Who Wants a Kalorik Sunny Morning Stick Mixer and...Where Is Singletude These Days?

Today I was supposed to announce the winner of the latest Singletude giveaway contest for a Kalorik Sunny Morning Stick Mixer, but there's one little problem--no one seems to want the prize! I'm kind of surprised. While it's not a very expensive item (it's worth about $24.99), it's useful, totally free, and easy to re-gift if necessary, and the giveaway required nothing more than a comment to enter. If the poll above is any indication, maybe you guys are just not into blog contests. So, this may be the last one. The mixer was intended to be my Christmas present to readers for your loyalty these past two years, so I will give it to the first person who comments on this post by 12/26/09 at 11:00 PM saying that he or she wants it. If no one is interested...well, then I guess it'll be my Christmas present to myself!

In other news, some of you may be wondering about the fate of "Singles in the News" this week. Actually, so am I! And if you're missing the topical mid-week posts, well, I miss them, too. In the past month, the number of articles about singles issues has literally doubled. Last week, I was receiving up to 40 stories a day to read, select, and summarize! While I'm thrilled that single people are getting so much coverage in the media lately, I'm spending upwards of 15 hours a week just on "Singles in the News." Without some major source of funding stepping out of the woodwork to rescue it, I'm sad to say that that's not something I can continue.

Thanks to the wonders of Google Analytics, I know that "Singles in the News" remains the most popular column on Singletude, and maybe I'm kidding myself, but I think it provides a service of some value, so I would hate to discontinue it. I'm currently mulling over ways to condense it while preserving its purpose and unique character. But I want to blog on other topics, as well, and right now "Singles in the News" is consuming so much time that there is none left for anything else. Perhaps there's someone out there who is equally passionate about singles issues and would be interested in joining forces to work on "Singles in the News"?

In the meantime, there will still be a "Singles in the News" column for last week (12/13/09-12/19/09), but, as you can see, its publication will be delayed. With the Christmas holiday upon us, I don't know if there will be a "Singles in the News" for this week (12/20/09-12/26/09) or not.

Thank you for your patience as I wrestle with how to reconcile what I would like to do with the limits of free time available to me to do it. I appreciate your support and very much hope that I can find a way for "Singles in the News" to continue alongside other blog articles about topics of importance to the single community.


Want to stay current on changes in the world that impact singles? Read the latest news about singles every day! Check out the Singletude newsreader under Singles in the News on the homepage!


Do you have a question for Clever Elsie about some aspect of the single life? Have an unpublished rant or rave about singlehood? Write in, and you just might see your question in a "Singletude Q&A" or your rant or rave in a "Singletude Sound-off"! Singletude makes every effort to republish submissions in their original form but reserves the right to edit your submission for length and clarity.

Win a Kalorik Sunny Morning Stick Mixer from SingleEdition.com: A Singletude Contest

As promised, Singletude has a new giveaway contest beginning today! Just consider this a Christmas (or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.) gift to you for your loyal readership.

In partnership with SingleEdition.com, Singletude is offering a Kalorik Sunny Morning Stick Mixer with a suggested retail value of $24.99. (You can also order it for just $14.41 from Amazon.) The two-speed, 200-watt, hand-held mixer is billed as the perfect solution for blending soup, sauce, batter, milkshakes, smoothies, and really anything else you can think of. It has a detachable stainless-steel blade and is heat resistant and dishwasher safe.

The Kalorik Sunny Morning Stick Mixer is a thank-you gift to Singletude readers, so you don't have to do anything special to enter this giveaway contest. All you have to do is one of the following:


1. Leave a comment on this post telling Singletude why you're thankful to be single. Be sure to mention that you want to enter the giveaway! You won't automatically be entered in the drawing unless you specify that you want to be.

2. Write to Singletude explaining why you're thankful to be single in as many words as you want. Again, be sure to mention that you want to enter the giveaway! Also, please specify whether or not you would like your submission to be published on Singletude.


If you want to inform others about this giveaway contest on your own blog, web site, or social networking profile, your help in getting the word out is appreciated, but it's not a requirement for entry.

Entrants must reside in the United States to qualify for free shipping. Entrants outside the United States must pay all shipping charges. (Sorry! The box is heavy, and I can't afford to ship it outside the U.S.)

The winner of the giveaway will be drawn at random on 12/23/09 at noon and announced on the same day. That means you have just over three weeks to enter the contest, so enter right away!

If the winner has submitted an entry by email, Singletude will contact the winner to request a shipping address. If the winner has submitted an entry in the comments section of this post, it will be his or her responsibility to contact Singletude with a shipping address. If the winner does not respond to claim the prize within 10 days, he or she will forfeit the prize, and another winner will be randomly drawn.

Remember, you have just 25 days to enter the Singletude giveaway contest for your chance to win the Kalorik Sunny Morning Stick Mixer, so enter now!


Do you have a question for Clever Elsie about some aspect of the single life? Have a rant or rave about singlehood? Write in, and you just might see your question in a "Singletude Q&A" or your rant or rave in a "Singletude Sound-off"!

Announcing the Winner of the Singletude Giveaway Contest

The first Singletude giveaway contest ended today with a random drawing at noon. And the winner is...Lauren of New York, NY! Lauren has already received an email notifying her of her win. For her contest entry, she submitted some awesome questions, several of which Singletude will be addressing soon in the "Q&A."

A great big thank-you to everyone who participated in the contest! If you didn't win this time, don't worry! You'll have lots of opportunities to enter future giveaways.

Thanks also go out to SingleEdition.com and author Cherie Burbach for donating the prizes.

Check back soon for the "Singles in the News" roundup of media coverage from National Singles Week.


Want to stay current on changes in the world that impact singles? Read the latest news about singles every day! Check out the Singletude newsreader under Singles in the News on the homepage!


Do you have a question for Clever Elsie about some aspect of the single life? Have an unpublished rant or rave about singlehood? Write in, and you just might see your question in a "Singletude Q&A" or your rant or rave in a "Singletude Sound-off"! Singletude makes every effort to republish submissions in their original form but reserves the right to edit your submission for length and clarity.

Singletude Giveaway Contest Ends Tomorrow

Today is your last chance to enter the Singletude giveaway contest! The prize is a gift basket from SingleEdition.com worth over $150, so don't miss your opportunity to score these goodies. The lucky winner will be selected in a random drawing tomorrow at noon, so all entries must be in before then.

"Singles in the News" may be delayed this week again. On top of my previously mentioned health issue, I've also now been hit with a nasty flu or virus! The universe has not been my friend this month! Stop back later today, tomorrow (when the contest winner is announced), and Wednesday, though. "Singles in the News" should be up by then if not sooner. There was a lot of great coverage last week since it was National Singles Week!

Win a Gift Basket from SingleEdition.com: A Singletude Contest

Hear ye, hear ye! The first ever Singletude giveaway contest begins today! In partnership with SingleEdition.com, Singletude is offering a singles gift basket valued at over $150! This assortment of fab items for on-the-go singles includes:



1. GO SMiLE Go Travel Kit
(GO SMiLE products also available at Amazon)

Everyone wants bright-white pearlies to flash, especially at sexy summer hot spots. But who can remember to pack whitening strips or gel trays? I know I'm lucky if I can find room for my toothbrush! More importantly, who has time to sit around a hotel room chomping on what looks and feels like a great big horse bit? GO SMiLE eliminates the waiting around and lets you get out and about so you can enjoy your vacation. All you have to do is squeeze the contents of an ampoule onto your teeth and brush! No mess, no hassle, and GO SMiLE says it's completely pain-free for sensitive teeth. This GO SMiLE Go Travel kit makes it more convenient than ever to keep your smile sparkling no matter where you go. The compact travel case with buckle and zipper includes:

*Mint-licious, Peach-licious, & Pear-licious Touch Ups (6 Ampoules)
--Six deliciously flavored ampoules to discreetly and quickly apply after a morning coffee or afternoon tea.
*>RINSE
--A minty-fresh mouth rinse that contains antioxidants for a healthy mouth as well as fluoride and CPC to wash away bad breath and the threat of cavities and gingivitis.
*Lemonade Smile Toothpaste
--A fluoride toothpaste that whitens teeth as it relaxes with aromatherapy oils.
*Travel Toothbrush
--Small enough to carry with you anywhere for fast touch-ups.
*Compact with Mirror
--You don't have to ask your dinner companion if there's anything in your teeth when you have this compact at your side.

(B1 Whitening System not included but fits in travel case.)


2. Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza by Cherie Burbach
(Also available at Amazon)

For every online dating success story, it seems there's a web site full of grumblers ranting about the evils of eHarmony and Match. Here's a thought: maybe success is all in your attitude...okay, and your technique. Burbach, who met her husband online, will help you get both back on track. Look out for Singletude's review of this book next week!

(Book provided by Cherie Burbach.)


3. Revolution Variety Tea Samplers (2 Samplers)
(Revolution Tea also available at Amazon)

There's no time like the summer to kick back with a glass of iced tea. Or wait till fall blusters in and nurse a hot cup while wrapped in your favorite blanket. Whether you're an Earl Grey traditionalist or an organic devotee, if you're a tea lover, you'll find your favorite blend at Revolution. Many of their products are singles-friendly, perfect for one serving. Each sampler pack contains five single-serving flow-through infusers. (Say that five times fast!) The rainbow of flavors includes Earl Grey Lavender Tea, Tropical Green Tea, Golden Chamomile Herbal Tea, Sweet Ginger Peach Tea, and English Breakfast Tea.


4. Table Topics Dating Topics To Go
(Also available at Amazon)
Looking for a fun way to lessen the awkward factor on a first date? Introduce your date to this pack of 40 icebreaking questions and learn something you never thought to ask. Or, if card games aren't your style, use them at home to prep for the big night, then wow your date with your brilliant conversational starters.

Examples:
"What's the most unusual thing you know how to do?"
"Where is your dream home located and what does it look like?"
"Who are your closest friends and what do you most enjoy about them?"
"How would your last girlfriend or boyfriend describe you?" (There's a loaded question!)


5. Intimate Wipes

This blog's PG-13 content policy prevents me from revealing the brand name of these--hee hee--post-coital quick pick-me-ups. These nonalcoholic, hypoallergenic moisturizing wipes contain aloe and vitamin E to keep sensitive areas soft and smooth even as they swab away stickiness. For use in all the conventional locales (on the road, on a plane, at the beach, in bed), as well as some you may want to think twice about, as the package illustrates!


6. Babeland Babelight

It's a keychain! It's a flashlight! It's a...vibrator? Yes, indeed, this versatile gadget does it all when you're dancing in the dark. It's also the perfect size to slip into a travel bag. This blog doesn't link to adult sites, but if you found your way here, you should be able to make it to Babeland without a problem if you want to buy one for yourself.

(Does not include AAA battery.)


7. Naked Winery Merlot or Chardonnay Coupon (1 Coupon)

Cap your next evening out by inviting a date or some friends back to your place to get Naked--Naked wines, that is. Based in the Pacific Northwest's wine country "Fruit Loop," Naked Winery will sweeten your night life with a FREE bottle of your choice of merlot or chardonnay when you order online with this coupon. Naked Winery describes its merlot as "aging in both French and American oak barrels integrated smoothly with its plum and earthy cherry flavors," while the chardonnay is said to have "a soft butterscotch finish" with "notes of pear and melon...accented by some caramel and toasted coconut aromas." Mmmm, a feast for the senses!


8. Fruit2Day 2-pack Coupons (2 Coupons)

Fruit2day fruit snacks defy definition, combining the best of both worlds--juice and whole fruit. I should know--I've tried them. Available in Strawberry Orange, Mango Peach, Pineapple Banana, and Cherry Grape, they bear no resemblance to either smoothies or pulpy breakfast drinks. Instead, they are pure, smooth fruit juice servings overflowing with chunks of fresh fruit. Yep, chunks. Not those annoying shredded pieces in OJ that get stuck between your teeth. Not those grainy bits of V8 that leave a weird residue on the inside of your cup. Imagine dicing up a peach or strawberry, then squeezing its juice over the slices. Now you get the idea! These healthy fruit juice snacks contain just 110-120 calories each but pack two servings of fruit per drink. Their convenient hourglass shape makes it a snap to gauge how many servings you've had. If you're busy--and who isn't?--it's hard to find time to eat five to nine servings of fruit, but if you drink one Fruit2day on your way to work, one at lunch, and one at home, you're all set for the day. Each of these coupons entitles you to a FREE two-pack of Fruit2day!



I have to confess that I was tempted to keep this gift basket for myself, but I really want to reward my loyal Singletude readers. I just wish there were enough baskets for all five of you! Just kidding. I check Singletude's traffic stats and see that there are a lot more of you following along than want to make yourselves known in the comments section! Now is your chance to step out of the woodwork and be recognized for reading faithfully!

To enter the Singletude contest for a chance to win the Single Edition gift basket, worth over $150, you can do any of the following:


1. Write about the Singletude contest on your blog, web site, or social networking profile and link to this post with the text "Singletude giveaway contest."

2. Add Singletude: A Positive Blog for Singles to your permanent blogroll or link page.

3. Write about any Singletude blog post that you like on your own blog, web site, or social networking profile, linking back to the post with its title in the link text.

4. Submit any three Singletude posts that you like to your favorite social bookmarking site(s).

5. Submit a rant or rave about the single life that you would like to see appear on Singletude. Your rant or rave of approximately 300-1,500 words can be about any aspect of the single life and can take any tone (eg., humorous, nostalgic, inspirational, sarcastic, etc.), but it should be an original piece of writing that has not appeared elsewhere. All rants and raves will be considered for future publication in "Singletude Sound-off," regardless of the contest winner. Singletude reserves the right to edit submissions before publication.

6. Submit a question that you would like to see answered on Singletude. Questions can be about any aspect of the single life but must be suitable for a general audience. If the question is personal, sufficient background to answer the question should be provided. All questions will be considered for future publication in "Singletude Q&A," regardless of the contest winner. Singletude reserves the right to edit questions before publication.


There is no limit to how many times you can enter the contest. You may enter as many times as you want, in as many ways as you want.

Next, tell Singletude that you entered the contest! Send an email with the subject line "I entered the Singletude contest," point Singletude to your linkback (if relevant), and include your name, city and state, and email address. Submissions to "Singletude Sound-off" or "Singletude Q&A" obviously do not need linkbacks but must still include name, city and state, and email address in order to be entered in the contest. Any Sound-offs or Q&As published on Singletude will not include personally identifying information unless approval is given by the author.

Singletude regrets that links from sites promoting adult, illegal, hateful, or otherwise objectionable content cannot be accepted as entries.

The winner of the giveaway will be drawn at random on 9/28/09. That means you have exactly 60 days to enter the contest, so enter right away!

Singletude will contact the winner at the email address provided to request the winner's shipping address. If the winner does not respond to claim the prize within 10 days, he or she will forfeit the prize, and another winner will be randomly drawn. Once the winner has claimed the prize, the winner's name, city, and state will be announced on Singletude.

Remember, you have just 60 days to enter the Singletude giveaway contest for your chance to win $150 in prizes for active, fun-loving singles, so enter now!


Do you have a question for Clever Elsie about some aspect of the single life? Have a rant or rave about singlehood? Write in, and you just might see your question in a "Singletude Q&A" or your rant or rave in a "Singletude Sound-off"!