Monday, November 02, 2009

Mary [ 12:59 PM ] | 0 comments

I recently had the opportunity to go to a weekend Scrapbooking retreat.  Yes those followers of my blog that aren't paper crafters - there is truly such a thing and stop yar' laughing!!

Basically - its a weekend of all out paper crafting/eating/yaking/laughing.

In this case I was up at the Erin Country Inn.  A really nice place hosted by Vanessa and Judite. Very welcoming, relaxed atmosphere and I have to say that the food was awesome - especially the french toast.

Now, about that french toast - I'm a huge french toast fan and try to have it where ever it is offered.  My all time favorite french toast was at Epcot in Orlando - it was in this diner on Main St USA.  BUT that was before.  NOW my all time favorite french toast is Judite's - OMG - AWESOME!!  She wouldn't tell us the secret but it was made with home made croissants and there was cinnamon sugar all over it.  YUMMY

Sorry, I got distracted....

What I learned about scrap retreats:

1. Don't pack alot of projects - you won't get to them all and you'll just end up lugging the stuff there and back.  Page planning and being realistic about how productive you'll be is the best plan.
2. Don't pack your entire scrap room of tools - plan ahead with the group and share tools.
   
3. Take breaks - it's easy to get in work mode and forget that you need to play - you have the whole weekend - enjoy your self.  PLUS, you'll be exhausted by Monday and your body will hate you if you don't take care of yourself.
4. Walk around the room and check what others are working on.  I learned some great techniques this weekend (and have some new obsessions too - stay tuned for the mosaic layouts to be posted soon)
   
5. Pack clothes for warm or cold - you never know what the temperature will be in the inn/resort
6. Bring comfy shoes and clothes -  trust me, some people will live in their p.j.s the entire weekend.  I prefer fuzzy slippers and sweats.
   
7. Skip the makeup - again - why bother if you are in your p.j.s all weekend hanging with the girls
   
8. Bring healthy snacks too - we had way too much junk food (and booze) in the crop room and at 4 in the morning - it all looks good.  Be kind to your body and your diet (I put on 4 lbs in 2.5 days - junk food or french toast??? I'm not sure)
9. Book Monday off work to recover - I know I needed it!!
10. Bring a thermal mug - easier to take your hot drink to the crop room from the kitchen
11. Bring a desk light (OTT) plus extension cord - you never know what the lighting will be like in the crop room because these places aren't really crop rooms - they are conference rooms.
12. Bring ear plugs/eyeshades - you may be sharing a room plus scrapping goes on alllllll night and noise can travel.
13. Don't forget your camera - I know it may seem obvious but I forgot mine.  (hanging my head in shame)
    

I had an awesome time - met some new people - made some new friends.  I'd definitely go again and as a matter of fact, I'm already planning another one!!