a real good giveaway (anthro, raybans + more!)

Some people don't like getting older, but Blair (over at Wild & Precious) sure does and this lovely group of Blair's blogging buddies and I have teamed up to throw her a big birthday giveaway celebration in honor of her 30th birthday tomorrow!

I have never met Blair in person but in the age of the Internet it doesn't matter; she's just one of those people that I feel instantly connected to in that weird web way. (Bloggers, you get that right?) She's fabulous with a great sense of style and beautiful writing style. And she definitely has good taste in giveaways...

Our birthday girl: Blair / Wild & Precious

The Hosts:  Erika / Rouge + Whimsy  ..  Kacia / Coconut Robot  ..  Jessi / Suzie Studios

Moriah / Moriah Sunde  ..  Sandy / Sandy a la Mode  ..  Lindsy / LMR Photos  ..  Kara Kae / the Mom Diggity

The Prizes: Winner's Choice of Ray-Bans from sunglassesshop.com, $50 gift certificate to heels.com, $50 gift certificate to Conversation Pieces, $40 Anthropologie gift certificate, a fashionABLE scarf, brown panama hat from Gypsy Threads, $30 gift certificate to rouge + whimsy, and a boho head wrap from Suzie Studios! -- that's a loot over $375!!

Enter using the rafflecopter widget below:

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good luck + happy friday!

Also, if you happen to win, can I suggest buying the "Erika" shades from Ray-Ban? It's like they were named for me...

xo, erika

current uniform + a giveaway

There are some things in my closet that just work. I can throw them on and feel good about what I'm wearing, with very little effort. A blazer, a boyfriend tee, cuffed skinny denim and booties is my current go-to, feel-good outfit.

I've been fighting (another) cold and I knew that feeling put together would be one the little things that would help me get through my day. (Does anyone else dress nicer when they don't feel good?) The blazer is stretchy so it's easy to wear and even though the booties have heels, they're stacked and short.

My blazer is from Wallis, but I know Target has some super soft, stretchy blazers and so does Old Navy.

The final piece to my go-to outfit? An interesting necklace. I'm wearing this skeleton key necklace from one of my sponsors L'Avenir, and they are generous enough to offer a delicate key necklace up to one of my readers! I got quite a few compliments while wearing my key necklace and the husband even asked me coyly if it was the key to my heart.

enter to win a delicate key necklace using the rafflecopter widget below:

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wear:
blazer: Wallis (similar)
tee: Target
jeans: Gap
booties: DSW

gift guide for guys (and a giveaway!)

I'm excited to share some gift guides this year-- starting with sometimes the toughest to buy for-- the men in your life.

 

basic Everlane tees ($15) every guy could use some classic solid tees. I love the manufactoring policies of Everlane too. 

magazine subscription ($10+) it's the gift that keeps on giving. My husband loves ESPN the magazine.

reversible down vest ($78) can't go wrong with a classic like this!

unbroken ($3.99 on kindle!) I love this book (and most the guys in my life do too)

vintage blueprints ($14.99+) awesome blueprints of stadiums and iconic structures

trash amps ($45) speakers that plug in into any phone or guitar-- made from recycled cans or jars

jawbone ($129) fitness tracking band-- sync it with a host of apps and keep track of sleep, calories burned and more

wood beer carrier ($29.99) I bought one of these for the husband last year & it's a great way to bring beer or wine to friends' house.

concert or sports tickets ($20+) you can't go wrong here 

beer making kit ($45) a great guy-bonding gift

datevitation coupon book ($10+) I've made coupon books for the husband in the past and they end up being his favorite gift. 

Quick story-- last year I made Evan a coupon book for Christmas and he lost it instantly (like December 26) and ever since then, he was nagging me for a new one. I was so excited to try out Datevitation to get him a replacement. They have over 500 date ideas and you can customize the text and add photos of yourself. (Also, it comes in a really cute envelope.)

Datevitation is offering a free coupon book to one of my readers, but even if you don't win, use the coupon code ROUGEWHIMSY to get $10 off and free shipping on your order. If you want to to receive your book by Christmas, make sure you order by December 13!

enter to win a coupon date book using the rafflecopter below!

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xo, erika

5 elements of a good blog design + giveaway

oh hey. remember me? I'm still here-- I just got overwhelmed (a bit) with life and had to let the daily posting go. but I'm back today to share a super great post & giveaway from Brittany Douglas, who has a phenomenal blog and design shop! (want to see how great she is? I love this recent post from her.)

5 Elements of a Good Blog Design

1 // Unique header

The header is the first thing people see when they visit your blog, so it needs to stand out! If you're not comfortable designing one yourself, there are lots of designers who would love to help.

2 // Simple navigation

About & contact pages are usually some of the first people visit when they find a new blog - are yours easy to find? Keep your menu up near the header for easy visibility, but don't clutter this area with too many page links. 

3 // Clear readability 

This includes your post & pictures! Make sure your content can be easily read (both your font & font size contribute to this) and your pictures can be easily seen. No one wants to squint!

4 // Easy to connect

You don't have to be on every social site, but make sure you clearly link to the one's you are a part of. So much of the discussion happens off the blog!

5 // Reflects you

This is the most important one. Because your design can be beautiful, but if it doesn't reflect you, it hasn't served it's purpose. A blog is your space on the web, and the design needs to reflect you and what you love.

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Brittany is offering $50 in credit to her design shop as well as a copy of her e-book "Blog Design Essentials: Where to Start."

enter using the rafflecopter below & connect with Brittany on twitter, instagram, facebook  and her blog!

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uncommon goods giveaway

I think I mentioned before that I pride myself on being a good gift giver. And I do love to give gifts-- to find things that I think people will both love but not expect.

And in return, I also like to find things for myself that no one else has. My husband even calls me out on it and it definitely is a hipster complex: wanting things that no one else will have or ever see. I love that it's so different from me as a 12 year old, when all I wanted was that Old Navy tech vest, just so I could be like everyone else.

But today, let's not be like everyone else? Ok?

I am excited to share Uncommon Goods with you today-- if you haven't heard of this site, I really recommend it when if you're ever looking for a gift or gasp, dare I say, stocking stuffer? (I know, it's way too early, but if you're in the mood-- see their stuffer ideas here.)

They have gifts categorized for guys (see them here), for house warming parties (here), gifts for women (here) and even more. There's a lot to peruse but I found a few of my favorite items:

1. diy shower curtain // my shower curtain could definitely go for a redo
2. year of gratitude kit // What a great idea to just have out in your home
3. soapstone cheese platter // because you always need to know what cheese you're nibbling on
4. 642 things to write about // a writing prompt journal is always a good thing
5. guitar pick punch // I actually bought this for one of my brothers last year (and I think he likes it?)
6. agate coasters // these are so gorgeous I almost wouldn't want to set a drink of them!

One of these items, (or perhaps something else), could be yours as Uncommon Goods is generously offering a $50 gift certificate to anything in their shop to a rouge + whimsy reader!

enter using the rafflecopter! good luck!

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xo, erika 

p.s. two things! tomorrow is the monthly link-up the list. come share your goals for september with Beth and I.

may I have your vote? thanks!

august favorites + giveaway

oh hey August. You're almost gone. 

In honor of the end of summer's final month, I asked a few of my sponsors to share their favorites.

Jaclyn of Jac & Elsie // shop  twitter  facebook
1. enamel bird necklaces : I love the sweet shape and color of each charm, and that gold leaf that extends beyond the bird is so pretty
2. Orange & Spice Herb Tea by Bigelow : one of my fav flavors, great for getting ready for fall
3. Ulta Plush Drama Mascara : great for everyday wear!

Amber of Beautiful & Beloved // shop  blog  facebook
4. Netflix : We are trying to be cable free and this is the only way I am getting any tv watching done
5. kale smoothies : 1 cup of kale + 1 banana + 1 cup of coconut milk = a delicious morning snack I cannot get enough of.  I am hoping to talk my husband into buying me a nutribullet during this move when our old blender "accidentally" breaks :)
6. summer dresses : I don't have time or energy to put together outfits during this crazy season in my life.  A dress helps me feel pulled together and fashionable without much actual effort.

And my favorites!
7. Three felt wildflowers : I just ordered these-- can't wait for blooms that last all year!
8. herringbone hanging planter : I've had my eye on this from the Moorea Seal shop for quite some time
9. Revelon Just Bitten : A great wash of color (that stays!)

to celebrate the end of the month, we're giving away the enamel bird necklace, lip stain and tea! A perfect end of the month gift!

what have you loved this month? 

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xo, erika

p.s. want to be a part of next month's favorites giveaway? check out my sponsor options here!

also -- may I have your vote? thanks!

anthropologie giveaway ($200!)

I know it's like a blogger thing to love Anthropologie but I swear that I've loved it long before I even blogged.

I was introduced to it my freshman year of college. There was a store near my campus, so my friends and I would trek down there to wander through the store, spending hours looking at everything -- but rarely buying anything, because, hey, we were broke college kids.

Now there's one a few blocks from the day job and try as I might, I can't stay away. I love the creative interior displays, their homewares and, the real crux of it all, their clothing.

And I'm sure there are some of you that loves Anthropologie (maybe too much), like me, which is why I am excited to join with other fabulous ladies to give away a $200 Anthropologie gift card!

Don't know what you would do with $200 to Anthro? Let me give you some ideas:

1. peplum top -- a perfect version of the classic peplum
2.  paradiso necklace -- this would update any outfit!
3. capri blue candle -- the best, longest lasting candle in a reusable, chic container
4. petaluma dress -- pattern mixing done for you!
5. color-blocked wedges  -- all the colors of fall in a great wedge.

the giveaway will be open through this friday, august 23. good luck & happy monday!

xo, erika

giveaway with beautiful & beloved

I'm excited today to introduce to you a new shop with a beautiful vision behind it. Everything in the online shop Beautiful & Beloved, run by Amber, supports victims of trafficking and slavery.

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Amber's story
I blog and run the online Beautiful & Beloved boutique.  It is my path in life to remind women of every age and ethnicity that we are daughters of God, and He calls us His beloved and to Him we are breathtakingly beautiful.  The online shop sells items that are handmade by survivors of slavery.  Did you know that there are more slaves in the world right now than ever before in human history?? Beautiful and Beloved Boutique partners with organizations around the world who not only take these brave survivors in, they teach them a trade, they offer counseling and hope.  These survivors get a new chance at life and you get the chance to help them in that journey by purchasing their unique and beautiful merchandise.

Amber's favorites from the shop:

1. lightweight Etanesh scarf from FashionAble

2. blue lace foldover clutch

3. colorful maxi dress, handmade in India

4. a gorgeous statement necklace that would go with everything

I actually have no idea what I am doing with this boutique.  This was a calling from God and through every step of the way He has been lying a path before me.  I am just trusting in Him that this is His plan and that He will make it a success for His glory and the glory of those who have never before been glorified.  I feel like I am literally just along for the ride, blessed and grateful that I have been chosen for this dream.

I wish I could give great advice about starting a business, but the truth is I have none.  I have just tried my best to be humble, to be in community, and to be in God's will and I am trusting that He will do the rest.

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Amber is generously offering free shipping with the code "sweeterika" but if that's not enough, she's also giving away $30 to the Beautiful & Beloved shop to a rouge & whimsy reader. (If I could win, I'd snag this or this!)

enter using the rafflecopter below

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xo, erika

influence conference giveaway

There are giveaways... and then there are giveaways. This is one of those giveaways and I am so excited to share it with you. 

As you may know, I am serving as a community leader at the upcoming Influence Conference in the fall. I am really excited to go and connect with bloggers who all share a faith in Jesus-- but I really want as many others to go as possible (more people, more fun!) Conferences are great, but they can be costly, especially if you have to fly quite a ways to get there. (like me-- going from Seattle to Indiana -- yeah, there are no direct flights.)

This is why I am super excited to offer you a full ride to the Influence Conference-- the whole meal deal: flight, hotel room, ticket and a bunch of other goodies. One winner takes all-- and the all is quite a lot: 

1. an Influence Conference ticket ($225 value)

2. Lifetime Membership to The Influence Network ($200)

3. $50 Sashes Market Gift Voucher

4. $250 airline voucher

5. 2 nights at the Westin hotel ($250 value)

6. Better Life Bags Brynnda bag ($165 value)

Enter to win using the entry form below! Good luck!

xo, erika

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july favorites & giveaway

It's already getting to be mid-July -- summer is flying by -- but to make the most of it, I asked my sponsors to share some of their favorites for this month...

Alli of the blog Simply Alli


"On my blog, you'll find snippets of our life, our adventures, nummy recipes and a little bit of anything else I feel like chatting about.  Blogging is a huge passion of mine, I hope you'll stop by and say hi!"

Alli's favorites:

1. pretty gold garland

2. beach waves spray

3. green pottery statement ring

 
 Kelly of the shop Linkel Designs

"I make unique, colorful jewelry...everything from dainty gemstone earrings, to larger, bold statement pieces. "

Kelly's favorites:

4. cuffed, colorful shorts
5. silver statement earrings
6. roll-on perfume 








and my favorites: bright coral nailpolish and a notecard set for summer thank yous. 


Wanna win part some of our favorites? We've giving away the coral nail polish, beach waves spray and perfume!

 

enter using the Rafflecopter below! Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

happy friday! 

xo, erika

put your stamp on it giveaway

Before there was the etsy shop or the blog, I still had a huge love for handmade and homemade. My favorite times when after begging a bajillion times, my mother agreed to do a craft with us. (Read- set up a craft for us.)

There was a while when the craft du jour was stamping. Today, I'm no pro but I still love the look of stamped items and have even played around with making my own stamps here and here.

As I said, though, I am not a professional, which is why I was excited to read "Put Your Stamp On It" which is filled with adorable and easy projects. Some of them involve carving your own stamps-- others are as simple as finding things around the house -- in one of the projects, it's a pencil eraser! (You can watch an adorable video of the book here.)

The book is easy-to-understand and beautiful and lucky us-- there's a copy for one rouge & whimsy reader!

Simply tell me in the comments what craft you love making time for -- the craft could even be the art of sleeping or ice cream eating -- both, my friends, are crafts near and dear to my heart! ;)

I usually use rafflecopter-- but the site hasn't been working for me-- so for extra entries, follow me on facebook, instagram or pinterest and let me know you did in the comments (and share what email you used to follow. each follow counts as one entry.) 

xo, erika

p.s. if you follow me on instagram, you'll know that I had a minor ankle injury ahead of my half-marathon this Saturday (eee!) but my ankle is feeling loads better and I know it's because of your love & prayers. so thank you. :)

 

giveaway: $50 to kintage

remember my cute shift dress? It came from an equally cute online shop...

polka dot shift dress c/o of kintage

 

Kintage is fun, curated shop of bright and affordable clothes and accessories. Aileen, the founder of Kintage, has great taste and is an all-around sweetheart, and I've loved seeing her grow her shop to what it is today!

Because it's May 2nd, and it's finally decided to be nice in Seattle... how about some $50 for some springy-summery clothes? Aileen is generously giving away $50 credit to Kintage and I have a few ideas on how you should spend it...

1. By the Bay Striped Tank // How about a nautical striped shirt? Paired with white jeans? Yes, please
2. Gemma Long Necklace // Top off any outfit with this peach necklace
3. Beach Day Maxi Dress // Thank goodness maxi dresses are still in, because they feel like pajamas, but look put-together
4. Everlasting Summer Bracelet // Better add a bangle or two, to finish your look

Enter to win below & good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, erika

sponsor & giveaway with my little addiction

I love sharing small businesses on this little blog of mine and I'm excited to share a cute little etsy shop "My little addiction" owned by Melanie.  The shop's name is quite accurate for someone like me, who really does have an addiction to dainty jewelry shops.

I asked Melanie a little bit about her handmade business:

"My little addiction is my little one-woman shop where I can sell my quality, handcrafted rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I like to make simple, feminine designs with a hint of vintage elegance & a modern edge...hopefully offering a little something for everyone! Most of my designs feature high quality silver, some gold fill (more to come), brass, freshwater pearls & quality gemstones all at affordable prices."

1. eternity necklace // 2. little pearl necklace // 3. hammered initial ring // 4. stacking bump ring

And her dreams for it...

"My dream for myself & my shop is really to just continue being able to make & sell things that I love while taking care of my family. (My mom has been quadriplegic since late 2004 & I have been helping my dad care for her & my now 14yr old niece since the day Mom was injured & making/selling my jewelry has not only given my an incredible creative outlet, but also keeps me from feeling the need to get a job outside of the home. Win win!)"

Melanie is giving one reader a pair of her new Pebble Disc Studs. They're made entirely of argentium silver, a fine silver similar to sterling but more tarnish resistant.  (gorgeous, right?)

simple pebble stud earrings

Want to win? Follow the steps in the giveaway below!

and say hi to Melanie on twitter // facebook // etsy

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shabby apple giveaway

Spring calls for warmer weather (well sometimes-- we can all hope, right?) But it also calls for the excuse to drag every pastel and spring-y item out of your closet--- or perhaps pick up a few new spring things. I'm thinking dresses and skirts.

merry-go-round green gingham skirt

To help you put together that spring wardrobe, Shabby Apple is giving away $50!

If you haven't heard of Shabby Apple, you should probably go over and get familiar with this vintage-inspired dress shop. I love, love the classic pieces that they sell-- and many of them are made in the good ol' USA and they donate proceeds to Accion, a non-profit organization with the mission of giving people the financial tools they need to work their way out of poverty.

Shabby Apple is giving away $50 to one rouge & whimsy reader-- good for anything in the shop -- but I personally would love any of these items... 

clockwise: black & white polka dot dress // white polka dot dress // stripes & aqua dress

Want to win? It's simple! Go like Shabby Apple on Facebook and come back tell me you did. Win an additional entry by sharing your favorite item from Shabby Apple. This contest is just open to those with U.S. mailing addresses.

good luck!

small business love + giveaway with row house 14

One of the best parts of blogging is getting to introduce you to small businesses. I'm excited today to share Heidi of Row House 14 shop & blog.

Tell us about your shop!

I've always been a huge fan of snail mail. There is something about opening your mailbox and finding a piece of real mail mixed in with all of the junk. My hope is that my stationery and greeting cards will bring a smile to someone's face. My ultimate goal has always been to create something that both recipient and sender absolutely love, whether because of the design or even the quality of the product. I want to be able to make someone's day, I suppose.

How did you get into designing cards? How long have you been doing this?

I'm not quite sure exactly when this all started. I know that I've been crafting with paper for most of my life and I remember hanging out with my sister drawing. I've always made handmade cards and gifts for people and art has always been a huge part of my life. I started to learn about digital design in high school and continued to teach myself throughout college and after I graduated. After doing enough of it and getting burned out during my day job as a teacher, my fiance basically told me it was time to open an Etsy shop as a creative outlet. I'm not sure if he was sick of all the cards lying around the house and wanted to get rid of them, or if he just knew I needed that push to make that final leap.

What advice do you have for people in following their small business goals-- or any other dream of theirs?

The biggest thing for me was realizing that if I wanted to accomplish something, I just needed to do it. At one point I read an article that really spoke to me. The article talked about how too many people spend time thinking about what they want to do, but they don't actually do it. I realized I had fallen into that rut. I stopped thinking and started doing.

What's a few of your favorite products you sell?

scorpio card

I'm pretty proud of my zodiac birthday cards. This was by far one of my most intense projects to date. Much time was spent designing-- especially with creating the constellations. My new "Sorry I Was a Butthead" card has to be a favorite. I can't help but laugh every time I see it. My fiance and I tend to have pretty bad humor and it's just a classic card that came out of an incident between the two of us. I love making cards based on my life experiences. I'm also super happy with how my Saint Patrick's Day cards turned out for this year.

What's your goal for yourself, your shop, whatever, this next year?

 ombre dot notecards

My ultimate goal is to quit my teaching job. I have been incredibly fortunate and have had an amazing amount of support from so many people. My business has grown so much more than I had ever thought it would and I'm soon close to realizing that goal. Thinking about how things will be a year from now is incredibly exciting and motivating at the same time!

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Heidi is generously sharing a $15 shop credit and medium ad space on her blog! You could buy 3 of these cards... which are my current favorite:

taco card

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happy thursday!

xo, erika

 

last minute valentines + giveaway

Did Valentines sneak up on you too? (and basically all of February...?) If you're like me, and woefully behind on so many things, a few of my sponsors are sharing their favorite Valentines Day diys and recipes.

1. strawberry cake cookies with cream cheese frosting

shared by Hannah of Happy Days

This Valentines' Day... This year, we'll celebrate valentine's day with a casual lunch at our favorite bar & grill, then later, ice cream cake and movies once the kiddo is asleep :)

connect with her: blog // shop // twitter // instagram

coupon: save 15% including sale items with WHIMSY thru 2/28 



2. airhead heart lollipops

 shared by Lesley of By the Porchlight

This Valentines Day ... My hubby and I tend to avoid going out on the 14th because restaurants are crazy so we usually go out for a nice dinner a couple of days ahead just to spend some time together (although this year I wouldn't mind going bowling instead, haha).

connect with her: blog // facebook // pinterest // twitter




3. heart-stitched badminton racquet

shared by Megan of Moonbeam Wishes 

This Valentines Day ... I will be cooking up some sweet treats and watching a cute film or two (I'm leaning towards Valentines Day  + Moonrise Kingdom)

connect with her: blog // shop // pinterest // twitter

coupon: save 20% with WHIMSY



4. washi tape votive

shared by Beth of The Goad Abode 

This Valentines Day... We're not big on V-day and I actually have to work that night, so we'll probably just have a home cooked meal on Friday night (and I have a little handmade gift for the Mr.).

connect with her:  blog // facebook // twitter

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And I can't forget the giveaway, can I?

Win a gorgeous pair of green czech glass earrings from Hannah, $10 gift card to Target from Beth and one month of large ad space from Lesley.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, erika

 

red letter cards giveaway

One of the best things about the blog/handmade world is connecting with and learning from others. I love finding new-to-me shops and blogs that inspire me and the Red Letter Paper Company is one such shop. I first saw the Red Paper Company when I stumbled across the clever "not sent from my iPhone" card.

(see it here)

Being someone who is guilty of constantly texting from her iPhone (instead of just picking up the dang phone to call), I thought it was perfect. 


I talked to Stephanie, the owner behind The Red Letter Paper Company, about her inspiration and dreams for her small biz.

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How did you get started?
It started because my husband and I could never find Christmas cards that didn't look like something my grandmother would pick out. We were young and urban, and we wanted clean, modern design that still held the true meaning of Christmas. And a lot less glitter. I have a background in publication design, which can sometimes be very templated, so I figured cards could be a creative outlet for me and a service to other people looking for the same thing.

How do you stay inspired?
I don't know if I stay inspired as much as I get inspired in spurts. I'll go through really prolific periods, and then some dry spells. But when I feel that way, I try to recreate the conditions when I feel most creative and inspired. I look for inspiration in my audience, what they're into, what I'm into, and then take on the challenge of making things like iPhones and coffee fit with a corresponding scripture verse on the back of the card.

(found here)

What's your dream for your company?
I made a phone call today and as soon as I said "Red Letter Paper Company," the person on the other end said, "Oh! The modern Christian cards!" That's what I want. For people to know my brand, love my products, and ultimately buy them because they fill a need or they just can't resist. I'd love to see them in Christian bookstores and church bookstores and even regular card shops.

What are you doing when you're not working?
When I'm not making cards, I'm usually still on the computer, catching up on Twitter or Facebook. If I'm not on the computer, I'm probably watching television. After eight years of the night shift in newspaperland, I still revel in the fact that I can watch shows when everyone else watches them. The only problem is I pretty much missed the first seasons of all the good stuff, so my current favorite show is Family Feud. Exciting, I know.

What's something few people know about you?
I'm allergic to bananas. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's the truth. I'm not a huge fan anyway so it's not a big deal, but it rules out a lot of smoothies, and, unfortunately, banana pudding.

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I love what Stephanie says about keeping inspired through (inevitable) creative dry spells.

Stephanie has a host of great cards for Valentines Day --  and you can win them both to give away!

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