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sweet summer fashion from downeast basics

It’s just over two weeks until I leave for Queensland, Australia and I’m knee deep in preparations for this once in a lifetime trip! There have been visa applications to fill out and travel insurance to arrange among countless other details, but of course I needed to do a little bit of shopping too! I’ve found some fun things to take with me on my trip and I can’t wait to share them all with you!
I’ve spotted so many cute summer styles at Downeast Basics and I’m beyond excited to have them sponsoring a portion of my wardrobe for the trip! A package arrived in the mail from them this past week with my cute new Amy Bee skirt and I’m officially in love! It was just way too cute to stay in its package until Australia, so I gave it a little test drive this weekend. The colour is so fresh and summery, I love the long length and those big pockets are a dream. I can’t wait to wear it in the warm Australian sun!

downeast

Amy Bee Skirt, $25 || Falling Petals Tee, $20 || Dinner Party Necklace, $17 || Tote bag, $119 || Elastic belt, $17 || besong flats aldo, $70

Downeast has some beautiful new summer fashions including gorgeous + modest swim suits which are on sale now until May 24th!

Follow Downeast Basics here:
facebook | twitter | pinterest

Happy Mother’s Day & The Simple Things

 Being a mom is pretty special. 


It’s exhausting, stinky, thankless, messy, tiring and a daily test in patience.

But its mostly just special.

As the busy days fly by, I find myself growing more and more thankful for photos I have of me with my children. I can’t even put into words what these photos mean to me…they serve as a tangible reminder of the joy that being a mother brings me. Looking past the spilled bowl of cheerios, the sibling squabbles, the inability to have an adult conversation void of interuption and all the daily noise,  is sometimes necessary to find that joy….. 😉

…but joy is there.

In every sticky kiss, in each bedtime story, with each I love you and with every squishy hug.

I’m so thankful to be a mom and I’m so thankful for all of the mothers who have influenced my life for good. For my sweet mom, my mother-in-law, my Grandma’s, my beautiful sisters in law and to all of you. 

This past month I issued the challenge to all the moms out there reading my blog to be brave and step in front of the camera in honour of Mother’s Day and I’ve been so touched by the images that you’ve shared.

Just look at how beautiful you are. How beautiful motherhood is.

Being a mom is hard stuff, but I for one find comfort in knowing that we’re all in this together. Knowing that we all have similar struggles and similar joys along this journey called motherhood. We’re united in the love we have for these precious children and as mothers, we share a special connection with one another. I’m thankful for your examples, for the tips and ideas you share with me that help make me a better mom and for the kind comments and emails that you take the time to leave for me. Encouraging and uplifting each other as mothers, wives and women can do so much. 🙂

A heartfelt thank you to…..

julie from lil fish photography | jennifer from jt and the sea | jo from ap mommy | maribel from photo life | jess from a winding road |  talia from pieces of me | our footprints on the world | lisa from my life my camera my memories | leishell from capturing life | angela from the simple things | aubree photography | brittany from the roscheks daily happenings |  gina from chic homeschool mama | jennifer c. | christy from c.lee | jen from delightful deets

for sharing your beautiful photos with us! You are brave and beautiful and amazing!

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!



the simple things no. 83

this weeks simple thing:

I had the chance to go on a field trip with Emily’s class this week and well…I’ll admit, I wasn’t too excited about it. Arranging someone to watch the little girls for the day and getting everyone out the door by 8:30am was not easy, but somewhere between rushing out the door in the morning and riding the bus home with Emily that afternoon, I realized it was totally worth it. We sat on the bus together on the ride home and just giggled and chatted about the day and it was really nice to spend some one on one time with my sweet girl.

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Welcome to [simple things sunday] this week you guys!
This party is all about celebrating the simple moments and simple joys that make you smile each week. So grab that camera, snap a photo or two and come share with us each Sunday!

Just a few quick rules to play:
please, please, please read the rules carefully

1. Grab a button and include it in your simple things post.

2. Link back directly to your simple things post not your blog/website.
No links to other linky parties, giveaways or craft projects pretty please. 
This linky is all about the photos.

3. Be sure to pop by and visit at least 3 other links and leave a comment.
Leave as many as you can. 🙂
 
I can’t wait to see your photos this week! I’ll be sharing some of my favs from the last two Simple things Sunday parties on the blog + Facebook throughout the week so stay tuned! If you’re featured be sure to grab yourself a featured button!

Also, please remember to stop by as many of the other links as you can each week and leave lots of comments! Comments are the funnest. Everybody likes ’em, so be as generous as you can with the comment love. Thanks a bunch!
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Don’t forget to enter the fabulous Mother’s Day giveaway going on right now! You could win a chic + stylish camera bag of your choice from Jo Totes! The giveaway ends tonight at 8pm MST so hurry and get those entries in. The winner will be announced later on this evening.  Good luck! 

Simple Mother’s Day Card Ideas

With Mother’s Day just two short days away I thought I’d share a few simple card ideas with you that you can throw together in a pinch. These cards can be made using paper scraps you have on hand and can be put together in a matter of minutes.


To make my cards I started with a small selection of patterned paper + coordinating card stock. I trimmed my paper to a variety of different lengths and then used my super cool Stampin Up! simply scored scoring tool to score the paper to form the cards. It was the first time I’d tried out this handy tool and I loved it!  It made creating straight, crisp folds a breeze.
After I had the base for my cards it was time to embellish them. Using some simple text that I printed at home I created some small pennant flags to attach to my card fronts. Buttons, twine, doilies and a few scraps of  patterned paper later and I was done. They aren’t elaborate cards but I think they turned out really sweet and will be perfect to give out to the moms + Grandma’s this Sunday.
That concludes our ALL ABOUT MOM countdown to Mother’s Day. I hope you’ve had as much fun celebrating motherhood as I have and I wish you all a wonderful Mother’s Day! 
Here is a quick recap of everything I’ve shared this past month just in case you missed out…

Jo Totes camera bag giveaway!

**Giveaway now closed. Winner will be announced tomorrow.**

I’m so exctied about today’s giveaway and I am pretty sure you’re going to be too! Just in time for Mother’s Day, Jo Totes is giving away a camera bag of your choice to one lucky Simple as That reader! Wohoo! Isn’t this so fun!?

I know I’ve gone on and on about the betsy bag that I own in mustard…but I just love it SO much and I can’t help myself! 🙂 Since I got my Jo Totes bag I’ve been carrying my camera {and diapers, wipes, snacks and all the other million things that us moms carry in our purses} around with me everywhere I go. I love that carrying my camera in my Jo Totes bag has made it more accessible and I also love that I can carry it along with all my other stuff and not have to carry an extra bag with me.

Read on to find out more about Jo Totes and what makes them so fabulous:

Jo Totes has been creating stylish camera bags for women since 2009. They provide a fashionable way for you to safely carry your camera bodies and lenses, along with your regular purse items, every day—whether it be to a photo shoot, while traveling or just when you are out on a regular day. For hobbyists, having your camera in a Jo Tote will mean no more missed moments. For professionals, you’ll look lovely at your next shoot.
The main compartment of each Jo Tote is lined with padding (around each side and on the bottom) to protect your photo equipment. Movable interior pads are also included to allow for configuration around a variety of equipment. Jo Totes also conceal the fact that you are carrying an expensive camera.

Jo Totes newest line of bags include the Gracie handbags and the super cute Georgia satchels.

Giveaway:
Let’s make someone’s Mother’s Day extra special shall we!?
One lucky winner from today’s giveaway will receive a Jo Totes Camera bag of their choice! Please remember that giveaways are for Simple as That followers only. Follow via Google Friend Connect on the left sidebar or sign up to receive updates via email or through your favourite RSS reader. 🙂

Mandatory Entry:
Stop by the Jo Totes shop and have a peek around, then come back here
and leave a comment telling me what bag you have on your Mother’s Day wishlist!
Bonus entries:
3. Share a link to today’s giveaway on twitter or facebook.
4. Follow Simple as That on twitter.
5. Share Simple as That with a friend: share a link to my blog via email or invite them
to join Simple as That on facebook! We all love making new friends! 🙂

Please remember to complete the mandatory entry first, to leave a seperate comment for each of your entries and make sure I have a way to contact you just in case you’re the winner. 🙂

Good luck everyone!
Giveaway will close Mother’s Day {Sunday May 13th} at 8pm MST and the winner will be announced that evening!

camera coats giveaway winner + more

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to enter last weeks FABULOUS giveaway from Camera Coats! The winner, according to random.org is….
Woohoo Ashley! I’m super excited for ya! Shoot me an email and I’ll hook you up with your sweet new camera coat!

For those of you who simply MUST have a camera coat of your own, happy early Mother’s Day to you because Camera Coats is offering all Simple as That readers 25% off  your their next purchase
using coupon code: 25SIMPLE!

Remember to follow Camera Coats on Facebook to stay up to date on their latest products!
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Thank you to everyone who shared their photos in this week’s Simple things Sunday link party!
Here are just a few of your photos that caught my eye…

mother + son time | gina 
a window view | in lehman’s terms
simply sweet | stacy

If your photo was featured this week be sure to grab a button! 🙂

 

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This week’s photo tip:
I’m pulling this week’s photo tip from the archives. If you’ve never used the clone tool in photoshop or PSE then you should definitely give it a try, it’s a handy little tool! 🙂

The trick to using the clone stamp to clone out small unwanted background distractions while still retaining a photo that does not looked “cloned”  is to use a soft brush when doing your stamping and adjust the opacity of your brush. A hard brush at 100% opacity will create unwanted stamp lines and will not give you a nice blended natural looking stamped area.
To use the clone stamp simply hold down the ALT key while “stamping” the area on your photo you wish to copy. Release the ALT key, move your cursor to the area on your photo you wish to stamp over and stamp. This area will now become covered over with the image that you picked up previously. Continue stamping until you have covered over the area and are happy with the results.
before
after

mother’s day gift ideas: part three

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and if you’re still looking for a few last minute gift ideas here you go….
Tonight at midnight MST is the deadline for Mother’s Day orders at Chantelle Nicole Designs. Their beautiful, handstamped designs would make a meaningful Mother’s Day gift. 
Save 20% with code love mom. 
Create some personalized notepads for mom using some cute Stampin’ Up! supplies. Find the instructions on how to make your own here.
Pamper mom this Mother’s Day with this decadent lemon scrub. For instructions on how to make your own Lemon Sugar Scrub + a free printable label visit The Idea Room.
I just love these simple DIY potholder emergency clutches from the girls at eighteen25! Consider making one for your mom, mother-in-law, grandma or aunt for Mother’s Day! 
Give mom a unique + whimsical piece of printed art from Baby Bird and Bub Bub. Take 15% off your next purchase with coupon code SIMPLE. 
Such a simple but useful gift for mom: Mason Jar Sewing kit. 
Are you planning a Mother’s Day brunch this weekend? Give these cinnamon roll muffins from Joy the Baker a try….you won’t regret it! They are SO delicious! 

And don’t miss Joy’s new cookbook! Another great gift idea for Mom!
Check out Barn Owl Primitives for lots of beautiful signs to add just the perfect touch to Mom’s home decor.  Sorry, but items can’t be shipped in time for the weekend but wish mom a happy belated Mother’s Day with one of Kristi’s cute signs or favourite her shop and file the idea away for next year. 🙂
This is another idea you might have to file away for next year, but I adore these personalized family tree embroidered pillows from Blue Leaf Boutique so I had to share! What a special keepsake this would make!
And one last sweet and absolutely adorable gift idea for mom!.
For even more gift ideas check out my Mother’s Day gift ideas 
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Throughout this week I’ll be introducing you to Simple as That’s new May sponsors. There are some fabulous shops and blogs so be sure to visit my sidebar and check them out. 🙂
Today I’d like to introduce you to Pretty Little Studio, a family owned business located in South Carolina, that sells fresh vintage + whimsical scrapbooking and crafting supplies.

From beautiful papers, tags and more you’ll find so many gorgeous elements to add to your next project at Pretty Little Studio! They’ve just release their new Sandcastle Collection and its so pretty and perfect for summer!
Find Pretty Little Studio here:

the simple things no. eighty two

 this weeks simple things:

We’re at my parents farm this weekend and the kids have had lots of fun playing with their cousins despite some icky weather. I think Carson has especially enjoyed playing with his little cousin Jaxson. He’s like the little brother he always wanted and being the only two grandsons on my side of the family amidst 7 girls they’ve realized quickly they’re going to have to stick together. 😉

Of course the highlight of any trip to Grandma and Grandpa’s farm is getting to go out with Grandpa to feed the cows.


Some people found it humorous that I nearly stepped in a fresh cow pie in my quest for a few photos!
Looking at these pictures brings back so many memories of feeding the cows with my dad in the farm truck lovingly named Old Blue. 
It may have been a cold, rainy weekend but we still managed to have a little bit of fun, spend time with family and make some really great memories in the process! 🙂


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Welcome to{simple things sunday}this week you guys!
This party is all about celebrating the simple moments and simple joys that make you smile each week. So grab that camera, snap a photo or two and come share with us each Sunday!

Just a few quick rules to play:
please, please, please read the rules carefully
1. Grab a button and include it in your simple things post.
2. Link back directly to your simple things post not your blog/website.
No links to other linky parties, giveaways or craft projects pretty please. 
This linky is all about the photos.
3. Be sure to pop by and visit at least 3 other links and leave a comment.
Leave as many as you can. 🙂
 

I can’t wait to see your photos this week! I’ll be sharing some of my favs from the last two Simple things Sunday parties on the blog + Facebook throughout the week so stay tuned! If you’re featured be sure to grab yourself a featured button!

Also, please remember to stop by as many of the other links as you can each week and leave lots of comments! Comments are the funnest. Everybody likes ’em, so be as generous as you can with the comment love. Thanks a bunch!

simple things roundup

Thank you to everyone who shared their photos in this week’s Simple things Sunday link party!
Here are just a few of your photos that caught my eye…

boots | marty walden
wagon rides | life of a mamarazzi
chalk walk | marla
sundays view | twiggy

If your photo was featured this week be sure to grab a button! 🙂

 
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This week’s photo tips:

There is a wealth of photography knowledge available online and today I wanted to share a few links to some great photography articles and tutorials that I’ve run across lately.

Enjoy!

31 Days of Photo Tips
[via My three Boybarians]

Summertime Photo Tips from Pinkle Toes Photography
[via the Creative Mama]

13 Tips for Family Self Portraits
[via Clickin Moms]

Live your Life on Purpose
[via Ashley Ann Photography

Sharpening 101: The Basics Every Photographer needs to Know
[via MCP Actions Blog]

Vacation photos: The Ins and Outs of Travel Photography
 [via the MCP Actions Blog]

How to Create Actions in Photoshop
[via Rock the Shot Forum]

How to Create Beautiful iPhone Photos
[via fatmumslim]

Blog makeover by 17th Avenue Design Studio

You  may have already noticed, but Simple as That recently got a little makeover thanks to the lovely Kate at 17th Avenue Design Studio!
I’m loving the fresh new look and I hope you are too! We’re still working out a few bugs, but please feel free to snoop as much as you want and get to know your way around the new site. 🙂
You can even grab one of my brand new buttons in your favourite colour here:
Over the next few weeks I’ll be updating the tabs above, including my FAQ section. I’ll be including what camera equipment I use, links to some of my most read tutorials and if there’s anything else you can think of that I should touch on please let me know. 🙂
As I mentioned, I worked with the talented Kate from 17th Avenue Design Studio for my blog redesign and it was a pleasure to work with her. I went with a custom design package and after communicating with her about what I had in mind she immediately came up with a test design that was almost exactly what I’d envisioned! With just a few more tweaks, we arrived at this final version of the design and I couldn’t be more pleased with it!
If you’re looking to start your own blog or refresh the look of your current one, I’d highly recommend Kate for the job. She’s got design packages and a la carte design items suitable for any bloggers needs. Visit her portfolio page to see more examples of her work.
You can also check out the 17th Avenue Design etsy shop where they sell premade blogger template designs. If you find a design you love take advantage of their 30% off all premade designs with coupon code OPEN30. Offer valid until 5/7/2012.
Thank you again Kate for all your work and for the beautiful new look! You’re amazing!
🙂

Mother’s Day Printables + Embrace the Camera

So, who else has been trying to step in front of the camera and get in some photos with their kids in honour of Mother’s Day? A few weeks ago I issued you this challenge and the photos you’ve shared with me so far are beautiful and inspiring! You still have ten days left before Mother’s Day to get in some photos with your kids, and remember, I want to see your photos if you do! Email them to me, send me a link or stop by and share your photos on my facebook page, then go link up with Emily’s weekly Embrace the Camera post each Thursday! I can’t wait to see YOU and I’ll be featuring some of your photos on my blog next week as part of our celebration of Mother’s Day. 🙂

I’m embracing the camera this week with my sweet Addie girl. She’s had a rough go the last couple of weeks with a little backyard accident involving a gate that ripped her big toenail off. It was so sad. 🙁 She’s been healing up so quickly and it makes me so happy to see that sweet smile of hers!


Need a few ideas of photos you can take with your kids, download my FREE Embrace the camera photo checklist! It’s filled with 50 photo ideas and photography prompts designed to help you get in some photos with your cute kiddos! 🙂

Have a great day everyone!

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