11 & 12

My husband read my top 10 list & had a couple of his own that he thought I should add.

11. While waiting for a table at Moxies a family of four came in & waited as well. The 2 daughters (you could tell they were all related) were about 30-35 years old. One of them was wearing original RED Doc Martens & about 12 silver Goody hair clips in her hair to hold her ponytail securely. She also had on an over sized sweater to complete her look. But more importantly (my husband so lovingly pointed out) she was sporting the exact SAME LOOK I had in grade 9. Only hers was well preserved.

12. Once seated at our table, we could see a store that sold chair massagers and back relief products. Brian commented that he couldn't believe a store like that could afford the high rent cost in Market Mall & that it would be out of business before they knew it. I agreed. And then within 15 minutes we saw 3 people leave with large boxes. What do we know?

10.

Monday & Tuesday were my days off this week. Which would naturally mean I spent them at three of Calgary's finest establishments... Chinook Centre, South Centre & Market Mall. I didn't buy much, but I did some great pre-shopping! (Waiting for pay day...) And got to people watch, which I love.

10 Things I saw at the Mall(s)

1. The Apple Store. They have a new one in Market Mall & you can play with all the latest Mac gadgets. What a cool store. And it was packed.

2. Wicked Wedge is now in Chinook Centre. Great pizza. No, amazing pizza. And you don't even have to go downtown to get it!

3. A girl who was about 12 years old with the best/worst cleavage I have ever seen. Which prompted a debate on how much control you have over your teenagers wardrobe.

4. Old friends. It was good to see Mike again. And I saw an old friend Tracy & her adorable baby girl Emma. It's always fun to run into people.

5. A pair of Ray Ban's that I immediately added to my Christmas List (but I think it's a bit too late!)

6. A lady drop her baby intentionally. It was a weird shoplifting scam that I sadly witnessed. It's a long story, but I am more than willing to tell it. It was SO weird.

7. In the SAME store, a woman freaking out at a poor guy who innocently asked if she'd like to be on the email list. She freaked out... " I already get about 2 emails a day from you people!". He looked terrified. An argument ensued. (Side note: I get the Gap emails & only get about 1 every 2 weeks. And yesterday it saved me 30% off my entire purchase. If that lady gets the emails, why didn't she have the coupon?) Some people are such Scrooge's.

8. About 50 men watching the "Jumbotron" South Centre has put in. They just relaxed while their wives/children shopped. Brilliant.

9. A waitress who told me that if I ordered the duck it would "change my life". It took everything I had not to burst out laughing (she was 100% serious). I couldn't even make eye contact with Brian. Sorry chicky, but a $13.99 duck from Moxies is NOT going to change my life. Unless I choke on it.

10. A woman who had a Top Deck hair dye job. But from far back both Brian & I thought she had a small animal on her head. As she got closer I had to actually bite my lips. It was unreal. I bet she spends hours on it every morning. It was scary & impressive all at once. I will remember it forever... (?)

Layout 122

Waiting for Dada by Haley Ross

Materials: Edged Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Jillibean Soup; Ribbon: May Arts; Journaling Spots: Jillibean Soup; Brad: Bazzill Basics; Rub-Ons: Making Memories; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer.

Layout 121

Little Star by Haley Ross

Materials: Patterned Paper: BoBunny; Chipboard: Riff Raff Designs; Chipboard Alphabet: Heidi Swapp; Rub-Ons: making memories

Layout 120

The Newest Flames Fan by Haley Ross

How fabulous are those skate stickers from Jolees? Unreal. The detail is unreal. I love them. Did I tell you that Brian has got Miles yelling "Goal" really loudly whenever he sees a hockey game? Yep. Sure does.

There is some old old stuff on this layout too. Hey, I'm feeling this recession & using up as much old stock as I can is really helping me get through (or giving me an excuse to get more?)

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Rusty Pickle & NHL; Eyelets: We R Memory Keepers; Chipboard: Heidi Swapp; Sticker: EK Success Jolees by You & Heidi Swapp; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer; Other: Shoe Laces.

Layout 119

Moving Forward by Haley Ross

It use to be that every year, around Christmas time, I would think "Where did the year go?" but now, I think that every time I look at Miles. This was one of those pictures where I just felt overwhelmed by how BIG he is getting. And I am proud to say I used some nearly ancient embellishments on this page :)

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: My Minds Eye; Rub-Ons: making memories; Chipboard: Lil' Davis; Die-Cuts: My Minds Eye; Metal Accents: Scrapworks.

Layout 118

Happy Birthday by Haley Ross

Ugh. This is a boring layout. And the picture is crooked (sorry.). But isn't the Bella Blvd. paper beautiful? And I scrapbooked my birthday just so I could use it.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Bella Blvd; Rhinestones: Kasier Craft: Stickers: KI memories; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts.

Layout 117

Fat Lip by Haley Ross

Isn't this paper adorable? Yeah, it is! I love it. And intent to use it over & over. And that's rare. So, here is another layout I have finally completed. I have a couple to post today, on my way to 150. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants Designs; Chipboard Alphabets: Cosmo Cricut; Ribbon: Fancy Pants Design; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer

Layout 116

Eat Cake by Haley Ross

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: BoBunny; Brads: Doodlebug Designs; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts; Pen: Ek Success Zig Writer; Cricut Cartridge: George; Other: Photo Flip Flaps: Close To My Heart.

Mrs. Claus?

Nope just me. Although I have a Mrs.Claus-esque silhouette. I was looking through the pictures my sister took of last nights "Bake-Off" & I have to laugh because I am holding my belly in every picture. I kept sticking it into stuff, and by the end of the night I had a big streak of chocolate & icing sugar across my tummy. Anyway, the pictures look ridiculous...

10 Things I Love To Do Before Christmas

1. Baking. Generally I hate baking. Love cooking, dislike baking. But I like Christmas baking. And this year (for once) I didn't dip my fingers in the batters until I was sick. Also, it helps that I get together with my sisters for this annual Bake-Off... it makes things so faster & is much more fun.

2. Shop. I love buying gifts. Love it. I make a list, but rarely stick to it (same goes for my budget... sadly). Plus the malls are decorated so lovely that I can't help but be in a good Christmas Spirit.

3. Eating. In our house, as of December 1st it's Open Season for treats :) I love having a house full of Christmas Oranges, Egg Nog, Candy Canes & boxed Chocolates (I love looking at the "maps" that come in each box).

4. Taking a Drive to look at Christmas Lights. If you know of any good places to go, post them in the comment section. One year we did a light tour by bus & it was great.

5. Christmas Music. Every year I buy the Starbucks Christmas CD. I now have 7 of them :) Most of the songs are the same, just by different artists, but I'm ok with that. This year there is a song by Norah Jones & Willie Nelson that I just love.

6. Christmas Movies. There is often one playing in the background at our house:

Here is my official Christmas movie count so far this season

Prancer = Once

Muppets Christmas Carol (a favourite) = Once

Home Alone = Once

Madagascar Christmas = Twice

Four Christmases = Once

Shrek the Halls = Once

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer = Twice

Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation = Three Times!!!

I have others I love too, and I'll get to them. Oh, I will.

7. Make Wrapping Paper. I'm doing mine with Tattered Angels mists & screens this year. It's gonna look wicked.

8. Burn Christmas Candles. Mmmm. Cinnamon & Pine. Love it.

9. Go to Zoo Lights. Its pretty much the same every year, but it's nice to get out & walk. And it's pretty. (Oh! And I have a 2 for 1 pass in my Entertainment book this year! Woohoo!)

10. Read a Christmas-y Magazine. This year I got REAL SIMPLE which I subscribe to. And it was fabulous for some cool, cheap ideas. And I got O. With Ellen on the cover. And she's cute as heck. I love Ellen. (And got a kick out of a super expensive O-List. Recession anyone? Not Oprah obviously.)

Get Stuffed SALE!

We would like to apologise for being closed Saturday, December 5th. This was not planned, but I was unable (and unwilling?) to shovel the snow drift out from behind my car. I do not want any premature babies, especially in this weather. Thanks for your understanding! Instead, we'll make it up to you by having a SALE...

Monday, December 7th - Wednesday, December 9th

Come & Get Stuffed!

Pick up a Snowflake shopping bag & stuff it full to recieve

35% off

the ENTIRE contents of the bag*

_______________

You can even take 35% off the NEWEST products from TPC & My Minds Eye!

Stuff in a Slice Cartridge or Storage Solution! It's up to you!

This is a great opportunity to buy stocking stuffers (or send in your husband!)

* Some exceptions apply. Not valid on 12x12 cardstock or adhesive products. See in-store for more details.

Layout 115

Spoiled by Haley Ross
This is my last layout post for the day (I've been pretty productive, non?) And I saved my favourite for last. I just love this layout. (Because I love the photos) Look at the cheeks on this kid! Does the right-hand side look familiar? It should, once again I used Donna Downey's Photo First book and scrap-lifted this baby! Say what you want, but I am getting lots done this way, and that is making scrapbooking MUCH more enjoyable for me. Hey, not that I am willing to change it... but is "Spoiled" grammatically correct or should it be spoilt? Is that even a word?
Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Karen Foster; Ribbon: Doodlebug Designs; Charm: Around The Block; Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories; Rhinestones: Heidi Swapp.

Layout 114

Santa Baby by Haley Ross
Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Border Punch: Fiskars; Patterned Paper: Making Memories; Stickers: Making Memories; Twill: Sweetwater; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts; Other: Vellum

Layout 113

Christmas by Number by Haley Ross
Materials: Cardstock: Wolrdwin; Patterned Paper: Imaginesce & Making Memories;

Layout 112

Christmas Boys by Haley Ross
Materials: Patterned Paper & Die-Cuts: My Minds Eye; Cricut Cartridge: San Serif; Other: staples.

Layout 111

Curious Miles by Haley Ross
Aaaahaha! Look at his cheeks. It kills me.
Materials: Cardstock: Worldwin; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey; Wordfetti: Making Memories; Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts; Poinsettias: Prima Marketing: Ribbon: Stolen from Martha Klassen (thanks girl!)

Layout 110

Tried, Tested & True by Haley Ross
I can't even begin to tell you that this was the best $8 that I ever spent. Miles has gotten hours of entertainment out of this toy. And it was special because Brian & I had this when we were little too. I thought this paper couldn't be more perfect.
Materials: Cardstock: Worldwin; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey; Rub-Ons: Making Memories; Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories & Thickers by American Crafts; Other: Photo Flip Flap from Close To My Heart.

Layout 109

Christmas Card 2008 - By Haley Ross
I wanted to include last years Christmas Card on the final page of Miles' Christmas album. Rhonda thought up a great way for me to attach it so that I could still see the backside (thanks!). I made the card using Heritage Makers digital scrapbooking website & I was so happy with it.
I have been using a tonne of the Christmas line from Stampin' Up lately. Isn't it beautiful? And there are some great elements to go with the paper.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper & Stickers: Stampin' Up; String: May Arts; Brads: Doodlebug Designs; Rhinestones: Kaiser Craft; Poinsettia & letter sticker: making memories.

Layout 108

Lazy Christmas by Haley Ross
Does this layout look familiar? I think I've done it 7 or 8 times this year. It just always seems to be a good option with so many pictures...
Materials: Paper & Stickers: Stampin' Up; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts; String: May Arts; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer.

Layout 107

Special Delivery by Haley Ross
I thought this would be the perfect way to save some of the Christmas cards we/Miles received this past year. I don't save them all, but there were lots of new babies in our lives this year, so that meant lots of great pictures.

Materials: Patterned Paper: Stampin' Up; Stickers: Pebbles Inc.; poinsettias & buttons: making memories; Cricut Cartridge: San Serif; Other: Staples

Layout 106

Ready to Ride by Haley Ross
This picture is a bit crooked. I love love love the new Christmas line from My Minds Eye. It's so traditional, and so beautiful. And I also LOVE these little journaling spots from Jillibean Soup. So useful, so cute. Oooh, and I also love the rhinestone star burst brads. How Christmas-y. Love them.
Materials: Cardstock: Worldwin; Patterned Paper & Die-Cuts; My Minds Eye; JournalingJillibean Soup; Brads: Karen Foster; Alphabet Stickers: making memories; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer. Spots:

Layout 105

Christmas by Haley Ross
This is the epitome of a "non-layout". It's a 12x18 photo & a bunch of journaling. But scrapbooking comes in many different forms, and I had a lot to say, so I said it. And I loved this picture (I love all the pictures...).
Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Stickers: Doodlebug Designs

Layout 104

Home for the Holidays by Haley Ross
(double-click to enlarge)
This was my attempt to use up some of the scraps of paper that are slowly taking over my life, I mean, scrapbook room. I also used some old stickers that I bought when I first started scrapbooking (8 years ago!)
I am going to post some layouts from the Christmas album I have been working on over the past year. Miles' first Christmas may just be the world's most documented Christmas. In saying that, the layouts are all very simple (I'm a simple scrapbooker!), and some are even duplicated. But here they are. Finished. Yay me!
Materials: Patterned Paper: Basic Grey; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Buttons: My Minds Eye; Stickers: Pebbles Inc.

Layout 103

Clayground by Haley Ross

So, my sisters & I go on a "date" once a month. On this "date" we went to the Clayground & made our mom ceramic candle holders for Mothers Day. I have to laugh because Kendra wasn't too thrilled about our choice (Carm & I picked it) but she went along with it. Every once in a while she would grumble "I hate Crafts". And we would burst out laughing. And she does... she hates crafts. But she is a good sport. Well... THANK GOD these were a gift for mom and no one else... the candle holders were UG-LY. And we were even a little embarassed to pick them up. Kendra's was the worst (Sorry Nena, but you know it's true). It was terrible. And when mom unwrapped them we laughed so hard at it. And mom said "I love them all. They are beautiful because my girls made them for me." And she actually displays them in her house!!! I bet if she tells people that "her girls" made them for her they assume it was years ago... and that's fine by me.

Materials: Patterned Paper, Die Cuts & Stickers: Cosmo Cricut; Ribbon: May Arts; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer.

Layout 102

First Haircut by Haley Ross

I finally used this OLD paper from KI memories. I was trying to figure out how to work in the bright colors of the cutting cape. I think it worked out fine. And the little pocket full of hair (although some people are telling me is creepy) turned out well too.

I am obsessed. OBSESSED with the Photo Flip Flaps from Close To My Heart. I used them here again (pictured below) for the extra pictures I took. They are a scrapbookers dream product. If you want to get your hands on these ($4.95 for 15!) Erin Aumack is a CTMH rep and her blog is linked to the left of this page. She'll hook you up.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: KI memories; Chipboard & Stickers: KI Memories; Alphabet Stickers: Colorbok; Photo Flaps: Close To My Heart; Memory Pocket: 3L; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer.

Layout 101

Cruisin' the Island by Haley Ross

I took a million shots this day & narrowed it down to 11. I don't know if it's as effective as I had hoped. But it's done. And that counts for something!

Thanks to Kim who I stole the Die-Cuts from. I told her I would replace them but I just looked & I have none left in my store.. Haha! I'll make it up to you. Pinky swear.

Materials: Patterned Paper & Die-Cuts: My Minds Eye; Alphabet Stickers: EK Success & Thickers by American Crafts; Other: Transparency.

Ummmm...

... I am 66.66% done my challenge for the year. Unfortunately, it is December.

Has anyone else noticed that Kim's layouts are generally single-page layouts? I'm just sayin'.

Does anyone else feel this is unfair?

Layout 100

Daddy Abuse by Haley Ross

Materials: Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants Designs; Chipabord: Riff Raff Designs; Rub-ons: Cosmo Cricut & October Afternoon; Pen: EK Success; Cardstock: Bazill Basics

Layout 099

Book Worm by Haley Ross

Lucky number 99. This is my favourite layout of the year.

I love this. I love the pictures. I love the paper. I love the journaling. I love my boys.

It just all came together. And I love it.

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."

That is the quote on the left side of the page. Beautiful. It made me cry. I watch Miles copy his daddy and I fall in love. Everything Brian does, Miles does. And if Brian opens a book on the couch, Miles is right there with his. THIS is why I am having another baby. THIS is what I live for.

Materials: Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants Designs & My Minds Eye; Photo Flip Flap: Close To My Heart; Photo Turns: 7 Gypsies; Dustress Ink: Ranger.

Layout 098

Ok I wasn't going to post any more layouts but then saw Kim is on #124. Damn her. So here are some more... (WHY am I so competitive?)

Celebrate by Haley Ross

This is a bad picture (lifting transparency again!). But I love the paper line & I am happy with this layout. Funny thing.. the first thing I noticed when I saw these pictures was "Hey, my eyebrows look good." I have out of control eyebrows. Not here. They look good here. Carmelle would be so proud.

Materials: Patterned Paper & Die-Cuts: My Minds Eye; Stickers: making memories; Stamp: Luxe Designs; Ink: Stampin' Up

Layout 097

Endurance by Haley Ross

I have no journaling on this page. Rare for me. I wrote the date & event name on the path (right side of layout) but I had nothing else to write. This event did have a lot of meaning to us, but it's on another page. Do you ever get sick of scrapbooking the same sport over & over. I feel that way about running. I do like the yellow stripe at the top of the page. Happy with that. Adds flow.
Materials: Patterned Paper: My Minds Eye; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics: Alphabet Stickers: Bella Blvd.; Stickers: Karen Foster; Pen: Vellum Writer by EK Success.

Layout 096

New You by Haley Ross

I am lovin' that grosgrain ribbon from Stampin' Up. I'm gonna need another roll soon.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Creative Imaginations; Ribbons: Stampin' Up; Punch: Stampin' Up; Stickers: Lil' Davis; Pen: Ek Success

Layout 095

Relax by Haley Ross

Materials: Patterned Paper: Scrap Within Reach; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Chipboard: Riff Raff Designs; Punch: Stampin' Up

Layout 094

Funny Face by Haley Ross

When I showed Brian the layouts I had done on the weekend this was his favourite. Really? I thought it was just...meh. But then I realised that Brian looks at the photos, and not the scrapbooking. And I get it now. This layout didn't photograph very well, sorry, the transparency lifted. But I like the journaling. And I love the paper line. It's so cute & had adorable little die-cuts & titles to match. You will be seeing more of it, trust me.

Materials: Patterned Paper: K&Co.; Chipboard Die-Cuts: K&Co.; Number Stickers: American Crafts; Chipboard Alphabet: Heidi Swapp; Eyelets: We R Memory Keepers.

Layout 093

Cool Guy by Haley Ross

Um. Adorable photo, non? And the sticker I found was priceless. So happy with this layout. So very happy.

Materials: Patterned Paper & Die-Cuts: Cosmo Cricut; Stickers: Cosmo Cricut & Ek Success Jolees Boutique; Buttons: American Crafts; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Film Strip: Creative Imaginations; Chipaboard: Heidi Swapp; Other: Embroidery Floss.

Layout 092 (I'm on a roll...)

Kiss by Haley Ross

I am in LOVE with this new line from my Minds Eye. It's called Love Me Do, and I do, I love it. And I had the perfect pictures, in the perfect colors... but I had a problem... I loved every paper & wanted to use them all, so, with inspiration from Kacey, I did. And I love it. I think my mom will too.

I used some old Alphabet Soup letters (the blue ones) on this layout. They were about 5 years old. And they cost $18 at the time. So I was glad to put those to use.

Materials: Patterned Paper & Die-cuts: My Minds Eye; Acrylic Letters: KI memories; Other: Embroidery Floss

Layout 091

Lumberjack(ets) by Haley Ross

I hate this layout. I love the pictures, hate the layout. You know why? Because Kim was sitting across from me making a layout with the same paper that was 100x better. So, I hate this one. But I am NOT going to re-do it. I am going to put in into my album and live with it. Check out Kim's blog, I am sure she'll post her layout, it's beautiful (she put a little thing called Effort into it, and it shows.). Can you feel the jealousy?

Materials: Patterned Paper & Stickers: Cosmo Cricut; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts & Scenic Route; Other: Ribbon (stole from Kim) and transparency.

Layout 090

Heads Up by Haley Ross

Oops. This is a bad picture. But the photo on the layout isn't. This is actually one of my favourite days in the history of Miles :) On this day he just lifted his head & decided to play. And I remember being in awe. And so full of love. I must have taken a million pictures, I picked my favourite 6. It was hard.

I used old Chatterbox paper on this layout. OOOOld.

Materials: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Chatterbox & KI memories; Rub Ons: KI memories; Chipboard: Bazzill Basics; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts & Doodlebug Designs; Ribbon: May Arts.

Layout 089

Newsboy Cap by Haley Ross

I actually did this layout a while ago. But I just finished the journaling. That's one thing I like about Bloomin' Inn.. they have computers, so I always finish my journaling. I still have pages from our last retreat piled up waiting to be journaled.

Materials: Patterned Paper: Basic Grey & My Little Yellow Bicycle; Stickers: making memories; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Stamps: Heidi Swapp; Cricut Cartridge: Opposites Attract; Other: Button.

Layout 088

All Fired Up by Haley Ross

Um. My husband can be an idiot. Please don't judge. This picture (and the ones I am about to post) isn't the greatest. The transparency in the bottom right has a bad shadow. Meh. Big deal right? Oh, and I love the quote I found " Never do anything that you wouldn't want to explain to the paramedics". How suiting. Love it.

Materials: Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricut; Die-cut strip & Rub-ons: Cosmo Cricut; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts; Brads: Doodlebug Designs: Other: Transparency.

Layout 087

Presents by Haley Ross

I loved the card I got Brian a couple years ago so much. When you open it, Micheal Scott's voice says "Presents are the best way to show someone how much you care. It is like this tangible thing that you can point to and say "Hey man, I love you this many dollars worth". So funny. I wanted to include it on my layout of Brian getting his "dollars worth".

Materials: Patterned Paper: making memories; Stickers & Embellishments: making memories; Alphabet Stickers: Thickers by American Crafts; Brads: Doodlebug Designs; Ribbon Slot Punch: Fiskars; Pen: EK Success Zig Writer.

Be prepared...

... to be inundated with average scrapbooking.

A friend I was with on the weekend said she never posted any of her layouts on her blog because they weren't good enough. Bullsh*t. They are fine. But it got me thinking... are mine good enough? You bet. Good enough for me, and good enough for my blog. I post my layouts not because I think they are masterpieces (I'll leave that to the pros) but because then my friends & followers can see what I have been up to & check out my latest pictures.

So I am posting some layouts I have done today (in a feeble attempt to meet my 150 layout goal for the year).