Happy Friday!

Atlanta Skyline, Piedmont Park

Totally loving on Minted.com, a design store and community.

Tamera Mowry-Housley talks about life as a new mom.

Daily hair care must haves by Style Elixir.

If you're ever in need of some great deals on thrifted clothing and jewelry, I purchased a few things from Instagram shops, including from The Forge blog & Tnstagram closet shop.  Always a pleasure!

Blogging
All of A Dose Of Paige's photoshop series:
>> How to Make a Dotted Line
>> How to Make Dropshadow on Text
>> How to Edit & Save Multiple Pictures
>> Using Actions to Watermark Your Photos
>> How to Resize an Entire Folder at Once

Sponsors
>> Win tickets to the San Antonio Current's Cocktail event!
>> Wedding inspiration

Giveaways
>> Stella & Dot
>> Hawaiian Care Package
>> Cool Water Gems

News & Upcoming Opportunities with The Charming blog

If you have a story to share that can maybe help others going through something similar or are interested in contributing a motivational post for Monday Inspirations, email me and I'd love to have you!

I'm looking for August's First Friday Financial guest post!  You can talk about anything under the umbrella of money and finances! :)  Email me if you're interested!

If you are fashion oriented, I'd love to have you be a part of an upcoming project I'm working on!  Email.

Lastly, I could use some guest posts in the month of August (while I'm on vacation!).  Topics can include Monday Inspiration posts, travel posts, recipes, summer to fall transitioning, or anything else your heart may think would be great!  Email me if you'd like to help out!

Happy Friday!

We have roses in our garden!
(Image via my Instagram feed)

The Beauty Department examines diet & beauty.

Tamera Mowry-Housley talks about life as a new mom.

Sweet Kaitlyn from Wifessionals has a great and motivating post about keeping true to yourself as a blogger and pushing away the negativity and drama.

A humbling reflection on learning to be more kind and patient with our loved ones.  I know I am guilty of needing to do this myself.

I just adore this outfit from the wonderful and here's to you, Mrs. Robinson!

The Chiffon Diary explores her battle with productivity.

Jessica Who?'s "20 things I learned in my 20s"

Netflix is officially in talks for the next season of Arrested Development, for all you excited Bluth fans! Did anybody else just love counting all the celebrity guest stars and cameos?

Recipes
>> Hello Hue's yummy pasta salad recipe!
>> Salted Banana Mango ice cream

Giveaways
>> Jenn Creations
>> His & Her's Kindle Paperwhites or $200 PayPal Cash

News & Upcoming Opportunities with The Charming blog

If you have a story to share that can maybe help others going through something similar or are interested in contributing a motivational post for Monday Inspirations, email me and I'd love to have you!

I'm looking for August's First Friday Financial guest post!  You can talk about anything under the umbrella of money and finances! :)  Email me if you're interested!

If you are fashion oriented, I'd love to have you be a part of an upcoming project I'm working on!  Email.

Lastly, I could use some guest posts in the month of August (while I'm on vacation!).  Topics can include Monday Inspiration posts, travel posts, recipes, summer to fall transitioning, or anything else your heart may think would be great!  Email me if you'd like to help out!

Happy Friday!

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This strawberry shortcake recipe sounds delicious.  Cheers to bite size loveliness!

Loving these before and after landscaping talent by rouge & whimsy.

In the mood for a summer chill drink?  How about Glossy Blonde's recipe for a champagne orange grenita cocktail?

Sponsors
>> The mean girls stereotype -- find out what's on this mom's heart.
>> Read up on Kenzie's hair care favorites.

Shopping
>> Loving this handwoven tamuda tray from Anthropologie.
>> I've totally been obsessing over clear globe string lighting for our future patio!  I spotted these at Target.

Giveaways
>> $350 PayPal Cash giveaway
>> $1,500 Cash
>> $30 to Starbucks and 1 month ad space
>> $25 to ModCloth
>> $500 PayPal Cash

Happy Friday!

Have you checked out CHARMING magazine summer issue yet?  It features some amazing bloggers, including The Buerglers, Sunny With A Chance of Sprinkles, Peacoats & Plaid, The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife, and more!

Confessions from an awesome blogger momma.
Mini cotton & leather clutch DIY.
Vital things I learned from my exes by I Wore Yoga Pants to Work.
Pack 20 outfits in one carry on by Stylebook.
Clean green smoothie by IHOD.

Sponsors
>> May Birchbox review by The Ashcraft Bunch
>> How to do the most adorable piggy tails on an adorable little girl named Paisley.
>> Bikini care during the summer months by All My Happy Endings.
>> Sibu Beauty review.

Giveaways
>> White classic bag from Parazul
>> Datevitation
>> $200 to Tiffany & Co

I'm in need of a Financial Friday post contributor for June & July!  Email me if you are interested and I would love to feature you!

Happy Friday!

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Hello lovelies!  Sorry it's been a slow week here on the blog.  

You see, it was finals week the last two weeks, I have a few jobs, we are in the process of buying a house (yay!), I graduate this week (double yay!), and I have a mega giveaway coming up on Monday and the magazine launch the week after that (triple & quadruple yay!).... so my time has been spread pretty thin.  But I know you'll forgive me with all the exciting things coming up both personally and on the blog!

Until then.... here are my oh, so charming finds of the week: 

>> Information about trans fats and reading a label.

>> Chocolate chip & granola bagels recipe.

>> Twenty things Jessica...Who? learned in her early twenties.

>> How Kaitlyn and her husband got rid of $30,000+ of debt so that she could become a stay at home mom.

>> DIY tree stump side tables.

Sponsors

>> "The Happy Mom" by All My Happy Endings
>> Her & Nicole share tips on creating a blog media kit
>> A basic html cheat sheet compiled by All My Happy Endings
>> Check out Sincerly, Lo's military style outfit -- too fun :)
>> Heavens to Betsy has some great photographs from NYC up on her blog

Giveaways

>> $500 Visa Giftcard
>> Samsung Galaxy Tablet or $350 to Amazon
>> $150 PayPal cash
>> $100 to Sephora
>> $50 GC's to Macy's and Target
>> $230

Happy Friday!

I'm totally in the mood for a creamy cucumber salad and iced cucumber water with the weather getting warmer!  Recipe and photography by the Healthy Foodie.

Tutorial on a DIY floral iPhone case by All My Happy Endings.

At-home highlights by Positively Amy.

Have you met Nicole?  Did you know she's moving to South Africa for a few months?  She's totally living the life... meet her, send some love, and enter her giveaway here!

Check out some lovely spring photography from Heavens to Betsy.  Could I have some of these on my wall, please?

Recipe: Triple chocolate fudge-y cookies, posted by The Craft Side of Sarcasm.

Uniquely You: Body Image by Jenny Highsmith --- in case you need some inspiration ;)

Loving this DIY magnet chalkboard for the kiddos by Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles.

Kenzie from the Ashcroft Bunch goes in to her skin care routine.

Sponsors

>> Grin & Barrett's favorite pins for this week.

>> MARY KAY SPECIAL: Purchase the after-sun gel & SPF 30 or 50 for $28 and get a FREE beach tote & SPF lip balm! That's a $40 value! Get with Melissa here to purchase. (Last day!)

>> Working in another culture: Scandinavia

>> 7 ways to be a great commenter on blogs

>> Catch up on some entertaining videos, like a kissing magic card trick!

>> Have you checked out A Lovely Blog Hop?

>> How to customize your email subscription box form by Her & Nicole.

Giveaways

>> $100 to Amazon

>> $500 Cash

>> Starbucks, ad space, jewelry, & more

>> $500 Cash

>> $50 Visa GC

>> Victoria's Secret


Charming News
I am currently accepting advertising for the upcoming Charming lifestyle magazine.  I have such an amazing selection of bloggers contributing articles and expertise.  I am beyond excited and would love to feature your shops and business, even blogs.  There's something for everyone and all the ad spots are interactive with clickable links.  The rates are affordable at $8, $10, and $15 prices points for the quarter page, half page, and whole page ad.  Email me if you're interested or would like more information!

I have a few spots left for the upcoming Charming Mega giveaway!  Multiple prizes, multiple winners, and a private giveaway just for donors and cohosts where you have a good chance to win money and other prizes.  Email me if you are interested!

Happy Friday!

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Check out this new travel blog --- & you may find a familiar face over there today ;)

Camp Patton talks about surviving three kids under three years old.

A simple guide to SEO by Simply Clarke.

Hairspray and High Heels shares some DIY storage ideas for your makeup.

The 5 most annoying fashion trends by Marionberry Style.

Living in Color Print discusses the benefits of forming an LLC in her latest Blogger to Blogger.

Annie from The Ranting Latina talks about becoming an American citizen and a secret she hasn't told her own readers!


From My Sponsors
>> Blogging Necessities by Grin & Barrett
>> Be Beautiful. Be You. Desktop wallpaper by Her and Nicole
>> Vegan Pesto Recipe by Treasure Tromp
>> The Joe Jonas Formal Invite & Response by The Ranting Latina
>> Custom Cover Photos for Facebook Links by Grin & Barrett

Giveaways
>> $50 to Better Life Bags
>> $500 Cash
>> iPad Giveaway
>> $500 Cash
>> $120 Gift Card to Sephora
>> Julep & Mani Bash
>> $450 Visa GC
>> $500 Cash
>> $350 Coach GC
>> $100 to Sephora & Spa Giftcard

P.S.  I am currently accepting advertising for the upcoming Charming lifestyle magazine.  I have such an amazing selection of bloggers contributing articles and expertise.  I am beyond excited and would love to feature your shops and business, even blogs.  There's something for everyone and all the ad spots are interactive with clickable links.  The rates are affordable at $8, $10, and $15 prices points for the quarter page, half page, and whole page ad.  Email me if you're interested or would like more information!

Happy Friday

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Husband stumbled upon this article on useful life hacks / tricks.  We both loved it !

Lindsay from Hello Hue posted what she's learned about dealing with negativity in the blogging community.

Create a smoothie station!

Ten creative date night ideas by Emily from Newlywed Moments!

Do you love Nutella?  It's such a lovely excuse to have something sweet when you're on a diet, in my opinion.  Here are 100 recipes using Nutella!

We are going camping this weekend.  What are you doing?

Happy Friday!!

Happy Friday!

I have a deep love for Amy Poehler.

Since I don't watch award shows, I'm just now discovering this!

Beautiful time-lapse video!  I wish I could upload it here, but it's not on YouTube.

What to see some healthier alternatives to your comfort foods?  I found this article after clicking on a link about healthy mac & cheese -- yes, please!!

Paige from A Dose of Paige share's her top 5 skin tips.

I love these 38 predictions about the future!

Some least likely predictions: "You can log on directly from your brain," "Tax has been abolished in the USA."

Some most likely predictions: "Your computer has a sense of smell," "Land in/around Chernobyl is developed as a national park," "Wealthy people are able to select elements of their offspring's genetic makeup."

This post really inspired me to take the plunge! 

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway by Kristyn of Chits & Giggles!

Happy Friday

Dubai's newest hotel: an underwater one to be named The Water Discus (source)

Needing a way to be better organized with your sponsors and advertisers?  A Dose of Paige may have just the trick!

Check out this post from The 36th Avenue about 15 Adorable V-Day crafts -- in case you need some last minute inspiration!

Don't forget to enter to go meet Renee and then enter the giveaway to win $50 to Sephora!

Other giveaways: MICHAEL KORS WATCH over at Wifessionals blog.

Also, I'm co-hosting a giveaway with Newlywed Moments and other great blogs to give one lucky winner a white-colored KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, valued at $229.99!

Scroll down to enter to win the KitchenAid mixer!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Friday!

I am totally smitten with Metal Marvels and the new additions!  Check these out!

Get some road trip wisdom if you're planning on roadtripping anytime ever.  This fabulous post was written by Ashley of Oh Wells Instead of What Ifs and was posted on the lovely Renee's blog, This Won't Hurt A Bit.

I lovelovelove washi tape... so when I stumbled across Joy's Pinterest board dedicate to washi tape inspiration, I was definitely inspired!  How do you washi?  This picture might be my new favorite way to washi: 

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Thanks, Joy, for the utterly adorable inspiration!  Now, on to where to get washi ....
-->  Bahana Splits Boutique (my personal favorite)

Lastly, if you're like me and a goal for 2013 was to become more organized, you can now get inspired from this awesome planner!

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Happy Friday!

Ready for some oh so charming finds??  After a hectic week in the blog world, I'm ready for some normalcy!

Don't forget to enter in this week's giveaway: Meet Kristyn and enter to win $25 to Target!

Paige from Eloping Stethoscope discusses her reasons for making Bloglovin' her official reader.  She's convinced me because I have so many issues with Google Reader right now!

Camp Patton posts a two-ingredient pancake recipe that you may or may not fall in love with :

So, going in the opposite direction as healthy..... Pulchritude posts a recipe for butterfinger bark (I love me some butterfingers!).

Make your own diffusers (you know, if you're like me and cringe at the prices but love diffusers!) c/o My Pinterest Reality.

A Classy Occasion points me in the direction of this beautiful DIY winter snow globe by SaltTree.

Are you a no-reply blogger?  I went out of my way a few months ago to make sure I wasn't, only to find out that I was because I had a Google+ account.  So I deleted that.... now if someone could see if I am still a no-reply blogger, that'd be fab.  Anyways, Jessica Who? talks about remedying the situation.

Ten on Ten Link up tomorrow!!  I'd love to have you and get to know you better!  Here are the questions : 

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What are your favorite aromas of this season?

3. What are you looking forward to most on Th

anksgiving? OR For those not in America, when and how do you celebrate your country's Thanksgiving-esque holiday?

4. Blogger you'd love to meet in real life?

5. Participating in any exciting blog swaps this season? Share!

6. When the weather starts changing, where would we find you?

7. Have you had any experiences lately that you just have to brag about? Share!

8. Tea or coffee?

9. Any book recommendations?

10. Do you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah? A mixture of both? Something else?

Happy Friday!

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I absolutely love these DIY individual mini gum ball machines as favors!

Wanting to get creative for the upcoming holidays?  Here you can make your own scent jars!  This is by far one of the coolest, most practical DIY I've seen so far.

For all you photographers out there that love to work in the field more than in post processing, A Beautiful Mess has a DIY to create your own photo filters!

I love IHOD's version of the DIY studded heels.

Husband and I like to incorporate natural colors in our home, so green is a color that we use as an accent a lot.  These green damask coasters by The Coaster Shop are so perfect -- and they take custom orders!

Stars Wars Finds

Happy Friday!  How about some oh so charming finds inspired by my absolute love for Star Wars? 

Disclaimer: many of these may be for my unborn children.  *Duncan rolls eyes*

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Happy Friday!

SOME OH SO CHARMING FINDS TO TICKLE YOUR FANCY: 

Anja from Cocalores did a great chair makeover!  I totally want to sit in that chair right now... 

I love these beautiful coasters by The Coaster Shop.  I probably need to place an order soon...

(source via binnit.com)

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Make your own a-frame tent by A Beautiful Mess.

DIY belted camera straps by In Honor of Design.

Mango & pine nut kale salad by Young People in Love.

Updating a chair without upholstering by Emily A. Clark.

I am madly obsessed with this beautiful maternity shot of Casey Wiegand:

Well, as your fancy been tickled?  Have a great weekend!

Happy Friday!

OH SO CHARMING FINDS FOR YOUR WEEKEND:

Though I certainly enjoy a good television series, there are few that I am actually obsessed with.  I just turned my husband on to Parks and Recreation.  So, I am watching it for the second time with him so he can see it and it still cracks me up every darn episode.  Anywho, Ron Swanson (played by Nick Offerman) is married in real life to Megan Mullally (the actress who plays Karen Walker from Will & Grace and sometimes makes an appearance as Ron's ex-wife, Tammy).  I ran across this article peeking in to their home.  Love it.  

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Also, in honor of Shark Week:

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And, of course, I need to take this time to get on my soap box, because as much as I love SharkWeek, Discovery Channel kind of does a bad job convincing people that they are as vital as they are for the ocean ecosystem.

Sharks, which have been around since before the dinosaurs, serve has important regulators of the ocean ecosystem.  Think of it like the butterfly effect.  Sharks also really do not like the taste of humans.  In the decade spanning 2001 to 2010, it was reported that the average number of deaths per year was 4.3 (source).  Now, you've heard the saying, you are more likely to die from a bee sting or in your bathtub.  Lastly, of the 440 species of sharks, only a handful are considered "potentially" dangerous to humans.  Keep in mind, only about ten of those species are greater than ten feet in length (some sharks are as small as a few inches!) and the largest shark species is the gentle, harmless whale shark which can reach about 40 feet.  Some species prefer depths off several hundred feet and will never be seen by humans like you and me.  Okay, I'm done.  On to more Friday Finds!!

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Would you be interested in these eight homemade hair treatments?

Do you ever have a craving for something sweet?  I do!  I like to have something sweet after dinnertime.  I don't need a nice creme brulee, those mini Hersey bars would suffice.  But, if you're wanting a nice chocolate chip cookie easy bake for one, here is a great recipe!

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I totally love these colored mason jars:

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What are your weekend plans?

Happy Friday!

OH SO CHARMING FINDS:

Do you hate dealing with cell phone cords when you're charging your phone?  I definitely do!  Check out this easy DIY:

Check out these seven stylish ways to declutter your beauty supplies.

Pioneer Woman made fresh mozzarella from scratch!

Wanting a fashionable denim vest without spending a lot of money?  IHOD has your solution.

This is a great maternity DIY on making your own belly band:

Samantha from Petite Femme Jolie teaches you how to make calzones.

oh so charming finds

Christmas in July?  I think so!  Check it out on Framed Frosting!

Interested in learning how to batch edit photos?  Kaelah Bee from Little Chief Honeybee has a great how-to post for Photoshop Elements users.

This is the cutest DIY recipe book featured on A Beautiful Mess by I Might Just Explode.

Have you checked out this recipe for a skinny blueberry cobbler?  I. Am. Not. Kidding when I tell you how obsessed I am with Honey & Nutmeg's recipe.  I will be making a blueberry version for myself and a peach version for the husband.

I think these earrings are the perfect addition to a nurse's wardrobe.  I don't know about you, but my earrings have to be studs!

Lastly, are you genetically like your mother, apart from the obvious?