Meet Kenzie + a #giveaway

Hello everyone! I am Kenzie from The Ashcraft Bunch! I just love Amy and she is so sweet! She is definitely one of those girls that you want to be BFF's with. I am a wife of almost two years and mom to a one year old little girl! I start nursing school in a month and am so ready for this new chapter of education. I love spending time with family and friends, baking, and DIY projects. If you know me well, you know that I am a Target guru. It is probably a good thing that the closest one is over an hour away or I would be absolutely broke. Today I am sharing the love and giving away one $50.00 gift card as well as a free queen ad space on my blog! Be sure to enter honestly and I can't wait to make new friends and get to know you better! Big thanks to Amy for featuring me on her blog! 

Q. How do you and your husband stay spiritual with each other?

A. Prayer and reading scripture together. We always pray together, especially for our marriage, things we need to work on, and parenting. It's essential for us that God is always our center. We love our church as well as our Wednesday night Bible study + staying active in our church.

Q. Brag about Oklahoma.

A. Oklahoma State-enough said. ;) Ok I am just kidding, kind of. I went to college there so I am pretty biased and I LOVE my school. However, as a state especially after everything that has happened with the tornado devastation, I am so proud to be an "Okie." During tough times, you can always count on us to come together and get through it as one. I've lived here my whole life and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Oklahoma will always be "home."

Q. What inspired you to go to nursing school and become a nurse?

A. Becoming a Mom. Crazy as it sounds when we left the hospital and took Paisley home, I knew that was what I wanted to do in life. I had the most amazing nurses when I delivered and I want to be one of them. I have a heart to help people and I feel like this is what God has called me to do. 

Q. What is your advice to new moms?

A. Soak every single moment and milestone up. They grow too fast. It feels like it was yesterday that we brought her home and now she is walking and going on two years old. Time really flies when you become a parent.

Q. What do you do to find your "Kenzie-time"?

A. Blogging. I started my blog in January 2012 to keep family and friends up to date on our lives in a more personal way and it turned into so much for me. When I have had a long day, I love to just sit, read, and write. It is such a stress reliever for me and I have made so many amazing friends. I also love the occasional pedicure, massage, and good book. ;)

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This giveaway is in no way associated with Target.

The Charming Mega Giveaway

Hello, friends!  I'm excited to announce The Charming Mega Giveaway.  Twelve lovely and oh so charming ladies are all here to give five of you wonderful friends something fun for the summer!  Scroll down, meet the ladies, send them some love, and enter to win one of five prizes! 

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Giveaway rules: This giveaway will run from Monday, May 13 at midnight EST to Sunday, May 19 at midnight EST.  This giveaway has no affiliation with Adobe, Target, PayPal, Starbucks, or the authors and publishers of Cupcakes and Cashmere and Blog, Inc.  This giveaway was put together with love from these twelve bloggers to give followers the opportunity to win one of these five prizes.  Winners will be announced via the Rafflecopter widget as well as via email once the winning entries have been confirmed.  Thank you and good luck!

Meet Rekita + a #giveaway

Hi Charmings! I am Rekita and I blog over at Her & Nicole. I know the name is kind of confusing, I know because I have had people comment and call me Nicole. Which is perfectly fine because I am both Rekita and Nicole. I like to think I have an alter-ego like Beyonce has Sasha Fierce, except I am not as fierce. But Rekita is the mommy, the army wife (Hooah.), and your friend. Nicole is the artist (sort of), and a creative writer. But both Rekita and Nicole loves to make you laugh and smile. Confused yet? Any-who my blog is basically about my growing family (expecting a little Missy in August), things that will make you ROFL, things that make me go "oooohh", and Design!

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

You are the only female in a house full of boys.  What is that like for you as a lifestyle blogger?

Since I am a stay at home mom, it can sometimes be very chaotic in my household. I could be typing something and end up typing a conversation me and my 4 year old are having. Or my toddler would have a fit if I dare open my laptop and as soon as I close it he is happy. But at times, having them to snap me back into reality really helps. I can spend hours trying to maintain my blog and maintaining connections. I learned to get more organized and have daily routine. The big question is do I stay organized and stick to my routine....um, not always. But if I didn't at least try, my husband would probably divorce me, lol.

Any parenting tips?

Oh my God, no! My kids are crazy. Lol, I just say you have to be patient and creative. Especially if you have multiple children, you have to have a routine and sometime for yourself. Also realize that Child #2 can and will be totally different from Child #1. My boys are like night and day.

You've been with your husband for 14 years total (since you were a Freshman in high school!), and have gone through deployments, what have you learned about yourself as well as being one of two during that time?

Wow, I knew that man that long? First I just wanted to say, I adore my husband and he is my biggest blog supporter. With us being apart, I had to be a little stronger not just for myself but for my husband and children. I knew he was having a rough time being thousands of miles away, so I tried to make things great at home and not complain to him alot. It was very hard and there were times when I felt like giving up, but I would think of what he is going through and just keep moving.

You are very creative and do blog designs, what is a design tip you think everyone should know?

I have been through like 50 designs maybe. I have say the best design tip is to have an organized blog. Your really doesn't need the fancy fonts, vibrant colors, or graphics. However, a clean, fresh, and organized blog is easier to read and will have people coming back.

What do you look for when developing your style as a woman?

I look for something that is trendy yet comfortable and casual.  I also look at the prices, I have a growing family you know!

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Meet Nicole from Treasure Tromp + #Giveaway

Hi there The Charming readers! I'm Nicole, the lady behind the blog Treasure Tromp (and that handsome man is my new fiancé - see below)
I started my blog as a way to document my attempts at finding life's hidden, little treasures ... and as a way to distract myself from my Ph.D. studies in psychology - just don't tell my professors. When I'm not studying, teaching, or working on program evaluations, I like to go hiking / camping, and make a huge mess in the kitchen. A few important things to know before you visit my blog:
♥ I'm a California girl, born and raised. I've been living in the Los Angeles / Orange County area for the last 8 years, but I was grew up in Sonoma, the heart of the wine country (here are some of my favorite wineries)
♥ I have a slight obsession with hedgehogs. Aren't they just the cutest? Some of my other favorite things that I blog about - bows, riding my bike, and sushi. All wonderful things, yes?

♥ My boyfriend fiancé and I just got engaged! While we were hiking / camping in our favorite spot. It was perfect. Although I have absolutely no idea where to start when it comes to planning a wedding
♥ Lately I've been traveling quite a bit. This year: Kauai, Sweden, Denmark, the Grand Canyon, and Prescott. Next stop? Moving to South Africa for 6 months!
I hope that you join me on my new adventures in South Africa, and as I attempt to plan a wedding while living in another country! Come stop by my blog to say hello, or follow along on my twitter, facebook, or instagram - can't wait to meet you! love love!

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Meet Lauren + $25 to J. Crew

Hi lovely readers of The Charming!

I'm Lauren from Style Elixir (http://www.stylelixir.com) and feel so lucky Amy has invited me to be a part of her blog today.  Like many of you, I adore all things fashion, beauty, health and fitness - so I created Style Elixir as a place to share everything I love and am passionate about.

Want to know one of my absolute favorite parts about blogging?  It's getting to know my readers - I love to know your thoughts on things I write about... like Chivalry, What's It To You? or Multitasking Mayhem. Are you a serial multi-tasker? I explore the results and why we need to stop!

I'm also a fashion lover and host a weekly link-up called Style Sessions.  This takes place every week, from Tuesday 5am PST and runs until Saturday at 6pm PST.  It's the perfect place to show your style, be inspired by others and also meet new blog friends!  You can share anything fashion related... whether you coerced your spouse into doing a full fashion shoot, conducted your own quick mirror photo fest, or are on a budget and would like to create a 'virtual outfit', we'd love to see it! Plus, each week one person is selected to feature as Head Stylist in the following Style Sessions - a great way to really showcase your style and your blog!

There are few things I adore more than getting to know new Style Elixir readers - so please come by and say hi! I'd love to e-meet you!  Lauren xx

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Sponsors, Giveaways, & First Things First

Hey friends!

It's been a bit busy in my life over here, I'm working on school, my upcoming graduation, client work, and the upcoming lifestyle magazine (which reminds me, if you haven't received an email back from me you will soon!).

I do have a few backup posts for such a time as now, fortunately!  I just haven't even had time to get to the blog to schedule them!  I will be in full swing next week, though :)  

I also still have openings for April advertising spots! I am having 20% off all ads using the code APRIL20 .  Visit my advertising page to get your spot!

sponsor love.

Meet Courtney and learn about her faith, blogging, and upcoming baby numero uno!  Plus, you can then enter the giveaway for $20 to Target.  I personally love Target. :)  I also really love this post about how her and her husband told their families!

Halie has some fun Tuesday link ups called First Things First:

Today's topics: 

First Roommate (s)

First Time Living Away from Home

First Dorm Room at College

I'm going to briefly answer these at the end of the post. :)  Go link up !  I love writing prompts!

Lauren is such a sweetheart with a lovely sense of style!  Every Tuesday she has a Style Sessions link up!  It's been awhile since I've done an outfit post (though I have one ready to go in my camera....), but this is definitely going to be something I'll be participating in!  It's so much fun seeing everyone's sense of style.  If you have any favorite or upcoming style posts, you should consider linking up!

Last but certainly not least is the wonderful Kristyn.  You've all met her before on my blog and she's a fellow Atlantan (though we haven't been able to have a blate yet!)  She's always such a doll !  You'll be seeing her around these parts again, pretty soon :)

giveaways.

There are some awesome giveaways going on in the blogosphere.  I'm going to some up some fun ones for you!

• $20 to Target
• KitchenAid Stand Mixer
• $1,000
• Verismo Coffee System
• Coach Purse
• $1,000

First Roommate: The first college I attended after high school graduation was a small liberal arts university.  It was a beautiful campus with gorgeous Southern architecture and history galore.  The college did a great job of pairing roommates that come from the same cities/areas (I guess to share rides commuting between home and campus).  I met my roommate where we lived the summer before college began, we seemed to have a lot in common.  But we ended up just kind of going our separate ways.  She met this guy who would also be starting at the same university and they spent what seemed like 100% of their time together.  I was trying to balance my faith and living on my own for the first time.  Fortunately, we were only suite mates.  I was fortunate to have a room to myself and we only shared a bathroom.  When I transferred out at the end of the semester, I didn't even say goodbye.  I mean I had a lot going on and it just didn't even occur to me.  But I hear they are engaged now and I'm glad they are still together.  They seemed like a good pairing. :)

First Time Living Away from Home: college as aforementioned :)  It was a super interesting adjustment.  I was around a lot of things I wasn't really comfortable with and dorm life is awful.  I guess I was also being all prudish, but I still managed to find a good group of friends with Campus Catholics and a sorority I was planning on rushing in (but ended up backing out when a sorority weekend coincided with another obligation I had as a member of Regnum Christi, a sect within the Church).  It was in Campus Catholics that I met my husband, two of my bridesmaids, and two of my husband's groomsmen.  So I guess this was still a pretty awesome time in my life ;)  Even though I moved back home because I transferred to a university closer to home, I still enjoyed visiting my friends over the next few semesters.

First Dorm Room at College: as I mentioned, I had my own little space and I only shared a bathroom with my suite mate.  For some reason I was in to black, white, and red.  So I had black bath towels, a red run, a zebra blanket, a black comforter, and black, white, and red decorations.  Including an Eiffel tower from Target.  In fact, I might have gotten the majority of things form Target (love Target!).  I actually really don't like the color red now, so I never really kept any of the red stuff from that "theme." But I still have the zebra blanket and use the black bath towels.  I pulled these picture from Facebook to show you ;)

Meet Courtney from exodus31three + $20 to Target!

Hello The Charming readers! I'm Courtney and I blog over at exodus31three. I write about anything from faith, DIY, puppies and our life as not-so-newlyweds & soon-to-be parents! We'll be expecting our first baby in October of this year and are thrilled! I'd love for you to come by and say hello sometime!

What inspired you to start blogging?

I actually have a friend who was blogging and kept telling me to do the same. I was hesitant at first because I worried I wouldn't have anything to write about. I loved reading her blog as well as others and finally convinced myself to start one...and just hoped that someone would want to read it!

Brag about Memphis :)

Most people who grow up in Memphis always talk about how they can't wait to move away. I never felt that way (possibly because my family is here), but I have grown to love this city so much in the past few years. Midtown and Downtown Memphis have so much to offer and are so cultural and artsy. My husband and I love discovering new restaurants in our town, despite having lived here our entire lives!

You've been married for three years and have a baby on the way, are there any life lessons that you feel have prepared your for this time of your life?

The main thing that I feel has prepared me for having a baby is the fact that I've been a babysitter since I was about 13. I've seen it all when it comes to kids. This past summer I nannied a set of 6 month old twins and their two year old brother, so I feel like I can manage pretty well with one of our own. We are so excited for this time in our lives. I know that having our own child will be so different than just babysitting, but we've got to take each day as it comes, I guess!

What about the passage Exodus 31:3 do you incorporate in to your daily life?

Picking out a name for the blog was something that took what seemed like forever. Nothing seemed to fit. One day, I was doing some daily reading and came across this verse. 

"And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs."

Instantly I knew that this was my blog name. I've always been an artsy/crafty person and fell in love with this verse. I feel like I've always got several art projects going on at once. I could never be satisfied without some type of arts & crafts in my life!

You say your heart is in Brazil, what were some things that made your fall in love with it?

The people. Without a doubt. I went to Brazil for varying amounts of time for five consecutive summers. The fact that I got to go back each year and see all the friends that I made was something I will never forget. Luckily, with Facebook, I get to talk to all of my Brazilian friends whenever I want now! I would love to go back in the next few years and take my husband (and future baby)!

What do you learn from the blogging community?

Each blogger is so different. I have loved getting to know so many women from all over. I've learned creative DIY's, new things to cook for dinner, but most importantly I've learned the importance of being true to your blog and why you started it.

Other than blogging, what are your creative outlets?

Like I mentioned earlier, I love art and crafting. Working full time has prevented me from being creative as much as I would like, but I always try and do something "artsy" at least once a week - whether it be just doodling or finding a new DIY project to tackle!

Now, on to the giveaway!!!

How about $20 to Target to help start a new summer style?

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Win a KitchenAid Stand Mixer!

Today is the first day of spring!! To celebrate, Newlywed Moments and friends are giving away a KitchenAid Mixer!! Why? Because it's a newlywed must-have. I absolutely love my mixer. I can just leave it mixing while I finish up another part of dinner! It is so very helpful! One lucky reader will win this white-colored KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer! Rules & Information: -- Giveaway is open to U.S. readers only. -- The winner will be verified, so please enter honestly. -- The winner will be notified by email on 3/27/13 and will have 24 hours to respond.

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A $1000 Giveaway

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Win a Starbucks Verismo Coffee System!

It's a March Madness Birthday Celebration over at Big Apple Mami and I'm joining 16 other bloggers to celebrate and give you an awesome prize!  There are actually several reasons Kristina at Big Apple Mami is celebrating this month including two birthdays, an 11th wedding anniversary and her sweet little 1 month old, Mateo who was supposed to be born in March, but arrived on Valentine's Day instead! :)

So let's party!!!  This Giveaway will run from March 18th - March 28th (Kristina's actual birthday) and once all entries have been verified, the winner will be announced. Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win! Good luck and Happy Entering! 

Roundup + Giveaway!

I had the idea to do a Design Week in December of last year.  I figured that it would be a wonderful way to showcase some talented and beloved designers and bloggers out there as well as a great way to compile some valuable information.  We Do Design, coined by the lovely Rachel from lala Lists, became so much more amazing than I originally imagined.  I met some wonderful bloggers and designers and every single post (or "session") turned out so amazing and perfect.  I am beyond grateful to each of these 14 girls who took the time to put together a fabulous post and I really hope that you all were able to benefit from their expertise.  To conclude the amazing whirlwind of a week, I have round up the 14 sessions and have one last surprise for all of you: a giveaway!  Eleven of you will have the opportunity to win designs for your blogs.  So spread the love to these 14 amazing woman by entering, following, and showing your support to their blogs and business.  Thank you!

Love, A.

>> Typography (+) March Downloadable Calendar by Rachel from lala Lists

>> 8 Tips to a Lovely Blog Design by Aimee from By Aimee

>> How to Make a Meet Me Button by Lindsay from Simple Life of a Housewife

>> Button Design Using PicMonkey by Stefani from Simply Stefani

>> Kinch Q&A by Aubrey from The Kinch Life

>> Becoming YOU.com by Amy from The Charming

>> The Design Process (+) Using Sketchpad by Melissa from Melissa Rose Design

>> Creating a Mission Statement by Shaina from ShadyLane Blog

>> Adding a Signature to Your Posts by Kristen from Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

>> How to Have Different Backgrounds for Each Page by Sarah from Family Darr

>> Pretty Free Fonts by Chelsea from Olive + Ivy

>> Tips & Inspiration for a Unique Blog Header by Gia from Lovely Serendipity

>> Creating a Reader-Friendly Layout by Melissa from The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife

>> Fabulous Design Resources by Kristen from KV's Confessions
>> Color Theory by Stefani from Simply Stefani

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Happy Birthday Messy.Dirty.Hair.!

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Meet Kristyn + Get Fit!

Kristyn from Chits & Giggles!

Hello there, The Charming readers.  I would like to share my weight loss journey with you today.  I hope you guys are ok with that.  Weight has been something I have recently been struggling with and I finally made the decision to do something about it.
I started Weight Watchers about 2 weeks ago.  I struggled for a really long time if I should join or not.  I had tried free apps to help you track your food, but they didn't really work for me.  I knew I had to do something though, especially after Jeremy proposed.  
When I walk down the aisle, I want to feel the best "me" I can.  And that means losing some weight.  So, I finally decided to start WW.  My ultimate goal is to lose about 20lbs before wedding day.  It's very doable and I know I can get there...I just knew I needed some help.
Let me tell you a little bit about why I think WW works:
1.  It's easily accessible. I am doing the online only option.  I don't go to meetings or anything like that, but I still feel like I am getting the full WW experience.  I can log on from my computer at home or use the app that is free to me if I need to.  
2.  Restaurants  The Tracker tool and the app makes going out to eat so so easy.  Yes, it takes a little bit of planning, but it really is so simple to do.  Simply search for what restaurant you are going to and then see how many points each item is.  Could it be any easier?  The WW Website says that if you go out to eat, you have to know what you are getting before you get there.  This is key and huge.  Don't open that menu.  You did the research ahead of time, so use that.  Trust that.  The food will be delicious...remember that.
3.  It's easy to understand.   Once you sign up you are given your daily points.  These are for when you are tracking how much you eat during the day.  You also get Weekly Points that you can use anyway you wish.  Think of them as rollover points or safety points.  If you go over your points one day, no big deal.  It will just deduct from your Weekly point allowance.
4.  The apps Holy my goodness these apps are awesome.  I honestly think they are the reason I can stay on this plan for the long haul.  Let me explain.  I use 2 apps.  The Tracker app which is just like the Tracker on the computer.  So, you can track your food while you are on the go.  I love this because you aren't always by a computer, but can still keep up with things.  (The free apps out there are similar to WW in this regard).
The 2nd app is probably my favorite.  It's the Scanner app.  Not everything is endorsed by WW, so tracking the points can be hard.  Well...not any more.  This scanner app is so amazing.  First, it's free to users.  Second, you can easily scan a bar code (UPC code) at the grocery store to know exactly how many points it is.  Cool right?  Um..yea!  And even cooler is that after you scan it and it shows you the point total, you can add it to your Tracker app by a push of a button.  Simple and easy.  This is truly the easiest weight loss app out there.  Scan, tap, and it's tracked.  Amazing!
I could go on and on about why I think WW is the best weight loss solution out there, I really could.  But I don't want to bore you guys.  So, if you are contemplating joining and have questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  I love comments and try to respond to each one!
Oh, you want to know my progress? 
Well.  I won't tell you my starting weight, but I will say that I am already down 8.6lbs since I started 2 weeks ago.  That's 2 weeks worth of tracking and it's making a huge difference in the scale.  I weigh every morning and I can say that the scale is down again already so this thing works!  
A sidenote:  I know that this number will not always be this high.  I also know that each of us is different and we all lose weight at different paces.  I am in NO way trying to make you feel like you are doing something wrong.  You aren't!  Keep up what you are doing.  I also know that my weight will probably hit that icky plateau eventually and I will be stuck.  I am pretty excited for how well it's going so far though.
I was also not endorsed by WW to provide a post.  I pay them each month like everyone else.  I received no compensation from them for this post.  All opinions are my own.
I am giving away a fabulous workout DVD of your choice as long with some free hand weights.  Enter below!

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Meet Brittany of The Sapphire Bee!

Hello! I am Brittany Michelle, former hairstylist and makeup artist turned business owner, blogger and housewife in training. You can currently find me sharing way too many details about myself at The Sapphire Bee Blog and running The Sapphire Bee boutique where I create fun and quirky accessories from hand. I live just outside San Francisco in Northern California's Bay Area with my musician boyfriend. When I am not blogging or crafting you can find me in the kitchen whipping up some pinteresting treats or traveling the world! I love making new friends and I am super excited to be here on The Charming to share a little bit of me with you! 

1. Why did you start TSB?

Working in the beauty industry you wear a lot of black and I began crafting and making accessories to breathe color and life into my depressing wardrobe. All of the pieces and collections in my shop are very much inspired by my own fashion sense -- many times I will make something for myself and it will morph into something that you see in the shop. The idea to open a shop happened after a lady tried to buy a necklace I had made off me on the subway. After that the shop as you see it today began to take shape. 

2. Why did you stop being a hairstylist and a make up artist?

I got into the industry when I was 16 and I have achieved more as a makeup artist than I ever dreamed I would, but somewhere along the way the spark burnt out and it wasn't fulfilling me the way it once did. In 2009 my mom was diagnosed with cancer and it was a huge reality check -- so I took some time off to figure out what I wanted to do. I went to back to school, I traveled a lot, and tried my hand at many things. I still do makeup and hair on the side, and work red carpet/special events from time to time because I could never leave the industry completely -- it's a part of who I am. One of the goals is to  incorporate more beauty into my blog -- after all hair and makeup are accessories too! 

3. Describe your perfect Saturday.

Sitting on a warm beach with the latest fashion magazines and no cell phone, just drowning in the day and the sun.

4. Brag about San Francisco.

The Chinese fortune cookie was invited here in a Japanese tea garden, and it's also the birth place of denim jeans. There are over 300 coffee shops within the city limits and Irish coffee was invented here. It ranks 4th in the world in terms of billionaires that call it come. The computer mouse was invented in the bay area and the picture of the rolling hills against the blue sky which is the default wallpaper on Windows XP was shot in Napa Valley. There are so many fun and different areas in San Francisco to explore, from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square -- the city is filled with interesting facts, landmarks and tourist attractions! To me San Francisco is the west coast New York City only with better weather! 

5. Any travel tips? 

I like to pack small ziplock bags with all my accessories for each outfit -- it ensures that necklaces don't get tangled up together and that I have everything I need to look my best! 

Or places you've loved visiting.

My boyfriend and I recently took a cruise to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. I would like to go on more cruises -- if you've never been on one, its an awesome way to travel plus its all inclusive! The place that I loved visiting the most was Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, I would really love to go back there!! 

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Renee from This Won't Hurt A Bit

Meet Renee from This Won't Hurt a Bit.  I've been following her blog for at least a year now and she is one of the sweetest bloggers that I know -- and quite a busy one!!  She decided to take up travel nursing in 2012, so I followed her journey from Mississippi to California!  How exciting for her!  She was also my first blate when she visited Atlanta Labor Day weekend last year!  If you're interested in her adventures on the west coast, what it's like being a nurse for your day (or night, in her case) job, or looking for a little southern hospitality in a fun blog, head on over to love on Renee!  (Though stick around here for awhile to read more about Renee and then enter to win $50 to one of her favorite stores, Sephora!)

What drew you into a nursing career?

The first thing that drew me into a nursing career was the fact that I could go to school for two years after my pre-requisites and then have a legit career with many different options as to what to do. Teaching nursing, working in a hospital or a clinic, advancing my degree and getting my Nurse Practitioner degree. There are just so many options.

Why travel nursing?

The allure of being able to travel and see different sights is what made me want to do travel nursing in the first place. Along with the fact that you make more money usually. That always helps. Also, being able to travel and work at the same time makes a difference as well.

What have you learned from being a nurse? (Or from travel nursing.)

I've learned many things from nursing. Now if only my night-shift fried brain can think of them. I've learned that you need to have conversations with family and loved ones about end of life wishes before that time comes and the time passes. You should cherish time on earth generously because you never know when it will end. Burnout in the ICU setting can happen to anyone and it can make you lose compassion.

What are some of your goals/plans for 2013?

Goals for 2013... Renew my passport. Eat better, more fruits and veggies. Attempt juicing. Take more time to comment on blog posts I love. Small things but accomplishable things.

What did you learn from 2012?

I learned that people may walk out of your life for a reason but you have to let that go and let them go in order to move on. No matter how hard it may be. I also learned to take chances and leap with both feet in because the results may be wonderful despite the fear that can come with chances and leaps. :)

What was it like driving from Mississippi to California all by yourself?  Were there any highlights from your trip / did you stop and see anything noteworthy?

Umm, it was empowering and slightly scary but so rewarding to know that I am independent enough to not have to rely on anyone else. On the way out to Cali while I was driving by myself I didn't make any fun stops. Recently when I came back home for a few weeks over the holidays my aunt flew out and then we took our time and had a twelve day road trip back. We saw Napa Valley, San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas, and Grand Canyon.

Why have you decided to continue travel nursing?

I decided to continue travel nursing after being somewhat homesick and up in the air about it after two assignments. And to be completely honest, I think I just needed to find friends to connect with to feel like this place was a home away from home. No matter where you are you need friends. And so now I have a roommate and I'm not living in a hotel like I did for 6 months so that makes it better too!

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Introducing Katie & Metal Marvels Shop!

Hello Charming Blog readers!

I hope you are all having a fabulous day I am SO thankful to Amy for having me here

This is me: Katie

Some of you may have seen me before on other blogs, a giveaway or sponsor post

Talking about a little ol' blog I have called Girl on a Mission to Lose the Cushion If you're not familiar here's a run down It's the blog I started to hold myself accountable in my crazy weight loss journey

But today I am here to talk you about something new, SUPER exciting, fun and GORGEOUS So a little run down about me. I am a broke, just recently employed, college student I am studying to obtain my Bachelors in Business Management I love it! I've worked in retail my entire life as well as managed a retail store Soooo I thought what better way to put ALL of this together then to come up with this... Metal Marvels

I know, I know. You're saying to yourself, "That means nothing to me." Well let me tell you all about it, It is an online jewelry store!

My online jewelry store ♥
Shop // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Email // Marketplace Store

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE jewelry and I know what it feels like when you have that Ah Ha moment when that piece you bought fits perfectly with that great outfit you're wearing Here's just a sneak peek of my jewelry for sale!

So that is what I hope to bring to you: That perfect piece for the outfit you're planning, an everyday wear, that fun whimsical piece of jewelry, or something that makes a statement or helps a cause. I really hope you come visit me and maybe purchase some jewelry to add to your collection! Also, if you go to the Marketplace store you can "watch" my store so you know when I have new items!

  LOOK WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU!!! If you go to my site and use code: MARVELS10 you get 10% off EVERYTHING! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand even better, A GIVEAWAY!!!
Enter below to win these two gorgeous items A Mustache Ring and a Bronze All Studded Bangle Bracelet

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 GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!! Enter & then stop by and see me ♥ Thanks for listening to me and taking the time to read. Love to all of you!

Mega New Years Giveaway!

Welcome to the biggest giveaway of 2013! 

All of the incredibly generous ladies below have contributed

over $1200 in prizes that 3 unbelievably lucky ducks will win!

The fine print:

*Must be a follower of Peacoats & Plaid via GFC or RSS to win

*Winners of each prize pack will be verified

*You can enter all prize packs

*Sponsors, you are able to enter whatever prize pack you are not contributing to

Prize Pack Un:

$15 Chelsea Cecelia Etsy shop credit from The Big, Beautiful, and Broke Blog
$10 value 2 months "Just Browsing" ad space from Tales of a 20 Something
$10 Amazon gift card AND $10 value large ad space from Wannabe Green
$20 value 2 months "Venti" ad space from Swell & Stylish
$10 value featured ad space from Discover.Create.Live.
$10 value VIP ad space from Girl Booklet
$15 value Ooh Baby Designs infinity scarf from Oh That Emily
$10 Nordstrom gift card AND $5 Starbucks gift card AND $5 value ad space from The Pretty Pinhead
$20 value Stella and Dot swallow stud earrings from The Casual Stay at Home

$12 value ad space from By the Porchlight
$10 value set of 8 customized wine bottle tags from Making Life Whimsical
$5 value top position large ad space from The Burghal Girl
$30 value 3 months medium ad space AND $10 Target gift card from Lulu & Sweet Pea
$10 Etsy gift card AND $10 value ad space from Champagne & Cardigans

$10 value ad space, guest post, and g+ or skype chat from Bold Butter Baby
$65 value Estee Lauder advanced night repair eye cream and 2 spa products from My Fashion Forward Blog
$15 value "Sweetly Sassy" ad space from Glossy Blonde
$10 value 200 x 200 ad space from Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
$12 value Buying Erica pair of hair bows and MUA nail polish from Being Erica
$20 value 2 months medium ad space from A.k.a. Chymecindy
$70 value prize pack including: $10 Target gift card AND $10 Starbucks gift card AND Caress prize pack AND 2 months of ad space from The Mustache Diaries
$20 value 2 months medium ad space from Satisfaction Through Christ
$13 value Starbucks gift card AND ad space from Newborn Mama

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Prize Pack Deux:

$8 value chevron mug hug from Chevron Stitches
$16 value medium ad space from Whispering Sweet Nothings
$10 Paypal cash from The Dreamy Meadow
$20 value 2 months large ad space from Antlers & Roses
$12 value digital portrait from What Peggy Said
$5 value set of 5 hair ties from Lovely Life of Leah
$10 value large ad space from Come What May
$90 value 3 months extra large ad space from Rolled Up Pretty
$10 value custom blog signature from Yours Truly

$8 value medium ad space from Wifessionals
$10 Starbucks gift card from This Vintage Grove
$10 value 2 months ad space from A Humble Bumble
$5 value ad space AND $10 Lush gift card from Spunky Real Deals
$6 value ad space from The Eclectic Grab Bag
$10 value ad space AND $10 Starbucks gift card from Ashley Brooke
$10 value ad space from The Domestic Geek
$10 Starbucks gift card from Letters to Sophia
$25 The Sepia Puppy Etsy shop credit from The Sepia Puppy

$15 value large ad space from Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl
$15 Bath & Body Works gift card from Provocative Manners
$6 value large ad space from Happy Pretty Blog
$15 Paypal cash AND $8 value ad space from Lara's Vintage
$30 value clutch purse AND $15 Etsy shop credit from Kitty & Buck
$10 value medium ad space from We Took the Road Less Traveled
$12 value J Crew hot pink planner from Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles
$20 Amazon gift card from Oh So Amelia
$10 Target gift card AND $10 Target photo gift card from Whatcha Makin' Now?

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Prize Pack Trois:

$20 featured ad space & partnership from The Charming Blog
$5 Target gift card from Helene in Between
$8 value "Wedge" ad space from Lipgloss & Crayons
$5 Starbucks gift card from Southern Sunflowers & Coffee Beans
$30 value personal online styling session with 4 outfits from Because of Jackie
$15 value large ad space from Comma with a K
$10 Starbucks gift card from The Chiffon Diary
$15 value small ad space from Sugar & Dots
$25 value silver bracelet from NYC boutique from Sparkles & Shoes

$12 value 200 x 200 ad space from Living in Yellow
$25 value custom reclaimed wood sign from Home with the Urick's
$50 value bottom post ad space from Messy Dirty Hair

$10 Starbucks gift card from La La Lists
$12 value "Hot Mess" ad space from A Beautiful Mess
$6 value 200 x 200 ad space from Nugget on a Budget
$25 value custom state embroidery hoop art from Ten Feet Off Beale

$7 value ad space from For Lauren and Lauren
$20 value infinity scarf from Gypsy Bee Handmade
$10 Starbucks gift card from A Day in a Joyful Life
$10 value ad space from Fortune Favors the Brave
$35 value set of 5 bracelets from Sensational Creations
$12 value ad space from My Crafty Crazy Life
$45 value eiffel tower necklace from The Anna Delores Blog
$25 value Valentine's themed wreath from Finding Michelina
$23 value set of soaps and ad space from You Are the Roots

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