These are days to remember...that's why I scrap!

Oh, this blog...

2009-04-28T12:06:00.000-04:00

I really don't know what to do with it...

Hello?

Anyone out there?

FYI, lots of fun ScrapMatters stuff will be going on this week and next. Be on the lookout!

My fun project

2009-03-06T13:55:00.003-05:00

...that is not related to scrapbooking but I guess it could (embellish as you'd like, use a digi alpha, etc...).

I saw this image several months ago and it kept popping back into my mind, so I just decided to go ahead and try to make my own!

I used a map of the Rennes, France area that I've been holding on to for 12 years--it's about time I made some use of it!

I trimmed the map to fit the frame I'd chosen and then glued the map down onto the cardboard that came with the frame.

Next I purchased some vinyl letters. You could use one of those cool cricut machines, or take advantage of your friends vinyl lettering business, or maybe even go to the craft store and find some there, but no...I have to be difficult. I found the letters at Wal-mart near the For Sale signs--they were cheap and exactly what I was looking for...
However, I thought the black letters would just peel off the white background, yet in fact they were one in the same, so I had to cut out each letter individually. Sigh...not as easy of a project as I'd expected, but it didn't take too much time.I layed out my letters on the map, next, which was really easy because the map already had a grid on it!!! Then I simply peeled the back off and carefully placed the letters onto the map.
And here is my finished, super simple project. It's going to hang up in our basement and hopefully make an impression on my children! Hopefully...

FREE Awesomeness

2009-02-17T15:11:00.002-05:00

Do you want these CUTE CUTE charms for FREE??
Of course you do! Head on over to the Speed Scrap and you'll get it!Also, more FREEness...starting next week...you won't want to miss it!

Friday the 13th and a Speed Scrap

2009-02-11T17:00:00.004-05:00

This will not be your "unlucky" day...
I've seen them...you don't want to miss out. I'll be back on Friday to post NICEness and what I've done with them!

And don't forget about the Speed Scrap tomorrow night, hosted by Melanie!!!Here's the prize!!

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-19T15:44:00.001-05:00

Loving, as usual, Leah's newest kit!! We haven't had any snow yet this season, but I managed to use this adorable kit!!
You'll have to check out the newest challenge on Leah's CT blog. It's a scraplift challenge hosted by Jessi. Hopefully, you'll find some inspiration from the LO--I know the subject of the LO is inspiration to a majority of my layouts!!

AND it's SPEED SCRAP time, again!!! Here's the forum for it...hope you'll come and join me!! Erica made the BEST participation prize for it--an Ode' to Denise Beatty!!!! Now you, too can scrap like Denise if you come to the Speed Scrap (#63)!!

A New Week

2009-01-12T08:55:00.008-05:00

Mondays are not typically my favorite day of the week, but this week there is so much new scrapping goodness out there, I can't stand it!!!

ScrapMatters is giving away one ROCKING kit as a daily download during the rest of the month!I had so much fun using this kit!!
AND over at Leah's CT blog, Mary Ellen is hosting a "Recipe Challenge"--kind of like a slow paced Speed Scrap!! (Get out there and try it. This is a new blog, so your chances of winning are high and we want to spread the word!!) You can win a kit of Leah's...and she has two new kits out today over at ElementalScraps. One is SWEET and the other is ALL BOY!

Here's what I did for the recipe challenge using the new kit "Sugar High"...
And here's a layout I did using "Hard at Play"...
Keep you eyes peeled for the ScrapMatters.com January newsletter (sign up for it on their blog) AND Elegant Word Art by Bethany has some fun stuff coming out on Friday!!

Kiss My _____

2009-01-05T14:10:00.005-05:00

Do I have your attention??

With a new year ahead of me, I have great expectations to keep this blog hopping...I'm thinking it needs a new design.

But in the meantime, I wanted to ALERT you to a fun challenge with a great prize. Leah's CT will be having weekly challenges on her blog, mommyish.net. This weeks challenge is about making those New Year's Resolutions and then scrapping them! Something I need to do! Next Monday, there will be a drawing for someone to win a free kit of Leah's. Check out all of the details here.

Here are her newest releases (and what I've created with them) available at Elemental Scraps...And there is much more to come from this talented chick in the near future!!

I AM SPEED.........

2008-12-09T22:36:00.004-05:00

Okay, not really, but I am hosting the next Speed Scrap at Scrap Matters. Speed Scrap #50!! I wonder how many of those 50 Speed Scraps I've participated in....hmmmm...

Come join me if you can!

New CT!!!

2008-12-02T16:17:00.004-05:00

Spur of the moment one night (like within the last hour) I saw this CT Call that interested me, so I decided to quickly apply. And when I woke up in the morning, I found out I'd gotten on the cool new CT for Leah Riordan!!!

She has just opened up shop at Elemental Scraps and her stuff is SOOOOO cute!!! I can't wait to get going! Don't be fooled...I've already gotten a layout done with this fabulous kit, Yuletide Swing!
And I can't wait to use this cuteness!! Music Basically!Leah seems like a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to getting to know another fun group of gals!
You can check out Leah's blogs here and her new scrapping blog will be up and running soon--so stay tuned!

Black Friday Goodness

2008-11-26T08:28:00.002-05:00

I picked the wrong weekend to go out of town!!

ScrapMatters.com is having one HUGE sale and I swear the longest blog train in history with such awesomeness!! Wait till you see it!

And the Daily Download is back!! Check in every day at Scrap Matters starting Friday until the 17th of December and collect one steaming kit!!
I've got some fun layouts to post once all the holiday goodness comes out, but it will have to wait until after the weekend.

Have a safe and happy holiday!!

Simple Word Art

2008-11-22T16:02:00.004-05:00

I love Bethany's new SIMPLE line of Word Art (available at Scrap Orchard). Here's just a sampling and some of the LO's I've done with them...

SM November Newsletter's Goodness

2008-11-14T09:56:00.003-05:00

So, I wonder if the Scrap Matters' Newsletter freebie kit is going to just get better and better each month! I just love this GORGEOUS GOODNESS from Erica and Maria. They're so generous to share their awesome talent with us. It's not too late--make sure you're signed up here (left side column under "News")!!And here's what I did with the fab-o kit!! Ode' to my "Dream Boat"!!

Thinking ahead...

2008-11-12T10:57:00.003-05:00

Two Speed Scraps at Scrap Matters are coming up...next week. One of which will be hosted by MOI!
The first will be on on Tuesday, the 18th at 2 pm (EST) which will be hosted by Monique. And I love this paper pack that you can get just for participating!!

Mine is the evening scrap--Wednesday night at 9 pm (EST). Mark it on your calendar, alright!And this beautiful paper pack by JenLin can be yours!!!

2008-11-06T12:43:00.002-05:00

Oh, my poor neglected scrapping blog. I just haven't seemed to catch up on life ever since being on vacation. But I did manage to squeeze in a speed scrap last night (may as well since I was up coughing all night...).

The night before the election I was able to attend the Obama rally. The site backed right up to our neighborhood, so hubby and I walked there. I'm not a huge fan of politics because of all the slander, lying, cheating, immaturity,...but I new this was a history making moment, so I wanted to be there. And I'm glad I was.

Fun Finds

2008-10-30T12:52:00.002-04:00

Did you know that Scrap Matters is on Facebook? Are you familiar with Facebook? I must say that it is ALMOST (clearly, I said almost) as addicting as digital scrapbooking! It's kind of fun that I've found friends from high school that I haven't heard from in ages--even my Senior Prom date!

If you belong to Facebook you should mark the page.
ScrapMatters on Facebook
I'll be updating it with all of the challenges, sales, etc...Come check it out!! You can even post layouts there and leave messages on the "wall". HA! I can't believe I'm on Facebook now. I must say, though, that I think I'm more of a blogging girl!

AND did you know that this Saturday is Digital Scrapbooking Day! That day is actually everyday for me, but hey, another reason to celebrate--I'm all for it! Check out Scrap Orchard and Digi Scrap 101 on Saturday for some fun festivities.

Scrap Matters Newsletter

2008-10-11T21:08:00.002-04:00

Have you signed up for the NEW Scrap Matters newsletter yet?

Today it made it's debut! And you get this gorgeous collab kit "Peace and Quiet" from Andilynn Designs and Britt-ish Designs for FREE with the newsletter! Yep, that's right!
Here's the first (and many more to come) layout I did with it. I am so loving this kit!
To sign up for the newsletter, go the the "shop" at Scrapmatters.com, scroll down and on the left where it says "News" is a place for you to put your e-mail address if you'd like to receive the newsletter.

I'll be hosting a speed scrap...

2008-10-06T20:45:00.002-04:00

Eeekkk...kind of nervous here. Not about doing it...I'm actually all ready, but I have a habit of screwing things up with my computer and well, knowing me, something will happen Thursday night!! Hope you can join me and see what crazy mishaps I can create!!!

Oh, and check out what Bree has created for all who participate! I can't wait to get my hands on those frames! Well, I guess I'll never really touch them, but you know what I mean...
There is also a daytime Speed Scrap on Tuesday, 11 am (central) at Scrap Matters, too. SO much fun!

Shout Out for Erica Zane's New Kit

2008-10-01T17:57:00.005-04:00

I just LOVE the direction that Erica has been going with in her designs. Her kits are SO easy to use and her newest "Falling Dusk" is no different.
I did this LO for a challenge at Scrap Matters called Roadmap to Scrap. We're given a list of "direction"--use one b&w photo, use stitches, etc...to help us arrive at our destination (a finished LO)! I love how mine turned out.
And wait till you see Erica's next kit (I think it comes out tomorrow)--so cool!

Happy Happy Birthday!!

2008-09-26T08:00:00.004-04:00

Happy 1st year Birthday to Scrap Matters!!!

Who doesn't love a birthday, or more importantly a birthday PARTY!! B-day parties are always a big deal at our home. The kids love putting them together, so even when I don't want to be reminded of my age, I still have to have a party (for my kids)! Birthday cakes are always the highlight. The kids help decide what kind of cake they want me to make and then I give it my best shot--we've had several disasters and even more successes, but it isn't hard to please my kiddos-a success to them is typically not for their anal perfectionist mother!So you are at stop #5 on the "You say it's your birthday" blog train. You should have already visited these stops:

1. www.scrapmatters.com/wordpress (team blog)
2. www.andilynn.wordpress.com (Andrea)
3. www.brittishdesigns.blogspot.com (Britt)
4. www.scrapmuss.blogspot.com (Maria)

I hope you enjoy these brag book quick pages I've created for you! Click here to download them!

If you follow all the stops on the train, you are going to have quite the collection. I just love these pages--slip in your picture and your done!! I can just imagine all the easy gifts one can create so quickly!! There is even a b-day invite, candy bar wrapper and treat bag topper!! So many possibilities!

Now you're off to stop #6 www.digitalcreations.typepad.com. Tell Sharon I said HI!!

Oh, and don't forget to stop by the site ScrapMatters.com. There is a new daily download!! There will be a chat on Saturday at 2 PM (EST) with prizes and a big ole' sale in the shop (30% off)!! AND when you spend $10, you get the "You Say It's our Birthday" MEGA kit for FREE!! Here's what I did with it, so it's not just for birthdays!!

You say it's your birthday....

2008-09-24T15:41:00.003-04:00

Look who's turning 1!!!You've got to check out the kit that the designers at Scrap Matters have come up with!! I think they should have called it a MEGA MEGA collab!! It is so fun and like I said--HUGE!!

There will be a stop here on the blog train, so look out for some fun freebies!!

Hope you'll stop by!

A Friendly Competition!

2008-09-21T20:26:00.003-04:00

So over at Snap and Scrap, they have a friendly little vote for layout of the week going on. And I was nominated. The problem is, so was by friend Denise. And if anyone knows, Denise is the Queen of Scrap over at Scrap Matters. Hey, let's be honest...Denise is just flat out the Queen of Scrap worldwide. So for me, there is really no competition...
Isn't her LO just beautiful??!! I love that cluster of flowers and Katie's beautiful eyes and smile! Just gorgeous!
It's almost embarrassing having my layout next to hers...so ho hum!!

So head on over and give neeceebee a vote. Long Live the Queen!!

Scrap N' Work

2008-09-17T21:51:00.002-04:00

During this weeks afternoon speed scrap, I had it all planned to make my kids job chart if Mary's rules fell into place. And lucky for me...THEY DID!

I was able to scrap and get this looming task done. I've created "routine monsters" out of my kids! And as much as I try to "loosen" them up now--I think it's too late! We had this problem at the beginning of the summer, also, so I was left with no other choice. Here is their new 2007-2008 school year job chart... And yes, they do do their work! Of course, we have to help Evan a bit (or a lot!) and Jared needs to be "reminded" quite often that he was working, and Tyler is usually finished before the rest of the family is even out of bed. Today was our first day and it was a little bumpy, but once they're used to it, our mornings go much smoother!

So here's to Scrapping N' Working!

Change

2008-09-12T08:35:00.002-04:00

Every month at the Scrap Orchard, Kami of Ziggle Designs host a challenge called "Bring It!" Basically, you get a theme for the month and you scrap it. Last month it was Tolerance and this month it is Change. Today, I'm honored that Kami featured my layout on her personal blog. It was my tribute/remembrance of 9-11, a day that changed a part of me forever.

2008-09-09T13:20:00.005-04:00

Can you believe another one is here!! There will now be speed scraps two times a week. One in the afternoon for those who can and one in the evening (oh, there is one THIS evening, too at 9pm EST). Unfortunately this scrap will be right when all the kiddos are walking in the door from school--the bewitching hour at our house!!!So, I'll be missing out on this beautiful mini kit by Muss. I just love those grungy papers!! Everyone who participates in the speed scrap gets this FREE (after you upload your layout to the gallery and in the forum). Lucky!!And here is a back to school layout I did for the Tuesday Template challenge at Scrap Matters...Come give the template challenge a try!! I love how the photo of the departing school bus turned out!! I'm SO still enjoying my new camera!!

Re: How fast can you scrap?

2008-09-04T20:27:00.003-04:00

Well, I was pretty fast with this one because I chose to "keep it simple."

The day the boys went back to school was a hard one for Evan and Anna (and me). The pic in my LO captures their mood--foul!! We had went outside to play with the new camera, but this is about the only photo I got. They quickly went back inside for some much needed R (for them) & R (for me)!

Sure was a lot of fun! So glad to see some of you there!!

Denise did an awesome job hosting and her layout of course was SUPREME (didn't hurt that my Evan was in the pic, I am biased--but seriously awesome layout).

Good news, too...If you want to see something really COOL, click here...

Did you see that? I'm the first name on the list. Someone here (ME, ME, ME) is a little SUPER EXCITED!!

**click image to see journaling...**

How fast can you scrap?

2008-09-02T11:37:00.003-04:00

Talk about scrapbook addictions...I LOVE speed scrapping! I think I'm a "work under pressure" kind of girl. Procrastination is a word I know well and honestly, kind of like!!

Scrap Matters' speed scrap is hosted this week by my friend Denise (aka, neeceebee, but I choose to call her by the fitting title "Queen of Scrap"). So looking forward to it!

Why don't you come join us...I know you wanna!

Something fun!

2008-08-31T18:45:00.005-04:00

Check out my little award! Ain't is fun?! The challenge was over at Scrap Orchard and I had to scrap something we did over the summer. We did SO many things, but I wanted to document Anna's first trip to the beach! This isn't one of my favorite layouts, but, hey, it definitely says "summer!"

I can only imagine my pages now...

2008-08-29T11:13:00.003-04:00

What in the world! This must be my luckiest day ever! Rob just called to tell me I have a surprise to pick up at Circuit City. Check out what it is...

Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm Lens - Black

Isn't she purty??!! What should I name her? Honestly, I'm not even sure what her magical abilities are just yet, but I hear they are unbelievable and that I should be jumping up and down right now. That's enough to make me pretty excited.

Can't wait to meet her and try her out. Hopefully, I'll have some cool stuff to share really soon!

Hun, you are THE best. I miss you even more now!

A Journal

2008-08-26T10:17:00.001-04:00

One of the many reason I love digital scrapbooking is that it tells my story. Or a story. My family's story. Journaling on a blog is f-u-n and journaling on a layout with the pictures, tells so much more of a story. This is my most recent "meaningful" layout. Not much of one for verbalizing how I feel...this is more my style to express myself!

Talented Friends!

2008-08-25T07:40:00.002-04:00

Now don't get TOO excited. I did not do this layout, but isn't it AWESOME! My good friend Denise (neeceebee) made this last night. It's a photo of my son Evan being a grumpy butt at the pool the other day. It totally captures his crabby mood!!

You can leave her some love here!

A Little Creative Corner for Me!

2008-08-23T12:37:00.002-04:00

At the beginning of the year, I resolved to document my family's stories. I'd missed so many years of funny saying, cute stories, ugly antics, etc...and writing in a journal seemed so daunting (and boring). Then I was re-introduced to Mr. Blogger. We had tried a relationship a few years ago, but it didn't last long. 2008 was a new year, though, a time to start over...The family blog has been a blast to do. I look forward to capturing our family in words. I now also look forward to capturing the memories through pictures and scrapping! I tried my hand at digital scrapbooking last year through Heritage Makers--didn't fall in love. Tried again at the beginning of the year with an ancient Photoshop--didn't fall in love. Bought PSE and fell madly in love--we're a great match! Since June, my computer addiction has grown triple-fold! I love creating on the computer!!!

Creating this blog has been so much fun,too!! My poor husband is probably so glad he's in Japan right now...

"How do I get rid of the box around my signature and header?"

"Did you say code? I'm so lost now!"

"I don't want the blinkie to link to my photobucket!"

"I've been lost ever since you said the word code!"

He's been so patient. It always takes me a bit of time to climb over that learning curve! I'm sure my attempts at creativity on the computer would have turned into a big brawl if he were anywhere near the country!

He did get rid of the box for me and I finally figured out how to make the blinkies linkable. The header was fun to create, along with my signature and profile image. Next adventure is making my own background. I'm having WAY TOO MUCH FUN!