Thursday, April 4, 2013

It's Here! Ultimate Blog Party 2013!

Ultimate Blog Party 2013

No. It's just not possible. How in the world did an entire year pass by and we find ourselves participating in the Ultimate Blog Party once again? Where does the time go?

As what has turned into an annual event over here, the girls and I are excited to get in on the fun and excitement that only a massive virtual party can bring. Hey, who wouldn't be a little pumped up about a hip and happening gathering that you can attend in your sweats or pj's?

Having participated in UBP in 2010, 2011 and 2012, we thought we'd try something a little different this year and act like proper hostesses.

Please do come in. Can I take your coat? Get you a beverage? How about a cupcake? Go ahead and take two, they're Carrot Cupcakes, so that means they're totally healthy for you, right?

spring cupcakes

You might want to hurry, though. I'm just saying that with my kids invited to the party, it only takes glancing away once and you might find them both covered in frosting next to an empty plate.

If you aren't here for the Ultimate Blog Party and are wondering what in the world I'm talking about, take my word for it that I'm not just rambling incoherently. The amazing ladies behind 5 Minutes for Mom throw an annual bash (this is number seven!) that continues to grow each year that somehow manages to take the vast hugeness that is the blogosphere and shrink it down into something fun, unique and personal.

By introducing bloggers from all ends of the spectrum to each other, it makes it possible to jump right in and meet new writers from all corners of the earth. In the past three years that we've participated in UBP, I have continued to be amazed at the blogs that I've visited, the people that I've chatted with, and just how much our week was brightened by having new and old friends stop by and comment. On that note...

If you are here for the Ultimate Blog Party, welcome to Thanks, Mail Carrier! The girls and I are glad that you stopped by and we hope that you're having a great time at this unique event. If you feel like entering a giveaway or two or 20 while you're here, please feel free! We do like to give stuff away around here, there's something so satisfying about telling someone that they're a winner. Who doesn't like to hear that?

But even if you don't enter, please do leave a comment! We truly do make our way around to every single visitor's party as soon as possible, so of course we want to know that you stopped by!

You named your blog Thanks, Mail Carrier?

Indeed I did. Although my kids might have a slightly skewed view as to what is "normal" for a mail carrier to deliver on any given day, it's still just as exciting to hear the familiar vrooom of a vehicle coming down our block. It doesn't matter if it's USPS, UPS, or FedEx, you'll still find us peering out the window to try to catch a first glimpse at what might arrive. Who doesn't love getting the mail?

And you are...?

Why, hello! I'm Xenia (pronounced Za-knee-a), a stay-at-home-mom with a background in journalism and a degree in elementary education. When I'm not writing my next review, I'm hanging out with my kiddos, known here on the blog as Big Sister E and Little Sister B.

vacation photos

My 6-year-old, Big Sister E, is intelligent, caring, creative, inventive, beautiful, extremely stubborn and is thrilled every day to attend kindergarten. She loves books, games, arts & crafts, being adored by her sister and my baked nachos.

Then there's my 4-year-old, Little Sister B. From birth she has been sweet, happy, independent, loud, bull-headed, and my funny little comedienne. She likes giving her sister big hugs, pretending with play food, princesses, preschool, making new friends everywhere she goes and winning. Doesn't matter at what, as long as she wins. She's a crazy one, that girl, but her energy and enthusiasm for life never cease to inspire me.

sno cones

Together, the three of us (and Daddy too, every now and again) have been reviewing products and sites from all across the spectrum since 2009. From apparel to jewelry to food to household items to music to shoes to toys to gear to technology... to everything in between — we've worked hard but have also enjoyed doing it more than I ever would have guessed.

But while blogging has introduced me to opportunities, experiences and travels that I never would have expected or thought possible, none of it compares to the people that I've met and the friendships that I've made over the years.

This community may be bigger than I can imagine and growing by the day, but I am so grateful and glad to be a part of it with all of you. If you're a hugger, I've got one here for you... if not, hey, that's okay, too. High five!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Don't be a stranger, come back and visit anytime, we're always happy to have people stop over. Now, go enjoy the rest of the party and we'll be sure to say hello when we come stop by your place!

16 comments:

Sippy Cup Mom said...

Party time! Thank you SO much for the cupcakes, my friend!

Love you and those little girls!

David and Cathi said...

Why yes! I would like a cupcake thank you very much!!! xoxo

Alicia said...

Xenia you are so awesome! I hope we get to actually meet in person some time:)

Unknown said...

So great to meet you! I'm partying with UBP13 too!

I have 2 girls just a little older than yours; mine are 8 and 6! I love having 2 girls :)

Come by and say hi!

Unknown said...

Very adorable introduction and it's GREAT to meet you =)

Sandra said...

Hi, I'm here through UBP2013 :)

I could go for a cupcake, they look so good.

Have a great weekend, and if you wish, feel free to come by my blog and say hi :)

Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) said...

How about a hug and a high five. LOL

And definitely please pass me one of those cupcakes.

Thank you so much for joining for another year at the UBP. We sincerely appreciate it!!!

Glenda said...

If you have a nice glass of cold water I would take it and lets let the girls enjoy the cupcakes and my son if he is with me. Have a great week. Sending hugs your way and high 5 to the girls.

Unknown said...

Those cupcakes look delightful! And both sisters B & E are hilarious to notice in photos in each review post! Thanks for the giveaway opportunities.

Unknown said...

This is great! I always enjoy hearing the stories behind the blogs/bloggers. :) I have a room facing the street and I love spying on the post lady when she arrives. Usually I miss package deliveries and they magically appear at my doorstep one afternoon! Fun times.

Anonymous said...

This is our first year to UBP and we are excited to discover your site (and the cupcakes)! We hope you can check out ours as well. http://twohappymamas.com/2013/04/07/ultimate-blog-partay/

Unknown said...

Aloha from the UBP. I'm already following you incredible ladies here but am so glad for the chance to get to know you all better. What an incredible voice you have in this blogosphere-- thank you for that.

If you're up for a visit I'd love to see ya at Local Sugar Hawaii, we're riding the wave of life together, one silly adventure at a time.

xo,
Nicole
www.localsugarhawaii.com

slehan said...

I actually joined the party this year with my blog. I've attended the last couple of years, but never put my blog in. I'm a regular visitor because of your awesome contests. Cute flowers on your cupcakes.

my blog: http://slehan.blogspot.com/


slehan at juno dot com

Terra Heck said...

Stopping by from UBP. I've been a follower and reader of yours for some time now. I enjoy reading your posts and entering your giveaways.
http://www.heckofabunch6.com/2013/04/yip-yep-its-ultimate-blog-party-upb13.html

Unknown said...

Stopping by from the UBP to say "hi".
What a fantastic family, two beautiful little girls. I enjoyed reading your blog.


http://agutandabutt.blogspot.com/

Cher said...

I already know you!

Stopping by to say hi from the Ultimate Blog Party!

http://momandmore.com/2013/04/party-with-me-at-the-ultimate-blog-party-2013-ubp13.html