I'm Late to the Party

For months now, I've been seeing all of you post these gorgeous photos from your daily life on Instagram. Not only sharing your photos, but also connecting in a new way with your readers and other bloggers and shop owners. To be honest, I've been pretty darn jealous.

You see, I do NOT own a smartphone. Yep, I'll let you pick your jaw off the floor. The thing is, before blogging I never really had a need for a smartphone. Something that my clumsy self would likely drop and shatter or misplace. Besides, I had my phone for calling and texting and then my iPod touch to check my e-mails while at home or on campus. However, Instagram, Twitter, and so many other apps wouldn't download because my iPod (much like my cell phone) is ancient and outdated.

Which is why I was beyond excited to make a trip up to the Apple Store last week and put my Christmas money towards a new iPod touch. So I'm a little late to the party but...I've officially joined Instagram!!

I've only been on for about a week, but I think I'm in love with it. There's just something really neat about seeing what my fave bloggers are doing when they're not blogging. Think of it as a way to check in on me and see what I'm up to. Your chance to get to know the real ME.

Speaking of getting to know people...Turns out another one of my good friends, Leslie from Simply Sleek, and this month's Ultimate sponsor, also recently joined Instagram. {Keep reading to find out how this relates!}

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I'm Leslie, shop owner of Simply Sleek. Here's a little bit about me...

My shop began out of an aspiration to create jewelry from things that I love. Working with my hands since I can remember has always brought me a sense of accomplishment. I have always been creative dabbling in sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting and photography, but my passion is jewelry. I love the way a favorite piece of jewelry can just brighten up any day; not because it matches anything you are wearing but simply because you love it.

 
In my late teens I became a self-taught handcrafted jeweler. I was inspired by a family friend. My mother MADE me go to a jewelry party at an Aunt's house with her. Boy, I really did not want to go but she was the boss. So, there I was in a chair...a sad bored teenager, as she and her friends "Ooo and Ahh'd" over her friend's handcrafted jewelry. When I finally stopped pouting, and looked around the jewelry was actually very pretty. From that moment on I was hooked. I started asking my Mom's friend question after question; little did she know she had just opened a door for me. Years later Simply Sleek opened shop, the first day of 2011 to be exact. But, I can really say now I appreciated that "light bulb moment".

Simply Sleek on Etsy // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

Go give Leslie some love on any of the above and tell her Framed Frosting sent you!

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Isn't she just great? What an amazing story! It just goes to show you that inspiration can come from anywhere and sometimes, really amazing things happen because of it!

Now when I said "party" up above, I meant it! Today we're teaming up to bring you all an Instagram ONLY giveaway!! I know you all love prizes...I mean who doesn't? 

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.
Winner: #11 -- @gloriouswithin

Pssst: If you leave a comment on Leslie's Facebook page or Twitter and tell her that Framed Frosting sent you, it will earn you extra entries! 

{This month's advertisement}