Friday, November 19, 2010

Praiseworthy Needs


Whenever I have something to do where I'm not quite sure how to do it, or even where to start, I usually think of my mom or one of my girlfriends and ask myself "What would she do?"

Women need other women. It's really just that simple. We need good examples. We need good friends. We need someone who will listen, understand, and care.

That is what Praiseworthy has become to me. At first it was a want--I wanted to do the fun, cool, enviable blog that had thousands of followers and got hundreds of comments on each post. I wanted to join in the popular social network of talented bloggers who seemed to be able to do everything. I wanted to show my creativity and talents, to show that I could be a part of that world too.

Now, thinking about what has developed on Praiseworthy during the past year, I realize that what I wanted and what I really needed were not the same. And thankfully, with the help of my friends, I got what I needed and not what I wanted. Praiseworthy is exactly what I needed.

I needed a commitment to write. I needed people to listen. I needed encouragement to push myself further. I needed people to share my talents with. I needed a place to connect with other women. A place where I had some control, but where responsibility did not rest solely on me. A place where I was uplifted, where I could expand my perspective and appreciate realistic expectations.

Before writing today, I sat and read through some of our old posts. I couldn't believe how recent some of the oldest posts felt. And then there were some I had forgotten about--and was so glad to be reminded. Reading my own words, I began to realize that maybe I should listen to myself more often. And reading what each of my friends has shared made me so grateful to be doing this with them. They are what I need the most.

One thing I have not done yet, in a year of blogging, is a give-away...until now! Last week I posted about an apron I wanted to make myself--that is the one at the beginning of this post. I also promised an apron to share with one of our lucky readers...and it was so fun making it! I love sewing more and more with each new project, and this was no exception. I love picking out the fabrics, I love the process of seeing the pieces come together, I love learning new skills, I love the time thinking about the person I am making it for, I love the satisfaction of a job well done when I'm holding...and in this case wearing!...the finished product. And here it is... :)



Yes, it is just one apron with two fabulous sides. Do you like it? Do you love it? Do you need it? I promise it is a worthy need. :)

Leave a comment and let me know what you like about Praiseworthy and you will be entered into the drawing to win this apron. Leave another comment with something you would like us to write about or an idea for us to improve during our second year, and you'll be entered twice! Leave a third comment...and say something nice...and you can be entered a THIRD time! :) I've never done this before, am I getting carried away? Leave comments until next Thursday...Thanksgiving Day!...and I will announce the winner next Friday.

Love from me to you,

52 comments:

  1. I like the input of different but like minded women- hearing what's on your minds. I'm happy when Praiseworthy pops up in my blog reader!

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  2. I love this blog! I love hearing your ideas... Each post makes me think and makes me want to be a better person. I love the darling aprons - thanks for the chance to win!

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  3. I like the blog because it's just fun. I would love to hear about vacationing with families (or did you already do that topic). And I think those aprons are totally gorgeous!!!

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  4. I love your blog because you are all so inspiring and have tons of great ideas. Every time I get done reading, I'm thinking I want to try something you gals mentioned.

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  5. I think all of you have at least two kids, right? So, I'd like to hear about things you do to make teaching moments throughout the day, different activities/crafts you might do with your children and how you really make sure you get that quality time with each child the best you can.

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  6. And...
    Each one of you has given me something more 'praiseworthy' to think about this year and want to improve my life in one way or another. Thank you.

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  7. Lovely aprons! You gals are all just so talented. Since I just recently tried to get grease spots out of THREE different shirts yesterday, I'm considering wearing one when I cook. ;) Refer to my comment on Jenni's giveaway for my answer as to why I like Praiseworthy. :)

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  8. Since I don't sew much, (My daughter and mother do, so it much have just skipped a generation.?.)I would like to see more recipes, tips on keeping a clean and organized home, and fun stuff to do with your kids. And, maybe how you all keep up on a great social life through it all...;)

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  9. Hope all you ladies have a wonderful Thanksgiving. You totally deserve it! :)

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  10. I like reading about most things you post in here... Easy, healthy meal planning! How to be the best mother and wife you can be... Encouragement to improve our lives, without making us feel like failures for not always living up to our ideals and dreams..

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  11. Maybe more tips on crafting - with our children and some solo projects as well...

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  12. Love, love the top apron! It really looks good on you!

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  13. I like how your posts are always uplifting. If I'm having a down day I can always come here and remember the goodness in something (whatever the topic may be).

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  14. I'm with Linda - I like the crafts that the kids can help with. Especially ones that we can use to decorate for holidays and such.

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  15. I love Praiseworthy because you are all so beautiful and have the best ideas!! I love this blog!

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  16. I like the blog the way it is! Just keep posting or else a lot of people will cry. seriously. : )

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  17. And.... a shout out for my sister Jenni!!! She is so great and I hope I can be a mom like her someday!

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  18. Honestly? One of the things I love about this blog is that it doesn't overwhelm me. I read other blogs and wonder how in the world these women keep it all together. But this one is real. And I feel good when I read it.

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  19. As for what to improve...I'm a fairly new reader. And I love what I've seen here so far. I would love advice on decorating my home. Oh, and how to take better photos!

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  20. I think this is the easiest comment of all. I know two of you--and recently met one more. And WOW. What amazing women you are. Really.

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  21. I like praiseworthy becasue I love the woman that write it. You all write so beautifully.

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  22. I would love it if you did another quilt a long or show more of your awesome craftiness. I also love to read your thoughts about the stresses and joys of motherhood. I am sure whatever you choose to post about I will love :)

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  23. We need more people in the world like Jenni, Cortney, Cali, Jen, and Rachel....they are fabulous in every way!

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  25. I love all the cute ideas on this blog! I think the craftiness is just too adorable! If I don't win this apron, will you please post the pattern?!

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  26. Your apron turned out ADORABLE!!! Thinking back, some of the posts that I remember the most, are 1. the one about cleaning your house from top to bottom, Cali's OCD habits (you said it, not me, but I have realized how many crazy habits I have too). Lots of the crafty posts, childrens book reviews, and I LOVE tutorials. I also have loved your posts that have gone on other sites like Steady Mom, ect which pretty much sums up my philosophy as a mom and homemaker. Keep the posts coming!

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  27. I love how each week I can depend on praiseworthy to uplift me and help me in every day life. looking to my sister and her friends for the most wonderful young family advice has helped a lot in my recent marriage and pregnancy. I look forward to being continually uplifted by your words!

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  28. What I feel like you can improve on is maybe post the theme for each week so those who like to do a little thinking of our own on your wonderful subjects.

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  29. I love all of you girls and who else needs an apron more than a newlywed prego lady? ;)

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  30. I love this blog! Every week when I come look at it, I feel uplifted. I also feel inspired to be a better wife and mother. All of you are such wonderful examples! I look forward to reading future posts.

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  31. I have to agree with Gena ^^ I am constantly trying to come up with things to do on the many rainy days in Portland with my son, and anything you come up with is wonderful. I would love to see more posts on doing crafts/activities with kids.

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  32. I love that you guys are all friends!

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  33. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the apron! Natalie was talking about it the other day- so I got on here today to check it out-- and now you are Giving one away!:) LOVE IT

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  34. I need some cute/inexpensive Christmas ideas. To decorate- to give away - to eat- you know- whatever :)

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  35. this last comment is NOT JUST so I can get entered 3 times.. it is also to say I LOVE the Blog- I totally get the idea of wanting the awesome Blog that is known and adored by all-- BUT I really love the idea of having your own place to release and let yourself out and as an added bonus- get all of us commenting on how we wish we were you!! :)way to go Cute Praiseworthy Girls!

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  36. I have never read a blog that is so inspiring. Each of you young, beautiful gals have so much to offer to the rest of us. I LOVE reading Praiseworthy! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents with all of us! Korrin

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  37. Keep being real. You all do such wonderful things - it's nice to know what worked and didn't work for you so that we know in many ways you are just like us :) and that everything doesn't come out perfect the first time you try it......or does it? ha ha

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  38. I love that you do some simple things and some harder so that us not so creative don't feel too overwhelmed trying them and also the pictures of each step are wonderful! Keep up the great work girls!

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  39. I love reading praiseworthy because I always come away feeling uplifted and happy. And they're usually posts that stick with me throughout my day. Thanks!

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  40. I would love to hear ideas about small family trips or vacations that you may have taken and what made them great.

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  41. AND....you are super talented! I love the apron you made!

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  42. I just love it! I love baking with my four kids and another cute apron will make the memories and experiences even better.

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  43. I am spreading out my comments for a better chance to win??? More tutorials please! LOVE the things you cute ladies make!

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  44. I love it! The bow makes it so feminine. Maybe wearing pretty aprons in the kitchen would inspire us to be more joyful in menial kitchen tasks!

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  45. There are so many things I love about Praiseworthy - it's uplifting rather than overwhelming, there are 5 different voices and talents that contribute to this blog, and it covers so many different topics.

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  46. It would be awesome if you could do an index of some sort like on http://www.ourbestbites.com/. Or I've seen some blogs with a "labels" section so that it's easier to find posts related to a specific topic (e.g. recipes, sewing, book reviews, etc.).

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  47. That apron and everything else on this blog is absolutely adorable! I definitely think this is a need :) Oh and you make a super cute apron model :)

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  48. I have been really inspired by the weekly topics. Some are fun and others appropriate for the season-and all a very good read;)

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  49. i love Praiseworthy because:
    1. i love the idea behind it. we need more good people sharing 'good news' in the world.
    2. it's fun to have a bunch of fun gals with different perspectives and personalities sharing various things.

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  50. ways to improve... offer full feed instead of a snippet. :) i don't always have time to click and wait for another page to load... so i love to read it in google reader.

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  51. love the apron. love your header. love your cute family courtney. oh - and we mailed your girlies tinkerbell stickers from hannah (friend of lexi's). i hope you got them alright. happy thanksgiving!

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