Saturday, October 30, 2010

Save the Date!!

Two weeks from today!
November 13th
It is the return of my "Holiday Trio" class!
11:00 AM
Scrapbook Mania
$25
We are going to make 3 double-page layouts: Halloween, Thanksgiving, & Christmas!
It's a page for each holiday!
Call the store to sign up!
{205/424-4246}
I hope to see you there!
:)
gretchen

Friday, October 29, 2010

Just sharing

Virginia was nice enough to share some of the Halloween line from The Girls' Paperie with me.
And it is delicious!
I don't really have any Halloween pictures that I haven't already scrapped, but I badly wanted to make something with this fun stuff!!
So I made a couple of cards!
I figure my little grandmother wouldn't mind getting a Halloween greeting in the mail.


Well happy Friday folks!
YAY for a fun weekend ahead!
{i still need to make a run for Halloween candy to feed the hoards of trick-or-treaters we will have Saturday night!}
:)
gretchen

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Favorite layout of the moment

And I made this one back in August but have not been able to share until now!
{i've been dying to share it!}
It is basic and simple.
But I love it!
The girls at Bella Blvd issued the October Artistas a challenge: scrap a 12x12 layout using a single word to describe someone else.
Since he does not get scrapped nearly enough, I made a page about my dear ole dad!
Here is a link to the Bella Blvd blog.
Check out the challenge and play along with us!
Also rumor has it there are going to be some giveaways over there today!
{you are welcome}
:)
gretchen

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Things are getting sketchy over here!

The Bella Blvd girls gave us Artistas a great sketch to play with!
And here is what I did with it!
I used the new Happy Sunny Skies line to make this layout.
It is such a fun line with fabulous bright colors and designs!
Thanks for looking!!
OK gotta run (pun intended)! Gotta go to work!
Sorry for being so short!
:)
gretchen

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Guess who gets to be featured as a Bella Artista over on the Bella Blvd blog this week??
OK, OK I will tell ya...ME!
:)
Check out the intro post here and you can see the work of a couple other fabulous Artistas too!
Here is the layout I made for the intro.

*****
I AM
BEING
PUBLISHED!!
BE
BACK
SOON!
*****

Monday, October 25, 2010

BOO!!

I've been doing a little Halloween decorating around the house and at work!
I was totally inspired by these fabulous little flags that Kerry Lynn made and I decided to make some similar stuff.
I combined some of KI's Wicked line with the new Over the Rainbow collection to make these picks.
I am going to add these into some vases at home and work.
However, I am pretty sure this one is going to go in the pen jar where my patients have to sign in before each therapy visit!
{insert evil laugh here}
Be afraid! Be very afraid!
:)

Well happy Monday folks!
:)
gretchen

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Oh the irony

How ironic that 2 days after I made this post some of the fabulous new Savor line from Little Yellow Bicycle showed up at my house.
And it is delicious!!
These flower stickers are so cute!
And how fun are these cardstock stickers!!??
Well rather than risk ruining the beauty of this line with silly layouts about my cooking adventures, I decided to make a couple of cards!
***
I'll be back soon!
I'm being
published!!
***
But I do have an idea for a layout about my grandmother's Thanksgiving dinner that, of course, this line would be perfect for!
Off to find a picture!
:)
Happy Sunday!
gretchen

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Free!!

Well you can get a free one for yourself from now until October 23rd!
Just go to Walgreens.com and use the coupon code 8X10TREAT!!
Yippee!!
Off to get mine now!
:)
gretchen

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

21

What do you give a guy who is turning 21 and will be celebrating in Vegas when it happens??
Clip a little cash to the back of the card and he may {may} make less fun of you for your obsessive scrapbooking hobby!
:)
gretchen

Monday, October 18, 2010

well hot dang!

Looky what I get to be a part of...
Midnight Rooster Kits!!
{you can see the official announcement here}
This kind of news makes a mediocre Monday become fantastic all of a sudden!!
:)
I hope yours has been a great one too!
gretchen

We have a winner folks!

By random number generator the winner of a most lovely prize package from KI Memories is...
*****
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
53 

Timestamp: 2010-10-18 17:38:32 UTC
_______________________________
And that makes the winner:

TamiV said...

Love your layout and your card! Do you send several different cards or many of the same?

OCTOBER 15, 2010 5:25 PM
_____________________________________________

Woo hoo!!
CONGRATS TamiV!!!
{send your info to me at gretchenmcelveen(at)yahoo(dot)com and I will get your prize out to you}

And to answer your question:
I do not send many Christmas cards so I can make different ones. But they usually all end up looking very similar!

_____________________________________________
How is that for a happy Monday!?!!
:)
gretchen

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Finally!!

Anybody remember this old layout??
{circa 2006}
And how about this one from last year??
Obviously cooking is not my thing.
But, hey, we can't all be good at everything!
:)
Well I have made another "bad cook" layout.
But this time it was not about me!!
Finally!!!
My husband, whose cooking skills are normally quite impressive, made a boo boo.
Of course I jumped all over that!
And I am using this month's My Mind's Eye challenge to exploit his mistake!
:)
_______________________________
The challenge is to use black on a layout based on this sketch.
Of course Lee's mistake was not a big one, but I do find comfort knowing that he is not perfect.
:)
While I am at it, let me also mention that somehow Lee managed to leave the ribs {that were to be eaten as part of Alabama homecoming festivities today} out last night.
He got them out to put the rub on them, somehow got distracted, never thought about it again, and there they sat on my kitchen counter this morning when I woke up.
And I feel a little better about myself!
:)
gretchen
*****
P.S. the KI Blog Hop is still going on!
{see below}
You have until Sunday night to leave comments for a chance to win!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

KI blog hop!!

Hey hey & welcome to the my stop on the KI Memories Blog Hop!
*****
The KI Memories Design Team is hosting a blog hop this week to show you all the wonderful things we’ve been creating with KI Memories products.
The new
Over the Rainbow Collection will be arriving very soon at your favorite scrapbook retailers!
:)
So we have been busy creating with it and want to show you!
*****
Now here is the fun part for you:
Be sure to check out the entire blog hop this week for a chance to win at each stop!
{there will be different people posting each day throughout the week}
We’ll randomly select a winner from the comments on each individual blog, as well as the KI Blog.
That’s 12 chances to win!!
whoop whoop!!
Entries will close on Sunday, October 17th at 11:59pm CST.

Winners will be announced on Monday, October 18th both on the
KI Blog and the individual blogs.
*****
So do you want to see what I made??
{regardless, I am going to show you}
:)
The Over the Rainbow collection is right up my alley: bright colors, cute fonts, border stickers, subtle patterns on the paper...I love it!!
Since I kind of have Christmas on the brain for some reason (72 shopping days left!), I used some of the new stuff to catch up on a Christmas layout.
The Over the Rainbow collection has some fun themed embellishments but the patterned papers are not themed at all.
That makes them very versatile and I love that!
So I combined the red, green, and white-ish patterned papers with new tattoos (rub-ons), fun border stickers, and snowflake puffy stickers to make this Christmas page.
By the way, I am totally addicted to making these collages using my Walgreens photo account!
{thanks for the tip Carolyn!}
{I am sure you can use Snapfish and Shutterfly to do this same thing. Or you can probably do it in Photoshop but I am not smart enough to figure that out}
*****
Since I am being so ambitious to get my Christmas cards made, I made a card out of some of the scraps I had lying around after I finished that layout.
Be sure to hop on over to Caroline Ikeji and Shannon Tidwell's blogs today!
And if you are just now getting in on the blog hop, make sure to check out Kelly Noel, Jamie Waters, and Dusti Nakamura's blogs also!
{they all posted earlier this week}
Don't forget to leave a comment on the
KI blog too!
On Thursday Jennifer Johner and Lisa Dickinson will be posting.
And on Friday you can check out posts from Jennifer Pebbles, Amy Licht, and Staci Etheridge.

*****

Have fun!!
gretchen

Monday, October 11, 2010

pssssssstt

It started today over on the KI blog!
My post is coming on Wednesday but go ahead and start hopping & commenting so you can win something cool!
:)

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Just doing a quick run by!
{hehe}
Ran a half this weekend with my mom in MS.
Mourning the Alabama loss.
{big time}
Still a fan of Greg McElroy though.
Fun thing to look forward to next week: KI blog hop!!
And now it is time for a nap.
:)
Happy Sunday!
gretchen

Friday, October 8, 2010

FYI

This is for all my running buddies and anyone who aspires to pound the pavement...

{this is from completerunning.com}
Welcome to the Complete Running Network 100 Beginner Running Tips!!

Apparel Tips
1. Wear spandex shorts under your regular running shorts so you don’t chafe “down there.”
2. Cotton socks will only lead to blisters; invest in socks designed for running.
3. Ladies, do not skimp on a bra. Even if it costs more than your shoes it’s still a bargain.
4. Buy running clothes you look good in and that will motivate you to run.
5. Buy new running clothes at the end of the season when stores dump the old season’s line. Think clearance!
Community
6.Join your local running club—check with your local running store fitness center and/or recreation department to find one.
7. Volunteer at a local race—meet runners support runners and connect with your community.

Manners
8. Remember to say “Thank You!” to race volunteers (e.g. when you get that cup of water at the aid station) and family & friends who support you.
9. Conscientiously share the trail with walkers, bikers and other runners.
10. Always try to balance running with the people you love by making a schedule that involves and is considerate of everyone.
11. Don’t carry loose change. It will annoy those who are running with you.
12. Don’t neglect and irritate your family & friends by spending all your time running and talking about running.
Motivation Tips
13. Sign up for a race as soon as you feel up to it.
14. Find a committed running partner. It is much harder to skip a run when you have someone else depending on you.
15. Remember that you will have plateaus in your progress and tough days along the way.
16. It gets easier.
17. Accept and appreciate the fact that not every single run can be a good one.
18. Be prepared to remove the words “can’t” and “never” from your vocabulary.
19. Do not compare yourself to others. Run within yourself and for yourself first.
20. Don’t expect every run to be better than the last one; some of them will hurt.
21. Don’t think too much about it or you won’t do it.
22. Even a bad run is better then no run at all.
23. If you normally run with music try skipping it and listening to your feet to hear your pace and your gait.
24. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t experience weight loss immediately.
25. Start a running blog and read other running blogs regularly.
26. Running is not an excuse to triple your intake of doughnuts because runners gain weight too.

Nutrition Tips
27. Buy the powdered sports drink mix instead of premixed. It’s cheaper and more similar to race drink mixes.
28. Each pound you lose makes running a little easier.
29. Hydrate. Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day.
30. If you are running very long distance drink enough electrolytes (e.g. Gatorade).
31. On long runs eat something every hour—whether you feel like it or not.
32. During longer runs if you don’t like to carry water take some cash in your pocket pouch or a shoe wallet. Run a route where there’s a corner store that you can use as a pit stop to pick up your water and maybe use the bathroom.
33. Avoid eating spicy foods before running and the night before your long runs.
34. To aid recovery the most crucial time to eat and drink is in the hour immediately after you run.

Prevention Tips
35. Use Vaseline or BodyGlide wherever things rub. They will help prevent blisters and chafing.
36. Do not increase your mileage more than 10 percent per week.
37. Guys: Band-Aids before the long runs. Your nipples will thank you in the shower afterwards.
38. Log your mileage for your legs and your shoes. Too much on either will cause you injury.
39. If you are prone to shin splints and lower leg pain try running soft trails for your training runs and save the asphalt for race day.
40. Do not run two hard days back-to-back.
41. Ice aches and pains immediately.
42. Pay attention to your form. Try to run lightly to minimize impact that could lead to injury.
43. Cut your Training by at least 30 percent to 50 percent every 4th or 5th week for recovery.
44. When trail running don’t forget the bug spray.
45. Neosporin (or another antibiotic cream) is good for chafed areas (if you didn’t use your BodyGlide!).
46. Make sure you cut your toenails short enough so they don’t jam into your shoes!
47. Put some BodyGlide between your toes on long runs.
48. Be careful about running on paths that force you to run consistently on a slant. It’s hard on the hips knees and IT bands.
49. Don’t stretch before a run. Warm up by walking briskly or jogging slowly for several minutes.
50. Do not ice for more than 20 minutes at a time.
51. Do not use the hot tub after a race. It will increase inflammation and hinder healing.
52. Frozen peas make a great ice pack for aches and pains.

Racing Tips
53. Race day is not the day to try new shoes, eat new foods, or wear brand new clothing.
54. Do not try a marathon as your first race.
55. For races longer than 5k start out slower than you think you should.
56. If you conserve your energy during the first half of a race, you can finish strong.
57. When you pick up drinking cups at aid stations, squeeze gently so it folds slightly and is easier to drink from it while you are moving.
58. A plastic garbage bag on race day is a very fashionable cheap disposable raincoat.


Safety Tips
59. Be aware of cyclists approaching you from behind and try to keep to the right. Try to pay special attention when running with music.
60. Run facing traffic.
61. Never assume a car sees you.
62. Give horses wide berths on trails and walk as you pass them unless you enjoy a hoof to the melon.
63. Always carry I.D. because you just never know.

Shoe Tips
64. Try shoes on in the afternoon when your feet are bigger.
65. Doubleknot your shoe laces so they will not come undone when you run.
66. Buy yourself some actual running shoes from an actual running store because running in junk “sneakers” will destroy your feet and your legs.
67. Get assessed for the right kind of running shoes.

Training Tips
68. In the immortal words of Walt Stack famed senior-citizen distance runner “Start slow … and taper.”
69. At first keep your runs short and slow to avoid injury & soreness so you do not quit.
70. If you are breathing too hard slow down or walk a bit until you feel comfortable again.
71. Pick your route close to home (out your front door)—the more convenient it is, the better chance you will have sticking with it.
72. Find a beginner training plan for your first race.
{the Couch to 5k plan is the most popular one I know of}
73. Set realistic short term and long term goals.
74. Keep a training diary.
75. Soreness one to two days after a run is normal (delayed onset muscle soreness).
76. No amount of money spent on gadget training programs or funny food can substitute for minutes, hours, days and weeks on the road.
77. There’s no shame in walking.
78. Subscribe to a running magazine or pick up a book or two on running.
79. Four laps around the local the high school track equals one mile.
80. Lift weights.
81. It’s okay to take walk breaks (run 1 minute, walk 1 minute; then progress to run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute, etc.).
82. Vary your training routes. This will prevent boredom and prevent your body from getting acclimated.
83. Speed work doesn’t have to be scientific. Try racing to one light post and then jogging to the next.
84. Push through rough spots by focusing on the sounds of your breath and feet touching the ground.
85. Do speed work after you develop an endurance base.
86. Practice running harder in the last half of your runs.
87. Do abdominal breathing to get rid of side cramps or “stitches.”
88. If you can’t find the time to run, take your running gear to work.
89. Run on trails if at all possible. It will be easier on your body and you’ll love it.
90. Build rest into your schedule. Rest is just as important of an element as exercise in your fitness plan.
91. Forgive yourself. Over-ambitious goals usually lead to frustration and giving up on your fitness plan. If you miss a goal or milestone let it go and focus on the next opportunity to get it.
{this is my favorite one!}
92. Mix-up your training plan. Make sure your training plan is not too heavily focused on one thing. No matter what level of runner you are your training plan should include four essential elements: endurance speed rest cross-training.

Weather Tips
93. Dress as if it is 10 degrees warmer than the temperature on the thermometer.
94. Wear sunscreen and a hat when the sun is beating down—even in winter.
95. Run early in the morning or later in evening to avoid mid-day heat.
96. Pick up a pair of Yaktrax when running in icey conditions.
97. In the winter dress in layers (coolmax or other technical clothing) and wear a headband over your running hat to cover your ears.
98. For colder climates invest in socks rated to 40 below (usually found in sport/ski shops).
99. To keep cool in hot weather soak a bandana in cold water wring it out a bit and tie it loosely around your neck.
100. For hot weather fill your water bottle about half way lay it at an angle in the freezer. Jjust before you head out for your run top it off with more water.


Run like the wind!!
:)
gretchen

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Have you seen this new issue of CK yet??
I just got my copy.
It's a great issue & I have a layout in there!
They asked me to make a layout with glitter where I've adhered the glitter using plain ole adhesive.
I will admit that I made quite a mess!
:)
Supplies: Patterned paper, die cut title, sticker strips, jeweled brads (My Mind's Eye); chipboard "K", flower stickers, bling (KI Memories); twine; glitter glass (Jenni Bowlin)

{this cutie is Kylie who belongs to our friends Brad & Erika. i did take those pictures & i am quite proud of them!}
________________________________________
You have a chance to win a copy of this special issue!
Go and leave a comment here on the CK blog for your chance!
:)
gretchen

Monday, October 4, 2010

For all you Bama fans out there

I thought you might like this one!
Supplies: Patterned paper, alphabet stickers (Bella Blvd), Chipboard alphas (Basic Grey), Brads (Queen & Co.), silver Stickles
Well it is back to the real world for me today.
Wish me luck!
:)
Happy Monday!
gretchen

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Happy day!!

Happy World Cardmaking Day to all you crafty folks!
In honor of the day...
CARDS!!
:)
Supplies: Patterned paper, butterfly sticker, brads (KI Memories); Alphabet stickers (Doodlebug); Bling (Heidi Swapp for Advantus)

Supplies: Patterned paper, journaling block, chipboard embellishment, brads (KI Memories); Border punch (Fiskars)

Supplies: Lace cardstock, chipboard embellishments (KI Memories)

Have a happy day!
:)
gretchen

Friday, October 1, 2010

Did you miss me??

Did you even know I was gone??
{oh the wonders of technology & blogger}
Because for the past 5 days I have been on a boat.
:)
I've been cruising to Mexico with my lovva.
I've been climbing on some Mayan ruins in Progresso. And snorkling in Cozumel. I've been soaking up the sun and enjoying fun days at sea! I've dressed up for dinner.
And ate stuff that I never have before!
There used to be escargo (aka snails!) on this dish but now they are in my belly. Things just got crazier from there!
I even played a little Bingo!
But now it's back to the real world!!
Even though I am still rocking a little bit.
:)
I hope you have had a great week!

gretchen