Down to the wire...

Yay! It's the end of the month. Time for a whole new pile of monthly challenges to begin, starting tomorrow. So here's my last layout for this month - Titled: Sealed With A Kiss. I created this layout for the A2Z Scraplets monthly sketch challenge. I flipped the sketch. To see the sketch go here.

1,2,3...done!!!

Here's my completed layout for the 1,2,3 monthly blog challenge. This month's criteria was to use the word "smile" on your layout, use something non scrapbooking related, and to use book paper. Book paper - check, word smile - check (as part of the title, on the photo), and a non-scrapbooking related item - check (I've used feathers). Whew! One more layout done, and another three to complete before tomorrow ends. Yay!

Too tired...

We've been at White Water World (on the Gold Coast) all day, so I haven't had any time to do any scrapping, and I think I am too tired now. So no layouts to share. But I do have some photos. Malayla decided to volunteer for the dunking game. You know the one - you sit over a big pool of water, and someone has to hit the release button by throwing a ball at the bullseye. And yes, the water was COLD! So here she is...

and now she is gone (and very wet)...

now to get out and get warm again. (-: She absolutely loved it, and actually had three or four goes. But her younger sister refused to be part of it - she wasn't that silly!!! (-: No way was she going to be dunked into cold water.

Instead, Keana wandered off and found Dora for a cuddle. How sweet is this? I keep forgetting, she is still my baby and a little girl, even if she is the size of an 8 or 9 year old. (She has only just turned 6).

The end of the day. This is her "I'm only a little girl and I am tired - have pity on me?" look. Isn't it just the best? My poor, exhausted baby. Oh well, she can recover at my grandfather's place over the next couple of days. Mum and the girls are staying with him for two nights - so I have an empty house and I think I need to go and make the most of it! (-:

Morning tea...

THE CHEF...

THE ACCOMPLICE....

THE DECORATION...

THE PREPARATION...

THE CLEAN-UP...

Please be aware that no children were harmed during this mornings preparation of morning tea. (-: Independence was gained, and full stomachs achieved.

Got Mojo?

I created this layout for the "Got Mojo?" site and their monthly challenge. However, due to the time differences, I think I've totally missed the deadline. (-: Never mind, because I really enjoyed creating this layout, and I'm loving the direction my new style of scrapping is going. I'm very, very happy, indeed. I've even tried a few new techniques, such as tearing pieces out of my paper, and having another coloured paper peeking through from underneath. Me, tear paper? NEVER!!! Oh, but it was fun! (-:

Down to the deadline...

Damn! I really must learn not to leave layouts to the last minute. I've got three on the go at the moment, plus several others that need to be done before the end of the month. One day I'll surprise myself and get organised!!! (Yeah, and pigs will start flying, LOL!!!) I've just finished this layout for What's Ad About? (It's due by midnight tonight). It was inspired by the Tetley Green Tea ad, and is titled "Embrace Your World". My background was created using a technique borrowed from the amazing Ngaire Bartlam. I've been wondering for ages how I was going to use my Heidi Swapp "Invisibles" papers, and then I stumbled onto Ngaire's idea. (-:

Check it out!!!

Look...here!

I've been chosen as a Guest Designer for We Scrap. This time I get to play with a kit, too!!! How exciting is that?

Little surprises...

I've been busy doing more classes taught by the wonderful Ngaire Bartlam. Here's the first layout we did. And we learnt how to colour lace with felt pens and water - interesting indeed! My layout is titled "So Much Fun" and it's about my little trip to the Papercraft Retreat at Lake Keepit (with Jodi and co.)

Here's the second layout. It's titled "Adore". This layout was a lot of fun - very girly and feminine, and I just loved it!!! Plus I got to use bling, so what more could I ask for? (-:

And I had a lovely little surprise today. My layout was featured in August's Prima BAP pages. Such wonderful honour. And you can also find Jodi Dolbel's page featured too. (-:

Prima BAP layout...

I've finished my layout for Prima's September Build-A-Page sketch challenge. I've used Glimmermists and metallic stars to create my background. And I used the Glimmermists to colour my flowers. I'm extremely happy with how the background turned out, since I was just messing around and trying different ideas when I created it. (-:

Something a little different...

OK. I decided to release my inner arty self for this layout. Yeah, I know, my style is changing, yet again. And yes, more Glimmermist (I'll let you in on a little secret - the layout I am working on at the moment has it too!!!) (-: I created this layout (and card) for a DT Guest Spot challenge over at WeScrap. It's titled "She Dreams In Colour". The requirement was to use at least two school supplies, and to use your leftover papers to create a card.

Here's my card. A nice simple birthday card. I still don't understand though, why everyone assumes, that just because I do scrapbooking, that I do cards too. Because I don't. I only do cards under duress or necessity. They just don't "thrill" me the way layouts do. So please, everyone out there in the scrapping world, please stop assuming that just because a person does scrapbooking, that they do card-making too. Not all scrapbookers are card-makers. Some of us just don't want to be. (-: Whatever happened to freedom of choice?

So Sketchy! 2nd Sketch...

Here are the final two layouts I have created as Guest Designer, using sketches designed by Allison Cope, over at So Sketchy!. Just pop over to So Sketchy to have a look at the sketch. The first is titled "LOVE" and uses Little Yellow Bicyle papers (that I have been waiting to use forever!!!). This was the perfect layout for those papers. Yes, that is Glimmermist (again!). I'm addicted to that stuff!!! (-:

The second layout is titled "Just A Little Crazy" and is about my two crazy, darling daughters. Who said riding a carousel was boring??? Not with these two around (hee! hee! hee!).

I cracked 200!

It's amazing what you can do when you don't know what you are doing. (-: I'm referring to the gym (and pumping weights). This morning, my trainer Justin, made me do four sets of 15 repetitions,on the leg press. The first set started at 140kgs. The second set got harder and heavier but I didn't ask how much I was pushing (I just did it and got it over with). Then we hit the third set, and I started to struggle because IT WAS HEAVY. But I was too scared to ask how much weight he had put on. And I knew I still had to do a fourth set with the heavier weight. When I finally finished, and yes, I did finish all on my own, I was dumb enough to ask, "how heavy?" I counted the weights then counted again because I thought I had it wrong. I pumped 240 kilograms today. OMG!!!!!!!! A new personal best record. And yes, I still feel sick every time I think about how heavy it was. Ask me tomorrow if it was worth it, when I am unable to move...oh, the pain is scaring me already...I think tomorrow will be a slow day. (-:

Creative Edge layouts...

Here's two of the layouts that we completed at the Creative Edge classes. The first one is by Steph Caskey-Devlin. We used so many bright colours - I was in heaven. And we learnt how to make tissue paper flowers - they are so cute and feminine. I will definitely be using them again.

The second layout is the one we did with Janine Koczwara. Lots of paper layering, and more new techniques for painting and creating flowers. Both techniques that I will be using again. The main difference between Janine's layout and mine is the glitter. I just had to add some bling!!! (-:

A big thank-you!!!

Before I forget, I want to send a big, big thank-you to Janine Koczwara. Without her generosity, I would not have been able to attend and make the canvas album for Kate Mason's class (at the Creative Edge day). This is because Janine actually gave up her album and place for me. So yes, I do feel a little bit guilty for taking her place, and I don't think I can ever thank her enough for the opportunity. I am hoping that somewhere down the track I might be able to make it up to her. And I would also like to send out a big thank-you to all the wonderful ladies who both helped and/or participated in the Creative Edge day. Without you all, it wouldn't have been half as great as it was - thank-you for making it such a wonderful day. Was it worth travelling half-way across Australia for it? Hell, yes!!! And I would do it again without a second thought. Honestly, they were some of the best classes ever. Sign me up for the next one...

Photos of a beautiful city...

I fell in LOVE with Adelaide - as in the, pack up and move there, type of love. Seriously, I wouldn't hesitate at the chance. It is SO MUCH cleaner than Sydney or Brisbane. Their airport was immaculate. The other capital cities could learn a thing or two from Adelaide, that's for sure. It was so well planned and set out. Getting around was so easy. What a gorgeous and amazing city. I have decided I will be taking the family there for a holiday in the near future. But to the photos - this one was taken from my balcony at sunset. How incredible is that?

Here'a a photo of the Railway Centre (the Casino has actually been built behind it). The architecture in this city is so beautiful and fascinating. There is so much history and character. I could have happily walked around all day just looking at the buildings.

Trams! Aren't they superb! Just LOVE that colour. It runs free from one end of the city to the other. They remind me of big, super fast, green frogs. (-:

Another view from my balcony. This is the bank of the River Torrens . Seriously, I'd be lucky if it was a 5 minute walk from my building. Can't wait to go back.

I'm back!!!

First things first. Here are the first two layouts I did for So Sketchy, using a sketch designed by Allison Cope. To view the sketch, please follow this link: So Sketchy - Guest Designer. This layout follows the sketch fairly closely, and is titled " Pose Time".

In this layout, I have flipped the sketch upside down, and have allowed a more open interpretation of the sketch. It is titled: "She Is So Loved".

On The Road Again...

I'm out of here again! I'm off to Adelaide this evening after Keana's birthday party, and will return Tuesday night. My first couple of layouts for So Sketchy will go up on the 13th September (Canadian Mountain Time). I will post the layouts when I get back from Adelaide, but if you want to check them out before then, please feel free to go to the So Sketchy blog site. So fellow scrappers and bloggers, have a great weekend, and I be back in a few days.

Bed hair and birthdays...

Happy Birthday baby!!! You're six today. Love you lots and hope you have a super-dooper day!

Don't you love the bed hair? I get this every morning with Keana. (-:

Sharing the planet with idiots...

Seriously, I do wonder about the idiocy of some people on this planet. This photo was taken at Easter time (I actually forgot that I had done so) while staying on the Gold Coast. Now this moron, and his buddies in the car, decided to stop the car in peak hour traffic, climb up on the roof, and drop his shorts. So, tell me, where are the police when you need them? And to think that these are actually grown men, not young teenagers. God help us!!! I am not a prude, so I don't actually have a problem with this fool dropping his shorts, but I do have a problem with him doing it in front of my two young daughters. I hope he catches a nasty disease and "it" falls off. Now, that would teach him a lesson!!!

Ok. I've finished ranting. On a brighter topic - I have finished my layouts for So Sketchy. I've done four in total. They will be posted on the So Sketchy blog site over the next couple of weeks. I will upload my layouts once Allison has posted them on her site first. And here's one more photo that I found from our park outing on Sunday. My little princess - I think this might now be one of my favourite photos of Malayla. She just looks so sweet (yes, I know I am biased, I just can't help it!). Tomorrow is Keana's 6th birthday, so I had better go and finish wrapping some presents...(-:

Got it! Got it! Got it!

Yay! I've finally got my hands on some of the new Prima goodies. I am SO HAPPY!!! The new colours in the pearl and rhinestone flourishes are to die for, and I don't even get me started on the pearl and rhinestone flower centres. Absolute heaven! They are so pretty, I'm just going to have to go and play with them NOW!!! And the new papers should be on my doorstep tomorrow. So exciting!!! And to top it all off, I have a big box of Sassafrass directly on it's way from the warehouse. oohhhh!!! I love boxes full of surprises. (-: Enough blabbering, I'm off to have some creative fun...

I forgot!!!

It's our nine year anniversary today, and guess what? I forgot. My husband was nice enough to remind me with a text message and a card in the mail. But I forgot to get him a card. Oooops!!! Oh well, there's always next year. Besides, I'm sick and my brain isn't exactly working properly. Don't know if it's a cold or the flu. Either way, that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it. Happy Anniversary Honey!!! Love you!!!

Honourable mentions...and getting closer!

I don't have any photos to share at this point in time. I've completed several layouts that I would LOVE to share with you, but they are for So Sketchy, and will not be posted until the 10th and 15th September (Canadian time). Let's just say I'm fairly certain that my style is slowly changing (yet again). But I'm still loving the Glimmermist and Memories Mist sprays. (-: And on another exciting note, I've had an honourable mention over at the One Little Word blog. It was for the "BEAUTY" challenge. So, I am very, very happy with that. It was above and beyond anything I was expecting, due to the talent that can be found on this blog. You should pop over and see some of the work on display - it is just amazing! Absolutely brilliant!!! And I will be disappearing again for four or five days, from this Saturday - I'm off to Adelaide for the Creative Edge classes. So excited about that!!!(-:

Father's Day outing...

My grandfather come up from the coast for a visit today, so in honour of it being Father's Day, and his love of fish and chips, we went for a drive to Scarborough Beach Park. Mind you, we had a detour because my mother is stubborn and refuses to listen to me, the same thing she complains about her father (my grandfather) doing to her. It must run in the family? But I digress - mum suggested going to Morgans for fish and chips. I told her that it was a bad idea. Now, anyone who knows Morgans, knows that you NEVER go there on a big day like Fathers Day or Christmas because it is so crowded and busy, and you will be waiting hours to get served. But no, my mother wouldn't listen - so to Morgans we went. Well, when we got there and she saw that there was no parking and the queue was a mile long, she agreed that we should go somewhere else. She said, "I didn't think it was going to be that bad!" Aaarrghhhhh!!!!! I live here - what is it, she doesn't think I know what I am talking about? - I'm a local for crying out loud!!! So after biting my tongue (yes, I can do that when I absolutely must, it just not something I do often), we went to The Boat Shed for our fish and chips instead. So yummy, and quick service. Much better. Anyway, back to the photo. We found this little cutie down on the waterfront with his owners. His name is "Aussie" because he was born on Australia Day. Isn't he just gorgeous? No, we are not getting one for our next pet!!! Don't even think about asking!!! (-:

Here's my darling daughters and their great-grandfather (on mum's side of the family). I love this photo of them together, as we don't get to see him that often. Yes, he's the same one who is stubborn and will not listen to mum. What comes around, goes around...hee!hee!hee!

And I found this while wandering about in the park. It's a remote control tarantula. Don't you just LOVE it!!! Can you imagine the endless amount of fun you could have scaring young children with this? Just too tempting. (-: Apparently, they are from Toys R Us. Mmmm, might have to go for a drive this week...

Here's another first!

Whoo-hoo! I've never done a layout for OLW before, so this is a first. I adore the artistic style of their design team, and thought I could learn a few things from them. So I have decided to join in their fun. The challenge this time around is to use the word #59 Beauty/Beautiful on a layout. Here's the end result. Simply titled "Beauty", it is a lesson I hope Keana can learn and understand - beauty is a blessing, but it can also be a curse. And for those who haven't noticed, I'm starting to get VERY FOND of the Glimmermist and Memories Mist sprays. Mmmm...nearly as addictive as my bling! (-:

A little story to share...

I asked my personal trainer (Justin) today, why he didn't train his wife? His answer: "because she won't do as I say! If I tell her to do 20 push-ups, she says no, I don't want to"! Sound familiar??? Justin has now sent his wife to another personal trainer for her training sessions. ROFL!!! I swear I am not making this up, this is a true story. I just had to share this because it brightened my day. (-: It made it just a little easier for me to get through my session. That, and the fact that he was really sore from his training yesterday. What comes around, goes around...hee!hee!hee!

We need to build muscle he says!

I haven't done one of these for ages! This is a layout created with a Pencil Lines Sketch. Sketch number 147, to be precise. I am SO HAPPY with the end result. (-: At least I am happy with one thing, not like my Personal Trainer. He makes me work SO HARD! I look at the weights that he makes me lift and it scares me - they are so BLOODY heavy! Why, you might ask (like I asked him)? Because I need to build muscle, preferably quickly, to help give my metabolism a boost. Well that's all fine and dandy, except that building the muscle is what HURTS! It's only been four hours since my PT session, and I am already getting sore and stiffening up. Tomorrow should be so much fun- NOT!!! And have you ever tried to scrap (especially when you have deadlines), and yours arms are sore and still shaking from working out? I don't recommend it as it is highly frustrating...I think I had better go and find a massage therapist (-:

She's just a little weird...

My crazy little baby! She's about to turn six in 8 days. She just gets funnier and funnier every year. Our family comedian- she makes us laugh, all the time. Thank goodness she's such an easy going little girl. The only time she gets upset is when the computer, PS2 and Nintendo games get the better of her. (-:

My emo girl. She's my emotional one. We watched a DVD yesterday called CJ7, and the end result was Malayla in tears. Why? Because the movie had a cute, fluffy alien dog from out of space, and now she wants one to. Only problem is, they don't exist. She's in the process of writing a letter to Santa to let him know that he has to find one for her. Hee! Hee! Hee! I can see Christmas is going to be a challenge this year. I wonder how good her memory is? Maybe I'll get lucky and she'll forget before then? (And pigs might fly backwards...)

Don't do handstands and cartwheels in the house! How many times have I said this, and she still ignores me. And Nanna's no help either!!! She lets her do them in the house...aaargghhhh!!! Parents! But I must admit, she's good at them. (-: Hence, the reason I had to photograph her doing the one thing she shouldn't be doing in the house.

Here's the cartwheel. She does these so beautifully. She is very quick at them, and has a beautiful spin on them. Great movement!

Here's the scene I get most afternoons. Nanna and Keana playing Nintendo. They're both addicted...(-: Way too funny!!! Nanna plays the games while the girls are at school. And here I was, worried about my daughters becoming addicted to the games. Yeah, right! Oh well, at least it keeps her out of my hair while she is here visiting.

I still have my computer for the time being too! But probably not for long - I have to start looking for a new one. Something newer and bigger and better. This old baby has just about had it. Damn! I guess that just means I will have to go shopping...(-:

Something a little different...

Here's the sketch for Creative Chaos. This time around, I decided to have some fun with it. The result is a little different from my usual girly layouts. (-:

Here's my take on the sketch. Titled: It's Got Me! I decided to play with some "boyish" style papers for something different, and I am glad to say, I am quite happy with the result. I've been wanting to use this monster paper for quite some time, but just didn't know what to do with it. This sketch was just perfect for it. On another note, my computer is being difficult, so if I disappear for a few days, it's because the technician has taken it away for a service and fix. I am going to be SO LOST without it. )-:

I'm a guest designer!!!

No picture this time, but I do have some exciting news to share. I have been chosen as the September Guest designer for So Sketchy! How excited am I? (-: (-: (-: I will post more details later...

Miracles can happen!

Holy crap!!! I have NEVER scrapped so fast in my life. I completed this layout in under two hours (ok, Jodi - you can pick yourself up off the floor now). (-: Anyone who knows me knows I am a slow scrapper. I like to take my time, to move things about the page before I stick them down, to think things through first. I didn't have the luxury of time with this layout. The deadline for the Guest Designer Competition with So Sketchy was Midnight 31st August, Canadian time, which I think is about 3:00pm here. And I didn't find out about the competition until after midday today. I sent the email through at 2:55pm, so I hope I got the time differences correct. If not, it doesn't matter, as this was a very good learning curve for me. I can scrap quickly if I really put my mind to it and focus. (-: But this doesn't mean I am going to do that all the time!!!But enough yabbering - here's the sketch and the layout I created from it, titled: Role Model? Yes, I know it's not my usual style, but what can I say? Nothing has been "ususal" about today! I didn't even plan on scrapping today (I am supposed to be doing paperwork, and that is where I am off to now...)

Time to share...

Here's my three themed layouts for Blossie's. September's theme is - lots of photos. My first layout is titled: Things We Love. It's all about some of the things we love to do as a family with our spare time.

My second layout is titled: Together. This layout showcases some of my favourite photos of my daughter's together.

My third layout is titled" Park. The journaling reads - Once upon a time, there were two little girls, who liked to play in the park, all day, and everyday. These are old photos that I have had sitting on my desk forever, so I decided this was the perfect opportunity to scrap them.

This is the layout I created for the September Sketch over at Aussie Pub Calls Roadmaps. It is titled: Little Ballerinas Misbehaving. I'm loving the new Basic Grey - so delicious.