Lovely Package Exchange

I was browsing through some blogs this morning and found out that Oh Hello Friend is hosting a summer package swap. Click here if you wish to to participate. Sounds like fun to me!

Scrapbook Page: Cool Hues

Kit Name: "Heart Things"

Designer: Imagine by Fran

I scrapped this page using "Heart Things" by a French designer, Fran. As I browse through various designers' blogs and sites, I notice the change in style as I move from one area of the world to another. The French have a unique style in that everything is so subtle and most of them, minimalist. They use more natural tones which I like for certain photos such as this.

Random Tidbit:

For personal scrapping, I gravitate towards the 8 x 10 format because I like to make Blurb books of my work. Condensing everything into limited space is quite a challenge but to me, carrying a 12 x 12 book around is too much of a hassle. I like to share my books with family and friends and the 8 x 10 is the perfect size! For fun, I scrap in the typical 12 x 12.

Scrapbook Page: My Gentleman

Kit: "A Gentleman"

Designer: Honey Designs

Digital scrapbooking was just introduced to me by some of my co-workers at my current job. I've always been what is now known as a 'paper scrapper' but believe me, my work was not that great-mainly because I did not want to spend so much money on so paper, elements, stickers, etc. Having the short attention span than I do, I had no interest in learning digital scrapbooking when it first came into existence. What can I say? Thanks to my co-workers, I am now hooked! With all the free kits, papers, and elements out there, how could I resist? Not to mention, with Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, I can whip up a page in 2 minutes! The best part is-no mess to clean up afterwards!

It has been almost 3 months since I got married and I just received my wedding photos a few weeks ago. I absolutely adore this photo of my husband which was taken when he first saw me on our wedding day. Check out Asal's blog for free kits, scrapbook advice, and inspiration. She is only 17 years old and is a scrapbooking wonder woman! The kit I used for this page was put together by her.

Matthew's First Birthday

Kit Name: "Happy go Lucky"

Designer: Shabby Princess

Cupcake Element from: "Honey Cafe" kit

Designer: Honey Designs

Frames: "JHE Modern Elements" kit

Designer: Jackie Eckles

Yesterday, celebrated the 1st birthday of my nephew, Matthew Lisud, at Zen Buffet in San Gabriel. He is the first great-grandchild on my mother's immediate family's side (Jimenez side). Unfortunately, my grandpa was not there to witness the event as he is currently traveling the East Coast with other family members including my younger sister.

Sweet family moment

Ate Rea (Mom), Matthew, Kuya Von (Dad)

This so-called 'flower candle' evolves from a closed flower and gradually opens up as the large flame in the middle dies off. It's the first time I've ever seen one of these and I want to get one!

I don't have a picture of his entire outfit but this happy camper was sporting Lacoste Shoes, True Religion Jeans, and a Burberry polo shirt. I don't even own anything in these brands! Someone's gonna be spoiled!

Immediately after 'blowing the candles,' the little one literally knocked out.

After the party, we spend the rest of the day being lazy at the Lisud's place. Marc and I were finally able to watch Slumdog Millionaire (we're SO behind on movies right now) with Claudine and Johnson. This movie definitely gets 5 starts in my book. What a great plot and amazing acting! Just getting a glimpse of India's slums made me realize that I have a lot of be thankful for. I enjoy movies that portray the realistic conditions of those in other parts of the world. It creates awareness within individuals while at the same time fostering community globally. The hearts of many were touched to reach out to these children after watching the movie. (Read article from The Guardian for more info) While money may help improve the living conditions of these children, nothing can erase the painful memories and hardships they've had to live through. It's unfortunate that some parts of the world have to endure a great degree of poverty. I wish I could just wave my magic wand and as Michael Jackson notes, "(...) make a better place for you and for me."

Take me to the fair!

A new blog, a new beginning, and a lengthy blog name. I know it's somewhat of a tongue-twister but it perfectly describes a few of my top interests. I love to laugh, travel, and write. For my first entry, I will blog about my recent trip to the OC Super Fair.

This past Wednesday, I found out that Orange County Food Bank was collecting canned goods at the OC Super Fair in exchange for free admission. Immediately after work, I headed over there with my husband, Marc. Though the fairgrounds are only about 5 miles away from the house, it took us a good 30 minutes to get there through rush-hour traffic. I can't remember the last time I went to a fair but it was fun to walk around, people-watch, and sample some deep-fried food. Not being a fan of fried food, I was apprehensive to try most of the things but Marc did a good job of convincing me by saying "It's not for the taste, it's for the experience."

Australian Battered Potatoes-I caved into these because I wanted to hear the Aussie accent spoken by servers. I was not disappointed and even had a conversation with one of them. <3>Deep-friend zucchini. All this food starts to taste the same after awhile-all you taste is batter.
Deep-friend twinkie. Marc, not being a dessert person, came back to the table with an order of twinkies and oreos!
Deep fried-oreos. These tasted like donuts to me.

Didn't go for that one-sorry!

I wasn't lying when I said the fair has ddep-fried everything.

One of the strangest finds of the day. We actually couldn't find anyone eating them.

Overall, it was a fun evening and not to mention, the biggest money-trap ever! Make sure you bring lots of cash if you plan to go!