Manic Monday, wish it was Sunday...

Had a great weekend.

Missed my hubby but he 'represented' us in AZ.

Got to hang out with my mom and sis.

Saw this delish movie.



Went to church and for the second time, Mattie did so well and didn't cry.

And celebrated my BFF, Jo's birthday. (Her card is above).

Supplies:
CS- Bazzill
PP- My Little ShoeBox, KI Memories
Flowers/Brads- Doodlebug Design Company
Stamp- Sprouts, TGF
Markers- Copics

Blessings

Wanted a 'no-frills' kind of card for my cousin. He is turning 33 afterall. So I thought this robot stamp from Stampin' Up was perfect! Used Simply Luxe, 3 bugs in a rug, and 7 gypsies for the patterned papers. Also, used a Stampin' Up punch to create that spiral bound notebook type of look!

Was reading through my Google Reader of blogs and came across Angie's. She is giving away this blog candy and I want it!!! So cute! She's in the mood for giving because of all the blessings that are happening in her life! So wonderful!

As for the baby front....

Seriously thinking about getting / making these cute pom-poms for Matthew's Christening reception.

Just Dance.

i used to take hula. it had been a very long dream of mine, and i finally got to make it come true for a few measly, but glorious months in my late 20s.

and so for my wedding, i had planned to surprise my husband by performing the wedding dance. alas, my plans did not go through.

one, because i was too self-conscious to perform because i did not reach my "goal weight." stupid, i know.

two, i lost the instructional video of all of the steps and lost contact with my hula teacher.

three, i was so in love with my wedding dress that i did not think to even plan getting in and out of it for the dance.

anyway, i came across my friend john's pictures of a recent wedding he went to. and saw this.

john's picture shows the bride performing the wedding dance in front of her groom.

i immediately felt a pang of regret. and suddenly felt awe of the grace and love this hula symbolized. and how i LOVE that dress!

am really kicking myself now. maybe for our 10th anniversary, we'll have a BIG celebration and i can do it then. but then i'll be in my forties *sigh*.....(although someone said 40's are the new 30's, eh?)....

and so, i made this card for the BEST hula dancer i know. yes, she's not even 7 (well, on her birthday, she will be).

however, she did choose ballet over hula (she recently quit hula because her dance schedule was getting too busy). but for being 6, I. had all the potential and the beginning of a wonderful hula/tahitian dancer. hula or ballet, this little girl is such a talented dancer!

i chose the ballerina anya for this card. used bazzill for the cs, rouge de garance for the pp, hambly stickers, and doodlebug design inc for the brads.

Thanks for stopping by!

Quick Post- Anyone for Anya Sugar and Spice

This card is what I did for the Sugar & Spice & All Things Nice AFA challenge. Used mostly My Little Shoebox for the Patterned Paper and Basic Grey for the brads. I think Hula Anya is ultra feminine with her long, flowy hair and graceful movements - perfect for this challenge.

Some Inspiration

Am working out to this now...

Am curious about this...

And may even try this....(**YIKES**)

I like the work-out with the baby because it's interactive. Especially when you don't have much time to defer from taking care of the baby. I feel like I'm exercising AND getting to play with and stimulate my lil one. And he benefits from it, too. He gets some yoga and massage!

I also got some nice feedback about Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred from a couple of friends. Heard it's only 20 minutes long. And that Jillian is effective, a no-nonsense trainer, who's fairly likeable. That the work-outs are HARD! That they will whip me into shape!!

Then, I keep hearing about P90X. That it is a great work-out, varies from day to day (so you don't get bored and your body gets challenged), and most importantly, it works. But it is also intimidating! And that even athletes have a difficult time.

I keep thinking I want fast results what with a big party coming up in September. But I've done the fast weight-loss and exercise routine...these never last unless I keep it up. Still, I'm very intrigued about the 30 Day Shred (which I will probably purchase) and P90X (which I will soon get to try it out courtesy of one of my BFFs). Wish me luck....and lots of energy!!

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So I made this card using Wild Sprouts Bree. She is so cute, with her messenger bag and her hat, ready to deliver a letter! Used mostly scraps- Bazzill for the cardstock, some Scenic Road, Prima for the flowers, and Maya Road for the Rub-On. The polka dotted paper is unknown.

I love these and the Anya / Ian stamps! They are having a Gardener DT call. And Club Anya is having a Team Anya DT call. I have always wanted to be a designer, either for a scrapbooking kit or a stamping blog/company. But I think I am not meant to join these ones (not that I am saying I would surely be a shoe in). With a newborn and a full time job scheduled to resume in a month and a half, my schedule will even be more hectic. Am pretty sure I won't be able to keep up the committment.

I will be ecstatic, however, if Amy makes it. Out of the non-designers, I think her cards and coloring are the best.

I'd love to hear from you! Happy weekend everyone! Peace out!

Feeling much better!

Made two quick and simple cards mostly from my stash supply.

It was baby boy's first picnic. We had our annual picnic for work, which technically, I wasn't allowed to go to. Thought very hard about his outfit-- wanted something casual and cute. Thought it would be really hot and my babe is just like his mom-- Mattie gets sweaty really easily.

Finally decided on this Gap hat, which hid his much-loved spiky hair. Was also excited about him wearing this! So fun and cute! But, DARN, it was colder and windier than I thought. Good thing I brought an extra blanket and sweater. Here's Matthew looking up at the sky.

His view. I wanted to fall asleep! :)

Thanks for visiting! Toot-a-loo!

Still Under the Weather..

..but I managed to put this one together. The shading is a bit off, but I think it's still cute! Supplies are cardstock- Bazzill, PP- My Little ShoeBox, 3 Bugs in a Rug, Cosmo Cricket, TreiC Bautista. Sparkles and ribbon are from Doodlebug Design Inc.

I really hope I don't have to be on antibiotics! Pls send well wishes my way!

And I'm sooo happy about this:

Found it under Elsie's blog and I bought it!! :)

Happy Tuesday!

I ROcK!

I am feeling a lot better from this cold, thank you! Cold be-gone! Today, I will surely kick its behind into oblivion!! :) Am still having breastfeeding issues, but am hopeful they will pass as well!

My mood pretty much matches this Rockstar Anya. She commands attention, controls the stage... yup! That's how I feel on this beautiful Sunday morn! For the card, I used Bazzill for the cardstock and a lot of cool, exotic brands for the patterned paper- Hambly, Bam POP, Rouge de Garance. I even used part of those Mexican parade flags - I got it from SOML. The rub-on stars are from Jenni Bowlin.

As for my inspiration of the day: I have re-discovered my LOVE for the Effer Dares. I added them to my Google Reader, and BOOM! I went back and read each entry for the past year! And that isn't easy because I was on my iPhone! Ha ha! Basically, the Dares ask you to think outside the box weekly and aren't your typical scrapbookers. The Effer ladies are artists, and I enjoy looking at all of their different styles. I cannot wait to play along. Their themes are from scrapping your signature thing to depicting your daily path.

The card above is actually inspired from the dare to use the color you have a hard time creating with. I think the color purple is beautiful, but it is so difficult for me to work with! Don't quite know why that is!

Anyway, aside from having a lot of scrapbooking/ stamping supplies, I also collect random pretty papers/ postcards/ even clothing tags! The dares would allow me to use this eclectic stash to produce artistic pages...I just know it!! Am very excited for the next challenge! Woot woot!!

Happy Sunday! Toot-a-loo peeps!

To Do...

Wrote this earlier but haven't been able to make cards. Am nursing a bad cold I obtained from hubby so I may be on hiatus. Am also trying to prevent mastitis by pumping every two hours. (I have plugged milk ducts :().

Hope I feel better soon.
- Corinne 8/14 0937

-----------------------------------------


I really need to scrap. There haven't been any lay-outs of our wedding day. Or even the unforgettable nights of my bachelorette. I don't yet have any printed pictures of Matthew. That's scary because what if our hard drive, back-up, picasa, or my facebook crash? I attempted to upload more pictures to Picasa with the goal of ordering prints and then finally scrapping. Got overwhelmed though. So I'll try again in the next couple of days.

Maybe that's why I'm doing so well making cards. I stamp/ color/ blend/ cut in advance usually while watching TV, pumping, or when the babe is asleep. Then I put them together. I do so pretty quickly. Being a new mom gives me great time management skills, especially to maximize my ME time. I really do love The Greeting Farm stamps. I think they are soooo cute, and I can just stare at my cards all day long (of course, I don't- I love staring at my bundle of joy even more :)). Thought I'd have a hard time giving them away but it really does make me happy to make others smile and let them know I'm thinking of them. At least, I have pictures of them in my computer.

And we're back to that again...

Because I want to document Mattie's milestones, I've been recording on my calendar, my Facebook, or this blog. I am on the hunt for the perfect baby book. Don't really like anything too cutesy- saw Jane T. Hopkins' printable templates at House of 3. But it isn't really my style & I don't want to have to make it. Amber Ulmer said she found one by Carter's at Target that she swore was quite simple. Looked for it online with no avail. I think I'll check out Babies 'R Us.

What has Matthew Kai been doing? Well, this week he's:
1. Been starting to sleep 6-7 hours straight.
2. Crying a lot louder & deeper! I never knew I'd miss that shrill, high-pitched newborn cry!

On a last note, all this blogging was made possible by this, my current favorite accessory. My two month old is asleep in my arm right now, and I'm on Blogger (if not, Facebook or Google Reader). Was thinking of buying the app, which uploads pics (have lots stored on my iPhone) & links to websites. Has anyone tried it? It's $9.99.

BLISS

BLISS-
Is my favorite word.
It's my ultimate wish. My current feeling as a new mom and wifey.
It's what fills my soul when I create art.
It's the name of my blog, my Etsy account, my SISTV username.
It'll be incorporated in my future tattoo and I've even contemplated naming my future daughter "Bliss."

Anyway, in the two most bliss-ful events of my life, my sister, Kristine, had probably been the most helpful as far as celebrating them. Her artistic ability had bloomed in my bridal shower.





Her genius was behind my baby shower and Mattie's birth announcements.










She had also gone with me to vendors and doctor appointments. Anyway, I wanted to make her a 'just because' card. Which really translates to a 'thank you, I couldn't have done it without you' card.


I wanted it to be partially artsy and abstract. My sis is an artist by trade but her other dream was to become an astronaut. She loves space, and so I used Space Ian from The Greeting Farm. She reminded me about the meteor shower Tuesday night (but I missed it) and I bet she stayed up and watched during the whole four hours through her fancy telescope!

The papers I used are from TreiC Designs, one of my idols. She is big on creating original papers and I know it would balance out the cuteness of the Ian stamp. My sister's style is not cutesy at all (although she praises my creations that are cute). I thought the front paper's design depicts the 'holes' on the surface of the moon.

The brads are from American Craft and the brand of the ribbon is unknown.

On to my inspiration of the day-
My sister, of course! Her artwork could also be bought at Etsy under the seller Robotany. Although, she did recently say she doesn't have anything to sell at the moment.




Don't her art pieces just make you soo happy & full of BLISS??

Cuties

I wanted to try an 'altered' card...that is, one that's neither a square nor a rectangle. I used the new Birthday Anya that I got and decided to design the card for a little girl. Afterall, there are three girls who are having a birthday soon and one of them is my God daughter. I have, like, seven God children so I better get crackin' on the card-making! :)

So, on to my inpirations...

I have a blog, a Facebook account, I know how to upload pictures....

But I really am pretty computer illiterate. And I'm stubborn about having to learn more than the basics. But this day and age, I know being tech-y is a MUST! Lo & Behold, I found this:



I bought my very first USB stick at TokiDoki, and I LOVE it! It's soo cute!! Haven't tried it out yet but I'm sure I should've gotten the one that holds the most memories (i take so many pictures a day, no kidding!).

Toot-a-loo!

One, Little Two, Little Three

...Little Indian ...Anyone know that song?

I love how this card turned out. I only have a few copic markers (well, a few compared to most stampers). And some are pretty random (got 'em at my local scrapbooking store). So I have a hard time blending/ shading sometimes. For this, I chose green, red, and brown to color this exotic Anya. She turned out pretty cool and earthy. Luckily, I had a PP that featured her coloring. Although the pp looked pretty modern, the hambly wood grain & mesh brought it back down to earth.

Supplies:
CS- Bazzill
PP- Scenic Route Rd, Hambly
Sticker- Hambly
Stamp- Anya, The Greeting Farm
Ink- Memento
Markers- Copic
Misc- ribbon, mesh

Anyway, hubby's current car is really old so we were thinking of buying a new one. Because of our growing family, he wanted to get this:

Sienna.

But I really wanted this:
Highlander SUV/ Hybrid.


Or even this....HAHA!
Porsche Cayenne.


But I think we need to be practical. We definitely cannot afford a porsche (right now). Plus, I really do care about the environment so I don't want a gas guzzler. And because I'm short, I have a hard time getting into an SUV much less putting a car seat in!

Decisions, decisions (when you're a grown up!)...

Thanks for visiting! Toot-a-loo!!

Beauty and the "beast"

I have a friend whose fashion style is similar to mine in that we both like to accessorize and are pretty girly. So for Michelle's birthday, I chose the Mermaid Anya from The Greeting Farm as she is quite femme with her long, luxurious hair and cute seashell "bra." Then I put glitter beads in her hair as well as sequins at the bottom - I know Michelle could also be flashy & likes a lil bit of 'KaPoW!'

Supplies:
CS- Bazzill
PP- Cosmo Cricket, My Little Shoebox
Glitter Beads- Doodlebug designs
Stamp- Anya, The Greeting Farm
Ink- Memento
Markers- Copic
misc- Sequins, paper strip

Today wasn't a good day :(. Mattie & I drove to a friend's house for his first playdate. Unfortunately, he was fussy most of the time. The other moms were understanding for the most part. But I still felt bad and embarrassed. We had fun though even though I felt like crying on the way home. & the ironic thing is, Matthew had been less fussy. Oh, parenthood!! Always keeping us on our toes! Maybe it's also because his nap was cut short by the heat and his feeding was interrupted because we had to leave. Nonetheless, I don't want his fussiness to prevent us from going out of the house.

This one's for the boys.

Made this card for my brother's birthday. Although he doesn't surf, he's become very active lately. To the point of walking 5 more miles after he already did his work-out. You see he fell and broke his bike while mountain biking along the trails. He was close to our house and called to get a ride back to his truck, which was about ten miles away. He insisted we only meet him halfway even though it was hot and humid that day!

Supplies:
CS- Bazzill
PP- Reminisce, Island Paperie, Hambly
Sticker- Stamping Station
Brads- American Crafts
Stamp- Ian, The Greeting Farm
Ink- Memento
Markers- Copic


Things that inspires me:

You can't see her too well but the person with the helmet is Maritza, who for two hours had been riding in her hubby's bike. What's baddd-a$$ is she wasn't scared at all!! And that bike is tight!

Toot-a-loo!! Have a great Saturday everyone!

DT entry

Here's my submission for the Anyone For Anya DT call.

The father of my close friend had passed away and so, I made her a card according to the sketch. I used the Angel Anya and made her look like my friend. I'm sure that there is nothing I could say that would erase her pain but I do hope she knows I am there for her during this difficult time. The service is in New Jersey. In lieu of the flowers I wanted to send, I picked a patterned paper that has them instead. I also thought writing out the sentiment would make it more personal. As far as supplies, I used American Crafts for the PP, the brads, and sticker. Everything else = unknown.

On a happier note, I can't believe my baby boy is growing up so fast. It seems like he gets bigger and bigger each day. And is it just me? But do all moms think their babies are the cutest. I may be biased but I think Mattie is sooooooo cute! :) I especially love his eyes and his lips. And this shirt is just too cute!!

Addicted to Anya (Anyone for Anya?)

There's a new DT call for Anyone For Anya?.

It's a challenge blog for The Greeting Farm stamps.

I think it's perfect for me!!! Why?

1. These stamps are my favorite stamps (and practically the only ones I use) for making cards.

2. It's an excuse to buy more Anya or other TGF stamps :).

3. I've been entering challenges at the TGF site anyway and this will just encourage me to continue and improve!

4. I'll get to meet more Anya fans!

...and lastly...

5. I hope to inspire and encourage others' creativity! :)

Wish me luck!

XOXO

Fairy Tales and Faves

I thought this was so cool on Amy's blog. You plug in your name and find out your fairy name AND a little description!! Here's mine-

Corinne Mercado:
Your fairy is called Thorn Rainbowfly.
She is a fortune bringer.
She lives in brambles and blackberry bushes.
She is only seen at midday under a quiet, cloudless sky.
She wears purple and green like berries and leaves. She has multicoloured wings like a butterfly.

I was making this card & decided to fashion the cutie bit after my fairy. I thought she'd look wonderful as a redhead :). The dandelion rub-on was kind of messed up on the right, but it looks like someone is blowing the little stems away, carrying their wishes. When I make cards or scrap, it never looks perfect anyway but I prefer it that way. I think imperfection gives my creations character. Anyway, I can't wait to make a birthday card for my friend, Jules, who just LOVES fairies (she even has a tattoo of one!).

Supplies:
CS- Bazzill
PP- Reminisce, unknown
Rub-On- Me & My Big Ideas
Flowers- Maya Road
Sticker- Hambly
Brads- Basic Grey
Stamp- Anya, The Greeting Farm
Ink- Memento
Markers- Copic

So, one of my ultimate favorite blogs is Elsie's. She features pictures of what inspires her, and I think I'll be doing the same :). See below for two of my faves.

1) Today, on facebook, Kristina Contes (talk about INSPIRATION!) said she wanted to marry the current Anthropologie catalogue!! Ha ha! Thought that was cute and funny... then I received mine in the mail. And I, too, SWOONED!! The catalogue featured real people as models. So wonderful. And THIS is so sah-weet!



2) It's bittersweet that one of my favorite TV shows is ending its latest season. My time has totally been turned upside down with my baby. But don't get me wrong, it is worth it! still.. if there is one show on TV that I somehow never missed (of course, many thanks to my hubby), it's So You Think You Can Dance. I don't really have a favorite this season, but I must admit that I like all but Evan (sorry). Go Kayla, Brandon, and Jeanine! I wonder who will win...



Thanks for visiting, peeps!

Loving and Living Life

I think that when someone is sick, a bright and cheerful card should make them feel better right? So I picked yellow, polka dots and stripes. And I think it came out puurrrrrr-fectttt, don't you? And anything by Love, Elsie just makes me happy inside!

Supplies:
CS- Bazzill.
PP- Doodlebug Design Inc, unknown.
Buttons- "
Sticker- Love, Elsie.
Ink- Memento.
Stamp- Anya, The Greeting Farm.
Markers- Copic.
Ribbon- Unknown.
Pen- Uniball.

Just saw this movie and I LOVED IT!! It is freaking hilarious and I can't wait to see it again with my husband, who I know, will love it too! I want to be able to quote all the jokes..LOL! Yes, I am a big movie dork!



Saw this on Angie's blog and decided to do my own-- 99 Things. There's an X for the ones that I've done. i've done a total of only 44 things. But a lot of them will be on my bucket list. There's so much more I'd love to do and places I'd dream of seeing!!

1. Started your own blog X
2. Slept under the stars X
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii X
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity X
7. Been to Disneyland/world/Disneyland Paris X
8. Climbed a mountain X
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo X
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch X
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty X
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight X
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill X
24. Made a Snow Angel X
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse X
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset X
31. Stood in the rim of the Grand Canyon X
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an erupting volcano in person X
36. Taught yourself a new language X
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied X
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing X
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke X
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant X
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight X
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling
52. Kissed in the rain X
53. Played in the mud X
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre X
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class X
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Cookies for charity X
62. Gone whale watching X
63. Been given flowers for no reason X
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check X
68. Flown in a helicopter X
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy X
70. Visited Buckinham Palace
71. Eaten Caviar X
72. Pieced a quilt or blanket
73. Stood in Times Square X
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone X
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Been to the top of the Empier State Building X
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car X
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox X
89. Saved someone’s life X
90. Sat on a jury X
91. Met someone famous X
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one X
94. Had a baby X
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone X
99. Been stung by a bee

Why don't you try this list and see what you'd score?

Continuing on the looove..

I entered The Greeting Farm's Farm Fresh Friday Challenge this week. The object is to make a card according to a certain sketch. Here's my take on it:

I had extra fun doing this because I found old patterned papers in my closet! If I didn't know what to do with them as far as scrapping back then, well they are perfect for making cards now :).

Supplies:
Cardstock- Bazzill
Patterned paper-
Brads- Basic Grey
Flowers- Unknown
Ink- Memento
Markers- Copic
Stamp- HG, The Greeting Farm
Braided Rikrak- Makana's Hawaiian Crafts


Baby boy's two month check up was today. He is now a whopping 12 lbs and 22 3/4 inches! That sounded like a LOT compared to what he was last time. But he is actually only on the 50th percentile compared to other babies his age, which is still good!



The check-up also meant shots :(. Today was the first time he received a set of them, and it broke my heart. I know that part of MY job is to give life-saving shots, but when it happens to your own it's different. I know I'll remember this day forever the next time I have to administer shots to my patients. Matthew did pretty well. Took more naps and was a lil bit more clingy. We had Tylenol on board and video rentals, we had extra cuddle time on the couch! :) This movie was actually pretty good.



And Penelope Cruz was really good here (though a little disturbing):



Toooot-a-Looooo!!!