Red Balloons for Ryan

Things have been quiet over here lately. There is no particular reason for it, just the overused 'busy-life' tale. But today I am stopping. Stopping for prayer, for stealing kisses, and just a few extra seconds of being still with my loved ones. 

As you may have heard, a little boy was taken to heaven last Friday. I didn't know him or his parents, but I know God and how he intertwines our paths in unique ways for a divine purpose. We are all family here and I am humbled with the opportunity to help in anyway I can from what seems like so far away. Cupcake Mag (@cupcakemag) is hosting an auction of gift baskets full of gift cards to some great shops. My very own, Hazel Berry Paper, is among these shops and I hope you will participate. All proceeds go to Ryan's family during this unimaginable time. The auction will start tomorrow, so follow @cupcakemag and spread the word. 

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalms 34:18

#redballoonsforryan

Inspiration Board

See this inspiration board?

You will start noticing it being infused into this little blog of mine, and in the little ole shop. And that's all I am going to say for now. :)

Isn't it gorgeous?

Monthly with HB - MAY

It's that time again!! May printables are live in the shop. 

Go snatch it up before May 1st!

This month's A Better Me Printables are Mother's Day themed, which seems very appropriate since Mother's Day is just a few weeks away. 

Printables Include:

• Mother's Day Card 

• Recipe card : " Yummy from my Momma's Kitchen"

• Recipe card : " Yummy from my Daughter's Kitchen"

To get a detailed list of what is included and to see if it is a good fit for you visit the listing, or go here. 

It's my birthday!!!

25 facts for 25 years

It's really hard to believe I am 25. I think I feel that way every birthday, but especially this one. 25 just feels like real adulthood. A while back in a conversation with my husband I said, " I don't feel like Its time for me to be 25!" His response was, "Honey, I'm afraid it is." Dunnnn Dunnnn duuuuuuun.

 

I just always viewed people who were 25 as put together, established, and have their life together. I guess some view me as that way, but 'put together' is not how I feel most of the time. In fact, currently my sink is full, I am a day late on paying a bill and I might have just shed a (single) dramatic tear over a stumped toe. Will I ever feel put together? Who knows! 

Here are 25 facts about this not-so-perfect 25 year old. 

1. Froyo all day, everyday. (Menchies style)

2. I have a thing for pretty doors and taking pictures of them.

3. I am a serial DIY quitter.

4. Change excites me.

5. I have buyers remorse after anything over $30 that is just for me and not a need.

6. I love photography and calligraphy, but think it's best left to the pros. 

7. I have severe headaches if I don't drink coffee in the am.

8. My love languages are all of the love languages, and my husband is an over achiever at all of them.

9. I married my high school sweetheart.

10. Slow dancing with my husband is my happy place.

11. I want to start an organization of some sort, but God just hasn't given me the details yet. 

12. 3 months ago I quit my secure, super cool, job to follow a very scary but rewarding path God set for me.

13. I believe that being transparent about struggles, faith and fears empowers you.

14. Any home decor item I buy has to fit in every room before I bring it home. 

15. I rearrange decor from room to room on a monthly basis. 

16. I gloat about a good dentist appt. (never had a cavity, or braces.. SEEE there I go again.) 

17. Healthy eating is important to me.. But Taco Bell has a special place in my heart.

18. I am obsessed with Popsicles.

19. My husband for me a Valentine's Day card that had Snoopy on it and I cried... Not in a good way.

20. I cry ...alot apparently. 

21. On my honeymoon in got egged, I broke my toe and my husband lost his wallet...in London.

22. I could watch F.R.I.E.N.D.S. over an over and never get tired of it. 

23. I refuse to pay for perfume over $20. 

24. I don't have a favorite flower, but tulips are pretty great.

25. Monograms are my jam.

Enjoy your day... I know I will!

High Five for Friday!

It's been a hot minute since I posted last, so I thought I would stop in and fill you in on what has been going on lately.

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1. SNEAK PEAK to May's Monthly with HB printables. I am so excited to release them on the 25th!

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2. There is nothing about this magazine that doesn't make my heart sing. I always said, if I had to change careers, I would have tried floral design, event planning, or interior decorating…. ALL of which are burying with color on the cover of this magazine. 

love hangover from a day with these two.

3. I know that I am biased because this little girl is my niece, but COME ON. She is the most beautiful child. And she likes aunt jill's LEOPARD sunglasses… after my own heart that little one. 

4. I get so motivated to get my office all clean and gorgeous when I see instagram's of creative work spaces, but let's be honest. This is reality… and I kinda like it that way. 

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5. My husband has been off work all week, which not only is a huge help with the puppy during the day, but it is just SO STINKIN NICE to have him as my in home lunch date (he even makes my lunch!). I love that he is a teacher and gets so much time off. I've really been enjoying our time together this week, and have worked my tushy off to get my work done, so I can spend more time with him. So my mantra for this week… "do what matters, forget the rest."

Also, BIG NEWS! MY BIRTHDAY IS MONDAY!! YAY! You can expect a post all about the number 25.

Click the link to the right to link up with H54F!

Product Review : House of Jars

I love being apart of the handmade community. There is something about a group of handmade artists coming together to supporting each other that holds a special place in my heart because it's more than just ordering an item or a gift online. Handmade is a special treasure that someone has thought of with you in mind, and created it with their own hands. Special right?! 

So any chance I get , I like to try a new shop and support their dream of sharing their craft. Sometimes the product isn't always what you thought it would be, but sometimes it's more, and this time was one of those instances. 

I came across House of Jars etsy shop, when I saw a product of hers in my Instagram feed. As I was immediately drawn to the southern flair of her products, she had me at mason jars and striped straws. 

A few things I noticed (and was highly impressed with):

- COMMUNICATION -

Communication on my custom order was really great, and it made me feel comfortable with the product I was getting. She was also very prompt in her responses and made sure I was completely satisfied with my custom jar before shipping.

- OPTIONS -

Julie gave me options of where I wanted my logo placed, how many times, colors, sizes, you name it. As a shop owner myself, giving people too many options can be stressful in production, and in the end I was very grateful for the options she gave me (even thought I wanted every color!!) and she really seemed to want to work with me, if I had something different in mind. 

- QUALITY -

My jar was a 24oz glass jar with a tight seal lid and a snug fitting straw. I won't lie... I was kind of expecting it to be plastic. It would have been fine either way, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was a thick durable glass. My logo also looked really crisp for a smaller more intricate application.

Note: I dropped my glass the other day on accident and it didn't break. I am not saying if you don't treat it with care that your's won't shatter, but I was pleased to see that it did not seem to be affected by my clumsiness.

- SHIPPING - 

Shipping was fast which I loved, because there is nothing worse than being excited about a new purchase and having to wait a long time for it! 

- PACKAGING -

My jar arrived carefully packaged and wrapped in bubble wrap. It also included special care instructions to ensure the longevity of the vinyl on my jar.

As I am sure you know by now, I highly recommend this shop for the cutest mason jars around. 

Also, to add to the greatness, Julie from House of Jars is giving Hazel Berry Paper readers 15% off! Use code: HAZELBERRYBLOG at checkout. Visit her shop by clicking the button on the right.

This is not a sponsored post. This product was purchased and reviewed by me, with no incentives or sponsorships.

MONTHLY with HAZEL BERRY PAPER

GIVEAWAY!

It's time for a giveaway y'all!

Hazel Berry Paper has teamed up with Ruffled Paper to give away monthly printables. Tomorrow is the first day of April so perfect timing right?

Head on over to their blog to enter.