25 days to Disney!

According to my DisneyParks.com home page we are just 25 days from arriving at Disney! We booked so late last trip that this one seems to be sneaking up on us. I'm very much looking forward to a getaway with my little family.

In honor of our 25 days to go I've put together a list of 25 moments we can't wait to experience on this trip:

25. Walking into the Magic Kingdom. Nothing like the first glimpse of the castle!

(There has got to be a better way to get that photo without so many rear-ends in it)

24. Dinner with the Princesses. Every girl wants to be a princess, right?
23. Using Touring Plans, and the Lines App for the iPhone to plan our day and manage our wait times. I still need to buy it - maybe on Friday I can get that done.
22. Staying on property and specifically staying at Port Orleans Riverside – can’t wait to take C fishing and for a surrey ride.
21. Stopping along the way to meet characters – hope to find Captain Hook!
20. Visiting Animal Kingdom – we didn’t get there on the last trip.
19. Breakfast at the Tusker House, love Donald and Daisy and can’t wait to get our photos taken with them.
18. Pin collecting – I mean buying!


17. We hope to attending the Halloween party, i.e. MNSSHP (Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party)! Still debating if Connor would make it to at least 10 without being a crazy baby.
16. Having more time at Epcot, I really want to ride the Mexico ride.
15. Lunch at the Plaza on Main Street.
14. Visiting without C – so happy to have Mom and Dad there a few days to help out.
13. Toy Story Mania! (see #14)
12. Star Tours!! (see #14)
11. Seeing Mickey and Minnie in the new Town Square Theater.
10. Wishes and/or Fantasmic, and being able to stay since C will already be in bed (there's #14 again!)
9. Parades! Would love to see the one at Hollywood Studios.
8. Lunch at Hollywood Vine since it’s Disney Jr. with Handy Manny, Leo and June from Little Einsteins and the Hubs favorite - Oso.
7. Seeing the Beast’s Castle under construction in Fantasyland.
6. Yuengling beer on tap.
5. Riding the monorail, although we might give the ferry a try (but I prefer the monorail!)
4. A Mickey ice cream bar for Connor.
3. Photopass photos and Magic Shots, including ordering the photopass before hand to save $50.00.
2. Getting new plushies for Connor to go with Mickey and Minnie!
1. And most of all, spending time with my little family and making memories that last forever.

What do you look forward to on your trips? Any tips for traveling with a two year old?

Freebie Template - Mousescrappers Challenge #83

I'm excited to be hosting another challenge at Mousescrappers over the next two weeks. This is my first template challenge to host, and I modeled the template after a recent layout I did of Connor visiting the big semi at the State Fair:

CREDITS: {Stash-Builders} Simple Paper Alphas 1 and Vroom Zoom Chugga Choo Collab by SuzyQ Scraps

I then re-scrapped this layout for the 2010 Disney trip book (just three more pages to go!) using the same template and adding a few elements and not deleting the photo bar on the side. I really liked how this turned out:

CREDITS: Magical Vacation by Tracy Howard (retired) and {Stash Builders} Project 365 Date Stamps 1 by SuzyQ Stamps

It goes to show that some of the tips from the Topsy Turvy Templates e-book can help! I used some of those ideas in using the same template and coming up with two different layouts. I think next time I'll rotate it 90 degrees and see how that turns out.

Join us over at Mousescrappers through September 30th to download the template below. It's available in PSD, TIF and PNG files right now. PAGE files will be available later this week. Link me up to your creations - I can't wait to see how you use The Big Tilt template.

Topsy Turvy Templates - Suzy's first e-book!

I'm thrilled to announce a new project from SuzyQ Scraps that I had the pleasure of being involved in. Over at Scrap Orchard she just released her first e-book, Topsy Turvy Templates. Have you ever wanted to know how to use templates more often? I always see those templates in the stores and wonder how they get turned into to the designs I see in the galleries. This book shares tips and tricks on how to take four templates and use them dozens of different ways. Here's three layouts I had published in the book:

CREDITS: A Life Expressed...{Simply} by SuzyQ Scraps. Template (modified) by Fiddle-dee-dee Designs.

CREDITS: A Life Expressed...{Joyfully} by SuzyQ Scraps. Template (modified) by Fiddle-dee-dee Designs.

CREDITS: A Life Expressed...{Peacefully} by SuzyQ Scraps. Template (modified) by Fiddle-dee-dee Designs.

The e-book includes 11 ideas for modifying templates and includes over 45 scrapbooking tips PLUS a set of 4 exclusive templates from Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs. It's on sales this week for just $7.99 (regular price $9.99).



Head over to the Orchard and check it out. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Will you pick this up? Would you buy an e-book like this? Link me up to some layouts that inspire you to stretch your stash.

The never-ending Disney book

I have just a few pages to go! I've been motivated to get these digital scrapbooking layouts done this week. My Persnickety Prints cart is ready, just waiting on four more layouts! Here's two I've finished up this week.

CREDITS, MEETING MICKEY: My Happy Place by Captivated Visions and Litabells and Stitch Hiccups #1 by SuzyQ Scraps

CREDITS, MY PINS: It's Magical the Kit and Alpha from Just Plain Fun, both from Britt-ish Designs. Template by Wyld Peas Designs.

I really enjoy the layout about the pins. I've been a big fan of pin collection (not trading!) since my trip in 1999. It was then that they had rolled out the pins for the millennium celebration. Somewhere in a box I have about 20 pins from that trip. For the 2010 visit I had to limit myself and had a plan. I wanted one for each park we visited on the trip, a Mickey head, and one of Mickey and Minnie. I don't like the ones that open up or go crazy, but I do like the vintage Mickey ones. I could spend hours browsing the pins! I enjoy the pins so much, and I'm glad Connor got his Lighting McQueen lanyard and pins on his first visit, given his in-utero name. I'm a collector - not a trader - because I couldn't bear the thought of parting with my favorites.

What's your favorite souvenir from Disney? Are you a collector? Don't even get me started on Vinylmations and the hubs obsession! Share with me - do you have a layout to link up? Can't wait to hear your stories.

Moving On

I've said it before, but digital scrapbooking is my therapy. I gravitate toward it to remember the good times, the bad times and the silly times in between. One of Sandy's daughters posted this thought today: Strange how life just keeps moving on. Isn't that true? But I suppose that is what we are here for.

So, moving onto the happier parts of this blog. I had a lot of fun with Suzy's new kit, A Taste of Autumn. I can't wait to dig in and play some more with this kit!

Taste of Autumn, the Bundle

I scrapped a fun photo from last year - with no journaling (quite rare for me!) and my first ever all journaling layout.

CREDITS: Taste of Autumn {the Kit} by SuzyQ Scraps

CREDITS: Taste of Autumn {the Add-On} and Taste of Autumn {the Clusters} both by SuzyQ Scraps.

Fall is just around the corner. It's back up to 90 degrees tomorrow here in the midwest then falling back to the 70s from there. I'm ready for football weather! Although I'm staying away from any conversations about our Indianapolis Colts...we're a bit of a fair-weather state.

Speaking of fall, we are just 31 days away from Disney! I should probably start the countdown now. The book is almost done, I have some pages to share later this week.

If you'd like to scrap those 2010 fall memories or get ready for 2011, pick up Taste of Autumn through Wednesday 9/14 for 20% off! Visit Suzy's store in the market here.

Life and Love

Sorry for the lack of updates or layouts, but I've been pretty occupied with the day job over the last two weeks. We made it through the U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway as a family, and Connor loved his first trip to the track during a 'real' race. I have some fun photos to share over the next few days.

In other news, things starting to return to normal Monday night, then the text finally came from my boss, E, that his wife was succumbing to a lengthy battle with breast cancer. In just a few hours she was gone. I just returned from the visitation tonight and I'm so proud to call Hendricks County my home. I saw hundreds of people tonight, and I've taken over 100 phone calls in two days from people expressing their condolences. SS raised an amazing family, and spent over 40 years with her soul mate. I only hope I can be so fortunate in my years. Her kids - MB, KT, B and J are amazing. The inlaws and the grandkids also loved her beyond belief. I've heard of miracles, but I'm watching them unfold in front of me right now.

Please pray for this family in the coming weeks. They were so lucky to have SS in their life, and to share in her love. I'm grateful I got to know her over the last nine years.

Rest in Peace Sandy Sue. Your legacy will go far beyond tonight - and with generations to come. I hope you are up there sorting out these wild Brazil, Indiana connections right now - I'll need a detailed explanation when I get there. Say hi to my friends and family, and know that your love will continue on and on.

New Telephone Challenge Open at Mousescrappers

I had a such a great time participating in my first Telephone Challenge at MouseScrappers last month hosted by April, I'm hosting the next one! We're taking the first 15 sign-ups to play in a progressive scraplift. I'll send my layout to the first person, then it's up to you to be inspired by the layout, the colors, the content or whatever peaks your interest. At the end of the challenge all the layouts are revealed in the gallery so you get to see the progression from start to finish. Fun, right? The only requirement is that your layout be Disney related. Here's my layout from the last challenge:


CREDITS: Storytime and Layered Titles: Mouse Edition, both by Britt-ish Designs. All Stacked Up Backgrounds Vol. 4 by Captivated Visions.

This may be one of my favorite Disney layouts I've done. I love how the kit from Britt is so versatile! Here's a link to the gallery of the whole challenge.

For this next challenge it's lucky #21! 21 is 3 times 7 and seven is a lucky number so the theme is "Disney Luck". What is something you lucked out on at Disney? Did you meet a character you really wanted to find? Did you finally get to ride that ride you've always wanted? Were you family of the day? Did you get an awesome room at the resort? What did you 'luck' into? Sign up and everyone who participates will get the In the Playhouse {Word Art} Pack!

Sign up here - there are only six spots left!

Summer Rewind Sale at Scrap Orchard

It's that time of the year when summer comes to an end and fall begins. Labor Day weekend is usually the end of summer here in the states and especially in the Midwest. Our big Labor Day weekend tradition is the NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. I will apologize now for the number of #NHRA60 tweets you will see from me this weekend. The U.S. Nationals right here in central Indiana are the Big Go, the biggest event in drag racing. It's loud, it's fast and fun. You've never seen anything like a car going less than a quarter-mile in about 4 seconds at over 300 mph from a standing start. For more info on the Nationals visit Lucas Oil Raceway's Facebook page.

Now that I've reminisced about racing, I want to make sure you know all about the Summer Rewind Sale at Scrap Orchard going on now through September 5th.


My wish list is FULL - here some of the stuff that will probably be going home with me before Monday:

Here Fishy Fishy by Tracie Stroud and Micheline Martin by Tracie Stroud

Cutiesaurus by Laura Banasiak

It Wasn't Me by Designs by Kat

My Happy Place Full Kit with Litabells Designs by Captivated Visions

SuzyQ Scraps also has her summer stuff in the rewind sale. Check out her full list of products here. It's a great time to pick up these kits at amazing prices! Here's a few of my faves' from Suzy:

So Silly by SuzyQ Scraps

Beep Beep Boop Beep {the Kit} by SuzyQ Scraps

I hope you enjoy browsing the market and add to your stash! Let me know what you find - any must haves that I missed?

Top 5 Tips to scrap those Magical Memories

As I'm finishing up my 2010 Disney Scrapbook and prepping for our 2011 trip, I often think about how I came back to digital scrapbooking just this past spring. I'd taken a bit of break since getting pregnant in 2008 and having the baby and going back to work full-time. I just didn't give myself any ME time. I ran back into the Mousescrappers site and I was hooked. The challenges got me started scrapping again, and I quickly realized that scrapping those magical memories was different that scrapping our everyday life.

I saw this post on the Daily Digi this week and it got me thinking about how to scrap those REALLY big things. Maybe that's why I haven't printed any layouts yet - it would make them so permanent and I want them to be perfect. Here's my Top 5 tips for scrapping those big trips - and especially Disney.

1. Plan your pages BEFORE you go. It doesn't have to be a college-style outline, but if there are photos that you know you want to get when you are on the trip it's okay to take a little notebook of must get shots. If there something you REALLY want to experience? Write out your thoughts now - that journaling can be incorporated into an amazing layout when you get home.

2. It's okay to take pictures of your food - your husband may think you're crazy but the mom across the restaurant TOTALLY gets it. We spend a lot of time at Disney eating. Connor is a three meal a day kid, and we know that we will be sitting down for all three meals somewhere. It's part of the trip, and can be some fun pictures for you to enjoy down the road.

3. Stock up on free fonts. There are several free font sites out there that can be used for titles, journaling, detail work and more. Mousescrappers has some great challenges where you can earn kits and other Mouse-related scrapbooking items, but if your budget doesn't allow for a huge investment in purchased kits then use the free tools to add to your creativity. Clip Art can be your friend too! The Daily Digi has a great post of free fonts for journaling here.

4. *Disney Specific* Check your non-Disney stash for kits to use in your layouts. I adore my Disney specific stuff. However, I've also found that I have some very versatile kits that can be used for several different things. I'm a big fan of Suzy's A Life Expressed Collection in monochromatic colors of pinks, reds, black, gray, orange, blue, green, purple and more. It's great to mix and match or throw with some black and white versions of those out of focus photos like I have since, ya know, the mobile two year old. Here's one I've previously shared on this blog:

CREDITS: A Life Expressed...{Simply} by SuzyQ Scraps.

5. *Disney Specific* Buy the Photopass CD before you go! If you even think you want the Photopass CD, buy it before you go. Photopass is a great opportunity to get photos of everyone on your trip in that iconic setting. I love that the photographers got pictures of me and the hubs interacting with C. We have some fantastic photos of us watching the parade and I could never have gotten those myself. You can pick up the pre-order CD for $50 less here. Also fun? Adding all the Disney borders to photos! Edit all you want, it doesn't change the cost of your photos. Here's some of our edited photos from the 2010 trip:




There you go! What would you add? I'd love to hear any of your tips and tricks for scrapping those big vacations and especially those Magical Memories. Leave a comment or link me up to a layout of a big moment you love!

Happy Anniversary to Britt-ish Designs!

One of my all time fave designers is celebrating an anniversary this weekend in honor of her store being open one year - Congrats to Britt of Britt-ish Designs! If you are a Disney fan, and especially a Disney scrapper, her kits and elements are must haves for any stash. Right now she has a 'Magical' Grab Bag on sale through Thursday September 1st. I picked it up over the weekend and I assure you - it's an A-MAZE-ING deal.

It's A Magical Grab Bag

In addition to the awesome grab bag, her entire store is on sale for 30% off! Here's some of my faves:

Candy Shop - Collab with Sahlin Studio

Happiest Phrases Sticker Pack

Britt's Ribbon Jar

Friendly

Just Plain Fun

Storytime

Hopefully that's enough eye-candy for you to go check it out. Britt is a huge supporter of MouseScrappers, and she even has a fun Quick Page Blog Train going on. Thanks Britt - for everything you do, and congrats again!

On the QT!

This week was a doozy. The Hubs made it back in town, but he is in prep mode for the BIGGEST week of the year for his work, the upcoming Mac Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals. The largest drag race in the world takes place over Labor Day Weekend right here, and it's a flurry of test sessions, media interviews, open houses, awards dinners and of course, races. At my work we've had a GREAT week - I'm getting to hire some additional help for our teeny tiny staff and we are also expanding our offices and I will be moving upstairs by the end of the year. I'm definately going to need to start scrapping some decorations soon!

The MOST exciting #digiscrap news E-V-E-R came last weekend, when the super-awesome Suzy Q asked me to be part of her permanent Creative Team. I've enjoyed my summer guest spot so much, I was thrilled and honored to say yes. Good news for you all - more awesome SuzyQ Scraps layouts to browse! Now that I'm on the QT I've seen some of the stuff she has in the works for the fall and it is not to be missed! I'm so excited to be promoting her products because her goals align with mine. If you know me from work, you know how I feel about mission statements, visions and strategic plans. Trust me when I say Suzy has it together. She's got a plan to help scrappers express their creativity and share their stories, and I'm pleased to go on this journey with her and with you!

I did get a very tiny bit of scrapping time in this week finishing up my commitments for the summer team. I was so, so lucky to be with a great group of women who taught me so much. This week I finished up with two alpha assignments:

CREDITS: Peppermint Alpha and A Life Expressed...{Simply) both by SuzyQ Scraps. Template by Fiddle Dee Dee Designs - Fuss Free: Pennies From Heaven. Font is Follow You Into the World, and this was done for the Scrap Orchard What the Font? Challenge.

CREDITS: {Stash Builders} Kraft Alpha, {Stash-Builders} Project 365 Date Stamps 1 and Bug Collectin' all by SuzyQ Scraps. Template by Little Green Frog Designs.

I also got around to updating my header. This blog has evolved into more storytelling and layout sharing than designing, so there is no need to have a header with my design logo. I still plan for freebies here and there and some freebie roundups, but it turns out my other comittments don't allow for a lot of designing time. I'm still working in some scrapping time, but it's easier to put down and come back. And isn't that why we all LOVE to #digiscrap?

Easy-Peas-y

I'm single Mom this week - and while I do get some scrapping time in, it doesn't leave much time for blogging. The Hubs is in Minnesota for a race and C and I have been roughing it all week. It's also been a doozy at work, which is funny because I help people go on vacation - how hard should it be? But, I digress.

I think I've done some of my best layouts this last week, and Suzy's stuff makes it so easy! Check out these fun layouts. This one is my favorite:

CREDITS: {Stash-Builders} Simple Paper Alphas 1 and Vroom Zoom Chugga Choo Collab by SuzyQ Scraps

CREDITS: {Stash-Builders} Simple Paper Alphas 2, Oopsie-Doodle: Arrows 1 and A Life Expressed ... {Simply} all by SuzyQ Scraps

I did this one for the Scraplift Challenge being hosted over at MouseScrappers:

CREDITS: Feeling Chipper Alpha, Oopsie-Doodle: Frames 2 and A Life Expressed ... {Colorfully} all by SuzyQ Scraps

My turn on the SuzyQ Scraps Summer Team is coming to an end. I've had a blast and I've learned so much! If you are considering applying to a Creative Team (CT), just do it! I waited three years to apply, and I wish I would have done it sooner. Find a designer you like, use their stuff, and then watch for when they have a call. It's such a rewarding experience.

Lastly, are you looking for some scrapping fun this week? Check out the Mini MONSTER-thon Speed Scrap going on over at Mousescrappers. The Keystone Scraps CT is hosting five speed scraps between now and Sunday afternoon and the prizes build a fantastic monster-themed mega kit.


Well C is starting to wake up. I think we'll head to the zoo this morning. I've got my eye on some kits that need some fun photos. Hope to see you at the Monster-thon sometime this weekend - say hi if I do!

An Ode to my 17 inches

Oh how I've missed my laptop this week. The 17 inches I'm referring to is my 17" HP laptop. My good friend I've had since early 2008. I wasn't a digi scrapper yet but I was closing in on a certain age where I knew I'd need a bigger screen as my eyesight worsened from normal aging. I picked out my new buddy and we've been here in the living room ever since!

At BlogIndiana I used my Gateway Netbook to take notes and play along on Twitter (when I could use the useless wi-fi) I spent A LOT of time following along on my Blackberry's 3"x2" screen. My eyes were seriously strained, even with my new contacts (a hilarious post for another day!). I'm happy to be back to a full keyboard, my Mickey Mouse coffee cup and my comfy chair.

I went to the conference to learn about what makes a successful blog/blogger and yes I learned a lot. I learned a lot of what I don't want to be, but I learned some great writing tips and a lot of technical details.

And the answer to the whole blogger vs. wordpress debate? Your choice. Wordpress is absolutely more customizable, you can do all sorts of tracking with plug-ins, heck you can even record your post as a podcast. However, I think I'll stick with Blogger for awhile. It's easier and I'm happy with it. Plus it's super user-friendly and that makes me happy.

I didn't have a ton of scrapping time this week, but I did get to play with Susy's Heart this Lil' Boy kit. It's one that I had on my wish list so I was excited to match it up with a recent photo. Check this out:

CREDITS: Heart this Lil' Boy by SuzyQ Scraps, Sweet and Adorable Templates by Designs with Kat

I love this photo! Connor is going through a phase where he only wants Mommy at night, so this photo reminds me that yes, he truly loves his Daddy and can't wait to spend time with him. And what other Dad would be smiling and happy that his kid just dumped a bucket of sand on his head? Ah, boys.

Blog-o-rama: Blogging from a blogging conference

I'm here, I'm at my first blogging conference. It is just like going to college for the first time, but I don't have to worry about liking my roommate. I already have one that cries himself to sleep, wanders around like a drunken man because he's a todder and keeps me up at night - like last night! - and is the reason I missed the first session this AM.

I'm at BlogIndiana 2011, you might see some tweets if you follow me on Twitter. Technically I'm here for work, but since this is my hobby blog I thought I might get some tips. I'll be sure to share anything that I think will be useful, and add it to the Blogging 101 page. I've quickly learned that the Blogger vs. Wordpress debate goes far beyond the digital scrapbooking world!

I am crazy nervous being here - and it's weird. Am I here for work? Am I here for my personal stuff? How do I answer that question?

One of the big themes is how social media brings people together. I think about all of you that read my blog - some of you know me IRL, some of you are my hookers (so funny I can use that in context! LOL), some, and probably most, I've 'met' through digital scrapbooking. Big hugs to all my blog readers! I'd love to know how you found me - leave me a comment and let me know where you come from.

PS - these people are REALLY funny. Be watching for a twitter list of some of these tweeps that will add something to your day.

Persnickety Prints giveaway from SuzyQ

Have you visited SuzyQ Scraps blog lately? Be sure to swing by because she is giving away a $25 credit to Persnickety Prints, how awesome is that!? Read the post here for rules and details to win - you can enter up to three times AND swing by her page on Pernsnickety to pick up some freebie quick pages that coordinate with the A Life Expressed...Collection. I'd love to get my hands on some free money from Persnickety since I just got these today:


Jodi brought by my new 8x8 Cover Set and Side Loading Pages from Creative Memories! I really want to open them and play, but I haven't printed any layouts yet. Tonight I'll be going through my Disney pages (I think I have about 40 done out of 53) and making sure spelling is right, and dates are added and I'll start uploading tomorrow. I can't wait to get them in my hands - Connor is going to love the see his photos. He loves seeing them on screen, he's going to go bonkers over printed pages.

Recovery Time

Phew! The recovery from this SpeedFest is taking a bit longer than normal. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I've crossed the 35-year threshold or if I have a two-year old or both but it's been a whirlwind month. I'm hoping August brings us some time at home and some time to renew as a family.

Hubs is still catching up on sleep, so I've had some scrapping time in the evening. I've got to work with some really fun stuff over the last week. I ran across a post either on Facebook or in my Google Reader about scrapping when you can. It suggested working on multiple projects at once, such as picking photos and matching with a template, maybe working on journaling when you have just a few moments, adding elements onto a page and arranging them later, and on and on. Since I've implemented some of these techniques, my scrapping is going faster and I'm enjoying it even more. Check out how much I got done in the last two weeks - in about 2/3rds of the time.

CREDITS: Achievement {the Word Art} by SuzyQ Scraps,Achievement {the Kit} by SuzyQ Scraps and Nanie's Designs Sassy Starters Strips Vol. 2.

CREDITS: Beep Beep Boop Beep {The Kit} by SuzyQ Scraps, Beep Beep Boop Beep {The Word Art} by SuzyQ Scraps and Spring Templates by Scrapping with Liz

CREDITS: Cookie Cutters by SuzyQ Scraps, Stitch Hiccups #3 by SuzyQ Scraps, and Freshly Baked by SuzyQ Scraps and Captivated Visions

I was also featured on Suzy's blog this week on August 3rd, with my layout that I did with Pumpkin Patch. That kit is on sale through August 10th as part of the Spin-Off feature - link me up if you've used that kit before, I'd love to see it!

Lastly, I spent some time today mapping out my 2010 Disney Album. It's going to be 53 pages! I cannot believe it. I had hoped I could do 20 or so layouts, I can't believe that in just six days - only two in the parks! - I have this many layouts. Of those 53, I only have 12 left to create. I finally ordered from Creative Memories, I got the royal blue 8x8 album with the side loading pages on the recommendation of Corie with Pixels and Pix. I'm hoping to start uploading layouts to print this week and then I can full on obsess about our fall trip. This work thing is cutting into my Disney planning! I did finish up the other itinerary page as well this week (note blurred faces and names for privacy):

CREDITS: {Stash Builders} Project 365 Date Stamps 2 by SuzyQ Scraps, Land of Learning {Grid Solids} by SuzyQ Scraps and Land of Learning {Doodled Paper Alphas} by SuzyQ Scraps

I haven't forgot about project three.six.five, I'm just a bit sleepy. I'll have it out soon. I also scrapped one other layout, but it's for the Telephone Challenge over at MouseScrappers and it won't be posted until everyone gets done. I've never done one, but I'm so excited to see how it all plays out. Stay tuned this week, I should be linking up to a post about Baby Connor's 2nd birthday and the success of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake! The cupcakes were even cuter.

Join Me tonight - at MouseScrappers!

I'll be in the chat room a little before 9PM EST. To get into chat, use the navigation at the top of the MouseScrappers page, starts with links to:

Shop | Forums | Gallery | Challenges | Fonts | Advertise | Chat | Sponsors | Virtual Pin Shop

Double click on Chat, and it will open a window titled My addonChat Chat Room. A login box will appear in the middle of the screen. Enter your username (can be your username or your real name - anything is fine) and click login. No password is needed.

You will be directed into the Chat Room Lobby, a creepy voice will say welcome and there we are!

After the chat you can find a new page here on the blog titled Blogging 101. It will link to all the bloggers who joined us tonight, as well as include links to any tutorials that we share. Hope you can join us!

What a week(end)!

Phew! So glad we are rolling into August tomorrow. July has been great - Connor's second birthday, NKOTB, 4th of July festivities, and the final Kroger SpeedFest we'll work for awhile. Not sure if I've mentioned it, but the hubs works in racing and after 30 years the NASCAR race won't be at his track next year. It was a very bittersweet night, and we had to go two WHOLE days without seeing Connor, so all in all I'm glad it's over. Now it's on to Labor Day for SIX days of drag racing. Someday we'll actually get a holiday off work! :)

I did get some scrapping done early in the week - here's some of the goodies:

CREDITS: {Stash Builders} Project 365 Date Stamps 2 by SuzyQ Scraps,Land of Learning {Grid Solids} by SuzyQ Scraps and Land of Learning {Doodled Paper Alphas} by SuzyQ Scraps.

CREDITS: Just Plain Fun by Britt-ish Designs

Also, Suzy posted some Summer CT inspiration on her blog this week - check out the amazing layouts by all the summer members, I guarantee you there will be some inspiration in there. She picked up a layout of mine featuring Connor playing with the garden hose. Can you pick him out?

Lastly, I'm hosting my first chat at MouseScrappers this week! Join us August 4th at 9:00 pm EST to talk about Blogging 101. We'll be talking about how to decorate your blog and some tips for using Blogger and WordPress.



Oh - and one other thing. Nanie's Designs is having a great sale until August 3rd at Scrap Orchard. I went on a bit of a shopping spree this morning and picked up four of her template packs. Follow her on Facebook for the special code!