Hey, y'all!

I just wanted to drop in and tell you about the sponsorships I mentioned earlier! The ads are up over at Pardon My Ffrench:

Jaelynn was gracious to do this for me at no charge, which was SO NICE of her. I plan to send her some goodies in exchange before the week is over; I hope she likes them! 

And Windshield Diaries: 

Go check em' out :)

Also...*

I have some really fun Bloggin' Ladies lined up for you guys over the next few weeks! I can't wait to share them [or read them, for that matter!]. I hope you guys love.

Tonight, we went shopping for the week and then Nick made us dinner, and I made the guac! I have featured this recipe a couple of times, but you can find it here to make on your own! 

I have tons of papers to grade (grrr) and a puppy + boyfriend to cuddle. Hope you all had/have a fantastic Monday! <3 S

Bloggin' Ladies: She Breathes Deeply

I am SOEXCITED to start this new feature on my blog: Every Tuesday I will post/feature a blogging lady who inspires me to keep doing what I do! I can't wait to share where I get all of my great ideas from, and more importantly, the blogs I love to read on a daily basis. First up is Mandy from She Breathes Deeply! 

Name:  Mandy

Age: 24

Blog: www.mandysuzannereid.blogspot.com "She Breathes Deeply"

 

When did you begin blogging? I started blogging WAY back in the Xanga days and have been a blogger ever since.  

How long have you been blogging? I have been currently blogging "She Breathes Deeply" for a year and a half or so.  Formerly, my blog was called "And yet still.." in latin… And it was mostly just poetry and musings.   I entered a new season in my life… so it was time to change it up to "She Breathes Deeply."

What is your inspiration for writing?  I think that the best writing advice I ever received was, "write what you know."  My blogs revolve around what is happening in my life in that season.  Blogs kind of evolve in a sense.  I used to write really sad poetry, and that was fine for that season… But now I am an adult, happily married, and with child- so naturally I write about the things nearest and dearest to my heart.  

Where do you get your ideas? Confession:  I think in blogger.  Example… If something even semi interesting happens to me during the day, I think of how I would write out my experience in my blog.  I have heard how people who speak two different languages sometimes "think" in their second language.  I think in "blogging."  I blog, therefore I am.  : ) 

Tell us something interesting about yourself! I am a tattooed momma-to-be… I am a wife and best friend to the most AMAZING man in the world.  I am saved by grace and in love with Jesus.  I wear scarves even in the summer.  I used to be a fashion design student.  I run 5k's (when not pregnant.)  I am a Christian Yoga instructor.  I have a hard time saying "no" to chocolate.  And as much as I would not like to admit it... I think I am a southern girl.

 

Do you have any advice that you want to share with fellow lady bloggers? Yes!  Write what you know.  Don't try to be like any other blogger.  People will love you and follow you for your originality.  

Also, be personable!  I try hard to always stay active talking to other bloggers, and people who comment me.  No one wants to comment over and over and never be answered!  Granted- it is harder to keep up with everybody once your blog grows.  There are definitely some weeks life is just too busy to reply to every comment.  (And I feel TERRIBLE when I don't reply to people!)  I think it is such a honor when someone takes the time to e-mail or comment me on my blog!  I definitely want to return the favor.  Besides just being personable and polite- I have met SO many wonderful blogging friends!  I feel like I know these ladies.  Blogging is such a great community!  Stay active!

What is one thing you are looking forward to most in your future?

I am looking forward to my first baby being born!  I know I will have so much more to talk about-- gabbing about my sweet baby!  Oh, and all the pictures to post of those cute little fingers and toes!  Hehe.

Thank you so much, Mandy! <3

I hope you all liked this first edition of Bloggin' Ladies! If you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, please leave them below! xoxo Stephanie

Miscellaneous items of interest.

So, this is something that has been bothering me for a while. For a long time before getting into this blogging thing, I was a fan and follower of lots of other blogs. I read them religiously, and still do. They were so inspirational to me;, especially those that had similar situations. It was so much fun to read about and even more fun to find out which “big” bloggers were following others, and then to read those blogs, too. I have gotten lots of great ideas from every blog I have read, as I am sure that they have done before, and I have even featured some of them in my own posts.

Unfortunately, it seems that SOME of these blogging ladies have little regard for their readers. I have been trying really hard to keep up my momentum and to get myself involved, and I have come into contact with some really great people! (Thank you to those who have been so helpful :) )However, there are those that seem to shut down at the thought of one new blogger trying to network among her veterans. Contact stops, and it’s really kind of rude. It’s kind of discouraging, and since I am sure they were in my position, once, I think a little more consideration is in order!

Now that that’s off my chest, I thought I’d do a “What’s in my bag?” post. These are my FAVORITE ones to read on my favorite pages, so I thought I would do one myself, even if no one else cares what’s in my bag. ;)

1. Charlotte Russe bag - I think it was only $15, I have had it for years and it's amazing. I wear it with everything, even though I probably shouldn't ;) It's bigger than it looks and holds everything I need!

2. Kindle - My pretty kindle in its black carrier case. I bring it everywhere and read it anywhere - the dentist office, at school, in bed, in the car (not while I'm driving, of course); it goes everywhere with me.

3. Franklin -Covey Planner - As you can probably tell from my planning posts, I am an organization girl. I always have a planner with me, and this is my newest one. I just got it from Target and it's awesome, so pretty.

4. Vera Bradley Wallet - This pattern is retired now; in fact, I can't even remember what it's called, but it's my second favorite next to Mesa Red. I am not ordinarily a Vera girl, but I LOVE her wallets.

5. Hello Kitty Pouch - This is where I carry pens and pencils. When in school (college school) it is always in my bookbag, and when at school (teaching school) it's always in my purse or canvas bag. I am pretty particular about my writing utensils, so it's important that it's always at hand ;)

6. Juicy Cotoure Glasses Case - Even though my glasses are REACTION, when I bought them, their case was too small, so the lovely ladies at my eye doctor's office gave me this one, instead. So cute.

7. Old Navy Shrug - This is an essential for school and work.

8. Sunglasses - From Target, essential, duh.

9. Smipod - This actually belongs to Nick and it has been in my purse for ages. I have a red nano that I keep in my car (the second last generation).

10. Swatch - I got this little guy with my Daddy in NYC last summer, I love love love it.

11. Dental floss, pen, gum - essentials.

12. Hello Kitty Pouch - filled with yummy lip balms.

13. Addiction: CO Bigelow Cinnamint Mentha Lip Balm - From Bath and Body Works. GET SOME.

I'll leave you with a picture of my favoritest mug. I got it at the MAXX; it was only 4.99 and there are matching plates that I need to have. I am willing to take donations ;)

See you tomorrow :) xoxo