M is for... Monday

M is for... Monday... Today... A fresh start!

Also...

1. M is for ... 'Made-ahead'.

I am such a fan of Ali Edward's work, philosophy, books, and so on.

(My hyperlink isn't working so FYI

http://www.aliedwards.typepad.com/)

I read her blog every morning with my first cup of tea.

I've decided to put all that I've learned from her into practice.

She suggests that scrap albums be made "ahead of time"

to save stress during holidays, etc.

She also suggests that you "keep it simple"!

I really need to embrace that as I get carried away very easily.

Soooooooo...

This is my Thanksgiving album (still on my work table).

The album itself is completed and the pages inside are almost

done... ready to glue in photos and journaling.

I'll share the pages with you later in the week and show you

some tips I've picked up from Ali.

~~~~~

We'll be in Phoenix for 9 days (coming home December 3rd) and

I'll be sooooo anxious to get Christmas decorating started and

all that goes with that fantastic time of the year.

I'll be able to finish my Thanksgiving album quickly and move on.

I'll journal while I'm at Wendy and Darin's house

and maybe even print some of the photos.

I feel so relaxed about this project.

Album: Exposures

Embellishments: Basic Grey "Ambosia" collection

2. M is for ... Mmmmmmmmmm!

This is my favorite anytime drink... vanilla chai (no sugar added).

3-4 spoonfuls in a pretty mug, hot water, fat-free whipped cream,

and a hardy sprinkling of cinnamon.

It's YUMMERS!

I buy it from www.seriouschai.com online.

I only like the Big Train brand... which they carry.

I bought a case (no shipping) and it arrives quickly.

They have lots of different flavors and will send you samples.

I just tried their Gingerbread Chai and it was yummy.

You can make Starbucks and their over-priced drinks,

a thing of the past.

3. M is for... Monsters!

I found these cuties in the dollar bins at Target.

They are adorable in person.

They are going to Chris's first grade classroom.

4. M is for... Monk

We have been so hooked on the TV series Monk. He is such a character!

We got several seasons from Netflix and more from our

local video store.

Monk is on channel USA but we prefer to watch DVDs

as there are no commercials.

This year (2008) is season #7.

~~~~~

Monk is a detective with extreme OCD

(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

He continues to add new phobias with each episode.

5. M is for... Magazines.

The Christmas magazines have hit the stores and I love it!

So much inspiration and ideas for the holidays.

6. M is for... More Candy!

When I see a dull spot in the house that needs a touch

of Fall, I just add a pretty dish of Candy Corn with

a silver spoon and the area lights up.

We're not tempted with this kind of candy so

it's OK to have it around.

Not only a touch of color but a treat for guests.

Make this a Marvelous Monday!

Hugs, Joni