On The Rocks - Bad Romance

This is awesome! On the Rocks is the University of Oregon's premiere all male a cappella ensemble. Had to share this to brighten your day.

Organize Your Stuff Challenge - week # 17

I'm completely caught-up with the Organize Your Stuff Challenge over at 2Peas and can cross "punches" off my task list. The question of the week posted: "With the invention of all the die-cutting machines, do punches seem somewhat "old school" to you now?" I do own a Cuttlebug to dry emboss and use my Spellbinders Nestabilities. I don't own an electronic die-cutting machine and I have no intention of purchasing one. Punches, especially borders, are big right now. And I don't think basic shape punches will ever go out of style. Compared to some scrappers (certain Peas will remain nameless), my inventory of punches is pathetic. It might not even count as an "inventory", since it's so small. But, none the less, they are organized!

I love the one-and-only Fiskars border punch I have and my wish-list of designs is growing (Effervescence, All-A-Fleur & Diamond). I use the EK Success scallop circle to create the gorgeous paper flowers that you currently see everywhere on cards, layouts and paper craft projects. I picked-up the Martha Stewart punches at Walmart after the holidays for a steal-of-a-deal. They punch smooth and crisp every time I use them. I have my eye on a few of her "punch around the page" designs.

Week 18 covers "tools" and I'm getting a head start in that area today.

Happiness is ...

Quick card I made last night using mostly CTMH products. After seeing Alanna's card posted this past weekend, I decided to try-out her Unscripted Sketches #52 design. Thanks for the inspiration Alanna! Although the lighting doesn't show them off well, the clear plastic flower shapes behind the buttons and snaps look awesome IRL. supplies: CTMH - Colonial White & Hollyhock cardstock, Connections Club clear shapes, Hollyhock snaps, Bitty Sparkles, Love Letters rub-ons, Liquid Glass, Garden Green ink, June Word Puzzle (D1288) other: CM corner rounder, MM buttons

Studio J is here!

Questions and Answers:
What is Studio J™ Design Software?

Studio J™ is FREE online scrapbooking design software brought to you by Close To My Heart. Studio J helps you easily create custom-printed two-page layouts using our foundational scrapbook patterns, exclusive color palette, and themed designs all delivered in 12" × 12" custom prints ready for your albums. It’s a snap!

Is Studio J easy to use?

Studio J software is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The program walks you through five steps that include:
~ uploading your photos
~ choosing your desired themed kit
~ selecting an exclusive layout pattern
~ adding photos, embellishments, titles, and journaling
~ purchasing custom-printed layouts ready for a cherished album

I love Close To My Heart products. Will Studio J use the same great papers, patterns, colors, and embellishments?

Of course! If you love Close To My Heart’s scrapbooking philosophy, then you will love Studio J.
Do I need to download any software to my computer to use Studio J?Not at all! You only need an Internet connection, and then you simply log in to your Consultant’s MyCTMH website to get started. Feel free to design to your heart’s content—you are not required to buy anything or provide any personal information to get started!

Can I save what I am working on and come back to it later?

You bet! You can create a customer profile that allows you to save and return to a project in progress at a later time. Your active projects will be saved for up to 90 days, giving you plenty of time to work on them. You extend that timeline for your active projects by 90 days each time you make a purchase, and your purchased projects will remain archived for one full year after purchase.

Do I need a printer that can print 12" × 12" pages to use Studio J?

No. Your Studio J layouts are not available for you to print from a home computer. In fact, we take care of the printing for you. When you purchase your designed layouts, we print and ship them quickly and directly to you using only top quality printing technology and archival-quality papers.

What is the price?

You are not charged a thing until you order your custom prints. The price per printed two-page layout is $12.95. We also offer some fantastic rewards for larger orders. You can receive FREE Memory Protectors® to protect your layouts in your albums, and FREE shipping/handling based on the number of layout prints you purchase in a single order as follows:
For 5–9 layout purchases: You’ll receive a pack of 5 Memory Protectors FREE!
For 10–20 layout purchases: You’ll receive FREE shipping/handling PLUS a FREE pack of 5 Memory Protectors for every 5 layouts in your single order.

When can I begin creating with Studio J?

You will be able to start creating layouts with Studio J TODAY.

TPDL-Day 40

Day 40 - Living with Purpose

Point to Ponder: Living with purpose is the only way to really live.
Verse: "For David ... served the purpose of God in his own generation."
Acts 13:36 (NASB)
Question to Consider: When will I take the time to write down my answers to life's five great questions? When will I put my purpose on paper?

UPDATE -

Create a LIFE PURPOSE STATEMENT that:

- summarizes God's plans for your life
- points the direction of your life
- defines "success" for you
- clarifies your roles
- expresses your shape

Ask these questions of yourself:

1. What will be the center (worship) of my life?
2. What will be the character (discipleship) of my life?
3. What will be the contribution (service) of my life?
4. What will be the communication (mission) of my life?
5. What will be the community (fellowship) of my life?

Start living on purpose today!

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

Please take a few minutes from your day to read-up on Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution campaign. I promise you, it will be time well spent. Then voice (in writing) your support by signing his petition.

TDPL-Day 39

Day 39 - Balancing Your Life

Point to Ponder: Blessed are the balanced.
Verse: "Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do."
Ephesians 5:15 (PH)
Question to Consider: Which of the four activities will I begin in order to stay on track and balance God's five purposes for my life?

UPDATE -

"Love God with all your heart" - You were planned for God's pleasure, so your purpose is to love God through worship.

"Love your neighbor as yourself" - You were shaped for serving, so your purpose is to show love for others through ministry.

"Go and make disciples" - You were made for a mission, so your purpose is to share God's message through evangelism.

"baptize them into ..." - You were formed for God's family, so your purpose is to identify with his church through fellowship.

"teach them to do all things ..." - You were created to become like Christ, so your purpose is to grow to maturity through discipleship.