Mom: Happy Mother's Day & Kit: For Mum by Stacy's Backdoor Designs

Mother's Day was relaxing this year. The scent of my new Vanilla Frosting lotion by Jaqua was magnified by the mist from my new garden watering wand. I used to wear and smell like vanilla frosting (lotion) 24/7. I took a little break from it but missed my signature scent. Thankfully, my hubby gave me some, along with making a good breakfast and mimosas. He surprised me with a garden watering wand and a little bear from Build a Bear with a Mother's Day t-shirt on it. So adorable!

Speaking of adorable, I had fun with this kit by Stacy.

Get one here while she is still guest designing on Scrap Matters.

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.  ~Rajneesh  

 My Mom and Sister January 2010, Mom's birthday at my house. (above)

Lisa, Mom and I around 2003 in Las Vegas. (above)

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. 
Thank you for spending a good portion of your life raising me. You have always provided me with security, good morals, strength and love. My family and I appreciate everything you continue to do for us. I am happy we finally live closer to one another in this stage of our lives.


Love always,
Your Loving Daughter

Digital kit: Miss Madi by Stacy's Back Door Designs

This layout was created with a photo of my daughters and our friend Kiley. The photo was taken at my wedding reception in Ventura, California.

The giggling girls were sitting on this faded brown, wooden bench overlooking the ocean a few yards away from where my husband and I said our vows.

I used the kit Miss Madi by Stacy's Back Door Designs. I am happy for Stacy who is currently a guest designer at Scrap Matters! Congratulations, Stacy.

Grab it here at Scrap Matters!

This kit is 40% off for the rest of the week, so pick one up soon. The colors and elements are gorgeous. I am proud to be on the creative team for Stacy!

What do you think of this amazing layout created from another creative team member? I think it is beautiful.

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it.

Notice the bumble bee,

the small child, and the smiling faces.

Smell the rain, and feel the wind.

Live your life to the fullest potential,

and fight for your dreams.”

Ashley Smith quotes

Money: Deal of The Day

If you are anything like me, you cannot resist a deal. Luckily, there are many deals offered on an almost daily basis for digital products. Don't you love the convenience of the internet? I can buy digital goodies and download them to my computer for instant usage. Aside from gardening, photography and cooking, digital scrapbooking is one of the greatest hobbies I find joy in.

Jessica Sprague is giving me some joy today as well. She has $1 One Buck Wednesday's. Today you can find this great alpha among a few other steals.

Grab your own alpha here!

Here is a great paper freebie along with an informative blog.

After you do your online shopping, you may feel hungry. Run out and get some tacos to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Adios, amigos!

Freebie: Disney Goodies from Britt-ish Designs

So...help yourself to this little freebie goodie by Britt-ish Designs!

What a doll, that Brit is! I was a little discouraged by Scrap Matters yesterday. The amount of people trying to participate in their iNSB celebration, sales and fun forum games majorlly bogged down their server. To easy our pain, this is graciously being offered for free. I could not be more delighted since my kids will be visiting Disneyland for the first time in their whole 7 years, and 8 years +364 days of life. Notice the 364 days? Yep, tomorrow is Anika's 9th birthday!

Stay tuned for her unique, easy party favors (they are fat free) in addition to the adorable breakfast table I set up for my 'queen for the day'.For now, click the link below for your Mickey stuff and then check out the party dresses on the girls in the photo below.

For now, Click right here to get your own freebie!

May 2: Happy Birthday Anika!

Hobby Time: National Scrapbook Day Celebrations

Freebie: Earth Day- Labels

These great labels were created by Amanda who used a new "Go Green" kit by wm [squared] designs and Designs by Sarah Bennett.

Click here to visit the blog where you can snag this freebie. Print them and use them on your recycling buckets, boxes or cans that you use for sorting. If you do not sort your recyclables, now is the time!

How adorable is this Go Green kit?! The stamped alphabet is great and I love the lightbulb shaped label with 'think' printed on it.

My guest creative team stint for Sarah Bennett ended the first week of April. Too bad I missed the release of this kit. I will have to go buy one for myself.

Are you doing anything to mark the 40th Earth Day celebration?

Earth Day is April 22.

In recognition of Earth Day, I will be staying home, in bed all day. I will not turn on any electronic devices including my hair dryer, television etc. Since I will stay in bed, I will not polute the air with the exhaust from my commute to work. (I wish this was true!)

Earth Day in Sacramento

Life: Disappearing Posts

Where Did it Go?

On Saturday, I sat at my desk and diligently created a long, creative post. I included stock photos to help readers visualize my thoughts.

I included a few of my family photos from the past month.

Once I hit send, I received an error message. I was devastated to say the least.  The post you are reading right at this very moment, is nothing compared to the lost post. Here today, I am simply posting a few, fun layouts that inspire me today.

Tomorrow, I am scrapping with Marianne, also know as Memories Couture. Time to collect things that inspire me so I have a plan of action (ideas to scrap) tomorrow evening!

Click for Credits (see second layout down after clicking. Designer Digitals)

Click for Credits (Two Peas) from Caroline Ikeji

Creating something similar to the collage type layout above would be a nice creative outlet. This is  layout is cute and colorful, in my opinion. What do you think of it?

Click here for credits (digishoptalk) by designerBrittney

The border mid-page, one side scalloped or rounded and the other a clean straight line is inspiring (found on each of the first two layouts above). Add a photo or two. Seems easy enough. Tuesday night scrapping cannot come soon enough.

At least I have sushi at Taro's Mikuni to look forward to this evening! Dinner with my loving, sweet family this evening. Dinner with my sweet, lovely friend tomorrow.

Life is good! (even though my last post is gone)

A good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge

-Betty Holland

Wicked In This Place- If I Was At Home Right Now...

...there would be many things I could enjoy doing. Currently, I sit someplace away from home. I am not allowed to leave this place until my chariot (husband driving my Hyundai) pulls up around the five o' clock hour to get me. This place I am in pays me to be here so I will not just go home whenever I please (though it would be great if I could). The place I am in physically cannot be named since it may implicate me and get me into trouble (but would it really be trouble to be sent home?) There is no place like home!

These are the things that I would do if I was strapped to a computer (similar to my present situation) only that PC is at home. At home, I am not monitored by "the man" and I do not have super security walls blocking cool things I could view while surfing around the web. Oh, anyways, at this very moment these things have peaked my interest:

1. Vinnie Pearce posted a free video she created to instruct folks like me,  how she creates depth on a digital scrapbook page (click here to get there). I am dying to watch this video! Tips from a pro are always great to know. In fact, following tips from digital designers and Photoshop users, not necessarily all experts, is how I have taught myself to crate flyers, cards, monograms and digital scrapbooking projects.

2. Research how to and then create my own signature to use in my online forums. I would use digital scrapbooking elements and paper. I bet I would apply the new knowledge learned from #1.

3. Next, I would make a good salad.

4. Back to the computer, eating said salad, I would create a digital layout using Photoshop Elements. The topic would be "a letter to my teenage self". I would advise myself all of the things that I know now, yet did not know back in those days. In fact, this is the project due for my FaithSisters.com creative team.

5. I would visit Facebook and send some shout outs to my friends and family.

6. And finally, I would see what type of elements and papers I have that could inspire me to make a layout, journaling my adventures in San Francisco with Gerry. We saw the Broadway production of Wicked!! Finally, because I have waited so long. Seven years ago I read the book so this was a long time coming.

What are you doing today? What do you wish you were doing?

I normally post photos at the begining of my postings. This photo is so good it does not deserve to sit and the bottom of this one but it serves it's purpose. I saved the best for last for my post today. Have a wonderful Friday. I hope you are able to do all things and achieve all things that your heart desires today.

Did you know that there are several different illustrators who have designed covers for the book The Wizard of Oz? Here are a few of my favorites: (The illustrators name is also listed next to each one)

24 Hours of Easter Celebrations!

What do you think of the first set of photos?  I used the freebie set from Vinnie Pearce to create the colorful, storyboard collection of our Easter photos below.  It was just the perfect touch!

Easter Sunday was quite busy this year! The day before, we enjoyed coloring over three dozen eggs. Mom, that's me, preceeded to run into a wall while carrying the 40 or so eggs. Half of those dry eggs crashed to the ground and cracked the shells. At least we were able to enjoy coloring them before they went into the garbage! Early Easter morning, we woke up, dressed to the nines and then went to our church The Warehouse Ministries. Nathan Tasker performed during the sermon. He is a Christian musician from Australia who we saw at our church last year on Easter. We have his CD and love his musical talent and song writing skill. My parents joined us at this church for the first time. We all enjoyed it.

Next, we went home, prepared an Easter egg hunt for my kids and our  niece and nephew. It was great to have about 15 family members over for the egg hunt. Just as we were finishing the hunt, it began to rain! We were able to stay dry and had enough time to hold it outdoors! Indoors, we had all types of snacks and sweets. I did not go too fancy with the appetizers or the main course. Just a spiral ham from Costco with the usual trimmings steamed brocolli, scallop potatoes, rice (for the kids), etc.

Next year, I am going for the stuffed mushrooms, garlic goat cheese and olive oil dip for sourdough bread, and crab dip to say the least. Oh yeah, I also wanted to make my Fruit Dip. Mix one regular size strawberry flavor cream cheese with one jar of marshmellow fluff using electric beaters. Beat until fluffy. Dip in fruit such as watermelon and strawberries. These two taste the best in this dip!!! MMMM, so divine! Looks like we will have to wait until the next gathering for some of this since I did not create it for Easter.

We had a heartfelt Easter. Gerry and I loved seeing our family together this year while celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Yep, we enjoy the religious reason for the season. I hope that you had a blessed day this year. Enjoy our photos! There will be many more of the photos that were taken on Easter,  to come in layouts through out the year.

Admire: Dream Mini Kit Freebie!

Once I discovered this jewel of a freebie, I new I had to create something with it. This freebie is being offered by a talented designer Vinnie Pearce through her blog. I admire Vinnie's work, design talent and eye for composition and color. Click here to grab your own freebie gift kit. 

(I do not design or promote for Vinnie Pearce in any way. Just a fan and admirer of her kits.)

Remember this layout from a former post? I updated this old baby photo of myself and created a layout using one of her other kits Beach Flower.

It was great to work with this kit and I look forward to creating with this freebie. Thanks, Vinnie!

Fun Concepts for Inspiration

After ignoring my computer for the last couple of weeks, I feel energized and ready to be inspired to create some more digital work. I would like to share some of the layouts I have found recently that have good composition and a fun concept! (None of these layouts were created by me or by anyone that I know.)

Recently, my friend Marianne expressed that she could use a bit of inspiration. I hope this helps you and Marianne!

I have recently discovered http://www.gallerystandouts.com/. Sometimes I read the digital scrapbooking boards at Two Peas In A Bucket. Occasionally, other digital scrappers post when their layouts have been selected to be a Gallery Stand Out (also known as the acronymn GSO).

This layout is called too sweet by joannknnrd:

A Link To Credits

This layout is CHASE by Steffi. Who says that you cannot use large photos on your scrapbook pages? We are creating books for us to enjoy with our families. What kid would NOT want a huge photo of themselves in a book vs. a small, little one?

A Link to Credits (for CHASE).

Why not scrap about your favorite things? This is a great way to share part of your culture with your family. Our scrapbooks will live on into the future for years to come. How fun will it be to be reminded of movies that you once enjoyed but may have forgotten about? Visit websites like Amazon.com and find a photo of a book or movie you plan to place on your layout. Copy the photo and save it to your computer as a JPG image. You can then re-save it in PSE with a quality of 12 to enhance the quality of the photo. Then, use it on a layout!

I am also inspired by the several different alphas used in the title for the layout below. Adorable!

This layout is Love to Laugh by jenn7

Click here for credits (for Love to Laugh)

These three layouts are all that I have time to post for the moment. If I find some more down time, I will share a few more of these goodies with you. For now, why don't you visit Gallery Stand Outs yourself?

Organizing My Thoughts and Plans for Easter Dinner 2010

Hello, there. Are you hungry? I am just planning the menu for the Easter Sunday meal I am hosting for my family this weekend.

The Easter bunny, Gerry, my mom, my mother-in-law and I have all communicated about our Easter Egg hunt/ celebration. Most of our guest will be staying for dinner. A few, will be going back home to cook their own for their guests. We are grateful that they will be making time to share a portion of their busy day with us.

Once we get home from church, we are having the egg hunt. Then onto dinner. Here is the 2010 menu I made. Every successful dinner party is planned, organized and goes off without a hitch right? Well, mine will be something short of perfection. The food, however, will be oh-so-good. Here is my list below. (inserting photos of said food after I take pictures of it on Easter) How does my list compare to what you traditionally have for Easter Dinner (or a Sunday dinner with family if you do not celebrate Easter)?

MENU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Appetizers-






Stuffed Clams-Grandma Betty


deviled eggs- Nana


onion dip-Nana


chips-Nana


carrots and celery with ranch- Easter bunny


spinach dip and bread-Easter bunny


peanut, M&M, & candy mixture-Easter bunny


sliced oranges- Easter bunny






Dinner-


Costco spiral ham-Easter bunny


scalloped potatoes- Easter bunny


corn- Easter bunny


steamed brocolli- Easter bunny


rolls- Easter bunny


Cornbread-Easter bunny


white rice- Anika and Jasmine (they love rice!)


Brocolli & Cheese soup-Easter bunny






Dessert-


cupcakes-Grandma Betty


brownies- Grandma Betty






Drinks- Gerry & Betty


water bottles


iced tea


coke or pepsi/ reg. and diet


sunkist orange soda 2-liter



kids juice boxes


wine

Inclined To Say...Dedicated To My Family...New Header

I created this page using two photos of Gerry I snapped in our garage last month. The kit I used is called Tough Guy by Designs by Sarah Bennett. The torn paper I did myself in PSE, using a white brush and then using the eraser. I love this feature on this page the most. 

Back to Gerry...he will take apart his car then put it right back together for fun! I am glad that he is able to work on vehicles. This is a great skill for someone to have, especially in this day and age. Many of these trades are no longer passed on from generation to generation. In Gerry's case, his maternal grandfather taught him most of what he knows. From there is self-taught and able to solve issues on his own. AND he never has dirty fingernails! SCOREEEE!

I decided to make a layout this week of Gerry so I could think about his skills and attributes. It was nice to focus on him and remind myself of what a great husband I have.

I even stayed away from Facebook, my cell phone and phones in general for a whole week! I barely responded to emails. I totally detached myself from things as much as possible to get some things sorted out. This was the best idea I had in a long time!

If I have not returned an email or call this week, do not be offended. I only made on or two pages for my design teams and I did not even play on my laptop. I was dedicated to my immediate family for several days. We have had a great time hanging out (during a few hours a day we were not at work/ school or school functions!)

Last, did you see my new blog header? I made it today with some instructions from Design House Digital

Click here for the page that I found useful. I did not buy a header though. I made this one myself.

Have a great weekend.

Just In Time for Easter-Freebie

Click here for this awesome Easter freebie!

I hope you celebrate Easter! If you don't the soft pastel colored papers can work with anything. Click the link above to check out Stacy's matching kits, pick up the freebie and see some layouts made with the full Sunday Best kit. Here is my layout that I created....Jasmine and Anika were outside last week modeling their new Easter dresses I picked out for them.

I CANNOT wait to see these two bunnies hopping around the backyard searching for Easter eggs this year. Last year they did it in bathing suits. It was not the same thing as being all dressed up! What will you be doing for Easter this year? We will start of the festivities by baking bunny shaped cookies. Please remind me what bunnies have to do with the resurrection of Jesus.

Creating a Two Page Layout

 Edit on April 7, 2010 "(kit by Chelle's Creations, http://www.scrapmatters.com/)

I am excited! This layout was selected as a Gallery Stand Out the week of April 1, 2010 on Chelle's Creations blog! Check it out here! Click to visit Chelle's blog."

Ready to create a 24" x 12" layout? These are the measurements of a two page layout (with 12x12 pages).
1. Open a new blank file in the size of Width- 24, Height- 12.
2. Click here to read the rest of the directions courtesy of Britt-ish Designs and Scrap Matters blog!

Tip- don't forget to use your grid. Select View > Grid (in Photoshop Elements most versions)!

Good luck creating your two page layout. I prefer two pages at a time to ensure my book will flow from left to right. Create balance and dont' forget to use elements in groups of threes! See my layout above? There are three clusters of similar shapes and colors-the blue flowers. Draw a line from one of the clusters, to the next, and then the next. These three create the shape of a triangle which draws the eye around the entire layout to create unity.

Do you already create your files as two pagers? Thanks again to the great resources of Scrap Matters blog. Why re-type the directions, when I could not have said it any better than they can?!

Coming Soon!

My two page layout Girl Scout themed! Directions for creating a two page layout and saving it in PSE (a cool video from Britt-ish Designs from Scrap Matters.) Plus, a freebie adorable Easter card for you here-----> click me!

What are you doing for Easter Sunday (if you celebrate!) Any plans for Spring Break? I am planning an Easter egg hunt and ham dinner after church Easter Sunday. I think I will make one of these cards for each of my guests. Maybe turn it into a place card somehow. Do you know of any adorable Easter themed kits?

Style

Good morning! Today I am having just another Manic Monday. I woke up an hour earlier than usualy, just like everyone else who set their clocks ahead one hour. I feel jipped, ripped off and robbed. My time is my time right? Wrong! Uncle Sam can take a portion of my salary, which I donate 40 hours of my time to weekly. And now, another hour? Give it back! (Insert giggles here.)

Okay, seriously, I was up late last night digital scrapbooking once the kids were in bed. I was in a groove! I am starting to develop my own style for digital scrapbooking. I realized a lot of important factors in digital design, that I was also doing with paper crafting pages....but did not know how to apply digitally...until recently. I feel like the digital is less of a challenge these days. And this is when it becomes more enjoyable! I hope to figure out my own style soon. What is your style? Do you have one or a way to describe it?

Here are two pages I made last night....the wedding layout was created with Remember Me from Designs by Sarah Bennett. The Halloween layout was created with Sister Sue, by the same designer. You can find all of Sarah Bennett's great products in the shop at Scrap Matters. Click here to go to the shop for Designs by Sarah Bennett.