Bye-Bye 2011

I can't believe 2011 is gone! I'm always glad to see the new year in and 2012 is no exception. 2011 was a year of really low lows and some really great highs. DH and I have come to terms with our diseases and are both taking steps to improve our overall condition. That is always a good thing. It certainly has given me the nudge to lose weight and 2011 has ended with a 41 pound weight loss. I've exercised more this year than any year since we moved here. Now if the weather would cooperate a little more.

This was the year of crafting almost continuously. Before 2011, I did the occasional craft project, but in late 2010 I bought a Cricut - the original one - the babybug. All I can say, that I was really disappointed with Provocraft's lawsuit against Craft Edge who developed software to allow you to use outside svg files without spending a fortune on cartridges. Also, the quality of the cuts left something to be desired. Then came Sizzix, who embraced Craft Edge and allowed them to develop a program exclusively for the Sizzix which has such great features. They are so great, I ordered one. And I got a great deal on it. I ordered it from Punkin Patch Stamps (an Autumn Creative company). This is the same company that owns SVGCuts. I've enjoyed watching all the You Tube videos that I can find on the eclips. Also, the eclips cartridges are much cheaper, so if I find some I really like, I may even purchase them. In the meantime, I am making a wish list for SVGCuts. I have to insert here that over the weekend, I had some questions about the eclips, shipping etc., and Leo was kind enough to take the time to answer my emails. I didn't really expect it.

The other thing that kept me busy, especially after September, was being allowed to use My Memories Suite, and review it*. And I got to keep the program. I had been using Scrapbook Factory Deluxe, v. 4. It was okay, but it really didn't work that well with outside images. The internal images could only be used with their program. Not so with MMS. They allow me to use all kinds of different images, especially PNGs and JPEGs. There are a lot of freebie kits out there and I have enjoyed finding them. And My Memories comes loaded with some great kits. And they offer free kits and quick pages in their design shop. There are also designer templates for you to use if you really have problems coming up with page ideas. I had so much fun that hubby and daughters each got memory books for Christmas. 2012 promises to be a very crafty year around here. I can't wait for that Sizzix to be delivered.

Look for another giveaway in the New Year.

*Interested in purchasing My Memories Suite? Click on the My Memories image on the right and use my code STMMMS18876 to get $10 off the purchase of the full program.

Copyright 2011, ACK, for Generational