Casual Blogger Community

Featured Blogger: Tiffany @ Little Mamanista

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Tiffany is mom of two who tries to put a little UMPH into her every day.

She adores fashion and loves to shop, and thinks that everyone is Be-YOU-tiful.

Tiffany lives in Southern California, where she combines her Fashionista side with her Mama side, to make the one and only: Mamanista.

Tiffany is working to grow her online shop, where you can purchase hand-made accessories.

Read her tips for healthy snacking, or check out her Beauty Find of the Week.

And be sure to stop by and get to know the Little Mamnista for yourself!

Featured Blogger: Bridget @ My Crazy Life

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Bridget is a stay at home mom of five. She has three boys and two girls, and has been married for 12 years.

Bridget lives in sunny Arizona (holla for my home state!) and tries to blog about all the crafts she makes.

Are you in to crocheting? Because she has a LOT of tutorials for you to follow. Try making these crocheted rose earrings… Or how about some new washcloths?

Of course, MY favorite find was a short and sweet post about her kids… having a rock fight… because that’s just real life right there.

Stop by and say hello to Bridget at her blog: My Crazy Life.

February Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 19:56:00 +0000

It's been a long time, readers. Life got a little crazy for awhile, but now, more than 6 months later, we are FINALLY on the mend!

Our goal for the year is to SIMPLIFY, and we would love for you to join us on that journey. We want to start featuring bloggers again, but we can only commit to 2 features per week. If you'd like to take a turn in the spotlight, click here to get started.

We also have streamlined our publications, and now have a NEW and IMPROVED magazine and the Spring 2012 issue is available for your viewing pleasure.

Open publication - Free publishing - More blog

In more blog news, MMB and Leelou both have GIVEAWAYS right now. You can enter to win a Pikle clutch, and trust me, you want to win.

Enter the Leelou Blog giveaway here. Enter the MMB giveaway here.

Network News

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:24:00 +0000

There's a lot of things happening in the Casual Blogger Network this time of year, and we have a few fun things to show you!

First things first, Leelou is working with International Delight, and they want to know what your favorite holiday traditions are. You could win a $200 Target gift card, so be sure to hop over there and join the conversation.

Second, I JUST REALIZED THIS WEEK that the Green Jello site has online coloring pages. You know, where you can sit your kids in front of the computer and they color in the picture. You can also print them out, but ONLINE COLORING PAGES PEOPLE. My 4 year old has been having a blast with all the Christmas coloring scenes. (Hint: scroll down to see all your options!)

Thirdly, MMB has a new feature that is pretty much amazing. It's called "Word to your Mother" and BASICALLY, it's me and Elisa sharing all of our mom tips/tricks/coping strategies. It's new. And hilarious.

Fourthly, we have a NEW blog in our network, called Peonies and Poppyseeds, and I love it. It's basically a printables and craft site, and everything we do is FREE for personal use. Right now, we have lots of Christmas and Hanukkah stuff, so be sure to check it out.

Fifthly, my parents are coming to town in T-minus 2 days and I am NOT ready. Well, my HOUSE is not ready. Well, it's passable, but I want it to be clean and shiny and pristine. And that's what I want every day, not just for company. But, you know, REALITY and all that... I HAVE TO GO NOW.

Hi again.

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:43:00 +0000

My oh my, how time flies when you’re having fun.

Or adjusting to new meds.

You know, kid stuff.

Here is the thing. We are going to take it slow here. Because we don’t want to get burned out. Because, you know, that happens. (As evidenced by the last few months.)

We hope you’ll forgive us, and in the meantime, let’s talk about Christmas.

Specifically, I want to know what your favorite Christmas treat is. Especially if it’s homemade donuts. I would like your recipe please.

Let’s also talk about how Google is retiring their friend connect. I have a feeling that a lot of bloggers are super sad panda about that.

Back To School : Blog Prompt Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:45:00 +0000

Our fantastic partners from the Story At Home Conference have a few Back To School questions for you!
These questions are a great way to get to know your children (or even yourself) a little better, and would make a couple of fabulous blog posts.

Tell me about someone you were excited to see, why?
Who were you nervous to see, why?
What was something that made you smile?
What was one new thing you learned today?
What was your favorite class/activity?

After you write up your answers, come back here and link up your posts! We’d love to hear your answers and read your stories! Of course, any story you have to share about back to school is welcome.

Coming Soon....

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:10:00 +0000

I have bloggers guilt.

It's summer, and I have pretty much fallen off the face of the earth. In my defense, I have been really sick.

BUT that sounds lame. (True, but lame)

I feel like I make BIG PROMISES to you guys, and then there is no follow through!

#majorfail

At any rate, school starts soon, and then I most definitely promise to get back to some sort of routine.

IN FACT, we're going to start having a girls night in once a week here, and lots of other fun, show off your blog, getting-to-know-you activities.

We also just updated the look of the site. Hopefully it makes things a little bit easier for you.

(If you're reading this in your reader, well, let me grab a screenshot really quick for you...)

More streamlined, more blogger friendly, hopefully no one gets lost.

We're going to be focusing on the stories that you guys share as bloggers. I promise, it will be lots of fun.

SO GET PUMPED UP. NEXT WEEK. WHEN WE'RE REALLY BACK.

But for right now? I'm going to take some pills, pretend my children haven't officially gone crazy, and call it a night.

The secret lives of bloggers... so exciting.

The Barrel: Issue 9

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:37:00 +0000

Open publication - Free publishing - More blog

There is going to be a few changes happening with The Barrel Blog Magazine, so please enjoy this issue before it undergoes a massive renovation! (And as always, I highly recommend the horoscopes.... page 14.)

Life After Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:45:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered about life after Facebook? Many students are becoming bored with Facebook and are looking for a new venue to meet with like-minded people and share ideas. Facebook, which was originally meant for college students to socialize, can lose its appeal after graduation. The reasons it was used, seem less important and graduates may find themselves feeling burdened by keeping up with the proper Facebook etiquette (wishing people a happy birthday, responding to comments, etc). Upon receiving an associate degree or bachelor degree, they begin to see the shortcomings of Facebook and are looking for a new home. While Facebook can still be a great networking tool (used properly), the web is a vast place and there are a couple of places that post college students may find more stimulating than Facebook.

If you're a photographer, professional or otherwise, you'll be interested in Picasa Web Albums. This social networking site is all about posting photos for your friends to see. You can show them pictures from your Cancun vacation or your recent college graduation. What makes this an awesome idea is that isn't the annoying process of attaching a million photos to emails and sending them to all your friends. All you have to do is load them on your account and your friends can view them and also download the album if they want. They can also comment and add captions to any photo—as long as they are friends of course.

Vimeo is essentially Facebook for film makers. The idea is to load videos for your fellow film maker friends to view and comment on. It's a little more objective than YouTube. The idea is to have more constructive critiques in order to improve each other's craft. Film makers also learn by watching the films uploaded on the site. This will inspire the other users by seeing techniques they may never had seen before. For film students specifically, it could be a way to find more opportunities abroad— depending on who is watching.

Personal websites are a very good way to share your point of view as well. There are a multitude of different social sites to go through in order to create one. WordPress and blogger are two great choices. WordPress allows users to about anything they want. The possibilities are endless. You can add a blog about anything. Most students will blog about their major or any subject that they have a lot of knowledge about.

Blogger is also mostly a blogging site, but just like WordPress, you can add just about anything, including video, images and of course writing. Most users of these types of pages are only looking to inform their families of what is going on in their lives. It makes for a professional and personal look instead of the un-customizable Facebook. The downside of this the lack of a social network type of feel. However these sites are more personal and possibly should be only shared amongst close family and friends.

Other than these ideas, there are hundreds of other choices. There are networking sites for writers, artists, designers… just about any topic you can think of has a network. So students, if you are wondering about life after Facebook, don't be afraid. Life after Facebook is a wonderful place.

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guest post by Lindsey

Featured Blogger: Genuinely Jarman

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Mary is mental health therapist and mom of five. Three adopted kids, two biological kids, and one computer geek husband make up this amazing family of seven. Her blog shares the incredible (and sometimes difficult) journey that life can be.

Where do you blog?

Genuinely Jarman

How long have you been blogging?

I discovered blogging in 2007, and found out it was a great way to keep in touch with all our extended family. As I blogged, I also learned I was giving a voice to our family's journey that helped a lot of other people.

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

In 2007, my sister, her husband and baby died in a tragic car accident. Their (then) 8 year old daughter survived and has been a part of our family since that time. I started blogging because I was curious and looking for a way to stay in touch with a lot of extended family...ours and hers. Besides being a way to stay in touch, it has become a platform for grief, loss and adoption. A professor I know has used our blog in her grief classes, and the more people become aware of our blog, the more I realize we have an important story to tell, so I keep telling it.

What is your blog about?

Family mostly, but also other issues which affect our family, including spiritual beliefs and parenting, which is also a topic I love. And as mentioned I blog about issues relating to adoption and loss and healing. I also seem to be blogging a lot lately about teens because that's the direction my own children are heading!

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

It varies from day to day. Today the word was "disconcerting" because it fit how I was feeling about a community situation I was blogging about. I don't think I actually used it in the blog, but it felt good to put a word to my feelings. "The recent events at Alta High School were disconcerting to a lot of community members."

How much time do you spend blogging?

I used to spend only about 2-3 hours a week blogging, but recently as I've figured out there is an audience for the ever-evolving story of our family, I've blogged a lot more, about 10-15 hours a week.

What are some of your favorite posts?

- I loved being able to write the story of this day in a creative way that could communicate some of the amazing feelings of healing we experienced in the simple choice of making the anniversary of deaths about something other than grief. Joie is an amazing girl whose name certainly fits her personality.

- In trying to share some of the difficult moments with my children, I try to share them in ways that won't hurt, offend or embarrass. My girls actually love this post, even though it describes their difficult moments. I love that this one showed their relationship as a work in progress and offers perspective on all relationships.

- Dr. Seuss is one of my all-time favorites. I had a lot of fun gathering quotes and writing this post as a Dr. Seuss tribute on his birthday last year.

- The challenges of raising children who are adopted require us to dig down deep as parents and come up with solutions. This solution has become a tradition. As a mom and a therapist that works with kids, I think we sometimes overlook the impact of simple solutions to difficult problems.

- I think my children teach me a lot about parenting, and I and I appreciate moments when I get to see what amazing human beings they are becoming. I like how every day moments can become learning moments when we reflect on them.

Stop by and connect with Mary at her blog, Genuinely Jarman!

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Click here to be a featured blogger on the Casual Blogger Community!

What I like best about blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:00:00 +0000

Over the last few months, I have had time to really SIT and THINK about what I like best about blogging.

And I have realized that I am passionate about one thing, and one thing only, and that, my dears, is YOU.

YOU are my most my favorite parts of blogging.

I love people that are passionate about telling their stories. I get excited when people tell me they have a blog, especially when it’s “just a family thing” because there is NOTHING I love MORE than those every day, mundane, day-to-day happenings.

I love your stories, and your photos, and your lives. I am so impressed with all of the amazing people out there, who are willing to open up their hearts to me. You have no idea how much you have inspired me, because I think that it truly does take an amazing person to put it all out there.

I love reading blogs about parenting. About homemaking. About books, and health, and crafting. I love to hear about what your kids are doing, and what your next adventure in life will be. I feel so connected to you all, because you let me peek into the windows of your lives.

SO.

I want to feature your stories.

I want to encourage you to find YOUR voice.

I want to show you the basics of blogging. The very, very basics.

I want the focus to be on our bloggers sharing their stories and getting to know the people in their communities.

I want to have Story Slams, and help your creativity flourish.

You won’t be a guest blogger, you’re going to be our featured storyteller.

The Casual Blogger Community will give your stories a voice.

I am SO excited, and can’t wait to start this new journey with you!

xoxo,

Caroline

Featured Blog: Mommy Giggles

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:39:00 +0000

Heather and Heidi are sisters who LOVE to laugh. They started Mommy Giggles because they wanted a place where moms could share all the funny pictures of their “mommy moments”. They both live in Washington, and are moms to boys, and they hope you get a GIGGLE out of their site!

Where do you blog?

Mommy Giggles

How long have you been blogging?

Since 2007

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

I started Mommy Giggles because I love looking at funny pictures. I don't always have time to read all the blogs I follow, but I love looking at their pictures so I wanted to create a blog focused on pictures.

What is your blog about?

Making moms giggles about motherhood & children

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

Facetious - my husband have a never-ending argument about the definition of this word.

How much time do you spend blogging?

Probably 2-3 hours a day. I'm learning a lot about advertising your blog lately.

What are some of your favorite posts?

I LOVE this picture! Definitely how to nap when you have older siblings.

These baby’s legs are chunk-a-licious!

This little guy doesn’t know what’s about to hit him!

How can readers connect with you?

Like Us On Facebook and Follow Us On Twitter!

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Click here to get featured on the Casual Blogger Community!

Little House

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:10:00 +0000

Katie spends her days playing with and educating her kids, and enjoying as much time as possible with her energetic and busy husband. She is learning how to make her house a home, and says that her family is definitely her priority. Katie loves spending time outdoors: gardening, walking, picnicking, and just relaxing. She also loves to take pictures and is starting to learn more about photography!

Where do you blog?

Little House

How long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging for 3 1/2 years, on and off, as life has allowed.

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

I started blogging to remember and focus on the beautiful little moments in my everyday life. I recently looked back through some old posts and realized how much I've forgotten, even of things I've documented! It really drove home to me how valuable these records can be. Also, it's fun to create something that doesn't take too much time or money, but still results in a fulfilling product.

What is your blog about?

My blog is about my life - my family, my interests, my pictures, my favorite things. Little glimpses of what I think is beautiful and special.

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

lovely. When I start looking for the lovely little things in life, I find that beauty is everywhere!

How much time do you spend blogging?

I spend 1-3 hours a day reading, writing, and commenting on blogs. I have quite a long list of blogs that I love, and that bring me joy and knowledge!

What are some of your favorite posts?

I had a lot of fun catching this normal morning hour in picture and in word - the dramatic highs and lows and beauty in just one hour of the day!

Homeschooling is a sometimes hopeful, sometimes despairing journey, but when it works right, it's just so right.

When we came back home after a two-week trip we fell in love with our life all over again. It was like a second first date, if you know what I mean. The day was so beautiful and perfect, even though it was completely ordinary.

A little boy exploring his Great-Grandpa's farm? It was so fun to just follow him around and see all the wonder from his perspective.

This post reminds me how wonderful things happen when I just let them happen, and allow myself to stray from the plan. I'm a planner, my husband is impulsive. That impulsiveness has added so much fun and excitement to our lives!

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

In addition to glimpses into my life and the things I think are beautiful, I write a post each weekend with links to things from around the web that I think are worth my readers checking out. These links tend to fall into the categories of food, design and art, education, and entertainment.

How can readers connect with you?

I’m on Facebook

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Click here to get featured on the Casual Blogger Community.

Social Media in Society

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:00:00 +0000

It’s hard to go anywhere anymore without hearing some hyperbole about the role of social media in society. Much of the hype is justified. The full power of social media for professional networking and business marketing has yet to be harnessed. When I was an undergraduate getting an administration degree those of us who used Facebook were in the minority and used it strictly as a sort of campus chat. And it is, to be completely frank, still being used rather clumsily by many people. The use of social media to effect change in the global social landscape may provide an example of social media’s true potential.

Social Media as Trend

Many individuals, as well as businesses, have jumped on the social media bandwagon because someone told them it was the latest, big thing. These folks are using social media because it’s trendy, not because they really understand the potential. And that’s okay. But it also adds to the clutter and litter in the digital landscape. Everybody has something to say, but it’s becoming harder and harder to find the informative and interesting golden nuggets among the rubble of tweets and status updates. The extent to which you tend to treat social media as a destination rather than a tool to provide mobility will determine your social media success. It’s not enough to have a LinkedIn profile with a photo and a few contacts.

19^th Century Sensibilities for a 21^st Century Technology

One of the more negative aspects of social media saturation is the tendency to blurt to the entire world what you’re thinking without much thought. Instant communication can be really useful but nobody—especially your professional contacts—needs to hear about your bathroom visits. The digital age and texting have worked to shape our thought processes in such a fashion that we communicate in rapid blips of information that are rarely thoughtful or well-informed. We no longer take the time to work through our thought processes and then go on to write something cogent and provocative that adds value to the reader, as well as inflating the worth of our personal brand. It may be helpful to incorporate more deliberate and thoughtful 19^th century sensibilities to improve our use of 21^st century technologies.

Social Media Changing the Global Social Fabric

The power of social media to effect social change has evolved tremendously in a really short time. The extent to which social media drove protests in the Arab Spring of 2011 is hard to determine. It would be a gross exaggeration to claim that they caused them. On the other hand, Twitter and Facebook definitely helped drive the process. Social media has functioned differently and in unique ways in the individual countries involved. From the start of the Arab Spring in Tunisia, all the way through the falling dominos of Egypt, Yemen, Dubai, and Syria, people have been able to adapt social media messaging to each unique circumstance.

In all of these individual popular uprisings, social media worked as a tool to rapidly coordinate resistance, as well as helping to push the news into Western mainstream media. This, in turn, pushes a glaring spotlight into the faces of the regimes which helped accelerate the resistance. It was a perfect example of social media at its most effective. Regimes which had been in power for decades fell within months. We could learn a lot about making our social media use more effective from studying how it functioned in the Arab Spring of 2011.

- - - guest post by Lindsey

The Hiatus is Over!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:06:00 +0000

Wow. I cannot believe it’s been over a MONTH since we last posted anything here.

I missed you all so, so much!

I’m assuming you want a brief overview of how I’m doing, so here it is: MUCH, MUCH BETTER.

Here’s the exact sequence of events for those of you who like details:

They thought I had a stroke. Tests, tests, test, bloodwork, bloodwork, bloodwork. Stroke is ruled out.

Symptoms were still present, therefore, they think I have a brain tumor. Tests, tests, test, bloodwork, bloodwork, bloodwork. It’s not a tumor. It’s Multiple Sclerosis. AND SOMETHING ELSE.

And we’re still in the process of determining exactly what that something else is. In the meantime, I finally have enough energy and control of myself that I can look at a computer screen again without wanting to die. (It’s hard to be on the computer when looking at the screen = headache and nausea.)

So tell me bloggers, how has your summer treated you?

Quick Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:12:00 +0000

Elisa here.

Things are a little crazy around here because my trusty partner in crime, Caroline, is having some major health issues.

She’s been dealing with neurosurgeons and all the things that go along with that, because they can’t figure out what’s wrong with her.

In the meantime, I’ll do my best to do my duty, and keep content on this blog.

But don’t hold your breath, because you might end up in the same position Caroline’s in… or something.

Now. Please return to your regularly scheduled internet surfing.

Hugs and Kisses, Loves and Squishes and all that other mushy crap,

~Elisa

P.S. If you need help with anything related to this site, please email me at elisa@casualbloggerconference.com

Sunday Link Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 18:21:00 +0000

How's summer going at your house?

Are you doing any special projects?

Or are you enjoying the lazy days of summer?

Link up and let us know!

Natures Conspiracy

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Karyn is a mother of one who is studying naturopathy and homeopathy and who has transitioned to an almost 100% organic lifestlyle. She loves to research the unspoken dangers of our modern day lives and then educate people. She’s fascinated with how plants and herbs can cure so many illnesses without drugs being needed. Karyn has lived in England, Ireland, the USA and is now back 'home' in Australia.

Where do you blog?

Natures Conspiracy

How long have you been blogging?

I have blogged for about 4 years on various blogs about weight, family, current affairs and travel, but this blog solely focusing on organic living is my new baby and was only started January 2011.

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

I love to blog! I love to write and I love to read so blogging seemed like a natural extension. I love to research and educate people and hear people say "I'm so glad you told me that, I had no idea!"

What is your blog about?

Organic and Eco living.

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

Home, because there is nothing like it! “I'm so happy to end my travels and finally be back home."

How much time do you spend blogging?

The daily hours vary. About 20-25 hours per week total for 3 blogs.

What are some of your favorite posts?

I think so many people never think about these facts - What eating meat from an animal treated terribly, and fed nutritionally deficient foods and drugs does to their body when they consume it. This is not just an animal welfare issue, and its not just anti GMO or Anti drugs, it’s about the impact on your body and your future.

Most people say they cant afford to eat organic, this post shows how with right choices and creative cooking, the costs do not need to be prohibitive.

Most people, especially mothers would consider strawberries a healthy treat, and feed them to children. Sadly, if grown conventionally, they are toxic.

Though these are sobering facts, its good to be given other options when wanting to eat deli meats that are safer for you long term.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

I will be adding a feature to my blog to give people an option to write in with health and nutrition questions that I will answer as a tool for people to learn more about homeopathy and naturopathy.

How can readers connect with you?

Blog: http://naturesconspiracy.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/naturesplan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Conspiracy/191307580905046
Email: naturesconspiracy@gmail.com
and I have two other blogs: http://ahcgdietblog.blogspot.com/ and http://anobservantmind.wordpress.com/

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Click here to get featured on the Casual Blogger Community!

HomeRoad

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Susan is a teacher and a mother who enjoys upcycling found objects into new and fun things. She loves anything old, rusty, and chippy. She is also a fan of rustic French Country décor and hopes to inspire others to be creative!

Where do you blog?

HomeRoad

How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging in October 2010 just to get my feet wet but I've been "blog nuts" since January 2011.

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

I started blogging because I learned what it was. I've been doing what I do with my craft projects all my life. Now I've found someplace to teach others and to just have a creative outlet.

What is your blog about?

My blog is about decorating and upcycled projects. Found junk is my specialty.

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

My favorite word is "Create" because that's what my life is about. I create because I can.

How much time do you spend blogging?

I honestly spend about 4 hours a day on the computer either writing posts or checking out other blogs. On weekends I create projects and write posts in between loads of laundry and vacuuming.

What are some of your favorite posts?

This post is a pallet table. I love this post because I had a vision and I just let the creative juices flow while this pallet table formed. Like a sculpture, it just grew with every piece I added. It isn't perfect but it was the process that was fun and the table looks great in my garden now.

I again like this one because first of all it came out very cool, and secondly I just looked at the found piece until it took a shape in my head. This table leaf was crying out to become my new menu board.

This is a good example of my crafting world. I see something someone else has made and I think about how I can make it my own. I changed the shape and used different materials then someone else did. I loved the results of my moss wreath, and so did the person I sold it to!

I love it when I find a new product. I found this ink pad and the wheels just started turning. I tried it on everything and was able to make several projects and new posts from it!

This is another example of me driving down the road, pulling over, filling up my car and coming home to "make things" with my new finds.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

I have an Etsy shop attached to my blog where I can sell some of the things I've made or found on thrifting expeditions. So far I've been pretty successful!

How can readers connect with you?

I have a facebook page and my posts have been featured on other blogs about 40 times since February. I have been a guest blogger on Craft-O-Maniac, and have scheduled up-coming guest posts on Type A, A Glimpse Inside and Mom of All Trades coming up.

Be sure to stop by my blog and say “HI!”

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Click here to get featured on the Casual Blogger Community!

Sunday Link Love

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:19:00 +0000

Time for another round of Sunday Link Love!

Link up your favorite posts from round the blogosphere this week.

You can link your blog, your friend's blog, or anything else you choose!

(Just make sure that the link is relatively family friendly and all that. *wink*)

Let's get blog-hopping!

Shilo's Meandering Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Shilo is a 30 something, stay at home mom of five, which means: life is never boring. She enjoys scrapbooking, writing, singing, and acting, though she says she doesn’t do any of those things very well or with all the effort of her being. As soon as life slows down, she plans on chasing those dreams of hers, but for now, she enjoys sharing the day to day happenings of life.

Where do you blog?

Shilo's Meandering Thoughts

How long have you been blogging?

About 4 years.

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

I started blogging as a way to vent and as a way to keep some sort of journal. I keep up with it because it now serves as my journal because I'm too lazy to keep a handwritten one. Plus, it helps with my scrapbooking!

What is your blog about?

The daily happenings of my life and whatever else I feel like talking about. After all it is my meandering thoughts.

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

BAZINGA!!! I like it because of the way it sounds and I am in total love with the character that said it the first time I heard it.

It's hard to use in a sentence because in short it's just saying, "I tricked you", but I shall try...

"I have decided to cleanse myself of all things technological. Goodbye cyber world.
....BAZINGA!!!"

How much time do you spend blogging?

I probably spend an hour or two every day blogging in some form. Even if I'm not actually writing a post - I'm forming one (or many) in my head at once.

Share some of your favorite posts!

One of my most recent posts, but one that I needed to make. It was a rough week, but I had to keep in mind Why I'm Lucky.

This is just one example of the CHAOS that runs my life...

Who are my most favorite men on the earth? These guys here.

Just ONE example of how great my hubby is to me.

There are times when it's fun to be a little spontaneous!

How can readers connect with you?

I'm a bookfacer - http://www.facebook.com/Shilobug

I have another blog where I post when I get that creative itch - http://www.scrappinsmileyscraps.blogspot.com/

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Click here to get featured on the Casual Blogger Community!

Just 1 Step

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Kara is a 20-something wife and mother to a toddler. She loves photography, blogging, and reading. She’s a Christian and information junkie who is doing her best to live life the way God wants her too. Music touches her to her core, and she uses her blog as an outlet for her thoughts and as storage for all the neat things she discovers.

Where dog you blog?

Just 1 Step

How long have you been blogging?

I actually started blogging from my MySpace account several years ago. I began my current blog in March of 2008. It was originally under the name The KSS Blog, and just recently I changed it to Just 1 Step when I purchased my own domain name.

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

I started my blog as an outlet for my thoughts on my faith. It quickly developed into a place for me to organize my ideas and discoveries in this world, along with a way to keep my family and friends updated on my life. Today I continue it for several reasons, the top reasons being to express myself, stay in touch with family and friends, and share my faith.

What is your blog about?

Primarily it focuses on my day-to-day life as a wife, mother, and Christian. I share parenting tricks and tips, photography, music I love, life experiences, devotionals that touch me, Bible verses that catch my eye, etc. You never know what will come up next. :)

How much time do you spend blogging?

Too much. :)

Share some of your favorite posts!

This post gives my thoughts on the Babies R Us registry list. It took me a loooooooong time to write this post, but it was totally worth it. It's had the most hits of any post on my blog.

This is just a demonstration of the ridiculous random things that happen in my life.

This is me being vulnerable, showing a bit of my inner struggles. And learning to turn to God in the midst of them.

In this post I gave my definition for "spiritual growth", and as soon as I'd written the definition I knew the Holy Spirit had done it for me. It was really neat. :)

I've sent this blog post link on to several friends and others who have requested advice on flying with a young child. I think it's pretty helpful. :)

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

I absolutely LOVE hearing from new readers and finding new blogs to follow. So stop by and let me know you visited. :)

How can readers connect with you?

Comment on my blog (www.just1step.com) or email me at kara.just1step@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!

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Click here to get featured on the Casual Blogger Community!

Sunday Link Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:00:00 +0000

We want to know what you loved this week!

Link up your favorite blog, craft, story, etc. and link as many times as you want!

Ready, GO!

Weekly Wrap-Up | June 11, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000

We have not had a very super exciting week over here, on account of school almost being out. (Seriously though, I don’t know why they didn’t let us out last week. This whole week and next week, my kids have had “parties” every day. Seriously folks, EVERY. DAY.)

Ahem.

From BLOGLAND:

“It holds on to the self-confidence that sometimes gets lost when life deals us a poor hand or the world gives us a new set of rules. Whatever the cause, holding on to the assurance that you possessed in the easy times can be more tricky to hold on to when life gets sticky.” Marilee explains the rules of nature to us, THWAP, and finds herself relating to the secretary bird and the snake.

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Your mouth will thank you for making these frozen, dipped in deliciousness, banana treats.

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If you live in Mesa, Arizona, and are looking for something to do this summer, make sure you download the free eGuide that the gals at iHeartMesa have put together.

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From the Casual Blogger Network:

Melissa still hasn’t moved. She’s freaking out. And instead of packing up and looking for a house to rent, she’s having a sale in her shop. And if you’re roadtripping or flying anywhere this summer, or maybe you just need a quiet activity for your kids, check out her games and activities section. Your kids can build a fishtank, cut out paper dolls, or create their own dino-land. Everything is 15% off until June 25. No codes necessary.

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Elisa shares her cure for summer boredom at MMB. Basically, she makes her kids do homework… even the 3 year old. WHAT a meanie.

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Julie is super pregnant. And she’s having a cutest baby photo contest. And she’s super pregnant. And she is taking name suggestions (it’s a girl). The winning kid will be on the cover of The Barrel of Blogs Magazine. YOUR BABY WILL BE FAMOUS.

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Catch ya’ next week!

xoxo,

Caroline

Moments Like This

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Bingham) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Wendy is a happy wife and mom, a writer, book-lover, co-founder of Wiggle Like a Fish, and fully believes in chasing down your dreams. Her favorite quote is: “Dwell in Possibility.”

Where do you blog?

Moments Like This

How long have you been blogging?

I've been an avid blogger for 5 years.

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

I started blogging to offer hope and inspiration to all who visited my site - and that is still the reason I keep it going today!

What is your blog about?

Little Moments Like This is a blog full of simple suggestions, ideas, motivational quotes and inspirational stories about enjoying life and celebrating the little stuff that matters.

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

My favorite word is adventure. I've always loved that word - helps remind me that the future is full of wonderful excitement. Life is a beautiful adventure!

How much time do you spend blogging?

I spend about 3 hours a week in the blog zone. I love meeting new people and find that blogs help us connect, share and motivate!

Share some of your favorite posts with us!

Inspired by the movie "Batman Begins" - this post is a favorite because it reminds me that in order to grow and become, we must be willing to keep trying.

This post was inspired by a famous Henry Ford quote. I like it because it helps me remember that with our thoughts we create our world. If we think we can - we can.

Ever wake up and wonder who you are? It's easy to get lost in the busy stuff and forget that WE were born to be the very best version of ourselves. I like this post because each of us are are here to make a difference and we can more fully do that as we learn who we are and what we can become.

Dream BIG! This post was inspired by a Macintosh computer Advertisement and I like it because it is simple, inspiring and motivational!

This post was inspired by a little bird on a rainy day! It is a favorite post because every time I read it (or see my little drawing) I smile and remember that we need to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

How can readers connect with you?

Blog: http://www.littlemomentsthatmatter.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AuthenticStyle

And More Blogs:

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Casual Blogger Community

Featured Blogger: Tiffany @ Little Mamanista

Featured Blogger: Bridget @ My Crazy Life

February Updates

Network News

Hi again.

Back To School : Blog Prompt Questions

Coming Soon....

The Barrel: Issue 9

Life After Facebook

Featured Blogger: Genuinely Jarman

Where do you blog?

How long have you been blogging?

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

What is your blog about?

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

How much time do you spend blogging?

What are some of your favorite posts?

Stop by and connect with Mary at her blog, Genuinely Jarman!

What I like best about blogging

Featured Blog: Mommy Giggles

Where do you blog?

How long have you been blogging?

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

What is your blog about?

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

How much time do you spend blogging?

What are some of your favorite posts?

How can readers connect with you?

Little House

Where do you blog?

How long have you been blogging?

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

What is your blog about?

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

How much time do you spend blogging?

What are some of your favorite posts?

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

How can readers connect with you?

Social Media in Society

Social Media as Trend

19th Century Sensibilities for a 21st Century Technology

Social Media Changing the Global Social Fabric

The Hiatus is Over!

Quick Announcement

Sunday Link Love!

Natures Conspiracy

Where do you blog?

How long have you been blogging?

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

What is your blog about?

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

How much time do you spend blogging?

What are some of your favorite posts?

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

How can readers connect with you?

HomeRoad

Where do you blog?

How long have you been blogging?

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

What is your blog about?

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

How much time do you spend blogging?

What are some of your favorite posts?

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

How can readers connect with you?

Sunday Link Love

Shilo's Meandering Thoughts

Where do you blog?

How long have you been blogging?

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

What is your blog about?

What is your favorite word and why? Use it in a sentence!

How much time do you spend blogging?

Share some of your favorite posts!

How can readers connect with you?

Just 1 Step

Where dog you blog?

How long have you been blogging?

Why did you start blogging, and why do you keep doing it?

19^th Century Sensibilities for a 21^st Century Technology