MilitaryCropTalk

Real Women Scrap TV

The introduction of this episode seems a little far-reaching (I'm not so sure scrapbooking is a 'life lesson'), but for a new year, becoming organized as soon as possible may open some more time for doing things you want--like scrapping!

If you're facing the deployment of a loved one this year, making hard choices about what to be involved in, priortizing and having some sort of schedule will help lessen the stress you will be experiencing.  Predictability can be a welcome friend during those crazy, rollercoaster days.

Creative Cafe...Does Your Local Store Have One?

My local scrapbooking store and I have a long relationship.  I can count myself among one of its first customers.  I followed it through three or four moves and many transitions in direction.

One of its latest innovations, the Creative Cafe, seems like an interesting and innovative way to encourage customers to do make-and-takes.

Does your store have one?

2008 -- New Year, New Color Ideas

I never quite connected the dots, but I'm finding it to be true. 

Colors move from the fashion industry to the interior design industry to the scrapbooking industry.

What is 2008's hot color according to those who know?

I Only Have Two Kids, So What's My Problem?

Did anyone else catch Dateline NBC last night?  It was focused on the McCaughey septuplets who celebrated their 10th birthdays last month.  Once again, a heartwarming look at this family whose oldest daughter, Mikayla, is absolutely lovely.

But, the MOST amazing thing?!  Bobbi McCaughey keeps scrapbooks for all eight of her children and from the looks of them last night--they are up-to-date!

I only have two kids, so I suppose I have no excuse, even with being in the midst of final exams.  Apparently, I'm no super woman!

As atonement for this fact, I'll share some inspiration from others after the jump!

Layout Ideas for Perfect Pages

Perfect pages start with perfect plans...and usually come together thanks to a couple mistakes and missteps that, in being covered, end up turning out great.

Most of the time, I start with a general idea of how many photos plus the paper and embellishments I'd like to use.  Many times I wish I had new, visually inviting ways to put them together.

Enter the Little Book of Sketches.  A colorful and creative website brimming with layout ideas for your pages.  Give them a look!

Merry Christmas Wishes From Home

It isn't too late to send holiday greetings to your deployed loved one.  Why not consider making a mini-album or a card using appropriate song lyrics?  You could even make a layout for your album using the lyrics.  Joyous or a little melancholy, these songs will help you say just what's on your heart.

Why not make the jump and see which songs might fit your mood?

Where In the World...

Posting from the airport before heading to North Carolina for SpouseBuzz Live 3.  If you're not joining us, remember that you can watch LIVE as it happens via SyncLive.

In the meantime, you can check after the jump for some scrapbooking-related material and information about holiday care packages to their deployed loved ones.

Wednesday Site Spotlight

Found this fun blog from a fellow scrapbooker and thought her photos and page ideas might encourage you to scrap some memories today!

Remember to leave a little love when you stop by Melinda's place to let her know you were there and what you liked!

So I Bought One...Now What?

I have frequented the same local scrapbooking store (LSS) since it opened nearly 10 years ago.  It's  moved into its 4th and largest location.  When I received the "come shop with us at Midnight on Turkey Day" e-mail, I decided to give it a whirl. 

I was able to purchase this mini-tote from All My Memories for $12.  Very versatile with over 20 pockets for me to put stuff in, I'm wondering if YOU had this bag, how would you use it?  Would you load it up with all your favorite tools and use it as your go-to bag plus storage? 

I'd LOVE to hear your ideas so post them in comments!  If you have a similar organizer, how have you put it to use??

Wednesday Site Spotlight

With the holiday weekend upon you, you might find some time to scrap when everyone "watching" football while sleeping off the turkey coma.  If you do, you won't want to waste time trying to devise the perfect scheme for your layout.

Visit Simple Scrapbooks' scheme gallery to see several easy but effective layout ideas.  Full-color examples accompany the templates to help you envision what your finished product could look like.

As always, we'd love to see your finished product!