Daisy + Adrian's Engagement Photoshoot by PACO + BETTY PHOTOGRAPHY

Hello!!
Back in November, I raved about this really awesome couple, who are friends of mine, and their photography business: Paco+Betty Photography. Today, I have the honor and privilege to share their latest photo session of this gorgeous couple, my sister Daisy and fiance (future brother-in-law, yay!) Adrian.

So, it's been a few weeks since the day they took these photos and I've been anticipating for the moment to finally see them. I knew they were going to be stunning and all, but I didn't expect it to deeply move me and get all teary eyed. Yes, maybe because this is in fact, my sister that I'm so freakin' happy for her and love her to pieces, but also because I'm taken by the way these photos have a timeless appeal with a sense of nostalgia. It sorta feels like I'm looking at story from the past, but of a love story brought back to life. My sister and Adrian, definitely had a unique vision to recreate a harlem-inspired photo shoot, but it could not have existed without the gift and talents of  Paco+Betty!

 

 

 

 

You can see more of their recent work on their blog. 

Have a good day!!

C2 | VALUES.COM : Foundation For A Better Life

Wednesday already? It seems like last week just flew by with a quickness! I guess December is really not one of those months that we can expect to be slow. Everyone is in a rush and hurry to prepare for the holidays and get their homes decorated, trimming the trees, sending out cards, shopping and wrapping gifts, planning a menu (or maybe wondering where to order food), attending gatherings and social events, and just the typical holiday busyness that happens every year. As chaotic as it can be running around here and there with a million things on your mind, it's a season of excitement and anticipation to spend time with friends and family and celebrate Christmas and the coming of a New Year. Nevertheless, just like the song goes, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!". And well...as we all say, time flies when we're having fun, right!

So, because we get so caught up in such crazy schedules and our minds are always running away with so many things that need to get done, I thought I'd share a really heartwarming website, the kind that makes you want to stop and slow down and cherish the moments in life a little more or even A LOT more. If you love Chicken Soup for the Soul, than I'm positive that you will enjoy what this site is all about.

Today's CREATIVE CONNECTION is --- VALUES.COM | The Foundation for a Better Life

To me, having values is important especially for the sake of my family, my boys indefinitely. And I strongly believe that our creativity rises up from strong values that motivates us to create and design art. Art is an expression of our heart and soul, its a window into who we are and what we value. As a scrapbooker or photographer, our photos are reflections of our love for others and the passions we have in life and we invest our time and energy into them because we want to leave something valuable and priceless behind for our loved ones, hoping it will strengthen their values about love, life, and our world we live in.

And this is what I find so AMAZING about VALUES.COM because not only will you find inspiring stories about triumph and victory, but you will also be touched by real stories of misfortune and loss, causing us to appreciate our lives and the people we love, even more so. You will also discover that there are so many goodhearted men and woman, from all walks of life, still left in this troubled world that have a vision or have left a legacy to touch lives and make differences.

I still have not gone through every single story or quote, but I confess that every time I do, I melt and sometimes even cry buckets of tears. Other times, I'm filled with so much inspiration and encouragement that I feel that no matter what the circumstance, I'm going to be successful in life and that no matter what mistakes or challenges I've faced, there's always time to change and become a better person. Like my pastor said recently, "BE THE CHANGE."

Values.com is such a great place that encourages us to do good things and become more compassionate towards others, even towards ourselves. We all need to be encouraged from time to time and I know that reading through some of their amazing stories and quotes, will have you striving to keep moving, to keep growing and learning, and to keep believing in yourself or if you are spiritual like me, to keep trusting and having faith in God. This place is life-changing and it will change your perspective on what it means to really live a fulfilling, purpose filled life.

This is their company overview and mission:

Overview:

The Foundation for a Better Life is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2000 to promote positive values. The Foundation creates public service campaigns to communicate these positive values, such as honesty, caring, optimism, hard work, and helping others, in order to make a difference in communities. Viewers are encouraged to step up to a higher level and to pass on positive values. These seemingly small examples of individuals living vales-based lives may not change the world, but collectively they make a difference. After all, developing values and then passing them on to others is The Foundation for a Better Life.

Mission:

 "The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on."

So, I challenge you to find some time to visit this site and maybe connect with your family to discuss your values and things that are important for you to share with your children, friends, or extended families. If you're a scrapbooker, this is an incredible site to find the perfect quote or saying that you'd like to express in your pages. Overall, may your heart be heavy with gratitude, humility, peace, joy, and love through this empowering organization and regardless of how hectic the holidays are, may you find the time to value the things that matter most...

Enjoy and have a great rest of the week!

C2 | Paper Crave + DIY Paper Wreath

 Happy Wednesday!

Today I have a really awesome C2 | CREATIVE CONNECTION  to share with you... If you've been reading my blog up until now, you may already know that I have a thing for paper and all the creative things you can do with it. Not only do I love making cards or scrapbook pages, but I love making gifts or crafting with it to make art pieces or decor. There are tons of DIY craft sites that are incredible resources for making handmade items using paper. One valuable site does just that----PAPER CRAVE.

Paper Crave is a blogger site of all things paper from stationary to packaging design to paper crafts and printable resources, to gift wrap and greeting cards and so much more. I really like the new series installment that has just begun which is called the Weekly Wrap. Every Friday will feature unique gift wrapping and packaging ideas that will serve as inspiration for your own personal gift wrapping/packaging projects. SWEET, huh? Now is really a great time, before Christmas, to get inspired for this if you're looking for a new or fresh way of making your gift giving fun and unique.

I have a particular paper crafting project that I want to share. which was taken off Paper Crave's recent article a few weeks ago about Paper Wreath Tutorials. The article highlighted a few bloggers who shared their paper wreath making skills and the links to their blogs where you can find the step by step tutorials to create them. I was immediately taken by the looped paper wreath by Razzle Dazzle Crafting (another great craft blog) and decided to make one of these beauties. It was really easy, fun, and fast to make. Check out the photos below and see how wonderful it turned out.

 Stapled 1x5 inch strips of looped patterned paper.

Used Wonderful Winter glittered paper stack by My Mind's Eye.

 Using a hot glue gun, I then adhered the strips onto this 12 inch styrofoam wreath found at any local art/craft store.

 

 Close up photo of the layers of paper.

 

My handy dandy glue gun.:)

Ta da! Mission completed and it turned out beautiful!

( Thank you Dusty @ Razzle Dazzle Crafting! )

I have one more wreath to make, but thinking of creating three all together to add to my wall since a single one seems a little too small for the huge space. Plus, I'm definitely going to reuse them over and over again or even keep them up all year round just because they are too cute to put away. Maybe, it'll be one of those crafty decorative pieces that I can hang in my own personal craft room.... Yes, still dreaming of that day. :)

Anyways, hope you have a great rest of the day and thank you for checking in. Hope you were inspired! More updates on my digital designs and hybrid projects to come soon!

Be blessed!

C2 | Poppy Paperie

Hello Wednesday!! :)

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and my family and I are looking forward to spending time with loved ones and gathering together for some good food and good times. I know that for the most part, I will be running around attending parties from one side of the family to another, but overall, it will be worthwhile to reconnect with close and distant friends and relatives. Most of all, it will be a time to reflect and be thankful for so many blessings that we've been so fortunate to have, something that I try to do on a daily basis, but Thanksgiving definitely puts our lives on pause for a day to be reminded just how blessed we really are and gives us the chance to express our appreciation to those around us, whether it be towards someone close or towards a perfect stranger... For me, it's a day that instills this sense of peace and security because it causes me to remember how far I've come and the many things I've had to survive to get to the place where I'm now, so I then remember to always be thankful for each day that I am still alive and well and for my husband and family who have enriched and touched my life in such an indescribable way. It also stirs up a certain desire in my heart to reach out to others and give what I have to those who don't have, especially children. My heart is with them, wherever and  whoever they are. I may give donations of food, clothing, money, etc., but deep inside I long to hold a child's hand and hold them close, wipe their tears, and tell them they're going to be okay. It pains me when I think of how so many are without a loving parent(s) or family to care for them. What I'm destined to do, I don't know, but I do know that I will someday fulfill that calling...

Oops! I didn't mean to go this far and deep in expressing my thoughts... Hope you didn't mind me sharing!
Thank you for reading this far. :)

When I started to prepare for this C2 | CREATIVE CONNECTION post, I was going through my blog list and remembered how much I loved handmade cards. It was the first paper craft obsession that got me started on this journey. Cardmaking was my thing as I was growing up. I was addicted, and still am, to stationary, paper, rubber stamps, stickers, embellishments, ribbons, EVERYTHING... You name it! In fact, I have one whole side of my two door closet, dedicated to paper craft stash. I've been dreaming of my own craft studio, but that hasn't happened...yet.  :) Still dreaming and believing it will come true, but for now, I have a small little corner space in my sons' bedroom, cluttered and crowded with just enough room for my printer and laptop. *sigh*.

Okay, moving along... I would like to share with you this wonderful blog: POPPY PAPERIE owned by Lisa Johnson. 

You will love reading and browsing through her beautiful creations she has made using Papertrey Ink's products and her Clear stamps designs that she digitally designs for the company. It's card heaven for me. I also love the fact that she digitally designs clear stamps, something that I remember wanting to do at one point in my creative journey, and still something I think about doing. I have a huge collection of rubber and clear stamps to this day and it all started when I was in my elementary school years that I began my rubber stamp hobby collecting Hello Kitty and other Sanrio stamps. I also remember never wanting to share them with anyone..LOL! Oh the memories...

Visit her gallery portfolio of her published art and you will be amazed at all the fabulous cards that were so beautifully made through Poppy Paperie.

Here is a few of my favorites:

 

If I ever find the time to dig around for some cards that I've made in the past and be brave enough to share them with you, maybe it will rekindle that flame I once had to make cards again... It's not that I don't care for it anymore or lost interest, it just found itself pushed aside for a little while as my life got busier and full of demands. But, just like I mentioned earlier...one day my personal and devoted craft studio will eventually exist somewhere in my household or maybe, just maybe.... in a bigger and new house.... Then, making cards are definitely a priority in my creative to-do-list. Here I go dreaming again:).

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day!!

DIY Wish Lists | Photos

 

Yes, I'm done! I didn't realize that it would take me a whole day to work on this, but I had the absolute best time just decorating the finished WISH LISTS. After printing them out, I thought it needed something extra and it led me to dig through my huge stash of supplies that I've collected over the years. I couldn't believe how much supplies I had at my disposal to work with and create so many things. I guess you can say, I've been the addictive type when it comes to scrapbook stuff, buying every cute and adorable thing there is at a craft store, but never wanting to use it for anything for the fact that I can't let go of such cool paper, stickers, punches, stamps, etc.... Well, I'm finally seeing that I can no longer live this way and my creativity is limited when I choose not to create and play and make beautiful things that I and/or others can enjoy... We only live once, right?

So, what I ended up doing was pasting my wish list onto colored cardstock, giving it that matted border around the edges, as well as giving the paper more support. Then I punched small holes at the top and added ribbon which can be used for hanging or pinning up on the wall. After that, I found some buttons, glittered felt, and beads to add a little dimension to it. Voila!  I especially loved the cute snowman. :)

The great thing about hybrid is that I can reuse the digital kit over and over again and print out different things to make with it, without having to repurchase everything all over again, like I would have to if this were all completely made with supplies bought at a craft store. See why I love this? :)

Next, I'm going to try making an advent/countdown calendar using Michelle Filo's ::Hybrid Magic No.15 Advent Christmas Calendar Template:: . Hope it turns out as good as this last project!

Thank you so much for stopping by! Tomorrow is Creative Connection Wednesday, so be sure to come back for more inspiration....

Cheers!

Fun DIY Holiday Projects

Hi there!

I want to apologize to those of you who came to check my blog last Friday to discover that there wasn't a freebie from me. :(  There's no other excuse except that I wasn't feeling my best. I think maybe my body was fighting against the flu and it's been quite a battle. A virus has been invading my household, off and on, for the past couple of months. So, I just couldn't get around to finishing up my free download which wasn't quite finished as I had expected it to be. Then, the weekend came around and I had to baby sit three nieces of mine for a night. Talk about pure exhaustion!

Anyways, I thought I'd share some creative inspiration that will hopefully get you inspired to create some fun, do-it-yourself, projects of your own this holiday season. I just love it when I see what our Creative Team (@ Little Dreamer Designs) manages to get done with products from the shoppe. Hybrid scrapbooking and crafting is something I have been wanting to do more of, especially now that I have a professional inkjet  printer (Canon Pixma Pro 9000) which has been calling my name to put it to good use, which I have, but only a few times for small projects here and there. Let me just say, you'll be seeing more of that coming from me in the near future.:)

So, here are some tidbits of Hybrid (DIY Crafts) from the Inspiration Gallery @ LDD. And if you go through this post, all the way to the end, you'll f ind a recent project that I've just finished and will be printing out. :)

Holiday Gift Card Wallet

by gingersnaps

+ click here for credits +

2010 Hybrid Calendar

by soaring2him

+ Click here for credits +

Winter Wishes Hybrid Card

 

by supertwinkle

+ Click here for credits +

Christmas Tags

 

by PatriciaSartini

+ Click here for credits +

Muffin Treats

 

by lteather

+ Click here for credits +

Hybrid Gift Jar

 

by soaring2him

+ Click here for credits +

Christmas Countdown

 

by RuthsKris

+ Click here for credits +

And now for a peek at one of my first hybrid projects that has not yet been printed, but will be sometime tomorrow (photos coming soon). It's really nothing more than a typical layout, but because I need to print it and have it hung on my wall or fridge, then it becomes a hybrid project! :) Also, I need to give some copies of them to my sister who I hope will love them as much as I do...

 

 

 

 + Click here to go to my gallery  +

These cuties are custom WISH LISTS for each of my boys and three of my adorable nieces, personalized with their individual head shots! HAHA! Aren't they super cute? :) I used Michelle Coleman's yummy HOLIDAY JINGLE MEGA KIT and CD Muckosky's  JELLYBEAN TOES ALPHABET STAMPS, all available @ Little Dreamer Designs.

Thanks for letting me share and hope you enjoyed some of these fabulous projects that will maybe get you thinking about making them for yourself or for someone special.

Stay tuned for actual photos of my printed WISH LISTS. :)

C2 | Jib Jab E-Cards

Oh boy... it's late night and I am just now posting a late Wednesday CREATIVE CONNECTION feature... But, no worries... I have something that I think is super funny, cute, creative, and inexpensive if you are someone who is into saving the planet and making more effort in being a Green advocate... OR if you simply love a little laugh and want to share that with others, then keep reading. :)

Some of us like browsing greeting card aisles for the perfect card to give to a special someone. I know I'm one of them and not only do I like the card aisle simply because I'm looking for a specific card, but because I love to get inspired by the designs and pieces of art, let alone the inspirational or humorous messages, that they often bring. Yes, I do get sentimental or maybe even teary, over the corny inscriptions. LOL! Or you can be the crafty type who doesn't think it makes sense to spend a few bucks on a card when you have all the supplies you need to create one handmade. After all, handmade cards is a sure way to show someone that you really do care by putting your thought, time, and effort to create something unique and straight from the heart, something I personally love to do, but more on that another day...

Anyways, today's CREATIVE CONNECTION is about an online e-card site known as JIB JAB. 

I discovered them a year ago through a promotional ad by Office Max around this same time. It was an interactive video that allowed you to upload your own personal photos to plug into individual characters that were part of the video cast. In this case, it was a holiday video of little elves that danced to music. I found myself so amused and at times laughing hysterically as I took a peek at some of the other e-card videos on their site. Here's a sample of one that I created today that I just have to share, check it out:

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

What I found very interesting and quite fun for those of us who like E-Cards or that sort of thing, is that you can personalize the e-cards and videos with your own photos. And if you want to go further, you can make some really neat gifts as well. It's a really cool way of sending someone a greeting for those special occasions in an instant and be able to save a little considering how much we spend on purchasing cards for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's, Christmas and so on a year...well, you know what I mean.

JIB JAB is definitely something to consider for a quick and easy card giving tool, especially when we're pressed for time in such a busy world. ( Don't worry I still love making handmade cards..hehe ) And if you're seriously interested, now is a great time to take advantage of their limited time offer of ONE YEAR UNLIMITED ACCESS MEMBERSHIP of $9.99.

Of course, it may not be for everyone, but there may be some out there who are looking for something out of the ordinary that will not only bring out a smile, but some laughter out of that special someone. Laughter is good. Good medicine for the soul... If you're not too excited about joining, there's also some free selections to enjoy just like the video I created above. So check it out!

Before I go, here's another one I couldn't help making, especially because my boys and I could not stop giggling :)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

C2 UPDATE

Oh my... did I forget to post yesterday's CREATIVE CONNECTION? By the way, I decided to abbreviate Creative Connection to C2, just because it's short and easy to remember.:)

Yesterday was definitely one of those days where time slipped right by me and realized later that I forgot to post it the moment I laid my head down on my pillow. Happens to us sometimes, right?

Well, I do know that I need to make up for it and I will definitely get to work on it today, but I also want to remind you that tomorrow is FREEBIE FRIDAY and I will need to expire my previous freebie today, so grab that while you can. :) I'm currently working on some holiday products for the store, hopefully to get it done by this weekend!

By the way, did you check out today's Holiday Preview post on the LDD blog featuring some of the new holiday kits that are in the shop and some holiday layouts created by our CT? It's never too late! Also, if you read on, you'll find that their giving away $10 Gift Card to the shop and all you have to do is post a comment with your favorite holiday recipe! Can't wait to check those recipes out!

Okay, see ya back here soon!



~DAHLIA