My Blog Got High

So, in case you’ve noticed, I’ve been a bad blogger lately. I’ve posted sporadically at best — I blame a new job and a long winter. But, I glanced at my blog stats today and noticed that I had a random spike. On April 14, 2009, I had 396 views to my blog. That is just slightly more (or a whole lot more) than my daily average. And the post that seemed to draw the attention? It’s this one. But I have NO referrers or linkbacks to that post. Mysterious. So so so curious about this strange, random influx!

PS. It’s summer now, so hopefully I’ll be more inspired to blog!

I’m All Blogged Out

I’ve been really bored with blogs lately—writing mine and reading others. It used to be my favorite things to do. But now I need some new inspiration. Got any ideas? Blogs you love?

Photo via.

Amazing Giveaways

There are 2 insanely incredible FREE giveaways going on this week, just in time for the holidays. First, of course, over at GoodyBlog we’re have a giant Blog Party and giving away everything from kids’ toys and clothes to new Play Station systems. But, the image above is the one I really wish I could win: a box full of goodies from Williams-Sonoma. I organized this one, so I’ve seen the products first-hand and everything is so beautiful and fun. I beg you to enter since I’m not allowed 😦 There’s also a fabulous one from Gourmet Garden, where you can win their entire line of spices plus an 8-piece stainless steel cookware set. Merry Christmas to you!

Next is this awesome giveaway from YumSugar and Hostess with the Mostess. I can’t even begin to list all the amazing kitchen goods that they’re giving away b/c there are just too many, but let me just say that it’s worth more than $7,900 in prizes. Wowzer! You have to login and take a quiz to enter (which I scored 100% on, thank you very much), but it’s definitely worth it! So start entering and let me know if there are any other good holiday giveaways I’m missing!

Best Book Swap EVER!

A while back, Laura hooked me up with a fantastic book swap partner: Erica’s Bloggity Blog. She’s a lovely blogger and photographer and mother of 2 adorable little kids. So, I sent her a tried and true book of healthy recipes and a brand-new chocolate cookbook to even out the healthy factor. Then I threw in a few books for her kids to play with and read. I felt great when I sent my package! And then… I got my amazing box of books in the mail. Erica sent me the brand-new book by Nigella Lawson, How to Eat: The Pleasures and Principles of Good Food. I got so excited by this book that I actually took it out and started reading it on the subway home—the first time I’ve ever done that with a cookbook. Haven’t actually made anything yet, but I’ll post as soon as I do. Other goodies that Erica sent me: Trinny and Susannah: What You Wear Can Change Your Life (from the British show What Not to Wear which I hardcore heart); Better Homes and Gardens Big Book of 30-Minute Dinners; Light Cooking: Pasta; Light Cooking: Chicken; and a novel called Labyrinth that I’m already 60 pages into. What a successful swap, right?!?! Thanks Laura and Erica! But I immediately felt guilty that I didn’t include any fun reading in the package I sent, so I’m going to stick an addendum in the mail. Something that’s weighing down my bookshelf and needing to be read!

I Is Smart

I guess I should start using some bigger words… (via BB-Blog, who has a high school reading level)

Swapping Lit

Laura is hosting a book-swap—what a fun idea! The plan is to sign-up to send out at least two really great books that you are currently enjoying. The books can be cookbooks (that’ll be me—I’m thinking about swapping the two books above), romance novels, children’s books, autobiographies – pick your poison (as Laura says). She’ll try to match people up accordingly based on interests and assign swap partners Wednesday of next week via email. (It will be up to you and your partner if books need to be returned or not). If you’re interested in participating, email Laura at dachsiedesign@gmail.com with the following information:

Name
Mailing address
Email address
Blog or Flickr account
Favorite section of a bookstore
All time favorite novel
A book that was way better than it’s movie version
Would you be willing to ship internationally? Y/N

I have a ridiculous amount of cookbooks in my apartment, and I could definitely use some new ideas and inspiration. So I’m ready to swap!