A Cape Breton Summer

Between a brand-new baby girl, Dan starting a new job, my health issues, and an effort to save our funds, Dan and I had a low-key, local summer so far. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we tried to keep our spirits up with little trips to fun spots in our area. We didn't get to the beach as often as we had planned (as of today, we've only been there twice) but plan to spend most of the evenings there this week.

Since Dan started a new job, we're on the hunt for a new home, too. The areas that we're looking in don't have many current options in our price range, but that doesn't stop us from looking. We have faith that the right place will come along at the right time. Before Dan took the new position, we had been searching for a home near his old job, but nothing worked out. We even had an offer in on what we thought was the perfect place, but it fell through. Now, in hindsight, we're thankful that it didn't work out. We were upset at the time, but since this new job opportunity came up, it's a wonderful thing that we're not stuck with a newly purchased home in the wrong community.

While we've been busy house hunting and baby-wrangling, we didn't plant a garden this year. I have a window box full of flowers and foliage, a container with three healthy basil plants, and a container with nasturtiums. That little bit of green goodness on my step is satisfying my need for growing things. I'm at home with Violet this year, so I have the opportunity to support our local producers and farmers' markets for our fresh veggies. My favourite grocery store is great to support Atlantic producers, so I'm able to support our local economy even at the "big box" stores.

Today's shaping up to be a good one. Violet had a great little nap, and I managed to have a uninterrupted shower, too. Dan's at work, so Violet and I are heading outside for a walk. Our dog, Sage, is eager to get out in the sunshine, and so are we!

How are you spending your summer? Do share!

Happy Tuesday!

Summer Love : Documenting the Sunny Days of 2013

This is it. This is the year! Summer after summer, I fail to document all of those special little moments that make life so memorable. Not this year, my friend. From May 1st until August 31st, I'll be snapping photos using my phone and my Nikon in an attempt to document the summer of 2013.

I purchased an adorable turquoise and kraft album from Michael's Snap brand that mimics the style of Project Life with a little dose of Smash books. It's a small binder that can be filled with plastic inserts. The inserts have a variety of pocket styles, and the binder itself came with an assortment of styles. I also purchased refills that have lots of small pockets.

I'll be printing my photos off and using scrapbooking products to create a cheery little coffee table book that documents our summer. I chose to use turquoise, yellow, white and pink as my main colours, but anything beautiful goes. I hope to include ticket stubs, menus, napkins and labels of fun times as well. I'll be creating a spread a week and sharing them here on Polka Dot Soup.

Thanks to leftover birthday gift cards, I was able to rummage through Homesense's assortment of scrapbooking products to find items that suit the style of the summer book. Lots of Amy Tangerine products like dimensional and fabric stickers, as well as a pad of summery papers in turquoise and orange. Perfect! Leftovers from my own crafty stash will round out the items that I use in my summer book. Here's a look at some of the crafty goodness I'll be using:

Fun, right? I hope that this little peek inspires you to do the same, or a similar project. No more leaving photos on the camera, phone or computer. It's time to develop them and share their beauty with others! I can't wait to get my first batch of photos developed and create my first spread in my summer book.

Happy Tuesday!