Dear Diary, Love Mary & TWO new date elements!!

Today's our last day of The Dating Diaries! I hope you've enjoyed sharing our date stories as well as picking up some fun date elements. Today I have TWO awesome new date elements!

Today's story is my own. I debated about whether or not I should tell a fun story with dh or if I should tell one of my craziest date stories ever...I'm going with the crazy!

There was a guy at my work during college who had a big crush on me. He would leave me little treats on my chair and use any excuse to walk by. He was nice enough, but I knew a relationship wouldn't last. After a couple of months of "treats" he did ask me out on a date. I accepted. I think everyone deserves a first date. Well, we doubled with his roommate and went out to dinner and then mini golf. I ordered a steak for dinner (yep, that's the kind of date I am!) and when it was brought out to me, he leaned over with HIS fork and knife and started to CUT MY MEAT FOR ME?!? Yikes! I had to yell at him to stop cutting my meat. Dinner continued. I asked him to pass me the ketchup later in the meal, and you guessed it, he tried to squirt it on my plate! Oh my...needless to say, there was not a second date!

Today's scrappin' goodies are BRAND NEW and very fun! First up we have Date Ticker. This is a fun little product to put your date on sort of like the ticker tape!

And the second product is a digital product, but can be easily converted to a hybrid project too! Here is Perpetual Calendar. It's got a great doodle feel with a lot of elements that would be great for sprucing up your journaling on other layouts too!

Both of these new releases are on sale for 30% off this weekend only! They will go back to regular price on Monday, so get them while they are on sale!

Congratulations to our winner DOLORES! You are winning both of these products! Email or PM me at Funky Playground for your code!

On to some dating inspiration! The CT has been super busy creating LOs with all of these date products! Let's have a look...

Check out this desktop calendar Abish created?!

And some digi LOs...

Have a great weekend!

Dear Diary, Love Lisa & Heidi

We are coming to the end of our Dating Diaries! I hope you've had as much fun reading these stories as I have! We do have another new date set today and TWO BRAND NEW date elements coming out tomorrow - you're going to LOVE them! ...maybe even want to marry them...sorry...I couldn't resist! 

Be sure to comment on the sneak peek post for a chance to win the two date elements tomorrow!

We have two stories again today! Two more good ones...two more happy endings.

Our first story is from Lisa.

How my husband and I met was all happenstance.  Even after the disaster which almost ended our first date, we are still together!  I was attending summer school at Texas Women’s University and met, who is now my sister-in-law.  She happily set her brother and I up on a blind date.  As he was driving from Dallas, Texas to Denton, Texas for our date, a semi-truck dumped a load of concrete mix all over the road making it impossible for him to pass.  This was of course before cell phones!  Needless to say I was getting pretty upset from being, what I thought was him standing me up.   I did not really want to see this man again.  However, when he did finally arrived, he spued this unbelievable story and I have to admit, I did not believe a word of it!  He made up for it and we are still living our happily ever after 33 years!

Can you believe that? When it's meant to be, it's meant to be, right?!

Our second story is from Heidi.

When my DH and I were dating, just before we were engaged, we took a Dating and Marriage Prep. class together while we were at college. We went to the same exact class, studied the same exact material, and on the final, he came away with an A, and I got a C! I remember he wondered if he needed to be a little worried...if he needed to think twice. =) We made an appointment with our teacher and we went to talk with him. I don't remember exactly what advice he gave us, but we did still get married...and I guess after 15 years and 5 kids, I would have to say that on-the-job-training was more what I needed than the book-training!

My DH's comment on the story:
It was definatly a leap of faith on my part! How do you get a C in Dating and Marriage Prep?? All you have to do is show up!

I'm glad he stuck with me...the ride has been so worth it!

Isn't that hilarious?

Today's date element re-release is Create a Calendar! These are fun to use on LOs. You can layer them up or set them apart. The fun is in the creating!

Be sure to pick up Create a Calendar today while it's still on sale!

Dear Diary, Love Lynett & Dawn

Welcome back to the Dating Diaries! A fun promotion where we share some of the dates we've been on and release some old and new date elements!

Today we have two stories for you! The first is from Lynett about how a mismatched double date turned into years of dates!

Jason and I met in graduate school. We had one class together, Classical Mechanics. I was the only girl in the class and he was the only student who would really study with me. We spent the whole semester hanging out, doing physics and becoming great friends. Towards the end of the semester, we decided to go on a double date together. The catch is I went with my boyfriend Ed (yes that was he real name) and him with his girlfriend, BJ. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at my favorite Chinese restaurant. Jason told me years later that he realized that night that he did not want to be friends with me. He sat at the dinner feeling unhappy and jealous....

Not long after that date, he broke up with BJ and asked me out. We dated for almost 2 months and on Feb. 8 of this year we will have been married for 16 years.

What a great story! I'm glad they figured out who was supposed to be with whom!! Our next story is from Dawn and it also has a happy ending!

 My husband, Jesse, knew he was going to marry me after just one date. It took me a little longer though! When the time came, that he was getting ready to propose to me, we decided he would go "old school" and ask my dad for my hand in marriage! We had it all planned. He came over for supper, and was going to ask my dad after dessert. Jesse was working up the courage to ask my dad, when my dad got up, left the room, and went to bed! We were shocked, and didn't know what to do! Finally I went into my parents bedroom and asked my dad if he would come watch some TV with us for a while! When he was finally settled back in his recliner, Jesse asked him for my hand in marriage! I think it made Jesse even more nervous knowing he had missed his first opportunity and we had to quickly rethink things! We have been happily married for 15 years this June!

Modern day fairy tales!

Today's scrappin' goodies are Year Round Dates. These are one of my favorite date elements because you can tuck them in practically anywhere! And they fit so many different styles of scrapping.

Be sure to pick up Year Round Dates today while they are 20% off! Come back tomorrow for two more stories and another date re-release!

Dear Diary, Love Emilee

Welcome back to the Dating Diaries! A fun promotion where we share some of the dates we've been on and release some old and new date elements!

Today's story is from Emilee. It's a funny story about a cRaZy date which is totally appropriate for the date element we're releasing today!

Once someone asked my on a blind date after hearing me give a talk in church (#1 odd thing). I didn't know him as I had recently returned from teaching English in China. Anyway, he had just returned from an LDS mission (and was thus out of dating practice) and thought we should do some service for our date (#2 odd thing). So for this blind date we met up with some of his friends and went Christmas caroling at a nursing home. But the rest of the friends deserted us and we were left alone caroling from room to room. It was so awkward because we didn't know each other and at and couldn't really get to know each other while singing (do you sense a #3?). I thought after that the date would get better, but no. Then we went to one of his friend's houses where it was a big reunion of all friends I didn't know anyone and basically got ignored. After awhile he took me home and went back to the reunion! You probably guessed that I never saw him again--and that was fine with me.

I don't think I'd be sad that there wasn't a second date either!

Today's date element is my Crazy Date Stamps. They are perfect for adding some fun to your pages. They are easy to recolor and just fun to use!

Crazy Date Stamps are on sale for 20% off TODAY ONLY! Be sure to pick them up while they are on sale!

Dear Diary, Love Ophelia

Welcome back to the Dating Diaries! A fun promotion where we share some of the dates we've been on and release some old and new date elements!


Today's story is from Ophelia. Another funny first date...this time about the dangers of sleep deprivation!

I had a great first date with my DH because we already got to know each other after being on a group project together.  We went to dinner and movie.  The funny part of the story was when we went to the movie. I chose City of Angels.  I thought the movie was okay but felt bad for DH because he had a migraine headache. He spent most of the time with his head in his hands or rubbing his temple.  Well, years later, it turns out he didn't have a headache!  He was tired from only getting a couple of hours of sleep the night before (we were all sleep deprived in college).  The movie was slow going on some scenes so that's when he was nodding off. He didn't want me to know when I saw him with his head in his hands, he told me he had a bad headache. He told that story to his mom and she said she would've walked out on the date if that happened to her! lol 


Isn't that so funny! Would you have walked out or felt bad?!


Today we are re-releasing The Longest Date. It's a fun way to date your pages with the whole date written out!

The Longest Date will be on sale for 20% off for TODAY only! Be sure to pick it up before it goes back to regular price tomorrow. But never fear...we'll have another new date appear!!

Dear Diary, Love Roxana

Welcome to The Dating Diaries! It's a FUN promotion where we share stories of some of the dates we've been on and release some old (and new) date elements!

Today's story is from Roxana. A funny little quip about hamburgers! 

 When hubby and I were dating we always had hamburgers, he loves them but I hated them, anyway every time he asked "do you want a hamburger?" I said OK with my silly face. After we got married (years later and lots of hamburgers) he asked me "why did you always say yes if you didn't like them?" And I said "Cause we were dating and I was being nice". Now I choose the places we go LOL Guess I dont have to pretend being nice anymore hehe, but now I do like hamburgers too! 

That's so funny! I don't think I could have stomached all those hamburgers if I didn't like them!

Today's scrappin' goodies!

Our date element today is Date-Bits. It a really versatile little date set that gives a hand clipped look to your pages. There are so many ways to put them together - and for this weekend only, they are 20% off!

I couldn't release Date-Bits without releasing it's coordinating alpha pack, Alpha-bits! Alpha-bits were actually the inspiration for Date-Bits. This is a fantastic alpha to use when you are layering alphas or to just sneak a little letter on a page somewhere. And they are also 20% off for this weekend!

Did I mention that both of these releases are 20% off for this weekend ONLY?! We'll be back on Monday with a new set of goodies on sale for our Dating Diaries!

I also have two mini kits to release today. They were both previously part of collabs, so check your stash to see if you have them!

Winter Vacation

Tribute to Tyler

Have a lovely day and maybe even go out on a date tonight! Dh and I are going to Home Depot...FUN!!

Dear Diary, Love Denise

Welcome to The Dating Diaries! It's a FUN promotion where we share stories of some of the dates we've been on and release some old (and new) date elements!

Our first story is from Denise. And is about a first date no less...and one that didn't go so well!

First dates are never quite what you anticipate.  I was in college and was introduced to a really cute fellow. After some conversation, he asked me to what sounded like a fun night out - dinner and the comedy club!  After a nice meal, we headed to the club, where he proceeded to ask for a table in front... yes... right in front of the comedian?! 

Unfortunately for us, the comedian was one that REALLY liked to involve his audience in the act.  In front of a packed house, less than ten minutes into the show, the comedian proceeded to ask my date how long we had been together.  My date responded, well, I just picked her up and here we are.  EEK!  He evidently realized how bad that sounded, so he then proceeded to say, well I did take her to dinner first.  REALLY?  Then he said, she really liked the dinner I think, looking at me, didn't you?  He then looks at the comedian, and says, Its our first date you know.  Ai yi yi.  The comedian had his act made for him!  As you can imagine, we were the butt of jokes for the next thirty minutes. By the time he took me home, my face was so red I wouldn't need blush for a week. 

Isn't that hilarious?! I don't think there would be a second date for me!

On to some scrappin' goodies!

What fun is a series though without a kit re-release to go with it!! So today I'm re-releasing Family Gatherings. The fun color palette and fantastic elements are perfect for scrapping some of your favorite dates!

And our date element today is...Barcode Dates! I've pulled this one out of retirement and added some years to make it last a little longer! I really love this date set. My favorite part is the holidays and special occasions that you can use to customize your dates. Too fun!

Both of these releases are 20% off for TODAY ONLY! Tomorrow we'll have a new set of goodies on sale for our Dating Diaries and we'll have some other fun releases!

Have a lovely day!

Storytelling: Look for a story and you might just find it!

How are you holiday preparations going so far? Things are in full swing here and I'm loving every carol-filled minute of it! I've often heard that scrapbooking holiday pages are very difficult for people. Usually it's the same old, same old year after year.

Well...this year that's all going to change!

OK, maybe not, but maybe you'll think differently about how you want to scrapbook your holidays. This year I want you to be open to a new story. While you are going about the same old, same old, try to look for a story to tell. Look for something different, something unique, something funny?! If you are looking for a story...you just might find one!

Looking back through some of my holiday LOs, I'm surprised at how often unexpected things happen! I hope you'll find some inspiration in some of these LOs.

Like the year we had a Boxing Day Christmas...

Or the Fourth of July when Great Grandpa passed away...

Finally documenting a tradition of Thanksgiving Breakfast...

Or the year we started a tradition of Homemade Christmas PJs...

I love this Easter LO to document what the kids are into and also share a little of my faith...

And the next year's Easter LO...

Maybe use a catch phrase as the inspiration for your page like this Ho Ho Ho LO...

And I still laugh every time I see this poor, poor pitiful tree! (Hey...that would have been a cute title...)

Hope you enjoyed a little holiday tour!

And remember, look for a story as you celebrate, and you just might find it!

New Release: Tell Your Story Templates

Are you gearing up for Digital Scrapbooking Day? I know I am feverishly trying to finish up a grab bag, Halloween costumes and a few other thing I have in the works. So in an effort to make your scrapping next weekend a little faster, I've created an awesome set of journaling templates. Remember, they are 20% off through Sunday!



And now, Congrats to.....SHARONG.....you've won Tell Your Story Templates! Congrats! Email me or PM me at ScrapMatters to receive your coupon code!

And some journaled inspiration from the CT!


Have a fantastic weekend!

Storytelling: Fontaholic

Are you a fontaholic? I love finding and downloading all sorts of fonts in search of the "perfect" one. I've found though that there are certain fonts that I keep going back to for the journaling on my LOs. I find it's nice to have a few go-to fonts so I don't have to stress too much about which one to use.

I try to have a favorite font in each of the following categories: Sans Serif, Serif, Typewriter, and Handwriting. These few styles will go a long way in journaling just about any LO. I'm still on the hunt for my favorite script font...any suggestions?!

Here are some of my favorites...

1. Sans Serif (I have two favorites here)
Century Gothic - no fuss, no muss. Perfect for most any LO! (usually included in software)

Slim Sans Serif - I find this font is perfect for fitting journaling into tight spaces. Available for download here.

2. Serif - I like Georgia (usually included in software). Other nice serif fonts are Times New Roman, Perpetua, or Century Schoolbook.

3. Typewriter - One of my favorites is Traveling Typewriter available here. Other fun typewriter fonts are 1942 Report, Georg and My Own Topher.

4. Handwriting - If you don't have your own handwriting turned into a font, consider it!! I had mine made into a font a few years ago and use it quite often for LOs. I think I'd like to have it redone because the "y" looks a little silly (see below), but it was well worth the investment! I don't love my handwriting, but there is something fun about your own handwriting on a LO!!

If you don't have your own handwriting font, consider one of the many fonts from Fonts for Peas by Kevin and Amanda. You might even find one that is close to your own handwriting! Some of my favorite handwriting fonts are Pea Tara, Highland Perk, SMD CamiJo, and SMD Kimby.

I'd love to hear, what are your go-to fonts?

Storytelling: Revising Your Journaling - the easy way!

Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm here to show you how I sneak some revisions into my journaling. I know that sounds an awful lot like an English assignment, but never fear! We'll take this one word at a time.

One thing I do know is that when I revise my journaling, I almost ALWAYS like it better the second, third, fourth, etc. time around.

1. I start by choosing my pictures and placing them on my LO.

2. The next thing I do is start with the first draft of my writing. I start writing some very basic things about the event. I try to include the 5 Ws: who, what, where, when, why. I DON'T worry about font or any other little details. I usually choose a basic, readable font in a decent point size (here: Century Gothic, 14pt.).

I give the text a home on the page...Have you ever created a super cute LO and then have to work the words in...this way the words are at home and the elements can complement them and not compete with them.

Journaling: Clark was in his first Primary Program at church on Sunday. He was really prepared and even memorized his part. He did such a wonderful job as he got up there to say, "Following Heavenly Father's plan will bring me happiness." We are so proud of him and the fine young boy he is becoming.

3. Now I start adding my papers and trying to get the bones of my LO created. 

4. I keep adding elements and thinking about the story that I'm telling. I usually remember more details as I create my page. I add my shadows. I realize that I have more to say...so I make room!

5. I go back to my journaling and fill in some extra details. I like how the journaling now reflects the cute boy in the main photo and also captures the spirit of the boy in the rest of the photos! He is a funny kid! I decided here to leave the date in as part of the journaling so that it filled the line all the way to the right.

Journaling: Clark was in his first Primary Program at church on Sunday. He was really prepared and even memorized his part. On the way to church, we went over again how he needed to speak slowly and clearly. He said to me, "Mom, everybody wants to hear what I say." I don't think we have to worry about stage fright with this one! He did such a wonderful job as he got up there to say, "Following Heavenly Father's plan will bring me happiness." We gave him a little thumbs up from our seats in the back. He saw us and put his hands up like he just scored a touchdown. He spent the rest of the program picking his nose and squirming in his seat. Just to keep us humble, I suppose! We are so proud of him and the boy he is becoming. 10.16.11

6. I finish up the LO by pulling up the bottom row of pics, adding a title and giving the words a last look over. At the end of creating a LO, I try to remember to proofread for typos. There is nothing that I hate more than having to go back and fix a typo!! Ugh!

Full credits here

And that's it! I try to sneak in a few revisions of my journaling on each LO. I really think that as I go through and revise, the page always improves. Give it a try and see how your journaling improves!