I wanted to start off today’s post by saying a giant thank you to YOU, my amazing readers. I recently hosted the Birthday Giveaways and these were some of the biggest ones I’ve hosted thus far and I have YOU all to thank for that. Every person that purchases via my Simon Says Stamp or Ellen Hutson links, or sends in donations via Paypal, help make these giveaways possible. To run a successful blog, it requires quite a bit of hosting/ security fees, so these funds help keep this blog thriving and the giveaways coming!
I know many of you are waiting on pins and needles to see if you were a lucky winner. Thanks to many handy dandy program, it randomly selected the winners and here are the three lucky gals….
To these lucky gals, I have sent you emails, so be sure to check your inbox. If I don’t get a response within a week, I’ll pick another winner for the unclaimed giveaway(s). If these are your friends, be sure to let them know!
It may seem like things are quiet here on the blog, but not to worry, that means I’m working on LOTS of things behind the scenes. Be sure to mark your calendars, on August 1st it’ll be a busy day here on the blog. I’ll showcase the brand new products with a coordinating video, reveal the theme of the blog hop that YOU can participate in and who knows, there might be some other surprises along the way.
Any guesses on what the theme might be from the graphic above? I shared this photo on my social media sites yesterday and I spotted the correct answer somewhere. If you missed the Sequin Shaker blog hop, you won’t want to miss this one! I have some amazing sponsors, prizes and special guests scheduled and it just wouldn’t be the same without YOU there.
I hope you all are having a fabulous week. I’ll chat with you soon!
For those who have followed my blog a while, you may recognize the chart below. I blogged about it HERE last year and wanted to share it again for those new to my blog.
If you’re like me, you like to spend money. Online shopping has been my friend since the accident and while I save money by not driving often, I still have a knack for getting surprised when I look at my savings account. I did this challenge for almost six months last year with GREAT results, but with so many doctor bills coming in, I had to dip into the money I saved and that ended my go at this challenge. I will say I am SO thankful that I started it though and was consistent about putting money aside those six months, as it helped a lot with bills and such.
Now that the bills are all paid (except for that gigantic MRI bill that still hasn’t come and I’m praying magically disappears), I wanted to give this challenge a go again. After all, having an extra $1300+ in the savings account at the end of the year is hard to pass up.
We are on the fourth week in 2014, so I have $10 in my savings jar. Yes, I have a jar SEPARATE from my bank account for this challenge. I found that by doing this, I could visually see the money accumulating (which is exciting) and I instilled in myself that I couldn’t touch it.
Who wants to do this challenge with me? I personally a hoping to be able to stick with this the whole year because I’m in desperate need of a new computer. Imagine what YOU could get if you did it! *wink*
I’m popping in with a quick post, actually it’s a question. Recently a friend and fellow blog reader started getting more involved in crafting and asked what kind of coloring option she should choose. I’m a big Copic fan, but if I’m being honest, I haven’t tried many of the options out there. However, I know that many of YOU have done your research, tried out different options and probably have some great thoughts….
Feel free to leave a comment here with your opinions or feedback. I’ll be asking this question on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page later on, so if you’re in the market for coloring options, stay tuned for my readers answers!
I’ve been meaning to do this post for quite some time….it’s a sequel to the popular Family Game Night post I did last year. If you enjoy game night with family or friends, you’ll enjoy this post and the previous one.
I know it’s so easy to crash in front of the tv at night, or have the kiddos get on their electronic devices nowadays. Honestly, I don’t have an issue with these things, but these aren’t things that will build memories or they’ll look back on and have fond memories of. Some of my fondest memories are of the late night games we used to play- no electronics or cell phones, just time together.
Side note: with Christmas right around the corner, this list might come in handy for your game loving recipients!
Do you want to see all the games I’ve listed in the Family Game Night feature thus far? CLICK HERE and you can see them all listed in a mini Amazon store.
Question: what are your favorite board/ card games to play with your family and friends? We are always looking to add to our (growing) collection of games- we would love to hear your favorites!
It’s the first Monday of the month and usually I have a Featured Blogger post to share. I decided to change it up this month and am doing my very first Ask Paulina feature! I receive numerous questions via my blog, email and social media sites and I thought today would be a great time to round-up the most asked questions and also give you the opportunity to ask new questions.
Question #1- Do you have tips to increase blog traffic?
You can go about increasing your blog traffic in several different ways. What has worked for me? In my first few years of blogging, I perused blogs on a daily basis and left comments constantly. This allowed me to see how others went about blogging, but it also got my name out there and this built friendships/ connections with the blogger and they would visit my blog. In addition to that, I used to participate in craft challenges often and that brought in new traffic. A huge part of blogging is being consistent and also your content. I did a series a while back called Blogging 101 that was very popular and provided new bloggers with a variety of tips.
Question #2- How long have you been blogging?
I did my very first post on October 6, 2008, so I’m almost to five years. The time has flown by!
Question #3- Do you keep a blog schedule?
Yes, I do. It’s the Type A/ organized side of me that NEEDS to have one. This helps me keep track of what posts I have done, what posts I want to do in the future and also helps me make sure I stay on top of the 10 Minute Craft Dash challenges and sponsors. I purchased mine at Target {now is a great time to get one since they have big ones for back to school} and I love it to pieces. If you are serious about blogging, this is the best $14 you can spend!
Question #4- Why did you switch from an all craft blog to one that is more personal?
This decision was one that I struggled with and didn’t take lightly. I had originally done it since my passion for crafting had diminished a bit and I wasn’t spending as much time in my studio. I still loved interacting with my readers and after putting out “feelers” on whether people would still visit and read my blog if I switched it up, I took the plunge. I had contemplated just starting another blog, but with all the effort I had put into this blog {and the fact that I had two other blogs running}, I wasn’t particularly fond of starting a new one. Thankfully, my readers are very similar to me and like hearing about the person behind the blog, so I only saw a slight decrease when I made the switch. Now my site is a place that truly encapsulates who I am and what I love. :)
Question #5- What inspires you when coming up with blog topics?
Honestly, I have so many ideas in this brain of mine, I have to filter out what topics to bring to my site. When I write my heartfelt/ more personal posts, those topics are the things that have been on my mind recently. While these posts are super vulnerable and can sometimes bring criticism, I also love being able to share my heart with my readers and allowing them to get to know me. It’s in these posts that I receive email after email with stories on how that post touched someone’s life, people sharing their stories or asking for prayers.
In regards to features like the Featured Blogger, Random Loves, On the Wish List, etc… these are once again things that I personally would want to read about from my favorite blogger. When it came to my Blogging 101 series, that came out of pouring out hours on my blog and wanting to share information with those who wanted to take their site to the next level. Down the road, if readers had suggestions or requests for a series, I would take that into consideration. After all, I want to bring things YOU all would want to read. However, it would also have to be something I feel like I have a would be able to achieve and showcase to my readers well.
Question #6- How did you decide on naming your site Pretty Pink Posh?
Ah, the million dollar question! When you sign up for a blog, you are required to come up with a name for your blog. I didn’t want to use my name and after trying out numerous options and seeing them already taken, I decided to take three words and combine them together. I love pretty things, the color pink and anything posh. Put them altogether and you have Pretty Pink Posh!
Question #1- What is your favorite type and brand of ink and why?
My all-time favorite black ink is Onyx Black Versafine. It gives such a crisp image and dries quickly. The only downside? You can’t use it with Copics. For colored inks I am loving my Hero Arts shadow inks and also Memento inks. They both have a great assortment of vibrant and light colors, work well for clear and rubber stamps and dry quickly.
Question #2- What’s the deal with HA shadow inks? Are the lighter than others? Dry quicker? Do they work on photos? What makes them different?
Some of this question is answered above. I’m actually not sure if they work on photos- I don’t believe they do since they’re kind of a slicker ink. I like the fact that they have a lot of “in” colors that work together beautifully and the colors are so saturated.
Question #3- Do you like clear, cling or wood stamps?
I have all three in my collection of stamps, however, I prefer clear or wood mounted stamps. I grew up using wood stamps, so I typically don’t have a problem lining them up. I like clear stamps since they’re super easy to store, line up and love that so many designs can come together in one set. However, if I loved a design enough, I would buy it any way it came!
Question #4- Will you ever do a craft room tour?
When I got my new studio 1 1/2 years ago, I had intended to do one. Shortly after, my grandfather passed away and then I had my accident that turned my life upside down. My studio is nowhere where I want it to be organizationally, or aesthetically, so there currently aren’t plans to do one. Honestly, if you saw it, you would probably be sorely unimpressed with how plain jane it is.
Question #5- How often do you create new projects?
The answer varies every week. Back when I was in my groove and my health wasn’t an issue, I would craft just about every night for several hours and then also on the weekend. Nowadays, I’m lucky if I can sneak in 3-4 hours a week. Hopefully, this will change once my health starts improving and I regain strength and energy. I have so many new supplies calling my name and I know the blog is in desperate need of some new projects!
Question #1- Not sure how to ask this without sounding creepy, lol! You are such a lovely, pretty woman and I am wondering what your ethnic makeup is, if you are comfortable answering.
Oh my, this was an unexpected question! I’m 1/4 Korean and 3/4 Japanese. Do I speak either language? No! I grew up here in Seattle and have lived here my entire life. In fact, I only recently got a passport and haven’t ever traveled outside of the US, Canada or Mexico.
Question #2- What is your favorite iPhone app?
I’m not sure I can choose just one! I’m a sucker for social media, so Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are must haves for me.
Question #3- You post many pictures of your Starbucks drinks on Instagram. Which ones are your favorite?
I love this question! Here’s my favorite drinks at the moment: Iced Nonfat Black and White Mocha, Iced Nonfat Caramel Macchiato with extra caramel, Iced Nonfat Pumpkin Spice Chai and Iced Green Tea Lemonades. Once the weather, all but the last drink can easily be made into hot drinks and will taste just as delicious. Oh, can I add the Starbucks app as a favorite to the question above? I can easily reload my card and I’ve used the locate a nearby Starbucks option more times than I care to admit.
Question #4- You seem very happy and bubbly. What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Great question! I hate to admit that I’m not always bubbly, but I’m happy that you get this impression of me! Let’s see, I would choose: genuine, thoughtful, creative, generous and kind.
Now I’m going to ask my close friends and relatives what words they would describe for me! *wink*
Question #5- Is your favorite color really pink?
If you asked me couple years ago, I would have said yes without hesitation. Now, I’m totally in love with aqua and coral and if I’m being honest, they have surpassed my love of pink. Not to fret, I’m still very much a pink lover.
This was such a fun feature to do- I loved all of the questions you sent my way. If you have more questions, feel free to leave it below or ask it anonymously at http://ask.fm/prettypinkposh. I just may do another one of these sometime down the road!
Thanks for spending some time with me today. I hope those of you who are in the US have a great rest of your holiday weekend!
I had plans to post details on my craft de-stash {which I mentioned on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page}, but my body decided to succumb to this sickness bug I’ve been fighting. Yesterday my day was spent resting up and taking in the items pictured below. I’m still not feeling 100%, but I’m hoping the worst part is behind me.
Just about all of you know about my car accident. I have stayed away from talking about the bills and such that came with it mostly because insurance and my savings were able to take care of it. Well, I just got the biggest bill, which was for my three MRI’s and it was a bit of a surprise. I had talked to the company about it five weeks ago and it sounded like bill was behind me, but alas, it ended up in my mailbox a couple days ago. Such an unpleasant surprise, especially since I had already booked things for San Francisco next month was told the bill was down to zero.
In my effort to pay off this bill and help get the stress of this daunting amount from my head, I’ve done some cleaning of the craft studio. While it’s a sad thing to part with some of my beloved craft items, I’m hoping that they’ll go to homes that can love them. Gotta look at the positive side, right? :) Stay tuned….
As the oldest of five kids, I always struggle a wee bit when my siblings have a birthday. It’s not for reasons you might thing though…. I have a wonderful relationship with each of my siblings. As each of them gets older, I’m reminded that they are growing up so quickly and their young “kid” days are over. However, I’m also grateful that we are all still close and getting older together has bonded us even more.
Today is my youngest sister’s 21st birthday. Recently many of you have gotten to know Krista- she’s contributed this post and this post. While you can get a small taste of her personality in her posts, it doesn’t even begin to encapsulate her personality and fun spirit. I wish each of you could meet her in person.
Krista’s personal style actually varies quite a bit from mine. She appreciate eclectic art a lot more and has a keen eye for colors, patterns and styles. Somehow she is able to mix together lots of “random” pieces and it always turns out amazing. Her room showcases this beautifully- I really should get her to do a post on it. Since I wanted to make her birthday card special, I tried to mix unique colors and patterns together.
Recently I went to a scrapbook store and they had a Studio Calico paper pack on sale. It wasn’t a pack I would normally go for, but there was something about the colors that was so beautiful. I’m so happy I got it- I was able to use three of the papers on this card!
The picture above shows off the papers and embellishments a little bit more. Did you notice the “st” stickers? Those were part of a pack I got from Target {in the dollar section} and never found a use for them. I’d say they work perfectly for this special card!
Right now Krista is in a transition stage and has a good possibility of moving to California for a chef job soon. Needless to say, I’m treasuring every last minute she is still here. I adore my little sister and am so proud of her. While I’m super sad to even think about her moving, I know that she’s going to do amazing things wherever she goes.
Thanks for stopping by and letting me share a little peek inside my relationship with my sister. I’ll see you tomorrow for the exciting 10 Minute Craft Dash DT announcement!
It’s not a secret to those around me that I like to spend money. One of my love languages is gift giving, which can include presents for holidays, unexpected gifts or buying a coffee or meal for someone I’m meeting with. None of these are bad things, but it’s also not great when these things prevent you from saving for your future.
I was talking with my sister recently and she asked if I wanted to do a money challenge with her. I hesitantly asked what exactly she was talking about. She said she had found a chart on Pinterest about a “new” way to save and by the end of the year, you would have over $1300. I was interested, for sure.
Back story: my sister has ALWAYS been good about saving money, even growing up. She lived minimally and this has helped her as she recently got married. On the other hand, if I were to get married tomorrow {don’t worry, I’m not}, I would be in trouble.
I took a look at my sister’s pin, but unfortunately, it doesn’t link to the original person who started this. Upon looking all over Google, I still wasn’t able to find the direct source. I did, however, find the less busy chart below.
Since I enjoy sharing the different aspects of my life, I thought I would share this with you. Yes, I do have a savings account and I will still be setting funds aside there. However, I love the idea of having another place for savings that involves small increments each week.
We are on the third week in 2013, so I have $6 in my savings jar. It makes me excited to see those little dollars bills adding up and knowing I’ll have accumulated more than $1300 by the end of the year.
Want to take on this challenge with me? With a new year in full gear, let’s make it a year of GOOD habits and bettering ourselves. :)
Yesterday I mentioned that I compiled a list of activities you can do with your family to build memories. I tried to keep the items listed either free or fairly inexpensive. This list is great for family members of ALL ages.
Family Game Night. We always enjoy these and it’s fun to find new games to learn as a family. Click here to view some of our favorite family games.
Visit the park and bring sack lunches. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, check out local parks, build memories AND it helps get all the extra energy out of the kiddos. This will make nap time a piece of cake!
Check out the local zoo or aquarium. You can create a checklist of items to find, or you could create a quiz for them after your finish all the exhibits.
Fruit picking. I have MANY memories doing this as a kid with family friends. It builds memories and also you get items to take home! Creating jam, canning the items also creates memories.
Trek out to a second-hand store and see who can find the best treasure. Our family has found many designer items there in the past for super great prices.
Bake sugar cookies and have a cookie decorating party. Provide different sprinkles, frosting colors, cookie shapes….. always a memorable experience for all ages.
Roller skating or ice skating. This helps build coordination, gets the blood flowing and can introduce a new passion. You never know, someone you love could be a future Olympian!
Help at a food bank. Not only will this act bless those you serve, it will also be a great way to show your kids how to get involved in the community and think outside of their “wants”.
Stop by the police station or fire house and drop off cards. (I don’t know if handmade food items are acceptable) Explain to your kids how these people put their lives on the line for us and give them an opportunity to thank some of them.
Arrange to cook meals for those in your neighborhood/ church who are going through a hard time. We have been the recipients of this many times in the past– you have no idea how much it blesses those who receive them. (You will want to connect with the people to see if there are any allergies or favorites foods.)
Check out your local library. As a kid, my mom took all of us to the library weekly. It was here I developed a love for reading. The library is also a great resource for DVDs, magazines, newspapers and research for homework!
I hope this list inspires you and your family to create some special memories together. Do YOU have any items do to create memories? I’d love to read them!
If you know anyone who would like this list, feel free to use the social media buttons at the bottom of the post. Thanks so much for stopping by!
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to head into Seattle with my mom, sister and aunt. We had such a wonderful time seeing the holiday decorations, shopping and we also got to visit the Etsy Rain show! If you’re a crafter, you most likely are familiar with Etsy. It’s THE place for beautiful handmade crafts by talented crafters. There is everything from decor, clothing & accessories to baby blankets/ bibs, dinnerware and cards. This show showcased some of the talented Seattle area crafters.
When I headed into the show, I had fully intended to buy only gifts. Needless to say, that plan didn’t work out so well- I found so many things I liked! Here is what I purchased…..
#3 Handmade fabric velcro bags & tote purchased from huck & jo
It was so great to support local small business owners- I forgot how fun it could be! Not only are these items great quality, the owners were super sweet as well!
I know that many of my readers enjoying purchasing from small businesses and also can appreciate good quality items. If you need to purchase some Christmas presents, I have some great news for you! I contacted the sellers that I purchased from, along with one other (that I’m eying lots of items from) and they generously offered up some coupon codes for YOU!
*click on photos to go directly to the Etsy shops
The sweet owner over at re.Served has graciously offered afabulous giveaway to you, my amazing readers. How beautiful is this teapot? I love that it’s modern, whimsical and so detailed! I can see this piece fitting in so many kitchens, or how amazing would it be as a gift? Everyone has a coffee or tea drinker in their life! :)
The details on the giveaway: 1) Leave a comment ON THIS POST letting me know you favorite item in the re.Served store.
3) If you become a (public) follower on my blog, or already one, you get to leave an additional comment! Just let me know you became/ are a follower!
You have until Saturday, December 8, 2012 to enter.
I hope that you’ll check out these fabulous Etsy shops and take advantage of these amazing savings. Not only will you get amazing handmade items, you also get to support some Seattle small businesses! Also, be sure to enter the giveaway– feel free to let your friends know about it too. :)
Feel free to leave a comment here with your opinions or feedback. I’ll be asking this question on the 
This was such a fun feature to do- I loved all of the questions you sent my way. If you have more questions, feel free to leave it below or ask it anonymously at 
