Blogger Idol

GIVEAWAY: Admission to The Blog Conference #TBC

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:51:00 +0000

Many bloggers want to go to blog conferences, but a lot of the time, you have to pay an arm and a leg to attend one, with travel costs. So, needless to say, I'm pretty excited about The Blog Workshop. It's 100% online, so it cuts out all the travel costs, and on top of that, the admission cost itself is MUCH cheaper than most other conferences. On top of the already cheap registration costs, they have teacher and student discounts, and payment plans available. There's also a way to get a discount on your tickets:

They have an awesome, respectable list of speakers lined up for this 3-day event, which will take place May 17th-19th, 2013. You'll be able to hear from speakers from Izea, Blog-Trends, BlogFrog, and more! You can check out the list of topics on the agenda page. It sounds like it's going to be great to attend, whether you are just starting out with blogging and want to get more serious, or if you've already dabbled in the world of turning your blog into a business. Hurry up and register now!

If you'd like to WIN admission to The Blog Workshop, fill out the giveaway form below! The giveaway will be open until March 22nd!

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A final farewell from the 2012 Blogger Idol - Martinis and Minivans

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 03:04:00 +0000

I think back to three months ago when I found out I was in the Top 13 of Blogger Idol. If someone would have told me then that I would write about euthanasia, zombies, superhero families, the “n” word, embarrassing childhood memories and letters to my younger self, I would have run away and hid.

That’s the beauty of Blogger Idol – you never knew what was coming next. You never knew if the topic was one that would feel natural to you, or push you out of your comfort zone. You never knew what sick and twisted mind games Heather Reese had in store for you each week, and you definitely never knew if the judges would love you or hate you. And it tortures you. You stay up late on Tuesday nights to read the judges’ comments, and you start begging every family, friend and ex-boyfriend you have to vote for you for two painfully long days, and then on Friday, you try not to drink cocktails at 9 am because you are so nervous for the results being shown on a video with a theme song that makes you want to punch someone.

And you know what? I loved every second of it. I loved being challenged to write better and create new stories and ideas that I hadn’t ever thought of before. I loved the friendships that I formed with the other contestants and how we supported and trash talked each other at the same time. And I love that when my children hit an obstacle in their life, I can tell them about a time when I persevered and had to believe in myself. I’ll tell them about how I stayed up late at night just to proofread my posts an additional 100 times and how I fought tooth and nail to get every human being I have ever met to vote for me. And I’ll tell them how it would have been ok if I lost because I tried my hardest and my fellow contestants were just as worthy of the title.

So now it is all over. I have such mixed emotions about it all – absolute joy with winning, but sadness to see it all end. I will miss all the folks behind the inner makings of Blogger Idol – Heather Reese, Justin Mannato, and Lisa. Thank you for all your hard work, support and constant mind games that you received such joy from inflicting. Thank you to my fellow contestants – I loved laughing, crying and loving all of your posts. You all have a new fan in me. And lastly, thank you to the readers and voters – if I could buy you all a round of martinis, I would. You saved me over and over again and are the true winners of this competition. Without you all, I wouldn’t be here.

I hope you read this and feel inspired to try out next year. It is an adventure you don’t want to miss. But before that can happen, I get one year to make my husband constantly refer to me as The Blogger Idol….I’m hoping he gets me a crown and sash soon that I can wear to preschool pick up…

I hope you stay in touch and read about my post Blogger Idol escapades at www.martinisandminivans.com

Danielle Herzog, Martinis and Minivans

Farewell from Pile of Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 02:45:00 +0000

Oh my god, I am totally not going to proof-read this shit. No more agonizing over hyphens for me!!

So, Blogger Idol is over. I finished second out of a lot of AMAZING writers. I get a box of chocolates, a bunch of stuff from Newman Organics, and software that lets me talk to my computer. And I lost to a wonderful, beautiful writer.

All in all, not too shabby!

I loved being a part of this competition. I learned SO MUCH about how to be a better writer, and how to take more chances with my words. And I made some awesome friends.

Thanks to Heather Reese for putting all of this together and staying up till the crack of dawn making sure everything got done (I swear, the woman is a vampire.) Thanks to Justin Mannato for answering questions and founding the Second Place Club. Thanks to Lisa, who also put in a ton of work and made those phenomenal hats for the finale video (A FASCINATOR CROWN, PEOPLE!!!!) Thanks to all of the judges for their time, their critiques, and their support. And thanks to my fellow contestants – what an awesome group of weirdos to be grouped up with.

Thanks folks. This was a blast.

Meredith - Pile of Babies

The Finale: Who will be 2012's Blogger Idol?

noreply@blogger.com (The Spaghetti Westerner) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:30:00 +0000

This is it! The last post of Blogger Idol, Season 2. You will find out in just a matter of minutes who will take home the title: Pile of Babies or Martinis and Minivans.

That person will also take home a Samsung Galaxy tablet and a $150 voucher for Blog2Print to turn her blog into a book. Don't feel too bad for the runner up, though. She will be receiving a whole bunch of Ghirardelli chocolate, her choice of four Newman's Own® Organics products, and some awesome software (Dragon) that listens to what you say and types it on your computer for you. I wish I had that.

To check out all of this year's prizes (and maybe get some last-minute holiday gift ideas), click here.

And, finally, can we ask one last little favor from you before you watch the video to find out this year's winner? Check out our sponsors, Izea (follow them on facebook or twitter) and Duck Brand (yes, as in Duck tape. They're also on facebook and twitter). The more love we can give our sponsors, the more likely it is we'll be able to keep up Blogger Idol in the future. Besides, it's the season for giving, right?

That's all from me, The Spaghetti Westerner. Can't wait to see you all again next year. Watch for auditions. Who knows, maybe YOU will be Blogger Idol 2013!

Alright...go find out who wins...

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Who's going to be the 2012 Blogger Idol? Vote now!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:00:00 +0000

We've reached the end of the road. We're down to the last two, and in just a few days, we'll know who takes the crown. Each of the two contestants had two assignments this week. The first one was a humor piece, about something they've done that they wouldn't want their kid(s) to know about. The second one was a reflective piece, in which the wrote a letter to their younger selves. Make sure you read and vote for your favorite on BOTH of the assignments!

Assignment #1:

Martinis & Minivans: Things I can't Tell My Daughter
Pile of Babies: A Poop In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Assignment #2:

Pile of Babies: Life Gets Bigger: A Letter To My Younger Self
Martinis & Minivans: Someday You'll Ride A Bull

Farewell from Crazed in the Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Parting is such sweet sorrow…

No it’s not. There’s nothing sweet about it. In fact, sometimes saying goodbye flat-out sucks. What I’m trying to say is this: I WAS MEANT TO BE THE 2012 BLOGGER IDOL AND I WILL NOT LEAVE QUIETLY!

*ahem*

Actually, I’m very proud of my third place finish in this contest. I competed with some top-notch writers, and I learned a bit about myself as a writer in the process. I’ve connected with some great blogs and made some real friends. I’ve…I’ve…

Well, I’ve stressed out quite a bit and ignored my family just a little. And now that Blogger Idol is over for me (sniff), I’m really not sure what to do with myself. I am finding myself with quite a bit more free time on my hands. So, I’ve compiled this list of things I’m going to do now that I don’t have to worry about Blogger Idol:

TOP 5 THINGS I’M GOING TO DO NOW THAT I DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BLOGGER IDOL:

1. Play more with my kids. Just not Chutes and Ladders. Please, God, anything but Chutes and Ladders.

2. Read a book. ANY book. I’ve been afraid to commit to a whole book because of my Blogger Idol duties—I hate having to stop reading for a few days when something else comes up. So give me some ideas in the comments—what should I read next?

3. Call my great-aunt Ruthie. It’s been far too long and I really need to check in and say hello. Plus also my grandma. But we’ll keep them together as one phone-call list item.

4. Ugh. Clean my house. I don’t want to. I really don’t. But I guess I don’t have an excuse anymore.

5. WAIT! YES I DO HAVE AN EXCUSE! I’M PREGNANT! So Number 5 on the list is call a cleaning service to come clean my house before our family arrives for Christmas!!

(See how I cheated a bit there? Not exactly 5 whole items, is it? Number 4 kind of gets negated by Number 5, doesn’t it? Oh no, the judges might lower my score because of that! HAHAHAHA no they won’t because I got eliminated. The judges can suck it.)

OK. So, I also came up with a list of things I’m NOT going to do any more because I don’t have to because I’m not in Blogger Idol any more.

TOP 5 THINGS I’M NOT GOING TO DO ANY MORE BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE TO BECAUSE I’M NOT IN BLOGGER IDOL ANY MORE:

1. Think about unicorn sex ever again.

2. Photobomb my friends and family on facebook with pictures of my kids in a cheap effort to get them to vote for me. You’re welcome.

3. Math. I actually pulled out a calculator and tried to figure out where I needed to come in with votes if I had been ranked 1st, 2nd, or 3rd with the judges last week. It ended poorly for me, the calculator, and my poor math-major husband who tried to help me figure it all out.

4. Write a brand spankin’ new blog post every single week. It’s just not my thing. My brain is tired and I think I broke my funny bone at some point during Blogger Idol (the proof is in that lame joke right there). I need a little break from blogging.

5. Have a cheapo-looking blog. Thanks to Blogger Idol, I won a blog redesign from A. Kay Blog Design and we have a date to phone-chat tonight about it. Say goodbye to the free template I downloaded and sort-of installed myself, people! We are (going to be) a quality operation over here!

So, that’s what I’ll be up to now that I’m out. Of course, I was truly honored to even be a part of this competition and coming in third place feels like a dream come true. (Um, if by “a dream come true” you mean “a dream that doesn’t involve winning copious amounts of chocolate, a new tablet, or crushing my competition into the dust.”)

*ahem*

Thank you for the opportunity, Blogger Idol, and thanks, everyone, for your votes and kind words! It’s been a wild ride!

-Crazed in the Kitchen

Week 10 Elimination: And then there were two...

noreply@blogger.com (The Spaghetti Westerner) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:00:00 +0000

In just moments, we will find out who will make it to the Blogger Idol 2012 Top 2. Can you believe it? We'll be crowning a winner in just one week.

This season has been full of challenging topics, unexpected twists and shocking eliminations. The contestants have bonded in their stress and anxiety, spawning bloggy bff relationships that will - hopefully - stand the test of time. That's just what our Top 3 were writing about this week: How blogging and Blogger Idol have changed their lives.

While we're sad to be losing another contestant, we're happy to be sending them home with some awesome prizes from A. Kay Blog Design, DaVinci Gourmet®, and Freetail Therapy.

But now the showdown's about to begin: a battle for the Samsung Galaxy tablet (or maybe for the chocolate...) Either way, don't miss it. YOU will help decide who is crowned as this year's Blogger Idol!

Until next week, it's your elimination post host, The Spaghetti Westerner, signing off!

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Week 10 Voting... Who's moving on to the finale?

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 18:00:00 +0000

I can't believe we're already here. There's only three contestants left, out of over 160 auditions. And after reading this week's assignments, I heard the same thing from each of this week's judges: 'Wow... those were hard to score."

The person being eliminated this week is taking home a Deluxe Blog Design from A Kay Web Designs, a prize pack from DaVinci Gourmet, and a $50 Amazon Gift Card from Freetail Therapy!

Here are the three assignments from this week, where the contestants talk about how Blogger Idol has changed them, as bloggers:

Crazed in the Kitchen: Reflections On My "Baby's" First Year
Martinis and Minivans: Putting It All Out There
Pile of Babies: This One Trick Pony Learns A Few More Tricks

Farewell from Ice Scream Mama

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 23:26:00 +0000

Later, Tater

Ice Scream Mama Moves On – You Can Too, In 4 easy steps

So you’ve just gotten the boot from Blogger Idol? You’re not alone. It has happened to many talented, creative bloggers. The steps below will help hasten your emotional recovery.

Step 1 – Drink.

Heavily. Grab a bottle from the cabinet and just start swigging. You might find it necessary to camouflage your habit. Empty a soda bottle and replace with your alcoholic beverage of choice. If vodka is your poison, you can use an empty water bottle. Do not, I repeat, do not use your kid’s sippy cups or bottles. This can lead to serious consequences, such as a visit from social services and really mean stare downs from your neighbors.

Step 2 – Curse.

Shit. Ass! Damn! Whatever comes out, go with it. Compound cursing will make you feel even better. Make up modifications like, Shitfudge! Crapass! Or Big Suckaroonis! Don’t worry about lame curses, it’s all about getting out those emotions.

For those under the care of a professional healer, aka, a therapist, you can possibly increase the speed of your recovery by combining cursing with a ‘dramatic gesture.’ For example, try shaking fists in air and spatting defensively, “I didn’t want to be an Idol anyway! Feh!” Feel free to scream it loud or just mutter like some crazy person under your breath. It’s a style thing. You’ll know what feels right

Step 3 – Hug.

When the anger and disappointment exhaust you, you will feel an overwhelming gratitude. It will lead to hugging. Lots of hugging. You will hug your family, who put up with your psychotic stress over completing an assignment. You will hug friends who you badgered and threatened for votes. There is some danger of inappropriate hugging. Make sure not to hug the neighbor’s spouse too tightly, or any person operating a mechanical device or holding sharp objects. This can lead to a hospital visit.

During this phase, it is possible to experience abrupt crying outbursts. At any time you might find yourself blubbering, “It was just so much fun!” Or, “Why didn’t the judges ever really like me?” If you are a “snotter” be prepared and carry tissues. This will ensure against unfortunate mucus leakage, or worse, transfer to another party if episode occurs while actively engaged in hug.

Step 4 – Move on

It won’t be easy not to stalk the ‘exclusive’ FB page, so try checking in casually once a day with something banal and positive, like “Hey guys. Doing great!” Do not comment, “Ice Scream Mama can write a tutorial!” every time someone posts something. No one will appreciate that. Not even if you add a smiley face emoticon.

And that’s it. Simple. Worked for me. At 1:01pm, I was drunker than an urban cowboy, fartknuckling (Yo! Meredith!) and shitassing all over myself. At 1:03pm, I was crying into my ice cream bowl, and screaming to my cat, “If Heather Reese’s husband wouldn’t have eaten all of her ice cream, this never would have happened!” But luckily at 1:05pm, my mailman came. I hugged him tight, because really, he just does the BEST job ever. I mean, who else brings me stuff every day?!!! Rain or shine??! After he ran away, I stood there, snot and tears running down my face, spoon in hand, and thought, “I had a damn good time.” And there it was at 1:07pm. Peace. Out.

Love you guys! You’re the sweetest. Wait, no, that’s me. But you guys really, really rock. Thank you all.

-Ice Scream Mama

Week 9: We're cutting it down to 3...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Here were are. Another elimination. The good news is that after today, there's only one more before the finale. The bad news is that someone isn't even going to make it to next week.

In honor of tutorial week, I'm going to give you a tutorial that is FAR less interesting than the ones that the contestants wrote this week.

First, if you haven't, do your own tutorial and link it up in our play at home post for this week.

Then, when you're done with that, check out the sponsors that are providing the prize for the person being eliminated this week: Healthy To Go and snackTAXI.

Finally, put your hand over your eyes. Spread your fingers so you are peaking out between them, and watch the elimination video.

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Week 9: Will you vote for unicorns, zombies, buffalo wings, or the chupacabra?

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

This week, the four remaining contestants had to write a tutorial. But there were a few catches. First, we preselected the tutorials for them. Second, they got to choose from the selected tutorials based on their scores from Week 8. The person with the highest score had the first choice.

Here are the posts:

Ice Scream Mama: Buffalo Wings & Chicken Fingers: From Plains to Plate
Martinis and Minivans: Getting Your Zombie To Commit
Pile of Babies: So You Want To Groom A Chupacabra
Crazed in the Kitchen: How To Breed Unicorns

With only four contestants left, it's more important to place your vote for who you want to win, and rally up all the support for them that you can. Share their post, and ask people to vote for them.

Somebody is going to win this!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 06:01:00 +0000

One of our awesome prize sponsors is Newman's Own Organics. This year, the first runner up will get to choose four items from the Newman's Own Organics line, listed below. And you know, in order to make sure it was going to be a good prize, I had to check it out for myself. They sent me:

Tristan may have been a little excited.

Salted Pretzel Sticks
Spelt Pretzels
Caramel Cups
Peanut Butter Cups
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Dark Chocolate Caramel Cups
Dehydrated Prunes
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vanilla Alphabet Cookies
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dark Chocolate Bar
Super Dark Chocolate Bar
Mocha Milk Chocolate Bar
Milk Chocolate Bar
Espresso Dark Chocolate Bar
Orange Dark Chocolate Bar
Pomegranate Licorice
Sour Apple Licorice
Black Licorice
Strawberry Licorice
Ginger Hermits
Fig Newmans
Chocolate Creme Newman-O's
Original Newman-O's
Ginger 'N Creme Ginger O's
Peppermints
Wintergreen Mints
Cinnamon Mints
Ginger Mints

My first thought was that most of it was probably going to taste gross, because it's 'healthy'. So, I went for the chocolate first. My sister was over, and I broke chunks off of each of the chocolate bars and we tasted them all. I'm a HUGE dark chocolate fan, and both the Dark Chocolate Bar and Super Dark Chocolate Bar were my favs. My sister liked the Milk Chocolate. I discreetly hid the Peanut Butter and Caramel Cups until she was gone... I wasn't about to share those... lol.

After dinner, we let the kids do a little sampling. They mostly went for the licorice. The Pomegranate Licorice was an awesome twist on something that's usually pretty ordinary. The Sour Apple ones had that sugar-coating all over them, and made their cheeks pucker.

My favorite thing was the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. I' m not usually a fan of oatmeal cookies, but these were delish! I was really surprised that the pretzels, especially the spelt pretzels, tasted so... normal. I was also highly amazed when the kids sat and ripped through the bag of prunes... yes, prunes... in one sitting. They ate them like they were fruit snacks or something.

I heard rave reviews about the Hermits from lots of people, but ginger really isn't my thing so I wasn't a fan. The kids liked them though. And the mints... the cinnamon and ginger ones are SPICY!

If I was the Idol hopeful that was winning the prize pack from Newman's Own Organics, and I had to choose my four items from above, it would be: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pomegranate Licorice, Chocolate Creme Newman-O's, and one of the chocolate bars.

Play-at-Home Link Up: Week 9

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

This week is tutorial week. We decided that in order to give the contestants equal ground, that we would come up with the tutorials for them, you know, in case someone was lacking creative ability. So we decided that we would give them all tutorials that are completely fake. For example:

1. How to harvest buffalo wings and chicken fingers (to be taken literally as wings from buffalos and fingers from chickens)
2. How to domesticate a zombie
3. How to groom a chupacabra
4. How to breed unicorns.

You are welcome to use one of those, or choose one of your own, fictitious or not. When you are done, link up here, and go comment on two other posts that have been linked up! You might just learn something new!

Farewell from Manderstanding

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 03:50:00 +0000

Cinko’s Farewell Address by Cinko

Well, my fellow brothers and sisters of awesomeness, Cinko’s run in Blogger Idol has ended. Cinko fought the good fight. Cinko was literally the last man standing, facing down the tsunami of estrogen alone, but with the fighting spirit that only a true, bacon loving American man could muster. We should revel in his greatness for his kisses taste like steak and whiskey and his blood smells like cologne.

Cinko would like send out a heaping helping of thanks to everyone involved in Blogger Idol, right down to every last judge. Without this competition, Cinko would have not had to push himself to write out of his comfort zone. Cinko always thought that the American Idol contestants getting along with each other was fake until now. Going through this experience has made Cinko truly appreciate the bonds and friendships he has made with everyone associated with Blogger Idol. Last, but certainly not least, Cinko would like to thank all of the people that voted for Manderstanding each week and had to endure the relentless bombardment of posts and texts to “vote early and vote awesome.” Cinko says to each and every single one of you; you’ll be in Cinko’s heart, yes, you’ll be in Cinko’s heart. From this day on, now and forever more. You’ll be in Cinko’s heart, no matter what they say. You’ll be in Cinko’s heart, always.

Looking into the future, Cinko sees beautiful things: bacon wrapped unicorns, zombie ducks, a manifesto of awesomeness and bigger and better things coming from Manderstanding. He knows that in his heart, his manly, bearded heart, that despite being the fourth loser, he will rise from the ashes of defeat like the mighty platypus and spread his greatness all over the world. Cinko will endure. Cinko will move forward. Cinko will survive. Cinko shall go on to the end. Cinko shall fight in France, Cinko shall fight on the seas and oceans, Cinko shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, Cinko shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. Cinko shall fight on the beaches, Cinko shall fight on the landing grounds, Cinko shall fight in the fields and in the streets, Cinko shall fight in the hills; Cinko shall never surrender.

Remember Cinko fondly. Remember him whilst you are shopping on Black Friday. Remember him when you are smoking legalized marijuana. Remember him for his fondness for seagulls, zombie chickens, and awesomesexual dinosaurs. Remember Cinko for he is breathtaking, tremendous and remarkable. Let Cinko’s light shine upon the world in all its glory and with all his modesty, yea verily. Amen.

In finale, don’t cry for Cinko, Blogger Idol, for Cinko’s ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. From this day to the ending of the world (31 days), but we in it shall be remembered, we few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he (or she) who sheds his (or her) blood with Cinko, shall be Cinko’s brother (or sister). Wherever there is justice, you will find him. Wherever there is suffering, he will be there. Wherever liberty is threatened, you will find … CINKO!!!

Hugs and Kisses,
The Magnanimous, Cinko IV of Concord

-Manderstanding

Week 8 Elimination: From Five to Four

noreply@blogger.com (The Spaghetti Westerner) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Well, friends, this is it: We're about to find out who makes the Blogger Idol 2012 Top 4! That's almost as special as the top three. Which you won't find out about until TWO WEEKS from now. Did you get that? Yeah, here at Blogger Idol, we respect family time and all that Thanksgiving jazz, so we'll be taking next week off and giving our contestants a much needed break. But we hope to see our faithful audience back here when Week 9 voting starts on November 27th.

So, this week our Fab Five ranted and raved. And they did a darn good job. Breastfeeding, Black Friday, online exploitation - they pulled all the stops! But, alas, we've got to say goodbye to one more.

This week's winner will receive:

Small Concept

Small Concept was born of a love for children and an obsession for tiny tot style. Modern fashion. Cool Styles. Hip Graphics. Great quality – in everything for your little ones – kid’s apparel, nursery furniture, toys, maternity and more. Winner will receive a gift code.

Sogno Coffee Company

Is it your dream to find that perfect cup of coffee? But among the thousands of chain coffeehouses and the dizzying array of trendy brands, where do you start? Actually, it's simple. At Sogno Coffeehouse, they know it all starts with the beans. Truth is, many people have not had the pleasure of enjoying a real quality coffee. No matter the price, brand, or packaging, it all comes down to the beans. Sogno roasts only the finest Arabica beans in their one of a kind, custom-built roaster. The product is unrivaled: the aroma, the body, and that very first sip... it's like un sogno, a dream. Prize package includes two 8oz bags of your choice.

Thanks to all who played along this week. Who knew ranting could be so fun, right? Don't forget to join us next time for the play-at-home fun.

Before I go, I must give a shout out to our guest judge, Conversate is not a word and other abuses of the English language. When I was typing that just now, I was tempted to shorten it to "Conversate," but then I decided calling this phenomenal judge and English language defender by a non-word was just too ironic. And not in a good way.

Enjoy the elimination video and a Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Love, The Spaghetti Westerner.

P.S. Does anyone actually ever "enjoy" elimination videos?

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Week 8 Voting!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

This week, the contestants stepped up onto their soapbox, and ranted about something they're passionate about. But did their passion show through? Did they take it to far? We'll let you be the judge! Go read the assignments, and come back and vote for your favorite!

Manderstanding - Black Friday Rule
Crazed in the Kitchen - Don't Tell Me What To Feed My Baby!
Ice Scream Mama - You can't win them all... and that's okay.
Martinis and Minivans - The "N" Word
Pile of Babies - Exploitation Goes Viral

Farewell from Dad and Buried

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:37:00 +0000

I have no one to blame but myself.

Actually, that’s not true. I have many of you to blame.

Well, again, that's not totally true either. The people I have to blame likely aren't reading this.

Yes, I have been eliminated from the Blogger Idol competition after making the final 6. I'm sorry. I know this is hard to take. It's okay. You'll get over it. Eventually.

The toughest thing for me to come to terms with is why I got the axe. I obviously wasn’t eliminated because the judges didn’t like me; they didn’t always get me, but get real: everyone likes me. And I clearly wasn’t eliminated because my writing wasn’t good enough; don’t make me laugh: my writing is fucking phenomenal. The problem is, so was the competition's. And sure, the assignments never quite seemed to hit my sweet spot, but that’s one of the challenges of Blogger Idol, so that's a non-starter.

The real issue here is that I might have been able to linger for another week or two if I had any friends, because I was eliminated because no one voted for me! EVER! I realize I am yelling this into the wind, since those people that didn’t vote for me certainly aren’t ever going to read this, but I am entitled to a rant! I wanted to win the Samsung Galaxy tablet. And I wanted to represent for all the so-called Dad Bloggers out there. Instead, I’ve accomplished neither. Thanks to you.

It's not all bad, though. I’ve made some new friends in the bloggerverse, and I’ve learned some new things about myself (mostly that I don’t have enough friends in the bloggerverse). I think that by making the final six (by the skin of my teeth, it seems), I may be asked back to judge next year. In which case I can only hope that all those assholes out there that couldn't be bothered to click a button next to the name "Dad and Buried" enter the competition themselves so I can take a big dump all over their entries every week.

It's been fun, thanks for reading my posts (all three of you), and good luck to the remaining contestants.

-Dad and Buried

Week 8 Play-at-Home Link Up

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

This is SOAPBOX week. Get on your soapbox, and blog about something you are passionate about. Rant. Rave. This is similar to the Hot Topic week, but it can be about anything. It doesn't have to be about something in the news at all. The key here, is to go outside your comfort zone, and say things that you probably wouldn't say out loud, or on your blog normally. Be completely honest and raw.

When you're done, post your link here, and go comment on two of the other posts that are linked up. And feel free to post it on our facebook page as well, along with any other awesome posts you write!

Week 7 Elimination: Who will make it to the Top 5?

noreply@blogger.com (The Spaghetti Westerner) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Whew...The Spaghetti Westerner here. It's good to be back after a two-week hiatus! I was buried in flour and sugar, baking 300 cookies and a wedding cake. Not nearly as exciting as this Blogger Idol stuff.

I, for one, cannot believe it's already November. And I can't believe we're this far into Blogger Idol. Where has the time gone? We're already at the point where we get to start handing out prizes. I hate seeing people get eliminated from this competition (even though I know it has to happen), but at least now they get something in exchange for all their hard work.

This week's winner (see how I'm spinning this whole being eliminated thing...) will receive:

GIANTmicrobes

Founded in 2002, the mission at GIANTmicrobes Inc. is to produce unique and interesting gifts for children and adults alike. Whether your interest is educational, medical, or just plain entertainment, they are your number one source for all things microbial! The winner will receive their choice of one giant Gigantic plush toy.

Boogie Wipes

Boogie Wipes® are the first ever saline nose wipe. They are a great solution for kids’ sore, red, runny noses. Boogie Wipes are made with natural saline to dissolve boogies (mucus) caused by the common cold, allergies or otherwise booger-filled kid moments. Winner will receive two 90 count canisters and several individual packages of Boogie Wipes.

I also want to thank our guest judge, Red Vines and Red Wine. I've loved getting to meet all of our guest judges this season. They're awesome.

Alright...so who will it be? Who's moving on, and whose journey toward the Blogger Idol crown ends today? Let's find out...

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Week 7 Voting Has Begun!

noreply@blogger.com (The Spaghetti Westerner) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

It's hard to believe we're already halfway through season two of Blogger Idol! Just six contestants remain out of our original Top 13. The good news is that each contestant from here on out gets a prize. You know...thanks to our awesome sponsors and supporters.

This week our contestants wrote about choices that changed their lives. It's hard to know where any of these bloggers would have ended up if they'd taken the other path, but we're glad they ended up right where they are: Here at Blogger Idol.

So read them now, and pick your favorite.

Manderstanding: My Chosen Path
Pile of Babies: The Devil I Don't Know
Martinis and Minivans: It Was Time to Choose Me
Dad and Buried: French Exit
Crazed in the Kitchen: Home is Where the Heart Is
Ice Scream Mama: The Beginning...The End

The closer we get to the end, the more important each vote is to make sure your contestant stays in the race! Vote Now!

Week 7 Play-at-Home Link Up

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Every decision we make changes the outcome of our life. This week's assignment theme is "There once was a chance I didn't take...". You have to write about a chance that you regret not taking, or a chance that you had, that you didn't take, that may have turned your life in a totally different direction.

If you are having trouble thinking of an idea, try thinking on a smaller scale, instead of a larger one. What if you never would have broken up with that boyfriend in high school? What if you never would have had your first child? What if you would have kept your mouth shut during that arguement, and not told someone how you really feel?

When you are all done, post your link here! If you post, make sure you go back and read, and comment on two posts, with suggestions about how they can do better!

Week 6 Voting has STARTED!... Or has it? #PayItForward

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 +0000

One of the best ways to get your blog out there is to interact with other blogs. It sounds silly, but it's true. There's a reason why they call it a 'blogging community' and a community doesn't exist if it's just one person. Then you're more like a blogging hermit. Blogging is social, hermits are not.

The best part about having a blog is that you have the ability to get the word out to people about amazing things, whether they are big or small. To me, it's almost an obligation to do that. You have an audience, and there are people and things that need exposure.

This week, the Idol hopefuls took on the challenge that is the embodiment of why we started Blogger Idol: to get exposure to blogs that, otherwise, might not get it.

Here are there posts:

Ice Scream Mama: Click here for a (blogging) good time!
Manderstanding: Favor of the Week
Crazed in the Kitchen: Blogs That Just Might Be Better Than Mine
Dad and Buried: Public Service Announcement
Pile of Babies: The best blogs you've never read
Martinis and Minivans: Blogging it Forward

If you are a blogger, we'd be honored if you'd write up a post about your favorites, and submit it to our Play at Home Link Up this week. Feel free to use our 'Good Bloggers Pay it Forward' badge, and the hashtag #PayItForward.

This week, we are doing things a little differently. Since it seems a little off to eliminate someone for helping out other bloggers, nobody is going to be eliminated. So instead of voting, this week, we'd like for you to leave a comment telling us who YOUR favorite blogger is.

Farewell, from The MFP, and RMD

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:10:00 +0000

I want to thank Blogger Idol, the judges, contestants, and the voters for this great opportunity. It was fun, yet terrifying, putting my writing out there to be judged. I've made some good blogger friends and found that i might even have a knack for romance writing ;)

Glitter & Unicorns for all!

~The MFP

Wow, what a great experience Blogger Idol has been. The pressure to write on a deadline on a specific topic is what I was most looking forward to in this competition. It really was every bit of the challenge that I wanted it to be. For those of you following along at home, there are some great people working behind the scenes to make this thing happen, and they deserve a big high five.

Heather, you are awesome for having conceptualized this contest and built it into a reality. I know that it will only continue to grow as long as it exists. Contestants from last year (who are also some of this year's judges), thank you for being the guinea pigs. This year has been very smooth as far as logistics are concerned. To the judges: thank you for the comments and critiques. I hope to keep getting better as a writer, so it was great to get some honest feedback from people who don't necessarily read my blog.

This competition also gave me the opportunity to make some new blog BFFs. To The Mother Freakin' Princess: It is only fitting that we go out in the same round. It was great writing with you, and I wish you the best of luck with all of your blogging endeavors. Keep rocking on with your princessness. Lastly, to Dad and Buried, you're the only dad blogger left. Bring it home.

-The Real Matt Daddy

Week 6 Play-at-Home Link Up: Idol Gives Back Week

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Reese) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:00:00 +0000

'Good Bloggers Pay It Forward' is something that was started by myself, and From the Bungalow (who is a judge this year, and contestant last year). Daddy Knows Less does a #payitforward post every other Friday. The concept behind it, is basically the reason I started Blogger Idol. To give people a chance to share their 'stage'. This week's assignment is to share your 'stage' with other bloggers. You have to write a post, and talk about 4 of your favorite bloggers. Make sure you link back to their site, and convince people to WANT to follow them. Three of the bloggers can be your choice. The fourth must be someone involved with Blogger Idol in some way, whether it be judge, contestant, former contestant, etc.

Yes, you can pick more than 4. But I don't recommend it, because then the post tends to get lengthy and link filled. I do recommend including at least 2 links for each site you pick. One to the main URL, and the other to a favorite post of yours from them.

In the title of your post, even if it's just at the end, include the hashtag #payitforward.

We encourage you to do this on a regular basis. Not just for bloggers, but anyone that needs help getting the word out about something, especially if it's something life altering.

When you're done, link it up below, and go let the people know that you wrote about them!

Week 5 Elimination: This Just In...

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy Knows Less) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Too close to call. That's where we stand nearly halfway into the race to crown the next Blogger Idol.

Hello, everyone. And thanks for joining us. DKL here, in for Mama Spaghetti. She's on assignment.

If we have learned anything so far during this race it is this: expect the unexpected, no one is safe, and every vote counts. Some very talented writers have been eliminated so far. Some of them you might say shockingly. One by a matter of two votes. This thing is tighter than a nun's habit. (You didn't think I was going to go THERE did you?)

This week, the contestants were faced with writing about a hot topic from the news. As a tv news guy myself, I was excited to see what they came up with. Thankfully, and perhaps smartly, none of them touched the election. By my count, only two of them have approached an election-year issue. I am not exaggerating when I say ALL of them were great.

That means the margin of error for the contestants was very small. Judges were forced to score and rank these posts on the smallest details. And, unfortunately, the tiniest mistakes. I'd like to thank all of them for their hard work, including Klonnie from The Klonopin Chronicles, our latest fabulous guest judge. She was involved, engaged, sincere, and just plain wonderful. As usual.

And don't forget: The winner of our media kit giveaway is being announced in the video along with the TWO bloggers who are going home in this week's DOUBLE elimination.

For now this is DKL saying, "Good night and good luck." (I've always wanted to say that professionally.)

Now for the moment you've been waiting for:

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