Monday, November 29, 2010

Anything But Boring.

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Happy Monday, everyone!

Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving weekend! We drove to Mesa, AZ and met up with some family. Boy, we had tons of fun eating, shopping, going to the Phoenix zoo (which was all lit up with Christmas lights!), and hanging out. It was a nice lazy time.

Driving to and fro though was another story. In order to beat the traffic and have the tot sleeping most of the way, we mostly drove overnight. NOT FUN!

I'm still trying to catch up on lost sleep... :)

This card was made using my new favorite color combo -- turquoise & orange. Discovered them here. I absolutely LOVED everything about this wedding!! And i think it's so cool that a scrapbooker took some of the pictures!

Used lots of K & Company and Sassafras. The stamp is from TGF's Miss Anya Lounge.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Blog friends

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Happy Birthday!

To a wonderful and talented blog friend.

I got extra large balloons and wishes!!

Supplies:
Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit (November)
MS punch
Glimmer mist
Stamps - Gretel from Hansel & Gretel Storybook
stamps. Balloon - stamped image from a Copics class.

On a VERY special note, I received this from Yvonne. Thanks, girlie!





Now, I'm supposed to write down three things that make me unique.

1. My first name is French. My last name is Spanish. And I often get mistaken for being Chinese!

2. Besides card-making and scrapbooking, I also love to wrap presents! There's nothing like making crisp folds against a gift box! Haha! I am planning on having one day with just my wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and DVR!

3. I like making dance routines to Christmas songs. My all time favorite one to 'perform' is to 'All I Want for Christmas is You.' Right now, I'm choreographing for 'Deck the Rooftop' -- the Glee Christmas CD version. LOL!

And then I'll pass the award to five beautiful people:

Sheena
Tanya
Lalo
Amy
Sunghee

Hugs!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Giving Thanks.

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Happy Thanksgiving! The tree is up, the Glee Christmas CD is on repeat....

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This year, I am grateful for having my loving husband. That's us up there in the left upper corner, in an ornament gifted by Jo. Like the other sea-themed
ornaments up there, we have had our share of rough waters in the past year. I may not always give him enough credit for everything he does. Thank, you, babe for ALL that you do! I am so lucky to be your wifey and I love you very much!

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I am also thankful for my darling son. At seventeen months, I am beginning to see what a funny personality he has! He is such a delight to be with, and we are lucky that for the most part, he has a good temperament. He is the light of my life & is a constant reminder of the most important lessons in life: 1. family is priceless. & 2. a smile at the end of the day erases all its hardships.

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Lastly, I am very grateful to be celebrating in our new home. I am thankful for our health and our extended family's well being. I also am thankful for our jobs and friends (including my blog friends), and my hobbies.

What are you thankful for this season?

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Holiday Trimmings at the Workshop

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Happy Sunday everybody!

Isn't this Magnolia Tilda so cute? She is so much fun to color too! This card says 'Santa's Workshop' but Tilda's holding up ornaments like she's ready to trim the tree.

I wanted to talk about Christmas ornaments today. With the new house, I finally got to buy a regularly-sized Christmas tree! When we had the condo, we only had a four-footer. I just got a fake one from Lowe's because I wanted to put it up right away.

If you've known me for a while, you know I've been a sucker for unique and hand-made ornaments (see this post and this one).

So I am completely *drooling* over all these new ornaments from Anthropologie. All pics below are from them, btw.









Of course, also because of the new home, Anthro is way out of my league at this point. But you know, there's always after the holidays...I'm sure most of these will be available as sale items! :)

Hope you are all having fun getting ready for the upcoming holidays!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

May the Force be with You

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Ok.

I am really embarrassed.

Ever bought a stamp, made a card with it, and then forgotten where it came from?

Well, that's the story behind this cute Princess Leia stamp!

I know one person who can help me though -- my friend, Sheena, who featured these stamps on her blog. (HELP!)

Anyway, this is only one of four stamps. Chewbacca, Hans Solo, and Anakin are the other three. They are too, too adorable!!!

Wanted to keep the card simple but eye-catching. Used Teresa Collins PP and a doily.

May the Force be with you,
*chuckles*

Friday, November 19, 2010

My First Godchild.

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When I was in middle school/ junior high, my cousin, E, asked me to be a junior bridesmaid in his wedding. I felt so special! I had never been part of the bridal party before, other than being a flower girl.

A couple of years later, I was asked to be a Godmother of his baby girl. I thought, "Wow, I'm a bit too young, right?" Nonetheless, I was very proud and honored for the role.

Fast forward many years later, and my first Godchild is now turning 18!!! Eighteen?!!!

I feel so old!!! Haha! :)

SJ has grown up to be such a brilliant and gorgeous woman. This Simply Betty stamp London reminds me so much of her, especially her eyes. And SJ is quite a shopper so I thought SB stamps were the way to go!

Used supplies from the October Taylored Expressions KI kit.

Tata!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Sweet Blessing

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This might be TMI (too much information), but a few friends and I were trying to get pregnant at the same time. Don't ask how we tried to execute it...haha!

This is for one of my good friends who succeeded! It's still too early to find out the gender of the baby. Actually, I'm not even quite sure that would be their plan. So I opted for a gender-neutral card.

This stamp is my first Claudia & Company stamp. I got it from ATS. And it is so very cute!

Paired it with lots of K&Company patterned papers, a ribbon, and some brads. I am so HAPPY for my friend! Can't wait to meet her baby!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Nuts About You

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Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Hope you are all doing great!

I, unfortunately, have to start off this blog post with a disclaimer. Lame, I know! Hehe! Pardon my coloring....ERRRR, let's say blending instead. I colored this image(s) waaaaayyy back and have now just finished incorporating it into a card.

I first wanted to make a woodsy scene of some kind for these cute TGF Forest Friends. But it just wasn't meant to be. So instead, I played around with Sassafras' Mix & Mend paper pad, and here is the result!

Added a 'misted' flower and some punches and voila!

Have a great day!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Happy Birthday Sweet November!

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Hello and welcome to Sweet November's Sweet Celebration Birthday blog hop!

Yep, it has been one year since the characters who reside in Sweet November Land have come out to play and a few of them have gotten all decked out for a grand birthday party today!

All of the wonderful SN Gals and Guest Gals, as well as some of the ATS design team have come together to showcase these new cuties with a hop! And you won't want to miss a single blog because not only are the cards super cute and totally inspiring but there are also four birthday candy kits hidden along the way... think of them as fun birthday presents for you to win!

We are kicking things off at the ATS blog where you can find the complete list of everyone's blogs and if you have come here from Amy Gould, then you're doing great!

I was thrilled to work with this cute birthday boy stamp! He reminds me of my own toddler, and I was inspired to make a scene for a birthday party. Used October Afternoon Seaside papers (one of my faves right now!). And these adorable K & Company stickers were perfect -- I wanted the scene to be really fun, colorful, and almost chaotic. Just like a real birthday party!! :)

All four of these new Sweet November stamps will be available in the ATS store on Monday, November 15th... which is the same day that the birthday candy winners will be announced on Amy Young's blog.

Now you're next stop in the hop is Donna. Thanks so much for joining our Sweet Celebration!

Here's the complete SN Sweet Celebration Birthday blog hop list:

ATS Blog

Traci Porter

Lisa Gobea

Jenn Royal

Kelly Booth

Elaine Hughes

Rachel Schneider

Amy Gould

Corinne Mercado <---- You Are Here!

Donna Mikasa

Maire Elli Serafiia Yla Tuuhonen

Ria van Son

Janneke de Jong

Amy Young

XO,

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Road trip

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Here's a quickie card I made using more goodies from Torendi.

I used some Hurly Burly fabric and Decole Retro camera stamp.

I also misted the cardstock, though you can't tell from here. And I really need to learn how to sew. But in the meantime, I just used some staples. :)

The 'road trip' sticker is from Cosmo Cricket's Joyride.

Have a great one, folks! We've got visitors staying at our place so I won't see you till this weekend!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Torendi Second Tuesday Blog Hop

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So I've decided to join in on another customer blog hop. This time, it's from Torendi.



Up above, the stamps I chose are the oh-so-adorable Hansel & Gretel story book stamps! They are teeny- tiny and perfect for mini or regular sized cards. You get all four stamps in one set.

You may have remembered how I first talked about story book stamps here and here.

What I like about Torendi is that you get to see unique imported products and stamps! Hope you have fun hopping!

Here's the blog hop order:

Torendi Blog

Tiff

De

Courtney

Corinne <---- YOU ARE HERE!

Amy

Jenn

There's even a new TORENDI BLOG HOP CHALLENGE!

Do you love the projects you see on the Torendi Blog hops? Is there one that scream "WOW, I really want to make something like that!" ? Here is your chance to do that and also be entered to win a Torendi gift certificate for doing so! Here is the challenge! Find your favorite project on the hop and use it as your inspiration! Create a NEW project, post it on your blog and let people know about the Torendi challenge! Once your post is up, come back here and link up with the mr linky at the Torendi blog! So simple! You have one week to get your Torendi Inspired projects linked up! Deadline is Tuesday November 16th at NOON PST. The Winner will be announced on November 17th. The winner will receive a $5.00 TORENDI GIFT CERTIFICATE and the new TORENDI CHALLENGE WINNER BLINKIE! All participants will receive a Torendi coupon code! HAPPY CRAFTING!

Ta-ta!!!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Life is Sweet (& Sassy)!

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Here is one of my BFF's daughter, A, with Mattie in Hawaii. I had forgotten to make her a card for her birthday in September so I made her one & will be mailing it with her Christmas gift.

The stamped image on the card reminds me of her (or at least an older version) so I thought it'd be perfect. I got the image from the Copics Certification class -- it looks so familiar but for the life of me, I do not remember where she's from!

A is so very girly-girl, but is shy & sassy at the same time. I included the big bow and doily for that ultra-femme side. And thought the crown would highlight the sassiness part! Hehe!

Hope you're all having a great Saturday so far! I'm working all weekend (boo!).

Friday, November 5, 2010

Copic Creations' Brown Challenge

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Yup, I finally did it!

Made a Christmas card with traditional colors! Except the sentiment isn't! :)

I'm entering it for Challenge 38 over at Copic Creations. Make a scene or use earth - browns (E Copics).

It was fun coloring these wooden deers, an image I obtained from the Copic Certification class back in September.

Hope you all have a fabulous Friday!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Wild & Crazy stuff.

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Good morning, everyone!

My card today is for my crazy co-worker and friend, MM. She is fun, the kind who would start a pillow fight with the nurses to get the patient to laugh! I wanted to make her a card that is as wild as she is! She is heading to Chicago to be with her boyfriend.

The stamp is Lola from Simply Betty. These emo kids are so cute, cool, and coloring them is so much fun! I decided to leave out Lola's friend, a rat -- I am NOT fond of rats! Ugggh, I shudder and get goose bumps just thinking about them.

I tried my best to remember Amy's basic pointers for coloring straight hair on her video at Color Me Copic. I should've re-watched it as it didn't turn out right and strand-y. Whoops! :)

Supplies-
CS -
Taylored Expressions KI kit, October '10.
B&W PP - Teresa Collins.
Polka dotted & colorful PP - Crate Paper (Restoration) from
Taylored Expressions KI kit, October '10.
Markers - Copics.
Stickers - Cosmo Cricket (Joyride).
Brads- Making memories.


And speaking of fun and crazy, I went to the San Francisco Giants' parade yesterday. For those of you who aren't familiar with baseball, the Giants won the World Series against the Arlington Rangers on Monday. It had been our first title since 1952, when the Giants moved to SF from NY.

Can I just tell you, even explain how great it feels to be in the Bay Area right now? There is just this wonderful sense of camraderie, victory, hope. That a bunch of misfits and previously labeled underdogs have come together to truly work as a team. And did I mention how cool and cute those players are? Hehe!

I am not a hardcore fan by any means. But I've always loved the Giants and supported their games. I am beginning to truly like being into sports. I think it started when I was preggo and became really intrigued with basketball and watched almost every game of that year. It must've been all that testorone in my body :).

Here are some pictures from yesterday's parade:







All taken via my iPhone. There were over a million people there. I didn't want to bring my big camera, but I regretted it. There were so many opportunities for good pics! Did I also mention that I went by myself? The people I was supposed to go with got called in for work and one went into labor the night before (the nerve! hahahaha!). I was scared I'd get trampled or look like a loser, but I made friends and it was so WORTH it! I was also on-call at work and had to come back in at 3 pm. I almost didn't make it. So I think those things kinda make me semi-hardcore, right? :)

Here's a lay-out I wanted to share with you from many years ago. I think it was 2006, a baseball game with my co-workers. Could've sworn I blogged about it but I can't find it. I may have labeled it wrong.



Anyway, enough rambling! Have a great day! Yay, Giants!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Cartwheeling Chickies

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Decided to leave this pic uncropped. Thought the black-ish background was kinda cool!

Made this half card, half tag for a friend who's expecting her first baby this month.

I always thought these Cartwheeling Chickies were cute ever since I first saw them on Jo's blog.

Paired them with some Dear Lizzy and Teresa Collins and voila! The ultimate girly-girl card!

*hugs*

Monday, November 1, 2010

Bringing you a bunny and some love.

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Does anybody else feel like putting up their Christmas tree today and singing carols??

Haha! Cuz I do! I LOVE Christmas! And I also wanna make the most out of my decorations this year :).

Anyway, back to my post. Can you believe I actually colored a stamped image? Hehe, it's been so long that neither can I! This cutie is Scooter Chloe from Sparkle's store.

Please pardon the coloring of the scooter -- I'm a bit rusty with my Copics. Just pretend it's a little vintage ride so it's not supposed to be all smooth :).

And look what I found in our backyard yesterday:

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Have a great Monday!