Just For Fun and a Giveaway

Update: Comments are still open, but the contest is now closed.

Well, it's an exciting time in the blogosphere. If you haven't heard...it's time for Ultimate Blog Party 2010 over at 5 Minutes for Mom! If you're already a follower of mine and don't know about this carnival, you really should hop over there to see all the excitement (link given below). There are lots of prizes and giveaways available and lots of blogs to check out.

If you're over here from the party, well then, WEL-COME!!! Glad to have ya. Here's what you need to know about my wittle bloggy poo.

1. I'm the author. Me. Lori. A 35-year old, happily-married mommy of four kiddos (3 boys and 1 lonesome princess).

2. I enjoy blogging because it's a great creative outlet and a way to remember the things my family does (because with an average of 5 hours of sleep per night, I've lost far too many brain cells to rely on my own memory).

3. I love the Lord, so I mention Him on this blog...unashamedly.

4. Sometimes I post about events in the VERY distant past. (I've deluded myself into believing that it's possible to get all our major things blogged about, despite the fact that I DO indeed have children to homeschool, meals to prepare, and rooms to "clean.")

5. I've been known to get serious every once in a while and post about something really heavy. You know. Just to keep things mixed up. Of course, today's post would most definitely NOT fall into that category, as nothing could be more frivolous than a "blog party." But then again, sometimes a little frivolity is just what the doctor ordered. Amen?

6. And I've decided in the interest of partying the best way possible (in Blog Land, that is), I'm going to have another giveaway!!! (Can I get a "Woot! Woot!" ?)

So...I was recently contacted by CSN Stores for the purpose of doing a giveaway together. And I couldn't be more excited! If you've never checked out their site, let's just say...they have a lot of stuff!! With over 200 online stores, specializing in everything from TV stands to cookware and from toys and games to office seating, basically, if you're looking for it, they probably have it.

Here are the items one blessed winner will have to choose from:

(Click on the links provided to read more about each item.)

Emile Henry Butter Pot in Figue

I have a butter pot just like this, only it's a mustard-yellow color to match a set of dishes I have. But THIS color???? THIS color is simply to die for!! (Makes me want to start over with my kitchen decor.)

Skip Hop Tubby Bath Toy Organizer

It's orange. What can I say? Kids and orange go hand-in-hand, if you ask me.

Pfaltzgraff Napoli Rectangular Tray

This. just. caught. my. eye. Isn't it so pretty??

Bilibo Play Shell

We've never owned one of these, but they've always seemed so intriguing to me.

Pfaltzgraff Sedona 10" Tortilla Warmer

How cute are these colors?? And how nice to be able to keep your tortillas warm just like the restaurants do?!

Educational Insights Alphabet Bean Bags

I've been wanting these for a while myself. I love teaching with bean bags.

Anolon Kitchen Gadgets Garlic Press

If you love garlic like me (for all its culinary AND medicinal uses), this just may make your life easier.

Cotton Tale Lizzie Pillow Pack

Aren't these fun little pillows? I adore groovy little flowers like this. These are the kind of pillows you decorate an entire room around.

Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker in Brushed Stainless

'Cause who doesn't love waffles????

Now, here's what YOU, dear reader, need to do if you want to BE that blessed winner:

FIRST, leave a comment telling me which item would be your first choice.

That's really the only requirement.

Of course, if you'd like to become a Follower of this here blog, well, now that would increase your chances, as I will give you TWO extra entries for being a follower. (It's so easy. Just click that button that says "Follow" over there in my RIGHT sidebar all the way up at the top. 'K?) Once you are following, leave another comment saying you did that.

But please think long and hard about following, because I just couldn't take the heartbreak of rejection if you began following me for this contest and then dumped me later.

Just. couldn't. take. it! So, now that you know how devastated I would be, surely you don't want that on your conscience, do you?? Hmmm????

For other extra entries, you can:

** Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. (See Twitter button in sidebar.)

** Grab my blog button and put it somewhere on YOUR blog for TWO extra entries.

** Check out my blog archives (at the right) and choose ANY other blog post and comment on it there. Some of my favorites are Daffodils, Close, Drowning, and Nutshell, in case you don't feel like scrolling through.

** Blog about this giveaway and provide your readers a link to this post for TWO extra entries.

Just be sure and leave a separate comment for each of your extra entries, and be sure and provide links to your twitter account and/or blog post telling about the giveaway. Those of you who already follow, etc. you just need to comment saying so. Okay?

This contest will run for TWO WEEKS through Friday, April 23 at 11:59 p.m. My time. (I'm "Down South, " so that's CST.) It will be a random drawing, and I will provide CSN Stores with the winner's contact information so they can work out the details of getting your chosen prize to you. How exciting!!

Now--back to the party. While these prizes are ultra-awesome and all, well......I obviously can't win one of my own prizes. Can I? But I CAN search through the LOOOOONG list of prizes donated by so many others for the random drawings going on all week, and I can.........somehow.......choose a few I'd dearly love to win. Oh, yes I can.

Hmmm...lemme see here........

I'd say USC #17 is a given. Easily. Oh, iPhone, how is it you have eluded me for so long?

#39 or #40, both hotel stays. (I just might need a vacation.)

#42, It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh. I've read it. It's good! In fact, I recommend it to everyone out there. I borrowed the one I read from the library. But this is definitely a keeper! If only so you can have it to loan out to people.

#43 Books that sound interesting.

#69 I believe we've established I'm a curriculum junkie, right?

USC #13 $100 gift certificate for Kay Jewelers. (Going for value here, people.)

Alright. I'll quit.

Happy party day! Be sure and check out the party site.

Update: Comments are still open, but the contest is now closed.