Take me to the Candy Shoppe!

This year the Lollipop Girls of Candy Shoppe Designs have a lot of exciting things up their sleeves.

I, for one, have been making up challenges off the top of my head like crazy.  We will now be hosting 3 challenge options per month, all at the same time.  You can do one or all, the more the merrier.  Plus, another option will also be given to you as well.  These challenges are going to be even more outrageous than ever.  Wanna see?!?

Just take a peek at what we have planned for January....

IT'S CALLED ART - Go crazy and create something unimaginable....and then call it ARTwork.

Don't get too excited. ;-) LOL

A YEAR OF ALL SEASONS - Mix in an element from all four seasons into one creation. 

WHITE - Try creating using only white. 

I know this one's been done before elsewhere but I figured it a perfect time to do one too at C.S.D.  It's a new year.  Time to start fresh.  Make everything pure....so that later in the year we can corrupt it with all of my other outrageous ideas. Kidding!

No I'm not.. ;-)

If you know me well enough then you know that I don't like to play by the rules.  So, of course I'm not going to make you if I don't.  You will be allowed to bend the rules a bit.  And by bending the rules I mean that you can customize the challenges to suit your personal tastes. 

Like....if you wanted to add a pop of color to your white creation, that's fine.  You create these things for you, not me.  However, please do not take this bending the rules bit too far.  Like....creating in ALL BLACK when the rules clearly state that it's an ALL WHITE challenge.  That's like....going to P. Diddy's ALL WHITE party when you've got ALL BLACK on and expecting to be let in. 

Just saying.

Besides exciting challenges we'll also be having a Blog Hop next month (in February).  It's going to be SWEET!  We haven't had one in over a year and so we will be making up for it.

There are a couple of new designers added onto the team as well to keep things fresh and exciting.  They are such talented Sweethearts and they are ready to play!

We also have a very special lady deemed "The Candy Striper."  Am happy to announce her as my special little helper.

Also, we've got a few sponsors lined up to help out with prizes but since I haven't paid much attention to that area for awhile we still are in need of many more.  So, if you're interested in sponsoring the foxiest challenge blog out there (and who wouldn't be)....then come find us!



http://candyshoppedesigns.blogspot.com/

NEW PERSPECTIVE

I have a NEW PERSPECTIVE on life this year and I know the way I see things now will only bring me to do better and greater things.

This year I WILL.....

Strive to be a better ME.

This year I WILL NOT....

strive to be like anyone else.

I am going to give myself a happiness makeover.

This year I will make a promise to myself and keep it!

So here goes....

Dear Self,

I'm sorry I haven't been taking care of you the way I should have. I know you are special in your own unique way and I haven't realized that anymore than now. YOU ARE wonderful, YOU ARE talented and YOU WILL get to where you want to be someday. I shouldn't have taken you for granted so much. I promise that I will believe in you more and that I will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER QUIT believing. Do great things this year, be amazing, move forward, make a difference and keep on going. You are so incredibly fabulous and you always have been.

xoxo

Myself

Thank you to Sweet Peach Crop Shop for supplying me with some of the papers and embellies I used in this layout and thank you to ScrapMatts for the awesome border chipboard pieces. 

This layout I created is based on the new inspiration photo this month over at the NERDY VICTORIOUS SCRAPBOOKERS challenge blog.  Here's the photo....

The challenge is going on all month long and if there are over 5 entries this month someone will win a prize from Candy Shoppe Designs.  *Sponsors for the next few months are needed.  Contact information is on the challenge blog.  Also, NEW design team members are needed too so make sure to stop on by and check out the call.

Here's my layout in it's entirety.... 

The photos are of my younger cousin.

I used the current sketch over at YourScrapbookStash by Erica.  Go check that out too!  More prizes to be won!

I also created this for the scraplift challenge over at XOXO.  So, if you are inspired by it and feel like scraplifting it, give it a go!  Enter your scraplift in the challenge and you'll have the chance at winning the "Secend Semester" kit from Sweet Peach Crop Shop.  The challenge is going on all month long. *Sponsors are needed for up-coming months over at XOXO.

Scratch That! Reverse It!

This is Kimberly Scott (Brimhall) and I on News Years Eve during a photo shoot.  Kimberly is a Photographer, Videographer and Scrapbooker with a really talented soul!  She inspires me.

Kimberly recently watched "Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory" for the very first time a few days ago and found her life phrase "Scratch That!  Reverse It!"  I decided to use it as my title in my very first layout of the year.

Your Scrapbook Stash is sponsoring Color Combos Galore this month and so I decided to give a shot at their Color Challenge #174.

I don't normally like to play by the rules but this time I tried really, really hard to stick by them.

According to the rules neutral colors like kraft, black and white are allowed.  As well as some other colors too but in small doses.

It wasn't too hard to follow.  Especially for the fact that I had the January Kits from Sweet Peach Crop Shop to work with.

I used the pleated ribbon and a couple of the papers and buttons from this kit....

I used the fabRips from this kit....

And I used a corrugated arrow from this kit....

I won't forget the fabulous flourish chipboard piece I got from Scrap Matts.  It's fabulous I tell you, just fabulous!



I'm going to be SO inspired this year!

I'll be receiving product to work with from 3 different fabulous companies and getting to design along with some very talented scrappers.  Yay me!!!

Thank you Scrap Matts, Sweet Peach Crop Shop and Your Scrapbook Stash for adding me on to your team of designers.

xo

My 2010 Recap

It’s that time of year again, when we look back and share some of our favorite finds, lessons and Facebook moments from this 2010 year. 

Here are a few favorites that I must share:

Fashion & Beauty Finds:

I got so used to hearing that I was thin that I always thought I'd have nothing to worry about.  Well, the time finally came where my age doesn't allow me to be carefree any longer, high metabolism or not.  This is why I turn to my tummy shaper when I'd like to wear tight clothing.  They are undetectable and thanks to these babies I can still feel sexy when I get dressed up.

Kid Finds:

When this movie released again this year I was ready.  This Disney Classic has always been a favorite of mine and I was sure that my kids were going to love it just as much.  

Eva is now a Belle Fanatic and with her big almond shaped eyes and light brown hair I think she resembles her some too.  She wanted to dress as Belle for Halloween this year and when Dj asked if he could be The Beast she told him "No, you're my Daddy!"

Food Finds:

The BEST Ice Cream EVER!

Pop Culture Finds:

I never listened to Country music until this douche bag dissed Taylor Swift.  I'M ON TEAM TAYLOR!

Favorite things that embarrass me and horrify my family:
Embarrassing to admit but I always think I can get away with passing gas while shopping....not with my family!  They call me out each and every time while I'm trying to rush out of the aisle.  The kids with their "Ewe Mom!"  My husband with his gagging noises and even the 3 year old will be like "What's that smell?" LOL

Favorite Song:

Definately "Pretty Girl Rock" by Keri Hilson.  I LOVE when my 3 year old daughter starts singing the part "Don't Hate Me cause I'm Beautiful!"


Favorite TV Show:

My mother got me watching "The Jersey Shore" this past Summer.  Yes, MY MOTHER.

Favorite Movie:

This is actually a 2009 film but I just watched it about a month ago and thought it was BAD A$$ with a capital B.A.D!!!

Favorite Book:

"Heaven is for Real" is about a little boy's astounding story of his trip to heaven and back.  I've heard a lot of "good" about this book and plan on getting it myself to read.  I've read what I could from the Barnes & Noble website and I BELIEVE IT!

Favorite YouTube Video:

"How to trick people into thinking you're good looking!" When I found this video I watched it over and over again.  This chick is SO FUNNY!

My Favorite Facebook Status Update:

"My husband makes me stronger. He picks me up when I'm down, always! With him I can take on anything. I'm so glad I have him in my life."

My Most Regrettable Facebook Status Update:

"It's been a tough couple of days.  Yesterday I helped my husband pack for his deployment to Iraq.  Today I seen him off."

My Favorite Blog Discoveries:

Centsational Girl and Brave Girls Club.

Favorite Blog Post of My Own:

"You were my BIGGEST Mistake!"

It took courage on my part to tell this story about an abusive relationship I was in and the fear I lived with for a very long time.  I am proud of myself for opening up and sharing my story.  For the longest time I would never talk about it for the fear of people judging me. I didn't want to be known as "that girl."  I hope it will give someone else who is in the same kind of relationship status the push to leave as well before it's too late.  If I can do it, anyone can!  And just in case there is someone out there reading this who is in the same situation I'd like to tell you that there is something better out there for you!  Go after it!  You deserve it!

Favorite Photo Taken:

This is my favorite photo this year and it isn't even my own child.  LOL  I think it's because I had just started to learn how to use my DSLR camera off "Auto Mode" and I didn't even need to touch it up in Photoshop at all to make it look this way.  I LOVE how bright it is and how piercing her eyes are.  I give myself props for not getting another red eye pic. LOL  I also love how I was able to focus on her and blur the background out.  BUT....you can STILL see my favorite Ice Cream. :-)

Real Life....

What did you kick to the curb this year?

MySpace.  I like Facebook better.

What/Who did you realize you are particularly grateful for?

 I have always been especially grateful for my husband.  Year after year I realize more and more of what a blessing he truly is to me.  He is such a great man!  My Mother refers to him as "God's answer to her prayers" and I really believe he's the answer to mine as well.

What did you do this year that you are really proud of?

I took my husband's place as the Head of Household while he was deployed in Iraq.

What word sums up 2010 for you?

Active.

What would you have done differently in 2010?

I wish I took more time to relax.

Best vacation/weekend getaway of 2010:

San Antonio River with my Husband, Kids, Mom, Sisters, Uncle, Aunt, Cousins and Friends this past Summer.  We rode on a REAL lazy river with our water tubes and had a blast!

What is your #1 goal for 2011?

Stop procrastinating.

What are some of your favorites this year?

Candy Shoppe Designs

Candy Shoppe Designs

It's the most foxiest challenge blog around (no doubt!) and the 35th challenge has been posted.

It's called "Superhero" and you all are prompted to think about who that Superhero in your life is.

Be it real or fiction. 

Some may call themselves their own heroes, some may call their spouses their heroes, some may even declare their parents as heroes.  So who's yours?  Is it a Coach from when you were in grade school or a stranger who helped you when you were left stranded somewhere? 

Scrap the moment and share with us who your superhero is.  We want to know!

This challenge is being hosted from December 1-31, 2010 and here's the prize:

All you need to do is join our Linky Party with a direct link to your Superhero creation and at the end of the challenge contest we will look through all the entries and pick a winner by January 15, 2011.  Click the link above to enter!

Mama's Holiday Wishlist 2010

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

TodaysMama and GameStop are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family?

I wish for nothing more but to see smiles on everyone's faces and to know that everyone has happy hearts.

2. What is your Christmas morning / Hanukkah Nightly tradition?

Every Christmas morning I'm behind the camera video taping all the excitement while everyone opens their gifts.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?

An AWESOME massage guaranteed to last at least an hour long.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?

Easy!  We do simple things like visiting Santa in the mall, writing him letters and making little video clips of the kids answering some fun Christmas questions. We also watch a bunch of Christmas movies that come on t.v.  My family love's to watch Christmas movies!

This year I ended up getting a great idea on what we could do.  My plan is to give the kids each a bunch of different "truths" on paper and we are going to pass them out to people on our outtings.  I believe that it will boost people's spirits this holiday.  The "truths" will state things like "Everything is going to work out...keep the faith." and "You are absolutely enough. Believe it."

5. What games did you play with your family growing up?

Dr. Mario and Tetris on Nintendo.  I was REALLY good at it too and used to beat all of my Uncles at it.

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?

I carried on the tradition of allowing my kids to open one small present from under the tree on Christmas Eve.  For the past years years or so I have been doing the Angel Tree with my kids.  They each get to pick an angel from the tree at the mall and make someone's wish list.  I wanted to teach them that it's not all about what they get, but what they give too!  I'm hoping that it's something that THEY will continue on doing year after year and make a family tradition. 

7. Where would you go for a Christmas/Hanukkah-away-from-home trip?

Well, I haven't got the chance to spend Christmas with my family back in Hawaii for about 8 or 9 years now.  I would jump at the chance to go back for the holidays and show my husband and kids what it's like to be surrounded by family on Christmas morning (as EVERYONE in the family gathers under one roof).

8. Check out GameStop and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?

1. An Xbox 360 250 GB with Kinect

2. Madden NFL 11 (I know my husband would LOVE this!)

3. Dance Central (My whole family will LOVE this and it will give us all something else we can do together).

p.s. I've been a VERY good girl this year!

I am going to BE HAPPY ANYWAY!

When I was a little girl I used to daydream about what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I had a long list of all the things I wanted to be and now that I'm "grown-up" I am none of those things.

"Life happens" and you don't always get to be or even get to do what you want in life, not always anyway.

But, life is good.  Even with all of the obstacles thrown my way, life is good!

Things haven't always been this happy for me, more like depressing really.  But, if it weren't for all of those things....I wouldn't have learned to love life the way I do now.

Even though I don't have the life I thought I would have by now, it's still a really good life to have.

I make my own choices and I choose to...

The Brave Girls Club

Check them out!  You'll be AWE-inspired!!!  I was.

God Grant Me...

THE SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change

THE COURAGE to change the things I can

and THE WISDOM to know the difference

I recently discovered MY PAPER TREEHOUSE and it was very inspirational.

Products used here can be found at my favorite online scrapbooking store: BlueMoonScrapbooking.

The Simple Plan

Here's the November Challenge Inspiration over at ENVIOUS. We've been calling it "The Simple Plan."

As always, you'll just need to take from it what you will (the colors, the patterns, the objects, etc.) and do what you do!

I was inspired by the primary colors and the text printed paper.  Here's what I created...

Show us NERDY GIRLS how you got inspired by it.  TODAY (30 November) is your very last day to submit your entries into the challenge.

For further inspiration visit the Lipstick Chicks at XOXO and scraplift away as TODAY (30 November) is the last day to get your scraplift entries in.  Scrap Attack is our fabulous sponsor this month over there and they are giving away an awesome prize package.  Go check it out!