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2013 One Little Word

Hello and good morning....

Instead of putting together a list of resolutions this year, I decided to participate in Ali's OLW again. I did it in 2009, 2011, and now in 2013. I never committed to a word last year. i must admit, sometimes my follow through sucks.

let's just be honest with each other here... it's only friends here, yes? lol...

I've decided that I need to get back to basics... so, my word for 2013 is............

less stress

less food

less procrastination

less money spent

less couch time

less tv time

less internet time

worry less
less mess
less of me..literally.
 

You get the idea... =)  Less... really is more. I'm really excited to reflect and think more about my word for 2013. Are you selecting OLW? If so, share it with me. I'm debating about taking Ali's OLW class over at Big Picture Classes to help me stay in touch with my word over the year. 

I'm back blogging sooner than expected in 2013. who knew...

Toodles....

Happy New Year!!!!

Hello friends...

can you believe another year is winding down and a new one beginning???? i am amazed at how much truth there is to time flying by as i get older. I always just pooh poohed it when i heard my mom or someone say this in my younger years because to me, time lagged by then. or so it seemed.. how i wish I had that same feeling now.. now, days are done in a blink and I'm left wondering how i got to where i am... does anyone feel the same???
It makes me want to cherish my time and every day that much more..... ahhhh. it must be the new year upon me making me reflect and think about such things... =)

I am very fortunate to know so many wonderful people, and those not so wonderful..well, i don't expend a lot of energy on them... sad, but true.

Ever here the quote...

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” - jim rohn

it really has some meat to it.. to me, it says... surround yourself with people that will lift you up, encourage you, and make you a better person because of it.  

Ok.. enough reflection and rambling... ;)  here are a few pictures of what I've been up to, creatively. Trying to finish my December Daily... I have the cover and all the inside pages prepped and ready for pictures and journaling.. woooo hooo. I took the 25 Days class over at Studio Calico and my binder is a scrap lift of Ali's and Maggie's cover... simple and I didn't have to think much.. i need simple sometimes. i over think things...

and having fun trying to keep up with December's photo a day at http://fatmumslim.com.au/. I will be doing January too. here's a few December pics..

I love Instagram... so much fun....
and if you are wondering if I ever finished playing along with my motography class, well, let's just say that I read the intro and downloaded all the apps.. ;) Honestly.. I need to finish something soon. this was not it i guess. lol.. that's why I love forever access.. i can go back and complete it at anytime.

And it doesn't stop me from joining more things and taking more classes... here are a few to take a look at for 2013. maybe something will resonate with you...

Creative Jump Start by Nathalie Kalbach

The History Project by Kerri Bradford
Clean and Simple Card Making 2  @onlinecardclasses

Cheers... and I hope to be back again soon in 2013. no pressure though... ;)
Happy New Year!!!! stay safe...

Holiday Card Class - Day 1

Hello!!!  I mentioned in my previous post that I was taking the Holiday Card Class. I loved it. So many tutorials and time saving tips. I learned so much about card making. I've been scrapbooking so long, but only dabbled in cards here and there. Now, cardmaking is becoming a primary focus of my crafty time... I LOVE stamps!!!! so it's a perfect marriage.. me and stamps.. actually, it's more like a family, since I share my time with paper and photos too.. heehee. =)

I want to share with you the first card I made from Day 1 class.

It's a small 3x3 card. Who doesn't love mini cards???? I will give away some as gifts and use some as gift tags on presents. So far, I've made over 50 of them. I've been using old cardstock from my stash and a Basic Grey paper kit. The centerpiece is a couple Lawn Fawn stamps. I love the new holiday ones.

Here is a card I made using a Studio Calico background stamp. I used American Craft ink markers to make the color progression...

 The next couple are cards I made with some of the new Unity background stamps. I heat embossed with some clear embossing powder. I really love these stamps. so fun.

I will share more crafty items as I get time. Have a fabulous weekend. =)

Toodles....

Happy November!!!!

Hi!

Geesh, not even really sure what to write... it's been so long. I have been crafting, a little here and there.. just can't keep up with the hectic pace of a daily blog and doing all the other things I enjoy. I've settled into knowing that I'll post when I can, and I have no commitments.. it's very freeing... no pressures. =)

If you've been visiting me over time, you know I'm an all or nothing kinda gal, and my latest obsession is card making, stamping, and taking online classes... yes, lots of classes. I like the fact that the classes are something I can complete at my own pace, do what I can/when I can, and gives me lots inspiration. I'm completely addicted to the classes at Studio Calico. I think I've signed up for most of those, with Maggie's Happy Little Moments being my fave so far.. Also, have a lot of the Ella Publishing, which is part of Big Picture Classes now. A few from Two Peas... Hitchhikers Guide and Divide & Conquer.. and most recently, Holiday Card Workshop from Online Card Classes and {Mo}tography at Jessica Sprague.

After watching the tutorials and videos from HCW, I think I'm even more obsessed with card making and want to make all my own homemade holiday cards. And I've been having fun downloading the apps and I'm excited for the inspiration of {Mo}tography. I'll become even more crazy about taking iPhone pictures and annoy my friends/family with my camera out and in their face..lol... or make strangers wonder what I'm doing when I take a picture of my grocery cart or the fruit stand... who's guilty of that sort of stuff????  heehee.... ;)  That class will be great for my December Daily and Project Life, which I will be officially starting in 2013.

Anyone else a class taker???? If so, share the ones you love or the teachers you enjoy. I'm always looking for something to inspire me.

Here are a few stamp companies I can't get enough of...

My Favorite Things.. the Pure Innocence line is one of my faves.. 

I just caved for a few stamps during their retirement sale...can't wait to play with those. 

I have not forsaken regular scrapping.. still love it. Here is my most recent layout... Used a Noel Mignon Kit called West Coast.. love the colors in this kit.. If you are looking for good bang for your buck and lots of variety.. these kits are it. Noel does a great job.. =)

So, there is it... a bit of what I've been doing.. I'm more active on social media, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. But I will do my best to post my crafty endeavors here as well.

Hope you are all doing well and until next time...

Toodles.... =)

Lawnscaping Challenge #40

for this week is to make your own patterned paper.
Wheeeee!!!!

I'm back again, so soon you ask??? lol.... =)
I'm getting back into the crafty groove. Decided to play along with LAWNSCAPING since I picked up a few of the new LAWN FAWN stamps from my LSS, SG&M. I gravitated towards the word bubbles in 'a birdie told me' and thought I'd give that one a go. I love smileys and decided to use that as my inspiration stamp for the background. Owl is from 'Critters in the Forest'

a lil' close up. 

it was by sheer luck the background lined up.. ha!!! It took me a while though... =) Used Jenni Bowlin inks. 

These new stamps are super cute aren't they??? i love em.... =) 

See you again soon. Toodles... 

August Authentique

Hi there,

The summer has been really busy. Lots of activities and weddings. We already went to 2, one more  in September. I always stress about what to wear. I actually found a cute dress for this last one.
Enough about me.. I want to share a layout I did.

My LSS, Scrapbooks Galore & More, asked me to make a layout showing how to use the Authentique sticker sheets. People are baffled by them I guess. I love them. I love using the little words all over my photos. So, I grabbed two sheets of paper from the "Lively" line called spirited and vivacious and the matching sticker sheet knowing exactly what picture I was gonna use. My BFF Lea has a couple cute kids and this picture from the splash park this summer was perfect for the paper and theme.

And I figured I'd use the Authentique sketch from this month too. double whammy.. heehee. anyone ever watch that game show called "press your luck"? not sure why I just thought of that. lol.

A little misting, stamping, some washi, flowers, a few brads, and tada!!!! a finished layout. I haven't made one in a very long time. Felt pretty good. 

I'm loving cards as I mentioned in my previous post and I'm SUPER excited that Studio Calico has started a CARD kit.... why, yes, please. Of course I signed up. Who wants small 6x6 papers to match the exclusive 12x12 sheets... ??? this girl!!!! lol. Can't wait to see the kit and get my hands on the goods. 

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!!!! Trying to soak up the last fun days of summer. See you all again soon. 

Toodles. =)

Finally, a few crafty items

Hi,

Finally have a few items to share. I think I've found my latest obsession. Making cards. They are quick and fun to make. I haven't gotten too fancy with them. My goal is to use up lots of the stamps I've been hoarding.. i mean collecting. lol..

Now, the key is to use the cards and give them away. Right??? I need to get better about that. Here is what I've done lately.

I've come across some cute items at My Favorite Things. I LOVE their die and stamp coordinating sets. I haven't used the couple I just received, but I will be soon...

This stamp is from their Pure Innocence collection. I think they are so dang sweet and cute. =)
This one is called "My Balloon"

Paper: Basic Grey

Colored with Copics

This is from My Favorite Things as well. The "Who's That Girl" series called Let's Chat. I'm always with my iPhone, so I thought this one was cute. The sentiment on the inside says "We've been friends since phones had cords".  =)

Paper Echo Park

Colored with Copics

Just received my newest Unity Stamp of the Week. This was a fun one. I tried out my new Platinum Liquid Pearls. I need to perfect that along with my copic skills. 

Stamp: Capture Life

Another Unity stamp. Called I'm Here.

Unity: Matching Socks

Lawn Fawn Goodness... fitting for how hot this summer has been. Used my Noel Mignon Boardwalk kit. 

And last, but not least... a layout. I used my Noel Mignon Jack and Jill kit for this.

Been watching lots of movies lately and trying to stay cool... Who watched the Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises??? i loved it.. I got a little teary eyed at the end.. I've loved Christian Bale since I watched him in America Psycho. I loved that movie too. Great 80s references.

Have a fabulous week my friends.. I get to scrap this coming weekend so I'll have more to share soon.

Toodles.. =)

iPhone camera love!!!!

Hello!!!

Well, my fun, relaxing vacation came to a quick end.. so sad.... it never lasts as long as I need. I was back to work on July 23 and I was soooooo busy trying to catch up. This is the first I've had a chance to blog... I was trying to keep up with the CHA goodies being released. I was seeing lots of pictures on Facebook of the new products.

I actually started a pin board for some of the items that caught my eye.

http://pinterest.com/chattyscrapper/cha-s-2012/

On a side note, I wanted to share some of my fave iPhone apps that make scrapping and picture taking so much fun.

Here is a list of my all time faves with a few examples...these are used more than any other apps I have.. and I have a lot!!! =)

Hipstamatic .99 cents for the basics including some great films and lens options. You do need to pay for extra film and lens combos, but worth every penny. . my all time favorite app. nothing comes close to this one. I love putting it on random and just seeing what combo is used. it never disappoints. 

One of my fave combos is Jimmy Lens and Kodot XGrizzled Film..
there are so many fun combos though and its so hard to pick a favorite.

Buckhorst  H1 Lens, Kodot XGrizzled Film, No Flash

Kaimal Mark II Lens, Blanko Film, No Flash

Jimmy Lens, Ina's 69 Film, No Flash

Instagram - free. my user id is "chattyscrapper" if you would like to friend me.. =)
My favorite filter is Nashville. I like the soft filter it gives and the black border. I find that my photos turn out best with this when I take the picture with the built in iPhone camera, then use the instagram app afterwards. the picture quality is better this way, in my opinion. It also lets you control the area of the photo you alter.

And for all you who want to use a windows app to view your Instagram feed, check out this software. very cool.   InstaGrille

Diptic .99 cents

This one is fun for slicing up photos and showing just pieces of pics.
The pics are from last year's Thanksgiving.

InstaCollage Pro... .99 cents. this has a free version. the ads really bugged me.
what i like about this is that it's square and works well with Instagram.

Pic Collage
this one is fun for overlapping and getting lots of pictures on a canvas.

Grid Lens .99 cents
This is sort of like Diptic, but has more frame options and it's not a square photo

Vintage Cam Pro .99 cents, but there is a free version too.
this one has great filter options.

And last, but not least....
my365  .99 cents. this one is cool because you can make a monthly calendar of photos and you can share them with friends like on Instagram. I've been using it faithfully since July 1. I love using it and seeing my month of pictures at a glance.

I think that's it for now. I have 50 photo apps on my iPhone. Crazy, huh???? I will review a few more and let you know what I think of some others. I haven't even used some of them. Just not enough time in the day. They all have some fun quality.

If you have a Photo App you love, let me know in the comments.

Toodles... I'll be back again with some cards and a layout I made. I haven't had a chance to take photos of them yet.

Happy Summer!!!!!

Happy Saturday!!! a quick catch up

Hi there friends...

Thanks for sticking with me while I've been on a hiatus. =) The last few weeks have been busy, my birthday is near the end of the month and then the July 4th holiday.

I typically try to celebrate my birthday all month long... I don't think I kicked it up as much as usual, but I still had a great birthday week. ;)  My hubby always takes me out to eat on my birthday.. we go to this awesome Japanese Steak House called Genji. it's been a birthday tradition for years. Afterwards we went to see the movie Ted. If you like Family Guy and that sort of humor, then you would enjoy it. Lots of references to the 80s. oh... and my hubby splurged and I got an iPad for my birthday.. been wanting one really bad. I ordered a cool cover and matching iPhone case. I'll be sporting it in style... lol.. =) if you have an iPad, share apps you love in the comments please.

Another highlight of my celebration weekend was a fun day spent with my dear friend Lea. We spent all day Saturday at Ikea, stopped at Archiver's, and wrapped up the day at Red Robin and a stop at Dairy Queen on our way home. You should see the cute items she got me for my bday. I will share pics once I get them off my iPhone.. i think she likes me... ;)

Here are some pictures from our day trip to Ikea... it's so fun and very overwhelming.. so much to see and buy.. =)

And lastly, one of the things I've been wanting to do more of is take photos with my DSLR. So, we took Lea's kids to the spray park and playscape this week. I took some fun pics of her kids.. here is a collage using a Kerri Bradford storyboard. I love Kerri's digi files. So easy to use. This one is from storyboard #6 and is 10x6.

I have more fun pics to share from this day, but Lea hasn't seen them all so I'm waiting to surprise her with them. They all turned out awesome.

I used RadLab to process my photos before adding to the above board. RadLab is super easy to use with Photoshop Elements. I like that you can preview your photo before applying the action.

I'm off and running today. lots of errands and things to do. I'm in charge of our family reunion the weekend of July 13 and I'm hosting family that comes into town on Thursday. I'll be crazy busy the next week or so, but will hopefully have lots of family memories to scrap.. =)

See you all soon. Toodles. =)