tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52457741717923549892024-03-13T06:10:57.383-04:00Park-Avenue PrincessPark Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.comBlogger273125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-51521620092996132592014-11-20T23:50:00.000-05:002014-11-20T23:50:22.565-05:00Going Under<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Pardon our dust. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-35922625497679414542012-01-04T04:52:00.000-05:002012-01-04T04:52:59.158-05:00Another New Year ... Do I Need A Resolution?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGPy5RAYqEY/TwQgI7fRKII/AAAAAAAABR8/3gxfHhrqpEo/s1600/happy-new-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210px" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iGPy5RAYqEY/TwQgI7fRKII/AAAAAAAABR8/3gxfHhrqpEo/s320/happy-new-year.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
I can't believe another year has passed and it's time to start again! I've finally been able to catch up on all of my favorite blogs, close friends and authors and I have to say that you all are INSPIRING!! Exhausing too..No, seriously after catching up with all all of your amazing blogs, the only thing this Princess needed was a NAP! Maybe a glass of wine, but that's it! I couldn't even look at another resolution! Just take a glance, the book blogging/blogging community as a whole is not a lazy group. Go ahead go to any one and look (I'll wait) ... There are already Numerous Challenges that you've set for yourselves and SO many books and pages you want to read, you have resolutions that promise weight loss and to be better parents. You're swearing to post AT least three posts a day (I'm just swearing) and if that's not good enough... Some of you, and and I won't mention specfic names, have already written three-fourths of your novel and are hoping to get some of your favorites OFF the Banned Book List! I'm so not kidding. <br />
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Sorry, I was just hyperventilating thinking about the fact that I'll never post three times a day EVER! So, yes, inspiring! Thank you for letting me be a part of this amazing group of readers/writers for another year. It's really what gets me through so many though days. I hope to bring you more this year and only the best! I have been planning this out for a while. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it works out the way I want it too. I look forward to seeing you and all of your achievements! Now go out there and make me proud! <br />
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Happy New Year!!<br />
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KISSES & TOODLESPark Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-22843656831101706692011-06-23T22:00:00.063-04:002011-06-24T03:33:55.893-04:00Win Pretty Little Liars : Complete First Season on DVD!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLpo75YjfKI/TgQ9q2gtXEI/AAAAAAAABR0/rM6_ZbE4zn4/s1600/PLLSummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLpo75YjfKI/TgQ9q2gtXEI/AAAAAAAABR0/rM6_ZbE4zn4/s1600/PLLSummer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I hope you're as excited as I am to be a part of this giveaway! One Lucky winner will win the Pretty Little Liars : Complete First Edition on DVD!! This is MY favorite show and I absolutely loved the books! So, you have one week! The winner will be drawn at random on June 30th!! Best of Luck to everyone and pass the word around! I have SO many great things coming up, starting with this Pretty Little Liars DVD!<br />
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For those of you that are new to Rosewood, Don't forget to tune in to all-new episodes of <strong>Pretty Little Liars</strong> on <strong>Tuesdays at 8/7c</strong> on <strong>ABC Family</strong>!<br />
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<strong>Here's a Little Background on Pretty Little Liars that was sent to me, and if this doesn't entice you ... well, let's just say ... let the enticing begin!!</strong><br />
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One year ago, Alison, the Queen Bee of their group, disappeared and the girls swore they'd never tell what really happened that night. They thought their secrets would bond them together, but just the opposite is true. Then again, who's to say what the truth is in Rosewood. It seems everyone in town is lying about something. <br />
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Now, as the mystery surrounding Alison's disappearance resurfaces, the girls begin getting messages from "A," saying – and threatening – things only Alison would know. But it couldn't be Alison. Could it? Whoever it is, they seem to know all the girls' secrets, and seem to be watching their every move. The girls are friends again, but will they be there for each other if their dark secrets come to light?<br />
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<div align="center"><strong><u>GIVEAWAY</u></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><ul><li><div align="center"><strong>One Pretty Little Liars : Complete First Season </strong></div></li>
</ul><div align="center">You ready to win? You MUST <u>follow</u> </div><div align="center">Park Avenue Princess through Google Friend Connect</div><div align="center">to participate! Don't know how? Go <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-requirment.html">here</a>!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">You also MUST live in the US/Canada or have someone </div><div align="center">in the US that can Mail it to you! I also ask that you</div><div align="center">leave me your name and email address so that</div><div align="center">I can get in touch with you if you are the winner of this wonderful prize!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><u>EXTRA WAYS TO WIN</u></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">(not required)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">+ 10 If you Tweet about this giveaway daily! (Leave Link)</div><div align="center">+15 if you follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/APrkAvePrincess">Twitter</a>! (Leave Name)</div><div align="center">+20 if they blog about this contest in a separate post! (Link Please)</div><div align="center">+25 if you put my button on your blog!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">As always Good Luck & Have Fun!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Don't forget to watch Pretty Little Liars Followed by The Nine Lives of Chloe King! Two AMAZING shows!!</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div>KISSES & TOODLESPark Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-87708327541664343822011-05-30T05:07:00.000-04:002011-05-30T05:07:55.745-04:00Celebrating This The "- A" Way and The Nine Lives of Chloe King!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9XadZyUzbg/TeNcY29aJ4I/AAAAAAAABRs/Hf6_YtWaTTA/s1600/PLLSummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9XadZyUzbg/TeNcY29aJ4I/AAAAAAAABRs/Hf6_YtWaTTA/s1600/PLLSummer.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><br />
Hi Everyone! <br />
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Yes, it's me, and I'm finally back! (for good, I hope) I have SO much to catch you up on (and probably some explaining to do) but you have NO idea how much I've missed you all! Besides that, there are books that I've read and contests that I want to have ... oh, and over the past holidays I got some major EXCITING news! Well, you remember that I got to play the "<a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/pretty-little-liars-personalized.html">Secret Keepers</a>" game and I had a Blast with that ... but, over Earth Day, "A" sent me a box and inside was a pair of gloves, a shovel and a secret link. How about I tell you that <strong>PRETTY LITTLE LIARS</strong> will be returning on <strong>June 14th! </strong>I hope after you get your <strong>PRETTY LITTLE LIARS</strong> fix, you'll continue to watch, because there is going to be another amazing new show immediately following called <strong>THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING!</strong> Now, not only do you have one show to look forward too, but you have two and it's the day before my birthday <strong>(THANK YOU ABC!!)</strong><br />
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We'll catch up with a little bit of this and a little bit of that VERY soon!<br />
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Don't forget that you can become a fan of Pretty Little Liars on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prettylittleliars">Facebook</a> & Follow them on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ABCFpll">Twitter</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGDdSF7646k/TeNcbmdjmPI/AAAAAAAABRw/5XZXIjqGjfk/s1600/theninelives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGDdSF7646k/TeNcbmdjmPI/AAAAAAAABRw/5XZXIjqGjfk/s1600/theninelives.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div>Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-36411799440684193952010-08-25T09:08:00.000-04:002010-08-25T09:08:53.536-04:00And The Winner Is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/THUVoTZehUI/AAAAAAAABRE/JXVCEWagDew/s1600/contestwinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/THUVoTZehUI/AAAAAAAABRE/JXVCEWagDew/s320/contestwinner.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Today's winner of the <strong><em>AUTOGRAPHED</em></strong> copy of "<strong><em>THE SPACE BETWEEN TREES</em></strong>" by <strong><em>KATIE WILLIAMS</em></strong> is ...<br />
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LAUREN of SHOOTING STARS MAG!<br />
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<strong><em>CONGRATULATIONS LAUREN!!</em></strong><br />
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You ALL have about a WEEK left to enter the ever so ADORABLE <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">J*FLOPS GIVEAWAY</a>! Plus, if you join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/JFlops/293266238963">J*FLOPS Facebook Page</a>, not only do you get to keep up with all of the upcoming contests and information, you also get <strong>+ 25 points</strong> added to your score for the <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">giveaway</a>! Seriously, these are THE MOST adorable Flip Flops I've ever owned and they're SUPER COMFORTABLE! I know that's hard to believe, but wait until see them! Three winners will each have their dream flops soon! OH, and don't forget that you can get <strong><em>15% off RIGHT NOW until August 31st</em></strong> just by typing in the code <strong>PRINCESS</strong> at checkout! Your discount will automatically be taken off! How easy is that? At <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a>, they'll even do custom pairs of flops...that means anything at all that you want, Jennifer can do for you! Check out their <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">page</a> and see for yourself!<br />
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Good Luck & Have Fun!<br />
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<strong><em>Lauren</em></strong>, You have <em>48 hours</em> to get back to me with your address so that I can get you your prize! Thank you everyone for participating! Don't forget that I have a <strong>Nook</strong> coming up for you <em>VERY SOON</em>! What's going to kick it off? 1,000 GFC Followers!!<br />
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Kisses and Toodles!!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-13790654371138379512010-08-12T19:09:00.000-04:002010-08-12T19:09:42.737-04:00Quick Question - I Need Help Please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TGR-issx1LI/AAAAAAAABQ8/Er5wVOKpD78/s1600/pinkquestion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TGR-issx1LI/AAAAAAAABQ8/Er5wVOKpD78/s200/pinkquestion.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So, I have a really quick question that I can't figure out on my own but I it can be done because I've seen it on some of the other fantastic blogs that I visit! I know how to put <em>a link under a word</em> so that you can click back or refer back to a page BUT (and here's my question) how do you put <strong><em>a link under a picture</em></strong> or photo so that you can click back to page other than my own? Say I had a cover of a book up and I wanted to reference it back to either it's page on Goodreads, the Author's Site, or The Publisher's Page? How would I do that? <br />
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If you've done this before, or if you simply know how to do it and feel comfortable leaving the answer in the comments, you can do that or just hit the "Contact Me" button up top and I'll get your message directly and forever be in your royal debt! *smile* Thank You SO Much!<br />
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I've been up reading some really adorable books lately and have some reviews along with some fantastic contests coming up! Don't forget, it's almost time to give away the Brand New B&N NOOK! I'd like to get to 1,000 GFC Followers before giving it away, but the acutal post may be going up before that point! While you're here don't forget to enter to win you're <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">J*FLOPS</a>! and tonight is the last night to enter your Autographed copy of "<a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/guest-post-giveaway-with-katie-williams.html">The Space Between Trees</a>" by Katie Williams!<br />
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KISSES & TOODLES!!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-26473098889127413472010-08-07T07:19:00.000-04:002010-08-07T07:19:40.453-04:00Saturday Spotlight!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TF1A2o8meKI/AAAAAAAABQc/IYWJeuMN_lI/s1600/SpotlightSaturday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TF1A2o8meKI/AAAAAAAABQc/IYWJeuMN_lI/s320/SpotlightSaturday.png" /></a></div><br />
Well, here it is! My FIRST <strong>Saturday Spotlight</strong> since I've been back! I'm going to try to introduce you to as many new blogs and bloggers as I can! I've had a great response to The Saturday Spotlight but a slow response time in getting the questions back to me. I will keep the feature every week that I can because I think it's important to find new blogs to read weekly and new friends to meet! <em>If you're interested in being spotlighted here, don't hesitate to hit the "contact me" button and I'll be sure to get right back to you!</em><br />
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I hope you enjoy this week's <em>Spotlight Blog</em> and <em>Blogger</em>! You certainly won't find this sweet little flower hanging around the garden...<br />
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<strong>What's Your Name?</strong> My name is top-secret classified information, but you can call me Orchid.<br />
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<strong>Alias?</strong> Orchid Forsythia<br />
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<strong>Your Blog Name?</strong> The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia<br />
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<strong>Why did You Choose that Specific Name?</strong> I chose The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia, because I thought it sounded really cool and original, plus it kind of gives my blog an air of mystery.<br />
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<strong>Where can we find you on the net?</strong> (<em>A.K.A. Your Blog URL</em>) - <a href="http://hauntedorchid.blogspot.com/">http://hauntedorchid.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">*Go Ahead and Look I'll Wait ...*</div><br />
<strong>Can you give us a quick bio about yourself?</strong> About me, hmm, I love to read and can practically always be found with my nose in a book. And if I'm not reading I am working on my blog. <br />
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<strong>Why did you start your blog?</strong> I wanted to share my personal thoughts on the books that I read. I’ve also found that it’s a great way to find neww books and authors that I might never have bothered looking into reading.<br />
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<strong>What is your favorite genre and/or genres?</strong> My favorite genres are YA, fantasy, mystery sci-fi, horror, and supernatural. I also have a soft spot for mangas.<br />
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<strong>Who is your favorite author?</strong> My all-time favorite author would have to be Agatha Christie, she <br />
completely rocks. Her mysteries are some of the best I have ever read<br />
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<strong>What's your favorite book of all time?</strong> I guess I would have to say that <em>"Death on the Nile"</em> by Agatha Christie is my favorite book, but there’re a ton of books that are tied for second.<br />
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<strong>Has there ever been a book you've "faked" reading?</strong> No. If I didn’t like it enough to finish, I’m going to be truthful and say that I didn’t finish it.<br />
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<strong>What are you currently reading?</strong> <strong>Will there be a review/reviews in the works?</strong> I am currently reading Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Yes, there will be a review sometime in the future for it. I am also currently <br />
working on a review for Seeker by William Nicholson; hopefully I’ll have it up by the end of the week.<br />
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<strong>Please Name & Describe Your Blog Features: </strong>I participate in quite a few memes, like, Teaser Tuesday, where you post a short teaser from your current read; In My Mailbox, where you post about books and book swag that you have received, bought, or borrowed; Wish List Wednesday where you tell about a book that you are looking forward to buying. I have also begun accepting affiliates, and still have a few open slots. While I really enjoy doing memes, my favorite feature on my blog is reviews. I love reviewing books and introducing other people to new books and authors.<br />
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<strong>Describe your review system:</strong> My review system is probably one of the least complicated ones. 1 pineapple, means it was a complete waste of my time; 2 pineapples, means I just didn’t enjoy it; 3 pineapples, means it was good, but not necessarily something I’d re-read; 4 pineapples means that I really liked it; 5 pineapples means that I loved it and would recommend it to everyone.<br />
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<strong>How is your blog unique from other blogs?</strong> I think what makes my blog unique is that I review more obscure books and tend to read to the beat of my own drum.<br />
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<strong>How do you market your blog Orchid?</strong> By commenting on other blogs, and participating in challenges and guesting at other blogs.<br />
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<strong>Can you give us 3 tips about content?</strong> <em>Tip number one:</em> try not to include spoilers in your reviews, it tends to turn people off from reading a book where they already know the big twist. <em>Tip number two:</em> to keep in mind that authors are real people to, so try to keep the snarkiness to a minimum. <em>Tip number three:</em> Make sure you have the correct info about a book (i.e. author’s name, title, pub date…).<br />
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<strong>How about tips on Blog promotion?</strong> Two good ways to promote our blog would have to be, commenting on and following other blogs. Because you’ve got to get your blog out into the blogosphere if you want to get noticed.<br />
Thank Youfor having me at Park-Avenue Princess. It has been a blast!<br />
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You're more than Welcome Orchid! I hope you'll continue to stop back and you know you're always welcome here! By the way, the <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">J*Flops Giveaway</a> and <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/guest-post-giveaway-with-katie-williams.html">The Space Between Trees</a> (autographed copy) Giveaway are both still open! Plus, I have some more to put up this week along with some great authors stopping by Park-Avenue Princess! Don't forget that it's almost time for me to list the <strong>Brand New Nook Giveaway</strong>, we're very close to the <em>1,000 Followers Celebration</em>! <br />
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Again, if <strong>YOU</strong> Would Like to be a Part of <strong>The SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT</strong> just drop me a note or if you're comfortable with putting it in the comments section you can do that and I will get back to you immediately! There's a lot that we can do with the Saturday Spotlight! It's a great way to meet new people, find new blogs to read and help each other bring in new followers! I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!<br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!<br />
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Thanks,<br />
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Orchid<br />
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http://hauntedorchid.blogspot.comPark Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-43092231222805588002010-08-04T05:24:00.001-04:002010-08-04T05:41:48.597-04:00Got Flops? Giveaway Reminder!<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">GOT FLOPS?</span></div><br />
I do and you can too! How? You just may be ONE of the THREE LUCKY Winners here at Park-Avenue Princess if you enter the fantastic <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">Giveaway</a> I have going on right now from <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid35.html">J*FLOPS</a>! It seems there was some confusion with the end date of this <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">Giveaway</a> and I'm happy to report that you have plenty of time to <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">enter</a>! J*FLOPS has adorable flip flops for <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid39.html">Special Occasions</a>, <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid45.html">Everyday</a> or if you want something that no one else has they'll make a <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid44.html">Custom pair</a> just for YOU! This Giveaway isn't ending until <strong><em>Midnight on Tuesday, August 31st (EST)</em></strong>! You have almost an entire month to get your entries in and to spread the word! A direct link to the Giveaway can be found <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">HERE</a>!<br />
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Jennifer, Owner and Designer of <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*FLOPS</a>, will be making THREE of my LUCKY readers Extremely Happy with their dream pair of J*FLOPS for this <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">Giveaway</a>! Not not only that but, Jennifer has very generously offered a <strong><em>15% discount</em></strong> on any order placed on the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*FLOPS web site</a> beginning now and running through the last day of August! So, if there is a pair or paris that you MUST have, now would be a great time to do it! All you have to do is enter the code <strong>PRINCESS</strong> at checkout and your discount will automatically be taken off! Remember, you have until <strong><em>Tuesday, AUGUST 31st, at Midinight EST</em></strong>! Just incase you missed the Giveaway link at the top all you have to do is click right - <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/jflops-review-giveaway.html">HERE</a>!<br />
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As always, GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!<br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!! Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-39048044776198473582010-07-30T03:36:00.004-04:002010-08-03T22:19:59.744-04:00J*Flops Review & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TFJ9L3UtHpI/AAAAAAAABOM/x345vo9zqGI/s1600/jflops_home.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TFJ9L3UtHpI/AAAAAAAABOM/x345vo9zqGI/s320/jflops_home.png" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a>! Not "<em>Just Flops</em>" by any means but, "<em>Just Fabulous</em>" comes to my mind every single time I slip mine on! When I found out that I that I would be working with Jennifer, the Owner/Designer of <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a>, I was SO excited! I read <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/about.php">about</a> her company, how she got started and most of all, I glanced over all the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid35.html">choices</a> before me. Jennifer is a seriously talented woman and she makes her flip flops with a ton of love! <br />
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I chose the "<a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-info.php?pid61.html">Kate</a>" flip flops in black, but had Jennifer customize them with a gorgeous square crystal in the middle and of course a raised sole (considering this princess is...well, let's just say petite). They came out completely GORGEOUS and I am totally in LOVE with <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*FLOPS</a>! I can dress them up with a sundress or down with a pair of jeans or jean shorts. Every time I slide these on my feet thank me and I get a ton of compliments. Not only that, I get asked "What store did you buy those? They're SO CUTE!" or "Did you just get those? I've really never seen flip flops like that! Where did you get them?" <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-info.php?pid61.html">J*Flops</a> are a girls best friend. That's why I'm giving them my official FIVE TIARA REVIEW! <br />
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<a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a> is a Sacramento-based flip flop design company started for the pure joy of making girls' feet everywhere happy and stylish! Five years later Jennifer, the Owner/Designer STILL personally designs each pair with that in mind. This is one company that I personally can't get enough of! The flops are amazing and so is the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5245774171792354989">owner of J*Flops</a>! I love the versatility that each pair has and why each person may go looking to <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a>. In California or for warmer weddings, why would some brides or bridesmaids choose to wear uncomfortable heels all day? Jennifer color matches each flop to the swatch that is sent and knows just how special your big day is! What about prom? Yes, <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/faq.php">J*Flops</a> are amazing enough for even the most special days of your life. But, from what I can see, my <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/faq.php">J*Flops</a> can make everyday a special day! I've put them on and I haven't turned back! Not convinced? I invite you to watch their very first commercial!<br />
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As you can see, they have flops for <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid35.html">Weddings</a>, <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid39.html">Special Occasions</a>, <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid45.html">Everyday</a> and Even <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid43.html">Children's</a> Flops! But I think their biggest draw may be their <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid44.html">Custom Flops</a>! That's right, Jennifer will design Flops just the way you want and not just for the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid35.html">big day</a>, how about flops that say "YOU" - <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid45.html">any day</a>? <br />
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Why? Because there is absolutely something for everyone, even the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid43.html">littlest flip flop lover</a> and if you can't decide, Jennifer will custom make you <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid44.html">J*Flops</a> so that they're one-of-a-kind and say YOU all over them! You can't go wrong with <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid44.html">J*Flops</a>! These are high quality, well-made flops and do not irritate the sensitive area in between your toes. They're made with the finest materials and with a whole lot of love and care! I will have TWO PAIR to GIVEAWAY to TWO Lucky Winners Here at Park-Avenue Princess from Jennifer. These Two winners will be able to choose whichever pair they'd like or they can make a custom pair of J*flops! As an extra bonus, I also have a Brand-New Pair of the "<a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-info.php?pid61.html">Kate</a>" Flops In Black with a Clear Crystal in the middle (with the Raised Bottom), just like the J*Flops that I chose, to Giveaway as well from Jennifer at J*Flop! That's a Total of THREE Lucky Winners! Thank you for being SO generous Jennifer!<br />
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I have another Fabulous <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/index.php">J*Flop</a> Thing to tell you! Are you ready? Jennifer at J*Flops is celebrating her 5 year Anniversary! Congratulations Jennifer! She's So excited about her accomplishment (and I am just as happy for her) that she has offered to give all of my reader's 15% off any order placed with J*Flops from NOW until AUGUST 31st! This is an amazing opportunity to own your favorite pair of <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/index.php">J*flops</a> right now! All you have to do is type in the code <strong><em>PRINCESS</em></strong> at checkout and your discount will be automatically taken off! The contest for the Three Lucky <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/JFlops/293266238963">J*FLOP </a>Winners will go through the entire month of August and will be ending on <strong>Tuesday, AUGUST 31st at Midnight</strong>! So, you have plenty of time to enter!<br />
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Trust me, if there is a pair you must have now and want to enjoy for the rest of the summer, this is one purchase you will not regret! Take a look at just some of the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/love.php">love</a> left from their customers! This summer has been so warm and the *perfect* summer to wear your favorite pair of flip flops! Or should I say pairs? <br />
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<a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-list.php?pg1-cid39.html">J*Flops</a> has found one more happy customer <strong>for life</strong>! I can't tell you just how in love I am with shoes in general or how hard I am to please when it comes to my shoes! <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a> has certainly won my heart and I can bet they'll win yours too! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*FLOP GIVEAWAY</a>!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong>Rules</strong> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Your Flip Flops are going to be sent out by J*Flops!</div><div align="center">The contest is open to ANYONE that has an address</div><div align="center">either in the USA or CANADA to receive the Prize.</div><div align="center"> But, you MUST <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-requirment.html">Follow</a> Park-Avenue Princess through </div><div align="center">GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Don't know how? Go <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-requirment.html">here</a> to get instructions!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I want you to head on over to the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops Web Site</a> and tell me which pair you'd LOVE to own, your size & why! Also, I need to know If you are interested in the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/shop/product-info.php?pid61.html">black Kate's</a> and are a size 8/9! You <em><strong>MUST</strong></em> do this step to QUALIFY! You may also choose to tell me about a custom pair if you'd like! Choose wisely! The pair tell me you can't live without, is the pair you will win! </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Also to qualify, I ask that you please leave your name/nickname</div><div align="center">in each post you leave. Something that separates you from everyone else</div><div align="center">so that it will be clear if you are chosen as the winner. You must also leave</div><div align="center">me with your emailing address so that you can be contacted (even if it is in your profile).</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong>*This Contest ends 8/31/10*</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><em>Entries</em></strong></div><div align="center">There are Changes so Make Sure You Read!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">+5 If you Subscribe by Mail</div><div align="center">+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader</div><div align="center">+10 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)</div><div align="center">+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)</div><div align="center">+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)</div><div align="center">+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)</div><div align="center">+20 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)</div><div align="center">+25 If you Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/APrkAvePrincess">@APrkAvePrincess on Twitter</a> (Leave @name)</div><div align="center">+25 if you Friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/JFlops/293266238963#!/IAmHighMaintenance">me on Facebook</a>! (Leave your name)</div><div align="center">+25 if you become a Fan of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/JFlops/293266238963">J*Flops on Facebook</a>! </div><div align="center">+25 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">(All will be checked BEFORE they count!)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I am having a <strong><em>HUGE NOOK</em></strong> contest coming up -- </div><div align="center">I would like to reach 1,000 Followers!</div><div align="center">So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess! </div><div align="center">It's just a *Click* to Follow and we're not that far away!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">And Because I'd like to get to my 1,000th Follower Quickly</div><div align="center">I'll now be offering...</div><div align="center">+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me</div><div align="center">(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)</div><div align="center">YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">They must remain followers at least until the specific contest you</div><div align="center">signed up for is finished!</div><div align="center">Although, I'd like you to stay signed up forever!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)</div><div align="center">or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">THANK YOU & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY J*FLOPS!!</div><div align="center">YOU'RE AMAZING!!<br />
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</div><div align="left">KISSES and TOODLES!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TFJ9iFG7LdI/AAAAAAAABO0/ClnVyX2_uQw/s1600/jflops_gems.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TFJ9iFG7LdI/AAAAAAAABO0/ClnVyX2_uQw/s320/jflops_gems.png" /></a></div>Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-46531117499973805002010-07-27T06:42:00.000-04:002010-07-27T06:42:10.644-04:00And The Winner Is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TE628Z0Xa9I/AAAAAAAABN8/axK3I_u6p_M/s1600/conwinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TE628Z0Xa9I/AAAAAAAABN8/axK3I_u6p_M/s320/conwinn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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And the winner is for this month's $50.00 Gift Certificate for anything at all in Lizzy Bleu's Etsy Shop is ...<br />
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<strong>LADY _ TINK!</strong><br />
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Lady_Tink, you've been emailed and have 48 hours to contact me back! If for some reason you don't claim your prize, I will have to draw another winner. I had to get that out of the way. Enough of that talk...<br />
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<strong>LADY_TINK, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!</strong><br />
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For those of you that didn't win, I will be listing the <strong>J*FLOP GIVEAWAY</strong> <em>tonight</em> and another <strong>Lizzy Bleu Giveaway</strong> will be coming up shortly! Stay tuned, you don't want to miss what I have coming from <strong>J*FLOPS</strong>!<br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-90937064847898155932010-07-23T21:47:00.000-04:002010-07-23T21:47:20.562-04:00Last Day for Lizzy Bleu Giveaway & Upcoming Giveaway News!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEpCxDL2ETI/AAAAAAAABLU/dHpJxdMeKkc/s1600/bookwormbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEpCxDL2ETI/AAAAAAAABLU/dHpJxdMeKkc/s320/bookwormbracelet.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Just a little reminder that tonight at midnight is the close of this month's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">Lizzy Bleu $50.00 Gift Certificate</a> Giveaway! If you haven't visited her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">Etsy Shop</a> yet, you can be transported magically by clicking right <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">HERE</a>! But once you do there's no turning back. I know you're going to IN on the <strong><em>$50.00 Giveaway</em></strong> as well. So, what I'm going to do is leave this link <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/5000-lizzy-bleu-giveaway.html">HERE</a> for you. That one will bring you to Lizzy's current Giveaway!<br />
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These will be happening monthly and there are SO many wonderful things about Lizzy! She will do personalized items, bookish items and she updates her items at least weekly! If you see something you like, my advice, get it! She makes not only gorgeous things but they're quality made items too. Plus I know she packs them with love and her packaging is amazing! I know because I own a ton of her jewelry! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEpC08e6nYI/AAAAAAAABLc/nULiISupvBg/s1600/jflops_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEpC08e6nYI/AAAAAAAABLc/nULiISupvBg/s320/jflops_logo.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I also have another HUGE giveaway coming up for you and they're not just your average flip flops. They're <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a> and talk about unlike any flip flop I've ever seen! I'm totally in love! This Review and Giveaway will be posted *Very Soon* (and I mean VERY)! So, start looking at the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops site</a> so you'll be able to tell me which pair you'd <em>LOVE</em> to have or customize a pair to fit your personality! Yes, that means a pair that no one else will have! Believe me, <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a> can do it! They're unbelievable! I <em>LOVE</em> mine and am having her work on two more pair for me! This upcoming Giveaway will have <em>TWO</em> Winners and because J*Flops wants EVERYONE to feel like a winner and be able to try out their amazing flops, as of RIGHT NOW on the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops Site</a> if you find a pair you MUST have, type in the code <strong>PRINCESS</strong> at check out and you'll receive <strong>15% off</strong> your order from <strong>NOW</strong> until <strong>August 31st</strong>! You and your feet will both thank me (and <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a>!) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEpDJLNmtHI/AAAAAAAABL8/cl5rSX3wzkk/s1600/spacebetweentreescover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEpDJLNmtHI/AAAAAAAABL8/cl5rSX3wzkk/s200/spacebetweentreescover.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><br />
Also, I need you to watch your mailboxes because I do have some winners for books and I'll be waiting for your addresses so that I can send them out to the publishers or authors. Below is the chance for you to win Katie Williams debut Autographed book "<a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/guest-post-giveaway-with-katie-williams.html">The Space Between Trees </a>". An amazing YA Thriller! More books will be coming with a chance for you to win! If you have any questions at all, please feel free to use the "Contact Me" button and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible, or if you want to leave your question in the comments section, you may do that as well. The "Contact Me" button will be answered privately.<br />
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Oh....and one more little thing, I've got a brand new B&N Nook that one of my loyal & royal followers will win! Soon the post will be up on how YOU can win! I'd like to reach at least 1,000 GFC Followers! So, all you need to do for me right now is spread the word about Park Avenue Princess - Royal Reviews & Book News! Let them know about the Reviews, Amazing Authors that stop here, and yes the Giveaways! Thank you all for helping Park Avenue Princess grow into what it's become today! I've met so many wonderful, caring friends here in the book blogging community, ones that I wouldn't give up for the world! I review as a "Thank You" to all of the Authors that help me escape and bring me comfort each day. But, I started this site to be my one voice to a community of so many amazing people. My like-minded, book obsessed friends :)<br />
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Well, what are you still standing here for! You have TWO amazing sites to go check out! But, please do come back and tell me what you think when you're done. :)<br />
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As Always, Good Luck and Have Fun!<br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-16817875165785228362010-07-23T06:29:00.005-04:002010-07-23T21:16:48.276-04:00Guest Katie Williams & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEl2QkXlr-I/AAAAAAAABK0/cZ5OjxAMxWs/s1600/TheSpaceBetweenTrees.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEl2QkXlr-I/AAAAAAAABK0/cZ5OjxAMxWs/s320/TheSpaceBetweenTrees.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7036227-the-space-between-trees">The Space Between Trees</a><br />
Author: <a href="http://www.katiewilliamsbooks.com/index.html">Katie Williams</a><br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,kids/products_id,8711/">Chronicle Books</a><br />
<br />
Hello Everyone!<br />
<br />
Today I have the honor of having Author, <a href="http://www.katiewilliamsbooks.com/index.html"><em>Katie Williams</em></a> here at Park Avenue Princess as part of the official blog tour for her debut book, "<strong><em>The Space Between Trees</em></strong>"! You can find my review <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/space-between-by-katie-williams.html">here</a>. I don't want to take too much time with the introduction (we all know how I love to talk), so I'm going to lend my throne, tiara, and whatever else Katie needs here in the castle to make her feel at home. I'm now going to let Katie speak to you about her phenomenal new book. Please make her feel welcome!<br />
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<strong>A Very Bad Princess</strong><br />
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Once upon a time there was a plain peasant girl—scuffs on her shoes, dirt under her fingernails—who was invited to sit on the princess’s throne for an entire day. That’s me, Katie Williams, scepter in hand, feeling atypically regal since our highness has invited me here to tell you about my debut novel, The Space Between Trees. <br />
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The Space Between Trees doesn’t have any princesses in it, no castles or charging steeds, nary a fairy godmother to be seen. But, like many good fairytales, it features a girl who has been overlooked.<br />
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Sixteen-year-old Evie somehow missed out on making friends, real friends anyway. She doesn’t have a boyfriend either, although she’s convinced the girls at school that she’s involved in a flourishing romance with college dropout Jonah Luks. Still, try as she might, she remains lonely, quirky, and anonymous. But all that changes when Evie spies the police pulling a murdered schoolmate’s body from the woods behind her paper route, and suddenly she’s at the center of the story everyone wants to hear. Eager for attention, Evie exaggerates her connection the dead girl, thereby drawing herself into a wrongheaded murder “investigation” that questions truth and fiction, innocence and guilt. <br />
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Perched here on my borrowed throne, I can’t help but think about princesses, and how being a princess is not about the sparkling tiaras and drool-worthy gowns (well, maybe it’s a little bit about the gowns), but is really about being kind and virtuous. After all, Cinderella was a princess on the inside way before she got the fairy-godmother makeover. By such standards, my protagonist Evie is very unprincesslike. She lies; she manipulates; she connives. And her machinations lead to serious trouble and permanent loss. <br />
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Does Evie sound like a horrible person to you? She makes some huge mistakes; it’s true. So how could I write a character who behaves so very badly? Well, I liked Evie because, despite her flaws, she was interested in the world around her and, also, she was daring. She’d do things I never would, even if some of those things were the wrong things. Furthermore, I understood Evie. Her bad behavior came from the same desires that make the princess character such an appealing fantasy: She wanted to feel special, pretty, and most of all, loved. And once I understood Evie better, I felt I could write more of her story to see where her lies led, to discover if she would eventually accept her rags and discover the secret that all true princesses know: She is special because she is herself.<br />
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You can read more about The Space Between Trees, including the <a href="http://www.katiewilliamsbooks.com/page3/page3.html">first chapter</a>, on my website, <a href="http://www.katiewilliamsbooks.com/">http://www.katiewilliamsbooks.com/</a>. <br />
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Thank you SO much Katie for being here at the castle today! As a special surprise, Katie is offering one of my *Very Lucky* Loyal & Royal Readers a chance to WIN their very own AUTOGRAPHED Hardcover Copy of "The Space Between Trees"!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">THE SPACE BETWEEN TREES GIVEAWAY!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This book is going to be signed and sent from Chronicle Books</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I ask that you have a US or Canadian Address that the</div><div style="text-align: center;">book can be sent to! It's open to anyone that <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-requirment.html">FOLLOWS</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">with either a US or Canadian Address in which to receive the book.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Most important you must follow through Google Friend Connect!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't know how? <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-requirment.html">Go here</a> to get instructions!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">First I'd like you to head on over to <a href="http://katiewilliamsbooks.com/">Katie Williams' web site</a> and tell me one thing you've learned about Katie or her book or you may think of a question you'd like to ask Katie! You MUST do this step to QUALIFY! If you choose the question option, you get +25 per question you ask with a limit of TWO QUESTIONS per person. leaving you with a total of +50 for asking Katie TWO QUESTIONS that have to do with today's post, her writing, her debut novel, something VALID please!<br />
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Also to qualify, I ask that you please leave your name/nickname<br />
in each post you leave. Something that separates you from everyone else<br />
so that it will be clear if you are chosen as the winner. You must also leave<br />
me with your emailing address so that you can be contacted (even if it is in your profile).<br />
<br />
This contest is open to ANYONE that Follows with GFC - Anywhere In the WORLD!<br />
*But, you <strong>MUST</strong> have either a U.S. or CANADIAN ADDRESS to <br />
accept the book for you. <em>Overseas shipping is not available for this contest</em>!<br />
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*This Contest ends 8/13/10*<br />
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<strong>Entries</strong><br />
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<strong>+</strong>5 If you Subscribe by Mail<br />
+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader</div><div style="text-align: center;">+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @name)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+25 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's only a *Click* to Follow and We're NOT that far away!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've got a NOOK here with someone's name on it and</div><div style="text-align: center;">it could be yours! All I need to start the giveaway</div><div style="text-align: center;">is 1,000 GFC Followers. I also have some</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amazing Prizes coming up that</div><div style="text-align: center;">you don't want to miss!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me</div><div style="text-align: center;">(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(All of these will be verified before they count towards your entries!!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">AS ALWAYS, GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!</div><br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-86551798792587593182010-07-23T06:04:00.000-04:002010-07-23T06:04:48.125-04:00The Space Between by Katie Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TElh6gCJW6I/AAAAAAAABJs/5appZSjCGhc/s1600/TheSpaceBetweenTrees.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TElh6gCJW6I/AAAAAAAABJs/5appZSjCGhc/s320/TheSpaceBetweenTrees.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,kids/products_id,8711/">The Space Between Trees</a><br />
Author: <a href="http://katiewilliamsbooks.com/">Katie Williams</a><br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,kids/products_id,8711/">Chronicle Books</a><br />
Published: June 23, 2010<br />
Pages: 280<br />
Price (Hardcover) : $17.99<br />
ISBN: (Hardcover) : 978-0-8118-7175-4<br />
Reading Level: Young Adult<br />
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<strong><em>Synopsis:</em></strong><br />
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Not your everyday coming-of-age novel… <br />
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This story was supposed to be about Evie—how she hasn't made a friend in years, how she tends to stretch the truth (especially about her so-called relationship with college drop-out Jonah Luks), and how she finally comes into her own once she learns to just be herself—but it isn't. Because when her classmate Elizabeth "Zabet" McCabe's murdered body is found in the woods, everything changes…and Evie's life is never the same again. <br />
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<em><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></em><br />
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First of all just let me admit that I loved this book when I saw the cover! Yes, it was Cover Love! I had HIGH Hopes for this book! Also, there's nothing better than a thriller that keeps me up all hours of the night. So, I put this book on a pedestal before I even opened it. Sometimes I do that and it's a bad thing, because I've built it up so much in my mind and then I read it and I say "That was good, but..." Not in this case!<br />
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"THE SPACE BETWEEN TREES" was a beautifully written story about a girl who has no friends and is just forced to grow up so faced. I was amazed at how daring Evie could be at times and how fragile at others. It's true that Evie didn't fit in, and I'll explain that a little bit below, but how many teenagers do. This book will be a helpful to so many teens that feel like they're left out or they don't have a boyfriend but want one. How about everyone else has done that. I remember Evie saying something like "I've done nothing" when being questioned over and over as to what she's done, and how dangerous she is. <br />
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No matter where Evie goes, she just doesn't seem to fit in. At school she sits with a bunch of girls she's nicknamed "The Whisperers" just because they didn't protest and she doesn't have any real friends. So, she makes up stories and lies to keep them entertained and at least talking to her. Sadly enough Evie does the same at home. Evie's parents have been divorced since she was a little girl and she only has two real memories of her father. What really bothers Evie is that her mother was this super-popular teenage girl with like a million friends and sees no reason that Evie shouldn't be doing the same things she did. She's always asking her about friends, so Evie lies to her mother as well and makes up stories about "The Whisperers" just to make her mother happy. The only friend Evie ever had was a girl named Elizabeth MaCabe but that was long before now, that was in grammar school and it was only because Elizabeth's mother used to watch Evie for a little while. Once that stopped and they got older, Zabet got with the wrong crowd, and began to hang out with a new best friend Hadley Smith. She was known as the tough girl in school. Zabet's Hello's went to mere eye contact down to nothing at all. <br />
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There is something Evie looks forward to, and that's every Sunday when she's delivering her papers. She gets to see Jonah. Jonah's a college boy that she has a serious crush on, of course this is a one way street. He sees her as his sometimes friend and they talk briefly. His job is to collect all the dead animals that are in the woods close to the homes in the upscale neighborhood where Evie also delivers her papers. One day it all changes when she sees Jonah come out of the woods and go into an old woman's house. Suddenly, the police are everywhere and Evie is too scared to move from the spot she's crouched in. Many things race through her head, she wonders what could've happened and suddenly inches away she's passed by a body bag. Evie watches as they load the body onto the truck and even as she hears Jonah call her name for the first time, all she can do at that point is run. Later she finds out from her mother that Zabet has been murdered.<br />
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I could go on and on about how she gets together with Mr. MaCabe, Zabet's father or how about how she finally finds a best friend and you won't believe who it is. All these things happen because of her lies that keep getting bigger and bigger. But, Evie is a lovable character and she can tell the truth and most of all, she knows who she is. Hadly is obsessed with finding Zabet's killer and so, together they make a list and do some private investigating of their own. Who killed Zabet? It's a long list of suspects and yes, it is tied up at the end.<br />
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Katie Williams did an AMAZING job with "THE SPACE BETWEEN TREES"! The depth of Evie's character alone and the storyline had me up two nights in a row until the wee hours of the morning. But it's not just Evie's character that will get you, it's just about all of them. Even the background characters had enough depth for me to connect with them and to HAVE to know what was going to happen next. I hope that there is more coming for Katie Williams, she's a brilliant storyteller! "THE SPACE BETWEEN TREES" is not to be missed!<br />
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<strong><em>About The Author:</em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://katiewilliamsbooks.com/page1/page1.html">Katie Williams</a> is a graduate of the MFA program at the University of Texas at Austin and has published numerous short stories for adults. She lives in San Francisco, where she currently teaches writing at the Academy of Art. This is her first young adult novel.<br />
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Read the First Chapter <a href="http://katiewilliamsbooks.com/page3/page3.html">Here</a>!<br />
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If you'd like a chance to <strong>WIN</strong> an <strong>AUTOGRAPHED</strong> copy of "<a href="http://if%20you'd%20like%20a%20chance%20to%20win%20an%20autographed%20copy%20of%20%22the%20space%20between%20trees%22%20then%20wait%20right%20here,%20as%20part%20of%20the%20official%20blog%20tour,%20today%20is%20my%20stop%20and%20katie%20williams%20has%20prepared%20a%20guest%20post%20just%20for%20park-avenue%20princess!%20at%20the%20end,%20i'll%20tell%20you%20how%20one%20of%20my%20very%20lucky%20royal%20readers%20will%20win%20a%20copy%20to%20treasure%20for%20their%20very%20own!/">THE SPACE BETWEEN TREES</a>" then wait right here, as part of the Official Blog Tour, today is my stop and Katie Williams has prepared a Guest Post just for Park-Avenue Princess! At the end, I'll tell you how ONE of my VERY Lucky Royal Readers Will Win a copy to treasure for their very own!<br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-16078144782973057432010-07-18T02:17:00.000-04:002010-07-18T02:17:58.220-04:00Finn Throws A Fit! by David Elliot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEKUEEqZ0SI/AAAAAAAABJM/wCtiG3Pr108/s1600/FinnThrowsAFitCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEKUEEqZ0SI/AAAAAAAABJM/wCtiG3Pr108/s320/FinnThrowsAFitCover.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763623563&pix=n">Finn Throws A Fit</a><br />
Author: <a href="http://www.davidelliottbooks.com/picturebooks_08.html">David Elliott</a><br />
Illustrator: <a href="http://www.timothybasileringart.com/books.htm">David Basil Ering</a><br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763623563&pix=n">Candlewick</a><br />
Published: August, 2009<br />
Pages: 40<br />
Price (Hardcover) : $16.99/20.00<br />
ISBN: (Hardcover) : 978-0-7636-2356-2<br />
Age Range: 2 yrs - 4 yrs<br />
Grade Range: Preschool <br />
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<strong><em>Synopsis:</em></strong><br />
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Finn likes peaches. Usually. But not today. Today Finn doesn’t like anything. Uh-oh. Is Finn going to thow a fit? Author David Elliott directs the event with wit, warmth, and appropriate wariness, while illustrator Timothy Basil Ering's energy and whmsy match this tantrum turn for turn. At once empathetic and uproariously funny, this picture book speaks directly to anyone (young or old) who has ever had -- or tried to contain -- a real earth-quaking, ground-shaking, full-on fit. <br />
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Who among us hasn't encountered that force of nature called "a fit"? A best-selling author and illustrator depict a toddler’s tantrum in all its horror and hilarity. <br />
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<strong><em>My Thoughts:</em></strong><br />
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I knew I wanted to review "Finn Throws A Fit" the moment I saw the cover! Yes, it was love at first sight for me and well, let's just say that I haven't stopped reading it since! Who hasn't been going about their business and then all of a sudden out of nowhere it seems like this precious child has gone from zero to sixty in a matter of seconds and over what? Everyone in the room and even if it's just you is looking around like ... "Excuse me? Where is my lovable, sweet child and..... [insert long pause] What did you do with him?"<br />
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That's adorable Finn! Oh, he usually likes peaches but, his mother gave him the mistake of <em>thinking</em> he might like some today. Finn doesn't like peaches today. Finn doesn't like ANYTHING today and EVERYONE is going...to...pay! You see Finn doesn't just throw any 'ol toddler fit, he throws THE FIT to END ALL FITS! He throws a full on tantrum and soon there is thunder in the nursery, lightening in the kitchen, and even a blizzard in the bathroom! Imagine what goes on in the rest of the house! <br />
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I have to say that Finn is one of the most adorably drawn characters I've seen in a long time! The illustrations are beautifully done throughout the book and the story is sure to make both parents and children alike laugh outloud. I have bought two of these books already as gifts. What can I say, Finn had my heart at page one. His little blue blankie and those yellow boots, peaches or not, I'll take him home any day! If you're looking for a fun book to read aloud with your favorite little one, look no further, you've found it in "Finn Throws A Fit!" <br />
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<em><strong>About The Author:</strong></em><br />
<br />
Some things you may not have known about <a href="http://www.davidelliottbooks.com/index.html">David Elliot</a> (as taken from his <a href="http://www.davidelliottbooks.com/about.html">bio page</a>).<br />
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1. I love corny jokes. (Did you hear about the little girl who ate bullets? Her hair grew out in bangs.) <br />
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2. I can yodel. <br />
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3. I would like to live in Paris. <br />
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4. I give my dog a big juicy kiss every morning. <br />
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5. Three of my favorite kids' books are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Kidnapped by Robert Lewis Stevenson and Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit. <br />
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6. Three of my favorite books for adults are My Antonia by Willa Cather, Bleak House by Charles Dickens and The Diary of Helena Morely translated from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Bishop. <br />
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7. When I was twelve I worked on a dairy farm, but for only one day because the farmer said I made the cows nervous. <br />
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8. I love pancakes. <br />
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9. I am almost always on a diet (see No. 8). <br />
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10. Frogs give me the creeps. <br />
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</div>KISSES and TOODLES!!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-39213119230648084222010-07-18T01:05:00.000-04:002010-07-18T01:05:42.714-04:00Saturday Spotlight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEKKhrzmy_I/AAAAAAAABI0/YQ_s1S2dDJA/s1600/SpotlightSaturday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TEKKhrzmy_I/AAAAAAAABI0/YQ_s1S2dDJA/s320/SpotlightSaturday.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Saturday Spotlight is a feature that I truly miss on Park Avenue Princess and would love to start up again! So, if you're a new blogger, a fairly new blogger or a seasoned blogger and would like to tell everybody a little bit about yourself, your blog, and why it's SO FABULOUS! Click the "Contact Me" button up top, <br />
and I'll be more than happy to send you over my interview letter. Then it's YOUR BLOG NAME in the SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT!<br />
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What I like best about Saturday Spotlight is how easy it is making new friends just by clicking a link! There are many amazing blogs out there, and I'd be honored to bring some new visitors your way. Once you email me, I'll let you know all the things that can be done with Saturday Spotlight such as Giveaways between the two blogs. For an example of a Past Saturday Spotlight - go <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/10/saturday-spotlight-and-how-you-could.html">HERE</a>. <br />
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If you'd like more information or if you'd like to be interviewed, let The Princess know by clicking the "Contact Me" button! Happy Weekend!<br />
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KISSES and TOODLESPark Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-24841104653514579962010-07-16T01:59:00.002-04:002010-07-16T02:16:32.838-04:00Pretty Little Liars Personalized<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TD_4DBh8BsI/AAAAAAAABIs/No8ulNcNoZI/s1600/PLLFourgirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TD_4DBh8BsI/AAAAAAAABIs/No8ulNcNoZI/s320/PLLFourgirls.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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So, remember a while back when I told you that I was chosen by ABC Family to be a Secret Keeper and Play the Pretty Little Liars Game? Well the character I was playing was "Spencer Hastings" who in the book series is my favorite! This had to be one of the best experiences of my life! I met a lot of nice bloggers and I had a great team. I was notified by mail that as a winner of the Secret Keepers Game, I got to ask the real Spencer, Troian Bellisario a question, and she would personally answer *MY* question! I was freaking out! So many questions went through my mind, and we were asked to put down more than one question - did I mention we had a day to do this? OK, so I'm nervous and excited all at the same time as I'm writing my questions to Troian wondering which one the staff will pick. Yesterday in my mailbox, I found my answer. A personalized video to me on YouTube.com with my question with an answer and a "Thank You" from Troian, herself! Are you ready to see? Me too!! (AGAIN)<br />
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<object height="258" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BFxAl8DZQfA&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BFxAl8DZQfA&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="258"></embed></object><br />
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I never get tired of watching that! <br />
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I loved the game and I love ABC Family for making me a part of this amazing opportunity! Most of all I can't stress how much I love both the Pretty Little Liars Books and the New Show which you can find on ABC Family every Tuesday night at 8pm EST!<br />
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I had a blast being Spencer Hastings for about a month and a half! We each got texts from "A" the same way they do on the show and each of us would be given a challenge. If we didn't do the challenge or do it to "A's" liking then an embarrassing personal secret would be revealed about us right in our group for everyoe to read. The more secrets you kept, the better off you were. I should let you in on some of the challenges we had to do...that is, if you're interested.<br />
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I do have a little question for you my loyal and royal readers. Which is YOUR Favorite character on Pretty Little Liars and if you could ask her any question, what would it be?<br />
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Thanks again to ABC Family!<br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-19149513583843730962010-07-13T09:24:00.002-04:002010-07-13T10:00:59.246-04:00AlphaOops! H is for Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDxn-bApxsI/AAAAAAAABHk/8BqyPCYX2Os/s1600/alphaoops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDxn-bApxsI/AAAAAAAABHk/8BqyPCYX2Os/s320/alphaoops.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763639664">AlphaOops! H is for Halloween</a><br />
Author: <a href="http://aletheakontis.com/">Althea Kontis</a><br />
Illustrator: Bob Kolar<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763639664">Candlewick</a><br />
Published: July 13, 2010<br />
Pages: 40<br />
Price (Hardcover) : $15.00/$18.00<br />
ISBN: (Hardcover) : 978-0-7636-3966-2<br />
Age Range: 4 yrs - 8 yrs<br />
Grade Range: Preschool - Grade 3<br />
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<em><strong>Synopsis:</strong></em><br />
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Ack! It’s time for the show, and A isn’t ready. But then again, Halloween can only start with one letter, no matter how the A-B-Cs normally go! The misbehaving alphabet is back, and there’s no telling who will take the stage next. Z for zombie? P for pirate? Will X think of something good in time? Neon-bright, comically detailed illustrations show a cacophony of costumed letters, each with a mind and personality all its own. Along the bottom, tiny pumpkins arrange the players in proper order, making this alphabet story letter-perfect for Halloween. <br />
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H gets top billing -- but a stubborn B has something scary to say -- as the inside-out alphabet gives a howl-arious Halloween performance. <br />
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<em><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></em><br />
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<a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763639664">AlphaOops! H is for Halloween</a> is an adorable book of a mixed-up alphabet filled with letters that each have a personality and a mind of their own! The alphabet is going to put on a Halloween play so get your ticket and take your seats! When A gets called out first he knows his place. Besides, he's not ready getting dressed and, you can't start a Halloween play without "H"going first! So, each of these adorably drawn letters take their places dressed in costumes to match their letter. Everyone that is except for B! Every time B goes to take his turn, it seems that someone has taken his costume! For example, when the letter P proudly yells out "PIRATE", poor B sadly says "He took my costume". But, no one knew that he wanted to be a BUCKANEER! B keeps trying and each letter is taking his or her turn. It starts to look pretty grim and maybe even that B won't have a costume for the play after all. But how can they not include B? Even X found a costume and E had an Encore! Oh what's poor B to do? Find out what the letter B comes out with and how each and every letter completes the Halloween play their own way! This is a book you won't want to miss for the upcoming season! <br />
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What a fantastic book to share with your little ones for the upcoming fall season! The bright colors will keep the little ones interested and see how many costumes you can guess for each letter with your child that's a little older! Each and every page has so much going and the letters of "<a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763639664">AlphaOops! H is for Halloween</a>" will have your children in stitches! This is a Five Tiara Book all the way! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Rating -<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDxojuz-CHI/AAAAAAAABHs/CGGtLM501D4/s1600/tiara5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDxojuz-CHI/AAAAAAAABHs/CGGtLM501D4/s320/tiara5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<em><strong>About the Author:</strong></em>Alethea Kontis is the author of ALPHAOOPS: THE DAY Z WENT FIRST, her first children’s book. She lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. <br />
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Bob Kolar is the illustrator of the first AlphaOops book and the author-illustrator of BIG KICKS. He lives in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-4837580279723581862010-07-13T08:38:00.001-04:002010-07-13T10:09:27.963-04:00The Shadow by Donna Diamond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDxd1hNB59I/AAAAAAAABHU/uAKmb0Siw0Y/s1600/theshadow.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDxd1hNB59I/AAAAAAAABHU/uAKmb0Siw0Y/s320/theshadow.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763648787">The Shadow</a><br />
Author: <a href="http://theartofdonnadiamond.com/index.asp">Donna Diamond</a><br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763648787">Candlewick</a><br />
Published: July 13, 2010<br />
Pages: 32<br />
Price (Hardcover) : $15.99/$19.00<br />
Type/Format: Picture Book<br />
ISBN: (Hardcover) : 978-0-7636-4878-7<br />
Age Range: 5 yrs - 8 yrs<br />
Grade Range: Kindergarten - Grade 3<br />
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<strong><em>Synopsis:</em></strong><br />
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It’s an ordinary afternoon. A child comes home, heads upstairs, and sprawls on the floor to do some drawing under the watchful eyes of a pair of favorite dolls. But there’s another character in this wordless story: the shadow, unnoticed at first, then slowly creeping into her field of view. It’s a terrifying sight. Will the girl cower, or will she take on this shadow and tell it who’s boss? And where will the shadow go from there? With mesmerizing intensity, this dreamlike story tells an unflinching tale about recognizing and staring down one’s fears -- if only for a time. <br />
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A young girl confronts her fears in an eerie, wordless picture book featuring stunning, hyper-realistic illustrations. <br />
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<em><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></em><br />
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This book I have such torn feelings about because it's a picture book with absolutely no words. Now, with that said, these I normally love. Why? Because it's free for the child's mind to make up the story they want. The child can tell the story they see in their mind as they go along with pictures alone and I love letting them do that. I volunteer my time now and each child usually has at least one part of the story that's unique. I'll tell you why I'm torn. Donna Diamond does AMAZING (all in caps for a reason) illustrations and <a href="http://theartofdonnadiamond.com/work.asp">The Shadow</a> is gorgeous. The pictures are really striking. But, for the age range, I think that for some children, it may be a little too scary. Here's why, and I know I may get some argument because I know what the purpose of the book is.<br />
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The child in the story comes home from school one day where she is drawing and playing while her dolls watch. At first the little girl doesn't even notice the shadow, but when she does, she's very afraid and she tries to hide. I know now would be the time to explain to children that it's just your shadow and it's brought on at different times of the day by sunlight or by light in general. That it could make you look tall or short, etc. But the shadow in this book is really scary and it doesn't look like the little girl at all! It has a face with cut out eyes and a mouth at times and also very boney hands that almost look like it is trying to grab the child. After a little while the girl realizes that it's her shadow and she stands up to her fear. I won't give away how she fixes it, but she's pretty proud of herself. This part of the book was wonderful and the entire book is amazingly illustrated. But, at the end of the book nightfall is upon us and we see the little one in bed. She's sleeping and all looks well in her room until we get to the last page. On the very last page and here is a <strong>SPOILER</strong> <strong>ALERT</strong> - we see a pair a very scary yellow <a href="http://theartofdonnadiamond.com/portshow.asp?portfolioid={1A9586A3-55B1-4382-8F73-18DB43C480DE}">sinister eyes</a> hiding under her bed while she sleeps! I just thought it was a little much and it would definitely scare most children into thinking there was something under their bed. As an older child, probably not and an adult, no. But the age range for this book and it being a picture book, yes. So, for "<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8032965-the-shadow">The Shadow</a>" I have to give it 3 tiaras for the story and 5 stars for the illustrations. I usually don't separate, but this book is beautiful and I really have to!<br />
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If you'd like to judge for yourself, You can pick up a copy on <strong>release day</strong>, which just so happens to be <strong>today</strong>! <br />
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<em><strong>About The Author:</strong></em><br />
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<a href="http://theartofdonnadiamond.com/profile.asp">Donna Diamond</a> has illustrated numerous children’s books and book jackets, including Katherine Paterson’s BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA. She lives in Riverdale, New York.<strong><em> Author's Bio (taken from <a href="http://theartofdonnadiamond.com/profile.asp">Author's site</a>) -</em></strong> <a href="http://theartofdonnadiamond.com/profile.asp">Donna Diamond</a> was born and raised in New York City. She attended Boston University School of Fine and Applied Art and received a BFA in sculpture. Encouraged by Robert Blackburn, she pursued printmaking at the Printmaking Workshop and exhibited at the AIR Gallery. Ms. Diamond also creates art for books, where her work has met with critical success.<br />
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Her recent work explores the boundaries of painting and collage and incorporates the use of modern technology. Fascinated by the power of narrative, she recently completed a suite of seventeen paintings that work sequentially to express a psychological drama. These paintings will be published as a book called The Shadow in 2010. She is currently working at the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop creating portfolios of prints.<br />
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In 2008 <a href="http://theartofdonnadiamond.com/profile.asp">Ms. Diamond</a> received the BRIO Award from The Bronx Council on the Arts. Galleries and museums she has exhibited at include The Longwood Art Gallery, The Pen and Brush, The Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, The Francesca Anderson Gallery, The Justin Schiller Gallery, The Brockton Museum, and The Society of Illustrators. <br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!!<strong><br />
</strong>Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-9385181681710709812010-07-13T07:53:00.000-04:002010-07-13T07:53:11.182-04:00Speckle The Spider by Emma Dodson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763647780&pix=n">Speckle The Spider</a> <br />
Author: Emma Dodson<br />
Publisher: <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763647780&pix=n">Candlewick</a><br />
Published: July 13, 2010<br />
Pages: 32<br />
Price (Hardcover) : $14.99/$18.00<br />
ISBN: (Hardcover) : 978-0-7636-4778-0<br />
Age Range: 3 yrs - 7 yrs<br />
Grade Range: Preschool - Grade 1<br />
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<em><strong>Synopsis:</strong></em><br />
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Speckle is sure he’s a special kind of spider -- so special and talented that he should be better appreciated than he is at home in the Bahamas. So off he sets on an adventure in search of fame and recognition, and after some run-ins with giants of various species, finally finds himself on public display. The ambitious Speckle is certainly getting lots of attention, but it’s not quite what he had in mind! With fun, energetic illustrations and plenty of interactive features -- including "fan mail," memorabilia, and a mini book of spider facts -- this engaging tale of "be careful what you wish for" is certain to charm even the arachnophobes among us. <br />
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Join Speckle the spider as he tap-dances his way to fame -- with maps, flaps, and other novelty surprises throughout. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Rating!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDxPbMW3h6I/AAAAAAAABG8/7aNPauxq1wo/s1600/tiara5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDxPbMW3h6I/AAAAAAAABG8/7aNPauxq1wo/s320/tiara5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong>My Thoughts:</strong></em><br />
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Even as an arachnophobe, Speckle stole my heart from page one! This book is filled with big, bight beautiful drawings to keep even the youngest readers that are just starting out interested. Not only that, your little ones will be turning the pages to find out how Speckle did on his report card, read his travel papers and even read some special mail from his fans! Each one comes out of an envelope or other little holder within the book for your child to find. <br />
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Speckle is adorable, lovable and hard to resist. As a matter of fact, speckle is SURE he's SPECIAL and he's definitely knows how to dance! What Speckle wants more than anything is to be in the limelight and to PROVE it to everyone he has what it takes to be a star! So, Speckle leaves his cozy home in the Bahamas behind and heads for "somewhere" else on a boat. But to this little spider's surprise, being special isn't all it's cracked up to be. Soon he's given a home at the zoo where everyone can see him dance all day long! But he's not alone in his home, here he lives with Suzy, who can't dance well but "can turn a pretty good cartwheel". All Speckle knows is he has to end this dream turned nightmare and he must take beautiful Suzy with him. After all, they're both rare spiders and he can't just leave her behind.<br />
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Speckle longs to be back in the Bahamas and soon both he and Suzy are on the lamb... Will they make it back? Is the grass always greener? Is this why they say you should never look for happiness further than your own back yard or to Be careful what you wish for? To answer these questions and more, you may purchase a copy of "<a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763647780&pix=n">Speckle The Spider</a>" today, which just so happens to be it's release day, go out and pick up a copy! You and your little ones will not be disappointed! I can't recommend <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763647780&pix=n">SPECKLE THE SPIDER</a> enough! You'll love it from it's cute fuzzy cover to all the flaps and envelopes inside all the way until the great big surprise at the end! This is a fun book to read aloud together and to help little hands take out the surprises and read what they say. Let them know that EVERYONE is special and deserves to be loved. Best of all, they don't have to go far to get it. Tell your little ones just how special they are to you (and they won't even have to hide in a box of bananas) and hit the mainland for love!<br />
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<em><strong>About the Author:</strong></em><br />
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<a href="http://www.walker.co.uk/contributors/Emma-Dodson-7693.aspx">Emma</a> loves to be busy. She has been working as a freelance writer/illustrator for 10 years. She has written and illustrated childrens' picture books, produced images for magazines, greetings cards and giftwrap. For 14 years she has also worked for film and TV, producing props and art work. Emma also teaches on illustration BA at University of Westminster.<br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-74101092317981253622010-07-12T23:50:00.000-04:002010-07-12T23:50:27.441-04:00Huge Giveaway, Reviews & Ramblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDviHFLv9bI/AAAAAAAABGs/YLWXup90GMo/s1600/froggiebig.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TDviHFLv9bI/AAAAAAAABGs/YLWXup90GMo/s320/froggiebig.bmp" /></a></div><br />
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This is A Royal Rambling by Order of the Princess:<br />
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I just wanted to make a post as a little explaination, reminder and to let you know about some of the wonderful things planned for Park-Avenue Princess! As most of you know, I was "away" for a little while due to an ongoing personal illness and I am trying to get Park-Avenue Princess right back to where it was so winners are being notified by email and starting with the <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/5000-lizzy-bleu-giveaway.html">LIZZY BLEU GIVEAWAY</a>, which is right below this post, I will start posting winners on the blog again. I just need to catch up! <br />
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Speaking of the <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2010/07/5000-lizzy-bleu-giveaway.html">LIZZY BLEU GIVEAWAY</a>, you still have plenty of time to enter! It's open to everyone, no matter where you live (no P.O. Boxes) as long as you are a friend on Google Friend Connect by following this blog. This is important because Park-Avenue Princess wants her friends back and her traffic and is going to reward all of her friends by having a HUGE GIVEAWAY.<br />
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What is this HUGE GIVEAWAY you ask? How about a <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp">Brand New B&N Nook</a>? Would that make you happy? There will be several ways for you to win. All I'm going to need you to do is spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess and <strong>I'd like to see at least 1000 followers</strong> and we're almost there. But, again, there will be many ways to enter. So, you do have that to look forward to VERY soon!<br />
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The next GIVEAWAY I have for you will be from <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a>! There will be Two winners for this Giveaway and you can design your own pair of <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">Flip Flops</a> and when I say they are not only ADORABLE they are MADE with love and quality as well! Starting NOW and ENDING August 31st you can use the code PRINCESS at the checkout and receive 15% off your order at the <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a> site! I will have my review and the giveaway up VERY VERY SOON! If you sign up for updates, you won't miss it! I LOVE my pair and am going to buy myself another pair. Who doesn't love their flops in the summer? These do not pinch between the toes and their IS a style for everyone! You'll see what I mean! I'd start browsing <a href="http://www.jflops.com/">J*Flops</a> now so you get an idea for what you want as a treat for your feet!<br />
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As for my Royal Reviews, this Princess is So behind. She's read more books than she can count, but all of her reviews are on index cards and this week I would like to get up some wonderful books that are coming out tomorrow from <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/images/catalog_pdf/Candlewick_Spring10.pdf">CANDLEWICK PRESS</a>! Their Spring/Summer line up is absolutely amazing! <br />
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I have so many plans in the works for Park-Avenue Princess and I'm hoping to get the changes done quickly but I can't find someone that knows exactly what I'd like. I hope you'll stay with me and PLEASE visit often. Leave comments, I love that! Plus, here's a hint - Once I put up the Nook Giveaway, it's going to be a way to earn yourself some pretty easy points! A daily visit and a comment or two! I try to visit sites daily as well and if you'd like me to stop by yours well then just leave it in the comments!<br />
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Another thing I'd like to bring back is my <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/10/saturday-spotlight-and-how-you-could.html">SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT</a>! That means if you are another Blogger and would like to be featured here, please hit my contact button and let me know! If you've already gotten my letter for <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/10/saturday-spotlight-and-how-you-could.html">SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT</a> but, I never got to you, contact me and we'll work something out! <br />
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Last order of business for now...if you've won something from me, but have not received it, Please follow THESE INSTRUCTIONS - Hit the "CONTACT BUTTON" up top and fill it out with your email address along with your name and prize and I will get back to you!<br />
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Thank You for making Park-Avenue Princess the site that it's become! I've got so much more in store and I hope you'll stay here with me and grow! <br />
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Kisses and Toodles!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-4447393352369497182010-07-02T02:07:00.004-04:002010-07-23T21:14:58.286-04:00$50.00 Lizzy Bleu Giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TC2Byefsl-I/AAAAAAAABGU/esIN_hj3EFs/s1600/lizzybutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TC2Byefsl-I/AAAAAAAABGU/esIN_hj3EFs/s200/lizzybutton.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><br />
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</div>I couldn't come back with my summer giveaways without starting with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">Lizzy Bleu</a>! She's back this month offering ANOTHER wonderful $50.00 Gift Card to her Jewelry Shop! THANK YOU <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">LIZZY BLEU</a>! <br />
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If you're new to Park-Avenue Princess, you might not know that Lizzy makes GORGEOUS, Well-Crafted, Vintage, OOAK Jewelry that you are sure to LOVE! I have many of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">Lizzy's Pieces</a> and you'll want more and MORE once you get one of these in your hands! She is going to continue to carry her "Book Worm" Bracelets and her Bookmarks as well! I'm going to show you some pieces this month that you may not have seen!<br />
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If you're not familiar with Lizzy or her Jewelry, you can check out her shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">HERE</a>! But, I must warn you, once you click that link, there's no turning back! Everyone finds at least ONE item that they just have to get! I know I've found at least...oh, forty or so. No lie! Again, that's just me... And while I won't go into my shopping addiction, I WILL go into this month's giveaway and what YOU Could win!<br />
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This month, just like the past, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">Lizzy Bleu</a> has offered to give <strong><em>ONE</em></strong> of my *VERY* LUCKY readers a Gift Certificate for <strong><em>$50.00</em></strong> towards <strong>anything</strong> in her shop! That's right, $50.00 worth of Lizzy goodness! I LOVE IT! YOU LOVE IT! So, its a Win-Win situation!<br />
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Let me show you a few of my favorites that she currently has for sale in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">shop</a>!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pooh has always been a favorite of mine and this one looks classic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Lizzy does AMAZING things with rulers! I LOVE this bracelet! It may not be there when you go to check out your favorite pieces. "Someone" may have already purchased it. <br />
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SHOPPING ADDICTION RING....I thought of two words when I saw it -- CHARGE IT! <br />
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Lizzy has book marks and Bookworm Bracelets as well that are always my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">favorites</a>! For those of you that have never seen one. Here you go! <br />
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I wanted to mention that because Lizzy is such a wonderful person, she has agreed to make this (once again), a monthly giveaway! Thank You Lizzy! <br />
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Now for the fun part! You seen SOME of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">Lizzy Bleu's Products</a> and you know there is $50.00 up for grabs for One winner what you don't know is HOW you win, Right? Here's How! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info"><strong>LIZZY BLEU</strong></a><strong> $50.00 GIVEAWAY!!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Rules</em> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your jewelry is going to be sent out by Lizzy herself</div><div style="text-align: center;">The contest is open to ANYONE that has an address!</div><div style="text-align: center;">That means ANYWHERE! But, you MUST <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-requirment.html">Follow</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Park-Avenue Princess through GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Most important you must follow through Google Friend Connect!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't know how? <a href="http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-requirment.html">Go here</a> to get instructions!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I want you to head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizzybleu?ref=seller_info">Lizzy Bleu's Shop</a> and tell me something that you'd LOVE to have or what you'd buy if you won! You MUST do this step to QUALIFY! If you choose tell me at least thee things you get +25 extra points but you MUST tell me at least one and NOT something pictured.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also to qualify, I ask that you please leave your name/nickname</div><div style="text-align: center;">in each post you leave. Something that separates you from everyone else</div><div style="text-align: center;">so that it will be clear if you are chosen as the winner. You must also leave</div><div style="text-align: center;">me with your emailing address so that you can be contacted (even if it is in your profile).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This contest is open to ANYONE that Follows with GFC - Anywhere In the WORLD!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">*This Contest ends 7/23/10*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Entries</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are Changes so Make Sure You Read!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">+5 If you Subscribe by Mail</div><div style="text-align: center;">+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader</div><div style="text-align: center;">+5 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+15 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+20 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @name)</div><div style="text-align: center;">+20 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(All will be checked BEFORE they count!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am having a <strong>HUGE NOOK</strong> contest coming up -- <br />
I would like to reach 1,000 Followers!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess! <br />
It's just a *Click* to Follow and </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>we're not that far away</em></strong>!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And Because I'd like to get to my 1,000th Follower Quickly</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll now be offering...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me</div><div style="text-align: center;">(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They must remain followers at least until the specific contest you </div><div style="text-align: center;">signed up for is finished!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Although, I'd like you to stay signed up forever!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have some really AMAZING prizes coming up!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So...SPREAD the Word! It's ONLY A Click & a Follow!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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KISSES & TOODLES!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-90068139876208362052010-06-23T02:56:00.001-04:002010-06-23T03:38:53.328-04:00Amy & Roger's Epic Detour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TCGvTskOr6I/AAAAAAAABFk/HxllMpNgqxQ/s1600/Amy%26Roger%27sCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TCGvTskOr6I/AAAAAAAABFk/HxllMpNgqxQ/s320/Amy%26Roger%27sCover.jpg" /></a></div>Amy & Roger's Epic Detour<br />
By: Morgan Matson<br />
Publisher: Simon and Schuster <br />
Date: May 4, 2010<br />
Pages: 352 <br />
Ages: 12 and Up<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Synopsis -</strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew—just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road—diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards—this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<strong>My Thoughts -</strong><br />
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When a tragic car accident takes Amy's father and her mom decide's to start a new life on the East Coast instead of the West just in time for senior year Amy doesn't think life can get much worse. Then she finds out she'll be spending four days driving across country in a car with Roger, a friend of Amy's mother's son. Amy isn't happy about doing this to say the least. Until the car pulls up and she actually starts to think -- What if he's cute -- and he is! It wasn't long before Amy's mother's carefully planned trip complete itinerary and hotel reservations were soon all thrown away. There were no rules, new boundaries were crossed, because that's what you do when you're teenagers. alone, and suddenly find yourself with a little crush situation that you don't know what to do with, but you're having the time of you're life!<br />
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Roger has the away of making Amy do things that she probably wouldn't do on her own. He takes her out of her shell so to speak and she shows off her unique side. They have the best time together and there is a little bit of everything mixed in this ride. My best advice? Buckle up and enjoy the ride because believe me, it doesn't last long enough! I wished that their trip lasted much longer than four days!<br />
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This story is sweet, endearing and one that I will never forget! I cried with Amy, and I laughed as well. I couldn't help but feel for her so many times as she felt the blame for the loss of her father. Every teenage girl dreams of a guy like Roger, and Amy was lucky enough to find him. You'll find romance, heartbreak and maybe a whole bunch of small pieces that take you back to your teens as well.<br />
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The best part of a road trip is always souvenirs and I think that's especially true for someone like Amy that's never really traveled without her parents or even beyond her state. This book is full of receipts, real pictures, drawings, play lists, notes about each state, things they've done and little scrapbook pages which made me feel like the journey was actually happening and I was a part of it. <br />
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Debut novels are amazing because finding a new author to love is a great treasure! You better believe that I will be looking for more books by Morgan Matson! This book is not just a light, easy read. It's deep with meaning and it's filled with feeling that touched my heart. I really sat back and let the wind blow through my hair as I savored this book from cover to cover. My only complaint, the ride wasn't long enough. <br />
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Five Tiaras ALL THE WAY! <br />
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Read the First Chapter <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Amy-Roger's-Epic-Detour/Morgan-Matson/9781416990659/excerpt_with_id/16236">HERE</a>!<br />
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<strong>About the Author -</strong><br />
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Morgan Matson received her MFA in Writing for Children from the New School. A road-trip veteran, she has driven cross-country three times...so far. She currently lives in Venice, California. Follow Morgan on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/morgan_m">@morgan_m</a>.<br />
Learn more about <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Amy-Roger%27s-Epic-Detour/Morgan-Matson/9781416990659">Amy & Roger's Epic Detour</a>!<br />
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This is one you don't want to miss! Go out and pick this one up today!<br />
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KISSES & TOODLES!!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-67698099755457551302010-06-08T01:58:00.003-04:002010-06-09T19:27:02.956-04:00Pretty Little Liars - Secret Keepers Game!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TA3UJvhe4uI/AAAAAAAABEk/Jx0uQEac9R0/s1600/PLLpremiere2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TA3UJvhe4uI/AAAAAAAABEk/Jx0uQEac9R0/s320/PLLpremiere2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>This was a Huge Honor for me and I can't tell you just how hard it's been to keep this a secret for me! Although, by now, I'm sure you all know about The Secret Keepers Game that's going on, which is being sponsored by ABC Family! I wanted to post this as close to the premiere date as I could and well, I couldn't get any closer! Tonight, at 8/7c the very highly-anticipated PRETTY LITTLE LIARS television show will be on! This show is based on the amazingly popular novels of the same name by author Sara Shepard! I know I will be glued infront of infront of my television because I've been waiting for this for SO LONG!<br />
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OK... So, back to ABC Family and ME getting the most amazing letter in my inbox on May 18th! The letter basically said that I was chosen to be one of the "SECRET KEEPERS" by ABC Family and that if I accepted, I would be able to take part in a three week game PRETTY LITTLE LIAR - style from a mobile phone and a Facebook Page! It also said that we would be getting a package to keep and a sneak peek into the world of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS! We had to respond to a separate website by the 19th, be able to play for the three weeks and give a valid address where we could receive a package. The rest we would find out when it arrived. Well, I was just too excited for words! I have LOVED ABC Family since I was a little girl and The PRETTY LITTLE LIAR Novels are one of this girls favorite series! ABC Family encourages the players to speak from their own experience during the game and in NO WAY wants us to SAY that we like the show or ABC just because we are taking part in this game. <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">What do *I* have to say so far? That ABC certainly does know their ABC's of marketing and I am LOVING this game! I am playing Spencer Hastings. I had no idea until the box arrived and because of my situation, I didn't get to open it right away! I'll let you know a little bit more about Spencer in a moment! I got the basic idea on how to show off the Spencer character (not exact, but close enough to give her credit) from Kristi at <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/">The Story Siren</a>. She did a wonderful Job. I have pictures of MY Box and what was in it, but, I am not going to show my secret item yet! But, I will tell you that ABC Family in the letter told us we would receive a "Smart Phone" to keep which would be deactivated after the game and if we wanted, we could reactivate it in our own name. Below is the character I'm playing and a little bio about what I'm like! Meet Spencer Hastings!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TA3UFAu8eTI/AAAAAAAABEU/o1PagUjM2bA/s1600/PLLSpencer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TA3UFAu8eTI/AAAAAAAABEU/o1PagUjM2bA/s320/PLLSpencer.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Picture and Bio Taken from Official ABC Pretty Little Liars Site)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">A classic overachiever, Spencer Hastings balances school, a high-powered internship, charity work, the field hockey team and maintaining uber-popularity status -- all without breaking a sweat. This is the girl who could stand up to Alison when no one else would. But when she and her friends begin receiving mysterious messages from "A," even the calm, cool and collected Spencer starts to show a little strain. And when she develops a forbidden crush on her sister's fiancé you have to wonder if Spencer can keep it together. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Inside my box, there was a gorgeous Pretty Black Collector's Box that said "PRETTY LITTLE LIARS" Wrapped in plastic! Once I saw it, I didn't want to even open it, it was *THAT* pretty! Then I opened the box and there was a piece of plastic that said "SOME SECRETS YOU HAVE TO DIG FOR" - A and if you've read the novels and you get something from "-A" you always know to be VERY AFRAID! So when I lifted the plastic there was potting soil! Yes, an entire box of dirt in my gorgeous box! I did just what it said and I started digging! I found my secret object (which each of us got), and then I found a plastic bag that was sealed and it had a card that said PRETTY LITTLE LIARS blocking what was in it. So, I put that aside and then I found one more plastic bag and it had a charger, and headphones and a manual. On the lid of the box is the cast who is playing Hanna, Spencer, Aria, and Emily and it's such a beautiful picture! It's the one I posted below!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once I cleaned up and opend the package with the card, that's when I found out that I was playing Spencer, I had my password and website to go to! Thanks SO much to Alea of <a href="http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/">Pop Culture Junkie</a> for helping me! She's on MY team as Hanna and has been nothing but the biggest help ever! It also said to go ahead and look through the phone. When I ever looked down and saw that I had a new iPhone to play with I couldn't believe it! Was it worth sifting through the dirt? You betcha'!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">This game has been SO much fun and I want to personally thank ABC Family for having me remain a part of their family! Their marketing skills have definitely gotten MY attention and I hope they've gotten yours! There are four teams playing with four girls on each team! We are given missions to do each day some easy and some very hard! If you do it wrong "-A" reveals a secret about YOU to the whole team! You have to try to get the most challenges correct without making any mistakes. Each day she sends us our missions through a text on the phone! We post on our FaceBook and also on our private FaceBook pages! You may follow me by requesting me over to the left on my FB button! This game runs until June 18th, which is three days after my birthday! Happy Birthday to me...I feel a contest in the air!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Believe me, there are missions where I may need you to go over to the boards and post about me so that I don't get any secrets revealed and I hope that I can count on my friends to help me! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dont forget to watch PRETTY LITTLE LIARS tonight! In the mean time you can visit them on their <a href="http://www.abcfamily.com/prettylittleliars">Official Website</a> which houses the boards that I was talking about! But I will post a separate link for that! Speaking of links -- Here's the<a href="http://community.abcfamily.go.com/watch/pretty-little-liars/pretty-little-liars-first-look"> link</a> for the sneak peak of tonight's episode! Happy Watching!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have fun tonight!! I know I will! <br />
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Oh, I know I have some prizes coming up! This does *not have to do with ABC Family or PRETTY LITTLE LIARS! But, since I've almost reached 1,000 followers, I just wanted to say I've got some great things coming up! Including a Nook! So Stay tuned!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!!</div>Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-884328725439248352010-06-03T03:04:00.003-04:002010-06-03T03:59:41.377-04:00Pretty Little Liars Novels - To Soon Be A Television Show!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TAdgfji0TeI/AAAAAAAABD0/DWJRn5o8WSE/s1600/PrettyLittleLiars_KeyArt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/TAdgfji0TeI/AAAAAAAABD0/DWJRn5o8WSE/s320/PrettyLittleLiars_KeyArt.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I know that I've got a lot of chatching up to do and I've got some really BIG things in store for all of you! But, recently, in my email box and my regualar mailbox, I've gotten some pretty amazing news. I'm sure that most of you already know that Sara Shepard's PRETTY LITTLE LIARS novels are going to be made into a televsion show which will premiere on Tuesday, June 8th on ABC Family! I for one have stayed up into the wee hours reading the Pretty Little Liar series. It's so addictive and one of my very favorite guilty pleasures!<br />
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I'm already counting down the days until Tuesday just to see what happens. Oh... and as for what I got in my email box, I'll be more than happy to share them with all of you. Just because your my friends. And remember, I mean... <em><strong>"Never trust a pretty girl with an ugly secret -A"</strong></em><br />
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As for what I got in my mailbox, it's good and there will be more on that later. But, I wanted to get this out to you as quickly as I could. After you watch the below, if you want to know all about everything PRETTY LITTLE LIARS (and who wouldn't)? You can visit their <a href="http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/pretty-little-liars">Official Site</a>. They also have a <a href="https://twitter.com/ABCFpll">Twitter Page</a> so tweet it up and please don't forget to definitely like them on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prettylittleliars">Facebook</a>! That should keep you up to date and in the loop for all things Pretty Little Liars! Are you ready to see what I got and <em>FINALLY</em> figured out how to share with you?<br />
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Here you go -- If this doesn't get you totally excited, I don't know what will! Ohhh maybe my next post about this...<br />
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I am too excited! I read the novels and now, I can't see how it all unfolds on TV! How many of you have read Pretty Little Liars? Or even if you haven't read them think you might now to compare them to the show? Do you think you might skip the novels all together and just watch? (No! Don't do that! I'm telling you! They're SO Good!) <br />
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As for what I've been sent in the actual mail, I need to take some photos and explain it all to you. I'd also like to take a moment to thank you all for all of your help and best wishes, I'm still not fully done, but getting better by the day. Thank you all! Wait until you see how excited I am to open my mail and I put it off because the show is still almost a week away! <br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245774171792354989.post-68728536982164355652010-04-21T01:14:00.001-04:002010-04-21T01:16:03.896-04:00Meg Cabot's Twitter Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/S86JmceTSJI/AAAAAAAABDs/0fBCrGYn2gU/s1600/MegCabot_TwitterParty_Invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rQqADGS-N74/S86JmceTSJI/AAAAAAAABDs/0fBCrGYn2gU/s400/MegCabot_TwitterParty_Invite.jpg" width="218" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
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A little birdie came to me with some *VERY EXCITING* news! Are you ready to join "RUNWAY" Author <a href="http://twitter.com/MegCabot">MEG CABOT</a> and Thea and Ana of <a href="http://twitter.com/booksmugglers">The Book Smugglers</a> for a Twitter party Thursday, April 22, between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. EST? I know I am! All the information you'll need is below and WAIT till you see what's happening at this Twitter Party! Amazing!<br />
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<ul><li>Be sure to follow Meg <a href="http://twitter.com/MegCabot">@MegCabot</a>, Point at <a href="http://twitter.com/ThisIsPoint">@ThisIsPoint</a>, and Thea and Ana <a href="http://twitter.com/booksmugglers">@BookSmugglers</a> before the party!</li>
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<ul><li>Join the fun! No one expects you or your tweets to be perfect; we’re just happy you made it to the party! </li>
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<ul><li>Anyone who tweets during the party using <strong>#MegCabot</strong> is entered to win a <strong>limited edition Runaway t-shirt</strong> – featuring the winning design voted for by fans! </li>
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<ul><li>Watch for questions from @BookSmugglers and win awesome prizes including an<strong> iPad, $50 Sephora gift cards or $25 VISA gift cards!</strong> </li>
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To join the party, you can use <a href="http://tinyurl.com/y5v7uot">our official party tweetgrid </a>or just search <strong>#MegCabot</strong> on Twitter. </li>
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<ul><li>Ask Meg questions or chat with other partygoers—just use the tag <strong>#MegCabot</strong> in all of your party tweets! (This is added automatically in TweetGrid.)</li>
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<ul><li>Please don’t post any spoilers and don’t forget to pay attention to the time zones, the party starts at 8:30pm <strong>EST</strong>. </li>
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Well there you have everything you need to attend the party! I hope to see you all there! Best of Luck and Have Fun! <br />
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KISSES and TOODLES!Park Avenue Princesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285555826662528619noreply@blogger.com1