Getting to Know Me // Q + A

Since I've gained a lot of new readers from the Better Blogger Network and a few other sources, I thought it was time to "re-introduce" myself and my blog. I had written this quick survey for Neely back in January when I sponsored her blog and thought it would be great to re-post it here.  I did add some edits to make this survey more current! ;) 

For those that don't know, I'm Krystal and I blog over at Krystal's Kitsch. I keep it silly and try to document my life. I'm married, we moved to a new city about seven months, and am trying to get all settled in with a new job, new house, and new outlook on life. I'm a very optimistic person who enjoys setting goals and keeping track of my progress. We are expanding our family in September -- one baby boy on the way!

1. When and why did you start your blog? I started my blog back in 2008. My first post was November of 2008 and it was basically three sentences long. I started my blog to stay connected to friends and family. It sort of evolved into a daily document of my life that I share not only with people I know--but also strangers. I'm okay with that! I love sharing sales, crafts, and my life with anyone willing to listen.

2. What do you want people to know about you and your blog? I like to keep things "light." I want to have fun. Blogging can be a business or even a career for some people. After all, I did just receive my Master's in Technology. However, I just like to use it as a tool to share my life with others. I don't mind the reviews or giveaway opportunities that come with blogging... The internet and its tools are certainly a part of my life. I just like to use my blog as a way to share my opinions and learn from others.

3. What are your two favorite posts you have written? Just two? Come on, Neely! ;) I could talk about how I just celebrated my birthday drunk at a Hanson concert. I could share my love of journaling or easy DIY. But -- if you just want me to pick two -- I would pick two posts that are special to me. My wedding and my secret reveal of my reality TV show participation. I didn't tell anyone for a long while about what was "up." My wedding was certainly not normal--it was a lot of fun! Before you judge me for being on a reality show, just know that it was all in good fun and shouldn't be taken 100% seriously. The details of my reception is also one post that I love the most too. There was a lot of time and effort put into just how my reception went down!

Since then, I would have to say some of my favorite posts (and most well received!) were my Mama to Be Pictures and Announcing My Pregnancy!

4. A brief blurb about you: If you take the time to email or follow my blog, I will return the favor! I go through my emails daily and try to follow new blogs regularly. Sometimes my followers widget isn't the most up-to-date so I can't tell if you're a new follower unless you comment! I love discovering new blogs and learning from others.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve? Mixing politics with blogging. There are a lot of heated opinions out there nowadays. 2012 is going to be an Election Year... a big one at that. I love my readers and politics ... but don't want to subject y'all to my opinions. I might tell you who I voted for... after the election!

 Q + A
 So, here we go! I've never opened my blog up for questions before -- and if I did I don't remember ever answering them. I'd love to answer your questions! Now that my show is airing on Netflix Instant Streaming and it's been over a year since it was filmed and aired, I can talk a lot more about the process and what happened behind the scenes.

Also, I'd love to get random silly questions since I do have new readers. Give me something to do at work, please. :)

 *I'm looking for large sponsors--ETSY shop owners, small businesses, or just someone who wants to get their blog more exposure. I'm all full with ad swaps -- what a success Passionfruit Ads turned out to be. Check out the sponsorship information here. I'm almost up to 900 followers -- how did that happen? ;)

*My giveaway for anything from eShakti is ending today! Don't forget to enter -- and you can tweet every day for an extra entry! Enter here!

My makeup is finally organized

This was a huge task. I had so many products, samples, bottles lined up on the counter in the bathroom. My drawers were overflowing. My shower caddy full. It was time for a major overhaul.

I went through and purged about a garbage bag and a half of old, abandoned products. Things I tried but didn't love, samples from my many Birchboxes that sat unused, and even *gasp* products that were expired. Lord, how long had I been carrying those around?

After going through everything and getting mildly organized, I had one solution for my makeup storage problem.

A Tabletop Spinning Cosmetic Organizer by Lori Greiner. And, yes, it's from QVC.

For $30 my sanity is restored. Everything has its place. I can see all my makeup at once [granted, I don't have TOO much, but I do have a substantial collection]. All my palettes and larger bottles are stored in a drawer and I use another countertop storage thing for things I use everyday -- like my contact lens solution.

 

Lots of brushes. They're either Estee Lauder or ELF. I have a lot of ELF stuff.

 

Some mineral makeup that I use infrequently.

While I'm not the most organized person or the tidiest, at least my bathroom has some kind of order!

Call for June Sponsors + Ad Swaps!

Gosh, Passionfruit Ads really makes this whole sponsoring thing fun again.

I've opened my blog up for both paid and unpaid opportunities.

I have a few slots left for unpaid -- a 100 x 100 button swap!

I am however looking for ETSY shop owners or small businesses who want to have a larger ad and would want to host a giveaway for the month of June. =]

Over 800 GFC Followers
619 Subscribers
Over 1,800 Twitter Followers
250+ Facebook Fans
Over 100,000 page views
 A steady spike in traffic everytime my Bridezillas episodes replay

& I try to blog at least 5 times a week. But, I'm pregnant so no promises! ;)

Button Swapping is FREE. Just enter code 'Kitsch' at check out!

I am currently seeking sponsors for my blog. The starting monthly rate will be just either $10, $5 or free--depending on your needs!
Sponsorships vary in price due to ad placement and size, but all sponsorships include the following:

• 1 Blog Post dedicated to welcoming YOU, the new sponsor, with link and button placement
• The option to provide a discount code with readers -- This will be promoted via Twitter, Facebook and this blog at a minimum of five times a month.
• The option to host a review and/or giveaway for readers of this blog
• And, of course, your button/graphic will be displayed on the homepage of this blog for the term of the sponsorship agreement.

I will be using Passionfruit Ads on my blog. Easy for both of us! Simply log into the site and upload your information for it to be displayed on my blog. 

25 Weeks

25 Weeks!

I've passed "Viability Day" and that third trimester is just getting closer and closer! It's a little crazy to think about how time has flown so quickly.

*How far along?: 25 weeks!
*How big is baby?: A chunky cauliflower.
*Total Weight Gain/Loss: +24. Last time I updated I was up 21 pounds and I wrote the update at 23 weeks. This means in two weeks I've gained 3 months. Joy of joys. I'm really filling out here, eh?
*Maternity Clothes: As often as I can. My regular sized leggings are like "UGH Stop trying to fit in us!!"
*Stretch Marks: None that I can see! I need to be a little more religious about applying my lotion.
*Gender: A BOY.
*Movement: Some days this week were INSANE with movement. Like, he took my breath away with all the karate chopping.
*Sleep?: I've been doing well here. Sleeping lots and even taking naps. =]
*Best moment this week? Having a three day weekend -- a legit one, not one because I called in sick.
*Food cravings?: I grilled hamburgers this week and I thought they were the best thing on the world.
*What I miss: BEACH DAYS. Yes, we went to the beach yesterday... but I don't have a bathing suit that I feel good in... so I just like sit at the beach. Like a weirdo. I don't know if I should just get a regular sized tankini just so I have *something* for the summer.
*Symptoms: Luckily nothing too weird. I do find myself getting out of breath easily and twice this weekend I needed to like sit down because I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I'm sure this is normal and I'm not dying. Right?
*What I'm Looking Forward To: Putting together the nursery furniture! One day, we will do this.

*Thoughts: Baby Bash Invites go out this week! I'm hoping a good number of people can make it. =]  I also spent an hour on the phone with my mom last night looking at Newborn Halloween Costumes. Really? Is this my life? I couldn't help myself. You get sucked into an ETSY time warp and all of a sudden it's 10 pm and you realized you didn't accomplish anything tonight.

My Journey Thus Far

Where I was... 

 

 Where I've Been...

I'm about 104 days away from my due date if you want to be specific. I just thought 100 days left sounded better. And, you never know, little Cannon could be EARLY. That shirt is holding up well. My tummy definitely is starting to peek out and I'm getting rounder. Before I had a lumpy tum tum I thought! My belly button was holding its ground and not poking out. Now... it's joining the rest of my body.

{Gosh PicMonkey makes some nice collages! The first one was done with Picnik and it obviously is not great quality!}

So... now what? I feel like I need to make some pregnancy related goals to stay on track... not that I'm good with keeping any of my goals, but hey, it's for good measure. It would be fabulous to have the "nursery" set up by the baby shower so we aren't just throwing more boxes and bags into a room.

1. Nursery furniture put together before June 30th
2. VACATION -- In the works. Heading to Key West for a weekend in TWO WEEKS. That sounds like we are leaving for two weeks. I wish. In two weeks, we will be going to Key West for a weekend. There. Better.
3. Don't give up on blogging.
4. Organize paperwork -- i.e., insurance documents, figure out where the tot is going on our insurance, where is our marriage license and my passport btw?,  and for that matter, where are the dog registrations?!
5. Buy curtain rods for the nursery and our living room.

Sounds easy enough for the next upcoming weeks, eh? 

Memorial Day Sales {Target Baby!}

Target is my favorite. Though, it should really time its sales around when I get paid. That would be pretty fabulous. Anyway -- if you're on the hunt for a baby gift for someone (or hey, looking to buy something for us! I kid, I kid) -- this is a good week to browse through Target's website or in store. The baby sale is through June 2nd and TONS of items are marked down.

If you've seen this stuff cheaper anywhere else, let me know! I feel like Target is my "price guide" -- cheaper than Babies R Us but still can sometimes be pricier than other stores depending on the week. Also, if the stuff listed below is baby junk, let me know too. I value your opinions!

 

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger-Grey Mist

A jogging stroller for $80? That's pretty sweet. In fact, I registered for this guy. I already have a stroller with a cheapie travel system we have, but I figured this could be a good addition. Ya know - just in case I decide to go "jogging" with said infant.

 

Medela Pump In Style Advanced On-The-Go Tote Breastpump

This contraption is a million dollars. It's marked down a LOT this week.  I have NO ONE to talk to about breastfeeding and returning to work, so if you've had to go through this please identify yourself so I can begin to harass you. ;) I am not even entirely sure I will get any sort of maternity leave so I need to figure out that whole situation pretty quickly! My mom formula fed and I'm pretty much the only pregnant gal I know that doesn't exist online.

Have you seen a boppy for $20 (or cheaper)? Even used boppy's at the children's consignment store are almost that price.

 

Dr. Brown's Newborn BPA-Free Feeding Gift Set

People said I should use these. 

Those are the main items I saw that are cheap enough to make me cringe that I can't buy them right now!

Am I on the right track with my registry? What products worked for you? 

What Memorial Day Sales have you seen?

100 Happies {1-20}

I have had this "idea" that I probably stole from someone about identifying 100 things that make me happy. I'm going to break this down into 5 posts.

{A year or so ago, I wrote the author of The Happiness Project and she sent back this little note and "bookplate." She takes requests on her Facebook Page!}

Identify 100 Things That Make Me Happy

*Rules: Can't say "money" or individual people as that's not fair and I could list 100 people I know or like.

1. The beach

2. Sunsets

3. Long drives

4. Boat trips -- especially cruises

5. Fluffy dogs

6. Birthday cakes

7. Glowsticks

8. Snail Mail

9. Sharpies

10. Postcards

11. A really good coffee

12. A really delicious beer

13. McDonald's French Fries [so sue me!]

14. Mexican food

15. Not wearing shoes

16. Being at places where shoe wearing is optional -- i.e, the beach, grassy fields?

17. New books

18. Blogs

19. A fast internet connection

20. Coupons

---

Source: lifes-a-journal.com via Chelsey on Pinterest

"I Won't Give Up"

I know this song is like old news now, but it still wins. So - enjoy my little emo Friday afternoon post. This song has been on repeat this week. It's been a weird few months. Sure, I know I'm pregnant and being emotional is part of the game ... however, things are certainly not easy. I feel like things will get easier as time goes on. At least I'm mildly optimistic about the future!

Source: izzygliori.tumblr.com via Krystal on Pinterest

"When I look into your eyes //  It's like watching the night sky // Or a beautiful sunrise // There's so much they hold  // And just like them old stars //  I see that you've come so far // To be right where you are // How old is your soul?"

 

Source: google.ca via Jessie on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Shannon on Pinterest

"The story of the video is that we all have our stories. We all have out own version of suffering….and everybody has many things to not give up on." -- Jason Mraz

Source: tumblr.com via Danelle on Pinterest

Source: goodbyetoyesterday.me via <3 Jessica on Pinterest

Hey...It's OK...

Hey... It's OK...

To go to the movies by yourself. On a Monday. At 2pm.

Source: google.com via Amy on Pinterest

To call in sick because you're in need of a mental health day.

Source: pajiba.com via Amelia on Pinterest

To buy $20 worth of concession stand food at the theater. For One.

Source: moviefone.com via Jessica on Pinterest

To eat said concession stand food leaving no crumb behind.

Source: google.com via Kristin on Pinterest

To cry incessantly during the movie. I thought What to Expect When You're Expecting was a COMEDY?! Why was I not laughing?

Source: movie87.com via Movie87 on Pinterest

To realize that even though things haven't been easy lately -- they could be a lot worse.

Source: moviesonclick.com via Will on Pinterest

Eating My Feelings {Pinterest}

Since this week has pretty much both personally and professionally, I feel like becoming a binge eater. Everything on Pinterest is just SO yummy and everyone swears how "easy" or "fun" each recipe is. Either way, here's what I'm pinning this week...

Source: nothingbutcountry.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: perthmedias.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Carolyn on Pinterest

Source: jennysteffens.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: skinnytaste.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: budgetsavvydiva.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: wholefoodsmarket.com via Allison on Pinterest

Source: loveandoliveoil.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Heather | Mmm... is for on Pinterest

Ummm that's Nutella right there. Yum.

Source: bakersroyale.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: cookinglight.com via Cooking on Pinterest

Source: 52kitchenadventures.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Cupcake bouquet tutorial -- pretty neat.

Source: Uploaded by user via Stephanie on Pinterest

Some sort of cracker concoction with ranch dressing mix, red pepper flakes and other goodies.
Hello delicious.

Update Your Summer Wardrobe {Eshakti Giveaway!}

Have you heard of eShakti? To get you up to speed, eShakti is a woman's clothing company that literally carries every size ever. From a size 0 to a 26W or anything in between (eShakti also does custom sizing and you just turn in your measurements), this line of clothes is literally for "every" woman.

They recently contacted me to talk about their spring and summer lines and to offer one of my readers ANYTHING from their site! Even custom sizing. Neato! Check out some of my favorites below:

Source: eshakti.com via eShakti on Pinterest

Source: eshakti.com via eShakti on Pinterest

Source: eshakti.com via eShakti on Pinterest

Source: eshakti.com via eShakti on Pinterest

I love a good sundress but what eShakti also can offer you -- bridemaid's dresses! For real. Their styles are very classic and could be just what you're looking for if you're scouring for bridal party attire.

eShakti | Twitter | Facebook

Enter below for your chance to win any item from eShakti. *Note, click "Read More" or the title of this blog post for Rafflecopter to load.*

*I received no compensation for this post.