Land of Teenage Attitude

Daniel's Junior Ring Dance - 2010

2010-11-19T14:11:00.002-05:00

I am working on getting more pictures up of this special event... Daniel's Ring Dance was this past Saturday, November 13th. Although I was very stressed out by the time it arrived, there were so many other emotions going through me. I was thrilled and delighted that Daniel had reached such a special and important stage of his life but I am also very sad that it all means that my "baby" is growing up a bit too quickly! Daniel was SO excited to finally get his class ring, only to have to have it sent away on Tuesday because the engraving on the stone was half missing and also to have it sized down a size. It will take a month before he'll have it back!! I feel badly for the kid because all of his friends are asking to see it and he has to wait until it's repaired...... All in all the Ring Dance turned out great but there's alot of things that I now know to plan and do differently for his Senior Prom in the Spring of 2012.... Better start now in saving up for it, lol!

HUGE Giveaway!

2010-10-12T00:33:00.002-04:00

Pinky is having one heck of a giveaway! Her blog link is: http://blueyecicle.blogspot.com/2010/10/winner-provocraft-gypsy-giveaway.html
~(per Sunday's 10/10/2010 post)
A brand new Provocraft/Cricut Gypsy !!!!
Not only ONE but TWO!!!!!
She is hosting 2 giveaways one this Sunday and one next Sunday!

Giveaway is open to everyone & this is all that she requests of you... & me too ;)

*you be a follower if you are not already
*spread the word about the giveaways
*leave a comment on the giveaway post

...a huge thanks to my dear friend, Sharon for informing me of this amazing giveaway.... so while you're doing some blog hopping, you should hop right on over to Sharon's blog and be inspired by her gorgeous work! http://fromtheowlsnest.wordpress.com/

Check Out This Awesome Blog!!!

2010-10-04T17:23:00.002-04:00

http://www.samanthaleewalker.blogspot.com/

I have been a huge fan of her products for quite awhile now! Lovin' the inspiration in this blog...... Be sure to click on the links for her website and she also has a Facebook page! You can't go wrong with that much talent at your fingertips...

1st of Two Layouts That Are Close To My Heart!

2010-10-04T16:50:00.003-04:00

My Father went through aggressive treatment for Cancer from January to July and some days, he just didn't know how he would make it..... but he did... he'd pick himself up, put a smile on his face and accept what the day had in store for him.... To me that defines a "true hero".... I was able to spend an enormous amount of time with my parents during this including going out to eat with them almost weekly. They've been married for 42 years, yet sometimes you'd think that it's only been a short time by the love and laughter that they STILL share..... This photo touches my heart everytime that I look at it!

***we were thrilled when the word came that my Father was in remission as of August... but it's October now and today, he underwent excessive tests to see if the Cancer has returned.... He's starting to feel weak and tired again so we are worried. We will know the results on Friday....

2nd of Two Layouts That Are Close to My Heart...

2010-10-04T16:44:00.004-04:00

My baby is growing up SO quickly..... It's all hitting me smack in the face starting off with the ordering of the high school class ring; the Learner's Permit; Junior year Ring Dance; the worry and beginning stages of preparing for possible college; then the application for the very first job!

...updating some recent layouts!

2010-10-04T16:41:00.000-04:00

.....just a few more recent cards!

2010-10-04T16:38:00.002-04:00

Just A Few Recent Cards

2010-10-04T16:31:00.001-04:00

Cookin' Up Creations (July 2010) Sponsor: My Sentiments Exactly "MSE!"

2010-07-12T14:27:00.007-04:00

My Sentiments Exactly (MSE!) is one of our two sponsors for the month of July. Not only did they send the design team a pack of clear stamps to create with but they were also kind enough to include a 3x4 clear stamp block. The stamps are really wonderful with quite a few sentiment phrases and words but I was VERY excited about the block. Here's the reason why: years ago, when I purchased my first set of stamps... I went with a small pack of really cheap blocks to use with them... BIG mistake because they didn't have the edge around the block for placing your fingers. This may sound like a small thing but it makes a world of difference!!! This block was perfect and made stamping much more enjoyable because I didn't have to worry about it slipping out of position from my hold as I'm pressing down.

My pack of stamps were the SYMPATHY sentiments...

Below are the cards that I used these amazing clear stamps and clear block on. The pictures are a bit blurry since it's cloudy and rainy here...

Cookin' Up Creations (July 2010) Sponsor - Core'dinations Cardstock

2010-07-12T14:05:00.009-04:00

Core'dinations was also kind enough to be our Sponsor for the month of July. They were very generous... They didn't send us a few sheets of cardstock to create with, no siree...... they sent a HUGE slab of their core'dination papers!!! These are designed to emboss and sand, tear, etch, or use them just as they are. Our pack (the Trifecta 3) included three collections, all with totally different textures and they are:s Black Magic--colors covered in black, Core Essentials--monochromatics, and Vintage Core--a worn look. Please be sure to visit their website because they have tutorial videos on how to use each type of cardstock.

For this card, I used Core'dinations Black Magic cardstock (torn down side to show reverse color and also sanded edges, as well as the spine of the card). Used dry embossing stencil to create the bucket of hearts on a sheet of Core Essentials CS, which I then trimmed out. Also pink heart trimmed out, then chalked and glittered.

For this layout, I used Core'dinations Vintage Collection CS for the background. I distressed the edges, torn places so that the underside color would be visible and roughened up the base color with sandpaper for more of a worn look. For the photo matte, I proceeded with a sheet of Black Magic and tore the edges instead of trimming.

For this layout, I used Core'dinations Core Essentials for background with edges distressed. For the Photo Matte, I used the Vintage Collection torn down one side and antiqued with sandpaper. Last, I also used a sheet of the Vintage Collection for dry embossing the Lemonade pitcher and glass, I then proceeded to touch up with chalking and trimmed around the edges.

Reveal of July 2010 GDT Layouts for Scraptacular Scrapbook Store's "Summer Fun" Kit

2010-07-10T17:53:00.002-04:00

I loved working with this kit SO much!

You Must Look At This Absolute Stunning Kit!!!

2010-07-08T00:56:00.004-04:00

I'm SO thrilled that I have the chance to be Guest Design Team Member with "Scraptacular Scrapbook Store" for the month July 2010!!! I enjoyed playing with this absolute stunning kit and was able to get five layouts from it plus I have some scraps leftover for a card. Beth (the owner) is a complete "dear" to deal with and every single month, her kits are not only beautiful but very affordable! Here are a few sneaks of my layouts.

Sneak Peeks of GDT projects for Scraptacular Scrapbook Store July kit

2010-06-30T11:52:00.004-04:00

I am SO thrilled to have the opportunity to be the July 2010 Guest Designer for "Scraptacular Scrapbook Store" kits!!! I've had a serious crush on these kits since I first started getting them last September..... Not only is there an awesome mixture of items, it's paper heavy and it's SO, SO, SO affordable! Beth also provides excellent customer service along with lots of fun sales in her store. The July kit reveal will be very soon but until then, here are a few sneaks of this gorgeous kit. Be sure to visit Scraptacular's site for July's kit; for some great shopping; to be inspired by the gallery; or just to enjoy a chat in the forum! www.itsscraptacular.com

Another Cookin' Up Creations DT Project Using BoBunny Press

2010-06-30T11:41:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned earlier this month, BoBunny Press was the very generous sponsor for the month of June at Cookin' Up Creations. One of the items that was included in the goodies sent to us to work with was a "Clearly Mixed Up Flower Album". The team at Cookin' Up Creations were given until Monday the 28th to work with this album, then we all posted our projects in one thread in the Cookin' Up Creations forum. The direction that I decided to take was to make a whimsical little memory album of my enduring love for hubby. Although, I have currently added one picture, most of the mini album is filled with journaling boxes (from the Back to Basic diecut sheet) for me to record quirky little memories of the day that I fell in love with him; our wedding and just life in general which leads up to the final page of the mini where I've included a top ten reasons I love you list. Here's a few views of my album which was made using the BoBunny Press "Persuasion" Collection.

Cookin' Up Creations June DT Reveal - Bo Bunny Press

2010-06-14T10:58:00.005-04:00

I was so excited when I found out that we'd be working with the Bo Bunny "Persuasion" Collection for the month of June! What a gorgeous collection this was to work with!!! Not only were the papers beautifully designed but we were provided with such a generous amount of goodies to add to our creations.... Included were Bo Bunny's dotted cardstock; patterned papers; a WHOLE roll of ribbon; flowers; buttons & bling pack; and a pack of Clearly Stamps. There is also an acrylic album which you'll see more of at a later time. Thank you Bo Bunny for allowing us to create with your stunning products and for being SO generous! In this post, you will be able to view my four layouts.

Cookin' Up Creations June 2010 DT Reveal - Bo Bunny

2010-06-14T10:47:00.006-04:00

Next you'll see the cards that I was able to create with the Bo Bunny Persuasion Collection. I struggle when it comes to making cards but these seemed to make their ownselves...... If I haven't said it yet, I LOVED working with this line!

My Cookin' Up Creations (May 2010) DT Reveal

2010-05-17T19:10:00.005-04:00

The Design Team members of Cookin' Up Creations are SO lucky to be sponsored by Shannon Tidwell - KI Memories for the month of May!! Each of us have the opportunity to design with a different KI Memories collection. My collection was the "Wild Life" line of papers and embellishments..... and talk about FUN, FUN, FUN! It was quite exciting to open our packages to see how packed with goodies that they were. I'm still in complete awe over how generous that Shannon Tidwell - KI Memories were. Here's what I created.... a couple of my pictures need to be retaken and I hope to do that whenever it's not raining here!

My Cookin' Up Creations (May 2010) DT Reveal

2010-05-17T19:02:00.003-04:00

This is the alternate project that I created using this awesome collection of KI Memories "Wild Life".... Just a simple, very cheap corkboard that I picked up from the Dollar Store. At first, I tried to paint it black & white to resemble Zebra stripes but I used Graphite Glitter Mist as my black and it ran over into the white so much that I didn't know how to make it look better.... soooooo thank goodness for plan B! I used leftover "Wild Life" cardstock to decorate it... Not only was it a much better idea but I had a lot of fun creating it!

National Scrapbook Day (Week) @ Cookin' Up Creations

2010-04-28T20:18:00.001-04:00

We are having a week long crop that leads into NSD 2010 at www.cookinupcreations.com

Starting yesterday, a challenge will be posted by a member of the Design Team, leading up to another challenge per each DT Member being posted on Friday. This gives you the weekend to complete everything. There will also be games and yes, there are prizes!

The fun doesn't stop there because once the NSD crop is over, the challenges and prizes will continue with leading into our month long "May Flowers Crop"..... For the official start of that crop, we even have a VERY special live chat planned with the talented Shannon Tidwell of KI Memories!!! So if you want fun and challenges to motivate your scrappin' mood, then head on over to Cookin' Up Creations!

Cookin' Up Creations, Live Chat - May 3rd @ 9PM Eastern

2010-04-20T21:49:00.001-04:00

For the past few months, I have been SO lucky to chat with some awesome ladies. However, I am "beyond myself" with excitement about our next "live chat" guest! Shannon Tidwell, who's not only a 2Peas Garden Girl but is also an amazing Designer for KI Memories, will be joining us on Monday, May the 3rd at 9PM Eastern time for a live chat... Please mark your calendars and plan to join us!

www.cookinupcreations.com

Cookin' Up Creations Mini Crop - My Challenges

2010-04-18T23:05:00.007-04:00

In addition to games, the Cookin' Up Creations had to post two card challenges for the Mini Cyber Crop (April 16 - April 19, 2010)... Here's what I came up with!

Challenge #1: My "Recipe" Card Challenge
Cook up a Card by using ALL of these items in this recipe:
1. Cardstock
2. At least two different pieces of patterned paper
3. Brads
4. A sentiment (can use stickers, rubons, etc.)
5. Either a felt piece or diecut or rubon (must be at least one of these items and it can't be doubled up to cover #4 item also, must be different.)
MY SAMPLE: (Supplies from a previous Life Preserver's Club Kit)

Challenge #2: My "Flowers On A Card" Card Challenge
For this challenge....You MUST have AT LEAST SIX flowers on your card!
***I "double dog dare" you to make it interesting by using different kinds of flowers such as rubons, stickers, diecut, cut out, Prima, felt, etc.***

Cookin' Up Creations - Mini Crop Deadline Extended

2010-04-18T17:47:00.002-04:00

You now have until Monday, Midnight to complete the challenges! Here's a list of the activities and there are chances for prizes included, even a chance for a prize just by becoming a follower of the blog...

www.cookinupcreations.com

ALL ABOUT CARD, MINI CROP
~Blog Following by Tammy:
~Cyber Crop Sign In Thread by Tammy:

~CARD CHALLENGES
Amy's Grad Card Challenge:
Amy's Trifold Card Challenge:
Angela's "Flowers On A Card" Card Challenge:
Angela's "Recipe" Card Challenge:
Jan's Embossing Challenge:
Jan's Inspiration Challenge:
Jan's Metal Embellishments Challenge:
Jan's Shaped Card Challenge:
Patti's Lift a LO, Make a Card Challenge:
Patti's Punch & Paper Challenge:
Robin's Card Sketch Challenge:
Robin's "Stamp It" Card Challenge:

~GAMES
Amy's Gallery Scavenger Hunt:
Angela's "How Many Words Can U Make" Game:
Angela's "Paper Pictures" Game:
Jen's name search Card Cyber crop game:
Jen's Word Scramble Card cyber crop Game:
Patti's Hey! Guess What!!!! Steal the RAK Game:
Robin's Word Search Game:

Reminder: Mini Cyber Crop - Friday (4/16)@6pm Eastern

2010-04-16T16:18:00.000-04:00

Please join us at Cookin' Up Creations for a Mini Cyber Crop. The topic will be ALL ABOUT CARDS!! Each Design Team Member will be posting card challenges and games during the weekend. Also there will be a Bingo game and you can still put in your words until 5PM Eastern... www.cookinupcreations.com

Hope to see you there!

My April DT Reveal for Cookin' Up Creations

2010-04-12T13:04:00.003-04:00

For the month of April, the Design Team was given the wonderful opportunity to design with products by Jillibean Soup... I love, love, love their items and thought that the "Egg Drop Soup" Collection was one of the most adorable lines around... Thank you for taking the time to view my 4 layouts, project and card that I created with this month's sponsor, Jillibean Soup.

My April Reveal for Cookin' Up Creations (Part 2)

2010-04-12T12:17:00.002-04:00

This post includes pictures of the project and card that I made using these adorable products by Jillibean Soup! My project is a mini tag book which contains verses (one for each month) to guide you in your growth of twelve areas that will lead you to "A Closer Walk With God".
(Front):

(Side):

An Easter card (with a treat)

Friday (April 9th) Live Chat at Cookin' Up Creations

2010-04-09T17:13:00.002-04:00

Change is NEVER pleasant at first but usually in the end, it was well worth all of the inconvenience..... So if you've tried to log into the forums or gallery at Cookin' Up Creations and got the General Error message, please continue to be patient and bear with us while we make this move to a new server. The members of Cookin' Up Creations are very important to us and we don't want to lose you. Hopefully, (fingers crossed) the site will be back up and running smoothly in the next few days.

***In the meantime, we have LOTS going on... including the Design Team posting challenges on the blog so that you can keep those hands busy??? You are able to click the blog link from the home page of www.cookinupcreations.com

***On Friday, April 9th at 9PM Eastern time... we WILL be having the "rescheduled" live chat with Shelly Maxwell, owner of Sweet Tooth kits. Whether you are just getting started or are a seasoned scrapper looking for some fresh ideas, these kits are perfect for you! So please be sure to check them and the live chat out!

The home page at Cookin' up Creations is still live and the chat room works just perfectly so we really that you'll pick tonight during the chat to drop in for a visit! There may even be a random prize or two to some lucky chatter!!

The link to the chat room is on the home page at Cookin up Creations.

***And please stay tuned for more details to come on our upcoming Card Crop, and our Monthly Contest for April.

***Each Monday, the Design Team is STILL revealing projects that have been created with products by this month's wonderful sponsor, Jillibean Soup...

News about "What's happening at Cookin' Up Creations?"

2010-04-06T09:15:00.004-04:00

The Cookin' Up Creations forum and gallery has been experiencing some problems due to the transition to a new server so to keep things fun, here is what is going on until things are back up and running smoothly!!!

**As announced on the Cookin' Up Creations blog**
With Tammy's permission the The Cookin' Up Creations Design Team will be high jacking the blog ALL week!!! What does this mean to you.......well, it means fun challenges, sneak peeks into what the Design Team is creating with this months wonderful sponsor, Jillibean Soup and maybe even a couple of prizes....but shhhh...don't tell Tammy about the prizes!!! LOL!

http://cookinupcreations.blogspot.com/

My DT "Ad" Challenge (03/23/2010) for Cookin' Up Creations

2010-03-23T11:46:00.001-04:00

I picked this magazine ad because I liked the way everything was lined up on one side with a small picture at the bottom.

My layout created from the visual point of this advertisement...

March 2010 DT Reveal for Cookin' Up Creations

2010-03-15T12:13:00.005-04:00

MARCH SPONSOR - PINECONE PRESS (Monthly kits Options featuring GARDEN PARTY)

PART TWO of my reveal.... The "Garden Party" patterned papers were perfect for making a "Happy Spring" mini album for a dear friend. I used pop dots on the large cut out flowers to use them as pockets on each page so that a packet of seeds could be placed into each one.

March 2010 DT Reveal For Cookin' Up Creations

2010-03-15T11:50:00.004-04:00

MARCH 2010 SPONSOR - PINECONE PRESS (Options Monthly Kit featuring GARDEN PARTY)...

Thank you, Pinecone Press for SO generously allowing the "Cookin' Up Creations" Design Team to create with the beautiful Options Monthly Kit featuring Garden Party during the month of March!!! The papers were so bright and cheerful to work with that I just couldn't seem to be able to stop myself from wanting to make "just one more item"!!! Thankfully, I still have some left over for a few more cards...... Below are the layouts and card that I created using this AWESOME kit!

LAYOUT #1 - Sweet Sarah Beth

LAYOUT #2 - Just Play

LAYOUT #3 - She's Shockingly Cute!

LAYOUT #4 - Pals

CARD - have a 'TWEET' day

Exciting Times at Cookin' Up Creations

2010-03-05T15:55:00.002-05:00

For the month of March... the Cookin' Up Creations Design Team are proud to create lots of "lovely goodness" with products from not one but TWO very generous Sponsors!!! Please be sure to check the forum and blog OFTEN for new reveals at www.cookinupcreations.com

We are also thrilled that there will be TWO live chats and everyone is welcome to attend (access to the chat room is given upon a quick site registration).

**The first chat will be with Shelly Maxwell of Sweet Tooth Scrapbooking. This chat is scheduled for Thursday the 11th of March at 9:00pm EST (please check back on my blog for any updates on possible changes of the date and/or time).

THEN..........

**The second chat will be with Debra Jennis of Pinecone Press. This chat has been scheduled for Wednesday the 24th of March at 9:00pm EST.

PLEASE come join us at Cookin' Up Creations for these chats. They're fantastic, fun, and FREE... What a great way to get to know more about these products, not to mention the inspiration and ideas that you will also gain!

My DT Color Combo Challenge (2/23/2010)

2010-02-23T01:21:00.005-05:00

During my extensive search for a color palette that I really liked, I stumbled across a site by the name of "100 Layer Cake"... Yes, it is a site that's aimed at weddings but the great thing about it is that they include some pretty modern color swatches and match wedding decor, as well as other items to it... I really had a tough time choosing which swatch I liked the best because they included some of my very favorite color combos...... I ended up deciding on this one but have tucked my other favorite away in my online "picture folder" to perhaps use at a later time... hope you enjoy!

My layout for the Color Combo Challenge... Please forgive me if the colors from my layout may not seem to exactly match but it was night when I had to take the photo and my inside lighting isn't that great.

***A HUGE THANK YOU TO PAGE MAPS, my layout was created using one of the lovely January 2009 sketches***

Challenge Layouts

2010-02-23T01:08:00.003-05:00

Just a couple of my layouts completed for the Cookin' Up Creations Design Team Challenges... Loved, loved, loved using the Lily Bee "Audrey" Collection for the Ad Challenge!!! Then I used My Mind's Eye products for the Lift Challenge...How about those owls?? Aren't they just so adorable?

Jen's (DT 2/16/2010) Ad Challenge

Robin's (DT 2/2/2010) Lift Challenge

My Design Team Reveal For Cookin' Up Creations

2010-02-15T11:44:00.000-05:00

FEBRUARY SPONSOR: U R MY FAVORITE collection and other products by NIKKI SIVILS...

FUN! FUN! FUN! All that with a ton of "adorable" thrown into the mix!!! That's exactly how I felt about this month's Sponsor, Nikki Sivils and her awesome products... I have to admit that at first I was worried because of the colors and that I thought I'd have to do "girly" pages but as I worked with these, I realized how easy they were to adapt to my two favorite people that I scrap.... Both of which are males (my son and my hubby)! I was able to create ALL of this and still have enough scraps for a couple of more cards.

For my altered "Keepsakes Tin", I covered the cardboard slip from the Cool Cord Brads by Nikki Sivils with U R My Favorite patterned paper and used it as the prop for the chipboard hearts to stand straight up**

My layouts and a card also using the U R My Favorite Collection and other products by Nikki Sivils...

Some Special Valentine's Day "Eye" Candy!

2010-02-14T22:36:00.003-05:00

Hey...... What's better than having the chance to be a part of an online chat with Nikki Sivils? It's being able to have the opportunity to design with her adorable products! Monday, February 15th is my Cookin' Up Creations Design Team reveal day... Just for the pure fun of it, here's a "wee" tiny sneek... Please stay tuned for MORE to come tomorrow!

WHAT DO THESE 2 LOGOS HAVE IN COMMON?

2010-02-08T09:21:00.003-05:00

Just in case you don't know what all the excitement is about, Nikki Sivils has been SO kind and generous to sponsor Cookin' Up Creations for the month of February. Nikki not only supplied the Cookin' Up Creations Design Team with products from her lovely "U R My Favorite" line but she will ALSO be joining us for a LIVE CHAT on Tuesday, February 9th at 9:00pm EST.

Please don't miss out! All you have to do is go to www.cookinupcreations.com and register in the forum, next click the home page button, then click the download chat button..... then most importantly, be there on Tuesday, February the 9th at 9:00pm EST. While you're waiting, please say "hello" in the forums and check out ALL the awesome ways the Design Team has used the "U R My Favorite" line!!!

2010-01-15T11:00:00.008-05:00

I'm sending out a cheerful hello to all of you awesome blog hoppers! WELCOME to the first ever Cookin' up Creations "Winter Wonderland of Embellishments" Blog Hop. There were SO many generous "embellishment" sponsors for the month of January at Cookin' up Creations that we really wanted to share the fun with you! So during this blog hop, we are going to focus on Embellishments and the amazing things that you can use them for...

Along the Hop, you'll come across Challenges, Questions & Tutorials on different ways to create and use embellishments. If a blog requires you to complete a challenge, then please upload your completed challenge into the Embellishment Blog Hop Album before the end of the hop on January 22nd, 2010. (All participating "blog hoppers" will need to register in the gallery: http://www.cookinupcreations.com/coppermine/index.php - this will only take a few minutes of your time and it will be well worth it.)

The Cookin' up Creations Blog was your 1st stop, and you should have come here from Sandy's blog: http://creativeblessings.blogspot.com/ and you are now at your tenth stop! You're getting SO close to being in the running for those prizes.....

I am going to share a small technique with you using brads.

For the times when I'm looking for that special touch on a layout, I will make a copy of a little whimsical object such as a flower, bird or in this case a heart (this can be anything from a stamped image to a front of a card). I then place the copy onto my layout and with a paper piercer tool I space out holes along the design. Once finished, I remove the copied piece of paper and then inserted brads along the design. I outlined the inside of the "brad" hearts with Stickles before including Maya Road Chipboard Hearts in the center.
Here's a close up for you.

My challenge, if you dare to accomplish it is for you to create a layout OR card using the technique above (you may use any design that you'd like to). Upload your project to the Blog Hop gallery at Cookin' Up Creations: http://www.cookinupcreations.com/coppermine/index.php and I will do a random draw for a small prize. You'll need to include your email address in the description part, so I can notify you!

In order to be eligible to win a blog hop prize, you must comment at each stop. So, leave a comment here and tell me how long ago it was that you last created a layout using brads.

So here's the deal.... One winner will be selected at random from all the eligible entries for the grand prize which is a $20 gift certificate to the online store of the winners choice. There is also an extra special prize that I will update about a little later!

Your next stop is Jan's blog: http://www.janmosier.blogspot.com/ When you are finished, don't forget to go back to the Cookin' Up Creations blog to post that you are done!

Thank you for joining us on this hop and lots of luck in winning a prize! While you're at it, please feel free to join us on the forum and be sure to introduce yourself because we'd love to get to know you!

A Layout & A Challenge For You...

2010-01-10T19:14:00.002-05:00

During the first week of December, we learned that my Dad has the big "C" word!!! The bad news is that it's in his Small Intestine and also in his back. The good news is that it was caught early! Almost 2 weeks ago, I went with him to have a port installed that Chemo will be given in (thank goodness for modern medicine). I mostly went with him because my Mother was still in the hospital from having her Hernia operated on. Nothing like having one parent in a hospital, then the other having surgery at the other hospital across town! Anyways, what I'm getting at is that growing up, I was always proud of my Dad although I didn't show the respect to him that I should have but as an adult and watching him that day, I couldn't have been more proud to have him as my Dad! He's been very scared about this but every single Nurse was so good to him. He smiled and joked like nothing was going on, then upon leaving accepted hugs from at least a dozen of Nurses. What really touched me the most was witnessing his love for my Mom. She's not an easy woman to get along with sometimes. Trust me, I know because I'm alot like her! However, that day I counted at least 5 times that Dad asked a nurse if she knew my Mom because she works in the Central Supply Department of that hospital and then right away, he'd grin and say that they were going on 44 years of marriage. That was at least FIVE times, my Dad spoke with pride about my Mom being his wife...... now that's true love! My challenge to you and you can do it a couple of ways. First, think of a true love story and scrap about it or secondly, think of who inspires you the most, then make a layout of that person. Sometimes it takes something bad coming along to make us really appreciate a person and what they mean to us... In my case, I'm learning that it won't kill me to pick up the phone at least once a day to call my parents (although I'm calling them WAY too much right now but that's just because I worry so much) and it won't kill me to make a meal for them once in awhile. I'm so glad that I've been given the 2nd chance to do all of this, some people aren't that lucky.

You MUST check this out!!!

2009-12-31T11:52:00.003-05:00

Are you looking to be inspired by an awesome and very creative community? Look no further than here to be truly inspired!

Dec. 21st GDT challenge for Scrap For A Cure

2009-12-24T14:38:00.005-05:00

I should have already posted this but blame it on the "sights, sounds and even smells" of the Holiday season which so easily distract me! I had the exciting opportunity to come up with a challenge of the week for Scrap For A Cure!

A handful of Manufacturers are using really pretty designs on their packaging materials these days. One of my favorites has to be the packaging for Prima. In comparing the cardboard slips used for several different Prima products, I realized that each one is different in color and design. My challenge is to use product packaging on your cards or layouts that you create.

For the card:
I used the insert slip behind the Prima alphabet for my card base. Supplies used from the kit are the Jillibean Journaling Sprouts, ribbon, flower, leaf, 2 butterflies trimmed from the Webster's Pages patterned paper, Blue card used for lining inside of card, Prima Alphabet and AC Metallic Marker. Items from my stash: Punch for card's border, Shimmerz for the flower, Cat's Eye ink for Journaling Sprout, Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink and Judikins Diamond Glaze for the butterflies.

For the layout:
I used the insert slip behind the Jillibean Journaling Sprouts for layering behind the title. Supplies used from the kit are the Prima Alphabet, pearls, Bazzill cardstock, Jillibean Journaling Sprout, AC Metallic Marker, Basic Grey patterned paper and Collage Press journaling card and die cut strip.

MORE Scrap For A Cure kit fun!!!

2009-12-19T20:59:00.005-05:00

It's been difficult to get really good pictures because of the bad weather but after several attempts, I am finally able to get these 2 cards posted. I made both of these using Scrap For A Cure's December 2009"Mistletoe Kisses" kit.....

Everything is from the kit except the pop dots that were used under the trees for them to stand off of the card. Also used the shade of Pine Needles from Tim Holtz's Distressed ink pads.

All contents of this card is also from the kit including that awesome American Crafts Metallic Marker that I used to shade over the Prima letters. I shaded in the word Peace to not only give the letters a different but to also give them a color that would blend better with the other colors on the card. Love, love, love that marker! I also used "Golden Rod" Stickles because with this being a Christmas card, it needed Shimmer.. So I rubbed the Stickles across the card with a paper towel so that the glitter would spread out evenly.

Still MORE to come with this kit!!! Be sure to check the forum for a challenge this upcoming Monday that I'm working on examples for. Also, my fingers are crossed that I will be able to get my little project that I've been working on completed and posted by next weekend. Once again, I have to mention that I am enjoying being Scrap For A Cure's Guest Designer for this month so much. It's times like this that I really wish the month wouldn't race by so quickly but I remain very, very thankful of this wonderful opportunity that was given me!

The Kit That Just Keeps On Giving Back, 3rd Layout!

2009-12-04T01:01:00.004-05:00

How is it possible to have SO much fun doing something??? Well, I'm having a blast playing with the "Mistletoe Kisses" kit sent to me by Scrap For A Cure to create with as Guest Designer for the month of December.

As soon as I had opened this kit, I started trying to make a ribbon flower but the back of these beautiful Basic Grey stitched brads are too short so after being tortured for several days of trying to make my ribbon flower to not only look pretty but to stay together also, I used a regular plain brad with a long back and it worked perfectly. I just used a glue dot to make the stitch brad stay on top of the other brad and you can't even tell that I cheated. I also cut out a round circle to use as a base for this ribbon flower so that the Silver tinsel would keep a perfect circle shape. For my chipboard, there were several steps to get it exactly the way that I wanted it (colorwise and shine). First I painted it with Making Memories Specialty Glaze, Silver colored; after it was dry, I then spread a coat of Winter Mint colored Shimmerz with a Q-tip, then let dry; Lastly, I lightly sprayed Glimmer Mist in Spring Mint to certain areas, not all over because it would pool up. I actually learned this after several attempts, however if you dabbed it right away with a paper towel, there isn't any harm done and you can try again until you have it the way that you like it. I know that my cardstock is a bit bent but the Post Office really didn't like me much because my package was a kind of beat up (how dare them treat a kit like that) so in my attempt to draw the eye away from the crease, I painted the bottom corner with Making Memories Specialty glaze in the color of Pearl.

2nd Layout using Scrap For A Cure December kit

2009-12-04T00:54:00.003-05:00

I have a new addiction and it's called "Shimmerz"!!! It was the perfect highlight for the leaf... I was worried because I couldn't locate a paint brush, my friend Lisa mentioned that a Q-tip might would work and it does wonderfully! I couldn't resist making "Shimmerz" circles inside each to the circles on the Bo Bunny Diecut!

Scrap For A Cure's December 2009 kit......

2009-12-02T11:16:00.003-05:00

I am thrilled to be able to work with their "Mistletoe Kisses" kit for the month of December as a Guest Design Team Member.... I love all the beautiful papers and embellishments that were included as well as the fun lil' extras that Patti and Diana take the time to lovingly put into their kits! I am, perhaps, the luckiest gal around right now to have this opportunity! Below is the "full view" of my first layout using this lovely kit... As I stated on WT, in order to hide any background of my concrete carport, half of the ribbon bow on the side is cut off. After using my punch to make the decorative side, I weaved the felt silver ribbon that was included in the kit through the holes for any extra touch. Also in the picture by that, there is a small child (my son Daniel at age 2) but it's a bit difficult to see.

Scrap For A Cure "December 2009" GDT

2009-12-01T00:52:00.004-05:00

I am SO excited to be working with the December 2009 kit!!! There was SO many beautiful papers and embellishments inside that I just couldn't make up my mind what to use first... I am very proud to post the first sneak peek of what I've done so far and I promise to have the full layout up very soon with much more to follow!

Vintage kind of day!

2009-11-28T19:53:00.003-05:00

This is a layout that I did using Scribble Scrabble patterned papers and diecuts. The picture is of my husband's Mother. The journaling reads: You taught me to find beauty in everyone that I encounter during my life.
- Mom 1942 -

WARNING! Layout may be offensive to you if.....

2009-11-25T22:53:00.003-05:00

and downright disturbing if..... you're a "Turkey Lover"! I created this layout several weeks ago for a Willow Traders challenge. It's actually my 2nd take of it because wouldn't it figure that the last thing that I would do is journal on my page. I loved the original because it was on Bazzill scalloped cardstock and it was the most perfect shade of Orange, well silly me, I got this "bright" idea to journal around the scallops..... It looked horrid! I had to do something and the only logical thing was to redo my layout. Imagine this... I'm sitting there with pen in hand and the clock is ticking down rather quickly with only 15 minutes left to the deadline. I knew that I didn't have anymore of that lovely Orange scalloped cardstock but to my dismay, it seems that I didn't have ANY Orange cardstock in my supply... What the heck was I thinking when I last added to my Bazzill stash??? Anyways for the next 5 minutes, almost every kit that I've ever owned threw up on my bed... Seriously, my WHOLE bed was full of papers and embellishments. This was a very difficult thing for someone as OCD as I am to witness but I NEEDED a sheet of Orange Bazzill...... Finally, I found one and threw this "puppy" together. I think I ended up getting it posted with only one minute to spare until deadline. Then right away, I painstakingly placed every single sheet of patterned paper, matching cardstock and embellishment back into it's rightful place... a chore that took quite awhile to complete! Anywho....after all that, the story behind the layout! Now, I'm a country gal and live in the backwoods but I am not a huge Nature lover so I don't go outdoors alot. It seems that I had turkeys that enjoyed meeting as a group on my backsteps quite frequently. I was informed this when I came home to find a group of turkeys in my driveway, all in a circle like they were holding an important meeting or something like that, well... it was cute so I dashed over to my neighbors house to let her know that we had turkeys, only to be given the above mentioned bit of information..... After that, I kept a better eye out for these turkeys but even though I heard their "gobbles" quite a bit, they kept themselves well hidden. For the past 3 Thanksgivings here, it has rained and on each one, I would happen to look out of my door to see, not one, not two but about 12 turkeys running in front of my trailer all in a straight line.... It's almost like they were laughing that they had stayed hidden all year and because they knew that the hunters were home enjoying a Thanksgiving meal, they were safe to come out and play! Now you tell me, that isn't smart? I live in a different place this year so I won't be able to see them but I have a feeling that once again, they'll be out, all running in a straight line and laughing all the way!

2 Layouts!

2009-11-13T18:56:00.004-05:00

This first layout is for the Charity Extravaganza on The Studio. This is the Friday 9PM Challenge. The challenge was to use Scallops, the more the merrier. Be sure to click on my link below to read more about this amazing event!

This layout is for the 2AW (November Challenge) being featured on Willow Traders. The challenge was to create a layout for something that you're thankful for.

This Is Where I'm At This Weekend!

2009-11-13T17:44:00.001-05:00

My Exciting News!!!

2009-11-13T02:45:00.003-05:00

I am SO excited to announce that I will be the December 2009 Guest Designer for an amazing kit club, "Scrap For A Cure".... I am beyond thrilled and very nervous to represent such an outstanding company! The owners, Patti and Diana are some of the sweetest ladies that you could EVER get to know and they donate a portion of purchases that are made to a chosen charity. This quarter (October, November & December 2009) the charity is Feeding America. I have followed their site for quite some time and they have always had such an excellent design team including the recently announced 3 new members that will be joining the team for the 2010 term. I actually searched the gallery of the November Guest Designer and "oh my goodness", she is SO talented! I really have my work cut out for me but I will be thankful every single second during this "true" honor for me. Please come visit the site now and read what they're all about, you will be impressed. http://www.scrapforacure.com/products-page/featured-kits-main/

Layout From A Sketch

2009-11-12T21:20:00.001-05:00

The next November challenge on Willow Traders was to create a layout that had a leaf anywhere on the page. We were given the choice as to use the provided sketch or not. I choose to do so since it was an awesome sketch. This sketch was provided by Jill, the owner of "The Scrapping Spot". I was worried about my layout looking too cluttered but once I became determined to use the leaf diecut by Little Yellow Bicycle, I just couldn't stop myself!

All supplies that I used for this layout (except for the Stickles) are from the "Bring Your Own Memories" October 2009 kit.

An Online Crop That You Just Can't Miss!

2009-11-08T23:47:00.004-05:00

Another fun crop going on...... Sometimes, it's really hard for me to take part in a weekend one so it bothers me when I either miss out or don't get enough done... Well, not this one! I am SO excited that it's going on during the week... I've gotten 3 of these kits so far and I have loved each one! The price is such a bargain for everything that you get in the kit! Now I'm off to make sure I'm not too late to get my BINGO words in so see ya there!

AMAZING Deal of the Weekend!!!

2009-11-07T09:37:00.003-05:00

Do you feel like doing some shopping for Scrappin' goodies today? Perhaps, you're spending the weekend inside catching up on some layouts.... Well, I have a deal for you!!! For this weekend ONLY, all orders placed with Memorable Seasons will be shipped for free.... Yes, you read correctly, FREE!!! You must use the coupon code "FreeShip" and this offer cannot be combined with any others..... As you already know, with the HUGE rates that the Postal Service charges in addition to the already awesome prices that you can get at Memorable Seasons, this is a deal that you CAN'T miss out on!!! Of course, that is if there's anything left after I raid the store ;P
Have lots of fun while you're shopping at www.memorableseasons.com

An Opinion, Please........

2009-11-07T00:37:00.004-05:00

I like this layout but I'm at odds as to whether I like the journaling going around it. Soooooooo here's my question to anyone who may wander on over to my blog... I have one more sheet of this Scenic Route Kraft paper used as the background... so should I redo this layout and leave off the journal or should I just leave "well enough" alone?

Making a Really Cheap Embellishment/Layout...

2009-11-07T00:28:00.006-05:00

Oh the things that we can do with Stickles!!! I remember as a kid (and no it wasn't before the wheel had been invented) playing with little bottles like these but they were Fabric Paint. Now a couple of decades later, everyone is buying these little bottles that contain Glitter Paint. I am one of them and I love my small collection of Stickles. I really, really loved the colors of the Tim Holtz Distressed ones but I don't seem to grab those as often because of the larger hole for the opening. With this layout, I needed just a little something extra so I thought it'd be really cute to make the letter "O" into a Target's Bullseye. All it took was a perfectly round "O" (I used a Puffy Thicker) and then using the Red Stickles, I colored in the open areas. Warning, it did take awhile to dry but to me, it was just what was needed........ Stickles to the rescue AGAIN!!!

New Layout From This Past Weekend

2009-11-03T01:01:00.002-05:00

I used the September 2009 Kit #3, Delight for this layout. Martha at www.scrapbookdeals4u.com puts together some of the most amazing kits. She recently moved from providing 2 selections to 3 kits to choose from. This month all 3 kits went throught the roof from the demand for them and ALL 3 sold out very quickly! These kits are not only gorgeous but they're also packed with goodies. Everything but the Kaisercraft bling and Tim Holtz distressed ink is from this kit. It doesn't even look like I put a dent in it!!! I completed this layout for challenge #3.

Upcoming Online Crop Info......

2009-11-02T01:56:00.000-05:00

Be sure to make plans to participate in the online crop at Scrap For A Cure.... This is one heck of a site... beautiful kits, awesome owners and design team but the very bEST thing about this kit club is that by being a member,you are helping someone in need because different charities are chosen and a percentage of kit puchase amount will go to the featured charity. Now, how AWESOME is that?
Anyways......
What:Online weekend crop
Where: Scrap For A Cure
When: By the schedule that has been posted, first game will be at 5PM on Friday, then scrap ALL day Saturday and back again for part of
Sunday.
Info Link: http://scrapforacure.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3277
"Be There Or Be Square"!!!

ANOTHER GIVE AWAY ALERT!

2009-10-30T23:52:00.000-04:00

It feels SO good to get "Happy Mail"! With that said, then you need to check out this blog http://tinamcd-mysanity.blogspot.com/
The first thing that you'll see is about a Sketch Blog Hop going on this weekend (I plan to check out the details as soon as I finish this up) then directly under that, Tina (the owner of the blog) is having a fun Halloween giveaway and she's even giving several ways to get in on the drawing. Now, I wouldn't want you to miss out, so you best head on over. Just remember, if you win, ya gotta share the goodies (just teasing ya a bit) Lots of luck to all who enter for a chance at these goodies.

Layout for the 11th THAW challenge

2009-10-30T10:12:00.004-04:00

It's hard to believe that we're at the end of another month! With it being the end of the month, that means that the October THAW on Willow Traders is coming to a close also. This is the layout which I posted for challenge #11 and I will be working on challenge #12 (the last one) today. The fun will continue with the month of November with a scaled back version of 2 layout per week. I am also excited (and a bit nervous) because I am 95% sure that I will be working on a "25 Days To Christmas" book this year. There's a discussion thread with awesome idea links in the Willow Traders forum. One more important note.... I'll be hangin' out at www.scrapbookdeals4u.com - for their weekend long crop. Hope to see ya there!

Link To An Awesome Giveaway!

2009-10-29T15:52:00.002-04:00

Years ago, my husband used to be addicted to cigarettes. I couldn't figure out how anyone could have such an impulse, such a need for something. Of course, that was before I discovered Scrapbooking! He, has since then kicked the habit in a huge way which thankfully, there's no way we could have supported my love for paper and other goodies and his "pack a day" habit... I do have to say how proud I am of him over him getting over it considering I remember the pure torture that he went through in the process. I'm not sure if it was my bright idea of his but one very memorable time in this process what when he went to a Hypnosis..... OMG! BIG, BIG, did I say HUGE mistake!!! This was perhaps, the moment and only moment that I witnessed him being on the edge of falling apart! There's just nothing quite like walking into a room and seeing a loved one curled up into a ball on the bed. To think, just the other day I was questioning if an ad in the paper for a special deal with going through a one time Hypnosis for weight loss... Am I insane or what? Actually, I must still have a few marbles left because it came back to my mind what my husband went through.......

Anyways....... my point about addictions are that they come in ALL forms and mine is in the Scrapbook supply catergory right now! A way for you to know that you're an addict to these products is if number one, you dream about shopping for more while you're asleep and number two, if you ever wake up from a nightmare of the item(s) chasing you.... I think and yes, am ashamed to admit that I've actually BOTH happen to me! My current addictions consist of anything that was, is and will be made by Kaisercraft and I have a daily struggle with American Crafts Thickers (even the ones that have fallen into the bottom of the package and not longer stick). My heart rate speeds up whenever I'm in a room with them or see them online. What I'm trying to get at is that I stumbled across an exciting giveaway.... I, of course, had to pick my jaw up off of the floor while reading the owner of the following blog admit that she had too many..... and get this, she's willing to part with some... Run on over to catch the details and remember this.....if you're one of the lucky ones to win... ya gotta share! http://thisscrapperslife.blogspot.com/2009/10/thickers-giveaway.html

My Very First LOTW and I Am So Excited!

2009-10-28T16:24:00.003-04:00

I finally have something to "toot" about!

My layout "Put Down The Weapon" was chosen as LOTW at Memorable Seasons!!! I completed this layout for an October THAW challenge on Willow Traders. The challenge required a layout with a homemade flower. Mine is lace sewn together in the center and then I used a Doodlebug Gem to make the middle of the flower POP and to also hide the sewing. I'm gonna to tell you a little secret about Memorable Seasons - Jill, the owner, has the BEST sales EVER!!! She recently posted in the forum about all the fun, new scrappin' goodies that's on it's way and will be available very soon so go check it all out at www.memorableseasons.com

As alot of my friends know, I am rather chatty on a site called Willow Traders. It was the site that caused me to become hooked on Scrapbook kits but it has also been a loving and praying community for all of it's members. Willow Traders has been featuring month long challenges just to get everyone motivated with their scrappin'. You would not believe the generosity of members and kit sites that have donated prizes for it. As if it's not inspiration enough to get SO many layouts completed, you even have the chance of winning a lovely prize just by participating. It all started with a July LEO which I sort of slept through but I've participated in the September LEO and the October THAW. There is another one for November planned, so be sure to check it out at www.willowtraders.com

2009-10-23T18:56:00.003-04:00

I love, love rubons that are made by Daisy Bucket Designs. They're so much fun and they're really deep, which is what I adore about them.... they're almost like journaling rubons because they say SO much that you almost don't need to add anything to it.

This rubon for this layout reads:
Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless, remain that way... Say nothing, and listen as Heaven whispers "Do you like it? I did it just for you."

That just hits me right at the heart! So many times, I am too busy or too rushed to just take a moment to inhale all of the beauty around us and to sing my praises to GOD..... Don't get me wrong, I try to sing them daily but I shouldn't need to try when all I need to do is slowwwwwwwww down and sing them numerous of times during my waking hours!

2009-10-23T18:38:00.002-04:00

To all of you who have inquired...... nope, I haven't abandoned my blog! Instead, there were several times that I would try to log on and just couldn't (my fingers are crossed that this entry will actually post).....

On the homefront... I've been busy, busy, busy! Just went through a HUGE move, any move would have been huge for me since I hadn't moved in 15 years. The house is a bit older and was empty for quite sometime. It has needed some loving care but we are doing it "little by little" or "a project at a time"! Our move was a shock to us and a series of events (which my exhusband was in charge of) left us scramblin' for somewhere to live. When we were first approached about living here in this house, all I could think about were the negatives. I'm just such a creature of habit and hate, hate change! Anyways, it's been 2 months now and I am SO happy that we moved here. Yes, there's alot that needs to be done and we've really had to change alot of habits but this place has such potential (other than when my son discovered a small but huge to me snake in our living room) now I just fear of falling in love with here so much that I'll never want to move. So please say a little prayer for me and my family that although, we're on a "year to year" basis with living here, that we'll be here for a LONG time!

I have been scrappin' like a mad fool lately!!! Mostly due to the challenges that I've been participating in on Willow Traders. You say that you haven't become a member there, then let me ask you one question. Why are you sitting here reading my blog when you should be over signing up at Willow Traders!!! It is an awesome and huge community of Christian ladies who not care about everyone else but they're always there when you need a prayer! In September, I participated in the LEO challenges for the whole month, now in October, it's almos the same basis but called the THAW. There will be challenges fof November also. Be sure to check out the details. I will post some of my layouts from them here later.

Also very important..... Life Preserver's Club is having a crop (Dare to be Inspired) this weekend and there's always such amazing fun whenever they have their online crops. I'd love to see ya there!

I sure have missed chatting with everyone!

Some Eye Candy for Your Viewing!

2009-03-29T21:04:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share with you a layout that I completed using one of my very favorite paper lines. This is the "Rockets Red Glare" Collection and it is manufactured by g.c.d studios!!!!!! I love their products so be sure to check out their website for all of their beautiful releases! Oh and guess what... the ribbon was self-adhesive. I LOVE it!!! When the weather clears up, I'll be able to post another layout or two with this line... The layout below is of the Christian band, Building 429. They were the headliners of a concert where 3 other bands were performing as well. It's always wonderful when Christian Artists spread how amazing that our Jesus Christ is through song but more so when they only charge $10 ticket. Even though the little money they make is from the sale of CDs, T-shirts or other items, they still put on an awesome show, just in hopes of reaching "just one more person that might not be saved"! Such incredible servants of God, they are. It really can't get any better than this with being able to scrap one of my favorite bands with one of my favorite paper lines!

Scrap-tastic Week 4 Challenge

2009-03-29T20:55:00.002-04:00

Week 4: Rock It Out - Bling your layout! You can use anything that glitters, sparkles or shines. The more the better! Anything that shines must be on at least 20% of the layout. Technique is that you must use stamping somewhere on your layout. I really wish that this picture was better but we had rain for almost 4 days solid! This picture of my husband is one that I've wanted to scrap for awhile now because I love how deep his eyes are in this picture... I love many things about my husband but one of the top things that I love is how brown his eyes are, just like "pools of chocolate" and sometimes I just want to drown in them! Since I wanted to keep part of the tan color that I stamped with so that it would bring out that color in the pattern paper some, I partially sprinkled Blue Doodlebug glitter on stamped images.

Scrap-tastic Week 3 Challenge

2009-03-29T20:47:00.002-04:00

Week 3: Karaoke challenge - Select a LO from a Scrap-tastic Design Team girlie to scraplift. Technique is to use 3 different embellishments on your layout. I picked a layout by becbeck13 for my scraplift. The picture is of my son, Daniel when he was in Kindergarten. His Teacher thought he was so cute playing on the playground equipment that she had him pose for a picture. She then had the picture blown up to an 8x10 size which she framed as a Mother's Day gift for me.... It is still one of my favorite gifts that I've ever gotten.

Scrap-tastic Week 2 Challenge

2009-03-29T20:40:00.003-04:00

Week 2: Unplugged - Scrap any topic. The technique is that you are NOT allowed to use any patterned paper. Make your own by stamping, Glitter Mist, paint, etc. You may use cardstock but no patterned paper or purchased embellishments and alphabets. You MUST make it all! I used Tim Holtz crackle paint to paint a frame around this picture of hubby during a trip that I had won to Aruba. After the paint dried, I used a stencil to Glimmer Mist around the photo frame. I made the flowers with swatches of material and thread, then Stickled the middles of them. The colors of this photo aren't the best but they do match. The letters were made by diecut machine and I glittered the letters with Doodlebug glitter.

New Challenge & My Submission for Week 1

2009-03-29T20:27:00.004-04:00

www.Scrap-tastic.com is currently holding an "American Idol" Scrapbooking challenge. It all started with their request for submissions of an already made layout that was a favorite of yours. From all the submissions, they then picked the AI Top 20. It was a spur of the moment submission for me but I actually made it into the top 20. Each week they post a challenge with a different technique to complete by deadline. The first 2 weeks, only one person was voted off, then it changed and currently 2 people are voted off each week. Talk about intense!!!

Week 1: Dig Deep - Choose a song & create a LO using that song in mind. Dig deep & personify the song in your LO. Every detail of your LO should personify that song from the pictures to the colors to the embellishments & design. The technique to use is that you MUST use 10 different patterned papers in your layout and you are NOT allowed to use cardstock (ouch)! I decided to do mine on the song "I Just Want You" by Ozzy Osbourne because for the 1st year that hubby and I were dating, he lived in Connecticut and I lived in Virginia. Travel to see each other was almost impossible so we only got to spend a small amount of time together. He actually played me this song one day and right away it stuck. When we would get fretted about the distance, we'd just play this song and imagine the day when we would finally be together all the time!

Week 7 & 8 of Life Preserver's Club Cruise Around the World in 8 Weeks

2009-03-29T19:53:00.004-04:00

Week 8, the final week... We had to scrap a sketch that was provided to us. The title "Looking For My Yellow Submarine" was made up by my silly hubby!

Week 7, I took advantage of using my free pass since I was still in the midst of unpacking from our trip.

Week 6 of Life Preserver's Club Cruise Around the World in 8 Weeks

2009-03-29T19:31:00.003-04:00

I was worried about if I'd be able to complete this week's challenge or not since hubby and I had to make the trip from Virginia to Connecticut to see his brother who has been really sick with Cancer. His doctor allowed him to travel from Florida so that the whole family could be together. Shortly after he will get back home, he is set to start 2 weeks of very intense radiation. I managed to get my challenges completed on our 2nd morning there and with help from my husband's other brother (the one that still lives in Connecticut) I was able to get them posted.

This week we had to scrap a layout about one of our best friends. Of course, this was easy for me. Although, I have many wonderful friends I am truly blessed to know 2very special ladies who have touched my life in so many ways. Both of these ladies, Lisa and Elizabeth have become so dear to me. They are the most selfless, caring and giving ladies! I really wouldn't know what to do if either of them weren't in my life.... Since I didn't have a picture of Elizabeth available, this layout is of Lisa.

Week 5 of Life Preserver's Club Cruise Around the World in 8 Weeks

2009-03-29T19:25:00.002-04:00

This week's challenge is to scrap a layout in any size except for 12x12..... This was tough for me because 98.5% I scrap using 12x12 cardstock. The photo is of my son, Daniel when he was a mere 18 months old. So hard to believe that this same kid will be 15 years old on June 1st and he outsprouted me a couple of years ago!

Week 4 of Life Preserver's Club Cruise Around the World in 8 Weeks

2009-03-29T19:21:00.002-04:00

For week 4 we had to complete a layout about those that you would miss the most if you went away for a long time! The photo in my layout is of my husband and son.

Week Three of Eight at LPS

2009-02-19T08:23:00.003-05:00

We're now into the 3rd week of the "Cruise Around the World in Eight Weeks" challenge at Life Preservers Club. This week we had to do a layout based on our favorite movie. I would have to say that my all time favorite movie would be "Dirty Dancing" but finding pictures to go with that was out of the question. I decided that because "Top Gun" is on my list of top ten favorites, it would go best with these pictures that I've been wanting to scrap for some time now.

The journaling reads: Daniel on October 1, 1999 @ LaGuardia Airport located in New York, NY. Daniel was allowed to hang out with the Pilots for 30 minutes before takeoff.

Tears; Valentine's Card; "Young Love" & My Son

2009-02-13T09:25:00.006-05:00

Before I post a Valentine's Day card that I made, I would like to urge everyone that should read my blog to say a little prayer for those that their lives were cut short last night in the passenger plane crash near Buffalo, NY. As I hear the stories of some of those that were on board of that flight, my heart breaks. Remember to also pray for their families, that they may be blessed with strength to get through this sad time...

***Okay now this card... I had promised my son that I'd make him a Valentine's Day card for his girlfriend... store bought cards have become SO expensive that Daniel wanted to have that money that we would have spent on a card for an extra treat to go with the Valentine's Day gift for her. Keep in mind that this card is for a 14 yr old girl so I wanted to make it cute but still full of "teenage first love" meaning! For the past couple of weeks, she has been giving Daniel a kiss on his cheek, well the other day, Daniel turned his head a bit by mistake and by what I understand of a teenage boy's gibber about it is that it was really close to his lips. He has been eagerly awaiting his 1st kiss for awhile now so yesterday evening, I noticed that he was acting all "goofy" and he kept saying that he couldn't wait for today. It seems that his girlfriend stated that since today is their official Valentine's Day since it actually falls on a Saturday and they won't see each other, that she plans on giving him a REAL kiss on the lips! LOL! Although it kills me to witness my little baby boy to be beaming about something like this.... my heart is glad for him because he is growing up....... he wasn't supposed to grow up this quickly though! Anyways, the card (in light of today's event) started out being based on a Scenic Route sticker that says "Shut up and kiss me". I also added a rubon by 7Gypsies that reads "Love doesn't make the world go round but it sure makes the ride worth while".....

A Little Something That I've Been Working On

2009-02-11T13:41:00.004-05:00

Lately, I've been somewhat of a pest to my son.... He is a Freshman in High School this year and perhaps, I am trying to relive my High School days through him. Anyway, I've been on his case BIG TIME about how important it is to be involved in things and to just enjoy this time of this life because it can be one of the best yet. Also, I'm stressing to him constantly with the "you gotta make sure you're making a huge effort so you can have a good college portfolio" lecture! It's driving him crazy but I know that for him to be able to attend college, he will have to strive to be able to earn Scholarships. Well, a thought came to my mind that if I crafted something that we could keep everything (his report cards; papers of the school clubs that he's in; school happenings; etc) all together, then maybe it might motivate him even more! It sure motivated me, lol..... let's just hope that it will have the same effect on him;)

Right now this is the back cover but I'm not crazy about it so I'm in the process of deciding how to change it.... I used Glitter Mist spray over a Glitter Mist Mask and althought I do like the way it looks, it made the cardstock bulk up and stick out from the binder and that's what I don't like about it.

Week Two of Eight at LPS

2009-02-10T12:46:00.006-05:00

Earlier last week I posted details about a fun new challenge in progress over at Life Preservers Kit Club. Please scroll down to see my 1st week's layout. There were 39 ladies that completed week one's layout clue/challenge so that they could move onto week two. There were some really amazing layouts posted!
Here is my layout for week 2...
http://www.lifepreserversclub.com/ for details and for the 2nd week's clue.

One More and my 3 favorite layouts right now!

2009-02-08T22:57:00.002-05:00

I have been debating on my top 3 favorite layouts and this is my pick for right now!

*One last challenge from the online crop at www.scrapbookcircle.com
With this one, you had to create a 3 sided card. I used a Pink Paislee diecut that reads "if friends were flowers I'd pick you". On the inside I used a 7Gypsies rubon in the middle of another Pink Paislee diecut. Here's what it says "a friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words by Anonymous"

A Productive Weekend!!

2009-02-08T22:36:00.003-05:00

I spent this weekend participating in a couple of online crops since hubby had to work the evening shift this weekend. There are some deadlines that I will work on tomorrow but the crop at www.scrapbookcircle.com ended today! A couple of the challenges were a bit rough for me but I was able to complete each one (of course, the 2 tough ones it took several trys on each one before I finally got it right).

*This was really a challenge for me because this was the first time that I've ever used a mask on a layout. Took me 3 trys to get it right. Used a Heidi Swapp crown mask and painted the inside with Tim Holtz Crackle Paint. I realize that the red jewels above the crown look crooked but I didn't like the way the dots from the Mask turned out so this was my way of hiding them.

*This was a tough one because you had to have some type of sewing on the layout. I couldn't even find a needle in thread so I went the other route by using dental floss that I ran across a Tim Holtz distress ink pad. I also cheated by adding the black rubon stitches to make it look more complete. I had to redo this page twice because both times, I poked my finger and bled on the cardstock, grrrrrr!

*Sketch challenge. I ADORE sketches!!!

*Had to use a vintage photo (the only one that I could come up with was this photo of my husband's parents. His Mom is holding him as a newborn in 1962.

*Had to create layout using old and new items from your stash.

What I'll be doing this weekend!

2009-02-06T14:33:00.005-05:00

Yes the snow is melting and the weather is supposed to be nice this weekend but why should that stop you from staying inside and joining in on an AWESOME, FUN "Love is in the Air" online crop here...........
http://www.paperpopsicles.com/store/
(click on message board for more crop information including the challenges)

Fun Things & More.....

2009-02-05T14:33:00.005-05:00

Hello to all of my friends... I just wanted to dart on here to tell you about a couple of things.... First of all, one of my favorite kit clubs just started a fun challenge this week and it will last for 8 weeks.... There are prizes involved as well but it's really nice to have something fun to jump start the scrappin' mojo for the new year! Visit http://www.lifepreserversclub.com/ for details and for the 1st week's clue. Hope to see lots of new faces there! Here's my layout for the 1st week..

The other thing that I wanted to mention is about the products from here http://websterspages.typepad.com/
Their products are simply gorgeous and I find that I can't resist wanting every line that they put out!! I am REALLY excited about their new Alphabet letter stickers... They are giving away one of their most recent releases (sorry, I couldn't figure out how to copy and paste the whole collection here) so click on their link above for not only the details but to also see this stunning set!!!

CHA Winter 2009

2009-01-26T11:44:00.003-05:00

I spent yesterday watching the Making Memories blog because not only are they coming out with some really beautiful goodies but they have some of the most AWESOME giveaways! So be sure to check them out at:

http://www.makingmemories.typepad.com/

Birthday Cards for Teenagers (Girls)

2008-11-25T13:52:00.007-05:00

Leave it to a 14 year old boy to not tell you that two of his best friends have Birthdays the VERY next day...... so what did I do? I took off to my Scraproom and worked until the wee hours of the morning trying to create cards that were "kewl" enough for a teenaged boy to present...... With my fingers crossed, I presented them to my son, Daniel the next morning and guess what..... I got a "thumbs up" from him! He had given me one rule and that was to use the color Black in both of them because it is their favorite colors...... Here's what I came up with!
CARD #1

CARD #1 (inside)

CARD #2

CARD #2 (inside)

Feelin' a bit Artistic lately.....

2008-11-25T13:45:00.006-05:00

I am happy to say that I am FINALLY gaining back some control of my scraproom.... although, I do have to admit that the pathway is still very narrow but I now have my desk back to work on........ boy, does it make a huge difference in kickin' in those creative juices again!

So here's a bit of my recent work......

Where Our Vote Counts The Most...

2008-11-04T15:28:00.007-05:00

If you took the time to vote today, then you RAWK!!! Yes, this is the election year that will go down in the History books but for me it has a bit of more of a personal stance..... You see, my son Daniel seems to be filled with moans and groans of why should we even bother? As I've explained to him many times, that is the wrong attitude to have and you should think of it as it is..... Voting IS a civic duty; voting IS a privilege; your vote could BE the one that could make a difference. This year is very important to me in making Daniel understand that voting isn't a "maybe" thing to do, it is a "must" thing to do!!! Yes, I will be the first to admit that I am scared silly of the outcome, mostly I'm so afraid of what is to come for the next four years because these will be such crucial years in my son's life as in the planning of his future career; in having college scholarships available; in being able to obtain them; and in being able to get a job. Most importantly parents, make sure your child/children see you going to vote. Be sure to show your child that voting this year is something that you're excited to do. I know that I will be... Why the importance??? As you've heard so many times, "children learn from what they see and hear their parents do", well I'm teaching my son now so in 4 years, the next election, I can know without a doubt that my son will get up and exercise his right to vote for the very first time. That's the key issue for me, it is realizing that in 4 years from now, my baby will be 18 and officially an adult. So whereas, I may not have riches or material items to pass on to my son, what is important is the legacy that I can leave by teaching him to love God and to have pride for this country that we live and work in...

Just A Bit About My Very Favorite Place...

2008-11-02T21:05:00.004-05:00

Sam's Club...... it has to be one of the overall best concepts EVER! For as long as I could remember, I was always a member but then funds got tight and one of the things that got cut from our budget was the Sam's membership. Then a couple of years ago, my dear, sweet, very thoughtful son earned money to treat me to a year of membership for Mother's Day (my heart just turned to mush over this amazing gift from a kid).... after the year ended, I had to let it drop again BUT now they've got a special running, 10 weeks for $10! Can I just say........OH YEAH!!! Started the special deal last week and got a few essentials, well I had to go back today but had to be very careful because I didn't have much money on me but do you even realize that milk is ONLY $2.81? Not only that, we love Nature's Own Bread in this household but when hubby payed a staggering $3.08 for a loaf of it at a nearby grocery store a few weeks back, I declared that we were abandoning it for a much cheaper brand.... to our joy, we can get TWO, yes I said, TWO loaves of it at Sam's for $3.62. Another huge bargain that you just can't pass up is the lunch meat there, you can get double packs for what the price of one will cost you now at the grocery store and even Walmart.... For the money that we're saving on that stuff, we can even indulge in a special treat such as a bulk box of Otis Spunkmeyer muffins **yummy**! Now on the downside, yes you have to be VERY, VERY careful because it just doesn't pay to buy some things at Sam's and it's so easy to get carried away there...... for example, I've had that huge, round tub of cheese puff balls on my mind but just can't see dropping over $6 for it instead we will continue to go with hubby's addiction of Utz chips since it's a huge family size bag for $3.52!!! Just like anywhere else, you can certainly do some comparison shopping and walk out with plenty of good deals. HERE'S TO SOME HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Cards - - Something new for me....

2008-11-01T22:06:00.003-04:00

Recently I started making cards to use up extra supplies. I would never have thought that it would be something that I would enjoy doing but now I find myself thinking about how much it costs to purchase cards these days..... Looks like I may be making more. Below, I am sharing a few with you!

a few more.......

2008-11-01T21:50:00.001-04:00

2008-11-01T21:20:00.001-04:00

Baby.....it's been a LONG time!

2008-11-01T21:04:00.002-04:00

March 12th **ouch** Boy, did I let a little thing called LIFE take over my time! Actually, I've had plenty of time to blog post but just lacked the motivation..... It seems that my problem or perhaps "bit of self pity" is that since I'm not withholding a job outside of home, I feel like I'm just plain ole' boring. This has been sort of an issue between hubby and I because he will call me from work several times a day. He has all sorts of things to tell me about but when he asks me about my day, it usually consists of what I watched on TV; how much I scrapped; what I ate and even worse, if I took a nap, lol! In defense of myself, things have been nonstop since school started. Daniel entered high school as a freshman this year. I am so please with how well he is doing. His grades are awesome and he's involved in The History Club; Future Educators of America; First Priority Christian Club. He plans to join the Science and Drama clubs when they start. He is also very active in the Drama ministry club at our church. After practicing every Sunday for several hours each time, they performed their first church function this past Sunday. Yes, as you can tell...... I am VERY proud of him! He is starting to research and plan what he needs to do for college scholarships because he knows for sure that he wants to become a Science Teacher. Along with all of this growing up, I have realized that he's not at home very much these days... I'm happy that he's maturing and becoming focused but sad that he's growing so quickly! In fact, as I am writing this, he is at his first girl/boy party and as nervous as I am, I know that I can trust him, not to mention that I sent him off with loads of advice... yes, a few lectures were thrown in as well!!!

Just a quick post.....

2008-03-12T13:12:00.002-04:00

sorry all but I fell into the trap of either avoiding or ignoring my blog... It's time for me to get back on track and start taking care of it. Anyways, my LONG vacation from it, has left me a bit rusty so it may take a few days to organize my thoughts and refresh my mind about how to upload things..... So in the coming days, I have to face the fact that Winter is over, well has been over for a long time here in Central VA since we only got 2.1 inches of snow this year (we're WAYYYYYY below average) and we had only a little more last year so it's been a little disappointing for "snow lovers" like myself!!! So as I started, I suppose my first step would be to change my Winter Wonderland topper, then I have a few projects to post.

If you haven't checked it out, you need to head over to Willow Traders to be a part of their month long Anniversary (3 wonderful years) celebration. Lots of fun and challenges to participate in. Also, I have added a new favorite line, "The Unity Stamp Co.." I am so excited to see their new items when they come out but right now they're giving away some pretty awesome stamp kits on their blog...... how's that for being rewarded for waiting???

I would also like to thank all of my dear, patient friends for their "gentle" reminders to update here. Thank you for not giving up on me and please know that I ALWAYS feel so blessed by your friendship..... I promise to try and do a better job here but basically, I lead a VERY boring life, lol!!!

3rd and Final Step Back of Mini Album

2007-12-21T18:21:00.000-05:00

sorry about this, I'm not sure what I did wrong but anyways at least I got it posted. Here is a "looksie" at the back of the mini album and the very blurred card that I made for her as well...... short on time so I had to go with something very simple.... Bazzill with DCWV on top and with a Scrapworks glitter tree. Inside I just stamped Merry Christmas in green..... Thanks so much for looking!!!

2nd Part of Mini Album

2007-12-21T18:19:00.001-05:00

Yes.... we seem to be going backwards!

Finally Finished Mini Album for Mother-in-Law

2007-12-21T18:08:00.000-05:00

There are more pages but I couldn't load them together so please look at next post above..So I have ALOT of "first times" with this project of mine..... This is the first mini album that I've put together with pictures & everything; this is first time using the bind-it-all and this is the very first time that I've actually cut into my beloved Basic Grey... I am a "true" hoarder of Basic Grey and it pains me to cut into it and use it.... Well I did and my poor victim was the "Stella Ruby" pack!

Some Inspiration For You!

2007-12-18T04:59:00.000-05:00

"Once we agree with God that we exist for His pleasure and His glory, we can accept whatever comes into our lives as part of His sovereign Will and purpose. We will not resent, resist, or reject the 'hard things,' but embrace them as friends, sovereignly designed by God to make us like Jesus and to bring glory to Himself." by: Nancy Leigh DeMoss

and while we're at it, here's a Bible verse to comfort your during your busy day....
"God knows what we need before we ever ask Him." from Matthew 6:8

***Isn't that the truth??? I know He has been bestowing blessing after blessing on me recently or perhaps He already was bestowing blessings on me but I was too self absorbed to notice them before.***

Blessings, Blessings and MORE Blessings!

2007-12-17T12:55:00.000-05:00

As if I haven't been truly blessed enough this weekend by 2 very kind ladies among my Scrappin' friends at Willow Traders wanting to help towards getting my son a special gift for Christmas, then ANOTHER "Angel" swoops down to bring a smile to my day...... Elizabeth is such a beautiful lady that I am honored to know from Willow Traders who had read earlier in my blog about how much I love "Happy Mail" so today in the mail is one of the most awesome packages from her...... Would you look at ALL those goodies!!! As if what is in the first two pictures wasn't enough, she decided to share a new kit of hers with me also.... Isn't that just amazing, it's third picture and it's the new Chatterbox papers.... they are so beautiful IRL.... So Elizabeth, you WAYYYYYY outdid yourself and instead of "Happy Mail", you made it into "Joyful Mail"....... I am so thankful for YOU today (and my 2 other very special "Angels" from WT)!!! God's love is SO beautiful and amazing! I am truly grateful for those of you have shown me that.....

What I Am Thankful For Today!

2007-12-11T10:13:00.000-05:00

Don't laugh but I am so thrilled with my new pan.... For the past couple of years, I have been squeezing turkeys or hams into a much smaller pan and quite frankly it was becoming discouraging. As it is, I'm like the "World's Worst" Cook but anything like turkey, roasting chickens and pot roast that I can cook in a McCormick's bag, I can actually throw down a good meal however after squeezing them into that small pan, they weren't very pretty to look at! Anyways, what makes me so thrilled about this pan besides how beautiful it is brand spankin' new is that it was $10.99 at AC Moore BUT with my 40% off coupon, LOL (yes I used my coupon on this so I know I'm a very strange lady) the final price for this beauty was $5.59..... I was SO proud of myself when I got into the car but my husband just didn't see the joy of it and the first thing that he said was, "why are you buying pans when we need to worry about Christmas shopping for Daniel?" Well, that just about popped my bubble! I miss the days of having extra money for things like new pans and one of my addictions other than scrapbook items, dish sets...... Must be a woman thing because I feel that you can never have enough variety in this area and at one point in my life it was my goal to have a different set of dishes to switch out every few days, of course my hubby just sees it as clutter taking up extra cabinet space.... So hidden away are at least 6 sets (nothing expensive just pretty) while we use the ugly, "it's okay to break" ones but I do suppose I should bring out the Christmas ones soon.

Notes About My 2 Most Recent Layouts...

2007-11-21T05:41:00.000-05:00

I completed the "We Should Be Thankful at all times" layout on Monday 11/20/07. Since you can't see the Journaling, here it is... "for the soldier who fights for our freedom instead of being home with their loved ones; for the family that misses him/her & for GOD who blessed us with them!" My other newest layout was completed last week for the October sketch contest on Life Preserver's Club. I know it's hard to see the word "aruba?" on the arrow. Because of bad weather, I had to take this picture inside. So the complete title of this layout is: "how do birds get fat in aruba?" I couldn't help but to laugh when I was putting this layout together because all I did in Aruba was complain about the fact that almost all of their restaurants were outside and I felt like I had to almost fight the birds over my food. Lets just say that I am a "spoiled brat" due to living in the USA and being able to eat inside!!

My Layouts

2007-11-21T02:30:00.001-05:00

Four Bits of Happy News Today :)

2007-11-20T19:40:00.000-05:00

I don't want to sound like I'm bragging but I have to give a shout out for this "happy news"..... I truly feel blessed, even if by the small things! Last weekend Sugar Dumplin hosted a weekend crop and then this weekend Scrap Dango put on their 1st EVER crop... Both crops were totally awesome and they both create some really beautiful kits each month so be sure to check them out! Anyway, I won a door prize from Sugar Dumplin during the crop and then I just found out that I won a prize from Scrap Dango for challenge 10 from this weekend. More awesome news........ last night, I was at Willow Traders (this is the totally cool place to be) and found out that I was the winner for the November FKTOM...... OMG! A WHOLE kit and from Scrapbook Sussies, I am SO excited! It's been a little lonely these days since I haven't been able to get kits the way that I was able to when I was working....... Now my 4th bit of "happy news" that I am thrilled about is that about a month ago, I was sent a notice that I was one of the "possibles" for the EK Success Consumer Board... Well, yesterday it became official when I received my 1st letter and sample from them........ The letter reads, "Congratulations! You have been chosen to serve on the EK Consumer Board (ECB) through December 31st of 2008. The ECB is comprised of a respresentative sampling of different crafters, skill levels, interests and demographics...... We know that this 2008 will be an exciting year and we thank you for helping us to develop, manufacture and release the very best products." Enclosed I found a sample of the NEW Sticko mini repositionable adhesive that arrives in stores this December.... I will be trying this out in the next few days and will post my thoughts about it here so be sure to check back! Anyway, that's all my "happy news", I just love weeks like this and am so excited that "happy mail" is on it's way to me!!!

A New Week; A New Outlook!

2007-11-19T08:51:00.000-05:00

Yep, the title says it all!!! Today is the first day after a week that I've been able to look up from a stack of envelopes. In my panic over not having enough Christmas money available for my son's "want/need" list, I decided that since I'm not working this year that I'd address envies.... Yes, you heard correctly! This morning, I neatly packed up all 500 finished envies so that I will be able to get ANOTHER 500 tomorrow...... and get this, 500 is "small beans" there are ladies that I know that are doing 1,000 during the same amount of time. So, my weekly "thankful" is that I finished the first addressing job before the deadline! Something else that I've had to face this week and more than anything I'm embarrassed to admit it but I had my very first Design Team rejection. I wasn't even going to tryout and then at the last moment I decided to and all along, I really didn't expect to get it but I was never prepared for my reaction.... When word came through that I didn't get it, it really hurt and being a "big cry baby" that I am, I cried several times over it... Why??? I'm not sure, maybe it was because it was my first time trying or maybe it was because I loved the kit club so much.... My husband didn't understand why it upset me so much and I can't explain why we ladies react to things the way that we do... If you're like me (and this is the best explanation that I can come up with) we try SO hard to please and even if we don't see something as being in our reach, we put ALL of our heart and soul into anything that we do and that's what I did in this case. After thinking long and hard about it, I realized that I wasn't as upset about getting turned down as I was about knowing that I hadn't submitted my best. I picked my favorites and the ones that meant the most to me on a personal basis so when those didn't get me through, I was angry with myself because the "perfectionist in me" started screaming out, "You Dummy, You Don't Submit Based on Personal Feelings & Now Everyone Has Seen You Fail!" Anyways, I've been licking my wounds all week and I'm ready to come out of hiding over it..... I suppose the lesson here is that you just pick yourself up each time that you fall and you just keep going at what you want but in a different direction and harder! Why does it seem that some people are perfect at everything that they do and that perfect just comes easy for them? I do have to make note that for a first attempt, I could not have went through a better kit site...... First of all, the owner sent emails to everyone that tried out (which alone is admirable) but she was SO kind and caring about it (she's such a positive as well as delightful lady to deal with anyway!) I am really happy for the ladies that did make it especially a couple of them that I've become very fond of and I did do a dance of joy over one certain lady making it because she didn't make the last one and even though she was sad at the time, she remained patient, tried again this time and got it!!!!! So today is Monday, a new week, a week to be thankful, time to leave my "pity party" and MOVE ON!!!!!!!

Land of Teenage Attitude

Daniel's Junior Ring Dance - 2010

***HUGE*** Giveaway!

Check Out This Awesome Blog!!!

1st of Two Layouts That Are Close To My Heart!

2nd of Two Layouts That Are Close to My Heart...

...updating some recent layouts!

.....just a few more recent cards!

Just A Few Recent Cards

Cookin' Up Creations (July 2010) Sponsor: My Sentiments Exactly "MSE!"

Cookin' Up Creations (July 2010) Sponsor - Core'dinations Cardstock

Reveal of July 2010 GDT Layouts for Scraptacular Scrapbook Store's "Summer Fun" Kit

You Must Look At This Absolute Stunning Kit!!!

Sneak Peeks of GDT projects for Scraptacular Scrapbook Store July kit

Another Cookin' Up Creations DT Project Using BoBunny Press

Cookin' Up Creations June DT Reveal - Bo Bunny Press

Cookin' Up Creations June 2010 DT Reveal - Bo Bunny

My Cookin' Up Creations (May 2010) DT Reveal

My Cookin' Up Creations (May 2010) DT Reveal

National Scrapbook Day (Week) @ Cookin' Up Creations

Cookin' Up Creations, Live Chat - May 3rd @ 9PM Eastern

Cookin' Up Creations Mini Crop - My Challenges

Cookin' Up Creations - Mini Crop Deadline Extended

Reminder: Mini Cyber Crop - Friday (4/16)@6pm Eastern

My April DT Reveal for Cookin' Up Creations

My April Reveal for Cookin' Up Creations (Part 2)

Friday (April 9th) Live Chat at Cookin' Up Creations

News about "What's happening at Cookin' Up Creations?"

My DT "Ad" Challenge (03/23/2010) for Cookin' Up Creations

March 2010 DT Reveal for Cookin' Up Creations

March 2010 DT Reveal For Cookin' Up Creations

Exciting Times at Cookin' Up Creations

My DT Color Combo Challenge (2/23/2010)

Challenge Layouts

My Design Team Reveal For Cookin' Up Creations

Some Special Valentine's Day "Eye" Candy!

WHAT DO THESE 2 LOGOS HAVE IN COMMON?

A Layout & A Challenge For You...

You MUST check this out!!!

Dec. 21st GDT challenge for Scrap For A Cure

MORE Scrap For A Cure kit fun!!!

The Kit That Just Keeps On Giving Back, 3rd Layout!

2nd Layout using Scrap For A Cure December kit

Scrap For A Cure's December 2009 kit......

Scrap For A Cure "December 2009" GDT

Vintage kind of day!

WARNING! Layout may be offensive to you if.....

2 Layouts!

This Is Where I'm At This Weekend!

My Exciting News!!!

Layout From A Sketch

An Online Crop That You Just Can't Miss!

AMAZING Deal of the Weekend!!!

An Opinion, Please........

Making a Really Cheap Embellishment/Layout...

New Layout From This Past Weekend

Upcoming Online Crop Info......

ANOTHER GIVE AWAY ALERT!

Layout for the 11th THAW challenge

Link To An Awesome Giveaway!

My Very First LOTW and I Am So Excited!

Some Eye Candy for Your Viewing!

Scrap-tastic Week 4 Challenge

Scrap-tastic Week 3 Challenge

Scrap-tastic Week 2 Challenge

New Challenge & My Submission for Week 1

Week 7 & 8 of Life Preserver's Club Cruise Around the World in 8 Weeks

Week 6 of Life Preserver's Club Cruise Around the World in 8 Weeks

Week 5 of Life Preserver's Club Cruise Around the World in 8 Weeks

Week 4 of Life Preserver's Club Cruise Around the World in 8 Weeks

Week Three of Eight at LPS

Tears; Valentine's Card; "Young Love" & My Son

A Little Something That I've Been Working On

Week Two of Eight at LPS

One More and my 3 favorite layouts right now!

A Productive Weekend!!

What I'll be doing this weekend!

Fun Things & More.....

CHA Winter 2009

Birthday Cards for Teenagers (Girls)

HUGE Giveaway!