Blogger Meet & Mingle || Frost on the Vine

 

It's Meet & Mingle day! Every week I'm sharing some of my favorite girlfriends and their blogs.  This is a great opportunity to see who's "behind the blog" and to get to know other bloggers.  Today, I'm so happy to share Heather from Frost on the Vine with you! Hope you enjoy getting to know her more with all of her answers to some fun behind-the-blog questions!

Your blog name & its significance
I started FrostontheVine.com this past April. During that time, I would wake up early to go walking and I would watch the sun melt the frost from the foliage…such a pretty transition. Frost really only occurs twice a year; fall & spring. It symbolizes change for me. As hard as it can be sometimes, I strive to accept change and find adaptability. It seems to be an underlying theme for me. 

How did you meet your significant other?

I’m a leasing manager for a townhome community in Upstate New York. For my first two years, this really sweet southerner, who was up north for his job, would come into my office for rent receipts, to pilfer paperclips, and to ask me to fax things for him.  I was more than happy to oblige. I just thought he was the nicest, most handsome tenant…scratch that…man I’d ever met…and then finally he asked me out to dinner. My jaw dropped. We’re not supposed to fraternize with tenants so I tried to politely get out of it by telling him I had other plans. It didn’t work. It was obvious that he wasn’t going to leave my office without a date. Today, I am happier than I ever thought possible. I love him with all of my heart and we’ll be together two years August 2^nd.

Oh…and he’s since moved out, so I’m not breaking any rules anymore. lol

Currently in my shower [favorite beauty products]...
Any of the Shea Moisture bars. I have temperamental skin and this stuff is great. You can find it online or at CVS.

I never leave the house without...
My phone charger! Yes…I fear that disconnected to the world feeling when my phone dies.

First thing you do when you have 5 minutes to yourself
Only 5 minutes?  I usually check my social media but its funny how 5 minutes can turn into 30 when you’re lost on the net.

Favorite cupcake

GGrrrrr…I am currently doing a 31 day reboot challenge. I’m refraining from eating anything that comes in a package. I’m pretty much sticking to produce and eggs…just about any cupcake is my favorite cupcake right now…and the more frosting the better!!

What is your favorite time of year?

I love autumn. I just love carving pumpkins, and the air when it just starts to get brisk, and turning the heat on for the first time. I just love everything about that little pocket of time. Especially Halloween. I’m a big Halloween freak!

Currently obsessed with…

Succulents!!! I’m really into them right now. I recently blogged about them.

Top three meals you make for your family
Fried chicken, lasagna, and aglio e olio are my go to’s but I really want to get a recipe for Puerto Rican rice and beans down pat. My Aunt Wanda would always make that when she came to visit and we just went nuts over it.

Favorite blog & why 

I have so many favorite blogs!! Probably my favorite is ChaChingonaShoeString.com. I’ve been following it long before I decided to join the blogging community. Kaley has the best coupons and deal alerts around. Definitely worth checking out!

Social Media Links:

Blog -  http://frostonthevine.com

Instagram - @frost_on_the_vine 

Facebook - http://frostonthevine.com

Thank you so much for sharing a slice of your life with us, Heather! I just love learning about who's behind the blog...so fun, right?! Be sure to pop over to her blog and visit her social media links and follow along! 

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If you'd like to be featured for a Meet & Mingle, please contact me at thebirdsnestblogger@gmail.com.  Feel free to grab a button while you're here. ;)

Toddler Town

We've been riding the toddler town train all week here...ever have one of those days? ;)  I love this little monkey so much, but we all have those days.

Where you say "Go get in your highchair, breakfast is ready", and they hear "Go grab the Italian bread and ride it around like a witch on a broom".  Those kind of days.

I've been browsing Pinterest for some fun ideas, yummy meals, and activities to soak up our last weeks of summer...and slow down the toddler crazy.

This cloud dough sounds so fun to make and it's taste-safe, which is perfect for toddlers!  Two ingredients and it's ready for some little hands.  This will most likely be an outside activity so we'll save it for a day filled with sunshine.

I bought a huge head of butter lettuce from the farmer's market and these Chicken Lettuce Wraps sound so delicious.  I can't wait to try this recipe.  Anything from Damn Delicious is normally amazing so I'm sure these will follow suit.

This Little Bunny Embroidered Sleep Set is perfect for the fall and how cute are these Dancing Cat PJs?! Perfect for Halloween!

Hope you enjoy the rest of your week! XO

Blogger Meet & Mingle || Mother Stressor

 

It's Meet & Mingle day! Every week I'm sharing some of my favorite girlfriends and their blogs.  This is a great opportunity to see who's "behind the blog" and to get to know other bloggers.  Today, I'm so happy to share Alicia from Mother Stressor with you! Hope you enjoy getting to know her more with all of her answers to some fun behind-the-blog questions!

Your blog name & it’s significance

My blog name is "Mother Stressor", which sounds like mother effer... I don't usually use curse words but I do get stressed out a lot, so I mumble things like Dangit and mother eff! And son of a gun. Lol. 

My blog site is "StressedButStillSmiling.blogspot.com" so I also use Stressed But Still Smiling a lot. I write mostly about trying to find humor in stressful mommy situations so I try to focus on smiling through the stress, and helping others do the same. I also challenge moms to take #stressedbutstillsmilingSelfies ... Which I repost on my Instagram to help show that it's possible to smile through the craziness that is motherhood! 

Tell us a little about your family

My hubby and I met when in high school and have had our fair share of ups and downs. But fifteen years after meeting, we are happily married with three beautiful daughters, who are 11, 8 and 2 years old. We are a blended family, but I go into more detail on that in my blog :) We love hanging out in our backyard, watching movies together, going out for frozen yogurt and walks, making ridiculous dubsmash videos together, and playing board games. Our absolute favorite place to go is Disneyland! 

Currently in my shower [favorite beauty products]...

Dove exfoliating bar! And I love my tuel face wash system! Also, and I know this sounds crazy.. But Vaseline, and Apple cider vinegar! Not together... I use Vaseline for everything.. Soft lips, soft skin, removing eye make up. And I drink 2-3 tsps of apple cider three times a day for clear skin and lots of energy! 

I never leave the house without...

Mini Vaseline (I HATE having dry lips/skin! Totally freaks me out!), gum, cell phone... Mainly for my gps and to add thoughts and notes to my notepad... I'm the worst ever at finding my way and if I don't write something down/type it out the second I think of it, it's gone for good! (Mommy brain!) 

First thing you do when you have 5 minutes to yourself

Check social media, read a book, work on homework. Oh, and use the bathroom peacefully.

Favorite cupcake

Funfetti! And chocolate. Gimme all the chocolate. 

Top three baby items you’d recommend to new moms 

A good, comfy nighttime nursing bra! It doesn't have to be an expensive brand, I got my favorite one from Target! 

Boppy pillow... The real brand, not a knock off. I got a knock off brand first and it was not enough support at all!

And some sort of wrap/sling. I didn't use one with my babies because my babies are huge and I didn't find one that felt supportive or comfortable enough. I'd love to find one that works for me with our next baby! 

 

Currently obsessed with…

Iced coffee. Iced coffee all day!! And cucumber water. And kindof The Bachelorette, because this season is like a trainwreck... I can't look away even though I want to. 

Top three meals you make for your family

Sauteed Salmon

Spaghetti...They'd eat it every night if I let them.

Chicken...All kinds. Grilled or baked is our go to though. 

Every meal has some sort of fruit or veggie as a side, that's my rule!

Favorite blog & why 

I really like Baby Boy Bakery, because she's honest, raw and full of faith even in the dark time that she is going through. I also like alovingspoon.com because I love following the amazing adoption story of a member of my church who also has great healthy advice and is a dedicated woman of God. I also like reading thrilledbythethought.com, because it's beautifully written and relatable stories of motherhood. 

Social Media Links:

Blog: http://www.stressedbutstillsmiling.com 

Facebook.com/StressedButStillSmiling 

Instagram: @stressedbutstillsmiling 

 

Pinterest: @alicia209

Thank you so much for sharing a slice of your life with us, Alicia! I just love learning about who's behind the blog...so fun, right?! Be sure to pop over to her blog and visit her social media links and follow along! 

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If you'd like to be featured for a Meet & Mingle, please contact me at thebirdsnestblogger@gmail.com.  Feel free to grab a button while you're here. ;)

Blogger Meet & Mingle || Peace and Chaos

 

It's Meet & Mingle day! Every week I'm sharing some of my favorite girlfriends and their blogs.  This is a great opportunity to see who's "behind the blog" and to get to know other bloggers.  Today, I'm so happy to share Cole from Peace and Chaos with you! Hope you enjoy getting to know her more with all of her answers to some fun behind-the-blog questions!

Your blog name & it’s significance

My name is Cole and my blog is called Peace and Chaos. I started Peace and Chaos in early 2013 as a way to express myself. I've always loved reading, writing, art and photography - and basically any creative pass time - so it made sense to share that publicly. My blog is a lifestyle blog, with a focus on self-improvement and creativity. I named my blog Peace and Chaos because I always felt that life is sometimes peaceful, and other times chaotic, and that's okay.

Tell us a little about your family

I live with my 7-year-old daughter and fiance. I was a teen mom. Nick and I have been together almost nine years now and we've always supported ourselves since my pregnancy. We work hard, and we play hard, and we love life.

Currently in my shower [favorite beauty products]...

I'm not big on beauty products, but currently in my shower is some handmade soap, generic shampoo and conditioner. I use a variety of different makeup, but always my Maybelline master precise liquid eyeliner. 

I never leave the house without...

My giant purse full of stuff, which always includes: my phone, a notebook and pen, umbrella, gum, wallet (money!), lip balm, sunglasses, napkins, hand sanitizer, etc. People always say that if they need something on the go, I probably have it in my purse!

First thing you do when you have 5 minutes to yourself

Check my email. I'm a little bit obsessed.

Favorite cupcake

Vanilla, with vanilla frosting.

Top three baby items you’d recommend to new moms 

Stock up on receiving blankets and a baby swing  

Currently obsessed with…

Iced coffee! Since the beginning of spring I've been making iced coffee at home and drinking at least two a day.

Top three meals you make for your family

Nick is a vegan, so meals tend to be difficult. We either eat a vegan dish, or have to make two different things. Typically, we like to make spaghetti with veggies, chicken and veggie burgers with salad or stir-fry. 

Favorite blog & why 

I have quite a few favourite blogs that I check on frequently. I love The Laughing Medusa because Sarah's writing is so honest and fun. She offers great advice on living an exciting life. I love Uncustomary Art because Mary is so much fun, colourful and happy! Her blog makes me want to dance! And I love reading The Nectar Collective because Melyssa shares the best advice on building a successful blog and business. 

Thank you so much for sharing a slice of your life with us, Cole! I just love learning about who's behind the blog...so fun, right?! Be sure to pop over to her blog and visit her social media links and follow along! 

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If you'd like to be featured for a Meet & Mingle, please contact me at thebirdsnestblogger@gmail.com.  Feel free to grab a button while you're here. ;)

Alley + Rae || Softest, Stylish Tees for Littles

Hi friends! I'm so excited to share Alley + Rae Apparel with you! Olivia was sent two shirts, a Fierce Tee and a They Didn't See Her Coming tee and let me tell you, they are the softest tees ever!! Seriously, I wish it was my size because I'd live in it. Great, great quality and so many quotes to chose from.  Olivia is wearing size 18 months and it fit her perfectly.  For the fall, I'd probably order a 2T so she has a little room to grow.  

A little background to Alley and Rae Apparel ... 

Alley + Rae is a modern lifestyle brand handmade in Utah. Our mission is to spread positivity and create clothing that speaks to you. We want each piece to make a statement or tell a story about the person that wears it. We love to incorporate bright colors, fun graphics and encouraging messages into our designs. All of our clothing is printed on sweatshop-free apparel, made in the USA and packaged with eco-friendly materials in an ongoing effort to support sustainability. We are always looking for ways to make the world a more awesome place. (www.alleyandrae.com) 

Some of my other favorite tees include She Loved Life, Courageous Bear, Wild Flower, and Bussin' Tee.  Great options for boys, girls, and adults.  Raglans are coming soon so I'll definitely be checking those out too! 

They were so generous to offer my readers a 15% discount off of your purchase so head over and order, using code: BIRDSNEST.  This code expires 9/15/15 so be sure to stock up on some fall goods for your littles! 

Be sure to check out their social media links below:

Website Link: www.alleyandrae.com

Facebook: facebook.com/alleyandrae

Instagram: instagram.com/alleyandrae

Twitter: twitter.com/alleyandrae

 Thank you so much Alley + Rae! XO 

Brand New Blog Makeover!

Hello!  I'm so excited to reveal my blog's brand new makeover!  As you can see, a lot has changed around here.  To start, how gorgeous is that header?! Love the mix of florals and watercolors. 

It's also much easier to navigate to find previous posts, labels, and popular posts.  To the right, social media links are a breeze to click through and follow ;) 

Template is from The Sunday Studio on Etsy and the designer was so helpful and prompt in answering all of my questions.  It comes with a full tutorial to install or optional install free of charge.    Take a look around and tell me what you think! XO

P.S. - If viewing on a mobile device, simply click on view "web version" on the bottom of the screen to see the new look;)

Blogger Meet & Mingle || And Hattie Makes Three

 

It's Meet & Mingle day! Every week I'm sharing some of my favorite girlfriends and their blogs.  This is a great opportunity to see who's "behind the blog" and to get to know other bloggers.  Today, I'm so happy to share Jen from And Hattie Makes Three  with you! I  always enjoy reading her Weekend Wrap Up posts...seriously, you need to check out her Chocolate Pudding Pie recipe...yum!!!!  Hope you enjoy getting to know her more with all of her answers to some fun behind-the-blog questions!

Your blog name & it’s significance

And Hattie Makes Three was created in early 2015 after the birth of my daughter. I was looking for an outlet to share all the fun things that we did and all the fun frugal finds we found while out and about. For years I had a coupon blog, and I decided it was time for a switch!

Tell us a little about your family

I've been married to Jeff for 7 years, but been together for 11. We have Miss H who is 18 months and our fur baby Riley Sue who is 9. We live in St. Louis, we're avid Cardinals fans, love BBQing, Friends, and enjoying all that St. Louis has to offer! I'm a SAHM to Miss H and we are super involved with MOMs Club, MOPs and more. 

Currently in my shower [favorite beauty products]...

Nivea In Shower Lotion - Total Game Changer for getting ready quickly. 

Bumble to Bumble Hair Dresser Oil -  Perfect right out of the shower, I've had the same bottle for 2 years! 

Peter Thomas Roth - Years ago I worked at Bath & Body Works opening the first flagship store in St. Louis and PTR was by far one of my favorite clinical brands. Anytime Sephora has a fun kit, I always get it. The face wash and strawberry scrub are to die for! 

I never leave the house without...

My Tory Burch Mini Clutch and Buxom Dolly Lip gloss. I purposely bought it last year to hold my keys, my iPhone, cards and a lip gloss. I can toss it into a diaper bag, a big purse, or just use it for running quick errands. 

First thing you do when you have 5 minutes to yourself

Check my Phone or grab a snack - I always forget to eat! I've been really bad this past year about spending WAY too much time on my phone, so I make it a habit to put my phone out of sight out of mind when Miss H and I are around the house. Nothing is that important that it can't wait till nap time. 

Favorite cupcake

Yellow cupcake, chocolate frosting and sprinkles, of course!

Top three baby items you’d recommend to new moms 

Nose Frieda - You'll thank me later. It's so gross, but totally works. 

Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddles - J. Crew has the cutest ones right now! 

Kiinde System - if you are a part time pumper, this is perfect! I've never washed a bottle in my life! 

Currently obsessed with…

Kon Marie Method - I just recently finish reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and we're on a mission to declutter the house! 

Iced Tea - So many options, so little time! My favorite right now is Passion Tango Tea. So good!

Swimming Pools - Miss H and I are going on a swimming pool tour of the city! I purchased a Splash Pass to check out all the local pools and we are well on our way! 

Top three meals you make for your family

1) Tacos Every Tuesday!

2) Beef & Broccoli 

3) Breakfast for Dinner

4) Mystery Recipe - Every week we try a new recipe. Some of my favorites from Mystery Night were Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Divan!

Favorite blog & why 

Fancy Ashley - I've followed her for years and her style seems so effortless, but she always looks put together. Bonus, she has super cute kids she dresses adorably! 

Social media links:

Blog - www.andhattiemakesthree.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/andhattiemakesthree

Instagram - www.instagram/andhattiemakesthree

Twitter - www.twitter.com/andhattiemakes3

Thank you so much for sharing a slice of your life with us, Jen! I just love learning about who's behind the blog...so fun, right?! Be sure to pop over to her blog and visit her social media links and follow along! 

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If you'd like to be featured for a Meet & Mingle, please contact me at thebirdsnestblogger@gmail.com.  Feel free to grab a button while you're here. ;)