On The Ice Freebie And Then Some

Welcome to The Cherry On Top.

We're get'n all scrappy up in here!  Today, we've got Magsgraphics back in the spot light.  She's got a fabulous flurry-ous, new kit out, On The Ice.  There's also a free frame you can get over at Scraps N' Pieces, some super chilly inspiration and..dun..dun..daah...a freebie from us, of course.

Let's jump right in!

My first layout I made with On The Ice was this one.  Ah...more photos from when I lived in Charlotte and it was cold enough to snow.  Hehehe...I know Maggie loved this layout and had me turn it into a quick page for her.  I'm not sure what her plans are for it, but when I know, I'll let you know.  Who knows, it may come in the form of a freebie.

This is just a sample of On The Ice.  It's an entire collection.  Each piece is only $1 for a limited time.  So, zip over to S N' P and snatch them up!

Think outside of the theme.  I've been iceskating one time in my entire life and hated it.  Hehehe...There is so much to this collection that it's a great fit for wintery fun as well as any kind of everyday photos.  A super versatile colour palette for young, old, male or female and typical elements that you could use for anything.

Here's a look at Maggie's free frame from the Recipe Challenge over at Scraps N' Pieces.  I used one of Maggie's papers from the Ice Skating kit with this lovely wood look.  Back up some squares with coordinating papers or use photos in all of them.  The penguin is actually a journal card fit in there.

Layer up your clusters and don't forget those shadows for a sweet dimensional effect.  Each layer, as you go up, will have a slightly larger shadow you choose how much darker.  It often depends on the depth you want to create and even the colour that it's on top of.

I whipped up this fun frickie/cluster frame.  I call it a frickie because it could be used as a quick page or a frame.  Hehehe...

Here is the frickie used as a quick page.

This is the frickie used as a cluster frame.  Layer up your favourite backgrounds, don't forget those shadows and your finished.

Awe, my little snow bunny.  This is the most snow I've ever seen in Belgium in the 12 years I live here.  The kids loved it and we could finally build a decent a snowman.

Make sure you got it all straight.  Get Magsgraphics free frame in the forum at Scraps N' Pieces, play along in the challenge, get the parts of the collection that you love the most, since they are only $1, now, download our free frickie and get scrappy. You deserve it!

Our goodies are always for PERSONAL USE ONLY.  Do not claim them as your own or resell them, please.  Leave us some loving if you download our goods.  It's a great way to say thank you.

You may also want to hit up Maggie's blog.  She's usually got free stuff there.

Happy scrapping!

Free January Planner and Stickers From The Cherry On Top

Welcome to The Cherry On Top.

We are back with more fun, festive, free goodies and this time in the form of a handy planner.  The plan is to have every month ready for you a couple of days before the new month or earlier if possible and each time it will be totally different.  A new colour palette that goes with that month and different  types of inserts.

This time we've got stickers and a pocket insert.  Next time it will be something else.  I haven't planned that far ahead, yet.  Hehehe...

Most of these goodies uses products from GS Creations that you can purchase at SugarHillCo.  They come in the form of templates and you can put in your own colours, textures and design to your liking.  It's really fun.

Keep scrolling to get your free stickers, two pages for planning and the pocket insert.

Download these stickers and print them out on sticker paper.  If your lucky enough to have one of those handy cutting machines, you're so set!  It's been on my Christmas list for years...

Here's where the month starts.  I kept the size rather flexible.  You can always make it smaller or larger to fit your needs. Keep your holes in mind when printing and cutting. I don't have a store bought planner.  I'm not even sure where to buy one here, but I'll come up with something and then share it here.  I'm looking for a smaller note book because I do take my agenda/planner with me when I go shopping and places where I need to make appointments.

This is the other page you'll need.

Here is the page for your pocket.  If you already have a paper that coordinates with the set, than use that if you like.  I plan on using something from my stash, but wanted to provided this for you, just in case.

This is the pocket.  Download, print, cut and paste around the three outside edges, leaving the top open so you can stash your coupons and what not in there for January.  (For some reason, my pocket printed out larger than I saved it, but there is so much room around the edges that I could just cut it to fit perfectly.)  Most printers offer the flexibility to print the exact size you need.

If you are interested, I made planner inserts for December.  They are an entirely different genre, but they are still available for free if you want to take a look.  I also have a mini tutorial over there for assembling the pocket page.

If you download something, leave us some love and remember that all of our goodies are for PERSONAL USE ONLY and they are not to be resold or claimed as your own.

Thanks for stopping by The Cherry.

Closet Organisation For Him

Welcome to The Cherry On Top.

We started our Dirty Laundry Series months ago and there is still so much to cover.  We're taking a tiny detour with this entry on some helpful tips for putting your laundry away.  It's one of the things our readers hate the most, according to your comments.

Just a few things to consider once your laundry has been washed, dried, folded and maybe even, cough, cough...ironed.  Hehehe...  I've been called a good, little Belgian for all of the ironing I do, but I can't hold a candle to some of my neighbours who iron sheets, handkerchiefs and even underwear!

I only iron outwear that is actually wrinkled.  If it comes off of the line or out of the dryer somewhat, unwrinkled, it goes right in the closet or in the drawers.  Most of my ironing is pants and dress shirts from my husband.

A very helpful way for me to get my clothes from the laundry room to where they belong in the house is by the hanging rack.  The clothes from the line go straight onto hangers, then on to my rolling rack and rolled into the house.  Clothes come right out of the dryer, in winter and onto hangers and on the rolling rack.

The rack gets rolled into the hall by the bedrooms and everyone has two days to get their clothes off of the rack and hang them in their closets.  My boys are 9 and 10 and they put away their own laundry twice a week.  Wednesday's and on the weekend.  Tip:  Plan a day or days to do your wash and it WILL get done.  I do mine twice a week.  This way I'm not stuck all day doing laundry.  Just a couple of hours in the morning.  The folded clothes get placed on their beds and has to be put away before they go to bed.

I do all of my husband's laundry.  He squishes everything in the closet and gets it all wrinkled again!  He's just as bad as the boys.  I threatened my boys if they keep doing that, they will iron their own clothes.  Hehehe...Which I will teach them to do in the summer. 

Take a look at my first picture.  I use hair bands to group my hubby's outfits.  This way he just has to reach in the closet and grab an outfit.  Some are a tad more casual than others because he has meetings sometimes that require more professional attire.  He's terrible at picking his own clothes. I've cringed as he walked out the door in an outfit of differing shades of green.  ugh!  Hehehe...

I organise all of our closets as shown above.  Sweaters and heavier tops to the left, then long sleeved dressed shirts, long sleeve shirts, collared tops without sleeves, T-shirts and end with vests or tank tops.  Each time I put a new, clean piece in the closet, it goes in it's category to the end.  This way all of the clothes get worn equally and I know what was worn last.

Both our belts our hung together on a hanger like this one, attached to the door of the closet.

His ties are hung on a tie hanger that hangs at the end of his side of the closet.

If you are a full time worker and even if you're not, put those kids to work.  You've got enough to do and it's also an important lesson for your kids to learn.  By the time I was 8 I could do everything in the household.  I'm definitely making it a point to teach my boys everything that is basic for taking care of a dwelling.  They will be all the more wiser, independent and won't have that need for someone to help them because they know how to do it and can feel confident about that.

Consider a couple of these tips to get organised and make putting clothes away more efficient and easier.

Thanks for hanging with The Cherry!

Sleigh Bells Ring Alpha Freebie and a Hybrid Calendar Idea

Welcome to The Cherry On Top.

Here's our finished hybrid calendar project and boy did we wait until the last minute.  hehehe...  Printed out just hours before Christmas Eve.  At least it's finished.  I couldn't help to notice that some of the other family members seemed to also have wanted one.  Next year, I'll make duplicates for each family.

Scroll through our months and see the finished project at the end and get the link to our free Sleigh Bells Ring alphabet.

If you have a great hybrid calendar idea, share the link in the comments.  We'd love to see it.

I used all photos from 2015 to make the calendar.

 I did my best to get the photos that were taken in the month's page.

I chose mostly silly photos because this family loves their laughs. 

One of my favourites!  These photos were taken at an aquarium type of park.

Fun in France.

The dreaded month after such a lovely summer vacation.

 A very special occasion!  70th birthday party!

Great photo!

Last years Christmas party.

I glued the print outs onto rigid card stock, inking around the edges for a finished touch.

Pimping up the large clips with some colourful ribbon.  You can move the clip to the side or bottom and because of the rigid paper, it stands alone.  You could also hang it on the wall by the clip, too.

This alpha is no longer available.  Stay tuned for more great freebies.

I used Dagi's Temp-Tations template for this project.  You can find them here.

We hope you enjoyed our free goodies this holiday season.  You can count on us for much more in 2016!

Day 12's Freebies From Sleigh Bells Ring

Welcome to the second to last day of the Sleigh Bells Ring freebies.  Hehehe...

There is still an alpha tomorrow.  Today, I've got the gorgeous goodies from Alexis Design Studio, again.  They've got a new kit in the shop, Celebrate and it is so perfect for my Aunty's 70th Birthday book I'm making for her.

I have a template for this kit using the below layout as the inspiration also available today.  Yay!

The last day of the Sleigh Bells Ring kit, the template as well as a freebie we've designed and offered by Alexis Design Studio.  There are other links in the blog where you'll find even more free goodies from Alexis Design Studio.

I sketched out the template for the above layout months ago and finally got around to actualising it.  I loved it so much, I've turned it into a template.  Keep in touch to get it when it becomes available.

I really wanted this beautiful picture to be the feature on this layout so I kept it simple.  I tried my hand at blending and added this beautiful frame and lovely elements for a natural, glamourised touch.

Check out this deal!  You won't know which kits to choose, I can tell you that.  Click on the ad to get to the store and remember, you deserve this. ;) You may also want to consider following them on Facebook so you can keep up with freebies and promotions.

This layout's feature is my lovely, antique framed up ornament.  I've made some subtle changes to the frame cluster and it is available on the blog. Go over to the blog, grnabthe freebie and sign up for the newsletter so you don't miss a beat.

There are many other freebies over on their blog.  Scroll through and grab them while they are still live.

Here's the free coordinating template for Celebrate.

This freebie is no longer available.  Stay tuned for more great free stuff. Thank you for all of your comments, sharing, +'ing and love you've given us.

We hope you have an enjoyable holiday wherever you are and that you find time to get crafty or scrappy.

Thank you for hanging with The Cherry!

Day 11 of Freebies for Sleigh Bells Ring

Welcome to the 11th day of freebies from The Cherry On Top.

We are almost there!  11 days of mini's and a free template so far.  Just one more day to go and the alpha.  I know a lot of our fans are all about the free stuff and we've got some links for even more awesome freebies from Touched By A Butterfly.  Our Christmas freebies are gone!  You're too late!  Make sure to follow us so you don't miss out next time.

Touched By A Butterfly asked their fans to enter a colour palette that would be great for Christmas for a chance to win a kit, we did and we won. This is the palette we choose.  Looks a little familiar, eh? Hehehe...How could we resist!

Keep scrolling to find Touched By A Butterfly's current freebies, our layout inspiration and grab your link for Day 11.

I used a free template from Scrapping With Liz for my layout, pimped up in Cherry fashion.  Added Cherry blingage.  Hehehe...And this picture is pretty special because these four people are rarely together, sadly enough.

Here's a look at Celeste's kit, Who's On The Roof.  It's huge!  Total bang for your buck, for sure.  The image is linked up to the store so you can get this great deal.

Here is a freebie offered through MyMemories.  It is also linked up.

Touched By A Butterfly often participates in blog hops which means tons of free stuff.  You definitely should become a following fan if you like freebies.

See!  Another hop full of freebies.

This freebie is no longer available.  Stay tuned for more great free stuff.

We want to thank you once again, for all of the lovely comments you have been leaving.  We know that not everyone can do that and some of our fans have been resourceful enough to visit our Facebook Fan Page and thank us over there.  It is amazingly thoughtful of you.  Thank you so, so much.

We hope you can get crafty or scrapping in this very busy time.  You deserve it!

Thank you for hanging with The Cherry!

Gift Giving, Christmas And Autism

Welcome to another special edition of The Cherry On Top.

If you are a new arrival, we've got two boys with Autism at very different spectrums.  It has certainly been a learning experience for us as for with anyone who is living with Autism.  In Cherry style, we like to offer our experiences as means to enlighten others or show people that they are not alone with the struggle.

We'd like to share some tips on gift giving for Autistic recipients as we've found useful as well as let you know how it could be this busy, magical and festive time of year.  Perhaps you are attending a party and or are bring gifts, too.

If you know the child or person very well.  Then you probably know exactly what they will like or what their interests are.  Just get yourself ready for any kind of reaction.  Even one that may not be so positive.  My youngest may drop the gift and shout that he hates it only three days later, he will call it his favourite.  Some kids need time with their gift.  Especially, if it's totally new to them.  They will need to look at it, study it, smell it maybe even taste it and perhaps, trust it.

Try your best not to be offended.  Smile with understanding and encouragement and just give it time. 'Tis the season after all, right?  Try not to take it personally and certainly do not push the gift on the recipient.

I would highly recommend, asking the parent or even the person, what they would like.  Especially, if you can't handle a possible back lash.  Hehehe...  Our family made the arrangement that we'd buy all of the gifts and they would reimburse us.  Not everyone is keen on an idea like that and personally, I 

can understand that, too.  I like the thought of our kids being introduced to new stuff knowing full well how it "could" be.  It's all needed experiences and the chance to try to get the boys to understand that it's not acceptable to react in this way, to a lot of people.

I made this Advent Calendar this year for the boys.  It was largely a success.  However, I put tiny cookies in the boxes everyday in-between the other goodies, you see above, so they wouldn't receive a toy or candy everyday and my youngest had a complete, ugly meltdown after days of receiving these little cookies.  Hehehe....  Just a tip for you.  The candy was all great, but those darn cookies every couple of days ruined it.  Now, don't jump to the conclusion about spoiling and that he should just learn to "deal".  I wanted this to be a very fun and positive thing.  I wanted it to be fun everyday and it wasn't.  Lesson learned.

Remember, this time of year can be very hectic and of course, every year is different.  I know I feel the stress of the season.  Sometimes more stressful than joyful.  So I can only imagine how difficult it must be for the boys.  Keep that in mind if you see behaviour that you find unfitting or annoying and try to understand just how hard it is.  I often think my boys have hundreds of tabs opened in their brain and it's tough to focus on the main page. If you see clapping, jumping, screaming or other types of behaviour, know it's just a coping mechanism.  Disapproving looks and opinions are not at all helpful.

We truly hope that the season will bring the gifts of peace, understanding, tolerance, acceptation and unconditional love to all. One can dream and we can all be the example. 

Thank you for joing us.

Day 10 of Sleigh Bells Ring Freebies

Welcome to some more scrappy inspiration and freebies from The Cherry On Top.

We are certainly in the spirit of giving.  For us that's a year round kind of spirit.  The Cherry is dedicated to finding our fans free digital downloads of all kinds and designing some of our own.  That's just a part of what we do.  We also share nifty craft ideas that keep a friendly budget in mind as well as the environment.  Recipes are all about keeping healthy, saving money and time as well as using everyday ingredients.  On occasion, we have entries on Autism in hopes of educating, informing and including those who may feel like they are all alone with their struggles.  We have everything posted on our Pinterest boards for easy searching.

Thank you so much for joining us.

We're featuring Paty Greif Digital Designer and her newest kit, Twinkling Golden Night.  We used it to design our tags from our most recent up-cycled gift idea.  We've got the collection scrapped up in two very different ways.

The above layout has nothing to do with Christmas, but because of the versatility of this totally glamorous kit, it really doesn't matter.  Talk about a punch of elegance and glamour.

The second layout is all about that special time of year.  One of my favourite ornaments from last year's tree.  Click on any of the above layouts to see the collection.

Here are a couple of other freebies we are offering on our blog.

If you're into templates.  We've got a lot of those.  Here's a recent one.

If you are a last minute shopper that still needs a few gifts, check out this blog for some ideas.

Thank you for hanging out with The Cherry!

Day 9 of Freebies and a Free Template

Welcome to day 9's freebie and the new, free template edition.

I was so surprised how fast we got to 10 comments.  Thanks so much.  Comments are tough to come by, lately and we certainly appreciate them.  

Today, we've got more layout love, new kits, new templates to show off and of course day 9's link and the unlocking of the free template that coordinates with our free Sleigh Bells Ring kit.

The kit Cart Designs has a brand new collection at the Digital Scrapbooking Studio, Through The Woods.  This kit is full of cozy, soft colours and textures with a splash of nature.  It's really fabulous.

My hubby and I sitting by the fire in Landal Parks in Germany.  We love going there with the family.  Always clean and Germany's food always fills the belly, nicely too.

I scrap lifted this one.  Not sure how cohesive the feel is.  I love the top part and the sweater inspired ornaments.  The little wooded scene is cool, too.  How cute these elements are.

This is a fabulous template and kit from Photocowgirl.  She's new to Gingerscraps.  You can find her shop by clicking on the image of my lovelies enjoying Christmas.

Here is the layout that inspired the free template and our new kit, Sleigh Bells Ring that you can get for free by downloading the daily links.

This freebie is no longer available.  Stay tuned for more great free stuff.

And here is your free template.

Feel free to come back and show us what you've created.

Happy scrapping and thanks so much for being a part of The Cherry.