What The Face?

Okay, I'm not sure how many runners follow me. But we all have that one race photo- where you literally are not even sure what you're doing in it. You're making some bad face... have some weird body pose, etc. etc. Well welcome to one of my new great race photos. Or the absolute worse.  

This race, as I've already recapped was not my best. Granted, by the end- just wanted to move along to something else. Coughing... trying to find water. And my dad captured this gem. Even my sister texted back- what is this face? - I would love to know also- I don't know what this face is. But I'm glad that everyone who sees/saw it- is highly amused. 

                 

Either way, I wanted to scrap this picture. It can't all be sunshine and roses photos. I thought with my bright colors I was wearing- the Simple Stories Summer Vibes collection would work perfectly. Yes- its not a summer photo but roll with me.  I used a cut file from The Cut Shoppe- a great place for you to pick great cut files for your silhouette or circuit.  I picked which letters in the alphabet I wanted and traced- then paste to form WTF which I wanted instead of cutting all the letters. 

I had a ton of the journal cards left so I used bits and pieces of them to back behind the letters also used some of them as embellishments by fussy ..or crappy cutting them out. It was a great way to ween down my stash.  

I say WTF often, but at least this way I could use it in an appropriate way to scrap! What the face?!

xo. Renee.

Scrap our Stash April Sketch.

Scrap Our Stash is a site/group that inspires you to use your stash and supplies. They do 2 challenges a month - one is a stash challenge (1st of the month) and one is a sketch challenge with a stash prompt (15th of the month).  The Design Team examples are shown everyday to inspire you to put together a great page!  To learn more you'll have to check out their site at http://scrapourstash.blogspot.com/ 

Let me show you April's Sketch + 3 Challenge! 

I just loved the sketch and thought the list of items to choose from were unique. I usually don't work with much of any of them! So of course, it was a challenge!  I picked a journal card; which now I look back at it - maybe I should have journaled on the card ... hence the purpose it serves instead of on the paper where you can barely read it. Anyways- also kraft - I'm hoping my tags work with the kraft- I didn't have really any of the other two on the list. And when I saw this paper I had stored in my stash- I thought- why not- lets give it a go on the lavender. Am I the only one that notices that purple is not given the proper attention it deserves in the scrapbooking world!?

If you haven't already noticed, I'm kind of a selfie queen. Snapchat made it much worse. But it was part of a great day, since I've moved home... and all that mumbo jumbo- I enjoy taking "Renee Days".  On a day off from work, just go somewhere in my car- do all the things that make me happy. Just savor time by myself. I end up taking crazy selfies along my day and make it a snapchat story.  The last one was just perfect weather- felt just like summer. It's been above normal spring temperatures here- and I've been no doubt savoring it for both running and shopping.  I love how this layout turned out- the colors, the sketch- just worked perfectly!

Hope you take the time to join us at Scrap Our Stash and take a chance on this challenge! I think it's a real doozy and made me actually use my brain. Now that means- it has to be good right??  Also don't forget to link-up there to have a chance to win the month prize!!

xo. Renee

All my Love.

I have been needing to write some blog posts about a few pages I have done; so I figured today would be a great day to show you this gem. 

I had started a page literally a year ago or so with this picture of my sweet boy but I had it tucked away. Something about it just wasn't working but I loved this picture so I hesitated to throw the page away. I kept pulling it out and looking - just someway I need to make it work.  Finally bit the bullet - gently pryed this picture slowly off its old background.  

I saw an example of a lovely page I wanted to lift, not even sure where it is now- so I apologize to the person whom I stole the look from. I wanted to use the pastels and Pumpkins coat kind of brought out a yellow tone. I off- layered some papers to form a background from multiple collections- all Crate brand though. Added some nature embellishments - and the title from the sticker sheet. 

This page is perfect to share with you today as its my dear Pumpkin's 10th birthday.  I know, I know- he's just a pet but to me- he's my world. There's always been something about our bond. He was in a case at the pet smart - the back where you can adopt local shelter animals- with his sister and brother. That day I had went to a few different shelters to find just the right kitten for me but no dice- when I saw him and his sibling, I fell in love with the little balls of ginger kitties. 

I played with his brother first then him, but when I took him out he just wanted to hide behind my leg- I told him it was okay little pumpkin. Ever since then it was love. We've lived together alone, always sleeping on the end of my bed- I brough him home when I moved back. Tore my heart apart to leave him when I went to be with men who I thought would be forever. But my parents agreed - he probably wouldn't do well to be seperated from Patches.  Every time I had my heart broken, moved back home to figure out my life again- one thing I never had to figure out was who would cuddle with me when I got back. I drive him crazy with my overwhelming love, but he probably wouldn't have it any other way. He's my world, all of my love. 

Xo. Renee 

Sister Love.

Scrap Our Stash is a site/group that inspires you to use your stash and supplies. They do 2 challenges a month - one is a stash challenge (1st of the month) and one is a sketch challenge with a stash prompt (15th of the month).  The Design Team examples are shown everyday to inspire you to put together a great page!  To learn more you'll have to check out their site at http://scrapourstash.blogspot.com/

I am here today with the first challenge in the month of April. Our stash challenge this month is based off of this book cover and including 2 or more clouds!!   I just had the perfect cut file of a cloud that I haven't used yet so I was so excited to include it in this page.  I also loved the way the clouds were layered on the book cover so I decided to do some layering of the clouds on my page as well! 

I finally figured out what picture I wanted to use - one of me and my sweet sister from my high school graduation. Oh, to be that skinny again ;) Anyways- but I absolutely love this picture of us.  For the page, I decided to use the Hello Love line by Crate Paper.  I just love this line!  I cut apart pieces of it and backed the cloud then traced the shapes of the cloud onto other papers.

I added bundles of thread behind pieces of the embellishments- I just love this technique that I've learnt from the fabulous Missy Whidden.  I also included some gray watercolor around the clouds and splattered bits of it around the whole page.

I have been hoarding this collection- like all the ... stuff I have. Haha! But I thought it was so adorable -I just haven't had any love or valentines pictures to use.  I just loved the colors and it would be perfect for the white/pastels that me and my sister are wearing. Also, it dawned on me that there just isn't any love like a sister love.  My sister is absolutely the best, I don't even know how to explain how much she means to me. She just gets me in a way that no one else does. She's been my biggest supporter but isn't afraid to tell me how it is.  Shes the best example of someone going after their dreams and having it all.  I couldn't imagine my world without her in it. 

How perfect for this layout to fall on National Sibling Day.

I can't wait to see what you all create inspired by the Scrap Our Stash Challenge and my Sister Love layout.   Also stick around- the middle of the month- we have a fabulous sketch waiting for you to give a hand at! 

xo. Renee

Fools 5k.

This past weekend I ran in another 5k. I know- look at me - I'm on fire. Okay, maybe not quite so much but I'm excited about all the races- that I just sign up for any of them that intrigue me. I just can't wait to get back in to it all. 

I have ran this race once before and even then - it wasn't my favorite. Maybe that's a giveaway that this one - just wasn't it.  What I do love is that they did move it from Saturday to Sunday - yes- last minute but the weather on Saturday was horrendous and I would have hated to battle the winds. I know people were mad but I commended Trekman Racing for making the correct call- people's safety should definitely be a priority. 

Sunday ended up being perfect weather for the race- not too much of a breeze and by the end it was nearly 60 degrees. Too bad I already had my chip timer attached to my front shirt- I'm sure it would have much better had I taken it off.  

The race was in a state park around a lake, which was great for views - fun for the fishermen I'm sure to watch us. Had two roundabouts also was an out and back so I definitely saw all the great people who finished before me. I'm not sure what it is about that- but for some reason - it always screws with my head. I'm clearly aware I'm not going to finish fast so it makes no sense.  Maybe I'm alone on that?

Just like any other race, my dad accompanied me down and took pictures. I'll spare you some of the real gems he caught ... he couldn't follow me for most of it- so the beginning and end is what I'm left with.  Anyways- back to the race- I just knew this race was going to be scratchy for me. I'm not sure why but my stomach was feeling off and I was lacking sleep.  So I did walk a few times when my stomach was telling me to do so.

Finally when I saw the sign that told us to sprint to the finish, I did just that - rounded the bend and under the finish line I crossed. That's where my real gem photos were taken that I won't show but sprinting with an upset stomach probably wasn't ideal.  

I got to plop down after my finish with some water and food from the stand. Half the food - I didn't finish but at least once I sat and stretched it out- I felt better.  

Although it didn't turn out to be my best, I did enjoy the chance nonetheless. I'm proud of Trekman for making a responsible choice to change the race- it made the race more bearable especially more so for others. I definitely will give the race another go- just next time- eat right and sleep right- perhaps run a few more times before to feel more confident. 

Another race at the end of the month, and I can't wait for this one- on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa with my sister by my side. I'm literally too excited!!

xo. Renee

Peanut.

I saw this challenge on Scrap Much? and I knew this would be perfect for a picture I had!  The challenge is to use 4 of the 6 colors chosen in their color board.  (Shown below.)   

I'm not sure if they are "exact" shades but I tried to aim for the closest!! I used midnight sky, paradise pink, laughing orange, baby blue and lemon lime. 

I just thought this paper in general, did a great job of nailing most of those colors for me! I also loved the way the picture of me and Jeff Dunham's puppet "Peanut" looked against it.  It's been two years since I've gone to Jeff Dunham Live.  Crazy enough, it didn't take much convincing to have my parents come along with me up to Minneapolis to see him. I'm not even sure what started my addiction to his TV Specials but I've got them all but memorized- and got my family equally addicted.  He makes me laugh endlessly over and over - no matter how many times I've seen it. At the  live program, of course- I had to get my own stuff Peanut and clearly, take as many selfies with him as possible :)   Because "Once you go purple, you NEVER go back!" 

I hope you enjoyed this crazy page- I love how I got to use so many colors as well as some mixed media.  

xo. Renee