Some layouts

I'm only doing CT layouts for now. I quit my other 2 CTs and am only on Microferk Designs now. I don't remain on the computer long enough to really get into digi-scrapping these days. I still have to finish 2 of Mehul's scrapbooks this year - First and Third year. Now that there are great options on photobooks available, I should think of finishing at least these two. Shutterfly now has padded cover option which sounds great. I heard about VioVio which does books comparable to shuttefly in quality, only cheaper. The Digi-Scrapping industry is expanding..


Credits:
Miki Ferkul's Kit - Beltane


Credits:
Miki Ferkul's Kit - Spring Linens
Ribbon element - Brouhaha


Credits:
Miki Ferkul's Kit - Brouhaha

Another Scrap

Cherish Love

I don't know this puffy eyed person in the picture below. That's not me. LOL! Glad I'm not working like I was then anymore!



Credits:
Everything is by Miki Ferkul. I have used her Ancient Celt and Penchant kits. Both available at Scrapbook Elements.

Dreaming

Credits:
Miki's Winter Weather Warning kit
Michelle Coleman Graphic Brushes
NRJ Bits of History Brushes

Scrapping again!

I have a great backlog of pictures since last fall. Here we go with the first layout done this year!


Credits:
Miki Ferkul's Ancient Ways Imbolc ~ Available at Scrapbook Elements
Nancy's ATC cards at Scrapartist

I'm alive

Just have had the week from hell. Everything's fine but I'm just tired and cranky. Not sure I want to bore everyone with details but it is work related again.

Few LOs of the Toronto pics I had done earlier..

Top of the World

Credits:
Papers from Meredith Fenwick
Various Elements from Michelle Coleman, Lori Wile, Lie Fhung, Lori Barnhurst

Rainforest Cafe

Everything from Lie Fhung

Soar

Evening at Niagara

Everything from Lie Fhung

Busy weekend

I took 'Work from Home' day today. There are about 6 loads of laundry to be folded. I didn't get time to do it last weekend. I also need to get to the library at some point today as 2 books are overdue. The weekend activities include - house warming party at a neighbor's, a birthday party at ChuckeCheese for one of Mehul's classmates, and Car puja (rites) for the new car. Busy busy. Work is thankfully very light at the moment so I don't feel guilty about staying home..

This morning, I put Mehul in the new 'Cars' underwear. So far we've been in Training pants and now we're trying the next step! So the conversation went something like this -

Me: Mehul, you've got Lightning McQueen on your underwear!
Mehul: Lightning McQueen! Kaa-Chow!!

LOL! He's so cute. We've been doing ok on Potty Training. He's had one accident at the daycare so far and a few at home. Daycare is much better about regular potty breaks. Whenever he has an accident, DH starts talking about putting him back in diapers. Ugh. He IS ready. We have to be ready too. I haven't pushed Mehul in potty training *at all*. Whenever he started resisting sitting on potty, I eased back. But I'm not about to let go of all the progress just because it is easier. Ok. Now I'm ranting.

I got new shoes! At a bargain to boot (no pun intended). This is the first time I've had blue shoes. Or polka dots.



A few LOs I'd done before leaving for vacation.


My beautiful kitty. I miss him still!
Credits:
Lisa Whitney's Little Dudette kit at ScrapArtist.


Credits:
Miki Ferkul's Paraiso at Scrapbook Elements


Credits:
Diamante Designs by Lori Wiley at Scrapbook Bytes (and very soon her own store at loriwileydesigns.com)


Credits:
Ribbons, background from Michelle Coleman. Various kits.
Bronze button from Lori Wiley
Swirl from Lori Wiley - Swish
Clock, string knot over button from Ztampf
Staples from Jenn Patrick at The Digi Shoppe

Off to fold the laundry! Have a great weekend.

Couple of LOs

Splash!

I made this one last night from Miki Ferkul's newest "Freezy Pops" kit yet to be released to Scrapbook Elements. I just love the summery feel of it. Yes, this is the kid pool I was talking about in the last post.


Credits:
Miki Ferkul's newest "Freezy Pops" kit to be released on June 24th at Scrapbook Elements.
Staples from Jenn Patrick available at The Digi Shoppe. I call them "The Best Staples Ever".

Milk Mustache

Who can resist this face??

Credits:
Paper: Lisa Whitney's A Beautiful Mess (I still love this kit) at ScrapArtist.
Cardboard Flip: Linda GB at ScrapArtist
Star: Lisa Whitney
Buttons: In Memory of Miles kit
Flower: Christina Renee Urban Buds freebie on her blog
Stitches: Lisa Whitney Ultimate Stitches II at ScrapArtist.
Photo Frame: In Memory of Miles kit (pretty sure it is)
Swirl: Lori Wiley at Scrapbook Bytes

That's it from me today. I have to get back to work. I have a special LO that I've saved for a separate post, hopefully tomorrow.

Summer is definitely here

This weekend was so relaxing. We did not have anyone over, we didn't go errand-running (except a trip to Walmart - Diaper Emergency!), heck I didn't even clean the way I usually do. Mehul and I went to the library on Saturday but that was a short trip. Mostly, we just stayed inside or played in the backyard.
Saturday - DH helped us setup the Slip-N-Slide in the backyard and then he went to get the car fixed. Mehul and I stayed outside for about 2 hours. I put my chair next to him and continued my reading. He really enjoyed it. After this, trip to the library. I am so impressed by our Library's Collection. So far, there are *very* few books I've wanted to read and haven't found at the Library. There are actually 6 branches and I can request books from other branches too. Their catalog and request system is online as well, it's very convenient.
Sunday - Father's Day. I made DH one of his favorite dishes - Puri Aloo for lunch. I also let him sleep-in in the morning and had breakfast ready when he came down (he usually makes breakfast on weekdays). Later in the day, Mehul and I baked a cake for him! We're actually cutting it today because we all were so stuffed yesterday. We inflated a kiddie pool for Mehul. We actually got a high efficiency pump for it and still it was such a pain to inflate the pool. We're just keeping it inflated indoors (basement is unfinished so no one really goes there). I took pictures! I'll share them soon I promise.

Here's a Summer themed LO. I actually did it a couple of weeks ago but never got around to posting it.


Credits:
Michelle Coleman's Beautiful Journey available at Little Dreamer Designs.

I scrapped I scrapped

Thanks to my Canon Rebel, I have a renewed interest in scrapping now. Love the pictures it takes. All my beach photos were taken with it. It also helps that all my CT designers are coming up with such great products. I scrapped some of them.

Be an Original

Credits:
Everything from Diamate Designs by Lori Wiley. Available at Scrapbook Bytes and Scraptastics
Background: Glamorous Midnight
Edge Overlay: Graph Tears
Swirls: Glamorous Decorative Swirls
Red Flower: Schones Blumen III
Fabric Loops: Tye Dye Knots
Bling Flowers

Just Me

Credits:
Miki Ferkul's Mellow Yellow at Scrapbook Elements.
Big swirl - Diamante Designs Swish at Scrapbook Bytes.

Love Dream Grow

Credits:
Everything from Miki Ferkul's Penchant kit at Scrapbook Elements.

Beach Boy

Credits:
Lisa Whitney's Love Blossoms to be released at ScrapArtist
Lisa Whitney's Ultimate Stitches #2 at ScrapArtist
'B' alpha Lisa Whitney's Graph Paper Stitched Alpha at ScrapArtist
Diamante Designs Swish at Scrapbook Bytes and Scraptastics
Diamante Designs Glamorous Decorative Swirls at Scrapbook Bytes

New Layouts

Hopefully I'll have more time to blog and scrap from Monday. I've been busy at work. Our project is being launched on monday. I started working at 6 this morning and am still fixing up some things. I am relatively new to this project and filling someone else's shoes while he's on vacation. Not fun to say the least. Hopefully things will be better from monday. I have to work a couple of hours tomorrow as well.

On to the good stuff, here are a few LOs I managed to create-

A two pager! Can you imagine how it will look in a photobook!


Credits:

Credits:
Following is by Lori Wiley of Diamante Designs. Available at Scraptastics and SBB.
Background from Essential Classics Vol 2 Set 5
Swish Brushes
Wrap Brushes

Frames by Welli Designs (In memory of Miles kit)
Flower made of flowers by Tiff Brady (In memory of Miles kit)


Credits:
Credits:
Everything except the frames is by Lori Wiley of Diamante Designs. Available at SBB and Scraptastics.

Rainbow of Color kit
Swish Brushes
Schones Blumen III
Tye Dye Knots
Jornaling paper from Grandmas Attic kit

and Quad Frames freebie by Misty Cato.


Credits:
Following is from Lori Wiley at Scraptastics.
Beautiful Day Kit
Swish Brushes
Delicate Brushes

From Lisa Whitney at Scrapartist
White Stitching

Well, have a great weekend!

Second Year Book

Busy at work. No time to play. Hrmphhh.

I got my book from Shutterfly. It looks AWESOME except one glitch. Where the spine meets the front and back covers, there is a 1/4 cm thick white line that shouldn't be there. I think I did my spine correctly, so I'm going to call the today and ask for a reprint.

And I ordered the second book from Shutterfly. They gave me 20 pages free (was a promotion with the first book) This book has a total of 38 pages plus covers. Looks AWESOME! I liked the idea of adding full size pictures besides the LOs. So I added them every other page, in B&W so they go with the LOs nicely. DH likes this one better :) Nothing matches in this book, it's all random LOs from his second year!

Here are the front and back covers -


Click to view the entire book. *link fixed*

Took me around 3 hours last night to arrange/upload everything. Needless to say, I barely watched the 2 hour Grey's Anatomy last night. I don't like the 'Addison goes off to open a practice' idea. I loved the interaction between McDreamy, Meredith and her, and also her encounters with The Nazzi, Izzy, and Alex. Sigh. I hope the pilot fails and she comes back. How horrible of me. *snicker* Hey, this is about the ONLY show I watch these days with any interest.

ScrapArtist

Michelle Coleman is leaving ScrapArtist along with her sister Lori. I know most of you don't know about this store, but this is my first 'home' for digi-scrapping. I posted my first digi-layout online at SA. I bought my first digi- kit from Michelle Coleman - Chelsey's Dream. I *heart* ScrapArtist. I found awesome freebies on ScrapArtist, which made me 'practice' digi before I spent a single dime. I remember downloading one freebie after another when I found them. When I posted my layouts, I got praise on them. Sucky as they were, someone always had something nice to say about them. Made me think maybe I *can* do it.

They are the creme-de-la-creme, Michelle and Nancie, the co-founders. Nancie is staying and apparently has some changes planned for the site. I'm happy for all of them, I'm sure it is for the best, but ScrapArtist won't be the same without MCO. Sigh.

I'll follow them wherever they go, that goes without saying. I think they're going to open a new store, but I don't know for sure. I'll be back at ScrapArtist too, ofcourse. I just joined Lisa Whitney's CT for one, I love all the other designers there.

In other news, the weekend is here. I have some scrapping and gardening planned. If the weather is nice, we'll go to the train park I've been wanting to take Mehul to since winter (which is when they were closed). Might have some friends over Saturday night.

Have a great weekend!

Mehul's Birthday Photobook

So I got an offer from Shutterfly 2 days ago to create an 8x8 inch photo book and get another one free. As some of you might know, I had created Mehul's first birthday album pages already. I had been reading about this photo book concept and really liked the fact that it was cheaper and much more durable because of being in a book format. I was thinking of going with full 12x12 format but that's HUGE for a book. So I had almost decided on getting an 8x8 book made. And then I got this offer. So I took the plunge and resized my pages the last two nights, uploaded them and ordered! Offer expired yesterday at midnight so I had to finish it yesterday. No procrastinating. Now it's done done done.
If you're curious, I've shared the photobook and you can check it out by clicking here.


I deliberately did not use the mirror images of the layouts on facing pages, but kept the similar angles. I like it better this way. I hope it'll look ok in the book as I only had a traditional scrapbook in mind when I did the pages.

I haven't been running faithfully as my hobbies are keeping me very much occupied these days. We had someone dig out some space in the backyard for making a herb garden. It's more like a furrow but whatever. I love it. Yesterday we went and bought a few packs of the gardening soil. Today it's a bit chilly again but by the weekend, we should have the seedlings planted outside. I don't know if there are many squirrels here, guess I'll find out! I'm also reading Nora Roberts Garden Trilogy at the moment, so it all flows together ;)

I also joined another CT - Lisa Whitney. Here's a link to her store at ScrapArtist! Woohhoo! I LOVE her designs and buy them all the time. So cool.

Books Books and some more

I've been reading like I have to give an exam next week. In the past 2 weeks (?) I have finished reading 5 books! I used to be an avid reader back home but haven't done very much since I landed in the US. Other things always took priority somehow. Now that I've visited my local Library I'm bringing dozens of books home! And DH and Mehul are totally addicted as well, though sadly, DH is still into comic books *snicker* Asterix

I'm still trying to find what genre I like best so I've read a couple of different types.

Juvenile Fiction
Far Traveler by Rebecca Tingle
Circle of Magic - Sandry's Book by Tamora Pierce
The Hobbit (Reread)

Suspense/Thriller
Warning Signs * by Stephen White

Romance
Night Shield by Nora Roberts

* - The timing of my reading this book kinda spooked/disturbed me a little. The VA-Tech shootings happened a day or two after my finishing this book. The story revolves around a Psychologist's patient trying to identify 'warning signs' in her son for avoiding another Columbine. The Psychologist himself struggles with the doctor-patient privilege and figuring out how to avoid a potential disaster. Really well written.

A few upcoming reads in my queue - Critical Conditions / Stephen White, Natural born charmer / Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Sacred Sins / Nora Roberts

I also got Photoshop CS2 for Dummies and tried a technique in the LO below. I learned how to selectively colorize B&W photos (or any photo, really). Check it out! Scrapped it last night.


Credits:
Everything from ScrapArtist

BTW, if any digiscrapper is reading this, Meredith Fenwick is having a cute little contest to dress up a DoodleBird. I had so much fun with this LO last night.

Credits:
Everything by Meredith Fenwick.

Boys and Flowers

A question came up on the digi-scrapping board I visit regarding Boys and floral layouts. The poster inevitably uses flowers, ribbons, etc. in her LOs of her son, and was wondering if this was weird. Most people responded that they use them too, without thinking. I do the same. In fact, I looked in my own gallery and found that most of my LOs (featuring him) have atleast one flower, or a floral paper in them. I don't do it intentionally, ofcourse. And I found that there isn't a single typical boy layout featuring cars, trains or airplanes. Maybe he'll be mad at me when he'd look back at the books (the books that I will one day print for him. That not really the point :p)

So, here I bring you a watermelon pink, flowery and glittery LO featuring my only son. Maybe it's more of my personality that shows through in what I do, rather than his. Points to ponder..

Out of Stock

I asked DH if he got the message in the LO, he said he didn't get it.
So, the message is: There is one of a kind boy, named Mehul. And he's Out of Stock now that we have him! LOL! Corney I know!


Credits:
From Meredith Fenwick
Background, Frame on big photo, Glitter paint, Star border
From Diamante Designs
Flowers on photo, Scribble Swirls, Heart, Embroidered Paisley corner, Fabric Bows
From Michelle Coleman
Buttons, Chipboard squares, metal round
From Microferk Designs
Out of Stock and Certified Labels

Another boring Weekend Recap

So, we started the REAL potty training this weekend. That means the diaper is OFF. I have mentioned before that we're taking it slow with Mehul as we don't want to pressure him. Another good reason is that we don't own a Steam Cleaner and we have lots of carpet ;) We started training him because, well, we don't have much to do rightnow! LOL! It's true. No home improvements, nothing exciting, really. Plus, I want some good stories for scrapping and blogging. LOL!

M is usually very good about telling us when he has to use the potty for poop (sorry if it's TMI). He doesn't tell us about the waterworks, but that's because he always has diaper or pull-ups on. For the non-US residents, pull ups are really just like diapers but are easier to pull up. They function like diapers and can hold really well. They're supposed to train the kids and give a wet feeling. Except that it doesn't really work that way and parents start treating it just like a diaper.

So, no diaper this weekend. We didn't have to go anywhere (except M went for a haircut and came back almost bald, thanks to DH). Saturday morning, I asked M if he needed to use the potty. Nope. I put his pajama on and let him run around. He was sitting in DH's lap in the recliner and watching the trucks outside the window - our daily ritual. And then I heard this.

DH : "Mehul, you did P-P?"
Mehul: "No. Pajama did P-P!"

Yeah. The weekend was pretty much like this. I managed to do a lot of stitching and movie watching. Casino Royal was really good. Legally Blond 2 was ok. I loved The Holiday. There was another one on Jeepers Creepers marathon that I don't remember!

Us

Credits:
Everything from Ztampf.
Palais Royal kit, Belaced Accent Pack, Silky Blooms Accent Pack, Atristrokes - The Gift Of Life

Embrace

Credits:
Background: Lisa Whitney Artsy Fartsy Sampler given on ScrapArtist Blog
Lace: Scrapartist Simple Pleasures kit
Tag: Miki Ferkul
Grid Overlay: Designer Digitals Katie Pertiet
Photo Frame: Designer Digitals Katie Pertiet
Swirly Overlay: Scrapartist Simple Pleasures kit
Wordart: Scrapartist Simple Pleasures kit

More sickness..

Can we please just fast forward to April? I'm tired of being sick and taking care of sick ones. Thankfully, the 2 guys are now on a mend, but I'm still not. In fact, I had to go home early yesterday because the sinus pain was unbearable. And I didn't have any medicine at hand. The right side of my head, sinus cavity and teeth was hurting. Today it's a little better. DH gave me night-time sinus medicine around 4, and I slept until 8. He woke me up for dinner and I watched American Idol. These night time medicines make me loopy. I don't like them.

Anyhow, I have to say Fiona's comment made me laugh. I'm telling you, the day this boy turns 17 (or heck 16), I'm going to keep a stick handy. To ward off all the girls. LOL! When he was younger and had a lot of hair, people used to think he was a girl. I was tired of correcting everyone. But one day I realized it's better than the other way round. My friend M has a GIRL whom people confuse for a boy. That's got to suck more! LOL!

There was no stitching over last weekend. I'm still wanting to pick up the Angel of Love. Hopefully, I'll feel better enough to stitch soon.

Meanwhile, layout time! This is my third LO for Ztampf CT.


It was my first day long fast of 'Teej' after my wedding. No food until moon-rise, only water is allowed. Wouldn't you know, the moon didn't make it's appearance until 11PM that night..

Credits:
--------
See how the Lace matches my Sari Border! LOL!
Ztampf Evening Falls kit. This kit is perfect for so many pictures, it's amazing!

Font: Vladimir Script

Cupid!

Fresh out of Photoshop. Introducing - Cupid.


Credits:
Miki Ferkul's New kit Ancient Celt coming out this Sunday at Scrapbook Elements
Hearts - Miki's Hearts Afire
Wings - Paper Moon March Madness

Nothing like a Challenge

There is nothing like a challenge to get my butt kicking. I did 5 miles this morning. Yeah! My longest run/walk ever! Don't ask how long it took. It's not pretty, I'm working on it. :)

I do know that M is in his THIRD year, not Second. Corrected below. Reminds me of the time when we went to get Life Insurance for both of us, the agent mentioned me being in my 31st year of life and I was caught off-guard. I had just turned 30 a month ago! I am NOT in my 31st year. LOL! Ok, I am. Yeah, it's one of their tactics to get people feel awful about how old they really are by bumping it up one year.

I made soup and salad for lunch today. There was some lemon-grass stock I had made earlier in the freezer. Quick recipe - Heat oil. Add ginger and garlic. Add thinly chopped carrots and mushrooms. Add stock and greens (I used raddish greens). Then I added thin wheat noodles. Turn the gas off when the noodles are done. Add salt and lots of lemon juice. It's helping our colds. And the ginger tea is helping too.

Agra

This is one of the photos my sister sent me a few months ago. I found the perfect papers to scrap it.


Credits:
From Debra Tope at Oscraps
Frame, Background, Ribbon, Metal brad and Circular ring: Noni kit
Twisty Tie: Nettie
Frames: Thrift Shoppe Frames

Journaling Paper: Miki Ferkul's Magi kit at Scrapbook Elements.

Ha!

The queen of 'I Have Excellent Immunity And I Don't Get Sick' is officially sick. Boo. I hate being sick. My brain is in a fog. Nose is stuffed up and I'm sneezing every 5 seconds. I have had an insane amount of caffeine in the last couple of days to try to focus for work. It's not helping at all, and now I have acidity as a result. Guess I'll have to resort to a cold medicine tonight. I don't take medicine unless it's bad. My cold generally clears up in 7 days by itself so I don't feel the need to treat the symptoms.

DH, on the other hand, has been diagnosed with Sinus issues. He saw the doctor today and is taking an antibiotic, along with Sinus OTC medication :(

In other news, my scrapping mojo is back! It had gone into hiding for the last week but now it's back! I did 2 layouts last night. I have been itching to start stitching again too. Maybe it'll happen this weekend.

See the number on the right? It's 40 miles. Sigh. I really don't think I can make it. This entire week has sucked running-wise too. I'd have to do 10 four mile runs in the next 28 days. It's going to be really tough.

Anyhow, here is my second layout for Ztampf! Another one of Mehul's sillyness ;) This will go in his third year (not, second, third. Sheesh!) album, which is going to be so much fun. It's a fun age.

Silly Boy

Credits:
Ztampf Structure kit and Evening Falls Elements.

Guest CT!

[First off, thanks for the well wishes for the guys. They're both doing much better.]

I am on Lie Fhung's Guest CT this month. What this means is that I get to promote her by creating layouts with her stuff for this month! I just adore her stuff. She is on my 'Top Four Designers to Work For' list (because I couldn't limit myself to 3 and couldn't come up with a 5th). You want to know my list?? ScrapArtist, Ztampf (Lie Fhung), Designer Digitals, and Meredith Fenwick! Yes, I'm ambitious. LOL!

I created this LO for Ztampf! My first on this CT, telling everyone All About Me.

Credits:
Everything from Ztampf.
Background: Branchessa Paper Pack
Frame: Evening Falls kit

Font: Scriptina and Retro Rock Poster (I can't stop using this font. LOL!)