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!