Put a Little You in it

I am inspired by Ali Edward's post "Music for Baby". While creating a playlist for her daughter, she started wondering what music her parents listented to when she was a child. She hit print on her playlist and decided she would add it to a scrapbook page.


It got me thinking how little we put ourselves into our scrapbooks. I would love to be able to look back at pages in my baby book and see what music my mother was in to or what "everyday" things she treasured at that time.

Not a big music listener? There are so many ways to put yourself into your pages. A couple months back, I was inspired by Ali's 100 things column. I immediately set to work coming up with 100 things that make me happy. I kept a notepad nearby at all times and slowly added to it. When my list was complete, I typed up my 100 things, printed it, and cut out each idea to arrange on my page. I just need to add pictures and then I will upload my layout for everyone to see.

On my desk in a pile of stuff is a piece of notepaper I scribbled on in February. I was having a productive afternoon at the computer and Caitlin was quietly coloring beside me. I put the title "Right now, I'm..." and bulleted a bunch of things I was working on. In my pictures file, I have a photo dated on the same day waiting to be added to my layout with this list.

• enjoying the quite time that is a result of Jack's long nap.
• getting caught up on email.
• wondering what ask to take on next.
• checking my blogs.
• watching Caitlin draw at her make-shift desk.
• reminded of all the creative projects I've put aside in order to finish my "work".

I am going to leave you with one more idea on how to include who you are in your scrapbook pages. Recently, everyone on Facebook has been typing a list of 25 random things about themselves. I have had so much fun reading the lists my friends have created. I am currently working on my own and thinking it would make great journaling on a layout. Here are three items from my list of 25:

• I currently have 46 items checked out at the library. Although I couldn't tell you the first number in my credit card, I can tell you my 14-digit library card number.
• I can't have an empty dining room table. There has to be a "centerpiece" on it at all times. Currently, I have my crystal candleholders and sweet bird's nests filled with colorful eggs.
• I get stressed out when other people do my laundry.

I challenge you to work on a layout for your scrapbook that features yourself. Post a comment and let others know what you decided to do.

Happy Creating!

Tickled Pink

Aside from posting ideas and sites to inspire you, I also plan to use my blog as a way to update you on Close to My Heart specials and events. Don't miss my challenge at the bottom of this post.

Host a party this spring to earn new supplies FREE from our fabulous Spring 2009 catalog.

Tickled Pink

You're gonna love our Tickled Pink scrapbooking kit designed exclusively for National Scrapbooking Month in May. Put a little more "you" in your scrapbooks and you'll be Tickled Pink this spring! Our newest scrapbooking kit puts you front and center-with everything you need to create two beautiful two-page layouts all about the things that you love and that make you shine. And speaking of shine, you'll also be tickled by the kiss of glitter on these fabulous papers.

To get your very own Tickled Pink scrapbooking kit:

• Place a minimum order of $60 in stamp sets between April 15th-May 31 to receive a Tickled Pink scrapbooking kit FREE!


• Purchase a Tickled Pink kit at just $34.95 - well below retail.


• Sign up as a new consultant between May 1-May 31st and receive a kit FREE.


• Host a Home Gathering between April 15-May 31 with minimum sales of $400 and receive a kit FREE.

Celebrate spring, bling, and everything you love - you'll be so happy, you'll be Tickled Pink!

World's Best Day ~ April's Stamp of the Month

A playful fishing motif makes this set perfect for any man who loves tossing out a line. Available April 1 - 30, 2009 only.

Good Deals

I just recently learned about a new site called Crop Chocolate. This site offers a different deal each day. As the website explains, "At CropChocolate™, we sell all-things scrapbook. But here's the catch, we only sell one item at a time – at a delicious price. Every day a new item will be posted – so act fast – a limited quantity will be sold at deeply discounted prices. No time to let it temper." Between 6 pm and 12 am, they offer a Dark Chocolate deal. The other night it was the Making Memories Embellishment center for $44 as opposed to the $90 retail price. Shipping and handling is very reasonable ($4). Looking for some new goodies to inspire your pages. Check out this site. http://www.cropchocolate.com/.

My sister-in-law also told me about another deal site called Peachy Cheap. http://www.peachycheap.com/index.php It is set up similar to Crop Chocolate.

Happy Shopping!

Wasn't going to do it

I never saw myself as a blogger, but here I am.

I LOVE being a stay-at-home mother, however, I miss the learning and creative opportunities that came with my job. I loved being inspired at a workshop or conference and running back to the classroom to put the new-found knowledge into practice. I feel this way these days with scrapbooking. I love stumbling upon a layout at one of my favorite blogs or learning a new technique in a magazine.

I find myself constantly sharing these found inspirations with my crafty friends. I thought a blog would be a great medium for sharing this information. I will also use the blog to share specials and events happening with my Close To My Heart business. (www.erinscraps.myctmh.com)

Enjoy!