ONE.

I’m writing this as I look out at smoke-filled skies (8 day in a row) and as we are all experiencing our 7th month of pandemic. For this reason I am sharing as my #1 pick the Pantone Spring/Summer 2021 London Colour Palette unveiled just days ago. It’s clear that color experts are perceiving a general need for color uplift. NOTE: I learned about color trends and those who predict them years ago when I attended a 4-day seminar with Lee Eiseman and if you haven’t listened to my interview with her on my podcast, you should (she is so smart!) 🎨 CLICK HERE 🎨 Also, Tell me in the comments which of these colors you already love and anticipate happily adding to your life?

TWO.

And suddenly it’s fall. At least where I live. I LOVE all seasons, but I am especially fond of fall—even if the days are getting shorter—and this is because it’s herbal tea season. My new current unwind combination is depicted here …

Califa Farms Pumpkin Spice Creamer and Good Earth Good Night tea together = ready for sleep!

THREE.

Speaking of fall, it’s time for Mrs. Meyer’s Apple Cider dish soap—YUM. I swear this stuff makes washing dishes 73% more enjoyable—it’s like a little mini escape to a breezy apple orchard. 🍎 Picture yourself cardigan clad, wandering through rows of trees inhaling the most deliciously sweet air—ok, that might be a slight exaggeration but the dishes must be done, so trust me that this will make the job more enjoyable and YOU are worth it.

FOUR.

My boy, Trey is attending his first year at BYU and so I try to listen to the weekly devotional to feel a little more connected to him. Plus, I can ask him what he enjoyed most about it or what he learned. The first devotional each fall is given by the university president. And President Worthen’s topic on September 9th was hope and I’m sharing it because IT IS SO GOOD. I’m now on my second time through.

I really HOPE you choose to listen because I have come away with a much better understand of what hope really looks like and why it is a necessary companion to the most recognized christian virtues of faith and charity. Hope is not just wishful thinking. In fact it can become confident expectation. I loved learning more about this painting by George Frederic Watts and I LOVE this quote (that I found after a little research) so much that I have written it in my bible, so I don’t lose track of it.

I know right now most of us are hoping for particular outcomes related to this pandemic and the people we love. I know that diving into hope a bit deeper will give us some of the traction we need to keep on keeping on.

FIVE.

I might be guilty of saving the BEST for last.
Did YOU know that I have designed not one and not two, but THREE new stamp sets with Close To My Heart?

First up: Stacy’s Hand. YES! This is my handwriting in stamp form. HOW FUN. I kinda can’t believe it either, but I’m so tickled and happy for the opportunity. The thing I love most about this set is that I have options for the design of each letter—when I write, I intentionally tweak my letters as a way of practicing imperfection—and now, you can too. 😀

Second: Once Upon a Time. Seriously SO CUTE, right? This set features my handwriting mixed with my favorite Century Gothic font for words every storyteller needs. I LOVE making lists and checklists on my pages (spelled out numbers and circle/square + a checkmark) and emphasizes words like smile, YOU, and and Love. Of course “once upon a time” and “The End” also come in handy. 📝

Third: In the Details. OK. You guys … this set is SO FUN to play with. It allows you to make awesome (trendy) backgrounds with dedicated spaces for journaling. Trust me. You are going to LOVE this set. The more you use it, the more you will use it. Redundant? Oh well, doesn’t matter because it’s true. This set is über flexible and useful for anything from cards to mini books to full-size layouts. 📒

Contest is closed. WINNER is Christina Hoferitza 🎉

➡️ Leave me a comment and tell me which stamp set YOU want to win. Yep, I’m sending one commenter the stamp set of her choice. Comments open through next Tuesday (September 22nd) night. I’ll announce a winner on Wednesday!