two for tuesday

A couple of noteworthy things for you today.

First, we have a winner in our CakeSpy book giveaway!!

Thanks to all you sweet-toothed readers for sharing your favorite desserts. I’m now dreaming of treats like carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, crème brûlée, cream puffs, and pumpkin cupcakes with maple frosting.*drool*

We once again called upon the services of Mr. Random Integer Generator, who was sporting a dapper Derby and had waxed his mustache just for the occasion. He ardently wished to present all the lovely entrants with a copy of the book, but rules are rules. So, we tossed over some numbers and he selected (sans drumroll, as he claims to be too civilized for that sort of thing) —

Congratulations, Cobi!

Please send me your mailing address so we can get the book out to you ASAP! Thanks again, everyone, for playing. I will eat a serving of all your favorite desserts in your honor ☺!

Now, please listen up!

The wonderful Teaching Authors — that would be April Halprin Wayland, JoAnn Early Macken, Mary Ann Rodman, Carmela Martino, Esther Hershenhorn and Jeanne Marie Grunwell Ford — are doing a Holiday Fundraiser for First Book.

They aren’t asking for any monetary donations, just a teeny tiny moment of your time to leave a comment on their blog (on any post), now through December 31, 2011. For every comment they receive, they will donate $1 to First Book, a fabulous organization which provides books for children in need (each new book costs $2.50). And Disney Publishing Worldwide will match every $1 donated with another new book!

I know that if you’re reading this, you probably love books — reading, writing, and/or sharing them. So, click on over pronto if you haven’t already, leave a comment, and help make a child happy with a book of his/her own.

The Teaching Authors will donate up to $225; thus far they have raised under $40. Go help them spend their money, and do what you can to help spread the word — via Twitter, Facebook, your blogs, etc.

If you promise to comment, you may have a cookie. ☺