Designing and Styling this party was seriously the most fun I've had by
myself in a long time...lol Kahlen is completely in love with Tutus
& Baby Dolls at the age of 2. So it was pretty simple that her theme
would be TwoTwo's (tutus) & Baby Dolls. That girlie side in me came
out in a snap....oh, and I enjoyed every part of that side as long as I could!
Continue reading "TwoTwo's (tutus) & Baby Dolls 2nd Birthday" »
| |
|
I always said my brother was a star, in fact, my entire family are artsy fartsy stars. The talent in these genes are a huge blessing. But today this post is for my brother, Clyde.
I know I talk a lot about the things my family are up too, but I find it interesting that we are just a normal family with the laughs, tragedies and obstacles everyone else encounters and yet, I forget my siblings are Broadway Stars. Every now and then I get a nice slap-in-the-face watching fans stand outside the stage door with their pens in hand, anxious grins cheek-to-cheek, chatting up their favourite parts of the show. Then that tiggling feeling starts to set-in from that crisp slap and I realize, "oh ya, they're stars." They walk out, graciously greet their fans, and then we're off for a bite to eat or a relaxing night in their apartment forgetting about how much they're loved and appreciated around the globe. Ok, so maybe it's just me that forgets =)
Yeah, it sucks my brother has lived the past 13 years or so in NYC, but heck...he's living his dream, even though that selfish "I wish he was here" part of me still exists.
It has been worth it for each incredible show he has been a part of...BUT...even BETTER that recently he went on to play the role of Jimmy Winters in Nice Work If You Can Get It, regularly played by Mathew Broderick. Hello?!! STAR!!! Not only is it a lead role, it's a lead role played by the famous Mathew Broderick. Whoa.
Unfortunately it was so last minute, none of us had enough time to fly out there and witness his brilliance. But the word is, he was truly incredible. <insert proud grin here> =)
Soooo....here are some snippets, taken by Chris Sullivan, of Clyde's brilliance coming to life.
| |
|
So, I'm kind of missing Christmas. We are a little crazy when it comes to Christmas time...we mean business.
There is something about Christmas that fills our hearts, our souls and of course our bellies. I really think it's because we get to see those we love that we don't see very often....like my brother & sister OR that gift you've been staring at all night with your name on it invisioning a Mac Book Pro in it...ha This Christmas was so special having everyone together....but it was RUSH RUSH RUSH!!!
Last year, Ben, Kahlen and I spent Christmas Eve & Day in the hospital due to a febral seizure Kahlen encountered. So we kinda sorta missed Christmas....although, Santa did visit and Kahlen was showered with prezzies and love.
This year our siblings had to rush back to their shows. Both arriving Christmas Eve and departing Christmas Day =( BUT...it sure was nice to spend time with them =)
Christmas 2012 was a Lovely, Rushed, Exciting and Hilarious one....and here are those moments captured by the lens.
| |
|
Hope everyone has received our Christmas card by now!! We had a ton of fun, with my uncle Rui Lopes behind the lens, capturing these fun moments. This card was a breeze to design with these wonderful shots. I think he caught our silly Alves-Tusim side quite well =)
Clearly she doesn't like what we have to say....
I get to spend this day with the loves-of-my-life, brother, parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, but it's EVEN BETTER that both my siblings, Tessa & Clyde and my seester-in-law Robyn, will be joining us this year. It is absolutely "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," ESPECIALLY this year =)
Wishing you all health, happiness and peace this holiday season. May you stuff your bellies with love.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Time to open some prezzies...Eeeeee =)
| |
|
What a whirlwind these past couple of weeks have been. For the longest time I just didn't know where to turn or what to do next. Today I'm finally able to say I can see somewhat clearly.
We lost my 82 year old grandfather last week, which threw our world upside down. But I'm so happy to say he has reunited with my grandmother and they are having a killer dance right now!! I smile as I think of it =) He was a beautiful man who touched the lives of hundreds of people. Love and miss you vovo...muah
The lovely couple at our wedding
My fingers and butt are sore from all this Christmas designing for parties. I can't wait to show you my creations next year....Eeeee!!! There's one collection, "Jingle Bell Rock" I LOOOOVE!!! Stay tuned in 2013.
Now moving my design skills onto Kahlen's 2nd birthday. Time to think of our sweet angels special day =)
In the meantime we've been decorating, wrapping and got all our Christmas cards out just in time. Phew!
Can I dedicate this job to her every year? hehe
I LOOOOOOOVE wrapping Christmas gifts...especially if they have a gift card. There's something fun about figuring out new ways for someone to find a gift card =)
Made these for co-workers. Hope they don't throw out the wrapping without noticing the RED BOW!!! I mean, my hips love chocolate....but they love The Keg even more =P
You can find a HOW-TO VIDEO below on a card I made using a similar technique
The only difference with the gift card holder between the above photo and the HOW-TO VIDEO below is I did not fold the glitter paper to make a pocket for the card as the glitter card stock is quite thick. Basically I just applied red tape to the back of the glitter paper on the top, bottom and left side and adhered to the wrapped chocolate. I felt if I folded the glitter paper, the pocket would not be snug enough for the card.
OH! And I also used a 1" circle punch.
Now onto the other 50 gifts that need wrapping...
| |
|
So it's time to admit that this past Thursday I realized American Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday. Hmm...interesting. And soooo not fair! Def jealous over the extra day you all get plus that ridiculously amazing parade, cha!
My point is, I held on to photos from OUR Canadiana Spanksgiving to share with you all on the American one. I guess it was my way of celebrating with my siblings over in NYC. We miss stuffing our Portuguesie bellies together =(
Soooooo....here it is.
My delayed Thanksgiving I'm sharing with you and mah siblings...muah!
A HUGE Thanksgiving Thanks to the most talented photographer I know. I'm actually serious when I say that. My uncle Rui Lopes took these shots at my place while we laughed, sang, played music and laughed more...oh ya, ATE!! You won't see pics of me. This gorgeous sweaty, cooking, frazzled hair mommy was so not getting in front of that lens...hehe
This painting is always a conversation piece. Bah ha. How could it not be?!
This was the very first piece of art my hubby and I bought 10 years ago. whoa. When we saw this in Mexico by Fernando Botero, it brought instant smiles to our face. Two dancers just couldn't pass this one up =)
Check out my uncles beauty HERE. His latest collection PERDU is just unreal!!! If you can, stop by and leave him some love.
Here he is...haha
How was your gobble gobble??
| |
|
It's super easy to make sweet girly cards and boo-tiful lady cards but when it comes to men, the floral stamps and flourishes just don't cut it. This is where I struggle. I start a card with the intention of it landing in a mans hand, but I just can't help but embellish with flowers and hearts and rhinestones and pearls...haha
I was feeling inspired by Movember and this "interesting" Dirty Sanchez stuff above my hubby's lip...
I found some scraps with houses and clouds and thought, that's as manly as I'm gonna get in my stash. So a happy birthday real estate card it was.
Men are into real estate right? And they're always talking about the weather. Right? See, perfect! haha
For my Moustache Bow, I fed embroidery thread through the holes of the button, tied a bow, placed my scissors in the middle of the two loops, cut it, and then trimmed all the ends for an even length. And you got yourself a fluffy stache.
Now, THIS is how all staches should feel! I mean, not that I don't mind SAND PAPER scruffing my delicate skin...hehehe
What? We were feeling left out ;-)
Lunch time! Grabbing Harvery's today for my beautiful Grandmothers 88th birthday.
Oh, and I'm blaming these extra pounds on my family favouriting fast food =P
| |
|
Umm...brrrrr. Since Sandy came to visit, she left us Winter...Nooo!! Okay, we live in Canada, expect the chills and frost bite right? But I WANT THE FALL-ZEE WEATHER FIRST! Sheesh. Who decided to skip over that season?
Well, since we are sporting the winter gear, thought I would FINALLY post my daughters 1st Birthday Party that only happend about 10 months ago...ha! It was a COOL Pom Pom Winter ONEderland of fun.
Kahlen was born in the wintery months and I felt like I had completely missed winter that year. When I was finally recovered, I went outside with my daughter and realized it was Spring...haha So I knew for her very first birthday I wanted it to be a Winter Wonderland of Colourful Fun! I added the Pom Poms to the theme, as she was CRAZY for pom poms at that time, and of course I needed a sweet little character none other than a penguin =)
| |
|
Cyndi Lauper was a star last night, dancing and singing in and out of each home. Her backup singers MJ and Madonna stood clear as Cyndi dazzled the crowds with her cheerful cords, rockin' moves and sparkling smile. Weerk!!!
We are a crazy bunch! Always ready to have a good time whenever possible! Did anyone end up playing our printable halloween charades last night??? I'm curious, what was your little ones Halloween persona?
Moving on...
Just finished this LO a couple weeks ago and it felt quite fallzee. Oh, and I'm LOVING the Speaking of Fall cricut cartridge...so much fun to layer! All paper is from Stampin Up! of course =P and all my embellishments are from Dollarama. Oh wait! I lied, the brown felt flowers are from SU!
I can't believe these pictures are from 12 years ago....where has the time gone???!!
| |
|
I tell you, hurricane Sandy spooked me right out. My nerves were on edge knowing "Sandy" was about to devastate the city where my sister, brother & sister-in-law live, not to mention everyone else who would be affected =( Especially after hearing my sis lost power and was turning off her cell phone to conserve energy....AHHHH....how do us paranoid Torontonians get a hold of you when this picture taken one block from your apartment is floating the web?!
I also didn't sleep AT ALL that night, listening to my shingles slowly, one-by-one, sliding off my roof...the knot in my stomach twisted tighter and tighter. If we're being affected like this in Toronto, how are they dealing in NY?
As we always do, they made light of the situation and sent us these photos...
Clyde, angelically sleeping & protected from Sandy Tessa, a little agitated & ready to bust Sandy's lip!
haha...hilarious! Love it! If you're interested in what show you can see them in right now on Broadway....my brother, Clyde, and his wife, Robyn, are currently in Nice Work If You Can Get It and my sister, Tessa, is in Rock of Ages. LOOOVE these shows!
Soooooo....onto the FREEBIE!!! The attendance on Monday evening at the studio was about 60% so QUICKLY changed my Musical Theatre lesson to a fun night of Halloween Death Charades. I whipped these up in about 6 minutes and decided my students kids would have to act out their Halloween Death. It was HILARIOUS and sooo much fun! Was nice to see them laugh and be goofy after all this intense training and discipline.
Parents always say I look like one of the kids...Do I blend in??? hahaha
After a rainy night of trick-or-treating, continue the fun while you're all dressed up and play some Halloween Charades! I created three different sets for you. One with Halloween Deaths (older kids & adults), One with Kid Friendly Halloween Things and an EDITABLE BLANK SET for you and your family to create your own...fun! Click on the individual image to download that particular file or CLICK HERE to download all the files.
Halloween Death Charades Kid Friendly Halloween Charades Editable Blank Charades Cards
Happy & safe trick-or-treating families!! Let me know how you enjoyed the game =P
Linking up to: iheartnaptime, sumossweetstuff, flamingotoes
| |
|
