A Week of Big Announcements

Islanders, I've got so much to share that I contemplated NOT posting our weekly Maya Mondays inspiration this week.  I went to delete it and, when I read it, I -- I couldn’t.  It spoke to me but, more appropriately, it spoke to the topics for this week.

I’ve set personal goals and I’m making serious strides towards meeting them.  O and yep, I’m ready to share these updates with you, my beloved islanders.

Blogger Guest Speaking Event

I’ve mentioned several times that my church rocks.  Well, it totally does J  It’s jam-packed with a unique bunch of people from all races, cultures and backgrounds.  EVERYONE is awesome and has an amazing talent or story to share with the world.  Don't believe me?  You should totally come on by!  Seriously, if ever you’re in Stafford, VA, come visit Real Life Community Church at 11 Smokehouse Dr. Suite 103, Stafford, VA 22406.

Mic Check 1-2: Can Anybody SEE me?

Howdy, Islanders!

It was brought to my attention that my blog hasn't been sending its usual 2:00 a.m. emails to my subscribers.  At first, I was in denial about it... that is, until I received the following email:

 

I don't know WHY the email sent 14 posts for the month of January in ONE single email.

 

Just so you know, I've been blogging... almost daily this month.  Don't believe me?  Visit the blog:

 

http://shipwreckedonfabulousisland.blogspot.com/

 

Yep, add it to your favorites to check back and get your fix (in my mind, you actually noticed you hadn't received any updates).

 

While I figure out the email alerts (with the Blogger support team), I've changed the blog email alerts to publish posts immediately. 

 

THIS IS A TEST!

 

Did you get the email?  Can you SEE me?

 

*fingers crossed*

 

I have a lot of updates (party 1, party 2, big girl room, family room and more) so we need to get this fixed ASAP!

 

97 eBooks We All Need.

I have to interrupt the Vegas updates to pass along some information that I'm sure you're going to love.

 

...

 

I love books. Like, real books. I haven't jumped on the Kindle bandwagon because I love to smell books.  I love the sense of accomplishment with the turn of every page.  I seriously LOVE books.

 

I've been thinking lately... Could I enjoy electronic books (commonly known as ebooks)?  I mean, I love reading blogs, right?  Essentially, most ebooks are just a blogger's focus on one topic or theme. 

 

Why do I love blogs??  I feel they're are more personable than books... Almost like I KNOW the writer.  Blogs are an ongoing conversation...  One where you develop an e-relationship behind the comfort of a computer screen.  Beyond that, the blog rules of grammar are different.   Bloggers have to write in such a way that their audience finds them personable thus becoming connected with THEM.  The goal is to eventually, have a group of people who click to your site often NOT necessarily because they're looking for expert information bloggers provide but because they feel connected with the author. 

It's an interesting balance, this whole blogging thing...  Anyhoo, I've heard ebooks are like blogs and, like I said, I like reading blogs.

 

Just when I decided I'd purchase my first ebook, I find this BUNDLE of 97 ebooks for $29.97!!!!  My boo, The Nester, broke the books down by topic (I've pasted her list below).  I'm really excited about all of the topics and I'm sure you can find good reason to hurry and get your bundle too (I can't wait to dive into the Working from Home and Blogging books).

 

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99)Getting it Together: Your Guide to Setting Up a Home Management System that Works by Kayse @ kayse pratt ($3.99)Pulling Yourself Together: Implementing a Cleaning Routine that Sticks by Becky @ Clean Mama ($10.00)Simple Living by Lorilee @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99)NOT a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99)One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler by Tsh @ Simple Mom ($5.00)28 Days to Hope for your Home by Dana @ A Slob Comes Clean ($5.00)Organizing Life as Mom by Jessica @ Life as Mom ($9.00)Clean Enough: Simple Solutions for the Overwhelmed by Jenni @ Live Called ($4.99)10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa @ Lisa Woodruff.net($5.00)Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley @ the handmade home ($9.95)Easy Peasy Chores: An Easy-to-Use Chore System That Brings JOY Back Into Family Chores by Alina Joy @ The Good Old Days Farm ($17.99)

 

Educational Children’s Resources

Princess Training by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($3.99)The Armor of God by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($2.50)My Bedtime Learning Book by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($1.00)Think Outside the Classroom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($6.97)Raising Rock Stars — Kindergarten Bundle by Carissa @ 1plus1plus1equals1 ($10.00)The ABC’s For Godly Boys Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)The ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)K4 Curriculum by Erica @ Confessions of a Homeschooler ($15.00)Write Through the Bible (print) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)Write Through the Bible (cursive) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)Balcony Girls (books 1 & 2) by Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer ($19.90)The Dig for Kids: Luke (Volumes 1 and 2) by Patrick, husband of Ruth @ The Better Mom ($5.98)Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Ryan @ Resound School of Music ($6.99)

 

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

From Debtor to Better by Barry @ From Debtor to Better ($10.00)Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($2.99)The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy @ Raising Arrows ($4.99)Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne @ Authentic Simplicity ($7.99)Finding Financial Freedom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($5.97)Become a Frugalista in 30 Days by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($3.99)

 

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Crock On by Stacy @ Stacy Makes Cents ($5.00)Real Food, Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)Wholesome Mixes by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)20-Minute Meals by Leigh Ann @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99)Restocking the Pantry by Kresha @ Nourishing Joy ($9.99)Money Saving Mom’s Guide to Freezer Cooking by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom ($3.99)Simply Summer by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95)Do the Funky Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($4.95)Real Food Kids: In the Kitchen plus 1 month access to select Real Food Kids eCourse videos by Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS and Jami @ Eat Nourishing ($20.00)Seasonal Menu Plans on a Budget: A Month of Meals from My Humble Kitchen to Yours by Diana @ My Humble Kitchen ($4.99)Just Making Ice Cream by Marillyn @ Just Making Noise ($12.00)The Curative Kitchen by Susan @ Handy Pantry ($20.00)

 

Pregnancy & Baby Care

First Bites by Hilary @ Accidentally Green ($9.99)Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)Stress-Free Baby Shower by Sara @ Your Thriving Family ($4.00)Unbound Birth by Jenny @ The Southern Institute ($2.99)My Pregnancy Journey by Mindy @ Simply Designs ($9.99)My Buttered Life Baby Edition by Renee @ Made On Hard Lotion ($5.00)The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($5.00)Redeeming Childbirth: Growth & Study Guide by Angie @ Redeeming Childbirth ($3.99)

 

Holidays & Special Events

Festive Traditions by Jill @ Modern Alternative Kitchen ($7.95)Holiday Mixes: Gifts in a Jar by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95)Family Camping Handbook by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($6.95)Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Oh, Amanda! ($7.99)Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect ($4.99)iPhone Photography: The Visual Guide by Alli @ Alli Worthington($9.97)

 

Spiritual Growth

Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 by Amy @ Amy Bayliss ($3.99)The Best of Visionary Womanhood by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($5.00)God’s Word in my Heart: A Scripture Memory Learning Guide with Verses {all 4 versions} by Jenn @ The Purposeful Mom ($3.99)Kept: a 13-Week Inductive Study on 1 Peter by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($4.99)Love Like Him: an 8 week Inductive Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($2.99)

 

Marriage & Romance

Rekindling Romance by Jason & Jami @ A Biblical Marriage ($4.99)Good Wife’s Guide by Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife ($2.99)31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley @ Ashley Pichea ($4.99)31 Days to Great Sex by Sheila @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($4.99)Entangled: Recognize Your Emotional Affair by Amy @ Amy J. Bennett ($4.99)

 

Motherhood

The Heart of Simplicity by various authors @ The Heart of Simplicity ($9.99)True Christian Motherhood by June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($7.00)Hula Hoop Girl by September @ One September Day ($4.99)When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97)Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Days ($4.99)From Cube to Farm by Heather @ From Cube to Farm ($2.99)4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by various authors @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids Parenting E-book ($7.99)That Works for Me! by Kristen @ We are THAT Family ($8.00)

 

Health & Fitness

100-pound Loser by Jessica @ Muthering Heights ($4.99)Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle @ Domestic Serenity ($2.99)42 Days to Fit by Brandy @ The Marathon Mom, Emma @ Real Fit Moms and Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($4.99)Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)Personal ePlanner by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt ($5.00)

 

Beauty

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae @ SaraMae.com ($4.99)The Cottage Mama’s DIY Guide by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley @ The No Brainer Wardrobe ($7.99)Embracing Beauty by Trina @ Trina Holden ($9.00)Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by Kristen @ The Frugal Girl ($3.99)

 

Working from Home & Blogging

Your Blogging Business: Tax, Talk and Tips by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)The Bootstrap VA: Become a Virtual Assistant by Lisa @ The Home Life {and Me} ($12.99)How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($4.99)How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00)Simple Blogging: Less Computer Time, Better Blogging by Rachel @ Small Notebook ($8.00)

 

Ecourses

Learning in Love: The Preschool Years by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)Homeschooling from the Heart by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)Grocery University by Carrie @ Colorado Bargains ($24.95)Vibrant Living Strategies for Moms by Lisa @ Well-Grounded Life ($59)You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)

 

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from 10 companies!  Check out The Nester's post for more information!

Spreading the Bloglovin'

Who's feeling fancy?  This girl.

I am just SO excited to co-host a Bloglovin' Blog Hop with Barb from Second Chance to Dream, Jacqueline from The Detox Diva, Jenny from The NY Melrose Family, Kimberly from Here's What I Think About That, Jennifer and Nicki from Practically Perfect Princess, Stephanie from The Slogans, Ang from Juggling Act Mama, Niki from Glossy Blonde and Jaime from Mom's Test Kitchen for the month of August. 

What's Bloglovin' you ask? Well, only the greatest way to keep track of the blogs that you love. With the discontinuation of Google Friends Connect (GFC) for non-blogger blogs like myself, I decided that I needed to find another way to keep up with all of my favorite blogs that are not hosted by blogger. I stumbled upon Bloglovin' and I am in love! It is very similar to Google Reader, in that you can see the beginning of the post and the first picture attached to the post. Plus, Bloglovin' automatically updates your posts. Another added bonus is there is a Bloglovin' application for IPhone and Android devices. Woohoo! Like I don't spend enough time reading blogs. Now it's a simple touch. Love it! In order to participate in this hop, you need to have Bloglovin set up for your blog. You can find a super easy tutorial here. I promise it'll take you less than 10 minutes and you'll thank me down the road.

There’s only a couple of rules:

1. Please follow your host – The NY Melrose Family and your co-hosts Second Chance to Dream, The Detox Diva, Shipwrecked on Fabulous Island, Here's What I Think About That, Practically Perfect Princess, The Slogans, Juggling Act Mama, Glossy Blonde and Mom's Test Kitchen (they are the 1st ten blogs linked)

2. You MUST link up your Bloglovin' url to participate 

3. Post our button for the blog hop on your page to promote the fun. You can grab the button from my sidebar. The more the merrier so shout outs about the party on Twitter or Facebook would be greatly appreciated.

If you're interested in co-hosting next month shoot Jenny an email at russej10{at}gmail{dot}com. She also has some sponsor spots still available for September, which you can find here. 

Alright, so let's have some fun and mingle! Please remember to ONLY link up your Bloglovin URL.

Cheers to making new friends!

A Li'l Blog Lovin'

I'm out in the weather with my fam but I just thought you'd like to know that some of my blogging boos are hosting a fabulous Blog Hop! 

Hop on over, tell 'em I sent you and link up your fabulous blogs!

  

I just LOVE spreading the blog lovin' around!

Stay cool!

Blog lovin'

I'm linking up to Jenny's Bloglovin' link party. Bloglovin' is the new way to follow your favorite reads. I figure I either move forward with technology OR get left behind :)

So, if you're fancy and using Bloglovin' feel free to click the link below to follow me!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin