Purple Baby Brigade Transitions to Midnight Mommy!

For all those out there that are continuily checking up on me, or follow me on Facebook, you might have noticed a bit of a difference here on the site today!

A transfromation has been happening over the last 24 hours. I have converted Purple Baby Brigade from blogspot to a free site to owning a new domain by the name of Midnight Mommy. I felt that the name was much more fitting for what I do, which is normally blog at midnight! :)

I have just finished working on my new graphics for the blog header & buttons. I have also created a new birthday bash giveaway button. You are welcome to copy the code below to update your blog, so you can earn the extra entries. But since I have done this so last minute, I will still accept the old button if you have already placed it on your blog and are gearing up for the big celebration! However, you are more than welcome to add this updated code to your blog so you have the most up to date information. Since I have posted this so late and the fact that the blog doesn't actually turn 1 until this Saturday, June 4th, I am not going to start the giveaways until then, so you still have time to add this button to your blog if you have not already done so. Make sure that you post a comment with a link to where you have it posted, so I can verify your entries as they roll in.

Grab This Button to Earn Extra Entries in June's Giveaway Birthday Bash Celebration!

<a href="http://purplebabybrigade.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-giveaways-will-be-posted-here-soon.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWZbnwRMLfE/TeR6tX2EBMI/AAAAAAAAAWg/6rvhBq-j7Fk/s1600/Midnight+Mommy+Birthday+Bash+Button.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>

You are guaranteed at least five extra entries into any giveaway posted for the Birthday Bash in the Month of June! So, what are you waiting for?? Go post this button to your blog! :)

You might be wondering what sponsors Ihave coming up for this Birthday Bash, well to satisfy your curiosity I am honored to have the following sponsors:

Alva Baby

Busy Mom's Tips

Tutu's by Kelli

Eye Buy Direct

Inspired by Finn

Arclab Software

Softcup

I encourage you to preview them to see what they have to offer! Postings start June 4th! 

Light Up Your Day with a Baby Laugh!

Another great video clip of our beautiful daughter laughing at who knows what. But something set her off! :) Enjoy!!

Bloggers for Joplin

On Sunday May 22nd, the town of Joplin, Missouri was devastated by an F5 tornado, the highest rating given to tornados.
The death toll is at 122 victims and there are over 700 with injuries. There are still over 1,500 people unaccounted for.
Times like these, we feel helpless. We don’t know what to do. We wish we could be there to help. Our hearts go out to the victims of the Joplin, Missouri tornado.
We are going to do what we do best: Blog and use Social Media.
Bloggers for Joplin is a group of bloggers who have teamed up to help Joplin, Missouri.
We are accepting advertisers for the month of June with 100% of the proceeds going to help the people of Joplin, Missouri.
The following blogs are participating and accepting advertisers:

http://www.sippycupmom.com/">Sippy Cup Mom is accepting 6 spots at $25 each.
http://themavenofsocialmedia.com/">The Maven of Social Media is accepting 6 spots at $25 each.
http://www.miraclemomas.com/" target="_blank">Miracle Momas is accepting 2 spots at $35 each. 
http://www.mommypr.com/" target="_blank">Mommy PR is accepting 2 spots at $25 each.
http://www.ellieadorn.com/" target="_blank">Motherhood Unadorned is accepting 4 spots at $25 each.
http://girlgonemom.com/" target="_blank">Girl Gone Mom is accepting 5 spots at $25 each.
http://www.crazyaboutmybaybah.com/" target="_blank">Crazy about My Baybah is accepting 6 spots at $25 each.
http://www.notquitesusie.com/" target="_blank">{Not Quite} Susie Homemaker is accepting 3 spots at $25 each.
http://familylifeinlv.com/">Family and Life in Las Vegas is accepting 6 spots at $25 each.
http://www.funfindsforfamilies.com/blog/" target="_blank">Fun Finds For Families is accepting 6 spots at $25 each.
http://acreationofmiracles.blogspot.com/2009/12/advertise-with-us.html" target="_blank">A Creation of Miracles is accepting 10 spots at $25 each. (Get the month of July free!)
http://www.familyfriendlyfrugality.com/">Family Friendly Frugality is accepting 8 spots at $25 each. (ALL SPOTS FILLED)
http://thereynoldsmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Reynolds Mom is accepting 4 spots at $25 each.
http://www.sarahsdeals.net/" target="_blank">Sarah’s Deals is accepting $75 each for her 350×250 banner and her skyscraper. She is also accepting spots at $25 each.
http://www.taminginsanity.com/" target="_blank">Taming Insanity is accepting 6 spots at $20 each.
http://therealpoopsie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Scoop on Poop is accepting 4 small spots at $15 each and 2 large spots for $50 each.
http://www.3psmama.com/">Three P’s in a Pod is accepting unlimited spots at $15 each.
http://casinofreebies3.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Life Below Zero is accepting unlimited spots at $15 each.
http://themagicfarmhouse.com/" target="_blank">The Magic Farmouse is accepting 3 spots at $15 each. (She can design your ad for free if needed)
http://katenkaboodle.com/" target="_blank">Kate n’ Kaboodle is accepting unlimited spots at $10 each.
http://www.seekreadblog.com/">See K Read is accepting 4 spots at $10 each.
http://www.craftylife.net/" target="_blank">My Crafty Life is accepting 2 spots at $10 each and is offering a top banner for $25.
http://www.stlbaseballapp.com/">StL Baseball App is accepting 4 spots at $10 each.
http://www.theturnipfarmer.com/" target="_blank">The Turnip Farmer is accepting 6 spots at $10 each. She will also be matching each donation!
http://www.nightowlsperch.com/" target="_blank">Night Owls Perch is accepting 10 spots at $10 each.
http://purplebabybrigade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Purple Baby Brigade is accepting 10 spots at $10 each.
http://www.mieletlait.com/" target="_blank">Meil et Lait is accepting 8 spots for $10 each (or $25 for three months). She has 6-125x125, 1-468x60 and 1-120x600 ads available.

Tara of http://acreationofmiracles.blogspot.com/">A Creation of Miracles is also looking to donate $300 for 3 families that are now homeless. These families work with her father. She is looking for $100 for each family.
You can visit her blog on more information and to http://acreationofmiracles.blogspot.com/2011/05/joplin-missouri-relief-funding-for-3.html">donate to help these specific families!



If you are are a blog or a business looking to advertise, please let me know!

Click Here to Donate

For specific questions about advertising on my blog, please email purplebabybrigade@gmail.com

If you are a reader looking to donate ANY AMOUNT, you can click on the Bloggers for Joplin button above and it will take you to Paypal to make a donation. 

If you are a blogger looking to join our cause, please let us know at bloggersforjoplin@gmail.com and we will get you added to the list!
Thank you so much and please spread the word!

Summer No-Bake, No-Stove Cookies

I had such a craving last night for cookies, but I didn't want to have to turn the oven on, which would just make the house even more hot. So my super easy solution to this was my to make my favorite Summer cookies, No-Bakes! This recipe was super easy to convert to dairy and gluten free and it is naturally egg and corn free!

What I abosloutely love about this recipe is that you don't even need a stove to make them! The only things you are going to need are:

• Glass 2 qt Bowl
• Parchment Paper or Wax Paper
• Spoon/measuring cups
• Ingredients

Summer No-Bake, No-Stove Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups of Quick Oats
2 cups Sugar
1/4 cup Peanut Butter
1/4 cup Bitter Baking Cocoa
1/2 cup Almond Milk
1/2 cup Best Life Buttery Spread

Directions:
In a two quart microwave safe bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, milk and butter.
Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
Stir and microwave for an additional 3 minutes, stirring every minute.
Stir in peanut butter and oats until well coated.
Let stand for 20 minutes (this is the important part).
Prepare your counter or other flat surface with parchment paper and drop cookies to desired size.
Let cool, normally I let them stand overnight to ensure their "doneness," but you may eat them right away, they will just be gooey!
Enjoy!!

Free eCookbook:  Mr. Food Decadent Desserts, featuring 32 pages of dessert recipes + Mr. Food Recipe eNewsletter for FREE!  Get this brand new FREE eCookbook collection of incredible dessert recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth. You’ll find all sorts of dessert recipes, from cakes and pies to cookies and everything in between!   The eCookbook has stunning colorful pictures and step-by-step instructions for terrific dessert recipes like Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies (page 16), PB & J Bars (page 18), Ricotta Cheesecake (page 10), and lots more. Click Here

Love Extreme Couponing? Want to score some Printable Coupons, look no further!

Are you looking for some hot deals, coupons, steals and more? Well look no further. I have done the foot work for you. Here you can find the latest printable coupons and use them to get some great product for little or no money at all!

Here are some great places to catch coupons from your favorite brands:

How about at the Pharmacy you ask? Here's the answer!

How about Free Stuff!!

Are you looking for daily deals? Then here are some exclusive offers just for you:

Are you looking for ways to get paid to shop or read email or surf the web? Then this is your answer!

Here is an awesome site to find out how to make wonderful, thoughtful gifts for next to nothing!

Looking for affiliated companies? Look no further than:

Webbie Wednesday

This is the first edition of Webbie Wednesday, where I share with you just a small glimpse into our adventure as first time parents. Hope you enjoy our little video clips!

This weeks Webbie Wednesday is titled:

While you are here, make sure to add my Birthday Bash button to your blog and leave me a comment stating where you have posted it to, so you can earn extra entries in all of June's giveaways!

Visit one of the sponsors now: FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $99 or more at EyeBuyDirect.com

Alex Trebek In Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland

Our morning was jam packed with fun, excitement and Celebrities!!! We were honored to meet Alex Trebek from Jeopardy. He came to our sleepy little town of Cumberland, MD and rode the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad up to Frostburg, MD, where he filmed video clues for the show Jeopardy.

Alex was kind and stopped and took photos with everyone that approached him. He autographed many items, from scrap pieces of paper to coffee cups. He was very sweet and approachable. I even was able to get a photo op with him and my daughter.

I was invited to join my in-laws to take pictures when the crew reached Frostburg, due to their business being right off the tracks. They Trail Inn, Cafe & Campground is directly behind us in this photo.
Here's a better photo of the Trail Inn, Cafe & Campground:

He came in on the steam engine, where they put him to work shoveling coal into the fire and pouring water into the boilers, so they wouldn't overheat. He even drove the train by applying brakes and the throttle. His camera crew was aboard the steam engine with him as well, filming his long awaited adventure. 

He was greeted by the local high school band, with their rendition of the Jeopardy tune.

He then turned the train around! After retouching his makeup :)

Below is a picture of the coal car. 

Below he is recording a video clue:

Here he is taking in local history and reading about Frostburg and the Great Allegheny Passage Trail:

On the train ride back down to Cumberland, Alex shared with our train car about how he had always wanted to ride in the engine. He had often been inside the engines when they weren't fired up, but this time he was able to not only be in it fired up, he got to fire it himself! He told us another story of when he was five and how his Grandpa lived near a railroad switch and had taught him to repeat the phrase, "The God Damn trains, get on my nerves." He would repeat it several times a day much to his parents discontent and his grandfather's delight! 

Once I get the video clips edited I will post them on youtube.com, but for now, I am too tired to get those all edited and posted to include them in this posting. But I wanted to share with you all our wonderfully exciting day!

Also, remember that June is right around the corner and that means that the Birthday Bash is about to start! Check out one of my sponsors now:

Shop EyeBuyDirect.com and get 10% OFF any purchase with code EYEBUY10 now through 5/31/11