2013 + something a little happy.

If I had one resolution this year; it would be happiness.

It probably seems so simple. But it's the hardest thing for me to achieve. I want to work toward happiness in everything that I do. Therefore I'm back to my blog. Because this is a place of happiness for me. Day one...check.

Another bit of happiness for me..... this girl. I've pretty much been cyber-stalking her since I started blogging 2 years ago (wow, just realized it's blogiversary time again!).... but then a few months back I actually met her "in real life" as we like to call it and found out we're pretty similar and it's pretty rad.

I wanted to write about Julie today because I just think she's beyond talented and inspiring. Oh, and you know.... pretty much as naturally beautiful as it gets.

She quit her full-time JOB last year in order to completely pursue her talent of designing cards. And I seriously have probably bought every single last one. I feel a little like I've almost kept her a secret all to myself but fortunately for her she's not a secret to the world. Her cards are flying out of her house (eh, office) and I'm so so happy for her success.

You may think this sounds a bit like a sponsor post.... but don't get it confused. This is a braggy friend post. This bitch is amazing and after my 20-something'th order the other day I couldn't wait to share her newest line.

Here are some of my favorites: 

Shop here.

It's really amazing stuff. And you definitely need her cards for every and any occasion in your life. 
Just saying. 

 

beautiful sponsor {paperclouds} + giveaway

Today I have a beautiful sweet friend and sponsor to introduce you to.
Give a special welcome to Madaline of Paperclouds.

1. When did you begin your blog/shop and why?

I started Paper Clouds last August (Happy Birthday PC!) as a second creative outlet for myself. I'm a full time Graphic Designer for my church but wanted a second creative outlet where I could share my talents with others.  People knew I was a Graphic Designer but I don't think they really knew WHAT a Graphic Designer was and how they could benefit from my talents.

Paper Clouds has given me a platform and a voice to share my talents as well as share my faith with those that are interested all the while getting something fun, pretty and purposeful!

2. What has been your greatest challenge as a handmade owner?

One of the biggest things of course is comparing yourself to others!  It really doesn't matter how many sales you've got in your shop, how many people talk about you on Twitter, or that they didn't even know who you are.  Not to mention you are CONSTANTLY having to put yourself out there!  I'm the worlds worst about actually asking you to buy my product.  I hate being pushy, because well I don't like pushy!  If you like my products -- FANTASTIC! It means the world to me!

3. What's your favorite product to create?

By far one of my top favorite things is notecards!  And the personalized or monogrammed ones are my favorites!  I love seeing what color combos people choose.  Mostly ones I never even thought of!

Woo Pig Razorbacks Notecards (12 pack)

Pink Herringbone Notecards (12 pack)

4. What are your top 5 favorite shops/blogs?

The blogs I check daily are:

1. Jones Design Company:: so inspiring, creative, a wonderfully Godly woman.

2. Under The Sycamore:: mother, creator, crazy creative, and so Godly an passionate about her faith

3. Design by LuLu:: recently discovered, designer, creative, and cute paper goods!

4. Design Editor:: another recent find, but a lovely simple designer

5. Emily Lime Design:: if you were to look through my recent etsy purchases...you would see ALL of her fonts.  I'm a sucker for a good font. 

5. Favorite experience as a shop owner?

SO MANY! Christmas was an awesome time for me last year!  I was just getting started with my shop and had tons of custom orders for presents as well as Christmas Cards.  Each one was unique and I spent a lot of time looking for inspiration and the perfect envelopes to match the cards!  I can't wait for this year!!

Thanks so much for listening to me ramble. I've got a ton of new products in the works!

Blog //Facebook// Twitter//Etsy// Newsletter

*Those that sign up for my newsletter get instant access to free printables as well as staying up to date on the newest Paper Clouds happenings and discount codes!

<<<     >>>

Isn't Madaline so sweet? I just love her notecards. She sent me a pack awhile back and I use them constantly for quick customer thank you's as well as just saying hello to a friend. 

Right now you can save 15% off your order at Paperclouds by using the code: BEAUTIES15

And we've also got a giveaway for you today. Madaline is giving away a customized return address stamp! She's JUST added these to her shop and they are absolutely gorgeous! I will definitely be getting my hands on one of these for business AND personal use. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Joy of Summer

Every now and then I find myself lost in the loveliness of Etsy, Storeenvy shops, and all of my favorite small online businesses. So today I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you....

{1} Original Fine Art Carnival Photography by CarlChristensen
{2} Golden rod mustard yellow felt poppy garland headband by much love illy 

{3} Love carries all even a giraffe by RococcoCo
{4} Finger clutch in yellow orche leather by permanentbaggage
{5} Ribbon Bracelet Tropical Lagoon by twillypop
{6} Red Rullas by Blowfish Shoes
{7} Chevron Stripe Head Scarf by ThreeBirdNest
{8} Funny Engagement Card by JulieAnnArt
{9} Rose Floral Turban Style Headband by RaynaJaye
{10} Large Custom Hoop by BeautifulBlendings

Aren't these lovely? Head on over to their shops and show them some love. <3

 

cold hands. warm hearts.

This year I lovingly participated in Much Love illy and Sandy a la Mode's COLD HANDS, WARMS HEARTS exchange. If you haven't heard of it, don't worry cause I just stumbled upon it and was WAY happy to have. Basically it's a swap with another fabulous blogger where you trade mittens and other cute items (if you wish) and most definitely make a new friend.

I was paired up with the beautiful Jacqui from BabyBoyBakery who just happens to live about 10 mins up the highway from me in SoCal. She has a fantastically adorable 18 month old son (with gorgeous red curls) and she's an adorable baker who makes delicious delights. If you want to learn more about my friend Jacqui you can follow her tweets or send her some love on facebook.

Jacqui not only gave me the sweetest gifts for our exchange but she hand-delivered them to me by inviting me out for coffee and shopping! Not only did I LOVE my sweet gifts but I also met a new friend! Best gift of all. Thanks so much to Sandy, Illy and Jacqui. xxx.

{Thrifted Thursdays} Week 4

If you are new to this read about it all here. 

This week I'm going to share with you one of the fabulous link-ups from last week and hopefully encourage you to join in with the fun.

The wonderful and super cute Paper Mama has been linking up since Week One and I'm so excited because not only do I la-la-love her blog but I also think she's just such a sweet mama. AND she posts the BEST hair tutorials.  Here's her cute pictures from last Thursday:

LOVE those cute shoes and cigarette black pants!

Also....this week I finally was able to purchase something that had been in my Etsy cart for AGES.

They were way too cute not to get and ON SALE. Plus they are vintage. I think that counts as thrifting of the online and handmade style. Click on the photo to go to the shop and find your own cute vintage items.

What I Wore. ShopKempt + {giveaway}[closed]

I have a pretty serious obsession. I've been swooning over it. Drooling over it. Bookmarking and pinning over it. And now I have it. The prettiest clothes I've ever owned. And no joke, they got here in 24 hours. It was the fastest, most exciting package I've even torn from the UPS man's hands. He's ok.

What is it?

 

Such a beautiful amazing site with GORGEOUS clothes. I spent SO many hours looking at the gorgeous clothes/accessories on this site before I finally got to bring some home. And I couldn't be happier with what I have. 

{CORAL TOP}

 

 Top:: ShopKempt, Leggings::F21, Boots::Thrifted, Scarf::F21

 

It's such a great top that I seriously wear it every week. And if you live someone colder than California you could easily add a long sweater on top to warm it up. I did this weekend for pumpkin carving. :)

{Grey Short-sleeved Sweater}

Sweater::ShopKempt, Tank::F21, Jeans::Old Navy, Earrings::Gift, Cowl::BBShop

This gray sweater is so comfy for any day but today I wore it for my interview. It has just a little bit of sparkle in the front and the deep V-neck is great for layering it if I need some extra warmth.

What's even better? ShopKempt has agreed to do a giveaway for my lovely readers! But of course!

Want to know how you can win?

How to Enter the GIVEAWAY:

1. You must be a follower of my blog, visit ShopKempt and leave a comment telling me what you'd buy with your $40.

2. Follow ShopKempt on Twitter.  {one entry}

3. Follow ShopKempton Facebook and leave them a comment saying I sent ya. {one entry}

4. Tweet about this giveaway: I just entered @TBlendings givewaway to win $40 to @ShopKempt for some lovelies. You can too!  http://bit.ly/vN2Jui 

5. Follow any of BeautifulBlendings extras and tell me which {additional entries for each}  

That's a lot of choices! Giveaway ends November 9th at midnight. Winners will be announced the following day. Please be sure to leave your email so I can contact you! 

Good luck!

Twillypop {and a giveaway} [closed]

I know that I've been MIA for SO long. And I wish I had known to plan some fun guest posts for you; but I sincerely thought that my one day, 15-hr drive would be just that.... and that once I got to California, I'd totally be able to pick back up and start writing fun things for you.
Well that didn't happen.....obviously. 
And I'm sorry about it too.

But in order to win your love back.....
I have some fun stories to tell you.{which will happen later in the week}
AND today.....

I have a fun lady that I la-la-LOVE to introduce you to. And she may just be offering something FANtastic to you also.  But before you read how to win, read about my friend Sara. Cause she's totally one of those ladies that you'd be really honored to know. I know I am.

  Handmade Brooches || Earrings ||  Necklaces || Bracelets || Teen || and many more

 And now the beautiful Sara......

I just adore her.

And she adores you.

Here's what you can win.

What an amazing lady.

Want to know how you can win?

How to Enter the GIVEAWAY:

1. You must be a follower of my blog.

2. Follow Sara's BLOG {one entry}

3. Follow Twillypop on Twitter {one entry}

4. Follow Twillypop on Facebook {one entry}

5. Heart Twillypop on Etsy {one entry}

6. Follow any of BeautifulBlendings extras and tell me which {additional entries for each} 

That's a lot of choices! Giveaway ends October 2nd at midnight. Winners will be announced the following day. 

Good things SHINE

I am very sure that you know about Ashley over at The Shine Project. And if you don't what are you waiting for? Check out the amazingness that she has going on in Arizona and all over this internet world. From random post it notes to make someone's day to cheering for your enemies.

Currently she is working on something so amazing that I could not help but sign myself up to help in any way possible because I SO support the cause. It's called "Change for Change" and you can read all about it or you can totally jump in and be part of it too!

 
Her goal is to have 100 people pledge to raise $100 by October for a scholarship that will be given to four students at Cesar Chavez High School in Phoenix, Arizona, to help them pay for their first year of college. Why this school and these students? Ashley has worked personally in this inner-city school and seen the potential in these kids and wants to help.... and so do I! 

You can visit her blog, buy a shine necklace, pledge your own $100, or even contribute to the silent auction she's having just shoot her an email. 

So here's what I've pledged to do to in order to help!


For the entire month of September I will be donating 25% of each sale made in my Etsy shop {before shipping} to Change for Change. And I have made some new cute items for ya'll that are all available in the shop RIGHT NOW.

And the 25% goes for custom orders as well {which I do not charge extra for at this time} so if you have a special request ... let me know.


Do something amazing for someone today and also get some pretty little things for yourself and your hair in the process.  You know, just sayin'.

Babies and Blogs

So you may have noticed that today my blog has a swanky, swoon-worthy new style. I am SUPER in love with my own blog. But that's totally as it should be right?

Well it came from one of the most talented and beautiful people I know. (Of course I don't actually know her in person because we have only met in this virtual world but who's counting).

It's danielle burkleo ....

From the amazing blog ....take heart

Oh and she's also the momma of two sweet little boys....

With another on the way....

Whew! But if all that weren't enough to be busy but still beautiful....
They are also ADOPTING!

And they need help.
They need to raise some monies to bring their new baby home. So if you are interested here's how you can help. (And I really think you should)

You can contact danielle by email if you'd like her to design you something purdy for your blog or even Etsy. (She did them both for me! And I am seriously in love) Also it should be mentioned....this all happened in like 2 days. She is speedy. LOVE it. AND I didn't need her to make any changes.

OK so what's my other choice (if perhaps you already love your blog)....

How about a gorgeous wreath for your wall to wear from her amazing shop sugarmoney?
I really really really love mine. She can also do some amazing headbands.

Just sayin. She's a-mazing. I am so blessed to have her in my life. And she has been such an inspiration to me. Seriously holla at her if you need something or just want to help her precious family. Or just follow her blog and leave her some sweet words. That's such a blessing also.

Thank you Danielle. Chai sistas for life. I love you. Reals.

Heavenly Headbands

Last week I gladly joined the Headband Challenge from Little Miss Momma. I think I did alright considering I work with kiddos and they constantly enjoy playing with my hair and pulling at my "pretties" in my hair.

Evidence of my (and one cute little girl) wearing of headbands:

Pretties ||  2, 3, 5 & 8 || SHOP

Pretties || 1 & 9 || SHOP

Pretties || 4, 6, & 7 || SHOP 

Link up with

{NEW} Products...Eep!

TOOK ME SO LONG to do this so I HAD TO SHARE my new PRODUCTS.....
Inspired by some friends.

Inspired by Taylor Morgan

Inspired by Ashley  and Ashley

Inspired by Casey Wiegand

Inspired by Danielle Burkleo

Inspired by Jessi Connolly 

shop

No Heat Curl

This is absolutely the most exciting thing I will share with you for awhile I am sure. I found this idea on a FABULOUS blog called THE PAPER MAMA and besides sharing this amazing thing with you....I also found out she's a fellow Oregonian! So we are both suffering through the July RAIN.

So what is this fabulous thing I want to share you ask? Well none other than the...

 

Isn't this just the simplest way to get gorgeous hair that you've EVER seen? And people....seriously understand that I have the STICK STRAIGHTEST hair in the universe! And this method WORKED for me. Plus (and this is a HUGE plus) it was crazy easy to do and comfy to sleep in!

So want to see the best walk through on how to achieve it yourself? Watch the cutie on the video below. No, I have no idea who she is but she is a much better "in-front-of-a-camera-speaker" than myself and therefore for now......watch her. One day I may vlog for you. One day.




**EDITED: 11/8/2011
The original video for this method is no longer here because the author changed it to private and began charging to watch. So now instead the video above is from The Paper Mama because she rules and did a rad video for everyone for free!



Try the No-Heat Curl. And let me know what you think. I promise you'll love it! And be sure to stop by The Paper Mama also and send her some love. She's pretty great.