Kristi Yamaguchi Update

Kristi Yamaguchi held on again last night to continue her run toward the championship of ABC's Dancing With the Stars.

Her performance was not as strong as it usually is so that should prove that she is human after all. Many critics have said she has an unfair advantage because she is an "ice dancer." But last night she showed that the Viennese waltz is not her strong suit.

Despite all this, she is still very much the lead contender in this competition!

What is a Tag?

If you have seen a couple of the posts I entered using layouts that other people have made from my templates then you may be wondering exactly what a "tag" is.


I asked Deborah over at Misfit Princess for an explaination of what a tag is and why someone would make them instead of a layout. Here is her reply:

A tag is just a smaller version of a something such as a layout that allows
someone to enter into an email a cute short little sized (sometimes larger than
some like) personalized graphic. They usually have the senders name on them.
There are tons of tag groupsout there (in yahoo and other groups) and they use a
lot of the layouts just resize them to be anywhere like 3 inches or smaller in
height and width.

Deborah has a tag group called The Princess Pad if this is something you might be interested in following up on. Imagine being able to put your best layout as a signature on your email or your forum page!

Czech Republic/Slovakia Template Freebie

This time I must admit I have very little knowledge of the political and cultural lay of the land in the countries represented by today's template.

Therefore, because I was asked to make a template of the country BEFORE the political split I have included both countries on the same template but have fixed it so that one can be removed if that's how you recognize yourself these days. The countries are 2 seperate layers but can also be merged as one or even just filled in the same to make one country.

I have the words Czech Republic, Slovakia and Czechoslovakiaall on the template but one or more of those can be removed as well.

I am trying to do a template as requested. I'm not trying to start a civil war or an international incident. Please be aware that many people may have traveled and/or lived there when the two countries were one and that is all they know. If I had gone to Czechoslovakia then I would want my template to say that. If it wasn't the Czech Republic when I was there then my layout would be erroneous.

Here is today's Czech Republic, Slovakia, Czechoslovakia Template. And remember, if all else fails and you don't like the template like this...then don't download it.

Your Layouts!

Over at Creative Genealogy, Jasia has used my Poland Template to create a very striking layout. She moved some of the elements around to make it fit her needs. Please feel free to do what you need to do for a template to be just what you want it to be. I don't mind at all.

Netherlands Template Freebie

The Netherlands Template is today's Countries of the World Template Series digital scrapbooking freebie. I used the windmill theme for this template.

It was difficult trying to design a template for this country knowing that such artists as Rembrant and Van Gogh are from the Netherlands. I wonder what their ideas for a 1 page layout would be for their home country! Two totally different styles of painting and two different outlooks on life would no doubt make for a couple of unique perspectives.

That is what's so great about digital scrapping...two people can start with the same "canvas" and come up with absolutely different results but still be showing the same idea.

It's also great that someone with not much artistic ability can turn around and make a "masterpiece" of a layout just by having knowledge of the software they are using.

No Worries: Jamaica Template

Today's digital scrapbooking freebie from the Countries of the World Template Series is the Jamaica Template.

This is one of the places I have traveled to several time while working for Fitness Pro Travel. I have been to 3 SuperClubs resorts in Jamaica. See the post for the Dominican Republic template for more details on the program I was traveling under.

My Dad...

I just wanted to let you guys know about this super acknowledgement that my Dad is receiving. He is being inducted into the North Carolina Transportation Hall of Fame in October.

Now this isn't a race car type of transportion hall of fame, but rather associated with the North Carolina Department of Transportion (a government agency.) My father is a retired Director of Transportation for the City of High Point, NC. The job included taking care of the traffic signals, lines on the road, one way streets and the city bus system. Of course there's much more involved that just that.

I know I don't say this enough, but I am proud of you Daddy!

Talladega Wordart Freebie

I'm taking a break today from the Countries of the World Template Series to offer some NASCAR wordart for Talladega Superspeedway. Today's race is at the Alabama race track.

There is some Dale Jr. stuff in this pack as well as some NASCAR general stuff like "Gentlemen Start Your Engines." This set will be great for all you Talladega Infield "Crazies" (I use that word as a term of affection.)

Check out my other NASCAR stuff, like the NASCAR Collection and Add On . Even my Daytona Template can be modified with the Talladega Wordart from today. You can also use my Alabama template from the State Template Series for part of your Talladega layout.

And if you missed the post the other day, check out Scrapbook Design Down Under for a map of Alabama. You can print this wordart and the elements from my kits and use for paper scrapping as well as use them for digiscrapping. Now you have the "tools" to create your own Tallagedega scrapbook. OR you can call it "JR Wins at 'Dega!" LOL

The CotW Template Series continues tomorrow with the Jamaica template. Here is today's freebie: Talladega Wordart.

Template: Poland is Today's Freebie

Today's digital scrapbokking freebie download is another template in the Countries of the World Template Series. Here is the Poland Template.

If you go back to the March 17th post you will see that the Wisconsin template from the State Template Series has an overlay that has polka dancers on it. You can highlight that layer and copy it to another layout if you would like.

The doll used in today's Polish design came from Dolls of India. Ok, who knew that if you Googled "polish lady" that a website with the word India would come up! LOL Use a lot of patience and a little bit of "tolerance" on your paint bucket tool to fill in the doll.

You can always use the trick I try when working with a photo that has been grayscaled: I go to effects>texture effects> sculpture and then choose a pattern to create a "super imposed" image on the layout. Check out my Japan template layout and you'll see the effect.

The flower on the template to represent the "O" in Poland is the poppie. It is the official flower of Poland.

State Template Series Companions From "Scrapbook Design Down Under "

I found some US State Maps from a site called Scrapbook Design Down Under . These would be great to go along with my State Template Series.


I also saw a map for Canada so you could also get some stuff for my Countires of the World Template Series. Enjoy using these to add to your layouts.

Iceland Template Freebie

As part of our trip to Denmark last year to visit U.S. Ambassador and Mrs. Jim Cain, we spent a few nights in Iceland. We flew non-stop from Orlando/Sanford airport to Reychavik, Iceland.

As part of the Icelandair package, we were able to stop in Iceland for a few days as a continuation of the same ticket to Denmark. We didn't have to buy seperate tickets.

While we were in Iceland we took the Golden Circle tour which consisted of the largest waterfall in the country, geisers and the site of the very first parliment in Iceland. We also saw where the tectonic plates for North America and Asia come together. It really is Middle Earth there.

When I was young I didn't just sit around saying, "I simply HAVE to vist Iceland when I grow up," but WHAT AN EXPERIENCE. You simply have to go! I just wish our trip could have been closer to the time that the viewing of the Northern Lights was possible.

Oh well, here is the Iceland Template.

Your Layouts!

WOW! Deborah at the Misfit Princess has been very busy using my templates from the State Template Series. She has made some very cool and colorful tags with them. For more about her tag group on Yahoo, go to The Princess Pad.

Look at what she has done:

Thanks again, Deborah, for using my templates and showing them off on your blog. I would like to email you a sneak peak of the USA Template that is part of the Countries of the World Template Series. It isn't due to be offered for about a week and a half. You have certainly earned it!!! Please email me with your email address!

(Sorry about the gap between the photos...this Blogger makes me crazy sometimes!)

Tony Stewart To Leave Joe Gibbs Racing?

Ok, this may not have just come out, but I only heard about it this afternoon. Tony Stewart is rumored to be in talks with Haas CNC Racing. Would love to hear from some #20 fans on this one. At least us Dale Jr. fans knew the saga behind Jr.'s decision to leave DEI. This Stewart move is a little less "soap opera." I knew he had not signed his extension over the off season, but that there was also still time left...unlike Jr. who went past his signing deadline with no compromise from Teresa.

Looks like Tony is looking for a new challenge in his career. And who knows, Joe Gibbs isn't getting any younger. This should make for interesting media this weekend at Talladega!

Economic Stimulus Rebate Payments

This website will let you know when (or if) you will be getting an economic stimulus rebate from the IRS. It will aslo let you know how much you will be receiving.

"With & Without Words" CD

One of my cycling, Pilates reformer and Pilates mat clients, Gilbert Ramirez, has a new CD that I think you might like. The name of the CD is With & Without Words and it, acording to Gilbert, consists of "songs that blend Latin rhythms with western-American melodies."

Check out the website where you can hear samples of the CD. Gilbert is a great guy and one of my best clients. He is an avid outdoor cyclist and it is really hard to keep him challenged. He is a great spokesperson for my fitness programs and I want to "pay him back" by highlighting his CD here.

Please consider purchasing a copy of the CD. This is all done locally and they are not on any kind of mass producing or selling program.

I use some of Gilbert's music in my classes I teach. My clients love it! Let him know you got to his site from here. And please let me know what you think about his music.

Last Call for CotW Template Series and Afghanistan Template Freebie

Thanks to all for your kind comments about my Countries of the World Template Series. Today is the absolute Final Call for requests for countries. I have 16 more countries to offer. Get your request in no later than midnight tonight please.

Here is the Afghanistan Template. Once again I tried to make the theme of the template as "nationally acceptable" as possible. Some templates are a little more touchy than others.

Since these few templates were requested by military familes please feel free to share the links with other military minded scrappers. You can post a link to this page on scrapbooking forums supporting military scrapping if you know of, or belong to, any.

Please help spread the word about my blog. I don't get all that much traffic and any time anyone can help pass along my web address I would sure appreciate it. If you know of something I am not doing that might get me more traffic please suggest it!

Kristi Yamaguchi Stays Strong

One more down on Dancing With the Stars, but Kristi Yamaguchi is still hanging in there.
Keep up the good work, Kristi. You are doing us North Carolinians proud!

New Widget for eBooks

I have added a new widget on my blog that pulls up free ebooks. It is called Project Gutenberg. I have had a little trouble getting the widget to do what I want so I linked the title to the original webpage.

I LOVE to read so I thought this widget would be great to find books that are offered for free. Let me know if you have trouble using the widget. Don't forget to use the slide bar up and sideways to see your results.

What Does YOUR Candy Heart Say?

I was checking out the Misfit Princess' site and saw this link: What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Here's what mine says:

For you, love is serious business. You don't take dating lightly.And even
if you haven't met the right person, getting married is something you expect to
do soon.Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic picnic in the park. Your
flirting style: subtle and calculating. What turns you off: short term flings. Why
you're hot: you're a hopeless romantic with each new relationship.

Hmmmm, I wouldn't have guessed THAT, but it does have a ring of truth about it...maybe the "hot" part. LOL

Actually my candy heart REALLY says this:

LOL. Hmmm, maybe there is a connection there! I'm sure Jr. would love someone old enoungh to be his...hmmm...VERY older sister! LOL

Go to this link and have FUN!!!

Your Layouts!

This layout is from Deborah at the Misfit Princess. Excellent work! And thanks so much for the mention on your blog!!!!! Deborah used my Alabama template which is part of the State Template Series.

Iraq Template Freebie

Today's template (along with the Turkey and the Israel templates offered a few days ago and the Afghanistan template coming tomorrow) was requested by someone to use for military stationed in those areas. I elected not to use military symbols or themes in these templates because those things can be added when you do your own personal layouts.

I wanted the templates so that anyone living or visiting any country could use them without political or religious controversy. If a template is meant to be religious (Passover or Christmas) or political (4th of July or Bastille Day) then that is what the theme will be.

However, there are many different people who call these countries home. Just as there are many political and religious differences right here in the US. I don't think it would be correct to put British symbols and references on a United States template even though the British original ruled this country. That is why I am not putting American references on the Iraqi or Afghanistan templates.

Feel free to add whatever you want to make your template reflect your interest in that particular country. Here is the Iraq Template.

Yeah Flyers!

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Flyers for winning their first round series over the Washington Capitals. I had to pull for the Flyers for two reasons: 1. They are my son's favorite hockey team and 2. The Capitals beat the Carolina Hurricanes, keeping the Hurricanes out of the playoffs this year.

Since the Hurricanes aren't in the playoffs, they are able to send a ton of players to the World Championships. Maybe the Hurricanes' wives and girlfriends need to use my Countries of the World Template Series templates because there are quite a few countries being represented just from our organization.

For the second straight year, eight players will be representing Carolina
at the IIHF World Championships, located this year in the Canadian cities of
Quebec City and Halifax. The games begin on May 2 and run until the gold
medal game on May 18.Canadians Eric Staal and Cam Ward will be joined by Ray
Whitney as they attempt to defend their gold medals from last year’s tournament. Also playing in the event are Tim Gleason (United States), Tuomo Ruutu (Finland), Niclas Wallin (Sweden), Dennis Seidenberg (Germany) and goaltending prospect Daniel Manzato (Switzerland). ~Carolina Hurricanes.com

So, good luck to all the Hurricanes players representing their own countries, but GO USA!!! And also GO FLYERS since my son is home between the spring and summer semesters right now and we have to listen to goan and moan when the Flyers don't win! LOL

Can This Be True?!

My dad passed along one of those email "jokes" to me. I thought this one was very thought provoking. I wonder how accurate the numbers are? I am sure they are in the "ball park."

The Price of Gas Vs Printer Ink

Think a gallon of gas is expensive?This makes one think, and also puts things in perspective. These examples do NOT imply that gasoline is cheap; it just illustrates how outrageous some prices are.... You will be really shocked by the last one!(At least, I was...)

Compared with Gasoline:

Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29 ... $10.32 per gallon

Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 ..........$9.52 per gallon

Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 ..... $10.17 per gallon

Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25 ....... $10.00 per gallon

Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 .... $33.60 per gallon

Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35 ... $178.13 per gallon

Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 ... $123.20 per gallon

Whiteout 7 oz $1.39 ....... . $25.42 per gallon

Scope 1.5 oz $0.99 .....$84.48 per gallon

Evian water 9 oz 1.49... $21.19 per gallon

Ever wonder why printers are so cheap? So they have you hooked for the ink. Someone calculated the cost of the ink at...............(you won't believe it....but it is true........)$5,200 a gal. (five thousand two hundred dollars)

2 for 1 Freebies: Turkey Template and Postcard Template

Sometimes a designer makes something and it seems to be much better than to them than anything else they have made. This next template comes close for me.

I'm always trying to find a new way to display the countries on the templates because counting the State Template Series I have already designed 84 of these kinds of templates (with 10 more to do AND THEN the Major Cities of the World Series.)

(Don't panic if your numbers don't add up right, I am 5 ahead of today's download as far as designing goes.)

While lying in the bed one morning on a day off I came up with what I thought was a great idea to display a country on its template. There wasn't a particular country in mind except that it was time to design the Turkey template. I got up and worked around with the idea until I came up with the design for the Turkey Template.

I liked the overall look of the design but I knew the likelihood of going to Turkey myself was very small. So I thought I would make a template using the postcard as well. So today you get 2 freebies for the price of one...free.

So here is the Postcard Template. I used a picture we took of the Magic Kingdom and I used the Disney Dearm Trip stuff from Seebee's Freebies.

Today's Freebie: Israel Template

Today I have another Countries of the World Template Series installment, but this can also go right along with my Passover template from last Friday. This is the Israel Template.

The ribbons on this template came from The Ephemeral Victorian. It appears that website has finaly shut down. What a crying shame! Anyway, the ribbons have a special texture to them so you'll need to be patient when you go to fill them in.

I used the Israeli symbols of the dove and the olive branch and the Israeli flag so that everyone living there could use the template and not just one group of countrymen. I used national symbols and not somehing I made up or thought I knew what I was doing.

It is my goal to make these templates as uncontroversial as possible while still making them creative and interesting. This effort will be especially evident when I get to the Iraq and Afghanistan templates that were requested. Look for those in a few days.

Hungary Template Freebie

A quick post this morning before I am off to the second day of this Pilates training. Here is the Countries of the World Template Series digital scrapbooking freebie for Sunday: the Hungary Template.

I am falling behind again on my designing so when I get home tonight I will continue working on the Middle East. I've also been working on a new kit with an alphabet, and a Mother's Day template.

Have a good day and enjoy the day off from NASCAR today.

Enter to Win Time With Dale Jr

Dale Jr. launched a new candy bar not too long ago called "Big Mo." They are offering a sweepstakes that is going on right now where you have the opportunity to win a VIP weekend with NASCAR hottie Dale Jr. Here's what Jr. has to say about it on his Infield Parking blog:

I wanted to remind everyone about the Big Mo Sweepstakes we have cookin’.
Time is almost up for you to win a VIP weekend here in North Carolina during
Charlotte Race Weeks, which includes lunch at my shop with me and my team. There is still time to enter, so go out and buy box-loads of Big Mo, or visit http://www.bigmo-ment.com/eng-us/default.aspx. I’m really proud of my candy bar, and I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from the fans. Remember, just a few weeks left in the Big Mo-ment Sweepstakes!

~Dale Earnhardt Jr.

If you do not have a code to enter, there is a link to the right (under that gorgeous picture) where you can click to enter anyway. There is one grand prize winner and that person gets to invite 3 guests. I am available that week if you only have 2 other friends! You must enter by April 30th.

Your Layouts!

Here is a layout from Jasia at Creative Genealogy using my Michigan Template 2 from the State Template Series. She did a great job! Go to her blog for credits for the kit she used.

Jasia has been kind enough to feature some of my templates and kits on her blog. She has done a great job on her site and it looks very professional.

She has some awesome advise and ideas on anything heritige. Bookmark her blog like I did!

Greece Template Freebie

Aaaarrrggghhh!!! I just spent almost 45 minutes trying to figure out why my text was converting to Hindu. I hadn't changed a single setting and then boom, Hindu. Well anyway, here it is in good old English. It helps to be able to read what you have written!

Today and tomorrow I have another 2 day Pilates workshop. This time it is on the EXO chair. If you are in the Orlando area you should contact me to get your free Plates class. It is an awesome workout! Just email me and we can set it up. I'm serious here. I can see on my blog where the traffic comes from and I know how much of it is from this area!
Anyway, here is the digital scrapbooking freebie of the day at Scrapping 'Til Dawn: the Greece Template.

Today is the first day of Passover so don't forget to pick up the Passover template from yesterday. As of this morning it had been dowloaded 8 times. Wow. You can always delete something after you download it. I love seeing the numbers go up on 4 Shared when something is downloaded. Humor me! It helps keep the creative juices flowing! LOL

Passover Template Freebie

In observance of Passover, which statrts tomorrow, I am offering a Passover Template. My fiance' was the "techinical advisor" on this template. It is kind of hard to read the word Passover on the template. Of course when you fill it in, it will show very well.

I was hoping to get a couple of pictures from a client to do a lyout with this, but seeing as this is a very busy time for her she hasn't been able to send me any yet. If she does, I'll add a layout.

The Countries of the World Template Series will continue tomorrow when I offer the Greece Template.

They Just Keep Coming: Dominican Republic Template Freebie

Good morning! Boy I love my days off! I don't get 2 in a row (like a Saturday and Sunday) so when I wake up and I have a whole day in front of me with endless possibilities it makes me so happy!

Today will be a template designing day. I try to stay 4 or 5 ahead in case I can't design one day. So it is time to restock my back up supply!

I will be taking a break from the Countires of the World Template Series tomorrow to post my Passover Template since Passover begins on Saturday. I know Passover is a time of family so I thought I'd offer a template so there would be a nice place to put the pictures you might take while the whole family is gathered together.

Today's digitial scrapbooking frebiee is the Dominican Republic Template. My fiance' and I went to Punta Cana back in 2003. I was a traveling fitness instructor so as part of the deal I taught Pilates Mat at the Breezes Resort there. It is part of the SuperClubs organization.

If you are a fitness professional, tennis pro or masseuse then you can participate in the traveling fitness program as well. Here is the link to Fitness Pro Travel. I have been traveling with this company since 2000. I've been to Jamaica 3 times and the Dominican Republic once. Each time I get to bring my family as part of the deal.

Back to the template for a second: I put the airport element as a grass hut becuse when we were there it was a thatched roof, open air building. If you don't like the look (or the buliding has changed in the last 5 years) you can add a mat beneath that element and it will fill the building in a little.

Just For Redheads

There is a website called Just for Redheads that sells hair care products and cosmetics for all different shades of redheads. For those of us too fair to use regular products...like brown/black mascara, there are lighter shades like auburn eyebrow pencils and mascara.

I LOVE their shampoo and conditioner with natrual henna in it. It doesn't color my hair, but rather brings out my natrual highlights. I have a lot of blonde streaks in my red hair. People are always asking me who colors my hair, but it is all natural. I am very lucky. I consider my hair to be my best "asset" when it comes to "beauty." It maybe the only one! LOL


The conditioner is a spray on, leave in conditioner and I like it way more than the kind you put on in the shower. It doesn't weigh your hair down.


The henna works on natural highlights for brunettes too. Sometimes they have some red in their hair.

Kristi Yamaguchi Update

Kristi Yamaguchi seems to continue to be going strong on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Last night she made another cut. It was Priscilla Presley who was voted off.

Kristi again gave the best dance and for the first time managed to be not
just technically precise but genuinely expressive in her routine. The
in-training scenes of her family's visit with her two young daughters were sweet
and touching, so, fine. She's still unfairly advantaged in this amateur
competition... DWTS: Halfway TomMaurstad

Costa Rica Template Freebie: A Horse Story

In 2001 my son and I took a trip to Costa Rica. We were there for a week and we did all kinds of things he had never done before. We even saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time. One of the new things for him was horseback riding.

He didn't have a problem at all with the horse or even the fact that it was raining most of the time (because we were in a rain forest.) His problem was this ravine we had to go down and then up the other side. Even I was having a problem with it. We called it the "V ravine" because it was straight down one side and straight up the other. Ok, not so bad...yet. Except that the mud was so deep it was up to the horses' butt. The horse had to yank its leg up out of the mud to move forward.

So there we were, one horse behind the other, and we were at an angle like your head was lower than the horses' butt headed down hill. You either pictured yourself rolling down the hill still attached to the horse, or you thought that you would slide off and the horse would stay put, watching you.

Going up the other side of the ravine you had the horse in front of you with his butt right in your face. Then the horse would slip a little trying to get its footing and all you could think about was that horse in front of you sitting back on you. It was so slick that the horses were slipping both going down this ravine and then also going up the other side.

But the horses were so well trained and surely must have been oblivious to the fear emanating from us. I was laughing so hard I could hardly hold on. I think I was having hysterics! LOL

My son had never been on a horse. I had taken equitation as a PE in college but I can promise you that we didn't cover the part about a horse's butt higher than your own head! Needless to say my son hasn't been on a horse since then. But we do get a huge laugh out of it still, all these years later!

Here is the Costa Rica Template. Too bad we didn't get pictures of the "v ravine," but I assure you no one was letting go of the horse long enough to use a camera!

Happy Tax Day!

Well, it IS happy to those of us who have already filed AND spent our tax refunds! LOL But here is a little something to make the day a little happier for everyone, regardless of your tax status...

Walgreens is offering 15 FREE prints from their online photo processing center. You can have them mailed to you or you can pick them up at your local neighborhood store.

So go ahead and order your prints today only! This is a godsend for paper scrappers who are trying to save some money on picture printing!

Freebie: Portugal Template

Today I'm continuing the Countries of the World Template Series. You may wonder why I say that every post. Well, it is one of the tricks to getting as many hits as you can on your blog. The more something is said, the easier Google picks up on it. That's why I say it is your "digital scrapbooking freebie" alot. It may sound stilted, but it is effective. LOL

The symbol I chose to use today for the Portugal Template is the Barcelos Rooster. It stands for "The winning of justice when you fight for it".

I have gotten a few more countries added to the template list and the requests for specific cities are coming in as well. Now is the tme to get your favorites on the list! Once I close out a series I'd like for it to be complete in case there are some of you who are trying to collect everything.

Template Freebie: Switzerland

Well it is a chilly Monday morning here in Florida and I got to sleep in a little. Of course I still didn't want to get up. But, I'm already thinking of my nap later this afternoon! LOL

I'm offering you the Switzerland Template today. There is a light at the end of the tunnel...I have 8 more requests to create in this series. Add that to the 5 templates I am ahead and that will be the end of the Countries of the World Template Series.

So, if you have a country that you would like to see offered, please ask for it NOW. I have had a request for the countries where our troops are stationed (Iraq and Afganistan) and I'm at the desiging stage for them right now. So please be patient. I know it has been awhile since you asked for them and I haven't forgotten you!

Thanks for all your support for this series. I am now taking requests for World Cities. I also have Manitoba, in Canada on the list. It isn't a country or a city so I have been putting it off so that I don't get hate mail for putting it in the wrong place! LOL

Sunday: Sweden Template Freebie

Today's Countries of the World Template Series digital scrapbooking freebie template is Sweden.

On our trip to Denmark last September we took the train to Sweden for the day. We went to the first town across the border, Malmo. My layout using the Sweden template shows the train station there. We were amazed at how many bikes were parked by the station!

The stamp element in this template is from Megadoodle at The Ephemeral Victorian. The site is still up so you can still go there for some wonderful designer tools. I'm not sure how much longer they will be open. I took the stamp element and made a block of stamps with it.

Check out the Denmark template here.

CotWTS: Japan Template Freebie

Today's Countries of the World Template Series goes half way around the world to offer the Japan Template.


In 1989 my cousin Allan married a beautiful Japaneese girl, Keiko. Allan was living in Japan at the time and was studying veterinary medicine. He had graduated form Alburn Veterinary School in 1983 and had been in Japan for awhile.


Allan and Keiko have their own clinic in Hickory, NC. It is , among other things, an after hours emergency clinc. Here is the information if you ever need it:


Unifour Veterinary Referrals
126 US Highway 321 Southwest
Hickory, NC, 28602
P: (828) 328-6697



Allan, a veterinary surgeon, is the best there is in his area. He has even treated the famous bear at Grandfather Mountain. Imagine giving an MRI to a bear!