Genuine Praise

The Genuine Praise Blog is taking a break

2009-04-03T17:22:00.003-05:00

Hi girls. Julie, Valeri and I just wanted to let you guys know that we are going to take a break from the Genuine Praise blog. We're hoping to be back up and running in the very near future. So keep us bookmarked and we will be back very soon.

To any of the designers who signed up to sponsor us -- we still hope you will consider being our sponsors when we return. Thank you so much to all our faithful readers and praisers.

3-30 Monday!

2009-03-30T19:37:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone had a good weekend, mine sure was busy! I headed over to the Scrap Garden and found this adorable page by Jessica (jlady11).

I then skipped over to Divine Digital and found the neatest bookmarks by CindyB.

And this pretty lo by Tami70!

Then over at DST I found another stunning lo by our very own Christy!

Well that's it from me, as you can tell I set aside more time today to get these posted! ;) Have a great week!

3-27 Hey it's Friday!

2009-03-27T12:00:00.003-05:00

It's Friday, where has the week gone? I found a LO by our very own Christy that could use some praise. Isn't it just beautiful!

And isn't this pretty, by my4boys. I love the lil birds!

Well have a good weekend everyone, hope you can get some scrapping done!

3*25 Happy Hump Day

2009-03-25T16:33:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it's already Wednesday. This week is just zooming by for me. I am here with a few layouts that caught my eye today. I hope you will stop by and leave them some love. Remember this week you get a coupon from Foxy Designs.

My first featured layout is by EmmasMommy titled Big Day

I love all the photos she used for her daughter's big day of school.

Next up is this cute one by WalkersMommy called Big Boy Raincoat

Be sure to stop by and leave these ladies some love. :) That's it for me -- have a great day!!

3-23 Another Monday

2009-03-23T23:01:00.002-05:00

Another Monday has gone by, I spent mine putting my house back together after having the kids home for Spring Break last week. So I am a bit late getting my finds posted. I found this page by LelaFleet, at DST. I think those lil puzzle pieces are adorable and what a perfect title!

Another one I found, by Beladonna is just so pretty! I love the frame and those bubbles!

Well that's it for tonight. Have a great week everyone!

3*22 Spotlight Sunday (Foxy Designs)

2009-03-22T22:13:00.002-05:00

Hello all my faithful readers. Christy here with our newest Sunday Spotlight. This time around we are featuring Janine from Foxy Designs. Here is a little bio about her:

Around the digi community I am known as Janine or my pseudonym MeetFoxy. I am 28 years old and live together with my boyfriend Ronny in Brandenburg. A town close to Germany’s capital Berlin.

I work full time as a placement officer, coach and teacher and spend just as much time surfing the net and designing.

I discovered digi scrapping in the beginning of 2007 and soon started making my own stuff which I gave away free on my blog.

In the beginning of 2008 I officially started selling my designs on my blog. Soon after, I got an offer to sell at Divine Digital, where I have been selling exclusively since May 2008.

Recently, I have been specializing in marketing and advertising for designers and stores.

I also have some major changes planned coming in April.

Janine has graciously offered a 50% off coupon to our readers -- so this time around there is no prize at the end, just a great way to get a great deal on her stuff. And here are just a few items to choose from in her store:

Gorgeous stuff!!! And here is your coupon:

And lastly, here is the winner of the free script from Creation Cassel -- it's Karen (iamkaren). Please e-mail me (Christy) at AquaRubyMom [at] gmail [dot] com

3*21 Winner will be posted Sunday

2009-03-21T22:36:00.003-05:00

I apologize, my head is not where it should be right now. I have completely spaced picking a winner to the script at Creation Cassel. So this is your last chance to link us up to some layouts that could use some extra love. I'll be back tomorrow with our winner as well as our next spotlight. This week our designer is Foxy Designs. She even has a 50% off sale till the 22nd.

3-19 It's Thursday!

2009-03-19T20:06:00.004-05:00

Happy Thursday! I hope everyone's day went well! Today I checked out the gallery at Sweet Shoppe Designs
and found this pretty LO by RoxieLady

I really like the flowers she added to this page, along with the glitter! And the title says it all, that is a sweet picture!

I also found this page by cindys732003

Just perfect elements for this fun page! And I really like all the ribbons too!

And while there, I couldn't pass up this adorable page by nikkiARNGwife

What a little cutie! I really like those papers she used and all the circles!

Well I will stop there, I am so relieved I got this figured out a bit more today! Have a great weekend everyone!

3*18 Hybrid Wednesday

2009-03-18T12:08:00.002-05:00

It's another Wednesday. It seems DST is having some major issues. So today I am cruising the gallery at Scrapbook Graphics. In fact, today I'd like to share some hybrid treasures I found there.

This first one is just gorgeous. I adore the butterfly.

This next one is by Jen Caputo. I adore those kittens, but I love how she used that grid and then made a paper LO.

And there is a video for how she made this LO. Check it out here.

That's it for me today. I hope you have a great day!!

3~17 Happy Tuesday!

2009-03-17T20:53:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! I am so excited to help out Valeri & Christy here. I am not familiar with blogger, so have just managed to get one lo posted to share. It is by ~Julie~, I just love her style of scrapping.

I think the journaling and her choice of elements are great! So bear with me,I will get this all figured out and post more next time!

3*16 Monday Once Again

2009-03-16T16:43:00.002-05:00

Yup, it's Monday once more. Well it seems DST is having some issues right now, so I am off to find another gallery to feature some layouts. :)

So today I am opting to use the Digi Chick's gallery. As soon as I went to the homepage, I saw this gorgeous hybrid card by Savitri.

This next one is just too sweet. I love the row of Easter eggs below her photo.

This last one just totally caught me eye by ananas77

Well that's it for me today. Have a great evening and keep those layouts coming.

3*13 Happy Friday!!

2009-03-13T17:16:00.002-05:00

Yeah it's Friday!! I'm having a good day. Valeri is going to be out next week, so I've put out a request to my good friend , Jules, to help us out next or for longer depending on her. ;)

But I thought I'd post a couple of pages today. Not sure what is going on in the digi world -- I know Lori was so good about finding good sales, or challenges going on. So if you know of any, please post a link in the comments section. I love a good sale!!

The first picture is from Karen and is titled Siblings in the Garden
I love all of it -- it was so hard to find just one thing, but I really loved how her picture was kept as the main focus and your eye is just drawn naturally to it.

This next one just caught my eye. It's by Phungirl and is titled twice the blessing.

I love how soft it is and that quote is one of my favorites.

Well that's it for me today. Hope you have a great weekend. Remember to stop by and link up your layouts for a chance to win a script from Creation Cassel.

3*11 Whoopie it's Wednesday!!

2009-03-11T17:35:00.002-05:00

Yeah, it's the middle of the week!! I am here to feature a couple of pages that could use a little extra attention. I found them yesterday and immediately put them in my favorites.

The first one is by barb_scraps and titled fun

I love how simple the page is with all that vibrant color.

This next one is by Valeri Fowler titled So Cute

Your have to read her disclaimer, it totally had me cracking up!!

Well that's it for me, about to head to church -- have a great night!!

Late night Tuesday 3/10/09

2009-03-10T23:38:00.002-05:00

Another late post for me. Life's been a bit crazy this month. Today, we spent the day at the zoo cause its our last pretty day of the week. Seems winter is coming back for a visit again. So we totally took advantage of the day.

Since I spent the day enjoying the sun, I thought I would feature layouts where the subjects are also enjoying the sun.

First up is..

Go fly a Kite
by cityangel23

Isn't this just absolutely Gorgeous? I look at this and think of a magazine layout or a travel brochure. I totally love her title work, specially the highlights around the kite. Perfect!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is..

This moment Captured
by Novita

I love the amount of photos she used on this layout... and most specially the one of the furbabies and kiddos running together. Just adorable!! Love her choice in elements and papers for this page. And the title work is beyond wonderful! And I love that the day looks absolutely sunny and bright enough to enjoy a day running on the beach.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thats it for me tonight! I've got to go buckle down the house and make sure we don't blow away in this wind. Hope the weather is better in your part of the world!

Till next time!
Live, Laugh, Love.... And Scrap often!!

~Valeri~

3*9 Monday Mix Up

2009-03-09T19:32:00.002-05:00

Hello readers. I got my copy yesterday of the Artisan Notebook, it was really cool to see our blog mentioned in there. If you are reading our blog because of that magazine, welcome. Today's post is called Monday Mix Up because I goofed. Our latest sponsor is Cassel and after a mixed up conversation, I am here to announce that the ribbon pack I posted about yesterday is actually a freebie for you!!

Just click the image to download the ribbon.

Also, the winner this time will receive either a free script from Cassel's store or if you don't have PSP she has a service where you pick the script and she will run it and then send you the completed script. So be sure to stop by her store and check out all her scripts.

Well onto today's featured layouts. Speaking of Cassel's scripts. I wanted to find a page with them in action.

Look at all that yummy ribbon!! What a fun page.

This next page is by Aly called You captured my heart.

I love the three images and the fun embellies to create her title.

Stop by and leave these ladies some love. Have a great day.

3*8 Spotlight Sunday (Creation Cassel)

2009-03-08T17:07:00.002-05:00

Hello Praisers!! I hope your weekend is going well. We have a new spotlight today. Her name is Carole, but she goes by Cassel. Here is a little bit about her:

Hi, My name is Carole, aka as Cassel in the digiworld. I am 47, married and mom of three teens. I am a full time speech language pathologist and love working at the computer. I started digiscrapping in 2005 with my PaintShop Pro and I am addicted now. I can easily spend 5-6 hours straight at the computer!

In December 2007, I opened my first store, and in February 2009, I opened my own personal store, at http://creationcassel.com/store. Most of my work is about doing scripts for PSP users. I was always a bit envious of Photoshop users who have tons of actions available to them so I decided to find something to help PSP users.

I hope all PSP users will come and have a look at my store, and especially my scripts, which would make your life easier! All my scripts are commercial use friendly so designers are also welcome to browse through them!

Cassel is offering a free PSP script to those readers who are PSP users. She has also offered this ribbon pack for those who aren't PSP users. So spread the word. All you have to do is link us up to a layout that needs some love and it doesn't need to be your own layout.

Here is the ribbon pack being offered:

3*6 Finally Friday

2009-03-06T19:48:00.002-06:00

Yeah, it's finally Friday!! I am just settling in to do some scrapping and thought I'd pop in to announce the winner to Angela Woo's discount to her store.

We only had three entries -- since Valeri and I don't count ours -- lol!! My hubby drew the number and the winner is..... Jules!!! I will e-mail Angela and she will send you the discount coupon.

Our next spotlight is going to be on Creation Cassel -- she writes scripts for PaintShopPro -- so if you know anyone who uses that program, send them our way.

Well that's it for me, I think I will be joining in the Chicky Chat at the digi chick.

Thirsty Thursday.. 3/5/09

2009-03-05T19:53:00.002-06:00

I don't know about everyone else... but I am so ready for spring. For the rain to start, and the ground to turn green. I'm tired of dull brown of winter. We've had a couple days of nice weather this week, but according to the news report tonight... it isn't gonna last. And, as much as I would love to postpone summer as long as possible... I am sooooooooooo jonesing for spring. Seriously.

The first Layout I found goes along with how I'm feeling. I found this at DST tonight, and had to come feature it here!

What happened to Spring
by JenJ

Isn't this layout just simply Gorgeous? I love the placement of the Journaling, and the frames hanging off the page. Love the one lone snowflake peeking up at us too! What a great work of Art this is!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is...

Snow Storm
by TigerFlags

I love the picture captured here. Wonderful photo effect on it too! Its just gorgeous. Totally love her layers of papers and that they play on the weather theme to the page. This is simply a wonderful page!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's to hoping that winter will finally say goodbye and spring will embrace us in her warm arms soon! I can't wait to see the color of blooming flowers and vibrant grass!

Till next time...

Live, Laugh, Love.... and Scrap often!

~Valeri~

3*4 Wacked out Wednesday!

2009-03-04T22:24:00.002-06:00

AAAAAAAH!! It's almost 10:30 and I am just now remembering to post. *DOH*

I've been playing around with iTunes all evening and lost track of time. But I hope to make up for it. I found this adorable page by Lori called Grocery Shopping Buddy

I just love how she takes picture of everyday life and scraps them. I never seem to think to bring my camera to the store with me -- even doing the Project 365, I don't think to do it.

This next one just made me smile. I adore the colors, but it was her journaling that really caught my eye. It's by emilyscout and is called Be courageous:

Be sure to leave both of these ladies some deserved praise. Also remember there are only two days left to link us up to some layouts for your chance to win the 25% off coupon from Angela Woo Designs.

Tuesday's Featured layouts, with ValeriGail

2009-03-03T17:53:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! Again, I'm posting late in the evening and I've missed a few thursdays. I apologize, sincerely. Life has been a bit crazy around home lately.

I found this layout tonight while going through the gallery at DST, and fell in love with it at first sight!

When I am with you
by Gabs

Isn't this just Gorgeous!?! I love the artistic feel to this, very urban and real. The font used for the Journaling is perfect!!! Love the extraction, and the use of the black and white photos with all the splashes of color blended in!! Absolutely Wonderful!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This next layout I found at We Are Storytellers.

Girls do SO Ride
by CoinCon

Totally brings a smile to my face! I LOVE the title! All the bright color against the black and white background is Gorgeous! It all just totally pops right off the page at you! Love the photo effect on the picture, with just the bike in color. This is such a happy, vibrant layout... LOVE IT!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thats it for me tonight! Till next time...

Live, Laugh, Love..... And Scrap often!!

~Valeri~

3*2 Monday Marches On!!

2009-03-02T22:10:00.003-06:00

Oops, it's 10:00PM and I am just now posting today's featured LOs. *blushes*

Remember this week's sponsor is Angela Woo Designs. So remember to link us up to some layouts that need some much needed love. :)

Our first LO today is by my good friend Rachel. Her dd asked her to take a picture of her toys to do a page all about them and Mom happily obliged.

This next one is by scarlettmcd and is called 365 days

Isn't it just so sweet. I love her journaling too.

Well that's it for me today!! Have a great day!

2*25 Woonderful Wednesday

2009-02-25T20:52:00.004-06:00

Yes, I spelled wonderful incorrectly on purpose. ;) Since today is Wednesday, I thought I'd spotlight some pages done using Angela Woo's designs. So here we go!

This first one is so fun, I love how she took all the pictures during the face painting process.
Anatomy of a face by Lexicam:

This next one is a great page using white space, I love it.
Wander by Peppermint:

And this last one, I love the picture she took of her daughter's gorgeous red hair.
Redhead by soblessed

Well that's it for me today, I apologize for getting this up so late, been a busy day. So have a happy day!!

Twilight Tuesday with ValeriGail

2009-02-24T16:32:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! Sorry for the late post today.... But since I am bringing this to you very close to sunset here, I am gonna theme it that way too! ;)

I've been dealing with some health stuff and have been in bed for some time.. I've been catching up on my reading, and am now on the last book in the Twilight series. I finished the third over the weekend. So, since I am all Vamped out, I am gonna bring them here too in the featured layouts! Today, is Twilight Tuesday! :)

First up, is

Twilight
by dodo74

Love this picture of Bella and Edward. Its sensual with out going overboard. I really like how she's framed it out with the red leaves under the white frames. Great pop of color without darkening up the layout.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fanpires
by finecraft

This one totally makes me smile! I LOVE the title! Totally great set of pictures, but my fav is her friend kissing Edward's picture! I love how she's scrapped this, with the hands holding everyhting like a book. Very good play on the theme!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He Said
by DawnMcD

How sweet!!! I think I would faint if my Hubby said this to me!! I love the brightness to this layout, and that it actually doesn't have any Twilight stuff on it, just a reference. Totally in love with the alpha here!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Team Jacob
by TammyBean

So, I've got to admit that pretty much through most of the end of the first book and the beginning of the second... I was leaning towards Team Jacob. Well, ok so the WHOLE second book, I was leaning towards team Jacob. Then I read the third book. ;) I've still got a huge soft spot for the character though, He's written with such depth. So, I had to feature this great layout dedicated to Team Jacob. I love the "Who's afraid of a wolf?" LOL Love the layers here and the Wolf pendant. The layout carries a very native american feel to it, holding on to the Jacob essence with out going too wolfy. :) Love it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thats it for me today... I've got to get back to reading, the book is pulling me back in! HAHA. I hope you enjoyed the Twilight layouts as much as I enjoyed hunting them down.

Till next time...

Live, Laugh, Love.... and Scrap often!

~Valeri~

2*23 Marvelous Monday

2009-02-23T15:56:00.002-06:00

Hello Praisers!! I hope you had a great weekend, it just went by way too fast. Here it is Monday again. I have some pages I'd like to feature today.

The first one is by Valeri and is titled The Greatest of these is Love.

This next one is using a kit by our spotlight designer, Angela Woo, it is by melrio and is called Being a Sister.

This last one is just too cute, so I had to include it today. It's by sushimommy and is called Wild at Heart.
.

Well that's it for me today -- please stop by these pages and leave them some love. Have a great day!!

2*22 Spotlight Sunday (Angela Woo Designs)

2009-02-22T14:24:00.002-06:00

Our spotlight this time is on Angela Woo Designs. She is graciously awarding a 25% off coupon to our winner. She is so sweet to talk to too. Here is a short bio about her:

My name is Angela Woo and I'm from Montreal, Quebec Canada. I am a work-from-home mom to 2 boys and wife to my high school sweetheart. I've been designing for 2 years now and specialize in hand drawn originals. To describe my design style, I would say it's shabby meets cute! I am a Memory Mixer designer and also have my shoppe at {We Are} Storytellers here.
To learn more about me, you can find my online blog here.

Check out some of her designs:

So don't forget to link us up to some layouts that could use some Genuine Praise.

And our winner is....

2009-02-22T13:48:00.002-06:00

Paula (lvg4him)!!!

I sent your e-mail to Miss Nicole and you should hear from her soon.

2*19 Digi Point of View (early)

2009-02-19T17:32:00.003-06:00

Today's Digi Point of View is going to be posted a day early. The reason being at {we are} storytellers, they have a Book Fair each Thursday. You can buy the "Book Fair" kit for $2 and then you receive 35% off of 2 other products just on Thursday. The other reason I am telling you that is because of WHOSE Book Fair kit it is this week. Our next sponsor is Angela Woo Designs and her kit is the "Book Fair" kit this week.

So here is a peek at her kit:

So hurry and snag this adorable kit for only $2 before the day is over!!

I will be back on Friday to post the winner to the $10 GC to Nicole's store.

2*18 Wild About Wednesdays!

2009-02-18T14:03:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone. I hope your Wednesday is going well. As Valeri stated yesterday, we're switching up days. Oh and Happy Belated Birthday Valeri!!

Valeri has been linking us up to some fabulous pages to view too. This one totally jumped out at me.

It's by Cherry Limeade -- isn't it awesome, so bright and cheery.

This next one is one I found cruising DST. It's by Gisele Cristina called Baby Boy.

Well that's it for me today, don't forget to link us up to layouts, on Friday I will draw the winner of the $10 GC to Sugarplum Paperie store.

Tuesday's Layouts with ValeriGail 2/17/09

2009-02-17T12:10:00.002-06:00

Good Afternoon everyone!!

Christy and I will be swapping days. From now on, you'll get posts from dear old me on Tuesdays, and Christy on Wednesdays!

Today is my Birthday.. I am now officially in my thirties!! ROFL! Actually I am 34, so I've been in my thirties for a few years now. Its been a good day, and I'm thankful for another birthday to celebrate!

Anyways, on to the layouts...

The First Scrapper I am gonna feature seems to be a hidden gem, Seriously! I went to have a look at this wonderful page and found a full gallery of more wonderful pages!! You all should go check out her entire gallery!! Its gorgeous!

Make me Smile for web
by MizAmyLou

I love her layering, its absolutely wonderful!! The colors are great, I love the peachy pinks with the teal blues.. Think they are a gorgeous combination! Her elements are perfect, and I love her clustering. The title work is superb and the picture is Adorable!!! I totally love this page! Seriously, check out the rest of her gallery while your there leaving love for this layout... Its wonderful!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up, we have another one I found today at DST.

Big Surf, Little Surfer
By Aerobigirl

I love multi pic layouts, I know I've said that alot on here. But this is a bit different than your usual multi pic. I love how she's used the pictures and the majority of the page, almost seemlessly connecting them. This looks like it could be a travel brouchure! I know I'd want to go visit this spot after seeing this! I love her journaling, and how she's highlighted the little surfer with the circle target and the two pictures in the circles. Love the flow of the bottom three scenes where he's trying to surf. Absolutly wonderful!!! Oh and I love the aplha she's used for her title too!! Gorgeous!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

:) thats it for me today! I'm gonna go spend the day doing absolutely nothing, except maybe a few rounds of sports on the Wii with the kiddos. Thats what I wanted for my birthday, a day of nothing important! LOL I hope you all have a great day too!

Till next time...

Live, Laugh, Love..... and Scrap Often!

~Valeri~

2*16 Magical Monday!!

2009-02-16T08:00:00.003-06:00

Happy President's Day to all my American praisers out there!! I hope this Monday finds you doing something scrappy today. I myself have some catching up layouts I need to work on. We've had some awesome pages being linked up over in the Layout Lovin' section.

The first one is this really sweet page done by Paula and is titled Far and Away

She did such a great job with this layout displaying the beauty of her daughter.

This next one has become a favorite and I am sure you will see why. It's by Amy and is titled If I had an extra 100 years.

Seriously this page needs no journaling, that photo speaks for itself.

I felt like these two pages today were simply magical, thus the title for today's post. I hope you can find some magic of your own today.

2*13 Digi Point of View

2009-02-13T13:27:00.006-06:00

Hello all you praisers out there!! I hope your week has faired well. I just thought I'd pop in and post about a brand new store called

They are having a Grand Opening sale and lot of prizes to give away too. Be sure to stop by and check it out. They also have a collaboration kit called Pure Passion

(images are clickable)

Remember to link us up to a layout that needs love for your chance to win $10 to Nicole's store at Sugarplum Paperie.

Have a scrappy filled weekend!!

Thursday with ValeriGail 2/12/09

2009-02-12T11:16:00.003-06:00

Good Afternoon, everyone! Seems I'm making it a habit to post late these days. LOL Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things next week!

So, Layout Lovin is really slow... and since I like to feature different Scrappers every day, I couldn't pull something from there today. :( Made me sad. Come on everyone, Link us up!!!! We miss you and your pages!!!! Anyway, so I've gone Gallery hopping to find today's Featured layouts. I went looking for layouts that are about interesting subjects, different things than a usual layout. First one up is.....

Potty Talk
By Angelia
At MyScrapBookArt

Too darn cute, isn't it!! I love that she scrapped about these moments, because they only last a short little time. And then, before you know it, your kids are doing everything on their own and you miss the interaction you used to have. At least thats how its been for me. Things I really didn't think were important moments, became cherished memories. Like late night potty training! I love her layout. The Journaling is wonderful, and love her word art and title font! The Top secret in the corner cracks me up, too!! This is just all around a great layout!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up, we have.....

Weird Bird
By Madae
At Elemental Scraps

I love this!! The "story" totally cracks me up. I love the poem used, and the wonderful extraction making the bird apear to have landed on the frame! There is always that one that sticks behind, ya know. For birds and people! LOL

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And there you have your featured layouts for today! Please stop by their pages and leave them some much deserved Love!! And then, come on back here and link us up to some more amazing layouts! We really do miss seeing everyone's work. Remember, the layout doesn't have to be one of your own, you can link up that really cool one you saw earlier, or the one that made you giggle... And every link you provide gives you a better chance at the drawing next friday!!! So, see... you get to show off someones work, or your own. You get to leave love for others, which is always fun and you get a chance at winning a Gift certificate!!! All for just linking up!! So please, pretty pretty please? LOL

Till next week!

Live, Laugh, Love..... And Scrap Often!

~Valeri~

Wacky Wednesday with ValeriGail 2/11/09

2009-02-11T15:24:00.002-06:00

Good Afternoon everyone! I apologize for the late post, I've been having some computer issues today. But, I think I'm back up and running fine now.

Our first Featured layout is one linked in Layout Lovin' and it has no pictures!

Picture-less
by Amymom24

I love journaling, and I love personal Blog posts.... and this Layout is the best of both!! I loved reading about her day, and I think its wonderful that she's memorialized this blog post as a Scrap page. Years from now, she will totally enjoy reading this story and remembering how things were. Because time flies so fast when you are raising babies, specially several at the same time. Something I totally know first hand! ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up, we have a page I stumbled upon while looking through the Gallery at MyScrapbookArt

My little one
by SeattleSheri

Isn't this just adorable? I love the poem she's used for the journaling, its absolutely perfect! The extractions are wonderful, and I love how she's placed the baby in the vines, gives the layout a very mystical effect. And I love the title work, too!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thats it for me today. Please stop by these pages and leave them some love, they so deserve it!! And I know a comment would make the layout artist's day!! Also, remember to link us up... we love seeing all of the layouts you all work so hard on.

Till Tomorrow!

Live, Laugh, Love...... and Scrap Often!!

~Valeri~

2*10 Tuesdays with Christy

2009-02-10T21:47:00.002-06:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!! I hope your day is going well. Just a quick post to spotlight a couple of pages I found today.

The first is really sweet and is using Nicole's Grab Bag.
It's by flattsgurl and is called My Heart

This next one I found at DST. The big blue eyes lured me in, but it was the journaling that takes center stage here by tkelley called If You Ever Wonder.
.

Well that's it for me today -- happy scrapping!!

2*9 Marvelous Monday

2009-02-09T16:59:00.003-06:00

Hello? Is anyone still out there? It seems so quiet around these parts lately. We're still plugging along here. I found a really fun LO to feature in the Layout Lovin' section.

It's by Valeri and is called Digging to China -- LOL

I love how she did her title and that picture is just priceless.

This next LO is really sweet. I love that she journaled using the song.

Please be sure to leave fun2educate some love. She is also using items from Nicole. :)

Well that's it for today. See you tomorrow.

2*8 Spotlight Sunday (Sugarplum Paperie)

2009-02-08T18:21:00.005-06:00

Howdy Praisers!!

Christy here again with another Spotlight Sunday. This time around we have Nicole Seitler from Sugarplum Paperie.

Nicole has generously donated a $10 GC to her store. She has her own store here and here.

Here is a little bit about her:
I never considered myself to be a "crafty" person until a girlfriend of mine sent me a pack of handmade cards for a baby shower gift. When I saw what she had made with cardstock and rubber stamps, I just new I could do it, too! The confidence I gained from playing with rubber stamps spilled over into several other areas of my life and I started to try my hand at knitting, quilting and scrapbooking. I really enjoyed playing with scrapbook paper--it just fascinated me!

Then one night, probably while I was browsing for inspiration on 2 Peas in a Bucket's gallery, I discovered something called "Digital Scrapbooking Freebies." And from there, I found the Shabby Princess. How many people can tell the exact same story?! Well, I was hooked when I saw all the beautiful things people were making with Photoshop and I knew right then and there that I wanted to learn, too! I realized that behind every pretty piece of scrapbook paper I liked, there was a person who actually created that--and I could be one of those people! So I started on a year long process of teaching myself how to use PSP and then Photoshop while doing web design projects. In July of 2007, I started a blog to give away any digital creations I made while I was learning just what I could do with this program. That blog is the Sugarplum Paperie blog! Then in November of 2007, with the help of my husband who is also a web designer, I opened my own shop. What a blast it has been! Everyday I learn more about design and grow happier with my creations. I'm still not quite where I want to be yet, but I'm loving every minute of this wild ride!

This month I have the privilege of being a guest this month for Nicole. Her products are so easy to use. Here is a sampling of a few of her latest products:

.

And for the next two weeks there is this awesome collaboration kit that several designers, Nicole included, have put together to help a digi scrapper named Mellisa. Check it out:

Remember for every link you leave in the Layout Lovin' section will get you entered into the drawing.

2*7 And the winner is....

2009-02-07T11:49:00.003-06:00

Sorry we didn't post yesterday, I was no where near my computer till late in the evening. But I am happy to announce we have a winner in our drawing for the $10 GC to Dielle Designs.

And the winner is....

Jules -- YEAH!!! Just e-mail me at AquaRubyMom [at] gmail [dot] com for your prize.

Be sure to stick around because our next featured spotlight designer will be Nicole Seitler from Sugarplum Paperie.

Thursday's Layouts with ValeriGail

2009-02-05T15:14:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! Sorry for the late post today.

I'm gonna keep this short and sweet since its already late going up...

Today's first Feature is a layout done with Some of Dielle's products.

Play
by jenn

I love how she did her picture here, coloring the music player and earphones and the rest being black and white. Its perfect with the dark back ground and all the colorful elements and papers.

Next up is a layout found in the Layout Lovin'.

When you smile
by Jules

This is adorable! I love her journaling, it connects us with the significance of the layout. Love the colors here, very bright and cheerful... matches that lovely smile perfectly!

Please stop by these wonderful layouts and leave some Genuine love! Its been a very slow week in the layout lovin, remember every time you link us up you are entered into the drawing for a $10 gift certificate to Dielle's store! So, link us up for your chance to win!

See you all next week!

Live, Laugh, Love.... and Scrap often!

~Valeri~

Wacky Wednesday with ValeriGail 2/4/09

2009-02-04T04:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone! Sorry about last week. I'm dealing with some yucky virus that keeps knocking me off my feet.

I promised last week that I would feature the layouts you all posted from your fav files. Ones that you look to for scrapping inspiration. Three layouts were linked up, and those will be the layouts I feature today.

The first one was linked up by Amymom24, and has survived a whole year in her favorites file! I can totally see why.

Sleeping Beauty
by Annscraps

Our next layout was submitted by HeatherB. Heather finds inspiration in the story, and this layout defanantly tells a story with both photos and journaling.

Rose Parade
By debsterchen

And for our final layout, we have Melissa's (melmos75) all time favorite, from her favorite file at Sweet Shops. Gorgeous layout!!

Little Wink
by pne123

All three of these are remarkable, and I can totally see why they are in your favorite files. I really appreciate that you took my challenge to look into your files and share with us. Thank you so very much. I would love to see more. If you didn't get a chance last week to link up a favoite, feel free to link us up this week.

And with that, I'm gonna go back to bed. :) I hope everyone has a great day!

Live, Laugh, Love..... And scrap often!

~Valeri~

2*3 Tuesdays with Christy

2009-02-03T10:57:00.003-06:00

It's that time again, Tuesdays with Christy!! Sorry I am posting so late, I started to draft this up this morning before I was heading out the door and never got it posted. I hope your week is going well. It's getting rather quiet around these parts. Please leave us a comment and let us know you are out there. :)

Today I am going to feature this sweet page by Sya called Love

This next LO is by BrandiSutherlin. She is doing the Project 365 and this is her week 3. I love how vibrant her pictures are, especially the starfish.

Again, sorry this late, but I hope it was worth the wait. *grin*

2*2 Manic Monday

2009-02-02T15:33:00.002-06:00

Can I just say it -- I don't like Mondays!! There, it's been said. LOL!! I hope you had a great weekend. I notice there weren't many pages posted over the weekend. There is still plenty of time to get entered into the drawing for a $10 GC to Dielle's Store.

Today's featured page is by Jules called Puppy Love

This next page is by scrapper_smiles and is called Kitty Concerto.

Isn't that kitty super sweet.

Well that's it for me today -- keep those pages coming.

1*30 Fantastic Friday!!

2009-01-30T08:00:00.002-06:00

Good day praisers!!! It's finally Friday. Valeri and I apologize for not getting a post made on Thursday. She wasn't feeling well and asked me to post, but I didn't read my e-mail till late in the evening. So instead I thought I'd combine our featured LOs with my "digi point of view" today.

I am so happy to see some of you using the Layout Lovin' forum. It's so fun to see so many different pages. I totally loved Valeri's post about posting links from your faves folder. We are definitely going to have to do that more often. Okay onto the featured LOs.

This first one is by my good friend Jules called Brothers by Chance.

Her boys are so sweet, I love that quote too.

This next one is by Jessica called sleepy:

Isn't he so sweet?

Now the other part of my post today is the "digi point of view". Well today I am doing a mini spotlight on a kit by Randi Oh Designs. Randi will be one of our spotlight designers in the next few months, well she was so excited that she offered a kit to both Valeri and I to use. Here is our finished product and the kit she gave us -- thanks again Randi!!! This was such a fun kit to use and it is packed full of awesome elements too.

Garden Delights

Remember ladies, keep linking up those LOs for a chance to win the gift card from Dielle's store.

Wacky Wednesday With ValeriGail... 1/28/09

2009-01-28T04:00:00.001-06:00

So... How frozen are you today? ;)

As I sit here typing up this post, I can hear the sleet hitting against my windows. I am hoping to not wake up to scenes like Christy posted yesterday!

So, with it being so very very very very very cold right now (I know there are places even colder than me, but darn it I can be a wimp right now if i wanna!) , I am going to feature Bright warm pages today.

Lets see what I can find!

First up is Christy's Week two for the 365 project

Love the bright colors she used on this layout. They totally bring out something in every picture. From matching the buttons, to the color of the bowling shoes (how do you match pants to those shoes?? LOL), to the blue of the sky behind her son. Its all Perfectly coordinated to highlight everything! Love it!! And I have to agree, that is one smart dog!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is a layout I came across at DST..

At our Beach
By HeatherB

Isn't this just too cool?!? I love how she has added in the sand to play on the imagination of the day. Very nice! The colors are just wonderful. Bright, cheerful, warm.. Everything a day in the sun is!! I just absolutely love the imagination that went into this layout. Please everyone, stop by her page and leave her some Genuine Love for this great layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, I have got to show you one of my favorite layouts of all time. This is by Dielle, our Spotlighted Designer of the week. Both Dielle and I have twins and hang out at a message board called "Twinstuff"... it was there that I was first introduced to scrapping by other twin mommies, and saw this layout by Dielle...

Poor Bob
By Dielle

It is scrapped using her "Afternoon in my Garden" kit.
Now, isn't this just halarious??? Poor Bob!! At least he's a safety guy, right? So he should know how to get out of this with out too much trouble? HAHA I can't help but crack up everytime I look at it!! And yes, my kids would so do this too! ;). I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE her shadowing on the iron fence, absolutely Gorgeous work! I wish I could shadow like that!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before I go, I would like to challenge you all again... Or ask a favor of you all, depends on how you want to look at it. I would love it if you could dip into your favorite file, at any of your scrapbook Galleries, and pull out your all time favorite layout, that someone else has scrapped. Then link it up here (either in the comments section or in the Layout lovin' section). Share with us the layout that inspires you the most, or makes you laugh the most, or makes you think the most or just makes you smile.... It does not have to be a new layout either, it can be something that you've had stashed away in there for sometime. It just needs to be a layout that you love! And hopefully tomorrow, I can feature some of them, or even ALL of them here at the blog. What do you think? Sound like fun? I hope so!! I would so love to see what inspires all of you!

And with that I will let you all go. Stay warm everyone!

Live, Love, Laugh...... And Scrap often!

~Valeri~

1*27 Tuesdays with Christy

2009-01-27T17:43:00.004-06:00

Hello all, sorry I haven't posted sooner. We've had a major ice storm come through, so this is what my house looks like: Ice Storm pics.

It's been rather nerve wracking all day to say the least, but I am here now -- so let's get some layouts featured!!

This first page is by Valeri --- I love how many photos she got on here and that tree is the perfect touch. What a fun Easter page.

This next one by Tiffikat is just so sweet. I love the one of the older brother holding the younger.

And this is also by Dielle Designs called Morning in My Garden.

I'm throwing in one more for posting this late, I totally love it. I so need to get this template because that heart just rocks!!
True Love by Paula

1*26 Marvelous Monday!!

2009-01-26T12:56:00.002-06:00

Why is it so marvelous? Because our school day got done before lunch -- that in itself is just shy of a miracle on Mondays -- LOL!!!

I thought I'd spotlight a page done using Dielle's kit: Afternoon in my Garden.

Grammy's Boy by ForgetMeNots is so sweet, I love the gate along the bottom.

This next page is by Sya, I totally love the strips of paper and the bead work on the side.

Make sure you stop by and leave each page some much deserved love. Also for every link you leave in our Layout Lovin' section will get you into the drawing for the $10 GC for Dielle's store.

1*25 Spotlight Sunday (Dielle)

2009-01-25T12:56:00.010-06:00

Welcome to another Spotlight Sunday!! This time around we are featuring Dielle from Digital Freebies and Faith Sisters. She has graciously offered a $10 GC to her store. I asked her for a bio about herself and this is what she said:

I'm Dielle Designs, and have been designing for almost exactly 2 years. I currently have shops in DigitalFreebies.com and Faithsisters.com. I'm also a SAH, homeschooling mom of 5 gorgeous kiddos, expecting #6 in May, with my sweet husband, Fred. So I'm busy and not the most prolific designer, but it's my creative outlet and I find a lot of joy in creating designs that I also love to scrap with. I always try to scrap with my kits as I make them, to make sure they work together, are good quality, and are what *I* love. I hope everyone else loves them as much as I do.

Here is just a sampling of some of Dielle's products:

The images are clickable.

So remember, link us up to some LOs that need some love using our Layout Lovin' link, just click on the retro girls. AND.... you don't need to link your own LOs either to qualify, link as many as you want!! Have a great day!!

Digital Point of View with Valerigail 1/23/09

2009-01-23T14:28:00.005-06:00

Hey ladies, Christy here to announce the winner of the $10 gift card to Miss Mint's store. YEAH!!!

And the winner is. . .

jlady11 (Jessica) -- please e-mail me, Christy, at AquaRubyMom [at] gmail [dot] com.

Hi everyone!

Today, instead of taking you all over the net to different digital places and happenings, I'm going to Challenge you to just one challenge.

Today, at Peppermint Creative's Forum, I came across a thread titled "Unofficial Challenge: Do it different", and was quite intrigued by it. So much that I wanted to spread the challenge, bring it here to all of you!

(I tried to get this clearer, but well... I'm apparently not all that good at screen shots! LOL)

It seems that we all have some "preferences" to our scrapping. For example, I really like scrapping to the right. When I start a layout, I always bring in my pictures and layer them out on the right side of the page, and usually up in the right corner. I also tend to start out with at least three different pictures. Then either add or subtract as I scrap the page, and strangely I also tend to move the pictures to the center. I don't think I've ever scrapped a picture on the left hand side of my page. Seriously. But I LOVE the ones I see that are scrapped with the pictures to the left. I also love to use the same colors over and over. Reds, pinks, blues, bright bright colors.... and hardly use neutrals or monotone. When I do use neutrals, It tends to be a very simple layout. Which just makes me wonder what I'm thinking when I do this? LOL I've only done one white space layout, and that was a HUGE step out of my comfort zone to do. And interestingly enough, it is one of my favorite layouts of all time. Makes me stop and think... Maybe I should step out of my comfort zones more often.

So this Challenge is to step out of your scrapping preference, and scrap your page differently. If you tend to place your pictures to the right, go to the left. If you tend to stick to corners, try the center of the page! Try out new color schemes you would never have chosen before. Add more pictures if you tend to scrap singles, or do a single picture layout if that is something you tend to shy away from. Do it ALL differently! Try something new! Mix it up, have fun, and then Share it with us!!

I'd also LOVE to hear what everyone's preferences are! What have you noticed about your scrapping style? Share it with us in the comments section or at Peppermint Creative! There are several threads over there about this... stop in and share your preference with the group. They'd love to have you there!

I'm excited about this, and can't wait to get started on my "Do it Different" layout! This could be a lot of fun, seeing what we can accomplish that's a bit out of our comfort zones. I'm pretty sure we are all going to surprise ourselves with this one!!

So, Go for it!! Challenge yourself to Do it Different!!! Then come back and link us up! I can't wait to see all the "Different" layouts!

~Valeri~

Thursday with Valerigail 1/22/09

2009-01-22T03:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!

I've got a new strategy today. ;) I've done the begging, now I'm going to seriously tempt you!

There are only 2 more days to link up layouts for the Gift Card drawing to Miss Mint's store!! Come on everyone!!! You don't want to miss out on the chance to win this!! Her stuff is like Super Awesome!! The more you link up, the better your chance of being the winner!!! I could so go for a $10 shopping spree at PepperMint Creative. that would completely make my day!! What would I get? Oh, let me see... Probably Mr Fix it element pack and paper pack. But then there is Patchwork Princess, I've wanted that for some time now! hmmm... I've also been drooling over Skater Boy, which is like totally cool! It would make perfect layouts for my teenage son! She also has alot of great EZ elements that I would totally enjoy, because I love clipping and masking. Just to have these shapes would be awesome! She also has 6 whole pages of different alphas to chose from!!! Who can't have enough alphas???? Not me!! Come on, take a look around her store and decide if you want to give up this great chance!!! All it takes is a link. Just one, or two or ten.. LOL. LINK US UP!!! The more you link, the better your chance!

:) Enjoy your time at Peppermint Creative looking around. I'll wait for ya here!

You had fun, didn't you? Told you she has amazing stuff!!

So, on to the layouts of the day!

First up is a Gorgeous layout found at DST...

Picking flowers
by Mag Henrey

I think this is absolutely stunning! It should be framed and hanging on a wall where everyone can see it. Her blending is Gorgeous, as is her photo! Framing the picture with more flowers was the perfect touch, and I love those little clouds up in the right corner too. Everything about this layout just totally grabs my attention. Its Beautiful! Please, stop by her page and leave her some very well deserved love for this wonderful layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is another pic from Layout Lovin', that I thought was just adorable!!

Brothers
by Jules

I really like the clean lines of her paper strips and how she's placed her photos. The title tags are adorable, and I totally love the initial tag held on by the ribbon string. Her color choices are perfect, as is her shadowing and layering. I really like that her layout isn't all cluttered up, but holds just the right amount of balance. I have a hard time achieving that myself, so I totally admire it in others works. Oh, and Her little boys are super cute, too!! Please everyone, stop by her page and leave her some love for this great layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While I was at Peppermint Creative drooling over all the great products I would buy if I could win the Gift card, I hopped into the Gallery. I saw this layout and just had to feature it today. It is so cute!!

Hungry
by Jlady11

I told you it was cute!! I got to giggling when I saw it, because every single one of my kids tried to eat their daddy's nose! :) I love the simplicity to her layout, and how she has each picture just a little tilted. The colors are perfect, drawing your eyes straight to the pictures, where they should be. I just totally love everything about this layout! Please, stop by her page, at Peppermint Creative's Gallery, and leave her some Genuine love!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And that is it for me today... I'm gonna hop back over to Peppermint Creative and continue my dream shopping... you all should too, AFTER you link us up a layout or two... or five! ;) I can dream, right? Might as well dream big!

Live, Love, Laugh.... And Scrap often!!

~Valeri~

Wacky Wednesday With ValeriGail 1/21/09

2009-01-21T03:00:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone!! So, I warned you.... here it comes..... the begging....

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

Link us up to some great layouts??!!!!

Pretty Please.. With a 10 gift card to Miss Mint's store on top???

I'll beg again tomorrow too!

Now, on to the layouts!

First up is a layout dedicated to the changes that took place in America today. We now have a new president. I'm not gonna get all political on ya, LOL, Just wanted to commemorate this great day with this GREAT Layout by Melmos75

New President
By Melmos75

I love the Patriotic colors and elements she's used. Her layering is amazing... and don't you just love those stitched bracket frames???? Perfect Layout for this very Historical day. Please stop by her page and leave her some very well deserved love!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up... I found this layout in the Gallery at DST. Its absolutely adorable, and hit home, for me, with the journaling. Oh, and she's used Miss Mint's Rebel One kit in the layout too!! I love that kit!

Play
By nikkiARNGwife

Her pictures are absolutely adorable! There is something about children while lost in play, that makes me stop and really look. They always seem at peace, lost in their imaginations. I wish we could keep that as we age. Her journaling is really wonderful. I too want to pack up my kids favorite things after they've lost interest. Please, stop by and leave her some love for this great layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And that is it for me, for today. I'll be back tomorrow to pester you all again to link up some layouts. I feel like I'm spamming the new forum with all my layouts, you all need to help me balance it out!!! (did that work?? Was going for the guilt trip.. LOL)

Live, Love, Laugh...... And Scrap often!

~Valeri~

1*20 Tuesdays with Christy

2009-01-20T10:20:00.002-06:00

Good afternoon praisers!! I hope your week is going well. It's been a little quiet around here.

Today I am going to spotlight a few pages that have been posted in our Layout Lovin' section.

This first one is by Lori:

I love her design and love how she did her journaling in the center.

This next one is by Flora:

I love the rain cloud and the picture in the corner.

This last one is very sweet by Livia:

I hope you have a wonderful day and we look forwarding to see some links posted by you guys as well -- don't make Valeri have to beg again!! LOL!!

1*19 Marvelous Monday!!

2009-01-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

Hello Praisers!! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. By now you should have noticed that Mr. Linky is gone and that in it's place is Layout Lovin'. I have set up a spot at my forum where you can post links. All you need to do is register and you will be all set, it's that easy. In fact Valeri hooked us up with some awesome LOs this weekend.

So my first pick is this one by bunnynose:

Isn't this just fantastic?? I love the blending and that super cool action with the pictures. Stop by and leave her some love.

This is also our second week to spotlight Miss Mint from Peppermint Creative. I was doing a quick search for pages done with Miss Mint's stuff and came across these awesome pages by Trisha. She used the same template, but just used different papers and elements to make pages for her two children. I love how they turned out.

Remember to post links in order for a chance to win $10 to Miss Mint's store. Have a great day!!

Digital Point of View 1*16

2009-01-16T00:00:00.002-06:00

Scrappy Friday!!! Yeah, the weekend is almost here!! Got any scrappy plans? I usually do. Now normally we have been having the Friday posts be from our "digital point of view" and this one is along those same lines.

We really appreciate the support and encouragement we have been receiving lately for this blog and want to continue to be a place that is fun and inviting.

We also are looking for easier ways to run things. One of the areas that both Valeri and I wanted to make a more permanent feature was how to post a link that needs praise. Neither one of us were to fond of "Mr. Linky" but it worked. Well I co-own a site called Scrap Garden. Some friends and I started this site to be a fun loving scrapbook community and we've been looking for ways to expand to other areas in the scrapbook world. We have our own forum and gallery. So that being said, as of today Mr. Linky is no more.

I have created a spot on my forum especially for the Genuine Praise readers called Layout Lovin'. All you have to do is create an account, it's really easy and one of the admin girls (myself included) will get you set up. All new accounts come to us, to keep out those lousy spammers. There you will find a weekly thread that either Valeri or I will have set up -- leave a link and you're done. You are also more than welcome to use our gallery there too. Scrap Garden is not a store, just a community and for those who are needing another open gallery, then you found the right place. *wink*

Oh and Mr. Linky is not gone entirely, I will have the link with all those previously linked pages set up in the forum. Because we are still using all the links for the current spotlight on Miss Mint.

So what else is going on in the digi world? Have you joined the Project 365 craze? I have!! It seems there are so many people doing it. Several forums have a special section too like at SBG and DST.

How about challenges? I love a good challenge -- got one post a link in the comments. I love scrapbookgraphics.com "We Can Build It" challenges. This week is a white space challenge -- see here. Pickleberry Pop's infamous "What's in the Pickle Jar" challenge is always fun too. And Sweet Shoppe Designs has a Challenge a Day going on -- so check it out.

Well that's it for me, I hope you have a great weekend. Don't forget to leave a link for us to love on!!

Ch ch changes

2009-01-15T18:45:00.001-06:00

Just want you to know that there will be some changes made starting tomorrow, so if you notice some of the "widgets" on the side don't make sense, don't worry it will starting tomorrow. I am excited and hope you will be too. See you tomorrow.

Thursday Madness with ValeriGail

2009-01-15T04:00:00.003-06:00

What do you think about my title? Its only for this particular Thursday's post....LOL Let me explain..

I write my posts here the evening before and schedule it to post. Makes it easier on me.. cause lets face it I wouldn't get the post up till 4pm if I tried to do it during the day! HAHA.. So tonight I sat down to do my post, came here to our lovely blog to visit with Mr Linky. My begging yesterday paid off, cause there were several new links posted today. I was so happy to see that earlier!! So, I click on our girls, and guess what happens? Well, you all probably know... Mr linky has been shut down. Why? I haven't a clue... I can come up with a dozen conspiracy theories though, if ya'd like. ;) Might even share them with you for a buck... but I really don't know. What am I gonna do now? I ask myself. Easy.. I remember a few of the layouts and I can go searching through DST. No problem.

HAHAHAHAAHA
DST is "Optimizing Databases"

At this point, I thought... welll geesh it IS a Conspiracy!!

So tonight, due to the world wild (HEHEHE) web trying to GET Me to LOSE my mind... our Featured layouts are going to come from anywhere. I'm going to hunt through some galleries and just pick ones that totally reach out and grab my attention. Lets see what I can come up with!

Well ok, so I cheated on this first one cause I knew where it was uploaded other than DST.

Project 365 January 5-11
By Lori aka MissPotts

I just love this layout. She put in alot of hard work with it, and it totally paid off. I love her journaling on the squares, right up close and personal with the pictures. The colors here are phenomenal! I really like the small differences in the patterns of the papers too, I think it just adds something to the layout. And that apple looks wonderful! I'm thinking their applesauce must have been Delicious!!
So, if you haven't already... stop by here page at DST or WST (linked) and leave her some love for this Stunning work of art.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is a layout from MyScrapArtist

Rock and Roll
by jalensmom

This is just so cool! Very Rock and Roll with the flames and grungy backgrounds. Love all her layers of elements.. Perfect for this layout! The picture makes me smile, as he just looks like he's totally lost in the beat he's drumming out. This is such a fun expressive layout! Stop by her Gallery at MSA and leave her some love for this Awesome Work! and... Rock on!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is a layout I saw a few days ago that I instantly fell in love with. It is in the Nuts4digi Gallery.

A Miracle
by rubyminoza

This layout just totally melts my heart. As if the picture wasn't enough to do the job, she's journaled a Gorgeous poem that pulls at all my mommy senses! I adore her title work and the cluster of elements around the photo. Its small touches that make this perfect, like the stitching and the one single wing. This is really Stunning! Please, stop by her Gallery at Nuts4digi and leave her some love for this great layout.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ok so going on the hunt was actually alot of fun. I got to see a lot of really nice layouts from alot of different scrappers by visiting more than one Gallery. Pretty Awesome talent out there!

Untill the conspiracy around Mr Linky's disappearance is settled, please feel free to link up your layouts in the comments section. I'll be on a hunt for a new widget of some kind to stand in his place... but untill then I'd really love it if you keep on linking us up! Your not going to make me beg again, are you? I will you know... ;)

Have a Great Day everyone!!

Live, Love, Laugh...... And Scrap often!!

~Valeri~

WOOHOOO as of 8:07 am, Mr linky is back up and running!!!

Wednesday With ValeriGail! 1/14/09

2009-01-14T04:00:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone! Didn't I say last week that I was still hanging on to the hope that I would be right here posting to you this week? I am very happy that we've decided to continue the blog, and am very excited about all the changes and Features that we've got lined up for you!!

Mr. Linky is slow :( come on everyone, link us up to some awesome layouts!!! You don't want to miss out on the chance to win the Gift Card from Miss Mint! Plus, I just miss having layouts to leave love at! So, ya know... you could just do it for me and consider it a favor? ;)

So enough of my begging... and on to the Featured layouts for today!

First up is a Mr linky Pic..

Oh the Cuteness
By jlady11

What a perfect Title, cause he is just sooooo darn cute!!! I love her journaling, and that she was able to catch such a perfect smile in the picture! But, I've got to say, that first picture looks like he's thinking "What are you up to with that camera? And why is everyone making faces and talking funny? hmmm??? " LOL I can just imagine the scene that transpired! We as parents can do some crazy things to get our kids to laugh! I love her use of the circles here, and I think I've been inspired to try it out myself! (comfort zone jump there). Love her use of Miss Mint's kit too! The Colors are just perfect for this layout, bright and cheerful... just like her baby!
Please everyone, stop by her page and leave some love for this great layout!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up..... I decided to drop in over at Peppermint Creative's Gallery and check out the layouts over there. Wow, were there some really good layouts!! But my pic to Feature today just totally stood out for me..

contentment by kimmie xo

I love the clean simplicity here. The different shapes gives it a very modern look. Totally feels like it would be hanging on the wall in one of those houses with all white furniture and no clutter to be seen! Her photos are absolutely stunning, and the pops of color highlight them perfectly! I have to say, this is probably my new favorite layout! I just totally love it!
Hop on over to Peppermint Creative's Gallery, and leave kimmie xo some Geniune Love for this outstanding layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm gonna Feature one more layout today... because I can! HA HA!

Hugs & Kisses
by ScrappyFish

I totally love this layout! First off, those pictures are absolutely priceless!!! What a gift to have captured this moment on film! I love how she has displayed them here, using the tacs to hold them down on her paper. And the Journaling! LOVE IT!! Totally pulls the entire page together. Her Color choices are perfect! I am in love with pinks and browns, and blues and browns... and she has both!! The title work is Gorgeous too! Ok enough of my gushing praise... you all go and leave her some of your own! :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, that is it for me today! Well... I think I've got one more ounce of begging left in me.... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Link us up to some layouts! Pretty Pretty Please? Ok, think I'm spent.. LOL I hope everyone has a wonderful day! I will see you all tomorrow morning with more layouts and, if I can muster up the effort, some more begging you to link us up! (HE HE I had to get it in there one more time!)

Live, Love, Laugh....... And Scrap Often!

~Valeri~

Tuesdays with Christy

2009-01-13T12:31:00.002-06:00

It's that time again -- Tuesdays with Christy!! I thought I might spotlight some pages using Miss Mint's products.

The first one is by Kirstie:

I love the bright cheery Christmas colors.

This next one is a hybrid project.

Miss Mint even has a tutorial on how to make this Birthday Cake.

This last page was just very touching to me.

Please stop and leave some love for these fabulous projects.

Happy Monday

2009-01-12T12:59:00.004-06:00

Happy Monday girls!! I hope your weekend went well. Miss Mint sent me her bio and I am happy to post it:

Designer by day; designer by night. That's me, Pam - or 'Miss Mint' as I am more well known within the digital community. PeppermintCreative.com launched a little more than two years ago after I accidentally stumbled into digital scrapbooking while trolling around online with nothing to do. With a background in graphic design and a semi-decent knowledge of Photoshop already under my belt, I jumped right in and set up a store before even completing a product. Now, more than two years later, I am a full time digital scrapbook designer and Peppermint Creative has established itself as a leading source for fresh, vibrant and original designs that are easy to work with and fun to use.

Each month she hosts a contest called Pimp My Page -- isn't that name a hoot!! She offers a template to use and then you do a page using mostly Peppermint Creative goodies and you get a chance to win $5 to her store.

Onto our featured layouts:

Our very own Lori made this sweet page - I love her design and how she filled the left side with journaling.

Our next page features products from Miss Mint. Check it out:

I love how bright and colorful it is and how she was able to use so many photos.

Please stop by and leave these ladies some much deserved love!!

Don't forget -- every link you leave in Mr. Linky will get you into the drawing for $10 to Peppermint Creative's store.

1*11 Spotlight Sunday (Miss Mint)

2009-01-11T14:05:00.002-06:00

Good afternoon praisers!!! I hope your Sunday is going well. I am here to present our next spotlight designer here at Genuine Praise. As you all know by now, Lori stepped down as the main contributor to Genuine Praise and Valeri and I stepped up to keep it going. I started asking around and got some fabulous designers to come be spotlight designers here and our next one is just awesome. She is such a sweet lady and if you haven't used any of her products, you are missing out -- she is the fabulous Miss Mint!! Did you get to see her reveal who she really is? If not, stop by her forum and check it out: The Great Miss Mint Reveal. It was really neat to figure out who she really is and what her real name is!! She has gone by Miss Mint for so long, she actually prefers it now. :)

Anyway, I asked Miss Mint to give me a little bio about herself and as soon as she does, I will post it. But I want to entice you with some of her latest items in her store. All images are clickable.

All her new items are 20% off -- so grab them while they are on sale!!

And Miss Mint has agreed to give away $10 to her store. So remember to leave a link to a LO that needs some Genuine Praise and you will get a chance at the GC. Have a great weekend and I will see you on Monday.

Oh and miss Sya, if you didn't see Friday's post -- you were the winner of the $10 from Flergs. Please e-mail me (Christy) at AquaRubyMom [at] gmail [dot] com.

1*9 Friday's winner!!

2009-01-09T19:31:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to stop by and let you know that Sya (syapotter) is the winner of the $10 GC from Flergs!!! Please e-mail me (Christy) at AquaRubyMom [at] gmail [dot] com.

I hope you ladies have a great weekend!!! I will see you on Sunday with our spotlight of Miss Mint from Peppermint Creative!!

1*9 GREAT NEWS!!!

2009-01-09T11:06:00.002-06:00

Hello Praisers!! Christy here with some very exciting news. Valeri and I have decided that this blog is too much fun to just up and die, so we've decided to keep it going. I put the word out at DST and I now have a list of almost 20 designers who are willing to help sponsor us and award you ladies with prizes!!! So tell your friends, the more people we have come play with us -- the more praise and love you will receive.

I will be back later to announce the winner of the gift certificate to Flergs store, but in the mean time you gotta see her latest kit that she did with Kaye Winiecki of the Lily Pad. It is super cute!! And is available at both SBG and TLP!

Here is a page I did with it. :)

I am so excited!! Our next sponsor will be the fabulous Miss Mint (oh we will try and tell you ahead of time who are sponsors are from now too -- so tell your friends).

Thursday's Featured Layouts

2009-01-08T04:18:00.000-06:00

Hey fellow scrappers. It is with sweet sorrow that this will be my last post on the GP blog. Life has gotten too busy for me and as much as I love showing you these wonderful layouts, somethings just has to give.

On with the layouts...

Capturing The Memories by Scraptigz
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=521164&limit=recent

This one jumped out at me from the little thumbnail image. I love the cleanliness of the
LO (I think I've mentioned before that I have a weakness for a good clean layout) but yet it is still so classy. Be sure to stop by and give some good ole' genuine praise for her wonderful work.

Lovely Mathieu by Arumrose

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=521153&limit=recent

I love the cluster of elements around the postage stamp frame in this layout and she did a great job on the blending. I also love that alpha - so fun!! Be sure to let her know how much you love her LO too!!

Well that's it for me. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for your wonderful comments. Together we can spread the genuine love that each of us deserve for our hard work in preserving our precious memories.

~Melissa~

Wednesday featured layouts 1/7/09

2009-01-07T04:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!

So today I've decided that I need to smile.... so I am going to feature layouts that just make me smile!

First up is

Be Happy

By DST212 (Daniela)

Isn't that one of the most contagious smiles you have ever seen????
I love how she scrapped this, cropping to highlight his smile.. pointing it out just in case you didn't see it, with the arrow! :) I love all the empty space too, bringing your focus down to all the action. Oh, and her title work is Wonderful!!!! I love how she broke it up into three circles, and then squished the happy all together!! Just totally love it!!
Please everyone, stop by her page and leave her some love for this wonderful layout..... bet you will be smiling the entire time your there!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is....

What is he teaching her now?

by mcturtle

This just totally made my day!! I love it!! Not only did it bring a smile to my face, it made me laugh out loud! I totally love her title work here, and the circles behind the pics! The pictures... what can I say? I think they speak for themselves!!! They totally needed to be scrapped!!! And mcturtle brought them to life in her layout wonderfully! I'm sorry, I'm giggling again.. cause I can sooooooo see my husband teaching my daughter to do the very same thing!!! Love it!!! I know I already said that... but I do LOVE it!!
Please everyone, stop by and leave her some genuine love!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And that's it for me today, Kinda short and sweet! Hope everyone has a wonderful day.. and if I don't see ya here on the blog again... I will miss you. I'm still holding out that maybe we will be around next week! ;) ya never know!!

Live, Love, Laugh..... and scrap often!

~Valeri~

1*6 Tuesdays with Christy

2009-01-06T11:21:00.003-06:00

Good afternoon praisers!! This will be the last Tuesday afternoons with Christy post. I am sad, but not really sure what to do. Lori has offered to allow us to continue to use the blog, so I am gonna put it out there -- if anyone would like to continue with this blog -- please let me know. You can reach me at AquaRubyMom [at] gmail [dot] com. I am currently on two teams myself and would love to continue this type of genuine, honest praising, but not so good with contacting people to help us -- like sponsors and such. Okay I didn't intend to ramble today, lol!! I am actually going to talk a little bit about Flergs and her awesome glitter actions!!

Flergs has some amazing tutorials about installing and using her glitter. Check them out: Glitter Style Tutorial and Sprinkled Glitter Tutorial. I love using her glitter -- they just add a fun contrast to a page. So I thought I'd highlight a few LOs using her glitter.

This one is just so sweet -- I see she used Flergs glitter styles on the title.

This next one is just gorgeous -- again the designer (Jenna) used Flergs glitter for her title. I just love how it makes the page.

And just for fun, here is one by Anne. I love this kit by Flergs -- such a great masculine kit.

Now remember leave a link in Mr. Linky -- you don't want to miss out on this fabulous gift certificate from Flergs -- she has gorgeous kits!!

Check this out:

Image is clickable.

1/5/2009 Featured Layouts

2009-01-05T08:18:00.002-06:00

Hi Praisers,

Today's post will be short and sweet. I just want to remind you to enter your layout link in out Mr Linky for your chance to win a GC to Studio Flergs at Scrapbook Graphics.

So today's featured page is.............By Syapotter titled Go Fish This layout is so much fun! Of, course I love the journaling within the backet. I had to fave ot because of that creative touch. The title is just as clever and her page truly tells the story of this small moment! Thanks for sharing, Sya! PS Love the edges too! So our random pic is a ASDR entry. Did u know that kicked off yesterday? Well it did and Jenn rocked it in style! Its titled Happy New Year. I love this layout. Not only because I have watched all of these little ones grow up these past few years buit also because Jenn included alot of journaling here. We can understand her accomplishments in 2008 and see where she is headed in 2009. I am so proud of the work she has put into homeschooling and all around I think she is a fantastic mother. So please leave both of our loving Mom's extra love today.

Ok, talk to you later. Stop by tomorrow when Christy tells all about Flerg's Shadows!!!

Digital Point of View 1/2/09

2009-01-02T21:19:00.003-06:00

Wow, How strange it feels to type "o9"!

I apologize for the delay in this blog post. Sometimes it seems life has a plan all its own, regardless of what mine is.... and those two plans seem to clash! LOL The kids are doing better... though my oldest is very vocal in his "Discomfort" and Frustration over being sick. But all is getting better on the home front. Just wish I could bounce back as quickly as the kids do!

I stopped in over at Flergs Blog tonight, and saw that her morning post is already up!! And, its about a sale too! 6 of her kits are in the $dollar, deal of the day$ Category at Scrapbookgraphics! And, her "Rough and Tumble" Kit is 50% off until Sunday!! Hop on over there and check that out!

Since its a brand new month, that means a new "Pimp my Page" Challenge over at Miss Mints! This month's Template is by Ingrid Fasquelle, and it looks really fun to work with. The Templates are free... all that MissMint asks is that you use mostly PeppermintCreative products... and of course there is the requirement to have fun!! But, everything is always fun over at MissMint's!! While you are there, check out the amazing blog (Tons of wonderful Hybrid ideas posted on the blog!) and the Mintspirational Monday's!

While I'm talking about Challenges.... If you really love some great Challenges, you should stop by Nuts4digi! They've got about 11 Challenges running! And this month, if you participate in 3 or more challenges.. you will recieve a special kit free! Illusions by Debbie Mckenzie! Here is the thread all about that!

I don't know about you all, but I love dollar deals. One of my Favorite places to watch is the Funky Playground. Every Thursday, they have new Dollar deals... and alot of the times I am very very surprised by whats available. I am always excited to see their email every Wednesday night! The Deals last for a full week too!!

I've got ya'll a coupon code From Stacey Crossley! Its good for either of her stores too! PrettyScrappy and Scraphead! Hop on over there and find you a deal! She's got some nice stuff... if you want some ideas, just check out my Gallery at DST!

And that's it for me today! I know there are probably a hundred other things happening around Digi World this week.... If you know of something really great, a challenge thats really fun, a sale thats to die for, a blog post thats just amazing or really funny!... or just a simple fun activity you think we would all enjoy... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share it with us in the comments!! We all would love to know Your "Digital Point of View" Too!!

Thanks for stopping in, and again I'm sorry the post was late!

Live, Love, Laugh.... And Scrap Often!!

~Valeri~

1/2/2008... Just a small post before the real post!

2009-01-02T11:43:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone! Valeri here... I'm doing this weeks Digi View. I'm running late with the post, but I promise to get it up and running soon. My kiddo's came down with the yuckies yesterday... and you all know how that goes.. So I will get on this as soon as I can! I will have it posted by tomorrow morning! So stop back by and check it out! Please? :)

~Valeri~

Featured layouts 1/1/2009

2009-01-01T16:41:00.002-06:00

Hi Again!

Today is a late post. The fam and I got up bright and early and headed out to enjoy the first day of the new year!

I have an announcement as far as the future of our blog. I am sorry to say that next Friday will be our last post. Most of my decison to close this blog was based on the fact that I picked up one more CT and I felt I could not efficently contribute to the blog and the two CTs I serve on. So in the future you can find me at We Are Storytellers and Pixel Gypsy Designs. Both of these sites have big plans for the New Year and I would love to see you there.

For now we are still featuring Studio Flergs of Scrapbookgraphics and she has some yummy products recently released. Here is First Kiss Of Spring I love this kit it is so pretty and there is a code for 30% off on her blog. Ok today's featured layout is made with this beautiful kit. That picture is the best, can u believe from 1969. I love the subtlle flowers over the picture.

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=514446.Ok, Praisers,

Thanks so much for reading and Happy New Year!

Featured Layouts 12-31-08

2008-12-31T04:00:00.002-06:00

Its hard to believe that today is the very last day of 2008. Tonight, we will all be waiting anxiously for the strike of 12, and the beginning of another year. Wow. This year really did fly by, at least for me. I'm not one for making resolutions for the new year, but if there is one thing I would like to do differently.... that is to not waist time next year, to fully enjoy every day.. every moment.. for the precious gift that it is. Cause, it goes by way to fast. It feels like it was just Valentines, or maybe Easter... and now, its New Years Eve and I'm wishing I could go back and cherish this year a bit more.

Ok, enough of my sentimental crazies... LOL..... On to the real reason you all have stopped by the blog today, The featured layouts!

First up is a Layout linked to Mr Linky by Flora

Creative Days
Flora

I love the family togetherness she's captured in her layout. The kids working together to make the adorable paper flowers. I also really like how she slipped the frame over the picture, instead of cropping the picture down to the frame. This layout just totally brings a smile to my face! Please everyone, stop by her page and leave her some genuine love!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up, I went on a search through the recent Gallery at DST hoping to find something related to the ending of the year... and I came across this layout. Bonus, she's used Flerg's Glitter papers in the layout!!!

2008 Year in Review
SuperTwinkle

Wow!! I mean, what else can I say.... WOW!! What a way to capture the year! This had to take a while! I am loving every single inch of it! Every picture must tell a story, and I find myself looking over the layout wondering what each story is. I just totally love multi pic layouts, but this one surpasses any I've ever seen. I love it. You did an AWESOME JOB on this layout, SuperTwinkle, and I hope as the years pass and you look back on it... that all the stories you've captured here bring a smile to your face, and laughter to your heart!
Please everyone, stop by her page and leave her some love for this absolutely Stunning layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't forget that Flergs has a new kit coming out tomorrow!!! There are some really good sneak peaks into what that kit is gonna offer, on her blog! Hop over there and check it out! Also, I took a gander through her store today... WOW!! You all don't want to miss the chance to win the gift certificate to her store, she has AWESOME products!!! So link up some layouts, and up your chances of winning!!!

Well, that's it for me today! Do me a favor, enjoy today... cherish every moment of this last day of 2008. It will never be here again. Tomorrow, it will be the start of a new year. I'm going to make the most of it. I'm taking my kiddos out.. to build a bear, lunch, maybe a movie or the park. I'm going to spend the day just loving every minute with my family. Then I'm going to hug them all tight, and kiss my hubbie at midnight! It will be a day to remember!

Live, Love, Laugh..... and Scrap often!!

~Valeri~

12*30 Tuesdays with Christy

2008-12-30T15:21:00.003-06:00

Good afternoon my fellow praisers. I cannot believe that 2008 is coming to a close. I have been enjoying spending time with my family this past week. Today my kids and I went to an Amish country store and had lunch there, it was so yummy.

I am thrilled that this week (and next) we are featuring one of my most favorite designers. I have followed the fantabulous Flergs since she first started designing. When she offered a CT call, I tried out. I wasn't chosen for her permanent team, but I got a guest spot. However I had to wait 9 months for my spot -- it was so hard to wait too, lol. But that waiting proved to be wonderful as she asked me to join her team permanently when my guest time was over. Flergs has a new goodie coming out on New Year's Day and I am going to see if I can share a sneaky peaky of it.

But in the mean time, she has revamped an oldy but a goody in my eyes.
Rough and Tumble

And it's only $3 right now -- so go snag it while it's 50% off.

Well onto to our featured pages. Looking in Mr. Linky I find this awesome page by Anne. It appears others have commented on it too. Such a sweet moment to capture.

Please stop and leave her some love.

For this next page, I thought I'd find someone using Flergs' designs -- who isn't on her CT -- lol. This is what I found.

I love the vintage page and just the hint of color there.

Okay here is your sneak peak. :)

It's just a small one, but hope you can enjoy it. Don't forget to leave a link for your chance to win a $10 gift card to Flergs store!!

Happy Monday Everyone!

2008-12-29T08:01:00.003-06:00

Today, we will spotlight Flergs of Scrapbook Graphics! Isn't that exciting! As usual you will qualify for a GC to her store just for linking up a layout to our Mr Linky. We want to make leaving praise as fun as possible so please leave some Genuine Comments for the linked layouts when you link yours up. We promise to return the favor!!

Flerg's latest release is called 6k74

Her team whipped up some hunky pages with it when it came out! Here are a couple!Megs also hooked us up with a bio about herself. Here is a great chance to get to know this inspiring designer a bit better!

Hi I am Megan or Megs, but most people know me as Flergs. I am a hairdresser by day and designer by night.I have been married for 10 years and have 2 gorgeous children, Deacon 5 & Kaylee-Jayde 2.I was a paper scrapper for 4 years, and I never liked the look of 'original' digital scrapbooking until a friend showed me how much it had evolved. I was instantly hooked and would never go back to paper scrapping again! I have been 100% digital since June 2006. I started off designing a few little blog freebies and now I am honoured to be a Studio Girl! I rarely get a chance to scrap anymore because I am too busy designing!

My Studio is here: http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=42

I also added Megan's blog to our blog roll to the right. You have to stop by and pick up her freebie shadows. I just started using them and I love them ALOT!!!

Ok, Praisers! Tune in for the next two weeks as we spotlight Studio Flergs and feature the layouts you link up!

Have a great week!

Digital Point Of View

2008-12-26T07:54:00.003-06:00

And the winner is.... Sorashell!!!
Please e-mail me (Christy) at AquaRubyMom [at] gmail [dot] com for your coupon to Danielle's store. :)

Hi Everyone,

Well, Christmas is finally over and I am still tired from the past few days of visiting family and preparing for Christmas Day. So let me see what I can share with you today. I know I have seen a few events I wanted to share with you.

First off if you have little girls and have not entered Jaime Young's doll house giveaway visit her blog to learn how you can get your entry in.

How cool! Look Catscrap's has a nice quickpage set freebie on their blog. I usually don't use quickpages but I really do like those.

An exciting sale going on right now is We Are Storytellers Big End Of Year Sale. The entire store is 50% off. I sure wish I had a few dollars to spare but the sale is till the 4th so that is planty of time plus I like to splurge on the last day of the sale. Also stop by the Tales Forum for a couple of freebies. Emily Powers also has some old freebies on her blog so if you have not picked them up here is a link. Look in the upper left corner.

Yet another freebie on Jackie Larsen's Blog. I just love her realistic paper and felt pieces. She has many freebies available so check them out of you have not snagged them.

Have you ever heard of a scrap store giving away the whole store monthly without requiring you to use their products. Well, its gonna go down at Pixel Gypsy Designs starting in January.
Here is a link to a thread with all of the details.

OOO! Look here is a little thread I found at MSA saying that Kasia Designs is having a call. That would be a fun team to be on.

Well, I know I could probably come up with more and will run into several items I will think I should have shared that with my blog readers. But my favorites folder was erased when I had my computer problems a few weeks ago so my browsing is limited to what I think to visit off the top of my head. I guess I better go on a favorites hunt. Why don't you link me up to your favorite sites? That would be fun and helpful.

Ok gotta go. Look out for the winner of Danielle Young's Giftcard. I wish it were me. =)

12/24/2008 Featured Layouts! Merry Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T04:00:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve! LOL My oldest son has gone all week long counting down the day till Christmas by adding "eve" to the end of every day. So, Sunday was Christmas eve eve eve eve! ;) I'm just glad we are finally down into the level I can actually figure out with out much thought! Last week was a killer to figure out! HAHA!! I was like "Why don't you right it down and then come back and I'll tell you if your right!" ;)

I'm gonna make this short and sweet... and Christmas oriented. First up is a Layout that was linked last week to Mr Linky, By Anneofalamo.

Blessings-Tree
Anneofalamo

I love her Journaling on this layout, and how it tells a story of Change, friendship and giving. The colors chosen are perfect for the winter feel of the page. And I love the first block of paper with the white tree on it.. Its just Beautiful!! Please everyone, stop by her page and leave her some Love!!

Next up is a layout I found in the Gallery at DST. I was looking for Christmas Layouts, and when I saw this one I just HAD to feature it!!!

Sandman
Amber1279

Isn't this just too darn cute!?!? I love the memory scrapped here! I can just imagine sitting on a beach on Christmas, and thinking.. "You know, who needs snow!!! We've got sand!!!" In fact, I'm pretty sure, since moving to Texas when I was 8... there have been a few Sandmen in my life! I totally forgot about it till seeing this layout, and now I want more than anything to pack the kids up and make the drive to Galveston and build us a Sandman to remember!!! 2 years ago, my sister had the treat of building a Sandman on the Beach while it was Snowing!! Wish I could have been there for that!

Anyway, enough about me!!... I LOVE how this layout is scrapped. From the title work, to the layering and framing of the sandman picture! Its totally a christmas theme, with a Sun filled twist! Love it! Please everyone, stop by her page and leave her some Genuine love!!!

And thats it for me today! Have a Very merry Christmas everyone!!! I hope that Today and Tomorrow bring you Peace, Love, Joy, and Lots of pictures to scrap!!!

Live, Love, Laugh... and Scrap Often!

~Valeri~

12*23 Tuesdays with Christy

2008-12-23T13:28:00.002-06:00

Hi again praisers. So have you finished all your holiday shopping, are the gifts all wrapped? Mine aren't -- LOL!! But I am also enjoying spending time with my family and creating lots of memories. I also want to take the time to remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Hannukah started yesterday and I found the most sweetest page to feature today.

Light the Menorah by bluefiji97

I love the colors she choose and that picture of her lighting the menorah is very sweet. Please stop by and leave her some love.

This next page is just so much fun, how could I not feature it.
Diggin' on Dr. Bubbles by Sorashell

There is so much movement and excitement exuding from this page -- I just love it!!

Well that is it for me today, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or Boxing Day, lol, or whatever holiday you will be celebrating this week.

12*21 Spotlight Sunday (continued)

2008-12-21T22:51:00.003-06:00

Hello Praisers!! It's nice to see some new links added to Mr. Linky and to see some new posters as well. Welcome, we're happy to have you here. Now since we've been spotlighting Danielle Young, neither Lori or the other ladies had planned on making a post today, but that all changed when I got an e-mail today.

Danielle whipped up a kit today -- seriously just today and posted a brand new kit just in time for the new year. It's even called Brand New Year -- check it out:

And you can find it in her store: here.

Remember, keep posting those links in Mr. Linky and there is still time to pick up those QP freebies from Danielle's creative team on the teamblog.

Lori's Friday Digital Point of View

2008-12-19T07:43:00.004-06:00

PSSSSSSSTTTT!! Head over to Jamie Young's Blog and Check Out Her Giveaway.

So, today is the day I snoop around and try to dig up some digital news for ya. So hmmmmmmmmm....................Let see.

Yesterday a little treat came into my inbox. If you go by Lemonaid Lucy's Blog you will see she has included a five dollar coupon to her store as a Christmas treat. So grab yourself a treat she has beautiful work.

Another fun moment checking my email happened this week. I know I can be so lame right? Well, I have a feeling you will enjoy reading Gypsy Expressions by Pixel Gypsy Designs. Sherrie puts alot of work into her minimag issues and there is never a cost. Browse the winter issues and learn a couple tips. If you enjoy the minimag and would like the last 3quarterly issues leave me a comment or message Sherrie over at PGD.

Lorie M has a sketch template up on her blog if you like templates. I for one love templates and almost always start with one. Although the finished LO hardly ever resembles the template.

And something I have to mention is the Amazing Digital Scrapbooking Race is almost here. The deadline to sign up in December 26th. So get your team together and sign up. Here is a link so you can get all the details.

Well, I will let you go with a hybrid project to leave love for.
Wow check out what Donnatopia made.

Advent Coaster Album

If you are intimidated by hybrid and want to give it a try. Check out MissMint's Blog for her Hybrid for Dummies Post. Scroll down for past projects.

Ok, have a great weekend and if you get scrappy or see a breathtaking layout link us up through Mr Linky and you will qualify for a raffle that wins ya 10 dollars to Danielle Young's Store.

Thursday's Featured Layouts

2008-12-18T04:00:00.002-06:00

Wow, I can't believe we are only a week away from Christmas. I am so not ready yet. I still have tons of things to buy with no time to do it. I hope you are better off than I am and have everything ready for the holidays.

On to today's featured layouts.

First LO out of Mr. Linky is by MissPots:

Bright Colors*Out Of Season*The Whole Nine

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=505548&ppuser=3105

This layout is soooooo cute. I love the bright colors and the great use of white space but most of all I love, love, love her title work. Very creative!! Be sure to stop by DST and leave her some lovin' on the wonderful Layout.

Next is a LO that just stood out to me in the DST gallery by 1girl1boy:

Masterpiece

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=506195&cat=all&limit=all

This layout truly is a masterpiece. The photo is beautiful and I love how she duplicated it and blended it into the background. My other favorite part of this layout is the scattered stitching, some diagonal in the corner and some running down the side. Be sure to visit her layout and let her know what a great job she did.

Well, that's it for me. Have a great week and be sure to link up some layouts in Mr. Linky. Each link gets you in the drawing for a gift certificate from Danielle Young. You've got just over a week left to get in the running for this fabulous prize.

~Melissa~

Wednesday's Featured Layouts, With ValeriGail

2008-12-17T04:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!! I hope everyone is keeping warm! With most of the US in Freezing temperatures over the last few days.. I'm figuring there are a few of you holding on to a nice hot beverage of some sort right now! ;)

We've got such a great Designer in our Spotlight these next 2 weeks!! Danielle Young! Don't forget that her CT's are giving away a new Quickpage a day on her CT Blog! I just stopped in over there and they are really nice! You don't want to miss out on this!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, I am having a hard time getting The DST Gallery to load today, so I am going to pull my 2 featured layouts from another gallery I really love. Nuts4Digi!

First up is.

Suzanne & Marijn
By Jumlia

I just love this!! Its simplicity is breathtaking..... Yet when you look carefully you realize there is more to this layout, The blending of the photo being so very subtle. I Love the placement of the word "Love" and the glitter elements. Just really a Beautiful Layout!!
Please stop by her page at N4D, and leave her some love!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is....

~forever dream~
by Shawtyp

Isn't this just Adorable!!! I love her extractions here, specially the one of her son fixing to climb up the ladder! But what I love most is probably how she pinned her papers together! Absolutely a gorgeous touch to the layout! Her shadowing is wonderful too!! Please everyone, stop by her page at Nuts4Digi and leave her some love!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don't know about you all, but its been a slow scrapping month for me. Christmas just seems to be taking up most of my time. Or the weather kills my energy. If you haven't been able to scrap, and don't have a layout of your own to link up... please link up one that you just really love from any Gallery of your choice. Every link you submit gives you another chance at winning the $10 GC from Danielle Young.... plus, it just lets us see a wide variety of layouts... and more importatly, leave Genuine Love for others! So, please... Link us up to the layout you saw today that stole your breath, or made you think, or made you smile.. We'd really like to see and leave love too! Mr Linky resides right under the two Retro Girls at the top of the blog, and he'd be most gracious to except your link! ;)

With that I leave you till next Wednesday! Stay warm everyone!

Live, Love, Laugh..... and Scrap Often!

~Valeri~

12*16 Tuesdays with Christy

2008-12-16T15:38:00.002-06:00

Hello my wonderful praisers. It seems a little quiet around here lately. Mr. Linky is starting to get a bit lonely, don't forget for every link you leave you have a chance at a $10 GC from Danielle Young Designs.

I thought I'd spotlight a couple of pages from Danielle's CT. It's always fun to see a different style represented from people.

This first one is from scrappychic:

This is one so sweet and simple by Dumpty:

This last one is by me *grins*

And on Friday it will be the QP that is given away during Danielle's 12 Days of Christmas QP giveaway -- don't forget to stop by the teamblog each day for the latest page.

Now here are a few pages that caught my eye, please stop and leave them some love.
This is a CD calendar page by K Scrappy:

And this last page just totally puts me in the Christmas spirit -- it's by tiffanydimples:
.

Well that's it for me today, sorry I am posting a bit late -- been a long school day at our house.

Happy Monday!!

2008-12-15T00:20:00.004-06:00

I am having my best Monday in December so far. This is the first all fall that I am not attending a 7 Am class! Yippee! So I will be brief today. Just wanted to remind you that we are spotlighting Danielle Young who has stores at both Oscraps and A Cherry On Top. You can view yesterdays spotlight for previews of her latest work. I am warning you it is beautiful!! But before you go link any layout to Mr Linky (see the retro girls for directions) and you will have a chance to win a 10$ to Danielle's store!! You have two weeks so link as many layouts as you can. We promise to leave you thoughtful comments!!

Let' see what layouts we can feature today!!

Here is Schlumpeljul's I Love You

http://www.nuts4digi.com/gallery//showphoto.php?photo=9016

This is so simple and pretty! The white space is striking!

My Random Pick is from mommaholly5 called Rainbow!http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=503688&cat=all&limit=last7

Ok, I am telling you its the smile I love. My daughter has such a cheesier like that and I love to get her to do it for me. The quote really adds a spunky feel to the page!!

Ok, praisers I am outta here but dont forget to stop by Danielle's blog and grab the first freebie for her 12 days of Christmas!!! And if u plan on shopping on her store enjoy 25% off your purchase with this code.

dy-praise! <<<< I am not sure if the ! is included

K! Bye!
*Lori*

12*14 Spotlight Sunday

2008-12-14T14:31:00.002-06:00

Hello Praisers. I hope your weekend is going well. I am here to present our spotlight designer for the next two weeks. I am excited because she is a designer I CT for. Her name is Danielle Young and she sells at Oscraps and A Cherry on Top.

Here is a little peak at some of her designs:

Danielle is as she puts it a Georgia Peach, born and raised. She is a newlywed and has a gorgeous black lab. She has been designing for almost a year now and digi scrapping for two. Danielle has her own blog -- check it out: Danielle's blog. Stop by and sign up for her newsletter.

Her CT also have a teamblog where we host challenges and offer inspiration. Right now we are giving away a QP a day for the next twelve days. Come have a look see.

Danielle is also offering a $10 GC to a random player who links up a LO in Mr. Linky. I will draw the winner in two weeks -- so link us up. She is also offering 25% off in her store at Oscraps -- just use the code dy-praise!

12*12 Digi Low Down with Christy

2008-12-12T09:00:00.003-06:00

Dropping by to say that Anne of Alamo is the winner of a ten dollar giftcard to Jana M's TDC store! Congrats and look out for a PM from me at DST!

Hello Praisers!! Happy Friday!! Christy here with the digi scoop for the weekend. I've been trying to pay attention to any sales going on this weekend or this month for that matter and I came across one at Scrapbookgraphics.com. Michelle Godin is having a retirement sale -- her stuff is up to 70% off!!

But don't stop there, just browsing the blog at Scrapbookgraphics.com and quite a few of the Studio Girls are having a sale!! Check it out: http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/studiomatters/.

Have you been participating in the December Cookie Exchange at Sweet Shoppe Designs? If not, they are giving away a daily template, but you have to check in each day to get the new one as the day before won't be available -- it's only up for 24 hours for each template. You can also purchase all 31 Cookies from the shoppe -- here for only $10 -- all proceeds go to Toys for Tots, but this is only available till December 15th.

Oscraps has a fun challenge going on too. They are doing a recipe swap and providing fun 4x6 templates in the process. Check it out:

If anyone knows of any other challenges this weekend, feel free to post a comment and leave us the details. Lori will be by later today to announce the winner of the gift card from JanaM.

Thursday's Featured Layouts

2008-12-11T04:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning and happy Thursday everyone. I am happy that the week is almost over - even though I got to have an extra day off on Tuesday due to a nasty snowstorm dumping over 12 inches of snow on us. The kids were happy for a snow day, and coincidentally, the snowstorm's name was Carter - same as my son. He thought it was cool and I thought it appropriate since I swear a storm rips through our house all the time leaving a mess of toys behind!

On to today's featured layouts...

First off is a layout from Mr. Linky by amymom24:

mo·sa·ic

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=500206

I love, love, love the paper blocking on this page and how well they look with the neutral background. And who could miss that adorable photo?? Fabulous!! Quick - head over to DST and leave some well deserved love for this wonderful layout!!

Next is a layout that stood out to me at DST by snaggletooth75:

Fly

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=500516

I love all the layering that she has going on in this layout. The colors are fabulous as they stand out so well against the dark background. Wonderful!!! While you are over at DST - don't forget to leave some lovin' for this layout as well.

And don't forget to link us up to one of your layouts or a layout that you feel deserves some genuine lovin' in good ole' Mr. Linky at the top of the page. You never know - you may find your layout featured here or you might be the lucky recipient of a gift card!!! Either way - you will receive some well deserved love for all the hard work that you put into the layout.

Okay, I will stop chattin' and let you go so that you can leave you love. Have a great day everyone!!

~Melissa~

Wednesday's Featured Layouts with ValeriGail 12/10/08

2008-12-10T04:00:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone! Valeri here with ya today! I hope everyone is doing well this week. Its already the second week of December!! Wish the days would slow down so that I could get more done! At least I finally have all the Christmas decorations up and not sitting in my front room in a box! LOL

Today is JanaM, our spotlight designer's, wedding day!!! To Celebrate, there is a thread over at DST giving away another gift certificate to her store... stop by and check it out!
Another RAK From JanaM Designs
And be sure to keep a close eye for more promos from her Creative team Members!! (I'm pretty sure I noticed at least 4 threads in the Happy place at DST!)

.. so on to the Layouts for today...

First up is ...

Covenant Children
By Amymom24

I saw this while looking through Mr linky and fell in love. First off, I have a fondness for Rainbows. I believe in the message of the promise... and was excited to see it on this page. It was a nice reminder, its been along time since I've read the words. The picture is breathtaking in its simplicity. And I really LOVE the heart flowers and the picket fence! Too darn cute! When I read that this was scrapped using a template, I had to go take a look cause I didn't believe it! I find Templates difficult to use and am always amazed when I see a page like this that used a Template, yet has its own shape, story, and feel when done. Please everyone, stop by Amymom24's page and leave her some love for this great Layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is .......

So Rich
By Disneyaddict

I found this searching through the Gallery, and it just jumped right out at me. Maybe because its really cold here right now (AS I type this, its 33 degrees outside and the wind has been blowing all day! That's cold in Texas!), and I could so use a really really delicious steaming cup of hot chocolate! (and why not from Paris? LOL) Anyway, I just really love how this is scrapped. I love that its a page about something other than another person. It seems more personal, as if its something the scrapper just loved so much she had to run home and scrap a page about that Delicious cup of Chocolate! Great Button use here too, and Love that steaming cup sitting right next to the picture emphasizing just how wonderful it is... and making my mouth water! LOL This is just all around a great page!! Please everyone, Stop by disneyaddict's page and leave her some genuine love for this great layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, that's it for me today! Remember to link up as many pages as you like into Mr linky! Every link earns you a chance to win a 10 dollar gift card to Jana's TDC store!!! Plus, Don't forget the sweet code Jana has here for you.

I look forward to seeing all of your Lovely layouts this week! Until next week....

Live, Love, Laugh...... and Scrap often!!

~Valeri~

12*9 Tuesdays with Christy

2008-12-09T12:19:00.002-06:00

Hello Praisers -- I hope your Tuesday is going well. It's been dreary and rainy today in Kentucky -- oh well beats snow -- LOL!

I was browsing Mr. Linky and found some really great pages. You ladies truly do some amazing work.

First up is Baby Forever? by amymom24

This next one is a great one since we're mostly seeing winter and Christmas pages -- this one grabbed my attention. I think because I can relate to it -- oh those freckles!!

Be sure to leave them some love and don't forget to leave a link in Mr. Linky for a chance at a RAK from Jana M!! Have a great Tuesday and I'll see you on Friday this week. :)

Monday 12*8

2008-12-08T08:22:00.004-06:00

Hi Praisers,

Lori again.Please look to yesterdays post to learn more about this weeks sponser Jana M.

You can find her products at both The DigiChick and ZigZag Scraps. But before you browse remember Jana is offering a 40% discount at her TDC store for Genuine Praise Blog Readers. And even better leave a layout link in Mr Linky, admire a couple of layouts you find there and you will qualify for a drawing that could win you 10 bucks to Jana's TDC store. Easy right?!

Ok, so lets see some layouts!
First up!

ThreeMommy's

Flavia

This layout is so pretty! I really like the way she used the wordart antd the white flowers. The photo is so playful and fun too. So please leave some love for this layout!

Next up! Chosen randomly from the DST gallery!

NW Lady's

Dreaming

This layout really stood out for me in the gallery. What beautiful blending and fantastic mood the design creates.

Ok, see you late alligators.
Make it a great day!

Spotlight Sunday (Jana M)

2008-12-07T08:49:00.013-06:00

Happy Sunday Everybody!

I am happy to bring you Jana M as our featured designer this week. Isn't that exciting? First, order of business lets all congratulate Jana because this Wednesday, December 10, Ms. M will say her vows and become Mrs. M. So in celebration of her wedding we will spotlight her products at both her stores for the entire week.* Look out because this week she will be celebrating all over the digital community and has instructed her creative team to have a party.

For our spotlight today I will feature her products, stores and a few layouts and tomorrow I will give a little background info on Jana. I did find out she lives in Germany so messaging one another has to work around our time differences so I will receive her bio sometime soon.

You can find Jana M products at The DigiChick and at ZigZag Scraps. Both of her stores have beautiful kits which feature many realistic and well-crafted elements. I am wishing I was eligible for her RAK here this week. Well, get to that in a bit. So lets see some scrap goodies RIGHT!! By Heather B By Jana M By Doti40 By Joshi_82 Kits are Clickable.

Those are some beautiful kits and Jana's Ct really makes nice pages to compliment them. I just love the Christmas one. Guess what? Jana tucked a little treat in her previews folder for our blog readers. I was so touched. I love feeling supported by the designers in or community. So here it is. But before you run off shopping remember that every link you add to Mr Linky will gain you a chance to win a 10 dollar gift card to Jana's TDC store. So come on and have some fun with us this week. Link up your Layouts or Layouts in need of some praises. Then leave a few heartfelt praises for other layouts in Mr Linky. Lets have fun. Its easy and the feel good factor is high. I love reading the thoughtful comments we have been generating here.

Ok Talk To You Later Praisers!

*if participation is low this week we may extend a week again.

Lori's Friday Digital Point Of View

2008-12-05T11:41:00.008-06:00

Hi Praisers!!!!
Finally, I am sitting down to write this weeks digital point of view. Basically, I am gonna browse the digital community and see if anything worth mentioning is going on. So give me a sec to go through my faves!

Well, first up The Lilypad released its December BYOC today and it is so pretty! I just had to sigh when I checked it out. Hop on over to their blog and take in the Christmas Goodies they have been working on. http://www.the-lilypad.com/blog/index.php You'll be happy you did!
Our sponsor Jacque Larsen hooked us up with previews of her pieces of the BYOC. Check them out! Talk about sweet stuff! I actually got pretty crafty with these products in the past few days. You can go to my other blog and see the fun projects I made this week.

http://misspotsandpans.blogspot.com/

I also want to take this opportunity to thanks you readers who I notice are leaving Genuine Praise for layouts linked or featured here without actually linking up your own. Jacque has been so generous and didn't want any of you to miss out so she set up an extra discount for Genuine Praise Blog Readers only. So you get an additional 10% off the BYOC items this weekend only for a total of 20 percent her BYOC pieces. Here is the code. 10off

Ok, I had Mister Potts choose a number 251-311 from the Mr Linky links. Luckily, his first pic was not one of our blog authors but Snaggletooth 75 at number 288! Congrats!!!! Thanks so much for playing along with us!

Ok, so that was alot of info I will only feature a few more topics briefly.

Oh! This is a find! I love Birgit Kerr she has been inspiring since I began scrapbooking, literally. I just noticed she has a 35 percent discount code on her blog. I am so disappointed I missed her Bingo Chat a couple nights ago. I love Bingo Chats. Anywho if you have not enjoyed Birgit's products or simply browsing her gallery you should check her out. She is super creative! Here is a link to her blog!

http://birgitkerr.blogspot.com/

Here is a sweet little tutorial on how to make folded corners on Traci Reeds's Team Blog!

http://tracireed.com/teamblog/

I also love to hit up Michelle Coleman's Blog every once in a while you never know what she will have there. She just came out with the cutest Christmas Kit. I am drooling over it. If you scroll down to the end off the post there is a free Christmas card.

http://mysecondmile.squarespace.com/

Ok I feel like I have gone on and on. Probably have. So I will see you later alligators!

Thursday's Featured Layouts

2008-12-04T04:00:00.001-06:00

Good Morning!! Time for Thursday's featured layouts.

First is a layout from Mr. Linky by *Amanda*

Holidays

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=493697

I love the simplicity of the layout. The little circle photos are so cute and are perfect with the big chunky title. Then the string sort of ties it all together (no pun intended. LOL!) Be sure to visit her layout at DST and leave her some genuine lovin'.

Next is a layout by sexy_eyes:
Once Upon a Time
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=494238&cat=all&limit=all

I absolutely love the photo in this layout!! Not only it is just so darling, but it has a sort of dreamy look to it. I like how she hasn't taken away from the effect of the photo by adding too many element around the photo. The layered worn paper and the word art seem to add just the right touch. Be sure to also visit her page and let her know how much you enjoy her layout.

Thanks for stopping by today. Don't forget to link up a layout of yours or someone elses that you think deserves some genuine love in Mr. Linky at the top of the page. Lori will be giving away the gift certificate tomorrow to one of the lucky posters. Good Luck!!

~Melissa~

Wacky Wednesday's Featured Layouts! 12/3/08

2008-12-03T04:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!! How did December welcome you all? Its been a crazy beginning of the month for me, always is in December. I always seem to get to December and realize just how much I need to do before Christmas... never fails no matter how many times I tell my self that next year I will be better prepared... I don't listen well, apparently! HAHA

So... Mr Linky isn't showing for me tonight so I decided to hit into my Favs and find a layout that I fell head over heels for last week, that was also in Mr Linky!

Countdown Calender
By Jenn

I LOVE this!! So much so that I had to scrap lift it! Its perfect for the kiddos to see just how far it is till Christmas. I know in my house, the question is asked at least once an hour... and that's during a slow hour, LOL!! I love all the different elements used, specially the Reindeer.. he's just so cute... and the little girl holding the candy cane! And The countdown with the numbers to New years is just brilliant!!! Totally one of the best ideas for a page I've seen! LOVE IT!! So, please stop by Jenn's page and let her know how much You like it too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up, I went searching through the gallery at DST....
I'm seriously in the Christmas spirit.. and caught up in what I should or should not give my kids.. whats important, whats not... you know, the balance of it all. So when I saw this layout, I just had to show it off here...

All I want For Christmas jnoffsinger
By jnoffsinger

I love the Journaling here, and that it is the focus of the entire Layout. There are no pictures, just words... and yet it pulls up emotions in me as if I can see straight into the writers eyes to her heart. I love the grunginess of the layout too... its not perfect, just like reality... Its just a bit messy.... Her wants are funny and serious.. She wants happiness in big ways, and even in small ways like sugar free cookies that taste great! LOL And, you know we ALL want the presents to wrap themselves! ;) (I'd like the wrapping paper to walk itself to the trash bag too! HA HA!). I want my children to know and understand the true meaning of Christmas too. What would you like for Christmas? Please, stop by her page and leave her some love for the Wonderful layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And with that, I'm gonna leave ya to do your praising! Thanks for stopping in today, and remember to link up as many layouts as you like!!

Live, Love, Laugh...... and Scrap often!!!

~Valeri~

12*2 Tuesdays with Christy

2008-12-02T14:00:00.001-06:00

Hello Praisers!! Christy here. I am sure that like me, you are still dealing with leftovers or cleaning up from the busy Thanksgiving weekend. Me personally, I am trying to find where I placed my mojo. If anyone has seen it, can you send it my way. LOL!! But I can tell you that one of the ways to cure the loss of one's mojo is to browse through the galleries. I love gaining inspiration from fellow scrappers. Which brings me to today's inspirational posts.

This one is just so fun -- I love these girls faces -- I found this one in Mr Linky.

This one I found just searching through the gallery at DST. I loved the nativity and guess what -- it's made by our spotlight designer Jacque Larsen -- woo!! (The nativity that is -- not the LO.)

Each image is clickable.

Don't forget to leave a link in Mr. Linky for your chance to win a $10 GC to Jacque's store. I hope you and yours have a great week. My kiddos and I are on a field trip today, so see you on the flip side. :)

Featured Layouts 12*1

2008-12-01T07:46:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Its Lori! Getting back from a lazy long weekend at home. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and were able to relax as much as I did. I decided to extend the raffle for Jacque Larsens GC till this Friday because about mid-week I realized that many of us were busy. Most of my digipals were cleaning their house or out of town and I know after Wednesday I myself was pretty wrapped up in the holidays and preparing for December. So one more week to get your links in at MR LINKY at the top of the page. Jacque had new products come out and a freebie on her blog. So stop by and check it out! I am so excited about the freebie cause I plan on using many of her products to decorate my tree this week. So yippee!

http://www.crazyscrapper.com/crazyblog/index.php

Ok, on to the layouts! First from Mr Linky we have Sorashell with Sophie's Delight.

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=480788&ppuser=598

Wow, this is a pretty page. And very artistic! I love the unique element use especially the stem in the strings, the stamp under the journaling paper and the creative extraction choice! Just Fantastic!

Ok, now I get to pick a random in the gallery! One sec............
I found Daniela(dst212)'s layout I Love You.

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=492170&limit=recent

This is such an eyecatching layout. I really like the brushwork and kraft paper. She has left this layout mostly stamps and paper and that has always created a realistic feel for me. I am gonna fave this so the next time I happen upon a kit with a nice amount of stamps and brushes I will have inspiration!

Ok Girls I am gonna let you go! Thanks for stopping by and please link up and help us spread some praise this week. Look out for my praise catch up today. Right now DST is giving me problems but I cant wait to see your layouts!

2008-11-27T08:14:00.004-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!! Featured Layouts - 11-27-08

2008-11-27T07:58:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! My turkey is cookin' away in the oven so I am taking a break to bring you a few featured layouts. Being that it is Thanksgiving, I found a couple of Thanksgiving related layouts.
First is a layout from aggietha

Thanksgiving

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=487006

I love all the stuff that she has going on in this layout - lots of flowers!! The pictures are adorable and I love the circle mat in the background! Be sure to visit her layout at DST and leave some lovin'!

Next is a layout from lilaclady

Thankful for...

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=488984&cat=fav

I love all the natural elements in this layout - the leaves, the twigs, the flowers - one great advantage of digital - you can have these items in your layouts and they will never wither and die. I also love how she softened the colors in the photo so that they didn't clash with the bold colors of her layout. Don't forget to leave her some lovin' also at DST.

Well, that's all for me. I have to get back to cookin'. Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!!

~Melissa~

OOPS Melissa and I posted at the same time so I will add my card in here!

Wacky Wednesday's Featured layouts! :) 11/26/08

2008-11-26T04:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!!! Its Valeri again! Can not believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving!!!! Wasn't it just Fourth of July? I swear it was!! LOL
So I've got a pantry full of food, a Turkey thawing in my fridge... and butterflies in my tummy! I've never cooked a Thanksgiving meal, have always taken a dish to my parents, sister or inlaws... But this year is my first to do it for real on my own (ok, so my mom will be here supervising/taking over.. but I'll be fighting every step of the way to do most of the work on my own or at least with direction). I'm a bit nervous... and also a bit silly that I haven't done this before, too! I'm 33 and have been married for 13 years next week... and this is my first Thanksgiving meal to cook. I feel a bit of shame with that! Ah well, wish me luck!! (and pray that the pies I purchased make it till Thursday!! I've already had to replace one because my H and I just couldn't stand it last night and broke down and had apple pie and ice cream! Was delicioius... we should have pie more often at not holiday times... then I wouldn't be raiding the Thanksgiving supply early! HAHA)

So today's Featured layouts are both going to come from my search through the recent layouts on DST. Mr Linky has been real slow this week... probably because everyone else is busy preparing for Thanksgiving too!! (or eating pie!) ;)

So today, we start with....

Snuggle
By Flattsgurl

I just adore the picture of her little girl and the new kitty!! Specially with him looking straight at the camera as if to say "I love it here! she's so warm and cuddly! Thank you for finding me this person!" (Yes, I love animals and tend to humanize them very often! LOL)
I also really love her journaling about the day too and how they surprised her Daughter. A memory to cherish, and a perfect one to scrap! So, please stop by her page and leave her some love for this adorable layout!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next up is...

It Doesn't Matter

By Anke

If you've ever looked through my Gallery, you would know instantly that I LOVE extractions. I think they are a blast to do, though time consuming most of the time. So when I saw this layout, I just fell in love with her work!! I love the scene she created with everything around the extraction... and how she sliced up the sidewalk too!! The extraction is WONDERFUL! and that little doggie in the corner just seems like icing on the cake, its adorable!! I love the journaling too, perfect for this layout and the picture... just priceless and true... Cause ultimately it does matter most who is walking the path with you and I think we forget too often to look beside us for those that could help our way. Anyway, thats my take on it at least! LOL Please everyone, stop by her layout and leave some love for this wonderful page!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't forget to link up as many pages as you would like, to be entered into this weeks $10 gift card from Jacque Larson!! For every link you put in, thats one more time your name is in the drawing!! So link up everyone!!! Her stuff is super cute, so you want as good of a chance as you can to win this one! :) There will be new releases in her store soon too!! And, there could be a freebie on her blog in the near future, so keep a very close eye on that.. you don't want to miss out!!!

And with that, I will wind down my post... I wish everyone a Very Happy Thanksgiving.. Eat as much pie as you want, calories don't count on holidays! LOL Spend extra time with your family, and give each and every one of them a hug. Make your day memorable!!! And take pictures, scrap them... and come back and link them up!! We want to see!!!! :)

Live, Love, Laugh.... and Scrap Often!!!

~Valeri~

11*25 Tuesdays with Christy

2008-11-25T13:27:00.002-06:00

Happy Tuesday my wonderful praisers!! Christy here to offer up some wonderful HYBRID creations to ooh and aah over. *wink* I love seeing hybrid items and sadly the hybrid section at DST is sadly looked over. So I thought I'd show off a few that were my favorites. We're spotlighting Jacque Larsen this week and I found a cute item using a collab kit of hers. It's not a hyrid creation in the traditional sense, but still utterly adorable!!!

Please leave Steph some love.

Please leave Kelleigh some love.

Here is one more -- the elephant just made me smile.

Well that's it for me today. Remember to link up a layout or a hybrid creation (hint, hint) in Mr. Linky for your chance to win the RAK from Jacque!! Have a great day.

Featured Layout 11*24

2008-11-24T08:26:00.005-06:00

Hi! Its me Lori again. Before we get started with the layouts I have a couple of items I would like to share with you. First off I am being featured in the Member Moment Monday over at The Digichick.So if you would like to get to know me a bit better stop by and check it out.
Member Moments with Miss Potts

Also if you look at yesterday's post you will see we are Spotlighting Jacque Larsen this week her at the Genuine Praise Blog! Woot-Woot! And she has generously offered a ten dollar coupon to her designs.
http://the-lilypad.com/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=16

All you have to do is link a layout of your own or another that you would like to see gain a few extra Genuine Comment in the Mr Linky Icon at the top of the page. Look for the Retro Girls up top if you are having trouble finding Mr Linky. Every link you leave will gain you another chance in the raffle. So link up several time this week. Dont forget to make sure your name in included in your link and please leave a few Genuine Comments for the layout left above your own. Lets have fun spreading Genuine Comments and making each other feel noticed. Ok on the the featured layouts!

First up is Flora's Love
This page includes journaling that I think every mother can relate to. It is so important to get these feelings down not just for our loved ones but also for ourselves. Flora rally captured the love she has for her daughters here and aren't they all so pretty. Thanks for sharing with us Flora!
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=484410&ppuser=7025

This is 1967jodie's ds time
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=486321&cat=fav
This one caught my eye because it looked so serious yet when I took a good look I saw it was about video games. I just love how as mothers that scrapbook we will find so many ways to take our sons lives and add just the right amount of beauty to pages about them. I love how clean this layout is and how the design is very defined against the white background.
Ok, that is about it.Don't forget to stop by often this week Jacque has let me in on a few tidbits about what she is up to. Dont miss out she may even have a freebie in the works and I will be sure to let you know. I also plan on doing a little hybrid featuring her goodies so if you check us out this week I can show it off.
Thanks! Make It A Great Day
*Lori*

11*23 Spotlight Sunday

2008-11-23T12:47:00.003-06:00

Hello Praisers!! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. I have the great pleasure of spotlighting this week's designer -- Jacque Larsen from the Lilypad!! Have you seen her designs? They are completely adorable. She has the most sweetest paper pieces in the digi world!! You need to check out her items -- Jacque's Store. She is also awarding a $10 gift certificate to her store this week. So make sure you leave a link in Mr. Linky and Lori will draw a name on Friday.

Here are some of the cute items you will see in Jacque's store:

Each image is clickable!

Jacque also has her own blog -- be sure to stop by and have a peak. Jacque's Blog. She has the cutest hairclips on sale!!

Below you find some amazing pages using Jacque's designs -- some by Jacque herself. Be sure to click each image for credits.

Well that's it for me -- I'll see you around the digi world!!

Lori's Digi Point of View

2008-11-21T07:27:00.008-06:00

Hi I am stopping by to say that Flora won the Ten Bucks to Pixel Gypsy Designs. Congrats! Look out for a PM at DST from me!

Hi Everyone,

Its Lori here to give you my take on the happenings in our community. Lets see what i can dig up. Well one of my recent discoveries that makes me happy is that Kevin & Amanda updated their font stash. They recently added around 25 new fonts for our journaling pleasure. Yippee!

http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/fontsforpeas/

Do you enjoy the Hodge Podge Challenges? I really like them because they don't require certain products be used and there is a chance to win a prize. Only problem for me is I tend to forget to get them in by Monday. Well, last week I realized that they have revamped the way they offer the challenges and now you have two weeks to get your layouts in. I am doing the sketch challenge they are offering right now for sure. Although if it was a one week challenge I probably would have forgot. Well, stop by and see what they have got going on!

http://hodgepodgeart.typepad.com/hodge_podge_art/

I just popped on into Ali Edwards blog and found a wonderful little article on translating gratitude that may work with the hodge podge challenge. Check it out!

http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/

Oh look I found a sale. Fifty percent off is always a good thing. Check out Amy Sumrall's blog for details on her sale at Sunshine Studios.

http://lilbitsandberries.blogspot.com/

An awesome giveaway is currently going on at the We Are Storytellers blog. They are asking for your best journaling tips. Just lave them in the comment section of their blog and u will be eligible for the prize. Its a good one. Stop by and add your journaling tips and pick up some new ones.

http://wearestorytellers.typepad.com/

OK two more things. Stop by Peppermint Creative because if you look in their General Chatter area you will find a sweet little contest. If you can make up a good story using ten of their rocking smilies you may win 4 handmade cards by M.J. Johnston. Their totally cool.

http://peppermintcreative.com/index.php?main_page=home

OK some last minute info on our sponsor Pixel Gypsy Designs. Today is Fantabulous Friday and all of their new products are 30 percent off for today only.

http://www.pixelgypsydesigns.com/Content/Catalog/Product.aspx?guid=d099bdd0-7c10-4d7d-b244-f2f87d153734

http://www.pixelgypsydesigns.com/Content/Catalog/Product.aspx?id=492

http://www.pixelgypsydesigns.com/Content/Catalog/Product.aspx?guid=64e648be-97b3-4c3a-b8b4-96ca8bc08f26

These links will get you there faster.

And I wanted to make sure you knew about the awesome shadows and lighting tutorials you can find in their past issues of Gypsy Expressions. Honestly, check them out if you want to improve your pages. These links will take you directly there.

http://www.pixelgypsydesigns.com/newsletter/Expressions_200806/default.html

http://www.pixelgypsydesigns.com/newsletter/Expressions_200809/default.html

And don't forget to subscribe for future issues the December one is right around the corner.

http://pixelgypsydesigns.parks.officelive.com/newsletter.aspx

OK OK! I have kept u up long enough! Look out for our 10dollar PGD gift card winner this evening and check out The Digichick Blog on Monday who knows what you will find there.

http://www.thedigichick.com/blog/wordpress/

K! Bye!

Make It A Great Day!

*Lori*

Thursday's Featured Layouts (11-20-08)

2008-11-20T04:00:00.001-06:00

Melissa here with Thursday's featured layouts. Mr. Linky was acting up on me and not working so I decided to choose a couple layouts right from DST.

I decided to feature layouts that hold a quality that I love, simplicity.

The first is from NaughtsNCrosses:

Embrace Simplicity
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=482436&cat=all&limit=all

The next layout is by gonewiththewind:

You Make My Heart Flower
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=482486&cat=all&limit=all

Both of these layouts caught my attention right away. I love the simple look in layouts and I envy those that can pull them off. I have a hard time with them as I always find myself adding stuff, then taking something off, then adding something, then taking something off and so on. I think my simple layouts take me longer than any of my other layouts.

Make sure you let these two ladies know what a great job they did by visiting their layouts at DST and leaving some true genuine love!!

That's all for me, short and sweet, just like these layouts!

~Melissa~

Wednesday's Featured Layouts 11/19/08

2008-11-19T04:00:00.005-06:00

Wow, I can't believe its already half way through November!!! Time seems to be flying by this year. I just celebrated my baby girls 3rd birthday on Monday.. and each day I look at her and can't believe she's already 3!! Its just crazy! She was just my little itty bitty baby yesterday, or so it seems.

So I was going through Mr linky today trying to catch up on all the layouts posted since Friday... (Wow, lots of participation.. totally GREAT!!!) and was blown away by this layout from Lori. With just having had a Pretty Princess party here, with my baby girl all done up in her princess dress and Magic (her crown and wand.. she calls them her "magic" and walks around the house going "Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle" as she casts her spells of happiness).. This layout just hit to the heart of me and my life right now...

TinkerBell Cupcake
By MissPotts

This Picture of Molly is just GORGEOUS!!! It speaks of childhood happiness, dreams, fantasy and everything pretty.. I can so see her doing twirly spins in her fairy dress, with her hands up high and a smile on her face!! And you know, it makes me want to be 3 again and put on my princess dress and run around throwing sparkles at everyone with my little girl. I might just have to do it anyway! I qualify, don't you think? Cause I'm 33 and that's twice the amounts of 3 right? LOL

I love how Lori used her matts in this layout, layering them one on top of each other at different angles... and the bottom matt shape.. wow! Just perfect!! Everyone, please show her some love for this absolutely GORGEOUS layout!

~~~~~~~~~

Sticking with a Childhood theme, I found this Layout in the Gallery at DST. Ok, so it wasn't my plan to stick with a childhood theme... it just sort of worked out that way. LOL I fell in love with the simplicity of this next layout immediatly.

Children...
By Fanette

I love how the photo here is sliced up into three parts, and how one strip of paper is slid in over the middle section of the photo. Just simply lovely! The elements she used are just perfect too compliment the photo... which by the way is just breathtaking and makes me feel at peace when I look at it! I love photos of children from behind.. there is just something magical and emotional about them. Captures them being children. I absolutely love the quote on here too... so very true, it is.

Please everyone, stop by Fanette's page and leave her some love for this gorgeous layout.

~~~~~~~~~

So, I couldn't decide between the last layout and the next, so decided to go ahead and feature both of them today! I'm a sucker for multible pictures on a layout... so when I saw this one I was excited!

Christmas 2007
By ajaabne

Doesn't this layout scream of Holiday Cheer? Of childrens laughter and excitment.. of everything thats so wonderful about this time of year? I love christmas morning, opening presents with my kids.. love visiting family and all the crazy toy messes from all the different kiddos showing thier cousins the cool new stuff Santa brought them... This layout brings all those memories to the surface for me, and makes me excited that Christmas is just around the corner.

The photo placement in this layout is wonderful!! I love how she layered them, and that some of them are black and white... very nice touch. The elements are super cool, Love the pipe cleaner ones!!! Specially that candy cane... Isn't it fabulous!!??!! This is just absouluty a perfect christmas layout! So, please stop by and leave some love for this very deserving layout!

~~~~~~~~~

So, who is excited about the $10 Gift Card to Pixel Gypsy Design??? Thats just an AWESOME prize for linking layouts, isn't it?? So, link up... the more you link the more chances you have to win!! Link up your own layouts or those of other scrappers you just love (remember to also put your name on the link.. example: ValeriGail (for Fanette) so that you get credit for the link up! ) I can't wait till Friday to see who wins!! Also, stop by Pixel Gypsy today for Indulgence Wednesday!! Every Wednesday they offer great specials, so don't miss out!!

And with that, I will leave you to your day! Live, Love, Laugh... and Scrap often!!

~Valeri~