My Life And Scrap

A New Layout

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:21:00 +0000

I promised you'd get something to look at today and here it is. I made this page yesterday for the Gourmet Scrapping Challenge at My Life and Scrap. If you like free stuff, you'll want to take a look at our challenges. Play along and earn points redeemable at our store.

Thankful
featuring designs by Dream Big Designs & Rebecca_PSP
full credits can be seen HERE

Also wanted to mention that we've made a little upgrade to our shop. If you spend $10 you'll automatically get the free monthly collab. This month's free collab is Road Trip.

Okay folks, the time has come for me to depart. I must get ready for work. Hope everyone has a really great Monday (and hope to see you over at the Gourmet Scrapping Challenge).

All before noon...

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Hit the gym this morning. Got in a good workout. We don't have to spend a lot of time there before we're both exhausted... and we usually take a couple days off in between to recover. The joys of being out of shape. In the process of this workout I managed to pinch my finger in the weights (it looks like it has a small balloon under the skin- I'm sure that will turn into a nice bruise), got hit in the teeth with a basketball and for the first time I can ever remember I was totally embarassed in front of my husband because I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I got hit with the ball. Looking back it was pretty funny. But it was one of those cases of being like a little kid- they're fine until some one laughs at them and then they start crying. I felt like I was TWO!!!

Got a new designer set up in the store over at My Life and Scrap, but you'll have to wait to see who it is. We held a designer call last week and had some really amazing talent apply. It was SO hard to narrow it down, but we finally did. We sent out offers on Sunday to the chosen ones and we're stammering through the process. It takes a while to get a new designer in "the system" but it's fun, and SO exciting to watch their stores bud and grow.

I got to the post office to mail out a batch of ATC's that were due to be mailed 2 weeks ago. Glad to have that done. Now I can move on to the next commitment. Sometimes I wonder how or why I get myself into these things... but it's SO worth it when I get all of those beautiful cards back.

Now I'm at work and it's moments away from time to clock in, so I suupse I should wrap this up and go finish up the rest of the day.

And it's DONE!

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:25:00 +0000

I've gotta tell ya, that Auntie of mine works miracles. She's already got my blog all done for me. If you like how it looks you can get your own set in her store at My Life and Scrap (and they're super cheap!!) The one I'm sporting isn't quite in the shop yet, but it will be sooooon!! I'll be getting the final details of this all done tomorrow : ) I'm just SO excited that it looks so pretty.

Oh!!! And ONE other teensy thing. Yesterday was my 2 year anniversary of this blog! I can't believe I've been writing in this blog for 2 years. CRAZY!

Messy!!

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:45:00 +0000

My poor blog is a mess right now. I'm trying to make it real pretty for you all, but it's just not happening. Auntie's going to look at it tomorrow and try to fix it all up.

Got some bad news today. My brother, Charles, is in the hospital, not doing well. If you have any positive energy to send his way it would be appreciated. He's a truck driver, so the incident happened away from home. His wife is en route tonight to go be with him.

We didn't make it to the gym tonight. We're both sore from yesterday's workout. But we've done really good with our food intake today and yesterday too. It's a lifestyle change... we can't expect it to happen over night.

I didn't get my layouts uploaded tonight. It's been a busy day. I'll work on them and have them ready for next Monday.

Oh... I did sign up for a creative lettering class. I'm pretty excited about that. I'll be posting some of my work here for you to see. It will be fun to see how it comes along. I thought it would be a fun class to take with my growing interest in art journaling.

Anyway, that's a wrap. I'll be up a little longer then it's bed time and back to work again tomorrow.

Sunday, Sunday

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Wow, another week has vanished into thin air. I don't know where the time goes.

This past week has been a stressful one. Work wore me out. On more than one occasion this past week I thought I was going to fall asleep sitting up. It was really nice to sleep in this morning. Turns out I didn't even sleep that late. But it was nice to not have that pressure of knowing I had to get up at a certain time.

Lastnight Leonard and I went to Red Robin for a really late dinner. Must have been sometime after 11pm when we got home. I LOVE Red Robin fries. MMMmmm. But I think that's all coming to an end. We had a long discussion about eating out and eating the wrong foods and we're ready to get serious. I've already lost 1 brother to diabetes and now I have another brother who's rapidly going down hill. I don't want to be the next one. I know that I've said over and over that I'm ready to get serious... but at least I keep re-committing, which is better than just giving up and not doing it at all. Leonard says that from now on it's protein drinks and salads for meals and all the friuts and veggies we want for snacks. Anything that comes in a package is a no-no.

I haven't had any time to scrap (or blog) lately. But I do have several layouts to show you that I did quite some time ago and never got around to posting here. I'll have to save that for tomorrow though. For now... it's time to get moving.

Happy Veterans Day

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:19:00 +0000

Hope you all had a nice Veterans Day.
Thank you to all the men, women and animals who have served (and do serve) our country every day.

Nose to the Grind Stone- And a freebie

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:35:00 +0000

All good things must come to an end and today is that day for me. I've enjoyed 4 wonderful days at home with my super wonderful hubby for our anniversary. We did everything and nothing, but most importantly we just enjoyed each others company. It's been 9 years since the day we stood together said "I Do". My how the time flies. In so many ways it seems like it was just yesterday and in other ways it feels like a lifetime ago. Whatever the case, I just know that I'm still happy and still loved.

Today it's back to work. I'm okay with that though. I enjoy my work (most days).

Things over at My Life and Scrap are REALLY hopping. There are all sorts of new challenges and some contests are going, new items are going up in the shop every day and people have posted some really stunning layouts there. In just a few short months it will be the 1 year anniversary of My Life and Scrap! Linda and I have put a lot of hard work into it and it's all been SO worth it. We've both met lots of great people and learned so many new things. What a ride it has been (and we're not getting off any time soon LOL).

Being in a kid free home Halloween tends to be pretty low key around here. But I'll bet that lots of other people have really had an eventful Halloween. I'd love to hear about it. Even better, I'd LOVE to see some of the cute costumes your kids wore. If you leave me a comment and link me to a picture of your kid's costume and which kit you'd like (Scary or Sweet) I'll pick a winner for each. Take a look and tell me which you like.

Okay, now I must go get ready for work. Hope you all have a really great week.

Introduction to Masks

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:05:00 +0000

Today I'm hosting a Speed Scrap at My Life and Scrap and thought I'd do a little introduction to Photo Masks. I've been having a lot of fun making them and JUST realized there are all sorts of people out there who don't know how to use them.

To start, you can grab my set of free samples at the shop. Just click on the image to be taken there.

Open the mask in PhotoShop
Place your photo on top of the mask
Press CTRL + ALT + G
Grab your photo and move it around until you're happy with the position
Press CTRL + E to merge the two together
And you're DONE!!

Here's my latest layout using a photo mask:

Busy, Busy, Busy

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:47:00 +0000

Gosh it feels good to get things done. I've had lots piling up and it sort of stresses me when that happens. Today I was up early before work and just got busy and started crossing things off my list. It's good to get things done WOW! What a relief. The list isn't done but some of the things I've been putting off for one reason or another are now crossed off! I even finished the My Life and Scrap Newsletter. I think I do my best creative work under pressure, so the newsletter is usually not done until late Wednesday night, just in time to be mailed out on Thursday morning, but today I just had the go-juice to get it done. And it feels kind of good. Now what will I do with my Wednesday evening?

35

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:34:00 +0000

I couldn't let the day go by without recognizing that today is a special day. This would have been my parents' 35th wedding anniversary. They were the perfect pair and every day I strive to be just like them- Happy and in love.

Happy Birthday

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Today it's my mom's birthday and I can't express how happy I am that I get to spend part of it with her. There were several years that we lived on opposite sides of the country and a phone call had to suffice. Granted, hearing her voice and wishing her a happy birthday over the phone was far better than nothing at all, but being 5 minutes away is MUCH better.

Mom, I hope you have a very happy birthday and I'm really looking forward to a wonderful dinner and spending some time with you today. I'm so fortunate to have you close and I hope you know that I enjoy our time together, whether we're out on a new adventure or at home on the phone. I love you mom!

WHO am I?

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Lately, I'm not sure. I don't even recognize me after the past 2 days.

Lastnight I went to pick up my computer from the ~~wonderful~~ folks at BestBuy. Come to find out, they've installed a new hard drive but no operating system. SERIOUSLY??? So that means I have a nice shiny computer that (still) doesn't work. Shockingly, I didn't bother yelling and screaming at the Geek on duty and I didn't ask for a supervisor. I took many deep breaths, looked away and tried to refocus that energy that was building up inside me. I took my poor pathetic computer and left.

This morning I called my ~~friendly~~ Gateway customer service center to speak with them about getting a set of recovery disks that the Geek at BestBuy said I should be able to get for free since I've only had my computer for 10 months. I was quickly told that I would NOT get those disks free of charge, in fact I'd have to pay for them AND the shipping charges. So rather than yelling and screaming and asking for a supervisor I said I would buy the disks (my super sweet hubby was standing above me reminding me that "it's not worth having a heart attack over"). Just as I was about to give them my information Hubby asked for the phone. To my surprise, he spent 20 minutes on the phone giving them hell... in the end I gave them my credit card number and agreed to their charge of $27 (including shipping- but delivered right to my door step in 7-10 days!) what a deal! NOT!!! I'm not happy... but such is life.

So there ya have it, that's the update on the last couple days for me. I feel like I'm walking an emotional tight rope over this, how have I let something like this get to me so much?

Clear Creek Celebration

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 06:37:00 +0000

Today mom and I stopped by the Clear Creek Celebration for a salmon feed. When we arrived there was Native American drumming and dancing going on so we sat and watched for a while. Having some Native American background it brought a chill to my spine to learn some of their traditions. After the entertainment we enjoyed a salmon dinner then a walk through the Interpretive Center on the trail. We met the granddaughter of the family who donated the barn to the city and enjoyed looking at some of the antiques that have been collected there over the years. It was a really nice time.

After the celebration it was off to Costco for a pizza for Leonard (who's not much of a salmon person). I waited in the food court while the pizza was baking and while I was there another shopper approached the older couple seated next to me. The other shopper said that she recognized the insignia on his hat and that her son is in the same unit in the military. He said that he served many years ago, in the Korean War. They chatted a bit and she thanked him for serving then she was on her way. Many times a week I realize just how proud I am to be an American. Around every corner there is patriotism and pride in our wonderful country and this too brings a chill to my spine.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and that you're as proud to be from where ever you are from as I am proud to be where I am from.

Party!!

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Yesterday was my hubby's birthday! And actually there was no party, it was pretty low key. He isn't really into birthdays. As a kid he never had parties and no one ever really made a big deal of his birthday so that's what he's used to. Because of how he was treated as a kid is exactly why I always want to make a big deal of them. It's funny how so many things in life have a certain balance, in this case it's a matter of letting him know his birthday is being acknowledged and celebrated without going overboard.
Anyway, mom took us out to a nice Mexican dinner. They both enjoyed strawberry margaritas, it was fun watching mom try to drink from that HUGE glass. She'd never had a margarita before!! Ahhh... my mom and her second childhood. After dinner we went to the grocery store and picked up some things mom needed and we also picked up a little cake for Leonard. It was a really good time.
Leonard actually let mom take some pictures of him (which I hope to have to scrap with for the MLAS festivities this weekend).
OH!! Speaking of MLAS festivities... I thought I'd share a little of what's going on. We're having a PARTY!! Be sure to keep an eye on the Site News section of the store for more details. Until then... here's a little teaser of what's to come:

Gettin' in the Groove

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:21:00 +0000

We've tested, we've played, we've poked around and it seems My Life and Scrap is fully functional. There were a few little bumps in the beginning but they're all cleared up now. Be sure to check in through out the week, especially at the end of the week, we have some surprises coming up for you. Don't worry, I'll be sure to post them here on my blog as well : ) Definitely don't want anyone to miss anything.

Next week we'll be introducing some new designers to you as well, so be ready for that. You can bet there will be some good sales to go with those intros along with some other surprises.

One other thing, our challenges are in FULL swing over in the forums. Since our service was interrupted right in the middle of the first week of challenges we've decided to extend them for the whole month- meaning you have until the end of the month to post your challenges and earn points from the first half of the month. There are also new challenges going for the second half of the month as well. Be sure to take advantage of these, it's a great way to earn free stuff at My Life and Scrap.

Hope you're all having a wonderful Monday. Next week I'll get back to posting my Scrapbook Pages, I've got quite a few to show you. That downtime proved to be a good time to scrap.

Movie Review: 17 Again

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Super fun movie about a guy who gets to be 17 again. His wish is granted, to go back and re-live his "best" years only to find out if he'll make the same choices he has already made. Leonard and I both really enjoyed this movie. 2 thumbs up.

We're Baaaack!!!

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:04:00 +0000

I'm just thrilled to pieces! My Life and Scrap is back up. After suffering long withdrawals I'm just chomping at the bit to get back in there and catch up on things. BUT I wanted to pop in here and let everyone know. So... YAYYYYY!!!! Come by and visit. And be sure to check in often, we've got some incredible surprises coming up.

Still Waiting

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Nothing new to report regarding My Life and Scrap, sorry : ( Fingers crossed we'll at least get some sort of update this afternoon. Thanks for checking in.

It's always something

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Yesterday after work I cam home to find that my hard drive on my computer took a dive. Dead as a door nail. His new name- Dead Fred. I took Fred to BestBuy where I bought him less than 10 months ago and had a Geek take a look at him. Said Geek confirmed Fred's death and sent him off to California to be revived. Fred will be getting spa treatment from the nice folks in California for the next 2 weeks and when he comes back he'll be good as new and ready to return to work. Until his return I'll be using his ~~much~~ older sister- Still kickin' Stella who is a laptop version. I'll still update as I can, but Stella is one hot mama and and when she gets too tired she goes down for a nap. SO... I'm pretty much out of commission for the next 2 weeks. Please be sure to see Linda's blog for details about My Life and Scrap and when we'll be back online.

My Life and Scrap Update

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Just a little update on the site. Things are moving but very slowly. We do not have an updated down time yet as we've hit a very minor road bump but Linda is working fervently to get this resolved.

Thank you all for sticking with us.

My Life and Scrap- Down Time

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Hello Ladies,

Just wanted to let you all know that the site went down today, sometime between noon and 12:30 Pacific time due to... You guessed it- we finally burst at the seems LOL. We've grown so much that we outgrew our old server and we're being transferred to our own dedicated server. This is a VERY good thing. We'll also have a Private SSL Certificate which will further secure our shoppers' information when they make a purchase.

We're really excited about the transfer, we're just sorry that it happened unexpectedly and we couldn't give anyone any warning. SO... If you could, we'd really appreciate if you'd spread the word in any way that you can -- your blogs, FB account, twitter accounts or post at DST or any place you can think of. We're anticipating 48 hours of down time, but these things are time consuming and it's possible it could take longer, so please be patient. We're REALLY sorry for the inconvenience and we appreciate you're understanding while we continue to grow.

Thank you all for making My Life and Scrap such a wonderful place.

Monday's Layouts

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:38:00 +0000

Where have the past 2 weeks gone? In fact... where has August gone? I just cannot believe that tomorrow is the 1st of September *sigh*

There hasn't been much time for scrapping this week. In fact the first 2 layouts I'm going to show you were completed a week or more ago and I just finally found the time to upload them.

Bad to the Bone

full credits can be seen HERE

Dream

full credits can be seen HERE

Point No Point
featuring
All Inspired by Kate Designs
full credits can be seen HERE

Okay... that's it. Now I'm off to bed. Better late than never, right?

Muttballs

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:03:00 +0000

I thought I'd do a fun little post today about a super yummy treat that I found while scouring the net.
One of the blogs I like to look at for inspiration is called "Last Door... Down the Hall". She always has something fun posted, but I never expected to come across Muttballs! They're so quick and easy to make and so healthy, I couldn't resist whipping up a batch. And my dogs will confirm: They're delish!

Try them yourself, I'll bet your dogs will agree with mine.

Muttballs
1 pound ground or minced raw chicken
5 ounces of dried bread crumbs or crushed crackers
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 egg

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a greased baking pan.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven. Cool. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
These can also be frozen for up to six weeks.

Grand Opening: Designs by Sassy

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:52:00 +0000

This week we're celebrating the
Grand Opening of
Designs by Sassy
at My Life and Scrap.
Most of you probably already know Sassy
for her incredible CU Grab Bags
and her other beautiful designs.
Well, you can NOW get them at
My Life and Scrap
and at a
30% discount this week only
(excludes grab bags, of course).

Here are a few of my favorites:

August CU Grab Bag
(of course)

Dark Dream

A Day to Remember

Monday's Layouts

cfalbro@gmail.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:00:00 +0000

It's been a little crazy this past week so I didn't get to do much scrapping. Even though it was crazy it felt productive. I kinda like it when I have days like that. So... here's what I was able to get scrapped this past week:

Precious
full credits can be seen HERE

Got It
featuring
A Dog's Life by RebeccaPSP
full credits can be seen HERE