Deep Breaths.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.