Scrappers Delight...

With the house still not being finished and closed I can pretty much guarantee that I will not be posting again weekly for awhile, but when I do come back I'm gonna do things a bit different around here. Along with goals for myself I will be adding a bit more interest with things I want to see and to keep to inspire both myself and others. Think of it as scrappers delight...highlights of cool things/people, inspirations, challenges, tutorials, scrap pages, page maps, ect. All things wonderfully crafty! Not just stuff made by me...but features and showcases from many types of things and by all types of people. I am also hoping to do a couple giveaways and such-smiles!! So check back and help me celebrate craftiness!!

As for my swappers I have an update!!
Amber (sister)=done except for Christmas cards
DeDe= All done
LesLee= All done
Me= All done
Amber Hooten= I have up through back to school
Kira= I have up through sports
Jerrica= I have up through Page kit...did you send the others????
Kristina=I have up through Christmas cards
Shanoa= I have up through sports

If you have given me more or less than what you see here let me know so we can get back on track. As far as going again next year I have had a request for every other month. Do we still want to do a swap like we are now, or do more of a page swap? Post a comment to let me know. Also, let me know if you have any friends/relatives like would like to join. Thanks!!

Starting Anew

Lots has happened since my last post, but getting back on track is definently a must!!! The scrapping swap has been going well, but I am still missing some of our swapers items!!


Kristina: Does my mom have your stuff-page layout and school I think is all I need??
Kira: Did I get your school stuff?
Jerrica: No school yet or page kit right?
Shanoa: Did I get your school stuff?
Amber Hooten: We are on your school stuff right?


I feel like I have fallen behind on keeping track with everything I have been doing for the house so will you guys please let me know where you are all at (everyone-not just those listed).


DeDe: I have thru January
Amber: I have thry January
Leslee: I have thru January-I think, did I get your holiday??
Liz: Mine should all be done and out except for my Cards which are coming soon...

Okay...to get us all back on track here is what we should be doing or already have done:

August: Page kit swap

September (due October 3rd) : Back to School

October ( due November 7th) : Sports******Sports assignments are:
Basketball-Liz
Football-Amber Hooten
Soccer-Amber
Baseball-Kristina
Golf-DeDe
Fishing-Shanoa
Hunting-LesLee
Swimming-Jerrica
Dance-Kira

November (due December 5th or earlier if possible since you can use these as your Christmas cards): Christmas cards

December (due January 2nd): Holiday******Holiday assignments are:
Christmas-Liz
Valentines-Shanoa
4th of July-Amber Hooten
Thanksgiving-Kira
Halloween-DeDe
New Years-Kristina
Easter-Amber
Mothers Day-Jerrica
Fathers Day-Leslee

January (due February 6th): Rainbow-----this swap I am super excited about. Each person will have a color and they need to provide each of the following items for each people in the swap in their assigned color: a button, a flower, a 12 inch piece of ribbon, a brad, and an embellishment of their choice. The rainbow assignments are:
Green-Amber
Pink-Liz
Purple-DeDe
Blue-Leslee
Orange-Amber Hooten
Brown-Kristina
Black-Shanoa
Yellow-Kira
Red-Jerrica

I have more for a couple of months past January, but I want to wait to post these to make sure everyone still wants to participate. Those of you who are not caught up I need you to send me your stuff ASAP so I can get it sent out to everyone else who is not in Poky. Thanks to you all for your wonderful crafting...I cannot wait to get into our house and get all my stuff set up to finally scrap!!!

Page Swap

Here are the photos for my page layout and Shanoa's page layout. If any of you would also like yours posted just e-mail it to me @ luvinlife2@juno.com. Thanks guys...I hope you are all loving this swap!! I will catch up on updates here in the next few days and re-post the remainder of our year!!

Scrappy Ladies

So I know I haven't posted goals and things to accomplish in awhile, but none the less they are all still getting done because I don't have a choice. With the house going in I have had to be more efficient so I can meet with people. I will start back up again when school does and I have more of a tight time line :0).

As for my scrap ladies...if you would please leave a comment on here and tell me what you are caught up to that would be lovely. I have most of it in my head, but I just want to make sure it's all right before I post the new update. I will also post on here all of the page layout ideas as a hard copy if you will e-mail them to me. I would also like to post some pages of the work we have done with the goodies we have swapped. If you will send me those I will post them too. Thanks everyone!!

Cute Stuff

Are you in need of Cute Scrapbooking stuff? Think you've seen it all?? Check this out and see the newest of cute http://bellablvd.typepad.com/bella_blvd/2009/07/monday-peek-giveaway-whahoo.html. Seriously, can't wait to get my hands on some!!

Week 12

I am back-almost unpacked-and ready to jump start myself again for summer!!! I have been a little busy with a lot of things!! We moved, so I packed-organized-cleaned-cleaned-unpacked-reorganized, all in pretty much 1 week. During that time my folks came for a visit as well so I took a break and went with them to Northern Idaho. My Mom and I did some shopping and had a great time with my Dad during the evenings. Today I finally had time to put away my clothes and I did some de-cluttering and organizing. We've moved into a tiny apartment-1 bedroom - so I have had to come up with some cleaver storage solutions. I am still not sure where my dresses and skirts will be going, maybe the front closet??
Anyways, for all you scrap ladies....so far so good!!! Keep plugging away and make sure you are getting your things to me on time (I know summer is hard). We have had some great stuff again and have a ton more exciting things coming!!! Don't forget to get your page kits going, they're up next!!! Hope you all are having fun!! Now that I have more time I can't wait to create with all the cool stuff I have received!!
For my goal setting this week I would like to:
*Do something active 5 out of 7 days
*Read my scriptures 5 out of 7 days
*Finish Amber's photos
*Finish Sam's photos
*Do my swap layouts
*Do something nice for Eric each day
*Do a page with my swap stuff
*Finish unpacking my clothing

Scrap Swap Catch Up

Okay ladies...I thought I would post what we will be doing in the upcoming months, and who has given me what for which months. So far I think this has all worked out really well!! I know I have enjoyed getting my goodies, and I am sure you have all too. I can't wait to actually start using them, but it might still be awhile because we might start building very soon....we'll see though. Anyways, so far here are the months I have for each of you (if any of these are wrong let me know):
DeDe: have all up to date plus page kit/school/color/sport/holiday
Amber: all up to date plus page kit/school/sport/color
Kristina: up through summer celebrations
Kira: up through posies and flutterbys
Jerrica: up through posies and flutterbys
AmberHooten: up through posies and flutterbys
Shanoa: up through posies and flutterbys
Me: up through summer celebrations
LesLee: up through posies and flutterbys

Now for our upcoming months (remember the month posted by the theme is the month to be working on your project not the month that it is due-each project is due the 1st week of the following month). Once again, if you have any suggestions on theme's let me know...we distributed out these themes and assignments when I was back home so I hope these work for everyone. If not, please let me know ASAP so we can get everything reconfigured. These will go through the end of the year, at that time we will reconfigure the swap and make sure everyone is still in :0). If you need to remember the rules please re-visit this post, or let me know if you have any questions. Here we go:

September (due October 3rd) : Back to School
October ( due November 7th) : Sports
******Sports assignments are:
Basketball-Liz
Football-Amber Hooten
Soccer-Amber
Baseball-Kristina
Golf-DeDe
Fishing-Shanoa
Hunting-LesLee
Swimming-Jerrica
Dance-Kira
November (due December 5th or earlier if possible since you can use these as your Christmas cards): Christmas cards
December (due January 2nd): Holiday
******Holiday assignments are:
Christmas-Liz
Valentines-Shanoa
4th of July-Amber Hooten
Thanksgiving-Kira
Halloween-DeDe
New Years-Kristina
Easter-Amber
Mothers Day-Jerrica
Fathers Day-Leslee
January (due February 6th): Rainbow-----this swap I am super excited about. Each person will have a color and they need to provide each of the following items for each people in the swap in their assigned color: a button, a flower, a 12 inch piece of ribbon, a brad, and an embellishment of their choice. The rainbow assignments are:
Green-Amber
Pink-Liz
Purple-DeDe
Blue-Leslee
Orange-Amber Hooten
Brown-Kristina
Black-Shanoa
Yellow-Kira
Red-Jerrica

Thaks for doing so great ladies....I can't wait to see what you have done with your items and I can't wait to see our upcoming swap stuff!!! Please e-mail me photos of any items you want posted using the stuff we've created!!!

Week 11

I will say that moving sucks...I am totally not motivated to clean my house because I know we are moving soon. The only thing that is saving me is the fact that I am hosting our new hobby swap group at my house on Thursday so I know it has to get done. I have tried really hard today and yesterday to get caught up and get some of my scrap swap stuff done...and I am glad to say that I am almost there. I have played with fabric, felt, clay, paint, shrinky-dink, and of course paper piecing from my silhouette. I love how everything is turning out so far!! I only have a couple more things to finish...then it's on to cleaning and preparing for my party on Thursday. I am loving softball, having afternoons off (as of today-only summer school), and getting caught up. Now if I could just get all my projects finished!!
*Do something active for 5 out of 7 days
*Make healthy food choices and be aware of what is going in my mouth
*Read my scriptures for 5 out of 7 days
*Play with PSE...fix photos Amber's photo's
*Finish up my handmade gifts (only 2 more left!!)
*Pack 2 tupperwares
*Make a couple layouts using my swap stuff
*Do something nice for Eric and one other person each day
*Organize scrap room....especially with all my new goodies!!!!
*Finish my swap stuff for the online swap, and for the summer swap with my ladies!!
And this week I will also:
*Get all my stuff ready for my hobby swap night!!

Week 10

Well...last week was busy, although I can't remember why-haha! This week marks the end of our 2008-2009 school year, and I couldn't be more ready!! Tomorrow I get to be a chaperon for the middle school kids at LAGOON!! I love Lagoon and I am very excited to go and not be here for the craziness of the last day of school. Then on Thursday I will still have to be at the school, but there will be no little tyrants running around-whew!! I am really glad to be doing summer school-it will be a great prep to ease me into next year and my new position in the elementary school. Oddly enough, you would think being done with school would bring about more time, but thus far that is a no cigar!! I am hoping to start packing next week and get my house in order for the new Hobby Swap Night my friends Shanoa and I are starting. I will be hosting this first one, and I am hoping for a really great turnout!! It will be a potluck and I will be doing a demonstration on felt flowers and how to turn them into a headband, bow, or scrapbooking/card embellishment. To add to that and the swap I started with my friends and family from back home, I entered into an on-line swap that is due August first, so June will for sure be a busy month!!! Eric and I have vacations planned for the first 2 weeks in July, and then I am hoping to come home and start on the fish paintings I will be doing for Eric. Sneak peeks of all my swap stuff will be posted soon!!!
Anyways, This week I will continue to:
*Do something active for 5 out of 7 days
*Make healthy food choices and be aware of what is going in my mouth
*Read my scriptures and a church article for 5 days
*Play with PSE...fix photos Amber's photo's
*Finish up my handmade gifts
*Pack 2 tupperwares
*Make a couple layouts using my swap stuff
*Do something nice for Eric and one other person each day
*Organize scrap room....especially with all my new goodies!!!!
*Finish my swap stuff for the online swap, and for the summer swap with my ladies!!

Feeling Renewed!!

Last night I got scrappy with my friend Jessica...and it was just what I needed. Sometimes I want to rip my hair out at work. I am so excited to go next year to the elementary school, and not have to deal with disrespectful heathens with no backup or support! -(okay now that I got that out, back to what I was talking about whew!)- Anyways, I got so much accomplished!! I made 2 pairs of earrings for RS super Saturday, finished my swap items for next month-I even threw in something extra, and finished my own mushrooms from last month. I can't wait to go home tonight and play with my swap stuff, and work on the last 2 things for my handmade gifts!! We have our first softball game tonight...so excited!!! BTW I saw these amazing dolls online and found out that you can buy blank ones to paint your own...wouldn't it be so fun!!!! (Like I need a new hobby-I'll have to do my new paintings first!!)

Week 9...seriously!!

I can't believe how quick time has gone by!! Amazingly enough this blog really has helped me become more responsible with my time. Yesterday I didn't have time to post...I was getting some serious work done!!
This week I will continue to:
*Workout for 5 days
*Make healthy food choices and be aware of what is going in my mouth
*Read my scriptures and a church article for 5 days
*Play with PSE...fix photos Amber's photo's
*Finish up my handmade gifts
*Pack 2 tupperwares
*Make a couple layouts using my swap stuff
*Do something nice for Eric and one other person each day
*Organize scrap room....especially with all my new goodies!!!!
*Finish my upcoming swap stuff

Tonight I have some ladies coming over to scrap so I should be able to get a few of these checked off. I would've had to add put away laundry, pay bills, balance checkbook, finish and order custom invite, and finish fixing photo's from this weekends shoot. Luckily yesterday I was very productive. I even made time to do a gym class again...I am sore today so that's a good sign. I was also able to push myself harder than ever before and keep up with the teacher 100%. Yeah!! I have let W. W. slide a bit, but I am still trying to make conscious food choices. Soon I will be adding a few paintings to this list, and moving. I can't wait for our place to be done so we can get started. Even though I hate packing, I dread it even more when I don't have a final date in which to have it all done by!! The place is looking different though...we took the beds down...my scrap space seems so much bigger!!

Week 8

First of all...for my swap ladies who haven't completed all their swaps make sure you stay up to date and check this http://becomingmetoday.blogspot.com/2009/05/are-all-my-scrap-swappers-ready.html. Furthermore, I will be posting the next themes to finish out the rest of 2009....so check back soon, we've got some good things in the works!!

Okay...now to get down to business!! I had a great time in Poky...I finally got my actions for PSE figured out, and I am learning new things all the time for my Silhouette!! I have been using it tons to do my swap stuff and I am so in LUV with it-seriously it rocks now that I have gotten it figured out. I just got some inspiration for my next swap stuff by just talking about it!! I didn't do so hot last week with some of the stuff on my list, so I will try harder this week to stay on track!! Last week was super busy with prep work to go home, but I had a blast and it was totally worth it. I did a photoshoot that I am super excited about, I can't wait to fix those photo's!! I also have one coming up this weekend that I am doing a custom invitation for...super excited!! Anyways...

This week I will continue to:
*Workout for 5 days
*Stick to weight watchers
*Read my scriptures and a church article for 5 days
*Play with PSE...fix photos of nieces and nephews
*Finish up my handmade gifts
*Pack 2 tupperwares
*Make a couple layouts using my bird swap stuff
*Do something nice for Eric and one other person each day
*Organize scrap room....especially with all my new goodies!!!!
This week I will also:
*Organize all my swap stuff
*Start on my upcoming swap stuff

Week 7

Wow...okay, so today Eric went fishing. We were going to go workout when he got home, but then I thought it's so nice out maybe I will go on a bike ride over by my friend Shanoa's house. Well then Eric called me and said you should just ride your bike up to Soda Lake, which happens to be above Shonoa's house. I decided that maybe I should try, Eric said it was 6 miles to get there. Well, I got home and started over to Shanoa's house, but didn't stop and decided to keep going. I kept going so far in fact that it was too far to turn around. I wasn't quite sure how far away I was, so I kept going. It was uphill, and bumpy but oh so beautiful outside. It ended up being a great workout. My mind was swept away and even though I was worried I would miss Eric and Jim and then have to ride all the way back out, I made it and found them!! It ended up actually being just over 8 miles. I couldn't believe it!! I guess it just goes to show me that if I set my mind to it, I really can do anything!! So far I am not sore, but I am sure tomorrow my muscles will be screaming like banshee's. Okay, so anyways-last week went pretty well. I got more accomplished than before.
This week I will continue to:
*Workout for 5 days
*Stick to weight watchers
*Read my scriptures and a church article for 5 days
*Play with PSE...fix photos of nieces
*Finish up my handmade gifts
*Pack 2 boxes (even though we will not be moving as soon as we thought)
*Make a couple layouts using my bird swap stuff
*Do something nice for Eric and one other person each day
*Organize scrap room
This week I will also:
*Finish my swap items

Page Swap...Let's Make It A KIT

I was talking to Amber and we decided to go with my original thoughts on the page swap...we're going to make it as a kit! So...here's how it will work when August rolls around. It can still be any theme, but still needs to inlcude the things I listed before:
August: Every One's In KIT Swap!!
*******This is a theme of your choice, however, you will be making page layout KIT for everyone (9 people total-including you). We will only do this a couple times a year for every person so please make it creative and high quality. If you need ideas go to http://www.scrapjazz.com/, http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/, or any of the people under my inspirational blogs on my personal blog page http://www.lizandericoram.blogspot.com/. I chose to do this in the summer so you have lots of options (back to school, vacation, camping, summertime, swimming, ect), and so that we will all have time to get them done (and time to save for those of us on a monthly budget)!! Here are the stipulations:
1-This will be a 2 page layout KIT
-You must use each of the following (this is to ensure that each person's product is the same and based on what fundamental pieces make a good layout), but you can use more if you would like:
---high quality card stock
---pattern paper (doesn't have to be a whole piece)
---1 embellishment
---1 title
---1 journaling spot
---ribbon
---photomats (as many of as few as your design calls for-typically you make them in a 5 1/2 x 5 1/2, 4 1/2 x 6 1/2, 3 1/2 x 5 1/2, 2 1/2 x 2 1/2, ect. Whatever the photo size you just add 1/4 inch to each side-making it 1/2 inch total for each measurement {length x width}).

As an exapmle I made this today to show you all how it will work (just like I did when I worked at Kellie's). I also did pricing to show you all that it can be fun and relatively cheap-depending on what you choose to use!! First, I picked out what I wanted to use:
2 cardstock pieces for the background (.50/each)=$1.00
1 cardstock sheet for photomats=.50$
1 sheet pattern paper (this one was pricer {1.99/sheet}...but they're usually around .80/each)=so we'll say .40$ (instead of my .99$)
1 embellishment (3.99$ for 6 in a package)=.66$ (you could get this cheaper...probably around .50$ would be more accurate)
20 inches of ribbon (usually around 1.00/yard I think, but this one was like 2 I think)=so we'll say .55$ (instead of my $1.11)
Title=free (I used left over photomat scraps, a stamp I already had, and glitter I already had)
Journaling spot=free (I used a scrap of white paper that I had with a little piece of left-over ribbon)
SO...the total cost for this page was...$3.67 x 9=$33.03 for all 9 kits
BUT...you should be able to get cheaper stuff and do it for around...$2.95 x 9= 26.55 If you start saving now that would be like $.30/day!!

So...step by step this is what you will do:
1-pick out your stuff, get enough for 9 kits
2-cut any pieces that you need to-such as photomats (please ink them if you did for your layout) or if you are only giving them 1/2 sheet of pattern paper you will need to cut that as well. Please also cut your title...you can do multiple ones if you'd like so that they have something to pick from. You do not need to cut the ribbon, just provide enough to mimic your layout.
3-provide all the materials to mimic your layout with a photo of that layout, in a bag (you can get these at scrapbooking stores really cheap...or find your own elsewhere...you can also package everything in a baggie and attatch it to the paper, on the extra cut-off strip) (as for the photo you can print these on like 2 sheets of normal computer paper-they don't have to be fancy...just enough for us to get an idea of what we can do with the kit).

We're not putting these together so that everyone can use the product how they want to to fit their needs, however, we are putting all the pieces in pretty much ready to go so that if you want to make the kit the same as the designer it will be easy to do so. It will be very really similar to the kits you can buy at scrapbooking store, or like the ones that scrapbooking companies put together. I hope this clears it up for everyone and makes it easier for you to get them ready to go!!! Love for you all....I hope this gets your creative juices going!! If you have any questions let me know and I will get back to you ASAP. Please no one fret, as I said earlier there are lots of places to get ideas from and it will be relatively inexpensive (plus you'll be getting 8 kits for your $-who can beat that?). I can't wait to see what you all create!! Don't forget May: woodland creatures, June: flutterby's and posies, July: summertime celebrations. All due by the 1st of the month following-for example your woodland creatures need to be to me by June 6th.

Last Night...

Last night I got to scrapbook since Eric is out of town. I had been thinking about these two pages for awhile now, but they both morphed into something unexpected. I love when that happens!! I made the grey flower paper strip on my Silhouette machine...I love how it turned out!! I saw this wood and tree rub-on combo on an another person's layout, so I ordered it and have been thinking about using it ever since. It was nice to get out of my slump and actually get something accomplished!!

Week 6

Wow...week 6 already! I must say that all in all this has made me more productive, and more aware. I did update much last week on progress, but to no avail I did make a little, but once agian I still have much to accomplish. So for this week I will just continue with what I was doing last week and do a little catch-up!!
This week I will continue to:
*workout 5 out of 7 days
*eat healthy/do weight watchers/lose!!
*continue to work with my Silhouette and PSE
*finish up my remaining hand made gifts (only 2 to go)
*do something nice for Eric and 1 other person each day
*pack 2 boxes
*read my scriptures and 1 church article 5 out of 7 days
*organize my scrap room
*put away bill info
*fix the photos from this weekend
*scrap a couple pages using my new bird swap items

Are All My Scrap Swappers Ready????

The last swap went so well...I am excited to do another. We are still waiting for Amber's things that are somewhere in the mail...so you all should have 2 more cards coming!

Drum roll please....I have the next four months planned out-yea!!! Okay, here are the stipulations for participation:

1-You must have your stuff to me by the 1st Saturday of each month. I will get you things back to you no later than the 2nd Saturday of each month.

2-If you are not able to participate for a month you must let me know 1 month in advance.

3-All items must be high quality. They can be handmade or bought, but please make sure they are acid free, and made of high quality products. In other words...please put time and thought into what you send out, make sure it is something that you would want to use. (Everyone did great with this last month!)

4-You need to send a check for shipping your items back to you....made out to me.

5-Please follow the theme each month, be creative with it, ask if you have any questions, and make sure your items will ship well and in a cost effective manner.

So far for swappers I have:
Me

Amber Hoskins

Amber Hooten

Kira

DeDe

Leslee

Shanoa

Jerrica (starting in June)

Kristina

May: Woodland Creatures!!!

******Seriously I am so excited for this one, there are tons of great things out there right now!!! Think: Deer, Skunks, Beavers, Mushrooms, Squirrels, Rabbits, Mice, Ect. Please have at least 1 embellishment item per person...I believe it should be 9 people this month including yourself!

June: Flutterby's and Posies!!!

*******Thanks Mom for the suggestion! Think: Flowers, Trees, Butterfly's, Dragonfly's, ect! Please have at least 1 embellishment item per person....I believe it should be 9 again this month including yourself!

July: Summertime Celebrations!!!

*******Think: Popsicles, Ice cream cones, Cupcakes, Poolside fun (bikini's, sun-glasses, beach towels, pina colada's), Suns, Lemonade, Fireworks, Vacation/Beach stuff, Camping fun, Picnics, Bar-B-Q's, ect. Anything summery goes on this one!! Please have at least 1 embellishment item per person...I believe it should be 9 people this month including yourself!

August: Every One's In Page Swap!!

*******This is a theme of your choice, however, you will be making page layout for everyone (9 people total-including you). We will only do this a couple times a year for every person so please make it creative and high quality. If you need ideas go to http://www.scrapjazz.com/, http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/, or any of the people under my inspirational blogs on my personal blog page http://www.lizandericoram.blogspot.com/. I chose to do this in the summer so you have lots of options (back to school, vacation, camping, summertime, swimming, ect), and so that we will all have time to get them done (and time to save for those of us on a monthly budget)!! Here are the stipulations:

1-This will be a 2 page layout

2-You must use each of the following (this is to ensure that each person's product is the same and based on what fundamental pieces make a good layout), but you can use more if you would like:

---high quality card stock

---pattern paper (doesn't have to be a whole piece)

---1 embellishment

---1 title

---1 journaling spot

---ribbon

---photomats (as many of as few as your design calls for-typically you make them in a 5 1/2 x 5 1/2, 4 1/2 x 6 1/2, 3 1/2 x 5 1/2, 2 1/2 x 2 1/2, ect. Whatever the photo size you just add 1/4 inch to each side-making it 1/2 inch total for each measurement {length x width}).

Also for any of you who would like to post what you have made with your birds, please e-mail them to me with any comments you would like posted at luvinlife2@juno.com and I will post them here for all of us to see (I know I talked about another blog....but what do you all think?)!! Happy creating to you all!!! Call me with any questions!!!!!! I can't wait to see what you have created with your birds (we all got such great stuff!!!), and what you will create for our upcoming months (Feel free to send me sneak peeks to post as well if you would like)!!!

Week 5

Last week was good, but busy!! I tried to accomplish too much I think!!! This week I plan to do quite a bit too, but I will actually have the weekend this time. Today's 1/2 day off really helped too! I was finally able to do my ironing that I have had since this summer, and put away the clothes that have been piling up for the last month! My Dad's b-day party went well...it was so good to see everyone and know that it is over and that it all went well! Anyways....
This week I will continue to:
*Do something active 5 out of 7 days
*Eat healthy/do my weight watchers
*Continue to work with my Silhouette and PSE
*Finish up my remaining hand made gifts
*Do something nice for Eric and 1 other person each day
*Pack 1 box
*Read my scriptures and 1 church article 5 out of 7 days
*Finish scrap room organization
*Put away bill info
I will also:
*Fix the photos from this weekend
*Scrap a couple pages using my new bird swap items
*Do something fun with Eric

Week 5

In English 9 we are reviewing Leo Tolstoy's "What Is Art?", and I thought I would share this with anyone out there who reads this blog and is an artist....
"In order to correctly define art, it is necessary, first of all, to cease to consider it as a means to pleasure and to consider it as one of the conditions of human life."
"Every work of art causes the receiver to enter into a certain kind of relationship both with him who produced, or is producing, the art, and with all those who, simultaneously, or subsequently, receive the same artistic impression."
Wow-huh?! I think this says a lot, with very little information. I guess I do create out of need rather than want...it really stabilizes me. It is calming...rejuvanating...and sanity increasing. Anyways, this week I will:
*workout 5 days a week
*do one nice thing for Eric and 1 other person each day
*finish and send out 3 handmade things
*make my swap stuff
*play with photoshop-try 1 action
*play with my silhouette-download and cut out 1 thing
*finish organizing my scrap room
*pack 2 boxes of unused stuff
*read scriptures and 1 church article everyday
*stick to weight watchers
*put away my bill info.

My Inspirations...sort of

Sore

Showered

Tired

Hopeful

Living in a disaster zone

Hungry

These are a few words I am feeling right now. I have been working out hard...it is growing on me...and I am seeing progress. I have done my pampering tonight...my weekly facial, my indulgence. I am tired, ready for a day to just be...with nothing on the schedule. I am hopeful that all this hunger and soreness will give good results! I am wanting to create...this is one of my favorite shirts, I call it my happy shirt...it makes me want to scrapbook. It is very Elsie-ish and I love that (you can check her out here http://www.abeautifulmess.typepad.com/ I love her). However, even with being in my creative happy shirt all day (love the little fangs on the thunder cloud)...my room looks like this-yikes!!! I have been organizing and it has become this-ahhhh!!! So far so good this week. 5 out of 5 days of working out. I have stuck to weight watchers. I have read my articles, and scriptures. I have made 2 of my handmade projects. I have tried to do nice things...and so far so good. I will work on the rest on my list on Sunday...tomorrow I will be playing in Jackson!!!

Week 4

Dadadaadaa (think trumpet noises .:laughs:.)...I have started doing weight watchers (as of this morning) with a friend here at the school. I think this along with the working out will jump start my weight loss and maintenance! I have 7 weeks until the end of school to lose the 20 I want to. I know it's not going to be easy to stick to it, but I am going to try :0). The book above is something that Eric have enjoyed in Men Health magazine (I am thinking of getting it for him for his birthday-great tips's). You can get it cheap here: www.EverydayHealth.com. I think that the working out is becoming a habit...I don't dread it as much. Yesterday I actually got to workout outside in like 65-70 degree weather!!! This nice thing about being in this elevation is that you get a whole lot more sun in a lot less time! Anyways, I have done better about sticking to my weekly goals...my scrapbooking room is currently a mess due to organizing!!! I can't wait until this weekend...I am going to Jackson with my friend Manda, making my scrap swap stuff, playing with photoshop, and playing with my silhouette (so I can figure it out before I go home in case I need to talk to Kellie)!!!

<:BTW:>For those of you reading doing the scrap swap...I think I have talked to you all, but remember-change of plans-we only have to make 8 things this month (1 is for yourself)! Happy creating!

Week 4

On to week 4 already...
Last week I was able to:
*do something active 5 out of 7 days (I actually did 6!)
*do much better with my scriptures and church talk readings :0) almost 5 out of 7 days!
*do something nice for my hubby each day
*do something nice for someone else each day
*get started on my room and scrapbooking room :0) purge baby purge!!!
This week I will continue with those listed above, as well as:
*make Chrissy's gift (for real this week)
*play with my silhouette (try to download and cut a new shape) and photoshop (try atleast 1 action)
*plan out my scrap swap item :0)

Scrap Swap....

This should be all the final details: the tally is 9things total (1 for yourself). All items need to be to me (or in Pocatello) by the 2nd of May. Amber (Hooten) and Kristen, you will need to send $ for shipping. It will most likely cost as much or a little more than what it costs to send it to me (or Kira for Kristen). This 1st swap will help us to know shipping charges, but I don't think it will be more than $10 each month. There is more info below the pictures but here is a quick recap...8 items to give away/the theme is birds/please no paper sheets (due to shipping)/there is no budget, but please make it a high quality product/and it needs to be something that can be used on a scrapbook page or card (thus it needs to be acid free).

As promised here is the swap for this upcoming month and details about how I think this will work (if you think something will work better let me know). I would like us all to swap our favorite feathered friend item (something birdish)...it can be bought or made :0). I am really excited to see how this all works!! This swap will take place in May. I am thinking that the 2nd Saturday of each month will work well (if there are reasons why it won't let me know). This way you are getting something every month, but still have time to get the next one done. So far I think these are the people I have who want to be involved:
Amber (my sister)
Kira
Kristen
Kristina
Myself
Shanoa
Mom
Leslee
Amber (Hooten)
So let me know if there is anyone else who is interested, or if you cannot participate. As for now we will each make/buy 9 things (1 is for yourself). If you live in Pocatello...you will swap among yourselves and then send the remaining things to me to send out, then I will send the other stuff your way. (Kristen if you want to work through Kira you can). For Amber Hooten you will send your things to me with postage to send a package back to you (I think this will work best...let me know if you think of something different)(Shanoa and I will work it out here). Everyone let me know what you think ASAP so that we can get this thing going!!!! I hope you all are as excited as I am...I think this will be a great opportunity for us all to grow and enjoy each others talents and tastes :0)!! As for the blog that I talked about for us all to post our creations on, I will think on that some more and get back to you all. Please feel free to let me know if you think of something that would work better. I think it is easiest for everyone not living in Pinedale or Poky to send their stuff to me, but I am open to other suggestions. I know some of you have mentioned postage charges, but this is the only way I know of to include lots of different people. Anyways, please let me know ASAP...happy creating to you all!!!!

Remember this has to be able to be used on a scrapbook or card (of if you want to make a card that works too). It can be made on any medium, but please make sure it is acid free :0)

Q's: Hey did i miss some info on the swap....is it a page layout...is there a budget....are we taking turns being in charge of the theme? Just wondering....I am excited to get started.

A's: Um...okay I will address some of those things better. It can be anything you want to do as long as it has to do with birds and can be used on a page or a card. There is not a budget (kinda hard to put a price on something that someone makes...), just make sure that whatever you buy/make that it is nice and of good quality and something that you would want to use (for example..if you make something on the cricut..please put it together for us, use nice paper, multiple-layers, glitter, ect-spruce it up a bit). I think that everyone taking a turn at a theme that wants to is a good idea...I will work on a schedule for that. Anyone who wants a turn let me know...

Week 3

Inspirations Leading To Questions

I saw these picture on Elsie's website...(http://www.abeautifulmess.typepad.com/) which I love...I think they are amazing! Tim Walker has serious talent...I would love to do photography like this, a very creative and imaginative!! http://www.thomastreuhaft.com/Tim_Walker/tw.html

I think this last picture sums it all up with imaginary, fantastic, and bizarre! I love the props, the fancy clothes, the set up-seriously everything about it! I only wish I could do real-life pictures like these since living in Pinedale will not get me into the high fashion photography business any time soon :0).

I did a test on MSN.com about jobs and what fits you best and it said that I should do something creative, like photography/poetry/art/ect. I have been contemplating my job as of late...and seriously wondering!! I have a philosophy on eating..if it doesn't taste good, what's the point? I don't need the calories. I am kind of feeling the same way about jobs...if it doesn't fit good, what's the point? Do I really need the stress?? I would really like to find something that lets me be creative, be my own boss, and provides enough for Eric and I. I don't feel like this is a lot to ask...and I haven't loved my job in a very long time! Why is it so hard to do what you love? Anyways, I have just been thinking.....

Tomorrow I will post on what the scrap swap inspiration will be for this next month...and more information for it

.:wishing an inspiring day to you all:.

Week 3

Well...week 3 and I will say although I have not had time to stick to everything on my list...it has helped me do better at not wasting so much time!! I planned on doing a bunch of catch up this weekend, but we went to SLC (pictures on my other blog) to hang out with family and friends :0). Although I am now behind-it was good to see everyone, and to see all the work that Chad and Jessica have done on their home.
For this week I will continue to:
*Workout for 5 days
*Clean out my scrapping space
*Figure out my silhouette
*Make Chrissy's handmade gift (missed that one)
*Do something nice for my hubby each day
*Do something nice for 1 other person each day
*Read scriptures everyday
*Read a church article each day
This week I also want to:
*Play with photoshop
*Clean up my bedroom-put away all my clothes, and purge (really purge) all the stuff I don't wear (BTW-I gave a shirt to a student at the high school today and she loved it so much she put it right on, I love that feeling!!!! It was a shirt from my punk days...I now I only wear it for Halloween. Even though I love it, I learned I loved the memories more than the actual shirt...helps me get rid of thing I don't need knowing that someone else will use and love it!!)

Week 2

Well...these 2 things are why I have not been as good at sticking to the things on my list!! I was up late designing this 2nd invite...and then tonight again trying to get them all ready. I blurred out the important personal information on the 2nd one...but you get the idea. The first one is one I made for a senior I did pictures of...I think I have found a new hobby!!! I love creating stuff I am finding. So far I have done these 2 and my business cards, but I can't wait to do more!!! I am thinking even starting to do designs for my scrapbooking stuff!!! Anyways, I have done something active for 3 days, today just crunches because 1) we got a huge blizzard, and 2) I had to get these things done! Tuesday I got to go walking with my friend Shanoa-love her-we actually ended up going 2 miles! It is always nice to have a change and workout with someone else!!! It was also nice outside both Monday and Tuesday so I was able to be out both days, I even got a little sun!!! I have yet to do anything else on my list of 2 do's....but hopefully tomorrow I can catch up!!!

Week 2

I guess I should start with a summary from last week, and say that my weeks go from Monday to Sunday :0) I was able to do 4 out of 5 days for a workout. I was going to do Friday as my 5th, but I was having issues with my side and being able to breath. Sooo....I only did 4 days. I also finished 1/2 of my button sewing...I actually only have 1 button to sew on, but I am a little OCD so I am also strengthening all of the other button attachments. However, I did finish a shirt and a jacket...it's like having a new outfit! I hate going to the store and buying clothes, then taking them home and knowing that if I don't fix all the buttons that they will fall off-big bummer!! I also worked on doing something nice for my hubby each day...I did pretty well. On Sunday I was going to make sticky buns...that flopped because the dough never rose...made me angry-I guess that's what happens with cold weather, and low heating. I am happy to report that I did get Pam's handmade gift done :0) With looking at the house this week and then assessing what it would cost to fix versus build...I didn't have time to use the computer for my silhouette this week...but maybe next week!
This week I want to:
Continue....
Working out for 5 days
Finish sewing on all my buttons :0( my poor neglected clothes!
Figure out my silhouette
Do something nice for my hubby and one other person each day
Start....
A handmade project for Chrissy :0)
Clean, Organize, and Purge in my scrapbooking room
Read 1 church article a day
Read my scripture everyday...I know, it is something I should be doing...and used to but I need some motivation!

Week 1

I am feeling old.
Not in a good way either.
Maybe my body is just rejecting me.
Too many years of wear and tear.
I am trying to treat it better now.
I think it is holding a grudge.
Maybe I can push past this major side ache.
Oh yea...and then there's that pesky hip.
I need a good way to get revenge.
I know, tomorrow I will push it to the limit.
Maybe I can trick myself into feeling young and limitless again.
Maybe then, I won't feel so old.

So, day 4 of doing something active is complete...for that I am grateful. Although, the last 2 days have been different. Yesterday it was walking with a new friend from church. Today it was volleyball (I wish it was softball)-I try but it's not really my thing, it used to be more fun way back when, but it was active so...I did it, for 2 hours. I really wanted to skip today...but I knew I would feel guilty for not keeping up with all of this. So...side ache and all I went and played. My left side on my ribs has been hurting-especially when I take a deep breath-ever since after lunch today-it sucks, but such is life! The pictures I posted are from yesterday...this is one of my pass along the love gifts. I gave it to Pam today, I hope she liked it. I kept it simple so she had options of what to do with it. This weekend I plan on playing with the Silhouette...I hope I can figure it out. I hope I don't have to call the company for a new blade...and I can't wait to buy some new images with my GC and use my new markers...yea!!! I have been trying to serve my hubby all week...so far so good. It has made me think before I react...all but one time, but this is about improvement after all...and that is definitely better than usual so I will take it.