This post brought to you by Groupon Gift Shop. The content and opinions expressed below are that of It All Started With Paint.
Blogging has been a lifeline for me …
No one really talks about his, but being a stay-at-home mom can be a very lonely job. Especially when my stay-at-home mom friends live four states away.
Often times at the park, I looked longingly at moms who arrived en masse in friend groups. Pushing their double-wides and sharing snacks among their brood of kids. All while I hung out solo with my kids. Pushing them on swings or building castles in the sand box.
The loneliness only grows as they age. Suddenly, a good chunk of the day is spent alone as they’re off at school. And after school activities. For hours on end it’s just me and the dog.
That is, until I discovered this brand new (to me) world of home and diy blogs. And I jumped in. At first it was just a creative outlet. I was empowered. Invigorated.
It felt like I had woken up from a very long nap …
And then I discovered blogging was a true community, made up of like-minded women (and men). Comments on blogs led to online friendships and Facebook support groups. Blogging conferences keep popping up left and right. Locally-based bloggers are arranging blogger meet-ups. Bonds that started with our mutual interest in creating and crafting have solidified into true and lasting friendships …
like my true and lasting friendship with Kim at Serendipity Refined.
I am so thankful – so blessed — to have found her! Not only is she amazingly talented, but she’s hysterically funny. We can spend hours just chatting. Okay, it’s more like verbal sparring. But I knew the moment I met her we were kindred spirits.
The good news is that Kim lives right here in Illinois. Just about and hour away.
The bad news is that we can’t seem to figure out how to get together more often than we do. Sure, we talk a big game. But the follow through is where we falter …
So when Groupon generously offered me Groupon bucks to create fun, customized, and unique experiential gifts for my family and friends, I knew one must go to Kim. And I knew that it would be a gift for two that we can experience together …
We bloggers are always looking to improve our photography skills, so this full-day skills class is a perfect fit for Kim. Plus, there’s the added bonus of spending the whole day with me.
Though, I fear they may have to separate us for talking (and laughing) too much in class!
I also special ordered a gift to wrap up with Kim’s Groupon photography class coupon …
an embroidered camera strap featuring Kim’s blog header.
So clever, right?
And yes, I am patting myself on the back for this one!
I ordered this camera strap from an online shop called Jodie’s Camera Straps. Jodie was a pleasure to work with. She responded right away (even though I emailed on Thanksgiving Day) and turned this around quickly and for a great price.
I hope my blogger BFF Kim loves it as much as I do!
Hey, maybe I should order one with my blog logo too so Kim and I can show up at our Groupon coupon photography class — en masse — with our matching customized camera straps!
How fun!!
OH….MY…GOSH!!!! I am sitting here with tears in my eyes (and no, it’s not because I’m sick) . This could NOT be more PERFECT! You’re right, you know…about spending time together….I can’t wait. I just hope that they don’t mind if we chat during the whole thing. I should probably be paying attention though because this is the ONE thing that I’ve always wanted to do for myself (well, besides botox) but never wanted to do it alone. As for the camera strap, I’m speechless…and you KNOW that takes a lot when it comes to me. I still have my crappy Nikon strap…yep, the one that came on the camera 10 years ago when I got it…..I feel so fancy and grown up and “official” now. You, my dear friend, hit it out of the park! I can’t wait to see you and spend the day learning to make pretty photos to go along with the fun memories that we’re gonna create that day too! xoxoxo
You are now officially the sweetest comment of all time! I am so looking forward to our day of mastering photography while laughing our you know whats off! You truly are the best thing that has come out of blogging for me!!! 🙂
Very very sweet… and I totally relate to the empty house thing. I’ve watched how to shows. Joined Facebook and have 3 dogs and 2 cats but the lone time can be challenging. Thank you for showing me there is light and laughter at the end of my very long tunnel. Thank you and God bless you both!
Ps. Get the strap.. enjoy the love♡
I think all that HGTV I’ve watched is one of the reasons behind the blogging thing!!! 🙂
What a touching post. I too had those feelings. Now our son is off on his own. Hopefully after he grows up a bit he will make time to see us again! : )
Very important to have friends and hobbies for ourselves. We are lucky to be in the time of blogs!
Best of luck and thank you for sharing.
And yes, do get the camera strap with your logo – looking forward to seeing the results from your class!
June
Awwwwww. Perfect. Blogging has certainly expanded my idea of friendship. I’m so glad you met Kim! I think I would pass on the matching strap. But that’s just me.- I have a wonderful strap already.
Yes you should get yourself a camera strap. One, because sharing something special with a dear friends helps build the bonds. Secondly, because it’s great advertising for your blogs. Not just at your photography day, but anytime you’re out and about.
What a sweet friend you are.
OK, the camera strap…. yes pat yourself on the back with that touch. Totally ties in, it is awesome, just like Kimberly.