ScrapHappy

LOAD

It's not too late to sign up for the Layout A Day challenge! If you have already signed up you should have received your intro info. Any problems? Please email Tami at bcre8uv (at) aol (dot) com.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Fall Goals

Photo by digitalart2

I mentioned the other day that I have a long list of things to do this fall... some are seasonal, some are organizational, some are just things I want to do before winter! You'll notice that food weighs heavily on this list -- for some reason, I always feel more like cooking in the fall, don't you?

So, in the next three months (minus four days) I want to:

• Make hummus (chickpea or white bean)
• Take a daily walk or run outside
• Make pizza dough from scratch using this recipe from Salt and Chocolate
• Finish the Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred (do you like how it takes me 90 days to do the 30 Day Shred? I've done it twice so far!)
• Knit hats for all five us us for Christmas
• Knit house slippers for the kids
• Bake bread once a week
• Make pumpkin bread
• Make lasagna
• Go to Salem
• Go on a leaf walk
• Drive up to Maine to Portsmouth
• Make a nature table
• Have pumpkin pancakes
• Go to a high school football game
• Clean out the girls' clothes
• Have a harvest party
• Go pick apples
• Go pick pumpkins
• Revamp my blog
• Make an apple pie
• Make rice pudding
• Plan dinner for the week each Sunday
• Complete the October LOAD with 31 layouts
• Make applesauce

Ambitious, I know. But in the words of Michelangelo, "Lord, grant that I may always desire more than I can accomplish." I think that is one prayer I will no doubt be granted. ;)

What else is on your list? Do you make lists or do you prefer to play it by ear? Do tell!

For Susan

Susan said she needed a little encouragement to join LOAD.

Here you go (or should I say, HUGH you go! Or Here HUGH go? Or Here you HUGH? Let's just say HUGH).

 
If that doesn't do it, try this:

 

That right there is worth $10!

Want One of These?

 

There's only one way to get it! Sign up for the Layout a Day October challenge!

C'mon. You know you want to.

C'mon. You know HUGH wants you to. :)

How can you say no??

5 Must-Do Things for Fall

What are your five must-do things for fall? I have a LONG list of many other items to celebrate this, my favorite season. Maybe I'll share them tomorrow.

In case you're wondering, I got those super-cute fake Polaroid frames from a kit we're launching today over at Ella. They're not up quite yet, but I'll add the link as soon as they are. Super-easy to use, and super-fun, too!

5 Ways to Scrap Faster

Photo by laffy4K

You all know I'm a dedicated speed scrapper. I don't have hours to spend on a page (I don't have hours to spend on ANYTHING, except maybe the shoe department at Nordstrom). Here's a round up of tips to help you scrap more quickly. Not that speed is everything, but sometimes getting it done is what it's all about:

1. Read this article by Simple Scrapper. It's for digi scrappers, but her points apply equally well to paper-based scapbookers.

2. Don't scrap when you don't feel like it. If you're not feeling the mojo, don't force yourself to produce. If you still feel like getting your hands dirty, just pull out a few of your favorite things and start playing with no particular end in mind. Have FUN with it. Otherwise, it's like trying to make dinner with a can of Alpo and a shaker of five-year-old parmesan cheese. Not worth the effort.

3. Use what you love. When  you're getting dressed, if you love everything in your closet, if everything looks good with everyone else, you can pull an outfit together in a flash. But if you have to weed through racks of Gunne Sax dresses and old Esprit tights, you're going to waste a lot of time. The same is true for your scrapbook supplies. Weed out the stuff you just don't care for, leaving only things that you adore. It'll make scrapping easier and quicker if you like everything you put your hands on.

4. Don't double-guess yourself. Once you make a decision on a particular photo, element, or color, go with it. Don't sit there agonizing over your choices -- just move along! (You can always go back later to change it -- if you have the time -- HAHAH!).

5. Break it into pieces. If you're really pressed for time, set aside 5 minutes for choosing photos, 10 for cardstock, patterned paper and page elements, 10 minutes for arranging, and 5 minutes for adhering. Slip it in a page protector and keep going.

What are your biggest tips for speed scrapping? Do share!

5 Weekend Musings

1. I actually went shopping -- online! -- today! The town we live in is very L.L. Bean-ish (which is not my style at all) so I haven't felt moved to shop lately. Plus, with the whole Dave Ramsey thing, there hasn't been much in the "clothing" envelope! But that's okay. Makes me re-evaluate. I knew I wanted a few fall-ish things, so I ordered a chocolate down vest and an orangey scarf from Lands' End. I wish I could copy the photos, but they've got them right-protected so I can't. You know, it's protection against all those people who want to illegally pirate photos from the Lands' End catalog. ;)

Speaking of shopping, a couple weeks back I attempted to order two pair of shoes from Zappos. I'm not linking them because my experience definitely did NOT live up to their reputation. I had trouble with my order, and I was expecting the famed Zappos customer service to kick in. I informed them of the problem (they mislabeled the size on the site and the shoes did not fit), but I got NOTHING. Nada. Not even an offer to immediately send out the correct pair. In fact, I'm STILL waiting for my refund to be processed -- and I've even called about it. I think it bugs me twice as much when the store has a reputation for excellence. It's like going to Emeril's restaurant and having a bad meal, ya know?

2. Here are photos from the infamous apple-picking debacle. More on that some other day. Suffice it to say, we got asked to leave. Ah, well. It was actually quite hilarious, namely because it was my husband (the calm one) who lost his cool.

It was okay, though, because we found a better place the next day. We picked tons of apples and spent tons of money. (Note: If you're wondering why my 9-year-old is running around in a shirt advertising questionable weight-loss products, it's actually a soccer jersey. It says "Beckham" on the back).  And this day will live on in the family lore.

3. Here's the $200 apple pie:

Pretty expensive, especially considering it doesn't even have a top crust.

4. I have a few Summer Lovin' kits left. I had a few people who pre-ordered but unfortunately weren't able to make the purchase for various reasons. As a result, I've got some inventory on-hand. If you're at all interested, I'll love you forever if you buy one. They make great Christmas (Hanukkah, Easter, Valentine's, Winter Solstice, etc.) presents.

5. My new favorite photo.

Kinsey took it! Cute, hunh? You can't even see my desperate need of botox between my eyebrows. ;)

What are you doing for fall? Next week I'm going to post my five must-do things (for our family) for this season (besides getting kicked out of the U-Pick farm).

5 Random Things

You know I love you, so here are five random gifties for you:

1. I recently got the opportunity from OnetoOne Networks to preview "All Join In," the new family music album from Kenny Loggins. I liked the album so much that I asked for some free downloads to offer my readers (that's you!). So here you go. Go here, take a listen, answer a few questions, and download four songs. The album is a great cross between grown-up and kid music, true "family" music that is appropriate (and entertaining!) to all ages. Callie asked me to put it on as she lay down for her nap several days in a row. That's the best recommendation I can give! NOTE: Apparently the link isn't working. I have emailed OnetoOne to see what the problem is. So sorry about the confusion!!

2. I've started writing for Parenting Squad. If you don't get enough of me here, you can pop over there and see my blog entries. Please comment and rate the article if you do! I've got three entries up now, and plan to write at least weekly. More Lain, more places. :)

3. I got some new shades! My kids are laughing at me. But I still think I look cool. Well, sort of. ;) Anyway, my friend Jacques is bringing this line of sunglasses to the US, and he offered me a free pair. I love 'em. And I also have a freebie for you! Go to www.cerjousa.com, shop around, and enter "ELLA" at checkout for free shipping in the US.

4. I found this awesome recipe for Apple Bread on Salt and Chocolate, my new favorite blog. I've got a loaf underway right now!

<<Apple Bread

Cut up 3 tart apples into little cubes. Stir in a cup of sugar, 1/4 c. oil, and 1/4 c. buttermilk. Let sit for 45 minutes. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside:
1 3/4 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg

To your apple mixture, add:
1/2 c. milk
1 beaten egg

Stir it up, then combine with the dry ingredients. I baked this in a large-ish loaf pan. I started it at 400 but it browned too fast, so adjust accordingly. Keep checking for doneness. It might have taken around 45 minutes, not sure. It's delicious, though, so do try it, especially if, like me, you have apples in your yard.>>

5. Just a little info... Did you know there are weekly giveaways over at Write. Click. Scrapbook? Check them out every Thursday!

Get a LOAD of this!

Wondering about the crazy people who do LOAD?

Check out Barb's experiences here. She accepted the challenge TWICE -- and she lived to tell the tale!

LOAD? Again??

Layout A Day: The Few. The Proud. The Insane.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… we’re offering the ever-popular Layout a Day (LOAD) challenge this October! Yes, that’s only a few weeks away.

Here’s the scoop:

You sign up. You join. You get a daily prompt and inspiration email, and you create a layout a day. Every day. Yes, 31 layouts in 31 days. Yes, EVERY DAY!

Let’s recap:

*Create a layout a day for the entire month of October.

*Upload your creations to our online gallery and group at Flickr. 

*Bask in the admiration of your sister scrapbookers.

*Be eligible to win fabulous prizes!

 

Anyone who participated in a previous LOAD challenge will tell you it is nothing short of life-changing -- in a good way! It's helped blocked scrappers get going again. It's helped bored scrappers find inspiration. And it's even helped a scrapbooker or two lose weight (seriously!). 

 

Here's what you'll get:

-Access to our online gallery and message board at Flickr

 

-Daily inspiration email from me with a prompt (you don't have to use it), quotes, humor, and the occasional juicy tidbit about what's going on in the scrapping world

 

-The opportunity to win the Grand Prize (for creating and uploading a layout each day for the entire month) as well as surPRIZES along the way that I'll dole out as I see fit ;)

 

-Tons of fun, inspiration and laughs!

 

-A cute blinkie to add to your site so everyone knows how awesome you are.

 

-Gratuitous pictures of Hugh Jackman for no good reason other than I think he pretty much rocks.

 

The participation fee is $10 for the month.

 

I know you have questions, so read on...

FAQ #1. Sounds great! How do I sign up? 

Answer: You can Paypal me at lainehmann <at> comcast <dot> net., or contact me for my mailing address. Can't wait to have you join in!

FAQ #2. I'm doing the Project 365 thingy. Does that count as a layout?

Answer: My rules are very loose - if you think it's a layout, I think it's a layout. 

FAQ #3. Are there minimum size requirements for the layouts?
Answer: Let's be reasonable. 6x6, I can go with. Anything smaller... well, let's just say you might want to do TWO to count as one layout. Just my opinion.

FAQ #4. What's with the daily email?
Answer: Last year I received suggestions from several people that they would like a daily challenge. It's an easy thing to add, so I'm doing it!

FAQ #5. What if I don't want to do the daily challenge?
Answer: You don't have to! You can scrapbook about anything you want -- the daily challenge, your dog, your kids, your wedding album, Hugh Jackman, your bunions -- it's entirely up to you!

FAQ #6: What if I miss a day? Can I "catch up?"
Answer: For the purposes of this challenge, we are creating a layout a day. That means there is no "catching up" or "banking." However, for your personal satisfaction, if you want to stay up all night on May 30 and complete the 12 layouts you missed, you have my blessing. But to be eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing, I need to see a layout a day in the Flickr gallery. 
FAQ #7: What about cards, altered items, ATCs, etc.? Do they count as layouts?
Answer: Nope. A layout is a layout. If you want to participate with cards, or some other form of paper art, you are welcome to -- but again, you will not be eligible for the Grand Prize or surPRIZE Drawings. 
FAQ #8: Can I upload layouts I've already created?
Answer: (Seriously, I got this question last year...). Nope. Pages must be created during the month of October.

FAQ #9: What if my washer explodes, we're hit by a hurricane, the power goes out, I get sick, I decide to go to Tahiti, etc.? 
Answer: Then you will have my sympathy, compassion, or envy, depending on your circumstances. But again, to be eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing, you have to upload a page a day for the entire month (have I said that enough yet?).
FAQ #10: I don't have a Flickr account. How do I get one?
Answer: You pop on over to Flickr and sign up! It's free and extremely easy.

FAQ #11: How will you decide who wins the Grand Prize?
Answer: At the end of the month, everyone who has uploaded a page each day during the month will be entered in a drawing. Then I will pick my favorite person. Haha! Just kidding. It will be random. Entirely random. Really, really random.

FAQ #12: I'm in a different time zone. Can I still play?
Answer: I hope you will! The daily challenges may go out a bit late for you, but you can work ahead or backwards on those as you desire. And when I look at daily uploads, I'll be going by 12 midnight California time. So that should cover everyone except you Hawaiians out there. If you're playing and you're in Hawaii, let me know and I'll adjust accordingly. 
FAQ #13: I'm a digi (hybrid, organic, paper, recycled) scrapper. Can I participate?

Answer: Yes! All scrappers (with the exception of Paris Hilton) are welcome! And I may even let her join in if she pays her $. 

FAQ #14: Um, Lain, aren't you like starting a new company? Are you insane?

Answer: Yes, I am! Thank you for reminding me. Haha. Because things might be a tad crazy around here (!!) I've enlisted the help of the very able and extremely fun Tami Morrison to help me with the administration tasks. She or I will respond to your questions and make sure you get the answers you need in a timely manner. And we might even make you laugh.

FAQ #15: I'm a manufacturer, kit club owner, store owner, etc., and I'd like to donate prizes. Would you be open to that?

Answer: Does Hugh Jackman have pecs??? OF COURSE I'd be interested! Email me at lainehmann (at) comcast.net and we'll talk. 

 

(That last pic actually might be George Michael. I'm a little suspicious of the towel-and-golfing thing.)

Are you ready? I'm taking signups starting NOW. See FAQ#1 above for more info on payment.