giveaway*

    We received a beautiful pearled rhinestone heart flower girl earrings and necklace set from Pink Princess.  I haven't seen very many sets as for little girls as pretty as this one anywhere else!  Since I enjoy dressing up and looking pretty, I also enjoy doing the same with my daughter.  I don't care if she gets dirty or plays in the mud (it's just a fact of life even with little girls), but I love her looking cute doing it.  This necklace and earring set is so beautiful, and Audrey loves wearing it.  I love taking pictures of her in it (even if she's in the mud lol!).
    From their website: Our company has been in the children’s clothing business for over three decades, spanning the entire spectrum of kids’ apparel, from casual play wear to black tie formal wear. In the early nineties, in response to very high customer demand for formal wear, we shifted our focus to the special occasions market. A decade later, we are now an industry leader in both girl dresses and boy’s formal wear, with flower girl and pageant dresses amongst our biggest sellers. Naturally, with the establishment of Web commerce, we took our business online, where we now share our beautiful little girl dresses and little boy suits with the entire world. 

    Overall I love the Pearled Rhinestone Heart Flower Girl Earrings and Necklace Set!  It's so adorable, and looks so cute on Audrey!  This is a great birthday gift for any little girl, and would also be perfect to wear on her birthday or in her birthday pictures!  I would recommend the pearled rhinestone heart earrings and necklace set to anyone with a little girl!  This set retails for $16.99.  And now for the fun part, the giveaway details are below.  Good luck and have fun! :) 

Giveaway Details:
*This giveaway ends on September 13th
*One winner will receive a $15 gift certificate from Pink Princess
*This giveaway is open to residents of the US
*The winner will have 3 days to email me back with their information before another winner is chosen
*You must complete the mandatory entry, before completing the extra ones
*Please include your email address in your comments

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me what items you would get with your certificate

Extra Entries:

*Follow Pink Princess on Facebook

*Follow Pink Princess on Twitter
*Follow me on GFC
*Subscribe to my blog via email
*Follow Bzzing Mom on Facebook
*Follow me on Networked Blogs
*Tweet about this giveaway
*Tweet about the birthday event
*Grab my birthday event button, this is worth 6 entries, please use a separate comment for each entry
*Enter my other giveaways, please tell me what giveaway(s)
*Grab my regular blog button, this is worth 5 entries, please use a separate comment for each entry


I received the Pearled Rhinestone Flower Girl Earring and Necklace Set from Pink Princess free of charge, so I could do this review. No other compensation was given. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are mine, and mine alone. 

Pamela's Products *Review and Giveaway*

    I'm a sucker for anything sweet!  So I was so excited to get to review Pamela's Products Vanilla Cake Mix, and Vanilla Frosting Mix.  And wow they tasted great.  I think that's the fastest we've ever eaten a cake!   I never thought that wheat-free, and gluten-free, cake would've tasted that good!  We were very surprised, and very happy!  Pamela's Products have now become a fast favorite in our house!

    Pamela's Products all natural, wheat-free and gluten-free Vanilla Frosting Mix, is great for cakes, and cookies.  It makes a rich, creamy, and delightful frosting.  Crafted from premium all-natural ingredients including organic powdered sugar, it's the sweet beginning to a variety of irresistible icings.  Add additional flavorings to make your favorites!  Use it on your favorites baked goods for homemade appeal and delicious flavor.  Always so fast, easy and delicious, no one will believe it's wheat-free and gluten-free!  The Classic Vanilla Mix can be used in recipes for lemon, coconut, carrot, spice, and pound cake.  Our premium, all-natural vanilla cake mix makes a tender moist and simple pleasure to enjoy warm from the oven or transformed into a rich, tantalizing dessert with one of Pamela's Products frosting's.  By simply adding a few additional ingredients to this versatile mix, you can make an assortment of sweet temptations!
    Overall my family really enjoyed Pamela's Products!  They tasted so good!  We will definitely be purchasing more of Pamela's Products!  These are great for any birthday party, especially for the birthday cake.  I would recommend Pamela's Products to anyone!  And now for the fun part, the giveaway details are below.  Good luck and have fun! :)

Giveaway Details:
*This giveaway ends on September 13th
*One winner will receive a vanilla cake mix, and a vanilla frosting mix
*This giveaway is open to residents of the US
*The winner will have 3 days to email me back with their information before another winner is chosen
*You must complete the mandatory entry, before completing the extra ones
*Please include your email address in your comments

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me what other item from Pamela's Products you would love to get

Extra Entries:

*Follow Pamela's Products on Facebook

*Follow Pamela's Products on Twitter
*Follow me on GFC
*Subscribe to my blog via email
*Follow Bzzing Mom on Facebook
*Follow me on Networked Blogs
*Tweet about this giveaway
*Tweet about the birthday event
*Grab my birthday event button, this is worth 6 entries, please use a separate comment for each entry
*Enter my other giveaways, please tell me what giveaway(s)
*Grab my regular blog button, this is worth 5 entries, please use a separate comment for each entry


I received the frosting and cake mix from Pamela's Products  free of charge, so I could do this review. No other compensation was given. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are mine, and mine alone.