New Friends

It's always such a delight to introduce you to some of the coolest and most talented girls around. Somehow I get so blessed to have them as sponsors here at Teatime Thoughts! You are going to absolutely love these fabulous ladies, so I encourage you to check out their blogs, get to know them and let them know I sent you :) 

Hi! I'm Ariel, a student, living in Seattle, loving every moment of life. I am working towards a degree in Communication and Psychology and hope to pursue a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I love dancing, drinking coffee, learning, my family, and above all, my creator God. I have no idea where the events in life will take me, but I am having so much fun waking up each day and seeking the ways that God wants to use my life for his glory. 

My blog, On A Whim, is a place to document the things and people that I love. I love using pictures to tell stories. I blog about fashion, cooking, my job, my travels, and events in my life that I find especially inspiring or amazing. I hope you will soon be a part :)

Twitter  Pinterest  Blog Lovin  Instagram

Hey y'all!  I'm Gennean, and I'm the girl behind the blog Loved, not Lost.  Once very lost, lonely, and searching for love, I am now a beloved daughter of God who has been saved through the blood of Jesus Christ.  I view the life I've been given and everything that comes along with it as a gift from God to be used for His glory.  Loved, not Lost is where I share my thoughts and revelations on my faith in Christ, including the good, the bad, the exciting, and the painful.  I'd love for you to grab a cup of coffee, hop on over, and stay a while... I can't wait to meet you!

Twitter  Pinterest  Instagram 

One part theologian, one part rebel, completely God's. Tiffany is a recent college graduate who can't wait to be a teacher. Among her favorites are Jesus, reading, travel and other cultures. Currently, she's preparing for the adventure of lifetime: moving overseas. Her blog, The Wandering Theologian, is a place of theological musings, travel journaling and a smattering of book reviews. 
Twitter   Bloglovin  

Looking For You!

Are you looking to get the word out about your fabulous blog, business or Etsy shop? 

I'd love to have you as a part of my sponsor team! 

With the blog world growing as rapidly as it has, sponsoring is an excellent opportunity for you to get some exposure, as well as a chance to make friends and meet some of the most fun and fantastic readers around. Here, at Teatime Thoughts, you'll have chances to guest post, host giveaways and much more. 

Check out my Contact page for more info on becoming a August/September sponsor!

Can't wait to see you on the blog!

-Candice

0

Meet the Girls!

I have the best bunch of gorgeous gals for you to meet. Not only are they beautiful, talented and all around fabulous, they're also going to be hanging out on my blog throughout the summer! Looking for some inspiring new friends? Look no further..they're all right here! Be sure to get to know them, check out their wonderful blogs and tell 'em I sent you!!

xo

-Candice

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Rachel

Pinterest :: Twitter :: Tumblr

Hi Everyone! My name is Rachel and I'm married to my wonderful husband of a year and a half. We live in NJ while we work and play in NYC. I'm a Freelance Reporter & Social Media Manager. I recently completed Grad school and I'm ready and excited to continue to live out my dreams. I believe every dream and desire was placed in my heart by God and I'm meant to encourage and spread hope through those dreams. While pursuing my destiny and the plan for my life, I'm enjoying every moment of it- the good and the challenges. Thanks for joining me on this journey.

My blog "Truly, Rachel" is a Lifestyle Blog and a creative outlet where I express the things I enjoy the most which include the amazing people I'm surrounded by, fashion, great food, DIYs, fitness & cool places. I also share tips on everything that I learn along this beautiful story we know as life. This blog is meant to put a smile on your face!

 Emily

Facebook :: Pinterest:: Twitter

Oh hello, loves! I'm Emily, a New Englander living in Chicago. I married my love two years ago and together we are making our little life. With both our families so far away, we love to share pieces of our world, including stories, photography, projects and goodies. I like to imagine my blog, Oh Hello Love , as our living room. So take a seat, grab a drink and join the conversation.

 Dulce

Twitter :: Facebook :: Pinterest

Hello, all! My name is Dulce and my blog, Dulce Taylor, is all about style and how it affects my daily life. I am a true lover of fashion and believe that we can use clothes to make great (or not-so-great) first impressions, build confidence in ourselves, and display who we are as individuals. How fascinating! Come tag along with me...

 Lisa

Facebook :: Twitter :: Instagram: lisatrav

G'day I'm Lisa from L!$@'s Life. I'm a 21 year old Aussie girl living my life the best way I can. I write about all the weird, wonderful and random things in my life. Come and say hello! :D 

Diana

Twitter:: Facebook

I’ve been sitting here trying to describe myself for a good 5 minutes and…. nothing. I’m THAT interesting! =) I don’t even know how to start explaining the cool factor so I’ll start by saying I love the simple joys in life. I get so much joy from seeing others happy, from the look on my husband’s face when I come home, from singing at the top of my lungs, from shopping for shoes, or from cooking an edible meal. I love the way the sun feels on my skin, the way pine and burning wood smell, and the way my dad looks at my mom. I love the fact that my husband and I will always consider ourselves newlyweds and have found that kind of love. I also love reading and writing, and am convinced I should have many careers.

 I have a science degree and am pursuing one in interior design. I wish I had a degree in journalism and photography as well. Speaking of photography, there’s no better joy than capturing love with my camera. Seeing people’s reactions to photos they love is the best feeling ever.  Lastly and most importantly, I love the Lord and my time with Him. I’m not really sure what God has planned for me 5 years from now, but I hope it’s somewhere humble and wonderful.

Ekiuwa

Youtube:: Instagram

Here’s a little bit about me, many know me by Jaqwan and many know me by Ekiuwa, either is fine! I am 23 years old born in New York and raised in Michigan. I am the youngest of two sisters, Khabirah and Lakeya Omogun. I attend Wayne State University majoring in Psychology. I aspire to go as far as receiving my doctorate in Psychology. If you are truly close to me then you would know that I have one of the most jubilant personalities there is, I love to laugh, joke, and have a great time! I love hanging out with my family and friends and just love being in an atmosphere where I can be MYSELF! MY Husband inspires me daily to just be me and shine no matter the circumstance. Catch up with  us on our lifestyle blog The Evbuomwans

 Sarah

Twitter :: Pinterest

Hello lovely Teatime Thoughts friends! I'm Sarah from City Thoughts...it's nice to meet you! I live two blocks from the lake in the beautiful city of Chicago, have the most fabulous musician boyfriend and really really enjoy all things that involve Chicago, fashion/hair/accessories, sunshine, margaritas, and trying to be the best version of me. I like to write about these things and whatever else pops up when I sit down to write. I love to make new friends, so stop on over and say hi! xoxo

Bonnie

Twitter:: Instagram: bonita4

I'm loving the Lord. born and raised in the boondocks. MARRIED to the best man ever made, I'm an ARMY wifey! My blog, Feeling Bloggy, is about our life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Just a place to share my thoughts. Enjoy! 

Weekend Wanderings

First of all, hello to a new month! I'm so glad to see your arrival!

I am also especially excited to see this weekend come, as I have officially finished up school for..well, ever. (until grad school sometime) With all of the stresses and studying behind me, I can finally go out and enjoy summer! I've got some fun things ahead and exciting things happening on the blog, so be sure to stick around, as summer is going to rock! It's time to spend endless hours by the water, in the sun, taking trips to the island, lunching and brunching with friends, and embarking on an adventure or two before it's all said and done. This weekend holds some time catching up with friends, planning for a celebratory graduation dinner and some much needed fun reading (oh good books, how I've missed you!). What's on the plan for your weekend?

P.S. Have you met my summer sponsors yet? You'll get a chance to get to know them a little better next week, but take a look at their darling blogs; you're gonna love 'em! 

Happy Weekend!

-Candice

10

Looking For..

June is almost here, and I'm looking for some summer sponsors. Whether you've never sponsored before, or you've done so in the past, this is the best opportunity to get some great exposure for your blog, shop or business! This summer, beginning in June and going through August, I'm going to take a limited amount of sponsors and they will be up for 3 months! {Definitely a great deal for you!!} 

Rates are $5 for small spots and Large spots are $10. If you're interested, send me an email or drop a note via my "Contact Me" page, and let's talk! Summer is a great time to get the word out about your blog & business! 

Sponsor Spotlight: Kara from Styled With Life

I love making new blog friends, and today I want you to meet a gorgeous and talented

designing diva. Not only is Kara a total sweetheart, she's also super creative and can make any

space look stylishly chic. Read below to get to know her a little bit, and then stop by her blog and tell her I sent you! :)

Meet Kara

Blog Twitter Pinterest Facebook

1. I'm an interior decorator and merchandiser by day, blogger all the time.

2. I really love fashion, and find myself obsessed with clothes, shoes, jewelry etc. on a frequent basis!

3. I'm a daughter, sister, 'auntie', friend and girlfriend.

4. I can't wait for the day that I become a dog owner.

5. I have an embarrassing love for reality television!

Thursday Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is brought to you by Aligna from the Jasmine and Violets shop!

She's giving one of you a fabulous piece from her store; her accessories are feminine, fun and perfect for springtime styling. Here's a few ideas of what you might want to choose when you win..

How to Enter:
(leave a comment for each)
Must follow Teatime Thoughts blog

Extra Entries: 
Visit Jasmine & Violets and tell me what you'd choose
Follow Aligna's blog
Follow Me on Twitter
Favorite Jasmine and Violets on Etsy
Tweet about the giveaway

Also, she's offering all Teatime Thoughts readers 25% off any item in her shop!

Just enter the code: bloom at checkout!

A winner will be chosen on Thursday, April 19th! Good luck!
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!
(thanks to all who entered!)

49

Some Kind of Paradise

I am so happy to have one of my wonderful blog friends and sponsors here on Teatime Thoughts today! Not only is Aligna a talented artist, (go look at her Etsy shop!) she's also a busy momma to 4 kids and can make your skin look amazing for any occasion. Superwoman? I think so. I just know you'll love her. Make sure to stop by and say hello on her blog! Thanks, Aligna! xoxo
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi my name is Aligna and I blog over at  Some Kind of Paradise. I am a stay at home mama of 4 kids who dabbles in a bit of everything from making pretty headbands and accessories on Etsy for my shop Jasmine and Violets , to using my skills as an Esthetician doing makeup for brides and such whenever I can! :) 
In this midst of all this, I'm trying to learn how to grow as a woman... to be the best ME 1st, then wifie, mom & friend, you get the picture. I read lots of books for this very reason alone!! I'm definitely one of those people who if I don't know how to do something, you bet I'll be reading the book about it:) I'm a girly girl who thrifts, likes fashion and relishes in Gods beauty all around me 

Yours truly the night before THE OPERA:))

Here's one of my NEW items I'm working on for the shop! aahh I love creating:)

                                                      Here's 5 fun things about ME:

1. When I was a little girl all I wanted to be when I grew up was a ballerina or a nurse, and I have my journal post from second grade to prove it.

2. I love cheese, dark chocolate and my red wine A LOT!!..so I run to support my habit:)

3. I am a annoying morning person I'm chipper and ready to go full blast into my day from the moment I open my eyes. And at least 3 of my 4 children are exactly the same.

I'm so proud!

4. I would rather spend money on enjoying an experience in life (like plays, live music, the opera) than on things...or not spend money at all just take a walk with  me lets chat & have some tea or a glass of wine and my heart soars!! 

5. I wear sunscreen everyday all year!! Its the best advice this Esthetician will give you for keeping your skin young & healthy. And drink your water too:)

I'm so happy to share a little bit of myself with you guys! I love meeting new bloggers and creative,

artistic people so come on over to my Blog and say hello!!

P.S. Thanks Candice!! I love following your 

 your such a beauty in and out :)

-Aligna

1

Weekend Wanderings

As soon as this weekend is over, I'll be finished with exams! yay! I'm excited to see this final year of school winding down to a close, and a whole new chapter of life beginning. It will be time for some celebration, well-deserved fun and relaxation. The weather has been absolutely wonderful, so there's definitely going to be some beach and pool time in there also! 

Just a quick note:

If you're interested in sponsoring Teatime Thoughts for April, there's still some spots available!

Head on over to my Sponsor page for all the info! I've set up a super duper easy way to purchase & host your sponsor spots :)

Can't wait to have you here on the blog!

Happy, happy weekend everyone!

-Candice

8

So Why Do You Blog?

I am so happy to welcome another fabulous blog friend of mine to be here with you guys! Jenny is a total sweetheart...can't wait for you all to meet her too! Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello! Thanks for being here, girl! xoxo

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello, lovely readers of Teatime Thoughts! I am excited to be here on Candice’s blog today.  My name is Jenny and I am the author of Jeneric Generation, where I attempt to write about my Y-generation tendencies in a way that is honest and frank. I love reading Teatime Thoughts, and think Candice has great style, but most importantly, I love how she uses clothing and color to reflect her personality. That is truly “personal style”, is it not?

So, a little about me and why I blog…

This is a picture of me in a graveyard on my honeymoon a few months ago. It was the best picture I could find to set the mood for a light-hearted discussion on blogging. Just kidding. But did you know that an appreciation of irony is a key part of being in Generation Y? I am so serious about that.

Last October, I married a guy who is not even in my generation. Isn’t that crazy? When we first started dating, some of our discussions caused me to question a few pre-conceived notions I had about the world--simply because we grew up 8 years apart.

Despite my blog name, I am not completely absorbed in analyzing Generation Y. That would wear me out completely. I get tired just thinking about that, actually. I want to stress that I have always been skeptical of labels…I used to call myself a perfectionist until I realized that was more of a mental trap than anything else. Hi, I’m Jenny and sometimes I go crazy if things are not perfect. But nothing in this world is perfect, so this is me telling you all that I am going to just relax.

But occasionally, I do like to focus on the fact that I am part of Generation Y. Not to close myself in, but rather, because it is a good place to start asking questions--and I find knowing the why to be very therapeutic.

Like most other bloggers, I strive to always be honest and to write what I know and what I feel with the full knowledge that I might look back and laugh at myself one day.  But most importantly, I write to confront myself, always. And I love it when other people tell me they can relate to what is most consuming my thoughts at the time. None of us are as original as we imagine ourselves to be, and I for one find that to be so refreshing.

In summary, my primary goal for blogging is a little selfish: I wish to poke fun at myself in the hopes of sorting out thoughts that could be ensnaring me without my knowledge.  I love discussion and long for clarity in my thinking, and articulation in expressing my thoughts.

So here I raise a glass (or tea cup?) to honesty and candor, and hope that we can all learn a little bit more about the commonalities that make us human. If you care to stop by for a visit, I would be more than happy to meet you.

Thanks again, Candice, for letting me take up a portion of your cozy little blog. Teatime Readers, it’s been a real pleasure.

-Jenny

5

Tuesday Giveaway

Spring is the best time to brighten up your wardrobe with some fresh, fun fashion. Thanks to some of my sponsors, one of you will get to refresh your closet for a new season!
I'm giving away a beautiful piece from Shabby Apple, an adorable online boutique of women's dresses, skirts and beautiful accessories. Perfect for spring, you'll get the gorgeous Ahoy dress..it's right on trend in the most lovely shade of mint, and how cute is that bow detail?!

So dreamy, right??

This gorgeous little number can be yours along with a..

so you can get some fabulous jewelry. 

Amanda is the very talented and beautiful artist behind the Etsy shop Chloe vs. Tank, and 

she's offering one of you a shop credit of $35 to use on anything in her store! I love her

beaded wrap bracelets, and think they would make a stunning addition to any outfit. 

I wish I could enter this..it's the perfect way to welcome in a new season!

So how can you get your hands on this amazing stuff? Glad you asked. Here's what you do...

Mandatory Entry: 

Like Shabby Apple on Facebook 

Extra Entries: 

(leave a separate comment for each)

Visit Shabby Apple and tell me which dress is your favorite!

Follow Amanda's Blog

Favorite Chloe vs Tank on Etsy

Follow me on Twitter

Follow Amanda on Twitter

Tweet about the giveaway using the following:

"@Candiceelaineh is giving away a @ShabbyApple dress & jewelry from @cupcakestyle101 Win it here: www.candiceelaineh.com"

A winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 20th. Best of luck to you all!!

137

For Love of A Cupcake

I'm so excited to have one of my lovely blog friends and sponsors here on Teatime Thoughts. When Manda first contacted me about her cute bracelets & shop, I took one look and was hooked...then  proceeded to find her blog, and for the next 15 minutes stalked her gorgeous photos and recipes. yum. I  know you'll love her as much as I do! :)

Be sure to check out her BLOG & SHOP!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Hi everyone!

It's Amanda from For Love of a Cupcake!

This is me...

and this is my fiance, E...

We are getting married on 9/28/12!

These are our two pups, Tank and Chloe...

(poor Chloe was being blinded by the sun!)

I also opened a little shop called Chloe vs. Tank...

I make beaded bracelets like these...

I'm just crazy goofy, clumsy, and completey random!

What can you expect to find on my blog?

Holes in my work pants...in the middle of my butt!

Flyaways...always!

Un-fashion posts

and yummy recipes like this...

Pretzel, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies...with nuts!!

I made the batter and couldn't stop eating it! I'm surprised I was even able to make cookies out of what was left haha!!

Are you drooling yet??

Here ya go...you can thank me later!!

Buy THIS...

(the base recipe is on the back...I made a few tweeks tho)

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp SEA SALT (this makes the difference!)

2 sticks of butter (1 cup)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cups brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 large eggs

an 11 oz package of peanut butter and milk chocolate chips

3/4 cup walnuts (or pecans...this is what I used)

3/4 cup of crushed pretzels

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.

Combine flour, baking soda, and sea salt in small bowl and set aside

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixing bowl.

Add eggs, one at a time .

Gradually beat in flour mixture.

Stir in morsels, nuts and pretzels.

place by the spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for about 9 to 11 minutes.

Seriously...the best cookie recipe ever!!

you will love me forever!

I just want to say a quick thank you to Candice for having me today! Thanks girlie!

Hope y'all have a wonderful day!

xoxo

manda

5

Fresh Start

It's a new month, can you believe it??

We're full into spring, and I'm loving the newness that abounds everywhere I look. The lime green leaves on trees, flowers beginning to open, and the smell of the first orange blossoms from our tree, fragrantly dancing on the breeze. It's time for new beginnings, fresh starts and all around beauty. Hello new month, I'm ready for you!

I'd also like to introduce you all to my newest sponsor for this month, Amanda from For Love of A Cupcake.  

Not only is she one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet, she's also a talented jewelry designer, so you'll want to check out her darling Etsy shop, Chloe vs. Tank and since you're a wonderful reader of my blog, you get to use your special code: Teatime to get 15% off any purchase! Now that's starting the month off right! 

Happy Thursday and Happy March everyone!

-Candice

2

Glass Slippers: Carlie From The Duplechin Daily

Happy Teatime Thursday, everyone! I am Carlie (soon-to-be) Duplechin, and I blog over at The Duplechin Daily. Many thanks to the lovely Candice for letting me guest post today. Isn’t she wonderful? 

I want to share with y’all a song that once described a season in my life. It’s a time period I think we all go through – looking and searching for that special someone you were meant to be with. That significant other you wish you had in your life. Finding L-O-V-E.

And then realizing we just need to be patient and trust.

I remember getting The Civil Wars CD for Christmas last year, hearing this song, and getting thrown back to the forgotten, awkward years of junior high school. In the 8^th grade, I had made a list in my journal of the qualities I wanted in a future husband and prayed that we would find each other. Then I waited.

It’s amazing what patience and trust can do for us. We wait patiently and trust that everything will be all right.

Whether we are single, dating, or married, it’s good to reflect on the beautiful people we have in our lives…or the people who aren’t in it yet. Believe that all things work together for our good – not only in relationships, but in life as a whole!

It’s crazy how life can end up, but no need to worry. 

Cinderella didn’t worry about losing her glass slipper or the size of her foot

It just fit.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much Carlie for being here and sharing your heart on Teatime Thoughts! I'm so excited for the two of you! Make sure to keep up with Carlie on her blog as she prepares for her upcoming wedding! 

2

5 Things: February Sponsors

I mean it when I say I have some of the best sponsors in the whole world. These girls are beyond fun, have some rockin' blogs, and are basically the coolest people you'll meet. Say no more, right?
Check out their 5 facts, and I've turned off comments here, so you can go leave some love on their blogs! 

visit her BLOG

1. I am getting married on the 18th of this month!

2. I started my blog, The Duplechin Daily, just last month and have loved getting to make new friends in  the blogging world.

3. I'm a Texas girl and probably always will be at heart.

4. I love to sing, play guitar, and make music with my future hubby.

5. I believe in having a relationship with our creator and that all things are possible through Him.

visit her BLOG

1) I moved from Oklahoma to Washington, D.C. over two years ago to stifle my longing to live in this city, and one year later, I met my (now) husband. As much as we love the excitement of the nation's capital, we plan on moving back to Oklahoma one day, because high stress and non-stop traffic is soooo overrated.

2) My dream life is living in a cottage, not too far from town but also near an ocean, with my husband and currently non-existent two dogs and a few kids. It will have a big kitchen with lots of natural light, and a cozy room where I can drink coffee while reading and writing inspiring words. We would have lots of visitors and feed them tasty snacks, so as to not become completely self-absorbed in our reclusive lifestyle. Check back tomorrow for a completely different life-plan. It changes daily.

3) I love to travel. It's just really too bad full-time jobs often get in the way of that (you know, dreams).

4) My husband and I have a not-so-secret goal of becoming the favorite uncle and aunt of all my sibling's children. (Hi, Lydia, Sophia, and Alice!!)

5) I hate low-fat foods, butter substitutes (with the exception of coconut oil), and any unnatural substances I am supposed to believe is real food. I envy the diet of farmers.