Free Lightroom Preset

White Out Preset Download


I can't say enough about Adobe Lightroom. Such an easy way to make your photos look fabulous. I have some presets at my Sunshine Studio Scraps store. I'm working on some more presets to put in the store shortly.


I'm trying to get my scrap on. I still love scrapping and there is nothing like someone seeing your layouts in a photo album and saying, "Wow! That is just so cool. How do you do that?" In fact, I may have converted a friend of mine to the digital world. She even mentioned how it would be nice to not have the mess. Hear, hear! That is one of the reasons I love digi so much. Plus, I can do really cool stuff too.

Kind of a short and sweet blog post, but there it is.

Yay! I love Weight Watchers

So....as I said in my last post I am doing Weight Watchers again. I love 1.8 lbs. in my first week. Woo hoo! It is hard getting used to only 1 or 2 lbs. at a time, but it's a healthy way of eating. I know it has to be a lifestyle change and I got to the point that I had to do this. I have history of congestive heart failure and arthritis in my family. I don't want to be prone to those just because of my weight. So my leaf has been turned. I've got my Wii fit board coming too. The first two weeks I try and just get my eating habits back to the way they should be. Then I bring in the exercise. Also, I'm making my goals small. I want to hit 10 lbs. first. Then go from there.

A great Weight Watchers recipe.....

Tasty Pumpkin Cupcakes

One box of either Butter Pecan (recommended if you can find), Carrot, Spice or Yello cake mix
One can of pumpkin
One egg white

Bake as instructed on the cake mix box. Make take a bit longer to bake, but use a tooth pick to check done-ness. My son LOVES these.

Why do I have such a hard time to keep this blog up? Well, I do.

So here I am again...kind of. I don't know why it's so hard to keep up with this sometimes. Oh, well. Just some stuff that's going on and what I'm in to.


I started Weight Watchers again. Surprisingly I don't feel like I have to gnaw off my foot. It's always hard to get back into the swing of counting points, but this program really works. I've got my Wii Fit coming too so I'm getting my butt in gear too. I have a great recipe that is low in point.

CROCKPOT CHEESEBURGERS

Servings | 10
Estimated POINTS® value per serving | 4


Ingredients:

1 1/2 pound 90% lean/10% fat raw ground beef
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 oz Kraft Velveeta Light Reduced-Fat Pasteurized Processed Cheese Product
2 Tbsp fat-free skim milk
1 medium green pepper(s)
1 cup onion(s)
2 clove garlic clove(s)


Instructions

BROWN GROUND BEEF WITH GARLIC, PEPPER UNTIL COOKED IN A SKILLET. DRAIN. COMBINE COOKED MEAT AND ALL REMAINING INGREDIENTS IN CROCKPOT. MIX WELL AND COOK ON LOW 6-7 HOURS.

Special Notes
SERVE: SPOON INTO SANDWICH BUNS. COUNT THE POINTS FOR YOUR BUN SEPARATE


I have to say that I'm embracing my scrapbooking style again. It's basically anything goes. I can do minimal. I can do lots of junk on a page. I'm just doing what I'm doing and I'm beginning to love scrapping again. Plus, there is so much fabulous stuff out there that I don't have enough money for it all.

Here is some cool stuff:

From my lovely designer Hollie. Too cute for words! See above. You can get from: Scrap Artist

Loving this song by David Cook Bar-ba-Sol

So what's going on....

See about this kit below.

It's been crazy lately. I have to admit that I was totally addicted to the past election. It was probably one of the most exciting ever, but now I'm getting back to real life.

Do you ever get that song in your head and you can't get rid of it? This song is all good though. I am ADDICTED to Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble". It is just a fantastic song and his voice is kind of like a smooth Joe Cocker. Then I'm watching True Blood last night and the song is on the show! So not only can I not get it out of my head, but one of my favorite shows has it on. Ray also just put out a new CD that I have to get because I am loving the song "Meg White". Here's "Trouble" and "Meg White":





Anything else that I am slightly addicted to....hmmmm.....Mother Jones website, True Blood, the group Muse, puffy Cheetos, Top Chef, Twilight and Rob Pattinson...such a cutie. Then there is Richard Armitage on Spooks. He's gorgeous.

On to digital scrapbooking. I'll have a new store shortly. I'll be selling at Sunshine Scraps Studios. It's a great site with great ladies and great products. I'll link you later to it. Here's a favorite kit for now...how stinkin' cute is this?:

here's the link: http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com/boutique/product.php?productid=16793&cat=0&page=1

So yeah, it's been forever

I promise that I'll be updating this now. I was in a "I hate blogging" feel for a long time. I promise to update, have freebies, etc. very soon.

Wow! My layout was on the O'Scraps newsletter

I have to admit that I do get a thrill when one of my layouts get some kind of recognition. Now, it doesn't always happen, but when it does...such a great surprise. So can you just imagine when I'm opening my O'Scraps newsletter and I see my layout along with two others on the front???? I was over the moon. I admit to scrapping just for myself, but WOW!!!! The layout featured is my layout of the day here on my blog. I just LOVE it. You can check out my O'Scraps gallery HERE.

Other happenings. Hmmmm...been relatively quiet, but the days have been beautiful here. Right now it is 62 degrees and just lovely. I've felt so tired from all the fresh air. My son absolutely loves being outside so needless to say he's been a very busy bee lately. Heck, he'd rather have bubbles than a regular toy. I'll take that any day.

I do have another item going into the shop on Monday. So I have my Descriptive Words and my Colorific Sticky Bits. They'll be on sale for 20% off on Monday so take advantage of that sale.

Nothing much else for today. Lots of playing outside, birthdays, baby's being born (congrats to my sister-in-law and baby Ben), bubbles, Family Fun Fairs, grilling outside (yummy pork tenderloin tonigt).

Oh, I do have my spring/summer boyfriend back. I have a red cardinal that sings to me and whistle back. Poor thing is in love and I just string him along. It's pretty funny because my son calls him my boyfriend too.

Lastly, my son tells me, "Mommy, I don't love you one time, or two, or three. I love you a million times." How sweet is that? My little cuddle bunny:)

American Idol and schtuff

I am in such a good mood because it is such a lovely day today. It's 72 degrees in the Chicagoland area and I am loving it!!!

So what else put me in a good mood...American Idol. I was really worried about Mariah Carey week, but dang!! those guys just did great. The ladies...eh. David Cook keeps getting better and better. That man keeps getting hotter and hotter. Such a showman...he will definitely be a star. If you haven't seen David Cook's performance you have to check this out.



I am loving Jason Castro too because he's not afraid to change a song to suit him.

1. What's going on: My son will be "graduating" from pre-school in a month. Just too freaky. He was a baby not so long ago and now he's into Lego's *sigh* my baby is growing up.

2. What I have coming *new product* - I am just loving descriptive words so I made some plain ones to go into Sophia Sarducci on Monday.

3. Favorite Product....Ok, I play no favorites. If I like it, I like it.

Check this out from Leora Sanford....funky and cool


All of her Apron Strings are winners.

I also picked this up from http://www.wearestorytellers.net/boutique/product.php?productid=16331&cat=258&page=2


4. Song I'm in to: I have two actually....

Paddy Casey's "Fear" I heard him on David Letterman and just loved it. Letterman has the best new musicians out there.
http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/live/index/php/950892.phtml?play=1


AND I am loving Madonna and Justin Timberlake's "4 Minutes"


5. Three favorite things:

-Febreeze Vanilla Lavender scent
-green grass
-funky vintage


6. Favorite Sites

Right now I am into www.cnn.com because I have become a political junkie. I feel lucky that I live in a country where I can vote. So all you US residents that are not registered, go and register today. Your vote does matter.


Peace Out!

What IS my problem???

I have to admit to totally not doing this blog. I mean, really, how hard is it?!?!?!? It's just taking time and doing it. So here I am doing. I'm working on a freebie for my blog. Hopefully that will be sometime this week :).

Some news, Christina Renee did disband her team. Then she asked me to stay on as a Creative Partner. What is so great is that CR is letting us link to our stores, blogs, etc. plus we get to write articles, tutorials, post freebies and more at Authentic Artistry. People can bash her all they want, but she has helped me as a designer and is so helpful. Also, she'll tell you like it is. Don't get the hatin' on her, but that's those peoples problem. Life is way to short to worry about crap like that.

I hope to have two new things at Sophia Sarducci next week, but I won't have anything tomorrow. My son had spring break and he was with his dad sooooo mom got a little break and I didn't worry about anything else. Woo hoo! I've been so inspired lately by clean graphics AND old, vintagey stuff. What the heck?!?!?! LOL Now, I just have to fit them in together. :)

April 10th new The Office episodes. Yes, I'm doing a happy dance. Just a bit more to keep me going until fall. Saw The Other Boleyn Girl which was good, but depressing too. Lots of good previews though. On my list to see:

Sex and the City
Mama Mia
new Patrick Dempsey movie too

I'll be coming on this week to show some really great stuff that I've found along with some great stuff from the designers I CT from.

Peace Out!

Spring, Lace, Jewels and ooops forgot!!!

Boy oh boy am I ready for spring. I just got my cold back and now I have no voice. Ugh! I want 60 degrees, green grass, hyacinth blooming, kids playing outside....no more gray snow, cold, snow blowers or scarves. It's seems the older I get them more I want winter to end and spring to start. Is it spring fever or am I becoming an old fart, or both?


As you know I love all my CT's. This month I am lucky enough to have been asked by Rachel Young of Funky Playground Designs to be on her CT for March. It just amazes me how great these designers are. Each one brings something different, but so lovely. Since we are on the subject of CT's ;) Christina Renee is having a fabulous sale. She's basically clearing out the old stuff in order to get the new stuff out there. In fact, lots of stuff will be gone forever so grab it now. Her new stuff is just starting to come into the store. She now has:



Lace-Worn & Torn. Fabulous ripped, worn, tattered lovely goodies. So pretty and I used them on a boy layout so it can be done :)



Treasured Jewels. Just great vintage goodies. I used them on a layout of Hampton Court. The vintage goodness goes perfectly with my layout.


Christina has a bunch more stuff to come so keep your eyes open.




I have a freebie, but here's the thing LOL. This was supposed to be for Valentine's Day, but I forgot about it. It is pretty basic. Lots of transparency hearts and a broken, black heart for when love just stinks. You can grab it HERE.


So what else....Top Chef starts tonight. Woo hoo! I just love that Tom Colicchio. What can I say? American Idol. Could Kristy Lee have sung that song any worse? No. Prediction...she's outta there. Have you seen the preview for "Leatherheads" with George Clooney (yummy), Renee Zellwegger and the the equally scrumptious John Krasinski from The Office? Looks pretty cute. Hmmmm....I'm on Facebook now. Pretty cool and I honestly like it more than My Space. I think that's about it. I promise to do this more. I'm just sick of being sick.



Oh!!!! Here' a new favorite of mine. These bobby pins by Mira Designs @ Scraphead are just toooo cute.

Later gator!!!

Bad blogger...bad!!!! and Happy Birthday

I have not been in the mood to blog or design. How bad is that? Sometimes the stuff just flows, but not lately. I'm trying to kick my butt into gear. Argh! BUT I have been all about scrapping lately. I've been so inspired by some great stuff coming out.


Oh my gosh! Lovely stuff out there. I am just in love with {we are } Storytellers. Great stuff. Great site. Just look at some of this stuff:








Go check out this site. The best part is the stories section and then education. They tell you how they do what they do. Awesome tips.

Also, check out Holliewood Studios newest kit. This kit is absolutely fabulous!!!!!!



One last shout out. I just love Natali Designs basics. They are just fabulous. I am now in love with her Chains. Check this out.





This is going to be a short blog LOL. Lastly, I just want to say Happy Birthday to my little boy. I can't believe he's five years old. The time goes by waaaayyyy too quickly. Mwah baby!!

get your lighters out....."FREEEEEE bird"

Ok, mine's out and lit because I have a new freebie for everyone. I just LOVE Adobe Lightroom. You can have fantastic photos in just a couple clicks. My new freebie is Cloudy Day Brighten Presets. How did I come to think of these presets???? Welllllll, I'm still working on my UK layouts and I've had great pictures that lost their vitality because it was a windy, cloudy day. The hero of the day....Adobe Lightroom! These presets give a punch of brightness and just makes the photo.


HERE is the link to the Freebie....enjoy!



1. What's going on:

I had parent teacher conferences today. My son is only four and in preschool, but yes, he is brilliant. LOLOLOL Actually, he IS doing fantastic and they highly recommend an all day preschool instead of a half day. BUT my son is still a boy....case in point:

"Mommy. Here's a booger."
"Billy!! Go get a kleenex and throw that booger away."
"That's ok Mommy. I just put it back in my nose."

BWAAAAAHHHH!!! Gross, but oh so boyish.

What else??? Getting over my second flu go around. Aches, stomach pains, etc. Hit the whole family too. Grrr. But at least it's done in 48 hours. Feel a cold coming on though. We're a bunch of sickies here.


2. What I have in new product:

I have a BUNCH of new things coming next week:

HUGE frames. Literally 12 x 12, 8.5 x 11, 8 x 8. I love frames!!!
aged and grungy photo masks
Lil' Diva Mini kit that will coordinate with A Boy Named Trouble kit
mini black paper alpha
round circle white and black alpha
paint mats

I'm also retiring a bunch of stuff from my store. It'll be 50% off and then gone! Making room for new stuff.


3. Favorite Product:

I am in love with Ah! Designs Bracket Frames. Just Awesome!!!!


4. Song I'm in to:

Lately I keep playing Travis's "Sing". Just a great song. Plus, Jim and Pam from The Office sway to the song.

Keep an eye on this singer. Adele has a FANTASTIC voice.


5. Three favorite things:

aqua and red color combo
Curel lotion
Dove hand soap...the thick stuff is great


6. Favorite sites

I'm just loving good old You Tube.

It's Saturday

This won't be that long of a post, but I've got to keep up with blogging LOL.

Crazy week this week:

-lunch with my ex-in-law's who I just adore!!! Wonderful people who still make me feel like family
-field trip for my little guy. Their class went to Petland and I was informed that he wanted another dog. Ummmmm...not with a huge dog and six cats.
-trying to get those things out of the corners etc. So hard with a four year old boy with stuff all over.
-designing stuff....most will be out Feb. 4th
-staying off Hello a bit. It's so much easier to do things around the house. I'm soooo chatty that I have to do this LOL

Curious to see who wins today in the South Carolina primary (go Barack). A very interesting political year.

May go to the Florida Keys with my internet pals. We've been friends for a year and half (a group of 6 of us) and we met up last year and had a fabulous time. If I've got the money I'm going. Sun, water and booze...a good combo.

I just love my Project Runway. Personally, I thought Rami should have won this past week. Ricky's dress was cute, but Rami's just had imagination.


More next time :)

Life is good :) I'm a Little Dreamer Dream Girl

Yipeee!!! I am a Little Dreamer Dream Girl. I just cannot believe it. I have to thank the wonderful Leora Sanford for putting my name out there. This is one of the BEST gigs in digiland. I'm truly lucky for all my teams. Big shout out to Christina, Hollie and Shady. You ladies always inspire me with your fantastic designs.


1. What's going on:

Well, besides my Little Dreamer gig...my son is with my ex for four days. Kind of nice having a bit of a break. I miss him like crazy after three days, but it's still nice having that time off.

It's funny. I have made more friends on the internet. It's crazy. My Most Haunted Forum friends (we don't watch the show, but we still talk)talk almost everyday. We actually met in Philly last May and we got on soooo well. It was great meeting my forum friends. This year we're planning to meet up in Key West. Friends, water, waves and booze...ah perfection! Seriously, shout out to my pals: Sue, Traci, Karen, Siobhan, and Jackie. Cheers!

Yesterday, my OTHER internet friend Mimi aka Meems met up with the kids at Pump it Up. My son knew no one, but made friends quickly. He's a friendly little guy. Mimi, she good people, and the kids had a blast. Hmmmm...maybe a Pump it Up kit.

I'm really looking forward to Feb. 5th. That's primary day here in Illinois. Got my voting card and it's burning a hole in my pocket.

Lastly, I'm still loving my Sherrilyn Kenyon books. Fun, fast reads. :)


2. What new product do I have:

I'm working on some stuff, but for now, I have a freebie. Yep a freebie. I have had these on my hard drive. They're kind of simple, but I like them: Black Glitzy Grids. Get them HERE.


3. Favorite product:


I've just been into actions lately. I really want the ones from Nichole V., but we'll see


4. Song I'm in to:

Very sad, but I like Blake Lewis's "Break Anotha" :)


5. Favorite things:

Target Shutterfly books
grunge fonts
aqua and brown

6. Favorite sites:

For inspiration:
I love Studio Calico's gallery. Lovely stuff.

Note to self...Never do two kits back to back

1. What's going on:

Welllllll, stupid me decided on doing two kits at the same time. Am I crazy????????? I do have to say that I love them both. The firs is my Bohemian Bliss kit.


I LOVE it. It's got yellow, pink, orange, green and brown. Lots of elements, cool papers and I am in love. This will go into the Sophia Sarducci store on Monday. Love the preview and not everything is in there.

Next, I did a boy kit. I've wanted to do one forever. My son is such a goofy, dirty, know it all lololol that I just had to do a kit based on him. I think it turned out soooo great. Great boy colors: light blue, blue, red, green and yellow. Fun and again, tons of elements with great papers. Both previews are above.


2. What I have new:

See above :)


3. Favorite product:

Right now I am on such a Leora Sanford kick at Little Dreamer. Her stuff is awesome and she is so underrated. Love her stuff.


4. Song I'm in to:

I'm liking that song by Linkin Park - Shadow of the Day . The video streams on their site. Not happy and violent FYI


5. Three favorite things:

Craig Ferguson on CBS
Sherrilyn Kenyon books still....the year of Acheron :)
Alex O'Laughlin on Moonlight. Yummy!


6. Sites I like:

Jenni Bowlin's blog
Jamie Walters blog...man can that girl scrap
Again, Kirsty Wiseman's blog. Funny and I love the UK lingo


Hopefully a freebie coming soon.

Finally recovered from Christmas

1. What's going on:

I am almost recovered from Christmas LOL. If I had to read one more set of directions I think I would have snapped. At least Leapster, which was the favorite, did not have any little pieces. Never again will I get a Spongebob Lego set (actually from my friend) for any kid until they can do it themselves. It took over 3 hours to put together. Yuck.

I got a new winter coat, scarf, hat and a Barnes and Noble gift card, already used ;), for Christmas. Though my iPod nano was part of my gift too. It really was a good Christmas. My son just loves his Leapster and the game Don't Break the Ice. Too cute.


2. What I have - New Product

Check out Monday. I have New Year's papers coming up. :) more stuff too.


3. Favorite Product:

I am just loving the Jolly Jingle kit at Little Dreamer. I got it on sale SCORE!!!!


4. Song I'm Into:

I love, love, love Rogue Wave's Lake Michigan.


5. Three favorite things:

1) You Tube
2) BBC News
3) the color green


6. Favorite sites:

Just Yankee Candle today