It's my turn to host the Design Team Challenge at A Million Memories. I'm really excited about this one too! It's based on a book I'm currently reading called Awakening the Buddha Within by Lama Surya Das. In the book I came across a list he wrote while studying in a monastery in Nepal. It's a Daily Necessities To Do List. Reading this list inspired me so much and my mind was flooded with a ton of creative ideas based on each item. So, for my challenge I posted the complete list as written in the book and am asking people to see how it inspires them! If you want to join in you can see the whole challenge here: DT Challenge Sept. 30 - Oct. 13
I've decided to use this challenge as an opportunity to start an Art Journal. This is something that I've been wanting to do since I started scrapbooking but have been so scared to do (why, because I'm weird! LOL!) I think I've been nervous because I always love looking through Art Journal galleries and was afraid that I wouldn't love mine like I love what I see from people like Anahata Katkin, the sweet sisters from Journal Revolution and Visual Chronicles (Linda & Karen), Roben Marie, Christine Adolph, oh and about a million other artists, scrappers, and amazing people that I admire.
But of course that's silly right? As an artist (or whatever label you want to give yourself) you should always love what you create, no matter what - it comes from you, from your heart, and is a manifestation of what is important to you on a very deep level. This is my lesson and one that I am constantly struggling to accept in my life. I'm tired of being afraid to just create and I'm done of looking at my own work with harsh critical judgement. I'm always the most harsh judge of myself in general and it's time I just start accepting and loving me! Whew!
So you want to see what I'm actually babbling about right? LOL. Okay here is the journal I started last night.
So far I have only finished the cover but I will be doing an entry every day during the challenge and hopefully by then it will become something that I do forever. I really loved making this. I used an inking technique that I actually read while checking out the new Journal Revolution book on Amazon. The EXCERPTS from this book inspire me! I can't wait to get it (it's on order!) The transparency is a photo I took of a Ganesh wood carving that Joe bought me last Christmas. I knew this journal wouldn't be right if I didn't start off honoring new beginnings.
It's a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in SW Florida. It's hot, yes, but there is a really nice high wind blowing and it made my morning walk with Crystal quite nice! Next door the neighbors are putting up all of their Halloween decorations. I so wish we could decorate more here but unfortunately since we are moving at the end of the month it just isn't too practical. I can't wait to get somewhere where I can stop thinking about being practical all the time!
I hope everyone has a beautiful Sunday!
{hugs}
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
quick game of NAME tag!
A good friend from the A Million Memories message board has this fun (an a little odd) tag game on her blog. Katey is such an awesome person, everyone should check out her blog: My Lovely Deaf Family. She is so sweet and a really great scrapper. She has the most beautiful babies too!
So here we go!
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car): Sara Matrix
(Serendipity was her full name though, maybe that's cooler but a little long!)
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie): Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip (OR MC Chocolate Chip would be my DJ name, lol!)
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name): M-Tay
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal): Pink Koala (I have no clue)
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born): Anne Crown Point
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first): Tay-Me
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2ND favorite color, favorite drink): The Yellow Martini
8. NA SCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers): Walter Thomas
9. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names): Marie Patrick
10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5Th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): okay this is bad ... I don't remember who my 5th grade teach was ... 4th was Kopko 6th was Pupillo - so I'll go Pupillo Philedelphia?
11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Autumn Orchid
12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”): Strawberry Shorty
13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Cocoa (puffs) Cypress
14. YOUR ROCK STAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour” and the year): The Crafty Thunderstorm Tour 2007
So here we go!
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car): Sara Matrix
(Serendipity was her full name though, maybe that's cooler but a little long!)
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie): Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip (OR MC Chocolate Chip would be my DJ name, lol!)
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name): M-Tay
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal): Pink Koala (I have no clue)
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born): Anne Crown Point
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first): Tay-Me
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2ND favorite color, favorite drink): The Yellow Martini
8. NA SCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers): Walter Thomas
9. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names): Marie Patrick
10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5Th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): okay this is bad ... I don't remember who my 5th grade teach was ... 4th was Kopko 6th was Pupillo - so I'll go Pupillo Philedelphia?
11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Autumn Orchid
12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”): Strawberry Shorty
13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Cocoa (puffs) Cypress
14. YOUR ROCK STAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour” and the year): The Crafty Thunderstorm Tour 2007
a little friday ad lovin'...
I promised myself that I was going to blog every single day that Joey is away, come rain or shine. Today, while it's pretty sunshine-y outside, inside I'm a bit rainy. I'm really not feeling so hot today and without going into detail let's just say I'm way interested in grabbing my sleeping puppy and curling up in a ball on the couch until I absolutely have to be sitting upright tonight!
I wanted to share a couple of ads that I have been so inspired by lately. While I'm not necessarily a huge Asics fan (I've always been a Puma lover myself) these new ads they are releasing are so cool (I've only seen them in Maxim, which we now get for free b/c we couldn't rack up enough airline miles b4 they were expiring - but we did get like 5 yearly subscriptions of different mags, whatever!). The titles/journal lines are always so cool and they scream funky grimy layout to me! I'm hoping to incorporate this a bit in a new art journal I want to start AFTER I finish a few other projects that are waiting patiently for me to get moving on.
I also want to wish my Mom a really Happy Birthday! I haven't done a ton of scrapping yet about my family and this is definitely one of those days that I so regret it. I can't wait to get home for a stay where I can just focus on my family, take some portraits and candids, and just reconnect with them again. My mom and I are closer now than we have ever been and I appreciate her so much. She is so supportive of me and she is such a strong amazing woman. I am so stoked to be able to see her in a few weeks in Orlando. She's going to CKU and I get to crop with her and some of her friends for a post-CKU weekend retreat. My mom got me started scrapping and she has been so encouraging (she's also where I get any ounce of artistic talent that I may have, she's an amazing artist and I can't wait to see how our art evolves together!)
Well, I'm starting to feel ucky again so I think it's time to lay down with a glass of tea and hope that these OTC drugs start working a bit. Sometimes they help, sometimes they don't. I know this is probably the most boring post in the world. I'll be better by tonight and will be more interesting by then again too, I hope!
{hugs!}
{smooches to you Joey, I miss you babe!}
I wanted to share a couple of ads that I have been so inspired by lately. While I'm not necessarily a huge Asics fan (I've always been a Puma lover myself) these new ads they are releasing are so cool (I've only seen them in Maxim, which we now get for free b/c we couldn't rack up enough airline miles b4 they were expiring - but we did get like 5 yearly subscriptions of different mags, whatever!). The titles/journal lines are always so cool and they scream funky grimy layout to me! I'm hoping to incorporate this a bit in a new art journal I want to start AFTER I finish a few other projects that are waiting patiently for me to get moving on.
I also want to wish my Mom a really Happy Birthday! I haven't done a ton of scrapping yet about my family and this is definitely one of those days that I so regret it. I can't wait to get home for a stay where I can just focus on my family, take some portraits and candids, and just reconnect with them again. My mom and I are closer now than we have ever been and I appreciate her so much. She is so supportive of me and she is such a strong amazing woman. I am so stoked to be able to see her in a few weeks in Orlando. She's going to CKU and I get to crop with her and some of her friends for a post-CKU weekend retreat. My mom got me started scrapping and she has been so encouraging (she's also where I get any ounce of artistic talent that I may have, she's an amazing artist and I can't wait to see how our art evolves together!)
Well, I'm starting to feel ucky again so I think it's time to lay down with a glass of tea and hope that these OTC drugs start working a bit. Sometimes they help, sometimes they don't. I know this is probably the most boring post in the world. I'll be better by tonight and will be more interesting by then again too, I hope!
{hugs!}
{smooches to you Joey, I miss you babe!}
Thursday, September 27, 2007
It's a HOT HOT HOT Thursday....
Well it's about 12:30pm here in Naples, FL and it's about 87 degrees. They say it's only going to be about 90 today but it already feels like I'm living on the sun! Unfortunately there is zero chance of rain today so it's going to be a scorcher all day.
I took the dogs out a minute ago and after a quick potty Roxy ran to her favorite spot under the car to keep cool while Crystal ran around in the lot next door. Even under the car she was more than happy to pose for me!
She is so funny. Crystal used to let me take pictures of her but I really can't get her to let me anymore unless I "sneak up" on her. If I pull out the camera and she's paying attention to me she either gives me this horrible "Mom, I hate this" look (yes dogs can give you those) or she runs away upstairs to sleep on the bed and chew one of the million bones she has stashed. But not Roxy ... she loves it, runs around me while I take the pics, and then charges the camera to give it a big sloppy kiss!
I have made the decision that today is going to be a fun productive day! I'm going to pamper myself a bit and then get to work on a PageFrames album that has just needs to get done already. (I think I've been secretly afraid to touch it for fear of it not turning out how I imagine it.)
Also .....
The Office is back tonight!
I can't wait to watch tonight. This show is so hilarious. I love Steve Carell and loved him on The Daily Show. The cast is just amazing and the writing genius. I am so stoked that the new season is beginning again (don't worry Joe I'll tape it so we can watch it again together when you come home and we'll catch up!) I found these computer wallpapers online and thought they were so perfect.
I have a ton more that I want to share today but I want to do it a bit later after I've gotten full permission to post some amazing work and inspiration from one of my favorite artists!
Until then... Happy Thursday!
{hugs}
I took the dogs out a minute ago and after a quick potty Roxy ran to her favorite spot under the car to keep cool while Crystal ran around in the lot next door. Even under the car she was more than happy to pose for me!
She is so funny. Crystal used to let me take pictures of her but I really can't get her to let me anymore unless I "sneak up" on her. If I pull out the camera and she's paying attention to me she either gives me this horrible "Mom, I hate this" look (yes dogs can give you those) or she runs away upstairs to sleep on the bed and chew one of the million bones she has stashed. But not Roxy ... she loves it, runs around me while I take the pics, and then charges the camera to give it a big sloppy kiss!
I have made the decision that today is going to be a fun productive day! I'm going to pamper myself a bit and then get to work on a PageFrames album that has just needs to get done already. (I think I've been secretly afraid to touch it for fear of it not turning out how I imagine it.)
Also .....
The Office is back tonight!
I can't wait to watch tonight. This show is so hilarious. I love Steve Carell and loved him on The Daily Show. The cast is just amazing and the writing genius. I am so stoked that the new season is beginning again (don't worry Joe I'll tape it so we can watch it again together when you come home and we'll catch up!) I found these computer wallpapers online and thought they were so perfect.
I have a ton more that I want to share today but I want to do it a bit later after I've gotten full permission to post some amazing work and inspiration from one of my favorite artists!
Until then... Happy Thursday!
{hugs}
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
It's been a long day....
This LO pretty much sums it up! I know I don't have any kids, and am so very fortunate to not have to work out-of-home but man is it hard to take care of things without my best friend around! (That's you Joey... hehe.)
It all started this morning. I'm not a coffee drinker but what I look forward to most in the morning is a nice big glass of chocolate milk. So yummy! So this morning I got myself and the dogs up and out. The dogs did their thing - I came in, fed them, took my shower, and then got my glass of milk ready. Well then Roxy wanted to go back out again (she is still a baby after all) and so I had to put my glass of milk aside for the moment. When we came back in she decided that she wanted to be rowdy and started "attacking" my feet. I scolded her to stop and she then proceeded to somehow knock over my TV Table which caused the entire glass of choc. milk to spill all over the rug. AHHH! I was so mad.
I know this may not seem like a big deal. But really I was already in a sad mood due to my hubby being a million miles away and this just kinda took the cake. Well after getting it cleaned up (and dealing with Roxy peeing about a foot away from where I was cleaning - damn she goes a lot!) I decided just to deal. If I get upset about every single thing that happens in the next two weeks I'm going to be a basket case by time Joe comes home.
With all of the craziness this little Taylor clan has been getting into and is planning on getting into in the next few months I had made a promise to myself to be up and ready for whatever life throws at me and to have fun. This morning reminded me that this applies to EVERYTHING!
So back to the layout.... The lo posted above I did for the Last Scrapper Standing Round One on the 'Effers Dares site. I hope I get to move on but regardless it was fun to actually complete a challenge on time and have some fun. Whether or not I get to Round Two I can't wait to see the next challenge and play some more!
Now off to something ELSE that's transparent!
{hugs!}
P.S. If this is my Joey... I love you babe, and me and the poopers miss you SO MUCH! I hope that you were able to get some sleep tonight after your long day of traveling. I can't wait to see some pictures and to talk to you tomorrow on IChat. Tell everyone I said hi (or at least tell the non-grumpy ones I said hi!) xoxoxo
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
House of One...
Well, as of this afternoon my hubby is on his way across the pond to meet NCL's new "It" girl the Norwegian Gem in Emshaven, Holland. He has a long journey over there - I dropped him off for a 1 O'Clock flight and he won't get settled or really anywhere near the ship until tomorrow afternoon. I'm pretty bummed that I don't get to go with him this time. He's working as a cameraman getting footage for their marketing company in Texas, if it was a JWT Media shoot I'd be there.
Joe and I haven't been apart for this long since quitting full-time ship life. It's hard having to give up my best friend for two weeks and it will be even harder to get used to sleeping alone again for awhile. But at least I have my puppies and he promised to give me a call as soon as he can (thank god for Jason and his international phone!) I'll probably be getting some pictures too right away so t least everyone will be able to see some behind the scenes cruisin' goodness. (BTW I told him he was in BIG trouble if he did anything seriously fun without me! LOL!)
So what are my plans for the next few weeks. Work Work Work! Design Design Design! Pack Pack Pack! Yup I have a crazy amount of projects that I've been wanting to work on and finish up. For one I need to get going tonight on the challenge for Last Scrapper Standing Vol. 2, although I haven't heard back from the girls to know that I got registered in time! It's a cool challenge anyway and I'm ready for a late night of scrapping watching LA Ink!
I have a bit of cool news! First off the Dudettes over at Dude Designs loved the work our AMM DT did with their products and put my designs up in their idea gallery: check them out! They have Dedra Long's work up (our newest AMM Designer) and Emily's should be up soon too. They also want to send us some more goodies to play with so I can't wait to get them!
I have also had a project of mine picked up to be published for the first time ever! YAY! It was a big goal of mine to get published this year and I'm so stoked! (One of my To Do B4 25!) Memory Makers picked up my South America Photo Journal for their March/April 2008 issue! I was really hoping that my SA Journal would get picked up by someone. Not only is it filled with my favorite photos from my trip around South America but it was made with green (recycled) supplies. And going (more) green is totally one of my other big goals this year!
I think that's all of my news... I sent off my project to C&T Publishing today. I'm not sure when I'm "allowed" to post a few pics of it or even if I'm supposed to let anyone know what the new product is but lets just say it was a very BIG project for me! I'm hoping they will like what I did with it and that they will invite me to design more with their awesome Ready-To-Go books!
So that's it. I know this was a long boring blog post today with no fun pictures. Maybe me and the girls will go out a bit tomorrow and have some photog fun.
Oh one other thing - I'm about to start designing some really cool kits for AMM. I really hope everyone likes them when they are released. Keep a lookout!
okay I shut up now.
{hugs!}
Joe and I haven't been apart for this long since quitting full-time ship life. It's hard having to give up my best friend for two weeks and it will be even harder to get used to sleeping alone again for awhile. But at least I have my puppies and he promised to give me a call as soon as he can (thank god for Jason and his international phone!) I'll probably be getting some pictures too right away so t least everyone will be able to see some behind the scenes cruisin' goodness. (BTW I told him he was in BIG trouble if he did anything seriously fun without me! LOL!)
So what are my plans for the next few weeks. Work Work Work! Design Design Design! Pack Pack Pack! Yup I have a crazy amount of projects that I've been wanting to work on and finish up. For one I need to get going tonight on the challenge for Last Scrapper Standing Vol. 2, although I haven't heard back from the girls to know that I got registered in time! It's a cool challenge anyway and I'm ready for a late night of scrapping watching LA Ink!
I have a bit of cool news! First off the Dudettes over at Dude Designs loved the work our AMM DT did with their products and put my designs up in their idea gallery: check them out! They have Dedra Long's work up (our newest AMM Designer) and Emily's should be up soon too. They also want to send us some more goodies to play with so I can't wait to get them!
I have also had a project of mine picked up to be published for the first time ever! YAY! It was a big goal of mine to get published this year and I'm so stoked! (One of my To Do B4 25!) Memory Makers picked up my South America Photo Journal for their March/April 2008 issue! I was really hoping that my SA Journal would get picked up by someone. Not only is it filled with my favorite photos from my trip around South America but it was made with green (recycled) supplies. And going (more) green is totally one of my other big goals this year!
I think that's all of my news... I sent off my project to C&T Publishing today. I'm not sure when I'm "allowed" to post a few pics of it or even if I'm supposed to let anyone know what the new product is but lets just say it was a very BIG project for me! I'm hoping they will like what I did with it and that they will invite me to design more with their awesome Ready-To-Go books!
So that's it. I know this was a long boring blog post today with no fun pictures. Maybe me and the girls will go out a bit tomorrow and have some photog fun.
Oh one other thing - I'm about to start designing some really cool kits for AMM. I really hope everyone likes them when they are released. Keep a lookout!
okay I shut up now.
{hugs!}
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Where did Saturday go?
Well it's about 6:00pm on Saturday evening and I can't believe how quickly the day has flown by. I wish I could say that time flew because I was having fun, but really it flew because we ran around in traffic all afternoon!
Today I had to go pick up some things from JoAnns and some doggy treats at PetCo. Then we went over to see Joe's Mom because we won't be able to see her before Joe leaves on Tuesday.
Yes, Joe will be traveling overseas on Tuesday and leaving me all by my lonesome for about 2 weeks. He's doing some work for NCL on their new ship The Gem. I'm so jealous that I can't go this time. But I have a lot of work, packing, and puppies to take care of. Also it will give me a chance to get a few girl's nights out!
So with the hours left of my Saturday I have to get kicking on this BIG (and I mean LARGE) project for C&T Publishing. I can't wait to see how it will turn out. Oh, check out those red earrings - $1.50 at Target. They weren't even in the clearance section (but I guess they should have been)! That was a hot surprise at check-out!
{hugs!}
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
*Dude Designs* Spotlight
I was so stoked to receive Dude Designs as my manufacturer sponsor this month. I have been waiting for this product since I saw them at CHA Summer in July. They have the coolest little kit projects and their patterned paper designs have really great funky color palettes and have a clean MOD feel as well. I'm addicted!
There are a ton of projects and there is no way I can post all the images here so check out my product spotlight and gallery at *AMM*, I should have them up on 2peas soon too.
FYI: I was sent the following project kits and the Tomboy@Heart line form Dude Designs. I was also sent their "thought-fulls" (journaling cards) and "colorfulls" (stickers).
{my sketch} ideas: Idea Kit
Is this not the coolest {idea} !! I love this little book and I can't wait until I'm out shopping or commuting and I need to sketch something that has popped into my head. I can pull out my idea book and go to town AND have it organized, no more random bits of paper in my purse!
2008 Calendar Journal: Dates Kit
Another amazing idea and kit form Dude Designs. This is going to be a great journal for next year and it's all pre-dated and comes with the covers, book rings, and dated months. One of the things I love about Dude Designs are how nice and easy their project kits are, you can embelish as much or as little as you want and everything you need (cover, pages, rings) comes right in the pack!
Everything Roxy: Ten Kit
There are WAY too many photos of this project to post so I'm only giving a taste here. Check out the whole book though at one of my galleries because this kit is so cool.
And finally a couple of layouts and a Thank U card. A HUGE thank you to Dude Designs and Alison & Michelle at A Million Memories for sending these awesome products. I had so much fun. (And I may have a few more layouts tomorrow too! I can't get enough of this pp!)
TFL!
{HUGS!}
There are a ton of projects and there is no way I can post all the images here so check out my product spotlight and gallery at *AMM*, I should have them up on 2peas soon too.
FYI: I was sent the following project kits and the Tomboy@Heart line form Dude Designs. I was also sent their "thought-fulls" (journaling cards) and "colorfulls" (stickers).
{my sketch} ideas: Idea Kit
Is this not the coolest {idea} !! I love this little book and I can't wait until I'm out shopping or commuting and I need to sketch something that has popped into my head. I can pull out my idea book and go to town AND have it organized, no more random bits of paper in my purse!
2008 Calendar Journal: Dates Kit
Another amazing idea and kit form Dude Designs. This is going to be a great journal for next year and it's all pre-dated and comes with the covers, book rings, and dated months. One of the things I love about Dude Designs are how nice and easy their project kits are, you can embelish as much or as little as you want and everything you need (cover, pages, rings) comes right in the pack!
Everything Roxy: Ten Kit
There are WAY too many photos of this project to post so I'm only giving a taste here. Check out the whole book though at one of my galleries because this kit is so cool.
And finally a couple of layouts and a Thank U card. A HUGE thank you to Dude Designs and Alison & Michelle at A Million Memories for sending these awesome products. I had so much fun. (And I may have a few more layouts tomorrow too! I can't get enough of this pp!)
TFL!
{HUGS!}
Check out my design links...
So I thought it would be easier to find the blog posts of my Manufacturer Spotlights and Kit Designs if I made my own little archive, so that's what I did. I don't always blog all of my designs so for full galleries the links to my 2peas and AMM galleries are still there. Basically I wanted it to be easier for those manufacturers who check up on the work I do with their sponsor packages!
Now to post my latest....
Now to post my latest....
Sunday, September 16, 2007
It was a scrappy weekend...
And all in all I'm wiped out! Between the puppy, organizing the Anniversary Crop at A Million Memories, and all the projects I've been finishing I'm ready for a nap and a nice vacation. But, not such luck yet!
Here are two of the layouts I did this weekend!
This one is for Alison & Michelle's Anniversary Album that I'm putting together. Check out the AMM Message Board if you would like to contribute. I need all of the layouts that are going to be mailed to me here by the 29th of September so I can send it off to them!
This is the first layout I've done of our new little girl Roxy. It was so fun to play with all of my Love, Elsie goodies. I've been so busy scrapping assignments that I hadn't used hardly any of the fun stuff I've been hoarding! I'm going to be doing a lot of scrapping in the next week though to send in. I'm doing a pub-push and trying to lighten my stash for the move!
Roxy is doing so great. It's been such a fun weekend getting to know her little personality and watching Crystal and her build a doggy sisterhood. They are doing so well - and Roxy finally got up the courage to climb up the stairs (with some encouragement from me, Joe and Crystal!) She is way to small to get down them though and just kind of cries at the top if she wants down. We don't let her upstairs without us tough so she's safe for now.
Well, I'm off to finish cleaning up my studio and get to work finishing up my projects from Dude Designs. The products they sent are so fun! Oh I also was asked to design a project for C&T Publishing, very exciting! They are sending it this week and I have a pretty short turn around time so I'm excited to see how it turns out! I really have to thank Katie Watson for sending them my information - she rocks and is always looking out for her DT gals!
I hope everyone had a great weekend and can still get some Sunday R&R in there!
{Hugs!}
Here are two of the layouts I did this weekend!
This one is for Alison & Michelle's Anniversary Album that I'm putting together. Check out the AMM Message Board if you would like to contribute. I need all of the layouts that are going to be mailed to me here by the 29th of September so I can send it off to them!
This is the first layout I've done of our new little girl Roxy. It was so fun to play with all of my Love, Elsie goodies. I've been so busy scrapping assignments that I hadn't used hardly any of the fun stuff I've been hoarding! I'm going to be doing a lot of scrapping in the next week though to send in. I'm doing a pub-push and trying to lighten my stash for the move!
Roxy is doing so great. It's been such a fun weekend getting to know her little personality and watching Crystal and her build a doggy sisterhood. They are doing so well - and Roxy finally got up the courage to climb up the stairs (with some encouragement from me, Joe and Crystal!) She is way to small to get down them though and just kind of cries at the top if she wants down. We don't let her upstairs without us tough so she's safe for now.
Well, I'm off to finish cleaning up my studio and get to work finishing up my projects from Dude Designs. The products they sent are so fun! Oh I also was asked to design a project for C&T Publishing, very exciting! They are sending it this week and I have a pretty short turn around time so I'm excited to see how it turns out! I really have to thank Katie Watson for sending them my information - she rocks and is always looking out for her DT gals!
I hope everyone had a great weekend and can still get some Sunday R&R in there!
{Hugs!}
Friday, September 14, 2007
Scrap*Star Chat TONIGHT!
Good Friday Morning!
I wanted to put a quick reminder up about tonight's Scrap*Star Chat at A Million Memories with the entire Scrapbook LifeStyle Design Team! We are so lucky to have all of these fabulous ladies with us tonight to talk about anything YOU want to chat about!
Take a peak at their bios here on the AMM Blog if you want to learn more about them all before the chat. We'll see you tonight at 6PM PST on the Online Chat Forum at A Million Memories!
Also, be sure to stop by on Saturday for our AMM 1 Year Anniversary Online Crop. I have so many awesome challenges planned and Alison & Michelle are giving out some amazing prize packs.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A New Little *Surprise*
Meet Roxy!
This is our new little baby that we found today and let me tell you she is a BIG surprise! We weren't really looking for dogs (especially with a move to the city coming up) but I happened to stop into our local stamp shop The Wicked Stamper and Kim (the owner) was giving away puppies that were born in her neighborhood. It's a really long story how she came to take care of this little family so I'll save it for a layout about this little sweetie.
Like I said we really weren't looking for another dog but knew we wanted one eventually. Crystal has been wanting a friend for months (her favorite road trip is over to our friend's to play with their dogs while we all play poker!) We had Crystal with us to go to Petsmart for a manicure so when she gave us the approval of the little chunky pup and Joe fell for her what was I to do!?!
This little girl is a German Shepherd / Husky Mix and has the cutest smokey blue eyes I've ever seen. We named her Roxy and now she's a Taylor Pup! I've been doing my best getting the house puppy proofed and chaperoning Crystal and Roxy. Crystal doesn't quite understand that she's more fragile than her other friends but once Roxy gets used to the place I think she'll give Crystal a run for her money! She's only 5 weeks but is weened and has been eating well already. (She's a porker right now!) She has been sleeping off and on since we got her home so thankfully right now she's pretty easy to handle.
Now i"m off to finish up some more designing before the two dogs wake up again. I'll have info about her soon and some better pics too. I'm a little overwhelmed right now! It's shaping up to be a very busy week - but so full of love!
{hugs!}
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Hello Tuesday.
It's been a bit since I've blogged... I took a couple days off this weekend to just relax and hang out with my hubby and pup. We didn't end up going over to Miami because the weather didn't look too good ... and we decided that if we were going to be stuck in the house we might as well be stuck in our house instead of the studios. But all in all it was a fabulous weekend. Joey and I made a great dinner for our anniversary of some gorgeous NY Strips from Fresh Market and my favorite onion roasted potatoes. Yum!
I got a chance to get out of the house a bit today and do some scrap browsing/shopping. I picked up these fun Martha stickers (and they were pretty cheap too ... $1.99). OMG the Christmas stuff is all over now and it's scaring the crap out of me! I'm so not ready for it to be Christmastime again! I want to make my cards this year and now that Joe and I are married our card list seems miles long. Really, when did I say I wanted to be a grown up! LOL.
Well, right now i'm working on some really awesome products I was sent from Dude Designs. They are one of my favorite companies that I was so fortunate to see at CHA Summer. They have these really awesome idea cards that have a grid and note space. I can't wait to show everyone the little book I made to carry around with me ... that way I can sketch whenever the !! pops in my head. I should have all of my projects done very soon for everyone to see at A Million Memories.
Also, don't forget that this weekend is our One Year Anniversary Crop at A Million Memories. You won't want to miss out on the challenges and the fun stuff we have planned. Alison & Michelle are always giving away hot prizes and the prize packs they have put together for me to give away this weekend are AMAZING! (Maybe I'll give a sneak peak tomorrow on the MB)... Also we are kicking things off with a Scrap*Star Chat on Friday at 6pm (PST) with the entire Ssrapbook LifeStyle Design Team. The ladies from Scrapbook LifeStyle are so fun, it's going to be a crazy night!
Can't wait to chat with everyone Friday!
{Hugs}
I got a chance to get out of the house a bit today and do some scrap browsing/shopping. I picked up these fun Martha stickers (and they were pretty cheap too ... $1.99). OMG the Christmas stuff is all over now and it's scaring the crap out of me! I'm so not ready for it to be Christmastime again! I want to make my cards this year and now that Joe and I are married our card list seems miles long. Really, when did I say I wanted to be a grown up! LOL.
Well, right now i'm working on some really awesome products I was sent from Dude Designs. They are one of my favorite companies that I was so fortunate to see at CHA Summer. They have these really awesome idea cards that have a grid and note space. I can't wait to show everyone the little book I made to carry around with me ... that way I can sketch whenever the !! pops in my head. I should have all of my projects done very soon for everyone to see at A Million Memories.
Also, don't forget that this weekend is our One Year Anniversary Crop at A Million Memories. You won't want to miss out on the challenges and the fun stuff we have planned. Alison & Michelle are always giving away hot prizes and the prize packs they have put together for me to give away this weekend are AMAZING! (Maybe I'll give a sneak peak tomorrow on the MB)... Also we are kicking things off with a Scrap*Star Chat on Friday at 6pm (PST) with the entire Ssrapbook LifeStyle Design Team. The ladies from Scrapbook LifeStyle are so fun, it's going to be a crazy night!
Can't wait to chat with everyone Friday!
{Hugs}
Saturday, September 8, 2007
One Year.
Well today is our One Year Anniversary. I can't believe how quickly these 365 days have gone by. Last year I was in my hometown of Hobart, IN getting ready to embark on the greatest journey of my life, marriage to my best friend.
To celebrate our Anniversary we are going to Miami tomorrow for some much needed R&R. I'm excited to get over to the East Coast to do some sunning and check out the Coco Grove happenings.
Today is all about designing. I hope to have some fun stuff up later and will also be releasing information about next weekend One Year Anniversary Crop at A Million Memories.
I wish everyone a beautiful, happy Saturday with much love!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
*AMM* Wednesday RAK
As if all those other contests and calls weren't enough we also have our Wednesday RAK up this morning! Just click on the link and sign in to win this fab RAK. To sign up all you have to do is tell us what your favorite idea book is (or one you jsut can't wiat to get your hands on!)
Don't forget... you have to sign in here for the RAK, not on this blog! But feel free to tell me your fav book here too once you get done signing up. I love hearing about new books and people's reviews of them!
{Hugs}
*AMM* Contest: Crazy for Pirates
Don't forget... Everyone still has until this Saturday to enter our Crazy for Pirates Contest at *A Million Memories*. Check out this awesome prize pack that will be going to the winner!
Here's all the info:
This month we are: Crazy for Pirates!
We love it all: pirate ships, the beach, hidden treasure, skulls & crossbones, the list goes on and on!
To enter our August Contest create a *NEW* project (LO, mini album, altered project, anything goes!) using anything that has to do with ROCKIN’ PIRATES! Your theme doesn’t have to be all pirates but please do include something that uses them as a design element.
Go to the Crazy For Pirates Contest thread to get information on where to upload your entry. You can ask questions there and also see the other entries.
Good Luck!
*A Million Memories* Design Team Call
Due to the growth at A Million Memories - we are looking for three new design team members!
If you're interested in designing for AMM, please read the information below. We are accepting applications now through September 30, 2007. We will announce the three new designers once they have been contacted and have accepted their posts.
The design team position is a commitment through March 31, 2008.
GENERAL INFORMATION: We are looking for three energetic, outgoing, talented, versatile and creative individuals who are team players for the term October, 2007 through March 31, 2008. Strong photography, digital scrapbooking and class experience is a plus, but not required.
Interested applicants must register and post on the message boards at AMM during the DT call. We want to get to know you and we want you to get to know us and our community. Your design team experience at AMM will require daily activity on our boards.
We keep our Design Team Members busy with all sorts of activities, i.e., monthly kits, manufacturer kits, newsletter, message boards, chats, classes, etc., so when considering whether you would like to apply for the DT position, please take into consideration the amount of time that will be required to fulfill your DT requirements.
Submit 2 new (not previously posted or published) original LO's and at least one altered item. LO's can be 8.5x11 or 12x12. Altered items are considered anything that is not a page.
All submissions should be emailed to info@amillionmemories.com. The commitment to A Million Memories’ design team is exclusive. Our designers cannot hold design team positions with any competing kit club. Manufacturer design team appointments and teaching at your LSS are acceptable.
*Consistent and frequent message board participation is required.
*DT members are required to post at least four items per kit - 2-4 layouts, the altered item included in the kit (if there is one), and a card.
*Complete manufacturer sponsorship projects
*Part of your job will be to advertise the kit club and store and not competing businesses.
*Actively participate in a monthly newsletter and blog posts.
*Actively participate in challenges, organizing contests and vendor advertising.
*Promote AMM whenever possible. Example, if you have a blog, there should be a link to AMM. We will in turn post your blog on our blog.
WHAT DO OUR DESIGNERS RECEIVE?
*Our designers are given a free kit every other month containing the industry's latest and greatest products, plus extra supplemental products as compensation.
*Special sponsored manufacturer's kits every 3-6 weeks. A link to your projects is sent directly to the sponsored manufacturers by AMM. This will give you exposure directly to manufacturers.
*Product discounts (more detail will be provided to those who are selected for the team).
*Free product for special limited edition kits that you may (on occasion) design yourself from items in our store.
*Free product for special class kits that you will design yourself.
*Miscellaneous perks - free passes to CHA, opportunity to design with our kits, etc.
We have some exciting plans for 2007 and 2008 which will bring a lot of exposure to AMM and consequently, to our designers.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED YOU NEED TO:
E-mail the following information to info@amillionmemories.com with:
• Name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address (if different than the one you are sending the email from)
• Links to other online galleries that show your work (as well as your screen name)
• Link to your blog, if you have one
• A bio of yourself
• 2 new (not previously posted or published) original LO's and at least one altered item. LO's can be 8.5x11 or 12x12. Altered items are considered anything that is not a page.
Include the answers to the following questions in your email:
1) Why are you interested in a DT position with AMM?
2) Site commitment and participation: We'd like to know your thoughts regarding the message board and site participation. We are looking for designers who are team players and are committed to being involved and posting daily on our message board. We'd love to see how you would go about increasing general participation on our message board.
3) Have you ever designed for another website/company? If so, who?
4) Are you currently designing for another website/Company? If so, who?
5) Are you active on any message boards? Which ones? (please provide a few links to your posts and your user name)
6) How long have you been scrapbooking?
Note: None of the answers to the above questions will effect your chances of being on the Design Team . . .we are just curious. ; )
If you have any comments or questions, please email us at info@amillionmemories.com or check out the DT Callout thread at the AMM Message Board: here!
Good Luck to everyone who applies. I can't wait to see who joins out team!
If you're interested in designing for AMM, please read the information below. We are accepting applications now through September 30, 2007. We will announce the three new designers once they have been contacted and have accepted their posts.
The design team position is a commitment through March 31, 2008.
GENERAL INFORMATION: We are looking for three energetic, outgoing, talented, versatile and creative individuals who are team players for the term October, 2007 through March 31, 2008. Strong photography, digital scrapbooking and class experience is a plus, but not required.
Interested applicants must register and post on the message boards at AMM during the DT call. We want to get to know you and we want you to get to know us and our community. Your design team experience at AMM will require daily activity on our boards.
We keep our Design Team Members busy with all sorts of activities, i.e., monthly kits, manufacturer kits, newsletter, message boards, chats, classes, etc., so when considering whether you would like to apply for the DT position, please take into consideration the amount of time that will be required to fulfill your DT requirements.
Submit 2 new (not previously posted or published) original LO's and at least one altered item. LO's can be 8.5x11 or 12x12. Altered items are considered anything that is not a page.
All submissions should be emailed to info@amillionmemories.com. The commitment to A Million Memories’ design team is exclusive. Our designers cannot hold design team positions with any competing kit club. Manufacturer design team appointments and teaching at your LSS are acceptable.
*Consistent and frequent message board participation is required.
*DT members are required to post at least four items per kit - 2-4 layouts, the altered item included in the kit (if there is one), and a card.
*Complete manufacturer sponsorship projects
*Part of your job will be to advertise the kit club and store and not competing businesses.
*Actively participate in a monthly newsletter and blog posts.
*Actively participate in challenges, organizing contests and vendor advertising.
*Promote AMM whenever possible. Example, if you have a blog, there should be a link to AMM. We will in turn post your blog on our blog.
WHAT DO OUR DESIGNERS RECEIVE?
*Our designers are given a free kit every other month containing the industry's latest and greatest products, plus extra supplemental products as compensation.
*Special sponsored manufacturer's kits every 3-6 weeks. A link to your projects is sent directly to the sponsored manufacturers by AMM. This will give you exposure directly to manufacturers.
*Product discounts (more detail will be provided to those who are selected for the team).
*Free product for special limited edition kits that you may (on occasion) design yourself from items in our store.
*Free product for special class kits that you will design yourself.
*Miscellaneous perks - free passes to CHA, opportunity to design with our kits, etc.
We have some exciting plans for 2007 and 2008 which will bring a lot of exposure to AMM and consequently, to our designers.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED YOU NEED TO:
E-mail the following information to info@amillionmemories.com with:
• Name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address (if different than the one you are sending the email from)
• Links to other online galleries that show your work (as well as your screen name)
• Link to your blog, if you have one
• A bio of yourself
• 2 new (not previously posted or published) original LO's and at least one altered item. LO's can be 8.5x11 or 12x12. Altered items are considered anything that is not a page.
Include the answers to the following questions in your email:
1) Why are you interested in a DT position with AMM?
2) Site commitment and participation: We'd like to know your thoughts regarding the message board and site participation. We are looking for designers who are team players and are committed to being involved and posting daily on our message board. We'd love to see how you would go about increasing general participation on our message board.
3) Have you ever designed for another website/company? If so, who?
4) Are you currently designing for another website/Company? If so, who?
5) Are you active on any message boards? Which ones? (please provide a few links to your posts and your user name)
6) How long have you been scrapbooking?
Note: None of the answers to the above questions will effect your chances of being on the Design Team . . .we are just curious. ; )
If you have any comments or questions, please email us at info@amillionmemories.com or check out the DT Callout thread at the AMM Message Board: here!
Good Luck to everyone who applies. I can't wait to see who joins out team!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
I've Been Tagged!
I never get tagged so I was so excited to see that my good friend Mia from the AMM Message Board Tagged me! Mia is an amazing scrapper and writes a column for Scrapbytes an online Filipino Scrapbooking Publication. You can check out Mia's blog at The Adventures of Mia McScrappy!
So, on to who I'm tagging! All you AMM Bloggers watch out - I'm tagging you ALL! That includes our lovely Design Team and you too Alison & the AMM Blog!
But let's make this fun! No only are you "tagged" but I want to know what is on your current scrapping wishlist? Give me a Top 5 of newly released or coming soon products that you just can't wait to get your hands on!
Here is mine:
1. Love, Elsie ZOE!
2. Basic Grey Obscure (technically I'm wanting to stock up on everything BG right now!)
3. Journal Revolution (this book is going to ROCK check out the blog here)
4. New Elsie Book!
5. PurlSoho ... Retro Fabrics.
So the last one may not count but I'm so ready to be in NYC and hit up PurlSoho. I have some friends wanting me to design some projects for them (shh it's a secret right now) and I can't want to get to this store! They have the best Japanese Imports and awesome retro fabrics. I am so excited to start finding my little places in NYC to get a TON of goodies!
So what is everyone else wanting these days? Consider yourself tagged if you are reading this!
So, on to who I'm tagging! All you AMM Bloggers watch out - I'm tagging you ALL! That includes our lovely Design Team and you too Alison & the AMM Blog!
But let's make this fun! No only are you "tagged" but I want to know what is on your current scrapping wishlist? Give me a Top 5 of newly released or coming soon products that you just can't wait to get your hands on!
Here is mine:
1. Love, Elsie ZOE!
2. Basic Grey Obscure (technically I'm wanting to stock up on everything BG right now!)
3. Journal Revolution (this book is going to ROCK check out the blog here)
4. New Elsie Book!
5. PurlSoho ... Retro Fabrics.
So the last one may not count but I'm so ready to be in NYC and hit up PurlSoho. I have some friends wanting me to design some projects for them (shh it's a secret right now) and I can't want to get to this store! They have the best Japanese Imports and awesome retro fabrics. I am so excited to start finding my little places in NYC to get a TON of goodies!
So what is everyone else wanting these days? Consider yourself tagged if you are reading this!
Monday, September 3, 2007
AMM September Kit Projects
I was so excited to get this month's kit from A Million Memories. It is so packed! Right away I wanted to used the Rusty Pickle chipboard to create a cool transparency frame. This is a project I have been wanting to do for awhile! (Especially with my one year anniversary coming up next weekend!)
I had also been wanting to start a mini-book that would, for me, really highlight my favorite parts of living in our first home together. The Scallop Coasters and Box (Maya Road) were so perfect for this.
Since this book is still a work in progress (I still have some coasters that I want special pictures for) I keep looking through the book and lately the page of my bathroom is like my favorite page. I can look at that picture forever it seems! I think I'm silently missing my perfect bathroom already. My bathroom is totally one of my favorite things about 751 and I doubt I'll find one just like it in NYC. For me this photo of my bathroom just totally captures the essence of that room. But I'm still so excited about the new rooms I'll have once we move and new experiences in a new space!
Last week I had to take a break from working with the AMM Kit to have my Moving Sale so I haven't made a DENT in all the awesome papers in it. I'm getting to work tonight to finish some layouts and I'll have more up soon!
I'm also planning the A Million Memories Anniversary Crop and information should be released soon. You won't want to miss this fun weekend Sept. 14th - 16 and all the awesome prizes up for grabs. Come celebrate with us !!
{Hugs!}
I had also been wanting to start a mini-book that would, for me, really highlight my favorite parts of living in our first home together. The Scallop Coasters and Box (Maya Road) were so perfect for this.
Since this book is still a work in progress (I still have some coasters that I want special pictures for) I keep looking through the book and lately the page of my bathroom is like my favorite page. I can look at that picture forever it seems! I think I'm silently missing my perfect bathroom already. My bathroom is totally one of my favorite things about 751 and I doubt I'll find one just like it in NYC. For me this photo of my bathroom just totally captures the essence of that room. But I'm still so excited about the new rooms I'll have once we move and new experiences in a new space!
Last week I had to take a break from working with the AMM Kit to have my Moving Sale so I haven't made a DENT in all the awesome papers in it. I'm getting to work tonight to finish some layouts and I'll have more up soon!
I'm also planning the A Million Memories Anniversary Crop and information should be released soon. You won't want to miss this fun weekend Sept. 14th - 16 and all the awesome prizes up for grabs. Come celebrate with us !!
{Hugs!}
Long Time No Blog!
Well things have been crazy in the Taylor home. We had our Moving Sale this weekend. I was so busy I didn't even remember to post it here! Saturday went really well. We made some good money right away and were still selling up until 3pm when we were scheduled to stop. Sunday wasn't good AT ALL! We got a few browsers but didn't sell anything. I was happy with Saturday though so on to Ebay for the rest of the stuff!
I have actually started selling some things on ebay. Check them out here. Right now I only have two printers and some speakers up, the fun stuff will hopefully all be added by this week. I'm cleaning out my ScrapStash so be sure to keep looking!
I'm so glad the actual sale and everything is over. We did have so much fun though being outside all weekend, playing with our little Crystal, and just relaxing. Joe was such a huge help to me and this weekend really allowed us to stop, and do something together. It was a fun way to forget about the stress of moving and just reconnect.
Sorry no pics this post - I'm going to post up my September Projects with the A Million Memories Kit in just a few minutes!
Happy Labor Day!
I have actually started selling some things on ebay. Check them out here. Right now I only have two printers and some speakers up, the fun stuff will hopefully all be added by this week. I'm cleaning out my ScrapStash so be sure to keep looking!
I'm so glad the actual sale and everything is over. We did have so much fun though being outside all weekend, playing with our little Crystal, and just relaxing. Joe was such a huge help to me and this weekend really allowed us to stop, and do something together. It was a fun way to forget about the stress of moving and just reconnect.
Sorry no pics this post - I'm going to post up my September Projects with the A Million Memories Kit in just a few minutes!
Happy Labor Day!
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