Purpose in Life…..

You all know, I write from the heart. Whether it be something I’ve struggled with in the past, things I’m going through now, I lay it out there. Sometimes I feel vulnerable putting myself “out there” like I do, but then it is those times when I get the emails and comments saying what I’ve written has helped someone, or that they can relate to me. Hearing how my struggles/ journey has helped others has impacted me in such a big way. It’s humbling, mind boggling, amazing and crazy all wrapped into one. :)

In the past, I won’t pretend I didn’t write for the blog comments. It’s ALWAYS reassuring to get some blog love and see that someone actually reads your posts. However, lately, I’m not so much concerned with the number of comments I receive as much as what those comments are saying. Hearing “your post inspired me to _________” or “your outlook on __________ really challenged me”- THOSE are the things I strive now here on the blog. I absolutely love that I’m able to inspire people through my blogs- whether it be in my weight loss journey, crafting endeavors, or making the most out of life. My goal is to do my best to continue this. But moving deeper…..

Being at the age I am, I struggle with knowing my ultimate purpose in life. The things beyond sharing the love of Christ to those around me. Beyond being a loyal daughter/friend/sister. I’m talking about what does God have me placed on Earth to do? I know so many people around me that have felt their calling in life, but I have yet to experience that. Honestly, it’s been lingering in my mind for a couple years, but with the accident, it’s in the forefront now. It’s completely obvious that God has SOMETHING still here for me to do, or I wouldn’t have survived. The question is: what is it? Will He reveal it to me soon?

Have any of you struggled with this in the past? Or possibly you’re going through this now? Have a story on how you knew YOUR calling? While I may inspire some of you, many of YOU inspire me. :) I would LOVE to hear about your stories or even thoughts on this subject.

That’s going to wrap up this post. Big, big hugs to you all. ♥

  

Thankful Thursday: September 6th

Hello!

Oh boy, this is going to be a difficult post. These two weeks have been hard, but these last couple days have been hardest. I was thinking that I was recovering and then all of a sudden I was setback…A LOT. The pain has increased and now I’m dealing with a new slew of issues. It doesn’t look like I’ll be “back to normal” super quickly– I’m still not able to work full days, drive and my movement is still super limited. I’m hoping that with each day, I’ll start feeling better and able to get back to my old routine. For those who have been praying for me, thank you!

Even in the midst of all these issues, I know I still have things to be thankful for. Here’s my list for this week:

  • The car I was driving is repaired and appears to be working great.
  • I’ve been able to go to the chiropractor and we have a plan to fix my neck/ back/ spine.
  • A great family that is willing to drive me to the various places I need to go.
  • Twitter friends who have quickly real life friends who make me laugh.
  • Friends who drive out over an hour to spend time with me and take me to lunch.

Last week, I was beyond blessed and encouraged to see your Thankful Thursdays lists. There were 16 amazing stories/ lists- each one was neat to read! Let’s keep it up, shall we? :) What are YOU thankful for this week?

Thanks for stopping by, sweet blog friends. You all are amazing. Truly.

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10 Minute Craft Dash #2

Good morning!

It’s time for our second 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge! The last one was met with such amazing success (and joy)- we hope the second one follows suit. We eased you into the first one by allowing any colors to be used; however, this one we’ll have you used the colors above (neutrals are allowed) AND also be created under 10 Minutes. Sound impossible? It isn’t. :)

Here is what I came up with…..

Time it took to create: 9 minutes 12 seconds

Here is a little peek at what Ginny created– you’ll have to go to her blog to view the whole thing! :)

Time it took to create: 9 minutes 39 seconds

I am excited to have some very special names to help spread the word and also inspire us with their stunning 10 Minute creations. These ladies each have such a unique style and are quite well known in blog/ crafty magazine land.  Be sure to visit each of their blogs to see their stunning 10 Minute Card Dash creations.

Amy Wanford

Andrea Budjack

Ashley Cannon Newell

Dawn Woleslagle

Heidi Van Laar

Mariana Grisby

Sarah Martina Parker

I’m thrilled to announce we have a sponsor for this challenge too! Danielle from Neat & Tangled has graciously offered $20 gift certificate to her online store. She has some adorable sets (I used one above) and I know you’ll have fun browsing her site.

How to Play

1) Create a card/craft project within 10 minutes using the color palette above

2) Post the time it took to create

You can pull out your supplies before your timer starts!  

  • Post the challenge graphic in your post, link to the challenge
  • You may combine a total of three challenges with your entry. You may enter the challenge a maximum of two times.
  • Challenge ends September 15, 2012 at 11:59pm, PST.


Facebook Page Exclusive!

Hi all! 
Did you know there’s a Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page? I recently started it so you all could keep up with the latest posts and announcements. In addition, you get to interact with other readers AND occasionally there will be exclusives to those who “like” the page. 
Well…..there’s an exclusive right now! If you like my page and go to “exclusives”, you get to see the next 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge colors a day early! That’s right, you could start crafting your projects so they’re ready to post tomorrow morning– you could be one of the first ones to enter! 
I hope you’ll “like” my page and also let your fellow crafty friends know! See you bright and early tomorrow for the 10 Minute Craft Dash. You won’t want to miss this post- I have seven amazing special designers joining along AND there’s a fab prize for the winner. Lots of great stuff! 
Have a great rest of your day and thanks for stopping by! 

Featured Blogger: Beka Fox + GIVEAWAY

Hello and Good Morning!

It’s the first Monday of the month and that means it’s time for a brand new Featured Blogger! This honestly is one of my favorite features to do on the blog. Not only do I get to introduce you all to some of my favorite bloggers, I also get to know these amazing people a little better. Such a win-win in my book!

This month, I’m honored (and excited) to be bringing you one of the sweetest bloggers I’ve interacted with thus far. I found her blog through a blogging network and well, I’ve gone through months and months of her older posts. Each post is so engaging and truly reflects her personality and also her faith.

Please join me in welcoming the ultra sweet Beka Fox!

Let’s get started with some blogging questions! 

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?

My blog is a place of inspiration for me. I love all things encouraging, pretty & simple. Blogger does that for me. I’ve been blogging for almost 5 years. I would say that I’ve only FAITHFULLY blogged for 3. :) I started it like any other Momma-2-be….. I was expecting my 1st born & wanted to document it…. or I wanted to talk about the Bachelor or Bachelorette. ;)

What inspires you for your posts?

Life. I truly believe in seeing INSPIRATION everywhere…..  And for me… that is the Bible. Once I read a chapter in the Bible… I come ALIVE.

What has been your favorite part about blogging?

Meeting kind and lovely ladies like Paulina. :) (Instagram really helps me know more about the other bloggers too! Not just in pretty typing.;)) 

Is there a specific post (of yours) that is your favorite?

Oh dear, that’s a hard question. But seriously, I would say…… “Bloom where you are planted”  OR “How to STAY classy while being Single”

Are there blogs that you visit on a daily basis? If so, which ones?  

  • Erin. Because she is SO SWEET..just like her blog!
  • Ruth at because she is an inspiration to me on parenting, marriage and HOMEMAKING!
  • Love because she has a story everyone should read. She is the kindest momma as well!

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

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Most recently, HOOP art…. & my etsy shop to help fund our adoption journey!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Prince Edward Island. :) I would visit all the places of Anne of Green Gables.

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about:
Worship. Singing (it’s my best way of communicating). My marriage. Parenting. Relationships.

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Now that you see what a sweet and fun gal Beka is, I’m sure you want to follow her too! Here’s where you can find her:

Find Beka on Instagram: bunkerboo

Oooooh, and guess what? Beka is offering up a sweet giveaway to go along with this post. Go to her blog and follow her (and feel free to tell her I sent you!) then leave a comment on this post.

 

Thank you so much for visiting today! Have a great rest of your Monday- I’ll talk with you all soon!

Miss You Flowers

Hello! 
It feels like it’s been so long since I was able to craft. For some odd reason, it’s a little hard to do this when you’re in pain and laying down. Thankfully, I’ve been able to stand and sit for longer periods of time and was able to make it up to the craft studio. Yay! 
My friend, Danielle, recently started a new stamp company called Neat & Tangled. I’m so happy and excited for her! I had a hard time deciding which stamp set to purchase, but I finally decided on Fresh Blooms. Cute & whimsical all in one! 
 
You all know I enjoy stamping my own paper, but lately, between the injury and wanting to use up some of my patterned papers, I pulled out quite a bit on this card. Quick & easy card right here! 

It had been a while since I used some of my alphabet stamps….oh my, I forgot how much I love these! I created a fun project with these stamps- you’ll see it in a week or two. ;) 
So happy you stopped by today. I hope you have a fab day! 
 
NOT LISTED: patterned papers, aqua pearls

Thankful Thursday: August 30th

It’s been a week since the accident (story here). The days have been filled with pain, soreness, doctors visits, rest, and lots of pizza. For some reason, the near death experience has left me craving pizza every.single. day. I knew it was my favorite food before, but wow, I’ve taken it to new levels.

I couldn’t let a Thursday go by without doing my Thankful Thursday post. Let’s get to it:

  • I’m alive- after last week, I don’t take any day for granted.
  • The amazing people around me. The amount of texts, emails, phone calls, etc…I’m so blessed.
  • That God orchestrated all the small details of the accident (my sister arriving from out of town early, a friend who was nearby to deal with insurance for me, calming people who found me….)
  • A sweet and encouraging note from an anonymous friend. I came into work for a few hours and was greeted with a note and a Starbucks card. ♥
That’s going to wrap up my post. What are YOU thankful for this week? It can be serious, funny (which will do me good- I need a laugh), or completely random. Whatever your list may be, I can’t wait to read it! :)

Find Pretty Pink Posh on Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

 

10 Minute Craft Dash #1 Highlights

Hello!
It is time to announce the winners of the twine sampler from the 10 Minute Craft Dash Challenge #1. Did you notice I said winners? Since we had such an amazing response, I thought I would surprise you all and offer up another prize! This time around, I had Ginny pick a winner and I also picked a winner. So…..TWO lucky ladies will be receiving a prize for playing along with us.
And the winners are…….
 Ginny’s Winner: Lauren
 My Winner: Nina Yang
You both have won the super yummy twine sampler!
Please email me (click the contact me at the top) with your contact info to claim your prize. Also, you get to grab the badge below and proudly display it on your blog!
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Since there were SO many amazing entries, Ginny and I have some favorites that we would like to highlight. There were certain elements about these projects that stood out to us and we just couldn’t have them go unnoticed. Be sure to visit the links to take a peek! (Also, you five gals are more than welcome to snag this fun badge!)

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The next 10 Minute Craft Dash will be on September 5th and we have another round of AMAZING special designers joining us for this challenge. On top of that, we have a fab sponsor! Lots of fun- you’ll definitely want to stay tuned.
Thank you again for your excitement and participation in our first challenge. I’ll talk with you all later!

Car Accident

There are some things you never want to be involved in. One of them: being in a car accident. The story I have for you may sound crazy or unbelievable, but I promise it’s the truth.

On Thursday, I had my full work day. It was a good day and I was so excited to start my weekend off afterwards with a trip to Target, my favorite store. I was making my way there and started to not feel very good, so I headed in the direction of home. I was feeling clammy, nauseous and dizzy on the drive home and was planning to pull off into a driveway to rest. As I was praying to get parked safely, the next thing I know I can’t see anymore and I’m waking up to a stranger talking to me. “Are you okay? Do you know where you are?- those were the first things I heard when I gained consciousness. After coming to, I learned I had passed out while driving. There was someone talking to the 911 dispatcher, people peering out of their apartments and many people gathering around my car.

Many moments later, the paramedics came and started taking vitals and information. Shortly after, a police officer came and got details and started assessing the damage. The miracle? I had crossed FOUR lanes of traffic (crossing the street with oncoming traffic coming towards me), jumped the curb, narrowly missed a tree and hit two parked cars. On top of that, this is one of the busiest streets in the city I was in and there are practically always pedestrians walking on the sidewalks. It’s a miracle that I didn’t get hit by an oncoming car, didn’t hit any walking pedestrians or hit the tree. Everyone around kept stating that they didn’t know how there wasn’t more damage.

It’s another miracle that I didn’t get more injured. In all reality I shouldn’t still be alive. I know for a fact that angels were watching over me. I went to the doctor on Friday and thus far, there isn’t any signs of lasting injuries. I’m SUPER sore, exhausted, dizzy and nauseous, but I know it could be so much worse. I think the fact that I wasn’t conscious helped since I wasn’t able to tense up beforehand. Also, I was wearing a seat belt so I didn’t fly out the window.

I never wanted to be in an accident- after nine years of driving, I haven’t ever been in an accident while I was the driver. Yes, all of this is a hassle, the pain is almost unbearable today and it’s not cool that my car has to be in the shop. However, I’m blessed to be alive. I’m thankful that my friend was able to come quickly and help talk with insurance while I was still recovering, that my sister was able to come from Seattle and take care of me that night, that there are no broken bones, all the cars involved are still drivable and overall everything should be okay within a few weeks.

I’ve been on mostly on my back these last few days- standing and walking aren’t things I can do for very long right now. I would so appreciate prayers for healing and the pain, along with being able to get back to “normal life” soon. I have a test coming soon to see if they know why I passed out, so I’m hoping that will answer questions.

I’m hoping that I can do what I normally do, but just bear with me if there are gaps between posts. :) I’ll be in contact with Ginny so we can announce the winner of the 10 Minute Craft Dash in the next day or two.

I know this is a super long post and I should go lay down again. I’ll talk with you all soon.

*updates can be found HERE, HERE and HERE.

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Last Day!

Hi there!
I just wanted to pop in and remind you all that TODAY is the last day to enter your crafts into the first 10 Minute Craft Dash. We have had so many great entries and we hope you’ll join us in the fun! When we announce the winner, I’ll have a special surprise- so be sure to stay tuned to the blog for that.
I have another card to share that was created under 10 minutes- I’m really starting to get the hang of crafting with a timer now! :)
Time it took to create: 7 minutes 47 seconds

I decided to go with a different color scheme and pulled out some blues and yellow- definitely not my usual go-to colors! I thought it was unique and a fun little change from my usual pinks and greens.

That’s going to do it for this post. Have a great weekend.