Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags...

Well, the long weekend is over...and boy am I glad! (never thought I would say that!) It was a very long weekend though, and it will be nice to get back into the routine of normal life. My Hubby and I have vowed to slow down. Take on less. Sleep at home more often. Work on our own home and lives... wouldn't that be nice!

Needless to say, I have not posted because I have not been home since Thursday morning. It sure feels nice to sleep in your own bed!

Since I have not been home, I obviously have not been crafting. So... I thought I would share about something I really like...reusable bags!! The hatch of my car is full of grocery bags (I think I have at least one from all of the different grocery stores in town!). Here are a few of my favourites...

For part of our wedding present, my sister Lydia made me some fantastic reusable bags. They are very strong and a great shape for carting stuff around. Also, the fabric is bright and fun!

(I haven't washed them in a while... so excuse the dirt!). The bags sit really nicely because they have a square shape...very useful!

They are also VERY strong (sorry the pic is blurry!) as you can see... the handles are nicely reinfored.

I actually keep these ones hanging in the house for everyday use instead of in my car.

Here you can also see some of my apron collection hanging on my pantry door for easy access. Want to see how the beautiful red aprong was made? Check it out here!!

I know I just posted pics of these bags the other day... but they are my new fav!! My little sister-in-law got these for me in Europe last month. Aren't they terrific?? I love the sweaters and mittens. These will be especially fun to use for winter shopping... thanks Kandace!

I love reusable bags, and I hate waste...so it is the perfect solution! Don't waste those plastic bags folks! If you get out and find or make some fantastic reusable bags... you'll never want a plastic bag from the grocery store again! Rah rah!

Side Note... don't forget to link your "Sentimental Journey" layouts over at Lasting Memories Layout Challenge Blog! Need some inspiration? Check out what the design team has been coming up with!

Birthday Gifts 2010

I am blessed with a wonderful, fun, creative family. I was also blessed this year with some fantastic presents from them for my birthday... here are a peak at some of the fabulous things I received:

I love Aprons. I have quite a few... and I wear one every day. For my birthday this year, my sister Lydia made me this gorgeous tomatoe print apron! I love the colours and the style is so cute! She is so talented! Check out some of her other FABULOUS DESIGNS at Hawadaere!

 

The sides wrap quite far around...perfect for wiping my hands and not getting food all over my thighs and bum! The V-neckline and fitted bodice adds style and make it fit really well!

My younger sister, Eliza, got me this fantastic paper pack. I can hardly wait to start using these colourful designs! The colours are bold, the patterns fun, and the possibilities endless!

When we were in Saskatchewn, my Hubby bought me this awesome Roughriders bunny-hug (my favourite sports/football team!). It fits perfect (I happened to be there at the time...) and he also bought me two pairs of really nice sunglasses... great pick honey!

This wasn't really a birthday gift, but I got it around the same time... so it counts. My little-sister-in-law went to Switzerland for a month this summer and she brought me back these great re-usable shopping bags! How neat is that?!? What cool designs... I can hardly wait to go shopping, and I hate shopping!!

My Mother also gave me a "sticky-note-coupon" for a piece of original art from her collection... what a deal! I am seriously weighing my options and considering carefully what to choose... I'll let you know when I know! Check out some of her art HERE!

Thanks everyone!

**Don't forget to link your "simple" layouts at the Lasting Memories Layout Challenge!! This challenge ends Friday!!**

Name in the Sand Gift

When I returned back to the office yesterday morning, one of my lovely co-workers (who had also been away on vacation) had this wonderful name-tag waiting for me. She and her husband actually took the time to write each of our names (there are 10 of us!!) in the sand, take a picture, and buy these cute little holders! She is so thoughtful... I love it!!!What a fantastic and personal gift idea! Don't be surprised if you start receiving gifts like this from me...

Thanks Kimberli!!!