Just Scrappin' & Stampin'

More graduation

2012-01-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Graduation to my graduates

2012-01-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

And its been 2 yrs since this beauty graduated...

Yup, proud moment!!!

More Fair fun

2012-01-27T11:18:00.000-08:00

See, surround yourself with fun loving people, & you won't be steered wrong!

Except if they try to get you to go on one of these. No way Jose!

Is it Fair time yet??

2012-01-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

I love the Fall & everything that comes w/ it... especially the LA County Fair! Is it Fair time yet?!?!

The person I want to be...

2012-01-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

The type of person I want to be in one like these gals.. caring, understanding, nonjudgmental, funny as hell, fun to be with, just overall wonder girls. Yup, glad I can call them my closest gal pals.

Blog about something you are excited about

2012-01-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

I am way excited about how my friendship has grown w/ this gal... even all the way in China. Its amazing how some friendships, over the years, either grow stronger or just seem to fall by the wayside. Not that anything bad has happened, sometimes life just gets in the way & you stop trying as hard, & start making excuses instead of just doing. Not w/ this girl. We both have made the effort to solidify our relationship & it has paid off. She's my Mexican Oprah. Check out her adventures in china here

2010 Recap

2012-01-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

A recap of a previous year

2012-01-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

Since I have been so busy & don't have time to keep up w/ my scrapping, I'm always a year behind, & 2010 was no different. I was, however, able to complete a recap year of 2010 in early 2011 & finally took pics of my book.

2011 recap will NOT come in 2012 (hopefully!). I'm shooting for June, fingers crossed.

more tomorrow!

Christmas (continued)

2012-01-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here's the rest of my Christmas book... I've decided that I would make a Christmas book to display w/ all of our family traditions every year, just so I can see all my little beans change throughout the years.

Christmas

2012-01-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

When I was younger...

Things were simpler.
Being an adult seemed so far away.
We didn't have to wear seatbelts & we rode in the back of pick up trucks on the freeway.
We didn't lock our doors.
We didn't lock our cars.
Playing outside in the summer was a necessity.
We didn't have video games, but board games were a must.
Reading was something you did to pass the time.
If your friend went away for camp, you wrote to them.
Hand holding with a boy (or girl) was a big deal.

ahhh... reflecting is always a good thing. And now I reflect on Christmas traditions...·

Now.

2011-12-07T02:55:00.000-08:00

Haven't done one of these in awhile...

viewing | emails…

thinking | about what a fun night I had last night

wearing | slacks & a turquoise blouse

planning | to get my boogie on this weekend

reading | a book about this family that the movie the Godfather was based on

listening | to bachata music

realizing | Christmas is in 18 days!!!

trying | to get motivated to stay focused

feeling | nice & hopeful

eating | nothing.

drinking | water

weather is | Cooler than normal

wanting | to see a certain someone again, it was just too much fun when you connect intellectually, emotionally, personality wise & physically

enjoying | all that life is offering

wondering | next move.

& some layouts I did.

Halloween part 2

2011-12-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

Just a warning, this post is photo heavy.

All my books I make myself w/ uniquely cut pieces of chipboard, papers, acrylic, file folders. Basically anything that I think I can cover with paper might one day make it into a book. Guess I can say I recycle?? lol

Already thinking of next Halloween

2011-12-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I'm crazy! I'm already thinking of Halloween next year. Actually, don't know if this is something that I would change about myself, but I do love that I try to out do myself each year by thinking about my costume the previous year. Like I already have two costumes to chose from for next year... haha yes!

But here is my book that I did for Halloween last year (still need to work on this years book. Might take awhile seeing that I had an accident on the holiday this year & took very little photos compared to other years).

(Just a warning, this post is photo heavy, & the next one will be too)

Come back tomorrow for the other half of the book...

Christmas is up next!

(Can you tell I'm playing catch up??!)

From LA to Italy to NYC

2011-11-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

In my young thirty years, I have been fortunate enough to do some traveling, mostly in the US & a few out of the country. Although I grew up and absolutely LOVE LA, two cities have captured my heart: Florence, Italy and New York, & for different reasons. Let me start w/ Florence. As a present to myself my senior year in college, I treated myself to a month vacation in Italy, traveling most of middle and northern Italy. Wow, an experience that was! I almost didn’t come home (truth!). I vowed to return one day, & I will. Don’t know if this time I will want to stay, since life has changed, but I think it will always have a piece of my heart. The tranquility, simplicity, & just pure beauty of this city is what caught me by surprise. Completely unlike Rome. Rome reminded me of a dirtier downtown Los Angeles.

Which brings me to New York. Now this place felt like home. Really, it did. I stayed in Midtown, one street up from 5^th Avenue, about a 15 min. walk from Times Square, just a few exits from Grand Central Station, Central Park, & a quick train ride down to Brooklyn. Being from Los Angeles & a downtown junkie, I quickly fell in love w/ the hustle & bustle of NY city life. Sort of reminded me of home away from home, but different all at the same time. I did my fair share of people watching, & its no wonder they call it the fashion capital of the world. Everyone there is fashionable! I loved it! My sister & I walked a minimum of 10 miles a day (yes, MILES), which hello! For someone like me, I could get used to that REAL quick (bye bye 14 pounds in one week)!

So needless to say, while sitting on the “red” steps in Times Square, I put it out into the universe that I was going to return w/in the next 5 years, & for good. I’m gonna figure out a way for my sister & I to be bicoastal somehow & plan to return in every season so I can experience them each separately. I’m putting the wheels into motion to make this happen. So….

Los Angeles, you may have captured my heart, but New York stole it.

Huh?

2011-11-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

This was scheduled to post a long time ago & didn't... hmmm.. wonder why.

where Ive been....

2011-11-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

My mind has been consumed by thinking, dreaming & planning this:

& then realizing that:Yup. So now its time to start putting some things in action.
Time to get rid of all the bad memories of CA, put some apps out, start packing, & make that big leap. I put it out in the world one day while sitting in Times Square... Im coming back, New York, & its for good. You've captured my heart...
So Ive got 5 years.
Time to get moving!

Just saying Thank you

2011-10-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

Nothing fancy, just saying Thank you.

A note on coworkers...

2011-10-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

Some coworkers you absolutely hate... others you adore. Some are strictly just people you work with, others are just work friends, & others are ones you actually consider friends outside of work & like to spend your time with.
My office is finally at a good spot, where we all get along, mainly within the same age range w/ similar interests, & actually like to hang out outside of work together. Funny, wasn't always like that... many of us hated each others guts (hate is such a strong word, but appropriate at the time), & now, we do happy hours, go to each others birthday parties, lean on each other for support, & occasionally like to shake our bon bon @ a local club.

Good thing for coworkers turned friends...

More Wedding

2011-10-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

This church that pretty much all of my cousins have gotten married in is special in our family. It is our the Catholic Church that my entire family has been parishioners at for years... we've had many of sad occasions here, but also much more joyous ones. St. Linus is beautiful!

Weddings part 3

2011-10-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

This line from We R Memory Keepers was one of my favorites... & would you believe that it's a few years old?!

Weddings part 2

2011-10-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

My cousin Jackie just got married this past weekend, & it was absolutely gorgeous!

This is Jackie's brother, Jose, his wedding from last year.

I love weddings! part 1

2011-10-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

My cousin's wedding last year that I FINALLY got to scrapping...

This is BY FAR one of my favorite layouts EVER!

Yup, look @ her cute dress!!

Congrats Mr. & Mrs Olmos!

2011-10-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Rene Olmos!! 10/1/11 is the day you become one... Enjoy your day love bugs!

Finally using my kits

2011-09-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am FINALLY starting to use my Studio Calico kits, & I'm really excited about it!

In the next coming posts, I'll start posting some layouts & cards that I've been creating using my kits.

Here's one:

Thinking of You

2011-09-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Thinking of my bf Nancy, who is in China...

I miss you!

Today on Friday

2011-09-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to doing a little of this tomorrow, & maybe even tonight :)

Catching up

2011-09-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

Forgive me as I play the catch up game...

It's that time again...

2011-09-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Time to start thinking about Halloween!! :)

My favorite time of the year!

Today on Aug. 29..

2011-08-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

Today I'm...

viewing | old blog spots

thinking | about a special someone

wearing | a dress & boots

planning | a very fun & exciting trip super soon!

reading | Eat, Pray, Love

listening | country. OMG... What have you done to me, J?!

realizing | that I not everything is what it always seems

trying | to give the benefit of the doubt

feeling | nervous, excited, giddy

eating | just finished a yummy taco

drinking | 1/2 lemonade, 1/2 water

weather is | I think the devil is mad @ CA :(

wanting | a cold smoothie

enjoying | those around me (in life)

wondering | if I'm making the right move..

And just because I love my sissy....

Playing catch up

2011-08-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Some old layouts that I did of my sister's graduation..

Catch up for the next 3 days :(

Hey gurl!

2011-08-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is for my sister...

She is:

Crazy
Loving
Super funny
Understanding
A great listener
Creative
Sometimes the voice of reason
A great cuddler
A good cook
An inspiring fashion designer
Loves to quote funny stuff
My best friend.

"Ay gurl.... the back of yo head looks red-i-culous!" (inside joke... b/c I know she's reading this laughing her ass off right now)

Wow, its been awhile...

2011-08-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I last posted something... boo on me.

Let me see if I can recap what's happened since I last posted:

Celebrate the bestie's bday (Timbo)
Went to the Mariachi Divas concert
Danced a lot
Met lots of new people
Celebrated the big 3-0! I'm REALLY looking forward to my 30's. I learned, experienced, smiled, & even cried a lot in my 20's... but the 30's is going to be even bigger & better than that. I plan (& already have in the works) to travel a lot, plan to fall in love again (w/ who or what is still to be determined), spend more time w/ my family
Wished this amazing couple a happy 1st year of marriage! Can't believe it was a year ago these two crazy kids were running off to the alter... they are perfect for each other :)

So that's a month recap...

Promise to post again soon!

Best Girlfriends

2011-07-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

There's very little this girl needs... but what I do need are: good shoes, good pillows, creative outlets, food, & good girlfriends. And that includes these girls!

More birthday

2011-07-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

More birthday celebrations..

On the Countdown

2011-07-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

With less than a month to the big 30, thought I'd share some layouts I did from my birthday celebrations last year.

I'm not scared of 30. I think the 30's is the new 20's. So I'm looking forward to it! 30's will be filled w/ lots of travels, meeting new people, self improvements, a house, & maybe a new state (of mind, US state, etc). Who knows?!!!

Check back tomorrow for more layouts from the last birthday celebration.

Family Fun Times

2011-07-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for going WAY out of order here w/ my photos... I've been trying to catch up on photos. Some photos inspire me more than others. Here's what I did w/ one of my Studio Calico kits.

Plus I'm excited to see all these people later today!

It works..

2011-07-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

This guy… my best friend, my boo, my roll dawg… we just work. I thank the higher powers for bringing this guy & his wife (my other bestie) into my life. I don’t know what I would do w/out them.

Most often, you can find us being silly, laughing, reciting lines to movies or songs, watching tv, playing some guitar hero, or getting our eat on w/ Mexican food. We’ve also been known to TEAR UP the dance flood.. as we did this night.

I love you Timbo!

Today on July 1

2011-07-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

Today I'm...

viewing | family pictures that were taken a week ago

thinking | about what to make for dinner

wearing | jeans, sandals & a tank

planning | to enjoy time w/ friends this weekend

reading | She's Come Undone

listening | the sounds of the office

realizing | that my knee really hurts! (I took a tumble on Wed)

trying | to feel better

feeling | tired

eating | nothing :(

drinking | H20

weather is | sunny & HOT!

wanting | to be on a beach somewhere, getting my tan on

enjoying | the memories I have from The Voice finale party (where yes, rubbing elbows w/ celebrities is one of the perks)

wondering | if I'll get much sleep this weekend.

She sews

2011-06-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

I love that my sister has found something that she loves, & is really darn good at it. Now if she could just concentrate on making me some clothes! lol (she reads my blogs & I know she will laugh)

Simple Cards

2011-06-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here's what I do w/ scraps from all my layouts...

Simple, quick & easy cards.

Besties are Silly

2011-06-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

& we just wanna have fun!

We are an Eclectic Bunch

2011-06-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's what we are... an eclectic bunch, & I wouldn't want it any other way :)

1st Game

2011-06-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

I'd like to thank Erica W for turning me on to this wonderful sport! And by sport, I mean the sport of checking out the handsome, HANDSOME men in the world of hockey. HELLO!!! Oh, guess I should say that actually watching the game is pretty fun too, but isn't that just a bonus of the real sport?! I'd say so!

So thank you, Boo... now when are we buying season tickets?!

Top 8 of 2010

2011-06-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Top 8 of 2010... not all of the greatest moments, just some of the biggest :)

2011 is already showing up 2010! And it's barely June... oh yeah buddy!

What '10 looked like

2011-06-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

If only had I known what 2010 was going to look like...

I would have told myself that it was going to be a Perfect 10!

AMIGA!

2011-05-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Amiga, Patty!!

Time for us to paint the town red :)

Finding Myself

2011-05-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of an era ending with Oprah's last show today, I thought I'd do my own self-reflecting.

Finding myself..

Ever find yourself reinventing yourself to conform to how you think others want you to be? Well, let me just say, it feels to be back to who I am deep down inside. Took me awhile, but I found my way. "If you can't let go of your past, how can you move forward?" has definitely been a good motto I have been living by over the past year.

And in the process, I have figured out who I can count on, who I am, who I want to be, and who I've become. Change is good. Change is inevitable. Taking the life lessons & it's lemons that it has thrown my way, & turning them into bits of knowledge AND lemonade, has been a roller-coaster... but one that in the end, I have come to appreciate. Guess you can call me a half-full kind of gal.

And like a butterfly, I am flying to newer, bigger, & better things!

Celebrating

2011-05-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

Celebrating life!

Off to make a yummy steak dinner for 3 of my favorite guys...

Today on Thursday

2011-05-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

Today I'm...

viewing | dancing videos, reminding me to dance a little each day

thinking | about yummy soup & dessert later tonight

wearing | leggings, boots, & a cute top & new jewelry

planning | "to allow my feet to get wet by the ocean" (a metaphor)

reading | I haven't picked up a new book yet... any suggestions??

listening | Spanish love songs

realizing | that I have to buy a birthday & graduation present.. STAT

trying | to let go of the unknown & come to grips w/ certain reality

feeling | sexy!!!

eating | nothing (sad)

drinking | H20

weather is | chilly

wanting | to go on a vacation soon

enjoying | the little moments, little glimpses

wondering | Could this be real, or will I wake up from this dream?

Thank you

2011-05-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Do we say "Thank You" enough to those around us? Do we say "I love you" enough to those that we care about?

I don't feel I say it enough...

So THANK YOU to those who read this blog (whoever you are *smiley face*)...

Family Photo

2011-05-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Our Christmas family photo...

Thinking about how to get a new one taken...

Is it too early?

2011-05-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas??

My scrapbooks think not :)

Tiny dancer

2011-05-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

I also got to see this little munchkin on Thursday...

He's a lot more quieter than his sister, but he demands his own attention in his own way. Definitely a boy boy who likes to climb & jump.. not mention, I think he's gonna be a little dancer!

Not an angel

2011-05-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I got to see this little munchkin, & I can't believe how fast time has passed us by.. she is getting so big, I just love seeing the learning progress that her & her brother are going through, as they quickly approach 3.

But she definitely not an angel ;)

Little Booger

2011-05-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to see this little booger again... & soon!

Our Goose goose. Love love love him!

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Life is Good!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Que disfrutan este dia! :)

Busy bee

2011-05-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

I have been busy in my scrap space, creating all sorts of yummy goodness! Finally, something exciting to share.

I'm finally getting some free time to scrap 2009 photos. Yes, I'm behind.

Here's my best friend's birthday party by the pool... ahhh, love that swim weather is fast approaching!

A long time friend

2011-04-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jorge!

Through all the years, you have remained a great friend. Thank you! Here's to many more years!

Today on Tuesday

2011-04-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Today I'm...

viewing | inspiration blogs for this weekend

thinking | about my crafty weekend

wearing | jeans, heels, & a tank top

planning | to laugh a lot this weekend

reading | The Kite Runner (still)

listening | Spanish music

realizing | that I suck as a family member sometimes

trying | to getting back to training for the 5K

feeling | sexy!

eating | a cheese stick & hummus

drinking | H20

weather is | sunny, but not hot

wanting | to go on a major shopping spree

enjoying | where I am in life, surrounded by people I love

wondering | If I died, who would come to my funeral?? (morbid, I know)

Summer Fun-part 2

2011-04-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here's the rest of the book from yesterday..

Summer Fun-part 1

2011-04-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

With the weather turning sunny & warm here in So. Cal, thought I'd show the mini book I made for my SISTER! Nancy from her birthday in July (but she got it as a Christmas gift).

Loved loved this line from We R Memory Keepers, & the vibrancy of all the colors.

I had a lot of fun doing this book, but most importantly, I had fun taking the pictures. I busted out the old trusty SLR on this day & went old school w/ good 'ol film. I absolutely loved how the photos came out & kind of liked the surprise of not really knowing how the pics would come out.

I think I will pull out the film SLR more often.

Come back tomorrow for part 2...

It was like I was there...

2011-04-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

Last year my friend Lisa visited London, & when she came back, I asked her to hand over the pictures & no one would get hurt. hehe jk I told her that I wanted to make her a Christmas gift.. & this is what I came up w/.

I managed to take over 100 photos & put them into a mighty hefty mini (not really mini) book for her to show to friends & family.

Here are just a few of the pages:

She loved it!!! It's full of hidden journaling spots, flip up pages, etc... & her favorite photos, especially of Les Miserables.

Today on Monday

2011-04-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today I'm...

viewing | my computer screen

thinking | how I need a vacation (still thinking this)

wearing | slacks, my Hello Kitty bling necklace & a turquoise blouse I always get complimented on

planning | to scrap this weekend

reading | The Kite Runner

listening | the hustle & bustle of an office

realizing | I might struggle to stay awake tonight

trying | to eat healthier

feeling | great b/c my clothes are fitting looser

eating | nothing yet.... Wheat Thins & cream cheese coming up

drinking | nothing yet...

weather is | chilly yet sunny

wanting | to spend a week on a beach getting super brown

enjoying | The amazing day I spent w/ my SISTER! yesterday

wondering | If people who are no longer in this world can hear me talk about them... & if so, what would they say?

An Angel in Heaven

2011-04-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

It has been 4 years since you left us, & it seems just like yesterday we were talking on the phone, both on our way home, talking about significant others, laughing & gabbing like a couple of school girls.

If I had known that Tuesday would be the last time I talk to you, & you would be in a terrible accident on Thursday, I would have made sure to talk to you everyday. And had I known that the phone call I would receive on April Fools Day, of all days, telling me that your parents had decided to pull you off of life support, was an actual phone call & not a joke, I would have taken it a little more seriously. It was until that night when I talked to your best friend from home & found out that in fact it wasn't a cruel joke, but reality... is when I lost it.

I would never hear your voice, hear your laughter, hear your many nicknames for me (Padillac, girlfriend), or ever see you hold your boobs while standing there having a serious conversation w/someone, not knowing that that was one of your funny habits that you didn't realize you had, have our late night talks, or go out & paint the town red, or visit you @ Merle Norman's where you worked & get free samples & free makeovers, or sit & play games, or get another tattoo together, or study together again, or have our everyday lunches together, or laugh hysterically over nothing, until our stomachs hurt & we nearly peed our pants..

It's been 4 yrs, & I still can't bear to erase your number, for fear that I'll never be able to contact you again. I still have all your emails, & I only kept my Myspace acct to be able to view your posts & pictures... & it wasn't until recently when stupid Myspace decided to change their format that that all went away. Ugh!!!

But oddly enough, I feel comfort knowing that you're not far away.. I know you came to visit me just a few days later when I came home & there were a SWARM of ladybugs on my doorstep. Never had I seen a ladybug @ my place before, & I knew you had came by to check up on me. When I'm going through a rough time, you always show up. Thank you Candookes.

I miss you terribly..

p.s. Tell Jared I said what up?! I know the two of you are up there wreaking havoc! Ask Jared if he remembers that time I got pulled out of bed at 1am to go find his ass on Bonita, b/c he had "ran" away. LOL Crazy kids!

p.s.s. Better show up on my 30th when I do it BIG! Hyphy style!!! hahahaha

The Best Thing on the Web

2011-03-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

for right now...

My absolute FAVORITE video right now. Skip to 3:40 ... I'm working on that right now! lol

Today on Friday

2011-03-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Today I'm...

viewing | the mini books sitting on my desk

thinking | how I need a vacation

wearing | boots, leggings & a tank (again)

planning | to go out to dinner w/ a friend later

reading | Chelsea Chelsea Bang BAng by Chelsea Handler

listening | to Girls Just Want to Have Fun... CYNDI LAUPER!

realizing | I need more me time

trying | to stay awake

feeling | grateful

eating | just finished a bagel. yum

drinking | coffee (2 hrs of sleep? Yeah, you need a cup of Joe)

weather is | chilly & due to rain. YES!

wanting | it to be tomorrow already so I can scrap my little heart out w/ my amigas

enjoying | All the people in my life

wondering | How I will make it through tonight on 2 hrs of sleep. eek!

To my Uncle Jesse

2011-03-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Uncle Jesse! (Yes, I have an Uncle Jesse... & he's just as cute as THE Uncle Jesse)

Thinking...

2011-03-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

Thinking about what to do this weekend...

Maybe get a kitty?? nahhhh
Go for a run? nahhh
Go to the Roxy for a concert? HECK YEAH!
Go for a bike ride on the beach? HECK YEAH
Send out cards to friends? DEFINITELY

Thinking of You

2011-03-03T11:39:00.000-08:00

Been doing some thinking of dear friends... ones I haven't seen in a long time, or haven't talked to in awhile. Too bad life just gets in the way sometimes... Se la vie.

Today

2011-03-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

Today I'm...

viewing | looking @ my valentine's day flower that are still alive

thinking | my finances

wearing | boots, leggings & a tank

planning | to go running later

reading | Straight Talk, No Chaser by Steve Harvey

listening | my coworker gossiping. lol

realizing | I need to plan another vacation... SOON

trying | to remind myself that I can't change people

feeling | tired, but awake

eating | nothing, yet. But I just ate an Altoid. lol

drinking | water

weather is | chilly, but sunny. My favorite!

wanting | to buy a bunch of new scrap items

enjoying | my life, friends, family.. & where I'm heading

wondering | who will be my date to a concert this Sat. night, w/ free tickets that I won

Cards, cards, cards.... more to come

2011-02-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

So I'm on a card kick lately...

For Crystal

2011-02-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

Crystal, this one is for you!

Happy Birthday girlie :)

Happy Birthday Sam!

2011-02-07T13:19:00.000-08:00

Wishing my youngest sister a Happy 21st Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Eddie

2011-01-30T10:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to a long, long time & dear friend, Eddie. Eddie is in the Army, & I thank him as often as possible for serving our country.
Eddie, may today you have a beer, sit back, relax & enjoy your day!!

Foodies

2011-01-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hello. We are the Padilla/Rodriguez/Gonzalez families.. & we are Foodies.

We have been Foodies for ever. And we know no other way.

Food brings us together, & that's just the way we like it :)

52 things

2011-01-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

52 things I want to do this year; don't know why 52, just sounded like a good number. And these aren't necessarily resolutions, but more like goals for 2011. Here goes!

1. Clean out my file cabinet, toss it, & buy me an IKEA bookshelf w/ doors.
2. Remember to send birthday cards out on time.
3. Keep a good budget.
4. Get family pictures taken this summer (as a birthday present to my mommy).
5. Print family pictures for our living room.
6. Dust more often.
7. Write down the silly things my mom & sis say.
8. Learn to really sew.
9. Go on more road trips.
10. Lose 15 pounds.
11. Meditate

12. Declutter my life.

13. Hang out w/ my aunts more often & write down their stories.
14. Make an apron

15. Make more "me" time.

16. Participate in a craft fair.
17. Help my sister plant veggies.
18. Join a DT
19. Start saving for a trip in 2012 (don't know where yet, but it'll be big!!)
20. Get another tattoo (or two).
21. Get back to cooking dinner 3-4 nights a week.
22. Donate more clothes, shoes, craft supplies, & home supplies to shelters.
23. Start writing more chapters to my book.
24. Organize all my recipes
25. Surprise my closest friends w/ a handmade gift.
26. Do something radical to my hair.
27. Downsize my scrap stash.
28. Experience something new.
29. Give a random gift.
30. Get something published.
31. Learn to play Linus & Lucy on the piano.
32. Live in the present not the past.
33. Continue on my spiritual journey.
34. Clean out my storage downstairs.
35. Get a picture of my sister & I in matching tops w/ Santa.
36. Make a new friend
37. Videotape more life events
38. Spend more time w/ those who make me laugh.
39. Go dancing more often - maybe once a month.
40. Scrap all of 2010 photos.
41. Drink more smoothies.
42. More dinner nights w/ mom.
43. Take up belly dancing again.
44. Get a start on our emergency food storage (never know when the "big" one will hit).
45. Send thank you cards.
46. Finally get my blog the way I want.
47. See a play.
48. Read a book at least 15 minutes a day.
49. Get in the 21^st century & get a new phone w/ all the bells & whistles of technology
50. Visit my little sister in San Francisco.
51. Toss unnecessary dishes & silverware.
52. Make and freeze a bunch of meals.

More Sneaks

2011-01-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

Run!, not walk, to your computer or LSS, & ask (nicely) for the store owner to buy the following Maya Road products. Trust me... she, or you, won't regret it ;)

Not responsible if the house doesn't get cleaned, the significant other doesn't get their coffee, or the kids don't get a treat.
Because a happy woman = happy home :)

Super excited!!

2011-01-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

I don't get excited very often about new products coming out (SB related here), but this company seems to blow my socks off each & every release! Maya Road, oh how you've stolen my heart!

Check out their latest release here... trust me, you won't regret it.

Oh, & if you so happen to spend a whole pay check on new products, I'm not held responsible (hehe) ;) You have been warned. lol

Old friends, new lives

2011-01-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

I've been pretty busy reconnecting w/ old friends from college. Good girls, girls I used to love hanging out with. And over the years, we just sort of lost contact. We didn't have a fight, just life got in the way. And let me tell you, I'm glad I found them again. We may be older, some of us married, some of us with children, some of us single... but one thing's for sure, our friendship hasn't changed. And for that, I thank you Erin, Crystal, Crystal, & Melissa.

Izel

2011-01-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

Here's a layout of my Izelita... the sister of Iker. And these two little munchkins are twins, & they'll steal your heart! :)

So excited for tomorrow.. I'll be taking my first class in a LONGGGG time! I'm so used to teaching others, it'll be a nice change to be on the student side. I'm taking an exclusive Bo Bunny class @ my favorite LSS taught by a Bo Bunny instructor. Should be fun! Pics to come!

Christmas Gift

2011-01-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I gave my sister this...

and she LOVED it!!! Loved it so much she cried. :( These are my 2 younger sisters...

So happy I'm using what I have!

I must say, THAT will be my 2011 phrase. Use what you have. Yup, that's it.

Use what you have. Use your clothes, use your resources, use that paper, use those supplies, etc. Who knows, I might change this later.

Iker

2011-01-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, I got to spend some time w/ my Baba Ganush (Iker). Love this little guy... & he is growing up so fast!!

My Friends are the Best!

2011-01-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

My close friends are the best!

That's it. :)

Happy 1-1-11

2011-01-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! Out w/ 2010, bring on 2011!

2010 was a good year. I grew, learned a lot about myself and others, spent alot of time w/ friends & family, traveled, rekindled old friendships, worked on current relationships, shedded bad juju & embraced change.

And you know, that is exactly what I want for 2011.

And speaking of special friendships, who would have thought I would get such a great friendship from the internet, a chat board, & our love for all things crafty. This girl is a special one... & not special like special ed, special as in special to my heart <3

Yesterday

2010-12-28T10:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spent the day scrapping w/ Erica & Bea.

Today I'm spending the early afternoon w/ my 2 friends, The Crystal's (lol), planning one of the Crystal's baby shower. I *heart* babies!! Then it's off to the Farmer's Market w/ my sissy & my boo bear Jerm (he's just a friend, but he's a big teddy bear, hence, boo bear). Oh! & how could I forget... today my other friend Erin, is RIGHT NOW (it's 10:35am) having her baby!! Can't wait to meet you Baby Lippert!!!

The Day after..

2010-12-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

The Day after Christmas, & I spent it pretty much in bed, catching up on my DVR'd shows. Oh yes, how I love being on vacation. Then I finally dragged my butt out of bed & went to hang out w/ the besties. Love those two!

Last Christmas card coming soon!

Hello Santa Baby!

2010-12-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas & Happy Birthday to my cousin Nick!! :)

Some Christmas Cards

2010-12-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some Christmas cards that I sent out this year...

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

With only a couple days left til Christmas, I wanted to wish you a Happy Holidays!

Happy Birthday Lex!

2010-12-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

Izel

2010-12-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

My Izelita... so beautiful & growing oh so fast.

Your Tia loves you very much!

Another Sister Layout

2010-12-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

Here's another one of my little sisters.

My Sissy

2010-12-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

Since I know my youngest sister doesn't read my blog (or maybe she does & I don't know it. In that case, Look away now!!! lol), I thought I'd share what I'm sending her for Christmas. These photos are from when she came down from up north to visit for a few days.

It had been years since I had seen my youngest sister, but it was like things had never changed. I decided to make her a couple of pages for memories..

So behind...

2010-12-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

I feel as though there are never enough hours in a day. Do you ever feel that way?

Well last month when I went away & finally got some crafting time, I was able to do some layouts & cards. Here's a picture that I finally got a chance to scrap from the retreat that I went to LAST year. Yup. I USED to be caught up on all my photos. Now I'm WAYYYY behind, & working on last year. *sigh* I'll get caught up again soon. Hopefully.

OK Go - End Love - Official Video

2010-12-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

This video is one of my favorites in a long time!

It's Always Sunny In Here - Scrapbook.com

2010-12-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this awesome video!

Finale

2010-11-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Today, I am thankful for all the wonderful people in my life.. especially these 2 best friends. So thankful they are in my life, & helped me through some rough times.

I'd say I pretty much accomplished my list for 28 :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

part 3

2010-11-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

More goodness..

part 2

2010-11-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

All the upclose photos :)

Turning another year younger

2010-11-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to doing my birthday book from last year. And to be completely honest, it is EXACTLY the way I pictured it. It's perfect for where I was, and am heading, in my life. Full of fun colors, good friends, great memories, & quirky little things here & there.

Because the book is so large, I broke it up into several posts.

Here are the first few pages...

It's a mix of all Sassafras lines... too many to name.