Flower children

You know, it is starting to look quite lovely this fall. All up and down our street there are these gorgeous Black-eyed Susans in bloom. Of course, I'm almost sure they are just weeds (or are they?), but dang they's purty.

Anyway, I took the kids out this past weekend and made them pose for me. Autumn was in her usual almost-13 cranky-ass mood, so I barely got a smile out of her. In fact, I didn't even get any great artsy shots. She was like grimacing and crossing her arms and eating a Tootsie-Pop while I was trying to pose her. I'm all, gimme that dang thing, you aren't two!

So this is my reward:

It's not bad, but it's certainly not the best thing I've taken. And, seriously, as soon as this picture was over it was back to the Tootsie Pop and the scowl. Teenagers. Ger.

Paige, however, fared much better. She was just a regular little model. I am very happy with these. See:


Cuuute! And Paige didn't even balk at me when I asked her to sniff the flower (because we are pretty sure a dog probably peed on it). What a trooper. All for the sake of a good photo.

And you would be right in thinking my brain is already cooking up something special for these babies. They don't call it a one-track Scrapbook Train for nothing.

(Alright, no one calls it that except me. Whatev.)

Gonna scoot now. Work beckons. But before I go, a little reminder to everyone to watch Ugly Betty tonight on ABC. It is sure to be a hoot.

Mad Scrapper

It's official -- scrapping has taken over my life. Seriously. Here's proof:

For the past eight years, I've been a diehard, nonstop book reader. I've had a book in my hand everyday for several hours per day ... and nothing stood in my way. Not even driving, dammit, because I've discovered you really can do two things at once. (Okay, and before ya'll get on to me, I only do it on dirt roads, and not even all the time. Only like once every blue moon when I'm in the middle of a really juicy part and I can't decide what's more important -- finishing the book or getting home.)

Anyhoo ... I digress yet again. Back to my point.

(And I do have one.)

This whole month of September, I've been reading a book. One book. One measly 240 page book that would have normally taken me 4 days. Current status: page 169. Yep. It has taken me 27 days to read 169 pages. That's an average of 6 1/4 pages per day. Even an idiot can do that.

So, yeah, this scrappin' thing has taken over my usually placid life. After work, all I want to do is watch DVR and scrap. My husband is all What the hell?! My daughter is all Yeah, yeah, your layouts are fabulous...you're the Queen Scrapper...blah blah blah. But I get all giddy inside just thinking about it. I dream about designing layouts at night. Seriously, it took me like 45 minutes to fall asleep last night because I kept creating things in my brain. Good god. Someone help me.

However, on the plus side, check out the result of my mad scrappin' skills:

That one was made with my scraps. I love me some wavy lines, man. Also, that is my lesbian crush (er...good "friend"), Elsie Flannigan, being all up in the business of my sister. Hmmmm. I may be a wee jealous.

Next, is new kit stuff from The Scrapbook Site -- My Mind's Eye Bohemia line. Dig these:

I've got more layouts to come, but this is all I could eke out last night before my eyeballs rebelled on me. A girl's gotta sleep sometime ya know.

Also, I have some photos of the girls that I took this weekend in the Black-Eyed Susans. But I'll show them to you tomorrow. I think I'm going to get all cozy under my desk and take a nap instead.

Cheers!

A Soiree to Remember

Since having three days recuperation and distance from the party of the year, I can honestly say now that it wasn't too bad. But if you would have asked me last Saturday how I was doing ... well, I just might've bit your hand off or something.

I don't do well with a house full of people. Little teenage people, that is.

My OCD was kickin' in big time. I swear, I'm no fun. Trailing behind the kids, picking up after them as they drop chip crumbs on the floor. It is hard to sit down and behave when all I can think about is how dirty things are getting. But then I took a pill and all was right with the world.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Okay, here are some pictures for you to enjoy. First off is Paige and all her friends. Yes, she had 5 freakin' girls stay the night. It was only supposed to be 4 girls, but Paige manipulated the crap out of us like only a 14-year-old girl can do. She's good.

I don't remember being this cute when I was 14. But certainly I was?

Anyhoo... Off to the bowling alley. There was a ton of kids there. Even some 7th graders who somehow finagled themselves a piece of cake despite not being invited. Tricky.

Here is a photo of Paige and me. All I can say about this photo is mwahhahahahahaha ... I'm still taller. Heh.

Interesting tidbit about the photo above: I cropped it specially to make myself look good. For some reason, I was standing all twisty and I looked a little deformed on the bottom. So, I'm pretty sure that's why God invented photo-editing software. He rocks.

And the last picture is from Saturday morning. Jerry had the bright idea to do this:

What the frickety frack flippin freak was he thinking? Me no likey. I'm starting to hyperventilate ... hold on ...

So, basically there was lots of hosing down in the backyard after this pic. But then ... and I about throw up when I say this ... the girls wanted to get the rest of the mud off in my big, gigantic fit-for-a-princess tub. Wha....?! That's my prime reading spot! How dare you ask to defile that which is precious to me?!

Ger.

However, I have this "cool mom" reputation to live up to, so of course I'm all smiley and chirpy and like "by all means, please do" but inside I was dying. Dying, I tell you!

Hmmmpf. Well, that's all over with now. And looking back, it was a pretty darn good time. The girls had fun and Paige had a birthday to remember -- which was really the point. (I know, I know, it's not all about me. I get it.)

Now I've just got to psyche myself up again for next month. I have a feeling Autumn's birthday party may put me over the edge. We shall see.

First things first...

...layouts! I scrapped til' 1:30 a.m. today. I am so diehard. And super sleepy. But whatev.

Anyhoo, here are my faves. I finished up the Classy Pak kit with the Dream Street papers. Here's what I came up with:

Yes, there is a little sucking up I'm doing on that one. Gotta keep the man happy so he won't ask to take control of the checkbook. That would be very bad, my friends. Very, very bad.

I have a lot of layouts with this look to it -- you know, two patterned papers split in the middle, kind of like wainscoting on a living room wall. I dunno why I do this all the time. I suppose I just like it. Hope ya'll do too, because most likely there will be more. I'm very predictable like that.

But then I go and do something crazy like this to shake things up a bit. Make life a little spicy, if you will. I cut this pattern right off the paper. Dude. I rock.

Okay, these next two layouts are from the new Sassacraft kit, Gin-X No Clue Whatsoever. Me loves!

First one -- I was all about cutting up paper, I think. Dig the heart, man. I have big love for my bro and sis. Check it:

Ahhh, precious. Other idea to note -- I put a rub-on letter "I" on pink cardstock and then cut around it to make a border. Plus, for added craftiness, I took my X-Acto knife and trimmed out the inside of the letter.

I was really in a groove last night. I am so not kidding you.

Alrighty, last but not least, I give you this dreamboat:

Sweeeeet. I used my new favorite embellie -- the jewelry tags! They are so tiny and cute. I found them at Office Max in the label section. They were a mere $16 for 500 tags -- crap! But well worth it 'cuz they are dang versatile. Getcha some!

Mmm, k my peeps. I'm done for now. I've got photos of the birthday soiree to share, but you'll have to wait for tomorrow. Tooooo bad.

Love ya'll!

A party is lurking...

I'm psyching myself out for the big birthday soiree this evening. No, it's not a party for big people -- it's for Paige and a bunch of 13 and 14 year old girls. Oh. Dear. God.

I did, however, score points for my side by having the party at the bowling alley. Let someone else clean up, know what I'm sayin'? But -- and perhaps this is punishment for me getting too cocky -- Paige is having four girls stay the night. Yikes. I remember what I was like at slumber parties, and can I just say -- earplugs, PLEASE!

So I stocked up on snacks. Seriously, I spent $40 bucks on crap food. I'm loading the conveyor with frozen burritos, pizza rolls, Bagel Bites, Cheez-Its, Doritoes, bean dip (okay, that's for me), french onion dip, Ruffles, 2 kinds of cookies, cheese dip and tortilla chips. The cashier's looking at me as if I've lost my mind. And why do I feel the need to explain myself? I just do, that's why.

Anyhoo...

Pray for me, peoples. Pray that I will make it through this night of screaming, drama-queen girls. And if Jerry goes to bed early and leaves me to defend myself alone ... well, I'll have to punch him in the kidney (or somewhere else more front-ways and centrally located).

On a side note -- freakin' Grey's Anatomy beat that dang ratings-hog CSI last night. Weeeee! I have no idea why I care or feel so protective of my favorite show (or any other show on ABC, my beloved network since my junior high All My Children days). That's just me displaying a little of my nerdy side, I guess. However, I might've gone a smidge past nerdy. Well, suck it.

And now, I leave you this happy friday with some layouts to start your weekends out right, ya'll:

Those are the last scraps of my Coordinates Collection kit. Now off to tackle the other four kits in my floor. These three layouts are from Classy Pak, Dream Street Sandra Faye line:

Oh god, I get all giggly inside looking at that one. My cat is so awesome. Love him AND his finger-bitin' ways.

Next up is a simple layout of me. I really have nothing exciting to say about this one. But here ya go:

And lastly -- my favorite girl in the whole wide world. I did a little fancy on this one with my nifty Basic Grey rub-ons. So love.

Hmmm. Now that it is loaded, the picture is a bit blurry and the rub-ons don't show up very well. But trust me, they are there. Look at the left side and bottom of the photograph -- them flourishes there -- that be it.

And speaking of the photograph -- it amazes me that the crap-hole area I live in can have such pretty places for pictures. This weekend, we are making the girls pose in a field of Blackeyed-Susans that is just down the road from us. Ahhhhh. Can't wait.

Okay, I'm done now. Are ya'll still awake? Catch ya on Monday with (hopefully) lots of layouts to share and not much rampant-teenage damage to my brain.

Toodles!

Alright, already!

I'll give you the layouts you are obviously begging for.

I opened up my GORGEOUS kit from Coordinates Collection and about died from all it's luscious-ness. Seriously. I want to eat this paper, it looks so darn delish. See for yourself:





See what I mean? Suddenly, I want some chocolate. Mmmmm.

I have more of this paper, and I can't wait to go back and see what other lovely things I can create with it. I also have 4 other kits sitting in my living room floor just torturing me. Guess I'll just have to go home and scrapbook some more. Damn. The stress is killing me.

Sigh.

Special treat -- post #2!!

Hola, groupies!

I thought I'd put in a second post since I did not get to it yesterday. But I very much busy, for reals. The boss was gone so I had to do her corporate stuff, and then I had to leave early because of the girls' Volleyball game.

And it is always a rush to get your crap done before you have to leave. Why is that? I could twiddle my thumbs all morning long, but come go time, "suddenly" my corporate client has travel needs. Good one.

I'm thinking I should make a new rule. Something along the lines of me not available for travel requests after 11 a.m. That would leave the rest of the afternoon for some very important Ebay bidding, blog posting, and scrapbook researching. The meat and potatoes of my life, ya'll. And if you need some flights booked or something after 11 a.m., well, you're gonna have to suck it. You've missed the deadline. Ahhhhh, too bad.

Dang. I'm the best darn travel agent ever.

Alrighty, my peeps, I've kept you waiting long enough. I have new layouts! These are from my Mosh Posh kit, the Scenic Route Cape Town line. Love the purty colors. See:

Now how's that for a cute cat? She cracks me up. The little circle thingy up in the lefthand corner is a journaling stamp by Autumn Leaves. I love it! But also, the little ribbony design around it -- why, that's my own doodle-work. Very loverly indeed.

Last layout is of my brother and his fiance (and soon-to-be mother of his child!), Hannah. They are being all sweet and makey outey:

I think there's some true love goin' on in that photo. Which they should stop because it makes Jerry and me look bad. 'Cause if I cuddled up all cutesy behind Jerry like that, he'd nudge me off and say something along the line of Get the hell off me, your skin is too hot! Hmmpft. Big whiney baby.

I have more layouts for you because I made pretty scrappiness last night before bed, but I don't have the pictures with me today. But tune in tomorrow, fo' sho. It's worth it.

Where the heck have I been?

Shopping, that's where! Omg, there was some serious shopping to be had this weekend, my friends. I love free money!

On Saturday, I went by myself because there was no way in hell I was going to take Jerry with me so he could mope around the scrapbook store asking me if we can leave yet. Ummmm, no.

I picked up a larger square punch than the one I bought a couple weeks ago, as well as some velvet sayings (birthday theme), some new black ink, some acrylic ghost flowers by Heidi Swapp, an idea book (because -- GASP! -- I found one I hadn't already bid for on Ebay), and some black and white cardstock. Oh, and the best part -- I picked up 2 white Uniball Signo pens that miss Elsie Flannigan made famous. They were freakin' $4.99 a piece, though. Dang. I think that qualifies me as bonafide stalker right there.

Now for the clothes. I hate buying clothes for myself. I don't have fun anymore. Everything I try on looks so hideous on me. Plus, what the ef is wrong with the jeans in the Juniors Department?! We all aren't skinny-legged, tiny-assed people, ya know? And hells bells if I'm buying my clothes in the Misses. They sell high-waisted mom jeans over there. Nice.

Anyhoo...

I did finally find me some schtuff. I went to Tar-shay and got me two pairs of Mossimo pants, one grey and one brown pin-striped. So loverly. Got me a pair of Levi's that fit so awesome and were actually a size smaller than I normally buy. Go me!! Then I looked at the tag -- freakin' Misses! Oh good lord. I've crossed over to the dark side. Where's the soccer mom sign ups again?

Sunday, I fared much better. Mom, Katy and I went to Springfield (home of Elsie Flannigan ... but I digress) to the Battlefield Mall. Katy was looking for a homecoming dress, and I was just wanting to spend some more money. Weeeee!

Got to the mall when it opened at noon, and then we freakin' closed the joint down, man! So diehard.

Picked up for myself two more pairs of pants -- from the Juniors, no less -- as well as some really groovy shoes and a nice dressy shirt to go with the brown pants from Saturday's trip. Add that up with the food court Chinese food, the mid-afternoon brownie snack, and the naked-men posters at Abercrombie & Fitch, and I'd say it was a damn good day.

Bring on the fashion show.

Haha, tricked ya'll...

...you thought you'd pop into the blog yesterday and see a li'l something new and exciting. Well, toooooo bad. I was way busy yesterday, and just couldn't make it in. So sorry.

But I had a really, really good excuse. It was my boss's birthday, and she had a little hankerin' for free casino money. I have no clue where she got this idea from. Certainly, I've never done anything like that.

Anyhoo...

So at lunchtime, we go to three different casinos. We had the best time. I think it was extra special, not because it was major bonding time between me and the boss, but because we were freakin' gamblin' in a casino during working hours. Oh such rebels are we. Yessss.

Here is what I've bought so far with the extra money on my paycheck:

1) Paid the car bill. I don't really count this, but if I hadn't gotten the extra money, who knows how these people would have gotten paid. I guess I could have shown them some leg or something. That did get me a brand new tire for $35 earlier last month. Ah well.

2) Paid my brother-in-law off for the dryer he bought us with his super deep discount at Lowe's. Man, it pays to have connections.

3) Paid Jerry's parents some of the money we owe them. Mind you, I said some. That may seem a little wrong to some people. But suck it. They can't have all my free money. There's some other, more important items to take care of first.

4) Such as the 6 month pre-paid subscription to yet another scrapbook kit company. I seriously needed this. You know I did. And for those who care, it was Sassacraft because their kits are dang cheap. $19 per month INCLUDING shipping. Helloooo?! That's practically free.

5) And in that same vein, I bought some photo editing software because I think I might wanna do some fancy effects with my piccies someday. Not 100% sure. But if the time comes and I feel like doing it, I have the software.

Yes, a total impulse buy. But whatev.

6) A little Grey's Anatomy love, peoples! Had to have season 2 -- uncut and all. Hoping for a few nudey shots of my boyfriend, Patrick Dempsey. I mean, why else buy it? Certainly not for the threesome dream sequence of Meredith, Izzy and Christina in the shower. However, Jerry may beg to differ.

7) A whole 90-day supply of crazy meds. Weeeee! For some oddball reason, my insurance decided I'm going to have to work hard to get my medicine from now on, and actually mail in my request instead of leisurely popping into the pharmacy on my way home from work. Excuse me?! How retarded is it to make an anxious person with OCD freakin' mail in a prescription? Don't these people know that all I've been doing since I sent it off is worry myself crazy (ha!) that my paperwork got lost in the mail, and they can't fill my prescription, and then I will be without medicine for weeks, and then I will go all jittery and vertigo-y, and then most likely hyperventilate a li'l?

But I digress. I saw on my bank statement online today that my prescription was billed to my account. Now I can breath a sigh of relief. The craziness has been diverted -- for now at least.

8) Lastly, I made a nice little book order today. For books that will probably sit on my bookshelf and gather dust for a couple of years with all the rest of them. Seriously. Ask my husband. He reminds me all the time.

There will be lots more gift items to come. A whole weekend ahead for shopping opportunities. I will keep you informed.

Back on Monday. Tootle-loos!

Scrappin' my life away...

I have 3 awesome kits at home with 3 more on their way, and I'm feeling the pressure to scrapbook. Although, "pressure" isn't technically the correct word. Kind of like how I am "pressured" to eat a whole can of bean dip by myself, or "pressured" to lay down on the couch and watch a little DVR.

Anyhoo...

I created this little page last night:

It was created using SEI's Doodley Doo Girl kit. Super cute. And the journaling has a really awesome quote on it:

"The day you were born, the world had to make room for a little more fancy."

How cute is that? (And oh so apropos.) I wish I could take credit for it, but as I mentioned before, I am plagued by my own morals and conscience. I kinda stole it from none other than Kristina Contes, another scrapbook hero of mine. However, I have no ideer if it is her quote or if she stole it from someone, too. Hmmmm. The world may never know.

So, I'm getting a little extra on my paycheck this week, and I'm trying to figure out how I want to spend it. Some may suggest putting it away in savings or something retarded like that. Hahahahahahahahahaha.

No.

I'm thinking more along the lines of how much of it I want to spend on ME. Everything else is a moot point. I may buy Paige and Autumn a birthday present or something, but really, after that, you are probably going to have to drag me out of the scrapbook store. In fact, you might just want to get your rodeo lassos ready.

Attack of the pre-teens

Oh my. What have I gotten myself into?

It started out with a little pep talk with my daughter. How she needed to concentrate on maintaining her friendships with her pals at school; you know, boring stuff like that.

So since school started a month ago, we have had:

2 sleepovers on weekends
1 sleepover on a school night (which was last night -- I have no idea how I got finagled into agreeing to that. I think Autumn must've gave me the voodoo eyes or something.)
1 friend coming over to hangout (this evening, which I don't usually agree to because that means I have to take the girl home, and we live 15 miles from town, and it severely cuts into my lounging time, and I'm a big whiny baby, and...)
1 new boyfriend (which came about last night at the volleyball game, which was actually kind of cute because we were leaving and he walked Autumn to the car and opened the door for her. I'm thinking, excuse me, why aren't you like at least in your 20s and married to ME?!)

Anyhoo, to make a long story short, I'm swimming in a sea of children. You know, when I had that chat with Autumn, I really didn't expect her to listen to me. Damn. I should watch that from now on.

Alrighty, blogheads, I'm gonna scoot. I have to go home and entertain some 12-year-olds. Which basically means I will ignore them and watch Dancing With the Stars all night. But whatev.

Laters.

All new stuff

Good afternoon, my peeps! Hope everyone is doing well today. Me ... well, it's Monday and I'm still driving that gigantic car. So that's pretty much it in a nutshell.

Here is some stuff about the weekend:

1) I did not read my book at all. I am shocked at myself. I haven't done this since November 2000. I think Hell must've frozen over or something.

2) I scrapbooked like a crazy lady. Or like a crazy lady who just so happens to scrapbook. Either way. Here is a layout for you:

This beauty was created with the new Carnival line from Crate Paper. I do think I likey. You probably can't tell very well, but the photo is of my brother and his lady love, Hannah. (As opposed to his man love? Eh, never mind.)

3) I set my DVR to overtime. I am soooooo excited for all the new shows this season! Here is what I'm gonna watch:

a) Men in Trees -- new show with Anne Heche. And men in trees. Sounds luscious!

b) Dancing With the Stars -- I have not watched this show ever, but it was a big hit before, and oh how I love to jump on bandwagons. Plus, seeing Joey Lawrence from Blossom and Jerry Springer doin' the tango is just way to much temptation to pass up.

c) Ugly Betty -- I have no idea what this show is about, but the title alone is enough to get my attention. I will keep you posted.

Of course, these shows are in addition to what I already enjoy watching, which include Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, The Bachelor, American Idol, etc.

Okay, so what I'm basically saying is that if you need me, you can reach me at 1-800-FAT-ASS, extention Big Comfy Couch. I'm available 24/7.

4) You won't believe this right here. My daughter has got to be the most creative person I know. She called me at work and said she needed duct tape "right away" for "school." I was a little suspicious because that is like saying you need a hammer for a day at the library or something. But whatev. It is just easier to get the damn duct tape instead of trying to argue with a 12-year-old.

Turns out, I was right all along. Autumn just wanted to make stuff. But look at this display of craftitude:

A freakin' duct tape purse, peoples! This girl just stuns me sometimes. She is like Go-Go-Gadget MacGyver. Or something like that. Oh, and p.s. -- this purse is made with nothing else but duct tape. There is no structure inside, just duct tape and genius.

5) News on the Kia -- apparently there is a big, honkin' whole in the antifreeze juggy thing. Well, no crap. Could that be why the water went in the jug and then right back out onto the ground? I dunno. I may have to check with the engineers on this one....

And would you believe a new jug costs 300-effen-dollars? Why for? It is plastic and hooks up by one hose and 2 bolts -- I could have my daughter make one out of duct tape, that's how fancy these things are. I believe there might be some high holy hell to raise.

No more talky now. My hands are all carpal-tunneling and I need to save my strength for some serious Ebay-ing. Catch ya'll tomorrow. Peace.

And to start the weekend...

...my car went poop. Or rather, pee, but basically what I'm saying is that it is a crap-hole and it effing died.

Here's the skinny:

So last weekend, my car started heating up a li'l. Like as in almost freakin incinerating itself. Turns out, my antifreeze thingy was empty. Excuse me, I've never bought antifreeze in my life. Don't cars just come equipped for eternity with that stuff? Apparently not.

Dear hubby poured water in the little container under the hood and brought my baby back to life. And ever'thang was fine. Until yesterday.

On my way home from work, the car started climbing on the temp gauge again. I'm thinking, hells bells, what now? And then my engine started doing something a little funky, knocking around, clanging a bit. I'm pretty sure that's all bad news right there. I pull over about 2 miles from the house, call Jerry and tell him to bring water.

Okay, now I'm boring myself. Still with me, people? Long story short, the water he poured in went right through the car and down to the asphalt. A little pee-pee on the road, if you will. Fab.

Kia had to come down from Joplin (30 miles away in Missouri) and tow it away this morning. All I have to say about that is THANK GOD for road-side assistance and a damn good warranty.

Now, here's the good news: I am driving Jerry's parent's SUV. It is old. And cranky. And loud as hell. The motor was just a whirring away and I'm thinking, dang I need to slow down. Then I look at the speedometer and I'm going freakin 25. Seriously. If it wasn't so aggravating (you know, when I'm trying to get somewhere in a hurry), it'd be flippin hilarious.

But right now ... not so much.

Til' Monday, my dear lovelies.

Friday Layout Bonanza!

Okay, so it's not really a bonanza...only 3 layouts. But still.

First off, I want to thank my buddy, Lorraine, for mailing me these papers. For some reason, no scrapbook store here was carrying them, and I'm thinking why the hell not?

Anyhoo...

First layout is of Katy and the pigtails I made especially for her. Dig my kitchen floor, man:

Okay, next layout is of me and Katy on the 4th of July being all cute and makey outey:

I think I like that one. Maybe the striped background was too much, but I think the design is rather rad. What you think?

Alrighty, now last layout is my fave. Presenting:

Could our outfits get any more matching? As if this paper was just meant to be...

Now catch this -- see my letter "Y"? Yep, I made that. I ran out of "Y"s so I chopped an "X" in half, then drew in the bottom. How's that for resourceful? Go me!

So, in short, much love to Lo-Lo for being so kind and fab enough to send me these papers. You rock, girlie!

Layouts out the wazoo

Okay, I know ya'll have waited practically an eternity for these. Finally, I have been able to sit down and scrap a li'l. So, without further ado, here's what I've been up to:

First up is the very last of my Coordinates Collection kit made from scraps. Yes, I said scraps. You so cannot tell:

Dig that Sharpie white pen, man. I'm in love.

Next is of my main gal, mom. Love her and her picture perfect-ness:

Alright, I'll admit it. I went a little overboard with the square punch. Tooooo bad.

Next is of my little sister. And as a tribute to her fabulosity, I wrote stuff about her in the margins. However, it looked way better in my mind:

Eh. I tried to go all fancy on this one, and it basically turned out like crap. In the words of Jeffrey Sebelia of Project Runway, I AM just an artsy-fartsy macaroni gluer. Damn.

And lastly, my favorite layout. Love the colors, love the black cardstock, love the people:

I cut the lines and the circles out of the patterned paper. I actually gave myself a cramp. But very worth it, indeed.

I've got more, but you'll have to wait. Ooooh, a teaser. Naughty me!

Birthday loot

Leave it to me to stretch out the birthday fun well into the next month. Whatev. But look at this glorious stuff I bought with other people's money! It was the best shopping day ever on Saturday. Here is what I got:

1) Patterned paper -- my absolute favorite! I am a whore when it comes to this stuff.

2) Matching cardstock -- so loverly.....*sigh*

3) Heidi Swapp flowers -- I got fall colors because I have kits coming soon that need a little fancy.

4) Punches -- I got 2 circle ones and 1 square one. I went into the store just for the square one. Walked out with more. Hmmmm. I have no idea how that happened.

5) Alphas -- I LURVE alphabets. I gots me some variety, too -- rub-ons (ooh la la), stickers, and foam stamps. So fab.

6) A freakin' white Sharpie poster pen, peoples! I have been searching everywhere for this thing and I found it. I feel like I've hit the jackpot. Because I'm nerdy like that.

7) VersaColor ink in brown. Mmmmmmm.

8) Brads -- two kinds, silver and black. You wouldn't think something as little and insignificant as brads would be such a scrapbooking must-have. But it is. Sorry, I don't make the rules.

9) Photo turns -- what the hell are these you ask? Only the cutest thing ever invented. You've seen the back of some picture frames, right? And where they have those little metals swiveling things that hold the back on...well, those be it. Except the ones I bought were classy. Two words for you: arrow shaped. Yessssss.

And now you are wondering what the hell I created with all this schtuff. Well, just you wait.

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah

REASON WHY I SHOULD STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN #147:

I cheese-grated my thumb knuckle while helping mom make the hashbrown casserole. If this isn't proof enough that I am dangerous when wielding sharp appliances, I don't know what is.

TGIF

I am so ready for a weekend, it ain't even funny. Work has been a little stressful today because new airline policies came out (something I like to refer to as their "wonky-ass rules") and has us all scrambling to re-tool everything we've ever done in order to fit within the new guidelines. It's bitchin' fun.

However, I did get a sweet little reprieve in the form of a free Sara Lee danish from the bookstore today. Weeeee!

(Good god. I have no life.)

So by 5 p.m. today, I will be in full party mode. Which I detail in the following:

1) If the phone rings after hours, I will not answer it. I say, Suck It, instead.

2) I go home and get into my jimjams. And then make out with the sofa a li'l bit.

3) I will read 60 pages in my book because my brain won't let me slag on this one. Seriously. My brain has this Svengali-like hold on me and therefore won't let me be a normal person. If I don't read 60 pages a day, my brain will totally spaz on me and make me, like, clean house or something.

4) I will do some scrapbooking like the mad scrappin' fool that I am. And I will create masterpieces only. Crap not allowed.

5) I will spend my birthday money. This is where I hit high-gear party mode, my friends. You do not want to be around me when I'm spending other people's money. It is too dangerous; sometimes, even for me.

6) And finally, I will spend a little time with the DVR. I had to re-record Flavor of Love because last Sunday's episode did not do right since it was storming and the satellite kept going out.

And yes, I said Flavor of Love. That show is hilarious. Flavor Flav has got to the weirdest man on the planet, and the girls that try to win his love are the cream of the freakin' crazy crop. You should watch it for a good time. Or at least try to catch the first episode when a girl accidentally poops on his carpet. For reals.

Alrighty, on that note, I bid you good day. Ya'll have a great weekend and Labor Day holiday. I will return on Tuesday with lots of juicy tidbits and scrap loveliness all for you. Because that's how I do for the people I love.

Tootles!