Winner, Gems, & Reminder

First, thank you SO much to all of you who took the time to visit my sponsors' shops and facebook pages & entered my first ever Sponsor Giveaway.  It's been a pleasure to "introduce" you to each of them this week; and, I sincerely hope that you will support their businesses.

On that note, I am happy to announce the winner of $25.00 to spend at either Boy Oh Boy, One Delightful Button, Perch, Room to Romp, or Thirty-One is... Kelli C.

Congratulations Kelli!  Look for an email from me today with details about claiming your prize!

Next, here are a few of my favorite things in the blog world this week:

Advice for a First Time Mom from Don't Quote the Raven

What TO Say to Moms from The Orange Rhino on Blogher Moms

Five Things I Want My Boys to Know about Love on MOB Society 

How It Feels to Be Me on Ok BA! - This post caused quite a stir in the community, and some of the comments really made me cringe.  Personally, I applaud BA for not being afraid to talk about the good and the bad.  I love her realness, her vulnerability, and her humor.

Finding God in a Little White Pill on A Deeper Family

Modern Social Media Etiquette on Design Sponge


And, finally, just a quick reminder that I will be taking a blog break beginning on Wednesday (2/13) until March 30th (oh man, on mornings like this when I browse through my reader and make lists like the one above, I'm not sure I can survive this).  I am so thankful that many of you have volunteered to write guest posts for me during that time... I think I'm going to have some great hands to leave you in! *BTW* I have really tried to be good about responding to your emails with questions about posts etc.; however, I'm sure I've missed one or two!  If you are interested in posting, just send me your post - I'm not being picky! :)

I've already received a few posts; but if you haven't gotten yours to me yet, don't forget to submit it by tomorrow so that I have time to get everything set-up by "Fat Tuesday."

Enjoy your weekend!