Monday, October 03, 2011

happy day…

It’s a Monday morning and you know what that means – a mile long “to do” list…seems that is the story of my life these days.  We had a great weekend – I channeled my “inner Grandma Vida” and helped Brad build shelves for our garage.  We have one set left to build, then we’ll start organizing and putting everything away – it’s been quite an adventure…but once we figured out what we were doing I think we both actually had fun. 

We were also able to watch/listen to General Conference this weekend.  There were many inspirational words spoken and I’m planning on re-watching each session over the next few days.  Meagan was most devoted to sitting and watching each session this year – she even jotted down notes and quotes in a very fun way – I’ll have to see if she’ll let me share her little piece of artwork. 

Fall is definitely in the air this morning – our windows even fogged up a bit as I drove Meagan to school just before sunrise – I think today is supposed to be fairly nice, but later in the week we are expecting cold, rain, wind…and I even read “mountain snow” in the forecast.  I don’t’ think I’m quite ready for snow…but a nice chill in the air, combined with the beautiful orange, red, and yellow leaves on the trees in our neighborhood, have me ready to cook a big pot of soup and a batch of homemade rolls.  I’m also getting anxious to pull out my sweaters!  Bring on Autumn. :)

I also have a layout to share today.  I received a fun kit to create some projects – it was a birthday themed kit by Simple Stories.  This is the first time I have used a Simple Stories Kit. Now that I've used one...it's safe to say I'll be using them a LOT from now on! There is SO much product included in each kit. There are sheets of patterned paper, sheets of journaling blocks, sheets of photo mats, sheets with stickers (heavy cardstock stickers), and more!
I love that the concept is truly simple - each piece in the kit is ready to trim and insert into divided page protectors. If you choose to do that, you can definitely complete a lot of pages very quickly. But I also love that you aren't limited to adding each piece directly into a pre-made album. I used lots of the papers in this kit and mixed & matched different elements to create a two page spread.

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(layout copyright Two Peas In A Bucket)

A few of the ways I used the kit to create my layout:
* I cut a large photo mat in half to use under my title. I added dimension behind the sticker party hat with foam squares too.

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* Isn't that journaling block cute? And since I'm a fan of hand-written journaling, it was perfect for me. There were lots of journaling block options - I just found one that was the size I wanted and started writing.

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* I also used some of the stickers to create my own little toothpick flags.

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* And see that bottom photo over on the right page? There's a clear acetate photo cover too...I attached it with staples (my tiny attacher is on it's way - I can't wait!).

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The beautiful thing about this kit is that even though I used a LOT of product on this spread, there is so so so much more!

And there’s one more thing I want to share today…I’ve been keeping a few little secrets for a couple of months – and I can spill the beans about one of those secrets today!  It’s officially my first day of writing for the CREATE blog!  I will be writing twice a week, and sharing lots of projects and ideas.  I am so excited for this new venture and I’m looking forward to interacting with the CREATE blog readers.  I’d be honored if you’d join me every Monday and Wednesday! :o)

(More secret spilling to come…) 

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Wait, before you go…I have a quick question.  I found this deal on Amazon.com this morning.

It’s a  Euro-Pro Shark S3101 Electric Steam Mop for only $48.54 with FREE shipping.

It seems like a great deal!  I’ve been considering a steam mop for cleaning our slate floors…but I have no experience with them.  Do you use a steam mop?  Do you love it?  Do you happen to have this one?  Do you have any recommendations for me?

Have a happy and productive Monday! :o)

5 comments:

  1. So excited to see what you do on the Create blog! I love seeing your projects in magazines.

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  2. Super cute layout!

    BUY the steam mop! I paid almost twice that and have no regrets! It cleans so well, it's SO easy and I feel good about not having to use chemicals!

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  3. I just found your blog through the Echo Park website. Hopefully, you bought the mop. If not, get one! You won't regret it! I love mine and use it almost everyday.

    Ruthie :)

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