LIVE.LAUGH.CRAFT

Art Journal, a novice approach

2011-03-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

So, I have taken an attempt at ART JOURNALing. Love the freedom, love the uniqueness of it all, and mostly I love that there are NO rules! I have mostly just been playing around, trying to figure out what mediums cause what effects.

2011-01-15T04:44:00.000-08:00

My staple beverage these days as I have seemed to have caught whatever has been floating around. Thank God, it's not too bad, just a runny nose and sinus pressure.

And this boy is crazy artistic. This is his current obsession - rectangles and square. He also can write the numbers 1, 2, 7, and 0. It is amazing to see (wow, and he just successfully wrote a 3 as I type) !

Some of the things that make me smile, even on Mondays

2011-01-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

10. Pitter patter of little feet

9. Praise and Worship

8. chocolate cake

7. not having anything to do

6. sushi at Kampai

5. preparing brunch

4. A play date that makes mama spend time with one of her best long time friends

3. one happy baby so excited about learning

2. A night OUT of the house

1. sharing dessert with my husband on date night

Create in a crunch

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

The first scrapbook page since my last post. I must have been REALLY wanting to scrap, because this baby practically made itself.

estimated time to complete = the time it took hubby to give Seth a bath!

I love the sound of crafting in my house. Silent scraping of paint on paper, or tiny fingers. Creativity resounding throughout inspiring hearts to recreate on paper feelings, images, and moments we just don't want to ever leave us.

Now, it's time for me to reconnect with the inner creative child within me. She is just dying to come out and play. So, I present two projects I will attempt to tackle in the next months.

ALTERED PROJECT #1: Recipe Roladex

ALTERED PROJECT #2: Monthly scripture focus board

two layouts of my favorite little men

2010-06-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

10 things THURSDAY

2010-06-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

1. What I like to do...

2. What I should remember...

3. What inspired me today...

4. What I'm thinking....

5. What I love hearing...

6. What my son is doing...

7. What a happy meal looks like...

8. What made me smile today...

9. What made me do a double take...

10. What makes everything better...

50 years

2010-06-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

This is just so true.

And in reading some of the comments that followed, I was appalled to see some of the following, "It's about time teachers were accountable" and "Time to get rid of these teachers that are in it for the easy money" Wow.

Easy, are not the kids that come from one-or-none family homes. Those who have a heap load of problems even before my 8:15am shift begins. Teaching them consists of daily deodorant routines and counseling sessions prior to the pledge. Easy does not describe the dealings of parents who refuse to sign off on weekly progress reports of their child's needs of improvement. Or their neglect to meet me for conferences about their child's academic success. Perhaps easy is the feeling I get when they at least agree to have me 'babysit' their kid for an hour and half after school while I push and prod to get in all the skills not attained that school day. Hey, at least I know they will have their homework done, even if it isn't done at home.

Easy can not begin to describe the volcanic mounds of paperwork that needs to be completed every four weeks which involves data charts, graphs, tables, and diagnostics. Easy can't be the districts tightly locked handcuffs directing me with pacing guides, implementation rubics, and focus calendars. The scheduling nightmare continues to twist and turn me in all directions forcing me to be in four places at once. A rollercoaster of objectives that bring the students though loops of multiplication and division before they have mastered simple number sense. Ghosts and goblins reveal themselves through former teachers with scary stories of students they have had and now, "Oh, you have him" The fun house continues with ogre-sized third graders held back to many times to believe. Thanks to No Child Left Behind. Reality is distorted when they've transformed me into the leader of a three ring circus of centers, interventions groups, and mandated software that must be utilized daily by every single child.

With ten years under my belt, I can definitely say there is nothing easy about teaching, that is, of course if you only count the summers. In which, you finally have the chance to break away from the day to day rigor of pushing a cheat-code generation of children to care about... anything.

Sweet Summer, I'm a Comin'

2010-06-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

It's been so long. And I have been busy and exhausted, frustrated and anxious, spent and worn out. With so few hours of ME time, I have chosen to neglect my blog. With school out for summer, I think I can def find some time to jot down some memories, create and post, reflect and relax. We will see, because it all depends on this little guy.

hey there, stranger

2009-11-22T04:39:00.000-08:00

This poor guy (blog) has been neglected for quite some time. Truth is, to whom ever even still reads this, I have been in a 'funk' lately. Things have been quite stressful around here and working on creative projects has taken back seat. And, that seat is wayyy in the back. I have to thank the Lord everyday for the patience and grace that gets me through the weeks. All of this stress has effected me physically as well. I had to take some time off Friday to get some lab work done. Nothing serious. (Mom, if you are reading this, it's nothing you don't already know about) To sit and create takes a bit of peace. I need my time, my space, my music, and a clear head. With all of these absent results in a neglected blog. I was in fact more than happy to whip up these with Leah's beautiful November kit. All things considered it was SO easy to finish these. I did all of these in ONE night. She always chooses just the perfect pieces. Thanks for looking.

perfectly prima!

2009-10-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

The Paper Niche, the most adorable, scrap-trendy, crafty cove of a store has this awesome kit for sale! Just lovely. I whipped up these babies is just hours.

so sad

2009-10-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

... no time to create

... no time for scrapping

... no time for manis or peds

... no time for trying on many shoes

... no more sleeping in

... no more clutter-free living room

... no more me-time

... no more blogging

... no more hours on the computer

But I LOVE the reason why....

September Kit

2009-09-19T05:39:00.000-07:00

Pick up yours today at the Paper Niche,
along with so many goodies, I can't even explain! This adorable everything paper store is jam packed with loads of delicious embellies and gorgeous papers!

Pick up some inspiration here and here and here.
As always, my sister, Carola has beautiful photographs and scrapbook pages to oh and ahh over.

Here's my take on the Sept. Kit. I was SOOOO easy to work with and SOOOO fun!
I added some masking tape for my matting and some hints of white paint using the top of the glue stick as a stamp.

I used the left over piece of the bar code strip to add a small piece of text.

Here's the final piece! I love the two opposites here - hard and soft baby. And it was only a matter of minutes between the photos. He is TOO much!... to love!

Quite simply sprayed one house with glimmer mist to accent it among the others.

For the flowers, I took the white cray paper and bunched them up and sprayed them with the glimmer mist. Then, I molded them into the flowers and set to dry. Meanwhile I sprayed another color of glimmer mist and moved the page around to create the bleeding effect. Journaling reads: Home is never too far...

I went crazy with the distressing on this one. A tip for my sister, use baby wipes along the edges, then distress. Awesome!

There she is with my sweetheart of a nephew.

Thanks for looking and I appreciate all your lovely comments!

New Addition

2009-09-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Neil and Jen - new mommy and daddy!

Baby Aiden Lee

September 16, 2009 8lbs. 12oz.

So busy...

2009-08-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

Gone are the lazy days of summer!

It's back to school!

I have been SO busy getting ready for school.

FAB August Kit

2009-08-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Please excuse my terrible layout photos! BUT... the kit is awesome!

some layouts and a great weekend

2009-08-16T05:28:00.001-07:00

What a blessing it has been to spend so much time with family this summer. Friday the whole family packed up for a day at Hollywood beach. Seth was the perfect little water baby, although the salty waves weren't exactly his favorite part. Here is a photo of him months ago at the Loew's.
Some layouts from Paper Niche and you can get this adorable stuff here....awesome line from My Little Yellow Bicycle.

Forgive the terrible photos, I left my camera at my sis's house and didn't leave until 11:30! So tired, could think about anything but getting under covers and forgetting about this movie I watched at their house. I had my hand over my eyes for the whole last hour.

Inspired (finally)

2009-08-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hubby, my lovely hubby cleaned up the crib! Floors swept, bathroom clean, and clothes folded! This left me with only one thing to do - CRAFT my heart out. Only one problem - scrapper's block! There I sat, baby sleeping, house perfect, peace and quiet and I could not get inspired by anything! I had all that I needed including an awesome kit, and a good two hours. I spread out the papers, I admired the embellishments, and I just sat there. Suddenly, it occured to me that I have not scrapbooked with my favorite background music in a LOOONG time. I geared up the Music Player and doubled clicked - Barbra Streisand. My favorite song began, "What are you doing the rest of your life". As her marvelous voice penetrated my ears, I started pulling papers, tearing, cutting, pasting, inking, and distressing away. Before long, I had finished five layouts! Yes, FIVE! During my son's afternoon nap I completed an altered item and card. I think I could have finished the kit to the very last strip of paper - but decided to quit while I was ahead. Take a peek!

What's (Cherry) Poppin'

2009-07-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

This kit was just adorable. There were so many wonderful double-sided papers, I didn't know which to choose. The Cosmo Cricut stickers were just so charming and the ribbons so fun! My layouts do not include the add-on kit, but hers does and so does hers. Their creations are just awesome!

My morning workout

2009-07-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

should have been this....

instead, it was this...

Full layout photos coming soon!!!

2009-07-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

It's been absolutely wonderful spending the summer with my baby boy. He is just pure joy! I can't get enough. It is truly a blessing. I have also been able to spend a lot of time with my parents, too. Yes, another blessing. Additionally, I have signed on for another season designing for the Paper Niche. Here's some goodies I have been working on. The first layout was just for fun. The following are sneaks for the new JULY kit. So fun!

Roller Babies

2009-07-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Little Man

2009-07-03T04:18:00.001-07:00

9 months milestones checklist:

* = demonstrated

- = not yet reached

* Creep, crawl and otherwise get around the room

* Pull up in the bed or on furniture and begin "cruising" around the room (sooo doing this!)

* Responds to his or her own name (seth, seth gabriel, papo)

* Understands a few words such as "no-no" and "bye-bye." (not so much the bye bye)

* Begins developing certain concepts - for example, your child will retrieve a toy after he or she watched you put it under a blanket. (throwing such toys all around the room)

* May say "dada" or "mama" but not specifically. (the best!)

* Sits well independently. (at 7 months)

* Bangs two toys together. (throwing such toys around the room)

* the use of fingers and thumb to poke, pry, probe and pick up smaller and smaller objects (poke at the hole he has made in the play pen, pry open everything, picking up small objects at 7 mo)

* Sleeps through the night except for an occasional night wakening

- The 9-month-old has now learned to be "cool" or even a little afraid of certain strangers - even family members he or she does not see very often. (more like, don't bother me and pull at my hands or touch my face)

* The baby of this age also begins to take a dim view of being examined by their doctor. (as soon as the stethoscope appears, the tears stream)

* Often has one or both bottom front teeth. (sporting 5 teeth! three on the bottom, two on top and a one more on the way!)

Amazed

2009-06-29T19:24:00.003-07:00

Just when I think I've been blown away by someone's awesome talent, there springs up stuff like this!

Alex MCleod

This is completely digital!

Friday finds...

2009-06-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Love the feeling behind these.

I'm going to translate these into a scrapbook layout. Let's see what will be the result.

Shocking news

2009-06-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

"A Lot Of People Misunderstand Me

That's Because They Don'tKnow Me At All"

I just can't stop loving you, Michael Jackson

Stuff for Sunday

2009-06-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

The calm before the storm.

Seth, my catch-me-if-you-can, son

one more layout from the KIT

Happy mail from the very talented CAMILLE
And here's what I did with it! A wedding card for Mr. and Mrs. Gomez

Father's Day Friday

2009-06-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Working on Father's Day things for my hubby, here's one!

Wee Wednesday

2009-06-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

Seth at 1 month

kit cuteness!

2009-06-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

The PAPER NICHE has this kit on sale NOW! Seriously, awesome kit!

Journaling: Beauty that made this heart adore You

Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to WORSHIP

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that

You're my God

Journaling: The number of years I had to wait to meet you.

TBS: To be scrapped

2009-06-15T04:23:00.000-07:00

photo credit here

photo editor here

June Kit sneek peek

2009-06-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

Seriously, best kit... coming up on June 15th.
Paper Niche.

first time in the sand

2009-05-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

scrap happy

2009-05-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my wonderful hubby for watching the babe, I was able to scrap some. fun.

1st mother's day

2009-05-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest, don't know if it's the greatest. I recieved my new DT kit. I can NOT wait to use it. It is fabulous.

31st

2009-05-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

Scraptacular!

2009-04-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

I got some spiration last night. I was awesome night at The Paper Niche. I met some wonderful women and walked out with some layouts that I can actually be proud of. I haven't loved my work lately and have been so out of the loop! It really is hard to get into my scrapgroove with baby Seth around. So, here they are... in order of completion. There is one missing. It is for my sister-in-law and it will post as soon as I give it to her. But, Carola, I will give you sneek peek!

believe in spring

2009-04-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

blessing

2009-04-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

first step in chlorine

2009-04-14T03:47:00.001-07:00

photo credit: Rebecca Oliva

Sneek Peeks for May

2009-04-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Leah and her awesome ability to put together the most delicious kits. This one is perfection for any mother's day project. I'm working on an altered book using this kit. More photos to come!

Feb Kit-spiration!

2009-02-21T19:05:00.000-08:00

Here are my layouts using The Paper Niche's February. Kit.

my favorite

A whopping 4 months!

2009-02-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

happiness
and wonder

.... ahhh... seeing the world through the eyes of a baby!

sneaky peeky

2009-02-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

Okay! I finally got to play with the adorable February kit Leah put together. It's nothing you'd imagine, but a bit of everything you'd love.

Thickers: check!

Bling: check!

Vintage: check!

Fun ribbons, fabric and fringe: check!

Great papers for February: check!

Rub-ons: check!

Jenni Bowlin Bingo cards: check!

Inspiration: check it out!

For more fun looks with this kit, click on over to this blog. Maryangella is super creative and can really put together some great layouts. Some have asked me, how do I find the time. Between my full time job, my 4 month old, my 15 year old, my dear husband, and the house cleaning... I don't know how to split my self up. Well, here's one way to grab some scrap time......

If only you can buy more time

2009-01-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

So, finally I was able to complete something. Between work and the baby, scrapping has been a luxury I can't afford.

comfy cozy

2009-01-21T19:07:00.001-08:00

Altered

2009-01-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

A few more pages from my little LOVE Altered Book. Just a little two part class at The Paper Niche this month. The pages are still a little empty... more layers to come !

Cousins

2009-01-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

new AB

2008-12-26T04:38:00.000-08:00

I have been working on a new altered book...

Happy Baby

2008-12-10T17:25:00.000-08:00

The video is pretty dark, but he was so adorable and wasn't distracted by the camara (as he usually is) -- so I had to post this little conversation we had last night.

2 years ago...

2008-12-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

a dream came true. Truly...

still in awe

2008-12-03T05:05:00.000-08:00

He is.
lovely
soft and cuddly
a beautiful baby boy
what will he become?

my gratitude

2008-12-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING

for:

the living word

my healthy baby boy loving and supportive husband

shiny happy daughter

wonderful family and friends

attempting

2008-11-24T17:57:00.000-08:00

I decided to participate in the latest scrapjack.

Hers.

Mine.

Hubby took care of baby while I scrapped this tonight. He really did a great job and Seth was cooing like crazy.

I can't believe this layout made the CATWALK! First for me!

Just thrown together

2008-11-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Been working on my little mini album for Love, Elsie. I have been enjoying it - mostly because I am finishing the little pages quickly and I am, for once, not obsessing about making it look oh-so-trendy or perfect. Just putting together scraps here and there and perhaps trying out some little tricks. No big thing.

Some Saturday!

2008-11-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

We were able to have a wonderfully relaxing Saturday. The three of us spent the morning at Barnes and Noble.

Then, it was on to Fridays. I tried their Tuna Sliders with Sweet Potatoe Fries. YUM!

We had such a lovely time together. Enjoying the weather and our beautiful baby boy.

He is really getting so big. Yes, those cheeks are constantly getting squeezed!

The Haute Spot

2008-11-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

A new place for challenges, if you need a jump start on a layout go here.

*** OLW: Listen

2008-11-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

Inspiration and a new class

2008-11-11T15:17:00.000-08:00

Just some images of inspiration for today. Still, looking for my next fix.

This is a new class I was going to take. It seems to not be what I thought it would be. It was more of a creative writing class. I love how the cover came out, though. It's pretty simple, but sometimes that's just the right fit.

First Word?

2008-11-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

I know that he is not talking yet... but I just can't help but think that he was trying to say something at the end of this video.

Looking for my next project....

2008-11-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

So, out of the loop. Well, it's on to the next project. In the meantime, enjoying one beautifully crafted little creature at home.

SAHM

2008-11-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

No matter how many times he wakes me up at night or how many onesies he goes through in one day or how much he fusses or how many diapers he loads up -- he is my little boy.

perfect.
precious. pure.

Work in Progress.

2008-10-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Finally, got back to sbing. I started to miss finding little scraps stuck to my sock or eyelets on the bottoms of my sandals. Take a looksie at the latest. Remember... still not finished.

Also, went on a DATE last night! Hubster and I were able to leave the baby with Nana and Grandpa while we went to the movies. I also was able to convince him to see Nights in Rodanthe. There wasn't a dry eye in the house!

Enjoying the Giraffes

2008-10-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

New Arrival

2008-10-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

Seth Gabriel Oliva

7 lbs. 4 oz.

Tuesday, September 23rd

5:30pm - felt some cramping Are these pre-labor contractions?

6:00pm - started to time the "contractions" This is definitely the real thing

7:00pm - steady flow of contractions every 5 min. One right after another!

8:00pm - wondering when to call doctor, some bleeding Have I dialated?

9:00pm - contractions remain 5 min. apart, intensifying Ouch!

10:00pm - begin to prepare to drive to hospital Load up the car!

11:00pm - arrive at hospital What do you mean I didn't pre-register?

Wednesday, September 24th

12:00am - not dialated, no admittance I am not opening at all?

1:00am - back home, hard contractions every 5 min. Double ouch!

2:00am - strong pains, pacing the house How do I get through this?

3:00am - strong pains, bounce on excercise ball Remember this is just the beginning!

4:00am - strong pains, more bleeding I guess I won't rest at all tonight...

5:00am - strong pains, practice relaxation methods with husband Breathe in.... breathe out....

6:00am - leave for hospital "Honey, I'm taking you NOW!"

7:00am - 2 - 3 cm. dialated, admittace finally, some progress

8:00am - asked about epidural Is this really happening?

9:00am - set up in delivery room Call mom and dad

10:00am - parents and brother arrive Still trying to get through those pains

10:30am - epidural ((ahhhh.......))

11:00am - shivers from epidural, ((still ahhh.....))

12:00pm - aunt arrives, take a nap actually got some shut eye

1:00pm - 6 cm. dialated "And you are doing this all on your own..."

2:00pm - doctor comes by "You are doing great!"

3:00pm - 9 cm. dialated Wow, he's almost here

4:00pm - will deliver within the hour Really?

5:00pm - epidural runs dry What do you mean it's too late for more?!

5:30pm - baby delivered naturally Now I know the true meaning of labor!

surprise

2008-08-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

What remarkable people the Lord has placed in my life! Last night, we had Taco Night at the Paper Niche. It was delicious!!! Tammy cooked... yum! I was working on some pages for a Baby Book for Seth when I was suddenly presented with a card from all the lovely ladies at the Niche. Krista and Leah even had some pages ready made for my Baby Seth Scrapbook! (photos to come!) Such a blessing! I cried and prayed and thanked the Lord on the way home.

Please excuse the fuzzy photo... this cts is driving me crazy!

My mom is throwing me a very small shower this Sunday, just family and a few friends. Here's a lookie at the favors.

Take out animal print boxes were purchased from Oriental Trading Company.

Book for Shenilla

2008-07-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed making this book. I can't wait to see what Marcia fills it up with -- I'm sure it will be oozing with love.

Create a Free Slideshow

3 Peek-a-book albums from Tinkering Ink

Truly Amazing

2008-07-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

Altered Book

2008-07-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Some wonderful compliments I received today on my Altered Books and work in general. It is so strange to receive such accolades. I added a slide of some of the AB pages for those who asked. If you have any technique questions, feel free to ask! mrsmoliva@yahoo.com

Psalm 9

I approve!

2008-07-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

I finished one of my clasess for August. It's a USA layout for all of those photos of bbqs, picnics, parades, and such. As my title says, I approve of this one. I usually am very hard on myself and don't feel my work is any good. This time, I am very happy. Here's a sneaky peek.

Fourth of July washout

2008-07-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

We had such high hopes for Friday -- the anniversary of a wonderful momentous time in our country's history. Amazing that just a day before July 4, 1776 John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

It began at 8:30am. My husband and I woke up with the same thing on our minds: Einsteins!! We headed out with thoughts of America on our minds. How our country has changed! Some changes of course have been necessary and some just sad. We marveled at how great it must have felt for our founding fathers to embark on such a journey and to be a part of something that was going to change things forever.

Breakfast:

Her -Lox & wheat bagel (no onions) + Hot Chai Tea

Him -Pizza Bagel + OJ

Once we were nice and full when headed back to the house and came to find someone had been sleeping in our bed. Hummm... I wonder who it was???

The evidence makes it all too clear. A chew toy, my husband's tee shirt and a wrinkled bed.

MIMI!!!

All is forgiven... who could resist that face!

On with the day we decide to head down to the pool - catch some rays and relax pool side.

Uhh OH - Preggers in a bikini!Before leaving for Pine Island Park in Davie, we stopped quickly at Taco Bell. And I realized I am DONE with my short love affair with TB. It was those Nacho Supremes I craved for months and now it's all over. The only thing that made that HORRIBLE lunch any better was the Mango Strawberry Frustista. Can you tell I was happy with my drinky drink?

While we were so happy to have found the most perfect spot to settle for the evening... we quickly learned the rain was not going to stop just because it was the fourth of July. We had to pack up by 6:45 pm. And by 8 pm it was storming and we were all cozy on the couch watching Adventures in Babysitting (yes, I know, not the most holiday appropriate film. Still, we were with 3 teens who needed a laugh after their fireworks were a washout)

Movin' and Shakin'

2008-06-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

Seth's first starring role in a home video! He's been practicing his Tae kwon do moves in my belly! Pay close attention to the upper left of my belly. Miza just kept saying, "wow"...

The belly update

2008-06-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

My Nephew JJ

2008-06-19T03:33:00.000-07:00

So long...

2008-06-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I've updated. Between nacho supreme cravings and closing of schools, it's been a busy-big-bellied month. Did you know tomatoes have been taken off the menu? Well, the new crave is Turkey Hot Dogs -- with lots of mustard! This summer have been a great time for me to relax. I've been home with Mimi putting up my feet and playing Sims2. Coming into my second week home it seems to be coming to life, the CREATIVITY! This spurt is thanks to the following artists who have inspired me with their NEW albums! Music is just such a great way to get those juices to flow!

I'm working on a new type of altered book. Instead of pages, I cut out a niche and did some layering as well as had some awesome fun with paints and rub-ons. Sneaky Peeky to follow.

Big News!

2008-05-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Today we got the news.

Yes, it's a boy! How wonderful. Seth Gabriel Oliva will be arriving September 21st!!! Time to shop...

One big FAT post!

2008-04-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

There has been so much going on as of late. And no posts from me. As Ricky says, "You've got some splaining to do." I'll try and fit it all in one post, if you can hang in there long enough.

1. First of all, recently it seems as though I've become a complete scatter brain. This baby has got to come out with some smarts, because he/she seems to be sucking the brain right from out of me. Thus, I go to my trusty planning book where I try to keep all my inspiration (if and when it comes).

2. Next, I'll provide the latest baby update. According to recent fetal measuring, it seems as though my little bun will be arriving a little earlier than we orginally thought (Oct. 4th). The blessing may be happening as early as Sept. 21st. Wow. I'm up to 17 weeks now and still haven't felt movement. I am hoping to feel that soon, looking so forward to that.

3. Exciting news is only six days. Sex scanning appointment scheduled for this Saturday! At the beginning, I thought about how wonderful it would be to welcome a gorgeous little boy into the world, but now thinking more and more, a girl would be so sweet. And perousing those adorable baby girl dresses makes me go GAGA!

4. A craft update leads me to talk about the lastest and greatest Paper Niche April Premier. It was a great turn out and the room looked so packed with great ideas, so difficult to take it all in. Also, couldn't stay far away from the food YUM YUM! I also treated myself to a glass of sangria TRIPLE YUM. Photos: Tables -1 Yours Truly 2 Leah's 3 Krista's 4 Krista and Cary (doesn't that look like THE place to be!)

5. Yesterday, I spent a few hours playing around with the Cricket machine getting ready for a class on Tuesday. What a nifty machine! Here's a few pics of the class details and layout.

6. When I got home, I was all ready to finally play with May's kit (my own creation). I think I will call this Paper Lantern Love.

7. Now, did you catch that I said, I WAS ready to start? Well, I never did get around to that because the rest of my Saturday night (5:30pm - 9:30pm) was spent with Linear Equations, graphing them, Solving by substitution, and working with Linear combinations. That's right, I got drunk this Saturday night. My little 15 year and I did about 40 shots of Algebra! Poor eraser, he never had a chance!

8. I did get to spend some time with my hubby. Even the smallest adventure requires the XM hook-up. And can you tell I woke him up earlier than he wanted?

9. I woke him up early for a delicious breakfast at Paradise Cafe. He didn't complain.

10. And here I am, weekend's done and at 12:44am, I can't sleep. Could it be the Chocolate Mocha I treated myself to?

14 weeks under my belt

2008-04-08T03:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a great pregnancy so far. Only can count on one hand the days I've felt incredibly icky. Tomorrow is my next obgyn appointment and I can't wait to see my little spud moving and shakin around my belly.

I've been working on the next kit from Paper Niche. Awesome papers and super cute embellies. Thanks Leah!

Fabulous Scrap Walk (last Thursday)

2008-04-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

my table : )

just a few layouts : ) (Paper Niche Kit #2)

I know I haven't posted in awhile and I've got so much more to share. Hopefully, I can get to it soon!!!

The Kit Project

2008-03-15T14:15:00.001-07:00

Well, I recieved a yummy package of goodies about a week and a half ago. The Paper Niche is doing KITS!!! Hooray! Fun! I'll be designing one soon, too. This one was put together by the sweet and beautiful, Bonita. As we were trying to come up with some snazzy names, we talked about it looking very 'Gypsy' and 'Morracian' and like 'the beach at sunset' -- needless to say, the name of the kit is still in the works. However, I still worked feverishly on it. And mostly today because of the fatigue I feel during the week. I still can't believe how much stuff I was able to make with everything. Here's what I did. Enjoy! And as always, comments = LOVE. Thanks!

(6) 12 x 12 layouts

(3) Cards(1) Mini
There you have it, folks! 10 projects!!!! The Paper Niche rocks.

buca yum yum

2008-03-09T16:30:00.001-07:00

We went to celebrate my brother turning 24 @ Buca De Beppo. Yum, lemon chicken and lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread with mozarella and best of all family. He's growing up fast and every year seems to show more and more qualities that one can only find in my brother. He's artistic, soooo artistic. And he's got his art teachers encouraging him all the way! I can't wait to see what this year will bring for him. He's so talented. The way he picks up that guitar and rocks out! I love that. Mostly, he is the sweetest! Anything, you need. He's there.

In other news, experienced great morning sickness today. I mean, WOW, was I hurling!!! Before church, on the way to church, just outside church, during praise and worship, and right after, on the way home. I don't know if it was something that was inevitability coming to me, or due to my MASSIVE headache. Still, here I am at 7:45p and I've been sober from hunching over for a good 4 hours. Munching on some crackers and slurping up some soup while watching old epis of Sliders. Interesting. I've really got to get some scrapping done for the Paper Niche... meeting Tuesday. And Wednesday is my next appointment for a baby check up! Yay - so excited!

crushing (Teen class this Saturday)

2008-03-06T15:36:00.000-08:00

I've been crushing Frank Sinatra since high school and decided I'd plaster him in my 'teen book'. With a cool fold, quick brush techniques, and some cirlce punches this layout just fell right into place.

My 1st BABY layout

2008-02-27T15:44:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't resist scrapping my baby's first picture. When my doctor told me that the blinking light was the baby's little heart beating, I laughed and the image disappeared. I calmed my belly and right before the click, I heard Doc, "Say Cheeeeese!" Oh, how wonderful!

It hit me!

2008-02-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

I felt it's tingle on Thursday and I put up a fight on Friday. Saturday, I really pulled through... but, today, today... it hit me.

I'M SICK!!!

Uploaded on January 18, 2008by daily pleasure

TAGGED!

2008-02-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

The Rules:You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name. After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers. At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name.

Well, I was named with NO middle name and my madien name is PAEZ. So, here it goes!

PLEASING: I always try to make everyone happy and consider everyone when making decisions. I won't even have road rage because I think about what the person infront of me might be going through.

ATTENTIVE: Eventhrough the most boring of staff meetings, my concentration and attention is fixed on the speaker. Also, my husband calls me Detective because of my incredible attention to detail. A quality he doesn't always love. HA!

EAGER: Always want to try new things, especially foods.

ZANY: I definitely have my moments!

The following ladies:

TAG YOUR IT!

It's happened!

2008-02-19T02:51:00.000-08:00

Ultrasound @ 7wks

Saturday TEEN Altered Book Class

2008-02-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

LO #1

Create a layout about yourself, who you are and what you are about.

LO#2

Design a layout about your dreams (ones that have come to pass or ones you will hope to see come true). The backs of the little tags will hold what you hold in your heart.

As you can see we will be doing alot of stamping, chalking, and painting.

Girls, bring pictures of yourself, things you dream of/about, or just clippings from the mags. I'd like to see all of you finish both of these layouts tomorrow!!!!

&&& the product of tonight!

2008-01-31T19:42:00.000-08:00

This was the Basic Grey challenge over @ tlss

Happiness has Arrived!

2008-01-31T19:29:00.000-08:00

The wonderfully talented Celine Navarro has finally sent her kit!!! I am so excited!

And then, you know what she did??? She signed it for me with a little love note!! awww!

I'm Famous!

2008-01-31T09:05:00.001-08:00

(well, not really)

I've got an article featured in today's blog over at the little scrap shop! While you are over there, take a look around. They have AWESOME challenges and great give aways. Their forum is chuck full of a variety of helpful, useful, and hilarious topics. They are planning a cyber crop at the end of the month (February). I've never participated in one of these before. Sounds fun, though. Let me know what you think. Also, sign up in the gallery to upload as many photos of your creations as you want. We are always into admiration and inspiration!

frustrated!

2008-01-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

I just hate it when I am working on a layout and it just stinks and no matter how hard I try to salvage it. It just doesn't work. Here's my disaster!

Maybe this is a result of my exhaustion. I worked yesterday at The Paper Niche from 9am to 5pm. And I forgot to pack a lunch! I taught two classes back to back and of course standing the whole time did a number on my feet! The night before I had to prepare all the books for the teen altered book class....

Of course, all Mimi wanted to do was play ...

UGHHH! I just can't stand that 12x6 I did!

2008-01-24T18:51:00.000-08:00

((((shocking))))

2008-01-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said.

Heath Ledger was unresponsive when a housekeeper found him in a Manhattan apartment Tuesday.

Ledger was found naked and unresponsive, facedown on the floor at the foot of his bed by a housekeeper trying to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse, said police spokesman Paul Browne.

"Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," he told CNN.

"This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet."

Browne later told reporters some prescription medications were found in the room, including sleeping pills.

"I had such great hope for him," said Mel Gibson, who played Ledger's father in "The Patriot," in a statement.

"He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."

Actress Nicole Kidman, a fellow Australian and close friend of Ledger's, said in a statement, "What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family."

At the time of his death, Ledger had just finished playing the villain The Joker in "The Dark Knight," the latest installment in the Batman series. The film is to open in July.

Ledger was born in Perth, Australia, and named Heathcliff Andrew after the main characters of Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights." He began acting at a local theater as a child. Find out more about the actor »

Ledger's first American film was the teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" in 1999, and he immediately attracted attention from Hollywood. He passed up several scripts before taking a role in the Revolutionary War drama "The Patriot" in 2000 and "A Knight's Tale" in 2001. He also played a supporting role in "Monster's Ball," among other films. See a photo gallery of Ledger's life and career »

"In a way I was spoon-fed a career," he told the Glasgow Herald in 2005. "It was fully manufactured by a studio that believed it could put me on their posters and turn me into a product. ... I hadn't figured out properly how to act, and all of a sudden I was being thrown into these lead roles."

Controversial role

But Ledger was perhaps best known for his 2005 portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," about two cowboys who had a secret romantic relationship. The role earned him an Oscar nomination.

"I felt that choices were being made for me, so I feel this has been my time now to find the good stories and test myself," Ledger told the Glasgow Herald in the 2005 interview. "It has been an interesting year, where I finally have a sense of accomplishment."

Asked how he felt about filming love scenes with another man, Ledger said he and his co-star Jake Gyllenhaal simply focused on their roles.

"We can't say that we weren't nervous about it," Ledger told Oprah Winfrey in 2006. "But once the first take was over, it's like, 'OK. So what? It's kissing another human being. How are we going to finish this scene? Let's get on with it and let's get out of here.' "

Ledger has a daughter, Matilda Rose, born in 2005 to his then-girlfriend, Michelle Williams, who played his on-screen wife, Alma, in "Brokeback Mountain." The couple have since separated.

"He was just so respected in the industry," said Kim Serafin, senior editor of In Touch Weekly.

"It's just horribly tragic. He was just a fine actor and a good person, so this is horribly sad and very unexpected."

The Beginning of the END

2008-01-05T21:02:00.000-08:00

It is now the Beginning of the END of my vacation. I've had a whole 10 days off!!! AND now I just don't want to go back to work. Fortunately, I was able to spend a very good amount of time with my brother. He is such a super talented young man. I pray for his success. Of course, I was able to roam freely around town completing tiny little errands with any time constraits. I've also been putting a lot of time into scrapbooking. As a matter of fact, I recieved a long awaited email today. I am to start my challenges for the Design Team Call Round 2! There are a few girls that have ALREADY submitted entries. I can't believe it! I have been working hard all day just on ONE! I will post it when I finish. I'm actually pretty happy with what I have come up with. In the meanwhile, there is work (work, work) sitting in my bag that I brought home weeks ago. There are THANK YOU cards desperately waiting to be written. Here I am playing with paper!!! I admit it -- I'm an addict!

This is the [scrap]life!

2008-01-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

I've been scrapping now for hours, while listening to Project Runway epis. I am just so amazed by the talent I see. Youtube is just the best! Here is today's creation. I call it Your Kiss. I was going to write the song lyrics up on the top right hand corner of my hubby's photo. But idk. If anyone is reading, would you care to comment?

The Little Scrap Shop

2008-01-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

After recieveing this email...

Hi Melissa,
Thanks for uploading the additional layouts to the gallery. My girls are in love with your work, however we're concerned with the quality of the photos of the LOs that you placed in the gallery. They are pretty hard to see, crooked, and fairly low quality. One of the most important tasks as a design team member is to be able to clearly show completed projects as well as step-by-step projects in the gallery and on the blog. We want our readers to see us as professionals, and quality photos of our work are a big part of that.
I wrote an article on the blog not too long ago about placing layouts online, which included some tips about scanning and photographing your layouts.
If you can, please read the article and re-photograph or scan your layouts for submission and email them to me so I can share them with the other girls. If we can get good quality images of your layouts, you will be advancing to the next round!
Thanks,
Angel

I asked my husband to please buy me a camera.

AND HE DID!!!!

So, I took more pictures of my pages and reposted them. I figured it would be better to reload them on the DT Contest page. It would show my effort than just emailing them. And guess what? I was right. This is the email that followed.

They are perfect! Thank you for taking the time and effort to reload the images. I can let you know that thanks to your extra time, you'll definitely be going through to round two, so be prepared - we have some lovely challenges ready for you guys!! ;)
~A~

I am definitely happy about this.
I wonder what challenges lay before me.....

What about Project Scrapbook?

2007-12-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

I had to stay home from church this morning. I've been feeling quite sickly the past few days. Was it the Dutch Apple Pie? Nah. Couldn't be. I relaxed in bed, only a few feet from the bathroom watching Project Runway, Season One. I am so unbelieveably amazed with what those people can do with a needle and some fabric. It has captivated me. I believe I will find my way through youtube searching for a way to be impressed through all seasons I've missed. What time constraints they have! I read up on the winner, Jay McCarroll. Apparently, he did not accept the conditions of his winnings (100,000 dollars and a mentorship with Banana Republic) and declined the opportunity. But, why, Jay?

I also managed to scraplift this lovely page from Celine Navarro. She is awesome!

Here's mine.As you can see, it really isn't much different. Can you tell I love her stuff!!!!

This is...

2007-12-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

This is what an 8-hr scrapbook page looks like.

I just couldn't get the flow going. Finally I got myself some creativity jolts with the help of a Caramel Mocha Latte. Mmmmmm

The week of the 24th

2007-12-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

I spent all day yesterday going through countless embellishments. And, of course, finding those little hidden treasures that I didn't even know I had (yay!).

I also have to admit taking some scrap breaks to play my daughter's Guitar Hero III that she got for Christmas. Soooo addicting!
And poor Mimi wanted me to put down the guitar and play with her...

Randomness

2007-11-12T04:33:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling oh-so romantic lately and decided to scrap a mini about when my husband proposed. Here's what I've got going on so far.

Today's Blessing!

2007-10-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it! Tammy @ the paper niche actually asked me to be a part of their Design Team. Did you get that? "Design Team" My husband says, "I told you you were good, baby." So now I am off to create some super fab layouts!!! Here's some more stuff from Scrap Pink Weekend!