Scrap Whispers Blog Hop

Hello!! Thanks for joining me on the Scrap Whispers Blog Hop. Thanks to Kelly for sending you this way. If you did not start at the beginning, you may want to head back to the Scrap Whispers Blog so you don't miss anything.

I have several friends with upcoming new arrivals so I chose to make a baby themed waterfall card. Here's how mine turned out.




Thanks for stopping by! You can head on over to Helen's blog to see hers as well as the rest of the SW team's.

Scrapbook Sussies *May Reveal*

*Edited to add one more page.. scroll to bottom of this post for Scrap Whispers Challenge*
This month's Sussies kit features Pebbles and K&Co. I'm sure I've said this before, but one of the things I love about these kits is that they have 2 themes, or two color schemes. So it's like getting two kits in one!

So here's what I did this month.



Just a few days before we found out the gender of the baby, we had a challenge over at Scrap Whispers to do a page related to the future. This was the perfect chance to journal about our upcoming arrival.


Be sure to check out the gallery and see what the other girls did with this kit!

*Edit*
I whipped up one more page using the May Sussies kit for the Challenge that went up just a bit ago at Scrap Whispers. Come play along.. there's a nice huge Bo Bunny prize for this month's winner.

One of Those Days

Today has not been a very good day so far for me. Not because of anything that's happening ( I have PLENTY to be thankful for.) but just one of those days I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I've been in a bad mood pretty much since my feet hit the floor. My patience has run thin with the kids, my house is a complete disaster, and I'm tired.

Natalie had a picnic today at her school, and if I'm being completely honest, I just didn't want to go. But I packed up a lunch, dressed the girls in their cute new dresses, and went anyway. I even said a prayer on the way there asking for help with my attitude. I wanted to snap out of it.
But when we got home, I wasn't much better. I started a load of clothes and put both kids down for a nap. Natalie doesn't normally take one, so I actually hear her playing in her room, but a little quiet time was needed. Especially for me.

So I decided to sit here and download the pictures I took of the girls before we left for the picnic.
And this is what I found.


Seriously? How can I possibly be in a bad mood when I have these two? Honestly? Does it get any better than this? I love those girls more than words can ever describe. And I have NO REASON to have a bad day. So what if the house is a mess. THIS is what matters.

Thank you Lord for answering that earlier prayer.

It's a.........

So we went to the doctor today... no need to keep you in suspense!

It's a ............


And a couple more pics...

(Lovin' Abigail's face in that one ^^.)
These two were right after we left the doctor's office, in the parking garage. Trying to get the girls to hold up the letters.

There is absolutely no doubt that it's a boy. We got quite a view.. not the least bit shy at all. :)
I have to admit it's a little strange, and feels kind of weird. John and I both were expecting it to be another girl. That's just what we're used to , I guess. But now that we know, we're excited. Especially since this is our last baby. Now to pick out a name!

Dixie Pieces Reveal - May 2010

I have lots of pages to share over the next few days! Starting with the May kit reveal for Dixie Pieces. Another great Monthly kit is available at Dixie Pieces.
May's kit is called Vintage Summer, and it worked perfectly for some Summer Beach pictures I haven't scrapped yet.
Here is everything I created:



And then here are a couple of cards:

Make sure you check out the DT Gallery to see what all the other gals did!

Today is National Scrapbook Day!

I meant to get this post up earlier, but I was behind in some of my assignments for today, so I've been busy scrapping!
There is lots going on in the cyber world this weekend. I've been involved in two online crops!

Scrap Whispers is hosting a May Day crop, and you have until tomorrow night to participate. Lots of challenges on the forum.. you can go HERE!

Dixie Pieces is also having a crop today and you actually have until May 10th to upload your layouts if you're interested in that.. check out the forum HERE!

So I've been busy, busy.. and have lots to show you since it is the first of the month and I've got kit reveals.. but I'm saving that for a little later..
here's what's on my desk right now:


Used the May kit from Dixie Pieces for this one and it's for a challenge over at Scrap Whispers. Hope you're having a good National Scrapbook Day!!

Dixie Pieces and National Scrapbook Day

I'm gonna be home having a virtual party this Saturday for National Scrapbook Day. There are lots of things going on in the internet scrappy world, and you'll see quite a bit about it this week here on the blog. Looking for somewhere to hang out> Come join us at Dixie Pieces.
Here are the details.

National Scrapbook Day is all about spending the day doing what we love and everyone enjoys this wonderful hobby just a little bit different, right? Well, this year our crop is all about you - and we want to celebrate what makes scrapbooking special to you! We will have 12 challenges issued every hour from 7am to 7pm PST along with lots of fun & games to keep the day interesting! But, guess what? Our wonderful Design Team won't be issuing the challenges, YOU WILL! That's right --- this is YOUR DAY and we want to help you celebrate it YOUR WAY! For those of you that want to give this a try --- you will receive 5 entries into the Grand Prize Drawing for coming up with a challenge!

All you need to do is come up with a layout, card or altered item challenge that would get everyone's creativity flowing! Along with your challenge, you should post a sample design (this does not have to be newly created). We need 12 challenges:

There are still some spots available so pop over to this thread if you want to post a challenge and which time slot you would like. If you have any questions, or would like to run your idea by me (Kim Holmes) first -- feel free to contact me at theholmescrew@comcast.net

For those of you that don't want to issue a challenge --- don't worry! It's not required and there will be tons of great opportunities throughout the day to earn entries into the Prize Drawing!

And what would a crop be without a terrific prize? Well, you know that we are going to have one! Sherry & Brenna are busy right now getting all the prize details together so we will make that big announcement as soon as it is finalized. ETA: The grand prize includes the June DixiePieces kit, a stylish handbag we found at CHA Anaheim, and a kit of Cosmo Cricket goodies with a total value of $100+. Guess what else? There will be "BLUE LIGHT SPECIALS" throughout the day with fabulous deals on the Dixie Pieces Monthly kits and more! Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a day of doing what we love, SCRAPBOOKING!

The Fine Print:
-Entries into the prize drawing will be given for:
- challenge creation & sample - 5 entries
- game participation - entries to be determined
- challenge participation - 2 entries per challenge completed
- Blue Light Special purchases - 5 entries
-Designs must be newly created for the crop and challenges may not be combined
-Deadline for challenges will be 11:59pm, Monday May 10th. Creations must be uploaded to the general gallery and linked back to challenge thread to qualify.
-Winner will be determined by random selection from all entries and announced no later than Friday, May 14th
Hope you'll join us!

Happy Friday

Happy Friday Y'all! Have a great weekend!

Publix Trip 4/21

Let me just preface this post by saying that today's Publix trip was, for the most part, an indulgence trip. Everything you see here is stuff we don't normally buy or even need (with the exception of the lone pack of pork chops and the paper towels... oh and the girls will eat the yogurt for breakfast or snacks. That's healthy right?) My sweet tooth will be happy, even the Rice Krispies are to make Rice Krispie Treats!
But here's how it breaks down:

(2) Windex Multi Purpose Cleaner -3.39(2) = 6.78
(2) Scrubbling Bubbles Bathroom Power Spray - 7.99(2) = 15.98
Publix Paper Towels = 2.39
(3) Betty Crocker Cookie Mix - 2.67(3) = 8.01
(2) Rice Krispies - 3.99(2) = 7.98
(2) Toaster Struddles - 2.39(2) = 4.78
(2) Edwards Frozen Desserts - 2.79(2) =5.58
(2) YoPlus Yogurt 4pk -2.50(2) = 5.00
Donuts = 2.19
Pork Chops = 3.59
Grand Total = 62.28 plus tax
Most of this stuff was on sale, so after this weeks sale and my coupons I paid: 13.44 plus tax!
I know publix gets reimbursed by the manufacturers for all my coupons, but I still kinda felt like I hap ripped off the place!
*Edited to add: The Windex and Scrubbing Bubbles qualify for a mail in rebate, bringing my total down to $8.44!

Scrap Whispers

After a short break, Scrap Whispers is getting ready to start a new round. In addition to that, the weekly challenges are back. Our re-launch is next Friday the 23rd, but in the meantime we've got a just for fun challenge up for you.

This weeks challenge is all about using glitter on a page.

I used some pictures from our trip to the beach last summer. Abigail did not like the sand!

Head over to the blog to see the other layouts and play along. And also be sure to check back next Friday

Couponing

A couple of months ago a friend of mine offered a class on couponing basics. She seemed to always be getting things for cheap or free and I wanted to see what it was all about. So long story short. I've jumped in with both feet.

So here's how I've done this week.

CVS trip:
(3) 12 pack Soft Drinks = $11.00
(1) 12 Roll Charmin = $4.99
(1) Contact Solution/Cleaner = $8.99
(1) Colgate Toothpaste = $2.29
(1) Pack of Gum = .99

Total = $29.44
I paid ZERO plus I MADE 40 cents.

Publix Trip:
I didn't think to take a pic of my stuff from there. A lot of it was refrigerated items and I put everything away as soon as I walked in the door.
Here's what I got (18 items):
2lbs Ground Chuck; 1lb Chicken Cutlets; 1 gallon Milk; Lucky Charms; 2 cans of Mixed nuts; 8 pack Gatorade; 2 boxes of Princess and the Frog Band-aids; FOUR Bags Birds Eye Meal in a Bag; Pam Cooking Spray; Coffeemate; 1pk Craisins; 1pk Goldfish Crackers
Retail price before Savings and Coupons: $66.67 including tax
I paid: $31.96 including tax


Rite Aid quick trip:
(1) Gillette Razor = $8.99
(1) Package of Pampers = $9.99
(1) Crest Toothpaste = $2.29
Total = $22.17
I paid $9.17
Rite Aid has a rebate program which qualify for $7.50 on these products.
making my total out of pocket once I get that Rebate check, $1.67.
I'd be happy with that if all I bought was the diapers! :)

I looked through the Publix ad again and found more coupons I could use, so I went back there for a quick 2nd trip.

Publix Quick Trip:

(1)Gallon of Milk = $2.69
(2) Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer Cleaners = $15.98
(1) Soft Scrub Kitchen Cleaner = $2.50
(2) 2 Liter 7up = $1.79 on sale
(3) Pk Goldfish Crackers = $3.00 on sale
(3) Boxes Betty Crocker Au Gratin Potatoes = $3.00 on sale
(1) Green Giant Boxed Frozen Veggie = $1.00 on sale

Total w/tax= $32.36
I paid = $2.18

A few things I've learned.
-You have to be willing to invest a fair amount of time. Especially in the beginning as you get organized and learn what you're doing.
-You have to be willing to go multiple places. I have a CVS, a Rite Aid, and a Publix all right next to each other, 2 minutes from my house. So as long as I plan it right, it hasn't been a big deal.
-You can't expect results right away. Although I've has a really good week, I started this at the end of January and have wondered several times if I was really going to be able to make it work for my family. I'm still not where I want to be. But I can see that if I stick to it, I'll get there.
-Once you get fairly familiar with what you're doing, just expect and know that you'll know more about different stores' coupon policy's then the people that work there.
-I've read a lot of horror stories online about people having problems with managers and cashiers when presenting their coupons. But don't let this bother you. In my case, I haven't run into any of that at all. In fact everyone has been very friendly.

So there you go. My first REALLY good week of coupon success.
A Grand total of $150.64 worth of groceries for $35.41
Bring on next week! :)

Scrapbook Sussies - April Reveal

When all the new stuff started coming out this Feb/Mar from Winter CHA, one of my favorite lines that I spotted was American Crafts "Dear Lizzy". So when my April kit for Sussies showed up I was a happy scrapper. :)

Here are my pages for this month featuring the Dear Lizzy paper line and a new line by My Mind's Eye.




Be sure to visit the Sussie Gallery and see what the other girls did with the kit.
Hope you're having a good week!

Happy Easter Sunday!

Today is not the norm for us, and our Easter plans for the most part have been postponed. Both girls are sick now. Abigail's much better, but she gave her cold to Natalie and they both are coughing and have lots of congestion. So.. we stayed in from church today, and John is working, so we're having Easter dinner with my parents and grandparents later on this week.

The Easter bunny did come last night.. I hid the baskets because I knew Natalie would be up before me, so we went on a search for them when all 3 of us got up.
Aside from the candy, here is their loot.

(Side Note: I haven't blogged about the couponing that I've started doing, which is a whole 'nother blog post. And while most of what I've been clipping and saving on, are groceries and personal care items, I did manage to score a deal here. I got both Zhu Zhu pets for about $1, and got both Toy Story 1 AND 2 on DVD for $3.50 ea.!!)

Natalie's face when she saw The Princess and The Frog in her basket..


Sisterly love..


Abigail getting excited over some Jelly beans..

Abigail liked the hamster, but not so much when it was running toward her..





So.. we are watching movies today and playing with our new pet hamsters. I'm so glad they are the kind that don't have to be fed.. or cleaned up after.. :)
Happy Sunday everyone!

Dixie Pieces Reveal - April 2010

This months kit over at Dixie Pieces was right up my alley. Just a few days before I saw our color scheme and what was in the kit, I had taken the girls to the park for a little photo shoot. Then when I saw the kit I just couldn't believe how perfect it was for the pictures I had just taken. So these first two Layouts are from our first spring photo shoot of the year.

(Supplies: Dixie Pieces April kit; Making Memories Slice Machine (heart and "Soars"); and Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch)

For this one I used the Glimmer Mist in the kit and sprayed the white cardstock. I cut some flowers out of one of the patterned papers in the kit and used them as a mask.
(Additional Supplies: Fiskars Threading water Border Punch; Back Zig Pen)


I struggled a bit with the placement of these photos. I like using one bigger picture with 2 wallet sized. I do it a lot. But usually they are portrait orientation, and these are landscape. I actually ended up placing all the patterned paper pieces first, and then the pictures fell into their home. I love those big sunglasses on Natalie. They're so big, that if you look close enough you'll see my reflection in them taking the pic! ha!
(Additional Supplies: Small plate for tracing and cutting the circle :)

And then here are the 2 cards I made:



The full kit:

You can check out more about HERE. We have a great Design Team at Dixie Pieces with a wide variety of styles. You can check out what all they did with the kit HERE.
We've also got a whole new month of challenges. So if you one of my scrapping blog readers, come join us on the forums!