"I love my mom"

A few days ago, I was laying in bed acting as if I was still sleeping. My cute little four and a half year old son was next to me. He cuddled up behind me and whispered, "I love my mom". So sweet!

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Upromise Celebrates its 10th Anniversary! What's your dream?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPromise for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Upromise is celebrating its 10th Anniversary by giving away $20,000 to users who share a story that tells how a parent has supported a child's dream! Upromise members have received more than $600 million in college savings through their rewards program, and it wants to celebrate all of the ways it has helped to fuel those sparks that made children into the people they are today and the adults they will become tomorrow.

Users can participate in the sweepstakes by submitting a story, and can vote on their favorite stories by “liking” them. Upromise will give away $1,000 to 10 winners and a grand prize winner for $10,000 will be selected from the participants as well.

Here's my dream I submitted:

I grew up in the 1970's to parents who were children themselves. Neither my mother nor father went to college. My parents divorced when I was nine years old.  I grew up in Texas with my father. I never did exceptionally well in school. My father used to tell me I was not college material. When I was twenty-seven years old, I decided I was ready for college. I moved to Chicago and earned my degree in fashion design. Several years later, I earned my MA. Ed. I had to work full time while earning both degrees, which was very challenging.

I dream my son will someday have the luxury to earn as many degrees as he wants and not have to work while attending school.

Upromise invites you to join the movement, share your experiences and give a spark to help fuel the flame of their future dreams. This is an amazing opportunity to win a significant amount of money. I encourage my readers to visit www.upromisetodream.com and submit your dream. I would also like to see this contest promoted via Facebook, Twitter and your own blogs. You can also visit dream wall official rules to learn more about the rules of the contest.

Dive into the season’s sexiest swimwear at Express!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Dive into the season’s sexiest swimwear at . The new spring women's swimwear line at is fabulous. They've managed to design a variety of super cute bikinis and other swim suits. My favorite suit is this two piece:

I love how has managed to incorporate bold hues with on trend graphic prints. I would wear their suits to the beach, the pool, on vacation. Anywhere! They're all cute and spot on with the current trends.

Some key points about the women's swimwear line at :

* They offer their always-popular monokini, sexiest string bikini and must-have strapless and halter bikini styles.
* A choice of bright solids, on-trend graphic prints, the essential reversible style, nautical-inspired striped and sleek metallic styles.
* Their collection includes designer details including flirty ruffles, sexy self-tie sides, glam beaded embellishments and polished metal hardware.
* Removable padding in tops.
* Bottoms fit smaller to size for moderate back coverage.
*  Swim shorts available for men.
* You can accessorize with Express spring essentials including sandals, tote bags, sunglasses and hats For Him and For Her.

Sign up for Express e-mail for a chance to win one of ten $200 Express gift cards! Please be sure to visit the sweepstakes rules for additional information.

Mattie Reid Chicago blog contest

I am very excited to offer Mattie Reid Chicago readers a chance to win a $20 store credit at our Etsy shop. Don't want to wait for the contest to end to get something from our shop? Use coupon code "ETSY20" and get 20% off anything in our store. Coupon expires 3/31/11.

The giveaway details are as follows:
1. Visit our shop, find something you really like and come back here and comment.
2. Heart our shop or favorite an item for extra entries and then come back here and comment.
3. Earn one extra entry for following our blog. Come back here and comment and tell us you are following our blog.

Contest ends Thursday March 31, 2011 at midnight CST.
Limit is $20 store credit.
Open to residents worldwide.
Winner will be drawn randomly.

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