Threads by The Shine Project

When I started blogging 2 years ago as simply a teacher, I had no idea the relationships I would soon have. I simply wrote to share what I was doing in my classroom. And now that I have moved on from sharing that aspect of my life, I have found that there are genuine & true women all over the world that are eager to make a difference. Ashley is one of them. Her heart and passion are something I admire & respect. I’m amazed at all that she does for those that desperately need it. And now she is kicking off something so awesome that I am giddy with excitement! (which is mighty hard to contain since I technically can’t buy anything until July 2) But…that doesn’t mean I won’t be purchasing some bracelets for my GLOW girls very soon!

This is what Miss Shine herself says to describe this new adventure…

Threads is a cause driven business that changes the future of at risk youth. They come from various backgrounds, but all have one thing in common, they want to break the cycle. By employing them, we instill values of self reliance and hard work. They are paid fair wages for the bracelets they make, and in turn are able to pay their way through school. Many of Threads employees are first generation college students. They dream of becoming nurses, broadcasters, writers and engineers.
Your purchase will directly impact a student. Even beyond financial support, your belief in them is a symbol of hope and trust that they can achieve what for so long seemed impossible. By purchasing Threads you are wearing more than just a bracelet, you are wearing change.

You can purchase here & you can enter to win $50 shop credit here

Get excited friends, people we “know” are changing the world. Don’t you want to be part of that?

Dream Big {& a giveaway}

Dreaming Big Video Trailer

I had the privilege of reading the sweet Heather’s book, Dream Big. Heather has become a real source of encouragement for me & when she told me about writing this 30 day devotional, I was so excited for her. And for me because I knew I’d be reading it!

“I was just one in a crowd of thousands. All around me eyes were glued
to the front where the speaker moved across the stage with ease and
authority. As she spoke, something in me quickened—a spark was
lit. Suddenly ideas, inspiration, and vision for the future flooded my
thoughts. In that moment I knew what God wanted me to do with my
life! My big dream was born.”

This is her opening paragraph. It resonated with me because I can remember just a short time ago when one of my dreams was born. Or should I say re-lit.I I was sitting at the Thanksgiving Eve service, listening to girl after girl stand up and say how thankful they were for their friends & their leaders at church. And just like that the flood gates opened & my heart was poked. No more like beat. Because one of those girls was my sister. The girl I want nothing more than to protect & shelter. It was time for me to stop saying I was going to do something and actually start doing it.

This devotion really forced me to stop. Stop & think about where I want my life to go. What direction I want to take. What direction I want to show these girls to take. Or at least how to choose the one that includes God.

One of my favorite parts was when she talked about being called to love the people that don’t like us. Wow. I struggle with this every single day. There are people in my life who seem to set out just to irritate me. And it’s my natural reaction to give that same type of “loving” back. But, that’s wrong. So wrong. The questions Heather asked us to answer after that specific day (17) forced me to focus on the good. Not the bad. I was able to really seek out the times when those people may have helped me, in the tiniest way, but help none the less. Just this morning I put that statement on my hubby’s daily lunch note. I also put this verse, Proverbs 25:28

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”

Isn’t it important to remember our self-control when we are dealing with people who don’t like us? We are commanded to control our words. Our emotions. Our reactions. So on Day 17, I made the commitment to have a self-control around my enemies. To have a heart of compassion for anyone who does not support my dreams. To truly offer a love like His when my ego is bruised.

I’m not joking when I say everyone should read this devotional. Young & old. I have a pretty big idea that my GLOW girls will someday experience it.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Store 

And today you have a chance to win your own copy! Because, well, Heather just rocks! (And she’s gorgeous too! But that’s beside the point.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring Fling Time

You may remember the Find Some Love Fest that I did with some good bloggy friends of mine? And you might remember what a raging success it was?

Well you’re welcome.

Because the amazing-ness that is Allison had the bright idea to do it again!!!

For Spring!

We will have a blog hop among 7 blogs!! You can link up to one & it will show on the other 6. You can post about food, fashion, crafts, beauty, home décor, giveaways, something in your shop, your spring-freshly painted nails. Are you getting it yet? Anything you have that relates to spring is a-ok with us!!

There will also be a giveaway! As in YOU could win something from 7 different blogs!

Besides me, there will be:

Pineapple Lily

Feeding My Temple

Digging Deeper

Classy in KC

Brittney's Orrdinary Life

Pish Posh Couture

Who doesn’t love friends? So grab a button below & help us spread the word!

Then come back here April 2nd & link up!

<center><a href="http://behindthescenes-blog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/ekedwards/SPRINGFLING200X200.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>

A Giveaway!

My super sweet friend Rachelle, from What the Teacher Wants is hosting a pretty awesome giveaway right now! 

I say it's awesome because I'm contributing a bag!!

And so is another pretty great lady, Randi from Teach it With Class.

You could win...

or

One winner will get the Pink Circle Spirals Cinch Sac & another lucky lady will win an Organizing Utility tote in whatever pattern you choose w/ personalization!!

Yea, talk about Christmas 2 months later!!

Go HERE to enter!

(there area already 447 entries, so you better hurry)

Giveaway ends tonight at 8 pm!!!

Review & Giveaway {My Memories Suite}

When a very kind lady contacted me about reviewing and hosting a giveaway for My Memories Suite, I was a little apprehensive. I'm not much of a scrapbooker, much to my mother's dismay. I mean someday, when I have kidlets, I like to think that I'll take a bigger interest in it. Right now I just don't feel like my life is that interesting that it needs to be "scrapped." {Sorry babe, you're interesting...a little :)}

But after I played around with this digital scrapbooking software, I realized that I can do so much more with it!!

Like make this add that I showed you in this post.

Or how about the collages I put together for Hot or Hot Mess? posts.

Then I decided that I did feel my wedding was rather interesting and I should probably make a few pages using the pictures from it. I used a pre-made template for this one.

(more of those to come soon)

Then I took this puppy dog and made a fancy page.

Seriously there is so much fun to be had! It's definitely not just a scrapbook template program. Don't let the name fool you! You can make fliers, invitations, cards, posters, the list goes on and on.

And because this awesome company loves rewarding their customers, they are offering up a FREE software program to one of you, my valued readers!

The rules:

Of course ya gotta follow this blog :) (no need for a comment, I'll know if ya do or not!)

*Head over to My Memories and pick out your favorite digital paper pack or layout. Then leave a comment telling me your fave.

For extra entries: (leave a comment for each)

Visit My Memories Blog & become a follower.

Like them on Facebook

Follow them on Twitter

Sounds easy enough right? If you win you would be winning a scrapbook software program that values at over $40! So awesome to get free stuff!!!

They are also willing to share a $10 off coupon with all of you if you can't stand to wait! Simply visit My Memories and enter  STMMMS21405 at checkout. It will deduct $10 from your bill. 

*Giveaway will end Sunday October 30th at 11:59 pm. I will choose a winner via random. If you have your email linked to your comments, I will contact you. If not, you will have 48 hours to contact me otherwise a new winner will be chosen.*

good luck friends :)

Finally, A Winner!

Oh sweet ladies, please forgive me for taking this long to post the winner of the Love Print giveaway! This move has taken over my life. So thankful for my friends who have been guest posting to keep you interested!

Congrats to:

7. Tonya said...

I am a new follower of their blog too! :)

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 11:07 AM 

Tonya, please email me the print that you would like within the next 48 hours!

If you need help deciding you can view them again here!

And because I know you are all dying to figure out how to draw a lion...here ya go!

Source: how-to-draw-funny-cartoons.com via Emily on Pinterest

You're welcome. 

Rest easy, I'll be making some excuse to draw one and show it off like I'm a true artist :)

Go Bills!

Giveaway Time

I know I said this giveaway would be up and running about a week ago, but life happens.

Forgive?
I know you're going to love it.

Here's what's up for grabs :)

"We believe that whether you are living in a tiny dorm room on a college budget, in a rental with your kids, or own your own home, you can make it a space where you and your family want to be. We hope our prints help make your space more uplifting, fun, and fitting to your personality."

Go to this website and you will immediately fall in love with their work.

They are the sweetest girls.
Check out their blog here:

They are offering up 1 LOVE Print.

OR

OR

Told you they are pure beauty!

Here's how you can win:

{Giveaway is only open to followers of Behind the Scenes}

1. Go check out Plum Street Prints & tell me which LOVE Print you would choose if you won.

2. Like Plum Street Prints on Facebook.
3. Follow Plum Street Prints Blog.

{Leave a comment for each of those}

Extra Entries:

Follow me on Twitter
Follow Plum Street Prints on Twitter

Blog about this giveaway
Check out their Pinterest page

*Giveaway will end Monday October 3, 2011 at 11:59 pm.* 

I will choose a winner via random & post the winner on 10/4/11.

The winner will have 48 hours to contact me via email or a new winner will be chosen. 

New Winner & Question

The winner of week 2 giveaway never contacted me, so I picked a new winner!

Congrats to comment #6

6. Kelsey said...

I would buy the Single Rosette Statement Necklace with 30% off from Pink Lemonade!

Yay Kelsey! 

Please email me your choices within the next 48 hours! 

I won't be posting a new giveaway until this one is taken care of.

Now for the question:

Source: letsmakeahealthiertomorrow.tumblr.com via Liz on Pinterest

Why is this so true, yet I have no motivation to stop watching Big Bang Theory to go running? 

Winner!

 The winner of week 2 giveaway is comment number 16! 

16. Jess@Drops of Motherhood said...

I follow Heather.

 Jess email me within 48 hours with your address and your choice of zipper pouch OR earrings from moreygirl!

And because Paige at Pink Lemonade rocks, she is offering my readers 30% off in her shop using the code LOVELY. 

I'm excited to see what you pick!

Next weeks giveaway will feature awesome beauties from...

&

And now, this is my motto for the rest of the night :)

Source: None via Blair on Pinterest

Grand Opening Giveaway week 2

Ok sweet bloggy friends, it's time for week two of my...






First up we have...

It's Paige from the awesome Pink Lemonade blog. 

She also runs a pretty successful shop. And she is only 15 yrs old! 

"I love my family and friends more than anything. I love crafting , shopping, cooking, thrifting, and sewing!"

{via}

Pretty cool girl, right?

Check out some of her work.

Isn't she talented?

Well because she is such a doll, she is offering one of you a Rosette Clip in Gray.

Gorgeous!

Next in line is...

It's Heather from the super cool Morey Girl blog.

Heather also has an amazing shop. And she takes amazing pictures.

"I am a Christian, a wife, a mother of two boys, and I love to make things! You are invited to take a little look inside my life with all the crazy antics, lovely handmades, cutie little boys, and my hottie husband;)"

{via}

She'll make you smile, a lot, when you read her blog!

Let's see some of her work, shall we?

Miss Heather is so kind to offer up either a cute set of earrings or a zipper pouch.

or

Yea I know! I have the best blog friends to offer up such great giveaways!

Now for the details:

As always you need to be a follower of Behind the Scenes, so if you aren't already visit the side bar and start following.

1. Follow my blog.

2. Follow Paige over at: 

3. Follow Heather over at:

4. Like Paige on Facebook
5. Visit Heather's shop & tell me if you would choose the earrings or zipper pouch & in what pattern.
6. Visit Paige's shop & tell me what you will buy with your 30% off code. (that I will share with you when the giveaway is over!)
7. Grab a Grand Opening Giveaway button from my sidebar & blog about this giveaway on your own blog. (and if you get some of your followers to enter, let me know & I'll give you an extra entry!)
8. You can always follow me on twitter & pinterest for 2 extra entries.
Please leave a separate comment for each one you do!The giveaway will end Friday September 16, 2011.I will choose a winner that night & announce it Saturday September 17, 2011.*The winner will have 48 hours to contact me via email with their choices, If I haven't heard from the winner in 48 hours, I will choose a new one.*
Good luck ladies & thanks to Paige & Heather for sharing with us.

Trisha B Designs & Johnny In A Dress Winner!

Congrats to comment number 47.

 Miss Bethany said,

"Following 3 Four & Under!"

Send me an email with your choices! 
(email can be found to the right --->)

You can pick one Chrysanthemum necklace in the color of your choice from Trisha B Designs & either a Bloomin Barrette or Broach in the color of your choice from Johnny In A Dress!

Can't wait to see what you pick girl :)


And because Trisha is just so awesome, she is offering my readers 15% off in her shop!!!! Just enter the code SCENES15 at checkout! 

Next giveaway will feature pretties from:

&

{check back Sunday for ways to enter}

Last day to enter the giveaway!

Today is your last chance to enter the Grand Opening Giveaway! I will be choosing a winner tonight, so hurry and go enter. 

And because I like posting pictures, here's one you can enjoy!

I went to coffee with a friend last night & I get this picture message.

With this caption: "I got a golf ball to balance on my head. I. AM. SO. TALENTED."

Yep that's my hubby & that's why I love him. 

Guess when I leave him home alone he gets a little crazy.

And here are my littles all ready for a new school year!

6th Grade & Pre-K.

Can't believe they are this big.
I miss them as babies.
Guess it's time for me to start having my own?!?!
(Hope the hubs doesn't read this or else I'll hear about it :) No babies for him yet)

Grand Opening Giveaway week 1

Well sweet friends.

It's time for the kick-off of my Grand Opening Blog Giveaway.
Over the next month, I have some pretty incredible giveaways lined up. So many amazing ladies who make the most incredible pieces. And they are willing to share them with you. How awesome is that!

So are you ready for a fun filled September here at Behind the Scenes?


First up we have the very talented and very famous..

It's Natalie from Johnny In A Dress 
She is about the sweetest lady I have ever meet. And she has the cutest family. She offers tutorials for us less than stellar crafters. And she has the cutest products in her shop.

Well Miss Natalie has agreed to offer....

One of these pretties.

OR

One of these.

You can win either a Bloomin Broach OR a Bloomin Barrette. And you can pick the color of them too!

So maybe you want this broach style?

or

or this barrette style?

Isn't she awesome? Seriously I have been dying over her creations for a LONG time.  

Did I mention she is pretty much famous?

But that's not all.

Next up we have the ever sweet and creative...

It's Trisha from trishabdesigns & her blog 3 Four and Under

She is simply amazing and kind. Her children are adorable. The pieces in her shop are to die for..

Miss Trisha has offered up...

 

her brand new chrysanthemum necklace

In the color of your choice!!

So are you feeling a little like aqua?

Or maybe Jade?

or perhaps you want some Cinnamon to welcome Fall?

How so giving of Trisha to be willing to share her new design with one of you!! I am adding this baby to my Christmas list!

Now that I have given you lots of eye candy to gawk at, let's get down to the business of how to win these bad boys girls (the products, not Nat & Trish and no the ladies aren't bad girls!)

To enter you will need to leave a comment for each entry that you do :)

This is only open to Behind the Scene followers, so if ya aren't one of those yet, go visit my side bar and start following!

Ways to enter:

1. Follow this blog.

2. Follow.. 

3. Follow...

4. Head over to Johnny In A Dress-The Shop & tell me what Bloomin Broach or Barrette you would pick & in what design.

5. Head over to Trisha B Designs & tell me what color Chrysanthemum necklace you would pick.

6. Grab the Grand Opening Giveaway button & blog about this on your own blog.

<center><a href=" http://behindthescenes2009.blogspot.com/search/label/Giveaways " target="_blank"><img alt="Behind the Scenes" src=" http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb340/ekedwards/giveawaybutton-picnik-1.jpg "/></a></center>

That's 6 different entries!!!

This giveaway will be open until Thursday, September 8, 2011.


*I will choose one winner via random generator & you will be notified on Friday, September, 9, 2011.
You will have 48 hours to contact me via email with your choices. If I haven't heard from the winner in 48 hours, I will choose a new winner.*


Good luck ladies & thank you a million times over to Natalie & Trisha for being so generous.