The Ultimate Blog Party - From A Prize Coordinators Perspective

 Oh the confusion for new folks! It's always tough for me when someone says "Oh no I didn't know I had to... (____ fill in the blank). Many of you have asked me "How can you do that?" "Why would you?" or some say "You must be really organized!"

This year I must admit, I got really organized. My son took this photo of my spreadsheet while I was working on accepting prizes. I used a lot of color coding too. In October of 2007, I threw the twins the first "cyber baby shower" sponsored by businesses. I threw four more after that and then bloggers began doing it themselves and turning it into what is now called a "virtual baby shower."

I believe those showers are what launched me as a prime candidate to coordinate the prizes for their "Ultimate Blog Party." How I do it is through experience and we tweak it each year to make it easier for us, sponsors, participants and winners. I do it because it is one of the greatest networking opportunities outside of a conference. That and I'm secretly hoping some big corporate sponsor will come scoop me up because they can see how truly skilled I am. 5 Minutes for Mom is all about promoting WAHMs, SAHMs and SAHDs too! This falls right in line with my networking philosophy. I'm a business owner and now there are a few more hundred people that have been introduced to my online store. The hours it takes to coordinate this annual event is amazing!

On that note here is what you can do to make it a little smoother as a participant!

The prizes are always chosen from the comment section of the main post. It is not the linkies to the blogs, Facebook or Twitter. Why? to give Non bloggers the opportunity to play too.

When the comment form asks for your URL put the direct url to your party post NOT your blog. Why? The party is a week long and that means I have to search for your post to read your prize choices. Thank goodness some of you had archives in your side bars, that was helpful. Some of you left the url in the comment section! Thank you, that works well too.

Some people put in a non working url and I couldn't find you at all. Make sure it's correct by cutting and pasting.

I notify you that you have won on your blog. How else would you know your comment number? Some of you did take the time to go through 20+ pages of comments to find yours. If you just leave your first name then how many Christines could there be when looking at the prize page. There has to be a system. You know what else takes up a lot of time? WORD VERIFICATION. Is there really that much spam? Can you imagine having to take the time to type in nonsensical words on over 200+ blogs????

If you're going to leave a comment on the party post then please write the party post! It doesn't have to be that long. So many people had their number chosen but I could not award them a prize because they were a blogger and they didn't bother to write a post. You know who you are, lol.

I do use Twitter a bit when I'm choosing the prizes. I have many people asking me if they won. There isn't any way for me to tell from a url of your post! I have to chose your comment number so sending me that doesn't help you.Why use Twitter? Doesn't that take up more time? Not really. My computer is set up to be logged in to many different places at one time. Most of what I do is all at the touch of a button and I did try to turn you guys on to the Twitter Grid.

Let's talk about the PRIZES!!!
So many people never looked past any of the Amazon, Target, or Cash gift cards. I know the list is long but each prize is important to that sponsor. This is their lively hood and they want to put the word out! Thanks to those of you who cut and pasted the prize details allowing the links to the sponsors. That showed a lot of linky love to them and we all appreciate it.

You know what else helps? When you list what you really want and then say something like - "I would be happy to win anything!!!" That helps me breath a sigh of relief. Really? what should I do move on to the next person? Maybe that really is all you want. That is totally cool too just say it in your post. I much rather match up people that want what they are getting. I don't like to choose for you because it takes more time. I dont' like it BUT I do it. I read your post and if that's not enough information I read your about you section so I can figure out a good match.

You know what also helps? When you post something like - anything for kids (ages 2 - 9), or pertaining to jewelry, chocolate or shopping! rofl....

I hope you all had a great time and are pleased with your prizes. I have to get back to contacting everyone. I hope this post will help you for next year's party!



Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

It's The After Party - Party! #ubp10

Did you guys have a great time or what? It's hard to believe that it's been an entire week that this party has gone on. Twitter and Facebook have been such great resources for this party. We party goers have been Tweeting links, answering questions and retweeting like crazy! I'm @PamelaMKramer and @HappyPandaBaby. I followed so many new links from the party Twitter haulted my business account until I have more followers.

As the prize coordinator I had the opportunity to hit well over 300+ blogs! Here are few that caught my attention.

Not Your Average Teen - I was pretty impressed by her "bullets." You can follow her on Twitter too @NotAverageTeen.

Larry @CakeBlast is a Daddy blogger and I've seen his avatar around on a lot of blogs that I follow but I never found his blog until the party!

Did any of you meet @Susieqtpies? We tweeted a lot and she has a really cool blog too! Go say hello she's pretty awesome.

There are lots more bloggers and if you do follow my Twitter account then you might have seen me tweet some of my favorite posts too. I don't like to leave anyone out. lol
It's almost time for me to start drawing for prizes so I better get my coffee made because it's going to be a long night!


Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

Happy Ultimate Blog Party!

If you are here from the party, WELCOME! I'm the busy bee behind the scenes organizing all those sweet prizes. You have reached my home away from home. I'm offering some gift certificates to my Happy Panda store (#2 US only) and some t-shirts compliments of my blog here (#2 US and Canada).

Because I'm an organizer I don't get to list all the goodies that I would like to win but if I could get a prize I would love to have either of these!


US39 -Be My Guest certificate ($250 value) for one lucky winner, (2 night stay for a family of four) at any Hilton Garden Inn.
Provided by: Hilton Garden Inn


US40- One winner will receive a 3 day 2 night stay from Holiday Inn Main Gate East in Kissimmee, FL (less than 2 miles from Disney World) a value of $250.

Provided by: Holiday Inn Main Gate


I'm sure I could go on and on but honestly I have to get back over to the prize post and add more prizes. Enjoy the party and have a blast meeting everyone.

Before you go, don't forget to link up! I'm sure we are in some of the same circles. Have a look around the side bars and don't forget to check the "Add Me" tab.

I just had to add this quick little video so you could get a little taste of my daily life! I was trying to get that one great shot.

Whoo Hoo - It's a Party!

This is a sticky post for the party scroll down to read more of my madness.

Welcome bloggy friends! It's me again but on a more personal level. This is my home away from home. I'm so glad that you are taking the time to stop by my blog. I'm a daily poster and that is often therapeutic for me. I write reviews and host contests and I love photography and music. I'm a huge fan of blip.fm. If you follow me on Twitter then you might have seen my blips. I've made a lot of great friends online, maybe you know some of them?

I wear tons of hats but it fits my personality! I'm always trying to get into better shape but struggle with those junk food rewards late at night after the kids have gone to bed. I'm a mother to many and I love them all. They keep me so busy but I like to pass on my knowledge and favorite sites here at Mom Faves. I belong to a lot of social nings and other places. I'm always adding items of my dreams to my wish list at Wishpot.

Hope you all have fun blog hopping my prize offer is #18! Since I'm the coordinator I don't get to win a prize from the main site but boy would there be many on my list if I could win one.

Here are a few of my Peeps!

Win $500! - Summer Photo Contest

This is one of my all time favorite shots this summer! Wish our photo Good Luck in the 5 Minutes for Mom summer photo contest. For more details please click here!

Lunch Time! - Contest

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a lunch box giveaway. VPZ offers a variety of cool designs. They have lots of trendy products sure to be a hit in your household. My personal favorite is the Flip Side Bucky Lunch box!
If you would like to enter to win your favorite retro lunch box click here for entry details! Contest open until June 8th.

Playskool Easy Dunk - We Won!

We are the happy winners of the 5 Minutes for Mom Toys for 2 weeks contest! We won the Playskool Easy Dunk toy and it just arrived today. Just to give you an idea of how cool this toy is we took some photos. This hoop can hang on any door knob or handle. Check it out!




































OK - That fun ended quickly! He started eating the ball and there are orange pieces being thrown in the trash right now. However, in Playskool's defense it is for ages 3+ and we are no where near that. It's still a cool toy!

Welcome Sophia

Sophia is here and she is just beautiful. Mother and baby are doing wonderful according to Aunt Janice. 5M4M has some really great first photos listed on their site. One of my favorites is posted here right above her cousin Olivia's photo. If you click on their photos the link will take you to see all of their newborn photos! Take a moment to welcome Sophia. Thanks.

Thinking Pink

Are you thinking pink? Of course you are and who isn't? There are many contests and giveaways during National Breast Cancer month. One of the latest prizes being given away is this sleek digital camera from Casio. Model EX-Z75 has been released to help create awareness for breast cancer. The lucky winner of this digital camera will always have a reminder to spread awareness all year long. How can you win this digital camera? Visit 5 Minutes for Mom for more details. I entered to win this camera and if I win you can be sure there will be lots of new pictures posted. Don't forget to read about Avis Board's Urban Botanic give away also in honor of breast cancer awareness.

Sophia is Coming!

If you were following the 5 Minutes for Mom cyber baby shower then you know we are still waiting on Sophia. Susan's last post was about contractions and she is at the hospital right now. We are so excited.

Olivia is here!

Janice has given birth to Olivia. She's here and they are both doing well. For further details please read Susan's post here.