A Need For Caffeine

February Pea Soup

2012-02-07T13:03:00.000-05:00

Some great kits that will coordinate nicely make up February's Pea Soup. What I love is that it's not all pink, white red.... you've got hot pink, black, orange. LOVE IT! Below is a layout I made and then some of the Pea Soup items you can find at Two Peas in a Bucket.

From Polka Dot Pixels:

From Jen Martakis:

From Tickled Pink Studio:

2012 Week 5

2012-02-06T07:15:00.000-05:00

Week 5 people! I've changed my background yet again, but this is the one! I'm so confident that I went back and changed all my previous layouts to have this background paper. LOVE IT!

2012 Week 5

Project 365 Templates 2 from Wild Blueberry Ink and Joey Lynn Designs at MScraps

I'm Krafty polka dot paper from Tickled Pink Studio at Two Peas in a Bucket

2012 Week 4

2012-02-01T13:56:00.001-05:00

One month down with Project 365! Only 48 weeks to go! This week I decided to change it up a little bit and go with a different background paper. I like the way it turned out.

2012 Week 4

Credits

"Project 365 Templates 2"

"Love, Unbounded" chevron paper

Both from Wild Blueberry Ink

Available at MScraps

Lovely, Delovely, It's all about LOVE!

2012-01-31T21:37:00.000-05:00

Two great new kits out today from two AWESOME designers at Two Peas in a Bucket.

First, Polka Dot Pixels has "Delovely" out. I made some decor to go on my mantle. It's also a freebie on Em's blog: Polka Dot Pixels.

Delovely

LOVE

The next kit is called "Lovely" from Jen Martakis. I had a lot of fun making this layout.

Lovely

Precious Moment

Well, that should be enough to get you through Valentine's Day!

Love, Unbounded

2012-01-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

If you're gearing up for Valentine's Day, this kit will melt your heart. I LOVE IT! I love the colors, I love the word art... I LOVE THE PLASTIC POCKETS!!! Would be great for all of you Project Lifers! The kit is called "Love, Unbounded" from Wild Blueberry Ink and is available at MScraps.

Unconditional

Love, Unbounded

MScraps is celebrating their second birthday this weekend and is having all kinds of challenges and giveaways! Plus, the entire store is 30% and you receive one free collaboration when you spend $10 and two free collaborations when you spend $20! Check this out because it ends January 30! Click here to view the blog post telling about all the awesomeness occurring this weekend! And did I forget to mention a blog train where you can pick up freebies along the way?!!?

2012 Week 3

2012-01-23T06:11:00.000-05:00

Can I keep this pace up all year? Let's hope so! Project 365 Templates #2 from Wild Blueberry Ink and JoeyLynn Designs. Available at MScraps.

2012 Week 3

Project 365 Tip #3: This photo book isn't going to win any prizes. This everyday glimpse into your life is for you. Your everyday isn't perfect, and your photos don't have to be either. Don't let a less than perfect photo keep you from recording today's memory. This might be the photo that cracks you up down the road. :) This project is FOR YOU!

Project 365 - Week 2 and Special Page

2012-01-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

So far, so good with Project 365. I'm really trying to stay on top of things. Using Wild Blueberry Ink and JoeyLynn Designs collaboration of Project 365 templates makes it so easy. I just add the photo, throw in some journaling, and voila!

2012 Week 2

There are also highlight pages in the kit that allow you to add more photos if you have a special outing or occasion to showcase. My husband and I went to Disney on a scouting mission this past weekend and I wanted to add more pictures from our trip. I also edited the page a bit by taking out a photo mask and adding journaling to one page. This took me less than ten minutes to put together.

Disney 1

Disney 2

They will sit side-by-side in my book.

I'm thinking about changing the background page of my layouts, but haven't found a paper that I want to use yet.

Project 365 Tip #2: If you're like me, you're not going to add photos and journaling each day as you go. I use my daily planner to jot down the photo I plan to use and then add a little bit about what was going on so that I can easily complete my page later in the week.

Two Peas Tuesday

2012-01-10T15:02:00.000-05:00

Last month, Two Peas in a Bucket started what they're calling "Pea Soup". Each month they give their designers a color scheme, and the designers create with those colors. It's nice because then you can go through and pick and choose what kits you like and you know they're going to coordinate. So, here's a layout I did using Pea Soup products from Jen Martakis:

still life

And here are some of the products from Jen:

Pea Soup Papers

Pea Soup Elements

... and some from Polka Dot Pixels:

Lacey Papers

Lacey Frame Brushes

Monthly Ornamental Stamps

New Year, New Project 365

2012-01-09T22:17:00.001-05:00

Er... 366? LEAP YEAR!!! First of all, let me apologize for the lapse of time between my last post and now. Holidays kind of took over every second of my day. But I have two layouts to share with you from my 2012 Project 365 book. I tried this last year, but with the move and trying to change too much of my template, I really let it go. I'm hopeful that I can stay on top of things this year!

Once again, I'm using Project 365 templates from Wild Blueberry Ink available at MScraps.

January 1

Project 365 Week 1

I liked Shirley's templates last year, BUT I LOVE THESE!!! The design is so clean and simple and I really love how she's starting with January 1 having it's own full page as well as December 31. Such a great touch. I may play around with changing the background paper, but nothing else. Last year I tried to do too much and I didn't keep up. This year, I'm keeping it simple and focusing on telling the story.

Project 365 Tip #1: Keep your camera or phone out, visible, and within reach. This way, you'll be sure to catch the shot you want to document today.

I HEART "I HEART NAPTIME"!

2011-11-17T06:53:00.000-05:00

It's a catch 22. I SO BADLY want a Silhouette Cameo for Christmas, and I Heart Naptime is giving one away! So do I really want to put this out on my blog for others to know? Oh, alright. I'm thankful for the three people who do read my blog, so here you go!

I HEART NAPTIME SILHOUETTE CAMEO GIVEAWAY!!!!

Click to enter!

Hopefully if I don't win the Cameo, Santa will bring me one for Christmas since I am thoughtful and advertised the giveaway to all of you! ;)

It's Beginning....

2011-11-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

to look a lot like... well... I don't believe in Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving. I'm sorry. The poor turkey not only gets the short end of the stick at Thanksgiving Dinner, but also on the time allotted for his big day! Regardless, Jen Martakis came out with a REALLY CUTE holiday kit today, as well as some templates. Check them out below and hit up Two Peas in a Bucket to get your hands on them too!

Holiday Story Collection

Gingerbread House

Simple Starts templates 24-27

Bubble Fun

Click on the layout links for full credits. Have a merry, er, happy Tuesday!

New Releases and a FREEBIE!

2011-11-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

I love sitting down at my computer with my creative juices flowing and cranking out a layout that I love! And then there are times that I sit and look at my screen and can't come up with what I want out of a layout. That's when I like to use templates. I don't have to use them exactly as they are designed, but it's an awesome springboard to help me get started.

Jen Martakis has some new templates in the store at Two Peas in a Bucket today called "Simple Starts 20-23". I used one of them, plus her kit "Just Smile" to put together this layout of Cocoa and her friend.

And here's a preview of the templates.

Jen was also gracious enough to make a FREEBIE for 11/11/11 called... Simple Starts 11/11/11!
And can you guess how many pictures spots there are on here? You're right! 11!

How much fun would it be to make a layout of "11 things I did on 11/11/11" or "11 things I am thankful for this 11/11/11"?!?!? Oh the possibilities!

WINNER!

2011-11-08T10:26:00.001-05:00

I have quite a few craft and DIY blogs that I follow. Once in awhile they will host some sort of giveaway (I'm DYING to know who wins the Silhouette's that a bunch of the blogs were giving away). Anywho, one of the blogs I frequent is Eighteen25. These gals share tutorials and fun crafty/DIY features. And you don't want to miss out on the subway art they've been featuring this year. They were having a giveaway an online photography class with Ashley Ann.... and I WON!!! Thanks ladies!

Can't WAIT to take my camera off of auto mode! LOL!!!

Nov. BYOC @ The Lily Pad

2011-11-05T07:33:00.000-04:00

Tickled Pink Studio is part of the BYOC for November at the Lily Pad, and Becca has put together the CUTEST fall kit. The colors are FANTASTIC! It was perfect for a recent trip we made to a local fruit farm to pick apples... all of us wearing red, of course. Who doesn't wear Scarlett and Gray on a Fall Saturday in Ohio?

"Fall Splendor" elements

"Fall Splendor" papers

Apple Picking

Happy iDSD to all of you scrappers out there!

SALE!

2011-11-04T13:23:00.000-04:00

Now through Sunday, all digital kits at Two Peas in a Bucket are on sale for 30% off! That means all of Polka Dot Pixels, Jen Martakis, and Tickled Pink Studios is on sale! Head over and snag some for all of your DSD scrapping this weekend!

Jen Martakis

2011-11-03T14:40:00.001-04:00

put out a call for creative team members and I was invited to join! WOOT!!! Jen's designs are so much fun! I can't wait to begin creating with these talented ladies. Head over to Jen's blog (6 guys & a gal) to see who all of the new CT members are. Thanks Jen

Give Thanks

2011-11-01T14:36:00.002-04:00

It's November? This year seems like it has flown by! Last week I promised you a link to download the "Give Thanks" bunting that I had made for my mantle. Here's the promised link to Polka Dot Pixel's blog post (under the kit preview is a link for the freebie). I've also taken a shot of the updated bunting. The last one I made, I just couldn't see the letters well enough. So, below is the bunting that is available for download:

In the download there is a different option for what goes in between the two words as well. Download the printable and unzip the file. Inside there will be six pages of bunting to print (two triangles per page). Print them out and then cut out around each triangle. Be sure that at the top you leave some white edge that will lip over the yarn. Like this:

Then, all you do is find some yarn, fold the top lip down, and tape it over the yarn. I taped the yarn to the back and then taped the lip over the yarn so that the paper wouldn't move. I have more work to do with the mantle, but it's the beginning of the month! I have time, right?!?!

I leave you with pics of my monsters last night on Halloween. Thunder and lightning rolled through about 20 minutes before Begger's Night was supposed to begin! Thankfully, the storm stopped just in time and the kids had tons of fun!

Thankfully, Rapunzel was ok with having the sweats on (this was not the case earlier this month!). It was SO COLD in Ohio last night!

Trick-or-Treat

2011-10-31T07:28:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone! Our trick-or-treat is scheduled for this evening, but my kids didn't have a bag to collect their goodies. When I was little we just used a pillowcase. I didn't want to purchase a cheap bag that we'd end up throwing out (and wasting), so I made my own.

I went to the local craft store and purchased these blank burlap totes, totaling less than $7.50 for both together. I already had some fabric transfer paper laying around... not to mention a multitude of digital scrapbook goodies at my disposal. I simply created a fun design in Photoshop Elements, one for each side. Take and look!

Please click on the pictures for credits. *WARNING* Should you attempt this at home, don't forget to flip your image horizontally so that it's backwards when printing! When you iron it on, it will turn out the right way. Luckily, I caught my mistake early and was able to salvage that piece of transfer paper to use for the kids' names. WHEW!

Thankful

2011-10-26T06:55:00.003-04:00

I have many things to be thankful for this year. I have two pretty awesome kids, one AMAZING husband, a new house that we're making a home, family who I love and can count on (and can count on me in return), all of my children's basic needs are met (and more)... Sometimes it's easy to dwell on the negative and what you don't have. There are others in this world who would pass out when they see the lives we lead because they couldn't fathom it. You are blessed. Sometimes we all need a little reminder. I know I definitely do!

So, now that you're ready to give thanks this holiday season, why not do it with a little bunting on your mantle? I made this last week but have since improved it so you can see the letters better. It will be given away as a free printable on Polka Dot Pixels blog here in the next day or so. I'll be sure to link up when it is. It was all made from Em's new kit "Thankfully", which you can find at Two Peas in a Bucket.

The new one I made for the freebie has something behind the letters so you can see them better. You'll be able to print them out on 8.5x11 white card stock, cut them out, and hang them up! I just left a little white space at the top of my triangles so that I could fold it down over the yarn and then I taped it. As soon as I have some time I'll print the new bunting and get a pic up.

I also made some subway art this week for our new home. I'm IN LOVE with subway art for holidays and I'm having a hard time restraining myself from not hanging some type of subway art in each room of my house. But this one is definitely going on the wall!

Yeah, I know. There are our names. But if I blanked out all of our names AND our address, what would there be to look at?!?!? I'll be printing it at a photo place as an 8x10. This took a little bit, but was so easy to make. All I did was pick the fonts I like, typed in my wording, and then I resized my text box to fit in the area I wanted it to go in ( I use Photoshop Elements 8 for all of my digital goodness). After that I chose my paper, recolored my text to match, and voila! For this I used Vinnie Pearce's "Live, Laugh, Love" paper, also available at Two Peas in a Bucket. All of my blessings, in subway art form! :) Have a blessed week everyone!

Hi!

2011-10-21T10:47:00.001-04:00

My name is Mrs. Pepper. It's been almost a month since my last post. :(

Sorry peeps! We moved into our new house on September 27 and I've been a bit... overwhelmed! That would be the word. So, scrapping and creating kind of took a back seat. BUT I'M BACK! I've got a few lovelies to share with you as well.

Polka Dot Pixels came out with a great Halloween kit called "Spooked". You can find it at Two Peas in a Bucket.

I'm pretty sure my sister might die if she knew I posted this picture online. Let's just keep it between us, k? PDP is coming out with a Thanksgiving kit next week, so be on the lookout for a super cute project I did.

Wild Blueberry Ink has had some kits come out that I just simply missed getting my projects out for. Can we say stressed?!?! I promise to be better! "Muse" can be found at MScraps.

Early Morning can be found there too.

And WBI's "Innocence" was featured at The Daily Digi!

Finally, Jen Martakis' store at Two Peas in a Bucket is on sale right now for 25% off. I've been waiting for a sale because I had some toothless pictures I wanted to scrap with Jen's "The Tooth Fairy Kit".

Well, I think that's enough for now, right? I've got to pick up the toothless wonder from preschool in a bit. Happy Friday everyone!

Autumn Leaves

2011-09-24T08:49:00.001-04:00

It's officially Fall, and it's definitely feeling that way where we live. I LOVE IT! Fall is my favorite season. When Polka Dot Pixels came out with the new kit Autumn Leaves, I had the perfect pictures to scrap! This kit was meant for these pics!

Kit Preview

These pics were taken last November. You have no idea how many times I received requests to rake the leaves back into a pile! :) Head over to Two Peas in a Bucket to snatch this awesome kit for your Fall memories!

Growing

2011-09-05T07:11:00.000-04:00

Happy Labor Day! In a few short hours we will have about 20 of Mr. Pepper's office staff over for a fun-filled day of boating and swimming on the lake. What? It's only going to be 70 degrees today? Mrs. Pepper didn't really sleep last night and has been up since 4? Super.

Last week I was fortunate to win the digital kit "Before My Eyes" from Scrap Originals. Below is a preview of the kit and what I did with it.

Growing

For Erica's "From Paper to Digital" challenge at Two Peas in a Bucket.

Thanks Pam for your generosity! This is a seriously lovely kit!

Everyday Love

2011-08-26T14:48:00.000-04:00

Wild Blueberry Ink has released a mini kit in the store at MScraps called "Everyday Love". Perfect for those little, everyday moments you want to capture and hold onto! On sale right now for only $2.45!

More Everyday

School's in Session!

2011-08-24T08:55:00.000-04:00

Ready to scrap those first day of school photos? Polka Dot Pixels has a new kit in the store at Two Peas in a Bucket called "School Day", perfect for the new school year!

Preschool

And if you're looking for a new blog design, Tickled Pink Studio has a new ready-made-blog kit in the store using the "Happiness of Life" kit.

And speaking of Becca's "Happiness of Life" kit, here's a new layout using the kit.

So Tired

Grand Love Story

2011-08-18T21:52:00.000-04:00

My kids LOVE their grandparents. Grandparents have this unwritten rule that they're allowed to spoil a child rotten (and then blame it on the parents, right?!?!). :) Wild Blueberry Ink has a new kit called "Grand Love Story" in the store at MScraps. It's perfect for all of those moments that you or your kids share with grandparents.

How sweet is that?!?! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the crochet flowers. And there's word art available that spells out "Grandma" or "Grandpa" in a ton of different languages. AWESOME!

When Skies Are Gray

2011-08-17T13:51:00.000-04:00

Polka Dot Pixels has a bright new kit in the store at Two Peas in a Bucket called "When Skies Are Gray". But this kit is anything but gray! The vibrant orange and pink colors are so cheerful!

Sunshine

Emily has also come out with some really fun tie-dyed elements and floral brushes that I haven't had a chance to work with yet. Here's a peek.

Click on the previews to be taken to their purchase page or check them out in the store at Two Peas.

Incredible

2011-07-28T15:32:00.000-04:00

Incredible... that's the name of the new kit that Wild Blueberry Ink has in the store at MScraps. Shirley also released an alphabet called "In The Pink". I combined the two new releases to create this layout.

And here's a preview of the kits.

Layout Backlog

2011-07-23T14:47:00.000-04:00

I have so many layouts that I've done that I haven't posted here this summer. Most of them have been for an album I was making as a gift, so who knows if I'll post them here. But, here are a few that I've done with products from Polka Dot Pixels since June.

MTM 4th

Created using "Celebrate"

Ginger

Created using "Child's Play" and a template 18 from Simply Tiffany Studio

Ocean

Created using "Vacate"

All of the kits are available from Polka Dot Pixels at Two Peas in a Bucket.

Lovin' the look?

2011-07-20T11:36:00.000-04:00

FRIENDS!!! I know, it's been so long. You probably don't even remember me! *wink*

This summer has been filled with so much going on in our lives that I haven't had much time for scrapping and blogging. I am in serious withdrawal. So, when Tickled Pink Studio came out with a ready-to-wear Live is Sweet blog design, I knew it was the perfect time to get re-energized.

So, do you like the look of the blog right now? I think it's too cute for words. There are two different backgrounds you can choose from in this kit, two different headers, already made side tabs or blank ones if you want to customize them, two dividers... It's amazing! And Becca makes the instructions so easy to follow. This didn't take me long at all and it looks like I spent forever on it! But it's all Tickled Pink Studio's creative genius! Here's a peek at what you'll get:

SO CUTE!!!

New releases at MScraps

2011-06-17T09:27:00.000-04:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! I'm counting down the days to a mini-vacation next week, so Friday couldn't come soon enough! Plus, there's a great new kit from Wild Blueberry Ink at MScraps called The Tie That Binds. Perfect for any type of relationship (family, friends, etc) that you want to scrap.

A preview of the kit (love the colors!):

Another kit that was released a few weeks ago from WBI is Deja Vu. I didn't have time to scrap when it came out, but had some time this week. I used the CT freebie template at Two Peas for Erica's challenge to create this layout.

Kit preview:

This is one of those kits that would be a great "go to" kit for any theme/subject/occasion. Head over to MScraps to check them out!

I'm Back! with New Releases

2011-06-14T14:23:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile! I have been so busy with a few projects that I haven't had time to upload my layouts! But, I was finally able to scrap FOR ME last night. Luckily, Polka Dot Pixels came out with some awesome page borders and papers. Below is a layout I did using "Amalgamation" page borders set 2 and "Bad News" papers (found at Two Peas in a Bucket). Below that you'll find Em's new releases for this week and last week (since I didn't have time to post!).

Amalgamation Page Borders

Amalgamation Frames

New Releases at Two Peas

2011-05-24T12:20:00.000-04:00

Loveliness galore is what has been released at Two Peas today. The first kit is from Tickled Pink Studio and is called "Love Punch Drunk". Great name! Here's a preview of the kit:

You can purchase it as a full kit or the elements and papers separately. Here's what I created with it:

Next is a new release from Polka Dot Pixels called "Musical.

And my page:

Whether you're musical (or know someone who is) or not, you can use this kit in so many ways. Head over to Two Peas in a Bucket to check them out!

Woof!

2011-05-23T13:33:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we were in full doggy mode for Bean's second birthday party. So, today's Muffin Tin lunch consists of leftovers from the party.

Clockwise
cucumbers
pasta salad
puppy chow
hot dog
cheese
fruit and fruit dip (best fruit dip ever: 1 block cream cheese + 1 small can of marshmallow = heaven)

Happy Monday everyone!

New releases at MScraps

2011-05-20T15:12:00.000-04:00

IT'S FRIDAY!!! I've been up to my eyeballs in projects! I took about 2 weeks (and scrambled the last few nights) to finish a photobook for Cocoa's teacher. Now, I'm in full gear getting ready for Bean's second birthday party this weekend!

Wild Blueberry Ink has three great items in the MScraps store today!

Photo Clusters

Ornate Frames

Acrylic Flowers

I was able to play with the photo clusters, as well as Shirley's Mother's Day Word Bits and "Hope" kit to complete this layout.

New releases are 20% today only! Head over and snatch 'em!

New Release: Jopke Designs

2011-05-17T07:38:00.000-04:00

I am in a giant scrapping mode! I have a scrapbook for Cocoa's teacher that I have to finish by Wednesday night and another book I need to start to have done in about 2 weeks. THAT'S A LOT OF SCRAPPING!

Jopke Designs has released a colorful kit (the first of many I believe) that is great for your project 265 pages, or just your everyday life pages: 365 Project: Pop Ups No. 1.

Jopke even included a beautiful template in this kit that you'll love. Here are the pages I created with the kit.

Aren't those frames fabulous!?!?! I have lots of ideas in mind to use those! Have a great week!

New releases at MScraps

2011-05-13T12:59:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to announce that Shirley from Wild Blueberry Ink contacted me and asked me to be on her creative team. I was fortunate to work with her creations when she sold at Owl Tree Studio, so I was super happy to be asked to be on her team. This week she's re-releasing a great kit called "Forecast" at MScraps. Check out the kit below and what I did with it.

Tuesday New Releases

2011-05-10T12:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday! Did everyone have a nice Mother's Day? Mine was super low key, I did a bunch of work, and it might have been the best Mother's Day yet. Isn't that funny?

Today, Polka Dot Pixels has some GREAT kits in the store. Have a best friend? My little guy does, and "Circle of Friends" was perfect for scrapping the two of them together.

Don't you love the blue and red together?!? I used a template from Nicole LeBlanc to put this one together. If you've seen any of Nicole's layouts, you'll know that she does a fabulous job of creating beauty on a page. I'm so excited that she's starting to design templates!

PDP is also rolling out these beauties!

Brushery: daily text blocks

Grungy Cardboard papers

I didn't have time to get anything done with these yet, but I can't WAIT to play with those date brushes!

Tickled Pink Studio also has a new release in the store that I haven't had time to play with yet either! Doesn't life know that I need time to scrap!??! :)

Flourished Brush Set

Aren't those beautiful?! I have plans for these! Head over to Two Peas in a Bucket to snatch these kits and more from their designers.

The Queen Mom

2011-05-08T08:39:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day! Any special plans with your kiddos or mom or grandmother today? Mother-in-law? Step-mom? Aunt? Celebrate them all! And don't forget to take pictures.

Jopke has a great kit out in the Design House Digital store that is perfect for those photos you have of your sweet mom. The kit is called "Beauty Queen", and today, Mom is the queen!

Well, I didn't use the kit with a picture of my Mom... but I did use it for a picture of the person who made me a Mom. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

TPS Guest Spot

2011-05-06T06:51:00.000-04:00

Tickled Pink Studio is a guest at The Lily Pad for their May BYOC! The colors selected this month were FABULOUS and Becca has put together the most adorable kit, Stars and Rockets. And it's 20% off right now!

Here's my creation:

So, are you geared up for this weekend filled with National Scrapbooking Day activities?!?!? Check out your favorite stores and stock up while the sales are going on!

FREE GOODIES PEOPLE!

2011-05-04T14:11:00.000-04:00

The designers at Design House Digital are hosting a blog hop in honor of the upcoming NSD weekend. You're going to love all of the free goodies that they are graciously giving away on their blogs! I was able to snag Jopke's portion of the pack early and put together a fun little layout.

Head over to Jopke's blog to grab her design and to continue on to get all of the digital goodness that each designer has created!

Owl Tree Studio Closing

2011-04-28T10:50:00.000-04:00

On April 30th, Owl Tree Studio will be closing it's digiscrapping doors for good. I've really enjoyed being a part of the community there and getting to create for the great designers who have sold their kits through the site. Right now many of the designers have their stores on sale for 50% off before the site closes. You might want to head over and stock up on some great digital scrapbooking products before the owl leaves the nest!

New Releases at Two Peas

2011-04-26T21:01:00.000-04:00

New releases at Two Peas in a Bucket today! Check out this perfect kit Grown from Polka Dot Pixels for the summer gardening you'll be doing soon!

Sweet Pea

I couldn't get enough of those little peas!

Tickled Pink Studio has two releases in the store today: The Dot Junkie Paper Pack and Playful Plastics frames.

Zipper Happy

MTM - Nests, Birds, and Eggs

2011-04-25T14:51:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a happy and blessed Easter. With all of the moving and life changing craziness going on, I've been hitting the hot tub and trying to get to bed at a decent hour. Of course that's not happening! But the old house is spotless and is waiting for us to get the last small load out of the garage before it can welcome it's new family.

The Easter Bunny is really good about bringing things that the kids need or that I'm going to end up buying for them shortly. HOW DOES HE KNOW?!?! One smart, furry creature. Anyway, one of the things he brought the kids were some new silly silicone muffin cups. So today's Muffin Tin Monday lunch centered around nests, birds, and eggs (because we have an abundance of them right now!).

A: Bird nest and eggs (rice krispie treat and M&M's... I was going to use jelly beans but Bean can't have them and Cocoa doesn't like them).
B: worms (spaghetti noodles with olive oil and parmesan cheese)
C: Eggs (well... they're eggs)
D: Bird poop (vanilla yogurt and chocolate sprinkles)

Now that we're almost settled in at our temporary home with my in-laws, I'm hoping to get back into the swing of scrapping and posting. Have a great week everyone!

Feature!

2011-04-21T14:36:00.000-04:00

Taking a break from all of the packing to share some exciting news! I'm featured as the "Inspiration du Jour" over at craftgossip.com today (for the scrapbooking section). They featured my "Enjoy Life" layout, created with "The Good Life" from Tickled Pink Studio. Head over here to check it out!

Tuesday New Releases

2011-04-19T14:49:00.000-04:00

New release day at Two Peas in a Bucket! The first kit I'm showcasing is Polka Dot Pixels "Penmanship" kit. Emily seriously jam packs her kits with a TON of goodies!

I'll be using my page as the cover of a book I'm making for Cocoa's preschool teacher.

The next kit is "The Good Life" from Tickled Pink Studio.

I'm SO enjoying being a part of Becca's creative team. There's never a lack of inspiration!

And seeing my two babies in that box makes me feel guilty. I need to get back to packing. :) But not before I show you a paper pack from Polka Dot Pixels called "Grungy Grocery Bag" papers.

Such a great neutral set. I can't wait to play with these papers some more. But for now, here's a page showing the giant hole where our house will be! WOO HOO! I also used a template freebie from Joey Lynn Designs.

I've never been so excited to see a hole in the ground!

MTM - Easter

2011-04-18T14:25:00.001-04:00

On Friday we are moving out of our house and putting all of our possessions in storage. Needless to say, this weekend is going to be super busy, what with it also being Easter. So we had our Easter muffin tin today. (Be sure to check out the Muffin Tin Monday blog).

A: Cheddar bunny crackers

B: watermelon kabobs

C: Bunny shaped ham and cheese

D: Rabbit droppings (raisins)

E: Carrots... cause the bunny man likes 'em!

F: Red cupcake

The red cupcake is left over from apple shaped cupcakes I made for Cocoa's teachers as a thank you.

Check out the books "Hello, Cupcake" and "What's New Cupcake" for more cupcake designs like this.

Look at that smile! Cocoa was so excited to give these to her teachers. Too bad a garbage truck pulled out in front of us this morning and I had to slam on my brakes! Apple shaped cupcakes flew across the car and onto the floor. Couldn't give them away! UGH! Figures... it's Monday.

"I Scrapped" Saturday

2011-04-16T17:55:00.000-04:00

I'm honored to now be a part of the Tickled Pink Studio Creative Team! Becca (check out her blog here) creates these amazing kits that are so... whimsical. They seriously jump out at me in the store at Two Peas in a Bucket because they are so much fun. The whimsy elements and papers she creates reminds me of my kids, which is one of the reasons I applied for her creative team. I'm really in love with her products. Here are two layouts I created using the kits "Beep, Bop, Boop" and "Sunshine and Happiness".

Love Bot

Ten!

Crafty Basket

2011-04-15T08:54:00.001-04:00

On one of the blogs I frequent, I came across a link to another blog that had the CUTEST Easter basket idea. The blog is Random Thoughts of a Supermom and the link to her Easter basket blog post. The idea is very simple and the baskets aren't super elaborate... WHAT I WANTED! I usually just use a basket from the house that isn't really designated for anything. That's what my mom did when we were little and I just really liked that the Easter Bunny would fill up that basket when he came by our house. So, here's the finished product:

I bought the bushel baskets and ribbon at Michaels. I wish I had gone with a bolder ribbon color ( I originally had a light grass green and bright blue) but the Easter pastel ribbons were on sale. Plus, the Easter ribbons were more silk like than the bold colors. The nice thing is, I can take these off and change them for next year if I want.

I spray painted the baskets white, but they don't look as white in person as they do in the picture. I actually like it better that way. It looks more natural. I followed her directions and used a glue gun to glue the ribbon around the middle and tied on bows... no name labels though. I also was sure to take a match (couldn't find a lighter) and sealed the ends of the ribbon so it wouldn't unravel. So, I spray painted while the kids were napping and then got up this morning and did the ribbon. I think all together it took me less than 30 minutes.

Easter last year... a sick Cocoa and a binky sucking Bean!

I'm super excited because last year the Easter goodies barely fit in the basket. I mean, the bunny man doesn't go overboard with us. Usually he brings the kids things they're going to need soon... Summer sandals, coloring book, new paints, etc. I'm glad he takes the expense off our hands for us. Somehow he knows exactly what we're thinking about purchasing soon! So, what do you think? Are the baskets a success?

New Release at DHD

2011-04-14T06:45:00.000-04:00

Jopke Designs has a really beautiful kit out today called "One Fine Day". What I love about kits like this is that it can be used for ANYTHING!

I really like the combination of purple, green, and gray. Here's what I did with the kit:

Connection

Our Fine Day

Today only the kit is 30% off. Go snag it at Design House Digital while it's on sale!

New Releases at 2P's

2011-04-12T14:26:00.000-04:00

It's new release day at Two Peas in a Bucket, and I've got two FABULOUS kits to share with you. The first is from Tickled Pink Studio and it's called "Hands Across the Gulf".

How gorgeous is this monochromatic look!?!?! And I think that little whale has to be my favorite. Here's what I created with it:

Polka Dot Pixels continues to roll out some amazing vintage looking kits, and the new kit "Stitch in Time" is no exception.

Love those measuring tapes. I made a clean, simple layout, but this kit is jam packed with elements and some fantastic brushes!

MTM & 365

2011-04-11T19:17:00.000-04:00

Yet another week where I didn't get my 365 post done on Sunday. So, you get our muffin tin lunch along with the project 365 page. :)

First, project 365. Can you believe I'm posting week 14?!?! I'm just surprised I've lasted this long. But, like I said, these templates make it so easy! The Project 365 templates are by Joey Lynn Designs and Wild Blueberry Ink at Owl Tree Studio.

The kit used is "Life is Sweet" from Tickled Pink Studio (available at Two Peas in a Bucket). Some seriously cute elements in this kit. Wait until next week when I use the pinwheel on week 15. TOO CUTE!

On to Muffin Tin Monday! I chose a flower theme today and had a lot of fun searching the internet for a way to cut strawberries into flowers.

A: Flower shaped ham and cheese sandwich
B: Strawberry rose and flower
C: Cookie frosted with marshmallow and sprinkles flower (Check out Hello, Cupcake! and What's New Cupcake? for some great cupcake ideas. That's where I got this marshmallow idea).
D: Cucumber flower with cheese center
E: Blackberries with flower picks
F: Strawberry rose

I'm not gonna lie... I'm pretty proud of my roses. :)

2011-04-08T19:48:00.000-04:00

Some fantastic new releases at Owl Tree Studio this weekend. There's also some gorgeous layouts from some of the creative team members for inspiration! I have one from Wild Blueberry Ink's "Uniquities" kit. Check 'em out! Oh, and they're 20% through Sunday. And be sure to check out the new gallery and forums too!

Eee Eee

Uniquities – Wild Blueberry Ink

Rainy Days – Torta Gialla

Additional Kits:

DHD Freebie

2011-04-07T10:19:00.000-04:00

Jopke Designs provided a freebie for Design House Digital that's just what the bunny ordered! Head over and grab her "Floppy Ears" mini kit for FREE!

Early Bird Bunny

Eggcellent!

2011-04-05T14:14:00.000-04:00

Polka Dot Pixels has a new kit called "Eggstravaganza" in the store at Two Peas in a Bucket today. Perfect kit for those upcoming Easter egg hunts, invitations, decor, etc. Seriously cute! I took advantage of the kit to put together a two page spread of photos of Cocoa dying Easter eggs about 2 years ago.

An Eggcellent Day

MTM & 365

2011-04-04T14:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday! First off, here's my week 13 layout! Don't forget to head over to Owl Tree Studio and snatch these templates. It makes Project 365 so darn easy!

Week 13

On to Muffin Tin Monday! It's been quite some time since I posted a muffin tin meal (besides St. Patty's). We've been having them, just haven't done a lot of themes and I always forget to take a picture. Today I made the kids a bug themed tin. Check it out.

Clockwise starting at top (12 o'clock):

Dirt cake with earth worms

Cucumber caterpillar (hard to see with the flash)

Apple and chocolate chip lady bug

Grilled cheese bee

Purple grape ants

If you've never done Muffin Tin Monday or want to learn more, head on over to the MTM blog. It's so much fun and incredibly laid back. There is no right or wrong way to do a muffin tin meal and my kids LOVE it!

Scrapped Saturday

2011-04-02T15:23:00.000-04:00

Well, my Friday finished day has been taken over by my new release announcements for Owl Tree Studio. So, I'm starting something new. I've seen a lot of people who have a "Wordless Wednesday" where they don't send out a message, they just post their layouts they've made that week. I think I'll do Saturday's and call it "Scrapped Saturday". So, here's what I scrapped this week that you haven't seen:

Apron

Free template from Joscie at Two Peas.

Edeline Marta's "Save Room for the Sweet" kit.

And although I've scrapped quite a bit this week, you've already seen all of my other layouts with my new release announcements. :)

New at Owl Tree Studio

2011-04-01T08:48:00.000-04:00

Tons of digital goodness is showcased in the store at Owl Tree Studio today.

And here are a few layouts I created:

Joey Lynn Designs "Fun Pack 4" and Allison Pennington's "Lulubelle" collection

Tami Miller's "Hopes and Dreams" kit and Joey Lynn Designs "Circle Template Pack"

The designers have really outdone themselves for today's release. Happy April Fool's Day everyone! Hope you remember to watch out for pranksters! :)

If You Hadn't Heard...

2011-03-31T14:40:00.000-04:00

Jopke Designs is officially at Design House Digital! And in honor of the store opening, all Jopke Designs kits at DHD are 30% off this weekend only! The first kit out, "Evergreen", is superb! Here's a peek:

Here's what I did with it:

Her Garden

Teacher

New Release

2011-03-29T14:16:00.000-04:00

Emily, creative genius behind Polka Dot Pixels, has kits popping up in the store like flowers blooming in the Spring... THERE ARE TONS AND THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!! Today she released "Mercantile". There's a lot of vintage-y goodness in here!

Here is a preview of the kit:

And here's what I did with it: Tongue

There are some really beautiful brushes and a rockin' alphabet included in this kit. SO MUCH great stuff! Have a good Tuesday, and head over to Two Peas in a Bucket to check out all of the new releases.

Layouts Galore

2011-03-28T11:09:00.001-04:00

I haven't kept up! I've put these in chronological order from when I finished them. You'll notice halfway down is a hybrid project for Cocoa's Valentine's. So, the ones before it are from before Valentine's Day. Yeah. It's been awhile! But, with good reason. My designers have taken front and center for my posts since I was gone for my non-profit program. So, finally here's a post with just some "other" goodies I've worked on. :) HAVE A GREAT WEEK! Think Spring... Think Spring... Think Spring...

For Jessica Sprague's "Digi: In Deeper" class

Valentine (Hybrid)

Pat-a-Cake

For Jessica Sprague's "Digi: In Deeper" class

Little Dude

For Jessica Sprague's "Digi: In Deeper" class

Statuesque

This one was fun! I created all of the papers myself.

Irish Jig

365

2011-03-27T08:51:00.000-04:00

Here are my latest Project 365 pages. Right now, my problem is deciding what picture makes the page, because so many things happen during the day! And thank goodness for these Project 365 templates from Joey Lynn Designs and Wild Blueberry Ink. If I didn't have these, I'm positive I would have dropped this project WEEKS ago. Head over to Owl Tree Studio to check them out.

Week 10

Torta Gialla's "Enjoy the Ride" kit

Week 11

Week 12

Polka Dot Pixel's "Sprung" kit

Holy Behind in Blogging Batman!

2011-03-26T08:26:00.000-04:00

I seems I haven't been able to get back into the swing of everything since my program in February. Plus with all of the excitement of selling our house (THAT'S RIGHT! WE ACCEPTED AN OFFER!), it's been kind of insane around here. But that doesn't mean I haven't been scrapping my little heart out. Here's some of the goodies that have been release lately.

Polka Dot Pixels came out with two great kits this past Tuesday at Two Peas in a Bucket. Here's a layout using "Sprung".

Spring Fling

And a layout using "Collage Craft". I'm thinking this might be the cover to Cocoa's fourth year scrapbook.

Faces

At Owl Tree Studio, Torta Gialla released "Enjoy the Ride", while Joey Lynn Designs released her Curvaceous templates. Here's a layout using both together.

The Ride

Joey Lynn Designs also released some circle templates (20% off this weekend only!). I used Wild Blueberry Ink's "Kissed by the Sun" kit with this one.

Linus

That's it for new releases for now. Tomorrow I'll be back with some Project 365 layouts I have completed, and Monday I'll bring you some of the other layouts I've been working on. I'm hoping that if I write on my blog that I'm doing these things, I'll actually do them!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T19:38:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't been posting a lot of Muffin Tin Meals lately, but we have been having them! They just haven't been super fancy. Tonight the kids had a green meal.

I wasn't able to rotate the image... not sure what's up with that! But they had cucumbers, green ranch dressing, green cottage cheese, green Bertolli pasta, and peas. They also had a cracker with cream cheese and hot pepper jelly on it. I can't get them to eat veggies, but they devour hot pepper jelly!

Tuesday New Releases

2011-03-15T14:44:00.000-04:00

Emily, master creator of Polka Dot Pixels, has been on a designing roll! Not only does she have a fabulous kit out this week, but wait until you see what she's rolling out next week! *Sigh*

Pearls

You can purchase the complete "Pixie" kit here. For a preview, scroll below!

Making progress!

2011-03-11T07:02:00.000-05:00

Two more Project 365 pages! And I have week 10's almost finished! Just need today's photo and it's done.

Week 9

Special Day: March Birthday

Click on links for full credits! HAPPY FRIDAY!

Catching Up

2011-03-07T15:11:00.000-05:00

This past month has been a whirl wind of activity! The last week of February I spent at least 8 hours a day (some days 15-16 hours) in a theater with a group of 30 high school seniors. I am the director of a state wide scholarship program called "Distinguished Young Women of Ohio" (formerly Ohio's Junior Miss). What I love about this program is that it TRULY IS A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM! 20% of a participant's score comes from their scholastic achievements and we don't charge any type of entry fee... it's free! The national program (Distinguished Young Women of America) just changed it's name because we are so often compared to or referred to as a "pageant" (no swimsuit competition here! Just a celebration of "Scholarship, Leadership, Talent). SO not who we are! I would recommend this program to any high school senior female. CASH SCHOLARSHIPS LADIES!

As soon as I got home, it was time to get ready for Cocoa's 4th birthday party. Needless to say, I'm super behind with Project 365! But, here are weeks 7 and 8 for you (9 coming shortly).

Week 7

Week 8

Yes. Usually with Project 365 you take a picture each day to record your year. But, I was super busy during week 8 and these are the only photos I have! What I love about this project and these templates (Joey Lynn Designs and Wild Blueberry Ink's Project 365 template collab) is that I can alter them to do what I need them to.

Also, the new forums at Owl Tree Studio launched today! Head over to OTS and check out this awesome digiscrap site!

Project 365 - Week 6

2011-02-14T11:14:00.000-05:00

Week 6 is finished... a complete miracle. Thank goodness I have these templates from Joey Lynn Designs and Wild Blueberry Ink. I would still be stuck on week 1 or had given up by now. The next two weeks are crazy busy, so I don't know if I'll get them finished and posted right away.

Week 6

While you're checking out the templates over at Owl Tree Studio, make sure to get a look at the February kits. 5 digital kits, 4 designer bonuses... all for under $10! And if you spend $10 any time during the month of February, you get this "Everyday Love" kit collection FOR FREE!!!!

Tuesday New Releases

2011-02-08T15:03:00.000-05:00

Lots of fun things in the stores right now, particularly with Valentine's Day coming up! First off, here is a layout using a new kit from Polka Dot Pixels called About A Boy. You may recognize some of the papers and elements on my blog right now!

Oh Boy!

Jo Hanna has a really beautiful kit released today called For Lovin' Me. This is a great one to snatch in preparation for Valentine's Day photos or if you're ready to make some Valentine's for a special someone!

You

With This Kiss

P365 - Week 5

2011-02-07T21:26:00.000-05:00

I'm going to apologize in advance for my lack of posting the next few weeks. I'm the director of a state-wide scholarship program for high school seniors and the production is in 3 weeks. I'm a bit busy! But here is my week 5 of Project 365. Sorry I don't have captions for you this week... they're on my EHD and I can't get the file right now. Click on the link for full credits. Head over to Owl Tree Studio to check out the Project 365 templates. IT'S SO EASY WITH THESE!!!!

Week 5

Tuesday New Releases

2011-02-03T21:19:00.000-05:00

Yeah, yeah... I know it's Thursday. I was sick on Tuesday and went to bed around 6:30pm. I woke up at 11pm to find that we had lost power due to a snow/ice storm and the power just came back on this afternoon. I've been hanging with the kids at my mom's house and just haven't had time to post. So, you get some goodness today instead. :)

Polka Dot Pixels released two new very fun kits in the Two Peas in a Bucket store this week. The first is a kit called "Cirque". There are some really fantastic colors and elements in this kit! Here is a page I created with it:

Circus

The second kit is called "Starbrite". Turquoise and red seems to be the "in" color combo right now. This kit is versatile and could be used for anything... a "go to" kit. To prove it, I scrapped a Halloween page with it!

Kinderboo

Check back for more Tuesday releases next week. Polka Dot Pixels has a really great one coming out that is perfect for my little Bean. Plus, I was welcomed on to the creative team for Jo Hanna, who will have a little something in the Two Peas store next week as well! Click on the link "Jo Hanna" for a sneak peak of her upcoming kit.

P365 - Week 4

2011-01-30T13:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I think I've finally made up my mind about the font I use for journaling. I've changed it three times now, but I like the look of the typewriter font. What do you think?

Journaling is below. Working on a Project 365 book? These templates are AMAZING and so easy to use. Head over to Owl Tree Studio and check out Joey Lynn Designs and Wild Blueberry Ink's collaboration Project 365 templates!

Jan. 22

Bowling at Sawmill Lanes and dinner at Chile Verde with Naomi, Josh, Sarah, Rachel, and John. Naomi revealed some exciting news!

Jan. 23

Meet my new Droid 2 Global! This should come in handy for pictures with Project 365!

Jan. 24

I’ve had my Burberry glasses since I first started teaching in 2003. It was time for a change!

Jan. 25

It was warm enough to head out and play! We went out before dance class, and Bean threw a giant fit when I was putting on his snowsuit. He calmed down after being outside for a while. Sadly, the snow wasn’t the kind for building a snowman. The kids still had fun!

Jan. 26

Today, Cocoa spelled her name and sounded out “Ariel” and “Cinderella” (top). Now, if she’ll only let me help her with her pencil grip and reading... sigh.

Jan. 27

Cocoa didn’t have school, so we headed over for some fun at the Langan’s!

Jan. 28

I took the kids to an indoor “Rainbow Systems” playground while our house was being shown. They had a blast!

A Favorite Old Memory

I have one of the worst memories... ever! My mind just doesn’t keep past information well. It’s one of the reasons I am scrapping for Cocoa and Bean. I already have a hard time remembering things from when they were babies, and other people have to remind me. I want them to be able to look back on their childhood through their scrapbooks and remember the things that I have trouble keeping in my head.

Needless to say, I don’t have too many memories of growing up. But I do distinctly remember Grandma and Grandpa Bell’s blue house on Main Street in Danville. I loved that house. It was there on Saturday mornings that I would crawl in bed with Grandpa and watch Saturday morning cartoons... mainly Bugs Bunny. I’ve never met a grown man who loves to watch cartoons as much as Grandpa did... and still does!

All Finished Friday

2011-01-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

Well, here's what I've been up to this week! Hopefully I'll be able to finish Cocoa's second year book by tomorrow so I can redeem my free Shutterfly book! :) Please click on the links for full credits. Have a great weekend!

Happy Girl

(Guest CT layout for Girl Boy Girl Designs. Kit: Cheery Disposition)

Toot... that's my horn playing.

2011-01-27T07:04:00.000-05:00

I got a little love from Erica over at Two Peas on Tuesday. Remember that Snow Baby layout I created (if not scroll down... it was my previous post)? Erica chose it as her "Today I Like" feature. Thanks Erica! :)

Tuesday New Releases

2011-01-25T14:26:00.000-05:00

Kick out the winter blahs and check out Kerry Stewart's new kit "Snow Much Fun: Blueberry Ice and Strawberry Ice". Perfect for those winter photos that you're capturing out in the snow, it's jam packed with the CUTEST papers and elements. Check out the layouts I created!

Snow Baby

Polar Bear Family

(The mascot of our college is the polar bears... elements worked so well with this story!)

Check out these kits and Kerry's store at Two Peas in a Bucket. We actually headed out into our backyard this morning for some snow fun, so I'm sure I'll have more layouts to scrap with this kit!

Creative Team Call - Whooo's Joining Us?

2011-01-24T07:14:00.000-05:00

Interested? Head over to apply at Owl Tree Studio!

Owl Tree Studio is growing and we’re looking for creative, energetic peeps just like you to join our fun team! We’re looking for individuals who can make at least a six month commitment and want to be an active member of a growing store.

All of our team members receive a free membership to the OTS hoot club plus a free copy of any kits that they work with. If you exceed your monthly participation requirements, you will be compensated in additional products accordingly.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Layout Artists

Create at least four layouts per month from new releases (two layouts from the Hoot Club releases, two layouts from the general releases)
Upload layouts to at least three galleries – OTS, DSA or DST, plus one other of your choice

Quick Page and Cluster Artists (The team I'm on!)

Create at least two quick pages or four clusters (paper stacks or element clusters) per month from new releases
Upload layouts using quick page or clusters to at least three galleries – OTS, DST or DSA, plus one other of your choice

Hybrid Artists

Create at least two projects per month (handmade cards, crafts, etc) using new release kits, take clear photos and share them in at least three galleries – OTS, DST or DSA, plus one other
If you can create clear tutorials of your projects, that is a HUGE bonus and is HIGHLY desirable

Bloggers

Write 4 overview (gallery standouts, kit features, creative team interviews, etc) or 2 in depth blog articles per month on a topic related to digital scrapbooking, hybrid crafting, photography, organization, etc.

Social Owls

Be active on the OTS blog (leaving comments), Facebook Page and/or Twitter
Start and contribute to discussions in the forums (at least 20 posts a week)
Leave praise in the gallery (at least 10 praise comments a week)
Participate in challenges (at least 1 a month)

Designer Assistants

Work with at least two kits per month which includes creating the kit preview using a template and creating a new product thread on DST and DSA

P365 - Week 3

2011-01-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

The middle photo this week is NOT great, but had to make the page. I did all I could to fix it up, but this project is not about the photo quality, right?!?! :)

2011 - Week 3

As always, click on the link for full credits. Here's to a great start of 2011, week 4!

All Finished Friday

2011-01-21T20:51:00.000-05:00

Boys

My Moment

P365 - Week 2

2011-01-19T20:37:00.002-05:00

Seeing as it's almost the end of the 3rd week of 2011, I thought I better get my 2nd week page completed! We're living in a land of chaos at my house right now... I won't even begin to get into all that is going on. I'm just busy. ;)

Week 2 (Click for full credits)

I changed the font for my journaling and turned the text on it's side when I had vertical photos. I realized that you can't read what I've written, so the text is below. This will go along with my special "Thirty" page. Check the two out side by side below as well!

January 8 : I was kidnapped and held against my will at Landoll’s Castle to celebrate my 30th birthday with Sarah, Naomi, and Leslie.

January 9: I have the best husband ever! On Sunday morning I had brunch with my kidnappers and then that evening we went to Jake’s for a birthday dinner with family. Mr. Pepper surprised me, and some friends from New Albany K-1 were there to celebrate too: Carrie N, Stacy K, and Carrie L!

January 10: Happy 30th to me! Mr. Pepper and I headed to Easton to have dinner at The Melting Pot. By the time we were finished with salad, we were starting to get full, and we still had an entree and dessert to get through! But the food was delicious and our server was a girl that graduated from high school with me (Renee).

January 11: Cocoa requested that we have Brinner (breakfast for dinner) and use the new waffle maker I received for Christmas. It turns and everything!!

January 12: Our house was put back on the market with a new agent. This means more cleaning and organizing need to be done!

January 13: A book arrived for Cocoa and Bean from Grandma & Grandpa R. They recorded their voices in it so they can read to the kids while in Arizona!

January 14: I’m having an organizing/purging/painting marathon! After some purging, it looks like we have a new guest bathroom!

Check out the template package for Project 365 at Owl Tree Studio!

Thirty

2011-01-17T21:11:00.000-05:00

That's right. I hit 30. In fact, I've been 30 for exactly one week. And so many people dread turning 30 and I hear "I'll be 29 forever... no more birthdays"... I'm not one of them. I don't mind the fact that I just turned 30. In fact, if my birthday weekend is any indication of what my 30's will be like, BRING 'EM ON!

For my Project 365 book, I made a special page to highlight my birthday celebrations. With Joey Lynn Designs and Wild Blueberry Ink's "Project 365" template pack, they created templates for special days that you might want to record. It might be a birthday (like the one I'm sharing), a trip to the zoo, a family reunion, etc.

Thirty

The elements and paper added is from the October member package at Owl Tree Studio. The kit is called "You Look Like a Monkey" from Girl Boy Girl Designs.

P365 - Week 1

2011-01-13T07:11:00.001-05:00

So far, so good with my Project 365 plans! In a previous post, I blogged about the kit I'm using for my P365 book. It truly is as easy as I thought it would be! Check out week 1!

I added a few elements from Polka Dot Pixel's "After Midnight" kit, just to give it a personal touch. I'd like to do this with some of my pages to show when something really special happened, or to go with a theme of one of the days.

I have put a plan in place for organizing my thoughts and recording what happened each day (if you're like me, things get fuzzy by the end of the week). I have a lovely planner that holds space where I can write down a short snippet of what happens each day. And if I get behind on my project, I can easily glance back at the week in my planner to be able to journal about each photo.

And putting week one together took no time at all! I spent more time getting a photo off my phone than I did placing photos on the layout. ** This project is low stress for me. So, I'm not going to worry about using my good camera to capture a moment. If all I have handy is my cell phone, that photo will do. This book is about the memories, not photography skills (which, I'm lacking, but, anyway....).

If you're interested in this kit, check it out at Owl Tree Studio: Project 365.

I'll be back with an example of a "special" page and week 2 soon!

Tuesday New Releases

2011-01-11T14:24:00.000-05:00

New release day at Two Peas in a Bucket! Polka Dot Pixels has come out with two beautiful and colorful kits today. And if you're ready to start creating for Valentine's Day, "Love Actually" is a must!

Live in Color

Love Actually

Project 365

2011-01-06T21:57:00.000-05:00

January marks my one year anniversary of digital scrapbooking! In that year I have completed 330 projects.... and I can assure you that 98.362% are of Cocoa and Bean. Yes, I started this for them, so that they can have something tangible to go to when they want to look back on their childhood years. But after scrapping pages for two kids and printing those books, I had no idea how to organize something for Mr. Pepper and I. WE LIVE HERE TOO!!! We do things each day besides take the photos! Where do we scrap our memories?!?!

ENTER PROJECT 365!

All year I have seen layouts in the galleries with lovely little "Week 28" titles on them. It seemed like such a daunting task to me to record something from every day. Creating 52+ layouts and capturing a moment at day?!?! When was I going to scrap for my kids? WHEN WILL I EAT, SLEEP, SHOWER?!?! (Notice cleaning was not a high priority).

This month Owl Tree Studio is rolling out a huge, beautiful, scrap-life-saving kit for those who are invested in a Project 365 book. The gals of Wild Blueberry Ink and Joey Lynn Designs teamed up to put together a package of 52 layout templates (one for each week); 11 highlight pages to document special events; templates for back, cover, and spine of the book; intro page template; 6 editable 365 stamps; as well as journal prompt ideas and over 100 photo ideas for days that you're just not sure what to do!

THIS. IS. FOR. ME.

The templates are done. I don't have to add papers if I don't want to, yet they are designed so that you can customize to fit your needs if you'd like! Now, I'm not promising to take a photo a day. I'm thinking my book is going to be more like a summary of the week/2 weeks... but I'm going to get those memories down for my husband and I! I have an AWFUL memory! I want to be able to look back and read about the fact that Bean is starting to string together words to make little sentences... that Cocoa is at FULL FORCE in the princess phase (will this ever end?!?!), and that Mr. Pepper took almost 2 hours to get home tonight. Ohio snow. Wow.

Here is the kit preview:

A sample week layout (these pages would make a 2-page, side-by-side layout... I just couldn't put them side-by-side on the blog without making them small):

And right now the kit is 20% off! All of this for $21.59. You can't beat an entire album, ready to go, beautifully designed, and stress-free! Because there is so much DELICIOUSNESS in this kit, Owl Tree Studio is allowing you to have the ability to download a section at a time all year long! That way, when you're working on week 22, you download week 22. You don't have all of this data hogging up space on your hard drive.

I hope you'll check back and challenge me to see this project through to the end. It won't be perfect... I don't promise to take photos and journal every day... I'm going to make this book mine and keep these memories on the shelf so I can take them down and reminisce when I'd like.

First MTM of the Year

2011-01-04T15:21:00.001-05:00

It's the first Muffin Tin Monday meal of the year... and I post a day late. Sorry! Yesterday's theme was "Food Picks, Skewers, and Kabobs". I love a good, easy theme! :)

A: Banana and blackberry kabobs

B & G: Turkey and muenster cheese open faced sandwich on fiber rich wheat bread (on toothpicks)

C: Mini M&M's

D: Ranch dressing for dipping

E: Avacado and cucumber kabobs

F: cottage cheese

Hiatus

2011-01-02T21:55:00.001-05:00

Whoa. It's been awhile! I've been so caught up in the holidays that I've hardly had a single minute to scrap, blog, veg, etc. Our Christmas was fantastic catching up with family and taking a mini-vacation to my in-laws. We just played games, talked, watched movies, chased kids... Perfect.

I've been neglecting my menu planning since early November, so it's time to get back in business! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday, a safe and happy New Year, and are ready for great things in 2011!

Sunday: Tacos
Monday: Simple dinner (Mr. Pepper has a basketball game)
Tuesday: Angel hair pasta, homemade spaghetti sauce, green beans, garlic bread... and a BUCKEYE VICTORY!
Wednesday: Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Beef and Vegetable Noodle Bowl
Saturday: Stuffed shells
Sunday: Out for birthday dinner... I turn 30 the next day. :)

Christmas Time is Here

2010-12-06T14:13:00.001-05:00

For the next three weeks, the Muffin Tin Monday theme (should you choose to accept it) is "Holidays". We celebrate Christmas, so I was super pumped to do a Christmas theme! Then, we thought we were having a showing and wouldn't be home, but Cocoa got sick and the showing fell through. WHAT'S A MOM TO DO WITH A THEME?!?!!? Praise Santa for Rudolph! We ate food that the reindeer would enjoy!

A: bananas and blackberries
B: oats (granola and a few chocolate chips)
C: apples
D: Snowflake and moon shaped PB&J (well, every time I think of reindeer I see Santa flying in his sleigh in front of the moon... that's where that came from)
E: carrots
F: snow covered in holly leaves and berries (cottage cheese with holly/berry sprinkles)

I got these rockin' (flimsy) tins at Target in the dollar bins. I also got a snowflake one... only $2.50!

Now one of these days I'll post our Thanksgiving tin. Happy Monday!

New Release

2010-12-03T07:45:00.000-05:00

WOW!!! I've been super busy and haven't been able to post lately. Just a lot going on with Thanksgiving, Christmas decorating, and a little run in with a crafting blade. Four stitches later resulted in some of my projects being put on hold. But, we roll with it!

Polka Dot Pixels rolled out with some fantastic new items in the Two Peas in a Bucket store on Tuesday. I can see myself using all of these products over and over and over... well, you get the idea. Emily has created some "My Life: 365" date masks, monthly borders, text block frames, and monthly scrolls. All are perfect if you're working on your 2011 calendar, or a 365 project, or for any project! I am especially loving the date masks! Here are some layouts I was able to create.

Going on a Tree Hunt

Grandma's Treat

I had big plans to bring you my "December Daily" pages each day, but with my hand, everything that's going on, and house showings next week (keep your fingers crossed!), I might only get to post my pages once a week. If you've never done "December Daily", head over to Ali Edward's place and check it out! This was going to be my first year, so hopefully I can get this going!

New Release

2010-11-16T22:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday all! New release day at Two Peas in a Bucket brings a ROCKIN' kit from Polka Dot Pixels. Emily created a fantastic kit called "Snap Out of It". What I really like about this kit is that you can use it for ANY photo because it's about photos! :) Below is a layout I created with the new kit.

Cheese

Love Emily's designs? She's having a Creative Team call until December 1st! Click on the image below to go to her blog and get all of the details!

Layouts Layouts Everywhere!

2010-11-12T09:31:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more layouts I completed this week. Enjoy your weekend!

Boo Boo

Cosi

Recent Layouts

2010-11-10T06:23:00.001-05:00

Here's a few recent layouts. I've completed one more, but it's for a digimorph and hasn't been revealed yet. :)

A Spot of Tea

2010-11-08T13:01:00.000-05:00

Well, the post title just happens to be my favorite place to have breakfast in Mobile, Alabama... but that's not what this post is about! Today, Cocoa was treated to a princess tea for lunch. Bean had the same things earlier, but chose not to eat. Picky boy!

A - TEA! :) *decaf iced tea with splenda... nap is soon... I'm not crazy!
B - cucumber sandwich
C - scone (orange pumpkin cookie with orange icing)
D - pineapple and grape kabobs
E - pigs in a blanket
F - swiss cheese
G - cucumber sandwich

Of course, Cocoa was THRILLED to be having a tea and to wear her princess gown to lunch. I even got out my good china tea pot and cups... and told her to be VERY careful! Here are some pictures of her enjoying! :)

Muffin Tin Monday

Owl Tree Studio November Releases

2010-11-05T08:56:00.000-04:00

The designers at Owl Tree Studio have outdone themselves this month! There are 5 fabulous kits jam-packed with goodies as well as an alphabet, stamps, and more! I can't believe how much you receive for under $10! Here are a few pages I've put together so far:

Be You

Front cover of Bean's book

(I'm aware you can see his name)

Back Cover of Bean's book

(The "Good Times" button is not there when printed!)

Can you tell I really love that gray paper from Karla Dudley's "Be You" kit?!?! I made 7 quick pages for this month, so there will be more to come! For now, here are two more layouts I've completed in the last few days! I'm sure I'll be back with more tomorrow on National Digital Scrapbooking Day!

Bear Hugs

"Just Lion Around" from teresabelle designs

On sale at Scrapbook-Bytes for just $2!

Wii

Layout of the Day

2010-11-03T20:54:00.000-04:00

My layout Nosy was the layout of the day over at Scrapbook-Bytes! Check it out here!

Featured Designer

2010-11-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

Right now at Scrapbook-Bytes, teresabelle designs is a featured designer from November 1-15. All of her kits are on sale for only $2!! Here are four layouts that I've done with her designs (3 have already been posted). Run over to teresabelle's store and grab these kits before the price goes back up!

MTM - Trees, Leaves & Harvest

2010-11-01T12:49:00.000-04:00

Happy November! I can't believe it's November. Hopefully everyone survived Halloween. I had such a busy weekend, Trick-or-Treating was extremely hectic. We don't have a good picture of Bean in his costume, so I might be putting it on him again and staging a photo shoot!

Today's Muffin Tin Monday theme is "Trees, Leaves, and Harvest". Because of the busy weekend, I haven't gotten to the store yet. So, here's what we had on hand:

A - Hay bails (tater tots)

B - surprise cupcake with leaf and pumpkin sprinkles (I've frozen a dozen so I can just pull them out of the freezer when need be).

C - Fall apple

D - ketchup to dip the tater tots

E - "Fall" and "Tree" cheese

F - Leaf and pumpkin pasta from World Market

G - Tree branches (pretzels)

This was Bean's first time with ketchup... at one point he looked like he had a goatee. I forgot to show him what it was for, but he got the hang of it once I did.

Last Guest Post

2010-10-28T23:35:00.000-04:00

October is almost over, which means my guest spot at Two Peas in a Bucket is coming to an end. I have had TOO MUCH FUN working with the designer's kits. It's been awesome! So, here are some of my last layouts as a guest creative team member, but I'll be using these kits over and over!

This week I had the pleasure of creating with Polka Dot Pixels "BFF" kit and Jen Martakis' "Roar!" kit. Here are two layouts I created:

Best Frenemies

Polka Dot Pixels "BFF" kit.

Dentist

Jen Martakis' "Roar!"

And here's one using Kerry Stewart's new release "Full Measure" photo overlays.

Bathtime

Thank you to Erica Hernandez and the Two Peas in a Bucket Digital Creative Team for allowing me to create with them this month!

Guest Creative Team Spotlight

2010-10-26T10:44:00.000-04:00

For the past month I have had the honor of being a guest creative team member at Two Peas in a Bucket. I'm so sad that this is my last week, but I've had such a good time! Today I'm being featured on the digital designers blog and I'm hosting a challenge this week! Check it out here.

And now, a few recent layouts:

You and Me

My Sous Chef

Bikini Babe

A Muffin Tin Halloween

2010-10-25T14:43:00.000-04:00

Today's Muffin Tin Monday meal theme was Halloween! I've been looking forward to this theme for awhile! Here's what the kiddos had to munch on:

A - Speared eyeballs (grapes on a toothpick)
B - Monster Mouth (quartered apple with almond slivers)
C - Spider web cupcake with a sac of spider eggs (a surprise cupcake with a spider chocolate chip)
D - Rotten pumpkin juice (chocolate milk and whipped cream... I forgot to add gummy worms to it.... what am I going to do with this package of worms?!?!)
E - Candy Corn (cheese pizza)
F - Severed fingers (string cheese and a green bell pepper)
G - Monster munch (pretzels and candy corn)

Cocoa ate until she said "my tummy hurts". This kid NEVER gets full. She's like a bottomless pit! She still managed to eat her cupcake though.

Bean started his cupcake, but most of it ended up on the floor.

The surprise cupcakes are a family favorite from when I was little! In fact, I made 4 dozen for my sister's wedding a few weeks ago. Here's what the inside looks like:

Yum-diddy! The inside is a cream cheese mixture with chocolate chips.... I thought it looked like a spider egg sac. Kind of gross, I know, but it's HALLOWEEN!!

Interested in joining in for Muffin Tin Monday meals? You don't need anything fancy! Check out the Muffin Tin Mom's blog for great info and inspiration! Next week's theme is "trees, leaves, and harvest".

Two Peas Guesting

2010-10-21T18:01:00.000-04:00

Keep going.... keep going.... keep going... the weekend's almost here! I'm super excited that my sister is coming down to babysit so Mr. Pepper and I get to go out to dinner and a movie. I'm not real sure when we did that last.

Tuesday was new release day at Two Peas in a Bucket. This week I had the pleasure of working with Polka Dot Pixel's "Happy Holly Days" kit and Edeline Marta's "Scary Boo" kit. Both of these kits have AMAZING elements with them! It was really fun to play!

Merry Morning

A Month-Long Christmas

Halloween?

I have another layout planned with the "Scary Boo" kit, but I didn't get it finished before I posted. And here's one more layout I did last week with Hazel Olive Designs' "Vintage Yuletide".

Zoo Lights

When I finish the other Halloween layout, I'll be sure to post it in this post. Thanks for visiting me today!

The Exciting News

2010-10-20T15:14:00.000-04:00

I've joined a new creative team! I am honored to be able to work with TeresaBelle Designs, who sells out of Scrapbook-bytes. I connected with Teresa when I was revamping the web page and she was an invaluable resource to me! I've had the pleasure of working with her latest kit, "A Little Fall". Here are three layouts I created with just this one kit!

Whoooo Loves You?

My Little Pumpkin

Love This Face

Teresa's CT call is still open! So if you're a digiscrapper and you're interested, check out Teresa's blog for more info.

New Release: Kerry Stewart

2010-10-19T15:15:00.000-04:00

Back again! Today in the Two Peas in a Bucket store, Kerry Stewart released her "Fall Flourish" frames. I had a sweet picture of our family from the pumpkin patch, so check out what I did with it!

Together

Kerry also has a freebie available: Halloween Apothecary Labels. Who doesn't love a good freebie!?!?

My exciting news is going to have to wait until tomorrow because I think it deserves it's own post. But if you look around my blog, you might figure out what it is! :)