Pure Bliss... our niche, our blog.

Happy Birthday Mother Mary!

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:16:00 +0000

Aba ginoong Maria
Napupuno ka ng grasya
Ang Panginoong Diyos ay sumasaiyo
Bukod kang pinagpala sa babaeng lahat
At pinagpala naman ang iyong Anak na si Hesus.

Santa Maria Ina ng Diyos
Ipanalangin mo kaming makasalanan
Ngayon at kung kami'y mamatay. Amen.

Sweet 16

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:22:00 +0000

If the last 2 weeks will be my gauge as to how hectic our summer will be here at the "Casa Guerrero", then I'll say it will be fully booked with fun outings, BBQs and entertainments!

For the last 4 weekends, we've been having fun at the trailer park by the lake where our tiny but cozy trailer is nestled for the last 3 years. We can never get enough of languid nature walks, sumptuous BBQs, bonfires and s'mores shared with my trailer neighbor's family who happens to be my high school bff!

On top of that we are preparing the house for my in-laws who are visiting us from San Fransisco next week. In between all the buzz, we managed to squeeze in a "sweet 16th" birthday party of Trish, one of our friends' lovely daughter.

I bought her a summer/beach bag and made this card to go along with the gift.

I vividly recall those glorious days when I was sweet 16 myself ... my simple life revolved around home works, church activities and endless chatting with my high school best friend Tey.

That's me (second from left) and my bff Tey (second from right) when we were 16

Come to think of it, nothing much has changed. Still there are home works {yeah .. cooking, laundry, cleaning, etc}, church activities are ever present {thank God} and fun-filled get-together with ... would you believe my high school best friend Tey!

16 or not, I love my simple yet sweet life!

Turning 42 on Canada's 142nd Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:52:00 +0000

I turned 42 today! I stared at the mirror longer than usual this morning looking for signs of "old age" and you bet there are plenty....

my laugh lines are more pronounced, which I guess represent the smiles and laughter I shared with family, friends and acquaintances all these years
lots of gray hair, nature's highlights I suppose
freckles I inherited from my beloved paternal grandmother are more visible giving me the pleasure and assurance that I will look like her 20 more years down the road.

It's not bad after all ...specially when I opened a couple of cards...

From my parents ..."for our wonderful daughter who is a golden ray of sunshine {are they referring to my graying hair?} and a world of joy and laughter {uh oh they are noticing my laugh lines too!}, you couldn't be loved more!"
From my hubby ... "some people have a wonderful way of bringing joy to others {there's another subtle mention of laugh lines}, you are on top of the list and I hope you know how much you are loved and cared about!"

Thank you Lord for blessing me with things that really matter! God is good ... all the time! Cheers!

On another happy note, as I celebrate my natal day, the entire nation is also celebrating Canada Day {oh yeah, there's always fireworks on my birthday!}. Like most Canadians, my hubby and I went to the local park and celebrate Canada's 142nd birthday.

Good, eh?

"Sushified"

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Over the last 2 weeks on different occasions, I had 3 lunch dates with some of my BFFs. For whatever reason all of them gravitated towards Japanese restaurants. Oh I do love sushi and other Japanese treats {including cold sake} but to have them 3 times in 2 weeks was a bit too much. I was just "sushified", if there is such a word.

I guess all the sushi I ate just went straight to my brain because when I needed an inspiration for a birthday card, I ended up with this ....

With or without sushi, I still love this my Japanese doll stamp set. They are just adorable! To all the Hero Arts stamp designers ... Arigato gozaimasu!

P.S. Hubby and I together with my best friend Ester and her family will be spending our weekend on Island RV/Trailer Park. Looking forward to BBQ, s'mores and bonfire!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Card Challenge with a Twist!

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Lisa Spangler is taking card challenge to new heights! I am so intimidated by Photoshop but Lisa is generously sharing her knowledge through her tutorial on how to maximize Photoshop's features and elements to enhance your photos. The twist is, you have to apply the tutorial on your photographed cards! A true win-win challenge, don't you think?

Here's the BEFORE photo of the card I just did....

The lighting is not perfect, as Lisa puts it ... it's grey and blah! Applying the "level technique" from her tutorial, here's the AFTER photo ...

Can you spot the difference?

Thanks Lisa, you are amazing!

Cheers,

Late Bloomers

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:34:00 +0000

We missed the peak of planting season which usually falls on the fist long weekend of May {Victoria Day} making us late bloomers in terms of "curb appeal".

So we took advantage of today's double-digit temperature and bought flowering plants for our front porch. Since we are 3 weeks late, the plants are already on sale! Who says the early bird gets the worm?

Wave of petunias for the hanging plant boxes ...

which my hubby eagerly planted.

Bright pink dianthus ...

attended by hubby's green thumbs.

Ahh, the fruit of Jayvee's labor! Thanks dear ... you are the best!

Showers in June

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:49:00 +0000

I think my mojo is slowly but surely finding its way back to my system. I started working at 6 this morning on a couple of cards that my friend ordered ... she needed cards for a baby shower and a bridal shower. By 7 AM, both cards are ready for delivery!

I had fun using 3D stickers I got from Michael's way way back for this baby shower card.

And for the bridal shower card, I used my very versatile "Who's that girl/rain or shine umbrella stamp".

Looks like a lot of showers {yes, literally and figuratively} are coming our way this June! Whose complaining? I love the rain and the shower parties are good for my card business!

Cheers,

Travelogue {Part 2}

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:55:00 +0000

I'm not exaggerating ... we walked for a total of 9 hours on our 2nd day in Rome!

Day 2 : Ancient Rome

The tour bus picked us up from the hotel at 9AM for a short ride to the Quirinale district. Then the walk started ... all of a sudden we were standing in front of the famous Trevi Fountain!

The fountain is located at the junction of 3 roads {tre vie} thus, the name Trevi. Construction begun in 1732 and was completed in 1763. Fontana di Trevie as the Romans say, is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. You bet, I threw coin in the fountain but not three because I have to save my Euro!

On our way to the Forum we passed by the Piazza di Venezia, the hub of Rome. Officially known as the "Altar of Fatherland", this impressive square was built between 1885 and 1905 to celebrate the unification of Italy.

Not far from the piazza is the start of "ancient Rome". As soon as my feet touched the Roman Forum, I realized why Rome is called the "Eternal City"! According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC. The Forum Romanum became the political, religious and commercial centre of the city.

Hubby and I at the Temple of Antonius and Faustina. Notice how small we are standing in front of these massive ruins!

One of the arcs inside the forum is The Arc of Titus. This arc was built in 70 A.D. to commemorate the victory of Rome over Judea {Israel}. One can spend the whole day just inside the Forum!

Strategically located across the Forum is the world-famous Colosseum. My hubby's favorite movie is Gladiator so this part of the trip was on of the highlights for him.

Built when the Roman Empire was at its peak {around A.D. 80}, the Colosseum represents Rome at its grandest and if I may say, at their most atrocious state of mind!

The Colossuem can accommodate 50, 000 roaring spectators. It took 200 ox-drawn wagons shuttling back and forth every day for 4 years!!! just to bring the stones from Tivoli to this place!

The walking tour worked up a hearty appetite and there's no other way to quench it than a delicious Roman lunch at the Taverna de Mercanti. It was like stepping back into 17th century ... cobbled stones, medieval building with torches out front, flower boxes and inside were copper pots and pans hanging above the dinning tables.

A simple yet tasty Rigatoni Amatriciana with bacon and selection of Pizzas {I wasn't able to take pictures of the pizzas, they are gone the moment they hit the table ... simply delicious!} baked in century old stone oven satisfied our taste buds. Their house wines were equally excellent!

Jeff, one of our friends who was with us on the tour said it perfectly ... "Molto molto bene!"!

These were just the first half of our day. More to come!

God Bless

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:34:00 +0000

I missed my craft studio and everything in it! Good thing, I had an opportunity to create something yesterday after 2 weeks of absence.

Miguel, my bff's son was confirmed to the Catholic faith and we are very honored that the family invited my hubby to be Miguel's godfather. For this special occasion, I made this card for Miguel. It's always a challenge for me to make a masculine card ... no ribbons, no flowers, no frills!

Congratulations Miguel! We pray that you will continue to grow in the love and light of Christ!

Travelogue {Part 1}

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:20:00 +0000

Hey there! We are finally back home! We had a fabulous time in Italy for the past two weeks but we are sooo glad to be sleeping in our own bed again.

The six-hour-difference took its toll last Friday and Saturday so hubby and I were wide awake at 3 AM and sleepy by 4 PM. Things are just returning to normal in our household so I was able to edit some pictures {there are tons!!!} last night. Let me warn you ... this post {and the next to come} will be loaded with pictures and highlights of our trips. They are intended for our families and friends who were asking about our recent escapades....

Day 1 : Roma

We arrived in Rome on Saturday morning and checked-in at Westin Excelsior Hotel which will be our "home" for the next 6 days. It's a beautiful hotel located on Rome's most celebrated avenue, Via Vittorio Veneto.

The room did not disappoint. We were one of those lucky ones who had a king size bed which is a rarity in European hotels! The gold, red and mustard yellow decor and heavy drapes made us feel like Chinese royalties!

Jayvee checked if there's an English channel and he was a happy man when he found CNN and Sports channel!

Rome is home to at least 500 churches/chapels and we wanted to see as many as possible so as soon as we had our breakfast cum lunch we headed to the nearest one for a short thanksgiving prayer for this wonderful gift.

Who would ever thought that this beautiful church was transformed from a thermal bath to what it is now. Michaelangelo initiated the construction in 1563.

While walking aimlessly, we stumbled upon this gorgeous white heavily guarded palace which turned out to be the Palazzo del Quirinale the official residence of the the Italian President.

We went back to the hotel around 4 PM to prepare for the welcome dinner which was held in this magnificent gallery of the Palazzo Colonna.

We feasted on delicious authentic Italian cuisine and fine wines. The mood was definitely that of a celebration accompanied by laughter, exchanging pleasantries blending with the music from 3 violinists.

This was just the beginning of a very memorable week. Can't wait to tell you more! I'm going back to work tomorrow with a big smile on my face!!!

Secial Delivery

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:45:00 +0000

Look what I got from the mail .... Our plane tickets and detailed itinerary to Bella Roma! Woohoo! Three more days and off we go. This is our first time in this part of Europe. I'm pretty sure this trip will be as memorable as our Paris, London and Belgium trips years ago.

After one week in Rome with our whole team, hubby and I will extend our stay for another week and will visit Assisi, Florence, Naples and Capri. Knowing that my papa is now recovering from a scary heart attack last week {thanks for all your prayers}, I can enjoy these places without worrying.

All our bags are packed, we're ready to go.....

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:16:00 +0000

"A mother's love goes on and on, even when her child is grown and gone. God planted a Mother's love so deep that the roots of it go deep and far into our hearts. There is no place to resign, quit, or escape."

I just want to share a very personal Mother's Day card I made for my mama. For all my mom's love, sacrifices and words of wisdom, she deserves the best that I can come up with!

The colors are inspired by Dawn Mcvey's Raspberry Suite color challenge.

To my Mamang {mother-in-law}, my sister Jane, all my sisters-in-law, and all the mothers ... Happy Mother's Day!

The Day The Time Stood Still

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Monday, May 5. I came home from work and there was a message on our phone voice mail box. It was my sister from Manila telling me to call her ASAP. The tone of her voice lack the usual cheerfulness. The call was made at 3:30 AM {Manila Time}. At that moment, I swear, my heart just stopped beating. Why would she call me at this time if nothing's wrong? Is it my mom, my dad, my nephew/s? Please God, not any of them.

For 2 hours I tried to reach them {mom's house, sister's house, their cell phones} but my effort was futile! It was the longest 2 hours of my life ... until finally my sister called again. My dad had a heart attack and was rushed to the ICU.

Heart Attack. ICU. My dad. The words did not register at first. In my line of work, these words are "normal". I say them almost everyday except the words MY DAD. Then it hits me! I can't imagine him in ICU. I am my Papa's girl and I can picture him in 100 different ways except being seriously sick.

The last 3 days were very hard. I wanted to be by his side and tell him that everything will be OK. I also wanted to be with my mom and sister so that together we can be strong for him. But I am miles and miles away from them. With my husband's support and my faith, we waited patiently and by God's Grace, my dad survived!

To all our friends who included us in your prayers, thank you so much. Through our prayers my dad is now recuperating at home, where he belongs!

My dad is a joker! My mom took this photo almost 12 years ago when dad lost his front tooth! That's me and my sister Jane with our loving father.

God is great ... always,

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Sun, 03 May 2009 11:51:00 +0000

A friend of mine ordered 20 Thank You cards a couple of weeks ago. Delivery date is May 2. So last Friday, hubby and I spent our usual "Friday night home date" working on these cards.

Instead of working in my craft studio, I put out a blanket in the living room, scattered my craft materials, opened a bottle of wine, prepared crostini with spinach and garlic dip and voila... we had a perfect craft night date!

Following my instructions, JV trimmed, punched and glued all the patterned papers while I took care of stamping and tying the ribbons. After 3 hours, {I guess we spent more time drinking, eating and chatting than working!!} the cards are good to go!

By the time you are reading this post, the cards, 20 of them are signed, sealed and delivered!

I'll Be Your Umbrella

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Sat, 02 May 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Kristina Werner is celebrating her 50th Color Inspiration Challenge this week. I love the vibrant colors she chose for this special challenge. They remind me so much of spring flowers that will bloom in our backyard very soon!

Thanks Kristina for the inspiration! Have a great weekend!

For Mama

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:51:00 +0000

My Mama is celebrating her birthday today. I made her this card yesterday using 2 products I just got recently - EK border punch and Inkadinkado's Gem stone insects collection. The design was inspired by CPS sketch 113.

Just a note for my Mama....

Ma, happy happy birthday! I pray for your good health and more blessings from above. You know how much I love birthdays and the hardest thing is being away from all of you on special days like this. Miss you all!

Bad Hair Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:13:00 +0000

Question : How do you know if you have a "bad hair day"?
Answer: If you open a fashion magazine and this is what you'll see ....

Uh oh! I definitely need an appointment with my hairdresser. I'm leaning towards the red head with the bangs! What do you think?

Cheers!

Made Up Geisha

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:46:00 +0000

Just want to share a layout I made recently for Pinoy Scrapbookers's challenge called "stamp attack". I love stamps. No, I take that back. I am addicted to stamps so I could not let this challenge pass me by.

As the title says, the layout should include stamped images as embellishments. But there's a catch, you have to use at least one stamped image from a non-professional manufactured stamp! In short you have to make your own stamp image!!! This one really made me think hard. Here's what I did ...

I cut a piece of flowered-design thick lace and attached it to a wine cork.
To create a distance between the fabric and the cork, I used pop-up glue dot.
Apply ink { for this project I used Dew Drop - Brilliance in Pearl Thyme} to the fabric as usual and here it is .... a flower stamp!

Have a great work week!

Make a Wish!

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:29:00 +0000

It's been a while since the last time I participated in Card Positioning Systems sketch challenge. I'm thankful for sketches. They make my life so much easier specially if I need to make a card pronto!

This one is for my sister-in-law who's celebrating her birthday today.

Happy happy birthday Manang Weena! May all the wishes of your heart come true!

Love,
Jayvee & Mei Ann

With Love

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:36:00 +0000

Just want to share the card I gave my hubby yesterday for our 13th wedding anniversary. I ended up with a nature-inspired card in line with the Earth Day celebration. I only used one patterned paper {save the trees!} and stamped the deer on a recycled leftover scrap from previous project. The love birds are stamped directly on the patterned paper.

My hubby on the other hand gave me this beautiful orchid....

P.S. Just like any other scrapbook enthusiast, I have to have a photo! Here's a captured moment before we went out for a Japanese dinner date.

Cheers,

13 Years Ago .....I do.

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:12:00 +0000

"And if life should come to just one question

Do I hold each moment true?
No trace of sadness, always with gladness
I DO."

Thirteen years ago today, I walked down the aisle in the same church where my parents got married 30 years prior. The walk down the aisle was one moment I will forever treasure in my heart. My sister and best friend Jane who was my Matron of Honor was just a few steps in front of me, on my sides were my mom and dad who I love dearly and in front of the altar was the only man I ever love waiting and looking at me as if I'm the only thing that matters.

"Facing you who brings me new tomorrows

I thank God for yesterdays
How they led me to this very hour
How they led me to this place."

Thirteen years after, all things considered, I'm still in love! Only this time, the love is deeper and stronger than ever. Thank you dear for completing me. You said last night "we're getting old". Who cares? The only thing that matters now is you and me ... together!!!

"Now a song that speaks of now and ever

Beckons me to to something new
Unexpected, unexplored, unseen
Filled with promise coming through."

Houte Coture

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:49:00 +0000

I was looking for some inspirations for my friend Tara's birthday card. She loves fashion and her style ranges from classic to contemporary. I was sitting in front of my sewing/scrapbooking table tapping my pencil as if ideas will come out of it, I noticed the mini dress forms staring back at me ...

...hmm, houte cuture papers from graphic45 and some embellies will do it!

Have a great one T!

Amazing Love

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

I am forgiven because you were forsaken.
I'm accepted, you were condemned.
I'm alive and well, You're spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again!

Amazing love how can it be
That You my King would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it's true
It is my joy to honor You
In all I do, I honor You!

Happy Easter everyone!!!

The Cross of Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:51:00 +0000

The season of Lent is by far the most important foundation of my faith. The forty days of prayers, fasting and alms-giving started on Ash Wednesday and in the next three days, I will join millions of Catholics around the world in remembering the passion of our Lord.

On Maundy Thursday, we will recall the last supper highlighted by Jesus washing the feet of the disciples.

On Good Friday, we will come together in prayers and reflections as we accompany Jesus carrying the cross to Golgotha.

On Black Saturday, we will wait patiently for the resurrection of our Lord.....

{As I carry my own cross,
I will never forget that He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders.
There's no reason why He would not carry me....}

Have a meaningful and restful Holy Week!

Sunday Afternoon at the Gallery and Art District

noreply@blogger.com (Mei Ann Guerrero) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:40:00 +0000

A warm and sunny day is a luxury that we can't take for granted. My dear hubby and I took advantage of the gorgeous lazy Sunday afternoon {good thing because it's snowing again as I'm writing this!!!!} walking along Toronto's Gallery and Art District. Our version of New York's Soho District, Queen Street West is the place to be when I need to feed my mojo with colors, designs, and patterns. Come walk with us ....

This store specializes in my favorite chiyogami papers.

I can stay here all day! But we have so much more to explore...

Yummy ... but they are soaps!

This will be a nice stamp design....

Duh?

Gorgeous entrance to a tattoo studio...

Heavy wooden beads as curtains .... not a bad idea huh?

Our reflections ... our alter ego!

Cheers!