This week we’re spotlighting SugarBabe Darla!

I am not one to step in front of the camera and if you look through our family photos over the years – it would be rare to find many of me.  However, this year I have made an extreme effort to try and be a part of our family memories and take a chance and step in front of the camera for my girls.  While I am not always comfortable doing so, I do have to admit it has been nice to see me now with the kids in so many of our photos this year.  Hopefully this trend will continue on…..

 

Ok this was hard too – I love all the products here at the Sweet Shoppe and I have a ton of favorites that I use over and over but if I had to pick only four, I would have to go with the following:  1) 10,080 Minutes: Frame Stamps by Traci Reed – I love these frames for my pocket pages and photos.  There are straight edge frames or whimsical doodle ones that just seem to give the right look to a plain looking photo without distracting from your overall layout.  2) Bad Sewing Machine: Kinda Kleen Stitches by Traci Reed – these I have had since they first were released in 2010 and I have to admit they are my go to stitches whenever I want to add something simple around the edges of my layouts.  I actually like the whole collection but I do tend to use the one is this set the most.  3) Background Noise: Volume 2 stamps by Jenn Barrette are the coolest brushses/stamps you can use for your layouts.  I am always on a hunt to find something to finish off my layouts and I find myself drawn to this set to add a subtle bit of color or grunge to a page. 4) Get Real Drop Shadows by Jenn Barrette – I always struggled with getting just the right shadow work on my layouts and I was so excited when Jenn released these to help eliminate my guessing work.  You can use these as is or you can be adventurous and adjust them to fit your style and needs.  Definitely a must for your digi-stash you may have!

It was hard picking my favorite layouts because honestly I like them all because each one has a memory that makes up our family’s lives but if I had to pick only four they would be the following:  1) “Amazing Life” – I am so in love with this photo and the moment we captured of my daughter and a her friend who was going to be graduating soon.  The two had gone through so much over the 3 years and now it was time to say “goodbye”  2) “Selfie” – my daughter Amy is a nut and will do most anything you want her to when you are looking for the perfect photo.  I loved this kit by Libby Pritchett but didn’t have a photo to go with it and of course,  my daughter volunteered to take an impromptu one just so I could scrap with the kit.  Lol – love that girl! 3) “Silver Lining” I was going through a rough period In my life and my husband sent me this photo he took one day and I just smiled at it – there was a heart in between the grey skies and clouds.  It was such a wonderful reminder that life will get better and 4) “Life is too short” – I was instantly in love with this kit by Studio Basic Designs and when I saw the silhouette girl I knew she reminded me of my own daughter.  The layout just came about so simply but the words were powerful reminder to embrace life especially as she is getting ready to head out to college in the next few months.

 

I tend to be a quiet person in general but there are few men in life (other than my husband) who just make me swoon and make my girls groan when they see how incredibly excited I get when I see the following:  1) Adam Levine – please he was voted Sexiest Man Alive – how can the people be wrong! 2) Bono – I am a HUGE U2 fan and it is mostly because I adore Bono so much.  I love his voice but what attracts me most to him is his humanitarian efforts he does to aid others in our world.  I am in awe when someone can think beyond theirselves.  3) Ian Somerhalder – love, love, love this guy and watching Vampire Diaries and having to put up with Elena’s whining each week is almost bearable when Damon Salvatore steps out to smile and show that life as a vampire can’t be all the bad. J 4) Matthew McConaughey –I love him and find his goofy romantic movies so fun to watch!

 

I work full time and my job can be a bit demanding at times so it is nice to have things that  just make me smile and forget about my day.  I can’t help but smile when I see the following: 1) My godson and nephew just cracks me up and is at that young age where everything he does is so full of innocence and joy that you just can’t help but smile when you see him.  2) Our puppy, Belle – we finally let the girls have a puppy last summer and I have to admit I cannot imagine life without her now.  Every day when I come home, she runs to me and just showers me with love and you can’t help but giggle at how one little animal could be so excited to see you.  3) Disneyland – a couple years ago we got family passes to go to Disneyland and California Adventures and I have to admit our impromptu trips to the parks have been so very fun and exciting.  How can you not smile when you see Mickey Mouse waving at you when you enter the park? 4) Finding Photos on my cell phone – I have to laugh sometimes when I am going through my phone and come across funny photos that my girls have taken with my phone.  I am not sure when they snag my phone to do so but I have to admit these are often the most treasured photos I have of them!

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Don’t forget to check back in with us next Sunday and every Sunday after that as we put the rest of our incredible Babes and community members into the spotlight. Each of them have such quirky personalities that I’m positive each week will bring new surprises and special treats that we can’t wait to share with you!