Meet these Darling ladies!!

Hey Darlings,
Happy November 1st! This is a very special month for me because it is this little girl's Birthday Month!!!

 

Can you believe it??? I have started  A weekly series dedicated just for her this month! Come by Monday to catch some baby fever ;)

Speaking of special ladies!! I would like to introduce  you to some of my Darling Sponsors for this Month. I'm so looking forward to getting to know these ladies even more! They are amazing.

                                                                             Meet

 KATHARINE.

   
1. What is your favorite post you have written and why?    

My series of posts on love and waiting are my favorites.  When I started this walk with The Lord, He has showed what true love really is. He has given me hope amidst the lies of the world. I believe all ladies have desire to love,be loved and have an epic love story. How wonderful would it be if they would just know that Someone loves them so much and is willing to give them the best romance ever if they would just let Him. As I continued to seek Him and experience His love, He also planted in me the desire to also share it, most especially to the young people. When I wrote this series of posts, it was public declaration of my committing to the Lord and to my future husband. I hope that it will also encourage all who read it.


2. If you could visit any place in the world, that you haven't visited yet, where would it be and why?
I love to travel and so I'm thrilled to answer this question! If I had to pick one destination (which would be difficult!) the first place that came to my mind was the highest peak in the Philippines, Mt. Apo. I love climbing mountains as much as I love relaxing at beaches. The adventure it provides is just so amazing. And it is a great example of our life-- the climb is hard, we fall, we get hurt, collect wounds and eventually scars, but when you get to the top everything will be worth it!

3. Where do you get your blogging inspiration?
I post from my everyday life  and random thoughts to reflections from the scripture. I have ideas with me inspired by the little things that I encounter every day (which reminds me, I should blog more often now!) and I always hope that my blog posts will be encouraging and fun for my readers :)
              
                                                  Meet
                              KRISTEN.
 

 1. What is your favorite post you have written and why?

I've written so many, in my opinion, but I think this was a favorite. There's a great link up on Tuesday's that I love joining every week. I havent been one to really get into cooking and trying things. My mom usually makes all the meals but after starting to join this link up and post recipes every week, I've been more inclined to help my mom and ask how to make things so I can do it on my own. This was a recipe everyone thought was really unique.

2. Where do you get blogging inspiration?

From everywhere, to be honest. I had an idea of what I wanted the "theme" of my blog to be when I first started it back in February but then I realized the most thoughtful and fulfilling posts are those that come from little or no thought and mostly person experience. I may not post about DIYs, fashion, makeup or anything of the sort but that's because I love pouring out my inspiration on others. I'd prefer to write a serious and personal post everyday and hope that somewhere somehow I am inspiring and encouraging. I know most bloggers prefer the "in" things but for me, being able to make someone smile is so worth it

3. If you could visit any place in the world, that you haven't visited yet, where would it be and why?

I'd love to visit any of those amazing places the Bachelor and Bachloretts go to during the last few weeks of the shows. It's always unbelievable to see how amazing these places are and it always makes me think that if I did go there they wouldnt be that glamorous. It would be such a once in a life time opportunity!

31 days of Beautiful// Blogs that I find beautiful and so worth reading. Day 6.

Today I'm inspired to share with you ladies just some of my most favorite blogs here in the community!

 Sarah at Tealography.
This girl... I love her so much. She's my bestie, my sister, my friend.
I can't tell you how blessed I am to have met her in this blogging community.
Sarah and I met last December when she stumbled upon my blog. We thought it was pretty cool that we had a few things in common.. And as e-mails came and went we were amazed by just how much we had in common! We are both so passionate about the unborn, we love to write, we were married the same year, we're both young mama's to beautiful girls, we're both literally on fire for Jesus. Really the list goes on and on here! She is the first blogger that I exchanged my digits with, I don't think there is a day that goes by where we don't text or email. She also has the most gorgeous baby girl!! Who happens to be Evelynne's future pen pal! She is such a blessing and encouragement to me everyday. And I'm so glad that our paths were brought together. She is one of the reasons why I'm so glad I started blogging.. Or how else would I have met her?
I defiantly  encourage you to go check this girl out.. If you like me than you're gonna LOVE her! because seriously we're sisters.. Twins separated at birth ;)

BTW. Her and I have been talking and we will be working on some new fun link ups and would be sooooo exited if you would join in with us! We'll both keep you updated ;)

Heather at Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Heather was the very first blogger that reached out to me.. My blog was literally not even out there yet really. She was the first "big" blogger I found and she was the one who inspired me to push my blog out there! She has helped me so much in the blogging area I honestly don't know where I'd be without her and with her beautiful baby girl being just a few months older than Evelynne those "Mama posts" are exactly what I need to hear. There is seriously never a time when her posts don't give me chills, make me tear up or just a simple reminder of how much I love this girl!

Ruthie at The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart
Ruthie is just one of those girls you can't help but to love. She is just Ah-maz-ing! I just love her so much!
Without Ruthie I'd still be a "no reply blogger" I would have spent the rest of my blogging days wondering, asking, left alone to wonder why nobody's talking to me.... Okay maybe not that dramatic! But anyways, if you want to be a true blogger and make true friendships it is super important to not be a "no reply blogger". Truth!

Karla at Forever Newly Wedded
Okay not only does this girl participate in the most  fun and exciting link ups but she is just amazing in itself.
There is not a day that goes by when her posts don't make me *sigh, tear up, smile, or eeek with the romance of newly wed life. She also leaves lots of sweet comments about how cute Evelynne is..I love her honesty ;) Her and her husband and new fur baby are on a goal to forever and ever live the newlywed life and I say they're doing a heck of a great job doing just that! An example that all married couples need! 

Erin at Sweetness itself
Oh sweet Erin. If you haven't met this girl you totally need to! Her love for Jesus is just amazing and inspiring! She writes about purity and glorifying God with her single life.. I can't help but wish I was more like her when I was single. She is actually coming out with a new book really soon called "The Darling Diaries". She is defiantly a lady worth looking up to and a woman worth waiting for!

Sarah at The Not Quite Military Wife
Sarah is a new Englander! So these past few weeks I have loved seeing her life through all these beautiful pictures of England.  I find Sarah's blog to be extremely positive and pretty funny as well! And I seriously can't get enough of her baby girl!! She is absolutely precious!!! I am such a fan and I admire this girl!! She is a proud Military wife and a wonderful mama!

Amy at Sweet home Santa Barbara.
Oh dearest sweetest Amy! All I can say is that I love her so much. She is also doing this 31 day challenge on "Pure"  And I am seriously loving it! and highly recommend that you go check it out! This girl's got  Jesus and He looks amazing on her!

These are just some of my most favorite blogs to read while I get my morning cup of goodness. It's a great start to a beautiful day!  I seriously can't get enough of these ladies. They have done such an amazing job at making my day! I only hope I can do the same for them! 


Why am I posting my favorite blogs and what does this have to do with beauty do you ask?
Because these ladies are beautiful. Not because they have lots of followers, not because they're gorgeous physically, but because they take time and effort to make the day of others, to be an encouragement, and blessing. They desire to fill your day with laughter and they allow Jesus to use them to make your day! These ladies are role models and these ladies are true definition of what Beauty is. 

Meet Tessa Hall

Hello Darlings!! Today I want to introduce you to a very special young woman by the name of Tessa Hall.

Tessa  is a 19-year-old author of Purple Moon, her YA Christian fiction novel to be published September 2013 (THIS MONTH!)  by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also a freelance writer, the editor over the faith department for Temperance Magazine, a column writer for Whole Magazine, a contributing writer for More To Be, as well as the PR for God of Moses Entertainment. Other than writing, Tessa enjoys acting, music, Starbucks, and her imperial Shih Tzu—who is named Brewer after a character in her book, as well as her love for coffee. What's not to love about this girl!! So, when she asked me to do a post for her I seriously could not resist.  Tessa also   writes an award-winning blog, Christ is Write, where she post writing tips, teen devotions, book reviews, coffee recipes, and more. So, if you're an author to be or just someone who happens to love coffee with a passion her blog just might be the place where you need to chill.

What inspired you to write “Purple Moon”?

I wanted to write a character-driven story about a teenager who has fallen way from the relationship she once had with God after her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. In the story, Selena is forced to leave her apartment in NY and stay with her snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab. It was initially inspired by the song “By Your Side” by Tenth Avenue North, as well as the skit that many churches have performed to the song “Everything” by Lifehouse.

In what ways can you relate to your protagonist, Selena?

Even though Selena has a completely different past and family situation, I did incorporate a little bit of “me” in her.  For example: she’s passionate, a dreamer, an artist, somewhat of an introvert, has the same style as I do, a romantic, and loves coffee a little too much. I've also given her some of my flaws. However, when I wrote “Purple Moon”, I mainly tried crafting Selena in a way that I hoped many teenagers would be able to relate with—whether they share the same backstory as she does, possess many of the same qualities, or are experiencing some of the same struggles that Selena deals with in “Purple Moon”.

When did you start writing Purple Moon, and how long did it take?

I started writing the first version of “Purple Moon” when I was fifteen. When I was sixteen, I completed the first draft and landed a publishing contract with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. It’s difficult to pinpoint how long it took to complete “Purple Moon”—the more I learned about the writing craft, the more I continued wanting to go back and rewrite the story or add a few changes. However, I have finally reached a point where I am happy with the story and can’t wait to get it in the hands of my readers.

What are you working on now?

I just completed my second book, “Unwritten Melody”, which is going to be a stand-alone novel. As of now, I am brainstorming and beginning to write the first draft of “Fallen Leaves”, which will be the second book of the Purple Moon Series and a continuation of Selena’s journey throughout the next season of her life. I am also going on a blog tour this fall and will continue to write the teen column for Whole Magazine.

What do you hope to accomplish in your writing career?

I hope to never stop writing, whether or not that includes having my work published or seeing my name on the best seller list. I hope to never stop encouraging people—especially teenagers—to follow their dreams. But more than anything, I hope that my stories will represent the power of God’s unending love and His transforming grace. That’s my number one goal, my number one reason for wanting to pursue writing for the rest of my life.

  
Back Cover Copy:

Selena’s life isn’t turning out to be the fairy tale she imagined as a kid.

That hope seemed to vanish long ago when her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. This summer might finally hold the chance of a new beginning for Selena … but having to live with her snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab wasn’t how Selena was planning on spending her summer. She soon begins to wonder why she committed to give up her “bad habits” for this.

Things don’t seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that’s been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin’s nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom’s example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?

What people are saying about “Purple Moon”:

“Purple Moon is a story of redemption as powerful as any I’ve read. Selena’s story is one of deep brokenness and healing redemption–the same story that can be found in so many teen hearts today. Tessa Emily Hall, a talented debut author, is one to watch. Writing for her contemporaries, Hall understands the delicate social lives of teens and the need to strike the right balance between role model and reality.”
- Laura Anderson Kurk, YA author of Glass Girl and Perfect Glass“Purple Moon radiates with a light of its own, offering YA readers relatable characters and an inspiring message to encourage teens everywhere to shoot for the moon–and never stop reaching.”
~ Betsy St. Amant, YA author of Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK

“Purple Moon is a story of ache and courage, of hunger and hope. Selena’s unflinchingly honest voice will keep teens flipping pages well into the night.”

~ Stephanie Morrill, YA author of The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet and The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series

“Tessa Emily Hall writes with an authenticity that is both compelling and original. I very much enjoyed this new voice in YA fiction. Hold on to your heartstrings—Selena will tug them all over Lake Lure!”
~ Rachelle Rea, freelance editor“I think Tessa Emily Hall is a very gifted new author…The book deals with very actual issues for teenagers today and I think the youth will be able to identify themselves with the main character Selena…The message is very deep and moving. This is the first book that really brought tears to my eyes since reading Nicholas Sparks’ ‘the Notebook’. All I can say is a big THANK YOU and AMEN to the author’s writing.”
~ Becca Maurino, freelance writer

Check out these cuties!

I saw this and couldn't help but share it! It's just to adorable and made my heart melt. I love how they both looked at each other before they started dancing!

Meet Becca McClanahan!

Hey, beauties! (And beastlies, your always welcome)
This is a very talented friend of mine, who wrote a beautiful song about her future husband! So, all you ladies know your not the only one waiting for Mr. Prince Charming. And Gentlemen, As you can see, we still have princess' left! Be awesome to them! Congrats on your song Becca! Love it and may others be encouraged by it as I was!
                       Yours Truly!