6 years ago.
It was August 8, 2008.
I was 8 months pregnant with Claire & Kate was just 18 months old.
We were watching the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
I had been wanting to start a blog to document our family & I decided to finally start a blog that day because the date was cool 08-08-08 .
I am a math teacher & numbers nerd, bear with me ;)
Here I am 6 years later with a 7.5 year old Kate , almost 6 year old Claire & soon to be 2 year old Luke (tomorrow!)
I had no idea how much blogging would enrich my life.
I have meet & become friends with people because of this blog.
It surprises me that people actually read my blog.
I am just a normal girl who loves Jesus, my husband, 2 girls & my sweet Luke.
I appreciate the time you take out of your day to read & comment.
Thank you for reading my randomness!
In honor of my 6 year blogoversary, I have 10 giveaways as a thank you for reading my blog!
Many of these shops are women who I have met because of blogging and they are women who inspire me as moms & as small business owners!
There are 10 different things being given away & there will be 10 winners!
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Giveaway #1 Bip & Bop Handmade Jewelry
Meet Nicole:
I am the owner, maker, designer, curator of Bip & Bop Handmade Jewelry.
I am wife to my best friend and a Mommy to twin girls, Brooklyn and Isabella. They are my sunshine and the loves of my life.
Nicole makes bracelets, earrings, and necklaces that are perfect for bridesmaid gifts. Each comes individually wrapped and ready for giving, and includes a customizable note!
Her jewelry is also perfect for us mom's who want to have jewelry with our kids initials, names, birthdates, etc. I have one of Nicole's bar necklaces & I have worn it almost everyday this summer. I love it!
Bip & Bop is giving away a $50 Shop Credit to one lucky winner!
Find Bip & Bop here:
Shop * Facebook * Instagram
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Giveaway #2 - CM Handmade
Heather is the creator behind CM Handmade.
I am lucky to know Heather in real life & am blessed to have her as a friend.
She is one of the most creative people I know.
Heather is mom to 4 kiddos, party planner extraordinaire, excellent seamtress & creator of fun Burlap Banners you can find in her shop.
I think I have 8 of her banners...I have lost track of how many of her banners I have purchased.
Here is Luke with his CM Handmade Number banner on his 1 year photoshoot.
I just got his 2 banner yesterday and I love it. Stay tuned :)
{See my Luke name banner here & here. Kate's birthday banner here and my Peeps banner here}
One lucky winner will get a number banner of their choice!
Find CM Handmade here:
Blog * Shop * Facebook * Instagram
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Giveaway #3 - Geo Fox Apparel
GEO FOX IS DESIGNED & CREATED BY SARAH FOX, MOM OF TWO BOYS, WITH A PASSION FOR STYLE & DESIGN.
NOTICING A LACK OF FASHION-FORWARD CHILDREN'S CLOTHING, GEO FOX WAS CREATED TO ANSWER THAT NEED WITH CHILDREN'S WEAR THAT IS BOTH CUTTING EDGE & AFFORDABLE.
GEO FOX TAKES INSPIRATION FORM THE LATEST TRENDS AROUND THE GLOBE & TRANSLATES THESE INTO STYLISH, MINI-ME STYLES.
OUR COLLECTIONS ARE DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED IN LOS ANGELES WITH AN ATTENTION TO DETAIL & EMPHASIS ON QUALITY. WE KEEP IN MIND THAT CHILDREN NEED CLOTHES THAT ARE WEARABLE & SUITED TO AN ACTIVE LIFE. GEO FOX STRIVES TO CREATE FASHIONS THAT ARE BOLD, UNIQUE, & ALWAYS RAD!
Speaking of Rad....how Rad is this shirt. Luke needs it ASAP.
One lucky winner will get a $25 shop credit to Geo Fox Apparel
Find Geo Fox Apparel here:
Shop * Facebook * Instagram
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Giveaway # 4 - Hello Moccs
Kimmie is the owner & maker of Hello Moccs.
Meet Kimmie....(I met Kimmie 3 years ago at Blog Sugar. So sweet)
Married for 10 years. Crunchy mama of 3. Babywearing. Cloth Diapering. Baby Lead Weaning. Moccs maker.
Crunchy mama of three...
Babywearing.
Cloth diapering.
Baby lead weaning.
Happily married for 10 years.
- See more at: http://www.hellomess.com/p/welcome-to-sugar-and-dots.html#sthash.qgIOQr30.dpuf
Crunchy mama of three...
Babywearing.
Cloth diapering.
Baby lead weaning.
Happily married for 10 years.
- See more at: http://www.hellomess.com/p/welcome-to-sugar-and-dots.html#sthash.qgIOQr30.dpuf
Each pair of moccasins is handmade in sunny Southern California. I take pride in knowing that I have hand-selected each hide, cut each pattern by hand, constructed each moccasin, and packaged each order myself.
Hello Moccs are genuine leather baby and toddler shoes are the perfect combination of comfort and durability. With elastic openings, these soft-soled moccasins offer ease in putting them on and taking them off of little wiggly toes. The best part? These moccs are temper tantrum proof! The flexible elastic opening also serves as a secure fit for those little kickers.
One lucky winner will get a pair of Hello Moccs!
Find Hello Moccs here:
Shop * Facebook * Instagram
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Giveaway #5 - Serendipity Hill
I heard about Serendipity Hill from my younger sister.
She ordered a sign for my new neice Olivia's nursery.
Meet Cheryl...artist, owner & designer of Serendipity Hill:
Creation, inspiration & modern vintage decor is what love. So I paint potential and age affirmations. I'm he{ART}ist, Cheryl Stoner, and along with soaking up the sun and blowing dandelion seeds into the breeze, Serendipity Hill is where I share (and love-on) celebrations of life and self.
My mission continues to be to heart-bomb the world in a truthfully-typographic, colorfully-collagey kinda way. I like to think that my pieces--wherever they end up-- serve as significant daily reminders of the love, beauty and potential that is always within us and around us.
Serendipity Hill is where I celebrate us! Because I believe we are ALL artists, constantly creating our landscapes.
So, if you're looking for a SIGN, let this be it.
One lucky winner will win a $100 Shop Credit to Serendipity Hill Studio!
Find Serendipity Hill here:
Shop * Facebook * Instagram
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Giveaway #6 - Rebekah Gough Jewelry
I first met Rebekah via our blogs in October 2008 when my friend Caryn told me about Rebekah's 10 on 10 project. YES, Rebekah is the creator of 10 on 10 that I do each month! I haven't missed one since I started participating in October 2008. I just love the 10th of the month and I have Rebekah to thank! I knew I wanted to have Rebekah be a part of this giveaway because of her impact (and the 10 on 10 impact) on my blog. Rebekah makes beautiful jewelry.
Meet Rebekah:
My name is Rebekah Gough and I am a Seattle native, self taught wire jewelry artist and mother of four young kids. I am a coffee nut and love running, good worship music and taking tons of pictures. I blog over at A Bit of Sunshine about all kinds of crazy beautiful and I would love it if you would join me there.
Each month 10% of the proceeds from my jewelry line serves to impact the efforts of incredible organizations from around the world. This month I am featuring Restore International, an organization fighting for freedom and human rights and working to improve educational opportunities in Uganda, Somalia and India. I love what Restore International does and it is an honor to partner with them.
One lucky winner will win this beautiful Ruby Pendant necklace from Rebekah:
Find Rebekah Gough here:
Blog *Shop * Facebook * Instagram
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Giveaway #7 - Haus of Girls Fit Family
I am so thrilled to have Marta be a part of this giveaway.
Marta & I read each others blog since 2008.
We met in person in 2010 when we help put together Project 320.
She is awesome! She is a former college softball player, wife and mom of 3 cute girls.
Marta is also a Beachbody coach.
Meet Marta & here is her story:
I had 3 babies in 4 years.
I hadn’t worked out out since 2004 before I was pregnant with Mia due to pre-term labor.
Let me just tell you, not moving for 4 years can really put a damper on your physical fitness.
I started to walk my neighborhood, which is pretty hilly, and I loved the feeling of exercise again. Late one night in 2010 I finally decided I was ready for a real change and ordered the Beachbody workout, Turbo Fire.
I was discouraged at first being so out of shape, but decided enough was enough. I started posting about it on social media for the accountability and loved the support system from others.
I’m someone who broke down the walls that once held me back and I help others do the same! If you are interested in getting FIT for life, I would love to help you and have you participate in my monthly challenge groups where I mentor a small group for thirty days.
You’ll have direct access to me and one on one support and accountability that helps ignite the fire within that gets lost over time after caring for everyone else in your life.
It’s time to focus on YOU.
In the realm of health and fitness I feel like we have truly tried it all.
The diets, the workouts, and the balance of both together.
Since we've tried it, we can help you figure out what works.
It is our main goal to create a fitter and healthier planet one motivated mom at a time.
It starts with you and trickles down to your family members.
I believe anyone can live a life filled with joy, happiness and HEALTH.
I'm the girl to help you!
One lucky winner will win a 30 Day Insanity The Asylum Workout DVD Series:
You've got to start somewhere! Let Marta help you!
She is such an encouraging positive person who is passionate about helping others meet their goals.
Find Marta Haus of Girls Fit Family here:
Blog * Shop * Facebook * Instagram
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Giveaway #8 - Crystal Faye
Crystal Faye is an online store for Personalized Gifts!
Meet Crystal:
Crystal is a wife and a boutique owner. Crystal Faye is an online boutique that was created through her lifestyle blog, Crystal Faye. Crystal loves all things classy, monogrammed, and navy! One month into marriage, She told her husband that she wanted to start her own business. She didn’t really know what it would be, but she knew she wanted to do it. After much talk with Matthew & Her Parents, ShopCrystalFaye.com came to life on October 29, 2012. It started out as Accessories and quickly turned to Monograms. As the months went by, Crystal Faye started to grow. It continued to grow to the point that at 23 years old, She became my own boss. No more Corporate America for her! She counts herself so incredibly blessed to be doing what she loves every single day.
At 24 years old, she is running her own company. She is so incredibly thankful for this little dream that turned into a big dream, and is now her reality. Please feel free to email her any questions you may have! Thank you for joining as she continues to make her dreams a reality.
You need something monogramed? Crystal has it!
Converse, Hats, Vests, Sweaters, Tops, Dresses, Hairbows, and more!
Her shop is just full of beautiful items waiting to be personalized.
I can't wait to order Claire a new lunchbox from Crystal!
One lucky winner will win a $50 Shop Credit to Crystal Faye
Find Crystal Faye here:
Shop * Facebook * Instagram* Pinterest
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Giveaway #9 - She Does Justice
She Does Justice is an advocate for those who need one.
It is a space where organizations who are working for the good of others are recognized. It is a community of people who want to show love to the 'least of these'. A place where we strive to show those in need that they are known and loved.
We have made it our mission to support organizations who are working to reach those in need, near and far. It doesn't matter how big or small the organization, if we believe in its mission then we want to help support it. Each month we will spotlight an organization. At the end of the month we will write a check to that organization taken from the overall sales in our shop that month. Each month we will donate at least 10% of our gross profit to an organization to help further their mission.
Meet Megan who is the brains behind She Does Justice:
I am a wife. A mother of four. A lover of Jesus.
I love to plan. I love to create. I believe in the importance of community.
I am an advocate for orphans and for the poor.
I want every single person to know that they are loved and important.
I aim to act justly. To love mercy. And to walk humbly.
When we started the process of adopting our daughter from Africa, I started selling handmade items as a fundraiser. The shop was far more successful than we ever anticipated and have watched it continue to grow.
I want to share my passions. My passion for life. And family. And Jesus. And justice.
So enter in. Join me on this journey. My hope is that you come alongside She Does Justice, partner with us, to make much of Him and to show love to the least of these.
Act Justly. Love Mercy. Walk humbly. Micah 6:8
Our shop is focused on items that work with your lifestyle. Most of our items are handmade and are made by us or other small business owners who have partnered with She Does Justice. These items are made with you in mind. I hope you love them just as much as we do! Our shop operates as a boutique in how we make and stock items. Our fabrics are special ordered so our scarves and headbands are offered in limited quantity. If you see something you like, don't hesitate to purchase it because once it sells out we may not be able to reorder the fabric. New collections will be introduced throughout the year, so check back often!
One lucky winner will win a $25 Shop Credit to She Does Justice
Find She Does Justice here:
Shop * Facebook * Instagram
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Giveaway #10 - Rodan + Fields Sunless Tanner
As a math teacher who is also slightly OCD, I couldn't end on 9 giveaways!
I had to make it an even 10, so I wanted to giveaway one of my favorite things,
R+F Sunless Tanner! :)
Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan
Protecting skin from the sun is a must, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve a sun-kissed glow the healthy way. The lightweight, oil-free, mess-free sunless tanning foam applies easily and dries quickly. The effective dual-active formula ensures even, natural-looking color without exposure to the harmful UVA and UVB rays. It contains Rodan + Fields’ RF-Dcell technology, which is derived from dormant narcissus bulb extract, to “quench” the rate of cell hyper-proliferation and extend the duration of the sunless tan. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E protect skin from free radical damage.
Since I have had a few skin cancer scares, I need to be SUPER careful in the California sun and lather on the sunscreen.
I love this sunless tan because it takes away my winter white skin!
I use it year round so that I have that natural tan look even in the summer months, but I am not damaging my skin anymore!
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PHEW!
There you have it!
10 awesome giveaways!
Thank you to the amazing women that have donated their shop items to be a part of this giveaway.
They are doing it because they are Rad and have big hearts!
Please go check out their blogs & shops and support them.... They are awesome.
I am truly inspired by each of them as women/mama's/small business owners.
***Use the Rafflecopter below to Enter!***
Giveaway ends at midnight on Friday, August 15th
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my blog, listen to my ramblings, try my recipes, use my printables, look at my pictures & comment.
It has been such a fun experience these past 6 years!
Good luck & Hopefully you are one of the 10 lucky winners!
a Rafflecopter giveaway