Makes me stronger

2010-05-04T12:29:00.001+09:30

Just updating where I live now.....

Over here at wordpress :)

http://cassandramadge.wordpress.com/

Gone a bit quiet.....

2006-11-22T23:16:00.000+10:30

It's gone a big quiet around here, but there is plenty of noise going on over HERE.

Pardon the dust, I'm still renovating.

Make sure you change all your links everyone!!

Some pretties to share...

2006-11-21T12:14:00.000+10:30

Well, it's going to be another busy week. Only one extra shift at work, but I have my hypothermic baby at school swimming which means going there every day that I can to get him dry/dressed, he's blue and his teeth are chattering, even when it isn't cold, like today. Something to do with his core body temperature... and washing out his gear every night, which reminds me, got to put some washing on pretty soon.

So here's me and the boys, courtesy of the weekend's scrapping...

Papers and elements from Gypsy Western by Jomi Designs at ScrapbookGraphics.

Green brads from Jomi's Delight kit. Alpha by Dani Mogstad. Fonts used are Antique type and Times and times again. Alpha stamps by Michelle Coleman. Created in Cs2.

I used one of Jessica Bolton's Eclectic Book pages from ScrapbookGraphics, with some extra pieces from her Make me Eclectic collection.

Stunning cool down photo action from Michelle Pearson.

Fonts used are 3 grammes five and 2 Peas Fancy free. Created in Cs2.

And just for anyone's information, I have a countdown running to our 10th Anniversary... some projects in the works for it, and I'm working on *skips* present. Although I have no idea what to ask for, as I kinda have everything a gal could ever ask for. Great camera, flash, lenses, tripod. Amazing computer/24 inch widescreen monitor, and a 300 gig EHD to call my own. Maybe a couple of hard to get dvd's? There's always jewellery. Can't go wrong there :)

So, its about what, 17 days to go? Too funny. I can't actually work it out! December the 7th if you're interested :) You tell me....

ScrapbookGraphics!

2006-11-16T17:50:00.000+10:30

You need to head on over there very soon..... for 3 excellent reasons.

Number one is Jessica's FANTASTIC new collection from her Make me Eclectic questions....

Here's my first layout from this awesome kit - definitely not my last!

Journalling reads:

There is no manual for motherhood.
However, if there was one, I’m not sure if
this would have been a chapter anyway...
What to do when your child, whom you are
picking up after a rough day at work, says
you have to take three photos of his bucket
of sand. Of course, you don’t have your camera,
and are too tired to go home and get it, so
you have to take the sand home too.....

Layout created with the awesome new Make Me Eclectic collection by Jessica Bolton at ScrapbookGraphics.

Photo treated with Michelle Pearson's amazing Pop Rocks action from SBB

Fonts used are snowshoe and Linenstroke. Created in Cs2.

And the reason number 2 is, of course, for a good sale.....

Check it out!!!

And finally, if all that wasn't temptation enough, Jomi has a new kit out as well... called Gypsy Western. The papers and colours are just stunning - can't wait to get some time off to have a play :)

Here's a preview!

So, how's that for a whole lot of enabling?

Normal update later on.... got to go start dinner etc now :)

Humble....

2006-11-13T22:37:00.000+10:30

Right now I am feeling very humble..... my little mountains turned out to be grains of sand.

There's just so much more I could say right now, but no words really can express my feelings.

Read, watch, and weep along with me.....

http://cjcphoto.com/can/

Thanks Megan :)

Super sized SIG*H

2006-11-13T09:36:00.000+10:30

Things are really hard around here at the moment. Issues with the kids, at school and at home. I'm just not really coping with it right now, I've got a deadline looming at me, have had computer stress, thunderstorms, etc.

I'm dying to scrap, but I have to be at work in an hour and a half, so I just don't have time to get started, and that is VERY frustrating. Jess has this amazingly awesome new kit coming out this week and it's calling my name, rather badly. I have 2 album projects on the go at the moment, some stuff I'm altering, and I just can't seem to settle to get any of it done.

Sorry to whine at you all.... :) but I feel a bit better now.

Surely today will get better, cos it's pretty awful right now!

I'm only gonna tell you this once....

2006-11-08T22:34:00.000+10:30

Get your paypal behinds over to ScrapArtist and pick up some gorgeous kits - all for the Apprentice challenge.

Top 5 sellers will get spots in the store, and by the talent going there, that's a sweet deal for the customers....

I'd hate to give away who I bought from... Wouldn't want anyone to feel out of place, but the budget stretched to 3 kits, one of which HAD to be Lisa Whitney's Beautiful Mess. HUGE kit, and totally different/inspirational. Nearly finished downloading it and I'm totally in love. I might even get to scrap with it this week ;)

Ok, community service announcement over....

And hey, Dad, glad you found me again ;) Guess the refresh worked rofl......

It all happened yesterday...

2006-11-07T17:31:00.000+10:30

Do you remember in school, being given a few words to start your story? You know, like, It started like any other ordinary day. Well, that's how my title feels. It all happened yesterday.

Yesterday we were working out how long it was until Sam turns 7. Then came the natural progression of Tyson saying, well, then we're waiting for me to turn 10 after that. 2 things hit me fair and square in my gut. Ok, maybe Sam was going to turn 7, but that only gives me 12 months to perfect the time-freeze machine, because there is no way my baby is turning 8.... and it was while I was thinking about that, that what Tyson said had sunk in. HE-WILL-BE-TEN-NEXT-YEAR. Double digits. The big 1-0.

Ouch.

I'm not ready for THAT. He's heading fair and square into pre-teenagerhood. And suddenly I look at him and realise that he's nearly up to my shoulder. *skip* swears he'll be taller than me well before he turns 13.

When did all this happen anyway? When did I fall asleep, like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty, only to awake and discover that my castle had grown up around me? I don't remember letting this happen. I'm certainly not ready for it. I can actually remember (sort-of) that feeling of turning 10, and it's a pretty major feeling.

So often I get comments that people don't believe that I have kids that age, and I must have started young. No, and no. I don't have kids that age... my kids are still just little, aren't they? And no, 21 and 23 isn't young. But hang on a minute. That means that Tyson could have his own kids in 8 years. Suddenly 21 is so very young. But if 10 is OLD and 21 is YOUNG, how do we work this out? All I can think of is that we need some extra years in there.... make 10 and a half last for a whole year.

Congratulations on reading this far, and here's your reward :)

Papers and elements from Corn Fed and the More Corn Add-on both by Jessica Bolton at ScrapbookGraphics. Some items have been re-coloured.

Brush stroke in title by Meredith Fenwick (SBB). Fonts used are Pea Jenny Script, Times and Times again, snowshoe and Hotel Coral Essex. Created in Cs2.

Leave me some love HERE if you have a minute :)

Now off to work on my little time-stand-still contraption. Oh yeah, it's called a scrapbook.

Remember me?

2006-10-30T18:04:00.000+10:30

Well, I told you last week was going to be a bit busy...

I have still managed some scrapping, but I've got a few juggling balls in the air at the moment, so I'll do what I can, when I can.

The twin's Mum is coming over tonight so I can finally teach her to use the quickpage album (Shabby Princess of course) that I convinced her to buy. Chocolate, giggles, maybe something to drink.... We'll have fun.

Meanwhile, here's one I prepared earlier.....

To see credits and such, please click HERE.

I know I've scrapped that photo before, but I loved it and wanted another shot at it.

And this one I prepared MUCH earlier.... forgot to blog it lol...

Again, credits are HERE.

Ok, gotta go check the oven.... smells good at least.

WOW!!

2006-10-25T19:33:00.000+09:30

Thanks to everyone who dropped in to say Hi and Thanks for the template. I was so happy to share it with you after Jess suggested it. If you use it, I'd love a look :)

About the magazine thing, don't worry about it too much... I wasn't worried about any specific person in that thread or the magazine, it was just how the thread poster was so excited about the achievement of someone she knows... sometimes you get sick of blowing your own horn and hope that someone would do it for you as a way of thanking you.

Ok, now that was a confusing and long-winded comment.

I'm halfway through my dinner beer - rough day at work. Think it's a 2 beer night, but I have to ring my daddy first ;)

Later everyone!!

Is it too much to ask??

2006-10-25T08:07:00.000+09:30

I know that it's a long shot, but sometimes, a girl would like to be made a bit of a fuss of. Just once.

THIS THREAD has me practically in tears at the moment at my little bout of unrecognition.

I can just tell it's going to be a bad day. *sigh*

That's all....

Cute alert....

2006-10-23T15:59:00.000+09:30

Cute kid, cute photo and cute layout... although I *might* be biased on all three.

Just a photo I snapped of DS1 horsing around at dinnertime... Love the richness in this photo, especially after I used Michelle Pearson's Urban Grunge colour Pop action on the photo (from SBB).

Papers, elements and alpha all from Jessica Bolton's rereleased Mountain Retreat Papers and Elements, available at ScrapbookGraphics.

Fonts used were Century Gothic and Highland Perk. Created in Cs2.

So far it looks like being a good week, after a very shaky start. Yesterday (sunday) I woke up with a blindingly painful neck and a slight temperature. I just rested on the lounge all day. Tyson then gave us all a shock by running a 38.8degree temperature. We had been invited out for dinner, so I just sent *skip* and Sammy while Tyson and I had a movie fest on the lounge. Today I wake up feeling heaps better, and Tyson's temperature is down and staying there, so no idea what happened.

Anyway, I have to go supervise some room cleaning (keep Sam on task) and then cook dinner. Maybe sneak a layout in there somewhere.

By the way, have you checked out Jess's blog lately? ;)

Calendar fun!

2006-10-21T19:16:00.000+09:30

So I went over to PickleBerryPop for a Calendar crop last night, hosted by the lovely DebF. Awesome template that she gave away, I had so much fun.

Please note also my *FIRST* digital folded corner. Very proud of it, and not anywhere near as hard as I thought it was going to be.

Paper from Scrapdish November pack and also Leaps and Bounds, both from Amy Knepper. The date ribbon also by Amy Knepper from Leaps and bounds. Buckle from Family Ties, Suzy Nunes (SSD). Frame, words, flower and brad by Holly McCaig DST October kit Fall Velvet. Tear by Atomic Cupcake. Template by none other than DebF!

Calendars are cool! Mum and dad, just sing out if you want a copy to stick on the fridge :)

Ok, gotta run!

What, another one?

2006-10-19T09:38:00.000+09:30

Yep, that's right. Another layout.

I'm on a scrapping roll at the moment. Plenty of toys, and quite a bit of inspiration....

Layout created with Delight papers and elements from Studio Jomi at ScrapbookGraphics. Paperclip from her BeBlessed kit.

Notepaper from Wings of Change by Suzy Nunes and Robin Carlton at SweetShoppeDesigns. Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman from ScrapArtist. Fonts used are Pea Jenny Script and Batik. Created in Cs2.

I guess I have to get a head start because I don't think I'll be getting much scrapping done tomorrow.

Thanks for your encouraging words from Tuesday everyone. It meant a lot to me that you took the time to say Hi and make me feel better :)

Yesterday at care Sam had no problems, and they are keeping still more of a careful eye on the situation. So we're ok for now. And work yesterday wasn't the total nightmare I was expecting it to be.

Now I'm off to do the weekly shopping, which is another story. Our local supermarket is undergoing an identity change, which is fine on its own, but the new identity has different SHELVES, layouts, aisles and brands, so as they are re-arranging it all, it makes shopping a bit challenging. Ok, a lot challenging. I will be SO glad when it's over next month. Nuff said. I like my "normal".

Gotta go!

sigh

2006-10-17T19:24:00.000+09:30

I have nothing to say, but I just wanted to say it. Nothing. Worked until 5.30 tonight, which actually means that I didn't leave until 10 to 6. Nothing wrong there. I just had to get up super early this morning to help a friend out. I woke up with a sore throat. Really sore. Sore neck even from the swollen glands. I so wish that I'd get rid of this bug that I've been fighting for weeks.

I feel like I'm dealing with a lot right now.

Sam has 2 infected nails. He picks at them until they are swollen red and pus-sy. He nearly lost a nail on the weekend, so we've been soaking them (and soaking, and soaking, almost hourly) in vinegar or warm salt water. Depending on the mood. They are still red, but not so yucky.

Sam was bullied at after school care today. He came home in a bad mood as a result and 2 steps inside the front door got cranky that we were having beef curry (cooked in the slow cooker for my whole shift lol). Didn't need that.

Just spent a half hour composing a letter to his carer about today. Really don't need this. I'm sitting here feeling like I've been put under a steamroller for the day, and I just can't see why I'm doing it. But I can leave, any time I want to. We don't rely on the money. I could just quit.

I just worked out my roster for next week - I'm working EVERY single day. Saturday's included. So that's 7 out of 8 days. Good for the wallet, but I'll be a total wreck by the end of it. Don't need that either.

It's all the little things that are just building up now. I'm trying to clean out cupboards, in a desperate attempt to feel a bit more in control, but who am I kidding.

I need a holiday, a headache tablet and a good sleep. Not in that order.

Thanks for listening. I feel better now.

Bargain Alert....

2006-10-17T08:02:00.000+09:30

I don't know how Amy can do this, but go grab this kit before she changes her mind....

HALF PRICE?!?!?!?!

And look at my gorgeous layout :)

We ate dinner outside and were playing around with my 50mm lens - all this was just natural light so it's blurry, but it's fun.

Photo treated with Michelle Pearson's Color Wash actions from SBB.

Layout created with Amy Kneppers AWESOME new set, Leaps and Bounds. Grab it now at Scrapdish while it's half price!!

Papers

Elements

I also used Dani Mogstad's Chipboard alpha and Michelle Coleman's Stamped alpha for the title. Fonts used are Pea Jenny Script and VT Portable Remington. Created in Cs2.

I can't believe I actually got more scrapping done yesterday, but as soon as I unzipped this new collection, I just had to play with it!

Ok, it's breakfast time, gotta run!

Hello there blogworld.....

2006-10-16T10:02:00.000+09:30

I know I'm not the only person out there who has trouble with witty titles... so we'll just let that one pass, ok?

I enjoyed my weekend off. Got some important stuff done, some stuff around the house. I am happy to announce that you can now officially walk in my laundry again. lol. And I got some serious scrapping done. Once again, I am stumped waiting for time to upload them all. But do you want to see? I could at least post all of them here! We'll see how Blogger co-operates.

Ok, so now I got them all uploaded, time to do credits. This could take a while lol...

Layout created with Suzy Nunes new kit, Rain Song. Photo treated with Michelle Pearson's Urban Grunge Color Pop. Medium tear from AtomicCupcake. Font used is AL PostMaster.

For this layout, I used the fabulous new CornFed Collection from Jessica Bolton available at ScrapbookGraphics. And if you go check out her news and you'll find something to make the trip worthwhile Hearts are from Jessica and Carrie's Emily's Wish kit.

I used Michelle Pearson's B/W Lighten action on the photo. Inked edges by AtomicCupcake. Fonts used were Vaguely Repulsive and Dirty Headline.

This layout was a combination of Jessica's Lives of Boys and also her Unamused Boys Collection, both at ScrapbookGraphics. Also her gorgeous Tater Masher stamps from Eclectic Scraps. Tear by Atomic cupcake, Michelle Pearson frame, Fonts used are VTPortable Remington, Vaguely Repulsive and DSP Pollyanna.

This layout is a scraplift of Jodie's layout, Here. I used Ashley Olson's new Creative Collection, Natural Splendor for the papers and elements. Dani Mogstad Stamped alpha, Michelle Pearson B/W action on the photo. Fonts used are Vaguely Repulsive and Typewriter.

This final layout came from me treating myself - I got a new pair of jeans, and found a coupon, so I bought Shawna Clingerman and Dani Mogstad's collaborative kit, Carpe Diem. Love all the denim in this kit. Doodles are from Ashley Olson's new Oodles of Doodles, they're totally awesome. I used Michelle Pearson's Urban Grunge Color Pop. on the photo. Paint splatter by Dani B. Font used is VTPortable Remington.

And you'll never believe it, but there actually is one more layout sitting on my desktop. Well, 2 actually, but one of them has been there for weeks, I really don't like it and should delete it. But anyway. You'll just have to come back tomorrow to see the last layout, and I hope you think it's worth your time. I did love it myself.

So there we go. Monster blog post over. School holidays are over (can't you hear the peace and quiet?) Washing is over, well the first load anyway. Time to sneak in another upload, at least, and go do some housework. OOh, and go check the mail too, because there might be a magazine there for me! Later dudes :)

Vintage Romance....

2006-10-10T11:33:00.000+09:30

Aren't they a cute couple? Pity their story didn't have a happy ending, but the start of it was beautiful enough....

And I have to plug this kit, because it's got the most amazing ribbon elements. Fernlili always rocks ribbons. And I love the metal corner element too :) Go and have a look at Rhubarb Pie for yourself!

Papers, elements and alpha from Rhubarb Pie from Fernlilis, Fonts used are JaneAusten and Baskerville Old Face. Created in Cs2.

So we seem to be surviving the School holidays. Only working one day this whole week which is really cool. I mean, the money is good, but time to myself, and to scrap, is even better!

Don't forget to start the countdown - there are 2 new girls starting up at www.ScrapbookGraphics.com this week and I'm getting excited about it! Meanwhile, I bought the Basics collection there finally, after eyeing it off for a week and a half, and the monster download is nearly finished.

Bit random today, but that's my week in a nutshell I think.

Oh, and have you seen "The World's Fastest Indian" yet? You have to see it. You'll laugh, and cry, and actually get really involved. At least I did. It's funny, the movie was recommended to us by my Brother's ex-wife's new husband, who is 6'5", has a goatee, rides a motorbike himself and plays competitive pool. And he was spot on the money. Great film. And, although he'll hit me for saying it, if you want to meet my dad, then meet Bert Munro. Not quite all the way, but close enough. And I love him very very much. (Dad, not Bert lol). Nuff said.

Later all!

Awww cutie ahead....

2006-10-05T08:57:00.000+09:30

We are continuing on the scraplifts of Suzy's team - last week was Darla and here is my layout!

Darla's Original

I used Suzy's 2 scoops with MandaBean - 2 Cool for Grade School at www.sweetshoppedesigns.com for papers and elements.

Extra Notepaper is from Ashley Olson's Technicolour Playground, Star stitching by Gina Cabrera, 1 stamp by Miss Mint.

Photo treated with Michelle Pearson's Color wash action - makes the colours really glow!

Fonts used are VTPortable Remington, Digs my hart and FB Sprinkles. Created in Cs2.

Ok, so I'm about to be late for work, so I'll have to leave it at that :) Enjoy everyone!

Keeping up the pace...

2006-10-04T09:54:00.000+09:30

I decided I had to upload another one, the waiting list was just too long...

With no further ado, I present to you, Stupid Girl! lol

I was totally inspired by Kate's Punk Rocker layout, and had to put my own spin on it! This layout is so totally funky, I love it to bits!!

Her layout is HERE

I used Ashley Olson's Suburban Punk (Creative Collection at TheDigiShoppe) for this layout, with Michelle Pearson's Lighten b/w (SBB) on the photo and one of Michelle's photo frames. Fonts used are Vaguely repulsive, Cracked, Mom's Typewriter and Excellentia in Excelsis. Created in Cs2.

Now, I really have to go and get ready for work! See you all tomorrow! :)

Ddddddrumroll please...

2006-10-04T09:19:00.000+09:30

Well at least a slight pause in the general babble?

Oh, forget it, just look at the layout lol...

This layout is a scraplift inspired by Hollie's layout Two Hands One Heart as part of a Creative Team welcome for Suzy Nunes.

I used papers and elements from Suzy's Winterberry Wood kit from SweetShoppeDesigns, Amy Knepper's Chipboard hearts and Miss Mint's Grunge Stamped Alpha. Font used is Highland Perk, created in Cs2.

This was layout number 1 from Monday.

2 to go :)

Busy scrapper....

2006-10-03T13:59:00.000+09:30

I got 4 layouts finished yesterday. 4. That's a lot.

Mind you, that leaves me still behind on my list of layouts I owe ppl, but still, 4 from lunchtime (including an outing to the wetlands for a coffee and a walk) to 9.30 is pretty cool.

This first layout is NOT one of them lol.... it's one from earlier over the weekend that I didn't blog yet. Hehehe.

For this layout I treated my photo with the awesome Michelle Pearson's ColourWash photo action available at SBB - What a difference it made!! The background paper, elements, paint swirl are all from Emily's Wish by Jessica Bolton and Carrie Stephens. The chip alpha is from Unamused Boys by Jessica Bolton, both from EclecticScraps. Fonts used are Vaguely Repulsive and Junko's Typewriter. Created in Cs2.

This layout is Number 2 from yesterday....

Papers, star and string tie elements all from Amy Kneppers Little Boy Blue Puny Pack - only $1 at Scrapdish! Photo treated with Michelle Pearson's B/W Lighten Action from SBB and also one of Michelle's Frames as an eraser. Tear by AtomicCupcake, font used is snowshoe. Created in CS2.

So I will leave you to bask in the glow from these layouts for a little while longer, but keep your eyes peeled because you know that it can only mean one thing - that I have 3 more layouts to spring on you!!

In more general news, the boys are visiting with MIG and FIG for the day/night/some of tomorrow as I have to work tomorrow. Then we are all having dinner, which is cool.

It is HOT and sunny here which is a bit disconcerting because it's not normally that nice in October. Lately it hasn't even been that nice in December, but I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts. Got the house open and the washing on.

Ok, signing off to go have lunch - catch you later! :)

Funky blue...

2006-09-29T11:12:00.000+09:30

I'm not sure what it was about this layout, that, like they do sometimes, just created itself. I kept on wanting to change, to add, but it just said DONE. Leave me be. And so I did.

Papers and elements from Ashley Olson's Technicolour Playground at TheDigiShoppe. Silver clip alphas by Ashley at SBB. Font used is Vaguely repulsive. Created in Cs2.

Now, onto other exciting news, I am happy to say that I've got some new toys to play with!

Michelle Pearson picked me up for her new Photoshop Action CT. She's been making these really cool actions and we're going to test them and promote them for her. So I really should go and play with some photos, right? What a fun job!!!

Meanwhile, it's the last day of term today so the kiddies get out an hour earlier than usual. Hope I don't lose track of time and sit here all afternoon lol... nah, we've got things to do!

Don't hold me to this, especially not next week as I'm working extra shifts still, but maybe in week 2 we're gonna do some cool stuff. Maybe. If I stop sneezing.

And finally - the new Scrapbooking Memories magazine is out. Go read it *wink*.

Scrap and scrap and scrap!

2006-09-28T17:39:00.000+09:30

Ok, so I'm sick. Doesn't stop me from scrapping though!

This first one is a few days old now, but uploaded into the store yesterday, so here it is!

Now do you want to know the REALLY exciting bit? This is MY kit from Ashley! I picked the colours and suggested some elements I wanted!!

Go buy Good Earth NOW!

Rest of the credits ;)

Inked action from AtomicCupcake, fonts used are Pushkin, Vaguely Repulsive and Arial. Created in Cs2.

OR you could always go HERE first and get a coupon for Ashley's new Creative Collection :)

And here's the other layout, one I created yesterday. Very rarely do I sit back and look at a layout like this and go, Yeah, that's great, but this was definitely one of the times. And isn't that why we do this?

Layout created with the gorgeous Wings of Change from Suzy Nunes and Robin Carlton from SweetShoppeDesigns. Stitching and staples from Gypsy Rose by Suzy Nunes. Rub-on action from AtomicCupcake. Fonts used are Saeculum, Times and Times again and Vaguely Repulsive. Created in Cs2.

This is one very yummy kit. And as an interesting side point, we caught ANOTHER butterfly today, but he's in a different house this time. I think this will just keep happening for the next month ;) but I'm glad my boys are interested in bugs and stuff like that. I caught SO many tadpoles, caterpillars, lizards and other creepy crawlies as a kid - I was beginning to think there was something wrong with them lol.

And as a side-SIDE note, not that it will mean much to anyone, but I printed my first film today. Totally nerve wracking, but I did 3 in the end. Learning curve at maximum, but it's all good ;)

Have a great night/day everyone!!

Kickin' it up

2006-09-27T10:10:00.000+09:30

So, as part of another CT exercise, we have been scrapping our shoes!

Here's my layout :)

These are my sneakers, and yes they are very red!!

I created this layout for a CT challenge for Amy Knepper's team - Kick it up! and I really feel like I kicked it up with this layout. Very happy with it :)

Background and patterned paper from Amy's Young and Carefee kit, Chipboard heart from Darling Dreamer, Clay creations heart. All from TheDigiChick. Black paper from Style (retired). Paint Splatters by Dani B, Michelle Coleman stamped alpha. Fonts used are Typewriter and Pea Jenny Script. Created in Cs2.

I know I said I was sick, but hey, I can still scrap!! And funky scrap at that!!

Got the boys off to school today, so I can catch up on some rest and stuff at home. 2nd load of washing is about to finish which is always a good feeling. So I'll go hang that out, sniffle some more, and catch you all later! :)

Icky Sicky!

2006-09-26T18:37:00.000+09:30

Ok, so Sam was home sick on Friday. Sunday night I had to call in the cavalry, Mum and Dad, to come and babysit while I worked all day. Thankfully the boss took pity on me and let me go home early. Nothing serious is wrong, just a nasty snotty cold.

This morning I woke up still feeling yuck, still with the conjunctivitis etc, so I let them stay home one more day. Which was probably a good thing as this afternoon I've just gotten sicker and sicker. I managed to lose my shift tomorrow, I really won't miss the money when I feel this ill. I have even managed to give myself a temperature which is quite an achievement for me. *skip* knows I'm ill if I have a temperature.

So I'm just blogging these fantastic layouts, and then I'm making a fresh pot of tea and going to bed. Hopefully to sleep it off.

Did you SEE Ashley's fantastic new collection? She's debuting at TheDigiShoppe, and to celebrate has been working her b*tt off on this new collection. 5 kits uploaded, 5 still to come. And yours truly is on her ad! Yay!! How exciting. Even more exciting is that they were all "custom" kits - we picked a swatch and decided on what sort of style/elements we wanted. My collection, named Good Earth, will be up soon, so keep checking.

Go HERE to see these and drool a bit.

And here's layout number one from the collection :)

Papers and elements from Prepschool Fashion. "our" word from Ashley's Baby Girl Big Kit. I also used Pharmacy, Texas Hero, Arial and Snowshoe fonts. Created in Cs2.

Now I know I told you on the weekend about Emily's Wish - Jessica Bolton and Carrie Stephens' new kit. I'm finally uploading the layout I created using this awesome kit, so prepare to be inspired!

Layout created with Emily's Wish kit collaboration between Jessica Bolton and Carrie Stephens. Fonts used are LoveMeAvenue, Book Antiqua and Pea Superamy. Distressed Action and Med Tear Action from AtomicCupcake. Created in Cs2.

Isn't that the cutest photo of Sammy? Walking up that enormous hill all by himself? I love that shot.

I'm still overdue on some scrapping, so please be patient with me everyone. I feel so absolutely rotten right now, I couldn't scrap an original idea if it bit me. But I will return, I promise!! :)

And meanwhile, I also forgot my HUGE shout-out to Sandi, whose gorgeous daughter Charli Rose decided not to make mummy wait any longer. {{hugs}} to you both!!

Blech.....

2006-09-24T15:46:00.000+09:30

If it doesn't rain, it pours. Literally AND metaphorically.

It's been raining here quite a bit this weekend, real drenching spring rain, which the garden will love. And I don't mind, because we're not really in any position to go out anyway.

*skip* was home sick with this yucky cold on Wednesday, I kept Sammy home on Friday from school because he's got green stuff coming out of his nose. That is still going. Since before Wednesday I've been battling sinusitis and earaches, spent most of last evening looking for the phone - quite literally, that was ringing. And then to top it all off, I woke up this morning with a dose of conjunctivitis in my right eye that is so sore. AND to make anything a thousand times worse, I'm supposed to be working from 10 until 5.30 (code for 6pm) tomorrow. *sigh*

So, to take my mind off it, I did some scrapping, and a lot of downloading.

Ash has a new collection in the works that you're going to love!

Jess Bolton and Carrie Stephens have released their AWESOME collaboration kit, and Jess is running a competition to win it - go HERE to find out more, and buy it if you can't wait that long lol.... Trust me, you'll love it!

Suzy has released not 1 but 2 new kits with different designers at SweetShoppeDesigns, Wings of Change and 2 cool for Grade School.

Amy Knepper has just released a new paper pack (with bonus) at TDC - HERE, called Darling Dreamer, and just to whet your appetite, here's the layout I created with it, the only one I can share for now! And look out for the matching element pack hopefully next week!

Fantastic papers and the star/heart chipboard elements from Amy Kneppers new Darling Dreamer at TheDigiChick. Stitching from her Vintage Vashon kit. Chipboard Alpha from Dani Mogstad. Star brush is my own. Fonts used are Jane Austen and Pea Steph. Created in Cs2.

So now at the grand ole' time of 4 in the afternoon, I'm going to have a nap and concentrate on getting better for tomorrow. I think I'm going to need it.

Later everyone! :)

Lifting ME!

2006-09-20T09:50:00.000+09:30

I'm actually quite excited to be scrap-lift of the week for Suzy's fantastic team - to see what these awesome scrappers are up to with my layouts is pretty cool.

I can't actually POST all the layouts here, but I'm putting the links in, for future reference, so to speak. Feel free to go and praise them all, (including me lol) if you so wish!

Jodie's layout - Just us two girls

My original - Baby Bump

Nisha's layout - Horse Crazy

My original - {M}

Missy's layout - 3 sweet boys

My original - Sweet Madison

Lauren's layout - Family

My original - The end

They are all such amazing layouts and I'm so excited to see them, so keep 'em coming ladies!

Busy as a bee....

2006-09-18T10:41:00.000+09:30

Well, it IS spring, and I've been catching up with some long neglected stuff around the house and garden! I have, however, found time to scrap a bit, and take more photos.

It's been so long since I blogged properly, I have no idea what I've been up to. Today is the first "quiet" day I've had for a while, and it's the last one I'll have until next week.... working Tues, Wed, Thur and Saturday this week, and on Friday I'm making a long neglected client visit for a photo shoot I did in July. sigh. I'm a naughty girl.

On Saturday we did a huge bushwalk with some friends - photos to follow. Sometime.

Yesterday late afternoon, I did a whole family photoshoot of the twins, their Mum and Dad, her Mum and Dad and brother, and visiting cousin. Lots of combinations etc. Have finished editing the best of the photos for the most part... I shot heaps but with that many people, so many of them had to be tossed because someone always blinks lol...

So my Creative Team with Suzy have decided that we need some challenges - a scraplift one to be precise... and first up was Suzy!

This is the layout I created

Suzy's layout is here..

I used papers and stitching from Suzy Nunes Grandma's Kitchen Mini at SweetShoppeDesigns, the tag is from Winterberry Wood and the stamped alpha from Carnaval, also at SSD. Fonts used are Typewriter and Kookalicious by Meredith Fenwick. Created in CS2.

And we have a personal challenge against Sandra's team for their new 2 scoops kit, Family Ties.

And this is the layout that I created with it yesterday, in between sessions and editing... the photo is from the dry run I had on Saturday, scoping out their garden and lighting...

Paper, elements and alpha from the beautiful Family Ties from Suzy Nunes and Sandra Boddington at Sweetshoppedesigns. Fonts used are Kookalicious by Meredith Fenwick and Typewriter. Rub-on action from AtomicCupcake. Created in Cs2.

Isn't that Alpha just the cutest!

And here's one more, just because... Um, because I only upload in the morning because otherwise they get lost in the gallery and they're queueing up on my desktop and *skip* is starting to give me that look. He gets grumpy when I have lots of icons on my desktop.

And because it's a cool layout!

I used a template by Corina Nielsen - too fun! Papers, ribbon, stitching and pin, mainly from Gina Millers DST Sept Kit, Fall Flower. Cardboard by Trish Jones (Soft Moments). 4 is Shmootzy Alpha 2 from Scrapartist. Fonts used are Junkos Typewriter and Charyn.

So yeah, the verdict is in. I really like using templates! Just enough of a foundation to make me feel like I can achieve something, but I can still make it my own!! As Marty says, don't love it till you try it! I've tried it, and I'm converted!

Meanwhile stay tuned because I'm next on the scraplift pile and I'm going to try to at least link up to everyone's layouts! Catch you later all :)

The gr-EAT templ-ATE deb-ATE....

2006-09-12T14:08:00.000+09:30

Love them or hate them, it appears that templates, particularly the layered styles that have burst onto the digi-scrapping scene in the last couple of months, are here to stay. There seems to be full saturation of the market for designers and people are drawing lines in the sand and making stands on using them.

I suppose one of the strongest reasons to use, or not use, is why you scrap? and your style etc... If you have a mountain of photos or memories, and all you really care about is getting the layouts made and in an album, templates will save you HOURS. And that means you get more done. And the point has been made that your DH, MIL or anyone else for that matter will neither know, nor care if it was "original" or not... HOWEVER if you scrap for an artistic outlet, then you may find templates harder to swallow.

I come into the later category... I wasn't at all interested in them before, and as usual, I'm slow to catch on. I doubt very much that I'll ever be a full-on, every layout, template user, but once in a while for a bit of a break, hey, why not?

Which brings us to the LAYOUT... you know that's the reason why you're all here :)

I used a template from ShelleyRae at SBB, and all papers and elements are from Jomi{Designs} Delight from TheDigiShoppe. Lace is by Suzy Nunes, Crisp Cotton Hideaway from SweetShoppeDesigns. Fonts used are Jane Austen and Times. Created in Cs2.

I still feel that this layout, although a template, is still unique. No-one but me has put those papers, photos, text etc together. And, as a sort of a "busman's" holiday, I had a heap of fun making it. And isn't is a gorgeous photo!

The jury is still out on templates in my house....

Meanwhile, have any of my blogger buddies considered changing over to the new BETA? It looks pretty cool, I'm just not sure of the whole - you can't go back part - what if I can't get my head around it? Any opinions?

Backing UP!!

2006-09-10T16:49:00.000+09:30

Hey everyone in blog-land... have you backed up your kits, layouts, photographs yet? I was way behind but now I've stolen a stack of *skips* dvd's and am slowly catching up. Hope you're all up to date soon :)

Meanwhile, I've been scrapping a bit lately...

This layout was made with Suzy's awesome new kit, Gypsy Rose, at SSD right now!

Papers and elements Gypsy Rose from Suzy Nunes, font used is snowshoe, Journalling brush from Danielle Catalano-Titus at ACOT. Created in Cs2.

This second layout is for the challenge I previously mentioned at Journalers Junction.

Papers, tag, clip elements from Uplift by Trish Jones, date stamp also by Trish. Fonts used were Excellentia in Excelsis, DSP Old general store, and Highland Perk. Used rub-on and tear actions from Atomic Cupcake. Created in Cs2.

If you want to read the journalling of either of these two layouts, it's copied out at DST here :)

So that's about it for me for today... still fighting this sinus/earache thing... happy to spend some lazy time on the computer etc... pottering around in the files, preparing some photos for printing at work etc. Catch you all later :)

More layouts :)

2006-09-08T11:25:00.000+09:30

I've finally got some time to share some more of my latest layouts with you...

Background paper (recoloured), clips, flower and brad from Ashley Olson's school days kit, alpha from her Freestylin alpha, both in store at SBB. Notepaper by Gina Miller, doodles by Meredith Fenwick. Fonts used are Linenstroke, 2peas blissful, CBX - Labelmaker, Digs my hart, Confidential and vaguely repulsive. Created in Cs2.

Papers all from Bohemian Autumn by Jomi{Designs} up at TheDigiShoppe. Clip and sticky tape also from Jomi, BeBlessed kit. Michelle Coleman stamped alpha, Jen Wilson notecard. Fonts used are VTPortable Remington and Saeculum. Created in Cs2.

Isn't that new paper from Jomi just gorgeous? So textured and beautifully coloured. Love scrapping with it.

Ok, what else is new. I have heaps of layout ideas floating around in my head, but I lack kits... so you bosses out there, get creating cos otherwise I'm going to have to *gasp* go shopping!

Ok, September's ezine at Scrapbook-bytes is on sale right now. Did I remember to tell you I had a layout in August's? Along with the lovely Ms. Sharon... Well, we're together in this issue too - how cool is that! Apparently, I'm trendy, but I humbly apologise and will try to make sure it never happens again.

Ok, have you all been marking Wednesday in your calendar? Jen Wilson has been having One-derful Wednesday with an item marked down to $1.... so go check it out next week. And Trish Jones has got some great stuff on sale in her new store this week too, I had to get the date stamps. Couldn't pass those up!

And last but not least... for all you "story-tellers" out there, you know who you are *wink* have you checked out the latest challenge blog? You HAVE to see it... I've got a photo in my head to take and scrap for the first challenge, so who else is going to play?? The random draw prize is definitely worth the effort lol...

So I'm having the Twins for a visit while their mum does some work this afternoon, so I'd better go and get myself psyched. They're one now, nearly walking (one or two steps) and into EVERYTHING and hey, my baby skills are just a little rusty. Better go warm up the dvd player rofl..... Later y'all :)

Thar' she blows!!

2006-09-04T19:55:00.000+09:30

There be whales 'ere, Cap'n....

The boys had a day off school today, and as I was called in to work, *skip* had the day off too. After I knocked off at 2 we decided that this year we were not going to miss whale watching season AGAIN and even though there were no reported sightings, take the risk on the hour drive down to the coast...

The first lookout was a washout - we could see a couple of backs out past the break and we were moving on to another lookout. During the drive I spotted 2 sets of Blows so I told *skip* to just pull into the next road and see where it went. We trekked along a little dirt track for a while on foot, and just as we came into sight of the ocean proper, we had a whale just jump straight out of the ocean. He moved further off shore, I was very grateful for my telephoto lens, but it was still hard to catch them. You had to be quick, as well as lucky.

The 2 photos above are just a couple that sort of turned out. A mother and calf side by side, and another whale "spy-hopping". For more information, check out this site HERE.

Apart from that, not a lot to report. Have a layout done, another on the way that I want to post in the morning, and I'm off to do the ironing and have an early night. All that salt and sea air wore us out lol...

Vintage and Vabulous, Dah-lings.....

2006-09-01T13:14:00.000+09:30

Sorry, my sense of humour is out of whack this afternoon!

This gorgeous new kit, Vintage Vashon is from the mouse of Amy Knepper, on SALE right now at TheDigiChick.

And here is the layout I made earlier this week :)

All papers and elements from Vintage Vashon by Amy Knepper. Font used is Pharmacy. Created in Cs2.

Otherwise, I'm waiting on all the grand September 1st openings and sales.... it's already Sept 1 here, but have to wait for the day to work it's way around the globe :)

Meanwhile, it's a pupil free day, so the boys are home. Just waiting on a friend to arrive to play with them for a bit, and his big sister will play with me lol... Catch you later! :)

Widget fun!

2006-08-31T16:16:00.000+09:30

In case you're not a Mac user, like, say, 95% of my readers, you've got no idea what I"m talking about. Widgets are cute litle mac programs like the one I'm using to write this, without having to do all the tedious blogger stuff. Although, of course, I can't post a picture with this.

Ok, get this. I get one of those irritating Indian tele-sales calls just now.... you know, the huge long pause and the click, you know you're not being called locally, put it that way... and he says, in his thick Indian accent, my name is John Fisher. I mean, hello. I believe that? And no, I don't want a free phone, nor do I want to change my phone plan.

Just thought I'd mention it :)

Oh, and btw, the dog is again, fine. Phew. But we're going to let her sleep inside the really cold nights from now on, as she is 6 1/2 now. Even if she has more fur than a polar bear.

Later people :)

Summer heat...

2006-08-29T21:51:00.000+09:30

Yeah, only kidding!

This photo is definitely NOT current :)

Papers and elements from Ashley Olson's Summer Farewell kit, white stitching and barcode from ScrapArtists Summer splash. Fonts used are Jane Austen and snowshoe. Created in Cs2.

Meanwhile, today started with a bit of drama. My darling dog was yelping and limping very badly, but like any good child, when distracted with food she got over it. Just going to keep a careful eye on her, but it was a very cold morning and it was just as likely a cramp or something. I was a good girl and walked the kids to and from school today, about 2kms round trip. Worked from 11 - 2, it was totally quiet and peaceful, and, dare I say it, boring lol...

Meanwhile, it's late and I'm taking my sore throat off to bed - BIG day tomorrow at work.

Later everyone!! :)

Day off!!

2006-08-28T16:22:00.000+09:30

Time to get some scrapping done, which will be popping up over the next week.

In other news, the family and I had a couple of long-needed shopping trips, late night shopping in the city on Friday and then down to the huge shopping centre at Marion Sunday afternoon, where we nearly, but not quite, bought a new x-box 360. Why we need one of these, I'm still not sure, but I guess it's only a matter of time. Although, having just discovered the fun of Sing-star, I'd rather have a playstation lol...

Bought some other basic, silly things. I got a new wallet, which has more room for all my cards and stuff. Yay! Got *skip* some shirt and tie sets as he wears soooo many business shirts through the week. And got me some *ahem* new underthings that were also long awaited. Oh, and bought something else, which I still might scrap about, so you'll have to stay tuned for that one. Actually I've got quite a bit of layout fodder that's just sitting around, waiting it's turn. Not to mention that I just re-discovered a whole packet of photos that I forgot we had. When I got it developed, I paid for it to be burnt to cd, but a year later the gold off the cd actually melted and flaked off, so it's been missing from the collection sitting on my hard-drive. Not to mention that they didn't do it very good quality so I'd rather re-scan the ones I want to use.

Oh, ok, the layout then!

Did you catch the big exciting news? Suzy is now selling at www.SweetShoppeDesigns.com - and she's so excited about the move. Come and check out what she's selling HERE!

And NOW for the layouts!

Papers, elements and alpha from Winterberry Wood by Suzy Nunes at www.sweetshoppedesigns.com, the cool journalling block is from her Carnaval kit. Font used is Kookalicious by Meredith Fenwick. Created in Cs2.

In case you're wondering (Mum & Dad!) we haven't caved in and gotten Tyson a puppy, yet. This gorgeous little guy belongs to our neighbours and he got loose on a cold dark night last week. So, of course, we had to bring him in and cuddle him for a while lol.... Although his and Tyson's eyes are a perfect match!

Paper and elements from Suzy Nunes Crisp Cotton Hideaway at www.sweetshoppedesigns.com. Baby alpha brush also by Suzy from her Carnaval kit, and the Vellum 3 is from her Vellum Alpha. Fonts used are Digs my hart and snowshoe. Created in Cs2.

And once again, NO I'm not expecting rofl... this is actually 7 years ago! But don't you just LOVE that lace in this kit?

So, what else is new? Not a lot. Work is officially getting quieter due to the person who was on leave coming back tomorrow, so I'll be back down to my proper 8-10 hours a week. Much better. I worked out that at the end of my shift tomorrow I'll have worked over 40 hours in a fortnight, which is a lot when you haven't 'worked' for 9 years lol. But I'm finding my feet. Slowly.

*skip* has an appt tonight to get his Tax done, so I've been busy finding paperwork and bits and pieces for him to take. I can't believe that this time next year I'll be going along with him. That's a bit of a change, but a nice one, cos it means that I've been PAID!

And I think that's enough rambling from me for now... thanks for reading :)

Ex-haus-ted.....

2006-08-24T16:08:00.000+09:30

I am so worn out from the extra shifts I have been working this week, and then today I got asked to stay an extra hour because we were just too flat out to be one man down until the next shift arrived... People everywhere, asking millions of questions. Of course, they were all reasonably nice and patient, as they could see we were busy and doing our best. But I was really counting on that extra hour at home to do some work. Now I'm here, totally unmotivated and so beat. I worked from 9.30 to 3.00, on my feet, flat out, and no lunch. No wonder I've lost another Kg since I started there 3 weeks ago.

Ok, enough whining.... have a layout instead.

Papers and elements all from Ashley Olson's new kit, September rain, at SBB. Sorry stamps from Miss Mint's Xerox alpha. Font used is Kookalicious by Meredith Fenwick. Created in Cs2.

This layout really did just fall together and I really love it. I especially love the colours and wonderful grunge that Ash put into this kit...

And I have a couple of toots to let out as well. A good acceptance email, or two, is a fantastic cure for the feeling that I had when I got home today!! So after dinner sometime I"ll have to wander around the internet covering up layouts. A pleasant chore :)

And finally, look what Mrs Amy made for us all.....

Ain't it cute?!?.... I'll have to add that to my sidebar and signatures when I get a chance :) And then I'll definitely have to put up the CT team FULL sign... Maybe... lol.

Ok, enough slacking. Time to have some lunch? Afternoon tea? an early dinner? I have no idea anymore... and then do the floors.

I know Sharon, you said I'd regret it. But next week will be a LOT better. :)

Sunshine!!

2006-08-21T19:26:00.000+09:30

We had sunshine today and I got 2 huge loads of washing done... I'm working all the rest of this week, so it was wash now or run out of socks lol... But, as I am still having trouble with my washing machine, I had plenty of time to scrap in between pegging sessions.

Isn't she just the cutest little thing? I'd have her on toast if I could!

Papers and elements from Fernlilis Funky new kit, Bandana Pajama, out now at the Emporium!! Date stamp by the wonderful Danielle Catalano-Titus from Something Blue Studios, M stamp by Christine Smith (TDC). Fonts used are snowshoe and Footlight MT Light.

Make sure you stop by the Emporium, because Fernlili also has another great Freebie kit out, called Pity Party. As usual, it's got amazing elements and I'm hoping to scrap with it sometime this week!

Ok, child dramas here, have to go! Talk to you all later....

Cool off!

2006-08-18T11:23:00.000+09:30

Ok, so it's not that warm here right now, but looking at these photos, can't you feel the 30+ degree heat, the cool water, the sparkling light dancing in your eyes?

Congrats to my girl, Amy, who's finally got her new kit instore at TheDigiChick. Go girl!

Check out her kits HERE! and keep checking back because there is more awesome stuff in the works!

Papers, elements, alpha all from Amy Kneppers new Young & Carefree kit from TheDigiChick, font used is HighStrung.

And a huge shoutout to Jessica who just made it onto the Shabby Princess's Altered team. Wow, what a fantastic job that is! Don't forget us now you're playing with the in-crowd Jess! rofl....

Ka-ching!!

2006-08-17T16:28:00.000+09:30

Man, I forgot how good it feels to check the bank balance and find that you've been PAID! Becuase I started right at the start of the f/n roster, I had to work my butt off before-hand, but I got paid yesterday and it did feel GOOD! I owe *skip* a small fortune for my Photoshop Cs2 for Mac, but with the extra hours I've had to put in with another girl on 2 weeks leave, I hope to clear that off soon. And I HAD to buy a new pair of shoes this afternoon, as I was wearing boots which were ok, but at the end of 6 hours, not so ok.... not to mention that I was wearing the heel down at a steady rate.

Work is going well. I'm too busy this week to be inspired, although I am looking forward to Amy's debut at TheDigiChick really soon! I'm behind on my layout gallery commenting, everything, and I just don't care. Tuesday night I was doing washing at 11pm, last night at 10pm I was still making a chocolate mousse cake for tonight, so I'm just TIRED. Next week is even fuller, and then it will get quiet again. Phew.

So, there you go. That's about it for now. Apart from the usual.... helping kids with homework, cooking, shopping. All that ordinary stuff. I'm surviving on chocolate and Iced coffee at the moment. I had an ENORMOUS cleanout of my bathroom cupboard, got rid of old stale makeup, heaps of stuff. Felt good, but there's still no room in there for everything... figures!

Well, how's that for random dribble? Sorry to inflict it on you, maybe I'll have something worth writing about real soon!! :)

Whoa.....

2006-08-14T21:16:00.000+09:30

What gives? It's only just after 9pm and I'm tired tired tired. I had to get a head start on all my housework today, cook 2 dinners etc as I've been asked to work another full shift tomorrow (10-5.30). The boys will go to After-school care, which they are loving, and I'll not get them (and me!) home until about 6. I know I shouldn't complain, because the work is fun, I get to talk about my favourite subject ALL day, and I get paid quite well for a casual I'm told, but I am just TIRED. It could be because, inspired by a couple of sunny days, yesterday we put up 30m of wire fence so the DOG would stay out of the garden... and today I started spring-cleaning my pantry. Big job!

So, without too much more ado, here's Mix-n-match Week 6. This layout nearly killed me this afternoon, particularly when photoshop CRASHED and I lost the previous 1/2 hours work. But these things happen.

Get ready for a HUGE list of credits! I used a bit of this and that and all the fun stuff on this!

Background paper, photo mat paper, mini alphas, pin all from Havana by Jan Crowley. Paper label by Jen Wilson. Stitching, Ribbons and staples by Jessica Bolton - Epiphany and Suigeneris Beach collections. Notepaper and date label also by Jessica Bolton, Unamused boys collection. Brush stroke by Meredith Fenwick. Tag from His collection by Kim and Meredith. Fonts used were Greer, DSP Pollyanna, DSP Old General store, Vaguely Repulsive, Times and Times again. Created in CS2.

Please Dad, don't hit me TOO hard for putting you up on the internet again!! Hehehehe...

Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled because very soon, Mrs AmyK will be making her long-awaited debut at TheDigiChick. I've had a sneak peek and I'm loving her new stuff!

Later dudes! :)

Eclectic and gorgeous!!

2006-08-10T13:26:00.000+09:30

I'm just loving Jessica's 2 new collections - Suigeneris Beach which is a LIMITED edition, and also Unamused Boys... So boyish. So textured. So grungy. So ME!!

I got this gorgeous candid photo of DS2 this weekend on our walk - stomping across the bridge.

Journalling reads:
A little game that I used to play
with my mother was the Three Billy
Goats Gruff crossing over the troll bridge.

Now, as a mother, I love to watch my
boys stomping across all the
bridges they can find.

Papers and elements from Suigeneris Beach Collection by Jessica Bolton. Alpha from her Unamused boys collection (available separately). Arrow from Jess's painted arrows set. Fonts used are Hotel Coral Essex, Vaguely Repuslive and VTPortable Remington. Created in Cs2.

None of these photos turned out very well (shock horror!) but they were too cute not to use... our SMALL 6 year old DS likes to take on more than he can handle (eg, his father!) and it's so much fun to watch!

Papers, elements and green alpha from Jessica Bolton (www.EclecticScraps.com) new Unamused boy kit. Tater Masher stamp also by Jessica. Messy paint strokes by Meredith Fenwick,at SBB. Stamped alpha by Nancie over at ScrapArtist. Dotted journalling stamp by yours truly!

Font used is Highland Perk. Inked action by AtomicCupcake, created in Cs2.

Contrary to popular comments on the first layout, I didn't duplicate the photo for the journalling, but actually cut the bottom off another photo that didn't turn out quite so well... but I still love the effect. Something a bit different.

I really thought that with starting work (I've already done 9 hours this week, with a FULL day on Saturday still to come) I'd be tired, burned out, whatever. But I actually think that having the time out of the house is letting my right brain come up with ideas because I feel so inspired... Look, I even put more than one photo on a layout, and how often does THAT happen? rofl...

But now I should go and eat lunch, clean my house etc etc. It's a beautiful sunny day, I need to go ENJOY it!

Too cool!!

2006-08-09T16:47:00.000+09:30

Ash just made her whole team new blinkies... PERSONALISED no less!

Had to quick post to show it off... it's 4.45 and I'm finally eating lunch, so I'll run around and update all my signatures sometime after dinner.... at 1 am perhaps? lol....

Happy chicken dance !!!!

2006-08-08T09:07:00.000+09:30

Ok, so after 5 hours at work that was just full-on all afternoon etc, I was just soooo tired this morning.

However, now I"m doing the happy chicken dance all around the house!!

You'll have to go HERE to find out why!!

And Scrapbooking Memories just accepted another layout. Did I even remember to mention last week that Scrapbook Creations took one as well?

Like I said,

Happy chicken dance for me!!!

Whew....

2006-08-07T10:52:00.000+09:30

Well, that was a deafening HELLO from everyone! Glad to know you haven't all forgotten me and my little old bloggy....

Just a quick one today, posting up a layout from yesterday before I duck off to work... I've already done a load of washing, tidied up, hung up a pile of clothes, pressed pants etc, so I'm happy with this work thing so far. :) Dad was telling me off for not having taken any photos for a while, so for family time this week on Saturday we went off to the wetlands for a walk, and I got to try out my new telephoto lens....

Papers, elements and fab alphas all from Jessica Bolton's new Unamused Boys Collection at www.Eclecticscraps.com If you have boys, this collection is on your must buy list. Fonts used are AL Old Remington and DSP Old General Store. Created in Photoshop Cs2.

Ok, so I have to dash off and do my hair and have an early lunch - start at 12.30 today. It's the first day too for the boys to go to After school care, I'm a bit nervous for them... poor neglected brats - NOT lol.... Hopefully I'll be too busy to even think about them!

Catch you later everyone!

Behind on my blogging...

2006-08-04T15:40:00.000+09:30

I've been scrapping, posting and so on, but I've neglected old bloggy. Probably because no-one reads all my ramblings, but anyhooo, here are some of my latest layout!

Jessica Bolton (Eclectic Scraps) is having a fantastic offer on this new Collection. It's a Limited Edition, at a BARGAIN PRICE!! Go here and check it!! Suigeneris Beach, I totally love this set.

Here's the layout I made with it!

These fantastic papers, elements and alpha all from Suigeneris Beach, a special new collection coming out this week at Eclectic Scraps from Jessica Bolton. Frame under the photo is from her Messy Paint strokes set. Font used is Highland Perk. Created in Cs2.

This second layout is from Ashley's new set at SBB - Charming Country Girl. Love the fabric/patchwork feel to this kit, with the awesome sheer ribbon and lace.

Papers, elements, alpha all from Charming Country Girl papers and elements by Ashley Olson from SBB. Created in Cs2.

And last, but certainly not least, is this layout from Suzy Nunes (PDW) new kit Carnaval. Bright and more bright, but oh, sool cool. I especially loved the alpha brushes and the journal boxes that come with this kit!

Papers and elements from Suzy Nunes at Plain Digital Wrapper - Carnaval. The mega kit is on sale right now and if you stop by her blog, you'll get a bonus little coupon!! http://www.suzynunes.com/ Fonts used are Harrison and headsurgery. Created in Cs2.

So, in other news, just to make this a really, really long post, my first day of work was on Wednesday and it went really well.

And I've joined up at Digishoptalk as a gold member (thanks *skip*).

And today the twins (and their mum, I'm not CRAZY) and I went shopping. All day. Man, did I score some major bargains! I'd take photos but the computer and the camera and I still don't have a good working relationship - we're looking into counselling ;)

Ok, thanks for reading and have a great weekend everyone! I'll be sure to enjoy it because it's the only Saturday I'll have off in 6 weeks. Oh well.

Scrap artist anniversary party!

2006-07-31T11:29:00.000+09:30

So, has everyone been scrapping and shopping their hearts out over at ScrapArtist? I had some time to myself this morning and jumped onto a couple of their challenges. Ok, I just did it for the free kit, but it's worth it. It also felt good to just do some fun layouts that didn't have to be perfect. We put too much pressure on ourselves sometime.

And finally I'm also celebrating that I've got some sort of workflow happening with my EHD, finding photos, kits etc to use was a bit of a challenge to start off with.

So, without too much more ado, here they are...

This layout was for the hysterical bellyflop challenge - scrap a not so perfect photo. FANTASTIC idea. Once again about the pressure we put on ourselves to BE perfect, TAKE perfect photos and MAKE perfect layouts. I just had some fun with this one, and it's great.

Paper, star, ribbon all by Tia Bennet (2 peas freebie). Star alpha by Dani Mogstad. Jounalling stamp by me! Fonts used are 2Peas Magic Forest and 2Peas Fancy Free.

This layout was for the sketch challenge, which was also heaps of fun. Did some different stuff here, got to use a flower lol, and it was great to just relax and let it happen.

Papers and glitter flower by Robin Cabana, Seaside bliss. Stitching, Circle paint brush and staples all by Jessica Bolton. Poetry words by Kim Hill. Nancie's shmootzy alpha brushes for the title. Fonts used are VTPortable Remington, Vaguely repulsive and 2Peas Gimme Coffee.

Not to mention that I finally got to use up some kits in my stash that were going to waste :) Now I can go and shop the ScrapArtist sale with a clear conscience lol...

Official!!

2006-07-27T13:12:00.000+09:30

Some of you know this, or have worked it out. I created this layout yesterday to help me come to terms with the facts... I got myself a job! Just a casual retail spot in a local store, but it's the first work outside of home I've had in 9 years and it's a bit of a culture shock!

I used lots of different Jomi{Designs} kits here. Papers are from Let Go, Flower doodles pack 1 and 2, gauze from Beachhouse elements, Frame over photo from her Love special mini kit. All of these are available at PDW. Fonts used are DSP Pollyanna and vaguely repulsive. Created in Cs2.

And this is a layout that I made last night, just because. Well, actually it's because I am being rather forcefully reminded of how much he is like me lately, both in looks, tastes, mannerisms. Eeeek. Poor kid.

Papers and elements from Jessica Bolton (Eclectic Scraps) Signature collection, and also Messy Paint Strokes. T initial stamp by Traci Sims. Fonts used are snowshoe and Times and Times again. Created in Cs2.

Time to go hang out some more washing.

I'm going to be MIA for the next 3 or 4 days, so if you need me, and it's urgent, yell REALLY loud, ok?

Neglect...

2006-07-25T22:12:00.000+09:30

I should be sued by the ISPCB - the International Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Blogs for neglect of this poor blog. All will become clear, or at least less muddy soon, however just know that I am so busy and tired right now, I'm hardly even scrapping, let alone anything else. But I check my email many times a day lol, and read most ppl's blogs at least once a day, so don't forget me, you hear?

I would love to give you a couple of layouts to admire, but blogger isn't co-operating, so please go to the galleries to see them, and maybe while you're there, spread some love and sunshine around.

Young happy love

Sam the ham

I know that Sharon touched on this last week (I think lol) but it IS sad to see the tumbleweeds rolling through a lot of digi sites with the explosion on the scene of Digishoptalk. Love that place, and the old places and it's not so much split loyalties as a changing of the guard... Just a change. I've only been doing this for a year, and I've seen so many already - it's not a very stable industry so to speak.

No real point here, just some ramblings from my fried brain.

Stay tuned for more random ramblings, sometime soon, I hope :)

Well, that was fast...

2006-07-20T16:47:00.000+09:30

My honey, he's such a legend. Within not quite a week of surprising me with my new Mac Mini, he's even got me set up with most of my software and a MASSIVE External Hard Drive for all my toys. You could almost say I'm back in business...

Some Small gripes about Mac's.... there's no Picasa for Mac. Which is killing me right now. However we're looking into some other software called Shoebox that looks pretty neat, and it supports an EHD. Only problem is I'll probably have to get the Pro version because the Express (home) version only supports a limited number of images.... so what's the problem? I just did a search on my ehd for .jpg. 18,900 + images later... and that doesn't count psd's or anything like that. That's a lot of pictures!

Also it has refused to install some of my favourite fonts, claiming they have serious errors. Particularly all my Melissa Baxter Font Boutique fonts, which is a total bummer cos I LOVE those fonts.

The new interface is taking some getting used to.

Now the pluses -

It's DEAD quiet. I mean so quiet you can actually hear yourself think.

Ok, I can't think of any other pluses right now, except for probably the biggest one - no more wireless drop-outs. Last week I was probably connected for one hour out of every 6. In 30 second increments. How am I supposed to even read emails with that kind of connection? So now, I'm on, I'm stable, and I'm having fun.

Ok, in other news, my thoughts are with my Dad right now. Hi dad.... He's got trouble with his dialysis arm and is in a great deal of pain and misery right now. Big {{hugs}} for dad, I'm thinking of you almost constantly.

Got some other stuff going on too at home that I can't talk about yet. No, I'm NOT pregnant lol. Things are just a bit crazy around here, so if I go Awol, just yell nice and loud.

Ok, so if you've read this far, hooray! Have a pretty layout to make you smile.

Background paper from Comforting quilt, everything else from Ashley Olson's new Baby Girl Big Kit. Can't remember the fonts - go to SBB or Digishoptalk and see there, ok? lol...

Ok, gotta post and run peoples!

Things that make you go... say what?

2006-07-15T21:45:00.000+09:30

Can we all say MACINTOSH?

Can we all say SURPRISE HONEY!!

Can we all say - ok, now I'm surfing GREAT, but I got no TOYS and only an 80 gig hard-drive, that's already 30 gig full....

D'oh!

Can't post any pictures, or layouts or nuffin.... they're all on my pc.... But hang around, hopefully this will be fixed asap!

Ahhh......

2006-07-13T14:29:00.000+09:30

I really need to feel like this right now. School holidays aren't the best of times, and when it's only 8 degrees outside (although thankfully, NOT raining!) you need to do more stuff inside!

Papers and elements from Jomi{Designs} Move with passion kit from Plain Digital Wrapper. Fonts used are DSP Pollyanna and vaguely repulsive.

So if I do vanish, I've taken the credit card, dumped the kids and run away! I'll think of you all when I'm on my beach. HA!

Or, I'm cleaning out some cupboards and have been buried in all the JUNK in my house. Anyone want some junk? I don't want it anymore.... time to clean it OUT!

Later all :)

Scrappin for fun!

2006-07-10T16:35:00.000+09:30

And for the challenge. I was scared how many brushes I have on this computer that I don't use. Ok, so I'm not going to be setting up shop as a designer anytime soon, but I'd like to get my head around these pesky things once and for all....

Layout created for the Subscribers Mix-N-Match challenge over at SBB - thanks Meredith!

Background paper from Meredith's Boho Purse mini, the Torn side piece is from her Warm Honey mini, both from the downloads at SBB. Journalling strips from Jen Wilson's Seasonal scraps. Brushwork under the photo and title block are from Meredith Fenwick's DigiSupply Closet brushes, the title is Kim Christensen's cardstock alpha brushes, the Name and date brush is another Meredith Fenwick, from her Antique Letter stamps (all from SBB), and finally, the brushes over the photo are Rococo brushes by Dianne Rigdon. Fonts used are Digs My Hart and Highland Perk.

This would have to have been one of my favourite shots I got of Tyson as a baby... you have to remember, all I had for years was a compact NON zoom type film camera... No wonder that I took to digital like a maniac. And I love looking back on these photos and seeing that my "vision" was always there. I have learnt tons and tons about composition, backdrops etc etc, but still, my vision was there. It's kinda gratifying.

Amy, have a safe and happy trip, can't wait to catch up when you get back!

How could I miss this...

2006-07-07T20:32:00.000+09:30

Sorry everyone... I posted this layout quickly at lunchtime today and I forgot to blog it! d'oh! How could I miss out on this adorable face? I love this photo I snapped of her when I was supposed to be baby-sitting on Monday!

Papers and elements all from Blush by Suzy Nunes available at PlainDigitalWrapper. Wild tear from AtomicCupcake. Stamped alpha by Andrea Victoria from SSD. Fonts used are Goudy Old Style and AL Constitution.

Ok, sorry to post and run on you, but life's a bit crazy around here at the moment....

Later all!

I'm ba-ack!!

2006-07-06T22:16:00.000+09:30

I made it. It's been a very busy day today, but I had to come back and share this layout I created for *skip* on Monday night (I think....). Life has been keeping him very busy, he's been under a lot of pressure at work and doing work out of hours as well and I just wanted to make him smile, even just a little. Which he did!

Papers and elements from Jessica Bolton's Love this guy kit - awesome kit. Love this kit in fact. And I used another of her Painted Arrows - what a fantastic idea these were. And she put so many in - 19 in fact. An arrow for every occasion! Fonts are LoveMeAvenue and FB Sprinkles.

Ok, time for bed I think. Well, some sewing or reading or something IN bed at least.

Last day of term tomorrow.... so you know what comes next! The dreaded school holidays! Eeek! Must try and stay positive - new photo opportunites. I hope to really GO somewhere or do something with them this time. Although number one on the agenda Monday morning will be sleeping in. :)

Happy, but exhausted.

2006-07-06T12:19:00.000+09:30

Just to let everyone know, although I am sure it won't mean much to most, Go the Mighty QLD boys. We watched the game last night and screamed ourselves hoarse over the last 10 minutes. And they did it. State of Origin 2006 is ours.

Ok, I know I live in SA and that most ppl here don't have a clue about Rugby, but I just had to say it.

Ok, on to more scrapping type things.... I just quickly posted another layout. I'm in-between the marathon weekly shopping and a classparty at Tyson's class, so I have to keep moving. Much as I'd love to stay and chat lol....

Paper and elements from Jomi{Designs} 100% Genunie from Plain Digital Wrapper. Stamped alpha by Kim Christensen from this months SBB Newsletter. Wild tear action from AtomicCupcake. Fonts used are VTPortableRemington and Vaguely Repulsive.

I will just quickly take the time to say how much I love this kit - the papers are so worn and the colours are just beautiful. Go check it out at PlainDigitalWrapper - now!

I'll try to get back and post another layout later on - I've got a couple champing at the bit so to speak, but otherwise, it's off to a class of about 30 9 and 10 year olds - yay me!

Scrappin' fool....

2006-07-03T22:31:00.000+09:30

I've been a scrapping fool today... got 2 layouts done and finished (you'll have to wait and see them!) because I just couldn't sit on this layout any longer. I created it last week, and I STILL love it!

This layout was created with Jessica Bolton's gorgeous Epiphany kit and her painted arrows - both at EclecticScraps. Love the colours in this kit, and the textures are perfect! Fonts used are Vaguely Repulsive, 2peas Barefoot professor, Dozen, Times and times again and 2peas Billboard.

But despite my current OVER-supply of design team kits to use, I still can't help a bit of shopping. Although I should TRY to help it, as I'm not likely to use any of them any time soon. Well, actually not shopping. Wish listing. Date stamps by Karen Hunt at SBB, and Christine Smith at TDC has a new stamped alpha that I just found tonight. Not to mention the new Quarterly assortment at the Sweetshoppe - not that I ever used the last one, but you never know! Ok, I admit it... I just can't walk away from a bargain.

The morning with the twins went well - they were very good for me. Thankfully! They took it in turns to scream. Of course, at just gone 10 months they are at a 'challenging' time with mobility, communication and frustration. Lol. And the only other thing I have to report is that now, at 10.30, I have to hang out a load of shirts... *skip* admitted after dinner that he completely forgot to tell me this morning he was on his last shirt. D'oh! So I'll catch you all tomorrow with some more eye-candy for you!

PDW hype!

2006-07-03T09:16:00.000+09:30

So, who got caught up in the grand opening hype of Plain Digital Wrapper? I was very curious to see who they had on board, as I knew that 2 of my "bosses" were going to be selling there. The list is very impressive indeed. - headed up by Holly McCaig. But Suzy and Jomi's kits look right at home there, and there's some new stuff out that I need to scrap with that you all should love.

Here's a couple of layouts to tide you over until I get back onto my PC again :)

Created using Midnight Garden by Suzy Nunes - papers and alpha and funky elements! Fonts used are Journal and Jey.

Created using Little Man kit also by Suzy Nunes, font used is Socially Awkward.

Man - simple is so much harder than anything else to scrap. Lol....

Both of these kits are available right now at Plain Digital Wrapper.

Also on your must stop by list, Jessica has uploaded a new Quickpage at her store www.Eclecticscraps.com. Go and get it and take the wonderful Epiphany kit for a run. You won't regret it.

I'm off to babysit the twins. On my OWN. Eeek! Just kidding. (I think). I might get back on here later on though :)

Later everyone!

Strawberry JONES

2006-06-30T14:29:00.000+09:30

Ok. Now isn't that the coolest name you've ever heard for a kit? I just love saying it. Strawberry JONES..... (caps are all mine lol). Jess, if you're reading, how DID you come up with that? It's so COOL!!

And this is what it looks like. Now I'm not the biggest fan of strawberry images - too many Strawberry shortcake memories of my childhood. Do you remember that doll? But I just love this kit to bits. The paper in it is so gorgeous.

You know you want it, so go HERE and buy it! and to tempt you even more, here's my layout using it. I created this on Wednesday night, sort of watching House, sort of not.

Papers and elements by Jessica Bolton from Eclecticscraps - Strawberry Jones mini-kit, Painted Arrows and Metal Framed Alpha. Fonts used are Times new roman, snowshoe, and Jane Austen.

You have to read the journalling on this layout too - can you read it? maybe not. Here it is to make it a bit easier...

I love all these photos
that I found in my
Nanna’s album - photos
of my mother, her late
brother and sister, my
grandparents... many
people that I’d never
had the chance to meet.
Through this old album
I get a very special
insight into their
lives. The things that
were important to them,
the places they went,
the friends they had.
It reminds me of why
I scrapbook.

Meanwhile today has been kinda groovy. I have the whole day at HOME to MYSELF. I can't go anywhere, no car. Car service today. And it's all grey and rainy (finally) and so a friend is doing the school run for me. I've been scrapping and having fun all day. And doing a little shopping, but shhhh don't tell *skip*!! Oh, and I got another happy email from Scrapbooking Memories... which was a pretty good thing too.

I really should go do some form of work, but, hey, it's not going anywhere! Time to re-fill the coffee cup and surf some more!! :) Later all!

Rolling along...

2006-06-28T22:51:00.000+09:30

I had such a busy day today, but I had to post this layout that I made (with a little bit of help from Sammy!) yesterday after school. I knew I couldn't go for a lay down as the boys were in naughty mode, so I just made the time pass by playing on the puter until straight after dinner, when I went to bed.

Ok, enough rambling... here's the layout :)

This layout uses papers and elements from Faithfulness, from Ash's Fruits of the spirit Cd... Love this kit. Very boyish. Fonts used were Tank, 2 peas busy babs, Another Typewriter, and look, I even managed to sneak my own handwriting in on there too... I wish my handwriting was more reliable, but with my weak wrist, I can't write more than a line or two without getting sore and sloppy. Oh well.

I got another layout done tonight when I was supposed to be watching House - too many ads I'm afraid. But I'm going to sit on it overnight and post it tomorrow. I like doing that. Layouts need stewing time (in my humble opinion).

Meanwhile tomorrow is going to be ANOTHER busy day. Off to the airport to pick up Mum and Dad from their week in Tasmania. And we thought it was cold HERE! Hope they had a great time, dialysis and all... Taking the boys out of school an hour early so they can come too :)

And seeing how you got THIS far, why not go that little bit further and stop by Jessica's new re-vamped shop... you never know what you'll find to tempt you :) and you can read about me and all my team-mates there too!

Catch you all tomorrow in blog-land! :)

More layouts to share...

2006-06-27T15:43:00.000+09:30

I created this first layout a few days ago, but was so busy I didn't get to upload it straight away...

I used Fernlilis new Whine and Cheesey kit for this layout, and had lots of fun with the fresh colours and cool elements as always. Fonts used are FB Sprinkles and 2peas Shenanigans.

This second layout just popped itself into creation yesterday. I had a really up and down day, with good things and bad things just bang bang bang... got home from Aqua and really wanted to create.

I made it for Meredith's Mix n Match challenge at SBB - loving these challenges. She gave us a bit longer this time, which was really needed.... use only one colour with neutral accents, and at least 3 different designers. Whew...

Background paper, flower, staples all by Jessica Bolton of eclecticscraps. Inked heart, red chip alpha and paint stripe by Meredith Fenwick here at SBB. Shmootzy frame used on photo by Nancie from ScrapArtist, tag by Michelle Coleman, also from Scrapartist. Distressed stamped alpha by Miss Mint. Fonts used are Stalker2 and splurge.

I need to get some more scrapping done, but I have a nauseous sick headache and don't know what I'm going to do right now.... I think a cup of tea and a lay down are in order.

Later all!

I take it back...

2006-06-26T21:38:00.000+09:30

About iTunes.... stupid, shortsighted, and worst of all, greedy. Sure, it plays the music HERE... but I can't put it on my mp3 player, unless I buy myself an Ipod. I hate corporate greed. And they are SOOOO tricky. They never told me that.... and the software around to rip the songs is having all of it's loopholes closed.

*pout*

Meanwhile I'm all warm and fresh from Aqua tonight with the lovely Miss Kym. And we had a macca's latte in the car on the way home. Perfect time away from all our kids :)

I suppose I could do some scrapping, but the muse is a little quiet tonight. Have to dig through some old photo albums and see what gems I can find...

2006-06-25T12:40:00.000+09:30

I was so happy with this photo when I downloaded it from the camera.... and I really wanted to do something a bit funky with it.

Papers and elements all from Jessica Bolton's new kit, Epiphany, from EclecticScraps, which was heaps of fun to scrap with. Fonts used are Times and times again and Another Typewriter.

I just couldn't get over how well the colours in this kit matched the mood in this photo.... and I've got another layout in the works with it too... definitely going into my must use again and again list....

Ok, once again, gotta run. Just had to share this layout with you all :)

Now go buy the kit, you won't regret it!

iTunes fun...

2006-06-24T21:54:00.000+09:30

Why did nobody let me in on this little secret? So far I've bought 2 songs, but I've just been having so much fun kicking back with some UDL's (Vodka and lime) and quizzing *skip* on his Aussie and 80's music knowledge - name the song and/or band from the 30 second sound clip... and introducing him to some of the stuff that I listen to on the radio in my hours everyday in the car.

Bought Crazy by Gnarls Barkley and also Incomplete by the Backstreet Boys.

Rewind to lunchtime. We borrowed a huge Indian cook-book off some friends last night, and I had steak in the fridge, so we decided to try a new dish or two... I went shopping for those fancy spices that I didn't have on hand, stopped in at K-mart and bought my first Leo Sayer single.... rofl.... Just love that Thunder in my Heart single, had to have it. So tonight, after the extremely SUCCESSFUL Beef Madras and Pilau Rice, *skip* showed me how to set up an account and buy some tunes! Of course, just like teaching me to use Pay-pal, he will live to regret it.

Ok, now you have to go shopping.

Jess has just launched a new kit that I've had a chance to play with. I'll post up the layout(s) tomorrow, but meanwhile, go buy the kit. You won't regret it, I promise.

Jess's blog - go HERE!

Meanwhile, I'm having too much fun to do much else.... and increasing my scrapping "mix" while I"m at it, all those songs that I forgot I loved. The 80's dance iMix is the best ever! (showing my age lol).... although I can't believe they don't sell Cold Chisel or Creed. Very disappointing. Will just have to buy more Rob Thomas and Enrique Iglesias instead. :) Yummy!

So, what's your favourite song right now? I need more ideas for searches!!! C'mon, I want some answers here! :)

She's back again...

2006-06-20T23:14:00.000+09:30

Whew.... Hi, I'm Cassie, and I'm an internet addict. When my net goes down, I go into withdrawal. But we are back for now... wireless willing. See how it goes.

I got a layout done this afternoon and before I toddle off to bed, I had to share it with you all - I love it!

Papers and elements from Be blessed, staples and black ribbon from Move with Passion, both by Jomi{Designs} at TheDigiShoppe and Scrap2gether. Stamp alpha by Miss Mint. Brush stroke by Meredith Fenwick from SBB. Fonts used are Jane Austen, Mom's Typewriter and snowshoe.

I so totally love Jomi's papers - they are so shabby and soft, with such beautiful colours and they just FEEL so good to scrap with. One of the many reasons I went to play on her team. :) And of course, because she asked me. Hehehehe.

This one's for my Dad, so all of you help me convince him that he should let me take some more pictures of him (not for publication on here of course lol....) but just for me. Because I love him so much! :) Do you like his patient photo face by the way?

Anyway, I've got to run off to bed now.... brave the freezing cold. More about THAT later on. Promise.

Can't you hear my teeth chattering?

More tourist layouts!

2006-06-15T20:14:00.000+09:30

I got so many photos as we were out and about this week with *skips* brother, who I fondly refer to as Jamie Oliver.... These two layouts, like the previous scuffle one, were from the Birdwood Motor Museum. Lots of fun, and about the right size - see it all in under 2 hours so the kids don't go totally insane on you.

All papers and elements from the fab Signature Collection by Jessica Bolton from Eclectic Scraps. Fonts used are FB Sprinkles and Eliot Swonger.

Paper and elements all from Suzy Nune's beautiful Bookcloth papers and elements from The DigiShoppe. Inked and wild tear actions from AtomicCupcake, Grunge alpha by Tammy Bankston. Fonts used are Antique Type and Jane Austen.

Not the best photo, I know, but we couldn't move the car away from the terribly attractive shop behind it. Heeeheee..... So Sammy is driving, even though he can barely see over the bonnet, and it's a good thing that Uncle K is a fully qualified car crash rescue type person. More heeee-heeees.

Ok, so it's late and I've got a splitting headache. Hang on, it's not even late, but it is when you get up at quarter to 5 to go to the airport. Sigh. More normal life tomorrow, I hope. AND some more scrapping with any luck!

2006-06-13T22:31:00.000+09:30

Journalling reads:
"Watching you two battle
for your independence from
each other has been a
learning experience for me.

You both know exactly
how to annoy each
other, all in perfect
innocence.

You fight and argue and drive
me up the wall, and then are
suddenly happy together again,
absorbed in some new project.

Then will come the cry,
�Mum, he�s BOTHERING me
again...�

Tell me you two, are you
brothers or bothers or both?"

Background paper is from Tania Cordova's Yummy tummy kit. Shmootzy frame from Scrapartist. Star by Meredith Fenwick, Independent stamp from Jen Wilson.

Alphas are, in order of appearance:

B - Dani Mogstad
^ - Jan Crowley
R - Christie Putz
O - Ashley Olson
T - Jessica Bolton
H - Ashley Olson
E - Meredith Fenwick
R - Jen Wilson
S - Ashley Olson

Fonts used are snowshoe and Antique Type

2006-06-13T22:29:00.000+09:30

scuffle - papers and elements from Jomi{Designs} gorgeous new kit, Be Blessed from TDS and Scrap2gether, alpha by Kim Christensen.

Big honking TOOT!!!

2006-06-10T11:55:00.000+09:30

Ok, so I've been slack about letting this one out... but here it is :)

I've got a new blinkie, and a very exciting one it is too. I've always admired Jess's style, and was very excited when she had a call last month. And here I am! I'm an Eclectic girl after all.

Apart from that, everything is proceeding here as normal. Our weekend is kinda messed up, but the house is VERY clean. Sam and I are still sick, which is normal. He's got my immunity I'm afraid, which = none to very little. My glands are still sore and my throat very sore first thing in the morning. Which won't, of course, stop me from going outside and shovelling the TRUCK load (and I'm not exaggerating I'm afraid) of bark that's being delivered sometime. Oh well, it's only bark. Dirt is worse and I've shovelled my share of that over the last few years.

I'm working on a BIG scrap project at the moment - having a few days enforced absence from the computer sure get's the ideas flowing. Can't wait to show you when it's finished, but that's a little way off. And with *skips* brother arriving tomorrow, I don't know what we're doing for the next 4 days, so I'm not sure when I'll finish it.

Just be patient, my whole 2 readers lol.... I have so few readers, even if they were to bombard me with comments I wouldn't crash my email server lol...

Here's one I prepared earlier...

2006-06-08T17:17:00.000+09:30

I have not had the ENERGY nor the TIME to scrap this week, so here's one I prepared earlier.... SBB sketch challenge No. 14!

Shabby Princess zig-zag stitching Two-soon kit, Mindy Terasawa paper and ribbon, Miss Mint Kitty hawk alpha, His collection brown cardstock, Stitched photo corner by Sarah Batdorf ScrapArtist, whimsy and style freebie, Flowers from SBB's Nsd 06 free kit (recoloured). Created in Cs2

Meanwhile does anyone want to come over and edit these 30 odd photos from yesterday's session for me? I'm SO beat, I'm dragging my knuckles on the ground. Good thing I've got a gourmet dinner planned - frozen chips and chicken nuggets. rofl.... I've been craving junk food so bad since I've been sick.... the fattier, the chocolatier, the better.

As always, thanks for stopping by everyone :)

Yes, I am still here..

2006-06-06T16:53:00.000+09:30

Just very very very busy.....

Lots of stuff going on in my life at the moment. The twins have been sick, so I have been trying to help out there as much as I can. I am also a new "Auntie" my dear friend *K* had her baby boy yesterday, yay!! I got in to see him this afternoon and he's so yummy. We have had a nasty flu-type thing at home which we have hopefully shaken off. *skip*'s brother is finally coming for a long promised visit. Although *skip* saw him a couple of years ago for nanna's funeral, Tyson hasn't seen him since he was 18 months old, and Sam wasn't even a twinkle in my eye then... so it will be a wonderful chance to get to know each other. He's staying with us for 4 nights next week. SO excited.

Also next weekend we have to cram in a load of bark to finish off the front, but shhhh we want everyone to think it's always looked that good lol... afternoon tea with a nice couple, and dinner with another family, and a special delivery from my sister-in-law. And that's just Saturday!! All this on top of the usual things, new mum going home from hospital type help etc etc.

So if I continue to not BE here, you'll understand! :) Meanwhile if you urgently need me, a comment will get my attention if you don't have my email address - I'll still check mail every day - I'm too addicted not to! :)

Now I have to go and work on cleaning the house, hanging pictures etc etc so that it actually looks finished and fancy. What a waste - he's a bloke, he'll never know the difference lol.

Getting the layouts OUT!

2006-06-02T20:20:00.000+09:30

I've had these on my hard drive, patiently waiting, for a little while.... so without much ado...

Papers and elements all from Jomi{Designs} Move with Passion kit from The DigiShoppe or Scrap2gether, except for the arrow shape which is from her Indian Meadow kit. Stamped alpha US by Kim Christensen. Wild tear and inked actions from AtomicCupcake. Fonts used are Top Secret, Stamp Act and Highland Perk.

Background paper, hearts, clap alpha all by Meredith Fenwick. Rectangle stitching by Dani Mogstad, Triangle edge stitching from Laura Alphuche's Jack Frost kit. Mat paper and triangles from His Collection by Kim and Meredith. Hanging alpha by MandaBean. Staples and messy stitching by Jessica Bolton. Stamped alpha by Michelle Coleman. Fonts used are Charyn and Antique type...

This second layout is for a new subscriber challenge running at SBB - Mix and Match run by the lovely Meredith Fenwick. Lots of fun to use so many different things, and I just love this layout! :)

In other news, I've got a sore throat again, and Sammy is coughing quite nastily, so he stayed home from school with me today. We've been taking tissue salts and hoping to kill it before we actually get really sick. Lets hope. Another hugely busy weekend coming up and I don't have the time or energy to be sick.

In fantastic news, *skips* big brother is finally coming for a visit... he's never been down to see us, and he's not met Sammy, so it's very exciting. But we're trying to get some stuff finished and or cleaned up before he comes. But shhhhhh don't tell him because we want him to think we ALWAYS live like kings lol.

Have a great night and weekend everyone! :)

Chatty...

2006-06-01T17:34:00.000+09:30

Well, it got a bit chatty in here all of a sudden, didn't it! Thanks for stopping in everyone.

Quick post tonight, got work to do and stuff... but I'm behind on my layout posting, and I wanted to brighten up your day...

Isn't this the most gorgeously coloured kit? As soon as I opened it, I thought of this photo.. I don't know where I got that jumper from or what happened to it, but it's so cute!

Papers and elements from Fernlilis Moxie kit, except for the stitching which is from her Mother's apron kit. Fonts used are LoveMeAvenue and CBX-Watson. Inked and Wild tear actions from AtomicCupcake.

Catch you later everyone, and feel free to chat away without me! :)

Helll-oooooooooo

2006-05-30T10:34:00.000+09:30

Is there an echo in here, or am I really only talking to myself? *sniff*...

Oh well,

Hey, Cassie, I just finished this way cool layout that I am super happy with. Wanna See?

Yeah, sure, I'd love to see it.

Here it is :

Hey, that's such a cool layout... and isn't Sammy just the cutest!

He sure is.... I'm very proud of him for learning this, all in one day.

So you should be.

Hey, Cassie, wanna go grab a coffee after you hang out the washing?

I'd sure love to.

Good. Me too.

Those chubby baby cheeks

2006-05-26T09:53:00.000+09:30

All things considered, I had a lot of fun making this layout... it's a bit different for me and I'm happy with how it turned out! Hope you like it too!

Papers and elements from Beachhouse by Jomi{Designs} at the DigiShoppe, stitching and staples from Move with Passion also by Jomi. Floral frame from ScrapArtist. Fonts used are FoxScript and Vaguely Repulsive.

The sun just came out, so I'm off to do some housework - catch you all later!

Ooohhhh lookee, another layout!

2006-05-25T21:29:00.000+09:30

I'm so proud of this one, I finally used more than one photo on the page.... it's been a while since I did one of these lol..

So this is my first layout for my new CT, Jomi{Designs} and I'm really happy with how it turned out, and the elements, especially that gauze, were heaps of fun to work with... think I'll be using that again... Hang on, I already did, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see it! ;)

Papers and elements from Beachhouse by Jomi{Designs} at the DigiShoppe, except for the staples which are from her Move with Passion kit, and the Alpha is by Christie Putz from ScrapArtist. Fonts used are Vaguely Repulsive and AL Outdoors.

Have a great day/evening, where-ever you are, I'm off to bed now.... :)

My 200th post!!

2006-05-25T17:38:00.000+09:30

I somehow feel that I should have a huge fanfare, tooting and whistling and some dancing girls for this, my 200th post.... who knew that I'd keep this up so long, and make so many great friends along the way....

I'm sorry, but I'm too tired. I know I say that a lot, but today it's especially true :) The dancing girl is DEFINITELY out of the question lol...

I was doing a happy dance this morning, although I'm sure that I'll get in trouble for it.... You know how sometimes it's a good idea to break bad news to someone in public, so they can't get too angry? Well, here goes...

Dad, I got you into a magazine!! *ducks*

Hooray!! Good mail day today, 2 more acceptances - and one rejection... no-one wants to publish my mug, but my Dad and young Charli are hits! lol... So I've been spending some more of my precious energy trotting all over the internet to find copies of the layouts to remove... I think I got every pesky last one of them ;)

So I suppose good news is in turn for this post...

In other news, I am officially back working for Fernlili.... yay! She got me back, and I'm very happy.... you had probably worked it out though cos those last two layouts are a bit of a giveaway.

Scrapping goals...

I did a little spiel about my goals yesterday with my breaking the magic 200 barrier... so here they are...

Get published... TICK
Get on a Creative team (or 3 lol) TICK
Get onto my 2nd page of comments at SBB..... TICK
Break the 20 comments at SBB..... TICK
Get published in an international publication.... well I suppose DMM counts, but I was thinking more CK or SS Digital.... so no tick just yet...

My last one was a bit of a shock out of the blue 2 days ago...

Get head-hunted by a designer..... TICK!

Monique, aka Jomi{Designs} who I knew from ScrapArtist when I first started digital, tapped me on the shoulder in SBB and said, hey, come scrap with me... and I said YES!

Well, with Amy dropping me (lol luv ya hun!) I did have a spot free....

So there you go, there's my good news, and if you're nice and patient I'll have some layouts up to match that good news hopefully soon.... have to go start dinner first etc.

And of course, you know what this means.... I get another precious BLINKIE!! Yay me!!

Being green....

2006-05-24T20:06:00.000+09:30

Don't you just love these colours! I had so much fun with this layout.... I've got so much to tell you all, but I'm a bit strapped for time tonight, so I'll just have to tease you instead....

Papers from Fernlilis new Olive Juice pack, available in her store. Font used is AL Professor.

One thing that I DO have time to tell you tonight is that I just set a new PB (Personal Best) at Scrapbook-bytes.... 20 comments on a layout... I made it onto my 3rd page, and I've never even come close to that before. So I'm one happy chappy at the moment... kinda makes up for the previous layout which got a whole 3 comments. *ouch*. It really wasn't THAT bad...

I did have a big long blog lined up for you, but some stuff is happening around here that I have to deal with, so you'll all have to keep the anticipation going.

Layout time...

2006-05-23T19:16:00.000+09:30

Well, here's one anyway.... there's another one to come, but I don't want to overwhelm you, but keep you coming back for more!

Papers from a gorgeous new paper pack by Fernlili called Estate sale... I just fell in love with these colours and worn patterns. Well worth a sticky-beak. Tab also by Fernlili, from her Dirty little scrapbook kit freebie. Alpha by Jan Crowley, inked action, as always, from AtomicCupcake.... Fonts used were some different ones this time...Saeculum, SF Scribbled Sans and SM MiddlisM.

So now I have to go and do the little critters readers... Sam astonished us all last week, he came home and his teacher had jumped him up a few levels again, and he was on what they call 'Solos', which are easy novels. No more picture books. It was due to happen, he's a skilled and voracious reader, just like Tyson. I am SO grateful for that.... to give your children the gift of reading, and reading well, and to see it become a joy for them, is a wonderful thing.

More news tomorrow, so you just might have to stay tuned....

And another shout out to AmyK, who made it through the latest round of UDS... You go girl!

Fear challenge, Week One...

2006-05-23T10:30:00.000+09:30

As previously discussed, here is my Week One entry. Many thanks to Amy who gave me more courage to do this than I knew I had.... and had the courage to do it herself.

I'm not sure where the next 4 exercises will take me, but I already feel good after doing this one... I know that these are valid fears, and indeed, my fears, but they just don't seem like strong enough reasons for holding myself back anymore.... maybe I've out grown them? Maybe I've had them for so long, that they aren't even my fears anymore?

I think, maybe, because whether we like it or not, scrapping, and art in general, is about trends, popularity. Criticism. Names. I don't want to be a name, but I don't want to be no-one either... man, I could just cut and paste most of Amy's blog because that's just how I feel too... I'm not asking to be THE one.. but I crave some recognition, and I am afraid that by admitting that, I sound like a showoff... and I'm not. I'm not as terribly insecure as I once was, and I'm not sure when the change happened, but now it's more like, oh, I don't know. If you know, let me know, and then we'll all know.... you know? Especially if you want to make money out of your art, because then you are subjected to opinions, markets, whatever... it stops being about creating for you, and becomes creating for the market. And I do know that happens, because we know a guy who's a selling oil painter, and he is forced to do the same style of painting over and over, because it sells.... now he hates painting. Which is so sad. Tragic.

Art should be an expression that brings joy to both the artist and the viewer, even though each of them comes to it with different life experiences etc... they can both get something from the art process....

Ok, now I'm really rambling....

Ta-da!!

HA! beat silly blogger who didn't like my layout!

Alpha by Kim Christensen and papers by Jen Wilson :)

Motherhood....

2006-05-19T17:45:00.000+09:30

Means a lot at different times... but at this time, motherhood meant this.

Ok, to be honest I was just too exhausted to get up, but hey, it's a great memory nevertheless.... lol. Not 100% sure of the date of the photo, but I'm pretty sure he was only a week or two old.. Awwwww....

Papers and lots of elements by Jen Wilson, from her Seasonal Scraps Cd and also her Simple Florist. Kim Christensen stamped M and brads from Dirty Shirt. Michelle Coleman tags from Summer Whimsy from Scrapartist. Background stamp by Dianne Rigdon, Rococo brushes. Inked action from Atomic Cupcake. Fonts used are Typewriter, Vaguely Repulsive and Love me Avenue.

I am so GLAD to have posted this layout so that I can officially stop fiddling with it. My computer is aching and groaning at me, I've tried SO many different things on this layout. Off. On. Delete. Resize. Move. Shifting layers.

So now it's time to go make a cake. Later!!

Ex-haus-ted.....

2006-05-19T13:51:00.000+09:30

I don't even have the energy to blog. I was up photo editing until late last night, then a full on canteen session today. I have a jam-packed weekend with stuff I have to do now to get ready for it. My legs and back are aching so bad, but at least it is reasonably sunny and warm outside... that is good. Very good! :)

Catch you all later everyone.

Can't be lopsided...

2006-05-17T22:49:00.000+09:30

Had to even things up....

Handsome little brats of mine, aren't they!!

I'm off to kiss them goodnight and then off to bed myself... it's been a long long day and there's another one tomorrow! :)

Awwww......

2006-05-17T21:34:00.000+09:30

Get ready for an adorable photo... but it's not of the twins. This was from my own shoot on the weekend....

He's growing up just too fast...

Gonna have to scrap this one, but meanwhile I'll just enjoy it. (I'll post some of the twins later if Mum says it's ok!) :)

Oh yeah, I had to cut their hair on the weekend, it was getting wayyy to long and ratty. Sam has some massive cowlick thing going as it gets longer so the only way to keep it under control is No3 all over. I'd prefer No4, but I dropped it and broke it, so 3 it is.... lol

Woohoo and whew and whoa....

2006-05-17T16:18:00.000+09:30

Woohoo.... Scrapbooking Memories picked up the layout I did last week of Charli and Jessie.... so stoked... had to ring Charli's mum straight away.

Whew... I just finished a semi-official photo shoot of the twins.... Far out. They did NOT want to co-operate but I think I snuck some gems in there. Time will tell.

Whoa.... I shot 144 raw photos. Now I have to go through them all and start editing. I'll come up for air later! :)

Meanwhile, all you creative types out there might want to check this out. Amy and I are talking about doing it, and you are all welcome to join in. HERE. We'll probably go back to Week one and try to catch up.

Look, I scrapped again!!

2006-05-16T16:24:00.000+09:30

Wohoo for me, in all my messing around with the PC yesterday, I actually managed to do a layout as well...

I used Ashley's new Glam Chic kit - gorgeous stamped alpha in this, and such funky colours!! Fonts used were Milk & Cereal, Elise and My Old Remington.

I got another layout 3/4 finished, but today has been a mad-house of errands and I just haven't gotten to put those last touches on it... maybe tomorrow. I've got a fresh lot of pain-killers and a cup of tea and I'm off for a lay down! :)

Oh, btw, I did a teeny bit of shopping yesterday and bought a membership/subscription thingy to SBB... I belong now! lol....

Puzzling...

2006-05-15T11:47:00.000+09:30

Can someone please tell me why I am trotting all over the net for the Digi-chick treasure hunt? I don't even LIKE purple... Hmmm....

Can't stop to chat, I've found 15 links, only 11 to go :)

Back again....

2006-05-15T10:20:00.000+09:30

Hopefully for a while this time! :)

*skip* did a trojan job of rebuilding the pc, despite all the hardware problems that he encountered. Now I just get to reinstall 1000 fonts, all my photoshop actions and re-tag everything. Fun for the whole family in fact! I might even get some scrapping done.

This layout I actually did before the grand re-build, I just didn't have net access to post it at the time... so, ta-da!! He was a cutie then, still is now!! :)

Papers and elements from Ashley's Freestyle set, from her store at Ashscraps. Dots are my own though... aren't brushes fun sometimes?

Keep your eyes peeled, there might be more later :)

Photo+Scrap 5

2006-05-11T09:09:00.000+09:30

Ok, you have NO idea how hard it is to get online at the moment.... luckily I had emailed this layout to Amy so there was a copy out in cyberspace, because, you guessed, pc problems AGAIN.

I kinda broke the rules on this one again, I like breaking rules rofl.... I wasn't inspired by one individual piece in the gallery. I decided to change my format as part of telling my brain it was ok to do something different and there were lots of great rectangle layouts in the gallery, Amy's Ninja girl series especially! and then I came across a thread in the forum about learning how to quirk which included sticking things on that you wouldn't normally put together... hence the pale blue paper and the *ahem* hand drawn doodles!! woohoo for me.

I can't do proper credits, just off the top of my head as all my kits are, of course, on the other pc. Eeek...

Paper is mostly Jen Wilson, as is ah and the rivets. The frame is Trish Jones, the heart is Dani Mogstad, the clips are from Jessica Bolton. The stitching and the leaf are mine. Not too sure about the rest.

Anyway, enjoy what I do to relax.

I'll try and blog more later, but I'm on a mac for the first time in over 10 years, and quite frankly, I'm struggling.... :(

NSD Hangover?

2006-05-10T11:33:00.000+09:30

Do you think that it's possible? Not for me, as I didn't scrap all weekend, but suddenly although there are plenty of layouts in the gallery at SBB comments are fairly thin on the ground. I know, I'm not a TOP scrapper, but I'd gotten used to getting more than 1 comment lol...

So you can all enjoy my newest creations. Although the first one isn't so newest. I made it last week and had to alter the journalling due to *skip* looking at the picture and saying, "But doesn't that look just like Andy?" Andy being my next up brother - 12 years older than me. And the only one of my brothers/sister that *skip* knows really well, as he worked for him for about 5 months just after we got married, for which we were very grateful as we badly needed the money. Ok, digressing a bit here....

The second layout was before dinner last night. I was scrapping up a storm, really... Had a lot of fun.

Ok, now I'll just be shush and put up the layouts, right?

Papers and elements mostly from His Collection by Kim and Meredith. Question mark from Distressed Alpha stamps by Michelle Coleman. Inked Action and Wild Tear Action from AtomicCupcake. Fonts used were Jsl Ancient and 4990810.

Papers and most elements from Jen Wilsons Seasonal Scraps CD. Shmootzy stamps from ScrapArtist. Fonts used are AL Sandra and Snowshoe.

So I finally got my act together and am working on another of Jessica's Photo+Scrap challenges... the challenging part being that I am NOT QUIRKY ENOUGH!!

It needs some more tweaking, and then I'll get it up and out of my head, I hope. Arghhhh.

Moving right along...

2006-05-09T14:22:00.000+09:30

I know that not everyone shopped up a storm this weekend, but I had a leetle Jen Wilson coupon, which matched up with a beautiful gift voucher to sbb - Thanks again Amy, you're the sweetest!! So I finally got to get what I've been eyeing off for a little while now, with a bit of a bonus too....

To explain... I'd been seeing the individual packs from the seasonal cd on sale at her store and liking them more and more, until I worked out it was kinda better value to wait and get it as a full cd from Sbb.... although the 949 mb download did stress me a bit with my wireless dodgy connection.

And another funny story - I'd seen those elle-pha packs for ages, and always thought that they were animal prints. Don't ask me why, I'm blaming my other monitor... Now I'm working on the lcd, everything is so much clearer. And so I bought them. All three of them in fact! :) I went to do some other shopping and missed their cut-off time for the sale.... This time difference thing sucks.

I did, however, snag ScrapArtists beautiful Summer Whimsy kit as well as the SBB one.

The worst part, however, is that I haven't scrapped a single inch since Friday... ouch. Life keeps on getting in the way I'm afraid. I'll try harder. Maybe this afternoon, when I get home with the kidlets, I'll feel more in the mood.

And keep your eyes out for the next issue of SC, No 30. I got a comp copy yesterday, and it's great! *nudge nudge wink wink* Now I just have to wait IMpatiently for my FK cheque which they said they would send out 2 weeks ago.... *grumble grumble*

Tagged again :-)

2006-05-08T16:37:00.000+09:30

I didn't duck fast enough I think.... Sandi tagged me

In my Fridge
1. Milk, lots and lots of
2. Apple juice
3. Left-over cake
4. Lettuce that doesn't fit the lettuce holder thingy
5. Cheese

In my Closet
1. My new coat!
2. A heater
3. The boy's art supplies
4. An enormous stuffed toy tiger
5. Dust bunnies!!

In my handbag
1. Wallet - man-style
2. Sudoku book, with pen
3. Mobile phone
4. Mini - Diary
5. Lots of tissues!

In my Car
1. CD’s
2. Street Directory
3. Spare blanket
4. Rope that we still have yet to return... ooops.
5. Big stack of "Green" shopping bags

On my DVD / Video player
1. My new Pride and Prejudice DVD, Patience pays off, the price finally came down got it for $15.99 - half price!
2. Garfield
3. Finding Nemo
4. Robots
5. The incredibles, and the list goes on....

I tag
1. Sharon
2. Deb F
3. Ash
4.& 5. Not that they ever look at my blog, but Meredith Fenwick and Kim Christensen.... I read thier blogs EVERY DAY!!:)

Thanks Sandi, that was fun!! What a boring life I lead! :)

The hit of the season....

2006-05-07T16:30:00.000+09:30

Ok, so that's my Georgette Heyer moment over and done with... lol

But honestly, the party was a huge success. Despite a disappointing lot of cancellations due to sickness/work etc at the last minute, those who did come had a total ball - the food, the games, the pass-the-parcel, it all went off so smoothly, and as far as I can tell, everyone had a great time. Well, they all said they did, and for once I really did believe them - you can't fake that kind of fun.

I'd share photos, but a) I have to edit them, and b) I have to pick the concealed identies ones... you know how it goes. :)

Although I was dog--tired last night, and even today I admit to not feeling like lifting more than one finger around the house. Not to mention that the weather is less than pleasant.

*skip* is off enjoying an afternoon's golf, hopefully not TOO wet and windy, and the boys are x-boxing... so I'm just surfing around. Will catch up on comments and stuff later, but I have to shout out to SHARON who got Digi-pick of the day, and not surprisingly cos this is just an amazing layout... go check it out!

This is the party queen, signing out...

Quick update....

2006-05-05T13:39:00.000+09:30

Ok, as I'm madly making my house beautiful for 20 women tomorrow, I just thought I'd let you know that I'm still alive. I'm i-tuning some cd's for tomorrows "ambience", Jamiroquai and Michael Buble.... yummy.

And *skip* gave into my pleadings and let me go back to Ikea for some house "bling" as it were... I dragged the twins and their Mum down there yesterday and we had a ball! A la Sharon, here's a little taste.... my photos are never as good as hers, but such is life.

Of course, to make things more interesting, Tyson is home "sick". I don't think it's serious however :)

So I can't stop to type any longer, I still have a chocolate Mousse cake to make, and the bathrooms to scrub top to bottom.

Later everyone!! :)

I'm not saying.....

2006-05-03T17:30:00.000+09:30

that I need a holiday....

BUT...

Papers and staples (including flowers) from Iron Orchid Designs Felina freebie. Alpha from Ashley Olson's Faithfulness kit, stitching from her Kindness kit (recoloured). Clock stamp by Jessica Bolton. Photo overlay by Robin Carlton (teenie bikini). Wild tear action from AtomicCupcake. Fonts used are LoveMeAvenue, Arial and Antique Type.

Well, maybe I do.... after this Saturday I think I'll have earnt it! :)

Nearly nine...

2006-05-02T17:38:00.000+09:30

I've had this layout in my head for a while, wasn't sure if I had the right photo or not... and of course, the events of this morning spurred it on as well...

NEway, here it is...

Papers from IOD's April freebie with the Scrapartist newsletter, Alpha by Jan Crowley from TheDigiChick, Photo overlay by Trish Jones. Fonts used are Anorexia and vaguely repulsive.

This layout took hardly any time to make... but I still love it! :)

Meanwhile my evening is being taken up with cooking Corned Beef (Dad's secret recipe) and helping Tyson with research for a project on Emperor Penguins that he was suppsed to have finished last term... first I heard about it, but anyway.... ;)

My guys.....

2006-05-02T13:55:00.000+09:30

Drive me insane as they may, and biased as I might be, my boys would have to be some of the best boys going around....

I woke up (late surprise surprise) at 8am this morning, which is the first day back for Term 2. We normally leave for school about 8.20 - it's only a very short drive, but the traffic issues can make it take 15 minutes if you leave too late.

Ok, digressing.... and I slept late because I sat in bed and coughed until about 1/2 am... so I'm pretty tired.

I was pretty sure that the boys had at least made breakfast, as they had been moving around for a while... but I opened up the door to find them

BREAKFASTED

DRESSED

TEETH BRUSHED

HAIR COMBED

SHOES ON

BAGS READY....

Tyson had found their drink bottles and filled them with water, and had dug out their lunchbags and put his recess in. And then, in case he didn't have anything better to do, he'd written me a note, telling me about what he'd done, so I'd know what I had left to do. An illustrated note, no less.

Insert beaming motherly pride here...... :D

I just had to record the moment for posterity. It may never happen again! ;)

Baby Journal!

2006-05-01T21:07:00.000+09:30

Finally (I hear Sandi say lol...) the Baby Journal I've been making is finished!! Can't wait to show it off, I'm very proud of it all (If I do say so myself *grin*)

She's been told she's having a boy, and we're ALL in trouble if they got it wrong! lol... She's an artist, has studied art at uni etc, and so I thought an altered art journal would be perfect, she can stick in photos, sketch, write randomly, whatever she wants... no dotted line fill in the blanks here. Although I have tagged 2 pages for Baby Shower guests to sign in, as part of her memory of the day.

This has been carefully wrapped in bubblewrap and wrapping paper and will now become the centre of the "pass-the-parcel".... after the game will be a good chance to pass around my Derwents and get everyone's autograph - should make the page look pretty for her. :)

I'm adding to the to-do list, trying to finalize food etc etc... Getting a bit stressed about running out. I'm also madly chasing down photos for the other game I had planned, which is a name that baby game, with a prize for the winner. Although I might have to pick up a couple of prizes as I'd be horrified if we had a draw and only one prize :O

Well, that's about it for now I think... I've got lists to do, supplies to chase down. Have a good night everyone! :)

I scrapped - again!

2006-04-29T15:39:00.000+09:30

Woohoo! Anyone who's had a bad case of the blahs knows this fantastic feeling. Although I have to admit, cleaning out the cupboards still holds a lot of appeal, it feels good to have scrapped. I have heaps of ideas for layouts floating around, but not much ideas for execution, yet.

I used Ashley Olson's new Delicious Breeze papers and alpha. Fonts used are Pine Casual, Arial, Porcelain, Vladimir Script, Carpenter and Bosshole. I had a lot of fun making this word art.

I used Michelle's lovely Simply Spring Mini kit off her blog (thanks Michelle!) for the papers and elements. Doodles are from DDE's Spring doodle download collection. Fonts used are Eliot Swonger, Arial and Digs my Hart.

I guess I'm in a bit of a pastel, softer kind of mood at the moment. Well, we'll see how long it lasts. But now I have 2 or 3 garbage bags of clothes that need re-sizing, sorting and storing calling me. Lame, aren't I!

Makes me stronger

Gone a bit quiet.....

Some pretties to share...

ScrapbookGraphics!

Humble....

Super sized S*I*G*H

I'm only gonna tell you this once....

It all happened yesterday...

Remember me?

WOW!!

Is it too much to ask??

Cute alert....

Calendar fun!

What, another one?

*sigh*

Bargain Alert....

Hello there blogworld.....

Vintage Romance....

Awww cutie ahead....

Keeping up the pace...

Ddddddrumroll please...

Busy scrapper....

Funky blue...

Scrap and scrap and scrap!

Kickin' it up

Icky Sicky!

Blech.....

Lifting ME!

Busy as a bee....

The gr-EAT templ-ATE deb-ATE....

Backing UP!!

More layouts :)

Thar' she blows!!

Vintage and Vabulous, Dah-lings.....

Widget fun!

Summer heat...

Day off!!

Ex-haus-ted.....

Sunshine!!

Cool off!

Ka-ching!!

Whoa.....

Eclectic and gorgeous!!

Too cool!!

Happy chicken dance !!!!

Whew....

Behind on my blogging...

Scrap artist anniversary party!

Official!!

Neglect...

Well, that was fast...

Things that make you go... say what?

Ahhh......

Scrappin for fun!

How could I miss this...

I'm ba-ack!!

Happy, but exhausted.

Scrappin' fool....

PDW hype!

Strawberry JONES

Rolling along...

More layouts to share...

I take it back...

iTunes fun...

She's back again...

More tourist layouts!

Big honking TOOT!!!

Here's one I prepared earlier...

Yes, I am still here..

Getting the layouts OUT!

Chatty...

Helll-oooooooooo

Those chubby baby cheeks

Ooohhhh lookee, another layout!

My 200th post!!

Being green....

Layout time...

Fear challenge, Week One...

Motherhood....

Ex-haus-ted.....

Super sized SIG*H

sigh