Scrappy Sunday--Giveaways Galore!

Hi bloggy friends! This Sunday finds me sitting cross-legged at my desk, waiting for my camera to charge so I can finish a tutorial (can't move on without photographing the step!) and waiting for my husband to stop working so we can go on our daily activities.

And what are these activities, you ask? First, we have a shiva call. For those of you scratching your heads right about now, shiva is part of the Jewish mourning customs. After someone passes away, their family sits shiva at their home and the community comes to them. Personally, I find these visits awkward. I don't know what to say, and I don't want to say the wrong thing. But, as I was reading just the other week, the point of shiva is not to comfort people, because you can't take away this sort of pain. The point is just to be with people, so they won't be alone in their pain. And so we're going.

On a lighter note, we're planning to follow up with a trip to Michael's. Ostensibly to find items for a project I have in the works, but (not so) secretly to investigate new border punches (Oops--did I say that out loud??)

And since this IS Scrappy Sunday, after all, here's a new layout:

This one is made of a bunch of random supplies, including paper from Jenni Bowlin, Crate Paper, and Studio Calico. I used my beloved birdie rub-ons on this one. The quote was made from Fancy Pants rub-ons on a Making Memories manila paint spot. [Photo Credit: Alexis Hardy Photography.]

The quote is one of my faves: And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. (Beatles).

And some close-ups (which may look familiar!):




And now on to the GIVEAWAY part!

First of all, many of you commenters were right on the money about my love for the new Ella ebook! I was over the moon when Kelly and Angie asked me to participate, and I'm over the moon (or rainbow, I should say) that it's here! I didn't contribute any writing, but have a layout in there.

So, a personal prizepack from me goes to the very cool (and well dressed--check out her WIWW!) Jodi!

Jodi, shoot me an email at keshet.shenkar@gmail.com and I'll get you sorted.

And now, one of you lucky readers gets a copy of the e-book!

Simply LEAVE A COMMENT on this post with your biggest journaling challenge (or just comment--don't want to create any stress here!). I'll choose a winner next Sunday at 9am.

Happy Sunday, friends! What are YOUR plans?

What I Wore Wednesday and some Exciting News!

So this week, I only have one outfit for you--sad, I know.

The reason I only have one is because I worked the other days this week. And if you see me on a morning before work, you'd understand why I'm not taking photos of myself!

8:20 am on a workday morning generally finds the Starr abode in utter chaos, with S issuing his "five minute!" and "one minute!" reminders, and me frantically debating which shoes to wear, and other essential questions of life (tights or no tights? umbrella or not?). I've nearly walked out the door before remembering that I cover my hair--and ran back to shove that wig on my head. Good times.

So anyhoo, here's what you get:

I know the picture isn't too fantabulous. I'd replace the mirror, but truth be told? Everyone who looks in it comments on what a skinny mirror it is. And I always feel fabulous looking in it. So it stays:)

Where I got stuff:

• Tank top: Ann Taylor (on sale!)
• Denim skirt: Ann Taylor (long time ago)
• White shell: Kiki Riki online (since for some reason, the Orthodox stores in Brooklyn don't sell them in white. Boo.)
• Shoes: Target (last season)
• Necklace: Meredith Fenwick Designs (won this on Ali Edwards's blog and I LOVE it!)
  

A close-up of the detail on the shirt:


And some fairly pathetic attempts at a self portrait:

Wait, too serious. Let's try again:



And now, onto the exciting part! (if you're excited already, bonus points!)

Ella Publishing just released a new ebook about journaling! I've taken a peek at it and it is FAB! Here's the link to get a copy for yourself!

And before I go, a little sneaky question.........Can you guess WHY I'm so excited about this ebook?

The first one to get it right wins a little prize pack from me!

Scrappy Monday (and other lovely things)

I meant to post this on Sunday--I really did.

But then there were so many delectable things taking my time away. A sushi lunch, a cinnamon dolce latte at Starbucks, a pumpkin patch, my sweet husband, a hayride, and other wonderful things. Photos from the pumpkin patch coming up soon!

To tide you over, here's a layout about said husband on his birthday.

I used Studio Calico's October kit on this one. I loved this Seaside die-cut paper so much I was afraid to use it, but since I believe in conquering those hoarding tendencies, that paper got used right up! I still have a fair amount of October kit left, and November reveal is in just a few days--ack! Does this happen to you, too?

Now I happen to have a lot to say lately, so I'll have to turn that into more blog posts. Life has gotten too, too crazy!

But before I go, some sneaks for various and sundry projects coming soon to your local blog:




I hope everyone had a wonderful start to their week!

How is YOUR Monday?

Photo Shoots and other Important Items

About a year ago, I had too much free time. So what did I do? Research photographers in the tristate area to do a couple shoot. Add in another year, with tons of cancellations and rescheduling, and S and I went on a photo shoot with the talented Alexis Hardy--who is also an awesome scrapper!

I documented the experience in the layout below:

I used my Studio Calico October kit for this one, and mixed the main and 2 of the add-ons (Watercolor and Still Life). Photo credit: Alexis Hardy.

Here's a close-up of the title:



Now I'm normally not a fan of purposely mispelling words--after all, I have frequently lamented that generations of children will grow up not knowing how to spell "doughnut", and I break out in hives when I see establishments with names like "Krazy Kakes" or what not. But for this layout, it just felt right (and I couldn't fit "photo" in the space:)).

And just because I feel like it, here are a few little pretties on their way to me soon, thanks to Two Peas' free shipping over $25 deal. (I came in at $26.99--extremely proud of myself for that!).

Some Mr. Hueys.....


And I bet these will be in a kit soon and then I'll kick myself, but for now, I just couldn't resist these Crate Snow Day brads:

And there you have it! Happy Friday, my friends!

What are your plans for the weekend? And do you have any pretties on their way to your door?

Scrappy Sunday: Crate Love and Sketchy Thursdays

First off, let me tell you a love story.

Several months ago, before CHA Winter, whispers began about Crate Paper's newest release, the Restoration line. During the show itself, bloggers showed glimpses of the line and how it was used. I pretty much had a conniption fit. I love this line. I love the colors, the images, the peacefulness and energy at once that it conveys. Love.

So I decided to use this very loved line to create a page about a very loved person--you guessed it, the 'ol hubby!


The title is a quote: "If I know what love is, it is because of you" (Herman Hesse). The journaling reads: This time with you, this loving and growing, is the whole point of my life. The most wonderful and magnificent thing I've ever done. Thank you for showing me what love can be.

Before I sat down to create this page, I made a little "kit" to go with my Crate products, including several packs of Thickers, Evalicious buttons, other embellies, and Pink Paislee artisan tape. That way, I have a whole little pile to go off when I get started!

This next page was my Sketchy Thursdays combo last week. Go here to see the sketch and the amazing takes on it!

Used the new Studio Calico label stamps on this one and had so much fun!

And now, I'm off to scrap!

And PS-- I'm inordinately proud of myself for going to a scrapbook store today and only spending $6.53. That's right, my friends! Has that ever happened successfully to you?

Scarlet Lime layouts and the lucky WINNER!

dum-dum-dum..................drumroll please...........................

The winner of the Scarlet Lime kit giveaway is user "downtheroad," comment #10. Shoot me an email at keshet.shenkar@gmail.com and I'll hook you up:)

And while we're discussing Scarlet Lime, head over and check the gallery! I still haven't gotten over my disbelief at seeing my projects over there.

First up, the main kit:

I don't know why the photo is so blurry and wonky, but the page is much prettier in person! I just love how this came out--it really "feels like the kit" to me. I used the wood paper to make actual crossroads on the page, to illustrate the crossroads in our lives right now. Job, baby, house, future--if you asked me to describe my life 5 years from now, I would have no idea what to tell you. So much up in the air, so much waiting to be resolved. But, I'm sure, so much good to come.
This one features a photo of my sweet baby sis and a song I love from a new album I can't get enough of, Anchor by Mindy Gledhill. Check it out here. I used one of the album's beautiful songs as the jumpstart for my journaling on this layout.

And, moving right along to the Frugal Fab:

We have here one of the photos I've been holding onto for ages, waiting for the perfect moment to scrap. I took a lot of risks with this one (risks for me, at least!), and I'm mostly happy with how it turned out. Used my Martha Stewart crown punch for the edges and it was not happy with me. Not happy at all. We had to tousle a bit, my punch and I.

And finally, my fave of the bunch:)

S and I took these photobooth pictures as a rest stop on our trip to Boston. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and we were feeling so happy and carefree. Even though the wait for kids is hard, I treasure these wide-open days of just us, our love and adventure and the bright sun overhead.

So there you have it--my first month over at Scarlet Lime.

And out of curiosity--how do YOU use your kits? Work with the current kit? Store them and use whatever kit fits your photo? Break them up into your stash?

Blog Shower

Today the good folks at Ella are having a blog shower for Angie Lucas! Angie welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Keira, this week.

Since I'm not a mother yet, any advice I give should be taken with a grain of salt! But nevertheless, here it is:

First, I think Angie should buy this onesie set from Target:Doesn't that little elephant resemble the Ella mascot just a teeny bit?


Second, I think Angie's already done a wonderful job with the fabulous name of Keira Jane. I'm a big fan of baby name trends, and going through life as "Keshet" has given me a unique perspective on that topic:) Love how Keira's name is not super common, but so beautiful and classic.

Third, and I know Angie doesn't need a reminder on this one, treasure this. Like Angie, my husband and I have not had children in the exact time we expected to. I am so grateful that Angie's long wait is finally over, and I know that she will bring so much depth, insight and pure love to motherhood.

So happy for you Angie!

PS--In case you're confused by this unprecedented frequency of posting, there's another new-ish post below!

Sketchy Thursdays and some Q & A

The past week included my first ever DT page for Sketchy Thursdays! To be quite honest, I had some anxiety about living up to my DT role and ended up creating a page that I like, but don't LOVE. Add to that the fact that the lighting was awful so I don't like the photo and I was breaking into a sweat! But end of the day, I've been wanting to get this story down for a while.

"Sheva Brachos" is a tradition we have in Judaism where for the seven days after a wedding, the bride and groom go to dinners/parties every night where seven blessings are recited, wishing them a happy and loving marriage. Our week (like most people's!) was a crazy whirlwind, with fancy dinners interspersed with frantic trips to courthouses in order to get legally married before the new year for tax purposes. Which was apparently a popular move, because the courthouses were CROWDED. Ugh. By the time the week ended, I was so tired I pretty much only had energy to munch on cinnamon sticks from Pizza Professor (which is the sort of thing I always MAKE energy for, anyhow).

This page documents what we did every day that week--which went perfectly with these stickers from Crate's Restoration line!


And here's the sketch I based it on:

And before we go, I've been saving some questions to answer in posts, so here goes:

Are your wigs all real? (I really have no idea about how wigs work.) Are they really expensive?

The answer is yes--they're all real in the sense that they're all human hair. But not from one person (that would creep me out a little), they're made from general blends of hair. As for cost, they are pretty expensive! They vary from about $400 for a crazy cheap wig that you need to wear with a hat to $4,000 and up! Mine range from $750 to $1800. I bought two of them when I got married and budgeted them in my wedding costs, and I purchased the third about a year and a half later.

My question would be do you wear them (or something else) only when you're going out or all the time?

I wear something on my hair when I'm going out or if I'm having company. Basically, I cover whenever other men are around. But at this point, covering my hair feels like part of getting dressed to me, so even if I was having only girls over, I'd probably wear something (wig or scarf).

What is your design process?

Ideally, I'd like three hours of uninterrupted creating time, where I can put product together and hem and haw and eventually glue things down. However, that happens around twice a year:) The rest of the time, I work on pages in smaller increments, usually after 9 or 9:30pm (I very rarely get to scrap during the day, even though I like to).

I find that I enjoy creating most when I begin with a "vision" of what I want the page to look like. Without an image of what I want the final product to be in my head, I get frustrated with the designing! But, I don't like to have too detailed plans, because then I find that things don't fit the way I thought, and get frustrated. So there you have it:)

What's YOUR process?

PS--Scarlet Lime giveaway below still open until 10pm!

What I Wore Wednesday

For weeks now, I've had a new source for procrastination and daydreaming: What I Wore Wednesday posts over at the Pleated Poppy.

Why do I like them? It inspires me to actually wear clothes I love. I like design and color, and you get some of that. But mostly, I love seeing how other people live, and watching what they wear is a BIG part of seeing how they live.

So without further ado, here's some WIWW Orthodox-Jew style:) These photos are a random assortment of the past few weeks.

First, a quick self-portrait:

A pretty awful picture of what was (I promise!) a pretty cute outfit:



And some plain 'ol goofing around:




As you can probably see, my outfits have a formula to them. Jeans skirt + white shell (I have a whole stack of them) + fun shirt. Or at least that's the goal:)


So, now that I've gone and done this, I'll admit I had some mixed feelings about posting. First, maybe it's vain. Second, maybe (and this is the more likely one!) no one gives a fig what I wear.
Thoughts?

Or, if you have no thoughts on the topic, feel free to chit chat about how your week is going. That's ok, too:)

And before you go, don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY in the post below!

Scarlet Lime Giveaway!!

So, after months of sharing my many, many MANY Design Team rejections, I'm quite incredulous to report that I'm joining the team over at Scarlet Lime!!

For at least 2 years now, I have wasted many a perfectly good afternoon scrolling through all of the past Scarlet Lime kits and drooling. A lot. I especially love the new Frugal Fab kits--lots of pretty and fun product for under $20!!

But, what's in it for you, you may ask? Good question. I have here a kit for one lucky reader! It's the beautiful October main kit.


Just leave a comment below for your chance to win--I will choose a winner on Sunday, October 10th, at 10pm. (10/10 at 10:00--easy peasy).

But the fun doesn't end here! Check out the other DT gals' blogs for more chances to win!

Valerie Salmon

Savitri Wilder

May Flaum

Mimi Leinbach

Lori Jolley

Dena Coe

Some are giving away main kits, others are giving away the Frugal Fab kit, so have fun hopping!