LOOKING FOR BLOG ADVICE? FIVE WILL WIN!

What an exciting day here in blog world it is!

I remember when I first started my blog two and a half years ago that I had about a million and one questions. From small things to big things to just really random questions that I was too much of a chicken to email someone about (or research myself-hey, html and I don't get along). Well, if there was something like THIS back then, I would've jumped all over it like half price sushi on a Friday night. But that's neither here nor there.

My point is this: If you've ever had any questions about blogging (and I mean any), read below and enter if you wish. OR you might be looking to start a blog but have no clue how? Read below and enter if you wish. I know I would. It's a genius idea that I wish I would have thought of myself...thank you Erin for that. There are FIVE winners and you may get a chance to have a Skype/Facetime sesh with little ole me! 

--

Have you been looking for blog advice but don't know where exactly you should be looking?

Are you a brand new blogger just starting out and find yourself needing some guidance?

Has blogging been a part of your life for a while but you'd like a little help in where to turn to next?

Do you simply just want to grow your blog?

Well then you've come to the right place my friend because this giveaway has your name written all over it!

Erin at Two Thirds Hazel rounded up a group of ladies who have been around the ballpark a time or two when it comes to blogging in order to put this one of a kind giveaway together. We all have some tips, tricks, advice, and guidance that we'd love to shell out in order to help you grow into the best blogger you can be. Whether this be through a Skype session, a back and forth email exchange, a blog critique, a Q&A session, a phone call, a personal jet to pick you up for a private meeting, etc - we're covering all the bases.

All you need to do to enter is check out the participating bloggers, see what awesome package they're offering as a prize, and get to entering the Rafflecopter. And the best part about this giveaway? 

THERE WILL BE FIVE WINNERS!

Each randomly selected winner will be paired up with three of the participating bloggers as well as with Erin.

Therefore each winner will receive four separate blog advice prizes! We're splitting up the prizes so that one winner isn't bombarded with sixteen different sets of opinions and sixteen different sets of ideas on advice. Because that might get a little chaotic and like they say..."nobody got time for that".

Are you excited? We hope so because we certainly are! Let's get this thing started shall we?

Without further adieu, here are the sixteen ladies who have teamed up to put together the "Blog Advice Giveaway".

Erin at Two Thirds Hazel

What you'll win: Each of the five winners will be able to email Erin at any point until the end of eternity (like farther than to infinity and beyond) to ask questions and seek advice.

Brandi at Mama Laughlin

Brandi is offering a phone call or email where you will receive tips from her

on how to grow your blog using the social media form of Pinterest.

You will receive a back and forth Q&A session with Ashley via email 

providing you with the answers you've been looking for on anything blog related.
 

Mandy at House of Rose

Your blog will be reviewed by Mandy (and her husband!) via recorded screen capture video 

and then they will offer tips on how you can improve. 

Check out an example of this one of a kind opportunity here.

Erin at Living In Yellow

Erin is offering a one hour blogging consultation (done via video chat or phone call)

which will provide you with Q&A, tips and advice.

 

Whitney at I Wore Yoga Pants

Whitney will provide you with a back and forth Q&A session

giving you the answers you've been looking for on anything blog related.
 

"Prefer the phone? Let's chat! What about a fun Skype session? Sure! 

Or a good ole email is fine by me too! 

Sky is the limit. Well, I guess in this case-technology is. 

I will take a thorough look at your blog and do my best to answer any questions!"
 

Raven at Don't Quote the Raven

You will receive a Q&A session via email. 

Anything you ask, Raven will answer...in detail!

 

Aunie at Aunie Sauce

You will receive a Q&A email session with advice catered to your blog

providing you with a ton of advice and numerous tips to help you grow.
 

Taylor will visit and review your blog, providing you with an email containing

advice customary to you and your blog.

Stephanie at Beautiful Mess

Receive a three-post editing session:

Pick three of your upcoming blog posts. Send your drafts to Stephanie for her to proofread, 

edit and make suggestions as to how you can easily make your writing more personable, 

appealing, humorous and overall, just more fun to read! 
 

Shanna at Because Shanna Said So

Shanna will answer your top five questions whether this be anything from 

sponsorships, social media, tips to grow and/or how to monetize your blog.

 

Niki at Glossy Blonde

Two weeks of email consulting during which Niki will answer any questions 

you have about blogging and/or building your brand.
 

Chelsea at Olive and Ivy

An email with personalized advice and tips catered directly to your blog, 

or a Skype session, or a back and forth Q&A session, etc. Whichever you prefer! 

If you are unsure of what to ask a blog critique can also be given.

Jessica at Jessica Who

 With Jessica you will receive a Q&A session via unlimited emails.
 Yes, you read that right...unlimited!

 

Michelle at The Vintage Apple

You will receive a back and forth Q&A session with Michelle via email 

providing you with the answers you've been looking for on anything blog related 

so that you have the knowledge and tools to grow.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

<div class="Two Thirds Hazel" style="width: 464px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://www.twothirdshazel.com" rel="nofollow"> <img src="http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg561/eringray89/ScreenShot2013-06-17at45839PM_zps6c245bff.png" alt="Two Thirds Hazel" width="464" height="267" /> </a> </div>

 

Summer Goodness: Sugar Love, Abs, Cleveland.

And just like that-we're back to Monday. The weekends in the summer couldn't go by any quicker, could they? How was everyone's weekend? I hope you had good weather and enjoyed yourself!

We took another road trip this weekend to Cleveland. A couple months back, we had planned this weekend with Billy's cousin Jonathan so that we could go boating on his boat for the day with their family and go to an Indians game at night. Remember last year when you all infamously titled Billy's cousins the Magic Mike cast? Well, they (or should I say their abs..) were definitely present...

Billy and Jonathan

 

Not sure how many of you are noticing the name of the boat in this pic (ha), but I love it...and the guys in this pic. Obviously. :)

We hung out at the boat docks for a while with everyone, then Jonathan took us out for a ride on his boat and we got some beautiful views of downtown Cleveland...

Two of the cutest brothers I know...Captain Johnny and Dave (both single, ladies!)

 

Also, Billy's cousin Doug and his g/f (now fiance!) Cara recently got engaged and it was the first time I got to see her gorgeous ring. I just love it..it's so pretty.

It started to rain a little bit in the evening, so we decided to skip the Indians game (even though it didn't end up storming so we could've gone) and we hung out in Lakewood for the evening. Last night, we had my parents over to celebrate Father's Day and we cooked out and gave my Dad his gifts. Another good weekend in the books for sure!

Now, I got behind on Friday and couldn't mention any of my normal "Friday Fashion Finds", but I have an awesome boutique to share with you today.

Meet: Sugar Love Boutique

 Jill, the owner, recently opened this online boutique that features the cutest summer dresses, accessories, and tops. Not to mention, have you seen her and her adorable family? 

the cutest.

My new favorite summer dress from Sugar Love is this Sweet Marie Dress...

{shop here}

It goes with everything, is super comfortable, and I adore the ruffles all down the front! I also got this coral
Peyton top and am really looking forward to having the chance to wear it.

But wait...

Want 30% OFF?
 Use the code "keepcalm"at checkout!

That means you can get the dress I'm wearing above at a great price.

Other items I'm loving from Sugar Love?

Elle Maxi Dress // American Woman tank top (perfect for 4th of July!)
Gum Drop Necklace  // Skylar Maxi 

Get your shop on ladies!

But make sure you come back tomorrow because I have something awesome to share with you all.

Really awesome! Take my word for it.

Linked up with Sami for Weekend Shenanigans :)

 

IF LAUREN CONRAD LOVES IT.... {MALIBU!}

than most girls do too, right? Isn't that how it works?
{also there may or may not be an awesome giveaway below...}

I wanted to be best friends with LC back in the days of The Hills (maybe still do..) and now I think she is such a good role model and business woman. Well, I noticed via her twitter that we have something else in common besides loving fashion and thinking Brody Jenner is cute (at one point): she is also a big fan of Malibu Island Spiced cocktails!

The other weekend, I had three of my girlfriends over for a Friday evening happy hour after work. I love trying different lighter calorie drink options and Malibu Island Spiced is only 70 calories (+ made with Truvia!®) that I knew would go perfectly with our favorite mixers, so I decided they had to be on the menu.

I picked up some cheese and crackers, limes, and as for the mixers I went with soda and diet cola. It wasn't a huge spread by any means, but it was perfect for what we needed!

Come join us for a moment, would you..?

As for the drinks we made?

We did a couple different combinations with the Malibu Island Spiced. None of us had tried the Spiced Rum before, and we were pleasantly surprised by the taste. First, we saw on the bottle that Truvia®, the all-natural sweetener, is used in it which already gives the drink major bonus points (so much better for you!).

Also, the girls and I all noticed hints of coconut, vanilla, and a little bit of cinnamon in the rum. It wasn't too sweet but had just enough flavor to make the drink enjoyable and tasty! These were our favorite combos that you should try for the summer...

1. Malibu Spiced and Diet Cola:

 {1 1/2 parts Malibu Island Spiced, 3 parts diet cola, ice, lime wedge}

 

2. Sparkling Spiced: My favorite option!

 {1 1/2 parts Malibu Island Spiced, 3 parts soda, ice, lime/orange wedge}

My girlfriend thought of a good idea with this one-add in some mint! Yum!

 

3. Spiced on Ice:

 {1 1/2 parts Malibu Island Spiced - serve over ice with an orange twist}

For this, since we don't normally drink rum on the rocks (lightweight over here!), highly recommend squeezing some orange into the drink, too.

 

There are so many other awesome recipes you can see on Malibu's website (like a cranberry option!), so if none of these sound good to you, go check them out. Yum yum.

...then of course, the only thing left to do is cheers each other and enjoy!

Which one of these cocktails would you like to try?

Answer in the comments section below for your chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!

Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner  will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 6/13/13 – 6/30/13.

Visit Malibu Island Spiced Rum on Facebook to get more drink recipes and join the brighter side of spiced rum!
And be sure to visit the Malibu Island Spiced brand page on BlogHer.com to read other bloggers’ posts!

SIP EASY. ENJOY MALIBU RESPONSIBLY.
MALIBU ® Caribbean Rum with Coconut Liqueur & Natural Spices, with Truvia® Sweetener. 30% Alc./Vol. (60 Proof) ©2013 Imported by Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, NY
Truvia® and the Truvia®  logo are registered trademarks of the Truvia Company LLC.
PER 1.5 FL. OZ. SERVING. AVERAGE ANALYSIS: CALORIES 70; CARBOHYDRATES less than 1 gram; PROTEIN 0 grams; FAT 0 grams.
*when mixed with your favorite zero calorie mixer. Limes and other garnishes may add calories

 

 

SPD: SKINNY SOUTHWEST BLACK BEAN DIP

Get your hand out of my bowl!
....is always what I want to say when I make this dip ;)

Just kidding. THIS IS MY GO-TO DIP! (Caps are necessary for that) I love sharing this dip with friends and family because everyone is always wanting the recipe (so, so easy) and it's typically gone within an hour or two! If you have been following me for over a year or so, then you might have seen a very similar recipe for this that I talked about often, but back in those days I didn't have a "big girl" camera and obviously the amazing Saw it. Pinned it. Did it wasn't around then.

That means I have to share it now with you all, right? RIGHT!

Trust me when I say, you won't be able to get enough of this dip. It's healthy, filling, and perfect for cookouts. Not to mention, it is so easy to throw together when you're in a rush and don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen slaving away.....

Don't these ingredients look like the perfect combination ever?

Ingredients:
pinspiration is from this recipe 

+1 or 2 large avocados, peeled and diced (for avocado lovers/obsessers like myself, always use 2!)
+2 large tomatoes, chopped
+1/2 red onion, chopped
+2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained (organic)
+1 can whole kennel yellow corn, rinsed and drained (no salt added!)
+1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing:
+2 tbsp red wine vinegar
+4 tbsp lime juice

...you can add in some olive oil and salt/pepper if you wish but it just won't be as "skinny"!

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and chill. Serve with your favorite brand of tortilla chips! I recommend Pop Chips brand of tortilla chips (couldn't find at the time when we were at the cottage where I took these pictures), but you can use whatever you prefer.

 

Pin it to one of your Pinterest boards...Make it....Devour!

Bam! Katie tested, Pin APPROVED (approved over a year ago-but who's paying attention to that?!)

Hope those of you who didn't link up last week, join us this week! :) There are so many easy recipes/projects on Pinterest you can find during the summer, so I hope you will join us and re-create something you have been wanting to try. Sound good?

 It's your turn now! Come join in on the fun....

Please follow these simple rules:

+Link up using the linky tool below.

+Link back to Steph and I's blogs in your post (be kind!), so other people can know about the link up!

+Visit other blogs to get new inspiration and find new friends.