So, for those of you who are going to BlogHer, here's something you should know: lunch will not look anything like the above. But I am organizing a "Birds of a Feather" lunch on Friday (which goes from 11:45 to 1:15 p.m.). This will follow the 10:30-11:45 panel "Blogging Autism: Shattering Myths, Opening Eyes and Finding Your Tribe" moderated by Shannon Des Roches Rosa of Squidalicious and featuring Jean from Stimeyland, among others.
Here's how to sign up for the lunch: At registration, I'll put the topic on a clipboard—"A lunch for parents who blog about kids with special powers"—and then you guys can just sign up and show up. The wonderful Julia from Support for Special Needs thought of doing a giveaway, so we're pairing up to offer AmEx gift cards, and a couple of Starbucks ones. Or you might win your very own personal blogger (PB)! So, you know, you no longer have to waste your time writing posts; your PB will do it for you! Just think of the possibilities! And if your PB makes jokes about your MIL, YOU are not to blame!
I would love to meet those of you who are going to BlogHer. And if you're not coming, we will be there representing the special needs community, and we promise not to embarrass you. More or less. We will also have a drink for you at the parties. Or ten.
Now, FYI on some cool contests/giveaways:
This week, Paula Deen and Kraft kicked off a Real Women of Philadelphia recipe contest: they're giving away $40,000 in prize money ($500 a day). You just have to submit your fave recipe made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The contest is open to both women and men, so perhaps this is a ripe opportunity to get your husband cooking. Or you could make your own Personal Blogger whip up something, if you win one.
Janet "Grammy" Harold, grandma to the adorable Hailey, is having a "How Does YOUR Garden Grow?" contest. She owns Cedar Grove Gardens in Boston, and she'll be giving away $500 in flowers to the winner (you can enter from any state). Just send up to four images of your beautiful garden. Given that I posted pictures of lilies last week and called them irises, and those are about the only flowers that look good, I will have to skip this one. Heads up, Janet is also a beautiful painter, and is offering special pricing on oil portraits of children to help raise money for therapy for Hailey, who like Max has cp.
Oh, and you know I am giving away a $100 shopping spree from Fun and Function, which offers toys, games and clothes for kids with special needs. It ends tonight—why haven't you entered yet? There is also a Kleenex tissue giveaway, couldn't ya use some Kleenex?
Also, that big Parents Connect Best Parenting Blog Award I am up for? If you vote, and you can vote daily till August 31, you will be entered to win $1000. Not that you need financial incentive, right? RIGHT?
I know there are a million blogs out there that list contests or giveaways, but you are doing one, or know of any great ones—especially ones relevant to kids with special needs—e-mail or tweet me and I'll mention them.
Apologies for the shameless self promotion, it's not my fault. I am testing out a Personal Blogger and she wrote this post.
xo
P.S. Update on that birds-kicking-the-bucket situation: At work today, I got an e-mail from Dave with a picture of an ailing bird sitting on our deck. I am not completely sure what Dave wanted me to do, given that I was in an office tower, and in a different state. The bird eventually managed to fly away. Bird mystery continues. Maybe my PB will be able to help.
