Friday, July 30, 2010

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: CHRISTMAS IN JULY - Jolly by Golly Crafting Kit by Cosmo Cricket

Wow...Christmas really is a wonderful time of year, isn't it!?

I had a blast reading through all of your favorite Christmas memory comments in the past few days. Many of you even gave me ideas for new traditions that I might like to start with my own daughter for Christmases to come.

In the meantime though, I have a wonderful Jolly by Golly Crafting Kit from Cosmo Cricket to give away!

Random.org chose lucky number...


SIX!! Congrats, Tina! Watch your inbox for further instructions...


Don't miss out on more great giveaways coming soon! If you haven't already, sign up for updates to the AMOM blog by email subscription or your favorite blog reader through the links in the left sidebar.
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Thursday, July 29, 2010

:PHOTOS: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

This past weekend Justin, Kaitlin and I enjoyed a weekend with Justin's sister and her husband. They've lived in Iowa for quite some time now and this was the first time that we've made it there to visit them.

After a four and a half hour drive featuring views of corn, corn and more corn (much to the chagrin of my husband), we arrived at their house just in time for a home cooked meal and an evening of Wii competition. We don't have one ourselves, so this was quite a treat!

On Saturday, we went for a ride with the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.

Thankfully, the weather was a little less sweltering than it had been in recent days as we were in non-air conditioned cars. However, it was a bit of a gloomy day with grey skies, which didn't make for the best scenic shots.

Still, we all had a great time and glad we went.

Here's a few of my favorite shots...


A display board inside the small museum.


Kaitlin with her Aunt Katie & Uncle Eli.


Kaitlin with Justin and I.


A sad old train in the train graveyard.


A view from one of the very tall railway bridges we crossed....this photo does not do justice to how tall this bridge really was.


Kaitlin enjoying the ride in her train engineers hat.


A view of the river...all of the river areas had VERY HIGH WATER from the vast amount of rain that Iowa has seen this summer...lots of flooding.


LOVE that little nose and those sweet lips peeking out from under the bill of her hat!


Halfway through our trip, our engine unhitched and made its way to the other end of the train on a neighboring track to take us back to our starting point.


Another favorite of Kaitlin.


Here's Kaitlin and Justin trying to get a better view of what's ahead from the concessions car.


A pretty landscape...despite the dreary looking sky.


Kaitlin watching the engineer filling up with more water for the next run.

That's it...certainly a scrap-worthy event!

READER RESPONSE:
Have you ever been on a historic train ride? If so, what did you think of it? Would you do it again?
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

:LAYOUT: That Smile

Just a random layout to share today...

The journaling block, title block and pebble clip (all with a little extra bling) create a visual triangle on the page.

The arrow also points to the area of the photo that supports the title.


Journaling:
It doesn’t happen very often,
but boy do I sure love it when I get
a big old NATURAL grin out of you!
There’s no sweeter sight in the world…

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper, Die-cuts: October Afternoon
Letter Stickers: Basic Grey
Pebble Clip: Making Memories
Gems: Hero Arts
Ink: Colorbox
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Scallop Punch: Fiskars
Font: Ali’s Writing
:LAYOUT: That SmileSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

:QUOTES: on TRAVEL according to Ball, Seinfeld, and Stevenson

IVERN BALL:
“A family vacation is one where you arrive with five bags, four kids and seven I-thought-you-packed-its.”

JERRY SEINFELD:
“Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason.”

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON:
“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake.”

READER RESPONSE:
Vote for your favorite quote and I'll create a word art freebie with the 'winning' quote to share with you sometime next week. In the meantime, check out my other word art downloads.

(Image Source: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/travel/products/luggage-101-10000001718593/)
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Monday, July 26, 2010

:GIVEAWAY: CHRISTMAS IN JULY - Cosmo Cricket's Jolly by Golly Crafting Kit [CONTEST CLOSED]

How about another great Christmas in July giveaway?

This giveaway includes the complete Jolly by Golly Crafting Kit from Cosmo Cricket as well as a sheet of alpha stickers and ribbon card!!

To enter, leave a comment telling me your favorite childhood Christmas memory.

You must leave your comment by 5 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 in order to be entered in the Random.org drawing. Be sure to come back on Friday to find out if your the winner!

GOOD LUCK!
:GIVEAWAY: CHRISTMAS IN JULY - Cosmo Cricket's Jolly by Golly Crafting Kit [CONTEST CLOSED]SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Friday, July 23, 2010

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: CHRISTMAS IN JULY - Holidays Idea Book from Scrapbook Trends

I'm so jealous of some of your dedication to being on task!!

In reading all of your comments from the holidays idea book review the other day, there are many of you who diligently begin your card-making, gift-making and list-making well before the final rush of the holidays.

At the same time, I found several of you who suffer from the very same wait-till-the-last-minute affliction that I have! :-)

Regardless, we have a winner for the free copy of the 2009 holidays idea book from Scrapbook Trends and that winner is lucky number...


TWENTY-NINE!


Congrats, Wendy...watch your email inbox for further instructions on how to claim your prize.

Be sure to check back on Monday for another great Christmas in July giveaway. Here's a hint...it's going to make you jolly by golly!
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Thursday, July 22, 2010

:FIVE FAVES: Get your head out of the clouds...

Or don't...it's a great place to be in the summertime.

It's also a great way to add a little fun to you summer layouts.


Clouds + Ribbon = CUTE!


I just ordered a few papers from this collection, including this one. I already have a layout in mind for them...I will probably hand-cut a few of these clouds out and add to a pool-themed layout on pop-dots.


Sassafras Lass - Serendipity Collection - Clear Acrylic Stamps - Head in the Clouds
Create clouds in fun patterns and in any colors your heart desires...only limited by your ink pad collection.


Here's a cloud pattern that has a bit of a moodier feel...maybe there's a summer storm ahead?


Doodlebug Design - Feeling Groovy Collection - 12 x 12 Paper - Over The Rainbow
With the addition of sweet flowers, heart, rainbows, peace symbols and mushrooms, this sheet of PP is sure to take you to a happier place!

READER RESPONSE:
Have you spotted another cloudy product that you love? Share a link!

(Note: The links above lead to further information on the listed products either at TwoPeasInABucket.com or Scrapbook.com. Remember, the Two Peas FREE SHIPPING code for July is 4JFWRK.)
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: August 2010 Kit Sneak Peek - "Sweet Summer"

Take a peek at the soon-to-be-released August 2010 MemoryWorks Kit called "Sweet Summertime."


Watch for further details on this kit coming soon! 

In the meantime, enjoy the details of a few past MemoryWorks Express Kits!

A MemoryWorks Express Kit subscription is ONLY $29.95 (plus $6.50 S&H) per month! They are chock full of the latest and greatest in the scrapbooking industry, the items are always timely in terms of the current season or holiday, and the price can't be beat!

If you are interested in subscribing or would simply like more information, please don't hesitate to contact me!
:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: August 2010 Kit Sneak Peek - "Sweet Summer"SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

:LAYOUT: Old Market

Since we're heading off for a relaxing mini-vacation to visit my sister-in-law and her husband this weekend, I have vacation on the brain.

Here's a great two-page spread featuring LOTS of pics (eleven if you're counting) from a 'mini-vaca' I took with my mom and sister a while back...something we should do again soon!

I used autoshapes in MS Word the size and shape of my photo and part of my title to help me shape the journaling appropriately before printing.

The transparency frame helps the standard 4x6 photo to stand out as the focal photo and the three rectangles of patterned paper create a visual triangle on the page.


Journaling:
This summer, my mom, sister and I took a two-day trip to Omaha. Our main purpose was to attend the Josh Groban concert on Friday night, but of course, we wanted to get in a little shopping, exploring and good eats as well.

The first afternoon we went to the Old Market in downtown Omaha. I have been there several times before, but only during work travel in the fall, so I was generally alone and the weather was generally much cooler.
Going to the Old Market in late summer and with family was quite a different experience. The place seemed so much more "alive." The colors, sounds and even tastes all seemed so much more vivid.

There were beautiful flowers for sale along the street and musicians on the corners.

We all had to make a stop at the Red Square, a store near to our hearts. The owners are a family from the Czech Republic and they have had a booth at Czech Days for many years and the girls in our family have gotten many Christmas gifts from them over the years – Czech crystal, jewelry and more.

We ate at Spaghetti Works and discovered what must be one of the best Bloody Mary’s I’ve ever had…have been back there since for this reason alone!

Supplies:
Cardstock (kraft): Paper Reflections
Patterned Paper & Letter Stickers: Basic Grey
Transparency Frames: Hambly
Ink: Colorbox
Font: Jayne Print
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Adhesive: Duck, Glue Dots
:LAYOUT: Old MarketSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Monday, July 19, 2010

:GIVEAWAY: CHRISTMAS IN JULY - Holidays Idea Book from Scrapbook Trends [CONTEST CLOSED]

How about a little Christmas in July?

Today I have a free copy of the 2009 Holidays Idea Book from Scrapbook Trends to give away! I reviewed this issue back in November 2009 if you like to check it out for more information on this title.

To enter, leave a comment telling me in what month of the year you start planning/preparing for Christmas and what it entails. Is this when you start your gift wish list, shopping for others, or making Christmas cards, etc.

You must leave your comment by 5 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 in order to be entered in the Random.org drawing. Be sure to come back on Friday to find out if you're the winner!

GOOD LUCK!

(P.S. Come back on July 26, 2010 for another great Christmas in July giveaway!)
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Sunday, July 18, 2010

:LIFE: Off the board...

This week was a big one for Kaitlin.

Last year, she didn't pass Level II swimming lessons and she was pretty disappointed in herself.

Over the winter, she sprouted up and that's made a huge difference. She suddenly become quite a little fish.

When I picked her up from Boys & Girls Club one day this week, she announced excitedly, "Mom, I passed the test!"

The test that she was referring to is the test that kids need to pass at our local pool in order to be able to go off the diving boards on the deep end of the pool which involves swimming the width of the pool without stopping or assistance.

To celebrate, we went swimming that very night because she was so excited to show me her new trick!





And, yes, she made it to the side and climbed out of the pool with a beaming smile!
:LIFE: Off the board...SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Friday, July 16, 2010

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: 8 is Enough by April Foster and Studio Calico

I have to say that I was honestly somewhat surprised by how many of you commented to the 8 is Enough review post that you have never challenged yourself by limiting the number of supplies you use on a layout.

Including the author of comment #18 who just so happened to be picked as the free download winner by Random.org!



Congrats, Lynn! Watch your inbox for further details on how to claim your prize.

As for those of you who haven't taken on this type of challenge before: I think you all should try it...at least once. You might find that it not nearly as stifling as you might think. Just sayin'.

If you need a little more convincing, check out 8 is Enough from Ella Publishing Co. and let the experts show you how freeing and versatile just a few products can be for only $6.99.

Stay tuned more more great giveaways coming soon...like maybe I just might feel like doing a Christmas in July giveaway on Monday perhaps.

Just maybe... :-)
:GIVEAWAY WINNER: 8 is Enough by April Foster and Studio CalicoSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Thursday, July 15, 2010

:FIFTEEN ON THE FIFTEENTH: Scrapbooking new arrivals from the past 30 days...

It never fails...month after month there are new, great products to give new life to our memories. Here's a few of my favorites to hit the shelves in the past month.


Basic White Take Note by BasicGrey
These great journaling notes are simple and classic...perfect for incorporating into any number of layouts and projects. 


This To That 3 Adhesive Runner Pack by American Crafts
Adhesive is a scrapbooking staple we can't do without. That doesn't mean we'll use just any old stuff though, now does it. I haven't tried this stuff yet, but if it follows the quality of the rest of American Crafts products, it's a can't-lose.


Boardwalk 10 Things Pocket by Little Yellow Bicycle
Another super cute '10 Things' pocket from the new Boardwalk collection.


Jabberwocky Halloween In Wonderland Paper by Graphic 45
Alice is definitely back in style with the new movie out this year. Graphic 45 took the dark nature of this new version and translated the idea it into a great new Halloween collection. Wonder if we'll be seeing a few more Alice's and Mad Hatters this Halloween.



DigiKit - Notebook Basics Grunge by Jen Martakis
Everything notebook and ledger is IN! Why not take a digital product like this and use it as often as you want. They also make for easy handwritten journaling.
 

Block Party 12X12 Chipboard by Bo Bunny Press
I fell in love with the new Block Party collection as soon as I saw the sneak peek of it a while back. Great colors and designs and I love these awesome new chipboard sheets they've released with their collections this year.


Teal Blue Lace Border Rub Ons by Hambly Studios
Rub on ribbon...in teal...yum!
 

Graphic Background Wood Block Stamp by Hero Arts
Again...a great way to make a dynamic, custom background.
 

Sea Splash Dance Sticker Puffs by Imaginisce
Okay...these take me BACK! Did anybody else have a sticker collection when they were a kid and puffy stickers were like...GOLD?! How cute are these!?
 

The Annual Classics Paper Whimsies by Sassafras
Love the vintage colors on these month cards!
 

A Walk In The Park Collection Kit by Echo Park Paper Co.
Okay, I am SO happy to see Echo Park at Two Peas. I was beginning to fear that they weren't going to carry this great new manufacturer...so much in fact that I went ahead and ordered their first collection, Sweet Summertime, from somewhere else. GASP!


Splash Zone 12X12 Sun Kissed Collection Paper by Bo Bunny Press
Yup, another Bo Bunny pick...can't seem to get enough of them these days. Love the retro color combination of this summery sprinkler.
 

Make A Wish Paper Candles by Imaginisce
How cute are these little candles?! Honestly, it wouldn't be that hard to create your own with the paper of your choice and some embroidery floss.


Oliver Chip Sticker Abc by BasicGrey
I've always been of fan of Basic Grey chipboard alphas. I love the distressed pattern on this set.



Crochet Flowers with Gem Centers by Ruby Rock It
Great feminine touch...yet bright colors to spice things up!

READER RESPONSE:
What's your favorite pick from the list above?

(Note: The links above lead to further information on the listed products either at TwoPeasInABucket.com or Scrapbook.com. Remember, the Two Peas FREE SHIPPING code for June is 4JFWRK.)
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