The Garden of My Life.....

My Apologies -

2012-01-14T16:02:00.000-05:00

Well my computer crashed! yep.........the computer I do all my digital layouts on. To get on the web? I've been using my granddaughter little tiny laptop! rolf! It's crazy to say the least. My computer is in the shop right now and I hope to have it back by early next week. In the meantime, head over to Plain Digital Wrapper to see what is new! Lots of beautiful kits and ArtGal (Laramie) has some great new goodies for ya!

Sorry I've been so silent! Lots going on in life. Stay tuned !!! and don't forget to check out

Plain Digital Wrapper!!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!

I've been slacking posting over the last couple of weeks. As typical the holiday season can be very busy. However I do want to show you some of the new things Laramie has released over at Plain Digital Wrapper. So many fun things! Take a look..............

These two kits will be great for you to scrap those New Year's Eve pics! One is for those that like to stay home and the other kit is for those of you who like to go out on the town! I used a bit from each kit to scrap by CT page. I didn't have any New Year's eve pics so I choose to do something a bit different.

Laramie released an adorable Christmas kit last week. It's so cute and whimsical! Take a look at Holiday Twinkle..........

whoa Nellie!

2011-12-14T22:56:00.001-05:00

are you busy? OMGosh! it's craziness just before the holidays! Just posting a quick note to say "Hey!!" and let ya know new stuff is coming out! Hope you're getting your Christmas shopping done!

A Fun Christmas Kit!

2011-12-02T13:44:00.000-05:00

Want a fun Christmas Kit to highlight a visit with Santa and those adorable Christmas morning pics? Then you'll love the kit Seeing Santa by ArtGal Style over at Plain Digital Wrapper. This is kit crammed full of elements and wordart. Also, check out the beautiful clusters Laramie created! She has the kit nicely bundled so you'll receive most all the goodies! Take a look below and then drop over at Plain Digital Wrapper to gather all the details and drop it in your shopping cart.

Did you shop?

2011-11-26T13:40:00.000-05:00

Did you shop Black Friday yesterday? If you did I hope you survived the crazies! Me? I was on the road traveling so no shopping for me.

I hope everyone here in the US had a wonderful Thanksgiving. New releases next week, so keep an eye out!

New Releases are so Fun!

2011-11-18T08:00:00.003-05:00

The new releases by ArtGal Style over at Plain Digital Wrapper are so fun! First up is De La Roche a very colorful and fun kit to scrap with! It's so oo-la-la!

Laramie's second kit named Harmony is great for your autumn photos. I didn't have any fall photos (I know - me bad being behind on my photo taking!) to scrap but here is the kit and you'll love it! She also has a super add-on to go with it!

Love vintage? Take a look at this new release

2011-11-11T12:24:00.000-05:00

If you love the vintage look then you'll have to have the new release Bohemian by ArtGal over at Plain Digital Wrapper. The kit is absolutely lovely! The preview is beautiful but it does not do this kit justice! The papers are stunning with warm rich colors. I've posted a few of the papers below so you can get a closer look at them.

Lovely new release!!

2011-11-04T07:00:00.009-04:00

Happy end of the week to all! Laramie has a new release this week that includes a word-art add-on. Her new kit is Meridian and it is so lovely I did 2 CT layouts for it. Pick it up over at Plain Digital Wrapper and don't forget this weekend is DSD!! I may have some freebies for ya - check back!

What's for Breakfast??

2011-10-21T14:04:00.000-04:00

Laramie's (ArtGal Style) new kit this week is a breakfast theme kit and it's so cute! I love the bright sunny colors she has used. Perfect to get you up and going for the day with a good breakfast!

Please note that the word-art in my CT layout was created by me. I duplicated the layers of the color splashes to get the brighter version I used behind the elements. Pick up this kit over at Plain Digital Wrapper and also check out the gallery for more inspiration from Laramie's other CT members!

Kit: Over Easy by ArtGal at Plain Digital Wrapper

Lets go Haywire!

2011-10-15T11:20:00.000-04:00

Do you ever feel that way? Like you're going haywire? Feel like being silly and a bit crazy at times? Laramie's new release this week is for just those times. Her kit Haywire is so fun, with yummy colors and super cute elements. For my CT layout I just had to use this pic of Lilly making a funny face. Head over to Plain Digital Wrapper to grab up this kit! Tell them Cheryl sent ya! Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

Friday Releases at Plain Digital Wrapper

2011-10-07T11:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday one and all. ArtGal (Laramie) at Plain Digital Wrapper has a new release this week and a re-release of a kit she had, at the Scrap That Idea shop. Take a look!!

First up is Heart Strings - and wow - it's such a beautiful kit. Based on a music theme just looking at the kit makes me want to go to the Symphoney! The kit has very classic colors and elements with a touch of romanticism. This kit also has an add-on you'll want to include, plus Laramie has created page bundles which is a great way to add additional pages to an ablum.

Laramie's new release this week is Transit City. I didn't have a chance to create a CT layout for this one, so I just have her kit peview to show you. It's as super fun kit and will be great for the pics you have of your boys playing cars, trucks, etc..... Lots of happy bright colors to create fun pages!

New stuff coming on Friday

2011-10-05T19:27:00.001-04:00

ArtGal at Plain Digital Wrapper has some new stuff being released this Friday! yay - wait till ya see :-)

Some New Stuff

2011-09-30T13:33:00.000-04:00

My apologies for not posting anything new for a few weeks, my mind hasn't been very creative. However, I have spent some late nights working on these. I have some Christmas layouts, but I'll save those and post them at a later date.

Kit: Sarasota by ArtGal Style at Plain Digital Wrapper

Kit: Perfect Pear by ArtGal Style at Plain Digital Wrapper

My newest little granddaughter - Nadia. I love scrapping baby pics.

From various kits by Lilly Designs

Kit: Pink by Lilly Designs

Kit: Like a Bird Collaboration by A5D

Well........shoot!

2011-09-11T20:40:00.000-04:00

I had planned to leave for Wisconsin this weekend to go see my new granddaughter but I can't!! Grrr - the tires on my Jeep just will not make it, or maybe they might but after inspecting them again..nope - not going to take the chance. So I'll just have to wait a few weeks when I have the extra cash to get new tires and go for a visit then. I'm bumming because I really really really wanted to go! So goes life - at least when Ashley and Nadia go home tomorrow their little family will have some time to get into a routine without "Mom" being there and adding to the chaos of a newborn. More pics to come..........

See In 3D under the Georgia Moon & Hello Nadia!

2011-09-10T14:29:00.001-04:00

Crazy title huh? Just trying to catch your attention :-)

Craziness - yep that is my life at the moment! The last couple of days have been a whirl wind. My daughter gave birth to a beautiful little girl yesterday morning a little before 4am. Nadia is 7lbs 2oz, 19 1/4in long, and has a head full of dark hair! Ashley joked during her pregnancy that Nadia should have lots of hair since she suffered with heartburn so much. Well turns out Ashley was right. Here are a few pics.

As is typical of the last many weeks, I couldn't sleep last night. I was passing the time on Facebook mobile and there he was!! My son Cory online! He arrived in Port from being at sea earlier in the evening. Cory was tired and heading to bed since he needed to be back at work by 4am today - we quickly chatted our "miss you's," "luv you's," and "I'll call tomorrow." It's good to know he's in Port.

Back to the crazy title of this post - which are the names of Laramie's two releases this week. First up is Georgia Moon - which is amazing. My CT layout doesn't include even half of the elements in the kit! It is chalked full of them and the paper designs are so pretty.

Laramie's 2nd release this week is In 3D - such a cute kit highlighting going to or watchng the movies. I used the kit to highlight magicians Justin & Jen Holbrook. The photo in my layout was taken after their performance during MagiCelebration 2011 in Colon, Michigan. They are a charming young couple that work very hard at their talent.

Hope you're having a good weekend. Stop over at Plain Digital Wrapper to get more details on the kits. Be sure to visit the gallery for more inspiration from Laramie's (ArtGal Style) other CT members.

Until next time - happy scrapping :-)

Better Late than Never!

2011-09-07T12:13:00.000-04:00

Life is so dang crazy right now that I honestly don't know if I'm coming or going. I'm posting ArtGal's new kits at Plain Digital Wrapper really late this week. It's been a struggle to keep up. I have to digi scrap while sitting on the floor with the computer on a small table. Not the most comfortable way to get creative. Though I do try!

I hope everyone in the US had a nice Labor Day weekend. Mine was spent at the cottage seeing friends I have not seen in a very long time. There was much to catch up on - Deanne and I talked nearly all day! I have missed her so very much. Lilly donned her muck boots and tried her hand at catching frogs down at the pond with Grandpa and "Great Uncle" Larry. The layout for Dandelion Dreams is a picture from her pond adventure. Of course Beau was the first one to take a dip in the lake - as soon as he saw the water he was running to jump in.

I spent time taking very long walks with Beau, or bike riding around the lakes. I've lost 10 lbs and exercise is at the top of my priority list now.

Without further ado, take a look at the new releases:

Dandelion Dreams is so beautiful! The colors are some of my favorites to scrap with. I absolutely love it!

Laramie's second kit this week is A Day in the Life. Again, she has created stunning papers and original elements. The kit also includes some great word-art.

New Kits & an Update

2011-08-26T11:25:00.001-04:00

I have to apologize for my lack of posting here and on forums I belong to. My emotions have run rampage. I have a difficult time sleeping due to so many thoughts running through my mind. Very soon I'll post all of those thoughts, the puzzle I have finally figured out, but for now on to happy things that will brighten your day.

Laramie has a couple of new kits at Plain Digital Wrapper. Both are very colorful and will create adorable pages!

The first up is Book Worm - perfect for the readers in the household. Very cute elements and great papers. She also has an add-on that you'll want to include with the full kit.

The second kit is Comic Book. Do you have littler heroes in the house? Then you'll have to add this kit to your collection. I did not have the time to do a CT layout of the kit, but you'll get more inspiration from the Gallery over at Plain Digital Wrapper.

All About.............

2011-08-19T16:14:00.000-04:00

All About is the new kit by Laramie (ArtGal Style) over at Plain Digital Wrapper. Just in time for the Back to School photos you've taken or will be taking. Hard to believe it's that time of year already! Autumn is just around the corner and I am NOT looking forward to it. Yes, the colors are beautiful; nature's last big hurrah before winter sets in. But to me.......... it signals the end of my favorite season Summer.

Other stuff? well I'm surviving after the big "break-up" and looking for a full time job - which is discouraging to say the least. (if you've been keeping up on my personal blog. I should update it, however I've been trying to pack in as many "summer" activities as possible. Plus, my internet access is limited for the time being.)

So anyway, it's Friday! and the new releases at Plain Digital Wrapper. I love Laramie's kit All About and created two layouts with it. The kit preview is below, check it out. Hope all is well in your world - have a great weekend.

Wish me Luck!

2011-08-09T10:02:00.000-04:00

So much going on in my life at the moment. Was gone last week to Michigan and now I'm back trying to catch up on new kits Laramie has coming out at Plain Digital Wrapper.

I've been going through an emotional roller coaster and trying to stay focused, is a challenge I face everyday. I hate being in limbo, not knowing what's to happen or where I'll be a month from now. I am asking you to wish me luck, say a prayer, keep your fingers crossed for me today, as the "what's to happen, where I'll be" stems much on the results of an appointment I have this afternoon.

I'm making a bold move by going in to see the Chair of the Department of Biology and basically saying, "you have a teaching position open and I'm the person for the job." I have a couple of things going for me. First, I know the Department Chair - he is a past professor and we have a good relationship; Second, he knows my work ethic, my involvement in past programs and activities; Third, I'm familiar with the faculty & staff, the classrooms, and the University; Fourth, he himself is one of my references on my resume.

I have nothing to lose but much to gain. My only concern is the pay may not be enough to support myself & Lilly. We'll see how it goes - nothing happens unless you take a step - lets just hope I don't trip along the way!

and Life goes on............

2011-08-02T11:12:00.000-04:00

explanation on my personal blog

Techy Stuff, Snow and a Misty Sea

2011-07-31T07:42:00.001-04:00

Hello all, hope your weekend is going well. Laramie is re-releasing a few of her past kits and a new kit over at Plain Digital Wrapper. Take a look!

Winter Blessings is a kit with elements and papers celebrating the beauty of the winter season. I found it the perfect kit to scrap a photo of the daily visit of White Tail Deer last winter. She has an add-on that you'll also have to have.

Ocean Mist was so fun to scrap with! I love the soft colors and the natural elements in the kit. The papers are so o-la-la! You can almost feel the mist of the sea. This kit also has an add-on you'll want to include.

Love techy stuff? Then the kit Technographic will be perfect! I've been wanting to scrap this picture of my son, but could never decide on just the right kit to use. When I saw Laramie's Technographic, I knew immediately it would be a perfect fit. It too has a great add-on!

Yep, that's my son Lee - "the need for speed" guy that loves his Aprilla motorcycle. I don't even want to know how fast he was going!

New Releases by ArtGal at Plain Digitial Wrapper

2011-07-23T07:45:00.000-04:00

Do you love chocolate? Any chocolate? What's your favorite? Me - I love most anything chocolate but I especially love dark chocolate! I have a recipe (that I have only made on holidays) for a Chocolate Torte, that is not kidding - nearly 1000 calories a serving! and the serving is no more than an inch wide! But oh my........it's so rich and yummy!

Chocolate is the theme for Laramie's new kit this week! If you're a chocolate fan then it's a must have! Scrap those photos with chocolate ice cream, chocolate candy, chocolate pudding, chocolate cake, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!! ..........just writing this post is making me crave the delicious treat!

My layout is Lilly enjoying a chocolate pudding when she was two. I do believe she loves chocolate!

So.........grab a piece of your favorite chocolate, head over to Plain Digital Wrapper and pick up Laramie's kit Chocolate Nut - she also has matching clusters, and QP'S for the kit!

Laramine is re-releasing her previous kit Provincial Penguins. A beautiful combination of papers and elements that highlight the winter season.. I love the snowflakes in this kit and how she has added the color pink!

Great New Releases at Plain Digital Wrapper!

2011-07-16T08:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday morning! I hope your weekend is off to a good start. I'm drinking coffee and trying to get a bit more woke up. I haven't been sleeping well as of late and it's starting to catch up with me. :::yawn:::

Laramie has great new kits this week at Plain Digital Wrapper. Take a look!

First up is her new kit Old Glory - a super red, white, and blue patriotic kit. I love love love the flower elements in this kit. I also like her twist of adding different shades of pink & blue to compliment the main colors. It makes this kit very versatile.

Laramie's next kit is Penny for Your Thoughts. This is a very cute "saving money" theme kit. I didn't have any photos to relate, so I used this kit to scrap a picture taken last fall. The rich colors are perfect for autumn pics! Again, another very versatile kit!! Be sure to check out the adorable Add-On - you'll just have to have it too!

If you haven't stopped by Plain Digital Wrapper yet, please do so. They have a wonderful gallery full of inspiration and the girls on the forum are super friendly. Keep on scrapping and have a lovely weekend - Mwah!

New Releaes by ArtGal Style at Plain Digital Wrapper & a Freebie!

2011-07-08T05:39:00.001-04:00

Yay - I finally get to show you the new releases by Laramie!! She is now selling over at Plain Digital Wrapper. I've started to post in the forum and load layouts to the gallery and have discovered a great group of gals! You'll have to buzz over and join in the fun! They have challenges you'll definitely want to be a part of! Laraine also has a freebie add-on!! Keep reading to check it out!

First up is the kit The Graduate. Lots of bright colors (which I love).

Laramie's 2nd release this week is The Eyes Have It - again beautiful bright colors and great elements. The colorful splatter (I used in the background of my layout) is awesome! Plus both The Graduate kit and the The Eyes Have It kit can work well together by intermixing the papers and elements! How cool is that :-)

Laramie has this freebie add-on for you!! Someone getting new glasses? You'll want to scrap the event using The Eyes Have It kit and this freebie! Head over to her blog to grab the link!

The third kit is Lavish Green. A spa inspired kit for times you want to scrap about the luxuries in your life. I used the kit as a beach theme to scrap my great nephew. The colors are relaxing and calming. Oh so pretty!

I hope to see many of you join the group at Plain Digital Wrapper. I'm excited to be there and excited to be on Laramie's CT. Until next time - have a great weekend and take some time to browse the Plain Digital Wrapper site - join the forum, get inspiration from the gallery and by all means post those beautiful layouts in the gallery!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T09:36:00.000-04:00

Just a very quick post to wish all of my fellow American's a very Happy July 4th! I hope you have and have had a wonderful weekend full of family, friends, and celebrations!!

On a scrappy note - stay tuned as ArtGal style has some new kits and will be selling at Plain Digital Wrapper! More on that later, for now I must finish my coffee and start the day.

Happy Birthday America!

Last Day for Scrap That Idea :-(

2011-06-30T00:17:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day Scrap That Idea will be open. I'm so sad about it.

The girls have been going out with a bang all month by having a 50% off sale. Be sure to stop by today and pick up the digi kits you haven't gotten yet. After today you'll no longer be able to get Stacey's kits - they'll be gone forever since she is retiring from Designing. You'll be able to find Vicki, Mel, and Sara over at My Memories. Laramie is setting up shop at another digi site (I can't tell you about yet - fooy!) In that I'm on her CT, I'll be posting where and when very soon. :-)

I must send a very heartfelt Thank You to Vicki, Mel, Sara, and Stacey, for giving me the honor of being a member of their Creative Teams. I have learned so much from each of them over the last several years and I consider them all very good friends. I also thank the other CT members from Scrap That Idea; as they have inspired me so much with their talent.

Goodbye Scrap That Idea - you will be missed..... you will be gone..... but you will not be forgotten.

As one door closes............another one opens.

Stay tuned!

I'm so Excited!!

2011-06-22T14:51:00.000-04:00

If you don't already know (or have noticed) Weeds and Wildflowers is one of my favorite digi scrapbook places. Girlie, one of the creative team members contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I would let spotlight me for their blog. Well duh! I said, "yes!" It's nice that they spotlight a members that belong to the WW gallery and forum. So here is the spotlight! I am thrilled with the end product Girlie produced. You probably won't be able to read the pages, since I am unable to size them to fit right on my blog (yep, still need to change this thing around a bit!) If you want to see the actual post on WW you can go here.

Not much more going on at the moment. The days have been beautiful and I spend as much time outside as I can. I picked up Ashley last evening and she is here visiting from Wisconsin. It's good to have her home and of course Lilly is ecstatic to be with Mommy.

Don't forget July 1st marks the day ArtGal Style begins anew at a location I can't tell you about yet! Also, it's just days before June 30th when Scrap That Idea closes the doors - so stop by and pick up as many goodies as you can while they are on sale!!!!

Until next time - happy scrapping and I hope your summer is going great so far! Mwah!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T06:02:00.160-04:00

Today is Father's Day and I pay tribute to Rick, a man who is the rock of the family.

To describe Rick one must conger many adjectives. He has a personality that is charming and debonair with a little kookiness thrown in. A heart of gold that would much rather give than receive, he has overseen and guided the family through many rough times and always celebrated the good times. Rick is the most positive person I know. He is always encouraging and supporting me and the kids to reach for our dreams. He sees the silver lining and can turn a bad situation into a positive one.

A magician/ventriloquist by trade and owning the family Magic Shop, Rick knows no stranger. He has the ability to put people at ease and draw them into the world of magic - his world of magic - where there is no stage, flashing lights and loud music, but rather wooden floors, and vaudeville acts; he recreates an era when the magician had only himself to make the "magic" seem real. Over the years I have sat in the audience, stood backstage, or simply stood across the room of the shop and witnessed Rick create smiles and produce laughter from people of all ages. There have been many many times I have clapped to the point my hands hurt, or laughed at the same routine till my eyes water.

Rick is a wonderful father and grandfather. He has seen the kids through illnesses, bad dreams, doctor and teacher appointments, broken hearts, numerous bumps and bruises, and sibling spats - just to name a few. He has and will always strive to instill the kids to do "the right thing" - to have proper morals. In that the kids are grown and out on their own - I can see Rick's life teachings in each of them. As a grandfather, a child can't ask for anything better! Rick is a fun grandpa that plays, jokes, loves (and spoils) with his whole heart. There is no greater joy to me than to hear Rick and the kids or Lilly laughing together. 'Tis those simple things in life that bring the most happiness and produce the best memories. For these things and so much more, I love and wish Rick a Happy Father's Day. ~Lovey

Stay Tuned!

2011-06-18T08:06:00.000-04:00

Yippee - I'm going to be on the CT for Laramie - ArtGal Style beginning July 1st. I can't let the cat out of the bag yet where she'll be selling her kits, but I just had to post! I've done a few pages for her via Scrap That Idea - (I'm still sad they are closing at the end of the month). So keep an eye out and stay tuned to see some new stuff!

and don't forget! Tomorrow is Father's Day :-)

Hope everyone has a happy weekend!

I need a vacation!

2011-06-12T07:33:00.000-04:00

Seriously, a real vacation - a vacation where you go someplace fun and/or relaxing. I haven't went anywhere on a "real" vacation for .............hum.......I don't remember!! I've made several trips to Savannah and all were good (with the exception of the trip from Hell to pick up Lee's motorcycle while he was deployed) but I mean a vacation where you splurge, have your bed made for you, stay busy all day or do nothing all day.

Life is really getting to me as of late and I feel as though I'm regressing. I honestly think spending some time away on a vacation would refresh me - refresh the inner me that gets all cloudy. Being away from the daily grind would give me time to think and refocus. The one problem? If I do go someplace, I might not want to come back!

On the scrappin' side of things?

I have continued to work on my P365 for this year, and pages for different albums for the kids. The page below is a recent one of Lilly. I have browsed some sites looking for CT calls - however I haven't spent allot of serious time on it yet. In that the weather has been summery, I've been outside as much as I can! I currently have the muscle aches to prove it - you don't realize just how out of shape you are until you've worked in the yard for several days - bending, pushing, pulling, stooping, twisting, carrying..........my body is screaming at me right now. Of course I'll be out there again today because it's going to be beautiful!

Happy Scrapping!

A Sad Time for Me

2011-06-03T08:26:00.000-04:00

If you don't already know, Scrap That Idea is closing as of June 30th. It's a sad time for me, since I've been with the shop from the beginning. Vicki, Mel, Sara, Stacey, and Laramie are great gals and have become special friends. It has been an honor to be a member of their Creative Teams. I will miss it so much. You will be able to find Vicki, Mel and Sara's kits over at My Memories. Laramie is still looking for a place and Stacey is retiring from designing.

You can pick up some great buys until June 30th! Each of the girls have cut kit prices up to 50% off! Many of the kits will be retiring so best grab them now before they are gone forever.

With that said, I've begun to rethink my blog. In that I have two - this one and my more personal P365 I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do. A revamp is in order for both.

As for me? well I'm on the lookout for CT calls - so if anyone knows of one let me know. Being a member of a creative team keeps me scrapping. I like the deadline it requires, otherwise I just wander around in my vast number of digi files in an indecisive state.

I have also thought about getting into the designing part of digi - but honestly - I see so many beautiful kits in digi land that I figure I can't possibly come up with anything different or original. I may try my hand at a few things and have them as freebies here on my blog - just to see how it goes. Who knows what will strike my fancy at any given time! So keep "following" me - something new is bound to come up sometime (I hope anyway - haha)

Much love to you all for staying with me and as I transition into somewhere or something new.

Please visit the blogs of Vicki, Mel, Sara, Stacey, and Laramie for an update on their sales at Scrap That Idea and be sure to stop over at My Memories to see any new stuff they have!

Happy i(NSD)!! and WOW - Check out the SALES & FREEBIES

2011-05-07T05:30:00.000-04:00

Happy i(NSD) to everyone! WOW - so much to show you and be sure to read the entire post because there are tons of goodies you can pick up that are on sale AND Freebies!

Scrap That Idea is having a store wide 50% off sale today and tomorrow only! WOWZA - you can pick up kits for barely any $$!

Sara - Sweet Blossom Designs has a huge Grab Bag that includes so many products I'm only posting some of them here - you get TWO kits (that are just adorable!) a kit of Word Art digital stamps, 2 alphas, and kit of Vellum envelopes. Check out the entire grab bag in the store ---> here + when you spend $6.00 or more on Sara's products you get her next release kit FREE! Check out the pic below. AND Sara has a freebie on her blog (but don't click on the link yet - there is more to show ya and more free stuff!!

This is my layout using the Sassy Owl kit from the Grab Bag - I love this kit!

Visit Sara's Blog for this great Freebie!!

Ready for more? Check it out!

Mel also made a grab bag for (i)NSD, it is MASSIVE, camping themed and on sale at the moment for only $3. on monday this kit will be revealed and all items will be sold separately at full price. also, this kit includes a mystery coupon that you can use after (i)NSD to get a 40% discount on your next Mel Hains Designs purchase at scrap that idea!

Vicki has a beautiful new kit call Blooming Garden - it's sooooo pretty! and of course it's on sale right now!! AND spend $5.00 on Vicki's products and get her Happy Birthday kit FREE - check out the preview below.

Free with a $5.00 purchase in Vicki's Store

YAY it's May

2011-05-03T04:33:00.000-04:00

May is one of my favorite months. When everything finally turns green, the weather warms up, flowers in the hundreds are at the local nursery, and the beginning of the summer season is marked by Memorial Day weekend at the end of the month. Now.......if the rainy, chilly weather here would just move along it's happy way!

The new May Collaborations at STI are great and Mel has a really cute kit this week. Take a look.

Mel's kit Frolic is whimsical and springy. The scene papers are adorable and enable you to create some super fun pages!

The collaboration for this month is Fun of the Fair. It's full of bright papers and elements that will leave you wanting some candy apples or cotton candy!

Now just how adorable is this month's free with purchase kit? Another perfect kit for scrapping spring photos.

STI New Releases - My oh My!

2011-04-17T19:22:00.000-04:00

Just take a look at the new goodies by the designers at Scrap That Idea - sooooo nice!

Not too much going on with me. Just trying to keep up with little go go go Lilly. She is such an active 4 yr old. Now that the weather is finally starting to get warmer, she can get outside and run off some of her energy. That is, on the days we don't have rain! It's definitely the month of April showers.........and storms!

Here are the new releases - hope your weekend was a great one!

Sara has a new set of Templates that are really easy to work with. They are great using them as is or tweaking them to suit your page needs. On my layout below I tweaked the template by making the center square larger and bringing the layer forward. The kit used on my layout is Sara's Vintage Fruit - love the kit!

Stacey's new kit is Blooming Beauty and just take a look at all the great elements. The papers are awesome! I love the grungy look some of them have.

Vicki has the May Bundle to her Calendar Collection and has added a great set of fasteners to the Project 365 set. The May bundle is adorable - just look at the kitty and dog in this one - so cute! Love it!

Mel's new kit is Crazy in Love. Soft pastel colors and sweet elements. It's a wedding kit but since I didn't have any wedding pictures to scrap, I used the kit in a different theme. The sweet little gal in the photo is my cousin's daughter.

WOW - Just look at this Gorgeousness!

2011-04-11T07:39:00.000-04:00

I am always amazed at the beautiful kits the designers at Scrap That Idea create. Take a look at what was released over the weekend. Be sure to keep scrolling down because this is a long post!

I must apologize for not posting sooner. I've come down with some Spring flu & have been feeling pretty rotten over the last 3 days. I tried my best to "will" it away when I started to feel icky last Thursday - but alas, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

So..........here we go with the new goodies!!

First up is Mel with her kit Caterpillar Stories. If you have kids you have no doubt read them the book My Hungry Caterpillar - well Mel has created a kit based on the book. She has also added Counting Cards you can print off to quiz your little ones! How cute! and look at the add-on Stickers - adorable!

Sara's new kit Photo Shoot is creative with lots of unique elements. A great kit to showcase the photographer in the family!

Vicki's new kit Fresh Outdoors is so pretty. I love the colors and the leafy elements are awesome!

Laramine has a new kit called My Shabby Garden. The papers are so soft and elegant and the kit has beautiful elements. She also created a set of coordinating Quick Pages. A must have!

Lots of new kits & want a $5.00 coupon to the STI store?

2011-04-05T09:29:00.000-04:00

Check out these super new kits in the store at Scrap That Idea! and keep on reading to find out how you can get a $5.00 coupon to spend in the store! :-)

Mel has Sing Along this week - a brightly colored kit great to scrap any of your music related photos!

Stacey's new kit Hoppin' Down The Bunny Trail is adorable! So fun for your Easter photos!! You'll love it!

If you're a dog lover you'll have to have Sara's new mini kit I Love My Dog. So so cute!!

Garden Friends, the new collaboration kit for April, is stuffed full of beautiful papers and fun elements. I love the flower paper in this one!!

Want a freebie? Then check out this month's Free With a $5.00 purchase kit! and want to know how to get a $5.00 coupon to the store? Keep reading! :-)

So here's the scoop - win a $5.00 coupon to the STI store by entering the Recipe Challenge I am hosting over on the Scrap That Idea Blog! We're giving away TWO $5.00 coupons by random drawing. Follow the recipe and post your layout in the challenge gallery under Cheryl's Recipe Challenge and you're good to go!! It's easy peasy!! Can't wait to see your layouts over in the gallery!

Here comes Spring!

2011-03-26T11:06:00.000-04:00

I do believe spring is starting to arrive. The calendar says it's spring and even with some days still feeling like winter, Mother Nature is waking from her long nap. The birds are migrating, the leaf buds are swelling, grass is starting to green up, my Day Lillies and Hostas are starting to peek through the soil. YAY! all signs of beautiful warm days ahead.

I've been busy this week preparing for Lilly's 4th Birthday Party - four already? Seems like she was just a baby a few months ago! How time flies - I wish she would stay this little forever - she's so dang adorable and says some of the funnies things! Anyway her party is tomorrow at the Children's Museum - the only thing I still need to do is pick up the cake. It's going to be a fun day! Can't wait.

Scrapping the new releases for this week definitely put me in the spring mood! Take a look at the great new kits.

First up is Sara's new kit All Boy - a terrific boy kit with a palette of beautiful deep colors.

Stacey has a fun kit called Welcome Spring. The colors are so bright & cheery. The flower elements in this kit can be mixed and matched with different stems to create all kinds of different looks! Very cool.

Mel's new release As Sweet As Me also has a spring feel to it. Soft shades of pink and green make for some very "sweet" layouts!

Update & New STI Releases

2011-03-19T05:39:00.000-04:00

I've done quite a bit of scrapping the last few days. I have felt lousy - flu or something - so sitting on my behind is pretty much all I've had the energy to do. I'm not one to lay on the sofa and watch television or movies - so digi scrapping & napping has been my pastime.

Lots of new stuff in the store this week - check it out!

Mel has two new mini kits. I can't say enough about the mini kits - they are so easy to scrap with. The first one is Yeah - love the bright colors!

Mel's second mini is Pause. That's my daredevil son in the layout! A day at the track with his car club. Boys will be boys and keep mothers worried even when they're adults!

The new monthly installment of Vicki's Calendar Collection is now in the shop. She has added new papers, flairs and of course new elements for the month of April. Fun stuff to scrap with!

Sara also has a mini kit this week - a great boy kit called Sk8ter. Yep, once again that's my oldest son in the layout - he loves his car! LOL

Keeping eye on News & STI releases to brighten your day

2011-03-12T05:08:00.001-05:00

My emotions have been running high over the last several days. So much going on in my personal life and around the world. To add insult to injury, I've been plagued off an on with a migraine - no fun! It actually woke me up here in the wee hours of the morning. So I'm up drinking very strong coffee after taking some meds.

I, as I'm sure the rest of the world, have thoughts turned to Japan. There are so few words to express how I feel as I watch the video footage and read the breaking news updates. I know my blog as visitors from Japan, and to you I am sending my prayers. Our Earth - she is ever changing and reminding us the power she has.

On a happier note and one to take your mind off of the current news, are the new releases at Scrap That Idea.

Mel and Sara both have mini-kits this week, while Vicki has a full size one. They are so fun to scrap with - be sure to stop over at Scrap That Idea to pick them up while they are on sale!

These first two are by Mel

Spice

Mute

In Bloom
by Sara

Happy Days

by Vicki

It's Monday already? and New releases you'll have to have!

2011-03-07T08:07:00.001-05:00

As I sit here and look out the window, I see dreary dark skies. It's the kind of morning you just want to crawl back into bed and wait for the sun to shine. It's Monday and I should feel motivated to start the week off planning and doing something productive...........well.........do you ever feel like you just want to have a pj day? I seldom get to have those kind of days - maybe today I'll do just that. The weather affects me so much, I definitely get Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months. I'm such a sun worshiper and when it doesn't shine my umph goes right down the drain!

The one thing I am excited about, is that migration has begun - the dawn chorus getting a bit louder every morning. The American Robins are twitterpatting, the Great Blue Herons are in their rookeries, several species of ducks are arriving and I've heard Sandhill Cranes flying overhead. I should be out birding, but honestly, I don't want to drudge through all the mud recent rains have caused (with more rain to come this week!)

The designers at Scrap That Idea have beautiful new kits to get you thinking about spring! Scrapping with them and pulling out pics of warmer days has been my savior during dreary days! Take a look .............

Sara (Sweet Blossom Designs) has a stunning kit called Vintage Fruit. This kit is amazing with 23 beautiful papers and 64 elements - you'll be scrapping an entire album with it!

Lilly picking raspberries - she ate more than she kept!

Mel's kit Fresh is another one of her mini kits. I love love love all of the greens.

Until next time........here's wishing you bright sunny days!

Mel's New Mini Kit "Blues" and a Freebie Alert!!

2011-03-02T09:44:00.000-05:00

I am very excited to tell you Mel is back designing after a short break! She has created the most adorable mini kits! The first one she is releasing is called "Blues" and it has the prettiest hues of blues and yellows. I also love the alpha in this kit!

So are you ready for a new QP freebie from me? I have one for you today, created from the CT layout I did for Vicki's kit I {Heart} You. A beautiful kit, and if you haven't already picked it up, be sure to click on the link of the kit title to purchase it at Scrap That Idea. Don't forget that a $5.00 purchase this week will put an entry into a drawing to win $100.00 worth of points toward store kits! Plus.......don't forget the monthly freebie kit (Four Leaf Clover) you'll receive for any $5.00 purchase.

Grab my free QP here
leave me some lovin'

Happy Birthday Scrap That Idea!

2011-03-01T11:22:00.002-05:00

Today marks the 2nd birthday for Scrap That Idea! I've been working with these girls since the store opening and you won't find a kinder, sweeter, fun & creative group of gals! I luv 'em all!

Look at the great opportunity they have for you in celebration of the store's 2nd birthday! Then check out the new releases - one from Vicki and the March collaboration kit and March freebie w/purchase kit!

Check this out! With any $5.00 purchase between now and the end of the week you'll be entered into a drawing to win $100.00 worth of points for purchases in the store!! Spend 5 bucks for a chance to win $100.00 of points - how easy is that! Plus, $5.00 can buy several kits AND you get the monthly freebie kit with your purchase! So even if you don't win the drawing you're still ahead by getting lots of new stuff to scrap with! Scroll down to see this month's collaboration kit and free w/purchase kit.

The March Collaboration kit What Spring Brings is perfect for this time of year. The color palette is gorgeous!

and take a look at Four Leaf Clover; this month's free kit with a $5.00 purchase.

and........I can't forget Vicki's new release of Cloudy Day! So adorable!

Check back here tomorrow!! I have a freebie for you!! :-)

Time to celebrate Scrap That Idea turning TWO!!

2011-02-28T06:45:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow marks the 2nd birthday of Scrap That Idea! and the designers have a great celebration planned! Here's the scoop. If you spend $5.00 in the store during the first week of March, you'll be entered into a drawing to win $100.00 worth of points. WOW - that is one heck of allot of goodies for the lucky winner. Plus, if you check out the specials going on now you'll find it's a snap to spend $5.00 and get some fantasic kits! The collaboration kits alone give you tons of papers & elements to create lots and lots of pages. Don't forget, when you spend $5.00 you also get the monthly free kit!

Tomorrow also marks the date for the March Collaboration release and you're going to LOVE it! Think spring!! :-)

Check back here tomorrow! Have a great start to the week :o)

What's new & look what you can get for only $2.00 at Scrap That Idea

2011-02-26T10:37:00.000-05:00

I mentioned last week that the weather here has been fairly mild, plus it's been raining. Well......one yucky thing comes with mild weather & rain after the snow. The dreaded mud. Yes mud and lots of it (since the yard needs to be seeded.) I'm not sure what the allure is, but the dogs seem to love it or rather don't mind it. They romp in the mud; push each other down and roll in the mud; go out in the field and wade through the standing muddy water. The result? Well see for yourself.

Lovely huh?

When the dogs get this dirty they stay in a room off the back door we appropriately refer to as the "mud room." The floor is ceramic tile (see pic) and is also heated. It's nice in the winter when you have cold feet, but keeping it clean is a pain! I try to curtail some of cleaning, plus give the pooches something dry to lay on, by placing old sheets on the floor.

I don't like the dogs to be this dirty, nor have to stay in the back room. So after a day of playing in the mud, they get a very soapy warm bath. Which leads me to the layout I did for Sara's new mini-kit Wet. It's a great little kit to work with and I used a few of the scalloped shapes from her new digital element kit of shapes and mats (see the preview below.)

Laramine (Artgalstyle) has a gorgeous new kit this week. It's Glamour Girl and I loved working with it. I'm not an official member of Laramine's CT however when I saw this kit I asked if I could do a layout for her. To my delight she said yes! Thank you Laramine!! She has beautiful kits and if you haven't seen any yet, be sure to check them out over at Scrap That Idea.

Ready to scrap, scrap, scrap??? Check out the sale at STI!! All of the collaboration kits below are ONLY $2.00 ea!! This pic does not do them justice - and it's hard to see the tons of elements and papers in each one. But believe me when I say, you've got to visit Scrap That Idea to get a closer look at all this eye candy. For only $2.00 a kit you can't go wrong! You'll have lots of beautiful new goodies to scrap with and where are you going to find this high quality of Designer kits for this price?? No place that I know of. Grab them up before they are discontinued!

Have a happy scrappy weekend!

New Calendar Collection Set & Lovely at Scrap That Idea

2011-02-19T10:02:00.001-05:00

Is winter over yet? The month of February may be the shortest but the cold days seem to make the month drag on forever. Once the month of March starts, I become very impatient for Spring to arrive. March is such a pickle of a month too - one day can be rainy & cold and the next sunny & warm. We've had a peek of springtime weather this week. Temperatures in the mid 50's (F) to mid 60's (F) with sunny skies. The snow is completely melted, and the landscape is back to dull, drab beige and browns. So...... I await the arrival of March, warm temperatures, and shades of green.

If you're keeping up with the P365 then you'll be ready to grab up Vicki's March installment. She has also added new papers and great calendar spots! Take a look.............

Sara of Sweet Blossom Designs has an adorable Mini Kit this week along with a variety of butterfly digital stamps! Her mini kit Lovely is just that - lovely!

Snow is for Sledding & Snowmen - Plus New Goodies at STI

2011-02-12T19:44:00.000-05:00

Me & Lilly scoping out the hill

I hope your weekend is going well. Mine is a bit lazy today. Cloudy skies and cold winter temperatures make me want to hibernate. At least the temperatures are warming up a bit - in the 30's (F) instead of near zero. Wooo hooo - a heat wave. But go figure, next week the weather forecasters are saying highs in the 50's!!

In any case, we're still covered in snow, ice, and more snow! At least now the snow is wet enough to build a snowman and is great for sledding! Last weekend I bundled up, braved the cold (yes I love the out of doors but not the cold weather!) and that's exactly what we did. Lilly has been wanting to build a snowman for weeks and it was finally warm enough (if that's what you can call it, meaning it wasn't bitter cold) for us to get out.

Lilly with Beau & Buddy

So we donned the winter gear and after several layers of zips & snaps, out we went with dogs in tow. As I mentioned above, we have ice under the snow. I wasn't out ten minutes before I slipped and down I went landing on a combination of my left elbow and behind! Lilly turned to me and said in a very grown up manner, "be careful Grandma!" The very thing I had just said to her! I had to chuckle at my own slippery slide; as I watched Lilly's little feet stay steadfast, even with Buddy and Beau jumping around her in excitement.

Here we go!

The house is on a hill with sloping fields behind it. The perfect kind of sledding hills. Just steep enough to get a long fast run without fearing you're going to end up head over heels with a sled on top of you. The first run was a bit slow since the snow had not been broken. Just the right speed so Lilly would be excited to go again and not be afraid. This was the first time she had been sledding and I certainly didn't want to scare the child out of wanting to go again! Lilly LOVED it! She and I slid down the hill together several times before she decided she was ready to go it alone.

At the bottom of the hill - long walk back!

Of course the bad part about sledding is having to walk back to the top of the hill. We certainly got our exercise doing so. At one point Lilly stopped, sat down, sighed, looked up at me and said, "You go on Grandma, I'll catch up with ya." Well.......that was my cue it was time to take a bit of a break. We stopped where we were and made snow angels.

In that the day was getting late, it was time to get the snowman built. The snow was perfect for packing! It didn't take long before the bottom of the snowman began to take shape. I worked on the main part while Lilly started rolling up snow for the middle. We had to do a bit of patching here and there, but after much smoothing out we had our snowman. I don't have a picture of the finished product as it was nearly dark when we finished it. Let's just say we have a perfect rounded little snowman keeping watch in the yard.

So now that I've shared one of our snow days I want to let you know about the beautiful new goodies at Scrap That Idea. Just take a look and you'll see what I mean!

Sara's new kit is Be My Valentine and it is gorgeous! Tons of beautiful elements and papers with rich colors. l loved working with it. I didn't have any Valentine photos to use so I twisted things around a bit and used it to scrap Christmas photos! I thought heck why not? The kit is so versatile! The photos are from the Teddy Bear Tea Lilly attended. She was the perfect little lady and I was so proud of her.

Teddy Bear Tea

Stacey's new kit is Always and Forever. A combination of formal and whimsy elements that you can mix around to make great layouts. It's not just for weddings, you can also use this for anniversary and even Valentine's Day layouts. Be sure to check it out over in the shop because she also has two add-ons for it. One with clusters and the other additional tabs (as in the Bride and Groom in my layout) for wedding party members. You can easily use this kit to scrap an entire wedding album!

50th Wedding Anniversary of Bill & Rachel Savage

Vicki's new kit Boys Will be Boys has a great color palette. I love the word art and the fun polka dot paper! Here is my layout and the kit preview is below.

Stay tuned for some new stuff by me! I think you're really going to enjoy it!

New Releases at Scrap That Idea!

2011-02-04T20:02:00.001-05:00

Sara and Vicki have some very cool releases this week at Scrap That Idea.

Sara has created a set each of digital stamps and templates. The "2010 Year in Review Stamps" are perfect for finishing up pics from last year and starting your layouts for this year!

The same goes for her "2010 Year in Review Templates". They provide a quick and easy way to scrap lots of pics! Add a few elements here or there.....or none at all and your done! How easy is that?

Do you have a Fireman in the family? or a little one that dreams of being a Fireman (or Firewoman)? If so Vicki's new kit 911 Rescue is perfect to scrap the Heroes or future Heroes. This is such a cute kit! You just gotta have it!

We have ICE & February New Releases at Scrap That Idea!

2011-02-03T03:14:00.001-05:00

The last couple of days have been so crazy! The Ice Storm that roared through the Midwest is finally over. The worse part of the storm hit on Tuesday. We were plummeted with freezing rain throughout the day and night. It sounded like millions of little BB's hitting the roof and windows. Everything is ice covered. The winds strengthened late Tuesday night and continued through yesterday. I feared a power outage would occur at any time. So far so good......we lost internet but still had power. The freezing rain turned to snow yesterday, so the high winds formed drifts we'll have to dig out of, plus the ice we'll have to chip out of! Even the dogs didn't want to go out and when they did.......I couldn't help but laugh as they lost their footing and slid.

So.......I'm a bit late posting the new collaboration releases at Scrap That Idea. I started a post yesterday and sure enough, we lost internet while I was typing it up. So without further ado, take a look at these great kits!!

The February collaboration Funky Love is amazing. It has tons and tons of elements! and of course perfect for the Valentine's Day holiday this month.

and..........you'll get the awesome kit Doodly Do FREE with any $5.00 purchase from Scrap That Idea !! How cool is that? Head on over to the shop and pick up some great buys!

February Desktop Freebie for you!

2011-01-30T12:02:00.000-05:00

I created a February desktop calendar for you! Grab it on the Scrap That Idea Blog. Can't stay and chat at the moment, I'll give ya an update soon. A winter storm is on the way and I'm heading out to the grocery to stock up in the event we get snowed in. Here's the preview for the calendar, just click on it for the link to the STI blog and to pick it up. Take care! and hope your Sunday is a good one so far.

Check out the Freebie on Vicki's Blog!

2011-01-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

Vicki has a wonderful freebie on her blog that coordinates with her new kit I [Heart] You, plus you can pick up the kit for only $3.00 - a super deal! Click on the freebie preview to visit Vicki's blog to grab the freebie and the kit preview to go to Scrap That Idea for the kit! Hope your Saturday is good so far :-) Happy Scrappin'

Freebie you can get on Vicki's Blog

I [Heart] You

New Releases at Scrap That Idea

2011-01-28T04:25:00.002-05:00

This week's new STI kits are gorgeous! Just take a look!

Vicki is releasing I [Heart] You - a beautiful kit with a palette of my favorite color combination. The kit is perfect for Valentine's Day, girl, anniversary, friend, couple, or children layouts. I loved working with it. The pic in my layout is Lilly and Beau. It was taken back in October when Beau was small enough to lay across Lilly's lap......he sure isn't now!

I am so excited that Sara is back designing!! Her first release is Purple Magic and it is gorgeous. Her kit has 60 elements in it! and wow - so fun and versatile to scrap with. I love kits with natural greenery and flowers so this kit was right up my alley!

Big Announcement! & Sneak Peek plus chance to win a new kit!

2011-01-24T10:08:00.005-05:00

Hey! guess what??? I'm so excited that Sara (Sweet Blossom Designs) is rejoining the Designers at Scrap That Idea! and........below her announcement is a sneak peek at her newest kit. Beautiful! Head over to Sara's blog for a chance to win her new kit!

New Kits by A Work in Progress by Vicki! and a FREEBIE

2011-01-21T06:03:00.005-05:00

A Work in Progress Designs by Vicki is releasing two super kits today! and you can get one free!

First up is a freebie a collaboration with Designs by Angel. Both Vicki and Angel's previews are below my layout. You can pick up the papers today on Vicki's and Angel's blogs and the elements next week. Click HERE to head over to Vicki's blog and while you're there you can grab the link for Angel's blog........but don't go YET! Keep reading!

The 2nd kit is Village Fair. I love the color palette of this kit and the elements are great. Follow the link from the kits title to Scrap That Idea and give yourself some fun new goodies to scrap with this weekend. Also......keep an eye out :-) Scrap That Idea has a GREAT announcement coming and......come Monday I'll have a new QP for you. Hope you have a super Friday!

Kitchen Capers QP Freebie!

2011-01-16T20:46:00.003-05:00

I promised you a QP before the weekend was out and here it is! It's a QP of my layout using Vicki's kit Kitchen Capers. Hope you are able to use it! You can pick up the kit over at Scrap That Idea. I've love to see what you do with it, so load your layout to my guest book, at the bottom of my blog!

Pick up the QP
Here
or click on the previews to take you to 4shared.
Leave me some luv please! :-)
Enjoy!

New Releases at Scrap That Idea

2011-01-15T09:38:00.004-05:00

I hope your weekend is starting off on a good note. I'm behind! For some reason I thought yesterday was Thursday and not Friday! I lost a day someplace along the way. LOL

I want to update you on yesterday's new releases at Scrap That Idea. Take a look at these really cute kits! I also want to let you know I'll have a new QP for you by the end of the weekend! YAY - I'm so excited to start offering them again.

First is Stacey's Scrappin' Doodles - A blue/green kit with lots of ......well..... doodles! A kit you'll have lots of fun working with. The pics are of Lilly back in the summer playing with our neighbor's kitten. Little girls and kittens.......the combination of the two are so adorable.

Next up is A Work in Progress by Vicki. If you're planning on creating a P365 this year then her new Calendar Collection kits are just the thing you need. Even if you're not working on a P365 they have tons of super fun papers & elements to create pages for anything! Vicki will be adding new coordinating goodies to the collection as the months of 2011 go by. Take a look at the January and February element kits and bright fun papers below my layout. I love the bright and happy colors!!

You'll notice the layout I did isn't a part of a P365 project. As I said, the collection can be used to scrap anything! not just a P365. Please note that the dog tag alphas are not a part of the Calendar Collection. Those alphas are from Vicki's kit Raining Cats & Dogs.

The photo is a picture of me meeting Beau, the Golden Retriever puppy I reserved from the breeder. He's adorable! Looking at this picture, it's hard to believe he was ever that small! I sure can't hold him that way now. Beau is going to be huge!! I'll be posting a blog all about Buddy and Beau soon. In any case, be sure to head over to Scrap That Idea to pick up these new kits - you'll love to have them.

Happy Monday!

2011-01-10T07:47:00.013-05:00

I mentioned earlier I would give you an update on me. Where to begin?

First off I'm living back in Indiana, way out in the country up a very long lane, in a house on 3 acres, surrounded by lots of pastures and fields. Pastures you say? Yep......and Long Horn Cattle roam them. Long Horns in Indiana? guess Texas isn't the only place you'll find them! The house and yard were a mess. The majority of last summer was spent working on both - lots of work and more is needed. I still feel very unorganized (which I hate) but oh well, I've learned not to stress over it anymore. Everything will eventually fall into place.

I continue to have custody of my granddaughter Lilly (now 3 yr). She is a doll, my sunshine, my life. My daughter Ashley (Lilly's mother) is doing well and living in Wisconsin. She has met a very nice fellow and he has asked her to marry him. I'm keeping my fingers crossed what started out a stressful situation 3 years ago will have a happy ending. I hope I didn't just jink it! Ashley comes to visit as often as she can, but it's sometimes hard for her to get any length of time, besides a few days off of work. She's working at David's Bridal and loves it. Actually, they offered her a job a few days after she went in to try on wedding dresses (she was there 6 hours!!). They told her they loved her bubbly personality. Ashely attended her first Bridal Convention and fashion show this past weekend and my oh my! the pics she took show some beautiful stuff for weddings!

Lee (my oldest son and my Soldier) arrived home from his deployment in Afghanistan last November. To say I was relieved is an understatement. The FOB airfield (his work location) was constantly being targeted, and it was a constant worry of mine. Lee is stationed in Savannah Georgia and loves it there. Heck I do too! I've traveled to Savannah several times over the last year and I'm getting to know the area quite well. Every time I go I feel like I'm stepping into the Old South. In any case, he and his girlfriend Anjali have an adorable little townhouse and getting all settled into a routine after he being away for so long. The photo on the left was taken via my cell phone on the day he arrived home.

My youngest son Cory (my Sailor) is departing for his sea deployment very soon. I get one son home from a deployment and my other one goes out. What's a military Mom to do? Cory loves being a submariner and loves his job. I'm very proud of him, however it's so tough to have to live by the Navy rules.........no communication while he's underway (the navel term for being deployed to sea). I've said it before and I'll keep saying it.......it's so hard to not know when he goes out, where he is at any given time, and when he'll return. All I know is he'll be a sea for 8 months to over a year......LONG TIME without being able to communication with your child.

So what else? well we now have 2 pups - Buddy and Beau......yep - two! Am I crazy? Buddy is a Border Collie/Blond Lab mix and as of this writing is 7 months old. Beau is a Golden Retriever - yay! finally got the Golden I've been wanting for years. He is 5 months old now. Both can be a handful at times, however they are great dogs! They love Lilly, are very loving, playful and protective. Each of them lay by her bed after she is tucked in at night. It's very sweet. Buddy is on the left and Beau is on the right in the pic.

Lilly? she is such a little charmer, so funny, so smart, so quick to learn new things. You may think I am bias since she is my granddaughter, but seriously she is one little bundle of knowledge for her age. She keeps me on the go - constantly. She brings sunshine to the days I feel a bit down.

Lilly loves to help me with whatever I am doing, be it out in the yard working, cooking (she loves to help make cookies), or even those boring chores as folding laundry. She loves working on "projects" as she says and is becoming very creative. When the day comes I finally have the scraproom I long for, I plan to design it so she has her own little crafting space with her own supplies. Her Grandpa is also getting her involved in his Magic Shop - she's fascinated by the illusions and tricks and is quite the little salesgirl! I'm sure he'll have her appearing on stage with him in no time.

Me? I still struggle with depression at times, but I'm fighting it every step of the way. I've started scrapping and being creative again - I didn't realize how much I missed it. I have to thank Lilly for getting me back involved in crafting - as helping her with projects sparks my creativity.

I'm stilling looking for that perfect full time job. STILL. I get very discouraged at times and wonder if I'm spinning my wheels and not seeing a sign as the reason why I can't find anything. I've applied for several and each time.........nothing. Is a higher power trying to tell me I'm suppose to do something else? if so, why? when my passion as always been to make a difference in an area I love - Wildlife, Ecology, the Environment.....to protect what He has given us. I often wonder just which road I'm suppose to take or if I took the wrong one somewhere along the way. It's a question I am always praying about.........I'm always seeking an answer to.

I still don't feel like my life is happy. Yes......I have many things to be happy and thankful for - great kids, a beautiful granddaughter, and the many people that support me. But I feel as though something in my life is missing and I can't put my finger on it. I do know I need to feel productive (other than the mother, grandmother everyday stuff productive) and excited about a goal, a dream.........something to be involved in - something important. I'll be the first to say I'm a leader (I'm not bragging here, it's just the personality I have) and without "leading" something I feel lost. I'm also a people person.........and the solitude I've been in has not helped the situation.

In any case.........I'm hanging in there and in no way falling back into the place I was before. I keep my spirits up the best I can. I still have "those days" - but they don't hit me near as bad as before. I find something in my day to be thankful for - albeit a bird on the feeder or a long hot shower.

These are just some of the things that have occurred since I've been away - and as always, I thank you for hanging in here with me. The weeds in my life's garden are becoming fewer and fewer.

Much luv to you!!

Stacey's Dollar Sale!! WOW

2011-01-08T00:36:00.003-05:00

WOWZA- In celebration of her birthday, Stacey is having a HUGE sale! Everything in her store is only $1.00 !!! that's right........just a buck!! Grab up her kits during this sale!! It ends tomorrow so be sure to head right over to Scrap That Idea and start shopping!!

New Release by Vicki - Kitchen Capers

2011-01-07T06:10:00.002-05:00

YAY - my first layout for 2011! Vicki - A Work in Progress at Scrap That Idea is releasing her newest kit today - Kitchen Capers. A great kit full of fun elements and kitchy (is that a word? lol) colors. Drop by Scrap That Idea to pick it up! Have a great Friday!

Please send healing thoughts and prayers

2011-01-05T08:58:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note this morning.

Can I ask you to please send healing thoughts and prayers to Vicki's (A Work in Progress) father. He is having a triple heart bypass today. My thoughts are with her now as I'm sure she and her family will have a very long day.

Happy New Year!! with the key word being "new"

2011-01-04T05:43:00.002-05:00

WOWZA - how time has flown by! I can't believe it's been sooooooo long since I've posted on my blog! Geeshhh...........shame on me!!

Good news!! Yay - I'm back as a CT member for the Scrap That Idea girls: Vicki - A Work in Progress, Stacy - Stacey's Scraps, and Mel - Mel Hains Designs!! I can't wait to get going again! Of course I'm kicking myself in the behind that I've missed so many beautiful kits over the last (yep, can you believe it) nearly a year!! Even my photo taking as been nearly zero - yikes! Well that is about to change now that it's the new year.

So many things have happened in the time I've been away from my blog. I'll catch ya up soon. Just wanted to say " HEY - I'M BACK" - don't be shocked!!

Luv ya all!! hope to hear from some of you soon.

New Goodies at Scrap That Idea!

2010-03-01T08:47:00.004-05:00

Happy March 1st! I always love this date. To me it signals warmer weather is on the way. I keep saying to myself......just another month and spring will start to show. I'll be so happy when it does. My spirits rise just thinking about it.

You're in for a real treat with the March Collaboration kit from the Scrap That Idea Designers. Once again, they have put together an amazing collection of papers and elements. The kit - Live For Today is in the store now, so be sure to pop over and grab it! Here is my layout and the kit preview is below. Scroll on down for other new kits released this week!

Live For Today

Sara's new kit SuperStar is a great kit for the boys in the family.

Stacey's new kit O is for Over The Moon is adorable with bright colors and fun elements

Vicki's new kit Spice of Life has fun colors and elements!

N is for Nature QP Freebie!

2010-02-22T12:41:00.007-05:00

Happy Monday to everyone. It's snowing like crazy here! A wet heavy snow that is covering the pine boughs and weighing them down. The snow is beautiful but my thoughts are toward spring. The QP I have for you today does just that.....makes me think of spring and when everything turns green again! It's from Stacey's kit N is for Nature and you'll probably recognize I made the QP out of my CT layout. I've posted Stacey's full preview below so you can get another look at this wonderful kit. It's is one of my favorites and has tons of cool elements and papers!

Download the QP
HERE
Leave me some love!
Hope you have a great day!

New kits at Scrap That Idea!

2010-02-20T23:46:00.005-05:00

Stacey and Mel have new kits this week and they are awesome. Check them out!

First is Stacey's N is for Nature kit. It's one of my favorites of hers!

Next is Mel's kit My Funny Valentine. It's adorable!

Check back tomorrow for a few quick pages. :-)

Vicki has a beautiful new Freebie for you!

2010-02-15T12:02:00.003-05:00

Blog readers are so lucky this week! Vicki is giving away a beautiful kit on her blog. I can't spoil the fun and show you the entire preview since she's giving it away in 4 parts. But I can show you the layout I did using the kit. Think sunny fun colors on the papers and elements!! Head over to her blog to start picking up the parts. Be sure to leave her some love!!

Visit Vicki
Here

Valentine's Day Freebie for You :-)

2010-02-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!! I hope everyone has a great day today.

As a Valentine treat I've created a QP for you! It's from Stacey's beautiful kit I is for I Love You. The colors are sooooooo pretty and I believe just perfect for today's holiday. Be sure to stop over to Scrap That Idea and pick up her kit - you won't be disappointed!

Pick up the QP

HERE
I've missed all the love
please leave me some!

The Scrap That Idea Store Grand Re-opening!!!!

2010-02-11T07:37:00.009-05:00

YIPPEE!! The new store is now open!! Check out the chance to win a $10.00 gift certificate and take a look at some of the beautiful new kits the Designers have created..........ooooooo lala!! To celebrate the grand opening, I'll have some QP's for you within the next few days. Keep an eye out!

Desktop Calendar Freebie!

2010-02-01T07:15:00.002-05:00

Want a desktop calendar for this month? Head over to the Scrap That Idea Blog and pick up the one I created! Enjoy!

You wouldn't tell someone..........

2010-01-29T09:43:00.004-05:00

with Cancer to just get over it.

Those words come to mind as I begin to update my blog. Those words seen on any number of billboards along the roadways; informing readers that Depression is a real illness. I know......I've had it and have it. This is not an easy thing to admit. I've always been the upbeat person, the motivated person, the strong and confident person.........but life events coupled with the chemical imbalance associated with Depression had and has gotten the best of me.

Depression is not new to me. I've been on anti-depressant meds for years. However I never fell into the black hole I was in ....nor could I understand why the meds didn't seen to work as before, why I couldn't seen to handle the stress I was/am under. I thought of past stressful situations and life events. I had gone through those with no problem.......why couldn't I now? The answers are many and complicated.

My doctor explained it to me this way. Each and every life event (major or minor) has an affect on us, regardless of being diagnosed with Depression. Life events such as a divorce, death, job loss, financial difficulties, family problems, etc.... stress our psych. The stress compounds with each event as though building a multi-layer maze. Each event has a series of emotional stages one must complete in order to move on. If one event is layered on top of another, the emotional stages are not completed but rather compounded, therefore the multi-layer maze of emotions is more difficult to overcome. There is no time frame for this to happen, as each individual handles things in different ways and lengths of time.

Now, couple life events with hormonal changes and/or other physical ailments, and the maze continues to grow in layers. It just so happens I have hypothyroidism and the feeling of depression is one of it's symptoms. Add to the mix my hormones being wacky from going through menopause ...and yep........it's no wonder I feel as though I've been hit broad sided and thrown in the gutter. So why could I handle things before? In my case it's the time frame and type of events.

Even though I continued to be on anti-depressants my psych was overloaded.

What's the hardest thing? to look in the mirror and see someone you don't know, which is exactly how I felt. It's horrible to constantly feel worry, sadness, resentment, anger; and still somehow make it through the day. I felt worthless, was unmotivated and wondered why or should I even exist anymore. It was then....... I knew it was time to admit something was wrong; this wasn't me; it was time to seek help. "

Things are better now. At least I'm not crying at the drop of a pin and I can smile and laugh at things that may have bothered me before. My faith has also pulled me through......knowing that no more is put on you than you can handle.........and I add to it: If you don't think you can handle it then get some help.

Depression is a real illness........it's not "all in your head." It's affect does not stop with the person who has it. Depression affects nearly every aspect of your life - from the relationships with loved ones to a simple chore as fixing dinner. The answer is to recognize it and realize it's something you can overcome.

So that's the bottom line as to why I haven't updated my blog. I won't go into all the things I've gone through - going through. Maybe in time I'll share my thoughts.

I do thank you blog readers for staying with me and I look forward to providing you new QP's from the awesome kits by the Scrap That Idea designers. Be sure to start looking for new goodies as the new Scrap That Idea store is opened.

Much love ~~ Mwah

You have extra time to download those QP's

2009-11-16T10:02:00.002-05:00

I posted last week I will start today removing the links to my QP's that are over 6 months old. Well, life as a way of throwing us curve balls and I won't have the time to begin removing the links until next week. My oldest son is being deployed overseas and the date has been moved up. I'm on my way to spend time with him before he departs and is gone for a year. Therefore you have an extra week to grab the QP's you may have missed. Wish me safe travel and pray my son, my soldier stays safe.

A Bit of Blog House Cleaning - Grab the older QP's while you can!

2009-11-11T09:24:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe my blog has been active for just over a year now. I've decided to do a bit of clean up and revamping; therefore, I will be deactivating the links to any QP's that are over 6 months old. I will start deleting the files from 4shared and deactivating the links on Monday. You have 4 days to grab the QP's you might have missed. Hope all is well in your part of the world!

Happy Monday - New STI Kits and a Freebie from Mel!

2009-11-09T11:42:00.006-05:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend. There are new kits in the store at Scrap That Idea. I'm sure you'll definitely want to head over and pick them up straight away.

Stacey's new kit is H is for Happy Hoedown - grab those cowboy pictures and scrap away! This kit is adorable and has rich earthy colors!

Mel's new kit is My Little Tutu and it's soooo girly! I love the lavender and blue shades she has used!

I'm a bit late in announcing Mel's freebie kit for this month. She's giving it away in four different parts on her blog, each of 4 parts over a series of weeks. Here is her sneak peek of the kit and below is my layout.......you'll want to visit her blog PDQ and start picking the kit parts up. Once you have all of it you'll be sooooo glad you did. The kit is beautiful!

Visit Mel ---------------> HERE

Digi SB Day FREEBIE #4

2009-11-07T16:00:00.000-05:00

The final QP for today is from Mel's kit Yum Yum Bubblegum. The kit is so fun to work with!! Check it out over at STI - I've posted the kit preview below the QP. Hope your Digi SB Day has been a great one!

Pick up the QP
HERE
Personal use only!
Leave me some cyber hugs!

Digi SB Day Freebie #3

2009-11-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

I love the colors Stacey used for her kit Summer Lovin'!! Plus the elements are sooooo lovely! Here is your QP freebie #3 today! Enjoy and stop over to Scrap That Idea while they have the 50% off sale!! It's for today only!!

Pick up the QP
HERE
Personal Use Only!
Leave me some cyber hugs! :-)

Digi SB Day FREEBIE #2

2009-11-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

Sara's kit Twilight is GORGEOUS! so I couldn't resist creating a QP using the kit. The QP is actually the same as the CT layout I did for the kit, the only difference is the frame. I hope you enjoy! and be sure you stop over at Scrap That Idea to drop the Twilight kit in your shopping cart today!

Pick up the QP
HERE
Personal use only!

Happy Digi Scrapbook Day!! Freebie #1

2009-11-07T08:25:00.003-05:00

Everyone ready for the big day today? I know I'll be visiting several sites and downloading TONS of goodies! To celebrate National (Global) Digital Scrapbook Day the designers at Scrap That Idea are running an awesome sale!! Check it out!! Then........scroll on down for my first freebie QP for today!! Keep checking back throughout the day because I have 3 more free QP's for you!

Vicki's latest kit Oh Boy is sooooooooo adorable and I've created a QP for you using the kit. I have 3 more QP's (one from each STI designer) throughout the day. Check back at noon, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm for the other quick pages (US EST).

Pick up the Oh Boy QP
Here
Leave me some lovin!

Happy Birthday Sara!!

2009-11-04T01:46:00.003-05:00

There is a birthday at Scrap That Idea today! The lovely and talented Sara (Sweet Blossom Designs) celebrates today! (well.... as I post this she has already been celebrating, since we're 12 hours apart!)

Sara, you amaze me! You're one busy lady that has it all together!! You're a sweetheart and I sooooooo cherish being on your CT! I'm toasting your special day! Mwah! Luv ya!!

Beautiful new Collaboration at Scrap That Idea

2009-11-02T09:08:00.003-05:00

This month's collaboration by the designers at Scrap That Idea is simply stunning! It's called Strawberry Kisses and it is crammed full of all kinds of goodies! The designers come up with bigger and more beautiful kits as each month rolls around. Head over to the store to pick this one up! It's a gotta have for your digi collection!!!!!!

Girly Girl QP Freebie for you :-)

2009-10-19T11:58:00.002-04:00

Vicki's Girly Girl kit is simply adorable, so I couldn't resist creating a QP for you. I've posted the kit preview below my QP. Be sure to take a close look and then head over to Scrap That Idea to pick it up. Girly Girl is a must have kit and can be used for a variety of different pages.

Pick up the QP HERE
I'd love to see what you do with the qp! Feel
free to come back here and sign my guest book!
Personal Use Only!

What's new at Scrap That Idea

2009-10-18T10:20:00.007-04:00

Happy Sunday! Hope your weekend is going good! Here are the new releases at Scrap That Idea!

First is Stacey's kit It's the Tooth Fairy - this kit is amazing! I loved working with it! The elements in this kit are delightful! Stop over at STI for an even closer look!

Vicki has released her kit Oh Boy! It's full of bright colors and adorable elements. Visit her store at STI and drop it in your shopping cart!

Next is Mel's new kit Leigh, made for one of her CT members. The kit has rich warm colors and beautiful unique elements. So pretty!

Check back tomorrow, I have some QP'S for you! :-)

QP Freebie!! D is For Daddy by Stacey's Scraps

2009-10-13T06:40:00.003-04:00

Did you stop over at Scrap That Idea and check out the new kits I listed on my post over the weekend? You just can't go wrong when you purchase a kit (or 2, 3....) from STI, considering the kits are amazing and the prices unbeatable!

I have a QP for you using Stacey's adorable kit D is For Daddy. Take a close look at the kit preview below and you'll see I only used a fraction of the elements in my QP. Pop over to STI and pick up the kit........tell Stacey I sent ya :-)

Pick up the QP
HERE
Personal Use Only
Be sure to leave me some lovin'
I very much enjoy reading your comments :-)

New Kits at Scrap That Idea and with Freebies!

2009-10-11T05:18:00.007-04:00

You are in for a real treat this week! Not only have the designers at Scrap That Idea released beautiful new kits, but some come with freebie add-ons!! So keep reading down and take a look at the new goodies, then take the links to the freebies. :-)

Mel continues the release of her Passions collection that represents her CT (can't wait till she designs mine!) This week she releases Lou Ann......... a kit full of beautiful papers, elements and a must have alpha! Lou Ann provided a palette of relaxing lavender and green tones; Mel spun her magic and the result is ooooooooo lala! Take a look!

Vicki has created a stunning kit in which the name describes it perfectly! Girly Girl is just that.....all girl! Head over to Scrap That Idea for a closer look. I had a blast playing with this kit.

Check out Vicki's blog for the freebie Cluster Frame that coordinates with the kit! It's so cute! Be sure to leave her some love! Visit Vicki's blog here.

Sara has a super treat for all you Twilight fans!!!!!!!!! She has designed a kit based on the book series and WOW!! it's amazing!! Even if you're not a fan or have not read the books (I haven't read them yet) the kit is versatile enough to create stunning (non-Twilight) pages. See my layout below as an example. Keep reading because there is a Twilight freebie you can pick up!!

Sara has super surprise for you! She is providing a freebie Twilight sampler you can pick up on her blog throughout this week!! Here is the preview of all the parts. Visit Sara's blog here to get the details!! Don't forget to leave her some love!! and be sure to pick up the Twilight kit over at Scrap That Idea.

Freebie QP for ya !! :-)

2009-10-06T06:42:00.007-04:00

I think I'm finally getting back into the swing of things! Life has been so crazy over the last 3 months and it may be settling down a bit. Of course I probably just jinked myself by saying that! I appreciate all my blog followers for hanging in here with me......I'll give you an update on the craziness of my life soon!

So I'm back to providing you QP's!! yay!! It feels good to be making and begin posting them again! This first one is using Mel's kit "Kim" which you can pick up over at Scrap That Idea. I've posted Mel's kit preview below my QP so you can see what a beauty it is! You'll definately want to pop over to her shop to pick it up!

Pick up the QP HERE
Personal Use Only!!
Leave me some lovin'
I've missed you all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKI!! & a Freebie!

2009-10-05T05:00:00.003-04:00

Today is the darling Vicki's Birthday and I just want her to know how much I adore her!! She is one of the sweetest people I know. If it wasn't for me finding her blog over a year ago I probably would never have seriously started digital scrapbooking. I hope someday we can meet in person! when we do we'll definitely be sharing a bottle of wine.......or two!

Here's to you sweet Vicki! I luv ya!! MWAH.............

To celebrate Vicki's birthday, she and Mel have teamed up on the freebie collaboration Party Time!! Here is my layout and below that are the previews for each part. Be sure to stop by Vicki's blog to pick up her part of the kit and be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday!! Then head over to Mel's blog for her part of the kit!! Follow the links posted with the previews - have fun!!

Pick up Vicki's part
HERE

Pick up Mel's part
HERE

New Beauties at Scrap That Idea!

2009-10-04T09:04:00.004-04:00

The new kits this week are great!! and the STI DT Collaboration for this month will certainly get your mojo going!! Take a look here and then head over to Scrap That Idea and start shopping!

Mel's new kit Cherry Mocha is beautiful!! The colors, papers, elements, and the alpha are so much fun to work with! Here is my layout and Mel's preview is below.

Next is Stacey's kit D is for Daddy. She has combined beautiful masculine colors with whimsy! The kit is so fun!

The October collaboration by the ladies at Scrap That Idea is stunning! It's a HUGE kit full of a variety of frames, ribbons, clusters, flowers, tags, unique elements, and includes 2 alphas!!! The colors of the kit are fantasic! Grab it now and start scrapping all your autumn photos! The preview to all the parts is below my layout. Pop over to Scrap That Idea for a closer look at each part of the kit!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a special surprise!! :-)

Beautiful new kits at Scrap That Idea!

2009-10-01T09:00:00.003-04:00

The ladies at Scrap That Idea never fail to amaze me with their talent!! Check out the new kits released over the weekend!!

Stacey's kit C is For County Fair is so cute!! Grab those carnival pics and start scrapping!

Mel's kit Autumn Breeze is full of unique elements and papers with rich colors......it's sooooo pretty!

Vicki gets us ready for Halloween with her kit Trick or Treat! This kit is so much fun to work with you'll just have to have it!

I've been really laxed getting you new goodies and I'm so sorry! Sometimes it seems when I take one step forward I get pushed back two steps! ugh! don't ya hate it when life gets like that? No need to go into all the details, I'd be writing for the next 2 days! Hang with me! Luv to you all! Mwah!

New Stuff at Scrap That Idea and win a $20.00 GC to the store!

2009-09-22T04:42:00.006-04:00

Check out these awesome new kits at Scrap That Idea!

Stacey continues her Alphabet series with B is for Back To School. I love the the rich colors of this kit and the elements are adorable!

Mel's new kit Hop, Skip and Jump goes straight to my heart with the beautiful shades of green and blues. This kit is great for those late summer pics taken at the pond or lake!

Sara released A Simple Life. A very versatile mini kit. Don't let the word "mini' fool ya......you can create tons of layouts with the selection of elements she created.

Vicki has a fun new kit called Funky Blue Jeans. It's a redo of her very popular kit Blue Jeans! Check out the fantasic challenge she has for the chance to win a $20.00 GC to her store!!

My orginal layout using Vicki's Blue Jeans kit.

My redo using Funky Blue Jeans.

New Releases at Scrap That Idea!

2009-09-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

I'm finally getting all caught up! It's amazing how much you miss and then need to do when you've been away. My trip to Virgina to see my son was great. The only draw back was the long 12-13 hours of being on the road!

You'll love the releases today at Scrap That Idea. Stacey has put together a very special kit for a friend of hers that has a son with Autism. All money from the kit sales will go to the organization Autism Speaks. I didn't have a chance to get a layout done for this kit, however I do want to share the preview with you. It's so bright and fun! Stacey also has an add-on (preview below kit) that goes with it. Take a closer look at her kit For Mason here.

The 2nd kit Stacey has today is A is for Autumn. This kit is prefect for your fall photos. The colors are rich and elements tons of fun!

Mel's new kit Yum Yum Bubblegum is adorable! I love the colors she put together for this kit and the elements reflect some of our sweet tooth favorites! Pop over to the shop and take a closer look.

I'm BACK and new goodies from Scrap That Idea!

2009-08-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

Wow - It's hard to believe that August is over after tomorrow and summer is coming to an end. This is the time of year I dread - really dread the upcoming chilly days. Autumn in the Midwest is beautiful - that is if the weather holds out and we don't get lots of rain. Keeping my fingers crossed Mother Nature blesses us, with an Indian Summer and warm days through October.

Sorry I've been sooooooo MIA! Computer issues, then being really busy kept me from scrapping. But I'm back (barring any glitches) and I have some awesome goodies to show you! The new releases at Scrap That Idea are wonderful! Take a look.......

First up is Mel's What's Cooking in the Kitchen - a perfect kit for scrapping those kitchen, feasting, or cooking pics. Not only that, she has put together a sweet set of recipe cards for you using the kit! Head over to Scrap That Idea to take a closer look.

Stacey has an adorable kit called Teddy Bear Picnic - it's so fun to work with, I love it!

Vicki's new kit Cutie Pie is just that.......oh so cute, cute, cute!! I love the elements and color combination of this kit.

Mel's second release this week is Airy Fairy. A very whimsical kit full of unique elements and beautiful papers.

Don't give up on me! I still have qps for you and will start posting them as soon as I return from Virginia. I'm heading down today (this post is pre-scheduled to publish) to visit with my Army son Lee. He graduates from yet more advanced training. I can't wait to see him.

Hope all had a great weekend! Until next time........happy scrapping!

New Stuff - Recipe Challenge & QP Freebie!

2009-08-03T10:42:00.005-04:00

Happy Monday! I'm soooooo behind in everything!! Do ya ever feel so overwhelmed that it seems you'll never get caught up? Well it's how I feel right now. So grab a refreshment and read on.

This month at Scrap That Idea, the girls are trying something different with the monthly collaboration kit. They choose a color swatch and designed around that swatch. The result is a set of individual items that can be used together or a mega bundle if you buy them together as a collection. Check out this full preview of all the parts and head over to the store for each individual preview. Each part is $1 and if you buy all 10 parts, you get them for just $5 - what a bargain!! Buy 'A Perfect Day' collection here. If you click the preview you will see a larger version of it.

My Recipe Challenge for this week begins today over on the Scrap That Idea Blog - go check it out Here - you could win a $5.00 coupon to the Scrap That Idea store!!

I wanted to post this freebie last week, however I am having a horrible time getting things uploaded to 4Shared. The upload speed is terribly slow and the site times out. After dozens of tries over several days I was finally able to accomplish the upload! Talk about fustrating!! I've been so used to a Cable internet connection and this DSL is driving me up the wall!! What a huge difference between the two - not to mention my DSL connection is suppose to be the fastest the company offers! YIKES

I created the QP using Vicki's kit Summer Berries. Please note I messed up the Kit preview and loaded the incorrect picture of Vicki's preview. She had changed the name of the kit and I grabbed the wrong pic and titled it wrong! I would have been more than happy to fix it, however I didn't notice it until after I loaded the QP file to 4shared........ so I'm letting it go through because of the problems I had getting the file uploaded in the first place. So sorry and don't go asking Vicki if she has two kits of the same thing!! Vicki - just shoot me now if I've caused any confusion!

Pick up the QP Here
Personal use only
Luv reading your comments!

Secret Garden QP Freebie :-)

2009-07-28T09:05:00.005-04:00

I created a quick page for you using Mel's new kit Secret Garden. The kit is so much fun to work with. I've posted Mel's preview below so you can take a close look at it. Find it in her shop over at Scrap That Idea. Hope your week is off to a great start! Happy Scrapping! :-)

Pick up the QP HERE
I love to read your comments!
Personal use only

New Kits at Scrap That Idea

2009-07-26T08:22:00.003-04:00

You're sure to love the new kits released today at Scrap That Idea. Take a look at what the creative and talented Designers have put together. I love all of them!

Stacey has Sweetie Pie - a kit brimming with soft hues and adorable elements to satisfy your sweet tooth.

My son Cory will not be happy I'm posting pics of him sleeping! But I couldn't resist using them for Sara's kit Rise and Shine. This kit is so fun and great for pics taken on the farm!

Vicki's kit Berry Sweet makes me think of Cherry trees brimming with the yummy fruit. The papers and elements are so lovely!

Mel's new kit Secret Garden is one of my new favorites of hers. The papers are beautiful and it's full of the beautiful natural elements I love so much.

Just a quick note about my layout. I have tons of hummingbirds visiting my feeder and I just adore them. They zip and zoom all over the place, they don't even mind if I am just a few feet away. I have sat for extended periods of time using different settings on my camera to capture these little flying jewels. This is just one pic of dozens that I have.

Summer Berries QP Freebie

2009-07-21T06:43:00.003-04:00

Stacey's kit Summer Berries is soooooooo pretty and I couldn't resist creating a QP for you. Her kit preview is below the QP previews. This layout is also the example for this week's Recipe Challenge on the Scrap That Idea blog. Join the challenge and you could win a $5.00 coupon to the Scrap That Idea store. Check out the challenge here.

Pick up the QP here

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