((I’m posting this slightly early on March 17th because I’m getting sleepy. Just pretend like it’s really the 18th, haha!))

Guess what?! I turn 25 today – March 18th. No, this is not my nifty birthday cake (Wouldn’t be cool if it was?!). I found the picture online, and it is quite suiting for my 25th birthday don’t you think? Besides, I love the bright  colors on it; it looks like it could be on a piece of Cosmo Cricket paper, haha!

Anyway, I usually don’t pay too much attention to my birthday. This year, however, I feel really excited to turn 25. It might be because I am now a quarter of a century old! Or perhaps, it’s because I feel like 25 is going to be a special year. Either way, I’m just happy that it’s my birthday.

As for birthday plans — I plan on going out to dinner with friends and family tonight, so that should be pretty fun. Maybe go bowling afterwards? Then, this Friday, another scrapbook expo is coming my way. I’m excited for that because I’ll be surrounded with scrapping goodies (at a very LOW price)! I couldn’t ask for a cooler celebration for my birthday! Wahoo! Then, I’m headed back to my parents’ house this weekend to have another birthday celebration. I guess this year I’m being spoiled, haha.

Oh — and I forgot to wish everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day! I have no drop of Irish blood in me, but it’s always fun to pretend, right? hehe. Maui decided to make sure she was dressed properly yesterday; she didn’t want to get pinched (or nipped by another dog at the dog park).

Green time! I didnt want to get pinched!

"Green time! I didn't want to get pinched!"

Mauis cute beach bum shorts!

Maui's cute "beach bum" shorts!

Arent I cute?!

"Aren't I cute wearing the color green?!"

I feel bored -- lets go to the dog park!

"I feel bored -- let's go to the dog park!"

Anyway, because it’s a SPECIAL day today, let’s celebrate! How about a RAK?! To play, just leave a comment to this post telling me about the most memorable birthday gift you have ever received. Last day to enter is March 21st, 11:59 pm. …and remember, please share the word. I’d love to hear what other people have to share.

…and some recent layouts to share:

I played with Scrapping Out Loud again this week; their challenges always get the creativity going. I managed to work with all three challenges in one layout: 1) used the song “That’s What Friends Are For” 2) word of the week – “embrace” 3) sketch of the week.

My next layout was inspired by Sketches! {by tamara}. I decided to use last year’s Halloween pictures because I want to make sure I keep up with the growing stack I still have to scrap. I followed Sketch #87, and this is what I came up with:

A random layout to share:

…and this last layout, I just LOVE. Scrap Schemes gave me the inspiration to get me going on this one. I created it today thinking about the discrimination lashed out against me, and I started to think about how my scrapping is not meant for anyone. It’s really meant for myself as a way to document and remember the way I am and how I feel at that particular moment in time. I think this one is my favorite layout thus far because I put heart into it! It says, “dear me, everyday live life with happiness.” I feel like it can’t get any better than this, well at least that’s what I think.

Oh, and before I forget… a few people have asked me if I’m on Facebook. Yes, I am. Find me here, and if you want to add me, go right ahead!

Question of the post: What scrapbook item is your most favourite one?

My favorite item would have to be patterned paper. I find that it is the backbone to all paper crafts. Without this item, I wouldn’t be able to even scrap! ACK! I can never get enough of paper. There are so many different colors and patterns that the opportunities to create projects are endless! I love all manufacturers and lines – old and new. :)

Happy Birthday to me!

Sarah.