December Daily part two

Our December was not a usual one for us, as Phill’s beloved grandfather passed away so we made a trip Townsville (7.5hrs driving, 7hrs flying) to attend the funeral and spend time with the family up there. Even though it was a not a happy reason to get together, we still have some very happy memories from the trip.

So here’s page two of my Holidays in Hand/December Daily album for 2009.

In my earlier post about December Daily I have linked up the products I am using. You can also see the full credits here.

How are you remembering your December?

Melissa

I signed up for Yesterday and Today with Ali Edwards

After listening to Pile on Ali, I was thinking I’d really love to take Yesterday and Today at Big Picture Classes. Here’s more about it from the Big Picture blog

Yesterday + Today
Ali Edwards | author and blogger
When we asked our BPC community to share their favorite workshops of all time, Ali Edward's Yesterday + Today is at the top of the list. We are therefore delighted to bring Ali and Yesterday + Today back to kick off our 2011 4Experts series. This information and inspiration packed course is dedicated to helping you tell your story, past and present. The New Year is brimming with fresh-start motivation and year-gone-by reflection and Ali will help you recognize and commemorate both as you compile a self-affirming life project that celebrates you in the context of your everyday life. Look forward to infusing your 2011 with all the things Ali believes in practicing: words + photos = scrapbooking, embracing imperfection, and going with the flow. You'll even tackle the tough questions like, "What stories are really going to matter 10, 20, 30 years from now?"
Join us in January, February and March for a remarkable journey with Ali Edwards. You can learn more about Ali at aliedwards.com.
Audio Message from Ali:  

After much thought, we decided to click on buy! I’ve already heard some of my online friends are taking the class, and of course in Pile on Ali Izzy wants us all to join in, so no doubt I’ll meet a lot of Roundtable listeners in the class. It should be fun!
This is my first “paid for” class at Big Picture, but I’ve participated in the Big Ideas Festival and done a couple of free classes and I like their style, so I can’t wait! Want to join me?
If you decide to register at Big Picture using my link and purchase your first class, we'll both receive a code for 10% off** your next order of your choice. Of course you can always just sign up and select from one of the free classes.
If you are looking to get a discount off your first class, listen to any recent Paperclipping Rountable episode for details. Ali also has a coupon code for Yesterday and Today on her Facebook page.
I’m excited to start the class, and I’ve just downloaded pre-workshop PDFs. I hope to blog about my progress on the class. So stay tuned people!
Melissa
**Disclaimer: For each new account created with your Registration Code as a "friend", a 10% off code will be issued once the new account has purchased one class. Code will be available under "My Rewards". 10% off code can be used towards Self-Paced classes and Workshops. Code cannot be used towards gift certificate purchases. Melissa’s registration code is D952F179 - or click on http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/register.php?refer=D952F179

I’m orange!

I got totally hooked using the pedometer in my iPod nano at the beginning of this year.

• First of all I just recorded my steps
• Then I started adding steps to my daily Wii Fit Plus routine.
• Then I created a Nike+ Account and started their round the world challenge – I’m onto my fourth city now. It is so motivating to see how many steps you are doing (thought I rarely hit 10 000 per day!).

As a going away gift from a friend in Kalgoorlie, I was given a Nike+ Sportband, and now I can start collecting kilometres instead of just steps.
I’ve just reached orange, the second level after having run/walked 50kms!

It’s fun to try to catch up with my fit running friends, but I’m not sure that will ever happen!
Do you have a site/club/fitness buddy to keep you motivated? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Small Business Saturday–Little Stove

Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses.  American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27.  They're offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for "Likes" of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook.  Join the celebration by clicking the "Like" button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.

One of our family’s favourite spots is a coffee shop named Little Stove just around the corner, on Harris St.

Little Stove

Shop 97, 103 Harris St, Bicton 

99319 9811 Open Mon-Sun, 7am-5pm

View Larger Map

Emily enjoying a family tradition -
froth from Grandma's cappuccino

The decor makes for a lovely homey, old world atmosphere and plenty of space enjoy a quiet conversation.
We’ve enjoyed some lovely drinks, from a berry and honey smoothie, to a iced chocoate, to a well made cappuccino, The drinks menu has a lot of variety, not just the usual cafe fare. The food is lovely and home made – last time Emily and I indulged in a sumptuous vanilla slice, made with real vanilla beans and puff pastry! Divine. However, Emily didn’t eat much as she was busy playing with the toys thoughtfully provided and making some new friends.
It’s a nice touch to see not only a wide selection of homemade treats, but also free range eggs and where possible organic and local produce is used also.
The first Sunday of every month marks Little Stove High Tea, with vintage fine bone china and freshly made morsels I hear that its an afternoon tea not to be missed! 
You can take the Little Stove experience home with a selection of teas and coffees for sale, and a number of other gifts for sale (and adding to the decor at the same time.
It is well worth a visit if you are in the area. But don’t take my word for it, take a look at some of the reviews over at WOMOW, Google, Perth Coffee Scene and PerthNow and then try it for yourself.
What’s your favourite haunt in your local area?

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Logging my memories

In an aim to simplify my life in 2010, I decided to combine my scrapping ideas, monthly round-up, diary and journal into one and so the Memory Logbook got put on my wishlist for Christmas 2009. My DH bought the printable version for me and it sits on my desk. After 11 months, I'm still using it, which is a ringing endorsement! I'm jotting down info about my baby's routine, events and snippets of life for future journalling and being inspired by the weekly challenges. Want to know more?

Annual & Monthly Themes – New this year, the entire Memory Logbook is based on one unifying theme: This Is My Life. Monthly themes will tie in with this “all about me” focus, including the Weekly Challenges, completely updated monthly photo prompts and new this year, an inspirational quote for each month.

52 Brand New Weekly Challenges – A theme-related challenge for every week in 2011 in one of six formats … Journaling Challenge, Copycat Challenge, One Word Challenge, Real Life Challenge, Picture Perfect Challenge, or Reflection Challenge.

52 Sample Layouts – This year’s edition includes a sample layout for every single Weekly Challenge. While last year’s book included primarily layouts created by yours truly, this year we are very fortunate to be able to feature the work of 28 other very talented contributing artists! You will find the list of these fabulous scrapbookers below. Additionally, a new design has resulted in a larger image size for our sample layouts to better enable you to truly appreciate these inspiring works of art.

Cleaner, More Streamlined Design - Thanks to all of the wonderful feedback received from last year’s Memory Logbook owners, this year’s design has a more simple, modern look. Reorganized content and a more modular design also allow for greater compatibility with existing planners, which means it will be easier to pick and choose your favorite sections from the Memory Logbook and incorporate them into your favorite planning system.

Lots of Options - The new line includes two sizes (5.5×8.5 and 8.5×11) as well as multiple formats (full-year, half-year, downloadable PDF, coil-bound, perfect-bound, wall calendar, etc.), which means there really is something for everyone. Even more options will be added soon, including a non-holiday version, challenges-only book, monthly editions, add-on individual pages and even a build-your-own Memory Logbook option!

I thought I'd let you all know about the community too, it's full of paper and digi scrappers from all over the world! A fun place to hang out.
If you are interested in buying the Memory Logbook, why not use my affiliate link and help support my blogging efforts!
 

How do you record bits of life for your scrapping? I love having an all in one tool to help me capture the little things.
Melissa

*affliliate links where possible*

Rock on - Scrappers give thanks

Rock on
Originally uploaded by mshanhun

I've just uploaded my card for the Scrappers Give Thanks 2010 project.

I've aimed at a little higher age group, hopefully one of the older children will enjoy this little card.

Have you added your contribution to the Flickr pool.
Want to know more about Scrappers Give Thanks? I've got more details here

Save on photobooks and more at MyPicTales

In the mood to save a bit of cash on your digital scrapbooking gifts?
Check out this post over at MyPicTales for 40% off calendars, 40% off photobooks and another coupon for free shipping - it just saved me $35!
I've been thrilled with the quality and service at MyPicTales and have just placed my third oder with them!

Also check out their 30 days of giveaways on Facebook for more awesome deals!

Simplifying digi-scrapping

I enjoy the daily posts at Simple Scrapper, in my quest for simplifying life this year (my one little word is simplify).
I’ve been joining in Celebrate Monday for the last couple of weeks, it’s a fun way to start the week and maybe write out some journalling to go with a photo to scrap later.
I loved Jen’s series on 21 ways to tell your story. This post about layout inspiration is a great taste of her simple tip-style. Her simple tip topics cover:

• Community
• Organization
• Photography
• Productivity
• Storytelling
• Techniques
• Tools

Jen also has a fan page on Facebook where she asks for input on upcoming topics and ideas are welcome!
So if you are looking to fit more actual scrapping into your scrap time I recommend you check out Simple Scrapper!
Melissa


*affliliate links where possible*
PS This post first appeared on the mgl Scraps CT blog

I love Tribe

Do you love unique gifts for the little ones in your life? I do!

This selection is available at Tribe, a gorgeous store with lots of indulgence for little folk.

If you sign up to their newsletter they are often sending out coupons for their members. A few months ago I got a hugs discount off their Kids in the Kitchen Deluxe Baking Set which is sadly no longer available.
But you can buy the pretend mixer 


I'm not affiliated with Tribe in anyway, just a happy customer. Do you have a favourite store for children's gifts?

Melissa

So what’s all this about the Digi Game

I’ve recorded a little video explaining the ins and outs of the Digi Game, what you get for your subscription and a preview of the Story of Every Day life the exclusive collaboration kit.

Now you know what it's all about you can sign up here
Melissa

*affliliate links where possible*

December Daily

Last year I faithfully recorded all the details of our December on the sheets that Jessica Sprague provided in her Holidays in Hand class. This is as far as I got with the scrapping though!

Two birds with one Stone!

This year I’m planning to scrap 2009 and 2010 using Jessica Sprague’s special template and some kits I have in my stash. It has enough layers in it for FOUR different designs, with the squares rotating around. The designs are labeled A, B, C, and D. So I have plenty of room to include variation, but I just don’t have to worry about the basic design,

Shopping my Stash

I’m using the following kits – previews linked where possible.


No longer availableNo longer available
There’s a wide range of colours there, and I’m just choosing the bits and pieces that go together. Apart from Ali herself and the December Daily 2010 Flikr Group, I’ve also been inspired by Katie the Scrapbook lady both her post this year, and last year.
There’s so much inspiration, and though I’d love to do a hands on album one year, being digital means I have a hope of completing this project while still having space in our little ‘apartment’.
I hope to be back soon with more pics of my foundation pages! I’d love to see what you are doing with December Daily.
Melissa

*affliliate links where possible*

My lastest wins

So I have a long history of winning things, from being bride of the month back in 2007 at Cupids Bridal, to $500 at a Day Spa from Telstra in 2006, attendance at a conference in Canberra in 2006, several awards for my academic work and a few random bit and pieces such as Loreal products too. After much reminding from my Dad, I’ve finally decided to document my latest wins.

In the last few weeks I’ve won a few challenges over at Scrapbookgraphics, and here’s what I’ve picked up with my winnings.

Stitched AlphaSet – Pastel

Naturae PaperPack

I’ve still got $10 to spend at Studio Wendyzine,so I’ll post them another day.

What have you won lately? I’d love to hear!

Melissa

Inspiration Everywhere Free Class from Jessica Sprague

I'm so excited to hear about the latest free class from Jessica Sprague, I've done four classes with Jessica before and they have all been brilliant. Here's the scoop!

It's that time of year! It's FREE class time, and I'm calling ALL CRAFTERS AND CREATIVE SOULS to take a journey of inspiration with me! Registration begins today, so click on the image below to read more about the class and how to register. Be sure to spread the word to all of your family members, friends, and neighbors! :D

Digital Scrapbooking Day–my scores so far!

To celebrate digital scrapbooking day, the fact I've completed marking for the semester, and moved 600kms a bit of retail therapy is in order. It helps that some of my favourite stores are having 50% off!
At Scrapbookgraphics there’s lots of fun going on in the forums.

I picked up this huge Studio Girls Collective Collaboration – Impressions of Comfort at Home for only $5. It comes with bonus quick pages if you buy it this week.

I will be using the pennants in this kit for sure. Check out Katie’s post at the Daily Digi for more ideas (oh and to see my last layout using pennants!)
I also picked up the clustered frames for Impressions of Tradition

I love that kit!

Check out Flergs sale!

First up, my DSD 2010 sale! Only at my SBG store.

Coupons disabled during sale, bundles not discounted.

Discount will show at checkout!

Also keep an eye on my Facebook fan page or Twitter

I will be posting coupons throughout the weekend.

 

I have been eyeing off this collab with Sugarplum Paperie – I’ll be back with a layout soon I hope!

Also, Monica’s store is 50% off (except the buy my store promo, which is already the bargain of the year!)

My latest acquisition from her store… Casual Attraction {the mega bundle}

I’d love to see what you have purchased – link me up to your blog post or your favourite products in the comments
Melissa
PS if you want every month to be like DSD – check out The Digi Game at the Daily Digi



*affliliate links where possible*

Project 365 Fail

Have you got any Project 365/52 photos that have never seen the light of day? Did you start the project and then never complete it?
I certainly did. In 2009 I attempted Project 365, and didn't take a photo everyday but most days I did. I like to think that instead of a failed Project 365 I have a resource of everday photos for my layouts - a set of stock photos you could say.
Noell from Paperclipping.com also started a project and kept adding metadata to her photos to help with the journalling later.Though she's not using them in a standard Project 365 way, she's got some cool ideas here. She is now using the metadata to make some stylish simple summer pages here.
Katie the Scrapbook lady is working on a Backwards Project 365 where she is documenting the story behind a photo each day. What an awesome idea!
As for me, I didn't end up scrapping Project 365 for 2009 at all. So this year I'm not attempting to do this, but rather I'm working on getting my favourite photos from this project into an album. I'm just highlighting a few of the photos each month using 2 pages spread from a template with a simple journalling box to the side.

Also in 2008 I did a brag book challenge over at Scrapbookgraphics and completed pages for 2007-2008. So I thought I could create an album to take both of these project off my to do list. You can have a sneak peek of my album's progress here

If the 'View Photo Book' button above does not work,
copy and paste the link below into your browser
http://www4.snapfish.com.au/snapfishau/projectshareewelcome/p=685211277109416052/l=4898244019/g=105659315/cobrandOid=1024/otsc=SYE/otsi=SPRJ
I hope I've inspired you to take another look at those old projects and maybe something fun can come out of them for you!
Melissa
 
*affliliate links where possible*
PS This post first appeared on the mgl Scraps CT blog

Scrappers give thanks

Now in its second year,  Scrappers Give Thanks is an annual community scrapbooking project dounded by Jennifer S. Wilson with gracious support from Anna Aspnes. The  inaugural project in 2009 delivered over 650 handmade cards to Operation Write Home. I’ve quoted some details of the project this year from Scrappers Give Thanks website.

The 2010 Project

The 2nd annual Scrappers Give Thanks project has a goal of assembling 2000 participant-created 4×6 pages into 100 ten page (double-sided) mini albums to be delivered to 10 children’s hospitals across the country. Submitted pages should be scrapbook-style mini artworks containing positive words, happy images, jokes etc. and may be in digital or tangible formats.

Specifications

The Scrappers Give Thanks mini albums will be assembled with 4×6 page protectors and o-rings. To ensure a consistent look and feel, participants must adhere to the following specifications:

• Single-sided 4×6 pages
• Vertical orientation only (4″ wide by 6″ tall)
• Include age-appropriate positive messages and/or images
• No glitter, embellishments greater than 1/4″ thick or copyrighted images

Examples

Visit the Scrappers Give Thanks Flickr group to view great examples from our creative team and fellow participants. The following digital submission is an excellent example of a fun page designed to bring cheer to kids:

Submission

Digital contributions should be submitted via this form, submitting one entry at a time, by Wednesday, November 24. All digital submissions will be printed by Scrappers Give Thanks through our printing partner, Persnickety Prints, and thus should be created at 300ppi and saved at high resolution.

Paper submissions should be mailed to the following address no later than November 20, 2010 and MUST include an email address. Entries must be received by Wednesday, November 24 to be eligible for the giveaway.

I’m going to create my submission in the next couple of weeks so look out for it on this blog soon!

Melissa

*affliliate links where possible*