In response to Katie's blog yesterday about favorite blogs, I find myself going to some favorites every day for a glimpse into someone else's beautiful life. While I'm drawn, obviously, to scrapbooking sites, I've really been basking in the beauty of home decor and winsome handmade items lately.

Here are some of my current favorites:

posie gets cozy (And, check out Alicia's new site. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything this talented woman does, as mentioned in a previous blog entry.)

messy thrilling life

dear daisy cottage

a cottage industry

chez fifi

the cottage nest




Take a trip to one—or all—of these blogs today for a glimpse into some truly inspired lives. And, be sure to take some time to reflect on what's inspiring about your own sweet life.

Best,
Beth

Here are a few highlights:

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We’re loving the Bohemian style around here. Swirls, swoops, arrows, brackets. For more on this trend, check out the new online column from Hot Off the Press at memorymakersmagazine.com/hotoffthepress.

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Ready for a new Master’s Challenge? This month, Master ’08 Iris Babao Uy challenges you to use a single photo to create a multi-photo layout. For more information, check out page 10, or visit the forum.

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I like the idea of scrapbooking the lovely bits and pieces of your everyday life, so I’m digging the February 16 prompt on this issue’s calendar: “Create a 5 Everyday Things I Love layout.” For more fantastic February ideas, check out the rest of the calendar.

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Are you a font junkie? We’ve got a fun free font on page 17.

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In our Great Finds section this month, I’m drawn to the Jotters from Luxe Designs. I can think of so many uses for these journaling spots!

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In the spirit of capturing your everyday, check out our list of authentic moments to capture in this month’s Focus on Images column.

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For this year's Valentine’s Day pages and cards, consider taking color cues from the True Colors column. Kari Hansen has created a very nifty ’50s color palette.

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I can’t wait to try Greta Hammond’s chipboard-tile letter technique. The letters remind me a bit of Scrabble tiles—very fun!

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Our Single and Lovin’ It feature is refreshing. Excerpt: “Whether by chance or by choice, your single life is full of stories, people and life lessons just waiting to be documented.”

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The Everyday Memories feature by Master ’05 Nic Howard will help you preserve more than the obvious for layouts that tell the story behind the story.

Here’s a sneak peek (love this tip):

Celebrate being you.
“Imagine you no longer contributed all that you do at home, work, school, church, etc. What would people miss about you? Think small—like how you make better coffee than anyone else in the house. Or, how you have a stack of five books you’re reading on your bedside table.” (Side note: The bedside table thing is very me. I have to be reading at least one book at all times, and I'm usually reading more than one.) Check out the article for prompts to help you celebrate the wonderful you-ness of you, as well as other ideas for capturing your everyday moments and memories.

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This month’s Reader Idea Gallery showcases lovely layouts about what has captured these scrapbookers’ hearts. From butterflies to traveling to baking and family, this gallery is sure to inspire you to make “What I Love” pages of your own. You’ll find great doodling ideas, journaling on photos, multiple-photo layouts and more.

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And if you’re looking for additional ideas for multiple-photo layouts, check out Twice As Nice for some design ideas from Debbie Hodge.

Now that I've shared what spoke to me personally in this issue, I hope you'll do the same. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts, opinions and suggestions.

Have a happy Monday, everyone.

—Katie