DANELLE JOHNSON will be a blog guest on Feb 28th

Hey Scrappers,

Danelle Johnson will join us on February 28th for an online Happy Hour-what do you think about that. We enjoy everyone's excitement with the Creative Cafe Bar and how everyone has to touch the buttons (including us). Its just so yummy!!!!! Well, if you love the Creative Cafe products, they are the brainchild of Danelle Johnson & Alison Wong. Their cutting edge designs coupled with their love of education is what prompted these wonderful products. Each week we sponsor a project for Happy Hour that week. Danelle will be joining us online on February 28th for an LIVECHAT with images of the project & questions & answers on it. We will post more details as the date draws near. The project kits can be picked up at Memory Mania or ordered online. We're both rushing to get to CHA but will post more details upon our return. SAVE THE DATE & COMPUTER for Feb 28th 7-8pm. Allison said it best in our newsletter-how cool to take a class while in your comfy CCL PJs. This is awesome, give us some feedback on what you think about this.

BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL

This awesome Crop in Style Store House bag is 50% off while supplies last. Reg. 139, Sale Price $69. Imagine what you could put in all of these drawers-acrylic stamps, inks, etc.

Tool Time Tuesday

Good Tuesday afternoon Ladies,

Here is a first time installment of tool time on Tuesday from the teaching staff at Memory Mania. This semester we will post on the blog each week about our current "it" tool. This week I wanted to share some new software that my favorite scrapping friend bought me for my birthday. The Digi Scrappin' software from Design Originals is a fantastic way to doodle without the black pen! All you do to install is put the CD into the computer and copy files to a new folder on your computer or directly into your photo editing program. This layout was completed using two flower doodles and printing them directly onto the cardstock. I then added chalk to make the doodles pop along with buttons, Ki Memories lace cardstock, chipboard letters, and of course my photos and journaling. Since the last thing I tend to do is free hand doodling on my layouts, this software is exactly what I was looking for. So the next time you want to doodle without the work, pick up one of these CD's and have fun creating your own masterpiece!

Have a *great* day,

Jody

MMU-CLASS OF 2008

The MMU Pep Rally to kick off the Spring semester of MMU was a lots of fun!! Special thanks to the MMU Cheerleaders: Becky, Jody, Jade, Brooke, Deneen & Amy. Special presentation by the dynamic duo-TOOL TIME-thanks Becky & Jody for preparing this little fun instruction for us. The yucky weather and lots of illness kept some of our classmates away so here are a couple of pictures to share with you. The class of 2008 has 34 students, 2 sororities, 27 classes, 11 teachers, and 3 crops. With these awesome ingredients it looks like a great semester cooking up. So you can just imagine how fun it would be to kick off with the Memories to Geaux class & wrap up with the recipe book class which includes tastes of recipes at the conclusion of the class. Don't forget you can add extra credit classes if you are interested in graduating in May. GIVE ME AN "M", GIVE ME AN "M", GIVE ME A "U", what does it spell? MMU!!! MMU!!! GEAUX MMU!!!!!!!

MEMORIES TO GEAUX

Join Amy in creating a previous Memories to Geaux-GEAUX TIGERS!!!! After you learn how easy & affordable it is to recreate this album, you can recreate it with assorted papers for any occasion-great gift ideas.

Feb 16th 10am-noon $20

GARAGE SALE

It's raining, its pouring . . . Don't forget to come check out the garage sale at Memory Mania on Saturday-its raining scrapbook goodies. Get some cool deals on the garage sale tables & also Memory Mania has loads of stuff on 50%-making way for CHA Shopping Spree.

While you're checking out the deals, also check out this cool new book:

More than 100 pages. The artists of Autumn Leaves have been busy cooking up mouth-watering works to scraplift. The Designing With Recipe book features 100 layouts, complete with step by step directions, all ready for you to easily 'lift' in your own creative kitchen. You can use the 'recipes' as is, or be daring and alter the recipe to make an original masterpiece. Whether you're using one photo or 15, you'll want to cook up every idea in this book! Lisa Russo, Leslie Lightfoot, jennifer McGuire, Cathy Blackstone, Margie Scherschligt, Jackie Bonette, Tia Bennett, Kelli Crowe, Mellette Berezeski, Robyn Werlich, Emily Falconbridge.

50% off SALE

Hey Girls
Don't let this sale slip by you- the girls have picked some really cool stuff for the sale to make room for new stuff in their sections!!! I saw a big rolling bag, some idea books, lots of embellishments, chipboard, etc. Come check it out!!!!!!!!!!!!

CALLING ALL SCRAPPERS!!!!!!!!!

MASTERPIECE CHALLENGE

WIN $100 scrapbok products!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Closing date: February 28

OK GIrls, I know you all already have this awesome book!!!!! This is an awesome chance to win some cool scrapbook products:

Create a layout from the Memory Mania Masterpiece Sketch Book that is OUTSIDE THE BOX-a twist of the sketch.Double page spread is preferred. Some entries will be posted on our blog http://memorymania.blogspot.com/ daily and the winner will receive $100 worth of scrapbook product mailed to your home. International based applications welcome.Layouts can be emailed to tammy@eatel.net & must include mailing address & sketch page # & explanation of how they twisted the sketch.

Slide show for MY LITTLE CORNER OF THE WORLD...

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

My little corner of the world...

Okay, I admit I used to get a bit envious every time someone showed all the cool things about their scrap room...why? Because even though I HAD a scrap room/office/junk room, it was anything BUT uplifting and inspiring!! Plus, I could never find anything when I needed it, and that killed me, because I am an ORGANIZATION JUNKIE!! I just LOVE containers and organizers, but this room was devoid of any organization, and it certainly wasn't FUN!! I only really liked to scrapbook at Tammy's house (in her cute little scrap room!) because there just wasn't a place at my house that inspired me to do anything creative!! So, I enlisted the help of my own decorator - my daughter, Mallory - to spruce up my space!!

But Mal has grand ideas which sometimes come with grand price tags, so I had to warn her that I didn't want to spend a fortune on this room!! When she asked what I had in mind, I told her that the only thing I had to start with was a little 6-drawer storage unit that I had bought on sale months before. I really liked those colors, but I had nothing else specific in mind. Her first suggestion was to paint ONE WALL - she's into that lately - I said NO! I'm sure I would've liked the look of it, I just didn't want a bright wall that I'd have to repaint later. So, she bought some bright pink curtain panels ($19.99 each) at Target to take the place of my painted wall - how cute!! Next, we had to get rid of the wooden closet door, and she did this with a curtain panel also! Then came the colorful rug ($29.99 at Walmart), the cool letters that she spray painted to match, some hot pink dorm accessories (papasan chair and wall file), a couple throw pillows, some colorful scrapbook papers on the wall as decorations, and now I LOVE to scrap in my room! I like the fact that I can work on something, then leave it out on the desk and work on it a little at a time without having to pick everything up from a family area. I get SO much more layouts done since I finished my room! Isn't that what we're all shooting for???

The coolest thing is...the whole project cost $182! Now THAT's budget decor - especially for MY decorator!! And I just LOVE it!! The moral of this story is that you can get a lot for a little if you try - changing even small things can bring some color into your space and make it a place you enjoy spending time and creating! And this all came from a little 6-drawer organizer...

Check out the slide show above this post for Before and After shots!Just click the PLUS sign to advance to the next slide!

Happy Scrappin'
Allison

Just Saying Hello!

I just wanted to take a minute to say hello to all of you gals over at Memory Mania. I hope every one is having a great new years and is getting lots of scrapping done. I apologize for not posting sooner. Seems as though I am learning much on the road of life right now there is no too much real news to share. LOL!

I have heard from a few of you over the past few months and that has meant more to me than you will ever know!!!! It was quite a bit lonesome over here in the beginning, but has gotten better since Rob and I have gotten our own place (with a scrapbook room) and I have found a store near by to play and meet new freinds that happens to be down the street. (yikes, I know!!!!)

I have passed both my Special Ed and General Elementary Ed tests so I am still looking for jobs and have a miillion applications out. :) I have been substituting all during this school year and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! One of my sisters just moved to N. Houston and my dad is moving about 30 minutes away from us so we are very excited!!!!

Owen is doing good, and LAZY. He gets jealous of Rob sometimes but is adjusting. I keep telling him that he still gets more scrapbook layouts done about him than Rob. ;) He misses being with the other pups at my dad's.

I had a great visit with Natalie over Christmas and we were reminiscing about the "good ole days" we worked and cropped with all of you. Laughing and singing and doing a little cropping until 2 am or so. HaHa! We keep in touch, she is doing wonderful and I will have to get her to post an update for ya'll here too. We still feed inspiration off each other even though we are so far away! I have to kick her butt into gear and get her scrapping, but we talk on the phone and share emails with our pages. Hey...I'll take what I can get :)

I miss you all very much. I hope you are all scrapping away and taking lots of classes! HEHE! I hope to have great news to report soon on the job front. In the meantime I have scrapbooked....ALOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! over the past few months and we all know how much of a treat that is!!!! So drop me a line some time!!! I have a blog that you can come to see pics and pages. I try to keep it updated for the friends and fam I don't get to see all the time.

I hope to see all of you very soon! I miss hearing about what is going on with you all!!! Say lots of prayers for me to be getting a teaching gig soon!!!! Lots and lots of love coming you from Houston.

Jessica

It's A New Year!!!!!

HI everyone,

Okay, it's a new year, the holidays are over and you are ready to scrap. We are already off to a great start. Our first crop since before the holidays was Friday night and it was full. All of the girls came in and got right in the grove working on their scrapbook layouts.

If you need a little help getting started don't forget about all of our new kit clubs. We have the new Toddler, Christmas, and seasonal kit club. Plus Masters and Disney. The new February seasonal is Valentines. It is adorable and on display at the store for all to see. If you want to sign up for the new kit clubs you have until the end of January so don't delay.

Happy Scrappin'
Christy

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR SEASONAL KIT CLUB

Hey Scrappers, Its your last chance to sign up for Seasonal Kit Club-here's the first layout to be distributed later this month. Wouldn't you love someone to take the guess work out of your scrapbooking EVERY month. CHRISTY ROCKS!!!! and she's ready to help you stay current with 2008 with these awesome monthly layouts!!

50% off Sale

WOW-I think this is the best sale we've ever had, don't miss out on these awesome products at 50% off. Christy, Lexi, Rachel, Jade, & Brooke have been SUPER busy since Monday pulling these great products and marking them down to great prices for YOU!!!! We will be adding to the sale tables daily to make room for CHA. Christy, Jade, Jill and I are already working on our wish lists for CHA purchases-seriously we will be like kids in a candy shop-imagine seeing thousands of scrapbook products in one big HUGE room, its incredible and we want to bring that to you. Here are some of the things on the 50% off tables today:

Albums
Karousel by Crafters Purse
Kits
Disney Embellishments
Baby Embellishments
Stamps
TONS of paper
Stickers
Creative Imaginations Ribbon Frame
and MUCH more

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!

50% off SALE

We are gearing up for our "GETTING READY FOR CHA"sale. We will be adding things to our 50% off table daily, so drop in as often as you can to get these great deals.

FRIENDS AT EA

Thank you to my new friends at EA. Amy Phillips invited me to speak with her Free Enterprise class last month at East Ascension High. I was a little apprehensive about keeping them interested, but Amy gave me some areas to include that covered areas they had been studying, like loans, supply & demand, etc. These kids were so kind and attentive-I'm sure it had to get boring, but each student held eye contact and asked questions. It was cool to meet so many well behaved & polite teenagers. They decorated a water bottle & made a cool sign across the back of the room welcoming me and pretended to be interested in my children's scrapbooks (he he)--they did tease me a little because of the purple Dutchtown scrapbooks. I was so impressed with them that I had to share how impressed I was with them. They even mailed me this cute picture to remember them by. They all received gift certificates and water bottles afterwards for their kindness.

Duh...I'm Such a Duffus!

"Does anyone have anything inside their surprise?" Hmmm...no answer. "Anybody?"

I timidly raise my hand..."I have piece of paper in mine." "Does everyone have that?" OHHHHH, "SUMMER" 2008! I won admission to the CCL in July! I'm such a duffus! Tammy's sister made everyone one of these sweet little pies and this little slip was tucked away in one...mine. Such a wonderful surprise! THANKS so, so much! I'll be there with bells on!

And a HUGE thanks to Tammy and all the Memory Mania staff for another FABULOUS CCL experience!

MASTERPIECE CHALLENGE

MASTERPIECE CHALLENGE
Closing date: February 14

Description: Create a layout from the Memory Mania Masterpiece Sketch Book that is OUTSIDE THE BOX-a twist of the sketch.

Double page spread is preferred. Some entries will be posted on our blog http://memorymania.blogspot.com daily and the winner will receive $100 worth of scrapbook product mailed to your home. International based applications welcome.

Layouts can be emailed to tammy@eatel.net & must include mailing address & sketch page # & explanation of how they twisted the sketch.
www.memorymaniac.com

Thank you,
Tammy

Resolutions

Happy New Year Everyone,
Just wanted to share one New Year's Resolution that I have made- I will take at least one photo every day this year. Now I know some of you feel so "behind" with your scapbooking that taking one photo every day this year will be too much. I have to confess I felt the same way earlier today while trying to take pictures of the kids. It was a true test of patience to get all three in the frame much less looking at the camera. But I did snap one picture that I just love. And I also have the memory of me and the girls trying our hardest to get the baby to smile. So try it, even if it is just for January- take one photo every day. My goal is to not only take the photos but at CCL this summer, I want to start a small scrapbook of layouts using only my photos of the day. This Friday, I'll be at CCL for a little visit. If you see me there, let me know if you are going to resolve to take more photos in 2008. I am already glad I did.

How Lucky Am I?

I had to share with you my Christmas gift from my "Fab 5" employees!!!! They really are the best!!

BLUELIGHT SPECIAL-SATURDAY

75% off Heidi Grace Products and/or
60% off ELSIE products
50% off Technique Tuesday Stamps
40% off My Mind's Eye Christmas products
30% off Idea Books/Magazines
20% off Daisy D's
10% off Heidi Swapp
through 12/30 with this coupon.

BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL-TODAY ONLY

Hey Scrappers,
For one day only -December 28th-20% off any organization product in stock. MUST HAVE THIS COUPON. Happy Organizing!!

Seasonal Kit Club

Christy Cochran created the New Year page to kick off the 2008 Seasonal Kit Club-what a great way to keep you motivated & up to date each month. Call or come in to register today.

Toddler Kit Club

The title page & first month of Toddler Kit club is

as created by Christy Cochran. For those of you that enjoyed the baby kit club, this will continue your toddler's memories. Kit Clubs are a great way to stay current.

Memory Mania Kit Clubs

Hey Scrappers,

Memory Mania will begin distribution of the 2008 kit clubs in January. Register early to assure your kit by calling 744-2767 or coming by the store to complete your registration. For more monthly titles -see newsletter.

Christmas Kit Club (cover & end page & first month) created by Christy Cochran. What a great way to get caught up on scrapbooking by scrapbooking a Christmas Album or a great gift idea for next Christmas.

They Have Arrived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay Ladies, The Cricut design studio has finally arrived. We have several in stock and waiting for you. It is software designed to enhance your cricut creativity.

The Cricut design studio puts you in control! Explore the content of the cricut cartridges, searching by keyword and previewing new cartridges. Then using an on-screen cutting mat, determine each character's size, style, and placement. Combine cuts from different cartridges and quickly weld, shear, flip, kern and duplicate characters. Save your designs to use later or to share with a friend.

It includes one software CD, one 10ft USB connector cable and one mouse pad.

CCL CLasses

Hey Scrappers,

Don't forget, CCL Classes start Friday morning at 9am (same time as registration) so if you are interested in taking classes, you should register now 225-744-2767. All classes are $20.

9-10 Disney Memories with Becky RObichaux

10:30-11:30 Christmas Cheer with Deneen Berdon

1-2:30 Easy Embossing with Debbie Gunion (layout & card)

3-4 Doodling, Easy as 1, 2, 3 with Amy Lockard (layout & template)

PRAYERS FOR CATHY GABEL & HER FAMILY

I'm out of town and unable to attend the funeral today of her Cathy's son, Sgt. Michael Gabel. I can't get Cathy & her family off of my mind. Cathy is a long-time friend, customer, MMU student, CCL attendee, that many of you know & love. Cathy walks into a room & brightens it with her smile & friendly comments to anyone & everyone in the room so I'm sure many of you know her. Cathy frequently spoke about Michael to all of us, and took many wonderful trips with him. She made some beautiful scrapbooks of his travels & times in the military which will be treasured forever. Michael loved his mother as much as she loved him. This is a sweet stor I thought I would share: After I ordered a plant for Cathy, the florist called me to inquire about Michael as he frequently ordered flowers for his mother from that florist. He said that as soon as he would be in on leave he would stop & order flowers for his mom before going home. I know its a small gesture but it shows in a little way just how much his mother meant to him. I remember we sent homemade cards and goodies to he & his troop and he was so sweet & sent a video of the guys enjoying the goodies & sweet thank you letter back. I'm asking for prayers for Cathy & her family at this trying time. This link gives you more details & Cathy shows her scrapbooks. http://media.swagit.com . Also, my nephew, Shelby Landen, wrote this poem.

The Freedom of Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the night
But not for the soldiers who stand up and fight
All the mothers lie down and cry
Cause’ their boys can’t have Christmas tonight

Soldiers keep quiet, enemies in sight
As they pull the trigger
They’re wondering why
For peace to exist
Someone’s got to die

As for the wives
Taking care of the children
All the husbands and fathers that died
Has got be a million

Though the wicked of the world
Has taken so many lives
We have to always remember
The birth of Jesus Christ

So you should always cherish
Your privilege for a Christmas night
Cause’ of all the soldiers who perrish
To defend your very rights

So merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
Pray for the soldiers
To make it home alive
And celebrate the birth Of our lord Jesus Christ.
by: Shelby Landen

Merry Christmas to All!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gifts for Christmas

Hi All,

I know that it is the holiday season and everyone is scrambling for those last minute gift ideas. We have tons of awesome gift ideas and new products for that scrapbooker on your list. The new Navigator scrapbooking tote is adorable with it's toile outter fabric and strips on the inside. It is sure to please even the most advanced scrapbooker. It's a new updated look with that classic style. We also have an awesome table top carousel organizer by Making Memories. It has tons of compartments for all of your tools to keep you ready to scrap at a moments notice. And of course you can't go wrong with clears stamps by Autumn Leaves and a Fiskars stamp press. The new stamps by Autumn Leaves have arrived and they are adorable. And last but not least what stocking wouldn't be complete without some Dot n roll refills and stickles. These items would be sure to put a smile on any scrapbookers face on Christmas Morning.

MONDAY INSPIRATION

Good morning all,

I hope this finds you rested & stress-free. I know how stressful the holidays can be with long to-do lists and so little time. Remember the reason for the season.

I'd like to share with you a beach layout by Sandi Gautreau. Its quite simple & easy to create yet really highlights her beautiful photos of her son. I love the journaling where she captures his likes & dislikes in this moment in time. You know that next summer he will splashing around in the water. Thanks for sharing Sandi. THis original layout & all products are displayed at the store for easy scraplifting of this layout.

Creative Cafe

This week's project:



Previous projects that may be created also:


Creative Cafe has made quite a stir at Memory Mania. I don't think anyone can walk near without touching the buttons, kinda like a candy jar, you're just drawn to it. The products are very cool. The chipboard album is the current project and other pictures are previous projects which can also be created-all are SUPER easy mini projects. If nothing else, join Christy or Libby for a fun hour on Thursdays, the projects are a bonus.

BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL

Hey Scrappers,

The blue light special is REALLY good one. We've heard many people say that are hoping to get the MASTERPIECE idea book for Christmas. We know many of you have friends that scrap and how awesome if you bought it for them & got one FREE for yourself!! Its such a great gift, we are having a sale-BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE to blog customers only-so print this coupon-offer expires December 24th or while supplies last.

CCL ALERT- DOODLING CLASS

Hey Scrappers,

Doodling Class at CCL.

Friday, 3:00 – 4:00 $25 Doodling Delights, easy as 1, 2 3 Instructor: Amy Lockard
Join Amy to share this fun and easy approach to doodle on your layouts. As you know, Doodling is all the rage right now and Amy shows those that are shy about doodling how easy it can be. Amy is new to Memory Mania but we could not be more proud of her. She has recently attended CKU and learned some really cool tips to share with you. Complete an awesome double page layout “Jolly Days”.
Doodling Template included in class fee.

MONDAY MOTIVATION

Well, I've been laying low with this bothersome back. Wow-some days you just feel about 20 years older than your birth certificate says, ha ha. I hope you are getting lots of your Christmas shopping & creative projects done and I surely hope you take some time aside for you. Here's a layout to scraplift to get you started. Pam Boudreaux created this awesome layout with the new Jenni Bowlin products and One Heart button stackers. This paper was just perfect for Pam's photos of Savannah. KUDOS to you Pam.

FUN TIMES AT MEMORY MANIA

Thanks to everyone for joining in the fun this week for our Wine & Cheese Social. KUDOS to Rhonda for the idea of the recipe book for customers, they loved it!!! KUDOS to Christy for helping our friends put them together. Thanks to all the little elves for helping everyone complete their wish lists. And a very special Happy Birthday to Lexi.

Happy Wednesday to everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather and getting into the Holiday spirit. I know I am. If you come by the store you can't help but be in a cheerful mood due to the Christmas music playing in the background and Memory Mania's elves singing Christmas Carols. So stop by and share in our Holiday Spirit and help us sing your favorite Christmas song.

We are amazed at how many people are creating their own Christmas cards compared to previous years. KUDOS to everyone doing that. If you are like me, you love sending a handmade card, but are short on time. My Mind's Eye has an awesome card kit which take less than 1 minute to create. And they have matching gift bags that are precious too. So best of all, it comes from the heart. And if you want a reason to stay out of the mall, check out our creative cafe project next week, its a mini album created in less than 1 hour.

Happy Holidays

Christy

GOT RIBBON??

Hey Scrappers,

Can you ever have ENOUGH ribbon? Libby says you GOTTA see all of this new ribbon. She has color coordinated all of the rolls of ribbon, come check it out!!

Merry Monday

Good morning Scrappers!!!
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. We sure did!!! You know how I love my traditions . . . well, the first tradition to kick off the holidays is our annual dinner with friends, we always choose a new & different restaurant and somewhere we wouldn't normally go on our own. This year we went to Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse in New Orleans, so since we were going to be in New Orleans for dinner, we decided to make a weekend of it. We arrived in N.O. early on Saturday to watch the LSU game; enjoyed our wonderful dinner (the lobster was awesome); then walked around acting a bit SILLY as we normally do when we are all together. ANyway it was a great weekend and if that is any indication for the upcoming holidays-they will be great.

Its the first week of December and many of you are thinking about sending Christmas cards. I received this from Adorn-it and its a very economical way of sending cards, check it out. http://www.adornit.com/PDF/Use_it_UP_ChristmasCards.pdf