Scrapdivalicious

Mama's Pep Talk. Because you need one right now.

2012-01-11T10:54:00.003-07:00

This is technically a scrapbooking blog but sometimes we just need to step back from the art to deal with life's other issues. I had a wonderful phone call from a friend today and while we went about our morning chores we chatted about...well...life. How hard it is. How great it is. How good we are at it. How much we suck at it. Just life. And being on the phone kept us from roaring at our kids which is always a bonus. A little Facebook after I hung up and I came across a beautiful blog and this entry and happened to hop over to a different friend's blog and she had blogged about the same website. So if that isn't a God Moment, I honestly don't know what is. This friend blogged that reading that post made her feel less successful as a mother and that made me gasp because she is a wonderful person. I love being around her. She is honest and fun, her smile lights up a room and she is absolutely without pretenses. You can talk to her and not feel judged. My only regret in our fairly new friendship is that we live in different provinces and I wish our Facebook time was actual face time. But maybe that will come in the future. So if you have a minute, go and read that post. It really is a beautiful post, full of hope and promise for the future. A post that defines what we all want deep in our hearts. But I do have some points of my own to make.

1. I absolutely agree with number 1! However, sometimes you are doing that praying while driving a screaming toddler to the drugstore because you ran out of Baby Advil. You are praying while in line at the grocery store because if that person behind you hits the back of your legs with their cart one more time you will go postal. You may pray at work because right at that second you are eternally grateful that you have a clean shirt on and there is no screaming baby hanging off your arm. My most intense prayer of the day is after my kids go to bed and I check on them a couple hours later, praying over their beds for health and happiness the next day. Even though I love them, I am happy they are asleep and not asking me what is that? How is that made? Why can't I eat it?

2. This point is wonderful and I really DO see beauty all around me. But I also see the 2 cups of peanut butter that just got smeared into my kitchen rug, the milk puddle on the floor, the smashed Christmas ornament that never made it back into the box and the dirty little boy who is wiping his face on my suede pillow shams. I can see the beauty in all things, but I am also realistic in knowing how long that beauty takes to clean up. That doesn't make me ungrateful.

3. Only amateurs hurry? Really? Honey, if you think I am an amateur you need to take another look at my resume. Do I strive for calm and to be 10 minutes early for things? Absolutely. It's my ideal. But do things tend to spiral a bit out of control at times and do I need to rush to set things straight? Um, HECK YES! Trying to be the kind of person featured in a TV movie of the week is tough work. Having it all and doing it all is hectic and stressful. The only thing we can do is recognize when it is getting a little too overwhelming and take a step back from the race. Take a breath, regroup and dive back in. Sometimes if I don't rush, stuff doesn't get done and there are things I do consider "emergencies" and that is OK. As long as life doesn't turn into one long, giant emergency I think you are doing just fine.

4. Number 4 is true to a point. When you are feeling stressed it really does help to stop and be grateful for a moment. The kids are fighting but they aren't in the hospital. Supper is going to be so late but we have food on our table. I have to work late but I have a job to go to that supports my family. There is a silver lining to everything. As long as we see the silver lining more often than the ugly, ungrateful stress monster than we are coming out on top.

5. I speak strong words all the time. And sometimes those strong words are NO! DON'T and ABSOLUTELY NOT! I encourage my children in all they do and speak to them as equals and individuals but when I need to exert my authority, they know it. Because I am Mama. And if I don't speak these strong words, my children will not be strong individuals. They will be whining, self righteous brats who don't know how to be respectful members of society. As long as you are balancing the soft words of wisdom and play with the strong words of guidance and teaching you are doing a good job.

6. I completely agree with #6 but you need to take it in context. A "daily ceremony" need not be a grand, lengthy affair. It can simply be helping to pack your child's backpack in the morning. A kind word as you all brush your teeth. A kiss on the head before getting on the bus. Consistency really IS key but it doesn't have to be an all encompassing schedule of every minute of your lives. Just because you don't have every minute planned doesn't mean you are a bad parent.

7. In theory, #7 is very wise. Especially when {on occasion} drawing closer to that child is asking them if they need a time out in the grocery store? Because that is how I roll. Anyone who knows me knows that I cherish my little bambinos. They are my world. But I parent out in the world exactly how I parent at home. No need to yell and scream and be obnoxious. But if someone needs to be reminded of the rules when we are out, drawing them close and quietly reminding them of the unpleasant things that will happen if they don't shape up is extremely valuable. Don't get me wrong, if a child is having emotional issues and is acting out because of them they need to be dealt with gently. Knowing that they are safe in the embrace of a parent who cares. And you know your children well enough to know the difference.

8. Number 8 is hands down my philosophy of life. Can't do enough huggin'! From tall to small they all need Mama Lovin'.

9. I have a lot of priorities in my life. If I were to ignore some of them...this juggling act I call life would tumble. Things unseen are important, but not the most important. Acknowledge the unseen but not at the expense of what is right in front of your face.

10. Number 10 is a wonderful idea. And I strive to be lighthearted every day. But sometimes a bad day can turn your mood and the only thing that can help is to just go to bed and greet the sun on a new day. You are not a horrible person if don't find the humour in every single situation. I didn't find it very humorous spending $300 to replace our upstairs toilet because of daily floods only to find a toothbrush, a wad of disinfecting wipes and a pair of huge nail clippers were the cause of all our toilet issues. Yup, not funny at all. No, I didn't yell at my kids about it but I also didn't laugh hysterically. Things happen and all you can do is try not to lose your head over them. Laugh with your kids, laugh with your spouse, laugh at yourself. But also know when it's OK to not be grinning.

The post was from this website written by an Author, wife and mother. It really is a wonderful place to be inspired but don't for one second think that because she writes, home schools and says "don't yell at your kids" that you are less of a mother. That you are less of a woman.

I am tired of the pressure we women put on each other to be the best, do the most and look amazing while doing all that. I might make something cute for my sons' classes for Halloween but that doesn't mean my shirt is clean when I do it. Or that my hair is brushed. Or that I haven't yelled at my 3 year old to STOP licking the spoon because I have to keep getting a new one. It doesn't mean I am judging you that you didn't make something. And if someone is in fact judging someone else for doing or are not doing things as the case may be, you need only remember that one day, they will be judged too. And He doesn't really care if they make fluffy souffle. So stop with the worry. Have fun in your life! Have fun with your kids and your husband! And when you have a bad day, sit down right in amongst the mess, have a cup of coffee and call a friend. Because she might be having that kind of day too.

But...I'm not crafty. {Insert sad face here}

2011-11-03T11:43:00.003-07:00

Alright people...I've heard it a thousand times over the years. "I wish I was crafty like YOU!" "I wish I could make gorgeous Christmas cards! They are so lovely!" "I just don't have that talent." Insert sad face. Well...take that frown and turn it upside down because let me tell you a little secret...you ARE crafty. As crafty as anyone out there and this is your year to WOW your friends and family with some out of this world Christmas cards at the Scrapbook Studio!
The sweet Lori Colton has put us all to work designing cards and with the coordinating genius of Amanda LePage there will be 13...yes you read right!...THIRTEEN different cards for you to make for the unbelieveable price of $35! It's a come and go thing...at your own pace...EVERYTHING is supplied! Just bring your own scissors and adhesive and get ready to absolutely dive into the Christmas spirit with music, cider, cookies and much more! No stuffy, uptight "classroom" atmosphere...just beautiful stations with everything you need pre-cut, in a kit, complete with instructions, photos and sample cards. Can you tell I am a little wee bit excited about it? LOL For all the specific info...find the details HERE! And just a tip...if you are tied up that weekend and can't attend, I bet if you ask really nicely you can purchase a kit to take home and complete at your convenience! BUT spaces are limited so don't put this one on the procrastination list. It's going to be oh so fab!

It's a country thang

2011-10-04T21:05:00.003-06:00

It's really no secret. I loooove texture. I stick things on scrapbook pages that most people throw away. So when my neighbour's lawn was littered with birch branches I pulled a quick "thief in the night" escapade and gathered up a bunch. I used some on my Brown Eyed Girl layout. And some went on this sweet little card I made for a gorgeous country wedding we attended. We sat on hay bales under a brilliant sun surrounded by swaying trees and listened to my cousin and his new wife exchange their vows. It was so natural and beautiful. Don't get me wrong...I love zipping around in my convertible with a Starbucks in my hand. But I never forget my roots. I still know how to milk a goat, ride a horse and drive a tractor. I think it's that country thang that keeps my scrapbooking earthy, simple and touchable. Glue some nature to your pages. You'll love it!

'Nuff said

2011-08-29T21:09:00.006-06:00

It's quirky and tempermental. Like me. I never in a million years expected it. I guess it's my version of getting diamonds from my Hubs. 1977 was a great year. It was meant to be mine. The Triumph Spitfire. 'Nuff said.

Want to WIN?!

2011-08-19T21:06:00.003-06:00

Hurry hurry HURRY!!! go to The Twinery and enter to win some FABULOUS prizes!!! This is a fairly new site to me...but their stuff is OH so yummy! Head on over there and throw your name in to get your hands on some crafty crafty twine for all your artsy needs!

MY definition of an amazing life...

2011-08-11T01:55:00.003-06:00

Not blogging for over a month because you were living at the lake. THAT is my definition of the very best life I can lead. Chillin' with friends, lazing in the boat with our fishing rods (I limited out one day! Can you spell FISH FRY?!) s'mores, reading lots of books with my boys and just being a Mum. A dirty one. Who hugged and kissed even when the receiver was a little slimy. Who face painted every strange kid we came across just for the fun of it. Who helped catch frogs and snails and minnows...with my bare hands! Who loved and squeezed and cooked and ran and played and did a hundred thousand under ducks on the swings. Did my art room grow mold? Metaphorically speaking...Probably. Did my garden show signs of serious neglect? YUP. Was I hiding from the phone? Absolutely. And will my boys remember this as the #1 best summer EVER? You bet your bikini bottom they will. QUICK! You still have time...go enjoy the rest of summer! Blogland will be here when you get back. I promise. xo

Sieze the day!

2011-07-06T19:32:00.003-06:00

I read an amazing quote by Erma Bombeck today:

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say "I used everything you gave me."

Love who you are, what you are and what you do! Do things that make you proud to be you! Create! Love! Laugh! Use everything you have! Treat people as you want to be treated! Let's make the world an amazing place!
The colour on this came out a little wonky in the photo...it really is a deep chocolate brown. I used real birch twigs pilfered from my neighbours lawn! LOL I love using things that create lots of texture. Happy creating!!!

July 1st and a whole lot of...beer?

2011-07-01T05:25:00.000-06:00

I don't drink beer. But I am a big fan of the Molson commercials. So in keeping with the tradition of posting the Joe Canadian rant on my blog to celebrate Canada Day here are some other Molson commercials I have appreciated over the years. Happy Birthday Canada. Still lookin' good old girl!

And I still laugh right out loud at this one:

A Party For Poopsie

2011-06-25T20:59:00.005-06:00

My little niece {who I have called Poopsie since she was born!} hit double digits this year. Shut up...I know, right? When did she get so grown up?! My sis put on an epic rock star birthday party and Poopsie was the main attraction. She wanted something to give to her friends that was crafty and fun. So over to Auntie's art room she came and we cranked out these adorable take away containers for a dozen of Poopsie's closest friends. The die to make the container is compliments of Just Scrap It! and was super easy {and cheap!} to put together. One sheet of 12x12 white card stock per container. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy.

My sis wanted an artsy activity for the girls to do at the party so we left the containers completely blank. A wonderful canvas for many Camp Rock and Justin Bieber stickers and of course gobs of glitter and jewels! But Poopsie wanted to put her own sparkly flare on it and settled on a great new cupcake stamp set I bought last summer. She stamped, stickled and gemmed the tags all on her own! I was SO proud. A little hand written message and I thought we were done. But my little Poopsie likes glittery things almost as much as I do so we added some jump rings and an assortment of charms and beads to the ribbon handle. Simple. Cute. Fun! Home made gift bags do not have to be expensive or complicated. Poopsie's Mama filled them with hair accessories and lip gloss. Perfect!

The very BEST competition I ever lost-Camp Croppin' 2011

2011-05-26T10:54:00.008-06:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged about Camp Croppin' yet!!! Many things have been going on...you know how it is. Whenever I sat down to blog it, something else came up. Election. Layouts. Whatev. So here it is! We had an AMAZING time!!! As always. Camp Croppin' really is what you make it. And every year it just gets better and better for our crazy group! This year Flat Amanda was retired to make way for ACTUAL AMANDA! Truth be told...she is WAAAY more fun! But don't tell Flat Amanda that, it might hurt her feelings. I think you can check out her antics HERE.

Photo by Barb Riley's camera (who took this one?)

The classes were outstanding as usual and I got to be a Tent Mum for the wonderful people of Prima and Stampendous! What a great day that was! A highlight for me was meeting Matt from Bo Bunny. At first I was SO disappointed that the ladies would not be there in their matching sweaters with their songs and laughs. And then the product was changed from Timepiece to Gabrielle. I know. They sent a boy and I wasn't getting to work with the product I had been drooling over!!! Shut the province down. But Matt was a RIOT. He truly loves his company and it really shows. He even modelled the coveted Bo Bunny purse for us. I don't think I have ever wanted to win a draw so badly! But it went to our own Lori Colton so at least it is in our little scrap family!

Photo by Barb Riley

Another highlight for me was the keynote speaker. When talented, strong, inspirational women speak...you should listen up. So I was super happy when I found out it was Katharina Doyle from Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine. I hold both her and Jackie Ludlage in high regard. They wanted something and they ran after it. Admirable. Photo by Allison Orthner Photo by Allison Orthner
Who had the camera we were actually looking at? Anyone? Anyone? Buhler?

On to the prizes!!! The competition is always one of my fave parts because every single dollar from the entry fees goes to the children's hospital. And that just makes me feel so good! Our friends from last year Leonka and Marilyn were in attendance again! These girls are definitely honourary Saskies. They are such a hoot. Leonka rocked the journalling prize and then read it to the group. It was epic. Standing ovation afterward. It was an honour to be in that room.

Photo by Barb Riley

After we all had a good cry when Leonka was done at the podium we were cheering for the photo prize and eagerly anticipating the rest of the prizes (they SO ROCKED) when the third prize was called and Amanda and I whooped it up big time and had to poke her several times to get her attention...it was Corinne!!! Can I get a WOO HOO?! She was so engrossed in making her cards she didn't even realize it was her! So the 2 green tables went wild yet again!

Photo by Barb Riley

Second prize was announced and then the biggie...Top winner! We were really rooting for Amanda...her layout was the ugliest cry we have all had in a very long time and I can't wait for you all to see it in an upcoming edition of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine. Epic isn't the word. On pins and needles we waited for the announcement we hoped...nay...KNEW would come...

Photo by Barb Riley

Cue Team Green to go WILD again!!! Seriously, we needed a whole lot of tissue!!! It was so amazing!

Photo by me with Barb Riley's camera
Photo by Barb Riley
Photo by Barb Riley
Where on earth would we be without each other? Having supportive friends who will cheer for you is so important. I felt honoured to be part of the loudest, rowdiest team at Camp Croppin'! You don't mind...do you Megan? We love your event and just can't be anyone but ourselves when we stampede through your doors!

Even though I do love the competition part and now have several layouts in my albums that I adore, I was the proudest of my own little fundraiser for the hospital. I made 250 cupcakes and toted them all the way to Calgary. The ladies were more than generous with their donations and I am so thankful for that.

Photo by Allison Orthner
I love this event for the people, the laughs, the cries, the FUN! {And maybe the late night snacking too!} It is wonderful to attend something with all my scrap friends and just be laid back and comfortable. Busy...in a good way. And just soak in the great atmosphere. I know they say third time is the charm but I am headed toward my 4th year.

Camp Croppin' 2012. Who is in?!

{I did not break out my camera even once. So if I have messed up any of the photo credits I apologize!}

Yes, I wore an orange sweater

2011-05-09T18:56:00.003-06:00

With the passing of another Mother's Day I find myself missing my Gram more and more. We spent a lot of time with her...from the day I was born until I was 10 years, 4 months and 19 days old. And in that short amount of time she made such a deep impression on me. Of what is right and what is important. How to love a family. Craftiness and how natural it is to work with your hands. I think even though the time was short...she had a big hand in shaping the woman I am today. The woman was a whiz with knitting needles. She could do anything. She was especially good at cables and could add them in without a pattern. She taught me to knit when I was 7 and I will never, ever be as good as she was but it makes me feel closer to her when I work with wool. Almost all the women in my family can work with wool in one form or another. It's a special thing we share. And Grandma was a firm believer in keeping a child's head covered as well. So when we were about 4, 3 and 2 (yes we are that close together) she knitted all 3 of us matching orange sweaters with hoods. The yarn went on sale at Woolworths (where she used to work) and so...orange it was! LOL Not the most fashionable by today's standards but we wore them everywhere.
This layout didn't come together like the vision in my head but it is mostly about the journalling anyway. So I will call it done for today and maybe come across some more photos of us in the orange sweaters and do another layout in the future.

Thanks for the love Gram. xox

What would YOU die for?

2011-05-01T16:56:00.004-06:00

We use the term really lightly..."Oh my gosh I would just DIE!" But what would you really die for? I would die for my Hubs. My kids. Both standard answers. Would you die for your Faith? Would you die for your freedom? Would you die for the right to VOTE?

Take yourself back to any power struggle in our history. What would have happened if a person like Hitler was able to take power? A dictatorship. {Many words in this post are linked. Click for definitions and more information}. Is that what we want for our society? Maybe it would just be easier. Then we wouldn't have to make the effort to drive down to the civic centre 4 times in 7 years. Ugh. Such an inconvenience. I bet it was inconvenient for a mother to receive 4 separate letters from the government telling her that all of her boys had perished. It was inconvenient for the more than 44,000 Canadians who died in WWII alone. Who lay shot to pieces in trenches. Or were gunned out of the sky as they parachuted in to some unknown part of the world. A part of the world they had never been to but were willing to go for the freedom of their country. And it was probably very inconvenient for the women and children of the countries where the wars were fought. Losing their homes and land. Having loved ones lost. Never knowing what became of them. I would guess it would be pretty inconvenient for someone like Elie Wiesel to witness babies being torn from their mothers and thrown away like garbage. Have you read Night? You should. It might influence you to feel blessed to live in a country where we are free to express our faith, politics and opinions.

This all might seem over dramatic...but aren't politics dramatic? We should be vehemently passionate about our country and who leads it. And taking the time to vote is a very small, infinitesimal way to show that we DO care. The excuses of "No time" or "Don't know who to vote for" just don't cut it. {Want info? Go check out the Vote Compass} It's like a slap in the face to every person who ever put their life on the line for Canada. No matter the year. No matter the war. Or saying you will spoil your ballot as a form of protest. What protest? The protest of wasting your right to vote when there are people all over the world who would die for that right? Why don't you protest by educating yourself on which party you agree with the most and vote for them? Don't like the parties? Start your own. If you don't like what is happening politically...I have news for you. YOU have the power to raise your voice and change it. Any Canadian can vote and any Canadian can join/lead a political party. Nobody will gun you down. Or steal you from your bed in the night. Support your party! VOTE! And if someone disagrees with you...take a deep breath, gather all that party knowledge you have been ingesting and have an honest-to-goodness debate with that person. An intelligent exchange of ideas and opinions. Both sides trying to change the others mind. It's exhilarating. It's our right. It's Canadian.

Monday May 2nd, 2011. Be a role model. VOTE.

Artist Profile

2011-04-04T16:28:00.005-06:00

I adore art. Ok...you might say "Well DUH Kate. You're an artist." But I don't just like a certain type of art. I love all art forms. I appreciate the beauty of a person's talent even if it is very different from my own. Or should I say especially if it is different from my own? I love to browse Etsy and bookmark my favourite unknowns and order things that make me smile and put all these wonderful things in my own art room to inspire me. Sometimes I know the person and it makes it that much more special. And sometimes I love them because they are dear to me. My Godmother has been somehow involved in every single milestone of my life and now I am blessed enough to spend time with her daughter Chelsea. She is a lovely young woman who has this shiny spirit you just can't take your eyes away from. She is a dancer and actually makes her living doing what she loves and when she needs a break...she creates. She is currently on an open ended visit home because of the disaster in Japan. That is where she lives and tells me she can't wait to get back. She is not only a creative inspiration to me but also a beautiful example of loyalty, dedication and faith. The last time we got together I was telling her about art journals...something I have been researching but haven't sat down to try yet. I was previously inspired by my friend Corinne. So now I have all the supplies to do it...I just need to get dirty. LOL Chelsea and I were talking about different forms of art journals and she has already done her first page! It perfectly reflects the technique. I am in love. She does these amazing canvases!!!

And often uses scripture in her work. Love.

This one is hanging in my art room.

AND she paints. Swoon. Who inspires you? Who is your favourite artist? Creativity really does feed your soul. xo

Just like yesterday...

2011-03-22T13:48:00.004-07:00

Today is cold and snowing and yucky. Sunday was the first day of Spring? Yeah right. So yesterday I was shopping on line for some to die for stamps by Just Cre8. Today I bought some beautiful art on Etsy that makes me really happy. Click the sentence to check out Johanna's Etsy shop. Her paintings make my heart smile. She also has a BLOG.

This is the print I bought.

And isn't this little guy just adorable???

Hubs has been gone for 10 days now. I'm telling ya...if he doesn't get home soon I am going to have to buy shoes. And a purse. LOL

I {heart} online shopping

2011-03-21T15:42:00.004-07:00

I developed this love for online shopping when we lived waaaay up North and it was cold and snowy and I had nothing better to do than get out the old credit card and make happy things show up at my door. LOL So now and then I like to relive the good old days even though I am in a city now and can go out whenever I want. Except when the kids are puking. Like everywhere. So of course what is the very best pick-me-up when you are house bound with sick kids? Buying scrapbooking supplies online of course!!! Just Cre8 used to be my fave online stomping ground for forums/galleries/challenges/etc. Sue Sykes has closed up shop but the store is open right now for a major clearance sale and I just couldn't help myself! Use the promo code SAVEBIG25 and receive an additional 25% off your order until April 3rd! {FYI: the coupon code needs to be entered on the first page of your cart way at the bottom.}

I love the custom stamps and may or may not have added a couple to my collection.

What are you waiting for??? Go shop!

Weather...and work in progress

2011-03-02T20:18:00.004-07:00

I found this photo via my friend Bonnie on Facebook who got it off the Northernhorse.com page who got it from somewhere else. How is that for a photo credit? LOL I followed it as far as I could. But it made me laugh. And in this weather...that is hard to do. So I thought while my blog sits for the rest of the week while I work on projects and gather up my "after" photos of my art room...you'd enjoy a giggle. At the expense of a shivering prairie girl. xox

Art...and the freedom to create it

2011-02-25T14:52:00.007-07:00

One thing I struggle with on a daily basis is the cleanliness of my art room. I am fortunate enough to have an entire room to create whatever I want...and more often than not I am either creating on the floor in the living room or not creating at all because I can't breathe in my room. That is an absolute travesty. If I am not using the room, I shouldn't have the privilege of having one. Period. So I was discussing with the Hubs last weekend some cost effective options to fix the issues I had. Yes I would love to rebuild my studio all custom and matching and wonderful...however...I am also realistic and know that this is not our "forever" house. So it would be a shame to spend the money, time and effort only to have to say good-bye to it in the coming few years. I wasn't expecting what happened. Hubs took a look at what I was thinking of and said "ok". That was it. And the discussion ended and I thought maybe we would look into some building materials next month. I was fairly pleased with the space I had at that moment because my friend Corinne had come over to spend a few hours helping/telling me what to clean and directing me in my purge. Her favourite thing to say was "Just let it GO Kate!" It was a fabulous time! So I have to admit I was a touch disappointed when I came home the afternoon of said discussion with the Hubs to find my room in ruins. Absolute chaos. With Hubs in the middle of it with his tools beside him telling me to come clear off my desk because it was going bye-bye. I had no time to process what was happening but he obviously wanted to get a move on with the project. LOL These "before" photos are from several months ago. This was the room at it's worst and it had taken on a nasty personality all of its own.

View from the door:
Big shelf/extra desk space. I forgot to snap a pic of the top of this shelf where all my project boxes and albums were kept. Oh my word. Let your imagination run wild.

Peg board and original desk space. Wait a minute...is there even a desk under there?!?

Childrens area.

In the months since this photo I did a few things like getting rid of the 6ft kids table and opting for a desk with drawers. And of course did a bunch of cleaning and purging. But I still had hot spots that were hard to control simply because things were piled on the floor and had no storage. Insert the Hubs and his need to complete projects right now.

Soak in the before photos...and I will post after photos next week. They rock!!!

Here is a little something I created on the floor...LOL. I have been so in love with birds in the last year. This is an 8x8 canvas with some Tim Holtz, Hambly & Elsie Flannigan, ink, metal, bling and a bunch of crackle paint. I love shabby chic home decor!

What does your space look like? Does it make you happy? Do you need some inspiration and encouragement to change it? Leave a comment and send me a link! I'd love to see it! xo

What I want out of Camp Croppin'. A photo experience.

2011-02-09T17:12:00.010-07:00

Ok...what can I possibly say about Camp Croppin' that I haven't already said HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE? I've done it all...I've said it all. In a nutshell...it's my favourite event and never disappoints. So let's take a stroll through photo land, shall we? Of all the things I want out of Camp Croppin' this year.

I'll take several of these please. Leaving at 6am on Friday can take it's toll on a gal. Cause you know I didn't sleep a wink the night before and won't be falling into bed again anywhere before 4am! Venti extra hot creme brule latte. But Kate...Christmas is over. Oh, the weather was confusing me for a second there. Make it a Venti triple shot extra hot mocha no whip please.

The second we blow into town we do a spot of shopping. Just as a warm up.

Shopping really does work up an appetite, doesn't it? Peanuts Sports Bar has the best steak sandwich I have ever had. Hands down. This is not a real photo of one...but it's close. Note to self: take a photo of the real sandwich so you can do the deliciousness justice on the blog.

After cleaning our plates at the bar we need to switch gears...scrap mode! Classes! The beauty of new products! Sigh. Prima.
Stampendous...I am in love with your bird cages. Please bring some for us to play with. Thank-you.

I'm imagining many colours of mist...and getting many of them on my shirt. Because it's like a moth to a flame I tell ya.

And my favourite...Bo Bunny. I am looking forward to seeing which of the famous Bo Bunny sweaters will be worn this year. Because I saw some new ones that they embellished themselves with the new trims! Crafty ladies they are.

After hours and hours of gluing myself...to...myself I might need to unwind a bit.

And a couple hours after that...I will have to wind back up!We will scream and cheer, laugh and cry, meet and greet, scrap and craft! Not to mention the serious hangover you get from all of the PRIZES!!! Then we will stagger home and eagerly anticipate next year.
And if you have forgotten how much I love Camp Croppin'...maybe this will refresh your memory.

Need some inspiration before the event? Head over to the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog because they have an amazing new challenge team!!!

Join in on a rockin' good time that also benefits the Alberta Children's Hospital! Check out the Camp Croppin' Website for more information. And I will see YOU at the Make N Take table! xox

Another fabulous use for Glimmer Mist!

2011-02-05T13:49:00.006-07:00

Here is what is going on at our house today:

It started out with the Daddy snowman. And he of course needed a face AND accessories. LOL Then it was so nice out they continued with the Mummy snowman. Then I heard Hubs chuckling and my oldest shouted "DAD! She needs a BRA!" Then he ran in and asked if he could have one of mine. Um...no. So I took a chance that blogland could handle some naked snow boobs. LOL

I was busy running up and down the stairs to my art room every time someone thought of something cool to put on the snow people. My last trip up I grabbed...wait for it...that's right...the GLIMMER MIST! I have said it before and I will say it again...I spray EVERYTHING with this stuff! You might remember my popcorn garland of 2009.

The boys got a little rowdy with it {they apparently take after their mama!} so it got taken away before the "snow kids" could get some colour. Aw, come on Dad!
I love all the details...like the older "snow-son" has missing front teeth...er I mean buttons. Matches our 6 year old right now!

This is our snow family today. Enjoying the beautiful weather {while it lasts} and just making some really good memories. Out of normal every day stuff. Because that is the stuff I love to scrapbook! Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Bless others this week with the truly beautiful you! xo

A Starbucks Book Tutorial

2011-01-19T08:50:00.009-07:00

This was the project I did while I was at the Bloomin' Inn because I was told there would be plenty of space to haul in my sewing machine. There totally WAS. It was so great. My good friend Char had asked me if I would do a Starbucks book for her after she saw the one I made HERE. Now I certainly am not going to lead you to believe I invented this idea. I love to blog hop and several years ago I saw it on Wilna Furstenberg's blog. I enjoy her style so much and she is delightful to take a class from. She had posted this digital Starbucks book project on her blog but...I was not doing any kind of digital at that time so I just ran with the initial idea and made it my own. Now I love them so much I ask for extra cups every single time I am in Starbucks! Which reminds me...I need to collect up some more before they bring in that hideous new logo. It is so not for me. But I digress.

Start with a cup and a cardboard sleeve. Carefully cut the bottom out of your cup. You can use any size but make sure it is a new cup...I have never had success washing a used cup unless you dig that wrinkled wet paper look.
Flatten the cup and cut up both sides to form the front and back covers. Cut out the Starbucks logo from the cardboard sleeve leaving as much extra around the green circle as you can. Now if you are a very clean and straight scrapbooker this may be stepping out of your box. There is nothing precise about these books. They are very gypsy looking and are not meant to outlive your grandchildren. So toss aside the ruler, get out all your bits and bobs and just go with it!Note*** I accidentally cut really close to the green on this one. I usually leave as much cardboard as I can so I can sew this circle onto the front cover***

I use the front cover as a guide to trace out as many pages as I want. Use good, heavy card stock or chipboard! Remember, not everything needs to accommodate a photo. I love to put in pockets, transparencies, little journal tags and whatever else strikes my fancy. So the pages I do here are only a base. Watch out if you use a trimmer while doing this...the pages are somewhat V shaped. Smaller at the bottom and wider at the top.

Then I start with the front cover and work my way to the back! The covers are always my favourite because they can actually handle quite a bit of abuse. I like to do really heavy sewing on them...it makes me happy. But first I dive into a little ink and glimmer mist just to give it an interesting base.

And then hop on the sewing machine to make it look like this. I love to use the extra cardboard for making tabs. And what project is complete without ric rac? I take the front cover just to this point...there is MUCH more I want to add but I still have to bind it. So stop yourself from adding and move on. Just for now.

The inside of the front cover. I stamped it with a messy background stamp and added the chipboard buttons to dress up the sewn circle. If you don't know what else to go with, a stamped quote is a nice go-to embellishment. It had a good number of pages so I will just highlight a few. I used scrap fabric to create a pocket and tag.
The green cloud is not part of the page...it will hang all on it's own as a smaller page. Don't be afraid to mix it up and add different sizes and shapes! This type of book is wonderful for using up scraps of things you didn't want to throw away but had no idea what you were going to use it for. I have a whole Rubbermaid bin full of stuff that falls into that category!

This photo actually shows 3 separate "pages". There is the base page, the cute little polka dot transparency and the chipboard key which attached to one ring and kind of nicely hung out all on it's own.

Inside the back cover. I have a thing for bar codes.
Back cover. Love that sewing. It adds so much texture.

When I am done all the pages I put them all together and see what my best plan of action is for binding. I generally like to use the metal rings...2, 3 or 4 depending on the size of the book. You could also sew it together (my poor little EuroPro!) or use a Cinch or a Zutter. I happen to have a Zutter but I find for this project I don't like how the coils sit. It's all a matter of taste. So I line up the front cover how I want it and punch the appropriate amount of holes with my Crop-A-Dile. Then I hold the next page against the cover and punch it too. Then the third page against the first page and so on and so on using the previously punched page as a guide for the next page so it all lines up.
When I am all finished lining up, stacking and binding I finish blinging up the front cover and add ribbon to the metal rings. You can use as much ribbon as you want...I just put 3 pieces on the top ring for a little more embellishment.

Funny side note...I happened to use a bunch of chipboard puzzle pieces on the cover and on a few of the inside pages and Char got all excited about it and thanked me for using them when I gave her the finished book. I was a little confused. Um...you are welcome? For using puzzle pieces? Then she reminded me that the puzzle piece is the logo for Autism Awareness. Char's youngest is autistic...and I had forgotten about the significance of the puzzle piece and just used it by accident. Wonderful coincidence! It's a God thing. xo

The Bloomin' Inn - A Review

2011-01-09T21:51:00.019-07:00

Back in 2009 when I won Camp Croppin' there was a gift certificate included in my prize package. I had never heard of the place before but several of my scrapping pals said they had heard wonderful things about the place. The Bloomin' Inn in Pincher Creek, AB. I didn't even know where that was but I never look a gift horse in the mouth so I planned to go immediately. Which of course turned into later. Which turned into much much later. Which turned into "Oh my word I haven't used that gift certificate yet!!!" It was a fabulous addition to the prize...a weekend for 2 at the amazing scrapbooking retreat centre valued at over $400. I had asked my friend Sheryl to go with me waaaay back in the Spring of 2009 but the weekend we both had free in the Fall was all booked up at the Inn and we couldn't get away in December so 2009 faded into 2010. We attended Camp Croppin' again and we started talking about the weekend again. Finally we booked for late August. Now, I believe in being entirely truthful when I do a review so I have to say I really wasn't expecting much. Yes, they have a fabulous website filled with all kinds of great info and photos but due to some kind of weird circumstances I had a less than courteous experience with the booking process which led me to be less than impressed. But I let it roll off my back and was open to anything at that point so I put my adventure hat on and off we went. Because hey, it was free.

The drive there was looong (8 hours plus a few stops) but it was so pretty. We found this dill field a few hours out of the city and needed a stretch so out came the cameras. It was ridiculously hazy that day but we still got some cool shots.
With the signs and our multiple maps printed off Google it was fairly easy to find and in the early afternoon we pulled into this beautiful farmyard complete with a wraparound covered porch.
Nobody was around so we just wandered inside and I died and went to vintage heaven.

We found our way to the crop room and were told that the annual fair was this weekend and the owners Colleen and Francis were really busy that day. Ah, no matter. We are self sufficient...so we unpacked and claimed a spot to ourselves. I was impressed with the amount of shelving each person had! Things were simple...not extravagant but highly functional. My kind of space. There was even a plug in right at my station for my sewing machine. Heaven.
At this point I still wasn't expecting much in the way of amenities and service. Remember my (multiple) poor phone experiences? They had nothing at all to do with the owners themselves. Let's just say I am happy that I am who I am because I did NOT let that set the tone for the weekend! I am thrilled to report that the Cyrs (and the guests at the Inn that weekend) not only made it a super fun visit, they also made a very lasting impression that I will carry with me always. WOW WOW WOW!!! The Cyrs were so warm and welcoming, coming to the crop area later in the evening after their fair commitments were complete to personally welcome us all and announce that supper was served. The food was a whole other ball game...I'll come back to that.
Our table mates from Calgary Keri and her sister Janis. They shared everything and let me play with their Cricut! These girls were SO FUN. I hope to see them at Camp Croppin' this year for sure!
The whole crop space accommodates quite a large number of people and it was so comfortable.

A highly functional little kitchen area was so handy for making snacks and tea. On the other side was a small bank of computers for journalling and had Internet access.

The view from the mezzanine where the bedrooms are located. Isn't it SO vintagey cool?

Just outside our bedroom door. Each room up there can comfortably sleep 4 people. Antiques everywhere. Swoon.
The eclectic mix of antiques in the main house has your eye wandering from piece to piece the second you walk in the door. I love the mix of dining tables and chairs. The food. Ah, the FOOD. Down home, wonderful, fresh from the farm, GOOD COOKIN'! Like Grandma used to make. Served up by people who you want to sit down and have a chat and a cup of tea with. I can't say enough how welcoming and wonderful this place is. It is something you MUST experience for yourself.

I wish I had these signs for my kitchen!

Back to the main attraction! Across a small foyer from the scrapbook area is a huge area for quilters. There were some ladies from Okotoks there enjoying some stitching time together and were nice enough to humour me with my camera. And my questions. And my begging for fabric scraps.
The cupcake quilt was by far my favourite. It had sparkly thread for the sugar lumps and little pink crystals on the tops of the cupcakes. Every detail was just to die for.

The talent was unreal. These ladies impressed me and inspired me to be nicer to my sewing machine. I think they felt bad for my little EuroPro working it's little heart out on my Starbucks book. LOL

The amount of care and work that goes into these pieces is huge. The photos don't do enough...you have to touch the fabric to appreciate the quality.

This was serious business. They had quilting tools and accessories like I had never seen before.
This is a hobby I would definitely get back into. Linda was the ring leader...she owns a glorious quilting store called Rumpled Quilt Skins (click on the name to see the website!). I am dying to visit this store and take a class. Although I am not sure I would be allowed to walk through the door with all the horrible things I have done to my machine since I ditched sewing for scrapbooking!

This weekend was a whole new level of creative inspiration for me. The scenery, the indoor environment, the people...every detail helped to make it a renewal of the spirit. This particular trip didn't cost much because of the gift certificate...but I can say hands down that I would not hesitate to book again with the Cyrs no matter the cost. The Bloomin' Inn is a great place to congregate with your best gal pals...a great place to meet NEW gal pals...snap a few (hundred) photos on a hazy day when the windmills are turning and go out and seek some creative adventure. It's just out there waiting for you!

Keep The Faith - Canadian Scrapbooker Winter Edition

2010-12-05T19:32:00.004-07:00

Allison Orthner wrote a wonderful article in this months edition of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine about scrapbooking your Faith. I submitted a couple of layouts before the actual deadline but didn't really feel finished yet. On the night of the deadline I was on the computer sorting through some photos and one came up of a friend's son when he was in South Africa. It is a moving photo and right away I knew I wanted to do something with it so I had e-mailed the kid who took the photo and asked him to send it to me in a higher resolution. I was SO glad I had done that because the night in question, this photo flashed up on my screen and I thought "YES! That is the ONE!" I had no layout ideas. I had no time (the deadline was in 45 minutes), I didn't even have any photo paper for my printer. So what do you do in a mini crisis? Whip out your sewing machine of course! This really just goes to show that you never know what the magazine is looking for. This layout has no current product on it at all. Actually, it barely has ANY product on it LOL. A piece of Bo Bunny card stock, some really old Prima letters that I painted black (the paint was still wet when I took the photo!), some thread and a black marker. That's it. Sometimes a layout is built around the photo and the story it tells. No big embellishment needed. So from start (printing the photo on card stock) to finish (photographing the completed layout in bad light and e-mailing it to CS) this took me about 25 minutes. One of the quickest, easiest layouts I have ever done and also one that speaks to me the most. It just flowed together like it was already planned. As Allison said in her article, sometimes you are inspired by what other people do. Thank-you Levi for being an inspiration.

Tick Tock

2010-12-01T17:48:00.003-07:00

So what are you up to fellow scrappers? This is consuming my mind right now: So much inspiration and Christmas spirit! I {heart} the 12 Tags of Christmas...just visiting Tim's blog every day for 12 days gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Click the photo to get inspired and have a calm, peaceful, wonderful 12 days my friends. xo

Sask Scraps review aka "The Adventures of Lynne Mizera"

2010-11-16T15:48:00.005-07:00

What can I say about Sask Scraps? A fabulous time as always with people who ROCK the scrapbooking world! Here is the play by play:

Arrived on Friday to settle in and found myself at a table with Sue Sykes, Amanda LePage, Janet Weser, Barb Riley, Melissa Buhler and 2 other friends of Amanda's who I felt sorry for because they ended up at such a rowdy table! LOL Hope it wasn't too disruptive for you girls!

The only class I took was a 5 tag technique class by Vicki Boutin. I am in loooove with this 7Gypsies girl! She always does such amazing work and I will never turn down her classes. Several things I had never tried like spraying your inked stamp with water before stamping your image to achieve a watercolour look, flocking, foils and rub on glitter and spraying a paint dabber with water and using it to create paint splashes...SO fun! Well worth the price of admission and Vicki is such a wonderful, free spirited instructor. There are no wrong answers BUT she does give great step by step instructions on how to avoid BIG faux pas. Just a great class all the way around.

Before Sask Scraps I had been going back and forth a bit with Lynne Mizera. I have admired her work for a while...ever since I first saw her in Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine. Then I found out she was the mother of my fave online store owner Donna Houston! Small world! Then I am sitting in Vicki's class and every time Lynne's name was called for something I shouted "Lynne Mizera, WOO HOO!" Thinking that she would recognize me and we would have our much anticipated meeting {finally!}. Well this happened a couple times and she just kind of looked at me with a confused smile on her face like "Ok! Thanks for cheering for me! Why are you cheering for me? Have we met? Who are you? And why are you cheering for me?" I thought it was hilarious and would head over to her table later in the evening to introduce myself properly.

Then my name was called for a draw prize {7Gypsies goodness baby yeah!} and Lynne drops what she is doing, jumps up and yells out "Kate Kading?! WHERE?!" So then of course I waved and yelled "Lynne Mizera! WOO HOO!" And she finally figured out who I was and why a crazy lady was cheering for her. It was waaaay funnier in person because the look on her face was just priceless! So now I can say I met Lynne Mizera. And gifted her with a little Tim Holtz. Because isn't that what scrapbooking friends are supposed to do?

The rest of the weekend was wild and low key all at the same time. I was hopped up on a triple shot Starbucks all day Saturday, the amazing ScrapDonnas who wrote a song just for Sask Scraps won the table decorating contest and I got 20 8x8 layouts done for one of the albums to go to the children in the cancer ward this Christmas. Our table rocked the layout competition with me winning the journaling category {layout at the bottom of the post}, Melissa Buhler winning the photography category and Amanda LePage taking home the Best Overall prize! That was super exciting. Then the rest of Saturday we just scrapped and chatted and enjoyed the time together. I was planted firmly in my own little world and it was fantastic. Such a renewal of the creative spirit! Thanks for such a fun weekend girls. Let's do it again very soon! xox

Evolution of a Scrapbooker

2010-11-07T21:20:00.006-07:00

Back in August I had a fabulous weekend at the Bloomin' Inn in Alberta. It is this delightful retreat centre for scrapbookers and quilters and I really didn't know what to expect. Come back later in the week for my full review (it's a long one) but I wanted to post this one first because it is long overdue. When Sheryl and I were at the Inn we sat with these 2 crazy gals from Calgary who had quite the Cricut set up at their station. They shared everything; it was a frugal gal's dream. A pair of sisters who were churning out the layouts like you wouldn't believe. Kari and Janis were truly an inspiration to me. They were getting it done. Beautifully. But they took one look at the eclectic makings of my Starbucks book (a new one for a friend) and Sheryl's vintage record album book and the comments started flowing about them being "beginners". SO not true but nothing I could say would convince them. We had the whole talk about how everyone starts somewhere and it's the whole point of getting your family's memories on paper that is SO important. I felt like we really gelled over the weekend...getting to know each other, teaching each other things (we let them use whatever they wanted from our stashes and they taught me how to use the Cricut machine which I had never used before!) and generally just inspiring each other. And through this all I kept telling them that everyone...and I mean everyone...has a secret "first page" hidden away somewhere. Pick your fave "famous" scrapbooker...Trisha Ladouceur. Amanda LePage. Sue Sykes. Jill Hidebrandt. Leica Forrest. Vicki Boutin. They all started somewhere. So Kari and Janis challenged me to blog my first page. Put it all out there for everyone to see. Well, I will do you one better girls. This is the evolution of a scrapbooker. Kate style.

I started buying supplies before my wedding...probably early 2002 in the hopes of actually scrapbooking my wedding. It piled up and piled up in the spare room and then we had our first child in 2004. I still hadn't touched anything. When he was 10 months old I went to a Creative Memories party. Liked the concept but hated that I paid $15 for the class! I gathered up my courage and asked for my money back. Shannon (the consultant) said I could come to 3 of her weekly crop nights and if I still wasn't happy she would refund my money. Ok, you're on lady! So I started a book for my Hubs. A sort of "this is your life" and this is what the first page looked like. No help. Just me and my "fancy" scissors. *disclaimer: I apologize in advance for the horribly quick photography. I really didn't want to waste time fiddling with these photos.*
I was particularly proud of the little metal fish. Notice the absence of journalling...I always said I could do that later. Wow. Later is a loooong time. So then I started frequenting a little local scrapbooking store in Rosthern. Terrie started trying to get me to try new things. She patiently taught me each component of scrapbooking. Here is where I learned how to round corners.

Notice no title. No journalling. This page has literally been like this for almost 6 years. I will complete it one day. LOL Next I tried adding some ribbon to a page. This is from a 6x6 album I made for the Hubs for when he was away. It took me no less than 3 hours to complete this page. No kidding. It was also the first time using the die cut machine for the title and the little tag.

First time using chalk and buttons. This page took me a whole session which was usually from 7pm to well after 10pm. I can't imagine wasting that kind of time on a 6x6 layout now. Wow! It was SO outside of my comfort zone to use different fonts on the title like that. I was really uncomfortable with it then but think nothing of it now.
Then colour blocking...I remember being really happy with how this turned out. Again, it took me over 3 hours to complete this 6x6 page and now it looks so simple and easy but at the time it was a huge jump for me. I enjoyed colour blocking. It was clean and uniform. And those words describe my early tastes perfectly.

So after the colour blocking I got a little braver and took a couple different classes Terrie had to offer and started reading Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine which led me to try something completely new. Doodling. So with my new colour blocking skills I tried this page in my wedding album. This page also embraced the belief that not all pictures have to be perfect to tell a story.

And then I completely threw caution to the wind (you rebel you) and put some colour in to my wedding album. {Gasp!} My wedding colours were black, white and silver. So I thought I was being so clever by only having those colours in my album. Do you know how hard it was to find nice stuff in those colours 6 years ago? Ugh. So armed with my new love for doodling I did this page. *The name has been blurred to protect the innocent LOL*

This was also when I fell in love with Heidi Swapp flowers. I still have a thing for flowers but I would like to think my taste has matured over time. LOL

I saw something in a magazine about hidden journalling so I thought I would try that out too. This is why a new scrapbooker should never start with a baby or wedding album. Oh look...this is where she learned embossing. And here is where she learned about brads. Sigh. It's a road map of my classes...and mistakes. But I will never change this book. I may do a new one later in life but I will never change this one. I also tried out a stapler for the first time on this page.

This was the first layout I actually felt proud of. They are great candid shots of me showing the girls my garters (first time wearing them) and little did I know that my photographer was so quick on the shutter. To this day they are still the most requested reprints of all 9 rolls of wedding photos. Go figure! Oh the bling. This page started a love affair with rhinestones that will never die.

What are we up to? Ah, the Spring Fling at Just Scrap It! My first ever scrapbooking event where I hauled everything I owned to the crop and ended up buying everything I used because I couldn't find anything in my tote. LOL

I saw this layout hanging in the store. I couldn't even tell you who did it...I just literally took it right off the wall and told Ralna I wanted everything on the page. It was a little pricey...but it was my first "Scrap lift" and was worth every penny. I felt a real turning point in my confidence.

I could post a hundred other pages. Half pages really. I have come a long way in my outlook on what is important and what is not in my scrapbooking. I don't like my handwriting but I value the meaning of it now. I still make pages I am not overly fond of but I never change them. There are no mistakes, I just move on. I feel proud of myself that I have come from that first "Gone Fishing" page to this most recent layout I took 3rd place at Camp Croppin' with this year:

From fancy scissors to handmade grunge board roses (thanks Sheryl). The evolution of a scrapbooker. What is your evolution? I challenge you to post or blog your first pages. What has shaped you into the scrapbooker you are today? Leave a comment here so I can check it out!

So there you go Kari and Janis. Hope it was everything you expected. Stickers, shapes, etc. We've all done it. It's where we go from here that matters! And no matter the experience level of a scrapbooker...we are all artists with valuable things to teach each other. Hope to see you in Calgary at Camp Croppin' in the Spring and Sask Scraps in Saskatoon next Fall! xox

BOO!

2010-10-31T17:56:00.003-07:00

Frugal Friday has turned into "Frugal Whenever I Want" so Happy Halloween! Is there a holiday that has more frugal potential than Halloween? I think NOT! What did you send the kids off as this year? We had a couple of pirates in this house and it only cost me $20. We got them each this wild set of accessories...sword, hook, eye patch and earring. Then I fashioned them a bandanna, jacket of sorts and painted them up. Well, truth be told only one little pirate made it out the door this year. Pirate #2 wasn't feeling well so he stayed home with Mummy. But he's 2 and doesn't care about anything but the orange sucker I gave him. What's frugal about Halloween? Well I will tell you what's frugal about Halloween:

~Hop on the internet for some interesting ideas and then hit the thrift store for the costumes. It is amazing what you can find for totally low prices!

~Planning ahead will save you money. Going to WalMart the day before Halloween will break the bank every single time. Do I have to admit that I did that this year? LOL I had a plan in mind so it didn't break the bank BUT I was at WalMart yesterday. {gulp} it was a madhouse. I almost lost one of the children under a pile of costumes.

~Candy Candy CANDY. Save me from all the sugar. Spell with me for a moment: C-O-N-F-I-S-C-A-T-E. Spell it loud and spell it proud. As soon as that bag comes into the house I whip out the Ziplocs. One Ziploc is for acceptable lunch items (fruit snacks, puddings, etc. Those come from the Grandmas. They do up the treat bags right!), one Ziploc for "Oh my word there is NO WAY on earth I would ever give you that" which is saved for next year (Yup, I do it. Kids don't care and between parades, birthday parties, Easter and Christmas you would be appalled at how big my collection is by the time Halloween rolls around again) and of course the bag that holds the stuff that isn't too bad and they can have one piece after school (sugar after supper around here is a no go).

~Not only our money is meant to be saved. Time is precious! Plot with another family and swap talents. Let the Dads take the kids out while the Mums stay back to hand out candy...and maybe have a sip or two of fine wine! If treats are required for school swap some childcare for a couple dozen cookies. You get the idea. We are all in this together...let's show some support!

~When the weather doesn't cooperate (This year is the exception!) hit the local malls. You stay warm and dry but the kids still get to haul in the loot.

~And if you have decided that Halloween is not your thing...get together with other parents who share the same views and party hard! Gather for some fun and games and have each parent bring one item to be put into a loot bag for the kids. A girlfriend of mine does this and it is a huge hit. She had 27 kids and 16 parents (bless them) at her house last night! It was a humdinger of a good time and none of the kids feel like they have "missed" Halloween. They just go about it in a different way.

~I used to be the full size chocolate bar house. This was before we had 2 kids and lived on one income. You don't have to be that house. Your enthusiasm and participation is far more appreciated than what type of candy you give out. Although I do remember the pic-a-pop house. And the older couple who gave out coupons for McDonalds french fries. But that was um...well...let's just say it was a few years ago and times have changed. The pic-a-pop guy worked there and probably didn't pay much for them and I bet the McDonalds house owned a franchise. LOL Nowadays you can drop half a weeks grocery money buying Halloween candy. Just don't. And let's leave it at that.

Hope you all have a spooktacular time tonight! I know my night will be interesting. I made a pact with a friend that we will not break the seal. Not ONE piece of Halloween candy will pass our lips. I'm not sure I was in my right mind when I made that promise. Say a prayer for me. xo

Catching Up

2010-10-17T19:54:00.003-06:00

Saying that time flies is an understatement wouldn't you say? If you stop to take a single breath several things get left behind and all of a sudden you haven't blogged in 2 weeks, Mount Washmore starts to take over the laundry room and you wonder where all the spoons went. The CIBC Run For The Cure took up a lot of time and energy but it was SO WORTH IT!!! Our team, the Bandanna Bandits, took the top prize for the most donations from a team of family and friends. What an honour! We raked in over $17,700 to help defeat breast cancer. It was a truly amazing experience. Now that that has died down a bit and life has gotten back to normal, I got a handle on the house, threw an epic birthday party for my boy and even cleared a path to my scrapbooking desk. Shocking, I know. I am actually going to share pictures here of the before and after. No big redesign or anything, it's just mind blowing how much crap was in there. Stay tuned.

And lately I have been trying to make a few Artist Trading Cards. So fun and cute! It's so much nicer than scrawling my blog address on a scrap of card stock and giving it to someone, don't you think? There are many fabulous ways to display these little babies and 7Gypsies is one of my fave companies so it is highly tempting to start collecting these from other artists. This is one I did with some Kiki Art product. A big thank-you to Linda Shewchuk for sending me all the goodies! Kiki Art is not sold here in Saskatoon but hopefully that will change someday soon. What a great Canadian company. I am also working on a blog post from waaaay back in the summer from when I went to the Bloomin' Inn in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Some girls there wanted to see my first scrapbook page. And I like them enough to actually show it here. LOL I am trying SO hard to convince them to come to Sask Scraps next month. If you have attended the event before leave your best experience in the comments to try to convince Janis and Keri to come on down to our fair province! These girls consider themselves "beginner" scrapbookers and think they annoyed me by borrowing my stuff. Don't believe them, it's a lie! They were a riot and completely inspired me the whole weekend. But I'll leave the details for another post. Have a wonderful week! xox

Save a breast...eat a cupcake!

2010-09-24T15:22:00.003-06:00

With the help of friends and family and with the generosity of strangers I have been able to put together a last minute fundraiser for our CIBC Breast Cancer Foundation Run For The Cure! I didn't think we could do it, we had to cut some red tape but IT'S ON!!! The Bandanna Bandits will be having a

CUPCAKE SALE

at Market Mall

on Thursday September 30th

from 11am to 2pm

to help bump up our total for the run on October 3rd! I was SO SO SO thrilled to learn this morning that we did indeed have permission and the lovely Betty Ann at Market Mall was more than accommodating. The Bandits are over the moon that we have had so much support. One of the organizers told our illustrious leader Amanda that she had never before seen a first year team pass the $10,000 mark. Well WE DID!!! And where are we going?! HIGHER!!! How exciting is that? So if you are in Saskatoon please drop by and visit us for a little cupcake goodness. Not in the area? Still want to contribute? You can also drop by my personal fundraising page. The Bandanna Bandits and our breasts thank-you for it! xox

Think Pink

2010-09-20T10:58:00.004-06:00

I know we are not quite there yet but October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Normally, I wear a pink ribbon, donate a few dollars and call it a day. This year is just a bit different. It hit waaay too close to home for me. My good friend Amanda has her one year Survivor Anniversary on November 18th so this is her first October in this situation and we are doing it up HUGE. We have committed our time and running shoes to the CIBC Run For The Cure on October 3rd. It's been in the planning stages for months and I actually started training for it. Me. I always believed my body would never be able to run. Like ever. But losing 50 pounds has made all the difference and I have knocked out 5km a few times this summer and am really looking forward to it on October 3rd. But we can't do it without your help! If you would like to support us please check out my page on the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation website.

Thank-you for cheering on the Bandanna Bandits!!! Let's kick cancer a$$ xox

Live your very best life

2010-09-16T15:39:00.003-06:00

I believe in each one of these statements very deeply. But everyone needs to be reminded sometimes. We only have one life...so live it the very best way you can! xo

ONE . Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully .

TWO . Marry a man/woman you love to talk to . As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other .

THREE . Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want .

FOUR . When you say, 'I love you,' mean it .

FIVE . When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye .

SIX . Be engaged at least six months before you get married .

SEVEN . Believe in love at first sight .

EIGHT . Never laugh at anyone's dreams . People who don't have dreams don't have much .

NINE . Love deeply and passionately . You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely .

TEN . . In disagreements, fight fairly . No name calling .

ELEVEN . Don't judge people by their relatives .

TWELVE . Talk slowly but think quickly .

THIRTEEN! .. . . When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN . Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk .

FIFTEEN . Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze .

SIXTEEN . . When you lose, don't lose the lesson .

SEVENTEEN . Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions .

EIGHTEEN . Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship .

NINETEEN . When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it .

TWENTY . . Smile when picking up the phone . The caller will hear it in your voice .

TWENTY- ONE . Spend some time alone .

Warm up with some Tea!

2010-09-13T11:22:00.002-06:00

Fall brings the need to be cozy. Wool socks, big sweaters and a giant cup of tea cradled in between both hands. And what better way to enjoy those thing than with some close friends? A sweet inviation for tea with some Bo Bunny product. How long has been since we had tea? Come on over! The muffins are in the oven. xox

Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine Fall Edition

2010-08-18T21:38:00.008-06:00

I did NOT want the summer to breeze by too quickly because let's face it, we live in a part of the world that has a 3 month growing season and that is if we are really, really lucky. But I did want it to hurry just a teeny tiny little bit because I was really REALLY looking forward to this:
Page 66, in the Passport to Creativity section!

This is a feature in CS that I have loved since the very first one I read. I thought how amazing it was for those artists to have a whole 2 pages all to themselves to showcase their work and would I ever make it onto those pages? It was a dream. And now it's here! I was positively vibrating with excitement when I picked it up at my LSS yesterday.

Added to this honour was being included in Sue Sykes' breast cancer article.

This layout was a labour of love and some really big tears. I didn't even care that I had to use a photo from 50 pounds ago. And I got glass in my foot smashing the mirror. LOL It has no fancy, trendy product on it. It is just paint, glass and words. The words were the most important thing to me. So thank-you Sue for your heartfelt article and thank-you Canadian Scrapbooker for allowing me to be a part of such a beautiful piece of work.

Congratulations all around for some more local talent as my friend Sheryl was another artist featured in the Passport to Creativity section! Check her out at Sherylsplayz.

Photo by KMP Photography

The other artist was also a local girl! I haven't had the privilege of meeting Jamie yet but you can stalk her blog here.

A huge congratulations must go out to my sweet friend Lizette for getting one of these!For her layout featuring one of her handsome men. Way to go Lizette! I knew you could do it!

A shout out to some more prairie girls whose work graced the pages this issue were Amanda LePage from Vonda (Wow girl, this was your issue!), Glenda Tkalac of Moose Jaw and Karen Welch-Smith from Saskatoon. Congratulations! As well, I have to say hi to Kelsy Propp who isn't local but I met her at Camp Croppin' in 2009 and I always love seeing her work in print! As well as Lynne Mizera who I have never met but she is the mother of Donna Houston who owns Inspired Designs Scrapbook Boutique and I secretly stalk her work! LOL I loved the mosaic piece she did on page 73. So unique in both subject and execution.

Thank-you ladies for all the continued inspiration! I can't believe it but I am already looking forward to the winter edition. But please summer, don't take that as a sign to hurry away. I'm not done with you yet!

Simple is good

2010-08-16T18:33:00.002-06:00

A very quick, simple layout using some bright Bo Bunny product. I didn't have the appropriate chipboard letters so I painted these with crackle paint, let them dry and then coated them with glossy accents. And another picture is done. Only 9, 366 left to go. ;0)

Coupons, flyers, meals and deals--Frugal Friday

2010-08-13T17:11:00.004-06:00

I don't often spend time clipping meaningless 25 cent coupons. To me, my time is worth more than that. But what I do like to spend time on is surfing several websites from time to time that offer some great deals. And depending on what they are, I will also sign up for their newsletter or e-mail of the month or whatever so I don't forget to check them out regularly. A lot of the time there are very valuable deals to be had.

Smart Canucks For across Canada. Deals, coupons, flyers, heads up on flight sales, etc. It's a catch all of frugalness.

Home For Dinner local food blog that is no longer updated but has very valuable information on shopping and eating right here in our fair city. The shorter your food has to travel the cheaper and better it is for us. Plus I like to support local business.

Get Rich Slowly this encompasses North America but has a huge amount of financial Q & A that can be really helpful. You can click around in here forever.

Got No Dough A personal blog that has a bit of everything...meal ideas, financial stuff, product reviews, online rewards stuff...you name it, they have it.

Hillbilly Housewife All about cooking from scratch which is far cheaper than buying ready made meals or processed stuff from a box.

This really is just the tip of the iceberg. I have a whole file in my favourites called "Saving Money" and every time I come across something interesting, in it goes. Hope this helps! happoy reading!

Sunshine inspiration

2010-08-11T13:21:00.002-06:00

The bright sun leads me to choose bright papers! The Bo Bunny Paradise line is perfect! A quick page with some Glimmer Mist and Stickles. I used so many flowers because they are actually hiding a bunch of imperfections in the photo LOL. But I still wanted to use the photo! It's all about the journalling anyway. Love ya Kel.

Waste not Want not-Frugal Friday

2010-08-06T18:04:00.003-06:00

I have recently become cyber-friendly with a gal out of Alberta who has taken her family on a very interesting journey. Jessica from Nothing New Nothing Wasted has set her mind to the challenge of not buying anything new for one year. Yes, there are a few exceptions like toiletries, underwear, etc. But for the most part the challenge is really about being more thoughtful with your spending dollars and considering the impact that purchase has on the world. She has been featured on webites, national newspapers, radio interviews and local media and I highly recommend you surf her archives. It might make you more aware of where your money is going. And one thing Jessica and I totally have in common is I am a HUGE fan of Kijiji.ca I never make a purchase without hitting that site because you just never know what someone wants to get rid of. Have a fabulously frugal weekend! xo

Do you carry pictures of your kids?

2010-08-05T14:45:00.002-06:00

I am a scrapbooker who is horribly guilty of not carrying updated photos of my kids. *blush* So lately I have been making more of an effort in this department and with the Hubs travelling for work so much I have been seeking out highly portable ways to do this. Men like things that fit in their pockets. Portable, light weight, easily accessible, to the point. So I saw this little magnetic notebook at Michael's and thought I could do something with it.

My son had already written in it but you get the idea. LOL So I tore out some of the pages, then glued a whole stack of the pages together to make 3 separate thick pages. Inked up all the edges because ink is so very forgiving on something like this, covered the outside with pattern paper, used gaffer tape on the edges, trimmed up the photos, added a few rub ons and voila. A pocket album for when my Hubs is gone for weeks at a time.

I held it all together with a matching blue rubber band because the gaffer tape prevented the magnet from doing it's job but after a while the book kind of flattens and settles and the rubber band is merely to keep the pages from falling out when the book has been looked at a gazillion times. This took no time at all and helps my love hold his loves close to his heart. xo

Parties, Parades and Fairs OH MY!

2010-07-30T10:21:00.002-06:00

Tis the season...for spending your life away at all the wonderful summer festivals and parties!!! I looooove summertime in our city. SO MANY fabulous things to do. But there are a few things you can do to keep costs down and still have a great time!

Oh those wonderful small town parades...my kids love them because they still throw candy off the floats! They don't at the Ex parade (Aug 10th, don't miss it!) but we attend several fair days in the surrounding area and let me tell you, bring a shopping bag. They can be a little... generous, shall we say? And I have never been one to ply my children with candy so, what to do? This tip goes back to my Easter post...remember C-O-N-F-I-S-C-A-T-E? I let them carry the bag around all day, chomping on taffy, sucking on suckers and trying to figure out how to blow bubbles. Then when they crash later on at home I take the bags and separate all the candy. There is the bag that goes in the lunch cabinet (parades never have anything suitable for this, just Grandma's Easter's baskets and stockings do), the {small} bag of acceptable treats that are suitable for after supper, rainy afternoons, etc and then there is the mother load bag. The bag where the majority of the candy goes, hidden away on the very top shelf of my cold storage room and I use it for Halloween. I am a huge Halloween nut. I love the treat bags we make for the nieces and nephews, I love the costumes, I love driving all over to see the Aunties, Uncles and Grandparents and eating ourselves sick with those evil but delicious mini chocolate bars. It's just a fun family night! So of course I also used to strive to have the best candy on the block because when we were kids it was a big deal. There was the pic-a-pop house, the full size chocolate bar house, the house that gave away the coupons for the small fries at McDonald's. You knew which houses rocked and which ones gave out the stale Halloween molasses candies from 12 years ago. So in the first few years of our married life I spent a lot on Halloween. The house was decorated to the nines {I still do that} and the candy was outrageous. And we would get on average...6 kids. Are you kidding me??? But really, less and less kids are trick-or-treating these days and if there are more, they sure haven't been at the last 4 houses I have lived in. So I thought to myself, "Self, what is the most important thing to you on Halloween?" And the answer to that is of course to give my own children the best time ever. So I focus more on decorating our house, carving pumpkins {the boys did their own last year!}, roasting seeds, baking monster cookies, doing the costumes and visiting friends and family. We make a point to not even be home on Halloween now and I put out a HUGE bowl of candy on our front step with a friendly sign wishing everyone a Happy Halloween and to please leave some candy for the next kids to come along. But I have always wanted to set up a video camera to see if it's the first, second or third kid who dumps the entire bowl into their bag. LOL

Long story short, over the course of the year I collect an insane amount of candy for my Halloween stash. It saves us on average around $50 to $100 per year depending on what candy you buy. One year I gave out full size chips and chocolate bars. Together. And I was finding we had over half left over, even when I was super super generous. So instead of wasting money buying stuff I will just eat later anyway, I avoid the extra calories and give out what we already have. It's a win-win situation!

Another money sucker...the exhibition itself. Oh my but that can be a trying day. One year I tried to be super frugal about it...limited things to one treat per person, 2 rides, 3 games, one prize, etc. I said "NO!" 857 times and when we left everyone was crying. And I still spent $125. For a day where nobody had fun. Nobody appreciated the time together. It was hot, miserable and nobody got to do what they wanted. So I pose this question to you: Who is the exhibition for anyway?

I have come to the conclusion that the Ex is for us adults to get out for an evening and feel like kids again. I have plans to attend this year sans children. Did I put that bold enough? LOL There is a concert I want to see at the bandstand, some major disgusting calories I want to consume, I looooove the "infomercial building" as I call it and one night during the week I am going to be a "Creative Superviser" for the showcase of arts. Which really just means Corinne and I are going to sit and chat with each other while doing a few little projects while people browse around at the art exhibits. And maybe they will ask us what we are doing. :0) I got a free pass for the day for my volunteer work {volunteering=free stuff!} and I fully intend to take advantage of it. Walk around holding hands with the Hubs feeling like we are dating again. We will spend far less than what we would spend if we brought the boys...unless Hubs let's me buy stuff in the informercial building. LOL But, long story short you need to analyze if your children are really at an age to enjoy something like this. I know, I know, I am a Mum too. I like to give my children all kinds of cool experiences and spoil them with my time and effort. However {and this is a big however} is what you are doing actually for them or is it for you? Some kids just can't handle the overstimulation of the fair so why would you force them to participate in the face painting just so you can get photos for the scrapbook?

Before you make the Ex a family excursion, ask yourself these questions:

*Can afford it?

*Are the kids old enough?

*Are you going for them or for you?

If you answered yes all the way around and are headed out {with sunscreen and hat of course} here are a few tips to save some dollars:

*Pack a backpack with your own drinks. On average a small drink is $4. Times 4 people. $16 for drinks that last 8 seconds. And if you are there for several hourse you can bet you will be doing that at least 3 times. And that's if you say NO 12 times. That's almost $50 just in drinks. Bring your own!

*If you like to do the rides, plan ahead and buy the superpass. As soon as you do...what...more than 5 rides...you are riding for free. I am not up to date on how many tickets rides are these days...but a pass is $38 in advance and in my previous experience it cost around $7 for one midway ride.

*Pick the meal you want to eat at the fair. It's a very pricey day if you go right at lunch when everyone is starving and stay until supper. Plan ahead.

*Take in the free stuff! There is all kinds of free entertainment to be had! Seek out the reptile show, the sharks, the wandering clowns. Walk through the art exhibits. You are there...see it all!

*Choose the day that is best for you. They have special rates on different days that can save you a few dollars.

*Save yourself the frustration of parking and take public transit. It's free with a superpass and pretty cheap without one. And if you have the kids with you trust me, they will love riding the bus. If that is not an option, carpool. If you have more than 5 people in the vehicle, parking is free. Take advantage!

*Come heavily armed if you are bringing the children. Pack that bag like you have never packed it before...wet ones, washclothes, changes of clothes, waterbottles, bug spray, sun screen, camera, extra batteries, sunglasses, small first aid kit...trust me, if you are all comfortable and well prepared it makes for a fabulous day! And don't forget the double stroller. Even my 5 year old can't walk a whole afternoon at the fair.

Do you have any tips for having a fun day at one of these huge festivals? Share them! And have a fabulous rest of the summer!

Looking forward to CHA?

2010-07-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

The Craft and Hobby Association show. Where the best of the best show up to reveal their latest and greatest! Have you been checking out the sneak peeks yet? Here are just a few of my faves {so far}.

The new lines by Bo Bunny are catching my eye...especially their new wraps and trims!

And Mr. Tim Holtz never fails to impress...I am really looking forward to the configuration boxes. Imagine the possibilities??? Wouldn't it be great to have a box to represent each of your children with all kinds of mementos from their growing up years? Many, many firsts to collect for!

And of course more of the dies from Sizzix. I already own a couple of the Tim Holtz dies and thought there wouldn't be too much more that would be truly versatile and not so themed or specific to his brand. Well, I was wrong! A die that cuts a tag that he uses in his 12 tags of Christmas. Genius! Last year we lucked out and Just Scrap It ordered them in for us but the year before they were very difficult to find I ended up using smaller ones...didn't create the same effect. Now I won't have to worry about it! What are you looking forward to this CHA? Tell me all about it!

It's Frugal Friday and the Laundry Soap Saga continues...

2010-07-23T08:00:00.002-06:00

If you are friends with me on Facebook, about once a month you see the laundry soap thing on my status. I do make my own laundry soap but let's just say it comes with it's own set of challenges. For one, I have dirty little boys in my house. And a dirty big boy too. Lots of dirt and grease on the pants...and the soap recipe that I started out with did just fine at removing said stains. Right on! But after a week or so I was headed to the gym with freshly washed workout clothes that stunk to high heaven. And I didn't notice until I got to the gym and put them on. Oh. My. WORD. Ok, that is a challenge that needs to be addressed immediately. So after fiddling a bit I adapted the amounts of ingredients and it seemed to do the trick. Thank the heavens. But I still wasn't getting that "Fresh washed" smell and the Hubs was starting to mention that he missed the smell of the bought stuff. Here's the thing...we can afford to buy laundry soap. It's not a big deal. But I save where I can and that was one area I thought just because you can doesn't mean you should. Buy it I mean. We were spending $240 a year on laundry soap. That does not include stain removers, fabric softener or any other laundry type accessories. After I discovered the homemade stuff that figure plummeted to about $20 a year. Then I had to adapt the amounts for the stink factor and it climbed to about $40 a year. So that is a savings of $200. Sigh. What to do? I did break down and buy a bottle of soap and fabric softener to conduct several small experiments.

A) Do you really get as many loads as it says on the bottle?
B) How much do you actually have to use to get stuff clean and smelling great?
C) Could I continue to use my homemade stuff and just augment the smell factor with a tablespoon of fabric softener to make the Hubs happy?
D) How much would it jack up the laundry money to do C? How many loads in a bottle of Gain fabric softener?

B has been going well...you actually need very little to get the suds going, get stuff clean and have it coming out smelling great. I am filling it to just below the 1st line in the cup, the one they say to use for small loads. Well, I do a huge load and that still does the trick. And C is actually already confirmed. I had a few loads of homemade soap left when I got all the store bought stuff so YES, I can augment the smell with the softener while still getting my clothes clean with the homemade soap. So with Sharpie marker in hand I will keep track of how many loads I actually get out of each bottle and will report back in a future Frugal Friday. Don't forget to save a few pennies and use that sunshine to dry your clothes! And then you even get a bit of free exercise when it starts to rain {in the sunshine} and you have to dash outside and rip everything off the line in record time. Don't ask how I know this...let's just say the neighbours got a bit of free entertainment. :0)

Simple Summer Pleasures

2010-07-20T12:50:00.004-06:00

I love the SUN! I wanted to document this day of just lazing on the beach and watching the kids make tiny footprints in the sand. We need to scrapbook the small things that make us happy because years from now we will not remember these things and the feelings they created. It's a little overcast today, a good day to make laundry soap. Have a happy summer all! xox

ETA: Wow, I have no idea what happened to that photo between Picasa and here. I will hopefully clear this up and post a new photo soon! Sorry for the poor quality.

To gift or not to gift...it's a loaded question.

2010-07-16T12:56:00.002-06:00

With summer comes a LOT of anniversaries. What to get? What to do? We have a "no gift" agreement for ours that the hubs loves to break but we do try to go out for supper or I cook something special. A small splurge to celebrate our special day. It doesn't have to cost a lot, but no matter what you spend there is still the agonizing decision of what to do.

One of said anniversaries is that of my dear sis-in-law and her sweet hubs. They have a mortgage, a mini van, a budget and children. Sound familiar? My sis and I go back and forth with each other about our feelings, what makes us happy and what our hubs can do {or not do} that make us light up. Or just make our lives easier. So she calls me the other day and definitely had something to gush about. And I have to admit, my already high admiration level for my brother-in-law went up exponentionally. He is a wonderful man but this was the icing on the cake.

So my sis looooves crossword puzzles. Initially she was doing sudoku and actually was the one who got me hooked on them several years ago. Recently she has switched to crosswords and her hubs noticed. In a big way. For their anniversary he made her her own crossword puzzle and all the clues were all about them before they had kids. What was our first lunch together, where did we meet, that sort of thing. I melted into a puddle on the floor when she told me. It was FREE. It was THOUGHTFUL. And she said she fell in love with him all over again. Sigh. Another fabulous example that things do NOT have to cost money to touch your heart. Bravo sir, you have raised the bar for other hubs around the world. xox

Loyalty pays!

2010-07-09T10:49:00.003-06:00

You've heard me preach before about how instant gratification {and our insatiable quest for it} ruins our budgets time and time again. If something is that important to us, it is worth working for. If it's not worth working for obviously it wasn't that important to you in the first place. So waiting to make a purchase also forces you to really analyze whether or not you need that item. That's how it's been for me over the last 10 years with my cell phone. You also read all about my complaints about this very item in THIS POST. I know, reading 2 of these is time consuming but if you are not familiar with the cell phone post please read it first. It fully explained why I have kept this phone for so long. Now I am going to explain why I am getting a new one today. That's right. Write this day down, make a scrapbook page commemorating it, I am going to have texting capabilities! And it is all thanks to 2 people down at the Telus store. Justin and Amy were just fabulous. I walked in with my regular chip on my shoulder. My "Don't laugh or I won't buy anything" attitude. I just thought there was no way I could get a better package because of that all holy "billed by the second" thing. Well people, it's not easy to admit when you are wrong but sometimes it's necessary. I was wrong. Amy started out by showing me some phones that would suit my needs and how I could get them for free or at a discount and explaining the different packages. Justin was doing his thing on the computer and asked if he could interrupt us. Will it save me money? LOL But of course, interrupt! He suggested that since I had been with them for so long {the longest off contract he had seen} that I should give the Loyalty and Retention section a call to see if they could put together a better package for me. Wow. I've never actually had a salesperson tell me how to spend less money before. They sent me on my way and I hopped on the phone. It took a few hours of back and forth between Telus and Amy at the store because I kept bothering her to ask questions but eventually I was offered an amazing package just to sign another contract. So my other post still stands...don't rush to sign things just to satisfy that instant gratification. But when you are in a position to gain by signing, think it over, talk it over with the Hubs and weigh the pros and cons. The pros in this case far outweigh the cons of signing and losing my by-the-second billing. 200 anytime minutes, evenings and weekends free, unlimited texting, caller ID, voice mail and 75 free long distance minutes every month for only $25+tax. I can certainly handle that...since my regular monthly bill to date has been $30 and up depending on my usage.

So I wanted to give HUGE props to Justin and Amy with Telus. You guys ROCK! Thank-you for making my "new phone" experience a GREAT ONE! Even though there are fabulous new gadgets released all the time, it was so worth it to delay replacing my phone. I feel like I got an excellent deal and that I worked for it. Which makes it that much sweeter!

Mum, we're BOOOOOORED!

2010-07-02T21:20:00.004-06:00

This Frugal Friday post is brought to you by the makers of Advil. Do you have a headache from your summer vacationers yet? LOL

Free summer fun! You know it's out there, you just have to go jump on it!

* Garage saling. Not free if you buy something but the kids will love the hunt. I give my kids each a toonie and they can buy whatever they want. Good family fun. And if you happen across something you have been looking for you can just add it to your frugal finds!

*Grab your public library schedule. Puppet shows, reading incentive programs, prizes, parties, etc. They all have summer programming and we can't wait!

*The Leisure Guide. Our local guide has all the free days for different attractions in the city. Mark them on your calendar and take advantage! Now to truly enjoy this, you have to make a day of it and plan ahead. Don't try to "quickly" zip over to the zoo on free family day, it won't be fun. Go early, pack a picnic, bring some little activities for the kids for potential line ups. It's worth it.

*The mall can have free things too! Ask at the info desk about special appearances of all your fave characters. Dora and Diego were the last ones we saw. Again, planning ahead and going early is a MUST. My girlfriend and I hauled our kids (all 7 of them) out at 8am for a 10:30am appearance. We packed a huge picnic breakfast for our crew and they coloured. A few people ended up ahead of us due to some VIP online contest thing {which we hadn't heard about} but we got in, snapped a few photos and were out in no time. The kids loved it!

*Speaking of online stuff...take advantage of websites! Google what to do in your area. Lots of community associations have fun day in the park.

*Speaking of parks...USE ONE! And not just the one close to your house. It is such an adventure to head out to a new playground/paddling pool/spray park. Go armed with your bug spray, sunscreen, snacks and water to make the day hassle free.

*Amp up your own backyard fun. Your computer isn't just for Facebook. Google recipes for different play dough {edible, yum!}, do a little pudding painting {on yourselves!}, do a scavenger hunt {complete ones are downloadable} or make some hats out of old flyers. It doesn't matter what you do...interacting with your children is priceless.

*Nature walk anyone? Check around for your local conservation area. Hike some trails, spot some birds, take some photos.

*Love history? Every city has some kind of historical society interested in passing on the stories of yesteryear. Some have an entire centre dedicated to it. Check it out! Take a walking tour and learn about the history of your very own hometown. You may learn things you never knew before.

*Stores can have free things too. During the summer, bookstores hold free readings for kids. Get a hold of their summer schedule!

*Got a science geek on your hands? I do! Get on that Google again...set up a science lab right at your kitchen table. Some food colouring, vinegar and baking soda will keep your little Einstein busy for hours. Great rainy day activity.

This really is just the tip of the iceberg! If you are in the Saskatoon area, check out the SaskMom website. They are AMAZING!!! Not everything they promote it free but there is such a wealth of info on that site. So much summer fun awaits and it doesn't have to break your budget. Plan for those special events that have a price tag...but just know that it doesn't have to be every day. "Mum, we're BOOOORED" shouldn't make your wallet cringe! Have a great one!

Yes I AM!

2010-07-01T09:30:00.002-06:00

Canada is 143 years young today so you had to know this was coming: {Don't forget to pause the music on the right}

Happy Canada Day!!!

Should I? Could I?

2010-06-25T17:51:00.002-06:00

No ground breaking frugal news for you today...except maybe that I got $161.70 in free stuff from the cable company last week! Another reason to always, always keep track of your paperwork and it really does pay to make a phone call or 6. Basically what happened is they kept making the same mistake. Over. And over. And OVER again. I had to explain the situation like 14 times. To 7 different people. Always be polite but firm. If someone can't offer you a solution, ask for their manager. Yes, I was on hold forever. But how long would you stay on hold for $161.70? I was multitasking at the time...no skin off my nose so to speak!

Lots of people have been asking me questions, telling me all about their frugal conquests {which I love by the way...way to go on that water bill Barb!!!} and just generally taking interest in where their money goes. KUDOS TO YOU PEOPLE! It's our own business how we spend our money...but we need to be conscious of what we are doing. With our eyes wide open to the consequences. That's it. For every action there is an equal reaction. So my point this week is the reason I am all about the frugal-ness in my world is so that I will have the extra cash for those things that are important to me. Some might say that it is wasteful of me to spend the money I do on the 2 scrapbooking events I attend every year. But really, compare it to someone who buys coffee everyday. For the sake of easy math let's say they don't drink what I drink {which costs $4.79 and that's why I don't do it all the time! LOL} $3 per day times 5 days a week times 4 weeks a month times 12 months a year. $720. That amount covers most of my "scrap event budget" for the year. So I choose that over the coffee. I can't speak for everyone who does the frugal thing but in our world we live comfortably. I have been working on this for a few years now and don't really feel it as "a pinch" anymore. I just choose carefully where I want my fun money to go! I would rather lounge on a beach in Mexico every 2 years than buy new jeans every month. I'd rather drive a newer vehicle than go out for supper every week. {For a family of 4 that's almost $2000 a year extra at a cheapo restaurant-wow!}. And I would much rather hit every concert that comes to town than unconsciously twenty my money away. Budget binder {write everything down}. Save your receipts. Plan for those credit card purchases. When I buy concert tickets, I take the cash and put it in an envelope. Or any credit card purchase for that matter. Cash goes into an envelope, then when the bill is due it's right there. A fabulous example of how twenty-ing your money away can get you into trouble is when you travel with others. Camp Croppin' was a whale of a good time. Megan puts on one amazing event! Went with some fun gals and for the sake of convenience I put 2 registrations, all gas and hotel on my credit card. There were 4 of us, we drove 6 hours away and we stayed 2 nights so that can amount to a good chunk of change. At the end of the trip I tallied everything up, divided it and everyone paid their share. Now if I would have put it in my wallet and just twentied it away, that credit card total would have been very scary when the bill came. Well, it was already scary actually because the Hubs opened it before I did! LOL His eyes goggled out of his head like the Coyote when the Roadrunner runs right past his trap and he realizes that now HE is going to blow up. :0) Before he even blinked again I handed him the envelope of cash and asked him to deposit it the next day. He smiled {HUGE}, gave me a kiss and sent me out the door to my gym class. Now that situation could have gone a lot different. Could you imagine the stress if I had chosen to spend that money elsewhere and just closed my eyes to the bill coming in a few weeks? Chaos. So in a long winded, round about way my point is that being conscious of how you spend your money means you shouldn't have to live hand to mouth. It saves you grief and argument in the long run. Because life is far too short to be stressing about money right? I'd rather be at the spray park with the kids. Have a lovely summer weekend!

Frugal Dayz of Summer

2010-06-18T22:24:00.004-06:00

Winding down...and down...and down!~ School is almost done! So what do we have coming down the line in the way of wallet busting activities? PRESENTS. The teacher, the lunch room lady, the Principal, the piano teacher, the coach, the list goes on and on. To gift or not to gift...that is the question. Gifting is a touchy subject...and I look at it like so: To me, a gift is like a tip. I gift for good service, good feelings, good times. If you are totally gelling with your teacher throughout the year, love the interaction between the coach and your kids, had a particularly warm and fuzzy feeling from the piano teacher you may choose to give them a gift at the end of the year. But hear this: It is NOT a requirement. There is nothing stated in the rules that says you must send your teachers on an all expense paid trip to Hawaii. Got it? {Sorry teachers, you know I love you!} There should be no feelings of "Keeping up with the Jones'" here. A gift from your family to a person who is helping to shape your little people should be personal. From the heart. Something that says "Thank-you so much for your valuable time." So here are a few things to stay within your budget but still tell them you care.

-Anything from your oven, complete with a handwritten recipe card is always a nice touch. And if you aren't the baking type, there is absolutely nothing wrong with calling in the professionals. If you are in the Sasaktoon area check out Cupcake Delight {insert shameless plug here} for an amazing way to show your teacher how sweet they are!

-Something from the craft table. A handmade card, mini album of some activities through the year, or a decorated, blank album that they can fill with their own photos would be a delightful, personal gift. If you are crafty, share the craftiness around!

-If you are very familiar with the person you wish to give a gift, a framed photo of your child or whole family may be appropriate. Decorate the frame yourself! But remember to keep it on the small side...an 8x10 glossy of your fam might look fabulous on your coffeetable but might not be as welcomed on the soccer coach's wall.

-Do you know that the person in question is awfully busy and may not have the time to cook? Are you a Martha in the kitchen? Why not put together a freezer meal with a ribbon on it? Make up a lasagna complete with baking instructions and a little card that says thank-you so much for your time, I thought I would save you some by making your family supper. Something along those lines would put a smile on anyone's face.

-Your time can be more precious than a spa day. Offer a few hours to help clean the classroom, sort library books or take down bulletin boards. Saving some time and sharing the workload can be priceless to an overworked teacher looking forward to the first week of summer vacation!

-Group it together. Take charge! Nab the other parents at pick up time and ask them if they are interested in getting a group gift. If one person gives a $5 gift it might not seem like much. But if 25 people get together and each give $5 it can be one heck of a gift certificate. Think outside the box...I mean, a spa day is always nice but times are tight for everyone. Teachers are no exception. WalMart, Superstore, M&M Meats...they all have gift cards. Get everyone to sign the card, throw in a great gift certificate and you have a wonderful thank-you from the class!

-How about a pet you don't have to feed? Have your child paint and decorate a flat rock. It's a sweet little paperweight to remind the person they are cared for. Don't forget the name and date on the bottom.

I am going with a little of everything this year...a basket of all our fave things! Cookies, bread, etc with a few little crafts done by my son. That is for the teacher and her EA in our classroom. For the extended staff I will be putting out a mini cupcake buffet in the staff room with a card that says thank-you to all for their dedication and hard work.

Remember, saying that you appreciate someone doesn't have to break your bank. It's not a contest to see who can bring the biggest bouquet of roses or who can give a card to the most expensive restaurant. The point of a gift at the end of the year is to say "Hey. You spent time helping to shape my child. And I value that. Thank-you so much." So don't feel overwhelmed by it. A card costs a dollar but says so much more.

Techno savvy I am not

2010-06-08T22:54:00.004-06:00

Ok, apparently someone has to teach me how to properly pre-post on here because I had last week's Frugal Friday all ready to go and do you see it? Because I don't see it. Floating out in blogland I suppose. SO sorry about that! I have been so busy I haven't even had a minute to check it to make sure it actually posted and then blogger was down. Now it will soon be Friday again so how about we call a do over for last Friday, cut our losses and just have some scrapbooking fun? A couple of things I have been working on lately and I never did give you the Cliffs Notes on Camp Croppin'!

We started out at *almost* the crack of dawn on the Camp Croppin' weekend with a van full of crazy women and Flat Amanda of course. To view her crazy antics click HERE. It all started with our good friend Amanda not being able to attend CC due to chemo. So we printed her out, glued her to a stick and took her on the best trip she never had. LOL It was great fun with lots of laughs and even more ugly crying than one person can handle. Thanks a lot Riley. Speaking of said "ugly cry starter" Barb took the journaling prize for the second year in a row! It was so exciting until they asked her to read one of her enteries and then the flood gates broke open. There is video of it somewhere. I am sure our snot bubbles are on Youtube by now. Fabulous. I was so pleased to follow in Barb's footsteps by taking my second prize in as many years pulling a 3rd overall with this layout:

I really love the details on this one...I glued tiny individual rhinestones to the border of her hat because that's how it is in real life. I loooove fine details like that! The rose in the corner was a technique that Tim Holtz did on his blog for the 12 tags of Christmas but of course it is not a new idea. I used old sacking and crocheted lace and sprayed both that and the rose with multiple layers of Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. Actaully, there isn't a thing on the layout that made it out glimmer-free! The title letters and hearts are sprayed too. And the journaling spot. It is just so versatile. The whole layout has this soft, feminine shimmer to it that is very much like Amy's personality. She just shines.

It's really nice to do a girly layout every once in a while as I tend to dominate the all boy-all the time category! A simple fireman layout of some friends of ours:

The grey background is really grungy...the photo of course does not do it justice. I used lots of black ink and gobs of Rock Candy crackle paint. It creates wonderful texture. I made the ladder myself by snipping apart those giant metal clippy things that hold together thick stacks of paper. Clippy things of course being the technical term. Found the amazing vintage buttons at a rummage sale.

A bit of sewing on this one...I {heart} my sewing machine! Just a few simple buttons and chipboard stars to add to the Stampin' Up notebook punch because the journaling was really the focus here.

I have SO much going on right now...how about a 100 project pledge? A little exciting scrapbooking news! And an event that is NOT to be missed! Registration opens tomorrow for Sask Scraps. Are you IN?!

Frugal Weekend

2010-05-30T10:17:00.007-06:00

Well, maybe not so much as the Hubs did some last minute "supply getting" for the Relay For Life which included a bunch of stuff I would never buy. But such is life sometimes. We had a great time on Friday! Then yesterday I took all the kids to a movie and we watched the UFC pay per view at my sister's place with most of the family {we are such rednecks LOL}. And now today the Hubs wants to car shop and we have a birthday party. Such a full weekend! So when you have a weekend like this when do you fit in last minute shopping for the birthday present? I don't. And that's the frugal tip I have for you today.

I don't shop just to shop. That can get you into a lot of trouble. But when I am out on my weekly missions I do keep my eyes open for anything I can stow away in the "Gift Closet". I have a cold storage room in my house and I reserve some of the highest shelves for extra things I pick up through the year. This actually serves 2 direct purposes. 1) It eliminates the last minute over-spend when you are faced with "That party is today???" and 2) it really helps around Christmas time with staying on budget. So throughout the year I watch the flyer sales. It has to be really, really on sale for me to pick it up but when I do find some good scores it always gives me a sense of satisfaction! For instance, I was at Toys R Us the other day for one item. I can't just browse in that store LOL I have to go in with a plan or I bust the bank! On my quest for the one item I saw a large bin with 50% off all ages and types of ColorWonders. THAT is a great deal. So I got one for each of the kids including nieces and nephews. That's half their Christmas gift right there! Woo Hoo!

Other ways I augment the gift closet is by re-gifting. Yes, I do this but in a tasteful, considerate way. The only way a gift to us makes it into the gift closet is if we already have that item (I almost never return items to the store in this case) or if it is not age appropriate for my kids and will take far too long for them to grow into it to be worth saving. A good example is this past Christmas my 5 year old got this really cool juggling set. It wasn't your conventional juggling. It was metal balls attached to the ends of colourful strings and you swung the balls around and around in different patterns. There was even an instructional DVD and glow in the dark strings. It was a really neat set, no kidding. But more appropriate for a teenage only child. Could you imagine if I let the 5 year old open that? It would be an instant concussion for the 2 year old. I am just looking into the future here people. So when your kids are opening gifts, don't let them take them out of the package unless you are sure this is something you want in your home. On that same note the 2 year old received a set of Little Tikes toys that we happen to already have. I love Little Tikes, they are fabulously durable and well worth the money! So I tucked that away in the gift closet and will be thrilled to give it to another little munchkin somewhere down the line. And not all the gifts I set aside from my kids birthdays and Christmases are given away to other people. How many gifts do your children receive? And how many do they actually play with at once? Kids will inevitably cling to one or 2 of their immediate faves and that's that. So I gather up the others to be pulled out on the next rainy/snowy day. "Remember? Grandma gave you this for your birthday!" And all of a sudden a toy that probably would have gotten lost at the bottom of the toy box has become a new favourite and will get far more use. It's all about thinking ahead. As I've said before, ongoing instant gratification is NOT a good thing. If something is worth having, it is worth working for. And the same goes for our kids. One of the biggest mistakes we could make as aspiring frugal parents these days is teaching our children that instant gratification is normal. Especially in this "All about me" generation. It's the little steps that make a big difference.

A little last minute effort

2010-05-26T22:45:00.004-06:00

If you are a long time reader you may remember our dear friends the Thiele family: Back in the Spring of 2007 their darling oldest daughter Emily was diagnosed with cancer. You can read all the blog posts under the archive label "Emily" starting with THIS ONE. We prayed hard for this little angel and she beat the crap of that cancer!

That was at age 3 1/2 and now she is turning 7 this summer! God is good! Emily has decided to take on the Relay for Life along with her family and she is doing an excellent job raising support. She has a large goal in mind all on her own...but she isn't there quite yet. She has been canvasing and has a page on the relay website. My family is of course part of the "One KIDney Wonder" team and we would so appreciate your support. We will be joined by Emily's BFF Jenna and her family as well. Who just happen to be our BFFs too.

Aren't they adorable? Inseparable. The walk is on Friday and we want Emily to reach her goal!!! If you feel moved to help us bump up Emily's amount of support please visit this link. There is a "Make a donation" button right under the picture by the goal thermometer. It's as easy as 1-2-3. Thank-you so much for the prayers and good wishes for Emily throughout her battle. Now she wants to help others! GO EMILY GO!!! xox

A scrapbook page? Shut UP!

2010-05-26T15:04:00.003-06:00

I have been working my way through a 100 project pledge. My friend Barb suggested it {did you get it from another blog Barb?} and I thought why not? Commit to doing 100 projects before purchasing any amount of new scrapbooking supplies. Except adhesive of course. And the Tim Holtz die I already had on order at the LSS. If it's already on order, consider it bought. LOL I've been plugging away at it pretty well I think. This layout makes me happy because it's dedicated to the simple things I love. Cloth diapers. My clothesline in the summer. And I love teal felt. Everything just works for me! Are you overrun by your stash of scrapbooking goodness? Do a little purging and a little scrapping and you'd be surprised how refreshing it can be! I won't post all 100 projects here...but I am well past 20. Think I can pull off 80 or so more by Christmas? 2010 is the year of the 100 project pledge. 2011 brings a 365 project a la Jenn over at Aspergertopia and Karen of KAGS life. What inspirational gals!!! What are your goals this year?

No matter how frugal you are...sometimes you just can't avoid it.

2010-05-21T11:53:00.002-06:00

This edition of Frugal Friday is dedicated to those *wonderful services that you can't live without and only use in emergency type situations.

*And by wonderful I of course mean annoying, dishonest, highway robbery types of things.

No, this was not my originial Frugal Friday post for today. Was it spurred by an incident? Why of course it was. After the school assembly this morning I was wrestling the small one into his seat {it has been quite a wrestle lately} with my keys in my hand. I must have hit the button by accident {and not heard the beep due to the screeching} because I got him in, threw my purse and keys on the front seat, shut both doors and went to get in on my side...CRAP! Totally locked everything in. Keys, cell phone, toddler. Everything. In that second a wave of panic comes on. My only frugal tip here is to take a breath and calm down. What are your options? Where are you? Far from home? Do you have a spare set of keys? Anyone you can call to help you? Quickly review all the free options in your head and execute your plan of action. My plan of action consisted of my Hubs being out of town and nobody having a spare key to my house which is 5 minutes from the school. Sigh. I ran into the school to call a tow truck. The dispatcher said it would be not even 10 minutes {I was a tad agitated by then and was blunt. If you can't get here NOW don't bother as I had a baby in the van}. She assured me they would be quick. Over 15 minutes later this dude comes rolling up and sloooowly gets out of his truck. Are you kidding me? By this time my little man is screaming blue bloody murder even with me making goofy faces at him which 10 minutes ago was making him laugh. I politely made the impatient face {can you do that politely?} and he got on with business. All of 23 seconds later the van was open. And then I braced myself, for I knew what was coming. That will be $36.75. Wow. I am certainly in the wrong darn business. I knew it wouldn't be cheap. I knew it would make me mad. Maybe if the dude looked like this:

it would have been a little easier to handle. So I already have steam coming out of my ears as I hand him my credit card and he has the audacity to say "If you have cash I could cut you a deal." Oh brother...you have no idea what you just did. You just annoyed the dragon. And you are crunchy and delicious with ketchup. Don't rob me blind {Completely a dishonest business practise if you ask me} and then on top of it try to get me to actually break the law and rip off the company you work for. I gave him a firm set down about what I thought of that and he quickly did up the paperwork.

Now don't get me wrong...I am not a person who thinks every service in the world should be free. People have businesses...they need to make money. I am all for that. But what I am against is the type of services who prey on people's desperation. I dsperately needed to get my son out of a locked van. $36.75. You desperately need to fix your vehicle so you can get to work. It goes on the 12% credit card. You desperately need your pay cheque early so you can feed your children. Pay day loan places charge as much as 30% interest {or more}. Some things we can't avoid. Break downs, furnace issues, etc. But we can try to be smart about them. If you find a cycle of these things happening, try to break that cycle of paying more than you have to. Ask yourself "Is this really an emergency or do I just think it's an emergency? Baby locked in van...emergency. Furnace explodes in the middle of winter...emergency. Sally's birthday party isn't big enough, let's rent a band...not an emergency. New scrapbook supplies...not an emergency. Do you see where I am going with this? There is a definite line between needs and wants and we have to be honest with ourselves. Institute one or two frugal tips per week to stretch those actual pay cheque dollars so you don't have to go for that payday loan. Take $20 per cheque and put it away so you have a small fund set aside for emergencies. Ideally, you should be saving 10% of your wage for such emergencies. But really, when you are starting out to try to get things on track $20 is plenty. You won't miss it. Because really, don't we spend $20 per cheque on silly things you can't even remember the next week? Yes we do. So beat yourself to the punch and put it away before you give it to Starbucks. You'll thank me for it later.

Vay-cay the frugal way

2010-05-14T09:40:00.003-06:00

I don't really consider summer "vacation time" but to the majority of people it is. I like to have my off time when it is freakiin' cold here and I can go somewhere like...oh, I don't know...Jamaica. That was my fave spot so far. Breathtaking. And warm. LOL Now that's what I am talking about. But this is Frugal Friday so you know where I am going with this.

First things first: Ask yourself "Can we afford this?" Now don't close your eyes, put your hands over your ears and start singing row row row your boat. We are all adults here and believe it or not, vacations are a luxury not a right. I know, hurts to hear doesn't it? Vay-cay time is here and you have planned an amazing trip so go on and ask yourself that big question. Come on, you'll feel better afterwards...can you really afford it? No? Then it's a good thing you are here! Vacations should never be taken on the credit card. Ever. Honestly, do you really want to be paying it off a year or two down the road? And with the interest, instead of costing you $3000 it costs you more like $4200 depending on your rate. That's where that whole instant gratification thing comes in and it can get us into a lot of trouble. So whether you are craving a hot sunny beach, a long roadtrip across the border or a quick weekend at the lake here are a few hints and tips to get you started within your own realistic budget.

Overseas excursions

*The internet is a wonderful resource for trips like this. My first stop is always tripadvisor.com to check out the reviews of different places before I choose. Then when I sort of have in my head where we want to go, I give Dawna a call at redtag.ca. Yes, that was a shameless plug but that lady seriously knows what it means when I say budget. You wouldn't believe the last deal we got to Mexico. Wow. In short...research, research, research. Going by the seat of your pants can be very expensive in a foreign country. Now, I am talking familiarize yourself with the area and what you want to do. Don't go buying everything up on the internet. Which leads me to my second point.

*Isn't it enough that you are in a beautiful location with delicious food, fabulous entertainment, a warm beach and great company? Do you really have to swim with the dolphins? Go ziplining in the jungle? Drink all day on a catamaran with a bunch of strangers? I'm not saying don't have fun. But choose your fun wisely. And in all our travels I have learned a valuable piece of advice: ask the locals. If you are bent on going scuba diving, horseback riding, whatever, we have found it's cheaper to ask around in town before committing to anything. And don't fall for all the excursions the reps try to sell you the morning after you arrive. I listen politely, smile, put my sunglasses back on and saunter out the door after the meeting is over. My beach chair is lonely.

*If you do an all inclusive, stick to the resort when eating. You've already paid for it so why go somewhere else? And lots of places have so many restaurants to choose from you can't possibly get bored.

*Take advantage of each and every single thing your resort has to offer. City tours? I am in! Spanish lessons? Si, por favor! Dancing? Let's cut up that rug baby! See what I mean? You can make your own all inclusive fun.

So enough about that...because we are talking frugal holidays here. How about roadtrips? The lake? Camping? What do you like to do? I've done it all and loooove it all! I am a traveller through and through. Let's start with the fabulous:

cross-country roadtrip

*Probably better when your kids are older and can appreciate all the interesting stops. What interesting stops you ask? Oh, I hope you googled your map before you left! Your fun here relies on research {is there a theme happening?} If you map out your route ahead of time and check out the spots along the way you will be fully prepared with a long list of free to cheap fun to keep your vacation rockin'! Check out local points of interest, parks, recreation sites, pools, museums, etc. It doesn't always have to be the huge touristy spots that are the most fun. And you know they are usually the most expensive.

*Bring on the food! Restaurants every meal, every day can blow your budget faster than a diamond tennis bracelet. But there are grocery stores everywhere. Plan a few special meals out at restaurants and come on people...get interesting! Don't go to the same old thing you can find at home. Then for other "on the road" meals make sandwiches, cut up some fruit, veggies and dip and good old fashioned jerky will keep your crew happy! A plug-in cooler for your vehicle is a very sound investment. Watch the flyers for sales at this time of year, they are worth their weight in gold.

*If you are travelling in the USA, be careful where you buy gas. They actually have competition there! I know, shocking isn't it? You can find gas at one price and then 2 blocks down it will be a few cents cheaper.

*A well tuned car is a happy car. It will be cheaper for you in the long run if you are nice to your vehicle and get it looked at before you leave. Get an all points inspection, oil change, fluids topped up, etc. These services don't have to be expensive though so make sure you are well aware of what you are getting for a set price before you commit to anything.

What about the shorter roadtrips? A weekend at the lake isn't expensive, is it? Wrong. A weekend at the lake can break your bank if you are not careful. So let's talk

camping, cabins and the lake

*Research. Again with the research! But really, it's the best way to get the best deal. If you aren't a roughin' it type of family be realistic about things. Don't decide that this year is the year you teach your teenagers how to camp and go clean out Canadian Tire. Be honest with yourself about what will be fun for your family. But then also be realistic about your bank account. Renting a cabin can get pricier than a resort hotel without the all inclusive meals! Be sure you know the reputation of the site, what it includes, what you need to bring {some places require you to bring everything but the kitchen sink. Even your own toilet paper. Be careful!} and at what price before you sign on the dotted line. This is where it pays to know people. Ask around and see if someone is willing to lend out their cabin. Ask, ask, ask.

*There are some wonderful out of the way campsites in our fair province. It just takes a little {say it with me now} research. Camping rates can vary by a lot. And it's no fun taking your little ones for a quiet weekend at the lake when there are a bunch of partying teenagers 2 sites down ripping up the campground on ATVs. Ask a bunch of questions of the site manager. If they are not helpful, they obviously don't want your business that badly.

*Friends and family are a wonderful resource. Have they been anywhere good lately? Did they like it? What were the pros? The cons? Would they go back? Keep in mind that places often up their prices yearly so don't rely on Uncle Buck's price quote from 1997. Hop on the computer or get on that phone. Many places have comprehensive websites with virtual tours and everything.

*So you've decided on a campground. Do you have tents? A trailer? What are your sleeping arrangements? Is it fully equipped for the needs of your family? And now the big question: Where to park yourselves? Over the years I have learned a number of great tips when at campgrounds. And again, it all comes down to grilling the manager upon booking. {People love me, can't you tell?} Are there any large groups there that weekend? You want to be far away from that. Where are the bathrooms? Are there pay showers? Where are the outhouses? {Being parked next to an outhouse in +30 weather=well, you can do that math}, is it a long walk to the beach? Does it even have a beach? Study the map and choose the best parking spot for you.

*Here is the most important phrase I will teach you. "Do you have any discounts or specials?" Don't be embarrassed to ask. Ask. Ask some more! "We are a family on a budget, do you think you can do better than that price?" Prices are rarely set. Hotels are famous for this. For our mini honeymoon right after our wedding we went to Edmonton and stayed in 2 different rooms at the FantasyLand hotel over 3 nights. For around $180. Not a night. Total. We went from Tuesday to Friday and even got a bunch of passes and coupons thrown in for free. All I had to do was ask.

*Spend a little to save a little. Often there are sports teams or other charities who sell coupon books for your area. They are anywhere from $25-$50 and are an excellent investment for some good summer fun. But of course buyer beware...flip through it before you purchase it! Lots of 2 for 1 dinners and passes that can be used on your vacation.

*Keep in mind vacations do NOT have to break your budget or be very far away. There are campgrounds within the city limits {I like Holiday Park} with fab golf courses. Do you enjoy the links? Book a room for 2 nights during the week {discount!} and play a round, see a show or hit a pool. It's still a vacation. You don't have to take out the garbage, make the beds or answer the phone!

*For a fun, silly little getaway trade houses with a good friend across town or in a different town. Have you heard of those trading holidays? Check out the movie The Holiday. You can google this topic all over the place. There are whole websites dedicated to people trying to find others to trade with. I don't know how I would feel about strangers staying in my house but wouldn't it be a fun project with the kids to set up like a little bed and breakfast with mints on the pillows and swap houses with your friends for a night or two? It's practically free but still out of the ordinary!

What I am saying here in my loooong rambling is that we need to rewire our brains about what defines a "vacation". Ask questions, find the deals. If you are dedicated to saving money and getting yourself out of any debt you may be in, it's important to be realistic about what you are able to spend. No need to keep up with the Jones'. They are probably drowning in debt and you just don't know it.

Everything but the sink

2010-05-13T14:12:00.006-06:00

I am armpit deep in scrapbook projects that I can't post here just yet. But what I will post is a fabulous little find I came across while junking last weekend. I loooove junking. Not just for the frugal aspect {yes, I check garage sales before purchasing certain items} but for the chance that you might come across something mighty fine. I love me some vintage stuff. Anything really. Paper ephemera, old hats, shoes, really old magazines, you name it, I love it. So in my travels last weekend my friend Saucy had me on the look out for watches. All kinds of watches. So she could make THIS. Isn't it fabulous? Saucy can pull off some pretty amazing pieces of jewellery. It's just a Saucy thing. So this year she has inspired me to be more accessorized. Which really just means I am trying to wear earrings every day. LOL But I am working on it. I came across a bag of about half a dozen watches for $2 and bought them up for Saucy. But when I got them home, I decided {and the Hubs ordered me} to keep one of them for myself. It just caught my eye. And if there is one thing Saucy has taught me it's to always keep something if it catches your eye! So here is one of my sweeter junking finds in the last few weeks.

It needs to be cleaned up before wearing but I love it. And I basically paid a quarter for it. Do you like to junk? Share your good finds here!

Don't save it all...but a few things help

2010-05-08T01:23:00.003-06:00

A Frugal Friday on thriftiness...or better yet, "How thrifty should I be?" My Grandmother who I miss dearly always had a rubber band around her wrist and a tissue in her sleeve. She saved everything from bread tabs and twist ties to each and every dry heel of bread to put in the paperbag under the cupboard for her delicious stuffing at Thanksgiving. She was a waste not want not kind of lady. But how much is too much? I try so hard to be reasonable about the things I save. Yes, you could use that rubber band again but do you really need 11,675 of them? Yes, that re-sealable bag has a lot of life left in it but if you can't cram it in the drawer is it really worth finding them a new home just to store more? And the big one...Yes, you could probably use that on a scrapbook page some day but really...are you actually going to do it? The answer to all three of these questions {no matter what} is a resounding NO! Let's expand on the last one with a few frugal tips I use myself. I keep one medium sized bin of "ephemra" and if it gets too full, well, I just have to prioritize. I also started looking at my stash with an opened eye wondering what I could re-purpose or start to make on my own. You know Mod Podge? It's watered down white glue. {Thanks Sasha!} There was a time when I asked myself if I really needed to keep spending the money on my yearly membership at my local scrapbook store. I wasn't shopping there all that much anymore {trying to use my stash!} and it was $28. That's a haircut. So I was seriously considering letting it expire when a friend showed up on my doorstep with an armload of cardboard. If you think the two are not related, you apparently aren't a scrapbooker. One of my fave embellishments is chipboard. It comes in all shapes and sizes, colours and finishes and will cost you a pretty penny. And a HUGE dent was made in my budget purchasing said chipboard. Oh how I love it so. But if you want to go the frugal route, you can start saving the cardboard you come across in your daily life like cereal boxes, the packages enlarged photos come in, calendars {thanks Barb!} and the like. With a little imagination, some paint, ink and glossy accents and a $28 yearly membership at Just Scrap It I turn all that scrap cardboard into anything my heart desires. They have a very large selection of diecuts there and let me tell ya if they don't have it, you don't need it. I think over the last few years there has only been once that they didn't have the shape I was looking for. That's worth the price of admission right there! So skip all the over priced pieces of chipboard. Scout around, you just might have some sitting in your recycling bin waiting to be transformed!

Usually I'm not this much of a nerd

2010-05-05T13:40:00.005-06:00

I have many friends saying this to me today...LOL Reason for nerdiness: I {heart} Daughtry. I've been a fan since his very first audition on American Idol! They will be here in town on the 14th and I am SO DYING TO MEET THEM that I have put myself into a radio contest on Facebook. Oh the shame, I know. LOL It's so funny reading all the stuff on the C95 page. So, if you want to enable my nerdiness, go to the C95 page on Facebook HERE. "Like" them and then write on the wall that Kate Kading sent you!

So this is Cary Howe from C95. The man with the power. Send him an e-mail at chowe@rawlco.com and tell him how crazy I am!

Maybe I should scrapbook something for Cary the DJ. You think that would get me any closer? :0)

Let's leave John Hancock out of this

2010-05-01T00:02:00.005-06:00

Frugal Friday...finally! I scrapbooked tonight trying to slide some last minute stuff in for the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine call for Fall. It was worth being late for the whole blogging thing.

So let's talk about your John Hancock. Not into obscure references to politicians past? This is the post where I harass you about fees and tell you not to rush into contracts. We live in such an advanced age that really, you don't need to sign your life away anymore even if that's what the companies want us to do. If you are trying to get your budget under control, the worst {and I mean WORST} thing you can do to yourself is get into a lengthy contract no matter how inexpensive you think the payments are. Cell phones, gyms, cable, vehicles, you name it...there is a contract for it. Usually they are taking advantage of people with less than glamorous credit by making them commit to a year {or 2 or 6} of payments right up front. So as a frugal gal, I am telling you to STOP SIGNING FOR STUFF. If you need a cell phone, get a pay as you go. Yes, in the long run they are more expensive per minute of talk...I've crunched those numbers. But if you are rearranging your finances and need to cut back for now, the pay as you go {of course paired with limiting your talk} is the path to take. And on that same topic...don't get sucked into the cycle of constantly upgrading your phone because the company gives it to you for free if you sign another contract. I have a great cell phone story. And must post a photo because you won't believe me until you see it. I have had the same cell phone package for a little over 10 years. Nope, not kidding. And I've had the same cell phone {yes, the very same one} for about 8. Years. Yup, you read that right. I love technology but the only reason I have a cell at all is for emergencies. So I can call the Hubs if I get a flat tire. So my son's school can always reach me. So my Hubs can keep track of me when I am out of town. So I can call my girls when I find an amazing sale. My cell has saved me many, many times. But let's face it, I am not Ivana Trump. I don't need to be that hooked up all the time. I am a SAHM who does not need to check Facebook while in line at the grocery store. And I'm pretty sure I won't die if I don't receive my e-mail the second it is sent to me. Even though I have complained many times about "The shoe" {it's as big as my hand}...it has served me well and I have saved money sticking with what I have. But Kate, strangers make fun of you when they see it. Friends snicker when it rings. People have asked you {more than once} "Your house phone works this far away from it's base?!" And I take all the ribbing with good humour because of one thing and one thing only: I am billed month to month {no contract} and by the second people. Nobody has that anymore...it's all by the minute now. This is the reason I have not changed my package. Oh sure, my company tries to entice me to change all the time with new "Free" phones, offering me a bunch of free minutes on a new package, even going so far as to send me personally addressed letters in the mail explaining all the wonderful technology I am missing out on. They will do anything to get me to change because I pay $30 per month (including all fees, taxes, etc) for 150 anytime minutes and I am billed by the second. It's sweet. And I have only ever gone over my minutes twice. Once the month I got married and once the month my sister got married. That's it. And they hate me for it. LOL So analyze your use, is your large package really that vital? Is your fancy phone all it's cracked up to be? If you are trying to cut some corners this is a great place to start.

Gym? I touched on that yesterday and highly suggest you ask around to see if they have a babysitting program you could volunteer for. Works for me. Or check out your local community association classes that are held in neighbourhood school gyms. Waaaay cheaper! Right in my area there are aerobics and Step classes!

Vehicles...don't even get me started here. Now there are certainly situations where your need for something far outweighs the best possible scenario for purchase. We've all been there. However, don't let that warp your belief of what you are actually in need of. If you are having a baby and want to get something bigger than your Civic Hatchback there probably isn't a huge need to jump right into a Cadillac Escalade with the pimped out rims. Catch my drift? This falls under the category of just because you can doesn't mean you should. The banks and finance places want to lend you lots of money. The longer it takes you to pay it back, the fatter their pockets get due to those two wonderful words: Interest and Late Fees. Ok, so that's 3 words.

This all goes together with things like overdraft protection. They call it protection...but what it really is is a chance to take a bit more money from you. This is something I learned the hard way. Going into overdraft is like bouncing a cheque...you get in less trouble but end up paying way more. When we moved up North our finances were screwed up for the better part of 4 months waiting for reimbursement. I thought overdraft was my friend, "protecting" us when we were a tad short for a day or two. We'd be in OD for a few days, get out then the next week slide back in. What I didn't realize was those nifty little "NSF-$25" charges coming out of my account. YIKES! There was one month I paid $75 in fees because of going in and out of overdraft so many times right around my billing date. It was nasty so I started asking questions. Believe me...overdraft is not your friend...knowledge is your friend. Ask your bank about different accounts and packages and what is right for you.

One last point...don't get caught up in the cycle of late fees and collection charges. And gym memberships are a great example here. When you let something lapse or are consistently late there are extra charges involved. And at the time you think "Well, it's only $1.25" Let's say you are late with 2 seperate bill payments per month for a year. Quick math...{oh who am I kidding, I used a calculator} you just wasted yourself $30. $2.50 in late charges every month x 12 months. $30 pays for a haircut, dinner out, a movie night or if you want to hit a little harder on the heart it pays for a box of diapers, a whole lot of baby food or could be put away towards some other big event your little one had her heart set on. It all adds up. So leave John Hancock out of it for a while and see how frugal you can be.

Being online never felt so good

2010-04-29T17:07:00.002-06:00

Apparently we are going to starve tonight because I have been trying to catch up. When you take a 10-14 day hiatus from the internet due to computer trouble it really generates a lot of extra work, doesn't it? Is checking e-mail actually considered work? Well, ok, maybe not. LOL If you go back through my archives you can see that we have these troubles about every 2 to 3 years. So basically we are renting the computer right? It's all a conspiracy. Oh, don't get me started.

So an online acquaintance from Ontario made a really good point about her gym membership and as I was typing a reply {Sorry, I just saw it today!} I thought it would be a great post for today to lead up to tomorrow's Frugal Friday post. Sweet Johanna from Birds on a Wire asked if I had any ideas for getting out of a membership. And in fact, I do. Several points to make here...so I'll start with my own personal experience.

When I was a teenager I lived in a spot that was really close to a great gym. I signed up and I worked out. I lost my job. So I worked out more while looking for a new job. When 3 months had gone by I knew there was no way I could keep the membership. And as I will go over in tomorrow's FF post never ever let something lapse because collection charges will kill you. I took what cash I had {about half of what was left owing on the membership), marched myself down there and asked to speak to the owner/manager. I made a polite speech about how I was moving and didn't own a car so I could no longer use his gym and would he please consider letting me out of my contract if I paid this amount of money, cash, upfront? Well, it worked. I was shocked but kept my poker face until I left his office. I think it helped that I was really young, cute and had that "I might cry if you say no" look on my face. {Which really helps in the frugal department y'all}.

Another idea would be to ask at your gym if you can transfer the contract to someone else. Then post an ad on a free site and try to "sell" it.

And finally, my favourite idea is to use your membership. LOL I looooove going to the gym. It's where I hide from my children. And it makes my butt smaller at the same time. It's a win-win situation. Watch for tomorrow's Frugal Friday post on memberships, contracts, payments and collections. Later gator!

Frugal Friday? Well, it's frugal somethin'...

2010-04-23T18:26:00.002-06:00

Being frugal has left me computer-less. The darn thing decided not to live anymore {oh why do we have these issues every 2 years???} and in our bid to get a good deal and not waste our money we have taken a week or so hiatus from the internet. "Unplugged" if you will. Hopefully we'll be back up and running by Monday but I guess we'll see. On with Frugal Friday!

Do you go to the gym? Ever wonder if you could get your gym membership for FREE? I DO. No really, I do. And all it takes is a few simple questions. My gym has a babysitting service and for just 2 hours of my time per week I get a free membership. It is a sweet, sweet deal. So I come in for my 2 hour shift, I am allowed to bring my own kids, I watch the other kids, wham bam thank-you ma'am I am working out for free. And the icing on the cake is I really, really enjoy my gym. The classes are fantastic, the instructors are second to none and the atmosphere suits me. If you live in my area and want to learn more, drop me an e-mail and I'll tell you all about it!

So let's crunch the numbers, shall we? The average gym membership runs you about $50-$60 per month. That's the cost of a basic membership at my gym anyway. PLUS you still have to drive there. We figured I was spending around $350 a year when I was going 6-7 times a week before my sister's wedding. Now I go about 3-4 times a week. So for the sake of easy math let's say I spend $200 a year driving over there. If I had to pay for my membership too that bumps it up to $800-$920 per year just going to the gym. Wow, that's a lot. If your schedule allows you to commit to a regular 2 hour volunteer shift, it could save you big money. And in the infamous words of KC and the Sunshine Band...That's the way, uh huh uh huh, I like it.

Prizes anyone?

2010-04-17T01:01:00.003-06:00

Short post...I have commendeered Barb's laptop and am not giving it back until I reveal the winner of the fabulous tickets to the Saskatoon Soaps, tell a bit about Camp Croppin' and of course leave you with a little Frugal Friday tidbit. So the whole post revolves around prizes...woo hoo!

Kim D and the gang! Hope you enjoyed the Soaps tonight! Tell me all about it when we get home. Glad you could use the tickets.

Camp Croppin' has so far been a roaring good time...I already won a door prize and got to read my top 5 reasons why I love Camp Croppin'. Good times. More on that later.

And Frugal Friday. My quick tip of the day has to do with planning and getting the most you can out of your special events. The event that I am at right now has the potential to offer you a number of free products and promotions. Plan ahead and take advantage! If this is what you enjoy, schedule yourself a day of getting free stuff! I am planned down to my last minute here and consequently enjoying every one of those minutes. I like to get the best bang for my buck and all it takes is a little forethought. Planning ahead really does save you money. More on that another day... I think I am annoying my roommates. LOL

Laughter really IS the best medicine

2010-04-12T18:54:00.002-06:00

When I was in high school I had a serious crush on Shakespeare. My favourite play was not Romeo and Juliet as other young girls proclaim...I liked MacBeth. There was only one reason I liked that play so much...Grade 11 English...and his name was Mr. Feschuk. He also happened to be the director of the Fall musical, thereby nurturing not only my love of English class but egging on my inner extrovert as well. LOL Somewhere out there lies a copy of actual VIDEO of me in a hideous pink dress, singing solo in "Is There Life After High School?" Lord help me Lizette if you actually HAVE that I. will. just. die.

Mr. Feschuk is just a wonderful, kind soul who loves to make people laugh which makes him a perfect addition to the Saskatoon Soaps. Click on the name to check out their site. They are a bunch of local actors who perform at the Broadway Theatre once a month. This month's evening is a fundraiser for Mr. Feschuk. Have you heard the news lately about the Good Samaritan? Read all about it HERE.

So Mr. Feschuk {I am in my thirties and I still can't bring myself to call him Tim} was just trying to do something right...and was seriously hurt for it. His friends and colleagues have dedicated this Friday night to him...and I can't attend. I was SO disappointed when I learned that it was on the same night that I will be in Calgary for Camp Croppin'. I still wanted to support this effort so the Soaps {who usually only sell tickets at the door} have kindly allowed advanced ticket sales. Thank-you so much! I can't be there, but one of YOU can! Leave a comment here and answer this question: WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE TEACHER? Where would we be without them? Send your peeps! Post a link to my blog on your blog, Facebook or Twitter, shoot me an e-mail at scrapbaby333@yahoo.ca telling me you have done that and be entered a second time! I am just going to do a straight draw on Thursday morning. The performance is on Friday night. Check out the Saskatoon Soaps website link above for details. So let's support Mr. Feschuk in a BIG way...he deserves it. Not only for risking his life trying to stop a crime but also for all the young lives he has touched as a teacher. From the bottom of my heart Tim, thank-you for your influence.

Frugal Friday---Back to school!

2010-04-09T14:41:00.004-06:00

Oh praise the heavens we go back to school soon!!! WOO HOO!!! Today's Frugal Friday post will be short and sweet. A "use what you have" type of thing.

Easter. Wasn't it great? I gained 4 pounds. No seriously...4 pounds of pastel M&Ms and Cadbury mini eggs. And now it's back to the treadmill. Easter was especially lucrative for my boys. Remember last week...I posted tips on how to keep your own personal Easter slim. But there are a few variables there that you really can't control. The Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles, generous friends, neighbours, etc who ply your children with gifts and treats. Remember the confiscate part? LOL Spell it with me C-O-N-F-I-S-C-A-T-E. I'm not all mean...I let my boys gorge themselves for the morning of Easter Sunday when they are opening their gifts and hunting for eggs. My little guy had 6 chocolate eggs unwrapped before we even realized what he was doing. The finding part was not so hard for him. But after breakfast (whole wheat pancakes!) I take 3 large Ziplocs and go to work. One bag is for items that would be appropriate to send in school lunches. Bag #2 is for sugary treats that I would allow the boys to have one piece of after supper. And Bag #3 is the "Absolutely NOT" bag that gets stored in the cold room and put out at Halloween. Oh yes, I do this. But that is a whole other post all on it's own! Mostly what goes in that bag is gum, weird colours of licorice and other things that are so out of this world sugary that they are generally unrecognizable as food. Like those little fake "hamburgers". What are those even made out of? Anyway...I am seriously off track here. Back to bag #1. Items appropriate for school lunches. The Grandmamas tend to go all out for Easter but these days the bags are also filled with puddings, Jell-O cups, goldfish crackers and applesauces. All things that my kids don't eat every day but I don't find it to be a horrible choice to toss into a lunch now and again. Even in Kindergarten I hear "So-and-so had pop, chips and LUNCHABLES today. Why can't I have that?" It's tough to explain to a 5 year old that his lunch probably cost $1 with tons of nutrition for his growing brain and his friend's lunch was $6 and loaded with preservatives. I did explain the money part at the grocery store because he does understand which is bigger and smaller when it comes to numbers. But when you are 5 you don't care about the budget. You care that so-and-so dissed your multigrain bread sandwich, apple slices, triscuits and cheese and batman water bottle. And I get that. I also am well aware that it won't kill him to eat something not made in my kitchen every once in a while. So this is where the frugal part comes in. When the baskets roll in, they are divvied up. And now I have a HUGE Ziploc filled with stuff. There has to be 2 months worth of appropriate lunch treats in there. My boy is happy, my budget is intact and Easter has saved the day.

Any specific Frugal Friday posts you'd like to see? Curious about how I do this, that or the other thing? I'm not shy! I love comments! xox

Nothing more than a vent---grab a drink, it's a long one!

2010-04-06T22:06:00.004-06:00

No creativity {unless you count my little speech as creative!} No recipe {I made Sheryl's homemade pizza for supper...if you want the recipe leave a comment and I'll give it to you} No frugal tips {we went to the park - it's free. And that's how this all happened. Sigh}

You try to do something fun with your kids and look what happens. Background info...my homemade pizza sucked serious rocks until Sheryl gave me her recipe. So now when we want to have a fun supper that's what I make. My niece is with us for a couple of days just for fun so a fun supper was in order. The pizza dough had 1 hour to rise so what should we do? PARK!!! There is a small neighbourhood park really close to our house so the kids hopped on their wheels (stroller, scooter and roller blades) and off we rolled to the park. It's a really small play structure with 2 slides and monkey bars and then a seperate structure has 4 swings...2 for babies and 2 for big kids {I can fit now! Weeee!} It was fairly busy today with a couple of sweet little Spanish boys talking to my oldest son who does understand a very limited amount (his Uncle is from Chile) but kept saying "I don't know enough Spanish! Talk to me in English!" Their Mama was very nice and understanding even though I kept telling my son to be more polite. Oh, is that ever ironic...read on.

So Poopsie (my niece) is giving me my regular heart attack on the monkey bars (as you may recall she broke her arm on that exact thing...read about it HERE) along with another little girl about her same age. I notice there are 3 sisters playing at the park sans parents. All the other kids have someone with them...but they are a bit younger. So whatever. Now I am a horrible judge of ages but the Sweet Girl (let's just refer to her as SG from now on) seemed to be about 15 or so but was...forgive me if I am not current in my PC terminology but she seemed to be at about Poopsie's developmental stage {she just turned 9}. Mean Girl (Now known as MG) was about 10 or so and their little sister was around 4. After a few minutes the park pretty much cleared out except for us and the 3 sisters. I heard MG make a couple of pretty questionable statements to Poopsie but I just gave my girl the gimlet eye and she's pretty good at ignoring stuff like that. Until we get out of earshot where she will promptly ask me if I heard what that girl said. LOL But I digress...

The kids were all playing fairly nicely...my boys were throwing sand on the empty slides, MG was on the monkey bars and Poopsie and SG were seeing how high they could go on the swings. Then MG pipes up and says {insert appropriate names here...bear with me} "So-and-so! Go get my shoes!" MG had kicked off her shoes quite a ways away onto the path. SG asks her why should I? MG very sharply orders her again and says it was because she only had her socks on and wasn't supposed to walk on the sand. "And you are my SISTER. DO IT NOW!" Poopsie paused in her swinging and gave me "the look". She's really good at that look and I almost giggled. SG jumped off the swing and ran all the way passed the monkey bars, past the slides and onto the path to get her sister's shoes. As soon as she got close to the shoes, MG jumped off the monkey bars, ran across the sand in her socks and jumped onto the swing singing out "Ha Ha Ha, I got the swing stupid!" Poopsie shot me another look. And even my boys were starting to stare now. Poopsie then offered to push my son on the swing. So she jumped off and started to hold it for him. MG quickly put her feet on the second swing so Poopsie, being the gracious girl she is just flounced off to play elsewhere. At this point, I have set aside my DS. This is far more interesting than Sudoku let me tell ya. SG heads back to the swing and sits on her sister's feet only to be kicked and pummeled and screamed at. And I mean screamed at. It is a full on brawl. SG manages to get MG's feet off the second swing and quickly turns over on her stomach to swing. And I am silently cheering in my head, way to go! Keep in mind that I still have not said one word to this little chickie. I was quite proud of myself actually. I just kept reminding myself that she is not my child. So MG is still yelling at SG to get off her swing, etc. SG is sweetly and quietly holding her ground, still swinging on her stomach when MG winds up and kicks her sister right in the face. Well alright there Nelly...back up that train. SG was absolutely rocked. I was about 10 feet away from them and I heard the smack. MG connected but good. And SG had glasses on. Ouch. People who know me well are waiting for it...yup. I roared. Here we go:

Me: "EXCUSE ME!!! That is NOT acceptable behaviour AT ALL!!! You kicked her right in the face!!! {well duh Kate} I didn't say a word until now but I can NOT let you get away with that. You owe her an apology RIGHT NOW!"

MG: Looking right mad that I actually said something "So what? I do it all the time."

Me: "I should hope NOT. If my children treated each other like that I would have something to say about it! That is the most disgusting behaviour I have ever seen!"

MG: If looks could kill. Holy gravy, I thought she was going to kick me in the face. "I don't care."

So she sat there staring daggers at me while I curtly gathered up my crew with a glance at the kids and a swift "It's not fun here anymore, let's go." My kids were stricken. They had nothing to say. I don't think they've ever obeyed so quickly in their young lives! LOL Poopsie had to get her roller blades back on so she came to sit beside me and while she was changing out of her runners MG stuck her tongue out at me. I was going to come back with my "If you don't put that tongue away I am going to cut it off." But I didn't think bodily threats were appropriate just then. Poopsie was hacked. "Auntie, she just stuck her tongue out at you! AND she said the S-word AND she didn't apologize!!!!" Oh Poopsie, I do love you. Loyal to the end. My girl bats for her team and always hits a home run. I told her I couldn't do anything about MG's behaviour and I just hoped that Poopsie would never, ever treat someone like that. Ever. We rolled our way down the path towards home ducking the virtual knives in our backs. Poopsie of course had to call her Mama the second we got in the door. She loooves the drama. LOL But it was a great lesson for my kids because just that morning they had a little shoving match over who would push the grocery cart and I told them that's what it looked like. They were appalled. So maybe {just maybe} they will think twice about it next time.

I know you don't read this blog MG...but it's my vent so I will finish it. I hope you went home and told your mother that a lady at the park yelled at you. I hope you went home all mad and indignant and embarrassed. I hope you told on me. And I hope your mother asks WHY. The end.

Frugal Friday---Quality vs. Quantity

2010-04-02T10:43:00.006-07:00

Happy Good Friday! And a Frugal Easter to you too! No mid week post again...but at least Frugal Friday keeps me blogging weekly. LOL I sort of have an excuse...I am going hard getting ready for Camp Croppin'. It's going to be a FAB time!

Back to Frugal Friday. Do you have children in your life? Sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends...it doesn't matter. Do you ply them with a plethora of Easter treats on this fine long weekend? I am not going to bore you with a lecture about needs vs. wants. We are all aware of the needs and wants in our lives and how to tell the difference. What I want to talk about today is Quality vs. Quantity. This year we have decided (The Hubs and I) to get one large gift for each child instead of filling a basket with 25 things from the dollar store. I LOVE Dollarama. Love, Love, LOVE it! Don't get me wrong, you can get some wonderful stuff there. BUT, let's think about Easter specifically. How much of the stuff that gets into the basket is still functioning by May long weekend? In my house...the answer is NONE. Nothing. Nada. So here's the deal...crunch those numbers. Let's say you go to Dollarama and get $20 worth of stuff. The cute plushy, the bunny ears, the little Easter games, etc. The children love it for the day. Maybe even the weekend. Then you step on the game by accident and it goes in the trash. The plushy gets coated in chocolate so you try to wash it. It comes apart in the wash and then goes...that's right. In the trash. The bunny ears get fought over and snap in half. Then? The trash. Not to mention the huge quantity of chocolate they get in the basket...only to end up in their blood stream. Which leads to a huge quantity of frustration for Mum and Dad. You paid $25 for all that nonsense? This year, we spent $25 on a scooter for our older son and a little more than that on a remote control for our younger son. They will last quite some time and provide an immense amount of playtime outside. Great family time! Yes, Grandma and Grandpa (x2) will have baskets for the kids. Do I confiscate it? ABSOLUTELY. To be doled out in teeny tiny manageable amounts throughout the Spring/Summer. So when you go to fill the Easter baskets this year (reusable ones of course! My boys have metal Spiderman buckets.) analyze each thing you put in. Is it reusable? (I even save the Easter fluff from year to year in a Ziploc bag) is it strong enough to withstand your children for more than an hour? Will it be a good toy in the long run?

Some excellent frugal Easter ideas:

*Hide coins instead of chocolate. Then they can practise counting it and put it in their piggy banks.
*Kids love outdoor play things! Sidewalk chalk, skipping ropes, jacks, a new bat and ball. It doesn't have to be expensive.
*Let the Grandparents do the candy thing. 3 giant chocolate bunnies are yummy but not needed! LOL Bake cookies with the kids. They LOVE that!
*What about movie tickets? Rainbow theatre has great cheap seats for kids.
*Don't undervalue an afternoon of good old fashioned egg colouring! Let them get messy. Let them do whatever colours they want! Fun fun FUN!
*Go to a museum, park or local show. If you live in my area, go to the Draggins Car Show! The original Batmobile will be there. Now that's fun for the whole family!

Have a wonderful, blessed Easter weekend. Remember what Easter is all about. Not gaining 6 pounds worth of Mr. Munchy Bunny. It's about our Lord and Saviour. Spend time with your family and remember that love does not equal money. Love is all about time spent and the laughs that follow. Happy Easter! Go eat some free ham at your Mother in Law's house!

This edition of Frugal Friday is brought to you by our fine sponsors Technical Difficulties and Pure Frustration

2010-03-27T18:05:00.004-07:00

who ask...Have you thrown your computer out a window today?

I have felt like that for DAYS AND DAYS now. My tiny tip of the day is computer related...sorry about the lack of post yesterday BUT I am trying to be frugal which meant not calling the computer guy. It meant letting the Hubs do whatever he does...which takes for-freakin'-EVER. Patience, patience, patience, right? WRONG! I don't watch a lot of TV and that's fine with me but if I don't get my Facebooking in {is that a new verb?} I go a little crazy. That's my not-really-related-to-anything computer frugality tip of the week. But the real Frugal Friday tip of the week actually does have to do with patience.

Have you ever been in line at the grocery store and it's a relatively short line but it's taking some time because there is a sweet old lady at the front paying with pennies and nickels? And you stand there all tolerant and smiling until she is done, then when she moves on you roll your eyes at the person in front of you as if to silently say "Oh thank goodness...now we can get on with our rushed, busy day!" The person in front of you doesn't actually have too many items and you think it will roll along swiftly until the person in front of you starts asking the cashier questions and then...you know. This is going to take forever...and a day. Um yeah, that person in front of you is probably me. And I'm not even going to apologize for it. On average, the grocery store makes a 10% mistake on every grocery bill. Whether it be something that is keyed in wrong, misadvertised in the flyer or posted incorrectly on the shelf. 10%. 10%!!! That's $10 on every hundred dollars you spend. Let's be generous and say they don't make quite that many mistakes and call it 5%. On a $100 per week grocery budget that is $20 a month you are just handing the grocery store for no reason. $240 per year. Call it a tip. For good service? Well, I don't know where you shop but my store does not have good service. For me, grocery shopping is a mission. I go in heavily armed and I come out alive every time. Because I am prepared. And one of my weapons is The Scanning Code of Practise. Click on it to learn more {plus the frugal shopper website is pretty good}. In short, this rule protects you from getting overcharged if you are willing to watch for it. They aren't going to help you out here. Ideally, watch the items as they are being scanned so you can catch it right there. No, I am not kidding I actually do this. Now, I am also a realistic Mummy with 2 little boys. So if I don't have my eyes on the scanner {because they are otherwise occupied making sure the boys don't shoplift gum by accident} I pay, bag up my groceries, put the boys back into the cart, pull some snacks out of my purse {remember, I go in heavily armed} and I park beside the Customer Service desk and carefully review my receipt to make sure it jives with the prices I saw when I picked the items up off the shelf. If I see a mistake, I am already where I need to be. Customer Service will take care of it and refund you right away. This saves me money almost every single week. And not little money either. My best purchase-for-free to date has been hair colour. I'm always asked "How much is your time worth? Do you do all of these things every single time?" No of course I don't. You pick and choose what is important to you and your schedule at the time. So the day of the hair colour mission I was at one store that happened to be right across from a drugstore. I knew I could get the hair colour at a different store for $7.99 but didn't have time. So I thought I would pay the extra $3 and make a quick stop at the drugstore. The regular price was $10.99 but was on for $8.99! Right on! It was my only purchase so I went up to the counter where the lady proceeded to ring it in at the regular price. Now this is where I remind you that this is not OK. The item is advertised at a specific price. Don't feel embarrassed about pointing out a mistake and saving yourself a few dollars. Let's say you did this just twice a month at $3 per item. $72 dollars a year back in your pocket. There is the "Oh, it's just $2" thing again. It matters. So when you see a mistake, all you have to do is politely ask "Do you adhere to the Scanning Code of Practise?" If they don't know what you are talking about get a manager. The lady at the drugstore said yes they do, re-rang in my purchase and because it was under $10 I got it for free. FREE! That's a $9.89 saving right there. And that excites me. This post could branch off a hundred different ways, but here is a list of do's when at the store:

~Go heavily armed. If you must take the children make sure they are happy and occupied. I always go right in the morning when the older one is in school and the younger one has just been fed. I often carry snacks in my purse and will have the DS or MP3 player for emergency situations only. If the children are happy, Mummy is happy.

~Try to adjust your budget so you shop once a week. This cuts down on stocking up on unneccessary items and makes it easier to keep track of your purchases. Meal plan and stick to your list. This is a whole post all on it's own...stay tuned!

~Bring your own shopping bags. {I often forget but I am working on it!} at 5 cents per bag the average week's worth of groceries could cost you another 40 or 50 cents. That's around $20 per year in savings just by bringing your own bags. Wow. $20. I have to work harder at this!

~Dump your embarrassment at the door. Pointing out an error isn't embarrassing. It might take a few extra minutes but it's worth it. Remember: You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Be extra polite and if you are met with hostility, put on your best smile and ask to speak with the manager. If you are met with even more hostility, smile even bigger and ask for the number of his manager. Believe me, it works. And if it saves my family money I am willing to go that extra mile. If I save $5 on my grocery bill a few times a month that is a nice lunch out. Period.

~Frugalness is all about thinking long term and avoiding instant gratification. Yes, I want to get out of the store, yes I want to get home and crack open that toblerone bar, yes I want to make sure I am not ducking daggers on my way out from the people behind me. BUT if you crunch those numbers it's just too much money to pass up. Would you walk up to someone on the street and just hand them $240? If you would, please make sure I am standing right next to you! LOL No, of course nobody would willingly give away $240 for no reason. So stop doing it unknowingly. I've given you the knowledge, now stop the cycle!

~And of course all the regular rules like don't shop hungry, distressed or 5 minutes before the store closes. You are likely to spend far more than what you actually went in for.

Watch for next week's post...it will tie in nicely to the whole grocery store theme. Questions? Any good scores lately? {Never mind Kags!} Post them here and let's help each other out! xox

Camp Croppin' on my mind

2010-03-24T11:10:00.005-07:00

The time between now and Camp Croppin' is going by so very quickly. Last year was a whirlwind...I only had a few layouts to bring but really wanted to enter the competition because all the fees are donated to the Alberta Children's Hospital therapeutic scrapbooking program. Worthy cause, no? I think it's fabulous so I am of course compiling my layouts again this year. This is what I won with last year...a photo of my dear friend Annalisa's children.

As soon as I saw this photo I knew I wanted to do something with it. So...lots of painting and sewing on this. Small details and I love the "whimsy" care of Sheryl. I was stuck half way through the project looking for things that were small enough to add and I had nothing. Like nothing. I thought I would take a brain rest and go drop some stuff off at Sheryl's that I'd been meaning to get to her and dig through her vintage button collection to complete another layout I was working on. Just for a break. And she says "Oh! I forgot! I have a gift for you." She called it a "tiny jar of whimsy" and had all these small bits and bobs in it that were just perfect for the Oath layout. Strange how things work out, isn't it? She had no idea I needed stuff like that. I just asked her for metal buttons. LOL

This year I am really looking forward to travelling with some friends and showing the rest of Canada what Saskatchewan is made of. We seriously have some mad talent in this province. It is going to be an excellent weekend! Are you signed up yet? Check out the Camp Croppin' website for all the details!

Frugal Friday - It's all in the Baby Steps

2010-03-18T21:17:00.003-07:00

Who knew Frugal Friday would be such a hit? Thanks peeps! xox And also who knew Frugal Friday would be my only posts this week on a scrapbooking blog? LOL Well, it's been that kind of week my friends. I have been cleaning, cleaning, CLEANING the scrapbooking room so I can get in there and create some art. Camp Croppin' is coming up fast and I want to be prepared. It's going to be a FAB time! So now that you know why I am so negligent in the blogging world we can get on with things.

Today's Frugal Friday is all about Baby Steps. Being frugal, striving to be debt-free and eventually stopping the stress caused by money doesn't happen over night. You can't wish for it, it doesn't just appear, a money fairy doesn't drop it on your head in your sleep. It takes days, months, years to achieve your financial freedom. But mark my words, you will achieve it. So take that first Baby Step:

Gather up every bill in your house. All of them. Even the ones you have hidden in your glove box, the bottom of your bag and tucked away at the back of the bread box. Now sit down with your husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/life partner/roommate...or just sit down with yourself. Whoever is affected by this. I can hear the collective gasps happening all around the world. "But Kate, then they will SEE the bills!" Yes, they will. It's time. It's time to air the dirty laundry my friends. But there will be no judgement here. This is your first Baby Step. Don't fight about...it has to be done. You may not be ready for this and that's ok. But you need to start at least thinking about it. Because if you don't know what you owe, how will make a plan to get rid of it, right? So this Frugal Friday is all about getting those bills into one spot. If you want to go buy one of those fancy office boxes from Staples, go for it. They aren't too pricey. If you already have a filing cabinet, great. If it's an old Xerox paper box, that's good too. No excuses, just get them all together and if you get inspired and want to take it one step further, sort them according to what they are. Utilities, credit cards, etc. When you have that done, it's one Baby Step crossed off the list. Now eventually what you want to do is analyze each bill. They need to go into a priority sequence according to which one has the highest interest rate. Pay those first. Higher interest=more money being taken out of your pocket every day. I know some of the Divalicious peeps are sooo very savvy when it comes to the banking world so this part is not for you. But for the babysteppers, this is where you need to get down and dirty and dive into some unknown waters. Talk to a banker about consolidation. That's taking all your debt {or at least some of it} and putting it all together on one loan or line of credit. Often they will give you a MUCH better interest rate than whatever department store credit card you have.

***Frugal Friday Tip of the Week*** STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM DEPARTMENT STORE CREDIT CARDS UNTIL YOU HAVE THINGS UNDER CONTROL. When you have everything settled, then by all means take advantage of all the great sales and deals offered with such cards {I do-but that is an entire post all on it's own}. But until then {re: all debt paid} just avoid the life sucking little pieces of death all together.

Points to ponder:

* Learn about interest rates. What are yours? Can you get a better one? Don't be afraid to pick up the phone! Ask questions, that is what they are there for.

* Late charges add up! Even if you can't make a full payment, never, ever make a late payment. Write your due dates on your calendar. And if you are short, call the company immediately. You get more flies with honey than vinegar and a friendly phone call works wonders in eliminating those late charges.

* Credit cards are not cash. Period. If you don't have the money, don't spend the money. Give them a break and live on cash for a while. You'd be so surprised what you learn about your spending habits.

* The bank machine isn't always "magic". LOL OK, this is a little tidbit from my childhood. We always called it the "Magic Money Machine". Convenient? Oh yes. But those little suckers can kill your budget. Do you actually look at your bank statements? {I do the paperless on-line thing, it's brilliant} If you use a different bank's machine, your fees can run you anywhere from $1 to $5. When we lived up North, there was one machine in like a one hour radius and we were 4 hours from civilization. And our charges were $5. Each time. Ouch. If you went to the machine just 4 times in a month, that's $20 which equals a pretty nice lunch out. "Oh it's just $2." adds up pretty fast. Every penny counts. How often do you visit the magic machine?

* When it comes to your finances there are no stupid questions. What's stupid is to be unaware of things. If you feel uncomfortable or belittled when you are dealing with your banker then it's time to get a new banker. That is allowed. Did you know that some banks actually want your business? They will cover any fees or penalties that occur in the switch from your current bank. All you have to do is ask.

The long and short of it is to be informed, be proactive and get it out in the open. Get together with a few of your close friends and form a support group. Frugality might not seem as glamorous as a five star meal, 3 Starbucks a day, designer clothing and gorgeous sunglasses but it feels amazing. A...MA....ZING. Whatever will you fret about when money is no longer an issue? Worry about what flavour of cupcake you'll be making next. It works for me.

Do you know where you hide your money?

2010-03-12T12:46:00.011-07:00

I'm not talking about the big mayonnaise jar you have buried in your yard 10 paces from the tree. I'm talking about day to day stuff. Where is your money going? Just a second, I am getting a head of myself here...this is supposed to be a scrapbooking blog. But the other day when I posted my review of that finance article and went on a little rant about budgeting I got a ton of feedback. People actually blogged...about my blog. That never happens! Check out Pam and Jenn. Thanks for the shout out girls!

I honestly thought this was all stuff that every single person knew. We just chose to live differently. But then I thought back to a few years ago when my benefits ran out at work and I was truly an AT HOME MUM. Making nothin'. Spongin' off the Hubs. {Don't freak out ladies...I know that's not how it is we just feel like that at first, right?} So I had to rein in the family finances and I hadn't a clue where to start. So that brings us to today's post. Do you know where you hide your money? No? I can tell you. Go get your garbage can. No really, go get it. I can promise you that this one change {the first one I ever made and have been building on ever since} will alter your budget and is a great jumping off point. So here is the question nobody wants to answer {I don't care who you are}. Are you looking at your garbage can? Ready? Ok, here goes:

HOW MUCH FOOD DO YOU THROW AWAY IN A MONTH?

I can bet at least a few of you blushed. When I asked myself that question on the first day I thought "I need to start saving my family some money!" I was APPALLED at how much food we threw out every month. So here are a few ideas that might help you out in that area. These are things I do all the time and really, it takes 5 minutes out of your day. So I don't want to hear "I don't have time to do that." Get off Facebook for a few minutes. {I am SO guilty there! LOL}

Common things that hit the trash the day before garbage day:

Carcasses. Whatever it is, I make it into broth. My fave is chicken. You know that rotisserie chicken you had a quick supper with last week and it's been hanging out in the fridge waiting to be thrown out? It still has a bit of meat on it but nobody really wants to pick it off and one sandwich isn't enough to even feed the kids at lunch so why bother? It's worth money. Take your slow cooker out, save the carcass and GO HERE. I guest blogged on my friend's food blog a great while ago. This is what I do with every single carcass that comes into my house. If you want to get really frugal, you can steal them from other people's houses too. I seriously LOVE Christmas and Thanksgiving. "Are you throwing that out? Can I have it? No, I brought my own ziploc bag, thanks." No kidding. My Aunties love me. And if I don't have time to deal with the carcass right then (I really do cook it in the slow cooker for a couple of DAYS as it says in the other post) I just throw the thing in my freezer. I have even been known to put a rotisserie carcass in the freezer still in the plastic store container. Whatever works. Think about how often you use broth. Recipes call for it all the time. I freeze it in 2-3 cup bags in my freezer and always have it on hand. It tastes FAR better than the store bought stuff and is hugely cheaper. You just may have to add a dash more salt but salt is cheap.

Produce. Ok, here is a sticky subject with me. For those who know me personally, I can be a tad...um...scattered, shall we say? I will often buy a bag of carrots and by accident it gets pushed to the back of the fridge until it's bad. DARN IT! I am trying to avoid that! So first rule of produce is don't buy it if you aren't going to eat it. I know we all have the best of intentions to eat healthy but you know your family best. Are they really going to eat that pretty spinach? The fastest way to kill your grocery budget is to buy stuff you don't eat. Now, if you just haven't gotten around to it and your peppers/carrots/whatever are just going a little south, they are still usable. Whatever is still good can be chopped up for stir fry, or sauteed and blended with the food processor and stirred into pasta sauce or soups. If I have zero time for that it gets blended, bagged and frozen. Again with the freezer. Is she on to something here?

Cupcakes anyone? I love me some tiny bits of frosted heaven. No matter how much weight I lose (or want to lose) I will never give up cupcakes. So what do you do with all the bits of frosting when you are done? I used to rinse it down the drain when I washed my icing bags. No more! I might as well be rinsing quarters down the sink. Now when I am finished, I use those cute little snack ziplocs and save the icing in their individual colours. It's genius because I can either use them again exactly how they are (icing freezes SO well) or if I need a whole bunch of brown or black I just take everything I have, whip it together and then add more colour. So no matter what I am using, especially fillings, everything gets saved and frozen for a future use.

WHO PUT THIS SOUR MILK BACK IN THE FRIDGE?!?!? Oh, we've all done it. Poured ourselves a tall, ice cold, lumpy glass of milk. UGH! We've cut back on our milk a whole bunch so it doesn't happen as much as it used too but from time to time it does still happen and I am actually happy! Many, many muffin and cake recipes call for sour milk. Normally, you just measure your milk and add a touch of vinegar to curdle it. But why not use the real thing? If milk sours in our house I make sure I take the time to whip up a dozen muffins to use it up.

The dreaded leftovers {insert villain music here}. Commit to actually using your leftovers. It's something that does take getting used to but now I make it my own personal challenge to make leftover meals actually taste good! Leftover roast beef? Shred it, melt some cream cheese with it, hollow out some french bread, stuff it in, top with sauteed peppers, wrap the whole thing in foil and bake until heated through. YUM! Tons of my leftover veggies get sauteed, blended and stirred into pasta sauce. You can add a whole lot of leftover veggies to a meat sauce before you even notice a hint of flavour change. Try it out!

But it was SUCH a good deal I couldn't turn it down. Ok folks, I love Costco just as much as you do. But seriously, does your family of 3 really need such a huge block of cheese? Costco is all about the commitment to prepare for the future. I sound like a mortgage broker here. LOL But really, if you buy a huge block of cheese, cut into it and a month later you toss half of it out is that really saving you money? Nope. Same goes for the great meat deals. And the cereal. I could go on and on. Ziploc bags are your friends. Not the cheap Dollarama ones {I use those for school lunches when a plastic container isn't appropriate} I use the real Ziplocs for storing food. Shred a certain amount of your cheese, bag it and freeze it for future use in cooking {tacos anyone?}. Invest in a good solid piece of Tupperware for your cereal so it doesn't go stale as quickly. Got some in the cupboard right now that isn't so savory? Turn it into sticky bars. Recipe is on the side of the Smooth Kraft Peanut Butter jar. I just add whatever I have on hand. The kids love them.

No, I am not one of those people on Hoarders who eats rotted food. I am a normal, reasonable gal. LOL But my journey in the whole world of saving money and making our family thrive on a single income started here. In the garbage can. It was the first change I made and I know you can do it too!

And since this really is a scrapbooking blog...here is a layout I did a while ago with one of my favourite children's poems Wynken Blynken and Nod. I have no idea why the title has that weird shadow on it, it's very clear in real life. Lots of textured embossing and my favourite part is the little ship I made with the ribbon flag. Super cute. Have a happy, creative, frugal weekend everyone! I think Friday shall now be referred to as FRUGAL FRIDAY. See you next week!~xox

Inspired By Saucy {again}

2010-03-04T11:28:00.011-07:00

I was peeking at Saucy Sprinkles today and she had a lovely list of gentlemen on there entitled "Saucy's amended celebrity boyfriend list". And although I think Saucy has...well...Saucy-licious taste in the gentlemen, it got me to thinking of what my own list would look like. Because I don't even have a first list...let alone an amended one. Which then led me to think about how the Hubs teases me relentlessly anytime we see a Matthew McConnaughey flick. Because apparently he's my secret celebrity boyfriend. And how can one argue with that? So I am putting this out there for all of blogging land to view because it's a great record of me. At 33. And what's "blowing my skirt up" these days. As the Hubs would say. Here we go, in no particular order but I will save the best for last.

Ty Pennington...because anyone who can build me one of these:

While looking like this:

...is pretty OK in my books. I swoon at the sight of a tool belt. {And a great little tidbit of info is that one of my gym instructors totally looks like him.}

Confession: I am a wolf girl. Vamp tramps beware.

Yes, I remember how old I am. Yes, I remember how old he is. This is probably a great time to explain that I don't really like actors per say. I like the characters they play. I don't find Taylor Lautner particularly attractive. {OK, maybe from the neck down...but I digress} I just really like the whole tough guy-turned-wolf scenario. {And shoulder tattoos are totally sexy} So in my mind, Jacob Black certainly isn't a teenager and let's leave it at that.

I am also a big fan of the Lord of the Rings movies which leads nicely into Viggo Mortenson:
and Orlando Bloom:

Who both normally would never make the list at all but I loooove the characters they play in those movies. Are you sensing a theme of make believe here people?

In real life I do dig the badge. So of course the hard edged Stabler (Christopher Meloni) makes the list. {And just as an aside, his partner on SVU Mariska Hargitay is my hands down favourite small screen actress}
And the whole badge thing wouldn't be complete without a little Johnny Utah aka Keanu Reeves in Point Break. That is a great movie. He is not a good actor. Tight t-shirt. Muscles. Gun. Badge. OK, you can stay.

*Alert* Little known fact about Kate...

I love football movies. I actually don't understand the rules of football, have no idea how the scoring works and wouldn't know good strategy if it hit me in the face but as a good Saskie girl I bleed green {Go Riders!} and I didn't have a hard time watching a sweaty James Van Der Beek toss around the ol' pig skin in Varsity Blues.

Now here we go again with the "I like the characters not the actors" thing. I loved Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall. Oh my word did I love Brad Pitt in Legends of the...ok ok, you get the point. And I also almost fainted dead away when he said "Absolutely" in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. On a whole though, not a huge Pitt fan. But it's my list and I can add any conditions I want.
OK, I saved the weirdest one for next to last here. Timothy Olyphant. Dude, I am not going to knock your acting one little bit but I had a tough, tough time finding a hot picture of you. My apologies to your Mrs. {if you have one} but I just didn't find any of your photos attractive. But your totally skeazy portrayal of drug dealer Todd Gaines in the movie Go tickled my fancy. Nice job.
And now for the only secret celebrity boyfriend any girl needs. A little Matthew McConnaughey a la Sahara.
This is one actor I like in almost everything he does. I don't know what he is like in real life and I don't want to know. This is a make believe list. I love the scruff. I love the hemp necklace. I love the muscles. I love the hair. I love the tan. I love the dimples. Do I really need to go on here? I even liked the gag worthy character he played in Dazed and Confused. You know the guy who keeps getting older but loves the high school girls because they stay the same age? I even liked that guy. He was great in A Time To Kill and along those same lines Amistad. The lawyer life suits him. As does advertising executive, doctor, treasure hunter, yacht salesman, military man and football coach. Because I really loved How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Wedding Planner, Sahara, Failure to Launch, U-571 and We Are Marshall. Did I really just do a whole paragraph on my MM crush? Wow...now I've told you everything. Who is on your secret celebrity boyfriend list? I really, really want to know. It makes my confessions seem less awkward.
*This list is by no means complete and I absolutely reserve the right to change anything at any time.*

Spring has Sprung AGAIN! A Little CS love.

2010-03-01T18:36:00.004-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with secrets. I LOOOVE them because they are exciting and thrilling and I love the anticipation. I HAAAAATE them because I am impatient and I hate the anticipation. LOL So head on over to PRIMA <----- and you can share in the anticipation {and maybe a prize package!} Another thing I have a wiggly time waiting for is publication! No posting until the issue is out...so here it is! Out on stands at a scrapbooking store near you!

Lack of time...not creativity

2010-02-25T18:27:00.011-07:00

Ok, I have not put glue to paper since the 11th. The Hubs left town that day and won't be back until Sunday so I truly apologize for the serious lack of creative inspiration here. I have no photos of projects because there are no projects to speak of. Stay tuned...I am going to rock it out next week.

A new cyber friend of mine has passed along this little blog award {sweet Johanna from Birds On A Wire} and I have never participated in one before so here goes. I am to tell you 7 little known facts about me. {And then of course pass it along to 7 of my peeps.} Hang on, it's going to be a bumpy ride!

1. I moved out when I was 17. And that summer I had 4 jobs and no car. Not even enough money for bus fare. But I had my own place, my own bills and my own mind. It was the most freeing summer of my life.

2. I have a really, REALLY long bucket list. It ranges from things in the scrapbooking world like working for an amazing company some day or getting on the design team of my dreams, to personal things like learning self defense, skydiving and extensive travel. There are categories to my bucket list. Books to read, places to see, things to do. I add to it every day.

3. I own a motorcycle. It's old but I love it. My Daddy gave it to me for my 30th birthday and I have {so far} been forbidden to ride it by the Hubs and the Daddy. Due solely to the fact that since said birthday I have either been nursing or pregnant. Well not this summer!!! I'll be taking to the streets and getting my motorcycle license. {That's on my bucket list too}

4. In the realm of "Boy meets girl" in our relationship...I asked my Hubs out first. We had mutal friends for several years before we ever met. Either he was away at college or I was away on overseas missions...we just never crossed paths. Until November of 1997 {Thanks for turning 19 Char}. And I asked him out to my staff Christmas party the next week. {Where my boss found out it was our first date and grabbed his a$$ on the dance floor.} The rest is history. And it's a really good thing the Hubs can take a joke.

5. I have had some really cool jobs in my life. Maybe not conventional cool but super cool in my books. I was the drive-thru Queen of Burger King on 8th Street as a teenager. I worked at Marquis Downs {I would always take a break to watch the 6th race with my Grandpa Otto and he would buy me a cheeseburger} I am trained in Radio and Television Broadcasting and worked at several radio stations in SK and MB. I was a DJ for a local company and the very sweet owner wanted to be extra safe with her only female employee so my nametag said "DJ Diva". I kept the name tag and it will be scrapbooked someday. But I think the job that floors people the most was Mitchell's Gourmet Foods. Yup, I worked in a meat packing plant. I did the hiring, orientation and tours. I knew my way around Pork cut, could prevent people from passing out on the kill floor and knew who would make it on the bacon line and who was just not cut out for stuffing weiners. I loved that job. My last few years there I was an Administrative Assistant for the best bosses a girl could have. When my feet got too fat during my first pregnancy to wear my office shoes they halted my tours and let me wear sandals around my office. The fact that they would line up and waddle behind me as I delivered the mail did not affect their likeability. I still loved them.

6. I have moved approximately 25 times in my life. So far. But have lived in only 2 provinces. SK and MB. My future holds many more and I will embrace each new adventure as it comes!

7. I am on a serious weight loss journey that is very difficult at times. But I do not find it difficult liking healthy foods. Tofu is one of my favourite meals. Now, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good sloppy poutine every now and again. But I really like ancient grain bread {especially toasted}, tea, homemade soups and all the other wholesome earthy foods we are meant to eat. My Hubs calls me a crunchy granola tree hugger. Maybe it's because we use cloth diapers. Or the first home improvement we made was a clothesline. Or maybe it's the chemical free crusade? Whatever...it saves him money so he can tease me all he likes. I know he likes it.

8. I rarely follow the rules.

So now I am supposed to pass this along to 7 people. Well...I dance to the beat of my own drum {see #8} so I won't put anyone on the spot. You already know who my best peeps are {see right hand sidebar under Inspirational Chicks} and they deserve a little blog award every day so I will leave it at that. But if you feel like participating please leave a comment here with a link so others can check you out!

We interrupt the scrapbooking to bring you some really good financial advice

2010-02-22T14:00:00.003-07:00

Little known thing about me: I am a frugal gal. Or at least I try to be. Sure, I love the environment {I have to live in it, right?} but everything I do is all about the numbers baby. I use cloth diapers, I make laundry soap, I bake bread, I make granola bars for lunches...oh yeah, and I make lunches. Period. Every day. But I do get busy the odd time and forget to pack the Hubs lunch...oops. Between that and the occassional {and I mean really occassional} meal out with the fam we probably eat out about once a week and that includes the Hubs office lunches and me going out with the girls. But our idea of a meal out is the soup deal at Tim Horton's so it's not a huge hit to the budget with only 2 kids.
I have not always been concientious of my spending but so far have avoided copious amounts of consumer debt. I think that is largely due to a pivotal time in our marriage when we actually started discussing money seriously. Not the monthly {loud} exchange "Where did all the money go?!" But actually sitting down, discussing {like adults} what debt we have, how much we make and how to go about paying it off. After that talk, it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I haven't looked back since.
Of course, I am human. I have made some bad, impulse purchases in my time. But they come fewer and further between now. LOL

So get to your point Kate...ok, ok. I don't get to watch a whole lot of TV but I do looove the show Til Debt Do Us Part with the lovely Gail Vaz-Oxlade. The woman is a genius. She is to the point, down to earth and very tell it like it is. I was on her blog today and came across a FABULOUS article she wrote entitled "Who Are You Trying To Impress?". I won't post the whole article here but just click on the title if you want to read it in it's full format. Several of the quotes in the article really struck me.

"People spend money they don't have, to buy things they don't want to impress people they don't like." ~Will Rogers

Well isn't THAT the truth? Over the last 18 months I have been improving our budget by leaps and bounds but that statement makes me want to take another look at things to see if we could tighten up even more. Gail explores the three things stated in that quote seperately in her article. And each point has you nodding your head and thinking "Yup, we do that!" The part about always wanting more really hit me too. Especially with my scrapbooking supplies. My scrap budget has been non-existant since we moved but I do spend about $10 a month on adhesive and I can still scrape together cash every now and again to splurge on great new paper. It's a must. Right? Sigh...no it's not. {Don't feel bad for me...my scraproom looks like a store, I have plenty to craft with LOL}

North America has 8% of the world's population and yet we consume 33% of the world's resources. And create 50% of it's non-organic waste. That's just embarrassing.

Another part of the article made me really happy though. That part about Martha Stewart cracked me up. My close friends and I will refer to each other as "Martha" if we do something particularly crafty either in the scraproom or kitchen. "Way to go Martha" is the comment for someone who has been exceptionally productive that day. And this is one teeny tiny area where I disagree with Ms. Vaz-Oxlade's statements at the end of the article. Yes we certainly do try to impress each other every day. With love, compassion and thoughfulness. Therein lies the difference between us and those who try to "Keep up with the Jones'"It doesn't have to cost a ton of money. It can be as simple as dropping off one single special cupcake or kidnapping their children for a few hours. Shooting off a funny e-card when you know someone is down or making them a card from scraps of supplies you already have. This is how we try to impress each other. And our happiness and beauty truly does shine from the inside out.

So after surfing around on Gail's blog, I am re-committing to using what we have. Saving what we earn. And making what we need. And I am desperately and anxiously awaiting Spring so I can plant my garden again. I have made some adjustments and hope to use even more of the bounty this year!

I challenge you to take a look at your budget this week {if you have one} or make a budget {if you don't}. You will be amazed at what you discover about yourself. Cheers people. Live small, love large and be happy. xo

Just plain old down home SPIRIT!

2010-02-15T21:22:00.006-07:00

You've heard of my crazy friend Char. Who is only as crazy as me...we just have different passions. To view our most recent antics {and see some hideously old photos where our hair and colouring had people asking if we were sisters} click here, here, here and well, you get the idea. The archives under "antics" gives you a good idea of our craziness.

So anyway...Char's craziness lies in the realm of decorating. First off, the woman is a wonder at putting together a room. She is always up for pulling a "While you were out" on my hubs. Tee Hee. We have one planned for the upstairs bathrooms before he gets back at the end of the month. But she also decorates for seasons and holidays. Not just the usual Christmas stuff either. Valentines Day, Easter, Canada Day, Halloween....and now she DEFINES Olympic spirit. Check it out!

Back patio door...I love the chains in the Olympic colours!

She does amazing things with a crayola window marker!

Keeping track of our medals {That was my idea and only contribution to this.LOL}

Who thinks of this stuff? Char does.

And of course the "All olympics all the time" TV. Please note adorable Olympics mascots on top. Great touch Char.

Told you this was blog worthy. Now if she could just get her doorbell to play the "I am Canadian" anthem. Perfect touch, don't you think? Thanks for the spirit Char! Go Canada GO!!!

{Basement window of course!}

Give us GOLD Baby!!!

2010-02-14T23:02:00.007-07:00

Men's Moguls brought home the gold! Woo Hoo!!! Medal count so far is 3 and if I can just figure out how to get the "I am Canadian" anthem on my blog I could call myself a true fan of the Olympics. Char, you think we could rig something up so that your doorbell played that song? I think it would complete your theme nicely. Stay tuned for the BEST olympic blogpost EVER. My good friend Char {formerly known as the charm thief-click here for the story} has decorated her house for the Olympics. I am just waiting for all the photos so I can blog it. It is ssssooooooo blog-worthy. I feel the need to scrapbook it. Stay tuned.

Here is a FAB link for all things Olympic. <---- Click there. xox P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! It's sort of overshadowed by the olympic excitement, don't you think? We had a "redneck" valentiney type day, I'll tell you all about it later. ETA: I can't believe how easy it was to add that song. Shocking that they had it in the playlist!!!

Shut the DOOR! {Or should I say Hold the PHONE!!!}

2010-02-10T13:03:00.007-07:00

Ok, that title was for the sole benefit of Sue Sykes because I know it will make her burst out laughing. Onward bloggers!

I got the BEST e-mail today from Megan Comin, organizer of Camp Croppin'. Remember Camp Croppin'? That huge, wonderful, amazing event {I believe the biggest of it's kind in Canada, correct me if I'm wrong} that is held in Calgary, AB every year? It's a fabulous fundraiser for the Alberta Children's Hospital, Therapeutic Scrapbooking Program and was founded in Alberta by the Picture Me Foundation. Along with Scrapbooker's Paradise {I may have done a spot of shopping last year but I dare you to find the receipts to prove it} they put on a rockin' good time, made even better by the fact that I won last year! Check out that story HERE. So this year on Facebook Megan had a contest going for the Top 5 Reasons Why You Love Camp Croppin'. I almost didn't enter and I never expected to win but I put it in anyway and...shut the door I won!

Here are my top 5 reasons I {heart} Camp Croppin'...

#5 - In my little scrap world there are no husbands allowed at Camp Croppin'. It is a rip snortin', money spendin', support lendin', girl talkin', designer stalkin', sale findin', supply buyin', calorie eatin', Starbucks consumin', product rakin', make n' takin', zero sleepin', whale of a good time!

#4 - At Camp Croppin' my name is Kate. No really, it is! And that excites me. I am not Mrs. Kading. I am not "the wife". Not even ma'am. Nobody calls me "Honey can you", "Baby can I have", "Sweetie did you get to" or "Mummy I'm hungry". That's how I am addressed at home BUT at Camp Croppin' my name tag just says Kate. And can you believe it...people actually call me that. Yee Haw!

#3 - I am a real, live, intelligent person at Camp Croppin'! I am an artist, a colleague, a student, an admirer. I have thoughts and ideas that are listened to uninterrupted! I don't have the theme song to Treehouse shows in my head, my shirt is almost always clean {unless we've been eating cheesecake at midnight!} and I can put away the "used up Mummy" persona that sometimes takes over at home. I am not woken up in the middle of the night, called to the principal's office, late for a dentist appointment, stuck in a line at the bank or fighting my way through WalMart with a one year old on my hip and a 5 year old attached to my leg.

#2 - Nobody at Camp Croppin' has ever peed, pooped or puked on me. Ever. It is a blissful escape from sticky fingers, spilled messes, dirty jeans {mine!}, runny noses and the general chaos and broken pieces that ensue when boys yell "Let's WRESTLE!" And I am pretty sure that it states somewhere in the fine print that my registration fee exempts me from having to clean up any of the above stated messes. Bless that fine print.

#1 - Um hel-LO...more than 24 hours of uninterrupted scrap time with some of the BEST in the industry! Camp Croppin' FOSTERS my BASIC obsession to stalk my HEROS of the scrapbooking world. To admire some "BUNNY" else's FANCY work. And that's HOT.

So those are my TOP 5 reasons why I love Camp Croppin'. There are about 103 more...but I have diapers to wash. See you on April 16th!

Just so you don't think I'm totally out there...I should explain the #1 reason was a play on words for the FAB sponsors this year. Karen Foster, Basic Grey, Hero Arts, Bo Bunny, Fancy Pants and Hot Off The Press. And as always I would never leave you link-less so just click on any of the names in this post to shoot over to check them out!

ETA: I guess I was too excited while typing this up because the very first comment was "What did you win?" LOL Sorry! I win a gift card to spend at Scrapbooker's Paradise, a newsflash on the Camp Croppin' website, I get to read my reasons for everyone on the opening night of Camp Croppin', they will be posted on the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog and of course awesome bragging rights! It's a really fun event...sign up!!! April 16th and 17th.

The I {heart} Google post

2010-02-06T23:40:00.003-07:00

I looove to learn. And I always say that I am losing my brains little by little for every year I stay at home with my kids. My smart is oozing out my left ear. No really, it is. LOL So if there is something that I don't know about, I hit Google ASAP. If you ask me a question and I don't answer right away, you can bet your bottom dollar that you will hear my computer keys clicking away not a second later. I am a Google girl and I'm not ashamed to admit it. So I was going over my blog today {I have some major changes I want to make--when? I have no idea} and saw the comment on the last post. So cool! I think languages are beautiful. So what did I do? You bet. Google Translator. I of course immediately thought it would be some kind of spam commercial thing like "Buy our hair transplant cream that will make you younger!" but it wasn't and it kind of brightened my evening a bit even though the quote is meant to be derogatory. This is what the comment said:

Kaohsiung said:
Love is blind, but marriage to restore its sight

Now this can definitely be taken two ways. LOL But I prefer to interpret this statement as a positive. That when we are young in our relationship we are inexperienced and blind to what love has to offer. After we get married, our eyes are open to the endless possibilities and grand adventures that await us in this relationship.

Like I said...I prefer to see the positive in things but there were some things on the "before and after marriage" website that were pretty hilarious. Ever heard of a divorce cake?

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE the internet???

2010-01-28T20:08:00.005-07:00

I realize the irony (or would it be just sheer genius?) of praising the internet...while on the internet. But oh my word, how I looove me some online shopping. It actually makes me giddy. And it's way, way, WAY too easy to click a couple of times and poof...something beautiful arrives at your door. It's almost therapeutic in the midst of winter. This is my latest online purchase:
I bought 3 of them just as singles last November at Sask Scraps. The lovely Donna Houston from Fort McMurray, AB had her store set up for our shopping convenience {or should I say pleasure?}. Inspired Designs Scrapbooking Boutique carries waaay too many beautiful things. Donna really stays current and she knows what people want. Like these markers. I went trudging up there, complaining about the quality of my old journalling pens and ever so casually she asked if I had seen these pens? I wrote with a few of them and I was hooked. So smooth to write with, a touch of glitter, vibrant colours. In short, AMAZING! Wow, I must like them. I am seriously overusing the italics here. LOL

Pens have been a sore spot with me for quite a while now. I buy pens all the time with little success. The only other ones I have been primo happy with are the Signo Uniball in white, gold and silver. I have no idea why they don't come in other colours. Or maybe that they just don't have other colours in Canada? Whatever...I really like them. But for coloured pens, I have not found a truly exceptional pen. Until now. Oh and speaking of wasting money (which I have done trying to find the perfect pen) please avoid coughcoughMarthaStewartcoughcough. Not to badmouth anyone here...but seriously, worst purchase ever. And waaaaay more expensive than the Spica markers. 'Nuff said. So head on over to Inspired Designs Scrapbooking Boutique, do a little online shopping and tell Donna I sent you over. No, we don't have a business deal going...she just has amazing customer service, to die for products and she's a doll to top it off. So why not tell her that? Thank-you Donna! xox

Daily Inspiration

2010-01-26T12:28:00.003-07:00

Yes, I am one of those geeky (but cool right?) scrapbookers who carries a pen and paper with me everywhere I go because I am constantly inspired by things around me. And I am also one of those people who has a FAB idea for all of 11 seconds before something else grabs my attention and the idea is *poof* GONE. That's just how I roll and I live with it. I try to be glitzy about it though...my idea book is a beautiful custom piece by the ever fabulous Dawn Hueser. Click on her name, check out her blog. She just became a Tattered Angels educator! So at least I have something beautiful to write in...but I digress.

I was on Facebook this morning, checking out the latest post by Starbucks (2 shockers, I know. Facebook and Starbucks) and saw this label.
Sorry the pic is so small...I couldn't find it anywhere else and it wouldn't let me resize it. Or would it be better put to say I couldn't figure out how to resize it? *See previous post*

Anywho...I thought the colour combo was amazing and one of the calls for Summer for Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine right now is turquoise. Perfect right? I am really looking forward to scrapbooking with this as my inspiration. I am thinking all turquoise background with that sandy yellow as my photo background and bits of red and green. Not too much...as turquoise is my main focus. But I loved it and thought I would share. What has inspired you today?

Teach me, Obi Whan

2010-01-25T18:35:00.002-07:00

Um, yeah...I'm a fan. Another little tidbit about Kate. LOL ANy-way...

Yes, I've had a blog for several years and yes, I am pretty good on a computer. I was an administrative assistant before I was a Mum. I know my way around this machine no matter how finicky it may get. However...you may notice I don't have a whole lot of cool gadgety things on my blog because...welllll...I don't know how to work them.

So can anyone tell me what it means on Feedjit when it says someone came to my blog from blogger.com? I am getting hits on my blog from all over the world (cool!) which really wouldn't make me raise an eyebrow...but now I am getting followers from all over the world. Which is cool too but...really...how did you find my blog and why are you following me? LOL

Sigh...I loooove CHA

2010-01-21T19:41:00.004-07:00

It's time for the Craft and Hobby Association show again and besides all the AMAZING new products that come out...a lot of companies give away a ton of cool prizes on their blogs AND they let their talented designers do the same! Like this unbelievable draw on Donna Downey's blog right now. CHECK IT OUT!!!

Bo Bunny!

2010-01-18T17:00:00.004-07:00

This wonderful company has been a staple of my scrapbooking stash since I started. Their lines always catch my eye and I can't wait for the new stuff to be available! They had a challenge on the Bo Bunny Blog this week so I thought I would participate because I loooove their "You Bug Me" line. The colours are fab and match my boys so well. LOL

Don't you love a chance to win?

2010-01-17T23:42:00.004-07:00

I looove blog hopping. Especially when there are giveaways like THESE!!!

Posh Designs Scrapbook Store has an absolutely fab giveaway on their blog to celebrate their 100th follower. It's a random draw...but if you don't enter, you can't win right? Hop on over there!

It's ALWAYS an adventure

2010-01-12T09:02:00.003-07:00

My life is one long string of events that often makes me question "Am I being punked?!" Trust me...I am a walking comedy of errors. And after spending 12 years with me, my husband has come to expect the unexpected. Every day. LOL So yesterday after putting the boys to bed, I looked at the clock and realized I could juuuust make it to the craft store in time to grab a couple new tips for my cake decorating class (it was about 8:20pm). So I kissed the Hubs goodbye and said "I'm going to grab a few things for my class and then stop at Leica's to pick up her kit. I won't be long." Remember those words...I won't be long. The Hubs no longer questions me on this as long as I have my phone on me. Which I did so I jumped into the nearly empty truck with the Hubs calling out "Can you fill up the truck for me on your way back?" Oh sure, I was in the mood to take care of a blue job. No problem. {Yes, there are blue jobs and pink jobs in our house. It's wonderful. I haven't pumped my own gas or taken out the garbage in like 6 years.} So off I went to the store, meeting up with another of my gorgeous gal pals Karen of KAGS. We chatted for a good 20 minutes before we got cold and scooted off. Then it was off to Leica's for the "quick" drop off. BWAHAHAHAHA. Yeah right. All it takes is a couple of previous meltdowns, some interesting moments in the day, throw in a couple of cute kid antecdotes and add the Olympic torch for good measure {added to the fact that we have highschool history together} and what do you end up with? A 3 hour gab fest in the foyer of her house with my truck running in the driveway. Oh yeah...so totally forgot about my truck. So when I left at 1am I was going through my mind where the all night gas stations were in the city because I do not have cardlock. Now you have to remember what I said previously. I am really shaky on the whole working a gas pump thing. I have never "paid at the pump" and the only reason I know how to work a cardlock thingy is because my Dad let me use his when I was in college. And that was quite some time ago so the knowledge was a little fuzzy. I pulled up to the Co-op and saw a big sign that said pay at the pump. Great! Got out and literally spent 10 minutes pushing buttons on the machine, swiping my card, etc until it finally said "Begin Fuelling." Awesome! I figured it out! So I pressed the handle and the numbers started going up sooooo sloooowly. What? It took me about 10 minutes to get up to 17 cents. No kidding. I pulled the nozzle out and even tried to squeeze some out onto the ground to see how fast it was coming out and was rewarded with a trickle. So I figured that pump was maybe out of gas...I completed the transaction and the thing charged me for the 17 cents (complete with receipt!) and I got into the vehicle and spun around to one of the pumps on the other side. Oh yeah, I can hear you laughing. I really am a glutton for punishment. So I went through the whole process again with the same result. Except this time it didn't charge me anything. Complete with receipt. LOL It maybe started occurring to me that the pumps were shut off. Well, if they were they need to post a sign of the hours of operation!!! I ended up driving waaaay out of my way because I knew there was an all night 7-11 on Central. Little did I know that it doesn't have gas pumps. Are you kidding me?! So I drove a little further out of my way because I was sure the 8th street one had gas pumps. I was also sure that I was going to run out of gas. Oh thank heaven for a 7-11, right? Well, no late night nachos for me...I booked it home and was in bed by 2am. With my Bo Bunny layout still sitting half done on my desk. LOL I guess that's a job for nap time this afternoon. Leica, what on earth did I keep you from?!? I had a great time, I hope I can run out of gas in your driveway again soon!

Words to live by

2010-01-07T12:52:00.003-07:00

I often get a little down at this time of year. Really not much to look forward to but the snow melting! And during this time I inevitably reflect on things I shouldn't be dwelling on in the first place like the gross injustices in our world, things you can't control at work, the actions of others, the apathetic attitudes. Today I was sorting through my favourites and came across THIS BLOG. I visit it from time to time and she always has nifty little tidbits on there that inspire me. But these words from Mother Teresa were very important for me to read today. I hope they inspire you to be the best YOU you can be today.

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
be kind anyway.

If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies;
succeed anyway.

If you are honest people may cheat you;
be honest anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the end, it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them anyway.