SoML Kit Challenge #1

If you haven't given this challenge a try- you are totally missing out! I had a blast creating this LO. The simplicity of it is very different from what I normally do but with the beautiful Crate Paper line- Carnival and these fabulous root beer float thickers by American Crafts, plus the little colorful sequins I used that all came in the kit-- well they are so perfect for a simple LO. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!





Yesterday I scrapped with my friend Jen, who just made the fabulous Zsiage DT. We headed out to the LSS and I picked up some new Bazzil Bling and some half sheets of scalloped Bazzil, cotton white Stazon, a new adhesive eraer, and a new Marvy black pen for some fresh journaling.
It was a good trip to the LSS. I didn't spend a fortune and got some basic essentials. :D

Today is absolutely beautiful. We were out for a little while. I was sitting on the porch with my neighbor and the kids were playing with a ladybug they found and created a small habitat for it on the porch with some grass, sticks, and a bit of dirt until along came Mr. Black Wasp and stung DD on her elbow. Ugh- first wasp of the year and yeah, he had to ruin DD's day by choosing to place his stinger right on my baby! With a little TLC and an ice pack, she is feeling a bit better. At elast his stinger fell out so I dont' have to pull it out with the tweezers.

I am about to go back out to enjoy some more of this awesome weather- Have a wonderful day everyone!

My agenda and learning to say NO!

Today I have an agenda. I have errands to run & I want to pick up my house. I want it neat and tidy so that I have a nice clean space to get cretive in. Things went a little crazy here toward the middle of the week- the weather being nice and all. We didn't spend much time in the house but the time we did spend, it got messy. Somehow, everyone forgot to clean u after themselves. So- that's what I'm going to do today. End of story.
I get a call from my cousin-in-law. We don't speak much and I have my reasons for that. I just don't want to be associated with the drama. So I stay away. She was calling just as I was leaving to take the kids to school. I didn't answer because4 I knew what this was about. Also, I needed to get going as we were already running behind schedule.
As soon as I walk in the door it was my dh on the phone. Apparently she called his cell phone. He is away on travel so he called me back to tell me that she called. I told him I knew. Well her son had missed his bus and she needed a ride to take him to school. Now normally I would drop what I was doing but get this...she only ever calls when she needs something and I am always the last resort. I wonder if she ever thought about that. I wondered out loud to my husband why she doesn't call a friend, someone who she talks to frequently. Can't they help her out? I am surely not the only person she knows of who is home during the day.
The last time she asked me to do a favor she called at 8:30 at night to ask me if I'd pick up a script for her at the pharmacy by 9 when they close. She said they had her insurance card there and all I had to do was sign for it and drop it off to her house. So I went to pick it up for her and when I get there the pharmacist says there is no card and the bill was $20.00. I ended up not getting the script and left. She never called to ask what happened and life happened for me so I forgot to ask her about it. But I wonder still if she lied about the card and if she thought that I would have paid her bill for her anyhow. She still owes me money from 3 months ago when I helped her pay for her sons birthday party and still has not offered to pay any of it back. When we asked her about when she could pay us back she didn't give us an answer but more of an excuse and left us wondering if we would ever get our money back from her. I definitely dont' want to continue doing her favors just so I can get our money back. In a way I feel like it's worth it to let her keep the money and just not do any more favors for her.
I feel like this is not so much her issue as it is mine though. I really can't have someone who loves drama, always needs a ride, and only calls when they need a favor or money. It just doesn't work out being an "equal friendship". I have tried to be friends with her but whenever I try to have a conversation with her, she always says "I'll call you back" and don't you know, she never does, not until she needs a favor. So why should I do favors? I am not trying to be mean or selfish but I really don't feel like I have room in my life to be carting people around who don't appreciate favors like a friend would. And I certainly don't want to be someones last resort. I am sure that would make anyone feel hurt and ya know, I have friends and I dont' need this.I dont' need anyone to complicate life any more than it already is if I can avoid it, ya know? I don't know why she continues to think that I want to continuosly do favors for her and I never even get a friendly "how are you doing" or a visit, a call (or a call back) or even the time of day, for that matter, unless it's good for her.

Do you think I am wrong for saying no or feeling this way?

okay- rant over and now I am off to tidy up in preparation for being creative! I got my SoML kit in the mail yesterday. I am so excited to get to scrappin'. I really wish I didn't have to clean cause I really feel like making a mess!

Flower Power really does work!

If you do the happy sunshine dance and make things that are bright and cheery- the sun is bound to respond. I mean, how could it not?

I am heading out onto my porch to do some reading! I picked up 2 new magazines this morning to read and my little guy is just begging to head out. Who could pass that up! I will be stalking the mailman tody in hopes that my SoML kit arrives in time for a scrappy weekend. This is what my pretty little hands will be creating with - so what are you waiting for?
At the SoML Store you can purchase the main kit, add-ons, exclusive stamps, and other extras.

You can take a peekie at Sara's blog to see what she has in store for May -TDF!!!

My Life Mini Album

I made this little album about life changing for me a bit, how am accepting these changes, and something to add some pretties to, just because I love pretties.



To view the slideshow of My Mini Album click here!

Good Day, Sunshine

The sun is still not shining but I am totally looking forward to this weekend. I saw the forecast this morning--- it's going to be in the 70's!!! As you can probably tell I am hung up on the weather and I so badly want to sit on my porch to soak up some of that warmth. A couple months ago my friend moved into her new house and gave me her wicker set- a love seat, chair and a table. It looks so cozy and makes for a great spot for my best neighbor to come sit with me to drink iced coffee and look through magazines together. The most excellent thing to do while the kids play or ride bikes.

Tomorrow dh is heading out to NJ for work. That means I get the whole place to myself for a bit- lots of fun scrappy things to do and my kit from SoML should be here by the weekend. I have some fun plans for this kit. Anyone want to join me for some scrapping?- your are always welcome!

About SoML- I'm telling you, this is the BEST place to make friends! Seriously! I am totally loving the atmosphere and the girls are fabulous. The gallery is full of inspiration and the new design team is unbelievably talented. Loving what they did for the DT entries and I can't wait to see what they come up with for the May kit.
So a big congrats to the girls at SoML>> Nicole Eshelman, Sally Hanna, Penny Lach, Amber Ulmer, and Lucrecer Braxton .I also want to congratulate my new friend Amber on being pubbed for Scrap Trends. She is so fresh- you will love her style, I promise. Plus it doesn't hurt that she has the best personality and is a fabulous cheerleader!

Here is my lil taste of sunshine I created. I hope it puts a smile on your face!!

Story of My Life DT Entry

Here it is. I am so super nervous and excited all at the same time. The talent is tremendous- I am totally shaking in my pants. 4 designers will be chosen for this design team. I know that Sara is going to have one heck of a time dwindling it down to just 4 designers. THe kits are fabulous and seriously, I can tell after seeing the sneak peek for May's kit, the kits are going to get better and better! Yeah!! For Story of My Life!


Good Luck to everyone who entered for a spot on the SoML design team!

Playing around with Digi

I have done digital scrapping a bit int he past but tonight I wanted to play around with making my own brushes.

Here is what I made tonight! I can't wait to use it on something. I love dandelions and what could be better than a pink dandelion?
ETA: I went back and made a green dandelion too!

I found the dandelion image at Obsidian Dawn. There are free photoshop brushes there and she is kind and generous to only ask for a link back to her site!

I doubt that I can figure out how to make it show up transparent here, but I do have it saved to my cpmuter transparent. Ah well, I still want to share.
TFL! :D
Tonight I shall dream of fairies...
and digi scrapping too!

Inspiration....it does a mind good.

Over at Poppy Ink, Heather Burch created a fabulous banner for her latest Poppy Project. Some of the supplies were things I already have so I didn't purchase the kit but I did create my own version of her Sprout Banner. Can I say LOVELY! Wow! I think this is my favorite project yet. It looks so pretty hangning in my living room.



The Hudson Vally line from 7Gypsies is amazing! I really love this patterned paper. The desings are perfect for creating projects for my home and the best part is that all of the names of the papers in this line are actually towns along the Hudson River in New York. I didn't realize this until I had the paper in my hands and who would've known, I've been to these places and the designs are historically correct. They remind me of some of the wallpapers I've seen in the old colonial homes.

Also, I am excited to tell you that my friend Danyelle and I are opening an etsy shop. It's called Scarlet Chicks We will be putting up some product within the next couple of days and posting sneak peaks and creative ideas on our blog.

Spring Breakin'

We are Spring Breakin' up in here! A few friends have popped in and my mom came to visit, scrapping, crafting and all that kind of fun. It's really nice to have someone to chat with while you are keeping busy. Having my mom around is great regardless.
I went out last night to shop for the kids and when I came home I found two baskets of laundry folded, dishes were washed, and she was cleaning my son's room! Rock on! I was so happy! And surprised!

So here is the fabulous layout I worked on last weekend but my dh had the camera. And a cute littl e box I altered so it would look cute in my daughters room.

I really love this swallow. I found it in a clearance bin at Walmart in the craft section. The MM trims I found at Big Lots. I used Basic Grey patterned paper and Tinkering Ink patterned paper. For the mat, I used a note card that I found in the office supply section at Walmart. I really liked the embossed dots around the edge and the color is beautiful.
My daughter is my inspiration.


The box is covered in colorbok patterned paper and a bit of lace I picked up at Joanne's and the button had to have fallen off of something I own. I used MM letter stickers on the inside cover and a book plate to give some dimension. Glue dots hold the plate in place.

I wish you all a Happy Easter!!! Hopefully warm weather will follow shortly after the weekend. It's not much of a Spring Break with all the cold! With the way it looks, I don't know if we'll get to blow bubbles even! Maybe indoors we will!
Tomorrow we are planning hot cocoa and Peeps! I must take pictures of our purple marshmallow peep bunnies floating in our mugs of hot cocoa! Mmmm! Sounds too prefect for a cold Easter Sunday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ledger paper...

It can be hard to find in times like these but yesterday I was browsing and thought I'd google ledger paper and here my friends is what I found...

Free ledger paper

I thought it would be pretty cool to print these out on some plain cardstock- or even patterned paper. I'm sure they would come out pretty cool.
I am sure you could always make your own with excel but how esy is it to simply print them out!

I love ledger paper with grids, calendar, memo, etc designs and just can't wait for Imagination Project to release their Office Supplied Project Essentials line.



This is an egg painting that my ds brought home for me last week- So sweet!!! TFL! :>)

Is it Friday Yet?

I have had company here for the past week. First we had my mom here for almost a week. Now my sister and her kids are visiting for three days.Good thing they got a hotel! It's been hectic. My kids have been sick since Saturday and I'm trying to keep them...anything but cranky. It's been tough. On Monday Dh had his wisdom tooth pulled. Today he had to leave for work out of town. Poor guy- I couldn't do what he does. What a man!

Here is a LO I did about my daughter and her love for books. She has so many books. It seems like I buy more than she actually reads- but it's all in the name of reading. Who could say no to buying a book for their child? Not I!





TFL!:)

I've been a scrappin' fool

For me getting more than 2 LO's a week completed is a huge accomplishment. I'm am normally a very slow scrapper.
Well this past week I actually got so much done and I feel like there is more that I want to get busy with here today.



This is me and my dear son- what could be better than a chance to capture a sweet kiss like this. Gosh, this pic makes me melt!



I got busy here with more of my basic gray stash. I'm seriously trying to use up the older paper lines so that I can justify opening up my new basic grey paper....I'm gettin' there!

I will be adding more pics soon, just as soon as I find the cord to my camera! Geesh, you'd think I'd be on top of that kind of stuff!

TFL!!

::Puppy Love::&::My Children Album::

Happy Monday "Peeps"! I have been wanting to buy Easter goodies so badly for my kiddos. I am holding back and waiting one more week. Then I will break free. Have you started yet? I think I want a Cadbury Egg real bad (for me)- but nope- I'm on a healthy food diet. And I am promising myself I will be good!



I had a great time making this layout. I used some slamin' product here. I puled out the Basic Grey Fruitcake. I think this is my first time using a full sheet of paper from this collection. I must say, I love it! I also used some diecuts I've had in my stash anda You Are jornaling die cut. The bird I got a bit creative with, covered in Kraft CS and used a Hambly Studios rub on and accented that with some White gelly roll pen.I also stamped a few stars with my Poppy Ink star stamp from the Storytime Set. And used some BG ribbon nd AC monograms letter stickers.
Fun Fun Fun! Not to mention how sweet my son looks with his puppy. I bought this for him for his 1st Valentines and now, four years later, he is still lovin' that puppy.

The journaling reads:
Despite the fact that he's been given a few different names over the years and you have left him behind a few times, he's your puppy love- jaden 2007

TFL!

Here is a bit of an album I have in the works. I have so many projects in the making- albums waiting for new photos to be taken and scrapped.
This one is for my children, hence the title. It's nice to have one that's not 12 X 12.


The title is MM letter stickers and Hambly Studios rub onsfor the wings. The frame is made from a Poppy Ink stamp.


Here I used some Lil Davis- Jenni Bowlin product that I found for a buck at Big Lots. I was so happy to find these goodies! Who would've thought?
The "2" is a Ki Memories cookie cutter Letter sticker, the ribbon is from Old Navy!



Title is Lil Davis- Jenni Bowlin, tag is Creative Imaginations, Magic Mesh and a stamp from Walmart- checkers. Ink is Rubber Stampede.



PP (stripes) are Provo Craft Rob & Bob Studios, stars are from Poppy Ink stmaps, leather stitched border is Lil Davis- Jenni Bowlin and the buckle is something from Big Lots too. The letter stickers are AC.

I am loving this album. I picked this up at Big Lots also for only $4!

TFL! :)
I misss Poppy Ink- I can't wait until the boards sre back up! I hope Heather is having a great time out of town! If you are a PInker, please leave a comment so I can peek in on what you've been up to! The 22nd seems so far away! I usually read blogs through sig lines so now I'm lost!

I Love Blueprint magazine!

I am always finding really great goodies in this magazine. Today I was flipping through and found this company called start here.

Love the concept they have thought of - love the pockets- love the tabs- love the lined, grid, and plain paper...all of it and the best part is that once you fill it up you can just buy another notebook and connect them together. Now that's what I'm talkin' about!
Check it out! I bought the three level, both colr sets of library pockets, and one set of the tabs. I can't wait to get it and start filling it with all kinds of good schtuff.

I also went on a search for these cool vinyl frames to store pages in. THey come in close to perfect sizes to store layouts in or to stick inspiration peices in for later use. You can hold a group of them together with a ring or ribbon I suppose. I really think they look great to hold wall art. We have a hallway that we call "Jaden's Wall of Fame" which is covered in his art from school. I think it would look great to hang what we can in these "job jackets" as seen {HERE} in Blueprint magazine.

2 Posts in 1 Day!!!

I'm smokin' today!
And it has everything to do with this paper!


seriously, this layout took less than a half hour to make. I an stoked about this! I will have to order the westminster line too :) teehee!
TFL!

The science project- don't try this at home...

I had so much fun creating this mini tag album for my son.
All of the patterned paper is by Basic Grey. I figured I should use up the old before I get the new! I also used my new Fancypants Designs journaling stamps and the Storytime stamps from Poppy Ink. I also used my 7G naked stamp throughout and some things by ColorBok.
On page 6 I used a few Hambly Studios rubons- I had to dip into that stash!

On Sunday my daughter decided to do a science experiment with our monitor. Her teacher had warned them about puttin gmagnets near the screen. So yeah, she tried it to see if it was really true. So just in case you were wondering, it is true. The magnet left a dark blotch right on the screen. Try editing photos like that! lol

I must say she did benefit me in all of this as I"v ebeen coveting the idea of a new LCD monitor. Last night DH ordered a 19" HP widescreen and we did the 2 day shipping so we should have it by Friday! WooHoo! I must let her teacher know about this- and yes, dd has been banned from the computer for a couple of weeks. It was difficult for me to be upset about it as I really wanted to replace the beast machine we have- and well, I understand her curiosity too. So now we all know!

There is one more thing I want to share but I will save that for another post....When I titled this blog, I knew I'd be manifesting some scrappy things that all of you and myself would be drewling over. Manufacturers have been so good to us this year. So much yummy deliciousness that is so hard to resist!

A delicious obsession

I have been shopping. Lots and lots of shopping. (insert UBER excited smilie here)
See the scary thing is not how much I am accumulating, but how much fear I have of actually cutting these things- I love my scissors and paper more than any other material items I own but I just cannot get myself to bring the two together.
Soon enough though, they must join, one in each hand, to create perfect harmony...

Here is a peek into my lovely new scrap stash...






As you can see, I have lots to play with and hopefully it will keep me satisfied for a while. And the cherry on top is I have clear stamps on the way from Poppy Ink. If I remember correctly, I ordered Bling (which is a chandelier), Oh Deer (wait til you see this darling stamp!) Make A WIsh (dandelions set) and Stortime (way too cute). Story time I actually bought from another member when she realized that she had it already- so that was pure luck. I will have to post a message here for the next time PI has the Pretty Little Stamp Shop open. I believe it will be open again in May.

Whew! It's been a week already?

I have been neglecting posting here because of all the snow and with the kids being home I have been a very busy mom.

Let's see...the past three days we have been shoveling snow, sledding, playing in the snow, looking out the windows at the snow, and talking about the snow! If you haven't seen any pictures, here are a couple to amaze you!

These photos were taken from my front porch. It is freezing outside!

I scrapped all day today! Yeah for me. It's been a few days since I've been able to sit and get into anything. So here is what I did with the February Memory Creators Kit:

The Heidi Swapp chipboard letters, the rub ons, and the lace were not from the kit.

The Creative Imaginations PP that came with the kit were so much fun! I think I'll have enough goodies to last a while so you'll be seeing lots of lovey-ish layouts by me for some time! TFL :)

Tonight I took the kids to see THe Bridge to Tarabithis. The movie was great. Even though it wasn't a G rated movie, my kids were totally comfortable with the fact that this was fantasy and the difference from ficiton and non-fiction. Monet teared up a bit and so did I, but Jaden was pretty tough. So- great movie, if you get a chance to, go see it!

Goodnight all!

I got my kits!!!

WOOHOO! I am so excited. Tonight is going to be perfect for staying up late and getting a layout or two done.
We want to take the kids to see a movie tonight also- so hopefully when I get back.

Let me tell you... the kits at Memory Creators are awesome and the price is right too.
I still want to get my hands on the kits at Poppy Ink- oh, I want them so badly. Maybe I will stay up late to order next time around.

I can't wait to get started!

Here is a pic for the day-
Isn't he just too cute? I think this kitten is truely photogenic. He posed for me and all. I definitely have to scrap some new pics of Socks.

What A Deal!

I've been eyeing these babies for quite some time. I am totally one to pass up somethng, even though I love it, if it is not on sale! I am a total bargain shopper. So I was at the Dollar General store and what did I see? The baskets I have been coveting for months ON SALE!!!
I know I want to put something scrappy in them because they have these fantastc leather handles so I can carry them from my closet to my table- I think it will have to be new scrapping goodies for my new baskets.
Aren't they cool?


I started working on my trash 2 treasure project last night.
Below you can see step by step how I am accomplishing the trash 2 treasure project. It's turning out pretty cool so far. Be sure to check back to see the final steps and the finished product!

So far I have covered the sides of the tote with patterned cardstock. I opted for cardstock since it is thick and will make the tote a bit sturdier.

trash 2 treasure

This week I am going to be working on turning this drink tray into a tool tote. I keep all of my supplies in a walk in closet, so I like to have all of my goods in a container that I can easily store and when I need them, I can simply tote them out to my dining table.
Here are the instructions step by step:

I think I will place soup cans or small jars inside that will contain and separate all of my supplies that I will keep together in the tote.

THe finishing steps will be added to the slide soon! All tht is lef tis embellishing and adding containers to contain and separate the tools neatly inside!

Feel free to link a photo of your project! I would love to see:)

I have my new camera!

I finally get to put up my latest layouts into my galleries and post them here for you to see!

I haven't scrapped anything in the past couple of days because I have been waiting to take some new photos. Last night I played with my camera to get the feel of it and snapped some pretty nice shots of my children while they played together.

Scrappy Saturday II

Today I finished three layouts at Jen's house. This has never happened before so it was a huge accomplishment for me. Her dh made some awesome stuffed shells for dinner so we were able to work pretty much uninterrupted. It was a great scrappy day and that always makes a mama happy!

So- last night Dh and I went out for dinner for our 8th Anniversary with no kids and we were so lucky to pick up a last minute sitter! After that we took a trip to walmart and they had the camera I wanted on display but not in stock. I swear that every time I go there to purchase something, they never have what I want in stock and they never know when they will get in back in either. So we came home and did a bit of online shopping around. I actually found the best deal at Circut City. I picke dout the Canon S3 SI point-and-shoot. I love it and can't wait to get my hands on that baby. I"ve been wanting a nice camera for a few years now and finally- it is the best anniversary gift ever!
We also got a bit of snow las tnight too. I thin it may snow tonight as well. Hopefully it will keep up and by the time my camera garrives, we will have enough beautiful white snow to take some winter photos. I have none so far this year.

shopping for a camera...

Today I went online to Best Buy to shop around for a camera. I don't have a lot of luck in this department. You won't believe this but both of our cameras are broken. No one dropped them or anything. We have no idea what happened but they both just stopped working. So there won't be any new photos up for a while. Hopefully I will be purchasing my new camera in the next few days. Oh, I really hope so.
Dh purchased a touch screen dvd player/stereo for his truck. Just what he needs ;) So that gives me 100% incentive to get my camera. Funny how I always get my way.

Last night I completed a challenge that was posted up at Scrappers Daily Dose for the Look Book and it was so much fun. It was a layout by Jamie Waters, "A Perfect Afternoon". Oh, so beautiful. It was so much fun to do. This is the photo I used for this challenge:


The next challenge is a layout by Tara Whitney from page 36 in the Look Book. Absolutley Amazing. I have just the right photos for this design that I've been working on getting scrapped.
If you haven't tried any of these or at least peeked at some of the designs, you really must. The designers are fabulous!

I'm looking forward to the weekend. Another Saturday Scrap with Jen! Maybe I can take some photos of my layouts while I'm there so I can share with you here.