Wednesday, July 31, 2013

1 Year Blogiversary thoughts

I find it hard to believe that one year has come. (I am celebrating with a giveaway) .I have yet still so much that I want to learn and share on this little blog. When I first this blog, I didn't think I would be where I am. I didn't think that I would have followers, readers or friends. I am incredible grateful to everyone the helped me great to where I am today. This coming year I only want to improve. I want to improve my blog, myself and anything else. I hope to one day get my own dot com site and/or buy a professional design. 

Hope you stick around with me for another year. <3
P.S. Don't be scared to enter my Blogiversary GIVEAWAY!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

First Blogiversary // GIVEAWAY


CLOSED
The winner is: Anjali Kay
Congrations!
Top: Catching Cody K {host} // Chelsea @ Olive & Ivy 
Middle1: Joanna @ ModaMama // Lets Go Lesco Photos // Laurie @ WorldTravelingMilitaryFamily
Middle2: Angie @ MySoCalledChaos // Ashley @ BeautyFlawed // Brooklyn @ This Little Blonde
Bottom: Michael @ CrazyTragicAlmostMagic // Sincerely, Sara
Winner will recieve:
 - $20 dollar Old Navy giftcard
 - Book: "All I Need" bSusane Colasanti
- 200x200 ad space on Catching Cody K
- $20 to Olive&Ivy Design Shop
- $10 Bath Body Works
- 2 months ad space on CTAM
- 2 months ad space on LGLPhoto
- Social Shout out from LGLPhoto
- 'Social Media Lovin' as space on Little Blonde
- 300x300 ad space WTMF
- $10 to WTMF's Etsy
- Original watercolor dream catcher art
Good Luck!
The Best Sweepstakes Online - Sweepstakes Fanatics

Monday, July 29, 2013

Sponsors July 2013



Hey Readers! It's been a great summer so far and I am enjoy this blog and my wonderful sponsors. I am really bummed about PaassionFuirt changing to paid account. I understand but I don't get paid from my blog--yet. I would love to but I haven't gotten anyone to pay for a larger spot so I guess I am doing it by hand from now on. Anyways, I have asked all my sponsors to write me about their favorite summer memory. Check out what they said.

About WTMF and Laurie
"This small town Idaho girl met a small town West Virginia boy, we got married and have been traveling the world with the Air Force ever since!  We have 3 kids and a Westie who accompany us.  We have lived in Alabama, Iceland, Japan, and are heading to Germany in Nov 2013.  I'm a labor doula, photographer, substitute teacher, wife, mother, DIY'er, crafter, just to list a few.  We have endured 4 deployments.  I love traveling to new locations, meeting amazing friends along the way, and of course posting all about our adventures! 
Favorite Summer Memory this year
My favorite memory this summer was seeing my husband walk down the the airport hallway returning from his deployment, 444 days apart!  This was the longest deployment we have been through and had to face many challenges that made us grow stronger as individuals, a couple, and as a family.  Now that he's home safe we can focus on getting ready to move to Germany!"
Your can find Laurie on Blog || BlogLovin ||Twitter || Facebook || Pinterest || Instagram || Etsy Shop

About CTAM and Michael
"Hi! I'm Michael and I blog over at CrazyTragic{almost}Magic. I tend to write about a bit of everything. At least I try. My interests vary so one day you might see me talking about my adventures around NYC, or a horrible dating experience, and the next you might see what I’m currently reading or planning to read. It might be a concert this month, or baby pics galore the next."
Favorite Summer Memory this year
"So far, I have two favorite summer memories this year. The first happened at the end of July when my boyfriend K and I had us a little staycation. We went to a winery, the drive in, the Orange County Choppers shop, the Dine-In theaters, and the state fair all in one weekend. It was nice to just relax, not have to worry about the time and do as we pleased. Plus, the winery was gorgeous, and delicious. It was my first time and I’m now on a mission to go to as many as I can. The second memory happened just a few weeks ago. My parents went to Jamaica for 9 days and I went home to babysit my niece. If you've been around my blog awhile you know that at first I was really worried about her arrival, and then tragedy hit my family, but through it all, from the first moment I saw her my niece had stolen my heart. It was an absolute joy to be able to spend 5 adult free days with her. Watching her cartoons, having snacks, playing baby games and just making it my daily mission to see her smile and laugh. It will probably be the highlight of my summer, if not this entire year. Something I’ll absolutely treasure as she gets older and we share new experiences. As ironic as it sounds, it was the best vacation I've had in ages."
Your can find Laurie on Blog |Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

About Sincerely, Sara
"I'm Sara and I blog at Sincerely, Sara! I'm a grad student in New York and I'm working on my first novel. My blog is about my style, writing, books, movies, DIY, and finding inspiration everywhere."
Favorite Summer Memory this year
"My favorite summer memory would be when my friend Rachel and I went to see the Rain Room exhibit at the MoMA! Even though we waited in line in the hot sun for over two hours, the experience was so worth it. Rachel and I were giddy as children once we got inside and walked under the rain. It's completely dark except for one bright light at the end of the room. The sensors prevent the water from actually falling on you, so it's like you control the rain. Rachel and I took pictures of each other and laughed and never wanted to leave."
Your can find Sara on: Blog | Bloglovin | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

About BEST.DAY.EVER and Mindy
"Hello! My name is Mindy and I blog over at Best.Day.Ever. It's a blog that is about, well ... the best days, the worst days and every day in between {sprinkled with as much pink as possible}. That's just a catchy subtitle that means I blog about the ridiculous day in and day out aspects of my life. And in ridiculous, I mean usually entertaining."
Favorite Summer Memory this year
"Coming up with my favorite summer memory so far is proving to be quite the difficult task. That is to say either I have had the most amazing summer in the world or the most ridiculously dull summer. Take your pick. ;) But I will go with watching a meteor shower ... while in a cemetery! I told you the day ins and day outs of my life were ... unique.
Please come visit so we can be friends! I am excited to meet you. :) "
Your can find Mindy on: Blog \\ Twitter \\ Instagram \\ Bloglovin'

About Just a Small Town Girl and Megan
"Hi! My name is Megan. I'm originally from a small town in Alabama, but now I live in the big city in North Carolina. I have been married for 3 years now to my wonderful husband, Lee. I am first and foremost a follower of Christ. My faith defines who I am and how I live my life {and how I blog}. I am a 4th grade teacher at a year round school. I love reading, crafting, blogging, baking, watching football, traveling, and hanging out with my husband, friends, and family. I blog about my life and the things that inspire me. I hope you'll visit me at Just a Small Town Girl
Favorite Summer Memory this year
My favorite summer memory this year is taking the day off for my anniversary to simply spend the day with my husband. We didn't do anything fancy. We're not big gift givers, so there weren't any gifts. We just spent time together. I didn't worry about work or anything else. I just enjoyed the moment."
Your can find Megan on: Blog \\ Twitter \\Facebook \\ Bloglovin' \\ Goodreads \\ Pinterest

I loved all their responses! I guess it's my turn to share my favorite summer memory. 
I think one of my favorite summer memories is getting a large sum of money from my boss. She knew that I so close to paying off my loan so that I can go back to school that she offered money to help. I was speechless. I found that incredible for her to do. I don't know what I will do to thank her but she deserves it.



Are you staying with PassionFurits? Is there another site that doesn't charge?
What have been your favorite summer memories?
P.S. Join me tomorrow for my Blogiversary GIVEAWAY! Hosted by me and 9 others!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Catching Up w. Cody // Weekend Reads 07.26.13

Catching Up W. Cody
My blogging buddy, A Dose of Paige, not only does the link up "Weekend Reads" but also does a post she calls "An Extra Dose" where she talks about what she posted last week and what she is planned to post the coming week plus some other random tidbits. I thought it was a great idea and I have decided to create my own version called "Catching Up (with Cody)"
Last Week:
Monday: I linked up with Coffee & Conversation. I talked about my views on social approval. 
Tuesday: I introduced my best friend Krystal Luz and talked about how she got Lupus.
Wednesday: Is where I finally posted about VBS!!
Thursday: Might become Product reviews...more belong.
Friday: TODAY!
Note: I usually only blog three days a week. (Not including today)

Next Week:
I am going be celebrating my one year blogoversary!! I am celebrating by hosting an EPIC giveaway that you just have to join me on!!! I can't wait!

Currently (random):
I have been writing my butt off all day. I have had four dreams in the last two months about zombies. For real! So I decided to write it out, turns out this is going to be a good book! I have so far written about 11 pages in word and I still have so much more that I can write. This whole story is coming along. I can't wait to see if I can complete this story. What do you think?

Now on to...
Weekend Reads with Paige 
Hey everyone! Welcome to the next installment of Weekend Reads!

I definitely enjoyed the posts that people linked up last week and I hope you all did too!
Not really sure what I'm talking about for this link up?
Essentially, the idea was born one weekend when I was sitting at my house and reading the blog posts in my queue on Bloglovin'. I eventually ran out of new blog posts to read and had a difficult time finding new blogs with great posts that sucked me in.
So, I decided to make a link up for readers like me. Maybe you wrote an amazing post and you want to get it out there and read other amazing posts. Maybe you just really like to do your blog reading on the weekend but after sifting through your favorite blogs, a few giveaways and a few sponsored posts, you realize that you didn't have much to read at all!
This link up is here to fix all that!
Here's the details:
1. The link up will go live every Friday at midnight CST.
2. You can link up to two posts.
3. Only link up posts that you've posted in the past 14 days.
4. Do not link up any giveaways unless they are attached to actual content.
5. Spend some time, click on some posts and leave a few comments if you loved what you read!
6. Be kind and follow your hosts on your favorite reader.
Also, if you love twitter and want to get your post out there, use the hashtag #weekendreads to shout your post out! 
Next week, the most clicked on links will get featured so tell your friends and get to clicking!
**Please add a link with the title of your blog post, not your blog name! It will help draw clicks to your blog as the title tells people what the post is about**
A Dose of Paige
(If you'd like to share the button, please do!)
Photobucket
&

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Vacation Bible School 2013

I don't know how many of you remember I posted last week that I was helping out with VBS, well here is the follow up post. Captions and explanations under the pictures. 
The little kids LOVE these puppets. I wasn't one this year but they did a good job.
Arts class is my favorite! <3 This is from night one. Left: Soren Top: Cheyenne Bottom: Brittany & Meg. 
After Snacks, it's bible lesson time. Each night is a different teacher and they love to go all out. The top is from Monday night. Ms Martha was teaching about the birth of Moses and the bottom is from Tuesday night. Ms Lue and her husband George (not pictured) teaching about Moses and the Burning Bush.
I didn't play any games. I am not very good at them but everyone else seemed to have fun.
This is Mrs Nancy. She is a huge help to the church. Each year she dresses up in something. Left: Cast-away Wilson (yes, like the movie) Top: "grandma" (that is her grandson, Luke) Bottom: Wilson in armor. 
Soren was given an "offical" VBS shirt, that he wore every night. He was also given a brand new BK crown to wear every night. He isn't spoiled...jk. He is really loved by the church. I love this photo of him.
This is me. They had this a photo opt prop. I of course decided to take advantage of it. I did my own hair in the #auniefriartuck method, only with a small headband. I had a long string of peals that I just laid on top. Easy and pretty. <3
So I am going to leave you with this unedited photo of meg and me chillin during games. 
Note: Snacks isn't photoed because I was the helper. Music was also not photoed because the evil teacher wouldn't let me, jk. She isn't evil but she didn't let me record//photo because it would make the other kids jealous. psh. FYI: I can't wait til next year!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Introducing: Krystal Luz Mojica

I wish that I could really introduce you guys to her. This girl here was my best friend. We were everything to each other. We met in fourth grade and we just stuck, even when she switched schools. Unfortunately, at the age of 16 she was claimed by Lupus on this very day 5 years ago. It shocked everyone that knew her. It was so sudden and took all her strength away. I was overcome with sadness when I heard that she passed. Yet, at the same time I found ways to cope. About a month before she passed, she called me and said that she got saved. That was huge for her and I. She was Wicken (Wicca/Witch) before. To her talk about being saved and seeing Jesus bought not only peace to her in her final day but peace to me now. I know where she is and I know that I will see her. I even like to believe that she is watching me. The other way I coped was she was never happy when she was here. Sure she smiled and happy times but she didn't enjoy it. I know it sounds bad but I like to think at least now she is happy. She is where she belongs. It still hurts, it still takes me by surprise. 
Yet, I wouldn't change it

Monday, July 22, 2013

Coffee & Conversation: Social approval

Coffee & Conversation

Coffee & Conversation
 Question: How important is social approval to you? 

When I first saw this question I though what an easy question but then I got to thinking. Social approval. I know what approval is but what about social. Does this question mean social as the ones closest to you? What about social as your peers/co-workers? Or in does this question mean people you don't know by encounter? Or does it go as far society itself? With question come out like that then it changes the answer, doesn't it.


I think it safe to say that many of would say no we don't need approval of friends, that's what friends are for but can you believe that I had a friend that only had me around to show off how much better she was. She was my "best friend" yet she only treated me as tool. As way to fanult how good she was compared to me. She wasn't the only friend I had like that either. I finally got away from her. I hope for her happiness but not compared to me. I know we are all different and that not everyone is going like me or you but approval isn't really something you should base your friendship on. Though, because of this, I realized that maybe deep (reallllllllly deep) we search for approval of the ones closest to us. Maybe. It's something I can't answer for you but maybe that is what makes friends so close, they approve of your silly little ways.

I want to pose an answer to the last question I asked, I think this one sums up my answer for ALL the questions. Or does it go as far as society itself? I believe so. You want to prove that you are a working, sane and capable citizen. If you have ever been in jail, then you know how valuable this since of approval is. We are all given the chance to show we are approved by our government when we are able to freely work anywhere. When I was talking to James, he said no. He didn't care but I don't think he saw it the way I did. He was thinking of America the people. I was think of America the land of the free, American the land of chances. So although, we might not care what people think of us as individuals we want to at least show our country that we are stable and capable members working for the greater good of country.



Thursday, July 18, 2013

Literary Junkies link-up


It's the third Tuesday of the month again which means it's time for the Literary Junkies link-up brought to you by Taylor from Pink Heels Pink Truck and Lesley from By the Porchlight!  This month we have Cody from Catching Cody K co-hosting with us.



Join in on the fun and create your own post answering the following questions!  Don't forget to link your post below! (My answers are below the link up)
1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it.
2. What book first made you fall in love with reading?
3. Summer is a great time for series.  What are your series recommendations?
4 .Does a song come to mind with the book you are currently reading? If so what it is?
5. Are you participating in any summer reading challenges?





By the Porchlight
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.bytheporchlight.com/2013/07/literary-junkies-july-edition.html" title="By the Porchlight"><img src="http://pinkheelspinktruck.com/wp-content/themes/lifestyle/images/Literary Junkies Button_edited-1.png" alt="By the Porchlight" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

My Answers:

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it.
- I am currently reading "The Art Of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein" for this past Tuesday. I started reading this book without knowing anything about it. I didn't know that it was "written by a dog" at all, in fact I totally thought this book was about horse racing, so totally threw me. I am still going to read it, I just don't know what to expect.
After that I will probably be reading "Elixir by Hilary Duff"

2. What book first made you fall in love with reading?
-"Music of the Dolphins by Karen Hesse". I really need to post my story on this book. 

3. Summer is a great time for series.  What are your series recommendations?
-Besides "Hunger Games", I haven't really found a series that I enjoy.  The
Matched" is good but kinda blah. Harry Potter (get ready to gasp) was too many books for me, I lost interest.  I have started many recently but I haven't finished. Since, I also judge the series as a whole I can't really say they are my favorite but I would recommend them on what I know. (check out my "Book Ends" tag)

4 .Does a song come to mind with the book you are currently reading? If so what it is?
-That's hard because I just reached chapter two.... 

5. Are you participating in any summer reading challenges?
-I am. It's from Semi-Charmed Kind of Life. I posted all about it HERE.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

My Art

Since I have been saving up money for college, it means that I can't do much. I am pretty much home 24/7. To help kill the boredom I have been drawing. I have been drawing since I was little. It wasn't just because that's what the teacher told me to do but was something I felt good at.....

Read and see my drawing on "Mindy @ Best.Day.Ever" today.
Are you creative? What do you do? I'd love to see what you do. 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

BareMinerals Passionate for Pastels GIVEAWAY!



It is summertime, it is hot outside and who is not passionate for pastels? Enjoy this fabulous Ulta Passionate for Pastels giveaway from Le Chateau Des Fleurs:

Passionate For Pastels includes bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 4.0 in The Sweetest Thing, Flawless Definition Mascara in Black, Sorbet Blush, Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Go Getter and a cosmetic bag.



Children's Books and Apps
Children's books are one of the best applications for smartphones and tablets. Here is one of my favorites:

The Trip Little Critter Reading Adventure
By Silver Dolphin

Little Critter game 

Little Critter game and story app. Interactive reading app for smartphone, tablet and mobile devices.

little critter reading app

Little Critter game and story app. Interactive reading app for tablet & mobile devices, including iPad, Nook and Kindle.

The Giveaway
Available for US and International entrants!

Please see official rafflecopter terms and conditions above.