Greetings from Annie

Whoah!!

2010-12-29T06:07:00.000-08:00

I apparently haven't updated my blog since 2009! I guess, that since I'm such a Facebook devotee, I sorta let the blog slip a little. And what a bonus! The blog header is a Christmas design, so I'm all good!

Busy times here, as usual. Kids, work, card making and selling etc. Never enough hours in the day.

What's happening with us? Do you have a few minutes?

I'm still working a few days each week at my "paid job" as an ICU nurse. Love it! The rest of the time, I'm working to run this little operation we call a family. Sitting at my desk making cards in whatever time is leftover. I'm also very busy trying to support my Dad, since he took over the role of full time carer to my Mum in October 2009. She had a stroke and now has an Acquired Brain Injury. It's very sad. She's no longer my "Mum" but is now a very lost and confused elderly woman. Dad needs to be there for her 24/7, and it's ageing him by the day... :-( I started selling my cards at local markets last summer, but had to stop over winter as we got too busy with the kids sports. I have recently started the market scene again, and it's very lucrative.

Steve is still working in Theatre, but is very over it. Hopefully he'll take a job with a company that is chasing him to be a sales rep. They say that a change is as good as a holiday! In his spare time he's pretty busy with our house renovations. I had no idea he could be so "handy"!!

The kids are gorgeous and growing up before our eyes! Lara starts High School next year!

Lara is nearly 12 and is such a gorgeous girl (inside and out). She will probably get braces in the next 12 months which she is looking forward to (!!). She has a wonderful group of girls as her BFF's, and I couldn't be more proud of the young woman she is becoming. She totally aced Grade 6, so I just hope that her school work ethic continues on to High School.

Jacob (the middle child) is a very stereotypical middle child! I love him to bits. He chose to not play cricket this summer, but concentrate on swimming instead. Having had no swimming lessons in his life, he made it through to the Regional Swimming Championship last summer. He did really well, and now wants to perfect his technique, so he takes "stroke correction" lessons each week. I can see that he's going to be one of those kids that spends his whole life around water. He is frightfully clever, with an, almost, photographic memory. I imagine that he'll be able to achieve anything he sets his mind to.

Oscar has had an awesome year. He's like the class clown of the family. His sense of humour has me in stitches every day. He's my baby and probably always will be, even though he's bound to start rejecting my need for cuddles any day soon. He's such a delight.

We welcomed two little dogs into our family last Christmas, and they are still a source of joy each day ( as well as a source of dismay when they dig holes in the Sir Walter turf, or pull washing off the line and rip it to bits). We all love our two little boys and can't imagine what we ever did before they came along.

So, that's about it for us right now. We are really enjoying our family unit. The kids are all very independant, which enables Steve and I to leave them home for 45 mins every evening and we go and walk the dogs. It gives us some "alone" time to reconnect and have a talk without interruptions.

I think that's us up to date! Hope 2011 finds you happy and well! xx

Baby cards, and a giveaway!

2009-06-14T00:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I know it's been a long time... I have no excuses. Well, I do sorta, but I'm sure you're sick of my excuses! All you need to know is that I'm back, baby!

Speaking of babies, how about some baby cards? These cards all use the "Baby Set" from RW Laser Cuts.

Wanna see more? There's another card using this set over at the RW Laser Cuts blog. In fact, if you pop on over there and simply leave a comment on this post, you can win the very gorgeous "Baby Set" for your very own!

This is the "Baby Set" you could win:

Good luck! I hope you win this beautiful little set. Be sure to check the RW Laser Cuts blog regularly, as there are many challenges, giveaways and competitions coming up soon!

2S4Y card and some news!!

2009-04-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I bet you all thought I'd dropped off the face of the earth? No, just busy with a few projects and domestic goddess duties!
Today I finally got the chance to play along with my favourite card sketch site 2 Sketches 4 You. The owl card below is based on Laura's Sketch #24. Papers are from Pink Paislee and the adorable owl is from RW Laser Cuts.

This next card was made for someone special, and was made from scraps on my desk (there's never any shortage of scraps!). Again, the flowers are from RW Laser Cuts.

Now, for the news! Be sure to keep checking the RW Laser Cuts blog. In a couple of weeks there will be some exciting challenges and some blog candy giveaways. Your chance to get your hands on some of these adorable laser cut lovelies. There will be new stock coming soon, and they are just adorable!

New look!

2009-03-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

I caved and got a busy background for my blog. Seems that I need to make a new header now too...

Not much happening here at the moment. I'm into Week 2 of my 4 weeks of annual leave. It's lovely, I really wish I didn't have to work. Unfortunately I like to spend money which means that I DO have to work. Oh well.

The great Stash Project is no more. I got a whole heap of new stuff and couldn't wait to use it all. I know, I'm hopeless. The intention was there though.

I have to share this pic. Jacob got new Footy Boots the other day. His first pair. He's so proud of them. I asked him to give me an action shot and this is what he came up with!

Stash project update...

2009-03-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

6 down, 24 to go! And, it occurs to me that I had better hurry up and meet my target since I ordered some new papers a few days ago. When they arrive I will be chomping at the bit to use them!

Here are the six cards I made on Monday. Forgive the "same-ness", that's what you get when you are using up papers!

In other news, my Weight Watcher's journey is going very well! I have lost 9kg so far, and hope to crack the magical 10kg barrier this weekend. I feel fantastic, and have a renewed interest in clothes and fashion. I haven't had to buy too many new items, as I find that I am fitting back into heaps of clothes that I got too big to wear.

Thanks for stopping by today, I can't tell you how much it means to me!

Stash project.

2009-03-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

My scrap pile is threatening to take over my scrap space. A few months ago I organised all my scraps into colour groups. This is as far as I got!
So, I am now challenging myself to make 30 cards (yes, that's 3 zero) from my scraps. NO cutting into whole sheets of patterned paper. I will need to use whole sheets of Bazzill cardstock from time to time, but that doesn't count.
Who wants to join me?

Holidays!!~!

2009-03-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Yay! I am officially on holidays. I have 4 weeks annual leave from work. It feels good. I don't think I'll be doing anything too exciting. It's mainly all about not having to go to work.

I attended the RW Getaway last weekend. These Getaway's are soooo much fun. Days and days of uninterrupted cardmaking, being fed, drinking, laughing and just relaxing. I got 31 cards made at this last one. I don't know if that beats my record from the last one, I'll have to look back at old blog posts. It was so much fun. The next one is in June, and I don't know if I'll be able to attend. I'll have to do a lot of sucking up to Steve... I'll certainly go to the November one.

Here are a couple of cards that I made while I was away:

Lara had her 10th birthday party on Friday night. She's growing up so fast!

Wow... March????

2009-03-04T02:46:00.000-08:00

I know, I know... I am a terrible, terrible blogger. I have had people nagging me left right and centre, but I just haven't been creating anything, which means that I haven't really had time to get to the blog. I promise things will be different from now on. I am going to the Very Special Kids Getaway this weekend, so I hope to have a massive load of cards to share with you soo

The kids are back at school now, and I am ever so proud of them. We had Parent-Teacher interviews a couple of weeks ago, and all 3 received glowing reviews

I have been attending Weight Watchers since January. I am pleased to report that I have lost over 8kg in 7 weeks. I feel awesome and am fitting into clothes 1-2 dress sizes lower. Woo Hoo. Watch this space, the total will increase in weeks to come

Here are a couple of cards I've made in the past weeks. My old computer died, along with many files that I hadn't backed up. I hope the IT nerds will be able to recover them for me, but we will see...

It's all over for another year!

2008-12-26T17:02:00.000-08:00

Phew! Christmas 2008 is done and dusted. Our Christmas day was lovely. Even the night shift I had to work was not a tough one! Hopefully now, our lives will settle into a peaceful, laid back routine as we cruise our way through January. We will spend most of our days at the pool I think, as January is our hottest month.

Here are a couple of cards that I made the other day. Nothing special, just quick and easy little numbers

Merry Christmas to all

2008-12-24T04:35:00.000-08:00

Hello! Once again I must apologise for my absence. I did actually make a couple of cards last night, but I haven't got around to photographing them. I have been working like a woman possesed.

Merry Christmas!!!! It's almost Christmas here, about 20 mins to go, so surely Santa will put in an appearance soon, and we can all go to bed!!

I think this is the last year that Lara (nearly 10) will believe in Santa. She kept pestering me in Target the other day, asking if Santa was real. I fobbed her off for as long as I could. Finally I said that it was like God (God help me...), some people believe and some don't, but you have to believe to receive...

We are going across to my Mum and Dad's tomorrow. I have to work a night shift on Christmas night, so we will have an easy "out" if things get too heavy tomorrow. I love them dearly, but can only handle them in small doses. I have long ago come to terms with the fact that, if my mother and sister were work colleagues, I would want nothing to do with them, alas they are family, and I am stuck with them. LOL That sounds terrible, but this is the way it is. My Dad however, him and I are very alike and I would gladly spend time in his company every day of my life. So... wish me luck as I spend some time with them all tomorrow. Next year I want to go away with some friends for Xmas. Quiet, non stress time, at a beach. Bliss.

Whatever you are doing for Christmas Day, I wish you a fantastic day, filled with good company, good friends, good food and drinks, and above all, LOVE.

See you soon!

Naughty or nice??? I'm naughty...

2008-12-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

I'm naughty because I'm a shocking blogger... November was the last time I blogged, and I was on quite a roll there for a while. I am so sorry. It's just that when I am not creating stuff, I forget to blog. I have been busy with domestic goddess duties, Christmas activities, and work. I don't think I've made a card for 2 weeks now. I am missing it like crazy, but sometimes the real life gets in the way.

I have been working a lot since my annual leave. Christmas and school holidays are looming, and I'd love some extra cash, so I've been working a lot. I am hankering for some family time away somewhere nice, and so I have been offerring myself for extra shifts to squirrel away some money for the same. Dunno where we'll go yet, or when, but it will be just divine when we get there. With all the news of horrific things happening to families and children lately, I am feeling the need to gather my darlings close. Even the Hubster, who has been an angel lately. LOL

Okay, I promise to be back real soon with some cards to share. I am keen to get creative with my camera, thanks to Renee from RW Blog. She inspires me beyond belief. If I get some great shots, I may even scrap a layout or two. OMG!!! There I said it!!!

See you soon.

Making lists

2008-11-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

I saw this on another blog today, and thought it was a bit of fun.

This is the Aussie version of this list. The idea is that you copy the list and bold all the things you've done - and of course unbold those that you haven't. I have chosen to colour the things I haven't done in RED, for the sake of clarity.

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited The Great Barrier Reef.
5. Stood under the stars in the outback, the real outback – think Uluru.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to the Gold Coast’s theme parks – anyone, you take your pick.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sung a solo.
11. Bungee jumped, jumped out of plane, been paragliding or hang-gliding, hot air ballooning – you get the idea, you’ve been hundreds of metres about earth in a seemingly flimsy contraption.
12. Visited Melbourne.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Had a child. Raised a child. Worked with children.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Been to the Snowy Mountains. (Note: For those of you reading this who aren't Aussies, yes, we do actually have some mountains which have very imaginatively been named 'The Snowy Mountains'... probably because there are so few places in Australia where it snows)
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Visited the Brett Whitely studio in Surry Hills, Sydney.
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Been backpacking.
23. Taken a mental health day.
24. Been buried in sand with just your head and toes sticking out.
25. Held a possum, kangaroo or koala – or any other native Australian animal.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Been in a fun run.
28. Been on the Blue Mountain cableway.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Played, or watched, summer cricket.
32. Sailed, kayaked or canoed our beautiful waterways.
33. Seen the Daintree.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Visited an Aboriginal settlement or mission.
36. Learned a new language.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Toured the Sydney Opera House.
39. Tried rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), abseiling or just simple bushwalking.
40. Visit Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.
41. Been to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
42. Sunbaked at Bondi.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Broome.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone fishing.
49. Seen Tasmania’s old growth forests.
50. Been to the top of Q1, on the Gold Coast.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Driven the Great Ocean Road.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Norfolk Island.
60. Served in a soup kitchen.
61 Sold Girl Guide biscuits.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone jet boating.
66. Visited Port Arthur.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Australian War Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Federation Square.
74. Been on the Murray River.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Travelled, or climbed, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Katoomba.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited St Mary’s Cathedral, in Sydney.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Been to Hermannsburg.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited Parliament House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. (EEEEEEEW)
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Saved a pet.
95. Been to the site of the Eureka Stockade.
96. Swum in The Whitsundays.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a mobile phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

I guess I have done more than I thought!

2S4Y - Kazan's sketch #14

2008-11-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Time is flying by so fast at the moment. I think the kids have only 3 or 4 weeks of school left until they finish for the year. Where has the year gone??

I got busy yesterday and made a card based on Kazan's sketch #14 over at 2 Sketches 4 you. I was a bit hesitant as I started, as I had the feeling that my mojo was going to desert me, but I'm happy with how the card turned out, so I think the mojo is still in the building! The card uses new MME Christmas papers. I'm so OVER Christmas cards that I couldn't bring myself to turn this into yet another one, so it's just a generic "hi"!

My two weeks of annual leave are nearly over. I haven't done anything special, just been a homebody, and enjoyed not having to think about work. It's always a bit stressful, as Steve and I juggle our rosters to ensure that one of us is always home with the kids (apart from school hours of course). We often have some clashes that require a bit of creative rostering, so it's been lovely to have a couple of weeks break. I'm not back to work until Wednesday, so I still have a few days ahead of me.

It's raining here today (YAY), so I'm planning a day of making cards and perhaps a bit of daytime TV. Kazzy, what have you done to me?? My dear friend Karen and I often chat via msn during the day, and she'll often let me know what Oprah is up to! I tuned in the other day, and then the next day... I'm really not a fan of daytime TV, so I hope it doesn't become a habit...

Thanks for stopping by!

Scraps

2008-11-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

I decided to force myself away from new papers this weekend, and challenged myself NOT to cut into any whole pieces. Instead, I worked from my scraps drawer. I find this challenging, as I have become quite lazy and usually use matching papers from the same range on my cards. It's been so much fun to mix and match all these papers that don't belong together. I've made quite a few cards, but alas, haven't made much of a dent on my scraps pile.

Wanna see what I've done??

Do you see our lovely grass? Today was the first day we have been allowed to walk on it. It's 2 weeks old now, so we reckon another week and the kids can be set free on it. They can't wait. They had a quick run and a roll on it today!

Thanks for stopping by!

2S4Y Bonus Sketch

2008-11-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

Look at these papers, aren't they scrumptious?? You'll be seeing a lot more of them. They are the gorgeous embossed "Laundry Line" series from My Mind's Eye. I can't get enough of them. The little owl is from RW Lasercuts. He's very sweet, isn't he?

This card is based on the bonus Sketch by Kristen over at 2S4Y. Thanks Kristen, this was fun!!

Makeover!

2008-11-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

I thought it was time to give my sad old blog a makeover. I fiddled around with photoshop for a while, until the frustration grew to the point of tears (I exaggerate, but it was close). So, I made a new header the old fashioned way, the way that suits me best: with paper. I decided to make it festive. This will ensure that I change it regularly. However, don't say I didn't warn you that you may still be looking at my little Christmas tree in May!! LOL

Let's see, what do I have to show you today?? I'll drag up some more cards that I made at the Getaway.

These cards feature two items that I borrowed from others, and have since been coveting. The first card used Wendy's Fiskar's Threading Water punch. It was in demand, let me tell you, and more than one of us tried to take it home with us. Alas, Wendy kept it. I have been looking everywhere for one, but haven't found one yet. :-( The second card features Mette's Swiss Dots embossing folder for the Cuttlebug. I have decided that I LOVE this folder, and I have actually purchased one of my own since I came home.

That's all folks, see you tomorrow!

Laura's sketch #13

2008-11-20T02:30:00.000-08:00

It was such a happy mail day for me today. A bundle full of MME papers arrived!
This card is based upon Laura's sketch #13 over at 2S4Y. Each time a new sketch comes out, I can hardly wait to try it out!

I think I am done with Christmas cards. I have SO many now. I think, over the next few days, I will sit down and write them out. Too early to send them just yet, but very soon. Especially for my international friends.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

CPS #91

2008-11-20T02:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, can you believe we are up to sketch #91 over at CPS??? And they just keep getting better and better. I keep referring back to the sketches, whenever inspiration leaves me. This was a quick and easy card based on sketch #91. Easy because the main feature is the beautiful embossed MME papers, and the die cut sentiment.

I'm watching last night's Hamish and Andy special. Those guys make me laugh so much. Completely silly, which is completely funny in my book! And there's just something about Hamish... hehe

Trivia night

2008-11-18T00:33:00.000-08:00

I'm popping back in tonight to share a couple of pics from the Trivia Night. You can see the stark contrast between the girls and the boys. It was Bendigo Cup Eve, so we dressed up, the boys did not. We took a nice photo, the boys did not...

The school fair was awful. The kids had fun, but there were flies everywhere, and my hayfever was out of control. I'm glad to be home

Yay!

2008-11-17T15:48:00.000-08:00

If you scroll back to my two previous posts, you'll see... well, you won't see cards anymore. The cards I had featured have been accepted by Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft magazine for an upcoming issue! As a bonus, in the accepting email, the editor asked me to make a card for their Mother's Day gallery too! All very humbling and exciting stuff.

So, I am working on a little card and an accompanying tutorial to pop onto the RW blog on Monday, and as a result I have precious little to show you today. I'll fall back onto a couple of cards I made at the RW Getaway.

It's the School Twilight Fair tonight. The kids are beside themselves with excitement. It's overcast right now, so I'm hoping it rains soon, then clears up for tonight. I'm off to bake some cupcakes for the Parent Club cake stall. Have a great day!

CPS #90

2008-11-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

This card is based on Sketch #90 over at CPS blog. It took a bit of fiddling, re arranging etc but I finally turned it into something that I like! I'm still working with the Sass Lass papers and Heidi Swapp transparencies, I am loving them at the moment. Here's another card using the same ingredients:

The Trivia Night that was a fundraiser for the school was loads of fun. I believe our table was the noisiest, the most alcoholic, but also the smartest, as we won!!! We decided to walk home afterward (well, not much choice there really, as we couldn't drive). Steve and Rich were like two little school boys, up to no good, while Ali and I just giggled ourselves sick. The next day us girls got frocked up and went to the Bendigo Cup. Gosh it was hot. We kept ourselves nice and didn't drink too much at all, apart from copious amounts of water. We were home, tucked up in bed by 9pm, so it was a lovely day. I haven't uploaded my pics yet, but will get around to it very soon.

Kazan's sketch #13

2008-11-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

I sat down today and made a card. I hadn't made any since the Getaway, so it felt great to be "back in the saddle" again. This card is based on Kazan's sketch #13 at 2Sketches4you blog. The sentiment and butterfly are transparancies from Heidi Swapp. I've had them for ages but just haven't used them. What was I waiting for? They are so nice.
Thanks for stopping by!

A big week!

2008-11-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

I can tell that the countdown to Christmas has started. Our social lives have become super busy all of a sudden. Lots of little activities planned, as the weather warms up and us Aussies do what we do best - outdoor entertaining and fun! On Tuesday night we are going to a Trivia night to raise funds for the kids school, and then on Wednesday, Ali and I are off to the Bendigo Cup. Al is the Copy Editor at the Bendigo Magazine, and they have a Marquee at the Cup every year. She kindly invited me along, and so we have purchased frocks, hats etc. We are even booked in to have spray tans on Tuesday. I am ever so frightened about it. It's at another friend's beauty salon, but thankfully she isn't the one doing the tan. I couldn't face her ever again if she had seen me in nothing but a disposable G string. My lord!!! On Saturday we are attending a wedding. I will not know a soul there, which makes me a bit uncomfortable, and I will probably just drink to get over my shyness. Recipe for disaster if you ask me!!! The bride is a girl that Steve used to work with. It's Black Tie, so gives us an excuse to get all tarted up.

Sorry, got carried away! You are probably here to see some cards. I have plenty up my sleeve, thanks to the RW Getaway. Here are some for you!

Next time I will share before and after pics of our back yard. I can't tell you how much I love our turf. Grass is a luxury here in Bendigo. You can only water your lawn if you have a tank or use recycled water. When I was a kid, running through the sprinkler on a hot day was common. To my kids, it's something they can only dream about. They have made a chart on the wall, counting down to the day when they can run and roll on our own grass. Who would have thunk it??? Okay, I'm off to water the turf, with our tank water. I'm waiting for someone to see me watering and to "dob" us in, thinking we are using town water for it. If you have the audacity to water in Bendigo, people usually erect a sign saying "Tank and recycled water in use". I tend to think that it's none of their business, so we don't have a sign.

Have a great week. I will share pics of my bronzed skin and pics from all our events this week.

Finally...

2008-11-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

While I was away, I finally inked up a set of stamps that I have loved, but failed to use yet. I hate to admit it, but this is the case with a few of my stamp sets...

It's been raining ALL day here today. This never happens here in Bendigo. The Turf Gods must be smiling on us!

This next card is one of my favourites from the Getaway. The preggers lady Laser Cut can be purchased from RW Lasercuts. I just love her, although she lacks the swollen ankles and massive boobs that were a feature of all of my own pregnancies!

Guess what? I am feeling a bit inspired to scrap! This is massive news, as I have done a mere three layouts in the past 12 months. I am so in love with cardmaking, that scrapping photos has taken a back seat. Don't hold your breath, it may not happen... just warning you that a layout may pop up on this blog when you least expect it!

MIA

2008-11-05T22:13:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Remember me?? I just realised that it's been almost one month since I've blogged. I have been so caught up with renovations, kids, and extra shifts to fund the renovations. I have just been away on a Getway with Remember When Paper Company. It was such fun! I got over 30 cards made, and made some lovely new friends as well.

I'll share some pics from the Getaway, and then later tonight I'll begin the upload process, showing you some of the cards I made.

In other breaking news, we got turf today!!! Bendigo is dry and brown, as we are on Stage 4 water restrictions. We installed 2 tanks some weeks ago, and Steve has been working hard to install a sub-soil irrigation system. Today, the beautiful Sir Walter turf arrived. With some help from one of our gorgeous friends, Steve and I got it layed this morning. It's so nice to look out and see lush green grass.

Anyway, here are some of the pics:

Everyone hard at work!

Annie, Andrea and Kaz.

Our personalised wine glasses - mine in the middle.

It appears that Wendy just can't handle her drink... LMAO. She actually was sleeping very innocently and we took pics with the empty bottles laying around. NEVER let down your guard around us!

Hmmmm, I'll let you work this one out!

I promise to blog more regularly now, I'm back baby!!!

2S4Y - Laura's sketch #10

2008-10-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

This little card is based on Laura's Sketch #10 over at 2S4Y. Another fab sketch that is just so versatile.
The papers are Basic Grey Euphoria, RW Lasercut butterfly (soon to be released) and Melissa Frances Stamp.

I have been very busy making up cards featuring RW Lasercuts. They have a whole load of new Lasercuts that will be released at Paperific next weekend. I am so totally in love with them, they are perfect for cardmakers. Keep an eye out for them. I will be posting more cards that feature the new releases in coming weeks. I am just busting to show you all!

Time flies when the kids are on school holidays...

2008-10-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness the school holidays are almost over... There is just not enough time in each day to achieve much, apart from ferrying the kids from one entertaining venue to another. However, yesterday I had a chance to sit down and make some cards, so I'm feeling a whole lot more relaxed now.

Kathy and Rach from RWLasercuts sent me a mammoth pile of new goodies to play with. Thanks ladies, I love, love, lurve them all and they have inspired me beyond belief!

Here are a couple I did yesterday. The rocket ships are not a new item, but I haven't used them in a while...

Oh dear....

2008-09-30T00:58:00.000-07:00

Hot on the heels of the last post where I accused myself of being a bad blogger... here I am a couple of weeks later..

I have done precious little in the way of cardmaking over the school holidays. Life has been busy, to say the least. However, I have managed to make some cards, despite the tardiness in meeting any of these challenges!

Here is my effort for Laura's sketch #9 over at 2S4U.

And, following in a similar pattern here is more from Pink Paislee vintage moon...

Bad blogger...

2008-09-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't updated here since 8th September... What a bad, bad blogger! Ah well, I have been busy. Have done precious little in the way of crafting and card making, but have made a lot of headway on painting the house. The kids are home on school holidays at the moment, so I'm not sure how much crafting I'll get done in the next two weeks, but I'll be trying.

We are taking it slowly these holidays. No trips away planned. The kids all had birthday parties to go to on the weekend, and Lara had her intensive weekend of gymnastics. Friday night, all day Saturday and all day Sunday. She was one tired little poppet by Monday! We are doing a spot of mini golf tomorrow, then ice skating on Thursday. Friday will be a "me" day, as I'm going to get a new "do" and banish the grey hairs again. It's footy grand final day on Saturday, we we'll have a BBQ with friends and neighbours. None of us barrack for the teams in the final, so we'll be cool, calm and collected!

Here's a little card I made the other day. This owl is so very cute, and available soon from RW Lasercuts.

CPS #81

2008-09-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

I had a very happy mail day yesterday. In my package of goodies was some beautiful papers from Prima, some K&Co Berry Sweet die cut shapes, and ... ahem... some gorgeous acrylic stamps. I need more stamps like I need another hole in my head, and yet I am drawn to them. Love them to pieces! I got some great Autumn Leaves stamps, and some Hero Arts.

So, this little card is based on Sketch #81 over at CPS blog. I used my new stuff. Prima papers, K&Co die cut flower and flourish, and the sentiment is from the Hero Arts stamp set.

Today I finally have some "me" time again. All last week was spent with Jacob home from school. He ended up with a nasty ear infection. He had the entire week home from school, but he's all better now and I sent him back today.

We have three guinea pig babies!!! On Saturday Lara and I went to check on the expectant Mum. Lara walked over to the hutch and said, "no, she hasn't popped... MUM! She's POPPED, she's POPPED". It was sooo funny. There in the hutch was one little baby, as clean as a whistle. A short time later we had two more. One girl and two boy piglets. They are too stinkin' cute. The kids want to hold them 24/7 and I keep telling them that they have to realise how little they are and that they need their mum. Truth be told, I want to hold them all the time too!!

2S4Y - Kazan's sketch #8

2008-09-04T22:54:00.000-07:00

TGIF! This week has been exhausting for us. The kids had their school production over two nights and are thoroughly worn out. Poor Jacob got sick on Monday night and he completely missed taking part in the production! He had high temperatures, nausea, and then on Thursday complained of a sore ear. I took him along to the Dr yesterday and it turns out that he does have an ear infection on top of the virus he already had. So, he's been my constant companion this week. He's much better now.

Here's a card I made based on Kazan's sketch #8 over at 2 Sketches 4 You blog. The cute little deer is from RW Lasercuts, and he should be available in the next couple of weeks. Basic Grey "Offbeat" used here.

This next card also uses a new little cutie from RW Lasercuts. I used more Basic Grey, this time the Ambrosia line. This card is for the coach of the girl's netball team. I hope she will like it!

That's all I have today. Hope you have a great weekend. Ours will be quiet. Oh, and no baby guinea pigs yet!!!

CPS #80

2008-09-01T23:38:00.000-07:00

The sketch challenge over at CPS blog this week was a little different. We were challenged to choose any one of the previous 79 sketches and base a card on this. I have to admit that I went a little crazy and couldn't pick just one. I also hooked into some of my BG that I'd been "hoarding". Remember, I am not "saving" my favourite papers anymore. They are there to be used!

This first one is based on Sketch #59. The die cut stickers that BG produce make it super easy to embellish a card!!

This next card, still using the Sugared collection from Basic Grey, is based on Sketch #60. Why haven't I used these papers before, they are soooooo very pretty!

It's Father's Day this Sunday here in Australia. I made the next card using the Boxer range from Basic Grey, and this one is for my gorgeous old Dad! He doesn't read my blog, so it will remain a surprise! This is based upon Sketch #74.

The kids are eagerly anticipating the arrival of baby guinea pigs! We have had 3 boys for about a year now, and a couple of months ago we purchased two little girls. We have kept them apart at all times, as the girls are a bit young at the moment. However, one of the little girls started to get fatter and fatter, and now you can clearly feel little babies squirming around in her tummy. She's ready to pop anyday. We were perplexed as to how this happened, as all the kids have sworn that they never put the boys in with them. Then, I did a bit of research. Looked up the gestation period for a guinea pig (9 - 10 weeks). We did the math and worked out that she must have been "just" pregnant when we bought her. She was obviously in the cage with some boys at the pet store. I worry that she's a bit young, but I guess, in the wild, she would have been pregnant by now anyway. Ah well, stay tuned for the big announcement and the inevitable pics!!!

CPS #79

2008-08-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I've had the best day today. The sun is shining outside and I can almost smell spring in the air.

Today's card is based on Sketch #79 over at CPS blog. I got to use my new Basic Grey "Ambrosia" paper. You know, I used to hoard my papers and would hesitate to use the ones that I felt were "special". How stupid! That put a downer on my creativity and just left me with heaps of paper that I eventually think of as old stuff. So, now I just say "it's only paper" and chop into it with wild abandon.

Here's another little card I made when I was digging into my Scenic Route Sonoma the other day.

That's all for today, hope to post again tomorrow!

2 Sketches 4 you - Laura's sketch #7

2008-08-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

I love Tuesdays! A new sketch is posted at 2S4Y. I know it's Monday when Kazan and Laura release the sketch, but it's Tuesday HERE. :-)

I had the best time today, sitting surrounded by heaps of new patterned papers. I bought the Sonoma range from Scenic Route, and then I had 3 little 6 x 6 pads of new BG - Eva, Offbeat (my fave) and Ambrosia. It took a lot of pushing papers around, but I finally got into the swing of things. I flipped the sketch on it's side for this one.

I'm off to night shift tonight. Just one, so that's easy to deal with. Thanks for stopping by. See you in a couple of days.

CPS #78

2008-08-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

This little card is based on Sketch #78 over at CPS blog. The paper is American Crafts, and that sweet little cupid is from RWPC

I'm really looking forward to the weekend. The kids have finished up with their various sports for a while, so we can have a relaxing weekend, just hanging out at home! Enjoy your weekend, whatever you choose to do!

2 Sketches 4 You - Kazan's sketch #7

2008-08-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! I haven't blogged all week. I did three night shifts starting Monday, so I was either working or sleeping this week. I'm back in the land of the living now though, and I've been making cards today. I had a moment of panic when I thought my mojo had gone... nothing was coming to me, nothing I did seemed to work. However, I walked away for a while, and then when I came back it all fell into place. Phew!

This card is the one that gave me so much trouble! It's based on Kazan's sketch #7 over at 2S4Y.

I have more to share, and will do so later today!

Brrrrrrrr, it's soooooo cold

2008-08-12T18:53:00.001-07:00

It's a wonder I can get my fingers to co operate with the typing today. You know how the days are supposed to warm up? I swear today has become increasingly cold. So, I am in my usual spot, at the kitchen table. I am supposed to head over to school early today, as on Wednesday a group of us mothers volunteer our time to screen school kids for headlice. I am thinking they may be able to do without me today...

The design for the cards I am about to share is not my own design. I saw it on a blog I visited recently and loved it! Such a wonderful way to use up scraps. Unfortunately I have long forgotten the name of the card designer. When I find it, I shall edit this post to give credit where credit it due. If you recognise them, please give a shout out in the comments and I'll amend this post. Anyway, these cards are amazingly simple, and yet they look so very cool. I made them "en masse" so now I have quite a supply!

CPS #77

2008-08-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

This little Christmas card is based on Sketch #77 over at CPS blog. The adorable little reindeer are from Remember When Paper Company.
I have made such a huge start on Christmas already. Kids presents are bought and safely tucked away in my room, teacher's gifts are nearly finished, and I think I have already made more than enough Christmas cards to meet my own needs. I hope this organisation doesn't backfire on me, and I'm all out of Christmas spirit by the time it rolls around! I doubt it. With three kids in the house, it's hard not to get swept up in the spirit!

2 Sketches 4 you - Laura's Sketch #6

2008-08-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

I had a very happy mail day today. My beloved postie knocked on the door and handed me a large bag of goodies from my fabulous friend, Kazzy. New Stampin' Up goodies! The arrival of new stamps, inks and markers coincided with a new sketch on the 2S4Y blog. The card above is based on Laura's sketch #6.

The weather has been bitterly cold the past few days, so I have set myself up at the kitchen table during the day while the kids are at school. I have had the Olympics on in the background to keep me company. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi Oi Oi. LOL

In other news, tomorrow night I have an information evening at school. Lara (9) will attend with me. It's called "Health, Hormones and Happiness". What happened to my baby? Seems like just yesterday that she was sitting in a high chair with carrot smeared all over her face, and now we are broaching the subject of puberty. *sigh*

2 Sketches 4 you - Kazan's sketch #6

2008-08-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

This is the one productive thing to come from my day today! After my last post where I boasted about how I was all set up at my desk... well I have basically blog hopped, perused You Tube, giggled at the MSN banter between myself and Karen... you get the picture. I have, however, washed the breakfast dishes! High Five!!!
Anyway, this card is based on Kazan's sketch #6 over at 2 Sketches 4 You. Love the bright, happy papers from K & Co. I am still filled with joy when I see the little easel that this card is resting upon. It is definitely one of my best buys for the year!
Right, I MUST turn this computer off and go put this house into some sort of order. It's almost time to pick up the kids from school.
I hope your Tuesday has been more productive than mine. Although I secretly enjoy a lazy, non-productive day now and then.

CPS #76

2008-08-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

This card is based on sketch #76 over at CPS blog. I love these Making Memories papers. Somehow this card doesn't feel "finished" to me, I'm not completely happy with it. I may continue to work on it later today if I am feeling up to the challenge!

I'm spending my day at my scrapping desk today. I have myself all set up with the heater at my feet, continuous cups of tea, and Season 5 of Curb your Enthusiasm. Perfect!!!

OMG!

2008-08-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

Kazzy and I have had waaaaay too much too drink , and this will be my last card tonight! I bought this awesome Chatterbox paper today. I have no idea whether it is new or not, but I liked it! And I am still loving my little easel! We are looking up "has beens on youtube". Right now we are onto Boney M. God help us.

Another version of Laura's sketch #5

2008-08-02T05:08:00.000-07:00

I have made a start on my Christmas cards! I couldn't resist revisiting Laura's sketch #5 on 2 Sketches 4 you. I am staying overnight with my gorgeous friend Karen, who is also a Stampin' Up demonstrator, and we have semi successfully put the kids to bed so we are playing. Kazzy is scrapping and I am making cards. Kaz took me to a scrapping shop today, which blew me away, acres and acres of scrapping stuff! I was very restrained, but bought some goodies, this K & Co Christmas paper being one of my purchases. I bought these adorable little Christmas tree dies and embossing folders for the Cuttlebug last week, so got to use them tonight. Ooooh, notice the little easel that my card is on! I bought this today as well. I am in love with it, BIG TIME!!!!! Anyway, the sentiment and the inks I used to highlight the embossing on the little trees are all Stampin' Up.

I don't know if I have any more cards in me tonight. After all, we've finished a couple of bottles of wine... Fun, fun, fun!

2 Sketches 4 You - Laura's sketch #5

2008-07-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

This bright and sunny card is based on Laura's sketch #5 over at 2 Sketches 4 you blog. I was in serious need of some brightening up. The weather today is positively arctic and miserable. Perfect weather for indoor crafting!! The papers are all from Sasafrass Lass, and the stamps are Melissa Frances (sentiment) and October Afternoon (curly brackets).

I'm a bit excited about this weekend! We are all heading down to Melbourne to stay with Karen for a night. The men are going to the football on Saturday night, and we are hoping that once the kids are in bed, we will be able to play. At the very least, on Sunday the men should take over the care of the kids while we visit a Scrappy shop or two!

CPS #75

2008-07-30T02:38:00.000-07:00

This card is based on Sketch #75 over at CPS blog. The fancy edge on the Pink Paislee paper made it a "must use" for this particular sketch. The Sentiment is a Cuttlebug die. I just purchased a few new embossing folders and a couple of new dies, so prepare yourself to be inundated with cards featuring them!!

I am hoping to have heaps of cards to share over the next couple of days. I have been working the past few days, so very little creating was happening. Now I have a backlog of challenges, and heaps of ideas swirling around in my "mostly empty" head!

Caardvark's "Sensational Sketches"

2008-07-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

There's a fantastic challenge going on over at Caardvarks blog at the moment. The talent and genius behind 2 Sketches 4 you (Kazan and Laura) have designed two sketches for the Caardvarks challenge. What fun! This card of mine is based on Kazan's sketch. I hope to make a card based on Laura's sketch a bit later today. I used Basic Grey "Periphery" papers for this one. I love the muted, but classy, colour scheme of these papers.

CPS #74

2008-07-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with BG Euphoria at the moment. I promise that I will move on and use other papers for a while now! This card is based on Sketch #74 over at CPS blog. The flowers are Doodlebug, the chipboard buttons are American Crafts and the sentiment is a Stampin' Up stamp.

Kazan's Sketch #5

2008-07-22T04:14:00.000-07:00

I bought this funky blue trim today and couldn't wait to use it. When I saw Kazan's Sketch #5 on 2 Sketches 4 you, I knew just how to use it. I've used more BG Euphoria here, with a bit of KI Memories lace cardstock. I'm sorry the pic is not the best... it's 9pm so I'm lacking natural light. My "daylight" lamp helps, but it's not match for the real thing.

My kids were home from school today because we had Parent-Teacher interviews at the school during the day. I am so proud of my three cherubs. They all got glowing reports, socially, academically and behaviourally. It sounds awful, but I was convinced that Oscar (my youngest) was going to struggle at school, since the other two are excelling. I figured that one of the three would need a bit of extra help. However, Oscar is starring as well, so it makes me very proud. They are all gorgeous, frightfully clever, sensitive, trustworthy, beautiful children. I am feeling very lucky tonight.

All that being said... I will happily pack them off to school tomorrow so that I can get a heap of cards made! Hehe

2 cards and a Birthday Boy

2008-07-21T06:08:00.000-07:00

It was my eldest son's 8th birthday yesterday! He got out of bed in the morning, grinning like a Cheshire Cat, and that theme continued for the whole day. He is such a handsome little man! He is my darling, my middle child, my perfectly gorgeous boy! He is having his birthday "party" next Sunday, but on his actual birthday we celebrated with his best friend, and some other good friends. Fun times! Here is a pic of my boy:

My wonderful friend Kell had her baby today!!!! This was a much longed for, and planned for, baby. I am so happy for her that I could just about burst. As fate would have it, my DH Steve set up for her C-section. Being the Sensitive New Aged Guy that he is, he set it all up, then quietly left the operating theatre to give Kell a bit of privacy. (I love you Steve!!!!). So, she had a girl (which I predicted, and I usually go *against* my gut instinct because it was wrong 2 times out of three with my OWN kids!) I don't know any more details yet, but I am beside myself with joy!

In other news, I contributed to the Remember When Paper Company blog today. These are the cards I shared, based on a sketch by *me*.

Righto, it's time for bed. The kids have the day off school tomorrow due to Parent-Teacher Interviews. It will be predictable, but will make me proud. As luck would have it, all 3 of my kids are smart little cookies and are blitzing school and the curriculum.

Good night,

see you tomorrow, I hope, with some CPS etc.

love,

Annie

Laura's sketch #4

2008-07-19T00:57:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to using my Basic Grey "Euphoria" papers. I wasn't sure whether I was too thrilled with this range, so I only bought a 6x6 pad. I really like the way the colours look together, but no so fussed with each individual pattern, if you know what I mean?!
Anyway, this card is based on Laura's sketch #4 over at 2 sketches 4 you blog. I like the simplicity of it!

I hope to get a chance to sit down and make some cards tonight. It's been a brutally hectic week, and today was no exception. Sometimes the weekends are busier than the weekdays around here. Steve has gone to Melbourne to see the footy, so I'm flying solo tonight. I miss him when he's gone, but I love the solo time when I can stay up late, watch my shows in bed, channel a "starfish" while I sleep etc. LOL

CPS #73

2008-07-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

This card is based on Sketch #73 over at CPS blog. I've been looking to use this beautiful wide ric rac for ages, and this sketch was just the thing. I have been madly trying to use up scraps lately. Masses of new products are due out of CHA soon (although most things take longer to arrive on Aussie shores), and I need to make way for them all!

I am off to the movies tonight to see "Mama Mia". It should be fun.

Toot Toot!

2008-07-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

I have some exciting news to share today! Kazan and Laura over at 2 sketches 4 you blog have named one of my cards in their Fab 5 this week! You can check it out here.

You really must check out the work of the very talented Johanna who won the prize this week. Her blog is full of gorgeous, inspiring work.

Rainy Sunday

2008-07-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a lot of cards made on this beautiful, rainy, mellow Sunday. I've been working heaps over the past couple of days, but I'm still managing to pump out some cards. The kids go back to school tomorrow *insert a happy dance here*!!

I hope that your Sunday is as productive and as calming as mine has been so far.

Triple the Sketch: Sketch 15

2008-07-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out this sketch blog called "Triple the Sketch"? It's super cool, and you can adapt the sketch for a layout, a card or a tag, or anything else that you can think of! The card below is based on Sketch #15. The cute little baby onesie is a chipboard lasercut from Remember When Paper Company. It's brand new, and I think everyone needs some in their stash.

Latest sketch from 2 sketches 4 you

2008-07-10T02:28:00.000-07:00

My mojo is back baby! Woo Hoo. It's horrid when you want to sit down and create something and all you get is... nothing. However, today I have been happy with each and every card I have made. This card is based on Kazan's sketch #4 over at 2 sketches 4 you blog. The adorable chipboard lasercut is from Remember When Paper Company. It has such gorgeous detail with some etching as well. Paper is Sass Lass, and the stamp is Melissa Frances.

Can I share something with you? Something completely and totally anal, which is SOOOOOO not me? It took me almost a day, but I have arranged all my Bazzil into the correct order (colour groups etc, as per the Bazzil swatch book that is like a bible). Now when I want to match cardstock to patterned paper, I pull out my swatch book, find the right shade of Bazzill, and then I know exactly where to find it. I then jot down the name of the cardstock I've used, so that next time I place an order I can replace it. I am normally the queen of random chaos, but as I get older, I am becoming more organised and ordered. Perhaps by the time I'm 70 I will no longer procrastinate over everything, and my life will run like clock work!?

Tags, tags, tags!

2008-07-09T23:46:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make... until last month, I HATED tags. I thought they were a waste of time... wondered why you would bother... However, that opinion was formed from a scrappers point of view. I saw them as purely an embellishment for a page. Now, I can see the value in having a very pretty "gift tag" to accompany something special! The big turn around came when an Australian magazine "Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft" asked me to take part in a challenge for their Xmas issue. I gladly accepted the challenge, but then found out that the project was Christmas tags. I scratched my head for a long time and cursed etc. Eventually I came up with three tags that I adore. Obviously I can't share those particular tags until the magazine is published, but I am now a little addicted to making tags! They are perfect for using up scrap pieces of cardstock, patterned paper and ribbons.

Here are a few of my latest efforts. I am finding a hot glue gun invaluable for adhering the lumpy bumpy bits.

CPS #72

2008-07-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

I am in love with these papers from October Afternoon. I'm not normally drawn to bold prints like this, but something about this range just draws me in. This card is based on Sketch #72 over at CPS blog. I haven't played along for a few weeks as I've been busy with the kids out of school for the holidays. I have missed it, and will be back regularly again now.

The cards below are just a few to share. My mojo was MIA a week ago, and nothing I did turned out right. These ones were the "drought breakers" and now the creative juices are flowing again!

This last card uses more October Afternoon papers. The sentiment is one of their Rub-ons - too easy! The little tree is a chipboard lasercut from Remember When Paper Company.

Laura's sketch 3

2008-07-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

I just love this blog. Laura and Kazan have launched a hugely successful blog called 2 sketches 4 you. They have awesome prizes to win, but the real fun is in playing along. I love the hand drawn sketches too.

The card below is based on Laura's 3rd sketch. I have used K&Co Smitten paper. The orange and pink colour combo is one that I don't use much, but I really like it!!

We are home!

2008-07-04T03:52:00.000-07:00

Hello! We are home, safe and sound. I love a good holiday, but it's always nice to come home to everything comfortable and familiar.

So, we ventured to St Andrew's Beach on Tuesday morning, car packed to the rafters (does a car even have rafters????). I always have a minor panic attack the night before we are due to go on a trip somewhere. I envisage us all dying in a horrific car accident. I suppose it's better to expect the worst, then I will be on my best driving behaviour and be super careful. Anyway, the driving was uneventful and we followed my friend (who had been there before) to our destination. It was just lovely. It was all about the kids of course, but in the evenings we allowed ourselves a "platter" and drank wine and watched movies. It was relaxing, we bonded, and have made some memories.

We had shocking weather. Everytime we made a move for the beach it rained. On Thursday, we thought we waited for a break in the weather and once we got on the sand, a torrential downpour came down. We all came home soaked. But it was an adventure! We are from the drought capital of Victoria, we don't "do" rain!!!

Anyway, the kids are all quiet now. They haven't been asleep before 10.30pm while we were away, so I sent them off to bed early tonight. I will get out to my scrapping desk tomorrow and whip up a card making frenzy (being positive here, my mojo has taken a holiday as well it seems). So, until then, goodnight!

Long overdue update!

2008-06-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

No pics to share today, although I do have a few cards in the wings... I will share tomorrow. Just a long overdue update of all that is happening with us.
In breaking news, I have started a diet and exercise plan with two of my closest friends. We aim to keep each other honest! So, I'm counting points and exercising like a woman possessed. I hired a treadmill, as it's the dead of winter here and the days are short and miserable. If I don't happen to get out for a walk during school hours, it's not gonna happen without a treadmill. So, I LOVE it! I run like a spastic, and have previously only run on bush tracks in heavily wooded paths so that no one can see me. Now I can run in the comfort of my own home. Although... a couple of nights ago I was happily jogging away and Oscar (who is 6) piped up with, "you look fat". OMG. I felt like saying "hence the need for the running..."
I have lost almost 3kg in 2 weeks, so I'm happy. It's happening! Can you say, "long overdue?". I'm sure you can!
It's school holidays now! 2 weeks of a total absence of routine and early mornings! Woo Hoo. We are going away from 1st July to the 4th. Steve is working, but the kids and I are headed down to the beach with a good friend and her kids, to share a beach house, just the girls and the kids. Bliss. This time a couple of years ago I took the kids to Phillip Island by myself. I was soooo stressed I drank almost a bottle of wine by myself each night. At least this time I will have a buddy to share that bottle with!!

CPS #69

2008-06-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

I have some cards to share today! This first card is a simple little one, using a gorgeous chipboard lasercut from Remember When Paper Company. This little owl is so very cute. I filled him with gold seed beads to make him stand out a little bit.

The next two cards are almost identical, and based on Sketch #69 over at CPS blog. I love the Imaginisce papers, and those cute stamps are theirs as well.

The kids are off to a school disco tonight, and they are beyond excited. The theme is "Crazy Hair" so I have bought hair spray in just about every colour conceivable. Should be interesting trying to get that out in the morning!

Babies are heaven sent...

2008-06-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Isn't that the truth? I am not a tiny bit clucky, but I DO love to hold and snuggle new babies. As soon as they start to grizzle, they are promptly handed back! I've been there done that.
I loved this sketch by Kazan that is up over at 2 sketches 4 you blog. I will be coming back to this one again and again. I finally got the chance to ink the beautiful "Itty Bitty Blessings" set from Papertrey Ink.

Papertake Weekly Sketch Challenge

2008-06-09T23:57:00.000-07:00

This card is based on the sketch over at Papertake Weekly blog. We all know I love a good sketch, and this one was no exception. What fun! Loving the Sultry range from good ol' Basic Grey. Pink and brown is one of my fave colour combinations.

CPS #68

2008-06-09T23:24:00.001-07:00

I have gotta get over this Berry Sweet line from K & Co, but it's just so pretty! I used it to make this card based on Sketch #68 over at CPS blog. I know I'm a little late for Mother's Day, but it doesn't hurt to have some cards stockpiled for next year!!

Oh, I made the most awesome dessert last night. Major caloric blowout of epic proportions. It is called "Chocolate Mousse Fridge Cake" and the ingredients go something like this: Cream, Dark Chocolate, Bailey's Irish Liquer, White Choc and Macadamia cookies (you soak these in the Baileys), more Cream, Marscapone cheese, Maltesers... Are your arteries blocking just reading this? Mmmmmmmm. I made it for our weekly gathering of the girls in my street. It's usually a Sunday night thing, but we did it on a Monday this week. We each had the tiniest portion, and that's all you could honestly stomach. The only problem is that it's still in my fridge, just looking at me each time I open it.

I hope your Tuesday has been awesome! Thanks for all your lovely comments, I really appreciate them.

CPS #67

2008-06-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

The Get Well card below was based on Sketch # 67 over at CPS blog. I am loving the new Sass Lass papers, they are so sunny and happy.

New sketch blog!

2008-06-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

How exciting! There's a new card sketch blog! Two very talented ladies have launched "2 Sketches 4 You" which features not one, but two sketches each week! These two cards are based on Laura and Kazan's sketches respectively. What fun! Head over there now and check it out.

Vomit central...

2008-06-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

There's plenty to spew about at my place... apparently. Jacob woke up at 4am with a headache and commenced vomiting. He's still at it. Poor little fella. So, he's home from school today, with prime position on the couch - his vomit bowl, towel and drink by his side. I just hope he doesn't share it around with his siblings...

In scrappy news, I may be slow on the uptake, but I have just discovered Nestabilities. Wow! These dies rock! I bought the squares (straight and scalloped) and I use them in my Cuttlebug. I am going to HAVE to get the circles and rectangles as well when funds permit.

Hopefully I will get to make some cards today, if Mr Hurl starts to feel better. Blech.

CPS #66

2008-05-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

Phew, I just got this in at the last minute! I hate to fall behind on challenges. This card is based on Sketch #66 over at CPS blog. Very loose interpretation of the sketch this week!

Brrrrrrrr

2008-05-26T19:42:00.001-07:00

Cold today! I love it. I'm bundled up, ugg boots on, heater warming my legs and listening to the rain on the roof.

Today I found out that I could never be a teacher! I stay at the school most mornings to listen to the kids read. There are a few "lively" kids in Oscar's class. I guess they are never too boisterous as it's reading time. Today I stayed for a program called PMP (Perceptual Motor Program) where they move, in small groups, from one activity to another. O. M. G. I have new respect for Oscar's teacher. The noise was overwhelming, and the naughty kids stepped it up a notch to go completely insane. So, I have concluded that if this was my job, I'd have a gastric ulcer within 2 weeks. I'd be sucking down so many Nurofen to counteract the inevitable headache that I'd have a hole the size of a dinner plate in my stomach lining. And the amount of alcohol I'd have to consume each night would eat up whatever gastric lining was left from the Nurofen. Wow!

I got some gorgeous Sass Lass clear acrylic stamps a little while ago. They are called "Fancy Shmancy Tags". Here's a card I made today, using one of the stamps.

Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday, and keep warm!

A new week!

2008-05-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, May is almost over, I just cannot believe how fast the year is going.

I have Jacob home from school today, a bit under the weather, so I haven't actually had a chance to sit at my desk and create anything thus far. Perhaps later when Steve comes home...

I don't know if I have mentioned it before, but I am on the Design Team at Remember When Paper Company. I'm a "Barn Girl"!! Today, and every alternating Monday I'll be posting on Remember When's blog. It's very exciting for me, and I'm going to work hard to make sure that my posts are interesting, inspiring and helpful. That's quite a tall order!!!

Okay, that's all for right now. Enjoy the rest of your Monday!

CPS #65

2008-05-23T03:47:00.000-07:00

This card is based on Sketch #65 over at CPS blog. The paper is and old one from Fancy Pants. The adorable little owl is a chipboard lasercut from Remember When Paper Company. I think he's just too cute!

In other exciting news, I had some more cards accepted for publication by Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft magazine here in Australia. That's always such a buzz. I was even more excited when they asked me to be involved in their Christmas issues! This was all very welcome news tonight. I've had a shocker of a day. PMS-ing big time, headache, serious case of the "blah's". It's true that every cloud has a silver lining, I guess.

After all the creating in the past 24 hours, my scrapping desk is a pigsty. I am going to have to do some heavy duty tidying before I can even contemplate doing anything else!

Wednesday things!

2008-05-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

I have been hard at work making more cards today. I brushed the dust off the Cuttlebug and did a bit of embossing. I love this little machine, I must use it more often.
Anyway, I was fiddling around and came up with these little flower accents. I think they turn an otherwise boring flower into something a bit different and funky!

I'm also trying something new with the photo editing software, so bare with me if the pics don't turn out well.

Three posts...

2008-05-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

...in one day. What is going on???

Papertake Weekly blog have a sketch as their current challenge. I love a good sketch, so I had to play along. Here is the card I created based on the scrumtious sketch...

Two posts...

2008-05-19T18:39:00.001-07:00

...in one day. Look out!!!

This card is based on a sketch over at Kazan's blog. It's a great sketch, I'll be using it again soon. The patterned paper I used for this card is from Cloud 9 Design. I love the colours and patterns, they just make me happy!

Okay, I'm off to make yet another cup of tea. It's miserable, wet and cold here today. Perfect weather for me, as I intend to sit beside the heater, watching old episodes of Six Feet Under as I scrap and make cards (and drink copious cups of tea!). Stay warm and enjoy the rest of the day.

Animalia

2008-05-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

"Animalia" is the theme of the current dare over at Daring Cardmakers blog. As the name suggests, an animal should feature on the card. This dare gave me the opportunity to break out a gorgeous set of stamps from Technique Tuesday that I have failed to ink yet. Woo Hoo!

Here's my little monkey.

In other news, my husband owes me sooooo badly at the moment. A few weeks ago he drove away without paying for his fuel (just being absent minded) and didn't ring them despite my nagging. The next morning, while he was out, the police came knocking on the door. They thought it was pretty funny, and said it was nice to be dealing with small time stuff and normal people for a change! Steve was actually out at the Petrol Station paying for the fuel while the police were chatting to me. Then, last night, I was home with the kids after school and an irate neighbour from much further down the street comes knocking. Turns out my DH had put some of our "rubble" from our renovations in her garbage bin the night before. When the bins were collected, hers was rejected as it was too heavy. OMG! I knew nothing of this, but knew it had to be him when she was describing it to me. I smiled sweetly, thanked her for telling me, and waited until Steve got home and told him all about our little visitor. I'm thinking he owes me BIG time for taking the fall for him, not once, but TWICE!!!!

Have a great Tuesday. It's miserable and wet here... the garden is loving it!

Luscious Lime and Lilac

2008-05-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

I love the colour combo of purple and green, and this was the challenge over at Papertake Weekly blog, to combine these two delish colours!

Here is my effort at the very same. More Making Memories Noteworthy paper, but I just can't help myself.

CPS #64

2008-05-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, these weeks are just flying by! The weather is cool, although the days are glorious at the moment. I have been getting heaps of cards made and also been able to do a spot of gardening here and there. Perfect.

Here is my card based on Sketch #64 over at CPS blog. I am mad about this range of papers from Making Memories at the moment. I have quite a few more to share that use these papers.

My MIL was so rapt with the card I gave her for Mother's Day (she is still ringing me almost daily to thank me!!), so I am making her up a few to stash away and use at her leisure. I'll share those when I get around to photographing them.

My Birthday weekend

2008-05-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

I turned 37 on Friday. There, I said it. I have been so caught up with the idea that turning 40 is just around the corner, that I lost sight of that fact that I'm still 3 years away from that particular crisis!

Anyway, we had a lovely family birthday dinner here on Friday night. It is also my sister-in-law's birthday the same day as mine (and she WAS turning 40!!), so it's usually a double celebration. Then, on Saturday we headed over to Echuca for 24 hours or so of child free fun with 4 of our friends (2 couples). We ate, laughed, drank, laughed, shopped a little, drank, laughed, ate... you get the picture. I want to put in a huge plug for the restaurant "Oscar W". The atmosphere was beautiful, the food was amazing, and our waiter "Lincoln" gave us the best service I have EVER experienced in my life. He was a bit hot too, so that helped! If you are ever in Echuca, get thee to Oscar W.

Now, here are some more cards that I've been working on over the past day or two...

CPS #63

2008-05-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

I'm having a bit of trouble keeping up with various challenges and blogs at the moment. My social life is getting in the way, but that's just fine! I'm having a ball!

Here are two cards that are "almost" identical, based on sketch #63 over at CPS blog.

CPS #62

2008-04-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

I am back! Have been a very bad blogger lately. Usually when I'm a bad blogger it means I'm being a good nurse, so I have an excuse! Work makes it very hard to create and blog regularly.

Here is a card I made based on the very elegant and simple sketch #62 over at CPS blog.

It's my birthday tomorrow, and I'm celebrating by having a huge weekend away. I know, I've just had one of those, but this one involves my husband, and two other couples. We are just staying away for Saturday night, but it will be wonderful!

Autumn days

2008-04-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

The days are absolutely glorious here at the moment. Nice and chilly at night, then the days are sunny and beautiful. Perfect for getting out in the garden, outdoor lunch or just reading a book in a nice warm spot.

Having said that, I spent some time indoors today at my scrapping desk. I made this card based on the challenge over at Daring Cardmakers blog. This was the brief:

"We’d like you to make a card inspired by the Traditional or Modern gift themefor a 7th Anniversary, which is……'Wool or Copper' "

Some challenges...

2008-04-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

I finally got to my scrapping desk today. Yay! I've been enjoying the glorious weather out in the garden.

This card is based on sketch #61 at CPS blog.

This card (more baby cards) is based on the current sketch challenge over at Papertake Weekly blog. I have had a ball making cards today, I hope to get some more made tonight!

Brisbane getaway!

2008-04-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

I am in serious detox mode after my weekend away in Brisbane. Those girls showed me such a good time that I may not need to eat again for a week, and I definitely do NOT need to drink again until hell freezes over... I haven't seen these friends for 6 years (since I moved down here) and yet it was just like we picked up from yesterday. This is the definition of true friends, I believe. Anyway, in between our catching up, there was an endless supply of bottles of wine, snacks, restaurant meals, long walks and of course, laughing until our stomachs hurt and tears ran down our faces (actually Jo and I did share a drunken tear or two at a pub one night!). It was the absolute BEST time, and I thank the girls for their company, hospitality and friendship.

Back to reality here! I spent all day yesterday in the garden. I'm getting such pleasure from it. The veggie patch is coming along nicely. I planted strawberries, celery (for the guinea pigs, I cant stand the stuff), herbs and broccoli yesterday. Also put some unusual flax along the border of one of the front garden beds.

I bought myself an early birthday present yesterday. An iPod dock. I realise I may be the last person alive to have one, but I LOVE it. I also updated my iPod yesterday. I am loving Colbie Caillat, Duffy and One Republic. You know, I think music far outweighs nearly every other "thing" for making me happy.

Hmmm, I know there's more chatter I want to share, but I need to take the boys to AusKick. It's the juniour version of Australian Rules Football. Jacob loves it, but Oscar is only going on the promise of hot jam donuts afterwards! I persist, as Jacob was exactly the same last year. Oscar has more reasons to enjoy it really, as 4 of his friends from school are there. Which is a bonus for me. Last year I endured freezing cold mornings, sitting on concrete steps all alone. This year, I'll have other Mum's to chat and gossip with. Oh, and the mobile coffee van comes along too. Huge line up, as most parents are thinking alike.

Enjoy your Sunday!

CPS #60

2008-04-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

I'm back! I had the most awesome time in Brisbane, but I'll fill you in on that in another post. Here is a card I made based on sketch #60 over at CPS blog.

Outta here

2008-04-10T03:04:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving on a jet plane... don't know when I'll be back again...

It's not quite as exciting as that, but it's pretty exciting. First thing tomorrow (Fri) I'm driving down to Melbourne, catching an early flight to Brisbane, and will be spending the next 4 days in sunny BriVegas, Queensland. And, I may add, I'm doing this on a solo (as the kids would say). That's right folks, 4 fab days in a gorgeous location, playing with some gorgeous girls. We all used to work (and play) together way back when, and we've arranged a mini-reunion of sorts. I am beside myself with excitement.

So, hopefully, the next time you hear from me, I'll have many many stories to tell, be rested and relaxed, and just chilled out in general.

See you all soon!

Holy Scrapbook Storage Batman!

2008-04-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Look at my new love...

I am doing my best to fill up all those delicious drawers - there's just so much room in this thing!! Even DH is impressed.

This next card is for the challenge over at Papertake Weekly blog. The idea was to use "waves" ie scallops or zig zags on a card. I have used zig zag scissors and added a bit of ric rac for the scallops. I just love this patterned paper range from Fancy Pants. I was rapt to see that the "Cupcake" buttons from Basic Grey co ordinated perfectly as well! Love it when everything falls into place.

Next are just some random cards I've made in the last day or so. I'm trying to mix it up a bit with the papers and colours I choose.

Wet and windy Wednesday

2008-04-02T02:34:00.000-07:00

Brrrrr. It wasn't exactly cold here, but it was the sort of weather that made you feel like snuggling up with a nanna rug on your knee and a nice hot cup of tea. It blew a gale and rained on and off.
I have a couple more cards to share tonight, just to make up for the past few days that I have been MIA. Bit of a common theme with the papers here, but I promise the next cards I make will be something different. I just can't stand to cut into a fresh piece of paper for only one card.

My new storage cabinet arrived, and I'm in love! I spent most of the day yesterday setting it up, and having a good old fashioned clean up out in my scrapping room. I have everything inside the cabinet, but I am waiting for the remaining drawers to arrive. The courier company delivered only 5 of the 6 boxes... I can't take a pic until it is looking "complete"!

CPS #58

2008-04-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to be back making some cards today, after those few days of work and night duty. Below are two cards I made based on Sketch #58 at CPS blog. As you can see, I'm in a world of sunshine and roses with all my new Basic Grey and Stampin' Up stuff!

Sunday sharing

2008-03-30T00:42:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a big stretch of Night Duty at the moment, so I'll be keeping a low profile until Tuesday. We were so busy and understaffed last night that none of us got a break in the 10 hour shift. It was horrid, and I was beside myself with tiredness by the end of the shift. Was soooo happy to climb into my snuggly bed this morning.

We finally held a party for Lara's 9th birthday on Saturday. My Princess, the one who loves clothes, make up and jewelry, chose to do Laser Tag for her party!! She makes me laugh. Anyway, the 10 girls and 2 boys (her brothers) had a smashing time. Here's a pic of my grown up girl.

Since I've been working the past couple of days, I have not found much time to sit at my scrapping desk. I do have a few things to share that I made over the past few days. I'm still working my way through my Scenic Route scraps, as well as happily chopping into my new Basic Grey!!

Thursday things

2008-03-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

My Basic Grey came!!! It took all my restraint to keep from rolling around in it. I'm in love! I am going to actually USE this lot. My bulging Cropper Hopper which is devoted to Basic Grey papers is a testament to the fact that I tend to hoard the stuff and not actually use it. No more! I must work my way through these mountains of beautiful patterned paper that I have accumulated.

Now, here are a few cards I made yesterday. I recently purchased this book of card sketches, which helps enormously when inspiration eludes me. The sketches are also good for when you need to whip up a super quick card.

Wednesday stuff

2008-03-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Don't you love my imaginative blog titles? Sorry, I just can't seem to come up with anything clever...

Here are some cards I made yesterday. I ran out of time to share last night, as I wanted to plonk myself down in front of Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares". He makes us laugh. I doubt if his language could get any fouler, but that's half of his charm. My favourite, when he was perusing a particularly complicated menu and shaking his head in amazement, was "F%$k me... twice." I'm still giggling about that.

Anyway, back to my cards. This first one is based on the sketch over at Papertake Weekly blog. This was fun, and is a very simple little card.

This next one is also simple, in fact it's a bit too simple, but it is what it is!!

CPS #57

2008-03-24T00:42:00.000-07:00

Here is my card based on sketch #57 over at CPS blog. These colours just make me happy, and I'm hoping they'll make my friend happy when I send this to her! She needs a bit of a pick-me-up.

I took the kids to the Easter Parade today. They had a fantastic time. I went down early and set up chairs and rugs so we had a great position to watch it all go by. We got a bit sunburnt as the sun came out from behind the clouds for the whole thing.

Here are a couple of other cards I churned out last night. Gosh that Linden collection from Scenic Route is gorgeous...

Nothing stirs the juices....

2008-03-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

... like new supplies! I have only been awake for a few short hours today (due to Night Duty, not laziness!) and yet I have made 6 new cards, albeit simple cards. I just love a good injection of new supplies to amplify the creative juices. If only the $$$$$ factor were not an issue, and I could have new supplies every couple of days. It may seem like I have been on a spending binge lately, but it's a calculated thing. I knew CHA was due to hit Aussie shores around March, and thus a saving blitz was underway. Now that I have spent my little heart out, a new saving blitz is insitu.

I will share pics as soon as I am able, but I spent up rather largely on a storage system just a few weeks ago. Due to backorders, it will take 6 weeks for my "amoire" to arrive, but when it does, I'm expecting miracles. All my mess will miraculously disappear into the recesses of my new amoire. Stay tuned.

Right, here are the cards I've been busy with today. Similar themes and colours here, but what can I say? The Lynden range from Scenic Route is, perhaps, one of my all time faves.

Easter Saturday

2008-03-21T18:19:00.001-07:00

It's a beautiful day here today. The sun is shining and the temperature outside is just perfect. Just wanted you to know that I don't always whinge and moan about the weather.

My lovely parcel postie surprised me by turning up at the door on a Saturday! He sometimes does Saturdays, but I guess I just wasn't expecting it, being Easter and all. I have so many new papers (but not my coveted Basic Grey yet, that must be arriving on Tuesday...) to play with. Where to start?

I was almost finished this card below when the mail came, so I whipped out a new stamp to finish it off. These are Hero Arts "Birthday Messages" clear stamps. I love them!

The current challenge over at Caardvarks blog is to feature "fruits and/or vegetables" on your card. I was thinking that I wouldn't be able to play this time, as I don't have any stamps or dies that are fruits or vegetables. Lo and behold, in my stash of goodies was some simply beautiful K & Co paper that was perfect for this challenge. Yay! So here it is:

More Friday features...

2008-03-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

Well, when I signed off earlier, I didn't know when I'd get back to it, but here I am again. Two in one day!

Just wanted to share this little Easter card since it's so fitting. The adorable birdie is a chipboard lasercut from Remember When Paper Company.

The kids are flipping around on the trampoline as I speak, enjoying the new cool weather. Lara is trying to teach the boys some flips and turns from Gymnastics. She just loves Gym, and came home last night with a "Letter of Promotion" asking her to join the "Junior Elite Squad". She is positively beaming with pride, and rightly so. She's a nimble little string bean, that girl! She sure as heck doesn't get it from her clumsy Mum. So, now she'll be training 2.5hours after school on a Wednesday night. Her coach would like her to train a second night as well, but I'm just a bit concerned that it will be too much for her, as netball season is starting soon. I think she can stick with one night at Gym, then when netball season ends, she can go up a notch at Gym if she is still enjoying it. It's tricky juggling all their activities, especially when there are three kids to consider, not to mention the parent's needs!!

Good Friday

2008-03-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

In case I don't get to blog again over this weekend, Happy Easter to you all.

The kids are on school holidays for two weeks now, and I have to say that we got off to a terrible start this morning. They had all been sent to their rooms by a pyjama clad, shrieking mother by 10am this morning. The fighting is doing my head in. They fight over posessions, food, prime position, make believe games, oxygen...

After taking the kids to the Good Friday festivities down at the lake (which was MAJOR bribe material, let me tell you!), I have now retreated to my scrapping room and am reminding them that they can direct all correspondance to their father! LOL

Here's a couple of cards I've been working on this morning. These are based on Sketch #44 over at Sketch this: cards. I received my order from Papertrey Ink the other day, and have been having the best time playing with my new goodies.

Time flies...

2008-03-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been almost a week since I blogged! Time sure gets away. The biggest news here is that the heatwave is finally over. After a week of soaring temperatures, the cool change came through yesterday afternoon. We ran around outside a la Julie Andrews on that mountain in the Sound of Music! LOL I'm showing my age.

I have two cards to share today. Both feature the same papers from Dreamstreet. And both are based on CPS sketch #56. The second card was the first one I made, but then realised that I hadn't read the instructions too well (d'oh, story of my life!) and I had failed to make the card a Spring or Easter theme. Sooooo, enter this next card!

I have had a super busy day and haven't actually found my way to my scrapping table, so I fully intend to seat myself there for an extended period tonight! Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday.

Thursday stuff

2008-03-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

It's still hot here. I'm over it. It's supposed to be autumn and we are experiencing temperatures like the summer we supposedly left behind.

The heat hasn't stopped the production of cards though! This one is based on CPS sketch #55.

Check out the bright papers on these next ones. I didn't really like them when I first saw them, but knew they'd be good for kids cards. I quite like the papers now that I'm using them. They are Daisy D's "Wonder Years" range. The first card is a fairly loose interpretation of the "Transportation" theme over at Caardvarks.

Last, but not least, I have been playing with some new things. I have three new cuttlebug embossing folders that I {heart}. LOL I just adore this bird/swirl one, you'll be seeing a lot of this little baby.

Oh, and I have heaps more new things. Some Papertrey Ink stamps (soooo yummy), some autumn leaves clear stamps, some new ribbons... it's like Christmas! So, with all this new stuff, surely I'm going to get busy and creative...

Cupcake love

2008-03-12T03:06:00.000-07:00

Look at these adorable little chipboard cupcake lasercuts from Remember When Paper company. Aren't they gorgeous? I simply painted them, glued on some small beads, and topped it all with some glitter (of course!).

My Night shift went well. Although, there's some pretty heavy stuff going on at work at the moment. It's always tough when we have a young patient who is critically ill. This young girl has two kids aged 8 and 11... she could be me... Please treat each day like it's your last. Don't leave anything left unsaid. You never know when you, or someone close to you is not coming back, ever.

On that sunny note, I think I'll have a glass of Chardonnay and sit in front of some trashy TV for a while! I try not to be doom and gloom, and it's really not in my nature to be like that anyway. I just wish I could make people see, as I see every day of my working life, that life can change in an instant, and you just never know when it will happen to you. Seize the day!

Oh dear...

2008-03-10T22:27:00.000-07:00

Old age is fast approaching. Today I bought a pair of those cheapie, one-size-fits-all magnifying glasses from Target. The lowest magnification. For a while now I've been struggling with reading. It's not that I can't read or "see" the words, but at times they all sort of swim together and it's hard to focus. So, with this in mind, I bought these granny glasses today. Guess what? They rock! The words are so crisp and clear. Perhaps my scrapping and card making will improve now too! LOL Only problem is that I feel terribly ill when I look up and focus on something in the distance. I am going to have to remember to look over the top of them, like a granny! I'm off to work tonight, so I'll let you know if it makes reading Doctor's handwriting any easier (yeah right!!! They are not magic glasses.)

Nothing to share today. It's been hot, hot, hot. It's meant to be autumn, and we're having summer weather. It's Easter in a few short weeks, and I fear that any chocolate eggs that the "Easter Bunny" has stashed away may be melting. Yikes! I haven't checked. That will learn me for being so organised.

Oh, something huge!! Well in my sad little life this is huge, and very exciting. This morning, with IM encouragement and advice from Kazzy, I gloved up and went in and cleaned my toilet. With 3 males in the house, it can get very messy and smelly. It's got me stumped how they can have this thing that enables them a lot more precision than us girls, and yet they somehow manage to spray, drip and dribble urine everywhere except the bowl... Anyway, it was pretty tough going there, and occasionally even this hardened nurse's stomach was challenged, but I now have a sparkling, non-smelly, drip-free toilet and surrounding area! I couldn't have done it without my Enjo calcium remover. I was so thrilled with the results, I lit one of my beautiful candles in there, and it now resembles a shrine! Needless to say, the boys will be urinating outside for the next little while as I enjoy the fruits of my labour.

Hope you weren't eating!! I'm off to Night Duty tonight, so I will see you all sometime on Thursday, I imagine. Usually takes me a day or so to shake off the jet lag.