I've been trying to get this on video for a while. It feels like she'll clap along while I sing every single time... until I pull out the camera to record. So this time we used the camera on the computer (sorry for the disastrously messy background!) so she could see herself. If there's one thing Ever likes to look at more than her mama it's herself. She's got her priorities straight. But this video... heart melting.

PS If you've had your eye on one of my handstamped sterling silver initial necklaces in my shop now is your chance to win one. My sweet bloggy friend Erika is having 20 days of giveaways and I'm day #8 with one of those babies! Go check it out and visit her other giveaways too! Except don't because I want to win them.
xo Sue

Oh dear, today's post may be the one I've been looking forward to the least. Rant about something... I am not good in a rant. It's just not my forte. I think it's because I try to follow that old saying "Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate." Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all did that? Yes, I just got all Suzy Sunshine on you. Sorry! This is it though. This is the one day I just can't do.

I will, however, show you something awesome. At least I think it's awesome. Look what my Ever girl learned today. I'm pretty sure she's a genius.

xo Sue

I have a lot of bloggers that I love and appreciate and sometimes I forget to tell them. Today's writing prompt is awesome (proclaim your love for another blogger) so here it goes. Last year I wrote about my love for other bloggers. I didn't truly love blogging until I started socializing with others and making bloggy friends. But here's the thing. In that first post I never mentioned the girl who inspired me to reach out to other bloggers in the first place. Her name is Abby and she writes a beautiful blog called Diligent Joy. She's been a guest blogger here a few times. I know Abby IRL and she writes her blog the same way she talks. She's very smart and fun to have a conversation with. She's a fellow book lover and just like me, has a slightly nerdy side (which I love!). She also knows (pretty much) everything about hair care and beauty products.

Back in the day (because I'm old) I had about 6 blog followers and every one of them I knew personally. I also read about 6 blogs and Abby's was one of them. I'd never thought about trying to grow my blog or expand the blogs I read. I always thought people would find it weird if a complete stranger read their thoughts on the internet and left comments about it. Even now I have a hard time leaving that first comment on a blog I love. I know, really weird, but I usually read blogs for a little while before I'm brave enough to comment and it makes me feel a tiny bit stalker-ish. But I digress. Because this is about my love for Abby and her blog.

I started to notice that Abby was gaining followers and having real connections with people she met online. I wanted to do that but I was still nervous. Then she started doing sponsor swaps (which I had to google because I didn't want to seem stupid and ask) and she asked if I wanted to swap with her. She wanted me, with my 6 whole readers, to do a sponsor swap with her. I was so excited. Probably a lot more excited than is normal but I'm looking at normal in the rearview mirror at this point. Because of Abby's sweetness and acceptance of my tiny blog I gained the courage to start making actual friends through my blog. I started reaching out, doing sponsor swaps, and meeting amazing bloggers. It was awesome and it has been ever since.

So today I'm telling you all how much I adore Abby and Diligent Joy. You should definitely go visit her if you've never been there. She is smart and sweet (and gorgeous), and she has a beautiful little girl that makes you want to keep coming back to visit. I promise you won't regret a visit to her blog!

On an unrelated topic, Everly has a new favorite song. Can't Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. I don't know what it is about that song but every time I play it she gets this huge grin on her face. Yesterday she even did a dance to it- with her dad's help of course. Don't mind the pj's. We're pretty casual around here. Also, her leg rolls may be my favorite thing ever.

xo Sue