Big Girl Panties by Sausan Designs and Trish Jones at SBG and a CONTEST

Wow, isn't this kit gorgeous? It has the most luscious colors; I love it, I love it, I love it!

RUN TO GRAB this awesome kit NOW at 30% off!! (only till Friday the 3rd) Don't wet ya panties on the wayGrab the kit here:

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18955&cat=0&page=1

PLAY ALONG WITH US TO WIN First Prize is a kit of YOUR choice from both Sausan Designs and Trish Jones DesignsSecond Prize is a kit of YOUR choice from Sausan DesignsThird Prize is a kit of YOUR choice from Trish Jones DesignsMake sure you post your layouts by Monday the sixth (6) August at the Scrapbook-Graphics gallery under the Big Girl Panties Contest

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=3147

Feeling Blue by Lena

What a beautiful shade of blue this bg. ppr. has! And those swirls are fab, too. Follow the link to download your copy. Be courteous and say thank you!

http://lenascrap.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-freebie.html 1646

Traci Reed's birthday is today!

Happy birthday, Traci! I hope you have a wonderful day and that all your wishes come true.

The Studio Crew celebrated Traci's birthday by giving her her own blog play day. Most of the crew made layouts featuring her layouts. The one thing you can say about Traci's kits is that they are bright and oh so fun! Aren't the colors of my layout just wonderful? I was lucky to get this great photo of Liam...the colors are so vibrant and the splashing motion creates such movement. If you want to see it bigger and links, click on the gallery links on the upper right corner of the blog.

Thanks for looking and have a great day. 1578

Butterfly Wings Pk. 2 at Cottage Arts

Isn't this layout pretty? I just love, love, love its colors, stitched frame and brushes. It is called Butterfly Wings Pk. 2 found at CottageArts.net.

I also fell in love with an alpha pack: Elgant Alphas Pk. 1, which has 4 alphas! I used theBronze Bubbles Alpha for this layout, but can't wait to use the others. They have a classic, vintage look to them that appeals to me.

Scraplift Challenge at SBG: BombPop Lover

So, what do you think? Is it too cluttered? I love those naked stamps by Meredith. I was able to use a bg. ppr. from the kit (Little Summer Breeze by Sausan Designs and Amy Martin at the LilyPad) to cover the stamp. Aren't these colors just gorgeous? I am in LOVE with this kit. I have used it 2 times already! LOL

Anyway, these stamps are great because they allow you to include lots of photos to help tell a story. In this case, you can see the progression from when Kaylie started eating her bombpop, as it gradually got smaller, ending with a happy girl all the way on the upper right hand corner.
Did I tell you I love this color scheme?

After 2 years, I think I am finally getting the hang of putting together pleasing pages. I can't believe it has taken me that long to come into my own style, whatever that is. Anyway, I got to go wake up the kids for summer camp. See you later. Ciao!
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Floral Grunge Overlay by LB

Isn't this the cutest overlay ever? Well, maybe not ever, but it is lovely nonetheless...follow the link to get your own. Remember to say hello and thank you!

http://lbcreations.blogspot.com/2007/07/saturday-tid-bits-and-freebie-of-course.html

Overlays by Kirsty Wiseman

Kirsty has some of the best overlays around...handsdown! Follow the link to get your own...there are 2 of them today. And don't forget to say hello and thank you!

http://limegreenbogiegirl.blogspot.com/2007/07/foody-food-food-burp.html

Dirty Wine Cellar Papers by Lisa Marie

Isn't this paperpack gorgeous? I love the distressed/rusty colors...awesome job Lisa Marie!
If you would like your own, follow the link. Don't forget to say Hello and thank you.
http://www.gypsy-couture.com/?cat=1

Template by Sarah

Sarah has a super cool template for you. Follow the link to download your copy. Don't forget to say hello and thank you!

http://simplysarahdesigns.blogspot.com/2007/07/layered-template-6.html

Ramona's Week2, Chall1 of the ADSR

This is Ramona's entry for Week 2, Chall. 1 of the Amazing Digi Scrap Race. She chose the theme :Queen of the World: If you would like to see the credits, click on the gallery links on the upper right hand side of the blog.

I just love the colors, pressed flowers and vintage frames. Good job, Ramona!

Trendy Little Girl - Scraplift of Michelle Godin at Scrapbook-Graphics

This is my layout for Studio Start #52, scraplift Michelle Godin at Scrapbook-Graphics. I used the Marilla Collection (which I raved about about a month ago).

Anyway, this photo was taken back in July 08th...I can't recall where we were going, but Kaylie looked so cute with her new shirt, head band and super cool glasses.

As anyone who knows me knows, I am not a very girly person...but I do enjoy buying pretty dresses and outfits for her. You name it, blouses, skorts, sandals, socks, dresses, purses or anything else girly, she has it. I didn't have any of these things when I was growing up, so I do it for her.

Chall. 4 for the Amazing Digi Scrap Race: Goals

This is my layout for the Goals challenge (week 2, chall. 2) at Plain Digital Scrapping. Sylvie's kit LITTLE SUMMER BREEZE, with its luscious colors was perfect for my page. I have had the kit for several weeks now just waiting for the right opportunity to come along and it is here, at last!

Boy oh boy do I love that alpha! The distressed look and folded bits are just wonderful! The flowers are funky and beautiful, but I absolutely went bonkers for the cardboard stitched flowers and the coral/red bg. ppr. I am starting to sound like my friend, Kim, who tends to like one specific item from a kit and uses it in each layout that she makes for a while. I do like it when she obsesses as she can be very creative.

Anyway, I am very happy to be done with my challenges. Now I can breathe at ease again. 1488

X-File Case#2007-1: It Came From Outer Space

O.K. I admit it, I am a huge fan of the x-files...especially Agent Fox Mulder, kwim? :)

Anyway, about a month ago or so, Becky had told us that she had this photo but didn't know what to do with it. I loved it right away and asked her to send it to me so I could make a page for her. Well, I sat and sat and sat on it until it came to me today what to do with it. The slime started off as my inspiration...that neon green is fab! Then I could picture a tiny green alien and little by little my page came together. I just love those space doodles by Kate Hadfield at the LilyPad. I can't believe how well the papers from Kathy Moore's Just a Boy kit matched the doodles! Becky loved the page; I am so happy that she did. It was fun to scrap someone else's photo for a change.

Anyway, if you want to see it bigger and the credits, click on the gallery links on the upper right hand corner of the blog.

More Melon! by Lindsay Jane

Aren't these colors gorgeous? I love orange, blue and green...just perfect! If you like it as much as I do, follow the link and don't forget to say Hello and Thank you!

http://lindsayjanedesigns.blogspot.com/2007/07/more-melon-papers.html

Amazing DigiScrap Race, Week 2, Chal. 1

This is my layout for week 2, challenge 1. I am loving these challenges as it forces me to think outside the box.

If you would like to see the layout upclose, click the links to my galleries where you will see a bigger version and full credits. 1390

Blue Bay Cottage By Krista

Krista has some serious talent. Check out this sampler she is giving away. I have seen kits by designers sold at the store that do not compare to this one in beauty and detail. I see big things for her in the not so distant future. Follow the link to download it, and don't forget to say thank you!

http://heyitsjustme-krista.blogspot.com/2007/07/here-is-giveaway-for-you-i-have-to-say.html

Ramona's ADSR Challenge 1

Ramona did a wonderful job on her museum layout. I love the bg. ppr., vintage frames, the great photos...and those extractions are just fabulous.

http://www.ndisb.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2013

If you want to see this layout at the DST gallery, click on the gallery link at the upper right hand corner of the blog.

This summer has been a bit trying. The boys seem to be bickering more than normal and pushing the boundaries just to see what I will do. So when we took a trip to our local museum, and they were able to dig for dinosaur bones without the normal fussing and fighting,I was happy!

ASDR Challenge 2

Our entry for the 2nd challenge for the AMAZING DIGI SCRAP RACE.

True friendship is a gift that is given without the expectation of anything in return. Instead the reward is the friendship itself."

If you would like to see the credits, click on the gallery links on the upper right hand corner of the blog.

Stitched Alpha by Pamela McNicol

Love this alpha! If you would like it, follow this link. Don't forget to say Hello and thank you!

http://princesspamela.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/07/stitched-alpha.html

Reverie Add-on by Weeds and Wildflowers

I am a big fan of Weeds and Wildflowers. They kits are fabulous! I like each and every kit they have in the store. Too bad I chickened out and didn't apply for a ct position when they had their call. :( However, I am extremely happy at SBG and wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize, let me rephrase, interfere with my SBG gig.

They have an add-on to the Reverie kit, which can be downloaded here:

http://weedsandwildflowersdesign.typepad.com/home/2007/07/its-our-big-bir.html

Template by Shandy

I just love templates, and this one by Shandy is fab! If you want it, follow this link!

http://digitizedcreations.blogspot.com/2007/07/template-freebie.html

The free overlay from a couple of days ago is still available, if you haven't downloaded it yet...

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Debbie Pearson's Farewell Blog Play Day - HE SCORES!

Debbie will be leaving Scrapbook-Graphics at the end of July. The studio crew decided to do a blog playday where everyone selected a kit from Debbie's studio and created a page. If you like any of the kits be sure to grab them quick as she will be retiring them and who knows if they ever make a comeback.

Journaling: Kaylie and Liam were thrilled that Frank, our neighbor from across the street, gave them this basketball hoop and ball. The kids had a great time dribbling the ball, passing it around and scoring points. They had fun even if they missed more shots than they dunked. Boy, did they ever get a work out chasing after the ball! 7/15/2007

Basketball page set by Debbie Pearson at SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16312&cat=0&page=1
Summer Picnic Stapled Alpha by Traci Collins (Retrodiva)
Template from grabbag #1 (June) by Rachael Giallongo @ TheDigiShoppe:
Font: Times New Roman
Star by KSharonKDesigns, Bubba kit (sampler)
Magical stars by Doris Castle. 1343

Sizzlin' Summer; Cabana Bliss by Doris Castle

I just looooooove Doris' paper back, Cabana Bliss. I couldn't wait to get it to scrap these picts. of Kaylie's new swimsuit and pool photos. They were perfect!

Cabana Bliss paper pack by Doris Castle at SBG; Swirl - freebie to paper pack by Doris Castle
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18738&cat=0&page=1
Butterfly: Springy Thingz Stickers and Brushes by Traci Sims @ SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=18742&cat=0&page=1
Sizzlin' Summer word art by Tina Chambers at DsPlace.
Blue Fish by Janosch
Yellow sun behind the circle is by Fernlili.
“Offset” Template by Rachael Giallongo from her June 2007 grabbag at the DigiShoppe
Font: Georgia
Backward staple by Jen Patricks.

Watercolor Splatters by Mandy

I love these splatters. I know you do, too, so here is a link where you can get your own! Be sure to say hello and thank you!


http://mandykoontz.blogspot.com/2007/07/we-finally-have-rain-today.html
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My First Flowers by Verera at Digital Freebies

Verena, from Digital Freebies, has a very pretty kit perfect for those summer pictures. Here is a link where you can download it - http://www.digitalfreebies.com/freebies.php 1317

Funny Stitches by Natali - (I think she means Funky)

I like that these stitches are not the run of the mill stitches. Here is a link where you can get your own copy.

http://scrapwithnatali.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-freebie-for-youu.html

Be sure to say HELLO and THANK YOU!

Negative Strip Sampler by Cherie Shields

Isn't this the cutest negative strip? If you like it, follow the link to download it.

http://scrapittydoodah.blogspot.com/2007/07/is-it-bad-sign-when-your-3-yo-knows-how.html

Be sure to say thank you as you download it.

Scraplift Challenge at Scrapbook-Graphics: Tender Kiss

This is my layout for the scraplift challenge over at Scrapbook-Graphics. Aren't the kids cute? I love it when they are affectionate with one another though it is usually one-sided. Kaylie is a sweet girl, while Liam is more aloof. She is timid, while he is social. They sure make my life interesting, that is for sure.

Links to the stuff I used are in my DST/SBG galleries, which you can access through the links on the upper right hand corner of my blog.

1308

Friday Freebie by KSharonKDesigns

Darn, Sharon is good! I just adore her style of design, fresh colors and clean design. She also has a set of notepapers that are a must have!

Today's sampler is Fancy Free, which you can download here: http://artisticmusings.typepad.com/artistic_musings/2007/07/fancy-free.html

Be sure to leave a thank you note!

Debbie Pearson is Retiring :(

I just read in Debbie's blog that she is retiring from designing. She is a wonderful designer and an even better human being. She will be missed.

http://www.debpearson.blogs.com/

I became aware of Debbie when she was an exclusive designer at Scrapbook-Elements. Also, way back when MamaTurtle used to have her own site and had chats all week, Debbie had her first chat....I still remember the kit she gave out - Beauty Kit
And the question she asked...What was the name of her granddaughter - Aria

In the meantime, check out her designs as they will be retired at the end of July not to be seen again.

http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=3

These are the items that I got from her shop:

Sing Spring:
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17845&cat=0&page=1

May Day
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17836&cat=0&page=2

Spring Delite
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17827&cat=0&page=2

Baksetball
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16312&cat=0&page=11

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AMAZING DIGI SCRAP RACE - CHALLENGE 1

The First Commuter Rail Line In The Country

Credits:
Old World page set by Maya @ Scrapbook-Graphics
Covered stamps by Meredith Fenwick @ Scrapbook-Graphics
Typewriter Alpha by Traci Reed @ Scrapbook-Graphics
Font: AL Gettysburg, Vaguely Repulsive
Stitching from Little Summer Breeze kit by Amy Martin and Sausan Designs @ The Lily Pad.
Staple from Michelle Godin’s Marilla element set at Scrapbok-Graphics
Pink flowers (recolored) from Traci Sims’ Spring Thingz Stickers and Brushes @ Scrapbook-Graphics
Photo blended in the background is of the H.B. Smith Mansion, now the Smithville Museum.
Excerpts in journaling are from an article entitled, “The Bicycle Railroad,” by Herbert B. Stockinger found at www.americanheritage.com, which was published on April 1992.

Galleries where posted if you would like to take a closer look.
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=15981&cat=587
http://www.ndisb.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1715&cat=500&ppuser=643
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=148590&ppuser=976
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=243989&cat=500&ppuser=19252

You Go Girl Word Art by NursesDesigns

Love that red glitter word...just perfect for a certain little girl in my life...:)

http://nursesdesigns.blogspot.com/2007/07/girls-night-out-kit-and-freebie.html

Sprinkles on Top...new kit by Krista

Sprinkles on top is the latest sampler by Krista. Beautiful colors, cute flowers and a little bit of everything...

Pls. say Hello and Thank you! 1243

http://heyitsjustme-krista.blogspot.com/2007/07/heres-giveaway-for-you-i-just-love-when.html

Template by Lindsay Jane Designs

Lindsay Jane has a cute template over at her blog...follow the link to check it out.

Please say HELLO and THANK YOU! 1242

http://lindsayjanedesigns.blogspot.com/2007/07/template-no-11.html

Cabana Bliss by Doris Castle

Doris Castle has a beautiful paper pack appropriately named Cabana Bliss, which can be found here: http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=8

She also has a sampler that you can download here:

http://www.castle-creations.com/DorisBlog/

Say Hello and dont' forget to say thank you! 1221

Haircut!

On Saturday, I took Kaylie to the hairdresser because her hair is getting so long, and is very, very, very dry. She uses Nexxus shampoo and conditioner, in addition to the serum, but the time she spends out in the sun is doing a number on her hair.

The stylists asked me what I wanted done with her hair and I told her that I just wanted her to trim off a good 3 inches. She had suggested maybe layering the hair so that it appears less bulky, but that would have meant that I wasn't going to be able to pull her hair back in a ponytail or do braids, and that is unacceptable to Kaylie.

The hairdresser asked me if this was Kay's first time getting a haircut that I wanted to take pictures (like I need a reason! :) and I told her no, this is not her first haircut but I like taking pictures and this is as good an ocassion as any. I like to see the before and afters, if truth be told. A good haircut can do wonders sometimes.

Anyway, Kaylie is much happier with her shorter hair...and it is so bouncy! Of course, the true test would be the braids....which of course, were easier to do because the hair is much shorter.

I think she looks great, don't you? 1201

Day Trip Sampler by KSharonK

I have been an admirer of Sharon for a while now. Her layouts are simple, but always gorgeous. Her photos are always fabulous and her kits are fresh with clean lines and design. She sells at pickleberry.com. Here is a link so you can check out her designs for yourself: http://www.pickleberrypop.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=7

This is a sampler from her latest kit; here is a link for her blog, where you can download your copy. But hurry, the download is good for only 100 downloads and then it is over. 1190

.http://artisticmusings.typepad.com/artistic_musings/2007/07/day-trip-anyone.html

Fun at the Pool - Part Deux

We went over to Sidney's house, a friend of Kay's from school. They have an above ground pool, which was shallow, but was the same height as the kids. Kaylie had floaties, but was very scared.


Check out Liam with his floaties! Bratz girls rule! Liam kept saying to me, "Don't tell Daddy that I am using these...too girly for him. LOL



Here is Liam hanging on to a noddle to practice dog paddling.

Here is Kaylie with a noddle practicing getting around, too. They were scared in the beginning but at the end of the 2+ hours that we spent in the pool, they were at ease and happy as fish in water.

Punch Love Sampler by Doris Castle

Doris Castle's latest kit, PUNCH LOVE, is in the store now. She designed a page set, quickpages and wordart. Beautiful colors and design. And best of all, it is on special at the moment at Scrapbook-Graphics.

She has a sampler at her blog that you might want to download. Stop by say Hello and thank you!

http://www.castle-creations.com/DorisBlog/?p=191

A Sampler by Jen Caputo

I love Jen Caputo's templates! She has one that she is giving away in her blog. Follow the link to get it. Be sure to leave her a thank you note! 1157 http://jencaputo.typepad.com/jen_caputo/2007/07/i-made-you-a-pr.html

Crazy Sock Day at Summer Camp

This is the page memorializing the event! If you would like to see the layout up close, click on the gallery links on the upper right hand corner of the blog.



Kaylie and her "wacky" socks.




I just love how colorful her socks are! And the other girl on the left side of the photo layered 3 pairs of socks...I bet her feet were sweating up a storm as it was extremely hot this day.


Liam and his wacky socks: one white and one black.

The kids are in summer camp this year for the first time and have gotten a chance to do so neat things. Wednesday was crazy sock day. Since I don't do wacky, the best they could do was wear different color socks. Liam wore a black one and a white one, while Kaylie wore a white one and a lilac/soft purple one. For their effort, they were rewarded with tattoo stickers.