Winners have been notified by email. Thanks again to MumboJumbo for the great prizes! Are you a gamer? Our reader Nicole is, and she recently wrote in to sell us on the idea of video games as the perfect, budget-friendly girls night out. We totally agree! Why not take over the Playstation or Wii for one night and invite the girls over to have some fun? Read on for some ideas on how to get your girlfriends together for some video game fun. It’s refreshing to try something new, it’s sure to bring some laughs to your girlfriend group, and it’s low-cost (or even free, especially if you win our game giveaway. Details at the end of this post!)

Surprisingly popular

Now, the Girlfriends-in-Chief do not pretend to be knowledgeable about (or even very interested in) video games. But we both have game systems in our homes, as we know many of you do, courtesy of our darling children. And although we’ve both tried our hand at the Wii, we tend to think of it as a children’s pastime. But we were oh, so wrong, as reader Nicole pointed out:

“I think the ladies are under-represented when it comes to things like video games, and videogames like Rock Band, where you play along on little instruments to a song, are so much fun. There are tons of Rock Band nights across the country where bands of four can compete to win prizes. Harrah’s casinos are hosting some of these events: http://www.harrahs.com/rockband/  It’s free to sign up, and it’s free to play the game. It’s a great way for four girlfriends to spend an evening bonding.”

And Nicole is not alone! We learned that millions of women play “casual online games.” In fact, according to the Consumer Electronics Association, women are almost twice as likely as men to spend 20 hours per week playing games on their PC. Whoa. And, in a 2007 report, the Casual Games Association reported that 75 percent of casual game buyers are women. Most gamers average seven to 15 hours of play a week, and many play as an alternative to watching television.  Read the rest of this entry »

Winners have been notified. Check your email! Ah, motherhood. So rewarding, so challenging, so…hilarious? Mother’s Day is just around the corner, girlfriends, and it’s not too early to start thinking about your mom and all she means to you…and Mother’s Day gifts, of course! We’ve got just the antidote to those sappy Mother’s Day cards and gifts. Have you visited the website PostcardsFromYoMomma? It’s a hilarious collection of emails from people’s moms. Started by two girlfriends, Doree Shafrir and Jessica Grose, PostcardsFromYoMomma became an online sensation just days after launching. Now, these smart ladies are bringing us an alternative to mushy Mother’s Day items with Love, Mom: Poignant, Goofy, Brilliant Messages from Home(248 pages, 2009, Hyperion). This little hardcover is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. Warning: It’s hard to put down! Doree and Jessica were kind enough to answer a few questions just for GirlfriendCelebrations.com. Read on for the interview. Then, see the end of this post to find out how you can win one of FIVE free copies of the book. It makes a great, giggle-inducing gift for anyone who is a mom or just has a mom!

Q. How did this project get started?

Jessica: My mother sent me a particularly ridiculous email, and I thought it was so funny I sent it to Doree. Her immediate reaction was, OMG, my mom sends me emails just like this! It was during the work day, and Doree went out to get some ice cream—upon her return she said, let’s put these up on a website. So we started the site and sent out an email to our closest friends asking for submissions. After only a few days, we realized we had stumbled on something that people really related to.

Q. Were you girlfriends before this project? How has working together affected your friendship? (or vice versa?) 

Doree: We were friendly before the project started but we didn’t know each other very well—we mostly IMed during the day but we hadn’t hung out that much one-on-one. One of the nicest parts of doing this project together was that we became much closer friends. We also (fortunately!) discovered that we work really well together.

Q. What have you learned about moms or about motherhood from doing this project?

Doree/Jessica: We realized that no matter what a mother is saying—whether she’s nagging you about writing thank-you notes, gabbing about her latest shoe purchase, or just saying hi—she’s doing it from a place of love and concern. Even though we sometimes roll our eyes at our moms’ emails, doing this gave us a greater appreciation for just how much they want the best for us.
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[Congratulations to Natalie Tucker Miller. Look for a new giveaway soon!] Just hitting the New York Times best-seller list, The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter, and the Town That Raised Them (225 pages, 2009, Hyperion) is an affectionate, witty memoir by Chicago Tribune advice columnist Amy Dickinson (”Ask Amy”). We know you’re going to enjoy this book, girlfriends! It’s an inspiring read about accepting oneself, prevailing in the face of failures, and doing it all supported by a band of women who can’t get enough of each other. From celebrating her “dorkitude” to pondering “Livestock in the Kitchen,” Dickinson is endearingly candid as she tells the story of being a single mother to daughter Emily, finding herself professionally, and realizing the ultimate happy ending. This is a book you’ll want to grab for a book club or pass among your girlfriends group. For a chance to a get a free copy, see the end of this post. But first, read our interview with the author. Imagine our thrill at having our own personal chance to “Ask Amy” about female friendship! She graciously dished with us about the Mighty Queens, how to make friends, what she wants women to learn from her book, and more. And yes, she was every bit as nice, warm and bubbly as you’d imagine!

Q. Who are the Mighty Queens of Freeville, and what makes them mighty?

A. Well, my daughter assigned this [title], ironically, to my mother and my aunts because, of course, we live in this cruddy little town, so it was originally an ironic title, and we laughed about it, but then, I think it became true. And one of the things I realized after I finished writing the book was that Emily and I had assumed our place in the hierarchy. And so, the Mighty Queens are the women in my world who know and love us, who nurture and support us, who laugh at our jokes. It’s sort of about being appreciated, on the one hand; on the other hand, they are in charge of their own destiny. All of these women were single mothers raising kids. They are independent, they’re smart, they’re snappy, they’re funny, and they take care of one another. That’s what passes for royalty around here. 

Q. Most of the women in your book are related to you. For people who don’t have a really strong family base, can girlfriends fill that role? 

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[Winners have been notified. Please check your email. Thanks to everyone who entered!] Well, we told you we’d be celebrating all things red in February. Bet you weren’t thinking of your old Aunt Flo! But once we introduce you Rachel Kauder-Nalebuff and her fabulous new MY LITTLE RED BOOK, you’ll at least consider celebrating your monthly visitor. In My Little Red Book (240 pages, Twelve Books), this 18-year old author presents a collection of stories about first periods, gathered from women of all ages from around the world. The accounts range from light-hearted (while water skiing in a yellow bathing suit) to heart-stopping (a first period discovered just as one girl was about to be strip-searched by the Nazis). The contributors include well-known women writers (Meg Cabot, Erica Jong, Gloria Steinem, Cecily von Ziegesar), alongside today’s teens. The taboo around menstruation seems to be one of the few left standing. By revealing what it feels like to undergo this experience firsthand, and giving women the chance to explain their feelings in their own words, My Little Red Book aims to provide support, entertainment, and a starting point for discussion for mothers and daughters everywhere. Whether you’re seeking a thought-provoking read for your book club or a thoughtful gift for a teen, we know you’ll enjoy this engaging book. We were delighted to interview Rachel Kauder Nalebuff—this young woman deserves kudos not only for her accomplishment, but for her giving spirit. In addition, we’re giving free copies of the book to FIVE lucky readers! Perhaps a Valentine gift to yourself? Read on for all the details:

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[Congratulations to Karin A. Look for a new giveaway soon!] We told you February was going to be fun, and here’s a great girly giveaway to prove it! We love to bring you new resources to make planning your girls nights easier. EnzoAndLola.com is a new boutique website featuring “gracious gifts and fabulous finds.” They offer personalized gifts, home decor, and other hand-picked items for every occasion. We think they are a terrific source for party favors and hostess gifts that look posh without breaking the bank. (Example: The Bloembox seeds, as seen on Oprah, would make a beautiful party favor for any spring girls night, bridal shower or even baby shower). EnzoAndLola has partnered with us to give away a fun little Valentine gift package that benefits you and your girlfriends! Lucky winner receives all three fabulous items: Invite your single gal pals over for a Valentine-themed girls nights and use the Girl’s Night Out Game Kit to get conversation flowing. You’ll enjoy getting ready with a  3-Piece Embroidered Cosmetic Bag Set and make plans for your next girlfriend getaway, so you can use your (pink!) Embroidered Luggage Tag.  More details below:

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[Giveaway winners have been notified. Check your email!] Are you divorced, widowed, on an extended break from dating? Are you “of a certain age” and thinking about dipping your toe back into the dating pool? We know that many of you are dating “the second time around.” So, we jumped at the opportunity to interview Judith Sills, PhD, author of the brand-new Getting Naked Again: Dating, Romance, Sex, and Love When You’ve Been Divorced, Widowed, Dumped, or Distracted—especially after reading her views on female friendship! In this 288-page guide, clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Sills leads readers through each stage of the “re-entry” process. It’s an honest, witty, and sophisticated look at midlife dating, and definitely “not your daughter’s dating guide.” Here’s a woman who really knows relationships—and, she’s funny—so we were thrilled that she took some time to answer some questions especially for GirlfriendCelebrations.com.  Read on for our interview—and all the details on how to win one of FIVE FREE COPIES of the book! 

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If you are reading this blog, you’ll be interested in today’s giveaway. Who wouldn’t be interested in a ready-made party for 8 girlfriends—one that involves a sparkly t-shirt, a fun game, and CHOCOLATE? Come on, you know you want it! If you haven’t entered by now, what are you waiting for? We have had so much fun during our 12 Days of Girlfriend Giveaways—met so many new friends and introduced you to so many fantastic girlfriend gift ideas. We’d like to thank you, our readers, for continuing to stay tuned. We’d also like to thank all those who entered. And to all our new subscribers, welcome! We are so glad you joined our party. Last but not least, thank you to all the companies who sponsored the giveaways with FREE STUFF! And speaking of free stuff, here’s what you can win today:

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[Congratulations to Valerie Mitchell! YOU could be next!] Okay, all you gamers out there, how about a video game designed just for women! Today’s giveaway, courtesy of The Game Factory, is a new video game created to help women relax. Called Zenses, it comes in two editions (Ocean and Rainforest) which include an array of different puzzle games aiming to appeal to the causal female gamer. Games are set in a spa-like oceanic environment and rainforest. But the soundtrack– ambient, relaxation music—is what makes these games killer.  Click here (and download the relaxing tunes) to preview the experience. The company says the game was created for busy moms and working women who find themselves in need of a short mental getaway—and if you are comfortable with gaming, they definitely fit the bill. Today’s winner receives her choice of Zenses Ocean or Zenses Rainforest for Nintendo DS. Good luck!

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[Congratulations to Kathleen Marshall. She will be receiving her t-shirt directly from Chat Chew & Chocolate!] For today’s giveaway, we’re partnering with Chat, Chew & Chocolate, an events and education company devoted to female friendship—”serving fun, friendship and inspiration with a side of chocolate!”  Please pay their website a visit and see their fun e-community, browse the merchandise (including their great chocolate party kit) and learn from their lifestyle experts. They share our passion for girlfriends AND for parties, so we were super excited when they offered to give one of our readers their signature t-shirt!

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[Congratulations to Irene Levine for winning the aqua teardrops necklace! YOU could be next!] We’re officially in the holiday spirit, girlfriends, and YOU are getting all the presents! For the next 12 days we’re giving away free stuff, so don’t miss out! You could win the perfect holiday gift for a gal pal (or yourself). From jewelry to books to coffee, we’re giving away some of the great girlfriend gifts to be featured in our Girlfriend Gift Guides over the next few weeks. Check back every day to see the day’s prize. Our final prize is really exciting, too; we can’t reveal too much but it involves chocolate! And best of all, GirlfriendCelebrations.com email subscribers only need to enter once to be in all 12 drawings. This is just our way of sharing our excitement about the holidays with you all. We’re so glad to have you here! Ready to win some holiday swag? See the contest rules and today’s sparkly prize after the jump!

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