Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Don't You Want to Be "Dishing It!" with Me?

Welcome to the very first monthly Dishing It! party here at Serenity Now!
I planned this party as a way for bloggers to not only share a little bit about themselves, but to also make an effort to get to know some of the other wonderful people out there in Blogland. New bloggers and seasoned pros are all welcome!

Anyone who links up with a (valid!) post for this party between now and Thursday night at 10 pm (ET) will get an extra entry in tomorrow's Sponsor Giveaway from Cutie Pants.

All I ask is that you read a few rules before you post and/or link up here at Serenity NowPLEASE take the time to read this because I will delete links that don't adhere to the rules. Don't make me be a meanie.

1. Please be sure to enter the link to your specific party post, NOT your blog's homepage.
2. Please include a link to THIS post somewhere within your own post. It's just good manners. I will have to delete your entry if I don't see a link to this post.
3. Please leave me a comment with your party link as well. This helps tremendously in case there are problems with the inlinkz system (I've had major problems with MckLinky today, so we're trying something new. Please be patient with me). Also, it's just plain nice to leave me a comment. (wink)
4. MINGLE. After going on and on about Blog Party Etiquette recently, it seems that many of you agree that a party is not a party unless you visit! Please take a few minutes to visit at least one or two other links on the list and leave a thoughtful, genuine comment.

Really, I can't say enough about going out and visiting some of the other links. It will hopefully bring some traffic to your blog. It is totally okay if you need a day or two, but I'd like for each participant to visit at least one or two of the other blogs by the end of the week. I think that's a doable request.

Here's the topic again in case you missed it the other day:

I want to know about your blog!

~How long have you been blogging?
~Why did you start blogging?
~Tell me about your blog's title. Why did you choose it?
~What do you blog about?
~What is your favorite thing about blogging?
~If you had to choose one famous person to become your blog's next devoted reader, who would you pick?
~What's the funniest comment you've ever received on a blog post?

Please feel free to use this as a question and answer post, or use it as a loose guide to write your post however you like. Add or omit any questions you like!

Okay, that's enough...link up and have fun encouraging one another. (In case this new inlinkz system doesn't work, please be sure to also leave your link in the comments section. It may take several tries...so sorry! Leave me a comment with your link if it won't work, and I will add your link for you!)


So, here's my contribution...
I started my blog in January of 2008 and then it sat here all by its lonesome for almost a year before I decided to put some real effort into getting all my thoughts out. I felt sooo much better when I took a few minutes for myself to write about anything and everything that was on my mind: crazy or cute stuff my kids did, Fluffy booksfashion, TV, crafts, decorating, and anything else that popped into my head.

If you didn't already know, I am a big Seinfeld fan, and that's why I chose to go with "Serenity Now" for my blog's title. Speaking of famous people, I consider Big Mama to be my ultimate blogging idol. If she read my blog, I'd have a heart attack. If she rejected me, then I'd settle for Jennifer Garner because I like her style and she seems like a nice person and also I used to have a big crush on Ben Affleck.

Having the opportunity to express myself creatively and to get to learn more from other people are my favorite things about blogging...it brings me a little slice of serenity every day!

The funniest comment I've ever received was a challenge from my sister to run a 5k. She left me the same comment for several days until I finally just let her take over my blog. It spawned a series of laughable posts. I am lucky that she is flighty and also now pregnant and I've managed to escape the running.

So there you have it. I dished it with you...will you think about Dishing It! with me?

Come back on Thursday for a Sponsor Giveaway!
*Edited to add: I had to close off comments for this post because bloggers were still listing their links. Please come back for the next party in May. I'd love to have you link up then.*
post signature

89 comments:

  1. Thansk for hosting this party my link is
    http://jos2ndact.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yay! I remembered to join the fun!!! Whew - you narrowly escaped on the running thing - good for you! I have a feeling it will come around again. OK - I'm going to watch Lost with DH and then come back and see who else I can dish with! Thanks for hosting - lots of fun!!!

    p.s. You know I LOVE Seinfeld, too, right? We could dish for days about that!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've tried to link up 2x and it hasn't worked..not sure if I am doing something wrong or not

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Amanda!!

    http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2010/04/dishing-it-with-amanda-at-serenity-now.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks Amanda!!

    http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2010/04/dishing-it-with-amanda-at-serenity-now.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great party, Amanda! I can't wait to meet the other party gals!

    Here's my link:

    http://nancywiebel.blogspot.com/2010/04/about-my-blog.html

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey lady! Thx for hosting. We share the same celeb {J. Garner} :).


    http://oursoftspottoland.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks, Amanda, for hosting this party.

    I'm so new to blogging (one month now) that I thought your term "McLinky" must somehow refer to sausages at McDonalds...

    I'm looking forward to both giving and receiving comments.

    Cheers

    http://escapetothefarm.blogspot.com/2010/04/one-month-blogging-anniversary.html

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for hosting the party Amanda. I tried linking up twice but it doesn't show up???

    Here's my link
    http://thehomematters.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-am-excited-to-be-taking-part-in.html

    Looking forward to meeting everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So excited and thank you so much for hosting!!

    http://kenziehand.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-party-serenity-now.html

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey! Just linked up! What fun. Can't wait to read the others little tidbits of fun info. Your blog looks hilarious and full of good things. Oh, if only I had 5 minutes for every blog I wanted to read thoroughly! Someday! I'll be back soon! Have a great night...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh my gosh ... I just read your response and saw we both referenced Seinfeld. Hilarious :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for hosting the party!

    I have a feeling that it won't be too long before your sister is after you again to run with her.

    I just love Jennifer Garner. She seems so genuine and down to Earth and seems like she truly would be fun to hang out with. You never know, she might find your blog one day.

    Here's my link:
    http://virginiasweetpea.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-party-at-amandas.html

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can't get McLinky to accept either of my tries. I'll try again in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hey Amanda! Thanks for hosting, and as usual, I feel as if I should've brought you flowers, or a cake or something for being a great hostess!

    BTW, I LOVE that post about the 5K. One of my favorites!

    Here's my link:
    http://froufroubritches.blogspot.com/2010/04/first-dishing-party-at-amandas-blog.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. McLinky just doesn't like me for some reason. I tried again and still no luck!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for hosting! You do have the best ideas for blog events.

    I'm actually not a big fan of "Seinfeld," but occasionally DH will watch it with our 12yo. The next day, I'll have to hear "Yadda, yadda, yadda..." at least once.

    I agree completely about the benefits of taking a little time each day for yourself, whether you spend it blogging or doing something else that refreshes you. Thanks for choosing to blog, so we can all have fun with you!

    I just realized that your blog background matches the pants I mail-ordered. It looks good on the screen, not so good on the capris. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I began blogging almost 2 1/2 years ago

    I started as an extension of my business

    My nick name (Jennifer Juniper) was already taken, so I went with my middle name for my blog title.

    I like to call myself a "life" blogger. I dont' fit into a neat catagory of mommy blogger or home blogger.

    I love the connections I've made here and the creative outlet.

    Hmmm, I guess I'd pick Martha?

    When I asked for questions to answer on an upcoming post, most people were asking the same as on your list and one person popped up with "What is the best dessert you ever ate?" I was like "Okaaaay..."

    Whew! I did have time for a whole post, so this was a nice alternative :)

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  19. Heehee, you side stepped that running land mine huh? I'd be doing a happy dance if I were you. :-D Your blog is always such a fun read :-) Thanks for hosting such a fun party.

    Here's my link: http://nadirshodgepodge.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-blog-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think this idea is great! This is the first party that I've joined since I started blogging... Sure hope I linked up correctly!

    Thanks SOOO much for hosting!!

    http://minearespectacular.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-with-amanda.html

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is so much Fun! Thanks for hosting another fun Linky!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a fun idea, Amanda!
    Since I don't have time to mingle I won't be joining in this go-round,(loved your post on that btw I tottally agree) maybe next time. :)

    I'm having a fun giveaway at my place this week to celebrate my one year blogiversary. Pop on over if you get the chance!

    cheers!
    ~h

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh, it kind of pains me that you would "settle" for Jennifer Garner :) She is my all time favorite. I still run around my house acting like a spy at times.

    I can't wait to "mingle" and find out about everyone else's blog!

    http://www.dixondialogue.com/2010/04/14/dishin-it/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hey girl--

    I finally got myself to the party! This has been run-behind week for me. But better late than never, I hope!

    I look forward to meeting some of the other party participants. Thank you so much for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Here I am following all the instuctions. Can't wait to check out all you other bloggers.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for hosting! Here's my link: http://messieconfessions.blogspot.com/2010/04/about-my-blog.html

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a fun party!

    I love Seinfeld, too--got all of the seasons on DVD but still stop to watch episodes when I come across one on TV--so I like your blog name. Makes me laugh when I think of that episode.

    I don't think I know Big Mama. Off to check her out! :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Okay, Amanda, you've got to stop with the blog parties. ;) My blog roll is growing by leaps and bounds, and it's ALL YOUR FAULT. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  29. Cool party!! Love it, and I can't wait to read everyone else's!! :D

    http://myseriouslyridiculouslife.blogspot.com/2010/04/its-par-tay.html

    ReplyDelete
  30. P.S. I think I missed the memo on the Jennifer Garner thing b/c EVERYONE is listing her as the famous person they want to read their blog, seriously, like everyone but me put her down (Ok, not all of them, but it was close.) ;-P

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks for hosting a SUPER party!

    http://servingwhilesaving.blogspot.com/2010/04/serving-while-saving-dishes-it.html

    ReplyDelete
  32. here is my link for the party

    http://mja527.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-blog-party.html

    hopefully i did this right. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. hope you liked Glee last night! just joining your party

    http://7alltogether.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-with-serenity-now.html

    thanks for hosting!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Loved finding out about you, Amanda! fun post!...hugs...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks so much Amanda for thinking of this great blog party. It is a lot of fun learning how everyone got started blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great party! Thanks for letting me play!

    April @ 2Slicks Good Times
    http://www.2slicksgoodtimes.com/2010/04/dishin-it.html

    ReplyDelete
  37. at first I was just visiting... but then I said hey! Get in the fun! So I am posted now!

    Kim @ Frost Me!

    http://underneathfrosting.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  38. What a fantastic idea! Thanks for hosting!

    http://imakestuff4fun.blogspot.com/2010/04/making-new-blogworld-friends.html

    ReplyDelete
  39. I just discovered your blog today, and am excited to join you Dishing It party and meet other bloggers. Thanks for creating this! :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I just posted to my blog! Thanks for putting this together. What a fun idea.
    http://www.craftastical.com/2010/04/amanda-over-at-serenity-now-is-having.html

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'm so glad to be partying with you! You are one of the first blog friends I found on here, and I don't even remember how it came about, but I'm so glad we met!

    Here's my link!

    http://this-istheyear.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-love-good-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  42. Just linked up! Happy to have found your blog...I'm a new blogger and a new follower. This is such a great idea and as a new blogger, I appreciate the effort in helping us newbies make our way out into bloggy land. Here's my post link. http://mrsstiffy.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-partaaaay.html

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is such a fun idea! Thanks for doing it! It is so much fun getting to know each other! here is my link if you want to get to know me better! :)
    http://delightindecor.blogspot.com/2010/04/just-dishing-it.html

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi! Happy to join the party. Here's my link. http://rlpulsipher.blogspot.com/2010/04/party-on-dude.html

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi Amanda!
    This is so much fun!
    I have brought you a virtual hostess gift of a potted amaryllis and a basket of chocolate!
    Chocolate is not a magic weight-loss pill, in fact, it is a butt-enhancer- am I allowed to give it to you?
    ;)
    Blessings from my home to yours!
    Off to go visit...

    ReplyDelete
  46. Great idea for a party. Thanks for hosting.

    http://www.frugalhomedesigns.com/2010/04/dishing-it-at-serenity-now.html

    ReplyDelete
  47. For some reason I just found your blog... I love it. I didn't link this month, but will have to remember to do link next month. It's very nice to meet you!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thanks so much Amanda! I can't wait to "mingle" yay!!

    http://taylormadehome.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi I'm Samantha from http://mommystimeout-samantha.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html I found out about your party from Jen over at Tatortots and Jello. What a fun idea. Thanks for the chance to join

    ReplyDelete
  50. http://featheringanemptynest.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html

    I'm new to this, and it's a great idea...hope I followed all the rules!

    ReplyDelete
  51. yay! Thanks for such a fun party.
    my link :
    http://jennleesmoments.squarespace.com/create-moments/2010/4/14/dishing-it-with-you-qa-style.html

    I am new to your blog but am in love already Pleased to meet you.. blog world of course. :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. I found out about you at Tatertots and Jello. Thanks for doing this party. I absolutely love the title of your blog. I'm a Seinfeld lover too! Here's another link just in case.

    http://ohmyheckthisissocute.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html

    Can't wait to read more of your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Go Amanda go! I'm going to come back tomorrow with mine-- I worked all day and am so tired I can't write a post out! :) But in my dashboard today all the pictures from peoples new posts were your button! I was so happy..

    It's an Amanda take over!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hello! Forgot to add link to comment list!

    Nice of you to "host" this party! :)


    Please visit me sometime! :0)

    http://johnandashleyallen.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. oops... wrong link.

    http://johnandashleyallen.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html

    ReplyDelete
  56. What an awesome party idea! I hope I linked up right this is only my second link ever. I'm a newbie. I love blogland and I amd totally addicted to looking at all the great stuff people show and tell. Thanks for this party! I'm gonna go check out the rest of your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm late, but I'm here! :) LOL!! This is a fun idea, I'm off to check out the links!
    Blessings,
    Stacey

    ReplyDelete
  58. Linking up! Thanks for hosting!
    http://hopplefamily.blogspot.com/2010/04/linking-to-dishing-it-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  59. I would love to participate and add a link of my own, but I already did an "about me" post last week and don't want my regular readers to be like "yeah...we get it". But I'm going to busy myself with visiting as many of the participants as I can! :-)

    Thanks for hosting this - I saw the heads up over @ Tatertots and Jello and just had to come over! Jen has nothing but sweet things to say about you!

    ReplyDelete
  60. LOL about your sister and the running :)
    I try to 'stop by' just about every day :)
    and I couldn't agree with you more on the 'blog party manifesto'!! It annoys me that people just link up and then don't go mingle with others - isn't that the point!?
    Here's my link....
    http://4lilacbushes.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html
    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thanks for hosting this party!!

    my link: http://labordableu.blogspot.com/2010/04/its-party-at-serenity-now-and-you-know.html

    xoxo's nancy

    ReplyDelete
  62. This is such a great idea! I "need" to find more blogs to follow lol!

    Here's my link: ahodgepodgeofrandomness.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it-blog-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thanks for hosting the party - this is fun!

    http://acornhillstudios.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-love-me-good-blog-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  64. What a great idea!! Thanks for hosting!

    http://untiltomorrowval.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html

    ReplyDelete
  65. Amanda,
    I was thrilled to find you and be invited to your party. It's a great idea and as soon as my kids go to bed I'll be off to see the other party girls. Thanks for hosting. I'm not familiar with the linking system. I entered all my info but I see a red x next to my link. Hopefully it all works.
    Misty @ Yellow Shoe Day

    ReplyDelete
  66. Thanks for the party! I am enjoying all the guests!

    You have encouraged me to take the first step. This actually is my first time posting a link to a party so I hope I got it right and followed all the rules!
    http://cre8tivedesignsinc.com/2010/04/serenity-now-dishing-it-party/

    ReplyDelete
  67. This is such a great idea for getting to know people and it helps with readership too. Just what I needed :).http://tonia-thenotsocraftycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/04/lets-dish.html

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thanks for hosting such a fun party! I am off to visit the other ladies and meet some new friends!

    Here is my link http://everycraftyendeavor.blogspot.com/2010/04/joining-party.html

    Amanda at Every Crafty Endeavor

    ReplyDelete
  69. What a great idea! Hoping to meet some new blogging friends! http://www.frundy.com/im-dishing-it/

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hey Amanda! Thanks again for hosting such a great party. I nominated you for a Sunshine Award. Come on over to my blog and pick it up.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thanks for hosting this party...I hope to meet many great blogging friends and be inspired!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Thanks for hosting this party! I am brand new to blogging, and I love your blog!

    http://hecoachesshecrafts.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hi Amanda! I tried to add my link three times, and it did not work:
    Home and Hearts

    http://www.homeandheartsblog.com/2010/04/mama-blog-party.html

    homeandheartseva@yahoo.com

    Thank you so much for hosting this party! I found out about you on Tatertots and Jello, and now I am following your blog. -Mama E

    ReplyDelete
  74. Nice to meet you Amanda! Sorry it took me a minute to get back over here and leave you a comment! Last night, after my Dishing It post, I glazed a sample cabinet and got so excited I had to post about that, too. At that point it was 1am and I needed to get IN DA BED! Anyhoo..great partay!

    http://theprincessandthemoose.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html

    ReplyDelete
  75. Hi Amanda, This is Mama E from a couple comments back. I finally got the link to post. Problem solved. Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  76. What a fun idea! Hope to be inspired!!


    http://sebishop4.blogspot.com/2010/04/animals-have-escaped.html

    ReplyDelete
  77. What a fun and clever idea. Thanks


    http://sebishop4.blogspot.com/2010/04/animals-have-escaped.html

    ReplyDelete
  78. Just ran across your blog today! This is such a {great} idea! So... very glad I found you.
    Love your blog!
    Here's my link to the party.
    http://5andahighchair.blogspot.com/2010/04/im-dishing-it-at-serenity-now.html
    Jenn :)
    bjtippett7@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Thanks for hosting the dish party. I'm late but how better to make a fantastic entrance?!

    Thanks,
    Sophie

    http://roseassophie.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/im-dishin-it-how-about-you/

    ReplyDelete
  80. Hey Amanda! I'm here to link to your blog party! How fun! Thank you so much for hosting. What a great idea! :) You can find me @ www.afineromanceblog.blogspot.com. I added myself to your list of links and I was sure to add your link to my post as well. Thanks again! It's great to "meet you"! :)

    ReplyDelete
  81. I recently started blogging, and found your blog today. What a great way to peek in on so many wonderful blogs!

    http://warmsweatermoments.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-stumbled-upon-this-great-blog.html

    ReplyDelete
  82. thanks for hosting a legit blog party. i can't wait to start looking at everyone's blogs :]

    http://leighpweddings.blogspot.com/2010/04/grab-cocktail-cause-its-party-time.html

    ReplyDelete
  83. I found you through SITS and loved your party idea ..i hope ill meet up some fabulous people and make some good friends too ..
    Here's my link
    Thanks a bunch Amanda and Happy Dishing to all:)

    ReplyDelete
  84. Thank you for hosting the party! I've blogged about this on my blog @
    http://pennyannpoundwise.xanga.com/725427897/im-going-to-a-party/

    ReplyDelete
  85. I just joined @ http://luckyocd.blogspot.com/2010/04/dishing-it.html. I found you through Jen @ Tatertots and Jello and Tonia @ Not So Crafty!

    ReplyDelete
  86. I love this blog hop! How fun, I can't wait to go see what people wrote.

    Nice to meet you. I just came here from Random thoughts of a Supermom. I'm a new follower! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  87. Wouldn't you know, I just discovered this party at 10:55pm. BUMMER! I totally agree w/ you about party etiquette having just hosted my second small party ever. - Hoping to catch your next one, and am off to check out a few of the participant's blogs! ~Kristin from Windy Poplars http://windy-poplars.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I just came to link up, but it is 9:39pm...in AZ. Oh well! It was fun to do anyways! Here is my link:)

    http://craftifyit.blogspot.com/2010/04/serenity-now.html

    ReplyDelete
  89. I love this idea!

    Here's my link

    http://shoestringliving.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/dishing-it/

    ReplyDelete