{scrap your life}

My Picks for CHA 2012

2012-01-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Although I am not headed to Anaheim this year for CHA, I always love looking at all the Sneak Peeks from all the Scrapbooking manufacturers. The place that I go to see what is new in crafting is The Scrap Review. You can see all of the new releases for Winter 2012 Here!

So what will I be buying this year? Here are my picks and faves...(note all images are from The Scrap Review that were provided by the Manufacturers)

Pink Paislee - I love what this manufacturer produces more and more every year...I think this will be my "go to" manufacturerer this year.

Spring Jubilee by Rhonna Farrer

She Art by Christy Tomlinson

American Crafts - I love the direction that AC is going this year with designer lines. Again releasing another line by Amy Tan and Liz Kartchner.

Prima - I gotta admit, I am a bit of a Prima freak, and they can do no wrong in what they release, but I do have a favourite this time around which is Donna Downey's Poppies and Peonies line...I am drooling over the canvas sheets.

My Mind's Eye - Follow Your Heart Be Amazing / Be Happy by Rhonna Farrer - Again swooning over Rhonna's work...loved what she did for House of Three, love her Pink Paislee line and now for MME. Yup...love love love!!

Other releases that caught my eye are:

Bo Bunny - Serenity

Hambly - Honeycombs - and they are releasing cardstock paper this year!!

Crate Paper - Storyteller & Pretty Party - The Vintage and Handmade themes continue, and I love the soft feeling of these paper lines.

Major Themes that I found throughout all the lines are:

Vintage / Handmade / Sewing - continuing from the last couple of seasons, vintage and all things home-y and handmade are popular with the manufacturers. I am assuming these themes were influenced by the current economic environment / recession and an emphasis of being closer to home. Also the resurgence of saving money by canning and making do with what you have influences from the depression and war-time years seems to be prevalent.

Flags / Bunting - again a theme that has carried through from last year or more.

Hot Air Balloons - I think these images are gaining in popularity. Last year Graphic 45 and American Crafts had hot air balloon images, but now starting to see them in other manufacturer lines.

All Things Natural - such as Wood Grain, Butterflies & Birds are all over the place again...and I am in love.

Maps- are starting to pop up all over

Doileys- especially circular in shape and in different colours on one sheet of paper

Asian / Japanese influences - is becoming more and more popular with the little dolls, flowers and motifs

Roaring 20s - the flapper girls and other art deco themes are popping up little by little...I think this will be even more trendy next year as fashion is also headed towards more influences from the 20s.

Well that are my picks...what lines have you seen that you are excited about when they arrive in your favourite scrapbook supply store??

All About Me January Challenge

2012-01-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

This month's All About Me Challenge is called It's My Party, and this month, I can scrap who I want to! Someone you love, who has always been there for you. It was pretty hard to pick just one person of course...

So this month I chose to scrapbook about my mom...I love this photograph I took of her. My mom has always been a source of support and advice. But lately, there has been a lot going on in my parents lives and I feel that I have been her rock over the last several months.

I give her the same supportive words that she would tell me when I was sad, feeling frustrated and stuck...which are...be positive, be yourself...everything will be fine. And I know everything will be fine for you mom. I love you so much!

I loved using Pink Paislee's Daily Junque line along with some Tattered Angels Mist and my sewing machine...cause no layout is complete without some sewing on it. :)

Christmas Highlights

2011-12-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

I am thoroughly enjoying the Christmas season and holidays this year. Although my December Daily is in a pile on my desk, the baking still not quite all done, I am taking a stress free approach this year. It will get done...in time. For now I am enjoying Christmas music online through North Pole Radio, the Christmas tree and a cup of hot coffee...and thinking about braving the mall again for some Boxing Week sales...hmmm....

The introduction of Starbucks Holiday Decor is one of my little Christmas highlights...it can't be Christmas without a Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha.

The UAH Foundation's Festival of Trees is one of my favourite events in the city...it really gets me in the Christmas mood!

I bought some Angel Chimes this year. My grandparents always had them out over Christmas and it brings back so many memories of them.

We cut back on our Christmas cards this year, but still quite a stack nonetheless...

Our tree this year...the theme this year seems to be birds as we keep collecting more each year...but I have since heard our feathered friends are trendy this year for Christmas decor!

A close up of my favourite little guy...

Presents under the tree...Santa was good to us...

I have also been thinking of my One Little Word for 2012. Last year it was Motivate...although I haven't quite decided, I am thinking between Rejuvenate, Transformation and Vitality. I am leaning towards Vitality or something related.

Here is what Thesaurus.com says about Vitality:

Main Entry: vitality [vahy-tal-i-tee]

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: energy, spirit

Synonyms: animation, ardor, audacity, bang, being, bloom, bounce, clout, continuity, drive, endurance, existence, exuberance, fervor, force, get-up-and-go, go, guts*, intensity, life, liveliness, lustiness, pep, pizzazz*, power, pulse, punch, robustness, snap, sparkle, spunk*, stamina, starch, steam, strength, stuff*, venturesomeness, verve, vigor, vim, vivaciousness, vivacity, zest, zing, zip

I'm Still Alive - and All About Me Challenge!

2011-12-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, as I have mentioned time and again, my poor blog has fallen to the wayside. So much has been going on and life has been hectic. I had started an Introduction to Residential Interiors course at the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta which had consumed most of my time with readings and challenging assignments. Now that I have completed the course, I was able to sit and pick up my scrapbook supplies again.

The December Challenge from the All About Me Challenge Blog is Your Brand. Be sure to check out the blog on the 15th, and participate in the challenge as there is an awesome prize to be won: The Uncertainty Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out.

When I thought of my Brand, I thought long and hard about what that meant to me...what was my slogan or words that I identified with? And it came to me one day when I was called "Sunshine".

This word, this curious little nickname has followed me over the years with my teachers, family members, co-workers, and sometimes just complete strangers (!) calling me Sunshine or a Ray of Sunshine. I also knew that my husband to be at the time was a keeper when out of the blue called me Sunshine.

I love it when people call me by my nickname as it simply became symbolic of my personality - it is who I am.

My slogan is: Always Smiling, Joyful and Strives to See the Positive in All Things.

Colours: I selected warm and bright yellow and orange colours that represent my 'sunny' disposition.

Symbolism: Of course I had to use a sun in my layout, and used misting, doodling and masking to give a playful appearance to my layout.

Journaling: I guess that is why this nickname has stuck with me!

Were you given a nickname that has simply became representational of your personality? Of who you are? What kind of slogan would you give yourself as a result of your nickname?

Have fun!!

All About Me Challenge Blog

2011-10-22T07:41:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to announce that I am on the Creative Team for the All About Me Challenge Blog spearheaded by the fabulous Melissa Elsner.

So stay tuned each month for a new challenge beginning in December!

From the Resilience Kit - Scrapbooking From The Inside Out

Also joining the team are:

Tracee Provis
Arlene Camacho
Norine Borys

and of course
Melissa Elsner

Layouts from Fall 2011 Canadian Scrapbooker

2011-10-15T08:37:00.000-06:00

Almost a month without updating my blog...yikes! Between work, attending an evening class, my evenings and weekends have been filled with activities that does not have to do with blogging and scrapbooking...but I know it is always here for me to come back and share a bit of my life.

I want to share the layouts that I created for the Fall 2011 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker...it is one thing to have one of your layouts in this awesome magazine, but another to actually be able to write for them. I am looking forward to doing this again for Jackie and Katharina in the future...so thank you so much for the opportunity.

Lately I have been...

2011-09-17T22:34:00.000-06:00

I love Nancy's "Lately" posts, so I would like to borrow the idea! I have been in a blogging slump, so hopefully by doing some new things (and not totally abandoning posting), I will be inspired to keep writing about my life. :)

Craving Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Getting back to fitness...wonderful Master Class with Jaime Farfan @ the Kinsmen last night...

Going back to school...

Thinking about the future...

Missing scrapbooking...

Looking forward to this event!!

Dreaming about going here....

What have you been up to lately??

Vacation Photos

2011-09-03T08:32:00.000-06:00

Sharing some photos from our vacation to the Okanagan in July...oh to be there again!!

and the winner is....

2011-09-03T07:29:00.000-06:00

Nancy!!!!!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 4
Result:

1

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

I will send those out to you asap!

Blog Giveaway!

2011-08-27T10:56:00.000-06:00

A couple of days ago I received a wonderful surprise in the mailbox from Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine.

Which would be this!!!!

In this Fall 2011 issue, I have my very first published article in the magazine! The article had been in the works for quite a while and it is simply amazing to see the end result. It is quite the honour and a bit surreal seeing my name in print...it is one thing to have a layout pubbed, but another to be able to contribute (in my opinion) the best scrapbooking publication in Canada!

To everyone who contributed to the article whether it be editing or contributing a layout did such a wonderful job...thank you for making me look good. ;)

I would like to share the love with all of you with a blog giveaway with a copy of the Fall 2011 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker and a kit I designed for this past year's Scrapbook Your Heart retreat with Allison Orthner and Christy Riopel.

What you need to do is leave a comment...but not just any comment!

What would you say if you wrote a Love Letter to Yourself?

I will select a winner next Saturday September 3rd and will post the winner on my blog!

My Blog Has Been Neglected!

2011-08-17T21:25:00.000-06:00

My summer vacation away from blogging took an extended leave...life has been busy, and hard and full of change. There are good things on the horizon...I can feel that this change is in the right direction. After Scrapbook Your Heart in May, I picked up a copy of Marcus Buckingham's Live Your Strongest Life and read it cover to cover.

I took the test and found that I am an Advisor and Creator. I have been paying attention to what makes my heart sing and where I excel. Also I have been taking notice as to what makes me feel weak. I thought about what things I read, watch, do...I also reminisced about what I drew, sketched and found interesting when I was younger too.

So I am making some decisions...keeping this under wraps for now, but I ~~think~~ know I am headed in the right direction. I have been feeling stuck for some time and now is the time to grow. Here I go!!

I will share some pictures from our vacation sooner than later...it was wonderful to be in the Okanagan again...my heart lives there...

Today I am 36

2011-08-04T09:00:00.002-06:00

Today I am 36.

Another year ~~older~~ wiser.

I am half the age of my mother...the same age as her when she had me.

It is strange as I still feel like I am 25.

Today I feel change for me is in the air.

I am searching for my passions, my strengths

...and discovering it is okay to have weaknesses.

Yesterday was a hard day but today is better...

This year will be different. ..

This year I need to focus on what makes my soul sing

...art, scrapbooking, gardening, cooking, baking.

I want to be more connected with the earth and with my soul.

I need to be more gentle with myself.

Yes this year will be better...I can just feel it in my heart...

Vacation

2011-07-10T07:04:00.001-06:00

Taking a bit of time away from the blog...

Will be back in early August...enjoy the summer....

Blog Hop Closed!!

2011-07-07T21:02:00.000-06:00

Go to the Scrapbooking From The Inside Out blog for the winner soon!!

SFTIO 3rd Anniversary Blog Hop!

2011-07-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

It was wonderful to receive an email from Melissa for the opportunity to be a part of Scrapbooking From The Inside Out's 3rd Anniversary Blog Hop! This blog hop is special as it includes the new and current DT and past DT members.

If you arrived to my blog directly, you can start at Melissa's and participate in the hop. If you came from Pamela's blog, welcome!! Be sure to leave a comment on my blog to win some awesome prizes!!

SFTIO has been a huge part of my life over the past 2 years now and glad to still be a part of their community as a member. We were asked to pick one of our favourite layouts for the blog hop, but after creating over 80 layouts, it was just too hard to pin it down. So I created a collage of all my favourites using Picasa's collage generator.

I mixed my favourite layouts up so they are in no particular order...these are layouts that had a profound effect on my life and was all a part of my healing journey. Looking forward to the future, I am looking forward to taking classes, learning more about mixed media art and tackling a memory quilt. My parents saved all of my baby / children's clothing and brought it all out to where I live. As I can't keep everything, and I am pretty sure no one wants to dress their children in 70s clothing, I would like to create something that will be deeply personal and useful as well. It might be a quilt or it might end up being a piece of art as well...time will only tell. I have a wonderful idea in mind as to how to document this process and might consider keeping a blogging schedule to keep me accountable and motivated!

On the next blog hop stop head over to Laura's blog! Thanks for visiting!!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-07-02T08:57:00.000-06:00

This is a bit late, but it is always wonderful to see the progress of your garden. These pictures are from late May early June. This year I am moving things around, adding some more perennials and trying out some new things too. Will have to snap some new pictures of my garden now that it is early July!

Now that summer is here, I have decided to take a bit of a break from scrapbooking, but I am already missing it, so this is a good sign that I will be eager to sit at my desk and create again soon. For now, I am going to concentrate on taking pictures so I have lots of material to work with into the fall and winter.

Fresh from the greenhouse!

I think Poppies are becoming one of my favourite flowers. They are so delicate and come in a wide range of colours.

Saw this guy and I had to buy him!!

Dahlias...I have had them in my garden every year for the last few years and never grow tired of them. I think I am going to try to dig up the tubers in the fall and plant them in the spring...hopefully they would come back!

A very early picture of my vegetable boxes...I have already harvested several radishes and the tomatoes have grown almost beyond the cages now!

We are trying hanging strawberries this year, and was able to pick three off the plant and eat them yesterday.

I have a soft spot for blue flowers...hydrangea, delphinium, morning glory, forget-me-nots and now this beautiful nolana!

My herb boxes on the deck right outside my kitchen...so handy to run out and snip some fresh herbs while cooking.

Other projects on the go are to move the "secret garden" over to the other side of the garage. Before we had a garage, I planted several shrubs and shade plants along the edge of the concrete pad. Now we can't enjoy them...so we are creating a new garden on the opposite side of the garage. A lot of work, but it will look wonderful.

I will have a scrapbooking post on Tuesday! SFTIO is having a blog hop to celebrate their 3rd anniversary...be sure to check back to win some prizes!!

A Trip to Jasper

2011-06-24T07:38:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we headed out to Jasper for a quick mini-vacation...although it was rainy and a bit cold, it was worth the trip...just to get out of the 'big' city and relax. We were fortunate to see lots of wildlife this time around...elk, deer, mountain goats, lots of birds and I spotted my first black bear!

Belief

2011-06-15T16:30:00.001-06:00

What are some of the things that make you Optimistic? One of the main things I believe is to live my life to the fullest. This is something I have to remind myself or think about each and every day. Here is another layout from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out! I love this photograph from a trip to Jasper National Park a few years ago.

What things do you observe or take part in that really makes an impact on your life or makes a difference? And when you are feeling down or ill, what kinds of things do you find solace in? What things do you do that keeps you feeling optimistic about your life?

Some of the things that make me live life to the fullest and keep me feeling optimistic are:

Summer vacation

The warm sunshine on my face

A perfect cup of coffee

The flowers in my garden

Birds singing in the trees or from a rooftop

Just knowing that everything will be okay

That I am loved and taken care of

Reading a favorite magazine

Spending time with friends and family

Going to the Farmer's Market

Being active...walking, biking, hiking, running and Zumba

Simply centering myself and taking in life itself all around me.

Our Glasses are Full

2011-06-09T08:48:00.000-06:00

Just a sneek peekie of my Optimism layouts from the June 2011 Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. It is a bit bittersweet as these layouts are my last for SFTIO. I loved being on the team and sending my heartfelt thanks to Rachel for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this awesome business.

My first layout is my fave...and it is about looking at whether your glass is half-full or half-empty.

In my view, our glasses are always full...we are so fortunate in our lives. Sometimes it may not always seem so...but in those times of frustration, it simply means that we have to center in on why we feel this way...focus on the situation at hand and determine whether or not it is something to be upset about. Often times our negative thought patterns are manufactured and we must always remember how blessed we both are.

Explore Your Relationship With Yourself Through Scrapbooking

2011-06-06T08:17:00.000-06:00

Explore Your Relationship With Yourself Through Scrapbooking

Friendship Challenges

2011-05-31T22:09:00.000-06:00

On the last day of May I have two last layouts from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out's Friendship Kit to share.

Challenge #1

Old friends vs. new friends: Is there a difference between the friends you’ve had for years and the ones that you’ve met more recently? Does time make a difference in the way you feel about them? Are there things you’d tell an old friend that you wouldn’t tell a new friend, or vice versa? Have you met new friends who immediately touched your heart and soul and matched or eclipsed old friends’ place in your life?

Gratitude preserves old friendships, and procures new. Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing. Elie Wiesel

It takes a long time to grow an old friend. John Leonard

Who is your most long lasting friend and why do you love her or him?

For the design twist, please use items of length in various ways to demonstrate the longevity of your relationship.

My mom is my longest best friend...she has always been there for me and I love her so much. When I thought about length of time, I knew strips of paper had to represent the longivity of our relationship. Love those American Crafts barcode strips too!!

Challenge #3

In Common: Do you need to have specific things in common with your friends to make your relationship work? Do the things you don’t have in common help you grow and learn about yourself? Does the way you communicate under conflict make a difference? How do you agree to disagree when you can? Do you really make peace in those moments or just put them aside?

Friendships are fragile things, and require as much handling as any other fragile and precious thing. The best relationships--friendship and otherwise--tend to be those where you *can* say anything to the other person but you don't say *everything*. Audrey Beth Stein

Please create a LO about how you handle or have handled commonality vs. conflict in a friendship. Have you ever lost a friend?

For the design twist, please use a repetitive image for a commonality or a mirror image for conflict. Or some of both!

Nancy Doren has become one of my friends over the past couple of years through our Design Team term at SFTIO. We share similar health struggles and found out we have a lot in common! It is always wonderful to make new friends through this wonderful scrappy world.

Scrapbook Your Heart Recap

2011-05-28T08:12:00.000-06:00

Just sharing a few photographs from the Scrapbook Your Heart Retreat on May 13th - 15th. I was so honoured to be the Featured Instructor for this year. And thank you again to Allison, Christy, Kandi & Michelle for making this such a wonderful first teaching experience!

This weekend I am working on the instructions for the "Journey" layout and my kit layout "You Are My Joy".

Please Email Me if you attended the retreat and need instructions to complete your Journey layout or if you are interested in purchasing the "You Are My Joy" layout.

I also believe that Allison Orthner has a few Journey layout kits still for sale and you can contact Allison for more information HERE.

Sneak Peek! Optimism

2011-05-25T08:19:00.001-06:00

Scrapbooking From The Inside Out: Kit Giveaway on the CK Blog

2011-05-21T07:40:00.000-06:00

There is another Friendship kit up for grabs! Have a wonderful long weekend everyone!!
Scrapbooking From The Inside Out: Kit Giveaway on the CK Blog

SFTIO Challenge on Club CK

2011-05-19T11:00:00.001-06:00

Check it out! Club CK Challenge

And be sure to keep an eye on my blog as I will be posting images and instructions for the layouts I created for Scrapbook Your Heart this past weekend.

If you are interested in purchasing a kit for the You Are My Joy Layout, please email me for more information!

Friendship Blog Hop With SFTIO!

2011-05-16T06:00:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to share an early reveal of the May 2011 Friendship Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out with a Blog Hop! Leave a comment on my blog for a chance to win a Friendship Kit. Remember to comment on everyone's blog to increase your chances to win!

If you came here from Patty's blog, Welcome!! If you came to my blog directly and you want to participate in the hop, start at Melissa's blog.

This layout is called Friend and it is about all the many friendships I have in my life. I have only a few close friends, but have many wonderful friends in my life through work, my art, from my university years and so on. Friends come and go, we might lose touch and find each other again and it would be like we never lost touch.

So do you want to win the Friendship Kit? Be Sure to Leave a Comment!!

The stop on the hop is Christa's blog! Enjoy!!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T10:56:00.000-06:00

Love You Mom...You are the Best!

Happy National Scrapbook Day!

2011-05-07T07:10:00.000-06:00

This is where I will be!

But will also be working on the May 2011 Friendship Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out

and preparing for next week's Scrapbook Your Heart Retreat!!

I also want to thank my supporters and sponsors for this upcoming event!!

THANK YOU!!! Kathy, Chantel, KC & Rachel!

SFTIO Giveaway on Prima for National Scrapbook Fun Day!!

2011-05-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Scrapbooking From The Inside Out is giving away a Resilience Kit on Prima today for National Scrapbook Fun Day!

I thought I would share a layout I created based on our monthly challenges that we offer each month to inspire and to go deeper.

April Challenge #4

Endurance and Stamina: In which ways do you stick to your guns? What stories from your past demonstrate your endurance, and did your endurance pay off? Have you ever stayed with something longer than you should have, in retrospect? How much can you 'take'? DO you bend before you break, or do you go until you break? When something in you breaks, does it break evenly or in a jagged line?

Design Twist: Create a layout focusing on a time you showcased "sticking to your guns". In the kit are the ballerina feet that can remind us of endurance and stamina. You can use line, shape and color for your symbolism as well or whatever else to convey your moment of endurance.

I don't have too many pictures of myself from 2008. The day Joe took this picture of me, I was in a great deal of pain. I couldn't really walk that well as I had shooting pain in my lower back and down both legs. I had to stop often and rest before continuing to walk the Devonian Botanic Gardens where Joe and I were married the year before. I was an active runner at the time and went from clocking in 10 - 12 K a week to barely even able to walk two blocks due to a severe reaction to a medication. Incidentally, it turned out that I was also allergic due to my milk intolerance. I swelled up and my weight went out of control...I was devastated.

This was the beginning of my journey to finally getting a diagnosis of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. I found that I had to become very vocal about my health and well-being to my physician and finding someone who would listen to me. I stuck it out and finally on the road back to health...I still have my bad days, but I feel that I am on the right track...

Resilience and the beginning of Friendship

2011-05-02T15:40:00.000-06:00

It is the beginning of May and it is looking so much more like spring outside. It has been so busy with my mother visiting us for a couple of weeks, meeting deadlines (with more coming up soon!), and preparing for Scrapbook Your Heart in a mere couple of weeks. I am so nervous and excited...I just want to give it my all and do a wonderful job as Allison and Christy are such awesome ladies.

I have one last Resilience layout to share with you from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. It is called Feet and this layout is about how our feet carry our bodies through life's travels, challenges and accomplishments. The inspiration for this layout was purely accidental! I was taking pictures with my iPhone and accidently snapped this one, catching my dress manniquin's feet and mine as well. I loved it's quirkiness and used it for my layout.

This is the new Prima Melody Line...isn't it gorgeous??

Journaling Reads: These feet have carried me through a journey of pain, joy and sadness. They are strong and resilient. I can dance, I can endure, I will survive.

And just a note that the May 2011 Friendship Kit by Scrapbooking From The Inside Out is available now! I am loving this kit...so stay tuned!

I will post a picture, but Blogger is giving me a tough time today!

More Resilience

2011-04-25T07:39:00.000-06:00

I have another layout to share with you from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out April 2011 Resilience Kit. This layout is called Faith, and it is all about self-confidence.

Journaling Reads: I must believe in myself - and that I am strong enough to face any challenge that may come my way. I often face self-doubt and fear failure but I must believe. I still believe.

When I have too much on my mind or start to worry about things, I lose Faith in myself that I can accomplish everything that I would love to do in life and to these things to the best of my ability. For example, with my new job position, I find that daily I doubt myself and my capabilities, but I must remember that I am learning. For me, fear is a huge barrier to faith...there are many fears that I must overcome, but I must keep Faith.

In what ways do you find Faith?

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:25:00.000-06:00

I just knew I shouldn't have bought these marshmallow eggs...I can't keep my hands off of them...

Prima Build A Page April 2011

2011-04-22T08:42:00.000-06:00

Happy Easter (Good Friday) and Earth Day! It is looking more springy outside everyday now, and welcoming the warm weather. Today I am sharing another Prima Flowers project based on my interpretation of April's Build A Page Sketch designed by my dear and awesome friend Anam Stubbington!

I love sketches as they give you sort of a guideline with lots of room for interpretation or adding your own detail or flair to the layout (or card!). I used a lot of Prima packaging in this layout...can you spot them all?

Scrapbook Your Heart Optional Classes are Open!

2011-04-21T08:40:00.000-06:00

Check out the two Optional Add-on Classes at this year's Scrapbook Your Heart retreat now open for registration!!! Space is limited so register soon to avoid disappointment!

Here are the projects!

Click HERE to get more details and to register!!!!

Also there are STILL about 10 spaces available for this retreat...and if we sell out, there would be some extra special goodies to be had....this is such a wonderful and valuable event that has certainly been integral to my journey...to join us and register click HERE!

My Creative Space on Create Blog!

2011-04-18T11:47:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I received a lovely request from Jen Gallacher from Northridge Publishing to feature My Creative Space on Scrapbook Trends Create Blog. She spotted the pictures of my scraproom that I posted in my gallery on Scrapbook.com.

I must admit, I am over the moon, and the feeling reminded me of an episode from Sex and The City where Charlotte York was asked to have her apartment photographed by Home and Garden Magazine. Quite the honour....I am so tickled pink as it made my day!

I have since added in a chandelier to my room...so here is another view. So with much ado, you can visit the post HERE.

Resilience Challenge On Club CK

2011-04-18T08:20:00.000-06:00

Scrapbooking From The Inside Out is having a Resilience Challenge on Club CK today...so what are you waiting for? Check it out!

Resilience ~ how do you bounce back?

2011-04-16T08:29:00.001-06:00

Another month has flown by and it is time to share my layouts from the April 2010 Resilience Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out!

My first layout is called Live. It is about no matter what you face in life, the challenges you live through, you can be strong and resilient. This is my favorite layout of the month as it is was inspired by my friend, the talented Nancy Doren. I have been also loving using my iPhone4 to take self-portraits and making them lomo-esque using the PictureShow app.

Also!! Did you know that Scrapbooking From The Inside Out is having a Design Team Call? Check out the details HERE. The kits are so awesome and it is such a great team to work with...so Submit!!!

Deadline is May 5th, 2011

Sneek Peek!

2011-04-14T21:04:00.000-06:00

Reposted from the Scrapbook Your Heart Blog!!

Our fourth annual Scrapbook Your Heart retreat is coming soon (May 13-15, 2011) and we are excited to share a little "sneak peek" with you from one of the projects you will be creating if you come!!!

Diana Kennedy has been busy creating some special treats including this beautiful project using Bo Bunny's new and gorgeous "Gabrielle" line and some goodies from a new sponsor Ezee Pzee...

We currently have about 5 spots still left for this life changing retreat experience so register SOON if you would like to be part of it!!

Also note, registrations and payments AFTER APRIL 15, 2011 require an additional $20 added onto the posted prices so do it soon!!!

Sponsor Giveaway | Scrapbooking From The Inside Out | Ali Edwards

2011-04-09T07:31:00.001-06:00

Yet another giveaway on Ali Edward's Blog!! Leave a comment on Ali's blog for a chance to win the Resilience Kit! Have a great weekend! Sponsor Giveaway Scrapbooking From The Inside Out Ali Edwards

Use Your Words: Add Depth To Your Scrapbooking

2011-04-07T08:12:00.000-06:00

Good Morning! Just sharing a post on the Creating Keepsakes Magazine Blog! Go check it out...comment on CK's blogpost for a chance to win the Resilience Kit!! Use Your Words: Add Depth To Your Scrapbooking

Never too late...to be inspired!

2011-04-04T21:11:00.000-06:00

Just sharing a couple of layouts from the Inspiration Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out in response to a couple of challenges!

Challenge #2

Breath: One of the literal meanings of inspiration is breath. Have you even noticed how your breathing changes when you are under stress? Shallow or deep breathing impacts how you feel, and how you feel can make your breathing shallow or deep. When do you become aware of your breathing? Do you ever slow yourself down by breathing deeply? Have you ever experienced a panic attack where your breathing was affected?

Please create a LO about a time when you lost your breath, had a panic attack, or could breathe easy...

For the design twist, please use an undulating, rolling movement to demonstrate breathing.

Challenge #3

Bliss: One definition of inspiration is ecstasy - 'to stand outside the ordinary self'. Have you experienced moments of pure happiness and pleasure? What, inside or out, has brought you an elevated sense of self or a rapturous state? Is that emotion more fleeting, or something that you've felt more regularly?

As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision. Helen Keller
Tell us in a LO about a most blissful moment - were you floating out of your body?
For the design twist, use kite or balloon images from the kit, or of your own design!

A Thousand Words...

2011-03-27T20:43:00.000-06:00

It must be spring...the Christmas trees are melting out of the snow...

My Creative Space ~ Revamped

2011-03-25T08:52:00.001-06:00

I have been busy for the last month or so revamping my creative space. It is one of our spare bedrooms and would serve as guest room as well. But the current set up wasn't really guest friendly, and I found the layout of the furniture a bit awkward as well. I had a bit of difficulty remembering the stash of paper in my closet and finding storage space for my tools and supplies.

So here is the before:

And here is the After!

Bookshelves/ Doors SMADAL by Ikea Sideboard LYCKHEM...when I saw the bookshelves in Trisha Ladoceur's creative space, I knew these would be perfect for my space as well...oh and Trisha's space is so awesome...it is still my dream craft room for sure!

The closet still has a bit of work...more paper shelves as I have more paper than I thought! ALEX drawers from IKEA

I found these Apothecary Jars from Home Outfitters

Glimmer Mist and a clock I bought at a Garage Sale in Winnipeg years ago!

Apothecary Jars from Michaels - love those 40% - 50% off coupons!

Baskets that hold my tools such as Crop A Dile, Distress Inks and Punches

A sample of what can be found in the Alex drawer unit

I found these unique baskets from Michaels again 50% off on clearance...not sure whether or not to paint it or not.

My scrap desk...I bought an extra large Tattered Angels misting mat, lazy susan tool holder from Michaels and Lamp on clearance from Urban Barn. I switched the pull out from the right to the left side so I can utilize all the surface area.

I love this lamp!! (my other one broke)

Joe bought this guy for me...kind of quirky...and I love crows and ravens.

I put away my wedding dress (for now) so my "Judy" looks a bit bare. I am also thinking about doing something nicer to display my layouts. Thinking about framing some of my favorites.

So that is my scraproom in a nutshell...and it is still a work in progress. Joe cleaned up some old silverware candy dishes and bowls for me to have on my desk to keep smaller stuff in one place. And as mentioned above, I want to do something on the opposite wall to display some of my layouts.

All in all, I wanted it to be as functional as possible, yet look neat and inviting. I was also able to free up some floor space so we can pull in a guest bed as well! I am so tempted to jump on the chandelier bandwagon as well...so what do you think? Should I get one?

Blog Hop Closed!

2011-03-24T18:00:00.002-06:00

The Blog Hop is Now Closed!

The winner will be announced on SFTIO's Blog and Facebook (please like us!) shortly...

Blog Hoppity Hop!

2011-03-22T01:00:00.001-06:00

Well it is "officially" spring here, but sure doesn't feel like it as us Edmontonians have tons of snow left to melt and it is still snowing! Joe and I have been seeing Christmas trees melting out of snowbanks (???). I will have to take a picture of this strange phenomenon...lol.

I hope it warms up soon as I can hardly wait to get into my garden and plant flowers and vegetables. I am just dying to go to a greenhouse right now! But the colours in the inspiration kit are so vibrant and cheerful, I can't help but smile when I see this kit. And what a perfect way to celebrate spring is with a Blog Hop with Scrapbooking From The Inside Out.

If you arrived to my blog directly, you can start the hop from Nancy's blog, and if you arrived from Christa's blog, Welcome!

The layout I wish to share with you is called "My Life Inspired", and it is all about the many things that inspire me everyday...from creating art to just being philosophical and thinking about life, the world in general. Often times when I am writing the journaling for my layouts (and blogging for that matter), it is just my mind rambling on...I don't really give much thought to spelling or grammar at first, but simply speaking from the heart....recording what I am feeling or observing around me at the moment as I create.

Now when I read my journaling again, I realize I am quite a busy person, but feel blessed to have such a wonderful life despite the challenges I face everyday as well.

And the prize for this blog hop?? Is one of these beautiful Inspiration Kits from SFTIO!! To win, please leave a comment here on my blog, but also be sure to comment on everyone else's blog as it will give you more chances to win!

Gotta have the goods right now? You can buy the Inspiration kit HERE

The next hop stop is the fabulous Fabi!!

Thanks for visiting!

Inspiration

2011-03-15T21:03:00.000-06:00

Another week has flown by and another month as well! Time to reveal my layouts from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out's March 2011 Inspiration Kit. This kit is soooo colourful and happy...really what I need to get into the spring feeling after this long winter...will it ever be spring??

This is a new favourite for me...it came by so unexpectedly...a flash of inspiration I guess you could say. I have been loving experimenting with my iPhone camera and the Picture Show app. I also used some 'privacy' 5 blade scissors from Restoration Hardware to create the grass along the bottom of the layout.

Awesome News!! I am the Featured Instructor for Scrapbook Your Heart Retreat!!

2011-03-07T15:57:00.003-07:00

I am so excited and honoured that I was invited to be the featured instructor for this awesome retreat!! I am looking forward to working with Allison, Christy and the gang in May!

Reposted from Allison Orthner's Blog:

One of my favourite things to do as part of the crafting industry in Canada is to search for and discover some of those "hidden talents" we have across this awesome country of ours!!!

Whether it is for my Crop and Cruise Scrapbooking Cruises for Canadians, Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine or local events I'm involved with, I absolutely LOVE finding these gems and introducing them to those who may not yet have had the privilege!!!!

So with no further adieu, I am pleased to announce our special guest and featured instructor for this year's Scrapbook Your Heart Alberta-wide retreat this May...

Diana Kennedy

Hi! I am Diana Kennedy from Edmonton, Alberta. I have always been artistic in some way throughout my life. I have tried my hand at drawing, painting, sewing, crocheting, clay sculpture, jewellery making and all kinds of dancing ranging from ballroom to belly dance. More recently, I am teaching myself how to create art journals and mixed media art. My day job has me using my Master of Science Degree in Clothing and Textiles working as a manager of Arts in Healthcare Programs within an acute care hospital.

I was introduced to scrapbooking in 2007 when I went on a retreat with a friend. I was scrapbooking my wedding and was instantly hooked! I am presently on the design team for "Scrapbooking From the Inside Out" and have been published in Canadian Scrapbooker, Scrapstreet.com and featured on Donna Downey's and Cathy Zielske's blogs. My other interests include clean eating, baking/cooking, organic gardening, hiking, running, biking, being a Zumba® instructor and of course going shopping for scrapbook supplies.

I am inspired daily by all the many talented people who tell their life stories through the art of scrapbooking and am anxious to help you do the same at the Scrapbook Your Heart retreat.

Diana is not only super sweet, but she is just over the top talented and is PERFECTLY tuned into what this retreat is all about!!! As we say over and over, Scrapbook Your Heart is a retreat designed to help you explore and craft about deeper matters of the heart... it is about women coming together to help one another make it through this life on earth that is sometimes amazing, but many times nasty!! And Diana is all about crafting the good, the bad and the downright ugly parts of what we all encounter in this life...

And one of my personal favourites we picked for CS publication at the Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival in Edmonton last fall... I simply couldn't resist her butterflies!!!!!!!!!!!

So as you can see, not only is Diana super talented, but she is beautifully vulnerable, inspiring and eager to share herself with us at Scrapbook Your Heart.

Be sure to check out more on her blog and please give her some LOVE!!

And know that we are almost already sold out!!! We only have 1 cabin left in Aspen Ridge and 3 in Creekside!!! And I can hardly wait!!! There is nothing else like this event... we may go home exhausted from lack of sleep, but you also take home the life changes, fresh perspectives, new friends and crafty projects to remind each one how incredibly special you are!!! Please join us :)

Note: All of the layouts above were created by kits from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out!

Celebrating Nancy!

2011-03-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Nancy Doren is celebrating a bloggy milestone ~ her 1000th post! I can't say enough about this girl. If I were to sum her up I would use these words:

Talented

Generous

Sweet

Funny

Open

Honest

Inspiring

So go visit her blog

My Paperview

and enter to win some wonderful prizes!!!

More Vulnerability Layouts

2011-02-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

It is the last day of the month and I have my two last Vulnerabiltity layouts from the February 2011 Scrapbooking From The Inside Out to share with you! This layout is called "You Make Me Feel Safe". It is about how my hubby makes me feel safe at all times...I can be who I am around him. He loves me just as I am...faults and all!

You Make Me Feel Safe

This is a close up of my first crack at using UTEE (ultra thick embossing enamel) using the Ranger Melting Pot and the Glitz stamp that comes with the kit. It is also the subject of my tutorial for this month that you can read when you join the SFTIO community!

My next layout is called Life Lessons is all about how your vulnerabilities can turn into or be strengths! I have always felt like I never really quite fit in...and these life challenges prepared me to be the person I am today. Strong, open-minded and accepting of those who don't quite fit in or have physical, mental or emotional challenges. I think it is why I am good at what I do working at the hospital.

And here is a close up of the Hambly rub-ons and Ranger Crackle Accents that are also included in the kit. I love how the crackle accents made the apothecary jars appear fragile and vulnerable...very symbolic! I love these apothecary jars and looking for some in the Edmonton area...so if you've seen them or know where I can find them, let me know!

SFTIO Giveaway on Cathy Zielske's Blog

2011-02-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome Giveaway on Cathy Zielske's Blog Bits&Pieces. Leave a comment on Cathy's blog for a chance to win the Vulnerability kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out!

Canadian Scrapbooker Spring 2011!

2011-02-24T21:39:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post tonight...but excited to say that I am in the Spring 2011 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker!! Here is the layout that was chosen waaayyyy back in October at the Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival.

This layout is from the Nostalgia Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out and it is one of my absolute favourite layouts I created in 2010.

All the ladies who are involved with this magazine are all so wonderful, down to earth, real women, and I am always so honoured to be a little part of this wonderful publication. So if you haven't heard Canadian Scrapbooker is celebrating 5 years and if you subscribe before the end of the month, you will have a chance to win $1000 of scrapbooking goodies!!

Enjoy!

I am Strong!

2011-02-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

Just checking in and sharing another layout from the Vulnerability Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. My layout this week is called I am Strong.

It is about feeling confident and taking care of yourself. In the past I had been in life situations where I wasn't able to defend myself physically and mentally and I was very vulnerable. Kickboxing to me is something that not only keeps me fit, but gives me the strength and the skills for self-defense.

Believe it or not, during my kickboxing classes, the act of punching and kicking often triggers strong emotional releases that result in crying. These are emotions and feelings that have long been sitting somewhere inside of me and through this exercise I am able to acknowledge the pain, anger and frustration that bubbles up and let it go.

So what helps you overcome your vulnerabilities?

Vulnerability Reveal!

2011-02-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

So we switched things up at Scrapbooking From The Inside Out with having two reveals per month...so I will be revealing on the 15th from now on...yay! My first layout of the month is called Be Gentle.

I thought about all the different things that make me feel vulnerable like getting sick easily simply from being overtired, stressed out or overworked. Another thing that I admitted in this layout is that I can be gullible at times and feel vulnerable when I realize I have been taken advantage of...I feel self concious (and angry at myself for knowing I have been misled).

Yet there have been times where I had to be strong and distant from my emotions and I have felt that I have lost my more vulnerable, feminine side. There were long periods of times where I was never really able to cry...I mean a sobbing mess crying!! Now over the last few years working on my emotions and how I react to certain situations, I can now freely let the tears flow without the feeling that I am weaker for allowing these emotions to bubble up to the surface.

This is such a gorgeous kit! And from what I have heard, it is going fast!! So check it out soon...

Sketches 2 Scrapbooks ~ Cards!

2011-02-12T08:12:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post today...work has been busy since coming back from CHA, and the blog has been sadly neglected. But some good news Sketches 2 Scrapbooks Cards Edition has been released!

The free version (12 sketches) can be found HERE

The full version ($4.99 for 104 sketches plus the 12 free ones) can be found HERE

And my card was included!! Thank you so much Anam for having me be a part of this!!

And to conclude this post, I wanted to share a funny picture of Rachel, Nancy and I at CHA. It was at the Doodlebug Designs Booth where they actually had a photo booth! We could not resist having some fun!

CHA Pictures!

2011-02-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

So I am home from CHA in California and had a wonderful time with my friends Rachel and Nancy! It was awesome to stay with Rachel in Santa Monica...such a beautiful place to live. So here are some pictures from the trip to share. I will post soon with the February 2011 Vulnerability Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out soon as I now reveal on the 15th.

Reflection Challenge #2

2011-01-29T08:00:00.002-07:00

As you are reading this, I am at the CHA conference and trade show! So I am posting some of the wonderful challenges from the Reflection Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. So here is my take on Challenge #2.

Water: Water can take many forms - solid like ice, liquid, and vapor - steam or fog. Even on its surface, there can be stillness, rippling, waves and tsunamis. How does the image of water affect you? Is it calming? How does your reflection appear in different literal and symbolic states of water, and what does that represent?

People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering. St Augustine

Please create a LO about water in one of its forms and what it means to you.

For the design twist, please find a water image to include that speaks to you - your most perfect or most imperfect image of water - soothing, menacing...

In my layout I used a picture I took while on vacation in the Okanagan a couple of years ago...it is one of my favourites. The water was so peaceful and serene. I also used water-like words in my journalling as well.

Reflection Challenge #1 and Sneek Peeks!

2011-01-27T08:00:00.009-07:00

Did you know that Scrapbooking From The Inside Out has monthly challenges to get your creative juices flowing? Each challenge also has a design twist that you can interpret any way you would like. Here is my take on Challenge #1 from the Reflection Kit!

Mirror Image: In what areas of your life does seeing things backwards make a difference? Do you ever take a purposeful look at a situation from the opposite angle you'd usually take? If you could write yourself a note in the steam on the bathroom mirror, or have someone else write it for you, what message would you want to read, knowing that it would disappear and you only had a few moments to take it in?

For our first challenge, please create a LO about choosing to look at a situation the opposite way you normally would. For the design twist, write yourself a note as you would on a bathroom mirror...lots of interesting messages and materials to use!

I used the Hambly paper and placed chipboard letters on the back (I made sure the words were spelled backwards). Then I sprayed the paper with Adirondack Terra Cotta Mist. The effect gives a sort of fading like steam on a mirror.

And I cannot believe it is almost time for next month's kit sneek peek! February's kit is VULNERABILITY

Pre CHA Blog Hop!! Wonderful prizes to be won!!

2011-01-26T00:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Scrapbooking From The Inside Out Blog Hop featuring the January 2011 Reflection Kit. This time we are switching it up by featuring other DT members layouts. You probably came here from Patty's blog, but if not, you can start the blog by going to Nancy's blog. Remember the more comments you leave on each blog stop, the more chances you have to win some yummy prizes!

On this hop I am featuring the uber talented Melissa Elsner!! Her layout Impulsive she says, "...was pretty intentional because I'm always beginning something and then, without warning, switching to something else".

So be sure to leave a comment here on my blog and the other blog stops along the way...so are you Impulsive? What reflections of yourself do you see in your personality?

Your next Blog Hop Stop is of course Melissa's Blog!

Mantra and A Giveaway!

2011-01-14T06:00:00.018-07:00

Here is another layout from the January 2011 Reflection Kit by Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. When I thought of the topic of reflection, and how I reflect on my life, I thought of the many ways that we can look back at our past experiences. We can look back (sometimes strongly, emotionally, if memories are fresh in mind) and experience events filled of pain, regret and sadness. But there are also reflections of joy, purpose and wonder (it seems that I cannot help but use past SFTIO kit names!)

There is great benefit to reflecting back on one's life...your choices and thinking about those what ifs or why's that you have. But there is also a point where one must let go and move forward with their lives...you have to release those grudges or feelings of bitterness you may have towards someone. And dwelling over and over again of certain events is certainly not healthy if it affects the way you are living your life right now.

Moving forward emotionally allows for forgiveness...not only for those who caused you pain or anger, but for yourself as well.

Journalling reads: There is a point in your life that you must realize that looking backwards does not move you forward. It is good to let go of negative experiences and emotions. But to dwell on them is simply something that I am no longer prepared to entertain.

I am VERY excited to announce that there is a GIVEAWAY on Cathy Zielske's blog TODAY!! So leave a comment on her blog for a chance to win the Reflection Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out!

Changing and Reflection

2011-01-08T21:38:00.001-07:00

Well I was up since 4am this morning due to a wrenched neck and sound of a car spinning its wheels fiercely in our latest snow storm (25 cm or 10" approximately and counting!). So I ended up spending the majority of the day overhauling my blog and decided for the time being to use a layout from the August 2010 DISCOVERY kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. The turquoise and pink was sort of a fun change from my past header(s), but was not quite right yet. I am still playing with my blog and apologies if anyone encounters any problems while visiting!

But I wanted to share my first layout from the January 2011 REFLECTION Kit! With the year still fresh, I look back on 2010 in my layout called Reflections. A lot happened in a year and looking forward to what this year has in store for me...professionally, creatively and personally.

One Little Word

2011-01-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

My One Little Word for 2011 is:

(House of Three Brushes)

Motivate myself ~ sometimes I am tired and achy and just don't feel like working out or I procrastinate with certain tasks or responsibilities. I would like to push myself a bit more to get things done...at home, at work, at play. I know and need to get up and move more, because the feeling after a good workout is much better than not working out at all.

Motivate others ~ through my artwork, blog, work and using Zumba fitness as a way to inspire health and fitness in others. I already have my Level 1 Instructor Certification and need to get on the ball to register for AFLCA training soon. This is towards my goal of instructing a Zumba Dance Party Class this year! Also I am on queue to teach a class at a local Arts centre at some point this year as well.

Also Scrapbooking From The Inside Out REFLECTION Kit for January 2011 was revealed yesterday!! Stay tuned for some layouts I created with this kit!! But here are some images to share!

Top 10 of 2010

2010-12-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

It seems that a lot of my scrapbooking friends are posting their top 10 lists...so with a few hours of 2010 to spare, I thought I would follow suit. So here are my favourite layouts of 2010...I am looking forward to another year of creating, exploring and dreaming...

I had another favourite I wanted to post but it will be in the 2011 Spring Edition of Canadian Scrapbooker (I am so excited!) so it is under wraps until then!

But I did pick this particular layout above as it evoked so many emotions and comments from those who looked at this particular layout. It was something I held inside of me for many years and glad that I scrapped about it and was able to share my feelings and thoughts with others. That is what I love so much about this hobby / art form!

Happy New Year!!

Wonder Challenges

2010-12-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Each month on Scrapbooking From The Inside Out Rachel and Nancy post challenges for our members to think creatively by using the design twists, but also to provoke inner thoughts and feelings towards the monthly topic. Here are the challenges for this month's WONDER Kit and my response to a few of them! Also check out the sneek peek for January 2011 REFLECTION below!

Challenge #1

Children: Kids have an amazing capacity for wonder. Everything is new and exciting to them. Is there any area of your life that has you experiencing wonder in a child-like way? Are there kids in your life who remind you how to see things as fresh?

Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on children. George Bernard Shaw

Please create a LO about either seeing, or wanting to see life with fresh wonder, as would a child. What would be different?

For the design twist, please use a playful, child-friendly image or technique in some way - animals, blocks, maybe finger painting?

Challenge #2
Amazing: What have you accomplished, learned or discovered in the year that is ending that you plan to carry with you into 2011? If you were forced to answer, what would you say amazes you most about yourself? If your best friend, spouse or sibling were to answer, what would they tell you amazes them about you?

Please create a layout about the most amazing thing you've done in 2010. For the design twist, use a self-portrait (photo or otherwise) on your page... it's all about you!

Challenge #3
Magic: In many cultures, this time of year represents a season of magic - a time when people use light as a way to illuminate the darkness. The loss of control and vision represented by the dark can be frightening. What cultural or religious traditions from this time of year are part of your celebrations, or appeal to you if you're not personally familiar with them? Are you frightened of the dark for any reason? What magic would you bring to your own darkness as light is brought to literal darkness? Would it be a knowledge of something, a belief, a physical presence?

For this challenge, please create a layout about the spiritual aspect of this holiday season for you. Are you inspired? Resentful? Grateful? Indifferent? For the design twist, create a "light" on your page... use your imagination!

Challenge #4
Mystery: Do life's twists and turns feel mysterious to you or can you see trajectories, either before something new happens, or in retrospect? Do you wonder about the meaning of large and small events in your life and in the world? Do you like the excitement of the unknown or do you like to have all your ducks in a row? Have you had a specific life experience that was truly mysterious and remains mysterious to this day?

For this challenge, please create a layout about what the coming year holds for you. Is it a complete mystery? What are your hopes? What do you wonder about 2011? For the design twist, create something hidden on your page, whether it's journaling or a symbol.

Challenge #5
The Big Questions: What do you wonder about most...the meaning of life, why certain things have happened, what happens after we die? What are the big unanswered questions, or unanswerable questions? How much time do you spend on those questions, alone in your own thoughts, or talking to others? For this challenge, create a layout about your One Big Wonder... the one question you would most like to have answered in life. For the design twist, include some kind of question mark on your page--big or small!

And here are a few sneeks of January 2011 SFTIO's Kit

REFLECTION!

One Week 'Til Christmas...whaaattt?

2010-12-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

Once again I am so behind in my blogging...it has been such a tremendously busy and challenging month. It has been about a month since taking over as acting manager where I work and I have been clocking in the hours. So I feel so behind in my creative off-time and I miss it...it is so important to me as it keeps me thinking creatively...it is my form of therapy as well.

I would like to share two more layouts that I created with the December Wonder Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. As part of my new DT term with the amazing Rachel Kaufman and Nancy Doren, I will be following some of the challenges that are posted on the Community site throughout the month. I will share these during the rest of the month.

The Wonder of life is what inspired me to create this layout..what mysteries of life leaves you feeling wonder and awe?

This layout means so much to me right now...sometimes I just feel I can't do it all...I am no Wonder Woman and I have to learn to accept my limits.

Getting in the Christmas Mood

2010-12-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

I love going to the Festival of Trees each year...it gets me into the Christmas mood, and gives me wonderful decorating ideas.

I love this dinner table with the twigs in the vases...so rustic!

Fuschia and Purples seemed to be quite popular this year along with Black and Silver too.

Pink...Feathers...Angel Wings = Perfection

I love this wreath...I want to make something like this, but I already have about three wreaths to hang on my doors...maybe I can fit another one in?

Isn't this absolutely gorgeous? I love the chairs and the tree on the table.

Wonders of the Season

2010-12-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

So it is the beginning of December and from one of my more recent posts, I have a lot on my agenda to accomplish before the holidays! I was thinking about what to write about for my first day in my December Daily. You see, I am at work most of my time and sometimes it is hard to think about what is so special about your daily life while sitting and typing in front of a computer. For yesterday (Day 1) I was thinking about all the things I need to do...or it would be my feelings that I am just not in the "Christmas Mood" yet...or I haven't pulled out my advent calendar or bought chocolates for it yet.

But there was something more important that moved my heart yesterday and it involves a harp. A harp we have had in our Artist On The Wards program for some years and was hardly ever used. The harp is broken and in need of some serious structural repairs. Now without going into too much detail we were trying to sell the harp, but decided not to at the last moment.

And here enters a man who had fallen in love with the harp and wants to buy it long before we decided to put it up for sale...but can only afford about half the price of what we were selling it for. He identifies with the broken instrument, as he was once a broken man. He found that music, particularly harp was a way he was able to begin his journey to healing, and he wants to fix that broken harp just as he is on his journey to fix himself.

The harp to us is nothing but a display piece...we are replacing the harp with a usable one so we can share harp music with other patients in the hospital...so what is the issue here? For me, there would be no second thoughts about selling the harp to this man, but this situation is coming down to money. So now I am caught with a decision. Deny the man from saving the harp for the sake of a few dollars? I wish that compassion would always rule out money...especially when working in an environment that is based on compassion.

So in the first week of my new role being the Acting Manager, I made an executive decision...sell the harp to this man. I am compassionate...not a bleeding heart...but in this situation it was just simply the right decision. Sometimes you have to follow your gut feeling and in this scenario I am...it is the right thing to do.

And that makes me feel more in touch with the wonders of what the season really means to me. Compassion. And yes, my December Daily will capture other moments that are not as profound as this too.

So with much ado, here is my first layout from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out's Wonder December 2010 Kit. What wonders of the season capture your heart?

New Design Team at Scrapbooking From The Inside Out!

2010-12-01T20:28:00.001-07:00

The new Scrapbooking From The Inside Out team was announced today! It is great to see some familiar and welcome to some new faces to the team. :)

Of course I am back on the Design Team and Lead Coordinator for The Pages of Your Life. I am so excited to work with Rachel and Nancy again!

Where Does The Time Go?

2010-11-30T10:37:00.001-07:00

I have to admit, my blogging has been a bit sparse...it is certainly not that I don't have anything to blog about, simply the opposite. There is a lot going on in my life and it is all good things...I just need better time management skills...I think? or maybe less sleep? nah.... I am enjoying Zumba and taught my first routine last Saturday...I slipped up a bit, but hey, I never taught in front of a group fitness class before. I will be working towards my Group Fitness Certification in the new year. SFTIO is so much fun...I love it and helps me think and be creative. At work, I will soon be Acting Manager in our Arts in Healthcare Program while my colleague is away on maternity leave...so extra responsibilities and challenges for me. Life is great...but I sure could use a few extra hours in my days... :)

Christmas is fast approaching and I have many things to do! So here is my list of December To Dos:

Update blog header...I think I am officially tired of the kite and want something a bit more funky.
Finish of my foundation for Ali Edward's 25 days of Christmas...it is about 1/2 way done and it starts tomorrow!!
Follow Tim's Tags of course
Finish Christmas shopping by the 12th...why?...I have to send some parcels off! So a shopping I will go...
This upcoming weekend will be dedicated to decorating the house with lights and Christmassy cheer. And to put up our Christmas tree...too early? I think not!
Baking...whipped shortbread, fruit cake is definitely on my list...not sure what else though...definitely don't need it on my hips that is for sure.
Yikes! Send out our Christmas cards!!

and that seems to be what is on the forefront of my mind...I might have to edit my post and add as I think of other things to do.

But it is the end of the month again and there are a couple more Acceptance layouts I wish to share and a few sneekies of December Scrapbooking From The Inside Out Kit Wonder.

And here are the sneekies for SFTIO's Wonder Kit. I know I say this each and every month, but it is simply beautiful. Rachel and Nancy always does such a wonderful job putting these kits together.

Sale & Sneek at Scrapbooking From The Inside Out

2010-11-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say that Scrapbooking From The Inside Out is having a sale! Free Shipping to the US & Canada and $9.00 off if you are Overseas. Check it out! Plus, you gotta see the next month's Sneek Peek too...it is gorgeous and wonderous!

Love Can Make The World Go Round

2010-11-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

On the Scrapbooking From The Inside Out message board, there was an image posted by Rachel that I really love...it is so simple, yet so true! The more we practice forgiveness or acceptance, the more peace we have in our own lives and in the world. What do you think? Do you agree?

Which leads me to my next layout from the Acceptance Kit! I love this layout...the colours are so beautiful and was just so much fun to make with the doodling and using the Prima Mask in my background.

And another quick announcement too!! If you are a proud owner of an iPhone, iPad or iPod, check out this new App Sketches 2 Scrapbook created by Anam Stubbington. There is a free version available and the full version can be bought for $4.99 and you can find it here. So if you lack inspiration, there are tons of Sketches available! So go support my dear friend and get your copy!

Good Life, Right Now

2010-11-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think about the fact that you have a Good Life Right Now? I mean it is good to have dreams and hopes for the future...but the fact that you are still truly happy right now in this moment of time. I have felt restless for quite a while...not feeling where I should be in life career wise, health wise, location wise. These things were temporary situations to me...I should advance in my career more, I am always struggling with my health, my weight etc, and Edmonton was just a resting place before I moved westward to BC.

But one day I stopped and looked around me and saw my beautiful house, my stable job...and advancing in other areas with my new path being a Zumba Instructor, SFTIO...being creative. I felt for the first time in a long time time I felt acceptance in my life. Which led me to scrap this layout from the Acceptance kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out.

Of course my sweet Joe has been a huge part of my path to growing as a person and being happy for what I have and where I am right now...so it was obvious to me to use this picture. :) (and it is such an awesome picture too!)

Cupcake Recipe

2010-11-06T22:14:00.001-06:00

I had a couple of people asked me for the recipe for my Gluten & Dairy Free Cupcakes that I made a couple of weeks ago. I must admit I use the White Cake mix from Kinnikinnick. Their products are available throughout North America and by ordering online.

Ingredients:
Sugar, Potato Starch, White Rice Flour, Sweet Rice Flour, KinnActive Baking Powder, Guar Gum, Salt, Pea Protein, Sodium Bicarbonate, Pea Starch, Pea Fibre

Preparation Instructions:
In a bowl combine 4 eggs, 3/4 cup oil and 3/4 cup cold water (I use carbonated water for extra fluffiness). Whisk for 2 min. Slowly add 1 pkg of cake mix and stir just until combined (should still appear lumpy). Pour into greased 8" cake pan. Bake for 25-30 min. at 350F. Yields one 8" cake or 12 cupcakes.

The "cream cheese" icing was a recipe from this amazing book. And the recipe can be found using this link. I simply piped the frosting on the cupcake and sprinkled some sugar sand on top...and added a strawberry to finish.

Enjoy!!

Sponsor Giveaways | Scrapbooking From The Inside Out, Log Your Memory, Elles Studio | Ali Edwards

2010-11-06T19:56:00.001-06:00

Hey Ali Edwards is having a giveaway....the Acceptance Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out! Go to her blog and leave a comment!!

Sponsor Giveaways Scrapbooking From The Inside Out, Log Your Memory, Elles Studio Ali Edwards

Acceptance

2010-11-01T21:42:00.001-06:00

It is the first of the month again and here is Scrapbooking From The Inside Out's reveal for November....Acceptance. Boy this one hit home in many ways and I still have ideas to get scrapped with this kit. That is why I love the Challenges that are posted throughout the month...they make you think deeper about yourself and the world around you. So join the community and join in the fun!

My first layout I would like to share is called Approval. It is all about how throughout my life I sought approval from my peers, especially in grade school. I just wanted to be popular and to be accepted for who I was...and I felt I never received that I felt rejected most of the time. This has affected me for a long time until recently...I am confident in myself and I have achieved a great deal in my life. So it doesn't matter what people, my peers think of me...they can seek my approval ~ and I am a pretty accepting person. So I can be funny, silly...all the qualities that make me...simply me.

A couple of quick ps: I am proud to announce that I am a certified Zumba Instructor...I am going to pursue my Group Fitness Training so I can start teaching...this is really something, as I never considered myself to be athletic, but this simply clicks and teaching others something I am passionate about (like scrapbooking) is something I have always dreamed of pursuing. I am excited to teach others that fitness can be fun.

Also Scrapbooking From The Inside Out has a Design Team call out...applications are being accepted until November 24th. Go to the Blog for more details.

I'm Still Here

2010-10-29T20:51:00.000-06:00

I haven't abandoned my blog...just been quite busy! For now here is some candy for the eyes....will blog very soon...

xo D.

Gluten-free, dairy free cupcake with 'cream cheese' icing and sprinkles...yum!

Do your lead a Purposeful Life? And another Giveaway!!

2010-10-15T08:23:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday! Here is another layout from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out's Purpose Kit called Purposeful. Do you feel you lead a purposeful life?

I think I do in some ways...and others I feel that I am stuck. Some days I feel life passes me by so quickly that I don't have time to pause...focus on life goals and dreams and how to make these a realization in my life. You get up, go to work, come home, make dinner, go to bed and do it all over again the next day.

When I think of this, I wonder how can I make my life more meaningful...my work in some ways is meaningful, but there is a time when you need to grow and move onwards, upwards. But not just to anything, it must serve some life purpose (there is that word again). I know something great is gonna happen...in a wonderful way very soon!

(I am bolding some of the words that stand out for me ~ to really think about these words and how I feel when I read them.)

So here is the next giveaway on Cathy Zielske's Blog!! Leave a comment on Cathy's blog to win a Purpose Kit!!!

Yikes! Another SFTIO Giveaway on Kaisercraft!

2010-10-12T08:43:00.000-06:00

Just popping in this morning to let you know that Scrapbooking From The Inside Out has another Purpose Kit Giveaway on Kaisercraft!!

And here is the link below:
http://www.kaisercraft.net/blog/kaisercrafts-lush-featured-in-scrapbooking-from-the-inside-out-kit/

Also be sure to Like us on Facebook...when we reach 1000 likes, the awesome Rachel Kaufman will giveaway another kit!

:o)

Crate Paper & SFTIO Giveaway!!

2010-10-11T18:49:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post tonight that Crate Paper is featuring Scrapbooking From The Inside Out layouts from this month's Purpose Kit. I love Crate Paper...such wonderful texture to the paper and the colours are so beautiful.

This design team is so talented...so please check it out. Scrapbooking From The Inside Out is such a wonderful community to be a part of...so be sure to sign up and join!

The link is below.

Crate Paper Retailer: Scrapbooking from the Inside Out Kit & Giveaway! - Crate Paper

Leave a comment on the Crate Paper Blog to win!!!

I'm Sick...and thoughts about life's purpose

2010-10-07T13:27:00.000-06:00

I have this nasty cold thing that has been going around and so I have been taking it easy at home from work. Sometimes being sick can have it's purpose...it is the body's way of telling you to relax and take care of yourself. I find that when I am confined to the couch or bed, I often have thoughts about life purpose. I ponder those life's "what ifs" or think about my dreams and goals in life. When you are sick, you are suddenly placed outside of your normal routine and life to see how things could be.

I have been thinking quite a lot lately about my life's purpose...my career, my health, my spirituality and where I want to go with this. I find that I love talking with, inspiring and encouraging people to be creative. I also love to connect and be around creative people...I feel a sense of kinship.

Last weekend's Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival was a great thing to be a part of...and BTW, my layout won in a contest in support of the Stollery Children's Hospital...I got a whole bunch of neat goodies from Stampin Up! and as well the layout will be published in the Spring 2011 Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine.

I came out of this thinking that someone up there somewhere is telling me "Yes" because my life had been simply a whole bunch of "No's" in certain aspects of my life, especially career wise as it is not really going anywhere right now. So where do I take these Yes's that come my way...how can I take the next step or leap? It hard to jump, because you have bills to pay, a home to care for and there just isn't enough time to go around. I often doubt myself and my capabilities because I have been handed "No" too many times...and it is always shocking when I get a "Yes". Sometimes I am fearful of "Yes" in fear of a "No" (they made the wrong choice, they changed their mind etc). Some days I feel like giving this up entirely as well thinking it is only a pipe-dream...but I believe too much in how scrapbooking has impacted my life and has or can impact the life of others. I want to reach out...

But as the journaling on my layout from the Purpose Kit by Scrapbooking From The Inside Out says, when life gives you challenges, it is one step forward towards your greater purpose, I have to believe that it can be possible to achieve your hopes and dreams. Perhaps in time, as much as it flies away, I will be able to live the dream.

Purpose Mandala

2010-10-02T06:57:00.000-06:00

Purpose Mandala

This is my first layout I wish to share from the Purpose Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out...I loved the process of making a piece of paper art from the last kit so much, I am going to make one for each monthly kit. Again it is a shadowbox with layers of embellishments. I can see movement in the gears and the clock as time marches on in this mandala.

What do you see?

Purpose and Life in General

2010-09-30T22:27:00.002-06:00

October 1st is fast approaching...in fact only a couple of hours away while writing this blog post...but I wanted to share my last two Enlightenment layouts and the introduction of the new Scrapbooking From The Inside Out Kit: Purpose. This kit is gorgeous, modern and on-trend.

The Way

This layout is about listening and connecting with God, the Universe, the Source. Whether it be praying, meditating or out-loud conversations (and arguments), I feel that it is important to be a spiritual person and to listen with your eyes and ears of God's wonderful gifts and blessings in your life.

No Connection Required

This layout was the hardest for me to journal...sometimes there is just too much to say with so little space, and sometimes it is just too hard to express how I am really feeling. I have always felt like I have been the one outside looking in. I never went to church unless it was for a wedding or a funeral, and even so, the religions were all different. Anglican, Catholic, Mennonite, Orthodox, Baptist...and generally it was a one-time event...so I never really had the opportunity to learn more about different beliefs and traditions. Another reason I felt and still feel isolated is that I have never been baptized. It is really just a small thing, but I remember being told by my class mates that I would go to hell because of this difference. It made a huge impact on my social life (or lack thereof) at school as well...all the kids went to catechism and must have been a part of the community church. It still comes back as I would love to form a scrapbooking life group at the church that Joe and I go to, but cannot as I have to produce my baptism certificate...so I am still the outsider.

But sometimes I am glad that I am on the outside looking in...all the hatred, acts of terror all for the sake of what they believe. This leaves me feeling very confused...just when I think I have made up my mind to commit to something, my opinion changes in one full swoop. So I remain happy with who I am and what I believe in...does it really matter after all? I have even explored other alternative spiritual paths...but no matter what, I always knew that God loves me and has been with me my whole life. It is not whether I choose this or that...I know He will always be with me.

Blog Hop is Now Closed!

2010-09-24T13:53:00.000-06:00

Check the Scrapbooking From The Inside Out Blog for the Winner to be announced soon!

Be Enlightened With A Blog Hop

2010-09-23T08:00:00.009-06:00

Welcome to the Scrapbooking From The Inside Out Blog Hop partnered with Dirty Scraps! I hope you enjoyed Nancy's blog post.

If you came directly to my blog, you can start the blog hop from Pinky's blog. Be sure to leave a comment on her blog and each of the "Blog Stops" for a chance to win the September 2010 Enlightenment Kit. This kit is simply gorgeous as shown here.

One of my layouts for this month is called You Saved Me and is about a spiritual-growth experience that I had a few years ago with a healer that simply changed my life. The experience was emotionally and physically demanding but it was worth every tear...every painful minute. This special soul and allowed me to move forward in ways I thought would never happen to me like meeting my soul mate, getting married...having a life. I will never forget the lessons that this man taught me and the gift of love and enlightenment.

Journaling Reads: Thank you for saving me ~ from a life of loneliness, although my time was short with you, your gift will last forever. You lifted the curtain, the thick fog that clouded my face. It enabled others to see my true self. You opened my heart and took my burden away. The trials you put me through were difficult and you gave me the world. Your healing touch was an enlightening experience and I am grateful.

So please leave a comment on my blog.

Have you ever had a spiritual experience that changed the way you live your life?

Our next blog hop stop is Felicia...and remember the more comments you leave, the greater the chance of winning! And by the way...be sure to Like Scrapbooking From The Inside Out on Facebook too!!

One Picture Monday

2010-09-20T20:15:00.000-06:00

Sometimes there are hearts where you least expect them to be.

My Mandala

2010-09-15T21:10:00.000-06:00

This is my absolute favourite layout from the Enlightenment Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. It is called My Mandala. When I saw this gorgeous kit, I knew I had to create a mandala.

My Mandala

What is a Mandala?

The word "mandala" is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.

Describing both material and non-material realities, the mandala appears in all aspects of life: the celestial circles we call earth, sun, and moon, as well as conceptual circles of friends, family, and community.

Mandalas are cross-cultural and can be found in many religious traditions, symbols and spiritual tools, spanning around the world including ranging from Buddism in Tibet, Hinduism in India, North-American Natives such as the Aztec and Navajo to Christianity.

(Source)

My mandala became a shadowbox and I wanted the paper to appear as if it was a fabric from India. I used a ton of Stickles...and the process of seeing the glue stream out and being so careful to follow the lines of the center flower, it became meditative and calming. I actually lost track of time creating this piece and I felt so much more calm and relaxed after completing this layout. Although I don't have any journaling on this mandala, it became more than what words could express...it became a feeling or an emotion...which is what SFTIO is all about....your inner world.

Altered Recipe Sunday

2010-09-12T21:29:00.000-06:00

I thought I would try something new with my blog with a post called Altered Recipe Sunday. Joe and I have a few food allergies that can make following yummy recipes in cookbooks and eating out quite difficult. I love cooking, baking and entertaining...and I love challenging myself to make things that I wouldn't normally be able to eat and make them allergy friendly. Joe is gluten intolerant (probably celiac) and also has a nut allergy. I am allergic to dairy (lactose intolerant and casein allergic).

So with much ado here is my first installment of Altered Recipe Sunday! I LOOOVVEE making breakfast and Eggs Benedict is my fave. I found a quick and easy hollandaise sauce in a book called Home Food: all of your favorites with a twist.

I altered the hollandaise sauce recipe to suit the smaller portion size and with less 'butter' to make it a bit less fattening. Note: I am not really a measurer when it comes to cooking, and rely on my intuition, but I made approximate measurements and cooking times.

Quick Eggs Benedict

3 or 4 eggs fried sunny side up

2 or 3 slices of ham or back bacon

2 gluten free english muffins toasted (we use Kinnikinnick Brand) or Sunflower Flax Toast (as shown here)

Spinach reduced in a pan

Tomato drizzled with olive oil and fried

Sprouts for garnish

Paprika to taste

Assemble ham, tomato, spinach and tomato on toast. Add fried egg and top off with hollandaise sauce. Garnish with sprouts and paprika.

Hollandaise Sauce Ingredients: (Serves 2 / yields 1/2 cup sauce)

2 eggs

2 TBSP Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread

1 TBSP Lemon Juice

Pepper to taste

In a glass measuring cup, beat eggs with a fork and add Buttery Spread...pop it into the microwave for 30 - 45 seconds until the eggs are cooked. With a hand blender, whip the eggs and buttery spread into a sauce. Add in the lemon juice and pepper and heat for another 30 seconds. Continue to whip with hand blender until smooth. (If lumpy add a bit more butter and lemon juice)

Enjoy!

Awake

2010-09-10T19:35:00.000-06:00

Another week has flown away...and I have another layout from the Enlightenment Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out.

When I think of Enlightenment, I think of those moments where you have complete clarity...or those flashes of knowledge that suddenly comes to you...when you have a gut feeling that simply turns out to be right. Sometimes life can be so hectic and the days fly by...and you just don't stop and listen to what is going on around you. It is in those quiet times whether it be in prayer, meditation or simply just being, I feel that I am connected to my soul and the higher powers that be.

In this moment I am awake I have total understanding I have purpose I am loved

Journaling Reads: Sometimes I have moments of total clarity. It is in those moments that I know I have purpose in my life. It seems that I had always been more aware of certain events and situations throughout my life. I can only attribute this to a higher source. Those are the moments where I need to listen more and to have serenity in my life.

This layout also has a watercolour self-portrait...I just wanted to paint one day and was inspired to use this in my layout this month. I have missed drawing and painting and this was a wonderful way to get back into being artistic too!

Learn Something New Everyday

2010-09-06T20:53:00.000-06:00

I have never taken an online scrapbooking course before, but I took the leap when some friends from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out signed up for Shimelle's Learn Something New Everyday course. I saw this as a great opportunity to create a small mini album with focus on art journaling. I am really happy with the results so far! I haven't quite decided what I am going to do to the cover yet, but I think I will play with this soon. I am using a Zutter 6x6 bamboo spine cover and 6x6 pages for my mini album.

The first day I learned that I want to do more with my life than spend it in a cubicle and it has to be a creative journey. I think I am on my way already....

I have been reading this quote...or something similar to this in blog posts or somewhere...and it is so true. It is up to me to change my life in ways that I would like it to go; so off I go!

I have been having some trouble breathing lately...not sure if it is allergy related, or my nerves, but my throat feels like my heart is in my throat and it occured to me that I wasn't breathing in fully. I need to remember to take deep breaths and relax...

I spent most of my weekend cleaning out my scrap room, but also tackle a few junky boxes containing a few items that held meaning for me, but had no place for it (hence a junky box!) . But I was able to go through and let go of some stuff too. I reorganized my scrap room and made room for more artsy goodies (yay!)

Sometimes I can get frustrated when plans don't go well...as planned! I just need to take heart and know that I am where I need to be at this moment and my plans can always wait for another day.

A New Month and A New Kit!

2010-09-01T22:17:00.000-06:00

September 1st...and a new kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out is here! Enlightenment!

This is such a gorgeous kit beyond words...I think it is one of my absolute favourites.

Enlightenment is all about what awareness, insight and magic makes your soul soar? Explore your most fervent beliefs and deepen your understanding...to look beneath the surface at what moves you, at what spiritual expressions have shaped your path. Beautiful, exotic designs, rich color and meaningful symbolism will light your way.

Here is my first layout called Awake. It is about the fact that all my life I felt that there was a higher being watching over me and taking care of me. Sometimes it would come in loud and clear, other times as whispers in the wind or those feelings where you just know what will happen next. These are the moments where I felt most awake and alive...and connected to the earth and to a higher source on fire within me. I need more opportunities to connect and listen...it brings light into my life and in my heart.

For this layout I painted a watercolour self-portrait...for some reason I just knew I had to do this...it was so good to pick up a paintbrush again.

Life and a bit of Enlightenment

2010-08-31T18:19:00.001-06:00

Well I have one last Discovery layout to share on this very last day of August...summer has flown by and you can feel the crispness in the air. I do hope we will have some warmer days to enjoy the markets, the garden, to sit outside and enjoy a bbq dinner and a glass of wine.

September is always a month of renewal for me, of new hopes and dreams. It is also when I find a new surge of creativity and wanting to become more involved in my community...my scrapbooking community and the community where I live. These are the days where I want to conquer my fears (like taking swimming lessons in October), get fitter (I am applying to become a Zumba instructor), fully engross myself in my craft/artwork (check out the new kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out tomorrow!!)

Does September give you a sense of renewal?

I have discovered, I need more "taking care of me" time...I have been feeling blah about my wardrobe and hair, and need to take the time to get my hair trimmed, shop and find some clothing pieces that I feel good in...everything is a little too loose (which is a good thing) and / or ratty looking cause I wore them so much. :) Joe is feeling similar too and we are both going shopping for fall tomorrow night. Yay!!

I also would like to take more of an interest in my blog too...so many people do really neat posts with their blog...like lists or certain days where they post a specific thought or "like". I don't really want to copy anyone else's ideas (cause Nancy you inspire me everyday) but want to share my "likes" and interests with you.

Any suggestions????

That is it for now...check out tomorrow for a new layout from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out Enlightenment Kit....this one is gorgeous...trust me!

Everyday is a New Discovery With You...(and a giveaway too!)

2010-08-26T08:00:00.002-06:00

Happy 3rd Anniversary Honey...I love you more each day...

This is another layout from the Discovery Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. I love doing layouts that are a little bit more artsy. It gives me a chance to experiment and move outside my scrappy comfort zone. Here I mixed gesso with Glimmer Mist and I really liked the result! When I saw the chipboard ship wheel, and the swirls on the paperI knew I wanted to have a water effect. It almost has a peacock like feeling to it too...what do you think?

Stop the Press!!!

Discovery Kit Giveaway from

Scrapbooking From The Inside Out!!

Go to Donna Downey's Blog and leave your comment today on Donna's blog about what you would like to discover about yourself and you will be entered to win this awesome kit!

Leave your comment by Friday morning at 8am EST.

To double your chances tweet, blog or post on your facebook about this giveaway and come back and leave another comment.

The winner will be announced on the blog tomorrow afternoon.

A Picture of Health?

2010-08-19T20:52:00.000-06:00

It has been too long since I posted...getting back into the groove of things at home and work. The summer is fast slipping away and I am trying to enjoy every minute before the leaves begin to turn and the days become shorter and cooler. The end of summer also seems to give me renewal in scrapbooking among other interests and activities...I feel that this time of year allows me to explore, learn and discover new things and interests.

My next Discovery layout from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out is called Disclosure. It is about the fact that although I look like a picture of health, it is simply not the truth. Today I went for more blood testing... the staff at the lab know me so well, they don't even ask me to spell out my name anymore (to confirm my identity). I sit there thinking what will my blood tell me today...and I am not sure what is better...to have something abnormal come back so I can find out what is going on with my health...or for the results to come back normal? (That would be a bit of a relief).

But the main thing that this layout is about is that in just over a week I will have the results to my karyotype testing for Turner Mosaicism. I am feeling a bit uneasy...one the one hand I want to know the results and in other ways I don't. What secrets will be unlocked? If the results turn out to be positive...then what...more testing? Knowing my fate? Perhaps knowledge is power and then I would be better able to cope to manage, to think of preventative measures...yes I think I do want to know...

Sponsor Giveaways : Scrapbooking From The Inside Out, Simplify 101

2010-08-08T21:11:00.001-06:00

Check out Ali Edward's Blog!! She is giving away the Discovery Kit from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out!!

Just click this link: Sponsor Giveaways : Scrapbooking From The Inside Out, Simplify 101

Today I am 35

2010-08-04T09:29:00.000-06:00

Today I am 35 Years ~~of Age...Old...~~

This is Me @ 35

and here is what I have DISCOVERED

I am not sure why I feel more reflective about this age...I always forget that I am "older" than I feel...I still think I am 25...maybe it is because I am no longer in my "early 30s" which brought me closer to my "late 20s". It sort of feels that I will soon be "pushing 40"...I am not ready to face that yet. Yes...I am getting a few "smile lines" I have an age spot that I had since got "zapped" (darn tanning booth) and had found my first grey hair. I feel that 25 35 will be a changing year for me...a good year. Which leads me to my list of DISCOVERIES.

I have Discovered in my life...and have yet to learn (in no particular order...I am winging this one)

You CAN make positive changes in your life...but CANNOT change the hand that you have been dealt. Yes...I have health issues...everyone does...but I am CHOOSING to make those positive changes to improve my life.
I am CONFIDENT and I can stand up for myself...and if I do....yes I might cry...yes I might be fearful and shake, but this, in no way, makes me weak.
I have LEARNED to stop and feel the emotion and ask myself what it is that I feel...and what can I do to make things better.
I still don't know what I want to do when I GROW UP...but I feel that new things are coming my way. I am on the right track...
There are still places and people in my childhood/past that I feel BITTER and RESENTFUL towards...but I am slowly getting over it (it is a work in progress). Scrapbooking From The Inside Out has allowed me to freely express myself creatively in a safe environment. It has released a great deal out of my system...and I am THANKFUL.
I honestly never thought I would ever meet my SOUL MATE...but I did...
I am slowly ACCEPTING my body.
There are so many things I wish to do...some of them include facing some of my FEARS...such as water (I cannot swim) and heights (ladders are the worst).
Sometimes I feel that I am a bit of a BLACK SHEEP, but this is what makes me SPECIAL.
I need to BELIEVE in myself more...there has been too many years of my life where I have been made to feel that I was never good enough...and I started to believe this...this is something I need to work on....I am more than good enough!
There are organizations and causes that I want to be more INVOLVED with.
Some days I feel there are never enough hours in the day...there is never enough TIME to do what I want to do. But I am figuring this out too..
I need to learn how to FORGIVE myself.
I know I am LOVED.

What have you discovered about yourself?

Discovery

2010-08-01T08:23:00.000-06:00

It is a new month and of course a new kit release from Scrapbooking From The Inside Out! This month's emotion is DISCOVERY!! This kit is simply gorgeous with Bo Bunny's Mama-razzi line and Little Yellow Bicycle's Pack Your Bags line and of course Prima, Maya Road, Glitz, My Mind's Eye, Seven Gypsies and Jillibean Soup!

Here is my first layout that I would like to share with you called My Home Discovery...it was so neat that one of the jar lids had Home Discovery printed on it. It made me think how much I love just being at home taking the time to do simpler life things like making Jam and Canning Fruit. I wish I had the choice to stay at home and enjoy doing the things I really want to do in my life...unfortunately it seems more and more that it takes a full time dual income just to make it by.

I have recently discovered that I need to do things that are less stressful and I need to concentrate on the things that make me happy...like cooking, baking, scrapbooking, being just me at home enjoying what life has to offer...I feel there needs to be a shift in my life...I feel the shift coming soon...as it is beginning to be more apparent that my health is on the line...there is certainly a tipping point in sight and I am afraid that I am almost at that point where it is now or never...