January Group Giveaway

( THE WINNER IS ELISABETH FROM BELLATHEBLOG.COM! )

Happy Happy Thursday! I can't believe its the last day of January, but I guess the month has flown by so ridiculously fast. I am excited for February however and all that's in store, but in celebration of a spectacular month, today is the very first Group Giveaway on the Freckled Fox! I couldn't be more excited about the prizes provided by these wonderful ladies, take a look!

#1. Albums 'Up to the Moon' EP (2012) and 'Caught Light' (2009) from Chantilly Songs

#2. 6 pairs of earrings (winner chooses colors) from Crafting in the Rain

#3. 1 month large ad space on Shannon Heart’s

#4. $20 a large ad space + $10 Starbucks e-gift card from Glam Hungry Mom

#5. LargeAd space with lots of perks from The Vagabond Studio 

#6. $25.00 gift certificate to Lotus Blossom Design 

#7. $20 giftcard to Starbucks from The Magic Number

#8. $20.00 to Sephora from Denim and Daydreams

#9. 1 month Large ad Space from the Freckled Fox

#10. Exclusive Un-marketed handmade bag from Bamboo Blossom

#11. $40 shop credit to Linkel Designs

#12. 300x250 ad space + a featured sponsor post from the Flower City Fashionista

#13. $20 ad space + a coordinating guest post from Mrs. Southern Bride

How it Works: Each of these fabulous ladies have provided a mandatory entry which you will be asked to complete before you have access to all the additional bonus entries. You don't have to complete all of the mandetory entries of course, but try to do as many as you can! You'll love getting to know these ladies a little better, and what an amazing bundle of goodness to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be chosen at random and contacted by each of the contributers shrtly after the giveaway concludes to work out the details of their prizes!

Thank you for your support of Freckled Fox and its amazing sponsors, and good luck!
xo, Emily

Little Letters Link-up

Hey there darlings, I have to thank you again for your patience with my linkup, and say that I hope you will be linking up Wednesdays here with your sweet and humorous letters!! I love visiting and reading your little letters because it really helps me get to know you guys better:) Here're mine:

Dear Alt Summit, thank you for bringing me one of the best weeks of my life! What an amazing experience, one that I need to write and share about still!

Dear Weathermob, I think I spent the most time at your mini party at alt, i mean you had the fun photobooth, the hot chocolate bar, and the mini smores bites! Thanks for a good time:)  

Dear cold weather, thank you for lightening up a bit lately, you've given me hope of warmer weather to come soon, along with sweet memories from summers past.  

Dear chocolate, I know that we are great friends, but I realized recently that you don't keep me satisfied for very long, so an hour later I am left hungry again only jut a little fatter. Can we work out a different arrangement pretty please? 

Dear Wal-mart, I know I pick on you a lot, but I just can't understand how long the lines have to be in order for you to open up a third register and so on.  Really? I'm sstanding in the childrens section in line while 30 other registers sit unattended? come on

Dear popcorn kernels in the bottom of the bag, you had one job to do. One! You were grown, harvested, and today was your day to shine! This is what you were made for! now pop so I can eat you instead of breaking my teeth. 

Dear Martin, thank you for your patience with the house as I unpack my bags and settle back in a bit, it sure has been a crazy month, but I'm ready for a new rhythm!   

Dear bloggy friends, your sweet words or encouragement and kindness truly make my day, every day. Whenever I could be feeling down I remember the support I have from you, and blow you kisses:) Love you guys,

Sincerely, Emmy

Now its your turn lil' darlings!:)

1. grab the code below and write your letters any day this week between now and next Wednesday

2. please, please include the little letters button or my blog link to your letters post/sidebar 

3. read others letters, make new friends, and have fun! I'm excited to visit and read your letters! 

<center> <a href="http://www.freckled-fox.com/search/label/Little%20Letters%20Link-up"><img border="0" src="http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t512/emilymmeyers13/150x162littleletters_zps9ca1ed9f.jpg"/></a></center>

Lipgloss and Crayons: Featured + Giveaway

Good morning my dears! Today is one of my favorite days of the month, because I get to introduce and highlight one specific blogger that I have come to know and love! 
Carly has such a unique and fresh approach on blogging while still having something for everyone, and that's so hard to do nowadays! I love her sense of style and that she's willing to take risks. I love that she has such a positive outlook on life while still being real and relate-able. I love all her delicious recipes and her sweet love story, and I know you will too!  Here's a little bit from the lady herself!

"Hello Freckled Fox readers! I'm Carly and I blog over at Lipgloss and Crayons.  I'm an elementary school teacher, who loves fashion and beauty products.  I started my blog on a whim over summer vacation….and it's turned into a total passion project! 

I love writing about fun outfits, great products and sharing some of my favorite recipes.  My husband is a professional musician, so I get to experiment with both professional wear and fun rock and roll attire!"

"One of my favorite things about blogging is the sense of community…..I love that we can connect with people who live in another part of the country or world and form genuine friendships.  

At some point, I'd love to work with the blogging community as a whole.  Planning events? Fostering connections through an online forum? Helping others to learn more about blogging? Who knows what is in store!"

Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

And now on to the giveaway! Carly has been awesome enough to offer one lucky winner a $40 giftcard to Sephora! Just in time for all those special Valentines dates coming up right ladies?! Lets get to it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be chosen and announced on this post shortly after the giveaway concludes. 
Good luck to everyone!
xo, Emily

Weekend Wrap-Up

This Week: has been such a huge whirlwind of totally overwhelming amazingness... if it could be summed up so easily:) (in case you're new here I've been at the Altitude Summit blogger conference all week:)) I've never been in such a massive group where everyone was so creative and motivated! I mean you should see some of these ladies business cards. Mind blowing. I couldn't have had more fun sharing what I love about Passionfruit with whoever would listen, and there was so many opportunities for learning everywhere I looked and listened. I can't wait to share some of the bloggy-goodness I learned and experiences I had here on the blog in the next few weeks!
Weekly Snapshots: one of the most inspirations keynote addresses ever from design genius Stefan Sagmeister, one of the many amazing dessert bars at the sponsored parties, a proud moment sporting the very first temporary tats from Passionfruit, compleating a life goal by meeting gorgeous designer/artist and blogging inspiration Promise Tangeman

A Few Facts:

• I discovered once and for all that I just have an official thing for black. It always looks dressier, more sophisticated, makes me look skinny, and goes with everything. Win-win.
• Not only did I get to ride in a Mustang this week, but I also got to drive it! Oh did I mention it was a convertible? You bet I put the top down for a bit:) Also I may or may not have taken it over 100 mph a couple times.... hot:)

What was your favorite thing about this past week? tell me! haha

xo, Emily 

                                subscribe ♥ instagram ♥ facebook ♥ shop ♥ twitter ♥ pinterest ♥ bloglovin

Friday Finds #51

This week I found...

...this outfit, which I know is all black and grey, but I am navigating towards black so much lately! haha love it all

via

...this amazing recipe for cabbage and potatoe soup with bacon. oh man, what a good combination!

via

...this adorable parakeet clutch. Maybe its just because I had parakeets growing up, but this is just the cutest thing to me.

via 

...this necklace from h&m, I just wish it was still available! I'm always falling in love with limited additions:(

via

...this recipe for gen tsos chicken?! I can't wait to try it, because that's a fav of mine! Yummy!

via

...this pair of boots from free people. Man, I would love forever the person who found a pair for sale:(

via

...this image from a wedding or some sorts, but I love the idea of hanging vintage cages like that

via

...this quote, which I had on a shirt when I was little. I wonder if I still have that somewhere?

via

...these three kitties in hats. oh.my.goodness. I know I posted cats last week, but Come On! Too cute!

via

...this amazing looking pomegranit recipe. mmmm I can almost taste it looking at the pictures!

via

...this has got to be the most amazing tree-house that I've ever seen! If I could have a wish...

via 

Well dearies, what is something inspiring YOU this week? I'd love to hear or see!

xo, Em

P.S. A special hello if you are visiting from the Wonder Forrest! :)

Hair Tutorial: Side Braided Bun

Happy Thursday ladies (and possibly guys), and thanks for stopping by! I'm just gonna go right into my little description of this style if you don't mind:) This style came about because I was trying to think of a really fast way to dress up a regular old low messy bun for a date, and adding braids has turned it into a new favorite! 

This could also be a simpler variation of my Kate Middleton inspired updo from November (for those of you that were asking). It can be done with short or long hair, and just about any texture! Lets get to it shall we?

Supplies:
- 1 hairtie
- approx 6 bobby pins
- hairspray
Method:

Step 1: put your fingers mid-temple and separate a section of hair on the top (bang section) of your head. Wrap it up loosely and pin for later. Pull a three inch section from both sides between your pined up section and your ears, and wrap them around the top for later as well.

Step 2: take the rest of your hair and make a messy bun right above your neck by pulling all the hair through the ponytail half-way, twisting your hair-tie once, balling your hair up into a bun and wrapping your hair-tie around the whole ball. pin up any loose ends.

Step 3: Last you'll pull down the two side sections and braid them loosly, tugging at each braid to increase width. Pull both braids back and over your messy bun, tucking into the bun and pin securely. Pull down your bang section and split in half. Braid both of them and repeat as with the first two braids, making sure to pin securely into the bun. Spritz with hairspray and you're finished! 

Totally not as complicated as it may appear with all the pictures and text, but you know me:) I like to be extra detailed so you have a clear tutorial to deal with. haha

Well, I hope you give it a try and then come back and let me know what compliments you got! I know people are always very sweet when I wear my hair like this.

Have a lovely Thursday everyone!
xo, Emily

                                subscribe ♥ facebook ♥ shop ♥ twitter ♥ pinterest ♥ bloglovin

Little Letters Linkup

Hey there loves, I thank you all for your patience with my little linkup! I love visiting your blogs and reading your little letters because it really helps me get to know you guys better and often times they make me laugh and smile when I'm having a hard day. Well anyways, here's to a more regular little letters link-up happening soon, and lets get to mine:

Dear new acrylic nails, either I will love you or hate you by the end of our relationship because you make it hilariously ridiculous to type or text, but you help me give amazing head rubs, mainly to myself.

Dear time, what did I ever do to make you want to ditch me so fast all the time?! Just when I think we're friends I sit down, and then two years later I get up. Thanks for nothin pal.

Dear Fred Meyer, I love when I buy an extra expensive bag of organic air, and discover someone has put 4 chips in there as a special bonus. Made my day!

Dear weather, you have been i n s a n e lately. What's the deal? I know its only in the teens, but it feels like the coldest winter we've ever had. Lighten up will ya?

Dear citizens of twin falls, Come by and pick up this adorable free dog! Barks none-stop, growls and salivates when you get within fifty feet of him, can probably tear you to tiny bits, and is most certainly a decendent of the guard dogs of hell. P.S. go next door to pick him up.

Dear Wal-mart, is there a new 'No Sweatpants, No House-slippers, No Service' policy of yours that I missed or something? There is no excuse for so many people being in their pajamas at 3 in the afternoon on a week day. I am at a loss for words. 

Dear Britain's Got Talent, whenever I watch episodes on youtube while I work, I can't help but fill in the blanks for the other countries: France's Got Souffles, America's Got Diabetes, Scotland's Got Rain, its all very entertaining:)  

Dear bloggy friends, your comments truely make my day, every day. Thank you so so much for taking the time to leave them! :)

Sincerely, Emmy

Now its your turn lil' darlings!:)

1. grab the code below and write your letters any day this week!

2. please, please include the button or my link to your letters post/sidebar

3. read others letters and make new friends! I'm excited to read yours!

<center> <a href="http://www.freckled-fox.com/search/label/Little%20Letters%20Link-up"><img border="0" src="http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t512/emilymmeyers13/150x162littleletters_zps9ca1ed9f.jpg"/></a></center>

My Plan to Get the Most Out of Alt Summit 2013

Hey guys! If you have been following my blog this month then you've seen my posts leading up to and in preparation for Altitude Design Summit, and you know how excited I am! I've been prepping mentally for months, so I thought that I was all cool confidence, but I confess at silently freaking out a little lately. haha Usually I catch myself sitting or standing, staring out in front of me, unblinking, un-moving for who knows how long, till Martin shakes my shoulder and asks "are you okay?" We decided that it may help to calm my nerves if I made a list of the ways to help me get the most out of Alt. Here is my plan:

#1. Prepare my Blog & Social Media: With all the socializing and networking that'll be going on, prepare for a rise in stats by making sure your online presence is as ship-shape as possible! 
#2. Be out-going and Super Friendly: Make a point of going up to bloggers you recognize or admire and saying hi! It may just make their day. If you see someone standing alone, don't be afraid to be outgoing and strike up a conversation. There are a lot of people there just as nervous as you, and while you can't be best friends with everyone, at least we'll put in a good effort:) 
#3. Priority One is Connecting: No one is going to meet all those amazing people for you. Every day will hold opportunities for meeting hundreds of smart and stylish bloggers, designers, photographers, and all-around brilliant people. So meet them, tweet them. Stalk them. haha No but really, introduce yourself! Ask them about themselves and why they love what they do. The biggest part of Alt is the people, and you may find friendships that will last long after your plane has landed.
#4. Ask for Their Cards First: You'll still get to hand out your own amazing cards, and people will be surprised and grateful for the change from constantly being flashed others cards all day long. 
#5. Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to stick around after a panel or class for a chance to meet with your favorite speaker, but also be patient and respectful of other peoples time and schedules. Also, don't feel silly for asking a fellow attendee a question. That doesn't make you the underdog:)
#6. Write it All Down: Take copious notes. Fill those spiral bounds to the brim. You won't be able to remember half of what you hear without them, so turn your phone off during panels and classes and use that time to soak up all the juicy goodness. Remember the value of observation and listening, and don't forget to write down peoples names and blogs as well  Business cards may be coming out your ears, so if there's an extra special contact you want to remember, don't let them slip through the cracks!
#7. Take a step back: If you're overwhelmed at the thought of being there, imagine when it's a reality! Don't feel badly for taking breaks whenever you find yourself a little claustrophobic with all the amazing-ness surrounding you. You'll feel more on top of it and get more out of it!
#8. Be Your Best Self: Remember that enthusiasm goes a long way towards what you will get out of events like this. You are networking a brand, and you are the face of that brand! Know your stuff. Get into the rhythm. Wallflowers will get nowhere, so go with the flow, but stand out and be memorable! 
#9. You are Not Alone: Remember that every single person there is probably nervous about some aspect of the conference. Never turn down an opportunity to thank a speaker or organizer for the work they put in, or to give a pat on the back to a fellow attendee. Laugh and make a joke in a nerve-wracking or possible awkward situation, and everything will turn out just fine:)
#10. Be Bloody Amazing: Tell yourself that you are frequently, and you'll believe it! Remember why you bought that ticket, and what you've been hoping to get out of it, and then go out there and get it! This is your time to shine. No comparing yourself to others or feeling small. You are the best at what it is you do, and don't let anyone let you think differently. 

I really am less of a ball of nerves after writing up this list, and I'm feeling just totally stoaked and ready for this to to start! I really love bloggers in person, and can't wait to get to know all of you bloggers that are attending this year! I hope that you'll come up and say hi if you see me, just be prepared for a hug, and a business card swap, because that's what'll probably go down:) 
Drive or Fly safely, and I'll see you at the Grand America!
xoxo, Emily

P.S. If you would like to follow along with me this week in my experiences at Alt, I will be updating regularly on Instagram and Twitter. I'd love to have you!

Hair Tutorial: The 'Sleeker' Sock Bun

Its Monday guys! That means a new week ahead with new to-dos, new checklists, new goals, new weekend plans:) Today is especially fun for me because I'm bringing another hair tutorial, and its been quite a while since the last one! This style comes mostly as a request from a few of you, who were hoping for a sleeker version of my last Textured Sock Bun tutorial, so here it is! 

The special thing about this bun is that its so glamorous and chic, but also so easy that people will never guess how little work actually went into your style. This is always a fun trick to achieve the look of more hair as well, sine you actually have a sock hidden in there!

If you've done a sock bun before then you're maybe in better shape. If this is your first time, then you may visit this tutorial for a more detailed explanation of the sock bun itself. This style doesn't need a large amount of instruction, but there are several key tips and tricks that will help perfect the style, while certainly making it easier and faster for everyone. Here we go!

Supplies:
- fine toothed comb
- smoothing serum
- brush
- two bobby-pins 
Method:

Step 1: Start with clean dry hair(if extremely curly, you may need to straighten a bit for better results). Brush your hair smooth, and then up into a high ponytail, making sure that all sides are free of 'lumps'. rub a small amount of smoothing serum over head once finished for a smoother and 'sleeker' look:)

Step 2: Separate a 1" chunk of hair from the right and left side of your ponytail and braid them both all the way down, securing with hair-ties. Making sure to leave the braids out, add your sock to your bun and begin wrapping your hair around the end of the sock.

Step 3: Start rolling the sock inside-out, continually smoothing your hair, until you reach your head! At this point the bun will hold itself in place, but secure with pins if you wish. Wrap your braids around the base of the bun in opposite directions, but going around the front first (to make sure the fattest part of the braid is in the front). Spritz with hairspray, and you're all finished!

I hope that if you don't already do this that you will give it a try. I'm usually a curl lovin gal, so I'm always amazed at how different I look with a sleek hairstyle, and I always get compliments!
Have a lovely Friday everyone, and I'll see you back again tomorrow with more!
xo, Emily

                                subscribe ♥ facebook ♥ shop ♥ twitter ♥ pinterest ♥ bloglovin

What's in My Suitcase for Alt Summit 2013

Hey little darlings! Man, I am so excited for Alt next week! With everyone checking flight itineraries and hotel reservations for the start of the big event, I felt like i'd better hurry up with the post I had planned for today. 

As you know I'm a huge fan of checklists because they help me feel organized and put together, and packing for Alt is no exception (of course). So naturally I put together a big list when I first found out I was going, and over the weeks have whittled it down to what I'm really and truly packing in my suitcase as you read. And so, because you asked, here is my (if a little incomplete) categorized packing list! 

Hmmmm, anything important I'm forgetting? Obviously I'll have my purse with various other odds and ends (headphones, snacks, etc), but what are some of your essential travel/conference items I should know about? I'd love to hear them!

Thanks for visiting today, Really!

xo, Emmy

FF #50

This week I found...

...this cold weather outfit from polyvore. love the baggy sweater, and the slouchie beanie!

via

...this amazing looking eggplant curry dish. That combination sounds so amazing right now!

via

...this amazing photo of a swimming couple from the 40's. So cute and retro! I miss summer...

via 

...this DIY for linen napkins! I really love this ladies blog. so many ideas.

via

...this cute quote. Well Said.

via

...this pair of laceup boots. Not sure if I love them or dislike them haha. What do you think, too 1800's?

via

...this amazing recipe for Maple Swirl Biscuts. oh. my.goodness.

via

...this kitty. Guys, i am having serious kitty cravings.

via

...this amazing planter ring! Not sure I'd feel right about wearing that thing, but its pretty interesting!

via

...this is another dessert I know, but how could I resist these chocolate oat clusters?

via 

What are some things inspiring or getting you excited this week?
Hope you have a fantastic weekend coming up! 

xo, Em

Datevitation: Review and Giveaway!

Hey ladies! I'm got a little treat for you today. I have to admit at getting a little excited about the month of love coming up when I published my sponsor call post yesterday, and so how could I resist bringing you a giveaway to help get you in the same spirit!

I was so excited when Datevitation came to me with an offer to create my own custom date book, because I'd never heard of this sort of thing before. I mean you can buy those pre-made coupon books of course, but this is the only company where you can customize the text, and pick your own dates! 

The first thing I noticed when I started creating my own book was that I was instantly smiling. The site was incredibly easy to navigate, and everything is laid out so plainly. You literally follow steps 1-5 to complete the whole coupon book, and each one is more fun than the last!

First you choose from over 60 cover options for tons of different occasions ranging from Valentines day and Thank you, to Mothers day, Congratulations, Hanukkah, and more! 

Next you choose from over 200 date ideas, and the gender choice to/from option make it possible to customize your book for anyone! (I'm thinking it might just be prefect for a mothers-day gift. Shhhh:))

Next you organize the dates you've chosen and can write in whatever text you want! Course you already have cute little taglines that go with each date like: "Hang Gliding! Let’s soar through the skies together." and "Go Kart Racing! I’ll be in hot pursuit of you." 

Next you have the option to add a blank page for a handwritten message, a to:/from: message, and if you aren't sure what to type there are tons of ideas to help you along the way.

Once you've chosen your message format, you're free to preview the entire custom love coupon booklet, and can make your purchase! The books start at just $20 so it makes for a super thoughtful yet economical gift. But as a special treat for my followers, you can now use the code ‘FRECKLEDFOX’ for $10 off your purchase in January! That means you can get your sweetie a coupon book for Valentine’s day starting at just $10!

Did you forget that I said this was a giveaway?! That's right! Time to win a custom love coupon book for your special someone completely free. Lets get to it shall we?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be chosen at random using random.org  Winner will receive a promo code for a free Datevitation gift book with 5 custom pages.  Additional pages are $1 each.  Winner to pay $3.50 for shipping and handling.  Tax will be applied to books shipped to California.  Books ship to U.S. only. The winner will be announced on this post after the giveaway concludes. Thank you and good luck!

*Disclaimer:this giveaway was sponsored in total by Datevitation, but the reviews and opinions are entirely my own.