Small accomplishment

I came across a post from Creating Keepsakes Blog that showed how to edit a photo in PS elements so that only a small bit of colour remained - you know the ones... all black and white with one element left of the original colour.
I had given it a shot before by creating duplicate layers and deleting parts... let's just say I wasn't very successful so I gave up on ever being able to edit my photos that way.
If you are eager to try this technique with your photos check out this blog post.  It was so easy - it took me about 10 minutes to go from this:

to this:

Pretty cool huh?
I look forward to trying this technique again.

focus

I think for a while there I lost my focus.  In fact, I don't know that I have it completely back yet.
Challenge is my word for the year - my one little word.  Despite not yet completing my challenges I set myself, surprisingly I have found this year to be somewhat of a challenge to me.  I'm a teacher, I should know all about school BUT I've never been on the other end.  The getting up in the mornings to get someone else ready for school.  The packing of the school lunch to ensure there is adequate snack and lunch offerings that will be eaten.  The rush out the door to make sure someone else isn't late for school.  The alarms I've set myself (literally) so I don't forget to leave home on time for drop offs and pick ups.  The arriving at school 20 mins before start and finish times to ensure I get a carpark and be at the classroom door when the bell rings.  The dinner rush that ensures the girls are in bed by 8pm each night.
To date I have been very much a 'go with the flow' parent.  For example, if dinner wasn't until 7pm that was ok because the girls could go to bed a bit later, and they would just sleep later in the morning. Not. Any. More.  This has been a challenge for me.
In all this weekday rush I have lost my creative focus.  I know what I want to get done, but somehow it is getting pushed out of the spotlight.  Instead of using the 1-2hrs of Sophie's nap time to pursue creative interests I've found it easier to catch up on some recorded TV watching.  Sad, I know.  Add to this the fact I've been busy around the house spring-cleaning and re-organising, I've had a cold for the last week and I haven't been running for 2 weeks.  I actually feel worse for it.  Who would have thought I would actually miss running?
Another challenge has been in relation to Kaszazz.  I have decided that as much as I would love to continue, at the end of this quarter (end of this month) I will be cancelling my position as a Kaszazz Consultant.  I would like to publicly thank Kym, Deb, Fi, Corrie, Katherine, Leah and all the other wonderful ladies that have motivated, supported and encouraged me along the way.  I still maintain my view that Kaszazz is the best quality and value direct sales company in Australia.
So right now I'm trying to focus on my priorities and challenge myself to accomplish my goals.

project 12 - january 20eleven - take 1

I challenged myself to complete project 12 this year and already I'm off to a bad start.
Emily started Primary School this month, which meant a large part of last month was getting her ready and organised, then these last 2 weeks have been about creating a new routine.  All of that meant I had not even touched my scrapbooking stash... but on the plus side I am super energised to create some new things :)
I set aside some time on Friday and completed the January layout for project 12 and I have only just now realised I didn't use the 2011 sketch (oops):

I really like these papers/card I found from DCWV called Citrus - perfect for summery layouts.

I guess this means I need to go back and do another layout for January - this time I will try to use the right sketch!  I think my February layout will have to be devoted to Emily starting school.

Typo

On my shopping expedition the other day I noticed a new shop had opened locally called Typo.  Think Smiggle but in more of a fashionista, olde-world, grown up way.  I walked into the shop, drooled over everything and walked out again... I couldn't decide what out of everything I wanted the most.  I can tell this place will be feeding my stationery addiction.
They do have a website so you can see some of their products.  From the looks of it they are affiliated with Borders and Cotton On.
On my wishlist at the moment is some of these bulldog clips that have urgent, file, etc. written on them (see #20), these nested frames (see #16), and some of these letters in our initials (see #17).
I think I will be returning very soon...

A personal challenge

After seeing a few of my friends on Facebook writing about C25K curiosity got the better of me and I googled it.  I found out it is a program to get you from the couch (inactivity) to running 5kms non-stop in 9 weeks.  It appealed because I would like to get fit.  I would like to lose weight.  I've tried.  I've failed.  But anyone that knows me, knows I don't run.  I got Ds for Physical Education - not for want of trying.  I am a spectator, not a participant.  Hmm, challenge.  That one little word.
I was in a department store yesterday when I noticed they had a sale on sports apparel and I decided that if I was going to tackle this challenge I would need some appropriate clothing - including a supportive bra to minimise the bounce (not exactly easy for a well endowed lady) - which is one of the reasons I don't run.  I can't remember the last time I bought a sports bra.  I don't think I have ever owned workout gear apart from tracky pants, and I don't think they count.  I figure if I'm going to look like an idiot (me trying to run), I may as well look semi-stylish while I'm at it.
I have printed the timeline found here but as suggested I will progress at the rate my body tells me to, so it will likely take me longer than 9 weeks because I am so out of form (read: about as unfit as you can get).
I have also subscribed to the podcasts by Robert Ullrey found here.  I can't vouch for the music on it but he also tells you when to run and when to walk according to the schedule.  This will be on my iPod while I'm out in the big wide world... looking like a semi-stylish idiot running the pavement.  Challenge: convince myself that no one cares what I look like or how uncoordinated I am, it's about what I will look like.

If you are like me and are overweight/obese, you have got to watch this video - so motivating!

My personal challenge is to be a better me.

project 12 - December twenty ten

As promised or should I say challenged, I completed a layout using the December sketch from project 12 (see previous post).
It has been so long since I completed a scrapbooking layout I felt so 'rusty'.  Hopefully with more practice I will get back into the groove.

Another challenge presented itself while completing the layout.  I can't stand spelling mistakes, incorrect punctuation and most things grammar - not that I am perfect at it by a long shot, but I often pick up mistakes in other people's writing.  I am one of those people that refuse to talk in modern abbreviations when sending text messages.  Anyway, I noticed after I had printed and stuck down the journaling strip that I had inadvertently left out a word, meaning one sentence didn't make sense.  I did debate adding in the missing word with a pen, but thought that it would only draw attention to it.  I then debated if I should rip it up and re-print it (including the cutting, border punching and inking) but decided I should just let it be.  I am letting go.

Journaling reads:   
I love that you will both let me take photos of you.
Emily, you certainly take every opportunity to strike a pose for photos.  I still have to get you to say something as I take the photo or you give me a fake, cheesy smile.  Those blue eyes, porcelain skin and those curls are just so you.
Sophie, you certainly don't sit still for long.  Normally when I try to take a photo you are up and gone in a blur.  Fortunately you are a little copycat and were quite [content] to copy your sister today and sit still while I took your photo.  You have such a cheeky smile.
December 2010

project 12

Scrapbook and Cards Today have begun their new project 12.  The awesome Becky Fleck (of PageMaps fame) creates a double page (2 12x12s) sketch for each month that is to be completed throughout the month so that by the end of the year you have a years worth of layouts.  They don't need to be done about the month - although I think that is a great idea and is more like an Ali Edwards Project Life which is right up my ally.

This is my first crafting challenge to myself this year.

I will be using the December 2010 sketch today with the photos I took of the girls last month.  I'll be back to share it later... yet another challenge.