Cathy Zielske's Blog, page 234

If I were to develop a line of digital brushes for use on scrapbook pages that were anti snow…

Here are some phrases you might see:

Snow Sucks!

or

Snowpocalypse my ass!

or

'snow what I think? Snow SUCKS!

or

Silly Snow—YOU SUCK!

or

You'll have to pry my snow shovel out of my cold hand…literally, because my hand is actually frozen to the shovel!

or

Snow what! I'm burning activity points with every shovel full.

or

Always remember this…snow SUCKS!

or

Believe…(that snow sucks!)

or

It's truly a miracle (that I don't up and move to Miami!)

or

Snow=suckage!

I don't know about you, but even with all those exclamation marks, I'm thinking this set would sell like hot cakes all across the upper midwest.

Signed,

Ms. I'm Snow Done with It

 

Tweaking it.

After posting last week's weight-related whine fest (which generated a great commiseration of misery and support in the comments, in addition to making me me feel so much better in my quest for better health and lesser girth) I set out last week to make some tweaks.

Many of you suggested shaking some things up, and last week, it was a dietary shake up that ensued.

The first thing was to bring back the infamous yet delicious Green Drink.

I think you actually get healthier just by looking at that photo.

The next tweak? Drop the hot cocoa habit. Pronto.

Remember back in December when I discovered this little hot piping nectar of the Gods? If you do, then I'd like to apologize in advance for being yet another pusher of sugared drinks with a laundry list of ingredients that I can't even pronounce.

Even though I was saving my Weight Watchers points every day for this treat, I realized that to achieve my long term goal of being less reliant on crap (no offense to the Stephen's company, for it truly is the Cocoa of Our Lord) I had to drop it like it was hot.

So I did.

I'd like to point out something I am still drinking every day: Oregon Chai Lattes. Why keep that? Because it has 4 ingredients: sugar, milk, tea and spices. Nothing I can't pronounce, so for now, mama is keeping that one.

The other thing I'm doing? Exploring some different cooking options, and specifically, focusing more of my efforts of vegetarian dishes, especially those found in this book:

I'm not a huge connoisseur of meat. This is not to say I don't love a big assed juicy steak from The Outback Steakhouse. This is not to say I have a problem with anyone enjoying a Baconator from Wendy's. This is not to say I'm going to flip out and become a militant vegan.

This is simply tweaking and exploring different options for me and my body.

I am currently reading "Veganist" by Kathy Freston, and I find it so interesting that she writes about how meat causes every health ill in the word, and yet you can find the same facts to support the notion that soy matches animal protein on every level of badness. Still, it's interesting stuff.

I also watched Food Inc. last week, a movie I'd put off for a long time for fear it would weaken my bubble of not wanting to know how my food gets from Point A to Point Me. I found it far less scary than I expected to, but nevertheless it made me think about where and how I'm getting my food and how can I support smaller, independent farms and growers who are raising their animals and crops in humane and organic ways.

Part of tweaking is exploring what and how I eat and being open to the possibilities around me. Just like tweaking the fitness program, or tweaking the attitude on a daily basis, I am here to learn ways to live my best life possible.

I've decided to see how a whole-foods based, vegetarian approach will work with my body, so I'm planning what I'm calling "Meatless March."

(Of course I do nothing without a corresponding logo/identity system in place.)

I've decided to use my birthday month as a testing ground for a month of meat-free cooking. I want to see how I feel and how my body responds to this approach. I'm both the test subject and the control group in this experiment.

Now you may be thinking, "What how will your family do with this quest?" My daughter, Aidan, has been a vegetarian for over two years. She's totally thrilled to have a veggie focus in the house, plus she's excited to try new dishes. Dan eats what is put before him and can always pick up a six-pack of sliders from White Castle when he's feeling anemic. Cole doesn't eat much more than peanut butter, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and pepperoni, so for him it'll be business as usual.

I'll definitely keep you updated on the process as it unfolds in March, as well as share any recipes that are particularly delicious along the way.

To use a phrase from Kathy Freston, I'm just leaning into some tweaks. We'll see how it all shakes out.

P.S. And by all means, feel free to share your favorite veggie dishes.

 

 

 

And the giveaway winners are…

The winner of the annual subscription to The Digi Game from The Daily Digi is:

The winner of the digital kit from Scotty Girl Design is:

Ladies, contact me at czdesign@comcast.net to get hooked up.

I am so longing for Spring right now.

As I type this, we are getting slammed in St. Paul/Minneapolis with a wicked winter storm. Thunder, lightning, and roughly 8 to 10 inches so far. Let's just say I am sweet talking my way out of shoveling tonight.

Sponsor Giveaways: The Daily Digi and Scotty Girl Design

The Daily Digi will give one of my blog readers an annual subscription to The Digi Game, an $82.50 value!

When you subscribe to the Digi Game - Annual option, you will receive:

• One month FREE (12 months for the price of 11)
• Access to the new issue of THE DIGI FILES and over $50 worth of digital scrapbooking products by some of the best digital designers in the community each month (see past Digi Files here)
• Access to the new PLAYBOOK each month (the Playbook is an interactive ebook, with at least 25 pages of tutorials, tips, and tricks). See past Playbooks here.
• Every 4 months you are subscribed, you will receive access to exclusive collab kits by previous contributors to The Digi Files . These collabs cannot be purchased anywhere!  The first collab will be received upon starting this subscription and is "Story of Everyday Life," (preview below) be sure to check out the participating designers and their contributions up close!
• Exclusive bonus digital scrapbooking gifts each month

You can also subscribe to the Digi Game with a monthly payment option for only $7.50 per month.  It really is the best deal in digi!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ready for Spring? This adorable digital kit from Scotty Girl Design will get you in the mood. One lucky reader will win the Zoey Digital Kit!

ABOUT SCOTTY GIRL DESIGN: Scotty Girl Design is an online digital scrapbooking boutique full of colorful, modern and unique papers and embellishments. Graphic designer and avid pattern designer, Shannon Hegarty, started the shop as an after work hobby which quickly flourished into a business. She is the sole owner and operator of Scotty Girl Design.

Be sure to check out her shop and blog. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest product updates.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TO ENTER: Spring is slowly beginning to emerge here in Minnesota where I live, as temperatures finally have risen above brutal arctic levels. My favorite thing about Spring is not having to flinch every time I walk outside, to brace against the cold. What is your favorite aspect of Spring?

Leave me a comment and I'll draw winners on Sunday evening.

Four Things I Adore

NUMBER ONE: this girl.

NUMBER TWO: this boy.

NUMBER THREE: this body wash and this lotion.

In 2007, following a Creating Keepsakes University in San Jose, Dan and I stole away to San Francisco for an overnight at a swanky little boutique hotel on the Embarcadero. Their house toiletries were by Fresh, and I've been hooked on the Sugar Lemon scent ever since. I go through phases were I'll decide it's too decadent to buy pricey lotion in small quantities, and then I'll say, what the bleep, here's my credit card number. This scent is To Die For. If I could have everything in my life smell this way, I would be happy. I want people to remember me and say, "You know what? She smelled SO stinkin' good!" If you have a Sephora near you, go in and take a whiff. You won't be sorry. I will tell you, however, the perfume, which I got for Christmas two years ago does not really smell like the lotion. Sad, but true.

NUMBER FOUR: this tea maker.

I've been touting my love for Adagio Tea ever since I became a tea afficianado back in 2010. I got hooked on using the ingenuitea tea maker. I decided to order myself a new one a few weeks back because my old one was looking a bit scuzzy, and I accidentally broke the lid. I didn't realize they've upgraded the design slightly, using a new metal mesh filter, and it works like a dream. A veritable tea making dream, I tell you. My teas of choice? Irish Breakfast and Lemon Grass.

This concludes 4 Things I Adore. Thank you.

Awesome, sporty, bacon (or how to interview someone and make a cool hybrid scrapbook page)

Last week I came across on older scrapbook page I did for an article in Simple Scrapbooks magazine (RIP, Simple), and it featured an interview with my then 9-year-old daughter, Aidan.

I am the scrapbooked interview's biggest fan. Why? Because asking questions and getting straight answers from your kids (or whoever you might be interviewing) is a really slick and authentic way to capture real life, specific details about your subject.

Aidan, my self-professed indie music hipster, had a hard time believing that Kelly Clarkson once topped her list of faves, but at the same time, she still doesn't aim for popularity, preferring to simply be who she is and see what happens. I really cherish these little slices of her life, reflecting what she thought in 2005. And this approach takes zero writing skill. Ask the question, report the answer.

Journaling can be a hang up for people. In all the classes I've taught and travels I've been on, I hear this time and again: writing is easy for you, they tell me. But not for me.

To that end, I've started designing a new series at Designer Digitals called "StoryGuides." The goal of these templates is to provide journaling frameworks, essentially giving you the prompts and directions to fill in the blanks and create a meaningful document about your unique subject. The first in the series features an interview format geared specifically towards kids, tweens and teens. Keep in mind though, you can change up the questions in the templates to fit your particular needs.

I've never done an interview with Cole, so this past weekend, I sat him down and got the scoop. Then, I used my digital template to type up the answers, add the photos and colors, and then I simply turned layers on and off in Photoshop to print out the pieces for my finished hybrid scrapbook page.

The page above consists of a piece of cardstock and four small photos. The digital page looks like this:

I turned off all of the photo layers to print out the journaling and the outlines onto white cardstock. Then I turned the photos back on, and the other layers off to print the photos onto a piece of 8.5 x 11 photo paper.

Next, I trimmed out the photos and adhered them onto the cardstock. However, I realized that the blue on the cardstock was a bit off from the blue on the "2011" block. That happens with ink and photo paper. Often, you get a richer, brighter color on photo paper. So, I turned off all the layers except for the blue date box, and sent that to print on a piece of white cardstock.

It's subtle, but the cardstock version matches with the title better.

This 8.5 x 11 template can be completed and mounted onto a 12 x 12 piece of cardstock as well.

I think the framing white space is gorgeous around this, and it allows a bit of breathing room into a text heavy design.

I also think having a little slice of what Cole thinks at age 11 is going to be really cool to read 10 years from now. I have to wonder if on his 21st birthday, will he still use "bacon" to describe himself?

Only time will tell.

Keep an eye out for more StoryGuides to be released, and if you have any ideas you'd like to see for journaling prompts, don't hesitate to let me know!

NOTE: This template and everything else at Designer Digitals is on sale through Midnight tonight P.S.T. Save 30% on everything in the store.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUPPLIES: StoryGuide No. 01 (Cathy Zielske) • white cardstock (Bazzill Orange Peel) • Ilford Gallerie Smooth Pearl Photo Paper. Note: this template is designed using two free fonts. There are links inside the digital package in the HOW TO PDF that will take you to the site to download the fonts. Or, you can always substitute your own.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HYBRID SCRAPBOOKING? Check out my collection of tutorials at Vimeo. Questions? Comments? Post them here and I'm happy to answer them.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WANT MORE ON INTERVIEW-STYLE SCRAPBOOKING? Check out Ella Publishing's ebook, Quick & Creative Quizzes. This ebook ishock full of fun-to-complete, easy-to-use questions. Quick & Creative Quizzes will show you 20 ways to both simplify and spice up your scrapbook journaling. From questions for couples and kids to an all-purpose, fill-in-the-blanks event quiz, you'll find something to fit every layout.

There is also a companion piece designed by yours truly featuring printable PDF components to help you re-create some of the ideas you see in this book. No Photoshop is needed to work with these printable quiz pieces.

 

When my Lucky jeans' luck ran out

I am 44 and 11/12ths years of age and me and my perimenopausal self are retaining two things today: water and a bad attitude.

This post won't be for the faint of heart or the easily offended, but it might be exactly what the neurotically driven and easily frustrated types are calling for.

But there I go already, talking about myself.

It all began a few days ago when I pulled my Lucky jeans off the rack in the basement where they spend their time drying (you didn't think I put my fancy Sweet n' Low jeans in the dryer did you? I'm not that masochistic). I knew they'd feel snug after a washing—even in cold water—because I wasn't born yesterday. I get how jeans roll.

Except that my oh so Lucky jeans were trying to roll over some new chub in my general ass region, and the region in question wasn't having any part of it. At least not willingly.

After pouring putting the jeans on, repeatedly assuming a tight fetal squat position and stretching with all my might, they still felt just a titch too snug.

Now don't get me wrong here, they were buttonable and all, but let's just say buttonable is a loose term compared to the last time they graced my muffin top-clad bod.

The problem really crystalized on Day 2, when I put them on for a second full day of wearing, and they felt exactly the same. Usually after a day they stretch out enough to make the second day a much more pleasurable and life affirming experience.

But this time? No noticeable shift in snuggage.

And then all of a sudden, everything felt too snug: my bra, my shirt, my vest, my socks, my underwear—even my glasses. I made a beeline to the Sweatshirt and Yoga Pant drawer in my bedroom, and officially gave up on being a presentable middle aged woman for that particular day.

Just like George Costanza said about sweatpants being a sign that you've given up, well… yoga pants say pretty much the same thing, ladies.

Here's where I tell you that today I'm struggling. Struggling with the day in and day out effort it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If today is your Day 1 of the process, please, for the love of Jillian Michaels, STOP reading now.

The struggle is a part of this process, though. After 14 months of exercise, eating right, and a corresponding 30-pound-ish weight loss, I'll be honest: some things do get easier.

And some things ebb and flow.

Getting the muster to exercise is not a challenge for me any more. Sure, I'll skip a swimming day every now and then, mostly because I don't like the fact that on Thursdays, I can't get into the pool until Noon, and Noon is during my official work hours, and sometimes I think the need to earn income is more important than dousing myself in chlorine. But by and large, the exercise thing is not something I struggle with.

Right now, I'm struggling with what I assume the results should be with such a concerted effort on my part. True, I was playing fast and loose with Weight Watchers for a while there, but the past two weeks have seen me emerge as a model plan participant.

But that particpant's jeans are getting tighter, and no, it's not because my butt is getting more muscular. That I can guarantee you.

A one-pound gain at my bathroom weigh in on Saturday isn't exactly boosting my morale much either.

Don't get me wrong. I am neurotic where my body image and weight issues are concerned. I promise you that I'm working diligently to uncover the real truths in my life that cause me to have these particular issues. That said, it still doesn't erase the fact that some days, I'm going to feel unlucky in my jeans when they're feeling too tight for comfort.

I am going to question the work, the planning and the focus.

I am going to get tired of making the newer, more healthful meals that no one really likes as much as the older, less healthful ones.

I am going to wonder what it's going to take body wise and weight wise for me to stop beating myself up for any perceived lack of success.

I am going sometimes think to myself, "Aw, f#@& it. Those donuts aren't going to kill you."

My point today is that if you're in this process with me, you know that not every day is stellar. Not every day is full of wild success and inspiration. Not every day is going to feel all that lucky.

But the part that is pretty lucky? Each new day you're lucky enough to get is a fresh start to live the best possible life you know how to.

I'm still in. I just really needed to get that off my chest.

 

 

Giveaway winners

The winner of a spot in the simpify 101 workshop "It's About Time" is:

 

The winner of the February kit from Scrapbook Circle is:

 

The winner of a seat in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Power with Molly Newman from ReneePearson.com is:

Ladies, email me at czdesign@comcast.net to claim your winnings.

Thanks to everyone for sharing what you do with a spare 30 minutes.

Sponsor Giveaways: Simplify 101, Scrapbook Circle and ReneePearson.com

simplify 101 is offering a spot in their workshop "It's About Time" with organizing expert Aby Garvey.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Do you feel like your to-do list is never ending with little room for guilt-free fun like scrapbooking? If you're dissatisfied with your current approach to managing your time and your to-do list, "It's About Time" is for you! In this online workshop, you'll learn how to make the most of your time—so you can have more fun and get more done!

 "It's About Time" doesn't prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach to time or task management. Instead, you'll pinpoint the ways you'd like to change how you spend your time and manage your to-dos. Using the ideas and techniques presented in the lessons, you'll create a customized approach to time and task management—one that works for you. View the entire class syllabus here. The workshop begins Thursday, February 17, 2011.

simplify 101 is offering my readers 15% off enrollment in It's About Time! To take advantage of this offer and take control over your time, enter TIME15CZ during checkout. This coupon is good through February 15, 2011 11 PM Eastern and may not be combined with any other offer.

ABOUT SIMPLIFY 101: Founded by Aby Garvey, the co-author of The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker, simplify 101's mission is to make getting organized fun! Get a taste of simplify 101—and the organized life—with their FREE, simple-to-follow guide How to Create a Command Central Binder. You'll put together a home reference binder that will help you get organized, save time, and minimize paper clutter and the stress that comes along

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One blog reader will win the February kit from Scrapbook Circle.

ABOUT SCRAPBOOK CIRCLE: Scrapbook Circle is a monthly kit club that has been creating kits for almost 5 years and loves getting to share these kits each month. We offer a 2+ month subscription which means that you only commit to receiving two kits and then you can go month to month and quit at any time.

Our February Kit, Happy Days, is filled many many of our favorite products.

We combine multiple manufactures each month for a unique kit that you won't find anywhere else. We also include a custom printable page that coordinates with each monthly kit.

Be sure to visit the Scrapbook Circle Idea Page and Blog for daily inspiration. You can also join us on Facebook where we do kit giveaways and you can follow us on Twitter too.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

One blog reader will win a seat in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Power with Molly Newman from ReneePearson.com.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Do you take photography seriously? Would you like to be able to organize, edit, manage, and share your photos all within one powerful program? Learn to use Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, a professional-level program that offers unparalleled flexibility for organizing and working with your photos. From the basics of organization to the thrill of a finished project, this class will put
the power of Lightroom into your hands.

This four-week workshop runs March 2 thru March 29.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: Leave me a comment and answer this question: When you find yourself with a spare 30 minutes, what do you do?

I'll draw winners on Sunday evening. Good luck and have a great weekend.

First Quarter Sale at Designer Digitals starts now!

If you've been waiting to save on digital goodies from Designer Digitals, now is the time! Every item in the store is marked down 30% until midnight P.S.T. on Tuesday, February 15.

Maybe you've been holding off on the fitness journal and corresponding template? Or maybe you've had your eye on a few other things and hoped to save. Now is the time, designers and scrapbookers!

New to the store this week are two new StoryGuide templates. The idea behind these is that the concept for journaling is laid out for you, and you simply fill in the blanks. I'm planning to do a page about Cole over the weekend to share next week featuring StoryGuide 1. I love interview formats and it's a great way to get some truly authentic story content.

These would make great hybrid pages as well. Simply turn off all photo layers and any backgrounds, then simply fill in the journaling, print on cardstock and add in your photos manually.

My collection can be found by clicking here.

Happy digi savings!