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

Hello 2015 @ Newport Beach

Our family plus my sister Kristen's family kicked off the new year with two days at Disneyland followed by some time at Newport Beach. It was the perfect way to start 2015. My sister's kids had never been to Disneyland, so it was fun to watch it through first timers' eyes. I just hope we didn't scar them forever by taking them on Tower of Terror. They seemed to enjoy everything else, so I think it was a big success.

Happily, I've been able to carve out a little bit of time yesterday and today to work on a page with some favorite photos from our time at the beach.

We had just planned to stop of maybe an hour at the beach, but one hour turned into three or more. The kids had a great time and didn't seem to mind the freezing water!

We had the best ever apple fritters from Seaside Bakery while sitting on the beach from a doughnut shop that was right along the beach. We used Yelp to find a lunch spot and and discovered Sancho's Tacos a short walk away. Their fish tacos and homemade tortilla chips were so good. This is definitely on my list next time we get to go to Newport Beach.

I hope your new year is off to a great start! Since this trip to Newport Beach, I've already made a return trip to California for CHA. I plan on posting about that fun adventure tomorrow.

Layout supplies /// SBC All You Need is Love Kit /// SBC Hello Love Add-on /// SBC Shine Bright Add-on

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