December Online Class

Do you like to plan your scrapbooking projects? Copy down ideas and sketches for a later time? Then this Online Class is for you!!

It is a Scrapbooker's Planner using journaling pages from Creating Keepsakes.

The complete instructions and the link to the journaling pages can be found on the Go Scrapping Website: www.goscrapping.ca/classes.htm

Have fun! And Happy Scrapping!

Nottawasaga Retreat - Sold Out

Hi ladies....
The Annual February Retreat held at the Nottawasaga Resort in Alliston is Officially Sold Out! WOW! So wonderful! It's going to be a Fantastic event.

I have set up a wait list for this retreat in case of any additional tables that may come available or cancellations. If you would like to be on the wait list - please email Karen (that's me) at goscrapping@rogers.com to add your name to the list. I will keep you updated on any "progress".

I have a date over the holidays to go to the hotel and work out official room layouts etc... I will know more by then and will post the results.

Thanks for such a fabulous response ladies! Looking forward to seeing the 60 people who have successfully registered for the event at the retreat!

Gift Certificates Available

Looking for something for your Favourite Scrapper this Christmas?? -- How about a Gift Certificate from Go Scrapping!!

Go Scrapping has Gift Certificates available in Any Denomination that can be used for any Go Scrapping Crop, Retreat, Class or Merchandise.

Contact Go Scrapping Today
goscrapping@rogers.com

This Month's Online Class

Hi Ladies,
I posted the November Online class on the Go Scrapping Website on the weekend.
I sent a link in the November update newsletter but I thought I would also post it here.

The class is for a Coupon Book -- One that you (or your kids) can create for someone special.

Here is the Picture of the finished product. For Detailed instructions: Visit www.goacrapping.ca

SAVE THE DATE

Now that the last Go Scrapping Crop is over for 2007, I have been busy getting 2008 dates finalized!

SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday March 29, 2008
10AM - 8PM

Go Scrapping will be in BARRIE for another Day Crop.
The crop will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion on St. Vincent St.

Tickets will be on sale January 2008 at Scraps of Joy and by contacting Go Scrapping directly.

... Speaking of dates.....
The Early Bird Deadline for the weekend retreat at the Nottawasaga Resort February 22-24 is fast approaching. Get your online registration forms in by Nov 22 to qualify for the discounted rate.

See you in the new year!

*Video* - Our Favourite Camp Song.

Well.... I received the anticipated video of Deb and Darlene singing at "Camp Scrap" in Collingwood (Nov 2, 2007). The were voted the winners of the Camp Song Challenge by our attendees. Just so you all know... The challenge was to take your favourite camp song and re-write it to involve Scrapbooking, Go Scrapping, Retreats, etc and then sing it at the retreat. We had 6 groups of "artists" participate and lets just say their creativity doesn't end with scissors and glue.

Enjoy the video!!

Camp Scrap Pictures

Camp Scrap pictures have been uploaded to the Go Scrapping Website.
Also posted are the pictures from the Waterloo Day Crop held on October 20, 2007.

All pictures can be viewed at www.goscrapping.ca (in Photo Gallery) but for you eager beavers... here are the pictures from Camp Scrap held on Nov 2-4, 2007 at Blue Mountain Inn, Collingwood. Enjoy!

eek! Can't believe it

I have been so bad and not updated this blog in a long time. Sorry ladies. How rude!!

So much has gone on at Go Scrapping since my last post. Instead of re-capping it here -- please check out the Go Scrapping Message Board for recent posts.

We just got back from Blue Mountain and Go Scrapping's first fall retreat: Camp Scrap. It was a fabulous weekend!! I can't thank everyone enough for making our first retreat at Blue Mountain a huge success.

95 eager scrappers descended upon Blue Mountain with trolly-fulls of scrapping gear and itty bitty overnight bags!! Some came with their own shelving units and side tables but all came with with incredible pictures, lots of stories and oodles of creativity! The crop room was a buzz the entire weekend!

The retreat got off to a fabulous start on Friday. 42 Campers took the "Paint Techniques" class and paint was drying on lots of layouts the rest of the weekend as a result! People took the techniques shown in the class and ran with them -- so glad I could inspire you.

After the class, 6 groups of campers serenaded us their Scrapping Versions of their favourite camp song. What a Riot! Your creativity certainly doesn't end with paper and glue!! Deb and Darlene were voted as having the best song -- they are currently trying to email me the video clip so I can upload it to the website. I'll be sure to let you know when it's up and ready!

Saturday was chop full of classes by Judy and Sheri. They were amazing classes!! I wish images posted on the internet could do them justice!! Thanks for creating and teaching some amazing classes ladies!!

It was a good thing Jen got lots of rest on Saturday because she ended up staying up with our first ever 24 hour scrapper!! We have come close to pulling all nighters before but Saturday evening saw its first ever all night scrapper! And she was still scrapping into the day! Now that is dedication.

Scraps of Joy (Barrie) was the onsite store sponsor. They brought a fabulous selection of scrapping goods and offered a sweet make n take that I know was used in more than one layout that weekend! Carmen Mattson and Jodi Jennett were at the retreat representing Stampin' Up! and Kim McArthur was also there representing Close To My Heart. Each vendor provided fabulous Door Prizes for the Door Prize table and offered free make n takes for everyone!

Speaking of Door Prizes.... There were lots of items from Bisous, Scraphoria, Memory Mill, Simply Scrapping, The Scrapping Bug, the Scrapping Turtle, Keepsake Cottage, and Go Scrapping, of course, including a Grand Prize that consisted of a Memory Dock Tote & Planner and a Colorbok Desktop storage system and embellishments. Congratulations to ALL door prize winners including the Grand Prize winner - Giselle D!!

All in all it was a fabulous crop! -- Message Board Members meet and swapped cards and embellishments, we all got to make new friends, reconnect with scrapping friends from past retreats... giggle and inspire each other... Happy Scrapping Everyone and thanks for a fabulous weekend!

Barrie Crop Class Announced

I received the images and am thrilled to announce that Dianna from Scraps of Joy will be offering this amazing Bo Bunny Board Book Class at the Barrie Crop!

There are only 12 albums available so be sure to register for the class as soon as you arrive at the crop so you don't miss out!

The cost of this class will be $20 -- Such an amazing deal! Can't wait to see all your finished projects!! See you at the crop!

New Online Class

Just wanted to let you all know, if you haven't seen it already, this Month's Free Online Class has been posted on the Go Scrapping Website.

Michelle McCorkell has created an adorable Card Box that you can create yourself using a pre-made box found at any craft or even dollar store.

I hope you all check it out and create one for yourself. If you do, be sure to share it will us here on the blog on in the Go Scrapping Gallery!! Always love to see your work.

Michelle is our guest design team member this month. She was the winner of our Go Scrapping Amazing Race in June. She was given a box full of goodies to create with and share with the Go Scrapping Community! Congrats again, Michelle!! And fabulous work!

You can view all our Design Team's creations in the Go Scrapping Layout Gallery. There is a special section in the site dedicated to their fine work!!

Tickets on Sale for Fall Crops

Hi Ladies!!!!
The Fall Go Scrapping Crop Season is approaching fast!! Holy Cow!!
Get your tickets early to your favourite location!! All the sponsoring stores have tickets available for sale -- Looking forward to seeing you in the Fall!!!


Barrie Crop - September 29, 2007 (Stroud Curling Club) Tickets on sale at Scraps of Joy and Go Scrapping

Waterloo Crop - October 20, 2007 (First United Church Hall) Tickets on sale at Simply Scrapping (Cambridge), Scrapping Turtle (St Jacobs) & Go Scrapping.

Exeter Crop - October 27, 2007 (Royal Canadian Legion) Tickets on sale at Memory Lane (Zurich) and Go Scrapping

Brantford Crop - November 10, 2007 (Lions Park Auditorium) Tickets on sale at The Learning Factory and Go Scrapping.

To Contact Go Scrapping or More info:
www.goscrapping.ca
goscrapping@rogers.com

What a Great Start to Our First Online Crop!!

Last night from 7-11Pm EST Go Scrapping Launched its first online crop with tons of games and challenges!!! What an evening! Everyone seemed to have a great time.

I thought I would create a list of last night's winners here for all to see in one place. Congrats to the winners! I have also included a sampling of the FLASH Challenges (challenges people had a 1 hour time limit to complete and post) here too! Enjoy! And thanks to all who participated and to Judy and Nancy (my fabulous Design Team) who helped create some fabulous challenges and games and PRIZES!!

FLASH CHALLENGE WINNER (By Drawing) - Tanya (AKA TAG)

Nancy's WORD GAME (Anagrams and Descriptive Synonyms)WINNER - Rosanne

RAK POTATO (Cyber Space's version of Hot Potato):
RAK 1 – Lori
RAK 2 – Amber (kauri)
RAK 3 – Eccentric*elle
RAK 4 – Lynn (limmer)
RAK 5 – Susan
RAK 6 - Melissa

Scrapping BINGO (Had a 4 way tie!!!)
First to "Call Bingo" - Tracey (mom2maya)
Prizes also go to - Amber (kauri), Ava (cottagerca), Rosanne

Online Crop!!

Who's ready for an online crop?? I am, I am -- Well almost :)
Judy B, Nancy and I are having a great time preparing for Go Scrapping's first ever online crop! It's free -- All you have to do is register on the Go Scrapping Message Board and start scrapping!! There will be lots of challenges and games for you to play for Prizes!! Yahoo!! Gotta love prizes!!

The crop starts at 7:00PM EST Monday July 30, 2007 and the games and "flash challenges" will run until 11:00PM EST. There will also be a series of challenges that will be posted for a week to give you time to complete as many as you like -- each challenge will have it's own prize so there are plenty of opportunites to win!

HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US AND GET YOUR FRIENDS INVOLVED!!

4th Fall Crop Announced

I am happy to announce that Go Scrapping will be in Exeter on Saturday October 27 from 10 AM - 8PM for a Day Crop sponsored in part by Memory Lane (Zurich).

Tickets are $45 and are on sale starting this week through Go Scrapping or Memory Lane -- So, vacationing near "the Bend" this summer? Stop on by Memory Lane do a little shopping and pick up your ticket. Love to see you there.

Details are posted on the Go Scrapping Website

Fall Schedule

I am thrilled to announce 3 of the 4 upcoming Go Scrapping Day Crops to be held this fall. Hope you can all join us!!

Mark your Calendars!!

September 29, 2007 - Barrie Day Crop (Stroud Curling Club)
October 20, 2007 - Waterloo Day Crop (First United Church)
November 10, 2007 - Brantford Day Crop (Lions Park Auditorium)

Also... Registrations for "CAMP SCRAP" November 2-4, 2007 at Blue Mountain Inn, Collingwood are coming in fast!! I have received 51 weekend registrations so far! It's going to be a fabulous weekend!! If you haven't already registered... please do. Early Bird Registrations will continue until August 2, 2007.

TWO 2008 RETREATS are also booked.
Nottawasaga Resort (February 22-24, 2008)
Festival Inn, Stratford (April 25-27, 2008)
...check the website for details to be posted soon!!!

Happy Summer Scrapping Ladies!!!
...til the next post!

Thanks for a Great "Tour"

This weekend was Go Scrapping's 2nd Waterloo Region Scrapbook Tour.
Thank you to everyone who participated!! You helped make it a fabulous event!!

Special thanks to the participating stores:
Simply Scrapping, The Scrapping Bug, Herrschners, Two Scrapbook Friends & Scrapping Turtle for all your store discounts, make n takes (& take n makes) and smiling faces. None of this would have happened without you!!

We had a lovely evening at First United Church for the after tour crop social hosted by Go Scrapping. We awarded the tour prizes at the crop! Congratulations to all our winners!!

The Winner of the Weekend Retreat to Blue Mountain in November is:
Terri M
She visited all the stores and picked out a STRAIGHT!! 3H,4S,5S,6C,7C
Looking forward to meeting you in Collingwood!!

Our other Prize winners were:
Tammy W - Two Scrapbook Friends
Kim M - Simply Scrapping
Anna - Scrapping Turtle
Juanita - Go Scrapping
Sue D - The Scrapping Bug
Brenda R - Herrschners

Thanks again everyone! See you in the Fall!!!

Waterloo Region Scrapbook Tour

Friday May 25 & Saturday May 26, 2007

Join Go Scrapping and the 5 Participating Stores:
Simply Scrapping, The Scrapping Bug, Herrschners, Two Scrapbook Friends and Scrapping Turtle for the Waterloo Region Scrapbook Tour.

All the stores will be offering Product Discounts and Free Make N Takes for the Tour Passport Holders.

Simply Scrapping: 2 for $1 Cardstock, 2 for 1 Ribbon by the Yard and Metal American Crafts Letters, 15% off My Minds Eye (Tres Jolie, Signature Suite, etc), 15% off American Crafts Rubons and more.
The Scrapping Bug: 20% off Regular Priced Items
Herrschners: 20% off Regular Priced Items
Two Scrapbook Friends: 15% off Entire product Purchase
Scrapping Turtle: Double Turtle Rewards Stamps & 25% off one regular priced item

Shop Only Passports: $8 (before May 20), $10 (After May 20)
Shop & Crop Passports: $18 (before May 20), $20 (After May 20)

For more information about the tour and how you can win a Go Scrapping Weekend Retreat to Camp Scrap ... please visit the website and click on "scrapbook tour"

Lights Camera Scrapbook 2

The rest of the weekend went VERY Well! Thank you all for your kind words and making the retreat a blast for me too!! ...and Jen, of course :)

I have uploaded pictures on Go Scrapping's Photo Gallery ... But here are a few more.

Thank you to Sheri East and Judy Beeksma (two of Go Scrapping's Design Team Members) who taught classes on Saturday at the retreat! What beautiful projects - posting them on the Internet doesn't do them justice!! And thanks to Marcie (Stampin' Up!), Cathy (TLC)and Monica and Terri from Keepsake Cottage for being the vendors at the event! Much appreciated! :)

Congratulations goes out to Karen R - Winner of the Best Layout of the Weekend and all the other door prize winners at the crop!

See you all next year for Sunday Brunch - Oh, that's Jen's line ;)

Lights Camera Scrapbook

Here's a few pics of day one:
Well, everyone arrived eager to scrap at the second annual Stratford Retreat at the Festival Inn. A couple of people even came "in theatrical style".

People are having fun earning tickets for the door prizes. We have a ton of great goodies this year from:

bZoo
Scraphoria
Keepsake Cottage
Scrapping Bug
Simply Scrapping
Scrapping Turtle
Two Scrapbook Friends
TLC
Stampin' Up!
The Learning Factory
Scrapfest.......and more woop woop!!

Here's a few pics of day one:

Bags are packed

My bags are packed and I am ready to go to Stratford for this weekend's scrapping retreat! Can't wait to see you there!

We will have internet access in the crop room so I will be sure to post each night on the Go Scrapping Message Board and here too (of course).

See you soon!!

CreativFestival

I had a great time doing a make n take at the CreativFestival yesterday! It was great to meet so many new people and see some "Go Scrappers" too!!! Thanks for making it a great day!!

Go Scrapping Amazing Race

Join the Go Scrapping Online Community for the Go Scrapping - Amazing Race!!

Starting April 12, on the message board, the Design Team and I will be posting a series of challenges for you to complete and post in our gallery. Some challenges will require you to do layouts, others will require cards and some will be a hodge podge of other tasks and "Road Blocks" for you to complete to remain eligible for our grand prize -- to become a Guest Design Team Member this summer... Yes, I will be sending you a box of goodies to create with, inspire and enjoy!!

The last person to post their challenges will be eliminated from the race... be sure to visit the message board for more details and to sign up for this great contest!! Good Luck!!

On another Note:
Class Descriptions (and Registration Form) have been posted on the website for the upcoming Stratford Retreat - Lights Camera Scrapbook! If you are attending this Retreat April 27-29, 2007 - be sure to register for your classes early. Classes are on a First Come, First Serve basis!! Can't wait to see you all at the retreat!!

Waterloo Day Crop - Recap

Well.... as promised!! The pictures from the Waterloo Day Crop held on March 24, 2007 are now posted in the Go Scrapping Photo Gallery (www.goscrapping.ca)

It was a fabulous day!! We had 50 fun and enthusiastic scrapbookers join us at the crop!! We gave away many fabulous Door Prizes sponsored by:

Scrapping Turtle (onsite store)
TLC - Cathy Locke, Consultant
Stampin Up! - Wilma, Consultant
Lucy Kearns Designs (onsite vendor)
The Scrapping Bug
Simply Scrapping
Two Scrapbook Friends
The Learning Factory
Fiskars Canada
Go Scrapping
Just Juliets & more!!

Thank you to ALL our Sponsors!!

The Winner of the Best Layout of the Day was Catherine F.!! Catherine Received a Prize Package at the Crop AND a subscription to Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine (Thank you SCT!!) Congratulations Catherine!!

I hope you post here and join us on the Message Board, share your experiences and participate in the Go Scrapping Community all year long!!

Thanks for a GREAT day everyone!!

Hello All..
One more day until the Waterloo Crop! Can't wait to see you there. I know there is a lot of buzz on "the boards" about this crop! Woop Woop I'll be sure to post details and pics on the Go Scrapping Website ...and here too... after the event!

I did my LSS "rounds" yesterday!! I kept running into Catherine and Kerri (Co Founder and Editor of Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine)! They were in the area visiting stores celebrating the magazines 1 year anniversary! Congratulations SCT!! The New Issue Looks FANTASTIC! I was touring the stores, picking up door prizes for Saturday, Crop Tickets, etc Saw a lot of people stocking up for the weekend! There were a lot of Great Sales goin on!! Can't beat that!!

I have been thinking about scrapbooking my University Days lately!! In the last week I have been contacted and spoken to people I haven't chatted with in years! Brings back so many memories. My friend Rich (who also one of the Dons at rez in Calumet) emailed saying that he wanted to start an alumni space on Facebook (www.facebook.com) - How great is that? I signed up right away and emailed a few others that I had emails for and now we are chatting again!! YAY!! A couple days later, York University contacted me because I have been active at the university since graduating in '96. On March 21 they launched a new online networking site for alumni called York inCommon (http://incommon.yorku.ca) Holy Cow!! We're all coming out of the "woodwork" and I can't be happier! I smell a get together in works!! Must break open those old photos and get scrapping!!

So...fellow bloggers - Here is my challenge to you: Post a school memory (or itemisze a bunch) that helped defined who you are today! There must be lots!!
Here are some of my All Time Favs:

- Hot Tub Pubs "On the Edge"
- Charity Casino Nights
- Theme Nights at the Pub (Okay... I was a pub manager so there are lots of these :)) Halloween, Super Bowl, Pool Tournaments, Academy Awards Night....)
- ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW 1991(That goodness I didn't have to clean up after that!)
- Concerts!! One act we brought in was Amanda Marshall!!
- Bootstrap (the computer lab)...my hang out when I wasn't in the pub! And for a lot of ALL Nighters!
- Calumet Bowling Team - Yep, I admit it! It was a HOOT!
- I (with a couple of friends)started FUSS (Federation of Urban Studies Students)
- Faculty Meetings (Very eye opening) Yep... I was the student rep in the Urban Studies Faculty Meetings
- Two most Fav Profs ever - Jon Caulfield, Engin Isen! Fabulous Classes!
- Everything Calumet!! YAY Cougars!

DD's New Room

DD asked for a New Spa Room and Auntie Kel came through!
DD really wanted a Pink SPA Room! She loves all that girlie girl stuff! So... Here are the results!

Thanks Auntie!!

Two Big Announcements!!

1 - The Next Retreat has been Posted and Registration is OPEN!
Join Go Scrapping at Blue Mountain Inn, Collingwood - Nov 2-4, 2007 for Camp Scrap! A Camp themed weekend scrapbooking retreat... No worries... We certainly won't be roughing it here!
Price depends on occupancy, be sure to view details on the Go Scrapping Website!

Scraps of Joy (Barrie) and Kim McArthur (CTMH, Consultant) have already confirmed their attendance! Hope you can join us too!!

2 - A New WATERLOO REGION SCRAPBOOK TOUR has been announced! Join Go Scrapping, Simply Scrapping, The Scrapping Bug, Herrschners, Two Scrapbook Friends & Scrapping Turtle for our second Waterloo Region Scrapbook Tour held Friday May 25 & 26, 2007.

Like the last Tour, there will be exclusive discounts for passport holders at all the stores, prizes & Free Make N Takes!!

There are Two Passport Options:
Shop Only - $8 (if purchased before May 20), $10
Shop & Crop - $18 (if purchased before May 20), $20
Passports are available to purchase at the participating stores or through Go Scrapping!!

The Crop will be held at First United Church in Waterloo from 6PM- Midnight. All Prizes will be given out at the crop including.... A Weekend Retreat Package (for one) to Camp Scrap at Blue Mountain! Check the website for details!

Another Successful Weekend Retreat!
I had a GREAT time with you ladies at the Go Scrapping Retro Weekend at the Nottawasaga Resort this past weekend! It was a real pleasure to host such a great, enthusiastic bunch of scrappers! Great Resort, Great Food, Great Layouts!!....And Fabulous Retro Costumes too!! :)

Congratulations to Dawn M - Our Queen of the Crop and Big Door Prize Winner! She sure did win big this year! How Fabulous!

Congratulations also goes out to Jenn B - Winner of the Layout of the Weekend! In addition to winner a great prize at the retreat, she will also receive a subscription to Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine! Well Done! I have posted the layout here for you all to enjoy!!

Pictures of the Retreat have already been posted in the Go Scrapping Photo Gallery!! I encourage you all to go "Check it Out!"

We had a lot of fabulous Sponsors for this event! Thank you to all!! They Included:
Scrapbook Paradise - onsite store
Kim McArthur - onsite CTMH Consultant
Marjolaine Walker - onsite TLC Consultant

The Scrapping Bug
Simply Scrapping
Scrapping Turtle
The Learning Factory
Fiskars Canada
Scraphoria.ca
Just Juliets
A Scrapbookers Dream
Spaark Albums
scrapbook & Cards Today
Jacolage Scrap Designs

Thank you so much to everyone!

On to the next event!! I will be posting the New Fall Retreat online this week!! And I will also be posting details on the next KW Scrapbook Tour!! Woo Hoo!

The Next Day Crop is March 24 in Waterloo! Can't wait to see you all there!
Happy Scrapping!!

All packed and ready to go!!
The Nottawasaga Retreat starts tomorrow and I am VERY excited!!
My Retro "costume" is ready too... That will be a hoot! Can't wait to see many people dressing up for the occasion! Looking forward to a great weekend with the scrappers! I will be sure to post pictures of the event here and on the Go Scrapping Website for you all to enjoy!

HI everyone!!!
Can't believe the retreat is next weekend..
I sent out an email with this information to those who are attending the retreat but I thought that I would also post it here too...

The Crop Room opens at the Nottawasaga Resort on Friday at 4 PM and closes Sunday at 3PM. As people arrive at different times on Friday - Friday Dinner is not arranged through your weekend package. There is a Cafe and a Dining Room in the hotel if you wish to dine at either one of those locations.

There is a Full Service Spa located at the hotel. Details of all their services can be found on their website www.nottawasagaresort.com . It is a good idea, if you wish to partake in some of these services, to pre-book your appointment before you arrive.

I will be giving a tour of the hotel Friday evening for anyone wishing to "check it out". (Probably around 8PM ) There is a pool, a fitness area and games room. So don't forget to bring your bathing suit :)

I will have my computer, scanner and 12" printer available for use in the crop room. You can use it to format and print your journaling FREE OF CHARGE but if you wish to bring a picture CD, or scan, and print pictures at the crop I do ask for $1 for every 8.5x11 Glossy Photo printing you do to help cover ink costs, etc. There will be Glossy Photo Paper there for you to use for this. Transparencies will also be available for $1 (no additional printing costs). This will be set up as an on your honour thing. A Box will be available to deposit any printing fees you may incur.

DRESS UP FRIDAY!! There are many people planning to come to the hotel on Friday Dressed in Retro Style!! I hope you do too! There will be a prize for the person that best represents Retro Style!! I have heard some fun things pertaining to this.. a couple of people are digging out "Afro Wigs" another has made an appointment with their hairdresser to get them all "dolled up"... others have been raiding the 2nd hand shops and digging out chunky costume jewelry... Can't wait to see!! I hope you all participate! -- My costume is almost complete :)

I have been busy finalizing all the little details! I have a few surprises!! I can't wait to share them with you!!

Retreat Coming Soon...

I have been busy finalizing the "little", yet time consuming, details for the Retreat at the Nottawasaga Resort Feb 23-25. I am so looking forward to this. I have some special surprises in store for retreat goers!! Can't wait to see what you think!! :) I know, I am a tease. Let's just say I find the Retro Theme very fun to plan around!!

Classes are posted for the Nottawasaga Retreat too. I have heard back from 95% of you about your class selections. I have seen the samples and I know you will enjoy taking classes with Sheri and Judy!

Plans are in the works for a May 25 & 26, 2007 Kitchener Waterloo Scrapbook Tour!! I am speaking with the stores this week and will post details on the website by March 1. Looking forward to another great Scrapbooking Tour!!

Also in the works.. I am finalizing plans for a Nov 2-4, 2007 Weekend Retreat in Collingwood!! Details for this "Camp Themed" Retreat will be posted very soon. Be sure to keep checking the Go Scrapping Website for details!!

BIG HUGE LAYOUT CONTEST UPDATE:
We are in the final month of Go Scrapping's BIG HUGE LAYOUT CONTEST cosponsored by 3M and Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine. We still have approximately 20 scrappers eligible for the Grand Prize (Featured with Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine and a Prize pack from 3M). The Judges will be deliberating during the first week of March and we will be posting the name of the Winner as soon as she is selected. Good Luck Everyone!

I've been tagged!!

OKAY... I HAVE BEEN TAGGED SO HERE ARE MY RESPONSES

A=Available - Nope.. got my hubby and he would kill me if I said yes! :)
B=Best Friend - Oh dear.. this could be trouble :) I'd say Sheri
C=Cake or pie - Depends on the flavour! Both!
D=Drink of choice - right now... Cranberry and Orange Juice Mix
E=Essential item you use everyday - My toothbrush -- Oh yeah
F=Favourite color - teals and greens
G=Gummy bears or worms - Bears, definately
H=Hometown - Barrie, ON
I= Indulgences - Anything scrapbook related... and "chippies"!
J= January or February - January. I so get the Feb Blahs
K=Kids and names - Rather not post name but I have one :)
L=Life is incomplete without - Family, for sure!
M=Marriage date - In August - Hopefully I will remember!
N=Number of siblings - 1 younger
O=Oranges or apples - Apples!
P=Phobias or Fears - Failure
Q=Favourite Quote - Marjorie wrote about one she liked when she was a teen -- It made me smile and think "I Must, I Must, I must increase my bust!" - Judy Bloom (Are you there God it's me Margaret)
R=Reason to smile - My kid!
S=Season - Summer! The trailer, warm weather and the beach
T=Tag 3 or 4 people - Sheri,Judy, Jenn
U=Unknown fact about me - One eye is bigger than the other
V=Vegetable you don't like - Brussel sprouts -- Here! Here!
W= Worst habit - Cancer Sticks... yep I admit it - must quit
X=X-rays - Of my thick skull :) My middle finger :)
Y=Your favorite food - Anything I do not have to make!
Z= Zodiac Sign - Libra

Scrapping this Weekend

I had a fabulous weekend scrapping and spending time with friends.

On Saturday I was invited to an informal crop with a few Go Scrapping friends where I took the opportunity to create the 10 6x6 recipe swap layouts that are due next month! Whoo Hoo! I can't believe I am ahead of the game :) I have posted it here to share with you all. It is for a delicious Asian Style Beef and Noodle Soup (the swap theme is soups and apps). Hope they like it!



I also took the crop opportunity to create 3 of the 4 cards for my next card class at Simply Scrapping!! The samples are at the store now and I hope my students love them. I did a couple of "love" themed cards for Valentines Day and an All Occasion Card as well. Now... What to create to finish the class... ?? I guess you will all have to wait and see! :)

Sunday was another fabulous day! The Scrapping Turtle in St Jacobs celebrated their one year anniversary with an in-store auction. Participants were asked to keep their receipts dating back to Dec 1 and the total of those receipts equaled the amount of money that you could use to bid on some fabulous prizes!! It was a hoot! I did get a Memories Complete Prize Pack to take home and got to see many familiar faces!! Fabulous! Congratulations on your Anniversary Scrapping Turtle.

Sunday night Sheri and I went out to dinner at the new Thai place in Waterloo. Yummy! We were supposed to meet A Scrapbookers Dream store owner (Bolton) for dinner as well but she was unable to make it due to weather and a traffic stoppage on the 401. Bummer!! But Sheri and I had a fabulous dinner! I encourage everyone from this are to "check it out". You won't be disappointed!! Love Thai Food!! :)

Message Board Laughs

I love the ladies on the Go Scrapping Message Board!! They are too funny.
The January 17 QOTD was posted by savvyshare and it put a smile on my face all day so... I had to Scrap it.

The Question read: Welcome to Sesame Street! For some bizarre reason you have just moved into the neighbourhood -- you need a roommate though. Which resident of Sesame Street do you shack up with and why?

The responses were out of this world!! Here are a few:
- Cookie Monster would be cool, but the crumbs! And - does he share??? "
- "GROVER rocks my world....and he's a superhero. Sweeeeet."
- "Well, since I already live with "Oscar the Grouch", i would like someone happier like "Big Bird"!!!"

... Then there was my response:
"I guess I will say "The Count". Why?? What can I say? I am into math geeks!!"

I enjoyed this QOTD so much I called my Math Geek at work to make his day.
Thanks for the Layout Inspiration Guys! ... you and CK Mag. :)

Back to the Daily Grind

WE are back from our trip now :)
It seems like we did nothing but drive for days... Oh, we did :)
This trip marked the first time that I have driven through the Virginias - WOW. I didn't realize they had mountain terrain. I guess if I actually took a moment to think about it, of course they do! I am well aware that the mountain range runs from the states up through Quebec and the Maritimes. I am such a goof. :) Anyway. It was nice to drive but, for as much as I dislike driving through Ohio, I don't think I will take that way again any time soon. I-79 is like a rollercoaster - Up, down, around, through.. My car needs stability and traction system repair (that message is blinking at me now) Glad I did it at least once though.

We drove up to Barrie before coming home to see my folks. My mom's birthday was when we were away so we took the opportunity to visit. They (my mom and dad) went on a cruise Sunday (yesterday) so it was nice to see them before they left.

Well... Here we are back home. Lots of mail to go through, emails to answer, tickets to mail :) Glad to be home (trying to ignore the piled laundry as much as possible.... Not working)

Happy New Year Everyone!! Thank you so much for reading this trip blog. Glad you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!! (Been hearing from many of you about it)

Day 13

Charleston, South Carolina
We spent the entire day in and around Charleston. How fabulous!
We started the day off by going to Boone Hall Plantation. I found it on the internet a while back and am I ever glad I did. I mentioned in another post that I used to have dreams about this area spurred on by books and yes, even movies. I think that I have seen every Civil War movie out there. Back in the 80s I loved a "little" 12 part Mini Series called North and South starring (among many) Patrick Swayze. I must have seen this mini series 6 times if I have seen it once because I used to always rent it too. Well... As it turns out, Boone Hall Plantation was the backdrop of the movie -- Ory Main's home (Patrick Swayze's Character). I recognized it as soon as I pulled up to it. I got goose bumps.. And when my suspicions were confirmed I practically giggled with glee! Who knew?!!

The Boone Hall is the oldest working plantation in the State. They have guided tours of the site, the main house and of "Slave street". There are 9 original brick slave "cabins" dating from 1790-1810 on site (there had previously been 27). These cabins housed the slaves working in the main house, kitchen areas and as drivers. They were not for field hands. Still, so tiny and housed approximately 12 people in each one (approximately two families in each cabin). 4 of the remaining buildings housed displays about Gullah culture and its history. The people working at Boone Hall were extremely knowledgeable about the history of the plantation (good and bad), some wore period clothing and they truly made it a wonderful experience to visit.

The house you see in pictures was built in 1936. Yes 1936. Apparently two Canadians came down to Charleston, bought the Plantation and didn't like the house that sat on it. They tore it down and re-built a new home in early colonial style (Adams Style). Go Figure. We were told however, that they spared no expense and even brought electricity to the area. They were the first home in the area to have it. They harnessed hydroelectric power from the river running adjacent to the property -- interesting. I could go on but I won't bore you here. Be sure to ask me sometime :) I will say that this was a fabulous experience, breathtaking and very educational. I highly recommend visiting if you are ever in the area.

Now, Downtown Charleston -- what can I say? WOW! Pictures do not do it justice. We took a Carriage Tour of the historic district. Our Tour Guide, Myron, was fabulous. He pointed out things I never would have noticed walking around on my own. So glad we did this. DD & DH thoroughly enjoyed it as well although DH got more out of it. Our guide talked about the architecture, the history of the people who developed the area, talked about the effects of the earthquake and fires of the past as well as Hugo -- a what is here now and why kind of thing. Very cool. There are a couple of Carriage Companies in Charleston so I asked a few locals their opinion on the best one and every person I asked said the same tour company -- Palmetto Carriage (in the Red Barn. We certainly weren't disappointed!

Enjoy the pics.

...And the adventure continues...

Days 11 & 12

Happy New Year!!
Day 11 (New Years Day) - The three of us got up "fairly" early in the morning and went to breakfast at the resort. We used up the last of our meal plan options and had a good start to our leisurely trek back home. First Stop: Kennedy Space Center.

We arrived at Kennedy's Visitor's Center around 11:30AM, paid for our tickets (ouch), went through security (holy cow) and entered NASA Heaven (at least that is what I call it :) ) I got pins and needles just driving out to it! We purchased "NASA Up Close" tickets that included a tour of the launch pads (extreme close up), landing sites and more. It also included a two day entry and passes to the astronaut museum located down the road (still on property).

Since our two hour tour didn't leave until 1:10, we browsed the Rocket Garden and took in a Mad Science Show about going to Mars. DD was chosen from the crowd to help out and be a part of the show. She had to wear a NASA Flight Suit and ride a small simulator (I'll call it the "rocket chair" for lack of a better description). She had a lot of fun and was very proud to wear the uniform! The show itself was very fast paced, fun for all, and yes, even educational!

The tour was great. I've seen the sites in movies and pictures but nothing can compare to seeing them in person. It's hard to believe people actually were sent into space from there and some died trying. ....Again goose bumps!! I suppose I am a geek at heart -- I love this stuff! Can't wait to see what the program brings us in the future!

As there was just too much to see and do in one day, we decided to get a room at a near by hotel and visit again. On Day 12 we arrived around 10:30AM and went directly to the IMAX Theatre where we saw a movie narrated by Tom Hanks called Magnificent Desolation (A movie about the Apollo Missions and Walking on the Moon) It was fabulous and in 3D.

After the show we hopped back in the car and traveled a few miles to the Astronaut Museum. It is an interactive Museum that has simulation rides and games for people of all ages to experience. DD and DH tried the G Force Simulator that "spun" you so that you can experience what 4 Gs feels like... Not for me :). We all went in the Mars Rover Simulator that simulated what it might be like to ride a vehicle on the surface of the planet Mars - very cool. DD strapped herself into the Moon Walk Simulator - a contraption that is supposed to let you feel like you are 1/6th your weight and walking on the moon. There were other interactive games and such there too but DH and I also really liked the tributes to the astronauts and seeing some actual pieces of the missions to space. In particular, there was an actual Apollo Command Module there - one that went through re-entry. You could see the burn marks created from the heat of re-entry. You could even see where the glass bubbled on the Hatch windows - Unbelievable! It is hard to imagine anyone surviving in there. All in all, a great place to visit. I won't watch another space mission in the same way again, for sure!

We headed back out on the highway around 2:30/3PM and headed North. We did make a couple of quick stops but nothing too major - just dinner and a little shopping :) We are now in Charleston, SC and are looking forward to a day of exploring the area!

...And the adventure continues...

Day 10 - New Years Eve

It is New Years Eve and our last full day at Disney. It certainly has been a fun filled trip so far!!

DD asked to have a down day hanging out at the resort. We had seen what we wanted to see at the parks and it was a gorgeous day to hang out at the "beach"!! The sun was out and the temp was approximate 85 degrees!! Fabulous!

The Resort had some kids activities this afternoon. Some Pool and Beach Games that DD wanted to participate in. They played pool tag, Marco Polo Disney Style: Finding Nemo, had Cannon Ball competitions (DD won for best style) then went to the beach for water balloons and beach volleyball!! Very fun. DD and I also had fun in the pool while DH watched on. They have a water slide here too and as DD says, "It's not big, Mama. But it sure is fast!"

The big dilemma: Go to Epcot as planned for Fireworks or watch them from the resort. Our resort (the Caribbean Beach Resort) is situated with great views to watch not only the Epcot Fireworks but also MGM's. We heard the parks were all pretty much at capacity and none of us really wanted to brave the crowds... so.. We opted to stay at the resort. I am really glad we did. We missed out on some of the ground show that they would have done at the park but we had a Fabulous, Crowd-free view of the show. AND we could also see MGM's!! We wouldn't have been able to do that from Epcot!

So, we took a table, made ourselves comfortable, got drinks and watched the show from the comfort of the resort. What a way to ring in the new year! Happy New Year Everyone (and Happy Birthday Mom. We were thinking of you)

We leave the resort in the morning. I will blog again when I get the chance (not sure if the next hotel will have a connection)

....and the adventure continues.....