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...

1358

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
1319

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

1263

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.

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

1102

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.