Comfort Food

Mia says, KAYA!

Since I actually just scrapped about my addictions last month for another challenge, I had to think of someTHING else I wanted to scrap about for the Kaya challenge. It wasn't so hard, really. I just thought of what I was craving for while I was thinking. And I was definitely craving for ice cream! LOL! Mier and I just finished this 800mL container in one sitting and I thought of taking a picture of it for my layout. The picture is starting me drool again....

Journaling:
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going and going and going. And what keeps me going is Coffee Crumble ice cream! The SIGHT of its golden brown cover and the FEEL of its cold container makes my mouth water! I can actually HEAR it call my name! The TASTE and SMELL are just heavenly! :D

Technique Used:
I used different kinds of Craft Express Stickers for the title. I have all these stickers with missing letters alreaday and I thought Roxanee's challenge was just perfect for these. I still have a lot, though. Must use them for other layouts.

About ME:
Mia (of Mier) 01/24/00
Natalia Dominique "Nadine" 08/31/01
Regina Gabrielle "Raya" 11/06/03
Alessandra Gianina "Alyssa" 09/09/07
*Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Multiply Gallery

No ordinary girl

Mia says, KAYA!

Happy birthday Janis!

This challenge was not easy for me simply because I realized that I didn't have many pearl embellishments. LOL! So I had to check and re check my materials and see what I could use for my "pearls." :D

I used one big brad conch from Imaginise for one of the flowers. I also used MM pearl pins as part of the photo corner. Oh, and I found photo corners from Jolee's Boutique with little pearls on them. I removed some pearls lang bec the photo corners didn't really match my layout colors. Hehehe!

Journaling:

You are all girly girl when it comes to dolls and dresses, cooking and princesses... But you prove that you are no ordinary girl when it comes to other things. You are tough. You are spunky. You are a daredevil. You speak your mind. You are unique and we love you very much! Raya - age 5

Materials:

DCWV cardstock; Pink Paislee Patterned Papers and alpha stickers; MME butterfly die cut and tag; Making Memories pearl pins and journaling paper; Craft Express alpha epoxy stickers; 7 gyspises stickers; Imaginsice conch; Bazzil flowers; Prima flowers; Jolee's Boutique photo corner and pearls

About ME:
Mia (of Mier) 01/24/00
Natalia Dominique "Nadine" 08/31/01
Regina Gabrielle "Raya" 11/06/03
Alessandra Gianina "Alyssa" 09/09/07
*Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
MULTIPLY BLOG GALLERY

Two Big

Mia says, KAYA!

I too missed the deadline for the last Kaya Challenge! And to think I kept on bugging Lee about the requirements! (If you want to check out the layout I made for the last challenge, you can find it in my blog. The layout is entitled Almost.)

So I'm making sure I don't miss the deadline this time. My layout is about my Alyssa trying on Daddy's big shoes. She is such a cutie --- always amusing us with her antics and expressions! I thought that the papers from Studio Azul's April kit matched perfectly with Alyssa's dress! I loved it! I also used Sketch #82 from Valerie Salmon's Got Sketch blog.


Journaling:
You never cease to amuse us! On this day, you just decided to wear Daddy's big boots. You are so adorable! Alyssa at 17 months.

Materials Used:
Mostly from Studio Azul April Kit
2 cardstocks - Bazzil and Sizzix
2 patterned papers - both from Rusty Pickle
2 buttons
2 ribbons
2 brads - AAS
2 journaling papers - Making Memories
2 flowers - Prima
2 pictures
2 words on the title
2 alphas - AAS and Prima Foil
2 colors of pens - both Staedler

About ME:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful princesses, Nadine (age 7), Raya (age 5) and Alyssa (1 year). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004 after my 2nd daughter was born. Since then I've been hooked! Took a break in 2007 when I had a difficult pregnancy with my 3rd baby but I'm now back and more addicted than ever! I believe the heart of my layouts is my journaling. I scrapbook to share myself and my stories to my children.

Just the Boys

Mia says, KAYA!

I've finished this layout for sometime already (as promised Bjay! Mwah!) but haven't taken a picture til now. Honestly, I prefer not to stamp. I don't like the mess and the cleaning up after. But I do have a number of stamps in my stash that definitely needs to be used.

This photo was taken on Good Friday last year when the boys of my family made the Stations of the Cross up the hill. It was nice seeing them all together.


Journaling:
We usually all go up to Malasag on Good Friday but this year, only the BOYS did the tedious trek. It was nice seeing them all bond together... Just the Boys. Good Friday April 2008

Materials:
Studio Azul February kit

Techniques Used:
Non-stamp: I used Alyssa's shoe to make a foot print on the patterned paper
Stamp: Autumn leaves journaling stamp on the tag

About ME:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful princesses, Nadine (age 7), Raya (age 5) and Alyssa (1 year). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004 after my 2nd daughter was born. Since then I've been hooked! Took a break in 2007 when I had a difficult pregnancy with my 3rd baby but I'm now back and more addicted than ever! I believe the heart of my layouts is my journaling. I scrapbook to share myself and my stories to my children.

Umagang Kay Ganda

Mia says, KAYA!

I didn't realize that using anything from the computer for your layout (even as simple as printing your journaling or title) is already considered hybrid scrapbooking. Before we got our printer, I'd fix my pictures through photoshop, adjusting brightness and contrasts and levels, before having them printed out. Thanks to Alby's challenge, I was able to explore hybrid scrapbooking a little more.

For my layout, I used a photo of our whole family taken during our 9th wedding anniversary last 24th January 2009. I wanted to put text and flourishes on this picture but I had it printed already even before I found out about the challenge.


Journaling:
24 January 2009 – our 9th wedding anniversary. The whole family woke up early to a bright and beautiful day. The girls made cards and letters for us. So much to be thankful for!

Materials:
Studio Azul February kit (Glitz, Fancy Pants and Prima papers; ricrac ribbon; hearts chipboard; AC denim thickers) Prima flowers, MM brads, plastic letters, Colorbox ink
Digital elements I used for this layout are the following:
1. Edited my picture by adjusting brightness and contrast
2. Printed part of my title (Umagang)
3. Created the journaling block by attaching parentheses together
4. Typed and printed my journaling
5. Printed then cut flowers.

About ME:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful princesses, Nadine (age 7), Raya (age 5) and Alyssa (1 year). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004 after my 2nd daughter was born. Since then I've been hooked! Took a break in 2007 when I had a difficult pregnancy with my 3rd baby but I'm now back and more addicted than ever! I believe the heart of my layouts is my journaling. I scrapbook to share myself and my stories to my children.

I Love You More Today than Yesterday (But Not As Much As Tomorrow)

Mia says, KAYA!

This wasn't an easy challenge for me. Mier and I are such music enthusiasts that it was difficult to choose the ONE song that would convey how I feel at this moment. In fact, most of my wedding layouts were our songs: As by George Michael, Putting All My Eggs in One Basket by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, So Lucky by Johnny Hartman and One Heart, One Heart from the West Side Story musical. (Pasensiya na sa layouts ko nun! Beginner pa ako nun eh!) LOL!

Anyway, I had these pictures that were taken during our 9th wedding anniversary last month. I believe that this song that I chose is very apt for my layout. After 9 years of marriage, I can really say that my love for Mier has grown deeper and stronger since when we started out. And I do look forward to loving him more in the years to come. :-)

(with journaling)

Journaling in tag:
Everyday's a new day in love with you,
With each day comes a new way of loving you,
I thank the Lord for a love like ours that grows ever stronger,
And I will always be true, I'll be spending time with you.

(Hear Diana Ross singing the song here.)

Materials:
"Inspirasi" Jan Kit of Studio Azul (Bazzil cardstock, Basic Grey papers and element stickers, Glitz Design paper, money envelope) Others: rub ons, buttons, ribbon, Fruit Smoothie Alpha Sizzlits on foam, DCWV cardstock, Prima flowers, MM brads, Sizzix tag die

About ME:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful princesses, Nadine (age 7), Raya (age 5) and Alyssa (1 year). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004 after my 2nd daughter was born. Since then I've been hooked! Took a break in 2007 when I had a difficult pregnancy with my 3rd baby but I'm now back and more addicted than ever! I believe the heart of my layouts is my journaling. I scrapbook to share myself and my stories to my children.

Love That Lolly

Mia says, KAYA!

Honestly? I found this challenge a little intimidating. The last time I made a double page layout was back in 2006! Oh, I love Becky Higgins and her double layout sketches. But I just haven't done something like this in a looong time. I actually felt like an amateur. Harharhar!

Thanks, Marj, for challenging us the whole month of November! I think I visited the Kaya blog everyday just to check what's new. :-)


Materials Used:
Prima papers and flowers; Bazzil cardstock; Autumn Leaves chipboard flourish; AMM brads; Heide Swapp flower; Love Elsie epoxy sticker; Imaginesce stamp; Alpha stickers - Scenic Route, AAS, Craft Express; Staedler pen; Colorbox ink; Fiskars lace border puncher

Journaling:
I do not usually encourage eating sweets at such a young age. But it would be very unfair if I let your sisters eat the lollipop and say 'no' to you. So I relented and allowed you your first lollipop. Funny because you didn't know how to suck it! You bit into it and kept at it until you started drooling. You are such a cutie baby! We love you! - Alyssa, age 1

About ME:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful princesses, Nadine (age 7), Raya (age 5) and Alyssa (1 year). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004 after my 2nd daughter was born. Since then I've been hooked! Took a break in 2007 when I had a difficult pregnancy with my 3rd baby but I'm now back and more addicted than ever! I believe the heart of my layouts is my journaling. I scrapbook to share myself and my stories to my children.

Just Be Yourself

Mia says, KAYA!

I love all of Marj's challenges! And I am thrilled I am able to scrap more often now with various techniques. This challenge is perfect for a personal layout for my 2nd daughter, Raya. At five years old, her strong character and personality are more evident now. I have seen how this is manifested in her relationship with her sisters. I have always worried about her having the middle child syndrome but so far I see that she is able to assert herself in some way while still valuing her sisters. She is such a great person! This is my tribute for her.

I used the Studio Azul October kit for this layout. I love the SA kits! (Hi Tin!) I feel so deprived here in Cagayan de Oro of new scrapbook items so subscribing to their kits have made me a little more up to date with new products and materials.


Journaling:
I realize now that it isn't easy being the middle of three sisters. I watch you as you patiently deal with Nadine's wants and Alyssa's demands and I admire you for being so understanding. But you are not a pushover! You assert yourself, at times, with dignity and strength when you feel you need to. You are a beautiful person, Raya! And I love you very much! Always remember that! Raya - age 5
Materials:
American Crafts and Prima papers, American Crafts alphabet thickers, Prima Essential 4 flowers, Chinese button, Scenic Route Butterfly Chipboard, All About Scrapbooking brads, Letter Rub Ons, Whispers Archival Ink, Staedler Pen

Techniques Used:
Tearing, crumpling, inking, circle coffee stain

About ME:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful princesses, Nadine (age 7), Raya (age 5) and Alyssa (1 year). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004 after my 2nd daughter was born. Since then I've been hooked! Took a break in 2007 when I had a difficult pregnancy with my 3rd baby but I'm now back and more addicted than ever! I believe the heart of my layouts is my journaling. I scrapbook to share myself and my stories to my children.

Mine

Mia says, KAYA!

This is such a great challenge, Marj! I love white space.

I particularly chose these three photos of each of my girls and had them developed for a shadowbox I made for my father-in-law for his birthday. I'm glad to be able to scrap them again, this time for myself. I love these pictures of my girls. I think their characters are very evident in them. I also love the outcome of my layout. I think it gave emphasis on the photos.


Journaling:
Nothing makes me prouder than to call you... mine.

Materials:
American Crafts cardstock, DCWV patterned paper, SEI patterned papers and epoxy stickers, Maya Road chipboard, Scenic Route cardstock journaling stickers, Fiskars border puncher, Sizzlits Round-A-Bout on foam, Staedler pen

About ME:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful princesses, Nadine (age 7), Raya (age 5) and Alyssa (1 year). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004 after my 2nd daughter was born. Since then I've been hooked! Took a break in 2007 when I had a difficult pregnancy with my 3rd baby but I'm now back and more addicted than ever! I believe the heart of my layouts is my journaling. I scrapbook to share myself and my stories to my children.

Beautiful Smile

Mia says, KAYA!

I hate to admit it but my oldest daughter, Nadine, can be very vain at times. So much so that when she lost her two front teeth, she was aghast! She was in tears and refused to go to school saying that she "looked funny." Mier and I had to patiently talk to her and assure her that losing her front teeth was very natural and everyone goes through it. I dug out pictures and layouts from the Internet just to show her that a lot of children have also lost their front teeth. Thank God she was finally consoled and when she went to school that day, she noticed that a number of her classmates also did not have front teeth too. Hehehe!


Journaling:
You were so conscious about losing your front teeth. You didn't want to go to school because you said you "looked funny." It took a lot for Daddy and me to convince you that everybody goes through this and that what really matters is the goodness of your heart. Besides you have a beautiful smile --- with or without your front teeth. We love you!

Materials:
Papers, stickers, alpha stickers, borders - Basic Grey Sugared collection; MM journaling pad; Others - ribbon

About me:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful princesses, Nadine (age 7), Raya (age 5) and Alyssa (1 year). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004 after my 2nd daughter was born. Since then I've been hooked! Took a break in 2007 when I had a difficult pregnancy with my 3rd baby but I'm now back and more addicted than ever! I believe the heart of my layouts is my journaling. I scrapbook to share myself and my stories to my children.

Starfish Finds

Mia says, KAYA!

Our little family enjoys traveling and going on adventures whether by car, by plane or by boat. Being in Cagayan de Oro, we have a lot of opportunities to go to the sea or up the mountains. On this day, we decided to go snorkeling in Laguindingan, a municipality just at the outskirts of CDO. The girls enjoyed it so much that they expressed their desires to be marine biologists in the future.

I used Got Sketch? #69 for this layout. Thanks for looking!


Materials:
Paper - American Crafts, My Mind's Eye, Prima, Fancy Pants; Acrylic Flowers - Simply Scrappy, Stickers - American Crafts; Chipboard - Fancy Pants, Staedler Pen, Carl Corner Rounder, Fiskars Lace Border Puncher, Sizzix Doodle Tag Alphabet Dies

Journaling:
You both readily put the starfish back in the water after I took your picture. Such environmentalists! Laguindingan, Feb 2008

About ME:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful daughters, Nadine (age 7), Raya (age 4) and Alyssa (1 year). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004. I am a self proclaimed scrap addict. Visit me at http://mcastrillo.blogspot.com.

Mia @ 35

Mia says, KAYA!

This is a 6x6 album I created to commemorate my 35th year. Well, my birthday was last February but as early as January, I have been planning to create this. Thanks to Marian for her challenge, I have now succeeded in finishing the album! The album is in ABC format. I just listed things that I am thankful for. It's more than 26, of course, but here is just a glimpse of all my blessings. :-)

























Journaling:
God has been so good to me. Thirty-five years of life, love and laughter. I created this ABC album to document a glimpse of these blessings. There is just so much to be thankful for.

A - Alyssa, so adorable!
B - Breastfeeding and bonding and bliss!
C - Carrier a.k.a. sling or pouch
D - Daughters, all three of them
E - Embrace
F - Friends
G - Good Health
H - Home, our first!
I - Imagination and creativity
J - Journals a.k.a. my scrapbooks and layouts
K - Kisses
L - Lechon from Cagayan de Oro
M - Married to Mier, my bestfriend
N - Nadine, my beautiful firstborn
O - Out of Town trips
P - Parents for their support and generosity
Q - Quiet Moments
R - Raya, my precious princess
S - Sisters, Mabel and Marla
T - Thirty toes -- perfection!
U - Unconditional Love
V - Voices of my girls -- talking, singing, laughing
W - Water
X - Xtraordinary children
Y - Years, 35 to be exact
Z - Zzz, time to sleep, time for me to scrap!

Materials:

Bazzil cardstock, Prima papers and flowers, Queen&Co. brads, Inque Boutique letter stamps, American Crafts stickers, Fiskars Lace Puncher, Carl Corner Rounder, Staedler Pen, Colorbox ink, Acrylic letters

About ME:
I am in my mid-thirties, married to my bestfriend, Mier, for 8 years and blessed with three beautiful daughters, Nadine (age 6), Raya (age 4) and Alyssa (11 months). I have been fixing my photos since high school but got really serious (as in using acid free materials) in 2004. I am a self proclaimed scrap addict. Visit me at http://mcastrillo.blogspot.com.