Hello from Orlando!

Hello friends!

By the time you're reading this, I'll be on my way to sunny (I hope!) Orlando, Florida. The bags are mostly packed, our dining room table is covered with food waiting to go in the suitcase (the joys of kosher traveling! Here's hoping TSA doesn't think I'm running a cheese smuggling business....), and my various gadgets are charging around the house.

Sometimes I long for the simpler days, when I would wheel my Barbie suitcase out the door and call it a day.

Although, knowing me, I probably spent hours stressing out about which Barbies to pack, and what they would wear:)

On a scrappy note, I figured I'd share a layout while y'all are here:


Made with a Sketchy Thursdays sketch and using the glorious Warm Calico mist (I love everything gray lately!)

And on a more serious, note, I am really looking forward to some Disney magic:)
A good friend of mine who has also dealt with infertility always advises me to live life to the fullest NOW. Take the job, go on the vacation, make the plans--don't sit at home and wait "in case you might be pregnant." So that's what we're trying to do.

Right now, life feels happy and so full of good things it's bursting at the seams and popping buttons. It's hard sometimes, too--the pain of infertility is sharp and pierces me when I least expect it to. But I'm trying to weave that pain into something beautiful and true that will be here long after my last baby grows up. As the common Jewish saying goes, this too is for the good.

So here's to magic.

SC Wishlist--and an Assortment of Layout

Studio Calico reveal is almost upon us (which is SO unfair, because I have only made two layouts with the December kit and NEED MORE TIME! Ack!), so I'm sharing some items on my wish list. (Okay, okay--Studio Calico is also having a little giveaway related to listing items from your wishlist. Pure coincidence (wink, wink))

I'd love to try this paint dabber--it's like painting for people who don't feel like getting out a brush, little dish and cup of water. Which is totally me.
Rumor has it that this stick candy ink matches the January kit perfectly:


I've been wanting this punch for ages and ages, but haven't bit the bullet yet.


Cloud punches--need I say more?

And because this is a scrapbook MAKING blog, instead of a scrapbook SHOPPING blog, here are some layouts:



I created this for Write. Click. Scrapbook last month--you can see the full gallery here.


This is an old layout I created for Who's That Girl and forgot to share. Made with the Studio Calico September kit.

Hope you all had a great holiday and weekend! S and I are currently snowed in, and taking the opportunity to scrap (me), watch movies (us), drink milkshakes (us), read (mostly S), and take hour-long showers (all me, baby).

Life is good.

What are YOU doing today?

Photo Shoots and other Important Items

About a year ago, I had too much free time. So what did I do? Research photographers in the tristate area to do a couple shoot. Add in another year, with tons of cancellations and rescheduling, and S and I went on a photo shoot with the talented Alexis Hardy--who is also an awesome scrapper!

I documented the experience in the layout below:

I used my Studio Calico October kit for this one, and mixed the main and 2 of the add-ons (Watercolor and Still Life). Photo credit: Alexis Hardy.

Here's a close-up of the title:



Now I'm normally not a fan of purposely mispelling words--after all, I have frequently lamented that generations of children will grow up not knowing how to spell "doughnut", and I break out in hives when I see establishments with names like "Krazy Kakes" or what not. But for this layout, it just felt right (and I couldn't fit "photo" in the space:)).

And just because I feel like it, here are a few little pretties on their way to me soon, thanks to Two Peas' free shipping over $25 deal. (I came in at $26.99--extremely proud of myself for that!).

Some Mr. Hueys.....


And I bet these will be in a kit soon and then I'll kick myself, but for now, I just couldn't resist these Crate Snow Day brads:

And there you have it! Happy Friday, my friends!

What are your plans for the weekend? And do you have any pretties on their way to your door?

Hello there!

I'm a bit late posting this week--I blame the New York State Bar.

Despite my predictions of a nice, easy study schedule sprinkled with scrapbooking and baking experiments, I have been cramming work into practically every free minute.

I even reached new heights of "cool" by working on my Real Property outline at a jazz club yesterday. Hey, they hadn't started playing yet!

And I'm learning lots of interesting things. For example, if you're considering purchasing a pet grizzly bear, don't do it! You'll be strictly liable, and that is very bad.

Now don't ask me anything else legal. Hee hee.


I made this page with the May Studio Calico kit, which I'm having separation anxiety from. The journaling describes the growing connectedness in my marriage, where when one person is in pain the other person feels it. After only a year and a half of marriage, I'm sure we're only at the tip of the iceberg in terms of that closeness, but it's miraculous to me all the same.


A few places you can find me now:

This page is up as part of a challenge on the Paper Posies blog--made with the June Paper Posies kit!

Journaling reads:When did you get this spunky little attidute, my dear?

And....................(drumroll please)...................................

I'm now on the Design Team for Who's That Girl, a challenge blog! My first page should be up there in a few weeks!

How has YOUR week been?

Partly Sunny

Do you have the Studio Calico June kit, Partly Sunny?

So far, I am loving it! Bright, fun colors, lots of energy--I just need more time to play!

This one features one of my very favorite photos of my little sis from years ago. Working with a film photo was intimidating, but I like how the page came out!

Journaling reads: I'll always treasure this picture. This is totally you as a little girl. Bursting with exuberance and life. You're the reason I want to have kids so badly, and I hope they turn out just like you.

For further explanation, she's 12 years younger than me, so basically like my kid. And I'm a sap.

This next one is also made with kit, using my Most Favorite Paper Ever. Luckily, I have another sheet of it, so that took the pressure off a bit!

Journaling reads: You may not be here yet, but I think of you, stay healthy for you, love you. I'm not a childless woman, but just a future mama.

Whew--that was personal. Almost didn't share it, but decided to anyway. Now you need to tell me YOUR deepest, darkest secrets in return. Hehe.

In the meantime, I have lots of bar exam studying to do--what are you up to?

More Fun and Games

First off, thanks for the well wishes! I'm feeling much better--even tried some solid food today!

And for all of you who stressed the importance of general anesthesia: I hear you. Maybe someone will learn from my mistake!

I have a few new projects to share with you:

Made this one to help encourage me to forgive something I've had a hard time letting go of. Kept the design pretty simple, and added a bird becomes it seemed symbolic about letting things go.

Truth is, birds are symbolic about lots of things. Extra bang for your buck, those birdies!

I used Studio Calico's May kit, Granny's Cupboard for this one.

Speaking of which, a question for you--do you like supply lists? Would you like me to include them?


This one was made wit ha bunch of Lily Bee product I got in a giveaway box from the lovely Nik Harper. I also used my beloved new photo labels punch on this one, in the upper left corner.

This page documents Steve's cousin's second wedding reception--the first one was in Mexico. And I am inordinately proud of myself for taking a bad photo and making it somewhat decent with a close crop and black & white conversion.

And finally, a get well card. With a very sad-looking owl-like creature. He just makes me want to cry, so I put him on a sickie card.

I'm looking forward to catching up with some old friends this weekend! What are your plans?

PS--I just made my most favorite page ever (at least right now) last night--can't wait to share it!

And extra PS--I have a new project up on the Paper Posies blog today!

I was so excited to win this beautiful necklace by Meredith Fenwick on Ali Edwards' blog!


What with getting my wisdom teeth out yesterday, I really appreciated the pick-me-up! When I got Ali's email before the surgery, I decided it was a good omen.

I may have spoken to soon. I opted not to get general anesthesia, and, let's just say there are certain things a person should be unconscious for. Getting your own teeth yanked out (literally: the nurse held my head and the dentist yanked) is one of them.

It's a good thing all 4 of my teeth went out yesterday, because I will NEVER. DO. THAT. AGAIN.

Now that I've thoroughly grossed you out, here's a scrapbook page to distract you!

I made this page with Studio Calico's May kit, which I love and plan to make many more pages with whenever I get a second!

I wrote about how when I broke up with my ex-boyfriend, I felt like I was back at Square 1 with dating. I had no idea how long it would take to meet my husband. But as it turned out, the very next guy i dated was the one I married. And he has made me so much happier than that other guy ever could.

It's a good reminder whenever other bad things happen in my life--that things work out in the end.

Thank you for your sweet comments on my last post:) I can't express how much I appreciate them!

Popping in.....

Life is pretty good here in beautiful New Jersey.

I just started my bar review class (you know there's something wrong when the funniest thing you've heard all day is a torts joke). It promises to be most exciting. Feeling out of sorts the past few days as well, due to a meanie darkening my sunny skies. Hoping that will sort itself out soon, but in the meantime, wish me luck.

Put together this page pretty quickly, with this helpful sketch. Check out the beautiful original by Jennifer Johner at Studio Calico's site!

After my first year of college, I was a sleepaway camp counselor for 9 and 10 year old girls. I spent six weeks barely sleeping, fretting about the health/emotional issues/various ailments of my little charges, and honing my disciplining strategies. I can still remember opening my eyes at 7 am to blasting music on the loudspeaker, feeling like I had gone to sleep only ten minutes before. This page documents our interminable Friday hikes, sometimes in one large circle. Fun was had by all:)

AND......as for my sneaky news, I can tell you tomorrow!

Hint: It's scrappy related.

Any more guesses?

Tuesday Scrappiness

Here are two new pages.....

This first one is really personal--but I trust y'all:) Used an add-on from the Studio Calico April kit, which was gorgeous.

This next one is a little less personal--beach chair and table tennis do not a heartwrenching layout make:) I had a lot of fun with this one, and it came together very quickly. I used another add-on from the April kit for this one. Spent a wee bit too much money last month (whoops!).

I have a few more pages in the works, but I need someone to inform the faculty of NYU Law School that I really cannot write three papers and two exams for them and get my scrappy bug out. Just can't be done.

Inconsiderate, really.



And in other legal news, THIS handsome guy just passed the New York bar exam! I'm so proud! I'm telling ya, when you're married, you both suffer during things like bar studying--I barely saw the guy for three months and did a lot more dishes. So maybe the bar association should have sent me a chirpy little email, too?

Before I go, PLEASE counsel me against buying another SC add-on at midnight tonight. Doing so would be very bad because a) I need to be sleeping at midnight, b) I don't have enough scrappy time right now, and c) Where am I going to put it?

Keep me strong, people. I'm counting on you!

And now......back to Scrapping!

I had so much fun participating in the Unkit show and blog two weeks ago! Sudie and the other girls who come to chat are so sweet, you should check it out!

Here are the layouts I made--the topic was mixing patterned papers, so I made a dent in my two feet of paper:)



I've been hoarding this Jenni Bowlin bracket paper for a while, so it was fun to finally use it! I was worried about doing it justice, but I'm happy with how it came out.

Btw--if anyone knows how to cut papers into the inside of a bracket more cleanly, do fill me in:)


This is an ode to my scraproom--at least my second so far:) Had a grand 'ole time with my Sunflower Maya Mist. I know a lot of folks prefer lemon (which I don't have, so no point of comparison) but I think sunflower is the overshadowed sister of lemon that deserves more attention!

I combined the Dear Lizzy line with Pink Paislee Cupid on this one--love pink and brown together! (Although I need to switch out that "o"--it likes to fall off, and then that incites the "w," and before you know it.....)

And finally, a layout with April's Studio Calico kit, Joyland:


This layout uses one of my most favorite poems ever--this one by e.e. cummings. I have a feeling it'll be making an appearance again, especially since I didn't get to my favorite part of the poem yet--ran out of room!

So my question for you is--Are there any quotes or poems or songs you've been dying to use on a page?

I'm Baaaaaaaaack!

Remember me?

I've been a terrible blogger, I know.

I blame it on the matza.

But I'm back and better than ever ! (Not actually true--My apartment is 1000 degrees with no air conditioning, I spent 10 minutes in the morning trying to find the mustard, etc. But it's all good.)

After receiving some constructive comments on Studio Calico, I've decided to experiment with how I take photos of my layouts. Below is my FIRST attempt and cropping and editing online. This page is an ode to Crumbs, which you should check out if you come visit NYC! Made with Studio Calico's Baker's Dozen kit.

Whaddaya think? Now remember it's my first try, and be nice!

And now, Attempt # 2:

This one is about how even though I have a deep love for lists (I'm actually about to cross "blog" off my daily list. Or check it off, since I'm psychotic and make actual checklists with little boxes for myself. Oy vey.) I'm trying to remember that many of the most important things in life don't fit on a list.

Like listening to Steve when he's upset. Or praying. Or general thinking. Or cooking dinner and washing the dishes, and scraping the nasty stuff at the bottom of the fridge (or is that just me?).

The stuff of life. Too big (and small) to fit on any list.

I hope you've all had a wonderful week so far! How was Passover/Easter?

Scrapbook Pages and a Very Clean Fridge

THIS is what my refrigerator looks like after all my hard work:


Scrubbed squeaky clean and all ready to be filled with my favorite Passover treats: chocolate covered matzah, jelly citrus shaped candy, matzah with cream cheese and honey, salad ingredients....mmmm.

However, I will mourn the loss of the Barton's kosher for Passover candy company. It just went out of business last year and now I will never have another almond kiss! (If you've ever not eaten normal food for 8 days I'm sure you can relate to the importance of a decent wrapped to-go candy.)


And now, for an actual scrapbook page:

This one documents our trip to--guess where? You got it! Cancun. We went for the weekend to celebrate S's cousins' wedding in February. I'm planning to use this page as an opener for more detailed pages about the trip--hence, the lack of journaling.

I used the Honeycomb add-on from Studio Calico's March kit, with the alpha and sun wood veneer coming from the main. I sprayed the veneer with sunflower mist. I had such fun making this page!

And finally, since the sun fled after I took the above photo, a sneaky of things to come:

Thanks for visiting! Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Home Equals.....

.....fresh baked challah!

I love challah. A major motivation in making it is that I like to eat it. Not the bakery kind, but fresh, warm from the oven.

I make a GIANT batch (7 or 8 loaves and many rolls) once every 6 weeks or so and freeze them. I put them on our warming plate (we use this in lieu of oven or microwave for heating up food on the Sabbath due to the no electricity thing) and they're hot and fresh-tasting when served.

Makes me hungry just thinking about it.

Which is pretty sad, because my house is being cleaned for Passover TODAY. Goodbye, leavened bread. I will miss you.

Sniffle.

PS: This page is from Studio Calico's March kit, Quilting Bee. Someone on their design team (can't remember which gallery at the moment) came up with the leaf-through-ribbon idea, so don't want to take credit for that!

Little Bits of Life

Goofing around on the train to school....


Enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner on the Upper East Side....

Side Note: For some reason, I felt compelled to get the creme brulee AND a chocolate tartuffo for dessert. AND a cappucino. To share with Steve, but still! For someone who wants to lose the extra 10 pounds that have joined me recently, I sure don't act like it!

Below is my newest page, about my bridal shower.

"How long have you been married," you ask?

Well, about a year and a half. And the shower, naturally, was several months before that. But better late than never, right?



Excuse the nasty lighting--in the winter, you work with what you got. Particularly when you use a point and shoot!

I've been so crazy busy the past month I haven't scrapbooked nearly as much as I normally do....the Studio Calico March kit should be here next week, and I still wanted to get more done with January, not to mention February! Maybe one of these days I'll get some blissful long stretches of scrappy time. Just maybe.....

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! Any exciting plans?

A Baker's Dozen

Well, I don't actually have a dozen layouts. I have four. But considering we had houseguests all weekend, that's pretty good!

The page above is an ode to Anthropologie. Before I got into scrapbooking, I didn't fully appreciate Anthro's wonders. But now, I walk through the store sighing and gazing and wistfully examining price tags. I never really buy anything (most items violate my student-budget $30 rule) but I leave inspired.

This next one records my husband's anniversary gift to me and what it meant.

And now we have an "ode to mist." Love the stuff. The pink looked really red in the bottle (S commented the sink resembled a murder scene) but it actually does spray pink, thankfully.

To get this effect, I placed the frames backwards on the paper--that way they could still be used on a page later. I want to hoard each and every one of those precious frames.

And the last, and smallest page:

Abbsparks over at Studio Calico inspired me with her 8.5 by 11 page featuring this doily paper, so I went off that and changed up the design and other products. Those Sass felties are almost too pretty to use, but use them I must!



Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Any exciting plans? I'm also looking out for some good books, if you have any recommendations!