[Somewhat] DIY wedding invitations

Last April, I was busy designing my sister’s church wedding invitations. It was a little hard as I don’t have any background on this and the only "experience" I have was creating my nephew’s first birthday invitations (which I realized are actually two very different things). However after several attempts, we finally agreed on a design my sister love.

The next problem was making it. We had two choices: do it ourselves or ask the print shops to do it. We first settled on the former. It was a bit of a horrible experience. Let’s just say that you have to do so much work, had so many ideas, and wasted a lot of paper to do one invitation; it was going beyond the budget. So one night us tres marias (my sisters and I have all Maria’s in our names *laughs*) decided that it was better to leave it to the professionals.

Finally a few days ago, the invitations had arrived and they have done an incredible job. To see my actual design come to life and be part in one of the best days of my sister’s life is truly something. It was really good except for the envelopes. My sister, who has so many ideas ever since day 1, wanted to add a bit more pizzazz to it.

A fan style wedding invitation with classic and minimalistic fonts in gold and blue for my sister's beach themed wedding.

The blue envelope on the left side is the original. It was bit plain and my sister wanted something extra. She bought these cute blue floral wrapping paper and these brown envelopes as a substitute.

Off to work! Sorry for the messy house, we just moved in a couple of days ago.

The print shop surprised us with these stickers! My sister didn't want them to go to waste so she decided to use them.

Just some of the finished pieces. Four down, 96 to go!

Using gold metallic pens to write down the names. The first one goes to my parents :)

With the invitations almost done, we are almost there. I still have to do the designs for the souvenir tags and the eco/tote bags, which I'm having trouble with -_-. Any tips?

♥

#Filephotoaday Favorites

As you know guys, I'm joining this photo-a-day challenge in Instagram. It's been a lot of fun coming up with concepts and takin pictures for the day's theme. I'm also really happy for my sister, who doesn't like the social media that much, for her patience and understanding when I say, I'm gonna take a picture of that *laughs*.

At the same time, I got to meet some people who was on the challenge as well and also got to browse some amazing pictures on the challenge tag. So with over 820 photos (as of May 15, 2013), here are some of my favorite photos from Filed's Photo-a-Day Instagram Challenge, enjoy!

Lucky charms . jumjum03

Floral . mynamegian

(you should follow him, amazing photos on his feed ^^)

Manic Monday . csaguhar

Breakfast . ellerytan_

Artsy Fartsy . csaguhar

Afternoon chiller . yannatengco

♥

Manic Monday: 05.13.13

Last Monday, I was at it again with my emotional roller coaster. Trying to over think, crying all over the place, and debating with myself. It was such a bumpy ride and I sometimes can't believe I have put myself in that kind of situation. I never knew how it could affect me that away. I was never passionate about something but there I was, struggling with the good and the bad of the elections.

A few weeks ago, I was thrilled that I was going to vote. I've been hearing the phrase “the power lies in our hands to change our country” or something of that sort, for months and to think I finally have the chance to use it. Then, it happened. A day before the elections, I heard people talking about vote buying in my hometown. There was no proof that it actually happened. After all, I only heard the words from someone else, it could have been gossip, but it was enough to stir me up. Reality started to sink in. I've heard these things happening all over the news, but it supposedly happening in the city, whether true or not, was a slapped in the face. I got a glimpse of how the election system worked in the country.

I tried to shake away the feeling that there is no actual power in the people rather in the candidate with money (or whatever they have inside their pockets). I felt helpless. I felt disgusted. I was pissed. I couldn't help but think my vote wouldn't count. I didn't know I was getting emotional all over this until I choked and tears started running on my cheeks as I tried to explain to my sister why I had reservations on voting. I ran to my room and I started crying heavily.

I decided I didn't want to vote. I have lost faith in the system that elects our officials. I started losing faith in our country.

I tried to sleep, as I always have whenever I’m in this kind of dilemma. Everything just starts to go away. Everybody doesn't bother me with questions.

But I was woken up by my mother. You’re Filipino, she said. What other reason, besides sleeping, was causing me not to act my right to vote? I couldn't tell her. Sleeping didn't work; I was still a bit emotional. I told to her to go vote without me, and shut my mouth and didn't answer any more of her questions.

I was left alone in the house with my mom’s words echoing in my head. I kept on thinking, “would my vote make any difference?” or “could it be enough to change my country for the better?” I didn't know how long I sat there thinking what I should do; all I know is that I was suddenly compelled to vote.

It came to me, in my foggy and sleepy brain, that I was wasting a chance. I had a clear conscience. I wasn't given anything. I wanted to vote because I wanted change. I wanted leaders that could propel this country into greater heights. I had a reason, a good one. I know by voting with that in mind, I did something good for this country.

_________

"But the beauty of democracy is that I should learn to abide by the voice of the majority, no matter how uninformed I feel it may be." ~ Patrick Moral.

♥

#FILEDphotoaday Challenge: Second Week

My week of photography practice (feelings included) continues with the help of Filed's Instagram photo-a-day challenge. This week: it's all about light, love, art, and happiness.

Day 6 (Afternoon chiller): Another reason why I need to learn how to drive: to easily go to the beach and just cool off

Day 7 (Lucky charm): Finally, the internet is back but I miss a day :( anyways. . . My family brings me joy, strength, hope, and luck

Day 8 (Festive): Start the festivities with a bang!

Day 9 (Artsy Fartsy): Featuring one of my favorite works of my sister Erika

Day 10 (Floral): Ever since I can remember our house has always been "hidden" by these

Day 11 (Last Friday Night): Midnight! Last friday night, actually a few hours ago: organizing all our ideas for my sister and I's [soon-to-be online] business.

Day 12 (I Love You Mom): My world is a better place with you. Happy Mother's Day Mama. (Taken by my sister, Erika)

♥

TomasinoWeb's Election 101

Looking for answers to your election worries? Read TomasinoWeb's Election 101 for a basic guide on how to vote in tomorrow's 2013 Midterm Elections (Philippines).

IN just a few days, the 2013 midterm elections will commence. Over 52 million registered voters, a portion of which are first-time voters, will cast their votes on the 13th of May. The power to make a difference lies in their hands. The candidates they choose will change the course of our nation. The question is: Are they ready? Read full article here.

Article by Ma. Joan Paula Dino, Mary De los Santos, and Janelle Rae Cosino
Graphics by Julius P. Renomeron Jr.
© TomasinoWeb

Simply Average's Back to School Contest

I'm totally excited for this. I have been hinting that I'll do something special for my second anniversary (actually two years of its revival and five years of its creation), and here it is! To show how grateful I am, I’m doing a contest, A BACK TO SCHOOL CONTEST.

SO here it goes guys! (This contest is BOY-KURIPOT CERTIFIED!)

One lucky winner will receive the following: 1. A dream tote bag (H.E.A.R.T by artistic-dreams); 2. A Par Avion notebook (Spellbound); 3. Five pieces of spiraled notebooks (muji); 4. A red and black pen (muji); 5. One denim pencil case (papelmeroti)

How to join: Please follow all the steps to make sure your entries are valid.

1. Stay Connected. Follow me through GFC, BlogLovin, or by email (just enter your email address in the empty field below Connect). You just need to pick one option.
2. Support handmade. Like Spellbound's Facebook page.
3. Thumbs up! Like Simply Average's Facebook page.

4. Promote. Let your friends know about this giveaway by doing any of the following: sharing this Facebook post, Tweet this on Twitter (just copy and tweet, don't RT), or reblogging this post on Tumblr (choose whatever option you want or you can do all)

5. Put your thinking caps on. Answer the question, "what is school to you?" and comment it below with your:

Full name
Twitter username (public please), Facebook profile (link please), and/or Tumblr username
Link/s of the: tweet, shared post, and/or reblogged post
Your blog link if you have
Your Answer (be honest please ^^)

6. The best answer will win :)

Terms

1. Giveaway starts on May 10, 2013 and ends on May 25, 2013.

2. Open to Philippine residents only.
3. Only one entry per person.
4. Please follow all the steps to make sure your entries are valid.

5. The entries will be judge by my lovely family and I, and one winner will be chosen.

6. The winner will be announced on the May 29 and will also be notified through Twitter/Facebook/Tumblr on the same day it is announced.
7. If winner does not respond in three days, I will choose another entry.
8. Prizes will be shipped via LBC. Shipping fee is handled by Simply Average.

Thank you so much to SPELLBOUND for the Par Avion notebook. Be sure to checkout more of their adorable notebooks (comes in four design: Classic, Chevron, Par Avion, and Union Jack) at their website: SPELLBOUND.PH

Good luck guys!
For further questions: comment below, ask me on Tumblr, tweet me at @majpau, or PM me on Facebook.

Disclaimer: Except for the Par Avion which is sponsored by Spellbound, this contest is not sponsored by H.E.A.R.T, muji, or papelmeroti.

♥

Simply Average Second Anniversary

Ever since I was 13, I constantly created and deleted blogs because I can’t seem to manage them. Running out of ideas, not enough traffic, or just getting bored at blogging were just some of the reasons why I quit after several weeks or even days. But Simply Average is different; two years of in the blogging world has proven this. I’m absolutely happy about how things are going with my blog and how I’m improving it bit by bit. I wouldn't have stayed this long without the support of my friends and readers.