Scissors Paper Pen

Yee haa!

2012-02-01T11:38:00.000+11:00

Experienced our first ever Tamworth Country Music Festival on Australia Day last Thursday.

What an eye-opener!

Lots of strange sights, wacky characters and busking.....and cowboy hats!!!!

Some pics:

Even the camels wear cowboy hats in Tamworth!!!!

It was school on Monday - the girls were SO ready to go back.

We were in such a rush to get the bus I got NO FIRST DAY SNAPS before school!!!! Shock horror!

And as it was, we had to flag down Bruce the bus driver as we sped to the gate.

I did get these of Kate after school:

I can assure you her hair was in a nice neat side plait when she left for the day....

Doesn't she look grown up?

My big high school girl now......sob!

Bethany is in Year 4 and Mia in Year 2....I must snap them tomorrow if we have some nice weather.

How about some scrapping?

I did two more month-in-reviews on the weekend:

I'm finding it easier and quicker to stick to one paper collection for these.....something I rarely ever do.......but with so many competing colours in the photos it just seems to work better.

Plus I'm using up my old papers....yay!

Don't forget you have 2 more weeks to have a crack at the SUYS quote challenge here.

Here's my example:

OK people, hope you're having a fabulous Wednesday!

CU soon

xxx

Feb-in-Review

2012-01-25T10:51:00.001+11:00

I'm trundling along with my 2011 month-in-review layouts....
I showed you March last post, and here is Feb:

I found a packet of old Adorn-It valentines day type stickers and based the whole layout around them - a handy little technique I use when colour schemes elude me!

I'm stealing the wonderful Pip Prosser's favourite doubles design for most of these - just perfect for heaps of photos.

New reads:

I finished this one....

....highly recommend it for mothers with girls of any age. Some of her ideas for rituals are a bit out there, but her promotion of the mother-daughter relationship and its importance for raising well-balanced children is spot on.

Started this one last night.....

.....you know how much I enjoy this author (she of the Shopoholic series)....LOVE this story so far! Lots of giggles!

Less than a week left of the school hols....in between working I'm trying to spend as much time with the girls as I can.... this week I took them to see:

.....a gorgeous heartwarming story......definitely one for the girls.......Matt Damon is dreamy.......sigh........bring the tissues.

We now have FIVE sets of twin bubby lambs! Pretty amazing since we only have 7 ewes. One set is so incredibly tiny, they look like white cats running around. Haven't managed to photograph those ones yet, but here are some others:

To all those being affected by floods - keep safe.

Rain rain go awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

DT Call + layout share

2012-01-23T11:07:00.002+11:00

Firstly, get on over to Show Us Your Stuff and check out the requirements to join our fabulous Design Team!

How was your weekend?

I scrapped a little bit in between the housework and child minding.....getting two more Month-in-Review pages done for 2011.

My February month-in-review which I gave a bit of a Valentines feel (whoops, I will upload when I remember the photos)

and here is March....

Look what we got for Christmas....

It took pretty much all arvo to work it out and make enough pasta for dinner....but boy, did we have some messy fun.....

...and it tasted....WOW!

Toodles for now!

XXX

Back to the Beginning

2012-01-19T10:19:00.002+11:00

Do you realise I scrapped a mere 13 layouts last year? And 12 of those were for my Design Team work. I think I lost interest slightly (gasp!)....having a gazillion other things on the go didn't help.

So....I'm going back to the beginning of 2011.....starting with my January photos.

I figure if I can do 12 month-in-review layouts, I will have at least scrapped all my fave photos and created a darn good record of last year.

Here's my first:

I love those days when you wake up with no particular plans....and the day unfolds into one of the most enjoyable.
Sunday was exactly like that.

A friend rang up and said "let's take the kids strawberry picking!".
So we did! And it was the best fun!

We may have gone a bit overboard......but just look at those beauties! And at $6 a kilo how could you go wrong.

No-one wanted to go home so we toodled around to see what else we could discover in our local area....and we uncovered a gem!
New England Woodturning Supplies in Gilgai - where we found unique and beautiful wooden articles handmade by Rob Day and his 14 year old son.

The kids were treated to an impromptu didgeridoo performance by Rob (OMGoodness - so awesome!), we were shown around the workshop and my friend and I picked out some gorgeous pieces of wood that Rob is going to make into funky chopping boards for us.

The perfect excuse for us to go back when they're ready - and this time I'll remember to take photos!

The day finished by calling in to another friend's house where we ate, chatted and the kids played happily.

Bliss!

Scrapping the Scraps!

2012-01-14T17:17:00.000+11:00

Today I turned these...

into this...

It's the first challenge for a BRAND NEW challenge blog I discovered...

Daring You To Scrap

Looks like it could be fun!

Xmas Pics

2012-01-13T17:03:00.001+11:00

Our wonderful Gingy House.

It was the kids' wish to get one - I got a pack you just have to put together and decorate. Easy right?

Oh my - what a doozy! It took literally HOURS, bits kept sliding slowly off in the heat, the piping bag was a beast to control.....

But we had fun - didn't we???

Love this laughy picture of Kate snapped at the Xmas Eve dinner table (we have our big meal on Chrissy Eve and save Xmas Day for fun and relaxation - and leftovers).

Beth with her extremely AWESOME electric guitar on Xmas morning.

She was SO excited about this one.

Mimi with some of her loot.

Happy, happy Mimi!

A few days after Christmas we went with friends to a gorgeous local fishing spot...

Beth was very proud of the cod she caught...even if it was undersize. She graciously let it swim free, but not before she brought it to shore for a photo!

See you next time!

xxx

Farmy news

2012-01-12T17:02:00.002+11:00

What kind of an egg do you call this chookies????

Mini omelet anyone?

Oh my - how things are growing down on the farm!

My vegie patch 6 weeks ago...

And this week...

Makes me feel all content and happy inside!

And remember my new garden last January?

Here's how it looks now (and needs weeding again)...

My beautiful Milly girl 12 months ago...

And now....

Of our 6 working dogs, I do have a soft spot for Milly. She is so sooky and gorgeous not to mention extremely intelligent (I taught her to shake hands). Thankfully she's turned out to be a good worker too - that means she gets to stick around.

More little feet pattering in the paddock....5 baby lambs! Including one set of twins.
Cute, cute, cute!

The new mailbox I got for Christmas prompted a facelift for our property entrance, including getting around to displaying the lovely sign my Mum had hand-painted for Tim's 40th 18 months ago!

Look who's snazzy now!

A New List

2012-01-10T21:21:00.001+11:00

Have you noticed I've deleted my old Book List from my side bar and started a brand spanking new list for twenty-twelve?

So far I've read....

......beautiful true accounts of encounters with angels.....(yes, I'm a believer)

......a peak into the real life of someone who "see's dead people" and a must for fellow fans of Medium the TV show.....

And I'm 13 chapters into....

No wonder there's not much scrapping or guitar practice happening!

I set myself a personal goal to "read more books" in 2011....I managed 23 novels (plus countless non-fiction books) which is 23 more than the year before.

Quite impressed with myself....what's more I've re-discovered my love of books.

I wonder if I can beat that in 2012?

Red White & Blue

2012-01-09T21:45:00.000+11:00

Another for SUYS that I forgot to show you last month....whoops!

It was the Blue-White-Plus-A-Dash-Of-Red challenge.

I'm enjoying:

bunching stuff on the edges

using wallet size pics as embies

smudges of gesso

random hand stitches here and there

staples

coloured paper clips

mixing up different alpha styles

Do you like?

Yearly Tops

2012-01-03T18:39:00.001+11:00

Top things I saw, did and read in 2011!

Book that deeply moved me:

Best "couldn't put it down - finished in a weekend" Book:

Most Hilarious-in-a-really-gross-way Movie:

Most Anticipated Release:

Bestest Best Movie Ever:

Fave-est Show of our Whole Family:

Best "quick-all-kids-to-bed-Mum's-show's-on" Can't Miss An Episode Show:

Best Documentary Series:

Cherry's Body Dilemmas

Cherry's Parenting Dilemmas

Cherry's Cash Dilemmas

I love this chick!

Best Weekly Laugh:

The Graham Norton Show

And finally my Top 5 Layouts of 2011:

What are your "bests" of 2011?

I'd love to know!

Squishy Heart Tutorial

2012-01-03T17:28:00.001+11:00

I came up with this kinda quilted-look paper heart today. Here's what I did:

1. Cut out heart freehand (mine's about 2 inches square)

2. Stick some foam adhesive on the underside (not too near the edges)

3. Adhere to your background card or layout and sew around the edges with embroidery floss. Pre-punch holes with sharp needle first to make things easier

Cute huh?

Oh - how about scrunching your heart first?

Or tearing the edges.

You could do any shape you like!

Ooo I know - middles for flowers!

I am gonna have so much fun with this........

Local Heroes!

2011-12-16T12:57:00.002+11:00

Kate - 2nd from right, back row - and six school friends made the local radio news this week after they presented the Inverell Breast Cancer Support Group with a cheque for an incredible $3700.

They raised the money by producing the Gum Flat Kids Calendar, and holding a photography exhibition and auction.

Proves that amazing things can be achieved if you have the will!

THE GUM FLAT AND INVERELL COMMUNTY IS SO PROUD OF YOU GIRLS

XXXXXXXX

Our Weekends

2011-12-05T12:24:00.001+11:00

....have been rather full - and if you have kids who do stuff I'm sure yours have been just as crazy!

I tell you - kids have the best social life!

We've had a Blue Light Disco, a birthday party, a sleepover, a "just because" party, and there's more to come!

A few weekends ago we planted our vegie beds.....

Then it flooded. This is the causeway we have to drive over to get out of our property - more like a river!!!

The Macintyre River broke it's banks. Water came up into the park in town.....people were bracing themselves, but thankfully it stopped short of businesses and houses....

A planned fishing trip and picnic for a friend's birthday was kinda ruined by all the rain - we ended up at their house instead. The kids were determined to get in the water - and there was plenty of that to keep them happy....

Sometime in the middle we went to the launch of the Gum Flat Country Kids Calendar....the Year 5/6 girls designed and photographed the calendar, got a grant from Community Mutual to print it, and decided to give all the proceeds to the local Breast Cancer Support Group.

The calendar looked fabulous, as did the photography exhibition they held, plus they raised over $2000 for their chosen charity!!!

A truly amazing and inspiring effort by 7 young girls and their wonderful teachers.

Beth performed in her end of year guitar concert on Sat night....

She did "Rockin Robin" with 3 other kids - and she was also on vocals! So beautiful! She inspires me to keep plugging away with my guitar. With her help I can now play about 3 chords quite well! Whoopie!

Speaking of concerts...a certain someone in our family is counting down the days for this....

This weekend we have a Little Athletics Zone Carnival, dance concert and Archery Xmas Party....more photo opportunities!

Hey, remember these organza flowers with the melted edges that were all the go a while back? I bet you have some hanging around the place.

Dig them out (or make some new ones!) and stay tuned for the SUYS Try This Challenge annoucement. The sketch challenge is already up.....check out details here.

Catch you soon!

xxx

Breaking Dawn + Layout

2011-11-18T22:08:00.001+11:00

OK I admit it - I was one of those Twilight crazies who was at the cinema Wednesday night in the early hours for the Breaking Dawn premiere....

Eclipse was first at 9.30 (good to get a refresher) then Breaking Dawn Part 1 began at midnight. My friend Polly and I came prepared with our pillows and so glad we did! The film twisted up and broke down one hour into the movie so we sat from 1am to 2am waiting....waiting.....waiting.

Can you believe in this day and age the projectionist had to painstakingly unwind then wind on metres and metres of film to correct it?? You'd think it would all be digital, hey?

Anyhow - it was such a fun vibe in the cinema - and the movie didn't disappoint.

The 4th instalment had all the elements we love about the Twilight films.....

Spectacular scenery.

Corny jokes.

Spunky wolf boys.

Wooden acting.

Weird facial expressions.

Swoony romance.

And this one had the added extras of a gruesome birth scene, corpse-like anorexic Bella and a demon baby!

Bring on BD Part 2!!!!

Oh, here's my layout I promised you....

Join in the fun here!

Blanket Stitch + Share

2011-11-15T14:38:00.000+11:00

Blanket stitch looks really cute when done on cardstock as part of your layout. I like it best when it's a little bit wonky (translation - I can't sew neat!)....

It's the Try This challenge during November over at Show Us Your Stuff and above is a peak of my DT layout. I'll reveal it tomorrow!

If you can't remember how to start off your blanket stitch - or you've never tried before, this link takes you to a tutorial on YouTube.

I think I forgot to show you my "stuff" for last month's SUYS challenge.....we had to use circles, flowers and misting. My misting was more like sponging and blobbing paint all over the place - but there you have it!

"Bran Nu Dae" was the track Gum Flat School danced to for this year's Eisteddfod, hence the title for these photos of the girls dressed up for their performance.

Enjoy today's heat!

xxx

How could you not love 'em?

2011-11-09T15:11:00.000+11:00

What's fun, rainbow-bright and too delicious to resist?

These gorgeous goodies from Purple Pumpkin, that's what!

Even better - they're giving them away!

Check it out!

Been a while....

2011-11-08T14:10:00.001+11:00

.....but each time I think about posting an update I'm overwhelmed by how far behind I am! But, today is the day.

Life has been running away on me.....we've had two trips to Taree, one to Yamba and one to Sydney in the last 2 months.....spring has definitely sprung along with allergies all round.....the farm is looking beautiful with fat cows and gorgeous babies everywhere.....the new vegie gardens are finally done and ready to plant.....swimming lessons have begun for Bethie and Mimi....Kate has started Little Athletics.....music practice madly happening in prep for end of year concerts.....and Kate is increasingly excited (and Mum increasingly stressed) about going into high school next year.

Some photos:

Book Week

Mia as Lola from Charlie & Lola, complete with pink milk...

Beth as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland

(how's that evil pose!)...

Kate as Malificent, the wicked fairy from Sleeping Beauty (that see-through mask was SO creepy!)...

Yamba Camping Holiday

This is the perfect holiday park for families - so much to do!

State Athletics

We made the huge trip to Sydney for our little Gum Flat relay team to compete at Homebush....

It was a day to remember forever.....summed up perfectly in this letter my Mum wrote to our school principal....

"Good Morning, Mr Bloch,

I am writing to tell you that I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the PSSA sports championships at Sydney Olympic Park with Penny and my three granddaughters, Kate, Bethany and Mia Hackney.

The relay team from Gum Flat made me so proud! These fine young people were a joy to be associated with, their good manners, their friendly team spirit, their courage and aplomb while dealing with the disappointment of the results in the Semi Final, showed a maturity far beyond their years.

They did so well in the heats and were only point four of a second behind the fastest team. Without a proper track to train on at home, this in itself was a remarkable feat. It was so exciting to witness! They were looking forward to success in the semi-final, but when there was a fumbled baton pass between Lydia and Kate, we all held our breath.............Kate was devastated, and she has blamed herself for the error. However, the team ran on, valiantly and finished the race. The girls were inconsolable, and slowly made their way back to us, arms around each other, and in tears...........it was heartbreaking and we felt their pain. Alex and Campbell were gallant and very calm and mature and sympathetic to the girls although they must have been mightily disappointed at losing out on a chance to enter the final. They set an example of true mateship that many more famous sportsmen might need to follow.

I feel compelled to write to you, to congratulate you and your staff on the training of these little sporting heroes. The experience of being on the spot made me so pround of Alex, Campbell, Kate and Lydia, they are fine young people and this day will stay in my memory for ever. I want to thank the four of them for allowing me to be a part of this fantastic occasion. The future success of Gum Flat community will be secure in the hands of these young people, I am sure. Well done to you all.

Sincerely,
Angie Budden Watt (aka 'Martha') Grandma of Kate, Beth and Mia."

After such an emotional and exhausting day on the track, it was off next door to the Olympic Pool for a bit of fun.....this place is AWESOME.....you have to go if you get the chance!

Gardening

I got to drive a tip truck for a day.....I reckon it could be my new career.....such fun!

Apart from driving trucks around the place.....I've been picking up my guitar each evening (determined to learn those chords!)....and have gotten hooked on Ancestry.com.....so interesting and addictive.....chews up hours of time though! Have gone as far back as my Great Great Great Grandparents and still discovering!

I'll leave with a reminder about the latest Show Us Your Stuff challenge....a lovely sketch. Find out here.

Have a joyous day.

xxx

Sad News

2011-09-16T11:53:00.002+10:00

My dear old Gran passed away peacefully in her bed last night with Mum and Dennis by her side.
At 96 and a half - she is and always will be an inspiration to me and my girls.
Love you Grandma.
Rest in peace.

On a happier note, I have scrapping to show you.
My creative efforts have slowed down to once a month - I just struggle to get the spare time these days.
Thank goodness for my DT gig with SHOW US YOUR STUFF to keep me going.

A simple little "recipe" for the September #2 Challenge.........

Multi photos (i.e. - more than one!)

Stripes

And of course something handmade

How cute are these handmade flowers?

I found them for the SUYS Try This Technique.

SO cute and SO easy.

How gorgeous would they be on a hairclip or headband?

More news and pics to come.....Book Week, Kate's BD, etc.

See you soon!

Pausing to catch my breath

2011-09-05T22:32:00.000+10:00

....and catch you up on all that's been going on in our household this past month. CRAZY BUSY does not even describe our August!

1. My rusty-nail-through-the-foot experience was most inconvenient....one week bed rest, three doctor visits and 5 weeks later, it's healed enough this week for me to walk upright without any sign of a limp.

2. Armidale for the New England/North Coast Multicultural Public Speaking Competition - Kate was representing the Inverell area with her speech on Asylum Seekers. She did so well, but came unstuck on the dreaded impromptu. This is the first year she has put her hand up for public speaking - and we were so very proud of her!

3. A quick dash (well, a 5 and a half hour hike) to the coast to see my dear Gran who is in hospital with kidney failure. At almost 97 we were worried at the state we would find her - but as usual she amazed us all with her quick wit and cheekiness. Underneath all the bravado, she really is very sick....GET WELL SOON GRANNY!

4. As soon as we returned it was all systems go with the Inverell Speech & Music Eisteddfod. Our Bethy, looking extra cute in her country get up, did a gorgeous solo on her guitar - her first - and not even a loud siren screeching by in the middle of her piece could distract her concentration!

5. That same day Kate was off to Tamworth for the Regional Athletics, having qualified for the 800m and the 4x100 relay. Despite being called to the start of the relay directly from the 800m finish line (gasp!) her team went like lightning to get 2nd place and are now headed to Sydney Olympic Park for the State Athletics! A dream come true for Katie Belle!

6. The very next day, fighting off a cold, Kate was on stage with her clarinet at Eisteddfod, winning a swag of awards including Junior Instrumental Champion. If only I had half her energy and determination.....

7. A few days later it was back on the same stage for Kate's Dance Concert....three nights in a row of rehearsals and performances.....

8. Relaxation time at last! Which included a visit from Mum bearing gifts and stories of her European tour, a quiet fish at a local dam.....

....and a hot stone massage for me.....BLISS!

Oh yeah....in between organising and ferrying children here there and everywhere.....I did actually work 4 days a week and get a promotion to boot!

And I created this for the SUYS August Quote Challenge.....

Do you like my little air-dry clay cloud and bone (my handmade items for this month)?

So you see my friends, my blogging time has been rudely interrupted by life, and I do apologise for that. Let's see how September is looking.....

Book week projects and costumes
Soccer grand final
Catering for Technology Camp
Kate's 12th birthday
Bike Day at school
Yamba camping holiday

Ummmm.......hope to see you around soon!!!

Lesson learnt...

2011-08-01T17:43:00.001+10:00

.....crocs are not suitable footwear for fetching firewood from the wood shed.
Big rusty nails go straight through and cause excruciating pain. Owwwey!!!!!

If I could walk, I would go down and take a photo of the nasty culprit to show you....it was a bigg-un! Tetanus booster done, now on antibiotics, strong pain killers and instructed to keep my foot elevated.....(we all know how impossible that is in a busy household)!

To cheer myself up a bit I might go and make a birthday card for my lovely sister in law using these gorgeous butterflies I made.....

So cute! They are for the new monthly technique feature I'm running over at SUYS.....check it out!

Sorry for the slackness of my blog updates lately. I will do better I promise!

Big shout out to MUM (who's having a wonderful adventure in Europe....jealous!), JOY (yes, I'm still here!) and LINDA (miss you!)

xxxooo

The Rainbow Party

2011-07-04T21:52:00.001+10:00

Mia's RAINBOW party was a huge success!

THE CAKE

I made a marble cake.....divided the batter into 5 and coloured it very brightly before blobbing alternate colours randomly in a ring tin (no need to swirl before baking). When cooked and cooled, I cut it in half, iced with white butter icing and decorated with M&M's. It looked fab and was a huge hit with the kids.

THE PRESENTS

Wrapped in stripey rainbow paper - of course!

Mia got her longed-for pink Razor scooter plus heaps more.

THE FOOD & DECORATIONS

All garishly coloured (and sugar-loaded!)......gum balls, fairy bread, swirly lollipops, sherbet sticks, blue clouds, homemade M&M fudge.....

Not all bad.....my rainbow fruit platter kept the health-conscious Mum's happy....

I used a white plastic tablecloth and served the food in mainly white or glass containers to make the colours pop. Colourful plastic party trays from Crazy Clarks held chips and fairy bread. The girls went crazy with textas on white sticky labels to attach to white plastic cups for each guest. Decorations easy - colourful party hats and balloons tied to every available spot. And the guests were asked to wear rainbow colours.....

GAMES

I found the perfect pinata at our local party shop.....

....was stuffed with Chuppa Chups, mini boxes of Smarties, gold coin chocolates and party favours the kids collected up and placed in their take-home lolly bags.

We played Pin-the-Nose-on-the-Clown, Musical Colours (Twister Scram circles scattered on the floor, danced around to music, when music stops choose a circle to stand on, spin the spinner, everyone on that colour is out, repeat until one person left!), had a fashion designer team challenge using streamers.....

.....I let the kids colour-in my chimney with chalk.....

......and had face painting and rainbow manicures.....

.....and the trampoline is always a fave....

Mimi announced it was the "best party ever".....and you can't do much better than that!

Meet Ted and Lucy....

2011-06-27T11:03:00.001+10:00

......two cute-as-pie Kelpie puppies who came to live with us last weekend.

Yes, I know....another couple of mouths to feed.....but truly, who could resist faces as adorable as these.....

This is Big Ted - he has a very, um....how can put this politely....chunky figure....we love his little wide view from the back.....

Miss Lucy is the sweetest cuddliest girl....pick her up and she burrows herself under your neck....way better than a scarf!

Jemima is tolerating their antics......just.....

Tim took the kids to the movies yesterday (along with the rest of Inverell it seemed) to see the long awaited....

Leaving me at home to finish off another good book.....

......picked it up cheap at a bookstore in Broken Hill last year.

When searching for an image just now I find out it's the last in a series of 3! How annoying! You really wouldn't have guessed though.....a complete story in its own right. I also found out Oprah had it on her book club a few years back....and its been made into a movie too!

One more week until the school hols......kids are counting down.....

Plus a certain someone's 7th birthday on Friday.....

she wants a party with a RAINBOW theme.....any ideas please pass them on!

Layout share

2011-06-20T21:31:00.000+10:00

Been scrappin again.....

This time for the latest sketch challenge at Pencil Lines.

.....correction tape makes a great base for strip journaling on a dark or patterned background....

....continued my latest fad for crumply edges....

.......this is the sketch......versatile don't you think?

....and great for wallet sized pics....print them in one strip and cut down on trimming.

That's all for now!

It's raining it's pouring...

2011-06-15T12:07:00.000+10:00

....and Penny is scrapping.....(sing it with me now!)

OK. Time to share the latest SUYS challenge with you dear readers. A lovely simple colour challenge. Check out the details here.

Here is my double page that featured in SM recently....Vol13 No7......the best thing about this one is that Kate and her friends showed the mag around school and got to feel "famous" for 15 minutes......you can imagine the excitement!

How was your long weekend?
We took the kids out of school a day early and made a quick escape to the coast here. A fabulous little spot right on the river - the perfect quiet getaway.

The sun shone down on us at first.

We launched the new boat and set off to explore the river.....climbed the ginormous sand dune....

......got lots of bites and a few fish too.....

.....went paddle-boating....

......and then it rained. And rained....and rained....and rained. Bucketed down in fact. All day and all night for the rest of the holiday.

We had to slosh through the puddle (or should I say lake) outside our cabin to pack the car on our final morning.

And just made it back out to the highway before the road flooded.

But you know what?

I loved this mini-holiday, rain and all!

When else does one get to snuggle up and read a whole 630 page novel from start to finish and feel completely guilt-free about it!

Loved this book! Was totally absorbed until the very last word.

Bye for now xxx

Fancy this or that?

2011-06-14T21:58:00.000+10:00

How does this cute owlie ribbon grab you....?

Or some romantic rose trim.......?

The sparkly butterfly one does it for me.......

Nice, eh!

Find these (and more) at Scrapbook n Bits.

One of my faves for unusual quirky finds.

Did I mention they're having a S-A-L-E?

Check it out here!!!

See you soon with a new layout and long weekend snaps.

xxx

Life is Good

2011-06-07T21:48:00.003+10:00

Dance Eisteddfod....

Karate grading......

A layout published in the Doubles Gallery in Scrapbooking Memories 13.7.....

Playing with the sheep (and gorgeous new twin lambs!)....

Enjoying the great outdoors (look at the magic peaceful spot we found!).....

......even catching a few decent cod.....

Celebrating Princess Bethany's 9th birthday - pirate style.....

Soccer among the Autumn trees every Saturday.....

Finishing this book......

......and starting my next read (a murder mystery complete with diet tips!).....

......watching Masterchef every night......

......then pretending to be one (last night was Billy's Coconut Prawns....mmmmmm)

This is how we spend our days.

Life

Good

Truly

Blasted Blogger!

2011-06-07T11:33:00.000+10:00

New photos, new updates to post. But can't! Having so much trouble logging on!

This is a real quick quickie from work (I can log on here......weird). To let you know I am still alive and kicking!

Hope you have a relaxing long weekend where you find time for YOU. That's my plan!

Fingers crossed I'll be able to share soon............................

Seven Little Things

2011-05-16T12:45:00.001+10:00

1. A new challenge is up at SUYS.....use the sketch, add a handmade item.....easy peasy japanesy! Check it out here.

2. Our 19th wedding anniversary rolled around earlier this month and we treated ourselves to a rare dinner out. Beth insisted on taking this quick (rather grainy!) snap of us as we were walking out the door....

3. Soccer season is on again! All the girls are playing this year.....Mimi is loving it so far, she skips around the field with a huge smile.....I think the ball actually came into contact with her foot last week! Go babe!

4. Mother's Day was a lovely quiet affair. Spent much of the day sitting in the sun browsing through my gorgeous new book.....

5. Jemima Cat is thriving on good food and lots of cuddles. Look at her now!

6. One of my fave weekend activities is to pile the family on the back of the ute and check the property. Yesterday we did just that....

......it never fails to renew the spirit and fill me with gratitude.

7. I have been very good and not made a scrapping supplies purchase for months and months and months......but this new collection from Echo Park is screaming BUY ME!!!! What do you think?

Wot Big Eyes U Have!

2011-05-02T16:52:00.000+10:00

Everything about our new little kitty cat is miniature - except for those big green eyes and her giant chainsaw-like purr.

Tim brought this little scrawny bundle home to us the week before Easter.....poor little darling was living in behind the Coke machine at his work (a big noisy manufacturing plant). The boys had been leaving their lunch scraps out for her and watching her antics and this day Tim managed to coax her out for a cuddle. We've named her Jemima and she is fast becoming the boss of the house!

Wow - we had such glorious weather over Easter. Good Friday was spent on the water with friends and family and our new boat.....

Easter Saturday more friends came over for a yummy roast dinner cooked on the barby and a huge bonfire.....

Sparklers, glow sticks and toasted marshmallows....

......with entertainment provided by my brother Tim.....

Easter Sunday we were up bright and early - as is the tradition in a house full of young children! The Easter Bunny was overly generous as always....

To me the break seemed surprisingly long and lazy......with plenty of time for fun and relaxing.....just how they should be.

I finished this library book....

(a light hearted and funny read in the vein of the Shopaholic series)

And started this one....

....the sequel to Eat Pray Love.

Hope you all had a lovely time over Easter as well.

Talk soon.

xxx

Autumn Shoot

2011-04-25T13:33:00.001+10:00

Our crepe myrtle had the most stunning display of red leaves and made the perfect backdrop for an impromptu Autumn photo shoot.....

Hope you all enjoyed a fun and relaxing Easter break with your loved ones.

Easter pics to share soon!

xxx

Catch Up

2011-04-18T10:37:00.000+10:00

In case you're wondering....I'm still here! Working.....travelling.....organising kids.....housework.....animals.....garden......reading.....scrapping......and even finding time for fun in between. Life is great - just busy.

It's been over a month since my last post.....terrible blogger! Time has slipped away without notice and Easter is almost upon us. The hint of winter is in the air.....we gathered firewood yesterday and lit the fire for the first time this year.

Scrapbooking has slowed right down....but still doing my bit for Show Us Your Stuff.....this month's challenge is all about one of my FAVE products......BUTTONS!

A nice easy one to have a go with.....why not enter?

Last weekend we took the family to Brisbane.....for two reasons - to visit my sister-in-law and her 3 boys.....and to collect our eBay purchase.....

Tim has been dreaming of having his own boat forever......I'm so glad it's finally happened for him.

He's always wanted to take us all to the footy as well......and it just happened that his team - the Newcastle Knights - were playing the Brissy Broncos while we were there!

......I'm the last person who would sit and watch the footy on telly, but I have to admit I LOVED being there at Suncorp Stadium soaking up the atmosphere. It was pretty intimidating however, wearing our Knights gear amongst the thousands of Broncos fans - even more so when we caught the free members bus to and from the game!

We caught the train into Southbank one day and wandered around the markets, had ice cream at COLD ROCK and lazed on the lawn. It's amazing how lovely it all looks - can hardly believe the whole place was under water a couple of months ago.

Have enjoyed getting through these books....

......this one about a family with three grown sons and their talent for stuffing up relationships had me cracking up out loud!

Odd One Out is my first inroduction to Monica McInerney....more of a novella really. Quite sweet - I like that it's Australian - but looking forward to getting my hands on the Faraday Girls.

Leaving you with one of our fabulous sunsets.....this is why I love Autumn.....

Stuff

2011-03-16T15:09:00.000+11:00

It's that time of the month again....well not THAT time.....SUYS challenge time!

For March #2 challenge we have a lovely and very versatile sketch, you need a number in the title and of course a hand made item. My gorgeous felt & button flowers and printed buttons come from Purple Pumpkin.....just too sweet for words! Also added a red doily by Eb's Mum, and the cute star buttons and F-U-N title buttons are from Nellie G.

Speaking of sweet.....I am so looking forward to Easter!

Not because of the choccy (I'm off it this year!).....but because of the traditions and the fun and the fact that Mum will be here to help us celebrate.

What are your plans for Easter this year?

If you're anything like me you'll be welcoming the cooler weather. As you might know, Autumn is my FAVE season.....love the sunny days, the afternoon breezes and the cooler nights. I'm reunited with my scarves and cardy's which have been hibernating at the top of my cupboard......and drool over the new season fashions....

All of the above available here.

I love to wear perfume, but often get it wrong when purchasing......the scent smells divine in the store but not so great on me. Well, I am officially in love with the latest from wacky fashionista Vivienne Westwood....

.....the cheeky name and the gorgeous bottle got me in, and it smells absolutely delish on!!!

Tim and I had a rare date night last Saturday. Went to the movies and saw....

.....not your average rom-com I must say! Not usually an Ashton fan, but he was adorable in this......and the female cast - terrific. A little bit naughty and heaps of LOL moments - the perfect date flick!

SO excited to see this....

......back on the small screen. Tuesday nights 10.30 on GEM. Seriously goosebump-worthy!

Not losing weight all that quickly at the moment.....finding myself too busy to fit in exercise this week. This little cartoon helps to remind me to hop up from the computer now and then while at work!

Nice talking to ya, thanks for the visit, cya!

xxx

Weigh-in + Inspirational Reading

2011-03-05T22:04:00.002+11:00

My efforts have started to pay off at last...

After losing ZILCH last weigh-in (despite all that exercise), this week I lost 1.2, which adds up to 2.2 since I started the 5 Kilo Challenge a bit over 3 weeks ago. Gotta be satisfied with that!

Part of our task for this week's blog post is to think of a way to make our fave indulgence less "naughty"....but I have to say, that doesn't make much sense to me. I mean, if I'm going to splurge, I would prefer the teeniest piece of the best chocolate or the smallest spoonful of the most luxurious ice cream. Why waste calories on anything less?

The best motivation for me has been finishing this book....

....which has started me on a quest to "live my best life" (as Oprah would say) which led to me picking up this book....

.....which has convinced me that I am worthy of my own kindness and has taught me to listen to and worship my body rather than hate its flaws and punish it with food....this book has opened up my eyes and my mind, seriously powerful stuff.

I even supervised this sweet scene in my kitchen the other day without craving so much as a bite.....(and that's saying something - cos don't they look scrummy!)

It tool the girls absolutely HOURS to decorate their gingy-men.....such focus and creativity. Fun FUN fun!

Hope your weekend is FAB - isn't the cooler weather a lovely relief?

Diet update + a new book

2011-02-25T21:06:00.002+11:00

For my 5 Kilos blog post this week I have to reveal how much I've lost and share a recipe or snack idea.

Well......I'm annoyed to say I am still the same weight as last week. SO not fair since I have the pain to prove how much I have exercised my butt off!!!

I jogged, I walked, I did lunges (killers!), I went to my yoga class, I ate well.....surely the scales HAVE to reward me soon.

To treat myself for all I went through.....I had a blissful massage after work today. If I ever become rich I swear I will get a massage EVERY day.....nothing beats it!

OK, now for my recipe, which I am very happy to share with you since it is both DELICIOUS and HEALTHY......

It's from the book The Biggest Loser Best Recipes and I have made it many many times, even when I'm NOT on a diet cos it tastes so good plus its sooooo quick and easy to cook up after a busy day.

TOMATO CHILLI PRAWNS
Serves 4

1 tsp olive oil
1 chopped onion
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1 small red chilli, finely chopped
1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime (or lemon)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup water
salt & pepper
1 kg green prawns (I buy a 1kg bag of frozen green prawns with tails on from Coles - such a handy invention!)
1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
steamed rice to serve

Gently cook onion in the oil until soft. Add garlic & chilli and cook until fragrant. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, lime/lemon zest and juice, sugar and water. Season well with salt and pepper. Simmer 5 mins.
Add prawns and simmer 3 mins or until pink and firm. Throw in chopped coriander and serve with rice.

What's happening this weekend?

Our local show is on....but you know, I really don't feel like going. The kids will whinge severely but I'm just not in the mood. We don't even have anything entered this year....NOTHING!

I think instead we will work on our new vegie garden. I may even have a spare moment to scrap the Feb Design Dollies sketch....

....and read my new book.....

....which I'm hoping will help me along with my challenge. And if you're wondering.....the "God" she talks about can be interpreted more as Love, Kindness to Yourself and Being All That You Can Be. The book was featured on Oprah and you can read more about it here.

Toodles peeps!

xxx

Layout plus new additions

2011-02-20T15:51:00.000+11:00

Wow - a hot old day today peoples!

My scrap room faces west and becomes rather unbearable by this time of day....have just packed up after making this layout.....

....using the latest Pencil Lines sketch, which is quite sweet....don't you think?

The paper-smooshing and crumpling techique is a latest fad of mine....

.....as is a little bit of hand stitching.....

......and hand dyeing scraps of muslin.....

.....I find it intriguing the way we craze on certain things for a while.....

then move on.

Hoping these gorgeous critters will NOT turn out to be a craze....

....6 amazing Gouldian Finches and one yellow Canary joined the family yesterday....their colours are just magic.....check out that vibrant turquoise necklace! They sure brighten up the place and I love the sweet twittering outside our door.....

Who Loves Sketches?

2011-02-15T19:21:00.001+11:00

Me me me!!!!

And the latest Show Us Your Stuff Challenge includes a great 3-photo sketch.....add a fave quote and of course a handmade item or two and you could be on your way to winning a great prize pack!

Here's mine:

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" by Eleanor Roosevelt was a nice appropriate quote for my girl's back-to-school pics.

Starting with this funky scalloped base by Crate Paper, I hand-dyed a piece of muslin and stitched it on my background, added a few cute hand cut designs from Bella Blvd and My Little Shoebox, a punched butterfly and some essential Nellie G buttons and that's me done!

A Small Success

2011-02-13T19:40:00.001+11:00

.....I have lost my first KILO in the 5 Kilos Scrappers Challenge!!!

This is how I did it......

Stretches and sit ups in the mornings before work
Walking for 30 mins in my lunch hour
Protein-only on my first day (as per BodyTrim Diet)
Emptying my 600ml water bottle 3 or 4 times a day
Lots of vegies.....a little easier when you can pick them from your own garden....

Lunch today was a salad made from these tasty teardrop baby tomatos, fresh picked basil and fetta cheese with a drizzle of balsamic. Yummmmmmmmm.....

How was your weekend?
We had HOT weather through the day and TROPICAL storms in the evenings.....rather weird for the tablelands. The garden seems to like it though. Look at my crepe myrtle in flower.........

....glorious!

We are lucky to have access to a friend's massive dam. I took the girls after school one evening for a cool-off.....

....and of course they didn't want to leave. Nor me for that matter......so peaceful and lovely.

Just before sunset this arvo we had a huge downpour which turned the driveway into a river momentarily. Had a blackout for a couple of hours - right in the middle of a layout I was scrapping.....but I continued on by the light of the window.....

....only giving you a peak....you can see the whole layout at Show Us Your Stuff next week!

Music of my youth

2011-02-09T20:43:00.002+11:00

I was thinking (as you do) about how important music is in life......and how the brain can instantly recall the lyrics to a song even when you haven't heard it in yonky donks.....very cool really.

Here are the albums that I grew up with....the ones I played to death.....the ones that made a huge impact on me......that can bring memories of that time flooding back within the first few bars....

My Primary School Years.......

They had a little turntable at school and sometimes we were allowed to bring in records and play them at lunchtime.....(how ultra cool were we?).....I wonder what Mr Cook made of my choices.....

My High School Years.....

Nothing was more important than the music back then......all my pocket money would be spent on LP's and I would go down town in my lunch hour to the music store and order new release singles (and spend ages browsing through the band posters and t-shirts!)

My Uni Years.....

1989 was a bit iffy when it comes to good music.....but I listened to anything and everything. I know these ones got a good work out on my chunky red boombox in my dorm room AND in my little blue Suzuki hatchback (on cassette tape naturally!).....

I'd love you to share the soundtracks of your youth with me!

No Turning Back!

2011-02-08T21:02:00.003+11:00

OK....this is it....can't believe I'm about to share something so personal.....but here goes.....

Thanks to this challenge ....I have been prompted to continue on my journey to health by losing that last annoying, stubborn 5 kilos (or 5.5 in my case)......

The first step in the challenge was to take this awful photograph.....I think the worst is now over!

OK no, maybe not.....I have some serious healthy eating and exercise ahead of me......starting TODAY!

Here's my daily plan of attack:

Drink 1.5 litres of water

Walk

Up my vegies

Down my carbs

Up the lean protein.

Wish me luck!!!

Remember that Kim Archer workshop I signed up for the other week?

How much fun was that! A magazine page, whitewashing and sanding on a chipboard base.....oh man what a lovely big mess I made!

Here's my creation.....

Hands up if you blubbered your eyes out last night watching I Am Sam?

Seen it a million times.....you'd think I'd be prepared..... but no......it gets me every time.

I LOVE THIS MOVIE TO DEATH.

Golly gosh - look at the time!

I'm missing the first ep of the new season of Rafters.....must get my Hugh fix....

Toodles!

xxx

Monday is Free Day

2011-02-01T22:32:00.000+11:00

It was back to school for the little munchkins on Monday....

Promises to be a big year for the Hackney girls....Kate goes into Year 6....Beth into Year 3 and up to the "big" primary classroom.....and Year 1 for Mimi - no longer the baby of the school.

I don't know about you, but school mornings around here are pretty much utter chaos....especially the first one after the hols. When they finally leave the house it feels as if I've witnessed a whirlwind....but the house is dreamily peaceful....and on Mondays, ALL MINE!

So.....

I finished off the garden we'd started on Sunday.....do you like the ancient gate we saved from the old sheep yards? Kinda quaint as a garden decoration I reckon.

Watched this DVD.....loooooove Anne Hathaway to pieces.....

And started on my new book.......

......which I can tell i am going to adore.

How has your week been so far?

A Good Day For.....

2011-01-26T12:10:00.000+11:00

.....sitting in front of the air con with a pile of good books I am thinking. We are heading for 38 degrees apparently.....38!!!! Summer has finally hit it seems....

Talking of books, here's what I've read so far this year.....(no wonder there's not been much scrapping happening.....)

The 1st of the Sookie Stackhouse series....I'd heard others rave about these vampire books, but honestly.....not that impressed. Doubt I'll read any more.

Tim borrowed this Nevill Shute classic from the library and passed it to me....apparently one of his most widely read and controversial novels. An end-of-the-world story set five years into the future....1964. I found it sad, disturbing and thought-provoking to see the way people coped and chose to spend their last days. The author himself was upset with the movie that was made from his book.....so if you saw it and were disappointed.....go ahead and read the book.

Another library book about a completely ditzy (and selfish in my opinion) 20-something who can't decide between her brand new husband or her long-lost "soulmate"......a crazy lighthearted comedy of errors and a nice quick read.

A workmate lent me this one.......and I loved it!!! It's the latest in the Shopaholic series. Lots of LOL moments (I totally identify with her wicked shopping ways and how she justifies all her purchases to herself!) and I read it in a couple of days.

I am so in love with air-head Rebecca Bloomwood now, and her kooky family and friends.....I went to the library so I can start from the beginning....

I have 4 pages to go of the first book (also released as The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic)......I know.....I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer at 2am last night when I was trying to finish it!

....and I have the next one waiting for me on my bedside table.

Yep, off I go to read away my afternoon......and I don't even have to feel guilty.....being a public holiday and all....

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!

Leaving you with a pic of our first born lamb - very appropriate for Australia Day don't you think!

Making the Most of the Holidays

2011-01-19T13:08:00.000+11:00

Isn't it horrible having to go to work during the school hols?

Up to now I've been fortunate to have time off and/or work from home for the whole of each holidays. But since I've taken on a new position, things are a bit different.

It's not too bad I guess - Tim's work hours mean that there's only 2 days a week where we need childcare....but still....it makes me feel guilty somehow.

So, we try and make the days fun, no matter what our work schedule.....like on the weekend we set up the tent and the hammock in the backyard and the kids camped out for 3 nights in a row.....

.....by the 4th night however, I insisted they sleep in their own beds.....the lack of sleep from the excitement, giggling and torch ganes was a little too much to bear.

Hasn't it been HOT lately!

The kids were hinting strongly about going to the town pool (it's heated.....and crowded......and IN TOWN......so you can see why I wasn't so keen).

I had a better Mummy-idea.

Go outside and play with the hose I said......while you're at it you can wash my car I said.....I'll even give you $5 each!

.....it worked!

Sometimes they can get on so nicely together....warms my heart.

Then they hit up Dad for the same deal (clever too, my girls!)

Mia climbed to the top of her cupboard on the weekend and dragged down the playdough tub. Plenty of tools and cutters....but oh dear.....playdough was rock hard!

So Mia and I busied ourselves in the kitchen cooking Microwave Playdough......a great recipe, nice and simple, makes lovely smooth and soft dough. Just a tad messy.....we had so much fun, even though there was a ton of washing up....one bowl per colour, you see.

......anyway, I thoroughly recommend it as a school holiday activity - even the bigger girls spent hours making all kinds of weird and wonderful things with it.

The strange weather seems to have brought out the fleas....they aren't usually much of a problem here.....but poor little Milly was beginning to be driven crazy by them....stopping to scratch mid-gallop....often while half hopping along on 3 legs....quite funny really.

So into the bath for Milly-Pup.....

....not impressed....but fluffy and flea-free!

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays....what's left of them.....and finding time to have fun with your kids/grandkids.

P.S. Heartfelt thanks to those who signed up for the "Smile" workshop (see last post)...if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long....only those before 24th Jan will go towards the Flood Appeal.

SMILE...and make a difference

2011-01-17T11:59:00.001+11:00

I'm sure you are as shocked and upset as I am about the floods happening all over Australia right now.

Here's something quick and easy you can do to make a contribution.....

HERE....

for a tiny $5 and not only will your $5 go straight to the Premier's Flood Appeal.....you will get instant access to downloadable instructions to create one of Kim's gorgeous and unique mixed media masterpieces.

I've just downloaded mine - and it looks fun and fabulous!

I urge you to do the same....

Three Generations of Bloggers

2011-01-16T23:02:00.002+11:00

Blogging is a spreading craze in our family!!

I helped Mum...

... set up a blog over Christmas when I was there.....

OLD CHOOK SCRAPS

And yesterday, my 11 year old daughter Kate...

...decided she needed one as well.....

BOOKWORM

I know it would make their day if you called in and left a comment!

A fun and busy weekend.....despite our cancelled trip to Brisbane.....photos to share soon.

Good night !

xxx

The First....

2011-01-15T11:42:00.000+11:00

....layout of the year....(at last!)....is my contribution to the SHOW US YOUR STUFF January Challenge #2......

The brief was to include:

*STITCHING - hand, machine or faux (I hand stitched around my misted clouds)

*MISTING - Delphinium Glimmer Mist over handcut clouds

*BUTTONS - from my bright colourful stash plus flower and ladybug from My Little Bit of Whimsy and some cute dotty fabric-covered ones

*4 OR MORE PATTERNED PAPERS- a grid print for my photo mat, orange dot, yellow plaid and a mushroom and a cloud cut from My Little Shoebox, and a flower from Bella Blvd

*SOMETHING HANDMADE - the pink and purple blossoms donated by Pretty Petals....

.....my felt grass and paddle pop stick fence!

The photo was not what I intended to use.... but as my printer decided to run out of ink I just grabbed the nearest one out of the pile.

A fun project using some of my fave techniques.

Have a go!

Cows Sheep Dogs and Kids

2011-01-11T22:45:00.000+11:00

This weekend seemed to be all about adding to and subtracting from our menagerie.....

1. A 4 hour drive to the coast and back again (all in one exhausting day) to rendezvous with Mum and make a swap - 3 girls for one puppy dog! It was lovely to see our girls after a long QUIET whole week without them (they had stayed on at Mum's after Xmas and were totally spoilt while Tim and I returned to go to our jobs).

We had a very nice lunch at the Nambucca Club.....

....then said goodbye to Spike the pup as he drove away with Mum, who kindly offered to deliver him to his new owners for us.....such a cutie pie - and one of the happiest dogs I've ever come across....

2. The next day we gave away our last puppy, gorgeous Lila Lou, to her new family.....

3. And also Duffy - the Daddy dog who is responsible for all these litters. A man who answered our ad too late to get himself a pup was happy to get a fully trained working adult....a trip to the vet is apparently planned for the Duff Man real soon!

4. Bought 9 sheep, freshly shorn and looking rather cold and naked....hopefully all pregnant and due to lamb soon.....a paddock of bouncy baby lambs to look forward to!

5. Mustered the cattle and chose these beauties to send off to the saleyards.....16 fat shiny heifers.....

6. Enjoyed time with our new little girly, Milly.....yes, we kept one.....Mia and Milly are as thick as thieves.....so how could we not?

Hoping and praying for the rain to stop. Watching footage of the floods tonight was heart-wrenching......I can only imagine the terror. My heart goes out to the families evacuating from their homes tonight, and all those who have been affected.

The Best Kind of Xmas

2011-01-05T19:48:00.008+11:00

....is one where fun times are shared with family and friends.

Which is exactly how our Xmas went....I loved every minute!

It all began with an eventful trip to the coast - with a trailer full of secret surprises

....and puppies.....(we couldn't very well leave them at home now, could we!)

The Chrissy tree.....before....

....and after....

.....Santa was generous to everyone.....including my 96 year old Gran....

.....I got a beautiful guitar!!!

....heaps of lovely kitcheny stuff....

.....and lots more (spoilt in other words).

Thankfully the weather improved on Boxing Day and this is where we spent it....

.....right by the river entrance, relaxing......swimming......playing cricket.....eating......fishing.....

.....and tubing.....

Other holiday activities included the beach..... ....and shopping (of course).... New Years Eve we gathered at the riverbank with the rest of the town...

....for live music, rides....

.....huge choc tops....

....and the main attraction....

Fun FUn FUn!!!

And the perfect end to a fabulous year.

Ten Faves

2011-01-03T18:08:00.008+11:00

Another year over, another bunch of layouts to add to the pile.... Here are my top ten fave pages I completed in 2010 (in no particular order).

Poppy & Kate - one of my first sketch challenges during my Design Dollies DT stint.

Sunshine & Rainbows - my entry for a Pencil Lines sketch challenge.

Picnic Time - another one for Design Dollies - using a sketch by the lovely Kristy. Happy - a poppet challenge for Home & Scrapped (thanks Josie!) Adorable - this was for a Scrapawhile cyber crop. Twenty Ten - my first DT project for Show Us Your Stuff.

Treasures on the Beach - a Get Challenged Now for Home & Scrapped.

You Glow - a page I created for one of my Gum Flat Classes.

Ready Set Go - a "just because" double layout of my gorgeous Mimi Rose.

Poser - yet another Design Dollies sketch. Common themes I'm noticing with these....

rainbow colour palette

doodled edges

flowers

crochet flowers

freehand scallops

handwritten word tiles

and a continued love affair with buttons!

See you soon with family update and Christmas holiday photos.

xxx

2 More Sleeps

2010-12-23T20:00:00.000+11:00

....and here we are in tracky daks and slippers listening to the falling rain and trying to keep warm.

A chilly wet Christmas?

No! It can't be.

It's just un-Australian!

Despite this we did our best to get into the Spirit today.....cooked Tim's famous fruit cake....made White Christmas......wrapped the final pressies.....donned the Santa hats.....turned on the fairy lights and took some wacky snaps....

Even managed a simple Christmas layout for the last Elements Challenge for 2010....

JUST ONE was the theme.....

1 x photo

1 x cardstock

1 x pp

1 x embellishment

1 word title

....a nice easy one you could squeeze in amongst all the Christmas madness I reckon.

It's the last page for my Dollies DT stint - would make my day if you had a go!

Whatever you are doing this festive season...

wish

you

peace

love

and

happiness.

xxx

My Twenty Ten

2010-12-17T20:37:00.001+11:00

What did you get up to in 2010?

It's the theme for the current challenge for Show Us Your Stuff, and my first DT project for this fab new blog.....check it out

2010 has been a good year.....a really good year in fact. For me, it was one where I made a conscious effort to make time for myself.....even got to do some of the things that were pretty much impossible while the girls were small. Here's my layout....

Kate, Beth and Mia went off to their last day of school on Wednesday.....looking very festive I might add....complete with tinsel in their pony-tails....

Second day of the school hols today.....Tim's been in charge of the kids while I go to work......sleepovers have been had already.....also some secret shopping (a very strange-shaped pressie has appeared under the tree for me!)

Yesterday arvo we were hit by a short but scary storm....the hail was golfball-sized no kidding.....the wind brought down trees.....the trampoline hurtled down the paddock and was mangled on a fence post. All humans and animals were unhurt, thankfully.

Someone told me today there are a mere 8 days til Christmas.....I love Christmas, I really really do.....it's just that it feels so rushed this time for some reason....

Anyhow, the tree is up and looking gorgeous.....it instantly brings that wonderful Christmas-y feeling.....that I look forward to every year.

How are you feeling about Christmas?

Are you ready for it?

Feeding Time at Our Place....

2010-12-14T23:43:00.001+11:00

....looks like this.....

....they all rotate around like a whirlygig in their excitement....too funny to watch! We are entertained like this 3 times a day....poor old Cookie is fed up with her babies and has weaned them at 4 weeks.

I know it's not good to play favourites.....sorry, can't help it. Here are my cutie girls....

MILLIE...

LILA...

FLASH...

And another cutie girl of the 2-legged variety....

Layout is for the current Design Dollies sketch....

And these gifty tags are for the current Colour Challenge....

.....can you believe I only have one more DT project left for the Dollies???

Gearing up for Christmas here.....finally got our tree on Sunday...

....the school concert was held last night (laughter, tears and joy!)....the kids finish up school tomorrow....most of the pressie shopping complete....getting closer and I'm starting to feel it at last.

Heaps more pics to share - will do so when I get the chance!

CU soon.

xxx

Puppies and Pages

2010-12-03T20:44:00.003+11:00

I have some rather adorable puppy snaps to share....but first, a page:

This is my cutie pie niece, Amarah Shae. Photo was taken at Copeton Dam, sitting on the rocks watching her cousins tubing on the day after my birthday party.

The layout is another project for Design Dollies, using this week's sketch:

Check it out, plus the other Dollies examples HERE.

Cookie's babies are 2 weeks old now......eyes open.....toddling around on wobbly legs....we can't get enough of their water-balloon bellies and velvet fur.....

....we just love them to bits!

Oh....and check out our gorgeous girl Bessie doing her thing last weekend at her first ever guitar concert....

she's only been learning for just over 2 months....her little group played Blue Suede Shoes beautifully....

.....so proud of you babe!!!

Looky here!

2010-11-26T19:12:00.001+11:00

There's a new challenge blog in town.......and it's all about using HANDMADE elements!
Very cool idea don't you think?

And most excitedly....I've made the Design Team!!!

There'll be two challenges per month, on the 1st and 15th.....look out for the very first one next Wednesday the 1st of December.

Here are the pages I sent in for my DT submission....

Thanks SO much for calling by!

See you soon.

xxx

Ten Little Things

2010-11-24T23:16:00.001+11:00

1. A layout for Design Dollies PINK GREEN and WHITE Colour Challenge.......

2. Seven beautiful new babies arrived last week....

3. A longed-for moment arrived for Kate today - she got to change her earrings! (She had them pierced 4 weeks ago to the day.....)

4. I'm in love with Love Birds - (the new range from Fancy Pants that is).....I think it's rather "me"!

5. Our Bethie-Mae makes her debut stage performance this weekend with her guitar. She'll be playing Blue Suede Shoes......how CUTE!!!

6. Mimi fiiiiiiinally lost that pointy little baby tooth which has been dangling by a thread for the last 2 weeks and driving us all crazy......AND the one beside it a couple of days later! All*I*want*for*chrithmath*ith*my*two*front*teef......

(the layout is for today's DD Clean & Simple challenge)

7. Only 4 weeks and 2 days until Christmas!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEK!

8. Therefore......the fun of online pressie shopping has commenced, including....

This gorgeous pendant.....

...and these funky owl fridge magnets.....

from this clever lady.....here.

These Sylvanian cuties.....

And, of course, a few girly essentials from Pumpkin Patch....

9. A close shave for my poor little Ruffles the Rooster the other day....

....note the lack of tail plummage, i.e. the bare bum???

Poor little fella had a traumatic encounter with one of the dogs who was let off the chain by accident while the chookies were free-ranging!

10. I just learnt how to wrap a sari on YouTube! And here's a photo of an Indian beauty....just because I love it so....

Sharing the scrappy love

2010-11-19T22:45:00.000+11:00

....by running not one but TWO workshops this past week!

Here is the layout for the online class I held at Red Earth Scrapping.....using the wonderfully cheerful Happy Sunny Skies range by Bella Blvd! I think Helen may have one or two kits available here if it tickles your fancy.

Then a complete change of mood for the final Gum Flat class of the year the other night.....the vintage style doesn't happen too often at my scrap desk, but I rather like it when it does!

(that's my brother Jared and his gorgeous family)

A lot of the techniques were inspired by Mistra, my terribly fabulous scrappy friend!

Here are the ladies masterpieces....

Libet & Gloria

Lisa

Rhonda

Chris

Lee

Jen

Katrina & Deb

So proud of these girls!

C U next time.

xxx

Sneaky peaks right here

2010-11-12T00:30:00.001+11:00

R U ready for my online class tonight?

I am!

And a bit excited about it too!

Some teasers for you....

Those who have their class kits in their hot little hands will be able to start at 8pm (NSW time) when the steps will go up over at the special Red Earth Scrapping classroom!

If you haven't purchased your kit, don't fret....there are a few left here and the steps will stay up so you can do the class whenever you get the chance.

I'd so love you to join in!

Speaking of joining in....

why not have a go at the Dollies Elements challenge this week....

"It's Getting Cold"

(which is not technically true for us southern-hemisphere dwellers - but what the heck)

Here's my version....

Thanks for the visit :)

xxx

Layout Share

2010-11-07T18:00:00.003+11:00

I was very excited to have actually scrapped at the retreat....it's not usual for me to scrap much at crops and stuff, I don't know....I think I get stage fright! Or maybe I'm just too busy chattering and sticky-beaking at everyone else's work....

Anyhow, here's what I created....

This first page was my "live" page kit swap - previously we had posted our chosen photos up on the forum and our swap-mate put together a kit of goodies for our layout. Kim chose the most perfect papers and embies for me, and this is what I did with them....

I pulled out a fail-safe Pip Prosser Takeaway for this colourful double....

Eastern inspired colours and bling for Mia's Bollywood pics....

....played with Heather's Cuttlebug to make my title....

My project I taught for the PJ Party Layout Class....

While I was off retreating, the rest of the world carried on, including new challenges at Design Dollies.

I created this (one I prepared earlier!) for the Purple Black & White colour challenge.

I really don't "do" purple - so it most definitely WAS a challenge!

Lastly, check out the current DD Sketch Challenge.....

.....has to be one of my faves I reckon....

Thanks for stopping by!

xxx