Friday Faves + A New Blog!

We made it through the week - and actually, this one seemed to fly by.  Maybe it was because of Labor Day?  Regardless, I'm not complaining because by now you should know that the weekend is my favorite part of the week.  But really, does anyone not like the weekend?  I didn't think so.

With my revamp of Blogger Love, I've started to realize how many of my daily routines include products and things that I love using.  Here are just a few from this week:

Symphony Bars.  I used to work at a pharmacy in high school, and this was the only chocolate they had.  I ate a lot of them, and forgot how delicious they were until recently.  On a whim I picked one up and devoured every last bite!

Yes to Grapefruit Cleansing wipes.  I keep these in my bedside table for when I forget (or am too lazy) to actually wash my face.

Peach Green Tea Lemonade from Starbucks.  So sad that they have deemed it "fall", and I cannot get this anymore.  Until next summer Starbucks!

Favorite Quote.  If this one doesn't sum up my current life, I don't know what does:

Favorite New Blog: Beauty in the Mess, written by Megan.  Megan has lived in many areas (most fascinating - Mexico!) and writes about "the little things", her adventures with her husband, and has the cutest pug!  Fun fact - it's also her birthday today!!  You can follow along here: Bloglovin' || Instagram || Twitter

Want to share your favorites this week?  Link up below and share your favorite posts, products, tips and tricks!

An InLinkz Link-up

A Blogiversary, Reader Survey and Giveaway - Oh My!

Happy Monday Everyone!  This month is a big one for All the Joys - exactly one year ago, I was in the process of beginning this little space of mine.  I was choosing a design, figuring out the crazy tech stuff (that I still don't understand), locking down my social media accounts - and on March 30, I hit publish on my very first post.  I've come a long way since then, and I know there are so many more opportunities to take advantage of.

To celebrate, I wanted to reflect on the last year, and see where my opportunities lay for the future.  This is where you come in.  I have a very quick Reader Survey that I would love some feedback on.  As a reward - the password for a $25 Amazon giftcard giveaway will be given at the end.  (Along with another surprise!)

I am looking forward to taking your feedback and merging them with my blogging goals.  I honestly never thought that I would be here a whole year later, and now I can't imagine not coming to this space, to each of you.

You can find the survey here.  Thank you, and Good Luck with the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2014 - According to My Blog

Well friends, 2014 is coming to a close.  Tonight we will be celebrating all of the good things that happened this year, reflecting on the not-so-good, and making plans for 2015.

2014 was a big year for All the Joys.  I started it, for one.  But beyond that, it grew.  Not only in numbers, but I feel like writing this blog made me grow, which in turn I think is shown through my posts.  We've made blogging friends, we've joined link ups, we've accepted sponsorships.  I can't wait to see what 2015 brings.

But first, I wanted to take a moment and look back at my top ten posts of the past year, based on number of views.  I love how these posts reflect on who I am, and it was great fun going back and reading them.  Let's start with #10, making our way down to #1:

#10: Cash In Your Pockets (or PayPal account!).  I still think blogging can be expensive, but I still use these resources for making some extra cash to pay for things.  If you haven't read this one, you should.  And sign up for the money makers!

#9: BFFs.  Ahh, my besties.  Love these girls with my everything.  We are more like sisters than anything else.

#8: He Blogs!.  Tim's blogging debut.  He still asks me if this was my most popular post.  Sorry honey, #8.

#7: 12 Gender Neutral Grab Bag Ideas.  It looks like most of the views on this one were from Google.  Makes sense, everyone (including myself) was googling this in December.  For the record, I'd like to add what I received from grab bags this year: a brie baker, a glass popcorn maker, and Dunkin giftcards.  #winning

#6: Passionfruit: I Quit.  Nothing new here.  I still despise Passionfruit.  I am still owed money, but have come to terms that I will never get it.  I repeat: Adproval for the win!

#5: The Rollercoaster of a New Blogger.  I'm still considering myself "new", and all of these points still ring true for me.  Anyone else?

#4: Friday Favorites: A New Linkup!.  I love that this post made my top five.  The Blogger Love link up is something that I consider one of my biggest accomplishments of this blog for 2014.  It's something that I look forward to every Friday! 

#3: I'm Not a Stay at Home Mom.  Still not.  Read about why I can't be.

#2: Joey, Andrew. Ethan, Paul, Zach, Taylor and Ian.  My crushes growing up.  Still love every one of them, although Tim (as in Riggins) tops my list.  #texasforever

#1: All of the Stitch Fix Posts.  Honestly, this one sort of surprised me.  But I guess my readers and people googling Stitch Fix really want to see what I get each month.  And that makes me happy, because I like sharing it!

(Truth - I intentionally did not include any post that included a giveaway, because those always get more views!)

Were any of these some of your favorites by me this year?  Any you wish were on here?  Later this week I will be sharing some goals for 2015 - for me, for the blog, etc.  I can't wait to see what 2015 brings for All the Joys! 

Happy New Year - enjoy tonight but please be responsible!  (And send me pics of you in glitter, I love glitter.)

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Passionfruit: I Quit.

I was originally going to join Faith for her Golden Vlog series today (because let's be honest, I know how much you loved my first one).  But, this has been weighing on my mind so I had to share.  Hopefully I will link up with a vlog later next week :)

When I first started thinking about offering sponsorships for All the Joys, I asked some of my bloggy friends about their experiences with Passionfruit vs. Adproval.  Emily quickly began raving about Adproval, and how she was in regular contact with Matthew, the Founder and CEO.  I was intrigued.  The one on one attention really caught my eye, and having a first hand witness tell me how happy she was was nothing to ignore.  She quickly set me up by email with Matthew, and I was pleasantly surprised.

However, before fully committing to Adproval, I wanted to test Passionfruit first so that I could make a decision based on experience.  While sponsoring other blogs, I noticed that most of them were using Passionfruit, so setting it up seemed pretty easy.  I signed up for the free month to test it out.  At first I was happy.  Installation was a breeze, ads were easy to manage, I loved the promo code feature.  Then something happened.  I won't go in to details, but I was owed money.  Several emails and Twitter tags got me zero response.  I had some awesome bloggers already pay for their spots on my sidebar through Passionfruit, so I turned to Adproval for help.  How could I make the change and not lose those ads?  How could I do this quickly as to not disrupt current ads?  And most importantly, could I count on Adproval to respond and make my concerns a priority?

Needless to say, Adproval for the win.

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I got everything set up, moved my ads over and only had two days where they weren't live.  (Quick shout out to Melissa for being so patient!)  Matthew was quick with his responses and I felt like he truly cared about my issues - which were all coding, and definitely user errors.  #notatechie

There have been many conversations around blogland about Adproval vs. Passionfruit.  I have even seen some bloggers publicly say they will not sponsor a blog that uses one or the other.  There is no "good" answer - plenty of people are completely happy with Passionfruit, plenty are not.  When it comes down to it, customer service and doing what is right is what influenced my decision.

Many of the features that I originally missed on Adproval are being added - promo codes, showing when the next availability is, etc.  I love that they are open to feedback and are actively making it what we, as bloggers, want and need.

If you offer ads, which platform do you use?  Why, or why not the other?  Share below, and also share if you have any sponsor deals going on!  I'll start - 25% off the Full of Joy spot with code NEW25.  (Openings in March!)

Isn't She Lovely...

Imagine my surprise when I was nominated not once, but three times for the One Lovely Blog award!  I feel so loved.  A big, big thank you to Anne, Melissa and Ash for the nominations, you gals are the best!

With every blog award, there are some rules to follow.  I am supposed to share seven random facts and nominate seven other bloggers.  The truth is, the blogs I would have nominated have already done this - so I'm breaking the rules a bit.  I'm such a rebel.

Here are my seven random (?) facts:

// I could eat pizza for every meal for the rest of my life.

// I go between having really long hair, getting sick of it, chopping it, getting sick of short hair, and growing it out again.

// My older sister is way smarter than me - she has a PhD, is a professor, teaches online classes and is a Behavior Therapist for children with Austism. 

// I love love love winter for Christmas and snow, but often find myself feeling blue from November - April.  Dark at 4pm?  No.  This girls needs sunshine!

// E is becoming my little shopping buddy, which is really fun... but I'm afraid I am creating a monster.

// Some days I don't feel like blogging.  There, I said it! 

// I am trying to save every extra penny so that we can sell our house and move in the Spring.  My husband is spending every said penny!  Who needs custom made suits and work shirts?  Apparently he does.

So there you have it - seven random facts that you probably didn't need or care to know, but know them now anyway!  Again, thank you to the wonderful ladies that nominated me!

Today is Monday so I am linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday.  Today I'm grateful for blogging.  Never did I think, eight months ago, that this little whim of mine would become such a big part of my life.  The people I have met are inspiring, thoughtful, and caring.  I'm also grateful to those of you who have made this a happy place for me!

PS.  All ad spots are still 25% off until midnight tonight!  Use code THANKFUL. :)


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A Labour of Life

Have you all met Linda at A Labour of Life?  She's a Canadian fashion and lifestyle blogger that always has a fresh spin on everyday life.  Her daily outfits are so fun - her spin on everyday essentials is something to take inspiration from!  I love how she mixes patterns and makes it look great, something that I've always wanted to experiment with.  Then there is this super easy yet fun Halloween costume that she shared with us this year.

Linda's outlook on life really opened my eyes - that we shouldn't wait for the perfect moment, but make any moment perfect ourselves. Go ahead and read her post, it will make more sense after!

 To get to know Linda a little better, I asked her some questions.  Read below to see some great answers!  My favorite is her answer to what American things she wishes she could buy in Canada... that kind of thing fascinates me!

What is your favorite accessory?

Large statement necklaces, I cannot narrow it down more than that because I do have a lot but I love a great necklace and a scarf oh yeah and a great purse... hard to pick a single item but I think I will go with a great necklace.

How do you put an outfit together - is there one piece you always start with?

I usually pick one thing that I really want to wear and work around it, sometimes its a pair of shoes or boots and sometimes a necklace and I will build around that item,  like Monday I had to wear my new leopard booties and I built an outfit around the boots, but other days I have decided to wear a necklace and work around that. So its not always the same thing I work around but there usually is one thing that I get the urge t wear and have to go from there.

(I love the leopard booties, see above!)

 

How many pairs of shoes do you own? (be honest!)

As I hang my head in shame I just passed the 150 mark.. and it would have been a lot higher but when I relocated to Ottawa 7 years ago I left a lot behind.  Don't judge me please I do love my shoes.

(No judgement here... shoes are a girls best friend!)

 

Wine or beer?  Or something else?

This one is tough, I love both.. Beer I have a tendency to lean towards lime beers but I do love my light beers but wine well, we have a wine cellar and vacation around spots where we can visit vineyards so I guess I have to go with WINE.

 

What's one thing from the US that you wish you could get in Canada?

The awesome yogurt flavours you have...sounds silly but you have such a great selection of Greek yogurts.  (Used to be Brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts and Peanut Butter Chocolate pop tarts but we now get those here, yea).   I have a list of grocery items I purchase everytime I am in the states.  Also, I do wish we had tailgate parties like you have in the states, you guys have awesome football and awesome tailgate parties, I love the atmosphere.  Hockey is amazing but we do not have the same party atmosphere.

What's your favorite vacation spot?

I have to go seasonal here,  In the fall I love the Poconos or Williamsburg and in the dead of winter the Mayan Rivieria.

It's Saturday morning.  Where are you/what are you doing?

Saturday Morning you will find me snuggled on the sofa with my cat and my computer, with a gigantic cup of tea.  I love a Saturday with no plans, no expectations and just me time.  I usually try and catch up on blog posts I have missed reading. In the warmer months you will find me outside on the deck, still with computer and tea in hand or floating in the pool.  I am a Saturday homebody.

 

Why do you blog?

I love sharing all the pieces of me, i post outfits during the week, crafts, food and travel on the weekends. I started out blogging because I thought I was being "to vain" posting outfit and shoe pictures on Instagram and blogging was a way to express myself in a forum that I had no idea was so, so very popular and then I got immersed n this world we call blogging and got hooked, now I blog as a way of communicating with new friends and to keep a record of life. I love the relationships that develop with fellow bloggers and that is what most keeps me motivated to continue.

Make sure to check out Linda here:

Bloglovin // Twitter // Blog // Instagram

Love the Here and Now

We all have that one blog that we connected with first, right?  As a reader, or a blogger yourself, can you think of one blog that you keep going back to, and loving every post?  For me, that's Love the Here and Now, written by Anne.  Anne and I first "met" when I started blogging, and she has quickly become my go-to person for all things blog.  She is part of my tribe.  But not only that, I'm happy to call her a real life friend too.  Someday we'll meet!

Anne shares amazing Blogging 101 tips - many of which I've used myself.  Her new Awesome Link-Up is one of my favorites because each link shares things that are awesome, which can instantly boost any day in my opinion.  Outside of blogging, Anne is an inspiration - as she is raising three beautiful daughters and married her high school sweetheart. 

I asked Anne to answer a series of questions to give you a little insight to her and her blog.

Tell us about your "Wednesday Wishes" and "Awesome" link-ups. How did you decide to do them?
I knew I wanted to host a weekly link up and wanted it to be something that a variety of people and blogs could relate to. I chose Wednesday Wishes because who isn't wishing for something? I love that people's wishes range from serious to funny, wishes for themselves and wishes for others. We get it all each week!

I chose to do my Awesome link up once a month because I found that sometimes I get bogged down by the day to day stuff. It was comforting to think that the little things in life could bring a smile to my face. All needed to do was think of those things and my mood brightened. This link up is simply things that you find awesome that make you smile. Who couldn't use a little of that each month?

We know you love Fall, but if you could pick one reason, what would it be?

 It's next to impossible to pick one reason. I waiver between the weather and the colors/leaves. If I had to choose though, it would be the leaves. For a month or two each year, the trees take on so many different colors it's breath taking. I could never live somewhere that didn't experience Fall. It's like Mother Nature is decked out in her finest for awhile. Wouldn't miss that for the world!

 

Do you have any nicknames? 

Hmmm...nicknames.....depends on who I'm talking to. A few people call me Annie. My daughters call me Mama sometimes which I silently chuckle at. It sounds so Southern to me and we are New Yorkers.

 

You work in a library. What is the best part about that? Have you ever met an author?

The best part of working in a library is also the worst part....my reading list is so long! There are so many books I want to read and I never seem to have the time. I love being able to talk about books at any point in my day though. Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies and to be surrounded by books and fellow readers all day is wonderful. I have yet to meet any big authors but we do host local authors and their book signings at times.

 

Why do you blog? What made you start blogging?

I blog simply because I want to. I loved reading blogs for years and last year I finally decided that I wanted to put myself out there too. I loved that people were opening up their lives and their experiences to others. I loved that there were so many people that I could relate to. Now that I have started I can't see myself stopping. It's my outlet, my source of creativity, and it has provided a great sense of community and so many friends. I don't see myself leaving any of that behind.

 

What is your favorite app on your phone?

My favorite app on my phone....oh gosh....I have favorites in so many categories. I think I would have to say Instagram though. I love reading blogs but seeing actual snippets from bloggers' lives helps me feel more connected to them. 

 

You can only pick one type of food for the rest of your life, what do you pick?

Simple choice for me....Italian all the way. I live in a predominantly Italian area so I have it made. Local restaurants have old family recipes. My husband is Italian as well so everything is homemade. Sauces, meatballs, fried dough, Italian greens, tomato pie (a pizza served room temp with fresh tomato sauce and grated cheese, totally different from regular pizza) all from scratch. My mouth is watering now. Yum!

 

Be sure to check Anne out:

Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Blog

 

Also linking up with Amanda for Conversations.  An interview counts, right??

 



Tour Through Blogland + Giveaway!

A few weeks ago, I was asked by Amy to participate in the Tour Through Blogland.  I immediately said yes and was so flattered that Amy asked me to participate.  I "met" Amy through blogging over the summer, but our relationship went to another level when I learned about essential oils from her, and eventually began using them myself.  She is caring, thoughtful, a wonderful mother and someone I am happy to call a friend!

So, here we go on our little tour through All the Joys.  (Note: I wanted to add a fun picture of where I blog, but I don't have a dedicated space.  I blog on the couch, in bed, sometimes at work, and none of those places are picture worthy!)

What am I working on?
I have a long list of blog post ideas that I am constantly adding to.  I also have a series I'm working on.  I have about three posts written, but want to have them all ready to go before publishing.  It's a long process and hard to work on when I'm doing regular posts as well.  There are also some things I need from home (home-home, as in it is packed in my mother's basement) so I need to collect those before publishing as well. 

How does my work differ from others in its genre?
Honestly, I think every blog and blogger is different.  Writing from your heart automatically makes you different.  Not that others haven't experienced the same things, or have the same thoughts, but the way you relay them and connect with others is what makes you different from others.  So, in that sense, I am the same.  I write freely and I (hope!) that that comes through.

Why do I write/create what I do?
I've always been a writer.  When I was little, I would write chaper books for fun.  English and Creative Writing classes were always my favorite.  I can tell a story so much better with pen and paper.  At this point, All the Joys is for me.  I write for myself.  But I also love when I get an email from a reader saying that they know exactly how I am feeling!

How does your writing/creative process work?
To be honest, I don't put a lot of time in to my posts.  I write freely, re-read to find errors, and hit publish.  I begin writing when I feel inspired by something - usually a thought, or something I've seen or felt.  If I'm not feeling inspired one day, I won't write.  There is nothing worse than reading a blog post that was published without any feeling behind it.

Your next stops on the Tour:

 

You've seen Anne around here a few times.  She is one of the first bloggers I "met", and I truly believe that was on purpose.  Anne is an inspiration to me - she's a wonderful mom to three girls, so I look up to her and how well she has raised them.  Her blogging style is genuine and refreshing!

 



Amanda is one of those people that you could meet, and feel like you've known forever.  Her blog is fun and uplifting.  She recently moved from Georgia to Missouri to be with her now husband.  I love their love story!  Amanda is a busy girl - going to school, keeping up with her blog and all of the fun adventures she and her husband have!

 

Thanks for stopping by my piece of the internet!  I am so grateful for this space and the people that come back week after week.  Don't go yet, I have a fun giveaway for you...

 

Enter to WIN a $120 Target Giftcard!

I've teamed up with all of these wonderful ladies to bring you a chance to win $120 Target giftcard!

Heavens to Betsy // Glitz & Gritz // Wetherills Say I Do // This Crazy Cass Life // A Savory Feast

Life Behind the Lens // Set Free // The Truelife of KMK // Arroway // According to Laura Jean

TaniaKnowsBest // Two Miracles // Seven Graces // My Little Sunshines

Life with the Casterlines // All the Joys // Simple Moments Stick // The Bitsy Button // Butcher's Niche

Simply Love // Little Things + Big Stuff // Annabel & Alice // The Beauty Section // Life w/ Mrs. G. & the Artist

Giveaway runs from 10/27 at 12AM EST to 11/4 at 12AM EST. Available to US Residents 18 years and older. No purchase necessary. a Rafflecopter giveaway

 



Cash In Your Pockets (or PayPal account!)

It's no secret that having a blog can be expensive.  There are sponsorships to buy, designs to be done, giveaways to do, not to mention all of the fun products that other creative bloggers make and sell.  When I first started this adventure, I told myself that I didn't want to take any money out of our monthly budget to spend on my new hobby.  I have other hobbies that do enough spending on their own - namely going out to eat and shopping.  That meant I needed to get creative about how I was going to pay for All the Joys.  I've put together some resources that you might find intriguing to use for yourself.  These can be used by anyone, not just bloggers!

 

 

1.  ThredUp.  ThredUp is an online consignment store for women's and children's clothing.  It's easy - you order a "clean out bag", (for free), they send it, you fill it, send it back (for free).  After they go through your items, they'll pay you for what they know they can resell, and donate the rest to local charities.  There is an option to pay a fee to get your items back that they don't want.  I've sent in about three bags - mostly of clothes that don't fit or I never wear - and have gotten just under $100 total.  They pay via PayPal too!

 

You can shop here too.  I've bought the girls brand new clothing (new with tags!) for a fraction of the retail price.  Using this link will give you a $10 credit.

 

2.  Twice.  Same general idea as ThredUp - but they accept more expensive brands - and pay more for them, too.  They send a list of brands they love with your clean out bag, which makes it easy to fill.  I sell my higher end things here (Anthropologie, J.Crew, Coach, Kate Spade, etc).  I've only done one bag so far, but got almost $50 for it!

 

You can also shop here.  Use this link to get $10 shopping credit as well as $10 clean out credit!

 

3.  Groupon Snap.  This is so easy, it's crazy.  Download Groupon's new app - Groupon Snap to get cash back on normal things you buy at the grocery store every day.  Some examples include $1 on milk, $.50 on bananas, $.75 on apples, etc.  After you purchase said items, all you do is upload a picture of your receipt.  I've used it once and already made $3.25.  That can pay for a whole sponsorship!

 

4.  Ibotta.  This is another app available in the app store.  It works in a similar way to Groupon Snap, but you need to choose your rebates based on what store you are shopping at.  Walgreen's has different rebates than Costco.  There are also retail and entertainment rebates!  I've made over $9 just doing my regular shopping.  If you sign up, use my referral code: 9bu5g

5.  Ebates.  If you haven't signed up for this already, go do it.  I'll wait.  Ok, so anytime you are shopping online, go to ebates first.  Find the store you are shopping from, click, and ebates will send you to their website.  Anything you buy will you give a rebate, which is paid out four times a year.  I signed up three years ago and have gotten back over $700 (don't do the math, I shop online a lot!).  They pay via check or sometimes Amazon credit.  Even better, before taking you to your store's website, Ebates lists all of the coupons available at that time.

 

6.  If you haven't already, start selling sponsorships on your blog if you are ready for the commitment.  (Shameless plug - I set mine up yesterday!)  You can then turn around and use those funds to sponsor other blogs.  Win-win.

 

There are many other ways to support your hobby - blogging or other.  Garage sales, online sales on Facebook, Craigslist.  Of course, always be careful about who you are selling to and meet in a public place.  Also, use coupons whenever possible.  Check out these other money saving apps too!

 

Today is Wednesday Wishes with Anne.  Today I'm wishing for you to try one of the above ways to get a little extra cash in your pocket.  I love cleaning out my closets - and making cash while doing so is always a plus.  Also, getting money for things I am already buying is a no-brainer for me.  Are there any other things you use to help pay for your blog/hobbies?

 

 

 



What A Week!

Well this week has been one for the books.  The kind of book you burn, because I don't want to relive it.  Of course, things could have been worse - they always can, but it seemed as though the stars were not aligned for me this week.  I'm sure one day I will look back and realize that this was exactly what was supposed to happen - but until then, vodka.

Even while things weren't looking good for me and my loved ones this week, I found quite a few posts that I loved reading.  That is one of the reasons why I love blogging - someone is always having more fun, experiencing better things, eating better food, and I can live vicariously through those posts.  So let's get to some #bloggerlove, shall we?

"The Bachelor Drinking Game" by The Samantha Life, via Venus Trapped in Mars.  I love to watch The Bachelor (but not the Bachelorette) and this game makes it much more fun.  Especially with girlfriends!

"Conversations" by Ember Grey.  Oh, how my soul needed Emily's post.  It was the perfect timing for me, and I am so grateful that she shared that conversation with us.

"20 Awesome Things" by Love the Here and Now.  Anne reminds us that sometimes, the simple things are the best things.  And to make it even more awesome?  She's created a link up for us all to share our "awesome things".  I love little reminders like this!

I hope you'll join the link up this week and share your favorite posts by other bloggers!  Grab the button if you'd like and link up below.  If you use Twitter, tag @allthejoys so I can follow along!

An InLinkz Link-up

So Fall Happened + Friday Faves!

I can't believe that September is almost over and October is around the corner.  I guess this means I have to officially accept that Fall is here, even though I wish it would be summer forever. (side note - why do we live in the Midwest again?)  There are a few things about Fall that I like - that is, when I have no choice but to say goodbye to summer!

- Cool sleeping weather.  I love sleeping with the windows open while I'm all cuddled up under 5 a blanket.

- "Fall smells".  I love cinnamon, spiced apple, creamy nutmeg - smelling candles and home scents.

- Fall television. Even though Big Brother ended last night (too predictable this season!), Series Premiers are all around this week.  Scandal, Red Band Society, How to Get Away with Murder, and a few others are gracing my DVR and I couldn't be more excited!

Before we get to this week's favorites - a quick update.  A few weeks ago, I wished for a good result with some things that were going on with my pup, Charlie.  Well friends?  Charlie doesn't have cancer.  He doesn't have cancer!  To say I'm grateful is an understatement!  He officially just has a pimply, cute, lovable face!  Thanks for all of the well wishes and prayers - they worked!

So, on to this week's favorites:

"Fall Favorites" by Amy at Set Free.  Amy just recently got me in to essential oils - and I am hooked, even though I haven't received my starter kit yet!  I have been doing a lot of research on them and can't wait to see what they do for my family.

"Blogger Men Tell All" by Becoming Adorrable.  Tim blogged once, with some bribing, interview style.  I love reading other posts interviewing the men behind the blog, so I'm really excited for this link up!

"Going Natural: Makeup and Cosmetics" by Notes from a Newlywed.  Amanda gives great reviews on natural products?  Did you know that 60% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed in to the body?  I didn't either - but it totally freaks me out now that I know.  Especially since I can't pronounce 98% of the ingredients of products I use.  I am slowly making the switch to natural products.  If you are thinking of the same, Amanda's post is a must read.  The Florkens were also part of this link up, and their post is a must read as well.  I can't wait for the next in the series!

What were your favorites?  Link up below and share!  Please grab the button and visit some of the links below.  Just a reminder: If you link up, please post at least one link to a blogger other than yourself to share the love!

An InLinkz Link-up

I'm off to Minnesota this weekend.  It's normally a 6ish hour drive, but with two littles I'm looking at more like eight.  Good timing though - I'll have plenty of time to read your faves!  Happy Friday!

Lovin' It

Wasn't that a tagline for McDonald's?  Or maybe it still is?  Oh well, I'm borrowing it for this week's faves.

"Blogging 101: Choosing to Offer Sponsorships" by Love the Here and Now.  I know that Anne makes my list frequently, but this one was perfect timing for me.  Accepting sponsors is something I've been toying around with for awhile, and I love how Anne outlined everything that goes in to it.  If you are a blogger and are thinking about accepting sponsors, you need to check out Anne's post!

"Its in these moments..." by Southern Komfort Blog.  Religion isn't something I talk a lot about on this blog, but I loved Kelly's story of God's moments.  It really was a good reminder that things are always really happening for a reason.  I needed to read her post at the moment I did!

"Come Back Please" by Not Entirely Perfect.  This was an awesome trip down memory lane!  I remember all of these snacks from the 90's, in addition to Clear Pepsi and Clearly Canadian.  WHY did Clearly Canadian ever go away??

"Tools: What You Need to Start DIYing" by Tattered to Taylored.  If you've seen me on Pinterest lately, you've seen my new obsession with everything DIY.  We can blame my friend Jess on this.  I have a major itch to go thrifting, find something "eh" and turn it in to something amazing!  Taylor's suggestions on tools to start with is perfect.  You don't need a lot, and her suggestions seem like things I could actually use.

What were your favorites from this week?  Share below!  Please remember: If you link up, the post you link must contain at least one post written by a different blogger than yourself.  Click around and find some new blogs to love, and grab the button if you'd like!

I'm off to do a whole lot of nothing much this weekend and I'm really looking forward to it.  It will be capped by dinner with my besties, so I really couldn't ask for much more!

An InLinkz Link-up

On Names, Drinks, and Speech

Last week, Melissa from The Rambling Llama did a post on random facts about herself.  She tagged me to learn some of my randomness, so here it goes!

1.  In high school, I was a cheerleader.  For football and men's basketball.  I loved it.  Until the day I was dropped on my head (true story).  Maybe I'll share that another day!

2.  When I was little, I had a speech impediment.  I could not put two consonants together.  Words such as "apple", or "milk" or "pencil" were impossible for me.  It got worse because while I was learning to talk, if I tried to say something and no one could understand me, my sister would interpret.  So she'd say "She wants a glass of milk", and I wouldn't learn it properly.  Don't worry, when I was three I went to speech therapy for a summer and learned how to correct it.

3.  I'm known to break in to song, especially while in the car.  My friends laugh at me because they can turn on the most random song and I'll know the words to it.  I love to sing, but am horrible at it!

4.  E's real name actually starts with an A.  I know, I'm confused too.

5.  When I was younger, my childhood dog was a Westie.  When we got her, her name was Meagan (even spelled the same way!) so we had to rename her.  After many family meetings, we settled on Millie, even though I wanted to call her "Whitey".

6.  Speaking of names, my parents spelled my name "Meagan" because they didn't want anyone to give me the nickname "Meg".  To this day, they only call me "Meagan" when I'm in trouble.  They (and everyone else) calls me Meg - with the exception of this blog and work.

7.  This might not be random - but I love a good drink.  I don't discriminate - beer, wine (white), vodka, whiskey.  The only things I don't like (and won't drink) are tequila and champagne.  Anything else is fair game!

the more, the merrier. not sure why I have that "annoyed" look on my face!

Today, I'm wishing for some of my bloggy friends to do this too!  Amanda from Notes from a Newlywed, Anne from Love the Here and Now and Amanda from Knock on Wood.

Linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes!

This Week's Faves

It's Friday - and you know what that means, it's #bloggerlove day!  But before we get to that, I'm extremely excited for this weekend. Our seventh wedding anniversary is coming up, and apparently Tim has planned a whole weekend for me. I think, anyway, he said I was busy Saturday and Sunday. He won't tell me a thing, and I'm sort of nervous because I don't know how to dress! I will have to judge my outfits solely on what he is wearing, so this should be interesting!

Now on to a few of my favorite posts from this week:

"The Black Hole of IKEA" by The Daily Tay.  I mean, really, who hasn't felt this while in an IKEA?  There are two in the Chicagoland area, and thankfully the one closest to me is a lot smaller (and less crowded), but it's still overwhelming.  Taylor hysterically and accurately describes the pain otherwise known as IKEA.  I even have a friend that tries to avoid IKEA because bad things always happen in her life while she's there - not kidding.

"How to Tease Your Hair" by The Grits Blog.  My hair is so straight and kind of boring, and always pretty flat.  I've always wanted volume but wasn't sure how to go about it.  Ashley gives a quick and easy tutorial and I can't wait to try it - maybe this weekend!

"10 Ways to Be Happy" by Love the Here and Now.  We've all woken up in a funk at one time or another.  Anne gives a great list of ways to get out of said funk - if even just for a few moments. 

What were your favorites of the week?  Link up and tell us!  Please be sure to include at least one link to another blogger's post from the week that inspired you, made you laugh, or that you just plain loved.  Grab the button if you'd like, and be sure to check out some of the other links.

An InLinkz Link-up

Hope you all have a fab weekend!

Too Many to Choose!

Again this week, there were so many good posts out there!  And so many more I'm sure that you will share with me.  I look forward to Friday's for many reasons - but finding new blogs shared by you is one of them.  (And having my husband home for two days and sleeping in is up there)

"The Past Has Passed (It's Time to Twirl)" by Ember Grey. If you read one post from this past week, read this one.  It's all about finding the one thing that pushes you along.  I'm sure Emily's post is going to make a few lists this week!

"Perspective - Get Some" by The Florkens.  YES.  Even when things seem awful and you can't go on, someone has it worse than you.  One of my favorite quotes: "Right now, someone is praying for the things you are taking for granted."  This post speaks to that, and is always a good reminder.

"I Was Scared to Have a Boy" by The Contented Wife.  Chelsea spoke about what I was thinking when I was pregnant with both A and E.  I don't know how to "do" boy things!  Secretly, I was afraid of having boys.  But, after reading her post, it struck me - a mother's bond is unbreakable, no matter the sex of the baby.

"What Are Your Twitter Habits?" by Seriously Sarah?  Confession: I never used Twitter before having this blog.  I have a personal account, but never really went on it, and only followed celebrities anyway.  Sarah's tips are good to have!  Did you know that if you reply to someone, you can use a period before their handle?  Then it shows up in your feed!  (If I understood that right, haha!)

"2014 Fall Trends for Your Sun Sign" by Simply Sun Signs.  I loved this post - Desiree breaks down the trends for Fall by your sign - what you should wear, or what you would be most comfortable in.  I love horoscopes and learning more about myself so I loved reading this post as well.

So, what were your favorites?  Link up below and share with us.  A few rules: Please link to at least one other post (not written by yourself) to highlight another blogger - share the love!  Use the button if you'd like and click around to find some other new-to-you bloggers!

 

 

 

An InLinkz Link-up

I hope you all can enjoy a three day weekend - be safe saying "goodbye" to summer!

Finally Friday

Friends - it's been such a long week!  After my weekend of nothing last weekend, it was hard to get in to the swing of things.  Plus - Tim had work events both Wednesday and Thursday nights, so I had a few long days this week.  Today is a "normal" day - so Tim will be home after work and we don't have any plans for the night.  I can't wait to see him!

#BloggerLove has quickly become one of the highlights of my weeks.  I really enjoy seeing the blogs you all recommend, and I've found a few new faves from your links.  Of course, it's always nice to share the love and highlight other bloggers here too!  So, let's get to it.

"Confessions: 100th Blog Post Edition" by The Kay Times.  Krystal always has the best confession posts because she is so honest and keeps it real for us.  Her gifs are hilarious and always include at least one housewife - my fave!  Plus, let's not overlook the fact that this was her 100th post! 

"#samanthaslastdoedown" by It's All in the Details.  Samantha went to Nashville for her Bachelorette Party and had the best recap!  I am planning a girls trip in October with some friends, so I was seriously taking notes.  After commenting, she even sent multiple emails with more suggestions.  So sweet.  Except now I wish it was October.

"On Opinions, Ice Buckets and Saying No to Fear" by The Rachael Way.  Rachael said what I was thinking.  I think the Ice Bucket Challenge is becoming annoying.  Not because of the effect it is having - which is amazing, but because of the people only dumping water on their heads.  Why don't we save the water and donate, as well to a charity that we truly believe in?  I was nominated and donated to the ALS organization as well as two others.  I grew up in the non-profit world (my Dad has run one for 35+ years) and my entire professional career as been in non-profits, so I get it.  Maybe that's why it bothers me so much.  Oh, and the fact that I personally knew someone that passed away from ALS and some "challenges" I see on facebook make it look like a joke.  Ok, rant over.  (Thanks Rachael for giving me the strength to go on this rant!!)

"A Letter to New Moms" by The Rambling Llama.  A million times yes.  Melissa hits the nail on the head with this one.  There's so many things about motherhood that you can never read about or learn until you experience them!

Don't forget if you are linking up: Make sure your post includes at least one link to another blog from this week.  If you tweet, please use #bloggerlove!  Have a great weekend friends!

An InLinkz Link-up

It's a Great Friday!

It's Friday again and I couldn't be happier this week.  We don't have any plans, which hasn't happened in a really long time.  No travelling, nothing set in stone - just time to hang out as a family.  I needed this!

This week's favorites were hard to choose from.  Each week I am finding more and more blogs that I love.  This is good and bad, and only bad because my bloglovin feed is out of control.  As soon as I'm caught up, there are new posts to read!

"A New Idea" by Not Entirely Perfect.  Not only did I figure out that Stephanie lives in Chicago too, but her dog's name (Hawkeye) tipped me off that she went to Iowa as well.  Her new link up is a great idea too - monthly goals, based off of a category that is provided in the beginning of the month.  I love how you can make this your own - and I hope that it helps me tackle more of my 101 in 1001 list.

"Lazy Guide to Eating Healthy" by Jade and Oak.  I've already admitted to being lazy, but also wanting to be healthier - so this post was absolutely written for me.  I can actually use Jackie's tips and apply them to my every day life!

"Fall 2014: New Shows I've Got My Eye On" by Becoming Adorrable.  It shouldn't be a secret by now that I love tv, and my DVR.  Fall is exciting because of all the new shows and return of my favorites.  Becca reviews some new shows for this fall - and I'm excited about "Stalker" and "Manhatten Love Story". 

"Free to Be" by Ember Grey.  Emily writes what I've always felt, but was unable to say.  Why do we let our jobs define who we are?  We are free to be whoever we are, and it's not defined by what we do day to day.  This post was a good reminder to "just be me".

"I Met Brad and Angelina" by Dancin' with a Dolly.  First of all, this post would be amazing if it were true.  But that's just it - it's a post reminding us that not everything we read online or see on tv is real.  Before making decisions and judgements, do the research and find out the truth behind what you are seeing and reading.  Couldn't agree with Jenny more!

 If you want to link up this week, here are the guidelines - share at least one post by another blogger that you loved from this past week, so you can participate in as many Friday link-ups as you'd like. The link-up closes Sunday night. Grab the button too! Also, don't forget to click around below and check out some new-to-you bloggers!

An InLinkz Link-up

Happy Friday!

This weekend is a crazy one for me, but I couldn't skip #bloggerlove - there were so many great posts this week!

"The Blog Auction" by Helene in Between.  Little known fact - when Tim and I go to charity events, you can always find us at the silent auction tables, and we always go home with something. I like the thrill of it - and this is such a fun idea!

"So You Want to Take a Barre Class" by Meet @the Barre.  I took years of dance when I was younger, and it's something I've always wanted to get back in to.  My sister just started doing barre classes in St. Louis and I have been itching to try it.  Amanda breaks it down and makes it seem a lot less imitating.  Anyone in Chicago want to join?

"All of the Information" by Venus Trapped In Mars.  I always thought that this slice of the internet wasn't read by anyone I know in real life.  I mean, I don't use my full name, so how could they find me?  It's probably a lot easier than I think, and Sarah breaks it down.  If any of you know me in real life, show yourselves!!

"Find Your Blogging Soulmate" by Emily Finta.  I've said before, I'll say it again - I've found some great friends from blogging.  I love this idea - fill out a quick survey, and Emily will find you a great match.  Win win for finding new friends and blogs to read!

"Virtual Assistants - Paying for Comments" by Seriously Sarah?.  Sarah is so right with this - at what point do you need to have others commenting for you?  Doesn't that take away from your blog, make you less personable?  Couldn't agree more!  For the record, I don't know any bloggers that do this, that I'm aware of, but I'd be pretty upset if I was chatting with an assistant.

So there it is!  If you want to link up this week, here are the guidelines - share at least one post by another blogger that you loved from this past week, so you can participate in as many Friday link-ups as you'd like. The link-up closes Sunday night. Grab the button if you'd like to! Also, don't forget to click around below and check out some new-to-you bloggers!

An InLinkz Link-up

   

I Like Your Blog

Although I've only been writing this blog for a few months now, I started reading blogs a long time ago.  It started with wedding blogs, then mommy blogs, and now I read all kinds of blogs.  One of my favorites was StyleLush, where a collaboration of bloggers wrote about their current favorites - from clothing, travel, products, etc.  I found a lot of new things that way - but sadly, it is no longer active.

Throughout the years of reading different types of blogs, some things have remained constant.  The reasons I keep coming back for more.

- Visually, your blog is very pleasing.  It's centered, has a nice layout/design, isn't super busy and isn't cluttered with ads.

- Your About Me page is concise and to the point.  I find at least a few things that we have in common, and find myself wanting to know more.

- Usually, I've found your blog from another blogger or link-up, so once I've read the featured post (and like it), I'll go to your most recent post.  If that speaks to me too, I'll find you on bloglovin and keep reading!

- Your posts do one of the following for me: make me laugh, make me cry, make me want to do what you're DIY-ing and/or inspire me to do something better for myself or others around me.

- You write freely, I can hear your "voice", and don't feel like an outsider looking in on your life.

I'll be the first to admit that I am not an expert blogger - but really, who is?  We all have different preferences and reasons to follow each other.  The above are just things that make me want to come back to your piece of the internet again and again. 

Today is Monday, which is Grateful Heart Monday with Ember Grey.  Today I am grateful for the relationships that blogging has brought me.  Never in a million years did I think I would make friends from blogging, but I have.  And even though I've never met any of you in "real life", I am grateful to know that taking that leap of faith and starting this has brought me more than I ever imagined. 

A Joyful Week

I had a great week - some things developing at work, tonight I am going out with some girlfriends (one of which hasnt had a drink since her baby was born... TEN months ago!) and Saturday we have a wedding.  My awesome mom is driving in from Iowa to spend the night with our girls so Tim and I can have a night away.  I love weddings for this reason - a date night, with all our friends, and no planning required!

THANK YOU to everyone that linked up last week for Blogger Love!  I loved reading all of your posts and found a few new blogs to follow from your great suggestions.  I hope you all found some new bloggers as well.  Is it just me, or were there a number of great posts this week?  I could definitely post more than five.  Something must have been in the water.

"When Life Doesn't Feel Right" by Seriously, Sarah?  While reading this post about Sarah's struggle with Cervical Dystonia, I could feel her emotion through my computer screen.  It was a tough read because of that, but I have so much respect for her to put her feelings out there for everyone to experience.

"Don't Try So Hard" by The Florkens.  I'm pretty sure that this post will make it on to some other lists, as it should be.  The Florkens are hosting a one-time link up with others for all of us to show ourselves without our hair or makeup done, but all natural.  It's an amazing idea, and I want to participate... just need to convince myself to go for it!

"You are More than a Number" by Love the Here and Now.  Ok, so I know that I feature Anne most weeks - but she seriously gets me.  This post was written for me, I swear.  I was just feeling down because I was having a "feel bad for myself" day.  Tight clothes = check. Hungry because I'm trying to "diet" = check.  All because of the moment I had stepped on the scale earlier that day. Anne reminded me that its not what that number says, but how we feel.  Thank you Anne!

"Summer Camp" by The Taily Day.  Oh how I related to this post.  I went to summer camp every summer, until the year my parents sent me to a three week long camp.  It basically scarred me for life - maybe a story for another day - but I loved remembering some of those moments via Taylor's post.  Plus, she was in Iowa - lots of love for Iowa of course!

"The One Thing: A Sister's Love" written by Katie, featured on Ember Grey.  I was blown away at the writing skills of Katie at just 16, as she lay awake in her sister's hospital room.  I had never read her blog before, but that short exerpt from her teenage diary hooked me instantly.  Seriously, go read it.

Want to link up and share the love?  Just a few guidelines - share at least one post by another blogger that you loved from this past week, so you can participate in as many Friday link-ups as you'd like. The link-up closes Sunday night.  Grab the button if you'd like!  Also, don't forget to click around below and check out some new-to-you bloggers!

An InLinkz Link-up