Project 365: Day 7

Here is today's photo. It also meets the first Challenge for 2009: "What's Cooking".



Scrambled eggs for my little man Derek this AM... :)

Project 365: Day 6

Here is today's photo:



I have these grapes all over the kitchen. They remind me of Italy and the dream trip I want to take there one day... :)

Starting Project 365

Happy New Year Everyone!

What are your goals this year? I like everyone else want to lose weight. I also am committing myself to Project 365 this year. What's that? That is taking one photo a day every day this year. I know, I know... Crazy. I think I can do it though! :)

Here are mine so far:

Jan 1:



Jan 2:



Jan 3:



Jan 4:



Jan 5:



I am going to try and keep up and post my photo here every day... Now I am not SCRAPPING each of these photos mind you. I know better than to think I would keep up with that goal... :)

Wish me luck! I am going to need it. Especially for the losing weight thing. LOL

Making Memories Slice Machine Review

Making Memories Slice Machine came and after a couple days of playing with it I am really liking it! I will dive right into my review...

Pros:

Size and weight: This is a great little machine. Very portable. Cartridges are also small. This would definitely be a great tool to tote around with you to crops. Just be prepared to be asked about it. A lot. LOL People will want to see it in action and will want you to demo it. And it is CORDLESS. That in itself is pure genius. It only takes an hour to charge it up and get going.

Cost: This can be both a pro and a con. The cost of the machine is comparable to the Cricut. However, the Cricut has much more functionality. BUT the regular price of the design cartridges are much more affordable than the Cricut. Unless you wait a year and catch those Cricut Cartridges on Ebay like I do... :) The Slice retails for around $130 - $149. The cartridges retail for around $39.

Cost of Ownership: This is also a plus. Because the mat is glass, you do not have to replace it. The only consumables you need for this machine (besides your paper) are the repositionable adhesive ($5.99) and Blades ($9.99 for 5). I have not had the unit long enough to review blade life. But this cost of ownership is comparable to the Cricut (Mats = 9.99 for 2 Blades = 9.99 for 2). Cost of ownership may even be less than the Cricut depending on blade life/mat adhesive life.

Cartridges/Accessories: There are only a few design cartridges so far, but the ones that are out are very nice. They all have a wide array of shapes and one font per card. There's also already a wide array of accessories for this machine (tools, handbag case/ card storage/desktop storage).

Paper Saver: You can use the smallest of papers with the machine, BUT it does take practice on the placement. Since everything is manual as far as paper placement, you can really save paper with this machine. But it will take a little practice on where to place the paper in conjunction with where the blade starts in order to get efficient cuts. The measurements on the glass mat and the see-through panel on the bottom of the machine really help with this.

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Cons: Some of these Cons aren't really "Cons" per se, but just points I wanted to mention that could be negative for some...

Cutting Ability: Don't get me wrong, this thing cuts like a champ. However, it is a little cumbersome in the fact that you can only cut one letter/shape at a time. I guess I am just spoiled by my Cricut Expression. I can cut a whole slew of letters and shapes (the whole paper's worth if I want) while off doing something else. You also have to hold this cutter while it is working. It isn't too slow, but it isn't lightning fast either.

Mat Prep: I was highly against this aspect of the machine at first, but after doing it a couple times, this really isn't too much of a con. You have to apply your repositionable adhesive to the glass mat before using it. Then you have to let it dry for two minutes. This really isn't that big a deal. You can even keep the adhesive on to use at a later cutting session. I just keep my mat in a drawer so that dust and lint don't accumulate on it. If it loses its stickiness, just wash it off (with dishsoap and water), dry it off and reapply the adhesive. I thought this was going to be really inconvenient, but really it isn't. I have tried other repositionable adhesives on this mat (such as a spray quilt basting adhesive), but I really prefer the liquid adhesive that comes with the Slice. I just have to remember to always have some on hand.

Noise: This isn't eyelet hammer noisy, but it is noisy. Then again, what electronic die cutting machine isn't?

Blade Housing/Safety: I will admit I am a bit of a klutz. I put a deep gouge in the palm of my hand trying to get this thing out of the package. But then again I was in a hurry to get it out. And excited. LOL The bottom of the machine is totally open and the blade is SHARP. Not a good combo if you plan on leaving this thing on your desk and you have a small child around. You have to be careful how you hold this machine - and how you store it as that blade is out in the open. I would recommend keeping that hard plastic packaging piece that is on the bottom of the machine when you take it out of the box - and keeping it on the bottom of the machine when it is in storage. And store this FAR AWAY from small hands.

In a Nutshell:

This is a great machine for those wanting to put their toe in the water and try out an electronic die cutter, or for those looking for a secondary machine to take to crops or keep on their desk for quick die cutting projects. If your scrapbook space is very limited, this could be the diecutter for you. The price point for both the machine and the cartrudges makes it a nice beginner's machine.

However, if you are a high volume die cutter, or tend to want to multi-task while you are die cutting, you might feel yourself a little hindered by this machine, and you may be wanting a more "feature rich" machine that will grow with you.

I plan on keeping mine on the desktop (my kiddos are older), and using it for quick cards and layouts when I don't have the time (or space) to set up my Expressions machine. I also plan on keeping it handy for taking to Crops and get togethers as I really hate lugging my Expressions machine out of the house. So, my big bug will stay cozy at home, while her little sister can be out on the town... :)

This machine is super easy and fun to use. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Help Cosmo Cricket Help Kids

Hey guys!

Cosmo Cricket has a great initiative going on at their blog... Just leave a comment on their blog and for every person that comments, they will donate $1 to the "Quarters for Christmas" - a nonprofit organization providing shoes for needy children.

Make sure and take a minute to do it today - the deadline is 5PM MST TODAY.

Happy Holidays - let's get posting! :)

Scraproom Update

I ended up buying another row of cubes and did some more rearranging. Here's what it looks like now:

Scraproom Update Part 2

Here are some more photos of the room....

This is a closeup of the Cricut Station/Pegboard:

And the cubes:

I think I FINALLY have it how I like it... :) Which means we'll probably have to move soon. LOL

Twilight Lover...

Okay... I am going to confess. I am kinda obsessed with the The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer. I am on the last book of the saga and am trying to read it slowly to make it last.

That's not working.

The movie comes out next month - I can't wait! Dave does not know the depths of my Twi-session... LOL I love hoodies and couldn't resist picking this one up from Hot Topic:

Isn't it cute? I wanted to get a "Team Edward" shirt with his face on it. But I think that might give me away, yes? LOL

My oldest son (Junior High) saw my books and said:

"All the girls in school are reading those Mom."

I don't doubt it! I don't know why I love those books so much, they're just so hard to put down... I am so happy to have found a great group of Twittermoms that love them just as much as I do:

Twilight Twittermoms

See? It's not just me... :D

Snapfish Coupon Codes

Just wanted to share these with you (especially since they expire soon)... I need to make a calendar for my hubby for Christmas so I have to be sure and order soon... Enjoy! :)

Snapfish Coupon Codes:

35% off all Cards, Books & Calendars – FALL35 – Exp Oct 31

30% off all Photo Gifts – COOL108 – Exp. Oct 31

20% off ALL Cards, Calendars & Photo Books – SNAPPYGIFT – Exp. Dec 12

Heidi's Gone Digi!

Heidi Swapp is one of my fave scrapbookers on the face of the earth... I love her style, and her funky, happy go lucky personality... I got an email yesterday and have been reading her blog...

She's gone digi!

Not completely of course... She is still a paper scrapper. But she has forayed into digital scrapbooking and is now developing her own line of digital scrapbooking elements. They are so cute!

I will admit, I have bought my share of digi kits that I haven't used in the last couple of years... I couldn't resist buying some of her kits and elements. I really plan to try it out and use them though...

I will post the results here. Wish me luck! :)

Scrap and Stamp Hot Spot Guides

Hey guys!

Scrapbooking Roads now has Scrap and Stamp Hot Spot Guides available for the following areas:

Arizona
Colorado
Michigan
Missouri
Ontario
Southern California
Washington

Plus:

Online Stores and Monthly Kit Clubs
Scrap and Stamp Retreats and Events

They have more areas to come as well. So stop by and download a free, full color guide.

I downloaded the one for Colorado and it will be super helpful in planning my scrapbook store visits there - there were some there I didn't even know existed!

So if you are planning an outing to one of these locations (or are looking for some great online sites, clubs, and events), stop by and download a free guide. They are super helpful...

New Cricut Releases - Part 3

These are both TOO CUTE! I know a Hello Kitty fanatic that will snap up BOTH of these! :)

Hello Kitty Font



Hello Kitty Greeting

New Cricut Releases Part 2

Disney Cars



Tinkerbell and Friends



Sesame Street Font



Sesame Street Friends

New Cricut Releases - Part 1

As promised... Here are the photos on the new Cricut Cartridges coming soon...

Basketball



Blackletter



Christmas



Sans Serif



Wild Card

NEW Cricut Releases!

Hey guys!

I just found out about the new cartridges and products Cricut is coming out with in the coming months (thanks Christi!!). HOLY COW I better start saving now... ;) Here's a list of what is to come (with tentative release dates). I will post a photo of each cartridge in separate posts...

October 29th:

Cricut Solutions Basketball
Cricut Solutions Black Letter (Font)
Cricut Solutions Christmas
Cricut Solutions Sans Serif (Font)
Shape Cartridge - Wild Card

October 30th:

Deep Cut Blade
Deep Cut Blade Housing (for chipboard - Yay!)
Cricut Emboss A2 Folder Kit
Cricut Emboss Refills
Cricut Heat Transfers (in various colors)
Cricut Machine Shoulder Bag (Fits the Expression too!)
Cricut Magnet Material (12x12)
Cricut Stamp Kit and Refills
Cricut Stencil Material

October 31st:

Shape Cartridge - Disney Cars
Shape Cartridge - Tinkerbell and Friends
Font Cartridge - Sesame Street Font
Shape Cartridge - Sesame Street Friends

November 30th:

GoBe Battery Pack
GoBe Solar Briefcase (Now you can take your cricut ANYWHERE).
Font Cartridge - Hello Kitty Font
Shape Cartridge - Hello Kitty Greeting

Holy cow! This Christmas Season is going to be CRAZY.

Scraproom Redo - Again! LOL

My craft room was looking so cluttered and crazy, so I decided to clean house... I bought those cubes from Michael's (with coupons of course) and purged alot of stuff. What was left over I rearranged.

The rooms was definitely a catch all... I was challenged because this space is very narrow and comes to an angle (it is one side of my laundry room).

This is what it looks like now:



The cubes definitely make it more "clean" looking and less cluttered. I got rid of a table as I rarely used it to scrap on (I have a desk area that I mainly use). There was SO MUCH STUFF under it that I had forgotten about! :)

The center table is actually a microwave cart I got at a Thrift store and re-purposed:




I like how it turned out! Which means we'll probably get orders to move soon. LOL

Fiskars Rock, Paper, Trimmer

Betsy posted this on our MemoryWorks blog and I LOVE it! Such a cool idea! I wonder if it is battery operated or has a plug? My Ipod speakers bit the dust so this is right up my alley. What will they think of next?? :)

Attention Cricut Fans:

If you are interested in demonstrating your Cricut machine in your area, there may be an opening... This thread was posted on the Cricut Messageboard:

Attention Cricut Fans!

Have you ever thought about demonstrating the Cricut and all its fun and exciting capabilities. Have you ever watched a demonstrator in a store and thought, “Hey, I could do that”? Well, here’s your chance to show off all your Cricut knowledge. We are looking for Cricut fans who are energetic and passionate about their Cricut machines. We want to show everyone how the Cricut can impact their lives, there is so much you can do with this wonderful machine. If you are interested in demonstrating the Cricut and all the fun things you can do with it for stores like Wal-Mart, JoAnn’s, etc. Then please respond by going to this link and responding to this thread. http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=2486305 Some of the perks for being a demonstrator would be earning points that can be redeemed for ANY Provo Craft products, a special Cricut Demonstrators package, and the recognition of being a Cricut Demonstrator. If this is something you are seriously interested in, please vote and reply on the thread. This demonstrator opportunity is for anyone here in the United States and in Canada so help spread the word we are looking for a SWARM Army and need over a 1,000 Demonstrators for this new program. If you have already voted and signed up to be a Demonstrator on the thread then please excuse this e-mail, but please forward it on to your friends- Thank you! DemoKim

So reply to that post if you are interested... :)

MemoryWorks Express July Kit: Star Struck

This month's kit is a wonderful collection of beautiful brights perfect for summer layouts and projects. You can see every wonderful thing included in this month's kit here.

You can subscribe here - hurry before these run out! :)

Photo Freedom - Stacy Julian

So I have been meaning to get my photos more organized for a while now... Stacy Julian came to the MemoryWorks retreat (I couldn't go though DANG!) and did a talk on this subject and introduced her new book, "Photo Freedom"... The consultants were revved up about it, so I bought it to see what it was all about.

It is AWESOME. It is definitely not for the faint of heart as this system is about totally not sorting your photos chronologically. It is kinda hard to explain the whole system, but I started getting out ALL my photos this weekend and am going to put this system into place.

Already I have found inspiration for layouts for photos I hadn't seen in YEARS. I think it will definitely make me more productive in my scrapbooking...

I highly recomend the book to those needing a system for their photos. Even if you can't let go of the chronological system (I am kinda anal about knowing what photo is from what year), you can tailor the system to fit your needs...

I can't wait to see how it affects my scrapbooking...

You get can get it on Amazon.com and get started right away:



And here is the website for the book:

http://photofreedombook.com/