EnlightenedStateApparel Burnout Tanks {review + GIVEAWAY!}

 

Do you love to work out? (I know some of you may be laughing at that question, like, how on earth can somebody /love/ working out... well, hey, before you start rolling your eyes, take my word for it: it's totally possible!) Looking for lightweight, comfortable clothes to wear during your training sessions? Tired of looking bleh while you work up a sweat?

 

Okay, so whether you love working out or not, Enlightened State Apparel is an awesome Etsy shop. Not to mention, it will totally give what you're looking for if you answered yes to the above questions.  

 

Basically, ESA is a line of fun, sporty racer back tanks that are both lightweight and cute. They come in bright, pop-y colors that make you think energetic thoughts just looking at them. Oh, and they have motivational saying on the front. Nice, right?

 

 I was sent the Train the Same or Remain the Same Tank. Love that saying! And I really liked the color combo. Sadly, my pictures don't really capture the blue very well. Blegh. I apologize for the picture quality in general because it is so evidently lousyyy. Fact is, I've been ridiculously busy as of late and haven't had the time for writing up product reviews even though I'm very behind on them. But, please, don't mind my excuses.

 

 I ordered a bit bigger than necessary, anticipating something more form-fitting, which it wasn't. (If you buy something, just make sure you order your natural size, don't go a size higher in fear of it being too tight.) So it hangs a bit lower on my chest than I'd like, and is pretty baggy everywhere else. I can live with that though. It's not like it's something I'm going to wear to the conservatory or when teaching. It's a work-out shirt, and supposed to be comfortable for that reason. (The one condition here being that you can't really wear a regular bra with it and have it still be 'modest'. Time to whip out that sports bra!)

 

Well it definitely is comfortable!

Overall, I like this shirt, and in the Florida summer months it's truly perfect for a good long run in the sun.

Now for the exciting part.......what do we have next? You guessed it - a giveaway! That's right, it's no illusion!
 You can enter to win your very own ESA tank! You even get to pick which tank!

How nifty is that!? If I were you peeps, I'd be putting in as many entries as I could right now. So get hopping!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Blessed

 

Can you believe it? September is here already!

It's been said a million times but let me say it again - where does the time go?!?

 

Obviously I've continued to maintain a status of blogging irregularly, and not doing my regular columns like before. I hope y'all understand my reasons for this. Time is precious to me and I want to make sure I spend it the best way I can. Blogging just for fun doesn't fit in that plan anymore sadly.

 

So please try to understand. I love y'all readers to death, and I hate to neglect this whole thing but "for everything there is a season."

 

This season of my life, I'm just trying to take advantage of the blessing God has bestowed abundantly on me, and use it to bless others in return.

 

Ways I am trying to do this:

• By spending quality time with my family/brothers/parents.
• Trying to help with projects and endeavors at church.
• Finishing the projects I've started, musically, writing-wise and film so that others might enjoy the finished products and be pointed to God.
• Learn as much as I can about the world God's created, and His Word, so I can once again be a blessing to others with knowledge and wisdom to share.

So yeah. These things alone take up plenty of time, and I don't even spend enough time on them as I'd like sometimes. a lot of the time.

This is another of those random ramblings posts. In other news, I cleaned my room and decluttered a number of things I didn't need. Above is my renovated desk bulletin board. Doesn't it look fabulous?

 

 

 

Also, I was notified that I won a writerly survival box giveaway from Meghan at her blog Every Good Word! Today, the package came and it was so exciting. I ran out there at 10:30 PM to retrieve the mail and there it was - this big, fabulous box. (Couldn't get the mail earlier because I was out all day with my lovely grandma, aunt and mother on a shopping trip a couple hours south in snowbird/tourist land!)

 

The box included a lovely handwritten note from Meghan, a set of mechanical pencils, pens, a planning book, notebook, issues of The Writer magazine, and two writing related books!! Not to mention a pack of M&M's, suh-weeeeet - overall, the collection equals perfection!

 

I can't wait to read these! Especially that "What Would Your Character Do". *grins*

 

 

OTHER delightful news: on Sunday, we got the chance to visit some wonderful, incredibly sweet friends of ours from out of state. We'd not seen them in about a year!!

 

I love these people. They're like family to me. Everyone has grown up so much though!! It's so immensely hard to believe. I feel so short - as you can see in these two pictures above, I'm not the tallest girl in the bunch here anymore, like the old days. It's scary when you're 5'8" and that is short, next to your friends. Eeek. And I liked being the tallest. *sniff*

 

Our two families all together. This is quite possibly my favorite picture of 2013 so far. I think I shall insist upon it being printed, framed and hung in some well-noticed spot in our house, okay? Very RARELY do any big group pictures we take result in such a good photo overall. We'll typically have somebody making a face, not looking at the camera, or the photo is out focus. It's hard getting the perfect picture when you have a bunch of kids in the family. So. It's really quite amazing that, this, only the SECOND attempt, turned out so fantastic! We're even slightly color coordinated.

 

Okay, okay,  I'll stop bragging on this and quit yacking. (In conclusion, I was so thankful for this visit, and it was such a refreshing time of fellowship and fun. Praise God for sweet brothers and sisters in Christ!)

 

This week has been good. To think of it, so has this whole year.

 

And the best is still yet to come.

 

 

Soli Deo Gloria,



70 Followers Giveaway!! TWO WINNERS!

 

Soooo guess what we have starting today, folks?

 

A GIVEAWAY. Yesss, that's right, finally another giveaway! The occasion? This blog reached 70 followers about two weeks ago.

 

70 followers!

 

I can't believe how this blog has grown in the last year. You all have really blessed me with your encouraging comments and just the fact that you take the time to even read my crazy stuff. I know I'm a mess and hard to put up with a lot of the time. So, just so you peoples know, I love you guys. Thank you for being who you are!

 

Sooooo. I guess most of y'all probably didn't know that I am actually already a published author.

Self-published, I'll admit, but still published. So there.

 

Anyways. How that applies to today's big giveaway?

 

 

When I was 12 years old, my awesome writer/journalist dad helped me self-publish my first poetry book. How exciting that was for me way back when.

Now, it is pretty amusing getting to look back and read the work of a 12 year old version of me!

 

 

When I was 14, another volume came along, also once again self-published with the help of my dad's skill. I'm a lot more 'proud' of this one I'll admit, since my writing greatly improved in those two years.

 

So. Today, I'm giving away a copy of both books, plus a pack of organic eye shadows from Willow Tree Minerals, and a pair of homemade earrings from Wonder and Whimsy.

 

 

 

So, I think this time I'm gonna split this into two different winners. Two lucky peeps will get something here - a poetry book, and either some eye shadow or earrings! How fun is that? Now you have all the more chances to win. *wink*

 

(Note to any guys who might be reading this/might want to enter. I know there's girly stuff predominantly in this giveaway...the eye shadow, earrings...I wish I had something to include that was more masculine. :P So. If you want to enter just for one of the books, and say you do *win*, I can leave out the eye shadow/earrings or give them to another winner. :P)

 

Now get entering! And why not spread the word around about it, too? Pretty please?

 

Have fun and 'good luck!'

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Upcycled Guitar String Earrings {review + giveaway}

 

 

{Howdy y'alls!}

 

Well, it's time for another review post! A couple days ago I was sent two pairs of amazingly cute earrings from Bethany at Fret Knot Jewelry.

 

So firstly. In case you didn't notice already...does the title of this post say anything at all to you?

(Excuse me while I go freak out about the awesomeness of the concept of jewelry made from old guitar strings.)

 

UPCYCLED GUITAR STRING EARRINGS.

 

HELLO.

 

Is that just insanely awesome or what??

 

 

I don't know about y'all, but I simply adore anything guitar related. Since I'm a hobbyist guitar player, the Fret Knot Jewelry shop couldn't help but capture my attention as soon as I saw it!

 

I was sent the Tall Triangle earrings. One pair for me to review, the other for a giveaway for y'all! (Which we'll get to later!)

 

These earrings are super lightweight - therefore, super easy to wear. (Ignore my weird-looking eye here please)

 

I love the simple retro style they have. Geometric jewelry has become increasingly popular it seems, so far this year. I don't follow fads and trends for the heck of it, but if there happens to be something I already liked, in the trend, than hey, it's all good! 

 

Forgetting trends though, I don't think I've ever seen jewelry made from guitar strings before. So I'd say this is a pretty different, unique business.

 

Bethany, the owner of Fret Knot Jewelry, was such a dear about doing the review, and corresponding with her was a pleasure.  Thank you Bethany!

 

So overall, these earrings are an awesome piece of jewelry! I like the raw, hand-crafted look they have; and I think it's just so cool to be wearing strings from an instrument that could've been played by some really good bluegrass guitarist, or flatpicker...I mean, that might sound kind of silly, but really, you never know!

 

Check out the Fret Knot Jewelry shop here! Bethany has a myriad of upcycled guitar

string jewelry pieces; from earrings to bracelets, rings, and more! I'm sure you'll love her shop.

You can also check out the Fret Knot Jewelry blog to find cool 'behind-the-scenes' posts on how Bethany makes her jewelry, and "like" Fret Knot Jewelry on Facebook! 

 

And now, on to the fun part for all you awesome readers!

 

Yes, this blog is having another giveaway! Bethany generously sent a second pair of Triangle earrings, just for you guys! (You can see them in the photo directly above) Be sure to enter!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Have a blessed day,

Note: I was provided these items from Fret Knot Jewelry in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

Links to the Past Chainmail Bracelets {review + giveaway!}

Greetings y'all!

Today I received in the mail an awesome package from Links to the Past, a shop which fuses modern and ancient alike in its cool chainmail jewelry and accessories. 

I was sent a Slytherin bracelet and also a custom-ordered blue and black bracelet. (Click on the first link to find where you can get your own green Slytherin bracelet!)

Both of these bracelets are surprisingly stretchy. They are very lightweight and made from a durable plastic/resin-ish material which is what allows them to stretch. The middle links are metal. The green one, which I'm keeping, has silver metal links in the middle, which I like. The colors are a nice contrast.

LTTP was very quick in sending out the package. I had barely finished corresponding with them, and already the package had arrived! So a huge thumbs-up for speediness in shipping. 

The packaging was simple but professional. 

Both bracelets are very comfortable to wear. My favorite thing about them is there "rugged", metal-inspired look.  I'm pretty sure my brothers would wear one if they had it, since it isn't overtly feminine or girly. In fact,  these could appeal to either guy or girl!

And of course, what makes these bracelets the most unique is their chainmail inspired look. In my book, anything chainmail related is already going to be inherently epic!

SO. Overall, I give these bracelets a thumbs-up. They're simple, yet durable; as well as inexpensive and not to mention sure to please any medieval or chainmail enthusiast! *grins*

If you'd like to see more of LTTP's work, check out their Etsy shop, or "like" them on Facebook! Also, find them on Tumblr! They're currently having a promotion where you can buy one of their bracelets and get another half off, so don't miss out! Click here.

Now, the fun part for y'all! Links to the Past also donated an item for a.... *drum roll please* *brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr*....giveaway!

You can have the chance to win this cool, edgy blue and black chainmail bracelet just by entering the Rafflecopter widget below!

Tell your friends about it, and be sure to check out Links to the Past! (A big shout-out to them for hosting this review on Apassionata!)

Note: I was provided this item from LTTP in exchange for my honest review.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Ops This Month

Howdy y'alls! 

So, lately I've been finding a bunch of giveaways around on different blogs, and thought I'd share some of the  neatest ones with you.

For starters, if you haven't checked this out yet, you certainly need to head on over and enter the APOC Group Giveaway! It's hosted by my fashion blog, 9 fabulous prizes from 9 fabulous people! Ten days left to enter, so get your entries in while you can!

Next up, you probably will want to take a look at this giveaway at Momma in FlipFlops!

Pin this image to win a shirt from Conversation Pieces! I think these tops are all really cute. My favorite is the black one though. 

 Check out Another giveaway from Momma in FlipFlops. 

Here you can win a pair of skinny jeans to your choosing! 

If you love skirts, you'll definitely want to check out this giveaway. Below is the skirt I'd pick if I won. So cute!

Love to work out? Visit this link to a Performance wear giveaway

SO, how's y'all's spring going? I am so loving the green and fresh, clear blue skies! What's your favorite thing about spring? Oh, and what do you think of the new blog design? I was getting tired of all the pink. xP

Have a blessed day!

Super Cool Giveaway!

http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2012/04/16/giveaway-lilla-rose-flexi-clip/#comment-169588

Hey y'all, there is a giveaway going on at Urban Homestead where you can win a beautiful Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip for your lovely locks! Check it out and enter if you want, this looks like a good company and the products are gorgeous.

So....click the link above to see what's happenin'! Don't miss out!

 

Happy Monday!