It's been a while since I've shared a giveaway here! I've almost forgotten how to do them... This month I've joined together with some fantastic ladies to bring you this giveaway (I mean seriously, who doesn't love cash?!)- I hope you love it as much as I do! Enter through the fancy little gadget at the end of this post and cross all your fingers that you're the lucky winner! xo Sue

$110 PayPal Cash Giveaway | Kara Ramblings of a Marine Wife | Alex Radiating Sunshine

Becky Rebeckann's Random Thoughts | Katie Going Coastal | Elizabeth The Young Retiree

Jen Beebeebelly | Rhea Rhea Et Cetera | Kari This, Too

Stephanie Army Crafter | Sue As It Seems | Jane Poppiness

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hello my bloggy loves! Today I'm sharing an exciting link-up with you. It's an Instagram Blog Hop! If you're anything like me you're slightly addicted to social media. My favorite social media of all time is Instagram and I'm thrilled to be a part of this hop today. Be sure to check it out and make some new friends!

xo Sue

Welcome to the Instagram Blog Hop! If you're new around here, the Instagram Blog Hop is a party where you link up your Instagram account, find and follow new Instagram friends, and be continually inspired by what you see in your Instagram feed! No need to have a blog, just an Instagram account!

The Rules are Simple:

1. Follow your HOSTS:

Kimberly of A Night Owl | Instagram: @anightowlblog 
Emily of The Pink Elephant | Instagram: @mrsemshhh
Angie of Little Inspiration| Instagram: @blogali

2. Follow your CO-HOSTS:

Sue | Instagram: @lovefromesue

You can find Sue here:
Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest

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Jaime | Instagram: @momstestkitchen

You can find Jaime here:
Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest

3. Link up your Instagram Web Profile:

Just link up your new Instagram Web Profile (http://instagram.com/username) -OR- your web viewer of choice in the linky below!

4. Check out and follow a few fellow Instagram friends.

Tell folks you follow that you found them through the IGBH!

5. SHARE THE IGBH LOVE!

Before you link and run, we'd love for you to SHARE THE IGBH LOVE! We'd love to grow this lovely community, so we're asking you to share - with your friends, on your social media! Tweet about it, share it on G+ and Facebook or post about it on Instagram!

Tweet

We've all contemplated it: (when) should I accept sponsors? I used to have them and I loved them. I really did. I loved having guest posts, I loved doing giveaways, I loved tweeting them and linking to them. But it was a LOT of work. When I got pregnant with Everly blogging completely went out the window. I was incredibly sick for my entire pregnancy. Looking at a computer screen made me ill. So rather than push through it and make myself sick, I slowed down with my online presence and focused simply on feeling well. I stopped having blog sponsors and only posted when I felt like it. And yes, I lost readers because of that. That happens though. Now that my sweet baby girl is here and I'm feeling like myself again, I find myself drawn back into blogging. In June I'll hit my 6 year blogiversary (I've got big plans for that one) and I'm so excited for it. So I'm slowly reviving my little corner of the internet here. On to the sponsors!

I've decided that instead of offering advertising spots, I'm posting buttons of my favorite bloggers. These ladies on my sidebar are my favorites. They're blogs I read every day (or as often as they post) and I truly enjoy them. I want them on my sidebar because I want to share them with the world. I'm planning to link to them, tweet them, or share them as often as I want to because I truly think they are awesome. So take a few minutes to go meet them. I promise, you won't be disappointed because they are fabulous ladies.

And since I love you, I'm going to share an Everly picture. I know you can't get enough of her cuteness.

Since the beginning of my pregnancy my eyes have been much more irritable than usual. My contacts have been so itchy and I just haven't wanted to wear them. Usually my glasses are for early morning or late night only! I always thought I just looked silly in them. But Aaron convinced me that they looked cute (or he thinks so anyway) so I got some new ones for everyday wear.

I'm always a little wary of things that seem to good to be true (aren't we all?), but when I heard about Firmoo's first pair free program I was curious. Their glasses look so cute and when you get a pair of prescription (or non-prescription) glasses for free (all you pay is shipping!) it's hard to beat.

This red pair I selected is (sadly) not available anymore. It's unfortunate because they're so cute! There are similar pairs here, here, and here. None of them are this fun red I have, but almost every pair of glasses on their site comes in at least one color besides black. I had so much fun uploading my picture (they have a virtual try-on that was surprisingly accurate!) and flipping through the different frames to get an idea of what I wanted. In the end I was brave and chose red, telling myself that I'd already ordered a pair of black frames, so it was time to be a little more bold!

And speaking of already ordering black frames... before I was contacted by Firmoo, I had already found them on my own and ordered not one, but three pairs of glasses. These black frames are my favorite of those. They're very Harry-Potter-esque, don't you think? They make me feel just a little bit nerdy and I kind of love that. Because I am a little bit nerdy.

Oh, and can I tell you how much I love these sunglasses? I've never had prescription sunglasses. This is my main reason for always wearing my contacts. My eyes are super sensitive to bright lights and if I have glasses on I can't wear sunglasses, too. Sadly my eyes are not the kind that don't really need glasses for everything. I am blind as a bat without help. Seriously, I can't read my shampoo bottle in the shower if I'm not wearing my contacts. So the idea of wearing glasses out in the bright sunlight? Ick. Enter my new sunglasses. All I do is slip the normals off and these fabulous sunnies on and voila, I can see! If you've never worn glasses you'll probably think what I just said is very silly but hopefully some of my dear bloggy friends understand exactly what I mean. To make these even better, I got to choose the color tint (gray or brown) and how dark I wanted them (I chose the darkest they would go). They are perfect.

If you've been contemplating new glasses or sunglasses (remember, they don't have to be prescription!) you should definitely take a look at the selection Firmoo carries. Your first pair is completely free, all you pay is shipping (plus they do refunds/exchanges if you're not satisfied). You just can't beat that deal! They're fun to pick out, easy to order, GOOD quality glasses. And I absolutely love to wear them. It's the comfort my eyes have been craving. 

*We were given one free pair of prescription glasses in exchange for our honest review of the product. The other glasses pictured were purchased by Sue because that's how much she loves them. All opinions expressed are our own.*

xo Sue & Shelly

I love pictures printed on canvas. There's just something about them that's beautiful to me. I love that they don't need a frame and can stand on their own. I almost feel like I live in an art museum with canvas hanging on my wall. I wish I could be that fancy. So when we were given the opportunity to review a canvas print from Printcopia we were pretty thrilled about it!

I was so excited to receive my canvas print in the mail. It came just one week after the order was placed (I love when things ship fast). The ordering process was so easy too. Printcopia's website is very user friendly and they even do custom canvas sizes if you're looking for something specific. The quality of the printed picture is very impressive and I was surprised at the amount of detail put into the print. Of course the fact that the picture is of my baby makes it even more special to me. This beautiful canvas is something I will always treasure!

So, do you want one of your very own? Use the handy little gadget below and enter to win a completely customizable 8x10 canvas print from Printcopia.
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open for shipping in the continental United States only.

*We were given a free 8x10 canvas print in return for our honest review of the product. All opinions expressed are our own.*

xo Sue & Shelly

My favorite things about summer:

Sunshine

Popsicles

Barbecues

Bonfires

Beaches

Flip Flops

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Chelsea from Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles is sharing this photo with us today.

Chelsea says, I love this picture because it shows the joy in my daughter's eyes and I know I've done my job of teaching her to enjoy the little things in life. My favorite thing about summer is being home with my little girl. Being a nursing student, I have summers off and it gives me unlimited time to enjoy my baby girl and have as much fun with her as I can before I have to hit the books again.

Blog - Facebook - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Pinterest

Alyssa from Impractical Compositions loves this photo.

Alyssa says, it's my favorite right now because I just learned how to fishtail braid! I've never been able to do that before! My favorite thing about summer is going to Mexico! I love Mexico because I love being at the beach, playing in the ocean, and soaking up the sun! 

Blog - Facebook - Twitter - Etsy - Instagram

Because she loves me, my amazing pen pal Janey sent me presents in the mail this week. She wrote a cute little letter apologizing for not buying me a present when she was on vacation and instead making me one. She definitely doesn't need to apologize for that! Her handmade jewelry is so cute that I can never send her something equally as cute. It's just not possible. The bracelet says "Two Souls, One Heart" and she stamped a little A&S on the inside. So.cute. And aren't the earrings just adorable? Well lucky you, there's a chance to win a pair at the end of this post! 

This pic was taken by Jane @ Taingamala.

Jane says: This picture was taken 48 hours after I moved across an ocean with two suitcases to marry this amazing man. I was so incredibly happy, this was our first time exploring the island, going up to the North Shore, going to the beach, it was the perfect start to our life together.

When asked, what's something most people don't know about you,

Jane says: I'm ambidextrous and have double jointed fingers. I write with my right had, but do just about everything else with my left (golf, eat, wave hello). And, because I'm double jointed my fingers curl up to the sky slightly when I point.

You can find Jane elsewhere too.

Blog - Facebook - Twitter - Etsy - Pinterest

Because Jane loves you (of course not as much as she loves me) she's offering a pair of her Hawaiian Teal & Lace Button Earrings to one lucky reader! Enter through the nifty little gadget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Remember a while ago I talked about ordering the Wuthering Heights cuff bracelet? Well it came in the mail yesterday and made me so happy. Isn't is a beauty? And it has my favorite line:

Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same.

That's how I feel about my hubby. I know, cheesy. The bracelet is so cute though!

I have a few more fabulous sponsors to share with you today, just because I love you so much. And their pictures are beautiful. Also, I know I said this yesterday but I still have a few spots open for sponsors next month and I would love to work with you!

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This picture is from Kirsten @ Through the Front Door.

Kirsten says: This picture is of Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado, and the reason it is one of my favorites is because it reminds me of one of the most beautiful places and an amazing two weeks I spent there with some wonderful people.

When asked, what's something most people don't know about you,

Kirsten says: I seriously think bananas taste better when you slice them. Seriously, try it... I swear it's true :)

You can find Kirsten elsewhere too.

Blog - Facebook - Pinterest - Twitter - Google+ - Bloglovin'

This photo was taken by Jenn @ Passenger Seat Perspectives.

Jenn says: I love this because after trying and trying to get a close-up picture of birds outside our house, this one finally sat long enough to take the photo! I think it came out beautiful.

When asked, what's something most people don't know about you,

Jenn says: There are a lot of people who don't know I blog ;) It seems silly, but it's something I do that is personal to me, and I think I worry sometimes that people would laugh at some of the things I post. And I'm really not the type to share personal things with the world. But I love sharing things through my blog!

You can find Jenn elsewhere too.

Blog - Twitter - Etsy

Well my lovely friends, today is an exciting day. Today is the day of my very first group giveaway! My sponsors have contributed awesome prizes and I've included a little something as well. Just because I love you. I won't leave you in suspense, here are the fabulous things you get a chance to win!

 Blog - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Hellocotton - Pinterest

 Blog - Facebook - Bloglovin' - Google+ - Hellocotton

 Blog - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Shop

 Blog - Facebook - Pinterest

 Blog - Facebook - Instagram

Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

This prize pack is winner takes all.
Enter through the nifty little gadget below!
Please be honest about your entries- I will verify!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Language Barriers

The language barrier here in Japan is awesomely entertaining. I find myself acting things out way too often- it's like a perpetual game of charades. I went to lunch with a friend the other day at a little Tex Mex restaurant (it's my fav). My friend wanted chips and queso and explained it to them as "cheese dip." They brought her back ketchup. What??

Anytime I watch a movie and see people driving on the right side of the road it throws me off for just a minute. It's funny the things you get used to when you live in a foreign country for 6 months. That's right- I've been here six months. Only 2 years left. I'm off to eat chips and guacamole now. Don't miss me too much my loves.

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This picture was taken by Kristina @ From City Corporate to Suburb Mama.
Kristina says: I dream of being an amazing photographer but am a struggling photographer at best. Can I blame the camera? This picture was just so pretty and I was quite proud of myself! So, I love it!

When asked, what's something most people don't know about you,
Kristina says: Most people don't know that I've had 7 surgeries in my short life, all for very random things, like Osgood Schlatter's disease, falling down a flight of stairs and tearing tendon in my ankle to exploratory laparoscopies for possible endometriosis to carpal tunnel surgery in both hands after the birth of my first baby. Whew!
You can find Kristina elsewhere too.
Blog - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Shop

This pic is from Kelsie @ My Beautiful Life

Kelsie says: Even though this picture is a bit blurry, and it was taken by my iPhone, it is still my favorite. I have a hard time getting my boyfriend to smile (his real smile) in picture, so any picture when I can see the smile I fell in love with is a favorite of mine.

When asked, what's something more people don't know about you,
Kelsie says: I am only 19! I have been in a relationship (with that cutie pictured above) for two and a half years, so most people assumer I am a lot older than I really am.
You can find Kelsie elsewhere too.
Blog - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

This pic is of Stephanie @ The Anecdote of My Life.
Stephanie says: I love this photo because it capture such a great emotion out of me. It is a strong empowering photo and by far one of my favorite pictures.

When asked, what's something most people don't know about you,
Stephanie says: I am extremely education driven! I have 2 degrees and I am working towards getting my masters and then I will hopefully attend medical school.
You can find Stephanie elsewhere too.
Blog - Fitness - Instagram

This is the first picture I ever Instagramed- exactly one year ago. How cool is that? I love being able to look back at all my pics over this last year. Seriously, I adore Instagram. If you follow me I apologize for yesterday. I was doing something special and needed to Instagram about 40 pics! I can't WAIT to share with you the result of the something special though. I promise it will be well worth it.

I've become enthralled with film photography lately. I ordered three (yes three!) "toy" cameras off Amazon today. I'm already anticipating their arrival! Also, because I love you, I made a vlog. It was in no way planned but that's okay. Twink makes a cameo and I talk about nothing so it's a really good one.



And of course I'm continuing to share my love of photography with you all by introducing more fabulous ladies on the blog.

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This pic is both by & of Lou @ Foxy Whiskers (I know, that's some serious skill).
Lou Says: This photo was taken in Quebec City a couple of years ago. We were wondering around at night and snapped this picture with a self timer. I still can't believe how wonderfully the picture turned out!

When asked, what's something most people don't know about you,
Lou says: I am left handed, I am one of seven children, I love the sound that high heels make when you walk down the pavement, and one day it is my dream to have my own vegetable garden- complete with three chickens!
You can find Lou elsewhere too.
Blog - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Hellocotton - Pinterest

This picture was taken by Allyce @ Chalk in the Rain.
Allyce says: I'm no photographer, this photo was taken through instagram actually. This photo is one of my favorites because I love the bright colors blooming in this picture.

When asked, what's something most people don't know about you,
Allyce says: Our family has close relation to the McCoys & I'm PROUD to say that I can bust out all the Just Dance 3 choreography to "Party Rock Anthem," "Gonna Make You Sweat," and "Forget You" anytime... anywhere. Thank you Just Dance.
You can find Allyce elsewhere too.
Blog - Twitter - Bloglovin' - Pinterest

Mindy @ My Life As Mindy took this next pic.
Mindy says: I took this picture Easter 2011 and it was by complete luck it turned out so well. I told her to smile, and she did. This picture captures her personality, beauty, and sweet nature in one shot!

When asked, what's something most people don't know about you,
Mindy says: I want to write a book one day. I have no idea if I will or what it will be about, but I will write it one day!
You can find Mindy elsewhere too.
Blog - Facebook - Pinterest

This pic is from Heather @ A Day in the Life of a Pascoe Wife.
Heather says: I love this photo because it was the first smile that I was able to capture, even though he was asleep when he smiled he still melted my heart.

When asked, what's something most people don't know about you,
Heather says: I am deathly afraid of lizards, not the big huge ones but the tiny ones. I run and scream when I see them, they scare me to death.
You can find Heather elsewhere too.
Blog - Facebook

with photography.

Absolutely obsessed. 

I heard through Gentri Lee about an app for iPhones that double exposes your pics.

How cool is this? I know. So cool.

Because of my love for photography and pretty things I'm sharing some other fabulous pics with you today.

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This picture was taken by Shane @ Whispering Sweet Nothings.

Shane says: I love this photo because it was one of many I took while working at Over-the-Rhine, an impoverished area in Downtown Cincinnati.

When asked what's something most people don't know about you,

Shane says: Most people don't know that as much as I love people and socializing, I don't mind having time to myself every once in a while. I call myself an introverted extrovert.

You can find Shane elsewhere too.

Blog - Facebook - Bloglovin' - Google+

Patricia @ Red Writing Hood took this little beauty.

Patricia says: I took this photo after coming back home to Utah in 2011. I was finally back to my sanctuary and the place that I loved.

When asked what's something most people don't know about you,

Patricia says: When I was 5 I lived through a HORRIBLE blizzard that wiped out our power, food, everything. The National Guard had to bring in tanks and helicopters to dig people out.

You can find Patricia elsewhere too.

Blog - Twitter

This delightful pic was taken by Brielle @ Mr. D & Me

Brielle says: I just adore this picture because it was one of the only times the hubs actually allowed for his picture to be taken (in fact, he asked for it!) and he just looks so freaking adorable. It definitely makes me smile.

When asked what's something most people don't know about you,

Brielle says: I skipped kindergarten and went straight to 1st grade when I was five. I absolutely did not want to go to 1st grade but the principal wouldn't let me go to kindergarten because I could already read.

You can find Brielle elsewhere too.

Blog - Facebook - Pinterest - Instagram

I hope you all enjoy meeting my sponsors this way. I got bored of the old way and it was getting generic anyway. I think asking people to share their favorite pictures gives a much better look at who they really are. Don't worry, there are more to come!