Recommended Reads

I love being able to recommend new blogs for you all to follow, so while you're looking for something new and fun to read, check these lovelies out! 

High-Heeled Love
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

In her own words:
Hi, I'm Aubrey. My husband and I live in SC with our dog, and we try to live a little bit green. I like to call us granola. I'm a shoe-lover, but this blog isn't just about footwear.  Here's what else you'll read about on the blog: Gamecock football, coffee, wine, music. I might also share the occasional recipe, talk about my attempts to become a runner and throw in the random dojo story since my husband and I both train jujitsu.

Aubrey Hosts: Wino Wednesday, Friday Confessions, and Shoe Lust Saturday.

Check out: What Really Matters, Liebster Award, Her Round-Up Series, Red Wine Brownies, and Ten Questions With My Niece.

Chasing Birdies

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Bloglovin

In her own words:

Hey there, I'm Shelby! My blog, Chasing Birdies, is a place for me to share my thoughts, experiences, and the things that I love. This year, I will be graduating from high school and beginning my first year of college, so my blog will follow my journey as I encounter new people, experiences, and find my place in this world!

Check out:  Resolutions, Embrace Your Inner Weirdness, and Change is Possible, Even in Just One Week.

Use Code CHAOS for 20% off any ad at Chasing Birdies!

Dianapantz

Blog | Shop | Twitter 

In her own words:
I run a vegan, lifestyle blog ; focused on biking, 'green' city living, along with pictures of my super-cute rescue pup. I also share a lot of easy DIYs, recipes & products I really enjoy. I am also a fitfluential ambassador, so I share health // fitness // wellness tips & tricks, as well.


In my shop, I sell hand-knit winter wear. Most of my products are made from ingeo fiber, which is a fiber made from broken-down corn kernels. When I am not working three jobs, I add in new items ;)"

Check out: Another Reason $10 Can Change the World, An Easy DIY Workout Shirt, and 5 Tips for Reducing Your Consumnsion.

Use 15in2013 for 15% off any item at Dianapantz!

Karla Uphoff Fine Art

Blog | Shop | Pinterest | Gallery

In her own words:

 I have loved creating art my whole life.  One of my first memories as a young child is coloring in a color book.  I am mostly a self-taught artist and I paint what moves and inspires me.  I am not locked into a specific style of art although I mainly work in oils using dramatic lighting and colors.

Check out:  Win This Kitchen Aid Mixer

Use code CHAOS25 for 25% off any painting in her store!

Framed Frosting

Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Shop

In her own words:

My name is Danielle and I'm a full-time college student pursuing a degree in business. When I'm not in classes or studying for an upcoming exam, you'll find me blogging about my life and my love for fashion. You'll soon figure out that I love Grey's Anatomy and dark chocolate too!

Check out: DIY Gallery Wall, How to Host a Favorite Things Party, Meal Planning Tips and Tricks, and My Top 10 Posts of 2012

La Caseta de Paper

Blog | Shop | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

In her own words:

La Caseta de Paper is like the shoe box you keep at the top shelf of the wardrobe and where you keep storing everything that at some point made you happy. I like it to be a place where to share pretty inspirational things, beautiful photos, and talk about some of my passions: photography, decoration and crafting. I'd define it as a cozy blog full of inspiration and cute things. I'm also using it to promote my Etsy shop.

Check out: Her Sunday Treasury Series,  Set of 12 Free Social Media Icons,  and Set of 20 Free Social Media Buttons!

Sweetpea London

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Photography

In her own words:

A Lifestyle and Beauty blog by a small girl who lives in London and loves traveling, tea, chanel and chocolate :)

Check out:

The Gobstopper Confectionery Review,  Weekly Haul, and My Victoria Secret Favourites!

Lena B, Actually

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Photography

In her own words:

A fashion-loving, photo-taking mom of 2 blogging from a small town in Quebec, Canada

Check out:   

What's My Age Again?,  Ruby Saved the Polar Bears,  and The Difference a Year Makes.

Moments that Take My Breath Away

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

In her own words: 

I am a former librarian turned stay at home mom with a 2 year old daughter and a 2 month old son trying to balance 2 crazy dogs, heart problems and a geeky gamer husband! I love writing about our daily adventures, our favorite products, and money saving tips. 

Check out: 

Two Under Two Update, Life As a Librarian, and When Did That Happen?

Use code Moments15 for 15% off all ad spots! 

Wildflower Child

Blog | Tumblr 1 | Tumblr 2 |  Pinterest

In her own words:

Personal style blog that also features tips for a sustainable and vegan lifestyle (including recipes and thrifting tips).

Check out:

Currently - 2 February 2013, Cinder and Smoke,  and Chocolate  Peanut Butter Banana Flaxsead Cookies.

We Took The Road Less Traveled

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

In her own words:

Hi there! I'm Casey…an Air Force wife and transplanted Southern girl living a life of adventure abroad in beautiful Germany! I write about my life as an expat…the good, the bad, and the funny. I'm addicted to reality TV, social media, interior decorating, good food & wine, traveling, and my adorable fur-baby, Tucker. All of which are frequent topics on my blog. So, pull up a chair and stay awhile! I'd love to get to know you!

Check out:

Say Bye Bye to No Reply, On Blogging Currency, and Rockin Around the Christmas Tree in NYC.

Little Lady Little City

Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin

In her own words:

I'm Amanda and I write about life with my darling fella as work and live. For the past three years we have been building our own house in WV on top of a mountain in an old abandoned apple orchard, and we have just now moved in. So many new adventures are sure to happen!

Check out:

Violet Beuregarde, Ladies of the Mountains: Mountain Haven,  and Apple Cider Waffles.

Dear Brighton

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

In her own words:

I'm Brighton from Dear Brighton where I write about my love of memory keeping,  photography and reading.  I'm also the mama to 3 super sweet kids and wife to a really handy guy.    

Check out: 

14 Valentine's Day Books for Children, Summer Notebook Journaling Cards, and Monthly Printables.

Everyday Life
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube

In her own words:
I am a mom and wife who enjoys reading and writing. My blog is a melting pot of product reviews, giveaways, poetry and life. I currently host a weekly link up about healthy living as I travel through my weight loss journey.

Check out:
Her Wednesday Weigh-In Feature,   her Haiku Monday posts,  and Let's Party.

Use code TEN for 10% off any Ad space! 

January Shopping Love

Cynthia Haase is a fine artist working in oil and pastel.  She offers small affordable daily paintings as well as larger works.  She's a juried associate member of the Oil Painters of America, member of the American Impressionist Society, Missory Valley Impressionists Society, and she volunteers her time as national president of the Colorado Pencil Society of America.

Website | Shop | Facebook | Blog | Twitter

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Use code MySoCalled for free shipping on any item from this shop!

Sarah started crocheting when she was 8 years old and her grandma Kay taught her how to do it.  It's just been within the last 8 years or so that she's gotten back into it and learned to read patterns. Right now she's having fun with jewelry and hair accessories, as well as different scarves and hats. She's is selling her items to help earn a little extra money to have a creative outlet.

Having been diagnosed with an auto-immune disease called Scleroderma 11 years ago, then with Interstitial Lung Disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis) 6 years ago, she's on a fixed income with a lot of medication and 24/7 oxygen while she waits for a lung transplant.  Because of all of this she is unable to work, and is able to devote most of her time to making something from yarn, reading, and watching Netflix.

Shop | Facebook | Blog | Twitter

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Ashlie Blake is such a talented artist.  I am in love with nearly every single piece of artwork in her shop.  Her style, colors, contrast, and subject matter all have something magical about them.  Each piece of work draws you into an entirely different world-one of wonder and curiosity!  If you are looking for some amazing artwork to add to your living space or give to someone with spirit-this is the place to shop!

Shop | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Use code CHAOS for $10 off any custom love coupon book!

Datevitation is an exciting new site owned by a small husband and wife team.  They sell adorable custom coupons to give to a significant other, friend, or family member!  One of the greatest aspects is that you can change the sex of either character so you can have female/female, male/male, or male female characters-thus being able to give it to anyone! They have hundreds of options to choose from!

Shop | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Your Charmed Life is a gorgeous collection of hand-stamped personalized jewelry.  The colors she works with and the materials she uses are simply beautiful, and some of these pieces are down-right stunning!  I highly recommend you check out her work!

Shop | Blog | Pinterest

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Use code Marvels10 for 10% off any item at Metal Marvels!

Metal Marvels was started to bring people that "ah-ha" moment.  The store creator has these moments when she finds the perfect accessories to finish out the perfect outfit.  Since she loves these so much she thought what better items to bring everyone than adorable and gorgeous accessories!

Shop | Twitter | Facebook

Did you find anyone new you like?

Or any items you're just dying to have now?

The Happies Outweigh the Crappies + I Confess

Happies

• The sun is shining and the sky is blue today!
• I was able to see Rocky last night, and kiss him.  I like kissing him.
• I met Rocky's puppies, and they're so darn cute.
• I get to see my Kristina tonight! I miss her and those kiddos.
• Kristina is letting me do laundry at her house! Yay clean clothes!
• Spending time with my grandmother last night makes me happy. 
• I loved my books from the Books 'n' Bloggers Swap
• We just announced the Sweethearts Swap over at Chaotic Goddess Swaps
• My group giveaway this month is amazing! Check it out:

Crappies

• It's shark week and I am in some major pain, and hormonal as hell.
• I sucked at my health goals this week. More info here.
• I slipped and fell on the ice yesterday, and immediately burst into tears when I reported the incident to my boss. Why can't I be a normal composed person? lol

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I Confess...

I went to Rocky's last night and we had fun hanging out with his dogs. They're so cute, and of course I brought treats so they loved me.  We cuddled on the couch, and we kissed a lot... I really enjoy kissing him.

I Confess...
I may or may not have stayed out way past my bedtime... Leaving his house at shortly before midnight.  I may or may not have also then stayed up til 2 texting him after...

I Confess...
The texting was emotional.  I cried (hormonal, remember?).  He wants to take it slow (which is A-OK) but it's because he's really scared (he's been hurt, I get it-I really do) and has doubts.  He hasn't decided what he wants exactly, but I think it's mostly that he's scared I'll hurt him.  His last ex hurt him really bad and without any warning up and left.

I may or may not have completely laid out all of my feelings during said texting conversation. I figure if he's deciding what he wants or doesn't want regarding us, then he needs to know all the facts.  He needs to know that I'm already attached and that it would already hurt if he disappeared. He also needs to know that I'm not those girls in his past, and that I'm in.

I Confess...
I was scared too at first.  I've been hurt so many times.  But I am in.  I really am.  I want to give this a fighting chance.

I Confess...
I am scared as hell he'll be too afraid to take the risk.  I understand logically that I will be ok, but I am hoping with everything that I have that we have a real shot.  That his decision includes me.  We'll see.

I Confess...
I'm trying to be positive, and just keep being my sweet self so he sees that I could really be the best thing that ever happened to him.  Because damnit, I'm freaking awesome.