Brand New Ending

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!

Scrappy: My 5

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: My Style

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?

Scrappy: When I Grow Up

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!

AAM Blog Hop Winner!!!

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

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: Proud

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: The Artist In Me

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: Morning Routine

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 Scraplift

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: Celebrate the Positive

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?

AAM Blog Hop Winner!

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!!!

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: AAM Birthday Celebration

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: My Demons

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: My Biggest Fear

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: Why I'm Worth Knowing

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: In Our Shoes

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: My Impossible Future

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: My World...

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!!!