A few stuff...

1. I got some scrapping time this weekend. Wohoo! I really needed this time to scrap and let my creative juices flow...therapy for me, you know? I accomplished 6 pages (2 one page LO and 2 double pagers). Here's what I did:

This LO was a challenge at my group of Apron Strings that was due last Sunday, but since I was in Puerto Rico I couldn't do it. I still did it just for fun. The challenge was to use a big letter or number on your LO. These challenges were created by my dear friend, Michelle, from AS group as well. This is a LO of my daughter on the day that we moved to New York back in 2004. The journaling reads: These pictures were taken the day we left Puerto Rico to start a new life in New York. Although, you were only 2 years old you seemed to sense that there were a lot of things and loved ones that you were leaving behind. Luckily for Mommy, you found a lot of comfort in your friend Minnie. You never let go of her, not even for an instance. Up to this day that you are 6 years old, you still hold on tight to your best friend...Minnie.

This other one is about my grandma/mama. It was for another challenge at Apron Strings and it was to use a nontraditional item on the LO. I used fabric...it's actually the first time that I use fabric on a LO. It's called So Lucky and the journaling reads: I'm so lucky to have you in my life still after all the battles you've been through - 81 years old battling with cancer and still here with me. Love you. The metal embellishment says: We do not remember days, we remember moments.

This other one is another challenge at Apron Strings about the word SNOW. This is a monthly challenge were they give us 3 words and we choose one to journal and do a LO about it. The 3 words this month were: SNOW, COLD, and AFTER CHRISTMAS. It was so much fun to see the different journaling blocks of the girls at the group. This is the journaling:

Snow! What is to like about snow? or better yet what is not to like about snow? I like to watch the snow falling, I like to see the trees covered with that perfect white snow, I like that every single snowflake is unique just like my kids, I like the anticipation of my kids to go play outside, I like to see my kids face playing outside with the snow...building a snowman and making snow angels...it's all about the excitement in my kids.

On the other hand, I don't like when the snow turns to ice, I don't like the "black" snow that we see afterwards, I don't like that usually after a snowstorm the temperatures drop so low and it's cold, cold, cold, I don't like to drive in the snow...but I guess I can deal with a bit of snow every year...after all my kids do love it.

Snowstorm 12/19/08

And finally, the last one was for a challenge that my friend Kristi posted on her blog. We needed to use a little people whether it was chipboard, sticker, rub-on, whatever but it had to be a little people. My little guy is a surfer guy, so cute. I'm glad for this challenge because it helped me scrap very old pictures that I had about a day at the beach with some co-workers from when I used to work at Video Ave. in Puerto Rico. Well, that's it for LO's.

2. Now on to a little announcement: Got Sketch 103 registration has started. If you are interested here is the link. You can also click on the picture.

3. My friend Pat made my day with this wonderful award. I love this award and I love when people that I haven't even met in person make me smile, make me feel loved, make me feel happy. Pat you make me feel happy and I thank you for that. Now to pass it on to 5 people that I think that their blogs rock. Obviously I think that Pat's blog rocks with all the inspiration there but I can't pass it on to her, I also would like to give a shout out to Amy's blog as well, but I recently gave her an award so I'm gonna choose other people. Here are my 5 people, I hope they decide to play along and pass it on as well.

* Scraps of Life - Gloria

* Scrapz N Stuff - Melissa

* Card Sketch a Day - Susan Constanza

* My window into time - Terri

* Janna Wilson - Janna Wilson

4. Also I was tagged by my awesome friend Amy - thank you so much for your kind words and for the HUG. HUG back to you my friend. Love you! I like this tag because it's different - I have to go to my 6th folder where I keep my pictures and choose my 6th photo and talk about it, then pass it on of course. So here is my picture, it's a picture of when I went to PR this past weekend of all the family from hubby's side that got reunited to see the kids.

Now I tag Vicky, Maria, Amy R., Sonia, Cathy, and Veronica.

5. Some QOTD that I've missed:

* Besides your Children, what is your most photographed subject? - I will have to say other family members.

* What was your favorite book as a child? - I don't remember, that's one of the reasons why I scrapbook.

* What do you always order when you go to starbucks(or your favorite coffee shop?) - I don't drink coffee so I don't go to cofee shops, but if I had to I would order a tea.

* What do you sip on? Daily, hourly, etc. What's your favorite drink? - I will have to say iced tea, I love iced tea.

*What are your most visited websites on a daily basis? - http://www.optonline.net/, http://www.blogger.com/, http://www.facebook.com/, and http://www.yahoo.com/.

Wow, that was a long post...I'm sorry just wanted to catch up with some things, haha. Have a wonderful week everyone.

This is where I'm standing right now...

But then this...

reminds me that everything will pass....everything will pass...


On a happier note :-) I got this from my friend Amy's blog and decided to play along. Whatever is in bold is what I've done so far....


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

If you want to play along, feel free to copy and paste and make sure to link it here so I can go and see what you've done. I will try to scrap today or tomorrow...if I do I will share once I'm done. I have a couple of challenges that I want to get to, but let's see.

Thanks for letting me vent a little. Have a great weekend.

I'm back....to BRRRR

So I'm back from Puerto Rico, the weather was beautiful...can't believe I'm back to this cold, cold weather. I'm keeping this short, just wanted to let you know that I'm home safe and sound. I'm sad, very sad....it's never easy to leave your family behind especially my grandma/mama (she raised me since I was almost 2 years old)...she's 80 years old and I don't know how much longer she's going to be around and just to think that I'm far away from her bugs me big time. I might need some time to get back in track emotionally speaking....I'll probably do some scrapbooking, it's good for the soul. Will share pictures on another post.

Simply Fab, dahling...

So my dear friend Melissa over at Scrapz N Stuff made my day. She gave me this amazing award because she thinks I'm fab.




So now, I need to name 5 addictions and 5 people that I'd like to pass my fabby award to. I really don't think that I have addictions, but I will surely name 5 things I love to do:



1. scrapbooking

2. reading

3. blog reading

4. iced tea

5. hear my kids laughing



Now, 5 people that I'm offering this award to are people that inspire me each day in this amazing hobby. There are not only very talented ladies, but very amazing human beings as well. Thanks, Melissa for this honor and now to pass it on...



1. Gloria

2. Pat

3. Amy

4. Kristi

5. Lynn



Well, I'm having a great time here in Puerto Rico...too short though, I'm heading back home on Sunday to that cold weather...but let me not complain and be grateful for these few days. I mentioned in my previous post that I missed two QOTD so here there are:



1. What does your name mean? Do you like it? What are some of your nicknames?


My name (Bessie) means Oath of God. I love my name, I don't know no one with that name and there are only a few. I do not have any nicknames although every one that doesn't know me well they think I'm a Betsy instead of Bessie.


2. If you could change anything about yourself physically, without the risk or stigma plastic surgery and all the others bring, would you? What would it be?


If I could change anything about me it would be my stomach. After I gave birth to my two kids my stomach is not that cute stomach I once had. I would definitely change that...I might even do it in the future.


Well off I go to continue enjoying my mini-vaca and to get ready for tomorrow - my sister's wedding. Ciao!

"Treats for your Sweet Download"

Hello all, I'm making this a quick post since I'm getting ready to leave to the airport. I'm going to Puerto Rico for a few days. I'm very excited about it, and can't wait to take lots of lots of pictures. I will be back Sunday night, will have limited access to the Internet...so I'll be back on Monday to post how it goes. There are two QOTD that I've missed, so I'll take care of those as soon as I get back as well.

Now, here we go with our quick note. Looking for a fun and crafty way to let the “sweet” in your life know just how you feel about them? Do you love making handmade gifts that look as good as the treats they hold to eat? If your answers are yes, then I’ve got just the project for you! It’s all about the packaging!

Valerie Salmon is very excited to share her “Treats for your Sweet” template download just in time for Valentine’s Day. She has designed 3 different patterns, complete with step-by-step instructions showing you how to create three different containers just waiting for you to fill with all sorts of treats for your sweet! You will learn how to easily make a flat-bottom gusseted bag (with optional heart window), an open box, and a candy bar envelope perfect for gift-giving. Just print, score, and assemble. It’s that easy! These are perfect for kids’ class treats and party favors, too! These templates can be used time and time again for any occasion – just pick patterned papers that are the right fit for your event or holiday and you are ready to go!

There's also a bonus: In addition you will receive a printable download sheet of 2 styles of circular “to & from” tags that you can add to your new treat containers. The labels include a valentine-theme & an any-occasion style. This is a download-only. No kit or products are included. Pre-order the download now and you will be certain to receive the private access details via email on Saturday, January 17. If you order this download on or after January 17, please allow 24 hours to receive the download access information.

So for all you crafty gals out there, run over to Got Crafts? to purchase your download. You can also click on any of the two pictures to get redirected to the download page. Thanks for stopping by and see you all when I return.

Wow, I feel great...

I feel like if I have 200 pounds less over my shoulder. Last night was a good night for me...it really was. I'm very happy to have a wonderful friend...to talk with. Ever since I moved to New York, I really don't have friends. There's always my mother which I kind of tell her everything, but sometimes I don't want to worry her to much. Yesterday, I felt for the first time in a long, long time that someone care about my well being. And you want to know what's the best part? That I haven't met this wonderful lady in person...isn't that amazing....the power of friendship and the goodness of God.

Anyhow, on to the QOTD : Do you have any siblings? Yes, I have three stepsisters from my father's side which I love immensely. From my mother's side I'm an only child. My mother also married a guy with two kids, and although they don't have my blood I say they are my brother and sister. When I was growing up I used to fight a lot with my sisters, but now I realized how lucky I am to have 3 beautiful and wonderful sisters.

Talking about QOTD, I want to thank Melissa ( I know she will visit me :-) ) for keeping me looking forward to the QOTD and also for your wonderful comment that you left me regarding if I needed to talk. It's because of people like Melissa that this world is a better place and my life is more bearable as well. Thank you, girl!

And to my wonderful friend, that made my night yesterday (just in case she stops by) I want you to know that I'm so blessed and fortunate to have you in my life.

I haven't had time to scrap lately so no LO's to share.

See ya, tomorrow!

Damn headaches....

so yesterday I had one, really bad and to top it off I didn't get home till like 8:00 pm after all the errands and running around of Fridays. I got home bathe the kids and myself and went to bed. I didn't even do the QOTD for yesterday so here it is: What is your "ideal day"? It can be elaborate or simple, it's totally up to you!

I can have two ideal days: One that involves my kids and that would be relaxing on a beach chair next to the pool reading a good book and watching the kids play in the pool. The other ideal day would be to be home alone scrapping all day. I really need to be alone because if not I get 100 million interruptions.

On another note, although I'm not going to go into details because I don't like to vent about bad things...I'm not having a good start of the new year, unfortunately...but I came across this video and it made me feel better...I love the lyrics of the song as well.



I'll be back later with today's QOTD. Thanks for stopping by.

QOTD and some traveling news...

I haven't mentioned here that I'm going to Puerto Rico for 4 days next week. I leave on Wednesday and come back on Sunday. My sister is getting married, so we are going to her wedding. This will be a bittersweet journey...sweet because I'm going to see my family that I haven't seen for 2 years and bitter because it's going to be heartbreaking to come back home. It's always hard for me to leave my grandmother/mother over there. It's like leaving a piece of me. I'm going with the kids and they are excited.

Today's QOTD is - Where have your travels taken you in your lifetime? Which is your favorite? Where would you like to travel, but haven't?

I've been to California, Florida, Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata, Santiago & Santo Domingo). Of all three I have to say that my favorite was California because it reminded me of Puerto Rico. Places I would like to travel...oh boy the list just goes on and on: Hawaii, Jamaica, the Philipines, Italy, Venice, France, Greece, etc...etc...

On scrappy news be on the lookout here on my blog or at Val's blog because GS103 is just around the corner. Yay!!!!!!

Wow, what a day...

I didn't have a good day today...but I'm not gonna go into details. I sure hope tomorrow is a better day. I slept better yesterday and I'm glad. Today's QOTD is: What's your very favorite scrapbooking brand?

I will have to say that there's a tie between MME (My Mind's Eye) and Fancy Pants. I just love everthing about them. Although I have to say that I like Sassafrass, Bo Bunny, October Afternoon....and on and on and on....that's how scrapbooking is....pretty addicting don't you think?

Today...

I'm not feeling too well. My body feels uncomfortable and I really can't explain how or why...its weird. I have a lot of work and I'm so tired...is not even 8:00 and I'm so exhausted. I'm grateful that I have a job to keep me busy, I really am...but I haven't been sleeping well so that's not helping too much either.

I really don't have much to say today, so here is QOTD - What was your worst beauty or style mistake/ trauma or faux pas?

My DH's uncle is a stylist and I went to him one time to dye my hair...don't ask me what happened but he dyed my hair supposedly a ligth brown and it ended orange and on top of that he made me two streaks of hair in the front brown....I don't even know what I looked liked. You can see it a little bit in this picture (I already posted this LO, but just so you get the picture)...take a closer look to my hair..I'm the one on the left side.

Can you see the brown streaks and then the orange? Needless to say, that this look didn't last too long.

Good night, everyone.

QOTD

at Scrap N Stuff - What is your FAVORITE book? - I love to read...but I can't think of a favorite book, I do love Danielle Steel & Stephenie Meyer though. I loved the Twilight Saga...and any book from Danielle Steel I really enjoy.

Today, I'm very tired...I only slept like 4 hours yesterday and I can't even think straight. I will be going to bed soon. Nite, nite everyone.

My desktop calendar

from Valerie....how cute it turned out. I was up yesterday until 2 AM making that calendar. It was so much fun to make and so easy. I showed my mother today and she said: well I want one so start working on it...lol, funny girl. Of course I'm going to make her one, it was so easy and fun that I don't mind doing one for her. You can find some more information of this desktop calendar here or click the picture. I haven't started Janna yet because (1) I'm missing materials and (2) is a little more complicated than the desktop calendar...but I can't wait to play and see what I come up so I can keep track of those special dates that sometimes I forget.

Here is a sneak peek of the calendar...you really don't want to miss it.

I'm behind on my challenges at AS - I still have to do #7, #8, #9, #10, #11 & #12 - all before the 7th - I'm not sure I will accomplish that so I'm not even going to stress it...I actually never do, scrapbooking is fun for me not stressful.

Well, I should be heading to bed soon...so to answer today's QOTD which is: What's the ONE product in your makeup selection you couldn't live with out? This is easy for me...that would be lip gloss. I love how my lips look so shiny with lip gloss, plus it helps to keep my lips moisturized...here in NY with the cold weather there can get pretty chapped....not with lip gloss though.

Good night everyone...God Bless

Hello...

I almost forgot about QOTD at Scrapz N Stuff - today's questions is: What was the first album/CD/tape you remember buying?

I honestly don't remember...I really don't :-(

I'm working on Val's desktop calendar...will post a sneak peek when I'm done. Be back when I'm done.

Second day of the year...

an uneventful day. I went to the bank and then to the post office and it was cold, cold, cold outside. I'll rathe be home warm & cozy. Yesterday was a relaxing day for me. I completed three more challenges for my kit club challenge. Here is what I got...on this LO you had to incorporate a bird into your LO. This is a picture of me and my aunt when we were baptizing our daughters...I found a quote that I found somewhat interesting by James Matthew Barrie that says: "The reason birds can fly and we can't is simply that they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings."

The other challenge was to use 5 circle or rings.

And lastly, the challenge on this one was to use only horizontal pictures. I'm so excited that I'm using my stash...about time.

Finally, the QOTD from Melissa at Scrapz N Stuff. What was your first job? My first job was as at a supermarket in Puerto Rico named AMIGO when I was 16 years old. Since then I haven't stopped working, except maybe for a year and a half when I was pregnant with my son. I lated a few months there, I think almost a year but don't really recall.

See you again, tomorrow.

QOTD

In case you are wondering QOTD stands for question of the day...I found this great site Scrapz N Stuff at my dear friend Pat's blog and I decided to play along. So the question for today is:

What movie never fails to make you cry?

I cry a lot when I'm watching movies or TV shows that just break my heart. Now I have to say that the movie that always, always makes me cry and will make me cry is I Am Sam. If you haven't seen this movie I totally recommend it...it is with Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer & Dakota Fanning.

I hope everyone had a wonderful new year celebration. I was home with a headache and kids were sleeping. Today I'm just relaxing and doing a little bit of scrapping for my challenges at Apron Strings. I will share later.