Sunday, August 31, 2014

September = SUNFLOWERS

sunflowers by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo 2013-09-03_zps0eee164f.jpg

I’m thrilled again to be a Contributing Angel to this wonderful blog!!

I love September not just because of the cooler weather but because of the beautiful deep colors that this season brings.  Sunflowers are part of that fall color splendor!  Please enjoy my 5 favorite sunflower varieties (all sunflowers were grown in my garden & all pictures were taken by me: Angie Ouellette-Tower)

sunflowers by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo BlogStuff1_zpse9581c74.jpg

Black Velvet Queen

Whoever named this sunflower is exactly right - the petals absolutely resemble black velvet.  Although, I think my favorite part of this sunflower variety is the inner "sunset circle" (as I like to call it).  When I think of the traditional sunflower varieties I think of the morning but the "Black Velvet Queen" gives me a dusk feeling - almost as if I'm watching a stunning sunset.

sunflowers by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo 2013-09-01_zpse1f84b06.jpg

Giant Gray Stripe

For the longest time I couldn’t figure out why this sunflower variety was called “Gray Stripe” – Then a blogging friend of mine answered the question I had about the name of this sunflower - it is called "Gray Stripe" because there is a gray stripe on the seed!!!

sunflowers by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo 2012-08-20_zps6913d6ab.jpg

Cherry Rose

This beautiful sunflower is very cherry colored.  This variety also has that inner glow - it almost looks as if a night light has been plugged into the wall.

sunflowers by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo 2012-07-29_zps93a5c1d2.jpg

Jolly Joker

These sunflowers were originally called "Jolly Joker" but I changed the name to "VanGogh".  This variety reminds me of the sunflowers that Van Gogh painted:  "Still Life Vase With Sunflowers" .   

Sunflowers by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo BlogStuff-001_zps44bb4285.jpg

Autumn Beauty

Leaves are not the only deep orange-brown colors of the autumn splendor.  This variety of sunflower kicks off the beauty of the fall season.  What I really adore about this sunflower type are the petals - the back of each petal is either yellow or a lighter orange, which is a wonderful contrast to the dark burnt orange of the petal's front side.



Copyright, Permissions& Disclaimer


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo Day_zpsb50f87c9.jpg

A Tour Through Blogland with Sew Crafty Angel

I was contacted by my sweet friend Natasha, from Epic Mommy Adventures to participate in Tour Through Blogland!  Natasha and I became friends at the start of my blogging life.  We have shared in numerous giveaways and also host weekly link parties together.  Natasha is a truly wonderful person with a lot to share on her blog, so if you haven't' checked out Epic Mommy Adventures yet, you really should.



Now let me share a little bit about Sew Crafty Angel with you.
My little piece of blogland was born December, 2012 and was conceived from
my need to have a creative outlet to balance out my crazy life.  Sew Crafty Angel is really about 
watching life unravel one thread at a time to reveal my future and learning to enjoy my journey.  
I always hold on tightly to my faith and my family, believing that tomorrow is truly an new 
day with no mistakes in it; a blank canvas for me to paint my life across.


Ok, now it looks like I have some questions to answer.  So let's do it!

What are you working on?
I'm currently working on my calendar through the end of the year.  I'm planning a Fall Decorations DIY Series; Halloween Decorating DIY Series; Christmas Baking Series; Beauty After 50 series; and The Power of The Word.   I'm also contemplating a few different ideas to enhance our weekly Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party.  Below you can meet my awesome team.   My original team began with myself, Anna from Cuddlebug Cuties, Angie from God's Growing Garden, Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures & Cathy from A Peek Into My Paradise.  From there all these other awesome bloggers joined our team.


How does your work differ from others in it's genre?
My blog is about the variety in our lives.  There's not one specific thing that I write about.  My life changes every day and hopefully I grow with those changes, so that's where my creativity comes from. There is so much inspiration in the world that I can't just choose one thing to concentrate on.  There are a few links below where you can check out my what motivates me to blog.
    

       

    


Why do you write/create what you do?
I just share my interest. Since my blog is a variety blog I have the entire world to draw inspiration from.
I can share a  DIY project, share my faith, share my family, a new door wreath, anything and everything is open to be shared with you.

              

       


How does your writing/creative process work?
I'm a big note keeper and I have to have To Do List for everything or I can't accomplish anything.  So I always have my Memo Pad on my phone or my Journal handy to jot ideas in.  Of course I always have more ideas than I have the time to blog about them.  I keep my journal by my bedside and try to sit with it for a few minutes each night if possible to make some notes.


I am blessed to have a large craft room. 
 I've gathered so much stuff over the
years that my husband was ready to move me and my crafty stuff out to the back yard.  
My biggest fear is that when I die he will sell all my supplies for what I told him I paid for it, LOL. 


Then it's just a matter of finding time between the kids, the house and my full-time job to blog, lol.
Life is never dull around my house.


Now, let me tell you a little bit about the AWESOME bloggers I tagged for this tour.

First let me introduce you to
               Cathy creator of Three Kids and A Fish
Cathy is amazing!  She not only has created a spectacular blog but she also has three beautiful children to raise and a pretty fantastic husband.  From her culinary creations to her family life Cathy has a lot to share with us.  Believe me she can really cook!  I've tried some of the recipes she has shared and they truly are amazing.  Check out her Peach Cheesecake Bars , Mexican Cheesy Rice, or maybe you might like her Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad.
 I hope you will go by and visit Cathy as she will also be giving us a Tour Through her Blogland next Monday.  


Now another fabulous blogger on our tour is
                       Kim from Lou Lou Girls

Kim shares her  motherhood role to 4 beautiful daughters and  2 very handsome sons.  She is a fantastic mom, decorator, cook, party planner and she shares her world with us at the Lou Lou Girls.  Also Kim finds time to host a weekly link party that you should definitely check out.  Kim shared an Italian Meatloaf recipe that is tremendous.  Her post 5 Simple Ways To Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Kids was truly wonderful.  And for all the married couples out there, you might want to check out 20 Stay at Home Date Ideas.  Kim will also be giving us a Tour Through her Blogland next Monday. 

Well, this concludes my Tour Through Blogland.  I hope you have enjoyed your visit.
Have a beautiful day.
Angel


Saturday, August 30, 2014

Social Media Mixer @ Sew Crafty Angel

Welcome to the 14th week of the Social Media Mixer!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Week 13 - we had 12 blogs and numerous social media link-ups!

In the nature of mixing things up here at the Social Media Mixer, we will now be selecting our favorite posts each week - those posts will be featured and the social media links for that blogger will also be featured! So make sure to share as many posts as you'd like to be featured!!! One blogger will be chosen for 2 weeks of free ad space on Epic Mommy Adventures!

Social Media Mixer-2

The Social Media Mixer is all about networking and making connections. Also, you can gain exposure and increase your social media following! Link up your social media accounts and mix it up with some of the other linkers. Each week, the Weekday Mixer will start on Saturday nights at 8:00pm and go on until Thursday night at 11:59pm. One linker will be chosen each week each of the hosts and guest hosts and featured in the following week’s link-up! If chosen, a brief summary about yourself and your blog/website and all of your social media accounts will be featured. It’s a great way to stand out among the crowd!

Welcome your hosts!

SMM Hosts Aug 2014 (1)
 Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Angel from Sew Crafty Angel | Cathy from A Peek Into My Paradise | Julia from Minivan Dreams | | Liz from Look by Liz Lewis | Kaitlyn from Three Sisters and Us | Shana from Technotini | Anni from Grapefruit Princess | Tiffany from Mrs Tee Love Life LaughterCe Ce from A Chicago Mom |  Jillian from Baby Doodah | Holly from Southern Mom Loves

And welcome your guest hosts for September!

2
 
Avie from All Things Avie | Cyndi from The Decorating Chica | Danielle from Dancing with my Daughter | Emily from The Unextreme | Jennifer from Mommy Life After Ph.D. | Lauren from Life in the Wilde | Lori from Lori's Culinary Creations | Mila from Mila's Little Things | Silvie from My Silly Little Gang | Soro from Mom Swaddles All | Tara from Anything & Everything

And here are the Featured bloggers from last week's Social Media Mixer...

Holly and Victoria chose...

TT.9 | THIGH GAPS… REALLY THOUGH?! xM&W from Mommie & Wee

thigh-gaps-e1407972687927
Today, I took a trip to Walmart. I needed to get some spray paint for a DIY project. I’ll be sharing the juicy details with you later this week. But as I was walking out, clothed in a t shirt and Soffe shorts, I looked down and it hit me…

 


Julie chose...

No-Churn Smores Ice Cream from The Blonder Side of Life

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset
Y’all….you’re life is about to be forever changed…..
I did something for my birthday that my hips (and probably yours too) will hate me for forever…like forever, forever…..I made homemade ice cream….and it was really easy!!


Katie chose...

I Can't Have Kids. But I'm Okay With That. from Mommie & Wee

cant-have-kids-short
There has been so much that has gone on in my life since becoming pregnant. My pregnancy story is pretty crazy. (You can read more about it HERE.) But, after successfully delivering twin girls, I was told that I should not have more children….


Anni chose...

The Journey

authorbio
Hey there, and welcome to The Journey. I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Destiny, the girl behind this blog.  You’re about to read about the life of a teacher, a twenty-something, a traveler, and a small town girl living in a big city- all in one. There’s always something going on in this life of mine, and I am so excited to share it with you!


Tiffany chose...

5 Things I Do As a Parent from Domain of the Mad Mommy

5-things1
I am a sarcastic person. I think anyone that reads my blog can see that. I am sarcastic with everyone, including my kids. However, there are things that I am never sarcastic about.


Ce Ce chose...

Divine White Chocolate Cheesecake with Berry Coulis from Just A Mum

white-chocolate-cheesecake-1

I discovered this recipe after endless requests from my lovely husband to learn how to make his favourite dessert – Cheesecake! I have no time for fancy ingredients or tricky techniques so after combining a few ideas from online this is what I have come up with.


Jillian chose...

8 Ways to Make it Easy to Share Your Posts from 100lb Countdown

8-ways-to-make-it-easy-to-share-279x300
I am a co-host on several blog hops: Creative Style, Turn it Up Tuesday, and CLIMB. One of my purposes of starting the blog hop is to help my readers and followers grow. But I can’t. Let me rephrase. It’s hard to. Why? Well, you came to the right place, because I’m going to tell you.


Sandy chose...

Simple Ways to Make Back To School Easy from Krafts & Kiddos

Simple-Ways-to-Make-Back-to-School-Easy

As quick as I blinked an eye, I felt like it was time for school to start all over again. Our summer was “full” of exciting adventures and plenty of memories were deposited into the kids memory bank, but school officially started this week. Both kiddos were super excited to meet their teachers and kick start the school year. I think as much as I have a hard time saying goodbye to summer, I was truly ready for the kids to get back to school.


Tara chose...

The Honeycomb Home

another-pic-of-me
Hello & Welcome! The Honeycomb Home (THH) is my blog about all things Interior Design, DIY, and House & Home. I created this blog as a source of inspiration for other Design Enthusiasts. I live in a small (1200 sq ft) builder-grade house. Here, I will share with you the process of changing my cookie cutter house into a home, on a budget, and show you how you can do the same. It’s time to wake up your space!


Shana chose...

Whole Wheat Vegan Chia Seed Pancakes from Natural Chow

IMG_6550-e1396462251572-807x1024
I do not know what I would do if I didn’t have an awesome pancake recipe to fall back on when I have no creative juices, my eyes are juuust open, and I haven’t even thrown a splash of coffee down the ol’ hatch. But today, I had to be a little creative because a) we were out of eggs, b) we were out of sugar, and c) I knew people were going to want an amazing breakfast this morning due to the fact that they were “punished” with oatmeal yesterday.


Shana chose...

15+ Simple Ideas to Teach Kids at Home & Free Printable (Love to Learn Linky #6) from A Little Pinch of Perfect

2014-8_logo_Preschool-1017title2
Whether you are a homeschooler or think homeschooling is crazy, as a parent you have a special role in your child's education. It is important to show you are interested and involved in helping them learn and grow! That is why I am so excited because next week we will be sharing our first A-Z themed Tot School and Preschool ideas.

And the winner is...

5 Things I Do As a Parent from Domain of the Mad Mommy

5-things1
Congratulations!! You have won 2 weeks of free ad space on Epic Mommy Adventures! Please e-mail Natasha at 1EpicMommy@gmail.com for more information on your free ad space.

Stop by and follow our featured bloggers! We're sure you'll love them as much as we do!
If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!
Social Media Mixer
<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com/category/blog-hops/social-media-mixer/" title="Social Media Mixer" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i-was-featured-on-button.png" alt="Social Media Mixer" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Are you ready to start mixing it up?? Then, let's go!

Make sure to add the button below to your sidebar to invite even more people to join the fun!
Epic Mommy Adventures
<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Social-Media-Mixer-2.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
  blog header
facebook header 2 pin header 2 twitter header bloglovin1 instagram1 google+1 allother1

Friday, August 29, 2014

The Chain Linky CLIMB Party at Sew Crafty Angel


God’s Growing Garden
 photo 2toclimb_zps515fa21c.jpg
 
WELCOME!
It's the month long Networking Blog Hop 
With our 11th CLIMB GIVEAWAY!
Networking means helping each other grow!! 
If you want to promote a CLIMB link, then use #ChainLinkyCLIMB on Twitter or Google+ so that we can all help each other grow!
Here's how the Giveaway & Co-hosting works - the co-hosts from the previous month's CLIMB will have the opportunity to participate in a Giveaway during the next CLIMB - that gives co-hosts 2 months in a row of blog growing fun!!  (If you would like to co-host please sign up at the end of this post using the last "Linky") 
Please enter below -one person will win:
- $10 Paypal Cash
- 1 Ad Space on A Peek Into My Paradise for 30 days - $30 value
- Turbo Sponsor Spot on 100lb Countdown - $10 value
- 1 Ad Space on Cuddlebug Cuties - $10 value
- 1 Ad Space on Sew Crafty Angel - $15 value
- 1 Ad Space on God's Growing Garden - $15 value
- $10 Gift Certificate to Kelly Michelle's Etsy Shop
 photo SeptCLIMBGive_zps78475777.jpg
$10 GIFT CERTIFICATE to KellyMichelle's Etsy Shop:  "Kelly Michelle Art"
(Digital Art PDF Printables)

Total prize value is $100!!

CLIMB Giveaway Rules & Conditions:
- this is open worldwide (void where prohibited)
- You must be 18 years or older to enter 
- You MUST have a valid Paypal account to win the Paypal Cash (otherwise this will become a second place prize)
- You MUST have a blog to win the Ad spaces (otherwise this will become a second place prize)
- You understand that if you win & you go over the $10 Gift Certificate (from Kelly Michelle's Etsy Shop) that you will be responsible for the amount above $10
- This Giveaway is open from August 30th, 2014 until September 28th, 2014
- Winner must respond within 48 hours or a different winner will be chosen
- Giveaway Hosts & Co-hosts can NOT enter this Giveaway!, however - SEPTEMBER 2014 CLIMB blog hop co-hosts ARE allowed to enter this Giveaway (provided they are not also part of the Giveaway)
- correspondence is done through email and the winner's email addresses will only be used to deliver or set-up e-prizes.  Email addresses will NEVER be sold or shared.
- Paypal Cash will be delivered by Angel.  All other prizes will be delivered by the contributing Bloggers.
- if you have any questions or concerns about this Giveaway please email one of the hosts:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now onto the CLIMB (blog hop):
We have changed it up a bit - instead of linking your homepage you may now link up to 4 of your family friendly blog posts per month!!

 
CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbIntro_zps6919dad8.jpg


CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbRules_zps77e9b7a4.jpg
By participating in this blog hop your understand that your link might be promoted on social media.  Also, by participating in this blog hop your email address will be added to our CLIMB list & you will be sent an email reminder next month. 

CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbLink_zpsf527c076.jpg

Remember - If you co-host you will receive a free Weekly Sidebar Ad and your blog button will appear on both Angie's blog & Angel's blog!!

(The Ad will run live a few weeks after you have co-hosted)

CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbCo-host_zpseca2ac09.jpg


 photo ClimbSig_zpsdeb81227.jpg






Please checkout this month's wonderful Sponsor!!