Red Oak Lines

scrapbooking and my challenge.

September 2, 2010 in layouts, personal, publication, scrapbook, weight loss | Tags: scrapbook, scrapbooking, scrapbook layout, imaginisce, prima, scrapbook trends, Weight loss, cricut, scrapbooking and beyond magazine, healthy | by sarah | 23 comments

I got to spend time creating in my scrap room yesterday, which was definitely a stress reliever. I finished a handful of projects, but I can’t share the majority of them until later. I do, however, have a couple of layouts that I get to post today. Yeehaw! Are you ready to see them!?

First up, I got my hands on some of the latest from Prima! I cut out the pocket, and I placed some notes and photos inside. I thought it would be a great way to store extra photos and journaling onto a page.

What do ya think? Cute, right?!

My second layout was all about using my Cricut. I cut up all of the flowers and the “Make a Wish” title with the Sweet Treats cartridge. Doesn’t it all come together with Imaginisce‘s Birthday Bash line?! …and I even used my irock to add some bling.

On another note, I’m such a dork because I still get excited to see my work in printed publications, hehe. Here are a couple that I wanted to share:

In the September 2010 issue, Scrapbook Trends shared two of my layouts. …so if you get your hands on this copy, make sure to take a peek at my work.

I also have a layout published in the current issue of Scrapbooking and Beyond Magazine. In case you’re wondering, it’s the Fall 2010 issue. There are a ton of other awesome projects in there, so make sure to pick up your copy!

In regards to my personal challenge, the first couple of days trying to adjust to this new lifestyle was tough, but I’m still alive, haha! Besides, in the long run, it’ll be good for my overall health. I’ve been working out everyday and eating healthier, so I’m still on track. *pat on my back for being good* With all of your wonderful support and encouragement, I honestly think I’ll be able to hit my goal on schedule. I’ll keep everyone up to date on my progress or regression.

Are any of you currently challenging yourself? If so, I want to hear all about it.

september imaginisce sketch

September 1, 2010 in family, layouts, personal, scrapbook, sketches, weight loss | Tags: scrapbook, scrapbooking, sketch, scrapbook layout, imaginisce, birthday bash, Weight loss, park | by sarah | 73 comments

Can you believe it — we’re in September?! I’m having a hard time thinking that the end of the year is just a few months away. As most of you know, with every beginning of the month, there’s a fun Imaginisce sketch. The sketch this month is brought to us by the talented Aida.

I decided to use the cute Birthday Bash line with some of my older birthday photos. I love how the fun busy patterned paper doesn’t take away from the overall design.

By commenting on this post, the Imaginisce blog, or the other designers’ blogs, you are automatically entered to win a prize pack. Also, if you feel like using the above sketch for inspiration, make sure to share it with us! You could be entered to win some Imaginisce goodies, and trust me, they are generous with their giveaways.

…and as promised here are some fun photos that I snapped of some of my friends at the park. We had a great time enjoying these last days of summer.

I see some projects in the near future using these park photos.

Finally, thank you so much for the support and the words of encouragement. I’m sure I can hit my goal with everyone backing me up on this one. I plan to do updates, either weekly or monthly, so stay tuned to see my progress without any help from today’s usage of fads, pills, or surgery.

i need support.

August 31, 2010 in personal, weight loss | Tags: generalized anxiety disorder, Weight loss, Weight gain, Support Groups, dutch ovens, Cooking, Health | by sarah | 56 comments

I’m all about good food. Seriously, I am. Home-cooked meals are definitely my favorite though. Stews in crock pots, casseroles in dutch ovens, delicious chicken on a grilling pan. Oh, I’m making myself hungry just thinking about all of those amazing dishes I could be devouring.

Yes, it’s a must to eat, but too much of it can be a bad thing, especially for someone with an anxiety disorder. When I was diagnosed with GAD, I was put on a type of pill that would inevitably add on extra pounds. ARGH. No, I’m not going to blame my weight gain on taking pills; however, I publicly declare that I’m going to do something about it. …so I have put myself to the challenge.

I want to prove that I can lose THIRTY pounds. …in SIX months. That’s FIVE pounds every month starting the month of September. That gives me until the end of February to lose THIRTY pounds. ((Oh, save me! What did I get myself into?!))

I’ve done it before, and I can do it again. I want to prove to myself that I can do this without any of those diet pills, diet fads, or any type of needless surgery. With just straight up exercise, meal alterations, and a change in lifestyle, I’m going to prove to myself that this can be done.

The fact that I outwardly expressed my want to change means that I got over the hump in this battle, right? I can do it and be healthy again. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. Sigh.

I’m going to need all the support in the world.

Goodbye bad food, hello healthy food!

PS: No, this does not mean that I’m going to stop bloggin’ about scrapbooking, lol. I wouldn’t give that up for the world.

relaxing weekend and layouts.

August 30, 2010 in beach, dog, hilo, kit club, layouts, maui, miniature schnauzer, personal, scrapbook, vacation, winners | Tags: echo park paper, hilo, imaginisce, kit club, maui, monterey, my paper tree house, scrapbook, scrapbook layout, scrapbooking | by sarah | 26 comments

The weekend was incredibly relaxing. We headed out to Monterey early Friday morning, and it was definitely needed. The weather was nice and cool for a laid back hike along the California coast.

…and Maui and Hilo totally enjoyed livin’ the high life. They basically took over the whole hotel room. They sprawled and played all over the bed, couch, and even the shower. Now, I see why we have to pay pet fees when we travel, haha!

Yesterday. we spent time with friends at the park. I even got to take some fun photos of them, which I plan on posting later this week.

Oh, and I drew a winner to the ABC giveaway. …and the winner is:

Congratulations! Please send me a message via the Contact page to claim your Imaginisce prize.

Lastly, I wanted to share a couple of layouts that I recently finished for My Paper Tree House‘s August kit. I’m pretty sure I mentioned this already, but it’s loaded with some beautiful Echo Park Paper and some fun exclusive items to the kit!

If you’re interested in picking up one of these kits, head on over to My Paper Tree House. These kits tend to sell out fast, so hurry while they’re still available.

Happy Monday!

TGIF!

August 27, 2010 in beach, kit club, layouts, mini album, personal, scrapbook | Tags: scrapbook, scrapbooking, jillibean soup, zutter, bind it all, memories live on, the sampler, scrapbooking layout, classes, echo park paper | by sarah | 21 comments

For some reason, this week went by slow for me, excruciatingly slow. Seriously, it was painful waiting for the weekend to arrive because I anticipated heading to the beach. Sometimes, I think I should just live there. Eh, a girl can always dream, right?!

As for my creativity, there hasn’t been much creating on my end. *coughslackercough* I tried working last night, but I just didn’t have any creative spark in me. Hopefully soon, I’ll find inspiration to get back into the groove of things. In the meantime, I thought I’d share a Jillibean Soup layout that I finished earlier this week.

I decided to use one of the first techniques I learned when I started scrapbooking – layering. It’s a simple and great way to add texture to your project. When you’re stuck in a creative rut, layer. I promise you’ll come out with something brilliant. Plus, it allows for colors and patterns to pop off your page!

I also finished a quick and easy mini album that I plan on teaching at Memories Live On. I’m not exactly sure when I’m teaching this class, but I will update that on my Classes page as soon as I confirm all of the details.

It’s a 4×6 mini album that will be featuring products from an upcoming kit from The Sampler, and let’s just say that it’s loaded with a ton of fun Echo Park Paper! I binded my book using my Bind it All by Zutter, of course! All together, it’s a bright and cheery project, wouldn’t you say?!

Now, it’s time for me to start gearing up into beach mode. We seriously need to get some rest and relaxation this weekend!

Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?