Rozanne Paxman

Contented

When you think of the word "contented," what image comes to mind? I imagine a grandpa and grandma sitting on their porch, their hands resting on their bellies, smiles on their faces as they gaze around their yard. They are relaxed because they own their home. They have flowers, a garden, and bottles of fruit in their basement. Their grandchildren come to visit on Sundays, and they drink limeade in clear glasses. They go on drives in their old car and stop at roadside diners and eat hot turkey sandwiches.

Of course, I am describing my own grandparents who seemed contented to me, despite the struggles they faced. My grandmother often told me about going through the Depression and being so poor that she didn't have a nickel to buy a spool of thread. I repeatedly heard about the time she wanted a new dress for a dance so badly that she carefully unpicked the stitches, turned the fabric inside out, and sewed it up again. I was told about the time when the drought got so bad that grandpa couldn't raise crops, and then the Federal Government came along and made them kill their pigs to try to raise the price of pork. They didn't have any way of making money, so Grandpa had to go to another state that winter to work, leaving his family behind to get along the best they could.

I was told the hard-times stories of their lives, but I was also told the good-times stories, and there were more of those. I heard about dances, parties, plays, socials, visits with families, gardening, sewing, and the other interests they had that made life happy and good. My grandparents didn't sit around and mope when times got hard. They worked hard and then had fun. They played checkers each night, sang at the piano, went sledding, and pulled taffy. They knew that it was important to create happy memories for themselves.

In his book Overworked, Don Hawkins wrote that "life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it!"

Even though the Depression went away and their financial lives improved, Grandma and Grandpa never "got over" the Depression because getting through the Depression made them appreciate what they had. I suppose that is why they enjoyed sitting on their front porch on summer evenings, talking to their family about everything and nothing at all.

In the book Finding Rest When the Work is Never Done, Patrick Klingaman gives us a method of understanding how contented we are:

How can we gauge our overall level of contentment? A simple method is to compare the time we spend appreciating our current situation with the time we spend wishing for something better. If phrases like "if only" or "as soon as" are a staple in your vocabulary, contentment probably doesn't describe your outlook. Don't worry; you are not alone. Most people could identify with at least one of these wish phrases: "if only I had a better job," "if only my spouse understood me better," "as soon as I make enough money," "as soon as our children leave home." Even one unfulfilled wish can rob us of contentment if we allow ourselves to dwell on it.

Then he gives three keys to achieving contentment: Gratitude, Acceptance, and Service.

I can now see that my grandparents were contented because these three attributes were part of their daily lives: Their experiences taught them to be grateful for each gift God sent to them. They learned to accept their circumstances and find joy in small things. They also learned to serve. My grandmother - whom I saw nearly every day of my life - always brought gifts of bread, cookies, jam, or other like items whenever she came to our home. She served her community, her family, her neighbors, her friends, and her church faithfully. When I think of Grandma, I think of a busy little woman who was always thinking of others.

May we all gain the three keys of contentment: Gratitude, Acceptance, and Service.

Please, have a good day!

Ro

Here's a photo of my grandparents on their 50th wedding anniversary. The before photo is a scan of the original image. The after photo is a quick color fix I did using my ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Photo Fix 2201.

before

after

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Photo Fix 2201 are also available.

Muse: To be absorbed in one's thoughts; engage in meditation. Not intended to solve the world's problems, another person's problems, or to cover topics completely. One does not have to agree with musings to enjoy them, just as one does not have to be the same as someone else to appreciate who they are.

Would you like to earn a $20 Gift Certificate? Send your own muse to [email protected]. If it is selected for publication in the Scrap Girls newsletter, you'll get to have fun shopping!

SCRAP GIRLS CLUB

Join the Scrap Girls Monthly Club and you can have fun with the newest traditional digital and printable scrapbooking looks while saving! (A $27.94 value for $9.99 or less!)

The Scrap Girls Club contents are released on the 1st day of the month (or the closest business day to the 1st).

With the Scrap Girls Club, you will receive:

1 Collection Biggie
1 Paper Super Mini
1 8.5x11 Sheet of Word Art
1 Embellishment Set
1 Assemble Your Own Zoom Page Set
1 Designer's Choice Item

Layout by Angie Briggs using July's Scrap Girls Club
larger view

Created for you by Angie Briggs

If you prefer not to join a club, the Scrap Girls Club contents are available at regular prices in the Boutique. You can easily find them right now by checking the What's New? section of the Boutique.

Note: The Scrap Girls Club contents are always available for sale elsewhere in the Boutique at their regular prices once the associated club month is released. But all club contents are totally brand new, never seen before product releases for each month!

SCRAPSIMPLE CLUB

Join the ScrapSimple Monthly Club and you can enjoy the newest ScrapSimple looks while saving! (A $13.95 value for $6.99 or less!)

The new ScrapSimple Club contents are released on the 15th day of the month (or the closest business day to the 15th).

With the ScrapSimple Club, you will receive:

1 ScrapSimple Paper Template Set
1 ScrapSimple Embellishment Template
1 Brush Set
2 Designer's Choice Item

A commercially licensed version of the ScrapSimple Club is also available here.

Layout by Kerry Veale using July's ScrapSimple Club
larger view

Created for you by Amanda McGee and Kerry Veale

If you prefer not to join a club, the ScrapSimple Club contents are available at regular prices in the Boutique. You can easily find them right now by checking the What's New? section of the Boutique.

Note: The ScrapSimple Club contents are always available for sale in the Boutique at regular prices once the associated club month is released. But all club contents are totally brand new, never-seen-before product releases for each month!

Scrap Girls is announcing its vacation plans... STAYCATION! The whole team is going to have a STAYcation this year, and we want you to STAYcation with us. Our Product Designers are having a STAYcation, too, and as a change from slaving away making beautiful digital scrapbooking supplies for you to scrap with, they're hosting chats all week! Trust us, you do NOT want to miss these chats. Our designers get out so rarely - this is a real treat!

We've got a schedule full of chats that our Product Designers and Welcoming Committee are hosting, plus our STAYcation Sale, games, freebies, contests, prizes and fun! Come join our family on our STAYcation!

STAYcation Message Board Game

Have you ever tried to win one of those radio contests where you had to call in by a certain time if they called your name and then not heard it when it was called? Now's your chance to play it on the Scrap Girls Message board during STAYcation (July 27th - July 31st)!

Here is all you have to do... Make sure you have logged into the message board in the last year to be eligible to be called. Subscribe to the game thread, directions will be included in the thread on how to do this and then if your name is called, reply in the same game thread in the allotted time and you will win! How will we choose the members to call? We will use a random number generator based on our membership numbers. Log in and come play!

STAYcation Chat Schedule

Tuesday, July 27: Pool Party

5:00AM MT - Coffee Break Chat
If reading the Scrap Girls Newsletter and having a cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea first thing in the morning is a part of your daily routine, join Dee (DDecker) on Tuesday, July 27th at 5am MT for this month's Coffee Break Chat. We'll chat over the latest issue of the Newsletter AND create a challenge based on it! Hope to see you there!


2:00PM MT - Life Moments Chat
Join April (April Showers) in the chat room on July 27th at 2pm MT for another Life Moments Chat and Crop. These chats are focused on building a scrapbook all about you, one layout at a time. This week we will be working on Family Vacations! Dig through your files, write down your memories, and be sure to join us in the chat room!


4:00PM MT - Pool Party Chat
It's too hot out there! Come cool off with Angie (angleigh) and Brandie (brandiev) at their very own Pool Party - right in the Scrap Girls backyard. We'll have lots of chatting, fun, and even some prizes. So bring your sunscreen, pool toys, and towels and come hang out with your favorite digital scrapbook pals in the chatroom on Tuesday, July 27 at 4pm MT. We promise not to push you in the pool!


5:00PM MT - Hybrid ATC Chat
Do you love mixed media? Ever wondered what it is exactly or about giving it a try? Love to exchange cards through snail mail? Then this crop is for you! Break out your creative thoughts, your favorite Scrap Girls' supplies, some paper, pens, and whatever else comes to mind. Join Dee (DDecker) on Tuesday, July 27th at 5pm MT for our Mixed Media ATC crop and swap.


6:00PM MT - Siggie Swap Crop
Join April (April Showers) in the chat room at 6pm MT for the July Siggie Swap. During this chat, we will swap the siggies we made for each other. You can upload your siggie the day of the chat. We'll all talk about how much fun we had and "ohhh and ahhh" over each other's cute new siggies. Hope to see you there!


7:00PM MT - New Member Chat
Join Pat (PBarnes) and Angela (angelaNussbaum) for the New Member Staycation Chat at 7pm MT in the Live Chat room lobby. This is a great place to ask questions about getting around the Scrap Girls site or about digital scrapbooking in general - and a great place to make some new friends. We'll be playing a couple of games to get you into the swing of our special event week. All are welcome, new and long time members included. You do need to have Java installed on your computer to access the Live Chat.

Wednesday, July 28: Ice Cream Social

10:00AM MT - East Coast High Noon Crop
Join April (April Showers) at 10am MT for the East Coast High Noon Crop. All coasts and time zones are welcome! 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 July 28th, we'll do a Nature Challenge! Create a layout that shows nature in some way. Could be flowers, wildlife, camping - anything that highlights nature. Create your layout and upload it to the special High Noon Crop Gallery. You'll be amazed what you can get done in just one hour, but there is no High Noon Sheriff timing you!


1:00PM MT - Ice Cream Social
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! Join Kim Meeder (kimmybutton) and Keri Schueller (Keri S) for our annual Staycation Ice Cream Social in the chat room on Wednesday, July 28th at 1 pm MT! We'll be chatting, playing some games, giving out some prizes and doing a layout based on your favorite ice cream flavors.


7:00PM MT - Post Card Swap Chat
I love to receive post cards from family and friends when they go on vacation! But how about sending post cards from your hometown? Have you ever thought about making your own? Join Carla (CRS) on Wednesday at 7pm MT and come learn some tips on making your own cards and all about the swap!


8:00PM MT - ScrapSimple - Use It! Chat
Strengthening your abilities in scrapbooking is essential to becoming a better scrapbooker and learning to utilize the ScrapSimple product line available here at Scrap Girls will give you so many more unique and fun options with your layouts! Join Angela (angelaNussbaum) and Elisha (elibar) for this monthly chat on Wednesday, July 28th at 8pm MT as we talk about how to use these versatile products!

Thursday, July 29: Camping

11:00AM MT - Camping with Katherine and Cherise
Join Katherine (KatherineW) and Cherise (cherise) at 11 am MT for a "sit around the fire, roastin' smores and swapping stories" kind of camping chat. We will play a couple of games and just have fun. You know, the things we do best at Scrap Girls. Don't forget your bug spray!


2:00PM MT - NSBR Chat - Early Edition
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 Pat (PBarnes) at 2pm MT in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there!


5:00PM MT - Desktop Challenge Crop
Tired of the boring desktop wallpaper backgrounds that your PC or MAC came with? Join Becca and Angela (angelaNussbaum) on on July 29th at 5pm MT for this month's Desktop Challenge Crop. We'll show you how to use your digital scrapbooking supplies to create a personalized desktop wallpaper of your own. Stay tuned for the challenge! We will post it the day of the chat!


7:00PM MT - Speed Scrap Crop
Ever wonder what you can get done when time is tight? Here is your chance to find out! Join Angela (angelaNussbaum) and Carla (CRS) for a Speed Scrap Crop! We'll give you six items, spread out over an hour, for you to include on your layout. It's a challenge that is also a lot of fun! We'll see you in the chat room on Thursday, July 29th at 7pm MT!

Friday, July 30: Picnic

9:00AM MT - What's New Chat with Sherry Lynn and April
12:00Noon MT - Picnic Chat with Ariadna and Cheré

Saturday, July 31: Luau

12:00Noon MT - Luau Lunch Chat with Brandy and Ang
6:00PM MT - Swap Crop Chat with Carla and Angela

*Schedule is subject to change... keep an eye on the newsletter and message board for the latest STAYcation happenings!

QUESTION: Hello, I'm new to the Message Board and new to the whole digital scrapbook thing. I was wondering if you guys could tell me which Photoshop (PS) is the easiest and better to use? I know that no Photoshop is easy and will take a lot of work to figure out. I have Photoshop Elements (PSE) 5, and I really don't like it and was looking to upgrade. Any help would be great... thank you so much.

ANSWER: Hi, and welcome to Scrap Girls! I can't be of much help with the higher-end Photoshop software since I don't currently own a copy. I use PSE7 and love it. By asking which Photoshop, are you asking about the difference between Photoshop CS5 or CS5 Extended or are you asking about the CS3, 4, and 5? I'm sure other Photoshop users will come along and be better able to answer your question.

ANSWER: If you don't mind my asking, what don't you like about PSE5? Are you finding it difficult to use, or are you finding it limiting? Are you wanting to upgrade to the full version of Photoshop or to another version of PSE? How much are you willing to spend? Are you wanting to get into scrapbooking or are you hoping to move into designing?

Personally, I really like PSE5. If I were to upgrade from there and still stay with PSE, I'd skip straight to PSE8. PSE is great for people who just want to scrapbook, who don't plan to try to become a creator or designer. There are a few limitations that PS doesn't have (masks and paths, mostly, but for the most part, they aren't limiting enough to warrant an upgrade, and there are some good work-arounds.

PSE5 has all of the options and fewer bugs than PSE6 and 7 (with the exception of a couple of actions and scripts). PSE6 and 7 both have some weird quirks that can be frustrating. PSE8 has a few more options (you can use scripts, for example) and a different-looking interface. If you are feeling limited by PSE5, I would recommend that you upgrade to 8, but if you are just starting out, I would give PSE5 another go.

ORIGINAL POSTER'S RESPONSE: I'm not real sure why I don't like this PSE5... I wouldn't mind upgrading. I mainly want it to be able to create invitations, digital scrapbooking, and maybe touch-up photos here and there... I don't need to create big things. My photographer for my daughter said that she doesn't like PSE, but then again, she's using it strictly for photos. Since I want to use it more to create my own digital things I thought I would ask on the Message Board. Is there a big difference between PSE5 and 8? I just don't know much about PS, so I just thought I would ask.

ANSWER: I went from PSE6 to CS4, and then upgraded to CS5. I like CS4 and 5 better for working with photos, mainly. I still have PSE on my computer because I love it for making slide shows. I also have it on my laptop. I think it boils down to personal preference. You could try out some of the trial versions, which might help you. Welcome to Scrap Girls, and do continue to ask questions. That is how we all learn.

ANSWER: Welcome to Scrap Girls! We are so happy to have you here! While I have never been a PSE user, I would recommend you give the program you have another try. It should be able to do the things you mentioned above. It can be a hard program to figure out on your own, so I would suggest the Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed tutorials mentioned earlier. They include both video and PDF lessons that walk you through scrapping in your program. They build on each other and if you try each technique as (or right after) you watch each lesson, you will be scrapping, touching-up photos, and making those invitations fairly quickly. There are some differences between PSE5 and 8, but the tutorials work for both versions - another reason I would try using the PSE5 you have before upgrading. The full version of Photoshop is quite expensive and a bit more complex, but there are a few things that are actually easier than in PSE. If you find PSE5 limiting after using it for a while, then consider which program you want to upgrade to.

ANSWER: I use CS5 and before that, I used CS3. I do a lot of photo editing and that's why I chose PS CS3 over PSE. I love the new CS5 and am still learning how to use it to its fullest potential. Have you thought about downloading a trial of whichever program you're thinking of from Adobe? I needed a book to help me get started on CS3 a number of years back, but I'm so glad I went with Photoshop instead of PSE. The programs are expensive, so it's helpful to be able to work with them a bit to see what you really need in a program.

ANSWER: In my journey of learning Photoshop Elements 5, I, too, wanted and thought by upgrading things would be easier. I know now that that was wrong thinking because PSE5 was a wonderful program, and once I understood more, it became more and more valuable to me. I am now afraid to upgrade to a higher-end CS because I know it has even more challenges. But because of wanting to use certain styles, I have upgraded to PSE7, though I still miss some of the nice features PSE5 had! Good luck in your learning journey and finding what works for you! This digital scrapbook world is amazing!

ORIGINAL POSTER'S RESPONSE: Okay... here's another question. My husband has been taking pictures with his camera lately and wants to edit pictures, like change the lighting and sharpen up the pictures. What I'm understanding is that the CS versions are better for picture editing where PSE is easier to create things. Is it still pretty easy for me to be able to create things in CS, so he can use it to edit pictures as well? I know I'm probably being too complicated... sorry!

ANSWER: I got a book for CS3 when I first started and taught myself with the help of that and some web sites. If you've got the money for CS5, it's so amazing in what it can do! Check out Adobe's website and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I love creating layouts in CS5, and it's not hard at all. I got Ro's Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed in the SG Boutique. It walks you through step by step on how to start and create a layout. You'll learn more as you go along, but remember, it takes time, so don't let yourself get frustrated; just ask questions to those of us here on the SG Message Board. Take some classes and look through the gallery and see styles you like and do some scraplifts. Just make sure you give the original work the credit if you do that. I'm happy to help if you need it, and the other Scrap Girls on here are terrific at helping answer questions, too!

ORIGINAL POSTER'S RESPONSE: Thank y'all so much for all your help!

FREE STARTER KIT

Free eBook "starter kit" turns your dreams of digital scrapbooking into reality today!

This dynamite eBook is 65 pages - packed full of the information, ideas, and help people need when they are about to dive into this great hobby. It answers all of the important questions new digital scrapbookers have. They are all here for you - in one easy to use eBook!

Bonus! Download the free "Warning" Label, too. It was created for you by Valerie Randall as a little bit of extra fun!

Would you like a chance to try digital scrapbooking yourself?

Scrap Girls' Refresh Collection Biggie offers you free samples of some of our most popular product types. Try making a layout, your own paper with a ScrapSimple Paper Template, a fast layout with a ScrapSimple Digital Layout Template, or experiment with a brush.

We know you'll love digital scrapbooking as much as we do, and we have thousands of products to feed your new addiction!

Ready to Take Off? In-depth Tutorials Help You Become a Great Digital Scrapbooker

Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

NEWLY UPDATED! Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop
NEWLY UPDATED! Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop Elements
Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Paint Shop Pro X (XI)

Find out what tens of thousands of people have already learned: Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed is the fastest way to learn how to create digital scrapbooking layouts. And because this series covers so many topics with one purchase, it is a bargain!

In the tutorials, you'll see Ro working on her computer and hear her talking about why she is doing what she is doing. It's like having Ro come to your home and give you private scrapbooking lessons. You can create digital scrapbooking layouts today!

Download and CD versions available.

Photoshop and Photoshop Elements users receive:

30-31 movie tutorials
Companion eBook(s)
Collections
Other supplies

Paint Shop Pro users receive 31 movie tutorials.

MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed! for Adobe Photoshop
MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed! for Adobe Photoshop Elements

Now that you've learned the basics of digital scrapbooking with Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, you are ready to learn advanced skills for having even more fun while you create digital scrapbooking layouts!

Get a big boost learning how to use ScrapSimple products to make your own backgrounds, embellishments, and alphas with the MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop Elements movie tutorial series. You'll learn so much that your digital scrapbooking layouts will never be the same!

eBooks

Scrap Girls offers a large catalog of eBooks covering topics that will expand your digital scrapbooking abilities to new heights. Here are just a few samples:

Scrap Girls 2009 Digital Scrap Link Class: Tips and Tricks to Make Quick Albums Fast!

Have you ever received an email offer for a really great deal on a 20-page album? But then you sit at your computer and get overwhelmed. This eBook will cover some great tips and tricks to help you pull it off in a snap! Included with your purchase, you will receive a special digital layout template set of three layouts in both 8.5x11 and 12x12 size, with which you can practice the techniques taught in the eBook.

Artistry eBook by Marnie Adams

Artistry: A Celebration of Digital Design Excellence highlights the best-of-the-best in digital scrapbooking focusing on high quality layout design, imaginative use of products, creative vision, top-notch typography, and artistic expression.

Scrap Girls Tutorials & Way Cool Stuff eBook Set
2009 - 4th Quarter

Subscribers to the Scrap Girls Newsletter have one thing in common: they love to learn new techniques! Each issue shares ideas, tutorials, and new ways to use Scrap Girls quality digital scrapbooking products. Now you can have all those past tutorials and Way Cool Stuff articles of the 4th Quarter of 2009 in one convenient PDF format.

Start to Finish eBooklets

Start to Finish eBooklet - PSE: Patterns, Blends & Filters, Oh My!

Nothing could be simpler than learning to scrapbook digitally with Scrap Girls Start to Finish eBooklets. Step by step written guidelines and detailed screenshots will help you learn new digital scrapbooking skills. Included with the eBooklet are the actual digital files you need to create a finished project!

See more titles

STAYcation: Pool Party Bonus Freebie!

Layout by Angela Blanchard
larger view

Designer Freebie by Angela Blanchard

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Type Paths: Waves 3801 are also available.

Layout by Syndee Nuckles
larger view

Designer Freebie by Syndee Nuckles coordinates with her By the Sea Collection Mini

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Butterfly Shadows 6301 Mini, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Aged Photo Edges 6301 and ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Lifted Postage are also available.

* There is a "free download" button on the details page for each gift. You don't need to put them in your shopping cart unless you are shopping for other items. Also note that if you are slow reading your newsletter, you may find this freebie has already been retired, as the freebies are only available as gifts for about two newsletter cycles.

CROPS AND CHATS

Coffee Break Chat
Tuesday, July 27th - 5:00AM MT

If reading the Scrap Girls Newsletter and having a cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea first thing in the morning is a part of your daily routine, join Dee (DDecker) on Tuesday, July 27th at 5am MT for this month's Coffee Break Chat. We'll chat over the latest issue of the Newsletter AND create a challenge based on it! Hope to see you there!

Hybrid ATC Swap Crop
Tuesday, July 27th - 5:00PM MT

Do you love mixed media? Ever wondered what it is exactly or about giving it a try? Love to exchange cards through snail mail? Then this crop is for you! Break out your creative thoughts, your favorite Scrap Girls' supplies, some paper, pens, and whatever else comes to mind. Join Dee (DDecker) on Tuesday, July 27th at 5pm MT for our Mixed Media ATC crop and swap.

July's Siggie Swap Chat
Tuesday, July 27th - 6:00PM MT

Join Michelle (Shelbi) and April (April Showers) in the chat room at 6pm MT for the July Siggie Swap. During this chat, we will swap the siggies we made for each other. You can upload your siggie the day of the chat. We'll all talk about how much fun we had and "ohhh and ahhh" over each other's cute new siggies. Hope to see you there!

New Member Chat
Tuesday, July 27th - 7:00PM MT

Join Pat (PBarnes) for the New Member Chat at 7pm MT in the Live Chat room lobby. This is a great place to ask questions about getting around the Scrap Girls site or about digital scrapbooking in general - and a great place to make some new friends. All are welcome, new and long time members included. You do need to have Java installed on your computer to access the Live Chat.

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, July 28th - 10:00AM MT

Join April (April Showers) each Wednesday at 10am MT for the East Coast High Noon Crop. All coasts and time zones are welcome! 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 July 28th, we'll do a Nature Challenge! Create a layout that shows nature in some way. Could be flowers, wildlife, camping - anything that highlights nature. Create your layout and upload it to the special High Noon Crop Gallery. You'll be amazed what you can get done in just one hour, but there is no High Noon Sheriff timing you!

NSBR Chat - Early Edition
Thursday, July 29th - 2:00PM MT

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 Pat (PBarnes) at 2pm MT in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there!

Desktop Challenge Chat
Thursday, July 29th - 5:00PM MT

Tired of the boring desktop wallpaper backgrounds that your PC or MAC came with? Join Becca and Angela (angelaNussbaum) on on July 29th at 5pm MT for this month's Desktop Challenge Crop. We'll show you how to use your digital scrapbooking supplies to create a personalized desktop wallpaper of your own. Stay tuned for the challenge! We will post it the day of the chat!

Speed Scrap Crop
Thursday, July 29th - 7:00PM MT

Ever wonder what you can get done when time is tight? Here is your chance to find out! Join Angela (angelaNussbaum) and Carla (CRS) for a Speed Scrap Crop! We'll give you six items, spread out over an hour, for you to include on your layout. It's a challenge that is also a lot of fun! We'll see you in the chat room on Thursday, July 29th at 7pm MT!

What's New Chat
Friday, July 30th - 9:00AM MT

Join Sherry (Sherry Lynn) at 9am MT on Friday mornings to chat about all the cool new things in the boutique. You never know who else is going to show up! What are you getting? What did you kaboodle? And most importantly, show us the layouts or other projects you made with your new goodies! There's a thread every Thursday and now there's a chat, too!

JULY EVENTS

July Message Board Game: BINGO!

It's that time again! Join us for an exciting game of BINGO on the Message Board Forum in July! Pick 25 words from the list provided in the forum and send them in an e-mail to [email protected] with a subject line that says "BINGO CARD - your SG message board username" by Wednesday, June 30th (Midnight MT) in order to play in the first round, which will begin Thursday, July 1st.

Each day, members of the Welcoming Committee will call five random words from the Bingo list. Match just 15 of those words to win a BINGO. You must be first to call bingo in the forum to win that round. After a winner is called, the boards can be cleared and a new round will begin the following day. All winners win a $5 gift certificate to the Boutique! We like to see lots of winners, so please remember that each person can only win one round during the month. Have fun!

If you miss the first round cutoff date, you can still play! Just send in your Bingo card at any time during the month and you'll be eligible to begin playing when the next new round starts. Everyone who sends in a Bingo card will receive a confirmation email that their card has been received. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, please re-send your list of words.

For complete details and examples of game play, visit the Monthly Message Board Games folder on the Scrap Girls message board.

Layout Contests:

July Monthly Layout Contest: Most all countries have a national holiday. The time of the year varies across our wide world but the United States just happens to celebrate Independence Day in July. For this month's layout contest, we want you to create a layout showing us something about what you do to celebrate your nation or show your patriotism. Post your layouts in the July Gallery before Midnight MT on July 31st. Be sure to list your credits in the description or under the EXIF Properties. If your layout is one of the two chosen, you will win a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Club Concepts Layout Contest: Post your new layout using the current club selection (either the Scrap Girls Club or the ScrapSimple Club) in our Scrap Girls Club Members Gallery or the ScrapSimple Club Members' Gallery. Be sure to list all of the Scrap Girls products you used. If your layout is chosen, it will be showcased as a Club Concepts layout winner, and you will win a $5 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Check our message board calendar if you have any questions about what is happening at Scrap Girls. All event times are given in Mountain Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Need help converting time zones? Check out the World Clock - Time Zone Converter. (Use 'USA-Utah-Salt Lake City' as the location for the Mountain time zone.)

Haven't received your prize as a contest winner? Please send an email to [email protected] and we'll get it out to you right away!