I had ordered the supplies earlier this week to make a clock for the gals at Scrap Palace. A little grand opening gift of sorts from my mom and I. Well the stuff came today and I am proud to say that I finished it about an hour or so later. Honesty if it weren’t so tricky to get the circle shape cut exactly the way I wanted it than it wouldn’t have taken me nearly as long. Here is a photo of it all done…

For those of you that want to know how I did it, here you go.

The background is a piece of light yellow cardstock edged with white paint. I then cut out the crown and letter portion of the logo out of two different pink cardstock shades. I placed small pieces of green and blue behind the cutouts on the crown to mimic jewels. I painted over those pieces with some stickles glitter glue for some added shimmer. That is all adhered down.

The next layer is a Heidi Swapp transparency that has the actual clock elements on it. I embellished that layer with some chipboard letters, a little bling and some doodles done with white sharpie.

Top all that with the clock hands and then replace the clear dome cover and TA DA! Pretty cute if I do say so myself.

There is a retreat going on there right now, and oh how I wish I was there, lol. I have so much I’d like to get done and lately I just can’t seem to get motivated. Tomorrow I plan to go make an appearance and drop of the clock. Maybe some of the motivation and creativity flowing from the crop area will rub off on me.

Tomorrow we are celebrating Shelby’s 2nd Birthday. I have my fingers crossed for good weather, and as of right now it looks like I’m in the clear. I like to take all the tables outside and do all the celebrating in the yard. The kids have more fun outside and frankly, uhhh, I have more fun with them outside too. Less mess, less noise, less hassle all around really. Anyway, I went to target tonight to get streamers and stuff to decorate a little. Shelby picked pink, of course. Pink streamers, pink plates, pink silverware, and pink napkins. At least the napkins she picked have a pretty pink flower pattern. She also found a little paper princess crown with a bunch of pink fluff at the top. Do you sense a trend here? I think I’m in for trouble with this one.

As most of you locals know, the school down the street from us is being torn down. The new one is up and with that, down comes the old. Well the demo started on Tuesday and had I been the emotional type I can tell ya honestly that I would have cried. Thank goodness I’m not that type, lol. Anyway, they were still plugging away at it today and I suspect they will complete the entire tear down sometime next week.

Today they started taking down what was the original school building. I can’t think of the original build date off the top of my head, but it was long long ago. Over the years the school has been added on to several times to meet the needs of the community but it had gotten to the point where that wasn’t going to cut it anymore. I had been waiting each day and keeping a close eye on the progress checking to see when the original part was going to come down. This afternoon I saw it happening and I ran over there to see if I could grab one or two of the bricks. The men working on the site were nice enough to take a little break and let me take a few that had fallen. I’ve gave them the whole school alumni speech and they guy let me in. I’m sure he heard that same speech at least fifty times over the last week, lol, but at least he faked interest. Anyway, I’ve got one brick still sitting in my car, and I took another over to my father in law, as he went to that school too. I’m going to miss walking in there each day with the kids and having that familiar feeling. There is something so great about having attended the same school before your children, its just a cool feeling. Even though I know we needed a new school, I’m still going to miss the old one!

Well, I’m beat. Frankly I have no idea why I’m so tired. I really didn’t do much of anything today and so I should be full of energy yet, right?

~j

So today is my birthday, and really it doesn’t feel any different.  I’m going out to dinner tonight with Denny, so I’m looking forward to that.  Mmmm Fondue!  Otherwise I really don’t have any plans for the day.  I did get some nice e-cards today from friends and family and I appreciate that!!  I even got one from Coldstone for a free ice cream.  Can’t beat that.

I got my Design Team kit the day before I left for CHA.  I spent some time playing with it yesterday and my new Bind-it-All system.  The kits were full of Reminisce Freedom Collection line, all the papers and some rubons and stickers.  There were also a few coordinating embellishments mixed in too.  I love just about every print from that line.  They are all coated with an iridescent shimmer and they are double sided to boot.

So what did I do with it so far?  Well this little album is the start of the projects I’ll create.  I just put in some photos of the kids at this years 4th of July celebration.  I’m not sure I’m totally done with it.  Looking back on it today I think it needs a little something, just not real sure what at this point.

The album is made of acetate sheets cut 8″x6″ and then bound with a 5/8″ coil.  Each of the sheets has some paint applied to the backside (Ranger Paint Dabber) to help hide any adhesive.  Most of it is adhered with Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L products (EZ Runner, Photo Corners, and Photo Tape) but the double sided papers are adhered with Helmar V2 for the most part.  I went with the V2 because the prints are double sided and that way I would be able to show both sides and not have to adhere another piece to the backside of each page.  Make sense?

Here are the supplies used:  Bazzill Cardstock, Reminisce Papers, Acetate, Ranger Paint Dabber, Bind-it-All Coil, Misc. Ribbons,  Jewels, Rubons, Journaling Stickers, White & Blue Sharpie, Distress Ink, Arcylic Stamps, Prima Flowers, Heidi Swapp Ghost Stars & Chipboard Stars, Brads, American Crafts Thickers, Fabric Snap, Eyelets, and Staples.

I hope to get some cards done today.  Class is quickly approaching and I need to get prepped and ready for that.  If you are still looking for a seat there are some left but I won’t be taking anymore reservations after today.  With all that I have going on if I push registration out any further I’ll loose my mind before I even make it to class.  I prefer to prep everything all at one time.  That method just works better for me and keeps me a little closer to sane.

For those of you that asked for it I have added downloadable project sheets to the site.  You can access them for the tab up top.  You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to view them.  Each sheet contains images, directions and supply information.  I do ask that you only use them for personal use and please don’t alter the documents after you have downloaded them.  Right now I think there are only two projects listed, but I will add more as I have the time.

Well I’m off and running.  I have a bunch of things I’d like to get motivated to do around here today.  The floors need a good washing and I’m behind with the laundry.  Why does it seem like laundry is all I do?  I also need to take a walk down to the school to take photos of day three of the demolition.  See what cool stuff I have planned for my birthday?

Happy Thursday!

~j

HA HA, so now Denny isn’t the only famous person in the house. I may have mentioned this already, but on the first day of CHA Memory Makers/F&W Publications came to the Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L booth to do some filming. I volunteered myself as an extra, lol. Check it out. Not only do you get to see me, but you get to hear all about the new products, including the small 3D Foam squares, which I refer to fondly as “the little baby foam squares.” Am I odd, Maybe? But they are too stinkin’ cute!  You can see it here: CHA Video

In other CHA news I have to tell you that one night I went to the Beatle Mania Concert/Show with my Mom, Jan (from 3L) and Lissa (from 3L).   I have to tell you that this group of impersonators did an awesome job!!!  The music was fantastic and the show all around was a good time.  If I hadn’t been so darn exhausted I might have enjoyed myself even more.  Here is a funny picture of Lissa modeling off her face paint.

In other news I have procrastinated so much that I now have no choice but to go to Secretary of State today to renew my license plates.  I have been planning to do it, and saying I’m going to do it, and yet I still have not and my birthday is tomorrow.  At least I think it’s tomorrow, frankly, at the moment I’m not real sure what day it is.  At least I’m honest.  Seriously, I’ve lost just about any mental capacity I had a few years ago.  Ok, quick check of the calendar and I can now confirm that tomorrow is my birthday.  Yippee for me.  Cheers to standing in line at Secretary of State today and paying for plates.  On that note, what kind of birthday present is that?!!?!?  Am I the only person that finds that somewhat insulting…  “Hey State of Michigan, it’s my birthday, let me give you some money for license plates!”

I’ve also after much consideration decided that I will now start taking applications for the position of my personal assistant.  I need one…  Application must posses:  Scrapbook Abilities, Cleaning Skills, Witty and Sarcastic.  Pay: Zip, lol.  Any takers?   Ok seriously, don’t email me about this, I’m kidding.  Although I really could use some type of slave/twin, I am to much of a personal control freak and I’d make anyone working with me/for me CRAZY with my, “I need to do it myself attitude.”

I need to get moving here.  It’s just about lunch and I’m still in my jammies.  I need to scrap some design team projects and I have a list a mile long of important tasks.  Who knows how long I’ll be in line waiting for plates.  Ack!

~j

I got home today around 4pm, and I’m so glad to be home that not even the two boys rolling around in a ball on the floor trying to kill each other could phase me.  Lately it seems that at least 90% of their time is spent fighting about some silly little thing, and that’s the sound that filled the house when I walked in today.   :???:   The party never stops here apparently.

So another CHA Summer has passed and in the eyes of many it went by far too quickly.  Frankly, a lot of it seems a blur.  There was a ton of new product out there this year, and not just paper and embellishments either.  I ran across the Tattered Angels booth, OMG, awesome stuff.  They have this product called Gimmer Mist.  Wow is all I think I can say.  I was lucky enough to get some samples, but I hope someone local is going to be carrying it so that I can pick up some more.  Go to their website and take a look.  I’m not a real “artsy” type, but even I can use this stuff with some success.  The Glimmer Mist can be sprayed on chipboard, just plain old chipboard, and the transformation is just amazing.  I paint chipboard a lot, but this is a totally different look and I may have come across a new addiction.

My class at Scrap Palace is quickly approaching and I’m really excited about it.  The response has been fantastic, and for that a big thanks to everyone that has registered!  I’m always excited to teach in a new place and reach new students.  This event is no different and I have some great techniques planned to pass on to everyone attending.  There are still some seats left, so if you want to get on the list, be sure to let me know.

Kate and Abby are coming over tomorrow to play with Shelby, Ethan and Dylan.  My kids are thrilled and Dylan can’t wait for “Cake & Abby” to come, lol.  I’m not sure if he calls her Cake because he is just having a hard time with the correct pronunciation, or just because he likes to run around the house yelling “CAKE!”  Ha!!  Anyway, they will be visiting us tomorrow and we will all be so happy to have them.  The kids love having people over to play with and I love that I can give Jeannie a little “time off” to do something for herself.  I hope she spends some time soaking up the silence doing something she enjoys.

I think it is time for me to get to bed.  I’m beat from a day in the car and a whirlwind weekend.

~j

I arrived in Chicago yesterday morning.  Oddly, this year it only took us 5 hours to get here.  Of course it really should only take us 5 hours, but due to our yearly travel misfortune it always ends up taking us up to 9.  We really didn’t hit any trouble at all until we got to Chicago.

I’m one of the super lucky people that gets to work with Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L.  As part of their Certified Instructor Program I get to work with the best adhesives on the market, and also educate other scrapbookers and paper crafters about all sorts of adhesive options and techniques.   Today I filled in at the Make-n-Take table for the lunch hour.  Let me tell you, that booth was CRAZY all day long… non-stop.

There are some new Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L releases for this show… fantastic releases.  One of my favorites would have to be the mini foam squares.  They are 1/4″ square and come in both white and black.  Not only have they made another size foam squares, but they also are available in a variety pack.  Gotta love that!  I’ve been cutting those foam squares apart forever and now I don’t have to anymore.  Yipee. :)  (Yeah, I know it is a little odd that I get so excited about adhesive.)

I spent a lot of time on the show floor today checking things out.  The Queen & Company booth was fantastic and full of fun stuff.  Personally, Queen & Company ranks up there as one of my favorites at every show.  They have come out with a ton of new, cool, and innovative stuff for this show.  Here is a layout the uses some of the product.  Too stinkin’ cute.   This layout uses a ton of the felt product they have out at this show.  Queen & Company has also changed the package on the felt items.  It is much better in my option not only for storage, but for product integrity.  Nothing worse than jamming something back in a package and finding it ruined the next time you try to get it out.  It is now carded instead of rolled.  Perfect if you ask me.  Some of the new felt strips are up to 6″ wide.  There are also loose flower designs and such.

For those of you that are big into home decor you are going to love K & Company.   Here is a photo of a WALL of home decor items.  Coasters, frames, wreaths, oh my!!  All of this product is due to ship this October so you should be seeing it in stores right around that time.  Be sure to keep an eye out for that.  I know I’m excited to play with it myself.  These items will make for some awesome additions to your home decor collections.

Lastly for today, Scenic Paper Route.  I really love their products and this release is no different.  There are some fantastic papers in that booth.  Really great colors, and they are all double sided and a great weight.  Another thing I like so much is that they are all printed on a white core.  For those of you that don’t know what I mean… white core has the print on the top layer of the paper so that when you tear it, sand it, etc., you will see the white exposed as opposed to color all the way through.   This photo shows a layout that uses the white core to add a little pop to the layout.  Exposing the white really makes a big difference in the overall design.

Outside of the show I had a class today and yesterday night.  Last nights class was awesome.  The main focus was on Memory Glass, but I picked up so many great techniques.  I can’t wait to share all the cool stuff that I learned with everyone back home.  This next card class is going to be full of new and fun stuff.  I still have some spots open for students and kits.  Email me to book a spot and I’ll get you on the list for either.

I’m beat so I’m going to call it a night for now.  Have a great night!!

~j

I haven’t hardly had a moments peace today. I’m not a big fan of noise, and well, my house is full of it lately. Yesterday Denny decided he “needed” to build something. There are at least two bi-products of his need to build something that I find really disturbing… 1.) Noise 2.) Mess, I don’t like either one. His project for the day yesterday was partitioning off part of our walk in crawl/basement area and making some little trap door thing to conceal storage, (yes, he thinks he is clever, and for the most part he is). Today, he has decided that after about four years he is finally going to get around to fixing the sophit in the kitchen so that it is even all the way around. As I type this now all I can hear is the rhythmic sound of a nail gun. Argh.

I did escape for a little bit today with Jeannie. We went to drop off some goodies at Scrap Palace of Romeo and then made a quick stop at Artful Scrapbooks in Romeo. I picked up a nice set of rubons and Jeannie found a printed paper she just couldn’t go home without. We made the trip in my Fiero, which Dylan fondly refers to as “Mommy’s Hot Rod” - gotta love that kid. I’m not sure how impressed Jeannie was with my sweet ride, lol, but she didn’t complain about the wind in her hair or the fact that she was practically getting road rash on her butt cheeks. (That car sure is a lot lower to the ground than I remember it being when I was 16!) Anyway, that was the only quiet time I got today, and I had to pay $3.15 a gallon to get it.

Friday Jeannie came over to scrap with me. She made a cute little altered board book and I made a small album out of microscope slides and that MaisyMo tin I picked up in Traverse City last week. I put some photos in it of our visit to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. I did have to cut the length down on the slides a bit to get them to fit.

The tin and each of the slides is tinted with alcohol ink in a light shade of blue and brown. I then applied a rubon to each slide and brushed the edges with some with paint. I then adhered small indexed sized photos and embellished slightly with Heidi Swapp small flower jewels and a white sharpie. All the photos are adhered using an EZ Runner by Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L. The set of slides are strung on a small ball chain made by Making Memories.

The tin itself was coated with a layer of Mod Podge after I inked it just to help protect it from scratches. The lid is embellished with a small trip of cardstock distressed with white paint. On top of the cardstock is a Prima Jeweled sticker and then I stuck some American Crafts Thickers on top of that. It’s a sticker sandwich.

I really like how this came out. I came up with a little something outside of my regular box, and I’m happy with that. I’ve been a very strict scrapper for years and then I let myself go into cards, and then into a few things altered. I’m glad I took the “leap” into something different.

I mentioned this the other day, but I now have time to go over it a bit more… I’ve added Scrap Palace of Romeo to my teaching schedule. I’ll be doing card classes there for now, not sure if that will lead into anything else or not. It will depend a lot on the response. Anyway, I wanted to give the full details here for all of you that are interested. I just dropped off the advertising materials this afternoon which will be available at the Scrap Palace open house this coming weekend. (July 21 - noon to 4pm) If you can’t make that here are the full details:

*****

In this class, held each month at Scrap Palace, you will make 12 unique, and super cute greeting cards to send to your family and friends.Each student will be provided with envelopes for each card, along with all the materials and embellishments needed to assemble each card in class.

Please bring a basic tool kit consisting of adhesive, scissors, and distressing inks along with you to class.
This class is appropriate for all experience levels. As always, if you can’t make the class, kits are available.
To register please contact Jen via phone at 586-649-1614 or email jen@scrapbookhut.com. Registrations are also accepted on location at Scrap Palace of Romeo.
**There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. Cancellations received after that point are responsible for the class fee and will be provided a class kit.**

*****

Back to other news, CHA is quickly approaching and I wanted to share a sneak peek that found it’s way into my inbox the other day. I’m a sucker for cute packaging, and lately I’ve got a thing for clear stamps. So this my friends, is right up my alley!!

The case is approximately 4″ in diameter, so that gives you an idea of the size of the stamps. They come in all sorts of assortments and include and upper and lowercase alphabet. How stinkin’ cute is that???

I love Queen & Company!

That about covers it on my end. I now return to the never ending sounds of the nail gun. Wish me luck in my quest for silence!

~j

I like to do my little part to help the environment, and who doesn’t? I contribute in a lot of ways, and so do a lot of my friends, some more than others (finger points to Miss. Jeannie - a.k.a. Crazy Bottle Recycler). Anyway, as scrapbookers we use a lot of paper, and if you don’t well, then you just aren’t scrapbooking enough, lol. That being said, I try to use up my scraps of paper. I’m not one of those “tree hugging 1 inch square scrap of paper savers” but I do keep things I deem usable. For example during my retreat at scrap palace I made seven cards, one layout, and my flip calender project totally out of scraps of paper that I had saved from layouts I had in progress. Actually some of the scraps weren’t even mine, lol, but ones I pilfered from across the table. *wink* Today I’m posting some of those projects in the hope that I will inspire all of you to look at your scraps in a new way. I keep a drawer close by my work area that I throw scraps into and then I pull from there later. I can’t tell you how many times I’m saved myself from using a new sheet of cardstock just by digging through that drawer. Not only that but when I’m looking for a little something to do I grab a stack of scrap, sit at a tv table in the living room and throw together some cards. Last week I did a set of nine thank you cards, all from scraps!

There are other ways scrapbookers can do things to help preserve the enviroment. We all use adhesive, and no matter what kind you use, there is always some part of the product that gets thrown out. For some of us it is the package our adhesive refills come in, and for others its the dispenser itself.

I use all Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L for the most part, and no, they are not refillable. That being said, the empty dispensers ARE recyclable! A lot of scrapbookers don’t know that. So if you are conscious about throwing things out and adding to the landfills of the world, but you don’t want to mess with gummed-up dispensers and the refills that come hand in hand with them, then reach for a Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L runner and recycle them when you used up all that wonderful sticky stuff inside!

As a side note, each Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L product your purchase benefits two other charitable organizations. For every Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L pink packaged product (found commonly during the month of October - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) 5% is donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in addition to their fixed annual contributions. The other charitable contribution is one to the Make a Wish Foundation. Each time you purchase a Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L product $.04 cents is donated to the Make a Wish Foundation. That may not help conserve our environment, but it sure does make for a better world to live in!

Here are some more tips for going green. They aren’t scrapbook related, but they are things most of us, if not all of us can try to do!

1.) Reroute your travels, carpool or bike!

2.) Buy used items, and post the things that you’re down with on a local Free Cycle group before you just contribute to your local landfill. Maybe someone can use it, or re purpose it for something else.

3.) Buy local!! This includes scrapbook supplies. Some items might be more expensive at your local, small retailer, but you are supporting your community and the people in it!!

4.) Tap it!! Drink water from the tap, and if you don’t like yours, filter it! The amount of waste that is produced from empty bottles of water being thrown out is INSANE, really.

5.) Pass by the toxic household cleaners and opt for ones that you can concoct at home using everyday items such as baking soda and vinegar. They are better for you, and don’t muddy up the air you breath in your home. On top of which, you’ll save some green!

6.) Get a programmable thermostat and energy saving bulbs. You can set them to maintain a certain temperature when you aren’t around and set it to return to your preferred temp when you are going to return. Even a small adjustment in temperature can save help conserve natural resources and the dollars in your pocket. Energy saving bulbs also make a big difference. I’ve installed them in my home and although the initial cost output may seem high, they last significantly longer and use up about half the amount of energy.

Those are just a few things we can all do to make a difference. No matter how small that difference might seem, it can make a big impact if only done by a handful of people. Ok that was my public service announcement for today, lol.

On another note, I have news on summer card classes! A lot of you asked about me teaching card classes over the summer and I had mentioned before that I had something in the works.

Well, I now have an update. I will be offering card classes at Scrap Palace in Romeo!!

The first class is July 31st at 7pm and will run until 9pm. The cost is $20.00 for all 12 cards including envelopes. As usual all the pieces for each card are precut for you and ready to assemble. If you can’t make the class but still want to participate you can register for a class kit which will come complete with color copies of each card and all your materials. If you are interested in registering please contact me to get your name on the list. The last day to register is July 25th and I am marking the class full at 24 students, so please

keep that in mind. (Per a past student request we will be doing more birthday themed cards this time around also, so if you always find yourself in need of a birthday card, you don’t want to miss this months class.)

Have a happy Friday!!!

~j

So it seems as if I’ve been away from home non-stop since the last week of June, and for the most part I guess that’s true. I had my Harsens Island retreat the last part of June, then my visit to Scrap Palace of Romeo, and most recently our family vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City. It sure feels like I’ve spent a lot of time in the car. Especially after today riding home in the car with three kids, ages 7 and under. In the words of my favorite band, Barenaked Ladies, “It’s a long way back home…” or at least sometimes it sure seems that way.

I haven’t updated in a few days due to all my travels so let me give you the run down on the rest of my stay at Scrap Palace first. All I can say is that everyday there was just a great, if not better than the first. I got maybe 8 layouts done and then some cards that I did with only scraps that I’d have left after each project. I also finished a mini flip calendar for 2008-2009. The food was continuously fantastic, and everything was five star all the way. There is a lot more to a scrap retreat then just the time you spend scrapbooking. It has a lot to do with the atmosphere, the food, and the people. Again… five star all the way!! If you are looking for a getaway be sure to give Scrap Palace a chance!!

Now that I have that covered, on to my next trip. We just got home from a family vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City. We left the day after I came home from Scrap Palace. It is about a five hour drive from here I think and the ride there was a little rough. The weather was fine, a little light rain, but the kids were less than trilled. There were no naps to be had in the car and I really thought one of them might poke out the others eyes before we actually got to our destination. It didn’t help that it took us twice as long to get there then it really should have. In true Dera fashion, we forgot things we needed, had a problem with the car, etc.

This year my parents when on the trip with us to help with the kids. That worked out SO much better than it has in years past when we didn’t have any extra help. There are a lot of kids in that waterpark and with only two of us and three kids it can be difficult to keep an eye on everyone. Not to mention that all three are really in different age groups and while one wants to go down a slide the other two really aren’t at the age that they can do those types of things yet. With my parents there everyone got to so what the wanted for the most part. Best of all this year I wasn’t stuck in the kiddie pool the entire time. I got to actually go on some of the slides myself and visit the adult only hot tub - go figure!!

Yesterday my mom and I took a minute to visit a scrapbook store that was local to the lodge itself. The store, Forget Me Not Scrapbooking, was only all of five minutes away, and really a nice store. The store is really nice and had a good selection, so if you are in the area be sure to check it out. (When I was there they had Cricut cartridges buy one, get one half off.) The store is arranged by theme for the most part and I found at least one thing that I had to have, lol. I bought a Sweetwater Scribbles Template, a piece of Flair printed paper I had been on the hunt for and a Maisy Mo tin that I want to alter and create a mini album with.

I think that really covers it. Hopefully I can get all the laundry done as I unpack tomorrow. It seemed like it took ages just to unload the car, and I think we are all dead tired. With that I think I’ll get moving up to bed. I just wanted to let everyone know I’m still here, and still scrapping. Now I’ve got even more photos to get working on!!

~j

Where to start?  I arrived here right around 4pm yesterday.  If course I stopped at a local scrapbook store, (located right down the street), on my way here.When I arrived, I walked directly into the cropping area via the ramp and unloaded all my treasures.  The crop room has a spacious feel to it and is furnished with many tools for scrappers use…. Computer, Photo Printer, Sewing Machine, Die Cutter, Cuttlebug, Stamp Pads, Stamps, Punches, the list goes on!As for the actual seating area.  There are seats for 12 and each cropper is provided with a six foot table with a cup holder and executive chair.  Very comfy chair by the way.So I got to work right away and started my first masterpiece… lol.  Not long into my project I was served with a wonderful sparkling fruit punch garnished with a lime.  Woo Hoo for that right there!!  Of course, in true Scrap Palace style, the pampering doesn’t stop at the fancy punch.  Appetizers followed shortly after that along with an overflowing fridge full of just about any beverage you could want.A few hours later, and I’m in one page and a card by now, dinner was served.  Chef Amy made a fabulous meal, really, fabulous.  We were served in two beautiful dining rooms, and each place setting was grand in itself.  Ok, so what did we eat?  We were served with one of the best salads I’ve ever had.  Everyone took their time enjoying each bite.  As each person finished our plates were promptly cleared and we were then served with our main course… Lasagna, complete with garnish, and garlic bread!  Not just any Lasagna, but Amy’s Lasagna, lol, which is GREAT!  Nothing like how mine turns out, you know, where it runs all over the place when you cut it and try to serve it.  Did I mention how tasty it was?  Mmmmm…Of course, dessert, possibly the most important meal of the day for me.  :wink:  We had lemon ice, made at a local shop, garnished with fresh mint leaves.  Again served in elegant dishes, and very tasty.Ok, so dinner down, again I get to work.  Now I’ve started layout two and I’m moving right along at a pretty good clip.  I was worried I’d hit that creative road block that I had a problem with on Wednesday, but that wasn’t the case.  I credit it to the environment here at Scrap Palace, and Pierina and Amy, who have raised the bar for any retreat out there.  I really can’t say enough about them!Moving right along…. a little while later Amy came strolling into the crop area with a “snack”, if you ask me was more like a second dessert.  No complaints here!  Everyone devoured the snack, (croissants filled with a chocolate and hazelnut spread dusted with powdered sugar).I finished my second layout, and a card from my scraps.  That’s my new goal; to be more productive with my scraps.  I then moved on to a mini flips calendar for 2008-2009.  It’s a cute little thing I picked up at Paper Tales the other day.  I’ll share photos when I’m home.  I’m still working on it today, so we’ll see if it is picture worthy!After picking up my workspace, (yes I have to scrap in a clean spot, people seem to think that neurotic), I shuffled off to my room for a nights rest.  Again, Scrap Palace goes above and beyond… what do I find in my room?  The bed was turned down with a little chocolate mint on my pillow.   :smile:  Thank you to the chocolate fairy!!!It’s Saturday morning now, and about 6:30am.  I’m excited to start another day here, cropping, and of course eating!!  I’ll update you again tomorrow!!Cheers to another wonderful day here at Scrap Palace.~j

I started this layout yesterday and finished it up about 15 minutes ago.  It’s simple, but I think it gets the job done.  I’m pleased with it anyway, so that’s all the really matters right? 

The paper is from My Minds Eye.  It is a print from their Wild Asparagus line and I just picked it up the other day.  I had noticed that I was getting a lot of pink papers in my stash, so this purchase was an effort at getting something a little more masculine.

Besides the layout of the photos on the page I love the title.  I’m an awful stamper, I don’t like doing it, and I’m always afraid I’m going to mess it up.  So it was a real challenge for me to step outside of my “box” and use the stamps here.  The results were well worth the discomfort, lol.  I must admit that it did take a me a few tries to get it perfect, but I’m so glad I did it!

This afternoon I will be packing up my treasures and heading to Scrap Palace of Romeo.  I’m excited to get to go, and my Mom is going too.  I will be nice to see her do some scrapping that isn’t work related.  I had planned to pull paper and cardstock to match up with selected photos last night.  Then, as usual, something happened to shoot down my plans.  Just past dinner we had a big storm come though here and we lost power.  It didn’t come back on until after 9:30pm.  Well it is a little tricky to match photos to paper and such with no lights.  So that means I’ll be doing it today.  I’d like to stop at the book store today and see if I can find some new scrap magazines to read.  We leave Monday morning for Great Wolf Lodge, and being I don’t come back till Sunday afternoon, I need to get pre-vacation stuff done.  Thus the magazines for my 5 hour ride in the car.  I also told Ethan I would take him to the library today if he wanted to go, and if I could fit it in.  So I’m going to do my best to cram it all in.

I finally got around to taking our portable DVD player system back to Best Buy.  We have one of the Dual ones that mount on the headrests.  Well it broke shortly after we got it.  The plug was bad I think and we had to jiggle it all the time, until one day that didn’t even work.  Well it occurred to me that I didn’t want to be in the car for 5 hours with all three kids and no source of entertainment, so I took it back.  It was under warranty and they just gave us credit towards a new set.  I hooked it up and gave it a quick test on Wednesday, so we should be good to go.  Thank goodness for modern technology.  Of course it helps that my kids don’t watch tv much, so that when they see it they are completely mesmerized.   lol

I should get going now if I ever want to get all the things on my list done.  Have a great Friday!!

~j