Hello everyone! SassyPixie here (aka Melanie). I am so excited to be hosting the Sunday Spotlight today! I chose HappyScrapGirl who is not only a CT Member but also a Designer for ScrapMatters. HappyScrapGirl is actually the one who introduced me to ScrapMatters. She was one of my first members on a Digital Scrapbooking Group that I started on Cafe Mom. She is a valued member of both communities because of her knowledge and inspiration.

I chose a few of my favorite layouts from HSG, but there are so many more that I love.

This is my favorite layout. Not only is the page awesome but the the photograph is priceless. I love candid photos.

I love this layout! Here girls are sooo darling and I love how she incorporated 3 of our Valentine kits into the layout. P.S I love You, Comfy Cozy and Forever and Always.

This layout is beautiful. I love the photo faded into the background. This is also my favorite kit from HSG called Inspire Me.

Here are a few tidbits about out fabulous Team member and Designer.

What is your main job/career?  I have been fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom since my first daughter was born.  Before that, I worked for a large payroll company - which was not nearly as exciting as playing tea party all day long!

Are you married/kids/pets?  I have been married to my sweetheart for almost nine years.  It’s been quite a roller-coaster ride - and I’m so glad we’ve had each other to count on.  I also have two sweet little girls - the other loves of my life.

Where do you call home? Well, I live in the US - is that specific enough?  DH is a part of a cyber initiatve that helps to educate parents about protecting their children from online preditors.  He gives trainings alongside organizations such as “Missing & Exploited Children”.  I have been well versed in these trainings, LOL, so I do my best to not give out specific personal information online.  This is a big part of the reason why I go by “Happy Scrap Girl”.  I never use my real name, my kids names, or where we live.

What are your three favorite foods? Chocloate, crab legs & chocolate… hmm, but not together

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Umm… ChocolateDo you prefer salty or sweet snacks?  Give me a chocolate covered pretzel, and I’m in heaven!

What is your favorite beverage?  I know it’s boring, but I really like water - and occasionally, a nice glass of wine. 

What is your least favorite food?  Red meat of any kind - no steaks for this girl!

PC or Mac?  PCHow long have you been digi-scrapping/How did you get into it?  I have been using my PC for quite a few years for hybrid type paper scrapping - I don’t like my handwriting, and I’m a horrible speller, so I used my PC to type up my journaling.  About 2 1/2 years ago, I made my first all digital LO - completely from scratch - I had no idea you could download stuff to make it.  Honestly - the page was awful - the pictures were stretched, the shadows were harsh, it was bad.  I gave up for a while after that because I didn’t know where to print them, and I didn’t want to invest in a large format printer.  I saw an ad in a magazine about 6 months after that and have been hooked ever since!  Now I spend a good amount of time trying to convert my paper scrapping friends!

What program do you use to digi-scrap with?  I use PSE5.0, and I’ve also started playing with PSP X2

What are your hobbies besides digi-scrapping? Are there other hobbies?  Just kidding.  I still paper crop at least once a month.  I love Suduko games, spending time with my family and DH & I are addicted to LOST - we are just thrilled it’s back on again!  A lot of my time right now is devoted to my kids, the girls are currently in soccer lessons, and we try to go to the museums & libraries regularly.

What is the most challenging part of scrapbooking for you?  Deciding that a page is finished.  I think I could work on a LO for weeks making it just right.  I’ve had to learn to tell myself that not every layout needs to be a work of art - it’s about preserving the memories.

What would you like to learn to do (or do better) not related to scrapbooking ? Hmm.. so many things.  I’d love to be a better cook, learn to knit, and remember how to use my sewing machine, but honestly, I’m pretty happy with my life right now, I just wish I could add a few extra hours to each day to get it all done. 

 What are your favorite books/authors? I love mysteries.  Most of the books I’ve read lately are parenting books - “How to Behave so Your Children Will too”, .  I’m looking forward to reading Oprah’s newest book club choice “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle.

What are your favorite movies? I think my favorite movie is “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”  - cracks me up everytime.  I love cheesy romance movies and goofy comedies.

What is your favorite quote?  “There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle the other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~ Albert Einstein

What is one of your goals for 2008?  Well, I have lots of goals for this year.  One is to spend more time playing with my kids and to be a better mom.  On the scrapping side - I’d like to complete at least one digi layout a week, (right on track so far) and to continue to learn more about designing my own kits.I’ve actually got a new kit coming out this week.  It’s called “Butterfly Kisses”.  Here’s a sneek peek & some detail shots for ya:

I’m so excited for the new kit HSG! Thanks for playing along!