studio l'orange

September Sketch Class #8

2011-10-06T11:03:00.003-04:00

I always struggle with shaped papers but love them which is why I have a cropper hopper full of them! But this sketch allowed me to matte one on a 12x12 paper and suddenly it made my design aesthetic happy!

And that's a real giraffe sticking his head right in our van at the wild animal safari. It was the total highlight of that trip!

and Kristin's sketch

September Sketch Class #7

2011-10-04T09:55:00.003-04:00

Ok so I am slowly catching up! Here is my take on Sketch #7 for Septembers Class.

And here is the sketch I started with-
As you can see I stuck pretty closely to the sketch and it was perfect for a little timeline layout of a mini trip we took to Chittenden Locks in Seattle.

September Sketch Class #6

2011-09-29T13:00:00.002-04:00

Moving right along with this months AMAZING SKETCH CLASS...(and really this class is every bit as good as some of the classes I have PAID to take.)

Here is sketch #6

And this layout came out really really well for me. I knew immediately what I wanted to do and for once it actually came out exactly the way i saw it in my head. Im super proud of the way this turned out!

September Sketch Class #4

2011-09-28T14:10:00.002-04:00

As part of trying to catch up with the Sept Sketch class series I am only going to blog the ones I did layouts for. For all of the amazing sketches please check out our free class section!

Here is sketch 4

And my take on it.

i had a lot of fun changing this one up a bit and using the actual layout of the photos to help tell the story. (And a shout out to Theresa for her suggestion I do the Underground Tour. It was absolutely amazing).

September Sketch Class

2011-09-27T14:50:00.003-04:00

ok so K has been doing this amazing class all month on the creative soup and I did a ton of layouts for it. I LOVE using sketches to jump start a layout. I am usually so pressed for time when I scrapbook in the evenings after work that I find these to be a HUGE help to get me started. K has done an amazing job with this class with full color downloads so I hope some of you pop over and take a look.

Unfortunately life has gotten in the way of me posting them here to my blog. So in the better late than never category Here is Sketch 1!

And here is my take on it. I stayed pretty close to the sketch (which i usually do. But i did use two photos with the same lighting and tone to give the illusion of a larger photo in the same spot.

9.20 Web Wednesday - Awesome ABC's

2011-09-20T09:48:00.001-04:00

I am always looking at various ephemera I can print off and came across these amazing alphabet cards. They are done by an amazing graphic artist - Paul Thurby

You can download the numbers and letters from his flickr page

I can't wait to print these off and add them to my layouts!

9.5 Get Meaningful - School Days

2011-09-05T14:59:00.002-04:00

Todays Get Meaningful focuses on our school memories. As kids head back to school (or are already in school for those of us in the south!) I wanted to take this opportunity to go back to your school days and reminisce about a favorite subject or teacher. Something that you really really loved about school (and no recess! lol)

i took this opportunity to celebrate a wonderful substitute teacher I had throughout my junior and senior years in high school. Cammie Malloy was truly an inspiration and really taught me so much about life and myself. I wish I could find her and tell her thank you. I often thing about her and wonder if she knew as a substitute teacher just how much she could touch a students life.

September Sketch Class

2011-09-01T09:51:00.002-04:00

The amazing Kristin has come up with yet another beyond amazing class for this quarter focusing on Sketches! I LOVE a good sketch to get my mojo flowing! I hope you stop over and check it out!

And just a couple of sneaks:

Been scrappin

2011-08-31T11:20:00.003-04:00

I actually got a ton done 2 weeks ago and wanted to take a moment to post. Totally inspired by all the amazing challenges that were part of the Fun in the Sun crop at Creative Soup.

It felt so good to get in my studio and really work. i haven't scrapped like this in a long time and I was actually really happy with the way they turned out. I'm getting better about layering and using stuff vs just hoarding it! And not stressing about journaling if I don't feel the layout needs it.

(ignore the missing R in Flower. i didn't notice it had fallen off till after I took the pic) Im going to journal about my relationship with my mom and how it has grown over the years but its sort of personal .

Welcome to the last stop on the Blog Hop!!!

2011-08-20T12:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the Creative Soup "Fun in the Sun" Crop and Blog Hop. We all decided to get together and have blog hop with a twist! Each member will have a part of a recipe to make a layout. Go around to each of the blogs in the hop, and you'll have all the instructions for a great challenge! Put at least 6 of the recipe elements on a layout/project, and link it back to the challenge thread here .

My recipe element is to use yellow (or orange) as your main color from the 6.20 Mojo Monday Challenge- Fashion Trends. Look at the fabulous bright perfect for summer citrus colors!! . Take a look at Jenifer's layout, for a great example of this.

Here is the list of participants in the hop and links to their blogs. If you started with Bree's blog you are done! If not you can see the list bellow and see if you missed anybody!

So if you are done - go ahead and start creating. So many awesome elements to choose from!

And Don't forget to post back to the original thread!

Tina: http://adogslife-thirteen.blogspot.com/

Jenifer: http://heldscraptive.blogspot.com/

Kim: http://randomsnippetsofasupermomintrain ... gspot.com/

Marsha: http://www.ordinarymoments-marsha.blogspot.com/

Katie: http://scissorsspatulasandsneakers.blogspot.com/

Dayna: http://daynahoward.typepad.com/blog/

Jenny: http://www.scrappinjen-partyoffive.blogspot.com/

Mara: http://studiolorange.blogspot.com/

Get Ready For the Fun in the Sun Crop!

2011-08-19T10:57:00.004-04:00

Creative Soup is having a week long crop and a blog hop tomorrow that kicks off at noon! Tons of fun challenges to get those creative juices flowing! So I hope you all can stop by!

(I was a dork and totally forgot to take sneak peeks of my projects. doh!)

The big Round up

2011-08-18T09:55:00.003-04:00

I realy have a love hate relationship with this blog. I get super excited about it then i get bored or resent feeling like I HAVE to post.

So here is a quick recap of the last :gulp: 3 months.

The big thing is I went on a tour of the Pacific North West and fell head over heels in love with the place. If I could I would move to Portland tomorrow. (I also loved Seattle, and the coasts too). Something about this place just totally resonated with me.

And I didn't just randomly go. I went specifically to attend BlytheCon 2011. I had an absolutely amazing time and spent most of the trip hanging out with Melissa and having an absolute blast getting to know people I had only talked to online. And the dolls. the dolls, dolls, dolls!!! It was overwhelming and fun and exhausting all at the same time. I scored my first ET helmet and met Ruth who was an absolute delight. I met Roz who did one of the classiest things Ive ever seen and stepped back from bidding against me so I could buy my first Sammy Doe. I got to hang out with so many fun people in line before BC and during the event!

And I loved it so much Im planning the next one! Yep Im nuts. Luckily I have tons of help from Erica and Morgan. We are doing it in Dallas at the fabulous Gaylor Texan. It was a HUGE amount of work to get it up and running but we are doing really well and have close to 90 registrants and are just under a year out! Not too shabby! Oh and Lirije did the most amazing logo for us! Maybe if I get skinny enough I can wear a matching outfit!

Oh and I have been scrapping some. Not very much as things have been sort of weird and hectic. Here a re the last couple of layouts I have done:

Next on the horizon: A Blog hop this weekend, more crocheting, more dolling, and soon oh so very soon a trip to see my growing family!! (and maybe some more blogging)

5.23 Mojo Monday

2011-05-23T10:20:00.003-04:00

Here is this weeks Mojo Monday at Creative Soup!

I am loving that there are so many bright colors that are in right now. I love the look of pairing bright colors with neutrals to get a fun spring look. This month your Get Crafty challenge is to use yellow, turquoise and gray on your project. These colors are all over and really in for spring.

I can't wait to see what you do with this color palette!

I did this for our grand reopening gala and I absolutely LOVE this color combo!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

2011-05-08T21:05:00.003-04:00

I love my mom so much. Our relationship has totally grown and evolved over the years and I just wanted to celebrate where we are now!

Happy Mother's Day mom. I love you with all my heart!

Creative Soup Blog Hop!!!

2011-04-08T20:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the Creative Soup’s Spring Forward Blog Hop!

To kick off our new enhanced site we thought it would be fun to have all of our creative team members complete one of the fun Mojo Monday challenges from the first quarter. Here is my take on the layout as well as a showcase of a Creative Team member’s original project!

Ok to be honest I cheated a little! I couldn't decide between Mojo Monday challenges as there were so many awesome ideas to chose from so I combined two! I used this sketch from Nuts about Sketches. They were our featured partner for the 2.14 Mojo Monday Get Sketchy. I so seldom do 2 page layouts that this was a real challenge to me! And I of course needed a topic and looked no further than the very next weeks Mojo Monday Get Inspired - Television!

So here is the original sketch:

And My take on the challenge:

It was so great to be able to get such inspiration from the Creative Team
members!

Check out Laura's take on the same sketch! I love how she turned it into a one page layout and I love the twine stitching!

To participate in the blog hop leave a comment for me and follow the link to Kristin's amazing blog to see what she came up with! Go through and leave comments on all 9 blogs and be entered into a drawing for an amazing prize pack. (If you found my blog in the middle and want to make sure you get them all please head on over to The Creative Soup Blog and start there!

The blog hop runs from tonight Friday April 8th at 8pm EST through Monday April 11th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be drawn on Tuesday! Don’t forget to register at http://www.thecreativesoup.com/ to join in all the fun!

Just a little sneak for tonights Blog Hop!

2011-04-08T14:38:00.000-04:00

Blog Hop This Weekend!!!!!

2011-04-07T14:17:00.003-04:00

Come Join Us as we relaunch Creative Soup at It’s new home!

Friday April 8 we will be hosting a Blog Hop to celebrate the relaunch of The Creative Soup’s new forum!!! http://www.thecreativesoup.com/

The blog hop will run from Friday night - Monday night!

Who We Are:
The Creative Soup is a new scrapbook challenge forum that started in January 2011. The idea of The Creative Soup is to create a site where scrapbookers can come to be challenged and inspired all in one place. We have a fun vibrant and growing community of really supportive people who are there to encourage one another in our craft!
Creative Soup has several challenges and events to help people get their mojo going!
1. Mojo Mondays: Weekly challenges that rotate between four different kinds of challenges (AAM, Sketch, Inspiration, and Random). We find that challenges are a great way to jump start a layout and to encourage people to scrap more! There are monthly badges and a drawing for prizes for people who complete three out of four challenges.

2. Quarterly Classes: Every quarter our amazing Design Team will present an in-depth month long FREE class to really get your creative juices going. Each class comes with fantastic tutorials, clear and concise directions, and multiple completed samples to help inspire you.

3. Fun inspirational threads that post each week including: Talk Tuesday (journaling prompts), Web Wednesday (cool DIY projects), Thrifty Thursdays (Getting the most out of your scrap supplies), Font Friday (featured online free font), and Snapshot Sunday (photography challenges/ideas)

So come and register at http://www.thecreativesoup.com/ to join in all the fun!

And be sure to stop back Friday April 8th to participate in the blog hop and earn a chance to win a cool prize pack!

3.28 Mojo Monday Get Crafty - Irish Proverbs

2011-03-28T10:50:00.003-04:00

This weeks Mojo Monday Challenge at Creative Soup is to use an Irish Proverb as part of your layout. As soon as I came across this proverb "Two Shorten the Road" I knew just what i wanted to do- My race with T of course!!!

Im also trying very very hard to use older product on my pages instead of only using my new stuff. I have SOOO much stuff that I just feel super guilty about it just sitting there. Several of the papers I used on this project are from 2005. (I know I know! Bad paper hoarder!!!)

So here is my project (And don't forget to check out the other amazing Creative Team projects HERE)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T14:17:00.002-04:00

Some of my Projects from the Weekend

2011-03-22T09:49:00.005-04:00

I haven't finished photographing them all (and some of them I can't show yet because they are design team stuff) but here are some of the layouts I got done during my scrappy weekend.

Ill post the rest sometime later this week!

3.21 Mojo Monday Get Inspired by Architecture!

2011-03-21T11:02:00.003-04:00

Today's Mojo Monday at Creative Soup features Architecture!

Architecture is all around us. For March's Get Inspired challenge, I'd like us to take a deeper look at the ways in which we can incorporate architectural ideas into our projects.

- Look at photos of great architecture. Use similar design elements in your project.
- There are lots of architecturally inspired products out there, chipboard windows, house mini albums, blueprint paper
- Scrap about your dream design house

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the mid century modern look. If I had $$$$ (even $) I would live on craigs list and thrift stores hunting done mod goodness for the house. I love the clean lines, the color, palette, the extensive use of wood. I just love all of it (even shag carpet)

So here is my layout based on my layout showcasing my love:

The chimney is made by tearing washi tape into little pieces and layering them. Since the tape is semi-transparent you can achieve the look of mortar just by overlapping pieces.

Im really in love with the way this turned out. Just artsy enough, I created a new technique, and got to scrap about one of my favorite topics. Perfect synergy.

Best Scrapbooking Week Ever.

2011-03-20T18:37:00.007-04:00

I have spent most of the week working on new projects and finishing up a ton of old layouts that needed that last little bit of work.

It felt so so good! Ive been feeling really down and haven't had much time for me and the down-ness has robbed me of my mojo too. Its been taking me forever to get a layout done. Usually I just sit and push paper around not getting anything done.

wow. what a difference this weekend. The more I worked on my projects the easier it got. Then I kicked it into hyper gear. My total as of last night 15 layouts!!!!! It felt so good to get a ton of projects completed. I had a bunch of layouts from crops that needed extra embellishments or paint or journaling so I dug them all out and finished almost the whole stack. I also have a bunch of new projects I needed to get done of Project Memorabilia and my Creative Soup design team projects. Im feeling super positive about the work Ive done too. I usually am my worst critic but I really tried to relax and just enjoy the process. And I think it made my work better.

Oh and to top it off Jess came over on Saturday and we spent the prettiest day we have had scrapping in my basement. lol. It was nice to spend time together. I haven't seen her in a while and to cap the evening off we wen out to dinner with Jess' friend from work to a "upscale" Cuban place in midtown. The foor was just average but the mojitos and company were excellent! I really liked Ellen and now that Jess has told me shes going to teach me how to knit I hope to see more of her (She and Jess go to a knitting group right by my house)

Anyways it was a super creative, restful, soul recharging sort of weekend. Just what the Dr ordered!

Wordless Wednessday

2011-03-16T17:20:00.001-04:00

43:56

2011-03-15T13:25:00.005-04:00

Whats in a number? A measure of success. A milestone. The end of a journey and the beginning of a new one. A testament to good friends. 3.1 miles. A huge accomplishment. A number witnessed and cheered on by one very sleepy but supportive DH. Winning. Pride.

All of that in those 4 digits.

If you had told me a year ago I would be racing (wogging) in a 5K I would have thought you were crazy. But with the support of friends in person and online and the unending encouragement of Tess, she and I crossed the finished line together this past Sunday (and we did it at a run!)

It took a fair amount of hard work on my part and I was waylaid by a host of problems (medical, emotional and other) so I wasn't sure I would even be able to do it. I had set a goal in my head of finishing in under 45 minutes. Even 2 weeks ago it seemed impossible as I was only on week 5 of my couch to 5K program I started in November (yes I realize that puts me 2+ months behind schedule).

Even during the race I had problems. I had been sick with a sinus infection most of the week before the race and couldn't train and then fighting to climb up this giant hill something happened to my lungs. They just stopped allowing me to get a breath in past the top of my chest. And so I had to slow way down. and T right at my side allowed me to set the pace and even take a hit or 2 of her inhaler (which was a huge help!)

But I did it.

We did it.

T and I.

It wasn't pretty on my end but I finished. And beat my goal time.

Now I am looking forward to continuing my training and finding another race to run maybe in May. T has grander ambitions of running the Peachtree (a 10K) and I will be there at the end of it to cheer her on.

And next year Im doing this one again in a kilt (and I will remember to put on sunscreen!)

3.14 Mojo Monday - Get Sketchy

2011-03-14T11:20:00.003-04:00

This week's MM is a fabulous sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. If you are a fan of sketches or looking for new inspiration please be sure to give them a visit, leave a comment, and let them know you heard about it from Creative Soup! (link is above)

The sketch:

and my take on it

Thats me and my adorable nephew Noah! He is such a total sweetheart!

3.7 Mojo Monday - Get Meaningful STRESS!!

2011-03-14T11:01:00.005-04:00

Ive been really bad about not posting my design team work for creative soup so March starts a new month (Hush! I realize we are almost halfway through it!)

I am hosting a challenge the first monday of every month on Creative Soup as part of our Mojo Monday inspiration. Each and every monday we bring you an awesome piece of inspiration to get your creative mojo going!

For March our topic is stress!

This crazy whirlwind we call life often comes with it's fair share of stress: Stress from work, stress from family, stress from our selves etc...

For this month's challenge I want you to document how you deal with stress. Do you meditate, have a quiet spot to go think, play a video game, eat, shop etc..? We all have different coping mechanisms, some healthy others not so much. Does your method change with the stress you are feeling (or the person causing it?)

Create a layout on your stress management. Why it works (or doesn't) How you came across it, how it makes you feel etc. Document and write journaling of at least 40 words to complete this challenge.

I did mine on how much I love playing with my Blythe dolls when I get stressed (and yes i realize I have a ton of them!) But I really do get so much joy from them and the people I have met through this community that it makes it all worth while!

Food for thought

2011-02-25T12:29:00.001-05:00

My wonderful vacation

2011-01-29T14:29:00.002-05:00

I went to Bethlehem PA to celebrate my moms birthday and had the best vacation I have had in a long long time. It was the perfect trip at the perfect time (despite it being frigid!)

We went to the casino, visited downtown a little bit, had wonderful meals both dining out and dining in (Mom even made me Frikadelu soup a favorite from my choldhood. I think I ate 5 bowls over the course of the weekend). I even bought my exercise gear and went to the local YMCA. Which is in this fabulous HUGE older building where you can actually still rent rooms! I had one of the best Zumba classes ever.

I also discovered EVERYTHING is about 10 minutes from my moms house. Food, entertainment, the airport, shopping you name it- it's 10 minutes away!

I spent part of our trip helping my mom stuff bears that she does for the local hospital. They hand these out to kids who are staying there. I had such a fun time doing it even though I had a small allergic reaction to the poly fill. I finally had to stop at 12 stuffed bears.

I am already making plans to go back sometime this spring!

TILT 29 - Winter White

2011-01-20T12:20:00.001-05:00

TILT 29 - Winter White, originally uploaded by *redmara*.

As much as I hated hated hated being snowed in last week I really do love winter white clothes and accessories. There is something about the pureness I really just love.

ADAD2011 10:365 The Elusive Snowbear

2011-01-10T17:51:00.001-05:00

ADAD2011 10:365 The Elusive Snowbear, originally uploaded by *redmara*.

We were lucky and got 5" of snow last night topped by 1/2" of ice. It is sooo peaceful outside. Unless it warms up considerably there is no way i am making it out of my driveway tomorrow either!

Its been a very nice peaceful day at home for which I am very grateful.

Thing I Love Thursday 27 - RAIN

2011-01-06T11:40:00.001-05:00

Rain. Rain to match my gray mood. Rain to make things grow. Rain to wash away anything, Rain boots to make me happy. Rain.

Get Personal 1

2011-01-05T10:36:00.003-05:00

This year I will be heading up an All About Me challenge called Get Personal as part of Creative Soup's Mojo Monday's!!! The goal is to dig a little deeper and scrap about our memories, our personalities and ourselves! To give a small glimpse of who we are and how our lives have shaped who we have become.

At the end of the year you will wind up with 12 projects that will shed some light on who we are! If you want to make an album this is the perfect chance to do it! Chose a format you want to scrap in (12x12 8x11 or any size you want!) You could even do a large-ish mini album! Or if you are like me and want a little flexibility (or have other previously completed AAM pages from other challenges) Pick a flexible format like a 3 ring binder. I am using this one from American Crafts so i can 1- decorate it and 2- Not have to settle on one size all year.

The most important part of this journey is to really journal and document your memories and feelings so most of the challenges will have a small minimum word requirement. (Don't panic Ive let you off the hook for this first one!) So without further ado:

11 for 11
As we start the New Year off most of us make resolutions or pick one little word to guide us or maybe generally just think about what we want the year to hold for us and our families. So for this challenge I want us to be a little selfish!

For this inaugural Get Meaningful challenge I want you to scrap your wish list of 11 things you want in 2011! Big or small – serious or fun think about what 11 things you would want this year if you could have anything at all! What is it about these 11 things that make the top of your wish list? Any chances for them becoming reality??

2011!!!!

2011-01-05T10:22:00.004-05:00

This year I am going to make a very concerted effort in a couple of areas

1- My health! I am determined to loose 50lbs this year. To help me accomplish that I am doing Zumba 3x a week and "running" three times a week. I will be adding some weight lifting in there too. I also am thinking about joining Weight Watchers. There is a group that meets not to far from my work that I could get to on my lunch hour.

2- I AM going to create more. I love and need some sort of creative outlet for my mental health and right now that is scrapbooking. To that end I am helping run a new scrapbooking forum that is very heavily focused on getting us all to create more! (you should totally check us out!)

3. and lastly my Happiness. Ive got lots going on most of which Im not comfortable sharing on a blog but I am going to focus on what makes me happy this year! More time spent with friends, more time out doing stuff instead of witting on my butt in front of a TV, and most importantly more time spent with family. Oh and I am getting an iphone. Data plan be damned!

2010 Another Year In The Books

2010-12-31T13:55:00.002-05:00

I can not believe this year is over. It really does seem to have just flown by. I have no idea with most of this year other than I know it was a roller coaster.

It ends on a bit of a low note. I am sick in bed with laryngitis and a nasty cold and we are still waiting on the final results from the myriad of Dr's P has seen in the last 2 weeks.

On the bright side I am starting my new years with scrapbooking and friends to set the tone for the year!

Here are some highlights from 2010:

Jan: kick off Who's that girl Design team. It really pushed me to create something every month!

Feb: Kim's visit to Atlanta, I get to see some of DaVinci's work in person, New lights and outlets = no more cold dark studio!, Lots and lots of scrapbooking!

Mar: Winning a GDT spot on Scrap Freak, Buying a Kindle, Alice in Wonderland in 3d, Fiddler on the Roof in a theater, nasty fall down the stairs

April: First trip of the year to see my family! This time off to PA to visit at moms house and celebrate Easter. Kristopher has a buzz cut and gone are the little boy days!

May: Blythe Break is officially over! our 7th wedding anniversary

June: Off to Maine to celebrate Alek's birthday and spend even more time with the kiddos. I make a vow to see them at least 3x a year if not more!

July: Annual 4th of July get together with the inlaws (Patirck is almost as tall as Paul!), midnight showing for Eclipse with Blythe in tow!

Aug: A super hot summer, lots of Blythe meets!

Sept: Lots of Blythe fun, Went to japanfest and it made me realize how much i miss Shinkendo. Several new girls including my first "investment doll"

Oct: Back to Maine for the final trip of the year. I feel like the boys finally remember me one visit to the next

Nov: I turn 38. Yellow River Game ranch trip, birthday crop, I start "running"!!! and Les Miz turns 25.

Dec: Fun with friends who treat me like family, bonding with Bella, a flexible work schedule!

So there it is just a brief recap :) See y'all next year!

Some Success, Some Failures and some Exciting Scrappy News!

2010-12-08T11:51:00.006-05:00

Just a quick recap of what Ive been doing:

Im still "running" and training for the Couch to 5k. Though I had to restart week 1 this week. I got midway through week 2 but had too much knee/shin pain so I am going back and starting over. I did most of my running outside but now that it's below 30 when I get home at night Im running on my treadmill in the garage; which while cold is still much warmer than outside. I am counting this a victory as other than missing one run in 3 weeks due to injury I have kept at it. I still suck but I am doing it.

I finished all the journaling on my Daily Gratitude journal for November. Now i just need to put it all together.

I am working on a December Daily. I am not actually putting anything in the album yet as I find it easier to take pics and do my journaling every day and then actually put it all together at the end.

I totally failed at my dolly 365. my camera battery and card reader died at the same time right around day 12. I know I suck. This is my third attempt and third failure. My life just doesn't allow me to do this right now. Maybe if I get a new itouch for Christmas so I can take pics on the go it might be different.

And the exciting news! ScrapFreak is closing (I know Im soooo sad) Jess and I decided to make a scrapbook challenge forum and combine the best of the freak with the best of WTG! so coming this week Ill be at Creative Soup! I invite everyone to come join us. Right now we are just chatting and getting to know one another and might have one mini challenge before things kick off in Jan.

I hope to see some of you there!

So Im going to try this 365 thing again!

2010-11-16T16:06:00.001-05:00

ABAD 3b:365, originally uploaded by *redmara*.

Some people do this project picking just one doll to photograph all year. I have too many of them and would feel bad leaving most of them out all year.

So I started on Saturday (I would have started on my birthday but with the flood and all I had no computer till Sat). This is day 3 but I just wanted to share. Ill be posting pics here and there as I take them.

Observations of a fat girl...

2010-11-16T15:48:00.001-05:00

Ive been overweight most of my life (I had a 3 year skinny period from the age of 23-26). I have struggled with eating disorders, and just regular bad eating habits. Im also a super picky eater and love nothing more than sitting on the couch reading a good book (or eating a tub of ice cream).

Last year my DH showed me this IMAGE of a body scan comparing a 250lb woman to a 120lb woman (warning it's pretty graphic). It did actually scare the living crap out of me. So on Jan first we went on a diet together. I started going to Zumba and watching what I ate. I did really really well for 3 months then pretty much stopped.

I started back up in Oct and to date Ive lost ~25lbs this year.

Which is great.

And soooo not enough. Im still considered morbidly obese. So I started really paying attention to skinny people. Most of them do one or all of these things: They eat yogurt for snacks, they do pilates or yoga and almost every single one of them run.

I hate yogurt, I can't touch my toes, but I figure even my 2 year old nephew can run so I figured, no more excuses. Im going to do it. Bad knees and all. It aint going to be pretty but luckily it gets dark early so hopefully I won't scare too many of my neighbors.

Im doing the couch to 5k program with the goal of actually running in a 5k this spring. The goal isn't to win or even to run super fast, I just want to finish.

So there I said it out loud. In public. So Im accountable.

I started tonight. Its 55 and drizzling and I did it. I went out and did the first days program (28 minutes of exercise 8 minutes of that is running).

And you know what. It felt pretty good

Oh and a huge thanks to La for sharing her super inspirational journey! If I can be half as dedicated as she is I will consider this a success

Thanks for letting me share.

TILT 19 - Poppys for Remembrance Day

2010-11-11T10:39:00.001-05:00

TILT 19 - Poppys for Remembrance Day, originally uploaded by *redmara*.

In honor of Remembrance/Veteran's day 11/11. Thank you to all of the men and women around the world who have given their lives in defense of country!

In Flanders fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

--"In Flanders Fields" John McCrae

RAK RAK RAK

2010-09-02T09:30:00.003-04:00

My good friend and endless source of inspiration jessica*bree is hosting a give-away for a FREE Scrapfreak kit!!! These kits are totally awesome and this challenge is super easy with lots of options on getting an entry to win!

Check out her blog for details on how to win (including the super easy option of just reposting this to your own blog!)

WTG - 16 At Bat

2010-09-02T09:24:00.002-04:00

This challenge was to pick out a theme song. Something we identify with or has some meaning to us. I have always loved this song as sort of a personal anthem (though Im trying to loose weight again so hopefully Ill be a smaller fat bottomed girl soon!)

Here's the prompt:
At Bat - I remember my first live baseball game (The Braves here in Atlanta) and I was confused by the short snippets of songs they played as each player came out to bat... until my friend explained its the song the player chose as "his". My favorite radio morning show here in Atlanta does the same thing... when certain people make an appearance on the show, they play their "song" to introduce them. Some of the choices are obvious (like "Jessica Shops", a segment on the best deals in town, is a song related to shopping), while others are more about the attitude or vibe of the song. This WTG challenge is a bit more creative than some! Choose your at bat song so to speak and tell us why. It can a song that fits how you feel about life right now, a song that speaks to you deeply, or the song that in your fantasy world would play every time you walked into a room.

And My take on it:

Bad Blogger

2010-09-02T09:19:00.003-04:00

Ok so I have been super bad about blogging. Ive had like zero scrap mojo but i have been doing some dolly photography (check out my flickr if you want to see more). Im getting much better I think :)

We have also been talking about redoing the kitchen and living room. Nothing fancy (ie: expensive) just some paint and some more storage for the living room. Im mainly tired of living in a black and white environment and am feeling a little starved for color.

So thats it. Ill be posting TILT and WTG stuff too.

WTG - 12 Imperfect

2010-07-09T11:57:00.002-04:00

Sorry this is so late. The challenge posted while I was on vacation and I totally forgot to add it to my blog when I got back. Check out the other amazing layouts the DT did HERE.

Another great prompt this week!
Imperfect:
None of us are perfect. We all have traits or habits were are less than proud of - things that we do that we try to stop doing or cringe to look back on! Document something about you that you sometimes wish you could change, big or small.

TILT 3 Things i Love Thursday ( ok so Im a day late posting)

2010-07-09T11:51:00.003-04:00

I did actually have the mosaic up and posted to the Flickr group on time!
This week I chose Teal (the color) as the thing I love. Lately I have just found myself drawn to this color and am seriously debating painting my studio this color. Its just such a great color!

TILT 2 Things I Love Thursday

2010-07-01T11:25:00.004-04:00

I found this cool Meme on Flickr (The first one I did was Owls and you can see it below). I thought I would try to keep the trend of adding Blythe in the middle photo.

So here for this week is my Things I Love Thursday...GNOMES!!!

And TILT 1 Owls

Ive' missed my girls!

2010-05-18T14:52:00.001-04:00

My Dolly Family As of May 15th, originally uploaded by *redmara*.

I took a bit of a dolly break at the middle of February. Pretty much right after I got done with Perrin the traveling Blythe. I think I was just overwhelmed and had a couple of things go wrong with some customs. Nothing major just enough that it did me in. Plus it was raining pretty much non staop back then.

So I stepped back and worked on other things (no not house work silly....Scrapbooking!)

But those little faces kept staring at me and finally I gave in. I dressed them all last night and took a picture of each of them. I had some new girls I had never taken a single photo of :( I know! bad dolly mama.

So Im back and going to take it slow. not do any crazy 365 or even a doll a week groups. So far so good :)

Vacation + Scrapping Trip =

2010-05-14T11:06:00.001-04:00

Lots and Lots of layouts to share :)

Monday Daybook Anniversary Edition

2010-05-10T11:12:00.002-04:00

FOR TODAY… May 10, 2010 My 7th Wedding Anniversary!

Outside my window… Just a stunningly beautiful day. 62 and sunny on it’s way up to72.

I am thinking… how this year marks the year where P & I have now been married longer than we were together prior to that.

I am thankful for… P. For all of our problems I really do love this man.

I am wearing… a new dress. White with aqua and green polka dots, sleeveless and a size 16W!! A green wrap and brown boots.

I am remembering… having my dad walk me down the beach getting ready to be married. It was another perfect day much like today.

I am going… to PF Chang’s tonight. One of our fav’s!

I am currently reading… Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay. I just love this little sociopath!

I am hoping… for a paycheck.

On my mind… family. Family that is gone, family that is far away, family that is not of my blood, and family that I have never met.

Noticing that… I am feeling super creative lately. I am thinking about trying out for Scrap Freak’s design team.

Pondering these words… In sickness and in health.

From the kitchen… tonight PF Changs- this week all sorts of goodies from the grill.

Around the house… slow but steady progress. At least most of the laundry is washed if not put up.

One of my favorite things… lazy weekends spent just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.

ScrapFreak's May Embellishment Kit is here!!!

2010-04-26T17:01:00.004-04:00

I won a spot to be a guest design team member and help showcase this kit.
The kits are now available for purchase HERE

So I can finally show you the projects i did for this.

2010-04-26T16:58:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY… April 26, 2010

Outside my window… MUCH cooler high of only 65. Some clouds but other wise a really beautiful breezy spring day.

I am thinking… that Friday cannot get here fast enough. I NEED this long weekend scrappin with the girls. It seems like it has been forever since we have all managed to be together.

I am thankful for… a paycheck.

I am wearing… green puffy blouse, jeans and black ballet flats. And carrying my new Liberty of London Flower print bag. Its huge, its gorgeous, and it’s a messenger bag. Oh and it’s sold out almost everywhere. Im so glad I found one!

I am remembering… the nice slow paced birthday weekend we had for P. It was so nice just to hang out without any plans or pressure to do anything else.

I am going… to be so uber prepared for this cabin trip! Ive got 20 page kits made up and still need to pull together some WTG stuff.

I am currently reading… just finished Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr (well ok I finished Thursday after it came out last Tuesday) It was really good. Now Im trying to power through the Sookie series to prep for next Tuesday’s release of Dead in the Family.

I am hoping… that I can get back into my healthy mindset soon.

On my mind… The lbs I’ve gained back. I know. I suck. Well not really I’ve just been a real slacker and can’t believe I’ve lost some of my progress. I just need to buckle down and get back to the program.

Noticing that… Even with the few lbs gained back I still feel better about myself. I even bought green nailpolish to do my toes before the cabin!

Pondering these words… pay hiatus L

From the kitchen… a giant salad. Must be healthier!

Around the house… still a big mess but I HAVE to get some laundry done.

One of my favorite things… Zumba. I made it through a 3 hour Zumbathon on Friday and felt fantastic and very proud (Virginia and I were only 2 of 3 people that made it all the way through!) I’ve got my ipod cranked with all sorts of Zumba music to inspire me to move more.

From my picture journal… I just LOVE this bag!!!

Scrap Spam.

2010-04-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Scrap Freak Guest Design Team

2010-04-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

A while ago I entered a contest on scrapfreak and won the honor of being a guest design team member for their new embellishment kit club! They had a wildly successful first kit (which you can still snag one here and their second kit will be available on April 25th.

Here are some sneak peeks of my projects:

I hope you like them and do check out the other sneak peaks on the freak!

Monday Daybook - Post Vacation Edition

2010-04-19T17:30:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY… April 19, 2010

Outside my window… sunny and cooler today. Its still super pollen-ey. I can’t wait for the rain to start!

I am thinking… about page kits I need to prep.

I am thankful for… coworkers who will buy you coffee.

I am wearing… jeans and my teal v neck top and ballet flats.

I am remembering… my time in PA. I miss my family super much. I know I say that everytime I see them but it’s true.

I am going… home and starting my packing for the cabin trip in 2 weeks!

I am currently reading… nothing. Just finished Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr. Can’t wait for the next book to come out tomorrow!!!

I am hoping… for Rain. Pollen sux.

On my mind… Haley who just lost her dad this past weekend.

Noticing that… I’m getting better at scrapbooking now that I’ve been doing a little almost every night this month.

Pondering these words… pay hiatus L

From the kitchen… no idea. P and I are fending for ourselves this month.

Around the house… a giant mess since Im on stay-cation. And I just can’t find it in me to care. lol

One of my favorite things… Latisse. Yes it’s vain but after only a month I think Im starting to see some changes!

From my picture journal…

WTG #7 Right Now

2010-04-19T10:51:00.002-04:00

WTG- Right Now.

For this challenge we had to use a sketch from Diana's Sketchy Thursday blog as well as our usual journaling prompt. I love me some sketches so I had a blast. And because I had sooo much I wanted to capture about my life right now I did a mini album. Using the sketch as a template made the job much less daunting and I LOVE how it turned out. (I still need to take and add a pic to the cover but it's actually all done other than that which is HUGE for me. lol)

Journaling Prompt:

Right Now - while the core of who you are doesn't change, I find that my interests and activities tend to evolve from one year to the next. Take a moment to capture the things you are into RIGHT NOW.

Entertainment: Favorite TV shows, music, movies, websites
Tastes: Foods and drinks you are into right now, clothing styles, products, brands
Activities: Crafts you are working on, hobbies, interests, new routines or habits

(Try for at least 5 different facts about yourself right now! I find a list can work great but its totally your call!)

WTG #6 Distinguishing Features

2010-04-19T10:42:00.006-04:00

WTG #6 Distinguishing features

We all have those features that are a part of us. Something about us physically or visually that is a "distinguishing feature". Something that is part of your look. I can be a unique birthmark (like me), a great smile, your hair, the way you dress, your glasses, your red toe nails, etc. But little things that are "you". The things that others see, and without it, you would not quite be you. You can do just ONE thing or a SEVERAL.

I of course picked my hair. While I get tempted to cut it short (or at least shorter) I don't think I ever could it is soo my most distinguishing feature!

journaling reads:

Only 1% of the population has red hair. Of tha1% even fewer people have my shade of orange. That's right orange. Not red, not copper not strawberry blonde- orange. I used to hate being the only one with my hair color. I was teased all the time for it. Somewhere around the end of HS/college I learned to love my hair color. Now that its more than half way down my back it certainly has become my distinguishing feature. Mara the proud Orangehead.

Busy Busy Busy

2010-04-19T10:23:00.002-04:00

Ill post my daybook entry in a bit but I wanted to get to the update stuff first.

I have been on staycation which means 2 things:
1. Ive gotten a ton of scrapping done
and 2. I got to see my family!!!!!

I spent a glorious 5 days (wish it could have been longer) visiting with my mom, aunt, brother SIL and the nephews. I had an absolute blast seeing everyone. I am going to try to get up to visit them in Maine at least once more (though Id love to go 2x).

And so I have been totally slacking on the blogging thing. I missed posting several WTG entries and Ive got a ton of new stuff to share. PLUS I am honored to be the guest designer for ScrapFreak's May embellishment kit. I can't post my stuff yet but Ill post sneak peaks in a bit.

Ok so enough chatter. Here are some vacation pics (Ill do scrappy stuff later)

First up Kris. He got a crew cut so he could have "dot" hair like his daddy (who has a shaved head. Boy does he look grown up. No more little boy. He is totally a KID now. A really fun, slightly moody, very sensitive, aunt and gaga loving kid! (Though he certainly didn't mind me carrying all 40lbs of him for hours on end at the zoo!) He is in total HAM mode so it was super hard this trip to get a decent shot of him. I also spent more time enjoying time with the family instead of trying to get a thousand pictures

Next up my little bundle of happiness: Noah. He is usually such a happy little baby (and yes hes still a baby!) 16 months and not yet walking though he stands and will cruise and does this amazing scooting thing that just blew my mind. Whatever works right??? (the las t picture of Noah and I together was taken by Kris who has become quite the little photographer!

I had sooo much fun with the kiddos (and my mom and aunt too!) I can't wait to see them again!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T21:24:00.002-04:00

Monday Daybook goodbye March!

2010-03-29T16:15:00.002-04:00

FOR TODAY… March 29, 2010

Outside my window… a little bit of sun and cooler after the rain we got last night. They say it may be almost 80 by Thursday!!!!

I am thinking… that in just 10 days I will be with my family!!!!

I am thankful for… good test results for P!

I am wearing… black tuxedo shirt my booty bling jeans and new black boots.

I am remembering… that I really did get an absolute TON of stuff done this weekend even though it wasn’t stuff I wanted to be doing! Some of it even was fun!

I am going… to go home and scrap. MUST GET WTG layout done!!!

I am currently reading… still working on the Kim Harrison.

I am hoping… that my new skin meds work soon.

On my mind… WTG, getting easter cards done and mailed, spring cleaning.

Noticing that… when we work together it’s much more fun!

Pondering these words… What's the point of havin' a rapier wit if I can't use it to stab people? - Jeph Jacques

From the kitchen… Veggies from Folks. Yumm!

Around the house… putting up laundry, setting up my new storage boxes in my studio.

One of my favorite things… tangerine zinger tea.

From my picture journal… im a slacker and don't have anything :(

Monday Daybook Happy Spring!

2010-03-22T16:18:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY… March 22, 2010

Outside my window… grey and blech. It actually snowed this morning. Can’t complain too much it was 70+ on Saturday. Spring is definitely here!

I am thinking… about color. I hate that the house is so colorless. I changed my wardrobe, now to work on P and get him to let me paint something!

I am thankful for… P. He surprised me with tickets to Fiddler on the Roof staring Harvey Fierstein. It was one of the nicest evenings we have spent in a long while!

I am wearing… teal sweater, jeans, black half boots.

I am remembering… I need to get going on the next WTG challenge!

I am going… to take a nap I think.

I am currently reading… The Good, The Bad , The dead by Kim Harrison. More urban fantasy to lose myself in.

I am hoping… that the warm weather comes back soon. I really want to plant a garden.

On my mind… check engine lights

Noticing that… Ive been in a better mood lately. Don’t know why but I will take it.

Pondering these words… wildflower garden

From the kitchen… probably another super salad with all sorts of crazy toppings.

Around the house… O need to clean the kitchen floor. Who ever put white tile in a kitchen should be shot (right along side the idiot who put in white carpet in the living room)

One of my favorite things… Live theater. I totally miss it.

From my picture journal…

Mon/Wed Daybook-Happy St Particks Day!

2010-03-17T12:19:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY… March 17, 2010

Outside my window… grey and drab.

I am thinking… I may need to add the hip hop class to my Tuesday workout.

I am thankful for… friends and family that will listen to me vent when I need to.

I am wearing… Kelly green ON blouse, black pencil skirt, really really green tights and black boots. I love being faux Irish!

I am remembering… dyed green bagels and milk as a kid on St Patrick's day.

I am going… to buy my tickets to PA today!!!!!!

I am currently watching… Dexter. My new obsession.

I am hoping… I didn’t totally fuck up my job with the trade show drama.

On my mind… Spring wardrobe, visit with family, stupid job stress.

Noticing that… the daffodils in the yard are almost ready to bloom.

Pondering these words… dolly downsizing.

From the kitchen… Maybe nothing. I’m hoping we go out tonight to celebrate the green!

Around the house… I soooo want to do some painting this spring!

One of my favorite things… colored tights.

From my picture journal…

Monday Daybook -Maybe finally spring???

2010-03-08T15:40:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY… March 8, 2010

Outside my window… another beautiful day. Spring is finally here (I hope!) Currently 67 and too sunny to be stuck at work!

I am thinking… I really need to get some prep work done for upcoming crops.

I am thankful for… an organized closet (more or less)

I am wearing… black sweater with white shirt jeans black ballet flats.

I am remembering… our wonderful outing this weekend.

I am going… to finish my WTG layout early if it kills me.

I am currently reading… Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

I am hoping… that my tights come in soon. I want to wear some skirts soon!

On my mind… getting my photos edited and ready to print

Noticing that… (well had it pointed out to me)I’ve been a more positive person lately

Pondering these words… Check Engine

From the kitchen… Breadsticks with homemade pesto sauce and a huge salad

Around the house… I am going to try to get down to the garage tonight while it’s so warm.

One of my favorite things… Pesto. Who knew????

From my picture journal… Can you believe this dress looks great on me??

DH ROCKS aka guess what i am doing tonight???

2010-03-05T13:43:00.004-05:00

Ive been talking about wanting to go see this movie forever. Im a huge Johnny Depp fan and LOVE his tim burton collaborations.

So what an awesome surprise I had this morning to wake up and find out my DH surprised me with tickets to the midnight showing tonight at the IMAX 3D theater!!!!

I am soooo psyched.

The last of the sketches

2010-03-04T16:45:00.003-05:00

Im not going to post the sketches (too lazy lol) but here are the last of the layouts I did for ScrapFreak's free February sketch class. Next on the list...Scrapfreak's third birthday bash. One of my favorite events of the year!

I WON!!!!

2010-03-04T16:38:00.004-05:00

Ok I am a couple days posting this but I am super excited. I won a guest design team spot on Scrapfreak for March. I am doubly excited because this means I will be getting one of the new embellishment kits to work with!

Our job was to scrap lift whomever posted after us. I got lucky and had to scrap lift the uber talented scrappincathy. Her style is so different from mine I knew it would be a real challenge for me.

Here is her layout:

And here is my layout that won:
Supplies: Bazzil kraft CS, October afternoon, scenic route, making memories PP, Creative Imaginations, Jilly Bean soup journaling spots. Jenni Bowlin small alphas, American Crafts thickers, Sass heart stickers, assorted buttons.

Monday Daybook

2010-03-01T12:13:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY… March 1, 2010

Outside my window… another sunny day after a gorgeous weekend so that of course means snow and rain with a high of 35 tomorrow.

I am thinking… about how much spring cleaning I have ahead of me!

I am thankful for… being able to finally walk into old navy and buy a pair of pants!

I am wearing… grey baby doll dress, black leggings and black motorcycle boots.

I am remembering… how much fun I had when Kim was here. I miss her!

I am going… to try and get more exercise in this week. I’ve been totally slack about doing any at home. Now with all the room in the LR- no more excuses!

I am currently reading… Unwind on my KINDLE!!!!

I am hoping… for a little time to scrap this week. I didn’t get anything done this weekend and now I have a real itch!

On my mind… getting my photos edited and ready to print

Noticing that… my clothes are fitting better and better!

Pondering these words… laptop vs. budget,

From the kitchen… for me- more lean cuisine, for P no idea. I totally need to do some meal planning.

Around the house… putting up laundry, cleaning the garage and studio

One of my favorite things… Healthy Choice Asian Pot stickers. Yumm!

From my picture journal… Me at the zoo

Get Sketchy - Sketch 5

2010-02-17T10:29:00.003-05:00

I really struggle with multi-photo layouts as well as using strips of paper so this one was a real challenge for me.

The sketch:
My Take:
Supplies: Bazzill Swiss Dot CS (I am totally addicted to this stuff!), Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket, Crate Paper & K&Co PP, Doodlebug flower strip, Maya Road dotted ribbon, American Crafts Thickers.

Get Sketchy - Sketch 4

2010-02-17T10:24:00.004-05:00

More from scrapfreak's February class:

The sketch:
My Take:
The center photo actually lifts up to reveal journaling.

Supplies: Bazzill swiss dot CS, October afternoon PP, American Crafts thickers, Creative imaginations journaling spot, Stampin Up bird, various ribbon.

Get Sketchy - Sketch 3

2010-02-17T10:14:00.003-05:00

Ive been slowly plugging away at the Get Sketchy class at ScrapFreak. Ive got 8 of the 10 done! I will be posting each one separately so I can find them again. lol

The Sketch

My Take:

Supplies: Scenic route & COke PP, American Crafts letter & photo corner thickers, Bazzil brads

Monday Daybook

2010-02-15T17:03:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY… February 15 2010

Outside my window… SUN! real honest to goodness SUN!!! I totally forgot how nice it could be!

I am thinking… about taking a trip to see my Mom.

I am thankful for… the birth of Henry Cooper!

I am wearing… jeans, penny loafers, black polo shirt, teal cardigan

I am remembering… I need to pick up meds on the way home.

I am going… to go home and upload pics of Perrin. Ive been such a slacker!

I am currently reading… I just finished Tithe by Holly Black. I really enjoyed it and look forward on starting on Valiant tonight.

I am hoping… that my foot feels well enough to Zumba tomorrow.

On my mind… finishing Jess’ birthday “sign”

Noticing that… If I eat regular food I gain weight L stupid portion control (or lack there of)

Pondering these words… KIM ARRIVES THURSDAY!!!

From the kitchen… back to pre packaged diet food for me.

Around the house… my last week of “staycation” so as much scrapping as I can manage.

One of my favorite things… My orange elvis bear P got me for Valentines Day

From my picture journal…

GO LATVIA!!!

2010-02-12T22:11:00.001-05:00

We got screwed again as they always ct away for a commercial when it's our turn to march into the stadium. They didn't even show the actual flag so I had Perrin stand in :)

Get Sketchy - Sketch 1

2010-02-10T14:49:00.003-05:00

For once I actually started with sketch 1 (I usually just start with whatever moves me), it just happened that I had the perfect photos for this sketch. (Don't worry I did sketch #9 next. lol)

The Sketch:

My Take:

Supplies: Bazzill Swiss dot CS, Crate Paper & Jenni Bowlin PP, Sass paper strips, Basic Grey letters and American crafts thickers, Creative Imagination journaling sticker, Cosmo Cricket velvet yellow ribbon.

Sorry for the crooked photo.

February's ScrapFreak Class- Get Sketchy!

2010-02-10T14:46:00.002-05:00

ok so I am a little late in posting this but I just got started the other day. I almost always use a sketch or someone elses layouts as a jumping off point for my own scrapbooking. Sometimes it's a straight up scrap-lift- sometimes its inspired by and sometimes it looks nothing at all like what I started with. lol

I was sooo excited that Jessica*Bree was doing a whole sketch class. 10 wonderful sketches to get my creative juices flowing! Im hoping to get them all done this month as i am on a roll!

Jump Start Your scrapbooking!

2010-02-08T12:10:00.006-05:00

So ScrapFreak's January class was this awesome challenge with 40 basic ideas (use paint, angle your elements, etc...) to get our creative juices flowing for the new year. I am super proud to report that I got 20 pages done!!! Some were for my Looking Back mini album, others regular 12x12 layouts. This is a ton for me!!!! What do I get? A blinkie and a chance to win a prize plus the knowledge that I am getting better at this and have some mojo back again!

So here are the last 5 layouts I did for the challenge:

Monday Daybook

2010-02-08T10:24:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY… February 8 2010

Outside my window… It’s finally sunny after what seems like weeks of rain and grey skies its actually sunny!!! High of 53 today and then of course rain tonight and all day tomorrow. I really need some more sun. This grayness isn’t good for me.

I am thinking… about flying to Houston and to PA to see my mom in the next few months.

I am thankful for… having some me time.

I am wearing… Black polo, black skirt, black tights, teal cardigan and black ballet flats

I am remembering… the journey to good health is a marathon not a sprint.

I am going… to maybe go home early today. I am just not feeling very well. Tired, congested and my ear hurts.

I am currently ~~reading~~ listening to… the Glee soundtrack

I am hoping… I get to a new middle number on my weight loss journey soon. I was sooo close to hitting it this morning but no such luck.

On my mind…upcoming gifts I need to make/get for valentines day and Jessica's birthday.

Noticing that… I got a ton scrapbooked over the last month in large part due to the Jump Start your Scrapbooking Challenge on the Freak. 20 pages and counting!

Pondering these words…

From the kitchen… Making homemade spaghetti sauce with our freshly harvested herbs from my aero garden!

Around the house… Must get laundry done tonight since I didn’t get any done this weekend!

One of my favorite things… Art. Sculptures, paintings, sketches, installations. Just everything.

From my picture journal…

More Scrapping!

2010-02-03T11:50:00.002-05:00

Today marks my last day of scrapping in a cold dark studio. The electrician is coming today to put in 2 new circuits (one just for heating and AC), 5 outlets and a new overhead light!!! To say I am excited is an understatement!

So here are the last pictures of my stuff taken in crappy lighting :)

Check out that hand made love embellishment Jessica*bree made. It worked so perfectly on my layout she gave it to me :)

Supplies: Bazzill CS, flowers from Making Memories, Fancy Pants, Prima, Bazzill, Tim Holtz grungeboard, and michaels $1 spot

This is my first attempt at sewing on a layout and I totally love the look and it didn't even take me that long! And god only knows Ive got a gizillion yards of embroidery floss to work with :)

Supplies: Bazzill Swiss dot CS, Cosmo Cricket, October Afternoon and K&Co paper, Sass flowers, Prima epoxy button and K&Co wood flower.

Happy Groundhogs Day!

2010-02-02T11:21:00.002-05:00

We always sort of celebrated Groundhogs day because we had one in the family- My dad. He was born 2/2/39 and he embraced his inner groundhog. My grandmother made all sorts of groundhogs over the years as presents to him Skiing groundhogs, fishing groundhogs etc...

And so in memory of my dad Happy Groundhogs day! (I miss you dad!)

WTG Challenge #2 The Name Game

2010-02-02T11:07:00.004-05:00

The challenge:

This week's challenge on Who's That Girl is to document a story about your name... it can be why your parents chose your name, how you ended up with a particular nickname or any other name related story.

Here is my take on this months\’s challenge. It is a story of how I got one of my childhood nicknames: Maza Mara (which means little Mara in Latvian).

Also take a look at the awesome tutorial on how to make your own doo dads on the Who's That Girl Blog!

Looking Back 2009 cont...

2010-02-02T10:54:00.003-05:00

I have been slowly working on this maya road binder album and am almost finished. I am sort of mad because it came with a bunch of pages but even with minimal embellishments you can only use about half of them. So.... I am going to do 2 or 3 envelope pages and call it done.

Here's what I have so far (well I actually have 3 more pages done but don't have photos. Ill take them tonight and add them) :

I am having so much fun making this album! It may be the first mini I finish in a long time! (I've got 4 mostly finished sitting in a basket just waiting for me to get back to them.)

Monday Daybook- Rabbit Rabbit!

2010-02-01T16:38:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY… Feb 1 2010 (we always tried to say rabbit rabbit as the first words when it was the first of the month for good luck. I have no idea where it started but i twas my families little superstition!)

Outside my window… Sort of sunny, a little warmer at 49 than it was this weekend.

I am thinking… that I am going to quit my doll a day stuff. The pressure has just sucked the joy out of it plus I just don’t have the time :(

I am thankful for… a friendship that doesn’t depend on constant contact or proximity to be true.

I am wearing… my ON teal dress, black leggings, black boots and the scarf my IL’s gave me.

I am remembering… that I HAVE to stop off at home depot and buy a light fixture.

I am going… to dinner with Jess. Maybe.

I am currently reading… still nothing. I’m trying to get better at sleeping which means less reading.

I am hoping… that Wednesday goes smoothly and that I soon will have better light and heat in the studio!

On my mind… where I will take little Perrin the world traveling Blythe!

Noticing that… I looked a little thinner on Sat. Maybe it was the clothes but I felt I looked good (well better) which I will totally take!

Pondering these words… curls, hair dye, hair cut

From the kitchen… dinner out tonight if not more lean cuisine.

Around the house… got some laundry to put up and move the last few things for the electrician.

One of my favorite things… diet cranberry juice.

From my picture journal…

Monday Daybook Jan 18 2010

2010-01-18T16:10:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY… January 18 2010
Outside my window… Sunny and warm. Almost 60 today!
I am thinking… about exercise and healthy eating
I am thankful for… being safe, having my house still standing and not being in the middle of a disaster zone.
I am wearing... Black sweater with blouse, jeans and black half boots.
I am remembering… All of the brave people who have fought for equality
I am going… to have to do some grocery shopping for more healthy food.
I am currently reading… The Girl with the dragon tattoo.
I am hoping… My weight loss continues and I keep building healthy habits.
On my mind… The millions of people suffering in Haiti.
Noticing that… I don't have to eat if Im not hungry!
Pondering … How best to ask my boss if I can leave early on Tuesdays so I can Zumba.
From the kitchen… Broccoli and a lean cuisine dinner.
Around the house… Labor ready came Saturday so it's all nice and clean.
One of my favorite things… Spark People

Who's That Girl Blog Hop & First Challenge.

2010-01-14T15:49:00.009-05:00

First welcome to my blog and thank you for joining me on the journey of documenting Who's That Girl. I am honored to be part of this super great design team and can't wait to get a chance to know all of you playing along through your pages! For those of you playing along with our blog hop I am offering some blog candy for one person chosen at random who finishes the blog hop. First you must post a comment on my page and then on the Who's That Girl blog. Ive got a stash to rival most scrapbook stores so it will be pretty generous (I love sending RAKs!) If you got here by some other method and want to play along here are the links in order:)
Who's That Girl: http://jessicabree.typepad.com/whos_that_girl/
Jessica*bree: http://jessicabree.typepad.com/weblog/
Kim: http://kim-myworld.blogspot.com/
Mara: http://www.studiolorange.blogspot.com/
Cindy: http://who-gives-a.blogspot.com/
Carla: http://www.carlarausin.blogspot.com/
Diana: http://www.designbydiana.blogspot.com/
Sara: http://stampinwithsara.wordpress.com/
Aimee: http://optimisticscrappiness.blogspot.com/

The first challenge is a take on Ali Edward's idea of One Little Word concept. Instead of picking a word for the year we were to chose one word to describe us! I really thought about this one as there were so many that came to mind: sarcastic, natural, loyal, stubborn, playful etc... I finally decided on GEEK. It somehow just fit my mood and where I am right now. Here is the dictionary definition of GEEK: The word geek is a slang term, noting individuals as "a peculiar or otherwise odd person, especially one who is perceived to be overly obsessed with one or more things including those of intellectuality, electronics, etc." That's me. Well a good part of me. I play with Blythe dolls, I obsessively collect scrap crap, I love video games like Diablo II and World of Warcraft, I am pretty much constantly on a computer and am addicted to my itouch, I am in love with the TV show Big Bang Theory (it doesn't hurt that I married a physicist), and all sorts of other geekiness (like playing with legos). So this year I am embracing my inner geek and telling her to step forth because the stuff she loves brings me a lot of joy! For my layout I wanted to try doing it digitally to go along with the whole geek theme. Here is my first ever Digi layout (I did cheat a little and use an Ali Edwards template) So I hope you will leave me a comment and hop on over to Cindy's blog to see what she came up with :) Cindy: http://who-gives-a.blogspot.com/

Who's That Girl Blog Hop

2010-01-11T21:13:00.002-05:00

Monday Daybook

2010-01-11T17:16:00.002-05:00

FOR TODAY… January 11 2010
Outside my window… Starting to get dark still really cold.
I am thinking… about various scrap projects I have floating around in my head- My looking back journal, a gift for baby Cooper and a monthly album for 2010.
I am thankful for…having friends who share a hobby. I always have such a good time cropping together. I really realy need to do more of it this year!
I am wearing... purple wool sweater, black mock turtle neck and jeans.
I am remembering…that I need to stop by Best Buy and return DH’s present
I am going…to ride my 4 miles tonight even f its 11pm. I am currently reading… Harry Potter 4.
I am hoping… I can come up with a cute theme for Jessica’s birthday party
On my mind… Pregnant friends, and a coworker who’s son had a really bad case of appendicitis and is in the hospital.
Noticing that… some people have no concept of how loud they are. (ahem Andrew & Robert!)
Pondering … When my new cell phone will get here. I really miss having one! From the kitchen… no clue. Maybe leftover stir-fry from last night. Or soup. Around the house… need to put up some laundry and get the kitchen cleaned. One of my favorite things… blistex.
From my picture journal… I wish it would snow more!

Monday Daybook Happy New Years!

2010-01-04T10:17:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY… January 4 2010

Outside my window… Bright clear skies and frigid temps. It was 15 degrees when I came in to work

I am thinking…about the new year and what I want to get accomplished in 2010.

I am thankful for…Joann Zach

I am wearing... black sweater with Nordic print, a white button down blouse and grey slacks.

I am remembering…how 15 years ago Owen was born. Im not really sure where the time has gone.

I am going…to need a nap when I get home from work. This getting up in the morning thing is brutal when you have been on vacation for 2 weeks.

I am currently reading… nothing but will be starting one from the pile of new books I just got. I just can’t decide which one yet.

I am hoping… that 2010 will be a better year for me and my friends and family. 2009 sort of sucked ass.

On my mind… exercise, eating right, food shopping.

Noticing that… I really don’t miss Diet Coke at all. And that the water at work tastes just fine.

Pondering … what to pack for Laura’s birthday crop on Saturday.

From the kitchen… Fresh salads left over pasta and sauce.

Around the house… still some signs of Christmas. Since we have a fake tree this year no worry about getting it down before it’s a giant match stick.

One of my favorite things… my good leather gloves P got me for my birthday last year. They are just perfect for this frigid weather we are having.

From my picture journal… SCORE!!!!!!!!!!

Monday Daybook Solstice Eve

2009-12-21T21:01:00.002-05:00

FOR TODAY… December 21 2009

Outside my window… Darkness.The longest night of the year

I am thinking…that I am finally on the road to recovery

I am thankful for…DayQuil

I am wearing... blue tshirt, striped pj bottoms my snuggie and chinchilla slippers

I am remembering…solstice celebrations of years past

I am going…to bed soon. Im still not 100%

I am currently reading… Dead and Gone

I am hoping… to be back in good health soon.

On my mind…my nephew Noah who just turned 1

Noticing that… my little christmas tree is leaning

Pondering … When i will feel well enough to finish Christmas shopping and get everything mailed out

From the kitchen… chicken tenders, butter beans and mashed potatoes. A HUGE step up from Jello.

Around the house… STILL a giant mess.

One of my favorite things… Puffs Plus with lotion.

From my picture journal…None Ive been to sick to even get out of bed since thursday

Wordless Wedensday.

2009-12-16T16:43:00.002-05:00

Monday Daybook Innagural Edition

2009-12-14T12:41:00.007-05:00

So Ive been reading my friend Theresa's blog for a while and love how she posts her daybook posts every monday. I love seeing just a little peek into her life and love the concept have having a quick snapshot of every week. So I am going to follow her lead and post my own Monday Daybook. So here we go!

FOR TODAY… December 14 2009

Outside my window… Fog. Lots and lots of Fog.

I am thinking…About how I wish I was more in a Christmasy mood this year. Im feeling pretty Bah Humbug about it all.

I am thankful for…Friends who are there to listen when I need to just whine.

I am wearing... jeans my black alpine sweater and black balet flats.

I am remembering… that i need to call my aunt to check in on her since her PC is dead

I am going… to dinner with T & Bella!!!!!

I am currently reading… I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. I just finished She's Come Undone and am in love with both books.

I am hoping… that I can get up the energy to finish Christmas shopping and get everything mailed off ASAP.

On my mind…my lack of preparedness for Christmas this year

Noticing that… I really really need a vacation.

Pondering … When I will get to see my family again. I miss them already.

From the kitchen… out to Enzo's tonight so probably Siscilian pizza.

Around the house… a giant mess.

One of my favorite things…My super comfy super snuggly super warm robe P got me for my borthday. I lived in it all weekend long.

From my picture journal…

Sewing 101

2009-12-11T14:09:00.003-05:00

About 2 years ago P bought me a very basic sewing machine because he had heard me mention that I would love to be able to make basic things as well as use it for scrapbooking. After breaking 4 needles, finally sloppily hemming a pair of pants, creating a giant knot of thread in my bobbin compartment and finally doing something to completely break the machine I figured it was time to take a lesson. Well that and I am tired of paying $$$$ for basic doll clothes.

So Wednesday after work off to the Atlanta Sewing Center I went for Sewing 101. The instructor Carol was super nice, the class was very small so she she taught us all how to use our specific machines, from bobbin winding to cleaning and maintenance. She even taught us some basic troubleshooting skills when the stitches don't look right.

We were given some scraps of material and told just to play. It was just the right class I needed. Well that and the sewing machine repair so it now runs just fine :)

Here is my first try at sewing. It was fun to play with different lengths and widths of the stitches. I only have these 2 basic ones but I figure it is PLENTY to get me started. If I really get into it I can always upgrade my machine down the road.

The class gave me enough confidence I wan tto try to sew some little bird ornaments and the like. Basically small pillows. Nothing fancy just fun for practice. Then it's off to learn to make doll pants and dresses!

Lists for 2009 Part 1- books

2009-12-10T16:09:00.003-05:00

Both my mom and friend Jessica compiled lists of books they have read this year so I thought given the spirit of December countdowns I would make my lists too. I LOVE to reread my favorite books. I know this is anathema to some people but I included those on the list too.

Books read as of 12/10/2009 - 66 Books

Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris - 10 books
The HArry Potter Series by JK Rowling -
The Adept Series by Katherine Kurtz & Deborah Turner Harris - 5 books
Vampire Academy series by Rachelle Mead - 4 books
Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer -4 books
Lord of the Rings by Tolkien - 3 books
Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs - 4 books
Alpha and Omega Series by Patricia Briggs - 2 Books
House of Night series by PC & Kristin Cast - 6 books
Wicked Lovely books by Melissa Marr - 2 Books
Immortals Series by Alyson Noel - 2 Books
Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare - 2 Books
The Lost Chronicles by Hickman & Weiss - 3 Books
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
The Host by Stephanie Meyer
The Sleeping Doll by Jeffrey Deaver
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
She's Come Undone by Willy Lamb (this is my current read and I should have it finished before the weekend. I am LOVING it so far!)

I will probably finish 5 or 6 more books since I just ordered a TON of used books from gohastings.com when they were having a 30% off sale. Books in the pipeline:

The Modern Faery Tale Series - 3 books
The Road
The Joy Luck Cub
The Bonesetters Daughter
Water for Elephants
Prodigal Summer
The Poisonwood Bible
I Claudius
Life of Pi
I know this much is true
The Girl with the dragon tattoo
Shogun
The Lost Symbol

I think 60+ books isn't bad at all for someone who still has to work full time. I really do LOVE reading. It's one of the things I have to thank my mother for (Her total is pretty much the same for the year). Instilling that love in a child is probably one of the greatest gifts a parent can give to a child and I am forever grateful to my mom for teaching me this by example.

Wordless Wednesday on Thursday.

2009-12-10T13:59:00.004-05:00

Because sometimes you have to buy something totally impractical...

2009-12-08T14:05:00.003-05:00

Just because it's cute.

Normally I don't buy "cute". Practical-yes. Crap on sale I don't really need- you betcha! But buying something just because its cute????

So here they are my totally adorable, completely impractical (though with the crappy weather we have been having I may get more use out of them than I thought), and even better I got them for 50% off.

Introducing: My Rainboots.

Target had one pair. in My size and on sale. I just couldn't pass them up. Now I just need a cute skirt to wear so I can show them off :)

blah.

2009-12-08T12:01:00.003-05:00

So I haven't really been feeling great lately as you all can tell from the prolonged absence. I just haven't been in a scrapping mood. I have been thinking about that a lot lately and realized I need to work on getting my scrap space done. I work in an unfinished basement and while I love love love the amount of space I have (my room is roughly 12'x20') I hate the roughness of it (and really hate the lack of heat now that it's cold down there). We don't have the means to finish it off so I will just need to get creative. I need to paint, reorganize and decorate.

I think being in a space that makes me feel happy will just encourage me to be more creative. I realized how much I missed CRAFTING. Not just scrapbooking but making stuff. I think part of my blahness has been Ive been totally unmotivated to scrap and that translated to not doing anything creative. When I don't use that outlet it just generally makes me more depressed. So I have been working on several crafty non scrapbooking projects and have been much happier.

I am taking a sewing class tomorrow night so I can finally learn how to use the sewing machine P got me almost 3 years ago. I've been super inspired by some of the adorable projects on Blair Peter's blog which has led me to think long and hard about what style I want not just in my studio but in the house in general. Too much of my house is done in non colors and I think it's bringing me down.

So I have a semi-new color palette for my studio and have started some cute decor projects as well as at least fabric covering the exposed insulation, pipes and beams in the ceiling. I realize I have lots of storage stuff that really isn't working the way it needs to so I will be boxing it up to sell. That should clear off some room to work at least.

I also realized I need a more or less permanent well lit spot to take dolly pics. BAsically I just need to reconfigure pretty much everything lol.

But I know it will be worth it. I plan on really getting into it on my Christmas break which can not get here quickly enough.

So thats it for now. Ill keep posting as things move along. Ill also be posting more general life stuff as I want all my stuff in one place. Very much a reduce and simplify motto moving forward :)

Secret Pumpkin Card

2009-10-15T13:39:00.002-04:00

SO I participated in Scrap Freaks Secret Pumpkin Swap. I had a horrible night last night so I didn't get a chance to add all the little extras i was planning too :( I hope she still likes it.

Here's a quick little card I made fr her. ALl paper is Daisy D's Owl Stamp from Hero Arts.

Here's to hoping I have better luck in this swap then some of the others I have done.

October Class at Scrap Freak

2009-09-30T11:28:00.003-04:00

I am so looking forward to this class being taught by Jessica. I am going to do a Christmas cookie album, I think, as Christmas will be here before I know it.

I also have a binder DH bought me to keep all of our recipes in. I may work on that too. In any event I can't wait to get started!

Scrap Pink

2009-09-28T13:53:00.003-04:00

This past weekend was Scrap Pink. A National scrapbooking event where various LSS and online stores organize crops to raise $ to benefit the Susan G Komen foundation.

I was asked to design a challenge for Scrap Freak's online crop. I did Messy Girl- a challenge using all my favorite messy things, paints, inks, mists etc...

So here is the project I came up with

PP- Making Memories, October Afternoon, Stampin Up
Ribbon- Maya Road , Prima felt
Heidi Swapp Masks, Thickers Alphas and Distress Crackle Paint
Background Paint- Making Memories
I also used alcohol ink to ink my photo

Finishing projects

2009-09-20T17:00:00.002-04:00

Ive been to a ton of crops and have managed to pile up a ton of unfinished projects plus i am working on Get Meaningful design stuff and I was asked to do a project/challenge for ScrapPink crop on September 26, 2009 benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

So I've been working on some cool projects. Some I can't post quite yet but here is what I can share :)

Supplies:
PP- KI green paper, strips- American Crafts, MME, KI
Alphas- American Crafts thickers painted.
Embellishments- Sass cloud stickers, bazzill and Queen and Co brads, Sass chipboard, DCWV hedgehog, scrapworks giggle fabric tag, lots and lots of stickles.

Supplies:

PP-MME, Scenic Route, SEI,
Embellishments- Doodlebug & Bazzill paper borders, Sass chipboard, Thickers letters painted and covered in stickles.

Supplies:
PP- some ancient floral paper from HL ~2006
Alphas- Basic Grey
Making memories Journaling spot accented with stickles.
Flourish- tim holtz grunge board
Prima flower ribbon.

My View Tomorrow Night

2009-09-18T13:11:00.001-04:00

Lesson 23 - I wish...

2009-09-16T10:45:00.003-04:00

Lesson 23- I wish ...

We all wish and want.
For little things, for big things.
For selfish things, for things for others.
For thing of great value and things of little value.
Some wishes could change our entire life, while others would be forgotten almost as soon as they are granted.

Think about the things you wish for and let that inspire you. You can create a page about a wish, a page about how you wish your life was like right now, or even just a page about what your wishes SAY about you.

I actually was so inspired by this prompt I am doing 2 projects. I did a page about how i wish my nephews grow up to be close the way my brother and I were, and I am doing a mini on things big and small I wish I had or could do. The mini is not quite done but i wanted to share my layout.

Supplies:
CS & scalloped Edge: Bazzill
PP:Scenic Route, October Afternoon, Daisy D's, Cosmo Cricket, American Crafts
Alphas- Doodlebug, Making Memories mini alphas, American Crafts thickers
Journaling Card- October Afternoon
Chipboard Tree- Maya Road

Meet the Freaks

2009-09-16T10:36:00.003-04:00

Due to the generosity of Jessica and her husband who donated airline miles, I was able to join the freaks in Wisconsin for their annual crop. I had a wonderful time meeting people IRL and managed to not get hassled too much for my hatred of cheese in the land of all things dairy.

It was sooo hard to pack for a crop that I was flying to. I thought bringing mini albums to work on was the best bet but I think in the future I will do page kits. It's just so hard for me to scrap without all my stuff about me. For me I packed "light" and still managed to go over my weight allotment by 3lbs.

I managed to get 2 mini albums 80% done. All covered with paper, photos attached and some of the journaling done. I just couldn't do the embellishments as I didn't pack the right ones.

If you want to see pics from my trip I posted them on my Flickr account.

Ill post project pics as soon as they get done.