Sweet Innocence by Doris Castle at COTTAGEARTS.NET

Ta Da! My layout with this awesome kit!

Kaylie has had Lily since Christmas 2001. Kaylie takes her just about everywhere she goes. Over the years, Kaylie has had other dolls that can talk, dance and walk, but they can not hold a candle to Lily. Lily was her first doll and holds a special place in her heart. 09-03-2006

Sweet Innocence page set at CottageArts.net (see below for link)
Template: Sketch Collection 18 by Jen Caputo, SBG (modified)
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18196&cat=0&page=1
Font: Century Gothic



I am in love with this page set, rightly titled Innocene of Childhood. It is jammed packed with stickers, glittery elements, wortart and gorgeous colors, textures and designs. The flower stickers are so pretty and springy, suitable for all types of layouts. I especially love the ribbons and glitter elements. Below is a link to the kit at the store, if you want to take a closer look.
http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/swinpapak.html

If you need to see for yourself the variety of layouts that can be created with this page set, check them out here: http://www.cottagearts.net/sdnews2/July07/DTMlayoutsJuly.htm



Doris even had the time to make quickpages for those of us short on time. But no just quickpages, a well coordinated album of quickpages! I tell you, Doris thinks of everything!

She realizes that summer is a busy time and that we might not have time to actually sit down long enough to create a page from scratch, so she made it easy for us to not have an excuse to get our pages done and those memories saved. Thanks Doris! You are a doll!

Link to quickpages: http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/swin12alpak.html

If you made it all the way down here, here is the free sampler that you can download at CottageArts. http://www.cottagearts.net/sdnews2/July07/freekitpageJuly.htm

Make time to sign up for the newsletter. It is totally worth it. You get notice of sales, samplers and tutorials.

Swirly Overlay by Kirsty Wiseman

Kirsty always has the best floral and swirly overlays! She is so sweet to share them with the public at large. She is a fabulous conversationalist and photographer. Thanks Kirsty!

If you would like to download this beauty for yourself, follow the link and be sure to leave her a thank you, too. http://limegreenbogiegirl.blogspot.com/2007/07/my-5-minute-marvel.html

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Summer Picnic by RetroDiva at Digital Scrapbooking Freebies

Traci Collins (Retrodiva) has these beauties over at Digital Scrapbooking Freebies...aren't they lovely? http://www.digitalscrapbookingfreebies.com/papers.html

Traci is so talented; thanks for the wonderful freebies.

Gothic Sunny Day by Mermaid's Haven

Wow, isn't this orange ppr. the most fabulous paper ever? I love, love, love the color orange thus it stands to reason that I would love this one. If you'd like to see it for youself, head on over to Mermaid's Haven. Here is a link:

http://mermaidshaven.blogspot.com/2007/07/excitement-and-troublesall-in-one.html

Please say hello and be sure to thank the designer for her contribution.

Me and My Shadow

Not long ago the sun was beginning to set and as it filtered through the window it cast a shadow and a beautiful array of rainbow colors. The refraction of colors was wonderful and caught my eye. I quickly grabbed the camera and was able to take a couple of shots, while Liam was busy looking at his shadow and wondered about the colors of the rainbow displayed on the wall.

I was not sure how I was going to scrap these pictures or what page set or elements I was going to use, but when I saw MARILLA: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION by ubber designer MICHELLE GODIN, I knew it was the right kit. The kit has 3 alphas and such gorgeous pprs., I love it to death. Before I get carried away, here is the link to the kit http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18677&cat=0&page=1

Even more so because it reminds me of the Anne of Green Gables story about the orphan girl adopted by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, which story is set in Prince Edward Island, Canada. I have read the books many times and watched the movies, as well. Here is a link to a website, where you can learn more about her: http://www.anne3.com/

I can't wait to introduce my children to this classical story. In the meantime, I will cross my fingers and wait to see if Michelle will design a collection of kits based upon this beloved character.

Until next time, may you get your heart's desire. AND DON'T BE A STRANGER! 1063

Anatomy of a Bubble - Scraplift at Scrapbook-Graphics

Liam absolutely loves to blow bubbles. I love the progression of the photos as I caught him dunking the wand in the bottle, then blowing on it, watching it drift away and catching it with the wand again.

If you would like to see this layout closer, be sure to check the links on the upper right hand corner of the blog which will take you to my galleries.

Little Darlin by Jessica Bolton and Krista Mettler

Jessica Bolton and Krista Mettler just completed their collaborative kit titled, "Little Darlin' and it is fab! Jessica has a sampler at her blog FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY - follow the link to get it: http://www.thescrapspace.com/jessica/

http://www.skyescrapz.com/index.php/all

Each half of the kit is on sale for $2.00 only which means that you can get the entire kit for $4.00 plus the samplers! You can't beat that deal.

Here is a link to the store where you can buy it:

Jessica's Portion:

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18702&cat=0&page=1

Krista's Portion:

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18703&cat=0&page=1

Please say HELLO and be sure to thank Jessica and Krista for their generosity.

Clip Me Clusters by Cherie Shields

Love these clipped clusters. So pretty, and best of all, it has a label to include a date, name or place. If you would like to download it, the link is listed below. Be sure to leave a thank you note when you get it. 998

http://scrapittydoodah.blogspot.com/2007/07/pretty-little-something-i-know-ive-been.html

Manic Monday by Corina Nielsen

Aren't these papers gorgeous? Corina (sells at Funky Playground) just posted these papers for 24 hours only. Hurry on over and be sure to say Hello to me and thank you to her when you download!

http://corina.typepad.com/itsallaboutme/2007/07/monday-monday-m.html

Movie Star sighting!

This is my daughter, Kaylie. Can you believe this girl is 6 years old. She looks so grown-up. She is sweet as can be, but oh so girlie! Check out those fab heart glasses and that hot pink/fuschia head band. She wants to be grown up so badly.

Fun at the Pool

A splashing good time.


Liam in the hot tub.


Daddy teaching Kaylie to swim.

Kaylie jumping in the pool into Daddy's waiting arms.

Kaylie's braided hair.

DH got an invitation from a friend at work for a pool party. We didn't tell the kids about it until it was time to leave otherwise they would would have hounded us to death about it. Boy, they sure can harp on something mercilessly.

Kaylie has so much hair that it would have made her too hot, so the best course was to braid it to keep it off of her face and neck. She looked adorable! Then, I snuck upstairs and packed the towels and swimsuits away. She was so curious and kept asking what I had in my bag...but I wouldn't budge.

When we arrived to our destination and the kids saw the pool, their eyes opened up really big and Kaylie said to me, "I sure wish I had my swimsuit now." Imagine her surprise to discover that I did have it and that she could swim in the pool. Neither of them know how to swim, but had a great time splashing around and dunking under the water.

She loves her bathing suit. It is brown, turquoise blue, white, green and brown. It looks so good on her because the colors are so bright and really go well with her skin tone. It is a three-piece suit and dh hated it. He thought it was too revealing for a little girl. But it does have a cute skirt to cover up. I love that the top is adjustable both at the top and at the bottom. She looks smashing, but then again I am biased.

Not only was there a pool, but they also had a hot tub. Liam and Kaylie enjoyed spending time there, they especially like the jets, which tickled their backs. I was watching Liam like a hawk because he has to turn every knob, put his finger in every hole and pull everything that is loose. The clean water intake opening was of interest to him...I was terrified that his hand would get sucked in and damaged somehow.

Liam is my adventurous one and kept trying to go to the deeper side of the pool. I asked him to stay close to the edge of the pool, but he kept getting close to a couple of older girls. He would cover his nose and dive under. He loved to splash water.

The food was terrific, too. Chips, pretzels, tortilla chips, raw veggies, dips, sauces. They had hotdogs, burgers, baked beans, macaroni salad, cole slaw, mashed potatoes, chicken, ribs and sausages. The pastries were wonderful, too.

A good time was had by all and the kids can't wait to hit the pool again.

S if for Shabby Princess

Rhonna Penner has a beautiful kit available at Shabby Princess. The colors are gorgeous, as are her designs. Want to add it to your collection? Follow the link:

http://www.shabbyprincess.com/downloads/expressyourself/express-yourself.asp

Please stop long enough to say HELLO to me before heading over. :) 939

A Visit To Long Bridge Park

I just love these yellow flowers. The wasps were all over them. 905


Today the temperature hit 92 degrees. There was a faint breeze but was humid. I took the kids to the park on a nature walk and then to the playground.

As we walked along the path, we spotted flowers of all kinds and insects. Moths, frogs, dragonflies and wasps were the order of the day. After we walked for a while, we returned to the playground and the kids playing in the swings for a bit.

Last year around this time the frogs were hatching and were everywhere. One had to walk carefully to avoid squashing them. I guess this year due to lack of rain they haven't hatched in droves like they did last year. However, we still managed to find 2 or 3 hopping around the pond. They are so tiny and so cute...even Kaylie got a chance to catch one. (This is Kaylie's hand holding the frog)

If you would like to learn more about frogs, here is a link for you:
http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Themes/frogs/

We stopped at the store and got pizza dough and pizza sauce to make a pizza at home. MMMM, it was so good. I rolled the dough, stretched it to fit the pan, then added ham and mozarella cheese (Kaylie calls it Monsterella cheese- LOL), pizza sauce and then into the oven. 20 minutes later the perfectly toasted and tasty pizza comes out. The perfect ending to a great day.


Remember a few weeks back I was telling you that we had a Gypsy Moth Caterpillar infectation? The moths are everywhere now. And you can still see remnants of a caterpillar in the picture, along with 3 moths.


Aren't these flowers absolutely gorgeous? Their colors are so vibrant.



How about these babies? Aren't they captivating?

Don't these berries look luscious?

F is for Freebie

I adore these swirls and star brads! Sylvie is so talented and really the loveliest person, too.

If you would like to download this sampler, then go over to her blog to get it. Be sure to leave her a thank you note.

http://sausanscraps.blogspot.com/2007/07/happy-independence-day.html

Don't be a stranger and say hello to me, too! 879

Two Little Monkeys - Scraplift Challenge at Scrapbook-Graphics

When I saw Edhish's layout in the gallery, I loved it at first sight. The monkey stickers she used were fab! Anyway, it was chosen as the scraplift layout of the week and here is my version of her page. Obviously, the two little monkeys in the pict. are Kay and Liam climbing the tree in our backyard. Liam is the more adventurous of the two and wants to climb the highest. You can see him here looking at the scratches he got while climbing and rubbing against the tree. You would think that this will stop him, but it doesn't. He remembers at nighttime and that is the time that he will claim that it hurts. :) Boys will be boys, or so I have been told.

If you would like to see the credits, click on the gallery links of the upper right hand side and be sure to say HELLO if you stop by.

Explore

Here is my favorite picture in a layout. I wanted to keep it nice and simple to enable the wonder and simplicity of the moment shine through. If you would like to see the credits, click on the gallery links on the upper right hand corner.

If you stop by, please say Hello.

F is for Fabulous Time at the Creek!

As I was walking I spotted this little squirrel. Yes, I see you too!



Aren't these flowers gorgeous? I love it when I am able to see the stamens so clearly.




These babies here are beautiful! And there were 2 bees on it. I so love nature photography.



This is my most favorite picture of the kids. They were by the edge of the Rancocas Creek fishing out leaves. It was a beautiful cool day and the only thing you could hear were the chirping birds. Oh, to be a kid again and enjoy this type of simplicity.

F is for Frustrated!

I have been trying since yesterday to post my pictures and layouts to Blogger but couldn't. Even trying to get to the help page from the home page was difficult. I tried doing all the things they suggested, but nothing worked. This morning I was trying to email them for help, but I couldn't get through. Don't really know what the problem was but it seems to be working now.

Yesterday, I could reach my blog, but couldn't sign in. I tried to leave messages on other people's blogs, but couldn't. Oh well, what is one to do?

My Little Pilot - Boy Oh Boy by Sausan Designs

Sylvie Wagner/Sausan Designs just came out with a wonderful kit for boys! Hurray! I love the colors, the design of the papers and the cute airplane. This is by far one of my most favorites kits of Sylvie.

Boy oh Boy page set by Sausan Designs http://tinyurl.com/244q24
Shimmer Shoppe: Shimmer Dust by Kristin Cronin-Barrow at SBG http://tinyurl.com/2htlbq
Sketch by Becky Fleck. ont: FG Clara, FG Amelia

Jungle Boogie by Kay Miller

Kay Miller has done it again! I love, love, love her Jungle Boogie kit! Did I tell you I love that kit?! It is chuck full of awesome graphics and beautiful colors/designs. Her quickpages are so colorful and perfect... If you want to see her stuff, look for her link on the right hand side of my blog...you can't miss it!

Desktop Calendar Challenge at Scrapbook-Graphics

I did this for a challenge at Scrapbook-Graphics. I am ahead of the game for a change! Supplies: Basic Americana page set by Dana Frantz here at Scrapbook-Graphics. http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18604&cat=0&page=1

Template and swirls by Traci Blankenship. (Tx.)

Another freebie! Baba Kit by Chickypow Designs

Aren't these colors gorgeous? And look at those flowers and ribbons...they are marvelous. Best yet, it is free. Follow the link and be sure to leave a thank you note when you download.

http://chickypow.squarespace.com/chickypow-home/2007/6/26/im-here-free-kit.html

Freebie by Fernlili - Ripped Paper Tags

Fernlili has a really cute ripped paper tags element set in her blog. The link is listed below...pls. leave her a thank you note if you download.

http://fernlilisdigitaldesigns.blogspot.com/2007/06/pictures.html

Freebie of the day: Michelle Coleman's Shabby Blue

I have been an admired of Michelle Coleman since her days when she went under the logo of Second Mile Designs. She then joined ScrapArtist, and is now at Little Dreamer Designs. One thing is for sure, she is an awesome designer and has gotten even better. But enough about her, check out these papers! Best part....they are free! Here is a link to her blog. Please leave her a thank you note if you download. And while there, check out the current challenge and you must stop by her shop, but only if you have $$ because you will want everything in her shop.

http://littledreamerdesigns.typepad.com/little_dreamer_designs/2007/06/challenge----sc.html

Sometimes Life Can Be So Unfair

A Song In My Heart page set, by Amy Blesser, Scrapbook-Bytes http://tinyurl.com/ywogmb
Everyday Templates #5, by Amy Blesser, A Cherry On Top, http://tinyurl.com/2e79rf
Torn Out and Curled paper templates, Jenn Caputo, SBG, http://tinyurl.com/2r3sdy
Safetypin Alpha by Faith True.
Font: Petrascript

15 Minutes of Fame

Last year, while at our local stumping grounds, Smithville Park/Rancocas Creek, we were skipping pebbles in the Creek when Liam engaged in conversation with a young fellow, who turned out to be Douglass Bovitt, a photographer for The Courier Post, here in South Jersey. He hit it off with Douglas and next thing you know he asked me if he could take a few photos of the kids. There were no guarantees that the photos would make it to print, but they did! The kids were thrilled to see themselves published in the newspaper.
(Headline, photo and journaling are clippings from the actual newspaper article.)

Template by Tracy Blankenship.
Woven heart template by Jen Caputo at SBG
Stars and Stripes by Doris Castle at ScrapWow

Wildflowers by Krista

Krista has a beautiful kit titled, Wildflowers. Its palette of creamy yellow and soft purple is so pretty. Follow the link to download the kit, and leave a comment if you download. And while there, check out her wonderful kits at her shop...

http://heyitsjustme-krista.blogspot.com/2007/06/i-put-little-kit-together-for-you.html

Hurray! Sharon is having a sale!

KSharonK Designs is having a sale. I love Sharon's clean style and wonderful designs.

She has this sampler, Boy Stuff, that you must get. Follow the link to download your copy. Be sure to leave her a thank you note.

http://artisticmusings.typepad.com/artistic_musings/2007/06/its-a-sale.html

Heart Sticker by Carrie

Carrie made the cutest and most colorful stickers ever! They are so funky and so fun! If you want to get them, follow the link and please leave her some love!

http://thebombrias.blogspot.com/2007/06/tgif.html

America the Beautiful Freebie:

I love Americana kits. Amanda has a beautiful sample entitled, America the Beautiful. Check it out at Digital Scrapbook Pages. http://www.digitalscrapbookpages.com/digitals/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=104
You have to be logged in the store to be able to download.

This is the kid's first trip to the beach!

Credits: He'll Break Your Heart page set, by Traci Reed, SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18564&cat=0&page=1
Sketch Collection 18 by Jen Caputo, SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18196&cat=0&page=1
Doodled arrow by Sausan Designs, SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16942&cat=0&page=2
Net and starfish from Terry Maruca's Beach kit at SBB.
Font: Century Gothic

Construction Paper Stickers!

Aren't these construction paper stickers the cutest?! You can find it at Fernlili's blog. Be sure to leave her a note if you download it. Kait

http://fernlilisdigitaldesigns.blogspot.com/2007/06/no-title.html

Sticker Freebies

Misty Cato has a cute set of stickers to decorate your children's layouts.

You can find them here. Be sure to leave her a comment if you download it. Kait

http://mistycatodesigns.blogspot.com/2007/06/planning-for-our-move-and-kiddie.html

Scraplift Chall. @t Scrapbook-Graphics! Jellyfish!

Facts: Jellyfish are marine invertebrates belonging to the Scyphozoan class. The body of an adult jellyfish is composed of a bell-shaped, jelly producing substance enclosing its internal structure, from which the creature's tentacles are suspended. Each tentacle is covered with stinging cells (cnidocytes) that can sting or kill other animals: most jellyfish use them to secure prey or as a defense mechanism. Others, such as Rhizostomae, do not have tentacles at all.

To compensate for a lack of basic sensory organs and a brain, the jellyfish exploits its nervous system and rhopalia to perceive stimuli, such as light or odor, and orchestrate expedient responses. In its adult form, it is composed of 94–98% water and can be found in every ocean in the world. Some jelly fish do have these body parts such as the box jelly fish.

LeJardin Page set, by Doris Castle at SBG (cream colored and yellow pprs.)
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17699&cat=0&page=2
Sentimetental Sophistica by Doris Castle at SBG (Royal blue and floral print pprs.)
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17256&cat=0&page=1
Hand-stamped Antique Alpha, by Meredith Fenwick, SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17010&cat=0&page=1
Acqua Elements by Sausan Designs at SBG (Ribbon with Star)
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18508&cat=0&page=1

Curled border and Action set by Marcie Reckinger/Tracy Murphy
Font: Jotterscript

Happy Birthday Maya!

This is a card I made for Maya, designer and owner of Scrapbook-Graphics!

She turned 45 years old.

I hope you have a wonderful day and that all your wishes come true.

If you would like to see the credits and links to purchase the kit I used, click on the Scrapbook-Graphics link on the right hand side.

Freebie Alert: Aged Ephemera

Check out this lovely kit, which is free!

Below is the link where you can get it; leave her a comment if you download.
http://pjsthoughtsofrandomness.blogspot.com/2007/06/aged-ephemera-freebie.html

Surfing!

Sylvie Wagner/Sausan designs just came out with the most awesome kit ever. The colors are gorgeous and the elements fantastic. She is so talented and unconventional. I love, love, love that her designs are different than the norm...a treat in every kit.

Surfing: The act of "riding" a wave front, either on the ocean or in whitewater rapidsCatch a Wave and your sitting on top of the world.

ACQUA, by Sausan Designs @ Scrapbook-Graphics

IS FOR LABELS, by Meredith Fenwick @ SBGNAKED STAMP SHEETS, by Meredith Fenwick @ SBG

Font: RW Writing, Problem SecretaryPhoto courtesy of Kevin Connors.Thank you for looking. Kait

Realistic Shadows Tutorial

Misty Cato just posted a realistic shadows tutorial on her blog. Go check it out!

http://mistycatodesigns.blogspot.com/2007/06/realistic-drop-shadows.html