Lessons from the Scrapbook Page

E-Bay, Black Friday & Other Must-See Stuff

So I've got some news...I'm moving! Our family has decided to relocate back to the Silicon Valley and we are excited to be going "home." This move will be a chance to reconnect with family and friends and has opened up some exciting new doors for me professionally...more about that next week.

Until then, we are clearing out the closets and selling off our stuff. We want to move as little as possible and make sure that what we own is what we love. No sense keeping things that we don't use, don't need or don't fit. And what better way to simplify and minimize than eBay? I haven't done much on eBay before, but am always impressed with the vast amount of great deals you can find there. So I set up some items for auction and have a few bidders. How exciting is that?

How about you? Have you ever bought or sold on eBay? Tell me what your experience was like...I'd love to hear it. What about Black Friday? Did you brave the stores? My daughter and I woke at 3:30 am and were finished by 10:30. Tell me about your adventures!

I Talked to Peter Walsh!

Do you know who he is? He is the tough love guru on TLC's Clean Sweep and a regular on Oprah. In fact he was on Oprah last week on a show about hoarders. I just finished his latest book last night. It's called, "It's All Too Much."

Have you ever said that? Or maybe said, "I'm overwhelmed," "I can't handle it all," or something similar? He has the answers to your clutter, and even more than that, he casts a larger vision of the life you want to live. Reminds me of the subtitle of my book, "Create the Life and Layouts You've Always Wanted."

Today I was on a CoachCast call with Compass Life and Business Designs and Peter Walsh was the special guest. I've enjoyed watching him for years on TLC and now that we're moving, I've been implementing his decluttering advice. To be able to talk to him and ask him a burning question was fantastic!

Here was my question:

"I'm a former teacher and current author, so I'm overrun with books and paper. How do I manage it all?"

Peter Walsh's response:

"Creativity is between your ears. Create systems. You can't be creative and free if you're always searching and looking for something. Organic and organize are from the same root word...to be fully whole, human, and you. You can't create organically if you aren't organized. Be brutal and let it go."

Love it! Another tip that he gave another woman with a similar situation also rung true to me. He said, "Trust yourself. It's about fear. Don't be timid about taking the step. You're a smart, competent, and skilled woman. Jump off the cliff."

Gotta tell you...this made my day. Now back to decluttering!

technorati tags: Peter-Walsh, It's-All-Too-Much, Oprah, Compass-Life-Designs, TLC, Clean-Sweep, Organizing, Clutter

Episode 24: Rusty Pickle Owner Lance Anderson Gets Real

Like I said yesterday, Lance Anderson, owner of Rusty Pickle, was one of the most memorable interviewees I had this year. His sense of humor and good nature, not to mention fantastic products, made the interview more like two friends chatting than a taped interview. I know you're going to love it.

For one lucky viewer, we have a Rusty Pickle chipboard album and a few other goodies to give away. Just leave a comment on this post and you'll be entered in the drawing for next Thursday. Thanks for watching! For more of Lance, visit his blog, Where in the World is Lance? Visit RustyPickle.com and click on his blog on the left side of the page.

If you want to be notified of more great interviews, videos, projects, and giveaways, sign up for our free newsletter. You'll instantly receive a FREE BOOK... Get It Together: How to Organize Your Photos, an inspirational e-book and workbook. 

JOIN NOW!

Name
Email

Completing a Scrapbook Circle Journal

Do you remember that journal I started months and months ago? You can see some of the other pages I created here and here. Well, it's finally complete and I got it back from the other participants. Absolutely amazing! If you've never participated in a circle journal, you should. It's an amazing adventure.

So I thought I'd share some of my final layouts for the journal...

Tune in tomorrow for a Real Women Scrap TV interview with Lance Anderson, co-owner of Rusty Pickle. He was one of my favorite interviews from earlier this year and I can't wait to share it with you! The paper I used for my layout above is from Pashmina by Rusty Pickle.

technorati tags: scrapbooking, circle-journal, lance-anderson, rusty-pickle

A Windsor Halloween

Gotta love those eyes!

He loves taking pictures, even without film!

This was Bubbie's first Halloween walking and being able to trick or treat. We went to about 10 homes in our neighborhood and then walked back to check out the candy he had gathered. What a fun night!

More holidays are on their way. Are you ready? If not, hop over to 5 Minutes for Mom. They're helping everyone get in the mood for gift giving and receiving.

GTD Explained: More Tips & Hints for Getting Things Done

If you haven't seen the Real Women Scrap TV episode about Getting Things Done...watch that first, then return for these additional tips...

In Honor and Remembrance of Veterans

Today I'm reminded of the sacrifice of so many of our men and women. I think this year it's more real for me because my husband and I have been watching Band of Brothers. The war those men endured is beyond imaginable. I also recently spent time with my Grandma learning more about Great Grandfather Otto who was in the United States Navy for over 30 years. You can see some of his war medals in the digital scrapbook pages I created below.

If you're looking for something to do to honor those serving our country now, here are some of my favorite ideas:

1. Create personalized Christmas cards and notes. Make sure to use a specific name and address. DO NOT send to "A Recovering Soldier" or other generic name. These will not be accepted. You can find names and addresses at AnySoldier.com.
2. Create gift packages to send to soldiers. Check out AnySoldier.com for addresses and lists of specific needs. We did this a few years ago and let our kids help shop, pack, and send. It was a very bonding family time.
3. Sign a pledge to America's Wounded Soldiers.
4. Say a prayer. I believe in the power of prayer and know that many of you do too. Take five minutes or fifteen, and say a prayer for the veterans and current service men and women fighting for our freedom.
   

technorati tags: Veterans_Day, Remembrance, Band_of_Brothers, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, War_Medals, USNavy, AnySoldier.com

Episode 23: My Visit With a Life-Size Purple Cow

I know it's hard to believe, but I actually met a purple cow in Vegas earlier this year. Okay, maybe not so hard to believe since I was in Vegas, but pretty cool nonetheless.

You gotta see this episode...

Click To Play

Pretty unbelievable, huh? Tell me how you would use this Purple Cows Incorporated Two in One Combo Paper Trimmer and we'll choose one lucky winner to receive a Season 1 Real Women Scrap TV DVD. Leave a comment in this post by next Thursday to be eligible.

And the winner of last week's drawing is...Lisa Martin! Congrats Lisa. Everyone else...remember to leave a comment to be entered in this week's drawing!

My Challenge for YOU Today...Be Still

Ever feel like you're on a treadmill running way too fast, but can't find the STOP button? Chances are, we all feel that way at times. The challenge and opportunity is to slow down before you get to the point where you're thrown off the back of the treadmill because you can't keep up.

This week, here's my challenge to you. Be still.

Need more help than that? Watch this inspiring video hosted by the ultra-wise photographer Dane Sanders and created by my uber-talented hubby.

Click To Play

technorati tags: Dane_Sanders, Dane'sPhotoMinute, Ron_Dawson, Cinematic-Studios, Slowing_Down, Busyness

Meet Simple Scrapbooks Editor Wendy Smedley and Professional Organizer Aby Garvey

Professional Organizer meets Scrapbook Industry Expert in this episode of Real Women Scrap TV. Aby Garvey is a professional organizer and owner of Simplify 101. Wendy Smedley is the Creative Editor of Simple Scrapbooks Magazine. They are co-authors of the new book, "The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker."

In this episode, they share their thoughts on creative organizing, finding space...even in the kitchen, and writing your scrapbooking inspiration statement. You'll be inspired and organized after listening to their interview...or at least motivated to make some changes in your life and space.

Make sure to watch until the end to see the hilarious outtakes and laughter that happened during the taping. Want to win a FREE T-SHIRT? Read below to find out how.

And now...on to the show!

FREE REAL WOMEN SCRAP T-SHIRT
Gotta love their sense of humor! Let us know what you think. This week, you can win a free Real Women Scrap T-shirt just by leaving a comment and letting us know your inspiration and organizing challenges, tips, or questions. We'll choose one lucky winner next Thursday when RWS TV returns with top scrapbooking product reviews. In the meantime, you can visit the blogs of Wendy and Aby to learn more about these fabulous women!

FREE ORGANIZING E-BOOK
If you'd like to get updates mailed directly to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter today and you'll instantly receive a copy of Get It Together: How to Organize Your Photos, an inspirational e-book and workbook. You'll also get updates on new episodes, upcoming events, sales and contests.

JOIN NOW!

Name
Email

FEATURED PRODUCTS IN THE SHOW
Creative Options Small Rolling Tote Periwinkle

Rusty Pickle Chipboard Alphabet

Rusty Pickle Pirate Princess Letters

tags: Wendy-Smedley, Aby-Garvey, Simple-Scrapbooks-Magazine, Simplify-101, organizing, scrapbooking, creativity