Erin Bode and Photography Lesson

We went to the free park concert last night for Erin Bode and it was great. We had so much fun. The weather was cooperative, she had a talented opening act and she sang my fave songs. Erin has the most melodic voice ever. We had our chairs, a packed dinner, and wine coolers. Can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night in the summer :-)

Here are a few pics from last night. My photography homework involved changing the ISO in low light situations. Since the concert didn't start till after 7pm it was the perfect situation. The real purple pic of Erin is at ISO 100, the brighter pic is at ISO 1600. Cool difference. Learned something with that homework assignment. The blue umbrella, just because I saw it, liked the colors, and liked the lines :-)

Side Notes and Harry Potter

What can bring me out of blog hiding...my review of the Harry Potter movie of course. I am an avid fan. I read the books, analyze the plots and read HP message boards. I did not like the movie. My thoughts: "I was not pleased. I know you have to leave stuff out, I am fine with that, but I didn't like how they added material that wasn't there. I guess I become a purist when they add, but not when they leave out. Plus, I thought they left out some key info like Kreachers betrayal, Snape's role in OOTP, the locket in Sirius's home. My hubby doesn't read the books and he thought it was okay. " Maybe it was entertaining, but I was so disturbed that I was yelling that's not how it happened the whole movie and I was answering plot questions for my husband. I still say go see it and make your own choice, but this semi-purist wasn't pleased.

Side Note 1: only 11 more practices until Regional cheer competition and the girls are driving me insane. I haven't had one practice where everyone was in attendance and the stunts aren't hitting. Say a prayer for them.

Side Note 2: went to a sorority sister/good friend wedding reception this weekend. It was held on the ISU campus and it was a wonderfully nostalgic feeling. I took photos of everything that had significance for me and plan to do a mini album with the pics. The reception was great, very classy and I got to see people I haven't seen since I graduated 5 years ago. That was the best.

Side Note 3: I think I haven't been blogging b/c I have stuff on my mind and it kinda blocks out the day to day okay stuff that happens. So maybe if I just say it, I can feel comfortable about blogging the everyday stuff again. On the 23rd, I find out if I have cervical cancer or not, which is kinda emotional. I am praying for the best and praying for strength to handle whatever situation God presents. Feeling like I have done things in my life that put me at a higher risk also is a little hard to deal with. So there. Plus, the business is growing, but not as quickly as I anticipated, hoped and prayed for. I am not failing, but I am used to experiencing success so quickly that this process is challenging to me. I have learned a lot, but I keep wondering if there is something else. Plus, my mojo is missing b/c everything is focusing on the business. I miss just playing with paper.

Anyhoo, that's me where I am today. Rob is taking me to an Erin Bode concert tonight. Oh my how I love her jazz music. Check her out if you don't know who she is :-) Luv ya !!!!

Trip Pictures and Journaling for Paris

***** I am dividing my pictures and journaling into multiple posts (if you read below you will understand why). This is for Paris only :-) Pictures are straight out of camera. I haven't played with them, so excuse them if some are funky looking :-) LOL *****

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Okay, for all those who have been hounding me :-) :-) :-) Sorry it took so long. The trip was an amazing two weeks and allowed me to check some travel spots off my list. We went to Paris, Nice, Cannes, Rome, Pompeii, Isle of Capri, Monacco, Tuscany region, Pisa and Vatican city. Yes, we kept it moving for two weeks. Paris was great. The people were a lot nicer than reported. If you respect their culture an dshow a desire to learn, than they are super nice people. Rob and I sat at side walk cafes and drank wine and ate crepes and sandwiches. We went up the Eifle Tower, which isn't as pretty as you would think, except at night when it is lit up. The view from there is spectacular though. The lines can be up to 2 hours. We were with a large group, so we didn't wait that long. We saw Notre Dame. I didn't climb the hundreds of stairs, but my sister did.

We went to the palace of Versailles, which was AMAZING. The opulence in which the king lived was out of this world. We had a great tour guide for this part of had some little known secrets about each part of the castle we visited. For example: the king would sneak back to his bedroom from his mistress bed each night because the day couldn't start unless the king was in his bed when they pulled back the

curtains so people could admire him. At parties they would pull chamber pots out in the middle of the floor and use the restroom in front of everyone. The king only took a bath once a year because he feared a bath opened your pores up to disease. The gorunds around the castle were wonderful as well. So very detailed with a maze on the premises.

We went to the Louve. The art gallery is HUGE. It could take you weeks to walk through each floor and each hall and really look at the pieces. We saw the most famous of course: The Mona Lisa (not impressed). I was expectng so much more. And yes, I think she is smiling. We saw the Venus de Milo (unbelievable detail), and Winged Victory. I would love to visit the museum again. My feet hurt so bad from all the walking our tour group was doing, that I just wanted to sit down after I saw these famous pieces. We did not do it justice. We also visited the Moulin Rouge, which is in like a Red light district. Very risque.

There were tons of famous designer shops at designer prices. I never realized the importance of the value of the American dollar before. Buying something for forty euros was like buying it for sixty dollars. Very expensive exchange rate. I did buy a bronze statue of a woman wearing my sorority colors :-) I could not resist. I bought one expensive piece in each of the regoins we visited and very few knick knacks. I have to collect magnets and post cards.

Europeans have no concept of fast food like here in America. I believe we saw 1 McDonalds and thatw as it. Fast food there consists of sandwiches in various forms: cheese, ham and cheese, pizza sauce and cheese, tomatoe and cheese. My fave part....all the cheese. I was in heaven. However, I was extremely tired of ham and cheese on french bread :-) I did as the natives did though. They also walk EVERYWHERE. They are extremely fit in my opinion.

Rob and I loved Paris. We want to visit agin, when we are not with a tour group, so we can do more sitting, eating, drinking, and people watching. That's how we like to vacation. LOL. I think I will do the lower region of France next. STAY TUNED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JULY Color Your Memories Kits Plus Add Ons

These are the two kits for July plus the add ons. They are perfect for summer layouts and everyday pics. Big THANKS go out to Robyn Weatherspoon, who was the Guest Designer for this month. She did some awesome layouts and demonstrated how to stretch the kits by adding products already in your stash. Check out Robyn's Blog, she has some great designs and advice on there :-)

The kits and add ons go on sale tomorrow morning at: Color Your Memories Robyn's designs will also be posted on the main site at that time.

For The Record

Just for the record, I won't be posting for two weeks. It is not because I grown lazy again, but because I will be in Europe. We are going to Paris, Rome, Pompeii, Monoco and another location. I will have a ton of pictures to share when I come back :-) Not quite sure how I will scrap them all, but if you have any suggestions, please post.

Two layouts

I finally scrapped after 4-5 weeks of no mojo at all. The first is of my nephew Caleb. Such a hottie. My sister will have to beat teh girls off with a stick :-) The second is a layout of my step dad. I am thinking about framing it and sending it as a dad day gift :-) Both layouts were made with the June Summer Evening Kit. Lots of great products in there.

Remember I am shipping the first batch out on June 1st. I will be gone on vacation from June 4th-16th. I know you don't want to wait that long for goodies, so order now. They are moving quickly. *****Click pic for a larger view.

Recap of May :-)

Here is my recap for the month of May. I promise not to go this long again without blogging.

1) Held a Cinco de Mayo party for about 10 of our friends. Had an absolute blast. Good food and GOOD drinks :-)

2) Bought a Wii. Yes, I caved. Yes, I stood outside of Toys R Us to get one. Yes, I spent alot of money. Yes, I am enjoying it. My mom even bought one.

3) Rob graduated with his master's. I am so proud of him. Now we both have one. I liek that. When we have kids we can only hope they will understand how important education is. The Phd robes made me jealous. I may decide to go back for one myself :-)

4) Went to the Melting Pot for Fondue and coversation. Both of them were GOOD!!!

5) Saw Spider Man 3 and Pirates of the Caribbean. Enjoyed both.

6) Reread Harry Potter number 6. Now I am ready for number 7. So sad to see the series end.

7) Found out that I will be teaching a new subject next year. I am really happy for the change and hope it gives me some renewed vigor and love for my profession.

8) Found out I could be sick with something not so good. Praying to God because I know he can heal all things. Refuse to worry or become sad.

9) The end of the school year is two days away. Thank you Thank you Thank you.....

10) Bought and bought for our two week trip to Europe. I so can not wait. June 4th can not come quick enough :-) Think of all the pics I will have to scrap :-)

June Kits

Oh my goodness, it has been almost a month since I posted. Geez Louise. I really don't have any excuse either. I will have to write a highlight post later on today.

I spent the morning updating my kit site. Both of our new kits are up in the hottest color combo of the summer teal/lime green with lots of new embellies in whole packages. Kits will ship by June 1st because I am going to Europe the first two weeks of June. No waiting on your goodies. Check out the site: Color Your Memories

Another LO with the May Kit

This kit is more than just Easter pics. I created this layout for a challenge over at Willow Traders: use Cathy Z's four square style. Not as easy as you would think :-) Perfection means recognizing that we are all variations of the same thing. I want to put that quote on there, but not sure where without disturbing the design. I love that flower pic. It is the one I posted last week or two weeks ago.

God's Gift

I woke up this morning to beautiful weather and thought I must go outside today. I love nature, not the creepy crawly kind, but the sun, the trees, flowers, fresh breezes. They all call to me. My personal deep thought for the day is that you can't be any closer to God than when you are outside in the midst of his creation. This was the one reason I wanted to get married outside. Didn't happen b/c we were married in November in Chicago, but we did get married in a glass tent, so technically we were surrounded by nature from every angle. It was a beautiful sight to see everything covered with a light layer of white, so pure and pristine. Anyhoo, I think we are going out today to enjoy God's gift.

I've Been Tagged and so Have YOU :-)

Foods:
1. deep dish pizza
2. tacos
3. cheese popcorn
4. new york strip steak

Four Jobs I've Had:
1. teacher
2. office manager
3. customer service at the PO
4. residence hall manager

Four Places I've Lived:
1. Chicago
2. Jacksonville
3. Saint Louis
4. Houston

Four Vacation Spots I Have Been:
1. Cayman Islands
2. Belize
3. Jamaica
4. Las Vegas

Four Places I would rather be:
1. Jamaica
2. Disney World
3. Aruba
4. nature

Four TV Shows I watch:
1. CSI
2. Desperate Housewives
3. SpongeBob
4. The Simpson's

Another MAY KIT layout

This is my younger sister and I knew I just had to scrap this photo when I took it. ***click the pic for a larger view

MAY KITS

Here are our new kits for MAY.... Bright fun colors to scrap the end of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Papers are from Cherry Arte and Bo Bunny. Check out our Gallery to see the beautiful work done by our Guest Designer Ari Macias . Think the Cherry Arte paper is just for boys, think again. She did a fab job and has only girls. I have also posted a few layouts done with the kit, and no boys were allowed :-) Kits go on sale this weekend.

May Kit Layout

Here is a layout with ONE of our upcoming kits for May, which goes on sale this weekend. This is my mom and poppie :-) Check out the site this weekend. The guest designer rocked both kits. ***click the pic for a bigger view :-)

Guest Designer Call--June

Name of Call:
Color Your Memories Guest Designer Contest

Close date:
May 9th, 2007

Description:
Color Your Memories is in search of a Guest Designer for the month of June. Submit your designs using the theme: JOY. What brings you JOY, what does JOY mean to you, what does JOY look like? We are looking for someone who can use bold, bright papers and create with a fun and whimsical style.

Submit your creations to our gallery area. One winner will be chosen based on style and originality. The contest is open to everyone.

Requirements:
Only two submissions per person (can be a LO, card, or altered art) Items must be submitted by May 9th, 2007. The winner will be our June Guest Designer and receive our fabulous June kit to design with. The kit will be packed with new products from CHA (Tinkering Ink, Crate Paper and Creative Imaginations to name a few).

Please make sure you upload your creations into the challenges album located in the gallery. I can't wait to see what you create :-)

Link to site: Color Your Memories

Link to gallery: CYM Gallery

Winery Pic

Here is a pic I snapped of our first wine trip of the season. I didn't take this pic until the end of the day. It was gorgeous outside and I just really wanted to take all that in. I love being outside and sharing it with my hubby. Good Food, Good Wine, Good Weather, and Good Company :-)

click on the pic to see it close up.

Sewing On Paper -----PROBLEM SOLVED Thanks to Willow Traders :-)

Okay so I bought a machine a Brother, thank you to those who gave suggestions. The Janome was virtually impossible to find here and once I did find it, I had already bought this one :-) No patience. The problem is that on my practice samples the white bottom thread is showing through the top of my design. I added a pic, so I hope it makes sense. I have played with the tension, bought good thick thread, and bought a denim needle to use with it. What else can I check or what am I doing wrong.
Is there a special technique for sewing on paper?

Some Cards

Just thought I would share some projects I have been working on. All sketches are by Di Hickman who has a cool sketch blog. The papers and embellies are from the April kit and the one with the stars is from the May kit. There are a few April kits still available and free shipping over $25 still applies.

Now Is The Time....Spring Sale....Free Shipping

Hello ladies,

My husband is complaining about the ever growing amount of space the business is taking up, so I am having a sell on past products to clear out some room for new stuff and to keep my hubby happy :-)

I am having a SALE on all past kits, add ons and additional merchandise added to the store. Including products from Heidi Swapp, American Crafts, Prima, Junkitz, Fancy Pants and more. Most products are 25% off or near wholesale. We are also offering FREE shipping :-) on orders of $25 or more (will be refunded through PAYPAL). If you have been thinking about trying a kit, now is the time to do so. FREE shipping ends April 28th

May Sneak Peek

It's that time again. Photos are curtesy of our May Guest Designer Ari Macias. These kits are extra cute and perfect for scrapping Easter pics or for the males in your life or your adventuresome daughters as well.

Pics

Just some pics of the flowers Rob bought me last week. They are so pretty and fragrant. These were taken with my 50mm lens. Tootally LOVE it.

Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking by Jessica S.

I LOVE Jessica Sprague's new book: Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking. I have Adobe and I am proficient with it, but I learned so many new things. She uses simple language, great sample photos, and she really makes use of the whole program. You don't have to do digi to love this book. Most of the layouts are paper, but she shows you how to use your computer to turn your photos and layouts up a notch. She focuses on photos, journaling, titles and embellishments. Here is a Before and After photo using three of the tips in the book. I have a lot of idea books, but this one is a definite keeper and one I will keep close at hand and not on the shelf. Plus, there are awesome layouts in the book, so it is definite eye candy and inspiration.

Just For Me

I have really been feeling this creative drain lately. Something about taking your passion and turning it into a business changes how you do your hobby. This week I decided I NEEDED to scrap just for the pure fun of it. I went to Archiver's browsed around and bought new stuff that I had been eyeing. These are two of the layouts I have created using Basic Grey, Autumn Leaves, Heidi Swapp and Creative Imaginations. I love them both and had fun making them. Not sure which is my fave, but I definitely plan on submitting one or both. Any suggestions :-) Hopefully you can read the journaling b/c they are both good.

bye :-)

What did I do today??? I bought a small sewing machine and practiced sewing paper. Sewing on LO's is the newest trend and I have been wanting to try it for a while. I tried 3 machines before I found one that was cheap, small, worked, and had easy directions. I am super excited to test it out even more. Like on a real LO and not on sample pieces.

So super tired b/c I had to go back to work today after a week off. I was so upset I couldn't sleep last night. The end of the school year needs to come quick. I need a rest from this class and a fresh start with next year. Only two more months :-) and then I will be in Europe for the first time ever :-) Sweetness.

I saw some shelves in the Real Simple mag that I must have. I have gone to at least 7 different stores and no one has them. I guess I must break down and pay the Pottery Barn price, hopefully it is not too much. I will not be defeated by shelves, no not me and not today. If I finally figured out the sewing machine thing, than I should be able to find these darn shelves at a reasonable price.

bye :-)

Here and There

Friday we went to the movies to see Blades of Glory. If you like Will Ferrel, you will like this movie. It was very funny and felt like Ricky Bobby. Mindless laughter, but sometimes we need that.

After the movies we went to this new store that I read about on someones blog. It is called Lush. They make handmade and all natural body products. So freash, that some of teh stuff has expiration dates on it. They even make shampoo, deodorant, lip balm, you name it.

Soap:

Bubble Bath

Shower Gels

Check them out. You can also order online. The stuff smells like heaven and moisturizes as well. The bubble bath stuff has notes and flowers ticked inside that float up once the ball fizzes out. so super cool. The whole bathroom smelled like total relaxation.

Saturday I picked up a copy of Real Simple, and loved it. I had heard good things about it and finally decided to give it a read. Lots of great ideas in there. Such a ficus on serenity and orderliness. I really need that right now. So we are off to Target to buy some organization and simpleness :-)

Simple Scrapbook magazine has an advertisement for my business in the back. Check it out :-) Hoping this is the break the kit club needs.

Computer Tricks for Scrapbookers by Jessica Spague. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. Check it out. The tips are awesome and well explained. Gotta love it. Can't wait to use them.