Sometimes it's ok to be a follower

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Simply Sweet Digital Stamp

Hello everyone,
I am so very excited. I have so many creative ideas running through my head lately.
Excellent thoughts on upcoming blog posts. A little reorganizing of my everyday life has left me energized and ready to blog and craft like crazy. I feel like I actually made more time for myself and I'm loving it! Even as we speak I'm sitting on the back porch watching my little play; I'm enjoying the sunshine and blogging. Yay for multitasking, right?

I have so much going on. I have several new blog posts in the works and I plan on getting them all up within the next week or so. I really want to put more time here. I love my blog, it's such an amazing online journal. I love to share and visit with my bloggy friends. It's always nice to have crafting in common with others. It can be so rewarding and inspiring at the same time.

I have a great new project in the works. Something that I've been interested in trying for a long time. I think it might be my perfect craft and the best part is, it'll still have my cuddlebugs incorporated into it. So my art and my craft hobby all in one. Happy, happy, happy... it's a good day.

So, for today, I have a beautiful new digi for everyone. She looks so sweet; and this particular illustration has so much meaning to me. We've had several windy and rainy days and the fun my little guy and I had during those days were absolutely the best ever.

Simply Sweet Cuddlebug Cuties

Simply Sweet Cuddlebug Cuties

Copics:
Skin:YR00, YR000, E50, E30, E21,E11
Hair: E49, E47, E44, E43
Clothes: B91,B95, B93, B97
E40, E42, E41, E43, E44
E70, E71, E74, E77

Simply Sweet Cuddlebug Cuties


Enjoy coloring and crafting with Simply Sweet but please give me, Anna Stillwell at Cuddlebug Cuties, credit for drawing her.

Have a wonderful week everyone, and check back soon; I have lots on the way.

Hugs,
Anna
 
 
And don't forget to sign up for this months blog candy. It's an awesome little package.
You can find out the details here.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party



               Welcome to the 16th week of 

 Wake Up Wednesday "Linky" 

27 Blogs  -  1 Party
 Giveaway



We are so excited to have you all party with us.
Thank you so much to all those who participate in our party.
Last week we had  307 awesome linkups!   

 Wake Up and be happy, get excited and have fun with us! 
We want to be inspired, entertained, laugh and have a good time!

 The hop is hosted and posted on 27 different blogs

Your link will appear on the blogs of

 
           Euchre Fun               An Alli Event       Organized Dream      Decorating Chica      Fiber Artsy                        Facebook                 Facebook            Facebook                  Network                 Facebook
              Pinterest                    Pinterest                Pinterest                    Pinterest                Pinterest  
              Bloglovin                 Bloglovin                  Twitter                      G+                         Twitter



Interested in Co-Hosting Wake Up Wednesday?
Fill out this form and Angel will be in touch with you?


This weeks 
Featured Bloggers



A Peek Inside: My Sketchbook from Atop Serenity Hill
Watercolor and black marker in sketchbook: pansies • AtopSerenityHill.com #doodling #watercolor #flowers
Just a month ago we were only dreaming of spring. Now it is finally here and I have been having some fun with my new watercolor pencils! Enjoy!

Springtime Kitchen Linens & Aprons from Thimbles, Bobbins, Paper and Ink

My sewing machine has been humming along as I've been creating  spring kitchen linens and aprons.  I've been having such fun with a new line of Tanya Whelan fabrics and decided to make some fun half aprons, kitchen towels and pot holders

Decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake from A Mother's Shadow
DSC_0487
This cake is so easy because it begins with a cake mix.  With a trick of trap­ping in the mois­ture, a few addi­tions  and some fresh whip­ping cream, this dessert is incred­i­bly moist, decadant and always a favorite.


Naked Cake: The Charm of Home
I have stumbled upon a trend with my "naked cakes".  I didn't realize they were so popular. I mean really it looks like I forgot to ice some of it.... This naked cake looked like it had blossoms strewn on the top.  The sort of blossoms that a toddler would pick for his Mother, you know the ones that have no stems.   So my naked cake reminds me of something only a Mother would love; like that gift from her child during those tender years.





So many of you know that I am a Canning Fanatic. After going Pinterest and Etsy strolling for a few hours... I've been practically drooling over the hanging canning jar lamps floating around. I didn't want to spend several hundred dollars for one though and it seems like something you should definitely make yourself. So we did! Or mainly, I designed what I wanted and bought the materials and my husband used his amazing DIY skills to make it for me




caabnotebook1 

At the end of 2013 I picked out a word to meditate on this year.  The word I chose was “intentional.”  It is so easy for me to just go with the flow and not really think about why I do what I do.





Since my parents moved back home a few months ago, I won't be able to spend Mother's Day close to my mom, however I truly believe that the ones who love us most are always right besides us and in our hearts.


5 Ways To Thank a Blogger For a Post from Army Wife To Suburban Life
how to thank a blogger
Here are ways I like to show gratitude for great work, because lets face it, a bunch of us aren’t getting paid enough (or not at all) for the hours of work we put in.

Text & pictures are not "copy & paste-able" - please click on the title to view

----------------------------------------------------
You can enter our Rafflecopter  
Win $222 in Cash & Prizes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  • Remember to Follow Your hostesses- the first 27 links and your Guest Hosts.  
  • 27 times the opportunity to make new bloggy friends and to share your wonderful blog and discover others too.


Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, crafts, decorating, fashion, makeup, health & fitness, recipes, mommy moments -- anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly.

Please visit some other bloggers and make some new friends and say hello to old friends..
  • Please leave me a comment , I love to hear from you.
  • Please Link to your post and not to your blog home page
  • I'd love for you to grab my party button for your blog party site but it's totally optional
  • Please No adult content blogs
  • Please do not add links to shops or selling websites (they will be deleted from the party)
  • Giveaways are always welcome.. Add your giveaways to Sew Crafty Angel's Pinterest Community Giveaway Board too.  
Adding your link to this blog hop gives Sew Crafty Angel permission to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts.  Note- All features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts will be linked back to the original source .Social media features are linked back to the linky party.
Angel


Monday, May 12, 2014

The Climb Chain Linky


God’s Growing Garden

 
WELCOME!
It's the month long Networking Blog Hop 
With our seventh CLIMB GIVEAWAY!
Networking means helping each other grow!! 
If you want to promote a CLIMB link, then use #ChainLinkyCLIMB on Twitter or Google+ so that we can all help each other grow!
Here's how the Giveaway & Co-hosting works - the co-hosts from the previous month's CLIMB will have the opportunity to participate in a Giveaway during the next CLIMB - that gives co-hosts 2 months in a row of blog growing fun!!  (If you would like to co-host please sign up at the end of this post using the last "Linky") 
Please enter below -one person will win:
- $50 Paypal Cash
- 1 Ad Space on A Peek Into My Paradise for 30 days - $30 value
- 1 Ad Space on Cuddlebug Cuties - $7 value
- 1 Sidebar Ad Space on God's Growing Garden - $10 value
- $20 Mary Kay GiftCard from Steph Seibert
- 1 Box of Javita Coffee or Tea (Your Choice) - $45 Value
- Practically Perfect Princess Pack (includes craft puppet, crown, sparkly gem ring & coloring sheets) from Jen http://www.practicallyperfectprincess.com/
NOTE - Even though this is open Worldwide there are a few prizes that are not open to the world.  The Mary Kay prize will only be shipped to anyone living in the USA (including Hawaii & Alaska).  However, the Javita prize & the Princess Pack will only be shipped to someone living in the lower 48.  If you win & are not living in the US, then due to shipping costs, the "Javita Box", "Princess Pack & "Mary Kay" will become a second place prize & will be given to somebody living in the lower 48 of the USA 
Reserve Your CupMary Kay photo Groovy_zpsa35cbc17.jpg
TOTAL PRIZE PACK VALUED over $150!!!
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO ENTER!

CLIMB Giveaway Rules & Conditions:
\  as mentioned above - this is open worldwide HOWEVER if you win and are not living in the USA -then due to shipping costs the "Javita Box", "Princess Pack" & "Mary Kay" will become a second place prize & will be given to somebody living in the lower 48 of the USA 
- You must be 18 years or older to enter 
- You MUST have a valid Paypal account & a blog to enter
- This Giveaway is open from April 30th, 2014 until May 30th, 2014
- Winner must respond within 48 hours or a different winner will be chosen
- Giveaway Hosts & Co-hosts can NOT enter this Giveaway!, however - MAY 2014 CLIMB blog hop co-hosts ARE allowed to enter this Giveaway (provided they are not also part of the Giveaway)
- correspondence is done through email and the winner's email addresses will only be used to deliver or set-up e-prizes.  Email addresses will NEVER be sold or shared.
- a shipping address will be requested should you win the Coffee/Tea.
- if you have any questions or concerns about this Giveaway please email one of the hosts:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now onto the CLIMB (blog hop):
We have changed it up a bit - instead of linking your homepage you may now link up to 4 of your family friendly blog posts per month!!

 
CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbIntro_zps6919dad8.jpg


CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbRules_zps77e9b7a4.jpg
By participating in this blog hop your understand that your link might be promoted on social media.  Also, by participating in this blog hop your email address will be added to our CLIMB list & you will be sent an email reminder next month. 

CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbLink_zpsf527c076.jpg

Remember - Now if you co-host you will receive a free Weekly Sidebar Ad and your blog button will appear on both Angie's blog & Angel's blog!!

(The Ad will run live a few weeks after you have co-hosted)

CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbCo-host_zpseca2ac09.jpg







Sunday, May 11, 2014

Mother's Day


I love this little quote. I think being a mom is the best choice I ever made. And it's true; sometimes I don't have a clue if I'm doing it right, but I do it with unconditional love and lots of prayer; and I just hope that my best will shine through. That my son will learn from me, be inspired by me, and weather I do it right or wrong he'll know that I love him more than life itself. He is my everything and I am thankful that God choose me to be his mom.
Today so many are thankful to their loving mothers, and I am thankful to be a loving mother. No presents or gifts needed, I already have the best gift in the whole wide world.

Now that being said, my husband and mom had no intention of letting today slip by without showing me their love. I have the sweetest family, I love them all so very much. Together we make a good team.

I woke up this morning to these:


 Aren't they pretty. I love unique flowers. Little red, little white, some traces of pink...pretty. And they look so beautiful on my kitchen table. They make the whole room smell fantastic.

I was truly happy with my gift, but apparently I wasn't done.
This is what I get next:



So, so, so thrilled! This is my new travel sized watercolor paint set. I've really been wanting to learn how to paint. It's something that I have never been extremely talented doing but I would love to add some paint to my art journals. I think the more ways you add color the more fun the books are.

Okay, so now I'm jumping in my spot. Happy and excited. Ready to make a mess and play with my new brushes; but no wait there is one more gift.

My mom coordinated with my hubby and she brought me this:


A brand new multimedia art journal and pens.

Wow, I really mean just wow. A whole new set of art supplies. Everything I need to get started. It just completely brought me to tears. I know it's just paper, pens, and paint; but these are my kind of presents. Creative and fun. I can't wait to make something inspiring and share it with you guys.
And best part is we can all probably laugh together because my painting skills need work, lol.

It's shaping up to be the best holiday ever. And now I get to go and spend the rest of the afternoon with my mom. And the guys are going to make us dinner. Yay! So mom, I know you'll read this soon. Happy mother's day and thank you for the gifts. 
This little quote is for you.


 And to all my wonderful bloggy friends;
Happy Mothers Day!
You are all so very wonderful and deserve the very best.
Big Hugs to everyone,
Anna
 

Thursday, May 8, 2014

May Blog Candy

I have the cutest little binder for candy this month.


Simple Stories - SNAP Studio Collection - Binder - Brown

 The Simple Stories SNAP Studio Brown Binder is a snappy way to capture your everyday memories. Just add your own photos and mementos to recreate your unique one-of-a-kind life! This album comes with:


  • Eight Snap pages
  • Three kraft chipboard album dividers
  • Two 6" x 8" pocket pages
  • Two 4" x 6" divided pocket pages
  • Two 2" x 8" / 4" x 4" pocket pages
  • Two 3" x 4" divided pocket pages, Two 3" x 4" / 4" x 6" pocket pages 

  • To be included in this months candy drawing please be a follower of Cuddlebug Cuties and add your name to the link up below.
    Everyone is welcome to enter.
     You do not have to post a picture of the candy or my blog on your sidebar to enter, but I'd love it if you do.

    Good luck everyone.

    Hugs,
    Anna

    Wednesday, May 7, 2014

    Fun in the Sun Giveaway

    Hey peeps! I am so excited to be bringing you another amazing giveaway! So many wonderful ladies have stepped up this month to put together an awesome package just for you!! We’re so happy to present a sponsors choice. Each of these ladies have put in their own prize to bring you an assortment of cash, ad space and more!

    Your Prizes Include:
    60 days Let Your Face Shine Ad Space with Shana
    30 days Large Ad Space with Holly
    30 days Venti Ad Space with Logan
    30 days Large Ad Space with Debbie
    30 days Large Ad Space with Angel
    90 days Large Ad Space with Cathy
    30 days Monthly Ad Space with Angie
    30 days The Big Dipper Ad Space with Rebecca
    14 days Large Ad Space with Marilyn
    30 days Medium Ad Space with Anna
    30 days Medium Ad Space with Jasmine
    30 days Large Ad Space with Heidi
    45 days Large Ad Space with Tranae
    $20 Paypal Cash
    3 handmade soap collection from Savon Suds and a lanyard from Lanyards365
    I want to thank all of these lovely ladies for stepping up and helping put this together! It is such a joy to work with them each time! 
    Thank you to all of our readers who follow us, chat with us and share with us! You're what this is all about! Follow us on twitter with #FunNSunGiveaway So without further ado....
    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Disclaimer: Prize to be distributed by Fun in the Sun 

    Tuesday, May 6, 2014

    Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party



                   Welcome to the 15th week of 

     Wake Up Wednesday "Linky" 

    27 Blogs  -  1 Party
     Giveaway



    We are so excited to have you all party with us.
    Thank you so much to all those who participate in our party.
    Last week we had  340 awesome linkups!   

     Wake Up and be happy, get excited and have fun with us! 
    We want to be inspired, entertained, laugh and have a good time!

     The hop is hosted and posted on 27 different blogs

    Your link will appear on the blogs of

     
               Euchre Fun               An Alli Event       Organized Dream      Decorating Chica      Fiber Artsy                        Facebook                 Facebook            Facebook                  Network                 Facebook
                  Pinterest                    Pinterest                Pinterest                    Pinterest                Pinterest  
                  Bloglovin                 Bloglovin                  Twitter                      G+                         Twitter



    Interested in Co-Hosting Wake Up Wednesday?
    Fill out this form and Angel will be in touch with you?


    This weeks 
    Featured Bloggers


    April Favorites from The Beauty Secion
    April Beauty Favorites 
    Seriously where has this month gone?! I still feel like it should be the middle of April! But here we are at the end of the month so it’s time for MONTHLY FAVORITES! April has been a great month, I love that the weather is finally starting to warm up and act right. Now let’s get this party started!


    Asparagus, Goat Cheese & Pearl Onion Quiche from Frugal Mom Eh!
    Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Pearl Onion Quiche #giveacluck #CleverGirls
    I wanted to really show off what Hens left alone to do Hen things could make… gorgeous Eggs!  What better way to make use of these golden treasures than a delicious Quiche filled with fresh, seasonal ingredients.


    DIY: A TP Candle from 3GLOL
    TP Candle - Finished
    What is a TP Candle you ask? Are you sitting down? It’s a candle made from a Toilet Paper Roll. Crazy, right? Who in the world thought one day “Hey, I think I’ll make a candle from my toilet paper.”?
    You’re not seeing it yet are you? No worries, you’re not alone. I couldn’t see how you could do this using wax and a toilet paper roll. First off, you don’t burn this candle if that helps any of your concerns. Wait till you see how this is done.

    Frozen Yogurt Bites from The (mis)Adventures of a Born Again Farm Girl
    The littlest country kid LOVES yogurt. I mean like a junky looking for his next fix, he will stand in front of the refrigerator yelling "yogurt!!!" I am please he like his dairy products, but having just turned two, his spoon skills are lacking in the feeding yourself some yogurt department. It is just a mess I like to avoid. And frankly I don't want to sit down and spoon feed it to him, so what is a mama to do!?!?   Frozen yogurt!


    Being around for over 40 years is part of what helped Starbucks raise to the top as the world’s top coffee retailed. With over 16,850 shops in 40 countries, Starbucks has tested their fair share of drinks and gained more loyal customers than imaginable. The average Starbucks customer visits the store 6 times per month while a loyal 20% of customers go to the stores 16 times per month. Many customers head into Starbucks to get the day started or to keep pushing through a long day.  A Starbucks grande coffee has 320 milligrams of caffeine, over four times the amount of caffeine in a Red Bull. I love me a good cup of coffee but I’m obsessed with making and trying to mock recipes. I’ve found 5 DIY Starbucks Holiday Drinks that are worth a try.

    Growing Food Without Owning A Speck of Land from Northern Homestead
     Growing Food Without Owning a Speck of Land
    This is the very first time in our 20+ marriage years that we own some land. Not much, just about 1/8 of an acre. We’re so looking forward to Spring to get the garden started and grow some yummy food. However, as you know, this is not our first year of growing food. We have been growing food without owning a speck of land, and lots of food. So how did we do it? And what advice would we give to someone who does not own any land?


    Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea from A Sparkle of Genius
    TeacherAppreciationGiftIDea
    This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  What an important week.  I hope that everyone remembers to take the opportunity to tell your kids teachers Thank You because teachers really are amazing.  Our school does a really good job appreciating our teachers.  They have a special activity planned every day of the week including door decorating, favorite meals, favorite snacks, etc so the teachers feel extra special.  We are very lucky to have two great teachers right now so I am excited for my kids to give them their teacher appreciation gift.


    Lengthening Mascara Encourages Lash Growth from All My Lives Now

    As a consultant for NYR Organics, I am able to learn about new products before 
    they are released. One of the newest products introduced in March is the Lengthening Mascara.  This Lengthening Mascara is Amazing!

    ----------------------------------------------------
    You can enter our Rafflecopter  
    Win $222 in Cash & Prizes

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    • Remember to Follow Your hostesses- the first 27 links and your Guest Hosts.  
    • 27 times the opportunity to make new bloggy friends and to share your wonderful blog and discover others too.


    Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, crafts, decorating, fashion, makeup, health & fitness, recipes, mommy moments -- anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly.

    Please visit some other bloggers and make some new friends and say hello to old friends..
    • Please leave me a comment , I love to hear from you.
    • Please Link to your post and not to your blog home page
    • I'd love for you to grab my party button for your blog party site but it's totally optional
    • Please No adult content blogs
    • Please do not add links to shops or selling websites (they will be deleted from the party)
    • Giveaways are always welcome.. Add your giveaways to Sew Crafty Angel's Pinterest Community Giveaway Board too.  
    Adding your link to this blog hop gives Sew Crafty Angel permission to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts.  Note- All features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts will be linked back to the original source .Social media features are linked back to the linky party.
    Angel