ScrappingForever » My home for everything I love – Fitness, Digital Scrapbooking and more!

San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll Marathon and 1/2

January 29, 2010

This past November, my husband and I took on the challenge of running our first 1/2 marathon, the San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll Marathon. Before this, we had only run a couple of 5Ks, so this was a major step up. We started training in the summer using one of the 1/2 marathon training schedules we found online. We also used Beachbody’s Insanity workout program to get in shape. It was an amazing experience.

Most people, when I talk about this, or mention running as a fitness alternative, say they don’t like to run. I don’t either! I have never been a runner. I have always been someone who doesn’t like to run. I’m still not too sure that I like it that much! But I have discovered that I don’t find anywhere else the feeling of accomplishment and achievement I get from running.

And what an experience it was! I crossed the finish line at 2 hr 27 minutes running a 11:15 minute mile. (I’m no speed demon! ) By mile 9 or 10, I knew I was going to finish, and finish strong. I kept getting chocked up. I tried not to outright cry, because I didn’t want all the spectators lining the way to think something was wrong with me!

The spectators! What fun! People lining the streets cheering you on, holding signs with funny or motivating sayings. Wow!

And the racers! Now there’s some inspiration for you! People of every size, shape and age! Big people, little people, runners and walkers (did you know you can walk the 1/2 marathon! Wow!), people in wheelchairs and on prosthetics. Old people, young people, people in costumes and teams of people. I even saw couples pushing their kids in strollers! It was also amazing to run with that many people. Over 30,000 people ran in the San Antonio race. You can chat with the people or not, but everyone was just out having a great experience!

By the end, I was ready to stop, but I was beyond elated! I did it! I actually ran 13 miles without stopping! I learned from this that I am capable of amazing things! That I can do more than I ever thought possible! I still get a little buzz when I think about it!

Mike and I will be running more 1/2 marathons this year. We will definitely be running the Virginia Beach Rock ‘n Roll 1/2 Marathon in September and possibly the Maryland 1/2 in May. Maybe we’ll see you there!

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Sale at Scrap Girls – 19.9% Off

January 27, 2010

Come in from the cold for the Hot Deals at Scrap Girls and get 19.9% off almost everything in the store!

Ends Midnight January 31st MST, so hurry in now!

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New Albums – Stephen Curtis Chapman, Kutless, Casting Crowns, Britt Nicole

January 26, 2010

I got some new albums this week, a couple of albums from favorite bands/singers and a couple new to me. I have found that I love wandering through iTunes and listening to different artists to find new ones.

The first one isn’t new to me, but is from one of my favorite bands – Casting Crowns’ Until the Whole World Hears – another wonderful, rich album. Love their sound! Don’t love the songs as much as The Alter and the Door yet, but I’m sure I will.

Steven Curtis Chapman’s Beauty Will Rise. This album is in a class by itself, as he expresses his grief over the death of his little girl and works through it to the assurance and hope that God is always in control, even amidst the pain of this world. I don’t listen to a lot of SCC anymore, but I had to get this one. We all walk through the valley at some point in our lives. I just hope that I will be able to walk that walk and maintain my faith and hope like he does.

Britt Nicole’s The Lost Get Found – I don’t usually listen to a lot of pop/techno-pop but I really liked the sound on this album. It’s very upbeat, with a few slower songs. The lyrics are meaningful and the beat is great. I ran to this the other morning and it was a great running album!

Kutless’s It Is Well – this is another new one for me. They have a sound a bit like Casting Crowns but a little harder. Again, loved the lyrics and their take on some traditional favorite hymns. Gotta listen to it more to get a better feel for it, but liked it the first time through.

Love getting new tunes!

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P90X Workout Sheets

January 25, 2010

So Mike and I started Beachbody’s P90X about 3 weeks ago. I learned from doing ChaLEAN Extreme how important it is to keep track of what you’re doing, how heavy you’re lifting and keeping on schedule. Beachbody has made it super easy with their P90X workout sheets. They come in two formats – PDF or Excel Spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is amazing. It has everything you could possibly need for keeping you on track, and if you’re compulsive about lists, this spreadsheet will feed your need! It has the schedule for both the Classic and Lean versions of the program. It has a separate sheet for each workout. You will be able to keep track of what weights you’re lifting on weight-training days and how many reps you did, so you can chart your progress. You can note that you’ve completed the cardio workouts and make notes if needed. There are sheets for keeping track of your measurements and your calorie intake as well. This spreadsheet has everything about the program covered, and even keeps track of your progress automatically from the numbers you poke in. You can find it on the Beachbody Fitness Tools Page.

The only downside is that the spreadsheet will not work on a Mac in Numbers or even Excel for Mac (if you have Parallels or VMWare and are running Excel 2003 or later, you’re probably fine).

Here are the links for what’s currently available:

PDF Format (for printing):

Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Downloads:

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Photography Class – Understanding Exposure

January 21, 2010

cva_onlineclasses_understandingexposure_mktg_150 Scrap Girls has a great new Photograhpy class starting next month, based on the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Join this photography class and learn how easy it is to get out of Auto mode and in to Manual mode on your DSLR. The book is a fantastic resource for learning the fundamentals of making correct exposures and how to master ‘creatively correct’ exposures.

In this class you will:

Get off Auto and into Manual Mode.
Learn Creatively Correct vs. Correct Exposures.
Explore the Photographic Triangle – Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO.
Gain an understanding of the Light Meter.
Study how aperture is used to create storytelling vs. single theme photos.
Discuss how Shutter Speed affects the motion of a photo.
Discover where to take meter readings.

Hurry! This class is going to sell out fast!

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When In Doubt, KISS – Keeping Layouts Simple

May 13, 2009

So many times, when we are creating layouts for our beloved photos, we feel like we have to create masterpieces. We get caught up in the pressure to create a really stunning layout to capture those special memories, and forget that sometimes (and even alot of times!) less is more.

As a way to help you remember, I’m going to start a series on KISS layouts – Keep It Simple, Silly. (I know, usually you hear that phrase with another word for the second S, but we don’t use that word in our house. lol) In this series, I’ll show you my simple layouts, explain any special techniques I’ve used, and give you my thoughts on why I wanted to keep the layout simple.

I’ll start with this layout from Disney World. Have you ever noticed that photos of Cindarella’s Castle are almost always spectacular? I thought this one was, and really wanted it to stand out on my layout. I doctored it a bit in Lightroom, and I really loved the way the blue of the turrets matched the blue of the sky almost perfectly. I thought those colors would really stand out on a white background, but I also wanted this layout to have some of the ethereal feel of Fantasy and princesses and elegance. ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Downtown to the rescue! These were the perfect thing to add that touch to my layout without overwheming it. To see a larger version of the layout, click on the layout itself to be taken to its location in my Scrap Girls Gallery.

When I layered the paper templates on my layout, I simply changed the Blending Mode to Luminosity to retain the greyscale look. I layered a second one and didn’t change it at all, to keep the black tones black. How easy was that! I then added my frame, applied a Style to it so that it would stand out a bit, and then I was done!

I only used four products on this layout – a perfect example of less being more.

Brush Set – 4×6: Christmas Borders
Life’s Canvas Paper Biggie
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Downtown
ScrapSimple Tools – Styles: Brushed Metal 4901 – Biggie

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Mischief Week at Scrap Girls – Day 7

April 30, 2009

It’s finally here… MISCHIEF WEEK!!

For the uninitiated, Mischief Week is a week-long event of mayhem and madness, located in our newsletter, messageboard, and chat room. We have lots of games, contests, crops, and free classes for you. We give away prizes like we are losing our minds. And of course, there is a SALE in the boutique!

You don’t want to miss this fun week at Scrap Girls! Many of our die-hard members have said that this is what got them pulled into the message board. They got to know people, had tons of fun, and made good friends, all because of the silliness and mayhem we create during Mischief Week.

So, if you’ve never stopped by before, come and visit the Scrap Girls Message Board and take part in a few of the games, challenges and chats. And don’t miss the free mini-classes! Nothing is better than free, right? Unless it also includes prizes!

You also want to be sure to check out the Scrap Girls newsletter. The newsletter games have started in there, including the infamous Garden of Doom! Take on these challenges and win incredible prizes!

Here is the schedule for today:

Thursday, April 30th

11:00 AM ET – Critique Chat – Kelly and Laurel
Kelly (KellyChron) and Laurel (laurellakey) from the ScrapGirls Layout Artist Team invite you to join them in the chat room at 11am ET for a critique chat. Look for instructions on the ScrapGirls message board about where to post your layout. The team will offer suggestions and let you pick their brains about what makes a layout “work!”

12:00 Noon ET – FREE CLASS! Gradient Map Magic for Photos – Jan
Want to learn an easy way to change your photos from bland to spectacular? How about an easy way to change the tint of your photos, remove blue tones or create amazing black and whites, with a click of just a few buttons? Then be sure you don’t miss this mini class with Jan Hicks (ScrappingForever). And since it’s Mischief week, you can be sure there will also be some silliness and a prize given away! For Photoshop and Photoshop Elements users.

4:00 PM ET – NSBR Chat – Early Edition – Michelle and Shari
What is NSBR? It’s a non-scrapbooking related chat! We talk about everything, including some scrapbooking and usually chocolate. It’s a great chance to meet new friends, catch up on what everyone is up to, and just relax! If you have a problem, we’ll lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. Have some great news to share? We’d love to celebrate with you. So, join Michelle (Shelbi) and Shari (Shari PV Mom) at 4pm ET, in the chat room lobby! Hope to see you there!

7:00 PM ET – University Chat – Shari and April
Join Shari PV Mom and April Showers at 7pm ET for a special Mischief Week University Chat and Crop! We’ll provide you with a tutorial from the University. Create a layout created using the tutorial and post it in the gallery for a chance to win a prize! We hope you’ll come and have some fun with us!

8:00 PM ET – Secret Pal Chat – Pat and Michelle
You’ve asked for it and now it’s here! Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Pat (PBarnes) in the Live Chat Lobby at 8pm ET for the kick-off of a new round of Secret Pals. We’ll go over what being a Secret Pal is all about. You do not have to attend the chat to be a part of this Secret Pal round. The sign up will be posted on the Message Board on Friday, May 1st. We look forward to seeing you at the chat!

9:00 PM ET – Hodgepodge Sketch Challenge Chat – Marnie
Feel like mixing things up? Up to a digi challenge? Want to try to shake up your creativity? Come on down! Join Marnie (sprinklz) at 9pm ET for the Hodgepodge Sketch Challenge in the Scrap Girls Chat Room lobby. For our regular attendees, this sketch challenge will have a special Mischief Week twist (I know you are dying to know what it is… but you have to wait… it’s a secret.) For those that are unfamiliar with this challenge, sketches are basic outlines of a layout showing suggested placement of the photos, embellies, papers, and text. Feel free to follow the sketch as designed or change things around as you wish. A few hours before the chat, I’ll share the sketch link and give you an example layout. You may complete your own page before, during or after the chat – no time limits here! Hope to see you there for frolicking, silliness, and fun. And, oh, did I mention, there will be a prize!

10:00 PM ET (12Noon – May 1st – Australian Eastern Time) – Aussie Mischief Chat – Jo and Karen
Join Jo (ScrappingJo) and Karen (kazbar73) as we come together for a good old Aussie Mischief Chat. Like to know what we will be doing? Then you will have to come along and see what mischief we can all get up to Australian style.

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Mischief Week at Scrap Girls – Day 6

April 29, 2009

It’s finally here… MISCHIEF WEEK!!

For the uninitiated, Mischief Week is a week-long event of mayhem and madness, located in our newsletter, messageboard, and chat room. We have lots of games, contests, crops, and free classes for you. We give away prizes like we are losing our minds. And of course, there is a SALE in the boutique!

You don’t want to miss this fun week at Scrap Girls! Many of our die-hard members have said that this is what got them pulled into the message board. They got to know people, had tons of fun, and made good friends, all because of the silliness and mayhem we create during Mischief Week.

So, if you’ve never stopped by before, come and visit the Scrap Girls Message Board and take part in a few of the games, challenges and chats. And don’t miss the free mini-classes! Nothing is better than free, right? Unless it also includes prizes!

You also want to be sure to check out the Scrap Girls newsletter. The newsletter games have started in there, including the infamous Garden of Doom! Take on these challenges and win incredible prizes!

Here is the schedule for today:

Wednesday, April 29th

12:00 Noon ET – High Noon Crop – Betsy and April
Join Betsy and April Showers at Noon ET for a fun chat and crop. These crops are designed to allow you to work on your own photos and themes, simply giving participants a one hour goal, and a fun, new challenge each week! On April 29th, we’ll do a multiple photo challenge! Create a layout on any theme, any topic, any colors – using multiple photos! You’ll have one hour to create a layout and upload to the special High Noon Crop gallery. You’d be amazed what you can get done in just one hour!

3:00 PM ET – Wacky Ad Challenge – Sherry Lynn
Have you had enough mischief yet? If not, come join Sherry_Lynn in the chat room at 3pm ET for a Crazy Ad Challenge and Chat! Here’s how it works: A few hours before the crop I will post the ad for those of you that would like a head start. Then, do a layout that is inspired by our wacky ad. Of course, there will be a prize to give away at the chat too!

6:00 PM ET – FREE CLASS! Alpha Brush Mini Class – Debbie
Join Debbie (dlayden) at 6pm ET for a free mini class on creative ways to use alpha brushes!

8:00 PM ET – Desktop Crop – Becca and Angela
Join Becca and angelaNussbaum for the Desktop Crop. With May almost here, and a wacky week upon us, it’s definitely time to get a new desktop made! We will be doing something wild and wacky, so watch the message board for a thread that will be posted a few hours before the chat for your challenge.

9:00 PM ET – Oddball Trivia & Mischievious Facts Chat – Marnie and Sherry Lynn
Are you a master at Trivial Pursuit? Do you know lots of arcane bits of information? Do your friends call you Norm (like the trivia king character in Cheers)? Well, we have the chat for you! Join Marnie (sprinklz) and Sherry_Lynn at 9pm ET for the Oddball Trivia & Mischievious Facts Challenge in the Scrap Girls Chat Room lobby. Not only will silly questions and useless information abound, but there will be lots of fun noises, good laughs, and super cool prizes. Bring your thinking caps and be part of the adventure!

10:00 PM ET – Late Night Scrapper’s Chat – Kelly and Debbie
Are you a night owl? Do you stay up until the wee hours of the morning scrapping? Then join Debbie (dlayden) and Kelly (KellyChron) in the chat room at 10pm ET for some late night scrapping and fun!

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Mischief Week at Scrap Girls – Day 5

April 28, 2009

It’s finally here… MISCHIEF WEEK!!

For the uninitiated, Mischief Week is a week-long event of mayhem and madness, located in our newsletter, messageboard, and chat room. We have lots of games, contests, crops, and free classes for you. We give away prizes like we are losing our minds. And of course, there is a SALE in the boutique!

You don’t want to miss this fun week at Scrap Girls! Many of our die-hard members have said that this is what got them pulled into the message board. They got to know people, had tons of fun, and made good friends, all because of the silliness and mayhem we create during Mischief Week.

So, if you’ve never stopped by before, come and visit the Scrap Girls Message Board and take part in a few of the games, challenges and chats. And don’t miss the free mini-classes! Nothing is better than free, right? Unless it also includes prizes!

You also want to be sure to check out the Scrap Girls newsletter. The newsletter games have started in there, including the infamous Garden of Doom! Take on these challenges and win incredible prizes!

Here is the schedule for today:

Tuesday, April 28th

11:00 AM ET – Creative Photo Challenge – April and Kelly
Want to do something fun and different with your photos? Join KellyChron and April Showers in the chat room at 11am ET. About an hour before the chat, Kelly will post a challenge (with a tutorial) on the ScrapGirls Message Board.

1:00 PM ET – Mischievious Freebie Crop – April and Carla
Join April Showers and Carla (CRS) in the chat room for a mischievious freebie challenge crop at 1pm ET on Tuesday!

2:00 PM ET – FREE CLASS! Customizing Your Twitter Background – Katherine
Ever wonder how to customize your personal Twitter page? Join KatherineW in the chat room for a free mini class on customizing Twitter backgrounds with your favorite Scrap Girls products. Participate in the chat & you could win a ScrapSimple Digital Layout Album Template!

3:00 PM ET – FREE CLASS! Super Strokes Mini Class – Anna
Are you looking for a really easy way to make your photos stand out on your layout? A quick way to make a mat or a frame? Do you want to turn text, embellishments, and custom shapes into stickers? Strokes are the way to go. They are quick and easy and oh, so versatile! Join Anna Mansfield (anna) for a mini class that’s all about strokes – the basics and beyond. Software specific – Photoshop Elements.

8:00 PM ET – Mischievious Journaling Chat – Becca and Angela
Join Becca and angelaNussbaum for a special Journaling Chat. It’s always great to get some journaling on your layouts, to pass on the stories. This chat will be no exception, but with a wild twist. Join us and find out a fun way to journal!

9:00 PM ET – New Member Chat – Carol Ann and Pat
Are you new to Scrap Girls and wondering what all this mischieviousness is about? Join Carol Ann (Zaz) and Pat (PBarnes) in the Live Chat Lobby at 9pm ET. We’ll be there to answer questions about getting around the Scrap Girls site or digital scrapbooking in general. We’ll have some fun and games too. Please come! (Long time members are welcome too.)

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Mischief Week at Scrap Girls – Day 4

April 27, 2009

It’s finally here… MISCHIEF WEEK!!

For the uninitiated, Mischief Week is a week-long event of mayhem and madness, located in our newsletter, messageboard, and chat room. We have lots of games, contests, crops, and free classes for you. We give away prizes like we are losing our minds. And of course, there is a SALE in the boutique!

You don’t want to miss this fun week at Scrap Girls! Many of our die-hard members have said that this is what got them pulled into the message board. They got to know people, had tons of fun, and made good friends, all because of the silliness and mayhem we create during Mischief Week.

So, if you’ve never stopped by before, come and visit the Scrap Girls Message Board and take part in a few of the games, challenges and chats. And don’t miss the free mini-classes! Nothing is better than free, right? Unless it also includes prizes!

You also want to be sure to check out the Scrap Girls newsletter. The newsletter games have started in there, including the infamous Garden of Doom! Take on these challenges and win incredible prizes!

Here is the schedule for today:

Monday, April 27th

7:00 AM ET (9:00PM Australian ET) – Aussie Chat & Challenge – Jo and Karen
Please come join Karen (kazbar73) & Jo (ScrappingJo) at 9pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on Monday 27 April for the Autumn Recipe Challenge Crop. Choose your favourite Autumn Recipe and create a 4 x 6 recipe card. Then come along and chat with us about your creation on Monday night. For our International ladies, the chat will start 7am New York time.

12:00 Noon ET – Monday Challenge Chat – April and Shari
Join April Showers and Shari (Shari_PV_Mom) in the chat room at 12noon ET for a special, mischievious Monday Challenge Chat!

3:00 PM ET – Mess or Masterpiece? Crop – Ro and Dee
Join Ro and Dee (DDecker) for a digital scrapbooking crop that will get you laughing while you create a layout or two with the “ingredients” you’ll take out of your folders as directed. Luck will determine if each layout is a mess or a masterpiece!

7:00 PM ET – Michievious Avatar Crop & Chat – Michelle and Sherry Lynn
Hey scrap friends – join Michelle (Shelbi) & Sherry_Lynn in the chat room at 7pm ET for a Marvelously Mischievous Avatar Chat and Crop. We’ll talk about how to create a fun and fabulously silly avatar to truly reflect your crazy side of life on the Scrap Girls message board.

8:00 PM ET – Siggy Challenge Crop – Becca and Shari
We know your fingers are busy on the message board this week, so let’s get together and jazz up our signatures! Join Becca and Shari (Shari_PV_Mom) at 8pm ET for a Siggy Challenge Crop and Chat. We’ll show you how to use your digital scrapbooking supplies to create a signature, answer questions about the “rules” of using a custom signature image on the message board, and how to set it up so it shows up under your posts.

9:00 PM ET – FREE CLASS! Create your own Spatter Brush – Mary Elizabeth
Do you want to add a splash of color on your layouts? Join Mary Elizabeth (NS_Scrapper) for a mini-class to create your own spatter brush in PhotoShop. We’ll make a brush that allows you to leave a spray of colors or tones on your page – with some mischievous results.

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