


With the Tennis US Open underway it got me thinking of the summer I worked there as a cashier. That was my first real job and it was quite an experience. I thought I would do a layout about it and in the end I ended up with 2 layouts.

Sometimes when I’m creating I end up with 2 versions of the same layout. I like to have variations and usually pick one that I like better but in this case I like them both. No one said you could only have 1 layout of the same thing, right?? There are no rules in scrapbooking – whatever works for you!
Scrapbooking your first job is a great way to preserve that memory and experience for years to come. So what was your first job?

Check out my guest blog post over at Spring: Inspiration in Bloom about the power of storytelling and how to live life inspired! If the picture doesn’t load just go to the main site and it should work.

Just testing out my new signature file – what do we think?? The lovely Lizzie from Fizzy Pop Designs did my doodle name and I added the camera from the new 9th & Bloom Collaboration Kit: Memories…Captured. I am really digging that new store and this new siggy. Hope you like and snag one yourself well you’re at it!

The other night I was surfing the web and came across this great, www.polyvore.com where you can make inspiration boards from images on the web. I’m not sure how it takes into account copyrighting but it’s cool nonetheless. Check out some of the boards I’ve put together. I’m trying to use this as an online creative journal project.
Speaking of art journaling, the wonderfully talented mixed-media artist, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is having Art Journaling Week over at her blog showcasing lots of great technique s and artists. Take a peek over there for some great inspiration and be sure to check out my art journaling at Polyvore too!
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In celebration of meeting my husband 8 years ago today I thought I would share my “Story of Us” book with you. I took many layouts that I have worked on over the years and complied a book showcasing our journey together. It shows memories from dating, our adventures, our wedding and everyday life together. A “Story of Us” book is a great way to capture memories from your courtship, proposal, engagement and wedding into one photo book. It’s also great because as your relationship evolves over time you can design additional “Story of Us” volumes to grow with you as well. I had a hard time narrowing down the 20 pages in this book so I see a volume 2 coming soon!

I was reminded the other day that the most important thing is: Be true to yourself! When people question your intentions and don’t get you, just know that if you are honest and true to yourself that is all that matters. Trust me, I know that is easier said then done but I’m trying to maintain a positive attitude in the face of opposition. This as well is not easy for me since these past two years have been tough and a real struggle. Last year I was extremely sick and burnout. It’s taken me awhile to realize who I am (an on-going process), what I’m doing (still developing that) and the life I want to lead (TDB). I’m not going to lie – it’s been a real journey and I don’t have any real answers but I know that in the end I have to be true to myself and stand up for what I need, want and believe in.
Some of my truths that make me ME!
- I am a real down to earth person who doesn’t believe in being fake and saying things just for the sake of saying things.
- I do what I say and mean what I do.
- I am a planner.
- I love cheesy girly movies and cry very easily at the sappy endings.
- I love getting mail and the anticipation of checking the mailbox for something exciting.
- I love cuddles with my niece and nephew and when they call me Aunt Tara.
- I get scared easily and hate scary movies.
- I judge books by their covers (I’m a designer, of course I do).
- I love to buy arts and craft supplies but have a fear of using them but I’m working on this though.
- I collect advertising icons and mascot figures.
- I love flea markets and fabulous bargain finds.
- I love that I hold my pen differently then everyone else.
- I love making people happy with my artwork and creations.
- I love giving people gifts, especially gifts I know are “perfect” for them!
- I love looking through my old pictures from college and growing up.
- I am a nostalgic person.
- I am a perfectionist.
- I love simple and minimalist design.
- I think less is often more.
- I believe in being humble and think arrogance shouldn’t be rewarded.
- I love taking photos but don’t know much about the features on my camera.
- I send lots of cards to people for special occasions.
- I enjoy the music of Air Supply and accept all the teasing in the world for it.
- I have a lot of passion for what I do in regards to my design and artwork.
- I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve so to speak and am very honest.
- I forgive but never forget because those experiences make you who you are.
- I stress eat.
- I like to sing out loud to my favorite songs.
- I enjoy shopping as it relaxes me.
- I enjoying texting but not a real big phone talker.
- I really don’t like exercise or the gym. I’ve tried to like it but I really hate every minute of it.
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I’m heading out of town for a few days but wanted to post something before I left. Last year I put together a mini scrapbook showing my journey with being a Mets fan. I rarely paper scrapbook since I’m a digi girl but I thought this project came out pretty good. I used a mini accordion style book and decorate the front and back with photos from Mets games and Mets stickers. Sadly I think the book came out way better then the Mets last or current season!
Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll be back next week with some posts from vacation and some layouts!
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In honor of the return of Project Runway tonight I decide to do a layout from the Project Runway Day from January 2010. My husband and I are both big fans of this show, so I’m very happy to say we were there for Project Runway Day.
On January 13, 2010 in celebration of “Project Runway’s” return to New York for its seventh season Fashion Avenue was temporarily renamed Project Runway Avenue. Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia and Michel Kors joined city officials and fashion industry representatives at a street naming ceremony in front of the iconic “Needle Threading a Button” sculpture in New York City’s Fashion District. They also presented a New York City Proclamation deeming Wednesday, January 13 as Project Runway Day, highlighting the show’s contribution to New York City’s fashion industry. Since John and I recently became huge fans of Project Runway we were excited to go check this out even despite the frigid temperature. We made sure to get there early since we didn’t know what to expect and were numb by the time the festivities started. It was well worth it to be 5 feet away from Tim Gunn! I tried to talk to him but he was being pulled in many directions for interviews. I did though get to meet Carol Hannah from Season 6 who was one of my favorite contestants. She was a sweetheart and I got my picture taken with her. Also on hand were some former contestants such as Austin Scarlett, models and current designers. All in all it was a very cool but cold experience. The only thing missing was Heidi Klum!
Hope you enjoy the show!





















