New Year's Eve Thoughts on Xmas Cards, Bokeh, and Words.

(Warning: Another long post aka saga).

I was really bummed out when I receive our Christmas cards in the mail this year. I got expedited shipping because I was procrastinating. I even got them on recycled paper to be more environmentally-conscious (& also because I love the look of Kraft). To my dismay, this was what it said:



The names are all wrong. Who are the Johnsons?? Grrr... In the end, I made light of the situation and even gave a few out. But I was still sad that we didn't have a fam card that i loved especially since we were now a family of four.

I get so many inspiration from the blogs I follow. Amy Tangerine mentioned this iPhone app (Red Stamp) where you could make a card from your phone and send it out via email or texts. I literally did this in ten minutes. I was so happy that I ended up sending a Holiday card afterall! :) And I totally love it even more!



I also got excited that I got to finally take successful heart and star-shaped bokeh!





I first saw them on Cathy's blog/ facebook. I think they look better with colored lights. I especially love the pic with her youngest daughter and the heart-shaped bokeh.

But I actually did these using this tutorial. I'm going to have to get colored Christmas lights and make other shapes!

And lastly, for the New Year....

Rather than making a resolution, I'd like to play along with One Little Word. It's my first time playing along.

In the words of Ali Edwards, the creator of this phenomenon:

A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow. From my own personal experience, it can be a catalyst for enriching your life.

In 2006, I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January - a word that I can focus on, meditate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. My words have included play, peace, vitality, nurture, light, and story. These words have each become a part of my life in one way or another. They've been imbedded into who I am, and into who I'm becoming. They've been what I've needed (and didn't know I needed). They've helped me to breathe deeper, to see clearer, and to grow.

If I could choose one word that would sum up 2012, it would be BALANCE.

I would love to continue my stamping and blogging hobby, be a part of a couple more Design Teams and still be able to sleep, work, take care of my family. I would love to organize and clean more. I plan to buy more shelves to make up for the lack of closets and pantry in our home. This way, everything has a place to go. So keeping house while growing in my craft is a goal!

I would hope to save more money while still enjoying some of the luxuries in life that I've come to love -- nice family trips, designer purses (yes, I'm one of those, lol!), shopping, new stamps, and more Copics! I plan to budget every little expense and build up our savings again. This will probably mean only buying what I truly need in the stamping department and not having to shop for new clothes every time there's a party or Holiday coming along.

I would strive to cook healthier food and exercise more while still being able to eat some of my guilty pleasures. I would love to try juicing like my sis-in-law (who has lost so much weight) and Liz Kartchner. Have tried a veggie shake and actually liked it! I long to start loving working out again the way I used to with mountain biking, bikram yoga, even running on the treadmill. My hubby got the new Dance Central 2 so we'll see :). And I don't really want to deprive myself of what I like to eat: chocolate, fried food. Diets never work, and I believe the key is learning to take junk food in moderation.

Those are just some examples of my 'word.' I think in some ways, it sounds unattainable. That I'm reaching for too high of a goal... to want it all. But I think, too, that by starting small, I'll go far and be more determined.

Of course, throughout the year, I'll let you know how I'm coming along. I already have lay-outs that are forming in my brain as we speak :).

If you play along with OLW, I'd love to hear what your word is for this coming year!

Enjoy tonight and be safe, peeps!

My Top Favorites Rinne Creations of 2011...

Of course, I just couldn't stop at 10 (or 11) for that matter! A bit picture-heavy, I hope you don't mind looking at 20 of them (sorry).

I love them because of the designs, the coloring, or even just because of the stamps themselves! I'd like to see your faves too!



The street vibe is pretty cool, don't ya think?



This was a Bachelorette card -- love that color combo and perfect retro elements!



I really like the simplicity of this card, although there were a lot of patterns as well. I think it's rad how a card tells a story!



She is such a cutie! And I adore that ribbon!



That shelf is such an awesome image -- and these PWCO stamps (as stuffed animals) remind me of my childhood!



These robots are the BEST and were the perfect stamps for this space-themed mini album! For my boys, of course!



Her hair coloring is pretty :) and this was the first time I used Authentique (stunning!).



Paper Smooches stamps are just the best for crisp and simple and funny cards!



The different textures were what I fell in love with. That cupcake frosting looks real and yummers! And the twine action is genius (I'm so modest today, lol!!!). :)



Super duper stellar stamps! And paired with October Afternoon papers? Radical!



I LOVE scenic cards and I adore how this one came together. So cozy! I also tried the no black lines stamping here!



I had to add a scrapbook LO here. Love this line from Echo Park. This page is so vibrant and fun, like my kiddies!



Josie (from Sweet November, CC Designs) is a cutie, and these pop-up flowers are so pretty!



Lovin' how the coloring of her dress folds came out! *pats myself on the back*



Turquoise + orange ... so unique and fresh, lovely color combo!



Gorgeous image for Halloween (who said they have to be scary?).



Am embracing clean and simple cards more. My fave part is the pop of colors!



Karber stamps are truly adorable. This card just makes me smile with delight!



Did a lot of black & white combo. This one is my fave because it's kind of ironic how it's set in paradise and I made it b&w. And of course, it's Hawaiian!



The trees made this card a little bit dark and allowed those little balls of light to shine through :).

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone!

Edward & Bella.

Because of the whole Twilight movie hype last month, I wanted to make a card featuring Edward and Bella. There were so many new stamps, all were very cute! But my faves have to be the oldies-but-goodies from The Greeting Farm because Edward's hair is right on!! LOL!

I also entered this card for the DT call over at TGF. I didn't make it, and I'm ok with that because so far, I am loving the new Premiere Farmers -- their work is so stunning and their creativity is stellar!

I did a semi-scenic card here. I have been obsessed with woodsy-themes lately (see my other recent forest card here).

I mean, the woods is only appropriate right? A lot of my favorite scenes from the movies happened there. I wanted to make it ultra-romantic and also show my love of mixing patterns. I used floral and lacey elements along with linear and masculine colors.



The stamps are TGF's WS Camille and WS Edward. The papers are mostly from Basic Grey, and the beautiful flower on the top left corner was made by Cathy from Catshy Crafts.

Also, please take note! There's a special sale at Sparkle Creations!





Have an awesome day!

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

I hope that you are spending some joyous moments with your family and friends. When I was younger and single, our tradition was to stay up on Christmas Eve, eat and be merry with lots of fam, go to midnight mass, and open our presents! We sleep in and then party all over again. Eat and open more presents, and usually go to the movies.

Now that I'm married and with kids, not much has changed. We just have to make sure we visit my in-laws as well. Sometimes, we don't get to watch a movie on Christmas Day.

As it is Sunday, it's time for another Christmas Card Challenge - Week 3.




Here's my card:



It's of my family: my Dad, my Mom, my two sisters, and brother. We're either dressed in matching PJs (I've always wanted to do that!) or smiling in our Sunday Best for a family photo! :)

I altered the stamp to include my brother up top. In real life, my bro towers almost a foot over me...let's just pretend that he's standing on top of the chair here, shall we?

I used CC Designs The Group stamp. The papers and sticker are from American Crafts (Dear Lizzy). The ribbon is from KI Memories (Love, Elsie). The flower is homemade and bought from my LSS.

Won't you play along with our sketch for your Holiday cards? After today, I'm sure making winter-themed cards would be harder. Just think of all the Christmas cards you'll have by next year though? LOL! Please visit the CCC blog for more info!

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday! Remember that Christmas is not just a day, but a state of mind! (love that quote!).

Faves for Christmas 2011

Hi y'all! No crafty post today... although it's heavy with pics!

Just wanted to show you my favorite moments of the Holiday Season so far.

It includes new outings to a nearby Global Wonderland and the traditional trip to Union Square in San Francisco.

A lot are of my parents' decorations in their home (courtesy of my sis).

There's Mattie's Preschool concert and his first gift for me (awwww).

The homemade wreath on our front door was bought from Cathy's Etsy shop (Catshy Crafts). Isn't it stunning? I first 'met' Cathy on SisTV, and she is one talented gal! (Ignore the extra yarn hanging pls...I should've cut that part off!).

Then there are my fave decorations at home. Our homemade ornaments. 'Argyle' candles. Cool wrapping from my beloved Borders (miss this store :(). Mattie's projects. LOVE!


























I really need to do a December Daily album. So busy though...maybe in January??

Are you all ready for Christmas? I'm not! :) LOL!