ANNOUNCEMENTS: THE DIVA HAS A FEW THINGS UP HER SLEEVE

It has been awhile since I have done one of my announcement posts, and I think that one is long over due. I have quite a few good things that I am planning, along with a request for some of my readers, and then a not-so-good one (but I’ll save that one for last). So here we go!

• I’m planning a DIVA WEEKEND RETREAT for late 2010 or early 2011. It’s going to be a small gathering, but it’s going to be fun. I want to get the chance to meet some of the readers that have supported me through this blog for so long. I have interacted with you through comments, emails, letters, and even over the phone but now I want to meet you in person. So what better way to do that then to spend a weekend together? The details are still in the works and I’m still deciding on a venue. I have several “themes” in mind and I would love to get y’alls opinion on where you would like to go if you could have a weekend girlfriend retreat. Just leave me a comment on what you would like to do and/or if you would be interested in coming. Here are some ideas/venues that I had:

  A cruise. We have water, islands, cocktails, restaurants, games, etc… all at our disposal.

  A mountain/cabin getaway. We get to enjoy new scenery, have an entire lodge to ourselves, and participate in some events as well.

  A hotel/spa retreat in an awesome city. Ummm, spa. Need I say more? *smiles*

• I NEED GUEST POSTS! I could ask other bloggers to do this for me, but I want to keep this right at home. I would love to have some of my readers write guest posts for me to publish on my blog for when I have the baby. You can write about almost anything. (Just remember that I try to keep this blog as family friendly as possible.) I would love to see posts about:

  Saving money. Y’all share SO many good tips in the comments that I would love to have a post written by you with some of your best penny pinching tips. I’ve shared my coupon binder and tips on how to survive on one income. Your turn!

  Recipes. I am always ready and willing to try new recipes. I would love to have readers send in some of their favorite recipes, along with picture(s) so that we can make some of your family favorites.

  Introducing yourself and your family. I feel as if I know some of you just by reading your comments. You talk about your family and your relationships and I would love to be able to introduce you to the crowd and finally see those beautiful faces that visit me on a regular basis. (It would also break up the monotony of seeing my big pie face or the plethora of baby photos that I put out there. We all know what Tooty and Bam look like.)

  Standing on your soapbox. Is there a subject/topic/news event out there that just makes you shake your head? Then why not voice your opinion right here on Penny Pinching Diva. I have stood on my soapbox twice about MTV’s 16 & Pregnant and how government assistance isn’t just for lazy people.

  Product reviews. Have you just bought something that made your life SO much easier? No fair keeping it to yourself. Share it with the rest of us, along with pictures, so we can see it in action and then go out and by it.

  Your savings & struggle stories. Let us know how you are saving money. Or maybe you are struggling with a particular area of frugality and you would like some advice. Share it with us and put it out there so we can all help and support each other.

• An online coupon course is coming soon. I know that I posted awhile back that I was going to do an online coupon class, but in the midst of planning that I came up with an even better idea. I will be organizing a self-paced online coupon class for those of you who want to really get down to the nitty gritty of savings in all areas of your life. I am writing an informative book/workbook along with a lot of printables that you will be able to read and refer to during this course. It will also have videos and a message board that you will be able to participate in to get your additional questions answered. There will be a small fee associated with it, but it’s just to cover the eBook and online course site. Nothing astronomical, I promise. (To those of you that I promised this course for free, don’t worry, that offer still stands as I apologize for not putting this together sooner.) The eBook is looking good, and if you have downloaded my CVS 101 handbook or my Coupon Binder inserts then that will give you a taste of the detail that I am putting into it.
• Finally, IF YOU DON’T HAVE SOMETHING NICE TO SAY PLEASE DON’T SAY IT AT ALL. Point blank. The end. Everyone is going through hard times, we all have our own struggles. The difference is that I put all of mine out there because I want to be an open book to my readers. I want y’all to get to know me. That comes with it’s downfalls sometimes because I get so many nasty comments and emails. I know that I may not parent the way that you do, but that doesn’t make my parenting bad. That goes vice versa as well. I may not agree with a lot of what other bloggers do with their children, but I don’t go out of my way to tell them that I’m right and their wrong because there is no right and wrong when it comes to parenting. (Unless it is abusive or detrimental to the child.)

  I welcome advice and opinions all day everyday, but I don’t welcome criticism and negativity. You can disagree with me. That’s fine. We can debate our differing opinions in the comments because that’s what makes it fun. I love talking to others that have different views than me. That’s life and that’s what makes you an individual and interesting. What I don’t like is being called names or telling me that I suck as a person. I won’t call you names and I will never tell you that your exsistance is a waste of space. I’m not looking to have every reader agree with me, but I am looking for the same amount of respect that I give you. You can voice your opinions to me, but you can also do it in a tactful way.

There are plenty more announcements on the way, but this is what I am working on for now!