I hate photo contests! Argh! But vote for me anyhow.

I seriously do. I really, really hate them. And I hate them even more when they are on Facebook. Why? Well, let's just say that I find the premise all good and  fine and what not, but when it comes down to it what you have to do to win is beg. Or pay. Yes, that's right- PAY.

I made the mistake of entering a Valentine's Day photo contest where the prizes were from Pottery Barn Kids. The grand  prize was a freaking rocking horse. Harmless, right? Hardly. The 'winner' ended up with over 600 people 'liking' her photo. I mean, seriously- those people really thought your ultra cheezy/photoshopped 'big lollypop' cliche pic was a winner? Really? I don't even care if mine was in the running- but it was such a farce I knew something had to be up.

That's when I heard all about the scandal at another site. They were giving away a stroller or something and it was another photo 'like' contest. Well- it came to light that one of the contestants was paying yes, paying people money- to vote for her kid. I guess there are sites out there that you can go to and pay per like? WTF!!!! Anyhow- it was a big ordeal and the person who was doing it didn't think she was doing anything wrong. Whatever.

Hence the bad taste in my mouth for these kind of contests....but alas. Here I am again, schlepping for votes so my family can win a week at a vacation home in Florida. I know it's not the best picture- but  I am also not going to be paying for your vote, just asking nicely :) It's the Farrah R. 'First Time At The Beach' one.

Thanks!

What are your kids drinking?

I wouldn't post about this unless I used it. And boy do we! My son is 2 and he drinks milk, water, and  Motts for Tots cut with water. I just signed  up at Vocal point and  got some free samples (I already know it's a hit) and I like it because it has less sugar than other juice. Out of curiosity- do you give your kids juice? Do you cut it with water? I wonder how long I am going to get away  with that. He's already kind of figuring it out....

Facelift!

I'm pretty excited to say that I did a blog makeover last week. I was lucky enough to win one from Growing Baby Reviews , and the blog design by The Pixel Boutique. So far I'm really happy with it- and don't even really mind that the connect buttons didn't  work as I just found some at A Mommy's Sweet Blog Design to put on here. Anyhow- I told myself that if I did a blog redesign, I would take it more seriously and contribute more often. Well- we shall see how that goes.
The boys really have me hopping these days- L is crawling and pulling up all over the place, C is just getting ready to take off, and B is  his usually crazy self. Days are long and busy. One of the best quotes I've heard in a while is 'Motherhood: The days are long but the years are short'. That is pretty much summing it up for me these days. I'm not complaining- just noting that the days are long (and hard) but things are also happening so quickly. I was just thinking how it was almost a year ago I went on bed rest. I cannot believe it has almost been a year. That was by far the fastest year of my entire life!!!
I'm still really enjoying writing for Outnumbered, and looking forward to our summer which is sure to be a quick-action packed whirlwind! Thankfully no weddings on the horizon so that's good news for us. I still don't like the idea of traveling with the gang in tow- god forbid on an airplane. Oy. Well- someday we will but not today.

Can't hurt, right? Oh Happy Day Goes to Paris!

http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris

Yes, WIN a trip to Paris!! Sure there are almost 13,000 other comments to contend with, (including mine) but come on, it's fun! It's PARIS!!!!

PIP Designs Blog Giveaway @ Home Grown Families

I know, it seems like I never post on here- so why would I care about a blog giveaway? Well- I WOULD if I had a blog design that I really liked :) I love writing for Outnumbered, but  I know Mel would be supportive if I started to get my own going too. She's encouraged me in the past- and maybe I will if I can get a little more  'oomph' in my blog. Check out the giveaway going on now until the end of June- PIP Designs is giving away a basic blog redo, facebook landing page, or twitter background!