Hi Experimenters!!!

Wow, this week just flew by! Did it fly for you to?

I'm always wishing that the beautiful Autumn months would last longer than they do. It seems as if we say goodbye to Summer and before we know it, the Holiday Season is upon us! There is just something magical about Fall! The smell of the crisp air, the burning leaves, trips to the pumpkin patch, hayrides...it's just such a FUN Season! So this week we ask:

What are your favorite things about the fall? Is it the cool weather, the changing of the leaves, fun fall recipes? What do you love most about fall?

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Friday Night Lights
By Leslie

Leslie Says:

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of fall

is how much I love to go to the high school football games on

Friday nights. I love the chill in the air, the game, the excited fans,

the popcorn, the blankets...and most of all the halftime!! My daughter

plays in her high school marching band. The thrill in the air when

the band takes the field is felt by everyone around us!

So that's what fall says to me...

Journaling:

My favorite part of fall is most definitely Friday Night football at the high school. Watching the

game, hearing my sweet girl & the band at 1/2time, the chill in the air, hot chocolate, popcorn....it all just screams fall :)

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Fall Traditions
By Sasha

Journaling:

When I think of Fall, I think of
Warm fuzzy socks that will make my feet feel cozy
Nice cup of cocoa that will make my body warm
Beautiful changing leaves that will make my photos pop
Time to prepare of the holidays and big feasts
The changing weather and the stiff breeze of coolness
I think winter is just around the corner.

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Autumn Walks to School
By Emily

Emily Says:

I took these pictures last week on the way to school with my kids. I LOVE living here, so close to Mt. Rainier, and wanted to remember these Autumn afternoon walks to PM Kindergarten forever!



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Fall Favorites
By Kimmi


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Why I Love Fall:
By Amy

Journaling:

Why I love fall: cooler temps, warmer clothes, beautiful colors. It's totally my favorite season.

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A Portrait Of Fall:
By Dena

Dena Says:

One of the greatest things about living in the Pacific Northwest is experiencing our Fall season. It is the most beautiful time around here. We have two huge dogwood trees in our front yard that provide more than an ample amount of leaves for Zoe to play in. I love watching her have fun rolling about and just plain ole going crazy in our yard. So yeahhh, I do love Fall!

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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?!

So! You wanna see what you are playing for this month?!

Here is the October Prize Pack from Scrap N' Art!

Contents: (Some Items Not Pictured)

A huge kit of 12x12 papers and embellishments from Piggy Tales
A 12x12 paper pack from Luxe
A pack of Black Magic color-core cardstock from Core'dination
Hide & Seek album from Piggy tales
Blackboard ring album from Cosmo Cricket
Breast Cancer Awareness adhesive variety pack from 3L
Swirls doodle template from Crafter's Workshop
5th Avenue embellishment set from Making Memories
Rub On Tool from Basic Grey
Home & Family rub-ons by K&Co
Pack of white foam Thickers

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout to be eligible for the October 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!

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Here are the people eligible from Challenge #3o for the October Prize Pack!

Haberdawoman
Busybel
Darlene D
Glenda T.
Jen
Benga
Julie O

If you participated in Challenge #30 and don't see your name here, please let us know!!!

Hi Experimenters!

Can you believe we are at Challenge 30 already?! WOW! What an incredible journey it has been so far!

This week we are focusing on music. No matter how old you are, or what part of the world you come from, music is a part of life. It really is the universal language. Think back to your childhood, or that first dance with your significant other. There are moments in our lives that are defined by different music. So this week we ask:

What is the soundtrack to your life? Are there certain pieces of music that define moments for you?

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Our wonderful guest designer this week is someone who we adore! She plays along with us almost every week, and we think she has real style! The talented Anilu Magloire!

A bit about Anilu:

My name is Anilu Magloire and I am from Mexico City. I'm SAHM/Scrapbooker who fell in love with the hobby about 3 1/2 years ago.

I have been married for 10 years to a very cool man, named Juan and we have the most adorable 5 year old girl, Natalia.
We moved to Miami 5 years ago and I love living here.

I started, like most of us, wanting to create something cool to record my baby's memories. I never looked back. I am pretty sure I'll die holding a piece of kraft card stock. I have a pretty simple style. Most of my pages have white or kraft backgrounds and smaller pics. My friends keep telling me I have to journal, but I always have a hard time with that. Although I love and hoard embellishments, I have a hard time using anything more than a few pieces of patterned paper.

I loved making this for The Design Experiment, and I am very excited about being invited to participate!
Thank you Anilu! We are so excited to have you this week!

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Clocks
By Anilu

Journaling:

Clocks by Coldplay always takes me back to a window seat on an airplane, landing by night in beautiful Mexico City. Last time I went home, I had this song blasting on my iPod and I can see the amazing lights of my gorgeous city below me. Oct. 2008



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Life Soundtrack
By Emily

Journaling:

The Sound of Music
I have lived the sound of music since I can remember. I remember staring at Julie Andrews on the television screen, wishing I could be just like her when I grew up. She is the reason I love music, and strange as it sounds she is like a mother to me in some ways.

Mary Poppins
It’s plain and simple. Every night before bed mom would sing “Stay Awake” from Mary Poppins. It still soothes me to this day. I knew that when my kids were born, I would be singing it to them too, and I do.

Phantom Of The Opera
Listening to Phantom was one of the defining moments of my Childhood. Sarah Brightman, hitting that high C at the end, wanting to be her, to be able to do THAT. Phantom was my first introduction to Opera, and I have been hooked ever since!

Collin Raye: I Think About You and Shania Twain: The Woman In Me
These two cd’s were the soundtrack of a summer I will never forget. It was Dad, Me and Sarah, Tracy and the boys, in the car mile after mile, to The Grand Canyon, and Four Corners. It was a happier time in our lives together, and those songs are special to me.

Veruca Salt: Eight Arms To Hold You
I still remember the first time I heard Veruca Salt. It was Geometry class at lunch, and Shannon made me listen. I remember being so moved by the music. It was the epitome of my Sophomore year, listening to Veruca and writing, Feeling those strange adolescent feelings and identifying with Veruca’s music. My copy of that CD is well worn and loved.

Nina Gordon: Tonight And The Rest of My Life
When I found out that Nina left Veruca Salt, I was devastated. She was my absolute favorite in the bad, but when I heard she was coming out with her solo CD, I knew I had to be first to get it. I waited at Best Buy the day it came out, and immediately took it home to listen to each song. Almost 10 years later, It’s still one of my favorite CD’s to listen to. It’s one of those CD’s you have to make EVERYONE listen to!

Madame Butterfly
Senior Year. I was obsessed with opera. Wanting to sing it, hear it, live and breathe it. I KNEW I had the power inside me, it was just waiting to be unleashed. The first time I sang Madame Butterfly’s “O Mio Babbino Caro” I felt like the earth had opened up and all possibilities had been unleashed. I still feel that same sense of power when I sing that aria today.

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Innocence
By Kimmi

Journaling:

Kimmi Says:

Lyrics:
Waking up I see that everything is ok
The first time in my life and now its so great
Slowing down I look around and I am so amazed
I think about all the little things that make life great
I wouldn't change a thing about it
This is the best feeling
This innocence is brilliant, I hope that it will stay
This moment is perfect, please don't go away, I need you now
And I'll hold on to it, don't you let it pass you by
-Avril Lavigne

Journaling:

This is is definitely one of my favorites. All of my life, I have struggled finding peace and happiness and now I'm happier than ever. I wouldn't change a thing about it.




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Soundtrack
By Amy

Journaliing:

Brown Eyed Girl, By Van Morrison
Save A Prayer, By Duran Duran
Hotel California, By The Eagles
Lose Yourself, By Eminem
I Can Only Imagine, By Mercy Me

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Soundtrack Of My Life
By Amy

Journaling:

I ADORE the challenge for this week. Music is such a powerful force. It can bring tears to your eyes, transport you to a specific place and time, can help fix a broken heart. So for this challenge, I thought of songs that could do and have done all of the above for me. From Joan Jett (who was one of the first people I remember listening to as a 4 yr old) to Pearl Jam (the music of my teenage years) to Zeppelin and the Beatles (because they ROCK!). This challenge also panders to my love of making mix tapes, well CD's now. So with the help of Itunes and my computer, I have a CD to go along with the page. I think my daughter will enjoy finding this years down the road.


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I Must Have Done Something Right
By Leslie

Leslie Says:

I have a very favorite Christian Pop band. They sing a song that I just adore. To me it applies to me and my family. The band is: Relient K. Song: "I Must Have Done Something Right" I chose certain parts of the song for my journaling and the title of the song is my layout title. (My journaling says: "We should get jersey's 'cause we make a great team...If anyone could make me a better person you could. All I gotta say is I must have done something good....I came along one day and you rearranged my life all I gotta say is I must have done something right!"



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Because You Loved Me
By Sasha

Sasha Says:

I thought of one of my favorite songs that means so much to me, and makes me think of my hubby. He met me when I was at my weakest and he loved me regardless of my nightmares, regardless of my past. The song that stands out to me is from Celine Dion 'Because you Loved Me'.

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Music By Divian
Divian Says:

I love music, I listen to literally all types. I love Nightwish, Shania, Puddle of Mudd, TI, Gnarls Barkley, The Carpenters, Patsy Cline, you name it, I love it. I find that there are songs no matter what the genre that speak to me, motivate me and get me through trying times. Those songs, that music, I am thankful.

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Okay, so now I get to spill the beans!!!

We have been going through a transition period here at TDX, news girls, new sponsors, etc...and then the announcement last week.

WELL, here is the deal. We have been so blessed by the amazing people at Scrap N' Art Magazine! They are going to be 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 will work:

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?!

So! You wanna see what you are playing for this month?!

Here is the October Prize Pack from Scrap N' Art!

Contents: (Some Items Not Pictured)

A huge kit of 12x12 papers and embellishments from Piggy Tales
A 12x12 paper pack from Luxe
A pack of Black Magic color-core cardstock from Core'dination
Hide & Seek album from Piggy tales
Blackboard ring album from Cosmo Cricket
Breast Cancer Awareness adhesive variety pack from 3L
Swirls doodle template from Crafter's Workshop
5th Avenue embellishment set from Making Memories
Rub On Tool from Basic Grey
Home & Family rub-ons by K&Co
Pack of white foam Thickers

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout to be eligible for the Ocotber 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!

Is...

Krista!



This is so cute Krista! We love the bright pop of pink and the way you numbered your wishes! Great job on the challenge!

Thank you again to everyone who played along! You continue to wow us every week!

Hi there Experimenters!

I'll admit it. I'm a huge fan of Disney movies. Especially the movie "Aladdin". I mean, come on..who wouldn't want their own personal genie? Someone to give you whatever you wanted with just a wish?! So we ask you this week...

If you bumped into a genie and she offered to grant you three wishes. What would your wishes be and why?
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Our Guest Designer this week is the beautiful and talented Danielle Flanders!


A Bit about Danielle: What an honor it is to be asked to be a guest designer, thank you for having me! I am a former elementary teacher turned stay-at-home mom with 2 daughters, Taylor is almost 9 and Kati is 3. I love to create anything and everything....cards, mini albums and scrapbook pages, you name it! Currently, I am designing for Melissa Frances and Pink Paislee. Please stop by my blog sometime: www.danielleflanders.blogspot.com.

Thank you so much for Guest Designing for us this week Danielle! We are so excited to have you!

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If I Had Three Wishes
By Danielle Flanders

Danielle Says:

When I think of wishes, stars come to my mind! I decided to use the negative of the star chipboard, painted it and machine stitched around the outside and then tucked the pictures of my two girls and husband underneath! I loved how the ribbon added some much needed color, so I wrapped it around the chipboard to frame it a bit.

Journaling:

I'd wish for my family: health, happiness and love!


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My Three Wishes
By Sasha

Journaling:

My journaling this week is sweet and simple, 3 wishes, 3 lines .. and 2 boys that I hope and pray these wishes come true for them. I wish for you prosperity, I wish for you success and I wish for you eternal love.

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3 Wishes For You
By Emily

Emily Says:

I decided to flip this one up a bit..I wanted to let my daughter know the three wishes I had for her as a woman. Thing I wish someone had told me growing up...

Journaling:

Love Yourself-
Every last inch, always. Without exception.
Know Yourself-
Learn something new about yourself everyday, be spontaneous. Try new things.
Be Yourself-
Never change for ANYONE. Only you have the power to be you.



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Three Wishes
By Amy

Journaling:

If I was granted three wishes, I would wish to live closer to my fam-I miss them like crazy. I would wish for my kids to have wonderful lives because that is my goal in life. My last wish would be all mine-I would wish to always be in shape because it's something I am always worried about.

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3 Wishes
By Divian

Divian Says:

I really thought about this layout and what I would really wish for given the chance. Life as a single mom is not easy, but I seriously could not bring myself to ask for money. I believe hard work eventually pays off and all will be right by God sooner or later, at His time. So I would ask for really only one thing...that my children go through life happy and enjoying every moment of it and using any pain to learn from and become stronger people.

Journaling:

If I had three wishes, it would be so easy to wish for riches, fame and good health. But those are far too easy and being more sentimental at heart, I would clearly use my wishes on the happiness and well being of my children. It is my wish that they grow and live a life full of joy. I know that they will experience pain but it is another wish that through that pain, they learn to appreciate life and become stronger and better people. I know money is easy to wish for, but I would gladly use all three wishes on my children and their gaurantee of joy in life.


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I Wish...
By Leslie

Leslie Says:

A typical reaction to a genie popping up and asking to grant 3 wishes would be for something trivial (but exciting nonetheless!) like new cars, bigger house, lots of cashola..

I knew from the second I got this challenge what I really wanted to wish for. My children come first - so this is how I came up with my journaling....

Journaling:

I wish....

1. that you both stay true to your faith & love in Jesus Christ

2. that you will ALWAYS adore each other

(on the next one - I was hoping the "genie" would let me get a "3-for-1" all in one so...)

3. for you to alwys stay healthy, well loved & live life to the fullest.

((Leslie's layout will return shortly!! It's out for publication))
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If I Had Three Wishes
By Kimberly

Journaling:

1. To live long enough to watch ALL my children grow and pursue their dreams and goals...and experience the joys of parenthood.

2. ALL of my children to outlive me.

3. ...and to grow old with Todd in Montana

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One more thing:

Hi guys, I just wanted to take a moment and share something with you all.
When my dear friend Patti and I dreamed up the idea of our challenge blog here at TDX, we were beyond excited. We imagined a place where we would create and inspire and BE inspired. And it has happened. Every week I, we ALL, come here and are blown away by YOUR talent, your thoughts and heartfelt layouts.
BUT. Yes, I hate the proverbial BUT...but. The truth is, When Patti and I imagined this home for our challenges; prizes and RAK's for each challenge never entered the picture. I wish I could afford to give away a prize to every person who plays along each week. Hell, I wish I could give a prize to everyone who comments! We truly appreciate your love and support as our readers, and I guess what I'm trying to say is that, we just can't afford to continue with RAK's.
We know we will probably lose some people who play along. But that's okay, we understand. We will continue to be here every week, hoping to inspire, ready to be inspired, and we hope you will come back too.

PHEW. Now that that's off my chest...

If you still love us... ;-) You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout! 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!

Oh, and...we DO have some upcoming annoucements....so stay tuned....I promise you won't be dissapointed!

Is...

Wendy!!!


Wendy, we LOVED your purse layout! That is an addiction that we share too! We love the painted area for journaling in the corner too! Great Job!

Be sure to email us at thedesignx@gmail.com with your address so we can send you your RAK! from Noel Mignon!

Thank you again to everyone who played along! You continue to wow us every week!

Hi Experimenters!

I hope you have had a wonderful week! And I hope you have had time to Indulge yourself this week! That's what this week at The DesignX is all about! Indulgance! We all have little ways of finding indulgance in our everday, sometimes mundane lives.

So this week tell us:

In what way(s) do you indulge yourself?

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Our Guest Designer this week is the super talented Waleska Neris!

A Bit About Waleska:

I’m Waleska, a full time mommy to 2 adorable boys. I’m totally addicted to scrapbooking and stamping. My style is clean and simple with fun and bright colors. Besides my family, of course, I love paper (of all shapes and sizes!), stamps, fabric, blue vintage items, photography and shoes.

Thanks for joining us this week Waleska! We are so happy to have you with us!

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Indulge
By Waleska Neris

Journaling:

I buy shoes. When I’m happy, sad, feeling down... to celebrate, to cheer me up, to match a new outfit or the new season... whatever the reason a new pair of shoes (or 2 or 3) is the best way to indulge myself!

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Me Time
By Amy

Journaling:

I find it absolutely necessary to indulge in a little "me time" before I hit the ground running each day. I get up early, while everyone is still sleeping, to enjoy a cup of coffee and some computer time in peace. It helps me get the day started off right.

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Indulge In The Little Things
By Kimmi

Journaling:

Peanut m&m's and popcorn, a closet full of shoes, hours of reading, naptime, scrapbooking stuff, late night bubble baths, family time, just a few of my little indulgences.

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Hog Heaven
By Kimberly

Journaling:

At least once a week...or more! I need to have one of these yummolicious caramel apples. This is my happy place...my ultimate indulgence. As you can see...the heavenly reece's is my favorite of all.

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Indulge
By Dena

Dena Says:

While creating the layout for this weeks challenge about indulgence, I have learned that I have GOT to indulge myself a little bit more. I racked my brain trying to come up with something, anything that I really indulge in that DIDN'T include chocolate and all I could come up with is a coffee while grocery shopping? Lame!! Lame I say! So here is to finding time to indulge oneself!

Journaling:

Indulge. Something I don't do very often. But when I go to the grocery store, you had better believe that I am buying myself a latte & I am going to enjoy it. I absolutely abhor going to the grocery store and coffee helps make it bearable.



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Indulge
By Leslie

Journaling:

If I could have just one indulgence ~ here it is ~ JAM! I can't help it - the smell, the jars....oh man I'm such a sucker this delicious tasty treat!! I love jams & jellies. I put it on everything!! Especially toast! - YUM!

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A big HUGE thanks to noelmignon.com for sponsoring us this week!
We are sooooo excited to be giving away the "Picnic Basket" Add-On kit!

Thank you Noel for your generous sponsorship! We appreciate you!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout by 7pm PST on Sunday to be eligible to win the prize. 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!