Zva Creative May DT Blog Hop!

Zva Creative and the Design Team welcomes you to join us this month for a blog hop that we feel is always extra special!

As you know, Zva Creative offers so many beautiful color groupings for pearls, flowers and crystals. We want to make sure that they shine bright for you, so each designer was asked to share a creation using a specific color or color combination on their blog hop project.

The Blog Hop begins at Kim Hughes' blog. She will have the complete list of all blogs that are participating in case there is a glitch along the way. If you would like to play along, just follow along the blog path. I am linking to one of the Zva designers and that designer is linking to the next and so on. Be prepared to be inspired along the way. Hidden on FIVE of the blogs is a Zva Creative prize package ...YIPPEE! Winners will be randomly chosen after the hop is over, so it's important to leave a comment on as many blogs as you can along the way.

The Blog Hop starts today, May 30th and runs through midnight US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, May 31st and the 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 1st on each of the five winning blogs. The full list will be found on Kim Hughes‘s blog as well (linked above). We will do our best to notify each winner, but it's best if you can pop in to all of the blogs once again on Wednesday...plus, you never know what kind of inspirational creation that you may find there. All you need to do is leave a comment on this Zva Blog Hop post...you do not need to leave a comment on each and every designer's blog post to qualify. The more times you leave a comment along the blog hop path though, the more chances you will have to be one of the lucky winners.

I opted for Summer colours this month. After all, who doesn't love Summer days by the beach or lake? My girls definitely do!!! Titled: Queen Of Pout. Yellow isn't usually my colour of choice, but I am really glad that i chose it for this layout. It just makes the page so fun and festive.

The flourishes were too big for my page, so I simply cut them into smaller pieces. And of course I added some rhinestones for the little bit of extra sparkle. (-: (Why don't I just admit it? I added the rhinestones because I am a BLING addict!!! There, I said it, lol!)

Zva Creative products used: Pearl flourish PE-02CB-129; silk flowers FL01CB106; rhinestones CR-01CB-101; rhinestone strips CR-01CB-109; and 2mm foam dots AD01CB102. Other products used: Noel Mignon "Mary Ellen" kit; Glimmermist.

The blog hop begins here: Kim Hughes

Your next stop is here: Carole Maurin

Thank you SO MUCH for joining us . Don't forget to drop by on Wednesday to find out who the lucky winners are. Plus I will have a little extra inspiration for you!

The Countdown Begins...

It's coming...

Soon...

CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!

Back On Track...Kind Of...

Our family life is kind of back on track. Here's a run-down. Keana is feeling much, much better. She even went to school today. No, we still don't really know what the problem was. My mojo is back. I managed to scrap my first layout is about 4-5 days today. Yes, it's definitely back, and I am very, very relieved. Jellybean has a head-ache. She didn't see me close the glass sliding door, and she ran into it. She bounced off and gave me a very peeved off look (I totally cracked up laughing!!!). I'm thinking about doing some gardening stuff with my girls tomorrow. The scary thing is, I am SO NOT A GARDENER!!!! But a herb garden might be a good idea. We have a party to go to tomorrow afternoon, and we haven't even bought a gift yet. Nothing like leaving it to the last minute. Sunday it's supposed to rain again, so I think we might go to the movies and see Pirates Of The Carribean. My Helmar box of goodies is supposed to turn up some time next week. The waiting is driving me crazy, lol! I just ran out of Liquid Scrap Dots, so I am kind of desperate. And to finish it all off, my husband is going through a mid-life crisis, and has dyed his hair black...

Here is Tony with grey hair.

Here is Tony with black hair (sorry for the bad photo - it was from a computer screen shot). So what do you think? Does he look 25 again? Does that make me a cougar? ROFL!!!!

Color Combos Galore Challenge #194

It's time for me to say goodbye. I've been with Color Combos Galore for a year now, and have decided to step down as I need to take some time out. So Challenge #194 will be my last challenge with the CCG Design Team. I can't thank Janet enough, for the amazing opportunity that she offered me, and I can't thank all the ladies on the team enough, for their amazing friendship and support. It's been a wonderful, wonderful journey. (-:

Here's my take on this week's challenge. Yes, I know this isn't a typical "me" layout. But with everything I had going on with Keana, I just couldn't find my mojo, couldn't get in the zone, and really struggled to scrap. But I have wanted to record our daily schedule for quite some time, so this was the perfect opportunity, since the designer's challenge was to work with numbers.

Here's a close-up of the schedule. (-: Yes, my crazy, crazy life...sigh!

Just Roll With It...

Today took a turn for the worse. In fact, the past 10 days have been a turn for the worse. Both my girls have been sick on and off over the past 10 days. For the most part, it was a sniffly nose and cough. Nothing serious that I couldn't deal with. The only disruption was to me - at home - when they were home sick and kept fighting. Blah!!!! Then on Saturday night my youngest got sharp pains in her stomach, about 10 o'clock at night. So I gave her Nurofen, and sat with her until it kicked in and she fell asleep. On Sunday she wasn't really bad, but she wasn't really good either. But it still wasn't enough to have me too concerned. Monday morning I decided to take her to the doctor just in case. After a test, he decided it was probably a urinary tract infection and gave her antibiotics. But to keep an eye on her in case the pain got worse (in which case it might be appendicitis). This morning it got worse. The Nurofen wasn't working. So I took her up to the hospital at 10:00am. It was such a long day.... they did an ultrasound, they did a urine test, they did blood tests, they did physicals...and they wouldn't let Keana eat in case they had to do surgery (yes, at one point they were talking like it was a big possibility). She was in so much pain, and it took all my effort not to cry in front of her because there was nothing I could do for her. But after 10 hours, she finally took a turn for the better. And they let her come home (as long as I keep a close eye on her). In the end, they don't think appendicitis was the culprit. They think it is most likely inflamed lymph nodes around her liver (or was it kidney? too tired to remember) because of the nasty cold she had last week. Or it could still be a urinary tract infection. Appendicitis rates much lower on the possibility scale (thank-goodness). But at least she is home. The cats have been fed. I am finally getting the cup of tea I have been craving all day. And I am too tired to give a damn about trying to scrap. Now that's a first for me, lol! So here's to rolling with the punches, and hoping that tomorrow is a better day. (-:

Just A Share...

I thought I might join in the fun over at Glitz Design. This month's challenge was to create a layout using the clustering technique. Here's my end result - titled" How Can I Resist?". I'm undecided about this layout. It didn't turn out the way I saw it in my head. Maybe it's the colours? Or maybe it's the design? I don't know which, but I just know I am not 100% happy with it. But never mind - I still had fun creating it. (-:
Here's a couple of detail shots.

I have my suspicions I might be in for a rough night. I think my youngest has picked up a stomach bug, or eaten something that does not agree with her. She is complaining of a very sore stomach. I have just given her some Nurofen, so we will see how she feels once that kicks in. My poor little girl. Hopefully she will be able to get some sleep tonight if the medication works. Otherwise I think tomorrow will be a slow, stay at home day, for both of us.

I have the type of keyboard that slides in and out, from under the computer desk. And Jellybean has found a new way to scare the bejeezuz out of me! I'll be typing, then I will feel this hairy thing brushing against my fingers. Of course I jump, thinking it's a spider, (can you say SCREAM!!!), but I look down to find a furry paw trying to reach me from the back of the keyboards. Rotten little cat. (-:

I want to go and scrap, but I'm craving chocolate and peanut butter ice-cream. Damn! We have no chocolate at all in the house. )-: Guess I'll just have to go and scrap, lol! See ya!

Happy Birthday To You...

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Antonio,

Happy Birthday to you!!!

We all miss you. Hurry home soon.

Love from Malayla, Keana and Jules. xxx

Am I Gritty Enough???

Susannah Conway has raised an interesting topic on her blog. That people don't tell the full story, we only present the good side of us. That our blogs are not gritty enough, and non-relatable. So my dear reader, I ask you...what would you like to read and see on my blog? Do you want to hear my opinions about the number of men in positions of power, who just can't seem to keep it in their pants? Bloody fools and idiots!!! Do you want to hear my opinion about the South Australian member of Parliament who was arrested for possessing child pornography on his computer? Why the "%&$#!!!" is he still a member of Parliament? Do you want to hear my opinion about the man who raped his six year old sister (over a number of years, and on numerous occasions) and didn't even get a jail sentence. He has destroyed his sister, her faith in herself, her strength and her trust. He has turned her world upside down and scarred her for life. She will never, ever, ever recover. It will haunt her forever. How do I know? Because I've been there, I speak from experience. Do you want me to talk about the fact that we are made to feel guilty about not helping those less fortunate overseas, when our own live in filth, squalor, and starve. Do you want to hear my opinion about children, from the age of 4 upwards, who torture, kill and maim animals for fun. These animals are someone's pet, their friend, their companion, and something that they love dearly. But these monsters don't care. The torture and kill for the amusement of it. Do you want me to speak of my emotions and thoughts on hearing that someone left a dead four year old on the side of the road, in a town, in the USA. Dumped on the side of the road!!!! Are these people for real? How can you call someone like that human? What the &%#& goes through their brains? I'm guessing they really don't have any. Nor do they have a heart. I'm sure all this would make much more interesting food for thought, and I am happy to go there if my reader's would like to hear it. So, let me know what you think! Do we get down and get a little more gritty? I suppose for those that don't like it they can just go read another happy blog, lol! (-:

Noel Mignon Layout Tag Challenge...

I created this layout using the Sonoma County kit (sorry, sold out) from Noel Mignon, and as part of the Winter Layout Tag Challenge issued by Noel Mignon. Full details of the inspiration layout and reveal can be found on the Noel Mignon site here. I love doing these challenges. I look forward to each one. I think this is my third challenge? It's amazing to see how we can all create such different layouts from the same inspiration. The only thing I have added to this kit is the Liquid Pearls.

Distractions...

I need to scrap, to create distractions. Why? Because I have this insane urge to spring clean and re-do our whole house. Seriously!!! Last night when my girls went to bed, I pulled our loungeroom and play area apart, and set it all up differently. The cats love it, the girls love it, and hubby is yet to see it, lol! But I don't want to stop there. I want to keep going. Not just my scraproom, but every room in the house. At the moment though, I just don't have time for all that. So I have to try and distract myself my scrapping (and pinning...sigh...such a bad addiction). So, in the name of distraction, I have created this layout using the "Mary Ellen" kit from Noel Mignon. Titled: 2 Sweet Girls. The only things I have added are the rhinestone flourishes (Prima), and the Liquid Pearls.
Here's a close-up of my journalling.
And all the fussy cutting I did on the October Afternoon paper. seriously love that paper. Must buy more, lol!
And a little texture, detail and depth.

Right, I'm off to create more distractions...maybe... (-:

Bad Mummy!!!

I've had three girls all weekend. Keana's friend Jessica stayed over. And three just don't mix. You need four, so that they can play in pairs. Sigh! So it's been kind of a long weekend, and I really, really needed a break from the fighting and arguing (which continued even after Jessica went home). So what's a mum to do? I don't want to bribe them with more toys, and I don't want to sit them in front of the tv. They have been jumping on the trampoline all weekend, so they are sick of being outside. And I'm sick of hearing them play songs on YouTube, so that's not an option. Aha! I've had a brain wave!!! I know - teach them how to pin on Pinterest. Yes, brilliant idea, lol!!! I created each girl a board, showed them what to do, explained that no rude or vulgar pictures would be tolerated, and let them go for it. I got more than an hour of peace so that I could do the washing and fold clothes without hearing "I'm bored!!!". And now, they are as happily addicted as me. Yes, I know I'm a bad mummy, lol! But it's so cute to see what takes their fancy, and what they pin. Plus they are learning a lot about different places, food, and crafts. So there is some educational advantage to it. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Hee! Hee! Hee!

Zva Creative May Project No. 2

This is my second May project for Zva Creative. I will reveal my third project at the Zva Blog Hop. Make sure to come back on the 30th for some blog hop fun. I've combined this layout with the "I Love" challenge posted over at Noel Mignon. And I've titled it "What I Love..."
I've used pearl florishes (PE-02CB-143) and embellishment flowers (FL-04CA-133) from Zva Creative. Papers and stickers are from Crate Paper.
I've added some Zva Creative pearls (PE-02CB-102) and rhinestones (CR-02CB-101). Along with some misting, twine and stamping. (-:

And I've added dimension with Zva Creative 2mm foam dots (AD01CB102).

So, what do you love? (-:

Celebration at Helmar...

Finally, I can share my first project for Helmar (Blogger has been down and I couldn't blog yesterday). You can find all the details here on the Helmar blog site.
Lots of layers and dimension.

And fussy cutting (I used the Pink Paislee Soiree paper range).

And a handmade flower. You can find the details for making this on my Helmar blog post. It's quite simple. Just a large circle, and lots of punched out hearts. (-: Have a happy scrappy weekend, and thank-you for dropping by!!!

It's Too Quiet...

Quiet is never a good sign I think to myself...Where's the cat? Has she escaped outside? Is she stuck somewhere? Is she destroying something? (yet again...)

Oh...there she is...asleep on the tv cabinet. Sure! Why not? It's looks comfortable (NOT!!!).

What We Did...

With hubby being away for Mother's Day, we decided to have a quiet day at home. It started with Malayla harrassing the cat for photos. I must admit, although blurry, I love this close-up of Jellybean. But I'm not sure if she feels the same way, lol!!!!

Isn't she just adorable and huggable. She gets lots, and lots, and lots of love, from the girls and me. So no-one feels left out, she takes turns sleeping on our beds. (-:

We made chocolate muffins with extra choc bits in them. So yummy and delicious, and indulgent. But it was Mother's Day, so we were allowed...(-:

Malayla didn't even wait for them to go into the oven before she was eating the left-over batter, lol! She was busted with it all over her mouth, the cheeky thing.

And because it was Mother's Day and I didn't want to cook, I took the girls out to Sizzler's for dinner. Don't you just love the look of sisterly love in this photo? I so can't wait to scrap this one, lol!!!!!

OMG! It's Purple...

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a huge fan of purple. I just seem to struggle using it at times. But when it's your daughter's favourite colour, and Webster's uses it in one of their paper ranges, then Tattered Angels brings out a couple of great shades in their Glimmermist, you end up with no choice but to go with purple...sigh... Titled: Live Laugh Love. This is my first May Monthly Project for Zva Creative. Zva Products Used: rhinestone leaves CRS-03CB-106; rhinestones CR-02CB-101 and CR-01CB-101; 3D bulk roses in purple (sweet blossoms in two sizes); and 2mm foam dots AD01CB102.

I double layered the punched border (Martha stewart punch).

I stamped around the edge with a Tattered Angels stamp. And added two rows of stitching. I tcut a stip of Webster's tulle, added some knots, and used it to ground my chandelier.

Lots of bling of course! What's a peacock without some sparkle?

And more bling around the frame. So, I still don't "love" purple, but at least it is getting easier to work with. (-:

I Love Pink...

I'm in love with the new Noel Mignon kit - "Mary Ellen". I love, love, love this kit. Might have something to do with all the pretty pinks and reds that are in it. Lots of beautiful bright colours and pretty things. Sigh...so addictive...lol!!!!

I cut out lots of flowers rom the October Afternoon paper. I layered Sassafras borders with Crate Paper trim, and finished with Liquid Pearls and Stickles.

I used the Jenni Bowlin stamp set to stamp some journalling spots. And for a change, I wrote with a blue pen, rather than black. I splattered some Glimmermist for extra colour.

And I used the new Hambly Washi tape and some Liquid Pearls to create a photo corner.

Color Combos Galore Challenge #191

Challenge #191 is live and rocking over at Color Combos Galore. The Designer's Challenge this week is to document your best Mother's Day present. The colours include gold, yellow, off white, and cream.

Here's my take on this week's challenge. Titled: You Are My Best And Greatest Gift. Originally, I was going to title it "You Are My Greatest Gift", but when Keana saw the title and read it, she said "No mummy! It has to be - you are my BEST and greatest gift". So I smiled at her and agreed. (-: Who knew that Pink Paislee's Soiree papers would match so well, lol! Believe me, they were not the first papers I thought of when I saw this challenge. And that beautiful green flower is, of course, from Zva Creative. I would be so lost without their stuff. It's amazing how much I have come to rely on their products. The envelope and letter are from Doodlebug. I fell in love with them and bought 5 in different colours.

For my envelope, I added a litttle gold flower charm, some string to keep the flap tied closed, and some mini alphas from Cosmo Cricket and Glitz.

I wanted my flower to have a little extra sparkle. So I covered the stamens in the centre with glue, and coated them with some gold glitter.


And I finished off my misted butterfly with a gold butterfly charm in the centre.

It's The Little Things That Count...

With so many horrible acts of nature occuring all around the world, I kind of feel like I am useless, and unable to do anything to help. I have friends who were affected by the recent floods in Brisgbane, I have friends who were affected by the earthquakes in Japan, and I have friends who have been affected by the tornados in the south of the USA. Everyone I know has been affected. But due to the distance (and costs involved in getting there), I am unable to physically help those in the USA. But I can do the next best thing. I can list those sites and friends who are organising help for the southern communites. Please, please, please click on a link and show your support. For those of you too far away to help, Gretchen McElveen is selling beautiful hand made cards here. Her funds will go to buying more supplies for those directly affected by the tornados. Virginia Tillery is organising supplies through the Camellia Project (sisters helping other sisters in need). Virginia is also raising funds with her very own Tornado Relief Fundraiser on her blog. There are some beautiful scrapbooking kits, necklaces, canvases, and frames up for grabs. Here is another lady organising supplies for the children affected by the Alabama tornados. And Elisha Pharr was kind enough to supply me with a Facebook link for Hackleburg (it shows what is needed, what is being done, and how you can help). So no, I am not totally helpless. I can help in this small way. Can you help? (-:

Funny Girls...

Yes, these really are my girls...sigh...I have no-one to blame but myself, because they get their sense of humour from me. I took these photos over the weekend as they went with a friend, to a Pyjama Disco at a local ballet school.

At times I don't know whether to laugh, cry, or join them.
On another note, unfortunately I did not recruit enough "LIKES" and have missed out on being able to give away a Helmar prize pack. )-: Jessica Diedrich came in first with 55 new fan "LIKES", Jimmi Maya came in second with 45, and I came in third with 31. Congratulations to Jessica and Jimmi!!! Thank-you to all the ladies and gentlemen who took the time to pop over and click on LIKE. I am truly sorry that I am unable to offer a prize pack. But Tracy has informed us, that as part of the Helmar team, we will be having more DT competitions in the future. So hopefully, next time I can do a little better and score one of those prize packs to give away. Many thanks to all. I truly appreciate your help and support. (-: I'll go with that saying "better luck next time!!!".