Love Our Life

There have been many times when I've printed off an Instagram photos and used it on a page. For a fun twist on that idea, I decided to take a screenshot of a photo my husband had shared on an Instagram private message and use that on a layout.

I love how the screenshot not only captures a fun moment with our kids riding bikes in Newport Beach, but it also shows photo comments and little photos of who the picture was shared with. This helps tell more of the story without me actually having to write or say anything. I'm sure over time the interface for Instagram will change is this preserves a little piece of our history.

I kept this layout pretty simple with the focus on the photo, a few embellishments and a bit of journaling. Sometimes I just need a quick and simple page to help me tell the story I want to record. No frills on this one and that works just fine for me.

Layout Supplies /// Today is Beautiful Kit

You + Me

Happy Friday! Hope your a looking forward to a fun filled weekend.

One of our current favorite things to do around here is to ride our bikes around the neighborhood. The nice weather is holding out and we are enjoying lots of sunshine without too much heat yet. So it's the perfect time to enjoy being outside!

I snapped a selfie style photo (although I've learned that a selfie only includes the person taking the photo, not more that one person! - what's a two person photo called?!?) while Hannah and I were riding bikes around the neighborhood. Here's a look at the photo on a layout.

The background was really fun to create. I used the Let's Go Scrapbook Circle digital cut file to create the cutouts. I then pull most of the pieces out, left a few in and flipped some over. 

I love that bike riding is something fun that I can do with my kids that we both enjoy. Sometimes it's not easy to take the time to spent quality time with my kids. 

This year, one of my goals is to connect with others in an intentional way and bike riding with my kids is one way I can connect with them.  Got to love that!

Here We Go

Almost a year ago my husband and I made a big decision to move to a new home about 30 minutes away from where we were living. This meant lots of changes for our family. New schools, new neighbors, new church congregation, etc. We have always felt good about our decision and haven't had any regrets. But still, I worried that the kids would have a hard time finding new friends and making the adjustment.

The photo in the layout captures why I feel so happy about our move. Here is Hannah last month riding her bike off to her friend's house just around the corner. I love that she is happy. I love that she loves the neighborhood. I love that she has friends nearby. I love that she is settled in with our move.

I must say that I love our new neighborhood too. There is a close sense of community and we know many of our neighbors. Just today I got a group text from a neighbor asking six of us in our neighborhood if we wanted to start a protein ball trade on Mondays. How cool is that? I'm thinking I'll try out this recipe for our first trade.

Feeling thankful that the move has been a success for everyone in our family.

Layout Supplies /// Portobello Road Kit /// New Goods Add-on /// Street Market Add-on

Hello Today + Lunch Date

Have you seen Scrapbook Circle's February Kit?  I'm very excited about it!  It includes products from a brand new company, Chicknidddy Crafts plus a few Scrapbook Circle exclusives. Of course, there are also plenty of products for other favorite manufacturers too.

Here's a look at the exclusive stamp that comes in the kit:

I've been having a lot of fun creating with this kit. So far, I've created 4 layouts and still have a bunch of product left. I'm thinking the rest of the kit will be used on a Project Life spread and then a few cards.

I created this layout last week on the same day that I snapped these photos. My husband works from home most days, so we are lucky to usually get a lunch date in once a week. Last week we hopped on our bikes and rode over to one of our favorite restaurants, Pita Jungle.

I think my favorite thing on this page is the little wood shaped heart confetti pieces from Scrapbook Circle. I just dabbed little bits of glue onto the page and then attached the confetti. They add some dimension to the page without adding much bulk. 

Hope you are looking forward to a great weekend! 

Layout Supplies /// Hello Today /// Right Here Add-on /// February Cardstock /// Hello Today Digital Cut Files

Today was Fantastic

Every once and a while I have a day that is just perfect. The photo on this layout is from one of those days.

During fall break last year our family was able to spend a few days in California with friends. This day started off with a 4 mile jog along the beach for me. I never run that far, but that morning, it just felt so good to move. It probably had something to do with the amazing beach views. We then spent time playing at the beach. I love watching my kids play at the beach!

Jennie and I found bikes in the garage of the house where we were staying and couldn't resist taking then for a spin down the boardwalk. They were pretty rusty and the brakeks didn't even work on my bike, but it was still a great ride. (We went pretty slow!)

Sunshine, bikes and the beach! I'm ready to go back.

Fun tip: we discovered an amazingly delicious and kid-friendly restaurant within walking distance of the place we were staying. If you are ever in Newport Beach, I highly recommend that you visit Mama D's and that you order the gnocchi with pink sauce. You will not be sorry.

Layout Supplies /// Hello Today Kit /// Right Here Add-on /// Gold Cardstock from this set /// Hello Today Digital Cut Files