The Girls

My friend Sara Jarvie is an amazing photographer. I love it when she takes pics of our family because I actually appear in them! She took this photo of the girls last year. I love the richness of the colors.

Supplies: Donna Salazar papers, Shimmerz Shimmerz, American Crafts Thickers, Ranger Grungeboard, black fabric, tulle, staples, ink, bling jewels, trims, small stick

This layout originally appeared on The Scrap Review as part of my Donna Salazar review.

I loved personalizing the background paper using Shimmerz products. To me, personalizing papers is extremely satisfying. I simply don't like having the same papers as everyone else in the universe. In fact, when a paper line is too popular and I start to see it everywhere, it turns me completely off. (I know, I'm crazy like that.)

These flowers are extremely easy to make and really cute. I'm going to have to create a video for you. I love making flowers!

On a completely unrelated note, I've read a few good books lately that I'd like to share. The first one was a historical fiction account of the Vel d'Hiv. Haven't heard of it? Neither had I before I read this book. In July 1942, the French police rounded up thousands of Jews in Paris and transported them to concentration camps. It was a horrific act that has been basically forgotten (repressed). Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay is a fascinating book written in short chapters that any busy mother can read in a few minutes. It is a perfect book for those times that you are waiting in the car or sitting outside a small child's bedroom to verify that he doesn't sneak out of his big bed. I wouldn't say that this book is uplifting. In fact, it is quite sad. Not so sad that I shed tears, but more hauntingly sad. It made me think a lot. It made me grateful for my family and for my freedom. In my opinion, it is a well done book that everyone should read.

The second book, Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali by Kris Halloway is another must read. This book isn't as heavy as Sarah's Key, but it will open your eyes to the difficult situation of women in West Africa. I have always been fascinated by French speaking West Africa. In fact, I tailored my Master's program so that I could specialize in West African literature by women in French. (Go ahead and say that three times fast.) This book is a biography of sorts. Perhaps more a memoir? As the title suggests, the main character is Monique, the sole mid-wife and health care worker in a small village in Mali. Written by a peace-corp volunteer that became her good friend after serving with her for 2 years, it is honest, simply written, non-judgmental and fascinating. Even though there is heartache interwoven throughout, the general feeling that I had after reading it was empowering and uplifting. Another great read.

Happy Reading!

xoxo
Bethany