guest post :: giveaway :: from ashley!

First of all, let me tell you how EXCITED I am to be guest posting here today at Jenna's. Her's was one of the first blogs I came across when I discovered the world of blogging. I thought to myself "what have I been missing out on?!"  I quickly came to feel like I knew her and looked forward to reading her new posts. It was blogs like hers that inspired me to start my own.

So, let me introduce myself! I am Ashley and I am a stay at home momma to two energetic toddlers! My son Jaxson is 2 1/2 and my daughter Kendra is almost 14 months! I just started my blog a few months ago and absolutely love it. You can find me here. I really feel like I am finding things out about myself through blogging. I love to write and always have, but I have never really "put myself out there", if you know what I mean.

When I sat down to write this I realized that tends to be a common theme for me. I have a hard time stepping out of my comfort zone. For too many years I have let fear guide my decisions. It's always been the fear of rejection that has held me back. I think we all experience this in some form or another. For instance, I thought about starting a blog long before I ever did. I kept thinking "what if no one even cares what I have to say".

What I have come to realize lately is that sometimes you don't realize what you are missing when you are too afraid to try. You may think you are happy not making a change or taking a chance, but you don't know how happy you really can be. I took the leap and started my blog a few months ago and haven't regretted it once. I have met so many interesting, supportive and encouraging people. I have been so inspired by so many of you to tap into my creative side. I have even started designing and making hair clips. I thought I would just do it as a hobby, but deep down I knew I wanted it to be more, but fear was holding me back again. This time, though, I am not letting it stop me. I think sometimes the best things in life can be found when you step outside of your comfort zone. I am having the time of my life trying new things and putting myself out there. So, please stop by my blog and join me!

With that said, I would love to offer one lucky reader a chance to get their hands on two pairs of my clips and a headband my mother in law made. We are in the process of building up an inventory before we open up shop. :)

Here are the rules:

- It's mandatory to be a follower of The Duty Family by GFC

- It's also mandatory to be a follower of my blog... you can do that here

-additional entries include sharing a time when you went out of your comfort zone and it was totally worth it.

- head on over and like The Duty Family on Facebook here

There are four possible entries so be sure to do all and come back and comment for the best chance and good luck!