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Friday I shared my love of Instagram, and the first way I took action in preserving those photos and bringing them into my home.  Today, I am sharing the second way.

Have you ever heard of Blurb?  They specialize in taking your cherished memories and turning them into lovely printed photobooks.


Now, they also offer the ability to create Instagram books!  When I found out, I may have squealed and burned 1,738 calories doing the sprinkler dance move over and over and over...

Once I pulled myself together, I went through their site to log into my Instagram account and import all of my photos.  It was super simple!


They make it easy peasy to pick your layouts, add/remove pages and move things around until you get them just how you like 'em.

Since I started Instagramming at the beginning of summer, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to put together an "Insta Summer" book.  Now I can always look back and remember our summer and all of the big and small events in the order that they took place!

The cover has a variety of customizable options as well; different cover choices and colors!


When I was all done previewing and reviewing my happy little book, it was delivered to my doorstep shortly after.


It is absolutely darling, measuring in at 7"x7", and bringing to life all of my favorite photos within the pages inside.


My favorite part is watching the kids while they look back on their summer fun.


And giggle at the funny memories and photos.  Priceless.


Blurb and I want you to be able to enjoy one of these fabulous little books too!  So, for 72 hours only, you can get one for F R E E!



Are you doing the sprinkler dance now too!?

Once you can finally settle down, you need to hop on over to the Blurb website, sign up, use the Bookify book making tool to import your Instagram photos, enter INSTAHEART at checkout and a charming little memory book will be all yours!

Discount offer valid through Wednesday, Oct 3rd, 2012 (11:59 p.m. local time). Offer covers up to US $19.95, EUR €17.95, AUD $21.95, or CAD $19.95  off your product total for books made by you.  This offer is good for one-time use and cannot be combined with other promotional codes, volume discount, gift cards, or used for adjustments on previous orders.  $19.95 off covers the cost of a 60 page, 7x7 soft cover book, taxes and shipping are additional.

Who's excited?  Who else hearts Blurb?






Some of you may have realized already, that I am a little obsessed with Instagram. Since finding the app {a little late in the game}, I have gained in so many ways.  What I love most is that I now find myself being better about capturing our special daily moments, and I am often OK leaving my DSLR for more important photos {it is still typically with me, however, it is far more convenient to snap and share via iPhone}.

Then, it happened.  My phone had taken over 1,000 photos in just a few months.  Ouch.



So, I got to wondering, what does one do with all of their Instagram photos?  Sure, I love that they are stored on the Instagram app and that I can look back and see our summer in a snapshot, it's like a super quick 2012 version of a family blog, so easy.  But since I had been snapping so many special moments, I wanted to do more.  

So, welcome to my Insta weekend.  Today I am sharing one project I did with my Instagram photos, and this weekend I am having a super amazing Insta giveaway that you absolutely will not want to miss.  Hoorah!

Because of this project, you may start to notice me being obnoxiously over-cheerful as I blog on a daily basis so my apologies in advance.

You may recall that at the end of last year we began building my studio desk.  Then, at the beginning of this year, we finally finished it!  The one thing that I loved most about our plan, aside from the massive amounts of both open and concealed storage, was the fact that I could play around with the desk top design.  Adding a piece of plexi to the top of an old bi-fold door, gave me the option to use decorative papers and fabrics as the backdrop to my mouse and keyboard.  When we first finished the desk and revealed it, we had this:


I kept it simple and neutral at the beginning, but then found some dreamy fabric on Joss & Main and made a happy upgrade {I also found myself disappointed with the comfort of the gray chair so I sent that up to Preston's bedroom}.


So for the last six months my daily bloggy home looked like this:


Not bad eh?  Yeah, I am smitten.  But the whole reason for installing the desk the way we did, was to be able to swap things out when I get bored.  And bored I got.

Then, I remembered I had seen somewhere that you could actually get all those Instagram photos printed.  So I googled around and found a few options, however, none were very easy or straight forward, so I ended up selecting Printstagram.  It seemed as though some of the other options required printing to specific photo lab locations that were nowhere near me, and with the Printstagram site I was able to have my order mailed directly to my home.  Done.

I thought the prints were a smidge pricey but since it was all I could seem to find, I selected only my most favorite shots and clicked the "buy" button.  Once I got them in the mail, I was beyond happy with the quality {no, they are not paying me to say that, they have no clue who I am}.  The photos were printed on premium heavy duty matte photo paper and had a beautiful white boarder.  


By now, I am sure you know where I am going with this, so I thought I would show how incredibly simple it is to make the quick switch.

I started by clearing off my desktop.


And determining a layout for my Instagram prints.  Whew, they fit exactly perfect edge to edge of my desk top, I couldn't have planned it any better if I had tried.


I used a scrap piece of pretty wrapping paper along the back since my photos didn't fit as nicely the vertical way.  Once I had my layout figured out, I used a small rolled piece of tape on the back to secure them in place.


I taped the entire front edge, to give a good starting point, however, only a few here and there as I worked my way back, just to act as solid placeholders for the rest to follow.


Once they were all where I wanted them, I just popped the plexi back onto the desk top and used my exacto knife to cut the wrapping paper for the cord hole {it worked out nicely that I didn't need to cut the actual Instagram print}.


And two minutes later, it was done!


SO very much in love!



And that is why I love my desk.  And Instagram.  And printing Instagram pictures.  And blogging and working at this very happy place.



I have a feeling this arrangement will be around for awhile...

Anyone else obsessed with all things Instagram?  What are your favorite photo phone apps?  How are you bringing your Instagrams out of your phones and into your homes?


Don't forget, a huge Insta giveaway is coming your way this weekend and it will be a quickie that will be worth checking out if you love Instagram as much as I do!  I am geeky excited about it!


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I adore days like to day because it's my way of being able to give back to those that make my world and this blog go round.  I am so fortunate to do what I do so today I am giving out a GIANT appreciation hug {and smooches} to my super fabulous sponsors!


They are each amazing for endless reasons any many are offering up special promos and discounts to you lovely friends as well, so enjoy!






Don’t you hate scrubbing your refrigerator bins and surfaces? So do we! And now you don’t have to. We’re the husband and wife duo behind Fridge Coaster. Fridge Coasters are super absorbent “liners” that come in different sizes to fit all high traffic areas in your refrigerator. Place under produce in the crispers to keep your veggies fresh longer, or under milk and salad dressing in the doors to absorb drips that would normally dry to the bottom of your bin, ewww.

Fridge Coasters provide time saving function and fashion to the inside of your refrigerator. In addition, we’re really proud to say that our sustainable product is made 100% in the USA of 30% (or more) post consumer product. We then use a UV-dried printing process which means the ink never bleeds beyond its original printed shape even when fully submerged in water! How awesome is that? Long story short, Fridge Coasters will save you a ton of time and put a smile on your face every time you open the fridge!

More fun facts about Fridge Coaster:
  • Fridge Coasters come in 4 fantastic colors and 3 fun prints so please mix and match 
  • Receive FREE shipping on all orders over $30 through 10/15, no code necessary 
  • The holidays are quickly approaching and Fridge Coasters make an awesome housewarming or hostess gift 




Receive FREE shipping on the Fridge Coaster website when you spend $30 or more! They also ship to Canada!

 



My pal Holly Bohn is the Founder and Creative Director of See Jane Work.


Yes we are busy, but we can still have fun. And we can still express our individuality. That is why See Jane Work was born. They know you don't have time to search every website that comes up on Google looking for a notebook that says a little more about you than, "I got a coupon in the mail from Office Mart." You want something that says, "I am unique. I have style. I will not wear sweatpants to a meeting with a client ever again, no matter how late I am running." 

They feel inspiration comes a little easier to those writing their thoughts in a pink leather journal rather than on the back of an envelope.



See Jane Work appreciates your business, so much so that they have created Jane's Rewards; a way for you to earn points doing what you love... shopping at seejanework.com.



See Jane Work has a new line available exclusively at Office Depot!




You can connect with See Jane Work by checking out their website here, their Facebook page here and following them on Twitter here.
 




 

Michelle runs a time and money saving blog that is sure to make all of your lives easier!  Michelle's
title says it all.  It's quite amazing really and absolutely worth looking at.  YOU can cook 5 dinners in just ONE hour too!!

Here's how:
Michelle has created a plan to cook all 5 dinners for the week in just ONE hour. All the menu plans have family friendly meals that feed 4-6 people and no, they are not all casseroles.

The meals are fresh, not frozen. They keep in your refrigerator until ready to heat and eat!


You could spend one hour on a Saturday or Sunday preparing 5 meals for your busy week!!  Yep, it only costs you the cost of the groceries and the one hour time investment, and you have meals for the whole week!  Done!  Check out Make 5 Dinners in 1 Hour for more details.







A Personal Organizer lives in sunny San Diego with her husband and 3 sweet boys! She offers hands-on and online organizing services with an eye for beauty and a heart for coaching. Her goal is to offer excellent services and teach her clients to get and stay organized!

What's Helena up to?
  • What's Helena up to? A Sunday blog post with my take on the life of a Professional Organizer - with a husband, 3 boys and my own pursuit of happiness!
  • Getting ready for the Holidays! The kids are back in school, routines are established and now is a great time to organize your home and get ready for the busy time of holidays. Organizing your kitchen, bathrooms and linen closet are a must to have a great time with guests!
  • Online Organizing - Sometimes all we need is a helping hand to guide us through the clutter and lead us out of the overwhelm of disorganization. I love working with clients and helping them get organized to enjoy their homes and lives all over again! Schedule a FREE 20 min online consultation to see if this is a good fit for you!
See how this client from London got all organized with Online Organizing Sessions!





  • Weekly posts bring tips for you to get organized. Leave your comments and your questions. Helena loves them!
  • Fresh tips coming out daily! Want to connect with Helena and receive daily free home organizing tips? Come on over to Facebook and sign up to our newsletter!
  • Find a wealth of resources for your organizing projects at A Personal Organizer and tweet all about it to @HelenaAlkhas !
  • If you'd like to get in touch with Helena directly, you can email her: helena@apersonalorganizer.com


Thirty-One offers stylish, affordable products that are exclusive to Thirty-One. From their signature purses and totes to storage solutions that help organize your life, you'll find something to fit every personality and situation! Each season, they develop new products built on the idea that their products must be functional, fashionable and affordable {and of course make great gifts}! One fun feature of Thirty-One is that a good majority of their products can be personalized!


  • Thirty-One is launched it's Brand New Fall Catalog on September 1 with more new styles and prints than ever before!
  • Thirty-One has answered our requests and there is PURPLE in this new catalog. It was the most requested color in Thirty-One history!
  • They have also launched some great new ways to personalize your items to make them special just for you! With football season right around the corner, get ready to cheer on your favorite team with our Spirit Line and with our brand new Collegiate Line. Thirty-One has partnered with colleges across the country to bring you personalization from your favorite team.






You can join Erica's VIP group on Facebook for monthly giveaways and special deals just for her VIP's. 


This month you can snatch up some of their TOP styles for a steal when you spend $31.  For every $31 you spend in October, you can choose either a Retro Metro Bag, Retro Metro Tote, Organizing Utility Tote or (NEW) Super Organizing Utility Tote for 1/2 off!!!  What a great time to grab up some great Christmas gifts for a bargain!


Contact Erica McKinley with any additional questions or for assistance placing an order and find her website here!



If you regularly read organizing books, newsletters and blogs but still struggle to create the organization you are after, simplify 101 is the perfect solution for you. In addition to organizing tips and ideas, Simplify 101 offers one-on-one coaching and online workshops. The beauty of their online workshops is that they are:
  • guided by experts. Our workshops are taught by subject matter experts who are available to answer your questions. We’re committed to keeping you motivated and on track to achieve your organization goals. (Try that with a book or blog post!)
  • friendly and supportive. You’ll gain exclusive access to the supportive and friendly simplify 101 online community. You’ll be motivated and inspired by people with similar goals.
  • adaptable. We don't prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, our workshops make it simple for you to incorporate your own personal style and ideas into your organizing solutions!
My readers can get 15% off their current workshops by entering coupon code HEART15SEP during checkout through October 4, 2012. This coupon excludes instant downloads and may not be combined with any other coupon codes.


If paper like bills, school papers, ideas for creative projects, memorabilia to scrapbook, recipes to try, to-do lists, magazines, and catalogs (to name a few) are piling up around you, it’s hard to relax let alone be creative. There is a better way! With the right paper organizing systems in place—custom created with you, your paper, and your home in mind—you can free yourself from paper clutter and the stress that comes with it.

In simplify 101’s online workshop Organize Your Paper Clutter, you’ll learn a simple, step-by-step process to organize your paper. With easy to follow action steps, your paper clutter and your stress will be replaced by organizing systems you love and feelings of confidence, relief and peace of mind. (Which means you’ll feel more creative, too!) This workshop just opened up yesterday, so be sure to jump in before enrollment closes!


Does your kitchen leave you craving something more—more organization, more function, or more inspiration? Yes? Then this is for you…. Simplify 101 is offering Organize Your Kitchen: A Quick + Simple VIDEO Workshop. You won’t just learn how to organize your kitchen—you’ll see the process in action as professional organizer Aby Garvey invites you into her own kitchen organizing project.

If you’ve ever wished you could tag along with a professional organizer to see her processes and techniques in action, this is your chance! The videos are segmented into short viewing sessions so you can stop and apply the concepts in your own kitchen! Whether your kitchen needs a simple organizing tweak, or a complete overhaul, this workshop is sure to satisfy your cravings. Organize Your Kitchen begins Thursday, October 4, 2012.


If you’re looking for expert guidance, step-by-step solutions and motivation but would first like to see how simplify 101’s online workshops work, you are invited to try out this brand new online workshop, Change Your Life in 10 Simple Steps. You’ll discover a powerful approach for creating positive change in your life, and best of all, it’s FREE! Grab your spot today to begin making those changes right away.

Visit simplify101.com for more, and follow them on the blog, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter!



 


Janery is a handmade online shop offering home decor and pet beds handmade from modern and stylish fabrics. 
  •  All of the decorative pillow covers are made with invisible zippers so both sides can be displayed. 
  • A limited number of the popular custom pet beds are available each month, so shop here to snag yours before they sell out!  These made-to-order pup pads and catnip cuddlers are super soft and cozy, yet their low profile design makes them portable and easy to throw in the washing machine.  We have had the privilege of owning two of these incredible beds, and they are our pup's personal favs!



     

    Shop Janery on Etsy, check out Jane's rental decorating blog The Borrowed Abode , or follow on Facebook  or Twitter



    Laying out your clothes the night before has its advantages, but realistically you may not have time or the energy to dig through your closet at the end of the day. Stylebook’s calendar feature can help you plan ahead whenever you have a free moment - like when you’re waiting online at the coffee shop or out on your lunch break. Plus, the outfit editor tool lets you use images of your real-life wardrobe to make quick outfit collages and schedule when you’ll wear what.


    You’ll be able to quickly reference your looks and calendar from anywhere - so there’s no need to panic about what to wear again! Stylebook is the internationally-acclaimed virtual closet app for your real-life wardrobe. It’s available now for your iPhone and iPod Touch!
    • Closet - Take photos of your own clothes and then organize them into custom categories with notes and fields like color, brand, season, size, etc.
    • Calendar - Add multiple items and outfits to each day and keep searchable notes of why you wore what
    • Used In Look - Open any item of clothing and get an instant list of every outfit you’ve ever worn it in


    Follow their Pinterest boards for tips on how to organize your clothes in a tiny space, store accessories, and more! Watch out for their upcoming Contest board!






    Mouse Tales® Travel is staffed by a unique group of true “Disney Fans” who specialize in making your Disney vacation plans come true. There is never a fee for their services – yes, it’s FREE! – and they will make your resort reservations, arrange dining and special events, and keep constant watch on promotions and special offers even after you’ve paid for your vacation.

    Whether your plans involve Walt Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, or the exciting destinations of Adventures by Disney, their specialized knowledge of Disney destinations allows their Mouse Tales team to tailor a custom experience that is just right for you and your family. Their travel planners are all experienced in the various Disney properties, and are graduates of the College of Disney Knowledge; an industry designation that they have earned and are very proud of!

    At Mouse Tales® Travel, they will treat your vacation plans as if they were our very own, and will work hard to ensure you get the best value available. So contact Mouse Tales® Travel before you book your next Disney trip and let them make your vacation dreams come true!

    2013 vacation pricing is now available for Walt Disney World and Disneyland! Contact Kimberly for more information!

      
    Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Oreck Corporation is a leading manufacturer in the homecare industry, offering a variety of vacuum, air purification and other cleaning products. Oreck sells its products in hundreds of Oreck Clean Home Centers, direct to consumers and through other leading retailers. The company distributes products in the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. For more information, please visit www.oreck.com.



    Meet Oreck's newest, most versatile vacuum: The VersaVac™, a full-powered bagless vacuum that is also a steam mop. The ultimate multi-functional, multi-surface cleaner, VersaVac is powerful and is easy to use — on all floor types. Learn more about the VersaVac on Oreck.com.



     



    Buttoned Up, Inc. was founded in 2004 by four women, three sisters and a best friend...

    They realized the necessity for a tool like Life.doc after experiencing significant life changes − from moving across the country to setting up house after 9/11 to getting divorced after 38 years of marriage to having kids and grand-kids. Each of them felt the need to get their lives organized but were unable to find products that could help them control their chaos. They wanted to be liberated from the rigid organizational systems that they bought annually and stopped using after just a few weeks.

    After several years of trial, error, effort and research, they started Buttoned Up whose mission is to give women the tools they need to live an organized life not a life of organization.

    They currently offer all sorts of great document kits to keep you organized in every aspect of your life!

    {Life.doc, Moving.kit, File.starter, Medical.doc}


    You can also find all sorts of organizing tips and topics they share on their blog and incredible freebie organizing printables here:


     

     


    Uppercase Living embellishments and expressions are the ideal decor item because they are an unforgettable way to express your unique style and personality.  Expressions are made of a very thin, flexible, vinyl and they are backed with a light adhesive for easy application.  They can be applied to just about any clean, smooth, and weather-resistant surface and remove easily with no trace that it was ever there!


    They have endless customization options, to help you with any organizing project!



    Contact Chrissy with any questions, through her Uppercase Living website here.





    Our Humble A{Bowe}d is a blog dedicated to all things home improvement, DIY style. Whether Ben is working on large projects like installing new windows, building an entertainment center, or excavating the back yard, he's always up to something.



    Meanwhile, Amanda works on smaller decor-related projects like large, under 5 dollar art, sewing pillows, and making mood boards in Photoshop. And sharing all the steps to make your own.



    If you're short on time, Amanda makes custom art, available in the Our Humble A{Bowe}d Etsy shop. Show off your family with a Leafy Family Tree print.



    Or usher in fall with a Red Arrow pillow.



    Now through October 31, use the code OHA2012 to get 10% off all orders. Follow Our Humble A{Bowe}d on Facebook to get updates and promotions, too.




    I am excited to give a warm welcome to Sassy Aprons!

    Sassy Apron's is an Etsy shop that carries the most lovely and unique variety of aprons!


    Whether being used for gardening, in the kitchen, at the salon or at a restaurant, you will be sure to find one that fits your personality and needs.

    Sassy Aprons are original designs, handmade, unique, created to flatter the body and the ties are long and adjustable to fit almost any figure.  A win win for all!



    Many thanks again to all those who support this happy place!  My appreciation is endless!