Running With Scissors!

Christmas Gift

2011-11-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I can't believe it is almost December. Time sure has flown!! Today is another Showcase Monday and, as you've gathered, we've been working on Christmas gifts for our Showcase Mondays for the month of November.

For my project, I altered a stacking wooden box. I added papers by Simple Stories from their 25 Days of Christmas line. I inked the edges of the papers with my Ranger Distress Ink stamp pads in coordinating colours. I used acrylic craft paint to paint the lids -It took a lot of mixing of colours to get the shades of red, green and yellow that I wanted, but it was fun. I adorned the box with American Crafts ribbon and embellishments by Prima and Petaloo. I think it'll be a fun, decorative box to display during the Christmas season. I plan on lining the inside with wax paper and filling each layer with Christmas candies.

I hope you liked my project and that it perhaps gave you some inspiration for your own Christmas crafts!

Products Used
Prima Flowers - Holiday Red
Prima Flowers - Splendor Moss
Petaloo - Berry Spray -no longer available, but other similar products exist, check out our online catalogue
American Crafts - Ribbon - Caramel
Ranger Distress Ink - Peeled Paint
Ranger Distress Ink - Vintage Photo

Simple Christmas Card

2011-11-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Christmas and Winter Holiday Season is fast approaching!

Here's a little Christmas card I put together with some traditional coloured/themed papers and embellishments from our store. Hope you like it.

Product List
Prima Flowers - Holiday Red
Kaiser Craft Rhinestones - Black Strip
Simple Stories Paper - 25 Days of Christmas
American Crafts - Ribbon - Caramel
Tsukineko Brilliance - Dew Drop "Painter's Palette" 4 Piece Set (#55 Pearlescent Beige)

Steal of a Deal

2011-11-17T10:04:00.005-07:00

I found this cute little stacking wooden box decoration thingy (that is the technical term) at Micheal's the other day. Because it was out of season I got it for $1.50 ...Yay! I'd say it is approximately 10 inches high, and since I'm covering it with paper, those cut-outs will be unseen.

I am doing a Christmas Gift project for Scrapbooker's Paradise (the design team blog) and I think I'll use this for it. Once it is all gussied up, I think it'll be perfect for lining with wax paper and filling with different Christmas treats!

Featured Product - Adhesive - "My Girl"

2011-11-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

HEY EVERYONE!
Welcome to another Featured Product post for SCRAPBOOKER'S PARADISE.

This time we are featuring something I think every scrapbooker and cardmaker uses; EZ-Runner Adhesive! There are a lot of different options out there for adhesives... I love my EZ-Runner Adhesive, though, it works great and easy to apply and fantastic for scrapbooking.

So from Nov 16th until Nov 30th, we have 3L EZ Runner Duo and Mixed Packs on sale for $10.50 instead of the Regular price of $12.50 ... To get this great deal, just use online code: FIDP when checking out at our Online Store.

I used my EZ Runner adhesive when I made this scrapbook page... like I do with all my pages! Check below for a list of the other products I used.

Products Used
Kaiser Craft 12x12 Paper - Bonjour "Notre-Dame"
Kaiser Craft 12x12 Paper - Bonjour "Provence"
My Mind's Eye - Lost & Found Breeze "Fun Day" Pearls
Alphabet Stickers
Brown Ribbon

Check out Scrapbooker's Paradise Ponderings
to learn about how you can win a FREE EZ-Runner Duo Pack!

Ready for Halloween

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-06:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I have a scrapbook page all ready for tonight! I actually purchased a Kit from Karen Foster called Spooky Cinema for this page. It came with two sheets of stickers and eight sheets of patterned 12x12 paper (four different patterns). I'll have lots of fun Halloween paper to work with later on!

Anyhow! I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween!

Products Used
Karen Foster Kit - Spooky Halloween
Tsukineko Stamping - StazOn Pad - Black
Ranger Distress Ink - Tea Dye
Kaiser Craft Rhinestones - Black Strip
Clearsnap Dye Ink - Wicked Black Cat's Eye
Authentique 12x12 Paper - Glowing Foundations
Golden Yellow Ribbon

Plane Ride

2011-10-26T00:01:00.002-06:00

HEY everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful autumn!
Here's another scrapbook page made after my son and husband's air plane adventure last month! This one is a fairly simple 12x12 page.

Product List
Canvas Corp - Tags & Ties Skinny Chalkstock
Kaiser Craft Rhinestones - Black Strip
Imaginisce 12x12 Paper - Bon Voyage "Far & Away"
Imaginisce 12x12 Paper - Bon Voyage "First Class"
Ranger Distress Ink - Tea Dye
Clearsnap Dye Ink - Wicked Black Cat's Eye

Showcase Monday - Fly Day

2011-10-10T00:01:00.001-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
...and happy birthday to me

Today is another Showcase Monday!

This fall we had the opportunity to go on an airplane ride at the Red Deer Regional Airport. It was a beautiful fall day with a lovely, blue fall sky. I didn't go up in the plane, but my husband and son did. I can imagine the view of all the fall fields and trees from up there was absolutely beautiful.

Bella Blvd's Finally Fall line brought out of the colours of my photos so perfectly! I did a really simple 8.5x11 layout with it.

Products Used:
Bella Blvd 12x12 Paper - Finally Fall Leaf Pile
Bella Blvd 12x12 Paper - Finally Fall Quadrants
Prima Flowers - Reflection Love Note Collection
Sandylion Sticker - Owls Large Handmade Essentials
My Mind's Eye - Lime Twist Charmed Alphabet
Ranger Pen - White Opaque
Tsukineko VersaMagic Pad - Cloud White

Showcase Monday - Fabulous Florals

2011-09-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

Good morning everyone! I hope you are enjoying FALL!

We have these gigantic, beautiful trees just near our place that are just BRIGHT yellow and beautiful right now. I can't get enough of them. I love fall... the bittersweet part is that I know it'll only be days until all those leaves are on the ground.

So, it is my turn for our Showcase Monday and this month we've been doing FABULOUS FLORALS... I did a 8x8 scrapbook page. I've been trying to get a photo in front of a welcome-to sign for each town in Alberta just as a fun challenge. These are some photos from last fall.

Products Used:
Bella Blvd 12x12 Paper - Finally Fall Leaf Pile
Bella Blvd 12x12 Paper - Finally Fall Quadrants
Prima Flowers - Reflection Love Note Collection
Distress Ink - Vintage Photo

*I'd also like to point out that I used all my top five tools for this layout!

My Top Five Tool Picks!

2011-09-20T00:01:00.001-06:00

My TOP FIVE Tool Picks

These are some of the scrapbooking tools and items that I use for pretty much every one of my projects... they are definitely staples in my scrapbook supply collection.

1) My Paper Trimmer

I have a simple Fiskars Paper Trimmer which serves me very well. There isn't a single scrapbooking tool in existence that I use more. I'm pretty sure that any scrapbooker you meet will say the same of their own personal paper trimmer. There are lots of different types and brands of paper trimmers out there - I guess it is up to you to figure out which one suits you the best.

2) My Sanding Block

Sandpaper and/or a Sanding Block are items that I use with many of my scrapbooking projects. I love to use it on the paper for more textured and distressed edges. It is also great for use with Co re'dinations cardstock that have different coloured insides. I even use my sanding block to distress the edges of my photographs!

3) Distress Ink

I only just got into using Distress Ink this last year, but I am hooked! The ink is amazing, the colours are amazing, and there's so much fun stuff you can do with them! I mostly just use them for "distressing" the edges of my papers, but there are so many other experimental ways to use them!

4) Spray Bottle

This goes hand-in-hand with my Distress Inks, because I love how Distress Inks react with water. So, after inking my papers, I often will spritz some water over the ink and watch it change. I also love these spray bottles for mixing inks, glimmer mists and other fun things in to make my own colours and concoctions

5) Embroidery Floss & Needles

I love putting hand stitching into my special scrapbook projects! It adds a special touch to a project, as well as additional texture. Going through layers of paper, though, I find the regular needles from the craft or sewing stores just don't hold up... good thing we sell needles made specifically for us scrapbookers! We also sell an assortment of colours of embroidery floss to match any project!

Featured Product: Glimmter Mist

2011-09-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone!
How are you enjoying your September?

I'm here to tell you about this month's SUPER SWEET DEAL... our Featured Product over at Scrapbooker's Paradise! From Sept 16th until Sept 30th you can get our Glimmer Mist for 7.50 (Reg. $8.99) if you buy it through our online catalogue! Just use our Featured Product code in the comments section when you check out: FIGM

This great deal is JUST IN TIME for the awesome release of a bunch of NEW Limited Edition colours! Stock up while supplies last!

I used some Glimmer Mist over my fern template to alter my sheet of "Glowing Foundations" paper by Authentique. Look how SHINY it is! I also played with a (MIST)-A-BLES journal tag by PinkPaislee. I altered it with Glimmer Mist and some different ink pads. It was a lot of fun!

PRODUCT LIST
Authentique 12x12 Paper - Glowing Foundations
Kaiser Craft 12x12 Paper - Hunt & Gather Search
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Butternut Squash Fall 2011 LE
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Crème De Chocolat
SEI Chalk Ink Block - Cherry
Ranger Distress Ink - Vintage Photo
Ranger Distress Ink - Tea Dye
Pink Paislee Embellishment - Mistables Journal Tags Resist
Crafter's Workshop Template - Ferns 6x6

Below is a photo of some of the fun products I used!!

BECAUSE this is our Featured Product, you could have a chance to WIN a FREE bottle of Glimmer Mist! Yay! Add another colour to your collection! Check out our blog, Scrapbooker's Paradise Ponderings for more details!

Happy Scrapping!

SNOW Much Fun!

2011-09-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

SAY IT ISN'T SO!

Yes, we have new CHRISTMAS scrapbooking supplies at Scrapbooker's Paradise! They keep trickling in...

Here's a 12x12 scrapbook page showing some photos from last winter - SEVEN photos, to be exact. I'm proud of myself for fitting so many on! It can be such a challenge, sometimes, to try to get lots of photos into a layout.

SUPPLY LIST
BasicGrey 12x12 Paper - Nordic Holiday "Alpine Yule"
BasicGrey 12x12 Paper - Nordic Holiday "Carving"
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Red-Nosed Reindeer Winter 2011 LE
Glitter-Covered Chipboard Snowflakes
Old Chipboard Letters - painted red and sprayed with Glimmer Mist
Maya Road Ribbon
3L Adhesive - E Z Runner 33'
Glue Dots Adhesive - Pop Up

When he grows up, he wants to be a Scientist

2011-08-29T00:01:00.004-06:00

Hello!
Welcome to another Showcase Monday. This month, August, we are doing "Wonderful Whimsical Kids" as our showcase theme.

My project is an 8.5 x 11 inch scrapbook page showcasing my silly boy. He wants to be a scientist when he grows up. I thought this fabulously retro line by October Afternoon would be perfect for scrapping my son.

Product List
October Afternoon Paper - Rocket Age "Deep Space Probe"
October Afternoon Paper - Rocket Age "Captain's Log"
October Afternoon Paper - Rocket Age "Blackhole"
October Afternoon - Rocket Age "Chip Shapes"
My Mind's Eye - Lime Twist - Charmed Alphabet

In Honor of Alpha Stickers...

2011-08-24T00:01:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone! Can you believe summer is almost over?

Wow, here it comes... excitement for fall, kids going back to school, new seasons of our favorite tv shows, and dare I even say looking ahead to Christmas?

Anyhow, this scrapbook page is about none of those, but it definitely is about excitement and anticipation.

Here's an 8.5x11 page showcasing baby #3 who is due in March. We're very excited and a tiny bit freaked out, haha. We had hoped to finish our basement before having any more additions to the family, right now we're kind of smushed into our main floor of our house.

Anyhow, for this little page, I used the Baby papers by Memory Works and some paper by BoBunny. I was trying to go for a interesting mix between a graphic look with the text and a shabby chic, antiqued look. I thought it would be a neat juxtaposition. I'm not sure if the attempt was successful or not. I'll let you be the one to judge.

I quoted my son's reaction for the journaling/title of the page. When I told my son, the oldest of my kids, that I was having another baby, he said "I hope it is a boy!" and I asked him why and he dramatically exclaimed "Because one sister is enough trouble!!!"

I thought it was hilarious and would be great for a scrapbook page about the coming baby. I know Jayden will fall in love with his new sibling just as quickly as he did Alysha, boy or girl, but his statement was really cute... and I think I feel the same way, haha.

click to view larger

Products Used
Bo-Bunny 12x12 Paper - Double Dot "Chocolate Journal"
MemoryWorks 12x12 Paper - Baby Steps "So Precious"
MemoryWorks 12x12 Paper - Baby Steps "Totally Adorable"
Prima - Flowers - Reception Gatsby Collection
Prima - Say It In Pearls - Swirls Brown
October Afternoon - Mini Market - Pink & Black
Sassafras Sticker - Alpha "Krafty"
Cosmo Cricket Sticker - Tiny Type - Cream Alpha

click to view larger

Featured Product - Tim Holtz Tools

2011-08-16T00:01:00.004-06:00

From August 16th (TODAY!) until the 31st, Scrapbooker's Paradise is Featuring some fabulous Tim Holtz tools by Tonic! They are normally $6.99 each, but if you buy them now, while they are on sale, you can get them for just $5.99!!

Just use the Coupon Code: FITT when checking out

PRODUCTS USED
Authentique Embellishment - Blissful Excerpts
Authentique 12x12 Paper - Blissful Foundations
Authentique 12x12 Paper - Blissful Happiness
Kaiser Craft - Pearls
Kaiser Craft - Ribbon

Tonic - Tim Holtz Retractable Craft Knife
Ranger Distress Ink - Vintage Photo

Glue Dots Adhesive - Pop Up
3L Adhesive - E-Z Runner Adhesive

To showcase our Featured Product, I made some cards using the beautiful new paper by Authentique, a company we newly carry! I used a retractable craft knife to cut and layer the flowers from the paper Blissful Happiness on both cards. There's so, so, so much you can do with a retractable craft knife, though!

Check out Kim's Blog to see what she did with her Tim Holtz Tool! And don't forget to visit Scrapbooker's Paradise Ponderings to enter to win your own Tim Holtz Tool!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

"Love You More" by Jennifer Grant - Book Review

2011-08-12T12:01:00.003-06:00

A completely honest book, "Love You More" by Jennifer Grant tells the story of the international adoption of their fourth child, Mia, from Guatemala. Broken into three different parts and further into fifteen chapters, this book covers much of the author's life story and mom-hood, her thoughts on adoption, her religious views and belief system, and the events and process of adopting her daughter, her daughter's homecoming and the trials and successes of grafting her into their family tree.

I don't read a lot of memoir-type books, and I haven't really read much of anything pertaining to adoption, so, this story was a first for me. I enjoyed Jennifer Grant's personality that shone through on every page of the book. She was so honest and relatable in her writing that I almost felt like I had made a new BFF by the time I finished reading the book. She has some really great insights. Her anecdotes and random tangents are cute and really help connect the reader to the story, although sometimes they are a little awkwardly worked into the book.

I held the page in front of her and she looked at it, silently, for a very long time.
"I miss her so much," she said, beginning to cry. I pulled her close to me and told her it was all right. She hugged me and then turned again to the page, eyes locking on the image.

"Love You More" by Jennifer Grant

I am not sure how old Mia was, I think she was possibly 3 or 4 years old. It is hard to tell, because, though the book is generally written in chronological order, often, the Grant jumps back and forth in her anecdotes and memories, as if writing exactly her thought process at the time. In any case, I was particularly touched by this part of Jennifer Grant's story where Mia starts asking about her "tummy lady" and see's what her birth mom looked like for the first time.

I really like that there are a lot of resources, notes and even tips at the back of the book for those who are possibly looking at adopting. Although, I am not one who is looking at adopting a child, I found this book insightful, heart-wrenching at times, and even relatable just in the fact that I am a mother. I appreciate how transparent and vulnerable Jennifer Grant allows herself to be in this book, and enjoyed her incorporation of some of her more learned explanations, like her use of the red thread from Chinese folklore to explain her feelings about their connection to Mia before they even adopted her.

At times the book was a little repetitive and the author's reminiscence perhaps poorly incorporated into the point of a particular section, however, it was a good read. I read the entire book in one sitting, not wanting to put it down. I definitely recommend it!

25 Years

2011-08-07T00:01:00.003-06:00

Here's a scrapbook page of my Aunt and Uncle at their 25 year anniversary in 2009. I am really loving this new line of papers by Authentique... the greys and yellows and hints of pink-red are really awesome!

Products Used
Authentique 12x12 Paper - Blissful Happiness
Authentique 12x12 Paper - Blissful Foundations
Glimmer Mist - Limited Edition -"Red-Nosed Reindeer"
Prima - Paper Flowers
American Crafts - Ribbon
GCD Studios - Alpha Stickers

Thanks for dropping by,
I hope you enjoyed my project!

Jayden's Field Journal

2011-08-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was our first day of homeschooling... we're easing into it because I've been so sick with this third pregnancy. Good thing it is just "kindergarten" and we don't have to be "hardcore".

We made a little book.

I tore a bunch of papers to size and folded them in half. We put them into a little book and used my paper piercer to poke holes a long the fold. Jayden picked his favorite colour from my collection of embroidery floss and then he and I threaded the holes to make a little book. We decided to put a little button on the bottom as a fun little adornment.

Jayden is pretty excited.

I told Jayden how to spell "Field Journal" and he wrote it on the front and then decorated the front and back of the book.

He's already decided that he wants to be a scientist when he grows up... so, I told him that he should have a field journal. The plan is that Jayden will take his Field Journal with him when we go places or just for walks. He will draw/write about his discoveries in the journal. Right now, he can't read, so, it'll be mostly drawings and I'll help him label things.

I'm curious to learn what will catch his eye and imagination enough to put into this journal.

--------------------------------------------------------

Eager to use his journal, Jayden decided we need to go study some of the canola near our house.

When we are driving Jayden says that the canola looks like dandelions and I always say that it is actually way different... so, Jayden said that we should look at it closely for his journal.

I had to coach Jayden to draw what he saw instead of just scribble a pretend flower plant. I think his end result is quite a good representation of a canola plant. We even taped a few samples in his book. This project is already really rewarding!

I'm taking the Plunge

2011-08-02T09:06:00.004-06:00

“By 10 years old kids will have formed the dietary habits that they will most likely stick with throughout their lives."

I've been following the SUPER HEALTHY KIDS blog for a while now. I must believe that somehow, if I follow blogs like this, I will magically have healthier kids and a healthier me. Why? Because all I've been doing is following the blog. Well, I've decided to stop sitting on my hands. I'm tired of not being assertive with what goes on our dinner table.

Right now, I hate our kitchen and I hate food. I'm 8 weeks pregnant and absolutely sicker than sick. Just getting out of bed in the morning makes me feel like vomiting. I don't think I'm in any position to try foods that are new to my system. But, I ordered two Healthy Kids Plates this morning and I look forward to using them in the future... hopefully, I only have a few more weeks of this sickness and then it'll start to go away.

The concept behind the plate is so simple that it doesn't seem like it should even work. A divided plate with specifically sized sections for the the food groups. Portion control for healthy kids.

I think the introduction of the plates will be fun and exciting and a good teaching moment for my wee kids... and then I think from there on, the plates will be more helpful for me than anyone else in our house. Helping me come up with meal ideas that are healthy and have the right things in them, and they don't have to be traditional, either!

It isn't just the plates. This lady has a blog where she comes up with new meal plans for you that fit perfectly with her plate and are fabulous and nutritious. On her site she has lots of photos of different meals on the plate to give you even more inspiration. You know, if you follow her meal plans and recipes, you probably don't really even need the plate! But they don't cost much and for me, they are a reminder and a commitment.

This is going to be a slow transition for me, I think. Every time I've really tried to make a change to our diets and eating habits, it hasn't stuck. Usually because I hate the food and I feel like I'm in food prison.

When I had my first son, I had gained so much weight with that pregnancy that I didn't even recognize myself anymore. So, I bought "YOU on a Diet" by Dr. Oz and tried following it. It was probably the closest I've come to being successful with a diet or change in eating habit.

Honestly, it is a good book and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to make a change. It is informative, funny, has exercises and stretches, meal plans, recipes and even grocery lists. It takes the work out of trying to change. The problem was, I didn't like most of the meals (I don't eat fish)... or, couldn't find some of the ingredients because I don't like in yuppie-ville. So, it was hard for me to stick to it. But, even just half-following his plan, I did lose quite a bit of weight. Of course, my husband complained about the food even more than me and I got tired of having to make two meals every supper or feeling guilty watching my husband make his own food after working all day. So, it didn't stick... and I ballooned up again pretty quick after.

So, I may fail yet again, but at least I'm trying. What I'm going to do is use those plates and get meal ideas from sources like Super Healthy Kids. I'll work new meals into our weekly eats and will hopefully find healthy meals that I like, my husband likes and that the kids like (that'll take a lot of work). I'm not going to be too drastic, I don't want to go back to food prison. I just want to start making good choices on purpose when it comes to food. I just don't like cooking, especially when I know that I'll end up fighting the kids to even eat what I've made. It will be a process and it may take a long time to get there... but I hope that this'll be a turning point for our dinner table.

Inchies - A Tutorial

2011-08-02T00:01:00.006-06:00

Image borrowed from Boxotrix

What are Inchies?
They are tiny pieces of art that are one inch by one inch square.

What do you do with Inchies?
Whatever you want! Make them, Trade them, Collect them, Display them, Use them on cards or scrapbook pages... etc.

How do you make them?
EASILY! Check out my post on Scrapbooker's Paradise Ponderings to see my tutorial!

Inchie Links
Inchie INKlings - Inspiration
Every Inchie Monday - Inspiration
ATCs For All- a Place to Trade
Inchie Arts - Inchie-sized Supplies
Scrapbooker's Paradise - Craft Supplies

Sweet Summertime

2011-07-25T00:01:00.005-06:00

Woohoo, another Summer Fun Showcase Monday!

Summer is just whizzing by... kind of sad. However, we've had so much fun already, and we still have August! For our Showcase Monday, I scrapbooked some photos of my kids enjoying the rides at our town's big birthday celebration midway this recently past June. It was a great day and I was surprised at how many rides my 4 and 2 year olds were able to enjoy.

click to view larger images

Products Used
Little Yellow Bicycle 12x12 Paper - Sweet Summertime "Summertime Stripe"
Little Yellow Bicycle 12x12 Paper - Sweet Summertime "Summer Garden"
American Crafts 12x12 Paper - Margarita "Calypso"
Little Yellow Bicycle - Sweet Summertime Chipboard Shapes
Bazzill Basics Pom Pom Ribbon
American Crafts Letter Stickers
Glue Dots Adhesive - Memory Glue Dots Sheets
3L Adhesive - E Z Runner 33"

Thanks for viewing! I hope you enjoyed my scrapbook page and that you have a fantastic rest of your summer!!!

Thanks!

click to view larger image

Camping Fun

2011-07-21T19:59:00.005-06:00

Earlier this year, American Crafts and Creative Imaginations both came out with some really funky camping themed lines. "Campy Trails" and "Forest Friends" are two lines that I just loved the moment I saw them and had to buy right away!

I've been meaning to use them but keep pushing it back. Finally, I got out some camping photos and made myself power through a creative block to make this page. It isn't the most spectacular or involved scrapbook page, but I am happy with it, it showcases the photos and the fun paper. I hope you like it.

Products Used
American Crafts - Campy Trails "Caribou Creek"
American Crafts - Campy Trails "Silver Lake Trail"
Creative Imaginations - Forest Critters "Happy Together"
Pebbles Embellishment - Trees Layered Felt

Recent Work...

2011-07-20T18:04:00.001-06:00

Frustrating Summer

2011-07-18T10:54:00.008-06:00

I, like many, look forward all winter to the coming of spring and inevitably, summer. I love summer!

Well, in theory...

I love the green grass, the blue skies, the brightly coloured flowers, the golden canola fields, the time to spend outside gardening, going to the beach, camping, road tripping...etc.

But, when summer actually gets here, I am confined to the house for the most part. My allergies are so bad. I look like crap all summer cuz my face is all swollen and I can't wear make-up. My skin is itchy from the pollen and hay dust in the air. My sinuses run all summer, as if I have a perpetual cold. I get sinus headaches. My eyes itch and hurt. I barely get any sleep because of all this. And can you imagine being a nice person to be around when you are in a constant state of irritation and exhaustion?

And to top that all off, people, who supposedly know me, just say "well, why can't you just take something for it"... oh wow, what a good idea, as if I've never ever thought of taking an over-the-counter antihistamine for this. I've been to three different specialists, I've tried prescription allergy medications that just made me sicker, I've had to live with this for 15 years. I've lost my connection with the majority of the things that used to bring me great joy - horse riding, camping, spending time outdoors. Yeah, my pain is trivial and I should just "take something for it" and get on with my life.

These are some photos I took last night when I went for a drive by myself. I thought I'd drive around the countryside just near our place and take a few photos to use as references for my next paintings. I figured, if it was just a half-hour or so and I was mostly just in the car, it wouldn't bother me so much. Wrong. I paid for this little drive last night. I spent almost the entire night awake. I went through half a kleenex box, spent a lot of time with a cold pack on my face, and had a hard time trying to fall asleep with shortness of breath. This summer, though, has been a particularly bad one for allergens.

It really frustrates me that once mid-June hits, I can't spend much time outside until October without paying dearly for it with physical pain. I don't like winter, but perhaps I need to start liking it, since summer is pretty much out of the question until they find an actual cure for chronic allergies. I feel so guilty for not being able to take my kids out to the beach, and camping, and even just to the playground for very long or very often. They are at the age where they still need my supervision when outside, and I just can't be out there to give it. Hopefully, in another summer or two, Alysha and Jayden can spend more of their summers outside in our yard flying solo. I want them to be outside enjoying the sun, but I don't think it is a fair trade for a grumpy mother who feels the need to tear her own face off.

Hopefully my rant hasn't gotten you down, though, and that these photos are enjoyable!!! For those of you who can get out there this summer, without constant sinus pain and itchy eyes/skin, take some serious advantage of every nice day, you have no idea how lucky you are!!

Featured Product! CC Designs Stamp!

2011-07-16T00:01:00.003-06:00

Hurray! It is Featured Product Day!!
From today until the end of the month (July 16-31st), all single image stamps from CC Designs are on special at Scrapbooker's Paradise!!

All you have to do to get your single image stamp for only $6.25 instead of the regular $7.50, is order them from our online catalog and then use the coupon code: FICC when you check out!

I love Kiki La Rue, so, I decided to go with one of her stamps for my card! I used Coffee Kiki La Rue - isn't she so cute?

You can get Kiki La Rue, Lesa, Nora, Emma and other lovely stamps from CC Designs. Just check out our site!

click images for larger views

Jayden Appleseed

2011-07-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

Here's my latest scrapbook page!

I used a fabulous layout sketch from Sketchy Thursdays as a starting point for my layout. I love to find papers and embellishments and whatnot at the store and put them together with photos... but I often have trouble deciding how to take them from being pretty purchases to being a complete scrapbook page. So, I love layout sketches and page maps.

We have a number of different lines from different companies in at Scrapbooker's Paradise right now that are so bright, bold, colourful, and summery! I love combining different lines because it makes me feel like an advanced scrapper... hahaha... I'm probably just silly. Anyhow, I used paper from EchoPark's "Splash" line and American Crafts' "Margarita" line and embellishments from Little Yellow Bicycle's "Sweet Summertime" line for this layout... I think their lines really go well together!

Products Used
Echo Park - 12x12 Paper - Splash "Orange / Red Distress Solids"
American Crafts -12x12 Paper - Margarita "Merengue"
Little Yellow Bicycle - Sweet Summertime Chipboard Shapes
Bazzill Basics Pom Pom Ribbon
American Crafts Letter Stickers
Glue Dots Adhesive - Memory Glue Dots Sheets
3L Adhesive - E Z Runner 33"

Thanks for dropping by,
I hope you liked my latest scrapbook page!