:JOURNALING: 10 Questions to Ask Your Mother

I was flipping through my May 2009 issue of Real Simple and came across something that really sparked my interest - an article called "10 Questions to Ask Your Mother."

I immediately thought what a great journaling starter the questions would be for a layout, series of layouts or even a mini-book...and what a great way to learn something new about your mom in honor of Mother's Day.

Here's the questions:

1. What's the one thing you would have done differently as a mom?
2. Why did you choose to be with my father?
3. In what ways do you think I'm like you? And not like you?
4. Which one of us kids did you like best?
5. Is there anything you have always wanted to tell me but never have?
6. Do you think it's easier or harder to be a mother now than when you were raising our family?
7. Is there anything you regret not having asked your parents?
8. What's the best thing I can do for you right now?
9. Is there anything that you wish had been different between us - or that you would still like to change?
10. When did you realize that you were no longer a child?

In the article, the author, Judith Newman, goes into further detail about why each question is important and what your mother's answer can review about you, your mom and your relationship.

She also shares some answers of her own mother and/or those of her friends. An interesting read.

Hey, Mom...you up for a few questions? :-)

:GIVEAWAY WINNERS: Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking 3 & Tessa Ann's Buttons

Phew...two great giveaways in one week!!

That means two very lucky winners...

On National Scrapbooking Day, I offered up a free copy of Jessica Sprague's wonderful new installment of amazing digital and hybrid techiques, Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking 3.

So, I headed to Random.org to find a winner from all the wonderful comments (some of you found some really amazing ways to spend the weekend, by the way!)...

and the winner is...

#43...


Congrats, Lorraine...sounds like you had quite the NSD weekend and now you get a little bonus for your creative productivity!

THEN, we also had those adorable little buttons that Tessa Ann offered up from her etsy shop.

From the looks of the comments, there's a little something for EVERYONE in Tessa Ann's store.

However, the lucky winner of these adorable Retro Blue Bird buttons is...


#9...


Congratulations, Lana!! I think it's pretty awesome that the winner ended up being someone that actually listed these exact buttons as her favorite!

Lorrainne and Lana, I will be emailing you soon with details on how to claim your prizes.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking 3
If you didn't win the free copy of Jessica's book in this giveaway, come back next week. I will be posting a review of the book along with another chance to win!

April Daily Inspirations Winner
All of the entries for the April Daily Inspirations have been collected and a random winner will be chosen very soon. Please watch for the announcment early next week!

In the meantime, be sure to check out the May Daily Inspirations and enter for your chance to win this month's great prize package!

:CROP: Packing the bag...ummm...bags...

On Friday morning I am leaving for my first ever scrapbooking crop!! Woohoo!! I am so excited!

I have a feeling that even if I don't get that many layouts completed, it's still going to be an amazing weekend.

However, I am hoping to get at least a few layouts done (especially since I haven't scrapped since before my accident), so of course I must go prepared.

Therefore, I found the bag and then it was time to pack...and this process had me a little worried (you can read more about my irrational fears - or are they? - here).

First, since I generally start with my photos whenever I start a layout, I figured that it shouldn't be any different when trying to pack for a crop so I spread all my to-be scrapped pictures in layout groups on my table.

I have a good variety...some winter shots, some play shots, some dance shots, some Easter shots, etc.

Then, since it would be physically impossible (or at least extremely inconvenient) to take my entire paper stash, I went on to the next step of attempting to pick out individual papers and collections that I felt would go best with the photo groupings I hope to scrap.

I limited myself to ONE Cropper Hopper vertical paper holder to house all of the paper and cardstock that I would be taking.

Then, I moved on to embellishments.

This step proved to be even harder than the papers...I filled ONE snap lid 13x13 box with letter stickers, chipboard letters and shapes, gems, journaling blocks and more. It is so stuffed that it almost won't snap!

These two holders went in the main compartment of my new bag and fit quite nicely.

See that narrow space in front? I'm hoping to fit my laptop there as I have been told that there will be a computer and printer available for printing off journaling, titles and other stuff, but we have to have it created and saved on our own flash drive first as to not tie it up too long.

This picture doesn't show it well, but there are also zippered pockets on each side of the bag. On one side I have a large selection of rub ons and on the other are chipboard alphabets and a little bit of ribbon.

Next, I moved on to what I am referring to as my tool bag (actually a diaper bag given a much more glorious purchase).

In it, I packed my trimmers, ruler, favorite punches, adhesive, paints, disposable brushes and stapler (and a fishing tackle box holding brads, eyelets and gems because it fit better in this bag).

And, last but not least, I used the over the shoulder bag that came with my rolling bag to house my PageMaps print offs (LOVE THESE) and my copies of The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker and Photo Freedom since I'll have the perfect opportunity to get author autographs (I hope).

A few other favorite idea books might find their way in this bag as well...

So, that's it...I'm packed...and can't wait to go!

This process has made me curious though.

For those of you that have been to a crop before...did you go through a similar packing process or is yours completely different??

What am I forgetting??

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: May 2009 Kit - "Tutti Frutti"

Live life...in COLOR!

Isn't life a little more fun when you have a bright and bold array of choices? This months' kit is so full of yummy colors and delicious flavor combinations you're just going to want to gobble it up!

We are so excited to bring to you our May MemoryWorks Express kit "Tutti Frutti".

Delve into the fabulous, fresh, and fruity colors and patterns; and don't forget to top it all off with all of the irresistibly juicy embellishments and page enhancements. So get creative and experiment with all of the fruity goodness!


Patterned Paper
{1} 12x12 Cherry Hill - Tea Towel (October Afternoon)
{1} 12x12 Cherry Hill - New Apron (October Afternoon)
{1} 12x12 Cherry Hill - Cookie Jar (October Afternoon)
{1} 12x12 Garden Grove - Joy Street (Scenic Route)
{1} 12x12 Garden Grove - Flower Street (Scenic Route)
{1} 12x12 Creative Café - Orange Notebook (Creative Imaginations)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Intense Orange (Prism)
{1} 12x 12 Intense Kiwi (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Sunflowers Medium (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Really Red (Prism)

Embellishments
{1} 12x12 Cherry Hill Alphabet Stickers (October Afternoon)
{1} 5x6 Sheet Snack Attack Felties (Sassafrass Lass)
{1} 12x12 SheetGarden Grove - Die Cut Arrows (Scenic Route)
{1} Red Square Journal Sprout (Jillibean Soup)
{1} Green Square Journal Sprout (Jillibean Soup)
{1} Orange Round Journal Sprout (Jillibean Soup)
{1} Black Round Journal Sprout (Jillibean Soup)
{6} Tutti Fruitti - Trinkets Beads (Maya Road)
{2} Ladybug Buttons (Doodlebug Designs)
{2} Tangerine Buttons (Doodlebug Designs)
{2} Limeade Buttons (Doodlebug Designs)
{2} Bumblebee Buttons (Doodlebug Designs)
{1} Marigold - Lollipop Layered Fabric Flower (Prima)
{1} Yard 5/8" Orange Dot Ribbon (May Arts)
{1} Yard 3/8" Red Stitched Ribbon (May Arts)

Bonus Cards
{1} 5.5x8.5 Intense Orange (Prism)
{1} 5.5x8.5 Intense Kiwi (Prism)
{1} 5.5x8.5 Sunflowers Medium (Prism)
{1} 5.5x8.5 Really Red (Prism)
{1} 5.5x8.5 Baby Blue Medium(Prism)
{1} 5.5x8.5 White Envelopes

ALL FOR ONLY $29.95!! (plus $6.50 S&H)

If you are interested in this kit or subscribing to the MemoryWorks Express Kit Program, please contact me today for further details!

:SPONSORS: May AMOM Sponsors...

FEATURED SPONSORS:

Get it Scrapped!

With a brand new forum and even more great features, your bound to get even more out of the great online scrapbooking classes offered at Get it Scrapped!

They have two classes starting in May:

• Product Pizzazz 102 with Doris Sander - starts May 12
• MORE Mad Digital Skillz with Pattie Knox - starts May 25

*NEW SPONSOR* - Tessa Ann

You simply must check out Tessa Ann's Etsy shop! She has the most adorable handmade buttons and felt embellishments perfect for adding a custom look to any crafting project.

Nicole Lombardo

Another very talented creator of handmade goods, Nicole specializes in custom designed die cut scrolls, 12x12 lace papers and more. They are amazing and nothing you'll ever find at your LSS or big box store. She's adding new designs and colors all the time, so don't miss out.

SPONSOR:

Simplify 101

Owned by Aby Garvey, co-author of The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker, Simplify 101 offers a wealth of workshops, products and other resources to not only get your creative self organized, but the rest of your life as well!

GIVEAWAY:
Tessa Ann, our new Featured Sponsor for May, has donated a set of her amazing Retro Blue Bird buttons to give away to one lucky reader!

Are these adorable or what?!?

To enter, leave the following in a comment to this post:

NAME:
EMAIL:
TELL ME: Your favorite item in Tessa Ann's Etsy store...

Leave your comment by Wednesday, May 6th at 11:59 PM CST for your chance to win!

GOOD LUCK!!

---------------------------------------------------

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A SPONSOR OF THE AMOM BLOG? If so, please contact me and I would be happy to provide you with further details.

:NATIONAL SCRAPBOKING DAY: Top 6 things to do on NSD...and a giveaway...

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!

Whatever you do today, I hope that you are able to celebrate in a scrappy way!

Here are the TOP SIX THINGS TO DO ON NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY:

#1 - SCRAP!
Obvious? Maybe. But still, you have so many options.

If you prefer a solitary scrap, put on your favorite tunes, grab your favorite drink and dig into your stash.

If your more of a social scrapper, this holiday is made for you. There are literally thousands of scrapbooking events and crops going on all over the country (and world) this weekend at scrapbook stores and other venues.

However, even if you don't have a LSS, or by some odd chance they're not joining in the fun, you're certainly not out of luck. Head online and take part in one of the online crops popping up all over the place to find inspiration and some new online friends.

Here's just a couple sites hosting NSD crops including inspiration, challenges, prizes and more: Two Peas in a Bucket and WeScrap.

#2 - SHOP!
With so excitement surrounding this crafter's holiday, we're also likely so see some pretty darn good sales going on! NSD might just be the perfect time to stock up on basic supplies or try some of those super cute new embellishments you've had your eye on since they hit the shelves.

Here's of few of my favorite online shops based on their selection and sales:

• Two Peas in a Bucket (yes, I'm a BIG Two Peas fan)
• Scrapbook.com
• Joann.com

#3 - ORGANIZE!
I know that I feel MUCH more in the mood to create and productive if I have a clean and organized space to start with. It certainly won't end the creative session being clean and organized, but that's part of the fun.

If you need to do a little more than putting a few sheets of cardstock and punches back in their places, here are some great resources to get your scrap space back on track:

• The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker
• Where Women Create: Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women
• Organization Tips for Scrapbookers
• How To Organize Your Scrapbook Workspace

#4 - LEARN!
One of the most wonderful things about this hobby is that there is literally always something new to learn and techniques to try to help improve or enhance your creativity.

Many LSS offer many opportunities for classes so check out your local store, but there are also many great learning opportunities online as well. Here's just a few of the best to get you started:

• JessicaSprague.com (Jessica's offering a free class right now!)
• Get it Scrapped!
• Big Picture Scrapbooking

#5 - DOWNLOAD
Not only are their some great sales going on this weekend, but there are also a lot of great freebies ready for download to inspire or to use on your next project.

Memory Makers mag has a 31-day Creativity Challenge for May available for free download (it's on the same order of my own Daily Inspirations challenges - make sure you download those, too!) and Two Peas is offering this super cute digital kit for free download.

#6 - WIN
Remember those prizes I mentioned up in #1?? Well, with just about every crop you'll find a chance to win some really great prizes. The two I mentioned are certainly no exception.

You'll also find many general giveaways out there in honor of NSD such as this one from Memory Makers magazine. Another great place to visit today would be the Creating Keepsakes blog - they have giveaways planned for every couple of hours!

Ladies (and scrappy gents), this is really just the tip of the ice burg, so regardless of your plans for today (or the weekend) there are plenty of scrappy options to keep you more than occupied and having a great time!!

GIVEAWAY:
Speaking of prizes...why don't we have a giveaway right here? Yes, I think we'll just do that in honor of NSD!

I have a review of Jessica Sprague's new Computer Tricks for Scrapbookers 3 coming soon and she was so generous as to offer me TWO issues to give away and I think I'm in the mood to give one of them away a litttle early!!

Just leave a comment to this post with the following:

NAME:
EMAIL:
TELL ME: Your NSD weekend plans AND/OR link your favorite NSD crop, sale or freebie find.

Leave your comment by Sunday, May 3rd at 11:59 p.m. CST and I will announce the winner early in the week.

Have a great weekend!!

:CROP: Finding the bag...

My first ever crop is drawing closer and I needed something to pack all my loot in...

So, I headed to Joann.com to see what I could find...and I found this:
The Mackinac Moon Rolling Tote Suite!

Please note that this photo is not from the Joann's website. In fact, the website actually only shows the main bag...all zipped up...but I generally don't make a purchase of this $$ amount without doing a little research and found this more detailed photo of the full package elsewhere on the web. They do have the option of buying the main bag only, but for the price I think you get a much better deal if you get the 'Suite'.

Anyway...it was still a lot of money to spend...especially right now with everything that has been going on financially for us, but I had some money left if my PayPal account from selling my scrapbooking mags and idea books on eBay and even better, Joann.com was running a 40% off sale on all their scrapbooking storage AND I had a free shipping code, so I decided to go for it!

This is why I LOVE Joann.com. They almost always have some really great sales running.

In case you are wondering, the 40% off sale on scrapbook storage is still running. OR, they now have a 50% off any regularily priced item (CODE: TTF120) on their homepage that would make it an even better deal!

Now, I had never heard of Mackinaw Moon before so was a little apprehensive for the package to arrive and get a real-life look at my purchase, but it arrived just the other day and I must say that so far, I am pleased.

Here are the main features:

• Rolling storage set includes a zip-shut tool organizer, shoulder tote and a rolling tote.
• Zip-shut tool organizer features two 5-inch x 9.75-inch clear zippered pockets and 30 elastic loops.
• Shoulder tote has outside snap-shut pocket, a large zippered pocket that divides the inside of tote into 2 compartments, 1 side having 2 clear zippered pockets and the other side having 21 elastic loops. Either side will fit a 12-inch x 12-inch album.
• Rolling tote features 2 more clear, zippered pockets on the inside back wall and an adjustable divider to create just the right size compartments. An outside zippered pocket that has 3 zip-lock pouches on rings, an outside zippered pocket for credit card and ID slots, 3 pouch style pockets on the front of tote, and a zip-close top that has 30 more elastic loops.
• Lining is color coordinated to match the outside trim color.
• Available in Coral/Chocolate or Periwinkle/Chocolate.
• Made of micro-fiber material.
• Measures: 18 inches high x 15 inches wide x 9.5 inches deep.

I'm going to start packing this weekend...we'll see how much loot will fit!!