What If…..

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Have any of you gone through a stage in your life when it feel likes you’re either drugged up or you’re in a dream? In either case, you aren’t in a complete state of consciousness- almost feeling like you’re in a daze. Welcome to the last 288 days of my life {story here, latest update here}.

I’ve posted updates here and there during this craziness that has been my life. Honestly, I feel like I’ve been on this giant roller-coaster that has had far too many dips and sharp turns in it. Goodness, I can’t handle them in real life and evidently, I don’t deal with them very well figuratively either. It feels like I’m in the seat and we’re slowing inching up towards the biggest curve and when I think the ride is almost done, something unexpected happens. Everyday I think I’ll wake up and this will all be a dream, but alas, I know this isn’t true.

Late last year, I did an interview with Jenny Simmons, a Christian artist {post here}. She released her debut solo album earlier this year and while I enjoy the whole cd, the song “What Faith’s About” has spoken to my heart ever since I heard it.

What if the days I’m walking into
Are the best of my whole life?

Cause who am I not to be, not to be
Everything that You have called me?
And who am I not to speak, not to speak
To every mountain that’s before me

— small snippets from the song What Faith’s About by Jenny Simmons

There have been so many times I have listened to this song and just burst into tears, tonight being one of them. In my heart of hearts I believe that God DOES have a plan and a purpose in all of this, I truly do. I’m hoping that someday, maybe in the near future, He’ll show it to me and my life can move on from this. My body is exhausted from the pain, the different ailments and then mysterious health issues that have arisen separate from the accident. Emotionally, most of the time I’m a wreck. My thought process, memory, cognitive behavior have all changed and the day-to-day things in life seem to get harder and harder. I’m at the age where I should be enjoying life to the fullest and yet here I am, feeling like I’m on the outside looking in on everyone else living life.

I miss being able to stand up for more than 5 minutes at a time. I miss the days when I felt relatively healthy for at least five days straight. I miss having good posture and not needing  to hunch over to make the pain in my back and neck bearable. I miss what it was like to not have to take medications for migraines almost everyday. I miss the moments when I was able to drive wherever I wanted and not have ANY flashbacks and anxiety over driving. I miss having a passion and zest for life. Honestly, this list could go on and on…..

Sweet friends, this is me. Real. There have more breaks here on the blog because I’ve been dealing with the issues above, along with others. My blog is my baby and honestly, if I didn’t have it during all of this, I don’t know how I would have managed to get this far. Many of you  have been with me since before the accident happened and I wanted to give you a raw, uncut look into life lately and why I’ve been slower about responding, less “on it” and not posting as often.

If any of you are facing difficult situations, I’m going to encourage you to listen to this song. Then, if you’d like, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email– know that you are not alone. For some reason I felt burdened to just be myself without editing too much and sugar coating things today.

With all of that being said, I AM still hopeful that the days I’m walking into are going to be the best days of my life. I don’t know what that will entail or mean exactly {I’m hoping it will still include me blogging!}, but I’m holding onto  hope. I need to.

In closing, remember, you are greatly loved by God, and by me. ♥

10 Minute Craft Dash #19

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Welcome to a new 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge! As I was going through the previous color palettes {available here}, I noticed it had been quite a while since I featured red, so I thought it was time to change that. Add in a little light yellow and light blue, and we have a fun and versatile color palette.

* 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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Now onto the great prize! I’m so thrilled to announce that Timeless Twine will be sponsoring this challenge. They have a great assortment of  twine colors and the quality is superb. My favorite part? Their colors are unique and different than others I have used or found in crafting and we all know that a rainbow of twines is a must-have.

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Some of the Timeless Twine-istas were able to join along in the fun and bring you some inspiration. Be sure to visit the Timeless Twine blog, along with the designers blogs to check out all of the lovely inspiration!

Amy K

Amy T

Annette

Brianna

Cassandra

Kristy

Mandi

Melisa

Melissa Shea

Piali

Shannon

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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 #18 Highlights

Hello there, sweet readers!

The weekend has been packed with all sorts of things. One of the major things: narrowing down the entries for the DT call! Wow, I am blown away by the amount and quality of the applications from around the world. These  next few days will be spent exploring the various blogs that submitted and starting to make contact with the designers. If you submitted, be sure to stay tuned to your email inbox.

Now onto the real reason you stopped by- it’s time to announce the highlights for the 10 Minute Craft Dash #18.

Congratulations to Leigh Penner!

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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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Tracey McNeely

Beth

Lenae- SugarGem

Sanketi

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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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We have a brand new sponsor for the challenge tomorrow, along with many special guests. I hope to see many of you on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page later. Thanks for stopping by!

Featured Blogger- Elena Roussakis

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For those new to my blog, on the first Monday of each month, I feature one blogger that I admire and follow. When I read blogs, I always enjoy getting to know the person BEHIND the blog. I’ve featured craft, baking, lifestyle bloggers in the past and it’s been neat to see many of you start to follow some of the blogs I love.

Let’s get started with the feature today featuring the amazingly talented Elena Roussakis from Just ME!

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?
I’ve been blogging for 2 and a half years already!  I initially wanted an online space where I could show off some of my handmade cards for a small handful of clients who ordered invites and cards from me….

How and when did you get introduced to stamping?
I introduced myself to stamping 10 year ago, when I designed a custom monogram stamp and stamped the front of 300 wedding programs.  I didn’t know what I was doing!  Then, a good 5 years later, when I found myself a stay-at-home mom with no desire to clean house during naptime, I clicked on a stampin’ up add I found on facebook and hooked up with a local demo.  The story wrote itself from there… I became a demo (but the kind who didn’t like to push people to buy anything) and then discovered other stamp companies little by little.

When you started stamping, did you ever think you would be on design teams? What was your first reaction when you first got asked onto a team?
I didn’t know what a design team was when I first started, or how to be asked to join one – so no, I never thought I would be on a design team.  I felt all warm and fuzzy inside when I was asked to join my first team, hee hee.  It validated to me that my work was good!

You always create amazing, creative cards. How long does a typical card take to create?
Thanks, Paulina!  I am a slow crafter.  I don’t tend to work off of sketches, so whatever idea I had in my head usually morphs into something completely different by the end of a crafting session.  It takes me anywhere from 1-4 hours to create a card.  Not 4 hours in a row, mind you… (the cards that take me 4 hours in a row usually end up in the trash bin…)

The crafting/ blogging world constantly has new trends. What trends are you really into right now?
I am always so late to join the  trends.  By the time I decide I like a trend, it’s already half-way over, ha ha!  I love sequins, and wood veneers, but I tend to not be led by trends.  I will incorporate a touch of what’s trendy here and there, but I won’t put much thought into it.

Where do you get inspiration for your creations?
Pinterest is huge for me.  I am obviously very inspired by fellow card-makers and scrappers, but even more so by home decor and prints.  I think my favorite thing is seeing a print online and then setting out to recreate it with stamps and ink.

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

Besides crafting, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Arg.  Someone introduced me to candy crush, so right now I’m enjoying that.  It’s great for the family too  when the kids see me playing they all crowd around and shout out suggestions.  just kidding…

What is something about yourself that many people don’t know?
*sucks in* there are so. many. things.  i am a huge klutz . i am pretty pale for a half-greek, halfegyptian.  i’ve known my husband since kindergarten.

If we were to spend the day going and doing your favorite things, what would that entail?
A lot of food. and there would be talking, laughing, coffee-drinking, some strolling, and maybe even some crafting.

You have your choice to spend the day with any celebrity, who would you choose and why?
There is so much that Bobby Flay could teach me in a day.  I can bake just fine, but the cooking is a little on the weak side… I think an intensive day with Bobby Flay would be awesome.  If he’s not available, I’ll take Ann Burrell.

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about:
My God, my family, my marriage, being creative and preserving memories.

I know that many of my sweet readers have seen Elena’s beautiful work, however, I have a feeling that some of my readers haven’t been introduced to her work. Here are the places you can find her:

Elena’s blog

Elena’s Facebook page

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!

I’ll see you tomorrow for the 10 Minute Craft Dash Highlights and info on how you can get an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming challenge. Thanks for stopping by!

Graduation Congrats

Graduation season is upon us and I’m running behind on getting cards made. This year I know so many graduates, it’s a little overwhelming. The key this year: quick and easy cards!

I have had the Mama Elephant set, Flashy Letters, for quite a while now and FINALLY made a card that was worthy of posting. I love how fun and happy these letters are- they scream happy times to me. When I was in need of a sentiment for this graduation card, I just knew these would be the perfect fit.

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Before I purchase stamps, I’m constantly checking to see if I can make due with something I already own. If nothing falls into that category, the next question: will I be able to get a lot of different uses out of it. This set passed my test and I’m happy to own it. Also, I was pretty excited about getting my first Mama Elephant set, too!

All Mama Elephant stamps are available at Ellen Hutson!

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I don’t know about you all, but I am thrilled it’s Friday. Even with a short work week, this week felt long and my body still thinks it needs a vacation. I’m telling ya, after the car accident and these health issues, I’m fairly certain my brain and body thinks I’m in my 60’s! Hopefully both of them will cooperate with me so I can get lots accomplished this weekend.

In closing, just a reminder that TOMORROW is the last day to submit your Craft Dash DT applications! I have received so many beautiful applications from around the world- I hope yours will be added to the mix!

May Random Loves

I wasn’t sure if it was going to happen, but I was able to sneak in a Random Loves post this month! A week of no posts and vacation threw me off and I can’t believe we are just days away from June. Eeeek!

I’ll be honest, there are some months I struggle with what to share in this feature, but this month, I had no difficulties. I feel like I’m loving so many things- that’s a problem in itself! Don’t worry, all but one of the things I’m featuring today are inexpensive.  It was hard to resist posting crafting loves this month. If y’all are interested in a post on items that have caught my eye, let me know and I may be able to work a post in. :)

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cart can be found here

I’ll be honest, I don’t own this cart…..yet. I’ve been eying this for months and months and hopefully down the road, I can add this beauty to my craft studio. Imagine all the pretty items you can fill it with and have right next to you while you craft! I’m thinking washi tape, twine and other assorted goodies would look perfect inside. may-2

bracelet can be found here

While I was in San Francisco, I went to the store, Brandy Melville, for the first time. I’ve heard a lot about this trendy store and was pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive their accessories were! While I’m usually a silver girl, lately I’ve been really into all things gold. This bracelet is the perfect addition to my ever growing jewelry collection.

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mascara can be found here

Some are blessed with lush and long eyelashes, but alas, I’m not one of them. Thanks to mascara I’m able to get fuller lashes with just a few easy strokes. I’ve tried dozens of mascaras over the years and this one is my favorite, thus far. I’m curious, which brand/ line is your favorite?

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straws can be found here

You’ve seen these straws in some of my projects in the past, but I haven’t given them their own spot on a Random Loves post yet. There is something about these bright and cheery straws that make me want to host a party! I’m currently in the process of creating something fun with my latest straw purchase- stay tuned for that!

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It’s not a secret that I like coffee and chocolate. Recently I saw one bottle of this on clearance at the grocery store {since it was going to expire soon} and I bought it. OH MY WORD. This drink is so creamy, rich and delicious! The best part? It’s cheaper than coffee at Starbucks and it’s the perfect pick-me-up in the mornings. Also, my local grocery store is having them for BOGO this week. You can’t beat less than $2 a bottle!

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What are a few of YOUR random loves at the moment? It can be drinks, shows, clothing, movies, etc…. whatever products you’re loving, or have on your wish list, I’d love to read about them!

I Spy A Raccoon….

Oh my, I can’t believe it has been a full week since my last post. I have returned from my mini vacation and after FIVE days away from the computer, I must say it’s a little weird getting back into the swing of things again. Now that I’m back, it’s time to start going over the beautiful Craft Dash DT applications, the latest challenge submissions {highlights post going live next Tuesday}, and also planning some exciting behind-the-scenes things. It’s going to be a busy couple of weeks, but I can’t wait to share some of the things I’ve been working on!

I fully intended to post a card that didn’t have sequins on it, but alas, I didn’t have any photographed and ready to go. Judging from the comments and amount of entries for the Sequins Giveaway, I’m guessing many of you won’t mind that I have another sequin card to share.

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Do you notice anything a little different about this card? Instead of doing straight lines of sequins, I made them curve a bit {yes, I didn’t it on purpose}. I thought it was a little more fun and went great with the feel of the card.

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It makes me so happy to see my love of sequins has been passed along to many of you. For those who have posted links, I’ll check them out soon! If you haven’t already, feel free to post the latest project featuring sequins- I would love to take a peek!

I hope you all have a great rest of your Wednesday. Thanks so much for stopping in!

Spring Mini Monster Cookies

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Happy Memorial Day, y’all!

I was just so thrilled with the positive response from my very first recipe! Thank you all for such a warm welcome, I know I’m going to love contributing recipes to y’all… get ready!

I couldn’t wait to create something just as delicious, and exclusive, for Pretty Pink Posh readers! The classic monster cookie recipe is one of my favorites, and is something that I grew up with. I have fond memories of coming home from school to a house smelling of fresh baked “monsters” and an icy cold glass of milk waiting for me on the counter. Those were the days :)

Today, I’m sharing a “spring-y” version of monster cookies with you. There are just a few minor changes that make them brighter and more enticing for those hot summer days! They are perfect for picnics, hikes, after school snacks, BBQ treats, or just because. Everyone LOVES them, and they’ll be the hit of the party! Mini or “monstrous,” the size doesn’t make any difference in taste! Bonus: they’re gluten free! {You can ensure this by using gluten free oats}

Tip: At my house, we freeze cookies after baking them, and can enjoy them for up to 6 months! On a regular basis, I’ll find Grant munching on some frozen cookies- a nice and chilly treat for when the days really heat up!

Enjoy – I hope you have a fun-filled day with friends and family ahead!

Spring Mini Monster Cookies
Recipe Type: Dessert
Ingredients
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 c. Spring M&Ms {or regular, only the color changes!}
  • 1 c. white chocolate chips
  • 2 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 4 1/2 c. quick cook oats {not instant}
Instructions
  1. In the biggest mixing bowl you have, combine the eggs, brown sugar, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
  2. Add salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  3. Add baking soda and oats. Stir well.
  4. Mix in M&Ms and white chocolate chips.
  5. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  7. Roll dough in your hand to form a ball, about 1 tablespoon in size.
  8. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until just slightly golden brown. Don’t overbake! {They will continue to cook on cooling rack}.
  9. Let stand 2 minutes and transfer to cooling rack.
  10. When cool, freeze in Ziploc bags for up to 6 months, or keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
  11. Enjoy!
Notes
This recipe will make LOTS of mini cookies! If you’d prefer larger cookies, or the typical “monster,” simply increase baking time.
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May 2013 Craft Haul

Good morning, sweet friends!

As you’re reading this, I’m currently at the airport en route on my first mini vacation in years. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to still go, due to my health problems, but I went ahead and still kept my plans. My best friend, her sister and I are headed to San Francisco, where we’ll meet up with my sister, who recently moved there. I’m so excited to finally see this city I’ve heard about! I plan on taking pictures and uploading on Instagram along the way, so follow me if you’d like a peek into my trip.

In my effort to change things up a bit, I put together a craft haul post. You can see what I purchased in the video and then all of the links are located below.

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Ellen Hutson I Neat & Tangled I Amazon I Little Free Radical

 

Have you purchased anything 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. Seeing what caught their eye and then later see how they used the products makes my heart happy. Also, sometimes seeing what another person purchases sometimes prompts purchases from friends! :)

That’s going to wrap up this post today. I brought my laptop with me, so hopefully I can sneak in a post or two while I’m here. No promises though!

Shine Bright + Sequin Giveaway!

I think I need a nickname having to do with sequins- I cannot get enough! It seems like no matter how much I try to create cards without them, they somehow make a way onto my creations. I am hopelessly and utterly addicted.

It’s that time again…..GIVEAWAY time! As promised, I have another sequin giveaway and I’m thrilled to say that this one is being sponsored by Neat & Tangled!  I picked out five of my favorite sequin colors {do you realize how hard this was….it’s like picking a favorite child!} and Danielle graciously provided them as the giveaway.

Seeing as there’s a giveaway, I thought it appropriate to share a card showcasing the colors the lucky winner will be receiving. All you need for this cutie are some star dies, sequins and a sentiment, easy peasy!

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For those new to my blog, in case you need some inspiration on sequins, I have lots to share. I debated on the easiest way to share all of the links and decided creating a Pinterest board would be the way to go. Click here to all of my sequin creations.

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Okay, now let’s get to the good stuff….. the details of the giveaway and all the different ways you can enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Everyone likes to hear about a giveaway, so be sure to share, tweet and email all of your friends about the giveaway!

I hope that with each sequin post, I’m passing along my love of them to more of you, my amazing readers. If you’ve created crafty projects with sequins, I’d love to take a peek. Feel free to leave a comment with the direct blog link to your post(s) so the fellow sequin lovers and I can take a peek. :)