Real Women Scrap with Tasra Dawson

A New Home for Real Women Scrap - tasramar.com

The time has come to say hello to something new! You're gonna love it.

When I started Real Women Scrap in May 2006, I had no idea that hundreds of thousands of amazing real women would join me on the journey to create the life and layouts we've always wanted.

It has truly been an honor and an adventure to be a part of your lives over the years and I'm ready to take it to the next level! 2010 is coming and that means it's time to kick it up a notch.

The new home of Real Women Scrap is more of what you love, in a brand new format. More inspiration, tutorials, videos, articles all about living your most creative life. From scrapbooking to album design, photography to photo organization, giveaways to gift guides, we've got it all in an easy to navigate format. A format that helps you keep it simple and find your focus.

Everything has been transferred over there, including articles, links and comments. Make sure to change your links in Google Reader, RSS, or Feedblitz/Feedburner! If you need help, just let me know! Starting today, 12.15.09, I’ll be updating tasramar.com exclusively. This blog will still be live, but just for historical purposes.

Check it out now at tasramar.com! Find out the never-before-told story behind the name and read about My Vision. It'll give you new insight... I promise. Plus, you get to see a picture of me from JUNIOR HIGH! You can't miss that.

Could you live like Jesus in 2010?

Seriously. Eat as Jesus did. Pray as he prayed. Observe the Sabbath. Read the Gospels every week. And that's just the beginning.

As I feel 2010 quickly bearing down on us, I'm thinking about commitments and changes I want to make. Certainly I'd like to be more Jesus-like, a follower and disciple. But to truly commit in all those ways may be is more than I could manage. 

One man tried. His name is Ed Dobson. And he wrote a book about his experience, The Year of Living like Jesus: My Journey of Discovering What Jesus Would Really Do. It radically changed my perspective and relationship with religion, Christianity, and Jesus.

The book was actually inspired by A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically. Until I read Ed Dobson's book, I had A.J. Jacobs' book on my Amazon wishlist. I'm so thrilled I read this one instead. The crucial difference is that A.J. Jacobs spent a year following the Bible as closely as possible, while Ed Dobson spent a year following Jesus as closely as possible. From the outset, that might not seem like a huge difference, but it is.

One of my favorite sections is in the intro:

"I don't like the word Christian...many associate it with America, capitalism, and democracy. I don't like the word evangelical. In the US, it has come to mean anti-gay, anti-abortion, and believing that you're right all the time...When people press me to identify myself, I simply say, 'I'm a follower of Jesus.'"

Amen to that! He then goes on to ask what it would be like to get past everything else, the labels, the stereotypes, the rules and regulations and get back to what matters. Is it even possible? I'd like to think so. 

That's the heart of what this book brought to my attention. The absolute importance of moving beyond the facade and getting to the heart of what and who we believe. I can get behind that. I can stand up for that. How about you?

Anyone Need a Good Friend?

It wasn't long ago that I was teaching junior high and mentoring young girls in my dance team and classes. I knew the girls needed all the extra help they could get given their circumstances. But I often struggled with where I would find answers myself. I was giving what I had, but wasn't sure how to find someone who could give me the wisdom that I needed to keep going. I needed a good friend, an older, wiser friend to help.

Fortunately, I believe God knew what I needed and strategically placed some women in my path that befriended me. At different times, I've drawn on their wisdom and experience to help navigate the often treacherous waters of life. I think we all need friends who can act as mentors, as well as mentees...people we are reaching out to. I know it may seem hard and like an overwhelming task to reach out and build intentional friendships with others, but the truth is that it doesn't have to be. 

PrintMaster Helps You Get Crafty—Win Yours Today!

If you've been looking for a program to help you create unique, crafty projects, PrintMaster Platinum 2.0 is definitely worth checking out. This user-friendly program is full of features, including a massive image gallery. I've got ONE FREE COPY to give away. Read on to find out how to win.

I took the program for a test drive and created two projects that I plan to use as stocking stuffers. The first is a coupon for Movie Night for my husband. One of the gifts he's always asking for is time to get away to see the latest movie releases. The coupons I created are perfect and came straight from a template (just don't tell him that!) It saves me in two ways: budget and time. 

Even if you consider yourself a newbie when it comes to crafting and/or computers, the set up of the program is pretty intuitive. And it works on Mac or Windows, which is a must for me. One of the greatest benefits of the program are the pre-designed templates. They give you a starting point for any number of creative projects you may have been contemplating, like custom cards, scrapbook layouts, party invitations, and even business cards.

A couple of the downsides are how long it took to load the program on my computer. I wasn't expecting that, but I guess it's not uncommon with such a large image gallery. I also found that when I was looking for images to add to my projects that they seemed to load slow. I'm not sure if it's my computer or the program, so I'll have to test again.

The second project I created is for stocking stuffers for my daughter. They are IOU coupons. I did just a bit of color changing to make them bright and fun. I'll probably add things like free pass on chores or date night with Dad. Again, they were quick and easy to create, saving me precious time and money!

While I may still use Photoshop to design my scrapbook layouts, I can now use this program for other projects I want to finish in a snap. At under $40 it is definitely more cost-effective than Photoshop!

Here's how to win a copy of your own...
Leave a comment about a project you could use some help creating OR give me some ideas for what to include on the coupons for my daughter! Want extra entries? Tell your friends about the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook. 

I've Fallen in Love with...Organic Vegan Soap! You can too!

Oh my goodness! Who knew that organic vegan soap could smell so heavenly? I have a GIFT FOR ONE LUCKY READER that you are going to fall in love with too!

Through my friend, Donna Maria over at Indie Business and Beauty Network, I met Melissa Hutcheson, owner and creator of the Joy of Soap. She graciously offered to send me some samples of her yummy soaps AND she's going to send a gift basket of soaps to one lucky winner too!

I have to tell you that my daughter and I fought over the soaps a bit when they arrived. Good thing we have different scent preferences! My daughter immediately went for the lavender scent double bar. She loves the calming scent. Me, I fell for the ginger snap immediately. I adore ginger and this soap makes me happy!

I love washing my hands now because I know they are actually getting clean in a natural way, instead of adding chemicals to them. I don't feel like I have to rinse so vigorously anymore either. That's good news, especially during the dry winter months.

You have to check out all the other amazing scents and images of her handmade soaps. They make the perfect gift, let you feel like you're doing something good for the environment, and they are economical too! You just can't lose with the Joy of Soap!

WANNA WIN THIS AMAZING GIFT BASKET?
Visit Joy of Soap, take a look at the amazing scents, then come back and leave a comment letting me know your favorite scent. Want extra entires? Tell your friends via Twitter or Facebook about this giveaway!

Vintage Hip Christmas Crafts eBook Sale & Giveaway

Two of my talented and creative scrapbooking friends, Lain Ehmann and Angie Lucas, started Ella Publishing a few months ago. The books that have been released from their company have been blowing me away—from big names in the scrapbooking industry to practical topics and even the craftiest ideas.

I tracked them down to be part of the holiday giveaway here at Real Women Scrap. They didn't disappoint. 

Today I've got a FREE COPY of their latest release, Vintage Hip Christmas Crafts: 9 step-by-step tutorials for layouts, decor, gifts, and more by Margie Romney-Aslett and daughters Megan and Brooke. And 25% off for everyone! Just use code CRAFTY09 at checkout (good until 12/13).

Here's a brief description of the book...

Choose your own crafting adventure! Whether you're trying to get crafty between batches of cookies or you've got a whole weekend to revel in your creativity, we've got the Christmas project for you! Crafting rockstar Margie Romney-Aslett and her daughters, Brooke and Megan, have pulled together nine totally glitter-tastic ideas in Ella Publishing Co.'s latest eBook, Vintage Hip Christmas Crafts: 9 step-by-step layouts, gifts, décor and more. Put on your favorite Christmas album, brew up a mug of cocoa, and pick your crafting poison.

My favorite aspects of Vintage Hip Christmas Crafts...

• Kid-friendly projects. I found at least three different projects that I could do with my kids.
• No supply purchase necessary. Many of the projects use available supplies which saves your budget.
• Projects at every level, beginner to advanced.
• Wide variety. You can't please everyone, but there is enough variety that some will appeal to all!

Wanna get your hands on a copy?
If you can't wait and think it's already worth the reasonable price (which I do!), head on over and use the 25% off coupon. If you'd like to win a free copy, leave a comment below telling me your favorite Christmas craft - cards, garland, layouts, gifts...you get the idea.

The Last Day of My Life & My Story Book Giveaway

I've got two great books to review and giveaway. Both are stories of courage and hope in the face of trials. 

Keep reading to find out how to win a copy of each book to inspire and encourage you!

Lunchbox Love for Kids Giveaway

Did you ever get lunchbox notes from your mom when you were growing up? I did every once in a while. She'd write on a napkin and put it in my Strawberry Shortcake lunch pail. Then, when I opened up my lunchbox, I'd find that little note. Of course I'd have to get a new napkin because there was no way I was going to use the one with the note!

If you did get them or even if you didn't, think for a moment about how it made you feel. Words that come to my mind are loved, special, important, valuable. What an amazing effect from such a small gesture.

A great company has bottled up that great idea in a new package called Lunchbox Love. They are positive notes and fun trivia for your child's lunchbox, backpack or binder. Say Please is the company and they believe words are important (me too!). You can use Lunchbox Love to share love, encouragement, and fun with your kids (or nieces, nephews, even friends!).

Want 'em? I've got 3 sets of Lunchbox Love cards to give away. Leave a comment below letting me know who you would give them to... or tell me about what types of notes you've received... or both! You can pick up your own cards online or at any Michael's store across the country.

For the record... I love spending time with you! I think you are amazing! I know you can do anything!

The Sky is the Limit - Holiday Shopping Surprise

From now until midnight on Wednesday, you can sign up to receive coupons ranging from $15 to $100 off and 10% to 50% off at OpenSky. I only have 50 Premium Coupons for $15 off a $20 item so sign up quickly! To save the most, type TASRA as your favorite Shopkeeper.

OpenSky is the place for your holiday shopping. 
Here's why, according to one of my fellow shopkeepers: 

Open Sky is an online plaza full of interesting shopkeepers all passionate about what they sell. That means real people connecting consumers to the products they love and use. For instance, when I go away on holidays one of my favorite things to do is not shop the big box stores but instead the lovely quaint personal shops all clustered together in a little area selling unique and fun items. I love getting to know the shop owners and talking to them about what they do. They own the shop, they are passionate about their products and they can tell you why. I LOVE that experience and Open Sky reminds me of that except of course it’s all online.

Need some gift ideas in every price range? Check out my Holiday Gift Guide.

Make sure to enter the Holiday Blog-Abration for gifts and giveaways! Less than a week left to enter!

Inspired by Melody Carlson, Camy Tang & Trish Perry

These women authors already hold a special place in my heart with their amazing books: Camy Tang with her Sushi series, Melody Carlson with her teen series, and Trish Perry with her chick lit.

With the addition of a transparent and gripping story in Pearl Girls, I'm a forever fan. Pearl Girls is a compilation of stories by women encountering grit and experiencing grace. More than that, it's about real women tackling real issues head on.

When I first opened the book, I immediately went through the amazing list of contributing authors, the likes of Debbie Macomber, Robin Jones Gunn, and Michelle McKinney Hammond. Not to mention the ones above. That barely scratches the surface of everyone who is included. 

The real value is in their stories. I'd like to highlight 3 that touched me...

Camy Tang—Good for Us
It's not until later that we recognize the value of our pain and trials. Racism, cruelty and tension typified Camy's college years. It wasn't until much later that she transformed her pain into a successful series of novels with a decidedly ethnic focus. What a turn of events!

Melody Carlson—Embrace Your Life
Like so many of us, Melody dreamt of the white picket fence and perfect family. What she got was two teenage boys struggling with drug addiction and mental issues. Not what she signed up for. But instead of losing it all, she embraced what she was given and drew strength from her struggle. Letting go of our idealistic ideas of life, love, and parenting is one powerful way to embrace the life we have.

Trish Perry—Bigger Than Fear
Trish was a victim of domestic violence, and so was her daughter. Their story is heartbreaking because I remember what that fear feels like. Despite the fear, Trish grabbed hold of God and mustered the courage to leave that dangerous relationship. Now she embraces her daughter and new life with strength she never knew before.

If you know someone who needs to be encouraged or inspired today, this is an amazing book of hope.

Partnering with Mom Central for Holiday Giveaways

We've partnered with Mom Central to give you more chances to win great gifts for the holidays. Right now you can enter to win a Real Women Scrap pack that includes a copy of Real Women Scrap, a Season 1 DVD of Real Women Scrap TV, RWS T-shirt and notebook. Stop by now to enter!

Mom Central is also hosting a holiday giveaway with their top picks for the season. From sparkly jewelry to kids cookie making, there are fabulous prizes to be had. Head on over to check it out.