Sponsor Spotlight: Fairy Wings Make Good Soup and a Giveaway!

I'm excited to have my sponsor, Kim, stepping in today. We're originally from the same area, so that's cool, but now she's soaking up the rays on the West Coast. :) Kim hasn't been blogging long but definitely creates content worth reading AND makes some amazing recipes that I could actually make too, bonus! Take it away, Kim!

Hello all! I'm Kim, and I blog over at Fairy Wings Make Good Soup. I'm honored to be sponsoring Ginny and her blog, as her style (and thriftiness!) is such a huge inspiration for me.

I am a stay-at-home military wife and mom to one (my beautiful but beleaguering 3-almost-4 year old daughter E). Fairy Wings Make Good Soup is a lifestyle blog where I chronicle our adventures in both the stay-at-home mom lifestyle and the military family lifestyle. I am trying to pursue and grow in the things that interest me, namely style and cooking. You'll find mostly recipe and outfit posts, but also the occasional whatever-strikes-my-fancy post.

1. Why did you decide to start blogging?

I'd been thinking about starting a blog for awhile, but didn't think I had the time. Then I realized how much time I wasted online already, and decided to use that time more wisely. I also needed a hobby to keep me from going crazy in my current life. Something that made me feel like Kim, and not "mommy" 100% of the time. I'm happy to report that it's working so far. 

2. What are a few of your daily reads?

Oh goodness... My New Favorite Outfit, of course. Also Franish, Along the Lines of Style, Work Clothes, I Suppose, Putting Me Together, I do deClaire, Fashion & Beauty Finds, Just Another Smith... I could go on for awhile. 

3. What trends are you loving right now and what trends are you steering clear of?

Since what's trendy is typically at the very peripheral of my radar, I can't even say I know what the trends are at the moment. I have no interest in neon, peplum, arm parties (sorry Ginny, I love them on you, but I hate bracelets!), crop tops, or high-low hems. However, I have been pattern mixing since before I even knew that was a thing (though I probably didn't do it very well back then), so I do love me some pattern mixing! I'm also working on implementing some colored pants into my wardrobe (took me long enough, right?)
 

4. What's the best things that has come out of blogging for you?

Aside from no longer feeling like a lonely housewife, or someone without an identity, I love seeing progress in my style and in the kitchen. I've become more adventurous in both. And of course, being a part of this community has been immensely rewarding, and good for my mental health, not to mention a lot of fun! 

5. What a piece of advise you have for your fellow blogger or those thinking about starting a blog?

Forgive me for beating a horse that could not be more dead, but BE YOURSELF.  There is no one else like you. Write in your own voice, and people will notice, and relate. Use others for inspiration (that's what blogging is all about!), but don't copy. Trust your gut-- if something feels wrong, it probably is. It's okay to be nervous to hit "publish" every once in awhile, but you should always be proud of what you've created. And if you're new, read everything about blogging that you can get your hands on. I have a pin board on Pinterest full of how-tos and inspiration here if you need a place to start, but I suggest searching for things on your own depending on what you do and don't already know. Oh yeah, and BE YOURSELF. 

I've prepared a mini remix for you guys today, to give you a sense of my style. I chose a simple striped long-sleeved shirt (because my style is all about basic pieces), and styled it for the transition from summer to fall. 

Late summer (shirt/ JC Penny | shorts/ Gap | necklace/ Caroline G. | sandals/ American Eagle)

Early fall (jacket/ Old Navy | necklace/  | pants/ Post Exchange | flats/ Target)

 Fall (scarf/ gift | vest/ JC Penny | jeans/ Old Navy | boots/ Kohl's)

And here are a few recipes I'm particularly proud of: 

Clockwise from top left: Pancetta wrapped stuffed chicken, pink champagne cupcakes, pineapple pork chops, and peanut butter cookie dough chocolate layer cake

What a great remix and loving these desserts too!  Now don't forget to stop by  Fairy Wings Make Good Soup to say hi to Kim!  Kim has a great giveaway for you all today too!  One lucky reader will win a $25 gift card to either Target or Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic.  Enter using the Rafflecopter below.  Open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway