Wednesday, September 19, 2007

W is for Wretched Computer

Hello Everyone!
No, I am not dead...if you haven't seen me is because I am trying to get my house in order, as well as optimize my computer.

My dh comes home, looks around assessing the space and the asks me the same question, "What Have You Done Today?"

It irks me that just because things are not getting done fast, or are not drastically different, he assumes I am sitting on my derriere playing on the computer all day.

I think I might have the FLYLADY have a talk with him and make him understand that what took 6 years (AND 2 adults and 2 kids) to do can not be undone in 1 week.

But, I am doing much better. I took a bag of clothing to the Vietnam Vets charity bin. 1 full bag of clothes in the trash. 4 other bags of stuff that I no longer want. I have been putting away the summer things, to make room for winter. And the ironing, oh my. Will have to remind myself to look for wrinkle free fabrics on my next shopping trip. :)

Now, getting back to my computer. I have a 180gb hard drive and a 500gb internal drive, and am down to like 50gb free space on the 180 and totally out of space on my 500gb drive.

I have been culling files all along and have deleted a ton of stuff. However, I haven't been burning my pages to dvds. So, I am changing all files from psd format to tiff format to reduce space and then burn them to dvd, to then be able to get them off of my 500gb drive. It is time consuming and a pain in the derriere but that is what I get for putting it off. I am multi-tasking though. I let the computer run the program and I do other things in between.

Anyway, I want to burn the dvds now that the files have been converted and fire up my ACDSee 9 and it crashes. I must have tried like 10 times and I can't get it to work. I am frazzled and tired, and desperately want to bash the computer, but if I do, then I won't have anything to play with...so I control my temper.

Anyway, I fretted all day long as to what to do...the obvious answer is get another drive; however, funds are tight in this household. DH works 60 hours a week so I can stay at home so I can't be bitching and complaining when I know that we have priorities to meet first.

At around 10:00, while doing laundry, I remembered that Connie Bensec, deals with ACDSee issues all the time and has a site dedicated to it (SEE THE LINK TO THE SITE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY BLOG), so I contacted her through HELLO. God bless her heart, she was online and directed me to the answer I was looking for. I eagerly followed the directions, which are very thorough and while I couldn't get it to work on the first suggestion, it did work on the 2nd one...the one about the registry...anyway, to make a long story short, I have been burning dvds all day long.

CONNIE BENSEC is fabulous and a great asset to the digiscrap community. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for helping those of us just getting started with ACDsee. I hear good things are happening to her and that an announcement will be forthcoming within a week.

Anyway, now you know why I am not scrapping.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Enabler Alert - Halloween Kits and Embellishments


Tricks by Taran Conyers at SBG
Note of interest: This kit has a frame with branches and vines growing out of it. It has a full moon, a skull and a quickpage. Check out the stapled/stitched ribbons...they are fab!


Hallowbling by Traci Reed and Amy Blesser at SBG
Note of interest: This kit is jam packed with traditional colors and elements. Spiderwebs, ghosts, buttons, jack of lantern, bats...you name it, its got it. The clothes pins are interesting...


Creepy Candy by Brent Boone at SBG
This kit is too cute to be scary! :) I love, love, love the ghost peeking out, the bat and the supercute spider coming down the web. While this is a Halloween kit, the plain pprs. can be used for other types of pages, too. You got to check this kit...


Bootown by Dana Frantz at SBG
Check out the web overlay on this baby! Love the patches and creepy sayings; it also comes with an alpha. Hurry, it is on sale but the reduced price won't last long!

Oh my, have you seen the latest Halloween kits to hit the stores...they are fab! I can't wait for my kids to get dressed for Halloween...I got my stash ready to go.



So, without further ado, I share with you my pick of must have Halloween kits.

Enabler Alert - My Must Haves of the Day...


Folded Scalloped Mattes by Jen Caputo at Scrapbook-Graphics
If you are in the market for innovative and fun mattes, then look no further! These are the must-have mattes of the season. Can you see the attention to detail that Jen put into these babies. Look closer...see the scallops - can you see how some of them are folded over? Jen is so innovative in her designs...I can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeves!


TP Peking Chicken Fingers Font by Taran Conyers at Scrapbook-Graphics
I just love the clever names that Taran assigns to her fonts! Isn't this a funny name? I love the clean and neat look of this font. It would be great for journaling.



Jot It Down 2 by Trish Jones at Scrapbook-Graphics
I got to tell you I am loving these notes. They are fun and not your typical run of the mill notes. I like Trish's outside the box thinking on these! But don't take my word for it, get them and tell me I am wrong.


Flowers in the Garden by Bren Taylor Boone at Scrapbook-Graphics
Aren't these flowers absolutely gorgeous? I love their vibrant colors. These beauties are sure to spice up any page.

Monday, September 17, 2007

A Day To Remember by Merkeley Designs at Oscraps


Merkee is selling at Oscraps. This is her introduction sampler. Isn't it beautiful. I love the colors and the frames. Thanks Merkee and much success in your new store.

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Sunday, September 16, 2007

Romance kit by Petit Moineaux


I love this color scheme and those hearts! Thanks!

Halloween Friends by Dani Mogstad


Aren't they cute? Can't wait for Halloween so I can use them!

Artistic Fall by E-scapeandscrap.net




The fabulous Julie Mead, along with Kay Eflin, Karen Aicken, Ruth Davis and Betty Jo Martin, have designed this wonderful e-part kit titled Artistic Fall. What gorgeous colors and elements. Thank you so much ladies for this wonderful kit. Be sure to check the store for coordinating kits and elements!
http://www.e-scapeandscrap.net/FunandFree.htm
Link to the store: http://www.e-scapeandscrap.net/boutique/index.php

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Studio Bren Boone is Open!


I am so excited that Bren Boone gave up her sabbatical and joined the Studio Girls at Scrapbook-Graphics! Her store opens today. She is super talented and has an eye for color. Love, love, love her stuff.

Above is a preview of her work in the store, along with a link so you can see it up close and personal: http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=33
Her stuff has a 20 percent discount on Saturday, 9/15 and Sunday, 9/16 only....hurry!

Say What? I Don't Need Your Attitude


Here is a page I made using wordart by Trish Jones from the Say What? mega kit.

Credits: Wordart by Trish Jones from Say What? Collaboration kit by The Studio Girls
A Certain Panache Revisited and A Certain Panache - Solids, by Carrie Stephens
Template from Launchpad #6 (modified) by Bree Clarkson
Staples by Kathy Moore; Font: Times New Roman

Say What? Is at the Store! I have a Coupon Code!


Now on sale, the Studio Girls’ latest collaboration, Say What?…a collection of over 100 pieces of custom-made word art to cover just about every occasion.

Use coupon code isaidit07 to get this $15.00 package for just $9.99.
Coupon expires October 15, 2007.
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Friday, September 14, 2007

Dollar Days at Lettering Delights


If you are a fan of Lettering Delights fonts, then now is the time to go shopping! Their fonts, usually sold for $3.99 and up are on sale for $1.00 US dollar each. Below is a link so you can check it out...

Sequin Flowers


These sequin flowers are fab...and you even get to mix and match!
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Say What? WordArt Mega Kit by the Studio Girls at Scrapbook-Graphics


Rumor has it that the Studio Girls at Scrapbook-Graphics will be unveiling their latest kit, titled "Say What?" It is supposed to hit the store tomorrow; there will also be a COUPON FOR $5.00 off of the purchase price. It has about 100 quotes/words/titles . You can't beat that! As we all know, coming up with quotes and good wordart for your pages is often time consuming and hard...this collaboration has 15 topics such as emotions, nature, pets, memories, dreams, kids, weather, humor and more.

Our Lives are Stitched Together


For me, as a parent, there is no greater joy than to watch my children enjoying themselves. When we go on excursions to Smith’s Woods, they walk ahead of me and explore everything that tickles their fancy.
I enjoy watching them from a distance just being themselves. Each new story and adventure brings them closer together.
Our lives truly are stitched together with love, as there isn’t anything that I wouldn’t give up or do for them. July 2, 2007

Whispers kit by Doris Castle, SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17604&cat=0&page=1
Launchpad Pads Collection 14 by Bree Clarkson, SBG
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=19089&cat=0&page=1
Word art by Taran Conyers from SAY WHAT? Mega Kit by the Studio Girls available Saturday, 9/15/07. 260

ButterflyWings 3 at Cottage Arts


Isn't this a cute page? This is Kaylie on her first day of school. She is now in First Grade. I used the Butterfly Wings 3Pak at Cottage Arts. The "school" alpha is by Traci Reed at Scrapbook-Graphics. The "K" was done with an alpha template by Janet Phillips at Scrapbook-Graphics.



Another page with the Butterfly Wings Kit, which I just love!

Falling Leaves by Mira


If you know me, you know that orange is my favorite color and that Autumn is my most favorite season. Thanks, Mira, for the gorgoeus add-on!

Wrapped Frame by KimB


This frame is gorgeous!!! I love the wrapped ribbons, too. Thanks, Kim!

Thankful by Krista


Wow, isn't this orange color gorgeous? I love the scallop edge frame, too. Awesome job, Krista!
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Thursday, September 13, 2007

Calendar Pages and Butterfly Pak 3 at Cottage Arts



2008 CD Case Calendars can be purchased here:
http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/20cdcacapak1.html

The last 2 layouts on the slide show were done with the Butterfly Wings 3 Pak with Alpha from CottageArts. See link below.

Butterfly Wings 3 Pak with Alpha can be seen and purchased here:
http://cottagearts-net.stores.yahoo.net/buwi3pakw.html
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