Summer Lovin'

Summer Lovin' includes: 6 worn and distressed papers, 4 buttons, 3 raffia bows, 3 raffia strips, 2 flowers, 2 tags, 2 rub ons, 1 frame, 1 wood scallop edge, 1 wave stitch, and 1 word art.



Well, the big news I am excited to share is that I am DST's featured designer for the month of June! So, just for DST I created an exclusive kit for their Gold/ Diamond Members. You can see the kit HERE too. (Leave me a note while you're there too, LOL!)



There is also a big chat scheduled for Thurs. June 21st, so mark your calenders! I am really hoping that when this kit gets passed out to the members, that it helps generate some new fans. This is such a great opportunity!



So... if you haven't joined DST yet, run over and do so! The price is well worth it, because you get a free kit every month for a year. And my kit is exclusive... come July 1st, you won't see it for a looong time!

Also~ BRAND NEW in TDC Boutique~

Bracket Explosion

This is an Explosion of Brackets! All sorts of large Brackets to choose from are included in this element pack! Brackets made from wood, metal, glass, cloth, and other natural materials!

Bracket Explosion includes 20 Brackets. Not all are shown in the preview.

Glitter Flower Explosion

This is an Explosion of Glittered Flowers! Eight different colors to choose from! Each buttoned with coordinating colored buttons!

Glitter Flower Explosion includes 8 flowers.

Glitter Star Explosion

This is an Explosion of Glittered Stars! Eight different colors to choose from! Each buttoned with coordinating colored buttons!

Glitter Star Explosion includes 8 stars.

All 3 Items are 20% OFF Today only!

Happy Thursday!

Ludy & Omar....

These are of my Tia and her boyfriend, taken on North Beach Miami! They were fun, just salsa dancing the whole time, LOL! She loved the ones I took of her daughter, my cousin Nataly, and wanted some for herself!

I love the "heart" their bodies make in the picture below!

TFL!

Our Anniversary....

I can hardly believe how fast 6 years have passed by! Then again, in another sense it has seemed like Nate and I have been together an eternity too, LOL!


We decided to take the boys to the Pittsburgh Zoo on Saturday so that we could visit the "aminals."


Yep, Seth wore his Monkey Harness. I know this is a hot topic over at DST. We don't use it often, but I knew the zoo would be very crowded on a Saturday. Seth wouldn't think anything of it to go wander off on his own. But I also use it sometimes because I am so afraid someone will snatch him up away from us.

Seth's face when Nate showed up with our lunch, LOL! I wish you could see this picture much closer... Seth's eyes are so pretty. They are a mix of brown and hazel, not quite one or the other.

And speaking of eyes... Lil' Lucas has some pretty ones too! They look like his daddy's! Aren't those cheeks so kissable?

OK, this next picture is of a Dragon Sea Horse.... holy, these were creepy! This thing is alive and just swimming around! How would you like one of these bumping into your legs at the beach?

Here's one of Sethro and I....

These next couple pictures are so much fun! They have this new Polar Bear exhibit, and this "tunnel" through their swimming pool. As we were walking through a bear was literally swimming right on top of us!

And just because he's cute!

But really, the day was about us....

We had a babysitter lined up so we could go to dinner by ourselves. Seriously, I think it was before Christmas the last time we had been alone together, LOL! We headed to Olive Garden and just ate like kings. We shared calamari, Nate had the Pork Filettino, I had the Stuffed Chicken Marsala (minus icky mushrooms) and we finished by sharing a Tiramisu.

As for Anniversary gifts, we didn't do anything big at all. Nate got his coveted chocolate Cayman Crocs, and he let me buy a new bathing suit last night. I was actually pleasantly surprised by this Target Suit~

Target Suit

It hid my post-baby flaws, and I love those mother of pearl buttons!

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. We head out to Nate's family's for a cook out. They always do it right, and we always have a great time. I'm taking my easy Snicker's Salad~

Snicker Salad

Chop up a few Granny Smith apples.

Chop up a couple Snickers candy bars.

Add some peanuts.

Cream together 1 brick of cream cheese and 1/2 c caramel. Stir everything together.

Have a great day!

6 Years & Counting...

Happy Anniversary to Nater and me!!

Nat & Derek....

Here are photos I took of my cousin and her boyfriend... they were such naturals! And willing to do whatever, LOL! I adore how these turned out! These were done on North Beach, Miami.

Miami, Part 2

So, not all of my Miami trip was sadness. There were some good times mixed in.

We stayed at my Tia's (aunt's) house, because her house has more room than my Abuela's (grandmother's). Everyday was so great because I got to eat foods I hadn't had in the longest time, awesome Cuban Cuisine. My Abuela can cook! And she doesn't have any of these recipe's written down, so I was watching and writing stuff down all week. I can not wait to make her Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice) very soon!

Wednesday we didn't do anything. We were all zonked from being up so late at the funeral home the night before, and of course we were still grieving. We did walk on down to the beach. Tia lives about a half mile from North Miami Beach, and because its a residential area, the beach is not crowded with tourists.

Thursday we went through my Abuelo's few belongings and split most of it between my father and my Tia. I've already mentioned what I was able to keep (shirt, bible, photos & letters). Thursday afternoon I went and did a bit of shopping with my cousin Nataly. There is a 9 year age difference between us. I've never felt so dumpy and dowdy in my life.... browsing in shops on South beach while these beautiful twiggy latina's and surgically enhanced blondes milled around me. It did make me more determined to lose this weight! That evening right after dinner, Nataly, her boyfriend Derek, and I ran to the beach for an impromptu photo shoot.

I am in love with these pictures! They came out so beautifully and natural looking! I'm still proofing, but you'll love them when you see them too!

Friday we spent the afternoon at Aventura Mall, where I found a dress at Gap. I had been eyeing this dress forever, and lo and behold, it was on sale for half price and in my size! (Ok~ a size smaller.... but my usual dress size, minus baby weight.) after the mall we went to the Ceviche House for dinner. Ceviche is a Peruvian dish of fish. The fish has not been cooked traditionally, it is mixed with onions, cilantro, and lots of lemon juice. The lemon juice "cooks" the fish in the fridge, and it is a cold dish. YUMM! I have my family's recipe if you are interested, just leave me a little post.

(sidenote.... I am Cuban, but I spent the first 5 yrs of my life in Peru, so we have some food dishes from there as well.)

After dinner my Tia, who loved Nataly's photos, wanted some pictures of her and her boyfriend, so off to the beach we went again! These also turned out beautifully!

Saturday morning we hit the beach again one last time. There really is no beach like Miami beach. Clear green water, and fairly shallow quite a ways out. After our lunch, I packed up and off to the airport to come home.

I was really lucky on all my flights. (I had 4, a layover each time.) I had registered Lucas as "Infant in Arms" because they are free that way up until 2 yrs. I only ended up holding him on the very first flight to Cinci. The other 3 flights had an open seat next to me and I was allowed to bring his carseat on the plane and set him up next to me. He was a champ and slept or cooed on all the flights.

The Elemental Collection

I am so excited to present to you, the Elemental Collection!

Air

Air is the first kit in the Elemental Collection. It features soft and airy colors, and dreamy butterflies. Air includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 3 brads, 3 flowers, 2 frames, 2 tags, 2 ribbons, a swirl, and word art.

Earth

Earth is the second kit in the Elemental Collection. It features the warm and earthy colors of the world we live in, and a couple bugs as well. Earth includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 3 bug bubbles, 2 folded flowers, 2 tags, 2 word art, a frame and photo corner made from dirt, a ric rac frame, ric rac photo edge, and a felt vine.

Fire

Fire is the third kit in the Elemental Collection. It features the swirls and passionate colors of light that fire gives us. Fire includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 3 gems, 2 flowers, 2 frames, 2 ribbons, 2 tags, 2 word art, and 1 glittered edge.

Lunar

Lunar is the fourth kit in the Elemental Collection. It features the dark and moody side of night, along with some celestial influence. Lunar includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 2 flowers, 2 frames, 2 ric racs, 2 tags, 1 bead trim, 1 gem, 1 knocker, 1 moon, and 1 star.

Solar

Solar is the fifth kit in the Elemental Collection. It features many of the colors of the sun in all its warm glory. Solar includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 2 flowers, 2 brads, 2 frames, 2 sun bubbles, 2 tags, 1 beadstrip, 1 sunburst, 1 word art, and 1 tied ribbon.

Water

Water is the sixth kit in the Elemental Collection. It features shades of blue with a touch of wet green. Water includes 6 papers that have been artfully worn and distressed. Also included in the kit are 2 flowers, 2 buttons, 2 tags, 2 gems, 1 beadtrim, 1 brad, 1 heart, 1 frame, 1 glittered wave, and 1 splash of water.

And the whole collection~

Elemental Collection

The Elemental Collection includes all six of the beautiful kits featuring the elements all around us. All kits are completely mix and match and is sure to bring that special touch to your special page. Each kit includes 6 papers and a variety of elements.

All of the kits, and the entire collection is on sale for 20% off from now until Wed. May 23!

Miami, Part 1

Hello, Hello!

Sorry about that... I kinda left everything hanging, didn't I? Everything became so rushed and to the last minute, I hardly had time to breathe.

Monday we finally got the word that they were going to perform an autopsy of my Abuelo Monday evening, and that they weren't quite sure when his funeral would be. So to be safe I booked a flight at 7 am Tuesday morning, and planned on staying through Saturday so that I knew I would be sure to be there for the funeral.

Tuesday we were up and getting ready at 4 am, so that we could leave the house by 5, to be to the airport by 6. PHEW! Rush! I waited in a long security line, which surprised me for it being 6:30 am, but made it ontime to the plane. I had an hour layover in Cincinnatti, and then from there all the way to Miami.

Driving back to my Tia's I learned that my Abuelo had diabetes and a heart condition that together caused a hardening of his arteries. He died basically of a heart attack. We also found out that We (my parents had also just flown in) had just made it, b/c Abuelo's viewing/ funeral was that night.

Now, Cuban viewing/ funerals are very different from english ones. Usually at an english viewing, you stand in line, you say you are sorry for their loss, and then you go home. Cuban viewings are often 24 hours long, by my Abuelo's was only from 6 pm till 11 pm. And EVERYONE showed up, and stayed the whole time. It was kinda like a party.... without the food and laughter. At 10 pm my dad said a few words and then my tia's pastor gave a short message. We finally left about midnight, and by the time we got back to my tia's I had been up 22 hours.

It was really great to see family I hadn't seen in 5, 10, and 15 years. Many of them made comments about how much I'd changed and how beautful Lucas was... (I had to leave Seth home...) I heard a lot of "Aye que linda!" which is a spanish endearment for children and their cuteness, LOL!

(I'm not sure I've ever mentioned it... but my dad is 100% Cuban. Born there and all. My Abuelo brought the family over to Miami right before Castro came into power. I am 50% cuban, my maiden name is Lopez. I was fully bilingual as a child, and sadly just semi-bilingual now. My kiddos are now Quarter-cuban.)

My Abuelo was a special man... he only had a 6th grade education, and he really did accomplish some great things. He was able to build his own house here, and my grandparents were able to "pay the way" for other family members. Back in the 50's and 60's they paid around $2000 (a HUGE sum back then!) and then new family would be able to come over from Cuba, and then my Abuelo helped them build their houses here.

Thursday morning all of us went through some of his belongings and split some of the stuff up. It was neat to see his treasured photo album of us granddaughters (nietas) and then photos of the boys stuffed in. I was ble to keep an old work shirt of his, some photos and letters, and my favorite, his old beat up Bible. Its missing its cover, but thats OK. It makes me giggle because its a spanish catholic bible... and now an english protestant has it, LOL! I really love it though because he has a tab on the Book of Job. My Abuelo had some tough years, and he didn't think much of himself, so seeing that tab takes on a whole new meaning.

Well... I'll save everything else for a new post, all the happier stuff and photos. I was able to get in 2 amazing photo shoots of my Tia and her boyfriend and my cousin and her boyfriend on Miami Beach.

Its good to be home!

On This Mother's Day...

This morning the Lord called home my Abuelo (my grandpa.)

I haven't yet heard the reason... though my tia (aunt) just talked to him last night, we are thinking something fast like a heart attack. All of my family are still waiting to hear details... they haven't released his body yet to the family, so we don't even know about a funeral day yet.

I am so sad, and I am grieving.

Two Months....

Lookie who's two months young now? Lucas has completely lost his newborn look... in fact he really has chunked up and become "all baby" LOL!

I am so tickled with myself! I finally got around to scrapping a couple pages! Its only been 9 weeks right? LOL~ here are my first couple layouts for Lucas~

Michelle Coleman's Chelsea's Dream paper, ScrapArtist Simple Pleasure's buttons, tag, and frame, Amber Clegg's stamped hearts, Nancie Rowe Janitz's stamped dates, Holly McCaig's stitched alpha, and Natalie Braxton's Big Ribbon. Batik font.

Journaling reads "who knew something so small would take up so much room in my heart?"

Sonbird Avenue's Folk Art kit by Jan Crowley, Meredith Fenwick, and Shabby Princess. Pea Jenny & P22 Dearest Swash Fonts.

Journaling reads: When we first met, I was so overwhelmed to see you. You looked so tiny to be making all of that noise! But once you were laid on my chest you quieted down, and then nuzzled in. You were mine, my new boy, we had been waiting a long time for you. And here you were just looking at me with all the wisdom of the world. It was like you were telling me, “I’m here, and now the adventure can begin.”

****************

Today Seth gave me a wonderful early Mother's Day present. He ruined Lucas' baby book. He found a pen and scribbled everywhere, on every surface! On Lucas' ultrasounds, on my pictures, all over the pages! Lucas' footprints from in the hospital... the signatures of his visitors, all things I can't recreate! I was beyond livid. In fact, I offered him up for sale over at the Digi Chick.

The only solution we can come up with is to get a new baby book for Lucas, and me start over.

The stuff that I can't recreate, I'll just have to cut out of the old book and paste into the new. (GAG. I don't want too... but the old book is beyond ruined.)

Excited....

Well, I did it! I finished the collection. And it's really yummy if I say so myself! So in celebration~

Mark Your Calendars!

Friday, May 18 at 9 pm EST, come to a special chat at The Digi Chick's chat room!

The Collection debuts that night in the Boutique. Come and chat with me! You just might win the ENTIRE collection of SIX kits!

Want an exclusive sneek peek? Here you go.....

Can anyone guess what the collection might be? LOL!

Burn Baby Burn....

For some reason I've been receiving Fitness Magazine in the mail lately... LOL~ I didn't order a subscription. BUT~ there was some neat info in there I thought I'd share.

*Stand up activities, like RUNNING burn more calories at a higher level than those in which your weight is supported, such as cycling.

*Myth: Mile per mile Running & Walking Burn the Same. Not even close. Running is a more energetic activity, becasue you're jumping off the ground with each stride. Per mile, RUNNING burns about twice as many calories.

Calorie Burners: (based on a 140 lbs weight. You burn more if you weigh more, burn less if you weigh less.)

Running, moderate 10- minute miles burns 640 calories per hour.
Stadiums (running stairs) burns 480 calories per half hour.
Trail Running burns 575 calories per hour.
Walk-Jog intervals burns385 calories per hour.
Power walking (about 4 mph) burns 320 calories per hour.

Workouts that keep working: Push yourslef completely in the red for 60 seconds.... as in run as fast as you can for the last minute of your run.

Feel the beat: Research shows that music helps you move faster without feeling like you're working harder.

Take it outside: You may go a lot faster when you walk or jog outdoors, which burns more calories.

Turn up Your Daily Burn: Caffeinated coffee can be a matabolism booster, as can green tea. The result isn't dramatic, a few calories a day, but every little bit adds up. (PLUS~ its a dieretic... suppresses appetite, LOL!)

Cool, huh?

Tagged....

I was tagged by Kim to tell 7 facts about myself, here goes:

Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

I used to be a very outgoing person , but in the last few years I have actually become pretty shy.

I am slightly OCD. I must have the same number of candy, chips, etc. And they must be an even number. For instance, I can't just eat 3 m&m's.... it must be 4.

I play the flute. I have played the flute for 18 years! I've played in Giant Stadium, Disney World, in the Wimbledon Center in London for the Queen, and Biltmore Estate. I currently lead a flute ensemble in my church.

I have 2 tatoos. I used to have 9 piercings... but now its down to 3 (today, LOL! ;)

I once did something so wild in college, I'm sure they'd revoke my diploma if anyone read it... being that it was a small Christian College. Get your minds out of the gutter! NOTHING like that! I can't even write it, b/c I'm sure some of my youth group girls read, ROFLOL! But if Steph Cooper reads this.... remember the drive to NY? With the BB guns and the mountains? BWAHAHAHA!

I married my college sweetheart, and he's the only man I have ever been with.

I think I have winter depression... I need sunshine to live happily, I think.

Tag your it:

Carrie Stephens
Kimberly Giarrusso
Melanie Colosimo
Sarah Petrie
Theresa Hernandez

OK, I know that's only 5... but if 2 more of you would like to do it, Awesome! :)

Never a Bridesmaid.... till now

Ssshhh... I'm not supposed to be doing this right now! I'm really supposed to be in the attic Spring Cleaning with Nate. Its so gross up there....

Look what I caught.... Lucas' first smile on camera. Isn't he just so sweet? And can you see his eyes? I really hope they stay blue. Just like his daddy's!

Yesterday I was asked to be in a wedding party this coming December. I felt so honored! Its a friend of mine in my church, and I just know its going to be such an elegant affair. I've never been a bridesmaid before. I was my sister's matron of honor, but you know how that is, LOL! All my friends in college asked me to photograph the wedding... never become part of it, LOL! ;) So I was so happy yesterday when Kierstin asked me.

Oops! Nate caught me, I have to dash... back to the attic I go!

Spring has finally Sprung....

Isn't little miss Hailey just a doll? This shoot proved to be rather difficult, because I did alot of backlighting. Also, the sunlight was still pretty strong, even though this was done at 5:30 pm. A couple may seem soft, but its becasue I added a softening/ glow conversion to them, and they look much nicer in their real size. And how about the Vintage Conversions? Aren't they cool too?







Seth jumped in for one too.... Can anyone spy something a bit naughty? ROFLOL!

Well, I have a very busy past few days. yesterday I had to cook and clean for some dinner guests last night. All this morning I was finally packing away my maternity clothes and bringing out my summer stuff. Yet, also, I was cleaning out the attic a bit and weeding out clothes I know I won't wear anymore.

I have been doing really great with keeping up with my running. I am up to 3 miles at a time now. Yes, its slow, but I'll build my speed as my endurance grows. I am so excited to tell you that in 2.5 weeks of running and cutting back on portions, and cutting out sweets... I'm already down 5 lbs and a pant size! WOOT! 10 lbs to go to get back to pre-pregnancy weight.

Now... I just mentioned that I cooked for some guests last night, and I am about to share a yummy recipe with you! Very easy and very tasty!

Lemonade Pie

2 (5 oz) cans evaporated milk

2 (3.4 oz) pkgs lemon pudding mix

2 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

2 (3 oz cream cheese) cream cheese, softened

1 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, partially thawed

1 ready-made prepared graham cracker crust

Garnishes: whipped cream, fresh mint sprigs, lemon slices

1. Whisk together evaporated milk and pudding mix in bowl 2 minutes or until thickened.

2. Beat cream cheeses at medium speed with a mixer until fluffy. Add lemondae concentrate, beating until blended; add pudding mixture and beat till blended.

3. Pour into crust; freeze 4 hours or until firm. Garnish if desired.

YUMM!