Things I Didn't Know about Dogs/Sponsor Spotlight

Hiiiiii Lovelies!

I hope you are all having fabulous weeks! Today is finally my day off, so I get to catch up on everything blog land which is desperately needed!

As some of you may know, I am spending the summer full time nannying. I seriously wish they were my kids so I could plaster photographs of them shamelessly on this blog everyday. They are super super cute. 

The family also has an adorable dog. 

I have never owned a dog. I grew up in a household where we had princes, I mean cats. (I think my mom may love them more than us--sorry mom. (yes, my mom reads my blog and I think it's baller)).

Anyways, so enter me watching two young ones while taking care of a rambunctious doggy.

Chaos.

These are five things I didn't know about owning a dog:

1. That one time you forget the second poop bag? Your dog will instinctively know and decide to take a number two just to see how creative you can get.

2. Dogs seriously have a secret second bladder that allows them to hold gallons. I mean how else could they literally stop at two dozen trees in ten minutes to relieve themselves?

3. Tennis balls are worth more than gold. 

4. Separation anxiety is a legit thing among the canine family. If we go to the park and I so much as walk ten feet away, poor puppy starts barking his little head off. Ergo-I keep him close.

5. Sometimes dogs act like cats. Puppy loves to wash me-literally, every day he gives my legs a bath. It's pretty funny.

I continually learn something new every day and can't wait to have a dog of my very own one day.

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Today I am SUPER SUPER SUPER excited to introduce you all (although you probably already know her cause she's that awesome) to Rachel from Postcards from Rachel!!

Photo cred: Rachel

She has been an incredible blogger mentor to me and is the best. Slash, she's moving to BOSTON and I can't wait for blates!! She has an amazing lifestyle blog in which she talks about travel (she has the best stories) and shares pics of her adorable dogs,-I may be a tad obsessed-how could you not be when she shares pictures like this?-among many other awesome things.

Photo cred:Rachel

I could gush about this lady all day but here are some questions and answers so you can get to know her better in her own voice! :)

What is your blog name and why did you choose it?

My blog name is Postcards from Rachel. I always knew that I wanted my blog to be travel-themed, but didn't want to mention a specific city or country since we would be moving around so often. I thought that my blog posts could be "postcards" from me to our family and friends (wherever we may be in this big world), and went with that.

How long have you been blogging for? Why did you start?

I've been blogging since the end of July 2012, but I should have started much earlier! I thought it would be fun to document our life abroad, weekend travels and all of the photos we snapped, and had no idea that blogging would turn into such a support system. I've met many wonderful ladies through blogging and some are even in similar situations. Blogging friendships are wonderful!

If you could be any candy bar what would you be and why?

I'd probably be a good ol' Hershey's milk chocolate bar. I don't have an interesting reason why... I just really like them. :)

What is a favorite adventure you've had?

We took a trip to Marrakech, Morocco last year and the entire experience was incredible. We rode camels in the desert, visited Berber villages in the Atlas mountains, handed out candy and school supplies to underprivileged children, and had a home-cooked meal at an Imam's house.

What sorts of things do you blog about?

I consider myself a lifestyle blogger so I write about a bit of everything. Travel, DIY, a few recipes here and there, and my wonderful dogs. I have a Westie named Malcolm (a good Scottish name since he's from Scotland) and a Dorkie named Ollie. I love pasting their pretty photos all over my website. :)

What are you really passionate about?

I love photography. I bought a DSLR last year and have been trying to teach myself about lighting, photo editing, and everything else. Street photography is my favorite because I enjoy wandering around while looking for things that are beautiful but real.

I'm also passionate about helping shelter dogs. I registered with a local rescue in Arizona and fostered four dogs from the county euthanasia list. I was able to teach them how to trust humans again, my dog Malcolm taught them important doggie skills like walking on a leash, and they found wonderful homes in the end. I cry a lot when they leave me, but its worth it. :)

Where can we follow your adventures?

Blog: http://www.postcardsfromrachel.com

Twitter: @PostcardsRachel

Instagram:http://instagram.com/postcardsfromrachel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Postcards-from-Rachel/316118381813600?ref=hl

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/postcardsrachel/

Bloglovin: http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3836840/postcards-from-rachel

Anything else you'd love us to know about you?

I move around a lot so a lot of my readers get confused. In a nutshell, I started this blog in Scotland, moved to Arizona, moved to Florida, and we'll be moving to Massachusetts at the end of August. And then? Who knows. :)

Make sure to check her blog out and give her some love!

Have an awesome Thursday!!

The Perfect Mojito & A Give Away!

Hi all!

I am so happy it is almost Fridayyyyyy!!! 

For all of you who decided to be awesome and not give up alcohol for a month (why did I decide to do this, again?) here is a recipe for the perfect mojito! It is seriously delicious. Please have one or two for me this weekend :)

 

What You'll Need:

 

Rum (whichever you prefer)

1 Can Frozen Limeade

Sprigs of Mint

Ice

A Mixer

 

Recipe: 

 

Muddle the mint, then put the limeade (I usually use 1/2 a container for two mojitos), rum (a shot or two depending on your mood ;)) mint, and ice cubes into a blender. Pulse and mix into a yummy consistency, then put in a fancy glass and drink up

 

Enjoy!!

 

 

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Meet Abbey, the adorable blogger of The Makings of a Mess. She loves target, books and meeting new people. Aka she's totally awesome and so is her blog!

What is your blog name and why did you choose it?

My blog name is The Makings of a Mess. When I first started blogging, it was "First Grade Jitter Bugs," to document my first year teaching first grade, but then life got a little crazy, so I changed it to "The Makings of a Mess," which was and is my life now.

How long have you been blogging for? Why did you start?

 

I blogged in high school, but then started this blog up in September 2011. I started, as I said before, to write about my experience as a first year teacher, but my view changed from teaching to life in general as an outlet.

If you could be any candy bar what would you be and why?

 

I'd be a Kit-Kat Bar because everybody needs a break every once in awhile!

What is a favorite adventure you've had?

 

Last summer, I got the opportunity to go to Sarasota, Florida on vacation with my boyfriend, Jason and two of his friends. It was the first time going there and we went in the middle of Tropical Storm Debby. We had to endure the rain and winds, but also go to explore the beautiful city and beach life as well during me and Jason's birthday week!

What sorts of things do you blog about?

 

I blog about life in general. The everyday stuff: my boyfriend, what I do on a daily basis, adventures I've been on, fun pictures, and silly quotes from cute, yet crazy kiddos. It's also a place for me to just go and vent about what's on my mind.

What are you really passionate about?

 

I'm passionate about children and teaching them not only in an educational way, but also everyday values- respecting and being kind to one another. All children should know that they are loved even when they give you an incredibly hard time.

Where can we follow your adventures?

 

Blog

Bloglovin

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

 

Anything else you'd love us to know about you? 

 

I love meeting new blog friends, so come check out my blog and say hello!

Make sure to check Abbey's blog out! She is also giving away a 200x300 featured ad space, so make sure to enter! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Double Chin Don't Lie & Sponsor Spotlight

Hi Friends!

Happy Monday! I hope the start to all of your weeks is going swell.

I have officially decided today that I am going to significantly reduce my carb intake and not drink alcohol for a full month.

I know, I'm crazy right? No Pinot?? Seriously, I must have hit my head.

You see, I could be nicknamed "Italy." I am a pasta junkie. Ravioli? Ziti? Garlic Bread? 

Check. Check. Check. On a regular basis. What can I say? I like  love  adore my carbs.

Which has led to this....

You know how Shakria's hips don't lie? Ya, my double chin don't lie.

So, it's time to take the plunge. It's time to say goodbye to my biffle the baguette and hello to veggies.

I am going to need all ya'lls support to successfully do this, so any helpful advice or encouragement would be appreciated!

*****

Now, it's time to introduce one of my amazing sponsors this month-Aprile from The Steady Hand Blog!!

What is your blog name and why did you choose it?

The Steady Hand

I named my blog The Steady Hand because that is the same name as my Etsy Shop. I wanted all my website to have the same name to make it easier for my fans to find me.

How long have you been blogging for? Why did you start?

I started blogging in January of 2011 so that would mean I have been blogging for about 2 1/2 years.

If you could be any candy bar what would you be and why?

I would love to be a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (hopefully that is considered a candy bar, if not it should be!). Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are different from all the other candy bar's and like me is unique in its own way and very sweet.

What is a favorite adventure you've had?

My husband and I went on vacation to Greece in 2007. We stayed in Athens and while we loved the city we decided to visit the island of Santorini for a little more peace and quiet. It was the best adventure we have ever had. We rented 4-wheelers and explored the island and all of its little nooks and crannies. 

What sorts of things do you blog about?

I share free crochet patterns that I come across, crochet patterns that I design, other Etsy Sellers and Shops, crafts and sewing projects that I have done, Etsy Treasuries and other topics that are relevant to me.

What are you really passionate about?

I am passionate about my family. Everything I do, I do for them and for their well-being.

Where can we follow your adventures? (Ie. all of your social media handles)

Check out my Etsy Shops:
http://TheSteadyHand.etsy.com
http://SteadyMiniatures.etsy.com/

Find me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/armazey

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/amazey/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesteadyhand

StumbleUpon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/amazey85/

I have an Amazon shop too: http://www.amazon.com/shops/A09728523N5HCPVQHWEWA

Make sure to check out Aprile's blog! She is always sharing great patterns and awesome giveaways!

What I Wore: Weekend Edition

Hi Lovelies!

I hope you all had fab weekends. Mine was low key which was super nice. It was the first time M had off from work in a while, so we gallivanted around Boston with friends and spent today with my parents for Father's Day and a graduation party.

The grad party was for an amazing girl, Caitlin, who I started babysitting for when she was about 4. She is now 18. I feel old, my friends. 

Anyhow, here is what I wore, along with awkward faces, cause let's face it-I will never be cut out to be a beauty blogger. So instead, I aim to amuse you all with my awkwardness.

Cheers! Happy Monday!

Dress: Target

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Ireland

Man: The Goof Ball Factory

Shirt: Loft
Jeans: Target
Shoes (Super comfy-I love them!): Target
Awkward Faces: All mine

Have you entered this awesome giveaway? Starbucks, summer hair ties and ad space galore-need I say more? Enter here

Honesty: Anxiety Sucks

Hi Loves,

Happy Friday!

Today's post I'm getting real. Like real, Amanda Bynes needs help real.

Ha, sorry-lame joke.

I've been meaning to post about this for a while now, but the words haven't really come to me until tonight. Over eight years ago I was diagnosed with OCD and Anxiety. 

At first it was hard to adjust to, but now it's simply become a part of who I am. Some days I hardly notice it, others, like today, anxiety decides to reel her ugly head and completely-well, suck.

It's been a long week. I'm nannying full time and the kids were both sick with a cold. A cold which I contracted and stayed in bed with all day yesterday. So, today is finally Friday and is the first Friday which my lovely man has off in over three weeks.

What do I do? Come home exhausted and totally grumpy from being overly tired. I know I should put a smile on and be upbeat for M, but I can't manage it. I'm also totally anxious. No idea why-some days it just happens.

That, I want to crawl out of my skin, totally jittery anxiety.

And you know what? It sucks.

But, it's a part of who I am. Luckily, I have a guy that loves me enough to want to hold me and just be with me even though I'm a total grump-a-lump and keep insisting he goes out without me to have fun (my I-don't-want-to-deal technique.) 

And that's just it. I know it will get better and tomorrow I'll be my regular chipper self. It's just a part of life for me. And I know it always gets better.

Luckily, writing makes me feel better. So, I decided to spill my guts to you all. 

So, for all ya'll who have anxiety out there- I send you hugs. I know sometimes it simply sucks. And you know what? Let it suck for a little bit. It's good to be gentle with yourself. And then, dust yourself off, eat a scoop of ben and jerrys and keep on keeping on (at least that's what I try to do.)

PS. Don't forget to enter this awesome giveaway this weekend! I'm talking starbucks, hair ties and adspace galore! 

A Perfect Father's Day Gift (Brew2Go, Vino2Go) & Code

Hi Friends!

Have you heard about The Product Farm's Vino2Go, Vino2Go XL and Brew2Go?

Ever since I saw it on Rachel's blog-I knew I must have one. A sippy cup for wine? I'm all over that.

The Vino2Go and Vino2Go XL

I am a clutz. Which means I spill whatever I'm drinking on a daily basis. Especially when I have imbibed one (okay maybe two or three glasses) of Pinot Grigio. 

Aka a wine glass with a lid equals a slightly less hot mess LB.

These awesome tumblers are BPA free and have great lids to drink out of in awesome colors. I chose to get my wine goddess on in party pink and perky purple (seriously, how cute are those names?!)

Just ask my boyfriend, since receiving these I have developed an attachment.

 

Now for all of you who are still looking for a great Father's Day gift (aka me) I suggest the Brew2Go.

It's a great convo starter, useful for tailgates, pool parties, sneaking alcohol onto the beach (I mean...) and just generally awesome.

Head on over to The Product Farm to grab yours. Use the code 'WonderlandVino' through July 14th for 10% off!

Cheers!

*I was sent these tumblers to review on my blog. All ideas and opinions are expressed are entirely my own.

It's Time for A Super Amazing Give Away!!!!

 

Hi Friends!

Are you ready for a super awesome give away?! 

These ladies have been hanging out on my sidebar for the month of June and are amazing!!! Seriously, please check all their blogs out because you won't be disappointed!!

What You Could Win....

source a 

source b

source c

Ad Space and Hair ties from Jessica at an Undefined Role

Ad Space from Aprile at The Steady Hand

$15.00 Gift Card to Starbucks from Abby at Pan y Colada 

Ad Space from Chelsea at Lost in Travels 

Ad Space from Britney at Lady Luck 

Ad Space from Rachel at Postcards from Rachel

Ad Space from Lauren at Simply Free

Ad Space from Hayley at A Beautiful Exchange

I mean how great would it be to be sitting in your local starbucks drinking free coffee with awesome hairties knowing your blog is being sponsored on all these amazing blogs?! Sounds pretty sweet to me! 

And this is when I grow sad I can't enter...

It goes live at 12am EST! Don't miss out!

Happy Wednesday!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bloglovin' Link-up & PicLove 365

In order to help bloggers transition away from GFC as the main way to follow blogs, Northern Belle Diaries and Postcards from Rachel have teamed up to host I Love Bloglovin'.

Now, let's get this party started!

Have an image of yourself ready so we have your pretty face to look at!

<a href="http://www.northernbellediaries.com"><img border="0" src="http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y469/NBelleCreations/IheartBloglovin_zps92408d43.png" width="200"/></a>

 

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Candice from Just Stay Lovely, Kate from Another Clean Slate, Adriana from Dog Hair is an Accesory, Sarah from Limited Space Organizing and I have embarked on a picture a day project called PicLove 365. Essentially, you upload a photo a day to instagram and can highlight it on your blog. It's a lot of fun!

 

Here are my four favorite pics I've taken so far:

 

 

This one is from my friend Hope's Bachelorette party! We had such a good time, especially because fake moustaches were involved.

 

 

I refuse to eat of big kid plates when nannying- Giraffes are way cooler.

 

These are my new shoes and I am loving them! Super comfy

 

Aren't we beautiful?

 

Feel free to join us in Piclove! Just use the hashtag #piclove365 so we can follow along!

My instagram user name is lbinwonderland if you want to see the rest of my pics! 

 

Don't forget to link up! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why I'm Crazy

Yup, I'm calling myself out.

Last night I was enjoying a nice slumber and cuddled up next to M. Something suddenly woke me from said slumber- I heard the sound of my alarm.

I was angry that it was already time to get up- I felt like I had just fallen asleep.

So, I shake M awake to pass me my phone so I can turn it off.

At this point I am finally awake enough to realize that my phone isn't making any noise nor had it been making any noise (I dreamt the whole thing). So not only is it 12 am but I also woke up my poor boyfriend in the process. 

And that my friends is why I'm cray cray.

Happy Friday! TGIF baby!

Three Fun Things to Do in Boston

Hi Loves!


I am finally getting into the swing of summer which means my poor blog here won't be so neglected anymore. I apologize.

Today I'm sharing three fun things to do in Boston in the summer- all of which I've done in the last few weeks. Maybe they'll give you some ideas? Let me know! :)

Number 1: The Obligatory Boston Date

 

Since M moved here, I've wanted to take him to Fenway. Even though he's a Yankees fan (it's a point of contention in our relationship) he wanted to see the park. Fenway is such a huge part of Boston. It's one of the oldest parks and I absolutely love it. I'm not a huge baseball gal, but something about Fenway always gets me into the spirit. You can also get tickets relatively cheap-I don't think there is a bad seat in the park!

If you go make sure to: try a fenway frank hotdog, participate in the wave and scout out which player has the hottest bum (I mean...)

Number 2: My Fantasy Come True 

I'm cupcake obsessed. Cupcake Wars? Georgetown Cupcake? Yup, I've watched them all. So, when I happened to pass by Georgetown cupcake the other day of Newbury Street, I couldn't help but try one. It was delicious. I will definitely be returning. 

Walking down Newbury Street is a great activity because there are so many shops- everything from Gucci to H & M. It's great for people watching as well (because let's admit-I'm a creeper who enjoys people watching-don't we all?)

Number 3: Who Knew Donating Could be So Yummy

Boston is home to a lot of great charities, including the Jimmy Fund. The Jimmy Fund held an event this week called the Scooperbowl-aka you paid, went in and was able to eat unlimited ice cream from various vendors-aka my dream come true. It was delicious!!! What was even better was knowing all the calories I ingested were for a great cause.

Boston has a ton of nonprofits and charities-so if you visit, make sure to check out what events are going on- a lot of times they are super fun and delicious like this one!

So, there you go- three fun things to do in this beautiful city.

Ever visited Boston or live here? What are some of your favorite things to do?