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

sponsor love + giveaway: oh so antsy

 I am so excited to introduce you to another lady who graces my sidebar. Say hello to jewelry designer and blogger Jessica of Oh So Antsy.

Time for q & a time... read through to the end, there's a good treat at the bottom :)

As an antsy, fast-talking and impatient person, I feel like I resonate with the name "oh so antsy." Why did you pick it?
You pretty much pegged my reasons for choosing the name OhSoAntsy. When I was thinking of a name that was memorable but also was a reflection of me this name popped into my head. I can be very antsy and impatient at times and I am a very fast-talker, haha. I always have to be doing something and my hands are rarely at rest. Even when I sit down to relax you can find me knitting, or filing my nails, making a list, sorting papers, the list goes on. That being said OhSoAntsy fits quite well.

You hammer and create the metal state shapes yourself.... when did you learn how to do this? And how long does it take? I know nothing about metal working, so I think this is all pretty fascinating. 

About 2 years ago I look a silver jewelry basics class to learn how to make simple jewelry for myself. At the time I had no clue I would soon be using that knowledge to begin my online business. Isn't it great to discover where our choices lead us? Everything I made it class was hammered because I just loved the look and texture of it so much. When I began creating pieces to sell I continued the habit of giving everything a hammered finish. The actual hammering doesn't take too long, perhaps less than 5 minutes for each piece. What takes a bit longer is that I typically do my hammering outside since I live in a quadruplex and I like to be respectful. 

 Outside of creating lovely jewelry and blogging, what does your life look like?

I work full time as an administrative assistant at a University. I ride my bike to work most days since I live 2 miles away. I like to play trivia occasionally despite my lack of oddball knowledge. I like to be outside-camping, hiking, exploring. I like to take pictures of lots of things-mainly people. I love to knit. I sew on occasion. I really like craft beer and am part of a homebrewers club. I am on a constant search for the best fries. I love cooking and shopping at the farmer's market. But as much as I love going out and trying new things I am equally happy to spend a quite night inside with one of my many crafts watching a movie. 

What did 5 year old you want to be when you grew up? 

When I was 5 I would say I wanted to be a camp director. My started started a summer camp when I was born for inner city kids to be able to experience nature for perhaps the first time in their lives. Even at a young age I found so much wonder in the experiences had by me and everyone involved. It was so cool to see the transformations the experience of summer camp had on the kids lives. The impact it had on my life was truly priceless and I always felt like suck a lucky kid. I've always been a daddy's girl so of course I wanted to be just like my dad. Camp Director.

And, of course, now what do you think you want to be when you grow up? 

Still following in the steps of my father, and turns out also my mother, I want to be run my own business. There has always been this sense of independence in our family and I've just always thought why should I work for someone else when I could work for myself? I just never really knew how I could get that to happen. When I opened my shop I still wasn't sure. One year after that opening I finally had a moment of, "this could be it". I've got some big changes coming up and I hope along with that I am able to take my business to the next level and turn it into my day job. And who knows maybe I can still be a camp director one of these days. 

Thanks for sharing Jessica!

She has graciously offered one of her sterling silver state or country necklaces for one of you guys... and you know the drill on how to win it!

connect with jessica: shop // blog // twitter // facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

happy monday :)

xo, erika

oh hello sweet sponsors

Because you know you'd love a few more blogs to read and shops to discover, check these ladies out.

Lindsay of Orginally Me 

Hi there! I'm Lindsay! I blog over at Originally Me where I share all sorts of randomness about my life and what inspires me. I also run a little jewelry shop by the same name. You should come visit! Let's be friends :)

blog :: shop :: twitter :: facebook 




Angie of Lariats and Lavendar

Hi! I'm Angie, I'm 22 and I live in Utah with my gorgeous wife and soul mate Jen, our kitties Wedge and Mau and our cockatiel, Jango! I'm a gamer, geek and artist with a passion for blogging, photography and spending lots of time on Twitter!
 
blog :: twitter :: pinterest




Heather of Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

Hi, I'm name is Heather! I blog over at Finding Beauty in the Ordinary-- a lifestyle blog about life with my best friend & husband of 5 years, Joshua, and our German Shepherd puppy, Hartley. We found out awhile ago that we are expecting a little baby in August and we could not be happier! We recently relocated to Tucson, AZ, from San Diego, CA, and are enjoying exploring our new city.


blog :: facebook :: twitter :: bloglovin'


 

 Virginia Davidson of Geeky and Sassy

Geeky and Sassy is where I blog about my not so perfect journey with my faith, family & crafty endeavors.

blog :: facebook :: twitter :: pinterest




 

Nora of Two is Better Than One

Two is Better Than One is a love, life and marriage blog that follows our day to day life and I participate in link ups and questionnaires often. Please come and see what my blog is about!

blog :: facebook :: twitter :: pinterest 




happy tuesday (just 'cuz it's not monday)!

xo, erika

p.s. I had this crazy idea where I answer your (random) questions. Would you guys be into that? Let me know :)

chatting w/ paige of artsyanthropology

So it's funny but it's the second week in a row where my little interview is with someone I've met in real life. Real life-- isn't that a funny thing to say-- as in this blog is not real life. 

But you guys know what I mean-- Paige and I met outside of typing or skyping or texting. Real face to face life. (shoot-- it sounds like I play a virtual reality game.)

We went to the same college for undergrad-- University of Washington (go dawgs) -- and she is good friends with a friend of mine!

Anyway-- grab yourself a beverage--whatever you want-- and sit down to meet Paige!

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Who are you? 

I am a graduate student, who loves to craft and create things! I love bright colors and the idea of making something from nothing, or making something old beautiful.

 

How did you get started blogging and with your shop? 

I started blogging to increase advertising for my shop, and I started my shop because I had built up quite the collection of crafted items that I needed to "get rid of."

What does the "average" day look like for you?  

I either have class or work... or both - so as of lately I don't have very much free time... which is unfortunate because I want to work on my shop and blog but just don't have any time.

If any celebrity could own one of your products-- what would it be-- and who would it go to-- and why? 

Zooey Deschanel, because she is too cute (totally agree) and would look adorable in some of my bows!  That or Rachel Berry on Glee - ditto on the bows.

 

What is your favorite way to relax? 

A glass of wine or a beer, and a movie in my sweats :)

 

 

now what are you waiting for? go hang out with Paige! :)

blog:: shop :: twitter

and if you see something you like in her shop-- use rougeandwhimsy for 25% off :)

 

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also-- last day to enter the giveaway with Mama Marchand, Rellas Bellas and Sew Beastly!

xo, erika

p.s. wanna be featured on this here blog? Email me for sponsor details. :)

sponsor love & giveaway [closed]

Happy tuesday-- and mardi gras! do you do anything for mardi gras? I think I'm going to make sweet potato hummus, which is really unrelated other than it sounds delicious. 

Today I have a few sweet sponsors to introduce you to.

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"My name is Citlalli, and I am the over-caffeinated gal from Sew Beastly.  Sew Beastly is my  biz where I create unique handmade accessories for the unconventional gals of this world.  I also have a blog by the same name where I share my life, what inspires me, and the handmade goodness that surrounds me.  Stop by and let's connect!"

shop :: blog :: facebook :: twitter

Citlalli is giving away $20 credit to her adorable shop filled with beautiful clutches and bags!

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 "Mama Marchand's Nest is about the life of this creative mama. I write, honestly, about mamahood, marriage, faith, health, fashion, and everything in between!"

 shop :: blog :: facebook :: twitter

Tricia is giving away your choice of earrings!

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"I'm a dreamer, a coffee lover, a cupcake addict, a navy wife, a child of Christ, mama to my baby Khloe {fur baby} and I am positively obsessed with accessories! Earrings, belts, necklaces, hair baubles— I can't get enough! Spunk, sass and a hint of class describes me to a T."

 shop :: blog :: facebook :: twitter

Jen is giving away one of her cute blossom belts!

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so how do you win?  

mandatory:  follow my blog in someway-- via email, google reader, blog lovin

 whatever

extra entries: 

 entry: go visit each of their shops & tell me what you love!

entry:  follow each of them on blog-lovin' or google reader

entry: follow each of them on twitter or facebook

that's four ways to win & one winner. :)

you have until friday february 24!

good luck!

xo, erika

chatting (and giveaway) with Megan of Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson

Happy Thursday everyone! Today I have a little treat for you-- an interview with the impossibly sweet Megan of the wonderful blog Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson. (and if you're interested-- she interviewed me over on her blog!)

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How would your friends describe you?   

My husband said cute, outgoing, friendly, and talkative. But he was just trying to answer the question quickly so.... I don't know how accurate those descriptions are, haha :)

How long have you been married? How long have you been a mom? Is it as hard as I think it is to be a mom? (haha)   

I have been married for a little over 2 1/2 years. We were married in May 2010 and found I was pregnant in August 2010. Needless to say, it was a huge shock and we did not exactly plan to have children that soon. We were both still in school (I recently graduated and my husband is continuing on with graduate school) and it was hard to 1. be pregnant {and sick} and be going to school full-time and working, and 2. to have a newborn and be going to school and working on an internship with StrongerMarriage.org. Because my first year of motherhood was so busy with outside stuff and my second year is filled with the challenging toddler stage, I think my opinion about motherhood being hard might be slightly skewed from my own personal experiences. My first gut, honest reaction is "Yes, motherhood is very hard. Harder than you might expect it to be," just because of the circumstances that we were faced with. However, if I really reflect on my deeper, personal feelings about motherhood, it is also completely and utterly worth it!! I never knew I could love a tiny human being as much as I love my son. And although the timing may have been more difficult than I would have liked, I wouldn't have had it any other way!

How did you start blogging? 

I actually set up my blog back in 2007 when I was a sophomore in college to have a place to write down all the crazy, funny stories of my roommate and I and keep in touch with friends and family who were spread out across the country. It's actually pretty funny to go back and read some of my first entries {I was rather hilarious if I do say so myself}. But after getting married and having my son, I realized that I had learned some important life lessons that I felt like I needed to share with others. So in June of 2011 I started reaching out to others more and I found a wonderful community of friendship and support that I never knew existed. And I've been sharing my heart ever since! :)

Some of your favorite blog posts & topics?

I think I have too many.... But here's a list of some of my most favorite!
What is a Mother? 

So, This is Love

Woman & Motherhood 

Acceptance 

Go Forward with Faith

What are your secret skills? (like my skill is that I'm a super fast reader...) 

I don't if they are secret really.... But if I put my mind to it {and stay motivated} I can be pretty crafty at times. I also play the piano, violin, harp, and sing {or I did... I am since out of practice}. And I can do a pretty mean impression of the Target Lady from SNL. 

If you could live anywhere... where would you live? 

I really want to be some kind of writer and write to inspire women, couples, and families. It's kind of a big dream but I feel like I can slowly but surely accomplish it. But my more realistic dream is to be able to continue to hold on to and understand true happiness and be able to look back on my life and feel love and satisfaction in my works. 

Please share your most embarrassing moment. 

Oh goodness.... This story still makes my face hot with embarrassment! In junior high {the most awkward of ages} I was doing a simple weight lifting demonstration for the school's open house. I had to perform in the choir later so I didn't want to change out of my jeans cause I was basically lazy. I didn't think it would be that big of deal though anyways. Well, it turned out it was a very big deal and I ended up ripping my jeans allllll the way up the rear in front of a BIG group of parents and students with a group of boys right behind me AND the school's little news camera was filming me at the time!! Some lady said very loud, "OH MY GOSH, SHE RIPPED HER PANTS!!" Then my friends looked over, dropped each of their weights and started laughing hysterically. I, on the other hand, started crying and couldn't face the rest of school again for my choir performance and just left in tears. I couldn't talk about it for years. Literally. It has scarred me for life.   (totally understand-- junior high is the WORST for embarrassments!)

What's better-- cake or pie? 

Can I say cupcakes?? I LOVE cupcakes!

Do you believe in New Years resolutions? Do you have any? 

Yes! I definitely believe in using the New Year as a great way to get pumped and try hard to become a better version of yourself in the following year. But, I also think that means setting meaningful, simple, realistic goals for resolutions that will bring a positive change in your life. My goals for this year is based off of this article to have an abundant life. They are: accepting myself and my circumstances to make the most of the situation, believing in myself and that I can accomplish the goals I set, and having courage and strength to push forward through trials. 

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Isn't she great? I love the honesty and candor she writes with on her blog and I have felt encouraged by her in the short time that we've "known" each other. 

AND... the interview is NOT all. Megan is graciously giving away a LARGE blog ad and $15 to her and her sister's etsy shop Rhi's Designs! 

So... how do you win?

1. follow Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson here

additional entries:2. follow Megan on Twitter here
3. follow Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson on Facebook here 
4. favorite {heart} Rhi's Designs on Etsy here
5. follow Here's to You Mrs. Robinson on Bloglovin’ here
6. follow my blog (via Bloglovin', GFC or another feeder)

the giveaway will be announced January 25th! 

xo, erika

hello fellow redhead

What's better than one redhead on a blog? Two redheads on a blog.

I'm sorry-- that's a terrible joke, but I am so pleased to introduce you to Lindsay of the cute blog and shop Originally Me.

We're having a little interview swap today-- so read Lindsay's answers here and then head over to her blog to see what I had to say!

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What are three words to describe you?

 happy, compassionate, friendly

How did you start blogging? 

I started blogging about a year ago when a friend of mine who also has a jewelry business told me that she had just started a blog and that I should too!  She told me I would love it, but I must be honest, I never thought I would love it this much!  So it originally started as a way to promote my handmade business and has grown  so much.  It continues to amaze me how many incredible people I've met in the blogging world and how much I truly enjoy sharing little bits and pieces of my life with the world.  It's turned into so much more than I ever thought it would.   

What are some of your favorite blog posts and topics?

I love to post about things that are on my heart.  I don't really have a blog schedule.  I have different topics that I seem to focus on like fashion, handmade projects, a little cooking here and there and that sort of thing, but most of my blog tends to just be whatever comes to mind, whatever is on my heart at the moment.  

 

 

These are some of my favorite posts of all time! 

take time to stop and smell the roses 
confessions
home sweet home 

What are your secret skills? (like I'm a super fast reader...)

I'm quite a handy woman with power tools... you would never expect that from this fashionista! (Lindsay-- please teach me power tool skillz! Blog post tutorial?)

If you could live anywhere-- where would it be?

I spent a semester in Genoa, Italy and it was probably one of the best 6 months of my life.  If I could live anywhere in the world, I would probably go back to somewhere in Italy.  I just love the slightly slower pace of life, the emphasis on family, the beautiful scenery, and the incredibly delicious food... mmm so fresh! (amen for slower pace of life!!)

 What are your dreams for the future?

 My dreams change and grow every single day.  I'm currently getting my masters in architecture and have 3 semesters left and gahh I just had a moment last week where I was like what am I going to do with the rest of my life?? My dream job would be something in the design world.  I have a passion for design in general, not just architecture.  I love everything about it.  Then of course having a pretty little house to decorate and finding and marrying the man of my dreams.       

Your most embarrassing moment?

How do I even just pick one?  Let's just say I'm pretty much the clumsiest person ever!!  I'm constantly tripping up stairs and hopping up to look around to make sure no one is looking.  Just a few months ago, I was out for my morning run and yep, I tripped, face planted on the sidewalk and had to walk home with a bloody knee.  I got lots of great looks.  That's for sure.   

And, finally -- a very important question-- what's better, cake or pie?

Cake for sure!! especially if it's my grandma's peanut butter chocolate cake... yummmm

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Isn't she lovely-- even if she does prefer cake over pie! (wink, wink)

go connect with Lindsay here:

shop:      blog:      twitter:     facebook: 

 

and be sure to take a peek at her wrap bracelets-- I love this one!

 

xo, erika

p.s. tgit! thank God it's Thursday... which means almost Friday! :)

hello lovelies (and giveaway)

via

lets get to know to some of the beauties that grace the right side-bar of my screen...

 Beth from Dot in the City

Dot in the City is about making an 89 year old house into a home. Beth shares real-life renovation stories, recipes and re-purposes on purpose.

connect with Beth here:  

blog   twitter  facebook   pinterest

Laura from Along for the Ride

Along For the Ride isn't just the name of my handmade shop and my blog, but it's how I see my walk with the Lord. I am along for the ride He has planned for me, and what a glorious ride it is!

connect with Laura here: 

blog  twitter  facebook   shop 

use whimsy15 for 20% off in Laura's shop

Stephanie from Luxe Boulevard

Luxe Boulevard is a place for me to express my creative whimsy. I love to be able to gather with other women who enjoy sharing their creative geniuses and simply being a girl. My shop centers around custom bridal accessories from bouquets to jewelry.

connect with Stephanie here:

blog  twitter  facebook   shop 

use ROUGE15 for 15% off in Stephanie's shop

Paige from Artsy Anthropology

Hi! My name is Paige, I am currently a graduate student at LSU in Baton Rouge... a stressful occupation. I have found crafting as a welcome escape from homework, tests and thesis writing. I love all kinds of crafts, always have - I am pretty sure I was painting and drawing before I was walking. Come by my blog to learn more, share and make new friends!

connect with Paige here:

blog  facebook  shop 

use ROUGEANDWHIMSY for 25% off in Paige's shop

Tori of The Editorial

Hello everyone! I'm Tori from The EdiTORIal! I'm a southern gal that spends her days blogging, studying, and blogging some more! I'm so excited for the cool segments I've just started on my blog: Busting Fashion Myths & Hometown Girls. Hop on over and check them out!

connect with Tori here:
blog  facebook  twitter 

Caroline of Cotton Lane

Hi Friends! My name is Caroline and I am the crazy person behind the shop Cotton Lane and the author of the blog, Good Times Never Seem Sew Good. When I'm not blogging about my life a as a newly wed, DIYs, fashion (sort of), and other tidbits, I am either busy creating fresh goodies for my handmade shop or working non stop at a local fabric store. Are you tired yet? :)

connect with Caroline here:
blog  facebook  twitter  shop

use ERIKA10 for 10% off in Caroline's shop

Megan of Moonbeam Wishes

Hello! My name is Ms. Megan and I blog over at Moonbeamwishes. A few things I love:: wearing pretty dresses  curling up with a good book, watching movies, listening to records, drinking tea or hot chocolate, thrifting, sending snail mail and creating embroidery hoop wall art.

connect with Megan here:

blog   twitter   stationary shop   embroidery shop

Chelsea of Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles

My name's Chelsea and I blog over at Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles. Sunny's my little corner of the internet where I gush about my daughter Alea, write about the trials and tribulations of being a nursing student and mother, and even post the occasional DIY or recipe post. I do hope you'll stop by!

connect with Chelsea here:
blog   facebook  twitter

Megan of And Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson

My name is Megan Robinson and I am a wife, mommy, recent college graduate {boo-yah!}, Oreo connoisseur, #1 Arizona lover, and obsessor of all things sparkly! I blog over at {And here's to you, Mrs. Robinson} and I love it! I like to talk about everything from my sweet husband & chubby baby (toddler?) boy, to marriage, love and honest everyday struggles! So please come over and share a little bit of the bloggity-blog world with me!

 connect with Megan here:
blog  facebook   twitter  bloglovin'

Carina of A Punk, A Pumpkin and A Peanut

Hello! I'm Carina: mama to a punk, a pumpkin and a peanut. My blog is a happy little space filled with craftiness, gratitude for all the goodness in our lives, fun adventures, adoption, faith and a handful of other little lovelies. Stop by and say hello! 

connect with Carina here:
blog  facebook   twitter   shop
use rouge15 for 15% in Carina's shop

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and now for the part I know you all have been waiting for...
an early Christmas present giveaway.
one winner will snag...

a frayed braided fabric necklace in black and turquoise from Carina's shop Lovely Little Whimsy:

$25 credit to Paige's shop Artsy Anthropology

a fuchsia rose necklace with drop crystal necklace from Stephanie's shop Luxe Boulevard

and a large blog ad on Chelsea's blog Sunny With a Chance of Sprinkles!

whoo-hoo! so how do you win all these goodies?

mandatory entry:

must be a follower of my blog (Rouge & Whimsy) via GFC or Bloglovin' and share me a favorite holiday tradition

extra entries:

 follow any of Carina, Paige, Stephanie or Chelsea's blog (one entry for each!!)

tweet about this giveaway, using @rougeandwhimsy so I know that you did it!
if you're lacking in the twitter-creativity department, try this one:
 an early Christmas to me with a @rougeandwhimsy giveaway! http://rougeandwhimsy.blogspot.com/2011/12/hello-lovelies-and-giveaway.html

share this giveaway on facebook (share the link in the comments)

now whatcha waiting for! go enter :)

xo, erika

sponsor interview with tori

Happy Monday y'all. (can I say that if I live in Seattle?) Sorry for being a little MIA last week-- work was crazy, I was exhausted and life just happened...I'm sure you know how it goes.

But this week I'm so excited for the Christmas-y posts I have lined up! But before we get that holiday party started I wanted to introduce you to the sponsors on my sidebar-- some new, some old-- all are great.

And I also want to introduce you to one of them in particular-- super bubbly and fun Tori of the blog the Editorial.

blog   twitter   facebook

tell us a little bit about yourself

Life for me revolves around surviving college, keeping up a relationship with my man, and being able to smile through good and bad times. I'm from TN, and down here, my life goes a little something like: School, babysitting, work, studying, blogging, eating, blogging, studying, oh... and did I mention blogging?

 

how did you start blogging?

I started blogging in June of this year. I'm rather new to the blogging world, but I couldn't imagine my life without it now. I've made some of the best bloggy friends {like Erika} that are so sweet and encouraging that the world is made of good people, too! 

 

what inspires you?

I'm inspired by lots. Inspired by fashion, by sunny days, by the roller coaster of life I live, by love from God, my man, and my family. Mostly, I'm inspired by my followers. Some of my posts will be depressing, some of them will show my off side, some things I will never share with them. I'll lose some and I will gain some- but most of them are golden. They are loving, sweet, and encouraging. Thanks to all of them for inspiring me to be good, kind, and keep blogging.

 

you're on a desert island with a group of people-- what would be your contribution to the group as you guys work out to survive?

Although I wouldn't be the strongest one {actually I would be the one crying my eyes out wanting to go home...} But-- I think I would be good at making good jungle island attire. Or maybe I could bake up some yummy python pie :)

 

your fav blogs & sites?

My 5 favorite blogs/sites are...

 * http://www.thewiegands.com/

* http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/

* http://thebeautydepartment.com/

*http://www.collegefashion.net/

*http://pienthesky.blogspot.com/

 

 

go give some love to this beautiful real & honest blogger! thanks for sharing Tori!

 

xo, erika

p.s. if you want to read an interview with me-- go check out paperdollsmile.com today ;)