Sponsor Ohdeardrea In March!

Hello friends! The end of the month is approaching... and it's that time again: Time to book March sponsor spaces! March is a great time to reserve a sponsor spot! Why? Well, one: Marlowe has a half birthday coming up and you better believe I want to do SOMETHING special for her. Also: It's my birthday! I'll be a big bad 27 years old this year... even though I already spent this whole past year accidentally telling people I was 27, but whatever. In general, life has been fantastic lately, and I don't doubt that it will just continue to get better and better and bring us (and you) more and more... more food, recipes, photos, and fun.

If you'd like to sponsor this little blog of mine, you can check out the info page for a few more details, or just go ahead and email me!

Thanks! ;) 

Asking For It (Again): I Can't Quit You.

So... it was about half a year ago that I wrote THIS POST.  And of course, I meant every word I said, but now, I feel slightly different about the whole thing... more laid back... less anxious? It's good! Without the anxiety there's less of a negative feeling associated with the whole thing (topbabyblogs). But still, like I've said before, I in NO WAY want to spam you with topbabyblogs. Zip Zero NADA-- no spamming. Sure, I started off this entry with a beyond adorable image of my kid, cause I mean, look at it! That is beyond cute! But really, the idea of posting heartfelt images or exciting (or even really sad) news and then tainting the post with a huge VOTE FOR ME banner, is (still) kinda blegh. It ruins the real meaning of the post and makes the whole thing... a bit... commercial... a showcase? I dunno, something. Less meaningful, for sure.
While, I wont win a prize, make the news, or have anything really tangible to show from it, I do enjoy being ranked on topbabyblogs, I like a lot of the traffic it brings... and even more importantly: the new readers (and friends) I gain from it. When I first became pregnant, I really had no idea there was a whole world of baby blogs out there. Topbabyblogs was a nice resource--- a jumping off point where I was able to find a lot of the blogs I read today. And I hope that by being ranked: other moms (and of course: non moms) will find my blog too. Considering how BIG the world wide web is, there really isn't a whole lot of single-mama blogs out there. I mean come on--- raising a child with a partner is hard and time consuming enough--- so to do it alone and blog about it--- well, it's kinda ridiculous. But I do it, and I enjoy it, so... I'm hoping that through the efforts of topbabyblogs and more importantly-- through the votes of my readers--- we will continue to: grow, connect, relate, and gain from each other.
Like I've promised in the past, I will only ask ONE TIME for your vote (today! today is the day!). If you enjoy this blog (or even if you still hate it, but keeping coming back for more--- cause you know--- maybe you can't quit it) then I would really appreciate your vote today, and once a day--- everyday. Or of course, whenever you see fit (that's everyday, right? hehe).

You can click the tiny banner above to vote or you'll see the brown vote button <--- somewhere over there, on the left, where it always is. I'd love a vote from you today (and everyday) and like always: I appreciate every vote (and comment, tweet, and email!) I receive from each of you, more than you know. Thanks for joining M and I in this (sometimes roller-coaster) happy, little, life of ours and thank you kindly for your support! :)

love,
drea & marlowe

ps! Did you see my original post? OH MY GOODNESS! M was an itty bitty cutie pie! 
& the little yellow smock dress above? you can purchase similar ones: HERE. And I could be wrong, but I heard a rumor that there was more coming to the shop in the near future :)  
oh! &! I'll totally be back with even more adorable pictures of M very soon... as soon as she lets me and as soon I find the time... which should be soon since my momma flies in tonight to give me a much needed hand! squee! <3

Sponsor Ohdeardrea In February!

It's going to be February, right? Jeez. I don't even know what to think about that nonsense! Either way, it's a great time for sponsorship. Our readership has grown a lot in a short amount of time. In the month of September (2011) we had an average of 71,000 page views. Last month? 91,000. It's a great time to jump on board and be a part of this blog (and really awesome, loving community). I'm really not sure what's in store for the future... not for February... or even next week... but things are changing around here and only getting better. Actually, while you read this post, I'll be off testing out a new little adventure I'm jumping into... which hopefully will be the jump start to an even BIGGER adventure in the next few weeks and months. So vague, I know. I'll give you one hint: its food related ;) Cause you know... if I can't afford to stay at home with my babycakes anymore... then I might as well be living a dream and doing something I love. ;) I'll give a few more details soon! If you'd like to sponsor us next month, please contact me at anytime! And of course, if you have questions, I've got answers :)

*Our extra large spot is booked throughout April, but if you are interested in reserving a space for a later month please let me know. 

Large sponsor package: These sponsor spots will rotate a few times during the month to give all sponsors fair exposure. Our large size package will include a group post featuring all large sponsors of that month. The large space is 35$ and is sized at 180 x 150.

Small sponsor package: These spots will also rotate a few times during the month. This option does not include a post, but is a great way to gain exposure at a really low cost. The small space is 20$ and sized at 180 x 75.

** we offer discounted rates for sponsors purchasing multiple month spaces.

**All sponsors are eligible to host a giveaway. There are a few requirements for giveaways, as we like to keep them to a minimum on the ohdeardrea blog. 

Looking For Sponsors For The Month Of December

Hello friends!
Have you been searching for a blog to sponsor? December is a perfect time to sponsor ohdeardrea. The weather is beautiful this time of year. Our days are filled with outings. Our nights are filled with wedding preparation, planning, and creating. Join us as our family grows (no, I'm not pregnant) and our blog grows and expands too. Baby shop, wedding shop, bloggers, big business, small business: we'd love to have you. If you'd like more information on how to promote your business or blog: check out our contact page or please email me :)

**Our rates and options will be changing as of January. Small sponsors will no longer be featured in a highlight post. Be sure you jump on now if you'd like our ridiculously low small sponsor price with your blog featured!  ;)

Flying & Waving

Welp, the rain is gone  &the sun is shining once again in Florida.... &the best part? The rain brought a refreshing breeze. The days are still incredibly long around here, but beautiful weather, sunshine, good friends, and three-plus walks a day really really help.

Today, Marlowe not only woke up an hour later than usual... but also there was an amazing first time event last night.... of: Marlowe going down to sleep, without nursing, laying down AWAKE, in her play pen, with ZERO tears. I seriously thought I was dreaming. It was a very good way to start the day, along with the bright and breezy bedroom we woke up in.

I'm not sure how long this weather is going to last... hopefully for the rest of the winter, because really: we need it. It's been a long hot summer and it's really time for us to get out of the house. Seriously, I'm over of hibernating.

Here are pictures from our day spent with Michelle, filled with: sunshine, flying, and waving waving waving....

mamas shoes: c/o vintage shoe love. 

always tilting her head back to smile while swinging.

hello water. 

On the phone....

PS. If you're looking in a reader you probably can't tell... but how do you like the new blog design? I kinda of love it... it really fits my style: simple, clean, white walls, with bright pops of colors :) Jordan over at holding onto the little things made it! There still might be making a few very tiny changes here and there... you know adding an info/faq section, and whatever else... but those things might take a while ;) In the meantime, if you fancy, grab one of our new buttons (over on the left)! 

It really takes some patience to work with me... Thank you so much Jordan. I love it :D

Visit her site HERE.

Looking For Sponsors For The Month Of November

Yes, it's that time again! We are calling for sponsors for the month of November! I love and dread these posts. One: I always get excited about the cooler weather, or whatever other exciting events are coming up (BIG announcements, blog makeovers, food posts, vegan thanksgiving, and so on). Two: It reminds me how scarily fast life is flying by. You can't stop it, can you? No? Then onto another November...

If you would like to work together to promote your blog, shop, business, webpage, (whatever) to the readers of ohdeardrea then you can check out the sponsor page for a few more details, or go ahead and email me for more information! 

email: ohdeardrea@gmail.com / twitter. 

We've got a great group so far!
I look forward to hearing from you :)

drea

Asking For It, Again.

Roughly, four months ago, I wrote a long email to you, my dear readers, asking for your help. Well, here I am, again, to ask you for the very same favor. They have reset the count on topbabyblogs again and I need your help to get back to the top(ish). This time, just like last time, I promise/pledge/swear to never ever spam you with requests for your vote... not even once. No daily tweets, or facebook updates, or large banners at the bottom of every post under an adorable picture of my child's face. ^^but, isn't that picture ^ so freakin' cute ;)

The past few months, I've honestly been astonished and dumbfounded (only in the best of ways) by your support. But more importantly, I've been ridiculous amounts of grateful. When I made the promise last reset to ask once (and only once) for your vote, I was nervous petrified that time would go by and no votes would come in.... but, no, that wasn't the case. With your help and support, votes, and sharing: ohdeardrea was at number four----- higher then it's ever before. Thank you. Really, from the bottom of my heart: thank you.

If you are new here, have been here from the beginning, are a reader of this blog, you like/love/and/or care for us, and want to support us: please take a second of your time to vote for us... once each day or as often as you can, because really, each vote counts. (The button will be on the side of the blog, like it's always been.)

Please CLICK HERE to vote.

Also, let me take this moment to say thank you, not just for your vote on topbabyblogs, but for your love and support, in general. I have connected the most amazing people through this thing, I'm so happy to have it be part of my life, and so incredibly enamored with all the good you guys have brought along with it. Every comment, tweet, email, all of it: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 

love,
Drea & Marlowe

PS. I'm really excited for a new feature coming to the blog. A small feature, but something delicious that I really love ;) Also, *diet water* will be back in service soon enough. It's one of the most time consuming, internet based features on this blog.... and time, well, it's lacking <3

Looking For Sponsors For The Month Of October

Hello lovely readers and friends,
It's that time again.... would you like to sponsor ohdeardrea for the month of October? I don't know about you, but October is my FAVORITE month. We're not lucky enough to have the pretty changing leaves here in South Florida, BUT it is like our spring. You know how the rest of the U.S. hibernates in the cold winter months? Yeah, not here. I've been hibernating all summer and I am looking forward to fall and winter (especially with a walking Marlowe)! October will be great, many more food posts, outdoors (beach, gardens, whatever), crafting, and so on and so on. And of course... HALLOWEEN! We're lucky to always have an amazing bunch of shops and blogs and we'd love to have you on board with them. :)

So, if you're interested in sponsorship, check out the sponsor page for a few more details, or go ahead and email me for more information! 

contact me for details at: ohdeardrea@gmail.com

Thank you so much!

drea

Looking For Sponsors For The Month Of July

Hello friends! It's almost July! Yes, July.... trust me, I just looked it up. As you may or may not know we took a sponsor break last month and kept the same (amazing) sponsors from May.... well we're back, looking for new (or new-old) sponsors for the coming summer (sunshine-filled) month. 

We love our sponsors :) &are happy to work with you to promote your blog, business, whatever, in just about every social networking outlet possible. Blogger, twitter, facebook, instagram: you name it, we (most likely) do it. 

In under 6 months we have jumped from an average of 12,000 monthly views to: (last months) 58,000 views! Holy cow. It's a great time to jump on board because we are growing each and every single day and we would like to help you grow too :)

We are currently offering large ad spots at: 180x150 and small ad spots at: 180x75 

(With some giveaway possibilities for either size)

If you've got a website, shop, blog, or anything that you think would be a good match for ohdeardrea then we would love to work with you! 

Please contact me for details at: ohdeardrea@gmail.com

Thank you so much!

drea

Asking For It

I lie to people: I tell people I hate games &competitive activities. even though I like them a lot. Why? Truth is they give me anxiety. I want to win (or at least come close) &I feel like if I'm not going to do my absolute best (and win) then I'm better off not doing them at all. Uh, yeah, that's not exactly a great attitude is it? Nope, no it's not. But it's the truth-- it's a sad character flaw I have.

That being said, I really do hate topbabyblogs. The whole thing gives me anxiety. I don't want to worry about what number I'm in or if I'm even on the first page, but being a pretty new blog (less than a yew old!), it's kinda important to stay ranked. I have made a lot of friends and blog readers through topbabyblogs (this is the only upside to this site-- a big upside) and I'd like to keep meeting more (everyone I've connected with thus far has been fantastic). Yes, I still spam facebook occasionally, and every once in a while I'll ask here, but I hate placing the vote link &banner at the bottom of every page. You may have noticed, I stopped doing that a while ago. It doesn't look tasteful to ask every single post, especially when I'm writing from the heart about my daughter (OH AND VOTE FOR MY BLOG!) Ugh. Hate. I hate scrolling through twitter and seeing it every other post. I especially hate seeing it on instagram--- I'm there for the pretty photos (mostly, of the two best things in the world: food and babies). Everywhere: vote vote vote. 

I've been torn this past reset: stay on topbabyblogs or say goodbye forever (or at least for a long time). I decided I'm going to stay. I don't want to ask for votes anymore. I'll only ask once. Once every reset. After that, you can continue voting (once a day) if you really and truly feel like you should (we sure hope so!)

They reset topbabyblogs last week. We're grateful to be on the first page, but are struggling-- neck and neck with a lot of other great blogs. We would love your vote (a few days late) for this reset. 

Consider voting for us today if: 

-you enjoy ohdeardrea and most of what this blog offers (photos, stories, crafts, honesty, diet water).
-you've enjoyed reading about our lives and watching my babycakes grow. 

-you can't get enough of this face:

-or if, you don't really care for me, but can't stay away and keep coming back for more (cause I think this deserves a vote too).

I wont keep coming back and asking you for more votes. Not here, not on twitter, &not on instagram. I may cheat and ask everyone once in a while on facebook (MAYBE).  

Please know how much we appreciate each and every reader &single person who takes a moment to vote for ohdeardrea. You guy's have kept us ranked this far and it means a lot to me. Thank you for your support.

If you want to help us out:

Please vote today to help us with the recent reset. 

&Please vote once daily to help us stay ranked. 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE. 

Thank you!

Love, 

Drea & Marlowe

ps. I'm totally not trying to put down a whole website. The idea behind it works, and the creator is obviously a genius. 

pps. Michelle is bring leftover pho today and I could not be more excited! hehe. 

Looking For Sponsors For The Month Of May

I know I'm a bit late and short on time for this one but...

Hello friends! Would you like to sponsor ohdeardrea for the month of May?

Reasons you might want to sponsor us:

-We LOVE our sponsors! We are happy to work with our sponsors to offer the best relationship possible! We're happy when you're happy too :)

-We have jumped from an average of 12,000 page views for the month December, 14,000 page views in January, and 26,000 page views in February! That's over a 100% increase in 3 months!

-We've reached even more viewers at 32,000 for the month of March. 

-Ohdeardrea is gaining new readers and growing everyday! &We would love to grow with you!

-We offer larger ad spaces to attract more viewers to your site.

-We are currently offering large ad spots at: 180 x 150 (yes, that is quite large!)

-Or smaller ad spots of: 180x75 

-As a lifestyle/baby blog we offer a little something for everyone. Ranging from babies, to crafting, to vegan organic cooking, to an eco-friendly single mama we attract a variety of readers.

-From a blog sponsor highlight post, to facebook, and twitter, we've got all areas covered to ensure your name is getting out there!   

If you've got a website, shop, or blog that you'd like us to promote, then we would love to work with you! 

Please contact me at: ohdeardrea@gmail.com

Thank you so much!

drea

Looking For Sponsors For The Month Of April

Hello friends! Would you like to sponsor ohdeardrea for the month of April?

Reasons you might want to sponsor us:
-We LOVE our sponsors! We are happy to work with our sponsors to offer the best relationship possible! We're happy when you're happy too :)
-We have jumped from an average of 12,000 page views for the month December, 14,000 page views in January, and 26,000 page views in February! Averaging at 1,000 views per day so far for the month of March. That's over a 100% increase in the past 3 months!
-Ohdeardrea is gaining new readers and growing everyday! &We would love to grow with you!
-We offer larger ad spaces to attract more viewers to your site.

-We are currently offering large ad spots at: 180 x 150 (yes, that is quite large!)

-Or smaller ad spots of: 180x75 

-As a lifestyle/baby blog we offer a little something for everyone. Ranging from babies, to crafting, to vegan organic cooking, to an eco-friendly single mama we attract a variety of readers.
-From a blog sponsor highlight post, to facebook, and twitter, we've got all areas covered to ensure your name is getting out there!   

If you've got a website, shop, or blog that you'd like to advertise, then we would love to work with you! 

Please contact me at: ohdeardrea@gmail.com

Thank you so much!

drea

Just Some Things...

If you haven't already, this is your last chance to enter the Poche Giveaway!

Entries will be allowed until midnight tonight (eastern standard time).

And the winner will be announced tomorrow :)

Please don't forget to check out the lovely Poche site.

or follow the lovely Kelly on twitter!

or check out: Kelly's blog :)

In other non giveaway news:

I made two new aprons this week (well in the past two weeks, it's a slow process with a teething baby)

& brought them to the lovely consignment shop down the street!

Eeep. Hoping for some sales!

In other non crafting news:

(this photo just made me miss my hair)

If anyone is interested, I'm selling my Baby Bjorn. It's in great condition-- it's only been used maybe 10 to 15 times. I just prefer the wrap or my sling and don't use it enough, so I figured I'm better off selling it. If you are interested in buying it then shoot me an email or DM. I bought it for 80$ and I am selling it for 50$ or best offer. (Plus shipping, depending on your location).

& A question: 

I bought one of those mesh teething food bags this week. &I'm not quite sure what would be best to put inside. Have any suggestions? Any suggestions would be appreciated... as long as its not meat or bananas :)

Thanks!

drea :)

Ps. Happy International Women's Day!

March!

(source)

It's March 1st! Do you know what that means? Well, it means a bunch of things! It could mean... 10 days until my birthday, where I'll be turning a big bad 26 years old! ooooh! ahhhh! Or it could mean Marlowe turns half a year old this month! eeep! It also means spring is approaching and a whole new season of fresh flowers will be in bloom! yayy!

March also brings some big changes for ohdeardrea! We have brought onto our site a few very lovely sponsors! Thats right, sponsors. Yip! I know there is always a big battle in blogs between *art not ads* and hosting ads, but don't worry! I promise I will never over run this site with a bunch of meaningless ads. What I do plan on doing is: carefully choosing sponsors for ohdeardrea that mean something to me. If I don't believe in the company, blog, or product: I'm not advertising it. If I would never purchase or want it, then I'm not pushing it onto you. You'll never find promotions for ill-made merchandise, non-earth/mind/body-friendly crap, or any company lacking in wholesomeness. With that being said, I encourage you to take a peek at our new sponsors. ---> eco-friendly? check. handmade? check. check. really amazing people standing behind each item? check check check!

I really love our new sponsors and I'm sure you will too! Be sure to check them out: Barley & Birch, Vertebrae, & Poche!  They will be sponsoring some very lovely giveaways this month for you! Stay tuned for that! :)

I know I never posted anything before about advertising space (sorry), but if you'd like to join in for next month, then please, by all means, feel free to contact me & we can make something happen :)

Happy March!♥


Drea

Too Bad, So Sad

waugh waugh waughhhh.

In other news....

I've been trying to have Marlowe become accustomed to napping in her crib. I also decided I would try to time her today to see how long she naps and if I can get ger to nap on decent time increments. She does okay with the crib SOMETIMES. But she would much rather fall asleep in my arms or on my bed while I feed her. And she napped for a total of MAYBE 50 minutes today. Sleeping fail. Something to keep working on.

I had her lying down in the crib for about 40 until she woke up. We hung out, read books, she worked out a bit, we took photos, she spit up, I changed her, I fed her, she passed out, and 5 minutes later she is awake staring at me.

Waking up from the first attempt



Clothing change....

Attempt two.

Five minutes later.


Waugh waugh waughhh.

Sick Pup

My little Jerrybear is sick today. I'm not quite sure what happened, but he had the worst smelling diarrhea last night and into the morning. I feel his pain. To top it off the weather has been miserable all day. Its been raining, cold, and dark since the moment I woke up. I've had to leave him inside and hope there would be no more accidents. Luckily he seems to be doing much better as the day goes on. Poor little guy.

(I spy with my little eye a little sleepy babycakes)

One of my favorite things about Jerry is his ability to find sunshine. If there is a spot of sun in the house he will find it. It could be a 2x2 inch square hidden in some corner and he will find it to sit on it. Unfortunately there hasn't been one sunny spot for him today, but luckily this house usually brings in a lot of light for him :)

Off pup topic, but I FINALLY put a follow button on my blog. To the right...over there... with all the other stuff. ----> well up a little bit... and then to the right :) Please feel more than welcome to click it, follow, and support ohdeardrea :) You don't have to be a blogger to follow along!

Hiatus

I'm taking a little break. I might be back tomorrow or tuesday. I got myself an awful little stomach flu. Waah. At least I got to spend a great day with friends and Babycakes before I got sick. I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.

Love,
Drea, Marlowe, &Jerbear

A Note To My Readers

Thank you! I've had so many wonderful comments from readers. I'm not really sure how to go about replying to them because I really haven't gotten this whole blogspot thing down yet. I don't know if people receive comment responses I post or not and I'm not sure how 'followers' works, or really, how any of it works. I'm slowly figuring it out! When I started this blog I wasn't really sure who would be reading... I really wanted to write for myself and for my little girl so I could have a place to look back to where pictures and memories would be stored. I started off with a few family members and far away friends reading and now I'm so happy to see how its grown to so many people and readers in other countries and places with so many different lives reading my blog. It's all pretty exciting for me :)

I've noticed I have a few readers seem to be in similar situations and I just want to say sometimes things happen for a reason and they work out better that way. Taking care of a child alone can be a pretty great thing, so don't ever feel like it is a handicap. Just make sure you reach out for help if you need it. There are always people out there who are willing to lend a hand, you really don't have to go at it completely alone. I know I would personally be lost without my friends and family.

So thank you again! I moderate all comments so feel free to leave one and mention if you do not want it visible. Also, some of you have noticed I have my email listed... please feel free to contact me to for private question, comments, or what have you. I really do love the feed back I am receiving. It's always nice to have connections with people :)

Hello!

Attempting the world of blogging again after a few year hiatus.

Wish me luck!