Five Things

5 Stops on my Search for the World's Best Vacuum

We needed a new vacuum - not earth-shattering, surely. But all the same, it was an investment. As we'd had our previous Hoover since we got married in 1995, I figured shelling out a couple of hundred bucks for a new picker-upper was justified. We've just moved into a new house, and I want to keep it looking good.

So the search began. In the old days, a mom might take the question of the World's Best Vacuum to her neighbor over the backyard fence. But seeing as A. It's the middle of January and backyard chats are few and far between and B. I don't know my backyard neighbors yet, I took my query to the 21st century equivalent of the coffee klatch: Twitter and Facebook. (As much as I've claimed to dislike Twitter, I must admit it's perfect for situations like this -- wide reach with no real emotional interaction).

In a matter of minutes, I had a a few dozen more responses, including ones from a Dyson dealer. Here were the frontrunners:

 1. The Dyson Animal. This one came highly favored by those with (wait for it!) animals. It's known for sucking up the hair and dander that comes with four-legged friends. Susan summarized the love of the Dyson Animal with, "Three dogs that shed all year long haven't killed it yet!" But I can't justify the $599 pricetag if I don't even have shedding animals.

  

2. The Yellow Dyson. This Dyson was about $200 cheaper than The Animal, but still was highly recommended. I was tempted... but the $300+ hit to my wallet still gave me heart palpitations (not the good kind!).

 

3. The Eureka Big Boss. Several people recommended the Big Boss from Eureka... but I couldn't find it anywhere! The picture above is the Eureka Boss Capture Upright... not nearly the same, but maybe the Big Boss isn't made anymore? This one is green (a plus!) but refurbished (ick) at less than $100 (hurrah, but not worth the risk).

 

4. Dyson DC24 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner . Virtually everyone who has a Dyson loves it. There were a few comments about some people having trouble, but most people were happy with their purchase. I looked at the new "ball" technology while I was at the store, but I just couldn't get into it. Plus the ball gets all ratty-looking, and I have to ask if it's just a gimmick or is it really necessary? For $400, I wasn't going to be the guinea pig!

5. Shark Navigator Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner. I love the bagless, and I love the uprights (I also considered canisters, but after trying them out at the store, I couldn't get into them). Kim told me on Twitter that the Shark is built on the same technology as the Dyson, but at a fraction of the price ($188 on Amazon, $199 at Bed, Bath & Beyond -- minus a 20% coupon).

So I came home from Bed, Bath & Beyond with my new Shark Navigator. I put it together in a matter of minutes, and was soon whizzing it all through the house, sucking up errant pine needles and dust bunnies. As I posted on Twitter, I vacuumed my living room rug and... EWWW! What is all that crud? Despite the goop I'm picking up, vacuuming my stairs has to be the most fun I've had in weeks! (Yes, I live a very sheltered life...)

In sum, the Navigator is light, compact, sturdy, easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and efficient. And if I have trouble with it, the Shark headquarters are only about 5 miles away. I figure I can dump it on their doorstep and make them fix it for me. :)

Tell me - what kind of vacuum do you have? Love or hate? 

  

5 Reasons 2010 Will Be Different

 

I've been thinking long and hard about the new year, new beginnings, and what I want from 2010. If you've followed me for any length of time, you probably figure I've got a list of resolutions a mile (or 5!) long. And you'd be right -- at least to start out with.

But as I made mental note after mental note of the things I wanted to change/become/do/create/have/give/reveal in 2010, I put the brakes on. After 40 years, I know myself, and I know I tend to, ahem, OVERDO it when it comes to taking on more than I can chew. So I decided to boil 2010's resolutions down to a simple FIVE THINGS I aspire for in the next 12 months.

In crafting these resolutions, I set some ground rules:

• I would select five (and only five) "major goals" for 2010 that covered a good range (not all health-related, for instance, or shoe-amassing-related).
• They would be goals I felt in my core -- not ones I selected for someone else, but for ME. Ones that made my heart cry "YES!" when I thought of them. (That allowed me to cross "Do a triathlon" off the list. It's worthy but it's not MY goal (thank goodness).
• I would pick items that could truly change my life (in small ways or in large ways) if I were to successfully undertake them for the next year.
• They would be in my control. (In other words, "Sell my mystery novel" wouldn't work because it implies someone is buying, and past efforts show that no one wants to buy my mystery novel.)
• They would be progress-oriented. (I didn't want goals that were all-or-nothing, but rather ones that would allow me to feel some level of success even if I didn't do them every day, or every week.)

So after pondering that list, and looking at my possible goals in light of my "One Little Word" for 2010 (Light), here's what I came up with:

1. Bible Study. I will join a women's Bible study fellowship. (Spirit)
2. Books. I will get rid of 50% of the books I own. (Material possessions)
3. Yoga. I will start doing a regular yoga practice - either in class or on my own. (Health)
4. Budget. I will track all expenditures according to the family's budget. (Financial)
5. Mom/Son Book Club. I will read a book a month from the list that Ben has created for me, and we'll spend time talking about the books. (Family)

Of course, there are a ton more I could add -- but these are the most important things to me this year, the goals I know in my gut I need NOW.

I'll be updating you on my progress on the first of each month. And these year-long goals won't take the place of my regular monthly goals (there may be some overlap, but I see the monthly goals as more tactical than strategic, if you know what I mean).

Note on finding myself: One thing I really strive for in my writing, goal-setting, and life is AUTHENTICITY... that resonance between the inner and outer world. It can be tough to figure out who I am, what I think, and then be brave enough to share that with the world! If you're working on those areas, too, I suggest you pop over to Jennifer Louden's blog and read her current series of blog posts on authenticity -- what it is and how to live a life full of it.

Jennifer is one of my dearest friends, my personal coach, and one of the wisest souls I've ever encounterd. Plus she's really fun! Jennifer runs a series of retreats throughout the year, including a virtual retreat coming up in a few weeks. I'll tell you more about that soon!

Want to play? What are your goals/resolutions/intentions for 2010?

Purging, Part II

As I moved my boxes and boxes (and boxes!) of scrap supplies into our new house, I had the same thought over and over:

WHERE DID ALL THIS STUFF COME FROM?

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how I had amassed so much STUFF. After all, I used relatively little of it (and virtually NONE of it during the past 6 months as we got settled in Lexington and I scrapped pretty much exclusively digitally).

So what could be in those boxes? I could likely just toss the whole kit and caboodle, right?

Wrong.

The boxes definitely weren't loaded with "junk." It was, for the most part, good, usable supplies. Tools I thought I HAD to have, altered items I'd get around to altering "someday," and plenty of good, ole' fashioned stamps, papers, ribbons, buttons, eyelets, blah blah blah.

I decided I would cut what I had at least in half, and so I began the process of sorting. Here are five more tips I learned the hard way:

 

1. Have a plan. It's very difficult for me to get rid of brand new stuff that's never been touched, or to toss perfectly fine supplies and tools. So I had to know what I was doing with my discards before I could mentally and emotionally separate from the items. I created five (of course!) piles:

• TRASH. Stuff that's obviously unsalvageable, or not worth the effort (scraps of paper, stray paper clips, altered items like a handful of playing cards no one else would be able to use).
• DONATE to GOODWILL. This was where non-scrapping/art supplies got stored. This pile includes boxes, ballpoint pens, random usable items not scrap-related.
• DONATE to a SCHOOL. I'm hoping to get a few big boxes of supplies together for a school, shelter, or other program. This pile includes partially used supplies (half sheets of stickers, partially used spool of ribbon, used stamps, etc.)
• SAVE for GIVEAWAYS. This box is full of goodies I can give away on my blog or during the Layout a Day (LOAD) challenge.
• SELL. I created "kits" as I was sorting, by manufacturer, that I am going to sell on my blog in the upcoming week. (Want to buy? I've got American Crafts, Sweetwater/Kaiser, Little Yellow Bicycle, Making Memories, Cosmo Cricket, cardstock box, rub-on box, KI Memories...)

Having a plan worked for me because it forced me to go through the process of deciding whether I should keep something, when it could be sold, donated, or tossed. THIS REALLY, REALLY HELPED ME PURGE! I know some organizers recommend just getting the stuff out of your space, but I needed the plan to help me make that separation. I want to know my goodies will be going to a good home!

 

2. It's true - you only use about 20% of your stuff. Experts say you only wear 20% of your clothes, use 20% of your possessions, and (by extension!) use 20% of your scrapbooking supplies. Why not whittle it down to the 20% you love? I was amazed at how much stuff I had that I had never touched. (Sidenote: Somehow, the 80/20 rule does not work for me with food. I wish I could say I only ate 20% of what was on my plate... but alas, I cannot lie!)

 

3. Just keep swimming. With the amount of stuff I have to sort through (not to mention the boxes throughout the rest of the house from our move), it really felt like I was making very little progress at times. I had to tell myself that I WAS making progress, it was just going to take some time. I wish I'd taken before and after photos so I could gauge my progress, but the number of empty Rubbermaid containers and the filling boxes of donations helped to spur me on!

 

4. Don't beat yourself up. As I sorted this stuff, I kept saying, "Ugh, what a waste! I can't believe I spent money on all this! What was I thinking?" This kind of negative self-talk does not help! The point is, the money has been spent. Am I going to move on or let that stuff color my life today?

I also worked to create a new story for myself, as my dear friend and personal coach Jennifer Louden says. Instead of saying, "I wasted money on this stuff. I'm an idiot and a spendthrift," I could say, "I spent money on these items, and buying them gave me enjoyment. Now I'm getting enjoyment from moving them on to someone else." (See, Jen, I DO listen to you!).

 

5. Get the stuff out of the house NOW. If you can drop it off the same day, awesome! If not, you just might start second-guessing yourself and go picking through your discards, pulling things out of the boxes like a crow strips carrion from roadkill. If you can't get the rejects OUT, at least seal the boxes, or place them in an area you won't see (basement, closet, etc.). (Sidenote: I wish the young fellows in the photo above were MY garbagemen... I'd toss a lot more!)

What about you? Are you purging? How's it going?

5 Reasons Twitter Is Fail

Now that I have an almost-teenager (Happy 12th birthday, Ben!), I am picking up all sorts of new slang. Like "fail" used as an adjective. Whoopie! :)

What better way to show you how hip I am than by bagging on the hippest thing out there -- Twitter! I jumped into Twitter as a fairly early adopter, and after struggling in the stream for a while, I strapped on a pair of floaties and started doggy-paddling my way with the current. But I am ready to abandon ship and head for shore (like my metaphors? :) I try. I really try).

Here are my five reasons I believe Twitter is fail:

1. I am overwhelmed. I have too much to do, too much to read, too many claims for my attention. I don't need another source of data: I need someone/something to make sense of it all for me. Twitter is the antithesis of this: There is no filter, just more data. More and more and more. Even with the new "lists" feature, it's difficult to create

2. I can't keep up with the technological changes. I missed MySpace completely. Grabbed a corner of Facebook's coattail as it rushed by. Got a whiff of LinkedIn. Too many choices! When people have too many choices, they: A. resist making any choice at all (according to Made to Stick) and B. are less pleased with any choice they do make (according to The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less).

3. I'm out of time. I need something to save me time, not suck more time. Twitter is just another time-suck whose value has yet to be proven (to me, at least).

4. There's no discernment. I currently have 1,432 people following me. Why? I'm not sure, but I think most of them want to sell me something. It's difficult to determine if someone really wants to connect with me, or if they're following me because they want me to follow them and tell me about some crackpot scheme for making money on Twitter, or they want me to buy their cute kitty-cat notecards. In either case, I'm not interested.

5. You can't develop a relationship in 140 words. Maybe you could when Twitter first started, but now trying to connect to someone on Twitter is like whispering something really profound to the person sitting across from you at an Aerosmith concert. They won't even see your lips move, let alone notice that you spoke.

What about you? Are you a Twitter lover or hater? Why? 

5 Ways the World's Going to Change in 2010

I'm not much for making predictions, but after reading a handful of articles about what's going to happen in 2010, I thought I'd take a stab at it:

 

1. The Apple Tablet will be the next hot technology gadget. Amazon will be mad.

 

2. People will realize that it's impossible to build quality relationships in 140 characters or less. Twitter accounts will die quick and painless deaths.

3. Google Wave will cause equal amounts of joy and pain. Thousands of "gurus" will arise, Athena-like, overnight to tell you how to make scads of money/build followers/etc. overnight.

4. eBook sales will rise sharply, largely due to Ella and Apple. :)

5. I will: add too many books to my "to read" pile, take on too many projects, and not get as much done as I had hoped.

One Little Word - 5 Tips for Making It Last

You're likely familiar with Ali Edwards's "One Little Word" project, but if you're not, here's the scoop in a nutshell:

You choose a word to be your guiding light, mantra, and benchmark for the upcoming 12 months.

Simple, eh?

Well, while the concept is simple, I've discovered that like most resolutions, the one little word often fades about halfway through the spring. Then after the busyness of summer has passed, fall hits and I find myself saying, "Now, what was my word again?"

To really make the word stick this year, here are some tips:

 

1. Find a token. This necklace, from Lisa Leonard, is a gorgeous daily reminder of your word. I can imagine "putting on" my word when I put on this necklace. Not a jewelry type? What about a keychain or dangly from your rearview mirror?

 

2. Doodle it. Imagine this placed over your desk or next to your front door! What a terrific way to remind yourself to live your word. (This one is done by the Doodle Queen, Stephanie Ackerman).

 

3. Journal it. Did someone say "Stephanie?" I am so glad that "my sister" is so talented! (She's not my birth sister, but she's certainly a sister of the heart). Stephanie has created these gorgeous 5x7 journals with custom hand-embroidery on the cover. Email her at homegrown1 (at) att (dot) net or visit her blog for more info on ordering yours.

4. Scrapbook it. What if you committed to creating a page a week for the year about your word and how its meaning is evolving for you? I think that would be simply incredible!

5. Get a tattoo. I'm just kidding. Don't go and tattoo yourself - at least not permanently! (I am tired and need to go tuck the kids in, so I just threw that in there.)

PS My word for 2010 is "light." What's yours?

It's That Time of Year...

...when the world falls in love... with SCRAPBOOKING!

Did you know that the annual peak for photo processing is the first week in January? Do you know where all those photos end up? IN SHOEBOXES!

Get your photos into the light with...

LAYOUT A DAY, FEB. 2010: USE YOUR STASH!

For the uninitiated, the Layout a Day (LOAD) challenge is a way for scrappers around the globe to push themselves through "scrapper's block" and get scrapping! For a month, we join together on a private message board and gallery and share our daily layouts.

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, 28 layouts in 28 days. Yes, EVERY DAY!

Let’s recap:

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

*Upload your creations to our private online gallery 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

 

-a super-secret PDF download including some of my best "fast scrapping" and "use your stash" tips

 

-weekly tutorials from some awesome sistah scrappers

 

-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.

 

-and much, much more!

  

The participation fee is $25 for the month... but if you sign up before 12/31, you can save $5!

 

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

FAQ #1:.Sounds incredibly awesome! How do I sign up?

Answer: Paypal me at lainehmann <at> comcast <dot> net. PLEASE SELECT "PERSONAL" WHEN SENDING ME MONEY SO WE DON'T HAVE TO PAY A PROCESSING FEE!

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

Answer: I'm easy. 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. I put together a short email that serves as a daily reminder about a scrapping-related topic (usually!), plus a scrapping challenge for the day. The theme for this month is "USE YOUR STASH," so many of the challenges will be associated with that topic.

FAQ #5. What if I don't want to do the daily challenge?
Answer: What are we, in third grade? You don't want to do the challenge, don't do it! You da boss of your own scrappin', woman! Do what you want.

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 Feb. 27 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 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 February.

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. Very 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 (or early!) 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. In the past, we've had participants from China, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.

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 play if she pays her $ and promises not to upload any naughty pictures.

FAQ #14. Will there be pictures of Hugh?

Answer: Of course! And to get you off on the right foot...

 
FAQ #15. I'm a manufacturer, kit club owner, store owner, etc., and I'd like to donate a prize. Are you interested?

Answer: Um, YES! :) Email me at lainehmann (at) comcast (dot) net for my undying love and admiration.  

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

For less than $1 a day, you too can have the perfect excuse for why you can't do the laundry/drive carpool/make dinner!

...and remember, the $5 offer is only good until the clock strikes midnight on 12/31!

You sign up. You join. You get a daily prompt and inspiration email, and you create a layout a day. Every day. Yes, 28 layouts in 28 days. Yes, EVERY DAY!

Let’s recap:

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

*Upload your creations to our private online gallery 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

 

-a super-secret PDF download including some of my best "fast scrapping" and "use your stash" tips

 

-weekly tutorials from some awesome sistah scrappers

 

-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.

 

-and much, much more!

  

The participation fee is $25 for the month... but if you sign up before 12/31, you can save $5!

 

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

FAQ #1:.Sounds incredibly awesome! How do I sign up?

Answer: Paypal me at lainehmann <at> comcast <dot> net. PLEASE SELECT "PERSONAL" WHEN SENDING ME MONEY SO WE DON'T HAVE TO PAY A PROCESSING FEE!

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

Answer: I'm easy. 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. I put together a short email that serves as a daily reminder about a scrapping-related topic (usually!), plus a scrapping challenge for the day. The theme for this month is "USE YOUR STASH," so many of the challenges will be associated with that topic.

FAQ #5. What if I don't want to do the daily challenge?
Answer: What are we, in third grade? You don't want to do the challenge, don't do it! You da boss of your own scrappin', woman! Do what you want.

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 Feb. 27 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 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 February.

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. Very 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 (or early!) 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. In the past, we've had participants from China, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.

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 play if she pays her $ and promises not to upload any naughty pictures.

FAQ #14. Will there be pictures of Hugh?

Answer: Of course! And to get you off on the right foot...

 
FAQ #15. I'm a manufacturer, kit club owner, store owner, etc., and I'd like to donate a prize. Are you interested?

Answer: Um, YES! :) Email me at lainehmann (at) comcast (dot) net for my undying love and admiration.  

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

For less than $1 a day, you too can have the perfect excuse for why you can't do the laundry/drive carpool/make dinner!

...and remember, the $5 offer is only good until the clock strikes midnight on 12/31!

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, 28 layouts in 28 days. Yes, EVERY DAY!

Let’s recap:

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

*Upload your creations to our private online gallery 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

 

-a super-secret PDF download including some of my best "fast scrapping" and "use your stash" tips

 

-weekly tutorials from some awesome sistah scrappers

 

-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.

 

-and much, much more!

  

The participation fee is $25 for the month... but if you sign up before 12/31, you can save $5!

 

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

FAQ #1:.Sounds incredibly awesome! How do I sign up?

Answer: Paypal me at lainehmann <at> comcast <dot> net. PLEASE SELECT "PERSONAL" WHEN SENDING ME MONEY SO WE DON'T HAVE TO PAY A PROCESSING FEE!

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

Answer: I'm easy. 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. I put together a short email that serves as a daily reminder about a scrapping-related topic (usually!), plus a scrapping challenge for the day. The theme for this month is "USE YOUR STASH," so many of the challenges will be associated with that topic.

FAQ #5. What if I don't want to do the daily challenge?
Answer: What are we, in third grade? You don't want to do the challenge, don't do it! You da boss of your own scrappin', woman! Do what you want.

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 Feb. 27 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 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 February.

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. Very 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 (or early!) 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. In the past, we've had participants from China, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.

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 play if she pays her $ and promises not to upload any naughty pictures.

FAQ #14. Will there be pictures of Hugh?

Answer: Of course! And to get you off on the right foot...

 
FAQ #15. I'm a manufacturer, kit club owner, store owner, etc., and I'd like to donate a prize. Are you interested?

Answer: Um, YES! :) Email me at lainehmann (at) comcast (dot) net for my undying love and admiration.  

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

For less than $1 a day, you too can have the perfect excuse for why you can't do the laundry/drive carpool/make dinner!

...and remember, the $5 offer is only good until the clock strikes midnight on 12/31!

Goals Update

Oh goOdnEsS! The whole goals thing... uh oh. Moving and Christmas have a way of intervening in the best laid plans... ;)

1. Working out - Took a break from 12/15 until today. But moving boxes HAS to count for weight training, right?

2. Reading with Cal - I've read TO her a lot lately.

3. Destashing Scrap Stuff - I've done at least an hour on this. And seeing all my boxes in one room has really convinced me that I HAVE TOO MUCH SCRAPBOOK STUFF.

4. Finishing books - Nothing new. Can I finish Inkheart and TMM in a week? Yes, I can! :)

The Millionaire Next Door DONE

The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything DONE

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die DONE

Inkheart

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

Organizing for the Spirit: Making the Details of Your Life Meaningful and Manageable DONE

Cherries in Winter: My Family's Recipe for Hope in Hard Times DONE

5. Photo a day - Pretty good.

Your turn.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

...and all through the house, there are boxes!

Nonetheless, we are celebrating the way any good Teutonic family would -- by doing housework.

Seriously, I wish I enjoyed doing the dishes half as much as Cal does.

Now, if only I could get her to do the toilets...
 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The News in 5 Photos (No Layout)

1. Ben started wrestling. I am amazed that he is so passionate about this sport! John wrestled through high school, and some in college, so I guess it's in his blood. He won both of his first two matches against older kids, and also beat the 8th grade captain of his own team. I can brag a bit, right? ;)

2. We've been camping out. The girls and I were so anxious to escape "the barn" that we started sleeping on the floor of our new house on Tuesday, before any furniture arrived! I tell you, what a great decision. Wednesday morning, John calls me to tell me that at 2:30 in the morning, a mouse got half-stuck on a glue trap, fell off the rafters IN OUR BEDROOM, and started scurrying around the floor, half on and half off the trap. John threw traps at him until one stuck, then disposed of it. I'm sorry, that is unacceptable. And if our landlord attempts to keep even one penny of our security deposit, I am going to SUE for pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

P.S. Wednesday night, the oven broke and began an incessant BEEPBEEPBEEP all night long. The place should just be condemned.

3. I'm still dreaming of a green Christmas.   

4. We took a break from all the unpacking to play a little Candyland... 

5. ...and burn, uh, I mean BAKE, a few Christmas cookies! 
 
 
That's what I'm up to. What's happening at your house?