I get emails regularly from readers asking about paid blogging and I try my best to explain, but I get so excited that I run off on tangents. Paid or unpaid, I’m a brand spokesperson and always have been. I tell people about the good and bad experiences I’ve had with companies and products, and stand behind my favorites.

This clever little vignette (sponsored by IZEA – my favorite sponsored conversation facilitators) about sponsored conversation does a fantastic job of breaking it down into terms everyone can understand. And it’s super cute, to boot.

After watching the video, lets discuss! What do you think about sponsored conversations? Are you part of those conversations, paid or unpaid? Are you a brand spokesperson and didn’t even know it?

I am so over swine flu, but I know there are still germaphobes out there freaking out that they are going to contract the H1N1 virus so they’ve taken to wearing those powder blue respirators everywhere and carrying antibacterial gel in their purse. I’ll let the antibacterial gel slide, but the blue respirators need an upgrade. In the name of fashion, germaphobes need to check out www.flufashion.net for a swine flu fashion mask.

Click here to view mask designs because if there’s going to be a pandemic, I’d much rather it be a fashion pandemic.

Word of advice – if you opt for the bandana-style, don’t walk into a bank.

And is that Kimora Lee? Because she totally strikes me as someone who would have a panic attack over a silly little pandemic.

I’m wondering where Kate Gosselin got the idea that everyone wants her haircut? Are there women walking into salons nationwide asking for “The Kate” like they did “The Rachel” or “The Posh?” Maybe back in 1998!

Like it’s cousin, the mullet, Kate’s haircut is definitely business in the front and party in the back. But not the good kind of party that you reminisce about years later with college friends. It’s the kind of party with Hairy Buffalos in the bathtub and the Walk of Shame the next morning.

Like I said on Twitter, Kate needs to ditch the schizophrenic hairdo before she ditches Jon.

BRAVO to Kirstie Alley! Can you imagine how much fun it would be to gain that much weight in a year and not give two shits? Plus, she’s 58 years old. How many of us are going to look that good at her age? Must be the Scientology.

Anyway, I think Kiristie Alley’s weight gain just goes to prove that “sexy and slim” does not equal happy! Chocolate chip cookies and ham sandwiches do.

I realize I’m at least a week behind on this, but seriously…83 pounds in a year deserves applause.

If you’re like me, the relaxing thoughts of an island getaway with warm sandy beaches, tropical drinks, and clear skies is always closely followed by OH CRAP…I NEED A BATHINGSUIT!

Thankfully, Lands’ End just launched The Island where you can search suits by Swimwear That Slims, high-performance Aquaterra Separates, Beach Living Separates, and Resort collections, all from a peaceful, virtual island setting. You can also enter to win a trip for four to Barbados, including airfare, hotel, meals, and a Lands’ End swimwear package!

To launch The Island, Lands’ End sent me a promo code to share for free shipping from May 4-25! Just enter the promo code and pin below when you check out!

• Promo Code = ISLAND
• PIN = 5262

The Island has a great share feature where you can Twitter, Stumble, and Email the site to friends so they won’t have a panicked OH CRAP…I NEED A BATHINGSUIT moment, too.

Make sure to follow @LEprAmanda, @LEprMichele, and @LandsEndPRKira on Twitter, so you can join the Twitter Party on May 12th at 8 pm, where Life & Style contributing editor Rachel Zalis and Lands’ End swim expert Michele Casper will be answering all your swimsuit questions and giving away great prizes! Make sure to include #getaway in all your Tweets!

Now go buy yourself a new bathing suit so you’re ready for summer!