Questions answered...

First... I had to get my Love Letter to 

Kitty Paw entry in! That's it above!

On to the questions:

Mandy from A Sorta Fairytale asked...

- If you had to move anywhere else in the US, where would it be? 
Well... I really love Oregon. I'm very happy here. But, if I HAD to.... I would hope it would be Seattle. I love Seattle... maybe because it's so much like Portland? ;D

- How about anywhere else in the world? And why??


If I could move anywhere in the world I imagine myself living in the UK. I loved it there. And, I love the idea that I'm just hours from all these amazing countries!

- What are your hopes for your blog in the future?
To be absolutely honest: I'd love for my blog to keep growing and expose my two shops more! I've been struggling lately with advertising. I want my blog to stay personal and not commercial... but, I do put a lot of time and work into my blog. I'd like to make a little money and contribute to our income (since I pretty much don't right now...).

Pam from Can't Wait asked...

- Do you cloth diaper? If not, why not?
I do not cloth diaper. Why: because I love the convenience of disposable. I currently use Seventh Generation. I've wanted to cloth diaper... but, I've been a little nervous to start. I know it could save us a ton of money with just a one time investment. Still haven't totally ruled it out... but, my baby is 14 months.

- Will there be more babies in the near future? And how many do you and your dear husband want? One, two? Three? Six?
There will be more babies in the future... when, I don't know. We will be adopting and/or surrogacy for the next baby because I can't be pregnant anymore (my birth story would answer why). My hubby and I would like 2 more.

Laura from El Cubed asked...

- How do you manage to juggle being a wife, a mom, an artist, and a dedicated blogger so well?
Ummm... I don't know! :D I try to get any work or blogging done during Ruari's nap-time. She usually sleeps 3 hours in a row... but, I can here her moving around right now... probably can't find her pacifier. I've actually been trying to work on my balance a little more. If I figure it out... I'll let you know!

Kendra from On My Side of the Room asked...

- Just wondering if you have any photography tips, I'm always looking for them. I keep wanting to take a class to improve but, life happens. I love your style.
Well... I'm definitely not a photography pro. I just have such a passion for it! My photography skills have very much improved in the past year. I believe the biggest reason for that is I take a ton of photos! Participating in photo challenges every week has been a huge help as well. If I ever get confused with something... I google it or ask one of my photography blogging friends! Lots of practice!

As far as my style of photography: I love capturing little details.... my baby's fingers picking up food... the salt of a cracker... eyes (I LOVE eyes).... I'm a sort of "fill the frame" girl. I like my photos to be full. I'm currently trying to expand myself and try landscape photography... I'm not liking my stuff, I need practice!

Thank you SO much for your questions ladies! If anyone ever has a question ANY time... you are more than welcome to email me. :D

OH... one more thing... the winner of the PS Cute handmade headband is: TaMara from The Sloan Homeschool! Congrats! I will be contacting you soon!

❤ Chelsey

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AND, the winner of the "My Valentine" photo challenge is...

This weeks guest judge: ME!
This weeks challenge: My Valentine.
The challenge: The challenge will be based around your children. Take or find a photo of your baby (or kid... or puppy... or kitty)... your Valentine.

The winners chosen by me:

First pick: Holly Nicole
Why I chose this photo: "I love those sweet sparkly eyes and the soft glow. So very sweet."

{Holly Nicole}

Congrats to the winner! Great job, and please feel free to grab the Fact: I'm Awesome button! Because You are awesome!!





<a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5084702563_b6c1682861.jpg" alt="The Paper Mama" width="150" height="150" /></a>

Second pick: Holly Nicole
Why I chose this photo: "Those chocolate 'shoulder pads' are so funny! Great capture."

{Love, Luci}

Third pick: The Franklins
Why I chose this photo: "A beautiful soft and sweet photo."

{The Franklins}

Fourth pick: Bunch of Barrons
Why I chose this photo: "I knew before I even clicked on this photos thumbnail who's photo it was... She always has fun and different angles in her photos. Love this."

{Bunch of Barrons}

Fifth pick: Debbie West
Why I chose this photo: "A sweet moment between siblings. Another sweet moment captured!"

{Debbie West}

Congrats to my top 5 winners! If you'd like... you are more than welcome to grab a Top 5 Photo button below!

<a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5085298170_31cb9fb3a9_z.jpg" alt="The Paper Mama" width="150" height="150" /></a>

 
My favorites (in no particular order):

{I Rock So What}

{A Little King and I}

{DRW Photos}

{Three Peas and a Bean}

{Brooke Martin Photography}

{Lola Birdie}

If you're one of my favorites you are more than welcome to grab a "Paper mama hearts me" button below!

<a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5084702705_ebcd889293.jpg" alt="The Paper Mama" width="150" height="150" /></a>

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Guess what.... after 4 challenges there will be a week long vote off of the winners from the 4 previous challenges... 2 more challenges to go...

Winners so far:
Self Portrait: ... I Rock So What ...
My Valentine: ... Holly Nicole ...
Red: ... no one yet ...
Movement: ... no one yet ... 

And, if you all get a moment.... 

I'd LOVE a vote! :D

❤ Chelsey



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Wordless{ish} Wednesday: Bacon of hearts.

{What do you do for your sweetheart when you're on a budget for Valentine's Day... and, you are not a chef and only sort of know how to work the oven? How about Valentine's bacon? Yes! Need a recipe? Ok!}

{Bacon of Hearts
- 12 slices of bacon
- ... that's it!
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400. Cut your bacon slices in half. Using two pieces of the cut in half bacon... shape them into a heart on a sheet pan (make sure this pan has sides so the grease doesn't get all over your oven!). Bake for 18 - 25 minutes (or until done). Serve on a fancy plate or a pretty box and share with your loved one. Extra credit if you dip the bacon in chocolate! Yum! :D}

{Above is what I had waiting for Mike when he got home from work... a glass of wine, a card from Ruari, a smelly candle, some cheap chocolate and an amazing bacon heart! Ha ha. Mike made VERY yummy steak with blue cheese, rice, and salad (topped with a bacon heart) for me for Valentine's day... along with some ice cream sandwiches. Valentine's on a budget! Perfect. I hope you all enjoyed your day! Whether you celebrate Valentine's or not. :)}

{One more thing: thank you to everyone that has been voting for my blog on Top Baby Blogs! I love it! You are more than welcome to vote each and every day. Just a click to VOTE HERE (or, the button below) and click on the "click here to vote". And, you're done! Thanks!}

{If you have a Wordless{ish} Wednesday, please feel free to link it up below. BY the way: Shawntae from A Little King and I now share our Wednesday Linky's. :D. And, feel free to link up to these blogs too... (Wordless Wednesday HQ, 5 Minutes For Mom, Parenting by Dummies, A Beautiful Mess, Go Graham Go, Supermom, Live and Love Outloud, and My Wee View.). Happy Wednesday to all of you! Don't forget to check the announcements above the posts. Giveaways and the photo challenges!}

❤ Chelsey


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Happy Valentine's Day! Time to get all mushy gushy...

First... we are about to fall off the front page of Top Baby Blogs... :( It would mean a lot to me if you would like to give us a vote... just click here... then, click one more time on the top banner. Thanks!

 Happy Valentine's Day to my little baby boo goo baby head. Sometimes I just look at her and I start to tear up... I love her so much... yes, even when she's screaming for no reason whatsoever... or, when she needs me to carry her everywhere I go... even though she knows how to walk now. She's an amazing little girl. It's been SO crazy watching her learn and turn into a human! Just a couple of weeks ago she grabbed a book and walked it over to me... and wanted up in my lap. She wanted me to read the book to her... it was so crazy because she knew what she was doing! She had a plan! When did she start knowing things? 

She'll be 14 months old in a few days... I'm so happy and lucky to have her.

Happy Valentine's Day to my hubby! Yes, I tricked Mike into taking a photo with me... Bwa ha ha. He hates being in photos... but, I told him it's all I wanted for Valentine's Day (even though that's a lie... I still expect some flowers and chocolate... this is necessary). I win. We had a lovely baby free date night this weekend. It's always nice to just spend time with Mike without the baby... Love.

Steppin' Out Saturday:

Mike:

Jacket: I don't know.

T-shirt: I don't know.

Jeans: Hmmm... I don't know. VERY old.

Shoes: Adidas.

Chelsey:

Hair clip: Twenty Five Designs

Scarf: Forever 21

Cardigan: Anthropologie

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Kensie

❤ Chelsey




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Happy Valentine's for Daddy. Love, Ruari.

Entering into the cutest couple Valentine's challenge for Six Cherries on Top... I know there's not 2 people... but, Ruari said boys are gross and she didn't want to take a photo with one. She told me that.

The cards title: Boys Are Gross.

Mike and I have a date night tonight to celebrate our birthdays and Valentine's day. Yay! Happy Saturday everyone!

If you have a moment Ruari would just 

LOVE a vote for our blog!

❤ Chelsey


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The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: My Valentine

Hi everyone! The numbers have been reset on Top Baby Blogs and I'd 

LOVE to get a vote from you if you have a moment! Thank you so so much!

This weeks guest judge: ME!
This weeks challenge: My Valentine.
The challenge: The challenge will be based around your children. Take or find a photo of your baby (or kid... or puppy... or kitty)... your Valentine.

My example of "My Valentine":

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Here are a couple links to some free photo editing software if you don't already have something:
Picnik 
Picasa
Gimp
Pixlr

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Remember: my photo challenges do require you to have either your children or one of your furry children (pets) in the photo. It could be just one finger... or a toe... but, they must be there.
There always has to be rules... I know, boring right? But, it's to help me and you. :) Click on the link for more details... Each entry does need to link back to my blog... All photo entries need to be in by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on February 17th...
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Guess what.... after 4 challenges there will be a week long vote off of the winners from the 4 previous challenges... 3 more challenges to go...

Winners so far:
Self Portrait: ... I Rock So What ...
My Valentine: ... no one yet ...
Red: ... no one yet ...
Movement: ... no one yet ... 



<a href="http://thepapermama.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5085242350_8096c64354.jpg" alt="The Paper Mama" width="150" height="150" /></a>

And, if you all get a moment.... 

I'd LOVE a vote! :D

❤ Chelsey


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