TGIF Crop

I can't believe another month is gone. It seems like this year is just flying by. Scrapfreak had their monthly TGIF Crop that is challenges by the members to other members. Prizes are optional and it is really good for the mojo :)

This month I did 3 challenges. There were 4 total but the 4th one...I would never use at all.

Beffy's Bling It Challenge:
"glitter, gems, pearls, stickles -- whatever you got thats shiny, shimmery, glittery & blingy!! I wanna see it on a layout!!! the blingier the better!!!
thats the only requirement I have for my challenge is bling bling bling"

Almost Perfect




Journaling reads: This would have been a perfect pic of the two of you except Samantha is in the middle of pondering something complex. Oct. 09

I used Raven and Papaya Bazzill, Basic Grey PP from the Obscure and Mellow Lines from my stash, Green Gel Glitter Pen, Bling x3 colors, Acrylic Flourish, Letters are by Creative Imaginations "Sonnets" and Glitter Letters from Target's dollar spot.

Cheryl's Fall Challenge:
"I love warm earthy colors and find myself using them alot. maybe you dont or you do either way this might be a good challenge for you!!

heres the requirements....
use a pumpkin
use a leaf (any kind)
use a brown shade and a yellow shade."

Falling:


Journaling reads: It is always sad for me to see summer go away. There is something about warm weather and the hot sun that makes everything "happy". Fall for me is always kind of depressing. No "happy" medium on the weather and most days are just blah.

I used Java and Sunbeam Bazzill along with a piece of tan cardstock from my stash, PP is also from my stash, Leaves are adhesive felt from last year @ the dollar spot at Target, the pumpkin is a paper piecing that can be found at scrapbooksetc.com, and bling. The letters are my favorite chipboard Thickers.

Erin's Number Challenge:
"On your layout, you must use the following:

1 ribbon or fiber
2 colors of cardstock
3 photos
4 different patterned papers
5 brads (or eyelets if you're really brave and "old school!")

No more, no less... every element must be the exact number indicated (so, you can't use 3 different cardstocks and 6 photos)."

Hot


Journaling reads: We had to go for your yearly physical so you could run in athletics. After the drs visit & bloodwork - we stopped for a late breakfast at Taco Cabana. You ordered your favorite...bean and cheese tacos. One bite and you knew they were freshly made and verrrryyy...

I used a piece of ribbon to make a photo corner, 2 pieces of Bazzill in Kraft and White, 3 photos, 4 PP from my stash and 5 brads to hold on my Heidi Swapp Ghost letters.

Get Meaningful Lesson #26 - Family

This was inspired by my lesson plan this week for Get Meaningful. Its about Family and how we spend our time with family. Do we have any traditions or things we like to do together. After thinking about this one for almost 2 full weeks. It came to me and I realized that the only "real" family tradition that we have is that we watch "Christmas Vacation" every year on Christmas Eve. It started back when we were dating and it was something that we sat down to watch after coming home after spending the evening with his parents and family.

our tradition




I used Vanilla and Diamond Bling Bazzill and scrap Red Cardstock, PP from my stash, Misc Embellishments, M&MBI Christmas Tree. Letters are Chipboard Thickers.

Creative Pandemonium - You Lead

I made this layout for my DT work for Creative Pandemonium. This week we were to use Kraft Paper, circles and scallops. I have had this picture in my stack from vacation this year and for some reason - I ♥ this photo a lot.

You lead the way...and I will follow


Sorry but journaling is hidden on this layout.

I used Kraft and White Bazzill, Bo Bunny Spice Kitchen PP, Heidi Swap Chipboard Starburst, and Ric Rac. The letters are Creative Imaginations and Sassafrass Lass

Weekend Blahs!

Nope, no one oinking so far but man it has been a weekend that is just blah. No energy, no creativity really at all. I am not sure if it because of the last week (credit rush...book close) and that stress or just if I am going into my what seems to be a monthly downturn.

I started this layout last weekend when I was lurking at AMM. It was for an ad challenge. Cool ad but oh so not me with all these photos. I had to go wayyyy back to my Vegas trip to find photos that all went together. Oh it made me miss Vegas and I want to go back now very badly.

The Venetian


Journaling Reads: We went to the Venetian for my birthday. It was an awesome hotel! The "view" inside was unbelievable. The entrance was confusing. The bridge outside was cool. I wanted to go on the gondolas. The cieling was phenomenal. The "view" again. The entertainment was very cool. Vegas 2006.

I used Java and Oatmeal Bazzill, Rusty Pickle PP, Ribbon, K & Co. Amy Butler Flourish, and October Afternoon Rub-Ons.

Freaky Fridays

I decided that this month I would give it a shot to work on the Freaky Friday projects at ScrapFreak. I have been a member of this site for a while now and I floated around but I just love this site. Its challenging site but not in a bad way, everyone is nice to each other - no drama, lots of pregnant women (so I won't drink the water while I am there) and just a general great place to be.

Well what Freaky Friday is, is a challenge that is posted every Friday to get you out of your comfort zone and to get you thinking beyond what is your normal scrapping routine.

FF 10/2/09 - Doodlicious by Jessica Bree

Date Day:


This was so far out of my element it wasn't funny. You know my style...simple and clean. I was very uncomfortable when I started but once I got into it...I was really liking what I was seeing. Its a simple layout really compared to others that I have seen but for me...its out there!

I used White Bazzill, Stamping Ink to distress, MM PP from my stash, gold adhesive paper from my stash, gold ribbon and stars, staples and a gold gel pen w/ a black zig.

FF 10/9/09 - Big Dreams by Kim L

My Wish


This challenge was to put down what our dreams and wishes were for another person and not ourselves. This is my middle daughter who seems to love to take self portraits but this time she used my Nikon to do it....big no no...she has her own camera to play with. I used a layout inspiration from A Million Memories and the anniversary crop that I have been lurking on over there. Journaling reads: Journaling reads: My wish for you is that you grow up to be a healthy, happy and very successful woman who achieves all her dreams. My wish for you is that you find a special man who loves you for you, is supportive and who nurtures your spirit. My wish for you is that you are blessed with as many babies as your heart desires. ♥ mommy.

I used Kraft and Vanilla Bazzill, Cherry Arte's Deco Hall Line - Sweet Estelle, Buttersworth, Wallace, and Deco Dots, Jillibean Soup Red Celebration Letters, Making Memories paint in Vanilla and a Navy Zig Pen.

Weekday Scrapping

I did something out of the ordinary this week...I scrapped during the week. I normally scrap on the weekends only but I think I was overly stressed for some reason and I ended up doing 3 layouts this week :)

Estee at Scrapbook.com is doing a challenge for Crate Paper that requires you to use at least 70% Crate Paper products on your layout and you can get a great prize. I love prizes and thanks to one of my kits from BYOM...I had the Crate Paper that was waiting for me to pick it.

Ren Fest '08


Journaling reads: You were like a kid in a candy store when we went to Ren Fair last year. 1st was the face paint, after a long decision process and then came the henna tattoo. -Fairy weekend.

I used: Leapfrog and Java Bazzill, Crate Paper Prudence Collection-Virtue, Glitter Die Cuts. Static Collection-Gravity. Purdence Alpha Twist Letters. Cat's Eye Chalk - Brown, Zig Pen - Chocolate.

Scrapfreak this month has their monthly sketch posted and that month Amy was the designer. The sketch can be found here. I thought that I would take a shot at it and came up with this. Of course after I finished it...I wanted coffee.

Coffee Snob?


Journaling reads: I started drinking coffee as a teenager and I have loved it ever since. When I got to Starbucks - I always get a Cafe Latte w/ Soy, 2 sweet & lows, 130 degrees. I got to McDonalds, I get 3 splendas and 2 creams. Burger King is okay. Jack in the box is just gross...and the large is 12 ounces...which isn't enough at all! Coffee always taste better when others make it.

I used Kraft and Java Bazzill, Karen Foster Coffee Paper and Stickers, Ribbon, Gel Pen, Making Memories Brown Felt Letters and AC Thickers in Darling Brown. (I cut ovals for the top and made them into coffee beans in case you are wondering)

Sketchy Thursdays this week has posted a new sketch and I really like this one. This is only the 2nd week that I have worked on their sketches and I like them! Its keeps me motivated it seems.

1 year


This is my yellow rose bush. The pic on the left is the first bloom that I had last year after the hurricane. It looked like a perfect bud but when it opened - it wasn't a complete flower. The pic on the right is the flowers from this year. Journaling reads: Its amazing to see what a difference a year makes. I thought for sure my roses were done for after the hurricane. But they bounced back! Actually they are doing better than they were last year.

I used Kraft Bazzill, DCWV Glitter PP, PP from my stash, Ribbon, Flowers, Buttons, Acrylic Arrow, Tim Holtz Crackle Paint in Straw and Basic Grey Letters. I used a Zig Pen for the stitches.

You Crack Me Up

This week for Creative Pandemonium we were to use 2 color of cardstock, 2 tags and 1 photo. Easy peasy right? Sometimes its the layouts that are easy peasy that is the hardest. I knew which photo I wanted to use right away but then I had to find a way that wouldn't clutter my layout so that my photo was the one that told the story. I know, I know, you look at the majority of my layouts and they are this way but just because I do them all the times doesn't make them easy because I always try to come up with something new so they don't always look the same.

You Crack Me Up


My youngest on vacation this summer. Hidden journaling reads: This seems to be what I get these days! All I wanted was just 1 picture of you sleeping but instead I get this faker smile!

I used White Bazzill, Ivy Border Bazzill, Texas Map PP, Vacation Tag from Marcella. BG Lucky Tag, Autumn Leaves Rub ons and Making Memories Tiny Letters.

GM Lesson #25 - School Days

This week the lesson for Get Meaningful was to go in my case "waaaay" back to our school memories. What did you like, how were you in school, what did you do, who were your friends? So I pondered for a few days because I had no idea which direction I was going to go since those pics of me are at mom's house stuck in her sticky album that I am sure now really isn't so sticky anymore. KWIM?

Well last week was Customer Service Week at work and one of the things we had to do was bring in a pic of us from high school. The only pic I could find of me at all that I had that wasn't already down on a layout was a small graduation picture that was actually wrote on that went to my high school sweetheart who I now proudly call "my ex" (pretty funny...no?) Then I was surfing and found Sketchy Thursdays on one of my co-DT's blog - Diana and I found the sketch that solved all my issues. I swear when I saw it...I hear the "aaahhhhhh" singing! lol

So without further ado...

Getting Me Here




I used Blackbird and White Bazzill, Green Bling Cardstock, Black Bazzill Just the Edge trim, Rusty Pickly Composition PP, Bling, Making Memories Tiny Letters and Doodlebug Candy Shoppe Letters.

Bittersweet

For the Guest DT spot up for grabs this month at Scrapfreak, the only stipulation is that you have to use the word "sweet" on your layout somewhere but it can be any theme - not just October equals Halloween candy although I admit that I staged a wonderful photo of my candy corn that arrived from my friend Elizabeth who knows that I have this fixation on seasonal candy. Its true, I really do...Conversation Hearts, Peeps (but only the yellow bunnies), Candy Corn and then Brach's Peppermint Nougat that has the little Christmas Tree in the middle...I will fight you for those...seriously.

So I thought about it and then it came to me about 3am one morning...so here is my creation.

Bittersweet




Made w/ the October Kit from BYOM - I ♥ this kit!!! I added Java Bazzill, Ribbon, AC Thickers in Darling, Brads and College Press Free Bird Die Cut, and Cat's Eye Chalk. I did the stitches myself and distressed the paper.

My Day plus Monthly Goals

I ♥ the weekends...I live for them these days - honestly. I think that the older I get the faster they go though. It's not that I have these wild and exciting weekends planned or that I really ever do anything. Oh believe me, I have wishes and wants but I never get to go and do them...its either a schedule conflict, money or I am out voted. Also, there are those rare times that I am left alone! No way you say? I know...I can hardly believe it myself!

Some things that I wish I could do on the weekend: *Go to the beach - just to sit there watching the water, feeling the breeze and smelling the salt in the air. *Go to the Butterfly Museum - I ♥ butterflies. It is totally awesome (<--80's expression warning) to sit on the bench and watch them fly around you and sometimes if you are lucky they land on you. I have 2 butterfly tattoos that represent my freedom from 2 failed marriages. *Go and listen to music - good music but somewhere that is not a bar and for some reason that is kind of hard to find around here and it be kid friendly. *The Flea Market - I like looking for a bargain just as much as the next girl.

Well...I didn't get to do any of these today. I played taxi driver but got no tips, I did get to shop - I went to Goodwill because I don't know how to get to the flea market (its far away and I might get lost! Seriously) I found 2 books for $.99 and $1.99 that would have cost me almost $30 at Barnes and Noble. I got Something Borrowed and Summer Lovin'. Then I found this super cute little house that stands tall but holds 2 small baskets on its little shelves. I thought that I could clean it up and maybe cover it with paper and sit it on my scrap table to hold things clearing some room on my overgrowing collection of little items on my table. I wanted to go to Hobby Lobby to use my 40% off coupon that was burning a hole in my wallet but nooooo the girls had other plans.

Samantha came in and we took off for Hobby Lobby but made a pit stop by the movies to see what time the double feature of Toy Story was over because Amber had a day "date" with her boyfriend. So I didn't have much time at all so Samantha and I went to Starbucks for a latte and frappucino with some yummies.



Back to pick up Amber who for some reason didn't want to ride with her boyfriend in his car (which I guess is good) and then we were off to Hobby Lobby :) but then the begging started..."Mom, Plato's Closet is having this amazing sale" I guess their money was burning a hole in their pocket more than my coupon...



This store peeved me. It is set up horribly. Very not shopper friendly at all!!! The aisles are narrow made worse by the large quantity of people who were in there for the sale which really wasn't that good. The music that was blaring in there sucked. Not cause I am getting old but honestly because it just sucked. If it had been lower...it still would have sucked. I left and went to sit in the truck while they shopped. I won't step another foot in that store. Oh and the prices that the girls paid were not that great for used clothing.

So by this time Hobby Lobby is closed so off to CVS to print some photos and we find this!!! 28 servings total of 3 pieces of candy for a rock bottom price of $29.99. That was honestly the largest box of candy I have ever seen.



If that candy wasn't enough...I have not seen Jean Nate in eons! I didn't even think they made it anymore but here is the proof on clearance for $2.49 and if you look in the back there is another bottle of bubble bath for the same price.



Now I am wore out just by telling you about my day :)

********************************************************
October Goals:
*15 layouts
*Finish that stupid little chipboard house that is still haunting me. I now know why I took forever and a day to buy it. Its already flown across the room once. Now it is sitting on my MM embellishment center looking at me.
*Work on the Recipe Book Class on Scrapfreak this month
*Spend less time on Facebook because it really is addicting.

ScrapPink - Photo Heavy

I probably haven't shared it but I have many problems with my girls. No, not the girls with 2 legs that always beg for rides somewhere or money every time I turn around. These girls are very acquainted with the mammogram machine and its friend the ultrasound machine. I make my every 6 months trip to MD Anderson to make sure that the changes that I am going through isn't going in a direction that we really don't want it to go. My aunt had breast cancer when I was in high school and after a mastectomy and treatment she is now in remission. So I think I am paranoid with my changes.

I am about the Pink. Even my golf clubs and golf balls have pink ribbons on them! I have never been to a ScrapPink crop though. When Monica at Scrapfreak said that she was going to have a ScrapPink crop and the money would be donated to Susan G. Koman - I knew that I had found me a crop!

All the challenges were a girl theme of course!

• Indecisive Girl - Create a layout with at least 6 pictures on ONE page. Don't spend time deciding which to use - just use them all!

Proof


I used Hersey Bazzill, KI Memories Love Elsie - Jack, Misc. PP, Flower, Doodlebug Bling Brads and White Gel Pen

• Loved Girl - create a layout about how you are loved...mother and daughter, husband and wife, great friends, or even how you're learning to love yourself. Be creative!

A Mother's Love


I used Vanilla and Java Bazzill, Penny Lane PP, Flower, Bon Bon Bazzill Brackets, Photo Turn, MM Tiny Letters and Mocha Paperie Letters, Cat's Eye Chalk in Brown

• Happy Girl - reate a LO about one or all of the things you can think of that you love about being a WOMAN! This LO must include 25+ words of journaling.

Why I am glad to be a girl


I used Blackbird and Cupcake Bazzill, Glitz PP, Ribbon, Bling, and a Maya Road Chipboard Girl. Letters are Doodlebug, The Paper Studio, and Making Memories Bling Letters.

• Material Girl - You must use at least 12 pieces of bling, pearls, epoxies, glitter brads or similarly shiny, sparkly fun embellies!

A Yellow Beauty


I used KI Sheer Paper, Misc PP from my stash and Lime Stripe PP, Bling, MM Letters and Vinyl Thickers. Journal spot purchased from Etsy.

• Frugal Girl - for this challenge you must create a LO using the following supplies:

1. -scraps (cardstock or pattern paper is fine) or pattern paper that is more than a year old
2. -5 buttons/brads/eyelets
3. -ribbon or fiber (min. 4 inches)
4. -an embellishement that is at least 6 months old

Happy 16th


I used Pansy and Posie Pink Bazzill, Hello Kitty PP, Ribbon, Petaloo Flowers, Paperclips, Buttons, Brads, Bling and a Hello Kitty Ring that was on the cake, Queen & Co. Acrylic Bracket and MM Letters.

• Sketchy Girl - Sketch challenge found here

Whose the new Queen?


I used Kraft and White Bazzill, Misc. PP from my stash, Brads, Sassafras Lass Chipboard Owl, Sizzix Flourish, Brads, Carolee's Tiny Letters and Doodlebug Letters in Swimming Pool. Tag was made from Java Bazzill and I cut a Heidi Swapp Crown to fit her head. I used a gold gel pen to color the crown.

• Colorful Girl - Make a layouts using the color RED as the base. This can be red cardstock or a dominantly red patterned paper, as long as its the base of your page.

*Once


I used Maraschino Bazzill, Floss, Paint, Misc PP strips, Button and MM Vinyl Letters

• Girl Support - Make a bra card!

Made w/ Oatmeal Bazzill, Misc. PP and Ribbon

• Moody Girl - This challenge is about scrapping about a less happy topic. It doesn't have to be overly sad though. Its open for your interpretation. You can scrap about an experience you had or an experience of a family member or loved one. Only requirement is that you must include some journaling (at least 35 words).

What?


I used Blackbird Bazzill, Basic Grey Marrakesch PP, Cherry Arte PP, Prima Got Flowers, Heidi Swapp Clock, Ribbon, White Gel Pen, Foam Thickers.

Dear Jackie

I have always admired Jackie Kennedy Onassis. I grew up thinking that she was royalty for some reason. I loved her style - white pants, blue and white striped shirt, ribbon flowing from her hair and the biggest sunglasses I had ever seen. Oh and don't forget the little pill box hats! About 6 months ago at Dillard's or Macy's they had the cutest clothes that reminded me of her style. I should have bought an outfit to make it my "goal" outfit. But no, I didn't and now they are gone :(

When the lesson for Get Meaningful came out to write a letter to a person who was real or fictional...I knew that I had the perfect person to write too. Then I get the assignment for Creative Pandemonium to distress paper, then to use flowers and bling and man oh man I was in business - I had a plan!

Dear Jackie,


Journaling reads: I have always wanted to know where you got the strength to pick up and carry on after you lost two children and your husband within-all within 10 years. Then by the time you were 46 you were a window for a second time. One thing that I have always been very fascinated with is your choice in clothes-even forty years later they have been replicated-they are timeless and classic. I love them! Although you are gone, you are still one who captures my attention every time there is something published about you. Sincerely, Carla

I used Blackbird and Cupcake Bazzill, Scenic Route Line Paper, Basic Grey Urban Prairie PP, Prima Bling and Flowers, Stickles, Heidi Swapp Bling Photo Corners, Ribbon, Cats Eye Chalk, Brads, Thickers in Darling - Lipgloss, MM Tiny Letters