On blogging.

 It's weird. I have a dozen blog posts rolling around in my head at any given time and another half dozen drafts just ready to be finished. Somehow, though, I never get around to sitting down and actually posting any of them. I know blogs are dying and hardly anyone reads this, but I don't actually mind any of that. I genuinely enjoy posting here and having a place to be a little creative and simply document life. I just also happen to lack the discipline of follow through. I'm hoping to change that!

  I'm working on writing and documenting life more regularly and making a plan to be more present here on the blog. That got me thinking of all my favorite things about blogs and blogging and I made a little list:

-inspire and encourages creativity
-normalizes all the different parts of life
-place of encouragement
-a great kind of hobby 
-helps focus and refocus
-fun source of tips and resources 
-place to document life
-accountability/positive challenge

  Of course, I made of list of my favorite blogs and I'm sure I'm missing some (that I still read regularly!)

-Under the Sycamore
-Emily Ley
-I Heart Orginizing
-Shannan Martin
-Thrifty Decor Chick
-Sally's Baking Addiction
-Lara Casey
-Valerine Keinsley 

  All of this to say, you'll be hearing more from me. And I'd love your input! If you're reading this, you obviously like blogs (or at least this one?). What do you love about blogs? What things do you like to read? I want to know! Take this little survey (open until Thursday at midnight) and I'll randomly select a winner to receive a Noonday gift card :) Thank you in advance!

ps.  Not familiar with Noonday? Find more info HERE.

Lately.

{snacks in one hand, dog leash in the other...}

We're gearing up for vacation with some college friends next week and the next few days will consist of packing, grocery shopping, baking, and getting the house ready for our dogsitter while we're gone. But besides that, we've been soaking in the slow pace of summer lately. 

  We will definitely welcome Fall and the routine that comes with it in a few months, but for now we have decided to fully embrace this season of no real schedule. Morning walks, late day trips to the waterpark, impromptu haircuts in the kitchen {expect a post dedicate just to that!}, watermelon snacks in the backyard, and rainy day trips to the library. 

  I'm also itching for some change around here and thinking of redesigning the blog. And by that, I mean I want to pay someone else to redesign it since I have no clue how to do that! I'm also praying about taking on a fun {and big!} new adventure that I've wanted to for a few years now. I keep hearing Lara Casey saying "Make it Happen...take the leap." If I do, I hope you'll be just as excited as I am- it's a pretty fun adventure. So stay tuned for those updates!
  But in the meantime, we'll keep enjoying our slow summer pace. Today's agenda: breakfast, walk to the park and library, waterpark, and cooking club! 

ps. Boy or girl? Did you vote on baby number two???

About blogging.

  

  Blogs are dying. Ok, ok. That's dramatic. But have you noticed the big shift away from real blogging and towards microblogging {a la Instagram}? Some of my favorites have all touched on this trend lately, and I'm glad to hear they aren't going anywhere {here, here, and here}. And I'm not either. Not because I think this blog is super valuable to anyone other than me, but because I've been doing this for far too long to just stop. If you know what Xanga is {was?} and can remember when it was [sort of?} popular, then you can understand how long I've been at this blogging thing. 

  I love blogging. It gives me a place to be, to write what I want and to document life. A place to process and share and exist. I love being inspired by how someone else views the world or decorates their living room or loves on others. I'll never think that sharing life with others, whether online or in person, is a bad thing.

  I still hate parts of this trend away from blogging. Less comments, less interacting, shorter/more surface-y content. I'm guilt of all of those! So in 2015, I'm going to:

//comment more

//pare down my reading list and read only my absolute favorites {Thanks for the tip, Emily!}

//interact with the blogs/bloggers I do read

//write intentionally

  I love seeing weekly round-up posts, where bloggers share their favorite posts from other writers. And since I really want to be intentional about paring down what blogs I ready daily, checking those round-ups will give me a chance to branch out while still keeping my actual reading list short and meaningful. Maybe you feel the same? Be on the look out for some weekly {ish?} round-ups around here! And in the meantime, I have some questions for you! Are you still reading blogs? Which ones are you favorite, must-reads? Who, on the internet, inspires you the most {for whatever reason!}? I'll be sharing some of my favorites later this week!

Settling in.

 
  Somehow, it's July 7th and my baby boy is three weeks old. And, amazingly enough, my body seems to have fully recovered from childbirth. And we've settled into our new normal. And our dogs haven't been neglected or tried to eat our new child yet. Or any dirty diapers, in Jersey's case {that one is inevitable, though}. And we survived the stress of hosting a stream of postpartum visitors. Also of note? My hormones seem to have leveled out and I feel much more like a normal person, even after surviving mastitis last week. 
  I love being a mom, there really is no doubt about that. Still, my mind can't help but jump back to the other parts of our story or my sweet, amazingly strong friend who is still grieving the tragic loss of her baby boy. I look at Caleb a dozen times a day and am overwhelmed with all the feelings. Love. Gratitude. Confusion on why I lost one baby but get to know this one. Anger that Caleb won't get to grow up with Oak. Excitement to see our little guy grow and grow. So many emotions and thoughts. I'm sure it's all really normal and I'm just like every other new mom. feel free to validate that!
  But all of that to say, I'm here. I'm alive. We're doing so, so well. Sometimes, we're doing so well that I feel a bit guilty. We didn't do a darn thing to deserve this sweet baby or the hours of sleep he lets us get at night {I'm looking at you, Caleb. Let's nip this growth spurt in the butt, mmk??} But we have him and he's ours and God keeps seeing fit to bring Justin and closer together because of him. And while Caleb is the bomb.com, I am really passionate about not losing myself in him. Does that sound horrible? I just mean I still want to garden and go to book club and have wine nights with friends and date my husband on the regular. And blog about it all. While still being the best mom I can, you know? So here's to motherhood, feeling all the emotions, and blogging about more than babies!
 

Saturday round-up.

  Hello Saturday! You sure are off to a great start. Things worth celebrating today: {in no particular order} sunshine and 55°, no plans except a big post office run, sleeping in, a new book, and uninterrupted QT with the husband. It makes me smile just typing all of that!
   Hopefully your Saturday is just as relaxing and celebratory! And, in case you missed it, here's a round-up of happenings around these parts this week::

//Spring!

//Around the table. {a goodbye}

//24 weeks.

And, because I love a good sale and can't keep 'em to myself- one of my absolute favs, Pen & Paint, is offering 20% everything until 3/17! Love. This. Shop. Have you ever checked it out? Just use the code SPRING20!

Spring swap 2014!

 

 

Hello, Springtime! Stormy and I are so excited to host our 2nd Spring Swap this year!  We had such a great turn out last year, we couldn't resist doing it again. If you've never joined in a swap before, I can basically guarantee you'll love this! If you love Spring, pretty packages, and making new friends, this swap is for you!

So how exactly does this fun happen?  You will sign up via the form below and we will email you with all the fun information. You will be randomly matched up and be able to get to know the person you will be putting a package together for and who will be sending to you. Fun, right???

// spring swap timeline:
3/14 |  last day to sign up!

3/15 |  swap partners will be emailed out. email me if you have not heard from your partner by 3/16.

3/31 |  deadline to mail off your package

4/7   |  link up

// price range:  $20

// a little more information: 

+ this swap is open to {almost} everyone! You only need a blog or Instagram account to participate!

+ you will be paired up and swapping with one person. This makes for more fun and a chance to really get to know your partner!

+ once you receive your partner's information, make sure you EMAIL THEM right away. And, of course, stalk away on social media! {in the least creepy way possible}

+ commit to the price range - it really is a bummer when someone gets gypped! 

+ if you need inspiration, be sure to check back here for some fun ideas in the next couple of week! 

+ please make sure you mail your package out BY the deadline. If you can't make this happen, just let us know!

+don't forget to link up with us  {by blog or instagram or both!} on April 7th!

Golden Hour Revelry. {giveaway}

  Can we all just say a collective amen for being done with Monday? I'm excited to share a new favorite etsy shop with you today- Golden Hour Revelry! I try to really only highlight shops that I truly do love, and this one is no exception. Not only is everything in the shop so pretty and fun, it is all really affordable. Sometimes I feel like party frill is a bit overpriced, but these goodies are spot on for any budget. Look for yourself! Liz is the creative mind behind Golden Hour Revelry and she just started up her new venture. She so sweetly sent me the prettiest Fringe Party Garland in mint for our upcoming Valentine's/Gender Reveal party and some extra cute Sparkle Heart Cake toppers. 

I am dying to put them to good use on our dessert table! And I love the garland so much, it just might find its way into the nursery. And guys, the garland is only $6.00. Perfect, right? To celebrate her shop's grand opening, Liz is giving away an adorable Sparkle Dot Garland {in pink} just in time for Valentine's Day! And, in case you're not the lucky winner, she is also offering all With a Smile readers 25% your entire order from her shop. That means you could get yourself the cutest fringe garland for less than $5. Come on. That's a steal! Anyways...I'll let Liz {and her photos!} do the rest of the talking...

I am suuuuper excited to be featured on Tomorrow With A Smile! Thank you Katie for having me!

I'm Liz Davis, a visual merchandiser, prop stylist, hand-maker, and party decorator in Philadelphia, PA. Just last week I opened Golden Hour Revelry - my Etsy shop for all kinds of fun handmade party frill. The shop highlights a collection of my personal faves and best selling party decorations. All of my frills are handmade in my Queen Village apartment. Except in the summer - in the summer I make them on our sunny rooftop! I get inspiration from lots of sources: magazines, pinterest, a ridiculous amount of blogs, and my day job as a visual specialist at J.Crew. 

Parties are my absolute favorite. Ask any of my friends - when I have a party my first instinct is to invite everyone. Like absolutely everyone I know. This means that the guest list usually starts around 150 and then my awesome husband (the logical one) pares it down to people who will actually fit in our apartment! 

I started Golden Hour Revelry as a creative outlet, of course, but also as a way to connect with fellow party lovers. I love helping to create events that stand out with beautiful handmade frills. I know that the way you decorate your space for a party creates the atmosphere of awesomeness that all your guests feel as soon as they walk in! So I've put together a shop where you can find that special something to set your party apart and make it more special. This month I'm starting with lots of garlands and festive cake and cupcake toppers. Check out my shop and see what I mean... and enjoy 25% off with code GRANDOPENING.

I also offer party design services in the Philadelphia area. Email me at goldenhourrevelry@gmail.com for more info. And follow along on instagram @goldenhourrevelry! Thanks for taking a peek!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hump day.

I'm feeling incredibly random today, and I blame it on being Wednesday.

I've been dreaming of Spring lately. Warmer temps and less layers. Sunshine and garden planning and more walks around the neighborhood. This probably happens to me every year, but I think this last snow storm/record low temps has me really hankering for March. Anyone else with me? Perhaps I could use a good old fashion Spring Break trip? If you know of a magic money tree to fund that, let me know!

I finally have our gallery wall ready to go! I'm so excited to have it finished and have our bonus room just that much more put together. I can't wait to share it with you guys! In the meantime, and tips for hanging frames?

My goal of getting back to the gym this month has reminded me of my deep, deep love for GirlTalk. I'm a big fan rap/hiphop workout playlists, and GirlTalk most definitely takes the cake for the best. This is what I have on repeat right now. What's on your workout playlist?

Post- holidays and NYC trip and pre-baby, we are working being even more money conscious than usual. I'm not a huge shopper, but even I am really, really tempted by this amazing Noonday sale. Feel free to buy me an early Valentine's present, husband! 

Our stove/oven broken a few weeks ago, and we've been putting of taking care of it because of the holidays and then snowstorm and then just plain laziness. Lean Cuisines, anyone? 

Like the rest of the blogworld, I've found myself thinking of where this little space in the interwebs is headed in 2014. I was pretty underwhelmed by the feedback on this post, since I really what to hear what you think. Take a few minutes to take this {annonymous} survey?

{untitled}

  A few weeks ago, I stumbled across this blog post and got to thinking about my own little corner of the interwebs. When I was in grad school, blogging was a great outlet and, let's be honest, time filler for me. I made some really wonderful and really real friends and visited their blogs daily. I knew their stories and found so much encouragement in following along.
  A few years later, and I'm finding that without GoogleReader and with the addition of things like Instagram, blogs seem to be slowing down. There are still a handful that I read faithfully and friends I still keep in touch with, but so many more are all fluff. Maybe this blog is even all fluff?
  As 2014 gets rolling and we start yet another new season of life {can we just call the years between 20-30 the years of ever-changing life circumstances??}, I don't see this blog of mine fading away. Hopefully it will become even more intentional. With that in mind, like Hayley asked, what makes a blog 'sticky' to you? What keeps your attention? And mostly, what do you want to read about on this blog in 2014?  I really am interested! In the meantime, I'm making a list of my favorite blogs and Instagrams. Have any good ones to share?

Right now.

 Right now::

 +Hoping I pass my upcoming licensing test. Gosh, am I nervous about that.
 +Feeling so tired since I've had two terrible nights' sleep in a row. Woof.
 +Letting the excitement of moving on from one job to another get the best of me. Maybe that's why I   can't sleep?
 +Eating homemade granola bars. PB+chocolate chip4Life
 +Dreading/Loving my rekindled love for TaeBo. Because, ow.
 +Loving that my husky is done shedding his summer coat. So. Much. Hair.
 +Thankful for a husband that did the dishes and some laundry and grocery shopping this weekend! Husband FTW.
 +So, so looking forward to this long weekend coming up. Labor day, I love you. 
 +Realizing this list is pretty pointless. But hey, I blogged! 

Happy Monday!  

#mugswap2013

 I've participated in my fair share of blog swaps. I know they seem super cheesy, but they really can be wonderful. I've met some really sweet ladies and friends through them {like Chelsea and Stormy!}. When I saw Lindsay post on IG about MugSwap2013, hosted by Kim, I knew I had to jump in on the fun. Because, mugs! I have been totally screwed in the past with some swaps, but was hoping this would be a good one. Guys, it was so much fun. Half the fun was putting together my package for Tracey...

   And of course, I didn't hate getting some goodies in the mail myself. {Who am I kidding?? I live for good mail.} Lora did an amazing job and I may or may not have already eaten the entire package of LornaDoone's she sent me. {my bad}

   On a side note, I'm banning myself from buying anymore mugs this year. It had kind of become an obsession. {Except for travel mugs, I need more of those}. I'm blaming the mug-people for making such adorable mugs. Totally not my fault.

Up & Doing. {June}

//run 5 miles// Pretty self-explainatory. 

//make sorbet// I'm in love with my KitchenAid mixer. Have we discussed this? I'm getting more comfortable with the ice cream attachment, and am on to bigger and better recipes. Have any great sorbet recipes for me? {Hint: orange is my fav}

//go on a summer date// We live in such a fun city, and for the first summer in years, we'll really be around to enjoy it. Maybe a minor league baseball game? Concert on the prairie? So much room for activities! {Name that movie}

  As a side note, I've noticed lots of bloggers are doing monthly goals these days. I really love blogging about my three goals each month because, well, it keeps me accountable. But I've also gotten tons of encouragement and ideas from bloggy friends. It made me think- would anyone be interested in a monthly goals link-up? Discuss. 

Round-up.

  Monday's post had me thinking that it would be fun to do a little round-up of some of my favorite tutorials from this little blog! I learned two things while I was picking my top 5; my picture taking abilities used to REALLY suck {now they just sort of suck} and I've got a buttload more recipes than tutorials to share. Hello, inner fat kid! :) In no particular order- here are my favorite crafty tutorials::

Infinity scarf

        

   Chalkboard tumblers

Knock-off Anthropologie mug

Oversized canvas art

  

kitchen chalkboard

Operation Smile

  If you've been hanging around these parts for a while now, hopefully you've noticed that I try to be intentional with any sponsored-type post I do. I get emails every so often asking to review a product or host a giveaway {or be a part of one a mega group giveaway- blech}, but I've only accepted a handful of them {like here and here}. I really only want to talk about stuff that I would/do buy myself or I believe in. This is my space and I'm pretty protective about keeping it that way, even if that means forfeiting some free stuff.
  So when Angela from CampusBookRentals.com contacted, I was initially skeptical. I mean, I closed the whole college-chapter a year ago and am not in need of any textbooks at all. Then I learned that they're actually a pretty great company that intentionally gives back. For each textbook that is rented, CampusBookRentals donates to Operation Smile.
  When I think of the work Operation Smile does {providing international treatment and care for kiddos born with clefts}, I immediately think of Ashley's post about raising a daughter with a cleft lip. Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft. And if you've read Ashley's story- you know that each of those sweet babies has a rough road ahead of them. Operation Smile supports the beliefs that every child deserves access to safe, quality surgical care and every child deserves a future filled with hope. I completely agree. 
  All that to say, if you're a college kid who has to buy textbooks- why not buy/rent from a company that is committed to making a difference? Campus Book Rentals is that company. 

Good reads.

  I saw this post from Angie, and was inspired to follow suit. I've been reading books likes crazy lately {thank you, book club!}, but have really dropped the ball on my GoogleReader {gosh, I'm going to miss GoogleReader}. I still have my go-to favorite reads {like this, this, this, this, this and this}- but am on the hunt for a few more great reads to add to my daily list. 

 I'm looking at you, reader who never comments. This one is worth weighing in on...

  So tell me, what are your favorite blogs to read and bloggers to interact with? 

On toeing the line.

 
  Happy Monday, friends. How are you? Full from the weekend and ready to tackle this new week? A bit exhausted and wishing for just one more day before the work week resumes? 
  I'm finding myself somewhere between those two today. I sat down with the intentions to share some heart things. Its been quite a while since I've truly checked in about real life. But I'm feeling a bit hesitant. I love sharing real life things. Processing out loud, if you will. But I think there is a need for balance when it comes to real vs. interwebs life, you know? It's one thing to sit down with a cup of tea or oversized glass of wine and share heart things with a friends. And quite another to share those same things with a people I may or may not know and probably won't have any back and forth with about it all. I love having this outlet and being mostly transparent, because I do love being genuine. More though, I want to make sure I'm not toeing the line. That I'm seeking wise counsel in real life. That I am sharing my heart, but face to face and not with a blank screen that may or may not talk back to me. 
  I have a lot to say about this season I'm in right now. I think, though, that it will probably be best said when the next season fully begins. I'm not necessarily in a hurry for this one to be over. But maybe I am. I go back and forth on that one. Either way, it's still part of the story. I know from experience that sharing any part of any story is a good thing.  So I hope to share this part one day, when I'm maybe onto the next chapter? It seems as if when things become the quietest in this little corner of the internet, life is happening in the biggest ways. So good or bad, I really feel like I should be treasuring life right now. 
  I don't know. I'm curious. Am I the only one who thinks so much about toeing the internet line with how much to process out loud? What's your balance? Do things seem quietest for you too when life really is moving in the biggest ways? 

I love mail.

 A few weeks ago, Lauren from Cardstore sent me an email asking if I'd like to review a card from them. Here's where I should mention that every once in awhile, I get emails just like that asking me to review something, and I have always said no. Because its always something like a software or diet program {are you trying to tell me something?} or other thing that I wouldn't try in my every day life. But a card? Sign me up. I send mail like its going out of style {but praise Jesus it's not! Did you hear?!} 

 Anyways, I took her up on her offer and logged on to snag my free card. Have you heard of Cardstore? Its kind of wonderful, especially for a mail lover like myself. The neat part of their service is that you can personalize your card in so many ways- with a photo, personalized note, even your own signature. I initially thought of making a photo card to send to the hubs at work as a surprise, but then absolutely fell in love with this card. And immediately thought of my grad school girls and wanted to get each of them one. Because its hilarious and describes us each so well! I slowed my roll and only ordered one, though. Self-control, people.

  So I know I mentioned that Cardstore offers tons of ways for you to personalize your cards, but I'm old school. I really prefer hand written, signed, and sealed mail. So, while you can have them mail the card for you {how convenient!}, I didn't do that. I know, I know. I'm difficult. But it was shipped to my house in two days and in person it was as adorable as I expected. I was able to handwrite a note, sign it myself, and put it in my own mailbox. {Let's not start with my obsession of putting the mailbox flag up. Its a problem, people.}

 All in all, I'm in love with this card. I want to buy a gagillion more of them. I may just do that. Sidenote: I used to buy cards by the dozen in college, just to stockpile and use when needed. This is making realize I need/want/have to do that again...

 
  So, know that I'm not getting paid to say this, but I like Cardstore! I really love mail {wait, have we gone over this?} and I think that snail mail is kind of a lost art. We don't send letters and cards enough {this is my sneaky way of asking you to send me some mail love}. Cardstore makes it easy and convenient to send a personalized card, with no hassle at all. Unless you're like me, and still prefer to do all the work. Then its just a place to buy cute cards. Either way, I like it. 

 Tell me I'm not crazy. Anyone else love mail as much as I do? Or am I just crazy? I'll take either :)