Christmas in July - The Reveal

Today is the day!! I can't wait to see what everyone got from their partners. I was glad when Faith paired me with her bestie Bex from Butcher's Niche. She's a super sweet chick and it turns out we have the same favorite color, the best color ever, purple. She totally nailed my gift. Purple, Yoobi pens, nail polish, and a candle all tucked away in the cutest sparkly purple bag.

Who was your partner? What did you get?

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Blogger Love - Still Playing Catch Up

Since I've been out of the loop for a while, I had a lot of blog reading to do. Playing catch up has kept me busy the past few days. Since today is Friday and we link up with Meagan at All the Joys on Friday for Blogger Love, I'll be sharing some of my favorite posts from the past few weeks.


5 Podcasts for Believers - Guest Post by Sage on Yellow Door Diaries
This post has convinced me I need to get into the Podcast thing. Cassie had some great suggestions to get me started and as a believer, these are the best ones.

Simple Instagram Tips - Love The Here and Now
For Reals, Anne always has great tips for just about anything blog related and Instagram is no different.

Failed Intentions - The Adventures of Bug and Boo
Oh how I can relate to her struggle to get things done. While I don't have two tiny humans to look after, I do have a full time job (with seven senior humans to look after), I go to school full time, my husband, my house, and four furkids to tend to. It's a lot to do before you can take some time to yourself and sit down an blog. Rebecca's perseverance is admirable, and I want to be like her when I grow up.

#MoreThanAFrame T R U T H - Sage
This Instagram challenge is, by far, my favorite. It's more than just pictures, it's grown into a wonderful supportive community. Each week Cassie shares her favorite posts from the prompt, and I have begun to look forward to this re-cap.

Happiness Stamped (A Grateful Heart + A Special Giveaway) - Ember Grey.
This new challenge from Emily is going to be great! Find out more about it on her Twelve Months of Bliss page HERE.

Obstacles to Submission - Sage
This post gave me a HUGE lightbulb regarding some struggles I'm having in my own life. Cassie just put it all out there, and maybe I need to do that to.

How to Make Your Blog Visually Appealing - Hey Kerri Blog
I'm a sucker for blog related posts anyways, but Kerri really hits the nail on the head with her tips in this post.


There you have it folks. And I'm kind of almost maybe caught up on my blog reading. Even if I didn't comment on every single post, I read them.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Conversations

with Kaity

You guys remember by MO Bestie, Kaity? Of course you do, cause she's awesome! Well, I've got another hilarious conversation to share with you between her and I. This particular one happened during class one night (I know, I know, we should have been paying attention, but sometimes... you know. Bored). Kaity got a text, and it distracted me, but because we were in class I couldn't be nosy and ask her out loud who she was texting. So I texted her.

Me: Who are you sexting?

Kaity: My sister's boyfriend.

Me: Why are you sexting your sister's bf??

Kaity: Idk... just felt like it *winky face*

Me: Weirdo. Cradle Robber.

Kaity: We are actually talking about the packages that I sent him. And I ain't no cradle robber!!
(note: Kaity is really close with her sister and her bf, and often sends them little care packages)

Me: Ooohhh. Packages huh? Does Megan know he like "packages"?

Kaity turns so red and is trying not to laugh out loud once she read that last text.

Kaity: Oh yes, she knows all about that floozy belle!

Me: I'm not usually this funny with anyone else. Just you.

Me: You're Welcome.


It's the truth. Somehow I am on my comedic game when I'm with Kaity. I wish I could pull off that funny with other people, especially Hubs. He always has a witty comment about almost everything.

This month I've got THREE lovely co-hosts! Be sure to check them out, as well as the rest of the Conversations posts linked up with us this week.

Sarah

Coffee & Glitter | Twitter | Insta | Pinterest | Facebook | Bloglovin'

Libby

Health, Love, & Fire | Twitter | Insta | Pinterest | Facebook | Bloglovin'

Ashley

That Southern Mama | Twitter | Insta | Pinterest | Facebook | Bloglovin'

Join us and share a conversation you've had lately!

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An InLinkz Link-up

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Everything is Awesome!

It's the first Tuesday of the month. Do you know what the significance of that is? No? Well i'm going to tell you. On the first Tuesday of every month Anne, from Love the Here and Now, hosts the Awesome Link-up. To participate you make your own list of at least 10 Things that you deem Awesome. Usually I have a theme for this link-up but there are so many great things going on in my life that you're just going to get a hodgepodge of a list, ok? ok.

1. Magnus

Yep. I've officially decided on the name for my new MacBook Pro. Now that Mable is reitred, Magnus will be taking over for her and I can't wait to do a full blog design on this baby! But he has an honorary nick name given to him by Christine, from The So-Called Homemaker, Wine Ninja. So Magnus "Wine Ninja" Wood.

2. "Spring Break"

Finals are Thursday, so that means our "Spring Break" is coming up! Two weeks of no school. I am looking forward to it, but I know I'll be missing school again after the first week is over! haha!

3. New Fridge

You guys. We are getting a new and bigger fridge. Our little one now was just a tide us over cause our old one broke fridge, but we ended up keeping it for eighteen months! Too long with inadequate space! Our new one is french doors, has tons of space, has ice and water in the door too! I am unbelievably excited about this!

4. My new Top Coat

This top coat for my nails is changing my life! Seriously, I've never had one work this well! If you do your own nails, the Sally Henson, Double Duty Top Coat is so worth the $4 at the drugstore.

5. How Much Bear Loves The Snow

It may be crappy weather, but seeing how much fun he has playing in it, makes me love when it snows. Plus it's really pretty and makes for good winter stock images.

6. The Cosmopolitan Magazine Subscription Hubs is Mysteriously Receiving

This Magazine literally just started showing up in our mail box a couple of months ago. At first I thought, "Yay! Now I don't have to buy them from the store anymore!" Then I saw the name for the address of the subscriber.... Hubs. Strange. I asked him about it and he has no idea where it's coming from. Nothing is getting charged to our account, so hey! free magazine subscription!

7. Bloggy Friends

I have made so many great connections through blogging, and have graduated from online stalker friends to text/snapchat/trivia crack buddies! I'm so glad to have met each and every one of you, you truly bring joy into my life.

8. My House

All of a sudden I just really feel like my house is coming together. The decor, the furniture arrangements, paint colors (except that awful pink in the guest room), etc. I feel like a real adult living in a real adult house. Still no where near the awesome adulting status of my mom and grandmother, but I'm working on it!

9. New Opportunities

I mentioned in yesterday's post that there are some new things going on in my life. One of them is a new job! What's great about this position is that I will still have plenty of time to study and blog. And seniors have the best stories to tell, so I'm sure the Conversation Link-up will benefit from that! I've got a few more things in the works, so keeps your eyes open. I'm so excited! Things are starting to really pick up for me, and that's a wonderful thing.

10. Hubs

Last, but most certainly not least, my Hubs is pretty darn awesome. He's been so supportive throughout this entire adventure here in Missouri and gets more involved in my "silly" hobbies every day. He works very hard to keep us comfortable and so I can go to school. I just really, really appreciate him, and I probably don't tell him that enough.


What are some Awesome things going on in your life lately?

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Conversation with...

Hubs

Most of the best conversations Hubs and I have are when we are laying in bed before we fall asleep. And here's another prime example!

Hubs: Where's Misty?

Me: I don't know. Probably laying on the heating pad on the couch.

Hubs: *calling to Misty* Misty!?!!

Me: Pumpkin and Bear are in here. Oh. I bed she won't come because Bear is laying in the doorway.

Hubs: Why does he do that?

Me: It's his guarding instincts.

*after a few mins Bear moves back to his bed*

Hubs: *calling to Misty* You're free now!!!

Me: *giggling* She's such a turd.

Hubs: mm hmm

Me: They are all turds. I'm surrounded by turds!!!

Hubs: And you're the biggest one of all.


If you don't think he didn't get smacked for that, you're wrong.

Do you have a sharable conversation? Link-up with me and my lovely co-host this week, Faith! It's open all week!

You're Hosts!

Follow Faith: 

Blog   |   Twitter  |   Facebook   |   Instagram   |   Bloglovin'

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An InLinkz Link-up

Wednesday Wishes + a Giveaway!

If you have been around these parts you know that Melissa from The Rambling Llama is my real life BFF of almost 9 years now. She's truly a wonderful person, but sometimes bad things happen to good people. AND THAT SUCKS HAIRY, SWEATY MONKEY BALLS! Whew. I feel better now.

Anywho. She's going though a tough personal situation right now and she needs our support and prayers. So tweet her, email her, leave her a sweet comment to let her know we got her back and that we are thinking of her while she's away. So my wish for today's episode of Wednesday Wishes goes to Melissa. Wishing her the best outcome of this nasty situation and that her sweet family isn't affected too much by the recent events.

I feel so special this week. I was asked by TWO bloggy friends to help them celebrate wonderful things. Cassie's Husband's AMAZING photography earlier this week and now Faith's Blogiversary. Seriously loving my #tribe right now. #WinningJanuary

Life with Mrs. G and The Artist is FIVE!! And Faith, along with some amazing women, are giving away some pretty sweet prizes (one of them is from me #ShamelessSelfPromotion)

What are the prizes you ask?

$60 paypal cash

Lara Casey's new book "Make it Happen"

A print from "Front Row Prints"

A Deluxe Blog design from "Amanda Wood Designs"

& Ad space on "Wife mommy Me"

Love the Here and Now  |  Wife, Mommy, Me  |  Adventures of Bug and Boo  |  Butcher's Niche

Front Row Mama  |  Joyfully Organized

Knock on Wood  |  Life with Mrs. G and The Artist  |  A Beautiful Exchange  |  All the Joys

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Awesome Thing About Dogs

Today I am co-hosting this AWESOME link-up with Anne! And you know what? I couldn't be more excited! This link-up along with Emily's Grateful Heart really help me to stay optimistic and keep the good juices flowing.

We've had Bear now for just over a month and I think we're all settled in and finally used to each other. There are so many great things about him and about having a dog in general. And in true blogger fashion and because that's how this link-up works, we're doing this list style!

1. They are incredibly loyal.
Once you are a part of their pack, they will protect you and guard you and love you to pieces.

2. They provide excellent companionship.
Bear is always ready and willing for snuggles, kisses, cuddles, and walks.

3. Great foot warmers.
I don't know about your pets, but Bear likes to lay on my feet. And right now during this cold winter I do not mind at all. The cats will lay on us too and that helps keep our laps and hands warm.

4. A source of entertainment.
Bear does the funniest hop when he's excited to be outside. He looks like a lamb or a goat jumping about. I really really need to get this on video sometime.

5. Motivation to workout.
You have to exercise dogs, plain and simple. Otherwise they get into things they shouldn't and can possibly destroy your home. So they motivate you to get out and walk them. You're moving, they are moving. Win Win for both of you.

6. Decrease Blood Pressure.
Studies have shown that owning dogs and cats can help to reduce blood pressure, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. I actually did an entire research paper on the benefits of Therapy dogs in hospitals and nursing homes. But that's a post for another day.

7. They can alert you to intruders (and squirrels, falling leaves, and sometimes the wind blowing).
Even if you dog is friendly, they still know when something bad is happening. Many dogs bark when they hear people at your door or strange noises around your house. No one will ever come on to my property unannounced ever again.

8. They eat the food you drop on the floor.
Spill some cereal when pouring your bowl? Kids throwing their goldfish off the highchair? Have like two bites of food left on your plate but you are so full? No problem! Your dog will clean that up for you in a jiffy. Just don't over do it on human food! It can upset their tummies.

9. They attract people.
Seriously. More people have come up to talk to me while I'm walking him. One man even asked to take a picture of him! (he's a sweet old man who has a doggy too, not a creepy stalker guy!) Legit, if you are single, get yourself a dog and head to the dog park, local pet store, or even take a stroll through town. You are guaranteed to meet at least one person, and you know they will be a dog person cause that's why they are talking to you to begin with, and we all know dog people are the best kind of people. (my bad for that crazy run on sentence...)

10. They just ARE! ok? ok.


I love Bear so much, and Hubs is coming around slowly, but surely. I get so melty when I see them bonding. Favorite present EVER.

Check out Anne when you get a chance. And if you choose to sponsor her, you will NOT be the least bit sorry. I always enjoy my time on her sidebar and it's brought us closer together as bloggy friends.

BLOG  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK

What's Awesome in your life right now?

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An InLinkz Link-up

#FirstsTotalSocial

Linking up with Helene and Sarah today, on top of my #TBT post, because I can't pass on a good link-up and I had written something a while back that fits right in with the theme this month: Firsts. I picked a few of them to share again today.

Read my original post here.