Five Fabulous Bloggers

Thanks to Trop50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 Fabulous Wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous!

Blogging is amazing in the fact that you can "meet" so many amazing, inspiring people that you never would have gotten the chance to know. Many times, after reading my favorite blogs I feel inspired by ladies who live all over the world.

I love having this community of women (because I don't read too many men blogs). I can't pick my top five favorite bloggers, there are so many more than just five (Desiree, Stacy, Erica, GFF, Erin, (another) Stacey, Renee, and so many more), but for the sake of this post I want to share with you five fabulous bloggers. I love these ladies and I really, really wish they lived next door to me.


Stephanie from Adventures in Babywearing- I admit, one of my favorite things about Steph is that she's a mom to three boys and a girl. Her kids are all just a little bit older than mine, so it's so much fun seeing her family and getting a glimpse into what my life will look like in the next season. Stephanie's post are honest, real, and show so much of her heart and I connect with each one. I can't wait to become "real" friends with her this summer at Blogher!


Lovelyn from Moments with Love - Lovelyn's beautiful family is made through adoption, birth, and a whole lot of love. I love seeing pictures of their big family and hearing about Love's sweet new ride. She is such a precious lady with a beautiful, selfless, giving heart.


Abra from Better than Cupcakes- Love this lady. 'Nuff said. Ok, I'll say more. Abra is an adorable wife and mom, lover of vintage, and lover of Jesus. She blogs about her everyday adventures with her two sweet little girls who are as pretty as she is.


Kate from Kate Eva- I'm pretty sure Kate and I were meant to be friends. We grew up in the same town, I went to high school with two of her brothers in law, and we have lots of mutual friends. We haven't met in person yet, but we're going to remedy that soon. Kate has an adorable family and her two little girls are beautiful, sweet, and full of so much spunk and personality. I love reading about all of their fun family adventures and am a little bit jealous of all of the good food they eat.


Kristin from Our Ordinary Life- Kristin has such a huge heart. She's done amazing things with her blog, but I am so thankful for her willingness to help other people, connect with them, and answer questions. She is such a genuine and selfless person and another lady that I can't wait to meet.

Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

Yellow Finch Designs/The Vintage Letter Giveaway

Today I have a giveaway from the lovely Elizabeth. Here's a little bit about her:



My name is Elizabeth and I’m the face behind Yellow Finch Designs and The Vintage Letter. I’m an artsy crafty, jewelry loving, coffee drinking, book reading, yoga running, vintage finding stay at home mom who’s always beading in the basement.

I create handcrafted jewelry for the modern woman that is unique, contemporary, and affordable. I also love to spend my spare time seeking out great vintage finds.

I attended Ohio University where I earned a bachelor's degree in English and minor in Spanish and Creative Writing. My passion for art, photography, and jewelry started at a young age, but my passion for reading and writing started at an even an earlier age! I am a stay at home mom of three amazing children: Jonas (5), Joshua (3) and Jessica (8 months). My husband, also known as my best friend, is the hardest worker I’ve ever met! He and his father own a restaurant, which is actually quite a historic staple in our home town. The doors of this restaurant first opened in 1902, and it has been in his family for over 80 years. Perhaps one day we will pass it on….

I would love for you to swing by anytime and say hello. You can usually find me on my blog Yellow Finch Designs Blog or in my etsy shops. You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter.

I am also hosting a little giveaway here with Morgan. One lucky winner will win a pair of these Turquoise Lace Earrings. These earrings are made with gold plated filigree drops and candy jade. They are finished with gold plated kidney earwires and measure two inches in length.



To enter to win these gorgeous earrings visit Elizabeth's etsy shops Yellow Finch Designs and The Vintage Letter and tell me your favorite item(s). You have until Friday, June 3rd to enter.

For additional entries follow Elizabeth's blog, like her on facebook, follow her on twitter, or follow this blog. Please leave a comment for each additional entry. Good luck!

You can use the code mamalovespapa through the end of the month for 20% off of your purchase for Yellow Finch Designs and The Vintage Letter.

17 Months

Yesterday my sweet girl turned 17 months. I can't even list all the words she's saying anymore- she's saying two word sentences all the time and her word count is in the 100s. My genius child.



We have to lay our dining room chairs down on their side or stack them because anytime they are up she climbs on the table. She is always climbing. She'll use a turned over laundry basket, kids chair, one of the vintage suitcases in her bedroom- anything to get up on what she wants. This girl is busy, active, and into evvvvverything. She's definitely a healthy one!



Along with purses she is loving baby dolls and after a dinner with friends who have little girls we're officially on the hunt for a doll stroller from a yard sale. She loved pushing the doll (and anything else) around in the toy stroller. I think she's definitely a mix of rough and tumble and sweet girly girl and, so far, you can tell by her personality that she's the baby princess in a family with three older brothers. I'm so interested to see if this stays true through the years.



Today we skipped church and headed downtown for a little park time and pizza lunch. We had fun playing, running into one of my good friends from jr high/high school, and spending the morning together. While we were at lunch a man came up to and told us what a nice family we have and how well-behaved our kids are. He said that him and his wife raised three boys and he loved seeing our family. I know I think nice things a lot, but I usually don't say them. I so appreciate when people come up and compliment our family and kids. So sweet!


(Three pirates and Count Dracula came along.)

Adornmegirl Giveaway WINNER

Congratulations to Tamiv, the winner of the AdornMeGirl giveaway!

You can still use the code MAMALOVESPAPA15 until the end of the month for 15% off of your AdornMeGirl purchase.

Weekend

We had another fun night at the market last night watching our friends Kyle Williams and Jamie play. Finley is a HUGE fan (that doesn't sit still for one second. Aside from the music she also enjoyed dancing, running through the crowd, taking money out of the tips case, and walking under the sign. I definitely got a workout). I also got to meet a blog reader. That definitely made my night!

Today is the last day to enter the Adornmegirl giveaway, so if you haven't yet, go do that right now.

Abra is offering 25% off her shop, Rosemary's Cuppa, for Memorial Day. Use code MEMORIAL25 for the discount.

We don't have many plans for the weekend, but we'll definitely be visiting lots of yard sales, going to the market, and maybe a Memorial Day barbeque with friends. How are you celebrating? Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Small Style #13

So, nobody has asked about this, but I just felt like I should clarify....my purpose in starting Small Style was and is to show off our cute kids. I don't want anyone to feel like they can't participate because their kids clothes aren't from boutiques or aren't super expensive. Heck, my proudest shopping moments are when I spend the least amount of money. All mamas are proud of their adorable kids and this is just an excuse to brag about them and show off their pictures. I love seeing cute clothes and knowing where they're from (so, I can steal the styles, whether it be for me or for my kids) and you're welcome to share where your kids' outfits are from, but you don't have to. So, just a random bit of information that was on my heart. Now, on to the good stuff....


Raincoats on Samuel and Silas- Kidorable (gifts from my mom)
On Finley- Dress- Gap, Shirt- Mine when I was a baby, Tights- Target, Shoes- See Kai Run


Finley was not into having her picture taken, but this outfit was so sweet I just had to share.


Skirt- Rosemary's Cuppa, Headband- Adornmegirl, Tank top- Old Navy, Legwarmers- Knotty Babywear, Shoes- See Kai Run, Diaper- Fuzzi Bunz

Link up your gorgeous kiddos here:

Decorating the Playroom

My big project for the next couple weeks is to make our playroom more warm and inviting. Right now we do all of our school work at the kitchen table, but next year I want to turn our playroom into an all purpose room for school, playing, crafts, and sewing. Right now it reminds me a bit of a concrete cell. It's not that bad, there's no concrete, but it is pretty lifeless. I want to turn the cell into something that's comfortable and cozy for snuggling up to read and for the little ones to spend time in while we do school work. I can't wait to show you the finished product!

Here's what it looks like right now: (Sorry for the dark pictures. Today is rainy and overcast.)



Here's my inspiration:

Source: eismandesign.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: sugaranddots.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: ponyrider.myshopify.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: mattblatt.com.au via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: thefixedunion.tumblr.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: thehousecreative.com via Morgan on Pinterest

June Sponsorship

Would you like to advertise on Mama Loves Papa in June? I would love to promote your blog, business, or shop! Prices starting at just $6 a month.

For more information you can email me at mamalovespapablog@gmail.com

Recovery

Eric has been out of town the past two weekends. Two weekends ago he was supposed to hike Mt. Whitney with friends, but the roads were closed because of snow, so they ended up hiking and camping in Yosemite. This past weekend he took Judah and Samuel with two of his friends and their sons on a father/son backpacking trip. They had a short hike into their campsite where the boys spent their weekend.





I felt a little out of it all last week. I was tired and recovering from spending the weekend alone with the kids. There's nothing like your husband being gone to really appreciate all that he does. {I love you, Er!} Hopefully it won't take me all this week to recover again!



I spent my time doing lots of fun stuff- spending time with family and friends, Farmer's Market, meals out, and a grad party, but I'm looking forward to a family weekend this week.

And, just for fun, here's my current favorite from Farmer's Market. YUM!

Adornmegirl Giveaway - CLOSED

Today I have a giveaway from the adorable shop Adornmegirl. Adornmegirl is filled with pretty and feminine items made by Kendra. I love everything in the shop, but these are a few of my current favorites:


Urban Felt Bow Set- $8.50, Rose Post Earrings- $4.00, Small Grey Bow Headband- $4.50, Decorative Pom Balls- $35

Here's a little bit about Kendra:


Hi my name is Kendra, four interesting things about myself include:

1) I have a twin sister (fraternal) we were born in different counties and hospitals, and I almost got my own birthday. It's a long story!
2) I twirled the baton for most of my young life, and competed in competitions. My mother was amazing at it and taught me almost everything she knew.
3) I was student body president of my high school in 2003 and loved planning events.
4) I have a bachelors degree in broadcast journalism and pretty much love anything having to do with news.

Things that I love include:
1) I love being a wife to a sweet, cute, hardworking fellow named Sterling.
2) I love being a mother to a sweet loving chubby little one-year-old-girl named Sailor.
3) I love creating and learning new things.
4) I love Indian and Greek Food, Forever21, Ruche, Anthropologie and everything vintage.
5) Sailing with my family.

To wrap it up, for the past six months I have thoroughly enjoyed making and sending out Adornmegirl orders to lovely people all over the world. I always have my eyes peeled for new looks and ideas, and I think I'll be be an Etsy girl for the rest of my life!

______________________________________________

The giveaway is for $10 Credit to the Adornmegirl Shop. To enter visit Adornmegirl and leave a comment telling me your favorite item.

For additional entries you can follow Adornmegirl on twitter, like her on facebook, follow Kendra's blog, or follow this blog. Please leave a comment for each additional entry.

You have until Friday the 27th to enter. I will pick a winner using random.org on Saturday. Good luck!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED, but you can still use the code MAMALOVESPAPA15 for 15% off your purchase through the end of the 5/31/11.

'Tis the Season

via

..for yard sales!

I have only been to a few yard sales this year, but I can't wait to visit lots and lots more. I remember growing up my dad would stop at yard sales and I would just wait in the car, so uninterested. Well, that's definitely changed. Do you like yard sales? What do you look for?

Lately...

Photo by Samuel

I'm feeling encouraged and optimistic.

I'm praying when I feel worried or fearful.

I'm letting go of control and trusting God.

I'm thankful for the family and the home that my children are growing up in, even though I'm not perfect.

I'm trying to remind myself (again!) that I'm not perfect and to stop holding myself to that standard.

I'm letting go of expectations and just enjoying life.

I'm making a conscious effort to focus on how much I love and appreciate my family and not be consumed with the mundane day to day tasks.

I am thankful for a healthy church and a fresh start.

I'm making new friends and hanging out more with my old ones.

I'm choosing to cling to God during my trials and praise Him in my victories.

I'm in love with my husband and my sweet little ones.

Small Style #12

Thanks for joining me for the 12th Small Style. Hopefully Blogger cooperates this time and doesn't delete this post and any of yours. I can't wait to see all of your posts!






Headband- Adorn Me Girl, Top- Gap, Jeans- Gift from her aunt and uncle, Shoes- See Kai Run


My grandma got Finley that purse for Christmas and she loves to carry it around. Such a little lady. Of course, she does it while sitting on a skateboard. I guess that's life when you have three older brothers. Speaking of having three older brothers, it will be interesting to see what her life will be like as she gets older. I have one sister who is seven years younger, so I couldn't be more unfamiliar with these dynamics. I did always want an older brother, though, so Finley has my dream come true.

How many siblings did you have? What order are you? Did you love it or hate it? I think a whole post on birth order is in order.

Link up your sweethearts here:

Grandma's Style

Sweater- vintage, Long sleeved t-shirt- Gap, Jeans- Urban Outfitters, Necklace and shoes- Forever 21

When I saw this sweater at the thrift store is reminded me of my Grandma. Now, you might be wondering why I'm wearing it, but these days I'm really liking my Grandma's style. She has so many cute sweaters and tops.

A few weeks ago I was sitting in church when an older lady went up to share her testimony. As soon as I saw her I thought to myself, "I LOVE her cardigan!" Old lady style is awesome!

I'm linking up at The Pleated Poppy.

I love a deal!

I did a little online shopping today. I had a $50 Zulily credit bought from Bloomspot for $25 that has been burning a hole in my pocket (thanks to Steph for sharing that great deal!).

I got these for Finley:



And, this for Judah:



If Finley was a 4 or bigger (4 is the smallest size they have) I would definitely have gotten her this cute dress from the Tea Collection on The Mini Social today. I'm so sad that everything I love is way too big for her (although, it's probably for the best), but you should buy if you have an older girly.