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the rusted chain giveaway winner!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter last weeks giveaway from

{the rusted chain}

The winner of the $50.00 gift certificate is:

Sarah Cool

Congratulations Sarah! An email has been sent out. You have 48 hours to claim your prize.

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If you didn’t win, but still want to do some shopping at the rusted chain, be sure and keep your eye on their blog, facebook page and sign up for their newsletter to be the first to find out about the latest discount codes being offered!

🙂

the simple things

Sunday, December 4, 2011

I loved all the beautiful photos linked up last week everyone!!

Thank you so much for sharing your talents and your simple joys with us each week!

I haven’t been able to stop by and visit as many of your blogs I’d like to lately and I feel so bad about that! The good news, is I’ll be in the land of speedy internet soon {Yay!} and can catch up with the comment love then! 🙂

For now, here are just a few beautiful photos that caught my eye in this past weeks

{Simple things Sunday} link party…

chocolate milk | AJ creations

nose kisses | Tiffany

thanksgiving | Michele

playing in the snow | sarah

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{Simple things Sunday}

Friday was Emily and Carson’s last day of school and it was a fun day despite having to say goodbye to all their classmates and teachers. The kids will have so many fun memories of their time spent at school here and they’re sure going to miss everyone. I made some simple autograph books for the kids to take to school and their friends and teachers all signed them and left them sweet little notes. We took lots of pictures and when we get home plan to print them and add them to their books. I hope the books will be a special keepsake for them and help them to remember the people they’ve met and the experiences they’ve had here. 🙂

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It’s that time again! Time to link up your beautiful photos for

{simple things sunday}

Simple things Sunday 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 one of the buttons below 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. 🙂

<br /> <a href=”http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/” target=”_blank”><img src=”https://simpleasthatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/simple_button1_150px-1.jpg”/></a><br />

<br /> <a href=”http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/” target=”_blank”><img src=”https://simpleasthatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/simple_button4_150px.jpg”/></a><br />

Look forward to seeing all your
beautiful photos this week!

🙂

My Escape: Island Living in the Dutch Caribbean

Friday, December 2, 2011

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on the experiences we’ve had on this little island over the last 16 months. With only 14 days left until we leave I’m such a mix of emotions about going home. On the one hand I’m beyond excited! Excited to see our families, excited to walk into a grocery store where I can buy all the bananas I want and yogurt cups for less than $1.50 each! How cool will that be!?

I’m also a bit sad to leave this pretty place where we’ve created so many special family memories. Sure, there are things I’m not going to miss for a second – the ants currently invading my kitchen come to mind – but our time here has been such an incredible experience, one that we’re going to treasure for years and I guess it’s only natural to feel some sadness at seeing this adventure come to an end.

I’m also feeling a touch of nervousness about going home, which I didn’t really anticipate. I’m nervous for the kids and how they’re going to transition back into school in Canada. I’m nervous that we’re going to freeze {it dipped down to 26 degrees Celsius last night and I was putting on a sweater!? What is that?} I’m nervous about the plane trip with a two year old and I’m just feeling nervous about heading back to reality in general.

Living here has been a bit of an escape for me and I’m reluctant to dive right back into the life I was living before we came to Statia. Leaving behind thoughts of the medical issues I’d been dealing with, taking a break from all the doctors appointments and putting aside my fears of the unknown, has done so much for my health and I feel like I’m in a much better place now to deal with whatever might come way in the future.

Leaving my photography business and taking some time to just do my own thing has been so freeing and I’ve fallen in love with photography all over again during our time here. Without the stress of client deadlines and the expectation of perfect photos, I’ve felt my creativity behind the lens come back to me and taking pictures feels fun again!

Having four kids still keeps me busy, but I’m not functioning at the same crazy pace I was back home before we left and I’m determined to do all I can to maintain the simpler way of life that we’ve embraced here. I’m not too sure how I’m going to do that. It’s probably going to require a few “no’s” on my part and a whole lot of discipline when it comes to collecting “stuff” again. I haven’t done any REAL shopping in 16 months and I’ve already been fighting the urge to make up for lost time. 😉

So many blessings have come into my life as a result of our time here and the changes we’ve experienced over the past 16 months. Even though I’m nervous for what’s to come, I’m also excited to be moving on to the next step in this journey and to take the lessons we’ve learned here home with us.

I’m putting together a post summing up our experiences in the Dutch Caribbean and wondered if you have any questions you’ve been dying to ask me re: life here. If you do, feel free to email me or leave a your question in the comments and I’d be happy to answer what I can.

the rusted chain giveaway

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

**giveaway now closed

Today’s giveaway is sponsored by The Rusted Chain!

Keep reading for details on how you can enter to win a $50.00 gift certificate to spend on this gorgeous, hand stamped jewellery!!

Beki Hastings of The Rusted Chain has been making beautiful, custom jewelry since 2003 and her designs feature the best of rustic elegance and trendy looks. Each piece is custom made using sterling silver, stainless steel, natural stones, and the finest components.

Beki is also a photographer and blogger. She lives in an old farmhouse in Kansas with her husband, and her three children, a daughter, aged 11, and two sons ages 9 and 4. Beki’s jewellery designs have been featured in various magazines, Pediped shoe advertisements, Law and Order Criminal Intent, and are sold in local upscale boutiques and internationally.

For all you photogs, Beki’s Capture life necklace might catch your eye like it did mine, along with a whole collection of photography related designs! I’ve been a long time fan of the rusted chain and love so many of Beki’s simple, timeless designs!

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How would you like the chance to win a $50.00 gift certificate to spend at

The Rusted Chain!?

All you have to do to enter is stop by The Rusted Chain shop, take a look around, then come back here and leave a comment telling me what item{s} caught your eye!

Bonus Entries:

1. Follow the rusted chain blog.

{leave a seperate comment}

2. Follow the rusted chain on facebook.

{leave a seperate comment}

3. Follow the rusted chain on twitter.

{leave a seperate comment}

4. Blog/Tweet/Share a link to today’s giveaway on FB.

{leave a seperate comment}

5. Follow Simple as That via twitter.

{leave a seperate comment}

Good luck everyone!

You have until Saturday, December 3rd at 10pm MST to enter.

🙂

This giveaway is linked here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

Simple Christmas Countdown

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

December 1st is sneaking up on us and its time for the countdown to Christmas to begin!! Last year I shared this simple Christmas countdown over at eighteen25 and I thought I’d share it here for those of you who might have missed it. 🙂

This little advent is made up of 25 snowflakes, each one when turned over reveals a Christmas related activity to do each day from December 1st through Christmas day.

Not only was this countdown a huge hit with my kids but it also made a cute little addition to our holiday decor (two birds, one stone…what’s not to love here?)

So today I’m going to share with you how to make your own snowflake Christmas countdown as well as give you a few ideas of activities that you can include in your own version. You ready…

To make your own countdown here’s what you’re going to need:

Some white & craft colored cardstock

A snowflake diecut (you could even cut out your own if you’re feeling ambitious!) The diecut I used can be found here but there are a tonne of pretty snowflake dies out there, like this one, this one or this one. If you don’t have a large snowflake die or a lot of space available you could even consider creating this project on a smaller scale using a smaller size diecut.

A list of 25 simple Christmas activities to do each day in your countdown. You can download my list here. The font I used is CK Chemistry and can be downloaded free here.

pop dots or adhesive foam squares.

A hole punch and some string.

Here’s how to put your Christmas countdown together:

1.simply cut out all 25 of your snowflakes. I alternated between white and craft cardstock for mine

2. print out your list of countdown activities & cut each one out in small strips

3. attach the word strips to each snowflake using the popdots or foam squares.

4. punch a small hole at the top of each snowflake

5. thread string through the hole and display somewhere in your home. If you don’t want to hang them how cute would it be to simply attach them all to the back of a door or fill a wall with snowflakes?

and that’s it!

So simple to put together and such a fun way to countdown to Christmas!

Here is a list of some more Christmas activities that you might consider adding to your countdown.

Go caroling.

Write down your favorite Christmas memory in your journal.

Make Christmas ornaments.

Make Christmas cards for your friends.

Play with snow INDOORS (shaving cream)

Write a Christmas story.

Go for a drive and look at Christmas lights.

Have hot chocolate.

Make handmade gift tags for Christmas presents.

Do your chores while listeninplay musical chairs with Christmas music.

Pick out a toy to give to a child in need/a local charity.

Bake Christmas cookies.

Decorate gingerbread houses.

I’m linking up with these fabulous blogs:

a month in photos: october

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

It’s already November 28th and I thought I’d better get my October month-in-photos collage posted before another month rolls by on me!

October was filled with fun things like…

1. Swimming lessons.

2. Eating popsicles at the beach.

3. Doing laundry.

4. Celebrating a very special 4 year olds birthday.

5. Halloween!

If you’d like to create a collage of your month in photos for October too I’d love for you to share it with us! Just grab a button and link up below! We’ll just pick up where we left off with September’s party. 🙂 I can’t wait to see your month in photos!

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I’ve already started thinking about some new collage templates for 2012 and I can’t wait to continue on with this project in the New Year, I just love it so much! If you have any questions/suggestions/ideas for next years templates I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you haven’t joined in the month-in-photos fun yet, you should totally give it a try in the New Year!! 🙂

For more info about the month in photos project go here to read all about it. You can download the free collage templates from 2010 and 2011 here and download your own customizable month in photos wordart here!! 🙂

🙂

the simple things

Sunday, November 27, 2011

We didn’t venture too far from home this week {not like you can go too far on an 8 square mile island, but you know what I mean…Haha!} After a few crazy, busy weeks we’ve been enjoying just hanging out at home doing a whole bunch of nothing. Love weeks like these, when there isn’t much on the schedule and there’s plenty of time for hanging out in our PJ’s, coloring Dora pictures and climbing trees in the backyard. 🙂

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If you’re new here we’d sure love to have you join us for

{simple things sunday}

All you need to do is link up a photo of a simple thing or a simple moment that made you smile
during the week and share is with us here each Sunday.

Just a few quick rules to play:

please, please, please read the rules carefully

1. Grab one of the buttons below 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. 🙂

<br /> <a href=”http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/” target=”_blank”><img src=”https://simpleasthatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/simple_button1_150px-1.jpg”/></a><br />

<br /> <a href=”http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/” target=”_blank”><img src=”https://simpleasthatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/simple_button3_150px-1.jpg”/></a><br />

<br /> <a href=”http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/” target=”_blank”><img src=”https://simpleasthatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/simple_button4_150px.jpg”/></a><br />

Look forward to seeing all your
beautiful photos this week!

🙂

black friday fun and savings

Friday, November 25, 2011

So much black friday fun happening this weekend!

Here’s a few sweet deals that caught my eye…

Remember my cute little flower necklace? I love it so much and it’s from Chantelle Nicole Designs. Love, love, love Chantelle’s pretty jewellery! 🙂

Stop by the Chantelle Nicole Designs facebook page where you’ll find a coupon code to enjoy 20% off your ENTIRE next purchase. Expires tonight at midnight!! 🙂

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Sweet Water Frames is also offering 20% off your next purchase, today only!

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Stop by the Ella Publishig Co. facebook page where they’re sharing a different coupon code everyday now through Monday! 30% off any one item today only! Great savings all weekend long. If you’ve been wanting to get your hands on…oh…maybe a couple of eBooks I’ve told you about once or twice, now would be a great time to buy!! 😉 🙂

Don't Say Cheese! How to get great, natural photos of your kids (by Rebecca Cooper)

40 Top Tips for Better Photos: Simple suggestions for stunning photographs (by Rebecca Cooper)

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Check out the Rusted Chain’s gorgeous jewellery and recieve 20% off your entire purchase.
{Visit their facebook page for details}

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Score 15% off all PS/PSE actions AND Camera Love necklaces at Pamela Topping Photography!! Enter to win some AMAZING prizes when you stop by her blog too!! 🙂

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Jo Totes if offering all facebook followers $15.00 off their next cuter than cute camera bag!
I just got myself the Betsy in mustard – Merry Christmas to meeeeee!! 🙂

Stop by the Jo Totes facebook page and give them a “like” to find your coupon code!

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Incredible Black Friday savings over at Rock the Shot!!

30% off membership and everything in their shop. Any purchase made enters you in a FAB giveaway too! Win win. 🙂

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Have a great weekend everyone!

See you back here for Simple Things Sunday!

🙂

{simple things sunday} roundup

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

A heartfelt thank you to all of you that link up your beautiful photos each week for

{simple things sunday}

Your images + stories of the simple things that bring you joy continually uplift and inspire me.

Here’s just a few of your images from the past two weeks that made me smile…

good mess | kelly harper

bike ride | diane from australia

feet | leesha

library | shay

naptime | jamie

i love you | desirae

brinner | elena

Thank you for sharing your photos with us ladies!

🙂

Christmas Card Templates from Simple as That

Monday, November 21, 2011

I’m so excited to introduce my 2011 Christmas card templates. The set is available for purchase by clicking the link below. My 2010 card set is available to download for free right here.

Holiday Card Template Set No. 1

Includes (3) 5×7 customizable cards for $5.00

Scroll down for a closer look at each card included in the set. All cards are size 5″ X 7″and are designed to help make it a little bit simpler to get those holiday cards in the mail this year. For a few quick tips on how to use templates go here.

Use the templates as is or feel free to play around with them and customize them however you’d like. Change up the background colors, switch up the fonts….have fun making your cards unique to you!

2012 Christmas card templates are now available here.

Choose from three different sets and download brand new freebies!