Birthday Bash Sneak Peek!

Oh my, I cannot believe the day is almost here- it’s nearly time to start partying for the 10 Minute Craft Dash Birthday Bash! If you missed the news, my “baby” (aka: challenge) is turning 1 and I’ve enlisted the help of several special guests and sponsors to make this party one that will be remembered.

I know that many of you have already liked the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page, but for those who haven’t…. If you are interested in getting a head start on the BIG challenge, I have info on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page. This is EXCLUSIVE to those who like my page. If you go there and go to “exclusives”, you get to see the next 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge a day early!

PPP_FBWhile I can’t divulge the challenge grand prize or blog hop prizes quite yet, I CAN share the 20 special guests who will be joining in the festivities. I am still blown away that all these gals took the time to celebrate with me AND a few of them have hinted that they have done videos, too! We can consider these little party favors. *wink*

birthdaybash_specialguestsI hope to see all of you back here tomorrow for the BIGGEST event on my blog to date. Like I mentioned in a previous post, the grand prize is valued at over $150, so you really won’t want to miss out. Also, there will be TEN blog hop prizes, several videos planned throughout the week and you just never know what other surprises may come up. If you don’t already, be sure to subscribe via email so you don’t miss any of the fun!

Featured Blogger- Leigh Penner

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For those new to my blog, on the first Monday of each month, I feature one of the bloggers that I follow. When I read blogs, I always enjoy getting to know the person BEHIND the blog. Whether it be a crafty blogger, a lifestyle blogger or a fellow young single gal- I love putting away the formalities and having a “conversation” with a blogger I enjoy.

My Featured Blogger today is a name that will be familiar to those who participate in the 10 Minute Craft Dash- she’s one of the new DT members! Please join me in welcoming the incredibly talented Leigh Penner to the blog!

Let’s get started with the questions….

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?
I started my blog in December 2005. I had been posting my layouts in a few different scrapbooking galleries and noticed that some online friends were starting to blog, so I decided to start, too. I thought it would be a good place to post photos of my kids for my brothers to see. I also thought it would be a great way to document events and then have the journaling at the ready when I wanted to scrapbook them.

How did you get the name of your blog?
I chose the name from my favourite Bible verse: John 10:10: “Jesus said: ‘I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.'” It’s my reminder to live life to the full.

When did you start paper crafting?
Just over 10 years ago. A friend of mine was selling Creative Memories & I hosted a beginner’s party. From day one, I was completely hooked! I started card making several years later, when it occured to me to make the most of my supplies. I didn’t start stamping until 2.5 years ago, but now it’s one of my favourite things to include on a card or layout.

What do you enjoy most about paper crafting?
I just love playing with pretty papers & stamps! I find it to be such a fabulous creative release! It calms me when I’m upset or stressed or just need some “alone time”… It just always makes me feel good.

How many hours do you spending crafting each week?
During the school year, probably between 5 & 10. In the summertime, between 10 & 20, easily.

If you could meet anyone in the crafting world, who would it be?
I would love to meet either Nichole Heady or Betsy Veldman. I think they are both so inspiring!

Okay, now onto some fun questions that are non-relevant to crafting…..

Besides crafting, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 
I love to read, go for bike rides & watch movies. I also have been taking tae kwon do with my kids for the last five years. Oh, and I love playing cards & board games (Scrabble & Settlers of Catan are my faves).

What is something about yourself that many people don’t know? 
I’m have my second degree black belt in tae kwon do.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what five things would you have with you? 
Ooh, that’s tough. I have no idea!

Top 5 things you are most passionate about: 
Jesus, my family & friends, stamping/scrapbooking/card making, taekwondo & good books.

I’m sure that many of you have visited Leigh’s amazing blog, but in case you haven’t, be sure to take a peek. Her cards are so gorgeous and she is a sweetheart.

Leigh’s blog

I hope that you enjoyed this feature and are just as inspired by this gal as I have been. Want to recommend a blogger, or yourself,  for a future Featured Blogger post? Leave a comment with the blog link and you never know- you just might hear from me!

Tomorrow I’ll be back with info on how you can get a sneak peek at the 10 Minute Craft Dash birthday bash challenge and a listing of the gals joining as special guests. I’m still floating on Cloud 9 that these gals are celebrating with me and I know that you’ll be greatly inspired. See you tomorrow!

Paper Sweeties Celebration!

Today I am celebrating the 1st birthday of Paper Sweeties and participating in their designers’ blog hop! It’s always a delight to pull out Debbie’s sweet stamps and with some new patterned papers in hand, I knew I would have lots of fun paper piecing and “dressing” up one of her girls.

If you started this hop from the beginning, you should be coming from Debbie Marcinkiewicz’s blog. Goodness, the pressure of being after the designer of these cute stamps! I’ve had the joy of creating with her stamps in the past {posts HERE, HERE and HERE } and decided to go a little more simple in today’s card design.

PS_birthday1aWith this blog hop celebrating the Paper Sweeties birthday, we were challenged to create something that could be used for a birthday. I didn’t have a sentiment that would work specifically for this theme, but with a little imagination, I think this sentiment could potentially work.

Now a blog hop isn’t complete without a prize and Debbie is giving away the ENTIRE AUGUST RELEASE to one lucky person in August — there will be five sets released = $50 retail value!

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Here’s the info on how to be eligible for the prize
  • Follow the Paper Sweeties blog
  • Like and Share on Paper Sweeties Facebook Fan Page
  • Comment on any August blog post – let us know them know you follow the Paper Sweeties blog and Fan Page

 

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Here’s the complete listing of blog hop participants for today- I’m sure there will be lots of cute ideas! Happy hopping!

Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Paulina Nakamura <— You are here

Teresa Kline

Tina Milbourn

Jeanne Jachna

Miriam Prantner

Char Cundy

Lenet Mos

Karen Letchworth

Lori Ulrich

Tracey Kelly

*I promised I’d give you little nuggets of info in each blog post leading up to the 10 Minute Craft Dash birthday bash on Wednesday…. Today’s bit of info= there will be TWENTY guests joining in a very special blog hop that will have prizes totaling over $250! 

On the Wish List- July Edition

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Is anyone else in shock that today is the last day of July? While this month hasn’t gone how I thought it would, it still has flown by quickly. After planning for months the big 10 Minute Craft Dash Birthday Bash celebration, it’s amazing it’s just a week away!

I’m excited to spill a little more info on the birthday bash…. we will have one giant prize for the winner of the challenge- the retail value is well over $150! Every post between now and the day the challenge goes live will have some more nuggets of info. Stay tuned!

Last month, I did the first On the Wish List feature that was well received and I’m bringing a new edition this month. With some birthday money this month, I was able to cross a few things off of my wish list from last month {which was in THIS haul post}. I’m happy that I’ve been able to inspire some of you with these posts and hopefully once things settle a little more, I can start playing with the items and do some more videos!

This list is shorter than the last one and I was tempted to put in a few non-craft related items. Would you be interested in seeing those also? Example: I’ve been eying these TOMS for months and months now, but didn’t know if any of you would care to see that listed! *wink*

Sweet readers, I’m curious, what’s on YOUR wish list at the moment?

 

I am all about sharing the savings with my readers and just this week, Ellen Hutson posted a 20% off savings coupon for items that are in stock. With me posting these items today, I thought you might be in the mood to do some shopping. If you haven’t shopped with Ellen Hutson before, you are missing out. These gals have amazing customer service, I love their selection of products and honestly, supporting a small business in the city next to mine is a plus in my book.
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*I want to note that I’m an Ellen Hutson affiliate, but only because I adore them so much. Any products purchased through the links I have listed, or the EH sidebar ad on my site, will provide me with a small commission which in turn helps keep this site running and also helps me provide giveaways & prizes. If you plan on doing any EH orders now or in the future, feel free to use my link! :)

10 Minute Craft Dash #22 Highlights

Hello…..remember me?

It makes me sad that I haven’t had a chance to blog any of these last 11 days. With a big move at work and super long hours and doctor appointments, I just didn’t have the energy to create or brain power to write. To be honest, I just got crafty for the first time in almost two weeks and I feel out of my element. Hoping to dust off these cobwebs and be inspired for some projects because something BIG is happening next week. In fact, I have a little teaser for you all….

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It’s hard to believe it’s been just about a year since the 10 Minute Craft Dash started. The challenge has grown, there have been participants from all over the WORLD joining in and I’ve been able to work with a wide gambit of amazing sponsors and designers. I wanted to do something extra special to celebrate this momentous occasion and it’s something you definitely won’t want to miss. If you don’t already, be sure to subscribe to Pretty Pink Posh via email so you don’t miss any of it!

Okay, now onto the real reason for today’s post….

Congratulations to Teresa Brada!

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Teresa, please send me an email to claim your $25 Paper Sweeties gift certificate! Also, feel free to grab the badge below and proudly display it on your blog!

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Here are my favorites picks from this last challenge. If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by each of the blogs to take a look at the beautiful cards! {Ladies, feel free to grab the badge below and put it on your blogs!}

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Rebecca

Lindsay A.

Lisa

Ashley Durand

Janelle

Did you know that there is a Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page? We have all sorts of fun over there…. I’ve hosted impromptu chats, giveaways, post some articles that have caught my eye, share the latest PPP posts…. I hope that you’ll join me over there, too!

That’s going to wrap up this post. I hope you all mark down August 7th on your calendars and/or phones- it’s going to be a fun day of partying! *wink*

S’Mores Cookie Cups

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Friends! Hello! I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve been over here, and I’m so glad I’m back!

I’ve been staying really busy in NYC, with so many visitors and adventures. I spent a weekend in The Hamptons at the end of June, G came to visit for a long weekend over the 4th of July, my friend Alex was here in the city last weekend, and my parents come on Thursday! I absolutely love being surrounded by loved ones, and in such a big city, familiar faces are always welcome :)

Onto this week’s recipe… S’Mores Cookie Cups! I love anything chocolately, and in summer, not much is more perfect than a roasty toasty s’more. What I don’t like are sticky fingers and a mess, so if you aren’t outside, s’mores can be really tricky!! Because of this, I decided to whip up S’Mores Cookie Cups – s’mores cookies baked in a cupcake tin {with liners}. It was a completely new concoction for me, but let me tell you, they were SO worth it! They stayed m-o-i-s-t {does anyone else hate that word?} and the texture was consistent throughout, sometimes hard to achieve when baking in a cupcake tin. I’m so glad they turned out, because I have so many wonderful memories of sitting around a fire all snuggled up in PJs roasting marshmallows to perfection. But, a perfect fire and the ability to spend a whole day in the country just isn’t happening for me this summer, so these will have to suffice :)

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S’Mores Cookie Cups
Recipe Type: Dessert
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 17 mins
Total time: 37 mins
Serves: 24
Ingredients
  • 1 c. butter, softened
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 1/4 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 c. chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows
  • 1 1/2 c. crushed graham crackers
Instructions
  1. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla.
  3. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Using a wooden spoon, mix chocolate chips into dough.
  5. Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
  6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until slightly chilled.
  7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  8. Line a cupcake tin with liners.
  9. Drop balls of dough into each liner.
  10. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
  11. Cool and enjoy!
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S'Mores-Cookie-Cups

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy these as much as we do! I think they’re going to become a year-round staple, reminding us of the wonderful long and lazy days of the summertime, even in the dead of winter.

What reminds you of summer? Any particular foods, smells, or memories come to mind?

Make it a GREAT Monday, and I’ll visit again soon!

xo, Hilari

PS: Remember you can always catch up on my NYC adventures {or southern living starting August 17} by following me on Instagram – my favorite!, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter! Come say hello :)

Unexpected Blessings

 

BLESSINGSI am still constantly amazed at the things that have happened through my blog. Encouragement has been given, smiles {and tears} have ensued, inspiration has flown freely and lasting friendships have been made. I never dreamed that when I started this blog, it would grow to be where it is today or that I would build/ develop such amazing bonds with my readers. The title of this post really does say it all….

Last week, after a particularly rough week of recovering from a concussion and the craziness of trying to work in the midst of it, I was feeling downright exhausted and dare I say, defeated. In the past, I considered myself to be a fighter in life, but with blow after blow from the accident, my thoughts on this have started to dwindle. What started out to be a ignited fire to figure out what was wrong with me and get to the root has slowly progressed to frustration, disappointment and many other feelings. Don’t get me wrong, we are still actively trying to find out what is wrong with me, but I think I’m a little more realistic in my hopes and mentally telling myself I may need to learn to live life like this.

It’s in these moments of discouragement, frustration and tears, God has a way of bringing sunshine into my darkest days. It could be as small as having my younger brother say he prays for me daily {I nearly bawled when he told me this} to a friend sending an encouraging text or getting REAL mail in the mailbox. Then there are the moments when you get bigger rays of sunshine and your best friend makes you dinner, you receive an abundance of birthday flowers from different people,  an unexpected monetary gift to help with medical bills is given, or you have a friend unexpectedly drive out to your house with flowers and a card*. All of these things have happened this last week and I cannot even begin to say how my heart has swelled with joy, love and thankfulness.

I won’t say that these things happen to me often, but I will say that if we look {and sometimes we REALLY need to look}, there are blessings that happen all around us everyday. For example, today my dad offered to cook up some dinner for me. Is this a small thing? Yes. However, it’s a blessing and now I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Let’s see…another blessing that happened today….the Starbucks barista was super cheery when I got my coffee this morning and definitely helped kickstart the day off in a happy way. It’s little things like this that can sometimes go overlooked that I’m learning {and trying to make a conscious effort} to take notice of and be grateful for.

Sweet friends, what unexpected blessings are you thankful for this week? It can be something small or large, I would love to hear about them and rejoice in your blessings with you! Let’s make an effort to take notice of the blessings around us!

*The picture in the graphic featured is with my dear, sweet friend, Robyn. We had gone to church together for years and years but our paths never crossed. After we both started going to different churches, she started following my blog and has been such an amazing source of encouragement, tips on health information and a prayer warrior. So blessed by this gem!

10 Minute Craft Dash #22

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It’s time for a new 10 Minute Craft Dash and this time around I’m introducing you to a new sponsor, along with a few special guests. I don’t know about you, but I’m a HUGE fan of coral and will try to bring it out any chance I get. Today I snuck it into the color palette to round out a fresh color palette that can be used for all sorts of occasions. I hope you love the colors as much as I do! :)

* If you aren’t able to stay within the 10 minutes, you can still link up your item! While it won’t quality for the winner spot, it still could qualify as a favorites pick!

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CD_22_BettyCD_22_Rachel1 CD_22_MeredithCD_22_AndreaCD_22_CarynCD_22_ThuyCD_22_Leigh

Please join me in welcoming Paper Sweeties as the sponsor of this challenge!  This is a relatively new company {they’ll be celebrating their first birthday next month} and they carry the most darling stamp sets. They have an assortment of paper doll-like stamps with matching outfits & accessories and they also have other adorable sets that are whimsical and oh-so-sweet!

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Not only do we have a fab prize, we have Debbie, owner of Paper Sweeties, joining along in this challenge, along with one of her DT gals! Be sure to stop by their blogs to see their sweet creations!

Paper Sweeties Blog

Jeanne Jachna

Lori Hairston

Maria Patrick

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How to Play

  1. Create a card/craft project within 10 minutes featuring the color palette.
  2. Post the time it took to create.
  3. Be sure to include the challenge graphic in your post and link to the challenge.
  4. You may combine a total of three challenges with your entry. You may enter the challenge a maximum of two times.
  5. Subscribe to Pretty Pink Posh via Email

You can pull out your supplies before your timer starts!

 

 

10 Minute Craft Dash #21 Highlights

Before I start off with this highlights post, I want to apologize for not being able to leave comments for everyone who participated in the 10 Minute Craft Dash #21 challenge. With my birthday weekend, still recovering from my concussion and then life, things have been a little crazy around here. I DID get to visit each of your posts though and want to say you all did an AMAZING job with the star theme. Thank you to everyone who joined along!

craftdasher

Before we get to the winner and favorites, I wanted to bring attention to a semi new tab under the “craft dash” section here on the blog. If you have played in at least three 10 Minute Craft Dash challenges and/ or consider yourself a “Craft Dasher” or fan of the challenge, feel free to link up your site! This will be a great resource for those looking to follow new blogs and I think it would be fun to see the list grow as time goes on.

Okay, now onto the real reason for today’s post….

Congratulations to Rema T!

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Rema, I’ll be emailing you soon so I can get your mailing information and the Clearly Besotted Stamps sets you’d like! Feel free to grab the badge below and proudly display it on your blog!

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Here are my favorites picks from this last challenge. If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by each of the blogs to take a look at the beautiful cards! {Ladies, feel free to grab the badge below and put it on your blogs!}

CD_favorite

Tracey Cuccia

Janelle

Lyndal

Arielle H. Gordon

Karli

Renee L.

If you are interested in getting a head start on the next Craft Dash, I have the colors that will be featured on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page. This is EXCLUSIVE to those who like my page. If you go there and go to “exclusives”, you get to see the next 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge a day early!

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Tomorrow we have a brand new sponsor for the challenge that I’m excited to introduce you to. If you saw my most recent haul video, you already heard who it’ll be. *wink*  I hope that all of you will be able to join along!

July Craft Haul + Giveaway Winner

As some of you know, I celebrated my birthday over the weekend. In between the craziness of moving at work, the new release, going back and forth with insurance and talking to doctors, on top of keeping up with the blog, I’ve been exhausted. Despite the various invitations to celebrate and have gatherings, I opted for a low-key day filled with Starbucks, catching up on emails and crafting and a nice, long nap. It was utter bliss!

One of the gifts that I received was an Ellen Hutson gift certificate from my thoughtful and generous aunt. I’ve been really good about cutting back on my spending, which has meant my wish list has gotten to be quite long. With the gift, I was able to cross off a lot of the items, which I’m so excited about. I filmed a quick video showcasing the items {see below} and I’m also linking to the items in this post.

Ellen Hutson I Freckled Fawn I Paper Sweeties

Last week I hosted the Fresh Summer Roses Giveaway and it’s time to announce the random lucky winner! Congratulations to Judy! I’ll be emailing you shortly to get your mailing info so I can get this set mailed off to you. solidrosewinner

Have you purchased anything craft related recently? Big or small hauls, I would love to read or see what you got. It’s always so fun when my friends post what they got on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve added items to my wish list after seeing my friends lists/ pictures!

That’s all for today’s post. I’ll be back tomorrow for the highlights post for the 10 Minute Craft Dash #21 and info on how to get a sneak peek at the new challenge. Hope to see you then!