It’s true, the Fairy Hobmother to be exact!  He was gracious enough to bestow on me an Amazon gift card courtesy of the folks at Appliances Direct.  Trust me, the Fairy Hobmother couldn’t have come at a better time – tax time is right around the corner and we owe big!

Would you like an extra special, magical visit from the Fairy Hobmother?  All you have to do is leave a comment below and you might be the next person to receive an Amazon gift card!

*Throws handful of glitter in the air.*

Disclosure: I received a gift card to facilitate this post.  See, this is proof that the Fairy Hobmother does exist!

If you’re a blogger who loves Step2 and has a child that is between the ages of one and a half and three years old, you can apply to be a Step2 Test Drive Blogger.  Feel free to mention that Ashley from EmbracingBeauty.com referred you. 

“Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy

There seems to be an increasing number of people that are interested in running their own blog.  Interested in becoming an entrepreneur! Strong indicators of this interest are the numerous ebooks, forums, and well, blog posts written about this vein of entrepreneurship. Just last month alone, I received a couple dozen emails from women seeking knowledge and opportunities.

To help meet the need that is out there I have began writing a Beginner’s Guide to Blogging series.  I know that there are several people who have already written about this topic, many who are much more qualified than I am, but since people are asking for my help I want to do what I can to share all the information I know.

While I have several topics completed already {though none are published yet} today I thought, “What else should I include?”  Here’s where you come in.  I would love for you to share your questions.  If you’re a seasoned blogger feel free to share what you would have liked to have known in the beginning instead of having to learn the hard way.

I look forward to your thoughts to make this a thorough series!!

Before I close this, I just have to say that I am not at a place where I consider myself an incredibly successful blogger so please know that this isn’t coming from an “I have arrived” perspective but more like a friend trying to help you do what she’s able to do.  I hope that makes sense.  I will continue to hold on to this the Dare To Fail strategy.  It’s working so far.

Anybody else with me … ??

During the month of August Blurb is offering $100 for each affiliate that you refer to them!  That is good money!  Their normal referral rate is $10 per referral and this $100 bonus is only good through the month of August.  This is a great opportunity for you to make money with referrals!

Never heard of Blurb?  I’ve been a fan for a few months but here’s how they describe themselves:

Blurb enables anyone to design, publish, share, and sell their own bookstore-quality books. Blurb books feature professional printing, top-notch binding, and a range of creative customization options that customers use to make all kinds of beautiful books, from wedding books and cookbooks to baby books, travel books, portfolios, and more. Ranked 47th overall on Inc. 500’s list of the fastest-growing privately held companies, Blurb created and shipped more than 1.8 million books in 2011 alone.

Our affiliate program offers the opportunity to earn generous commissions by promoting Blurb’s book-design and publishing platform. Good Blurb Affiliate Program candidates include photography, gift, travel, mommy, family, education, scrapbooking, cooking, wedding, and creative professionals’ sites as well as their related blogs.

Sign up to be a Blurb affiliate now!

After you have been approved grab your affiliate link and start inviting your blogger friends as well.
When your friends are approved for the Blurb affiliate program you will get $100 for each one!!! EACH one!

All you have to do is go into your Share A Sale Account and click on Blurb. Your link to share will be unter the two tier tab.  Enjoy!

Oh and I almost forgot!  Blurb offers a bonus, free Blurb book to all affiliates.  It’s their way to welcome you into the program and give you some one on one experience with their product…which is amazing!  I bought one myself before I knew they even had an affiliate program.

Through June 25, 2012, Blogelina is offering her 4-Week Online Profitable Blogging for Beginners class for free. If you’re considering the possibility of starting your own blog or if you’re a new blogger who would like to take it to the next level this class may be perfect for you.

To sign scroll to the bottom and fill out your name and email address at the bottom of this page.

When you sign up for the free Profitable Blogging Class, you’ll get:

• One free year of web hosting
• Four weekly online class sessions
• Plus, a class manual

You’ll learn:

• How to Get Your Blog Started on the Right Foot
• Questions to Ask As You Begin blogging
• How to Choose a Web Host for Your Blog
• Why Your Blog Design is So Important
• 9 Different Ways to Easily Monetize Your Blog
• How to Draw Visitors to Your Blog

Sign up for the free Profitable Blogging for Beginners here.  If any of you have taken this class before please feel free to share your feedback!

Multnomah Publishers is looking for bloggers who would like to receive free books in exchange for reviews.  By writing excellent reviews you can also win cash prizes and more.

Thanks goes to Heather for the heads up!