GRAND FINALE ~ Part Two (!!!!) MaryLu Tyndall!!!

SWASHBUCKLING SURPRISES!!!

That's what I've got for you today!

Did you see Rachel Van Dyken's post directly below this one?? Better hurry over and enter before it's too late! AND REMEMBER if the link is still at the top of this blog, it means the giveaways are still open. If it's gone, it's closed.

I'm posting EVERY THREE HOURS today.

So far I've posted at:

Midnight.

3 a.m.

And will post AGAIN at:

6 a.m.

9 a.m.

12 p.m.

3 p.m.

ALRIGHTY!

Are ye havin' fun? (pirate talk in honor of our special guest).

I've brought ye in cinnamon buns for the early morning crowd, so grab one while they still be hot!

I'm hanging the streamers, scattering the confetti and per Katie Ganshert's request on Friday, I have bottles of silly string stragetically placed through the room.

Let's keep this party ROLLING! (or moving with the waves, however you want to look at it...)

What is your most memorable party moment?  

Wow. There are so many! But one party I don't think I'll ever forget was our annual family Christmas party when I was sixteen years old. My Mom would always host the festivities and all the aunts and uncles and cousins and everyone would come over Christmas Eve to eat and open gifts and enjoy themselves. But this year everything seemed to go wrong! My Mom burnt the Christmas pie, two of my relatives overindulged in Egg Nog and got into a fight, my Mother lost her wedding ring in the punch bowl, and my sister backed up into Uncle Harry's car! It reminds me of Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation. Well, that's my crazy family for you. Never a dull moment. But, not to worry, everyone forgave everyone else (Why not? It's the Spirit of Christmas) and my Mom eventually found her wedding ring. We went to sleep dreaming of sugarplums, diamonds glittering in punch, and Uncle Harry sobbing over his car. LOL.  But the next day, we had a wonderful Christmas anyway! 

Who’s on your personal VIP party guest list?   

All the other authors attending this blowout celebration!  Sarah Palin (I admire her so much!) Glenn Beck (because he is an honorable man who speaks the truth), Jim Caviezel (my favorite actor and he's not bad to look at either), my mother (Because she'd never forgive me if I didn't invite her LOL), Benjamin Netanyahu (Because I love Israel), and Pastor Victor Marx (a man who is dedicating his life to saving all the incarcerated lost kids).  I could invite more, but I suppose it's getting a bit crowded!   

Complete this thought: 

The perfect party isn’t perfect without: love, chocolate, and good music

Hmm...Oh excuse me, while I lick the sugar off my fingers... Oh yum. (I love that word, don't you?) Have you tried one of these things yet? What are you waiting for??

Want to know what the prize is for today?? Here you go...

I've read it. That is a good book. ;-) Well worth the prize of winning!

To preserve my sanity in drawing all the names of these giveaways (!!!) I will post the names of ALL the winners on Saturday, November 26th. Be watching your email and the blog!!

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!

GRAND FINALE ~ Part One (!!!!) Rachel Van Dyken!!!

IT'S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(imagine me bouncing on the balls of my toes, smiling ear to ear--and I don't care that is a cliche!)

Do you know what day it is???

It's NOVEMBER 21ST!!!

TWO YEARS ago today I started my blogging journey.

Oh my, since then I have blogged over 600 times, met over 500 wonderful followers, been blessed by God time and TIME again. Connected with some pretty awesome people and have had the chance to spread a few blessings here and there. ;-)

Soooooo are you ready for the GRAND FINALE????

Here is how today is going to go:

Every THREE HOURS another party post will hit the web! And each one will have a spectacular giveaway. I'm not going to tell you who I've got yet, you'll just have to wait and see. ;-)

But here is the schedule: (all pacific time, please note!)

Midnight

3 a.m

6 a.m.

9 a.m.

12 p.m.

3 p.m.

ALL winners will be announced here on the blog THIS SATURDAY, November 26th. I'll probably start contacting you before that though. We've got a BUNCH!! :D

So ready to meet a fab guest for the first party kickoff?? I love this girl!! And I think you probably will too. :-))

Rachel Van Dyken!!

What is your most memorable party moment?  

My most memorable party moment was when I got a turtle for my birthday. It fit in the palm of my hand and I named him Stuart. He was my favorite in the world. When I went to college Stuart stopped eating so my dad set him free in a pond by our house. And there he has lived for a miraculous 9 years! Others have tried to steal the joy of that party moment by saying he's dead. He's not, he lives on....in that pond that no longer has water..Turtles migrate right?

Who’s on your personal VIP party guest list?  

YES! I get to make a list? You should note that this will possibly be the best party list of all time. 

I'll do a top ten to make it easy (I think it's a given that you would be on my VIP as well as the other lovely ladies participating!) 

Carman...Come on we all know who that is, if you're shaking you're head that you don't. Then I feel sorry for you. Truly. I wore overalls for an entire month after one of his songs came out. I think he's out of music, which is a shame. He defined a generation. 

Martha Stewart, naturally she'd be in charge of food and decorations.  

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There is enough for everyone, please take one! :-))

Jay Z, because apparently he knows everybody and would probably invite others meaning more gifts for Casey ;)

Tim Hawkins, that guy writes some hilarious stuff. I think he'd be good comedic relief. 

Howard Schultz, he's the CEO of Starbucks, where he goes the green straw goes. Words to live by. 

Mickey Mouse, because he brings the magic wherever he goes! And it's really not a party without Disney.

The Entire Cast of High School Musical so we can break out in song and dance and EVERYONE will know the same song and choreography!

Captain Jack Sparrow b/c I like his black eyeliner and his costume makes me happy. 

The Old man from UP b/c he has a LOT of balloons. 

Chewbacca from Star Wars. Naturally he'll be security as well as VIP. 

Complete this thought: 

The perfect party isn't perfect without....music. There is nothing more awkward then a group of people standing around trying not to talk too loud. It's better to talk over music then to be afraid of how your voice is carrying at the punch table. Music is a gift from God, it brings people together. A party is tragic without it. :)

Rachel your wish is my pleasure to grant! Turn up the computer speakers, I've got music for ya!! :D

Don't you just love her?? I do. ;-) I get such a KICK out her sense of humor, she also makes me laugh.  :D

I can't stop making those smiley faces. :D :D :D :D :D

I'M JUST SO EXCITED!!

Okay, you get it. Want to know what your prize is??

Yep that little beauty. Doesn't it look delicious? I'm reading it now and totally enjoying it!

BE READY FOR 3 o'clock! Another post will arrive then!! :D

Giveaway What Makes You Smile!! And My Guest is the Awesome Meg Moseley!!

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Of course, we all LOVE birthday presents. One can't throw a party without throwing around a few gifts. ;-)

And one of the things I asked today's guest is: what three things do you love and wish you could give away?

Because a good gift, is only as enjoyable as the person who loves it and loves to share it. Anything lovely and good should be shared!

Which is what excites me about this party--I get to share so many of my favorite things with you, my blog readers! On a real and personal level and introduce you to some really wonderful people.

In fact, this guest today was one of my greatest finds this year--and I can't wait for her next book, she's that good of a writer!

But before we do that, I just want to make sure you remember the special prize for the correct trivia answers. Get it right = two entra entries to win today's prize AND a handmade item (by me) randomly drawn from the people who correctly guess the trivia question. I hope you like what I've made. ;-)

And NOW! Here is today's special guest.... Meg Moseley!

How do you like to celebrate?

With friends, family, fun and easy foods and good music in a homey atmosphere so everybody can relax and enjoy each other.

Three things that make you smile and wish you could give away.

My favorite books; the joy of bird-watching (I'm geeky that way); and fresh, home-grown flowers from my yard. 

What was the last party you attended?

A wedding reception for some friends. My two-year-old granddaughter doesn't quite understand what a wedding is, so she called it "a dance party." 

Complete this thought:

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The perfect party isn’t perfect: without the people you love.

I LOVE  to give away things that make me smile and here is one thing that made ME smile this year and it's today's prize...

I seriously LOVED this book!! I hope the winner will too. :-))

So my trivia question naturally has to do with this novel...

What day did I post my review of this book?

Have fun!! It's a great Sunday and TOMORROW is the GRAND FINALE giveaway with SIX party posts!!!

Continuing the PARTY!! Celebrating with Anne Mateer!!!

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Many of you might have seen my review of Anne Mateer's debut novel, Wings of a Dream earlier this month. One of the things I said was I cringed to think how I almost didn't request her book to review.

BECAUSE.

It completely blew me away and has made my "greatest newest find of the year". Yes. And I don't treat those words lightly.

I've loved getting to know Anne a bit better online and I'm SO excited to have her here to help us celebrate!! We've only got one more party day left (the GRAND FINALE) tomorrow, so be sure and go back to the top of the blog and click on the older party links. All the winners will be announced by noon on Saturday, November 26th!!

Sooo are you having fun yet?? I hope so! And don't forget to answer the Blog Trivia Question for two extra chances to win today and be put into special drawings just for you!

*round of applause for Anne*

What is your perfect party?

My perfect party is any party thrown by someone else at anywhere but my home! (I love a good party, but I get very stressed out trying to give it myself.)

What would your party look like? 

My perfect party would involve good food, good friends, music that livens the atmosphere but isn't too loud to talk over, and starts early enough that I could stay as long as I wanted without my husband (an early to bed, early to rise guy) getting tired and being ready to leave. 

1, 2, or 3 tier cake? (What’s the filling??)

3 tiers, each a different flavor, covered in fondant and decorated with whimsy! (Think Ace of Cakes!)

Complete this thought: 

The perfect party isn’t perfect without: at least one conversation that moves beyond small talk.

Wanna know what you are entering for?? Well first, let me get your Trivia Question. Hmm...

What was the date of my FIFTH (5th) post?

*wink* Have fun! ;-)

And your prize for today....

TRUST ME you don't want to "almost" pass this book up like I almost did. It is SO worth it. :-))

DON'T FORGET YOUR TRIVIA and to enter the other contests. I've got LOTS to choose from!! :D

What a FUN Saturday!! Cara Putman is Joining the Celebration!

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Ooooh, these things make me drool...

*licking fingers*

Oh, you're looking at me??

*hides fingers behind back*

Are you wanting to meet my guest this afternoon?

*nods*

I thought so.

Well, stop looking at the frosting on my face and find a cupcake for yourself! These are too good to let sit for very long...

NOW.

Have you seen the earlier party post from Melanie Dickerson and the debut author party yesterday and Candace and Ronie on the day before that and the party post before THAT??

What are you waiting for?? We're just getting started--I got two party days left to go after this. ;-) So if the link is live at the top of the screen, go check it out! The prizes are worth your time.

AND don't forget to answer the trivia question at the end of the post--all correct answers get two extra entries to win today's prize AND entered to win a special prize just for you.

Now...let's meet today's extra special guest. I got to meet this lovely lady in person this fall and I LOVE her. Seriously, she is something special. Excited to introduce to you...Cara Putman!!

What would be the perfect, party setting?

 I love Washington, D.C. As a political town, organizations throw great parties there. My favorite was George W Bush’s first inauguration — my husband and I attended one of the inaugural balls. It was so fun to dress up and dance the night away.

Historical or contemporary dress? 

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I would pick a classic 1940s or 1950s Audrey Hepburn style dress. Something like this although I’d chose a bold color like red or navy

What would you serve? 

I love tea. So I would probably make it a tea party. Cucumber sandwiches, little fruit tarts, chicken salad, and tiny cheesecakes. Maybe some brownies and a fresh fruit salad. And outdoors would be fun if the weather agreed and we could be surrounded by spring flowers like azaleas and dogwoods.

Complete this thought:  

The perfect party isn’t perfect without: my best friends. The girls who know me and laugh with me. So it would be Joy Lange, Stephanie Wetli, Sabrina Butcher, Crystal Miller, Ashley Clark, Jenny Jones, Colleen Coble, Sue Lyzenga, Janna Ryan, and you! It would be so fun to make sure each of you knew each other. And you are all a riot!

I think that would be perfect party! From the food to the setting and the guests...yep. You throw a good party, Cara and I'm SO glad you can be here today.

My extra-special blog visitor guests, I hope you've channeled your inner Audrey Hepburn and are ready to see what the prize is today....

Isn't that a great cover?? And I've gotten to read (some of it) and it's a delight. ;-)

Don't forget the trivia contest! And today's questions has to do with Cara.

What was the last post Cara wrote for this blog?

Oh happy party day!! So happy you are here to celebrate with me. :D

Get Your Medieval On! Welcome to the Party Melanie Dickerson!

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Woooo-hooooooo!!!! Another day to PARTY (with chocolate of course)!!

I don't know about you, but one of the reasons I LOVE doing these last two celebrations (blog parties) is because I am reminded how MUCH God has blessed me! I've met so many people: blog readers, authors, friends. Devoloped relationships that will last me a lifetime.

I went from a girl who knew NOBODY, to someone who's jaw drops when she walks by Colleen Coble. ;-)

So to you, dear blog reader, I can see your names scrolling across my internal "screen" right now, you mean SO much to me! I DON'T say that lightly. If I could meet you all, I would so jump at the chance. You're something special to me--I hope you know that!

Alrighty, I've got a fun guest today! Have you seen her covers??? And her book videos?? Those aren't trailers, those are VIDEOS. Wow. Sooo happy to have Melanie Dickerson with us today! :D

(and don't forget to check out the other party links at the top of the blog screen AND be watching the trivia question for a chance to gain two extra entries to win this prize and an extra special prize just for my correct trivia friends. :-)

Heeeerrrreee's Melanie!

Do you like to dress up or go casual for parties?

To be honest, I don’t go to a lot of parties! I’m a stay-at-home mom and I have a boring life, what can I say? But a dress up party sounds fun! 

Your favorite party munchies?

How much time do you have? I love food, and junk food is my favorite. Potato chips are my preferred food, next to chocolate. Anything with chocolate on it is cool with me. I make some wonderful pecan chocolate bars that are to die for, and that is probably what I will take to my mother’s for her Thanksgiving family get-together. I love salty things of all descriptions—cheddar flavored Chex Mix and every kind of chips. I also love raw veggies and Ranch dip. Just about any kind of party food is good!

What’s the perfect party gift? 

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Hmmm. Maybe scented candles? I personally love scented candles. And flowers. So, for inviting me to this party, Casey, here are some coconut-lime scented candles to remind you of summer, and a huge bunch of red and white flowers of several types, including roses and giant mums, with lots of greenery. Enjoy! 

Complete this thought:

The perfect party isn’t perfect without: good friends who love us, who rejoice when we rejoice and mourn with us when we mourn (which hopefully isn’t very often!) and give us big hugs every time they see us! BIG HUGS to you, Casey! Thanks again for letting me participate in your birthday celebration!

Yummmy! Got the candles flickering and the chocolate warming our senses, throw in some flower petals and you've got a vision for the senses. Hmmm. *licking fingers* Help me eat this chocolate would you?? I'll get sick if I try to do it all by myself...though it's a sacrifice I'd be willing to make. ;-)

Want to know what today's prize is??

Yeah, if that doesn't make you want to salivate....

And your trivia question for today:

How many times have I blogged in my two years?

So glad you are here to join in the fun!!

I'm smiling big!!

DON'T FORGET to check out the party again today at NOON Pacific time for ANOTHER party post with Cara Putman!!

**Friday's note: The winner of Avery's Crossroad by Deanna Klingel is...RubynReba. Congrats!**

It's a DEBUT AUTHOR Blog Party!!! (You'll Want to Stop Here ;-)

I'm dancing. Yes, I am. BECAUSE not only is it day FOUR of the blog party, but I get FOUR awesome debut authors to interview today. These authors hold a special place in my heart and I'm SO excited for their debut novels. And I hope once you get to know them, you will be excited too.

REMEMBER! There have been SIX other posts that have gone up this week. The links are all at the top of the blog for easy access, so DON'T forget to check them out!!  And I've got fun prizes at the end of the post, so read through to find out what they are!! :D


You have a novel releasing in 2012! What are you planning to do to celebrate? 

Krista Phillips ~ Sandwich, With a Side of Romance
Abingdon, Fall 2012

Krista: To be honest, haven’t planned that far ahead yet. Ask me after edits!

Katie: I’m in the very, very beginning stages of planning a launch party. I’m envisioning a book store and lots and lots of chocolate. Perhaps truffles.

Beth: Because of an extended illness, I didn't celebrate when Baby Changes Everything, my nonfiction book released in 2007. So, believe me, I've told my family we're celebrating the debut of Wish You Were Here in May 2012! I've already brainstormed the book launch party a bit, and let's just say that there's been talk of wedding cake and wedding gowns (yes, plural!) and even  . . . a llama or two! 

Streamers or confetti? 

Katie Ganshert ~ Wildflowers from Winter
Waterbrook/Multnomah May 2012

Krista: BOTH. And the streamers have to be double, two colors, twirled in that cool curly way that I can never do right.

Katie: Hands down, confetti. And how about some silly string, too?

Beth: Confetti -- More fun to toss up when you're celebrating and "whoo-hooing!" although not so much fun to vacuum off the floor.

Beth Vogt ~ Wish You Were Here
Howard Books May 2012

Cake, ice cream or multi-colored pretzel M&M’s? 

Krista: Chocolate cake, white icing, leave off the M&M’s.

Katie: Ice cream! (I'm like that dog in Up, only ice cream is my squirrel)

Beth: The standing joke in my house is that the only reason you have the cake is to hold up the icing. So, I'll say cake, but you understand I'll be the one snitching finger swipes of the icing, right?

Keli Gwyn ~ A Bride Shop Opens in El Dorado, California
Barbour July 2012

Big crowd madly crushing forward to get your hot-off-the-press book or small, intimate celebration? 

Krista: I’d LOVE the first option, expecting something more like the second!

Katie: Can I say both? I’d love a big crowd crushing forward to get my book (I don’t think it’ll happen, but hey, a girl can dream!). But I also love small, intimate gatherings.

Beth: While the crowd rushes out to buy my hot-off-the-presses book (every writer's dream, right?)  I'll be celebrating with family and friends. But the Vogt Family motto is "There's always room for one more!" 

Complete this thought: The perfect party isn’t perfect without...

Krista: MILK CHOCOLATE and AWESOME PEOPLE!

Katie: ….smiling faces and great conversation. 

Beth: The perfect party isn't perfect without lots of laughter. And without me running around with my camera taking lots of pictures so I can savor the memories later.

Keli: The perfect party isn't perfect without friends and loved ones joining in the fun. My launch party will take place on a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon in the heart of the Gold Country where A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is set. On July 15th I'll throw open the doors of my home church to friends, family, and anyone else who is interested in my book as we enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream social. I'll wear the stunning Victorian gown my talented seamstress created and will invite my guests to dress in period clothing or Western wear to add to the festive atmosphere. Old-time fiddle music, such as the hero of my story loves to play, will fill the air as I visit with those who join in the celebration. Halfway through the event I'll present an entertaining talk on "Courtship Victorian-style." And I'm sure I'll smile so much that day my cheeks will grow sore. =)

Woo-hooo! If only I didn't live so far away from these authors--I would be at every single one of those parties! But I will have to settle for a great cyber one. ;-)

And today's prize is....I'm going to send one winner these two books--such FUN stories by Janice Thompson!

AND there is another prize for today!

One winner will win their choice of one the above authors debut novels! When that book becomes available, it will be put on preorder for you.

I'M SO EXCITED FOR THESE LADIES BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you are smiling with me.

And DON'T FORGET about the trivia question for today's post. Since this one is longer than the others, I will only be posting once today. :-)

The Trivia question:

On which book, did I do my very first review?

Remember, answer the trivia right and get TWO extra entries to win these prizes and be entered into a special giveaway just for the trivia winners! :D

Oh Happy Day!!!