another layout.

I finally got another layout done from my house pictures. I will admit that each of these layouts are getting harder as I try to continue on with the theme. I'm enjoying the challenge, but I'm not sure I like the pages individually. However, I do think I will like them once I get them printed and into a mini-book.

Credits: Font: Ali Edwards, border Jenna Desai

foundation.

I finally got another layout done for my house album. I honestly think I'm about to run out of ideas on how to make these pages visually interesting, but I guess I cross that bridge when I get there. However, I'm set on having this documentary style book.

Thankfully Ray taught me how to use some textures/blending modes to create some interest in my construction photos. I mean let's be honest, pictures of block, not too pretty.

Font: CK Ali Edwards

a new home.

I've started to document some of progress with the house. I really want to make this album more about the process/story. With only one page complete, it looks different than anything else I've designed, but I'm actually really enjoying the process of writing and trying something different. Hopefully, I'll have more of these pages in the near future.

Credits - Font Ali Edwards Creative Memories

that show?

Do you watch a tv show that you don't admit that you watch? Well, I have one, The Big Bang Theory. I think we originally recorded it because we were trying to find a show to watch on Monday nights. It's actually still the only show we have on Monday nights, so if you have a suggestion let me know.

So The Big Bang Theory is based on these two extremely intelligent, extremely socially awkward roommates and of course the hot girl that lives across the hall. And I'm not going to lie, I laugh a LOT. I haven't been able to figure out why this show is so funny. However, I finally figured it out... I'm suffering from a lack of sitcoms. No, seriously. All of the shows I watch are either reality tv: Survivor, American Idol, Project Runway or dramas: Lost, NCIS, Men in Trees. Since Friends went off the air, the symptoms have increased. To the point that I'm cracking up at THE BIG BANG THEORY, and I am literally cry when I catch a rerun of Everybody Loves Raymond (which I admit is a million times funnier now that I'm married) or Friends.

Anyone else out there suffering?

Here's my latest layout. I actually haven't taken many pictures lately:

Ah, speaking of sitcoms (I promise I just realized this). The kit I used for this page is from a set of kits by Chere Kaye inspired by all the characters of Friends! This one is Joey.

The white tiles are by Emily Merritt.

yeah.

First of all, I really love March Madness. I don't stay up late for a lot of things, but I'm totally staying up to watch all the games. Okay, I'll admit I'm slightly biased towards the last game, Tennessee v. Louisville.

Guess what I got today. My shutterfly book. I ended up having 70 pages in it:

I also finished The Shack last night. I highly recommend it. It's one of those books that you can't put down, but when you finish you realize how deep it is and reread it.

I don't have a product to suggest today, but I do have a buying suggestion. Don't buy a Zebra Plant. I wanted something that would live in my office with zero outside light. The guy at Home Depot, who seemed smart, said the Zebra plant would live! Yea right. The thing didn't even make it a week, and it's at my house. Yea yea, bring on the jokes, but I promise it's not me!

Here's what it should look like:
And here's what I have:

Poor thing. No but seriously, if you have any advice, I could obviously use them.

i heart shutterfly.

No seriously Shutterfly made my day. They are giving me a free 8x8 album. Little do they know I've been waiting around for a sale to order my 2007 album. I love them.

I was missing one page before I could order the book, so here it is:
Paper (One Fine Day) by Micheline Martin; Mossygreen Brushes- Kimberly Giarrusso; Swirly Whirly Strings, Fluffy Puffy Ribbons- Natalie Braxton; Staple, Doodled Black Alpha- Kate Hadfield; Pretty Petals- Blythe Evans; Alpha Bits- Christina Renee; Font- Ali Edwards

Also, I wanted to share another one of my favorite things. I love Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
Mr. Clean is the man. These things can get anything white, super white. For example, the refrigerator door. You know all those gross finger prints, gone. Or what about your light switches? Or so clean. Trust me these things are worth a try, and it's kind of fun to go around your house looking for anything white! Try them out, let me know if you agree.

a new layout.

I'm watching Food Network's Dr. Seuss Cake Challenge. These cake people are incredible. Here is my latest layout. I really love the way the picture goes across the page. And here's my secret: the picture is really two pictures. Obviously if you look closely at the middle you will see the seam of the two pictures.
Most of the layout is from Chere Kaye's part of All We Need. If you're interested you can get it at funkyplayground.com. There is also a hybrid kit that goes with it!

All We Need, Chere Kaye; Alphas, Corina Nielsen; Lace Glitter, Christina Renee; Font, Ali Edwards

the first step...

It's Friday, and I am glad to say that I have completely finished cleaning our apartment. Isn't that the best feeling... clean.

I've had several people ask me about how to get started in digital scrapbooking.

First of all, there have been several questions about Creative Memories products. Personally, I would not purchase! For one, their is tons of really great products out there (and much better in my opinion). I used to be a huge CM user back in my paper scrapbooking days, but they haven't seemed to catch up with the move to digital.

I'm not an expert at digital scrapbooking, but here are the steps I took to get started:

1. First of all you need Photoshop.

Some people have really expensive versions, PhotoShop CS2, CS3, but what you need to get started is Photoshop Elements 5.0. It will run you anywhere from $29.99 (used on Amazon) to $50.00. You can also try the newest Elements software 6.0. I would suggest trying that for free for 30 days before you buy: http://www.adobe.com/products/

I personally have used 5.0 since I've started, and I love it. I have heard several rumblings of people not liking 6.0. So try it out, if you like it, you can get it at Staples for $99.

2. You need some stuff.

I suggest getting some free stuff first. Don't go crazy downloading free stuff. Trust me there is a lot of poor quality downloads out there. You'll get it printed and hate it. Here some places to get some good quality free products:

Little Dreamer (I think you might have to register to see them. So if my link won't work for you just go to littledreamerdesigns.com and freebies at the top)

Shabby Princess

Here's how this works. You download the the paper and elements rather than going to Hobby Lobby to get your stuff. Your products are in zipped folders. You need to unzip (right click the folder and click unzip). Then your set to go. If your computer isn't set up to open jpegs into Photoshop, you can just drag it to Photoshop in your start bar.

3. Learning Photoshop.

I really learned by trial and error. I did read several tutorials, but if you are computer savvy you will pick it up easily. Here are some tutorials about getting started:

Shabby Princess Tutorial

Two Peas Tutorial

Changing the color of an element/paper by Emily Giovanni

Using a Frame by Emily Giovanni

4. Learn from others.

I look at a ton of other people's layouts. There are some really talented people out there, and if you're a visual learner like I am this will help a ton. My galleries are on the right side of my blog (not that I'm saying I'm one of those great scrappers). But I recommend checking out myscrapbookart.com for some great inspiration.

5. Get in there and try it.

You're not going to be a pro overnight. I thought it would be so good since I had paper scraped for some long, um... no. You can't make fun of me. Here is one of my first layouts from last June:

Paper, Button, stitches- christinareneedesigns, lil fan fairRibbon- Christina Renee Designs, skinny minnisPhoto Frams - Christian Renee Designs, Pilled High with AttitudeFont- Pia Frauss, Jane Austen

Okay, but here's one from January:

Vera Lim - If OnlyKate Hadfield- Doodled Black Alpha, Heavy Duty StaplesGina Miller - Off Beat Alpha, Boardy LeavesNatalie Braxton - Fluffy Puffy RibbonsRachel Young - Sequin SpillsMiriam Lima - A Quick NoteChristina Renee - Dream ElementsKimberly Giarrusso - Just the Basic Doodle, Seattle Grunge FrameEmily Merritt - Crumpled Accent PaperAmy Hutchinson - Courthouse Doodles

Better right? Well since I started I've learned a ton: how to make realistic shadows, enhance pictures, make things that perfect color, etc. etc.

7. When you're ready to start buying paper, elements, alphas etc.:

We Are Storytellers

Funky Playground Designs

The Lilypad

The Shabby Princess

Vera Lim (If you like her style she has a grab bag for $2 and they are always good)

There are about a million more, but make sure their quality is good before you buy!

8. Printing your album.

I get my layouts printed through shutterfly.com. They will bind your pages together in a book, and you can even design the cover.

There are also tons of places to have your layouts printed. You can also do 8x8 pages and print them on your own printer!

Just a couple of random things. You have to give credit when you use someone's product. So anytime you post online, credit the designer of the paper or element. Also, don't steal (I know none of you would). Make sure you never give your friends copies of freebies or products by designers!

I'm sure I've missed something, but if you have any questions, please ask! I hope this helps.

just something i love

Well, I've decided that I would start sharing some of the products I love. One of my recent finds is Cadcade 2-in-1 Action Pacs with bleach. I love these things. I used to buy the cheapest thing out there, but our dishes never really got completely clean. I always ended up washing everything before putting it in the washer. Yes, they do cost more than my old stuff, but totally worth it. I also finished a layout:
Everything is from Super Fly by Chere Kaye and Traci Murphy (coming tomorrow to Funky Playground Designs).

i am a slacker

Well, maybe not entirely. I started a new job this week. It's been great, but my body has not adjusted to the early morning hours. And I am STILL sick. What a way to start a new job. This past weekend I could not motivate myself to do anything. Well, that's not entirely true. I did help Chase file our taxes (what fun).

Here is my latest craft project, that has been in the works for awhile (both pictures are a little blurry, sorry):
I used vellum and the hostess stamp set 'Event Full.' Splitcoaststampers.com has a tutorial on how to make the sour cream containers. I filled them with kisses, hugs and m&ms.

yuck...

I'm a little under the weather today. It's worked out kind of good to be sick right now while I'm waiting to start my new job. However, I just really want to get over this before I start on Friday. I think there is enough pressure starting a new job, but to be sick at the same time is just not good. I was thankful to have some Tomato Basil Orzo soup left over from the other night. Soup just feels good when you don't.

I did manage to get a layout done yesterday:
February Collab - Funky Playground; Paper Curl - Marcie Reckinger and Traci Murphy; Notebook Paper - Anne deJong

In Chase's family all the guys are Alabama fans and all the wives are Tennessee fans. It's pretty funny. These pictures were from our trip to Tuscaloosa.

Anyone know what they are doing for their husband/wife for Valentine's Day? I think we are going to stay in and cook, but I need to start searching for what that's going to be. And I'm thinking a serious chocolate cake is in order!

****breaking news*****

***EDIT AGAIN***

So who knows. Apparently they are getting back together, but now one knows to what extent. Crazy kids. I guess we will have to wait until we get the official announcement. I also read a rumor about a reality tv show.

***EDIT***

Apparently NKOTB are not coming back. I guess you can't believe everything you read. Actually I'm kind of glad. I like to keep them preserved in my mind pictured below... rather than their current real estate developer selves.
According to People magazine, it's official, they are coming back. Oh but wait, don't get too excited. Jonathan is now 40 and is a real estate developer, um somehow that's just not too NKOTB to me. More information here.

In other news, I'm off until Friday gearing up for my new job. I'm excited, but I'm not sure what
I'm going to do all week. Here's my latest layout:

Everything is from Chere Kaye's Crazy 4 You. My husband never reads this, so I'm safe to say, isn't he so cute in this picture. I just love it.

I'm off to workout and get some Valentine's Day crafts done. Happy Monday.

the week of firsts

I tried sushi Thursday and today I had my first facial. I finally realize why people get facials. My skin feels incredible, so good that I haven't put makeup on all day. I just don't want to mess with with how it feels.

I also feel in love with the moisturiser she used. It felt great, and it smelled great! I was pretty disappointed to find out it cost $56! Ah! I know the importance of moisturising, but come on $56.
Here's my most recent layout:

Chere Kaye-Layering Templates, Boyful Christmas; Kate Hadfield-Black Doodle Alpha, Heavy Duty Staples; Amy Hutchinson-Courthouse Doodles, Scribbled Swirls; Jenna Desai-Doodle Frames Anne deJong-Milestones: First Day of School; Rachel YoungSpilled Sequins; Micheline Martin-Stapled Buds; Paint the Moon- Ribbon

Our nephew is a big fan of saying "Oh Man." Way too cute. It actually took me awhile to get this one done. I actually started over a few times: once because my computer froze and at least a couple of times because I couldn't get the elements to work with the way I wanted the photos.

sushi

I know I'm way behind, but I've never tried sushi before, well until last night. Every time I've had the opportunity to try it, well I just didn't. I finally did, and well I guess it was okay. Maybe it is an acquired taste, and I just need to give it another chance. However, my biggest problem was that my friends insisted I eat it all at once. I really don't think I could even enjoy the sushi because I was too worried that I was going to choke. They said I could cut it in half, but I just felt kind of silly.

I used my friend google to find out if there was such a thing as mini sushi out there. Well there is one restaurant in Florida. I'm thinking my second attempt at eating sushi will be at Fah Asian Bistro. Anyone up for a trip to Boca Raton, FL (I have no idea where that is).

My latest project has been with all the Christmas cards we have sitting around the house. I like to throw things away, but for some reason I haven't been able to throw away photo Christmas cards. I've been thinking of a way to bind them into a little book that I could put out every year. Here's what I came up with:
An inside view:

I just used some twine from the Tractor Supply Company and ribbon to bind it. Make sure you don't bind it too tight. I made that mistake and had to loosen the twine. I also did the pictures back to back, rather than all facing one way. That way at Christmas time you could set it out open to two pictures rather than one.

I'm also thinking every year I'll just unbind the twine and add the next year's cards. That way I have one book and not 20.

Stamps: Baroque roller, Always Artichoke (paper, ink and marker)