Blogger Spotlight Archives - Busy Moms Helper

Blogger Spotlight: Sowdering About

December 10, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

This week I get to share with you another amazing lady that joins me with our Awesome Things Wednesday while running her super fun blog! Randi has all sorts of craftiness, plus finds time to write…not sure how she does it! So get ready for this week’s Blogger Spotlight: Sowdering About!

Not only does she find time for all HER stuff, but she’ll will even do craft projects her friends request. Super nice, huh? Here’s a bit about Randi in her own words:

“I started my blog a few years ago because I wanted to help inspire people to find their crafty. So many of my friends were always asking me how I did things, or wanted to see what I was up to. I also wanted a place/space to be able to keep up on my writing. I love to write and never want to lose that. “

Most Popular Posts on Sowdering About

The Fault In Our Stars Best Friend Necklace

Blogger Spotlight: Sowdering About / by Busy Mom's Helper

PVC Pipe Menorah

Washi Tape Earrings

Randi’s Favorite Posts

Utensil Pots Revamped

Wine Glass Charms

Mod Podge Stencils

My own Favorites from Sowdering About

Christmas Direction Sign

Make Your Own Photo Booth

Wooden Gift Tags

So head on over to Sowdering About and give Randi a big ‘hi’ for me!

Blogger Spotlight: My Craftily Ever After

December 3, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

I know, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve shared another fabulous blogger here, but now that the holidays are upon us it’s been crazy with a capital C! Anywho, this week I’m featuring a friend of mine who co-hosts our Awesome Things Tuesday linky party! Say ‘hello’ to this week’s Blogger Spotlight: My Craftily Ever After!

It’s been fun getting to know Ashley more as we’ve joined in the link party, and now YOU can learn more about her in her own words!

“Hello! My name is Ashley and I blog over at My Craftily Ever After. I am a thirty-something wife, mother and DIY addict trying to create my own fairy tale ending. I share a combination of recipes, easy crafts and DIY home projects! I love appetizers and dips and I may have a weakness for Mexican food. I try as many different crafts as I possibly can because…why not! I tackle far too many remodeling projects (according to my hubby) because I think that your home should be a reflection of YOU! I have more ideas than time and I am always in the middle of something! I am a lover of the great outdoors (hiking, camping and playing at the ocean), a board game ninja and a real life Wheel of Fortune contestant!”

Most Popular Posts on My Craftily Ever After

Transferring an Image to a Candle

DIY Hand Warmers

No Bake Energy Bites

Pulled Pork Tacos

Ashley’s Favorite Posts

Spray Painted Chandelier

Personalized Glitter Coffee Mugs

Planked Headboard in the Master Bedroom

Stenciled Focal Wall in the Master Bedroom

Mango Salsa

My Favorite Posts from Craftily Ever After

Lego Miniature Family Christmas Cards

Pesto and Hazelnut Cheese Ball

Chocolate Almond Mocha Biscotti

8+ Free Holiday Printables

Blogger Spotlight: No Biggie

November 25, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

Ready to hear about another amazingly talented blogger this week? Delicious foods, fun party ideas, and great round-ups are to be found with this week’s Blogger Spotlight: No Biggie!

One thing you can count on from Kami’s blog is FABULOUS content, whether it’s her tasty recipes or cool printables. Here’s a little bit about Kami:

Hi there! I’m Kami. I’m the girl who runs NoBiggie. NoBiggie is here to help you celebrate the everyday, where you’ll find the best recipes, easy holiday ideas and fun party ideas. I’m all about the practical and the pretty.

A little about me: I love tabletop photography, paper crafts, decorating and experiencing the thrill of the thrift find. I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Public Relations and love to spend my non-blogging hours with my family: my husband Kyle, our children: Avery (11), Aiden (5), Afton (our baby girl who’s now in Heaven) and our little dog Rukkus of 12+ years who still looks like a puppy after all these years.

My Favorites from No Biggie

Apple Pie Caramel Apples

DIY Halloween Punch Bowl

12 Free Printable LDS Quotes

Chocolate Eclair Mummies

Poor Boy Steak Recipe

Greek Salad on a Stick

Christmas Rosette Cookies

Check out her new book: Washi Tape Christmas

If you love crafts and washi tape (who doesn’t?), you’ll LOVE Kami’s new book: Washi Tape Christmas! So many adorable crafts to make, from a Washi Tape Wreath to decorated gift boxes.

Look how fun these washi tape pinwheel gift boxes are….I love them!

So head on over to see Kami at No Biggie now, and enjoy all her fabulous posts!

Blogger Spotlight: Just a Girl and Her Blog

November 4, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

You know those blogs that you love going to regularly because you know you’ll love just about anything they post? One from my list is today’s Blogger Spotlight: Just a Girl and Her Blog!

Abby shares such fabulous things, from neat crafts, lots of home and life organization tips, and plenty of projects as they’re remodeling their home. She’s so down-to-earth and real, just one of those people you can’t help but feel like you’re friends, even if you’ve never really met. She’s even got 2 sweet boys around my boys’ ages, so that’s kind of fun hearing the similarities. As per ‘blogger spotlight’ tradition, here’s a bit about Abby in her own words:

“I’m Abby, the “girl” behind Just a Girl and Her Blog where I write about home decor, organization, creative ideas, and random happy thoughts. I live in Pittsburgh, PA with my husband and two young sons, who I usually refer to as The Cs. 🙂 A former English teacher, I recently published my first eBook, Building a Framework: Everything I Learned My First Year of Blogging, a comprehensive for bloggers.”

Most Popular Posts on Just a Girl and Her Blog

How to Make Pretty Labels in Microsoft Word

How to Save More Money This Year

How I Organized My Whole Life

How to Create a Monogram in Word

Our Home Binder

Abby’s Favorite Posts from Her Blog

Fabulously Feminine Home Office Reveal

Dresser to TV Stand Makeover

IKEA Big Boy Room Makeover

My Own Favorite Posts from Just a Girl and Her Blog

How to Live on One Income

Fireman & Policeman Birthday Party

10 Simple Habits that will Help You Stay Organized

25 Amazing Room Revamps

How to Install Board & Batten in a Small Space

There’s so many more amazingness over at Just a Girl and Her Blog, so head on over to check out the fun, and be sure to tell Abby ‘hi’!

Blogger Spotlight: Making it in the Mountains

October 28, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

For all you who missed the announcement last week, our weekly blogger feature will now be every Tuesday, not Monday! Which means today is…yup….another fun Blogger Spotlight: Making it in the Mountains!

One thing I like about Kristi’s blog is that it’s so varied….she shares everything from fun furniture remodels, to beautiful home decor, plenty of giveaways, and even some delish recipes! You never know what you’re going to find, so it’s like a fun and creative surprise with each post. Here’s a little about Kristi:

”Kristi Mercer is the voice behind making it in the mountains, where she writes about her journey to make her builder basic home a rustic, mountain retreat. Together with her newly handy husband, she tackles all sorts of DIY home decor projects transforming their house one budget friendly project at a time. She currently resides in the Kootenay Mountains in beautiful British Columbia sharing all sorts of crazy adventures with her husband Brady and their young son Carson!”

Kristi just wrapped up a fabulous All Things Fall series, where she shared beautiful and fun fall inspirations over two weeks! Here’s her recap for it, so be sure to check it out!

Making it in the Mountain’s Most Popular Posts

DIY Ladder Shelf

How to Whitewash Wood

DIY Fireplace Mantel

Dining Chair Makeover

Rustic DIY Clock

Kristi’s Favorite Posts from her Blog

Mountain Top Wedding

11 DIY Faux Pumpkin Ideas

My Own Favorites from Kristi’s Blog

All Things Fall Decorating

Felted Acorn Garland

Fall Scrappy Burlap Wreath

Chalk Painted Mason Jars

Fall Entryway & Porch

For more beautiful and fabulous ideas from Kristi, head on over to Making it in the Mountains to see what she amazes us with next!

Blogger Spotlight: What’s Up Fagans?

October 21, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

Big News: I’ve decided to move our Blogger Spotlight Series to every Tuesday afternoon, so be sure to keep checking back each week for fabulous bloggers and posts!

You know those people who are a bit full of themselves and talk down to people? Katelyn from What’s Up Fagans? is definitely NOT like that! She’s totally down-to-earth, funny and just one of those people that feels like a good friend…even if you’ve only met through her awesome blog! She describes her blog the best…so read on to learn about our Blogger Spotlight: What’s Up Fagans?

“Hey there! What’s up? I’m Katelyn Fagan. And I write the blog “What’s up Fagans?” My blog is about me and my family. But, not so much in that annoying “Oh, my kids are the bestest of all the bestest best kids in the whole wide world” obnoxious sort of way. While my in-laws might think my kids are pretty stellar and my husband and I do too of course, our blog is about our journey through this awesome, totally hard, thing called life, and how we are doing our darndest to make the most of it.

Because, although this life is full of change, disappointment, trials, and heartache, it is also full of beauty, hope, joy, and love. I like to remind myself and others who stumble their way to my site of the good.

At What’s up Fagans? you will find posts that are honest, practical, and helpful to your soul, your home, your health, your children, and your spouse. I hope you’ll always appreciate my humble, down-to-earth, non-judgmental, goofy, all too practical, frugal, Mormon-self, who has a hard time holding grudges and smiles a huge toothy smile very easily. May God bless you and your family on your journey in life.”

Most Popular Posts on What’s Up Fagans?

50+ Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks for Deep Cleaning Every Room of Your House

Beginning Running Tips from a Beginner Runner

How to Make a Year of Dates Gift

20+ DIY Queen Elsa Dress Costumes

7 Things Lactation Consultants Should Be Teaching But Aren’t

Katelyn’s Favorite Posts

The 21st Century Stay at Home Mom

Why I Believe in Cleaning the house with awake kids

How do you make money blogging?

Top 10 Backyard Activities for 4 Year Olds

When I Feel Like I’m an Awesome Mom

My Own Favorite Posts from What’s Up Fagans?

Preschool Lesson: I is for Igloo

Dirty & Clean Dishwasher Printable

How to stop Drowning in Laundry

Holiday Shopping Guide

How to Create a Successful Monthly Budget that Works

5 Ways Smart Moms Save Time

8 Ways to Save Money at the Pump

Personalized Love Coupon Book for HIM

Be sure to head over to see Katelyn at What’s Up Fagans? to see what other fabulous ideas and activities she shares!

Blogger Spotlight: Cupcake Diaries

October 13, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

Wow, have we got quite aweek for you! We’re joining up with Cupcake Diaries and other amazing bloggers to bring you THREE fabulous giveaways this week! More on that later (so be sure to check back regularly this week!), but to kick it off I thought it would appropriate that the person behind these celebration giveaways be today’s Blogger Spotlight: Cupcake Diaries!

That’s right, Allison over at Cupcake Diaries is turning the big 3-0, and we all get to join in the fun with giveaways all week long! I love following along with her blog, where she shares delicious foods, fun parties and much more! Here’s a bit about Allison…from Allison!

“Hi! I’m Alli and I’m a food-aholic. I like to cook, bake, throw parties, and tell all about it on my blog, Cupcake Diaries! I’m all about easy recipes that the whole family will love. Even the kiddos! From cupcakes to crock pots and everything in between. I’m a mom of two boys (and another boy on the way) from Utah, where I reside with my taste-tester husband and a fully stocked pantry. I love singing and playing the piano, photography, holidays, and spending time with my family. I also love my TV shows!”

Cupcake Diaries Most Popular Posts

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Asian Chicken Wraps

Dr. Suess 1st Birthday Party

Allison’s Favorite Post

Pumpkin Waffles with Cinnamon Syrup

My Own Favorite Posts from Cupcake Diaries

20 Spook-tacular Halloween Treats

Jake & The Neverland Pirates Cupcake Toppers

Egg-cellent Easter Idea

Toy Story 3 Birthday Party

Cookies ‘n Cream Oreo Fudge Brownies

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

30+ Best Brownie Recipes

S’more Cupcakes

Don’t forget to check back on the blog this week for THREE super-amazing giveaways and tons of fun posts! Be sure to head over to Cupcake Diaries to wish Allison a Happy 30th Birthday!!!

Blogger Spotlight: Something Swanky

September 22, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

Happy Monday, y’all! This past weekend was wonderfully productive, with my Hubby giving me pretty much the entire time to play catch-up. Woot Woot! Now that I’ve bragged on him for a minute, let’s take a look at today’s fabulous Blogger Spotlight: Something Swanky!

I first met Ashton (or at least her blog Something Swanky) when she was in charge of the Online BlogCon, and instantly it was on my list of regular visits. She’s such a talented recipe developer, and just look at those photos…yum! Ashton sent me a bit about herself:

Ashton is the owner and author of Something Swanky. Although first and foremost a wife and mother, she considers herself an online entrepreneur, freelance writer and photographer, and brand ambassador. Her focus is in food styling, food photography and recipe development.

Ashton publishes 3-4 unique dessert recipes each week, ranging from fanciful and creative to comfort food classics. She posts one “collection” post each week which includes links and thumbnail images to 50-100 themed recipes from other bloggers and around the web.

She’s such a cute gal, and I love the personality she shows in her posts. She’s one of the ladies on my list of ‘bloggers I hope to meet in real life’!

Reader/Pinner Favorites

Pumpkin BTW Poke Cake (pinned 170K times)

Peanut Butter Apple Dip, Protein Packed but Tastes Like Dessert (pinned 140K times)

Fudgey Chocolate Chunk Brownies (pinned 273K times)

Better Than Thin Mints Grasshopper Poke Cake (pinned 189K times)

Starbucks Pumpkin Pound Cake (pinned 209K times)

Ashton’s Favorite Posts

Brownie Batter Dip (her go to dessert any time she’s in a hurry – and one I’m trying ASAP)

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix (she said she’s made these 3 or 4 times in the last week)

Grape Salad (Ashton said: I’ve literally eaten this for every meal and snack for 2 days straight…)

Homemade Magic Shell (Ashton says could drink this…again, I must try this ASAP)

Toasted Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats (seriously amazing)

My Own Favorites from Something Swanky

Chocolate Chess Oreo Pie (Oreo lovers unite!)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Brookies (I’m a sucker for a good Brookie)

Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Reese’s Brownies (Holy Cow…could anything sounds this delish?!)

Strawberry Basil Oatmeal Bowl (tried this, loved this, want it again NOW)

Healthy Peanut Butter Mousse (healthy means I can have it daily, right?)

PB & Candy Corn Pretzel Bark (totally fun and cute)

See, so many fabulous recipes to choose from! So head on over to visit Ashton on her blog Something Swanky to see which of her many wonderful recipes YOU can’t resist!

Blogger Spotlight: Crazy for Crust

September 15, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

Welcome to another awesome spotlight Monday! I’m so sorry I missed last week, but it’s been a bit insane around here…details to come later this week, but let’s just say lots of family visiting out of state proves to be a bit busy! Don’t worry, though, I’m making up for it with today’s super-talented Blogger Spotlight: Crazy for Crust!

If you’ve never been to see Dorothy over on her site Crazy for Crust before, you’ve GOT to check it out. She shares the most delicious, creative dessert recipes and her pictures will seriously have you drooling over your keyboard! No joke! A little bit about her in her own words…

“I’m a wife, a mom, and a dessert blogger who loves pie. When I started blogging in 2010, I realized I didn’t just love pie, I loved all desserts, especially if they had a crust. It was at that point I started sharing all sorts of different desserts, sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of my life.

I live outside Sacramento, California but my heart remains in San Francisco. I’m obsessed with The Real Housewives, Scandal, and how to convince my husband we need more turquoise accessories in our home. Oh, and I’m rarely seen without my Kindle or my iPhone, two accessories that have become extensions of my arms.”

And guess what? Her very first cookbook is coming out soon! It’s available for pre-order now, so do as I did and go nab it for yourself. Dessert Mashups: Tasty Two-in-One Treats Including Sconuts, S’morescake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie and Many More I really can’t wait to try these amazing recipes for myself….and just in time for the holidays…I may be getting a few for my sisters and mom (if you’re reading this, ignore that last line!) 😉

The most popular posts on Crazy for Crust are:

Funfetti Gooey Bars

Peanut Butter Football Dip

Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes – I’ve tried this recipe and it is DELISH!

Dorothy’s favorite post is:

this Favorite All-Butter Pie Crust. She says it took her 3 years to have the courage to create that type of step-by-step post. It’s one of my favs, too, so she obviously did AMAZING!

Now the challenge: sharing MY favorite recipes from Crazy for Crust!

I say challenge because, really, I love almost all of them! I’ve honestly tried a bunch of Dorothy’s recipes, and have yet to make one that wasn’t amazing. If I had to choose, though, here’s my top ones….at least right now 😉

Jamba Juice Strawberries Wild Smoothie Copycat – tastes just like the original!

Peanut Butter Cup Brownies with Oreo Crust – I ate WAY more than I should have, but loved every bite

Ice Cream Cupcakes

80+ Desserts to make with Leftover Halloween Candy – this will be useful soon!!!

Cookies ‘n Cream Brownies – she just shared this today (Sunday) and it looks so good I added it to my menu this week!

Now that you’re probably dying wanting something as tasty as any of these recipes, head on over to see Dorothy at Crazy for Crust to explore her other wonderful creations!

Blog Spotlight: Yummy Healthy Easy

September 1, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

Happy Labor Day, y’all! I hope you enjoy this fun, restful day off as much as we’re hoping to. Still plenty to get done, but there should be time for the pool and other play. Woot Woot! Let’s celebrate with our Blog Spotlight: Yummy Healthy Easy!

I’ve been following Jen’s blog Yummy Healthy Easy for a long time, and I love all the tasty recipes she shares! From healthy treats to filling dinners, even refreshing drinks….she’s certainly got a talent in the kitchen! Another thing I love about her blog? Her photographs are awesome! Seriously….take a look and see if you can avoid drooling over any of these delish pics!

I asked Jen to tell us a bit about herself, and here’s what she had to say: “I grew up in Mesa, Arizona but moved out to California about 8 years ago when my husband started law school. We live in Redondo Beach, California and I have four (busy) boys ages 12, 10, 4 and 3. My older ones play football and baseball so I’m usually carting them around to games/practices. My two little guys are a short 11 months apart in age, which is just crazy. They’re best buddies though, which is really cool! I love cooking and baking and I usually have a few helpers in the kitchen with me when I do! 🙂 “

Jen’s Most Popular Posts on Yummy Healthy Easy

Baked Zucchini Fries with Homemade Ranch Dipping Sauce

Easy Pumpkin Krispies Treats

Slow-cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken

Watermelon Granita

Jen’s Favorite Post: Enchilada Casserole

Now is when I pick some of my favorite posts from Yummy Healthy Easy…and it was really hard since there’s so much delicious goodness! Here’s some that I’ve either really tried myself and LOVED, or a couple that are on my list to try really soon 🙂

Homemade Cherry Mint Limeade Soda – tried it, loved it, sort of addicted to it!

Easy No-Bake Granola Bars – can’t wait to try these for my kiddos snacks!

20+ Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

3-Ingredient S’mores Dessert Dip – LOVE this!

Although I haven’t met Jen in person, talking to her over email you can tell she’s just a super-sweet, great lady who I hope I can meet at a conference sometime in the future! For now, I’ll continue stalking Yummy Healthy Easy and enjoying every tasty bite of her fabulous recipes!

Blog Spotlight: Crazy Little Projects

August 25, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

Holy cow, this weekend just flew by, and now it’s the first day of school for my now-3rd-grader Wonder Woman! As much as I’ve loved having her around the house more this summer, since she’s uber helpful, I’m glad she can get back to her friends, learning and having something to do! So let’s kick off this week with our Monday series, this week we’re going to Spotlight: Crazy Little Projects!

I ran across Amber’s blog Crazy Little Projects late last year, and instantly bookmarked it for regular visits. She has so many amazing crafts and tutorials, you never know what fun thing she’ll be sharing next! Plus, I love how simply her tutorials seem…she just has a way of explaining the process so well that even someone as challenged as me (especially with sewing) can catch on easily! As per Blog Spotlight fashion, I asked Amber to tell us a bit about herself:

“I am a mom to 4 little boys ranging in age from 3 to 11. I’m a busy body who doesn’t like to sit still so I fill my time with baking, sewing, crafting and other crazy little projects. I also love being around people and love playing games and eating chocolate. I started blogging about 2 and a half years ago as a creative outlet and have never had so much fun in all of my life! I grew up in Colorado but went to college in Utah, where I met my husband. Since then we have lived in Wisconsin, California and now back in Utah where he teaches chemistry at the University.”

Some of the most popular posts on Crazy Little Projects are:

Messenger Bag Tutorial

25 Things to Sew in Under 10 Minutes

Hooded Towels for Kids

See, she’s like SUPER talented, especially with her sewing! I’d love to be at that level…maybe with a TON of practice! I asked her what HER favorite post was….

Free Printable Birthday Tags

Of course, I HAVE to include some of my favorites….

My kids are so picky with backpacks and lunchboxes, so when the boys start school next year I’m definitely making their own using Amber’s Kids’ Insulated Lunch Box Pattern

Think she just shares crafts and sewing on her blog? Nope…she even included delicious recipes such as these Mini S’mores Layer Cakes

My kids are on a total Ninja Turtles kick, so they saw this when I was checking the blogs and are begging to have their own Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Party

So head on over and visit Amber at Crazy Little Projects to check out even more of her amazing posts. Sewing tutorials, crafts, tasty food and awesome parties….what more could you want? Thanks so much for letting me spotlight you, Amber!

Spotlight: A Little Claireification

August 18, 2014 by Kelly Dedeaux

Happy Monday, y’all! I’m so excited, because we’re starting a new series to brighten up our Monday’s around here: our Blogger Spotlight! Now, you’re probably like ‘uh….huh?’ Let me explain….starting today, every Monday I will spotlight another fabulous blogger. I’ll share a bit about them, what their blog is about, and some favorite posts of theirs (and mine!). What better way to start than with my amazing friend Claire?! On to our first Spotlight: A Little Claireification!

I was so glad to meet Claire in person at SNAP! Conference this year, and I can honestly say she’s just as sweet and amazing in real life as she is on her blog! I asked Claire for a bit about her, and here’s what she had to say:

“Hi it’s me Claire from A Little CLAIREification! I am a working Mama to three boys, a self proclaimed cheese addict and a lover of all things crafty and delicious.
A Little CLAIREification is a lifestyle blog committed to bringing readers “Bright Ideas On A Budget” – from recipes, crafts and DIY projects to time management tips, meal planning and inspiration. I like BIG ideas and I like to throw a little fun and laughter in the mix as well.
I started blogging in the Fall of 2012 and it’s been such an adventure! In addition to connecting with my amazing readers, one of my all time favorite things about being a blogger is the awesome community of supportive bloggers I have gotten to know, many whom I have no met in person. It has been a fantastic journey so far and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds!”

Seriously, LOVE this woman! I gave her the daunting task of listing her 3 most popular posts from A Little Claireification:

Metal Patio Furniture Makeover

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Saltimbocca

DIY Starfish Garland

Although she couldn’t pick just one of HER favorites from the many, many wonderful posts on her blog, she does love these Butterscotch Pumpkin Cake Truffles….yum!

And I have to add some of my favorite posts, which isn’t just a few!

21 Free Printables for September

Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Candy Corn Sugar Cookies

Healthier Homemade Cinnamon Peach Ice Cream (I’ve really tried this, and it’s A-MAZ-ING!)

Printable Lunch Box Notes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Ice Box Dessert

So many wonderful things! I’m so glad Claire let me spotlight her this week….now head on over to A Little Claireification to see all her other wonderful things!