Cha-cha-cha-changes ... and updates galore

Where to start ... 

Well friends, Hart to Heart is coming to a close. 

Just kidding (; but I am changing up just about everything, come September -- which is TOMORROW! 

I guess we could all agree that I basically took the month of August 'off'. With moving on the 1st of the month to Alaska, my husband getting home on the 14th and starting a new job this past Monday I have had to switch up my priorities.  But the good news is, is that everything is falling into place and I am able to manage my time better, and make time for blogging (woohoo). 

So with that said, please keep an eye on the blog come September.. for some major, major changes! 

As for September Sponsors, I will be putting a hold on that. My format for accepting sponsors will also be changing drastically so therefor I will be accepting October sponsors here shortly-- stay tuned friends!

Last but not least, the very last sponsor spotlight for August! 

Jessica, from Before The I Do's 

What have you learned about yourself through blogging?
The one thing I have learned about myself through blogging is how much I need to not stress over life. Things happen for a reason and those reasons we may never know. I love to be able to document them and go back and read them. i have grown so much since I first started blogging back in October of 2011.  

What blog do you consider a MUST read ?
The one blog lately I have been reading alot lately is Mama Laughlin. She is such an inspiration to get my weight under control and that I am not alone in the process. 

What is one piece of blogging advice you would give to the fellow bloggers out there?
BE YOURSELF. Be honest, be true and don't worry if you think people will judge you. If someone judge's you based on what you wrote, than maybe they shouldn't follow you or read your blog. This is your journal and your life. Live it the way you want to live it. 

H54F -- I'm alive... I swear

I suck... I swear I feel like the biggest blog failure ever these past couple weeks. No excuses-- I'm just on 110% overload! However, late last night after coming home from coaching cheer practice, and in-between a late dinner run to BW3's, I managed to squeeze in some High Five For Friday action!

Linking up with Lauren, From My Grey Desk!  

So, here I bring you my top 5 things from this crazy week! 

1. I begged and pleaded the husband to go hiking with me over the weekend at a near by mountain. Mission accomplished, 3 hours later we climbed 1,500 feet up and I slid down 99% of the way on my butt. Cross that off my Alaska Bucket List. 

 2. Check out that massive bun! Tried out Kate, from The Small Things Blog's tutorial on a high bun and it worked perfectly! 

3. EARLY Thursday morning, one of M's best friends returned from deployment! Just so happens we are basically bff couples! Slowly but surly all of the Alaska soldiers are COMING HOME! 

 4. Never underestimate a small dog as a running partner. What started as a walk, ended as a run. And no... I'm still not cleared to run/workout :( 

5. It's the weekend and it's also time for The Alaska State Fair! So excited to head to Palmer, for the fair this weekend! We had a blast last year and are hoping to enjoy it even more this year! 

Sponsor Spotlight x3

I have been totally slacking in blog-land lately, but that was explained Monday!

So to make up for my hiatus last week and to feature some awesome ladies this week-- here are 3 lovely ladies that I bring to you! 

Kaitlin Leigh 

What have you learned about yourself through blogging?

- Even though I'm fairly new to blogging, I learned that I'm a lot more creative than I thought I was. I thought I was going to blog about what was on my mind that day, or daily struggles throughout my life. Instead, I seem to have inspiration to try DIY projects, share baking recipes, and other fun tid bits.

What blog do you consider a MUST read ?

-  I absolutely love reading posts from Lauren over at Wifestyles and Carissa over at Eskimo Kisses!!
I read them daily because the always have fun things to share! Between outfits, recipes, home ideas, or just fun things they do throughout their daily lives, these two girls are super sweet, and have so much to say :)


What is one piece of blogging advice you would give to the fellow bloggers out there?

Even though I haven't been blogging for very  long, I think one piece of advice I could give is to take the time to respond to people who comment on your blog. I think it shows that you actually take the time to read their comments!! It only take a few seconds anyway to respond, so why not just do it?? Plus you never know.. maybe you will make some blogging friends just from responding back. : )

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Breanna-- The Thing About Joy 

What have you learned about yourself through blogging?  I am learning how to channel my creativity. No, I haven't completely learned this yet, its still a process for me. Blogging has helped me to focus on certain things, realize where I need to spend more time on things, and where I need to spend less time on things! Seems crazy that a blog could do that right? I guess it helps me be accountable for something every day, and that is something that I have been needing help with, focusing on daily goals. And blogging has been helping me to stay focused, get things done, make lists and finish them! I love it. 

What blog do you consider a MUST read? I really, seriously, can't pick just one! So I'll give you my top... 3, okay, 4... I'm sorry Leigh Anne! BUT --->  1) Leigh Anne! Seriously, I am so glad I have met this girl, she rocks. She has helped me with so much during my fitness journey and still helps me! I love reading about all her adventures, and the wonderful things going on in her life! xoxo :)) 2) Jessica @ Lovely Little Things. 3) My girl Bev! @ Lala Love Learn & Laugh this girl has become one of my great bloggy friends. She is hilarious, super sweet, and is currently posting amazing pictures from her wedding. Oh, and we both l-o-v-e I love Lucy! :) 4)Zie Darling! One of my newww favorites! Mainly because we're both obsessed with art journaling, smashbooking, we're graphic designers, and now pen pal buddies! Yeah, one of my favs. :) 

What is one piece of blogging advice you would give to the fellow bloggers out there? Be yourself! Don't try to fit in with everyone else, because that's not what blogging is all about! Blogging is about you. Yep. You! Your space to be the center of the universe, to have all eyes focus on you. Yes, on your blog you are the star of the show! So make it a good one! Don't make it like everyone else's because no one will want to read a copy cat. Have fun. Be you! :)


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Samantha from Dysfunctional Ever After 

What have you learned about yourself through blogging? I'm much more creative than I ever thought. Not to toot my own horn, but there is a lot more going on in that lil head of mine than I ever thought, a lot more stuff I want to share with the world. Although my blog is completely casual, messy and grammatically incorrect - I've discovered I want to be a writer. 

What blog do you consider a must read? I really love Living in Yellow. Our blog styles are VERY similar (but I admit I'm a bit more sassypants), she gives me hope that I don't have to do crafts or have kids to attract quality readers. Plus she is gorgeous.

What is one piece of blogging advice you would give to the fellow bloggers out there? I don't think I'm equipped to give advice, but I would say don't take it too seriously and make sure you're blogging for your own enjoyment, not for others. I got pretty wrapped up in blogging for others for a hot minute and burned out real quick trying to be something I'm not. I don't DIY, I rarely do fashion posts and I don't have babies to talk about - I just blog. As soon as I got real again, the followers started coming. More and more people were coming with their love and support, which shouldn't ever be your end goal, but it sure is encouraging.

Life Update

... It's true, I took a little hiatus. At the time, blogging was not a priority and I had other business to attend to. I suppose I will just let the pictures do the talking...sound good? 

I have had my husband home for a whole WEEK now-- and life is good. Knowing he is out of harms way makes me sleep well at night. However, there are still many troops still in Afghanistan and thousands of them are from the unit here in Alaska. Praying daily for their safe return! 

DIY Foam Board Photos

Sometime last week I posted the Instagram picture you see below! This, by far has been one of the easiest, quickest and prettiest Pinterest projects I have found! I saw several renditions of this crafty-craft on the web, but decided to make my own! So, today I bring you " DIY Foam Board Photos" .... for under $20 each! 

DIY Foam Board Photos 

Completion Time: 30 minutes 

Materials Needed

• Foam Board 8x2 foot (Bought at Low's in the insulation dept) -- $8.50
• Photo Prints 3x2 foot (Purchased at Office Max-- ask for 3 foot by 2 foot engineers prints)--$3.30 a print! 
• Exacto Knife
• Spray Adhesive 
• Acrylic Paint (paint is used to paint edges of photo boards)

 Instructions 

1. Lay out your photo prints on the board and pencil in a line where you will make your cuts. One board will make two, 2x3 photo boards. 
2. Cut the foam board with the exacto knife.
3. Spray the spray adhesive LIGHTLY onto the shiny side of the board. 
4. Gently place the photo print, aligned on the board. 
5. Paint the exposed edges of the foam in your desired color. 

Large 8x2 foam board. 

3x2 engineers prints
*Engineers prints ONLY come in black & white. 

Prints laid out on board. 

Close up quality of the prints -- turned out better than I expected! 

LOVE this spray adhesive. 

Cut your boards...

Spray your board... then STICK! 

Voila! Easy Peesy!! 

* To hang your photos, you can do this in several ways. You can do like I did, and shove a push pin into the back of it-- followed by pushing the board/pin into the wall (preferred, easy, method)... OR you can use wire and duct tape and create a hanging mechanism!

Close to my heart product review

How many of you ladies (or gentleman) out there are scrapbookers? 

I know you are out there somewhere!!! 

Way, back when I had free time I used to scrapbook all the time, then when that fell to the wayside, turned into my Mom's extensive hobby, and a room in our home dedicated to scrapbooking! 

My mother is an incredibly crafty lady! 

So when Elisabeth contacted me about reviewing some "Close to My Heart" products, I knew I may not be the lady for the job, but my mom would be! 

Ever heard of Close to My Heart? Here's a little run down about the company... 

"Close To My Heart is dedicated to being an industry leader and innovator. With a rewarding business opportunity and revolutionary new products, and with founder and CEO Jeanette Lynton at the company’s helm, Close To My Heart has made many significant contributions to the scrapbooking and stamping industry. Jeanette’s leadership, spanning over 25 years in the industry, has made the company a premier resource for individuals who wish to enhance their artistic talents and pursue a successful business career."

via. 

Today I get to share with you the lovely scrapbook my mom put together with the kit Elizabeth sent us! 

My mom LOVED all the products and is already looking into purchasing more! 

Like what you see? Then go ... here ... and... here... and "like" and follow, Elizabeth's facebook page and blog!

Thank you again Elizabeth for sending us so many goodies to try out! 

Sponsor Spotlight: Kate, Anna, Samantha

Happy Wednesday Friends! Today I have 3 fantastic sponsors to spotlight for you all! 

But I must first note, that back in July when we had Wedding Wednesday, I honestly miscounted the # if Wednesday's in the month! I blame the frazzled moving brain! However, we have one last sponsor to spotlight from July and her amazing wedding inspiration! So now I bring you the beautiful Kate, from Classy Living! 

 1. What is your dream wedding location? I would love to be married in my home church.  It has so much emotional meaning to me, because it is where I first learned about having a relationship with God and encountered Him on a personal level.  

 2. Describe your perfect wedding dress? Strapless, sweetheart neckline, A-line shape. 

3. Big Ceremony/Reception or Small, and why? I'd like to have an "open ceremony", meaning that anyone can come (parents' friends, church members, my students, etc).  Immediately following, we'll have some refreshments in the reception hall and an informal time to chat with the guests.  Afterwards, only the family, bridal party, and out-of-town guests will go out and have an intimate dinner, without all of the typical reception hoopla.  I know -- it's unconventional.  I'll be posting more details as we get closer to the big day!

4. Perfect wedding color scheme? Hmm...I am not sure right now.  I'm thinking deep purple or navy blue as the main color, and maybe some pink to accent it.  I don't want anything too trendy or over-the-top.  I'm going for a classic, timeless look.

5. Share one photo that you would consider wedding inspiration. 

I find it inspiring that they are focusing on God first, before all of the wedding craziness begins.  When it comes right down to it, that's what the day is truly about!

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And back to August sponsors for our Wednesday Q&A I have the lovely Anna and Samantha to share with you all! 

Anna from A Sweet Southern Mess
Blog//Twitter// Facebook

1. I have learned that I can't let anyone else influence my life negatively. I should live to make myself happy and have faith in God.

 

2. I absolutely love A Night Owl Blog and A Complete Waste of Makeup! I read both of those blogs every day!

3. Never give up on blogging. Blog for you and your happiness, make friends, and never think that you can't change or impact someone's life for the better!

Samantha from Hooah and Hiccups 

Blog//Twitter//Facebook 

1. It's been a long and stressful year with my husband being deployed and me becoming a new mom. I've learned that I'm stronger than I think and that I've grown so much as a wife, mother and person during this time. It's taken me awhile to grow into the person I am, and seeing it in writing just attests that I have grown and will continue to grow for the better through this crazy journey!

2. Hart to Heart is one of the only blogs I read religiously, but I'm always looking for new material! I've been blogging for over a year but just recently started networking and reading more blogs. I'd love suggestions! 

3. My advice to bloggers is just to be yourself and be real. Even if you think someone out there may not be interested or be able to relate, there are probably a whole bunch of people who can! Also, write as much as possible. Not only will your followers appreciate it, but you'll continue to grow as a writer the more you do it! Happy blogging!