People I Met & Love Pinning! #BlogHer12

"Pinning!" is a Weekly Pinterest Link-Up

(Share pins, meet others who love "Pinning", get inspired!)

First Time?  It's simple just follow these rules:

 Please follow your hosts: Courtney & Kimberly

And your Co-Hosts:

Debbie // On the Refrigerator Door

Megan // Absolute Mommy

Lauren // Warm & Fuzzy

then

 Link up your Pinterest Inspired Post & Profile below

and

Make sure you link back to the party!

<center><a href="http://www.baxtronlife.com/search/label/Pinning" target="_blank"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/bagleykim/Pinning.jpg" height="150" width="150" /></a></center>

Each week a winner will be chosen to flaunt the title of "Winning at Pinning" for successfully wowing us with the best Pinterest find.  The winner will be featured/announced in the following week's post!

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Hey lovely! I'm still recovering from #BlogHer12 craziness - there is so much I want to share, so I'm using "Pinning" as my platform for a couple quick shares today.  

As I start to unpack and process all that I learned, and the people I met - I wanted to give you a list of people I think are awesome - that I had a chance to chat with this weekend:

Kat @ Living Like the Kings

Gina @ Running to the Kitchen

Alissa @ Rags to Stitches / Pollinate

Elan @ Schmutzie

Ashleigh @ The Mommy Stop

Melissa @ Growing Up Geeky

Natalie @ Growing up a Wife

Mindy @ Simply Stavish

Melly @ my PB+J

Kami @ The Momma Diaries

This is nowhere near an exhaustive list - so check in with my "People I met at BlogHer12" Board in a day or two for more!

THANK YOU to all who linked up last week!

So, who's "Winning at Pinning?"
This week it's Emily from Dear Owen for this beautiful jewel-toned outfit:

Source: polyvore.com via Emily on Pinterest

Emily! Feel free to grab the button, and flaunt it!

WANT TO BE A GUEST JUDGE or HOST? 

Email us!

Are you "Pinning"?  

Come on, everyone is doing it.  

Join us MONDAYS for weekly sharing of Pinterest finds.  

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Link up your PINTEREST INSPIRED POST below:

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Link up your PINTEREST PROFILE below:

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Embrace the Journey Imprintalish

Hi friends! My name is Lish {really Alicia, but everyone calls me Lish-so feel free}and I blog over at Imprintalish. I'm a mama to two little men, ages 1 and 3, and my husband and I just celebrated out 9th anniversary! If you venture over to Imprintalish {and I sure hope you do} you'll find tons of photography, lots of pretty things, whether it is decor ideas or crafty things I've made, you'll also find daily ramblings of my two little cuties and a recipe or two as well!

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After over 10 years of working in the Fashion/Retail industry and deciding to be a SAHM shortly after having my 2nd son, I started looking at myself differently. I was wondering what made me~ ME~ or what defined ME. It's funny how having kids made me wonder who I had been this whole time. Not in a bad way of course, I love my kids and they mean the world to me. But they have made me question who I truly was, or who I truly wanted to be, and what I wanted in return. For the first time in my life it was just me and two kids, while my husband worked the nine to five grind. That left little room for quality ME time but I often found myself feeling very alone. Adult interaction was very limited unless you counted the daily phone call to my best friend and emails. The truth was that in addition to post partum blues, feeling fat, and having a brand new baby and toddler, I was a bit lost without having a 'real' job. I had never really felt that my job had defined me, but once I didn't have it, I felt a little naked without it. For instance, I usually would have  answered the 'what do you do?' question pretty comfortably. My response would have been simple, I'm a Store Manager for a small retail company. That would get the conversation flowing as to what we sold, blahblahblah... But now, when people ask what I do now, what do I tell them? I'm a SAHM/Blogger/Shop Owner/Photographer/Graphic Designer?....the list could go on and on....LOL...and I tend to shy away from telling them my lists of things I do. {Because honestly, I do way to many things and quite often not all of them are done to the best of my ability. But, maybe that is just one of my flaws..I like to be busy! I am also the worst self promoter ever!} So I usually end up saying nothing, that I am just a SAHM. The conversation, unless it's with other moms, usually ends there...Because really, who would find that interesting? Who would care that my kids and I color, go to the park and I clean up pee on the floor. 


I think I struggle with putting a label on myself. Or rather what my career path is and where I ultimately will end up. I am an instant answer person, so the journey thus far has been a bit of a headache but definitely a  learning experience...

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I can think of a million things that would be cool to do, but how long would I enjoy it? I guess like most things, marriage for instance, it's all fun and games in the beginning but then it takes a bit of work to keep the fun and excitement there. I suppose just like a new job would feel? Exciting and new and then bam! You wake up doing the same routine thing for the rest of your life. I don't want that. I don't ever want to lose the passion that I have for what I do everyday. Ideally, what I want is something easy {doesn't everyone!} something that doesn't take time away from my kids, something that I don't feel pressured to do and that cures the hankering I have to just create and of course make money!!!

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Maybe I am being selfish? Maybe I shouldn't be taking this time to figure things out while my husband works his butt of at work? Maybe I need to squash my passion {whatever it is} and figure it out later? After all, life is the journey, right? Do I need to have it all figured out now? Or should I embrace this journey called self discovery and find the path that will take me to the place that I have been longing for...?

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Comments are turned off here - so go visit Lish at Imprintalish to respond and say Hi!

It's My Form of Art Natalie Blair + Giveaway

Tell us a little something about your family >>

My name is Natalie and my husbands name is Bill. We have 2 awesome daughters. Abby is 9 and Teagan is 1. We live in hot sunny Florida and I wear flip flops year round. 

And a little something about you >>

Well I love web design. It's my form of art. And at times it's my "me" time. It's calming. Maybe that's why I am always changing my designs. I'm known for that. I love photography. I've used every type of camera. And to be honest?? My iPhone takes better pictures I believe. I love being with family. It can't get much better than that. 

Why do you blog? >>

I blog to meet people and just write. Or share photos. Or some random link up. I've met a lot of nice people on here! And I would also like to share this with my children some day. 

***

Natalie is one of my favorite bloggers - ever!  She is honest, authentic and real, and confident enough to be herself.  There is something raw and beautiful and powerful in her that I constantly admire.

Connect with Natalie:  Blog >> Twitter >> Facebook >> Pinterest >> Instagram

Before you go, Natalie has graciously offered up a 200x100 ad space to one lucky reader!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer Splendor Giveaway Hosted by Cents of Style & Shaping Up to Be a Mom

The end of summer is fast approaching, but we are going to give the season a good send-off with the Summer Splendor Giveaway, presented by Cents of Style and Shaping Up To Be A Mom!

Some amazing vendors have partnered with some equally amazing bloggers to bring this giveaway, worth over $550 in prizes, to you! Read on to find out what one lucky winner will receive!

$100 gift card to Cents of Style

Shop/Facebook 

*Use coupon code "0512" to get 10% off your entire order!*

Cake Sunglasses in Bamboo from Proof Eyewear

Shop/Facebook

2 watches of the winner's choice from Feral Watches

Shop/Facebook

$50 gift card to Luxey Leg Candy from Life Songs of a Busy Mom

Shop/Blog/Facebook

$50 gift card to Strawberry Mommycakes' Party Printable Shop

Shop/Facebook

$50 gift card to JUNIEblake

Shop/Facebook

30-serving tub of IdealShape meal replacement shakes (vanilla or chocolate) and Blender bottle

Shop/Facebook

$55 gift card to i declare!

Shop/Facebook

You may enter the giveaway by using the Rafflecopter form below. One winner will be chosen and announced on Monday, August 13th, on Shaping Up To Be A Mom, as well as on this Rafflecopter widget on each participating blog. Entries will be verified. Winner will be contacted by email and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

The more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning! Good luck!

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Let's Meet Up At #BlogHer12 !

This Post Sponsored By:

Loveliest July Read These Posts!

Yes! August is officially here!  

Before you shut the door on July - 

make sure you catch these fantastic posts written by a few of my Loveliest!!

1. Courage // 2. Eyelashes // 3. Mee-Yow // 4. Changes // 5. Boi to the Sea

Connect with Aunie: Blog // Twitter // Facebook

1. Watch out for that TV! // 2. Toddlers Love to Give // 3. Scheduling in Some Sanity 

// 4. Our Future Depends on Play Learning // 5. Ask Dr. Momsie

Connect with Dr. Momsie: Blog // Twitter // Facebook /

1. I Blog - I Instagram - I Tweet - I Facebook // 2. Christian Girls Shouldn't Care How They Look //

3. Because the Lord Hated Us // 4. Always a Loser in a Card Game // 5. Ugly on You

Connect with Jane Caroline: Blog // Twitter // Instagram 

1. My Skin Secret // 2. 10 Things I Should Be Embarrassed to Admit, But I'm Not // 3. Is This Normal?

// 4. 4th of July Nail FAIL // 5. Day at the Zoo Part 3

Connect with Paige: Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest / BlogLovin

1.  Weekend Rewind: Molester Mobile // 2. We've Become Old People // 

3. Busy Moms Guide to Getting Ready in 10 // 4. Dear Kids // 5. Cookin: Mandarin Orange Pineapple

Connect with Delilah: Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // HelloCotton

Which one is your favorite?  

Leave your nomination below in the comments -

 the person with the most nominations

 for Loveliest post in July will will 

win a "Lovely" Ad in September 

(as well as one of their nominators!)

Bullfrogs and Bulldogs + Ad Space Giveaway

Hi there! I'm Amanda from Bullfrogs and Bulldogs! I'm so excited to be guest posting here today! First, I want to give Courtney a huge thank you for inviting me over today! I love Baxtron{Life} for so many reasons but mostly because of the vulnerability and realness Courtney puts out there. Although at times she may be afraid to share the truth, she always has the strength and courage to do so and it's something I really admire about her.

Today I'm here to share a little bit about moi! I'd love it if you'd come by sometime and visit me. I love making new friends and learning more about all of you! You can find me here, at my blog Bullfrogs and Bulldogs and of course I am also on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and I would absolutely love it if you'd follow along with me and of course, I will follow back!

So a little about me. I am a born and raised Pacific Northwest gal growing up in the suburbs of Seattle, WA and now live in a little town called Newberg in Oregon. I moved down here in May of 2011 to live with my now {as of May 2012} hubby on our family vineyard, Omero Cellars and our little farm we created together. I traded in my Toms and skinny jeans for muck boots and carharts and spend my days getting my hands dirty working around the property. I started Bullfrogs and Bulldogs as a was to share my transition with my friends and family back home but over the course of the year it has turned into so much more.

I write a lot about projects I'm working on around the house, a hobby I didn't know I loved until I moved into our 1970's home, and I share yummy vegan and gluten-free recipes I create to show that even vegans have fun in the kitchen! But most importantly, I try to make you laugh with the funny experiences I have here on the family vineyard and farm such as the time a coyote got on the property or when my 'city' house cat got stuck 40 feet up in a tree and I called the fire department. There really never is a dull moment on the farm and I try to make the most of every experience by finding humor in it.

One of my biggest goals is to be a little more vulnerable on the blog. I've shifted a little bit away from the original intent of Bullfrogs and Bulldogs and it is my hope to share a little more personal stuff about transitioning, which I think will be a forever process. I have good days and bad ones, ups and downs, and one of the things I love most about blogging is the connections I've made with my readers and other bloggers. So I truly would love it if you'd stop by and gave us the opportunity to get to know each other better! Here are a few photos of where I live:

I also have a fun little giveaway for all you lovely readers! I'm giving TWO of you a TWO month Top Dog Ad Spot on Bullfrogs and Bulldogs! You are probably wondering what comes with this little gift I'm giving. Well, when you are sitting on top you not only get viewed by all of my lovely readers but you also get to be featured as my blog obsession in one of my Feature Friday post, the option to host a giveaway on the blog, the option to write a guest post, and of course, facebook and twitter shout outs! All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter questions below and you are entered! I'll be picking the winner on Monday, August 6th!

   

   a Rafflecopter giveaway 

 Thank you again Courtney for having me over today and thank YOU for taking the time to read a little bit about me and I hope to see you over in my neck of the woods sometime so I can get to know more about you! Have a beautiful day!

Calm Before the Storm And Other [Pre] #BlogHer12 Ramblings

In less than 48 hours I will be attending my first ever blogging conference - all thanks to living in New York City - and BlogHer selecting my city as the place for their Gi-Hugant blogging conference!  

I've been a mixed ball of emotions for the past few weeks - trying to get ready and navigate the overwhelming scale of this conference.  I'm a complete newbie on the blog conference scene - and that is quite a huge (and dare I say courageous) step for me.  

Originally I signed up for BlogHer12 thinking that it would be like any other conference I've attending in my life - I'd get a set agenda with activities, start and end times, etc.  I'd possibly connect with a handful of people, eat hit or miss food - and hopefully learn SOMETHING about the topic of the conference, maybe even be inspired.

What I've learned as the days have inched nearer to the big event is that BlogHer (as well as other blogging conferences) are a completely different beast.  At times I've been terrified and intimidated by what I've read and seen and at other times elated and thrilled.  I've felt pangs of jealousy over the exhaustive list of exclusive-hush-hush-invite-only events that didn't feel the need to invite me.  I've pondered whether or not I need to buy an entirely new wardrobe just for the conference.  I've regretted not seeking conference sponsorship.  I've laughed at some of the insane behaviors I've witnessed by people who are on a swag-fest mission.  I've felt a little sick about overemphasis on "getting as much free stuff as possible" from time to time too.  I've wondered what the heck I got myself into by choosing to go to this crazy affair.

I've realized that this is a conference that is bringing together thousands of people from all over the blogosphere - with different niches, different goals and different ideas of what a blogging conference should be.  I've come to a place of acceptance of that fact and it has helped me to focus on what I hope to gain by attending the conference.

Connections >>  I am most excited about meeting other bloggers - both those I've communicated with and know will be there and the surprise people who will cross my path.  I was nervous a couple weeks ago and honestly a bit intimidated about meeting people - but then, as fate would have it, I went to an event and was able to chat with a couple of bloggers who will be there.  And then just tonight, before writing this post, I got to meet another blogger who lives in my neighborhood - and hopefully she'll be attending part of the conference too.  These meet-ups were just what I needed going into the conference!  I'm of course also excited to make brand connections - and hopefully even more - publishing agent/contacts.

Clarity >> I'm hoping to clarify my goals as a blogger.  I want to be inspired and encouraged, learn new secrets to success and hopefully figure out where I want to go with my blog next.  If you've been round these parts for a while, you may know that I started this blog as a way to get back into writing, and my true dream is to write my first book.  I'm planning on doing that this November, so I'm hoping to gain some insight and understanding on how to connect with agents as well as how to use my blog to showcase my writing.

Cool Stuff >>  I of course am interested in being introduced to cool new things - via brands and other bloggers, I get excited just thinking of the plethora of exchange opportunities available.  I'm also excited to be attending a few private parties (so yeah, I did get invited to a few - so nuts really) and I want to use those opportunities to make strong connections!  I'm definitely setting my expectations low in terms of swag - so I'll be pleasantly surprised by any and all that is received.

I've said all this to say - I'm about to check out for about a week - but I've got some awesome giveaways planned while I'm gone (because, hey, if I'm getting swag, I want YOU to have swag too!)  I'll be doing some live blogging via Instagram & Twitter - so make sure you follow me on both!  And I'll be using the hashtag #BaxtronBH12 if you want to follow that way! Will share what I learn and all the details of my experience upon my return!!

<3 <3 Courtney <3 <3

P.S. Definitely enter my current giveaways and get ready for some prizes this week you won't want to miss! 

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Organic Mami + Giveaway From City Corporate to Suburb Mama

Hey lovelies! I'm so happy to be guest posting for Courtney while she's away! Courtney is a dear friend  both online and offline! I'm so incredibly blessed to call her "friend" and so thankful that our kiddos love to play together and while they do, we get to hang out!

Today, I'd love to share a little passion of mine...pursuing a holistic approach to our family's health. You could even call me crunchy if you want! ;) This journey started last year, when our youngest son developed severe eczema. While the steroid creams and antibiotic creams were working, as soon as I stopped applying them, his eczema would return full force. It was so frustrating and I quickly realized I was only treating a symptom, not the root issue. That began our search to better understand our bodies, food and how they relate to each other as well as more holistic approaches to soothing and treating his eczema.  If you're interested or have similar skin issues, I'd love to have you read up on it all here.
During that time, I discovered hard lotion. It's completely natural, you can pronounce all the ingredients and easily recognize their source and what they are and it's amazing stuff!! I truly believe that God provided in nature all that we need to have health and a full life. He's that amazing! And, as I started to learn and discover, I was sold on hard lotion. My only issue was that it was too hard. I had an infant who quickly became irritated as I waited for the hard lotion to soften up in my hands so that I could apply it to his skin and I realized I needed to perfect my own recipe.
This was the very beginning of Organic Mami, my etsy shop where I sell coconut lotion, lip balm and non petroleum jelly (think Vaseline and Aquaphor without the petroleum). I offer a variety of essential oils and options and it's such a joy to hear of others trying and experiencing the benefits of solid lotion for themselves. And, during the time that our son really struggled with his eczema (before we discovered all of his allergies) the lotion was the only thing that soothed the itch and relieved his dry, weepy skin.

I'm so excited to offer a some of this lotion to one of you today!  This giveaway includes 1, 4 oz. custom coconut lotion and 1, 1oz. custom coconut lip balm.

And, I'd also like to offer a 20% off discount for all of you as Courtney's readers.  Just use code BAXTRONREADER. Thanks so much, Courtney, for having me here today! Happy Entering everyone!  Connect with Kristina: Blog >> Shop >> Twitter >> Facebook >> Instagram >> Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Ain't the Cha-Cha It's the Tuesday Tango!

The Tuesday Tango is a multiple link-up post for everyone to meet new people and grow your audience. There will be six link-ups you can add your link to - Twitter, Facebook, Hello Cotton, Bloglovin, Instagram, and Pinterest. All you have to do is follow the host(s) for that week and then add whoever else you'd like to!

Permanent Hosts:

After Nine To Five | From City Corporate to Suburb Mama

This Week's Rotating Hosts:

Baxtron Life | Treasure Tromp | My Musings

Directions:

Follow the host(s)

Add your links to any/all of the link-ups

Add at least 5 people from the link-ups

- - -

Want to host one of the weeks? Let us know!

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