thing i need & {heart} ~ craft room edition

i've been wanting to do this post for a while now. only because often people ask me for advice on tools to use for their paper crafting. here's a peek at the wonderful tools i use for inspiration and creativity. believe me, it's not all up there. at times, i have to go thru all my paper crafting magazines.

i'll start with my favorite print that's hanging on my inspiration wall. a wall that has been dedicated to prints. i'll post a pic of that next week.
~she believed she could, so she did~ i absolutely love this. i own it in red.
i'll continue with the upper left corner!
~canon printer~ its alright. it does its job. the ink is constantly being refilled but i believe that has to do with all the printing i do. it was a gift from my hubby.
~fiskars fabric scissors~ you only see the middle of the scissors. best scissors ever! i only use them for fabric.
~zebra print glue gun~ i own many glue guns but this is my favorite because of it's print. it just makes it that much more fun to use.
~martha stewart scoring board~ i use it obviously to score paper and make envelopes with patterned paper. it's FUN to use :)
~EK paper punch~ i have several, including this one, but i've tried other brand and nothing works as good as an EK Success. Hobby Lobby carries them but their selection is minimal. I shop for them at eksuccess.com, especially when they offer free shipping.
~XACTO retractable knife~ in pink of course! it's a craft knife and it's wonderful.
~Sizzix Big Shot~ one of my 3 Sizzix machines. I use the original red Sizzix machine more than the other 2. The red machine was a gift from my mom about 5 years ago. I purchase almost all my Sizzix dies thru their website. The local craft stores just don't carry a good variety.
~Craft room workstation~ my hubby has been informed that I need this table and he will start working on it very soon. So I don't actually own this yet but once it's ready I will post pics. Currently, I work on 3 foldable table that are up against the walls. Not very fun. I need a BIG space and I know this will work!
~Martha Stewart Circle Cutter~ I just purchased this great tool several weeks back and immediately I thought, how did i ever live without this! A great tool to have. Martha and her crafters are so bright.
~Martha Stewart self-healing mat~ i use this to work on esecially when i use my glue gun and Xacto knife.
~The Craft Collection adhesive~ super easy to use and the adhesive is permanent, keeps my paper crafts stuck to each other FOREVER!
~Cricut Expression 2~ my 4th, yes 4th cricut machine. The other 3 are long gone, but only because there's no space, so this baby is the only one in the craft room. this machine is genius. i've used it everyday this week. every craft room needs this! i'm also currently looking into the Silhouette machine. i've heard its better than Cricut. OMG, better? I'll have to do my research.
~Cutter Bee scissors~ scissors with sharp bent-tips. they're so precise for those really precise projects that regular scissors just won't do.
~XACTO paper trimmer~ awesome tool. cuts several sheets of cardstock at once. it's fun or at least i make it FUN!
~Phyllis Hoffman Celebrate Magazine~ the pic came out too small. But that's what it is. When this comes in the mail, i literally skip into the house to start reading. filled with inspiration and lots of ideas for all seasons.
~Epson r1900~ my dream printer! it's #1 on my "things to buy list". crossing fingers i will be able to find it on sale on black friday!
~Dell Inspiron 530S~ so this was a present from my hubby after i had started online classes and needed a dependable computer that wouldn't crash everytime i tried to get online. it works absolutely great. however, i did mention i NEED a laptop and he said "put it on your things to buy list". it's gonna be on the list for a while because this Dell is working just fine and dandy.
~Adobe CS5~ a huge investment and i'm currently taking an online class on how to fully use this because it did cost me a very shiny penny. i put this on my "things to buy" list and it took over a year to get it. if only i had majored in graphic design in college and not on psychology.

ahhh, so there they are! it was a bit long. this took 2 jumbo size coffee mugs. i'm ready to start my day!

i'm back...& things i need and {heart}

well, i was never really gone. finding the time to post had just become difficult because something called LIFE got in the way. and since posting had not been a priority, i never made time. but i'm back and even more excited than ever and from now on i will be posting, maybe not everyday but at least several times a week.

and on Nov 1 I began my new life. several months back, along with my husband's blessings, i made the decision to leave my career to stay home and raise my girls and put more time into what was a hobby and now is a successful small business. and even though i may not be using my Master's in Library Science, i will say that those classes are what has helped me in technology. i did not even know what a blog was until i started with the LS classes. So in a way, i am using the knowledge i learned.

so enough with that!

i am working on several projects to keep me very busy while my girls are school. aside from paper passion projects, i have kept busy re-organizing my closet and master bathroom.

i decided to do a little collage of my current must-haves! things i need and heart...

let's take a close look!
~middle picture: hubby (mr. sanchez, sanchez, david, daddy) and our girls!
~yankee candle in autumn wreath: every year, and the only YC purchase i make all year, i purchase this great scent. currently, this scent is 25% at bed, bath and beyond! it just smells like comfort :)
~Gilmore Girls! I cannot live with this show. I watch it on a daily basis. I have to get at least one show in. Perfect mother-daughter duo. and it's funny too!
~I swear by Smashbox Cosmetics, especially their hydrating foundation. it works for my skin. and the foundation brush is just as great!
~Longchamp tote: when i traveled to NYC this past summer i noticed that a Longchamp was the "bag" to have. i mean it was all over the streets, in all colors, even in Chinatown. So of course, there goes Sel into Bloomies and there comes Sel walking out of Bloomies with her own Longchamp tote in a hunter green and Longchamp cosmetic bag in a dark purple color. The tote is awesome because its so simple to clean. You just wipe with a wet cloth. SIMPLE! And from the inside, well i just put a bunch of stuff in it. Books, planners, my overflowing cosmetic bag...!
~momAgenda:because i like to be organized with style. it's rather messy from the inside but there's plenty of space to write notes (i'm a big note-taker). i see something, it can be a plant and i simply jot down that i want to plant one in my garden. or i think of an idea while driving so i take it out of the Longhchamp and jot it down. kinda pricey but well worth it!
~Celazome moisturizer:pic is blurry but i CANNOT live without Celazome. i get mine at Target at the pharmacy. it's a facial moisturizer with SPF30. i refuse to let the sun age me especially my face so i do what i need to do to prevent it :)
~Chanel lipstick in MYTHIC! First, i love this product because it doesn't dry my lips like MAC does. Second, the color is just perfect for everyday wear. Yea, it hurts my wallet a bit but again, so worth it!
~Smashbox Primer:Sometimes i put this on by itself and it just maked my skin so soft. But usually I put this then top it with their hydrating foundation for a flawless look. Really, they should pay me for advertising it!
~Matrix Sleek: I've been using it for over 5 years. it works. no more dry, brittle hair :)
~OPI:because their collections are awesome! the colors just work with the seasons. i usually go for the light pinks and nudes but during the holidays i go bold with either red or burgundy!
~Keurig-OKAY, i dont actually own of these but i love it. it's on my christmas list, along with a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer! I just love coffee and i know this brews excellent tasting coffee.
~PURPOSE facial cleanser! Why this brand? Because its inexpensive and does its job. And every year it lands on Allure's Best Products List!

there you go! tmrw i will post my must-haves in my craft room! This may be a bigger collage.

Toodles and make it a great day!
XOXO

i had to make time...

time to write on this! life can get pretty hectic. want a sneak peek into my life. well, it goes a little something like this:

EVERYDAY I'M HUSTLIN' and SHUFFLIN' and working my full time job as MOM, then WIFE, then ACADEMIC COORDINATOR (which is great but sometimes I want to drive to AUSTIN and beat up those TEA people) OH and in my spare time I sell Silpada jewlery, Thirty One totes, run paper passion & Blossom. And to think that paper passion will soom be growing with the addition of some awesome products.

So, did you think I was really tell you everything I do, ALL. DAY. LONG. I like to keep alot of things private, especially work. I keep it all to myself, mostly because it's nobody's business except the woman who makes all this happen, ME!

Now, I'm working on a Halloween Printable party collection. My first collection and I'm excited.

I've missed several insta-Friday's, several weeks worth of Letters from Papa(a weekly series) but don't worry pics are being taken with my Instagram app and Papa is still sending letters over here and now they include $, which is great because now when I take the little monkeys out for some shopping they get to pay for their own stuff. THANKS PAPA!

and now 10 bits of randomness:
1. take the time to pray, even if things are great. they gotta keep on being great. so keep or start praying.
2. i often say i wish there were hours in the day, but really 24hrs is great. its about how you manage those 24 hrs that make a BIG difference.
3. why won't it rain, already! enough is enough
4. i miss my family alot. i wish we could all be together.
5. Pinterest: OMG talk about addicting. And they have an app for it.
6. I'm already thinking about my NY resolution. Is it too soon?
7. really take a look at those around you who seem to be so happy; they may actually be the most unhappiest and are suffering.
8. so the other day I spilled a drink (no, not wine) on a couple of invites I was working on and I almost gave up. Crying and leaning on my hubby's broad shoulders made all anxiety go away.
9. if you're still single, find yourself a man with strong arms and broad shoulders. oh, and a BIG heart. one day, you will NEED all 3.
10. Mix 96.1 in SanAntonio, is the coolest station. At least twice a day they play NSync.

Bye, bye, bye!

it's insta-friday

hola! im back from my AMAZING vacay in New York City! it really is a concrete jungle where dreams are made, there's nothing you can't do! i took over 750 pics, several thru instagram. so here they are!

As you can see lots of FUN! Our goal is to go back once a year! We may go back this Christmas to see the big tree and ice skate.

And now, back to work and reality! But it's all good because my reality is great. Work keeps me motivated and challenged which I love.

Thanks for visiting! XOXO

Insta-Friday.

so you all know I love instagram. i'm a little obsessed with it. it makes picture taking fun. here are this week's pics.

actually, this is 2 weeks worth of pics. there are pics from 4th of july, a pic with my Comadre Julie, some balloons from a surprise party i helped plan for my friend V! you see that Thirty-One box, yeah it's mine and i've taken on the responsibility of becoming a consultant for the company. i'm excited for the opportunities that await me from this new venture!

overall, summer has been great! i'll be closing shops and leaving to NYC/DC for a whole week. so excited for that. i'll get to visit with my cousin Lisa who lives in Jersey and is thankful that she hasn't ran into any of those Jersey Shore kids. LOL. anyways, can't wait. in 2 weeks from now I'll be posting Insta-Friday NYC edition. wooohooo! Happy Vino Viernes :)

25 bits of randomness on a monday AM

#1 I’m pretty random by nature … take this blog for instance. What category does it fit in? Lifestyle? Home Decorating? Crafts? Who knows. But it represents my life. Random. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

#2 I am quite taken with Pinterest. Slowly but surely my boards are gaining pins.

#3 My go-to summer salad has to have lots of spinach.

#4 I don't have a gallbladder.

#5 I swear i'm allergic to the sun. i get bad sunspots if i dont use my prescribed meds from the derm.

#6 when i take off my shoes i dont put them where they belong. they're all over my closet. hubby hates that!

#7 i have a slight addiction to manicures and pedicures

#8 There are two types of people: those who decorate their homes once and those who fanatically rearrange. We’re in the second camp.

#9 I like to camp. It has to be in a tent.

#10 Current tv faves: Kardashians, Bethenny Ever After, all the Housewives! i love TV drama, hate MY real-life drama.

#11 i use Sophia's camera to take pics. im really thinking og investing in one of those pricey ones.

#12 I love getting mail but not bills.

#13 My favorite form of exercise is ??? i wish i had the will power to do it on a daily basis.

#14 I try to avoid confrontation.

#15 the best memories i have all happened in high school!

#16 I learned to sew by myself. I was self-taught. I'd rather do it by hand than with a machine.

#17 on my list to buy: a sewing machine to make some great curtains and a stand mixer in RED!

#18 I want to back pack thru europe and visit Tokyo.

#19 i started doing Zumba, and quickly realized my dancing skills are non-existent! WHAT HAPPENED?

#20 My favorite linen is actually from IKEA curtain panels. 2 panels of the best linen for $20. Can't wait to use these babies, not cover my windows but to make some cute accesories! THANKS IKEA!

#21 you should see my calendar. it's a MESS!

#22 i wish i had a niece or nephew that i could spoil. my brothers are taking to long to reproduce. but i think that's ok.

#23 Favorite collections: PENS! WINE BOTTLES! PAPER!

#24 I have a sweet tooth. Choco covered OREO's, my new BFF!

#25 Summertime is THE BEST. We’re looking forward to sunshine, playing outside, lots of swimming and a few little trips here and there. NYC, I'm coming back baby!

my fun week, via Instagram

I LOVE INSTAGRAM! its a great app! i took many pics on my trip thru instagram. here are a few!

wait, there's more!

it great a great GREAT trip! Kemah, every summer from now on!

but now its' back to work!

life is good, especially thru Instagram!

taking a break

a. much. needed. break!!!

what's going on with paper passion & Blossom? well, ALOT! its been so crazy. it's sorta like a rollercoaster. orders here, there and everywhere. but its'll ALL GOOD! been working on some rosette necklaces in purple, pink and teal! i've also been working on some printable party circles for several themed parties. soon, i'll be posting some of my collections on etsy. also working on some pretty flowers for baby girls. can't wait to share all these new items with you. i will be posting pics on FB after my much.needed.break!

a vacation. nowhere trpoical just relaxing with my girls and my sweetpea. first stop, Minute Maid park for teh Astros vs Braves game with my hunny. After that we will be driving to SA picking up our dolls at my mom's and heading to Kemah, TX! Now that should be relaxing and fun! Cannot wait to get there.

thank you for stopping by!
HUGS AND KISSES TO YOU!

new design

Hello friends!

Like the new blog design? I think it's lovely and it says a lot about me. I love all the bright colors. Now, based on this design I will choose the new paint color for the studio. There are so many pretty colors out there, choosing one will be very hard.

Notice the new title! paper passion & Blossom. I will be posting projects based out of both businesses, as well as some personal life stuff; hope you dont mind!

Abby's party planning is under control. Things are running smoothly. This is her 6th birthday so I'm not going all out as I have done in the past but there will be a celebration because well she's my life. But as soon as this party is over and done wtih I will be working mighty hard in the studio creating some new projects.

The girls didn't receive a letter from their Papa last week so we're hoping we get something this week ;)

5 things I love about being a MOM

and in no particluar order...

1. the laughs, silly conversations, the fighting & reminding them to forgive each other, the singing (so loud in the car & while were cooking to everything from The Bangles, Taylor Swift, Frank Sinatra, George Strait, Justin Beiber, Pat Benatar).

2. the clothes, the fashion, all the pink, the jewelry, hair accessories, mani/pedi's together ;) and the fact they love to shop and do all that fun stuff with me

3. all the kisses, hugs, i love you's, i'm sorry mom, please mom, i want this mom...and MOM gives in!

4. thinking that i didn't know motherhood would be so much FUN, always :)

5. knowing that no matter what, if i fail at other things, i've got the 2 BEST accomplishments i have ever made.

letters from grandpa (a weekly series)

this has nothing to do with paper but it's my blog so i'll write want i want!

every week, for about a month already, my daughters have been receiving letters from their grandpa who lives about 200 miles away from his monkeys ( we all call them that). he prints out a picture and writes about how that picture reminds him of each one. its truly a great feeling. he is really a great Grandpa/Father! today he told me he was very proud of me but more than that he was happy for me. i started crying like a baby AT WORK!

here are this weeks letters!

hope you have enjoyed!

paper passion, super busy!!! i'll post about that at a later time.

besos,

finally, a new post!

yes, FINALLY!

so. darn. busy. with life and a full-time job, motherhood, wife, 2 businesses, working on business #3, & vino Viernes. however, i was able to squeeze in some spa time last saturday(4 hours)! the best 4 hours i've had since my birthday celebration back in march. OH, and did i mention there's huge hole in our backyard. POOL!!!! it should be ready soon and that's a good thing because the temperatures are sky-rocketing. in addition to all this mess, Sophie is going to receive the Holy Eucharist on mother's day, YAY! Abby is turning 6 in May , splash party! those 2 events have kept me stressed but still able to function.

much is happening at paper passion. i was able to purchase many new tools, which i am loving. some martha stewart supplies, along wtih some ek success paper punches. i love paper punches.

business #3: something fresh and i cannot wait to share with the world. a business name has been chosen, product is being created, trying to design a perfect logo. with the Lord's blessing, all will come into place in June. im really excited for this new venture.

hope all is well with you. thank you for stopping by. remember paper passion for all your stationary needs!

always a pleasure XOXO,