That Even Doesn't Exist!

was said to me in the disdainful tones only a five year old can produce (because it still comes off as adorable and you just want to squeeze her instead of have a stroke inducing fit of rage over the disrespect) after I told her that helping with her sister was the reason she'd won the Big Sister of the Year Award.

Truly, I've been amazed over the course of the last year and a few weeks at how simply wonderful the peanut is with the Bean. She helps keep her occupied when I'm changing poopy diapers with only a trace amount of nausea at the stench, she keeps an eye on her to make sure she's not getting into things that aren't bean Authorized bits and Pieces. And she plays with her. Without being asked. Add to that that I have not once seen her do anything on purpose to make the Bean cry and you see where I'm coming from.

Yes we've had a few episodes of acting out and playing for attention in all the wrong ways but we've also weeded out the whys and the wherefores and done our best to give her some Peanut only time with apologies for forgetting to do so when we've had to. But in the grand scheme of things I am so pleased with how blessed we are with the girls.

So back to the Big Sister of the Year Award; I laughed and smiled and told her she'd have to come and tell me she was all wrong about that when she got her certificate awarding her with the coveted prize of Best Big Sister of the Year. Still there was disdain!

I was told that when she didn't get a certificate I would see that the award just didn't exist.

Challenge Accepted:

 

My Memories Scrapbooking Software comes in Handy again! In about 5 minutes  I had the above certificate done and printed. She totally called me on the fact that I made the award myself but she also took my word for it, that the award exists based on the certificate. I love this age. Added bonus, I got my own Best Mommy of the Year Award later in the afternoon. glitter and crayon on the back of the school notice that we'll be scheduling a meeting with a speech therapist for the Peanut within the next few months. I did mention that I love this age right?

If you're interested in the Software I used to make the certificate visit my review/giveaway post here! there's plenty of time to enter!

Not my Forte

So when Melissa and Doug approached me about doing a giveaway I was thrilled. The sand toys they wanted to promote with the giveaway are; like all Melissa and Doug toys, awesome. I could totally see the Peanut putting all of them through their play paces. When they made receiving 200 new likes on their facebook page a requirement of the giveaway I thought I'd give it my best shot. So I wrote the post. I tweeted about it, and posted links on some social networks that I follow and I contacted some blogs that list giveaways in the hopes of driving the required number of entrants to my giveaway post and then; despite my footwork things kind of fizzled. So I rallied and tried again, I extended the deadline and tried corralling more entries but again; fizzle.

Right now the number of required entries is well below Melissa and Doug's required 200 which leads me to think that the whole giveaway thing isn't really one of my strengths. Either that or my readership doesn't quite fit with the Melissa and Doug target audience. I'll be doing a final little push for more entries today and I'll get in touch with my contact at Melissa and Doug with my entries on Tuesday. So if you haven't already entered please do so now, pass the link along, spread the word!

First Stop

Before I start: the Melissa and Doug Seaside Giveaway has been extended. If you haven't entered there's still time, if you know someone who loves playing in the sand tell them about it too! It's an awesome prize pack and I'd love to gift one of you with it!


Because our families all live in the same area our trips are always split into three separate parts: The husband's Mom (aka my other Mother), the husband's Dad and my parents. This trip was brought to us by the Husband's Mom's boss (still following?) The trip was originally supposed to be for her to fly out and see us but things didn't work out for many reasons and her boss offered to have us fly out instead. So, we started our trip with Grandma. Other than a chance to have some prime Ma time and introduce the Jelly Bean to her Grandma we shopped and ate and enjoyed a little side trip into the Bad Lands of Alberta for a little Dinosaur time for the Peanut.

The house my other Mother lives in is one of the oldest in the city she lives in. It's haunted, and chock full of paintings, woodcut prints, and plants. I love staying there. Of course every place the husband's Mom has ever lived in has had a similar feel to it. The woman knows how to create a homey atmosphere.


On the way to Drumheller we took a secondary highway that took us by a stretch of wind farm. The juxtaposition between the almost lazy spin of ll the windmills and the bobbing up and down of the oil pumps dotted along the fields on the way was too much to pass up and I took some photographs along the way. I'll post some of those later this week.

The Royal Tyrell Museum was a huge hit for the Peanut. She was in state of bliss for days afterwards and she still talks about the Dire Wolf and Mammoth exhibits as well as the T-Rex and Triceratops exhibit that we visited first.

All in all the first part of our trip couldn't have been better.

And it ends.

The vacation. It never seems long enough.

We're unpacking, getting settled and starting some new routines and I'll be posting some recaps of our trip complete with extreme weather and prehistoric ocean creatures but not at the same time.

From the looks of things the giveaway that I posted about before we left isn't up to near enough entries to qualify for a prize from Melissa and Doug. I'm contemplating adding an extension on the deadline (I'll post an update to this tomorrow) to see if we can't add a few more entries because I'd very much love to be able to give one of those gift packs to one of you. If you haven't entered, please, please do! If you have, tell your friends and family about it and send them on over the more the merrier after all.

Now that we've packed

I realize that what we really really could use for the Peanut (and also the Bean when she gets big enough to carry her own luggage) is one of these:


Now if it seems like I'm on a Melissa & Doug kick I kind of am. Between the giveaway they've offered to sponsor (if they reach 200 likes on their facebook page from my giveaway post, you can click this link or the one their logo in the sidebar to go see what they're offering) to the fact that Birthday Party Season is fast approaching I've been visiting their site often.

So what about the Trunki appeals? Well it's red (the one pictured is red, there are other colour options) it has wheels and a handle and with all the stuff we bring for the Peanut when we go traveling, she could totally stand to have her own suitcase.

New Starts

On Thursday I get to have some much needed one on one time with the Peanut. It's her kindergarten orientation in the morning and the Bean is going to hang out with the husband while we head out to see the Peanut's classroom, meet her teacher and hopefully make a friend.

It's a big step for her and I'm getting a little misty thinking about my little Peanut headed off to school next September. It seems like just yesterday she was the size of the Bean and rolling over. Kindergarten has sneaked right up on us

Once that's done and we head home to make sure that the Bean hasn't decimated the husband; it's packing time so we can introduce the Bean to Grandma, Great Grandma and all her aunts uncles and cousins (not to mention a side trip to the Royal Tyrell so that the Peanut can exalt in all things prehistoric.)

And hey, have you entered into the Seaside Sidekick giveaway yet? If you've entered, thanks, link the post to your friends and family because once Melissa and Doug get 200 new fans on their page from my giveaway they'll send a prize pack including all the sets written about in the post to one lucky entrant.

Seaside Sidekicks Giveaway

When I'm looking for toys for the Peanut and the Bean I go out of my way to find playthings that are well made, educational, affordable and (this is purely a personal preference) not awash in pink.

So it's not surprising that Melissa and Doug is one of our favourite go to places for play things. We're always excited to receive Mellisa and Doug toys and art supplies. Since imagination and creative play are practically built right into their toys it's no wonder that they are among the most played with at our house. The Peanut gets hours of fun out them and once the Bean gets to be big enough to play too, we know she'll be getting just as much fun as her big sister.

So the Peanut has been chomping at the bit for sandbox weather since sometime last November, and with a summer filled with beach outings on the horizon we're thinking about some new sand toys. Lucky for us Mellisa and Doug have just introduced some cute sand toys that could provide endless entertainment at either the sandbox in our back yard or the beach.

Now, I can totally picture any number of under the sea role playing opportunities with The Seaside Sidekicks Sand-Molding Set, "Hello Mr Sea Turtle, have you met my little friend Tiny Blue Seahorse? He's been simply frantic to meet you, he's a huge fan of your work in sand molding."

"Why, Tiny Blue Seahorse, I'm simply delighted to meet you! might I offer you some tea?" And now that I've got my lackluster try at writing gripping dialogue out of my system...

With each mold nesting inside the next, this set just screams to be packed up to the beach; compact toys are a must when you're headed to the sea side via public transit and you have to make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes along with the other beach day must haves like lunch and a change of clothes.

The Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cupcake Set is a must have for any little baker and I have to say that the unique hinged cupcake molds are genius! The tropical colour scheme is lovely and the sea creature cake toppers are too sweet for words. The sea turtle, little crab, sea star and the gold fish toppers create the perfect set.

I can see the Peanut baking sand cupcakes, building mini castles and using the icing to create even more fun designs in the sand.


I am eternally amazed by the bottomless well of creativity that the Peanut and her friends delve into when they play. The Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set is a fun set featuring everything needed to cook up some beach time fun; bowl, whisk, mixing spoon measuring cups and a sifter.

Not only can I see the Peanut keeping busy making sandcakes with this set but also some seaweed soup too. Plus I'm sure (little budding paleontologist and treasure hunter that the Peanut is proving herself to be) that she'd also use the set for digging up dinosaur bones and panning for gold.



If you're going old school and a pail and shovel are all you need to get your sand party started then the Clicker Crab Pail and Shovel is the combo to get. A bright red to stand out against the sand on the beach with a friendly infections face to bring a smile to your face. This sturdy pail is perfect for hauling water and filling with sand for sand castles and other sand sculptures. It's also a pretty cool place to hold all the shells and pebbles your little collector brings back to the blanket.

And about now I'm guessing you're wondering what is all this about a giveaway? Well, Melissa & Doug has generously offered to send a prize pack of all four of the sand play sets I've talked about here once they get 200 Facebook followers from this giveaway! Pretty exciting right?



To Enter:

Mandatory Entry

Jump over and “Like” Melissa & Doug on Facebook, then come back here and leave a comment telling me that you did.

You can leave it at that if you want but for all the eager beaver's out there, extra entries can be had by doing any or all of the following (just remember to leave a separate comment for each extra entry that you complete):

- Subscribe to Melissa & Doug’s Treasured Toy and Birthday Club e-mail list
- Visit PeanutButterPie on Etsy and tell me which item you like best.
- Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post in your comment
- Follow PeanutButterPie on Twitter and tweet the following (worth 2 extra entries) :

I entered to win a @MelissaAndDoug prize pack for some prime sand play this summer from @PeanutButterPie! http://bit.ly/jzBWCg

Rules

Contest ends just in time for the beginning of Summer on June 20th 2011 at 9:00 p.m. PST. Deadline for this giveaway has been extended! The cutoff for entries will be June 27th at 9pm PST. An extra entry will be given to all those who entered before the original deadline as special thank you. I will select a winner at random from all eligible entries. I'll email the winner before posting an announcement on here so please make sure that you have a way for me to contact you.

If the winner does not respond within 48 hrs of being notified, I'll pick a new winner. The prize will be mailed directly to the winner by Melissa and Doug.


Good luck!

Disclaimer: I have not received any monetary compensation for holding this giveaway. The giveaway is contingent on the giveaway sponsor receiving 200 new fans

Dancing the Spiral and getting lots done

is what I have on my weekend to do list.

Last night the husband and I had a productive evening at the table with copper foil tape and solder. When we were finished we had a nice tidy stack of ornaments ready for a final polish and some documentation. After the shoot last week I'm going to have to rethink how I'll be doing that this time around. One of my options is to move the studio set up to the kitchen table, I've been using the Peanut's table next to the living room window and the low height isn't working for me. If that doesn't work it's back to the drawing table.

In any case the ornaments look amazing and I can't wait to share them with you. So, in the next few days I'll be wielding the camera again.

On the list today is some paper mache with the Peanut. We've narrowed down our Halloween costume choice to a mighty pterosaur. Fortunately I have wings ready for the job, all I need to make is a beak and crest mask/hat and we'll be all set. Once that's on the go we'll also be carving the first of our two pumpkins to light tonight at the dinner table.

Tomorrow is the Annual Samhain Spiral Dance. I'll be going to honour those who have passed through the veil, to welcome the new ones who have come along and to celebrate the Pagan New Year. This celebration is one that I look forward to all year long.

I also want to mention a few giveaways that I've come across. First up is Mother Moon's All Hallows Eve Giveaway. Not even including the super secret items that will be a surprise to the winner; this giveaway has so many amazing things included that those secret items are just too tantalizing to resist. My favourite items (other than the candies which are on my no eating until the Bean gets here and then only in small amounts) are the bell charms and the fairy star.

And I can't mention giveaways without including Mrs. B's giveaways. Up for grabs today is Giveaway from Somnamblant!: "This giveaway is from Somnambulant!The winner will receive Somnambulant Skulls! This mixed media piece is so cute and creepy that you'll have to click on the link to see it for yourself. Also being given away on Mrs B's blog is The Way of the Horned God: The Way of the Horned God by Dancing Rabbit; a book geared towards young men who are seeking a Pagan path.

I'm off to get started on my to do list! What do you have lined up?

a little story

This house was not always so tall. Once it was a simple bungalow shared by a group of deep thinking philosophers. These learned people would sit around day and night (as philosophers are wont to do) and talk about the meaning of love.

What is the meaning of love?
How do you love?
Why would you love?
When do you know love?
What is love?
Who can love?
Where can you find love?

One day, the darkest existential thinker of these learned philosophers stood up and declared "Love is dead".

Stunned, the rest sat in silence. One by one they each began to mourn the death of love. With tears of loss, they spoke to each other about their pain. They shared their sadness, tears fell.

But one small philosopher sat back in deep thought and observed her peers sitting together, but deeply alone with their pain.

She stood and moved to the philosopher who was sitting next to her. He was in such a deep anguish that a black cloud was forming over his head. As she looked around she noticed that there was a darkness growing throughout the small room, making it smaller. The little philosopher took her neighbors hand and pulled him into a comforting hug.

"Don't cry," she whispered into his ear, and with these heart felt words the black cloud that had been forming around him dissipated and he saw that he loved the little philosopher, and he knew that if this was so, then Love could not be dead.

Armed with this insight he smiled at the her and looked around the room at the rest. With a soft kiss they broke their embrace and moved on to the rest of the room, comforting each man and woman with hugs and kind words, awakening each of them from their fugues.

With each embrace and caring whisper the knowledge that Love was not gone filled the house up to bursting. There was so much love that the tiny bungalow stretched up creating more space for the love to fill until it could grow no more.

Now the house stands three stories tall and it is said that if you are feeling lost, alone and loveless and you walk past this house your step will become light, the day will become brighter and you will feel love.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Not too long ago I came across this blog give away. Writing a little story about the item up for giveaway and following the blog was required to enter, the above story was my entry.

On our way back from our Alberta trip last month I managed (after having almost zero internet contact throughout the trip) to check email in the Calgary airport which is when I found out I had the winning story. To be fair there were three stories that were finalists in the giveaway and my name was the one pulled out of the draw bag. My pin came in the mail today and I have to say I am so impressed with the workmanship, the details and the lovely bright colours and the magical translucency of the plexi-glass.

Milestones should be celebrated

I've spent some time this morning going through some of my old posts and cleaning up my post labels and it's been a bit of work. I knew they were getting out of hand when the list of labels was way longer than the list of posts I've written. So I've chosen a handful of labels to help section out the blog. I'd love to have a custom blog with tabs to clean these things up but for now I'm doing this, a little at a time. I'm just hoping that I'm not clogging up your reading lists with old posts.

In a little under three years I've published over 300 times and it's been so much fun to do. And speaking of posting milestones one of the blogs I follow has an amazing giveaway to celebrate a handful exciting milestones both for her blog and her facebook page. Click on the picture below to find out more!

More Time Outside

It looks like we'll be spending more and more time outside as the days get sunnier and sunnier in preparation we've added a few things to our backyard to keep the Peanut entertained and active. I mentioned a few days ago that we got locked out of the house one afternoon which was a huge blessing in disguise that gave me some full on one on one time with the Peanut.

Not that she doesn't get me all the time or that I don't drop everything to attend to her almost every whim (while writing this post for instance I've gotten milk, poured cheerios, retrieved beads from the craft shelf, picked beads off of the floor, squeezed glue for making pom pom caterpillars and put on Bobs & Lolo for her to sing and dance along to while she colours) but with no distractions; the computer, my camera, the keys to the garden tools and any of the other things I might pick up while she's playing were out of reach we played. Really played.

So the plan is that we're going to do that more often, one on one, no distractions, action games. Tag, Simon says, stop and go, dance party, catch, fetch (see above link) Sand Box, T-ball and gardening. The problem is that the Peanut has a fairly short attention span some days. We need all the options that we can find for her to play with in the yard. We have a sand box and a few balls but I've got my eye out for some other backyard games we can add to our repertoire and possibly see if there are any games I can make. We have boxes from our move last year that we can bring out put together and build a castle that she can decorate and maybe we'll take some of the small plastic bottles that seem to accumulate here and turn them into lawn bowling pins and use the soccer ball as a bowling ball...

And then there are those awesome opportunities to win some backyard toys and games. We're keeping our eyes open for any and all opportunities that will give us a chance to add to our back yard toy box.

And of course there is a great give away at Melissa and Doug right now. One of my favourite toy brands is Melissa & Doug. I love the bright colours, the classic toy options like the building blocks and their arts and craft products are fantastic. There's something about their toys that just makes you think about having fun; and every puzzle, game or toy we've ever gotten from Melissa and Doug has been a great success with the Peanut. Their latest give away is for a $50 gift pack from the Sunny Patch line. I'll admit that I've been eyeing up a few of the games and activities (OK all of them) that are available. How much fun could be had for instance by playing a colourful game of Happy Giddy Croquet or Ting toss. And don't get me started about the gardening sets or the sprinklers...

Are you looking for some great out door fun? You can find out more about the give away here

Delay!

I had meant to follow-up on the blog-house-keeping from Monday yesterday but I was sidetracked with Mom duties. There were scissors, glue, glitter, paint and marbles involved and it was super fun. There was also outdoor fun with the magnifying glass.

Juggling online work and Mom duties can be kind of tough, there are days when I feel that the Peanut has ingested entirely too much PBS or CBC kids for any one's good just so that I can finish writing a listing description or a blog feature, other days I have a nice balance and still others I just want to devote 100% to the Peanut.

So back to housekeeping:

During Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween I entered a lot of the giveaways, there were so many great items up for grabs that I couldn't wait to check in each morning to see what the prizes were. I've already mentioned that I won two fabulous prizes. My ghost ornament has taken up permanent residence in the kitchen window above the sink.

In addition to my little haunter I also snagged Yarnigras' super cool Skelepins. Val, of Yarnigras is one busy lady; always working on something whether it's cooking and baking, reading, making mosaics, sewing, or crochet. I received my Skelepins in the mail just in time for Halloween week. I chose one in each colour and then let the Peanut choose which one she wanted on her coat. She of course picked the bejewelled and sparkly red one, I took the more subdued gray and the husband's coat was decked out in the black. We've gotten so many comments on the pins and I can't wait for next year to wear them again. Make sure you go check out Val's blog, it's worth a read just to see all the goodies that she made for the Halloween season.

In addition to winning a few wonderful little Halloween treats on Mrs. B's blog, I also participated by offering a treat of my own. I'm mailing off Ghost Moon to Tywonna; the winner of that giveaway today. I've also included an extra special little treat picked especial for Tywonna; I hope she likes it. Mrs. B will be getting a nice thank-you note in the mail sent today as well. She did such a stellar job of organizing posting and announcing winners that I thought a little more than a thank you message in the comments was called for.

I'm done, Housekeeping all kept, now it's time to set off on a post office adventure with the Peanut.

Monsters, chainmail and Pavor Nocturnus Oh My!

The Spiral Dance was last night and I'm still processing. It was a great night full of magic and mystery and I'm so glad I went. My goals for the new year include renewing my dedication to the Goddess and God and last night's celebration is the best first step on that path.

After a late night, I woke to the 26th day of Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween. There are some awesome giveaways today, I have my eye on the little monster, The Peanut will most likely claim him as her own. Today we'll also be carving our pumpkin, our first since I was a kid.

I'll post pics tomorrow.

There's a ghost in the house

My giveaway on Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween was a great success, the feedback on my photography was very confidence boosting, to say the least. I have the winner's mailing address and I'll be sending off her photograph and a little something extra by mid-week.

Speaking of Mrs. B's Halloween giveaways; way back at the beginning of the month I entered one of the many giveaways and I won! OK, I'll admit the giveaways have been so good that I've entered to win almost all of them. I've been fortunate enough to have won two of the giveaways and I'm so excited about both.

I've received one of my prizes in the mail already and he's a welcome addition to our spooky decor. So what did I win? Who is hanging in my window? First things first: Jenny at Sneddonia is an Artist and Designer/Maker based in the UK, she works in a variety of media, and she learned many of her skills on a BA Hons Design: Crafts degree. One of the great things about her work is that she uses reclaimed materials in her work; scouring second-hand shops for old jewellery which she repurposes into new creations. You can expect to find reused chain, beads, and other found materials in many of her pieces.

You can see more of Sneddonia's work on her website, and on Flickr, where can also check out her studio. You can also follow her on Myspace, linkedin and on Facebook. She's a fabulous artist and craftswoman and I have to say that I am a teeny bit envious of her education, the opportunity to add as many techniques as possible to the artistic toolbox is worth a it's weight in gold. Her Blog; Sneddonia Designs is also well worth a read, not only does she showcase her finished work but also her process; in one post she even gives us a peek into her sketchbook which is an incredible way to see an artists' process.

So back to my prize: I snagged a Ghost Hanging Decoration. The package was very well put together, with three fun jack-o-lantern stickers on the outside. The Ghost was wrapped in lavender tissue and well protected. Jenny also included a lovely hand written note and some business cards to pass along to friends and family which I will be doing for sure. I'll be hanging the postcard up in my workspace too!

As for the little Ghosty; I love the expert craftsmanship that was put into his creation. Her bead placement is deceptively simple, you can tell that a lot of time and thought were put into the design. We've hung him in our kitchen window where he keeps us company as we eat, craft and make our own art. He's also keeping a ghostly eye on the many crows, black squirrels and the skunk who make our backyard a part of their daily destination.



I'd like to thank Mrs B for all her hard work so far this month and Jenny for including such a fantastic decoration in the festivities.

On the 24th day of Hallowe'en:

one of my photographs is up for grabs at Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween while you're visiting her blog you can also check out the Haunted Blog tour and the Guest blogger.

Yesterday I received one of the giveaway prizes I was lucky enough to win over at Mrs. B's I'll be posting pictures of my booty (read: my winnings and not my behind) tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, I'm headed to the Samhain Spiral Dance. This year I'm going with a friend who's never been, and I'm excited to be able to share it with her.

Head on over to Mrs. B's now and enter to win my photograph and see what else is up for grabs!

It's on

the weekend that is. Yesterday I mentioned that this week is a little special. Yesterday's rundown of our trip into the underworld was just the kickoff, this weekend is chock full of Halloweeny goodness; starting with Mrs B's 31 Days of Halloween and ending Sunday Night with the Reclaiming Tradition's Samhain Spiral Dance.

Mrs B has been putting on one excellent month long celebration with giveaways galore, fun crafts, guest bloggers and a Haunted Blog tour and tomorrow I get to participate further than just entering to win the fabulous giveaways; I'm offering the prize for one of her giveaways in tomorrows celebration and I'm very excited.

Ending my weekend will be the Samhain Spiral Dance. My first experience with Wicca and witchcraft was during this public ceremony and it opened my eyes in more ways than one. Although the one I attend is not as big as the one shown in the link; It was a deeply moving experience for me and one I look forward to participating in again.

Since the arrival of the Peanut, finding the time and energy to put into my spiritual practice has been a challenge. I'll have to admit that in most cases I've lost the thread completely. It's not hard to believe, growing up spiritual matters were not at the forefront of daily life and when you're getting used to another person, one who needs your attention almost 100% of the time it's easy to let that part slip in favour of getting more sleep, cuddling the baby, toddler and now preschooler, this year is the first since her arrival that I've felt the call of the moon, the earth supporting me and the fire within me. These things have been there all the time; but I'm finding that the world around me is poking me in the ribs in different ways so that I'll start to pay attention again.

So this weekend will be a busy and full one for me, the Weekly Artist feature usually scheduled on Fridays will be set up a little differently for the next while to focus on holiday shopping but will return again soon. Make sure to drop in on Mrs B's blog tomorrow, I'll be dropping by to post a link too before I get on with all the prep for and fun of the weekend.

I want I want

Oh boy, do I ever want but I'll be pleased for whoever wins.

Mrs. B is still going strong with her 31 day celebration and there are so many fantastic things up for grabs that I just have to put my name in again and again.

Today there are 5 giveaways chock full of spooktastic items and that's not even including the haunted blog tour and guest blogger. There have been so many great participants that my follow list is growing as we speak.

Go check out Mrs. B here to see what's on for today

Giveaways Galore: The Whimsical Cottage and Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween

We're holding our feast tomorrow for Canadian Thanksgiving and I'm putting off the inevitable bathroom cleaning and living room dusting before the prepping for cooking the bird tomorrow. How is this done you ask? by checking out what's new in my blog list.

It's day 10 of Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween (where is the month going?), today I've got my eye on the DVD version of Mad Monster Party but there are more spooky items to enter for here. Not to mention the guest blogger and the Haunted Blog Tour destination, with all the great guest posters and blog tours my follow list is expanding faster than my tummy will tomorrow after our turkey feast.

Also on the menu today is The Whimsical Cottage's first ever giveaway. I'm pretty excited about this; the prize is for a Jack Splat Halloween ornament; a hand sculpted, hand painted, jointed polymer clay ornament. He measures in at approximately 4.5 inches from the top of his pumpkin head to the soles of his shoes.

Whimsical and cheery, he's sure to be a grand addition to all of your autumn (and non-autumn!) decor!

Each Jack comes with a green ribbon for hanging. If I win he'll get a place of honour in the kitchen window where he can watch the crows and black squirrels in the back yard and keep us company when we wash the dishes... Speaking of dishes; those have to be done too...

Now to find a few more things to check out before the attack on the bathroom... or maybe I can talk the Husband into taking it on......

Mrs B's 31 days of Halloween

The party is still going on over at Mrs. B's blog, There are so many giveaway's today I'm aflutter with excitment also a little jittery, I have places to be today and want to get them all in before I head off for pumpkin fun with the Pumpkin Princess Brigade:

I'm loving todays prizes, even more so than yesterday and the day before if that's possible; go and check them and the party out here

giveaway #1 comes from the fancifully wonderful Olde Dame Penniwig! The lucky winner will receive their choice of Colonial style Earbobs from Penniwigs!

giveaway #2 has me salivating and drooling is from artist Aunia Kahn! The lucky winner will receive a pack of postcards that contain 10 assorted Aunia Kahn art postcards! I'm coveting I'm coveting

giveaway #3 is a wonderful Kaleidoscope Kat Halloween Glass Tile Pendant come from the whimsical mind of Wicked Mama's Emporium!

giveaway #4 is from the creative mind of artist William Bezek of Wormwood Hallow. You can also find him at PANS GARDEN. It's a Halloween Witch Hag Candy Container! Very Haggy

giveaway #5 (are there a lot of giveaways today or what?) is for a spooky-cute Ghost Pin comes from the artist Jennifer Sneddon of Sneddonia Designs!

and last but not in the very least

giveawat #5 is a handcrafted, one-of-a kind piece comes to us from Into the Dawn! It is for the ELECTRIC ELEMENTAL PENTACLE BOX

Also on tap for today: Guest blogger and Haunted Blog. So get on over there!

I'm taking a bit of a break

from a Blog Give- a - way entereing frenzy.

The Laughing Vixen Lounge is holding a monster Halloween Goodie Bag Giveaway and the prizes included are creepy crawly and absolutely fantastic. there are many many ways to enter which is why the entering frenzy. Visit the blog post about the giveaway here

Now go, go and enter, enter as much as you want! I've gotta get back to adding my entries...