My Memories Freebie!

Here's a great freebie pack for you, courtesy of My Memories, which includes:

• 2 digital papers
• 2 page elements
• 2 quick pages

The items are all in .png or .jpg format, so you can use them in any program, but if you haven't bought the My Memories Suite yet, I highly recommend it!

To download the freebie,

My Memories WINNER and a FREEBIE!

*EDIT* I had to draw another winner, as the first one never answered my email!*

Congratulations to RaettigFamily, the winner of the digital scrapbooking software, My Memories Suite! I am really impressed with the program and hope you'll have a great time with it!

For the rest of you, I've got a beautiful freebie from My Memories to share! It's two beautiful quick pages that you can use! Click HERE to download!

My Memories is very affordable, but you can get an additional $10 off (plus a $10 gift certificate to be used at the store) when you type STMMMS7975 into the promo code box at checkout! Click on the banner below to order today!






Thank you again to Liz at My Memories for sharing this powerful program with my readers!



**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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Don't forget to connect with A Cooking Bookworm!

My Memories Software Review and GIVEAWAY!

Have you ever wished you could get into digital scrapbooking, but aren't sure where to start? Or, you're just plain overwhelmed after hearing you'll need expensive programs or have to scour the internet for digital scrapbooking kits?

Well, I've got good news for you! I was recently introduced to My Memories, an affordable and powerful digital scrapbooking software.

In just minutes (yes!), I was able to utilize the pre-installed templates and quick pages and come up with these pages:

Chore Charts

Do I think my kids need chore charts?

No.

Do I think I need a chore chart?

Um, yes.

One of my downfalls is that I am a perfectionist.

This can be a good thing, but it is often not so good. I have too many baskets of laundry 'projects' staring me in the face that don't get completed (often, not even started!), because I think, "If I can't do it right - finish it all at once - etc, etc - why bother?"

Yeah, not good.

And, I know some of you are nodding your heads and know JUST what I'm talking about!

So, in an attempt to help ME teach my children to be consistent in their own simple responsibilities, I needed to make MYSELF chore charts for my kids!

After much googling, I came across a FREE chore chart template I really liked from Happy Scrap Girl.

And, since it's been forever since I've used a template, a tutorial on using templates from (one of my fav designers/tutorial writers!) Misty Cato HERE.

Here's what I came up with:

Credits: Papers and embellishments were used from a variety of free kits I've collected over the years. Most are no longer available. Hullabaloo by Julia Makotinsky, How She Shines by Ellie Lash, Dino Kid by Michelle Herron, Fun Paper Alpha by Debra Fisher.

I could have made an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet and printed on my printer. But, I created an 11x14 that I'm going to have 'professionally' printed (around $2.50/print for that size), so that the colors are nice and sharp. I will be getting some kind of magnet to use as completed/not completed markers.

My children are still very young, so you will notice the 'chores' are just basic, everyday tasks - make my bed, brush my teeth. However, they are there, because even simple can be difficult to complete some days!

As my husband and I feel these simple tasks are not 'chores,' but everyday responsibilities, our children will not be receiving any kind of allowance. However, rewards for completing their weekly responsibilities, promptly and respectfully will certainly be at our discretion! :-)

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24



**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links. If you click on them and decide to make a purchase, I receive a (very!) small commission. Hey, every little bit helps! So, I thank you! :-).** ___________________________________

Shutterfly GIVEAWAY! 4 Winners!

If you haven't yet used Shutterfly, here's a great opportunity to experience their fabulous photo service!

Are you expecting a sweet bundle of joy? Ah, beautiful birth announcements!

Hosting a pumpkin-themed fall party? Invite your guests in style!

Documenting your child's school year? Make a gorgeous photo book!

Oh, the possibilities are endless!

Here's your chance to WIN 10 FREE stationery cards!

And, I will be choosing FOUR winners!!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? Each winner will receive an email code good for (10) FREE Stationery Cards from Shutterfly. To enter, visit Shutterfly and tell me your favorite card/stationery design! For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (sidebar) or a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry) 
• Follow The Creative Side of Me via Networked Blogs. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Fan The Creative Side of Me on facebook and leave me a comment saying so! (1 entry)
• Become a fan of Shutterfly on facebook and leave me a link with your facebook user name (1 entry)
• Sign up for Swagbucks using my referral link! Comment and give me your Swag Name! (10 entries!)
• Follow The Creative Side of Me on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry, daily):

Enter to WIN 10 FREE Shutterfly cards @creativeSOme FOUR winners! Details: http://bit.ly/cjruqU Ends 9/13 #giveaway @shutterfly #contest

Entries that do not fulfill guidelines will be deleted, so read carefully!

Entries accepted until Monday, September 13, 11:59 PM (EST).Winner(s) will be chosen by random.org and winner(s) will be notified by email. Winner(s) must confirm prize email within 48 hours or another winner(s) will be chosen.

Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was given (4) FREE Shutterfly photo codes for writing about my Shutterfly experience for sheblogs.org. Post *may* contain affiliate links. If you click on them and decide to make a purchase, I receive a (very!) small commission. Hey, every little bit helps! So, I thank you! :-).**
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My Shutterfly Experience!

Have you ever wanted to make a photo book?

Have you thought you don't have time or aren't creative enough??

Well, Shutterfly's got your back!



If you've got some favorite pictures, Shutterfly makes photo projects easy! Everything from beautiful photo books, stationery, or other gift items!

Shutterfly has pre-made templates, some designed by some of the top digi-scrappers, to make your book (or Christmas cards or photo gifts) look professional and beautiful. You don't need to know anything about color or design - Shutterfly has made it simple for anyone to do!

After our daughter was born, I put together a special book about her birth. I could have used a template, but I designed the pages myself (with the help of many online tutorials and loads of digital scrapbooking freebies).

Title and last pages:


{im}patiently waiting:


birth day:


our new family:


meeting you:


finally home:


When I finally received my 20-page Shutterfly photo book, it exceeded my expectations. The quality of the book is superb and my daughter will have a treasured keepsake uniquely hers!

As for my son...well, I'm working on his book. I hope I get it done before he's 18. ;-) So far, I love the pages that are done, and I know that my next Shutterfly experience will make me just as happy!

Thank you, Shutterfly!


Recommend: YES



**Disclaimer: I was entered into a Shutterfly giveaway, through sheblogs.org for writing this post. My reviews have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
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Life is busy, but...

...I've actually had time to dabble in my old hobby! Digital Scrapbooking!

I made a small book for my daughter of her birth story, and realized that I haven't even STARTED one for my little guy!

Front cover:

page 1:

page 2:

back cover:

I haven't gotten very far - but, as I was working on the pages, I realized how much I enjoy doing it! I can't wait to finish it! I was even emailed a discount coupon code for an 8x8 book....provided I finish by the end of April. Hm, can I do it?! ;-)

All of my supplies are from free digital kits I've downloaded over the years. I believe for these pages, most things were from Nicole Young Designs and Kristin Aagard Designs.

You can find so many freebies and tutorials all over the web to get you started! My favorite place to look for layout inspiration is HERE.

I started out using Microsoft Digital Image Pro...then graduated to Photoshop Elements...and now use Photoshop CS2. I found an amazing deal on ebay for the software!

I've been so busy trying to keep up with reading the review books that keep coming in the mail, I haven't had much time for cooking. Well, trying NEW recipes to share, I should say! :-)

And, the weather has been teasing us of spring, making me want to do other things besides cooking!

Just wanted you to know I'm still here... but mostly with my nose in a book!




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Tags: Kristin Aagard Nicole Young digital scrapbooking

How To Make A Quilt In A Weekend: My First Quilt

One of my favorite crafty endeavors that I actually completed (yeah, I'm one of those... I've started more crafty things than I can count, but many are left unfinished)...

...anyway...

...that I actually completed is my first ever quilt:


I found the "How to Make a Quilt in a Weekend" instructions in 1996 in an August issue of Woman's Day. I ripped it out and put it in my where-can-I-put-this-so-I'll-remember-where-it-is-someday-because-this-looks-fun-to-make file and there it sat.

For 2 years.

(Hey, that's pretty good. I've got stuff in that "file" that has been there for forever. ;-) I don't even know what good ideas are in there anymore that I'm supposed to be having fun with...lol)!

The summer between my sophomore and junior years of college, I decided to tackle the quilt project!



The hardest part of the entire project was picking out the fabric. I knew I wanted greens and burgundys, but it was still so difficult to narrow a whole wall full of colorful bolts down to only 6 somewhat coordinated pleasing choices.

(And, contrary to what I initially thought, fabric is NOT cheap!! Be prepared to plunk down a pretty penny for most of it!! Or...start watching for sales or remnants and pick up the pieces gradually; although, that makes it a bit harder to match and coordinate if you're as picky as I am).


The back of the quilt is just a sheet.


The quilt graced my dormitory bed for my junior and senior years and then found a home on the guest room bed, after I got married. We no longer have a guest room, so the quilt now stays folded up in a rubbermaid tub to be used on the pull-out sofa bed whenever company does arrive.

Overall, I was so pleased with my first quilt. It took me a little longer than a weekend, but the instructions were easy to follow and really, the whole project was pretty simple.

If you can cut and sew a straight seam, you can make this quilt! Here are the instructions:


quiltinstruc_pg1 -


quiltinstruc_pg2 -

I hope to start gathering some bright pinks, purples, and greens to make this same quilt for my little girl's room.

I couldn't believe that Jen posted about her quilt yesterday as I was working on my quilt post!! Check out her "I Spy" quilt...it's really fun!

*if you'd like the .pdf file emailed to you, just drop me a note! I'll be glad to send them on!*





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Tags: quilt instructions quilting sewing projects how to sew a quilt how to make a quilt quilt patterns around the world quilt

Christmas In July

As this blog is the "creative" side of me, which is usually shown in the recipes I post, I thought I would share a blog I came across the other day.

I'm always finding neat little ideas that I'm storing away on my hard drive or in a box in my closet for the (very near) future when I begin homeschooling my children.

Of course, I come across plenty of ideas that won't be for school purposes...and, this blog had some great Christmas ideas! They're doing a series of "Christmas in July" posts right now!

I think my daughter is old enough this year to enjoy an advent calendar. You will find plenty of pictures and instructions on the classic fabric and pocket advent calendars. I found a few others that were a bit more interesting...

Here are some that are made of matchboxes!



Check out this extra fun one by Analise, using a clearance Target find. You've got to imagine things with a coat of paint and your own embellishments! :-)

This one is giving me all kinds of inspiration and getting my creative juices flowing!!! It uses a mini muffin tin!



And, this one would be great over our new sliding glass door (anyone got these kind of tins floating around...um, 25 of them to be exact?!) lol!

Oy, some people are SOO creative!! ;-) If it weren't for them, I really wouldn't be creative at all!! :-D The ideas of the truly creative are what prod me on!

Recommend: YES




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Tags: advent calendar matchbox advent calendar Christmas crafts muffin advent calendar Christmas