Swaptastic! Swaperiffic! Swaptabulous!

My box of goodness arrived from my Favorite Things Swap partner Kim from Diaries of a Coach's Wife. Look and see what she sent me...
1. Super CUTE post it notes...a darling frog and flowers. FUN!
2 Family Circle magazine..I almost sent her magazine too.
3. Soft Lips lip balm...I am wearing it as I type, vanilla mmmm.
4. Pedicure stuff...and PINK toenail polish...I sent her PINK toenail polish too!!
5. Cookie Dough Flavored Coffee...I will serve this to my in laws the next time they come for the weekend, the are the coffee drinkers in this family. BUT the cookie cutter attached to it is mine all mine.
6. Junior Mints...with instructions to freeze them. I will try that!
7. TONS of darling scrap booking stuff...I am inspired. I have always wanted to be a scrapbooker, maybe one of these days I will start!
8. A sweet note written by Kim herself...thanks Kim.

I love everything I got and I can't wait to hear if Kim enjoyed the goodies I sent her way.

If you participated in Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap grab the button below and link up so we can all blog jog and see what you got!

<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2010/03/swaptastic-swaperiffic-swaptabulous.html"> <center><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Swap4copy.jpg" /></center>

Mamarazzi's Swaparazzi...yes it's happening again!

No longer taking RSVPs...

Guess what y'all? It's time for another

Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap!

Yep, you read that right, who is excited?!? ME TOO!!

My last FOUR swaps were such a HUGE success that I decided that it was time for another!

PLEASE READ ALL RULES BEFORE AGREEING TO PARTICIPATE…it is NEVER a good idea to sign up for ANYTHING without knowing what you are getting in to…AND I am also trying a few new rules for THIS swap (you know me, I learn something new each time I do these).

This Swap is only open to:

1. People who have been ACTIVELY blogging (more than 5 posts a month) for over a year or have participated in one of my swaps before (if you are a long time follower of my blog and have over 100 posts but have not been blogging for a year, talk to me).
2. People residing in the United States
3. Be home (not vacationing) between March 1-9
4. Private bloggers are welcome but you will have to open your blog to Mamarazzi and your partner who will also be a private blogger (if I can find one).
5. People who have read and agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. By signing up you are committing to do the following:
a. Be able to be in constant communication with Mamarazzi via email (if I send the group an email I need a response within a few days please, it is too stressful wondering if things got lost in cyber space, the key to a successful swap is communication with ME! To me communication IS what makes my swaps a success, so be advised: you WILL be getting email from me, it might be redundant (but never meant to be rude or condescending) and people who do not respond in a timely manner MAY be subject to being dropped and having their partners reassigned from people on my waiting list. This is the only way I know how to host a swap, so it is not going to change...ever.)
b. Follow my Blog (don’t forget to grab my cute button for your sidebar…the code is over there under my list of followers…oh speaking of following did you know I have a drawing monthly for fun prizes EXCLUSIVELY from my list of followers? Yep just for following, cool right?)
c. Put together an amazing package filled with YOUR Favorite Things, get creative. This should be a package that you yourself would LOVE to receive.
d. The contents of package should cost no more than $30 but be at least $20 total (not counting shipping).
e. Send package ON Saturday March 6. (IF you need to send sooner please let me know, the purpose for everyone sending at the same time means everyone is receiving around the same time. This makes the most sense for posting and linking up as people receive their packages).

2. IMPORTANT SIGN UP info RSVP by grabbing the super cute button and posting about the swap on your blog (sidebars do not count, this needs to be an actual post about the swap...links that do not contain the proper info and Favorite Things button will be removed) and THEN come back and link THAT post here in Mr. Linky (you can grab the actual URL by posting then clicking on the title of that post and grabbing the actual new URL from the address bar and pasting that URL in Mr. Linky, if you mess up I will fix it, please do not post more than once). This is the ONLY way I am going to accept an RSVP...I need to make sure that everyone is fully committed.

3. Get your RSVP in FAST and LEAVE a COMMENT, letting me know you linked up and are RSVPing.. I will only be accepting 50 people this time...maybe less...

4. Once you have posted on your blog about Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap please send me an email @ never2pink at yahoo dot com with the following information:
a. Real Name, Mailing Address and Mr. Linky # (this # may change but it will help me get organized)
b. Blog Address (private bloggers will only be matched with other private bloggers)
c. Email Address
d. Food or Product Allergies
e. SAHM? WAHM? Single? Student? Single Mom? Grandma? Kids? Kid's ages? Home School? (just a little info to help me match you, this part of your info is for me and will not be shared with your partner...they can read all about you on your blog! *wink*)

f. IF you have participated in a swap with me before please list past partners so I don't match you up with the same person AGAIN!

5. I will reply to your email. Once you have replied to that *RSVP* email then you are officially part of the swap ( I need to know we are communicating and that my email is getting to you and visa versa). *once all RSVPs are received I WILL MATCH YOU UP AND SEND YOU YOUR PARTNERS INFORMATION* the SAME person you SEND to is the SAME person your RECEIVE from...no secrets here, just new bloggy friends! So YES go say hello and start following each other’s blogs.

6. Once you receive your package in the mail create a post using pictures on your blog. Be sure to link your partner and Dandelion Wishes (you can just use the button again; I will create a new code to grab for your convenience). I will have a Mr. Linky for everyone to use so we can all hop around the blogosphere checking out every one's loot!

<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2010/02/mamarazzis-swaparazziyes-its-happening.html"> <center><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Swap4copy.jpg" /></center> </a>

NO LONGER TAKING RSVPs

MR. LINKY IS FOR SWAP ONLY...Seriously linking up just to get traffic to your blog is rude...and um, I am totally gonna call you out on it. (: yep. really!

PHEW...get all that? Well Roxane shares her FANTASTIC swap story HERE. Seriously folks this is why i do this and the reason for all the rules...true love and new bloggy-to-real-life-friends.

WINNER!!

Thank you to everyone who entered to win the YUMMY Spooktacular Goodness from Taija's Sweet Shoppe . I used random.org to choose the winner and I am thrilled to announce that lori from mommy's take on things won. This is actually the SECOND time Lori has won a giveaway on my blog, random.org must love her! These cookies will arrive at her home at the perfect time since her darling daughter has been in an isolation room for a few days with pneumonia...so a little sugary spookerific goodness might just be what the Dr. and Mamarazzi have ordered. Congrats Lori and Thank YOU Taija for the fun and delicious prize!

Red, White and Blue Swaptastic!!

<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2009/07/red-white-and-blue-swaptastic.html"> <center><img src="http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu328/MamarazziCFG/000RWB1SwapButton.jpg" /></center></a>

It seriously thrills me that there is Red, White and Blue goodness showing up on women's doorsteps all over the United States this week. Today MY package arrived from the ever so wonderful Pam of Screaming Mimi .

This is what she sent...
1. An adorable RED photo album
2. A cute little WHITE puppy (J already stole this)
3. RED Pomegranate lotion...smells divine!
4. RED, WHITE and BLUE container of Rose balm, can't wait to try this.
5. Cute BLUE purse shaped note pad...already in my purse.
6. Yummy smelling RED Tulip tart...the whole package smelled so good!
7. A darling BLUE and WHITE necklace and earring set.

Thank you Pam, I love it all! You are a doll and I hope you love your package just as much!

Mr. Linky for Mamarazzi's Red, White and Blue Swap ONLY!!!

Mamarazzi's Red, White and Blue Swap

CLOSED!! No Longer Taking RSVP....

The vote is clear; y’all are ready for it…

Mamarazzi's Red, White and Blue Swap!!
My last THREE swaps were such a HUGE success that I decided that it was time for another!

PLEASE READ ALL RULES BEFORE AGREEING TO PARTICIPATE…it is NEVER a good idea to sign up for ANYTHING without knowing what you are getting in to…AND I am also trying a few new rules for THIS swap (you know me, I learn something new each time I do these).

This Swap is only open to:

1. People who have been ACTIVELY blogging (more than 5 posts a month) for over a year or have participated in one of my swaps before (if you are a long time follower of my blog and have over 100 posts but have not been blogging for a year, talk to me).
2. People residing in the United States
3. Be home (not vacationing) between June 23 and July 3
4. Private bloggers are welcome but you will have to open your blog to Mamarazzi and your partner who will also be a private blogger.
5. People who have read and agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. By signing up you are committing to do the following:
a. Be able to be in constant communication with Mamarazzi via email (if I send the group an email I need a response within a few days please, it is too stressful wondering if things got lost in cyber space, the key to a successful swap is communication with ME! To me communication IS what makes my swaps a success, so be advised: you WILL be getting email from me, it might be redundant (but never meant to be rude or condescending) and people who do not respond in a timely manner MAY be subject to being dropped and having their partners reassigned from people on my waiting list. This is the only way I know how to host a swap, so it is not going to change...ever.)
b. Follow my Blog (don’t forget to grab my cute button for your sidebar…the code is over there under my list of followers…oh speaking of following did you know I have a drawing monthly for fun prizes EXCLUSIVELY from my list of followers? Yep just for following, cool right?)
c. Put together an amazing package filled with anything that is Red, White or Blue (or all three), it doesn’t have to be patriotic, get creative. This should be a package that you yourself would LOVE to receive.
d. The contents of package should cost no more than $30 but be at least $20 total (not counting shipping).
e. Send package ON Saturday June 27. (IF you need to send sooner please let me know, the purpose for everyone sending at the same time means everyone is receiving around the same time. This makes the most sense for posting and linking up as people receive their packages).

2. IMPORTANT SIGN UP info RSVP by grabbing the super cute button and posting about the swap on your blog (sidebars do not count, this needs to be an actual post about the swap...links that do not contain the proper info and RW&B button will be removed) and THEN come back and link THAT post here in Mr. Linky (you can grab the actual URL by posting then clicking on the title of that post and grabbing the actual new URL from the address bar and pasting that URL in Mr. Linky, if you mess up I will fix it, please do not post more than once). This is the ONLY way I am going to accept an RSVP...I need to make sure that everyone is fully committed.

3. Get your RSVP in FAST last time I reached 100 participants in less than 24 hrs...I am not sure if I am going to allow that many people this time or not. LEAVE a COMMENT, letting me know you linked up and are RSVPing..

4. Once you have posted on your blog about Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap please send me an email @ never2pink at yahoo dot com with the following information:
a. Real Name, Mailing Address and Mr. Linky # (this # may change but it will help me get organized)
b. Blog Address (private bloggers will only be matched with other private bloggers)
c. Email Address
d. Food or Product Allergies
e. SAHM? WAHM? Single? Student? Single Mom? Grandma? Kids? Kid's ages? Home School? (just a little info to help me match you, this part of your info is for me and will not be shared with your partner...they can read all about you on your blog! *wink*)

5. I will reply to your email. Once you have replied to that *RSVP* email then you are officially part of the swap ( I need to know we are communicating and that my email is getting to you and visa versa). *once all RSVPs are received I WILL MATCH YOU UP AND SEND YOU YOUR PARTNERS INFORMATION* the SAME person you SEND to is the SAME person your RECEIVE from...no secrets here, just new bloggy friends! So YES go say hello and start following each other’s blogs.

6. Once you receive your package in the mail create a post using pictures on your blog. Be sure to link your partner and Dandelion Wishes (you can just use the button again; I will create a new code to grab for your convenience). I will have a Mr. Linky for everyone to use so we can all hop around the blogosphere checking out every one's loot!

<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2009/06/mamarazzis-red-white-and-blue-swap.html"> <center><img src="http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu328/MamarazziCFG/000RWB1SwapButton.jpg" /></center></a>

Mister Linky is for Mamarazzi's RW&B Swap ONLY!!!

CLOSED!! No Longer Taking RSVP....

Swaptastic! Swaperiffic! Swaptabulous!

OH Happy DAY!!!

My package for Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap came today!! OH MY GOODNESS...the awesomeness that is my partner Tanielle from ThePolka-dotDaisy blog. First of all the box was adorable. She made a darling mailing label that made me want to rip the box open before I even left the front porch. THEN i opened it and EVERYTHING was wrapped and labeled with the cutest little tags. The presentation and thought that went into this package of her favorite things is FABULOUS! Thank you so much Tanielle...you are such a cute, fun, girl...I love everything you sent me and I cannot wait until you open your package of goodness I sent to you!!

(clickety to biggefy)

1. "My Favorite: thing to carry all my junk" a D-A-R-L-I-N-G patch work bag.
2. "My Favorite: saying" beautiful sentiment, adorable pillow...love it!
3. "My Favorite: color on my toes" and it's PINK!!
4. "My Favorite: summer accessory" cute cute cute toe ring and anklet.
5. "My Favorite: skin softener" and it smells sooooo good!
6. "My Favorite: list maker" I am a big list maker this little postit notebook is perfect!
7. "My Favorite: snack" mmmmm popcorn!
8. "My Favorite: place to spend an evening" a beautiful postcard of Temple Square
9. "My Favorite: holiday. I love Christmas too and I can't wait to display this!!

Fellow Swappers...please grab the new code for Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap, take pics of your packages and link up HERE....we want to see the goodness that is arriving on doorsteps all over the United States..so much fun!

<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2009/05/swaptastic-swaperiffic-swaptabulous.html"> <center><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Swap4copy.jpg" /></center></a>

MR. Linky for Swap Participants ONLY

(Mr. Linky is working on some kinks just click to open box)

(only link once...if you make a mistake I will fix it)

Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap THREE

Back by popular demand:

Closed....no longer taking RSVPs

Mamarazzi's

Favorite Things Swap!!

My last two swaps were such a HUGE success that I decided that it was time for another! This swap is only open to people in the states (I am sorry, but overseas shipping has been an issue in past swaps).

PLEASE READ ALL RULES BEFORE AGREEING TO PARTICIPATE…it is NEVER a good idea to sign up for ANYTHING without knowing what you are getting in to…

1. By signing up you are committing to do the following:
a. Be able to be in constant communication with Mamarazzi via email (if I send the group an email I need a response within a few days please, it is too stressful wondering if things got lost in cyber space, the key to a successful swap is communication with ME! I am going to be honest…I received negative feedback from 2 people out of the 105 people that participated last time. Those TWO people said they were annoyed by my emails. Most people were thankful for it, knowing it meant they were all being held to the same standard. To me communication IS what makes my swaps a success, so be advised: you WILL be getting email from me, it might be redundant (but never meant to be rude or condescending) and people who do not respond in a timely manner MAY be subject to being dropped and having their partners reassigned from people on my waiting list).
b. Follow my Blog
c.Put together an amazing package filled with YOUR Favorite Things. This should be a package that you yourself would LOVE to receive (just to be clear...you don't fill it with the favorite things you already have you go buy new stuff and send that...like a brand new tube of your favorite mascara, a new copy of your favorite book or movie etc. Everyone clear?).
d. The contents of package should cost no more than $30 but be at least $20 total (not counting shipping).
e. Send package ON Saturday May 23. (IF you need to send sooner please let me know, the purpose for everyone sending at the same time means everyone is receiving around the same time. This makes the most sense for posting and linking up as people receive their packages).

2. RSVP by grabbing the super cute button and posting about the swap on your blog (sidebars do not count, this needs to be an actual post) and THEN come back and link THAT post here to Mr. Linky (you can grab the actual URL by posting then clicking on the title of that post and grabbing the actual new URL from the address bar and pasting that URL in Mr. Linky). This is the ONLY way I am going to accept an RSVP...I need to make sure that everyone is fully committed.

3. COMMENT and Get your RSVP in FAST last time I reached 100 participants in less than 48 hrs...I will STOP TAKING RSVPs at 100 participants and will allow 3 people to join my waiting list.

4. Once you have posted on your blog about Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap please send me an email @ never2pink at yahoo dot com with the following information:
a. Real Name and Mailing Address
b. Blog Address (private bloggers will only be matched with other private bloggers)
c. Email Address
d. Food or Product Allergies

*once all RSVPs are received I WILL MATCH YOU UP AND SEND YOU YOUR PARTNERS INFORMATION (around April 23ish)* the SAME person you SEND to is the SAME person your RECEIVE from...no secrets here, just new bloggy friends!

5. Once you receive your package in the mail create a post using pictures on your blog. Be sure to link your partner and Dandelion Wishes (you can just use the button again). I will have a Mr. Linky for everyone to use so we can all hop around the blogsphere checking out every one's loot!

<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2009/04/mamarazzis-favorite-things-swap-three.html"> <center><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Swap4copy.jpg" /></center></a>

CLOSED NO MORE ROOM!!!
MR. LINKY IS FOR SWAP PARTICIPANTS ONLY…

ONLY RSVP ONCE POST IS MADE ON YOUR BLOG

Giveaway Time Again!

Contest CLOSED...christyzee is the winner!

See the winners of my last giveaway HERE

Time for another FABULOUS Giveaway! This time from the beautiful creations of the amazingly talented mompreneur Lori from Live.Love.Bead. Check out this beautiful bracelet...

Gorgeous right?! I am going to make you WORK for this one...

There are MANY ways to enter and win PLEASE read all of the rules (skipping something can and will result in disqualification)...

Mandatory Entry: You need to visit Live.Love.Bead and come back here and tell me what you love there in the comments (don't skip this, you won't be eligible to win with out doing this).

You can earn ONE extra entry each for doing these (please leave a separate comment for each new entry):

1 extra entry: Follow my blog (you do know that I do monthly drawings for fun prizes EXCLUSIVELY from my list of followers, don't you?) Don't forget to grab the button from my sidebar.
1 extra entry: Follow me on Twitter (see sidebar)
1 extra entry: tweet @HolleeAnnCFG on twitter about this giveaway

AND...

AND major BONUS for 10 (yes Ten) extra entries: (please leave only ONE comment for this) Go to Fishful Thinking and come back and tell me something you learned from the site. As a faculty member for the Fishful Thinking Initiative, is really important to me to spread the word about this fantastic Fishful Thinking message and encourage parents to find ways to creatively instill optimism, resilience, empowerment, emotion awareness and hope in their children. There is most def something for everyone there...so go...and come back and tell me what you learned.

and in addition to those 10 points grab the Fishful Thinking button from my sidebar using the code provided and add it to your side bar and I will give you an additional 5 points.

OK so that is a LOT of chances to win...PLUS......Lori is so awesome she is offering anyone who shops in her stores BIG savings:

http://www.livelovebead.etsy.com/ will do free shipping to anyone, even overseas, that references MAMARAZZI in their order...BUT you must place the order and then wait for a custom invoice before paying!! You will have to mention MAMARAZZI in the message section of your etsy transaction.

OR

$5 off any purchase for anyone that uses MAMARAZZI on http://www.livelovebead.com/...there is a place to enter a promotional code when you pay.

SENT!

Well my Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap package is on its way to my cute, fun partner. I am posting a picture because everything look so cute here, but I crammed it into a flat rate box so it miiight not look as crisp and pretty on the other end and I want Miss Grand Pooba to see that it WAS wrapped all pretty. I am actually not concerned it will look HORRIBLE when it arrives..but it does look super cute here all laid out! Just a little teaser Pooba!!Everyone's packages should have gone out over the weekend or at the VERY latest TODAY!! I will be posting Mr. Linky on Thursday March 11th. Everyone will be getting their packages around that time and will be coming here to link up so we can all hop around the blogsphere and check out all of the favorite things swappy goodness! So. Much. Fun.

Check out the new poll and weigh in on what you think the theme should be for the next swap scheduled for April (my birthday month)!

There are so many super fun things happening right now...

I am preparing for my trip to NY and I gotta tell you, as it gets closer I am getting more and more excited! I can't wait to tell you all about it! Click the fish on my sidebar...you will thank me for it!

I am quickly approaching 100,000 visitors...dude. That is awesome...I am going to have to think of something special for the person who rounds that number out! Woot!

SITS Spring Fling is happening on March 10 and I have lined up an ADORABLE prize from an amazing Etsy shop...I am super excited about this. You. Are. Going. To. L-O-V-E. This.

Things on the home front are pretty mellow. Big Daddy has been working doubles this weekend since J is away. The house is sooooo quiet. I really should take advantage of the peace to read a book or something, but I am in an organizing kind of mode so I am going with that. I have also been doing a lot of writing lately...I am feeling introspective as we face some unforeseen hurdles as a family. I am positive we will get through it, we are a really good team and my sister Meg and brother Scotty plus both sets of our folks have all been amazingly supportive. Thanks for that guys, you have really been there for us. I am also thankful for amazing friends. You guys rock!!

I promise my next post will be about something fun...I still need to post about President's Week off of school...that was a way fun week AND I even have the pictures to prove it!
P.S. Did you see the Good News and Bad News post? FUN announcement!

Good News and Bad News

Good News first...

Starting in March Dandelion Wishes will be celebrating our followers monthly with a drawing for fun prizes EXCLUSIVELY from our list of followers. That's right, just follow and you could be one of the lucky monthly winners. You don't even have to check in everyday (but seriously, why wouldn't you want to?) just follow our blog. Totally cool right?! And BONUS, if you send a friend and they mention your name and start following too, I will put your name in for each new follower you send my way (I have a system, trust me on this one, I am so hyper organized). Oh and don't forget to grab our super cute button for your sidebar! There is a nifty little code for it just below the follower box (not loving the new follower box btw).

AND

Packages for Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap are going out this weekend and will all be shipped by Monday March 2nd. That's right we are spreading the L-O-V-E all over the blogsphere. I will post a Mr. Linky once everyone starts receiving their packages so y'all can go around and check out the favorite thing goodness! I am also taking your ideas about themes for the next swap (happening in April) and will be adding a little poll to the sidebar on Monday!

OK...

Now for the BAD NEWS...

I am sick about this. I just lost all of my cute buttons to all of your blogs. I was removing google ad sense (because they are seriously lame...some of my fave bloggy peeps SITS has a high readership that actually clicks on ads, google called it "invalid clicking" and shut the whole thing down). ANYWAY I was removing ad sense and somehow all my buttons went with it. Grrr..I want to come around and grab buttons from your blogs, but please remind me if you have one so I can come and get it! Do you have mine? It's on my side bar, there is even a nifty little code for you to grab to make it easy ( I know I just said the whole nifty little code thing, and this makes 3 times, but I know people skim sooo...).

Bloggy Business, Good Mail and Other Stuff

First of all I just want to thank everyone who signed up to be part of Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap. 102 FABULOUS women are playing and I am feeling REALLY good about everyone who signed up. Everyone playing has received a confirmation email and has responded to it. I am trying to get everyone matched up and will send your match to you by the 15th. I will need you to get back to me right away so I know you got my email and are getting your package ready to be mailed on March 2nd. IF I do not hear from you, you could lose your spot. I have 3 people on standby waiting for a chance to join and I have no problem giving your spot away in order to make SURE that there is a package going out to everyone who signed up. Aren't you glad that I am holding everyone to the same standard? You. Are. Welcome.

I have been SO SICK with strep, ear infections and no voice whatsoever. I have been laying around wanting to be fun but just feeling sorry for myself and my family that has been pretty much taking care of themselves for almost a week. It has been NO FUN AT ALL! So I am sure you can imagine how a little box of Valentine Good Mail Goodness lifted my spirits. Pam from Country mouse, City mouse sent a little love my way, and it is awesome! See...

Thank you so much Pam you seriously lifted my spirits and made me feel so loved! Good Mail has a way of making things so much better! I adore my gift and the chocolate...oh my, the minty chocolatey goodness...VERY yummy!

I am so excited to have 200 followers now, so cool! Kebi from Hanging by a Thread is #200 and I am going to drop a little love in the mail to ya girlie! Good thing I have your address from participating in the swap...be patient with me, I have a few more things I need to get ready to go in the mail and I only want to take one trip to the Post Office...that's just how I roll, I am lazy like that.

Thanks to all of my new followers. I appreciate those who stop in and read and comment. I love sharing my life with y'all and love reading about yours. So far my new plan to follow commenters back to their blogs is working out really well and I am finding balance in my blogging life...that's a good thing. So to all my followers I present Dandelion Wishes Bloggy Goodness Award...grab the code and pass it on to blogs that you love! Ooooh sparkly...faaaaancy!

<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com"> <center><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Bloggy-Goodness-Award2.gif" /></center></a>

And lastly...but OH so important, my friend Dana from Just Talk is calling on the blogsphere for help read all about it HERE . Wow what a story...

Good News and Bad News

The Good News is that I have close to 100 people participating in the 2nd Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap the response was amazing and a little overwhelming! BUT i most def learned from my first experience hosting AND learned from other's mistakes when participating in gift exchanges hosted by other bloggers and i feel like the system i have set in motion for organizing this is a good one...virtually fail proof. If you signed up and followed all of the directions you should have received a confirmation email from me and replied to THAT email, letting me know we are communicating and all things are a go. IF you have not received a confirmation email or an email from me saying you skipped a step and needed to fix that to hold your spot, then you need to get in touch with me BEFORE Feb 13 or you will lose your spot.

The Bad News is that i am no longer accepting RSVPs for the swap. We are full. I know i said i was going to leave it open for sign ups until Feb 13 BUT i also said i had a number in mind for how many people i was going to let play...that number was 100.

More Good News...this will NOT be the last swap I host AND I will be taking a vote on the THEME for the next swap. Soooo the good news FAR out weighs the bad news...aren't you happy?! I am.

Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap!!!

CLOSED no more room!!

Due to the AMAZING response I am no longer taking RSVPs, thanks to everyone who signed up!

Back by popular demand: Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap!!

My last swap was such a HUGE success that I decided that it was time for another!

If you want to participate please CAREFULLY read ALL of the rules:
1. by signing up you are committing to do the following:
a. be able to be in constant communication with Mamarazzi via email (if I send the group an email I need a response within a few days please, it is too stressful wondering if things got lost in cyber space, the key to a successful swap is communication with ME!)
b. put together an amazing package of YOUR favorite things. This should be a package that you yourself would LOVE to receive (I didn't think this would need clarification but I read something funny in a comment on someone else's blog...you don't fill it with the favorite things you already have you go buy new stuff and send that...like a brand new tube of your favorite mascara, a new copy of your favorite book or movie etc. Everyone clear?).
c. the contents of package should cost no more than $30 but be at least $20 total (not counting shipping) I came to this amount after a 2 people got less than thoughtful packages after sending out beautiful well thought out packages to their partners, and from feedback on how things should be done the next time...i feel this is fair.
d. send package ON Monday March 2. (if you need to send sooner please let me know)
2. RSVP by grabbing the super cute button and posting about the swap on your blog and coming back and linking THAT post here to Mr. Linky. This is the ONLY way I am going to accept an RSVP...I need to make sure that everyone is fully committed. Please understand that I personally have been on the crappy side of NOT getting a package from my partner when I participated in a gift exchange hosted by another blogger. I want to make sure that there is not ANY way that someone can be left out, overlooked or gypped on a swap that I am hosting, not gonna happen!!!
3. Get your RSVP in BEFORE Friday Feb 13...I also have a certain number in mind for the amount of people I am willing to organize this for. So get that RSVP in FAST!
4. Once you have posted on your blog about Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap please send me an email @ never2pink at yahoo dot com with the following information:
a. Real name and Address
b. blog address (must have blog to participate, if private must be willing to "invite" partner to read blog)
c. email address
d. food or product allergies
e. would you be willing to ship internationally? (this is an additional cost, please keep that in mind)
A-D will be shared with your swap partner. The SAME person who you GIVE to is the person you will RECEIVE from...no secrets here, just pure FUN!
5. Once you receive your package in the mail create a post using pictures on your blog. Be sure to link your partner and Dandelion Wishes (you can just use the button again). I will have a Mr. Linky for everyone to use so we can all hop around the blogsphere checking out everyone's loot!

For an example of what exactly you are signing up for please see this post...there are also lots of links to some of the people who played too...AWESOME!!

<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/2009/02/mamarazzis-favorite-things-swap.html"> <center><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Swap4copy.jpg" /></center></a>

CLOSED no more room, sorry!!
*THIS MR. LINKY FOR RSVP ONLY*

DO NOT LINK FOR ANY OTHER REASON

I also want to thank April from Bloggy TLC for creating the super cute button for my swap, could you just die over Jordan's little mail bag and hat?! April is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G...she is also VERY affordable, so if you have been thinking about a bloggy makeover SHE is most def your girl, check her out! AND bonus if you mention Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap she will give you 50% off your order...now THAT is awesome!

Bloggy Business and a WINNER

Thanks to everyone who entered to win the earrings giveaway. Our winner chosen by random.org is HeatherY from Middle Georgia Mommy. Heather send me your mailing address and i will get these little beauties out to you ASAP.

Thanks again to Shelbi at for donating the GORGEOUS earrings. Don't forget you can shop and use the code MAMARAZZI and you will get $5 off $30 or more plus FREE domestic shipping. Sweet huh?!

If you have a product you would like featured here on Dandelion Wishes drop me a note. I would love to host a giveaway for you!

I have about 100 tags to get to and MANY awards that I need to pass on...but I have very little bloggy energy with Christmas quickly approaching. My google reader is all goofy, my google alerts is totally wonky and I just haven't the time I would like to come around and read all of your blogs. I am going to have to follow my bloggy friends who comment and stay away from my reader for a little while.

The GOOD MAIL has been flying in. I am loving all of the Christmas cards I have been receiving from my bloggy friends all over the world...so cool! Queenie Jeannie from Jeannie's Happy World surprised me with a lovely box of pure deliciousness...thanks for that Jeannie, you made my day!

Life is good...be sure to scroll down to see a super cute letter that my daughter wrote to Santa...we believe!!

Bloggy Business and A GIVEAWAY!!

Shop Marigold sent me a BEAUTIFUL pair of earrings to giveaway to one lucky reader. She has her TANGLED UP IN BLUE earrings listed for $25.00. This picture hardly does these earrings justice the detail is amazing. ALSO if you see something you love from her shop you can use the code MAMARAZZI you will get $5 off $30 or more plus FREE domestic shipping. Sweet huh?!

Here is how to enter to win these beautiful earrings.
1. go to Shop Marigold and have a look around
2. come back and comment telling me what you love most.

FOR 2 EXTRA BONUS ENTRIES... follow me (don't forget my button)
FOR 3 EXTRA BONUS ENTRIES...link this giveaway on your blog
yep that is a total of 6 SIX possible entries for your chance to WIN!!

ShopMarigold is the etsy shop of Shelbi from KEEPER OF THE CHOCOLATES she is a TOTAL doll and offered these earrings for one of my readers...sweet huh?!

ALSO...my reader was doing something weird so I dumped it. If you posted something you think I should read PLEASE let me know! I have also lost like 20 people I was following. Google hates me or something. I am trying to get everyone added again. Looks like I lost about 10 of my followers too...bummer. OH well. I will try and make the rounds this week and say hello to everyone who has been stopping by to say hi to me!!

Do you have a product you would like featured on this blog? I would be happy to host a giveaway. Email me at never2pink at yahoo dot com.

Bloggy Business and a WINNER

The winner of the Lose Weight Feel Great Cookbook is Lori from mommy's take on things. I have heard it said that random.org never picks #1 in their little generator thingy; NOT the case this time. Congrats Lori...we live so close to each other we should just meet and I will hand deliver it. What do you think?!

Thanks everyone who entered. If you are dying to have this book go see Queenie Jeannie @ Jeannie's Happy World. AND Good News...mention MAMARAZZI and get 20% OFF!!! I have my copy and it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I am sure we will be using recipes for upcoming episodes of Cooking with Jordan.

GOOD NEWS....I am hosting another super fabulous giveaway NEXT Monday Dec 15. You do not want to miss it...here's a hint...it's jewelry...ohhh yeah!

Moma 'Tude Monday - Thrifty Giveaway going on at Mommatudes. Check it out $25 gift card for Bath and Body Works...she wants to know how y'all are saving money this holiday season.


My dear bloggy friend Forgetfulone is celebrating her blogiversary and having a giveaway for a $20 gift card to Amazon. com...Happy Blogiversay Forgetfulone. You have been an amazing bloggy friend to me for a very long time and I appreciate all the L-O-V-E. HUGS!!


Thanks everyone for your VERY kind words on this post An Open Letter. God is good! Miracles DO happen and prayers have been answered. THANK you to the angels who have not only made Christmas possible for our kiddo but also relieved a lot of extra stress and mess we were facing. Here's to a fresh start in 2009!!

Merry SITSmas!!

I can hardly believe the day is finally upon us SITSmas !! YAY!! A full day of hanging out with my SITStahs, blog jogging and soaking up tons of bloggy goodness! OH Heavenly Day!! AND prizes...one, EVERY HOUR!! I can hardly contain my excitement!

(button provided by Heather )

******BREAKING NEWS******
The Grand Prize for tomorrow's Merry SITSmas is:
YOUR Blog Featured as our Friday Favorite and....
A $200 Target Gift Card!

I cannot even begin to tell you what a Christmas Miracle that would be if I won that baby!! You can pretty much bet I will be glued to my computer ALL night and ALL day! I am in for the long haul, I am going to blog hop like it's my JOB!

I love those girls Tiffany & Heather over at The Secret is in the Sauce...they rock! They opened a whole new bloggy world for me!! OH the friends I have made, I can't imagine my bloggy life before them. The SITStahood has totally supported my addiction to comments, they laugh with me, cry with me and leave lots of advice and love. I do my best to be a good SITSta too! If you haven't joined SITS what are you waiting for? Go read this to get started...RUN...tell them Mamarazzi sent you!

I can't even put it into words how excited I so...let me just post our silly little card made especially for my SITStas...snow in Ca...Have a Magical SITSmas everyone!!


if you are blog hopping throught Mr Linky on SITS Jenifer is after me...

For even more FUN...click HERE for my latest giveaway. Last day to enter is Sunday Dec 7@ Midnight~ I will post the winner on Monday Dec 8...good luck y'all!

Bloggy Business and A GIVEAWAY!!

The weekend off was great! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is recovering from the weekend eat-a-thon. We had a wonderful visit with Big Daddy's family, I love those people! I am trying to catch up with my blog reading. So I am sure i will be by to see you soon.

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So on to Monday's Bloggy Business...

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I think it is time for another Giveaway!!

*

I know I am so cool like that. You. Are. Welcome. As with all of my giveaways you are going to LOVE this one. Just in time for the holidays a Cook Book, but not just ANY cook book it is a "Lose Weight Feel Great" cook book on a CD filled with wonderfully delicious recipes that, according to its creator Jeannie from Jeannie's Happy World, even people who "burn water" can make. Jeannie Says " I have sold over 400 copies so far and everyone has been so happy with it!! Whether you want to lose 10 lbs, 100 lbs, or you just want eat healthier....I can help! Broken down with helpful information and sections for Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner and Desserts with hundreds of recipes! You will never feel hungry....or deprived! Even if you "burn water" in the kitchen, you can easily make anything in my cookbook!! This cookbook is on CD, which you can use as a desktop reference or print out and put into a binder (which is what I did!). Compatible with either Mac or PC!!"

Jeannie's Lose Weight Feel Great Cook Book retails for $25 you can enter to WIN one by:

1. leaving a comment here.
2. visiting Jeannie @ Jeannie's Happy World to say hello
and BONUS
2 extra entries for linking this contest on your blog!
3 extra entries for following me (don't forget to grab my button)

yep...that's a total of 6 possible entries to totally up your chances to win this fun prize!!

AND Those AWESOME SITS girls are up to it again...they are hosting a Merry SITSmas marathon....find out how you can join the SITStahood by reading this first. THEN get ready for a whole lot of fun...they are giving away a prize EVERY hour!! Fun right?!



AND...

One of my blogging buddies in Germany Blogging Mama sent me some Good Mail. She sent a beautiful German Christmas card and a darling star ornament for my tree.

she wrote a really sweet note (clickety to biggify)
Thank you Blogging Mama I just LOVE Good Mail, it was VERY sweet of you to think of me and send me some love all the way from Germany!!

Are you on MY Good Mail list? Am I on YOURS?!? Exchanging Good Mail makes me HAPPY...it just feels so good to send a little love out and make someone smile!

And Finally this weeks Dandelion Wishes Bloggy Goodness Award recipients. Some new followers of Dandelion Wishes : Kinzerella, The Purple Door, Lis Loves, A Tale of Magical Memories, thatssogod, All Rolled Into One and Seriously TinaMarie. Grab the code, spread the love!

<a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com"> <center><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/Bloggy-Goodness-Award2.gif" /></center></a>