Living my dream

Halloween and Sunday shake up all tied in together

Hi! Today is traditionally known as Halloween in USA. But lately its also started to become more widely known throughout the rest of the world. Now I'm not known for my halloween exploits, but having had children, I am now reminded each year that its halloween and "what are we doing????"

This year I thought about the trick or treat aspect. Like many others I question the idea of going around to strangers houses and asking for food when we tell the kids not to every other day of the year. But in this instance I was prepared. I was planning a party at our house. Invite a few of the kids friends, and then go to my well known and trusted neighbours, give them some lollies, and then allow the kids to go to their houses at the appropriate time for them to give the kids our own lollies back.

Gosh what a lot of trouble that would have been. Luckily for me there is a fabulous event on at one of the schools called 'Monster Mash'. The kids all dress up and there are games, competitions, lollies, food, everything a trick or treater could wish for and more.

So we've taken the easy option. Grin.

Now I also wanted to add that I don't actually believe in the concept of halloween. I don't like witches, wizards etc. I have other beliefs that conflict with this. But I also think its ok for the kids to go to fun things understanding my beliefs.

Anyway, getting around to it..... Here is a humourous little thing I put together for Prima to share on their blog as a fun decoration to put on your door....

 
And the beauty of this, is that once you're finished with it, you can pull it off the door, and attach it straight into a LO! Cool huh?!

 
I've also added a gorgeous Dusty Attic tree behind the leaves and a bat to give it a really 'spooky' feel.

 
The cat and pumpkin were hand cut. The ghost I searched for on google and found some images that I liked, then printed one off and cut it out.

And the kids love it.

Ok, so the Sunday shake up for you today. Think about halloween, what it means, really means, and then if you like that. Find out about these things that are becoming traditions in our lives and work out if its something you want to be part of. If it is, great. If not, then you are prepared with why when your kids hassle you. Grin.

Have an awesome day!

Saturday Sketch Day

Cor blimey, its Saturday again!

I've been busy working on lots of scrapping stuff. Prima stuff. Creative Wonderland stuff. Yummy stuff! But have managed to get here just in time for this weeks sketch.

 
Enjoy.

Chooks and caterpillars

No, not together, the chooks would eat them! LOL.

 
This is one of our swan plants. Nearly decimated by all the caterpillars on it. And I even went around squishing the eggs so we didn't get too many. I obviously missed a few. I'm hoping there will be enough to keep them fed until they turn into butterflies! There are just so many at the moment! Its pretty cool.

As for our chooks, they are doing very nicely! The netting seems to have really helped and they are each laying an egg a day, apart from naughty 'Blah' who has gone all broody again. Must move her into a cat cage for a day to see if it helps.

But one of the newbies seems to be laying double yokers! We are stoked, how exciting!! When we got the first one we just thought it was her new laying that caused a mix up. But we've since had alot more so are beginning to think it may be more than a 'one off'.

 
Got a busy weekend ahead, Matt's first game of cricket tomorrow. We are all looking forward to it. He's been playing in the backyard for a couple of years now, and we just couldn't put it off any longer.

So here's hoping for another weekend of beautiful weather.

Creative Wonderland update

Well, we're in the finishing stages of preparation and can't wait to get down to Wellington to scrap with everyone and teach some cool classes.

If you're wondering what to bring an email was sent earlier tonight with a whole heap of details, but if you've got ANY questions, please sing out!

And just because this is a good medium to show things, here's the class details again....

 
We do still have places available, so feel free to email myself or Rachel and come along.

Can't wait!

Prima Necklaces

When I first got a Prima necklace in my Prima parcel, I couldn't believe how pretty it was. I looked at it and thought it was sooooo beautiful, but what on earth would I do with it?

Apart from the obvious, there are a heap of ways they can be used, or incorporated into your scrapping. Just take a look on the Prima blog today for some incredible inspiration. From headbands, to cards, to gift cards, to LO's. It's all there.

Here is one way you could use it, as created by moi.

 
and a couple of close ups....

 
To use the necklace, I first cut it in half so I could shape it the way I wanted. From there I took off one of the flowers, and replaced it with another one. Then I stitched the ribbon in place twisting and scrunching as I went.

 
I had a lot of fun with this. I actually started it in Invercargill with nothing to use. I shopped at Andrea's wonderful shop, brought some new Prima Fairy Flora, then started ripping and putting it together. I popped the photos and a few other bits and pieces on when I got home.

Anyway, just thought I'd share...

Have a great day. It sure is stunning out there!

How exciting

I recently joined the Websters pages ning site. Its amazing. A great place for conversation, inspiration and more.

I love Websters so thought it was time I joined in. And excitingly for me, I was picked as one of Dena's 'featured members' this week.

Yay! Thanks so much Websters!

Also thought I'd share a LO I did for Emmeline Seet. I did this as part of a Dusty Attic competition where we had to scrap one of the winners photos. I think there were 3 winners, and Emmeline was who I got to scrap photos for. Now this was pretty daunting. Emmeline is an incredible scrapper! Like Wow! And here I was scrapping something for her. Eeeeek. And I've got to admit, I struggle to scrap other peoples photos anyway, but it wasn't as bad as I thought, and I'm quite happy with the way it turned out....

 
I adore the DA vintage style table, and thought it fitted in so well with the topic that I just had to use it.

 
Hmmmmm, see I got out a couple of older products....brads!

 
And of course used some lovely Prima flowers, and Martha Stewart doilies (I know Mandy! But I love em! Grin).

Have a great Tues.

What to do with a holiday, beautiful weather and family time?

Go for a bush walk!

 
It was a wonderful walk. Up and down hills. Some so steep, the kids had to walk up them on all fours.

 
Then finally down to a great beach that is only accessable via walking tracks and boats. Where I got a family photo....sort of....

 
Well, at least I got all of us in it. LOL.

Wasn't it just the bestest, most stunning weather this weekend?! Summer finally feels like its just around the corner. And apparently it might last the rest of the week. Lets hope so!

Hope you had a good long weekend too.

T

A change for my girl

On Saturday I mentioned we went shopping. What I failed to tell you was the huge change in my little girl.

Up until this last few weeks, she has wanted everything she wore, touched, was part of to be pink. All of a sudden a few weeks ago, she started wearing the clothes other people had given her (not knowing they wouldn't be worn) that were in other colours, and telling me she needed other colours to wear.

I was gobsmacked to say the least. But pleased that the pink phase was starting to wear thin.

Then on Sat, buying clothes, not a single item was pink. I mean a total turn around. It was good, but I was also worried she would feel funny not having any clothes that were the 'normal' colour.

My worries as proven again, were not founded. Today she got up, put on her dress, with the purple swimming togs underneath, and the white with blue dogs top over the top. She was happy in her new clothes and proud to show off her blue coloured clothes.

When she arrived home from her day out with Linn, she was wearing a new outfit - white shorts and yellow t-shirt. Also new, also not pink. And she was still very happy and loving her new clothes.

I am so pleased that she is making these small but progressive changes in her life. She is growing up. How exciting is that?!

And yet, as I type this, I realise that Oh . my . goodness . she is not a little girl anymore. And that is scary.

The good and the bad. Always together. Always challenging the way I think and feel. For now the good wins out. Go my beautiful girl.

Sunday Shake up

Grab your camera and go outside.

Use nature as your inspiration and take some fun, random, interesting pictures.

Here's one of mine.

 
Dare ya.

PS: I'd love to see what you do, so please link back here so I can come and visit your photos.

Saturday Sketch day

I'm a bit late today, but that's because I've been out enjoying the day.

Ahhhh, wasn't it beautiful????

First Matt, Sarah and I headed off to the Otara markets. I've wanted to go there for aaaagggggeeess, but never quite gotten around to it. So today, I thought yep, we're going. It was a lovely morning. The kids ate hot dogs and milkshakes and we brought strawberries to eat in the car.

Then we went to Onehunga and I brought a lot of the kids summer clothes. Pumpkin Patch were having a sale at their outlet stores. We got a ton of stuff for not a ton of money. Would highly recommend you take a look if you get a chance.

Next stop was the boat. And onto the harbour we went. It was an incredible afternoon. Lots of big and small nibbles, but not an actual bite. Bumma. Andy then met up with our BIL and they went back out fishing while the kids and I went home for dinner.

Gotta love sunny Auckland days.

Anyway, onto the sketch. Here it is.... 

Have fun with it.

Oh, and for those of you who linked through your sketches from last week. Congrats. A rak will be on the way as soon as you send me your address! There weren't 10 so you all get one! Great huh?!

T

Catching up on some scrapping news

Biggest hugest congrats to my friend Rachel who has just earned a position on the new Fancypants DT! So so so happy for you chickee. And so well deserved. You and your scrapping ROCK! I just can't wait to see what you do with all their gorgeous product!

Dusty Attic has just released another new range, and I have to say its GORGEOUS! Oh my. How did I get to be so lucky to design with this?! I'm LOVING the doilies, and the vines especially. I can't wait to get my hands on them! If your LSS doesn't stock DA, then just ask them to contact Jen at DA. She will happily set up an account if the shop doesn't already have one, and get it out to you!

Creative Wonderland is just a little over 2 weeks away now and Rachel and I are busy getting everything ready. Final class lists (what you need) will hopefully be out this week. Just needing to finalise a couple of bits and pieces, and payments should be made asap.

We still have spots left in the crop and classes, so if you're in Wellington and at a loose end, please contact us and arrange your spot.

Invercargill wrap up - photo heavy

So where to start?

Perhaps the flights down there? With Tana Umunga sitting behind me on flight one, Dan Carter at the Ch/Ch airport and seeing another team on the way back home....sure was alot of eye candy!

But seriously. I met Rachel at Ch/Ch airport and there was a bit of confusion as to what flight and gate we were at, giggle, but we worked it out and got on our flight.

 
I know this is going to sound really 'Aucklanderish' and I apologise ahead of time, but I really didn't realise just how long it was going to take me to get to Invers from Auckland! 2 Flights and more hours than it takes to get to Aussie I finally made it.

We were greeted by the lovely Andrea from SBO. Was so good to see her again and taken to our hotel for the weekend. And what a surprise to get an upgrade! It was FANTASTIC.

Dinner was had, and some lovely bubbles (I haven't had wine for so long, and I have to say it was good!).

 
(Hey, are you just loving the look of the hipstamatic photos taken on my iphone?! Uh huh!)

We then organised final pieces for our kits, packed the fudge and labelled etc (I have to say that while my fudge tasted amazing, it was more the consistency of toffee, so we didn't use it. Thank goodness for Rachel's!), then off to the crop room to help and hang out with Andrea. What an amazing job she does in bringing part of her shop for us to drool over and buy!

The room looked fantastic once we'd all finished. See this table? All that stuff on it was going to the croppers. Very very generous!

 
The next day we had the best time. The Southern ladies are wonderful and very welcoming! Waving to you all! The classes went off without a hitch, and I 'think' everyone was happy with them so that's always a bonus! Grin.

Here's a shot of the everyone and their finished LO's.

 
Rachel and I designed the class so that everyone got one kit, then we worked from within that kit over 2 classes.

This is my class LO 
(using divine Pink Paislee, Websters Pages, and Basic Grey).

The kit had so much product in it that after the two classes were made from it, Rachel and I both created another 2 LO's. Here are mine.

 
The only things not in the kit in this LO are the little Martha Stewart doilies and a button/pin thingee.

 
This one has a little more product added, the base is Prima, plus some Prima flowers, otherwise its all from the kit.

The good news for anyone who didn't attend, is that there are 5 kits left for sale at SBO. If you're interested, just send Andrea an email, or check the shop.

They are selling for $40 (just the kit), or $50 and you get the goodie bag and donated product (by Kays Company) for the sketch challenge.

On Sunday morning Rachel and I went for a wee wander. It was really cold and gusty so we ended up strolling through the cemetary across the road. There were some really old graves. And of course being scrapbookers, we just had to take some photos (again using that hipstamatic application).

 
and

 
and

 
Andrea then took us to Bluff where I got the 'photo under the sign'. Stoked.

 
 
Coming home was relatively straight forward and it was great to see my family.

Thanks for having me Invercargill. You rock! And I miss ya.

Sunday Shake Up

Last week, pulling up to a car at the traffic lights, we saw the glimmer of bubbles rise from the car next to us. They glinted in the sun and floated off. We smiled and waved at the children in the car and I said to Sarah, we need to do that. And I thought, self, this would make a great Sunday shake up. So it is.

If you've got kids, one day unexpectedly, give your kids some bubbles in the car and let them blow them out the window at the traffic lights. Watch the smiles from other people around you.

And if you don't have kids.....don't let that stop you! I guarantee it will make you feel younger and lighter and will do the same for the people in the cars next to you.

Dare ya.

Saturday Sketch Day

Well today I'm in Invercargill teaching and being part of the Invercargill earthquake crop, raising money for people involved in the Ch/Ch quake.

As part of the day, we will be holding a sketch competition in each crop today.... Ch/Ch (with Scrappin Patch), Invercargill (with SBO) and Wellington (with Jenny).

The sketch being used is the one below and there are fabulous prizes to be won at each crop day. But I thought that's not fair to anyne who can't make a crop.....

So I have a rak to give away to anyone who makes a LO from this sketch and leaves a comment here with a link to their LO (I wanna see it!). I am restricting this to 10 raks. So if there are more than 10 people that participate, I will draw names out of a hat for the winners (and because all you lovely people at the crops already have a chance to win, this is just for those who can't attend the crops!).

And here is the sketch.

 
Enjoy.

PS: You have until next Sat to complete your LO, and link in the comments.

The internet and blogging

Sometimes I hate what the internet has done to the world. How it has made things that were previously hard to access, accessable. Nasty things. Things that cause harm.

And just the fact that it is now easier to email someone than pick up a phone and talk to them or send them some snail mail.

But other times I LOVE it. The times when I'm reminded how cool it is to be part of such a big worldwide community. Like on Sat, when I turned up at a crop where the people I've become friends with have mostly been made and cherished through email, yahoo groups, blogs etc. And one of the ladies came over to me with a bag and said, I've got this for you from a friend of yours in South Africa.

I was pretty gobsmacked. And honoured. Not only did my friend in SA go to the effort and trouble of buying me something, but my other friend brought it back all the way from SA for me. How cool is that?!

Anyway, I opened up the package and inside were the most beautiful beaded items. Check out this necklace...

 
It is stunning. And how cool is it that it goes with a top I already have?!

The kids love the gecko/lizard that is beaded and on my keyring. They think that is really special.

Me, today, I just think the link that is the internet is cool, and my friends are pretty special too.

Thanks Sophia and Nic. You guys rock.