I ♥ Me - 28 Days of Love - Day 2

I ♥ ME

I didn't always love who I am.

I thought I wasn't pretty enough

Or thin enough

Or smart enough

Or desired enough

Or strong enough

Or...

I think you get the picture

But, now, I can say that I love myself. 

When I gained that love for myself, I started to change as a person!

I had joy all the time. 

People wanted to be around me!

I lost 20 lbs without trying.

And I didn't feel like I had to live up to anyone's expectations.

That picture was taken when I was a bit heavier, but I'm ok with sharing it because I'm not defined by what I look like, but by the shape of my character.

I've never been one to clog my blog (teehee) with pictures of myself, but that's just an insecurity)

So, I thought I'd share just a few more with you!

I'm not a poser, I just like to pose.

I think I was the cutest kid ever...

That's me and my best friend Carrie (who is in the Peace Corps in Azerbijan)

I am rarely serious in pictures... It's just not in my nature...

And here's one more for good measure!

I miss those sunglasses!
PS. That's a scar... I've had 2 open heart surgeries!

Clarification: I love myself, because Jesus loves me!

5 Blogs I ♥

A brand new feature on my blog!

Every Day Reads Edition

5. Campfire Chic - The Tale of a Crafty Camper

Picture from CampfireChic

Kam is a twenty-something girl who lives in southern california.

I first stumbled on to her blog when she was my secret pal (secret pals no longer exists). We also tweet back and forth quite a bit.

Kam is a camper, crafter, blogger, etsy shop owner, cross-stitcher, embroiderer, geocacher, 

and avid tweeter!

Also, be on the lookout for a full feature with her and a few other bloggers and their sweet embroidery skills!

Check her out right here:

Blog:Twitter

Etsy Shop:Facebook

Also, here's an older post about Kam!

4. Amyschmamey  - A life blog about my adventures in photography... mommyhood... friendship... love... and yarn

Amy is a twenty-something mother of 2 who lives in MO. I stumbled on to her blog this summer. We've been twitter friends ever since! 

Amy is a professional photographer, homemaker, etsy shop owner, crocheter, and of course a blogger!

Be on the lookout! Next month, Amy along with a few others, will be featured in a post all about crocheting!Check her out right here:Blog:Etsy Shop

3. Wild Olive - The Blog of Mollie Johanson

Mollie is a blogger, etsy shop owner, and embroiderer. Her patterns are amazing. She is also one of the sweetest people to connect with. She is helping me out on a post I have planned for Monday of next week, and she has gone above and beyond! I'm super excited to show you what she's shared! She is also hosting pattern of the month club!
 Click here for more info on how to get involved!

Check her out right here:

Blog:Etsy Shop

Facebook

2. Busy Bee Lauren

Lauren a twenty-something blogger who has taken the blog world by storm. She lives in AZ along with her husband Ted. She blogs about vintage, fashion, every day life, her likes and dislikes, and even has some awesome tips for bloggers! Like this one!

Check her out right here:

Blog:Twitter

Facebook

1. A Beautiful Mess - Fashion Handmade and Pretty Things

Elsie is a twenty-something entrepreneur. She has made a name for herself. She lives in MO and is recently engaged! She is the only person out of this series that I haven't talked with via email. But my goal this year is to go visit Red Velvet, and meet her!

She's a crafter, budding sewer, e-course provider, painter, and a very successful blogger!

Check her out right here:
Blog:Red Velvet
Twitter