No Shrinking Violet

My New Favorite Show. Evah.

2012-01-18T08:10:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I discovered this gem of a TV show called Downton Abbey. If you're about my age, you should remember Upstairs, Downstairs, another amazing English show. I used to watch it religiously with my godmother, and I loved it.

So, to fill the space left by Upstairs, Downstairs, I found Downton Abbey. The story is just wonderful, the photography, writing and costumes are to die for and it has something for everyone.

I got seriously hooked and watched both seasons and the crazy good Christmas special in about a week. Of course now I'm jonesing for season 3, which starts in September.

Listen to your friendly neighborhood blogger and watch this show asap. You can thank me later by sending me praising e-mails, flowers and chocolate. Ha!

Have a lovely day, my peeps.

In love.

2012-01-17T14:06:00.000-06:00

Just a little post to share this amazing find with my fellow hand cream addicts. I wash my hands a million times a day which makes my poor hands super dry. I cannot stand that feeling so I'm a hand cream aficionado. Always looking for the next great one.

This Christmas I found this gem in my sister's bedroom. She had gotten it as a present and I had to go and get mine asap.

It's Crabtree & Evelyn's India Hicks Hand Therapy. Lawd, it's good! It not only moisturizes my skin but it smells absolutely delicious. It comes in a nice, big vintagey metal tube and I'm a sucker for cool packaging.

To make it even better I got mine in a HUGE sale. Score! God, I'm a dork...

If you love hand cream like moi, give this one try. You will adore it.

Toodles, loves.

Tired. So, so tired.

2012-01-14T14:34:00.003-06:00

I wanted to start the year better than I did the last, but the stars do not seem to want to align in my favor no matter how hard I try.

As those of you who read this blog regularly know, my emotional state is a big part of my creativeness. I hope it wasn't, cause life has been kicking me in the ass for a long time and I take advantage of what little periods of peace I have here and there to let my creative self come out.

(not the guy, just a little protection form the rain....)

It hasn't happened in a while now, and so, my scrapping, my blog, my work suffers. No matter how hard I try to push everything else aside and lose myself in Photoshop or find cool things to blog about, I just can't do it to save my life.

It's really very frustrating. Frustrating as hell.

I try hard to see some good in things, to roll with the punches but it's been too long and I think I'm losing my ability to deal. I'm just little ole me and it's been too much already.

I really love blogging, and doing so about things that whomever reads my blog will like and find interesting, but it just ain't happenin'. Alas...

But, I don't really have a choice in the matter, so I'll keep trying to dig myself out of this hole I find myself in at the moment, so maybe soon, I can go back to feeling like myself, to feeling happy, to having peace.

Guess this post is a bit like Seinfeld... About nothing in particular.

Wish me luck?

2012... Bring. It. On!

2012-01-01T21:28:00.000-06:00

This is going to be a tough year, but I know that at the end of the tunnel there will be more light than there has ever been in mine and Nati's lives.

So, 2012, I say to you, bring it on, baby... I'm ready for ya.

Since I'm all bold and stuff, I thought I should start this year with a bold new design for NSV. I hope y'all like it as much as I do.

Here's hoping you all have a great year. I know I'm gonna try my best to make it a super duper one.

Toodles, loves.

Last of 2011...

2011-12-31T10:21:00.000-06:00

December always gets nutty and I have been enjoying the nuttiness of it. I have missed the blogging, but I also have been working a lot designing a blog for my uncle's business. It has been tons of work but I have loved every minute of it.

I will be be back in full force, come Jan 1st 2012, though. NSV will get a much needed redesign. As much as I have loved my 50's theme, it's time for a bold change to usher in 2012. I designed this coming new look a long time ago and it's time to reveal it.

This year was a true roller coaster. Lots of bad, but also lots of good (#5928...). Here's a little look back at 2011...

It was a challenging year for our family and the challenges are not over, but I am hoping with all my heart that 2012 comes with lots of good and mostly lots of strength and wisdom to face all that's still to come so we can finally go back home and to a happy place.

I hope this new year brings all of you love, happiness and peace.

Off to get ready for tonight's celebration.
Toodles, 2011...

Winners!

2011-11-30T18:08:00.001-06:00

Here are the winners of the Stop & Scrap giveaway...

Please contact me at anilumagloire@yahoo.com to get your prizes.

Winner of $25.00 gift card...

Winners of $10.00 gift cards...

Congrats, y'all!

Today Is The Day... Stop & Scrap Giveaway! CONTEST CLOSED

2011-11-22T08:00:00.006-06:00

If you've been reading this blog for some time, you know I hoard scrapbooking supplies and I get them all from my all time favorite store, Stop & Scrap.

I've been shopping from Maria for years and I have always been super happy with their selection, they always get me the latest and greatest, and they have top notch costumer service. Love them!

Today we have teamed up to bring you this amazing giveaway of one (1) $25.00 gift card, and three (3) $10.00 gift cards. So, we'll have four lucky winners.

To enter, just leave me a comment here telling me what you'd get with your gift card, cause I always need more enabling. Ha!

I will announce the winners here on the blog on Tuesday, November 29th, so y'all have a whole week to participate. One comment per person, please. Contest closes on November 29th at 12:00 noon CST.

Good luck, y'all!

OK, Enough Slacking. Promise...

2011-11-21T11:25:00.003-06:00

Lawd, have I been neglecting this poor blog I love so much! But, I have been working like crazy redoing my uncle's website, and that takes up all of my time. We also have Nati's after school stuff, the house stuff... You know how it piles up.

I'm gonna try to make time to update every day again. I really am. To start this new week off properly, lemme tell ya that our BIG Stop & Scrap giveaway is tomorrow, so don't forget to come by and leave a comment for you chance to win.

***Oy! There's a misspelled word on my graphic. Sorry!!!***

Gotta go get the giveaway post ready for y'all tomorrow.

Kisses and hugs, lovely people.

Giveaways!

2011-11-08T08:17:00.000-06:00

Yes, we do! In the next few days, No Shrinking Violet will have some very nice gift cards and promo codes for y'all, courtesy of Stop & Scrap. I've been getting my crafty goodies from Maria for years, and she always has the latest and greatest, always at a discount.

Does not get better than that for us scrap hoarders.

So, my darlings, keep checking back to have a chance at winning...

It's The Little Things.

2011-11-01T13:56:00.001-06:00

These past few weeks have been a roller coaster of very happy and very not so happy. I'm a very emotional person and when I'm feeling so out of sorts, my creativity/mojo/inspiration/will to create, leaves the building. This translates into very few and far between blog posts. It sucks.

So, I try to find joy in the little things, like this...

If you read this blog regularly, you know I am a HUGE fan of Pugly Pixel and the genius behind it, Katrina Tan. So, finding my humble little blog on her blog roll made me happy. I read hers religiously and it's incredibly flattering for moi, that she reads mine too.

So, that's my happy for today. Here's hoping more happy is on it's way. Oy!

Arrows and patterned paper are Pugly Pixel.

Font is Cheap Pine @ MyFonts.

Have a lovely week.

I Need.

2011-10-20T07:44:00.000-05:00

Really, really, really need. Need.

(Because this is just too delicious, it has bumped our scheduled Font Love post)

*insert longing sighs here*

I cannot tell you how very much I need to upgrade my beloved iPhone to a 4S and of course I need this incredibly cool Hipstamatic cover. My heart skipped a beat when I came across it. Utter coolnes. Again, I need.

Cover can be found at the HipstaMart. Uber cool iPhone 4S at Apple (aka heaven on earth).

*insert more longing sighs*

It's almost Friday, lovelies!

My Adventures In Word Feud.

2011-10-19T15:22:00.001-05:00

Indulge me in this if you will. I love word games and I am pretty good at them, I think. But, there's this person, who shall remain anonymous, that has bested me more times than I care to admit. It irks me to no end.

Now, picture a new game, me resigned to lose, again. This person, let's call him Mr. Meanerson, gloating and guaranteeing a 100 point win over me.

Again, picture a relentless battle, epic, monumental... Full of dramatic sweaty brow close ups and at the end of it, the sweet taste of MY victory over Mr. Meanerson.

Amazingly satisfying does not begin to cover the feeling I experienced when the little "You Won Against Mr. Meanerson" sign appeared on my iPhone's screen.

Let me illustrate...

This one's for you, Mr. Meanerson.

Have a great hump day, lovely people. I'm off to ready lots of new posts cause this blog has been neglected enough.

Toodles.

I'm Back.

2011-10-13T08:00:00.005-05:00

I had such a wonderful time on my trip. It was exactly what I needed and it was so much more than I could have ever imagined it would be.

I got to spend a few hours in Miami, where home is to me, and just taking a big lungful of Florida air was a balm to my homesick soul. I had tears in my eyes when I saw my apartment, Nati's school, our whole neighborhood from the air. Perfectly bittersweet...

Then I got to Charlotte, and I fell in love with another place...

I am planning on going back as soon as I possibly can. I slept a lot, laughed a lot, ate such good food, visited lots of beautiful places, I even watched a few NFL games. Yep, me and the NFL are one. Ha!

Anyway, my telling of this adventure was delayed by the worst cough in history. Lemme tell ya, planes and airports are just huge petri dishes of evil stuff. I'm just now feeling human again, after over a week of coughing my lungs out. Sorry, that was TMI *blushes*

I missed y'all and I will get back to regular blog updates. Promise.

Toodles, loves.

Leaving On A Jet Plane....

2011-09-30T09:00:00.005-05:00

Yes! I am finally able to visit the US again (HOME!) and I am going on a little weekend vacay to a mysterious place that promises to be a swell time for all involved.

I am actually sitting on a plane while you read this...

ETA: I have had a HUGE lungful of Miami air by now too. I almost died dead right there on the curb.

Now more than ever, I know I am coming back soon. SOON.

A whole weekend of peace, calm and good things with people I had been dying to be with. Finally!

So, my lovelies, I will be back next week, with a new outlook, rested and happy to have been back home even if for a few days, while the trip back home for good happens.

Have a wonderful weekend. I will do the same. Whoohoo.

Digital goodies are Paislee Press. Font is Wisdom Script.

Au revoir, mes belles!

Font Love: New Ones To Love.

2011-09-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

I have to say I not only love all these new font finds, but the tons of doodle brushes I found are making me giddy. Found them all through a simple Google search of "doodles Photoshop brushes". I never bookmarked each one, so I can't give you links... Sorry.

Being this close to Friday is also making me giddy. Ha!

Enjoy your Thursday, pretty people.

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty...

2011-09-28T10:58:00.000-05:00

Here I am with a new post I had been wanting to make for a while. These are my every day beauty must haves. The stuff I use every single day and have for a while.

All are tried and true, keep coming back to them products that I simply cannot live without. I started taking care of my skin at about 14 and never stopped. I have been blessed with very kind, age gracefully genes, but my daily routine is a huge part of it.

So, here they are. I like shopping online, so all of these goodies can be found and bought on the interwebs.

What are yours? I'm always looking for the next great thing... Like I need any more. Ha!

All digital elements are Paislee Press. Font is Ostrich.

Enable me, will you?

Happy Wednesday, lovely people.

Font Love: Lost Type Co-op, Part Deux.

2011-09-22T08:00:00.018-05:00

As promised, here's part two of my Lost Type Co-op type finds. Ribbon Numerals, Tightrope and Wisdom Script are my fave of this batch.

I always find it so cool that these incredible designers would create these wonderful fonts and offer them to us, font lovers/addicts/enthusiasts, for free.

To all of them I say a big, huge thank you. Huge.

I know there are lots more cool font sites I have yet to discover. If you know of one of those magical places, be a darling and tell me all about it, yeah?

I'll love you forever... Have a great Thrusday.

Smooches.

New Goodies Are A Good Thing.

2011-09-20T08:00:00.010-05:00

Since life decided to separate me from my delicious stash of paper and glue which I adore and miss like crazy, digital has been my life saver.

Of course, just as I hoarded paper and embellishments, I now hoard digital kits and fonts. Oh, the fonts. They will be the death of me. Alas, here are my recent additions...

I had been drooling over these until I succumbed. Ha! Yeah, that took lots of effort.
Templates are Pugly Pixel. You can get my goodies at Design House Digital and MyFonts.
Font used: Dream Lover by MyFonts.

Yes, I enable. It's what I do.

Have a very lovely Tuesday.
Toodles.

Where The Heart Is.

2011-09-19T10:05:00.000-05:00

As you all know, I love, LOVE living in Florida. Love it with a huge passion. Sadly, by circumstances out of my control, I have had to live in Mexico City for the past two years, leaving my whole life on hold in Miami. It's been a killer. A test of endurance and it's been hard.

The other day I was browsing Etsy and I found these super cool Florida love goodies that I am aching to buy. All of them. Ha!

Lovely stuff, isn't it? I just can't wait to go back home... It's where my heart is.

Template by Pugly Pixel. Font is Cheap Pine by MyFonts.

Have a great week, pretty people.

Font Love: OMG. I'm In Love.

2011-09-15T07:53:00.000-05:00

Big time in luuurve with this fabulous place called Lost Type Co-op. All of the fonts I found there were not only free, but now in my top fonts of all time. All. Of. Them.

Lemme show you part one of my Lost Type finds... Sigh.

Aren't they just insanely cool? I love the retro vibe they give off, love that most are all caps, love it all.

Chalkboard texture: deviantArt. Screws: Katie Pertiet.

It's almost Friday. Yeehaw!

Can't Have Martha, But I Have Sweet Paul.

2011-09-14T08:00:00.004-05:00

A while ago I found this amazing online magazine called Sweet Paul. Being the huge Martha fan that I am, I immediately fell in love with it.

There are four issues a year, one for each season, and it's chock full of amazing stuff, recipes, photographs, DIYs, oh my!

You can find it here, and if you somehow hadn't heard of it, run. Run like the wind and enjoy the brand new Fall Issue that just came out.

I just found out you can also buy print copies and I am so gonna get them all as soon as I'm back home.

So, there you have it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Photo template by Pugly Pixel. Font HT Pasticceria from My Fonts.

Happy hump day, pretty ones.

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Program...

2011-09-13T07:30:00.001-05:00

I was doing so great updating the blog every day, finding lots to talk about... But life happens and it's been happening to me with a vengeance lately.

But, I am trying hard to get through it all so I can come back to fill this blog I love and enjoy so much, with all the things I like to make and share with y'all.

In the meantime, I'll still post here and there, but the everyday posting will take a little break. Really little break, just till I get my bearings and get back on track again.

Wish me luck, lovelies. I need it like there was no tomorrow.

All those cool graphic brushes are Katie Pertiet.

Kisses.

Aleida.

2011-09-12T08:00:00.020-05:00

It's been three years... Just cause I think about her a lot, and she created a group of friends that has stood the test of time, this post is for her. My dear friend Aleida. She was gone way too soon and I miss her. Lots of us do...

This is a digital LO I made for a book her friends put together for her family when she passed away. She was funny, vivacious, honest and beautiful inside and out. I miss her so...

May 16th, 1967 - Sept 12th, 2008.

These Words...

2011-09-05T13:45:00.005-05:00

I found these words a few days ago while browsing Pinterest, and I thought they described pretty accurately what I wish for myself in these trying times.

Only after researching the quote to be able to credit it, did I realize it was from Proverbs 31:25. Who knew? Guess they were exactly what I needed to see at the exact time I needed to see them.

I'm gonna be reading them a lot and making them a personal mantra.

Here's hoping they stick.

I hope yours is a great week.

Font Love: Gotta Get These.

2011-09-01T08:00:00.019-05:00

Man, MyFonts will be the death of me. That place makes me giddy in a serious way and I wish I had tons and tons of cash to spend on all the fonts I've been drooling over. Alas... I gotta think over my purchases carefully. Sigh.

These are the ones I have in my sights right now. I love, love them all, but Cheap Pine makes my heart beat faster.

OK, I'm off to find out if MyFonts has gift certificates. Bwahahaha.

Later lovelies.

I'm Out Of Commission....

2011-08-29T11:49:00.000-05:00

I'm shivering in bed, feeling like death warmed over, so posting will be slim this week. But, I will be back soon.

Miss me...?

Kisses, lovelies.

Have a healthy and happy week.

She Always Knows.

2011-08-26T07:20:00.000-05:00

I was having one of those days, and when I came home in the afternoon, I found this drawing my baby girl had made for me, taped to the wall of my bedroom, over my bed.

She always knows, without me having to say anything, exactly what I need to make my heart lighter.

I dunno what I'd do without her in my life to give me the strength, the will and the reason to keep going, no matter what.

Thank you for making mommy smile every day, my perfect little girl.

I hope you get to have a great weekend.

Font Love: You Can Never Have Enough.

2011-08-25T07:21:00.000-05:00

I absolutely believe that. Fonts are like shoes or bags. The more, the merrier. Always.

These are my features for this week... Pacifico and Old-Town are making me positively giddy.

Which ones are you loving right now? You have to feed my font addiction. You have to!

Kiss, kiss.

I Need One Of These. Or Three...

2011-08-24T07:20:00.002-05:00

I found this Etsy shop called Delightfully Lovely through Eighteen25, a very cool blog I read. I fell hopelessly in love with all the cupcake/cake stands they have and I so need a few.

They are so cool and bold but still a little cute and I can already see them full of my chocolate ganache cupcakes.

These four are my fave and I love that I can get them in custom colors. I need!

Stand 1 | Stand 2 | Stand 3 | Stand 4

Hope you like my finds, lovelies.

Toodles.

Poladroid Love.

2011-08-23T07:44:00.000-05:00

A while back a good friend of mine showed me this little gem called Poladroid. It's this little app for your Mac or PC that lets you turn any photograph into a very cool looking Polaroid picture. Complete with smudges and color variations.

It generates great high res images that you can print or digitally use however you want.

Here are a few Ploadroids I've created with the original pics and the Poladroid results...

Definitely give this a try.

Have a good one, pretty people.

About.Me

2011-08-22T08:00:00.034-05:00

I have to say, I follow the coolest blogs evah. I was checking out Hannah's blog a few days ago, and I found this website...

Here's my About.Me... I still have to edit my info, tweak it some more, maybe change the background some, edit my links and such.

Check it out, and if you get one, send me the link, OK?

Happy week, pretty peeps.

She's The Ultimate Girly Girl.

2011-08-19T07:45:00.001-05:00

That's my Nati, in all her girly glory, the day before her birthday. We celebrated the day before so the whole family could be there. Of course, her big cousin gave her an extreme makeover.

I took these pics with one of my fave iPhone photography apps: Pocketbooth. If you love realistic looking photo strips, this is the app for you. I love it to death and it has lots of options to make your strips look completely different every time.

Hope you like. Happy weekend, toodles, loves.

Font Love: Say Hello To My New Little Friends.

2011-08-18T08:00:00.010-05:00

It's Font Love Thursday again and it's time to introduce you to my new lovely fonts. I swear, I'd drape myself in fonts if it were socially acceptable. Ha!

Feast your eyes on these...

All styling elements are from Sahlin Studio's Kitschy Kitchen kit. Love, love all her stuff.

I hope you see something you like.

Happy Thursday. Toodles.

Oh, Fun!

2011-08-17T08:00:00.027-05:00

Yes, I just learned how to make .gifs after seeing that insanely cool image Katrina from Pugly Pixel, had on her blog a few days ago.

I thought it would be much harder, but it's really not. It just takes a little time if you want to get something as cool as she did.

I tried my best, and mine is not nearly as amazing as hers, but hey, it's my first try. And believe me, I will make many, many more of these.

I took this photograph of my beloved Miami sunsets, while waiting for the light to turn green on the way home one afternoon. I miss those so, so very much. I need to go back home already...

I made my own Instagram-y frame with Karla Dudley's amazing digital cardstock. Font is Habana from Lost Type Co-op.

Later loves. I'm off to make more of these. Whee!

The View From Up Here.

2011-08-16T08:00:00.042-05:00

Yes, I do complain endlessly about living in a city as difficult as Mexico City. It used to be great, but now it's in the hands of millions of thugs that make life here so, so difficult...

So, I stay home a lot and enjoy these insanely beautiful views from my mom's apartment. She lives in a 12th floor and all the way south of the city so I get to see the whole of it. This Summer has gifted us with some camera worthy views, like these ones...

Gotta try to find the silver lining some days, no?

Have a great Tuesday, and here's hoping your view is a beautiful one also.

Ain't That The Truth.

2011-08-15T08:00:00.007-05:00

(click on image to participate)

The Partay Pics.

2011-08-12T08:00:00.020-05:00

(click image to find out more)

Have a wonderful weekend.
Toodles.

Font Love: Fave Uppercase Fonts.

2011-08-11T08:00:00.007-05:00

Well, at least some of them. I have many more, but let's start with these, shall we? I have to say my very fave of this batch is Neo Retro Draw, closely followed by Ostrich Sans.

You know I need to know what your uppercase font loves are. Share the font goodness with me, please? You know you want to.

Paper and tape base are Pugly Pixel.

Enjoy your Thrusday.

Just Playing Around.

2011-08-10T08:00:00.024-05:00

A few weeks ago I found this numeral set and I almost fainted with joy. I love numbers in all their shapes and forms and these are my favorite. They're called Pompadour and I got them for free, here. The artist is Andy Manglod and I thank him, lots and lots for giving us such coolness.

I started playing around with them and came up with this...

That's a very old pic I took of my Nati and myself and it's one of my all time fave photographs of us together. I really don't have many of those and I need to start getting into the frame with my perfect baby girl.

Photo corners are Karla Dudley. Font is Bodoni Poster.

Happy hump day, pretty peeps.

Have a Laugh.

2011-08-09T08:00:00.031-05:00

I knew I would get to make good use of these mustaches and glasses I got as freebies (!) from Pugly Pixel and Minitoko Ville.

Get yours and have fun. I know I did. Ha! I'm so glad only I know how to Photoshop...

Speech bubble & starry paper by Pugly Pixel. Photo corners by Karla Dudley. Photostrip by Katie Pertiet.

Happy Tuesday, lovelies.

Today is The Day...

2011-08-08T07:36:00.003-05:00

Yeah, it sounds totally trite, but man... I cannot believe this tiny little thing I was taking home from the hospital a few minutes ago, is now an eight year old perfect and vibrant young girl. I die!

Happy birthday, my sweet Nati. You have been my joy and my reason since you came into this world. I love you more than I could ever say with mere words.

I'm off to spend the day with the birthday girl. Lots of fun planned.

Starry paper & banner: Pugly Pixel. Frames: Katie Pertiet. Staples: Karla Dudley. Numbers: Pompadour font.

Toodles.

Help Me Decide?

2011-08-05T08:00:00.013-05:00

I finally figured out how to make a custom horizontal navigation bar for No Shrinking Violet (thanks to Katrina's genius tutorials).

So, I need your help deciding if I should go with a horizontal navbar or keep the "411" list I have on my sidebar right now.

ETA: I went with both. I left the horizontal navbar on top and the 411 list at the bottom of the sidebar so my peeps can use it at the top or the bottom of the blog.

What do you like best? Help me decide, pretty please? I'm having a hard time choosing which one I like best. Oy.

Thanks for your help and have a wonderful weekend, pretty people.

Font Love: Ten New Ones.

2011-08-04T08:00:00.024-05:00

I really love making these Font Love Thursday posts. Finding new fonts and rediscovering new ones is lots of fun to a typography lover/hoarder/addict, like yours truly.

Without further ado, here are my ten new font additions. Love them all, cannot wait to use them. Hope you see something you love as much as I do.

(I dunno what's up with Blogger and my image quality lately. If you are one of those geeky geniuses and know the reason, please help a girl out? It's driving me insane!)

As always, I'd love to know which fonts you're loving lately. Please enable me. Guilt free. Ha!

The very cute frame and banner are from Minitoko Ville. You need to check out that place...

Happy Thursday, peeps.

Be Still, My Heart.

2011-08-03T08:00:00.024-05:00

This does not need too many words. My Nati wrote this to me a few weeks ago when I told her she had to take me with her when she left for college.

("Contract: I promise that "wen" I go to "colege" I will bring my Mommy". Signed, sealed, delivered!)

I'm gonna need to keep this under 24 hour surveillance. Heh heh heh...

I gotta go hug her for about an hour. She will be seven for just a few more days... Man, I blink and this happens.

Have a great Wednesday, my lovelies.

The August Break.

2011-08-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

I found this super cool idea though Pugly Pixel. Susanah Conway is a photographer who had the genius idea of taking a pseudo break from blogging during the month of August, by posting a wordless photograph on her blog instead of doing a full blown post.

(badge image by Katrina Tan @ Pugly Pixel)

There really are no rules to this challenge, but I love the idea of using it for those days when I simply don't know what to blog about or am busy enjoying the Summer, which is the whole point of The August Break, as I understand it.

So, some days will be photographs and some will be regular posts, but always featuring a photograph for the day. I have gotten some very cool new iPhone photo apps which I need to start using.

Check all the deets here, get your badge, and give it a try.

Happy Tuesday, pretty people.

Hello Monday.

2011-08-01T12:08:00.000-05:00

To those of you who left me such kind words, thank you! I needed them and truly appreciated it... I am starting this new week full of renewed hope and determination. So it's take action time around these parts.

I spent Saturday at Papalote Children's Museum here in Mexico City and a good time was had by all. I had never been before and I gotta say, it's a very cool and fun place for kids and their parents.

Here are a few of my fave shots of the day...

Needless to say I came home dog tired and fell into bed like a baby.

I hope y'all had a good weekend also. I'm gonna go start the day. OK, maybe five minutes more. Or ten. Ha!

Toodles, lovelies.

Deep Breaths.

2011-07-29T08:00:00.027-05:00

Yesterday was a day of very though decisions, of realizing I have to let go of certain dreams so I can start working on making new ones happen. A day of being reminded that my friends are true and steadfast, no matter how far away we may be from each other. That I have the best family a girl could ever ask for. It's humbling, reassuring and a balm for my soul.

It was day of rude awakenings, of periods of numbness, of trying to center myself, get my thoughts in order and take action. Once and for all.

It's terrifying, lemme tell ya. But life has already given me the hardest test of endurance of all: losing a child. I got through it, survived it and after it all, life rewarded me with the most perfect and loving little girl. I can do it and I will.

I have to believe I can. I am surrounded by people who love and support me in any way they can and I will draw strength from that.

I found these pics I took of my beautiful Miami skies, which I have to believe I will be under again, soon. Because I can. And I will.

I thought they illustrated the road ahead pretty accurately, and they are just pretty.

Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies.

Font Love: My Top Type.

2011-07-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Font Love Thursday is back, and this time I am showing the love to my top fonts of all time. These are the ones I will use for ever and ever and I will never get tired of them.

Without further ado, here they are...

Of course I have to thank Katrina for the inspiration in styling this post. I loved the photo strip look and I had these super cool Katie Pertiet ones, so there you have it.

What are your all time fave fonts? Share with me and feed my font addiction, please? With sugar on top...

Happy Thursday, lovelies.

iPhone Photography Apps.

2011-07-27T07:47:00.000-05:00

I really don't use my iPhone as much as I should to take pictures. With all the über cool photography apps out there, it's pretty hard not to take a cool pic even with a phone.

These are my current faves. Share yours with me, OK?

1. Hipstamatic

A classic. I love everything about it and they have been giving pretty good updates. The free stuff is so cool and I love being able to change the camera case.

2. Camera Bag

This gives me very cool effects too and you can also have a desktop version. Check it out for sure.

3. Project 365

I need to start this soon. How cool would it be? I'm gonna do it with pics of Nati. Promise...

4. PS Express

Very quick and easy way to edit your pics as soon as you take them so you can share them right from your iPhone.

5. Photocabine

Oh, la la! My fave. Love the cool music the desktop version plays, love the layout options for the strips. the scratchy effect on the pics. I say oui to it all.

6. Insagram

I just got this one, so I haven't been able to explore it much, but I love what peeps have been sharing all over the web with this app.

7. Pocketbooth

So much fun! Kinda like Photocabine, but has different effects and photo paper textures. I just took a bunch with this app and I'll be scrapping them soon. Must have, this one .

8. Camera+

A new one to me also, but what little I've been able to explore has been great. You can do tons of things to your pics with this app. Totally worth the buck ninety nine. Ha!

These are some of my favorite shots. All taken with Hipstamatic.

Happy Wednesday, lovelies.

Freebies for ya...

2011-07-26T08:00:00.024-05:00

Ever since Karla asked me to make a few templates for her, back when I was in her DT, I have loved making them.

They make it all easier, and when the mojo decides to take a vacay, there is nothing like the boost of having a starting point with a template.

I have made many, many more since then, and I will be offering them to you as freebies here on No Shrinking Violet, from time to time.

Here are a few of my free template downloads. You can get them by clicking on the images below.

They are always available by going to the 411 section on the sidebar and clicking on "free templates".

Stay tuned, though. I have many more in the works and they will all be free. I hope you like and enjoy them, and that you show me what you made with them.

Kisses, lovelies.

New Week: New Look.

2011-07-25T08:00:00.033-05:00

As promised, No Shrinking Violet got a facelift. I need to thank Katrina, the genius behind Pugly Pixel, for all I've learned form her amazing tutorials, for her templates and all the inspiration she has given me.

This new look comes from my fascination with all things mid 20th century. I love the illustrations, the typography that era inspired. The furniture and fashion design, all of which have become iconic. Just the whole feel of it has always spoken to me.

I started playing around with the idea and this is what came out. I hope you like it, and I would so love to hear what you think. I want to design blogs and your input would be much appreciated.

If you're interested in a blog redesign, send me an e-mail at:

anilumagloire@yahoo.com

Have a swell Monday, lovelies.

Had To Get These.

2011-07-22T08:00:00.017-05:00

Y'all know I have undying love for my girl Karla Dudley, and she had made me wait for ages to release a new kit. Well, lemme tell ya, it was worth it.

She came up with this amazing kit, part of her Essentials series: Number Essentials 1. It's beyond cool and the possibilities are endless. Follow this link to get yours.

Here's the first of many, many pages I will be making with it. The top five things my Nati is loving right now...

And...

Here's hoping you all have a great weekend.
Toodle loo.

Yep, More Old Photos.

2011-07-21T07:00:00.021-05:00

I know it's Font Love Thursday, but it got bumped by this very cool photo I found... We'll be back to our regularly scheduled program next week. Ha!

So, here's another page made with more of those amazing old photographs my family's been sharing. This time it's my dad's family.

This pic is a fave cause it's his whole family (dad's seventh from the top of the stairs), and this picture was taken at my grandparents' home in Haiti. This beautiful house was completely destroyed during the earthquake that leveled that poor country, so any photograph picturing it is even more special for me now.

(click on picture to see it in full in another page)

I used the same template as yesterday, and that very cool paper is by Andrea Victoria at Designer Digitals. I thought it looked kinda Caribbean.

OK, I'm off to watch Happy Potter with my sister.

Later gators.

More Family Photographs.

2011-07-20T07:00:00.005-05:00

Gotta love family groups on Facebook. I have been getting all these amazing old pictures I didn't even know existed. Very cool stuff.

This photograph is my great grandfather on my mom's side and I had to scrap it, pronto. I used that new Three Paper Peonies digital kit I told you about on Monday. So versatile. Love it.

(click on picture to see it whole in another window)

I have more of these amazing photos to scrap, so I just might make it a "photo a day" this week. Gives me a great excuse to make more digi pages.

The template I used for the page is totally based on Ali Edwards' WITL templates from last year.

I hope you like.

Toodles.

Oh, Larry... I Love Ya'.

2011-07-19T09:22:00.000-05:00

Just a sweet and short post to profess my undying love for Curb Your Enthusiasm. I had been waiting for ages for the new season to start and, man was it worth it.

If you're not watching yet, do! You will thank me later by sending me flowers and chocolate.

Have a super happy Tuesday, lovelies.

Li'l Me.

2011-07-18T07:00:00.008-05:00

Hey, I scrapped! Yes I did. My sister started scanning all these old family pictures and I thought a page was in order. This is my dear cousin Erika and yours truly, at my grandparents' houses in Mexico City and Veracruz, I think. Gotta ask my mom.

We were inseparable and I still love spending time with her. We are very close in age and we were always the big girls. I so love that pic of my grandfather holding us both. Sigh...

I used this amazing new kit by Three Paper Peonies. Man, she made us wait for a new kit. Isn't it delicious?

Labels are Pugly Pixel and those crazy cool cabochon flowers are Sahlin Studio.

I'm gonna go stalk my sister's Facebook page to get more pics to scrap with this kit.

Hope you like.

Toodles.

Glitter Love.

2011-07-15T06:51:00.000-05:00

Ever since I sent Katrina (my pal and author of the best design blog there is, Pugly Pixel) that link about how to make digital glitter, I found a renewed love for all things glittlery.

So, I fired up Photoshop and made a few glittery wallpapers for my MacBook. They are 1280x800 px. If you like any of them, feel free to click on the smaller images and save them to use in your computer.

I used some very cool brushes by Green Bulb Gang, which you can see here.

Click and save these to download the original size...

Enjoy and have a great weekend.

Can't Stop Looking At Them.

2011-07-14T07:00:00.038-05:00

Time for another font love post. I have been lusting over these four fonts for months. Why, oh why are fonts so darn expensive?

No matter, I will have them all, sooner or later. Why do I feel like inserting an evil laughter soundtrack here?

Anyway, here they are. Aren't they absolutely gorgeous?

They are from My Fonts, of course. That place will be the ruin of me, I tell ya. But, to be fair, these are pretty accessible as fonts go, so I'll be able to add them to my collection soon. Yay!

Have a great one.

Oh, How I Love My Books...

2011-07-13T07:00:00.065-05:00

I really do. Some days I'd go nuts if I couldn't give my brain the little break a book gives it. I gotta say, I love my Kindle as much as I love my iPhone, and that is a lot.

I am never ever without a book to read, and my current book is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I wasn't too sure about it even with all the hype, but I am liking it so far. There are some things bothering me, but I am already halfway through it, so I'm gonna finish it.

ETA: Just finished it and I liked it. I expected much more, but it was entertaining. After the first half I could not put it down and had to finish it to see what would happen.

I liked some of the characters a lot, others not so much and I think it makes a truly horrific time for black people in the US, and particularly in Mississippi, a little too... nice.

The ending was a little anticlimactic to me, cause I like my books to have closure. But that's just me. It felt like someone told her "OK, time to finish it", and she did.

I don't think it deserves all the hype it's been getting, but it wasn't as bad as it's detractors say it is either. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

I'm kind of excited to see the movie. It's gonna be one of those cheesy, girly tearjerkers I love.

Happy day, pretties.

So Proud Of Her.

2011-07-12T07:00:00.020-05:00

The other day my Nati came home all excited to show me the diploma she had gotten from her teacher at school for being such a well behaved girl.

First thing she asked me was to make her a post here on the blog, so here it is. A whole post just for the love of my life, my joy, my little girl.

She keeps giving me nothing but joy every day. I look forward to years of proud moments with you, Nati.

Your mommy loves you so, so much.

Toodles,

New Blog Design.

2011-07-11T07:00:00.045-05:00

As much as I loved my pink and gray look, I felt the urge to showcase a different look. I used another combination I love: gray and turquoise.

Lately I am using gray a lot and you'll see that in my upcoming blog designs. I have lots ready to use and I still have so many ideas for designs I want to create.

I knew I liked this digital stuff, but I have come to realize blog/web design is what I really love and want to do.

So, here's the new one...

I played a little with Pugly Pixel's amazing blog template and made the header different with a scalloped edge. It's amazing how many different looks you can get out of this one template. Making the "blogable" surface 1000px wide, makes all the difference for me. I never liked those super cluttered templates with just a little strip in the middle for posts.

I also love the wide sidebar and the fact that it can be a single or double row. Endless possibilites.

Thank you, Katrina for making such cool things available to us blog enthusiasts. You rule.

Those super cool mini Polaroid frames are Rhonna Farrer for House of 3.

As always, if you're interested in a new blog design, contact me at:

anilumagloire@yahoo.com

Okay, Photoshop is calling my name, so I'm off to create more stuff. Have a great week, my lovelies.

Blog-Web Page Design.

2011-07-08T07:00:00.016-05:00

I think this is definitely something I want do. I have been having such a great time creating my blog's future themes, that I need to do this in a more serious way.

I am going to find a class to learn all about HTML and CSS and all those geeky cool things and see where this goes. In the meantime, I've found some pretty cool online courses and it's so exciting to see how it all works.

I feel giddy every time I learn something new and I love the design part of it. This is it for me!

Here is a peek at the designs you will be seeing here on No Shrinking Violet in the coming months.

So far I have seven ready to go, but I know I'll have many more before I have used all of these. I hope you like.

If you'd like me to design your blog for you, drop me a line at:

anilumagloire@yahoo.com

Circles template is Pugly Pixel. Staples are Karla Dudley.

Have a great weekend, lovelies.

New Font, New Font!

2011-07-07T07:00:00.014-05:00

Oh, yeah. There was no way I could resist this one. My Fonts is a very dangerous place for me. I love this font to death and it was worth every penny I paid for it.

It's beautiful name is Verner and it's part of a font family I must have. Soon, hopefully.

Ok, I'm off to think of ways to use my new lovely font.

Toodles,

Hipsta Shot.

2011-07-06T07:00:00.038-05:00

I had sushi for lunch the other day and, for some strange reason, I got a Chinese fortune cookie with my meal.

I loved my fortune and thought it was very apropos, so here it is.

Of course by now you've all figured out I am in love with Pugly Pixel's labels and vintage fabric banners. They are just too cool not to use.

Here's hoping your fortune's nice to you too.

Toodles,

Whee!

2011-07-05T11:16:00.006-05:00

Ah, lemme just say this beautiful Tuesday has been full of the coolest news and this is the cherry on top of my happy sundae...

Pugly Pixel, I love thee.

I found Katrina's blog by chance and I never loved a blog as much as I love hers. She is just pure coolness and her amazing aesthetics speak to mine. I love everything she does and her freebies are to die for. I got a Premium Membership and it's been the best $5 I have ever spent.

You need to go visit her. Now!

Of course that graph paper I made using one of her tutorials (best and easiest to follow) and the tape is Pugly Pixel also. I borrowed the images from her blog. You can see her glittery post here.

OK, I'm off to start the day. Have a wonderful one, lovelies.

Fashion Lust.

2011-07-04T06:58:00.000-05:00

I was browsing Pinterest today, and my heart skipped a beat when I landed on these...

I have never loved a pair of shoes like I love these Vera Wang Lavender Label flats. I am a total flat gal and these are the perfect shape, and the bling overload is making me dizzy.

I dunno how, but I will have these shoes. Just sayin'.

I'm off to daydream about them some more. Happy day, lovelies.

They Kill Me Dead...

2011-07-01T06:37:00.000-05:00

My sweet little girls, that is. Both Nati, my daughter and Paulina, my niece, are the most generous people I know.

They were wearing these über cool plastic rings the other day and when I told them I loved them, they both took them right off their beautiful little hands and just gave them to me.

Needless to say, they melt my heart on a daily basis and I love them more than words can say.

I wear my cool rings all the time, and they make me smile like a fool.

I made the red graph paper thanks to a super easy tutorial by Pugly Pixel. Pink tag and vintage fabric banners are Pugly Pixel, also.

Have a wonderful weekend, beautiful people.

Font Loves: Part Deux.

2011-06-30T06:29:00.001-05:00

As promised, here are a few more of my fave fonts. Some were free. Gotta love Dafont! Some were not, but I love 'em all the same. I am an equal opportunity font lover.

Without further ado, here is group numero dos...

Hope you see something you like and didn't know about. Nothing I love more than finding a new font I love.

Toodle loo,

Just Like Her Godmother.

2011-06-29T07:00:00.004-05:00

My sister just sent me a copy of my niece's perfect report card from third grade. The kid is not only gorgeous, she is crazy intelligent, just like me. Ha!

Just wanted to send a huge shout-out to her. My Paulina, your Nena loves you to death. We are all so proud of you, baby girl.

Here she is with Nati just a few weeks ago... I can't help but feel lucky and so blessed when I look at them both. I can't wait to see Nati's report card next week.

Toodles,

Oh, dear...

2011-06-28T09:07:00.001-05:00

I was going through stuff yesterday evening and my heart almost stopped when I found this...

We took her out of the hospital wearing these socks and my chest got tight thinking about how little she was. Of course she was that tiny for about 10 seconds, but still.

It really is, without a doubt, the blink of an eye. I'm all verklempt now. Gotta go hug her for about an hour. Or until iCarly comes on.

*sigh*

Have a great day lovelies,

Color Me Surprised...

2011-06-27T06:25:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of myself I don't hate. Stop the presses, people! I took it a couple of weeks ago with my iPhone, and I have to say, Hipstamatic is a girl's best friend. Yeah, it hides all sorts of things...

Photo overlay by Pugly Pixel.

Who knows, I may even take more, so people know I was there too. Ha! Gotta make an appearance in my layouts once in a while, I guess.

Have a wonderful week, It's almost time for vacay over here. Finally!

Toodles,

My Sweet Girls. Together.

2011-06-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

Just to share a super simple page I made with all those pictures I love so much of my Nati, and her cousin Paulina. Those two are closer than sisters and love each other to death.

Nothing I love more than seeing them like this.

Paper and photo stips are Katie Pertiet. Vintage fabric elements and label are Pugly Pixel.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Font crazy. Yes, I am.

2011-06-23T07:00:00.052-05:00

I really don't know why I have never posted about my love for type. Every time I get a new font, I feel giddy. Almost as giddy as when I get new shoes. Almost...

I just love them to death, and lately I have been on a script-y mood and these are my latest faves. I swear my heart is racing just looking at these... *sigh*

Can you tell I'm in love with this color palette, Katrina from Pugly Pixel made?

I will make more posts in the future about the rest of my many, maaaaany font loves. It has taken me a long time to find and collect them all.

Next font post will be more new faves.

What are your fave fonts? Share, lovelies.

Have a wonderful Thursday,

It's Ready!

2011-06-22T06:26:00.007-05:00

* Insert squeals of joy and excitement here *

So, I finished Ady's blog's redesign last Friday and she loved it. I could not be happier about it.

Go check the whole thing here...

Most of the digital goodies are by Michelle Underwood. 

I really hope I get the chance to do this again. If you're interested, email me at:

anilumagloire@yahoo.com

Kisses, lovelies.

Baby Gracie is here!

2011-06-21T07:00:00.017-05:00

Yesterday my sweet friend Vanessa and her husband, welcomed baby Grace into the world. I wish I could have been there to greet her.

Isn't she just beautiful? Dear Vane, I hope I get to meet her soon.

Huge hugs and kisses from your "auntie" Anilú, in México City.

Thank you so much, Ady, for sending me her picture.

Kisses,

Time to change the look.

2011-06-20T07:00:00.011-05:00

As you know, I have been changing my blog look a lot. I am having so much fun experimenting and designing the headers, that I just can't stop.

This new look was inspired by my fave color combination from when I was about 13. I loved gray and pink. Had lots of clothes in those colors and I felt like a princess whenever I was wearing them.

So, as you can see, No Shrinking Violet is going back in time and I think I will keep this one for a little longer. Maybe...

I made new buttons, new badges, new blog template courtesy of the über talented Katrina from Pugly Pixel . Thanks to her I'm now styling my pictures for these posts, instead of simply posting a plain image.

I am getting so passionate about the design side of things, I need to seriously learn all about HTML and CSS and all things geeky.

Anyway, I hope you like.

Kisses, my lovelies.

Busy, busy, busy!

2011-06-17T09:44:00.010-05:00

I have been in heaven the last few days redesigning my sweet friend Ady's blog. It's my first time doing this and I am loving it so much!

I have learned lots of new cool things about HTML and CSS and editing templates and debugging, and... It's been great.

We are on the home stretch now and I hope she is as happy as I am with the finished product.

Here's hoping you all have a great weekend.

Kisses, lovelies.

So much fun to make.

2011-06-16T07:00:00.005-05:00

Just a little post to share a blog button I made for my girl Pam to use as the Pinterest link on her blog.

Papers are Katie Pertiet, leaves and stitches are Karla Dudley.

I think I'm gonna make even more for my blog for when I feel a new look coming. Ha!

Right now...

Listening: To the news on TV while I work.

Eating: nothing, but I want a tamal.

Drinking: Coffee, soon.

Craving: a scone from Panera Bread.

Wearing: workout clothes.

Feeling: tired and sleepy, but I'm about to shake that off!

Weather: nice and sunny.

Wanting: to have fun with an old friend today.

Needing: to find out what's up with my eyes getting puffy all the time. Ugh.

Waiting: for GOOD news. Pleeease!

Wondering: lots of things right now...

Loving: time to create pretty things on Photoshop.

Have a great day, lovelies.

Great apps and not caring so much.

2011-06-15T07:00:00.007-05:00

Continuing my Pugly Pixel love fest, as you can see. I totally got the idea for the picture from her blog and I thank her a million times for the inspiration.

Thanks to her, I also found La Photocabine. Oh, how I love this app! I am gonna be taking many more pics, messy hair and all. Ha!

Love that they have both Mac and iPhone apps.

All elements are Pugly Pixel. Picture by La Photocabine.

Right now...

Listening: To the news on TV.

Eating: Nothing. Not hungry yet. Ha!

Drinking: I need coffee!!

Craving: More sleep.

Wearing: Jeans and a polo shirt.

Feeling: Excited.

Weather: Nice and sunny. Cool.

Wanting: To see old friends.

Needing: To start my owrk out even though I hurt in places I didn't know could hurt. No pain, no gain!!

Waiting: For a call with GREAT news so I can go home already.

Wondering: How a design job I'm doing will look like when I'm done.

Loving: My girlie's shenanigans. She is a riot!

Happy day, lovelies.

Blog revamp.

2011-06-14T06:17:00.008-05:00

Now that I'm back to blogging every day, I want my blog to be as pretty as possible. The links I have on my sidebar are all important to me, but I didn't like the look of them. So, I unified their look, creating new buttons for each one.

I used one of my all time fave fonts, Learning Curve and more of my Pugly Pixel digi goodies. Lemme tell ya, I cannot get enough of them.

I am really, really liking this blog designing thing.

I hope you like.

Right now...

Listening: To the news on TV.

Eating: Nothing, but I want eggs.

Drinking: Coffee!

Craving: A BIG IHOP platter.

Wearing: Um... I plead the 5th again. Ha!

Feeling: Happy, and sooo sleepy.

Weather: Nice and cool. Sunny.

Wanting: My friends back...

Needing: Motivation to get moving.

Waiting: To go back home to beautiful Miami.

Wondering: WHEN?!?

Loving: How much my girlie enjoys everything.

Have a beautiful Tuesday.

Oh, the love!

2011-06-13T07:25:00.008-05:00

I  don't think I've loved a blog as much as I love Pugly Pixel. I have learned so many cool Photoshop techniques and gotten the coolest free digital goodies.

You have to check it out. And she updates it a lot, which we blog readers loooove.

Since it's a new week, I thought I'd use my new Pugly Pixel goodies and change the blog look.

Many of the elements I used to create this one, I got from that wonderful place.

Right now...

Listening: To a mix of traffic and Fraiser.

Eating: Nothing.

Drinking: Nothing yet, but an espresso is in my future.

Craving: French toast from La Quinta Luna. Yummy!

Wearing: Pink pjs.

Feeling: A renewed hope. Feels great!

Weather: 58° F. Hope it would stay like that, but alas, I will melt later.

Wanting: News about our trip back back home, Please, for the loooove!

Needing: More energy. I hate feeling tired all the time.

Waiting: For good news.

Wondering: When this stupid eye irritation will go away.

Loving: Technology and all it has done for me ;-)

Here's to a wonderful week. Toodles.

Oh, well...

2011-06-10T08:54:00.003-05:00

Seriously pondering these words and coming off my happy happy joy joy high.

Right now...

Listening: To Rachael Ray on TV.

Eating: Chicken tacos for lunch. Good stuff.

Drinking: Diet grapefruit soda.

Craving: Sugar!!

Wearing: Hot pink tank top dress.

Feeling: Disposable and unimportant.

Weather: 70 F. Hope it holds there.

Wanting: To be appreciated for once.

Needing: Answers.

Waiting: To be told why.

Wondering: How this day will go. Get better or worse?

Loving: Time alone.

Happy weekend, lovelies.

Oh, the joy...

2011-06-09T09:45:00.005-05:00

I am buried under a mountain of laundry that is keeping me from scrapping. The humanityyyyyy!

I hope I get done with it today so we can go back to our regularly scheduled program of lots of Photoshop time.

Right now...

Listening: Country tunes.

Eating: A pear.

Drinking: Espresso!

Craving: Chicken tacos for lunch.

Wearing: pjs... *blushes*

Feeling: Happy, happy, happy!

Weather: Nice and sunny. Rained yesterday and that helps.

Wanting: To be done with all this endless folding.

Needing: My stuff back already. Please!

Waiting: Like always, to go back home already, for the love.

Wondering: How tomorrow will go. Seeing old friends again.

Loving: Waking up happy again.

Have a great day, lovelies.

That's my girl!

2011-06-08T07:31:00.004-05:00

I saw this on Pinterest yesterday and it made me laugh out loud. Also made me think of  my little gangstah. Oy!

She told me in great confidence yesterday during her bath, that she had super powers. Yep, super powers. When I told her that was crazy cool, and asked what her powers were, she said: "I control the winds".

Apparently if she concentrates and stares really hard at the trees, she can make the leaves move.

That kid is my greatest joy and my number one source of laughs.

Right now....

Listening: To Fraiser. Man, I love that show.

Eating: Nothing right now.

Drinking: Espresso!! Yay.

Craving: Toast and scrambled eggs.

Wearing: green lounge pants and tank top with bling.

Feeling: Happier than I have in a long time.

Weather: Sunny blue skies. Kinda cool but it will change in a hurry...

Wanting: To paint my bedroom a nice shade of yellow.

Needing: To do loads and loads of laundry.

Waiting: To go back home already. Mercyyyyyyy!

Wondering: How seeing old friends again will be like.

Loving: How beautiful the sunlight looks reflecting off the leaves on the tree right outside my window.

Happy Wednesday. It's SYTYCD day!

Best weekend in a loooong time.

2011-06-07T06:25:00.002-05:00

It was my mom's birthday this past weekend and my cousin invited us all to go to celebrate it in Puebla. A gorgeous state about 2 hours away from Mexico City.

And so we went and had the best time ever. Delicious, and I mean seriously delicious food, amazing boutique hotel, great family time, lots of fun for the kids. Just great.

Here are a few pics I took over the weekend.

I saw the most amazing churches from the 1600's. Here are just the façades cause photography was not allowed inside, but OMG, I had never seen anything like it before in my life and I don't think I ever will...

We had lunch at the nicest, most posh and delicious restaurant. It was located at the university's art center. A brand new complex with outdoor expos and the coolest atmosphere.

The birthday girls...

Crazy people acting crazy...

The whole bunch...

My Princess...

My cousin got us the most beautiful, elegant and perfect hotel in the heart of Cholula, Puebla. It's called La Quinta Luna and it's only 6 suites. It was wow. Just WOW.

Entrance to the dining room...

The center patio...

The bedroom part of our room...

About to have breakfast by the fountain...

More patio views...

We got to spend the afternoon at the plaza, drinking great coffee and watching the kids play with their kites. We even got some fireworks. Could not have been more perfect.

Needless to say it was hard to come back home...

New letterpress-y look.

2011-06-06T07:00:00.013-05:00

As you can see, I am obsessed with that amazing digital letterpress look and I have been playing with it lots and lots lately.

I wanted to change the blog look and I came up with this...

All elements are from One Little Bird's Vagabond kit.

Right now... Something a little different I saw on a blog once.

Outside my window: Looks a little cloudy. I like it.

I am thinking: That I had a great weekend. Finally!

I am thankful for: My Family. I have the best one in the universe.

I am wearing: I plead the 5th. Again.

I am going: Not sure yet.

I am currently reading: Book 2 of the Atlantis Warriors series. It's fun.

I am hoping: That we get to go back home SOON.

On my mind: Good things and people I love.

Around the house: Cleaning day!

One of my favorite things: My beloved Kindle.

I'm creating: Lots of LOs with the amazing photos I got during the weekend.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing really...

From my lens: This is where I was... Sigh.

Have a lovely week.

I miss this so much it hurts...

2011-06-03T07:00:00.003-05:00

No words needed here. I just need this all back. I need the only place that has always felt like home to me...

Here's hoping life gives it to me sometime. I deserve it.

You down with OCD, yeah you know me...

2011-06-02T06:35:00.002-05:00

So, I'm still playing with that very cool letterpress effect, and when I found this AMAZING page by my dear friend and über talented scrapper, Sasha, I knew I had to lift it to make the ampersand letterpressy.

Here are my versions. Yes, I said versionS. I had to try it with the leterpress and a normal drop shadow on the photo strip...

But then I wanted to make one where the ampersand had a drop shadow also...

And, a last one with custom shadows on the photo strip so it looked like it's edges were curling up a little...

Yeah, I know I'm nuts, but it's just so much fun!

Thank you, Sasha for the loads of inspiration you always give me.

Later, gators.

I wanna give this a try.

2011-06-01T06:20:00.003-05:00

I am attached to Pinterest at the hip, like we all are, and I love the things one finds there. So much beauty and coolness and inspiration. I just adore it.

Recently I found this list of photo prompts and I thought I'd give it a try. I may not be able to complete them all, but I will certainly try.

I need lots and lots of pics now that I'm also challenging myself with a LO a day until I use ALL my digital kits. And I have a lot. I could tell you how many but then I'd have to kill ya. Ha!

Right now...

Listening: to the news. Not a great way to start the day, though...

Eating: nothing. Too early.

Drinking: I. Need. Coffee!

Craving: guarapo from Sedano's.

Wearing: blue pjs.

Feeling: sleepy.

Weather: so much cooler. Yay! Loving it while it lasts.

Wanting: to get news about going back home already. Pleeeeease!?

Needing: to do a big load of laundry. I don't wanna.

Waiting: for the effin gas company still. ARGH.

Wondering: why I dreamt of Oprah AND Connan. Huh.

Loving: Nati's anecdotes in the morning while she gets ready for school.

Happy day :-)

It was all good.

2011-05-31T06:29:00.002-05:00

My birthday didn't suck. At all :-)

No matter what's going on in my life, I always know I have my WONDERFUL family to count on. They always go above and beyond to make me feel loved, and I will never be able to tell them how much I love them.

My mom and my aunt made me a delicious lunch at my Grandma's house, my cousins were there and we had a really nice time. The cakes, yes I got two, were yummylicious, and I just got to forget all the other crap for a while and just enjoy my day.

My mom, sis and nice got me this crazy cool ring I had been drooling over. My aunt got me those delish cakes. And my baby girl got me a box of chocolates. It was good.

Yep, not bad at all :-)

Digital letterpress. Whaaaaa?!?!? I die.

2011-05-30T06:29:00.001-05:00

I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I found this crazy cool tutorial on Pinterest.

It teaches you very clearly how to create this letterpressed effect using Photoshop.

I played with it a little and these two images are what came out...

These were just my first attempts and I am gonna keep on trying to perfect it till I get it just the way I like it, but the process is so much fun.

Finding these tutorials for me, right now, is like buying embellishments.

(Oh how I miss my paper!!)

Definitely give it a try.

Tooddles.

It's my birthday.

2011-05-27T07:00:00.010-05:00

I turn 39 today and I am hoping with all my heart that this is the year it all happens for me. I used to love, love my birthday. It was the best day of the year for me and I looked forward to it all year long.

For the past 13 years I've kinda wished that I could just skip it all together and not think about it anymore. It's always a disappointment. Always some kind of hurt. Always makes me feel lonely. I just don't like it anymore.

I want that to stop! I want to know that this day will again mean happiness and celebration for me.

I am so ready to get on with my life, to be free, to be the best mom, the best daughter, aunt and sister I can possibly be.

To have the life I deserve and have dreamed of.

Here's hoping...

I got this verrrry cool letterpress effect in Photoshop with an amazing tutorial I found on Pinterest and I'll share it with y'all on Monday. I also found the tutorial to make the circular text. Finally! I was complicating it so much and it's actually so easy. Sheesh!

Right now...

Listening: to the TV on the background. Old Christine is on.

Eating: still nothing. Where is my birthday breakfast in bed? Ha.

Drinking: not a thing, but I could so use an espresso.

Craving: a nice big ole IHOP breakfast.

Wearing: a tank top and sheets cause it's too damn hot in here.

Feeling: sad, tired, sleepy, angry... Yay.

Weather: it's gonna be another scorcher.

Wanting: to like my birthdays again.

Needing: a present would have been nice.

Waiting: for this little hell to be over already. How cheery am I?

Wondering: when, when, when?

Loving: nothing at the moment really.

I'm off to enjoy my mama's cooking and try to have a good day with my family.

Have a good weekend, lovelies.

This keeps me sane. Kinda...

2011-05-26T06:33:00.003-05:00

Thank the Lawd my friend Karla Dudley got me into digital, or I'd be going insane right about now after two whole years without my paper and glue.

I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I saw this Paislee Press kit. I mean, those lemons. Duuude! I die.

Right now...

Listening: to the TV, but feeling like Country music.

Eating:  ciabatta bread.

Drinking: cafe au lait.

Craving: a good night's sleep already.

Wearing: hot pink pjs.

Feeling: kinda sleepy still...

Weather: slightly cooler than yesterday's hellish temps. Sheesh!

Wanting: to feel excited about my birthdays again.

Needing: to start exercising again pronto.

Wondering: when will I ever see my stuff again?

Loving: that Scotty McCreery won American Idol. Yay! I love that kid.

I'm off to enjoy my last day of being 38. Kisses, lovelies.

Trying so, so hard....

2011-05-25T08:02:00.002-05:00

I wish I knew how to do this... It feels like the past two years have been wished away.

Book of Faves: the cover.

2011-05-24T07:00:00.007-05:00

I think this is the most perfect baby kit ever!  I am so glad I have a little girl *squeals of joy*

Right now...

Listening: to The New Adventures of Old Christine on TV.

Eating: a delicious tamal.

Drinking: cafe au lait.

Craving: real coffee.

Wearing: pjs... Hey, it's still too early around here *grins*

Feeling: restless.

Weather: 60°F but it's gonna get so much warmer :(

Wanting: to find great new shampoo and conditioner.

Needing: calamine lotion for these damn mosquito bites.

Wondering: when, when, when???

Loving: how my girlie just told me she looked gorgeous before going to school.

Have a good one.

Another Book of Faves page...

2011-05-23T06:25:00.000-05:00

Still creating my Book of Faves, using all those pictures I absolutely love but hadn't scrapped much before.

Here's number five in the series...

Oh, and color me surprised to be journaling on my pages lately *gasp*

I used One Little Bird's Billet Doux kit, like I have in all the other previous pages of this project.

Man, it feels GREAT to be creating again!

Right now...

Listening: to the morning traffic. Yay?

Eating: nothing. Too early to eat.

Drinking: Ditto, but I could sooo use an espresso.

Craving: Espresso!

Wearing: pjs still.

Feeling: not too great, actually...

Weather: 59°F. Not bad, but it won't last long *weeps*

Wanting: to go back home already!!

Needing: to know what's going on with a weird situation.

Wondering: what today will bring.

Loving: that my Nati is super excited about getting me a birthday present. She makes it all better. Always.

Have a great week, lovelies.

Hugely shameless lift...

2011-05-20T06:22:00.000-05:00

Since I have frozen all kinds of digital stuff acquiring until I have used all my kits at least once, I got creative trying to make me some of those AMAZING Curated templates by Paislee Press, whom I adore.

Here's what came out...

The über talented Karla Dudley taught me how to make those shadows in one of her tutorials, which you can find on her blog, here.

Toodles, loves.

Who knew I liked lavender...

2011-05-19T06:24:00.005-05:00

More oldie but goodie pics of my baby girl, all ready for Hawaiian day at preschool.
Her face in these pics kills me dead. Just sayin'.

I used One Little Bird's Focal Point kit and Karla Dudley's staples and jewel brads. I know, huge surprise there, huh?

I saw this on a pal's blog and I thought I'd give it a try...

Listening: To Bridezillas on TV on the background.

Eating: A lollipop.

Drinking: Nothing, but I need a decaf diet Coke pronto.

Craving: The fish tacos I'm about to eat.. Yummy!

Wearing: Um... I'm gonna plead the 5th here. Ha!

Feeling: A little worried about someone I love *weeps*

Weather: A pretty perfect 74°F. Let's hope it holds.

Feeling: So tired of waiting to go back home to Miami.

Wanting: A phone call with the best news evah...

Needing: For the damn gas company to restore our service so I can have a hot shower. Ugh.

Wondering: When, when, wheeeeeeeeeeeeen?

Loving: My Nati's voice on the phone.

Toddle loo, dhalings.

Even more faves!

2011-05-18T07:00:00.006-05:00

I'm just having too much fun doing this. Templates=Anilú scraps a lot.

Have a wonderful day. Kiss.

It's great to be back!

2011-05-17T07:00:00.005-05:00

Just a little page using some pretty old pics of Nati having this crazy conversation on the phone. Nothing that girl loves most than talking on the phone.

Used Paislee Press' Sorriso kit on this LO.

No Shrinking Violet

My New Favorite Show. Evah.

In love.

Tired. So, so tired.

2012... Bring. It. On!

Last of 2011...

Winners!

Today Is The Day... Stop & Scrap Giveaway! *CONTEST CLOSED*

OK, Enough Slacking. Promise...

Giveaways!

It's The Little Things.

I Need.

My Adventures In Word Feud.

I'm Back.

Leaving On A Jet Plane....

Font Love: New Ones To Love.

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty...

Font Love: Lost Type Co-op, Part Deux.

New Goodies Are A Good Thing.

Where The Heart Is.

Font Love: OMG. I'm In Love.

Can't Have Martha, But I Have Sweet Paul.

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Program...

Aleida.

These Words...

Font Love: Gotta Get These.

I'm Out Of Commission....

She Always Knows.

Font Love: You Can Never Have Enough.

I Need One Of These. Or Three...

Poladroid Love.

About.Me

She's The Ultimate Girly Girl.

Font Love: Say Hello To My New Little Friends.

Oh, Fun!

The View From Up Here.

Ain't That The Truth.

The Partay Pics.

Font Love: Fave Uppercase Fonts.

Just Playing Around.

Have a Laugh.

Today is The Day...

Help Me Decide?

Font Love: Ten New Ones.

Be Still, My Heart.

The August Break.

Hello Monday.

Deep Breaths.

Font Love: My Top Type.

iPhone Photography Apps.

Freebies for ya...

New Week: New Look.

Had To Get These.

Yep, More Old Photos.

More Family Photographs.

Oh, Larry... I Love Ya'.

Li'l Me.

Glitter Love.

Can't Stop Looking At Them.

Oh, How I Love My Books...

So Proud Of Her.

New Blog Design.

Blog-Web Page Design.

New Font, New Font!

Hipsta Shot.

Whee!

Fashion Lust.

They Kill Me Dead...

Font Loves: Part Deux.

Just Like Her Godmother.

Oh, dear...

Color Me Surprised...

My Sweet Girls. Together.

Font crazy. Yes, I am.

It's Ready!

Baby Gracie is here!

Time to change the look.

Busy, busy, busy!

So much fun to make.

Great apps and not caring so much.

Today Is The Day... Stop & Scrap Giveaway! CONTEST CLOSED