So, since one of the colors of the American flag is red, this week’s theme is RED!

Just a little photographic hint. Red is a very powerful color. You really don’t need a lot in order to make it stand out. A little goes a long ways!

First, I want to bring the spotlight (spotLIGHT… notice a pattern here?? LOL) on Kristen who participated in last week’s challenge with this awesome LO.

What a great idea to have used the challenge’s prompt to scrap about her family’s favorite restaurant. I have to say, after reading her journaling, I want to go there and visit this place. And how awesome is it that the kids are safe allergy-wise? And she told this awesome story with a beautiful LO and a bunch of sweet pix (Have you seen this smile? Love it!!), which makes it even better. Thank you, Kristen, for this sweet page and for joining our challenge!

And now, let’s move on to this week’s challenge. Inspired by the photo challenge posted this morning by Charla, I took a picture of my window at work. My office is turned to East so I can enjoy the sunrise. In the summer, the light shines right on my computer and on me, which is why I have to shut the shades. This is something that says “summer!” to me. That and the squeeky sound of my summer shoes in the stairs, but that’s harder to photograph! LOL

I picked a simple design for this LO, but I worked on the stamped alpha used in the title to make it more realistic. Sometimes, it’s all in the details! I used the June collab “Summer Morning” and picked the bright papers to create this fun sun shape background. I also used an action (Evening Sun) by Charm Box Studios to “warm up” the photo.

Your mission this week, if you choose to accept it, is to scrap about light. Some ideas are

• to use a photo with an interesting light and journal about what makes this photo special for you
• to scrap about light in a more symbolic way: when you feel down, lost in the dark, what kind of light help you find your way?
• where you afraid of the night as a kid?
• in a more light (no pun intended) topic, you could write about your need for sun glasses or, on the opposite, you inability to drive in the dark (as I do!)

Here are the rules:

>> Scrap a page about light. Definitely, add a picture to your page if you have one that inspires you!

>>  Use whatever scrapbooking supplies you have on hand. (You don’t have to use something from our shop in order to participate here.)

>> Come on back and share your work with us! If you do, your layout could be featured in next week’s post!

That’s it! Our rules are simple. There aren’t any other requirements aside from that. However, if you would like to earn points toward free products, this challenge does qualify for Chicky Points. (See the Challenges Forum for more details.) The deadline to get the Chicky Points is June 30th.

I’m a morning person.

I may not be bounding out of bed in the morning, but I love the fresh start. Especially in summer, when it’s cool and fresh.

So, since the June store collab is “Summer Morning,” I thought it would be fitting to have that for the challenge this week!

This is a normal part of my morning:

Yes, we have FOUR day-by-day calendars. Two are funny, two are pencil puzzles. And iced coffee is a *must*.

Each Saturday we invite friends from all over our community to scrap a beautiful and meaningful layout for your viewing pleasure.

Our guest today is the talented Ellen (aka EllenT ). Let’s get to know a little bit more about her today!

The Girl:

EllenT

I am 53, been married for 26 yrs and both my husband & I have always lived in Louisville, KY.  I have one college age son, Scott, and we also have a dog named Jackson.   I come from a large family (8 siblings) so I also use pictures of my nieces & nephews in many of my pages.  I started scrapbooking when my son was in 2nd grade, about 15 years ago.  I joined the PTA and for the next 11 years I was the Historian.  Each year I made a scrapbook for the school.  I won several blue ribbons at the state compititions.  Back then, I was a hybrid scrapper, using Creative Keepsakes’ Creative Clips software to print out journaling blocks.  Six years ago, I went totally digital and never looked back.  I used several editions of PSE before I got PS CS4 last year.  I taught myself how to use it and started to make pages for forum challenges.  Then last August I applied for the CT position at Ninth&Bloom and got it!  I love the designers I have now & always try my best when creating pages for them. 

Besides scrapping this summer, for 5 weeks I will be teaching at a summer camp for kids.  I love it because I get to take pictures of little kiddos doing all kinds of fun activities.  And I usually have my class make a scrapbook with the pictures I take of them.   I also like to watch TV.  Lots of TV!  Some of my favorites are Grey’s, Private Practice, Parenthood, 2 Broke Girls, Whitney, New Girl, Amazing Race and Survivor.  I absolutely love DWTS and SYTYCD!

The Story:

About Me by EllenT

I love a good AAM page! The layering and clustering on this is gorgeous and frames the photo perfectly!

Today’s challenge is simple:

Take this layout, find something you love about it and scraplift it!

Use whatever kit or collection you like. There are no other requirements for this challenge.

However, if you would like to earn points toward free products, this challenge does qualify for Chicky Points. (See the Challenges Forum for more details.)

And when you’re done, come back here, link us up and show us your story. You could be featured in next week’s post!

I hope you will join us this week! I look forward to seeing what you create.

Happy scrapping!

When I think of summer, I think of …

• The thut-thut-thut of the sprinkler across the lawn,
•  the sticky feel of a melting ice cream cone dripping down my fingers,
• the smell of honeysuckle wafting on the wind at dusk,
• the winking-blinking lights of fireflies in the night

These define summer for me. These are the distinctive sights, sounds and sensations that transport me back to those days of soaring temperatures and fleeting responsibilities.

This Week’s Challenge

Think of the sights, sounds, smells and sensations that you associate with summer. Grab your journal and pen or start typing away and try some of these ideas:

The SIGHTS (What do you see?)

• Green grass
• Rainbow-colored popsicles
• Bright blue skies
• Neon colored kiddie pool and floaties
• Sandy, bare feet
• Big smiles on sunburned faces

The SOUNDS (What do you hear?)

• The happy squeals of little ones playing in the sprinkler
• The crashing of waves against the beach
• The sizzles and popping coming from the grill
• The buzzing of bees in the garden
• The marching band in the parade downtown
• The ice cream truck coming down the street

THE SMELLS/SENSATION (What do you smell or sense?)

• The sensation of biting into a slice of ice-cold, juicy watermelon
• The burst of flavor as you bite into a sandwich with mayo and homegrown tomatoes
• The indescribable combination of ripe strawberries and chilled cream
• A whiff of lilacs
• The smell of dirt and plants as you dig in the garden
• That feeling that time is standing still and you really can hold this moment forever

Hopefully, some forgotten summer memories will return and you’ll want to record them on a scrapbook page. While this is a creative writing exercise, it’s also an opportunity for you to savor and save some treasured memories.

And make sure to share what you’ve created with us whether it’s a blog post (link us, please), journal entry (snap a quick shot and share with us) or a layout (post, post, post!). We want to celebrate your writing, your creativity, and YOU!

- Tropt

Don’t believe me? Ask my husband. There’s a reason I’m the one with the roller and he’s doing all the cutting-in while we paint.

But I do occasionally notice important details, like this morning.

My son’s eyelashes. He has the best lashes in this house.

The freckles. They’re already getting more pronounced, but they’re still sweet and innocent. (and subtle, unlike the ones on MY face!)

The need for a haircut.

The innocence. He’s such a sweet, awesome little guy.

Now it’s your turn! Find something that may be a normal sight, but that you see with “new eyes” this week. It’s a great chance to use your macro lens if you have one (or macro setting on your camera), or your prime lens if you have one (I used my 50mm f/1.8 for this), but even without those, just capture some details before they’re gone!

Comfort Food

In my case, a food that reminds me of my American home is cornbread. Its such a basic thing, but the things that we end up missing the most about our home usually are the most basic, simple things.

I went for years without cornbread. I found a few shops that I could import mixes from, but for incredible, unbelievable prices. Then one day a few years ago in my local grocery store I stumbled upon cornmeal. I’d never made cornbread from scratch but as soon as I saw the cornmeal my mouth started watering in hopes of a savory taste from home. I’ve experimented with several recipes now, still looking for the perfect one. But I am just happy to have the chance to eat cornbread again.

click here for image credits

What are your comfort foods? Foods that you remember from your childhood? A family recipe handed down several generations? Maybe a food that you can no longer get where you live now? Foods that you just want to curl up with and enjoy every bite?

This week’s Challenge

For your scrap challenge this week, I’d like for you to think about what foods bring you comfort.

Here are the rules:

>> Scrap a page about your comfort food. Definitely, add a picture of it to your page!

>>  Use whatever scrapbooking supplies you have on hand. (You don’t have to use something from our shop in order to participate here.)

>> Come on back and share your work with us! If you do, your layout could be featured in next week’s post!

That’s it! Our rules are simple. There aren’t any other requirements aside from that. However, if you would like to earn points toward free products, this challenge does qualify for Chicky Points. (See the Challenges Forum for more details.) The deadline to get the Chicky Points is June 30th.

Each Saturday we invite friends from all over our community to scrap a beautiful and meaningful layout for your viewing pleasure.

Our guest today is the talented Gloria (aka chocochoco). Let’s get to know a little bit more about her today!

The Girl:

My name is Gloria aka chocochoco in the digiland. I lived in Jakarta, Indonesia. I’m so grateful that God gave me a supportive mom, wise dad, sweet sister, and tough brother. I have the best family ever! 

I’ve been digital scrapbooking for almost three years and I’m totally addicted. I definitely love clustering and using lots of pattern papers. I like to look through the galleries, magazines, and pinterest to get some inspirations. Besides scrapping, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and listening to music.

The Story:

Here is the layout that Gloria created for us using Summer Morning.

Your Challenge:

Today’s challenge is simple:

Take this layout, find something you love about it and scraplift it!

Use whatever kit or collection you like. There are no other requirements for this challenge.

However, if you would like to earn points toward free products, this challenge does qualify for Chicky Points. (See the Challenges Forum for more details.)

And when you’re done, come back here, link us up and show us your story. You could be featured in next week’s post!

I hope you will join us this week! I look forward to seeing what you create.

Happy scrapping!

My grandfather, whom we called Popa, was a morning lark and he loved to fish out at the lake, arriving there before the sun rose. He didn’t have a boat, he simply stood on the shore and cast his fishing line into the water, patiently waiting for fish to take the bait. My favorite summer memories are of spending the night with my grandparents. The next morning we would wake up very early, eat a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and juice, and then head out to a local lake with Popa just before sunrise to go fishing. Those mornings were so peaceful and serene, and every time I witness a sunrise I am reminded of that precious time spent with my Popa.

This Week’s Challenge

This week’s journaling challenge is to write about a favorite summer childhood memory. Relive the memory in your head, and write about what you recall.

Who was with you?

What was the weather like, was it cool and dry in the mornings, or hot and humid?

Where did this memory take place, and when?

How does this memory affect your life today?

Why is this memory a favorite?

When you finish, come back and tell us what you’ve done. If you blogged, please link us up! Did you write on paper? Snap a photo and show us. Share with us how you’ve expressed yourself with this challenge!

~Joana

Then don’t forget to come back and show us!

My daughters were in a ballet performance last weekend, and this was one of my favorite shots from the rehearsal the day before. I love how high she gets, and she got excited about how pointy her toes are. She’s a fabulous ballerina, already at 5!