Myself and 14 other bloggers are so excited to provide you with this opportunity to make one of your New Year Resolutions come true! We all want our organization to be pretty and sometimes that costs money so we are offering all of you the chance to win....
Showing posts with label Sponsor Post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sponsor Post. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
"Like Me" on Facebook #32
I'm SO excited!! I've been linking up to The Naptime Review's "Like Me" on Facebook, for a while now, and this week I get to be a co-host!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
A Day of Silence in Honor of the Victims of Sandy Hook
To honor the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy, I am stepping away from my blog and the responsibilities that always seems to take precedence. I am spending quality time with my children, my family and friends. We need to let them know how much we love them, hug them, and snuggle them, and cherish every moment. I am praying for all of the victims and their families, and my heart is breaking for them.
To make a donation visit Newtown Youth & Family Services
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
For the L♥Ve of COFFEE...Link Up and GIVEAWAY!
Now it is your turn!
1. Write a coffee related post (it can be anything, make it the way
you like it)
2. Link your *coffee related* post up on one of the host's blogs
3. Follow your 5 hosts via GFC & check out some other cute coffee
lover's blogs
4. Then ENTER THE CAFFEINATED GIVEAWAY!
5. Grab a button and spread the word
6. Have an extra cup of joe today FOR THE LOVE OF COFFEE!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Advise for New Moms: from Tales of Beauty for Ashes
Have you entered the HUGE GIVEAWAY from my amazing sponspors?? I'm even giving away a set of 3 boutique burp cloths!! Meet Becky and then go enter!!
You can find her here:
So, you're a new mom…Now What?
I wish I could sit down and have
a coffee date with all you new mamas out there. There are so many new and
confusing things about being a new mom. Here are some things I wish someone
would have told me:
1. You are going to be hormonal.
That is perfectly normal and completely okay. Remember what life was like when
you were a preteen and a teenager? You would be FURIOUS at your best friend for
something stupid. Then an hour later, you and your BF would be laughing together
and talking about boys again. Post partum hormones are like a box of chocolates,
to quote Forest Gump - you never know what you're going to get.2. It is okay to NOT know what to do. I think most moms feel this way. You have a brand new bundle that you are entirely responsible for. You need to hold their head to make sure it doesn’t fall off (okay not really, but that's how it seems at times), you need to produce enough milk to help them regain their birth weight. AND…you need to know their needs at ALL times. That last one, is not gonna happen. And it's OKAY.
3. Let your emotions out – a nurse in the hospital did tell me this one. It was a huge lifesaver. As women, we often feel like we need to be strong and hold our emotions in. Honestly, that is what can lead to postpartum depression. When you feel like crying – cry. It is okay, and good. I realize that for some reason my emotions/hormones peaked around dinner. My hubby and I had plenty of dinners with tears. After dinner, everything would be great! Let them out girls!
Look at the bright side, you won't be the only one letting all your emotions out!
4. It's okay to say no. Maybe I need to say that again. Maybe I need to READ that again. This is one of the hardest ones for me. People wanted to come over. People wanted to let their little children hold my two day old newborn. Sick children at the doctor's office wanted to come and stick their face in my little one's. I finally reached a point where I realized, I was putting what people thought of me before my own baby's safety. I realized that when my little Gracie was sitting on the lap of a two year old, and she started rolling off, that I didn't have to agree every time someone asked me. (This is one I have to keep telling myself though, the desire to people please is a strong one.)
5. Listen to your body. For a week after the birth of my baby, I felt incredible pain. I walked around and tried to do what I could, even though my body felt like all my innards were falling out of me. I told the doctor in the hospital. She said it was a hemorrhoid. I told the nurse, she said it was normal. Finally, after being home for a few days, my hubby checked me. Not everything was right. After going in and getting stitched back up again and put on meds for infection, things finally started to heal. A week late. I knew something was wrong with my body, but I trusted the doctors and nurses that it was nothing. If your body is telling you something is wrong – LISTEN TO IT!
6. Turn the T.V. off – matter of fact, turn anything off that would distract you. These first few weeks are so precious. Your little one is going to start staring into your face, studying you. Let her see your eyes, your smile. Let her hear your voice. If you are distracted by the T.V. or other things, she and you will miss out on some incredible bonding.
I Love this post Becky! So true!! Your baby is beautiful!! Congratulations to your new little family :) Thanks for hanging out with us today Becky!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
HUGE {July} GIVEAWAY!!
It's time for an awesome #giveaway with lots to win! One lucky winner will take all! You'll get awesome prizes and ad space on 4 awesome blogs!! So don't miss out on this one! Thank you to all that contributed! Please make sure that you complete the mandatory entries to qualify (all entries will be verified). This giveaway will go on till Monday July 30th at Midnight, and a winner will be announced on Thursday! Thanks for entering!!
Boutique Burp Cloths from I Know the Plans I Have for you
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin'
Large Ad Space on The Day I Stopped Making Cents
8x10 Print and 1 month of medium ad space by Singledou[b]t
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin'
$5 credit to Pamela's Heavenly Treats and 1 month of medium ad space from
Pamela's Heavenly Treats
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Bloglovin'
$10 Mary Kay Credit by Operation: Simple Life
2 months of large ad space on Chalk in the Rain
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin'
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Saturday, July 14, 2012
I Can See Clearly Now....
For all of you born in the 80's, do you remember when it was cool to wear glasses?? The non-prescription kind? I know there are some of you that know what I'm talking about! I definitely had a pair {or two}! In 3rd grade, I got my first pair of {real} prescription glasses. I thought I was going to be super cool! I remember going to the eye doctor with my twin brother. He tried to act as though he couldn't see the letters properly, in hopes that he would get his own eyeglasses. As much as he dreamed to be as cool as his sister, his efforts failed ;). I didn't wear my glasses much growing up, and as an adult I was drawn toward contacts. But being a nail tech (my specialty was acrylic nails), contacts just didn't work with the constant dust.
In the past few years though, I have come to love glasses again. Maybe it's the fantastic styles, and gorgeous colors, but a great pair of glasses can become your best accessory!
If it's about time for you to buy glasses, why not head over and try some on?? GlassesUSA is offering my lovely readers a discount!! Get 30% off prescription eyeglasses (or sunglasses) + FREE Shipping with the code: Summer2012. Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10
You can stay up-to-date on all GlassesUSA happenings through their Facebook page and on Twitter!!
(And a little side note....non-prescription glasses are still the in thing, and you can buy any of their lenses that way;-) )
*this post is sponsored by GlassesUSA.com, but all of the opinions are 100% my own :)
In the past few years though, I have come to love glasses again. Maybe it's the fantastic styles, and gorgeous colors, but a great pair of glasses can become your best accessory!
Since becoming a stay at home mom with one car, shopping on-line has become my new mall. Purchasing eyeglasses online is no exception. So, I was super excited to learn about GlassesUSA.com! They have a HUGE selection of styles, colors, and brands (even name brands) at a fraction of the price! They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and even offer a 110% lowest price guarantee, so you can't go wrong!
One of the hardest things for me when it come to shopping on-line, is not being able to see what the item looks like on! GlassesUSA.com has taken the guess work out with their Virtual Mirror! Try it out!!
Of course, I did! I had a great time trying on their eyeglasses....
Which ones do you like?? (I'm kinda diggin' the top and bottom right!)
If it's about time for you to buy glasses, why not head over and try some on?? GlassesUSA is offering my lovely readers a discount!! Get 30% off prescription eyeglasses (or sunglasses) + FREE Shipping with the code: Summer2012. Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10
You can stay up-to-date on all GlassesUSA happenings through their Facebook page and on Twitter!!
(And a little side note....non-prescription glasses are still the in thing, and you can buy any of their lenses that way;-) )
*this post is sponsored by GlassesUSA.com, but all of the opinions are 100% my own :)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
♥July Sponsor {Love} Thursday♥
To keep with the theme of Getting Organized this month, I thought it would be fun to see what some of my wonderful sponsors do to help with time management!!So I asked them a few questions, and I loved hearing their responses! I really enjoy getting to know each of them on a more personal level, and it's always a bonus to grab some tips while I'm at it ;-)! Thanks girls for sharing! All of their blogs are great as well, so make sure to stop over and check them out, show them some {love}!!
What time of day do you blog most?
I am usually on the computer everyday from 6 to 8am. Everybody is still sleeping in the house and I can accomplish a lot more. I am rather an early bird and I go to bed early (I love my sleep!)
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
I have improved a lot the quality of my pictures. At the beginning, I was still playing around with the light and props. I was taking my pictures in direct sunlight!! Imagine that LOL Now I have discovered the perfect lighting for my jewelry and my style is definitely minimalist. I don't like to use many props as I think they take away from the beauty of the product.
What do you find is the hardest part of time management when it comes to your blog?
I find the hardest part is completing projects in a timely manner so that I can post about them. I have a lot of projects 90% done that I just need to finish.
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
What time of day do you blog most?
Ummm... YES
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
I am started blogging over a year ago. Had I known about the network of bloggers out there I would have pushed forward more then but honestly I think the road I was on this year prepared me to be where i am now so not sure I'd change much at this point.
What time of day do you blog most?
It depends on the time of year. During the summer my mornings are usually "blog time". During the school year its in the evenings, scheduled to post for the next morning. I also choose times to blog when my husband is also busy [working out, softball, or at work] to blog so that we can still have our time together.
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
I would do more commenting on other's blogs. I started blogging a LONG time ago, but just kept it really for me. I didn't network at all because I was afraid and a little unsure of how it all worked. Commenting and networking is the best way to get to know other bloggers!
3. Keeping a schedule for myself
What time of day do you blog most?
Morning
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
Hm.. more pictures! I never take enough pictures. I mainly use my blog to record my life so I really, really wish I had more pictures.
2. I use the one minute rule. If something needs my attention (responding to an email, approving an ad, etc) and I can do it in one minute or less then I do it immediately. That way I'm not constantly trying to catch up.
3. I've learned to be realistic in my expectations. If I'm constantly spreading myself too thin then I will be overwhelmed and unorganized. I've said no to guest post requests, said no to sponsored post opportunities, etc. Sometimes you just have to know your limits.
What time of day do you blog most?
I wake up a couple of hours before my kids (who are late sleepers, thank goodness, cause mama is not a morning person) and take care of the business part of blogging- emails, questions, etc. I check emails and such throughout the day but I do about 99% of my blogging after my kids go to bed. The Husband and I veg out on the couch with our laptops. He does his work and I bang out some blog posts while we watch trashy reality tv shows. We're night owls so we don't normally go to bed until 1-2am. If I'm on my game I can get 5-10 blog posts written at once.
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
I would worry about numbers and stats a lot less. I started blogging in 2008. It was fun to watch my numbers climb and that motivated me to keep writing. In 2011 I got burned out and took a sabbatical from blogging. In January of this year I came back with a brand new blog and a brand new love of writing. I blog for me and I don't worry about numbers or stats. I'm more real, more authentic, and I love it so much more now. If you write it, eventually they will come. Lesson learned from Field of Dreams. Haha!
Template anything you can so you save time when you are doing post's
What time of day do you blog most?
In the early AM over coffee before the kiddos wake up and at night when everyone else is watching TV
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
Nothing, it's all about the journey and this has been a great learning experience and lots of fun. The best thing that has happened to me is having people tell me they LOVE my blog or that it has somehow made an impact on there life, it does not get any better than that!
What do you find is the hardest part of time management when it comes to your blog?
I don't have a blog but I run a jewelry business! The hardest part of time management for me is the marketing on social medias. It is time consuming for little immediate results. You have to know that you are in it for the long run. I compare it to the daily work of an ant LOL you accomplish a little every day but in the end you realise that you have moved a mountain.
I wish I could spend my days on the bench in my studio but I actually spend more time on the computer. That's the reality of running a business online nowadays.
I wish I could spend my days on the bench in my studio but I actually spend more time on the computer. That's the reality of running a business online nowadays.
What are some tricks that you have learned to become an organized blogger?
The most important trick I learned is that I have to set goals for myself and focus on them instead of going in all directions at once. I can not be present and strong everywhere at the same time. So I will choose a task for each day (for example Twitter, or researching blogs to advertise, or taking pictures of my jewelry, or list items in my etsy store) and focus on it.
It is much more rewarding for me to feel at the end of the day that I have actually accomplished something :-)
It is much more rewarding for me to feel at the end of the day that I have actually accomplished something :-)
I am usually on the computer everyday from 6 to 8am. Everybody is still sleeping in the house and I can accomplish a lot more. I am rather an early bird and I go to bed early (I love my sleep!)
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
I have improved a lot the quality of my pictures. At the beginning, I was still playing around with the light and props. I was taking my pictures in direct sunlight!! Imagine that LOL Now I have discovered the perfect lighting for my jewelry and my style is definitely minimalist. I don't like to use many props as I think they take away from the beauty of the product.
{Thanks Sophie for answering this as a shop owner!}
What are some tricks that you have learned to become an organized blogger?
Plan out stories in advance and create a schedule for when to post them, use the weekends to complete projects, use excel to track posts; including links to use, photos and date posted
What time of day do you blog most?
I usually blog in the late evenings. I get home from work about 6 so I have the evenings to eat dinner, work on projects, hang out with my husband and blog.
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
I probably would have planned more before I launched my blog. My first month or so wasn't that great and I went through a lot of tweaking of various items.
What do you find is the hardest part of time management when it comes to your blog?
Honestly, I really do love every minute of it so i get a little carried away. The hardest part is just putting the computer or phone away and enjoying the people around me. And in some respects doing the job that actually pays me ;)
What are some tricks that you have learned to become an organized blogger?
Still learning
1) I made a folder/documents and schedule out the blogs/give-a-ways
2) Joined Passion Fruit Ads :)
1) I made a folder/documents and schedule out the blogs/give-a-ways
2) Joined Passion Fruit Ads :)
Ummm... YES
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
I am started blogging over a year ago. Had I known about the network of bloggers out there I would have pushed forward more then but honestly I think the road I was on this year prepared me to be where i am now so not sure I'd change much at this point.
What do you find is the hardest part of time management when it comes to your blog?
Time management is probably the hardest part when it comes to blogging! We don't have kids, but I teach elementary school. So blogging to me is my creative outlet/hobby. There have been times when blogging overtakes everything and finds a way to the top of my priority list. I LOVE to blog, but it takes up TONS of time...if you let it! Especially when you have sponsors, giveaways, and guest posting!
What are some tricks that you have learned to become an organized blogger?
Blogging can either control you or you can control your blog! The best ways I've found to control my blog is to have a blog planner! They help to organize your blog posts and sponsors. I use it to map out my posts each month and schedule giveaways and guest bloggers. I've also found that scheduling my posts and pre-writing them frees me up throughout the week to be with my hubby and job. Passionfruit is also an AMAZING tool to use to keep your sponsors organized. I don't know what I'd do without Passionfruit! Above all, I've learned to say "no" to prevent myself from getting burnt out or "in too deep" to where my blog becomes too much of a priority.
It depends on the time of year. During the summer my mornings are usually "blog time". During the school year its in the evenings, scheduled to post for the next morning. I also choose times to blog when my husband is also busy [working out, softball, or at work] to blog so that we can still have our time together.
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
I would do more commenting on other's blogs. I started blogging a LONG time ago, but just kept it really for me. I didn't network at all because I was afraid and a little unsure of how it all worked. Commenting and networking is the best way to get to know other bloggers!
What do you find is the hardest part of time management when it comes to your blog?
I only have internet at work.. so finding time in breaks to write a good post, download pictures and catch up on my daily reads can be hard.
What are some tricks that you have learned to become an organized blogger?
1. to do lists
2. Asking for help from blog friends!3. Keeping a schedule for myself
Morning
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
Hm.. more pictures! I never take enough pictures. I mainly use my blog to record my life so I really, really wish I had more pictures.
What do you find is the hardest part of time management when it comes to your blog?
The hardest part for me is knowing that some days I'm just not going to finish everything on my To-Do list and I have to be okay with that. My kids and family come first. The blog will be there tomorrow, my kids are only little once.
What are some tricks that you have learned to become an organized blogger?
1. I have a blog planning system that I will be blogging about soon. I have a binder dedicated solely to my blog with monthly/weekly calendars. I use Evernote to keep me organized. I am super Type A about my blog organization.
2. I use the one minute rule. If something needs my attention (responding to an email, approving an ad, etc) and I can do it in one minute or less then I do it immediately. That way I'm not constantly trying to catch up.
3. I've learned to be realistic in my expectations. If I'm constantly spreading myself too thin then I will be overwhelmed and unorganized. I've said no to guest post requests, said no to sponsored post opportunities, etc. Sometimes you just have to know your limits.
I wake up a couple of hours before my kids (who are late sleepers, thank goodness, cause mama is not a morning person) and take care of the business part of blogging- emails, questions, etc. I check emails and such throughout the day but I do about 99% of my blogging after my kids go to bed. The Husband and I veg out on the couch with our laptops. He does his work and I bang out some blog posts while we watch trashy reality tv shows. We're night owls so we don't normally go to bed until 1-2am. If I'm on my game I can get 5-10 blog posts written at once.
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
I would worry about numbers and stats a lot less. I started blogging in 2008. It was fun to watch my numbers climb and that motivated me to keep writing. In 2011 I got burned out and took a sabbatical from blogging. In January of this year I came back with a brand new blog and a brand new love of writing. I blog for me and I don't worry about numbers or stats. I'm more real, more authentic, and I love it so much more now. If you write it, eventually they will come. Lesson learned from Field of Dreams. Haha!
What do you find is the hardest part of time management when it comes to your blog?
The time it takes to do Link Parties but it is a necessary evil when it comes to growing your blog.
What are some tricks that you have learned to become an organized blogger?
Don't kill yourself to get things done just go with the flow that's what keeps it fun
Get a calendar of some sort and write things down, once you start getting things to review you need to make sure you post on the correct datesTemplate anything you can so you save time when you are doing post's
In the early AM over coffee before the kiddos wake up and at night when everyone else is watching TV
What would you do differently if you were just starting out, knowing what you know now?
Nothing, it's all about the journey and this has been a great learning experience and lots of fun. The best thing that has happened to me is having people tell me they LOVE my blog or that it has somehow made an impact on there life, it does not get any better than that!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Another AWESOME GROUP GIVEAWAY!!
I am so, SO honored to have such generous sponsors! Today I have another fantastic group giveaway for my readers! This week there will be 7 lucky winners...YEP, 7 WINNERS :)!!! To enter this giveaway, you must complete ALL of the mandatory entries. Each additional entry will give you more chances to win! The giveaway will close Friday night at midnight, and a winner will be announced sometime on Saturday, July 8th, once all of the entries are verified. Here is what's up for grabs.....
*if you are interested in sponsoring I Know the Plans I Have for You, you can receive ½ off of any size for July!! Enter Promo Code 50offJuly
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