Winning by Moving in the Right Direction
Saturday, December 3, 2011

IN TODAY'S ISSUE:

• Gifts Galore!!
• Cute Stuff
• Blog Contest! A Chance to Win a Kindle Fire!
• URGENT! Win $25 from Scrap Girls!!
• You Speak Out
• ScrapSimple Club
• Just Because It's Fun
• Designer Freebies
• What's Happening at Scrap Girls?
• Ongoing Opportunities for YOU

Answer 3 Easy Questions and maybe Win a Kindle Fire!

How would you like to win a GREAT prize - like a Kindle Fire - and not have to do anything but answer three easy questions to do it? Wouldn't it make a great Christmas present for someone you love - or yourself?

Now's your chance! Just head over to the Scrap Girls Blog to read all of the rules. Look for the post named:  Blog Contest: Easy way to win great prizes including a Kindle Fire

Here is what the lucky winners will receive:

THE PRIZES

ONE (1) Kindle Fire (The winner will be able to watch their Presentation Digital Scrapbook 1-2-3 videos on YouTube on this!)

TWO (2) CDs of Michael Lucarelli's music (Michael Lucarelli Plays the Beatles)

THREE (3) $10 Gift Certificates for the Scrap Girls Boutique

All of the rules for the contest are in the blog post. It ends on Tuesday, December 6th, so don't delay.

And while you are there... make sure that look around and see all of the improvements we've made. Make sure that you subscribe to the Scrap Girls Blog because it has all new, unique content and tutorials that are not found in the Scrap Girls newsletter. We are also going to be running special blog contests and giving away blog-only discounts that you won't want to miss!

Go to the Scrap Girls Blog to read all of the details.

See you there!

URGENT!
Be one of 12 people to win $25 Christmas CASH from Scrap Girls!

Get ready to capture the magic of the Christmas and holiday season! You could be one of 12 people who will win a $25 pre-paid Visa gift card!

Let me explain...

If you are one of the many, many, many who have told me over the years how much you love, love, love my annual 12-part Christmas story, thank you! I write each story from my heart – sometimes it takes weeks and months, and sometimes the inspiration comes so overwhelmingly fast that I have been known to pump out an entire story in a two-day, no-sleep marathon.

This year, I was inspired to ask you to be part of creating a very special experience for the Scrap Girls community. You see, this year, the 12 Days of Christmas will come from your heart. That's right – YOU! I want to hear YOUR stories of Christmases past. I want to share YOUR stories of the marvels and miracles of the season.

So I'm going to do something I've never done before. I'm going to feature one story every day for 12 days, beginning December 13th. And because I want this to be extra special, I am going to award a prize that I've never handed out before...cash. The author of every story that gets selected will receive a $25 pre-paid Visa card that you can use anywhere in the world that Visa is accepted.

CONTEST RULES

Here's what you need to do to be one of the 12 stories that are selected:

1. Write a 500-word (maximum length, please) story that tells about something you have experienced during Christmas or the holiday season sometime in the past. Or tell a story that has been handed down through the generations in your family. All I ask is that it be true (to the best of your knowledge) and somehow connected to you. (Please don't send us a retelling of something you read somewhere else!) Make this a story, a retelling of an actual event, not just a collection of thoughts about why you love Christmas or the holidays.

   Was there a time when you saw something miraculous happen at Christmas or during the holidays? Can you recall a first Christmas or holiday memory with your loved one, your child, or maybe the last Christmas or holiday with your great-grandmother? We love to share good stories around here, and we don't mind having to grab a tissue, so write with all your heart to speak to our hearts!

   We will edit the story as needed for clarity, grammar, punctuation, length, etc., though we will make every effort not to change the meaning of anything you write. However, the better you write, the less we have to edit, and the happier you will make our editor!

2. Submit a layout or a photo that goes with your story. Any layout or photo of a craft product submitted must use only Scrap Girls supplies.

   You don't have to make a layout or a craft project to have your story selected, but we would like to have some kind of image such as a photograph to go with the story. People enjoy stories best when they have images to connect to.

IMAGE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Submit two sizes of each image that accompanies your story:
1. 600 px wide (72 dpi)
2. 300 px wide (72 dpi)
2. Attach images to email, as described below.

STORY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Story should be written in a word processing program, such as MS Word or Works. If you don't have one, you can download a nice one without charge from OpenOffice.org.
2. In the document, you will include:
• Your story
• Your complete contact information (mailing address, phone number, email address)
• Supply list for any layouts/craft projects images you are supplying. Give us the name of the product (must be from Scrap Girls). If you can include the link to the Scrap Girls product page, it would be super-helpful to our newsletter team.
• Image file names
3. Attach the document containing this story, etc. to your email.

SUBMITTING YOUR STORY

1. Email your story to hello@scrapgirls.com
2. Subject line: My 12 Days Story
3. Attachments, which include:
• Story document
• Scrap Girls publication release (Download it HERE)
• Images (see above)
4. The deadline for the story submission is Midnight, MST on Tuesday, December 6th.
5. One entry per person.

HOW YOU WILL KNOW IF YOUR STORY HAS BEEN SELECTED

Just to keep things interesting, we're not going to tell anyone if they have been selected ahead of time! You'll just have to hop out of bed every morning and rush to your computer and open up your Scrap Girls Newsletter with all the wonder of a child on Christmas morning and look to see if your story got published that day!

After the newsletter is published, we will send the daily winner the good news and will tell them how they will receive their $25 pre-paid Visa card.

I'm so excited to see what you are going to send me! I think that this year's 12 Days Newsletters will be the best yet!

- Ro

Fighting Negativity

It's not that I jumped on a scale or couldn't fit into my pants. It's just a feeling. I am by no means in the best of shape nor the shape I dream of being, but I have lived many a day like this and haven't felt fat.

Today is my fat day. I think this comes around every so often. I hate feeling fat. Feeling fat usually leads to feeling ugly and feeling all around "yuck." It doesn't motivate. It doesn't energize. It depletes. It slugs and moans and groans. It begs for compliments while the claws are out. The inside is soft and hurting. The outside is a fortress ready for the inevitable attacks.

The feeling will leave at some point. Maybe even later today – I did take some extra time with my hair and face. That's good, right? Oh, to fight back and win the war.

The war isn't won by exercise and eating right – even though they are great to do. It isn't defeated with compliments - as good as they might feel in the moment. It could be battled with the right combination of hormones. I'm just dreaming now. The answer eludes me just as much now as when the monster will strike again.

I think of my daughters and want to solve it for them, too. If I can capture the monster, I can give them tools to fight it, too. So many girls fight it regardless of their shape and size. In the end, I know it has nothing to do with reality. Sometimes feelings are just that way.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. I took a nap. It's not something I can always do, but I could today. Having rested, I am in a better place to think.

2. I did a reasonable amount of grooming and chose clothes I feel comfortable and attractive in. Not going to win a fashion award in this, but I don't want to hide myself either.

3. I am writing. That is a salve for me. It doesn't work for everyone. But for me, it gets it out, and usually it leads to better resolve.

What do I need to do next? I need to do things that are positive, things that are good to do. It doesn't have to solve it all. I have responsibilities that need my attention. I'm already moving in the right direction. I have won.

- Cheryl

Muse: To be absorbed in one's thoughts; engage in meditation. Not intended to solve the world's problems, another person's problems, or to cover topics completely. One does not have to agree with musings to enjoy them, just as one does not have to be the same as someone else to appreciate who they are.

Would you like to earn a $20 Gift Certificate? Send your own muse to hello@scrapgirls.com. If it is selected for publication in the Scrap Girls newsletter, you'll get to have fun shopping!

		Join the ScrapSimple Monthly Club and you can enjoy the newest ScrapSimple looks while saving! (A $13.95 value for $6.99 or less!) The new ScrapSimple Club contents are released on the 15th day of the month (or the closest business day to the 15th). A commercially licensed version of the ScrapSimple Club is also available here. With the ScrapSimple Club, you will receive: 1 ScrapSimple Paper Template Set 1 ScrapSimple Embellishment Template 1 Brush Set 2 Designer's Choice Item CLUB EXCLUSIVE! Nano Collection CLUB EXCLUSIVE! Designer's Choice Item CLUB EXCLUSIVE! 2 Tutorials November's ScrapSimple Club has been created for you by Brandy Hackman and Keri Schueller Club Exclusive! Nano Collection Club Exclusive! Designer's Gift
Layout by Brandy Hackman using November's ScrapSimple Club larger view	Layout by Keri Schueller using November's ScrapSimple Club larger view	Layout by Brandy Hackman using November's ScrapSimple Club larger view

Member of the Month: December 2011

Congratulations Julie (jhochstetler)! The Scrap Girls Team has chosen Julie as the Member of the Month for December!

Julie joined Scrap Girls in February 2010. She is active in the Games Forum, swaps, challenges and chats. She's quick to offer prayers and encouragement. Thank you so much for making Scrap Girls the fun and friendly purple place that it is!

Julie will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique and has the honor of wearing the Member of the Month blinkie!

When you have a few minutes, Julie, please tell us a little about yourself and share a link to your favorite layout! Thank you for making Scrap Girls a wonderful, friendly place! Congratulations!!

Weekly Layout Winners

Layout by karinkay
larger view

Commercial license versions of Inspiring Collection Biggie are also available.

Layout by mmimmi
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Tucked Photos Biggie and Dynamic Brush Set: Bokeh 8501 are also available.

Want to see your layouts make an appearance in the Scrap Girls newsletter?

Simply post your digital or paper layouts that use Scrap Girls products in our online Gallery, and if we choose your layout to be featured in the Saturday Newsletter, you'll win a prize! To be considered, don't forget to list the Scrap Girls products that you used in your layout.

Congratulations to this week's selectees. Please email prizes@scrapgirls.com to receive your gift!

Want to see past winners of the Weekly Layout Contest? Visit the Weekly Layout Winners Gallery on our Message Board!

November's Monthly Layout Contest Winners

Layout by holly1156
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: All About Edges Vol.2 and ScrapSimple Word Art Templates: Editable Text are also available.

Layout by Jane in N.Z
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Just Strings, Back Porch Collection Biggie, Brush Set: Sun Bursts, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Edgers Biggie, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Artsy - Watercolor 1, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Lifted Postage, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Kashmir 5101 and Lettering Delights Long Hand Font are also available.

Congratulations to the winners of the November layout contest, holly1156 and Jane in N.Z. The winning layouts each fit the theme of being a tourist in your own town. Holly and Jane each receive a $10 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique for their efforts. Congratulations!

Congratulations to this month's winners. Please email prizes@scrapgirls.com to receive your gift!

Want to see past winners of the Monthly Layout Contest? Visit the Monthly Layout Winners Gallery on our Message Board!

Surprise! Surprise! Gifts Galore!
We have TWO designer freebies for you each day until Christmas Eve!

Layout by Shalae Tippetts
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Designer Freebie by Shalae Tippetts coordinates with her Holy Night Collection

Commercial license versions of Holy Night Collection are also available.

Today's freebie designed by Shalae Tippetts

Layout by Charlene Crowder
larger view

Designer Freebie by Charlene Crowder coordinates with her Handy Dandy Collection Biggie

Commercial license versions of Handy Dandy Collection Biggie and Holiday In Lights Collection Biggie are also available.

Today's freebie designed by Charlene Crowder

* There is a "free download" button on the details page for each gift. You don't need to put them in your shopping cart unless you are shopping for other items. Also note that if you are slow reading your newsletter, you may find this freebie has already been retired, as the freebies are only available as gifts for about two newsletter cycles.

NSBR Chat
Monday, December 5th - 7:00PM MST

What is NSBR? It's a non-scrapbooking related chat! We talk about everything, including some scrapbooking and usually chocolate. It's a great chance to meet new friends, catch up on what everyone is up to, and just relax. If you have a problem, we'll lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. Have some great news to share? We'd love to celebrate with you. So join us, Carla (CRS) and Lei (Bride) at 7pm MT!

Creative Cards Chat
Tuesday, December 6th - 6:00PM MST

Do you use your digital supplies to make cards? Do you want to? Instead of going to the store every time you need a card, you can save money and have fun making cards with your digi-stash! Make a note of any cards you might need for the upcoming month and join April (April Showers) and Theresa (tiza126) for the once-a-month Card Chat on the first Tuesday of each month at 6pm MT. Can't wait to see you there!

Life Moments Chat
Tuesday, December 6th - 8:00PM MST

Join Theresa (teecee) in the chat room for a Life Moments Chat at 8pm MT. These chats are meant to get you inspired to scrap about yourself. A theme will be posted earlier in the day to help you get started. Hope to see you there!

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, December 7th - 10:00AM MST

Join April (April Showers) each Wednesday at 10am MT for the East Coast High Noon Crop. All coasts and time zones are welcome! These crops are designed to allow you to work on your own photos and themes simply giving participants a one hour goal and a fun, new challenge each week. On December 7th, we'll do a white space challenge! Create a layout using white space. This "negative" or blank space guides the eye to the important areas of your page. Remember, it certainly doesn't have to be the color white! Create your layout and upload it to the special High Noon Crop Gallery. You'll be amazed what you can get done in just one hour, but there is no High Noon Sheriff timing you! Hope to see you in the chat room!

ATC Swap Crop & Chat
Wednesday, December 7th - 6:00PM MST

Please join Lei (Bride) and Elisha (elibar) in the chatroom for our ATC (Artist Trading Card) Swap Crop/Chat on the first Wednesday of each month at 6pm MT. Come see what everyone has created and we'll talk about next month's topic. We're looking forward to seeing you there.

Use Your Stash Chat
Thursday, December 8th - 6:00PM MST

Join Theresa (tiza126) and Shannon (tinkerbell11) at 6pm MT for this month's Use Your Stash Chat. We will challenge you to use something in your digital supply arsenal that you haven't before. Don't just collect supplies, use them! See you in the chat room.

December Message Board Game: BINGO!

Join us for an exciting game of BINGO on the Scrap Girls Forum during the month of December!! Pick 25 words from the list provided and send them in an email to games@scrapgirls.com with a subject line that says "BINGO CARD - your Scrap Girls Message Board username" by Friday December 2 (Midnight MST) in order to play in the first round. The first round will begin on Saturday, December 3rd. If you miss the first round deadline, you can still play! Just send in your BINGO card at any time during the month, and you'll be eligible to begin playing when the next new round starts.

Each day (Monday through Saturday), a member of the Welcoming Committee will call five random words from the BINGO list. Match just 15 of those words to win a BINGO. You must be first to call "BINGO!" in the game thread to win that round. After a winner is called, the boards will be cleared and a new round will begin the following day.

Each winner will receive a $5 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique! We like to see lots of winners, so please remember that each person can only win one round during the month. Have fun!

For complete details, visit the Monthly Message Board Games folder on the Scrap Girls Forum.

December Monthly Layout Contest: For the December Monthly Layout Contest, it's all about the gifts! Scrap a layout about a gift that was extra special, either one you gave or received. Or you can scrap about something or someone you consider to be a gift in your life. Share with us what makes that gift special! Post your layouts in the December Monthly Layout Gallery before Midnight MST on December 31st. Be sure to list your credits in the description or under the EXIF Properties. Two layouts will be selected to win a $10 Gift Card to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Club Concepts Layout Contest: Post your new layout using the current club selection (either the Scrap Girls Club or the ScrapSimple Club) in our Scrap Girls Club Members Gallery or the ScrapSimple Club Members' Gallery. Be sure to list all of the Scrap Girls products you used. If your layout is chosen, it will be showcased as a Club Concepts layout winner, and you will win a $5 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Check our message board calendar if you have any questions about what is happening at Scrap Girls. All event times are given in Mountain Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Need help converting time zones? Check out the World Clock - Time Zone Converter. (Use 'USA-Utah-Salt Lake City' as the location for the Mountain time zone.)

Haven't received your prize as a contest winner? Please send an email to prizes@scrapgirls.com and we'll get it out to you right away!

Copyright Scrap Girls, LLC 2004-2011

This newsletter may be freely redistributed by email in its unedited form. We encourage you to share it with others.

Customers or advertisers, you may contact us at:
Scrap Girls
10817 Highland Circle
Highland, Utah 84003
www.scrapgirls.com

Toll-free: (866) 598-3444

P.S. If you ever need any assistance, please email hello@scrapgirls.com or call 866-598-3444 and we'll help you as quickly as possible!