I'm here to live outloud!

Saskatchewan Scraps 2010 link

Looking for more info or to sign up for the largest Saskatchewan crop of the year? Click here. We would love to have you.

The EMMY'S!!!!

Well I was oh so fortunate to have attended an Emmy preparty gifting suite down in Los Angeles this past week with my friend Kara Krahn. She is the designer & owner of Polka Dot Piggy Designs. Well the stars thought her stuff was amazing and she was invited to mingle with them and give them her stuff to enjoy and use. I was so lucky to have went with her. Kara and I have known each other for 20 years. Everyone always thinks we are sisters, which we aren't just darn good friends! So it was a great experience we got to share together. 

 

So I'm not going to post any names till tomorrow. try and figure them out and then check back tomorrow to confirm or find out. enjoy.

 

 

 

 
 
     

 
    
 
 
 







 
 



 

CS HANDS ON! Photography Blog Hop

Canadian Scrapbooker is having its first blog hop, won't you join us????

  

Welcome to my blog and thanks for participating in our Hands On! photography blog hop!!

 

You should have arrived here from 

Cari Locken’s blog .   If you didn’t, please visit the Hands On! Photography blog HERE to start at the beginning and visit each person’s blog in order, so that you don’t miss out on your chance to win any of the prizes!

 

We are celebrating the one year anniversary of the Canadian Scrapbooker Hands On! Photography blog , also referred to as the HOP blog.  Last September, we launched the HOP blog as an added feature to the Hands On! Photography article in each issue, to offer more in-depth tutorials for the topics that Sue discussed in her articles.

 

Each month, Sue posts a new tutorial on the HOP blog, with photo examples and helpful links.  Our magazine and blog readers are encouraged to submit their photos, which are then shared on the HOP blog and entitle them to a chance to win a randomly drawn prize each month! (seriously how cool is that????)

I'm excited to announce that the blog hop prize I have to give away to one lucky commenter is this prize pack from Quick Quotes & KaiserCraft: How wicked hey? I have worked with Kaisercraft for 3 yrs now and I am still so in love with their product. So to pair it with Quick Quotes, you can make yourself a similar noteboard like Jackie did for a webisode  or create your own design!!!  

 

 

 

Want a chance to win this prize?  In celebrating our one-year anniversary, we'd like to invite you to review one of our past tutorials.  My choice is the June 2010 tutorial on daylight/sunlight.   To win, just visit this tutorial and leave a comment there, and then come back and  leave me a comment too with your favourite summer kids’ craft!  It's as easy as that! My kids LOVE body painting. So in our house you will see us painting with mud, body paint, pudding, real paint, and well if you have followed me for awhile, baby girl LOVES drawing on herself and her friends with SHARPIE markers. yep that's how we roll. and we LOVE it. It's never boring in our world.

 

Thanks for participating in our blog hop!! Now, onto the next blog... You'll be visiting the talented Allison Orthner! 

Thanks for joining us in this fun blog hop. Hope you enjoy it.

***************Also, for anyone interested starting tomorrow I will be posting all our adventures from being a part of the Emmy's preparty in Los Angeles tomorrow. Curious to see which stars we met and saw? I have LOT'S of pictures with famous people, come back and see them if you would like. Here's a sample, we saw Justin Timberlake, Mary Lou Henner, Monica Potter, the list goes on and on. I'm back, summer is over, the kids are in school and I am back to normal blogging hours full of tutorials, scrapbook layouts AND GUESS WHAT? MY NEW WEBSITE IS ALMOST READY!!!!! THEN I WILL HAVE PRIZES LIKE CRAZY TO GIVE AWAY. Can't wait to see you!!!!********

 

Designer for kids gets invite to Emmys

****for anyone who doesn't get the Star Phoenix, this is the article written about my fabulous friend Kara in today's paper. ENJOY! and come join us for the event.

Designer for kids gets invite to Emmys.

I'm back!

well, like I always say my blog gets totally abandoned in summer. So sorry. But you know it really is time with my family that I can't get back. I avoid the computer like the plague. Instead we spend our time at camps, at the beach, lake, playdates. pool parties. we pack a little bit of fun into every day. 

So a quick quick recap. CHA was a blast. (I will update soon in detail when I have a minute and upload those pics) I was on a secret mission too that caused laughs but can't be revealed till next week, so maybe I will hold CHA recap off till when I can reveal it.

Something that I do want you guys to know about is this... Kara Krahn, a good friend of mine that I have known for 20 years has been asked to go to the Emmy's. Yep OMG. And I am very honoured and lucky to have been chosen to go with her and Heather to California. We are excited. I want to show this to you guys in case anyone wants to join us in a little preshow party at the Odeon. There are going to be so many fabulous local companies there in support of Kara's adventure. Won't you join us?

 

Ok I will leave you with some of my fave pics from yesterday at the beach... doesn't Jager look up to no good. run baby girl run. 

 

so my boys are thinking they are cool. They have learned to blow bubbles with their gum. Now is this a good thing or bad. hmmm. well when we went out for my parents anniversary to the Keg, (I LOVe this pic of my mom and dad. They Are SOOOOO in love. Happy 35th!!!! you guys are the best ever!!!!

 

Anyways, we got a babysitter and while we were gone, Jager tried to blow a bubble and his gum went flying into Ireland's hair. No way to salvage, so I cut off 4" off her back. But I am not even sad, I think she looks soooo cute with a little bob. what do you think? (I personally think this little diva can pull it off. Oh and I DO mean diva. She has figured out that turning 2 means it is totally acceptable to have unrealistic diva tantrums about clothing, anything she wants. ouch, we are in for a long year...)

   

More fun pics from the beach...

Isn't life grand when you are a kid? no worries, just pure energy, happiness and love. off to celebrate life. I promise once they are in school I will return to more consistent blogging. but right now, I insist you join me in living the summer life. The only thing that will take the hit on us escaping into this bliss is our houses. :(( but we can always clean another day right?  

 

little makeup tip from Ireland

So what do little girls do while momma is in the shower? Well get ready of course. Here the little model is showing how she lightly applied mascara AND eyeshadow to her eyes. She of course prefers the goth look with one eye a little deeper than the other. What you can't see, is that on her left eye (our right) she actually puts the mascara on her eyelashes very well. commendable my dear.

 

In her world apparently eye shadow also looks good under the eyes.  Jim feels this is her "sneaky look".a little possessed maybe.
 

 She did apply red juicy tubes to her lips as well. she's had 2 years of experience with putting lipstick on, so you will notice the accuracy with that.
 

Now, is there anyone out there who needs professional makeup done? she charges only bubblegum...
   

little makeup tip from Ireland

So what do little girls do while momma is in the shower? Well get ready of course. Her the little model is showing how she lightly applied mascara AND eyeshadow to her eyes. She of course prefers the goth look with one eye a little deeper than the other. What you can't see, is that on her left eye (our right) she actually puts the mascara on her eyelashes very well. commendable my dear.

 

In her world apparently eye shadow also looks good under the eyes.  Jim feels this is her "sneaky look".a little possessed maybe.
 

 She did apply red juicy tubes to her lips as well. she's had 2 years of experience with putting lipstick on, so you will notice the accuracy with that.
 

Now, is there anyone out there who needs professional makeup done? she charges only bubblegum...
   

our summer so far in pics!

Just a quick reminder you have 3 days to get your entries in for SkScraps 2010 Early Bird rate. We are almost sold out, and in 2 weeks I fly to Chicago to see what is new that the goody bags simply must have! I CANNOT wait! woohoo. 

So summer time for me is the epitome of family time. I LOVE lazy days filled with family, friends, watermelon, water, lake, late bedtimes, nights by the campfire, and roasted marshmallows. I LOVE this season. 

Embarassingly I don't find the time to blog because I am living life. I always take a bit of a break blogging at this time of year, because I feel it really is the time to spend with my kids. But I will of course give you the ultimate CHA review, because us scrappers definitely want to know the trends, the ideas, the madness.

But today I thought I would tie you over with a little montage of our summer so far. I have taken over 1500 pics and can't wait to scrap them.   awesome!!!

of course in our household the beginning of summer officially is when the spray parks open. we live across the best one ever, you simply must come and join us at it one day. we've cancelled Ireland's bday party 2 times already because of rain, but hopefully in August this rain will be done and then you can come and join our princess spray park party.

 

So anyone else have a little girl that thinks she is a boy? Ireland totally stripped her top off so she can be like the boys! cute cheeks hey?

 

 

the tubers just keep getting braver each year!!! hahaha, this is his "official" sign of fun this summer.
   

doesn't he just look suspicious?
 

she dresses ...herself. future Lady Gaga???
   

Loving the boat rides! She is now sitting in the front which is the roughest, wettest. WOW! Brave girl!

 

the little Blues Brothers on the way to first day of French Camp.

   

So you know those old guys who wear socks with their sandals. well what about wearing black socks pulled up to their knees with shorts??? ei yi yi, does anyone else have kids that insist on picking out their own clothes?

  

 

of course a summer is never complete without horseback riding. I don't think there was anything more important when I was growing up. I LOVE riding horses. My fave was riding bareback with no bridle, fast. Yes, not sensible, and I did disobey my mom doing it, and I did get thrown off sometimes too. But still, there is nothing like that. Now my little man is so natural. cool.

 
   

spending good fun quality time with cousins. Ireland is sure is taken with Thomas.
 

then the infamous waterguns...my love hate relationship. as you loyal followers know, we did have the "incident" last year where riley's head got cut open due to some unfair waterplay, but thank goodness for superglue.

 

 

I love watching her watch the kids in the lake. isn't it cute?
 

future ball player. it does run in our genes.

 

our "honeymoon". This is what we always call our boat. We never went on a honeymoon, instead we bought a boat, and man the best investment we have ever made. We just keep celebrating every year! hahaha It is definitely a 5 ticket ride. oh won't you join us???

Love this dude, he is always the life of the party. we are sooo spoiled. 

 

Sorry Garrett, but I think you are going down.
 

we lurrve our watermelon. Don't you?

 

auntie Nancy gave her this cookie, and can you say {{SMILES}}

 

oh and did you know, we got ourselves the cutest little puppy ever? why is this so appealing to suck on dirty twigs? gross me out. the more I complain the more they all do it. so instead I take pics.

 
 So that is a summary of our beginning of summer. 2 weeks in and we are really trying to make the most of it. Rain rain, go away, come back another day.

I have made a promise to myself to abstain from scrapbooking for 2 more weeks and spend every minute being a kid again.Scrapbooking is so fun, but sometimes weird stress surrounds it, and right now I need to step back for a sec to remember why I love love love it so much. soon it will be CHA, then when I get back it will be such heaven to sit down and scrap while the kids are in camp. In August the boys are in camp for 2 weeks. Then I can enjoy it.  

So my summer thoughts that I really want to do every day are the following:

1. Smile at random strangers (especially the grumpy ones).

2. Do an act of goodness.

3. Phone a friend everyday just to talk about nothing and realize why friends really truly are the best thing a person can have.

4. Spend more time with extended family because I really truly have been blessed with amazing people. Seriously I can't believe I have I am so blessed with the parents I have as well.

(After a mini reunion with the Elian's this past weekend, my heart is so overfilled with smiles. We can go years without hanging out, but yet, one event you see the kids pick up like they never left each other, the food is always everyone's best dishes, the laughs probably can be heard for miles. There is nothing like people that really want to get to know each other and love each other. And every time I am around the Elian's I feel that love. IT sometimes goes to my head though, because everyone always talks so lovingly about my kids. So many want to have playdates and sleepovers with all my kids, they get invited to so many fun things. I really am lucky. Cause some days I really feel that we don't measure up with some people.)

5. Every single day go on an adventure with the kids where it doesn't cost us any money.

6. Everyday take a minute to do something for me, and to try and get healthy.

(This is one goal I have set for myself for July & August. I have realized that I get caught up with false relationships because I am always trying to do things for others. And I have also realized that will probably NEVER stop. I live to help others. But maybe if I strengthen my relationship with myself, start to take care of myself, then I will get less caught up with drama. So I put it out there to try to go to the gym more, I actually really enjoy this. I took 5 Zumba classes last week and 2 other step classes, and loved it. And at night I filled it with hours in the gym with friends. THE BEST ever!!!!! I may never lose weight, I would like to, but I will enjoy the journey.)

7. Smooch Jimmy everyday and let him know that he really is a godsend. I am so glad that I have no desire to complain about him, seriously we all have our faults, but I give give you my guarantee that you will NEVER hear me utter complaints about him. Our relationship is worth so much more than that. And every time I hear women complain about their husbands, well let's just say I LUUURVE him more. I am so lucky!!!!! He is so loving with our kids, never has to be asked to do things, and man he is so fun to be around, he NEVER judges me.

I am so blessed.

Thanks for sharing in our summer adventures. Now get off the computer and go live life. Come on, will I see you around town this summer? Hope so, full of smiles and laughter, and summer food all over our faces. 

I LOVE LIFE.

 
   
  
 

 

Sooo guilty

of not being on the computer!!!! I have been busy, seriously. So many things on my plate. and the most important being my family. I've been trying to spend more quality time with them, and less on the computer. And truthfully I have not scrapbooked at all except for once this month, shocking!!!!!. just needed a little break, needed a little me time.I'm not teaching any classes for 2 months, I thought what a perfect time to start spending a little more time at the gym. So of course I've linked up with fabulous partners in crime to get healthy and I must say I'm enjoying this ride and our non stop chatter, laughs, phone calls. Even the days I've spent 5 hours in the gym, cursing my not so skinny body, I have felt Wonderful afterwards. Of course, now that I've also discovered the steam room, well let's just say my skin is looking much younger!!!!! I have discovered that I LOVE zumba, don't mind the step class, and can't wait to try more classes this week. I do LOVE my gym so that is excellent. and I have also enjoyed my long walks with everyone. fabulous!!!!! 

Spent the weekend at the lake and I got BURNT! yes, with 2 days of sun in our torrential rain season, I did manage to burn. lol. 

I have 3 more days of the boys camp to go. They are in full day French camps and LOVE it. I can't believe how much Riley knows. I spied on them today, momma proud moment for sure!!!! So that means 3 more days of crazy work outs, then PLAYDATES. my favourite season. didn't you know there is 5 seasons?

Well off to go for a walk. I need it because we worked out so crazy hard today that my calves are a second away from cramping. I want it. before it rains again...

Just a quick reminder, you have a week left to get in on the early bird rate for SaskScraps 2010. We do have spots left if you are interested. Please remember in order to be eligible for that rate and the MM Slice you MUST get your money in by July20th. July 15th is the last day for the Early bird rate. 

have a great day!

happy birthday Ireland.

You are 2 and oh so cute. you when you were little...

  

Now our big girl!

 
 

Pardon me for being absent. The end of school is sooo fast paced, filled with 5 billion things to do. I have not had time to blog. seriously. I will make it up to you, somehow.

Have a great day!!!

more scrap info

Sorry I have been a little MIA. I can't believe how busy the last few weeks of school gets. To summarize.

Jager's grad, sports for both kids 3 nights a week at slightly alternating times at opposite ends of the city. 3 birthday parties, 5 field trips. 2 events at school for parents to join in the sharing, 1 website meeting, and a tutor session for me.I have attended 3 home parties, 2 more coming up, a scrapbook day on Saturday, Sasha's afternoon visit, Jager's camp everyday in the mornings. me gym 5 days a week, Jim spotting for Christoph's race on weekends (which he LOVES and won't stop talking about!!!!)3 doctor appt's, sasktel coming 2 days, a quick trip to the farm. Now in all that fun stick in a couple of blog post assignments for the DT/ educator teams I'm on, a few layouts for a magazine. And in all the fun, throw in the normal grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, etc. Life is BUSY!!!! So yes I am looking forward to the lazy days of summer. sleeping in, spending days at the pool, backyard playdates and just fun fun fun. to toss in our "slow" life, all 3 kids are puking their guts up tonight. EI yi yi. so isolation it is for tomorrow.

So let's talk about Sask Scraps. Registration was a hit. We had over 60 people just the first morning alone which is crazy cause it was the first time we put registration in the middle of the week and you guys are EARLY BIRDS!!!!! Cool. Some of the classes still have a couple of spots. 

******edited June 16th. Keep in mind there is NO Obligation to participate in the charity part of the crop. This is a crop intended to provide utmost fun for you and your friends. I only offer incentives to participate as a mere thankyou for joining me on my crusades to help others. I welcome support with huge arms,and we definitely also know that this crop is your time away from family, home to visit and get things done.thanks! clear as mud??? hahaha btw, we have the most people from out of province coming this year that I have ever seen. That is really cool! ****************************************************************************************

I hadn't posted the charity yet this year, because I was sitting on an idea. I've totally decided that this is the year.  The year that we are celebrating women, ourselves, how amazing we are in our daily lives. This is really important because generally we always put everyone else first. This last year I saw quite a few women pull together in unique ways to offer support. When Amanda Lepage was diagnosed with Breast Cancer this year, it really hit home for me. I find myself thinking wow, she's a young mommy with young kids, what a huge way her life & her family's lives have had to change this year. I admire her strength, I admire that she "gets" that most of us don't know how to act, how to say the right thing about cancer or to someone with cancer. We all mean well, we want to be supportive, we all have met someone or experienced it,BUT there is no manual on how to behave. I think it should gives us a moment of irrationality to scream yell vent cry. To be human. So after a gathering at Amanda's moms house, we sat around after a tiring treatment Amanda just faced, talking and laughing,eating yummy food, laughing till the tears rolled. Right then it really clicked, as women we have to be so strong for our families, so brave when all we may want to do is cry. 

So we are going to do 2 things this year. Create mini albums for the kids in the CANCER ward. I have no idea how many we will need yet, so I am going to aim high. They can be generic, boys or girls. They can be very simple, a 4x6 photo mat, some pp, a journaling block and an embellishment if you would like. Remember the kids do not know what is the latest trends out there in scrapbooking, they appreciate any and all. The albums we made for the pediatric ward last year were so cherished. The staff, parents & kids couldn't believe the kindness and generosity of what was created. If you would like to participate but have no supplies, please contact me, I have been putting together a box for this cause I would gladly share. Any and all help is appreciated. And of course we will be on the hunt for albums and adhesive again. The one thing the hospital pointed out last year, was the albums that were vinyl, leather or plastic that could be wiped off were the best. Because in wards where the kids could get infections, EVERYTHING has to be sanitized everyday. Just a thought. Of course any money raised will go again to purchasing any albums needed. The ones we got from Fancy Pants last year were soooooo beautiful!

The second bit of charity is for EVERY Fat Quarter you bring, it will get you a ticket for the draw for a "Queen for the Day" package. That's right, a chance for you to be spoiled!!!!!! So what is a Fat Quarter? It is a specific measurement of quilting block fabric that is the perfect size to create bandanas. Amanda's mom Janet has been gathering these and making "Amanda Bandana's" for the Cancer ward. Isn't that fantastic???? They are stylish and functional. It can't be easy to lose your hair, to feel sick, to be cold, so the fact that she is making these very beautiful head pieces brings a huge amount of smiles and comfort to the recipients. Way to go Janet!!!! If you are a seamstress or quilter, if you could finish the edges,I'm sure that would help Janet immensely.

This year we are also going to have sketch challenges. We will post the fun sketches we found after summer, that way you have lot's of time to complete them before the event if you would like.

Also this year, the table/costume decoration contest. There must be someone out there that can throw the housewives off their game. Anyone? I can't wait to see the challengers. I'm working on a good prize. It must be worthy of such a challenge.

BUT one huge favour, NO BALLOONS!!!!! We have a wonderful girl coming from Alberta that is deathly allergic to latex. Thanks everyone.

Also, we have some people that have putting together items to raffle off to donate the money to the cancer ward. So that will be awesome! How kind, how generous, and of course if anyone else out there wants to do this as well, we definitely think the cause is worthy.

Must go take care of my sick kids. ucky ucky ucky!!!

I will be back in a few days to share more scrappy goodness with you. I am full of news! Oh and if you are a facebook follower, Melissa started me a (lol) fan page. I have been keeping it only full of scrap-related material, showing projects, putting contests, sketches on there from manufacturers, sharing Father's Day ideas, pointing you to local photoshop classes that Melissa is going to be teaching. so if this interests you at all come join it! Leica Forrest Scrapbooking.

thanks!!