Digital Layout:
Patterned Paper, embrace life title, and embellishments: Embrace Life Kit by Sande Kreiger download here FREE.
Hand Stamped Alphas: Michelle Coleman (littledreamerdesigns.com)
Tab: Autumn Leaves
 

My day started off in the dumps, literally. A heavy late-night windstorm had blown our half-filled trash can from the end of our driveway across the street to our neighbor's driveway, so my morning began with retrieving the can and all its scattered contents. Whee!

As I was driving to work, I thought about the mess in a philosophical way. It occurred to me that some days are just messy; sometimes a little trash enters your life so that you can more fully appreciate the "clean" days; sometimes gunk is going to slow you down on your path, but you've gotta deal with it and just keep moving. Well, you get the idea.

While I was waxing philosophical, I decided to stop at a convenience store to get my morning caffeine. I figured, I'm already running late, so I might as well stop.

Getting out of the car, my eye caught a promotional window sign for fat-free shakes and malts: Go green. Reduce waist. (How clever is that?!)

And, just like that, my day turned from trashy to inspired.

Since the new year, I'd been looking for a word, mantra, resolution for 2008 (see Eileen's)—something attainable but that requires dedicated mindfulness and action—and there it was on the window of UDF. I've been wanting to go greener (watch for our green issue coming soon!), and I've been wanting/needing to lose some inches.

And, so, my new slogan aptly relates right back to today's trashy start:
Go green. Be sure, among other earth-friendly actions, to recycle effectively so that I'm not trashing my community and planet.
Reduce waist. Bend to pick up the orange peels. And the bottles. And the papers. And the packaging. Repeat. And repeat again and again throughout the year.

The one word I'm adding to the slogan?
Go green. Reduce waist. Gracefully.

Share your resolution/goal/mantra/intention here for a chance to win a free copy of Memory Makers Books' 601 Scrapbook Ideas. Here's hoping your days are as trash-free as possible!

Best,
Beth

On this unseasonably warm Monday in January, I'm feeling a bit blah. I've got a cold, and my brain feels foggy.

So, I was happy to hang up this beautiful piece of art by Laini Taylor (a gift from my mother). Laini's whimsical “Muse of Writing” now hangs next to my computer screen, ready to keep me inspired as I work on future issues of Memory Makers.

Do you have anything dear to you that adorns your desk at work or your craft room at home?

Wishing you a great start to your week,

Katie

One thing I love capturing on film at Christmas time are the beautiful lights. In contrast, one thing I hate about my digital camera is that anytime I remove the flash to give the picture a soft glow it usually comes out blurry and out of focus. To lessen the shake when you aren’t using a flash, set the timer button and hold your camera very still. By setting the timer button, it reduces the movement your hand has to make to click the shutter. I know that many of you have probably already taken down your Christmas lights, but this tip can be used throughout the year. For more camera tips, check out photojojo.com and sign up for their free newsletter.

I liked the results I got by using this technique and created a layout using Michelle Coleman’s Frosted digital kit that you can download here FREE. Since this was my first year of living alone in an apartment, I decided not to hassle with putting up a Christmas tree. I’m so thankful that when I went home my Mom set up not one, but two trees for us to enjoy this Christmas. It wouldn’t have felt like Christmas without sitting by the light of a Christmas tree and spending time with my family. Hope your holidays were filled with wonderful memories!

Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie

My cubicle is positioned next to a wall of windows and today I'm watching the sky for snow. The weather folks are predicting we'll get about six INCHES of the white stuff, which in Cincinnati is a lot! This weekend I'd like to drive a couple hours west to visit my daughter and son-in-law, but if the "blizzard" materializes that won't happen.

Surfing the Web is one of my favorite pastimes. In the mornings at home I log onto my laptop, pour a cup of coffee and check in with some of my favorite people and their blogs. You never know what you might learn while surfing. For instance, on the MM Books blog I discovered what the hot color for 2008 is. Click over and see for yourself (it's not a color I expected!).

And our Masters' blog is awesome--packed with creative ideas, step-by-step instructions for projects and just heartfelt sharing.

Some of my personal favorite sites (outside the scrapbooking world) include messythrillinglife, the NY Times (especially the books section and Sunday wedding announcements), Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love and Me&Ro jewelry. What are some of your favorites?

Stay warm this weekend and scrap something cozy!

Peace & love,
 Patty
p.s. I'm lovin' my new hair!!