Blog babes

Just a few days after I met up with Sabrina, I had another date with her and Cindy and Marit (her blog is offline right now). Us four bloggers had a great time shopping, sipping coffee and going to dinner. We've hung out before, so it was nice to see these girls again. And I love blogger meetups. Because you're involved in the same thing you can talk about blogging for an hour straight, without anyone getting bored :P Can't believe New Years Eve is tomorrow! Are you excited?

ps. you can now get a peek in my personal life and hear about blog updates by following me at www.twitter.com/yaragotstyle
Tweet your NYE look to me! :D

Joy Rojas

Joy Rojas

• 1st Filipina and first Southeast Asian woman to run across 3,107 miles across the United States (2009)
• 1st Filipina to run across the Philippines, from Davao City to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, in 46 days (2005)

QUOTE
"Don't just dream, make it happen."

USEFUL LINKS

Pinay completes 3,000-mile US run
Long Distance Lessons from the Road
The 'Joy' of running
First Filipina to run across US

Tweet tweet

Hi! Are you enjoying your holidays? I was featured in the december issue of Eve magazine alongside the lovely bloggers from Life in travel and Tink in my closet. Fun fact; the article was written by fellow blogger Vicky from Magpie girl. (read the big version here)

And... I've entered the world of Tweets! So to find out more about my personal life or blog updates you can follow www.twitter.com/yaragotstyle Are you on Twitter as well?

orlando here we come!

Tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn, Paul and I will be loading up the car for a 14 hour drive to Orlando FL. The cat sitter will be here taking care of the kitties so we won't have to worry about Stan and Mabel!

We'll be spending most of our trip working on our house and getting it ready for new renters, visiting family and catching up!

I'll be updating via Twitter as we travel and while we're away! See you in 2010!

Maria Cecilia Flores-Oebanda

Maria Cecilia Flores-Oebanda

• 1st Filipina and first person to receive the first US anti-child labor award (2009)
• 1st Filipina anti-child labor advocate to receive the first annual Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labor given by the US Department of Labor (2009)

USEFUL LINKS

Filipino receives first US anti-child labor award
Philippine Woman Honored for Fight Against Child Labor

Winter parade

The best part about tapered pants is that you get to wear leggings underneath. (And their maximum comfort obviously). This is just a casual outfit, I wore a purple bag with it but forgot to shoot it. My necklace was just 1 euro at h&m, what a bargain! Actually, I've gotten a handfull of new neckwear. Such an easy way to update your look within a small budget.

Christmas is around the corner, so sipping hot chocolate and eating candy is my number one activity. This time of the year always leads me to reflect on the past months. I can't believe another year has gone by, and a great one at that! This year has given me some great opportunities and positive experiences, and much more is to come. I wish you loads of happiness and great outfits in 2010. Big hugs!

Will you make the cut?

Tommy + Heidi = Fashion reality heaven

Fashion reality shows like Project Runway are my guilty pleasure. Once Heidi starts talking, I'm hooked! With little drama and actual talent it might be hard to top Project Runway, but two new shows are premiering tonight. One is The fashion show, hosted by Isaac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland (Really? Kelly Rowland?) and the other is The cut. Tommy Hilfiger hosts this show in which 16 designers compete to create a line for mr. Hilfiger himself. So that sounds promising. Both shows have already aired where some of you live, so are they any good?
Either way, I'm tuning in. Auf Wiedersehen! ;)

ps. Tomorrow I will announce the winner of the give-away

DC snowstorm!

Lots of excitement here with the "Big Blizzard"! Paul and I were all nice and cozy inside, after awhile we got a little cabin fever, ventured out into the snowy downpour and took some cell phone pics! Here they are!

Swann ST NW looking beautiful in the snow!

Tiny car with lots of snow!


Dupont Circle fountain


The day after the storm at Meridian Hill Park in NW

Hero Arts Blog Hop

I was invited to be a part of Hero Arts Blog hop!

Hero Arts sent me a few of their new release stamp designs. It was a fun challenge to work with the images they sent a long. I tried to incorporate as many of the designs as I could into this card:


Here's a list of the stamps that I used:
Silhouette Grass - S5316
Row of Houses - H5328
Antique Engravings - CL383 (small butterfly used)

Other supplies:
Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints - Landscape Green, Classic Teal , Painterly Pink
Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky Back canvas
Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi Medium in Matte
Claudine Hellmuth Studio brushes
Ranger Inkssentials White Pen
Ranger Adirondack ink pad in Stream
Ranger Archival Jet Black ink pad
Ranger Glossy cardstock
plain paper
black Faber Castell PITT pen size S

And now keep the blog hop going and visit Jenn Biederman to see what she created!

So charming

Let me put it simple: original packaging is the key to my heart. It grabs your attention and really adds to the product. So imagine my joy when I open a box and find a paint can with a scarf inside. Circle scarfs are my favorites and this one from Donni Charm (thanks Alyssa!) is really soft and has a silver charm and little chains on it. This baby is glued to my neck from now on!

Man, it's frrreezing out here, so I stacked up two skin colored tights underneath these dotted ones. (The length a girl goes to to wear her favorite stockings!) Will it be a white Christmass where you live too? ps. You can still enter the give away in the previous post. And you can also make me really happy by following me on Bloglovin from now on!

Circle scarf: Donni Charm - Jacket: Zara exclusive - Dress: Zara - Boots: h&m - Tights: Zara

Making Money with Niche Websites

Searching and choosing a good niche subject for your website is one of the most important aspects of making money with your articles. This will give you a basic foundation to build from and you can target one general audience with a bundle of keywords that they are most likely to be searching for. You should take each one of these keywords and use it for the basis of one article on each page. This way, even though you are targeting one specific subject, you will be sure to interest a wide variety of people in that one niche. They may also find other pages that interest them, which will keep them returning to your site to learn new information about the niche subject.

The best way to find keywords for your niche subject is to use a keyword software program and type in the word that is the subject of your niche. This will generate a list of keywords or phrases that contain your niche and will also show you approximately how many people search for each word or phrase. Some software programs may also tell you how many sites are out there to compete with for each word or phrase (this will help you know if those sites are worth competing with for the number of searches out there). You then deicide which of these would be most profitable by determining which have the least amount of competitors, so that you have a chance at making it to the first or second page of search engine results, but that also have a decent amount of people looking for that keyword or phrase each month. These will be the keywords or phrases that you will base the pages of your niche site on.

If there are a number of topics that you like, pick the one that you feel would be easiest to start with and then, once that site is built and generating some revenue, you can start another site. The most profitable website marketers, who use their talent of finding niches and combining that with good site content and a handful of affiliate links, have a good amount and variety of niche sites that they have started. You are never limited in what you can do with niche website , unless you find out that you do not have the marketing skills or the needed funding to make it happen. Otherwise, the sky is the limit!

Related STENTORIZED Articles 

• Keyword Suggestion Tool (slideshare.net)
• Article Submission Makes Traffic Easy (ronmedlin.com)
• Article Marketing (ronmedlin.com)
• Basics Of SEO (wealthyways4you.com)

happy birthday to me ... i think

Today is my 35th birthday and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

For me 35 was one of those "mile marker" birthdays. The birthday that seemed so far away in my 20s that I would say to myself "by the time I am 35 I will know X, Y & Z."

Anytime something came up that I didn't know the answer to I would put it off until I was 35.

"By 35 I will know if I want to have kids, or live in the city, or have my illustration career running smoothly."

By 35 it will be figured out. Surely, by then I will know the answers to the questions I have.

Well here's 35! Do I have anything figured out? No way! But I guess that's 1/2 the fun. Right?

don't forget the pets this holiday season!

I can't resist re-posting this photo that I took of Mabel a couple years ago. She got all dressed up in a Santa outfit to remind you not to forget the critters this holiday season!

My good friend Bernie at A Place to Bark has lots of sweet furry babies that need your help!

Even just $5 or $10 would go a long way to helping to support all the animals that she takes in and finds new homes. She was telling me yesterday that she spends $15,000 a year just on pet food not to even mention the vet bills! Wow! By networking with humane societies, she has rescued (and found homes for) over 600 animals this year! yay! go Bernie!!

And you can double your donation! From now until Dec 31st. The Zoline foundation is offering a matching grant for every donation made up to $23k! With this money Bernie would be able to finish her shelter and save many more animals in need.

HOW TO DONATE:
To donate just scroll down to the 6 Degrees Badge in my right side bar. Your donation is tax deductible too!

Here's a touching video that our friend Lynne Gillis made to promote the fundraiser.



To learn more about A Place to Bark visit the web site

Friend A Place to Bark on Twitter or Facebook to follow along with her adventures!

Spread the word about the great work Bernie does! Post to your blogs, Facebook and Twitter! We need to help A Place to Bark finish the shelter!

1.000 followers = Give away!

So here's what happened. I log on to my blog (a steady morning ritual) and noticed I had passed 1000 followers over night! A THOUSAND followers! Things seem to go by the speed of light. At first I was thrilled with over 500 daily hits. Now each month around 75.000 of you surf to This chick's got style.

You have been amazing, visiting my blog, giving your feedback and leaving sweet comments. A special thanks to the returning readers and visitors, who I always recognize by name and picture. It means a lot to hear from you time after time!

To thank you, I'm (randomly) giving away a bag by Dutch designer Susan Bijl. It's made out of kite fabric and has a great graphic feel to it. Perfect to just throw your stuff in on a casual day. If you're not a follower yet, you can become one by simply clicking on Follow at the right. (you can also participate if you're not a follower). Just leave a comment or your e-mail adress! Big hugs, Yara

ps. I'm now also on Bloglovin so you can add me there as well!

And the winner is... # 34, My I.D. is E.E.D. (I couldn't find your e-mail adress so you can e-mail me on thischicksgotstyle@hotmail.com) Enjoy!

new custom artwork

Here's a 16x20 custom canvas artwork order that I just finished up all ready to be shipped in time for Christmas!

I had a great time with this piece and the scuba/beach theme. Especially fun to think of sunny warm days while it's so cold out here in DC!

beeswax collage workshop in Alexandria VA

Just added to my calendar!

A one day Beeswax Collage Workshop in Alexandria VA on Saturday February 6th 2010.

Learn how to create a collage entirely with beeswax - no other glues or adhesives are necessary! You'll learn beeswax transfers, stamping in wax, layering collage, glazing colors and more! Mistakes can not be made with beeswax. If you don't like the placement of your papers you can remove them - even months later - and easily adjust your artwork! You'll be amazed by how easy and fun beeswax collage can be!

A few of the topics that will be covered during this workshop: getting started with the proper materials, collaging with beeswax, beeswax transfers - transfer photocopies directly into wax! beeswax stamping, glazing color to enhance your artwork.

Class details and sign up information are on the Artistic Artifacts Web site. Limited spaces available!

Hot date

Yesterday I had a hot date! With a girl that is, and a blogger to be exact. Me and Sabrina from Afterdrk met up in our lovely city of Amsterdam to have lunch and do some serious shopping. It was such a fun day and I really liked hanging out together.

ps. I was featured on the website of Glamour magazine!

The La Pavoni Espresso Machine

La Pavoni the original makers of espresso coffee machine is now celebrating it's 100 years of being the original producer of La Pavoni finest espresso/cappuccino makers. And, in the celebration of La Pavoni's 100 years of producing the finest espresso/cappuccino makers they are excited to introduce the newest addition to the La Pavoni line. The La Pavoni PSW-16 Stratavari 16 Cup Espresso Machine!
Yes, the La Pavoni PSW-16 Stratavari 16 Cup Espresso Machine was manufactured among its other lines to highlight this meaningful occasion of La Pavoni. Since, this is one of the special product lines, of course, we expect that this is also one of the the best coffee machines ever produced by La Pavoni.

So, here are the specifications and the features of the La Pavoni PSW-16 Stratavari 16 Cup Espresso Machine:

• - The design inspiration was drawn from world famous violin maker Antonio Stradavari.
• - 20oz. boiler capacity, makes 8, 2oz. cups of espresso.
• - Recessed power switch and power button.
• - Dual frothing cappuccino systems.
• - Nickel plated.
• - All wood handles.
• - Solid brass boilers are triple chrome plated.
• - Reset fuse.
• - 1 year warranty with demonstration video.
• - ETL listed.
• - Gift boxed.
• - Made in Italy.
• - Also available with wood handles.

Main specs
Capacity in Cups: 16 Cups
Built in Grinder: No
MPN: PSW-16

So, as a coffee lover, I wish to buy and recommend also, the La Pavoni PSW-16 Stratavari 16 Cup Espresso Machine, because in my opinion this particular coffee maker will not only make you hot coffee in no time at all but delivers the right blend and taste of what coffee should be. Not to mention, its dual frothing cappuccino systems which surely gives us the experience of drinking cappuccino a pleasant one.

Related STENTORIZED Articles

• Cafe Mania opens its doors to Toronto on Wed. Nov. 25th 2009!!! (newswire.ca)
• How To Make a Caffe Latte (howcast.com)
• The Canadian Barista Championship to crown the 2009 winner (newswire.ca)
• Italian coffee culture: a guide (telegraph.co.uk)
• Bugatti Diva Coffee Maker - wow (techburgh.com)

quick update

It's crunch time for me working on custom artwork orders to get them on their way in time for Christmas. I have been a busy bee!

If you left it too late to order your custom artwork, I have an On Its Way Certificate option. This is a perfect choice to let your recipient know that you have a special gift -- literally on its way! You place the order and all your special someone has to do is sit back and wait for their surprise to arrive. You will receive a certificate and full color brochure to give to your recipient on Christmas Day. Click here for more info.

Gift Certificates are also available too!

Leather lover

Chop Chop. That's the sound I'll be hearing tomorrow! I can tell you that I dread a simple haircut like some fear the dentist. Ok, little exaggeration here because my hairdresser is great :P. But still, those saved up inches will be missed!

Big shoulder sweatshirt from zara - Faux leather / suede skirt from h&m - Ankle boots from h&m - Tights from wolford

Corazon Yap-Bahjin

Corazon Yap-Bahjin

• 1st Filipina Muslim ambassador (2009)
• 1st Filipina Muslim to pass the diplomat career Foreign Service Officers' examination (1979)

QUOTE
"We must disabuse non-Muslims of their pre-judgments about us and Muslims have to fight negative stereotypes"

USEFUL LINKS

1st Muslim Filipina envoy, off to Bahrain
Bahrain gets first Muslim Filipina ambassador
Philippines: Commission confirms first Muslim woman as ambassador

quick and easy transfer onto sticky back canvas

I just discovered a new transfer technique using my Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky Back Canvas. The transfer is done on the sticky side which makes it very quick and simple too!


Here's what you'll need: Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky Back Canvas, Mini Mister filled with water, image to transfer: scrapbook paper, color copy, black and white copy, magazine etc


First peel off the paper backing from your Sticky Back Canvas


Place the image you would like to transfer onto the STICKY side of the Sticky Back Canvas. Here I am using a piece of My Mind's Eye scrapbook paper but you could use a color or b/w laser copy (I haven't tried inkjet prints yet, if you try it let me know if it works!)

Burnish the back of the image with a craft scraper to make sure it has good contact with the Sticky Back Canvas


If you are using a heavy weight paper like a scrapbooking paper, you may want to score the back of the paper *gently* with an xacto knife

Saturate the back of the paper using a water-filled Mini Mister

Rub the paper off the back. Keep spraying with water from the Mini Mister to make it easier to rub the paper off .

Optional Step: once you have rubbed off all the paper, you may notice some white fuzzies remaining. To get rid of these spread Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi Medium in GLOSS all over the image as if you were rubbing in face cream. The resins in the Gloss Multi Medium will make the paper fuzzies disappear. .

Closeup of the finished transfer! Quick and easy!

WHERE TO BUY:
Check your local crafts/scrapbook or arts supply store for availability. Claudine Hellmuth Studio Products are for sale online at these locations: Ellen Hutson LLC, Somerset Shoppe, ScrapLovers, Joggles Online, Schmooze with Suze, Scrapbook.com, Simon Says Stamp, Studio Calico, Scrap in Style TV . For more videos and information about the Claudine Hellmuth Studio product line, visit my web site!

You're such a poser

Being called a poser is usually not a good thing. But in this case it is! Mary Kate is working it like a true model at this Nylon shoot. I always love behind the scenes footage! And I'm very impressed with how comfortable she is in front of the camera. Maybe it comes naturally if you're practically raised in the spotlights?

ps. Oops! I accidentally deleted my previous post about big shoulders on a small budget! As I said, I ran in to Andy from Style Scrapbook at Zara. Really nice to meet her in person. Andy has style and a great personality so def check out her blog!

easy to make paper holiday village

Here's a fun paper village that is easy to make and will add lots of Christmas cheer to your home! The best part about this little village is that it will cost you next to nothing to make, I am betting you already have many of these items around your house!

Suggested supply list:

• Old Music papers and assorted scrapbook papers
• Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint in Dash of Red, Landscape Green
  
• Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi Medium (matte or gloss)
• Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint brushes
• Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky Back Canvas
• Ranger Inkssentials White Pen
• A back pen (I like the Faber Castell PITT in size S)
• Pencil
• a BATTERY operated tea light candle (no flames please!!!)
• Template for the houses - I made one for you! Download here!

STEP ONE: Put the house template (download here) on top of a sheet of old music paper and trace around it with a pencil and then cut it out.

STEP TWO: Draw in where you would like the windows and doors to go.

STEP THREE: Paint in the house. Paint around all the doors and windows leaving them unpainted. Here I am using Dash of Red from the Claudine Hellmuth Studio Line. If you are using these paints, you will notice that they remain transparent and you can still see the music notes even through the color, making a really beautiful effect!


STEP FOUR: Here I added details. I used Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky Back Canvas to make the curtains, a black pen and the Ranger Inkssentials White Pen.

STEP FIVE: Fold all your edges and then glue the tab to the other side of the house with Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi Medium.


STEP SIX: Pinch the sides to shape the house.

STEP SEVEN: Place the roof template on a piece of scrapbook paper, trace around and cut out

STEP EIGHT: Fold down the center and then add details. Here I added trim but cutting a piece of Sticky Back Canvas

STEP NINE: Put the roof on your house and then place a BATTERY OPERATED tea light candle underneath. DO NOT use a regular tea light candle with flame because it will catch your mini house on fire! You can find Battery tea light candles at home stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, Dollar Store or at your local craft store.

YOU'RE DONE! Here's the little house ready to bring Christmas cheer! It was difficult to capture just how glowing the houses are with the battery tea lights underneath. When you make yours, you will see how magical they are!

Now make a whole bunch more and display them on your mantle! A perfect Holiday Village for your home!

WHERE TO BUY:
Check your local crafts/scrapbook or arts supply store for availability. Claudine Hellmuth Studio Products are for sale online at these locations: Ellen Hutson LLC, Somerset Shoppe, ScrapLovers, Joggles Online, Schmooze with Suze, Scrapbook.com, Simon Says Stamp, Studio Calico, Scrap in Style TV . For more videos and information about the Claudine Hellmuth Studio product line, visit my web site!