1 Sentimental day

Forgive me if I need to say this out loud,....

The warmth and love of my friends are the best gifts I have recieved in years (aside from my own family). They have been with me through thick and thin and have laughed and cried with me in my journey through life. They have brought all the good out in me and tamed the ‘not so good’ in the process. They have helped me dream and helped me fufill those desires of my heart, I never thought ever possible. I am but thankful to my hobby, scrapbooking because it was my link to a world full of possibilities, a great and exciting group and a treasure chest of friends I will love forever.. for this I am thankful today….

I am thankful for April – who has helped put order in my life. Taught me to be organized, taught me to be less of a procrastinator. And to move faster…..

I am thankful to Liza for teaching me to take a breath first before I start reacting. To be more patient and to be more calm. My prayers are for you and NELO and your future bundle of joy.

I am thankful to Mia, for being a perfect example what a mother should be to her children. You are an inspiration and I admire your talent and intelligence my dear friend – I miss you so Mama Mia…

I am thankful to Ria, for always being a good leader, for giving me reality checks all the time and affirming me when I need it. Thanks so much for your generosity – you are a rare gem my friend,… and to me you are always beautiful,.. you have perfect eyes!

I am thankful to Pia, for showing me your dedication to ETHAN and for Jeff who is always generous to my family. I will emulate your teamwork and drive when I fly off to Sydney because that’s one thing Patrick and I will really work on when we are there especially with my children.

I am thankful to Ems, for showing me how much she loves Oliver, I know I need to be more loving to my husband as we embark on our new life. Thank you for being a loyal friend…
I am thankful to Bjay for always showing a great big smile and for inspiring me to have a cheerful disposition despite the trials and tribulations of life.

I am thankful to IRIS, for her kindness and generosity to share to others. I also admire you strength to endure any adversity in life. Thanks for sharing your talents !

I am thankful to the many friends I have made along the way – you have enriched my life, made me a better person.. For the all the love, friendship and generosity, I thank you all…

Scrapfest 4 on OCT 6, 2007

Here are the days event details:
Join us for a day of scrapping, shopping and sharing, together with other scrapbooking enthusiasts and suppliers.
SCRAP
Show off your creativity during our Scrapfest 4 Challenge.
Join our surprise challenge for the day.
Watch the Idol finalists battle in the final round of the 1 st search for Scrappin' Moms Idol!

SHOP
Shop for the newest scrapbooking materials during the event. Top scrapbooking suppliers will bring in the hottest items from the USA and Asia, and have special offers only for this day.

SHARE

Scrappin' Moms with the help of their friends will be sharing various scrapbooking techniques during the demonstrations.

Event Schedule:

1. Registration (9:30am – 10:00am)

2. Hands on Workshops – Various Scrapbooking Techniques (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

By the end of the day, we will be completing a mini album using the various techniques demonstrated throughout the day. The theme for this album will be "I confess.." so please bring at least 5 3R or 4R pictures to scrap for this mini album.

3. Scrappin' Moms Idol Grand Showdown (1:00PM – 4:00PM)

It's the grand finale for the Idol finalists. Watch the finalists as they compete for the title of Scrappin' Moms Idol

4. Scrapfest 4 Challenge (4:00PM - 5:00 PM)

Like in previous Scrapfests, we will have an on-the-spot layout challenge. Materials from the challenge kit provided must be used. Challenge particulars and judging criteria will be announced prior to commencement of the contest.

WHERE:

OCTOBER 6, 2007
10:00AM – 6:00PM
MAX's RESTAURANT
Scout Tuazon, Quezon City

For a ticket fee of P650.00, each participant (same price for adults & children) is entitled to the following:
A mini album kit to complete during the hands-on workshop
A Scrapfest challenge kit.
A lunch and snack coupon
A raffle coupon
Use of various materials for stamping and embossing, as well as use of die-cutting machines.
Access to special discounts offered by the best scrapbooking suppliers all 10 of them in one venue, in one event
A slot to various demonstrations during the day. These demonstrations are also perfect for newbies wanting to dabble in hands on scrapbooking!
Note: As space is limited, ONLY TICKET HOLDERS will be allowed to enter the event.

Kindly check our site for pre payment details and promotions (several raffle prizes up for grabs) of the event. http://www.scrappinmoms.net/scrapfest4/

Finally! I am the designated driver !

After 36 years I finally got my license and drove ! MANUAL TRANSMISSION!

Last friday, my hubby asked me to run an errand for him to get a certification he has been driving more than 5 years for his license in OZ. I found out this had to be obtained at the head office at EAST AVENUE QC (so this was shelved for TUES.) and not to waste my day, I just went ahead to the LTO in Las Pinas and processed my license. The corruption in this govt office is definitely evident -- so crystal clear -- its like the norm here -- so clear you dont even know that employees over the fixers. They are so intertwined and winks here and there, pats on the back and nonsense chit chat to conceal or reveal their modus operandi,.. the decision is to pay or not to pay !

Darn long day I tell you but I am glad all I gave up is the actual fees of the license and the tests that came with it -- and the 140 pesos of which alleviated me from trying to manoever an owner backward and forward in front of the naked public ! I would be so embarrased to do that in front of strangers --- and for goodness sake -- owner!... BEST 140 bucks I parted with ! As I said I am glad I didnt part with 1500 to fix my papers bec the ppl that paid just got off slightly earlier than me -- so meaning no real sense in paying when you cant even get out of there earlier. My time check for the whole day waste of my time was from 9am to 4:30 pm ! IMAGINE!

On, Sunday, with Driver Mon in the passenger seat and myself behind the wheel I drove from Sta Rosa to Pasig,... I was tense yes but I was on a mission ---- I needed to overcome my fears -- and I faced it head on -- course it was just driving pleasure bec no one was on the road but thank GOD my driving was way fine and my kids all got to PASIG Safe and sound,.. to my reading public this may not be a biggie but to me --- the chauffer (or hubby of course) driven lady for 36 years finally has learned to drive ! that's a milestone for me !

I ran upstairs to my MIL and hugged her as I told her my news bec I needed to share my happiness na finally I can drive and finally I have overcome my fear !

Friends forever

Its amazing not seeing a good friend for 22 years and still be able to pick up where you have leftoff.

It was a perfect afternoon I decided to give CRIS B. yahoo msg to see if she could swing to ATC in a jiffy,.. lo and behold she could,..

SO what was perfect for the afternoon was that -- we met -- we talked -- we caught like no days or years passed by,.. its like my bosom buddy never aged never changed -- the same sweet girl I knew and I envied for her popularity and her beauty,..

I never realised we both suffered a bad self esteem problem with ourselves -- but we both manifested that differently -- mine was concealed and kept hidden and hers was the years of different experiences that led her to to think of lesser of herself.

However I see more -- I know she is strong, street mart and determined to do more for her children. I know she can make something for herself -- she can move mountains only if she had the time and the energy to do it. I hope by meeting her again I could open her eyes to her own potential -- something she knows she has but just too busy and too concentrated on other things to let it out.

You are good friend, good woman and good mom, I know you can go places dearie --- whatever talents GOD gave you dont waste it --- use it and make it your stepping stone to bigger and better things ! She even went around shopping with me today -- fun fun fun !

I am so glad about this afternooon -- our fondest teenage memories, our noted details about boys -- we went back on those -- we giggled like teeners and we laughed at the silliest of things.

Its amazing how 2 friends can rewind the last 20 years to fit one afternoon!

Cris, for you boldness to share ty -- am so glad I made a date with you today !

Take care !

All of the photos speak of love

our photos really speak of love,.. dont you think so ?

more lovely pictures of our pictorial

These photographs as seen here, i feel really completes my life -- with the kids growing up and us embarking on a new phase of our lives in OZ -- its good to see wherever our feet takes us --- hand in hand and with love in hearts together we will be!

Was there ever a doubt

If anyone can capture the kind of pictures I wanted and to guide my childrend for great shots -- it would have to be JEFF LOPEZ,..

I dont need to even say anymore -- let his pictures speak for itself,....

What happend to day

Sooner or later I pack my bags to leave and this blog will be my only link to my friends of over 5 years to let them know I am still alive and kicking (you know who you are girls --- my smiles are longer than the Chesapeake Bridge because you guys have AFFECTED my life here in Manila!),....

so this is todays update:
* my talented friends Jeff and Pia made chaga to look for shots for us West grove gardens today -- I wholeheartedly thank them for being patient, for being creative today, to try and extract good smiles from the kids. The pictorial today.... we have deviated from posed shots -- I wanted to catch the kids in their element and give them the space and environment to be their real selves,...I got my wish in several shots I wanted to get and truly JEFF Is a whiz at getting those sought after shots! -- ty friends --- see you in SYdney soon -- tutuloy natin plano mag photo shoot in the Harbor and all the picturesque sites of Sydney. Will post the pics very soon !

* we took Jerome to SM today because he caught as we wanted to leave for the mall. He was fine the whole time we were buying shoes for the boys at Florsheim -- we got Jorels undies and off we went for the queue of the train. He went there but the day must have really tired him out. He chucked a tantrum as we told him we were leaving after the train ride and man, I had to carry him for 30 metres,... complete with screams and uncontrollable tears,... I hope Jeromey these episodes don't happen anymore == pls cooperate. Pls help mom adjust to life with no YAYAs,... I need more patience I know -- I need more tolerance when my children chuck little fits.. I need strength to be super mom !

SO god help me pls.

short and sweet ppl !

things are looking up

First my super thanks to those who texted left messages emailed and all --those who I didnt think was reading my notes and getting all concerned about my current predicament,.. you guys certainly made me feel so special ----- you took a weight off my shoulders just by being there -- lending a hand and even just telling me-- its going to get better and it has ! you know who you are -- need not mention your names,.. makes me feel so special to have friends who such generous hearts to seek you when you're down,..

So ok how do I know its looking up here goes... --- I opted with a heavy heart to stay with my family today -- I popped over the EB for only 30 minutes to say hi and hello. The results,.. it was a happy day because:
1) hubby was feeling down yet at the end of the day my father inlaw said he will be back in Manila (from Roxas City) to see my husband off for the Sept 7 EB.
2) MIL now volunteered (without the urging of my FIL) to accompany us to OZ on OCT 25 even if she knows my mom will accompany us. Ay kahit di sya touchy feely person I hugged her talaga (my MIL has quirks too like my mom but I love my MIL !)
3) My MIL has started asking more questions about why we decided to leave separately than leaving as a family together. As I explained she understood how efficient for Patrick to go ahead, look for work and look for a place. I know they have different opinions but I am thankful they are asking -- the hardly ask questions...
4) More concrete plans that my inlaws will come over to Sydney in the summer to see how we are doing (FIL, MIL, maybe BIL and my nephew)in Sydney on our own.
5) WE feel more the idea of them accepting our migration (even if I joked with MIL if she would miss us -- sabi nya hindi eh pero she wasnt looking at me and she did say she would visit more often now),... and our desire to try it out without house help etc,....

Now I am happy because hubby is happier and he has less stress with his parents coming along our departure,.... haay buhay nga naman no,...

i have been tagged so heres it!

I have been tagged by my beautiful friends and since its been going around for a while now -- I need to get back at this and find girls that havent been tagged,.. sorry fairly slow and new at this !

Its been a roller coaster alright !

I am not a moody person but the past weeks I have been in that predicament,... I worry for my hubby being away from us -- how he will cope without me, to sort his things to help him start off in Sydney,... and still, I worry for me too... In our 7 years of marriage I have been only apart from him 2 weeks at the most and that's was when I had to go Sydney for mom's 60th,... But with Patrick leaving and here I am left with the kids -- it bugs the hell out of me that he will be going ahead.... worse he won't even be here for my birthday ! In the 10 years I have known him its only but once he missed my bday -- this will be the 2nd time,..... I am still praying hard that we can settle fast in Sydney, so all that comes in -- him finding a job, finding a flat/townhouse, sorting our finances, buy a van,...

Worse we are packing atleast 14 boxes of stuff and imagine I have to unpack them too over there and find a place for them in the house we choose,.. am so overwhelmed just thinking about it,.... then I have to do house work, care for the children, cook and all -- haaay naku i need to fix the breaks on all this apprehensions ! breathe in, breathe out,...

Anyway this my daily vent -- forgive me for who ever reads it if am ranting repetitively -- I need to let this out.....

Anyway, just to balance things -- Patrick and I are talking more about what we want to happen, splitting of chores and to have the understanding that we can't have everything PERFECT -- so he just needs to bare with me and to help me anyway he can... I am glad that's brought out something good.. He isnt even too preoccupied with finances because am reading up on Family Tax Benefit to assist us in raising the kids in OZ,.. whew !

I havent posted my kids pictures in a while so here are the 3 princes of my life ! (gorgeous boys I might add !)time flies they have grown so fast

Never had a week like last week

As far as I can recall I don't have have bad weeks -- the type that starts bad on Monday and caps it off on a Sunday,...

Last Monday, Jacob started getting warm and I had already predicted a fever coming on,.. so right I was. I am just thankful he was stilll a little of his active self and still consistent at driving me crazy through out the day. Tuesday night, Jerome slept early and I had felt that same warm feeling on him, later that night he was burning up too... He also was as active as ever Wednesday morning. I sensed the change in Jorel and true enough he was running a fever too. Jacob was okay Wed morning but woke up limping and crawling. My hubby and yayas were worried for Jacob but his kicking and antics -- I knew there was just little bit of ARTE' in that episode. I worried more for the Jorelli boy.

We decided to brave the storm and flooded streets to go to Makati Med all the way from Sta Rosa(the ff day we found our tire super flat and so am thankful it didnt happen Wed in the storm with the kids in my car). By God's grace we made it and wow what a miracle, there was not much ppl in the ER but as usual residents took their sweet time and gusto nila sunod sunod ang kids to check up..... but I insisted that they look at them each the same time. You could tell I was losing it because my patience wasn't up to par and if you tell me to have tolerance that day -- I would probably be so unladylike to cuss in desperation (and I did you know, I was really losing it). They even were silly to ask me who is going first -- hello, medical school should tell you take the one that needs immediate attention has to be first right...... and it was the baby that had high fever --- they had the hide to ask me pa!Sorry I like to whinge but I am no doctor but I thought that was common sense,.. haaay no sense of urgency ito nga ako PANIC MODE NA !

They gave a Dolan dose to my baby to lower the fever (dosed off after) and I was glad he was a little more calm now since he vomited in the car and was crying just before we got to Makati Med. Jacob was brought to Xray and the boy cooperated in having an impression of his feet, 2 times pa ha and so I was just glad he was a good boy for once! Jerome well -- the trooper wasnt even down during the time we were at the HOSPITAL,... He was even charming the doctors, hugging them and showing off,... So you can tell by now the MOMMY is smiling already and has sighed with relief !

So goes 12k on our local tickets to Roxas City, we had to cancel our pre planned vacation to spend time with my inlaws because I just couldnt gamble flying the little one with high fever. I was afraid he would have a convulsion so I just conceded. Jorel was better Thursday night and I slept much better with the 3 boys Friday.

With the cancelled trip Patrick and I did our errands, get our tv repaired, pick up stuff, go to Bazaar and stock up on winter clothes for the 5 of us. On Sunday we picked up our bbox supply from Las Pinas and as Patrick did a 3 point turn, we scraped the back side of our car. OH what a way to start our day,..

WE decided stop by at the bazaar again to get my tracksuits. Patrick dropped me and Jacob off at the entrance and he tried to find space. So he checks in at 10:38.. I picked up my purchases within 10 minutes and Patrick asks that we leave. I told him to get his track suits as well and so he agreed to stroll around more. After all that we came back to my car at 11:20. The DVD PLAYER for our car and its monitor was gone, our 14 inch tv we had repaired gone. Even the deposit of our Yayas of P1200 gone (we are helping them buy nokia fones).

We were in utter shock. We were in the same spot the the day before with the DVD there - with another TV in the boot and nothing happened. We were in even gone longer on Sat than on Sunday. I am ok with my TV gone kasi that was bought 10 years ago and it has served it purpose, however the DVD set was a gift from my parents from OZ . My father gave it to the boys, so they won't be bored during traffic in Manila in our car.

I left there with a heavy heart, what on earth was security for when you don't get it when you need it most ! Police report -- blotter -- what is its purpose ? -- its no way to lead to culprits. Worse they force open my car lock so that needs to be changed now. We felt violated, we have never done any wrong to others -- why does it have to happen to us?

I sat down to think and reassure my husband who is clearly more affected than myself. I had to reassure him that we were saved from those ppl. Had we gone back to the car after 10 minutes we would have stumbled into them. It would have been a dangerous situation for my hubby and my son. (I remember years ago when my friends and I were in a brawl and I was fighting too or trying to push -- I never thought of my safety then.) And had situation like that erupted I would fight back to shield my son. It was good that hubby decided to extend our time in the bazaar because it would really present a really bad situation. Those little decisions ensured our safety.

It was a dark week for us -- lack of sleep, loss of belongings but with GODS divine grace, he covered us with his mantle of protection and shielded us from any harm..... am still thankful.. am still glad we are ok.

We have lessons now to take with us and now i can go back to preparing our things for our upcoming migration to OZ.

In hindsight, I think lucky pa rin kami -- even this trip -- is now fully supported by my inlaws -- I still am in disbelief as to how they really give us their all to ensure we make it in OZ. I am even now focusing on how the kids will cope with the change. Patrick and I now don't even worry about finances in OZ because somehow the gov't will give allowances for my children and myself. The inlaws even gave us a generous BAON to take to OZ so for now we just concentrate on how to cope with just the 5 of us with no help in oz.

Thank you lord for always being there for us.

tick tock tick tock

Time is of the essence,... its been swiftly passing me by oh so quickly and i have so much to do and so little time to do it,...

these are the questions that are lingering in my head right now..

Can I leave my friends to go off to 24/7 domesticity in OZ LAND?

Can I park my wings to fly for a year again to get used to being SUPER mom ?

Can I shelve my daily routine, scrap, surf and play with kids -- the first two will disappear surely !

Can reset my scrap room again in OZ? Will Patrick buy a PC immediately to maintain my sanity?

Will my kids be good and answer to moms requests all the time?

Will I do voice modulation daily to cope with my hyper active rugrats ?

All this and more.... how do i deal with it -- I say a little prayer to our lord to ask for strength, for patience and a new set of friends to help me cope with the sudden changes to happen in my life in OZ......

I havent been posting because my mind is just into the moving biz -- so I don't really wanna bore you readers out there...much like what I am doing now to you guys hahhahahhahah !

Scrappin Moms Idol Contest

This upcoming challenge was thought about at length. Based on the feedback from last Scrapfest, as much as we wanted to teach and give people an action packed day, it really stressed people out. And since Scrapfest is well known for a fun day, we wanted to maintain that spirit in this event. Learning is very important to me and I am hoping the learnings from events will ensure we keep that focus on future Scrapfest events. Feedback is very important and we take seriously the plans we make, around those vital comments. It is my hope that the next event, its location, its projects and challenges will surely make the scrapbooker say, 'I attended a great event and enjoyed the whole day'.

The Scrappin Moms IDOL is to display the creativity and artistry of theFILIPINO scrapbooker. It is to show our innovativeness in creating our layouts, our FILIPINO 'flava' in putting together our art (distinct from others). It will also show our resourcefulness in coming up with ideas that is uniquely FILIPINO.

The FILIPINO scrapbooker is ready for such a challenge, because little by little those who never dreamed of joining, or even the mere thought of showing their layouts are slowly coming out. Whats more, I see people asking for objective comments on their layouts. The scrapbookers are now braver, more challenged to try and improve. In any challenge, there is always the desire to win, the desire to be selected, but with the boldness to join, comes the strength to say "OK, I didnt win however, I look at the compliments I received and bottomline, this is my legacy. For whatever reason I finished this layout, at the end of the day, I took a page in my own history for my family to see one day. I won't forget too that I enjoyed the process creating a page in my history books... "

SO how can I say that ? I recently joined some challenges, 'not so successful yet', but that didn't damper my spirits. I know I didn't need anyone's comments to keep me going, but it's a great pat on the back that total strangers appreciated my layout. I don't need to be the best or the winner to feel like a winner. I feel that if those people took the time to look at my layout and made an extra mile to message me -- then I am a winner. So I dare say, even if challenges/contests aren't my thing, if one or 2 contests interests me to join and then I will. If I win that's an added bonus. If I don't hey thats A-ok.

Here is the annnoucement to our contest:
Announcement: Scrappin Moms IDOL 2007
The Scrappin moms group has grown in leaps and bounds. We have witnessed our dreams fulfilled. We are overjoyed for the success and recognition of our home grown talents gracing the US sites.

I recently joined the challenge bandwagon and all the challenges I had to go through (booted out for votes anyway), I realized our scrapbooking industry needs a great challenge for our talented scrappers to sink their teeth into. I know you guys love Scrapfest and what a way to really make Scrapfest more inviting is to have a series challenge contest.

I know you talented scrapbookers are ripe and ready, with some of you winning challenges, braving to join them or even considering to show them your artwork. To me that's a great big step for our young group……. I feel you guys are ready. so here goes….

We are working on a Scrappin Moms Idol series contest. What's in store is an 8-week challenge for all you scrapbookers out of there! Each week will feature a new, different and exciting challenge. At the end of the 8-week challenge, finalists will emerge for a final showdown at the Scrapfest on Oct 6, 2007. A chance to be a guest DT awaits the Scrappin' Moms Idol winner. What's more you can have a chance to take home gift certificates, scrapbooking goodies as the winner of the this mega contest.

Watch out for the final announcement on August 1 at the Scrappin Moms site and the August issue of Scrapbytes!.

So I think to try is to test your own capabilities, to attempt is your own personal challenge, and to win is icing on the cake.

SO are you game to try the challenge ?!!!!!!!

This competition will be judged by the Scrappin moms team and Ms Iris Uy.




Joanne Yap
http://www.scrappinmoms.net/
http://www.jothescrapaddict.blogspot.com/

Its been a busy past weeks for me

I have been dreading packing and unloading stashed stuff in cabinets and awfully glad I have my trusty yaya belle to push my lasy B**T to move and sort things out.. this week are my clothes - the shoes and bag done, the toys of the kids and the junk we accumulated like --- paper bags from trips, magazines, old college stuff and some other knick knacks I picked up over the years..
Other than that, we have been doing meetings for WM, doing projects and doing scrapping for my clients and not to mention an online challenge at Scrapbook playground I blindly joined in (ay naku never again),... this is too much for a girl like me!

the next few weeks will be the same with my sister Jovy and her family coming also with my mom! Haaay where has the time gone hey ?
Here are some of my layouts to show for:


************NOTE: The 3rd layout went for a review of title position -- my friends suggested to reposition the title to give life to my photograph -- hahah i found my Aussie glue is repositionable bec of that suggestion.... It looked better too ! ty April and Liza, you guys are teh best !

Sexy Mommy AU tagged me

Au tagged me and here are my 7 random facts:
1) I dont eat vegies a whole lot but I love Okra, brocolli and mushrooms -- the kind of vegies not every one likes.

2) I scrapped the left side of my face so near to my eyes because at 12 years old I was going through my 'tomboy' stage and wanted to be a BMX stunt rider. I made a 'rampa' and landed just underneath our fierra and I came home covering my face. To my mom's dismay, I even put a hole on a new fave top I had just gotten for the holidays from Cinderella.

3) When I left Australia in 1997 I had over 50 pairs of shoes about 30+ hand bags and 2 closets full of work clothes and kikay outfits . I only managed to bring some and kept some of my work suits -- pity the blazers are the only things that fit me but the skirts --- it wont even go up pass my knees hmph!

4) I love make-up -- in my early 20's I would try everything knew Lancome YSL, Clinique, Clarins, Christian Dior, Shisheido, Revlon, Max Factor. I even bought the same color lipstick from Lancome in the color of Brun Sepia each time.....However when I had quit my job to live in the Philippines, I had to down grade to Body Shop and L'oreal... now I am getting my groove back and like Bare Escentuals, Face Shop.... a little bit in my present budget hhahahaha! Because all my $ goes to my scrapbooking !

5) I met my husband in the Philippines and I had met him nearly the same time as another guy who I had the biggest crush on. This guy didnt bother to notice me during our conference. When I came back, Patrick picked me up in the airport. And everytime the other guy asked me for a date I would say I would say I was busy because I was always reserving special days for Patrick!!!! Bad no ?

6) When I was young I wanted to get into Fashion Design or become a make up artist. I guess its never too late for that huh? However, I would rather go for the latter, since I can make good money for that in OZ.

7) Not everyone knows I can't handle money! I can spend it but cannot save it. Give me cash now and I can burn it easily. Give me a credit card and I can shop till I drop with it... I ran up cc bills at a young age because I love shopping .... I even had to refinance or transfer my cc bills in one personal loan one time because I had stretched my balance to the max.. did that stop me using my cards ... NO! The only time I had been successful in saving money was before our wedding in 2000 and I had travelled back and forth to OZ to visit my family. I would make paper tole art in 3d and sell them 3times the price. I had money for my shopping and money set aside to contribute to our wedding fund I was able to raise 100k for our clothing budget, gowns for the girls and barongs for the boys! After that ASA ka pa.. that's is Patricks job to save for our family bwhahahahahha!

Oh ayan,thats my revelations bwhahahhahah !

One good layout

I am a slow scrapper and when I dont like something about a layout I take off and do something else.. but this situation was different... I tried my hand to join one contest bec it was a previously planned layout -- i loved this flower and sketched its shape and I started sculpting the insides.I wasnt sure of the results but I wanted it dimensional and real looking,..
I am not a contest person -- its not the high I thrive on... I am super happy I finally scrapped my fave wedding photo of me minutes before becoming MRS. JOANNE YAP -- its a photograph with a 'perfect smile'... I knew I was going to a new phase in my life and I knew I was really nervous but it was a smile of longing to experience the rest of my life with my soon to be husband.

Now 7 years later I finally was able to put in a layout -- I had planned a simple cardstock type layout but haaaay I fell into my Basic Grey trap and made a Scarlett's letter page. FOr some reason these papers really make me sink my teeth into it.. I am even finally realising I like this better than URBAN COUTURE..
Oh well -- win or lose -- this layout is a winner because finally the procastinating scrapper that I am did something I wanted to do,.. so one notch off my many to do list !

BG layouts

I havent had the time to share this Basic Grey layout ... lots of precision cutting here -- somebody wack me over the head and let me change styles... Would you believe these were left over pps from the previous layouts -- sayang I said so I forced a layout to utilize the nice patterns of BG. Some took time cutting but anyway -- it jazzed up simple and older photos of Jacob and I..... not bad for a forced hand on a layout huh ?
This layout was a little struggle. I had this 8x 10 of Jorel's pic and the printers cut the head so I thought a circle cut on the photo will do the trick. My well meaning friend said matt it -- 'ooops!' they told me after I had finished the layout already so I just whipped out the Sakura pen and freehand wrote black outline on the edges. Messssyyyyyy but it was great way to salvage a beautiful photo after it was printed after a good suggestion was given.... Let see if the BG ppl like this..

(Credit to Tito Jeff for this great photo of Jorellie boy)

Layouts posted

I haven't really posted new layouts recently so heres my Cherry Arte Layouts (times 2).


I enjoyed this no mess no stress layout. It was really a cut and paste process.. and glad to use photos of Jacob that I have lying around...
This one loved so much too,.. I dont use this green that often bec it reminds me of grass and trees.. but his outfit called for such Cherry Arte papers.. It was a fluke that it matched -- or more like I forced it to match. I lifted some of the titles so it ll have more dimension... Jerome is such a cutie here (ty to Tito Jeff for getting a great shot of him !)

I smile to see this email in my in box.. ok a little excited too!

hi ms joanne,

the scrapfest on good finds will be aired on:

june 07- thursday at 8:30pm

and replays on:

june 09- saturday at 2pm
june 11-monday at 12:30am.

should you have any more question, do not hesitate to ask.

thnks and God bless!!!
Camille M. Javier
Executive Producer for Local Production
Lifestyle Network (Creative Programs, Inc.)
Tel: +63 2 415 2272 loc. 3207
Fax: +63 2 415 2272 loc. 3167