So, a few weeks ago, I decided I would take the plunge and get the SCAL program. I had never had any interest in the Cricut Design Studio, I had heard too many negetive things, but people were raving about SCAL. So, I convinced my husband that I needed this program (to save money on buying cartridges) and also that a laptop would be great to go along with it! So, I got the laptop at the end of January, knowing that I would have to wait awhile to get the program. I have really enjoyed the laptop, I must admit. So last week it was time for me to finally buy the SCAL program, while I was waiting on it to arrive, I decided to ready my cricut machine. Well, wouldn't you know it, I couldn't get it to work on my laptop! It worked great on the desktop, but no go on the laptop! Long story a bit shorter (LOL) I ended up buying the dreaded Cricut Design STudio software, thinking I might be able to get it to work if I had the disc. It still didn't work! It took me 4 phone calls to Provo Craft one to HP (they couldn't help, but tried really hard), more than 4 1/2 hours on the phone (nearly 3 on hold) and I finally am able to use the SCAL program! Phew! I played with that a bit yesterday and am working on a project, but today I decided to mess with the CDS and make this little notebook for Khorey, one of my little daycare girlies. Today is her 5th birthday and she is all about writing things. So this is for her! I used George, Plantin and Storybook. I must admit it was pretty easy, turned out pretty close to what I was invisioning (I was thinking the scallops would be smaller) and I really like it! Best of all, I used only scraps and items I have had for a long time, some I had to have, but haven't hardly used (skittles). Sorry for the long post, here's the notebook!