This week the CT Spotlight shines on our newest CT Member Lizzy.  Lizzy is very active in the digital scrapbooking community and there is never a dull moment when she is online.  She is totally spunky, has great charisma, is a super sweetheart, and is an extremely talented layout artist.  In addition to creating, Lizzy has recently branched into designing her own templates under the design name Fizzy Pop Designs.  Grab a coffee and read all about Lizzy.

Give us the Cliff Notes version of you.
Young mom of 3 lives her happy life in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies with her husband of 12 years. Her days are filled with working full-time at a Stock Brokerage but her true passion lies in nursing. Runs around like a mad woman with her 3 kiddos, having as many giggle as possible. Mix all of that with lots of great music tunes, spending lots of time with family and friends, some digital scrap booking, lots of hot tea and yoga sessions and you have yourself the story of Lizzy.

How did you get into scrapping?
My best friend, Jenny (iJenny), would always show me her pages when I would hang out at her place and finally one day I told her to show me how this worked and I’ve been hooked ever since.

What program do you use to scrap?
I started out on PSE5 and loved it but ended up recently upgrading to PSE8.

What is your favorite NSBR thing to do?
Does making out with my husband count? If so, that is my favorite. If not, my other favorite thing to do is cuddle up with my hubby to a great movie with the prospect of making out afterwards.

What are the top 5 songs on your list right now?
Ballroom Blitz by Sweet
Live High by Jason Mraz
Hideaway by The Weepies
Love by Matt White
Dancing With Myself by Nouvelle Vague

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Graduating high school with a 4.0, getting married and having my daughter all within a month of each other when I was 17 years old. All without major tragedy.

Are you musically inclined?
My asthma and allergies have been really hard on my vocal chords but I used to love to sing late at night with all of my friends around an acoustic guitar or a piano. I miss those days but I still really love to sing even though my range is not what it used to be. Music is my thing.

What is a typical day like for you?
7:00 am- Get up to see DD off for middle school
7:30 am- Officially get up and help my boys get ready for school
8:30 am- Take boys to school
9:00 am- Arrive at work
4:00 pm- Get off work
4:10 pm- Check computer, help kids with homework, figure out dinner
6:30 pm- Eat dinner, hang out with family, go somewhere fun or watch a movie
8:30-9:00 pm- Kids off to bed, hubby and i spend time together
10:00 pm- Hubby off to bed, i work on my digi stuff
1:00 am- Get my bum to bed

What inspires you?
I would say everything. Happy heathy children keep me in a spry mood. When I am scrapping, normally the kit I am working with inspires me most.

What are your top 5 layouts you’ve ever done?
It always seems impossible to narrow it down because of the subjects and memories they hold but these are some recent faves.

How do you start a layout?
Usually I am working with a kit for a CT and I pull out all of the items I like from the kit into PSE. Then I start to layout my BG paper, my paper circles or squares, etc…then I make spots for my pics with grey circle or square shapes. Then after I place all of my elements, I seek out a piccie that works for it. (I know so backwards, right?!). Then I complete with date, title work and journaling.

What made you want to apply for your first CT?
I dunno. I think it was just so I could see if I was actually good enough to create something for a designer. The thrill of it was quite amazing. Needless to say I made the call and the rest is history.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher. I had big dreams of having the most stylish and organized classroom on the planet. Even as a child I thought this way.

How long does it take you to create a layout?
Without world wide web distractions, about an hour to an hour and a half.

Who are your scrapping/designing heros?
Oh my gosh. The dreaded favorites question. This is so hard because I idolize so many. yossarian, Cherry, SeattleSheri, gonewiththewind, BeccaBoo, scarletsierra, cherryberry, and Joan to name a few for scrapping and FruitLoOp Sally, Kristen Rice, Joyce Paul and Vera Lim for designing (again, just to name a few)! I am a woman of many favorites.

Do you have a specific style?
For scrapping I would say my style is layered/clustered with little touches here and there. I like little details.

Do you have a vision of what a layout will look like when you start it?
I would say 50/50. Sometimes I have a clear vision. Other times, I let the kit guide me.

What would be your dream vacation?
Ireland and the UK for at least 3 months.

And no After 5 interview would be complete without this question…What is your favorite after hours drink?
Oh yes, this is correct. We never let the wells run dry around here. My favorite after hours drink would have to be an Amaretto Sour. If you’ve never had one, please do. YUM!