Make a Difference Day...

Happy Saturday!!! Did you know that today is "Make a Difference Day?". There are so many ways to make a difference. In fact I just realize how today's holiday really fits into yesterday's Freebie Friday! There are so many causes out there that you can help, support, volunteer to help.... where you can make a difference! (So I think I will leave the Freebie Friday file up for a little longer!!)

And you know that kind of ties into the challenge I am hosting over at VDBC. You could scrap a page about how "YOU" make a difference. Maybe it could be about how you helped an organization. Or how you helped a neighbor. Or even how you made a difference in your OWN life!!!!

I have been so blessed this deployment to see how one little group of ladies have truly made a difference in people's life's.

When Andrew left to deploy to Afghanistan, I went to AZ to spend a few weeks with his parents. My father in law was having some health issues and I went up there to see if I could help out. If you have been following my blog for long - you know I ended up staying there for a little over five weeks. Well while I was up there, Andrew's unit encountered their first casualties and there first serious injuries.

My mother in law belongs to a quilt group in AZ. and in the past they have made patriotic quilts for Bethesda Naval Hospital, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Balboa Naval Hospital. When we heard about the casualties/injuries my mother in law went to her quilting group (Pine Needlers Quilt Group of Heber-Overgaard, AZ) and asked them if they would mind lap quilts to the wounded warriors of the 1/10th CAV (Hubby's group). It was a unanimous yes!

So with the help of Commander and our Rear Det AO/S3 my mother in law and her quilt group started mailing out the lap quilts to our injured.

Each quilt was handmade by one of the exceptionally talented ladies of this amazingly generous group and each quilt had a hand sewn label that said “Pine Needler’s Quilters of Heber-Overgaard AZ made this quilt as a token of our appreciation for your service.”

A few months after I got back to GA, the Rear Det AO/S3 came to visit me and she told me about a trip she had just made to Walter Reed Hospital to visit one of our injured soldiers. While she was there he was telling her how amazed he was at the out pour of love and support that he was receiving from home. He said to her, "Someone even sent me this awesome quilt!" To which the AO/S3 said - "Oh did that come from Major McDonald's mother and her quilt group?" And he was like YES!!!!

(This is Andrew's mother with the first three quilts that were sent out.)

Additionally, last week I got the pleasure of meeting a hero of my own. I had the pleasure of meeting Spc Chistopher Lowe. Spc Lowe was injured in a fire fight that claimed the life of Marine Captain Matt Freeman on August 7th, 2009. Come to find out his mother and grandmother own the local quilt store here in Savannah, Ga. Needless to say they were "thrilled" with the quilt that my mother in law's group had sent them.

I just happened to be at the quilt store when Kit and his mother showed up. He was home for the first time since his accident and only for a few days of convalescence leave before heading back to Walter Reed for his fifth surgery on his leg. I introduced myself as Andrew's wife - and as the daughter in law of the lady in AZ who's group sent the quilt. They were so appreciative! Kit even said to make sure I tell my MIL that he LOVES that quilt and that he sleeps with it every night!

Kit Lowe has decided to make a difference as well in other people's life. He has joined in with the family of CPT Freeman and Master SGT Temple to collect school supplies for the children of Afghanistan. You can see a very amazing video and read more about the program HERE.

So I encourage you - make a difference.... and celebrate "Make a Difference Day" today!

Before I go I want to leave you with one last thought....

The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten

Until Next Time!

Cya~


Lori McDonald, Designer

My cutter files work on many machines. Some examples are the: Klik-n-kut, Pazzle, Wishblade, Silhouette, Cricut, Craft Robo. Some of the most common softwares involved with these machines are: Funtime, Scrapbooking, WinPC/Signlab, Inkscape, Create and Cut, Illustrator, KNK Studio, and Robomaster. These file are available exclusively at: VDBC!!!

We also specialize in pre cut/ pre assembled scrapbooking titles, diecuts, embellishments and keepsakes (including our NEW photo Stars). Make sure to visit our Store!

Don't forget to check back often as we host our scrapbooking digital cutting file freebies at least once a week!!!

Read more...

FREEBIE FRIDAY!!!

Yep it's that time again!!!

FREEBIE FRIDAY!!!!

But before we get to that - have you checked out my newest designs in the store??? But not only that - did you see that we now have photos on the products screen of actual examples how some of our designs are being used?!?! How cool is that!!! What? you don't know what I am talking about - well visit HERE!!!!

Now when you shop you can see how others are taking my designs and making them their own!!!! Additionally - send me YOUR projects made with my designs and they will be featured as well!!! How cool is that?!?!!

One last thing!! Don't forget I am hosting the weekly Challenge over at VDBC!!! It's going to be a lot of fun and the prize is GREAT!!!! Get more information about that HERE! Or actually enter HERE!

Now on to the real reason you are here!! FREEBIE FRIDAY!!!!!

I have really been missing my hubby lately and found myself digging out all my yellow ribbon stuff! Hence today's freebie is an Awareness Ribbon in three different sizes (2.5" tall, 4" tall and 5" tall). Almost every cause has a ribbon and to help you out - I have added a list of all the awareness colors and what they stand for!!!


Ok now on to the download. But before we do - here's the fine print... (I know, I know I hate the fine print too - but unfortunately my mean lawyer says I have to put it on here!!! Bahahaha)

Please note that this design is covered by my TOU (terms of use). If you do not have a copy of these TOU please make sure you download it HERE before downloading the freebies!

This design is only available for a short period of time - once it is no longer available here it will be available in my section of the VDBC Store for purchase!

Please do not share this file. If you know someone who might like to have it, then send them HERE to get it!! (Thanks sooo much!)

To download todays FREEBIE - just click on the file type you wish to download - and when promted enter the password: iagreetotou

(This is a paid 4share account, you shouldn't have any issues with downloading from here or getting a virus but if you have an issue please email me!)

Sorry file is no longer available for free download. Please check back NEXT Friday for another FREEBIE FRIDAY give-away!

All right - I think that's it!!!! Hope you have a GREAT weekend - I plan to upload the rest of my new stuff today and tomorrow - so make sure you check back over the weekend to get the low down of what went up!!!!

Before I go here's that awareness color list I said I would share!!!

Pink Ribbon :
Most commonly associated with breast cancer awareness, this ribbon is also a symbol for birth parents, and childhood cancer awareness (alternative color: light blue)

Yellow Ribbon :
We've all seen this symbol used to support our troops, but it is also a symbol for MIA/POW, suicide prevention, adoptive parents, amber alerts, bladder cancer, spina bifida, endometriosis, and a general symbol for hope. A yellow ribbon with a heart is used to represent the survivors left behind after a suicide.

Pale Yellow Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of spina bifida

Red Ribbon :
Most commonly associated with the fight against AIDS and HIV, this ribbon also is a symbol for heart disease, stroke, substance abuse, MADD, DARE, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, and Red Friday's for Troops

Burgundy Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of brain aneurysm, Cesarean section (worn upside down), headaches, hemangioma, vascular malformation, hospice care, multiple myeloma, William's syndrome, Thrombophilia, Antiphospholid Antibody Syndrome, and adults with disabilities

Purple Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, domestic violence, ADD, alzheimer's, religious tolerance, animal abuse, the victims of 9/11 including the police and firefighters, Crohn's disease and colitis, cystic fibrosis, lupus, leimyosarcoma, and fibromyalgia

Lavender Ribbon :
This color is a symbol for general cancer awareness. It can also be a symbol for epilepsy, and rett syndrome

Periwinkle Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of eating disorders and pulmonary hypertension

Blue Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of drunk driving, child abuse, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), the victims of hurricane Katrina, dystonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alopecia, Education, Epstein-Barr Virus, Save the Music, colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), and anti-tobacco - particularly anti-second hand smoke (in Canada; alternative ribbon color: brown), I Love Clean Air/ILCA Campaign (Japan)

Dark Blue Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of arthritis, child abuse prevention, victim's rights, free speech, water quality, and water safety

Light Blue Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of childhood cancer (alternative color: pink), prostate cancer, Trisomy 18, and scleroderma

Teal Ribbon :
This color is a symbol for ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers as well as sexual assault, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and tsunami victims

Green Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of childhood depression, missing children, open records for adoptees, environmental concerns, kidney cancer, tissue/organ donation, homeopathy, and worker and driving safety

Orange Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of leukemia, hunger, cultural diversity, humane treatment of animals, and self-injury awareness

White Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of innocence, victims of terrorism, violence against women, peace, right to life, bone cancer, adoptees, and retinal blastoma, in memory of

Pearl Ribbon :
This color is a symbol for emphysema, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and multiple sclerosis

Black Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of mourning, melanoma, and gang prevention

Brown Ribbon :
This color is an anti-tobacco symbol as well as a symbol of colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue)

Grey Ribbon :
This color is a symbol of diabetes, asthma, and brain cancer

Silver Ribbon :
This color is a symbol for children with disabilities, Parkinson's disease, and mental illnesses such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.

Gold Ribbon :
This color is a symbol for childhood cancer

Jigsaw Puzzle Ribbon:
This style of ribbon is a symbol for autism

Lace Ribbon:
This style of ribbon is a symbol for osteoporosis

Pink and Blue Ribbon:
This style of ribbon is a symbol for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death due to SIDS or other causes

Flag Ribbon:
This style of ribbon is a symbol for both the victims and heros of the 9/11 attacks. It is also a symbol of patriotism and support of our troops. In addition, it is a symbol of fireworks safety.

Until Next Time!

Cya~


Lori McDonald, Designer

My cutter files work on many machines. Some examples are the: Klik-n-kut, Pazzle, Wishblade, Silhouette, Cricut, Craft Robo. Some of the most common softwares involved with these machines are: Funtime, Scrapbooking, WinPC/Signlab, Inkscape, Create and Cut, Illustrator, KNK Studio, and Robomaster. These file are available exclusively at: VDBC!!!

We also specialize in pre cut/ pre assembled scrapbooking titles, diecuts, embellishments and keepsakes (including our NEW photo Stars). Make sure to visit our Store!

Don't forget to check back often as we host our scrapbooking digital cutting file freebies at least once a week!!!

Read more...

It's all about YOU!!!!

The other day I was going through my scrapbooks and noticed while I scrap about everyone and everything... there really are not many pages about "just" me. Which got me to thinking.... the whole reason for scrapping is to preserve our memories and to let the generations to come know who we are. If there are no pages just about me... how will they know that?

So this week at VDBC I am hosting the weekly challenge - and the challenge is to submit a layout that has to be all about you!!!

Some idea's:

A day in the life

Favorites (like favorite color, food, music)

What you would do if you won a million dollars

Hobbies or activities

What morals and values do you hope you pass on to other people

Uniquely Me (things that makes you unique)

Your many names (maiden, married, nicknames)

Hopes and Dreams

Your Faith

Hairstyles through the Years

It can be as serious or as wacky and quirky as you want it to be!!

All entries must be post at the challenge thread NO LATER than Midnight Oct 28th!

The winner will be determined by a poll of the VDBC Designers!

And the prize? Well the prize is AWESOME.......

The winner will receive an "Adhesive Mega Pack" put together by me! (And if you know anything about me you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE my adhesives!!!) This mega pack includes a Glue Glider Pro with a PermaTac cartridge, a re-positionable cartridge, the Crop and Glue vellum adhesive, and the Crop and Glue ribbon adhesive!!!!

Make sure you enter by the 28th - and just think you be leaving behind a legacy all about YOU!

Now to get you inspired here are two different layouts that I have done... well ALL ABOUT ME!!!

Now come on - it's a great challenge, you have some great ideas, a really great prize, some great inspiration (if I do say so myself - bahahaha!!!) So what are you waiting for! I mean hey -

IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!!!!

Until Next Time!

Cya~


Lori McDonald, Designer

My cutter files work on many machines. Some examples are the: Klik-n-kut, Pazzle, Wishblade, Silhouette, Cricut, Craft Robo. Some of the most common softwares involved with these machines are: Funtime, Scrapbooking, WinPC/Signlab, Inkscape, Create and Cut, Illustrator, KNK Studio, and Robomaster. These file are available exclusively at: VDBC!!!

We also specialize in pre cut/ pre assembled scrapbooking titles, diecuts, embellishments and keepsakes (including our NEW photo Stars). Make sure to visit our Store!

Don't forget to check back often as we host our scrapbooking digital cutting file freebies at least once a week!!!

Read more...

Happy Hump Day...

Not a whole lot to report today I am afraid! Same ole same ole.... working away on new files (I have 15 more new files to go up) but I can't them up quite yet cause we are doing a little bit of work at the store!! There will be a change coming up and I think you are all going to like it!!!!

Still not sleeping - which is good for my productivity - but not good for my mood!! LOL

Still wearing this stupid cast - once again not good for my mood!

And wondering where all this cold weather had come from!!! Luckily that will be gone tomorrow and we will be back up in the 80's!

Meanwhile, I am just "sucking it up and driving on"!!

Until Next Time (hopefully I will have something better for you tomorrow!)

Cya~


Lori McDonald, Designer

My cutter files work on many machines. Some examples are the: Klik-n-kut, Pazzle, Wishblade, Silhouette, Cricut, Craft Robo. Some of the most common softwares involved with these machines are: Funtime, Scrapbooking, WinPC/Signlab, Inkscape, Create and Cut, Illustrator, KNK Studio, and Robomaster. These file are available exclusively at: VDBC!!!

We also specialize in pre cut/ pre assembled scrapbooking titles, diecuts, embellishments and keepsakes (including our NEW photo Stars). Make sure to visit our Store!

Don't forget to check back often as we host our scrapbooking digital cutting file freebies at least once a week!!!

Read more...

Where does the time go???

I'm still here... I have just been majorly busy!! Sorry!!! So much to do and so little time to do it!!! I did get ten BRAND new files uploaded in the store tonight though!!! Are you proud of me???

So here they are: (you can click on the name of the design or the photo and it will take you straight to the product in the store!!!)

First up - this is one of my FAVORTIES of all time!!! (And was inspired by the Halloween party invite I got from my next door neighbor! Thanks Melissa!!!)

Eat Drink Be Scary
The Colours of Fall
Costume Party

The Boo Crew

This Blows

Waiting on the Tooth Fairy

The Tooth Fairy

Loose Tooth

The Colors of Fall

Pumpkin Faces Mix and Match

Now I still have either 13 or 14 more files to upload and I will try to get those uploaded in the next few days!!! Additionally I have gone into some of my other designs that are available in the store and uploaded additional photos of customers projects! Check that out too if you get a chance!

Alrightly then.... I think that is it for Monday!

Until Next Time!

Cya~


Lori McDonald, Designer

My cutter files work on many machines. Some examples are the: Klik-n-kut, Pazzle, Wishblade, Silhouette, Cricut, Craft Robo. Some of the most common softwares involved with these machines are: Funtime, Scrapbooking, WinPC/Signlab, Inkscape, Create and Cut, Illustrator, KNK Studio, and Robomaster. These file are available exclusively at: VDBC!!!

We also specialize in pre cut/ pre assembled scrapbooking titles, diecuts, embellishments and keepsakes (including our NEW photo Stars). Make sure to visit our Store!

Don't forget to check back often as we host our scrapbooking digital cutting file freebies at least once a week!!!

Read more...