Happy Sunday Experimenters!

Humans by definition are creatures of habit. We have schedules we have to stick to, and sometimes the only thing that gets us through the mundane is a special something that we can look forward to. For some people it's that cup of morning Starbucks, others it's the moment when you pick up your kids from Daycare and the run to you, arms open wide. So this week we ask:

What keeps you going? With our busy schedules, we all need something. What is the thing you need to make it through the day?

****************************************************
Our Wonderfully Talented Guest Designer this week is Ms. Nicole Samuels!!


A Bit About Nicole:

I live in Virginia with my husband and three sweet, playful, and often LOUD children. :) I started scrapbooking in 2001 and it's become a true passion and also escape from the sometimes crazy days of being a stay at home mom! I'm so very fortunate to be part of the design teams at Studio Calico, Pink Paislee, and Creative Cafe and to have my pages published in Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbook Trends, Scrapbooks Etc., and Simple Scrapbooks. I love challenges like the ones here at The Design Experiment and am so excited to have the opportunity to share my layout here this week! Thank you!

We are just thrilled to have you on board this week Nicole! Thank you for Guest Designing with us!
*********************************************************
Books (My Secret Weapon)
By Nicole Samuels

Journaling:

Boredom busters. Fight enders. Behavior modifiers. Peace and quiet inducers. Learning partners. Patience stretchers. Bedtime helpers. Perfect distracters. I (we!) can't make it through a day without them!

***********************************************************
My Lifeline
By Leslie

Journaling:

These faces. These two. Them. They are what keep me going every day. They are my heart & soul. We have our moments..but those make them (my lifeline)

***********************************************************
You
By Amy

Journaling:

No matter how bad my week is going, I know I can count on you to get me through. Your positive attitude gives me strength.

***********************************************************
Thinking of Your Faces and Smiles
By Sasha

Journaling:

In my career field, I don't really have that time to do the 'lil things that get me through my day, or my week. I only have positive thoughts of my family and mostly my kids. They make me strive harder each day.

*************************************************************
This Smile
By Dena

Journaling:

Some days are rougher than others in my household. Alot depends upon how my daughter is behaving. She and I can argue sometimes like cats and dogs. Other days we are the best of friends. It is this smile of hers that helps me remember that although she can be stinky as all get out, there is angel somewhere underneath it all.

***********************************************************
Starbucks Lovin'
By Mia

Journaling:

Whether it's hot or iced, I know there's nothing that starts my day, or gets me through it, like my daily Starbucks fix.

************************************************************

As you know, we are being sponsored monthly be the oh-so-generous Scrap N' Art Magazine! They are sponsoring us here at The Design X every month! We will be giving away a VERY GENEROUS prize pack each month for those of you who have played along!

Here's how it works:

There will be approx. 4 challenges a month. All YOU have to do is play along with at least one challenge during the month to be eligible for the Prize Pack!

Hint: The more challenges you play along with, the better shot you have of winning!

At the end of the month we will put your name in a hat (one time for each challenge participated in during the month) Ex: if you do two challenges, your name will go in the hat two times. Make sense? Still with me?!

Here is what you are playing for this month!

The Prize Pack Includes:

1 - Large Teresa Collins kit including 3 lines of 12x12 paper, 8x8 paper, 2 Chipboard album covers, and designer die-cut cards
1 - Large Luxe 12x12 paper kit, also including tags & die cuts
1 - Perfect Printing Pouch from ScraPerfect
1 - Set of Snowflake clear stamps from Kodomo
8 - Sets of rub-ons from Melissa Frances Heart & Home
3 - Ticket Books from Melissa Frances Heart & Home
2 - Say it in Crystals packs from Prima
1 - Set of chipboard Alphas from Prima

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout by Sunday at 7PM PST to be eligible for the November Prize Pack! We can't wait to see YOUR takes on the challenge! We hope that if you've never joined us for a challenge here at The Design Experiment, that you are inspired to do so today!

****************************************************
Here are the people eligible from Challenge #34, #35, #36 for the November Prize Pack!

Arlene(#34, #36)
Lori B(#34, #35, #36)
Sandra aka nachtschwinge(#34)
sam(#34)
Lucy Edson(#34)
jeanie nieva(#34, #35, #36)
Gracie(#34)
Freethinker(#34)
Bucket(#35)
Glenda T.(#35#36)
Haberdawoman(#35, #36)
Greta Adams (#36)
Est xxx (#36)
Kris (#36)
Gloria (#36)
nerllybird (#36)
mandysea (#36)
Shemaine (#36)
.charity.sorrells (#36)
Amanda (#36)

If you participated in Challenge #34, #35, or #36 and don't see your name here, please let us know!

Hey Experimenters!

This week's challenge is short, simple and sweet!

There are so many things going on in our lives everyday...this week we just want you to take a second and ask yourself "Why?" Take it to whatever level you want..silly, serious, reflective..you choose!

*********************************************************
Why?!
By Emily

Journaling:

Why?! Why did I think this shirt was "rad"?! Why did I pose like that?! Oh the horrific pictures of my youth! They all pretty much look like this..much to my dismay!

****************************************************************
Why?
By Leslie

Leslie Says:

Seriously - WHY is the only word I can think of

to question the concept of time. When I went back to look at the

senior pictures I took of my daughter - this one just struck me as

the biggest WHY ever...why time can't just be still for a little longer. :D

Journaling:

(why does time haev to go by so fast? be still....)

As much as I want to stop time..I know I can't. but..if I oculd slow time to

today...to savor in your beauty...your love for life...your will to be anything &

everything you know you can set your mind to..I would stop time...bask in the

you now. Just starting your life of dreams...You're just 6 months from graduating.

*****************************************************
WHY
By Divian

Journaling:

Why is it that I smile and laugh even when I am hurting inside? It could be that i am avoiding facing the issues at hand...
or it could be that no matter what life throws my way, it makes it easier to sometimes smile & laugh, realizing it is just another day and yes, tomorrow is a new one. Because tomorrow is a new day, that's WHY.


******************************************************
Why?
By Kimmi

Journaling:

"Why must you grow so quickly?"


********************************************************
Why? Why?
By Kimberly

Journaling:

Why did my brother get cancer? Why do bad things happen to good people? The only answer that brings me peace is that in our whys, it draws us closer to God....and I'm thankful for His grace.
*************************************************
As you know, we are being sponsored monthly be the oh-so-generous Scrap N' Art Magazine! They are sponsoring us here at The Design X every month! We will be giving away a VERY GENEROUS prize pack each month for those of you who have played along!

Here's how it works:

There will be approx. 4 challenges a month. All YOU have to do is play along with at least one challenge during the month to be eligible for the Prize Pack!

Hint: The more challenges you play along with, the better shot you have of winning!

At the end of the month we will put your name in a hat (one time for each challenge participated in during the month) Ex: if you do two challenges, your name will go in the hat two times. Make sense? Still with me?!

Here is what you are playing for this month!

The Prize Pack Includes:

1 - Large Teresa Collins kit including 3 lines of 12x12 paper, 8x8 paper, 2 Chipboard album covers, and designer die-cut cards
1 - Large Luxe 12x12 paper kit, also including tags & die cuts
1 - Perfect Printing Pouch from ScraPerfect
1 - Set of Snowflake clear stamps from Kodomo
8 - Sets of rub-ons from Melissa Frances Heart & Home
3 - Ticket Books from Melissa Frances Heart & Home
2 - Say it in Crystals packs from Prima
1 - Set of chipboard Alphas from Prima

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout by Sunday at 7PM PST to be eligible for the November Prize Pack! We can't wait to see YOUR takes on the challenge! We hope that if you've never joined us for a challenge here at The Design Experiment, that you are inspired to do so today!

****************************************************
Here are the people eligible from Challenge #34 and #35 for the November Prize Pack!

Arlene(#34)
Lori B(#34, #35)
Sandra aka nachtschwinge(#34)
sam(#34)
Lucy Edson(#34)
jeanie nieva(#34, #35)
Gracie(#34)
Freethinker(#34)
Bucket(#35)
Glenda T.(#35)
Haberdawoman(#35)

If you participated in Challenge #34 or #35 and don't see your name here, please let us know!

Happy Monday!

Have you ever heard the expression "Hindsight is 20/20."? That is one of my favorite quotes ever, because it is so true. When you think about decisions you have made in the past, it's very easy to beat yourself with "what-if's" and "if-only's"...this weeks challenge is about Hindsight, but on a much more positive note..we challenge you to...

Create a layout about a choice you have made in your lifetime that you may have questioned in the past, something that your response has always been: "I'd do it again."

*******************************************************
@ Nineteen
By Kimmi

Journaling:

At nineteen, I got pregnant. It was always one of those things that I questioned in my life. I was married, but I was unhappy. I was scared that it was all a huge mistake, that things wouldn’t get better, only worse. I went through a very difficult pregnancy, emotionally and physically. I went to most of my appointments alone and I had only my friends at work to talk to. I asked myself if I could change the way things were, If I could go back in time and leave before I got pregnant, would I? The answer was always no. There is nothing, not all the tears and pain, not all the hurt I went through, nothing that would make me want to change the way my life played out. People can say what they want about the decisions that I made, but I wouldn’t change it if I could. I have no regrets when it comes to you.

*******************************************************
No Regrets!
By Mia

Journaling:

In 2001, I made a decision that would change my life, the biggest decision I have ever made. I came home to the Philippines without finishing my college degree. Many have questioned why I did it but I know I did the right thing. I would have never had the life experiences that I have had since then. I wouldn't have met the people who are some of my closest friends. I wouldn't have spent the last year of my Dad's life with him. I know that I eventually would like to get my degree, but if you ask me whether I would change my decision, I wouldn't. I have no regrets.

****************************************************
No Doubt
By Leslie

Leslie Says:

Without a doubt I knew what my layout was going to be about. I had the perfect picture to display how I truly feel about my decision to start my family. Even if I didn't get to choose the "when's, where's & why's..." as that was in God's control...I knew this is what I wanted and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Journaling:

(no doubt) if I oculd go back & do it all over again - I would do it in a New York minute!! Of all the decisions I've made in my life - the one to get married & start a family has to be the BEST one. Through our ups & downs; our ins & outs...we are the very essence God created. Family. the best decision ever. No if's ands or buts about it. I love you, my family. ~July 2008

*************************************************
U Bet
By Dena

Dena Says:

I stumbled across this picture of Zoe and I. She had just turned 2, I was 24 and looked about 12. It kind of struck me how young I was and how fast time has flown since then.

Journaling:

So many decisions in my life brought me to you! Yes, I was young and a bit scared too, but every wrong or right choice I have ever made has brought me to you. Would I do it again? U bet.

****************************************************
No Regrets
By Kimberly

Journaling:

Things may not be as I would like them to be today because of my decision to care for someone I loved and needed me.

Jan of 08, I quite my job rather suddenly to care for my terminally ill ex mother in law, who I refer to as Mom LaVonne. During her growing tumor and treatments she was in need of a place to live where she could be cared for and taken care of 24/7. I offered my home and to care for her. She told her sons that she wished to come home and stay with me and with great honor I took this responsibility on.

I have had the desire to be a Mother for as long as I can remember…Being a mom has been my biggest joy in life and I cherish every stage and age to the very most. What was enlightening for me while caring for Mom LaVonne was the simple truth that as a Mom, I chose to be a mom…my children didn’t choose for me to care for them. Yet, here is this woman who I love, who was in need of someone to care for her and take care of her every need, and she chose me! Talk about a pivotal point in my life…and for this…It wasn’t me who was a blessing for her, but it was me who was blessed by her choosing me.

I will forever cherish the time I had with Mom LaVonne in her last days. We watched movies, read devotions, prayed, laughed, cried…and shared intimate secrets. Her trust in me was key and not something I took lightly. I spent every night with a baby monitor next to my bed to hear her breath…yet caring for her was NEVER a burden to me.

If I knew then, that because of making the choice to care for her during her last days would be so costly on my personal life, I would still say yes to caring for her. I will always cherish our time we had together…and pray my children to know with out a doubt my love for them runs deeper than the oceans.

***************************************************
As you know, we are being sponsored monthly be the oh-so-generous Scrap N' Art Magazine! They are sponsoring us here at The Design X every month! We will be giving away a VERY GENEROUS prize pack each month for those of you who have played along!

Here's how it works:

There will be approx. 4 challenges a month. All YOU have to do is play along with at least one challenge during the month to be eligible for the Prize Pack!

Hint: The more challenges you play along with, the better shot you have of winning!

At the end of the month we will put your name in a hat (one time for each challenge participated in during the month) Ex: if you do two challenges, your name will go in the hat two times. Make sense? Still with me?!

(NOVEMBER PRIZE PACK PIC AND DESCRIPTION COMING SOON!!!)

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout by Sunday at 7PM PST to be eligible for the November Prize Pack! We can't wait to see YOUR takes on the challenge! We hope that if you've never joined us for a challenge here at The Design Experiment, that you are inspired to do so today!

****************************************************
Here are the people eligible from Challenge #34 for the November Prize Pack!

Arlene
Lori B
Sandra aka nachtschwinge
sam
Lucy Edson
jeanie nieva
Gracie
Freethinker

If you participated in Challenge #34 and don't see your name here, please let us know!

Here are the people eligible from Challenge #3o, #31, #32, and #33 for the October Prize Pack!

Haberdawoman (Ch# 30, 31, 32,33)
Busybel(Ch# 30,31,33)
Darlene D(Ch#30)
Glenda T. (Ch# 30, 32, 33)
Jen ( Ch#30, 31)
Benga (Ch# 30)
Julie O (Ch# 30, 31, 32)
charity.sorrells (Ch# 3o)
Heather (Ch# 31) 
Gladie(Ch#31)
andrewsbnr(Ch# 31)
Laura  (Ch #32)
Sophie P. Waquet(Ch #32)
Juliana (Ch #32)
Jiggy Jen (Ch #32,33)
Lene (Ch #33)
Sandra aka nachtschwinge (Ch #33)
***************************************************************

(I had my husband draw names out of a hat)
And the winner is...................

Jen!!!

Congrats Jen!  Be sure to email us your address at
thedesignx@gmail.com so we send you your
awesome prize pack from Scrap N' Art!!!

Hey Experimenters!

Here we are at Challenge #34! Wow!

Sometimes laughter IS the best medicine! It can change your mood instantaneously or help you in certain situations...so this week we want to know about what makes you laugh!

Laughter is so good for the soul! Tell me what makes you laugh! Is it a family member? Something that happened the other day? Something someone said or did? Better yet....is it something YOU did that you can't stop laughing about?

******************************************************
This week our beautiful and amazingly talented and sweet Guest Designer is Lisa Dickinson!

A Bit About Lisa:

I am a 36 year-old wife, mama to two, and graphic designer living in Erie, Colorado. I've been scrapping for about 10 years now and I love that it combines my passion for photography and story-telling in one medium. My style is casually simple and somewhat eclectic, using a variety of products and materials. I especially enjoy documenting the everyday things in our lives: funny things my kids say, a great meal we enjoyed, or a fun trip to the park. I'm currently a Simple Gal with Simple Scrapbooks magazine and I'm also a member of the KI Memories design team. I've been published in Simple Scrapbooks, Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks, Etc., and Scrapbook Trends magazines. When I'm not scrapping, I enjoy reading, running, being outdoors, and entertaining my kids!

Thank you Lisa! We are so happy to have you here this week, your layout is beautiful and we are so inspired by your work!
******************************************************
Daily
By Lisa Dickinson

Journaling:

Each and every day, you bring laughter to my life. Whether it's a funny thing you say, a crazy dance you do, or the unique way you wear your flip-flops, you are the comic relief in my day. Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face and for the daily reminder that life is good!

******************************************************

You Make Us LOL!
By Kim

You make us LOL, Laugh out loud

This was Hilarious!

Foster, you watched your little sister and her friend Grace floating around in the cold pool in this Styrofoam boat. You decided that is looked like fun and you wanted to give it a go. Well, we tried to warn you that the bottom would most likely not be able to hold your weight...but you were convinced that it would hold you. With that, you climbed in and pushed off. You thought you were so cool since it held you afloat...and even began to mock us because you were floating. Right about then, the bottom broke out and in you went...and I caught it all on film!!! We were dying laughing! 10-12-08

******************************************************
Laugh
By Divian

Journaling:

your smile, your face, your eyes, your laugh, it brings me pure joy and satisfaction. you pick up the goofiness from me and when i see you having such a silly moment, it gives me such a thrillinside, a peace, a smile of my own and a...laugh.

*******************************************************
You Make Me Laugh
By Leslie

Leslie Says:

It was my week to think of the challenge prompt. My son had just told me the funniest story ever. It made me laugh so hard!! You know those old cartoons when the lightbulb appears above the character's head? Imagine that happening to me when I suddenly stopped laughing and went..."A-HA!" I had the perfect picture of my son's sweet smile and the journaling just flowed from there!!

Journaling:

You say the funniest things. You act silly. You always have! You do ALL you can to make me giggle. It always works! You are my clown. Silly boy - YOU are hilarious!! Oct. 2008

********************************************************
Tyler Perry's Plays
By Sasha

Journaling:

OMG I love me some Tyler Perry his movies and his plays cracks my shit up on the weekly. I have to watch at least one Tyler Perry play a week. You should try Madea on for size.

***********************************************
The Office
By Dena

Journaling:

What makes me laugh? The Office!! I love this show and anticipate watching it every week. From Dwight and his "QUESTION!" to Andy and his stupid singing, this is one of my all time fave shows that I can always count on to bring me out of a funk!

********************************************************
Our Crazy & Kooky Girl!
By Mia

Journaling:

Margaux, 2 years ago you came into our lives & have since filled it w/ craziness & laughter. There is not a day that we don't find something about you that makes us laugh. You're just being your crazy & kooky self. -11/2008

*******************************************************

As you know, we are being sponsored monthly be the oh-so-generous Scrap N' Art Magazine! They are sponsoring us here at The Design X every month! We will be giving away a VERY GENEROUS prize pack each month for those of you who have played along!

Here's how it works:

There will be approx. 4 challenges a month. All YOU have to do is play along with at least one challenge during the month to be eligible for the Prize Pack!

Hint: The more challenges you play along with, the better shot you have of winning!

At the end of the month we will put your name in a hat (one time for each challenge participated in during the month) Ex: if you do two challenges, your name will go in the hat two times. Make sense? Still with me?!

(NOVEMBER PRIZE PACK PIC AND DESCRIPTION COMING SOON!!!)

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout by Sunday at 7PM PST to be eligible for the November Prize Pack! We can't wait to see YOUR takes on the challenge! We hope that if you've never joined us for a challenge here at The Design Experiment, that you are inspired to do so today!