Festival of the Arts: 2014

Every year since I was a freshman in High School the Festival of the Arts has been one of my favorite things to do. It started with a passion for food and getting out school with my friends, and by the time I was 20 the thrill of being inspired by the many types of art displayed with like minded friends was what I looked forward to. Then, when T & I started dating it became a tradition of ours to go. I actually remember one year, he was working downtown where the festival is held, and we thought he wouldn't be able to go- so I went for him and walked the several blocks to share my festival food with him. We've gone every year together until this year. Two years ago I was 8 months pregnant and still waddled through the art determined to get my strawberry newport. Last year was Fern's first festival of the arts. Somewhere in the last couple of years it became less about the art (it's always about the food) and more about the tradition of going.

Tristan didn't make it with us this year due to our conflicting schedules and to be honest- we didn't plan very well for it this year. It sort of snuck up on us. So we actually met up during the day with an old High School friend of mine who has a daughter near Fern's age. We didn't even eat anything this year, we just chased the girls around, but my goodness. It was nice to be out at an event, watching those girls play together. They were so sweet. And even though we could've stuck our toes in the dirt anywhere, I'm glad I got to say we went to the Festival of the Arts, yet again. I do look forward to next year and the next, and hopefully one year we'll go and Fern will be just as inspired by the art as I once was, and equally as drawn to the tradition. As for now, I'm really craving Strawberry Newport.

Weekend Summary

This weekend was INSANE. I feel like before the weekend I was struggling to find things to post about, and now! geez louise! Here are a few highlights from the weekend that you can look forward to hearing more about:

photos from Instagram

+ Fern's 2 year photo shoot with Hibben Photography

+ Tristan and I have started working for Lyft

+ Offensive happenings leading to a post (in the works) on standing up for what's right : Cultural Appropriation 

+ New Aps I've been using

+ A summary of our Festival of the Arts experience this year and previous years. 

Things you'll want to check out:
Quentin & Scout just launched their new website. holy heart eyes.
Oak & Oats Link up
(locals) Mom's day happy hour at Collected Thread
Hibben Photography's new vintage camper turned photo booth: Canned Ham Photos
The Lost Ogle's humorous (yet totally accurate) views on similarly based offensive happenings.
Anniversary Giveaway ends tomorrow!


**edit**
GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED!
Congratulatlions Ginger Gisi! You won the loot! I'll be emailing you this week for your info. <3
Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaways this month. I hope you continue to follow along, as I've got a giveaway per month booked for the rest of the year! I love giving stuff away to you guys.

Ruts, slumps, and finding your way out.

Let's get real here for a minute. I hope you don't mind. I want to talk about what a hard thing it is to be completely real when you're trying to create a social media presence. For me, this blog is a happy place. I never want it to become a place of complaining, or sad times. But in real life we have ruts and slumps. Sometimes the sun just doesn't shine as bright. That's a universal truth to everybody's life. So how do you be real without totally bumming out your readers? Because being real is a big thing for me on the blog too. I don't ever want you to think that my life is perfect, or that my child is perfect, or that I'm a rockstar parent- because I am not, she is not, it is not.

I decided that maybe the best way to confront this issue on the blog, is to not complain in the dark phase, but talk about the light once you've found it. To say, hey! moms! Last week, when you didn't want to get out of bed to fix breakfast, and you sat your kid in front of the tv with a bowl of popcorn at 11 am, and you felt like a failure because the moms you follow on instagram got up at 6:30 am and made egg in a hole in the shape of hearts and smiley faces for their kids, followed by an educational activity afterwards... yeah... so what. you still deserve mom of the year. Do you know why? Because your kid knows you love them. Because you DID feed them and cuddle them, and got over yourself to carry on for another day even though it could've been so easy to not to. Because maybe you lost your cool and snapped at that sweet face when she purposefully poured her milk all over the dog, but you hugged her and told her how much you loved her after she looked at you with teary eyes and you realized what a fart you were being. 

hypothetically. 

The past month, I have been in such a rut. It didn't last for a day, or a week- a whole month. It's not the first time either. Sometimes life is hard and there's not much you can do about it. So how do you get out of your rut? Honestly. I don't know. I can't give you a list to fix it. But here's what I did:

Today I woke up and got Fern ready for school. Instead of going back to bed to sleep the day away and not think about anything, I took a shower. I got dressed. No T-shirts today. Even though the laundry was dirty because I hadn't done it in a week, I pulled out those skinny jeans I hadn't worn in months & I got the wedges off of the dusty top shelf. I did my makeup. Lipstick ya'll. I think this process was a really important part of my day. I think dressing up and looking pretty for nobody can be so therapeutic. I felt good. (probably because I couldn't smell myself anymore...) I got ready for me today. Because when you do that, it's automatically a present to yourself; a gentle reminder that I do care. 

I gathered my computer and headed to the nearest coffee shop where I indulged in a cappuccino while making a list. (because that's fun to me.) My list included dreams and wishes. (as they usually do) This one was titled: "What kind of woman I want to be." This is something that can get really tricky if you set your standards really high and don't have grace with yourself. So before you make this list, keep in mind that it's something to wake up for in the morning and strive for- not something unattainable to fail at and then beat yourself up over. Enjoy the process. Be who you want to be. 

Then I got out my calendar, and made a list of activities I wanted to do with Fern. It's so easy to get into ruts when there's nothing to do. I think if I plan ahead and have my schedule ahead of time, I can prepare myself for the day ahead of time and have something to look forward to. Plus, when we're spending time together and enjoying activities, we're both in better moods. If you're in OKC, a GREAT source for finding things to do (much of the time free things to do) is Metro Family Magazine. They have a calendar section that has family activities around the city every day all day long. I've been planning much better with the help of that. Before we just ate fro-yo and went to the library. (which is awesome too) 

I guess, reflecting back on everything, my message to you in the rut, is this: It's not anybody else's job to pull you out of that rut you're stuck in. You can't just sleep away the days until something happens. God knows I've tried. You need to get up. take a shower. put on a flowy dress and lipstick (cause it's spring) and take a day to yourself to reflect on the future and the type of person you want to be. Make sure you're treating yourself while you do so, that's real important too. I think we all get so busy we forget who we are, or even sometimes what we're doing here. What the point of it all is. We live day to do day just going through the routine, and we fall into ruts. We ALL need time for ourselves. Just a few hours to take deep breaths and get our heads straight. Dream a little. Plan a vacation. Plan to mark something off of your bucket list. Make a bucket list. 

And then if you have leftover time, go home and pour yourself a glass of wine and drop that bath bomb in the tub you've been saving since last mothers day. You deserve it. 

Also. I think it's really important to start living for yourself a little. YES. Every breath I take is for my daughter; My purpose in life is to raise her well and give her a happy healthy life. YES. My husband rocks my world. I want to be there for him and dress up for him. I aim to make him happy and proud to be my husband. I dress up for him & cook for him and buy him Notorious B.I.G. on vinyl sometimes because he's the jam to my peanut butter. These are all GREAT things. But I forget to live for myself too. Somedays you want to drop kick that sweet little angel face of a daughter you have and your husband works all day and then goes to a Thunder game, so there's just not anybody to get ready for. Those are the days it's hardest, but most important to remember that you still have yourself. You still need to do things for you. You are important.

anniversary giveaway! Week 4

You guys, this month has been so amazing. I'm so blessed to have met so many new friends through these giveaways & celebrating the anniversary. <3 Here's one last doozie to sign off the month of giveaways. :)

This week you're entering to win:

+ Set of stationary Cards by Rhubarb
+ Adorable Handmade Hairbows by The Pretty Lovely
+ $50 paypal cash from bloggers Kenzie, Nicole & Melissa


a Rafflecopter giveaway



The winner of the giveaways from week 3 is:manda overturf! congratulations! I'll be emailing you this week for a follow up! :)



Also, I have 3 spots left to fill up for 2014 giveaways if anyone is interested, please contact me by email littlebraveblog [at] gmail. com I'd love to share more information! <3

Links Lately:

This week has been a pretty hectic week. With Fern's surgery, even though it couldn't have gone better, I was just not in a mental state for blogging. I WAS however, in a mental state for reading articles on my facebook feed, and there were some good ones this week. I love passing along info I think is helpful or interesting. I'd love to pass them along to you!

+ I'd love your opinion on this article about not wearing sunscreen. 
+ Are you protecting yourself on Instagram? Super important information, everybody should read ESPECIALLY if you post photos of your little ones.
+ this super enlightening post about  supporting friends dealing with infertility, and what may or may not be appropriate when talking to them about the issue.
+ this post. When mothering is hard and no one sees. Need I say more?
+ these terrifying vintage "easter bunny" photos
+ and for comedic relief: this video of Hip Hop moms

Happy Weekend! Don't forget to enter the giveaway if you haven't yet. Winner & last giveaway of April will be posted Tuesday. <3

Toddler Surgery: Adenoid removal + tubes

As many of you who follow along with me on facebook, twitter or instagram know: Fern had her adenoids removed Wednesday & tubes put in. The surgery couldn't have gone better. I'm so thankful for doctors who communicated well & proceeded quickly, a husband who was available and supportive consistently through the day and family and friends who sent texts, phone calls & messages our way all day & the days leading up to the surgery,  checking on Fern. It really helped distract me.

I know that having your adenoids removed isn't a big deal. Tubes are even less of a big deal. Super common surgeries. Even sitting in the waiting room were 3 other kids around Fern's age getting tubes that day as well. That being said- you can't tell a mom not to worry. We worry when they spend their first night away from home, we worry when they start eating solid foods, we worry that somebody babysitting won't see them stick their fingers in light sockets.. so it's only natural to worry about surgery, no matter how common or minor it is.

As I mentioned, I had a great team of doctors, nurses and surgeons who comforted me, explained things well and never once made me feel like I was over-reacting when I'd tear up at the thought of her being on a surgery table. I thought that I might pass along the information I learned in case anybody reading this has to go through this in the future. You can find information everywhere, but sometimes it's just comforting to hear it from other mom's experiences. Here's what I learned:

Fern has not always had ear infections. In fact, she just started getting them around September. I don't know what changed, but something did.
There's a tube connecting your ears, nose and throat called the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube should drain any fluid that gets in your ears. If the fluid stays in the ears without draining it can turn to puss which causes ear infections. When you have an ear infection; the antibiotics prescribed actually turn the puss back into liquid so it can drain properly.

source

Tubes are put in after several (and I do mean several) continuous ear infections. Tubes are a surgically inserted way for that fluid to drain out if it hasn't been draining out properly through the eustachian tube. Fern had them consistently since September. Sometimes they would both be infected, sometimes one would be infected. Sometimes there would be no infection, but there would still be fluid in her ears, which is better than infection- but still not super awesome. This is when the doctor started talking about seeing an ENT (Ear Nose & Throat) doctor to have a better look & see if tubes were the way to go.

source

After going to the ENT & having a hearing test done, it was confirmed that tubes would be the right way to go. Her eardrums weren't moving at all during the test, which I was informed meant that there was probably still a good deal of fluid in there. I mentioned that Tristan had to have his adenoids removed when he was small due to sleep apnea. I wasn't sure if this is something that could be passed down. He said it was. (Fern does not have sleep apnea, though she's always snored) Upon looking at her adenoids he was certain they were the main problem. Her adenoids were blocking about 80% of her eustachian tube, which is why the fluid couldn't drain properly. Even if tubes were inserted, he was certain that without the removal of the adenoids, Ear infections would start up again after the tubes were removed. (tubes only stay in for up to 1 year)

The whole process went pretty quickly. I was given advice by several people for the surgery and after such as:
Stock up on "soft diet" foods ie: yoghurt, eggs, smoothy ingredients, etc. It's common for their throats to be sore after surgery.
Ask to be with them while they're being sedated: I asked, but at our surgery center they couldn't grant this request for safety reasons for both you and the child. I guess they've had parents pass out before. But I was told to ask, so maybe some places will let you. This was honestly the worst part of the whole thing for me. Fern is so attached and screamed as they took her away from me. She didn't know them, and she didn't want to go with them without me.
Send comfort:  One of Fern's teachers got her a little present to open before she went into surgery. It was a little stuffed lamb to hold through the whole procedure. After the procedure is finished they'll come get you as soon as they can, but it was good to know she had something of comfort to hold onto while she was waiting for us.
Cold Drink: The hospital was ready with juice box & popsicle to soothe her little throat afterwards. I'd recommend bringing a sippy cup to put it in. She was a little out of it still and didn't quite "get" the concept of the straw, nor did she have the patience to figure it out.

We got to sit with Fern up until they were ready to take her back for the procedure. They took her. She cried. I cried. Tristan comforted me. The entire procedure lasted about 20 minutes. (Just long enough for my scalding tea to cool enough to drink) The doctor met with us and told us how well she did. He warned us that kids are ALWAYS really grumpy right after surgery when the anesthesia is still wearing off, so don't be worried about that. (and she was. very grumpy) She got ear-drops to use 3 times a day for 3 days. When we were able to see her she just wanted out of there. The nurses gave us some basic instruction and answered any questions we had while removing the IV in her hand (super sad- she's still pretty bruised). We went straight home where Fern immediately insisted on watching "Monsters University" (more commonly known at our house as "monsters")

Once we were home Fern's mood was worlds better. She cuddled up on the couch with me, her bunny & her sippy cup. (very important to keep them hydrated) We watched an episode of Paw Patrol before turning the channel to "monsters". Fern and I both fell asleep 20 minutes in. I woke up to Mike chasing a pig who had stolen his hat & relocated Fern and myself to my bed for some comfy napping and cuddling. She snored SO LOUD. The doctor said this would happen because she'd be a little swollen. She was also a little congested for the same reasons. After naptime she woke up and had scrambled eggs and yoghurt. Tristan skipped school that evening and took us out for tacos & fro-yo. Apart from being exhausted from the day, she was totally back to normal. I'm so thankful for that.

Anniversary Giveaway! Week 3

You guys are totally blowing my mind, just so you know. :)

The winner of our anniversary giveaway for week 2 was chosen at midnight last night! Chelsea Jacobs you're the winner! Congratulations! I'll email you later today!
+If you winners happen to take photos of your goodies in their new homes, make sure to tag us! we love seeing what you do with all the loot! <3


I'm SO excited for this week's giveaway! It's for the kiddos! I've had the great pleasure of teaming up with some AMAZING friends, yet again, who have an incredible knack for children's goods. Here's the loot this week!

+ Lawrence the Hedgehog Illustrated by Jess Koehn of Rhubarb
+ lullaby album by the Night Nights being given away by singer/songwriter of the night nights & blogger at My Devising, Claire Westbrook
+ Collection of mini felt hairclips  by The Sweet Bee Boutique
+ Great Plains leggings by Love Well Handmade


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love Well Handmade + Fern

A couple months ago I got an email from a company I have admired from the moment I heard of them: Love Well Handmade. Not only for their ridiculous talent at designing insanely cute AND comfy kids clothes, or that they're local (you know I love my local businesses), or the fact that every piece is designed by husband & hand stitched by wife, OR the fact that they do it all with some of the cutest toddler twins I have yet to lay my eyes on. But on top of all this, they do it all for a good cause. Yes, with every purchase from Love Well, 20% is given back and put into action- changing the world.

" Our signature heart is hidden in all our custom fabric designs (go ahead, look to find it!). We embedded it as a simple reminder to love well everyday. Since all our items are handmade - don't be surprised when the heart is found in a new place on every garment."

I just  l o v e  this company. So when they asked if Fern would like to model some of their new spring line, I didn't even have to think about it. I couldn't respond quick enough. I'm SO honored to have my daughter be part of this company, even if in the smallest of ways. The photo shoot was amazing of course because Ely Fair was photographing, all of the kids were incredible, the company was the best. Here's how Fern's portion of the shoot turned out, modeling their new "Great Plains" collection:

That's not where the cuteness ends, though- There's an entire spring collection and their "Great Plains" line is only the beginning of the cuteness. There are LLAMAS, people. yellow and mint llamas. I can't..

oh- don't forget to enter the 3rd week of anniversary giveaways tomorrow. There's some Love Well loot amongst the goods.

 Photos taken by Ely Fair Photography & borrowed from Love Well Handmade facebook

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and content are my own unless quoted.

Fernversations

Last time I posted about the little "isms" of Fern it was only the small list of words she was getting comfortable saying. Now, she says EVERYTHING. She repeats it all. She's starting to string words together and make little phrases and it's just so darn cute.

A few as of late:

good boy- ooboy
King sit - teen sit!
it's okay- sokay
oh boy! 
oh no! - oh noooooooooo!
there it is - eh-itis
i love you- effooo
Bubble Guppies- buppies
Paw Patrol- paw-tol
please stop- pees top! (with both hands out in front)
chicken and french fries (which she wants for lunch EVERY DAY) - uckin and feshfies
snow monster- no-muster
cute, momma, cute- tute momma, tute.
momma, Fern's happy- momma fuwn appy!
**Fern is said without the "r"
i tooted- this one of course, she says just like it sounds- so everyone knows what's going on anytime we're in public. It's often prefaced with a loud gasp, or "uh oh!" *half the time it's not just a toot.
If there is two of anything (for example- cups) she recites  "momma tup, fuwn tup"


These are just a few, I can't wait until she actually starts stringing together sentences. This girl is such a comedian.

Read more "Fernversations" here

Mom-Lovin Blog Hop #43

Guest Co-Host this week, Shayla from Little Brave

Hi Friends! I'm so excited to be teaming up with these wonderful ladies for the blog-hop this week! What a fabulous way to grow in community with each other. I'm an introvert by nature, but this blogging community has become so important to me. I'm loving all of the great friends I've been making. Especially you other mommas. We need each other so much, don't we!?

Anyhow, If you're here for the first time: Welcome! I hope you stick around and say hey!

be sure to:

 enter the great aniversary giveaway going on right now. 

&

check out sponsorship & giveaway opportunities that will start May 1! 

if you're already a follower of mine, and you haven't heard of the mom-lovin blog hop- LINK UP! it's such a great way to build community and meet new friends. <3 

If you are interested in co-hosting FOR FREE shoot Hannah an email at hannahsjoyfullife (at) gmail.com to get on the list, growing your followers couldn't be easier! 

Our featured mama this week is Jennifer from The Eckert Life

Jennifer is a military wife and mama of two, currently living in Hawaii (jealous!!) Though they recently found out that their little family will be moving to Virginia in July. Jennifer writes about her life and her littles. Check her blog out and show her some love today!

Here we go! Don't forget to... 

**grab out button and display it proud for other mama's to get in on this action! 

**read the rules, link up and socialize!

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Please, if you are new to the hop or have been here but haven't left a comment, please let us know on our own respected blogs that you are a new follower (be sure to say HOW you are following) so we can follow you back! 

An InLinkz Link-up

A Mother's Day Gift Guide by "The Vintage Pearl"

The Vintage Pearl has put together a great gift guide for Mother's Day. If you hop on over there, you might not only find some FABULOUS gifts for your mother's for mothers day -or great things to send your husband photos of as inspiration- which is what I have done... many many times. (consider this another reminder Tristan.. The "golden tie that binds" ring. Size 7) You may ALSO see somebody you recognize at the top of the page. ;)

You might recognize The Vintage Pearl, or these photos from the review & giveaway I did last year.

This is not a sponsored post. All content is my own opinion in my own words. 

Anniversary Giveaway! Week 2

First of all, everyone give a HUGE round of applause for the winner of last weeks giveaway: REBECCA GRECO!
Girl. You got some GREAT prizes. I'm totally jealous in the best of ways. Send me an email with your shipping info and I'll pass it along to the girls- they'll get your goodies right out to you! <3

Second of all. THANK YOU EVERYONE for participating in the giveaway! There were over 600 entries on the first day. That's so fantastic! Also, thanks for all of your encouragement and sweet words about the rebranding & design. I owe a HUGE Thank you to Suzana for the blog design and also to Tillie for helping me rig it all up. Between the three of us we were all working on a tight schedule with three different time zones (and I'm not talkin an hour or two) These two are my miracle workers. I totally owe them.

OKAY OKAY! now for the goodies, yeah!? THIS WEEK. I am totally pumped to be working with some fantastic and talented ladies. Here's the loot for the week!

+Custom Print by HelloTillie (You pick your favorite quote or lyric!)
+Zip Pouch by Samantha of Elah Tree
+$40 Target giftcard from Amber of Under the Oklahoma Sky & Amanda of Amanda Creek Creative
+"Be Brave" Stationary Set by Meg of Rivers and Roads

I mean.. is it tacky to enter my own giveaway? Yes? fine.

Here you go friends! One week to enter! The winner will be announced next week when we also announce next weeks giveaway.
Be sure to thank these ladies for such great goods.

GOOD LUCK!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sponsorships and Giveaways

Hi friends! It's been so amazing reading all of the positive feedback from the re-branding! You guys are ROCKING the giveaways, and I just hope you'll continue to have such a great time here. The heart behind "Little Brave" is first, of course, my daughter & husband. Who inspire posts about local events, family fun, and products we love. But also it's about the community we build. In the last year I've made countless contacts and friends through this little blog and I never want anything to get in the way of that or re-direct that vision.

+One way to get involved is through email. Just drop me a line- say hello. I love meeting you guys and getting to email back and forth- swapping funny stories, or struggles. I've made great connection through that and I'm always just an email away.
+Another way is through comments. I try my very best to always reply to all of your comments- even if it's just to thank you for some kind words you left. I always appreciate the readers who I start to recognize through comments. It means so much to me that you re-visit and keep up with our little lives.
+Finally, other great ways to build community is through Sponsorships and Giveaways.
I have a variety of ad sizes for sponsorship available in every price range, that offer you great exposure, and participate in fun things like group posts so my readers can get to know you a little better! But even more than that- it's about me being proud to put you on my sidebar. When you're on my sidebar you're a guest on my blog. I'm telling the world: Hey! These guys are a-okay! I like them. we're friends. I'm proud to be affiliated with you! That being said, if I feel your ad, blog or business doesn't quite fit with the message, direction, or interest of "Little Brave", it won't be approved- and you will have spent no money in asking. If this does happen, please send me an email! I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Giveaways and Product Reviews are always a great way to get everyone involved! Once again, I won't review or give away a product that I myself wouldn't buy. This is an honor system, and I respect my readers enough to give honest recommendations. If you have something you'd like to promote via "Little Brave blog"- fill out the application below, or send me an email if you have further questions. If your product is a good fit, I would be SO happy to represent you.

Please check out the market below if you're interested in ad space or product review or giveaways!
Throughout the month of April you'll be seeing my lovely giveaway participants on the sidebar, but if you're interested in participating next month, go ahead and purchase ad space. You'll be in the queue and your ad will be approved on May 1.

I look forward to working with you, but more than that- I look forward to getting to know you and building this community!

See examples of group posts here

Etsy Swap 2014

I mentioned being part of the SPRING Etsy Swap this year a little while back in this post. I'm wondering how many of you participated?! I love love love the idea behind this swap. I love swaps in general. buying a gift for somebody you don't even know. Using the resources given to secretly get to know them (or stalk.. stalk might be a more accurate word) And then at the end when all is revealed you not only have new friends, but a bunch of goodies just for you! And who doesn't love surprise snail mail!? or any snail mail for that matter.
Also, the fact that everything is from small business owners makes it that much greater.
Here are the goodies I received in the mail from a sweet lady I've already been in contact with prior to this! When I got the package in the mail and saw that it was from Robyn, I was automatically excited, because this girl and I have a history of emails and I just knew it was going to be good! We're so alike!

Take a look at all of my loot!

• striped wallet by Elah Tree
• gold chevron paper straws by Thatch & Thistle 
• 3 sparkly pencils
• "My Travels" notebook & "be amazing" pencil by happy dappy bits
• "be brave" card by Meg Mcllvaine 

Okay, so ACTUALLY (spoiler!) This month is my blogs anniversary month, and there will be giveaways GALORE happening- A couple of these VERY shops are giving away goodies. Seriously. How did she do it!? She didn't know that! // not to mention, a couple of these girls I consider to be good friends of mine, and to be given something from their shops was just really special. 

Meanwhile, I'm over here cooking up a little surprise for my new friend, Sara! First trying to find something for somebody you've never met is super hard. But she gave some great descriptions of what she's into that really made me think we'd mesh. Honestly, I just went shopping for things I'd like. (or already have). Then of course there's the waiting game. You know, the one you play after you've ordered your items and realize that you (of course) ordered something from overseas and there's no tracking, nor is there any telling how long it'll take to get to you. That waiting game. Sadly, I was totally past deadline getting her goodies to her, and I still haven't received one thing in the mail. BUT! as a backup- I just trotted down to one of our local stores here, DNA Galleries, who is known for not only supplying their shop with small business goods, but most of it is LOCAL small business goods.. Why didn't I think of this to begin with!  Here's what Sara ended up getting. :)

•  Turban: shannabanana
• All Natural Cupcake soap : The Little Bubble
• Crystal Necklace: Kiss the Future
• Notepad & Ribbon: Target (they're kind of an extra little "sorry I'm late" gift)
• "I like your guts" card: Frameworthy Designs

The Crystal Necklace is the only thing I actually ordered from Etsy. I knew right away I needed to get one. I have a similar one, & it's the only thing I knew for sure I wanted to get. The rest of the goodies (apart from the Target treats) were bought at DNA. They're all from local folks here in Oklahoma. The soap is made my a 9 year old girl, named Bella. It's made from all natural ingredients. It smells like heaven. 


Did you guys participate in the gift swap? I love these things. I can't wait til the next. <3

Anniversary Giveaways - Week 1!

Friends! This month, is my little blog's birthday! I'm just so happy that I've lasted long enough to celebrate any kind of mile-stone. I'm even more grateful for all of you that follow, and read what I have to say, or look at photo after photo of my kid. Not only that, we're celebraing the re-branding of my blog, and eventually business! Moons & Junes has OFFICIALLY transfered over to being LITTLE BRAVE!  When I started brain-storming about how to celebrate all of this goodness, I emailed some of the great women I've met through this last year of blogging to see if anyone would like to pitch in and host a giveaway with me. Due to SUCH an amazing response, I'm teaming up with a huge group of these women, to giveaway some amazing things every week this month. Is that not INSANE?! It's so wonderful.

 This weeks giveaway will include:

+ DIY Coaching for Creatives email series ($40 value) from Kathleen Shannon of Braid Creative
which includes:
- 4 weeks / 4 emails per week (that’s 16 emails total) 
- topics and worksheets on goal setting, time management, and decision-making
- weekly mantras and meditations (for those who skew a little more “woo-woo”)
+ $10 Starbucks Giftcard from Beth Mayberry of Oak and Oats blog
+ 1 Large Ad Space on Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe blog sidebar from Christina Main ($18 value)
+ An orignial "Ampersand" watercolor by Gini Bramlett of Ginisis blog & shop

Kind of amazing right? Everything you need to excel in your creative journey,  while staying caffeinated and inspired, and of course advertise yourself properly. It's kind of a big deal here. The whole package.


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