Thursday

Egomania

Ryan is a busy blogger these days as he keeps up and edits these 5 blogs:
http://ryantology.blogspot.com/, http://lawsondetectiveagency.blogspot.com/, http://4outs.blogspot.com/,http://swunt.blogspot.com/, and this one. The writing in some of your blogs is alittle aloof in my opinion, but interesting at the same time. No doubt this blogger knows baseball and is chock full of stats. Definitely a group of blogs from the readers to comment on.

Addies

It's great to come across a blog that is so dedicated to God and family..addie's blog is just that. There are alot of prayers...poetry...and bits and pieces about her daily life and times. Very calming in spots and it makes you stop and think. I like her post entitled, Directions to our Father's house. Very nicely done Addie....keep up the good work!

Toxic Mold Removal

There is alot of things that come at us in every direction when it comes to our health and the environment. One thing that should be taken seriously is the topic of toxic mold. It can become a problem through no fault of your own if you home is prone to moisture problems or leaks. When mold does become an issue you want to look for a company who specializes in toxic mold removal. You want a company like Advance Mold Diagnostics to inspect you home and for mold and remove it if necessary. What's so special about Advance Mold Diagnostics you ask? For one thing they are the premiere NJ mold remediation specialists in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania markets! They are also the home of the best New Jersey mold inspector, and he's not human. It's hunter the mold dog. Dogs are used to sniff out drugs, bombs, termites and now toxic mold. Advance Mold Diagnostics has been featured on channels 3,6,and 10 and have been written about in numerous newspapers and their quality and knowledge has been well documented over the years. SO if you are wondering if you have mold or want it removed, then give them a call today!

This post has been sponsored by the fine folks at Advance Mold Diagnostics

ZZTOP

http://zztopslittlepieceofheaven-zzop357.blogspot.com/

This blog is only a few months old but by the looks at the comment sections it has alot of steady readers and popularity. I enjoyed reading through this blog with lots of good stories and photography. I am going to give my opinion and some constructive criticism. The blog is not complimented by the template you've chosen. The green is hard on the eyes. The blog has alot to offer in the content and I think if the template was softer it would jive better with the posting. Also it looks like you were experimenting with labels that are stuck at the bottom of the page and I am confused by the idiot report that is there. If you are going to keep a label section you might want to edit and move it to the sidebar. Other than that I think the blog is moving in the right direction and I truly enjoyed reading through it.

Soliloquy

Another fantastic use of this creative outlet we call the blog. Sara uses this to keep a journal of the growing up of her daughter Ari (who should be a baby model) and the daily "stuff" that goes along with it. I almost wish I was into blogging when my 7 year old was born because I think it's a fantastic way to use as a keepsake for when you child is older to look at. This blog has alot of content with many of the posts using the lyrics of songs as the title. Clever idea. The posts are alittle long but who cares...I don't think you are blogging for others...I think you are blogging for you and your family. Terrific blog and keep up the good work!

global futures

I started trading stocks about 3 years ago when I heard of a friend who made a decent amount of money in the penny stock market. It sounded like easy money, so I set up an account and since then have actually made a decent amount of money via the penny stock-small cap market. I then broadened my horizons and stared to invest that money I made in large cap stocks and dividend paying stocks to keep the profits I made. As I became more savvy about the market and a little more confident I started to research the futures market and the forex. I wanted to add a new dimension to my portfolio and through this sponsorship have found a company that is leading the way in these markets. Global Futures is a company that handles futures, options, and the forex. You can open an account online and they can get you started with as little as 250 dollars and no minimum requirement in most cases. There is a variety of platforms to choose from and plenty of support. There is no doubt if you are looking to expand into the futures or forex that Global Futures Exchange and Trading Company is for you!

This post was sponsored by the fine folks at Global Futures
"There is risk of loss trading Futures, options and forex"

Wednesday

Brit's Blog

Holy cow...my first AOL Journal blog. Very interesting. I was going to start this post with Good Morning Campers, as this blogger from Florida does at the beginning of most of her posts, but I'll let that be a Brit's exclusive. As I read through this blog, I found myself wanting to read from post to post which tells me right away that the blog keeps your interest. If I get bored with a blog (which doesn't happen to often) I just read a few posts and move on. This one is well written. The blogger, who is originally from Oxford, England, now lives in Florida and is a military wife and mom, so I have to say hats off to you and the military men in your life. Nice job overall and keep the blog rolling. Good job.

Kris's Korner

What a great blog I just read through called Kris's Korner Of The World...a very inviting blog where the writing flow like conversation. You almost feel like you are sitting on that porch at the top of the blog and listening to the blogger. Perfectly set up and nicely done, this blogger keeps the template simple and elegant so the reader can focus on the writing. Like this one alot...great job!

Motherhood Unscripted

The dads should just give up. Still another mom blog and they continue with the high standard of quality that they are known for. This blog is no different. The bloggers is a mother of 3...2 boys, one with aspergers syndrome and the other with Trisomy 21, and a little girl. Motherhood is a learned craft and it amazes me how much strength alot of these moms exhibit. I know that I couldn't do half the stuff my wife does day to day. This blog is set up in a fantastic way with well written posts and a web store to boot! Check them both out today and say hi to this blogger and mom. Great job and well done! You can also find her store HERE!

area rugs

My wife and I will be tackling our bedroom this spring as a home improvement project and one thing that I am excited about is our hardwood floors. The owners before us had a dog who pretty much did a number on the hardwood, so we will be refinishing them and getting the old shine back. My wife already has her ideas as to how we are going to keep the shine and they include area rugs. I wasn't too keen on the idea until I started to research them and found that the old dusty rugs of the past that used to be crusted to my grandma's floors are things of the past. Today's area rugs can be very trendy and modern and go with almost any decor. It was by coincidence that this opportunity presented itself as a sponsor because I was in the process of researching area rugs and designerfloor.com has a great selection to add to my research! I myself am shopping for style, my wife is looking for practicality. She likes the fact that you can change the area rugs with the seasons. I guess she is right. So if you are in the same boat as I am or if you are planning on shopping for and area rug soon then why not check out designerfloor.com today and save.


This post has been sponsored by the fine folks at designerfloor.com

Bits of Betsy

Right back in the swing of things with the mom blogs...picking up where I left off, we are treated to Betsy's blog about her life and times with her family and 2 daughters. This is a very well written and interesting blog with some good posts. There is an eye opening (no pun intended) post about sleepwalking and...uh...sleep driving, and this touching post to her dad on the 9th anniversary of his death. SO why not stop over and say hello to Betsy...especially since she has named her own holiday back in March as National "visit a blog" Day! Nice job and keep the blog rolling.

new2blog

Here is a very clever idea and the template design is right on. It's based on giving information to newbies who have just started blogging with help on some of the set up and design features that could stump some on new to the blogosphere. It's a newer blog so it still has some kinks to work out, like the broken links in the resource area of your blog, but other than that I think it is on it's way to being a great place for new and old bloggers to visit for some tips and advice.

Mama's So called Life

Keeping with the mom theme (as the dads get pounded into the pavement), Kriten send us her blog entitled, Mama's So Called Life! No shortage of material here either, Kristen blogs about her life and times with her family and her 3 children with stories that I can amazingly relate to. I have 2 small boys so these mom and dad blogs hit home for me. I loved the post about how her little on asked to start her own blog. This is great...bloggers are getting younger and younger. You have to check out this blog that, in my eyes, is the best one yet. It's entitled Care Bears World. It would be nice if you all stooped by and said hi to this mom and daughter team of bloggers and leave a nice word in the comments!

In the trenches of mommyhood

Mom blogs are kicking butt, something like dad blogs 3-mom blogs 3 hundred.! Well at least this one keeps the high standards that the other mom blogs have set. The material you get to write about when you have children is amazing...the old saying is true..kid's do say the darnedest things. This mom is keeping this blog as a virtual "baby book" and I think that is one of the greatest things you can use a blog for. Blogs are free and unless Google goes insane and implodes then the blogs should be around for a very long time. How better to chroniclize your children and you family's journey through life than with a blog. You can write journal entries....keep pictures...and even add videos. It doesn't hurt to be able to spin a tale or two and keep the outsiders interested...and that is just what this mommy blogger does. Well done and I think you deserve to "blog for a year". Check out her widget and vote.

Tuesday

Suburban Oblivion

Mom blogs are back in full forced with, Suburban Oblivion, who are these kids and why are they calling me mom. This bloggin' mom from Mobile, AL has 3 little ones, 2 dogs, a husband, and one quality blog! Wordpress can be amazing when done properly and this blog is no exception, the look overall and template is fantastic. The writing is witty and has the tone of a mom who is...well...dealing with a full house! I can relate to alot of her blog because I have 2 little ones and my wife often times will be living alot of what is talked about in this blog. Fantastic and a definite addition to my re-visit bin.

Selldeo.com

Did you ever wonder as you surf the Internet and come across a service or website and you sit there thinking; Why didn't I think of that? I had just one of those minutes when I came across selldeo.com. Just what is selldeo.com you ask? Simply put, it is a video classified ad! It's goal is to make video marketing accessible and free to the public! Selldeo.com has some fantastic features like free listings, no insertion fee, you can broadcast your own commercial for free, and post as many ads as you want for free are among the many features they offer. Learn all about Selldeo.com today by visiting their website and start your journey to making money today!

This post has been sponsored by the fine folks at Selldeo.com

I can't believe it's not butter...I mean he's still single.

Here is a fun and clever blog that takes real personal ads from around the country and posts them with a clever comment by the author. This is actually a pretty funny blog when you start to explore it and see some of the insane ads that people put out there. Makes you wonder just how desperate we all can be sometimes. It looks to be a pretty new blog so why not stop over and check it out. I think you'll be glad you did.

Sioux Sue

Writer in the house! Sue is a freelance writer who writes history and genealogy articles for regional newspapers and magazines! I always wanted to write freelance myself and always have alot of respect for anyone who has gained that notoriety. What a better hobby and past time for a writer but a blog. That is just what Sue keeps in Sioux Sue. It's the thoughts and pondering about life and all things that happen in Sue's day to day life...her interests and things she notices along the way. Great work Sue...keep the blog rolling!

N2growth Blog

As you know in past critiques I have spoken highly of blogs that offer entrepreneurial advice and advice on money and self improvement. I think these topics are important for improving one's place in life and for the simple reason of wanting to be positive about your life and career. It is for this reason that I am excited to review a new blog called the N2growth blog. This blog is written by Mike Myatt, the chief strategy officer for N2growth, and is chock full of information that anyone wishing to be successful in life and work can use. From articles on wanting to become an entrepreneur to leadership to reputation management, it's all covered in N2growth blog. So if you are ready to become more productive and focus on your success then I recommend a visit to the N2growth Blog.

This post has been sponsored by the fine folks at N2growth Blog.

Green Bus

This is an exhausting blog because it is set up very differently than most blogs I visit. The text is written across the entire page with the sidebar on the bottom and it's like a dust storm of blogginess. Great part is...once the dust settles and you start to sift through it all, you find a really cool blog. As I dug further I found that it's the brain child of Matthew and Sue (mostly Matthew) who happen to also keep a blog about the paranormal. They are honest to goodness Ghost Busters! This is a cool blog with links to their other blog in the bottom area. So stop by and check out this unique blog today!

The Midnight Oil

This blog makes me want to visit the Philippines. The writer who is in advertising has a wonderful way of drawing you into his blog and getting his point across in a fantastic way. His post called No Place Like Home is one example. He is not the most regular blogger, but his posts are strong enough to get past that. One thing I might add is a feedblitz so people who like your blog can sign up for an email notification when you do actually post something. Great job and keep up the god work.

JOEPRAH

Finally a dad blog! The moms have been kicking butt for a long time and the dads have been dying on the side of the road until now! Joeprah not just any old dad blog...it's a blog with incredible personality and full of great content that keeps the readers interest from post to shining post. At first visit it takes some time to digest the whole blog setup, but once you take a minute to take it all in you will see that this is not your average blog. It has posts about regular parenting conundrums like what to do with the millions of art works your children draw and a page of strange news. I like this one alot and recommend a visit.

Monday

What is Monetized Mondays all about?

I'm surprised at the lack of interest in the monetized Mondays contest. Basically the whole point behind it is to raise awareness about the advertisements and streams of revenue bloggers have on their blogs. Have you ever checked your adsense or adbrite or text link account and see a few cents were made that day? It's alittle discouraging. You no doubt allow those links to be on your blog because you want to make some money. Most of us go from blog to blog and read your posts then move on to the next one, all the time ignoring the ads that are their, or your donate button, or your web store. Let's use adsense for a minute. The advertisers who sign up with adwords want their website clicked on. Of course they don't want click fraud or the blog owner sitting there clicking on the links, but if I as a reader comes to your blog and come across an ad for blogging or finance then I click on it as a courtesy to the blogger and the advertiser. No one wins if no one clicks on that ad. The advertiser's website sits traffic-less and the bloggers gets no money. The reason I started this contest was to raise awareness of this issue and the winners I place on the top of the blog in hopes that people will visit and pay attention to their advertisers. Click on Monetized Mondays to submit to the contest.

Broom Girl

This is a tough one because it is actually a pretty cool blog. Problem I see is the link takes you to a funky home page type of thing that is all over the place. At first I didn't realize it was a blog until I figured out the blog link was on the sidebar. The archives are set up at the bottom and then when you click them they list all these numbers. Very chaotic in my opinion as far as user friendliness goes. Sorry but it's just my opinion and criticisms.

Hovel

It's a great thing to read a blog written by a teenager because you get such a different point of view about things and the writing is so much more real, for lack of a better word. Annie seems to be the main contributor to this blog and quite frankly I am amazed to see a teen who is on blogger and not My Space, but that's what choices are all about. The whole blog is a refreshing compilation of things that are going on in Annie and her friends lives and the lives of many teens I'm sure. The blog is very well written and I found my self going from post to post and really enjoying the style Annie wrote with. Very well done and keep up the god work!

CONTEST CRUSADE!

CONGRATS!

Only 2 people submitted for today's contest. Don't forget you can submit every Monday up until Memorial Day when the drawing will be. Congrats to this weeks winners and stop by their blogs and check out any advertising they have set up and say hi.

I EAT SNOWMAN POOP

First off let me say that I might have to ban those automatic music players some of you have on your blog. Do you know what it's like to have total quiet and then suddenly be blasted by Sinatra singing Downtown!?!? I'm a jumpy guy to begin with. Having said that I have to say that I found this poopy site very light hearted and fun until I went to the very first post called Invites are out. This is truly a cool site, despite the potential for cardiac death from the rotten stinking music player, and it's written in a manner that compels you to keep on reading. Good stuff all around and highly recommend a visit. Good job.

Over thebackyard fence

Karen submitted her blog and after looking through it made me wonder how long it takes for a blog to find it's voice or rhythm? Not saying anything bad about Karen's blog, I am actually quite fond of it, but As I look back at the early posts of some of the blogs that have been around for years and years most of them start off kind of awkward and then they blossom and start to morph into it's own. I think you have the beginnings of a great blog. Funny you referencing Little Miss Sunshine in one of your recent posts. My wife and I just watched that this weekend and it was funny. Keep up the good work.

free cell phone

Recently I've been in the market for a new cell phone. The one I have now is an old flip phone that creaks when I open it and I can't hear the other callers real good and it's chipped and the cell phone logo is faded to the point of n o return. It is just time. The one I had before that made Maxwell Smart's shoe phone from the television show "get smart" look like a compact. Admittedly I hold on to cell phone for a long time so it is why now I am looking to upgrade. Now for the real reason I hold onto phones for so long. The cost. I am cheap. At the same time I want something other than the rotary dial, dusty lime green phone that is sitting in my office to call people with, which is why I love Wirefly and their free cell phone offer. Wirefly handles all the brand name phones and carriers. It's the Internets number 1 authorized cell phone dealer. You are talking about a first class operation with a listing on the NASDAQ under the symbol INPC. This tell you right away that you are not dealing with a fly by night company or some high school kid who just set up a web store in his bedroom and selling crappy phones from his garage. This is the real deal. It's because of this huge operation that they can offer free cell phones and the other great discounted deals they have. There is no question about who to turn to for your cell phone shopping. Can the other companies offer you free Fedex shipping? Can they offer you the chance to try the phone out for 15 days and if you are not completely satisfied return it and swap to another phone or ask for a full refund and they pay that shipping too? Is this customer service or what! If you are still not sure then check out these customer reviews about the service and satisfaction they received at Wirefly. You satisfaction is guaranteed! You might not get the cool shoe phone that agent Maxwell Smart had on his television show or the cool rotary, lime green phone I have sitting in my office, but you will get the latest and greatest technology has to offer at a fantastic rate. You will get kick butt customer service and all the information you will ever need to make a decision on making a cell phone and carrier purchase. Check them out today and happy hunting!
This has been a sponsored post by the fine folks at Wirefly.

Confesions of mine

Good stuff...the writing flows like conversation....the posts are about everyday stuff...the blog is great. What else can I say. Every once in a while it is refreshing to come across a blog that just speaks like you're having a conversation with a friend. That is the feel I get from this blog. Amber blogs about her family and the daily stuff that goes along with it. Stuff we all go through like how her daughter has been to 2 sleepovers but hasn't actually slept over. A good post called, In harms Way. The whole blog is just nice to read through and you get a real feel for the blogger and her family. Keep up the good work!

Tara's blog

Tara is one busy blogger these days, but it is this one she submitted for review that I am concentrating on today. What a beautifully done blog, you can see the bloggers personality ooze off the screen with a deep love for her family. From the looks of it this family loves life and Emma Sage is one special girl. Tara has been blogging since 2004 chronicling the journey they have taken and it's a special one indeed. The blog just makes you feel positive and it's like that through out. Read this post from June 2005. I like this blog very much. Great Job!

LIfe

This blog written by Essie is entitled, Life...What More Can I Say, and when you think about it, isn't that what blogging is all about. It is a diary of your life...like it or leave it...what more can you say about that. Essie's blog is full of "themed" photography and her own thoughts and pondering about life and what is happening in hers. No bells and whistles, just a straight up blog. Refreshing to see every once in a while. Well done.

Top Blog Mag

Top Blog mag has hit the town running and is creating a buzz among the blogging community like no other. It's a fantastic concept that allows you to write a story or article of your choosing and have it published on Top Blog Mag. Any one can submit and the rules are basically that you have to put up a link on your blog linking Top Blog Mag, your article has to be exclusively written for Top Blog Mag (not also posted on your blog or any other blog), the material has to be original, and presented in an organized manner with a grasp of the English language. For a complete list of rules visit Top Blog Mag's Rules section. I think this is going to be a very good thing for bloggers and wish the best of luck to Top Blog Mag.

Sunday

What's new at Critique My Blog

As you see I've been running 2 contests lately. One is getting some good action, the other is lagging behind, both have great prizes.

I want to thank those of you who have recently donated via the handy dandy donate button. It is very generous of you all and not necessary. Thank you.

My next announcement is the long anticipated Friday review by Barb from Skittle's Place! Next Friday she will be picking a blog of her own choosing and reviewing it and the review will be posted here at Critique My Blog. It will be a fantastic addition to CMB and Barb was generous enough to offer to do the reviews. Stop by Skittles Place and say hello if you haven't already done so.

WIn $100 dollars of Billy Mac's Money contestants!

Thanks so far to all who have entered the contest by signing up for Critique My Blog via the Feedblitz button and adding me to your Technorati Favorites. Those who have signed up so far are:
www.atyourservice.blogspot.com
http://mdbeau.blogspot.com
http://nuttierthanyou.blogspot.com
http://www.giveawayproject.com
http://mouseski.blogspot.com
http://opinionminions.blogspot.com
http://akelamalu.blogspot.com/
http://callieannbrat.blogspot.com
http://skittles0366.blogspot.com
http://blogaboutyourblog.com
http://stoptheride-stephanie.blogspot.com/

This is the list of contestants so far who will be eligible to win $100 dollars on Memorial day. If you want to join this list of fantastic bloggers all you have to do is sign up at Feedblitz. You can also click through on the sidebar. If I've missed anyone who has joined before April 1rst 2007 then let me know.

Loving Annie

A blog that has alot of activity on the comment section is a testament to the blog itself. It shows there is alot of interest and love for that blog and this one is no exception. Loving Annie is a journey the blogger is taking and if you read from the beginning you will get the full story. The blog itself is very peaceful feeling...nice job overall!

Fit For Freedom

Looking for your personal way to financial freedom? Then you have to check out this website/blog. This is a new blog and is on it's way to being a very useful and resourceful blog with links to some very useful information. As I've said before Financial blogs like this are my kind of read...so if you are looking to improve your place in life go have a visit!

It's Always Something

Sara's blog involves her family and their child with Down Syndrome entitled, It's Always Something. I have to say that this is a blog that grabs you by the heart strings and makes you want to read more and more. IN a recent post from March 27th Sara writes about Snuggle Time that opens your eyes to the love that overflows in this family. These are truly magic moments. I liked the blog alot and encourage a visit. Nice job!

Whitterer on autism

Overall an interesting blog on a topic that is hot right now. Autism is something that has so many facets it's mind boggling. My wife is an special education teacher with autistic children and the stories I hear are amazing. As for your blog. I would stop keeping your daily postings on a per day basis and archive monthly. I also think your sidebar in over run with too much stuff with no real rhyme or reason. It took a while to load on my machine and it is a brand new lap top with high speed. I think, kept alittle simpler, it would be an awesome blog.

LaScala's

Let me start out by saying this is not a pay per post. It's a honest to goodness rave review about a restaurant my wife and I ate at last night for our anniversary dinner. It's called LaScala's and the food was out of this world. Fresh homemade Italian cuisine with service that is impeccable. One important thing to mention here also is the free parking right above the restaurant, which in down town Philadelphia is pure gold. Now for the food. When I say mouth watering it is no exaggeration. From the Appetisers to the salads to the main course and desert, it was all fantastic! I am a critical person to begin with and have eaten at some of the most expensive restaurants in Philadelphia and have walked out not happy and complaining. All I have for LaSala's is praise. Our server Jes was fantastic and accommodating and made us feel very welcome. The food came out quickly and hot, which surprised me because the place was busy. The food was fresh and cooked perfectly with just enough portion size. It was not too little and not too overbearing like some Italian restaurants offer. It was just perfect. The atmosphere is rustic Italian with a modern feel. We sat by the large windows that overlook the outside where you could see all the people waking by and the hustle and bustle of Old City Philadelphia. When we got there we noticed an area where families were eating with children and we sat on the other side that appeared to be set up for couples or parties with out children. I don't know if it was a coincidence or if it was set up that way, but it was a nice to know if I wanted to go back with my boys one night I could. The dress was casual and the staff made you feel very welcome. The floor manager came by to see how our meal was which was nice. For me to walk out of a restaurant with no complaints is enough to rate it in the 4 star status. I highly recommend a visit and I thank the folks at LAScala's for a wonderful evening.