Memory Trends Highlight #3

You've seen her creations all over the internet-- web sites and logos for scrapbooking enterprises in all segments of the industry. This is Michelle Williams (right) of Treasured Pages, and Cory (left), her new right hand! Spend just a few minutes browsing scrapbooking web sites and you'll see Michelle's work. I finally got to meet Michelle and Cory in person -- definitely a highlight!

Memory Trends Highlight #2

There are so many nice people in the scrapbooking industry, and at the top of the list is Leah Fung. She is genuine, and sweet, and one of my favorite people in scrapbooking. We saw each other at the BHG Scrapbooks, etc. booth.

Memory Trends Highlight #1

Here I am with Tracy White, editor of Creating Keepsakes. Tracy really is a phenomenal woman and the perfect person to lead the leading scrapbooking publication. We ran into each other in the speakers' lounge, where she was waiting to start a meeting with Lisa Bearnson and others from CK. She showed me how she uses her Memory Dock system, and we talked a bit about how to better intersect scrapbooking and lifestyles. Tracy is big on journaling (well, she is an editor!) and is an "in the moment" type of person. I'm honored to know her and share our passion of scrapbooking.

Memory Trends Highlights

I'm back from Las Vegas where I attended the 7th annual Memory Trends Conference & Expo. Since it was the fourth trade show I attended this year, I'll only point out the highlights that made this show stand out from the others. Later I'll post photo highlights!

Speakers Badge - This was the first time I attended as a Speaker and got to don the coveted blue badge! Over 58 people signed up for my seminar, "Creating the Scrapbooker for Life," and hopefully the class offered a different yet positive perspective to the retailers who attended. I captured everyone's email address and hope to continue to communicate with them on a regular basis.

Diva Craft Lounge Live! - I was on assignment for the Diva Craft Lounge! It was fun -- and challenging -- reviewing as many exhibitors as possible looking for the latest and greatest products. Wednesday's DCL show was LIVE! with the recently-name Scrapbooker of the Year, C.D. Muckosky, Jan Mollet Evans, Thena Smith, and many more. It was a whirlwind show! And I got to meet Tom, Diva Danielle's husband, who helps considerably with DCL and other behind the Diva scenes.

My wonderful hosts! - I can't tell you how wonderful it is to travel to a strange city (and Vegas is different!) and be welcomed by friendly faces. In this case it was Fiona and her husband Ed, delightful daughter Dakota, and their new puppy, Bailey! Thank you, Nottoli Family, for your hospitality! Fiona and I did a fairly good job of keeping on track with the task at hand. We only went to In and Out Burger once, visited only one scrapbooking store, and made it to sleep before one a.m. most nights! It's always a highlight to stay and spend time with fellow scrapbookers!

More later...

Brown is the new Black

Here is the trade-in I did at The Nest...LOVE IT! A lacey tank with hook-and-eye closures up the front. Goes well with jeans and my brown leather pants.

I never knew I was a "brown" until Eddie. My wardrobe has done a complete flip -- well, a double flip -- since we'd added both black and brown items. But I am liking the brown. Oh, and the photo...taken in the car on the way to the September Art Walk.

SBA helped to expand the passion

Scrapbook Answers announced that November 2006 would be the last issue for the scrapbooking consumer magazine, which hit the scene October 2005.

Scrapbook Answers took the scrapbooking community by storm with it's fresh, fun and realistic approach to scrapbooking. Each issue included a CD jam-packed with additional features, how-to videos, fonts, and ideas. The product review section was appriciated by discriminating scrapbookers, plus the magazine was widely available in stores. It had a main-stream feel with content to inspire all scrapbooking levels.

I had the pleasure a meeting the editorial staff and working with the associate publisher. These are dedicated, hard-working, driven, approachable, passionate women. I wish them well with their new challenges and hope to work with them again very soon.

Last weekend of July

Here's a shot of us on our way to a Momus party (return of the green cami). Early evening in the car produces pretty good light, eh?
And believe it or not, this was the only decent shot from the party...of Shane and me. Apparently he has this thing about showing his pearlies.

So after the party Eddie and I had sushi while everyone else went to the Original for Mexican. We ran in to Bill & Sherri and Jim at the Sky Bar. When we left to meet up wtih the others, Eddie couldn't get the car to open. The key fob wasn't working, and worse, the key didn't work either! We struggled for a minute or two, wondering if we should take a cab home. Was the electrical system shut down? But why won't the key work? Then he realized he had Sherri's keys, not his own! They both have Crossfires. Eddie had his keys in his pocket, but when we left the restaurant, he grabbed Sherri's that were on bar in front of him. If anything, it made for a chuckle later the next day.

Recent acquisition

Intima is under new ownership, so there was lots new to look at when we stopped in a couple of weeks ago. I'm so proud of this green beaded top...I spotted first and kept going back to its display. I tried on several other tops (augh! I tried on every top at The Nest the other day), but this one was perfect! I'm so tickled that it caught my eye this time!
I've worn it a couple of times, including a recent Friday night dinner with Joe & Becca.

Deja vu all over again

Today I received my pre-CHA copy of Scrapbook Premier. Like all the trade magazines I receive, I devour it cover to cover. This issue had no less than four articles -- all on different topics -- discussing what the industry needs:

• hand holding
• broader definition of scrapbooking
• personal portable printers as a retail solution
• importance of written instructions
• competition vs. cooperation

I've been touting all of this for well over a year. In fact, I'm starting to identify what scrapbooking will be dealing with next year (should I tell...or maybe I already have?)

My boyfriend says one of my greatest assets is my ability to not say anything (drives him crazy!).

So, I'll do what my coach taught me. I'll bite my tongue, praise the concepts as fabulous, original ideas, and offer to help champion the cause. Besides, no idea is really original, and I'm thrilled that more people are doing the work and bringing the issues to the forefront. That's what we really need, right?

Happy 4th of July!

Today...I'm sharing photos from last year's fireworks display. Enjoy!