Saturday Spotlight!

Well, here it is! My FIRST Saturday Spotlight 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!  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!

I hope you enjoy this week's Spotlight Blog and Blogger! You certainly won't find this sweet little flower hanging around the garden...

What's Your Name? My name is top-secret classified information, but you can call me Orchid.

Alias? Orchid Forsythia

Your Blog Name? The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia

Why did You Choose that Specific Name? 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.

Where can we find you on the net? (A.K.A. Your Blog URL) - http://hauntedorchid.blogspot.com/

*Go Ahead and Look I'll Wait ...*

Can you give us a quick bio about yourself?   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.

Why did you start your blog? 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.

What is your favorite genre and/or genres? My favorite genres are YA, fantasy, mystery sci-fi, horror, and supernatural. I also have a soft spot for mangas.

Who is your favorite author? My all-time favorite author would have to be Agatha Christie, she
completely rocks. Her mysteries are some of the best I have ever read

What's your favorite book of all time? I guess I would have to say that "Death on the Nile" by Agatha Christie is my favorite book, but there’re a ton of books that are tied for second.

Has there ever been a book you've "faked" reading? No. If I didn’t like it enough to finish, I’m going to be truthful and say that I didn’t finish it.

What are you currently reading? Will there be a review/reviews in the works? I am currently reading Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Yes, there will be a review sometime in the future for it. I am also currently
working on a review for Seeker by William Nicholson; hopefully I’ll have it up by the end of the week.

Please Name & Describe Your Blog Features:  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.

Describe your review system: 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.

How is your blog unique from other blogs? 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.

How do you market your blog Orchid? By commenting on other blogs, and participating in challenges and guesting at other blogs.

Can you give us 3 tips about content? Tip number one: 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. Tip number two: to keep in mind that authors are real people to, so try to keep the snarkiness to a minimum. Tip number three: Make sure you have the correct info about a book (i.e. author’s name, title, pub date…).

How about tips on Blog promotion? 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.
Thank Youfor having me at Park-Avenue Princess. It has been a blast!

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 J*Flops Giveaway and The Space Between Trees (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 Brand New Nook Giveaway, we're very close to the 1,000 Followers Celebration! 

Again, if  YOU Would Like to be a Part of The SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT 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!


KISSES and TOODLES!






Thanks,

Orchid

http://hauntedorchid.blogspot.com

J*Flops Review & Giveaway!

J*Flops! Not "Just Flops" by any means but, "Just Fabulous" 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 J*Flops, I was SO excited! I read about her company, how she got started and most of all, I glanced over all the choices before me.  Jennifer is a seriously talented woman and she makes her flip flops with a ton of love! 

I chose the "Kate" 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 J*FLOPS! 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?"  J*Flops are a girls best friend.  That's why I'm giving them my official FIVE TIARA REVIEW! 

J*Flops 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 owner of J*Flops!  I love the versatility that each pair has and why each person may go looking to J*Flops.  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, J*Flops are amazing enough for even the most special days of your life. But, from what I can see, my J*Flops 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!



As you can see, they have flops for Weddings, Special Occasions, Everyday and Even Children's Flops!  But I think their biggest draw may be their Custom Flops! That's right, Jennifer will design Flops just the way you want and not just for the big day, how about flops that say "YOU" - any day? 

Why? Because there is absolutely something for everyone, even the littlest flip flop lover and if you can't decide, Jennifer will custom make you J*Flops so that they're one-of-a-kind and say YOU all over them! You can't go wrong with J*Flops!  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 "Kate" 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!

I have another Fabulous J*Flop 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 J*flops right now! All you have to do is type in the code PRINCESS at checkout and your discount will be automatically taken off!  The contest for the Three Lucky J*FLOP Winners will go through the entire month of August and will be ending on Tuesday, AUGUST 31st at Midnight! So, you have plenty of time to enter!

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 love 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?

J*Flops has found one more happy customer for life! 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! J*Flops has certainly won my heart and I can bet they'll win yours too! 

J*FLOP GIVEAWAY!!

Rules

Your Flip Flops are going to be sent out by J*Flops!

The contest is open to ANYONE that has an address

either in the USA or CANADA to receive the Prize.

 But, you MUST Follow Park-Avenue Princess through

GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT!

Don't know how? Go here to get instructions!

I want you to head on over to the J*Flops Web Site and tell me which pair you'd LOVE to own, your size & why! Also, I need to know If you are interested in the black Kate's and are a size 8/9! You MUST 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!

Also to qualify, I ask that you please leave your name/nickname

in each post you leave. Something that separates you from everyone else

so that it will be clear if you are chosen as the winner. You must also leave

me with your emailing address so that you can be contacted (even if it is in your profile).

*This Contest ends 8/31/10*

Entries

There are Changes so Make Sure You Read!

+5 If you Subscribe by Mail

+5 If you Subscribe via Google Reader

+10 If you TWEET About This Giveaway (Leave Link)

+10 If you Rate Me On Blogged (see link at bottom of blog)

+10 If you add me to your blog roll (and link it back to my blog)

+10 If you Blog about the Contest in your Sidebar (Link back)

+20 If you blog about this Giveaway in it's own post (Link back)

+25 If you Follow @APrkAvePrincess on Twitter (Leave @name)

+25 if you Friend me on Facebook! (Leave your name)

+25 if you become a Fan of J*Flops on Facebook!

+25 If you Put My Button On Your Blog and Link Back

(All will be checked BEFORE they count!)

I am having a HUGE NOOK contest coming up --

I would like to reach 1,000 Followers!

So, spread the word about Park-Avenue Princess!

It's just a *Click* to Follow and we're not that far away!!

And Because I'd like to get to my 1,000th Follower Quickly

I'll now be offering...

+50 for each and every NEW follower you bring me

(They just have to mention it in their post! You will BOTH Get the Points!)

YES EVERY PERSON YOU SEND!

They must remain followers at least until the specific contest you

signed up for is finished!

Although, I'd like you to stay signed up forever!

Separate your entries one per post! (either each or just +5 for example)

or you will only have One Entry Regardless of What You Do!

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!

THANK YOU & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY J*FLOPS!!

YOU'RE AMAZING!!

KISSES and TOODLES!!

Last Day for Lizzy Bleu Giveaway & Upcoming Giveaway News!

Just a little reminder that tonight at midnight is the close of this month's Lizzy Bleu $50.00 Gift Certificate Giveaway!  If you haven't visited her Etsy Shop yet, you can be transported magically by clicking right HERE! But once you do there's no turning back. I know you're going to IN on the $50.00 Giveaway as well. So, what I'm going to do is leave this link HERE for you.  That one will bring you to Lizzy's current Giveaway!

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!

I also have another HUGE giveaway coming up for you and they're not just your average flip flops. They're J*Flops 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 J*Flops site so you'll be able to tell me which pair you'd LOVE to have or customize a pair to fit your personality! Yes, that means a pair that no one else will have! Believe me, J*Flops can do it! They're unbelievable!  I LOVE mine and am having her work on two more pair for me!  This upcoming Giveaway will have TWO 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 J*Flops Site if you find a pair you MUST have, type in the code PRINCESS at check out and you'll receive 15% off your order from NOW until August 31st! You and your feet will both thank me (and J*Flops!)

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 "The Space Between Trees ". 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.

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 :)

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.  :)

As Always, Good Luck and Have Fun!




KISSES and TOODLES!