#photoadayMAY: Part Two

I showcased my first half of the Photo a Day Challenge pictures in my blog post here. Now I'm coming back to share my second half with all of you! This challenge has been so much fun, although I missed quite a few days in this half. My life has been pretty crazy busy lately!

But I'm definitely going to be doing the #photoadayJUNE so stay tuned!

Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks. His books are so good & tear jerkers too!

 homemade Beer Bread from Tastefully Simple! Except I make mine with Sierra Mist.

My tie dye t-shirt! Isn't this awesome? I love the colors!

DAY 19: A Favorite Place {no picture}

 my laptop & some yummy chocolate!

  at the pool for lifeguard training of course. NO RUNNING! NO RUNNING!

 my favorite necklace lately. I got it at Ann Taylor factory for $6! Can you believe that?

 I seriously don't know what I did before Passionfruitads besides lose my mind

my new stack. Black bracelet is from BaubleBar and others are Charming Charlie

DAY 25: Unusal {no picture}

DAY 26: 12 o'clock {no picture}

handpicked blackberries from the garden. Can't wait to make some smoothies!

DAY 28: The Weather Today {no picture}

7. The number of goodies from Tookies I'll be devouring within the next week or so! 

SAVE 28% off your order when you use code: "LOVEMYMILITARY28" (ENDS TODAY)

{And if you mention I sent ya, she'll include 1/2 dozen of marshmallows for FREE!}

Just plain ol' goofy. Like this picture where I'm jealous of how big Q's closet is!

 My new Lisa Leonard necklace that I love so much!

{follow me on Twitter to stay updated with 
my #photoaday challenges. I can't wait for June!}

{This month's advertisement}

Current Crush: Classy Neutrals

Last week's Current Crush Thursday was a huge success! 39 fabulous ladies linked up and shared what they had been "crushing" on for the week. Let's see if we can set a new record this week and get even more ladies linked up! {If you're interested in being a future co-host, e-mail me!}

Follow your host:

Danielle from Framed Frosting

This week's co-hosts are:

Chelsea from Yours Truly

Emily from Designs by Emily F.

The Rules

1. Follow your hosts

{They are the first 3 in the Linky and they WILL return the favor.}

2. Say Hi to at least 3 new people

{Or more! Introduce yourself... Its a great way to make new friends!}

3. Spread the word!

{The more the merrier! Grab a button and add it to your blog, 

Also, feel free to Tweet or Facebook about the link up.}

<a href="http://www.framedfrosting.com/search/label/current%20crush" target="_blank"><img alt="Current Crush Thursdays" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/6960234856_6b71c8a505_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Current Crush Thursdays"/></a>

My current crush this week has been neutrals. I LOVE wearing neutrals in the winter, but I love them even more so in the summer. They are so classy, but versatile so you can pair them with neon or floral in the summer for that extra punch!

{This month's advertisement}
 

Secret Blogger Swap: The BIG Reveal

Earlier in the month, I announced that I was coordinating a Secret Blogger Swap. When I first launched the idea, I only expected about 30 bloggers to sign up. So you can imagine that I was blown away when 90+ fabulous ladies signed up to participate! This swap was so successful and I'm definitely planning on doing another one soon, so stay tuned.

For the Secret Blogger swap, everyone who signed up was given a person's name of who they would be sending their package too. They were also provided with that blogger's URL and five of their favorite things to get to know them better. Each blogger was also assigned someone who would be sending a package to them, but this part was meant to be a secret.

The purpose of this swap was to have fun and meet some new bloggers. Speaking from my own perspective, I read about 40 blogs each and every day. Then there are the other 60 some blogs that I have signed up in my GFC or Bloglovin feed that I read throughout the week.

Even though I read about 100 blogs per week, I'm always looking for some new ones. I love meeting new bloggers, especially those in your own blogging "niche" which is why I thought this swap was such a great idea.


Now for the fun part...

Today is the BIG reveal! So go ahead and link up your posts below on what you received in your package. Feel free to include that person's blog URL, pictures of your package, who you sent to, etc. The possibilities are endless. I just hope you all had fun doing this!

If you'd like to be a part of the next Secret Blogger Swap, be sure to sign up for the e-mail list HERE. I'll be sending out more details later on!

More Sponsor Changes

At the beginning of the month, I introduced some new sponsor changes that were taking place. I introduced the new Welcome Wednesday posts and the Ultimate ad space which have both gone over really well with bloggers and shops alike! Now that May is almost over, I thought I'd talk a little bit more about some other changes coming up soon.

First off...the BOGO promo (click for details) has so far been a huge success and I've met so many new blogs and shops because of it. I'm telling you, I've got some really fabulous sponsors in the upcoming months that you are going to love!

You'll also notice on my sponsor page that advertising rates have gone up! Earlier I mentioned that rates wouldn't be raised until July and that's still the case. But since all my spots for June are full, even if you purchase an ad now it won't go up until July or later for the more popular spots.

This was the best way I could think of to even the playing field for everyone. It wouldn't be fair for someone to purchase the XL ad space at the June rate now and then a different person purchase that same spot in the end of June and pay a higher price. So the prices posted are effective immediately.

The "perks" of each ad space have changed a little bit too so be sure to read what your ad space includes before you purchase. Just be sure you choose an ad space that is right for you and be sure to know what you will and will not get out of it. For example, starting in July the Medium ad space will become a sidebar only ad with the option to participate in the group giveaway. But it will no longer be included in the Welcome Wednesday posts or have social media mentions.

Also starting in June, there will no longer be the monthly sponsor post at the end of the month. When I introduced the Welcome Wednesday posts, the idea was for those to replace the monthly round ups.

Last, but certainly not least...

If you have been a sponsor of Framed Frosting in the past I would LOVE to have you back for another month! I love promoting each and every one of you but I tend to have a soft spot for my recurring sponsors. So feel free to send me an e-mail and I can get you set up with a promo code!

  
{This month's advertisement}

Sponsor Love: May

May has been a fabulous month here at Framed Frosting! In just a few short weeks the blog has grown by 100+ followers. I really can't ever say thank you enough to all of you who stop by and read my posts. The comments you leave, the tweets I receive, and the e-mails that I'm a little behind on. I hope you all know that I appreciate each and everyone of you.

I also appreciate my Sponsors who support me each month. For some of them, it's their first month here on the blog. While for others, they have been with me the past couple months and seen the blog grow. I am thankful for each and every one of them, because this blog would not be functioning with them. To me, they are more than sponsors. They're not just buying ad space and hosting giveaways, but we're building relationships and I love that. Without further ado, check these ladies out!

The fabulous Amy {soon to be Mrs. Smith} is a nursing student who is currently planning her wedding and sharing it with all of her fabulous readers over at The Charming.

Laura from Our Reflection is absolutely fabulous! She blogs about her faith, parenting, photography, and hosts the oh so famous Meet & Tweet Twitter Hop every Thursday. Be sure to join in this week!

Lauren from Enjoying the Journey is a blogger and owner of a fabulous Etsy shop, Enjoying the Journey TX, which can be seen here.  She likes to blog about interior design, jewelry, her small town life, and more!

• Shabby Apple -- amazing dresses, jewelry, and accessories for women
• A bright colored shop offering a variety of delectable sweets from Tookies 
• Red Letter Paper Co -- offers many unique cards and other stationery items
•  Jessa blogs about all things vintage and her Etsy shop too at Caked Vintage

• Passionfruit -- an easy way for bloggers to buy and sell their ads in one place
• Brittany blogs about her life and loving Jesus over at Three Years Down
• Visual Eyes Cosmetics -- your place to shop for all vegan beauty products
• Chelsea blogs about fashion and her love for design at Yours Truly

• Devon shares with you her mommy adventures over at The Jack Chronicles
• Jess is More -- a blog about a twenty-something's mission to get more out of life
• A blog about marriage, DIY projects, and recipes at Whatever is Lovely & Noble
• Craftobtic -- the sweet Rosie shares her teaching life and craft projects here
• Melissa blogs about fashion and is currently celebrating her bday at Sigh Gush Gasp
• From City Corporate to Suburb Mama -- sharing her life as a homeschooling mom
• Helen shares some fabulous and healthy recipes over at Eat Enjoy Live
• Ornave -- organic and natural bath products {bath bomb review coming soon!}
• Jaimee talks all about beauty, fashion, and life over at Inspired Beauty

Whether they are an absolute favorite of yours or a new discovery, go on and say hello to some of these blogs and shops!

{Just an FYI to sponsors: Welcome Wednesdays will be replacing these posts in 

June and these wrap-up posts at the end of the month will be no longer. }

{This month's advertisement}

Meet Lauren from Enjoying the Journey

Hello Framed Frosting Readers! It has been such a joy to be a sponsor this month!  Danielle’s blog is so much fun and I enjoy reading it just as much as all of you, her lovely readers!

I’m Lauren and I blog over at Enjoying the Journey and my Etsy shop is Enjoying the JourneyTX. By day I am a practicing interior designer and by night I design every other aspect of life. I love creating new things, designing new things, and most of all sharing these things with the people I love. My blog and Etsy shop are an outlet for me to share my designs outside of the corporate world.

You will find posts on all kinds of topics on my blog such as: 

-Interior design (I am constantly in search of the perfect room)

-Jewelry (From Etsy and other beautiful items I am currently oohing and ahhing over)

-Small town life (I may work in the city, but my life is in my small town)

-Family (They are my world and my all)

-My Faith (For who would I be without my Lord and Savior)

My shop is a labor of love and such a joy to have.  I have always enjoyed making jewelry and crafting, and the shop is a way for me to share my creations with others outside of my small town.  I enjoy using wire, hemp, glass beads and the occasional pearl.  Everything in my shop is something that not only would I wear, but something that I would share with my friends and family.  And hopefully you!

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out my links 

below to see how I’m ‘Enjoying the Journey!’

Blog | Shop | Pinterest

{This month's advertisement}

Meet Laura from Our Reflection

Today I have the pleasure of introducing Laura from Our Reflection. This girl does it all. She works a full-time job, is a mother to two gorgeous daughter, and is a fabulous photographer. And she finds time to blog on top of that! Absolutely amazing. She is amazing.

Without further ado, Laura is here to share a little bit more about herself.

A little about me. I’m a full-time working mom of two amazing daughters and an admirable, encouraging husband who are my life. I am, regrettably, a bit addicted to social media. I have a constant connection with Facebook and Twitter wherever I am. I love Starbucks, the colors pink and yellow, mountain biking, and listening to the piano. 

When I’m not working my 8-5 or being “mommy”, I’m a lifestyle photographer based out of Monterey, California. In my mind, I am ALWAYS thinking about photography. It never ends. My brain takes snapshots everywhere I go. You can check out some of my work here!

Describe your parenting style in one word:

Devoted

The phrase you use most often at home:

When life gets to hard to stand, kneel.

What's ALWAYS in your fridge:

Hazelnut Coffee Creamer {never without}

The last meal you made for your family:

Lemon herb chicken, scalloped potatoes, and green beans.

The trait you hope your kiddos don't inherit:

My tongue. Something I'm working so hard at correcting, but I need to learn to be slow to speak and quick to listen instead of vice versa.

Your guilty pleasure:

Starbucks Grande Non-Fat Peppermint Mocha with Whip {it can make any day a better day}

Song you are currently singing out loud and in your head:

Chris Tomlin - And if our God is for us...

I told you Laura was amazing! She has also offered to do a giveaway for you fabulous people. One lucky reader will win this Pro-Weave Beachcomber Bag! (And yellow happens to be her favorite color!)

This giveaway is open internationally. 
However, the winner will be responsible for shipping costs if not in the US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway











{This month's advertisement}

Current Crush: Fun and Flirty

Today's Current Crush Thursday is going to be a little different than normal. This fabulous Linky party is now open to co-hosts each week! So go check out these ladies and share your post below! {If you're interested in being a future co-host, please send me an e-mail.}

Follow your host:

Danielle from Framed Frosting

This week's co-hosts are:

Devon from The Jack Chronicles

Katlyn from The Dreamy Meadow

The Rules

1. Follow your hosts

{They are the first 3 in the Linky and they WILL return the favor.}

2. Say Hi to at least 3 new people

{Or more! Introduce yourself... Its a great way to make new friends!}

3. Spread the word!

{The more the merrier! Grab a button and add it to your blog, 

Also, feel free to Tweet or Facebook about the link up.}

<a href="http://www.framedfrosting.com/search/label/current%20crush" target="_blank"><img alt="Current Crush Thursdays" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/6960234856_6b71c8a505_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Current Crush Thursdays"/></a>

This week the weather here has been heating up. I am no longer getting away with wearing jeans, and barely getting by with capris. So this week I've been crushing on some gorgeous skirts and dresses. All of these would be so fun and perfect for everyday.

Now if there was only a way they could all be added to my closet pronto...

{This month's advertisement}

Welcome Wednesday: May 23rd

Last week, you got to meet half of my May sponsors and they were absolutely fabulous! Now today, let's say hello to the other half with another "Welcome Wednesday" feature! Be sure to check out their blogs and shops and leave them some comment love.

Psst: Today I'm at Our Reflection giving away $15 gift card to Starbucks! 
You can also find me featured here too.

Rosie from Craftbotics

Hellocotton // Twitter // Pinterest

About Me: My blog, Craftbotic, is now two months old (and a bit) and a place where people can meet over craft, random musings and friendly blogger projects, like blog angels and a book club. I am just starting a journey into my thirties, teach English, love tea and anything cultural, creative and chatting.

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
It's a pale orange (apricot) nail polish. It doesn't chip easily...and dries quickly.
I bought it in Germany and can't see a brand...sorry.

Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer? 
 It's got to be the tribal patterns...although pastels are a close second.

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging? 
Meeting awesome people and being inspired by other blogs to be a better version of me.

Jessa from Caked Vintage

Instagram // Twitter // Facebook

About Me: I am Jessa and I am the owner/operator of the Caked Vintage Shop. I am a vintage collecting, nature loving, all around quirky girl and my blog is my journal of my wonderful adventures in The Thousand Acre Woods.

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
Ulta Blush in Afternoon Delight

Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer?
Cut off denim

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging?
Meeting so many amazing people from all over the world

Glossip Family from Tookies

Blog // Twitter // Facebook

About Me: We are the creators of delectable cookie-wiches, jar cakes & gourmet marshmallows-- Handmade. In America. Gourmet Delectables. We love, love, LOVE to bake & create! It is our passion! It is our hearts desire, to watch others consume and enjoy! We have created the very best jar cakes, cookie-wiches and gourmet marshmallows in America and desire to share them with you.
Everything from the wraps we use to wrap our divine delectables, to our uniquely flavored gourmet marshmallows, to our moist family cake/cookie recipes is handmade in very small batches.

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
Definitely the body polish from Babylon Soap Co.

Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer? 
I'm not really a 'trendy' type ....

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging?
That I wish I could blog MORE!

Devon from The Jack Chronicles

Bloglovin // Twitter // Instagram

About Me: I started The Jack Chronicles to document the life of my newborn son, and it's since evolved into a creative outlet for me to share and connect with other fantastic bloggers. You'll read all about my musings on motherhood, life on the sunny California coast, home cooking, travel, style, and more!

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in "Brunette."

 Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer? 
 A punch of color such as bright coral

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging? 
 Sharing my thoughts and getting such positive feedback and support.

Stephanie from Red Letter Paper Co

Blog // Twitter // Facebook

About Me: Red Letter Paper Company was born from the fact that my husband and I always struggled at Christmas to find cards that honored Christ's birth while at the same time being ... cool. In August 2010, I started RLPCo, designing Christian cards with a modern edge. It expanded quickly past Christmas into cards for lots of occasions, and art prints, too. Basing the business on 1 Corinthians 10:31, creating cards has allowed me to share my faith and provide a service for others who also wanted a little less glitter and a little more faith.

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
DevaCurl AnGEL

Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer? 
Maxi dresses.

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging? 
 Meeting new friends!

{This month's advertisement}

May Birchbox: Why I Cancelled

As many of you know, I've been doing Birchbox reviews on the blog since last August. However, you may have noticed I haven't done a review since February's box and thought I'd share my reasons why.

First off, my March and April Birchboxes were absolutely terrible. When I signed up for Birchbox, I expected to get samples of high-end beauty products. Instead, I ended up getting a ton of perfume samples and weird extras like vitamin C drink mixes and other non-beauty products.

For March, I opted in to receive the Teen Vogue box. The box included a full size Essie polish (which I adore) and a twistband but those were really the only items I enjoyed. I was disappointed in the Tarte lipstain because of it's bright pink color which did in no way go with my skin tone. I really wish they would consider your beauty profile (skin tone, eye color, etc.) when shipping samples in various colors.

But overall, the box was worth the $10 because of the Essie polish alone.

Then my April box arrived and it was the worst box I had ever received. In fact, I did not even open the box to take pictures. Instead, I sold the box on eBay because I was that unhappy with it. The samples included were ones I would never use and I just felt like it was a complete waste of $10.

At the end of April, I decided that May would be my last month with Birchbox no matter what. I wanted to stick around for the Gossip Girl box, but after that I was done for good.

Well, last week my May box arrived and I am happy with the decision I made. For a limited edition box, I was pretty disappointed in the samples. This box will also be going up on eBay in the hopes that someone else will enjoy it more than me!

One thing I did really love about Birchbox though was their point systems. I have yet to come across another beauty subscription service with the same type of loyalty program for their customers.

In March, I started saving up my points in anticipation of maybe cancelling my box. I wanted to be able to cash in my points for a big ticket item like the Tocca Stella perfume, rather than just having a few dollars off a purchase.

So this is the end of my Birchbox reviews. As a college student with a limited budget, I just don't see a point in spending $10 a month on a box I won't enjoy. What is your experience with Birchbox?

{This month's advertisement}

Calling for June Sponsors

It's time again to make a sponsor call. I can't believe how fast May has gone by and June is right around the corner. This past month has been amazing growth wise! The blog has gained more than 150+ new followers and all of my social media sites have grown in size too.

So what more of a perfect time to sponsor Framed Frosting than in June?

Also, ad prices will be going up as of July 1st, so this is your 
LAST CHANCE at these awesome and low rates!!

Stats as of 5/20/2012:

439 GFC Followers

222 Facebook Likes

433 Twitter followers

335 Pinterest followers

126 followers via Bloglovin
 Pageviews last month: 8,901

I'm celebrating the end of my freshman year with a BOGO promo! Use code: JUNEBOGO to receive TWO months of ad space for the price of ONE. Just be sure to choose "Quantity: 2" at checkout. (excludes Ultimate Ad)
{offer ends Thursday, May 31st}

If you'd like to sponsor Framed Frosting, please head on over to my Sponsor page and submit your ad now. Some spots are going quickly so be sure to grab yours before it's gone!
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions you might have.

Last month I introduced the Ultimate Ad, which can be seen below. Your ad is placed at the bottom of EVERY. SINGLE. BLOG. POST. (excluding giveaways & product reviews)
BOOKED UNTIL AUGUST!

{This month's advertisement}

Reaching Some Milestones

I have some exciting news to share with you all! This week as the 300 Follower Giveaway was going on, the blog actually exceeded 400 followers! It's so exciting to see the blog grow more and more each day! Then to top it all off...my Twitter page exceeded 400 followers, the FB page exceeded 200, and Bloglovin exceeded 100! Absolutely amazing, right?

This has been a FABULOUS week and it's all because of you. Yes, YOU! Thank you all SO much for your love and support. It means the world to me!

Now let's move on to the really good stuff. The Winners of the 300 Followers Giveaway...

This amazing Blogging Pro Prize Pack goes to...

 Brittany from Three Years Down

The Beauty Guru Prize Pack goes to...

Breanna from My Beautiful Crazy Life

The Fashionista Prize Pack goes to...

Kate from A Creative Cookie

and the Home Decorator Prize Pack goes to...

 Rachel from Through a Camera's Eye

Thank you all for entering and a BIG thank you to all the sponsors who donated and made this fabulous giveaway possible. As for you four lucky ladies, I'll be e-mailing you later today with more information! Again, congratulations!!

Also, ad spaces for June are already filling up quickly so be sure to head on over to my Sponsor page and grab yours now!

{This month's advertisement}

Friday's Fancies: Chambray Love

It's been a few months now (see here) since I last linked up for Friday's Fancies, but when I heard about today's theme I just couldn't resist. I love everything about chambray -- the color, the material, and I especially love chambray button downs. They are such a classic piece!

Shirt // Shorts // Watch // Heels (not available) // Nail Polish // Earrings // Necklace

Psst: If you're interested in participating in Friday's Fancies, head on over to Long Distance Loving to sign up and receive her weekly e-mails. This way you'll know the themes in advance and have plenty of time to create your own inspiration board.

{This month's advertisement}

Welcome Wednesday: May 16th

A few weeks in this post, I mentioned there were some upcoming sponsor changes. The first of those was to start introducing my sponsors earlier in the month with a group intro. post. 

Let's say hello to our first "Welcome Wednesday" sponsors!

Be sure to check out their blogs and shops and leave them some comment love.

Laura from Our Reflection

Photography Blog // Twitter // Facebook

About Me: I'm a full-time working mom of two beautiful daughters, a wife to an amazing encouraging husband. When I’m not working my 8-5 or being “mommy”, I’m a lifestyle photographer. I'm regrettable a bit addicted to social media. I have a constant connection with Facebook and Twitter. I heart Starbucks. I love the colors pink and yellow. I have a passion about mountain biking and I would LOVE to learn how to play the piano {on my bucket list}.

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
St Ives Apricot Scrub

Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer? 
 Peacock colored hair highlighs

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging? 
Meeting other faith bloggers.

Amee from Visual Eye Cosmetics

Blog // Twitter // Facebook

About Me: I am a very simple person. I am a stay at home mom and wife. I started Visual Eyes Cosmetics after my hobby went wild. I love the challenge of putting organic ingredients together to create something healthy for my customers.

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
Shea Butter Wrinkle Cream

Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer?
Sundresses. I can't wait for warm weather so I can pull them out of the closet.

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging?
I just started blogging, so I would say having someone leave a comment.

Jess from Jess Is More

Pinterest // Twitter // Facebook

About Me: Hi there! I'm Jess and I blog over at Jess Is More. I am the future wife to Jeremiah, momma to 3 fuzz balls, and a domestic diva in training. My blog follows my mission to do more and get the most out of life -- only after I've had my coffee.

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
e.l.f. Tinted Moisturizer

Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer? 
 I am loving that yellow is everywhere and I have stocked up on tailored shorts!

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging?
Having a place to document all of life's happenings -- it goes by too fast.
But I love making bloggy friends just as much!

Amy from The Charming

Bloglovin // Twitter // Hellocotton

About Me: My blog is about life and love. It may be able my love of a color one day, my love of a delicious recipe the next day, and then by the weekend it may be about my love for a new city or project. I believe that the world is a blank page for us to write our story on.

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
Tinted moisturizer with SPF -- perfect for on the go!

 Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer? 
 Bright, summer-colored accessories: yellows, greens, oranges, pinks.

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging? 
 The people! I love meeting new people and learning about their stories!

Lauren from Enjoying the Journey

Blog // Pinterest // Facebook

About Me: By day I am an interior designer, and by night I design every other aspect of life. I love creating new things, designing new things, and most of all sharing these things with the people I love. My blog and Etsy shop are an outlet for me to express my designs outside of the corporate world.

Favorite Beauty Product at the Moment?
Revlon Lip Butter- Pink Truffle

Favorite Fashion Trend for the Summer? 
 High- Low Hem Skirts

What's Your Favorite Thing About Blogging? 
 The freedom it gives me to explore, design and create!

{This month's advertisement}