Custom Illustrated Blog Banners with Navigation Links

Okay, so last week I shared with you in this post how my creative mind works over time and I can't keep it shut. It's seriously a blessing & a curse. I just recently launched a new illustrated product in my shop...blog banners! I'm SO excited for these. The possibilities are endless and they are a blast to create.
The thing is, I create fast. So sometimes I think of ways to make products better AFTER I've already introduced them publicly. Typical me. No biggie, though. I updated the banner listings now, and they rock! {If I do say so myself...and I do.}

Just Louise available here

Now, not only are the illustrated blog banners customized to your blog name and can include your tagline, I'm also throwing in up to 5 customizable/clickable navigation links!! Whoohoo! You know, they usually say "About/Shop/Sponsor/Contact etc" Just take a look at Art By Jacy's awesome banner I created. You'll know what I mean.

Sequin Diaries available here

My mind is spinning with designs! Lifestyle, fashion, food, mommies, shopping...so many ways we can work together. Each design available right now is only $45!! This includes the banner for your blog, customized with name & tagline, up to 5 navigation links {which I will install & help setup} and up to 3 simple revisions like color changes, font changes etc.

She Lives available here

You don't have to have a HUGE blog to have a nice, stylin' banner! In fact, every blog should have a header they are proud of and that speaks about who they are. I also will be taking custom orders if you have a specific design in mind or you'd like for me to illustrate something custom, special for your blog. Just shoot me an email here with any details. A custom illustrated blog banner from scratch is just $65 & includes everything premade banners have.

Claire Maire available here

Drawing is my specialty but even more so is helping people by creating something they will love. Are you all set with a blog banner but you think someone else might like one? Please share by hovering your mouse over the images above and pinning them to one of your Pinterest boards!! Tweet the link to my shop or share on Facebook. I would love to get the word out on these because they are so unique and fun.

Do you have any design ideas that would look great as a blog banner?

I'm always looking for inspiration, I'd love to hear them!

Please share in the comments.

5 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies

>>**My new eBook "10 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies" is available in the shop for just $2.99!**<<

"Every one of us is an artist, and as an artist, you really can stroll into any venue that you want, as long as you take your time to learn the etiquette of that venue."
Terrence Howard

{source} 

It's pretty crazy to think that this year will mark my 3rd year of blogging. It's also sad that I still consider myself a newbie. This "blogging thing" started when I was laid off from my job. Not as an artist, I'm talking about a "real job." {Okay, enough with the "quotation marks".} I had big dreams to take my own business to the next level and I wanted to share my story as I learned the ropes.

I wanted to encourage others in the same situation and inspire those who think they can't follow their dreams. I'm still not sure I'm accomplishing this but it's been a big learning experience for me. I've learned {am still learning} a lot about the blogging world, the do's and the don'ts. When I look back at some of my earlier posts or how I conducted myself within the community, my insides cringe. 

So if I can help out a fellow newbie with my list of "5 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies" {oops, I did it again. "Sorry."} then why not. Hopefully you can learn a lot faster than I and catapult your blog further.  If you find this post helpful, please share. Etiquette is not just for royalty or someone in high stature. It's all about respect, politeness, integrity, honesty and trust. Etiquette is for everyone but just like anything, if you don't have it, you must learn it.

1.) Link photos or ideas to an actual source 

To some of us, our blog is just a chance to chat with others and share our day to day lives. We find photos that relate to our topic or we see inspiration somewhere else online that triggers an idea for a post. It is crucial to your blogging image to give credit where it's due. While you may be blogging for fun, others actually blog for income. They work hard to take high quality photos and provide good content. A simple link back to their blog is usually enough. If you save the image to your computer then upload it into your post, and don't link back, this is considered stealing. You may not actually say that the photos are yours but visitors and readers don't have any other reason to think otherwise. Your intentions may be innocent but that doesn't change facts. Most cases you can just right click on an image, copy it and then paste into your post. Sometimes the link shows up automatically but double check. If you don't do anything else on this list, do this one. It's by far the biggest blogging don't.

2.) Have clear contact info

This may seem like it's more of a marketing aspect but actually providing clear information so that visitors and readers can contact you is just plain nice. It shows them that you are approachable {in the best way possible online} and they are free to connect with you. Not providing a contact page or even an email address on your sidebar can come off as snotty and rude. I'm serious! What would you think if you came across a blog that didn't have any way for you to contact that person? It would seem kind of weird, and though you may not know it, something inside of you tells you this person is not trustworthy. When we are online, we want to feel secure. Some sense of protection. Whether we know it or not, seeing a blogger's contact info gives us that. It says "Hey, if there's a problem or a question, I am here for you."

3.) Leave a comment, not a sales pitch

So your surfing around the many blogs you follow or you just happen to land on one that's awesome. You dig the posts, design, the blogger's writing voice etc. As you start to comment to tell them this, you then think "how can I get them to my blog?" So you write "I love your blog! New follower, come check out mine sometime. I'd appreciate a follow back! www.desperate.blogspot.com"!"

Yeah, about that...

This is not only a blogging no-no, it's pretty much looked down upon everywhere else as well. No one likes to be told what to do, first of all. I mean, if someone left this on your blog, would you like it? It shows immaturity and the last part actually erases the first part of the comment. You know, the one about loving the blog. Yeah that. If you love someone's blog, tell them why! Whatever it is, whether you can relate to where they are, you love their header, or you share the same taste in frozen yogurt. Don't take advantage of the comment box and abuse it by turning it into a self-marketing mess. We've all done it, so I'm preaching to myself here. When experienced bloggers see this, it's a huge turn off and they most likely won't check you out.

If you want to leave your blog url link, that is definitely okay. It's all about presentation and class. Watch your wording and read your comment out loud before submitting. If it sounds like your trying to sell something, erase it and start over.

Copy and paste this code if you want to add your blog link to a comment. It is html so make sure the comment box takes code. Oh and change the necessary fields, or you will look quite silly:

<a href="YOUR BLOG URL">YOUR DISPLAY TEXT</a>

{Shout out to Dana from Wonderforest for inspiring this tip. You rock girl!}

4.) Reply to comments

Things get busy and life gets crazy but one thing remains...appreciation. When someone actually takes time to write to you and leave a comment on your blog, it's good etiquette to say thank you. Just like if someone sent you a birthday gift, it's proper to send a thank you note. This practice has been lost for a while and it's trickled into the blogging world. I understand we have pretty full plates and if you are a high profile blog with thousands of followers, replying to each comment can be mind numbing and never ending. In those cases, I would suggest leaving one comment thanking the masses for their love and support. The point it, say something! Not replying to a comment gives off the impression that you don't care. And I know you do. It only takes one minute, even if you just reply within the comment section. It doesn't have to be a big-to-do, just a simple "thanks so much" can make a big difference.

5.) Use your manners

This pretty much sums up what etiquette is about. There really should be no name calling, bashing or trash talk. This 'ain't Walmart or the mall. You can say pretty much whatever you want on your blog but be warned that once you say something, you can't take it back. You might be able to delete it but you can never delete how you made someone feel. I've seen some pretty nasty comments left on some blogs that I love and it grosses me out. Like really makes me sick. That saying "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all" proves true. Just be quiet and click off. When you are rude in a comment, it shows more about who you are then the person you're trying to make look bad. It showcases your lack of self-control and ability to handle grown up situations. I mean, really, treat the blogging community like a lady. If it's hard for you to play nice with others, maybe you should go inside and read a book. This playground is for fun and friends. We really don't need any bullies.

How you present yourself online is just as important as offline. The scary part is that a lot of people think they can be someone else because they can hide behind a screen. Do everyone a favor and be honest. Hold yourself to a higher standard.

This list wasn't created to make you feel bad or put you down. It was meant to educate but in order for you to learn anything, you must admit you have room to grow. If you go against growing, you really go against life. You will make mistakes but it's what you do afterward with the lesson that matters. Remember, etiquette everywhere is about respect, politeness, integrity, honesty and trust. If you have these things going for you as a blogger, you are on your way to greater things.

What have you learned so far about blogging?

Do you have a tip?

Spotlight Saturday: March Sponsors

Hey guys!

For my first week back, everything went so amazingly great :)
I've missed blogging SO much and the support from everyone has been amazing...seriously, thanks!
There are a ton of talented, beautiful bloggers in this community. Everywhere I look, I am inspired and encouraged to reach higher and aim bigger. I can only hope that I bring some of that to the table as well.

Today, I'm putting together a quick little sponsor post to introduce you guys to my lovely March sponsors!
I adore each one of these ladies. They are fun, gorgeous and stylish all around. And I'm not just saying that because they are my friends. It's the truth. And you know I only give you guys the honest, up front truth. Isn't that why you keep coming back? I'll take the silence as a yes.

There are actually many sponsor spots left and I'd love for you to hop on board. So all weekend long, use coupon code "HALF50" for 50% off all ad spots on the ABJ Advertise page!!

Also, stay tuned in the next couple of weeks as there are some awesome things about to happen here, thanks to some amazing women...
{Hint: There may or may not be a few giveaways and a guest post. Maybe. You'll just have to keep coming back to find out. No pressure. Okay, there is a guy waiting for you outside of your window in case you don't come back. He has instructions to make sure you don't wander off. Haha, just kidding. Maybe.}

Enough babbling, let's get to my girls!!

Chelsea @ Sunny With A Chance of Sprinkles
Cute, funny and creative, Chelsea is a ball of sweetness.
You will absolutely fall in love with her bright personality.
Her little girl is pretty precious too :)

Maria @ Agape Love Designs

With a heart full of gold and a face full of beauty, Maria is the go-to blogger.

Fashion/family/crafty/love/God are just some of the topics she covers.

There really isn't anything this woman can't do!

What's more is she has TONS of tutorials so you can create things too.

 Danielle @ Framed Frosting

Full of flair, Danielle gives off that best friend vibe with a touch of sisterly love.

She truly cares about people and life.

You will totally dig her style and ideas!

Michelle @ Let It Shine

Can I just say, this girl is hilarious? Well she is!

Whether it's sharing her faith or a story about her darling family,

Michelle is sure to become your next fav.

(Plus, we both belong to the same church, so you KNOW she's cool! ;))

There you have it, ya'll! Check 'em out, mingle about and leave them some comment love. Hey, if you like them, follow them! They are super duper talented and just plain awesome. I am SO excited for this month and what is coming up for ABJ.

Is there anything you would like to see on this blog?

What do you expect when you visit?

More recipes, giveaways, features, devotions?

How can I better serve you? 

Tell me in the comments below!!

I Wanna Know You {Linky Party}

"Who you are and what you do, should be one in the same."

- Jacy Pulford {artbjacy.com}

It's here! It's here! I am finally back in action, ya'll, woot...

These last couple of months I took time out from blogging and social media. It was hard, guys, not gonna lie. I went an entire 30 days without posting a blog post or updating a Facebook status! What?! It was like a time warp...but felt awesome. I am thinking of writing an ebook about what I went through and what I learned. Would you be interested in that??

During that time, I worked on writing better content because I wanted more heart and passion in this little blog space. And can I confess, there are SO many great posts on the way!

To kick off the new ABJ {Art By Jacy} I'm having an epic linky party this week. All week long {until Friday}, link up your shop or blog so that I can get to know you. Why? Well, why not! If you've been hanging around here or even just passing through, I want to know who you are. Knowing my readers is very important to me and I've realized that I did not take that much time before to do so.

But before you link up below, I wanted to give you a glimpse inside of my world {gulp!} Ready?


I am the oldest of four. Yup, I'm that big sister who is over-protective yet ridiculously corny. After me, there's Leani {above in the purple with our suave daddy} and then the amazing twins Nikko {who I'm taking a bite of} and Melina {who joined my silliness in the first pic.} I love being a big sis!

My other loves are my handsome husband Jonathan and our little baby boy David. He can be just as silly as his momma! Besides hanging out with family, I love to be creative {who would have guessed!} I run an online art shop and also have written a book about emotional purity, a passion very close to my heart. Jesus is my God and Saviour. I do not hide it. I love sharing my faith because without God, nothing matters.

My goal for ABJ is to share what is on my heart through my writing and artwork, hopefully inspiring and uplifting your heart through the process.

Your turn, yay!! Who are you? What do you do? I wanna know!
Before you linkup, there are a couple of guidelines...please read...
- You don't have to be an ABJ follower to linkup but it would be appreciated! {go to sidebar for details}
- What you can share: a direct link to your blog or shop. It must be run/owned by you.
- What NOT to share: links to specific items in your shop, linky parties, giveaways, recipes or specific posts.
- Grab a button and share...the more the merrier :)

<center> <a href="http://artbyjacy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Art By Jacy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz03ao9MyFp4EeesTXjzjwM7XzbgQjP_p9Pc08uQIZnazZUr-TYH8fpgOvfCUv7A_QGJAv-4fOjVMXdFrdQhgktXcD6Th70byCZwEsc6Wi15nuEdLZWYZXx34a25NN1vF7TIDTK_p7qrms/s1600/knowyou-linkyparty.jpg"" /></a></center>

Happy Day {Coupon Code & Announcement!}

Happy Valentine's Day, ABJ Lovers! 

I've been missing you guys something fierce...sooooo, my gift to you is that I'm coming back & it will be better than ever! The ABJ Blog is getting a makeover, same name, just more awesome {is that possible?!} 

This past month of no social media and no blogging really gave me an amazing perspective. I've been in constant prayer about this little space and I have to say, I didn't think the Lord cared that I loved blogging or wanted to even have me come back. However, it is amazing what can happen when we just put our ENTIRE plan in His hands and trust in His ways...He takes what we desire and makes something beautiful!

So, I've gotten the green light to start a new, fresh blog...whoa, I am SO excited :) The posts will be thought-provoking, full of heart and inspiration. After all, art isn't just paper and paint...it is passion. That will be the new angle of Art By Jacy...passionate art and writing for your heart. What do you think? Are you excited for me to come back, full force? I know I've taken you guys through rollercoaster rides over these couple of years, being so on and off, taking breaks etc...but can I tell you something? It all has been leading up to THIS moment!!

An official launch date will be revealed soon, but for now, enjoy this coupon code for 14% off of your ABJ order today. Use "LOVE14" http://artbyjacy.storenvy.com/

Thanks for sticking by me and tolerating my craziness. Stay tuned and hold tight during the next month or so as I gather some incredible content and make this blog over! You will notice design changes and such, so if you have any suggestions or feedback, leave me a comment or shoot me an email at my new email address, jacy@artbyjacy.com

Gah, God is good, don't ever forget that!! xoxo

 

 

Words to Remember....

So, here we are. Just a few days left, and my Facebook/Twitter & this Blog will be done. Closed. All gone.

I am sure in the future I will be back. But I have to say, I am excited about this new journey! I mean I just look back at the last couple of years and all the things I've learned. God is truly remarkable and I have no doubt that this avenue I'm about to walk on will lead to even greater knowledge!

This more than likely will be my last post. I will be working more on my upcoming books (anyone love a good Christian love story? what about some advice from an accomplished author?) and on my online art shop {do you see that awesome painting above?? It's my latest, "Say Cheese." You can pre-order your print here and get 20% off!}

I will still be advertising on awesome blogs and will still have my Google account to follow my favs. Blogging will always be a part of me, it's just I really don't have time to keep up with my own one...

So before I say goodbye, I wanted you to please take a minute to sign up for my art + ministry newsletter! It won't be spammy, promise, just about one email a month to update you on what is new in my shop and any news I need to share. You can unsubscribe at any time but this will help us stay connected and you in the loop with my business. There will also be special discounts and giveaways just for newsletter subscribers, so what do you have to lose?! Take a minute to sign up below.

You guys have been amazing, to say the least. I adore each one of you and appreciate your dedication to this blog. You are all more like friends and I know this isn't a final goodbye...more like a "see ya next time!"

So, smile for the camera and say cheese...because you look lovely today :) 

May the Lord bless you and your family in 2013!

I will leave you with some words I'd like you to remember in this new year:

God is always Sovereign, no matter what you or I think.
Follow Him and you will never be confused!
Obey the Word, it is the final say.
Love each other more than life itself. 
Surround yourself with positive people; and pray for the negative ones.
Look up, not down; aim high, not low.
In all things, honor your Father which watches all you say & do.
Be a blessing and be blessed.
Be pure in heart and you shall see the Lord.
Smile often. It scares people.
Laugh at the little things, it will make you wiser.
When you feel alone, remember Christ was alone on the cross to bear your sorrow!
His blood covers ALL sin; not just the ones you want to give up.
Have faith by having a relationship.
BE A LIGHT ON A HILL!! 
Spend more time with family than with social media.
Give your home more love than strangers. You will be held accountable.
Watch your words, they cut deeper than the sharpest swords.
Be humble like a child; let them be your teacher and you the student.
Grow from mistakes, but not grow bitter.
Forgive early, find peace early.
and finally...
BLOG WHAT YOU LOVE NOT WHAT YOU THINK OTHERS WILL LOVE!!

XOXO
~JACY~

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I Spy...{Blog Re-vamp}

I spy with my little eyes, something that is...new! Can you take a guess?

Um new blog design, duhhhh. I am SO super-duper excited to have this new template I designed up and live! It's more me, like way more. Colorful and lighthearted is what I was striving for...how'd I do?

 AND my handsome husband took these sweet outdoor shots for a new ABJ promotional look!
*Sigh* Handsome and talented...love my family. Kudos to my FIL for taking the fam photos.

 Love my boys xoxo

End of Summer {Blog Hop}

Oh yeah, I'm totally cool...

Yes. Yes you are, my son.

And so are all you awesome people out there!!

Which is why I wanted to host my first ever blog hop! I know we are all bummed out because summer is over...the pools are closing and the last popsicles are being eaten *sigh*
But that doesn't mean the fun is over!

I hope this works and is successful...though I love writing and posting about my thoughts, faith etc, I also love helping people, whether online or off. Let's cut to the good stuff and start mingling, shall we?

The "End of Summer Blog Hop" is co-hosted by this lovely lady, a special and close bloggy BFF, The Mrs. Megan Volnoff:

She is such an awesome person! We were both preggers at the same time and I truly believe God put us together to have someone to share all the fun {and not so fun} experiences with. We are real together, open, honest, pray for one another, encourage and uplift...man, I love her :) Someday, we will meet in person and our husbands can chat about how crazy their wives are hehe

Here are the rules:

1.) Please follow my blog by either by GFC or Email

2.) Please follow my sweet CO-HOST {The Mrs.}

3.) Link up! Share a blog post or just your main url.

{Just please, keep it Jesus & family friendly :)}

4.) Be sure to "hop" around & meet some cool new folks!!!

Enjoy your last week of August xoxo

Why I Blog...and Why I Love It!

Okay.
So many of you know me by now, and if you don't, then you are about to. Well as much as I want to write about myself. You see, I've been thinking...{yikes! I know.}

Drawing with my fashion plates! Ya'll know these were fly...

I've always loved writing and self-expression. Since middle school, I've been scribbling poems and entries in hand-written journals and diaries. So old school, right?
I know I've been MIA from the blog this week and my apologies. I actually have a non-virtual life {yeah, I'm sure you do too}
Lately questions have been coming to me about why I blog because it seems like some bloggers {will not name names or point fingers because I'm super duper guilty here too} have kinda lost sight of why they blog.
So here's my little "rant" {if you want to call it that} or better yet, insight into the mind of Jacy {beware} :

I blog because...
I love to write!!! Now-a-days, people rarely even read blogs. What the junk is that about?! What happened to online journal entries that caught readers attention, not because there was some fancy-shmancy giveaway of some second-hand handmade costume jewelry...{I'm sure it took you sooooo long to make those beaded earrings}
Now I'm NOT against giveaways, ya'll know that!! It's AWESOME to have giveaways especially to AWESOME readers like you...free stuff is just plain fun, I'm not that stupid.

BUT I don't know about you, I feel we are losing sight of WHY we blog! It shouldn't be about numbers, likes, tweets, gifts {gasp!} or even sponsors {though I'd love to have some, check my prices hehe sorry couldn't resist!}
Point blank. I blog because I want to write. Simple as that.

Share my life and faith!!! I'm not famous and I don't have money {like not even a little bit.}
However, I don't need to be and you don't need to be to have a blog and that's just super cool! I have a place to write about silly/funny/heartfelt stories about events in my life, that you can relate to. I want my readers to know me because the reality is, we all want people to know us. We want friends, a tight community of like-folk...we want to belong! I don't mean changing yourself for people, what are we, 10 years old? No, I mean people who understand where the other person is coming from. We get you. Therefore, we get your blog.

One thing I've noticed is after I have a giveaway then post something faith/God-related, I lose followers. You know what I'm talking about! This always reminds me why I started blogging...it goes back to the first point about writing. I didn't start this blog to be a social media sellout...I started it to have a voice and connect with other people, not by shaking shiny stuff in your face to get you to follow me {that's kinda creepy}

*Sigh*
Okay I think that about sums up what's been on my mind.
The point of this post is not to be negative or controversial...but to be real! 
So take what you want from it and discard the rest...just know this: No one forces you to read blogs but you should evaluate why you do or don't. AND if you blog, think about the WHY...you may be surprised what you find out about yourself...

Be an August Sponsor!

"You mean to tell me, that you have no sponsors momma?"

Yes son. That is the truth.

So let's change that my friends, shall we?!

I admit, this is my first sponsor attempt so I'm a bit nervous but also super duper excited because I want to get connected and promote some amazing people/shops/blogs!

Currently, my blog has ads on Our Reflection, The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife, Naptime Review and Agape Love Designs, all of which have over 1,000 followers (and counting.) As of this post, Art By Jacy has 171 followers. The number is growing daily, thanks to many blog hops & linky parties, which I participate in weekly.

Here are some stats, if that's your thing:

Blog posts - 4-5 a week; my goal is to up it to 5-7 :) 

Page views last month - 2,820+

Page views of all time - 18,560+

Twitter Followers - 280+

Facebook Fans - 290+
 Pinterest - 150+

I also do many blog giveaways & guest posts.
Art by Jacy is growing daily and though it may be a tiny piece of the blog world real estate compared to some other mansion sites, I promise to do my best to promote you & help build you up too!
My motto has and will always be "people helping people."

So...what do you say?

Again, I'm still getting the hang of this new adventure.
If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email
artbyjacy@yahoo.com

Meet & Tweet Twitter Hop Link Up

Hey Hey Hey!

Don't forget to enter in this HUGE Group Giveaway before you link up!

Ready to make new Twitter friends?
Wanna hang out a bit and play? Sweetness, just follow the rules.


RULES:
Link up your Twitter account, not your blog.
Follow your host and co-hosts. {The first 8 in the linky.}

Thanks so much to my amazing co-hosts:
Lena from Mom2MemphisAndRuby
Jenny from The NY Melrose Family
Niki from Gumdrops and Gloss
Melanie from Metropolitan Money Pit
Jacy from Art by Jacy
Jennifer from One43
Torie from Lattes and Love

Loving this hop? Shout it out to all your friends!

The more the merrier.

Tweet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks so much for linking up today!

Hope you've had fun and made some amazing new friends.

Save the Date! Next Hop: 7/19

Grab a button and add it to your blog!

<div align="center"><a href="http://our-reflection.blogspot.com/" title="Our Reflection "><img src="http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/_laurahernandez/MeetTweet-2.jpg" alt="Our Reflection " style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Want to be a future co-host?
Email me at momsgonnasnap@gmail.com.

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What's YOUR Story? {Share a Testimony!}

I am loving these blog series that I have going on, don't you?

Well I am looking for more participants in the series entitled "This is My Story"!

Has God delivered you from a trying situation? Have you been healed by His power, covered by His grace and/or had Him answer a prayer? Would you like to have your testimony featured?

So far, I've had the privilege of sharing some amazing stories from Amy and Samantha. In this post, Amy is transparent as she discusses how God delivered her from an eating disorder & brought her true love, while Samantha shares in this post a beautiful story of redemption after dealing with a miscarriage. Real stories from real people!

Now it's YOUR turn...comment below with a brief description of what God has done in YOUR life along with your email address. 

{PS: Please don't get offended if you do not hear from me...there can be a number of reasons why.}

I can't wait to hear YOUR story & share it right here!

Baby Brag Post {Photos}

Okay, I suck. 

I'm like the worst blogger in history (comment if you agree! um just kidding, don't)...I don't write often, when I do, I try too hard...just super lame. So I'm re-committing myself. I know what you're thinking, that's I'm insane considering I have a new baby in the house.

Which is WHY I NEED to blog!!!

I'm home alone and I need an outlet. Mothers need to stay connected to the outside world, or they go nutso...since I'm already naturally nutso, I need to stay connected even more. 

I'm working on a SUPER BIG SUMMER GIVEAWAY but since the details are still being ironed out, I'm going to now plaster the snot out of this post with photos of my beloved baby...aka Wiggles...aka the reason why I've been too busy to write...

Oh but when I see this smile, I kinda don't mind!! :)

 xoxo