Vintage BoBunny Ornaments

This year I participated in my first on-line ornament exchange. A Cherry On Top message board gave me an opportunity to create an ornament keepsake for a fellow scrapbooker. I learned that Sandi, my recipient, liked vintage and old Santas. I decided to create a couple of handmade ornaments using BoBunny's new holiday line. I utilized papers from their mini album die-cut paper packet. The smaller image designs of Santas, children, and such were perfect for the little spaces I had on these two charming paper mache ornaments.

Sparkle mod podge was used to embellish both the papers and buttons used in the project. One cannot have a holiday ornament without some bling, IMO.  I topped one button with a pearlized gem sticker, and chose to thread some sheer ribbon through buttons on the other ornament, and frayed it for a more vintage appearance.

When sending my ornaments off I whipped up a simple gift tag using a piece of manila folder, more BoBunny paper, and created the ACOT logo with some red buttons and hand-drawn stems and leaves.

Sandi is thrilled with her ornaments, and it was a pleasure to create a gift specific to a person's likes.

Happy creating,

Rita S.

Punch up your packages!!

It's the holiday season and one of my favorite things about Christmas is gift wrapping. I love the lightly wired ribbon and feel it gives the gift a special ooomph! Recently I obtained Martha Stewart's butterfly punch, and it immediately made me thing of a snowflake with all of its holes. I decided to embellish packages for the ladies on my gift giving list this year with this elegant little bow topper. I purchased white on white varnished scrapbook paper from a wedding section, punched out the butterfly and coated it with sparkle Mod Podge. I then added little pearl stickers down the abdomen and attached it with a light wire.

"May the beauty of Christmas alight in your heart and your soul."

What do you think of that sentiment? I am still considering my tag design, and thought maybe it could have a saying such as the one I just shared with you. If you have another thought on how to tie a butterfly into Christmas I am all ears! (LOL)

Are you using your punches to punch up your gift packages? Give me a link  - I would love to see how you decorate the packages for the special people on your giving list.

Happy creating,

Rita S.

Candids are sometimes best...

Thanksgiving weekend we had the chance to visit with my sister-in-law, her husband and see how much our godson, Jed, has grown. He will be two in February, and as you can imagine, a formal family portrait was not something he wanted to sit still for.

My favorite photos were obtained later, as I noticed him interested in the fireplace. I thought I would share them with you, because hey - he is SO cute!

I am very much in the Christmas spirit, how about you? Christmas shopping is done, and I could stop decorating now and be fine with it. Now I am helping my single brother, my mom and my husband's mom with some shopping. Oh, and I added some things in my last amazon.com shopping card for the cousins on my in-laws side to give the kids. Guess that makes it easier for everyone, but what I really think would be wonderful is if we would cease the gift exchange totally.

My side of the family is doing this this year...as we were encouraged by Advent Conspiracy to bring it up. Times are tough for many, including my nieces and nephews out on their own or those looking for jobs. Christmas should be joyful - it's about the little ones and spending time together as family. In lieu of the gift exchange we're going to play board games in that time slot. AND have our white elephant gift exchange which is always a hoot - no purchase allowed - it must be something from your house. The white elephant exchange is always a highlight of our Christmas gathering.

We're having a dinner party on the 19th for friends who are alone for the first time this Christmas. I had hoped to make invitations today, but since that did not happen I am not going to stress myself. Instead, we will give them a verabl invite, or note, at church tomorrow. I am all about cutting stress out of the Christmas, afterall it is not Christress. (LOL)

Take time to enjoy the true meaninig of this season,

Rita

Thankful for my name...

It may seem like an odd thing to be thankful for, but my name is pretty unique. When I was young I never liked it - I wished to be a Mary or Lori, like everyone else. Eventually I became used to being the only Rita in my school, and it was nice. There was never confusion if my name was being called. (LOL)
The layout being shared today is dedicated to my namesake, my mother's cousin Rita. She is also my godmother, and although I never got to know her real well as we didn't live too near - I have always been proud to be her namesake.  When we do get together she is so easy to talk to, and I love spending time with her.
This weekend I will be seeing this wonderful woman, probably for one last time. The past three years have been ailing ones for her, and the doctors sent her home from the hospital yesterday, saying there is nothing more they can do for her. Her heart is failing fast, and she is not expected to live long.
After three years of a lot of pain, she told her husband she is ready to go. Of course, he is not even close to being ready to let go. I called my mom and offered to drive her to see her cousin, my godmother, when I get done with work Friday. I made arrangements to stay at my sister's house for the night, and we can visit Rita on Saturday.
You don't have to spend a lot of time with a person to be thankful for having them be a part of your life. I remember yearly Christmas cards, and she always commented on something I had done that year and how proud she was. We talked about Italian recipes, and sadly we never did get together so that she could teach me Old World family cuisine. I look forward to seeing her again, and although it will not be a totally joyful visit, I feel God's calling to make the trip, and hope for some time to reflect upon God's goodness in our lives together.
This post makes me think of Marv as well, and how Carol must be feeling going into her first holiday season without him. The holidays can be lonely for someone surrounded by family and friends, when a dear one has died. As you gather with family this Thanksgiving, remember those who lost someone dear this past year...reach out, with a phone call or send them a card.
May God bless all of you this Thanksgiving and may you remember, and create memories this holiday season.

Happy creating,
Rita

A Halloween Story By Abby

THE WOLF IN THE FOREST

One day Cristafor and his friends, Liza and Madi, walked out of their houses and met at the end of a dark forest. It was silent.
Finally, Liza broke the silence. She said, "should we go in?"  Madi slowly nodded.
Cristahfor wasn't so sure about this, but he went in with the girls. It was really dark in the forest. Cristahfor was really afraid of the dark, but he knew he was with his friends, so he went on.
Suddenly, they heard a forest wolf. "RUN!!!!!", yelled Cristahfor.
But it was too dark to run back home. "Ahhhhhhhhhh!" yelled Cristahfor.
"Hey, it's only my lantern," Liza said.
"Whew," thought Cristahfor.
"Where is the wolf?," asked Madi.
"Wolf? There is no wolf! It was only my voice doing wolf sounds!," laughed Liza.
"But how are we going to get home?," asked Cristahfor.
Liza spoke up, "My lantern!"
"Oh, yeah!," Cristafor and Madi said at the same time.
When they got home they went trick or treating. When they were done trick or treating they shared their candy with each other.

THE END

Celebrating Women - Cancer Research Fundraisers

For all my local friends I encourage you to save two dates, or at least one.  I have had a strong calling to share what I have learned about hormone imbalance as it relates to the cause of breast cancer with my friends. I have spent the past few months reading, reading, reading... the information is astounding. It certainly has encouraged me to focus on a lifestyle change so that I can become more healthy and aware of how my body reacts to the products and environment I am exposed to each day.

On Friday, October 22 at 6:30 Crossroads Coffeehouse is the location for the first event. On this night myself and a couple of friends will share about how we have been affected by breast cancer in our lives. I will specifically address hormone imbalance and how it affects our bodies in a hugely negative way, and give attendees information on steps they can take to prevent cancer cell growth. The talking portion for this event will be kept brief, to ensure plenty of time for guests to listen to the wonderful sounds of my friend Bernie Harrington on her Native American flutes. Friends will be assisting me in giving hand massages, and I do believe a massage therapist friend of mine is planning to make it to give out neck massages. "Prevent Stations" will be set up in which guests can visit each station, get a massage, try out a lotion or gelee', and pick up a cancer prevention card. Mary Devitt, owner of Crossroads will be serving up sweets and wonderful teas, which have anti-oxidant benefits.

On Tuesday, October 26 we will gather in the upper level of Coach's Sports Bar & Restaurant at 6:30 p.m.  Here I will present a very informative PowerPoint presentation that will last 20-25 minutes. My goal is to teach everyone present the definition of "estrogen dominance" and "xenoestrogens" and why it is so important to be aware of these two terms in regards to our overall health and well-being, as well as that of our children.
Again there will be hand massages, as well as a chance to purchase Arbonne heatlh and well being products, and Silpada jewelry to benefit cancer research. Jennifer, the owner of Coach's, has also arranged for red wine tasting.

Everyone will be encouraged to light a votive candle in memory or in honor of someone in your life that has been affected by cancer. We will recognize these individuals prior to closing our evening at around 8:30 p.m.

It is my desire that each person will experience an evening of fellowship, unity for a cause, relaxation, and empowerment to ask their doctors informed questions, and a desire to be a part of their own health care.

Scrapbooking & Beyond - Fall Issue

Did I mention yet that I have three layouts in the fall issue of Scrapbooking & Beyond? Some of my friends asked where to pick up a copy - I know Barnes & Noble has carried this magazine. I love it - no other compares with great step by step instructions for every project.
Because of the in depth instructions I wrote for my 2 page layout, "Living in the Moment" the layout became more of a feature article in the issue, which apparently meant more money for me - as my check from All American Crafts arrived for much more than anticipated. It was a very happy surprise, and not only took care of my new camera lens, but also allowed me to get a GPS - no more getting lost!
I was hoping to share some images of the weekend photo shoots...but alas - the Acer monitor on the desktop computer went kaputt. Fortunately we bought it at Costco on 10/1/10 and took it back for store credit today...which allowed us to bring home a new monitor. Of course the same was not there - probably would avoid Acer anyhow, as I expect monitors to last well more than a year! We found a 23" Samsung HD TV/monitor displayed for the same price - and I did not mind losing an inch. When we checked out the woman said we owed $73, which made no sense as it should have come out even. She had to call for a price check, which confirmed that the monitor was shown for what we had said  - apparently the store signage was wrong! They honored their posted price of course - have to say Costco customer service has always bene great... and we came home with a new monitor which I can also hook up to the laptop to run my Powerpoint slides for Arbonne/women's health classes.
Once home we discovered there was not a cable included to hook up to our PC, so Jesse, bless his heart, ran into Best Buy as I really wanted to process the weekend photos, but the Geek Squad sent home the wrong cable. Jesse had noticed he did not type in HD on the model number, and apparently high definition does make a difference. Kind of a waste of my late afternoon, pegged for photo processing. Oh well, cleaning done so it just means shifting around my time management.
I have been busy filling my new scrapbooking cabinet that Jesse built me. The pull drawers are not yet done, which is where I plan to store my punches. Peg board needs to be hung on the insideof the doors as well...which will come. Meanwhile, I am  having no trouble filling it.

Where in the world!....

Where have I been, right folks??  I thought I better come and let you all know what I have been up to. Fall has been a whirlwind, and yes, I have not created anything in more than a month, other than a few cards that needed to go out in the mail.

I guess I have been on a creative reprieve...not that my brain has stopped popping out ideas...lots of those. I even bought some new BoBunny and cannot wait to play, but in September I made a decision to change my priorities.  God was not first in my life, nor had he even been second.  I decided to recenter myself on Christ, and am confident that in doing so all else will fall into place.

I joined the church choir -we had our first practice Wednesday night. At first I wondered what I was doing...I couldn't decide on whether to sing soprano or alto - I have always struggled with harmony, but "what if they chose a song to sing with a really high note - I can't hit those...."  It was so much easier to sing solos at my previous church...there I could pick a song in my range and belt it out to my hearts desire...problem with that is I suffered terribly from dry throat - my nerves don't have me cut out for "performance singing".  There is COMFORT in the numbers of a choir.  Since I sing by ear and I read music by watching notes go up and down on the scale (yes, don't laugh) - I was blessed to find myself sitting by Mandy in the alto section. A strong voice whom I could pick up our notes on right away. The first song was horrible for me...I loved the song and I wanted to sing melody. I wanted to jump sections so badly, but stayed put, figuring I would give it the night to try and sing alto. I really could not wait to run out the door and listen to the CD our church supplies, with parts, so we can practice in between practices.

Happily I find that the soprano section (MELODY!!! YEAH!) fits my range on all songs, but perhaps the traditional hymn. There is one note I question - haven't had time to practice it, but I do hope section jumping is allowed!!

Jesse and I also joined an official Lifegroup this year...our church is quite large, and everyone is encouraged to DO LIFE together by connecting with a small group. Our lifegroup picks up where we left off with Marv's passing. Yesterday was the 4 month anniversary of Marv going to be with the Lord...and we also met with our group. Steve, our leader, was talking about how one matures in Christ with age, and how wonderful it is to see those who are really keeping "the main thing the main thing" stay focused even through trials and ill health as they get on in years. I thought of Marv and remembered how strong his faith was through his last months, and what a testimony and blessing he was. I know he planted seeds...and WOW, I just feel immensely blessed to have known him.

Besides choir and lifegroup I have reactivated my activity with the photographers group at church...so I guess that puts me at connecting in three small groups. It's all good. Tomorrow morning we are heading to the arboretum early on for a fall photo shoot. It should be overcast skies, at least I hope so, which will give us rich colors. I look forward to sharing some pics here.

I have also been working diligently on the "Focus on Prevention" Susan G Komen fundraiser coming up on October 22 and 26th.  Let me just tell all of my readers right now... ESTROGEN IS the cause for cancer. In more than 80% o f all cases. We have too much estrogen, because we live in an industrialized nation that uses chemicals in every aspect of our living...we are pumping xenoestrogens into our bodies, which are seen as estrogens.  Estrogen + xenoestrogens + estrogen receptor = bad news!!  The bottom line - hormone imbalance.  I could go on and on but I will not. If you live near I hope you can make it to one of my "prevention" nights to learn and take control of your health. Medical doctors are not there...they are trained by drug companies and everything that is done, once you are diagnosed with cancer, is done pretty much because they don't know what else to do. Ok...hopping off my soap box. Drug companies run this country for sure and we are in a poor state of health because of it.

In addition I am running Abby to Brownies, taking Kyle to his own middle school lifegroup before choir on Wednesday nights...and I admit, I look forward to Friday night which we try to keep open for family time.

I will get back to scrapping. As soon as my fundraisers are over, I promise. We also have a month long break from choir in November.  I am itching to create, but absolutely love belting out a praise and worship song, even if Abby did come and complain that I am too loud and she cannot concentrate. 

I should probably start with a layout about our crazy fall schedules... meanwhile, I hope you are ALL happily creating. Love ya!

Rita S.

Photo Mix and Family Update

I love the photography group at our church - and oh how I have missed it!! I have not been able to attend a meeting since May, changing my focus to launching my Arbonne business - it was fun to reconnect today. The group is great - several pros willing to help us amateurs grow in our skills. Each month we are given a photo challenge - this past month was to use natural lighting. Thought I would share some of the photos with you. Because I had not attended the last meeting, I did not realize the assignment had the word "portrait" attached to it. I just loved how the sunlight danced through the red glass of this humming bird feeder at our friend's lake home. My friend also has a Nikon D80 and they have a Sigma DC 18-200mm. I played with it and fell in love with the lens - it was so easy for me to bring it into focus.
You won't recognize all the kids in the photos belwo as two of the girls belong to our lake house hosts and another couple.

Our Photography BAG (Blackhawk Affinity Group) met to come up with our itinerary for the coing year. It was a beautiful afternoon to sit outside Yola's Cafe on Madison's far west side and brainstorm. We'll review some basics, discuss gear, and work on some advanced skills.  In addition to our monthly workshop we are hoping group members will take initiative to invite others to join them for photo shoots, perhaps having one member designated each month to initiate a group shoot and whomever can attend will. Wonder if ANYONE would have joined me this past February for my early morning hike along the Black Earth creek at -10 degrees to catch the world in frozen state? It was crazy I know, but the resulting photos were worth it. Next time I see a heavy evening fog, a most assured indication we will have an ice-encased world, I will send out an invite and see if there are any takers. (LOL)

 

School is now in full swing. Kyle has lots to share about his classes and his teachers, a good sign that he is enjoying school so far. He comes home and gets right to his homework, and is self-disciplined enough to know that homework before any gaming. It's hard to believe he is ALMOST 13 - best part, he still talks to us!! Friday evening we went on a family picnic and then he wanted to stop at Crossroads Coffeehouse so he could finish sharing about his day. How many pre-teens want to do that with their parents on a Friday night? What a blessing that is - and I will enjoy it while it lasts - of course I hope it always does!

Kyle continues to be our history buff. When asked what he wants for his birthday or Christmas he says he can't think of anything - but he does love to hang out in the historical book section at Barnes & Noble. I decided I would keep my eye open for historical non-fiction military books, as well as good historical fiction, although I feel there is a great void in the latter for boys his age.

Abby is loving second grade and just being back in the school environment. She spent the first week wondering why it was taking so long for her teacher to give out homework. Huh?? I suspect that one year she will not be so enthusiastic for homework. Abby turns eight next month, and this year decided to join the Girl Scouts. She's talking about swim team possibly next spring/summer as well - she can easily out swim any other family member.

Her brownie troop is going horseback riding in October. While recently going through hand-me-downs from our friends, she quickly got into the spirit when discovering a leather sheepskin vest and white cowgirl boots - which went perfectly with her straw hat. I guess her pogo stick pony will have to do for now, but I look forward to taking pictures of the troop riding out at Hoofbeat Ridge next month.

 

 

 

Jesse continues with a couple of weekday morning bible studies and Stephen Ministry. With my new found freedom in not having any design team responsibilities, I seized upon the chance to get involved with the Worship Arts Community at church and am joining the choir- something I have thought about for the past four years. Jesse and I also found a Thursday evening life group that meets very near home - we are looking forward to meeting new people and growing in relationship with this new group since our previous small group dissolved with Marv's passing.

Life continues to be a journey - with many turns in the path along the way. This coming Tuesday we will be gathering at Zander Park to plant a tree in Marv's memory, along the path that he and Carol had walked so many times.  The tree will be planted along the water, and like Marv's spirit, it will not wither, but grow strong. It's branches will provide shade and it's roots will grow deep - just as times with family and friends help us to grow in relationship with one another. I admit, I have taken a bit of a break from scrapping and creating, and am in a season of making the memories rather than preserving them. I picked up some new BoBunny and Basic Grey today...wondering if that would put me in the mood to create - we shall see! However, I am thoroughly enjoying a more relaxed pace and will create again when the spirit moves me. I hope you all are taking time to make the memories we are so committed to preserving.

Happy creating!

Rita S.

Why do kids push their age?

Oh to be young and innocent...and young...  Someday our children won't be pushing their age - just wait until they're 29!

In August A Cherry On Top issued a challenge to create a layout with sequential numbers. I am sure many counted up in whole numbers, but right away I saw this as my opportunity to scrap a layout that had been on my mind all year... 

The layout would have sequential fractions, and commemorate each 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 "birthday" that Abby has had this year. I wanted to use BoBunny Petal Pushers because a. flowers are a symbol of growth to me, and b. Abby keeps on pushing her age. (LOL) Fortunately with the spring release BoB had sent me two sets of Combo Stickers for Petal Pushers, so I had the sticker numbers needed to create the fractions, using a matching patterned paper to make the split.

The journaling reads: After Abby by turned seven she was excited for her next birthday. Every month she would ask “how long before my birthday, am I 7 1/2” yet?” I let her know when she reached the 7 1/4” mark. She had the date of her 1/2 birthday memorized, and once she reached 73/4” she said..."just call me 8." 

Of course I had to laugh when she said that. Again, why are kids in such a hurry to be older. I look forward to showing her this page when she is 29 years old.Don't forget to scrap the cute things our children say. It will be good for a laugh years down the road.

Happy creating,

Rita S.

Round 2 - Shop Eyeglasses w/ Me!

Thanks for everyone's input so far ....I really never thought about glasses being too wide for my face until most of you mentioned it. Honestly have never ever used the word "thin" to describe my face personally - I have chubby cheeks - the two don't jive! (LOL)
OK - I feel brave for posting this little side profile...really makes my Italian nose stand OUT. Just wanted to show you the cool side scroll work on the #12 pair of glasses.
Below is another round of photos, of which I will start out with #6 -which won round #1 and was my favorite as well. Six more pair added -these shots taken at Shopko and Eyemart Express.

Following pairs found at Shopko - which had a good selection.

Geoffrey Beane

Geoffrey Beane 2 (rhinestones on the sides)

Sorry -another 8. Plz refer to as "8 Liz"

Some of you preferred the pair in round one with no frame at bottom.

Last two below are at Eyemart Express.

Thanks for coming along with my on my eyewear shopping excursion. It is always so nice to have the help of friends when making such a decision. These frames will have to last me, at minimum, two years. Which means the style needs to last that long...if only one could forecast future trends. Please comment below with your vote. I apologize for having two #8s, but I am out of time to open all my photos and re-edit in PS again.

Want to help me choose glasses?

I've put this off too long.  I have been using reader glasses, although my prescription calls for lenses of different magnifcations for each eye. I had a chance today to check out frame availability of some of the providers our insurance covers. Turns out, our insurance is pretty decent for frames. But not for lenses - we won't be renewing our vision insurance end of year! Only the cheap plastic lenses are covered, and I definitely want the hi-index lenses. Which basically means the cost of lenses are out of pocket. When comparing costs/add ons with the providers, wouldn't you know the non-provider Costco costs is going to end up being less. Fortunately, I found a number of eyeglass styles to consider at Costco. I have always wanted red frames, but not too red. Below are 6 choices, one of which is silver.  I thought I would have you help me decide which pair from Costco looks best (I will choose top 2) and then compare to what I found elsewhere today.
Below are the photos - I won't say much as I don't want to sway you -but each pair is numbered. Let me know which you like best. Pardon that I am not smiling more - not sure why I look so serious. Although it must have looked strange taking your own picture at all the eyewear places today!
Thanks in advance for helping me decide!

Please leave a comment below and let me know which between #1 through #6 you like best. Thanks!

BoBunny August Sketch Challenge

Every month BoBunny provides a sketch, and issues a challenge to go along with. I must say I have loved creating the sketches, and hope that you have enjoyed them over the past year. I am sure BoBunny will continue to provide you with great sketches for monthly inspiration.

I know that we have scrapbookers who love one page layouts, and those who love two. I promise, that later this month the BoBunny team will be sharing more two page layouts for inspiration, but for the sketch, I created a one pager.

BUT - not to fret! If you love 2 page layout sketches I took this one, and changed it up a bit to design a two page sketch as well. You can find it at the bottom of this post.

Be sure to hop over to BoBunny's blog to see how other design team members interpreted the sketch.

I fell in love with the Roughin' It collection the first time I saw it, even though we do not camp! BoBunny designers were ingenious when creating this line, because although one side is geared towards camping - the backsides offer patterns such as woodgrain, camoflage, and non-theme patterns in wonderful earthy and primary colors. Roughin' It is perfect for layouts about people who woodwork or do carpentry, hike, birdwatch, fish, participate in military re-enactments, and even fall layouts with the leaf patterned paper.

Ideas to Note:

1. Split a cut out into two parts, and use it separate places on a layout. In this layout, a yellow cut out was pieced above and below the camoflage circle.

2. Mount letter stickers on patterned paper and cut out and around -which sets the title off from the layout well, especially when lifted off with dimensional foam adhesive.

3. Use cardstock sticker photo corners as embellishments. In this layout they draw attention towards the two smaller photos.

Supplies Used:

BoBunny Roughin’ It Collection

Papers: Nature, Leaves, Dots, Way to Go Diecut, Roadsigns, CutOuts, Combo Stickers, iCandy Chipboard Stickers, iCandy Brads, Catching Memories Cardstock Stickers, On With Nature Rub-on, Buttons and Bling

Other:

BoBunny Blueberry Double Dot Ribbon

BoBunny Bodacious Brads

Colorbox Chalk Inks

Brown Jute

Font: Birch Std.

Above is the same sketch altered for all of you two pager memory artists. Oh, and I was surprised to see my two page layout for the August DT assignment shown on BoBunny's blog yesterday for the "summer fun" post. I quickly posted my two pager here, called Mireya, so you can scroll down a bit for yet another two page layout idea.

Congratulations to the newly announced members of the BoBunny design team for the upcoming year! I am thrilled to see so many talented friends on the list. My life has taken a new turn as an Independent Arbonne Consultant. I recently resigned from the Magistical Memories team, as difficult as it was to do, and will not be continuing on with BoBunny. My focus for the coming year is going to be on growing my new business, and pursue my goal of making lives healthier for the people I know and love, and changing the life of my own family with a growing income that will help us afford things that we have always wanted to do. I believe in the products and believe in myself to make a difference with Arbonne.

I will still bring you projects on my blog. You would not believe the LONG LIST I have of mini album ideas, layouts and projects...my own version of a scrapbooking bucket list. Now that I will be creating at my leisure, I will be able to complete many of these projects at last, and look forward to sharing them with you.

Happy creating!
Rita S.

Celebrating Friendship with BoBunny's Peacock Lane

The happy colors of BoBunny's Peacock Lane went along perfectly with these photos of our daughter and one of her best friends.  The photos are from kindergarten. Seeing them, and scrapping them, made me smile.

I remember this little photo shoot like it was yesterday. I had the girls sit on the deck so I could take their photo together, and of course Mireya, not being deluged with a camera-wielding-mother day after day, happily obliged and smiled for me.  Out of the blue Abby started singing a song she had learned at church, "Awesome God".  I am not sure what started tickling Mireya's funny bone, the fact that Abby started singing, that she was singing about God, or a bit of both - but the results are some fun photos. And Abby, bless her heart, kept on singing her song and smiling until she was done.

This layout was a part of the weekend challenges at A Cherry On Top...and the toughest challenge, I might add.  We were given choices to select on how we prefer our salad. I opted for quite a few add ins, as I like lots of vegis in my salad, and I knew I might pay for all of the choices later on. When the challenge was posted my salad recipe included: Patterned paper only, 5 photos, flowers, chipboard, felt, bling, glitter, brads, tag, something green.

Getting started was difficult as I couldn't reach for the BoBunny Dot cardstock for my background.  I went into my old paper stash...and started leafing through the holder marked "purple" and found some watercolor type wash papers that would work well for my background. From there on out it was play time with Peacock Lane. I love the colors in this line and the fun complimented the girls shirts really well. I cut up a sticker from the collection and utilized a part of it as my lead in for the title, "the little things"..."about" (which I made myself)...."Mireya" - which are combo stickers, of course.

I love so many of the Peacock Lane papers and had quite a few scraps. I opted to make easy, layered lollipop flowers for the layout, so I could incorporate felt in the form of hand-cut leaves.  I used several colors of Stickles on the circle shapes, and also used the Lime Green on the leaves.

Although my papers included green, when I was about done I decided I still needed something above the smaller photos on page 1, and opted for a Magistical Memories decorative shape, which I painted green and topped with Lime Green Stickles. I needed a really large brad for the center, and since I don't have the iCandy Brads from Peacock Lane, I rummaged and found some from My Mind's Eye that coordinated very well.

The Noteworthy pack offered the perfect piece on which to write the journaling, which was a short list including several things about Mireya.
Journaling:
1. Mireya was your best friend in kindergarten.
2. Her family speaks only Spanish so we have friends translate notes for play dates.
3. She giggled and laughed when you started singing “Awesome God”, out of the blue, when mom took these pictures – you kept singing.
4. You missed her terribly when her family moved away, and you prayed for her every night.
5. You were so excited when her family returned early and you had your best friend back for recess.

Supplies:
Peacock Lane Papers: Flowers, Dot, Vine, Parade, Plumes, Tweet; Noteworthy, Combo Stickers, Simply Wonderful and Perfect Day Cardstock Stickers
Violet Dot cardstock
Other PP: Making Memories Purple Simple Sponge
Chipboard: Magistical Memories
Bling: Clusters by Mark Richards
Glitter: Stickles Lime Green and Crystal, and Ice Stickles Mint Ice by Ranger
Brads: Lush by My Mind’s Eye, Making Memories
Paint: Apple Barrel Kiwi by Plaid Entr.
Ink: colorbox Chalk Inks
Misc. Craft Felt

I hope you have enjoyed this two-pager, and next time you list off your ingredients for tossed salad, think twice! (LOL)

Happy creating,
Rita S.