NEW BLOG! 8 Jul 2011 7:30 AM (13 years ago)

Okay sweets!

ALL blog files have been transferred! Now YOU can look at the AMAZING NEW website that Aimee from http://www.byaimee.com/ designed! She is AMAZING! I cannot believe how much she helped me and taught me! Thank you Aimee!

I still have A LOT to do...but I really like it so far!

So, you ready to see the new blog??

http://www.smittenbyapromise.com/

This blog will be close soon! Make sure you subscribe to emails over on my new blog to keep up to date! You can see the "blog portion" by clicking on "blog" tab on the home page! Subscribe to emails on the right hand side of the blog portion! Thank you all for your support! I would LOVE to see what you think!

xoxoxo,

Kels

Berezki Jewelry Giveaway 6 Jul 2011 8:06 PM (13 years ago)

I am pretty sure I am in LOVE with this shop. As you all know... I ADORE anything unique and LOVE when people use the talents God has given them!

Well, Alisa is just that! If you looked Creative up in the dictionary...HER Gorgeous face would be there :) hehe

Anyway, let me tell ya a bit about Alisa....

My name is Alisa Berezovski (evolved into "Berezki" - meaning "Birch Tree" in Russian).

My background in Architecture was my original inspiration for creating jewelry out of concrete.
I love how this industrial and generally heavy material can be transformed into very elegant, and light-weight jewelry creations.

Every piece is handmade and no two items are ever alike. Each jewelry piece will be as unique as that particular moment when I am making it. Each piece will have its flaws and at the same time will be as perfect as the material allows it to be. That is what gives each piece its character, its story.

I'm still discovering the limits and new possibilities of this material, and would always love to hear your thoughts, your feedback :)

Now for the eye candy! Get ready to be AH-MAZ-ED...Seriousness...

I WANT this SO bad... I have LOVED roses forever :) "A rose by ANY other name is still a rose." Unique, LOVELY, and FABULOUSLY fashionable.

Gorgeous right?? This clasp necklace is PERFECT for a wedding or a trip to the grocery store!

Ummm...YES please!

Really? Can her GORGEOUS pieces get any more fabulous??

Oh, Yes...She has earrings too!

LOVE! Can't you just see these on a BRIDE???

Can you believe this GORGEOUSNESS is made from Concrete? I am amazed. I am amazed something so functional...something we walk or drive on EVERY day turned into something so beautiful.

So, GUESS what??? Alisa is generously giving one of the FIVE items pictured below to ONE winner! AND the winner gets to pick their FAV! Woo Hoo!

Roses and Thorns - Pendant

Architectural Plan - Necklace

Concrete Icicles - Necklace

Concrete and Cherries - Earrings

Concrete Drops - Earrings

Isn't this exciting! You wanna know my next purchase??? Roses and Thorns - Pendant YUP that's right!

Anyway, You prolly want to know how to enter... ;)

How to enter:

Would live for everyone that enters to become a public
follower of this blog! The more people reading the

more exposure for the shops featured here :) Thank you for

supporting handmade!

Mandatory entry:

* Go check out the Fabulous Berezki Jewelry and come

back

and tell me what you would LOVE to Own and cherish!

* AND

What you would do if you had 10 minutes of down time... like

miraculously... EVERYTHING was done and you had 30 minutes to

spare before you has to be anywhere...

ME??? POWER NAP! Whoo hoo!

Optional entries!

* Heart Berezki Jewelry shop on etsy!

*Go like Berezki Jewelry on Facebook!

* Follow Alisa's BLOG!

* Go Like Smitten By A Promise on Facebook!

*Sign up for email updates :) right over there :)
----->

* Blog, Tweet, or Share on facebook (up to three entries :))

SUPER bonus entries!

Purchase something from her fabulous Shop on etsy!

3 entries!

(Comment 3 times!)

DISCOUNT!! Enter SUMMER10 at checkout to seceive 10% off your

purchase! PLUS you get 3 entries for buying! talk about FABULOUS!

That's it! Now have FUN! Thank you for supporting handmade!

XOXO Peeps,

Kels

Our Walk with Purity week 3 5 Jul 2011 6:44 AM (13 years ago)

This week Our guest post is from Alexzandra Jaramillo!

I HEART her to pieces and I really think you all will enjoy this story!

This is her....

Isn't she beautiful?? She has a beautiful story to go right along with it :)

...............................................................................................................................

Jesus has been working on my purity for a long time! It’s not short, but I promise I tried to sum it up the best I could!

January 2011: My first semester at Calvary Chapel Bible College! After two years at UNM I was so excited to give my mind FULLY to whatever God wanted to teach me. I cannot say that I am surprised that the first thing He brought under examination was the purity of my relationship. I had been engaged for 5 months, “dating” for 2 ½ years and completely enamored by Jordan for almost 4 years. The progression of our relationship was VERY slow.

Early 2006: We met while preparing for a missions trip, he was new to our youth group and honestly I was anything but interested romantically. We ended up spending a lot of time together however, and the more I saw of his character the more interested I became. There was such a contrast between what I saw in him and what I saw in most of the boys I knew at that time. He would gladly inconvenience himself in order to help any of us, this became especially apparent on month long missions trips when EVERYONE is exhausted. I wasn’t sold yet. Our friendship grew but we only talked at church. It was so easy with him though, I could be completely ridiculous (to the point of serious embarrassment) but he was always amused. Anytime I had an objection to him something would happen that would completely silence it. For instance, one week I became upset that I hadn’t really heard him verbalize his faith enough and it was important that I did. To my surprise that next Friday he shared a devotional at a youth event we had. I always tell him that what caught my attention was the Jesus I saw I him. I found myself asking God for a man like Jordan. I remember praying fervently “God please, I want to marry a man like him”. I also began asking God if he was “the one” but the only answer I could be sure of was that I needed to wait and keep my focus on God. God was asking me to let Him fill my thoughts, to let Him satisfy me during this time. He wanted the purity of my mind. We were young and I have no problem admitting that I wasn’t so good at the whole patience thing, if only I would of know how much of it God had in store for us.

April 2007: A series of events led to our acknowledgement of interest in each other but go figure the only conclusion we came to was that we were in no place to start a relationship and that we would wait and see what He would have us do. I can’t say that I expected my parent’s reaction. They were… …let’s just say protective. They played hall monitors at church and were anything but thrilled. We weren’t doing anything wrong but in order to be obedient to my parents we didn’t talk as much as we had before, sometimes only because my mother would find reasons to call me into whatever room Jordan was not in.

Summer 2008: My parents were still warming up to the idea and we were in a constant struggle of choosing to submit to their authority. We had to learn that in order to honor God we had to honor them. Jordan had felt for a while that God was calling the direction of his life towards the military. He joined the Marine Corps and left for boot camp that September. We had become really close however we remained friends who were committed to waiting for each other in order to see where it might lead. Still, Jordan leaving was hard on me. Boot camp was my first real lesson in patience. God taught me so much about Himself and the role He wanted to play in my life. He helped me to understand that as long as He is with me I am LACKING NOTHING.

December 2008: Graduation! One of my best friends was also close with Jordan, with my parents’ permission we flew to San Diego for his graduation from boot camp. Nothing crazy, we only stayed for two nights. There were so many things in my mind! He did NOT expect us there. He told me later that when we saw me in the crowd he almost couldn’t even march straight. I’m impressed, I could barely breathe. Still, no permission to peruse a relationship, no declaration of love or anything physical.

April 2009: Finally! We had my parents blessing. We ran with it! He was stationed on a base in Twenty-Nine Palms, California so the extent of our relationship was e-mails, text messaging, and phone calls. Looking back I am so grateful that we took it sooo slow. It was a really sweet time of getting to know each other and being able to practice patience together. I am so glad that my parents gave us boundaries. That summer while he was home for a holiday he told me that he loved me after I went with him to a picnic with some of his family friends. I didn’t exactly respond gracefully. I hit him in the side and did not say it back. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to. I did! But I know the kind of person he is. He is a thinker! So opposite of me! He thinks through every important decision he makes and when he said this I knew it was something that he took very seriously. I did not want to respond out of emotion or just because of what he said. He left shorty after and I had to wait almost two months to respond the way I wanted to. I had decided to wait until I was with him again to tell him so during that time anytime we got off the phone he would tell me he loved me and I would say “okay, talk to you later”. I FELT SO BAD but he assured me he understood.

A lot happened during the next year and a half, our relationship was growing while he was in training and I was working on my AA. Looking back I know that God had us exactly where He wanted us. Being in a long-distance relationship was hard! As far as the purity of our relationship I wish I could say that it did not progress but that wouldn’t be true. We began holding hands and eventually kissing. At first I had no reservations. As long as kissing was the farthest we went we agreed it would be fine. He hadn’t had a girlfriend before me; he can honestly tell me that he has saved every bit of himself for me. It is such a gift! BUT, I never responded when the subject came up. I had struggled with the subject of purity long before Jordan was in my life. The reality of my need to be cleansed was what brought me to Jesus in the first place. I grew up knowing about HIM from stories but I learned of His importance in my life only after I had chosen to give myself over to sexual defilement at a very young age. There is a word in the Greek language that comes to mind, “Epignosis” is translated in English as experiential knowledge. My Epignosis with Jesus came out of my longing for purity. God taught me that HE IS THE SOURCE OF MY PURITY and I now knew why it was that I needed a Savior. Jesus brought my restoration, He was my righteousness now. It was a long struggle for me to tell ANYONE, I didn’t until around two years after it happened. I had certainly not discussed this with Jordan yet. My biggest fear was that he would feel that I had in some way deceived him. That was in no way my intention. I had had a friend who ended up in a sexual relationship a while before we started our relationship. I remember talking to her about how it started. She told me that it began because other boys would tell her inappropriate things and she would relay them to him just out of outrage. I didn’t want our conversations to even hint at anything sexual much less talk about sex. I asked the advice of women I trust and they confirmed my thoughts and advised me to wait on telling him and trust that God will prepare his heart.

January 2010: Our first Deployment! Well, I didn’t actually go anywhere but Jordan was in Asia for 7 months. It was another lesson in SERIOUS PATIENCE, another reminder that God has to be my EVERYTHING or else I am nothing [except pathetic]. My heart had to choose to say “blessed be the name of the Lord”. HE does not disappoint.

September 2010: He proposed!:) I was breath taken! He did it in the Sandia Mountains during sunset, it was AMAZING. I could hardly say anything!!! But with a ring on my finger I could be confident that it was out of necessity and the need for honesty that I tell him. After asking for advice and praying that God would prepare his heart I told him we needed to talk. It was HARD admitting to him that I had not waited for him. Jordan waited patiently as I stumbled over words and apologized to him. Then the sweetest thing happened, once I was done speaking he told me that he already knew and that God had helped him come to terms with it. He even shared a verse with me that God reminded him of, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, ALL THINGS have become new” then he prayed with me. I had asked Jesus to prepare his heart and HE did! Not only did He give Jordan insight HE helped his heart and used him to bless me more than I can even express. GOD IS SO FAITHFUL! Because my relationship with Jordan had no similarities to anything that I has experienced before I thought that we were in the clear. Our relationship was very good. We had Bible studies together and were involved in ministry (him in California, me in New Mexico). We weren’t going any further than kissing but there had always been a verse that I desired my life to echo and I knew deep inside that our actions were not in any way profitable.

In 1 Corinthians 6:12 Paul says “All things are lawful for me but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful me but I will not be brought under the power of any”.

And again in 10:23 “All things are lawful for me but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me but not all things edify”.

I know that during that time there were times that we were brought under the power of our lust and our own self-gratification. I also know that it made is so much more difficult for us to be content.

Now back to January 2011: The school is located in Murrieta, California. I had planned on attending Bible College since middle school. There are actually campuses all over the world, but it was my mom who wanted me to start closER to home. It had to be God because I couldn’t of planned it better myself! I had 4 whole months living 2 hours away from my fiancé! God is SOOO faithful.

I had stepped into a “Holy Land”; everything around me was directed and focused on the Bible and will of God. Jordan however lives in the complete opposite of my new home. Marine barracks, to put it nicely; he is surrounded by godless men living for whatever gratifies their flesh. Jordan was going through a dry season in his walk with God right when I decided to clean house inside of my heart. God had to reveal our own hearts to us in order to show us where He desires them to be. God began showing me that unless He is the reason for everything in my life there should not be room for it. Not gonna lie, I had a relationship crisis! I knew it wasn’t where it needed to be and I tried with everything in me to make it “holy”, I failed. It wasn’t until I was reminded that it is HIM who brings about our righteousness that I found peace. But with this we both knew that our physical relationship was not honoring to God. It was not edifying God or each other. I struggled with this. I did not want to give kissing up because of my pride. I believed the lie that if we stopped now we would only be ½ way pure because we had already crossed that line. I had already given my virginity away and then became restored and I did not want to admit that I was once again in need of restoration. Thank God that HE wouldn’t let my conscience rest until I submitted. I am so glad that Jesus opened my eyes to the fact that HE desires our purity more than we do. He makes us white as snow! I am so in love with the God fearing man God has given me. Our walk with purity is nowhere near finished. Our wedding date is in 2013! I know it seems CRAZY! Alright, it is CRAZY but Jesus is using this time in our lives to teach us so much about Him and each other. He is allowing us to be perfected. It was not our idea to wait until he is out of the Marines and I am finished with school but it is OUR DESIRE TO TRUST IN THE WILL OF GOD. He has never let me down or disappointed. HIS ways are better than mine! I am so excited to learn what He has in store for us! We have a lot of self-control to exercise but it is not our own strength we are using and I am confident that HE is strong enough!

Thanks for sharing your time with me!:) ,

Alexzandra

Making some BIG changes... 1 Jul 2011 6:58 AM (13 years ago)

Hey Hey!

So I wanted to give ya'll a heads up :)

Blogger is getting increasingly difficult to use. People are unable to comment on posts OR click on links. Not to mention they have deleted posts and comments quite frequently. I am not able to post at times because "blogger is down" Blogger has been so hit and miss...I feel like I can not fully support the businesses I am supporting if this is happening.

So, I have decided to make the switch to my own server.

It was a difficult decision knowing that I would be putting money out there that we don't have...I think most of ya'll know My hubby is in school and we have been living off our savings for almost a year now. My business helped with the expenses and that was a HUGE blessing :) and I am THRILLED with the way it is coming out!

I am going to be able to promote these businesses easily! The navigation is perfect for what my dream and mission is! I cannot wait to be able to promote these businesses to the full potential I can!

So, here comes the difficult part...I decided to switch my blog domain to Smitten By A Promise. I have put A LOT of money and giveaways into Family fashion and facts and to switch was a bit devastating... I had to make a new Facebook page and loosing over 500 fans was hard. BUT I have some amazing friends promoting for me which is REALLY encouraging :)

Smitten By A Promise MEANS something to me...the name came from

1 John 2:25 which says, " And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life." God has promise those who choose to follow him and have a relationship with Him eternal life! It is also, the name of my etsy shop! I thought in the long run it would be so much better!

Anyway, this website will run the same as Family fashion and facts it will just have a different name and look :) Giveaways every Thursday and everything! Thank you all for sticking with me! This was a hard decision but I believe businesses will benefit :) As soon as the website is up and running I will let ya'll know!

Also, I am so computer illiterate that I NEEDED help with this project lol So, I met Aimee a while back and we were instant friends! When I posted on facebook about anyone having solutions to the blogger problem she came to my aid! AND she is AMAZING! If ya'll are thinking about switching byaimee.com is AMAZING it is definitely worth taking a look at! She will work with you till you LOVE your website! Click HERE for her facebook page! And HERE for her website!

Thanks for understanding everyone! AND look out for the BIG reveal!

xoxoxo,

Kels

P.S. if ya'll would follow me on facebook you will get the NEWEST updates available! Click HERE to head on over to Smitten By A Promise!

Very Jane deal is HERE! 1 Jul 2011 6:35 AM (13 years ago)

Very Jane is featuring Smitten By A Promise!

These babies are 48% off!

One rosette of your choice of color set on a sturdy 1100 aluminum 1/2 inch ring which is tumbled and smooth to the touch. Shaped by hand to comfortably fit your finger. Ring fits all sizes. These are not the traditional “one size ring”. They are a wrap around ring that does not hurt or pinch your finger. Rings can be worn dressed up or casual. All around everyday piece.

Only last a few days too! You can get your rings HERE!

Colors available:

aqua, grey, pink, white, yellow, orange, red, black, bright pink, or brown.

Thanks for the support ya'll!

xoxo,

Kels

SeamsMod Winner! 30 Jun 2011 8:07 AM (13 years ago)

So ya'll should still check out Seams Mod on etsy! AMAZING quality at a GREAT price!

here are some of her FABULOUS items :)

She has FABULOUS tote bags!

GORGEOUS diaper clutches!

I so WANT some of her burp cloths :)

Onto the WINNER!

SeamsMod is generously giving....

Steph said...

I hearted Seams Mod on etsy

June 23, 2011 10:54 AM

Her choice of one of these clutches!

CONGRATS Steph!

please email me back within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Thank you for entering!

NEW giveaway from Carri's creations JUST posted! CLICK HERE to see the giveaway!

BUT this is what you could win!

...Customized for YOU of course!

xoxo,

Kels

Carri's Creations Giveaway! 29 Jun 2011 9:14 PM (13 years ago)

SOOO... this Woman is awesome! This lady is FABULOUS! This lady is so stinkin FUN! AND she is happily married and pregnant with her second beautiful baby girl :) She is crafter and a supporter of ALL things handmade!

And guess what?? She is hosting a giveaway today! Woo Hoo!

Her etsy shop is Carri's Creations....these are a few of the amazing things she makes!

She is a breeze to work with... she wants YOU to be happy! It is a JOY to find people who care about their customers! I found that in Carri!

She makes PERSONAL things you will cherish FOREVER. And guess what?? they are double sided charms! Just turn around the charm and you got a whole different look!

Carri would like to GIVE one of YOU a choice of ANY one item in Carri's shop....OR a custom piece!!! The pictures DO NOT do her stuff justice. They are BEAUTIFUL and unique! I LOVE my charms!

How to enter:

Would live for everyone that enters to become a public

follower of this blog! The more people reading the

more exposure for the shops featured here :) Thank you for

supporting handmade!

Mandatory entry:

* Go check out the Fabulous Carri’s Creations and come

back

and tell me what you would LOVE to Own and cherish!

* AND what you did in High school….were you in the band playing FABULOUS instruments?? Or playing you some b-ball….how did you spend most of your high school years??

I LOVED running…notice the word LOVED lol but I was a pretty good cross country runner back in the day…NOT that I am conceited or anything…;)

Optional entries!

* Heart Carri’s Creations shop on etsy!

*Go like Carri’s Creations on Facebook!

* Follow Carri’s BLOG!

* Go Like Smitten By A Promise on Facebook!

*Sign up for email updates :) right over there :)
----->

* Blog, Tweet, or Share on facebook (up to three entries :))

SUPER bonus entries!

Purchase something from her fabulous Shop on etsy! 3

entries!

(Comment 3 times!)

DISCOUNT! 20% off of your purchase for the duration of the

giveaway! Enter - FAMILYFASHION

at checkout!

PLUS the 3 entries if you purchase! Double WIN!

XOXO Peeps,

Kels

Our walk with PURITY week 2 27 Jun 2011 9:59 PM (13 years ago)

Walk with purity Week 2 has very real content. This is something that

really happened... I also want to be sensitive to the fact that some may

find it hard to read. so please consider this before reading on.

Readers,
I choose to remain anonymous to protect the emotions of my family.

Dear Lord,
please use my story for your glory.

My story is not quite as glamorous as the previous story.
I did not save sex for marriage.

Growing up, I was taught by my Christian family that sex was for marriage. No questions asked. My mother was a victim of sexual abuse as a child, and was, therefore, extremely protective of me and did not allow me to be alone with boys or men.

I was 19 years old and in college, freshman year.

I was extremely fit, and visited the gym at all hours of the night.

One night after leaving the gym I went to the restroom to freshen up before heading back to my dorm.

There was a strange man in the lobby of the bathroom when I was leaving, and he startled me. I simply avoided eye contact and darted for the door. He grabbed me from behind and began to sexually assault me. He did not rape me.

Rapenoun, verb, raped, rap·ing.
–noun
1.the unlawful compelling of a woman through
physical force orduress to have sexual
intercourse.
2. any act of sexual intercourse that
is forced upon a person.

He proceeded to call me profane names and pulled a knife out of his pocket. I seriously thought I was going to be dead. I thought he was going to slit my throat and leave me for dead. Afterwards I wished he did kill me, but I later found peace. He stuck the blade of the knife (approximate 7-8 inches) inside of my vagina. As you could probably assume, I began to bleed and feel excruciating pain…. That’s all story that I can share, I don’t really remember what happened from this point. I know I ended up at the hospital with people I didn’t know, and I told no one.

This lead to extreme emotions as you could imagine.

I attempted suicide.

I didn’t want to be alive.

Skip forward about a year.

I’m in a serious relationship now and begin to feel guilty. This guy that knows me so well has not even seen me like that creep saw me. I hated that I had “given myself” to a stranger, not my boyfriend. I beat myself up and felt like “he deserved to have sex with me.” I gave in and we had sex. We had lots of sex. I didn’t feel guilty about having sex with this guy because I knew I was going to marry him.

Until we broke up. Then I felt like I ruined myself.

Cue depression.

Cue giving up on marriage && boys all together.

Then I found my husband who loves me no matter what. He loves me even though I had not stayed pure. He loved me even though I had physical and emotional scars. He loves me even though I bled profusely sometimes we made love. He loves me even though I sometimes freak out when I’m reminded of that horrible bathroom scene. Husband loves me even though I had a flashback and began to kick and punch him picturing that evil man.

My view on sexual purity?

It’s so much more than physicality.
In order to remain pure physically, one must remain pure emotionally.

The eyes are a lamp unto our heart.

Proverbs 4:23 says that “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Sexual purity is remaining pure in what…
you look at.
what you say.
what you listen to.
who you hang out with.

If you let it creep into your life in your music, you will become immune.
I used to think it was ok.

Now I’m married and have drastically changed my mind.

Just the other day husband and I were having some problems.

I was not being compared, I was comparing myself.
To my old self. To my 20 year old self who could push my body and move in ways that are not possible today. I feel guilty for not being able to give that to my husband. I know that I have been redeemed and forgiven, and my husband is “200%” satisfied. The thing people always say is “remain pure & pursue those who are pure so that you won’t be compared to another girl.”

Well, I’m the one who does the comparing.
College self with lots of energy and in shape and very flexible.
to
Career self who works 40+ hours a week and is always tired and has arthritis.
{note, husband and I have found was to still remain passionate despite my physical ailments, wink}

I encourage you to remain pure…
1. Because the Lord commands us
2. Because your husband deserves it
3. You will beat yourself up in your sexual relationship with your husband more than you think. You will compare yourself to your old self. You will feel guilty. It’s not worth it.

Also, if you are a sexual assault victim, PLEASE PLEASE tell someone. It’s too much for one to bottle in. I became suicidal, and I didn’t deserve that. I did myself a big disservice by not accessing the resources available to me.

Now, I have a husband who loves me even though I did not remain pure.
And guess what? I’m healed. Praise the Lord! We’re going to be able to have children. The doctor said my stuff is “textbook.”

Also, comment here with your email address if you’d like to ask further questions or ask for advice.I will respond and counsel as much as I can.

Family Update in Pictures :) 27 Jun 2011 8:57 AM (13 years ago)

Okay, I have been so busy... I haven't been able to update ya'll on my sweet boys! They are getting SO big MUCH too fast! PLUS I am LOVIN photography! SO... I would LOVE to know what ya'll think :)

FAV of Lunder :)

Fav of Rivers :)

FAV pic of all time...London is making Rivers Laugh!

Sneaky... but he thinks it s worth it!

There you have it... They are getting MASSIVE... Anyone know how to stop that from happening PLEASE let me know :) Rivers is talking so much and the boys are hilarious together. I LOVE being their Mama!

xoxo,

Kels

Weight LOSS Week 3! 27 Jun 2011 8:22 AM (13 years ago)

Okie Dokie!

I am so proud of you Jon!

Starting weight : 272.9

Current Weight : 264.0

-8.9 pounds!

Woo hoo!

Weekly pictures!

I can totally tell he is loosing weight in his belly!

He is improving on his running times and able to walk less and run for longer periods of time! He is pretty stoked about it! I am hoping to have him guest post about his experiences next week! That way he can tell ya'll how he is feeling and how stinkin hard it is...lol..

Thanks for reading he LOVES reading the comments! He gets all excited when he gets home!!

But wait...Who doesn't like comments :) hehe

xoxo,

Kels

41 West Designs Winner! 23 Jun 2011 7:16 AM (13 years ago)

SO.... I LOVE 41 west designs... I basically want one of everything in Britt's shop! Seriousness...I am in LOVE :) Check out some of my NEW favs from 41 West Designs etsy shop!

All you need is LOVE eye chart! Isn't it so creative and Fabulous?? I LOVE it!

I WILL get this for my kitchen...My new house HAS to have room for these...I have been eyeing them for months!

Bucket list!

Family rules! Can be customized to YOUR family!

I so NEED this for my photo shoots....

Enchanted Board! If I EVER have a girl... This is going in her room :)

So, as for the winner....
Random.org picked....

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 30

nursewhitney_2006 said...

Hearted both kelsey and 41 west designs on etsy - Whitney @ nursewhitney_2006@hotmail.com

Seriousness??? I had to add in the random number pic....JUST because My SISTER won! Woo hoo! I am SO excited! Congrats Whit!

Thank you to ALL who entered! Remember to support 41 West Designs!

xoxo,

Kels

Crystelle Chic Giveaway! 22 Jun 2011 8:27 PM (13 years ago)

So, I have been following this Gorgeous lady and her shop for a WHILE now :)

And, can I just say....I LOVE it!

Seriously, this is a shop that make you SWOON.

I have a thing for earrings...I just can't help myself :)

Crystelle makes the most GORGEOUS earrings. I want EVERY pair of earrings in her shop!

Here are a few of my favorites :)

Gorgeous right?? I am dying here... :)

ummm...YES! I need one of these for my newborn photo shoots! Simply, Fabulous. This girl does EVERYTHING!

She is a fabulous business woman, and is Wonderful to work and correspond with. You will LOVE everything from her shop :) and cherish it for years to come :)

Check out the Adult hats! Yes, she does that too! Crazy right?? She is AMAZIN :)

Fabulous right?? LOVE!

Oh, and headbands too :) I totally want me one of these! So stinkin gorgeous!

I want this to put on my MANY hats...I am pretty sure I am obsessed...and JUST as obsessed with decorating my hats with pretties like this!

Last but not least we have hair clips! Umm... YES please! Gorgeousness!

Oh and I forgot to mention....Crystelle is giving away a 25.00 gift certificate to one of YOU... to her FABULOUS shop! I am SO jealous of the winner!!! You can get SO many things with this credit! Woo Hoo! So excited...I am ELATED!

How to enter:

Would live for everyone that enters to become a public

follower of this blog! The more people reading the

more exposure for the shops featured here :) Thank you for

supporting handmade!

Mandatory entry:

* Go check out the Fabulous Crystelle Chic and come

back

and tell me what you would LOVE to Own and cherish!

* AND what your all time Favorite movie is!!!

Can you tell I LOVE to get to know ya'll?? hehe :)

Optional entries!

* Heart Crystelle Chic shop on etsy!

*Go like Crystelle Chic on Facebook!

*Follow Crystelle Chic's blog!

* Go Like Family Fashion and facts on Facebook!

*Sign up for email updates :) right over there :)
----->

* Blog, Tweet, or Share on facebook (up to three entries :))

SUPER bonus entries!

Purchase something from her fabulous shop on etsy 3

entries!

XOXO Peeps,

Kels

This FABULOUS contest ends July 6th, 2011 at 11:59 pm

Our walk with purity...Week 1 21 Jun 2011 4:09 AM (13 years ago)

Hey!
I am so excited to share with you...This story!
I GET to introduce to you...Whitney Shannon! She is sharing her walk with purity with all of YOU!
Thanks for sharing Whitney!

Enjoy...

What is Purity?

My lovely sister asked me to write my story about purity. Then I got to thinking, what defines purity? According to the Webster dictionary it is: Freedom from guilt; the defilement of sin; innocence. In James 1 it states”… To remain unstained by the world.” Easier said than done? I couldn’t agree more! If we look for PURITY in this world, you’ll be looking for a long while, and may still come up blank. But, when we search through God’s word, that’s where we begin to see the truth. Are you a believer? AKA have you given your life to Christ and allowed him to cleanse you from your sin? If so, you are called to PURITY. God says, “If you love me, you will obey me” Not may, not might, the true test is WILL. This was definitely not my perspective when I began dating. . . I kissed boys, told them I loved them even though I didn’t, and I let the lines get crossed before saying “no”. Then I was challenged by some people that are amazing and loved me enough to ask the tough questions. Now this couple had not kissed till marriage. I thought “Ya’ll are crazy… that’s nice for you but that is so not for me” Well that’s where my thinking was anyway until this couple asked me a simple question:

What is ok for your husband to be doing with another girl right now? Having sex? Oral sex? Making out? Saying “I love you”? How about kissing? I had never applied this to me but my heart screamed NO!!!! None of the above!!! He’s mine and I didn’t want to share him! See, this made me realize all of these things were “impure” on my list of does and don’ts at lease for my future husband so what about me? What was wrong with kissing? It’s fun! It doesn’t mean anything and it’s not like you’re having sex right? Then I heard God say “Do you love me? Then obey.” But God… I thought. Then again, “obey!” Ouch! I realized if it wasn’t ok for my future husband, where did I get off thinking I could do it? I was such a hypocrite!

Purity in our lives is our obedience to Him. This not only applies to sexual purity but to every aspect of our lives; to live our life as we ought before our Creator. We cannot do it alone except through our God. He is our strength, our joy, and yes even our second chance because of his grace! In Romans, it says “What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin, how can we live in it any longer?” So yes we all make mistakes and we all have a chance to have fully renewed purity in Christ but we should not take advantage of it. We are called to Purity, so abide in His love.

All this was fresh in my mind when I met a man with two kids. I thought No way! There was a nice young man who wrote me a letter that stated he was interested in me, but I had already agreed to go out with the man with kids. Thankfully the craziness that goes along with an “insta—family” was not what God had in mind for me but I was called to abide. He decided to lie to me about almost everything that he had ever told me so when all was said and done; my feelings weren’t hurt because I didn’t know him. I was just obeying what God had called me to do. I don’t know all that turned out good but I do know that he learned the importance of honesty especially to his beautiful daughters. I simply obeyed and I have no regrets. No kisses given that were meant for my husband, no “I-love-yous” that I can’t take back. I told myself that I was going to stay single for a long time but God had other plans for my life. I have found that he is great at messing up my plans… all for the better J The man that had written the letter to me and I started talking. I figured that I would never have the opportunity with him again, but then we started talking. We became friends again, and then best friends. He was such a kind man with a gentle spirit, every girls dream. As for me, I was independent (AKA not wanting to get hurt) A nurse with a career, and I didn’t need a guy to complete me. It was me and God and I was happy with that. . So we stayed friends, never feeling pushed into anything and never pretending that I was anyone else. I always felt at home with him… and those eyes.

Something about those eyes, he saw straight through me, He saw me at my worst but he again told me he wanted to pursue me for marriage anyway. He was there when I needed a tire changed; he was there, when I got broken into; no matter what he was there. He had never dated before, he was so desirable in every way but I was terrified that I would be a mistake on his list if I said yes to him. I didn’t know what to do, so I let the big guns decide; I gave him my daddy’s number. My life has never been the same J So we talked about boundaries and agreed that anything but holding hands and cuddling before marriage was wrong. We also wanted to save “I love you” for engagement I it came to that. I know, I know, extreme right? But that is what God called us to in order to remain unstained by the world. It was not an easy task I assure you. There were nights that he would get up and leave or I would have to kick him out in order to stay pure.

Brian Proposed on April 1st 2010. We first went on a hike, got coffee to warm up like we usually do every Thursday :) When I got home, I turned off my alarm and washed my hands (completely missing everything lol OCD?) I turned around and there was a picnic set up in my living room because it was cold outside. Along with that was chocolates and my favorite flowers all through my house;) Brian and I have a boundary list and part of that list was not saying "I Love you" unless we got engaged... Brian is a man of his word so when I heard those words and he got down on one knee, my heart was going so fast! I was like this has to be a dream! He got down on one knee and held out the ring (which I didn’t even see because I was too excited!) I threw my arms around him and said yes! I wouldn't let go because I was tearing up and didn't want him to see lol. Brian then literally took my shoulders and pushed me away and said "Do you not like it?" ha ha I hadn't even seen the ring and when I looked down, it was gorgeous!!!! I am so thankful for this amazing man that God has blessed me with! Brian asked my father for permission and my parents actually set up the picnic and flowers while we were out on our hike! They also found the frame in my room that my daddy had given me years ago on Valentine’s Day. This frame was a special one...to remain empty until the day that I found the one that I would love forever! When I got home, the frame had a picture of my Brian and me in it! How amazing! My whole life I thought, no men are virgin’s anymore and I accept that. I was terrified that he would compare me to another woman… Boy did God blow my mind when this amazing man was not only a virgin but had never kissed before! I got to be his first kiss and we shred our first kiss in front of everyone on our wedding day! It… was… AMAZING!!!!!!

There is a reason that our engagement was only two months. It is hard to stay pure!!! It what you choose to do that matters. It is possible! We are living proof! Two sinners that relied on God and man, my husband is amazing! I LOVE being married! So what will we do to stay pure? Staying away from suggestive shows? Curse? Look at anyone for a second longer than I should that’s not my husband? I have to avoid these things to stay pure. Sure we all fall but God and his grace is bigger than our failures. He is there, He is waiting! All you have to do is rely on him!!! God has proved Himself in my life; will you allow Him to prove Himself in yours?

Thanks for allowing me to share my story,

With love,

Whitney M. M. Shannon

I wanted to share with YOU their first kiss...

I am pretty sure it lasted at least a minute...on stage...on their wedding day.

It. Was. Magical.

If you have any comments or questions please let me know :) If you have any questions for Whitney... PLEASE don't hesitate to ask. I will make sure they get to her!

xoxo,

Kels

Flutter-By Kisses Artist Spotlight! 20 Jun 2011 7:19 PM (13 years ago)

Today I want you so meet Paula!

Paula is creator of Flutter-By Kisses!

All I can say is....I LOVE her necklaces! Seriously, I LOVE it!

Okay, so Jon got home today... and gave me this sweet little package. I was freaking out thinking...What the heck?? what happened to all my ring blanks! LOL then I turned over the package...THEN saw Paula's name! I was so excited I ripped open the package and found some ADORABLE things! and I also found a necklace I have had my eye on FOREVER! I don't know how she knew EXACTLY what I wanted but what a surprise!

Thank you Paula!

After wearing it all night...I HAD to go outside and snap a few pics of this gorgeous necklace :) Aspiring photographer and all :) LOL Here it is!

Isn't it absolutely GORGEOUS? I LOVE it! Perfect for everyday wear! I can FAB up just about ANY outfit!

Here are a few more items from her lovely shop!

Mother daughter necklaces!

Lovely earrings!

Magnets!

Isn't this headband to DIE for?? Adore it!

Her bookmarks are so pretty!

All I can say is... The pictures do NOT give her items justice! You will adore them! PLUS there are extremely affordable! You can get her Fabulous items HERE in her etsy shop!

Thanks to ALL you lovelies for supporting handmade!

Paula is Fabulous. You should make friends with her :) AND support her business :)

xoxo,

Kels

Weight Loss Journey Week 2! 20 Jun 2011 9:12 AM (13 years ago)

Week 2!

Okay, so this is actually the start of his third week... so TWO full weeks of working out for this Man!

Took measurements this morning. Will have updated measurements every week :)

Starting weight :) 272.9

Current Weight : 269.0

-3.9 pounds!

Chest: 48 1/2 in

Hips: 44 1/2 in

Arms: 15 1/4 each

Legs : 25 1/4 at the largest part of the thigh

Stomach: 47 1/2

This weeks pictures :)

Caught him coming in the door from a long run and major lifting :)

Shirt is SOAKED!

Look at that nastiness :) lol

LOVE that face :) he is hilarious. and for all ya'll that asked :) that is a heartagram... NOT a pretzel LOL

The little boy got in the way :)

Close up of the tattoo for all of you who wanted to see :)

Anyway, he is making progress with his running! He is able to run longer stretches without as many rest periods. He is lifting 4 days a week. Running 5 days a week! Weekends he is resting.

Thanks for ALL your encouragement last week! He LOVED reading the comments! SO proud of him! Great job Jon! Keep it up!

xoxoxo,

Kels

I HEART Rock and Roll winner! 20 Jun 2011 6:41 AM (13 years ago)

I apologize....thought I posted this already.... I guess that explains my life as of late...CRAZY unorganized!

Anyway, You all should buy something from the FAB Tricia....Cuz the quality is amazing. SERIOUSNESS....AMAZIN.

Here are a few of my FAVS :)

Lovely, keep calm and carry on necklace!

Gorgeous Rosette earrings...and ONLY $3.00! seriousness?? $3.00 Crazy affordable!

Isn't this headband lovely?

LOVE these earrings! Have these with an orange flower...LOVE :)

My mama LOVES her necklace JUST like this one!

Aren't her rings gorgeous??

LOVE

anyway, you can get her CRAZY affordable items....HERE in her etsy shop...and you should...cuz they are amazing quality at a great price :)

Anyway, on to the winner :)

Random.org picked number 9!!

MELANIE said...

Not only do I LIKE IHRnR on FB.....I LOVE her too!

MJ
Lucky 7 Design

Congrats Mel! You have won the FABULOUS Cift certificate! You have 24 hours to respond! Oh, and I totally HEART you all :) Thank you for entering!

xoxoxo,

Kels

4 years of Bliss..or almost all Bliss 16 Jun 2011 8:19 AM (13 years ago)

So June 16th is a super special day for me and my super hot Husband. Today marks four years together. Four years married. Four years of learning each other. Four years of seeking Jesus together.

Sum up of our story... This is going to be super duper long... I applaud you if you stick with it :) xoxo

* Met in November 2005 - I thought he was gross...he had long hair and a massive beard. lol thought he had a hygiene problem!

* December 2005 - Became work friends :) liked to talk snowboarding, sports, and tell each other funny jokes...(Ironically we still talk about all this and have NEVER gone snowboarding together) we talked about music and especially the fray... I LOVE the fray and he started lovin them too!:)

*January 2006 - The guy cut off his hair and beard...and the HOTNESS was revealed :) AND he was a personal trainer and an ex college football player...so he was super ripped...remember be mentioning the super sexy side muscle just above the hip...YEAH, that was him :)

* February 14th 2006 I was just finished teaching swim lessons (I don't think he EVER saw me with makeup and hair done. just a wet swim instructor and swim coach... So, I was just about to leave for the night...YES we were both working on valentines day. Did I mention I HATED valentines day till THIS day?? Well, he proceeded to tell me that he got some super RAD pics of him doing some super SICK jumps while snowboarding and he had the pics in his car...so I walked out with him...and instead of pics he pulled out this massive bouquet of roses. and a sweet little stuffed animal and a card. Until that day...I hadn't even thought about dating anyone. I had just gotten out of a BAD relationship and didn't want to have anything to do with boys...AT ALL.

*Hung out a few days later...outside of work...and I fell in LOVE. We didn't have love at first sight we Had LOVE at first date. I saw HIM for who he was. I saw a new believer who was so desperately wanting to follow Jesus with everything he had.

* We had both made some mistakes in previous relationships...regarding purity. and after making out a few times...decided that we didn't want to make any more mistakes this time around. In July 2006 we started courting. More to come in my purity story. :)

* We LOVED being together We ADORED seeing each other. COULDN'T get enough...

* February 10, 2007 Jon told me to dress up and put on my heels we are Going out! I knew exactly what was going to happen lol everyone tried to keep it a secret but seriously, Jon liked me in sweats...and to tell me to dress up plus my whole family knew and were too excited not to give their opinion on what I wore :) Knowing made me SO nervous. I had known for a year that I was going to marry this man but was filled with emotions about growing up and how my relationship with my parents would change. I have always been scared of change. It isn't easy for me.

Jon took me out to a fancy dinner and then took me to our favorite prayer spot...We had LOTS of bible studies and long talks in this baseball field. It is a STILL a special place to me. When I was in high school and needed to get away I would run there and pray. Get away from everything the drama, the gossip, and even just feeling. God was there with me it was my spot to share with Jesus.
Jon took me to this special spot and put on the Fray...and we danced...those of you who know me...KNOW I LOVE to dance. I just love it. and he danced with me. Then he hugged me and got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. I remember him saying "I want to glorify Jesus with YOU by my side."
He pulled out this Gorgeous ring. (Which meant a lot - he had been saving for MONTHS. he didn't make much money working as a trainer so for him to buy me a diamond ring free and clear was HUGE.) All I can say is, I have an amazing God who gave me an AMAZING man. Perfect for ME. HE is so good to us.
*Anyway, The hard stuff started. It was increasingly harder to stay pure. and on top of that we had MAJOR problems with his family. His mom was mean and cruel to me. She didn't want to loose her "baby" to me. There were lots of profanities and horrible things said to me. This became an increasingly bigger issue...and it continued into our marriage.

*We had an amazingly magical wedding day regardless of all the issues going on around us. The next day... honeymoon time! I was so happy to get away from all the awfulness of planning a wedding and family issues...just to find out. Problems aren't something you can leave behind.

*We had a VERY hard first year of marriage. I cried we said mean things because we were hurt. We were heart for reasons we couldn't even express. it was a downward spiral. Most of our problems had to do with family. Jon's mom had a HUGE grip on him. I say this because it was HUGE in our marriage NOT to hurt or talk bad about his mom. It felt like, she replaced her cheating husband with Jon. And she felt like I was taking her husband from her. She was manipulative and mean. It was awful. BUT if I said anything about it Jon would get angry because I was talking BAD about his mom. and after all...Children LOVE their parents.

Finally, with the council and help of my family...I let go of my hurt...and PRAYED for him...for months nothing happened. things actually got worse... AS I sat back and waited and prayed and LOVED Jon. God spoke to him. Jon ended up wanting to go to counseling to get help..not something I could have forced him to do. Our marriage counselor helped Jon see the TRUTH and realize what a hold Jon's mom had on him. How manipulative she was and how it was affecting me. It was AMAZING. It was CRAZY. I had my husband back. God used all of this awfulness to free him from this situation.

I say ALMOST bliss because of this first bit of our marriage...but I am increasingly thankful for every but of the awfulness because We wouldn't be where we are now. I feel like we are back in courtship... we ADORE the time we have with each other...we can't get enough....We love to make out and cuddle. He calls be JUST to tell me he loves and misses me. The biggest blessing of all...
We can finally glorify God while walking hand in hand.

Today I feel...

Blessed

Amazed.

Loved.

Supported.

Only 1/2 a person without him.

He IS my other half.

God is who makes us both WHOLE

I feel like God has used our heartache to bring us closer together.

I feel God working

I am thankful

God's grace is sufficient for me.

Forgiveness is AMAZING

I am learning

I am happy

I am joyful

I am elated

I am blessed

God is GOOD

So, guess what WE get to do tomorrow??? I get an over night date tomorrow! A night full of good food and dancing... Sounds amazing right???

I am SO excited!

I LOVE you Jon. You are the most amazing and perfect man I could ever have asked for. God is SO good to us.

I LOVE you so much I just want to "smoke" you :)

xoxo

Kels

Seams Mod Giveaway!! 15 Jun 2011 8:38 PM (13 years ago)

Today....I GET to introduce to you to an amazingly Gorgeous shop!

Seams Mod

I have a sweet little clutch from her...it is Gorgeous...PERFECT and extremely Well made. As a seamstress, I am pretty particular. And this little beauty... EXCEEDED my expectations. I LOVE it.

The Fabulous Heather from Seams Mod is a pleasure and delight to work with. Perfect communication and Wonderful, FAST service. Could a buyer ask for anything more??

Here is a little bit about Heather

I'm Heather, and I'm addicted to fabric. Growing up, I never understood my mother's love of fabric, and her ability to scout out quilt stores. Well, call it what you want, but I now share a similar love for fabric and creating handmade goods.

I live in Winter Park, Florida with my husband, our cat Mimi and dog Misty in our 800sf mid-century mod-inspired condo. The cozy quarters has inspired me to create as fast as I buy fabric. Trained as an architect, SeamsMod not only grew out of my love for modern-fabric and design, but an even greater need to find a happy homes for my creations!

Here are a few of her GORGEOUS creations!

LOVIN me some of these bags!

Fabulous colors for burp cloths right?? she has a little of everything and it is ALL Gorgeous!

I am in LOVE with this fabric and bag! GORGEOUS!

To DIE for Right???

Her color combos are Fabulous...

SOOO... Heather, from the Fabulous Seams Mod...is so stinkin GENEROUSLY giving away one of the Gorgeous Clutches pictured BELOW to ONE winner! How stinkin exciting is that?? I am ecstatic for ya'll!

Seriously, isn't the fabric GORGEOUS??
One winner gets to choose...

This...

I am in LOVE :)

This...

OR this!

How to enter:

Would live for everyone that enters to become a public

follower of this blog! The more people reading the

more exposure for the shops featured here :) Thank you for

supporting handmade!

Mandatory entry:

* Go check out the Fabulous Seams Mod and come

back

and tell me what you would LOVE to Own and cherish!

* AND what your FAVORITE thing about summer is!

Optional entries!

* Heart Seams Mod shop on etsy!

*Go like Seams Mod on Facebook!

* Go Like Family Fashion and facts on Facebook!

*Sign up for email updates :) right over there :)
----->

* Blog, Tweet, or Share on facebook (up to three entries :))

SUPER bonus entries!

Purchase something from her fabulous shop on etsy 3

entries!

(Comment 3 times!)

DISCOUNT! 20% off of your purchase for the duration of the

giveaway! Enter - FAMILYFASHIONFACTS

at checkout!

PLUS the 3 entries if you purchase! Double WIN!

XOXO Peeps,

Kels

Purity 14 Jun 2011 6:24 PM (13 years ago)

Purity - Sexually

So, this subject has REALLY been on my heart lately.

Most of you know that I have a relationship with my Savior and would LOVE to share with the world my love and HIS Saving grace. AND I do share. I LOVE sharing.

BUT I pray about, and try to balance between shoving it down peoples throats...

AND

sharing my faith in a way that will not offend people.

That being said,

God has put a HUGE burden on my heart to write about this.

I understand that this is a controversial subject. I also understand that some of you believe differently than I do.

Feel free to read this, or NOT

Feel free to comment or ask questions or not.

But, if you choose to do so, they are welcome.

So, please don't take this as anything but that I NEED to share my heart. This is NOT meant to be shoved down ANYONE'S throat.

I LOVE and respect each one of my readers. There are so many views out there. This is mine :)

I wanted to ask all of YOU what sexual purity means to you??

When I say this What do YOU think?

What feelings arise when you think about Sexual purity??

This is the plan. Every Tuesday for the duration of the summer I am going to have a guest blogger post about their experience with sexual purity. Before and after marriage.This is a series I am calling

"OUR purity walk."

My story will be mixed in here with all the wonderful people who have agreed to share.

I think that is going to be a learning experience.

AND an encouragement.

I have a heart for single men and women who want to stay sexually pure and feel alone.

This is a heavy subject.

Thank you for hanging with me. Stay tuned for our FIRST post in the series...

"OUR purity walk."

xoxoxo,

Kels

Weight loss Journey - Week 1 13 Jun 2011 11:05 AM (13 years ago)

So, I am going to do a weekly series on my sweet hubby. He has recently decided to start working off the pounds. :)

SO, to encourage him... and keep him accountable, I am showing ALL of YOU his success :)

He is putting himself out there and hoping to encourage all of YOU as well!

Week one Stats... 6-6-2011

Starting weight: 272 lbs

Height: 6'1"

Taking all measurements this week!

Goal weight: 225

I keep telling him he needs to uncover the sexy side muscle just above the hip...Yeah, and NOW you know why I fell for him so quickly...Which reminds me...I need to tell ya'll that story!

Enough about us. This is about the hubby!

First week pics

There you have it! Measurements and updated pics next Monday!

He would LOVE some encouragement! He is always reading my blog and is SO stoked about this series!

Did I mention he has his personal training license and is about 18 credits away from his exercise science degree?? This guy KNOWS what he is doing.... SO...

Leave him a comment encouragement or questions welcome!

xoxo,

Kels

41 West Designs Giveaway! 9 Jun 2011 3:00 AM (13 years ago)

So We have ANOTHER super fantabulous Blog Swap and Giveaway!

This giveaway is HUGE...Seriously... You are going to adore it...AND the FAB woman who is incredibly talented and makes all these FABULOUS signs...I have 5...Yes, 5 and I plan on getting more!

Besides her Fabulous Shop?? She is Hilarious...Fun, talented and a super great mama and Wife!
Meet my BFF Brittany
..........
I'll give you a penny...if you can get through this without smiling or laughing or plain ol' cracking up :)
..........

Hello friends!!

It's me, Brittany (you can call me B) from House of Sorensens.

Yup, that's me. Like, RIGHT now.

Sporting the bubble wrap over my chair, the bag of rolls on the ground that my toddler has been dragging around, boxes and boards stacked up behind me, and not to mention my scary "I need caffeine" face. And...is that a mustache over my lip? I swear, I don't have one. Srsly.

Juuust keepin' it real.

Kelsey is super cool. Like, seriously, we are BFFs. And we haven't even met in real life - that's how awesome we are. We don't NEED to meet in real life.

***

Today I wanted to introduce you (and officially welcome you) to 41 West Designs!! It's my fancy little typography art shop I opened in March. You may have seen me on GroopDealz at the end of April selling these babies:

I mean, the boards. Not the baby.

I also make lots of Family Rules boards.

And those are my best sellers, although my personal fave is this wooden bunting I made for my little man's room:

I have lots of other fun stuff if you wanna see, click {here.}

I will even give you a sneak peek of a design that will be listed in the shop very soon!

This new Bucket List board will be painted and go in the shop soon, along with seven (or more...) other designs.

Keep your eyes peeled for them!!

In fact, here's even more incentive to look for new designs.

I am going to give away one 12x24'' board!!

Since Kelsey and I are like this:

ONE lucky reader from Family Fashion & Facts will get to pick a new design, old design, or custom design, to take home! Here are the requirements:

Mandafreakintory:

Let's all be friends. Please follow both Family Fashion & Facts and House of Sorensens. kthx!

Doin some good.... LINK up week 5!!! 8 Jun 2011 5:14 PM (13 years ago)

Doin some good.... LINK up week 5!!!

This is our FIFTH link up week! We LOVE callin it...

We have started a new feature asking fellow bloggers to link up a post for which they are proud, that shows how they are “doing good” with their blogs.

Whether its a passion to support handmade and small business; writing about healthy living and important news for moms; or dedicating a blog to a particular health issue like mental illness, blogs across the web are doing SO MUCH good.

We blog because we’re inspired to write and help others.

This blog post can consist of ANYTHING you consider GOOD.

*Sharing your faith

*Saving the environment

*Disaster relief

*Caring for your babies or family.....etc...

Family Fashion and Facts, Motherhood Unadorned and The Maven of Social Media have teamed up to kick off this new link up we’re calling “Do Good Thursday Link up”.

What to do.
* Just link up a post from the last couple of weeks that showcases how you “Do Good” with your blog.

* Follow the three hosts via Google Friend Connect (if you’d be so kind) PLUS... who wouldn't want to follow us?? You should do it...if not...YOU are missing out :) I mean... who wouldn't want to follow these girlies?? ;)

* Leave a comment on this post that you linked up so that we can check out YOUR FAB post :) Then feel free to check out all of the wonderful do-gooder bloggers who link up, and show them some love.

Please note: Only link up “Do Good” blog posts. No giveaway links please.

Photo Shoot for Very Jane... 4 Jun 2011 5:18 PM (13 years ago)

Can ya'll tell me what you HONESTLY think?? I had about 3 minutes to snap a few pictures of my friend, Rebecca, wHilde still watching our three kiddos LOL

Yeah....There was a MELTDOWN and I ended up carrying both kids, my camera, London's helmet, his bike and Rivers clothes... which were soaking wet from the water bottle he dumped on himself.

That was a LONG walk for both Rebecca and I...Poor Rebecca...

Anyway...This is what I captured in the few minutes I had...

I have a deal coming up with Very Jane... and I NEED photos for it...So PLEASE tell me honestly what you think.

XOXO,

Kels

P.S. Isn't she Gorgeous???

Thanks for your HONESTY!

Bloggy BFF's :) 3 Jun 2011 5:57 AM (13 years ago)

One of my bloggy BFF's over at The. Mrs.

Made this and I LOVE it!

Had to share!

XOXO

Your Bloggy BFF,

Kels

The Sweet and Sugar Beet Winner! 3 Jun 2011 5:43 AM (13 years ago)

Who hoo! Have I told ya'll how much I LOVE The Sweet Sugar beet?? Gorgeous things right??? You can STILL get them HERE! Great graduation of wedding gifts!!

Remember these beauties??

This one is NEW... isn't it Gorgeous??

Sooo....Now for the winner!!

1-140 random.org picked 82!!

Courtny R. said...

I already heart Sweet Sugar Beet on Etsy as rearick1124@comcast.net

Congrats girl! I have emailed you! You have 24 hours to respond....or I will pick another winner!

xoxoxoxox,

Kels

Family Fashion and Facts View RSS

NEW BLOG! 8 Jul 2011 7:30 AM (13 years ago)

Berezki Jewelry Giveaway 6 Jul 2011 8:06 PM (13 years ago)

Concrete Icicles - Necklace

Our Walk with Purity week 3 5 Jul 2011 6:44 AM (13 years ago)

Making some BIG changes... 1 Jul 2011 6:58 AM (13 years ago)

Very Jane deal is HERE! 1 Jul 2011 6:35 AM (13 years ago)

SeamsMod Winner! 30 Jun 2011 8:07 AM (13 years ago)

Carri's Creations Giveaway! 29 Jun 2011 9:14 PM (13 years ago)

Our walk with PURITY week 2 27 Jun 2011 9:59 PM (13 years ago)

Family Update in Pictures :) 27 Jun 2011 8:57 AM (13 years ago)

Weight LOSS Week 3! 27 Jun 2011 8:22 AM (13 years ago)

41 West Designs Winner! 23 Jun 2011 7:16 AM (13 years ago)

Crystelle Chic Giveaway! 22 Jun 2011 8:27 PM (13 years ago)

Our walk with purity...Week 1 21 Jun 2011 4:09 AM (13 years ago)

Flutter-By Kisses Artist Spotlight! 20 Jun 2011 7:19 PM (13 years ago)

Weight Loss Journey Week 2! 20 Jun 2011 9:12 AM (13 years ago)

I HEART Rock and Roll winner! 20 Jun 2011 6:41 AM (13 years ago)

4 years of Bliss..or almost all Bliss 16 Jun 2011 8:19 AM (13 years ago)

Seams Mod Giveaway!! 15 Jun 2011 8:38 PM (13 years ago)

Purity 14 Jun 2011 6:24 PM (13 years ago)

Weight loss Journey - Week 1 13 Jun 2011 11:05 AM (13 years ago)

41 West Designs Giveaway! 9 Jun 2011 3:00 AM (13 years ago)

Doin some good.... LINK up week 5!!! 8 Jun 2011 5:14 PM (13 years ago)

Doin some good.... LINK up week 5!!!

Photo Shoot for Very Jane... 4 Jun 2011 5:18 PM (13 years ago)

Bloggy BFF's :) 3 Jun 2011 5:57 AM (13 years ago)

The Sweet and Sugar Beet Winner! 3 Jun 2011 5:43 AM (13 years ago)