Glimpse.

Is this real life? APRIL, already? Time is flying.
The last few weeks have been crazy, exciting, tiring and oh-so-joyful. Here's a glimpse as to what I've been up to according to Instagram :)

1. Hope loves riding in the car.
2. Chocolate Covered Pretzels. My not-so-new obsession.
3. Dresser arrangement- little jars and perfumes galore.
4. My all-time favorite breakfast. 

1. Outfit of the day {I'll be posting my outfit each day on Instagram starting this next week! @michaelanoelle} Black Anthro dress & leopard flats.
2. Blogging, hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll = perfect morning.
3. Bridesmaid dresses for my best friend's wedding last week!
4. Living in an Artful Way: quote on Anthropologie's floor that I adore.

1. Hope's taking her Saturday morning nap, half on and half off her bed.  Awesome.
2. Hope in the Lord...new saying on my quote frame for April.
3. Baking sugar cookies.
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Hope you're having a lovely Sunday. I'm excited about a few fun things coming to the blog this week, including a sentimental little DIY project :)


What are you up to on this fine first day of April?
Love,

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I'm Crushin' On...

This boy:

Yep, I've been sly in mentioning him on the blog over the last few weeks, but that's just because I thought I'd ease you into meeting him. Today I'm just going to come out and say it...I have a boyfriend and he's really cute :) Now that it's blog official, I'll give you a little back story on how we met!


His sister was a teacher at my high school, and we became really close my senior year when she and her husband had their first baby.  I adored her and really looked up to their little family. Then I moved away to college and just this past summer, I really reconnected with their family. She would always mention to me that she had a brother who lived in Michigan, but that it was a long way a way and she wasn't sure when he'd be out for a visit.  Well, last Thanksgiving her whole family came into town and she set her brother and I up! Turns out she was right and we hit off very well! All of that to say that yes, we're in a very long distance relationship. Michigan----------> Seattle/California. BUT, we happen to think it's awesome because we really get to know each other well. Because we don't have the luxury of simply having movie nights, we're constantly talking and communicating. It's been a great foundation to our relationship.


This past week he flew to California for my Spring Break and we we able to spend 5 days together! It was wonderful. Just so you know how great of a guy he is- aside from the many qualities I adore about him, he also took note of my favorite store and brought me the cutest shirt from Anthropologie as a present :) 


He's the one who sent me these beautiful flowers.  He knows me well already...flowers + purple + a thoughtful note = happy girl

And then to say thank you, I sent him a little gift I thought you bloggers would appreciate... A message in a bottle! The bottle can double as a vegetable oil jar (he loves cooking!) I thought it was the perfect dose of cheesy and romantic :)

Don't you love my directions?! Hehe;)

Now you come in. Have you ever been in a long distance relationship? And what are some ways to have fun with it/ make the time in between visits go by faster?! Any advice is welcome...do tell!


Happy Thursday!
Love,

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Puppy Update: Hope's 2nd Post

Happy Monday everyone! I have a special guest today...my little English Creme Golden Retriever, Hope!  This is her second blog post- you can read her first one here.
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Hi! I'm Hope.

Since my last post on Michaela's blog, I've grown a lot! My favorite toy is my squeaky fox and duck.  Right now I love to jump on new people, but my family doesn't seem to like it.  They're trying to "clicker" train me, and boy do I like the sound of that clicker {But not as much as the treats they give me!} 


Since my mama is training me to be a therapy dog, she's teaching me how to interact with people who may be in hospital settings.  This month I've learned "paws up" which is when I'm allowed to only put both paws up on someone's lap to say hello. I also learned "head on lap" which is when I have to rest my head on her lap {and hold it there until I get my treat!}  I'm getting better at going on walks and playing nicely with other dog friends at puppy social class I go to every Saturday. I'm a very confident dog and like to show others that I'm the boss...but my family is helping me realize I'm not always the top dog :)


Here are some of my favorite things to do:


Going to lunch with my family and looking cute on the patio...

 

Going on car trips...

Taking care of the Pre-Wash cycle for the dishes...

Laying on my blanket and chewing all my fun toys...

Sitting on mama's lap at Starbucks...

And looking like a puppy model in the middle of the street on a walk.  I just can't leave sticks alone!

I know, I'm cute. My family tells me every day :)
Thanks for reading...Have a great Monday! 
Wuv,

&

PS. Welcome to my sponsor Sherry, from Stella and Dot!

As fun accessories and jewelry are all the rage, be sure to check out her website for colorful and beautiful pieces!

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April Is Upon Us!

Happy Saturday! If you'd like to advertise on Michaela Noelle Designs in April, please take a peek at my sponsor page or email me at michaelawarner90@gmail.com.  New sponsor packages coming in May :)


I just love promoting cute shops, businesses, blogs and more! Also, if you're interested in sending me products to review, please email me to chat. Product reviews are limited to only a small number per month. Can't wait to hear from you!

What are you doing this weekend?
Love,

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Dear Friday...

Dear Friday, I'm really glad you're here. The past week has been a whirlwind and today I can breathe, relax and spend time with family and the pup. Dear California, I'm not too happy with your choice in weather for my "Spring break". Don't you know I get enough rain on a daily basis in Seattle? Is one day of 75 degree weather too much to ask? ;) Dear Seattle, we have one month left together before I move home and it's bittersweet, let me tell ya.  Remind me to savor what you have to offer me! Dear Tea, you save my life each and every day. Dear Hope, you are the cutest white ball of fluff I've ever seen. You're really good at shaking hands, jumping clear over the couch, and ringing your bell to let us know you have to go outside {and now when you're hungry...or just to let us know you're there!}  Dear Lilac-Colored Jeans, I like you quite a bit. If it wasn't so obvious, I'd wear you every day. Thank you for adding spring color to my wardrobe! Dear Boy, we get to spend the week together this week....I can't wait to see you! Dear Dessert, you are divine.  Let's show Boy how delicious you are this weekend, because as of now he's not a huge fan. We will change that, promise. Dear Design, you fill me with joy- thanks for letting me use you as my creative outlet.  Dear God, thank you for blessing me in ways I couldn't even imagine. Thank you for the hard times, too, because they build character.
xo,
Me.

Oh PS....Dear Chevron, I think it's clear I love you. I predict you're sticking around for quite some time.

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I'm linking up with Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday's Letters. Join in the fun :)


Hope you have a fabulous weekend! Can't wait to share about mine next week.
Love,

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Blogging 101

Today I'm dishin' on what I've come to learn about this whole wonderful world of blogging.  This is just my experience of what has worked for me! By no means is this the right way to do things...just how I've done things and my opinion on the subject :)


I started my blog in the summer of 2010 as a way to collect all my design inspiration in one place. I never would have expected so many awesome things to come from blogging! Here's some insight into what I think makes a good blog, how to grow your blog, how to keep readers coming back and a few things in between :)


A good blog has:
1. A visually appealing, clean, layout that represents YOU. Nothing is worse than a scattered  blog design with background music and no direction. I'll just be honest and say that I judge a blog by the layout and if it's messy or I don't know what type of blog it is, I'm probably not sticking around. It's the first impression! 


2. An About Me Page! Let's be real...bloggers are nosey :) We want to know about the author before we start reading their posts! Personally, my About the Girl page is the most viewed page on my blog. With this comes a picture! If you don't have a picture of yourself on your blog {or specifically your about me page} then you need to get one.right.now. It makes your blog look more professional. Again with the bloggers are nosey thing :)


3. Good Content. Readers love original content. To keep readers coming back, I found it best to post often.  When I first started blogging, I'd post maybe 2-3 times a week, but realized the more I posted, the more people would come back. This is advice I got from an awesome blogger, who told me to imagine going to my favorite blog and there not being a new post. I'd be let down and possibly not come back for a few days. Now I blog M-F and treat it like my job. {A very fun one, at that!}


4. Clear Photos! There's nothing I love more than clean, large, bright photos {without the use of a flash!! Flash = no!} 


5.  A Genuine and Authentic Author.  This one's important. Be YOU, be open to share your story and be ready for lots of fun blog friends if you're willing to invest some time :)

Other little tips:
- Make sure your email is attached to your profile so you the blogs you comment on can reply to your comment via your email. Great way to connect!
- Reply to as many comments as possible {as your blog grows, this will become more difficult, but is crucial to cultivating community and friendships initially}
- Comment as much as you can on other blogs in order to get your name out there! 
- Realize that real life comes first. Don't obsess over the blog...family and friends, school and work should take priority!
- Be sure you have a substantial following before offering ad space.
- Keep a list of blog post ideas in a notebook or phone.
- In order to cut down on the frantic writing of posts the night before, I try to get 2-3 posts written on the weekend. I also keep a schedule of all my posts on my iCalendar so I know when to plug in sponsor shout outs, She Loves Me guest posts etc...
- Reach out and take advantage of this awesome community of people who share our passions.

New little bulletin board/desk inspiration. I Love You Blog & Coffee by Made By Girl

So, what do you think? What is your number one blogging tip??
Don't forget to enter the adorable Twenty Three Oh One giveaway...Ends Wednesday!
Happy Monday!
Love,

PS. Welcome to my sponsor Simply Pillow

Karen sells darling pillow covers with fresh and modern prints! Be sure to check her out here.

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My Best Friend's Wedding

This morning I'm getting ready with my very best friend, Leta, and 3 of her closest friends for the most special day in her life. This afternoon she will walk down the aisle and marry the perfect man for her. Let me tell you, she is one blessed gal, as I've watched their love blossom and stay strong over the past 3 years.  There's nothing that melts my heart more than seeing two people come together under God and share the rest of their lives together. Leta is going to be one stunning bride and I can't wait to celebrate all day long along side her! Just so you can get a feel for her day, here are some of the inspiration photos she's been pinning.  It's so lovely I can hardly contain myself! Enjoy! I'll be back soon with photos from the day...

Mix-matched Bridesmaid Dresses:

Uploaded by user on Pinterest, sorry...no source! Help?! 

Lace and Burlap Runners:

Style Me Pretty 

Mason Jars & Wood Centerpieces:

Style Me Pretty

Bride's Hair Inspiration:

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My Hair Inspiration:

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Flower Girl Dress:

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First Look Picture without actually seeing one another. Precious!

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Dearest Leta,
May you enjoy every minute of being married to Sam! Thank you for showing me what a healthy, loving, caring and Godly relationship looks like. I couldn't be happier for you and your husband. HUSBAND! You are one gorgeous bride, my friend. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your day. I love you and am so blessed by our friendship- even though we're miles apart.

Have a lovely Friday!
Love,

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Let's Make Friends

I'm super excited to introduce you all to some new sponsors this month! The second half of my lovely sponsors will be introduced next week :) Hope you'll take a peak at these cute girls and go say hello!
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MACKENZIE. I'm Mackenzie from Design Darling — both the blog and the boutique! I started blogging in 2009 as a creative outlet for my love of fashion and interiors and just this past week launched an e-commerce boutique by the same name. There you'll find lots of decorative objects, desk accessories, throw pillows, and more!


BLOG | BOUTIQUE
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JENNIFER. Hello, we are Jeremy and Jennifer Cook. Two Texans that love Jesus, our baby boy named Boston James (born 10-2-10), our family, friends and all things DIY.  We've been married for almost 6 years and we have two precious toy poodles, Daisy and Jet.  Jen is a stay at home mommy and is truly loving every minute of being with our son.  This is where we document everything about our life, from all things DIY, updating our home (which is our favorite part about owning our home), having babies, faith, marriage, fashion and, of course, our beloved Boston.  We hope you'll hop on over to see us!
Fun Fact: I'm a closet "science nerd."  :)


BLOG
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WHITNEY. I am a newlywed, new home owner, and pharmacist from Nebraska. Last spring my wonderful husband Brent and I were married. Soon after, we purchased an acreage and began construction on our first home!  Yep, we stuffed graduation, new jobs, our wedding, and construction into our first year of marriage!  My blog follows my journey of decorating, DIYing, shopping, and cooking while balancing being a wife, full time pharmacist, and blogger.  It is a bit of a whirlwind, but I would love to share my crazy life with you!  Check out my blog to learn a little more about me!  I would love to meet you!
My fun fact is that I am a REDHEAD!  I mean, what's more fun than that?


BLOG
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JILLIAN NICOLE.  I'm a Southern California native who fell in love with a Brit, and is now trying to navigate her way through the ex-pat life in Scotland! Weddings make my little heart go pitter-patter, I've never met a dessert I didn't like, and I think my husband is definitely the most handsome man God ever created!:) If you're inspired by gorgeously styled events, if peonies make you go weak in the knees, and if you love to have a good gush over all things pretty, then we're sure to be fast friends!
Fun Fact: My second toe is longer than my big toe!


BLOG


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Aren't they darling? Yes :)
To wrap up this weekend post, I thought you'd like to see Miss Hope and how much she's grown! Look at that awesome puppy rug. She clearly loves it.

Also, sometimes we skype. She told me to tell you all hello :)

Have the best weekend! Don't forget to go check out my sponsors!
Love,

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