Amy's Life and Creations

Christmas

2012-02-08T11:06:00.000-05:00

I have actually managed to complete several layouts all ready from Christmas 2011. The Believe papers from the Fall 2011 catalog are so cute! Even though the Level 2 paper pack is now retired, you can still purchase the Workshop on the Go kit with the Level 2 paper, Olive mini-medley, dimensional elements stars and an adorable stamp set featuring this cute santa - not the baby, but the stamped image in bottom left corner. The kit is available until February 29, 2012 while supplies last.

The baby is my youngest nephew. The two boys on the right are his older brothers who are 6 and 3. I have to find my white journaling pen to add their ages! The santa suit has been around though since the 6 year old was a baby. I love these little guys - they are so adorable!

Click here to shop for this cute kit: Believe Workshop on the Go

Wonderland Layout

2012-02-07T13:12:00.000-05:00

I have a love-hate relationship with winter. I don't really like driving in snow or the grey slushy crap that accumulates after snow, but freshly fallen snow is beautiful. This has been a mild winter in Michigan and we have had a couple of exceptionally beautiful days where everything was covered in snow and it clung to the trees.

I created this layout with Close to my Heart's Wonderland paper pack and the Workshop on the Go Stamp set as well as the Snowflakes Stamp set. The Level 2 paper pack is now retired, but you can still purchase the workshop on the go kit here: Wonderland WOTG while supplies last.

For a closer look at the stamp set I used see here: Snowflakes

I adapted this layout from a Studio J pattern. For more on Studio J see here: Studio J

At least the snow is good for something - pretty pictures!

New Close to my Heart Catalog

2012-02-01T10:24:00.001-05:00

It's here - the new spring/summer Idea Book from Close to my Heart. Choose from eight gorgeous new paper kits, lots of fun accessories and beautiful stamps. The first thing I chose was the Pemberly Workshop on the Go kit. The colors in the papers were perfect for the photos I had of Hanna with her friend Alyssa from Homecoming last fall. I love blue and yellow - my favorite color combination!

The workshop on the go kits are a great value. They include a Level 2 paper pack, C size stamp set which is exclusive to the WOTG, full color instructional brochures, two additional sheets of cardstock and accessories. This kit included the Bouquet Assortment (little blue and yellow dimensional flowers) and bitty pearls. There are 7 other wonderful paper packs and Workshop on the Go kits to choose from. I am anxious to work with Footloose for beachy photos and Cruisin for travel photos.

Here's more art done by Close to my Heart featuring Pemberly:

You can view the new idea book on my website at https://amyc.myctmh.com/Home.aspx or contact me for your own copy. fourcallaways@yahoo.com or 616-350-0309. Enjoy your glimpse of spring!
Amy

Homecoming Layouts

2012-01-02T17:18:00.001-05:00

I tend to take a lot of photos and scrap many photos of the same event. Here are 3 double-page layouts from Hanna's senior year Homecoming - and I have more to do! I think I will give her boyfriend some of the pages though. The first layout features CTMH's Roxie papers. Good news - Roxie is still available through July 2012. Unfortunately the other papers I used (Bliss) are now retired.

Close to my Heart's papers reveals 8 new paper packs in each catalog (every 6 months) and 4 of them will retire right away. So if you want Believe, Dreamin', Mischief or Wonderland which were featured in the Fall 2011 catalog, you need to place your order by January 31, 2012. You can see those papers here: Reflections paper kits

The spring 2011 papers that were carried over to the fall 2011 catalog will also retire at the end of January. They are: Fanfare, Lucky, Mayberry and Sophia.

Don't miss out on your favorites!

Summer 2011

2011-09-27T14:27:00.001-04:00

Summer always passes too quickly in Michigan. I do like several things about fall - football, apples, cider, hayrides and the beautiful colors, but I don't look forward to the grey in November. In August we spent a beautiful week up in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. It was wonderful! I have hundreds of photos but have managed to capture a few in these two layouts via Studio J.

I used one of the kits from the new fall catalog: Elemental. This is a super versatile paper pack and think I will use it a lot. The family layout was copied from the suggested layout shown in the idea book. See here: Studio J Elemental

You can try Studio J with no obligation - just create an account, upload photos and get started! If you like what you can see you can then order.

Summer in Michigan remembered in Studio J

2011-07-05T14:14:00.001-04:00

Winter is long here in Michigan but the summer usually makes it worth the wait! This is a layout I created in Studio J from a day at the beach in 2010. I chose the Majestic Blue paper kit for my layout. The weather so far in July has been picture perfect and we are anxious to get to Lake Michigan again. On our only trip in June the water was still very cold. This past weekend we spent some time at a friend's cottage on Gun Lake and time at the pool. We enjoyed the sun and water and trying to stay cool!

One year ago...

2011-06-28T10:27:00.001-04:00

Remembering Rome... I created several layouts in Studio J using the Passages kit. This paper is a perfect mix of vintage/travel which worked great for our trip to Italy.

Hanna really enjoyed visiting the Colosseum because she had seen some movies that were set here and so it was somewhat familiar. We saw a lot of other sites and on the feast day of St. Peter and Paul (which is June 29) we attended the Papal Mass. This was a wonderful trip full of several once in a lifetime opportunities and I hope we never forget it. The scrapbook will help us remember!

June cards

2011-06-16T13:01:00.000-04:00

I went to an open house for a friend's daughter this past weekend and actually made a card! This is inspired by the Lucky Layers pattern in the Wishes book. I used Miracle papers and the You Did It stamp set. For more information on the Miracle Reflections kit click here: Miracle and for more information on the stamp set click here: You Did It My Acrylix

When you place an order in June you can buy the stamp of the month set Jubilation at a discount or even earn it Free!

Jubilation

Here are a few simple 3x3 cards I created with the Miracle papers and Jubilation

This set includes images and sentiments for almost every occasion in the year!

Free Studio J jpeg in June

2011-06-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

If you have been curious about Studio J, Close to my Heart's online, digital scrapbooking, now is the perfect time. Until June 30, 2011 you can create an account, create a layout and receive a jpeg image of your layout absolutely FREE - no purchase required, no catch.

With this digital jpeg you can share your layout with friends on facebook, print out at home on a color computer (probably smaller than the 12x12 print you would get from CTMH) or order a 12x12 print from another retailer such as Costco. This is a great way to give a layout as a gift - perhaps you have a large family photo from Christmas that you would like to share with multiple family members.

I decided to create two separate layouts in one from Mother's Day. I am going to print the left side for my husband's family and the right side for my mom and sister-in-law.

I think I will frame them and give them as gifts. Grandmas always like personalized gift items!

To get started on your own Studio J layout and to get a free jpeg visit:

Amy's CTMH website

Layout with Wings

2011-04-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

I have to admit I have not done much scrapbooking since fall 2010. In November I started working out regularly and being very particular about food. That has had a good effect - I lost 24 pounds between Nov 1 and March 8 (more to go but I am stalled a bit right now!) Anyways last week I got my scrapping mojo back big time. I have completed several layouts and started many more. Here is one completely done - embellished, journaled etc.

I used the "Wings" paper kit from the new Spring/Summer catalog. You can see and order the product line here: Wings My Reflections products

I will be working on more layouts and posting them as I finish them. I used the Fanfare kit as shown here: Fanfare for several layouts for my nephew's 5th Birthday. I also used the Sweetheart Kit for photos from Hanna's Valentine's Dance. Check back soon, I will be sharing them when they are finished!

More Studio J

2010-11-02T14:14:00.001-04:00

I think I am addicted! I still totally love my paper and stickers and in fact have been plugging away on our Italy photos (over 50 pages created so far!) but Studio J is so fast and easy - and neat. When I create a layout on the computer I don't have scraps and sticky stuff all over.

I am trying to mix it up, so my finished scrapbooks won't be just digital or traditional but a mix - that's a great thing about Studio J - the layouts are a 12x12 size that fit in our page protectors alongside traditional layouts.

Here's a few of my favorites from my latest order.

To get started on your own layouts hop over here: Studio J Let me know if you have any questions or need help. I'd love to show you how fast and easy it can be to scrapbook all your precious photos!

My first Studio J order

2010-10-04T10:11:00.000-04:00

Well I finally ordered some Studio J layouts. It has been around for a while now and I have created quite a few but never finalized an order until yesterday. Now I can't wait to get them! I was motivated to order because my Studio J membership began September 8 and the membership includes free shipping on one order per month AND half-price layouts (now $6.50 for 2 pages) AND FREE page protectors.

This layout is from April 2009 and our trip to Chicago for break.

Another layout from Chicago trip April 2009 - the Field Museum

Gotta' love teenagers! Warped Tour July 2009 in Detroit

Oddly enough we rarely go to Detroit but we were back in September for a Tiger's Game with friends. I did look up the score of the game and plan to add it in with stamps or number stickers. I could have added as text but I wanted to make sure it was lined up so I though it would be easier to add later.

My sister-in-law and her friend were naturalized last year!

Chicago again - we do travel there quite a bit and will more now that Haley is at Columbia! I plan to add a heart sticker or stamped heart image in the title. Unfortunately this kit does not include a heart sticker image, but it will be no problem to add later.

I ordered 4 others and will get those loaded as soon as I can. There is no cost to try Studio J and if you are happy with what you create you can order your layouts. If you create quite a few check out the great savings you get with a membership. The regular retail price of a 2 page 12x12 layout is $12.95. With a $99 annual membership or $30 - 3 month membership, your layout cost is $6.50. You will qualify for free shipping on up to 20 layouts for one order per month - and that order will come with free page protectors. You will also receive an email with a link to download jpegs of your layouts (like you see here). There is a file with both pages together and then two other high resolution files of each page WITHOUT the Studio J "advertising" around it so you can reprint at home or another site - although our price is very competitive with 12x12 printing at Costco! Also the process used to print Studio J layouts is a very high quality designed to last 100 years!

New Fall Product Blog Hop!

2010-08-27T21:00:00.002-04:00

Hi I am so excited to be participating in the Close to my Heart Consultant new product blog stop. I am the stop after Lori. If you want to see a full list of participants visit:
Erin's blog at http://tazzygirl2000.blogspot.com/

I always LOOOOOVE getting the new catalogs from Close to my Heart. Once again the new catalog is full of beautiful papers and wonderful stamp sets. It is available both on-line and in print on September 1.

This layout is created from Mistletoe paper, Snowy Days stamp set and a pattern from Jeanette Lynton's newest how-to book "Magic."

From here it is onto Nancy's blog at:
http://brujahrose.blogspot.com/2010/08/autumn-winter-close-to-my-heart-idea.html

New Art and Soul Episode - Eclectic Elegance

2010-08-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

Be sure to tun into the latest CTMH episode for FREE ideas and instructions. This episode gives some good design tips for working with embellishments and instructions to create darling ribbon rosettes.

I have been using the Passages paper for my photos from Italy and am also going to make some pages for my mom's upcoming trip to Ireland - so I was excited to see another beautiful layout featuring these papers.

Here's the link to the episode: CTMH TV

I will work on sharing the pages I have created soon!

Celebrate National Stamping Month with a Triple Play!

2010-08-16T10:04:00.000-04:00

Beginning August 15 through September 30 (while supplies last) this adorable kit of 3 mini-albums can be yours! It includes an exclusive C size stamp set "Love This", special die cuts to match the stamp images, 4 mini ink pads (hollyhock, desert sand, indian corn blue and sunset) and preprinted, scored papers for the mini books as well as ribbon to hold it all together!

I filled the mini blue book with photos from a day at the beach and the hollyhock album with photos from our trip to Rome earlier this summer.

To get your own Triple Play kit shop my website at http://amyc.myctmh.com/ or contact me to schedule a gathering. You can:

1) Purchase the kit outright for $29.95

2) Place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix stamps (excluding Stamp of the Month sets, Workshops on the Go exclusive stamp sets, and K-size custom stamps) and purchase the kit for only $15

3) Place a minimum order of $40 in My Acrylix stamps (excluding Stamp of the Month sets, Workshops on the Go exclusive stamp sets, and K-size custom stamps) and purchase the kit for only $5

The Triple Play offer is good on Gathering, Individual, and EZ Invite® orders. The kit is available while supplies last.

For Hostesses:

Dates: August 15–September 30, 2010

If you host a qualifying Home Gathering with minimum sales of $300 you will receive a Triple Play mini album kit FREE! You can do an in person gathering or on-line gathering with EZ Invite.

For New Consultants:

Dates: September 1–September 30, 2010

Join my team during the month of September and you will receive the Triple Play mini album kit FREE as part of your New Consultant Kit. No additional tax or shipping/handling will be charged.

The featured colors are Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue and one of our new colors - Sunset. I created mini albums with the Hollyhock and Blue sets and then used the Sunset set to create a folder with 6 mini cards (I added some Desert Sand and Colonial White cardstock for card bases). I used some mini scraps to create even more cards with the upcoming November 2010 Stamp of the Month: A Little Thanks.

For more information see the flyer here: Flyer

On sale for $2, $4 or $6 for 8 days only...

2010-08-02T11:02:00.001-04:00

WOW! If you love CTMH paper and stickers you won't want to miss this sale. Beginning August 4 through August 11, you can purchase a selection of retiring CTMH level one and level two paper packets and stickease. At these prices you will want to stock up on your favorites and get caught up on your summer, Christmas or any occasion scrapbooking. Or get a jump start on Christmas card making with the Aspen, Evensong and Everlasting papers.

Visit my website: Amy's site on August 4 beginning at 11 am EST to take advantage of this great sale. Sale is while supplies last so don't delay. To plan your purchases check out the list here: 2 4 6 8 Sale List

If you have not previously ordered from myctmh site, you may want to create an account to speed up the process. We do expect big demand for this sale!

CTMH Retiring List

2010-07-30T09:40:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of changes in store at Close to my Heart. At Convention earlier this month, it was announced that beginning in February 2011, there will be just TWO Idea Books per year - Spring/Summer valid from February - July and Autumn/Winter which covers August through January.

With the size of this Retired List, I am expecting many new things in the 2011 catalogs! In the meantime, if you don't want to miss out on many of our wondeful paper packs and embellishments, including all of those just released in the Summer 2010 catalog, be sure to order soon, because these retiring products are only available while supplies last.
Click this link to view a pdf version of the retired list: CTMH Retired List 2010

You can shop online 24/7 at my website: My CTMH Site or give me a call at 616-350-0309 or email me at fourcallaways@yahoo.com to place your order.

Watch for exciting news about a sale beginning August 4 that will last for 8 days (while supplies last). I will post the sale list on Monday August 2.

Last week for July SOTM

2010-07-24T11:11:00.000-04:00

July 31 is your last day to purchase or qualify to earn free this adorable set of hedgehogs and happy greetings! Check out myctmh.com site for more details.

https://amyc.myctmh.com/Retail/Product.aspx?ItemID=5293&CatalogID=953

National Scrapbook Month Special!

2010-04-12T10:25:00.001-04:00

Coming soon - this beautiful scrapbook kit that includes 2 sheets of patterned paper, 5 sheets or cardstock, "Irresistibles" die cuts, stickease, white daisy mini-medleys, flip-flaps and a full color brochure detailing how to create two beautiful layouts. The papers are beautiful and the die cuts are so cool - they are embossed with a design and can be inked to create any color you wish! Visit my website beginning Thursday April 15, 2010 to get your "Miracle" The kit can be purchased for $19.95 on its own, or for only $5.00 when you order $60.00 in any ctmh product. If you host a gathering of at least $300 between April 15 and May 31, you will receive a kit FREE!

http://amyc.myctmh.com/

Hearts for Haiti

2010-02-02T08:24:00.000-05:00

Join Close to my Heart and Operation Smile in helping relief efforts in Haiti. During the month of February when you purchase one package of our beautiful textured cardstock, you will receive a second package FREE! And $2.00 from each purchase will be donated to Operation Smile to assist their relief efforts in Haiti. Visit my website:

https://amyc.myctmh.com/Retail/Search.aspx?SearchValue=texture to shop for textured cardstock.

While $2.00 doesn't seem like much money for us Americans, in Haiti $2.00 goes a long way.

Collapsible water containers ($2 per container): Each container holds 10 liters amount of water and is especially useful for kids carrying water for long distances to ensure that all their water doesn't spill en route from their water supply. It is also very useful for storing clean, safe water for everyday use.
Water purification tablets (60 cents for 50 tablets): Each tablet is able to turn 4-5 liters of dirty water into water suitable for drinking. Every day, 4,000 children worldwide die because they do not have access to clean water, according to UNICEF.
High energy/protein biscuits ($1 per pack): These contain minerals and vitamins and have been developed for malnourished children during emergencies.
Oral rehydration salts (7 cents for one package): This solution, containing sugar and salt, treats children suffering from dehydration caused by diarrhea. Approximately 3,500 children die each day from dehydration caused by acute diarrhea, according to UNICE

Every purchase of a Close to my Heart My Acrylix stamp set benefits Operation Smile, which works year-round to benefit children in developing countries. International Medical Missions: Operation Smile coordinates more than 30 medical mission sties in 25 countries annually. Last year, medical volunteers provided free surgeries for 9,221 children through international and local in-country medical missions. To learn more visit http://www.operationsmile.org/

Embellishments!

2010-01-20T13:09:00.001-05:00

I love brads - they are so quick and easy. In fact I had to add some to these dimensional elements. They are not included in the Workshop on the Go guide, but I like the extra color they add!

For more art with Caboodle and other new CTMH papers, visit my website at http://amyc.myctmh.com/

For more information on National Papercrafting Month and chance to win the Felicity pack be sure to visit the blog at: http://nationalpapercraftingmonth.blogspot.com/

(There's also a handy dandy little button on the side of my blog!)

National Papercrafting Month Special

2009-12-17T12:00:00.001-05:00

In celebration of National Papercrafting Month in January, we've created this versatile 12" x 12" Felicity Collection which includes 12 B&T Duos®, 6 new B&T die-cut papers, an exclusive D-size stamp set, and an artwork brochure filled with ideas to rev your creative engines! Featured colors include Autumn Terracotta, Sorbet, and Twilight.

There are 3 ways to get the exclusive Felicity Collection:

1. Add the Felicity Collection to your cart at full retail price.

2. Place an order of $60 US / $70 CAN or more in stamp sets (A, B, C, D, and/or E-size) and get the Felicity Collection FREE! (Qualifying stamp purchases do not include Stamp of the Month, Art & Soul®, Workshops on the Go™, and customizable (K) stamp sets.) You'll be prompted to add your collection at checkout.

3. Place an order of $125 US / $145 CAN or more in Close To My Heart products and get the Felicity Collection FREE! You'll be prompted to add your collection at checkout.

To order visit: Felicity

This offer is available through January 31, 2010 or while supplies last.

Christmas 2008

2009-12-08T10:37:00.000-05:00

I have created many layouts of last Christmas with Close to my Heart's "Jingle" paper. I love the bright, cheery colors.

Thanksgiving 2008

2009-12-07T11:18:00.001-05:00

I have actually scrapped layouts from Thanksgiving AND Christmas 2008. And I even did one layout from Thanksgiving 2009. For me that is pretty good as I have years worth of photos that I still need to scrap!

These layouts use the Close to my Heart "Sweet Home" papers. The one on the left is a "Level One" kit which means it was very easy and fast to create. The second layout wasn't much more work because I used a Chrish pattern along the the Sweet Home papers and November Word Puzzle. The monthly word puzzles are retiring at the end of 2009. If you like them, shop now at http://amyc.myctmh.com to get them before they are gone!

October Stamp of the Month is here

2009-10-06T13:47:00.000-04:00

Time to start thinking about holiday cards! If you get started now it is possible to create handmade cards to send to your friends and family for Christmas and other winter holidays. Visit my Close to my Heart site http://amyc.myctmh.com for more information on this limited edition set "Holiday Warmth."

September has been a good month!

2009-09-27T12:52:00.000-04:00

It has been busy with a new school year starting, but we have had beautiful weather and a lot of fun activities! I spent a beautiful afternoon at Frederik Meijer Gardens with my mom and nephew. Celebrated another nephew's 1st birthday. Haley started her senior year Cross Country season. Hanna went to Homecoming at FHN. We went to a Tiger's game on a beautiful evening with good friends and even got in a few beach days!

New Products!

2009-08-28T14:00:00.000-04:00

I just love getting the new catalogs - it always inspires me to create. This layout features one of the pretty floral paper from "Grace" one of 4 new My Reflections kits featured in the catalog. My daughters and niece took a lot of photos of themselves in our yard and they were my inspiration!

New CTMH Catalog coming soon...

2009-08-26T11:46:00.000-04:00

September is right around the corner, which is sad for those of us who love summer sunshine and beach days. But I do love fall, with cool crisp air, fall leaves, fresh apples and excitement of a new school year. I also love September because it means the new Close to my Heart Fall/Winter Catalog is available! As a consultant I get a month-long preview and chance to order some products early! In the past week I assembled my Everyday Celebrations card kit, put together a two page layout with the new Twitterpated Workshop on the Go and made another layout and some cards with the beautiful Grace papers and September Stamp of the Month "Treasures." I will try to post the photos soon!

Everyday Celebrations!

2009-08-18T09:47:00.000-04:00

CTMH has done it again - another fabulous card kit to celebrate National Stamping Month in September. This kit retails for $39.95 or can be yours FREE when you purchase $60.00 in stamps - a great way to add to your collection and pick up a wonderful bonus!

I started assembling my kit last night and got half of the cards made. They are so much fun and include great embellishing ideas. The cards themselves are die cut in that fabulous swirly bracket shape!

They are much cuter in person than the photos. I love that I will have 16 cards on hand perfect for a variety of occasions. I am going to make several of them ready for Graduation next year (since I now have a senior) and some of the others for birthdays. Even though there is a guide with step-by-step instructions, with all these stamp images and phrases, there are plenty of options to customize for your card sharing needs!

FREE paper in August!

2009-08-04T14:40:00.000-04:00

It's Your Day with FREE stamps and FREE papers!

For a limited time (August 3 - 17) when you place a minimum order of $100, you not only get the August Stamp of the Month "It's Your Day" but you will get a Level 2 paper packet as well totally FREE (CTMH covers tax and s/h on paper packet).

Check out my website http://amyc.myctmh.com to take advantage of this great special!

Baby Albums

2009-08-04T14:31:00.001-04:00

I recently created these 3 cute little accordion albums as baby gifts. I just love Close to my Heart's "Animal Cookies" paper which is bright and fun! It works well for baby boys and baby girls - and older children too!

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-08T07:51:00.000-04:00

Yep I have been super busy with those spring sports. Fortunately the weather has improved although it has been a bit breezy and chilly at some of the tennis matches. Hanna's LaCrosse team had a win in the rain last week. Even though they don't win much, Hanna has a lot of great saves and I am sure with more experience, her team will improve. CC Varsity LAX is having a great season - the JV girls will have big shoes to fill!

I managed to do a little scrapping. Went with two friends to a crop last Friday for National Scrapbooking Day. Here is a two page layout featuring my darling nephew and CTMH's Animal Cookies papers.

I was hoping to get some creating done this weekend. I have to clean, grocery shop and work today but hopefully tomorrow I will have time to sit down and at least make Mother's Day cards!

Spring Sports

2009-04-22T21:02:00.000-04:00

Spring sports are in full swing. Haley had a tennis match today and has matches the next two days. They swept their match today 8-0.

Hanna's JV LaCrosse team is struggling a bit more but considering they have many brand new players, they are doing well. They all seem to really like it.
Here's hoping the sunshine continues and it warms up a bit!

Bella papers and Buttoned UP

2009-04-22T20:40:00.001-04:00

More cards made with new stuff from the Close to my Heart Summer 2009 catalog. Visit my website: http://www.amyc.myctmh.com/ on May 1st to shop our new summer products! Or contact me to get your copy.

From New CTMH 2009 Catalog - HIbiscus on Moon Doggie papers

2009-04-16T14:43:00.001-04:00

Tickled Pink

2009-04-14T11:25:00.000-04:00

Celebrate National Scrapbook Month with this beautiful special from Close to my Heart. Available April 15 through May 31, 2009. this exclusive and limited-edition kit includes four printed papers - including two with glitter, textured cardstock, textured die cuts, a D size stamp set, foam tool and white mini medley accents.

With the purchase of $60.00 in My Acrylix stamps, this set is yours FREE! You can also purchase it for $34.95 on its own. Or earn it FREE when you host a $400 gathering in May or join the CTMH family. Visit www.amyc.myctmh.com for more information or to order online.

Jumping on the bandwagon

2009-04-14T11:17:00.000-04:00

I resisted this for a long time because I didn't think I have time, and maybe I won't have time in the future, but right at this moment I do! I like looking at blogs for more scrapbooking and card ideas and links to other blogs, so I thought I would join in the fun!