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Update: Cricut

OOh! Remember my last post on the Cricut? Well, I was doing some research, and I found out that you can buy it on Amazon! And its a LOT cheaper than the regular retail price. Here are the links to the Cricut at Amazon. Also, check out my Amazon store, for some more Cricut related products.

Click here to view the scrapbooking section of my Amazon store. You can also click on the Amazon products at the top, it'll take you to my store.



Versus: $299.99 for the personal; $399.99 for the create; $499.99 for the expression. I think that is a great discount! Go check it out!

l o v e s

J'Adore Tien Award

Awww..my first award. This award came from Liza over at A Simple Life. I really am honored to receieve this. Thank you! Now...

Here are the rules:
* Copy the award image above.
* Pass it to the bloggers whom you think are deserving for this award.
* Leave a message to them.
* Pass as many as you want.
* Leave a comment to the person who give this award.

Now, I will pass this lovely award to Chris, Sandy, Ann, Staci, and Heather.

Giveaway Results!

Here are the results for my first giveaway!

200 goes to Mark at http://www.neonbubble.com/
200 goes to Ann at http://annssnapeditscrap.blogspot.com/
100 goes to Natalie at http://www.redsoxmom.com/
100 goes to Anne at http://easybuynsell.blogspot.com/
100 goes to Ruth at http://ruthscreations.blogspot.com/

If you accept my gift to you, please leave me a comment and I will send the EC's your way.

Scrapbook Your Memories #2

I've been browsing through a lot of sites lately (mostly because I drop and go, a lot). And I've noticed a lot of digital scrapbooking sites. A lot of themm have really cool designs that I want to try out. And then I thought, I love scrapbooking, and I love fooling around with Photoshop, so why haven't I ever tried digital scrapbooking? I guess I always thought digital scrapbooking would loose the essence of "scrapbooking" and putting together your memories. But it doesn't. I think its so much cooler, because you never have to replenish your supplies because you will never run out! You can use themm over and over again. And you don't have to have much place to store all of your "supplies" just get an external hard drive and put everything on there. Then you can take it wherever you go, if you wanted to do that. But what I'm saying is that its really portable. Especially with the economy these days, and the fact that I don't have any money (other than the couple dollars a month from blogging), digital scrapbooking may be the way to go. And there are so many great supplies out there that are all free! Yeahh, most cost money (and I believe some are worth it, if only I had the money), but there are a lot of good freebies out there too. Here is just an example of some I came across in the last hour:

http://www.thelittlescrapgarden.com/
http://www.taylormade-designs.net/
http://www.simplycleandigiscraps.com/freebies.html
http://www.twolittlepixels.com/
http://digifree.blogspot.com/

These are just a few that I came across tonight. Believe me, there are MANY more out there. I will soon create a section in my sidebar dedicated to digital scrapbooking sites. Both blog and stores. And I will label what they are.

So, in future posts, I think I will post a lot about digital scrapbooking. I will post links to freebies out there. And even some travel related stuff too. And maybe when I get around to it, show you some pages I've created (when I actually...create them...that is). I hope this gets your creativity juices following. And I hope you fellow scrapbookers (or soon-to-be scrapbookers) have fun!

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My first giveaway

Ok, everyone. I will give away Entrecard points to my first 5 commenters.

200 each to my first 2 commenters.
100 each to the next 3-5 commenters.

So go ahead and comment! Thanks!

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btw. I will keep this post stickied at the top, until I receive 5 comments. I only have 3 so far, so keep commenting, please.

Update soon

I will update as soon as I possibly can, ok guys? Lemme know what you want me to post. I have a crazy headache and I have to wake up early tomorrow so after dinner I'mma just go to bed. So I will update hopefully tomorrow, maybe tomorrow night when I get home. Just let me know what you wanna see. OK? Thanks everyone.

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Make Me Laugh #2

Its more cute than funny. But I still love it.

Let's Take A Roadtrip #1

The first step in taking a roadtrip, is planning a roadtrip. And the first step of planning is, of course, choosing your destination. But remember, like life, its not about the destination, its about the journey along the way. Choose a route where you drive through many exciting things and places. You want to look forward to where you end up the next day, not where you'll ultimately end up. Make sure to use a map to plan out your route. And if you want to be even more adventurous, then take a different route on the way back (which should be mapped out too). Roadtripping is about freedom. You don't want to plan yourself a strict schedule. You do, however, want to map out a route. Take your freedom, but be safe and cautious. Don't just take a road and follow it wherever it may lead you. Some people may like that kind of freedom, but I'd rather by safe than sorry. At least try to just map out the cities. You can always skip one, or add a new one, at your hearts desire.
As for the attractions, make a list of what you would like to see, and how long it'll take. Make a note of what is most important to you. That way you won't be too disappointed if you can't find in everything. Make sure to write the prices of the attractions. I would write down the open hours as well. You don't want to show up somewhere and find it already closed. We're trying to save money here, so always keep an eye open for coupons.
Before your trip, always check your vehicle. always. always. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape and repair, give it an oil change and possibly a tune up. Check your tires. Bring with you an emergency car kit and have an emergency backup plan.
Now create a budget. This is important for roadtrips. Plan out how much you will need for gas, accommodations, food, and sightseeing/attractions. I would recommend saving $200 for emergency funds. Make sure to stick to your budget. You don't want to splurge on a luxery hotel when you only have enough money for a hostel; you will short yourself out at some point.
As for what to bring with you, pack light, but don't forget any essentials. Pack clothings is that is right for the season. Choose layers than can adapt. The weather may change on you. When I went to Florida for the first time, it went from bright and sunny to pouring rain in less than two minutes. It definitely was a surprise! A toiletry kit will be useful and easy to carry from place to place.

Good planning will reduce stress. So have fun, but take your time planning.

Here are some great resources to check out:

Also check out this website: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/

Scrapbook Your Memories #1

Have you ever heard of the Cricut? Its a personal electronic cutter that allows you to make a variety of shapes and sizes, without a computer! I've been wanting one for so long, but it's a big investment for someone with no money. And what can I say? Scrapbooking is not a cheap hobby. If you do splurge on one scrapbooking item, it should be on the Cricut. Everyone I've known that has it, loves it. I definitely will love it when I finally get one. And I'm sure you will love it too (if you don't already one)! Check out their website for some great videos.

There are three different sizes available. All prices are based on the website. The Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter Machine is the cheapest at $299.99. What makes it so great is that its portable and weighs only 7 pounds. The Cricut Expression is the most expensive and biggest at $499.99. It is made to stay on a table/workdesk. It is definitely not portable. Because of its larger size, its able to create larger cuts. And lastly, The Cricut Create Machine is in the middle of it all. It is $399.99 and is as portable as the Personal Machine but as functional as the Expression. This is the one that I would buy. Here is a picture of The Cricut Create Machine. You can buy it online from http://www.cricut.com/. Or, you can buy it at your local Walmart, Michaels, Jo-Anns, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby, and even Home Depot. Hmm.. that last one surprised me. But Walmart usually has great deals, and so does Jo-Anns. I'm sure Michaels has good deals too but I don't really go there (I love Jo-Anns! I even worked there before). As for the other three, I've never really looked there. Buying it in the store versus online is usually cheaper in this case.

Featured City of the Week #1

This week's city, is Honolulu, Hawai'i. The city of Honolulu is located on the island of O'ahu. I lived on this island for three years, and I loved it. I spent the most of my high school years there and made a lot of friends. While not in school, I visited a lot of places. There are some places that I regret not being able to see (no money=much problem) so I will include those places on here as well.
1. Diamond Head. An ancient volcanic crater. Although most visitors hike to the top (which I've heard has a great view), I never actually got to go. I've driven around the bottom (since its near the beach and houses), past it, and I've even seen if from afar. But I never actually got to go there. This place is still on my must-see list.
2. Hanauma Bay. A crescent-shaped beach where visitors can snorkel and view marine life. It once had live coral but after all the visitors, and people putting their feet down when they're not supposed to, the coral have died. But don't despair. There are plenty of marine life still living in these waters and they are still as beautiful as ever.
3. Historic Honolulu: Hawaii Maritime Center, Mission Houses Museum, Kawaiaha'o Church, and Iolani Palace. Want to learn about Hawaiian history? Don't rely on the books. Go experience it yourself. The Maritime Center even has a restored ship you can walk on (and around). The Mission Houses Museum is like a walk through the past. These mission houses are actually 3 restored houses from history. Learn about the missionaries who came to Hawaii. The church is right next to the mission houses and it is the first christian church on the island. And finally, Iolani Palace. The first and only royal palace on the island. The palace housed Hawaii's last Queen up until the day Hawaii was overthrown by the U.S. Marines. The palace is now a museum and most of the rooms are open to the public. Since I had to take Hawaiian history to graduate (I would have wanted to take it anyway), I got to go on a fieldtrip to these 4 places, all in one day. It was great, and I learned a lot of history, and got to re-live it too.
4. Waikiki Beach. The most tourist-y place in all of O'ahu. I love it for the strip (lots of shopping!) but hate it for the beach. The beach has too many tourists, and is wayy overcrowded. Waikiki has a great nightlife (but be cautious-don't act like a tourist-you might get robbed) and its a great place to just walk the strip (kind of like Vegas, but with a beach).
5. Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is actually a naval base, but there are historical attractions that the public can get to. The Arizona Memorial shows you where the USS Arizona sunk, bringing us into WWII. The sunken ship is actually only a few feet below the water's surface, and can be seen from the memorial. Have you ever watched the movie, Pearl Harbor? Do remember the scene where the ship was sinking and all the men were trapped inside? That's the USS Arizona.

There are many more places to see in this city, but these are my favorites. Also, there are many more things to do on the rest of the island, but that's a whole other story. To wrap it all up, here are some pictures.

Sorry, I don't have any pictures of the Iolani Palace and the Mission Houses because they didn't allow any photography. I managed to snap up a bunch of postcards, but I don't have a scanner at the moment.

Amazon Products

Heyy everyone. You may have noticed some new items to my site. First off, I have added Amazon products to the top. If you click on one, you will notice that it goes to a store that are Amazon products, but doesn't look like the Amazon site. Don't worry! It is safe and secure. It is just my Amazon "store." This are products that I like, that I thought all of you would like to view, and possibly buy. It is all run by Amazon and the payments go through Amazon. So go ahead, take a look, browse around, and shop. Thanks!

Ready . Set . Organize . #1

Going on a trip? Just want your car organized? Here are some great products to keep you organized while traveling and on the road. Clockwise, starting at the top left.
1. Driver Pockets in Leopard Print by Talus $4.99. Also comes in Blue and Pink. This 2 pocket nylon catch-all holds cell phones, pens, glasses and other small items you need within reach while driving. The clip on hooks attach to air vents or other nooks on your dashboard.
2. Auto Document Organizer - Glove Box Organizer $13.99. Store all important auto documents in one easy-to-access organizer. The zippered outside pocket allows quick access to the registration and insurance forms.
3. Charger Caddy by Talus $5.99. Easy to use - slide charger adapter through loop and into car outlet. The soft lined pockets protect phone, iPod, GPS... Store the excess cord in the rear pocket.
4. Auto Litterbag and Tissue Holder by Talus $14.99. Puff 'n Stuff offers an all-in-one solution to keep your car tidy. Now you can have a leakproof trashbag and a standard sized box of tissues within easy reach when you're on the go.

All of these products can be found at www.organize.com. Check them out and let me know what you think. These look like some pretty cool products and they are great prices.

Relax Your Self #1

Since today's theme is all about relaxing, I decided to write a post about facials. Facials can get expensive, so this post is about an at-home facial. Here is a recipe for an at-home facial. Try this facial once a week. This basic facial works on all skin types.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 25-30 minutes

What You Need:
Gentle cleanser
Exfoliating scrub
Warm water & a washcloth
Clay-based or cream facial mask (based on skin type)
Basic moisturizer

1. Cleanse the skin. You’ll want to wash the face to remove any grime or dirt. If you have oily or combination skin, try a cleanser like Clinique Wash Away Gel Cleanser or Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash . For dry skin, your best bet is a cream or milky cleanser such as Cetaphil.
2. Exfoliate. Using your fingers, rub a gentle exfoliating scrub in a circular motion on your face. Concentrate on the areas around your nose and forehead or if you have combo skin, work harder on the areas that tend to be ‘greasy.’ Rinse your face well since exfoliating scrubs tend to be drying. Clinique makes a simple, but excellent face scrub.
3. Steam. Fill your sink with warm water, dip a washcloth in and press to your face. Repeat 2-3 times.
4. The Mask. For oily skin, use a clay-based face mask. For dry skin, go for a hydrating gel or cream mask. Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10-20 minutes (or, according to the directions on the product). Rinse completely.
5. Moisturize. Smooth on a soothing, basic moisturizer such as Crème de La Mer Moisturizing Cream (very expensive) or the less expensive Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion . Tip: Stay away from strong moisturizers containing retinols or acids. These will over-exfoliate your skin.

This recipe was brought to you by Julyne Derrick, at About.com.

Make Me Laugh #1

Who said all weddings have to be sappy? Enjoy this video!

Summer Memories

Summer is almost over. But there is still time left to make some memories. I found this article from the August 2006 issue of Seventeen. Do you guys remember Miss Seventeen Jennifer Steele? The article is a list of 21 things to do before you turn 21. The tips are composed by Jennifer. For those of you under 21, these are great tips to make great memories. If you're older than 21, it's never too late to make new memories.

1. Take a road trip: Mapping the route, singing at the top of your lungs, and discovering new towns with friends is the ultimate bonding experience.

2. Learn to play a musical instrument: Jen can only play a few chords but she loves the expressive power of music - and the possibility that one day you can learn to create something beautiful through it.

3. Go skinny-dipping: It's the most liberating thing ever. You have to let go of your insecurities when you take off your clothes.

4. Save $1,000: Just seeing that big number in your bank account is rewarding - knowing you did it alone.

5. Know your grandparents: Ask them (or your parents) about their lives at your age. You might be shocked by how much insight they have - and the crazy things they did.

6. Buy a lottery ticket: But just one. Everyone should take one million-to-one shot in their lives - it's fun to dream such a big and outrageous dream.

7. Win a award: It doesn't matter if it's a contest for role models or pie-eating - you can be the best at something. And there's no fulfillment quite like everyone else knowing it too.

8. Say "I Love You": It takes courage to be vulnerable. But it's the only way to create the possibility that someone will give you back the love you deserve.

9. Learn to drive a stick shift: You never know when you'll get into a situation where you may need to know how. Plus, in terms of gas, these cars are better on your wallet and the environment.

10. Milk a cow: Jen was terrified to do it, but conquering this small thing helped her do even bigger scary stuff.

11. Forgive someone: A girl wrote "bitch" on Jen's locker when she was 16, and it always ate away at her inside. But they made amends, the bad feelings evaporated.

12. Have your fortune told: Sure, it's kind of silly. But doing it is really a reminder that in the end, only you hold the power to chart your own destiny.

13. Go to a drive-in: Seriously the best place on earth. Where else can you watch a movie, get a great burger, talk and walk around with friends, and see the stars - all at the same time.

14. Do your own laundry: It's the first step on the long (but gratifying) road to independence.

15. Ride a horse: Okay, it might sound cheesy, but when you connect with this animal and the wind blows through your hair, it's the closest feeling to real freedom.

16. Donate your formal dresses: You'll give someone the chance to be a princess for one night. (And yes, it's okay to feel like one.)

17. See the ocean: Jen felt so small next to this huge, timeless thing - and it inspired me to make the most of my life.

18. Waitress at least once: Serving someone is humbling, but it teaches you how to communicate and multitask - two skills you'll use forever.

19. See one thing that is "the world's largest": Even if it's just a frying pan - at least it can be your temporary claim to fame.

20. Leave the country: Going to England, Jen realized how narrow her world really was - and that travel was the best way she could expand it.

21. Learn to love your body: Jen is just now starting to feel perfect as she is because she has knobby knees and moles - not in spite of them.

These tips were taken directly from the article. All tips and opinions are the responsibility of Jennifer Steele, 21, and Seventeen magazine.

This is a picture of me and part of my group when we went to the United Kingdom in 2006. It was my first time traveling out of the country (and without my parents). It was a great experience and I made a lot of new friends. I'm the one of the far right. We are standing on a sidewalk in London. You can see the parliament buildings, the london eye, and Big Ben in the background.

How many of these tips have you done? I am 20 years old, and I've accomplished 12 of these items. Wow, I have a lot to finish. Well, I turn 21 next May, so I should get started soon. Leave me your comments. Let me know what you have accomplished. What else should be on this list? Want me to post more lists like this? I want to know your opinion.

The Mommy Journey's Blogversary

Heyy everyone! The Mommy Journey is having her one year blogversary! There will be MANY prizes for the top winners. Check out the prizes below.

1st winner
blogspot makeover by Momgen Designs
4000 EC credits from Nishas world and baby Alisha
1000 EC credits from Blog Fusion
1000 EC credits from Worth's Road
1000 EC credits from Mouth's Delight
125 x125 ad space for 1 month from There is Happiness
125 x125 ad space for 1 month from Twins Happiness

2nd winner
blogspot customized template by Web Blog Designs
5000 EC credits from Simple Happy Life
2000 EC credits from Bitz n Pieces of My Life
125 x125 ad space for 1 month from Also Mommy
125 x125 ad space for 1 month from TH Corner

3rd winner
5000 EC credits and 125x125 ad space for 1 month from The Mommy Journey
$5.00 from Inspirational Insights
125x125 ad space for 1 month from iluvcontest
125x125 ad space for 1 month from another contest

4th winner
3000 EC credits from Chuchie's Hideaway
2000 EC credits from WhereAbouts
$5.00, 1000 EC credits and 125x125 ad space for 1 month from Just About Anything
125x125 ad space for 1 month from Sherry Contest
125x125 ad space for 1 month from Sherry Rambling

5th winner
$5.00 from Our Family Story
5000 EC credits from a housewife's journal and an extraordinary path to parenthood
125x125 ad space for 1 month from That Blog 4 Me
125x125 ad space for 1 month from Travel Blog

Check out her site to see how to enter!

Whatever Life

I have a ton of files. Literally, I have millions of files. Thankfully, I have an external hard drive, called my Book. Ever heard of it? Its great. Anyways. I decided to sort through and organize some of my files. Most of my files are too boring to sort through so I decided to sort through my pictures. And I was looking through the banners I've saved and I thought some of them are so cute, that I should put them on here. So here are some banners for you to look at. I got them from http://www.whateverlife.com/. Did you know that website was created by teenager? It's pretty cool. Go check out her website, after you check out these graphics. And believe me, there are MANY more on her site.

My Pink Stamper

I stumbled upon this blog yesterday and I absolutely love it! The girl's name is Robyn, and she is great! She gives little video tutorials on how to make items and they are pretty good. And to top that, her blog is so cute and pretty! :]

Here she is! Check out her blog for some videos, giveaways, and other scrapbooking ideas and tips.

August Featured Products on Etsy

Being that this site is supposed to be about traveling. I've decided to create a section called "Featured Products on Etsy," this site is a place for people to sell their handmade items. People are also able to sell supplies (such as scrapbooking!). Every month I will browse their travel section and give you a link and some info on I items I think would be cool to have. All products will be travel-related. Stuff to help you organize when you travel, save money when you travel, and even supplies to help you create your travel scrapbook. This month, my topic is scrapbook supplies. So here we go!

These are so cute! These are brass charm stampings that can be used to Scrapbooking. And they look like little passports! It comes in a package of 5 pieces. It is being sold by Requilegia. Click here for the link. It only costs $1.50!




These are bus tickets from Rome, Italty. Then can be used for collages, scrapbooking, anything you can create. It comes in a package of 6. It is being sold by ImagineArt7. Click here for the link. It costs $2.75.



Want to create a scrapbook of your travels but don't have the time or money to create one from scratch? Buy a premade scrapbook where all you have to do is insert your pictures! This scrapbook has 12 pages. It is being sold by Apicketfencelife. Click here for the link. It costs $17.00.


These are little felt travel bubbles. They can be used for scrapbooks, cards, anything really. These are handmade. They come in package of 6. They are being sold by Evalicious. Click here for the link. They cost $4.50.



These are journaling tags that can be used for your scrapbooks. It comes in a package of 8. It is being sold by PinkOwlPaperie. Click here for the link. It costs $2.75.

The Naked Roommate

I was at the library the other day and I came across this book:


The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into In College by Harlan Cohen. It costs $14.95 and you can find at most bookstores and at Amazon.com.

I started browsing through the books and thought, "Hey, there are some great tips in here," so I checked it out and brought it home with me. This book is a great book. It gives you so many college tips with stories that go with the tips. All of the tips are submitted by current college students, varying from freshman to seniors. I would greatly recommend this book to any current and future college student. Whether you are an high school senior, college senior, if you're going to a university or a community college, or everything else in between, this book is for you. it gives you great insight on the good, the bad, and everything you could never imagine about college.

Here are a sample of some of the tips I thought were beneficial:
Tip #1: Don't create too many expectations. You might think that you know what will happen in college, but really, you don't.
Tip #8: Don't stay in your dorm and live online. It's hard enough to explore on your own without having the Internet, online dating, instant messenger, video games, and all the other electronic gadgets that make being alone much more tolerable. You'll miss out on so much.
Tip #13: I don't care where the dorm room is and who lives there-always lock your door and your window when you're not in the room.
Tip #14: Respect each other's differences and make rules before you need rules.

There are over 105 tips in this book. I really recommend this book. Either it will help you in college or it will entertain you about college. Can't get to the book? Here are some other places you can find more tips:
http://indiana.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6855003
http://myspace.com/harlancohen
http://www.thenakedroommate.com/

Orientation

This is Travelin' With Marie. My name is Leilanie, but my middle name is Marie. Here I will post tips on life, finance, travel, and scrapbooking. I am young, and in college. Therefore, most of my tips will involve saving money, traveling on a budget, ways to scrapbook your travel momentos, and good recipes even a college student can make. If you ever have a request, or suggestion, of something you want to hear, then let me know. I'm here to make you happy. Ok, well, and to make me happy too.

Disclosure Policy

This policy is valid from 05 August 2009

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact Leilanie Nipper (allgrownup.21@gmail.com).
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This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.
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