Wednesday, November 30, 2011

:PRINTABLE: Winter poem by Torrey Miller

The snowflakes are on the way for us... Here's a printable freebie for you...just print, frame and you have some instant seasonal decor. Enjoy!


Take a moment and check out my other free themed printables.
:PRINTABLE: Winter poem by Torrey MillerSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

:WORD ART: Winter Word Art Pack

There's a brand new word art pack available in My Memories store...have you had your first snow yet?

Check out this and all my other word art packs available through My MemoriesScrapbook Boutique and PrintMaster.

While these designs are in available in several formats for use with any digital software program, if you are looking for an easy and affordable digital scrapbooking software, you should definitely give My Memories Suite a look. It is great for digital scrapbookers of all levels or even traditional scrapbookers that are looking to supplement their paper crafting in order to complete more layouts and/or be able to craft even when away from home and supplies.

My Memories Suite is currently the #1 rated digital scrapbooking software on the market.


Read more about all the great features of My Memories Suite here.

GET $10 OFF!!
My Memories Suite already has a great price, but I have a $10.00 OFF coupon code for you to try it for yourself! Simply copy and paste the code STMMMS74998 at checkout to receive you discount.
:WORD ART: Winter Word Art PackSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Monday, November 28, 2011

:LAYOUT: Fall Meets Winter

We haven't had our first snow yet this year.

We've been lucky, but it's bound to be on the way anytime now. A couple of years ago, we had our first snow in October...as evidenced by this layout.

(click for a larger view)

The green base of this two page spread pulls out the single green tree in the photo while the shimmering blue paper highlights the wintery theme. The brown, shimmery title stickers and gems further support the theme.

Journaling:
Would you believe that all these photos were taken on the same day? Leaves of green, gold, and red…and all of them blanketed with snow! Fall has always been my favorite season because of the cooler (but not cold) temperatures and the warm, rich colors. It’s not too often that you see the transition of seasons in a quite-so-obvious way, but I have to admit that the combinations of brilliant white snow softly swathing the leaves was quite beautiful.

October 12, 2009

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye, Cosmo Cricket
Letter Stickers: Making Memories
Gems: ZVA
Ink: Colorbox
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Scallop Trimmer: Fiskars
Font: American Typewriter
:LAYOUT: Fall Meets WinterSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Friday, November 25, 2011

:REVIEW: A Mercy by Toni Morrison

I recently finished reading A Mercy by Toni Morrison.

First...here's a general description from Goodreads...

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
A powerful tragedy distilled into a jewel of a masterpiece by the Nobel Prize–winning author of Beloved and, almost like a prelude to that story, set two centuries earlier.

In the 1680s the slave trade was still in its infancy. In the Americas, virulent religious and class divisions, prejudice and oppression were rife, providing the fertile soil in which slavery and race hatred were planted and took root.

Jacob is an Anglo-Dutch trader and adventurer, with a small holding in the harsh north. Despite his distaste for dealing in “flesh,” he takes a small slave girl in part payment for a bad debt from a plantation owner in Catholic Maryland. This is Florens, “with the hands of a slave and the feet of a Portuguese lady.” Florens looks for love, first from Lina, an older servant woman at her new master’s house, but later from a handsome blacksmith, an African, never enslaved.

There are other voices: Lina, whose tribe was decimated by smallpox; their mistress, Rebekka, herself a victim of religious intolerance back in England; Sorrow, a strange girl who’s spent her early years at sea; and finally the devastating voice of Florens’ mother. These are all men and women inventing themselves in the wilderness.

A Mercy reveals what lies beneath the surface of slavery. But at its heart it is the ambivalent, disturbing story of a mother who casts off her daughter in order to save her, and of a daughter who may never exorcise that abandonment.

Acts of mercy may have unforeseen consequences.


WHAT I THOUGHT:
I read Morrison's novel Beloved years ago (in high school actually, I think). While I don't really even remember what the story line was, I do remember loving the lyrical writing style.

I was a little worried as I started the first chapter as it begins in the voice of Florens, whose dialect is extremely thick. I wasn't sure I'd make it through the whole book in that voice. However, I soon discovered that the voice changes with each chapter and while each is unique, none are quite as difficult as Florens. With that said, even her voice became easier to read (and more lyrical) as the characters and plot lines developed.

Wild is certainly a good word to describe the place and time of this book. While there are certainly examples of goodness and hope in both events and people, there are also a strong presence of corruption and despair as well...the true dichotomy of life in this earlier period of development in our country.

While it's nice to have a nice tidy, happy ending, you won't find it in this novel. What you will find is a novel that is though-provoking and beautiful in its complexity of character and plot.

NEXT ON THE BOOKSHELF:

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
:REVIEW: A Mercy by Toni MorrisonSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Thursday, November 24, 2011

:HAPPY THANKSGIVING:


“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” 

W.T. Purkiser
:HAPPY THANKSGIVING:SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

:SALE: BasicGrey Sale @ Scrapbook.com...TODAY only!

Scrapbook.com has an amazing deal today!!

They are offering an additional 20% off the lowest-marked price on ALL BasicGrey products!

No coupon required...but the offer is good TODAY only!

So, if you could use some BasicGrey lovliness, now is the time to stock up!! The discount is valid on collection packs, paper, embellishments, albums, card kits and MORE!

Happy Shopping!
:SALE: BasicGrey Sale @ Scrapbook.com...TODAY only!SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Monday, November 21, 2011

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: December 2011 Sneak Peek - "Vintage Findings"



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!

The monthly kits are often sold out by the time the full details and contents are released, so if you are interested in subscribing or would simply like more information, please don't hesitate to contact me!
:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: December 2011 Sneak Peek - "Vintage Findings"SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Saturday, November 19, 2011

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Scrapbooking Holidays & Seasons by Creating Keepsakes



CONGRATS, JODI!!
Please watch your email inbox for further details on how to claim your prize...


If you'd like your own copy of Scrapbooking Holidays & Celebrations, it is available at Scrapbook.com for only $6.99!

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. Maybe Random.org will make your number lucky next time!
:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Scrapbooking Holidays & Seasons by Creating KeepsakesSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Thursday, November 17, 2011

:WORD ART: Secret of Life Quote Freebie

Quote #3 was easily to winner in the most recent quote vote of Lewis Carroll quotes.

Hope you enjoy this word art freebie!


Be sure to check out my other word art downloads to make sure you haven't missed any.

If you'd like to make sure that your voice is heard in the quote vote for my next word art freebie, subscribe by email or your favorite reader using the options at the top of the inner right sidebar.
:WORD ART: Secret of Life Quote FreebieSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

:REVIEW: Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

I recently finished The Kitchen House: A Novel by Kathleen Grissom.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
When a white servant girl violates the order of plantation society, she unleashes a tragedy that exposes the worst and best in the people she has come to call her family.

Orphaned while onboard ship from Ireland, seven-year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Under the care of Belle, the master's illegitimate daughter, Lavinia becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family, though she is set apart from them by her white skin.

Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. Lavinia finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds. When she is forced to make a choice, loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare, and lives are put at risk.

The Kitchen House is a tragic story of page-turning suspense, exploring the meaning of family, where love and loyalty prevail.


WHAT I THOUGHT:
Grissom's The Kitchen House is just the kind of historical fiction that I've always loved. To be honest, I would have never guessed that this was her first novel.

I found her characters to be complex and believable. The plot line kept me guessing a bit, but there weren't any ridiculous or forced plot twists that I've found in a few other recent reads that turn me off. It is clear that Grissom did her research in writing this novel.

The narrator of the novel alternates between two of the main character, Lavinia and Belle, with each chapter which I found quite interesting. Both characters are well-defined and offer a unique perspective on the overall story.

The ONLY thing that bothered me (just a little) about the novel, was that the dialect(s) were clear among the  slave characters, however Lavinia's accent is completely absent...even though it is referenced early on in the novel that she can be hard to understand at times because her Irish dialect is so strong. Just seems like one detail that wasn't carried through considering the detail and consistency found in the rest of the novel.

Despite this, if you are a fan of historical fiction, I DO NOT think that you will be disappointed by The Kitchen House!! It's a great read!

NEXT ON THE BOOKSHELF:

A Mercy
:REVIEW: Kitchen House by Kathleen GrissomSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

:WORD ART: Kiss the Cook Word Art

There's a brand new word art pack available in My Memories store...with the holidays coming up, I'm sure that you be experiencing some really great food and can hopefully find a use for this fund pack!

Check out this and all my other word art packs available through My MemoriesScrapbook Boutique and PrintMaster.

While these designs are in available in several formats for use with any digital software program, if you are looking for an easy and affordable digital scrapbooking software, you should definitely give My Memories Suite a look. It is great for digital scrapbookers of all levels or even traditional scrapbookers that are looking to supplement their paper crafting in order to complete more layouts and/or be able to craft even when away from home and supplies.

My Memories Suite is currently the #1 rated digital scrapbooking software on the market.


Read more about all the great features of My Memories Suite here.

GET $10 OFF!!
My Memories Suite already has a great price, but I have a $10.00 OFF coupon code for you to try it for yourself! Simply copy and paste the code STMMMS74998 at checkout to receive you discount.
:WORD ART: Kiss the Cook Word ArtSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Monday, November 14, 2011

:GIVEAWAY: Scrapbooking Holidays & Celebrations by Creating Keepsakes

Creating Keepsakes has another great special issue hitting the shelves that you won't want to miss!

Scrapbooking Holidays & Celebrations would make a great holiday gift for the scrapbooker in your life...or get yourself an early gift! You'll be set with inspiration to  keep you scrapping all through the coming year.

Description:
Whether your holidays and celebrations are casual get-together or formal events, this special issue from Creating Keepsakes magazine is sure to be a trusted source of scrapbooking inspiration! The gallery of 50 outstanding ideas is a quick source of scrapliftable layouts, and you'll also discover ways to make your relationships shine on your scrapbook pages, photo-taking tips to catch meaningful moments and details of your celebrations, and journaling ideas to capture the points of view of your loved ones. Learn ways to create easy holiday accents and even ideas for storing your holiday-themed supplies. Pick up this issue today for non-stop scrapbooking inspiration for all your celebrations during the upcoming year!

Check out a sneak peek of this wonderful issue here:

GIVEAWAY:
Here's your chance to win a free copy of Scrapbooking Holidays & Celebrations for yourself! Simply leave a comment to this post by 5 p.m. CST on Thursday, November 17, 2011.

Random.org will choose and I will announce the winner on Friday!

GOOD LUCK!
:GIVEAWAY: Scrapbooking Holidays & Celebrations by Creating KeepsakesSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Friday, November 11, 2011

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Scrapbooking with Fabric & Notions by Creating Keepsakes



CONGRATS, KAREN!!
Please watch your inbox for further details on how to claim your prize!!


If you didn't win, don't despair...Scrapbooking with Fabric & Notions is available for purchase for $14.99 at Scrapbook.com. Pick up your copy today!!
:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Scrapbooking with Fabric & Notions by Creating KeepsakesSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Thursday, November 10, 2011

:QUOTES: from Lewis Carroll...

Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, was known for many memorable quotes within his novels and in life.

Here's three of my favorites:

QUOTE #1:
Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

QUOTE #2:
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”

QUOTE #3:
“One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others.”

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.
:QUOTES: from Lewis Carroll...SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: November 2011 Kit - "Let it Snow"

Our newest MemoryWorks Express Kit is all about the cooler seasons.

Curl up with your favorite memories, add a dash of creativity and scrap the night away with "Let it Snow".


Check out the inspiring projects created by the MemoryWorks Design Team with this beautiful kit in the November Idea Express featuring exclusive PageMaps sketches!


The November 2011 MemoryWorks Express Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper
{1} 12x12 Wonderland - North Country (Prima)
{1} 12x12 Glacier Roads - North Country (Prima)
{1} 12x12 Manie Meadows - North Country (Prima)
{1} 12x12 Dot - Blitzen (BoBunny)
{1} 12x12 Stockings - Blitzen (BoBunny)
{1} 12x12 Reindeer Fly - Holly Jolly (My Mind's Eye)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Cranberry Stationary (Lilybee Designs)
{1} 12x 12 Spruce Stationary (Lilybee Designs)
{1} 12x12 Frost Stationary (Lilybee Designs)
{1} 12x12 Oatmeal Stationary (Lilybee Designs)

Embellishments
{1} 12x12 ABC's Stickers - Jingle (Lilybee Designs)
{1} 12x12 Tis the Season Transparency (Fancy Pants)
{6} Blitzen Noteworthy Die Cut Shapes - Assorted Styles & Sizes (BoBunny)
{4} Kraft and White Die Cut Snowflakes - Assorted Styles (Maya Road)
{3} Kraft Mini Tags - Assorted Styles (Maya Road)
{3} Chipboard Snowflakes - Assorted Styles & Sizes (Maya Road)
{3} Antique Gem Trinket Pins (Maya Road)
{3} North Country Avon Roses - Assorted Colors (Prima)
{5} North Country Essentials II Flowers - Assorted Colors (Prima)
{12} Joyeaux Noel Buttons - Assorted Sizes (Buttons Galore)
{1} ½ Yard Brown Crepe ¾" Ribbon (Creative Impressions)
{1} ½ Yard Olive Silk ¼" Ribbon (May Arts)
{1} ½ Yard Red Sheer Box Pleat Ribbon (May Arts)

Cards
{2} 3x6 Cranberry Stationary (Lilybee Designs)
{2} 3x6 Spruce Stationary (Lilybee Designs)
{1} 3x6 Frost Stationary (Lilybee Designs)
{1} 3x6 Oatmeal Stationary (Lilybee Designs)
{6} 3 ¼ x 3 ¼ Clear Envelopes

ALL FOR ONLY $29.95!! (plus $6.50 S&H)
Due to high demand, it is quite possible that this month's kit is already sold out! If you are interested in subscribing to the MemoryWorks Express Kit Program and guaranteeing you spot for next month, please contact me today for further details!
:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: November 2011 Kit - "Let it Snow"SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

:PHOTOS: My Cute Little Car Hop

Kaitlin got SO MANY smiles and comments on her costume this year.

With all the locations we trick-or-treated around town, we didn't see one other girl with a similar costume and she took a lot of pride that she picked something so unique.







Wouldn't you buy a burger and a soda from her??
:PHOTOS: My Cute Little Car HopSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Monday, November 7, 2011

:GIVEAWAY: Scrapbooking with Fabric & Notions from Creating Keepsakes [CONTEST CLOSED]

While I love my regular issues of Creating Keepsakes, I always look forward to their special issues as well. I love these how they take a topic and examine every way that in can be used to make our scrapbooking creations even more beautiful.

Creating Keepsakes new special issue, Scrapbooking with Fabric & Notions, does just that!

Description:
Discover how to enhance your scrapbook layouts using buttons, fabric, thread, and other materials from the sewing world. From using quick, pre-made accent options to creating beautifully sewn backgrounds, we'll help you learn the ins and outs of adding homespun textures to your layouts with patterns, step-by-step instructions, and more. You won't want to miss this "sew" special issue from Creating Keepsakes.

Check out a sneak peek at the issue below:

GIVEAWAY:
Would you like your very own copy of Scrapbooking with Fabric & Notions from CK? If so, here's your chance! Simply leave a comment to this post by 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2011.

It's that easy!

Random.org will choose and I'll announce the winner on Friday!

GOOD LUCK!!
:GIVEAWAY: Scrapbooking with Fabric & Notions from Creating Keepsakes [CONTEST CLOSED]SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Saturday, November 5, 2011

:WORD ART: Sale in my word art store...

Hello, all...

I just wanted you to know that I currently have a great sale going on in my word art pack store!

All packs previously priced at $2.99 are now $1.99 
through Friday, November 11th 2011!!

Here are just a few of the themed packs currently available:




Check out these and all my other word art packs available through My MemoriesScrapbook Boutique and PrintMaster.

While these designs are in available in several formats for use with any digital software program, if you are looking for an easy and affordable digital scrapbooking software, you should definitely give My Memories Suite a look. It is great for digital scrapbookers of all levels or even traditional scrapbookers that are looking to supplement their paper crafting in order to complete more layouts and/or be able to craft even when away from home and supplies.

My Memories Suite is currently the #1 rated digital scrapbooking software on the market.


Read more about all the great features of My Memories Suite here.

GET $10 OFF!!
My Memories Suite already has a great price, but I have a $10.00 OFF coupon code for you to try it for yourself! Simply copy and paste the code STMMMS74998 at checkout to receive you discount.
:WORD ART: Sale in my word art store...SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Friday, November 4, 2011

:LAYOUT: One Pretty Little Indian

Did you all have a good time on Halloween this year? I hope so...

It always seems a little 'off' to me when Halloween falls on a weekday, but not much I can do about that.

Kaitlin was a 50's Car Hop and hopefully I'll have the pictures ready to share with you soon.

Kaitlin got gobs of candy...98% of which she'll never eat, but that's not the point for her. I think she actually loves collecting it more than eating it.

It works out though because I always need candy to fill the dish on my desk at work...and I seem to have plenty of visitors that don't mind eating it up for me.

Here's a layout from Halloween last year...Kaitlin made one CUTE little Indian.

(click for a larger view)

Journaling:
It took us some discussion to agree
on a Halloween costume this year.
There are just so many choices –
ghosts, mermaids, cowgirls and more.
From the beginning,
I was wishing for a little Indian this year
and once I found this costume,
I won out…and ended up with one pretty little Indian.

Supplies:
Kraft: unknown
Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye
Letter Stickers: Fancy Pants, October Afternoon
Rub ons: Basic Grey, Hambly
Ribbon/cord: Rusty Pickle
Gems: Paper Studio
Ink: Colorbox
Oval Punch, Corner Rounder: Marvy
Font: CK Constitution
Pen: Zig
:LAYOUT: One Pretty Little IndianSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Thursday, November 3, 2011

:WORD ART: Thanksgiving Word Art Pack

There's a brand new word art pack available in My Memories store...hope you're feeling grateful this time of year.

Check out this and all my other word art packs available through My Memories,Scrapbook Boutique and PrintMaster.

While these designs are in available in several formats for use with any digital software program, if you are looking for an easy and affordable digital scrapbooking software, you should definitely give My Memories Suite a look. It is great for digital scrapbookers of all levels or even traditional scrapbookers that are looking to supplement their paper crafting in order to complete more layouts and/or be able to craft even when away from home and supplies.

My Memories Suite is currently the #1 rated digital scrapbooking software on the market.


Read more about all the great features of My Memories Suite here.

GET $10 OFF!!
My Memories Suite already has a great price, but I have a $10.00 OFF coupon code for you to try it for yourself! Simply copy and paste the code STMMMS74998 at checkout to receive you discount.
:WORD ART: Thanksgiving Word Art PackSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts - November 2011

Hello, all...here's the November 2011 edition of Be Inspired Creativity Prompts!

As always, it include several pages of scrapbooking ideas including prompts take from the calendar, design, color schemes, sketches and more!
    If you're so inclined, please feel free to email me a pic of any projects you create inspired by these prompts and you might just find yourself featured on the AMOM blog!

    Happy scrapping!

    PLEASE SHARE:
    If you like the free monthly Be Inspired Creativity Prompts download, please share it with others. That's all the thanks I need.

    I have created a Be Inspired Creativity Prompts button that you can use, too! Just visit the ABOUT page and copy the code underneath second button and paste it into your own blog, website or forum signature. I greatly appreciate you helping to spread the inspiration!

    Don't miss out on more great scrapbooking inspiration! Sign up for updates to the AMOM blog by email subscription or your favorite blog reader through the links in the right sidebar.
    :BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts - November 2011SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend