Makeup to mud in 3 seconds flat

the winner is...

"Okay I have a few names for you. I couldn't decide which I liked best. They are all cities of countries. I like Algiers for a boy its in Europe. How about FlinFlon for a girl which is actually a city in Canada. Or there is Wiluna or Lismore for a girl which is in Austrailla or for a boy Dongara or Walgett which is in Austrailla too. I think of them all for a girl I like best Wiluna and for the boy Dongara. They are definately unique.

Posted by: Carrie | May 27, 2008 at 12:15 AM "

you definitely had the most creative and unique ones. Please email me your address and I'll send out your copy of Canadian scrapbooker Magazine! It's a great issue, enjoy!

Well, got to get ready, we boated today at Blackstrap, fun till it poured rain. Then we came in and now we are going to watch a friend of ours at her Roller Derby game. cannot wait.

cheers

Wow, how to choose???

Okay, so I said I'd post the winner today, but it will have to be tomorrow. I have been out all day, and I am tired! And I told Jim finally what I did, and he thinks he should win because his new funny names are "Mahogany Forrest" for a girl and "Red Wood Forrest" for a boy. He is so funny!NOT! Actually, we do agree on a girl's name for seriousness now, and a few people actually sent it to me, too funny! but boys' names, heaven help us. And so he said that since the joke is on him, he should be able to pick the winner, so I said yes. So I will post his decision tomorrow.

Jager spent the day with Jim, loving it with daddy, and Riley spent it with me. I took Riley to my doctor's appointment. At the time I thought it was a safe decision versus Jager. Jager is way too curious, it turns out that Riley is just as fascinated. So he pretty much understands according to him that " the baby is going to come from my peepee when the dcotor pulls it out." he wanted to see EVERY single part of the app't, so I had to distract him while she checked me out, 2 cm dilated, so I'm getting close!. I made him keep giving me kisses and hugs. Thank goodness she's such an easy going doctor and so good with kids. She asked him to be her assisstant and listen to the heartbeat, and measure my tummy. But he was far more concerned with where the baby was peeing & pooping, and how it was eating, and if she touched his/her head. Way too much understanding went on. So needless to say, that will be the last app't he joins me for.

Then we had time to kill so, we had a little retail therapy, totally fun! Yesterday's memories has a huge scrapbook sale going on like 25 % off of EVERYTHING and it goes till next week! so I came home with a few, ha, some great purchases. And the funny part is, everything I picked out was with the intention that it will compliment the Rose Moka stuff. Like a kid in the candy store. Cannot wait to receive my package! Okay, and speaking of Rose Moka, the other night when I had time to scrap, did i? no, because I had to go and check out their gallery again and then google the people who had their work on there and I found the most AMAZING AMAZING work. So 4 hours of play time became, me absolutely impressed, and Jim asking me to read in French what some of the people were saying ad then try to translate it.  He laughed at me and said I so need practice  (which I need HUGE amounts of!!!!!) but it was fun. So I figure, that if I read 2-3 French blogs everyday maybe it will help. ( if it doesn't, the eye candy artwork is so interesting and phenomenal.)

Now, I am so going to soak my feet in that little foot massager and watch movies with Jim! he isn't going into work tomorrow anymore so tonight will be nice & relaxing!

something of interest...

Hello everyone,

Remember awhile back I posted about a little soccer player named Tyson that has been chosen to play on Saskatchewan's soccer team in the states? Their team needs so much more support as it is pretty costly to play & travel. So here's my question to you? Do you shop at grocery stores, or prefer Sobey's??? If so, why not help support him this way, while still buying groceries how you always would. Read below... 

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues; this summer our son Tyson is part of a select group of soccer players throughout Saskatchewan chosen to represent our province in a National competition which will take place in Blaine Minnesota. 

We are teaming up with Sobeys again for another fundraiser.

The gift card program can be used to purchase grocery items at any Sobeys in Western Canada.

w        You do not need to spend the entire amount in one shopping trip - you continue to use it like a prepaid debit card. Outstanding amount stay on the gift card until the card is completely used

w        You can even use it when Sobeys has their special first Tuesday of the month 15% discount.

w        You can purchase the gift cards in any denomination. ($10.00, $25.00, $50.00 or $100.00)

All of the funds we are able to raise will help cover the cost of Tyson's fees.

We sincerely appreciate your generous support.  If you are interested please let us know the total amount and in what denominations.

All orders will be due on (or preferably before) June 12th, 2008. Cards will be available after June 20th.

Please feel free to pass this email on to anyone you think may be interested.

Thank you.

Stephanie and Jason Bishop

ladyluck@shaw.ca

So the way I understand it, is if you want a $100 card for groceries, you get the entire amount of $100 to spend. Sobey's just takes into account how many "gift cards" they sell and then compensates with their dollar amount in sponsorship. So something to consider!!!!

hello!

Isn't spring so much fun? I'm loving the warm weather.

Rose Moka just released a new line. Appel De La Nature  these colours are so what I've been using for the boys right now. bright, and trendy. So this is cool! Here's a few examples...go to their site to see more. Hey and if your local store doesn't have it in and you like it, tell them Leica Forrest sent you and you want it in. It's definitely worth it! (The coolest part of this line is can you not see it complimented with Hambly transparencies & rub ons??? )

love these cardstock stickers that come in blue, orange, pink, green, brown & yellow that totally match!!!!

so Cheryl, yes Jager runs with his tongue out. about 90% of my pics are like that. Our little puppy.

Tracey, I'm glad I'm blogging more too. We had such a rough time these last few months with all the sadness and dying/death that has gone on. Losing 3 grandparents in 2 months has been awful! In fact just last weekend Jim's cousin died all of a sudden from Lung Cancer. Unfortunately I did not know him well and it was a shock because he had been in the hospital only for pneumonia and I think according to the way I was told, they just found out his diagnosis of lung cancer about a week before he died. so it was so sudden & tragic leaving behind 3 kids. So sometimes, it's hard to always be perky and how I want to be, so a few days here and there away from the computer sometimes let you grieve privately. The kids too have their days of sadness, and when they are sad, the last thing I feel like doing is blogging. Instead I'd rather give up every responsibilty for the day and take them to see people that love them, or do fun stuff. In the end, that's more important.

Tracey, don't even mention the car names. Jim might hear! When we were deciding Jager's name, he wanted Axle, Dodge, Jake (middle name brake) or Diesel. I figured if he wasn't budging than my choice was Diesel. But luckily we did move on. And I love the name Jager. too funny!

And for me, I would really have loved a French name or a true Russian name (as that is my heritage) for a girl, but Jim said no French names because it would remind him of driving in Montreal on their streets (which at the time when we were there all the time, construction was ghastly!)and caused lot's of cursing to come from him and a Russian name hasn't been tossed out, but all the ones I love are too too complicated for him. He likes shorter names versus long ones.

So about scrapbooking? haven't done much of it. Well, not true. I've done stuff for specific assignments, but I can't show any of those. sorry. But tonight is my night to scrap. Tomorrow is Riley's music concert so that's busy. I am in the process of working on wall decor for the baby's room. So once finished I'll show you those. But I stole some layouts off of Rose Moka's site that really got me interested in their line. I'd love to show all as they are great, but I'm only going to show a couple of my FAVES! thank you to the girls whose work I'm showing. It's so fabulous, it has to be shared. And I really want you to see how so many lines work well with Rose Moka. Such as Prima flowers, lace & bling, Riff Raff chipboard, Queen & Co felt, American Crafts Thickers, Hambly transparenices & rub ons (especially mod & dots), Heidi Swapp clocks, masks, bling, Kaiser Craft flowers, Luxe Simply line & jotters, Stix 2 glitter & foils, Making Memories spirals, and so many more...

Isabelle Lefebvre

Virginie

Marie-Eve Belanger

  Elisabeth Boucher

Martine Giguere

Marie-Eve Belanger

Julie Meilloux

Yolaine Jodoin                        

oh and Jody, do you call those paint colours blue or green? I think they are like a seafoam green, so I think totally versatile for girl or boy. My dad walked in and said oh it's another boy! Jim, thinks it's blue too. In fact I think no one has thought it was green yet, but me. Myabe I'm losing my mind. But anyways, I am doing up Ikea mirros in a mocha chocolate brown, have a Wall Talk rub on to go above them. And if it's a girl I'm so doodling flourishes on the wall. If it's a boy, I'll leave it how it is. So maybe next week when I set up the crib I'll have stuff to show you guys!

oh and I'm in the process of changing my side bars. I'm so impressed by some new talent that I have to add their names. So I'm going to recategorize peopl a little differently so over the next few days, check them out!

have a great day! ayez une jour splendide!

highlights from the last few weeks!

so answer questions, because my email is getting full of them... But so the whole thing isn't so much reading first I will break up my answers with highlights from our life for the last couple weeks.

My comment about scrapbooking being dangerous in Las Vegas. Well about 5 years ago we had a layover in Vegas, so I caught a cab to a scrapbook store. IT was great, loved seeing new product. But while I was there, a masked man ran into the store, realized he was in the wrong place, and quickly left. Here his accomplices ran into the bank, he grabbed the door that was side by side to the bank and ran into the scrapbook store mistakingly. The store worker ran and locked us in, and another one called the police. We all ran to the back of the store and waited. They ended up running out soon after, the police came and made us all stay about 45-60 min, till it was really for sure safe, and they had to ask what we saw, etc. I phoned JIm to tell him I would be late in returning, told him why and he thought I was so lying to stay longer. Couldn't have made that story up if I tried. While in the store though, the ladies were laughing so hard because we were joking that it was some poor husband that was sick of his wife spending money on scrapbook supplies.too funny! wish I had a camera handy!

highlight of my month! Shane's proposal to Andrea.  I'm so excited and happy for them! LOVE her!

yes, I went and took a pic of it! totally a stalker! but all I could think of was how awesome this will be in the wedding album I make for them. hello, do you not agree? I know I've been emailed to take pics of Andrea's ring for people to see. in good time peeps, I don't want her to think I'm totally a weirdo.

Yes, I went to University in Quebec in 1997 I think it was. I had received a scholarship there, and it was great! met some of the best people I have ever met. However, being a small time, sheltered farm girl, it was so eye opening! My dorm was fully coed, bathrooms included. And one of my professors stayed just down the hall. I was showering one day, and when finished went to leave and realized that he was peeing right outside my stall in the open urinals. Lovely, so I pretended to take forever dressing as there was no way I could look him in the eye. It definitely is one of the most gorgeous cities ever in Canada, Quebec City and I would go back over and over and over. And eat at le Cochon Dingue (fabulous food). On weekends we'd zip to Montreal.  We partied lot's at decobere?  I remember how to say that bar, but for the life of me, no idea how to write it anymore. But I was taken to Chez Maurice (just another dance bar). OMG! Definitely a shock to my system! Especially when the doors to the women's bathroom was the opening of female anatomy! and cages, and topless dancers and wow! But, it gave me and my good ole Mississippi Baptist girls some serious giggles and memories of the weirdest piercings & tattoos on people. now that Jim & I have travelled all over, I've slept in hostels throughout Australia, Fiji & New Zealand. I can be more mature about what I've seen, but back then I was like a deer in headlights! So I don't consider myself to speak French anymore, I haven't said a word in for sure 5-6 years. And in the last 11 years I've only used it about under 20 times when we were in Quebec for business. I consider myself to have tourist French now. I can order anything, ask for directions, and if someone speaks slowly, I can get a great idea of what they are saying. I do however read it much better, and write better one thousand times more than what I speak! and when I write, my grammar & dictionary are right beside me. I've had to get in the practice of this because I can't just write how I talk, none of my French friends understand me whatsoever. So I do try to write accurately, and have many drafts. But I think that it is nice to continue to try. Because one time in Quebec, my mississippi girls and I were taken on a sucker bus ride by a driver that had a little problem apparently with us not knowing enouigh French. We wanted to go to the zoo, and he took us out of town and dropped us off in the middle of nowhere. Luckily we were saved as we remember it, by another bus driver off duty and he took us back into town. Freakiest thing that ever happened to me.

Oh and this close up shows you what's new in our lives! can you see? Both Riley and Jager's freckles came out last week. Their first ones ever! Jim & I are covered in freckles and we thought it was so strange our boys didn't have even one, but I guess they aren't born with them, they develop them. Riley's picture didn't turn out, so I have to redo it. Oh and also we went boating for the first time this year. fun fun fun!

   

I was asked lot's this week how to get on Design teams. My answer is no idea, just submit your favourite stuff to who you really like and try when they have a call out there. And make sure to just be you. I've really fallen in love with this profession. I Love to scrapbook, it is so therapeautic for me, I love to travel, meet awesome people,teach especially, the whole works. But I will tell you honestly, rejection is high!!!! I've been rejected over and over and over again! I can't count how many times a layout hasn't been chosen, or not winning a contest, it's life and I DON"T dwell on it, just get on the horse and try again. This year, I really talked it over with Jim, and decided that I wanted to be in this field, I want to really make this a career move. So I have been giving definitely 200 % into what I try for. So that means, that you have to keep up with the new changes in this industry (which are daily), you have to follow magazine calls and try out, and you have to remember that only very few actually get paid for what they do. Most companies give compensation in product(which is a super perk!!), not necessarily a wage. And sometimes the deadlines are big, or quick, so you have to think if you really have time to meet what they ask for. I won't lie, sometimes I've had a crunch week where I've had to get babysitters to watch the kids cause I've got deadlines to meet. And hey, that's how it goes sometimes. I'm very lucky that I am a huge nightowl and a fast scrapbooker, as this is when I achieve everything I need to do. I'm VERY lucky that I have a huge support system that helps me out all the time with the kids too! My husband is fabulous, and is really encouraging, and my parents & grandparents watch my kids lot's. If I didn't have that/ them I would never be able to try out for these teams. I'm also very lucky that the companies that I'm working with really love this industry too, and most of them have families and understand. Especially the magazine, everyone there looks at it like their baby, and really enjoy the other team members, and it's always so complimenting, kind and fun. So I'm sorry that it's not quite helpful, solid advice, but I don't have a sure answer.Good luck!

So Mother's Day tea at Riley's school was fabulous. Doesn't he look so debonair? They really teach the kids table manners, and patience and how to pour. how cute. Of course he's dressed in his church finest, I look for any excuse to dress my boys up. I think my little men & jimmy look great dressed up! and they sand us songs, and gave us plants they have been growing. They set the tables and arrnaged the food, and it was great! highlight of my year!

 

Jager started playing soccer & tball on Riley's team. He is loving sports. Doesn't even possibly understand drills, or exert much patience. But he tries so hard. He actually really loves soccer, constantly running & kicking it, but with tball, he doens't enjoy the field, only batting. it's the funniest thing I watch in my life right now!

Okay, no more questions, sorry it's so general to everyone, but  so many of you emailed with the same or similiar questions. also tomorrow I think I will update my blog list on the side. I have so many new ones to share, that I have to add them! so look for changes there.

see you tomorrow everyone! and keep those names coming, I'm enjoying the laugh!!!!

one quick minute to post!

okay, this is by far the best contest I have had yet. I thought I'd quickly check my emails while the boys are showering for school and I can't stop laughing! You guys are hilarious! The funniest thing is I actually really like Xander & Xavier because I love  names with the letter x. So I threw those out to JIm months ago and he asked if the kid was his. I laughed and said of course, he's like, you do remember I'm a white Scottish boy. so I guess I was already out to lunch suggesting those ones. And mom, just so you know, it's funny that you emailed me your choices, your first name on your list is actually my second choice in my girls list. too funny! great minds think alike. Okay, I have to go get the kids ready, but I cannot wait to keep seeing your guys' real list and the funny list. The flourish and ddodlebug just about made me pee my pants! I should go with the scrapbook angle!

***edited****

I do have more to say, so I'll post pcs later.

Bammela, merci pour le commentaire. J'ai aimé habiter au Québec et essayer de parler français. Je seulement deux fois par semaine et puis l'ai pris à l'école par la correspondance dans le highschool. Quand j'ai reçu un diplôme je l'ai pris à l'université, je me suis appliqué et ai obtenu une bourse à Laval, et suis allé là et ai continué d'apprendre le français. J'ai malheureusement toujours beaucoup de chemin à faire, mais la vie là et étant immergé dans elle, fait me la sélection il vers le haut de meilleur. De 99-2003, & de Jim ; Je suis allé au Québec tout à fait plusieurs fois pour le travail et c'était amusement utilisant lui, et obtenant des directions. Mais embarssingly, je ne l'ai pas employé une fois en 5 dernières années. Je me suis juste inscrit mon garçon dans l'immersion française ainsi j'espère obtenir de nouveau dans l'apprendre encore moi-même. C'est une si belle langue ainsi, je voudrais continuer à aller mieux. Merci pour commenter en français, il m'a fait doit sortir mon texte de grammaire plusieurs fois, mais c'était le point culminant de mon jour ! À la votre !

I made it!!!!

Okay, I can release my news. I'm so excited!!!!!

Jackie (from Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine) sends all of us designers really cool product to work with from the magazine sponsors. And it always is so exciting. Then one time she started talking about this new company, which I haven't even touched in my hands yet, but I was hooked. I couldn't stop looking at their stuff, the blog, their magazine ads, the works. The colours just kept attracting me. I was even creating layouts in my head, without ever having access to the paper yet. See I am a bit abnormal.( a bit, ha! ok seriously abnormal!) I definitely am not a focus on the photo first then create kind of girl. Sometimes I just fall madly in love with the product!!! CRAZY! But hey, it keeps me really excited in this industry wondering what these fabulous companies are going to come out with next. So when this funky cool company who is just starting out put out a design team call. I was like a fly on that sticky paper. I had to try out, what could it hurt? And I was chosen!!!

So I would love to introduce this cool company to you!

Rose Moka Design They are a French company so their blog is in French. But if you want to follow it, google Rose Moka, then click translate page, and you can read it all in English. so handy!

So this is the line that had me at hello! Pause-Cafe'. (in other words Coffee Break) here is their gallery full of layouts.

http://rosemoka.typepad.com/photos/pause_caf_produits/index.html So why did i love it? The earthy colours are my true, real favourite to work with. Having rough and tough boys whose clothes are full of bright colours has evolved my style to the brighter oranges, greens and blues. But my real fav. is always these rusty oranges, deep reds, browns of any shade. And all I could think of was how many amazing companies that are out there that would compliment this line so well. I love the French phrases, (maybe because that was such a great time in my life living and going to University in Quebec City at universite de Laval. I loved when I used my French lot's, and now I have barely used it in 12 years. Embarassing!)

Here is the first ad I saw with their product.

Then you see Melanie do this classic, eye appealing layout...

Do you not want to go out and get a coffee or what?Love the paper lace, it is so subtle and just fitting.

So then I started to look at their other lines. Mouvement Urbain (Urban Movement) is browns and blues, browns and pinks. So hey, right now browns and blues is fabulous for me,,, but maybe in 3 weeks I might need to start doing browns & pinks??? fingers crossed... here is the gallery of this line.

So now the waiting game begins. They have a new line release right away that is shipping soon. Cool! so we don't receive our packages for a little while yet.  But you can expect that I will be having fun with this company.

Okay, new subject. I forgot to put out my contest for the new magazine! AND I forgot to congratulate Amanda LePage. A local Saskatchewan girl who mader the Passport to Creativity. Way to go. you guys should all go and check out her blog. She designs for Just Cre8, a kit club. So there are lot's of places that you can see Amanda's work. I really love giving toots out for local girls that get published, and here last issue I just was told I missed her mom getting published! So congrats Janet for last issue. sorry.

So here's my contest, I wanted to keep it light hearted. As most of you know, my husband is a funny guy. And he thrives off being able to tell a tall tale to see if I believe it. Heck he loves to see if my mom will believe him too. He has fooled me more times in the last 13 years! crazy. but he is even more annoying when it comes to picking names for our babies. It's hard enough when we know the sex of the kids, but this time around, because we don't know, he thinks he's a card bugging me. He still refers to the child as spatula or flipper. (which drives me nuts!!!!) but now whenever I try to have a serious discussion about names he is getting worse. Right now he's looking for a way to modernize Helga. Help me! So I thought, hey, we love different names that aren't the norm, so why not get help from you guys? BUT at the same time get Jim at his own game. So here's my contest. I'd love to get some great ideas for boys & girls names. unique, funky & different. (I'm really partial to naming this one after a destination, so any thoughts)  but to win, you have to give me a great "joke" name that I can start telling Jim I love, to get his goat and make him think I'm serious. So the winner of the best "joke" name will be announced Friday! Game on! It is one heck of a great prize if I do say so myself!

See you tomorrow!

off to the Dinosaurs...

okay, so I received a few more 18 x 18 questions. I DO NOT scrapbook all my pages this size. Just a few "special ones" that I intend to show off. Right now my huge Martha Album is more like a coffee table book. It isn't realistic to put on a shelf. I do like though that when I'm done showing off that layout I have a place to put it afterwards. As for the price, it is expensive but if you get it half off, it compares to most of the quality priced 12x12 albums out there. And you definitely do not have to use Martha products to complete one. I did one layout with her papers but they are a little too formal or heritage for my crazy family pics! This size definitely is an investment, but it is really cheap if you are constantly into changing your home decor. I think Martha created it with the idea of heritage, how all those old documents are 11 x 14 or larger. I know Jim's aunt is super fabulous at heritage scrapbooking and she has used the Creative Memories albums that are an oversize too. So it completely depends on your use for this size! (truthfully though it is freeing, like working on a huge paint canvas. I enjoy every time I scrap this size! But I would definitely have to move if this became my "size" I have no room for more than 1 album this size! LOL! Jim would really think I flipped my lid!)

Oh, and for those of you who sent the funniest emails about my petunia (butt, refer to yesterday's post whoever missed it). Laughing that hard, made it hurt more! At my prenatal appointment my doc checked it out in case I needed tetnus or something silly. I didn't but probably should've had stitches. She told me maybe I should lay off this "dangerous" craft until after the baby! I never associated dangerous with scrapbooking before, unless you shop at the store in Las Vegas!

Off to the dinosaur show tonight and then splurge, should be a great night. we went in Edmonton last year and it was GREAT!

Have a great weekend.

Answering questions!

OKay Sarah, first off, I actually did buy the Martha Stewart expensive album. They come with 18x18 background pages and I just build upon those. Easy as pie! If you didn't have that a bristol board would probably work too, or I think Pam actually did piece hers, (I'd have to double check with that though) Michael's does allow you to use those great coupons on her stuff now, so if you are considering this size for the wall then wait for coupon time to invest.

As for publishing, it is actually a super long process time. The best way to submit is to take a digital pic of the layout. Stand above it in the middle of the day with bright light and snap. Or else against a wall with a little masking tape. Remember, the magazines actually keep your entries for a year or more. When we are working on an issue it is for months away. For example. Right now we are working on the Winter issue. Fall is already in the edit room, processing, photographing etc. So if you were to send a summer pic, they might not call you till next year. If you aren't called right away, it doesn't necessarily mean you didn't get chosen, it could mean that we haven't started working on that season yet. And sometimes they have a specific idea in mind, and are looking for that theme. For example, in this last issue, we focused on photo corners, cats 'n dogs, double spreads. In every issue, there is a section that has random layouts. Also the coolest thing is in every issue they really look for new talent. After all, Canadian Scrapbooker is about Canadians and for Canadians and it is the one thing that is unique! WE DON'T publish anyone that isn't Canadian! Woohoo! So when you are actually called to send in your work, yes you will actually send the real thing. So protect it. It's your baby! Bubble envelope, pizza box, whatever. They take such good care of your layout. I know mine have definitely come back surrounded in peanuts! (which my kids love) And their return time is about a third of the U.S. magazines, (definitely speaking from experience as one magazine actually misplaced 3 of my layouts they used for a book for over a year!) But they will keep your layout for awhile because they have to photograph it, and if they need to make changes they might need to reshoot it again. I generally get my stuff back right away once the issue is released. So tips on getting published:

• submit layouts that you are so proud to show anyone and everyone that comes to your house
• I know from experience that complicated layouts don't seem to fly. I can truthfully say that my absolute favourite favourite layouts that are really detailed, have taken me hours to complete, not one has ever been picked up, in 10 years! So I started kind of questioning why. Awesome editors like Jackie Ludlage (Canadian Scrapbooker), Lisa Bearnson (Creating Keepsakes)and Stacy Julian (Simple Scrapbooks) have looked at my albums in person, gave me flattering compliments but told me in reality they are too complicated for someone too recreate. The general goal of most magazines is to be more instructional, help people learn. Lot's of people want to recreate or copy what they see. So they want to do that in minimal time. Maybe one day...
• I think it does help to have clear photos, not always as with heritage pics we don't always have that choice
• watch the magazine calls, if they say they are looking for something...they really are! Every magazine has a team of designers that have a quota of a certain amount of layouts to do for every issue, and generally these themes are not told to the public. So when they put a call out, that means hey, readers...WE Want YOU! So see what you have that fit those requests. And sometimes if the magazine doesn't get enough response then the design teams have to create stuff to work.
• Last but not least, if you are serious about entering, WRITE DOWN ALL OF YOUR PRODUCT USED. Seriously,. because you will be asked for this in detail if you are chosen. It is the magazine's responsibility to give credit to these companies. A partnership! So I have just gotten in the habit of writing everything on the back of my layouts every time as I work on them.I also write my address, phone number. I know Jackie knows how to find me, but what if Canada Post loses my stuff or worse, I want those babies coming back to me.
• don't forget, submit pictures of all kinds of work. different size layouts, mini albums, cards, invitations, home decor and DIGITAL layouts. it is the trend. if you are doing them, please submit so you can teach newbies like me how to do them!

So Sarah does that help???

Next: I am due June 18th. The last ultrasound guy was just pulling my chain saying it is earlier. So the waiting game still continues.

My kids are both in soccer & tball twice a week so it is getting busy around here. But so much fun!

Oh and we have over 70 people signed up interested about the cruise crop. Exciting. We hope to release all info by the end of next week for sign up, cost, classes etc. We have just been fine tuning all the details and working on sponsors! and let me tell you, they have been coming aboard. Jill and Trisha are each teaching 2 classes that are exclusive to this crop. so that will be exciting. I will teach 1 laoyut class. But I am so excited about all the make n takes and goody bags! Our goal is to really bring you guys the coolest product to take home for FREE!!!!!!!  We still have a few spots open for a Stampin Up rep, or TLC rep, so if that interests you please email.  cropandcruise@hotmail.com   (we are still taking emails of people interested in coming. remember this isn't the sign up yet, it just gets you an informative email letting you know all the details and when they registration will begin.)

Oh and I learned a huge lesson tonight! Do NOT set your scissors on the couch arms! BAD BAD BAD! I jumped up to get something, they fell off and when I returned and sat down I punctured my petunia! Let me tell you the pain!

Oh and one more thing I have super exciting news to reveal in the next week so stay tuned. Also I have a free issue to give away, so tomorrow I will have a contest! See you then!!!

I love long weekends!

So we sealed our driveway, looks great again! Went to the farm and had a great time out there. Quadding, helping my parents haul the cattle to the pasture, Jim helped fix fences with my brothers. It was fun. We always have such a great time when we go out to the farm. We picked up our boat and then spent Monday on the river. That was super cool. I can't believe how low our river is this year though. There were sand bars everywhere! but it was so nice to just cruise up and down checking out this awesome city!

So did you get a chance to check out the new Canadian Scrapbooker Website? It's pretty cool! Over the last 5-6 months I have been sent some pretty awesome layouts from you guys. Pretty outstanding actually. So I hope you guys submit, submit, SUBMIT! they are always looking for new talent, and I think I'm biased. I think Saskatchewan is full of it! It's so funny, to see this issue just came out, and already we are working on the Winter issue. Fall had already been sent to be edited. Crazy hey?  So check out the pub calls:

Call For Winter - Deadline June 15, 2008
We are currently looking for pages in the below themes:

• Winter Machines (i.e ski doos, snow blowers, zombonies)
• Ornaments
• My Secret Love(s)
• First Kisses
• Home
• This year I am going to…
• General winter and Christmas
• Home Decor - using scrapbooking to create projects for your home
• Tips for keeping your layouts straight
• Layouts with a postage theme

So this last issue I focused on 18x18 layouts. I actually became really fond of this size becaue I love showing new layouts on the wall, I love making scrapbooking part of my home decor. And truthfully this size is so much cheaper to create and change layouts, then to constantly change artwork. So for me it worked, and it was fun to explore! Here is a couple of my layouts in the magazine this time:

  this one was used in the article displaying different types of photo corners. I showed how you can cut one out of the patterned paper. I also really loved using Stix2 foils all over this. All of the swirls have some sort of foils on them. So does the title. I love this because the page is shiny!

this was one of the 18x18's I did. Isn't it crazy how many differnt embellishments that can be used on a page?

Okay, enough sneak peak's, you'll have to check out the mag to see the rest!