Willow Traders Scrapvivor, Challenge 1

ETA: Here are the instructions for adding that Traffic Feed thing. I copied this exactly from her email, thanks so much, Laurie!! And here is the site for the Traffic Feed: http://feedjit.com/
"Is your blog on blogger? If it is, then you hit the add it button on the fedjit site. Then I believe that you copy the text in the box they give you onto your template. Use the customize button on blogger and use a side bar add and put the code in there."

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Yippee..I just learned to add the Traffic Feed thing. My friend Laurie gave me totally clear and SIMPLE instructions how to do it. THANKS, girl!! Now I can see who comes here and from where. I'm totally excited!!

I am totally loving the Scrapvivor challenge at Willow Traders. I keep talking about it to my family and they think I'm nuts. Heintje can't wait for me to get kicked off, the cute kids are cheering me on, and my parents think I should just sleep! LOL! Annette, a total Survivor fan, is hosting the challenge. She has been coming up with really great challenges and I love the way she presents everything. I know NOTHING about Survivor, but they way she says everything, makes me feel like I'm on a secluded island far, far away....Cropalopagos Islands!

The first challenge for Willow Trader's Scrapvivor Challenge was Monochromatic. I'm really not a fan of monochromatic, but I guess it's supposed to be a challenge, right? LOL! Some of the pages are sooo NOT great..LOL. But the object of Scrapvivor is QUANTITY...not quality..LOL So bare with me here! Here goes.....

Let's start off with a spring layout. Yes, this was taken from the same day as the Spring layout from the previous post. With summer coming in a few days, I wanted to showcase another Spring layout. And I just loved that day. It was simple and sweet. PP-AC (blue background), old school Chatterbox! (blue floral), MM (black); alpha-Doodlebug; chipboard accents--SR (hand); AC (flourish); journaling thing--Luxe??

Now let's move on to Baker Beach. These pictures were taken right before we left for the beach. Notice the gloomy skies. We were worried it might start raining while we were there. PP-MM Chelsea (blue background), 7G (text), Cherry Arte (grid); alpha--Doodlebug; label sticker--MM; flowers--Prima; brads--MM
I just love these pictures of the kids. Heintje was trying to get the kite to work, but it was really windy. It was cute to watch the kids try and run around..LOL! Check out Marga with Rako's leash tied around her waist. She loves hanging out with Rako, too. PP--MM Chelsea (green die cut background), MM 5th Ave (black circles), CI (black scallop), some other black PP??; flower--Prima; brads--MM; alpha--AC; rubon bracket--Kaiser Craft
Here is Joey being soo crazy with Rako! At first he was pretty nervous around him. He would be so entranced with him, yet needs the comfort of someone close by. By the end of the day, Joey was all over Rako, poking him with sticks, feeding him rocks and dirt, and even sweetly petting him...then pounding him. Poor Rako!! PP-Green background--Prima?, black-KI?..sorry, I forget these things...LOL. journaling sheet--MM; photo turn-7G; stars--HS; alpha--AC

Here are pictures from our trip to LA...yes, the same one from last March! LOL! I think there is 1 more layout from that trip, and it's DONE! I am totally in a GREEN phase right now, I just love the color ...it's so pretty, so happy. PP-Prima; alpha--HS and AC; flowers--Prima; border and label sticker--MM; "superstar" bling--MMBI; brads--MM
Let's move on to non-travel pages. Well, sorta (they did the traveling)....Remember in my prior posts about a couple Filipina scrapbookers--Marian and Sunshine. Well, I finally scrapped a layout about it. I had to combine the two visits even though they were a couple months apart. There were not very many pictures of the events and you know...totally multi-photo scrapper! LOL! It's a simple page, but the memory of the event is what is important. PP-AC (pink), Cherry Arte (black); alpha--Doodlebug; flower-Prima; chipboard journaling thing--Autumn Leaves
Next up is...ME! Bwahahwahha!! Jassy Belle took these awesome pictures of me..haha! I need to get some goofy headshots for a DT one day and she was around to help me out...Thanks, Babe! She did a pretty good job, considering her crazy subject! PP-everything MM even the solids; lace trim--EK Success; vinyl "this is Me"--Scrapworks; alpha--EK and HS; floral trim and brads--MM; journaling spot--ME! I have to give credit to my friend Alicia for the title, she created a LO with the same title with pictures her DD took of her. Very cool title! THANKS, girl!
And finally....a layout from Egypt. This was taken during our first day in Egypt. We went to this place, the Pharaonic Village. It was really cool. You get to ride a boat on the Nile and it takes you through life during "Ancient Egypt". It starts out with statues of their gods and kings, then daily life--how they planted, how they grew crops, how they used papayrus, etc. It was really cool...and being an Egypt fanatic, I was totally lovin' it!! PP-MM (red dots and black), red floral??; alpha--AC and HS. I also used cut outs from the pamphlets we got at the place.
Sooo....this is Challenge 1. We are currently on Challenge 6, so I still have LOADS of layouts to share with you! LOL! Hope I don't scare you guys away!! THANKS so much for reading!

Let's get on with the layouts!!!

OMG, I have a 1.1 million layouts to share with you. No, just kidding, but I do have a bunch. Willow Trader's Scrapvivor is really helping me crank it out!! I think from those challenges alone, I have over 50 layouts done and 40 cards...since June 1!!! Now, I don't want to overload you in 1 single post.LOL, so I'll be sharing with you throughout the next few days. Let's get it started!

Today I will share with you layouts I made during the Paper Posies month long anniversary challenge and their online crop. The month long anniversary challenge was during the whole month of May. The online crop was during May 30-31, a perfect way to end a great month!!

This layout uses a fun new patterned paper from SEI. I got the pack from Michael's a few weeks ago and I love the soft color pallette! Heintje and Joey when we were at Baker Beach last May. This layout is based on a sketch by Sonda! Thanks, Sonda!!
The challenge for this layout was to tear the actual PICTURE. I used a picture with a lot of white space so to make it easier. My kid, my first born. He was really going through a rough patch for a few months. I hope he snaps out of it. It even started to affect his grades this last trimester. :( The title Reasons Unknown is from a song by the Killers.
Another layout for Jordan. Gotta get him some layout love..LOL! I love using quotes for layouts. When I saw this picture of him jumping, I knew this one would be perfect. I've been wanting to use it for quite a while and so glad I finally got to use it! This was taken on the front lawn of my parents' house. Man, I love that tree! This challenge was to use pop dots for something. Here I used pop dots on the stars.
Another one of Jordan. This time with his best friend, Christopher...a.k.a. 'Toph! He is like another son to us. Anytime any of Jordan's friends come over, they head to my parents' house to play on the tire swing. Fun times!! This challenge was to use some recycled products. Here is used SB packaging for embellishments and "patterned paper." This layout is actually done on the BACKSIDE of the top layout--Reason's Unknown. When you love both sides of a PP, use them both!! Just make sure you know the order when it goes into the album.
My beautiful girl. Here is another page using a quote. It's a little small and says: A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. I used an older Scarlet Lime kit for this layout...LOVE the tiny red alpha!! These pictures were taken right before we left so she could be seen with a specialist for her cafe au lait spots. Thank GOD that she only has 1 of 3 symptoms that would cause the doctors to worry. For now we only need to monitor her for any changes. This challenge was to use 3 different types of alphabet fonts.

Remember when we went to that Japanese restaurant where they made the food in front of us. Well, here is the layout for it. It's a little different than my other layouts. This kinda "sticks out". It's not really a 12x12 page, so I have to just watch what I put on the other side..LOL. It's a neat technique though, but it's too much thinking for me..LOL. This challenge was to use notebook type paper and journal on it. Finally, I leave you with another layout using a sketch by Sonda. I tweaked it a bit by turning it on it's side, but I like how it turned out. Used lots of fun goodies from past Scarlet Lime kits. She has the cutest embellishments, esp love the yo you flowers! This was the day after the Japanese dinner (above layout). We bought water cans at Joann's after dinner and the kids couldn't wait to use them!!
Okay..that's it for today! Thanks for stopping by!! Come back in a couple days for more layouts. Or better yet, use Google Reader so you know everytime I update :) I love it!!

Layouts, layouts, and MORE layouts!!

I must have used this title before since it came up on AutoType..LOL! I'm so creative when it comes to naming my posts...LOL! Well, as you can read from my "creative" title, I'll be sharing a bunch of layouts. Do you guys rather me post everyday with a few layouts, or stretch it out and post a bunch of layouts once a week or so? Just curious :)

Let's start off with the ScrappersXchange MAY kit. It was filled with Scenic Route; Cosmo Cricket; Fancy Pants; and Making Memories papers. Perfect kit for boy pages, but the SR embellies were great for girl pages. An all around AMAZING kit!! Here is what the fun kit looks like: (click on the image for a larger view)

Here is a layout I made for my Mom's album...hence the 8 1/2 x 11 size :)

My poor sweet Joey :( He LOVES balloons, to him it's another BALL! He is definately ALL BOY! But on this day, at this tired, naptime, time of day, he was happily playing with his balloon. Ate got it from Jeremy's birthday the night before and Joey suddenly claimed it as his. Anyway, the balloon kept going toward our roses. So I took it away from him because I was afraid it would pop--temporarily, I promise!--but of course you can't really reason with a 1 year old. So he freaked out, poor kid. Until he ran over to Nanay's house....and he was a happy camper again! See the next layout!

My awesome Mommy. After losing his pink balloon, he ran over to my parents house. Within minutes he was a happy boy all over again! Love how their moods can change in an instant. The title Endless Energy pertains to HER, not Joey..LOL. I love how she can keep up with the little tykes!

Here is my happy, happy godson, Nathan. I love creating baby pages. It seems that Joey became a toddler overnight and I wasn't done with the baby pages :( Good thing I can scrap Nathan layouts, but too bad he doesn't want to go blind from all the flashes!

The following layouts were made for the month long 3rd Anniversary celebration at Paper Posies. I wasn't able to participate for the first couple of weeks since we were so crazy busy, but I finally got 3 layouts done earlier this week. Yippee!!

This first layout was to use the colors blueish and greenish, with a touch of pink. I LOVE it! These are my favorite color schemes lately!! My poor Jasmin busted her lip on St. Patrick's day. We just watched Princess on Ice a few weeks earlier and she has been an "ice skating" fool with her socks! She tried for a double axle--not really--but tried to spin around and ATE it! She ran over to me in a bloody mess. I freaked out praying it wasn't a lost tooth, but thank God it was just a busted lip. I was also afraid she would need stitches. It kept bleeding for almost 10minutes!! Poor Jassy Belle!

The next challenge was to use white space, but with a twist to also include something hand cut. I cut out an image from a patterned paper. Sorry, this layout totally looks like the layout above. I told ya, I'm in love with the color scheme! My #3--crazy little dude, but I am still in love with him!

Finally, this layout was for using 3 pictures on a page. Easy for me since I love to use 3 pictures all the time..LOL! 2nd generation cousins hanging out at Baker Beach. I love how easily they bond even if they just met :)

Okay...this is all for now. Let me know about the frequency of the updates and I'll try my best! THANKS soo much!

Another Busy Weekend

It just seems like 1 thing after another for us. But that's okay, one day when we have nothing to do, the kids will be bored out of their mind! LOL! In between events this weekend, I was also working a friend's 70th birthday invite. Not my friend turning 70, but her Uncle..LOL. I am finally finished with those and I can start scrapping again!

Saturday night we went to dinner at a Japanese restaurant off Automall, Kaenyama Sushi & Teppanyaki. We sat at the Teppanyaki (am I using the word in correct context?) where the chef made the meal in front of us. The kids LOVED it. We used to eat at Nijo Castle where they would do this, but it's been years..oh besides the time Heintje and I went to Hawaii.

After dinner we went next door to Yoswirl for dessert. It was Grand Opening day and it was half off! The kids LOVED this place, too. You start out with yogurt, then you add different mix ins--sprinkles, cereal, candy bars, fruits, etc. They were loading on the toppings, good thing it was half off day! They determine how much your yogurt is by weighing it. What a great idea!

Then Mommy, Jasmin, and I walked over to Joann's to buy more ribbon for the invites and Jasmin spotted some watering cans. Of course I ended up buying them, like a sucker! LOL.

Sunday....in the morning we decided to put the new watering cans to use. Our poor grass is not used to the 90-100 degree weather. It's so thristy! Since the cans are so little, the kids go through the water in seconds. Jordan was the water boy and was very patient considering he was constantly filling up their cans. Joey was having a BLAST and was soaking wet within 5 minutes! Crazy kid..kids!

Finally, I went to the scrapbook garage sale at Bay Area Scrappers. I've been cleaning my room the past few MONTHS. My goal is to have the room be a guest room/storage room. It's going to take some time, but I'm on my way. It's just so hard to let go of things and think--hey, I could use that! LOL! Anyway...I sold a bunch but not as much compared to Feb. I had a lot less stuff now. My room is clearing out and I love it. It makes me want to get rid of more..more...more!! I'm sure Heintje is really happy to hear that..LOL.

While at the sale, I also met another scrapper from the Philippines--Sunshine Asuncion. It was great meeting you! Maybe next time we can hang out for a bit longer :)

So that was our weekend. This week I can get back to scrapping. Done with the invites, done with the purging (for now), and no family plans during the week (I think). Ate Grace and family is coming up from LA on Saturday. We'll be going to Great America...woohoo!

Homegrown Spring Survival

A few months ago, Stephanie from Homegrown Scrapbooks asked me to design with the Spring Survival kit. Here is an image of the kit, isn't it BEAUTIFUL!! It's a HUGE kit and packed with a bunch of "a bit of this, a touch of this, a whole pack of that!" The boxes I received were amazing!! I was fondling for quite some time ;)

There is so much to this and the best part are the "classes." Basically every Thurs a pdf is sent out with 10+ layouts, tips, techniques, and SKETCHES of all the layouts posted. Each layout is complete with a supply list of everything on the layout and step by step instructions...with MEASUREMENTS!! It's really amazing and such a cool concept. It's been 3 weeks since the program started and the girls are jammin' with layouts in the gallery. It's so inpsiring!!

Here are layouts I've created for Week 1. I've also added some detail shots :)

This is my favorite layout so far. I love the picture of Jasmin and I love using quotes.

I used Glimmer Mist for the Prima flowers. Hard to tell in the pictures, but it gives a nice sheen!! I am officially hooked on Glimmer Mist! I also used a cool mirror heart by Heidi Swapp!

This layout was an assignment to lift another desinger. I lifted Lynne's layout and changed it just a little bit. I used Glimmer Mist again, this time on the Bazzill border strip. Love that thing!! My sweet first born. It's so hard now with 2 younger siblings to get some Mommy time. I just want him to know that I totally think about him all the time and know he is going through something...just haven't figured it out. I love you, dude!

Finally, this layout uses a bunch of pictures! These pictures were from the Baptism party in LA when Heintje and I were godparents. Thank you so much John and Sheila for the honor! For this layout I layered a cut out flower from the SEI patterned paper, over a piece of lace fabric cut into a circle and finally over the Making Memories glitter paper. Gives fun texture and dimension!

I'll show more in a few days, along with some Glimmer Mist tips and techniques!

Busy Weekend.....

This was a busy and HOT weekend. Just days ago, we were getting rain and wind and 40 degree weather. Today we were in Dublin and it was a steamin' 90 degrees!! Good thing we were indoors with nice cool AC :)

Let's see, Friday after work I begged Heintje to let me have a day of scrapping. There were 2 online crops going on and I wanted to take part in them. I'm usually hosting challenges and posting threads and stuff, but this time, I wanted to scrap and do the challenges and even try to win some RAKs..LOL! The 2 places that held online crops were: Coordinates Collections and The Scrapping Edge. I got 7 layouts complete and I'll post them at the end of this thread.

Saturday morning, Jordan was supposed to go to a Track Meet, but he's been coughing and his allergies have gotten to him, so we let him rest in the AM. That night we went to the school for Family Fun Day. In the past, it has been a Gala for adults with drinking and casino...oh how I missed the roulette table this year..LOL. But this year, it was all about the family and BBQ dinner and even a movie for the kids. I was feeling a bit empty as my daughter, my sidekick, my never leaving my side adpendage, was not with me most of the night. She has transformed into a big girl. She went off with Kuya and his friends and watched a movie. I didn't know what to do with myself for almost 2 hours. She let go, I guess I should start letting go, too...LOL. With the help of a couple of friends giving him some tickets, Jordan came home with a new fish. All night he kept thinking about his old fish from his friend Matthew. So we promised to buy some fish food the next day.

Sunday we went to church in the AM. And Jasmin almost got lost. It was such a scary thing for both Jasmin and me!! We saw a couple of friends after church and wanted to hold their twin babies, so so cute! Then Jasmin must have kept walking and wandered off. I noticed she was no where near us and I kept looking for her. Oh man, it was awful to see her her darting from place to place screaming my name. I was yelling for her, but I couldn't run too fast--I was in heels and carrying someone else's 6month old kid! She finally heard me and came running over. I can't even imagine what must have been going on in her head. I was so scared to not instantly find her, then when I saw her screaming....it just broke my heart :( I pray that something like that NEVER happens again. Thank GOD we were somewhat enclosed on chruch grounds. But what if it was at the mall or somewhere....OMG! .....Actually Jordan has gotten lost TWICE in his short 8 year life, both at very very public places. But that's a story for next time....

After church we headed over to Walmart to buy more fish and fish food. We got home and got the little tank together. Then we headed for the airport. Ate Monette and her family were coming here from the Philippines. She is the last of Auntie Elon's children to come to the States. It has been over 14 years since I last saw her and she still looks the same! haha! After the airport we headed over to Dublin and tht 90 degree weather. We hung out for quite sometime then finally headed home.

Unfortunately when we got home, 2 of the fish were dead and the other 2 died shortly after. It was a cry fest for Jordan, but after some prayer and consoling, I think he'll be okay. I have no idea why they died. Maybe we are just not meant to have fish...LOL! Jordan does have his heart set on a dog...one day...one day!

Okay...have you gotten this far? LOL....now for the layouts :) The first 4 layouts are for The Scrapping Edge, then the last 3 are from Coordinates Collection.

The challenge for this layout was to cut out images from patterned paper and use pop dots for a 3D effect. I'm not too keen on this layout, but it's done. My cheesy smiling kids...esp #3! LOL!

This layout required 3 sheets of PP, 2 journaling blocks and a chipboard tree. I didn't have any chipboard trees, so I hand cut this one. I used Ranger Crackle for the leaves portion and Chalk Ink for the trunk. I am pretty pleased how it turned out.

This layout was about using recycled items. I love using SB packaging because it's pretty and it should already be acid free, etc, since it comes in contact with the actual SB product. Either way, it's economical and helps keep things out of the trash and into the landfills.

This layout requred the use of die cuts. So I went to town on the die cuts. I LOVE this picture of Heintje and I. It was taken at Napa Outlets just after I bought my new sunglasses. I haven't bought a pair since like 10 years or so! LOL!


Here are the last 3 layouts from the Coordinates Collection crop.
This layout was based on an AD. Totally looks different, but I was inspired by the florals and the color. I got the layout title idea from Sherry Wright. She used the same title with similar pictures. Joey is such a nut. One time he was doing this and he actually tumbled over! Silly baby!!

This layout is about your favorite room in the house. Can you guess what I picked..LOL! You can read all about in the previous post.

And finally, this layout required the use of Teresa Collins products. She sponsored the crop, so one of the challenges wanted us to use it for the majority of the layout. Love her goodies and I'm totally looking forward to her Travel line coming out in May!


So there you have it.....our crazy weekend...lots of laughing and crying and 90 degree weather and lots of layouts..haha!

Layout Class, May 20, 2008

I'm teaching another class at Suzy's, Picture Me Perfect.

Here is the info:

Date: Tues, May 20, 2008
Time: 7-9ish PM
Cost: $30

You will create 5 layouts and receive all the material necessary.
This class will also use lots of fun "EM"bellishments! heeheee. Here are 3 out of the 5 layouts.

This layout uses new fun Prima papers. You use a WHOLE sheet of patterned paper as the background!! You also get to play with fun embellishements like Maya Road, Queen and Company, and more!

*sorry, the scan for this layout is horrible! The buttons did not want to cooperate :(

This layout will show you how to use die cuts as embellishments!! Bust out those sharp scissors ladies!

This layout features papers Prima Dude and Making Memories.

You will learn how to use patterned papers as embellishments and mix them up with other goodies to add texture and dimension.



Hope you guys enjoyed the sneak peek...hope you can make it :)

My Secret Mission!

Hee-hee! I was chosen to be one of the Fiskateers to do a Secret Mission!!

You can read about it here: Don't Theme Me

Here is the layout I created using the Rain Dots and Ribbons.....

My daddy...he comes over to babysit in the AM when Heintje and I both have to work. He is usually the favorite among the kids because he lets them get away with almost anything! He carries them for 3 hours while they sleep, gives them ice cream, lets them play with anything...LOL...the list goes on!! Thanks, Daddy!!