Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday
Thought of the Day
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
FREE Sample of Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food
Interview - Katie Roose - Experienced Scrapbooker
Interview with Katie:
1. I noticed a picture on your blog showing a binder with your scrapbook pages instead of an album. Is there a specific reason you use an album?
I just started using the 3-ring binder scrapbook albums a couple of years ago and I LOVE them. They hold more pages, but the main reason I made the switch (I asked for a few for gifts each year so I didn't break the bank by transitioning all at once) was because on the spine of the binder is a tag where you can label what's IN the album. I was starting to get out of control albums and needing to peek through each one to try to find the layout or pictures I was looking for. Now I have them labeled (April, 2002 - September, 2003, for example) and they're really easy to reference.
2. Where do you seem to find the best deals on your scrapbooking supplies?
I started accumulating scrapbooking stuff slowly about 10 years ago. And at the time, I only bought from the scrapbook stores because Michael's and Joann's primarily carried stickers at the time. Now their selections are better and I save up my 40% coupon in the newspaper each week and go and buy one item at a time (unless there's a sale). It's the only way I can afford to keep up my "habit." :) But I've been known to drop $50 at a specialty scrapbook store before...it's so easy to do. Now I'm more careful with what I buy, try to get things that I can use for multiple projects and only spend the big bucks on stuff I LOVE. Don't save the 40% off coupons for big-ticket items only. I will use them for a $2 item if that's all I need at the time...and I'm not ashamed to admit it!3) I am trying to be creative and thrifty and think of items that I already have that I can use in my scrapbook. I thought about using old Christmas and Birthday cards. I read that I should use an acid free spray. Have you ever done this? Do you have any other "thrifty" suggestions?
You know, I'm not sure I completely understand how the whole concept of "acid free" products work, but you have to keep that in mind before putting anything in your scrapbook. Maybe I just haven't had my pictures long enough and maybe the acid will eat them away over the years, but most scrapbooking supplies are safe nowadays. The problem with using greeting cards is that you don't know if they're acid free and safe for your scrapbooks, so you need to decide if that's important to you. (ie if you want your great-grandkids to look at the albums and see them exactly as you see them today with no fading, discoloration, etc.)
As far as using the adhesive spray, I have used it and it seems to work well, but it gets all over, so I'm not a huge fan. I'd just use your regular adhesive or find something a little stronger, like "Zots" brand glue dots. Those things are crazy strong.
4) What is your favorite scrapbooking item that you couldn't do without?
Hmmm...I don't know if I can pick just one. I have a list of my favorites that I'll share, though.
* My guillotine paper cutter is the best and I don't need to buy refill blades. I got turned on to that after using one at my office years ago, then found out that it wasn't much more expensive than the other paper cutters you see at the craft stores.
* I love my circle punches. I have them in a few different sizes and I use them for accents a lot.
* My inexpensive, grade-school ruler is probably my favorite tool, come to think of it. I measure so much on my layouts...I just can't "wing it."
* I love using letter stickers and rub ons. I usually only buy the white rub ons b/c I figure I can print black or other colored titles on my printer if I want, but I can't do white.
* I use photo corners a lot...like the ones they used back in the early part of the century? I like those.
* I also have a corner rounder to take the sharp edge off the corner of the picture. I like the variety, I guess.
* One last thing is my adhesive remover. It's a small square gummy-like product that pics up adhesive if you happen to get over excited with your tape runner.
5) Do you have any other tips to share for someone just beginning?
Here are a few starting pointers so you don't get overwhelmed:
* Work backward - Start with a recent event, like Christmas, and scrapbook that. Then do your trip to the pumpkin patch in October, then your kids' first day of school, then fun summer memories...you get the idea. If you start by scrapbooking your wedding and work forward, you'll never feel a sense of accomplishment. I'm convinced that's why people give up. I've never scrapbooked my wedding and, at this point, I may never get around to it. I did put together an "our marriage before kids" album when I got pregnant for the first time. That had a 2 page summary of our wedding, but covered everything from dating to deciding we wanted a baby and everything in between. Just decide what's important to you. A whole album about one day of my life isn't necessarily worth all of the time and effort, but my kids can peek at our early-marriage scrapbook and see how in love we were before they came along and complicated everything. ;) *I'm kidding.* But seriously, by working backward, I'm usually "caught up" with my scrapbook pages about twice a year. And, unfortunately, most scrapbookers always feel perpetually behind in this hobby.
* Keep a list - Another way I keep on task is to decide what I'm going to scrapbook and make a list of the events, then jot down which pictures I want to include. This summer, I didn't scrapbook much, but there were a ton of events: we had both kids' birthdays, tons of swimming pictures and family fun days that I wanted to remember, plus a million daily moments I knew I wanted to record. By September, I was so inundated that I sat down and made a list of what I wanted to scrapbook, primarily so I could order the pictures, but also so that I didn't have to go in chronological order if I didn't want to. I've continued using the list and it keeps me sane and on task!
* Stay organized - Keep your stuff in like piles/buckets/bins so it's easy to find. The last thing you want to do when you're scrapbooking is to spend an hour looking for your stuff. Don't run out and spend a bunch of money on organizational tools right away. First use baskets and containers you already have in your home (you'd be surprised what can be re-purposed), keep your eye open for good deals, decide what needs to have a more elaborate organizational system (I finally gave in and bought 12x12 paper trays online and can't remember how I lived before them!) then make your purchases from there. Also remember to check Craigslist and eBay for people trying to downsize their craft collection.
*Use idea books - I am an admitted scraplifter! I get ideas from sketch books all the time, whether I copy the layout exactly or just get a little inspiration to give my creativity a jump start. I love the sketch books that Becky Higgins has put out over the years. She also has a monthly sketch column in Creating Keepsakes magazine, which I subscribe to for additional inspiration. Not only are the sketches helpful, but I like Becky's clean, simple style. The focus of each layout is on the pictures, not all of the "stuff" added to the page.
*Don't buy tons of embellishments - When you DO buy embellishments, buy them for a specific layout or project. My new strategy is to print my pictures first, then bring them with me to the scrapbook store to pick out paper and embellishments. (I like to pick coordinating colors, personally) You'll establish a "stash" of extra stuff soon enough. You'll be surprised what's leftover after you use 1-2 cute things out of a package.
Good luck starting this amazing hobby! I read recently that someone labeled themselves "the family historian" and I loved that idea. It's not just a fancy way to store pictures for me...I spend time journaling about the memories I'm recording so the books can tell a story in years to come.
Thanks to Katie for a wonderful interview. I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I hope we have encouraged and inspired others to begin scrapbooking. I have enjoyed scrapbooking for the past couple of weeks. I have a sense of accomplishment when I finish a page. This is something that I plan to continue. I hope my scrapbooks will be enjoyed for years to come.
FREE Bottle of Suave - Today ONLY!!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Multi-Use Item - Lotion
GIVEAWAY WINNER
Here are your random numbers: 8
Timestamp: 2009-01-12 13:10:20 UTC
Thought of the Day
Anita Rodick, founder of The Body Shop
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Do You Have Points at MyPoints.com

Thought of the Day
Donald Kennedy
Friday, January 9, 2009
Finally Friday

I've never been happier that today is Friday. I have had the worse time getting out the bed this week. I do plan on sleeping late in the morning.
I can now officially say (if I haven't already) that Payton is now in the Terrible 2's!! I am keeping my fingers crossed that this doesn't last long. LOL
All I want to do this weekend is have a fun filled weekend at home. I think I am turning into a home-body in my "old" age. I wouldn't mind it if I didn't leave the house all weekend. Maybe the cold weather has something to do with it.
Have a great weekend and see you Monday!
Thrifty and Neat Blog Entries Found This Week

Thought of the Day
Langston Hughes
Thursday, January 8, 2009
FREE Suze Orman Book Download

Suze Orman will be on the Oprah Show today discussing financial plans for 2009.
Get your copy of Suze Orman's latest book, Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan, for FREE! Download Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan in English.* Offer expires at 11:59 p.m. CT on Thursday, January 15
Thanks Alisha for letting me know!
What Did You Get for FREE This Week?
Cologate Total Toothpaste Sample
Post-It Note Sample
Right At Home Fall Prize Package - Ziploc Vacuum Sealer and Bags
FREE Lucky Magazine
2 - 3 Packs CVS Paper Towels
2 - CVS Bath Sponges
Sample of Flexitol Heel Balm
2 -Johnson Buddies Soap
6 - Reese's Whipps
2 - Trial Size Johnson's Powders
What did you get for FREE this week?
FREE Sample of Cream of Wheat

Thoughtful Thursday
When you click, we display ads from our site sponsors. 100% of the money from these advertisers goes to our charity partners , who fund programs to provide mammograms to women in need.
Photo Deals
Snapfish - FREE Shipping on orders of 100 or more 4" x 6" prints with Coupon Code - FREESHIP100. New customers automatically get 50 FREE prints just for setting up a new account.
Walgreens - 4" x 6" Prints for 10 cents each with Coupon Code FIFTY at checkout when you order at least 50.
Thought of the Day
Meryl Streep
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Thrifty Tip - Reuse Containers

My husband has heard me call him a packrat many times over the years. One of his obsessions is he loves to collect plastic containers (butter containers, Cool Whip containers, Pringles cans, Juice Bottles). I admit I have thrown several away while he wasn't looking. One family can only have so many.
Over the holidays, his obession with containers was put to good use. I used them to send home leftovers with guests, to store breakable Christmas ornaments, and freeze a few leftovers for us.
Interesting/Useful/Fun Website
Track fares on your preferred flights. Receive email alerts when fares drop. Also, it lets you know if fares drop after you have booked to inform you if you are entitled to a refund.
Thought of the Day
William Arthur Ward
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
FREE Sample of Quaker Mini Delights Rice Snacks
GIVEAWAY
Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie
1 lb. Ground Beef
1 Large Onion, Chopped
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (I use 1-1/2 Cups)
1 Cup Milk
2 Eggs
Directions:
Heat oven to 400°. Spray pie place, 9" x 1-1/4" with cooking spray. Brown ground beef and onion in skillet over medium heat until done. Stir occasionally until beef is brown. Drain, add salt. Spread in pie plate; sprinkle with cheese. Stir together remaining ingredients until blended. Pour in pie plate. Bake about 25 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Monday, January 5, 2009
FREE Kraftmaid Kitchen Idea Book
Click here for your FREE Kraftmaid Idea Book and Planning Guide.
CVS Find
I found Monogrammed Napkins yesterday for .75 for a pack of 16. They are white with the monogram in khaki. A great item to have on hand for a holiday or a family dinner. This would also be a great item to include in a gift basket.
(They were hanging on the end of an isle.)
LADYBUGS!!!!!!!

Sunday, January 4, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Finally Friday
Another week has quickly passed by. I have managed to get lots of things done at home since Christmas. I always seem to get in a organizing / clean out mood after the holidays. I have taken down and packed away all of my Christmas decorations. I have cleaned out and organized 2 closets and all drawers in 3 rooms. I have started working on a scrapbook for Payton. I think scrapbooks are great but I have always said that I didn't have the patience to do one. I have 6 pages complete so far and I am enjoying it. I try to work on it at least 30 minutes a day. I hope I continue.Thrifty and Neat Blog Entries Found This Week

3) The Secret to a Good Self Photo - Photo tips that may come in handy for you.
4) Empty Wrapping Paper Rolls - Toys to create from what would be trash. These are great ideas.
5) Little Dipper Pizza Fondue Recipe - Great idea for a quick dinner or for a Super Bowl Party.
FREE Sample of Gold Bond Ultimate Soothing Lotion
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year's Resolutions

I don't usually make resolutions but this year I have decided to make a list of things I plan to do/change/or improve on. Wish me luck!
1) Plan a menu each week. I think this will save money but also it will end pity disagreements between my husband and I. We waste so much time trying to decide what to fix for dinner.
2) Pay off bills. I am starting the Debt Snowball by Dave Ramsey. I am on Step 2 of the Baby Steps. This will be hardest I'm sure.
3) I received some cash for Christmas and I have started me a "New Stove Fund". Anyone who would like to contribute, please let me know. LOL I am in desperate need of a new stove and I am going save enough cash to buy one. My husband doesn't know I am doing this. It's going to be my surprise.
4) Exercise more and lose a few pounds.
5) Get to work by 8:00 if not 5 minutes early every morning instead of 3-4 minutes after. :)







