Wanted: *YOUR* story...

http://www.jenwilsondesigns.com/contests.html

I think I am going to send my story... do you think there could be a kit for the story of my life? LOL

It's going to be a quick day!

The blockbuster snowstorm has turned into an irritating freezing rain situation so school was delayed 90 minutes... 90 less minutes to "my" day. *sigh*

I am currently working on moving my art gallery over from the "old" gallery to the "new" gallery at The Digi Shoppe! Be sure to check out the fresh new look! There is even a fun freebie for registering on the new message boards!

If you haven't read on several other blogs, be sure to check out Manda Bean's Retiring Sale at The Digi Chick. She has several kits available for 75% off, which makes them UNDER $1! You just can't go wrong!

Less than 24 hours now until A Cherry on Top and Sweet Shoppe Designs open their virtual doors to the digi communities! Both will have AMAZING galleries and so many fun exclusives, you won't know where to spend your money first!

Last night in my surfing, I stumbled on a designer at SBB. I don't know how I hadn't noticed her work before because it's amazing! Her name is Michelle Underwood! Does anyone know if she has a blog? I think I might like to stalk her, LOL ;)

Well, I better get to work... I may come back and share some layouts later today if I am very productive, which is (of course) the plan! :) Have a great Tuesday!

No time to chat...

I will be late for work as it is, I am trying to hold off leaving until the sun comes up and the temp moves up a degree thus making the roads less icy. I *hate* driving on anything but clear dry pavement!

Today is my "long day" at work... you know, the one where I work a full 8.5 hour shift like the rest of the world, LOL :) All the bosses are away at the CHA show, so Colleen and I will just be hanging out doing our assignments quietly on our own. It should be a nice change of pace over the frantic pace we sometimes get into when there are "fires" to put out.

I am so glad we still haven't come to rely on my income. It's nice to have the extra money to throw at debt, but if I were to need to stay home with the kids, it wouldn't be the end of the world (and heck, we'd save a TON in gas). Although my commute is an hour, at least it's not on the highway and there is rarely any traffic. [Eggers, that's me looking on the bright side, LOL]

I am bummed that again I have no new layouts to share with you! I promise that later in the week will be busier with new things once ACOT and SweetShoppeDesigns open their digi shops! I have lots of things "in the wings" just waiting to be posted!

Have a great Monday!

A Sunday morning check in!

The kids have been out of control this morning- SO much fighting and yelling I felt like hiding my head under my pillow. I am about to hop in the shower to get ready for church. Each of the kids then has a basketball game and the Cub Scout Pack Swim Night is tonight... AS IF I might put on a swimsuit, LOL

I am plugging away at all of my digital assignments. Thank goodness I started smart with an Excel chart to keep me aware of what needs to be done. I definitely met the requirements of every team in January, I exceeded most, which was my goal!

I need to work on some paper projects this week- a Circle Journal entry and a few samples for my lss. I think I still remember how, LOL

We could be looking at a big storm on Tuesday... it's too early to tell. Too early? Seriously? Are they going to predict the storm once it's over? LOL

Just happened to hear the news that Baby Jessica (who was trapped in a well in the late 80's) is now a 19 year old college student and was married on Saturday! What the heck? Way to make me feel old, LOL I was in high school when she fell in the well and the whole country held their breath waiting for her rescue. What an amazing story of support!

This weekend also marks the 20th anniversary of the Challenger explosion from 1986. I remember that hitting me so hard. I was in 7th grade, living in Ormond Beach Florida. I was in Social Studies class at the time the shuttle was to take off. We went outside to watch it in the sky. We didn't realize what had happened as we cheered when we saw the shuttle in the sky overhead. We came back into the school to learn what had happened. I felt incredibly connected to Christa because she was from NH, my home state. I remember crying for days after. It was such a sad time for America and my heart still breaks 20 years later when I think of the great loss to her family.

I've got a busy weekend coming up!

Today is filled with basketball pictures, games and birthday parties. Tomorrow is church, LOTS more games and the Cub Scout Pack Swim Night. Hopefully I will squeeze in a few minutes of design time in the evenings.

Thanks to the fantastic Martha Crowther of Perfect Shot Photography in Salem NH for emailing me yesterday with some B&W headshots from the September photo shoot of our family. I was in need of a better avatar and profile picture. I feel MUCH more confident using this photo than the one I had up before. I found myself not even wanting to post at The Digi Chick because I didn't want people to see my avatar! LOL


I can still see all my flaws in this picture but at least it's better! :)

I haven't had a hair cut since this picture was taken. I am planning to grow it for a few months longer and then will be getting it all cut off and donate it to Locks of Love! Anyone else want to join me?

I received the downloads from Dani Mogstad yesterday to begin work for my Guest Creative Team Member assignments! Everything is PERFECT and is going to be SO much for to work with! I can't wait to get started!

Thanks to all of you who commented yesterday and let me vent (even Misty who teased with me chocolate). That is not the person I want to be, but the reality is, I get down sometimes just like everyone else. I know I have a lot to be thankful for- family, friends, health, home- but sometimes you can't see the forest through the trees.

Gotta scoot to get out of here this morning... sorry no layout to share today... I didn't come up with anything wonderful yesterday! Today is a new day, though! :)

I am late today...

I went to bed around 11pm last night which allowed me to sleep till 7am. I expected that I would come downstairs, hop on the computer and create something wonderful (or heck, even marginal) to share here on the ole blog. Nope, didn't happen. I have tried 4-5 sets of pictures and just can't pull together something worth sharing. Honestly, I can't even pull together something worth SAVING!

In my quest to learn something new everyday, I want to thank Paula Duncan for teaching me how to save supply lists/design credits in the properties of photos! It may be a slow process, but I would like to transfer all this information for both my paper and digi layouts. Delusions of grandeur? Maybe! ;)

I am furious at my husband's boss at the moment. He can spend $10K+ on tv's for the restaurant (and that's just a drop on the hat) but we can't get health insurance coverage until March 1st when Scott has worked there full time since November? I don't think so. I want to write lots of profane things, but remembering the Eggers is keeping me from saying too much! Good work, ladies!

I think I will go take a shower and head to the gym. I am disgusted with how I look in pictures lately. I am disgusted with how I look in real life, too, but at least I don't have to look at me, LOL

I promise to be cheery tomorrow!

Spotlight Designer: Christine Smith

Flowers & Brads by Christine Smith in her Paper Petals Pack @ DigitalsStitching by Jessica Bolton of Eclectic ScrapsBrush Frame and Staples by Anita Stergiou of NDISBAll backgrounds by Christine Smith in her Warmly Yours Paper Pack @ DigitalsFont: Centaur & CK Woodbine

Today's spotlight designer is Christine Smith! Christine's designs can currently be found at Digitals, but she will also be making her debut at The Digi Chick on February 9th! Some of her newest designs can be seen on her blog. How fun is that basic blues kit? And isn't her own work just amazing!? She was chosen as one of Digital Scrapbooking Magazine's Best & Brightest! Isn't that awesome? I love when good things happen to good people! :) Christine is definitely one to watch! We could have the next Jen Wilson on our hands here, girls!

In other news, I woke up at 3:30am today and couldn't get back to sleep. Nothing else to do laying there staring at the ceiling so here I am online blogging, checking email and considering even creating a layout.

I have to leave by 6:45am for work today. I work till 2pm, home at 3pm and need to leave by 4:45pm or 5pm to get to the seacoast for another NYOBC meeting/book signing tonight! This meeting is run by Barbara Doyle so even though I hate the idea of driving that far at night, I am excited to attend the meeting because Barbara is such a cool girl!

Other than that, not too much else going on! I am starting to count the days till Feb 1st... the opening of both ACOT and Sweet Shoppe Designs. I am so humbled to be a part of both with such incredible designers! I have had access to some of the most incredible kits recently and am really starting to feel the self created pressure to create PERFECT pages. I am not perfect, I am just me and I need to keep reminding myself of that on a daily basis.

Have a fabulous Thursday! See you all here at the blog tomorrow morning! :)

Spotlight Artist: Peta & other stuff

I have given thought to the Spotlight Artist. There is NO WAY I will be able to scraplift on a daily basis and still design things myself, so I have decided to make this a "every now & then" kind of thing. Sometimes it may be once a week, sometimes every other week and sometimes 3 times per week! You just never know! :) It's my blog so I figure I can change the rules if I want to! <--- Yes, that's me playing the "blog card", LOL Anyway, I couldn't let it go another day with having my first Spotlight Artist! I woke up early (as I always do on snow days) and surfed the galleries to see what was new! I settled on a wonderfully designed layout by Peta which you can see in this post on her blog! I met Peta on Robin Carlton's Creative Team. Peta is a super fabulous Australian with incredible designs and a super sassy personality! I just love people who lay it on the line and she certainly does! :)

Here is my layout inspired by hers:

Backgrounds by Christine Smith in her Warmly Yours Paper Pack @ Digitals
Brads & Flowers by Christine Smith in her Paper Petals Pack @ Digitals
Font: CK True Type

In other news...
1. ScrappersAnonymous.com is for sale! We have had a few nibbles but no sale just yet, so I am officially putting this out there. If you have ever wanted to open your own online scrapbooking community or store, this could be the perfect chance! The sale price will include the domain name (which I believe expires in June), the message boards, the art gallery and all current content. Upon purchase, you would be free to make any changes you would like... or keep things just the way the are! Imagine having such an awesome domain name with existing site traffic coming to YOUR site! Email me at inlovewithdots@aol.com if you would like to discuss this further. Feel free to spread the word!

2. If any of you amazing digital designers happen to be getting rid of a well maintained laptop when you upgrade, please think of me. I *really* want one, but it's such a frivolous expense that I can't justify purchasing a new one. I know that any of you talented designers would have the processing speed/memory that I am looking for... and if you happened to leave your designs on there, too, I sure wouldn't cry! ;) So, I am just putting this out there... can't hurt to ask, right?

Since I worked on Guilt Free Digital Tuesday, I think I will take this morning to do another layout or two! See you all out there on the digi boards! :)

Oh, and leave me a note if you stop by, would ya!? I get all excited when a comment email comes into my inbox! :)

Are you mad?

I know there were a few who were planning to check in here today to see who I decided should be my very first spotlighted artist! Well, I didn't find the time yesterday to lift her and I didn't want to do any just ole thing, so I have decided to wait on posting that for now! Sorry!

I do have some other exciting news... Dani Mogstad has asked me to be her Guest CT member for the month of February! I am beside myself with excitement! How strange that I just mentioned Guest CT spots YESTERDAY on my blog!? Anyway, I am really looking forward to working with Dani's designs next month!!! In honor of this super fun announcement, here is a layout I did using Dani's Acrylic Alpha:

Backgrounds, Stitching, Staples & Twill all by Kathy Moore in her Just A Boy Page Kit at Digi Diva Designs Acrylic Alphabet by Dani Mogstad Font: CK Sloppy

The kid's have an early release tomorrow so I am working today instead, which means I really need to throw my butt off here and get showered! Have a fantastic Tuesday!

Monday Morning Blues

School has been cancelled due to the weather... I have a feeling this means I will be far less productive than I usually could be at home from work.

This also means that the gym has closed for the day since they follow the school snow day schedule. BUMMER! I needed today to keep in the habit.

I am currently out of designers to spotlight, at least those that I have had the privilege of working with. I have a feeling I will have a few to add in the coming weeks through my new CT position at The Digi Chick, and the Grand Opening of the digital division of A Cherry on Top. I am also hoping to earn a guest spot or 2 with some designers. In the meantime, I have decided that I will spotlight some of the artists in the industry- those I have met on Creative Teams, and those whose work I admire. My plan is that beginning tomorrow I will choose a layout of theirs and to scraplift and share it here. I will also share what it is that I love about their style! I have the PERFECT person in mind to start with, but you will just have to wait till tomorrow! :)

Yesterday was a productive today. Lightening did not strike me down when I used Bazzill cardstock and Clearsnap ink! I am thrilled to say that I designed 2 of the 4 classes for the Cape. I still need to type packing lists, instructions and create the Powerpoint Presentation, but I have to start somewhere, right?

Spotlight Designer: Yvette Sanders

Background, Frame and Button by Yvette Sanders in her Round About kit
Font: Simpson

Today's spotlight designer is Yvette Sanders! Yvette's designs can be found here at SOTBox.com. For the Cousins layout, I used her Round About kit. Yvette has created oodles of different kits that I hope to try over time including Little Boy Blue, The Pastels Collection, For The Boys and the Beach Glass Collection! She definitely has talent!

In other scrapping news, I am heading to Lighthouse Scrapbooking today after church. I will be working on classes for the Crop on The Cape. I hope I don't cut myself since I can hardly remember how to paper scrap, hee hee :)

I wish I had a laptop to take to the Cape with me next month, but unfortunately that needs to wait until I have paid off the camera, the dog's $2400 surgery, the pellet stove and at least started to make a dent in the rest of our debt! *sigh* I did see Dani's post about getting rid of her old laptop, but I am not sure I can afford what she is asking, at least not up front.

The snow is coming tomorrow. That doesn't make me happy since Monday is supposed to be my long day at work!

Tagged again!

I was tagged by Alisha!

Questions:
What scrapbooking lines/products/etc do you dislike?
I don't like to be a negative person... I try to always focus on the positive so I am going to reserve comment on this question! :)

What is the hardest thing you've ever had to scrap?
Different things are difficult for different reasons. Sometimes I have a difficult time with a GREAT picture because I want the layout to be PERFECT! Other times the subject matter is difficult. A few things that come to mind are my Mother's passing and a special picture of my friend Jeanne & I shortly before she passed away in May 2005.

What technique do you use more than any other?
Tough question- I dont do a lot of "technique" layouts... I usually keep things simple with photos and journaling. If I had to choose one, I would say that I staple lots of things! I like my elements anchored!

Ever been published?
Yes and what a thrill it is each and every time!

What's the smallest scrap of paper you save?
I do save scraps by color now, but if they were all to disappear I wouldnt be sad!

Ever have any scrapbooking-related injuries?
LOL, yes, I have cut myself several times!

Finish the sentence "If I wasn't a scrapbooker, I would spend my money on....."
Electronics! I love gadgets and do-dads that make life easier, faster and exciting!

Give us your best storage or organizational idea.
Get yourself a good friend who like organization and bribe her to come over with the offer of free supplies! :)

You just won a week-long scrapbooking cruise for 5. Who's going with you?
Melissa, Lesley, Jen, Pam, Sherri

After you've answered the questions, tag 6 of your scrapbook buddies!
Hmmmmm, trying to think of scrappers with blogs that I know also paper scrap since some of these questions are paper related!
Sherry Cartwright
Diana Martin
Laura Alpuche
Kathy Moore
Tia Bennett
Heather Roselli

Spotlight Designer: Jan Crowley

Backgrounds, Chipboard Alpha and Stitching by Jan Crowley in her Blush KitPure Vailla Tag Alpha by Sara CarlingSchmootzy Alpha brushes by Nancie Rowe JanitzStaples by Kathy MooreFlowers & Brads by Dani MogstadBrushed Clean Brush by Valerie FowlerFont: CK Newsprint

When I saw Jan Crowley's new designs at The Digi Chick on Thursday, I knew she had to be the next Spotlight Designer! She does AMAZING work! The kit I used in the layout above, Blush, is SO jam packed! The texture and distressing are AMAZING and if you love stitching on your layouts, it is a MUST HAVE kit!

Several people have asked me about the WONDERFUL chipboard alphabets I have been using this week... that's Jan, too, girls, so go check her out! :)

CT Announcement at TDC

This news speaks for itself!

New forums at NDISB!

http://www.ndisb.com/forum/index.php

I know, I know... you're wondering why you would want to visit yet another overwhelming digi scrap forum! THIS new forum is different! Theresa is keeping it simple... and fun! Be one of the first 10 to register and receive a FREE "Natural Babe" just for asking! :)

Spotlight Designer: Janel Kretschman

All backgrounds, elements and alphabet from Janel Kretschman's Beep Beep Kit Font: P22 Garamouche

Today's spotlight designer is Janel Kretschman. Janel is an immensely talented designer who co-owns The Digi Shoppe. Her designs have so much detail! The Well Loved Collection, consisting of My Cousins Bedroom, My Husband's Closet & My Daughter's Play Clothes is one of my new favorite collections!

Toot!

Just got an email from Simple Scrapbooks for a digital layout for an issue coming out later this year! It was one I did back in the fall, so among my very first layouts! WOOHOO! I am too excited!

Spotlight Designer: Ginger Thibodeau

Backgrounds, Ribbon and all Hearts by Ginger Thibodeau in her I Love You This Much kit at SOTBox.com Frame brush by Anita Stergiou at NDISB.com Font: CK Architect

Todat's spotlight designer is Ginger Thibodeau! Her designs can be found here at Scrap Outside The Box! When I saw her newest kit "I Love You This Much", I just knew I had to have it right away! I used it in the layout above... aren't those hearts great!? Ginger has a fun style... full of color and always something unique!

And have you seen her blog? It's all about the rectangle! She highlights well designed 8.5x11" pages as well as shares her own sketches and hosts challenges! You should definitely check it out!

Spotlight Designer: Paula Duncan

Ice. Of course, it's icy. It's a work day and I just took Monday off. *sigh* Winter is going to get me fired. :(

I purchased the Eternal Hope kit yesterday and have created 2 layouts with it so far! Isn't it wonderful to support a good cause and receive an amazing digi kit at the same time?

Today's spotlight designer is Paula Duncan! I wish I could put up a beautiful layout for you to enjoy and tell you all about my favorite kits from Paula, but for the moment that info is all TOP SECRET! All of your questions about Paula will be answered on February 1st when Sweet Shoppe Designs opens its doors! :)

Spotlight Designer: Robin Carlton

All backgrounds, buttons, ribbons, chipboard & index card by Robin Carlton in her Feels Like Home kitFont: CK Stenography

Robin Carlton. Does she even NEED any introduction? She is definitely one of the hottest designers in the industry right now and when Sweet Shoppe Designs opens, Robin just may become a household name, a true rock star in the digi scrapping world! That is definitely where she belongs with her motivation and drive!

I love her designs because they are so fresh and upbeat! Choosing a favorite is difficult... there are so many kits to love! I used her Feels Like Home Kit above. Check out the texture and dimension on the elements and papers. Simply gorgeous! The release of several old kits revised and several new kits on February 1st has me all tingly inside! I am counting the days! :)

In other news... I spent a little money this week at DesignbyDani to see what all the fuss was about! Definitely fun stuff! My favorite purchase is the Acrylic Alphabet set! They are BIG & AWESOME and I have received TONS of comments on the layouts I put up that feature them!

Don't forget that today is the day the Eternal Hope Mega Page Kit goes on sale at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking! One hundred percent of gross sales will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand to help fight childhood cancers.

Spotlight Designer: Theresa Hernandez

Long day Monday has become MLK Day Monday for this week... I didn't learn till Friday that my kids were off today! Scott obviously makes more money than me so I was the elected one to stay home! It's just as well because I think Dane's ear infection is back so we will be taking a trip to the doctor's office today.


Alphabet, Ribbon & cookie elements all by Theresa Hernandez in her Christmas Cheer Kit
Fonts: 2Peas Unforgettable and Arial Narrow

Today's spotlight designer is Theresa Hernandez! I met Theresa online at the end of August 2005. I had just put my kids on the bus for their first day of school and was scouring the internet for a School Days kit to scrap with! Theresa sent me something she was woking on and it was just perfect! This eventually led to my very first Creative Team offer in the digi world! :) Theresa owns her own website and sells her designs right there- Natural Designs in Scrapbooking! She has such a unique concept... she includes something from nature in every kit she creates! I also love that she isn't afraid to experiment with color- this has made for some really cool kits! One of my favorite kits (which happens to be 50% off right now) is the Christmas Cheer kit that I used in the layout above! Check out those YUMMY cookies! :) I could totally see this used for Valentine layouts as well as Christmas and general baking! Her Beach Day Mega Kit is another one you won't want to miss!

Be sure to check out Theresa's Blog for all the details on her collaboration with designers Anita Stergiou, Kim Hill and Dani Mogstad to create the Eternal Hope kit. One hundred percent of gross sales will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand to help fight childhood cancers.

I'm it!

I have been tagged twice recently! (I will get you, my pretties! Said in my best Wizard of Oz witch voice, LOL) This is the first one thanks to Kathy...

Four jobs you have had in your life (in descending order):
1. Cashier
2. Waitress
3. Bartender
4. Marketing (Current)

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. 50 First Dates
2. Beaches
3. Titanic
4. Silence of the Lambs

Four places you have lived:
1. Merrimac MA
2. (Derry, Manchester, Auburn) NH
3. Ormond Beach FL
4. Hobe Sound FL

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. ER
2. Scrubs
3. Dateline
4. MSNBC

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Maine
2. Cancun
3. Florida
4. California

Four websites I visit daily:
1. Digi Scrap Divas
2. A Cherry on Top
3. The Digi Chick
4. The Digi Shoppe

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Ice Cream
2. Italian
3. Mexican
4. Chocolate

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. In the shower
2. In bed sleeping
3. At a bed in breakfast snuggling with the honey
4. On a ski trip with the kids (if only we had the $...)

Four Bloggers You Are Tagging:
1. Alisha Hess
2. Heidi Smith
3. Ginger Thibodeau
4. Robin Carlton


Here is #2 thanks to Misty!

Follow very closely...
The rules for this particular tagging are as follows: Remove the blog name in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add yourself to the bottom slot.
1. Beth
2. Deanna
3. Ruth
4. Misty
5. Rachael

Then you get to select five people to pass the love on to.
Kathy Moore
Dani Mogstad
Paula Duncan
Heather Roselli
Theresa Hernandez

Now, on to the questions!

What were you doing 10 years ago?
Gosh, wow, I was being a Mom to 2 little girls, working as a waitress full time and preparing to marry Scott

What were you doing one year ago?
I just can’t remember… scrapping, I guess!

Five snacks you enjoy:
Ice Cream
Hershey Kisses
Anything with caramel
Anything with peanut butter
Lime tortilla chips

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics: (all on my new iPod, LOL)
Galileo (Indigo Girls)
Brown Eyed Girl
I Don’t Wanna Be
Meet Virginia
Build Me Up Buttercup

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
Pay off my debt (boring, I know, but what a sense of relief that would bring)
Buy a new car with 4 wheel drive
Buy a new wardrobe
Set up college funds for the kids
Take a vacation across the country with the family

Five bad habits:
Smoking
Nail Biting
Procrastinating
Drinking coffee all day long
Letting the phone go to voicemail

Five things you like doing:
Scrapping
Surfing the web
Reading
Sleeping
Spending time with family

Five things you would never wear, buy, or get new again:
Leg Warmers
Colored pumps with jeans
Jelly shoes
Earrings that weigh more than 2 pounds each
Anything flourescent

Five favorite toys:
My computer
My Digi Rebel XT
My iPod
Photoshop 7.0My bean grinding coffee maker

Spotlight Designer: Kathy Moore

Good morning from snowy NH! The snow has changed my plans... looks like the Employee Crop is not in today's forcast! The question becomes... will I still be productive in the scrap room or will I spend my day doing what I *really* love- digi scrapping? Time will tell! :)

Today's spotlight designer is Kathy Moore! I had hoped to put off spotlighting Kathy until CHA Winter later this month but I couldn't wait any longer! Why would I spotlight her during CHA you ask? Kathy designed some new lines for Arctic Frog!!!! Yes, that's right... one of my favorite digi designers designed paper for a fantastic traditional sb company! How cool is that!? I can't wait to see the new lines! Thankfully, though, Kathy also has oodles of digi products for those of us loving the geek side of things! Her designs are for sale at Digi Diva Designs! My favorites are too numerous to list, but I have chosen to feature a layout today that uses her Just A Boy kit! How awesome are these colors?

Backgrounds, Stitching, Chipboard, Paper clip, Overlay and staples all by Kathy Moore in her Just A Boy Kit Font: P22 Garamouche

Kathy is also the owner of one of my favorite places to hang out on the net! Check out Digi Scrap Divas! She has built an amazing community of women with lots of fun things like chats, challenges, tutorials and much more!

Spotlight Designer: Misty Mareda

Backgrounds, Stitching, Paper Clip & Crown by Misty Mareda in her Roller Derby Queen KitFonts: CK Windsong & CK Wanted

One of my goals for 2006 is to have some digital layouts published! Thanks to a request from Scrapbook Trends for their May issue, I will be reaching that goal! 3 digi layouts will appear in that issue! WOOHOO!

Today is the book signing at Lighthouse Scrapbooking in Salem NH. I finished a quick Make n Take yesterday. Hopefully it will be a lot of fun! :) Tomorrow is the Employee Crop at Lighthouse. I plan to work on designing my classes for the Crop on the Cape. It will be great to have some things checked off my to do list!

Today's spotlight designer is Misty Mareda! Her designs can be found at The Digi Shoppe! I adore her designs... they are often grunged up and she never skimps on the elements she includes in her kits! I used the Roller Derby Queen kit in the layout above, and I am also loving Summer of 69 and Just J! Oh, and she has some fun freebies over at the site, too, so be sure to check out the Taylor paper pack! On a side note, Misty is a super down to earth honest person... the kind of person you know right away you can be friends with & trust! She is drama free and positive- my kind of woman! :) Love ya, Misty!

Alpha for 63 cents?

OK, I am not often a 2 posts in one day kind of girl, but I just HAD to share this sale for those 2 of you who actually read my blog, LOL....
Check out this alpha for 63 cents! Lots & lots of other great bargains at this site right now, too! Run, don't walk!

Spotlight Designer: Alisha Hess

I am up a little later today... not that I don't have as much to do, I just don't have to drive an hour away to do it!

Tomorrow is the book signing at Lighthouse Scrapbooking! My worst fear? That no one shows up! Oh well, at least I will get to hang with Melissa! :)

Today's featured designer is Alisha Hess! Her designs can be found for sale at SOTBox.com. Being a member of her Creative Team since November, I have had the opportunity to work with several of her kits! My newest favorite is Sweet Summer Delight (as used in today's layout)!The colors are so vibrant and I LOVE the alpha in this kit! Alisha is always working on something new and exciting and I love that she pours all of herself into her kits!

Spotlight Designer: Rose Farver

Good morning! I am up early because it's another "work day"... it's been at least a month since I worked all 3 days in a week... first the car broke down, then Christmas, then New Year's... sometimes life just gets in the way of work. :)

I would like to have been more productive digitally last night but I havent been feeling well. I am not sure if I am getting sick or if my blood pressure is acting up or what. I ended up taking a little nap and then going to bed around 9pm which, lately, has been early for me!

Today's spotlight designer is Rose Farver! Her designs can be found here at SOTBox.com! For the Yahtzee layout, I used her Everyday Collection Green Bean... LOVE that kit! The chipboard alpha is so much fun and the colors are so soft and sweet without being babyish.



Oh and if you like texture (who doesn't?), be sure to check out this paper pack! Don't you just want to run your fingers over your monitor? LOL

Have a great day, everyone! I love feedback so feel free to comment if you are reading this! :)

Spotlight Designer: Heidi Smith

Before I get to today's spotlight designer, I must grumble a little bit. My computer has been slow. S.L.O.W. It's not so much surfing the web as looking for files on my drives, etc. Last night, new (or maybe the same old) Spyware/Adware starts popping up! WHY!? Are my Spy Sweeper and Norton not working!? I am really getting frustrated with that. How do I know if I "really got it" this time? Anyone? Bueller?

Wanted to update that I *did* make it up to my scraproom the other day. I did 2 cards a tag and a Circle Journal entry! WOOHOO! I was suprised I remembered what I was doing! ;)

OK, onto the Spotlight Designer... I chose Heidi Smith today because her brand new Addicted to Cocoa kit is SO yummy and she is just plain one of the sweetest designers I know! Heidi's designs can be found here at Scrap Outside The Box! If you aren't caught up with your scrapping, be sure to check out the Winter Days and Holiday Spirit kits! Today's layout, Simple Pleasures, features the new Addicted to Cocoa kit!

I've been lifted!

I've been lifted!

Woohoo! How fun is that!? Thanks for the moment to shine, Kathy! :)

Spotlight Designer: Sue Bond

Welcome Tuesday! I love Tuesdays as I have now dubbed them my "Digital Tuesday"... I will scrap digi without any sort of guilt that there are paper projects to be done! :)

Today's spotlight designer is Sue Bond! Sue's designs can be found here at Scrap Outside The Box. I chose her as the Spotlight Designer today because I found her kit club concept so unique! You can read all the details right here! One of my favorite kits from Sue is Mixed Bag 2! I used it to create this layout of Nicole. Aren't those stamps just darling!?

Spotlight Designer: Anita Stergiou

Yes, I am up way too early today. Monday is my long day at work... I leave before 7am and will be home around 6pm. Lots to do this week to wrap things up to be shipped for CHA Winter!

Today's spotlight designer is Anita Stergiou! From the moment I saw her first freebie a few months back, I knew she was destined for stardom in the digi world! Her designs are spectacular! I LOVE her amazing brushes and the grown up feel to all her kits! You can find her kits at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking.

One of my my recent favorite kits is her Martinis at Midnight Page Kit. I used it for the page to the above. That clock is a BRUSH, how stinkin cool is that!?

If you are looking for an exciting Creative Team, be sure to check out Anita's CT Call on her blog or at Just Digital Calls!

Spotlight Designer: Heather Roselli

Beginning today, each day for the next 2 weeks, I will spotlight an amazing designer in the industry that I have had the pleasure of working with in some capacity!

Since I used Heather Roselli's Falling Snow kit to create my new blog header, I have decided I will begin with her! I met Heather at The Digi Chick! You can view her awesome designs here. I love her style- it's full of color and fun!

I created the layout above using her brand new A Cute Christmas Kit.

Woohoo!

Thanks to Alisha Hess for helping me with the code to get this groovy new blog header happening! :)

Thanks also to Heather Roselli for creating such an awesome kit with which to create this header! I used her Falling Snow kit! Isn't it GORGEOUS!? The font is CK Twiggy!

Getting closer

Well, I *almost* went and paper scrapped yesterday. Around 4pm, I did head towards my scrapbook room... I didn't quite make it in, but it seems like progress to me, LOL

I had another surprise email yesterday from an extremely talented designer wanting to know if I was interested in a new opportunity. I just couldn't say no! I feel like I have finally found my niche here in the digi world. I worked for years to make a name in the paper world and despite numerous publications and even The Office Book, it just never happened. I was rejected for DTs more times than I can count. Here in the digi world, amazing opportunities are knocking on my door and I am just dumbfounded every time! I can't believe the kind things people say about my work. I read their emails over and over and just shake my head in disbelief.

Of course I know there will be some backsdtabbing, those kinds of women are everywhere and I am sure that even applies to the digi world, but for the most part it seems far more embracing and nurturing. People really want to build eachother up. They want to help eachother to succeed at their own personal goals. It's definitely more like the place I want to be.

I talked to Scott (the dh) about going 100% digital and he seems to think its a bad idea, worrying that my computer will crash and all will be gone forever. I wish I could get my layouts printed, but the cost is just out of my reach for the time being, especially considering how many layouts I have already done!

I don't know why I am turning this into such a big deal. I guess it's weighing heavy on my mind and I need to get it out, so you all receive the benefit, LOL :)

Gotta go do some Saturday things!

Throwing myself off the computer...

I have realized that if I am going to claim to be scraptastic (Robin Carlton's word to replace bi-scraptual), I am going to have to actually scrap something with paper! I am going to grab myself by the scruff of the neck and THROW myself off this computer today! As much as I would rather open Photoshop and gaze in amazement at all of the wonderful kits I would like to dive into, I must find it in my heart to use a paper trimmer and adhesive to create something. I have some work for ATD that I will start with, but my promise to myself is that I will create at least ONE layout for no other purpose than to create and scan and post before the night is out!

As for my digi commitments, I would think I would be feeling overwhelmed, as I have challenged myself to double the minimum I create for each team in January, but I am actually thirsty for more. I have to stop myself from asking for more kits so as not to look greedy, LOL. I am sure I have ticked some people off with my gusto in this industry, but there are so darned many amazing designers and I just can't say no!

Well, that's all for now, folks!

Spyware, Adware and Viruses, oh my!

So I woke up yesterday morning to learn that Steve had run into a situation on the internet and had some major pop up action happening. I was not a happy camper. The poor guy got back up at 3am to try to resolve the issue because he thought I was going to freak out on him. I actually remained amazingly calm. Anyway, after work, we headed over to Best Buy where I bought Norton Antivirus 2006 and Spy Sweeper. I spent the better part of the evening and this morning working to rid myself of unwanted computer guests. It was the longest 24 hours of my life! Anyway, I seem to be back now and am looking forward to getting caught up again.

A new year!

Welcome 2006! I am welcoming 2006 with open arms. Not that 2005 was a bad year, but I am ready to have a new beginning, a new chance to invent myself. I am still struggling with where I fit in the digital world (if at all). I don't miss paper scrapping and that worries me.

Today is the last day of Christmas break and I am waiting for the on call doctor to call me back and tell me if it's okay to take Dane to urgent care for his ear. I think the eardrum ruptured on New Year's Eve. Fun, huh?

One of my goals for January is to learn how to add images to my blog so I can share some of my favorite layouts here. It is far more pleasing to the eye to have a blog with lots of yummy digi stuff thrown into the mix! :)

Happy New Year!