Weekly Warm-Up: The Ten-Minute Challenge
08/31/2009 at 5:00 am | Posted in weekly warm up | 9 CommentsTags: ACDsee, Anna Griffin, Brenda Peterson, Brittany Beattie, Creating Keepsakes, Joannie McBride, Lori Fairbanks, Megan Hoeppner, scrapbook challenge, scrapbook shortcut, Scrapbooking
Hello, and welcome to CK! I’d like to make you a special guest editor today, if you don’t mind. This means I need you to join me for our weekly staff meeting. Are you in? Great! Let’s go. We don’t want to be late.
Today’s agenda: Creativity Training with Brittany
*Me, whispering to you*: “Sweet! Creativity trainings are the best—so much more fun than when we’re asked to do grammar trainings. Know what I mean?”
Your task: Create a two-page layout in ten minutes. The layout must include:
- An accent or embellishment of some sort
- A spot for journaling (but no actual words need to be written)
- A title
- Note: You do not have to add the photos, since that would definitely take more time to plan for than this ten minutes provides.
You have three minutes to gather supplies from the different bins of materials and then the clock will start.
Ready? Go!
*Me, freaking out to you*: “What?! Only ten minutes to do a two-page spread. Like that’s going to happen. I can’t even zero in on my products in ten minutes, much less select and assemble them! Ahh! I’m freaking out here, man!”
*Me, taken aback by your confidence*: “What’s that? You think I can manage this if I just put my mind to it? You’re excited to give it a try? Well, aren’t you an eager elf. And it’s only your first day, too. Sheesh! See if I ever bring a special guest to our meetings again. You’re making me look bad here…but, you’re right, I’m sure this can be accomplished if I put my mind to it. Especially if I stop chitchatting with you and actually get to work. Let’s do this!”
Yeah, that’s pretty much what the scene looked like in our weekly staff meeting last Wednesday. Brittany did ask us to create a two-page spread in ten minutes and I did freak out, but I got it done, at least as much as I was asked to get done (thanks for your faith in me)! And I actually had a blast doing it. There was something about the rush of beating the clock that really sparked my creativity. Here’s what I came up with:
Okay, I confess, I cut out and added the tress after my time was up, but I did manage to get my products selected, my theme determined and the general design of my page concepted all in the time provided. Not too shabby, eh?
I wasn’t the only one to get the job done. Take a look at what cute Joannie did with her mini marathon. Unlike me, she had a plan going in. She knew she wanted to make a page about her son, so she went in with a goal and selected her products accordingly.
And here’s sassy Lori F.’s page. This wise woman maximized her time by selecting a page kit to work with. Then it was only a matter of arranging the elements in a way that worked for her.
Brittany did more than just pose this intense challenge, she also participated. And, as you can see from the outcome, she was ready to work under pressure. She took a colors-first approach, selecting colors that spoke to her. She then let the colors determine her theme. Since they’re nice colors for a little boy, she decided to do a layout about her nephew. (Check out Brittany’s blog to see additional details she’s added to her page since our meeting.)
Brenda, our editorial assistant and the newest member of our team (also the editorial assistant for Paper Crafts), also went the coordinated-product route to create her dancing page—a smart move, especially when time is of the essence.
What about you? Can you put together a spread in only ten minutes, minus the photos and journaling? I’m sure you can, being the creative person I know you are.
Believe it or not, this exercise was more than just a creative relay race. Like any good lesson, it had its teachable moments. Here are actual notes from our meeting, outlining some of our discoveries:
As a group, we concluded our discussion by recognizing that these notes relate to just about any task at hand, whether it be scrapbooking, writing, editing or even tackling a messy house. The next time you’re faced with a task that seems impossible, keep these tips in mind and see if your perspective changes.
In the spirit of tacking big tasks, we’d love to read any tips you have, whether it be a scrapbooking shortcut or a general approach you take to getting a project accomplished. I’ll give you ten minutes to leave a comment. Ready…get set…go!
Cheers!
Megan Hoeppner, Creative Editor
P.S. I love shopping and finding a good bargain. Do you? If so, you’ll love these hot money-saving tips that I have to share today:
1. ACDsee is having a summer sale. Purchase the ACDSee Photo Manager 2009, a powerful digital photography organization tool for at-home use, and receive a free copy of ACDSee Photo Editor in a special two-for-one sale. Hurry, this offer ends Sept. 1. Visit their website for more information.
2. The Anna Griffin Scrapbook Super Sale is coming and, according to my Anna Griffin contact, it’s going to be “over-the-top and out-of this world, with unheard of pricing and deep discounts!” This is a 3-day event that runs Sept. 5-7. Check their website for more information.
You be the Judge (August edition) and Tamron Lens Winner
08/29/2009 at 12:13 am | Posted in You Be the Judge | 5 CommentsTags: CK, CKMB, contest winners, Creating Keepsakes, Creating Keepsakes magazine, giveaway, Joannie McBride, reader gallery, reader pages, Scrapbooking, Tamron, winner
I have been so inspired lately by just about everything around me. It’s made me want to scrapbook even more than usual – Which is really good for me since I have taken over 2000 pictures this summer. When I scrapbook, I need to fit as many photos as possible onto a layout so I can scrap my favorite memories of this summer.
We asked you to submit 10 photo layouts both here on our blog and also in our online gallery of pages. And boy did you deliver! You created layouts about special occasions, everyday life and anything in between. Here are four pages we’d love for you to vote on as your favorite. The winner will be published in an upcoming issue. It’s really simple!
That Grin by Stephanie Howell
New York, New York by JayKaye
How Does Your Summer Grow by BabyBokChoy
Swish, Zoom by tdavenport
Here’s how to vote: check out our survey, look at the pages and pick your favorite. You can vote as often as you like. The page that gets the most votes will be featured in our January issue. That’s it–pretty easy!
But you don’t have to wait till the issue is published to see if your voting efforts paid off. We’ll show you the winning page here on the blog on Thursday, September 3rd. A special sneak peek for you, our blog readers. Thanks for your votes. May the best page win!
Joannie McBride
Assistant Editor, Creating Keepsakes
P.S. And now for the moment most of you have been waiting for. In an earlier blog post, we were giving away a Tamron lens to one lucky reader. We received 550 comments as entries to the giveaway (WOW!) and we’re thrilled to announce that Kristyn G is the winner of the lens. Kristyn, please email us at ckblog@creatingkeepsakes.com with your contact information. Congratulations and thanks to Tamron for such a wonderful giveaway.
I really enjoyed Ali’s Studio A this month. I think we sometimes forget to document all of the aspects of our lives as moms, wives, professionals, daughters, and sisters.
And that lens is amazing! My standard lens doesn’t always focus properly (that’s what happens when the strap comes undone and your precious DSLR hits the tile floor–uugghh!!) so this lens would be a VERY welcome addition to our house! Comment by Kristyn G
Guest Blogger: Susan Opel from Paper Crafts Magazine
08/28/2009 at 3:26 am | Posted in guest blogger, Uncategorized | 85 CommentsTags: card making, giveaway, handmade card, handmade cards, holiday cards, Holiday Cards & More, Paper Crafts Magazine, Susan Opel, World Card Making Day
Happy Friday, CK blog readers. My name is Susan R. Opel, and I am an Editor for Paper Crafts magazine. It’s a pleasure to chitchat with all of you about some serious crafty goodness.
While scrapbooking has always been my first love, I’ve found that card making is a pretty amazing way to use my stash of gorgeous stuff. And once I’ve made a card, I can send it to someone to brighten their day with something that I’ve made just for them. It’s a pretty fantastic feeling.
Just like scrapbookers celebrate National Scrapbooking Day in early May, card makers have their own holiday called World Card Making Day the first Saturday in October – this year it is October 3. The purpose behind the holiday is A) to celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family and B) to kick-off (and get a head start on ) the holiday card making season. And if I’ve been paying attention to the world lately, it sure seems like lots of people are interested in the homemade and handmade. What if YOU made your Christmas cards with your scrapbooking supplies and started on World Card Making Day?
Not sure how to get started? Oh, boy, do I have the perfect solution to that problem. Let me introduce you to Paper Crafts magazine’s fourth installation of Holiday Cards & More which just hit newsstands on August 25!
Holiday Cards and More
Inside the covers of this delectable holiday treat, you will find over 100 festive card ideas sure to inspire you. Take a look at a few of my favorites!
Winter Wishes by Charlene Austin
I love the retro feel and simplicity of Charlene’s card. You could do this one easily! A couple pieces of cardstock, a border punch, some patterned paper, all topped off with ribbon and a rub-on. This wouldn’t be too hard to reproduce in duplicate to send to all of your friends and family.
Folk Tree Card by Kim Hughes
- Folk Tree Card by Kim Hughes
As one of our Go-to Gals at Paper Crafts magazine, we can always count on Kim to create simple and cute cards like this one. With a few cuts and pieces of paper, a quick machine stitch and some rhinestones, Kim has created an adorable and homey card that captures the essence of handmade love. You could use a pen to mimic the stitching or skip it altogether, and you’d still have a super cute result!
Son is Given Card by Lisa Johnson
Son Is Given Card by Lisa Johnson
Sometimes you may want to make a one-of-a-kind creation for someone special. Whether it is for your child’s teacher, an elderly neighbor or a dear friend, this is when you can go all out and create a card with gorgeous detail like Lisa’s. I love all of the touches she adds with layered paper, ink, an intricate border punch, ribbon and tiny jingle bells. This card says, “I took time out of my busy schedule to create this for just for you.”
I’m feeling awfully merry after looking at these cards, aren’t you? What if you and your scrapbooking pals celebrated World Card Making Day this October 3rd by trying your hand at card making? To give you a little inspiration, I have two copies of Holiday Cards & More: Volume 4 (which includes much more than cards!) to give away. Leave me a comment by Monday, August 31, about your plans for World Card Making Day or your Holiday 2009 cards.
Happy Card Making!
Susan
Trend Talk: Mmmm… Doughnuts!
08/27/2009 at 4:00 am | Posted in Hot Trends | 21 CommentsTags: Creating Keepsakes, donuts, doughnuts, Etsy, Kodomo, Lori Fairbanks, Martha Stewart Weddings, Megan Hoeppner, Melissa Ann Bagley Photography, My Cute Stamps, Pottery Barn Kids, Trend Talk, Urban Outfitters, ZuluMoon
Image from Martha Stewart Weddings
Image from Melissa Ann Bagley Photography
Toys from Pottery Barn Kids
Pillow from Urban Outfitters
Card from Etsy
Card from Etsy
Coloring book from Etsy
Charm from ZuluMoon
Earrings from Etsy
Bag from Sanrio
Stamp set from Kodomo Inc.
Image from My Cute Stamps
ode to maurianne
08/26/2009 at 5:20 am | Posted in Uncategorized | 14 CommentsTags: Becky Higgins, behind-the-scenes, Beth Opel, Brittany Beattie, Creating Keepsakes, Erin Bayless, Jennafer Martin, Lori Anderson, Lori Fairbanks, Mandy Douglass, Maurianne Dunn, Megan Hoeppner
We’re feeling a little blue today. Tomorrow an amazing editor and a total doll of a person is packing up and heading on her way. Maurianne Dunn, who has been a vital cog in our company machine, is moving on to continue her education. We wish her well in her life after CK, but we will miss her! Add your greetings to those of our team by leaving a comment for our darling girl.
- We love this girl!
Maurianne, you have been nothing less than a complete pleasure to work with. Thank you for everything, for every way that you contributed to CK! All the best. – Becky Higgins, Contributing Editor
—
Maurianne is the quiet, calm member of our team. She always brings such a fresh, well-thought-out perspective to our team (and she is never frazzled). I will miss her adorable outfits every day, her keen eye and attention to detail, and most of all her little comments that catch me off guard and make me giggle. You will knock them dead, Maurianne. Good luck and I wish nothing but the best for you. You are a shining star! – Lori Anderson, Online Managing Editor
—
Maurianne is the greatest friend and editor anyone could have. I have sure enjoyed getting to know her through emails. She is one TALENTED woman and CK sure will never be the same without her. Thanks, Maurianne, for all you have done! LUFF –Mandy Douglass, Contributing Editor
—
Ode to Maurianne (a double haiku)
Helpful, skilled, cheerful,
Fashionable and smart, her
Cleverness inspires.
Maurianne’s so great,
Talented and wonderful,
Words cannot express.
– Jennafer Martin, Editor-in-Chief
—
Maurianne, you’re a class act! Your calm, friendly energy always puts me at ease and you never cease to impress me with your intelligence and creativity. You’re a wonderful problem solver, a fantastic writer/editor and one snazzy dresser. I’m going to miss all of these things about you. But most of all, I’m going to miss you. However, knowing that you’ll be off following your dreams makes all of this easier. I’m proud of you for taking this leap. You’re going to rock grad school, just as you rock everything else that you put your mind to! –Megan Hoeppner, Creative Editor
—
Maurianne, you are amazingly talented and will be much missed. Thanks for always crossing my t’s and dotting my i’s. I appreciate your eye for all things cool. It has been fun to be inspired by things that inspire you. I love your lovely classic fashion sense that makes you appear as much of a lady on the outside as you truly are on the inside. I wish you the best in your future and know you will accomplish great things! – Erin Bayless, Art Director
—
Words to describe Maurianne as a coworker: Thoughtful, professional, organized, conscientious, reliable.
Words to describe Maurianne as a person: Classy, witty, intelligent, generous, devout.
Words to describe Maurianne as a friend: Amazing, patient, kind, supportive, irreplaceable.
–Beth Opel, Online Senior Editor
—
I’ve loved working with Maurianne—she’s kind and helpful, has a fun personality and a great style. She’s a fantastic editor with an inspiring command of the English language. We’re sure going to miss her around here! – Lori Fairbanks, Product Editor
—
Maurianne is an incredible person and has been a pleasure to have in the CK family. I will miss having her on our team for so many reasons:
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She is an amazing friend.
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She is organized, dependable and efficient.
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She shares a love for the Chicago Manual of Style and understands why rules of grammar and usage are fascinating.
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Her behind-the-scenes work has helped the magazine be the incredible publication it is.
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She is a team player and willingly helps out with any project as needed.
We’re excited for Maurianne’s new adventure, but we are sure going to miss working with her each day! – Brittany Beattie, Managing Editor
Keep in touch, Maurianne! Go reach for the stars!
Weekly Warmup: More photos for your money
08/24/2009 at 2:40 pm | Posted in weekly warm up | 8 CommentsTags: 4x6 photos, computer tricks, Creating Keepsakes, Creating Keepsakes magazine, Lori Anderson, Microsoft Word, multiple photos, Photoshop Elements, reader poll, September
Printing photos is a little bit like buying shoes. There’s so many different size and finish options, how does a scrapbooker choose? Should you go for the white border around your set? Perhaps enlarge a few of your favorite prints to a 5″ x 7″ size for big impact on your scrapbook page? Are you the type of person who sticks to what’s comfortable and you print your photos in the same size and finish each time? Or are you an adventurous soul who likes to mix it up from time to time?
No matter your photo size preference, you’re sure to learn some great tricks on how to print multiple photos on a standard 4″ x 6″ size print in our September issue of Creating Keepsakes. Check out the step-by-step instructions on page 37 for using either Photoshop Elements or Microsoft Word to place multiple photos on a 4″x 6″ print. Yes, that’s right. You don’t need to use Photoshop Elements to take advantage of this tip. You can resize and combine photos in Microsoft Word and print multiple prints on those cute 4″ x 6″ photo papers, too!
Print multiple photos on one 4" x 6" print
Arranging your photos to print on a 4″ x 6″ print may require a little front-work on your part, but it definitely pays off in the end. It’s a great way to save money if you print at home or at the lab. And who doesn’t love saving money? If you’re not up to combining multiple photos on one print on your own, consider printing a few of your images at your lab in wallet sizes. Most photo developers offer this as a standard option, and the smaller sized photos can add a fun variety to your page.
CK wants to know what size photos you typically use on your scrapbook pages. Is your go-to method to use 4″ x 6″ photos only? Do you enlarge to your heart’s content? We want to know!
Thanks for your answers! Be sure to check out our September issue on newsstands now for even more inspiration and tips!
Lori Anderson
Online Managing Editor, Creating Keepsakes
Special Guest Blogger: Teresa Collins
08/21/2009 at 2:00 pm | Posted in guest blogger, Uncategorized | 6 CommentsTags: chipboard, Creating Keepsakes, guest blogger, mini-album, Scrapbooking, sports album, Teresa Collins
Hi there! I’m Teresa Collins, owner of Teresa Collins Designs. I’m honored to be asked to be the CK Guest Blogger. I love what I do and am passionate about sharing my love of “telling the story” and documenting life’s journey. I love techniques, too! So I thought I would show you a simple and easy way to utilize your scrapbook papers. I design papers that make it simple to create a beautiful project in no time at all. This project is using my newly released Sports Edition collection. I designed this universal line so that it could work with ALL sports for any gender.
Consider today’s post a free album class. This idea can be used many ways. One way is to create one album per child, per sport or season. Or, like this project, you can chose to fill the album with all of the kids’ sporting events throughout the years. You choose; it’s your album!
THE COVER
Step 1: Cut pieces from the “Game On” sheet of patterned paper. Yes, I did cut out each piece, but it wasn’t bad. Do it while watching a movie at night—it really does make the album! I love that from ONE piece of paper I can get all the titles I need for my front cover!
Step 2: Position your cut pieces, as shown on the cover above.
Tip: I also cut the first 2 ruler strips from the top of the paper, adhered them to the album and cut off the excess.
Tip: For a little extra “pop,” I added a photo on the cover and a few chipboard charms to the spine.
Charm Technique: To create dangling charms, punch holes in the chipboard charms and attach them to the spine with either jump rings or ball chain.
PAGE 1
Step 1: Cut the paper into approximately 6″ wide strips, cutting the right page (Heywood Brown quote) to be slightly larger, as shown:
Step 2: Add one of your left over ruler strips at the bottom of the quote.
PAGE 2
Step 1: Adhere a ruler strip (6” wide) across the page
Step 2: Slide the page in the page protector and adhere the stamped calendar and “Success” to the outside of the page protector.
Tip: You will ultimately add photos on the outside of the page protector as well. It’s a fun way to layer photos and mix up the look of your book.
You’ll find that the remaining layouts are done in a similar fashion, with the ruler and cardstock on the inside of the page protector and the remaining embellishments on the outside.
Cut out all of the 4″ x 6″ tags from the “No Pain, No Gain” paper. Follow the photos accordingly.
I’ve used both the fronts and the backs of many patterned papers. Always flip your sheets over and see if you can find another pattern to incorporate into your design.
NUMBER TECHNIQUE: For the last page, cut out the numbers (1-9) and adhere them vertically. Not only is this a cool design idea, it also symbolizes growth.
So that’s it….very easy and simple, and an album finished ready to display photos of your athlete. (album by Jamie Harper for Teresa Collins designs)
Thanks so much for having me. I hope you’ve been inspired to use your paper and chipboard in a new way!
Teresa Collins
For more from the talented Teresa, visit her company website and her blog!
Free Shipping Today in Our Store
08/19/2009 at 11:56 am | Posted in Uncategorized | 4 CommentsTags: 101 Expert Solutions for Scrapbooking, 50 Moments, Becky Higgins Sketches, Creating Keepsakes, Creating Keepsakes Books, Creating Keepsakes magazine, Easier Than Ever 2, Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2, Free Shipping, Get Creative with Type, Month by Month Scrapbooking, Paper Crafts, Simple Scrapbooks, sketch, Store
Nothing brings a crowd running faster than word FREE. People will line up for blocks around a store for a “free doorbuster” or a “free gift with purchase”. Well everyone, I’m happy to let you know that today in our store, we’re offering FREE SHIPPING on any purchase. And you won’t have to stand and wait in any lines!
Our store is filled with tons of inspirational books, special issues, magazine issues and products. And, the free shipping offer also applies to all of the products in the store from our sister publications Paper Crafts, Simple Scrapbooks and Digital Scrapbooking. Talk about a sweet deal!
All you need to do to redeem this offer is enter the offer code FREE-SHIP-OFFR before you check out. It’s that easy! Please note that this online offer applies to domestic orders only. We apologize that the offer is not good for international shipping.
So what are you waiting for? Click your way over to our store and take advantage of this offer today! Hurry, the offer expires on August 19th.
Happy Shopping (and shipping!)
Lori Anderson
Online Managing Editor, Creating Keepsakes
An Insider’s Look: CK’s September Issue
08/18/2009 at 9:39 am | Posted in Insider's Look | 556 CommentsTags: Back to School, behind-the-scenes, Beth Opel, Cindy Tobey, CK, Creating Keepsakes, Creating Keepsakes magazine, fall trends, giveaway, Kelly Purkey, lens, Maurianne Dunn, photography, Scrapbooking, September, Suzy Plantamura, Tamron
Welcome back for this month’s edition of “An Insider’s Look.” The September issue of Creating Keepsakes was so fun to put together because we all love the back-to-school theme—it’s such an exciting time of year with the new pencils, new classes, and even new schools. I’ll be heading back to school this fall to start a graduate degree, so this issue makes me even more excited than normal! It makes me want to go shopping for new school clothes and notebooks, but I have so many fun insights to share with you about this issue, so let’s get started.
Let’s start with the cover. This fun layout by Cindy Tobey has many techniques you can try on your pages. Make a number 2 pencil into something fun. Here, Cindy transformed the pencil into a branch by adding leaves and a cute owl. She also explains how she created the chalkboard effect on her blog. Check it out, and try it on one of your school layouts.
Sometimes, we call on our talented contributors to create more than layouts for us. On page 69, you’ll see this adorable art on the opening page for the article “Moving up a Grade.” This was created by Suzy Plantamura.
Next, I hope you loved Kelly Purkey’s article “Hot Fall Trends” as much as I did. It’s exciting to see some of this fall’s hottest fashion trends applied to scrapbooking. Beth Opel collaborated with Kelly to decide on which trends to feature. Then our graphic designers decided they would like to photograph a pair of brand new shoes for the opening page. It didn’t take Beth long to agree to provide the new shoes for the shot. They’re now happily sitting in her closet, waiting for fall to come.
Last up this month, I’d like to tell you a little more about the Tamron lens (AF18-270mm VC) that was featured in “Cool Things” this month (page 122). It’s the world’s first 15X zoom lens, and it’s a great all-in-one lens if you’re looking for the perfect complement to your DSLR camera (for Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras). It also features Vibration Compensation, which is an anti-shake mechanism. This allows you to take blur-free photos up to 4 stops slower than usual. Just think of the shots you can get from sunrise to sunset!
Here’s the most exciting part: Tamron is giving away one of these lenses (valued at $629) to a lucky CK reader! If you’d like a chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post with what you loved about the September issue of CK or how you would find the Tamron lens useful in your photography. Check the “giveaways” tab at the top of the blog on Friday, August 28 to see if you’re the winner!
-Maurianne Dunn, Associate Editor
Weekly Warmup: Share Your Travel Stories
08/17/2009 at 12:01 am | Posted in weekly warm up | 8 CommentsTags: Beth Opel, Brittany Beattie, Lori Anderson, Maurianne Dunn, Megan Hoeppner, travel, travel layouts, vacation, vacation layouts, weekly warm up
I remember reading a quote by Saint Augustine which read, “The world is a book, and those that do not travel read only a page.” Whether you’re traveling to the next town or to a different country, exploring beyond your own backyard can teach you many things about different cultures, people and ways of life. The sights, smells and sounds are new and exciting and with each new adventure, you are learning and living. (And let’s face it, traveling is fun!)
After a vacation, don’t you find you return home with lots of fun stories to share, photos to scrapbook and memories to record? I know I do. Sometimes, things may not go as planned and other times you may return home even more exhausted than before you left, but scheduling a trip (even a short overnighter) is something all of us should try to do for ourselves.
Check out some of these travel tales from members of the CK team. Not only do we work hard, but we play hard, too.
The Trip of a Lifetime - Lori Anderson
The Trip of a Lifetime
A few years ago, my in-laws gave my husband and I two tickets to London, England to visit them while they were working overseas. My first feeling was panic, because I would need to arrange for the care of our four kids. After the initial anxiety wore off, I found myself looking forward to spending time alone with my husband and investigating all that London had to offer. My father-in-law was a wonderful tour guide and asked me each morning, “Do you miss the kids?” I did miss them, but I knew they were in good-hands, and I was having a wonderful time. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.
-Lori Anderson, Senior Editor
The Tower of Terror (Times 13) - Brittany Beattie
The Tower of Terror (Times 13)
While I was on a family trip to Disney World, a rainstorm caused most park visitors to leave an hour or two before the park closed. We saw the opportunity to ride the Tower of Terror (our absolute favorite) without needing to wait in line. One ride—fantastic. A race through the rain to enter the line again. Ride number two. Another race through the rain. We were making great time—enter the line, load the ride, enjoy the free fall and repeat. Before the park closed, we’d managed over a dozen rides. Bliss!
-Brittany Beattie, Managing Editor
An Under the Weather Honeymoon - Megan Hoeppner
An Under the Weather Honeymoon
My most memorable vacation is definitely my honeymoon, for both good and bad reasons. On the good side, I spent almost two weeks in paradise with the man I love. On the not-so-good side, we both got very sick. In fact, my husband got pneumonia and spent several days in bed. Being our honeymoon, you’d think spending a great deal of time under the covers would be a good thing, but I’m afraid that wasn’t the case for us. Oh well. We still managed to have a glorious time. We were there celebrating our love and commitment—even the Bubonic Plague couldn’t overshadow that kind of happiness.
-Megan Hoeppner, Creative Editor
Headed South . . . Again - Beth Opel
Headed South . . . Again
Usually I have a fairly good sense of direction. But my geographic orientation around the tiny town of Key West never really kicked in. Each time we set out, whether heading for a new locale or a place we’d already been, we always seemed to end up at the Southernmost Point in the United States! I can’t even explain what we were doing wrong, but maybe that colorful buoy had some kind of gravitational magnet, pulling us determinedly southward. Fortunately, we were in high spirits, so our navigational struggles, instead of frustrating us, provided a continual source of merriment!
-Beth Opel, Senior Writer
Taking on the Big Apple - Maurianne Dunn
Taking on the Big Apple
About three years ago, I spent six weeks in New York City for a summer intensive study program in publishing at NYU. I had never been to New York before and was going by myself not knowing anyone there. By the time I left, I had made many new friends, found old friends, and conquered the subway system—a true accomplishment! It was a lot of work and a lot of fun studying with some of the big names in publishing, which made it a memorable and rewarding experience.
-Maurianne Dunn, Associate Editor
Do you have a funny, exciting, dismal or downright awful travel memory to share with us? We’d love to hear about it! Leave us a comment detailing your story (and link us up to a photo, if you have one). Here’s to fabulous adventures!
Lori Anderson, Senior Editor
Creating Keepsakes
P.S. We’ve posted our CHA winners. To see if you’re one of our lucky winners, please click on the “Giveaways” tab at the top of the blog. Thanks to all who participated!
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