let me sow love

A new start

2011-06-05T19:10:00.001-04:00

Hello followers- you can now find me here: Simple Love

Please come and join me at my new bloggy home!

Simple Scrapper: March Pages

2011-03-16T06:30:00.003-04:00

I've been super busy with my internship and wedding planning. I have missed my creative time but have been playing around with a few new things, including digital scrappin'.

There are new templates at Simple Scrapper- you should check it out all of the awesome things that Jennifer offers as well as the fabulous DT creations here.

Here is my creation:

Lovely Lily Bee papers left over from last sumer- love them!

Simple Projects: February

2011-02-07T10:31:00.004-05:00

The Simple Scrapper February Simple Pages/Simple Projects are up!!! You can find them here.

The simple project is a mini tag book with illustrated project instructions. This project was super fun and easy and I LOVE the way it turned out. I didn't even have to do the journaling. I've done top tens lists of many things- places I want to visit, reasons I love Ryan, etc. I couldn't think of anything else I wanted to make a list about, but I had the idea to ask Ryan for 10 reasons why he loves me. His list was wonderful and he even wrote each one on a journaling block I had made!

This project is now a wonderful reminder of why I love Ry just as much as he loves me. Which is a lot.

You and Me

2011-02-05T21:23:00.004-05:00

My internship is going really well- I love the kids! However, I'm often exhausted at the end of the day. This weekend I finally managed to squeeze in some crafty time and created this album to display at my LSS.

I love this Echo Park line with the Kaiser Craft album- everything just fit nicely together!

I've left the final page blank to be filled in with a wedding photo of us- I can't wait!

Simple Scrapper: January

2011-01-14T05:50:00.000-05:00

To say this week has been difficult would be an understatement...today is shaping up to be a day unlike the rest. I'm taking the opportunity to change my thoughts and make this a good ending to a very long week. I have a lot to get accomplished today and I'd like to try and squeeze in some crafty time. One thing I love about my style is that I stay simple in my designs and executions. Don't get me wrong- I love looking at super layered, difficult layouts with tons of embellishments. Love them. But it's just not me. Simple is organic and natural to me.

This is my first project reveal with Simple Scrapper and I'm happy to share a project and two layouts designed with the instructions and template/sketch provided in this month's Simple Pages/Simple Projects package.

Class/Instructions: Simple Scrapper, Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Embellishments: Cosmo Cricket, Mist: Tattered Angels.

Sketch/Template: Simple Scrapper, Cardstock: Recollections, Paper: Pink Paislee, Alpha: Making Memories.

Sketch/Template: Simple Scrapper, Cardstock: Recollections, Paper: My Minds Eye, Alpha: Jillibean Soup, Embellishments: Making Memories, My Minds Eye

What do you do to keep it simple in your life or your craft?

Hotel Room Views

2011-01-13T05:33:00.000-05:00

Maybe it is all of the snow or maybe a longing to travel again, but I've been reminiscing about my trip to Bolivia. These pictures stood out to me this week. It was wonderful having such amazing views from each of my hotel rooms.

I have most of my amazing Lily Bee filled kit from My Scrapbook Nook left as the fall semester did not allow for much creative time. I love having a chance to craft again during the week. Not having to commute 2 hours each day is awesome!

Happy Thursday!!!

You and Me Always

2011-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken at Thanksgiving and I've been waiting to scrap them. I have also been waiting to use the fabulous Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 again. They were a perfect match! I wanted to use the blue tones and black and accented it with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist.

The journaling expresses how I'm feeling right now. In just a few short months I'll be married. I'm so ready to be with Ryan everyday and to start our life together. I have no idea what the future holds, but I'm very much looking forward to spending it with him!

Such Joy

2011-01-10T05:44:00.000-05:00

The week after Christmas I was able to spend time with my dearest friend Allison and her little family. Luke is growing so fast and I wish I lived closer, but it was wonderful spending time with him and being with such a close friend.

Supplies: Recollections cardstock, October Afternoon and Pink Paislee papers, Making Memories stickers, Tattered Angels glimmer mist, buttons.

I love how expressive his little face is and I wanted the pictures to stand mostly on their own. This is my first 8.5x11 horizontal layout, what do you think? What do you do to switch things up with your crafting?

A calendar and some very exciting news!

2011-01-08T19:17:00.005-05:00

My dear friend Allison loves owls. When I saw the free downloadable calendar atMy Owl Barn, I knew what I was giving her for Christmas! I created this calendar with the fabulous owl images- I hope she enjoys it this year!

My happy news is that I will be joining the Simple Scrapper Design Team through July 2011. Simple Scrapper provides tips, inspiration, and ideas for busy memory keepers. Look for more information and projects soon!

Brand New Ending

2011-01-05T06:32:00.003-05:00

The first AAM challenge of the New Year is to use the following quote as inspiration:

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, Anyone can start now and make a brand new ending."

I reflected on my goal to be healthy and get in shape and how I faltered towards the end of the year. My layout and journaling reflect my determination to make a commitment to a new ending!

Happy New Year and One Little Word

2011-01-02T08:59:00.006-05:00

I rang in 2011 with friends and a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit. It was really nice to share the new year with friends in a calm and quiet fashion. Yesterday I received happy hews from Cameroon- my brother has been approved to take leave from the Peace Corps to come home for 3 weeks in May!!! He's going to be at my wedding and I'm thrilled.

When I chose my One Little Word for 2011 I thought it would be relevant in many meanings of the word, but as I read the definition, I was struck by how true this word will be for me in 2011.

move
[moov]
verb, moved, mov·ing, noun

–verb (used without object)
1.to pass from one place or position to another.
2.to go from one place of residence to another: They moved from Tennessee to Texas.
3.to advance or progress: The red racing car moved into the lead.
4.to have a regular motion, as an implement or a machine; turn; revolve.
5.to sell or be sold: That new model is moving well.
6.to start off or leave: It's time to be moving.
7.to transfer a piece in a game, as chess or checkers.
8.(of the bowels) to discharge or eject the feces; evacuate.
9.to be active in a particular sphere: to move in musical society.
10.to take action; proceed.
11.to make a formal request, application, or proposal: to move for a new trial.

–verb (used with object)
12.to change from one place or position to another.
13.to set or keep in motion.
14.to prompt, actuate, or impel to some action: What moved you to do this?
15.to arouse or excite the feelings or passions of; affect with emotion (usually fol. by to ): to move someone to anger.
16.to affect with tender or compassionate emotion; touch: The tale of tragedy moved her.
17.to transfer (a piece in a game) from one position to another.
18.to dispose of (goods) by sale.
19.to cause (the bowels) to discharge or eject the feces.
20.to propose formally, as to a court or judge, or for consideration by a deliberative assembly.
21.to submit a formal request or proposal to (a court, a sovereign, etc.).

–noun
22.an act or instance of moving; movement.
23.a change of location or residence.
24.an action toward an objective or goal; step: a move toward a higher tax.
25.(in chess, checkers, etc.) a player's right or turn to make a play.
26.a play or maneuver, as in a game or sport.

—Verb phrases
27.move in, to begin to occupy a place in which to live or work.
28.move in on, Informal .
a.to approach or make advances toward usurping another's success, authority, position, or the like.
b.to take aggressive steps to control or possess: The company has not yet moved in on the consumer market.
29.move on, to approach or attack as a military target: The army is moving on the capital itself.
30.move out, to leave a place in order to start or continue a planned march, maneuver, journey, etc.: The troops will move out of the encampment at dawn.
31.move over, to change or cause to change to another position, esp. to make room for another: to make space by moving over.
32.move up, to advance to a higher level.

—Idioms
33.get a move on, Informal .
a.to begin; act: We'd better get a move on before it rains.
b.to hurry; hasten.
34.make one's move, Informal . to act, esp. to assert oneself at an opportune time.
35.on the move,
a.busy; active: on the move from morning till night.
b.going from place to place: Infantry units have been on the move all day.
c.advancing; progressing: an industry on the move.
36.put moves on, Slang . to make sexual advances toward. Also, make a move on.

I've started an ATC album to keep the parts of the definition that are relevant to my life. As something comes up this year I will journal about it on the back of my ATC card and add it to the album.

Here is my cover:

The first meaning of move I will focus on it 2011 is: an act or instance of moving; movement. I want to move more. I miss dancing and being fit and I vow in 2011 to move more often. So far so good- I've started doing Zumba and I LOVE it! Unlike other workout DVD's I have tried- this one is fun and doesn't seem like work!

What do you hope for in 2011?

Top 10 Layouts of 2010

2010-12-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

2010 has been such an amazing year. I was able to travel to a beautiful country and share life-changing experiences with a wonderful group of people. Ryan and I became engaged and started planning a wedding and life together. I passed all three exams that are required for graduation and licensure and maintained my 4.0 in graduate school.

In the world of scrapbooking, I was honored to design for All About Me and guest design with Scrap Our Stash- two wonderful challenge blogs. I've grown into my own style and continue to grow with each new creation. I explored the world of mists, sprays, and inks. I learned a ton about design during My Scrapbook Nook's Nook University. I had disappointments with applying for Design Teams, but was thrilled to be a finalist in the Creative Memories DT search. WOW!

Thank you to all of my followers and commenters! You make this journey so wonderful with your encouraging words that mean so much to me!

I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year and look forward to seeing you all in 2011-which should be a wonderfully exciting year!

Scrappy: Winter Wonderland

2010-12-24T06:40:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve. My favorite day of the year. Traditions, Anticipation, Joy.

This past week has tested me. Mom went into the hospital on Monday and we are hoping to leave this morning. So many people have shown us such compassion this week and I am so grateful.

They are calling for a White Christmas in North Carolina which makes me happy because I find snow so magical. Even after the rough Boone winter I had last year, I want more!!!

Merry Christmas!

Scrappy: Rachel Blue

2010-12-18T08:06:00.000-05:00

Today I'm going to share a layout with you, for a tutorial on how to personalize your title work, check out the AAM blog!

Scrappy: our ornaments

2010-12-17T16:17:00.003-05:00

With my brother in Africa, It was really strange to decorate the tree with both of our ornaments. Usually we start the process together (I usually end up doing it by myself), but this year it was very lonely.

As I was looking for sights of Christmas I found myself admiring the ornaments of years past. There are so many memories held in the ornaments, it's hard to choose a favorite! These are the ones that stood out to me this year:

I was immediately inspired by the sketch challenge over at Get Picky combined with the December kit from My Scrapbook Nook!

Scrappy: My 5

2010-12-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

I'm hosting the current challenge at All About Me Challenge blog- inspired by the cell phone trend that started a few years ago where one could pick 'their 5' and make unlimited calls to those people. This challenge is to document YOUR 5. It could be your top five friends, places to visit, or memories. The Design Team had such wonderful interpretations, you really should check them all out!!

When I started looking through pictures for this layout, I was going to do a recap of my 5 favorite memories from 2010. So many of the pictures that caught my eye were from my trip to Bolivia. In no particular order, and nowhere near a complete list of wonderful memories, here are my 5 Bolivian Memories:

*Yes- I realize there is a spelling error, but I'm leaving it for now. My Kindergarten teacher said "It doesn't matter how you spell things, as long as you are expressing yourself." I typically disagree with that statement, but I'm on her side today.

Check out the blog for inspiration and a list of fabulous prizes for this month!

Tell me about YOUR 5!

Scrappy: Snow Stomper

2010-12-03T08:08:00.005-05:00

Have I mentioned that winter weather is here? December started out cold and snowy, I think we're in for another winter full of snow!

I just LOVE Cosmo Cricket's Mitten Weather. The colors, the cute little snowmen, fabulous stuff! I was so excited to finally scrap these pictures from last Christmas Eve of my cousin stomping in the snow in her pretty dress and brand new shoes. The snow had been on the ground for a week and a half, so it was iced ver on top and really crunchy. I'm glad I snapped these pictures before she got caught and taken inside!

Do you like cold weather? Or would you rather have warm weather year round?

Journal Your Christmas - Dec 1 & 2

2010-12-02T12:07:00.005-05:00

I have completed the prompts for the first two days of Journal Your Christmas:

Supplies Album, Paper, Embellishments: Little Yellow Bicycle, Stickers: Making Memories, Journaling cards: Shimelle.

What are you doing to document this holiday season?

Scrappy: My Style

2010-12-01T06:19:00.006-05:00

The new challenge is up at All About Me!! This one is super fun! Check it out!

I love hats. I love trying them on in stores and taking funny pictures. I'm from a small town- sometimes you have to create your own fun growing up. I tried on hats! I wish big fancy hats would come back into fashion- I'd wear one every single day!

Supplies: Bazzill Cardstock, Cosmo Cricket paper, American Crafts Thickers, Bic Mark-it! markers, ribbon.

I think I look good in hats- but maybe the hats are just awesome!

I'd like to dedicate this post to my college friend Tracy- let's go try on hats again soon!! Please!

What's YOUR style?

Journal Your Christmas

2010-11-29T09:31:00.001-05:00

I'm participating in Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas this year and I'm happily anticipating the prompts!!!

Here is my cover, which is a Little Yellow Bicycle album and paper. I also used my new Bic Mark-It! markers to color the foam Thickers. I love being able to customize my alphas to fit my needs!

Scrappy: Love That Face

2010-11-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

My cousin's child is the calmest, sweetest baby ever! This is a picture I took of Abel at Thanksgiving!

LOVE his face!

I used My Scrapbook Nook kit from October- full of Lily Bee Catching Fall!

Life Update and Christmas Cards

2010-11-22T09:00:00.003-05:00

In my last life update I said I was still waiting on two exam results. *Drumroll please* I passed the NCE- after graduation I get to add a bunch of letter after my name! I'm so excited!!!

Also, if you want to check out the engagement proofs they are on Pixels on Paper's proofing site. If you are in Charlotte or Western NC and need a photographer- check them out! They are fabulous!!!

I have been making cards for my grandmother like crazy- she requested 25 Christmas and 25 generic cards!! I've been using last year's Christmas lines and I've fallen in love with them all over again! I'm trying to keep the cards as flat as possible since they will be going through the mail all across the country.

Scrappy: When I Grow Up

2010-11-21T08:56:00.004-05:00

I'm a little behind this week, but I wanted to share my take on the current challenge at All About Me- When I Grow Up.

This topic was fairly easy for me as the thought of what I want to be someday has never changed. My career path and majors certainly did- but this has nothing to do with formal training or higher education (though neither will hurt in the end). When I grow up I want to be a mother.

Especially now, with Ryan. I imagine he will be a wonderful father and I look forward to having a family with him someday!

I guess when I have children I will be a real grown up- what do you think?

Join us at AAM for this challenge and the chance to win a fabulous prize!

Quick Update!

2010-11-14T22:07:00.005-05:00

I've not gone missing- just having a bit of a time crunch at the end of my last semester of classes. I have taken THREE standardized exams that will either prove or disprove my ability to be a good counselor. I passed Comps with flying colors and I'm still waiting on my scores for the NCE and Praxis II. Passing Comps means I can graduate in May, the other two exams are required for licensure and can be retaken if needed.

I'm so ready for the end of this semester- to have a bit of time off and prepare for my full time internship next semester. One thing I will not miss- 2 hours in my car everyday.

Wedding planning is going well and Ry and I had our engagement session today with Misty and Ryan from Pixels on Paper. I'm so glad that they will be shooting us the whole way through to our wedding day- including my bridal portraits. Here is a shot that my mother took today:

I'll have some scrappy updates soon!

AAM Blog Hop Winner!!!

2010-11-06T20:35:00.002-04:00

Just letting you know that I have selected a winner for the blog using Random.org-

The winner is Vicki!!!

Vicki said...
Love your layout. Back in the days when I was collecting dolls I would look over the packages and pick the most perfect one. Guess that's being a snob.

Vicki- email me at RachLHawkins at gmail dot come with your name and address and I'll ship out a fabulous kit of LilyBee products!

Thanks for everyone who stopped by! I really appreciate the kind words!

AAM Royal Blog Hop

2010-11-03T00:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the AAM Blog Hop! So happy to have you!

If you got here from Sarah's blog you are on the right track!

If you are just starting here, make sure you begin at the AAM blog so you don't miss all of the fun inspiration!

Our theme for this hop is ROYALTY- I've never been much on princesses and tiaras- rather I've been very turned off to princesses, magic wands, and the snobbishness that comes along.

However, I see that royalty isn't just about the obvious things that come to mind. It is about more than that - inner beauty, courage, finding your own strength, and learning lessons along the way. For me, seeing myself as royal is difficult, I've struggled with my self-esteem as long as I can remember. I'm trying to see the best parts of myself and remind myself that I am WORTHY.

There is one thing that I am super snobbish about:

SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

I have to have the best of the best and very specific pens to write with. Even if I have leftover supplies, I go out and buy new ones at the beginning of each school year- there's just something about fresh correction fluid and new pens! I could save a lot of money if I used what I already had, but I'm just a snob and that's that!

When I decided what I was going to confess as my snobbish behavior, I had no idea what papers I would use- but then it hit me- Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend!!!! I also used Bazzill Cardstock, Zig Pen, American Crafts Thickers, and a MM stapler and staples!

What are you a "snob" about? Remember, it doesn't have to be a bad thing! Make it fun! Giggle at yourself! It's okay.

Leave a comment telling me what you are a snob about! I'll be drawing a name from all of the commenters and I'll send the winner a RAK!

Last but not least, continue hopping along to Nic's blog for fabulous inspiration and to continue the quest for the main prize!

Scrappy: Fall Favorites

2010-10-29T10:22:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite projects ever. It is a mini about my life as it is right now:

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I know I'm ready for a couple days off, even though I have a lot of work to do!

Scrappy: So Very Blessed

2010-10-25T10:43:00.003-04:00

This weekend I had the honor of witnessing two wonderful people commit themselves to each other for the rest of their lives. It was amazing. I am so blessed to have a wonderfully supportive family that not only supports me, but my friends as well. On that note, I thought I would share another Nook U creation:

I scraplifted a layout by Stacey Michaud for this project. She is a fabulous inspiration and I love her work!

Scrappy: Wedding Cards

2010-10-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

This weekend I'm headed to see some friends commit their lives to one each another. I'm so excited for them and love seeing the love between them! That brings me to these cards. For the second final in Nook U we were challenged to make five cards (my weakness) and they each had a wedding theme applied to them:

Something Old

Something New

Something Borrowed

Something Blue

Wedding Themed

Anyone have tips for cardmaking? I really struggle with it and don't know why I find it so difficult!

Scrappy: The Other Side

2010-10-21T08:24:00.000-04:00

Another layout I created during Nook U:

For those of you that take all the pictures, what is the best way to have your picture taken every once in a while?

Scrappy: Proud

2010-10-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

What is pride?

Is it okay to be proud of yourself?

That's what we're asking at All About Me this week. Our current challenge is My Proudest Moment.

Supplies: Bazzill Cardstock, Crate Paper, American Crafts Thickers, Ranger Alcohol Ink,

Tim Holtz Mini Mister, Zig Pen, Recollections Flowers.

I am proud of my kind heart, willingness to serve others, dedication, and determination to succeed. I am proud of the person I am and what I stand for.

For this layout I was inspired by the sketch challenge at Crate Paper- simple and linear- just my thing!

This month the prize for All About Me challenge is pretty great- you should check it out here!

What are you proud of? What is your proudest moment?

Come share with us at AAM- we can't wait to see what you come up with!

Scrappy: Mountaineer

2010-10-18T06:37:00.000-04:00

I had such a blast participating in Nook U. I learned so much about style, form, and adding details. This layout was for a scraplift challenge. I lifted the fabulous Leah Killian.

While I'm ready to graduate, it is going to be really strange not being a Mountaineer for the first time in seven years! Transitions...

Scrappy: Ever After

2010-10-14T08:30:00.000-04:00

Here is another layout I created during Nook U. Seriously, it was a huge mojo booster! I hand cut the flowers at the bottom and enjoyed playing with a different kind of design than I usually use.

Scrappy: Rugby Match

2010-10-11T09:02:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I was honored to be in the finals of Nook University. I was able to complete a ton of projects that I'm proud of. I have learned a lot about style and adding details to my projects. I've had these pictures for a while, but haven't really been inspired to scrap them. As a part of the finals we had a challenge every hour for 24 hours and the final one was to scrap a sports layout.

Here is mine:

I used the September Nook kit- I have bits and pieces of it left and I love it when I can actually use all of the paper I get- no room to hoard!

Scrappy: Big Hugs

2010-10-10T10:45:00.001-04:00

My brother is currently in Bafia, Cameroon with a host family during his first stage of Peace Corps training. He is learning French and more about his assignment for the next 2 years. I am so proud of my brother, but it was hard to let him go knowing he would miss 3 years worth of birthdays and Christmases and my wedding in May. The pictures were taken at the airport before he left:

I created this layout during the first round of the Nook U- a challenge to use flowers. I used Petaloo flowers and alcohol inks to make the flowers the perfect colors! This is my new favorite thing to do to personalize a layout.

Scrappy: The Artist In Me

2010-10-06T08:30:00.000-04:00

The new challenge at All About Me is up and it is FABULOUS!!!! Sarah has challenged us to get in touch with our artsy side so I dug into my paint and ink and got messy. The picture is from a weekend retreat where I made my own paste paper and journal. I am not one to like sticky, messy, hands- but I loved getting in touch with that side of me and making a messy, beautiful piece of art.

A close up of the journaling:

Join us for this challenge and show us the artist in you!

Scrappy: Owl Always Love You

2010-10-04T07:30:00.001-04:00

I created this layout for Nook U- the class was about paper piecing, which I had never done before! I printed a clip art of an owl, cut the papers out and pieced them together.

Have you tried anything new recently?

Scrappy: The Story

2010-09-30T07:30:00.001-04:00

Here's the story...of a lovely lady (that's me)...

I created this for a challenge at Nook U and LOVE the journaling:

Scrappy: I'm Ready

2010-09-27T08:02:00.001-04:00

Life is so busy right now, I have really been thinking about what I want my life to look like. I've always been over committed and stretched too thin, but right now I'm seeing the benefits of slowing down and really thinking about each commitment I add to my life. Some of the things I want out of life are outlined below:

Graduation. Getting my Master's degree and finally having a piece of paper that shows others that I am competent, qualified, and educated for the jobs I want.

Finding a Job Preferably wherever Ryan is- I'm willing to look in several different helping fields and I'm trying to keep the possibilities open by taking several different routes with my licensing.

Get married I'm so ready to be in the same town, same home as Ryan. I'm ready to start our life together and see what the future holds for us.

Have a home of my own I want to decorate and organize my own house, have enough space for my things, and be able to come home to MY home every night.

Get Picky

2010-09-25T11:16:00.002-04:00

I am so excited about this new challenge blog called Get Picky. They are going to focus on multi-photo layouts, which is a challenge for me. They are having a great giveaway to kick off their new start- check it out and you could win this:

I will be spending the weekend studying and scrapping- so prepare for a full week of blog fun from me!

Scrappy: Pure Joy!

2010-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

My cousin Myles lights up the room when he enters, he is:

Who brings you joy?

Scrappy: Finding my Voice

2010-09-20T08:40:00.000-04:00

Something I have been working on recently is trying to speak up for myself. I've always struggled with this, ask anyone who has known me for any length of time. Last week when one of my graduate school friends saw my engagement ring, she went to look up the meaning of the blue topaz and what things are associated with it. We discovered that blue topaz is a stone that supposedly gives one strength to speak out and ask for what the need/want. I find it a coincidence that something that is such a huge part of my growth is directly tied into my ring.

I created a layout about this topic and I added some blue bling to remind me of the significance of blue topaz.

Scrappy: Your Adventurous Spirit

2010-09-18T09:26:00.001-04:00

This week my brother left for Cameroon. He'll be there for 27 months in the Peace Corps helping with Sustainable Agro-Forestry. I created this layout last week during Nook University (which is still going on and is SO MUCH FUN!) I'm so proud of Caleb and his desire to make a difference while exploring new cultures and far off lands!

Who inspires you?

Scrappy: Waiting

2010-09-15T09:00:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone! The current All About Me Challenge is based off of the One Little Word blog. I chose the word waiting to be the focus of my layout.

I feel like I'm waiting for my life to begin. Waiting to finish school so that I can find a job. Waiting to marry Ryan so that we can start our life together.

Scrappy: Some Cards

2010-09-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm sharing with you some cards I made with supplies from my latest My Scrapbook Nook kit. I love this place, both as a kit club and as a place to hang out with scrappy friends online! Seriously- some of the nicest, most talented ladies hang out there!

Right now- they are holding a FREE Scrapbook University Contest, but it is MORE than just a contest. There are classes with theories and advice from their Design Team. Come by, register, and have some fun! If you choose to- tell them I sent you!!! I will get EXTRA CREDIT if I bring a friend- so please be my friend and come to class with me, then invite YOUR friends and get extra credit too!!!!

I'm off to University!!!

Scrappy: Morning Routine

2010-09-01T06:45:00.000-04:00

As the school year begins, I'm finding it hard to settle back into a routine. I'm commuting, which means I have to give myself an hour to get to campus. The current challenge over at All About Me is about morning routines. I made a layout about what my morning routine SHOULD look like:

Some mornings I need to leave around 7:00, so the workout gets bumped! But lately I find myself bumping the workout for extra sleep- but that can't happen anymore! NO MORE EXCUSES- MUST WORKOUT!!!

What are mornings like in your household? How do you convince yourself to get out of bed when the pillow is whispering sweet things in your ear?

Scrappy: Strips of Paper

2010-08-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

What do you do when you get down to the scraps of paper left behind by a demolished line of paper? Throw them away? I say- use them to create a background for another layout or card!!!

School has started back and my brain is fried- I have nothing left to add!

Happy Friday!!!

Wedding Wednesday: Vol. 3

2010-08-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

The location!

I am thrilled to start planning for an outdoor wedding in May. The flowers will be blooming, birds will be singing, and I will be sneezing. The best part is the built in back up plan of moving the ceremony inside in case of bad weather. I must have a Plan B at all times- I can't help that I'm a big planner.

Here is what the Labyrinth looks like without decorations:

I envision some potted plants, some paper cones filled with daisies, white chairs, and candles. Nothing too elaborate, I want the beautiful design and nature to speak for itself.

I have started assembling paper cones to hang on the chairs and I anticipate that I will use them as reception decor as well. I used my very favorite line of paper by Pink Paislee (Queen Bee) for this project. My next post will be about the ceremony decor!

Scrappy Scraplift

2010-08-20T16:56:00.004-04:00

We're having a blast at the AAM Forum with the Anniversary Crop!

We have such a talented DT at AAM and I love Janis' work. As a part of one of the challenges I scraplfted one of her layouts:

I used my August kit from My Scrapbook Nook- just beautiful!

Come join us for the crop- there are still many chances to win some fun prizes!

Scrappy: Gratitude Card

2010-08-19T20:10:00.002-04:00

I think I have said this before, but SRM Stickers are FABULOUS! I love using them, they are smooth and just perfection!
Jenyfur posted this sketch on the SRM Stickers blog:

I used two accent stickers as the for the linear part of the design, a sentiment, and the bracket stickers!

The crop at AAM is still going on- fabulous challenges and prizes! I am giving participants a chance to win some awesome SRM Stickers- you know you want them!

Scrappy: Celebrate the Positive

2010-08-18T03:00:00.002-04:00

The second AAM challenge for August is to create a layout about Celebrating the Positive! We are right in the middle of a fantastic crop over on the All About Me forum! There are still prizes up for grabs and challenges to help you find extra inspiration!

I used some more SRM sticker for this project. It didn't turn out how I expected it would, but I'm trying not to be over critical of myself these days!

What do you do when you create something you don't like?

Scrappy: Happiness is a brother

2010-08-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've been in the mood to scrap childhood pictures recently. Maybe it is because my little (not so little anymore) brother is leaving soon to serve in the Peace Corps in Cameroon. He will be gone for 27 months and he may or may not have the chance to attend my wedding. Caleb and I have been through a lot together as siblings and I am so proud of him and the fabulous person he is!

Who do you admire most? Who inspires you?

AAM Blog Hop Winner!

2010-08-16T19:28:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday everyone! I've been hanging out with one of my dear friends and her son today. It has been a wonderful day!

I wanted to make a real quick announcement that the winner of my RAK is Stephanie!

Stephanie said...

Cute layout and card!

My favorite birthday was 2 years ago. Chris proposed to me on a walk in our favorite park :)

August 14, 2010 12:21 PM

Email me at RachLHawkins at gmail dot com with your address and I will ship your prize ASAP!

Thank you each and every one of your comments- I loved reading about your birthday memories!!!

AAM Birthday Blog Hop!!!

2010-08-14T03:00:00.005-04:00

I hope you are enjoying your time during this All About Me Challenge Blog Hop! If you didn't arrive via Donna's blog, then go back to the beginning and start the hop there!

I love birthdays- not because of gifts or cake, but because it gives us a reason to celebrate ourselves and those we love! One of my favorite birthday memories is having an annual sleepover party on a Sunday the week of my birthday because it falls on the same week as Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday and we always had a school holiday. All of my friends would come over and we would have a Birthday cheesecake made by my wonderful mother. Most of my slumber parties were interrupted by my adorable little brother- because, well, that's what little brothers are good for!

One of our Birthday Celebration sponsors is SRM Stickers and they were so fabulous to send their amazing product to the AAM Design Team. I have been creating some awesome projects with the stickers and LOVE working with them!

Here are a few projects that feature SRM Stickers:

I will be giving away some fabulous SRM Stickers as a celebration of All About Me Challenge Blog's first birthday!

All you have to do to be eligible is comment on this post sharing your favorite birthday memory! I will draw a name on Monday, August 16th and will announce the winner here!

Our crop officially kicks off on August 15th, but like any great party- we are pre-gaming already! Come and join us on the forum for a week of fabulous challenges and many chances to win some awesome prizes!!!

I guess by now you are ready for the word that you have been sent to find to complete the phrase for the blog hop. My word is:

Now you must hop on to Melissa's blog!

Scrappy: Beach Babes

2010-08-13T11:30:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I have scrapped a childhood photo so I pulled out one that I have been wanting to scrap for a while now- a picture of my childhood friend and me posing on the beach in Pensacola.

I found that the July Kit from My Scrapbook Nook featuring Lily Bee's Hello Sunshine was just perfect for this picture. The colors were bright and sunshiny and the kit basically scrapped itself!

Wedding Wednesday: Vol. 2

2010-08-11T08:00:00.003-04:00

We have set a date- May 21, 2011.

The colors! I want our colors to represent who we are as a couple and our individual personalities.

The backstory! Ryan and I both graduated from Appalachian State University and had season football tickets. We just happened to have tickets next to each other and got to know each other throughout the 2008 football season. Our first date was to a cold, snowy football playoff game at our Alma Mater. It is only fitting then, that I have found inspiration in Appalachian's colors- black, white, and yellow.

The flowers! At this point I am thinking about using white daisies, yellow gerber daisies, and possibly white and yellow roses. I plan on making the bouquets and centerpieces myself. Both of those are just thoughts at the moment...

The cake! A friend from college, Jessica McGloin, has started a cake business in Durham, NC and I'm so inspired by her cake. I have posted a picture of her cake in my collage and I picture mine with black ribbon and fresh flowers all around.

An inspiration collage I made in Picasa:

Photo Credits
Pictures of us- Family, friends, and self
Cake- Jessicake
Bouquet #1- FTD.com- Vera Wang Hello Sunshine
Bouquet #2- The Bloomery

Something a little bit scrappy: In order to keep up with lists and ideas, and to keep myself on track schedule wise, I created a wedding planner for myself.
I used the cover from an old planner...

Added pages and sections and bound it all together with my my Bind It All...

Printed of checklists from a wedding website...

So this will be where I keep all important things for my wedding- I love the Pink Paislee and how it goes with my wedding colors.

We are planning away and I get more excited each day!!!

Scrappy: Junk Food

2010-08-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

It is Monday, and one of my favorite Monday night activities is WING NIGHT! I love hot wings. I could seriously eat them everyday. o I love them so much that I scrapped a layout about my favorite junk food.

I used the July Kit from My Scrapbook Nook featuring Lily Bee papers. I love the bright colors of this line! Perfect for fun summer pictures!!!

Scrappy: AAM Birthday Celebration

2010-08-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

As a kick off of the fabulous All About Me Birthday Celebration, the first challenge is to create a project centered around the theme of BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

I just have to say that I love SRM Stickers- they were wonderful enough to not only sponsor a prize for one of our fabulous participants this month, but they also sponsored the Design Team. I had admired the stickers from afar since they began, but hadn't been able to get my hands on any. Now that I have played with these stickers, I want MORE MORE MORE!!!

I used an SRM sticker as part of my title on this layout:

This layout was also my first attempt at digital/hybrid scrapping. I used a background from Jessica Sprague in the corner of the picture and then typed the journaling right onto the picture. I'm trying to understand digital, but I'm a slow learner!

AAM Blog Hop will be August 13-14 and then will be followed by a fabulous crop on the forum! Stay tuned for more FUN!!!!!

Scrappy: Being Engaged

2010-07-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

As a part of the CHA Celebration at 2peas, several challenges were issued. I completed this layout for the "_________ make me smile" challenge. I promise this will be the last post about the ring for a while! I chose to journal about how being engaged makes me happy!

I've been going through my stash trying to make room for new releases. I LOVE this Pink Paislee that I got from my monthly kit club- My Scrapbook Nook. This place is a wonderful community and has the best kits I've ever seen.
I had to let my subscription go this spring and summer because of finances, but because the kits are packed so full of goodness, I had plenty of beautiful things to work with!
The August Kit broke me though- I have resubscribed to My Scrapbook Nook. Look and this beauty:

They are having a DT call right now- check it out!

Wedding Wednesday: Vol. 1

2010-07-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

You may or may not have heard, but I am officially engaged!
Yes, I'm excited! No, we haven't set a date! Yes, I was surprised!
From now until the wedding I am going to be making posts on occasional Wednesdays that will be about Wedding ideas, inspirations, and projects. I plan to have a mostly DIY wedding and I look forward to many projects along the way!

But first, the ring:

It is more than I ever imagined and I'm in awe of it's beauty. Why the blue stone? I knew that I didn't want a big diamond, it just didn't feel like me. I told Ryan that I would like a blue stone and then from there narrowed it down to a Blue Topaz. Blue Topaz is not only my favorite color, but it is also Ryan's birthstone. Every time I look at my ring I'm filled with joy, not only is it beautiful, but it reminds me of the future that Ryan and I will share.

I'm not promising a wedding post every week, but when I do post something about my upcoming nuptials it will always be on a Wednesday!

Merry Christmas in July!!!

2010-07-26T11:35:00.004-04:00

Today is the actual day of my traditional Christmas in July Celebration. Overeating, secret santa gift exchange, and Christmas carols will begin around 6:00pm. I'm looking forward to it, but not nearly as much as I am looking forward to announcing the winners of my giveaway from the Scrap Our Stash Blog Hop!

I am so appreciative of everyone who stopped by, made comments, and became followers of my blog! I hope you all enjoyed the hop and found some inspiration along the way!!! I wrote everyone's name on a piece of paper, turned them over, shuffled them, and drew names for the winners. I usually have help with this part, but I wanted to get these posted sooner rather than later

The winner of the December Daily album and leftover supplies is:

Froggy530

Froggy530 said...
Your mini album is too cute. I really love that line of papers and embellies. thanks for the chance to win!
July 22, 2010 7:44 AM

The winner of the random Christmas RAK from my stash is:

Michele

Michele's Scrapy Creations said...
Just love your Dec Daily. I'm planning to do one this year. I can't wait to get start.
July 22, 2010 6:50 PM

Please contact me via email at RachLHawkins at gmail dot com with your name and mailing address and I will send these out ASAP!!!

Some exciting events are on the horizon here...

On Wednesday I will debut a new topic on my blog and I'm so very excited about new adventures!

The All About Me 1 Year Anniversary Celebration will begin on August 1st

We will have fabulous challenges, a blog hop, and many chances to win some FABULOUS prizes!!!

SOS- Christmas in July Blog Hop

2010-07-22T00:01:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the Scrap Our Stash Christmas in July Blog Hop. If you did not come here from Scrap Our Stash go back and follow the blog hop in order. This will allow you to discover the secret phrase which will make you eligible for the grand prize.

One of my favorite traditions is Christmas in July. At Horn in the West, we are only together from June until August, but we are like family and it is tradition to celebrate Christmas in July with a huge meal and a gift exchange. I'm so happy to share this with you all through the Scrap Our Stash Blog Hop.

Last year was my first time participating in Ali Edward's December Daily and I LOVED IT! Christmas is my favorite time of year and it was such a blast creating an entire album for December. Since I loved it so much, I decided I was definitely going to do it again this year. I pulled out last year's Little Yellow Bicycle collection- which I love- and created a mini album for this blog hop!

My word of the secret phrase is : of

Since I'm in the Holiday spirit- I'd like to give away two prizes to anyone who comments on this blog post.

The first prize will be the December Daily featured in this post and the coordinating papers, tags, and stickers that are leftover so that you can put your own finishing touches on the album.

The second prize will be an assortment of Christmas themed goodies from my stash (the challenge blog is called Scrap our STASH!) which includes pretty papers, stickers, chipboard embellishments, ribbons, and who knows what else I'll throw in there!

All you have to do to be eligible for my prizes is comment on this post! I will draw names on Monday morning so, make sure you have commented by Sunday evening- 11:59 EST.

Happy Hopping- your next stop is Angie's blog.

Scrappy: My Demons

2010-07-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

The second July challenge at All About Me is all about your demons. This layout has a lot to do with my previous layout about my biggest fear. My demons are cruel voices in my thoughts that tell me that I'm not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough...

The past couple weeks I have been running myself ragged and have realized that that is when my demons come out to play. When I'm tired and emotional, they really seem to ruin things for me. Creating this page was very therapeutic and allowed me to snap out of the funk I've been in for the past couple of weeks.

You can check out the other DT member's take on the challenge and find out how to win this month's prize here!!!

Scrappy: July*4

2010-07-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

The July challenge at Scrap Our Stash is to use brads or eyelets on a project. I created this layout about the traditional July 4th celebration that
I participate in each year. I looked EVERYWHERE for brads in my stash,
but didn't find any! I resigned that I wouldn't have any, so I
substituted buttons for brads for this challenge and used them in the
center of my flowers. When I was looking for my cutting blade to cut
the 2 pages apart, I found some brads so I added them to the upper
right corner to add some extra detail!

Pictures are: a dulcimer player, firing shots with each of the 13 toast to the 13 colonies, and hanging King George to be burnt in effigy.

This is my first double page 8.5x11 layout and I really enjoyed creating it. Will I ever go back to 12x12 paper?

July 4th

2010-07-02T12:44:00.004-04:00

As the holiday weekend approaches, I look forward to the traditional celebration that we have at Horn In The West each year. On the 4th, we celebrate with a traditional ceremony that includes 13 toasts to the 13 Colonies and a burning of King George. (Sorry George!)

Here is a layout I created last year that show King George being burnt in effigy and shows the toast that I read for the celebration!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and if you are in the US that you find a wonderful way to celebrate our country!

Scrappy: My Biggest Fear

2010-07-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

I have some wonderful, exciting news for All About Me! Melissa and the Design Team are featured in this month's Scrap Street The current challenge is "My Biggest Fear". What a hard topic! I chose to talk about my inner fear- failure.

What is your biggest fear? Come share with us at AAM for a chance to win a fabulous prize package!

Scrappy: Tiwanaku

2010-06-28T07:30:00.001-04:00

The current sketch challenge at Scrap Our Stash was certainly a challenge for me! I don't usually use multiple pictures and the sketch called for FOUR! As I built this page I was uncertain about it, but I think I managaed to pull of the sketch while working within my personal style!

On our last day in Bolivia we went to Tiwanaku, the ancient ruins near La Paz. The site is currently under excavation, which I think is really neat- new things are being discovered daily. I didn't get to see the whole site because I had an asthma attack hiking around the hills. I went to the bus to lie down and regain my breath, but it never came back. It was hard to breathe for the rest of the day at that altitude. I'm so glad I have these gorgeous pictures to remind me of that day because my memory is a little bit foggy now.

The SOS Sketch Challenge is open until July 14th! At least one winner will be chosen and given the opportunity to become a Guest Design Team Member for the following month. Come check it out!

Scrappy: Grandma

2010-06-16T16:00:00.001-04:00

The new challenge is up at All About Me! This one was fun, but tough at the same time. The challenge is to create a layout about your idol. I have so many people that I look up to, but I rarely create about someone who is so near and dear to my heart- my Grandma.

The journaling is hidden behind the picture and reads: She is kind and caring and is always the peace maker of the family. She loves everyone equally and makes the best macaroni and cheese in the world!

Once again, I dug into my stash to play with some of the papers that I hoarded. I love this collection and I like using it more than hoarding it! WHO KNEW?!?!

Scrappy: La Cancha

2010-06-13T18:54:00.006-04:00

Since I have a lot of new pictures to scrap, I'm finding tons of inspirations through sketches. I love how quickly a layout comes together after I plan it out when I'm in class (don't tell my professors!!). This layout is based off of the Sketchy Thursdays GDT Sketch:

I do not even have the words to describe how WILD our trips to the Cancha were in Cochabamba. It is an open air market where we bought most of our souvenirs and I learned to bargain. I think on our last trip (which is when this picture was taken) I was buying things just to bargain with the vendors. It was such a strange thing for me to get used to- being able to ask for a lower price and then having to walk away if you didn't get it for the price you wanted. Walking away was almost always the way to seal the deal for the price I wanted.

I dug deep into my stash as I'd really like to make room for a few new releases this summer. I loved these Pink Paislee papers, so much so that I hoarded the majority of them. It felt good cutting into brand new papers that have just been sitting around for over a year.

Scrappy: Cristo de la Concordia

2010-06-07T11:36:00.000-04:00

This month's challenge at Scrap Our Stash is to stitch on your projects. Luckily for me, faux stitching was included in the challenge! I had a run in with a sewing machine in middle school. My homeroom teacher was the Home Economics teacher and so before school would start she would have me help with some projects. One of the projects was to make a bajillion bean bags for the PE teacher. I must have sewn every morning for two weeks. One morning a boy snuck up behind me and I ran my finger through the machine. It wasn't a terrible injury, but I have pretty much avoided sewing machines ever since.

The journaling reads: "Cristo de la Concordia is one of two "protectors" in Cochabamba. While I enjoyed seeing the statue up close, I really loved looking Him from afar- I felt safe and always protected. 11 Mayo 2010"

I was inspired by this Page Maps sketch by Becky Fleck:

I loved the sketch, but had to modify it to fit with my 8.5x11 style. I like to scrap in 12x12, but a lot of the time I feel overwhelmed by all of that room. I like keeping things simple, which in the long run saves me money and supplies!

Do you have any money saving tips?

Scrappy: Paris- Sketchy Thursdays 6.03

2010-06-04T13:56:00.004-04:00

This week's sketch at Sketchy Thursdays is fabulous and comes with a note to get messy. Seeing as though my hands are blue, and there may or may not be blue on the carpet...I think I succeeded in getting messy!!!

How have you gotten messy lately?

Scrappy: Why I'm Worth Knowing

2010-06-02T20:26:00.000-04:00

The current challenge at AAM is brought to you by yours truly. I'm so honored to be on this DT and I have loved all of the prompts so far! The challenge is to create a layout about why you are worth knowing. The inspiration came from one of my classes in which the professor was talking about how every person would be lucky to know that they are worthwhile and worthy of being known and loved.

Come join us for a chance to win a fabulous prize! The next couple of months are going to be fun filled and fabulous at the AAM blog and Facebook fan page- you have to come check it out!

Why are you worth knowing?

Scrappy: Sketchy Thursdays 5.27 Sketch

2010-05-31T10:10:00.001-04:00

I'm so happy to be reunited with my scrappy supplies! This week I was in love with the Sketchy Thursdays Sketch. As soon as I developed my Bolivia pictures, I knew I had to scrap the pictures of the beautiful Lake Titicaca. I'm not sure I did the pictures justice, but here is my take on the sketch:

The journaling reads:

Even though I had altitude sickness and was exhausted, this was one of my favorite days in Bolivia. Simply Breathtaking.

The day that we vistied Lake Titicaca I was so tired due to the altitude and having an asthma attack, but it was such a gorgeous day, I had to do the best I could to enjoy this day.

Paulino Esteban- what an amazing man! So honored to have met him and see these amazing reed boats up close!

Delicious trout fresh from Lake Titicaca.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Memorial Day- remember those who have and continue to serve our country in times of wartime and in peace.

Scrappy: In Our Shoes

2010-05-29T20:23:00.004-04:00

There are still a few days left for the current All About Me Challenge- In Her Shoes. The Design Team interpretations are fabulous (as always). I was so busy preparing for my trip, I was unable to create a layout for this challenge, but I think it was meant to be that way because my inspiration came while in Bolivia.

Shoes. I've never been the most fashionable with my footwear. I have always preferred comfort over fashion, and now I have to choose comfort because of my arthritic toe. I bought a new pair of tree hugger shoes before going to Bolivia- some would call them ugly, but I LOVE THEM. Come to find out- I was not alone with my footwear choice.

I used this month's sketch by DT member, Vicki as my inspiration! Thanks Vicki!

Come share your favorite shoes with us in a layout at All About Me!

Scrappy: La Campiña

2010-05-27T08:26:00.000-04:00

This is a layout that I created for the Scrap Our Stash May Challenge to scrap outside your box. I distressed and inked which always makes me nervous. Also, I used a ton of layering, but kept my simple style at the same time. I also dug the punch out of the bottom of my scrap bag for this layout- I love punches and they way other people use them- but I really struggle to make it work for me.

This picture was taken while in Bolivia. We went to a fabulous restaurant called La Campiña which also had a Zoological park on site. They had tons of exotic birds and several alpaca. The garden here was amazing as well!

Other pictures from La Campiña...

My favorite-minus the chicken wire.

Bolivia- part four

2010-05-26T21:31:00.001-04:00

I returned home early Saturday morning, but I feel like I've been in a fog ever since. My last two days in La Paz were spent being out of breath and easily exhausted. The altitude really took a toll on my body and I was unable to really enjoy my last two days in Bolivia. I wasn't ready to leave, but there were some things (and people) I was ready to get back to.

Lake Titicaca and the restaurant that we ate at. The trout was amazing!!! I wish I had felt better this day, but I'm glad that I was able to see such beauty.

Reed boat built and sailed by Paulino Esteban. We were blessed to meet this man and see all of his handiwork. These boats are simply amazing...

The beautiful, amazing city of La Paz. I'm not sure I have the words to describe my days in this city.

The ruins at Tiwanaku-pretty amazing sites...

A look at the Witches Market...

A closer look...

So, long story short, I loved my trip. I'm happy to be home, but I don't feel like my work in Bolivia is done. I feel such a connection to the country and the people. I don't know what that means quite yet, but I look forward for the lessons that I will learn in the coming years...

Bolivia- part three

2010-05-16T16:52:00.008-04:00

Today we visited the cemetery. On Sundays, mass amounts of people come to the cemetery to place fresh flowers at the tombs or burial site of their loved ones. The process is very intentional and really had a huge impact on me today. As we arrived, we saw the beautiful flower stand- almost any kind of flower you could want! It was fragrant and beautiful, so many bright colors!

I am sure that my close friends and family already know the type of flower I bought...two bunches for 14 Bolivianos...around $2.00.

As we entered the cemetery, a large, colorful statue of Jesus appeared and it was as if He were saying "Welcome, my loved ones".

This statue really spoke to me today. It was very moving to see such an image.
I'd like to give a shout out to my girl Koren, she reminded me a bit of you and your love for Christ. Just beautiful!

This angel also spoke to me, I love the delicate why she is holding her flowers.

Today's experience really inspired me to keep my loved ones closer, even after they have passed. I was appalled at myself for how I have not gone to visit my loved one's burial sites in a very long time. Something I intend on doing is establishing my own rituals meant to honor my relatives and friends that are both living and deceased.

How do you honor your loved ones? When was the last time you did something special in honor or memory of a loved one?

Bolivia- part two

2010-05-15T18:54:00.007-04:00

Have you ever wanted to feel like a superstar? This is a little taste of what it is like-you walk into a childcare center full of children that are dying to be held. They all reach their hands up and want you to hold them. It is the most precious, yet overwhelming, feeling in the world. We visited Madre de Dios and their FREE childcare center, as well as the residential part for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls.

Just a picture I snapped at the convent in Tarata...

The auto celebration- There was a party (someday I'll figure out how to upload a video...) with music, confetti, food, and alcohol. ALL because people bought new cars. Seriously- Bolivians know how to celebrate everything and enjoy each moment of life. When I buy a car, I want a party. Please!

The dogs and cats in America have no idea how good they have it...

I don't know what it is about these pots, but I took about 10 pictures of them. I love them.

A taste of life outside the city- countryside between Cochabamba and Tarata

Church in Quillacolla. It was beautiful inside and out. There were also ceremonies/celebrations happening outside this church today- celebrating the Saints. One family brought their statue of who I believe was St. Isidore the Farmer, saint of farmers and rural communities. Their statue was blessed and then confetti thrown and music played loudly. They then paraded out of town with their Saint. There were other families there as well.

Lunch today was nothing less that spectacular. They had parrots and toucans on site and I also go to feed an alpaca. This place was beautiful and the flowers were amazing. A little slice of heaven in the countryside of Bolivia.

These pictures and stories are not in order, just what stands out to me at the end of a day. Hope you enjoy them and you know I look forward to scrapping these pictures!!!

Bolivia- part one

2010-05-14T23:46:00.000-04:00

Here is just a taste of my trip so far...I can't wait to update with more another day!

A stay-over in Miami? Sure, why not? We missed our connecting flight and had to spend the night and next day in Miami- had to make the best of it!

The view from my hotel room. Absolutely stunning.

Cristo de la Concordia up close- all of the holes are where you can walk up and look out on the city.

Overlooking Cochabamba with the protecting mountain, Tunari, in the background.

Casa de Chicos- the boys home. We took them clothes and one of the members of my group raised money to donate to them!

I have so much to say about this trip, but I'm going to wait until I get home to delve into all of the emotions and experiences. This has already been such an amazing week- I can't wait for the next part of the adventure!

Scrappy: Home

2010-05-07T08:02:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow I leave for a two-week trip to Bolivia. While I'm gone I'm going to miss Mothers Day, my Mamaw's birthday, my brother's graduation, and other beautiful moments. I know that I'm going to make wonderful memories while I'm traveling, but I hate that I'll miss so much time with my family.

Here is a layout about my home with my Mamaw, Papaw, and Miss Kitty. After graduating from college, I moved in with my grandparents. I love them dearly for all that they have done for me and I'm so thankful that I have them in my life!

Check out my Frugal Friday tip that is posted at Scrap Our Stash!

I may be updating from the road, but I can't promise anything. I debated scheduling posts about some layouts I have created, but I decided to just take 2 weeks off.

See you in two weeks!

Scrappy: My Impossible Future

2010-05-03T16:32:00.002-04:00

The first prompt for May at All About Me is "My Impossible Future". I wasn't sure which direction I wanted to take with this project until I picked up my pictures on Monday.

Last Saturday I ran my first 5k. And by ran I mean I walked most of the 3.1 miles and came in dead last. BUT. I finished, in under an hour which were two of my three goals at the beginning of the day. I've recently starting taking my fitness and health more seriously and it has been a struggle, but well worth the sore muscles. I've met with a trainer and she is teaching me how to run. That might sound silly, but up until recently I loathed running. I hated taking the mile run part of the fitness test and running was one of the reasons I gave up soccer for dance. I struggled to run, was out of breath, self conscious, and ashamed of how out of shape I was growing up. I learned something at the age of 20 that altered how I saw myself. I have asthma and had probably had it for most of my life. It is still difficult to accept my limitations and avoid beating myself up for not being 'good enough', but I'm trying to overcome my own critic and learn how to run and actually enjoy it. So long story short, my goal of being a real runner who finishes better than last is going to take a lot of time, energy, and patience but I think that it is possible.

For me running and being a runner was a near impossible goal, but I'm willing to work extra hard to make this a reality!!!

Supplies:Bazill Cardstock, Basic Grey paper and journaling card, Maya Road envelope, American Crafts ribbon, Bella Blvd. Flower (February kit from My Scrapbook Nook)

WE FINISHED!! Josh, Koren, ME, Tracy, Ryan

Swing by and complete this challenge (and others!) at the AAM Challenge blog and forum! You have to check out the other DT member's takes- so fabulous!

Is there something you have always wanted to do but haven't tried? What is holding you back?

Scrappy: Munich Snapshots

2010-04-29T08:44:00.002-04:00

Next Saturday, May 8th, I leave for a two week trip to Bolivia. It will be a service-learning experience and I'm sure that I will learn so much while I'm there. Traveling is something that I've talked about before, but I feel that traveling and experiencing other cultures is one of the best ways to know yourself and others in a more meaningful way.
The only problem is my fear of flying. I always get nervous about two weeks out from a trip that requires air travel and this upcoming trip was no exception. I've had a couple of panic attacks just thinking about the flying, but last night I had a dream and I am much calmer already. I don't remember all of the dream or have any clue why or how I had this dream, but I'm so thankful for it and the peace that I feel.

This layout was created with an older kit from My Scrapbook Nook a couple of weekends ago when they had a fabulous crop! The challenge was to scrap a photo taken outdoors and I really love this picture. It was taken while I was in Munich a couple of summers ago and was having the time of my life! This picture reminds me that flying is worth the adventure on the other end of the flight.

Do you have any fears? Or have you had a fear that you've overcome?
How do you handle situations that you are afraid of?

Crafty Baby Shower

2010-04-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I hosted a baby shower for my High School BFF, Allison. With some fabulous help from Brettany, I think we pulled off a lovely shower! We all three teamed up to make some quick no-sew bunting. For a tutorial, check out Allison's blog post.

The food table...

Fabulous cupcakes by Brettany...

The mother to be...

Scrappy: My World...

2010-04-20T19:43:00.008-04:00

This week's challenge at AAM is My World From a Different Angle. There are so many different directions that this prompt can go. I chose to talk about how traveling helps me see my world from a different angle. The journaling in the pocket talks about how passionate I am about traveling and seeing so many different things with open eyes and an open heart. Through traveling I have learned a lot about myself as well as a lot about other cultures and traditions.

My photo printer and I have been in a fight for about a month now, so I had to order prints and pay for them. Well they messed my print up and since someone else picked them up and didn't check them, I ended up with with a smudged picture. I decided it wasn't worth driving back across town for, so I scrapped it and I actually like how it looks.

THE BIG GIVEAWAY!!!
I know that as soon as I announce a winner that I'm going to lose a few followers, but I hope that I have entertained some of you enough so that you'll stick around!

My friend Jonathan helped me with the name drawing:

The winner is.....

....

....

Please email me at RachLHawkins at gmail dot com and I will get your gift certificate out by week's end!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by during the blog hop! It was so much fun!!!

Scrappy: Geocache Log

2010-04-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

I'm honored to be a guest designer for Scrap Our Stash this month- the challenge is to scraplift a layout or use a sketch for complete a project. When mojo is low, I find that the best thing to do is to find inspiration in someone else's work or to use a sketch to spark your creativity. I used a layout from DT member Danielle which you can find here. I was inspired be the criss-crossing strips and buttons. Here is my take on paper strips and buttons:

Supplies: Cardboard- repurposed Bind It All box, Inner pages- The Paper Company cardstock, Paper- Pink Paislee, Alpha- October Afternoon, Buttons-from my stash.

I created a logbook for one of my other hobbies, Geocaching. With the nice weather, I have enjoyed being outside more often and the challenge of finding modern day hidden treasure. I decided to create a journal of sorts so that I can write down memorable things from my adventures!

What hobbies do you enjoy?

P.S. Don't forget that it is the LAST DAY to participate in the AAM blog hop. I will announce a winner with my reveal of the next challenge tomorrow! I will have one of my students draw a name for a $10.00 gift certificate to Two Peas in a Bucket.

Scrappy: Vacation

2010-04-18T18:50:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I got caught up on some scrappy stuff and found some major mojo thanks to the Virtual Crop at My Scrapbook Nook. The deadline had been extended and some awesome prizes are up for grabs! You have until 12:00 PST tonight to turn in the challenges. If you hop over there- please tell them I sent you!

This layout was created for the sketch challenge by Amy:

Supplies: Bazzill cardstock, October Afternoon paper and journaling spots, American Crafts alpha, Prima flowers, Pink Paislee tape, Bling from my stash.

Over Easter, Ryan and I went to the beach with my family. It was our first beach trip together and I got roasted on our first day there. He was so sweet and helped take care of me while I was in so much pain from a horrible sunburn. *swoon*

Virtual Crop: My Scrapbook Nook

2010-04-16T10:25:00.003-04:00

There is a crop going on at one of my favorite places to hang out online, The Nook. The DT is so inspiring and all of the ladies there are super friendly.

I've been meaning to scrap a new blog banner for a while, and one of the challenges this week was to scrap something small, like an appetizer.

Today I'm debuting the banner- what do you think???

Scrappy: Beautiful Easter Eggs

2010-04-12T07:00:00.001-04:00

The current challenge at Handmade Love is a color challenge. It was truly a challenge for me as I didn't have much purple or green in my stash, luckily a package carrying BG Kioshi arrived and I got to play with it:

Thank you for visiting, don't forget about the AAM Blog Hop that is going on!!!

What are your favorite springtime activities?

AAM Sweet Spring Blog Hop

2010-04-06T10:00:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the AAM Sweet Spring Blog Hop! The blog hop will officially go live on April 7th and will run through April 21st.

I'm so excited to share with you two layouts that I created for this week's challenge- Self Improvement (Your biggest flaw)
I don't really like the word flaw so I took a bit of a different route!!

The first layout is about the serious problem I have with list making and planning. If I sit still for too long, my mind starts wandering and I have to make a list. I made to-do lists for homework, scrapbooking, and work. I jot down ideas and sketch out designs for layouts. I hardly go anywhere without my lists and I feel lost without them. It's kind of an addiction.

The second layout is about my current struggle to learn portion control. I love food and I love to eat, but I'm trying to learn when to push away from the table and say no.

I will be offering a prize on April 21st at the end of the blog hop here is how to enter:
Each person can receive up to 8 entries.
One comment per person= 1 entry
Become a follower of my blog= 2 entries
Complete the AAM challenge (must be a new project) and link it up here by April 20th = 5 entries

I will do this old school and have someone draw a name out of a hat on April 21st! The winner will receive a $10.00 gift card to Two Peas in a Bucket. (I know it's not a lot, but I'm a poor student!) Make sure you leave me a good way to contact you if you don't post a comment with a blogger account.

If you didn't start from the AAM blog, please go back there for official instructions on how to put your name in the hat for a fabulous prize from Treasury of Memories.

From here, you should head over to our fearless leader Melissa's blog!

Scrappy: I'm Worth the Effort

2010-04-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

My new mantra is "I'm worth the effort". Because I am. I'm trying to get in shape and lose a little bit of weight, but I found myself making excuses and struggling to stay motivated. I'm working towards working out more days than not and eating more healthy, homecooked meals. I set a goal to get to the gym at least three times in a week and cook for myself at least four times. Once I meet that goal consistently, I'm going to move the bar up! Reciting my new mantra has been really helpful in meeting my goals. Every time I get discouraged or start to feel lazy I repeat "I'm worth the effort" and it helps to find the extra bit of motivation I need.

This week's challenge at Handmade Love is to scrap a self portrait. At first I had a really super creative idea, but the idea for this layout came out of my new mantra. I got really excited about the layout and then realized that the picture wasn't technically a self portrait after I glued it down. The picture is from my visit to Europe when we were in the Black Forest. I think that day and the week following were some of the most amazing times of my life.

Come check out this week's challenge at Handmade Love and enter for a chance to win a great prize.

Do you have a personal mantra or saying?

Scrappy: Tutorial up at AAM!

2010-03-31T10:07:00.004-04:00

I'm so excited about being featured this week on the All About Me blog for a tutorial.

To find out how I made the customized bling, check out my post here.

Have you tried anything new recently?

Scrappy: Long Distance Relationship

2010-03-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

Leigh and I were in charge if this week's challenge at Handmade Love. The challenge we issued was to create a card AND a layout using five specific items.

Supplies: Bazzill Cardstock, October Afternoon paper, alpha stickers,

The journaling on the picture reads: Even though the drive is not that bad I wish we were in the same place. We've been in a long distance relationship for 15 months and I look forward to the time when we can really be together.

I know that you are probably sick of hearing me gab on about my relationship, so I promise it will be back to me for the next layout!

Come check out the other Design Team members' layouts and join us for a chance to win a fabulous prize!

Scrappy: us

2010-03-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

The current challenge at Handmade Love is a scraplift challenge. I love scraplifting other scrappers and making the design my own. This challenge is to scraplift a page by Shannon. I love her style- it is feminine with lots of white space.

Supplies:Bazzill Cardstock, Pink Paislee papers, Prima flowers and pearls, Pink Paislee alpha, white pen.

As you can read on my layout, I'm really ready to be in the same town or state even as Ryan. I love the time we spend together and being away from him gets more difficult each time we part ways. I know that we belong together and I hate the distance between us.

Any tips for a (short) long distance relationship?

Scrappy: Giving up?

2010-03-17T09:00:00.002-04:00

This week's challenge at the All About Me Challenge Blog is to use the quote "Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak; sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go." I had a difficult deciding on a topic and for a while I was pretty sure I wasn't going to figure anything out for this assignment, but the more I thought about it, the more I kept coming back to one thing: Dance.

The journaling:

Come and join us for this challenge, there is a great prize offered this month!

Spring Break!

2010-03-10T16:53:00.002-05:00

I'm on Spring Break from school and my mind is on a break as well- I'm finding it hard to focus right now so I'm just calling it a week this week!
I'll be back to blogging next week after I'm recharged!

Scrappy: Handmade Love Challenge Blog

2010-03-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

This weeks challenge at Handmade Love is to use a sketch from Studio Calico. I love the sketch and what the other DT members have done with it. I decided to make a quick and easy card with the sketch and I loved making the inchies! Check out the other member's take on the challenge and submit your own take here.

You know when you create something, but you aren't in love with it? I like this card, but I want to add some things to it- I'll update later this week with the new version of this card!

It's Spring Break week and I'm ready to get some homework and scrapping done- Woohoo!

What does this week hold for you?

Scrappy: I am ENFJ

2010-03-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

The current challenge for the All About Me Challenge Blog is "My Personality" and when Melissa issued this challenge I was more than excited to get to work! I was inspired by this month's featured sketch by Sketchabilities.

Supplies: Lily Bee paper and rub on, Kaiser Craft bling, Black Ink and Black BIC pen. Make your own lined paper here.

The journaling reads: I believe in my dreams and see myself as a helper. I am a global learner. I juggle a high number of responsibilities and project simultaneously. I neglect myself and my needs for the needs of others. I am ENFJ.

Scrappy: December Daily

2010-03-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know! I know! It's almost March- why am I just now posting my finished December Daily? Because I JUST finished it! Every couple of weeks I make a Scrappy To-Do list of sketches I want to work on, DT assignments, and new ideas. Scrappy time is not very frequent with grad school, so I try to make the time I do have effective by knowing what I want to work on! I've been meaning to finish my December Daily, but needed to heal from our Christmas loss. On Christmas Eve our dear dog Pepper went to the vet and was diagnosed with pancreatitis. She spent two days in an emergency vet's office 45 minutes away. We saw her on Christmas and then she took a turn for the worse the next day. We were able to see her right before she died and it was one of the worst things I've ever seen in my life. I just put Christmas away for a while, but this week I felt inspired to finish the album.
Pages 1 & 2
Pages 4, 5, 6 & 7
Pages 7 & 8

This last page is what inspired me to finish the album. The Starbucks coffee sleeve will always remind me of the trips to see Pepper. On Christmas after seeing Pepper, the only thing open was Starbucks, so we stopped for some White Chocolate Mochas. This week's challenge at Handmade Love was to incorporate something non-scrapbooking related on a layout. I knew that I had this sleeve and wanted to use it as a pocket. I put a well-worn copy of the song I sang on Christmas Eve in the pocket.

Please join us for this week's challenge and stop by to see the other DT members take on the challenge!!

Scrappy: My Life Is My Message

2010-02-23T07:27:00.005-05:00

This is for one of the challenges on the All About Me Message Board - check out this post for more details. This is the first time I've ever used misting on a page, and let me tell you what a blast I had! My hands were bluer than the page and I could have spitzed all night!!

Supplies: Bazill Cardstock, Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink, American Crafts and October Afternoon Alphas, Prima Flower, BIC Pen

What is your message? What do you want your life to say?

Scrappy: I'm a finalist!

2010-02-20T12:37:00.004-05:00

I've been meaning to post about this all week long, but with being a bit under the weather (literally by being UNDER the snow and figuratively by being sick with an allergic reaction to some sort of trigger). This week I was announced as a finalist for the Valentines Challenge at Scrap Our Stash. I'm so honored to be a finalist for this challenge and I hope you'll check out their blog-it is full of inspiration!

I'm so happy because I've seen THE SUN for three days in a row. It is amazing and I'm feeling fully recharged after full month (or more) of continuous winter weather.

What are you happy about today?