Since I Said I Do [Guest Post]

Did you notice that we have giveaways on top of giveaways on top of giveaways over here this week? I love it. Speaking of things I love, I absolutely love this guest post from my amazing sponsor Brittany. 


Hello, hello! I'm Brittany and I blog over at Everyday Thoughts, a lifestyle blog about my life as a working mom, wannabe cook, quasi fashionista, book-reading, sports-loving, travel guru. I'd love for you to stop by and say hello but in the meantime, Raewyn has so graciously allowed me to take over Be A Warrior Queen for a day and I want to share some of my thoughts on weddings - since I said, "I Do."

There's the man standing anxiously waiting for his bride - cheeks flush and hands sweaty - It's the moment we've all been waiting for. The doors open and...

No matter who the bride is I go right back to my own wedding. Think cartoon dream sequence and that's essentially what is happening in my mind.

I'm at that point in my life where all my friends are either getting married or having babies (and I love it). And of course I adore each and every one of my friends who've walked down the aisle since my own wedding over three years ago, but here are some things I've learned about weddings since I said, "I Do."

• Your wedding brings up memories of my own. It was such a happy time. Plus, I'm still head-over-heals for my husband and when I see you in a beautiful white dress it just takes me back. That's not to say that I don't want to be at your wedding but I get a flood of memories about my own. Selfish - maybe, but it's truth and it brings me to point #2. 

• When you say your vows - I look at my husband. If either of us are standing in the wedding we lock eyes and almost reaffirm our vows without talking. 

• I'm here to party. The baby's at home and girl you've spent a lot of time and money on your wedding. I'm sure going to drink up enjoy your hard work. 

• I'm overly emotional. Blame it on the a-a-a-alcohol or the vows. Chances are I'll cry, laugh and be completely overcome with an unreasonable amount of emotions during the ceremony and reception. It's like a really bad case of PMS. 

• I appreciate your hard work. I've always enjoyed weddings but I just didn't have a full understanding or appreciation of how much planning goes into throwing the party of your life. Pinterest helps tremendously, but I know you're tired. I know you've been stressed for weeks, maybe months, getting every detail just right. And guess what? It all comes together on your special day and it's beautiful. 

• I look forward to weddings. I love getting the call that my friends are engaged. That they want to spend their lives together. I love the ceremonial part of the wedding when two people vow their hearts and minds to one another, forever. I love the party that follows. I love to pursue the pictures of the happy couple a week or two after the event. I love it all. Basically, I love love. 

Well that's all I have for today. Need another reason to check out Everyday Thoughts? Check this out. 

Be Blessed,

Brittany

Could I love this blog post any more?? 



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Living Alone [Guest Post]

Hi everyone! My name's Allison and Raewyn has been so generous to let me take over for the day while her and Iman are off doing all those gross things that almost newlyweds do! I'm actually not sure what she was thinking handing her little baby over to me.. I've proved to be a terrible blogger and extremely irresponsible, yet she still believes in me.

A little about myself.. I live in the sometimes beautiful capital of North Carolina. I sleep with a transformers blanket and my 8 pound Chihuahua / Yorkie mix every night. I read like its my job, and I can kick anyone's ass in Songpop. (If you are a music lover and haven't tried song pop, do it now!)

In December, I moved out of a house that I shared with my now ex-husband. That story is for another time but Raewyn and I thought it would be a good idea to share some insight on living by yourself. I honestly hope that ya'll can learn from my disaster of a living situation because I am convinced that I need a babysitter.

I am so terrible about turning off my straightener or turning off the oven.. on some occasions I have even left an eye on my stove on. How does that even happen? So I've started leaving little notes for myself everywhere. - I look like an old woman who can't remember where she left her dentures. There is a note by my door that says "Did you turn your straightener off?" I mean honestly how ridiculous.. I am 22 years old and I almost burn my house down 3 days a week. I guess its a good thing I've got renters insurance. Okay see, a mature adult wouldn't think that was funny. 

(a friend sent me this, and I am thinking about investing)

Also, don't forget to check your mail. This is weird for me because checking the mail seriously used to be my favorite thing about the day. Now, my mailman hates me because the box overflows. At one point I was actually amazed at how he got so much mail in there without the door flying off. Pure talent that mailman has, I tell you. 

I thought that living alone would mean having friends over all the time and having parties on the weekends. HA HA HA. Having a party would mean I would have to wake up the next day hungover and clean up after all those people. I know we just met but cleaning up beer cans after other people really isn't my thing. 

Also, someone tries to break in at least once a night, at least that's what I think every time I hear a noise while Roxy and I are snuggled in bed. I feel like it's quite pathetic at this point really. It doesn't help that my house is older than dirt so it makes all kinds of noises throughout the night. It's probably a good thing I don't own a gun because I'd look like 007 slowly working my way through the house with my back against the wall. 

(see, even Roxy gets scared. She hides between the pillows.)

I've also been told on several occasions that it's not all that smart to leave your keys in the door. I guess I just get carried away and shut the door without taking my keys out of the lock. Thank god I've had a friend coming over all those times or else someone might have stolen my 19 inch TV.  What a tragedy. 

As much as I joke about it, because me living by myself is actually a joke.. I really love living by myself. It may make me a little but of a loner but I'm okay with that. Let's just all pray that I don't burn the house down before I find a roommate! 

Thanks for taking the time to continue reading after you discovered that Raewyn had turned her blog over to me for the day! If you wish to follow me on this never ending journey come visit me at FORGET THE TIME and follow me on TWITTER! I promise to teach you some life lessons. (as if you should be learning life lessons from me.)

________________

Isn't she just hilarious?


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Guest Post: Rolo Stuffed Crackers

Today I've got a little treat for you all - a guest post recipe!

Even though she's Canadian, Melissa's blog, Dreams and Colour, has international appeal; from favorite recipes to her daily adventures, there's something for everyone. Addicted to her Kindle and in a love/sometimes-not-love-so-much-but-still-a-die-hard-fan relationship with the New York Rangers, Melissa can be found raising money for non-profits, advocating for persons with Alzheimer's disease and their care partners, and being active with Brock University Alumni; among many, many other activities. Melissa constantly finds new projects to take on, thus eliminating any chance of spare time. No matter what she's doing, Melissa is always laughing and leading a life full of Dreams and Colour.

Yum! 

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am busy. I am busy with work, side projects, blogging, volunteering, socializing...I am just busy! I always have a lot on the go, but I can't complain...I love my life! Being busy means that I am not a domestic goddess. I do not have time to craft, DIY, decorate or cook. 

So, in my spare time...well not spare time because I don't have any but I am interested in getting some...I was always on the lookout for something easy, quick and delicious to make. Everyone needs to have a pot luck specialty and an easy 'treat' to pull together when unexpected guests show up. 

I'm more than happy to share with Raewyn's reader's my impress-people-with-my-domestic-skills-recipe, Rolo Stuffed Crackers!!

You will need:

• Rolos
• Ritz Crackers

 I couldn't find regular sized Rolo so I used Mini Rolo.

Place crackers on a cookie sheet, top with Rolo (because they were Mini, I used two per cracker) and bake at 350 until chocolate is melted. I baked them for about 5 minutes. The chocolate won't be melted, but will be soft enough that when you press the second cracker down, the Rolo will get squished. I've actually made this even simpler and have used the microwave (heat for 20 seconds) to melt the chocolate.

Top with a second cracker, let cool and enjoy.

That's it! How easy is that?!?!? I can't tell you how many times I've made these, but every time I get tons of compliments! Even busy girls can be (fake) domestic goddesses! 

Thanks Raewyn for letting me guest post. You can find me at my blog Dreams and Colour.

Oh my, my these look so delicious and easy! I love whenever someone gives me an easy recipe because I'm usually on the go, too! I'm definitely adding this one to my go-to recipes! Thanks for sharing, Melissa!!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. For every e-book purchased I will receive commission. 

 Creating a Beautiful Little Christmas.

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Just Jacq Guest Post: Blue Fashion

Today I've got a different post for you - a guest post! Also, the very first fashionable post to grace this blog. I don't write too many any because I am not fashionable. Didn't you read about how one of my goals is to accessorize and the works every day for a month? Luckily, I've got people like Jacquelyn who can give me affordable, easy and beautiful fashion advice. Enjoy!

-----

Hi everyone! I'm Jacquelyn from justjacq where you can find me writing about all kinds of topics. One of the topics I write about is fashion where I post outfits and include links only to affordable, reasonable items from stores that I would actually shop in and that meet my budget. Every single piece in the outfit I'm wearing today was under $20. When my Grandmom was visiting recently she asked if I liked to wear a lot of blue. I kind of scoffed and said no. In the weeks since I realized I do actually wear a lot of blue. Sorry, Grandmom.



This cardigan and dress were both bought on sale from Target. Ever since I began really cutting down on my spending I refuse to buy anything full price at Target. not when things go on sale so often!



 I was wondering how I'd be able to continue wearing this dress as the weather cools down. Throwing on a cardigan is a perfect option. Later I'll add some tights and boots!



So back to the blue. One of my favorite looks is to wear multiple pieces in varieties of the same color. Adding my new bubble necklace from Bauble Bar is the perfect addition to the mint cardigan and flats from Old Navy I already owned.


 

What color have you been wearing a lot of lately? You can see more of my blue outfits here, here, here, and here! Be sure to come visit me! Blog, Bloglovin’, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.



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Why I Began to Blog

First and foremost, I wanted to say you guys better go check out my totally awesome guest blog at Rainbows & Honeysuckles! And if you're not already following Chloe's blog, GO DO IT! Her son is the cutest and her posts are always entertaining and informative :)

Today I wanted to post about why I started blogging. I began blogging when I was a kid, not really understanding the blogging world, but then again, my generation is the one that began the blogging world. It was a time of Livejournal and Xanga, before Facebook and, even, Myspace. There was no Tumblr to scroll through and reblog. There were words, and the ability for me to express my feelings easier than in my journal. There was anonymity. I wasn't Raewyn, but duckroxinmysox.

Sorry if my profanity offends! :P

I was one of the alternative kids. Just mainstream enough, but I was a geek, I liked punk rock music and I loved to write. I was in journalism and my friends were of the same label as me - perhaps a little more alternative and cool. Someone got a Xanga. I don't remember who started it. But I was always drawn to my computer anyway. My dad is a computer guy and I grew up knowing about computers. I wasn't allowed to have AIM, but I could have MSN because it was more protected. I wasn't allowed to have a Xanga.

Somehow - and I have no idea how this happened - I tricked my mom into letting me have a Xanga. Maybe she didn't realize what I was asking for, but since my parents were firm on staying true to your word, I was allowed to keep it - with monitoring.

There, I did surveys, posted about my daily life, ramblings, etc. It was like Myspace before Myspace.

Then, one year for my birthday my dad bought me my own domain. www.raewynsmith.com. I wish I still had it. I started a WordPress, where I was trying to be more professional and write mini articles. That did not last long at all. I sat on the website for awhile, but he got tired of paying for it and me not blogging. In my defense, I was 2nd in command at the newspaper, taking IB classes and attempting to work...

I got to a period in my life where I was writing too much for journalism that I stopped blogging for awhile. Leave it to my daddy to motivate me to start my Warrior Queen blog. He'd been bugging me since I graduated high school to start the magazine, but I wanted a real journalism degree first. The blog was our compromise, and also an emotional outlet.

In 2009 and 2010 I spent a lot of time on an emotional rollercoaster with an ex. It was great fodder for blog posts about being a strong woman! I go through phases of writing more and less, depending on my motivation until recently.

Recently, I tried to get back into the blogging world. Through that I found some awesome bloggers that I follow and somehow I stumbled upon the Carabox Exchange at Wifessionals. I would have to say that this was the deciding factor in motivating me to write more regularly. I felt like I was finally creating a community and becoming friends who I couldn't let down.

I used to struggle with finding a reason to write. I didn't think anyone was reading it, and my friends, who I love and adore, tried to write my guest posts but we were in school and we were busy. Now, I feel as though I am part of the community I always wanted. This came as a result of changing my blog to be less "magazine" like and more personal. I'm okay with that. It still stands for the movement I want to start and I always welcome guest posts on the topic. My future goal IS to grow it into the magazine still.

After all, that's why this all began...

Happy Tuesday!

Heck yes! Looking for Guest Bloggers

This isn't a super post per se, besides to mention how incredibly busy I am with work today! Heck yes, I happen to be working 8-5, rushing over in So Cal traffic to my second job at 5:45 to close the dining room.

Heck yes, I'm reliving the old days when I did this on the reg.

Heck yes, I'm looking for guest bloggers to join me in writing and maybe even swap guest blogs. I put it  on Passionfruit, but let's be real: I'm always down to work something out. A swap of guest blogs, a shout out, etc, I just like to share YOU guys.

Heck yes, When I started WQ I was looking for a community of posters and magazine writers sooo guest blogging is perfect-o.

Heck yes, this post doesn't make much sense.

LET'S MAKE GUEST BLOG BABIES.

For the record, Guest blogs will post on Thursdays :)



P.s. Clearly, I need sleep.