A Barefoot Soul

Sophistichic

2012-01-02T21:53:00.001-08:00

Hey all! I’m dropping in to give you a peek at Scraps ‘N’ Pieces kit Sophistichic. Lori has put together a really romantic, beautiful kit, that fits well with everyday photos. I’m not a big fan of pink and purple, but the grey, blue, and aqua in this kit enhance the pink and purple. This kit ended up surprising me, and I adore the pages that came out of it. Have a look…

I adore the pattern papers in this kit, and absolutely love the ribbons, so they took center stage in these pages. Take a peek.

I’ll let you in on a secret. That’s only a slight photo treatment. Her silhouette was nearly black, but just not quite black enough for my preference, so I upped the contrast just a smidge, and got the effect I was looking for.

This layout was a challenge for me, I like all of my elements/words/photos to be all on the page. I struggle to like layouts that I make where things go off the edge of the page, but I really like this! I think I’m starting to head in a direction with placement that I really enjoy.

The colors in this kit are very bright and spring-y, but they work for a girly girl, a tomboy, or rough and tumble boys. Be sure to take a look at Sophistichic by Scraps ‘N’ Pieces, and add it to your collection for every day layouts!

Be Kind, Rewind!

2011-12-06T13:39:00.001-08:00

Carissa of This Little Missy has a new rewind kit for you this month! All throughout December, White Christmas will be on sale for $2.00, and the bundle (including awesome QP’s and Cardstocks) will be 25% off! Head over to the store at Stuff to Scrap and pick it up!

Just to show you how great this kit is, here’s a look at what I’ve done with this kit previously….

There’s also a paper stacker that I made in the QP collection, so be sure you take a look!

November Rewind & $2 Tuesday

2011-11-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

Hey all!!! I'm just dropping in to let you know about This Little Missy's November Rewind! She's featuring a kit this month, that I loved using! Plum Perfect is full of rich colors, great neutrals, and quirky elements that make this a real treat to work with, especially for everyday photos. Carissa of This Little Missy has packed this kit full of great basics to work with, and even the simplest of pages look spectacular. Here's the preview to refresh your memory....

I love that this kit has so many great patterned papers that are all so different! She also has the cardstocks available in the STS store, and the whole package is bundled together if you're interested in a one-stop shop! And to let you know, they're on sale all month!!!

Let me just give you a refresher on what I did with these kits earlier....

These were a blast to make the first time around, and be prepared for more from this kit coming up! I was so excited when Carissa announced this was the kit she'll be promoting!

In other news, it's $2 Tuesday at Stuff to Scrap, and Carissa has both Plum Perfect and Stitched with Love in the bin today for you!

So head to the Store at Stuff to Scrap and check them out!

Stuff to Scrap is calling your name!

2011-09-28T19:28:00.001-07:00

Hey All! STS is having a CT Call! We're looking for a few good scrappers to join our team, and help promote the fabulous designers here at Stuff to Scrap.

Requirements include:

Create 2 layouts or 1 hybrid project with the downloaded kit.
Post the layouts or hybrid project in 3 galleries, STS, and 2 others of your choice.
Blog about it on your own blog with a link to the store.
Blog on the STS inspiration blog.
Enable the product you download at Stuff to Scrap
Make 10 comments in that designers gallery
Participate in 4 Stuff to Scrap challenges each month

To Apply: Send a message to stufftoscrap[dot]com[at]gmail[dot]com with the subject “CT Call” and include a link to your gallery, your current CT commitments, a link to your blog, and a short introduction.

We make the perfect pair…

2011-09-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

And I’ve got “A Perfect Pear” to show you today! Carissa of This Little Missy has been super busy putting together a fantastic kit called “A Perfect Pear” and it’s filled with gorgeous browns, greens, and tans. Have a look for yourself!

I love the assortment of elements that she’s included. Some are definitely pears, and others are beautiful for any layout! I love the tree especially, and the bunting (as you know!) She’s also got a great assortment of ribbons, and her patterned papers are to die for!!!! I love the way everything looks together in this kit. I put together a few layouts with this kit, and I absolutely adore the way they’ve turned out!

The patterns in this kit are both bold and subtle, so they make for amazing background papers, or just as an accent on your layout! It’s a really muted color palette for this kit, but “A Perfect Pair” has just enough pop to make a black & white photo interesting, but let a color photo shine on your page. Head over to Stuff to Scrap to pick up A Perfect Pear from This Little Missy!! ***She also is offering the kit for 25% this week! Keep your eyes peeled too, because she will be releasing a bundle with a QP pack in the very near future as well!***

And just an addition to this, we really do make the perfect pair….

We got our engagement photos back from the awesome Tina Vega Photography! If you’re looking for a photographer in the Minneapolis (and surrounding) area, definitely check her out!

Banner of Love!

2011-09-01T16:01:00.001-07:00

Hey all, here to show you a little bit of what I’ve been scrapping this month! First I have a kit for you from Digi-Designs by Nicole, called “Let the Good Times Roll” ! She has some awesome colors for fall that will work for both boys and girls, and let me tell you what…. I LOVE just how simple or complex you could make pages with this kit!

She has all the basics in her elements: stitches, ribbons, flowers, buttons, frames, etc. Plus, that adorable banner, and some awesome word tags. Have a look at what I’ve been doing!

I love those fall colors, they’re so good with almost any photo, or any activity! This kit would be perfect for first day of school photos, fall birthdays, or even just your everyday moments. Head on over to the store at STS to pick it up.

And while you’re there, take a look at What a Wonderful World by 3 Li’l Monsters Designs. She has created a super funky kit, that (as my layouts will show you) has another banner that I LOVE!

Do you see it hiding up in the top right corner? AHh! Banner! Anywho, there are cute trees of green, and flowers too. Plus, she’s got a few “earth” embellisments, and a bunch of frames and flowers, and leaves, and the patterned papers in this kit are WONDERFUL, as appropriate as that is…. take a look at that banner in action….

Um, excuse my silly. I can’t seem to contain it. But check out those frames and banners! If you’re looking for a funky outdoor kit, an everyday kit for a silly person, or maybe you just love bright colors and banners like I do, this is a great kit for you to pick up at the store at STS!

Don’t forget the Lyrics!

2011-08-27T17:19:00.001-07:00

Have you seen this ridiculous show? Mark McGrath, ask I know him from Sugar Ray (yay!), and formerly Wayne Brady, hosts this ridiculous show called “Don’t forget the Lyrics!” where random Joe Schmoe comes in and sings… Until the Backstreet Boys. Okay, I know there were lots of other celebrity’s who came on before, but I think this is hysterical!

Do you see Brian’s silly pant/shoe thing he’s got going on? And AJ’s classic sunglasses? Ahahaha! It’s like they haven’t grown up…oh, wait! I love that they’re all fumbling over this song (but don’t we all?!)! If you’re curious the lyrics should have been, “Bardot, Budapest, Alabama, Khrushchev, Princess Grace, Peyton Place, Trouble in the Suez.”

I digress… This post is actually about wedding music. Yay! We’ve been going back and forth over the last year or so trying to figure out what music we’re going to use for not just the reception, but also our ceremony. I’ll start with some selections from our reception, because we need help (ah!)

I’d Rather be With You by Joshua Radin

Say Hey by Michael Franti & The Spearheads

1,2,3,4 by the Plain White T’s

Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk

L.O.V.E. (Cover) by Joss Stone

So now, if you’re not on overload from that awesome-ness, I want to share with you the two songs we know we want to incorporate in our ceremony. The first is from Dave Barnes, and it’s called “Nothing Fancy”. Now, I won’t tell you where in the ceremony this will be used, but, I love the lyrics… there’s something so truthful about the line of the chorus, “There’s nothing you could not find in any other man,” because as a cry between myself and G, and between humanity and God, it’s very humble. It’s a way of admitting that we’re blessed, and we’re lucky, and we’re loved even when we don’t necessarily deserve it. I love it.

The second song I have to show you is “Dancing in the Minefields” by Andrew Peterson. I had no idea this song even existed until my January intensive this year at Luther. It was suggested to me that not only is this song about the success and struggles of marriage, but it celebrates what ministry, community, and the body of Christ look like. Oh, listen to it, and you’ll get what I’m talking about….

So that’s my random splattering of Saturday music…. I hope you love and enjoy the sounds, and I will happily welcome any suggestions you may have for laid back summer reception music if you want to leave me a comment!

Change, and a Plan.

2011-08-23T22:24:00.001-07:00

This year, I will do something for me. I will sit down, and I will make a plan. And this year, I will make the choices necessary to make it happen.

I feel like I say this every year. Normally, in January. But now. Today. I’m going to say it. It is August 23rd, 2011. And I want to be different.

And God wants me to be different.

There’s been a very careful nudge at the edge of my world for the last few years that I’ve let be just that, a nudge. I have been dealing with a lot of my mental clutter recently, and I stumbled across what instead of just a nudge was a shove that landed me smack on the ground. Things need to change in my life, and perseverance and faith have been lacking in these areas.

You see, I tend to expand my faith in theories, in other people, and in what I know. In places where God is, and I feel comfortable. What God has been trying to tell me (I suspect for years) is that where I am uncomfortable now, is where I want to be someday. Someday, a not so very near someday, but someday, I would like a family. I would like to find joy and simplicity, and challenge in my crafty pursuits. I would like to be involved up to my eyeballs in the richness of God’s life changing ministry wherever I’m at, and very little of what I did just today moved me closer to those things.

God and I sat down with an orange soda this evening, and had a chat about those desires of my heart, and we looked at all the things that I’ve done today, on August 23rd, 2011, and only a few of them were really getting me closer to God and His plans.

So, we’re making a change. A change that will not be easy, that will not come without low points, and will not be complete overnight. But I am assured that this change will be good.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. – 2 Thessalonians 3:5

IMHO UR GR8!

2011-08-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

I fail as a blogger, we all know this. But nevertheless, I have a new kit to show you! I think this kit, like all of This Little Missy’s kits, is awesome, and so versatile even though it seems really limited. This month, Carissa of This Little Missy has release a kit called TXT ME, that is filled with bright colors, short hand texting phrases, and funky bits and splashes to add some interest to your pages! Have a look:

Bright, right? I love that there’s black and white here for a neutral background, with LOTS of fun colors to add some interest. She threw in some great paper-pieced elements that were so much fun to use. Take a peek:

I love the phrase tags that coordinate with this kit! This Little Missy is putting up her awesome new kit for sale for a short period of time, and she’s bundling all the pieces together (add-on, phrases, and kit) as well! In addition to the sale, we have some freebies for you as well…

I’ve made this layout into a quickpage for you! You can make it into a playlist if you like, put up some song lyrics, or frame up your favorite music lover! The QP doesn’t have any writing, the star and all the paper tabs are blank, and the screen of the music player is blank.

You can head over to 4shared to pick up your freebie, and then head over to This Little Missy blog to pick up other fantastic freebies for this kit. Afterwards, head off to the Store at Stuff to Scrap and grab the TXT ME kit from This Little Missy!

Green with Envy

2011-07-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

I've spent this month working with some fantastic kits, but each layout that I've created has made me miss the memories of that day. You could say, I'm green with envy of myself in a former period, but then I remember that I got to experience it when it happened, and today will someday be one of those days! In the meantime, take a look at these kits....

This is the fabulous BAK from July from Mommy Me Time Scrapper. She has put together a huge series of kits for gardeners, flower-lovers, and farmers alike, with a great variety of papers as well! I had a blast working with these kit pieces to come up with layouts....

The other kit I have to show you today is Softly from Adriana's Cafe. She made up this beautiful kit with one of the hardest colors to work with ever, Yellow! But it looks fantastic, and incredibly bright and cheery. I had to use it for some fun layouts, so take a look!

I absolutely love the way these layouts have turned out recently! I definitely think you should head over to the Store at Stuff to Scrap and pick up both Softly and Gardener's Delight and take on your scrapping for the month!

A Bit Spirited

2011-07-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to realize that June is over, and July is here, and all of a sudden it will be August, and then September. That's just way too soon, but I'm getting ahead of myself. I've been few and far between lately because I've been a part of some fantastic things this month! I have gone to see my godkids, my mom, my "cousin" who left for the air force, and a few nearby friends, and then to my mom's wedding reception, Valleyfair, and lots of time at work. It has been really gratifying to see everyone, though not so great on the wallet, but it's really, really been all worth it. I'm thrilled to be back home and resting though.

On to the task at hand, I worked with a new kit from This Little Missy called "Americana." Obviously, this is the season for a bit of patriotism, but Carissa hit it out of the park with this kit because it's perfect for your 4th pictures and beyond. I know this would be great for a lot of concerts (especially country), plus your everyday photos, tributes to military personnel, or even some couple-y photos as well. But don't take my word for it, have a look.....

I love that she threw in the gorgeous tan, and the light blue. It keeps it really playful, and light, and makes it great for boy photos especially. I on the other hand, have a very "spirited" goddaughter whom I chose to scrap, as well as a bit of "4th" fun...

The alpha that came with this kit, shown in the Liberty layout, is amazing, and super easy to work with actually. I was worried it was going to be too "perfect" (straight lines and all), but it looks really good a little tipped, and really good all lined up and even!

So that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. But that's definitely not all. I have a freebie for you as well! From the first layout, I am giving away the frame cluster. It doesn't include the titling, but the splatter, tag, frames, elements, etc. are all there for you clustered and flattened into a .png image. So head to 4shared to pick up that, then to Carissa's blog for This Little Missy to score some more fantastic freebies, and afterwards, head to the Store at STS to pick up "Americana!"

Sun and Snow

2011-06-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

It's Summer!!! And it's hot. And I'm sunburned. I guess that's what comes with summer, but I'm thrilled that the sun is shining, and that June is over! It has been a busy, busy month. It's nearly over now, but I'm going to show of the fruits of June labor, and the layouts that go with them!

First, I have a super bright and cheery kit from Scraps by Andrea called "Just Because" that makes me feel like I need to lay in a hammock, read a book, and eat an orange (which is precisely what I plan on doing in July). The colors are citrus-inspired, with oranges, yellows, and greens, plus a pop of turquoise. She's included some great patterned papers in with her solids, and has a mix of realistic & whimsical elements that make for really fun layouts. But stop listening to me and have a look at the goods!....

So, please, head to the Store at Stuff to Scrap and pick this one up for your days in the sunshine.

But while you're there, don't forget about your leftover photos from winter. I know it's hot out, but I know we all have them. The snowy/cold photos that are left in your stash that you just didn't get around to after Christmas and that dreary April snow. Oh, is that just me? Alright. Anyways, Seal Scraps created a gorgeous kit called "Nipping at your Nose" that blends some bright colors with a snowy scene to make a kit that's surprisingly versatile!

That's all for today, but make sure to head over to The Store to grab some sun and some snow, and enjoy scrapping!

As Wonderful as She…

2011-05-31T07:40:00.001-07:00

I had the awesome opportunity this month to work with two great kits from STS Designers. And because my mom has been really fantastic with wedding planning, and her own wedding, and a billion other things, I wanted to do some layouts with her on the page! I realized after I started with this ambition though that it was a little difficult, because I don’t have nearly as many photos of her as I would like. You see, she’s the kind of person that is involved with everything, she loves to host parties/dinners, she works tons, and she cares about her family. I’ve noticed that she happens to be at nearly every event that’s photo-worthy, and almost none of my photos are of her. So mom, be warned. I plan to take your photo more often!

Anyways, the first kit I want to show you is, “As Wonderful as She” from Meagan’s Creations. It’s primarily directed at mom’s and mother’s day, but nothing says it has to be that way! She gives you tons of beautiful elements that would work for families, valentines, everyday photos, and even garden photos (lots of flowers!), so it’s a really versatile kit. Have a look….

I LOVE those papers! They have such a great variety of styles and colors and patterns to fit whatever may suit your mom, or anyone else you’re scrapping! Take a peek at what I’ve done…

Okay, so she’s a bit goofy, but she’s my momma! I loved that As Wonderful as She has not only super great clustering elements, but also some “vellum” word art pieces! They are so great for journaling, titling, and even layering.

The next kit I have for you is Family Traditions from Digital Harmony Design Studio. The kit is super beautiful, and the colors are more earthy, but they are combined with a a really soft pink, so it’s an easy kit for valentines, family photos, and some everyday scenes! Take a look…..

The blues and greens are subtle, but there is an awesome, almost vintage, vibe to this kit! I started to run out of photos of my mom, but I definitely didn’t run out of things to say about her! She is a great chef, and has taught me nearly all of what I know. It was easy to give her the credit for my first pie!

So head over to the shop at Stuff to Scrap to pick up As Wonderful as She from Meagan’s Creations, and Family Traditions from Digital Harmony Design Studio!

I’m feeling a little inspired…

2011-05-18T17:01:00.001-07:00

So, here it is… The first-ish-ly type inspiration board for the wedding. I’m not super thrilled with it, but some things I really love and you will see similar at the wedding, other pieces are likely going to change, if not entirely, then by little bits and pieces. One thing won’t change though, but I’ll tell you about that another time!

1.) Source Unknown (Any Ideas?) 2.) Green Wedding Shoes 3.) Be Spoke 4.) Ruffled 5.) JCrew 6.) Budget Savvy Bride 7.) Wedding Window 8.) Enchanted Dream Weddings 9.) Source Unknown (Any Ideas?) 10.) 2000 Dollar Wedding 11.) Holland Photo Arts Blog 12.) Guestbook Store 13.) WeddingBee 14.) Elizabeth Anne Designs 15.) Source Unknown (Any Ideas?) 16.) Peppermint Bliss 17.) Personal Photo

I’m getting super excited about all the plans, etc, and I’ve been working off and on over the last few weeks to get pieces put together and some things planned out. Hopefully that means that you will begin to see some projects going on, and maybe more inspiration photos as time passes!

Fresh…

2011-05-17T22:56:00.001-07:00

I think I have fallen in love with an inanimate object. Okay, so, more like a digital file. Or a bunch of digital files. This Little Missy released a new kit… “Freshly” and it’s filled with gorgeous greys, tans, blues, and greens. It’s super fresh, and I love the muted-bright colors and the funky patterns that make for a really great basic kit. Have a look…..

Ahhh, gorgeous right? It makes me want to kick back with a mojito in an Adirondack chair over looking a lake, or mountains, or something beautiful. I am thrilled to show you this layout….

I love this photo, always have. I took it while I was in my very first photography class, and I haven’t had a time/place to use it for a layout. This kit was just too perfect, so I made it work with some of the lyrics from this month’s Song Lyric Challenge at STS.

Carissa has a bunch of freebies going up over at her blog today from the kit, including the paper stacker that I used in this page. Head over there to her blog to have a look, and then over to the store at STS to pick up Freshly for yourself!

Head over to 4shared as well to pick up my paper stacker!

A Little Sporting…

2011-05-01T18:43:00.001-07:00

Carissa is at it again, she’s got her May Build-A-Kit in the store at STS called “Good Call.”

So good! As usual, her papers are awesome, the elements cover a huge variety of sports, and she’s got a good set of other elements for everyday layouts and combining for a regular kit with all the other BAK pieces.

Head over and have a look!

A Touch of Color

2011-05-01T17:45:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, the big question in wedding planning is, “what are your colors?” I’ve shown you my color palette before, but I have yet to show you an inspiration board. And I’m not going to do it just yet! Be on the lookout in the coming days for my board.

In the meantime, I’m using “Touch of Red” from Gettin' Scrappy with Britt to get some pages done. I love the way these turned out, but have a look at the kit first….

I love the mix of grey, red, and ivory! This kit would be beautiful for a winter wedding, Valentines day, or some stormy photos outside. It makes a great everyday kit too for boys or girls. I had some photos left over from the shoot I did with my parents for their wedding, and a panorama my fiance took, that hadn’t been scrapped yet. Have a look-see….

Head over to the Store at Stuff to Scrap to pick it up, with so many of the other awesome kits, and as always, be on the lookout for new kits coming out!

Holidays in April...

2011-04-17T09:32:00.001-07:00

Let's see, there's April Fools Day (1st), potentially Easter (Ummm, whenever it kinda wants to be), and this year, Christmas!

What's that you say? Christmas is in December? Never! Okay, so it is, but for me, it was today. Again. Not because I got presents, but because I couldn't get over an article I read for class. Now the article itself is not overly important, and definitely not the cause for this posting, but what resulted from it definitely is.

I’ll give you one clue... Pantophobia.

(Source)

Nothing? Okay. THAT'S IT!

Got it yet?
No?

Fine, One more clue...

Yay! It's A Charlie Brown Christmas! And surprisingly this tree was a kit from Urban Outfitters at one point…. Strange. Anyways, there are so many good quotable pieces in this film,

Peanuts A Charlie Brown Christmas What Are You... by Warner_Bros_Entertainment

I love that last one the most. It's also what brought on Christmas in April. You see, the article I was reading quoted those verses, and I was astonished that rather than reading it in my head in my own voice, suddenly I could hear Linus in his sweet voice, echoing through the empty hall. I love it. So peaceful, so simple, and it reminded me of Easter.

Yes, Easter. It's not really very simple to explain, but straightforward as I can make this, Easter is an opportunity, among many others, to reflect on the lives we lead in the short moments that we have. By using those times to see God in our everyday, our every moment, we invite him nearer to us, as we also draw closer to him. What a joy and comfort and peace in that there is.

There’s the added piece of life and death in this as well. If we search for meaning in Christ’s death and resurrection, should we not also search for meaning in his living? Of the gospels, only a few chapters are devoted to his death and resurrection, opposed to the many chapters in the gospels, and outside of them, that consider his life and teachings as the subject. What if we spend time considering his death for us as part of his life, as just a part instead of the whole story?

A Spring Cleaning Project

2011-04-12T13:18:00.001-07:00

I have been a vegetable today, and filled with peanut butter saltines, YUM! I know, poor college kid diet, but it was just a snack between square meals. Over the last week though, I have been busy trying to get things up to date in my apartment. This has meant laundry, windows, hanging things on walls, etc. It’s the last part that has been the best though.

I have enjoyed the feel of the weight of a hammer in my hand swinging towards a tiny target being held against the wall. I love it. Overall, I’ve hung up 5 new pieces in my apartment, and I haven’t returned the hammer to the guys just yet. We’ll see what else gets put up in the coming weeks.

In the mean time, I want to show you the fruits of Friday’s labor. Have a look!

The key hooks, the wall hanging, and the jewelry screen all went up on Friday, and the Jewelry screen was my big project. I found the screen leaning against a tree in town this week (Spring Hauling in town) and picked it up. It’s HUGE, a little over 5 feet tall and three feet wide, but it’s fairly light, and had brackets screwed in at the top.

I snipped an inch or so of the screen on either side to slide the yellow ribbons through and attach to the back, and I hammered in nails across the center and top for hanging necklaces, then put up some of those awesome 3M Hooks.

Ahh. I love it! I’m using the ribbons for post earrings, and the screen for hooks. All my necklaces right now are on nails, except a few that need repairs. I don’t have any open spaces though, so as I get things I need to get rid of others, or take the whole thing down and put in more nails…. oooh, more hammering!

We’ll see right now I guess. No plans to buy new jewelry, but who honestly plans that? I can’t say I do.

Surprise!

2011-04-11T13:14:00.001-07:00

I have a freebie for you today! I’ve been able to get some of my own scrapping work done lately, and my bestie has been asking for templates, so here they are! This pack has three separate templates, shown below, each in a flattened JPEG, flattened PNG, individual PNG layers, and PDN (Paint.Net).

I also have some layouts with these templates, just so you can see them… They will look familiar, because I’ve used them for kits before. Like I said, at my bestie’s request these were made. Have a look!

I had Jess whip up a quick LO for this third template, and I say she definitely did an AWESOME job with it. I love it a ton!

She rocked this LO, and I’m thrilled! Head over to 4shared to pick this up, and over to Jess’ blog, “Giggly PolkaDots” to see more of her layouts.

A Bright and Sunshiny Day

2011-04-10T19:29:00.001-07:00

And it has been, until last night. We were part of the first big spring thunderstorm this year, but with all the flooding in the area recently, I imagine everyone living outside of the city limits though is not quite as happy as I was. I love me some rain, and because of the recent weather, I’ve been thinking a LOT about umbrellas.

And the fact that I don’t have one.

So, I have been scouring the interwebs for these fabric & metal beauties, and I want to show you what I’ve found!

Sources from Left to Right: One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Ummm, Awesome?! Okay, the first umbrella is a kids umbrella, but I would totally carry that bad boy! So cool. I threw in the classic second umbrella, with the pretty wood handle and the plaid. The third umbrella is by far the coolest on this list. It is made from recycled plastics and each one is completely different from any other one, not to mention, they come in sweet colors. I adore the fourth umbrella because it’s got an awesome floral pattern going on. The bright colors are just beautiful, and I would definitely use it as a parasol as well. The fifth umbrella I put up for Jess, just because of sunflower love.

Enough of the rain though, I have a spring, easter-y, happy day kit called, “Oh Hoppy Day” by Rainamoon Scraps. So cute!

Like I said, spring-y, right? The alpha is super adorable jelly beans, and there’s a great mix of colors for both boys and girls layouts. Plus, she incorporated doodles as well as some realistic elements. Have a look!

I don’t really have any easter photos left to scrap right now, (maybe after the holiday) so I kept looking, and my pipsqueak in her purple shirt was just the right color. And I had perfect inspiration from the butterfly tree the ladies had given me at the wedding shower last weekend, so I took some photos quick and threw those in! The butterfly on that LO is actually one of the ones from the tree that I extracted.

Head over to the store at Stuff to Scrap to pick up Oh Hoppy Day by Rainamoon Scraps, and then to the forums to do some scrapping!

Feeling Handy?

2011-04-01T22:41:00.001-07:00

Neither am I, but occasionally I get into one of those moods and there’s no stopping me. Granted, my version of handy has been putting up adhesive hooks, hanging ribbon, fixing loose screws, and sewing. Nevertheless, I have been feeling handy. As such, be on the look out for upcoming project photos: gifts for my pipsqueaks, a crafting apron, etc. I’m excited to show you them, but they’ll have to wait another day or so.

I have a handy kit to show you today as well, Knittin Jen over at Stuff to Scrap has a kit called “Luke’s Shop” named after one of the children of her CT members, and it’s all boy! Or, all work, whichever way you prefer to look at it. Have a look for yourself…

Remember the Time When….

2011-04-01T22:25:00.001-07:00

that thing happened, at that place, with those people? Yea, Neither do I. But for those things you do remember, Meagan’s Creations has a kit for you! I love the retro colors, the stylized elements, and the awesome patterned papers. But don’t take my word for it, have a look…

She’s also released a great template kit, that really works layers well, and takes advantage of all the space in a 12x12 layout. The template pack is fantastic, especially because she’s made sure to include individual layered png files. I love it.

This is what I made with it!

There are TONS of colors, and tons of shapes, and stylized pieces. This kit is great for everyday photos, outdoor adventures, and retro flashbacks. Head over to the store at Stuff to Scrap for Those Were The Days and take on some of the April challenges in the forum.

Have you heard about bento?

2011-03-28T13:18:00.001-07:00

I’m fascinated by this! I’ve seen pictures, read blogs, and now I’m totally and entirely caught up by this phenomena. Have a look and tell me what you think….

(Source: Mimiwu on Flickr)

Umm, Yum! I am thrilled with this concept. Something that helps portion control, promotes healthy & colorful eating, and the money-saving convenience of making my own meals. All good things—all really good things. I’m totally confused when it comes to a few key components of these awesome lunches: rice, boxes, and time. Lets start at the beginning, I guess.

Rice: My mom is an amazing cook. She cooked professionally for a while, and still loves to entertain. I inherited some of her skill, but rice was not one of those. You see, I burn rice. Most always, my rice will turn out like this:

(Photo via Just.One.More.Bite.)

I honestly can’t do this. Yet. I want to be able to make rice. I love rice… so tasty! How on earth do I do this??? How can I manage to make rice without a HUGE rice cooker taking up valuable cupboard space?

Bento Boxes: They have every stinkin’ style of these possible! I have found some I love, but I just don’t know if I can make that leap yet. I have seen some who just use Tupperware, or the locking food storage dishes. I’m not quite sure what to do, but I think I’m going to try using something I have for the time being, then if I get the hang of this I will find an actual bento box.

(Source: JList)

Time: So about that…. In the time it has taken me to write this blog post, I probably could have cooked enough meals for this week and complete a bento box for every lunch in this same amount of time. Where I lack time though, is in the morning, before leaving the house. Then I lack serious time. I’m more of a roll out of bed and put on whatever is comfortable, clean, and cute before leaving. Oh clock, you are not my friend.

(Even though you look SO tasty…. via ThisNext)

I am just dreaming right now, I suppose, but it all looks so tasty. I’m going to be hungry all through work now, but I suppose this all will have to wait until another day, and another lunch. But we’ll see I guess….

This Very Moment…

2011-03-26T19:02:00.001-07:00

I am in a crafting/sewing/planning/papering/decorating/drawing CREATIVE mood.

There are so many things I want to do right now that are swirling through my head, and with my weekend plans on hold from potential weather problems, I guess I have the time to do them!

Here’s what I’ve been drooling over…

The Aprons in this Book are fantastic! I love the different variations and ideas. It’s super inspiring. The pattern situation on the other hand is not quite as thrilling because they’re all pretty mismatched and overlapping. Oh well. Pattern-making skills to the rescue!

(Source: Amazon)

Projects for my Pipsqueaks… No photos here, mostly because I don’t want to spoil the surprise. Jess passed on that Berti is still into drawing, and would like a carry-all for that. Lolo is still a mystery, but I have some ideas for him too. Be on the look out for those in the future.

I would love to have a french press so I can make this French Press insulating sleeve. There’s one that I’m hoping for someday, but for now I am just dreaming. *Le Sigh*

(Source: Moda Bake Shop)

This Quilt – Umm, if I could quilt, cut a straight line, or have that much stamina…. Can I do any of those things? No. So, for now, I dream.

(Source: JCaroline Creative & City Quilts by Cherri House)

Today has not been productive for any of these projects, but I’m bustling with ideas, so I guess we’ll see if tomorrow brings anything!

What’s going on today….

2011-03-18T11:07:00.001-07:00

1) Registry.

I think this is going to suck the life out of me, but I’m amazed at all the different types of things that exist online, and how many choices there are for things as simple as salt and pepper grinders. It’s also lead me over to HelloKitchen, where I’ve been reading all of Cindy’s ideas and drooling over her tasty goodies.

She’s an architect, and features some really interesting remodels and projects on her site, so I’ve been searching out ideas that I can use in this little apartment, and get some idea for what I want/need on this registry, especially in the kitchen. This below the sink drawer is AMAZING, and I will definitely be keeping this in mind for when/if I get to design my own kitchen. Head over to her post @ HelloKitchen to see the rest of this inspiring kitchen.

(Source: HelloKitchen)

She’s also got a great checklist for reorganizing and decluttering your kitchen, in my case, it’s doing both, and helping me figure out what I need to register for. Leave her some love if you download and let her know just how awesome the site is!

2) Reading

It’s this darn Kindle…. I love it! I’m using it for class, which means lots of textbook readings, and pdf’s and note-taking. It’s been great for all of those things. But mostly I’ve been catching up on some of my own personal reading. I’ve finished reading Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen (my favorite author), The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters by Barbara Silkstone, and The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise by Julia Stuart.

(Source: Amazon)

All were great, in their own quirky way, and I’m in the middle of Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen right now. This is a re-read, so it’s been a bit slower going because I know what happens, but all in all, still very good.

3) Menu Planning

I need to go grocery shopping. It’s true and terrible, but I do. I’m currently searching through my websites and cookbooks, making choices for the new recipes that I want to try this week. In the meantime, I’m also admiring an old link I have for a menu planner project. Over at Ollibird, they created an awesome planner that I can’t wait to actually put to good use.

They say to put it in a frame under glass and use a dry erase with it, but I’m thinking laminated magnet paper, and putting it right up on the fridge. Any other ideas?

For the time being, I’m dreaming of One-Pot Spaghetti and it’s tomato-y goodness.

4) Painting my Nails

I’ve been on a pretty good schedule of painting my nails since I got engaged. It’s not always a good look, depending on the color, but I have at least been trying to keep them trimmed, clean, and shiny.

(Source: All My Photos)

Clockwise from Top Left: Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel #210 “Jelly,” Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel #320 “Jaded,” Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure #410 “Lavender Cloud,” Essie Nail Lacquer #152 “Fiji,” Rimmel London 60 Second Nail Polish #805 “Grey Matter,” Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel #330 “Emerald”

I am in LOVE with these colors. Some of the brands are better than others, but I really like Revlon (can you tell?) because they have a really good consistency. I’ve been using Sally Hansen Nail Nutrition Green Tea & Bamboo Strengthener for base and top coats. It’s great because it keeps everything shiny, and is great for filling some of the ridges I have in my nail beds.

That’s all for today, I guess. Take care all!

It’s a day of good green things….

2011-03-17T12:25:00.001-07:00

…and purple ones! First, I have a new project to show you, at the request of my dear future SIL.

While we were in Virginia last week, I picked up some fabric and buttons for a new kindle cover, and this is the result!

The Details: fully lined, front pocket, timepiece buttons, felt padded between layers, all finished edges, piping trim on the pocket, elastic button loops, and fold-over flap.

It’s was a really fun project when I got back, and it’s super snug, so I don’t feel like my kindle is in any danger. I might do a tutorial later, but I would need to make another case, so maybe not? I’m not sure.

I have a last quick promotion, and this one is actually green….

If you pop over to Carissa’s store (This Little Missy) at Stuff to Scrap, she has a surprise waiting for you.

I’m so excited to work with it! Expect to see LO’s in the near future, and I want to see yours as well. Link them back here, or up in the STS Gallery, so I can comment on your pretties!

Kelsey

Housekeeping, and all the rest…

2011-03-01T12:32:00.001-08:00

No, I’m not planning on boring you with tales of cleaning. Not by any means.

I am, on the other hand, trying to clean out my e-mail (never-ending process!) and get all the good things up in the scrap world that I have to share with you!

First of all, I had two great kits that I was working with this month at STS. The first of which is Animals Animals All Around by the fabulous Scrappin Serenity. Christie Dawn put together this awesome bold colored kit for all the fun, and sometimes not so fluffy, animals in our lives. Have a look….

And my layouts:

It’s true. I want a puppy! I have been bringing it up to G for almost a year now, and I know someday it will happen, just not nearly as soon as I wish somedays….

In the meantime, I’m playing with more scrap kits! I also had the opportunity to work with Hoot, Hoot, Hooray from Scrapalicious Cereal. Jennifer made a great birthday kit, definitely more masculine colors and themes, but I used it with my girlfriends photos. There’s a ton of adorable elements in this kit, especially the happy birthday banner. Love it!!

And here are my LO’s….

I had a blast with this kit… She’s got some flowers and leaves and other various elements thrown in there, but I loved the realistic buttons. They just looked so great with this kit. It would be perfect for a fall birthday invitation, or for scrapping growing boys. Like all her kits, there are a ton of really fun elements to work with.

Now, on to news from Stuff to Scrap:

Like most months, STS designers have collaborated on a color palette to bring you a great series of Build-A-Kit’s. Each has a mix of papers/elements/etc. and you can buy what you like for your “kit” this month.

Also, if you buy 3 or more regular priced March BAKs (1.99 and up) you can get them for 50% off
using coupon code:

MARCHBAK_BUY3_SAVEHALF

It’s also time for the new collab for the month! A Little Bit of Luck is jam packed with orange, green, yellow, brown, and blue goodness. Take a peek…

Last one, I swear! There is a retirement sale going on during the whole month of March! There are bunches of kits going out, so be sure to go and have a look in the store.

Love is in the Air….

2011-02-20T11:03:00.001-08:00

…. Along with a lot of snow apparently. The midwest was supposed to get slammed with 8 to 14 inches of snow, but that hasn’t happened yet. So, as of right now, we’re waiting for something that may never come. In the meantime, it’s giving me a chance to play with This Little Missy’s new kit, “Love Birds,” and create some layouts amidst all the craziness right now. Have a look! (Images are linked…)

The challenges this month at STS are awesome! I love the song “Dream Big,” by Ryan Shupe and The Rubberband, and this month it’s the Song Lyric challenge. The template this month was awesome as well, so I used it for a starter in one of my LO’s. Have a look-see….

Head on over to the store at STS to pick up Love Birds, and enjoy some scrapping in the winter weather!

Reasons why I love Grey… or… A tale of Switzerland

2011-02-06T19:18:00.001-08:00

I’m aware that the title is a bit ambiguous, but I’m goin’ for something here. I have a love of color. I was a semi-art student in high school, and thought about pursuing it further in college, but there were other plans in the works, so I kept art as a passion, not a job. I especially love me some neutrals, like Switzerland. Ha, Get it? Okay…

Back to the colorful neutrals… We actually didn’t spend very much time at all considering colors. We know what we like, and it was important that it was wearable, but fitting to our personalities. Here’s what we chose:

You’re probably thinking to yourself, that’s not a color palette, that’s the whole rainbow! But we have primary colors (the first palette) that we refer to first for everything, and secondary colors (the second palette) that just keeps me from going insane staring at yellow all day. I’ve never been a fan of the weddings that look like this…

source

Matchy-matchy is not my style. I like things that compliment each other, a little contrast never hurt anyone! I will someday get an inspiration board up for you all to point and giggle at my goofy ideas, but in the meantime let me tell you how we ended up choosing grey.

I know that grey is a super popular color lately for weddings, but here’s why I felt like it worked for us:

1. While I look good in brown, I know my wedding guys & gals aren’t gonna want to rock it out in a color I know most of them won’t wear more than once.

2. The fab-oo color black has swooned me before, but I knew I wanted a really laid back wedding, and not so much a upscale classy affair. I felt like black was a little more “style” than we were looking for.

3. Classically, white is the wedding staple. I kept it around, obviously!, because I wanted a sweet white dress, but here’s why I love grey…

Grey can be so many things that other neutrals can’t. It’s warm and cold, happy and sad, and it fits well with so many themes (i.e. mod & vintage). So here’s to my lovely color grey, that I can’t seem to get enough of…

Oh, and a side note on my spelling… I found a great link-o to this site that I think puts it best:

Gray is a color… Grey is a *colour*

What colour drives you wild? Are you using it in other parts of your life than just your wedding? Are you crafting anything grey??

A Scrap Worthy Cause

2011-01-31T10:52:00.001-08:00

(Picture Linked to Store)

Stuff to Scrap has gotten on board with an amazing cause that you can get behind! The designers have created a kit called “Brady,” and it is not just any ordinary kit; it is for an amazing cause and an amazing little guy that needs a family, a home, and someone to love and care for him. The Hartman family, friends of STS designer Shelby of Jenasis Design, are in the process of adopting the sweet boy below. They feel called to rescue this little boy "Brady" from a mental institution in Eastern Europe.

Because he has Downs Syndrome, Brady was abandoned at birth, just like the majority of children with any sort of disabilities in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. it is standard procedure when these children turn between 4-6 years old (depending on the region) that they are transferred from Orphanages to full blown Mental Institutions. This transfer is very traumatic, and many times these children suffer and sometimes die due to the conditions. Brady has already been transferred and The Hartman's are trying to get to him as quickly as possible. So Shelby has gotten the girls at "Stuff to Scrap" to Help!! The cost of this adoption is well between $20,000- $30,000 and so we just want to be able to contribute a little toward that huge amount. The amazing designers at "Stuff to Scrap" have put together an awesome collaboration that can be used to donate to this great cause. All proceeds from the sell of *Brady* goes directly to the Hartman's adoption fund.

GRAB THE *BRADY* KIT HERE

PLEASE consider helping in this amazing endeavor to BRING BRADY HOME!!

(Picture linked to their blog) If you want you can read more at the Hartman's sponsor page www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsorhartman

also....

http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/10/brady-and-heath.html Shelby found this blog the other day with a post about Brady. She met Brady while adopting their son Aaron.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.anextraleaf.blogspot.com/

This is a blog of another family Shelby knows that just adopted two children from Eastern Europe (They are so cute and its just amazing to see how much they are thriving with a little love) =D

__._,_.___

Templates!

2011-01-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

I haven’t been much of a template enthusiast in the past, but This Little Missy has created a template pack that’s been released this week, and I’m psyched to see what people are going to make with it! I struggle to use really large photos, and all of these are built around big photos! If you’ve got some of those one in a million photos on your computer that you’ve been waiting to showcase, go pick up this template pack! Then make some gorgeous layouts and post them in the gallery, and on your blog, and on This Little Missy’s facebook, so I can see them! Go! Go now!

A Bit of Business…

2011-01-25T20:26:00.001-08:00

This Little Missy is having a CT Call!!!

I would be so incredibly excited if you would join us! We’re a bit of a motley crew, but we get to do awesome things like play with Carissa’s kits, participate in speed scraps, and make freebies for all of you! All the details are below, so have a look and send her an email!

I suppose I should introduce you….

2011-01-20T14:50:00.001-08:00

Blog world, Fiancé. Fiancé, Blog world. Yep, we decided to make it official… back in August. So I’m a bit of a slacker, and there are quite a few people who haven’t heard our little tale, but I’m going to try my best to explain to you the hilarity of our engagement through photos.

Meet my darling dearest….

Now normally, he’s a very cool, collected kind-of guy. But he was actually rather twitchy and nervous. I may have suspected something was up, but honestly, I wasn’t going to ruin this for him.

We put together a picnic, of much tasty name-brand goodness direct from the grocery store (yea, college kids!)

There is only one place in Brookings, apparently, to get engaged, and that is McCrory Gardens. We found a place far away from small children, lawn mowers, highway 14, and the people we could see and knew, but didn’t know we were here.

The point of the afternoon was at my pleading of wanting to fly a kite before it got cold again. South Dakota unfortunately does not have a very long warm season, so I really wanted to make that happen. We decided to make an afternoon of it though, so after I got off work, I ran to drop some things off with friends (who not so ironically pestered me about when we were getting engaged) then back to the house to get ready for the day.

Garrett went and got cheap, plastic kites and he even got us tickets to go see the community theater youth production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory that a good friend was directing for that night. After our picnic, we played some card games, enjoyed the weather, then he brought out the game that he had alluded to more than once over the previous week. He produced a pen, and a sheet of questions, and a blank crossword puzzle with a two letter clue that ended with a question mark.

Last I checked, that gives it away.

While not wanting to call him out about how obvious it was, I agreed to play along and complete the puzzle that was filled with historical and biblical questions, and get down to the clues that I was told I could ask for when I reached the end of the puzzle.

He painstakingly made me put the question all together, then said something sweet and before I even knew he had the ring, I was saying yes. You see, we had been in Minnesota that previous weekend, where we had looked at rings, and he had assured me that they still needed to order the stone and he only had gone in to have the financing figured out.

Liar.

I haven’t had the opportunity to take too many photos of the ring yet, so expect more to come, but for the time being this will have to suffice! The lighting isn’t the best, but it’s a natural blue sapphire in a white gold cathedral setting, exactly what we had been looking at with the jewelers. Love it.

So that’s our ridiculous tale, we’re engaged, and wedding planning, so there will be lots to hear from us coming up!

Oh the weather outside is frightful…

2010-12-30T19:28:00.001-08:00

but it’s still The Great Outdoors. I feel the need to remind myself of that while I’m in the process of being snowed in, and know that I have to leave tomorrow morning for work. Mommy Me Time Scrapper also noted just how awesome it is to be outside in her kit, The Great Outdoors! It’s perfect for playtime, bug-hunting, or lounging around, and the colors are fit for boys and girls alike! Take a look…

I don’t have a ton of outdoor photos, but the kit is really whimsical, so it was easy to adapt for my other photos with fitting journaling! My godson is a climber, and I swear that in his mind, everything is a new adventure and a new place to explore, so there was no question that this was a perfect kit for him!

Are you filled with some holly jolly?

2010-12-30T18:44:00.001-08:00

Gettin’ Scrappy with Britt definitely has been filled with Holly Jolly! She’s released her Christmas kit this year, and It’s perfect for holidays with kids, or kids at heart. The colors are bright and playful, good for snow pictures or showing off how you keep warm during blizzards! Take a peek…

I love her papers with this kit! It’s just the right mix of whimsical and usable. That made them perfect for a spread of pages about how my best friend and I celebrate holidays together when I come to visit: Karaoke!

Meadowlark

2010-11-30T23:53:00.001-08:00

Ivory Keys Digital Dreams has a great kit out now, and it’s absolutely beautiful, called Meadowlark. There are soft greens, pinks, and aquas, but they combine together to make a great kit to use with fall or spring photos! Take a look….

I had a blast with this kit, and it was so perfect to scrap these two moments.

Thanks for looking! Head over to the store to grab her kit and get to scrapping!

The Way…

2010-11-20T21:29:00.001-08:00

Reporting here from Women’s Retreat 2010….

Yep, that’s right. Women’s Retreat. This blog has seen two of them so far, and the second has been just as wonderful as the first. We’re talking about the armor of God, in Ephesians 6, and what it looks like for each of us to be clothed in truth, faith, righteousness, salvation, spirit, and readiness. We have one day left and I can’t wait to see what God does in the hearts of these women. Their paths have been greatly altered by the son of God, and I know without question that He still has big plans yet to come for them.

Letting you all know also about, “Altered Paths,” from Growing Pains Scrapped. This is a really great general kit that’s good for all kinds of different photos, but it has a few special elements thrown in that are great for milestones in life. Check it out!

I had a blast making my pages up with this kit! I’m working my way through scrapping my two months in Spain, and so I got another LO done with those photos, and then I have been working on collecting different challenges for myself of generic things to scrap for when I’m in a block, or I just need an idea for some photos, and my love of coffee was one of them!

So head over to the store, pick it up, and go scrap something you haven’t gotten to yet! This could be just the right kit!

Yum, yum….

2010-11-12T20:35:00.001-08:00

Just popping in to let you guys know about “Fruits and Vegetables” from The Scrappy Kat! This kit is perfect for food fights, cooking, baby feedings, and harvest pictures that you might have stored away… The colors are super bright and fun, so they’re a really good compliment to more neutral or darker photos, but they look awesome with colorful photos too! Have a look-see! She went all out on those papers! The patterns are so much fun… this kit would also be really good for a kids book about the fruits and veggies, and meal time in general! I loved using this for photos from the market in Spain, because it was so different than home, and a really random photo I have from the supermarket here in town, but the quote from a friend was so priceless, it was worth scrapping. Here’s what I came up with!

So head on over to the store and pick it up if you haven’t yet, and get to those foodie photos you have hiding out!

Gifted Kids

2010-11-09T19:38:00.001-08:00

(source)

People have wondered for a very long time, what it is that makes me so recognizably different from my peers, and that’s a question that can be answered with a number of responses, but all of them can associate back to one thing, giftedness. I am younger than most anyone I know who’s at a similar educational level, not to mention work experience, and I’m socially comfortable in most every situation I enter into. Note: this post is not intended to be self-centered as much as informative, I hope.

I’ve met hundreds of gifted kids in my life, been in rooms with thousands of them, and I’m even marrying one. Each one is completely different from any other, but we carry similar traits among the lot of us, though no trait is definitively universal, save for an IQ score (and even that has exceptions). The discrepancies in this are astounding though because it is such an incredibly broad category. I am social, artistic, language-oriented, well-spoken, organized, slightly OCD, hyper-sensitive, capable of multi-tasking, and I prefer both time spent alone and in large groups. I am gifted. There are also people in the world who are asocial, number-oriented, quiet, disorganized, dangerously OCD, insensitive, narrowly focused, and prefer to be wholly secluded from society. They could also be gifted.

I came across an article, if you can call it that, some time ago, where the author collected heaps of information on giftedness… common characteristics of a gifted person, quotes, etc., compiled them together, and rationalized as things that may set these people apart from the rest, and cause them to be misunderstood.

Wow, this guy may have a point. Gifted people are misunderstood constantly, especially as children. Why? Because as a society we seem to want to write it off as something else, because it is particularly difficult to deal with a gifted person, especially in traditional classrooms. Gifted kids are being diagnosed with ADD because they’re bored in class and cause trouble, being put in remedial courses because the work their being given in regular classes is too simple so they just don’t do it, being labeled as one terrible name or another because they’re either socially under- or over-developed, among so many other things.

Kids do not need more medication, things to do, or places to be. They need an opportunity to be kids, to experience the world they live in, and in a way that works for them. Whether gifted or not, kids have been thrust all to quickly into understanding the world around them as adults do, instead of being allowed to creatively picture it in the way they desire. Give a kid a break today, do something creative with them, and they just might surprise and inspire you.

http://talentdevelop.com/articles/GPATP1.html

Well isn’t this just Plum Perfect?!

2010-11-01T12:12:00.001-07:00

If I do say so myself, YES, yes it is! Alice in Wonderland, the new one!, is now on Netflix streaming. I cannot begin to explain how joyful this makes me. LOVE!

Now I also, while watching, had the honor of scrapping with This Little Missy’s new kit, “Plum Perfect.” Which, of course, features the many shades of plum, thrown together with turquoise, green, blue, white, and grey. She’s got some amazing clustering elements, and “Plum Perfect” is the new Quick Page Exchange kit over at STS! Are you dying to see it yet?

Plus! Carissa is giving you the cardstocks with the purchase of the kit until November 20th… So when you go pick it up, remember just how perfect this kit will be with your photos, and grab the cardstocks as well!

So, as if you can handle all the goodness she’s putting out right now in this kit, This Little Missy is also giving you a darling add-on! Hello!! Have you checked this woman out yet? Talk about fantastic!

Now, to make my piece of joy at the beginning of the post fitting, Let me show you just why I love this kit….

Eeeeeeeeeeeeee! The colors to my eyes are straight out of this scene. If I could explain to you my adoration of Alice in Wonderland, I would. But unfortunately, words cannot express this. As such, I will just leave you with my mad rendition of “Plum Perfect.”

When you are inspired by a movie as scatterbrained as this one, it’s only fitting to have a rather scattered LO! This is one of my dear friends, Annie, who this last year started up a non-profit organization called Tapestry International. They are working hard to bring about social justice in our world by being starters and doers.

Check them out for more information, but in the meantime, go visit Stuff to Scrap and pick up Plum Perfect, and the add-on kit before November 7th, to get it on SALE for just $2, and with the cardstocks coupon, this is a huge kit for small price! Awesome. Simply awesome.

Ciao!

2010-09-24T15:02:00.001-07:00

Scrappin' Serenity is hosting a speed scrap on Sunday night! Check out the flyer below for more info! (click it to go to the speed scrap section of the forum).

And here's the Participation Prize....a $2.00 coupon to her store! :)

Sew in Love!

2010-09-22T21:02:00.001-07:00

I'm aware that I’ve been away for a while, but I have many good things coming up for you in the near future, so be checking back to see what is going on. In the meantime, This Little Missy and The Scrappy Kat over at Stuff to Scrap have released a new collaboration set called, “Stitched with Love!”

I adore the colors they chose, they’re just so cozy! This is the kind of kit you want to use for scrapping fall photos under a quilt, crafting events, or even photos of your favorite crafter! Because I’m doing my Project 52, and failing kind of miserably at it, I wanted to encourage myself by putting together some of the things that I’ve already done. So have a look-see at my layouts!

There’s actually something funny about these layouts. My computer/internet has had some personal issues with downloads, like not downloading a complete file, and so both of those were scrapped with only half of Carissa (This Little Missy’s) elements. I have them all now after re-downloading, and be on the look out for more to come from this kit, because I am anxious to use all the rest of those elements!

If you’re a scrapper/crafter like me, you will want to head over to the store at Stuff to Scrap and pick up “Stitched with Love,” but to help find your way there, click on the coupon below, then enter the code for a sweet discount!

Tomorrow is not just Another School Day…

2010-09-06T10:02:00.001-07:00

It’s my first day of Seminary! Yep, I’m excited! I was accepted to Luther Seminary as part of their distance education program, and I am thrilled to be surrounded by such an amazing academic and spiritual community. This experience will be like none other before it, but it leaves me sort of nostalgic for SDSU. The perks of this program are that I get to continue on with the amazing ministries that I’ve been apart of for three years now. Love it.

But, this post is not just about new schools, it’s really about Another School Day, the new kit released by Jenasis Design…

This kit is gigantic! But it’s definitely been fun to use… Have a look-see at what I’ve accomplished lately…

I had to take a unique spin on it, mostly because I don’t get the classic “first day of school” picture anymore/ever. Oh well, there will be a time for it. Someday :) In the meantime, head on over to Stuff to Scrap to pick up her new kit :)

Project #14 – A Log of Links

2010-09-05T08:32:00.001-07:00

I promised G’s mother that I would post my list of crafting links, and so I have been dutifully collecting them all together to post them since May. Whoops…. Three months later, I have come sort of close to completing this project…

Tulle/Crinoline Skirt

Stuffed Mouse & Clothes

Necktie

Spring Ruffle Top

Cloth Baby Shoes

Short list, right? These are just the recent projects that I’m considering digging into, but let me tell you where I get my project ideas from…

Craftster – I love this community. It can be a little overwhelming to navigate, but if you’re just in the mood to be crafty, you will find something here that you can do in that period of time. The nice thing about Craftster is that more often than not there are photos, if not a tutorial. I also love that they cover the gamut of crafting, from clothes to knitting, and arts to paper projects. Love it.

How About Orange – Talk about a fabulous blog. Jessica Jones is a designer who just happens to blog about some amazing things on the world wide webs… Not to mention passes on some great tutorials for crafting, decorating, etc. She even does the rest of us crafters a favor at times and groups a bunch of tutorials together. I LOVE her obsession about orange as well… just saying…

Catching up on Layouts…

2010-09-05T08:15:00.001-07:00

Created Using:

Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! by Miss Kim Designs;

Fonts are Jailbird Jenna & Pea Yar Yar;

Created Using:

My Day Off by VB Designs; Angel by Cinnamon Designs; Sonny {Hearts} Candy by Che Yang; Letter for Mom by Deca Designs; Sing Me Gently by Sarahh; Summer Sherbet Alpha by ScrapShana;

Font is Rhino Dino;

Created Using:
Smile Because it Happened paper pack by Miss Kim Designs;
Font is CK Ali's Hand;

Created Using:

American Girly Girl by Jenasis Design;

Font is Lima Bean;

Created Using:

What will you Celebrate by Miss Kim Designs;

Fonts are MTF Flowrites & MTF Hoo Rah

Created Using:

iColor by Jenasis Designs;

Fonts are Do I Like stripes? and Rebekah's Birthday;

Created Using:

Go Your Own Way Grab Bag by Miss Kim Designs;

Font is MTF Skinny Jeans;

Created Using:

Man of Faith by Miss Kim Designs;

Font is SF Wendi;

Created Using:

Party in B-Town by Miss Kim Designs;

Font is SF Straight Up;

Created Using:

Aunt Sadie's Garden by Miss Kim Designs;

Font is MTF Becki;

Created Using:

Tomboy Princess by Miss Kim Designs;

Font is Stays in the cave!

Created Using:

School by Three Paper Peonies; Lemonade by Three Paper Peonies; Just Moved by This Little Missy;

Font is Pea Carrie Script;

Created Using:

iColor by Jenasis Design;

Fonts are My Nerd and CK Ali's Hand;

Created Using:

Homecoming by Miss Kim Designs;

Fonts are Elephants in Cherry Trees and Digs my Hart;

A Sale for Celebrating!

2010-09-01T15:50:00.001-07:00

Carissa over at This Little Missy is turning 25 this month! All month long check out her blog for fun, games, and lots of chances to win! Plus, there will be a store-wide sale all September!

(images linked)

The first contest has already started over on her blog. Head on over and play!

Someone’s been busy, and I have a freebie!

2010-08-17T18:20:00.001-07:00

Yea, yea. Okay. It’s not me. I’ve been a huge slacker on Project 52, but there will be a slew of projects coming up. I promise. In the meantime. The one I’m talking about being busy is Shelby of Jenasis Design. Look at the Mega-Kit she’s created!

Nine colors, hundreds of elements and papers, and a bunch of alphas. HOLY COW. This is incredibly huge. And fantastic! She took her inspiration from the new iPod colors, and lets just say she was inspired. So she inspired me! Check out what I’ve done with the kit….

This was for the Scraplift Challenge over at STS. I loved the clustering from the page, and the quote bubble was adorable.

I loved the window frame as well. I’ve been trying to find ways to scrap all the “pretty” photos that I have, and I think frames like this one might be just the key. I thought i would share the chance to scrap your “pretty” photos too, with a freebie!

Go get your freebie here, and we’ll see you all soon for some more P52 fun!

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons!

2010-08-14T21:07:00.001-07:00

That’s right. I have a coupon for you! Well, lots, sort of. This Little Missy has come out with her new kit, I {Heart} Coupons!

Now, I am not a coupon-er. Only when I find one for something I LOVE, or want at a desperately cheaper price. But I had a blast using this kit for some other photos….

But if you’re not convinced just by seeing the kit yet, then look at this….

Carissa is having a sale! Go pick up the kit, and get the great cardstocks, and having yourself a grand ole time scrapping away. I know I am!

A Wordy Scrap…

2010-08-09T21:35:00.001-07:00

Come to the Speed Scrap at Stuff to Scrap Tuesday, August 10, hosted by Meagan’s Creations! (Announcement links to Speed Scrap Forum at Stuff to Scrap) And this is the fabulous participation prize:

Look Who’s Scrappin’ Now!?

2010-08-03T16:45:00.001-07:00

Shel of Shel Belle Scraps is hosting a speed scrap this Saturday morning in the Stuff to Scrap forum. It's sure to be a great time! For participating, you get a set of Blossom QPs. Hope to see you there!

Wha???!?!?

2010-07-20T20:04:00.001-07:00

I feel like this is the reaction half the time when I open up my mouth anywhere I go. It’s like I’m spouting off parables in a foreign language. In reality, I’m actually more often than not trying to help someone when people look at me with that crazy bewildered reaction…

Source

Yep, that’s the one. Or at least that’s pretty close to what I think it is internally, most people have the common decency to not show this face on a regular basis. On to the point… I’ve been re-re-reading a book that I love lately, Lamb by Christopher Moore (more on this later). Nevertheless, there’s a part in the book where the main character is telling a parable in a foreign language, and it made me wonder about the way that Christ was received in his ministry. Obviously, we know he was not necessarily well loved in his hometown, but he had thousands of followers. People who received his message with open and willing hearts, or so I assume. It’s completely possible that they were just very gullible, but I doubt that you would continue in “popularity” that long among a crowd of gullible people. Being the “Real Deal” that Jesus was, it amazes me to see that he is still to this day being received with open and willing hearts in great numbers around the world.

Today I am humbled by your overwhelming power to draw people to you, Lord. Today I sit at your feet in amazement of all that you have done, are doing, and will do in my life and the lives of others. Even when I stray from your narrow path, you have been there to guide me. I praise you now, as I hope to do forever. Amen.

Oh yea, and I got the bible study book today, but its definitely not in my favorite condition, so I’m hoping I can get it exchanged….

Just Enough To Keep You Longing…

2010-07-15T20:04:00.001-07:00

There is another speed scrap this weekend going on over at STS! Check it out…

I love the sweet little ladybug paperclip, so cute! Hope to see you there!

5 Things I am Excited about…

2010-07-14T09:31:00.001-07:00

1. Day Camp at First Lutheran with the amazing kiddos this week!

2. Being a part of an online bible/book study, over at Life’s Not Always Fireflies and Hummingbirds, and reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. If you’re interested to do this with us, go check out her site, and the book!

3. Sending and receiving postcards through Postcrossing.

4. Having tomorrow off… YAY!

5. Working on Project #14 (…just a hint, It partially has something to do with #2 on this list…)

Oh… and there’s one more… whoops!

6. Joining the CT of Miss Kim’s Designs… be looking out for some of her new products in the next few days!

One thing I believe…

2010-07-09T12:49:00.001-07:00

I believe love is the most basic human ability.

I think that there are too many people in the world who believe that humans are inherently evil. I just can’t believe that. I can’t live my life, serving a God who is bigger than all things, and believe that what he created is evil. Even with the understanding of sin, and the fall of man, I don’t think people can have such an overwhelming desire to be loved, if they weren’t capable of loving in the first place. Am I saying we’re loving all the time? No. I fail miserably at being able to love in even some of the easiest situations. Some days, I even feel burdened to love, which is a terrible thing at times, but it teaches me. It teaches me to look at everything differently. To not see the world just as it is, but to look for the things that I can’t always see at first glance.

No, this isn’t some crazy piece of anything, it’s what I think about when I watch movies like, “I Am Sam.” When I see how innocent the world is, and how cruel we make it. It reminds me of these things, and memories from my momma’s garden in the backyard. The chance to explore something different every year. The ants on the peonies, the new blooming snapdragons, the ever growing rhubarb. Sometimes I still wish I could just plunk myself down in those gardens, and never leave. Just look up at the sky, and dream about a world that doesn’t report bad news every night, and lets wonder and awe run rampant. That’s why I believe love is the most basic human ability. Because not loving takes the glow from every other piece of life away and leaves it empty. There is still so much in the world that glows, we have to be a people who love.

Project #11 – Moving Day

2010-07-08T13:43:00.001-07:00

Here it is! The project that I have put off posting about for quite some time now. Moving day! Okay, I’m really not that excited to share this with you. Why? Well you see, like most periods of moving, this was stressful, unhealthy, and a much longer process than it should have been. I cried, I was sick, and I was just plain unhappy. Well, God has bigger plans, and this happens to be exactly where He wants me. Needless to say, I have since settled in (okay, only a little bit) and I’m beginning to understand that He has me here for a reason. But on to the photos! Since most of you will probably never come to visit me, though I love visitors, I will show you around. This is my living room….Heehee, I love this little shelving “nook” that most other people think is ridiculous. I have my living room set up COMPLETELY different from the way Garrett had his, but it’s mostly because I knew that I wanted to have access to those shelves. They are the perfect cubbies for all my crafting supplies. And yes, I have a dresser in my living room. It holds my sewing projects, scraps, and supplies, as well as all my excess fabric. I LOVE it.

Okay, so there’s some discrepancy there. My living room is actually much tinier than my last apartment. Whoops. Too much stuff, too little space. I’m learning here, people. I just need to figure out how to use all the spaces effectively, then all the random crap you see in the photos will find a nice home, and I’ll be able to sit in my papasan!

My not so spectacular dining room. Again, very tiny. But it’s about the same size as the last place, so I didn’t have to worry much. I would show you the kitchen, but I didn’t feel like doing the dishes when I took photos, so no kitchen for you. Maybe later. I have made an addition to the dining room, and you’ll just have to wait and see it in a later update!

This is possibly my most favorite space in the apartment. No, I’m not that terribly vain, I just really love the awesome organization that I have in my bathroom, and the organized cleanly-chaos of it all. I especially love having a place for my necklaces where they’re not getting tangled with anything at all. I keep my earrings (that I wear much less often than necklaces) hiding in my bedroom, which because it was the major unloading zone for my stuff is not making an appearance. So this is my apartment! Glad you could stop by :)

A Note about Templates…

2010-07-07T09:31:00.001-07:00

I had a great comment on a previous post about templates, and I wanted to take the chance to address it. Most templates come flattened as JPEG files or as PSD files (Photoshop). If you use another type of program, there are some designers who make templates with each piece on different PNG’s, and you need to open them all. I love templates because they make great starting ideas, even if you just have the picture to look at. With all this talk about templates, I figured I’d whip one up for you!

Well, I can’t just leave you with the pretty template to look at… Here’s an LO that I threw together with the great collaboration kit from Stuff to Scrap Designers called Birthday Bash.

Go ahead and click, click, click on the image of the template above to head over to download! I included all the pieces on separate PNG files, as well as a flattened JPG & PNG file, and the PDN (Paint.Net) file for those who use the program!

Something I can participate in! Sweet!

2010-07-06T11:36:00.001-07:00

This Little Missy is hosting a Speed Scrap Thursday in the Stuff to Scrap forum. Come on over to the forum or chat and receive a free template pack for playing along! Hope to see you there!

(images linked)

American Girly Girl

2010-07-02T11:38:00.001-07:00

I have been a bad blogger, though this break has been much shorter than some previous to this! I have returned to share a great new spin on all the Americana kits that will come out this 4th of July, American Girly Girl by Jenasis Design!

I love that she included some bits and pieces that aren’t all one thing or another! That’s a vague statement… but it’s true! She’s got such a great mix of patriotic pieces, and super girly pieces! It reminds me of the song XXX’s and OOO’s by Trisha Yearwood… I think I need to go scrap now! But before I go, check out the layouts I’ve done with it, including one of G’s Sister at her graduation party!

Happy Birthday Shelby!

2010-06-23T11:27:00.001-07:00

Don't miss the Birthday Sale that Jenasis Design is having this weekend!!

Go check it out HERE!

This sale also includes the soon to be released American Girly Girl!!

Colorful Love

2010-06-14T19:37:00.001-07:00

Oh my stinking goodness, I LOVE these colors. I think they are the most fantastic amazing colors and fit so many different styles, but Carissa over at This Little Missy managed to keep her kit just as it’s called, “Modern Contemporary.”

Have I told you how much I LOVE these colors? Okay, I know, I know. Here’s what I made for your viewing pleasure… It doesn’t do nearly the justice to this mini as it should, but go and check it out! It’s free for just one week over at Stuff to Scrap!

Vote for Me!

2010-06-13T21:32:00.001-07:00

So, I’m a huge scrapping nerd. I know it. But I got all excited when I saw that Pen Scrappers is giving away a Bamboo Craft Tablet. They are amazing tools, and I would LOVE to win one. I would be super honored if you would pop on over and vote on my layout:

The journaling reads: “These two amazing women represent the greatest goal that I have in my life: to share the love and light of Jesus Christ with youth and among families. It seems like Julie and Ashtyn aren’t exactly a huge step in that direction, but honestly these girls are some of the most amazing and fantastic people in my life. Both of them have inspired me in ways that I didn’t think possible, and they have pushed me to better myself, and help those around me I wasn’t sure I could. Ultimately, both Julie and Ashtyn inspired me to apply to seminary, and right now, while I wait for a response from admissions, they are a source of light in my life. I am so thankful to them, and all the great people that I work with and lead in ministry for creating a support system for me in a place that I call home where I don’t need to worry about asking for prayer or needing someone to talk to. Everyone here has helped me to better understand my calling in life, and the desire of my heart that is to follow wherever the Spirit calls me. Thank You!”

I guess I was feeling super sentimental when I was scrapping. Anyways, click the link below and take a quick moment to click off on the right to “Vote for This Layout”

Time is of the Essence!

2010-06-11T11:41:00.001-07:00

So I have a super retro oven. It’s actually a pretty cool… but, I have no timer. I don’t mind using my cell phone, although often enough it seems I can’t find it when it’s going off, so that is a major distraction when you have something cooking away in the oven. As such, I am in the market for a kitchen timer. I know, I could go to Wal-mart, buy whatever they have available, and just live with it. But you all should know by now that I’m not that kind of girl…

So, off to the world wide interwebs I went in search of an awesome timer, and here is what I’ve found!

Kikkerland Tape Timer Egg Timer “Timey”

Magnetic Timer Dual Timer

Hourglass Digital Timer Wine Barrel Timer

Terraillon Mini-Timer Dual Timer

Apple Timer Magnetic Retro Timer

Bobblehead Timer Four Station Timer

Starbucks Timer Telephone Timer

Retro Wall Clock & Timer Mr. Long Leg Fruit Clock

They cost anywhere from $7 to $35 and each has their own personal flair. I’m so torn about what it is that I want, I’d love some suggestions! I really love the Magnetic Retro Timer (yellow, of course!), Hourglass Digital Timer, Red Stand-Up Dual Timer, Kikkerland Tape Timer, and the Retro Wall Clock & Timer, but they’re all great. Let me know what you’d pick!

Dum Dum Du-Dum! Here Comes Project #10

2010-06-09T12:42:00.001-07:00

How’s that for a teaser?? I love the way this project turned out, even amidst all the other stresses of life. I was asked to help a friend with her wedding shower this may, and I knew I wanted to do something awesome for the invitations. Why? Well, I’m a firm believer that first impressions are incredibly important, and I wanted the shower to make a good first impression. Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m a HUGE nerd. But a crafty one.

So I went scouring the interwebs for someone else’s fabulous idea and came across this one over at WeddingBee. Well, I fussed and fidgeted with the template for what seemed like YEARS (okay, so it was only a week), only to no avail. I got very frustrated and gave up for a few days. Then I started to get psyched about the big day coming, and got on board with finishing these things and got them sent out. We had decided on a “pots, pans, and pinups” theme for the shower and I went right ahead and made these bad boys to fit. Take a look…

The “Pinups” card had a recipe card that I asked guests to fill out and bring back with their gifts for Takara. I apparently struggle to take photos of the third page with no hands :)

John (her fiancé) was coming into town with her, as usual, and wanted to be a part of the shower without having to play shower games, for any reason. So we decided to put on a BYOM barbecue for the guys to come and join all of us over at a nearby friend’s home. I whipped up some postcard size invites lickety-split and dropped one in with all the invitations, then sent them on their merry way!

Finding paper was the part that took the absolute longest, aside from making my printer work with such heavy weight paper. I ended up using a cardstock that I bought from a local scrapbook store. I loved the extra little bit that the texture added to the invitations so much, I used the scraps from cutting down the 12x12’s to print off the bbq invites. Stitching the edges of the invites was the easiest part of the project, and something I think I’m definitely going to incorporate into future paper projects, because I loved the results.

Thanks for looking!

Dozens and Dozens and Dozens – Project #13

2010-06-08T11:26:00.001-07:00

Ignore my out of order posting, I just can’t put this off any more!

The power that God has to move is amazing! On Saturday, May 1, while I should have been study, study, studying, I was sewing my fingers off! Julie had mentioned that she was going to participate in the Dozens of Dresses in a Day event at First Lutheran, and I said I would come and help her out with the sewing. Well, take a look at what was accomplished….

And that is just a VERY small portion of what was finished! Overall, over 120 dresses were made for Real Hope for Haiti Rescue Center. When Carol said we might have made too many, she was assured that extras would be going to other places that needed them as well! The turn out for the day was amazing, and it was great to see a community come together, regardless of religion, age, or gender, to do something for someone who needs it!

Julie is the ironing queen, by the way! And don’t you come near that board if you aren’t going to do something helpful, she is not afraid to use that iron!

Altogether, Julie and I made seven dresses in just a few hours by keeping me in front of the machine, and sending her to iron, get trims, etc. It was an amazing experience and if you want to read more about the event, the organization, or you want to make a donation, feel free to check out the Worldwide Villages site for more photos and the opportunity to give!

Project #7 – Skirting the Edges

2010-06-07T21:42:00.001-07:00

So this project came sort of out of left field for me… A good friend of mine came to me a few weeks before Easter desperate for something to wear on the holiday that would match the rest of her family. We went to good ‘ole Wally world in search of a pattern and fabrics that would look good on her. And so we found her favorite color, of course! PURPLE! Then we paired it with a dark navy blue so she wouldn’t look like a plum, or a lilac, and got to sewing!

Unfortunately, I don’t have more photos, but I do have this charming photo of her fantastic fam-alam-ily!

Aren’t they precious!? Okay, no more embarrassing them. Julie made the decision to go for navy and purple all around, but they look so good! AND… El is wearing a dress! Holy cow. That’s all that I have to say about that, especially when she normally looks like this…

Note the sport shirt, sport pants, and if you could see them tennis shoes….

I digress! The skirt was quite the process, but in the end I think it turned out okay. The zipper took forever and a day to get it right, but I was very happy with it once it was finished! We followed the pattern to almost a T, with some minor shortcuts that seemed unnecessary or irrelevant because of the fabric. We used patter 6899 from New Look by Simplicity for the skirt, and I was honestly surprised how straight forward the instructions were.

There were a few ambiguous parts (welcome to using a pattern) but all in all, it was general skirt construction. We really liked all the different varieties of skirts, as well as lengths, so we kind of played, and played some more, and fitted, and refitted both the skirt and the pattern to the lovely Julie, and we came up with amazing awesomeness. I wish I had more photos, but I guess this just means that I will need to sucker Jules into putting the skirt on again someday for photo lovelies. Until later….

Summers Sun-kissed Days and Tart Puckered Nights

2010-06-07T21:18:00.001-07:00

I can’t help but be overwhelmed by summer when I use/think about/see Jenasis Design’s new kit “Puckered Kiss”

The colors are great for boys and girls alike, but I love the elements because they have all the goodness of a hot summer day without any of the humidity! Check out what it inspired me to do…

I really like the way these layouts turned out, especially Sourpuss!

Head on over to the store and pick up a kit for yourself.

Memorial Day Weekend Plans, and an Update!

2010-05-27T21:49:00.001-07:00

Alright, so, to some, Project 52 would be a failure so far. But to me, It’s a challenge for some reason to take on bigger and better projects!

Okay.

I know.

I’m crazy.

But here’s the project plan recap and update…

Project #1 – Camera Case

Project #2 – Make Up Brush Roll

Project #3 – First Digi-Scrap Kit (Full Kit, Add-On, Word Art, and Quick Page)

Project #4 – Women’s Retreat

Project #5 – Cookbook

Project #6 – Bourbon Beef Noodle Bowl – with a twist!

Project #7 – Julie’s Skirt (Soon to be posted!)

Project #8 – SDSU Lifehouse Everything Skit

Project #9 – First Lutheran Lifehouse Everything Skit

Project #10 – Takara’s Wedding Shower Invitations (Keep your eyes peeled for this!)

Project #11 – Moving Day (You may have to wait a bit, but it will be worth it!)

Project #12 – Hint: It will get used most often on trips :)

In the meantime, while you’re waiting for all that project-y goodness, Jenasis Design is having a HUGE SALE this weekend for Memorial Day!!

Check out this awesome sale HERE!!!

AND!!! I will get to once again participate in a speed scrap! This Saturday at 3pm CST, Growing Pains, Scrapped! is hosting over at STS…

Photos of Photos

2010-05-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so there is a song by a band named TwoThirtyEight, and one of their lyrics is, “the bathroom is a creepy place, for pictures of your friends.” I completely agree with them :) But that brings me to my next point…. This Little Missy’s New Kit!

This kit is super adorable! It would be great for scrapping the photographer in your life, oooooooooor… Scrapping yourself! I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it at first, but look at what I came up with…

It was perfect for these photos, and neither of them turned out too girly, even with all the pink. I love both of these so much :) Plus, Carissa is having a promotion!

Head over to the STS Store to check this out!

So many things going on!

2010-05-23T23:18:00.001-07:00

I’m almost overwhelmed by the amount of things that have been going on over at STS this month! It being their birthday month (Woot! 1 year, baby!), they have been holding extra speed scraps, a progressive scrap, lots of fun party challenges, and great sales. It’s pretty sweet! Plus they will be kicking of their “This Scrapper’s Got Talent” competition very soon. It should be great! But in the meantime, be sure to stop in to the speed scrap today.

I feel so left out!

2010-05-20T22:37:00.001-07:00

I haven’t done a speed scrap in weeks!!! I miss all the lovely people in the digi-scrap world!

Once my new job and the rest of life starts to make sense again, I will hopefully be on my way to normal functions… In the meantime, the fabulous DanaJ is hosting the next speed scrap on behalf of Scraps N Pieces!

So Saturday morning would be a great time to check her first mini kit out! I instead, will be having brunch with friends and family in the cities to celebrate my graduation! So, I guess it’s a fair trade ;)

I Beg Your Pardon…

2010-05-20T22:21:00.001-07:00

I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there’s gotta be a little rain sometime. I could promise you things like big diamond rings, but you don’t find roses growing on stalks of clover, so you better think it over….

So smile for a while, and let’s be jolly. Love shouldn’t be so melancholy. Come along and share the good times while we can….

Okay, I’m a complete nerd. But there’s just something about old country music that I love. Plus, it makes Jenasis Design’s new kit “Dusty Rose Garden” so romantic in my mind. Maybe I’m crazy, but check it out and see for yourself!

I love the beautiful gardening elements that she has in this kit, but as you can tell, it’s really versatile! Go check it out and get it while it’s on sale for Stuff to Scrap’s Birthday!

A Feeling of Relief

2010-05-08T21:46:00.001-07:00

It’s dawning on me as I lay in bed right now, at 11:30pm, that I am now 21. I have a job. I have applied to seminary. I have travelled out of the country. I have lived.

I threw away/recycled a bunch of old papers from classes that I’ll never refer to, I won’t miss, and I can spend time scouring the internet for if I really need. The weight of that is so powerful for me, and I didn’t even realize it until after it was finished. School has always been a source of comfort, stress, appreciation, and anxiety, all at once. At least for me anyways. But it’s ultimately been a way for me to hide from everyone else in the world. Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe in education, and the amazing things that it can do in someone’s life. It’s just that, for me, school kept me from experiencing God at times.

I don’t mean that He wasn’t present with me, but it was more like I spent a lot of time sitting at my desk, with Him on the bed saying, “Come spend time with me!” and me going, “Once this ______________ is finished, then I will.”

Welcome to my education.

What I didn’t realize as I was getting rid of all of these notes, was that I’ve been delivered from that. The fact that I was letting all of this go, means that I’ve actually given myself over to trusting that God will follow through with seminary, or whatever other plan that He has. It’s an interesting relief.

More things I wish I had photos of…

2010-05-05T15:55:00.001-07:00

God is good. It’s been a rough couple of weeks, and though there are still a lot of issues to deal with and trials to face, He has been faithful throughout everything, even when I have doubted and strayed.

First of all, I LOVE that He makes me happy when I’m having a crappy day. I stand by the fact that God put this little incident on earth just for me to see. I pulled up to one of the intersections on campus, and on this little patch of grass kiddie corner to my car, I had the pleasant opportunity to giggle and watch as a very livid bunny rabbit chased a crow around. Whenever the crow intended to land, the bunny was right there to chase him off, defending his territory. It was just a really great moment when I was having a stressful morning.

Then this afternoon, I had a phone interview with the woman that might be my future distance learning coordinator from one of the seminaries that I’m applying to. It was a great conversation, and at the end of it all, she let me know that I will be considered as a highly recommended candidate for the program!

We’ll see! I’m still praying, I’m still learning to rely upon His grace and goodness and understand that He knows best for me. But above it all He has been so faithful and steadfast to care for me, even when I don’t realize I need it. Ahhh :)

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-05-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to meeeeeeeee, happy birthday to me!

Okay, not yet, but here’s what I would like to be doing on my birthday. I instead, will be at a Spanish literature final. Lovely.

This kit is fantastic, probably because its our college colors and graduation is just a few short days away! I’m psyched!!

Get Your Scrap On!

2010-05-04T11:00:00.001-07:00

So, in honor of STS’s first birthday, they are hosting 3 speed scraps a week instead of 2! I love the speed scraps because they challenge me to think outside the box and create something I might not normally do!

I love these frames! I think they’d look fabulous right on top of a photo in a contrasting color! Like this one that I made of our middle school group. Pretty great aren’t they??

So go! Go scrap your heart out :)

Do you have talent??

2010-05-03T14:32:00.001-07:00

Do you have what it takes to make it through the "This Scrapper's Got Talent" Contest? If so, hurry over to the Stuff To Scrap forum and sign up now, only the first 100 will be accepted! At last check there were already over 50 signed up!

One LO required per week (you will have several days to get it completed).

Each week a different set of guidelines for your layout.

Players get a participation prize for moving on each week.

First challenge will be given on May 26th and the winner will be announced on June 30th.

Big GRAND prize for winner that includes STS designer kits & gift certificates.

Looks like it should be a blast for those who are participating! I’m excited to see what you all will create!

Project #9

2010-05-02T20:39:00.001-07:00

Okay, so this project is nearly identical to project #8, but the steps it took to get there were incredibly different! The middle school drama group and church worked with Julie and I to put together this:

Forgive the shaky camera, but if you’ve seen the “original” you’ll notice the changes we made! We really wanted the kids to have the opportunity to make it their own, and we had a ton of kids (12!) to organize and give parts to. They did a great job, I’m so proud of all their hard work and their willingness to get up in front of their peers at confirmation and the whole congregation at our Sunday service. Ahhh, I can’t get over how good they did!

Project #8

2010-05-02T20:28:00.001-07:00

Candice came to me early this semester and asked me to lead something along the lines of the Lifehouse skit set to the song, “Everything.” Well, we got started! We decided to do that skit specifically because it fit with the themes we were going to be addressing at IV in the coming weeks. So I present to you…. SDSU Intervarsity Chapter Drama Team

Okay, I know the video quality kinda bites, but I actually really like the silhouetted effect. It was kind of a “you had to be there” moment. But honestly, these guys were FANTASTIC! They were wonderful to work with, they worked hard, and they put their heart and soul into this night.

Cold Summer’s Nights

2010-05-01T17:30:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, It’s finals week! That just means that it’s finally May, it’s my birthday, I’m graduating, and the rest of the world will soon take place. Well, that is to say, its already taking effect… I have a job! I’ll start after finals, and I’m starting to get excited.

But I’m also excited about the May Build-a-Kit’s over at STS. The color palette they chose is amazing, and all the kits seem to have kind of a cold summers night, bundling up by a bonfire, and enjoying the summer skies. I love it! Here’s what I did with Jenasis Design kit from Shelby…

Check out all of the amazing birthday deals over at the store, and get bonus points for challenges in the forum that have to do with celebrations and birthdays! Come check it out!

It’s a great month of celebrating!

2010-04-30T14:57:00.001-07:00

In just one short week I will be graduating for time #2! I will also be turning the big 2-1! There is a lot going on for the entire month of May!!

Not only is Stuff To Scrap having their 1st Birthday, but it is also National Scrapbooking Day on May 1st. So, we are going to celebrate ALL MONTH LONG!! Check out these flyers for more information.

Oh, the things I wish I had photos of…

2010-04-26T15:11:00.001-07:00

Attention Men of the World...
(and mothers raising little boys)

Please.
Pull.
Up.
Your.
Pants!

I can't explain my disgust towards male undergarments in words very well, but sound effects and onomatopoeias like "blech, urgh," and my personal favorite, "aulgh," all state my affections toward them very well. Why am I so annoyed by this you ask?

When I am driving to campus, I rarely expect to see people that make me stop and notice them, unless they are planning to cross the street or walking precariously on the edge of a sidewalk. The problem I am having is when, in a distance of only 4 short blocks, I see 5 men with their pants buttoned around their thighs. I wish I had a lineup photo of them, just to show you for comparison's sake to a man who's pants are in the proper location. You have to wonder at this point how they can even walk.

In those 4 blocks, I found myself saying, "did you just forget to pull them up this morning?" and "are you having bowel issues that wearing pants properly would constrict you from dealing with?" Its disgusting I know, but so is the fact that I can tell you who makes your briefs.

I know, I've now ranted and raved for almost 5 paragraphs about something that seems insignificant, but its no wonder that we are mocked by the rest of the world, let alone the jokes we crack about ourselves! No one can take you seriously with your butt hanging out of your pants.

A First Speed Scrap!

2010-04-26T14:08:00.001-07:00

No, not mine. This Little Missy’s! Carissa of This Little Missy will be hosting a speed scrap tomorrow, April 27th, over at STS.

I’m super excited for this SS, not only because it’s a first, but because it’s at a time that I can actually participate! And the PP is great because it goes with her new kit, “Just Moved.”

Hope to see you there!

Just Moved!

2010-04-23T18:22:00.001-07:00

Nope, not me. But I am trying to figure out where I will be living next year… Anyways. “Just Moved” is the name of This Little Missy’s new kit! Super fitting for her, because she just moved into a new home :)

It’s super cute, and the colors are fantastically spring-y! I wasn’t sure what to do at first because I thought, “Well, I haven’t moved in about a year, and I don’t have any photos from the last time…” then I got super inspired by some photos I’ve taken recently. The “theme” goes perfectly with our game of monopoly!

And then my lovely computer (and G’s poor lappy) went on the fritz and I knew it was time for a new laptop for myself. I thought there could be nothing better for a scrapper than to scrap their most “noble” instrument…

Then I remembered that this month’s “Scrap What?” challenge at STS was to scrap “things you find in your…” BOX! I was super excited to do this challenge because I had been racking my brain for something I could do! But there is even more good news, than just my scrap challenge revelation…

This Little Missy is having a “Moving Sale!” No, Carissa isn’t going anywhere. She’s staying right here with us at STS, but she’s so punny, isn’t she? So head on over to the store and check it out before her sale ends!

Bliss of Both

2010-04-22T09:30:00.001-07:00

How absolutely fabulous is this?

Shelby, of Jenasis Design has returned to Stuff to Scrap and is releasing her first official kit as a return! This kit is perfect for rain or shine photos, and everything in between. I used mine for one photo that lacked much color, and another that accented a toy Lolo was playing with, have a look…

I did this for the font challenge over at STS… Oh my goodness, LT Chickenhawk has been fun to play with!

See how cute he is! A simpler, less personalized version of this LO is in Shelby’s QP pack to go along with this kit. So go and check that out, and while you’re there have a look at the whole kit too! Not to mention, Shelby is making her return official in the true scrappers’ way… with a sale! 25% off anything in her store :) All the more reason to head on over there!

One last incentive, just in case you are a “try before you buy” type of scrapper… Over at her blog, there is a fabulous freebie waiting for you!

Hope you enjoy it!

My New Favorite Challenge!

2010-04-20T13:13:00.001-07:00

I absolutely adore all of the challenges at STS, but the real news here is the “new!”

Yay! I have seen some of the amazing work that has come out of the My Life participants, and the gals have lovingly opened it up to everyone! Check out mine from the last two weeks…

But their sign is right… the best part about the challenge is that forum members are hosting. That means people like me! Quite literally, in fact :)

I will be hosting the My Life Challenge over at Stuff to Scrap this coming week (Apr. 25 –May 1) and you never know what I’m going to come up with until you get there! So go check it out and give the challenge this week a try!

The Computer Killer will Scrap again!

2010-04-19T18:14:00.001-07:00

*Sob* I am a computer killer! You may be wondering, "How, if you are a computer killer, are you using a computer to blog?"

Here is my answer to that. I killed G's computer. Not mine. UGH!

Okay, so I'm overreacting a little bit. But not much. What has actually happened is the spindle is stuck. Yep, I'm not a techie, but I'm dating one. So let me explain.

There is a little thingy (like my technical terminology?) that spins within an HD, and there are other things as well, but if the little thingy don't spin, you don't get no data.

For now, this means no photos, no scrapping, no previous homework assignments, no in-progress homework assignments. And a whole lot of looking like I'm making excuses.

Anyways, there are some great things going on at STS in the meantime!

Hope you all can make it!

A Little Bit of Big News!

2010-04-13T15:56:00.001-07:00

So with all this digital scrapping that I have been getting involved in, I was really looking for something to motivate me to get my pages done, and not be overwhelmed by all the photos that I have left to scrap. As such, (woohoo, academics!) I applied to a few creative teams and got accepted to not one, but TWO different CT’s. Be looking out for more info on these two lovely gals very soon! But anyways, I have been more inspired to scrap lately than might be healthy, but pages are getting done, and surprisingly enough so is my homework!

Along with that, you can check up on some of the STS happenings here, the forum, and any of the designers blogs, but now for my little-ish big news :)

Becky Young Designs is hosting the speed scrap tomorrow over at Stuff to Scrap, and her PP is a set of quick pages from her April Showers kit. Check it out…

Hope to see you there!!!

Time to Scrap, Scrap, Scrap!

2010-04-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

No kidding, this scrap is going to be fantastic! Andrea of 'Scraps by Andrea' is hosting a speed scrap today at 2pm (CST). I will be there, admittedly a little late... but I will still be there!

Plus this participation prize is FANTASTIC! It would be great for some bedtime photos, or even the motto challenge this month for, "The Power of Dreams."

I hope to see you there!!

Project #5 – A Book of Recipes

2010-04-09T21:44:00.001-07:00

I’ve been hoping that I could get my recipes that I’ve collected from numerous locations under control. So this project was well overdue!

As some of you know, I’ve been working hard at making exercise in one way or another a part of my daily life, and meal planning has been a large part of the steps toward a healthy lifestyle. I know, it all sounds cliche, but it’s really working for me!

Slowly but surely everything is starting to work, and so I’m proud to present my recipe book!

It’s a simple 1-1/2” binder with plastic sheet protectors to hold all of the pieces. Presently, it’s just a hodge-podge of mine and Garrett’s favorite recipes so that I have them all in one place for quick reference. My documents aren’t in a specific order, and they’re not written in a specific format; I have handwritten recipes from friends, notes on how to cook potatoes, photocopies from my favorite cookbooks, and some of Garrett’s favorite recipes from his mom.

The best part about this book is that it’s low maintenance. I just slip something new into a page, and if I need a recipe, I pop the binder open and use the page as-is in the protector (because that’s what protectors are for!)

I have yet to make a “fabulous” cover, so in the meantime the random things I have stuck in there will have to do. It stands out all on it’s own though, because all my other binders for school are brightly colored!

Oh My!

2010-04-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am stunned. Altogether, Jess and I had over 250 downloads! I'm super psyched to bring you our next kit coming up in the next week or so, be looking out for it!

In the meantime, we would love to see anything that you create with it, so send us links to your LO's or send them straight to us by email up at the contact button on the top of the page.

Thanks so much for all the downloads!

Whoops!

2010-04-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

So sorry!

Thank you to NanaScraps for pointing out to me that my WA link from yesterday was not working!

Here is the fixed link and I also fixed it on the earlier post! Hope you will all forgive me!

A Quick Page for You!

2010-04-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks for sticking with me all week!

This next week, we’re putting up a whole new kit, so make sure you come back to see it!

And here’s your quick page! I made this LO using a mix of both mine and Jess’s parts, but it was PERFECT to scrap this photo of Berti with her gigantic pink unicorn.

And here’s the link to your qp!

Project #4 – Completed, with Photos!!

2010-04-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

As posted previously, this project was the Women’s retreat that happened just two short weekends ago. It was a huge success! We had 16 women in attendance as we learned about Following the Leader, and the promises that He has for us! I was super excited to meet some of our amazing international students, and get to know the girls that I already knew better! Check it out!!

I know it’s a ton of photos, but look at all the fun we had!!! There might be some other photos that pop up here and there, just because they’re still floating in, and they’re amazing! We had an awesome time. Be looking out for another update of this project with the different things we studied :)

Garden Party Wordart

2010-04-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that it’s already Wednesday??

Wow… I guess that’s just how the weeks go when the semester comes to an end…

Anyways… tomorrow Jess and I will have some quick pages up for you to finish off all the kit pieces. We would LOVE to see anything you do with our work, so please feel free to shoot me an email to klschmidt56{at}gmail{dot}com or you can just click "contact" up on the top toolbar!

And now, today’s word art!

I hope you can put them to good use!

See you tomorrow!

Project #6

2010-04-06T18:55:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, you’re thinking… what happened to #4 and #5?! I’m getting there, I promise! I’m having a difficult time choosing my photos so I promise I will come back to them!

In the meantime, I thought it would be appropriate to share one of my new favorite variations on a recipe.

Bourbon Beef Noodle Bowl – with some twists!

1/4 c. balsamic vinegar or bourbon (for those of us who are underage, or just don’t have bourbon on hand!)
1/4 c. pure maple syrup
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 lb. boneless beef sirloin steak, sliced into bite-sized strips
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 1/2 c. sliced onion
1 can low-sodium beef broth (14oz.)
1 c. water
1 c. cubed sweet potato (about 4oz.)
1 cup (approximately) dry kluski or other short egg noodles
2 cups loosely packed spinach

Just some things to note: Marinade for at least 15 minutes, so the beef has a chance to soak in this amazing flavor. Bourbon has a bite to it for an aftertaste, so if you aren’t used to this the vinegar works just as well! Also, I often fudge the measurements because I prefer more of a “soup” noodle bowl, and I love the hearty ingredients in this recipe.

Combine bourbon, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add beef, mixing to coat. I prefer to marinade in a plastic bag, less dishes!

Cover and marinate beef 15 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Drain beef through a sieve over a bowl, reserving the remaining marinade. Don’t forget to save it! It adds great flavor to the whole dish.

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add beef and sauté until browned, about 3 minutes, remove from pan; set aside. Add remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil and sauté onion for 5 minutes. I rough slice my onions because I prefer that they have the same look and eventual consistency as the noodles, but you could chop them as well, whatever your preference.

Stir in reserved marinade, broth, and water. Add sweet potato and bring to boil; Add noodles. This is where it becomes all about what you like as the end result. I prefer more remaining broth when all is said and done so I will add in 1/4 c. additional broth and 1/4 c. additional water as the liquid is cooked down so I can keep that consistency. If you prefer a traditional noodle bowl, be sure to stir as you cook so it doesn’t burn.

These are the noodles I use. This bag will make 4 batches for me (heaping portions) so it’s a value choice.

Cook until sweet potatoes are tender and noodles are done, about 8 minutes. Stir in beef and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.

I love this photo, all the colors look so fantastic together, I want to make myself a batch right now…

So that’s the recipe! The recipe technically makes 2 servings, but it’s so filling, I can usually get 3 or 4 out of the same amount of ingredients, and I just supplement with a slice or two of soft French loaf. I hope you give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!!

Look at what I found!

2010-04-06T14:27:00.001-07:00

This is a chance to win a $15 gift card to the STS store. I’m super excited about it!

Go and check it out!!

Garden Party Add-On

2010-04-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have had a chance to download our first part of the kit, and are returning for part two! I would get right down to the nitty-gritty, but I want to show off the word arts that I’m releasing tomorrow and the alphas that are coming from Jess as well!

On to today’s piece… The fabulous add-on!

Don’t forget to stop by Giggly PolkaDots to get Jess’s part for today, and come back tomorrow for more freebies!

A Week of Freebies!

2010-04-04T22:10:00.001-07:00

So, I mentioned earlier that over spring break, Jess and I created a few full kits to put up together. Well, here’s our first kit!

World, I would like to introduce you to Garden Party

We were so psyched about being together, and Jess designing for the first time, that not only are we both designing parts of Garden Party, but we also created some extra goodies! We have an add-on:

plus an alpha, some word arts, and quick pages!

It will be a busy DL week around here, so make sure to go see Jess over at Giggly PolkaDots today for her part, and come back to both of our sites and check out the rest of our freebies!!!

And just a little incentive to go and visit Jess…

See you tomorrow!

A Preview

2010-03-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I’m not actually putting up a new project, but this is more of a “Hey! Here’s something to look forward too” post.

Projects #5 and #6 go hand in hand… or spoon in mouth. I am on a mission to organize my recipes and once and for all have a single location I can go to for my standby recipes every week when I put together a menu. As such, #6 is one of my new fabulous recipes that I adapted to suit my college kitchen and put together on a whim one night.

Project #7 is an Easter skirt that I’m sewing for a sweet friend of mine at the moment.

Projects #8 and #9 really should be considered 8 and 8.5, but after all the work that’s going into them individually I’m choosing to make them two very separate and time consuming projects, so be on the look out for photos, and possibly video!!, of what’s to come with these.

One final note, in a haste to leave my apartment this morning, I discovered with little struggle, that I fit into my skinny pants! Yay!