Is it just me, or did Friday take forEVER to get here? It's all good though, because our beloved Friday did manage to arrive. Today is a particularly special day because it is the first day of my mother-in-love's summer vacation {she's a teacher}. For this one-car family, my mother-in-love being out of school means more time outside of the house, which is such a welcome change for me. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind being "forced" to remain at home, since it does encourage me to get more done, but it is nice to have a break from the routine every once in a while. And, luckily, I get that break for a couple of months every summer and a couple of weeks every winter, as well as a day-or-so here and there throughout the year.
HAS SUMMER OFFICIALLY STARTED WHERE YOU ARE?
{In other word, school is out. Not referring to the actual season.}
Okay, so before I get to chatting away about my favorite things from this past week, I've got to keep with tradition and share what's been going on around here, first:
MONDAY:
The one where I release my inner child. For Little Man's sake, of course.
TUESDAY:
The one where I share one of my favorite organizing tips!
TUESDAY FOR WEDNESDAY:
The one where I bear my soul. Okay, it's not THAT serious. But, I do open up about my imperfections.
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Now, let's get down to the fun part of this post: the part where I get to share what has peaked my interest/inspired me most this week...
Kelly, from The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking, is in the middle of a great series all about blogging. So far, Part One is all about things to consider before getting started. Part Two is all about practical ways to grow your readership {which I found to be especially helpful}. Part Three covers blog etiquette and Part Four is all about how to turn blogging into a money-making venture {at least, how to earn enough to fund your starbucks {or, in my case, Target} addiction. Part Five talks about dealing with those, inevitable, negative comments. So, you can always start with Part One and read through them all. Or, just click on the part that you're interested in now, catching up with the others later.
Since the school year is nearing an end and summertime pretty much means some form of travel, I wanted to share something that Kristen, from We are THAT Family, posted on her blog the other day: a mega tip list for traveling with kids. One tip that I thought was great was to pack a "Rest Stop Box" complete with jump rope, frisbee, inflatable beach ball, anything that'll get the kids out of the car and active for a few minutes before having to resume sitting down for hours.
Speaking of traveling with small kids, take a tip from Kim, of All Things Simple, and make it easy on yourself by packing an entire outfit, down to the accessories {undies, hair bows, etc}, in one bag. Then, once it's time for your little one to get dressed, he/she can pick out their own outfit, thus cutting down on temper tantrums wardrobe disputes!
Summertime is known for its carefree vibe, popsicles, and watermelon-seed-spitting contests. Running through the sprinklers and blowing bubbles. Ah... summertime. BUT, if you have school-age children, you're probably looking for ways to keep them busy help them retain what they've learned. Luckily, Rebecca, from Simple as That blog, came up with a way to continue the thirst for knowledge by creating this cute summer reading log for her daughter {complete with a bag topper for gummy worms, as a special treat} and has offered it to YOU as a free printable! As a courtesy, she is asking that you follow her blog via Google Friend Connect in return. Which, isn't really asking too much since her entire blog is pretty stinkin' awesome!
One last thing and I'll let you go so you can begin your weekend...
Friends, I'd like you to meet Jesse:
She is the sweet spirit behind the blog, Good Girl Gone Glad, where she shares her love of interiors, girly things, and of course, her family, with her readers. In my personal, humble opinion, her blog is a fantastic source of inspiration. One day, she's sharing something that she's inspired by and the next, she's inspiring YOU with things like her summer fun list surprise, her movie stub scrapbox, and her easy {DIY} TV shelf.
The reason I'm introducing her to you is because less than a year ago, she took a leap of faith and opened up an Etsy shop. I know, I know. LOTS of people have Etsy shops. But, here's the thing, I like to promote the shops and businesses of people that I know. Not to say I won't ever accept sponsors or giveaways from a company unless I know the CEO, but there's something to be said about having a connection with the person behind the "add to cart" button. And the person behind the Good Girl Gone Glad etsy shop is seriously one of the sweetest bloggers you'll ever meet chat with. She's loyally followed me, almost from day one, through all of my blog-hopping-and-URL-changes. Plus, she's a homeschooling mama to three precious kiddos and wife to one lucky dude!
So, if you're looking for some pretty art, consider ordering from her etsy shop:
{B is for Bike, 8 x 10, $16, To purchase, click HERE}
Wouldn't it look so cute in a little boy's bedroom or a playroom?
{You are the one whom my soul loves, 8 x 10, $16, To purchase, click HERE}
This would be perfect for a master bedroom or even as a part of a gallery wall.
{Adventure Watercolor Print, 8 x 10, $16, To purchase, click HERE}
This one has to be one of my favorites. So feminine! I'm thinking this would look perfect in a little girl's room or a woman "cave".
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Thanks for letting me share some of my favorite posts, pins, and products {how's that for alliteration} with you! If you have enjoyed this post, please consider following along via Google Friend Connect {see sidebar} and or signing up to receive Domestic Bliss Diaries right in your inbox {again, sidebar - under "never miss a post"}. You can also connect with me via:
I hope you all have a wonderful, restful weekend.
I look forward to seeing you right back here on Monday!
Blessings,
Thank you so much, Alana!! I really appreciate you sweet words!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your long weekend girl!
xx
You're so welcome, girl! Hope you have a blast this weekend!
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