This will be a LOT like the movie Beaches, except hopefully with less crying

It was two years ago that I decided to start a blog.  The first incarnation of this blog was several posts that I copied and pasted from my Myspace blog.

If you weren’t already aware, yes…I’m a GIANT dork.

I named my blog “What I Meant to Say Was…”  Gee.  Catchy, huh?  While taking a shower one day, way back when I USED TO (ha!) obsess about my blog, I thought of the name “Playgroups are no place for children.”  This was inspired by my love of cocktail playdates and basically wishing that I could just go hang out with my friends without my kids.

I’ve deleted most of those early and embarrassingly written posts, pre-dated some others in an effort to make it look like I had archives, so basically now I have no record as to the exact conception date of this blog.

To each of you reading, I cannot tell you just how much I appreciate your visits, comments, and emails.  Before discovering this link to the outside world, I felt very isolated and one dimensional.   You all have become my friends and support network.  Even on days when I’ve decided that I QUIT!  I’m not blogging EVER AGAIN!, somebody will leave me a comment or send me an email that makes me change my mind.

Thank you.  Thank you for being there through kidney stones and the birth of my daughter, my good days, my really, really low days, and while I tour the United States.

YOU are the wind beneath my wings.  Let’s hold hands and look out at the ocean while sitting in Adirondack chairs, mkay?

To celebrate, I’m declaring the month of November to Reader Appreciation Month by giving away oodles of fantastic prizes!

Here are the rules to participate!

  1. You may enter each of my giveaways, but you may enter each giveaway only once.
  2. You may only enter contests in the comments section.  Email entries will not be accepted.
  3. All winners will be selected randomly, using Random.org, though to qualify you will need to adhere to the guidelines for each giveaway.
  4. Make sure to leave a REAL email!
  5. Winners can only reside in the U.S. and Canada, unless otherwise noted.  I’m sorry to all my friends across the oceans. :(
  6. Each giveaway lasts 48 hours, then comments will be closed and a winner chosen!

If you’re not already subscribed to this blog, either via feed reader or email, go ahead and subscribe now so that you won’t miss any of the giveaways…you know me, ALWAYS the helpful hostess!

Subscribe

**************************************************

This contest is over!!!!!!!!!

How about the first giveaway!?!

Tickatoo

My friends at Tickatoo.com are generously offering a $25 gift certificate to shop til you drop!
Tickatoo.com offers lots of great baby items, kids items, and goodies just for YOU!

To enter, check out Tickatoo.com and tell me in the comments section who you would spend the $25 on…your kids, yourself, as a gift….

Comments will be closed at 7 AM EST November 6, 2008.

Comments Closed!  Thanks for entering!

87 Responses to This will be a LOT like the movie Beaches, except hopefully with less crying
  1. Rayne of Terror
    November 4, 2008 | 7:27 am

    Killer idea Jennifer! I’d spend the $25 on x-mas gifts for my child’s preschool classroom.

    Rayne of Terror´s lastest post..A trip to Paris

  2. Mags
    November 4, 2008 | 7:43 am

    Cool!!! I’d spend the $25 on gifts for my brother’s first baby.

    Mags´s lastest post..Today’s the Day!!!

  3. Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt
    November 4, 2008 | 7:50 am

    DEFINITELY my girls; they’re so much more fun to shop for than Drew. :)

    Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt´s lastest post..When you’re done with the donuts

  4. Mom24@4evermom
    November 4, 2008 | 8:13 am

    I would spend the certificate on my daughter–cute stuff.

    Mom24@4evermom´s lastest post..My voting experience and I am ANGRY

  5. Ashlie- Mommycosm
    November 4, 2008 | 8:19 am

    Those faux mink blankets look awesome! My friend is having her shower soon for her first baby…after struggling with years of infertility and a miscarriage. I would totally put the $ towards one of those for her.

    Ashlie- Mommycosm´s lastest post..Today I am going to…be a Mom.

  6. DesignHER Momma
    November 4, 2008 | 8:21 am

    happy anniversary to you! I love coming to see what Jennifer has to say everyday, very much a bloggy highlight.

    I’ve very much enjoy my visit here.

    Any giveaways? You are too much! I looked around, I probably would spend my 25 bucks on a toy for the girls…since it’s close to christmas time and all. The princess outfits look fab.

    DesignHER Momma´s lastest post..Spartan Victory

  7. Slacker Mama
    November 4, 2008 | 8:21 am

    I’d spend the $25 on myself. If the kids want the loot they comment their own damn selves!

    No, actually…I’d probably by something for my twin sister, who just found out she is having a GIRL!

    Slacker Mama´s lastest post..sugar high

  8. Shelly
    November 4, 2008 | 8:26 am

    2 years, huh? Well, I am so happy to know you because of it.

    I would spend the money on my kid. It is so much more fun to shop for her than me.

    Shelly´s lastest post..Rock the Vote

  9. Beth
    November 4, 2008 | 8:30 am

    I would spend it on something for my two year old’s new big girl room. So much cute stuff!

  10. amy
    November 4, 2008 | 8:31 am

    on the wicked wee ones for sure! xo

    amy´s lastest post..All Natural Wooden Maple Rattler Teether Toy tm

  11. Jami N
    November 4, 2008 | 8:32 am

    I’d buy something for my daughter – I’ve waited so long to have her I love to spoil her :)

    I love love love reading this blog – thanks for sharing with us.

  12. abunslife
    November 4, 2008 | 8:34 am

    Congrats on two years! I have been looking for leg warmers for my daughter since she never wants to put pants on over her dance outfit (who can blame her!) and they have them!

    abunslife´s lastest post..Do I Deserve an Oscar?

  13. Sandy
    November 4, 2008 | 8:38 am

    I would probably spend it on someone else, I have one friend who JUST had a baby, one is is expecting one in the coming weeks before Turkey Day, and one that just found out she was expecting a few days ago. Too many gifts to buy so I need all the help I can get! ROFL

    Sandy´s lastest post..Tricks and Not So Many Treats for Voting Time

  14. CourtneyRyan369
    November 4, 2008 | 8:45 am

    I’d prob. spend ($25 or more!) on my older brother’s kid and some of my friends…or put together a kickin diaper bag with some of their fun prints for the next arrival.

    CourtneyRyan369´s lastest post..still with the creepy factor…a question

  15. CharmingBitch
    November 4, 2008 | 8:49 am

    PICK ME!! I would spend it either on the kids or as a gift; one friend is due in January and the other went into labor last night!!

    CharmingBitch´s lastest post..Feed Your Family Well

  16. Burgh Baby
    November 4, 2008 | 8:54 am

    Happy anniversary! Congrats on sticking around so long, and on continuously improving your mad skillz.

    OK, now buy my kid some stuff, mmkay? We all know she is a deprived little creature.

    Burgh Baby´s lastest post..In Need of More Candy, Please

  17. Anglophile Football Fanatic
    November 4, 2008 | 8:57 am

    Rock on. You know, despite wishing I would spend it on myself, who am I kidding? It’s always about Knute. Even that personalized Adirondack chair to match the ones we’d sit in.

    And, Comment Love is totally wigging out lately, isn’t it?!

    Anglophile Football Fanatic´s lastest post..It’s All Relative: Where DOES the Pollen Go?

  18. Mommy Daisy
    November 4, 2008 | 9:01 am

    My blog name still stinks, and I’ve been blogging almost as long as you. I just haven’t thought of anything better. It’s just a hobby for now, so I’m not too concerned.

    Honestly, they have a lot of great things. I think I would get a sling or carseat cover.

    Mommy Daisy´s lastest post..We DID go trick-or-treating

  19. Carrie
    November 4, 2008 | 9:04 am

    I would probably buy a couple of bday presents for my girls.

    Carrie´s lastest post..My own PIF

  20. Laurin of Laurin and Kelly Talk
    November 4, 2008 | 9:11 am

    My BFF’s daughter is turning one and I would use it to buy her gift. So many amazing gifts to choose from on the site. Congratulations on your blog anniversary.

    Laurin of Laurin and Kelly Talk´s lastest post..That’s Bananas!

  21. kelly
    November 4, 2008 | 9:29 am

    OMG! HOw exciting! I’d buy my new baby Lily something special for her first Christmas and put it in her baby book! :)

    kelly´s lastest post..

  22. Drea @ Monkey Monkey Underpants
    November 4, 2008 | 9:31 am

    I would definitely get lots of leg warmers for my little one, I have been wanting those for so long!

  23. Auburn Gal Always (Keri)
    November 4, 2008 | 9:38 am

    I’d use it as a gift for my cousin who is having her first baby in January!

    What great stuff!

    Auburn Gal Always (Keri)´s lastest post..48 hours

  24. Amy in OHio
    November 4, 2008 | 9:38 am

    I would of course spend it on my daughter and specifically this is what I would purchase:

    http://tickatoo.com/catalog.php?item=1373&catid=223&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D223

    Amy in OHio´s lastest post..Amy in (the state that gave Obama the Presidency) OHio

  25. wright
    November 4, 2008 | 9:41 am

    Great giveaway! I would use it to buy something for my little one or the bun in the oven!

    wright´s lastest post..Three More Days

  26. Jen L.
    November 4, 2008 | 9:43 am

    Happy blogversary! Very excited about the give-aways!
    I’d spend the $25 on baby gifts for my friend who is due with her first in May. She’s my first friend to have a baby since I had MY baby and I’m more excited for her than I’ve ever been for an expectant friend, I guess because now I know how great parenthood can be. (Thank you, run-on sentence.)

    Jen L.´s lastest post..Rock the vote OR Seasons change

  27. Shanna
    November 4, 2008 | 9:46 am

    With a new baby coming, I could find many, many ways to spend this!
    Thanks for the giveaway, and link to another cool site.

    Shanna´s lastest post..Vote

  28. cgogis
    November 4, 2008 | 9:51 am

    I’m a fairly new reader of your blog – I’m glad I found you – it’s fun to read what you have to say! Thanks for the giveaway! I’d spend it on a gift for a new friend who’s pregnant with her 2nd child.
    cgogis at yahoo dot com

  29. MommyNamedApril
    November 4, 2008 | 9:56 am

    oh, i would totally put it towards a new sling for my kiddo that NEVER WANTS TO BE PUT DOWN!!! so, i guess that’s a little bit for me and a little bit for him?

    mommynamedapril (at) gmail (dot) com

    MommyNamedApril´s lastest post..Boys will be Boys.

  30. Amy
    November 4, 2008 | 10:02 am

    I would spend it on myself…I swear. I have said that with many a gift cert. and came home with “the cutest little thing” for Grace. The feeling groovy sky bag is “the cutest little thing” for Me!

  31. Stephanie
    November 4, 2008 | 10:03 am

    I am selfish so I would spend it on a new diaper bag that doesn’t smell like vomit. Yet.

    Stephanie´s lastest post..Saul this morning

  32. Swiggy
    November 4, 2008 | 10:17 am

    I think I’d spend it on a gift for Clink (www.tabluarasa-clink.blogspot.com), she’s having a rough time.

  33. Swiggy
    November 4, 2008 | 10:21 am

    I’d get something for Clink (www.tabularasa-clink.blogspot.com). She’s having a bit of a rough time, and her baby is just so darn cute!

  34. Megan
    November 4, 2008 | 10:26 am

    I love the idea of a reader appreciation month! I would spend the money on a gift. I owe about 6 people baby gifts right now.

    Megan´s lastest post..Seriously, this time I met Barack Obama!

  35. magpie
    November 4, 2008 | 10:31 am

    Such a sweet thing – reader appreciation. May steal idea.

  36. Eternal Sunshine
    November 4, 2008 | 10:38 am

    I would like to say that I would spend it on my children, but I won’t. THey’re boys, and they just wouldn’t appreciate all that adorable stuff. I’m totally gonna spend it all on me…

    Eternal Sunshine´s lastest post..And the winner is…

  37. Knot
    November 4, 2008 | 10:40 am

    I can’t handle winning your husbands old underwear.

    Knot

  38. NGS
    November 4, 2008 | 10:41 am

    I totally would spend it on my best friend’s baby boy!!

    NGS´s lastest post..Once an idiot…

  39. jen
    November 4, 2008 | 10:41 am

    hmmm…kinda my children kinda me.
    we NEED another wet bag. because i can’t always be bothered to make sure that our current one is clean AND dry in order to send it to daycare for our cloth diapers!
    so it would definitely be good for both of us! thanks and happy anniversary!
    coconutbelly(at)live(dot)com

    jen´s lastest post..eighteen months…wow

  40. all things BD
    November 4, 2008 | 10:43 am

    Happy blogoversary-ish!

    I would spend it on friends’ babies, since my girls do not fit into those darling little clothes anymore.

    all things BD´s lastest post..What Would YOU Do?

  41. gina
    November 4, 2008 | 10:46 am

    probably on my kid. she’s cuter than me.

    gina´s lastest post..the eerie butterfly

  42. Thomas
    November 4, 2008 | 10:50 am

    You mention being a giant dork. I think dorky women are sexy.

    By the way, you also have good taste in movies. Beaches is a movie my wife (a major nerdy girl) and I enjoy.

    Thanks for an interesting blog post. Hope to see more!

    Thomas´s lastest post..The Summer of 2008 — My Personal Retrospect

  43. Headless Mom
    November 4, 2008 | 10:54 am

    I would totally get the baby legs as gift for my gal pal’s baby. LOVE THEM!

    Happy 2nd blogaversary, BTW.

    Headless Mom´s lastest post..How Far Would You Go For A Child?

  44. Lori
    November 4, 2008 | 10:56 am

    I would buy something for my new neice.

    and I’m really glad you’ve decided to stay, through it all. Your posts are real and something we can all relate to!

    Lori´s lastest post..Ugh!

  45. Teri
    November 4, 2008 | 11:04 am

    OH….too much fun.
    I want the Pirate pop up tent for my boys.

    Teri´s lastest post..Dear Knitter

  46. Amy
    November 4, 2008 | 11:31 am

    Ooh, such cute things. I have a baby shower coming up for my cousin and would love to pick out something gorgeous from there for her!

    Amy´s lastest post..i voted

  47. Aldara
    November 4, 2008 | 11:57 am

    I would spend it on my boys. I really liked the Sassy Army Camouflage Shopping Cart Cover. Seeing that i am an army wife and destined to have 6 boys, it will be put to good use!

    Aldara´s lastest post..

  48. Heather~Domestic Extraordinaire
    November 4, 2008 | 12:04 pm

    I would probably spend the $$ on my BF. She is about to be a new mommy and this is right up her lane. With my girls almost 14 and 10, not so much here. But it is all really cute stuff that I would love to give someone else!

    Heather~Domestic Extraordinaire´s lastest post..Happy Halloween-The Election Day Edition

  49. Krista
    November 4, 2008 | 12:35 pm

    The Little Colorado storage cubby would be fantastic for keeping all my son’s toys off the floor…. yeah right! ;)

    Krista´s lastest post..On Pumpkin Day

  50. Andrea's Sweet Life
    November 4, 2008 | 12:39 pm

    Oooh! I’d probably go with either the ITZBEN timer or a new tote bag. You know… for the KIDS, ha ha.