Mother’s Day is fast approaching and as I think about the many mother’s and women who inspire and uplift me constantly, I’m always grateful for the amazing example of Stephanie Nielson or Nie Nie as she is known to thousands of her blog readers around the globe. We have shared Nie Nie’s story many times on Boutique Cafe (past articles here, and here, and here, and here...).

This inspiring woman is never far from my thoughts, and though we have never met I feel blessed to read her words of love for her family, her faith in God, and her perseverance through daily struggle. As we celebrate the wonderful blessings of Motherhood and influential women in our lives this week, I wanted to share this very personal and tender story with you in her touching new YouTube video for the Mormon Messages channel. Grab a box of tissues and meet Nie, of my dear personal heros. XOXO - Daria

I’m not one for baby shower games or bridal shower games or even getting-to-know-you games (unless they involve M&Ms), but when I heard about Penny Stones I was intrigued. The glass stones, which are printed with a variety of questions, help “spark meaningful conversations, create lasting memories and improve conversation skills.” It was that meaningful conversation part in which I was most interested, as the conversation around our dinner table could use a little more meaning!

Penny Stones are actually available in five sets: Original, Faith Based, Love and Marriage, New Parents and Slumber Party. The sets are perfect for families, game nights, reunions, road trips to those reunions, party favors and even corporate trainings. We received the original set, which came packaged in a cute little vinyl bag with satin drawstring. They sat on our counter for far too long until I finally broke them open—not at home but at our recent church Cinco de Mayo adult party!

We had round tables set up all around the room for dinner with a centerpiece complete with glass vase, daisies, wooden maracas and even tiny boxes of Chiclet gum. I took a few Penny Stones, about three per table, and placed them around the centerpiece. Their glass design was a beautiful finishing touch! As friends and soon-to-be-better friends sat and ate their dinner they chose a Penny Stone, asked the question and everyone took a turn answering. Our table had questions like who’s the most influential person in your life to what year you’d most like to travel back in time and revisit.

When the party was over I had more than a few people tell me how much they loved the Penny Stones and what a great idea it was for the party. Believe it or not I have yet to pull them out at dinner time (probably because we seem to always eat in shifts) but I’ll for sure be pulling them out at the next party!—Emily

*** Giveaway Penny Stones is giving away one set of their fabulous conversation stones! Please leave a comment answering the question, “What superpower would you most like to have?” Include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: June 8, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

• Congratulations to Gina S., the winner of the Penny Stones giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!