{Imperfect}

This week for Who's That Girl we were to do a layout about imperfections - things that we are less than proud of, things that we try to stop do and we cringe when we thing about it.

Of course, this one was easy...taking the photo was hard.

Imperfect




I used White, Vanilla, Leapfrog and Kraft Bazzill, Basic Grey Origins "Aloe", Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Brads, a Black Zig Pen. Letters are AC Thickers in Daiquiri.

Sassy Lil' Announcement!

Now that I back on my normal work schedule and not donating 10+ hours a week while waiting for my daughter to get off of work...I have more time for me and I am back at the table as you might have already noticed.

A couple of weeks ago I saw a DT call for Sassy Lil' Sketches and thought "let's give it a try, there is nothing to lose"

So for this sketch:


I did this layout:
she gets flowers


I wish these were mine...mine come far and few in between now that we are married and share a bank account. Journaling reads: Junior year was the "magic" year for Amber when it came to flowers. The first bouquet was delivered the day of homecoming. The second bouquet came via Fed-Ed on her birthday. She was happy!

I used White and Pansy Bazzill, MME, Bo Bunny, Scenic Route and Misc PP from my stash, Cats Eye Chalk, Rain Dots, Bling, and a White Gel Pen. Letters are by October Afternoon and AC Thickers.

So back to the announcement...I get an email asking me to be a part of Sassy Lil' Sketches and of course - I said "YES" and this time was honestly shocked that I was invited because the talent that the Sassy Girls have is outstanding. I start in August and my creations will be for the 28th sketches. Be on the lookout for me and other Sassy Announcements coming soon that you won't want to miss!

Wrapping Up the Luau

I can't believe that the week somewhat flew by and the ScrapFreak Luau is on its last day. I think I have scrapped more this week and worked on things before bed than I have in a long time. Lets get started :)

My first layout that I am going to show you has been combined with Sassy Lil' Sketches CSN Challenge. I used this sketch and this as my inspiration.

Lei Challenge - use a lei as your inspiration to add flowers on your layout

by the pool


Journaling reads: lounging by the pool while everyone else works. What a life! Samantha & Cierra. June 2010.

I used Ocean and White Bazzill, American Crafts Amplified “The Twist” and Basic Grey PP from my stash, Flowers: Red Tissue paper cut w/ scalloped scissors and a Doodlebug brad in the center, Pink fabric flowers layered w/ a bling center, Yellow Petaloo flower topped with a Prima and a button, Teal Petaloo with a Prima and Colorbok Raindrops, Orange Petaloo with a Prima and a cardstock circle embellished with seed beads, Adhesive: Tombow and Glossy Accents. Letters are by Doodlebug “Simply Sweet” in Bubblegum and Tangerine, “Hopscotch” in Swimming Pool. Zig Pens in Black, Pure Pink and Baby Blue. American Craft Memory Maker Pen in Carrot.

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Next up is a card sketch from Monica who is the owner of ScrapFreak. I think it took me longer to make a card than it takes me to do a 12x12 layout. This card is 5.5x5.5 and I see its future becoming a mini album cover when I get a Bind it All.



Hello Summer


I used White and Blue Bazzill and Bazzill Bling Fancy Pants and MME paper from my stash, Ribbon, Cat’s Eye Chalk, Stickles, Robin’s Nest Dew Drop, and White Gel Pen. Letters are Foam Thickers “Giggles” and “Summer” is by Sticko.

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Banner Challenge - small or large, just as long as its a banner.

I have an aversion to banners. They are all the craze right now and I didn't want to hope on the bandwagon but here I am. I made it for my scraproom. The colors that I soon want to see on my scraproom walls.



Back when I was on the DT for TES one of the last things that I participated in was a crop and I gave away a prize of Martha Stewart Paper that I picked up at Wal-Mart. I have been anti-Martha since she came out with her freakin huge paper and the comment that she was going to "show us how to scrapbook" but I was looking at the paper pad and I really loved the patterns and the weight of the paper. So much in fact that here 2-3 months later...I went and bought my own Martha Stewart paper. No, I don't see me going all "Martha" but I might pick up a punch next.

I used White Bazzill, Martha Stewart Yellow and Blue Paper, Cats Eye Chalk in Yellow Citrus and Blue Lagoon and American Crafts Ribbon.

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Recipe Challenge - Use a Blue Hawaii drink recipe for inspiration

Silly Girl


Here is the recipe for the drink and what I used for the components:

Blue Hawaii
1 oz light rum – White Journal Spot
2 oz pineapple juice – Blue PP
1 oz Blue Curacao – Yellow Cardstock
1 oz Cream of coconut – White Cardstock
1 slice pineapple – Yellow Flower
1 cherry - Letters
Blend light rum, blue Caracas, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut with one cup of ice in an electric blender at high speed. Pour contents into a highball glass. Decorate with the slice of pineapple and a cherry.

I used Buttercream, Yukon and White Bazzill, Martha Stewart PP, Cats Eye Chalk, Jillibean Sprout Journal Spot, Just Say it In Buttons Flower button with the shank removed, ribbon and bling. Letters are by Doodlebug “Simply Sweet” in Ladybug.

My Proud Moment

This week for Who's That Girl our prompt was to document a proud moment for us. One that to this day we look back on and we still feel good about what we accomplished. Mine is a constant reminder for me because I keep mine sitting on the shelf in my scrap room as a visual that I can do anything that I want including something that I thought I could never do.





A few years back I had a boss named JD and he was honestly the best boss that I have ever had. He brought in the wood one day and we were all looking at him like he had lost his mind. Later that afternoon we had a meeting and we talked about putting our mind to something and getting it accomplished. We talked about "power moves" - what your reaction is when something goes your way. Mine for instance is both hands in the air with fist and saying "yesssss" at the same time. Its just something that I do when I get excited that something goes my way or my guy wins. I had never really thought about a "power move" before and I sure didn't know I had one...but I do :) The wood however was to show us that we could do anything we set our mind too. You can still see my "x" on the board and on the other side was my wish which was to take a vacation for two since I had never been on one with Robbie before (we went to Vegas for a long weekend in 2006 btw!) I did not want to do this breaking of the board at all. I was mad that I had to do it, no getting out of it and I even cried. Looking back it was all pretty silly because it wasn't that big of a deal to hit the board with the heel of your hand - it didn't even hurt.

I used a minty green and Kraft Bazzill, Daisy Bucket In the Meadow scraps from my stash, Kaisercrafts pearls, white gel pen and Jenni Bowlin Alpha stickers.

So what is your "power move"?

More from the Luau

I am chugging along on the Luau express it seems. I am really having fun with the crop that is going on at ScrapFreak. If you haven't checked them out yet...you should! Major mojo motivator :)

Color Challenge - use a combo of 2 colors...Magenta/Pink, Aqua, Orange and Yellow

Watching You


This layout is of my oldest daughter at graduation earlier this month. There aren't many times that I won't share the journaling with you but I am exercising my right not to post it at this time.

I used Teal and Maroon Prism, White, Leapfrog, and Ocean Bazzill. Chatterbox Sunroom "Sunburst" PP, Maya Rd. Orange Ribbon, Asst. Primas w/ bling and rain dot centers, White Gel Pen and American Girl Glitter Letters in Green

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The next was a mini album made from a sketch. I usually suck at these but decided it couldn't be that bad. And it wasn't. Honest.

Mini Sketch Album by Amy using these sketches:





Galveston Island

Weekend Scrappiness

This weekend at ScrapFreak it was the kick off to a week long Luau Crop. 10 challenges so far to get your scrappy mojo going in high gear. So far I have finished two layouts and I am waiting for my glue to dry on my mini album. This is what I have to share with you so far.

Music Challenge - use the title of a song in your title or your journaling.

2 Tickets 2 Paradise




In real life the teal is blue. This photo was taken of Robbie and I at the Flamingo in Vegas in 2006. I just love this picture!

I used White Bazzill, The Paper Studio Misc PP, Ribbon, K&Co ticket and Maya Rd Ticket, Bazzill Just the Edge Trim, and Cats Eye Chalk. Thickers, Carolee's Mini Letters, and a October Afternoon number.
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Sand in your Toes - create a layout with white space.

Flippies




For this layout I combined the challenge from ScrapFreak and the Favorite Shoes Challenge from These are a Few of my Favorite Things.

I used Black and Posie Pink Bazzill, Fancy Pants Celebrate PP "Play", Recollections PP "Salt" and MM Pink Gingham PP, Ribbon, Paper Clip, Jillibean Sprout, Bling, Vinyl Thickers, Black Zig and White Uniball Gel Pen.

Catching up on the week

Catching up on everything for this week in one post so hopefully it won't be too photo heavy for you :)

The last layout that I can show you from my teaser earlier in the week is called "He tried". It is about a boyfriend who thought he was all that and more. Come to find out, he really was not a good boyfriend. I haven't included his name on here but it is on my layout for the girls to look back on later.





Journaling reads: this was the 1st time a boy tried to come between any of you. Shortly after this photo was taken on Amber's birthday we found out that **** and Samantha were texting each other at night after everyone was in bed. I was checking phone records and found it. Amber came unglued. The relationship was over because he said "it was no big deal". Amber didn't talk to Samantha unless she had to for almost two weeks. He tried...but he didn't succeed. 2010

I used White Bazzill, Bam Pop PP, Misc paper from my stash and cut out butterflies from another PP, Ribbon, Cat's Eye Chalk, Stickles, Brown Zig Pen and Thicker in Brown Chipboard.

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I also made a mini album for a TGIF challenge at ScrapFreak last month. Every month there is a member run crop the last weekend of the month. Its fun and it gets you scrapping. Shannon (Chickie) had a challenge to use our names for a recipe. I didn't get mine finished in time but it is done and it turned out pretty cute if I have to say so myself.

C - cardstock
A - Alphas
R - Ribbon
L - Layers
A - Album

I got this idea from Rachel Hall at A Million Memories during their NSD crop. It's really cute but I didn't have the office supply part so I used brads.

Summer Fun 2009








I used bits and pieces of Cosmo Cricket and Jenni Bowlin left over from a kit from Bring Your Own Memories who went out of business last year. I used a brad to fasten it all together, ribbon and a tag. The letters are AdornIt Random Mini Letters.

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Stephanie Howell had a giveaway on her blog from her May Sponsors. There was some great stuff up for giveaways and like every month I throw my name on there in hopes of getting a goody box in the mail. This last month was my LUCKY month!

My name was drawn to win the Mini Journal from Cindy Ruijgrok. I had my choice and if you haven't caught on by now...I chose the butterfly journal.

I got it in and let me tell you, this baby is CUTE! I haven't seen anything like this before and I can't wait to get started creating my little journal. Here is a pic of everything that came in my super quick box.



I still can't believe that I won and how much stuff came in that box. I can't thank Stephanie enough for the laughs and tears that I get from her blog but also for my mini journal that she introduced me to. You need to check Cindy out because you are getting the good stuff and the journal is sturdy and the papers are great!

That's all for now except a random 5 things about me for June 12, 2010.
1. I really need to go and buy some scrapbook goodies - adhesive, ink and anything that hops out at me.
2. I am going to scrap my little heart out this weekend.
3. Pizza is on the menu for tonight but tomorrow is Pot Roast
4. I think I am going to buy "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" to read even though its been out for a long time.
5. I tried Bret Michaels "Trop-a-Rocka" Snapple and its good but I am not a fan.

Favorite Place

My most favorite place besides being at the beach is going to the butterfly museum and the end of April, Robbie and I got a chance to go alone. I could stay there all day just sitting at watching them flutter by. I love butterflies, in fact I have one on each shoulder tattooed.

This week I ran across the sketch for Sassy Lil' Sketches and I knew right then what photo and paper I wanted to use from my stash.

Here is the sketch:


Favorite Place




The butterfly is a Rice Paper Butterfly. Journaling reads: A day off, a date for two. Visiting the butterfly museum and just watching all the butterflies flutter around. This is my favorite place in the whole world. It is so peaceful and beautiful. The waterfall is so relaxing. You can honestly forget all your worries here. April 2010.

I used White and Diamond Bling Bazzill, Basic Grey Ambrosia Collection in "Tangy", "Orange Smoothie", and "Quince", K & Co Handmade paper corners, Little Blue Bicycle Green Pearls, Black Zig Pen and The Paper Studio Cardstock Alphas outlined with an orange gel pen.

This Place

This is our favorite place to eat when we are in San Antonio. The food is wonderful, the services is outstanding, the view and breeze off of the riverwalk is great...its just amazing. Other than the time that we ate at Whataburger in Corpus Christi because it was a 2 story Whataburger...this is the only time that we break our rule that we have for when we go out of town. "Never eat at a place that you can eat at, at home and never eat at the same place twice" It is supposed to stretch us to go outside of our comfort zone since we are on vacation but this place is THAT good. Bad thing is...we can NEVER remember the name of the place - just where it is located.

this place


Journaling reads: ...had the best Mexican food ever! ...had a great view that always changes. ...always is busy but they are fast. ...has a name that we can never remember.

I used White,Orange and Red Bling Bazzill, Cherry Arte PP, and misc PP from my stash, I inked all the edges of the PP with Cat's Eye Chalk in the coordinating color, Button Brads, Black Zig Pen and AC Thickers.

ScrapFreak Challenge

This month on ScrapFreak there is the June Sketch Inspiration which is amazing in my opinion because it is right up my alley...lots of white space. The GDT Challenge is about Father's, Dads and Boys and their toys. I had the perfect pics for this. These are my layouts that I posted for the month.

Here is the sketch:


and my layout of Samantha.

naptime


Journaling reads: I was home sick for two days and when you would come in from school you would get comfy and get in bed with me. Within 30 mins you were fast asleep. It reminded me so much of when you were little.

I used Bazzill and scrap PP from my stash. My die cuts are from eons ago from a swap I did, Cat's eye chalk in Charcoal, buttons, black zig pen and Fabric Thickers.

For the GDT, I had to think long and hard about this one and for the longest time all that I could come up with is a pic of Robbie with tongs in front of the grill and I already scrapped where I think he tried to kill us before (see here). Then I remembered that I had pics of him washing his bike one day. He was kind of annoyed with me taking pics...but oh well.

Before you there was "blue"


Journaling reads: When I first met Robbie - it was all about "Blue", his truck. 3 hrs to wash, dry, wax and vacuum . Now she's been replaced. This is so true. We lived on the opposite side of town from each other when we were early into dating and I would call him and ask "what are you doing" and he would say "cleaning my truck" so I would let him go and then hours later I would call back or he would finally call me back and he just finished. I thought it was the craziest thing because it never took me that long to clean out and wash my car.

I used Blue Bazzill, scraps from my stash, buttons, Black Zig Pen, Sticko mini letters and Thickers.

I've been busy...

I have to say that is the most busy that I have been on a weekend in a very long time. So busy in fact...I didn't get any naps!

Friday night my oldest daughter Emily (she lives with her dad) graduated from high school. I was back and forth about going since I hadn't seen her in over a year and only had spoken to her a few times. The relationship has been damaged and honestly I am not sure if it will ever be even close to what it was before again. I miss talking to her about almost anything, hearing about her day and what was going on at school, or where I needed to take her and when. I was very proud of her.





What I have decided with these photos...I used my 18-200mm lens and now the 70-300mm has moved way up my list of things that I "have" to have. I could have gotten much closer shots of her. Maybe by this time next year when Amber graduates I will have it and won't have this problem again.

I didn't think that I would have all 3 of my girls together at one time again. I am very happy to have been able to get this shot. Now I need to figure out how to Photoshop that random woman out of my pic and it will be perfect!



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I did scrap this weekend - and oh my did I scrap. Two on Saturday in between taking Amber to work which was a last minute thing and then going back to pick her up at the end of her shift. Today I finished three layouts in between taking Amber to work and doing random Sunday things. I was so excited because I was going to be able to take pics of things I did last weekend and what I did this weekend and start posting it...until I got home this afternoon and it started sprinkling and getting dark out of no where. So all I have for you today are teasers that I took with my cell phone.

In the order they were finished...and remember the key words here are Inside and Cell Phone.





I know that I can share 4 of them with you but the last one, you might have to wait for a week or two before you see all of it. I have a mini album and a layout from last weekend that I need to add too...so stay tuned and you will start seeing the whole layout starting tomorrow night :)

My Ultimate Goal

This week for Who's That Girl we were to scrap a goal that we would like to accomplish for ourselves.

My ultimate goal would be to take a 3 week vacation and go to England to see Westminster Abbey, Parliament and Big Ben and enjoy just a different way of driving on the roads. I would love to go to France and lay on the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower and just enjoy the sights, oh to eat the yummy looking goodies from a French Patisserie. I would go to Italy next because more than anything I want to taste real Italian food and have gelato, I want to ride in a gondola like Madonna (telling my age, its from MTV played music videos) but without all moving around and rocking the boat (lol), I would love to see Spain's beaches (but not the nekkie ones) because I bet they are so beautiful where the water is blue and the sands are white. Scotland would be amazing for the green everywhere if it is truly like what they show on TV (and if I saw Gerard Butler-yum yum). One day I want this trip to happen.

One day






Journaling reads: I will make it to France to see the Eiffel Tower, I will make it to England to see Big Ben, Italy will be mine, Spain's beaches, Scotland's rolling hills, I can't wait. I will make it.

I used Black and a light blue piece of scrap Bazzill, The Paper Studio Black and Cream "Toile", "Harlequin", "Script" "Demask" from Hobby Lobby, Prima "Say it w/ Pearl" in black, Black Diamond Stickles, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Black Soot, The flower was created by a strip of cream colored lace and the middle is a large Bazzill Brad. The letters are by Pink Paislee outlined with a Baby Blue Zig Pen. Everything on the layout has been handcut or torn.