I have one for the blog here (it’s to the right under "Meta" but here’s the direct link: http://www.studioincognitodesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2) but I also have one for my own Designer forum at Plain Digital Wrapper!  If you’re interested in subscribing to that - just click this link SUBSCRIBE TO MY PDW FORUM and voila! you are assured of hearing about all of the news related to me!

Now I have to tell you how ingeniously eeevil my dog is.  Minnie is an almost 15 year old Border Collie Lab mix, that has been our faithful and loving companion almost as long as we’ve owned our home.  With very few exceptions she’s been a well behaved puppy (still call her that), that people love (and she loves back).

This evening a neighbor came by with her two little girls to visit, talking about our dogs, and I couldn’t help but brag how good Minnie is.  She doesn’t take food that’s not hers, she doesn’t have accidents (except when we have a thunderstorm, and lately she’s decided to have them in the shower - I kid you not.  That’s an entirely different post on it’s own!), etc. 

I noticed she was getting a little antsy around the girls (one of them can be a little bit rough, and she just doesn’t like it I think), so we went in.  I gave her a dog cookie, and when she got up, there was a little puddle forming under her butt.  She’s had accidents before where she really didn’t know she was doing it (you can tell by her body language; she almost seem surprised).  This wasn’t that kind of reaction.  She kind of looked over her shoulder and walked away.  Definitely a message to me for making her be outside with the girls lol.

I fire up the Bissel Little Green Machine we have and clean the spot, all the while talking to my sister on the phone. As I’m putting the machine away it hits me;  When the doorbell rang I’d left a couple of pieces of hard hot Italian sausage and Swiss cheese on the coffee table.  No biggie, Minnie won’t touch it, she knows its mine.  Still I start calling up the stairs to the den and telling her that she’d better be far away from the food.  My sister is giggling madly by this time…

I get to the top of the stairs and can just barely see over the railing and you guessed it - the dog had her face BURIED in the paper towel I’d had the sausage and cheese in!  I was laughing so hard by this time that I couldn’t even yell at her (not that she’d care - she was pretty brazen about the whole deal).

So I figure she peed in the mud room (wash room) on purpose knowing I’d be cleaning it up, so she could make a bee line to the den to eat the goodies on the table.

That’ll show me for making her play with the neighborhood kids AND bragging about me

Oh, did I ever tell you that her full name is "Minnie the Moocher"??

I’m getting a complex about this….

I’ve been absent from blogging because of the following events:

My 500 GIG EHD bit the dust (incidentally had ALL of my personal design files as well as my scrapping, photos, commercial use purchases, etc.).  I had backed most of it up, but there were some things from the last few months that had not been.  I have to say that with the exception of one shop (who never answered my support emails) EVERY shop I approached about re-downloading the past few months purchases were gracious enough to allow it.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart!  (Incidentally I have been burning those items and any new projects/purchases to DVD like a fiend!).

My XM radio died.  Yes, I have a satellite radio..and while some would think it is a luxury, I am enough of a nut about music that it’s essential to my daily productivity.  I can get the Red Sox games on there no matter where I am, and I can channel surf to my hearts content.  I was able to purchase another one of the same model through one of Amazon’s resellers, but it too was defective (got super duper hot in the cradle and the boombox - burned my hand!), so it’s gone back.  As soon as the re-seller logs my return in, then a new RoadyXT will get shipped out to me.  Until then, I can listen online - but it’s limited as to the channel selection.  The catch here is to get the same model I previously owned; otherwise all of the accessories I have are no good.

I THOUGHT my radar detector had died too…and by that point I was losing my mind!  But, as it turns out, the outlet strip I have in my car (that it’s plugged into) died, so the detector is O.K.

These things have made my mojo muse super pissed off and it was almost impossible to be creative in anyway.  As I recovered files and found some stuff backed up, I was less and less tense and got my bum in gear.  Hence the grab bag that is on sale at PDW now through July 21st, for $3.00.

I had teasers on the original ad that went out, but I figure I’ll be fair to my loyal blog readers and give you the revealed preview WITH the coupon that’s stashed inside one of the zips

And here’s the coupon for you!
 

I’d LOVE to see what you do with the GB - so send me links to your LO’s and you just might find them here on the blog as a feature!!

I have the honor of being the Featured Designer of the Week at PDW and I couldn’t be thrilled more!  My entire shop is 20% off for the week, and I have a new mini kit that’s free for this week only (it will be on sale after the week is over).  It’s a Ca-ute kit (according to my CT - *hugs* ladies you are the best!) and I think it some of my best work!  My shop is also 20% off for the entire week, so don’t miss out on this!

You can grab this at my "Featured Designer of the Week" shop @ PDW for Free through Saturday, June 14th, 2008. 

I’d write some more, but it’s hard for me to position myself in front of the fans and have the laptop screen up so I can see. It’s already 80+ degrees here in Massachusetts, and it’s only 10:21 am!  It was into the 90’s yesterday and it’s supposed to stay that way pretty much through Tuesday.  I can deal with the heat & humidity during the day, but when the thermostat says it’s 78 degrees and it STILL feels humid at almost midnight - it’s just gross!  I might put up another post today (or edit this one, ya never know!), if I come across some more interesting tid bits.  I’m also working feverishly on some new products - the mojo muse has hit my H-A-R-D this weekend!

OH! Don’t forget about the blog carnival that I’m hosting through the 15th!!!  There are a ton of neat articles and a free desktop for you to download in regular and wide screen formats).

One more thing - STAY COOL!

I am so honored to be hosting the first leg of the June 2008 Digiscrapping Blog Carnival!  We have some great articles and tutorials for your reading pleasure (and a little goodie for you too!).

Welcome to the June 1, 2008 edition of digital scrapbooking.

Other

Kelly-Ann Halbert presents What Scrapbook Item Are You? posted at Hummie’s World.

Vera Lang presents Which Glue To Use For The Job posted at Fine Craft Guild .com, saying, "Yes, we all know that digital scrapbooking is supposed to be messless and glueless. However, personally, I like to create hybrid artwork, and well, you’ll need different glues to tie it all together, as you’ll see in this article"

Tutorials

Liz Pike presents Creating a Digi-Album on the Cheap! posted at Strawberry Wine Designs for Digital Scrapbooks, saying, "How do you make a digi-scrapping album for cheap??"

DreamScrapper presents using & creating clipping masks posted at Digital Scrapbooking and Photography, saying, "Details how to use clipping masks in Photoshop. This would also work in Photoshop Elements though the shortcut that is used, Control+G will not be the same for each version of Photoshop. Instead, I suggest putting your cursor between the layers to be clipped, holding Alt until the cursor changes shape and then clicking the mouse. This will work in all versions of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements."

DreamScrapper presents Turning Elements into Stickers posted at TaylorMade Designs, saying, "Excellent tutorial for Photoshop showing how to create a sticker, even to adding a drop shadow to make it look like it is coming unstuck!"

Kelly-Ann Halbert presents Scrappin and Stampin with Savitri » Digi Tuts posted at Scrapin and Stampin with Savitri, saying, "Awsome list of tutorials with videos!"

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of digital scrapbooking using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: digital scrapbooking, blog carnival.

Download the Wide Screen Version of my June 2008 Desktop HERE
Download the Regular Version of my June 2008 Desktop HERE

Well this isn’t going to be easy - I stink at these tagging things!

Here goes the rules of this tag:
Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog
Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

OK…ready?

1. I would rather eat guacamole than chocolate. I do like chocolate, but when I have a craving, it’s usually something salty and not sweet.

2. I am a complete freak about organization! Though if you look at my office (heck even that small part of my craft table I posted the other day) you won’t have any inkling that I’m like that lol. I understand my system, no one else does

3. I am a sci-fi geek. I know, it’s surprising…but when someone asks me if I’ve watched the latest episode of Lost or AI, 99.9% of the time I haven’t (though I am more likely to catch a portion of AI). I watch Stargate Atlantis, Dr. Who (David Tennant is hilarious!), BSG, and lately the Sarah Jane Adventures. I do watch “Reba” on Lifetime just because it cracks me up to no end.

4. When I don’t watch the Sci-Fi channel I will be looking for something interesting on either the Discovery Channel or the National Geographic Channel (Dirty Jobs!!)

5. I love kids but I do not want any of my own. It’s a very long story, but the “Readers Digest” version is, I like my life as it is. I can help with the various kids related to me when it’s needed, and yet, I can still adhere to my own “non” schedule. It made my MIL a little upset for awhile because she assumed she’d have no grandchildren, but she’s been more understanding.

6. I used to be the Superintendent of the Nursery as well as the Head of Music Ministry for a church. I’ve also taught Sunday school (18 mos through 5 years old in one class room - I was INSANE!). I know this one has GOT to surprise someone lol.

7. I love ALL sorts of music! I have an ipod (its the best thing apart from my computer that I own I swear), and it’s loaded with all sorts of stuff! I have 80’s music (Duran Duran), Show Tunes (Ain’t Misbehavin’, Dreamgirls, Chicago), Country (Phil Vassar, Sarah Johns), Pop (Justin Timberlake, Sarah Bareilles), Rock (Kiss, Alien Ant Farm), and even some Rap (Kanye West, Timbaland). These are just a few examples of the music on my ipod.

HA! I now get to tag! Hmmm…Let’s see who I can grab for this…Amy W., Acorn Designs (TJ is gonna beat me!), Kris Meyers, Manu, Kari, Tracy K, and Miss Crow.

Hey…there’s one last freebie to give you all , isn’t there? I’d never leave you and forget!! Here’s the final birthday present freebie for your journaling pleasure!

**Sorry this download offer has expired**

O.K. it’s THE day..I am now 40 years old. I don’t feel any different…don’t look any different, just the same old, crazy, paste eating girl One of my co-workers (who’s birthday is tomorrow incidentally), decorated my office with “Over the Hill” and “40 and Still Wild” stuff lol. I took some pictures (and they made me wear the “Over the Hill” crown too!), but I haven’t pulled them off of my phone. I’ll add those to the blog tomorrow for you all to roll over.

I had a really nice day though! I loved the decorations, we had ice cream cake (I LOVE ice cream!), got some funny (and nice mushy) cards from family and friends, and got a sweet gc to Michael’s from my DH and was taken to dinner at Wildwood’s Steak House. I highly recommend it btw - fantastic food and reasonable pricing. The one we went to has a circular plexi-glass cutout in the floor that shows off their wine cellar - pretty neat!

Alrighty then..this is going to be short, I’m pooped out and wanting to just hang with DH - so here’s a preview of your present for tonight. I hope you enjoy it!

**Sorry this download offer has expired**

I’m back and I have goodies and photos to show ya! I finally got off of my bum and started a rolodex hybrid project that I’ve been collecting supplies for. It’s really slow going (I am so much faster assembling in digi - plus you have “do overs”!), but I’m rediscovering why I loved paper crafts:) Here are a couple of photos:

This is about as far as I’ve gotten LOL..but it’s hard work to cut, paste, trim, sand and ink! (I love inking…but then I loved mudpies as a kid too!)

And THIS is the immediate working space - what a mess! I was so excited I had paper scraps flying all over the place and I just ripped open packages. I really, really love my new CutterBee - it works amazingly well to trim those detail areas.

And here is a preview of tomorrow’s goody I am posting it early again because quite frankly, I am waaaay too old to be up at 5:30 am and stay up until midnight, only to get up at 5:30 am again

I was trying for a faded look - as you can see hehe…enjoy!

**Sorry this download offer has expired**

Have a Happy Friday!

(I know this is a few hours early..but I figured you all wouldn’t mind lol)

Oh I wasn’t lying - I have more gifts for my loyal readers! Before I drop today’s goodie on you, I guess I should let you know that I’ve added the separate Element and Paper Packs that I said I would put up. I really needed to be fresh to do it though (which is why I waited for today), because I make some colossal and SILLY mistakes if I try to do product adds tired. For instance…I COULD put the list price in as $275.00 instead of $2.75 - but who would buy an EP or PP priced that high?? LOL

My niece (who happens to be a frequent subject in my LO’s) takes dance - and this year one of her recital routines (I believe it’s for her ballet class) she’s wearing the flying monkey suit from Wizard of Oz (I kid you not!). I have a picture that my sister sent me via a text message, but I told the kid that for my birthday I want her to wear her costume and allow her mother to shoot some pictures of her doing “normal” things (i.e. her chores). It’s a twisted version of “trashing the dress” shots you see, but I think it’d be hilarious. Of course my niece is not having this, but I think I might be able to get her to relent after her recital *weg*. I’ll let you know how I make out.

Here’s a preview of your present for today - it’s a quickpage I made using the Beachy Keen Kit. Don’t forget - my entire shop is 29% off through Sunday with an extra 15% coupon for my blog readers if they spend over $5.00 (coupon code: omgshes40).

**Sorry this download offer has expired**

O.K., I have to face facts - Friday I will be 40 Years old. There was a time that I thought 30 was “really old” (never mind 40!), but now I am sort of looking forward to it

I’m having a sale though to celebrate it - so between Wednesday, May 21st, through Sunday, May 25th my entire shop (yep, CU as well) is 29% off (the discount shows in the cart! And, my loyal blog readers will have an advantage over the other shoppers - if you spend $5.00 or more in my shop you will receive an EXTRA 15% OFF just by entering the coupon code omgshes40 when you check out!

I also have a brand new kit that I JUST put up

A little bit retro, a little funky, Beachy Keen heralds back to the time when Gidget ruled the waves! 14 papers in wonderfully touchable textures (solids & patterns) as well as over 25 unique elements (not counting a fabulous tiled alpha!) will be all you’ll need to show off those sand & sun photos! (I will also offer it as a separate paper and element pack, so if you’d prefer it one or the other, I’ll have that added tomorrow).

I also have some gifts coming your way as part of my “Birthday Event” and here’s the first one! It’s a paper pack that I offered as a holiday promotion, but I think it’s fab enough to offer to you all here!

**Sorry this download offer has expired**

Keep your eyes peeled each day through Sunday for more goodies, photos and tidbits (I actually played with some paper and paste - instead of just eating the paste like I normally do!)

At least the last time I checked anyhow lol…but Thursday I did something I haven’t done since I was VERY little. I went to work as normal, and when one of my co-workers came in she kept giggling and saying my name over and over.

Now she and I rag on each other a bit for fun, so I’m thinking that she’s just starting early *G* Then she tells me to look at my sleeve…which has the seams showing on the outside…

Oh god..I went to work with my shirt on INSIDE OUT!

Now it happened to be a solid color knit top with no tag - the “tag” is printed on the back, so I wasn’t that obvious - I made it past my husband (who now reminds me what order my clothing should go on my body), and most of my co-workers with it on that way, so I guess it wasn’t that bad lol.

The kicker is that when I’d taken the shirt out of the dryer I’d thought it was inside out, so I turned it “right” side out!

I had to giggle at myself -didn’t embarrass me at all (go figure!), so I thought I’d share it with you all. Fortunately for me, there are no photos of this to haunt me later in life.

It’s also appropriate because I am approaching the “big 40″ this week. I’m looking forward to it in an odd way, because I really feel like I have a good grasp on who I am and what I want in my life. I didn’t have a good definition of self in my 20’s and I don’t really think it was until my latter 30’s that I reached an understanding of how to balance making me happy with not making everyone else miserable *weg*

I’ve got a little goodie for you today - it’s a quick page that I made with my “Sage Advice” Kit on sale at Plain Digital Wrapper. I did a LO with it as an example.

You can download this Quick Page HERE