Back shortly with a proper update

Now besides going to spend a day with the fabulous Heidi this week at create 08, which by the way was FANTASTIC.. caught up with alot of the old dollies and Cherie which was great...but more on that later. I have just noticed that this weeks Weekend Inspiration over at the Aussie Scrap Source blog is all about Heidi Swapp products.


Go and check it out because A) the DT have done some beautiful layouts using Heidi Swapp products but B) they also feature one of MY layouts called cousins.

I was so pleased when they asked a couple of months ago if they could use it, when they featured Heidi's products on the BLOG and even more excited tonight to see it actually up there.

So enough of my bragging.


Life has been super super busy lately so I will be back shortly to update properly about the happenings in the O'Connor household. So I will pre warn you that it will be a lengthy one.

I'll leave you with a photo I have just pinched from Wendy's Blog taken last Tuesday of Willisa, me, Heidi and Wendy. Notice how we all coordinate with Heidi. Gotta love that.
















Cheers

Leeanne xxx

CCG # 98

Last weeks colour theme was - moccasin - cool copper - dewy green/blue - bistre (aka chocolate). Certainly not colours I would normally think to put together, however once I started collecting it all started to come together. If you want to check out the website click here.

I decided this layout would be 8 1/2 x 11 and I would go down the keep it simple path. I'm always inspired by Belinda Venables work and love how amazing her work is. This week I used more photos of my gorgeous great niece Charlie from back in July when we visited her on the Gold Coast.

Bathtime Fun: PP: Sassfrass Lass, Scenic Route, Autumn leaves & Basic Grey- Alpha: American Craft and MM, Accents: American Craft felt flower, Junkitz brad, 7gypsies sticker and Scenic route journalling sticker, machine stitching.



















5 more sleeps until the Twilight preview. Both Madeleine and I are excited by that, her friend Alex is coming along and my friends Lynne and Wendy and also my sister and her two girls. After that it will be under 10 days until create 08 with Heidi Swapp. Then of course after that under 10 sleeps until the big one Christmas.Phew!!! so much excitement, I don't know whether I'll make it through. Seriously where has this year gone????

Madeleine officially finished Year 7 today and is now on holidays, although she still has to go over the next 2 days for Band practice. Presentation night is on Thursday evening and the band is playing, so they are having two days of practise, much to her disgust. (hehe)

Cheers for now

Leeanne xxx

Blog Award and Pencil Line Sketch #112

Look what I won. I was very excited to see that the lovely Evelien had nominated my blog fopr a Kreativ Blogger award, Thank you Evelien I was thrilled. Evelien is from Beligum and her work is so lovely, she has just been accepted as a DT member for Creatively Yours. Well done Evelien that's fantastic news for you & well deserved.













Here are the rules:-

The rules:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award
3. Nominate 5 blogs for the award.

1. Wendy Treseder
2. Cherie
3. Cecilie
4. Kerry
5. Sheree

I love seeing all these ladies gorgeous work and just reading what they've been up to. Thanks for sharing girls.

Next is this weeks Pencil Line sketch. When I first saw sketch 112 I wasn't sure I would do it,however I love how this turned out and the earthy colours, work well. These are some of Madeleine's new clothes she picked up the other week. New Jeans, New top and New scarf, she has developed a really good fashion sense and an eye for putting things together.

STYLISH:




















Our neighbours of 22 years are having their goodbye party tonight, so I better head off and make the dip I'm taking in and also think about dinner.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers

Leeanne xxx

Working 9 till 5

Well at least for yesterday anyway. Yesterday was the launch of CHOICE Switch. What a day.... it was hectic, it was stressful, it was tiring and it was Fantastic. Fantastic to get such a big response so quickly,the phones were running hot all day. CHOICE had spots on Today, Skye News and 3aw here in Melbourne and people were immediately checking out the website. Months of planning finally came to fruition yesterday and it was so rewarding to see people's positive reaction to it.


Not a huge amount happened on the weekend, Madeleine's netball team sadly did not make the Grand Final, so that's it for Saturday netball this year. Her Tuesday night team is playing in the Grand Final tonight, so fingers crossed for that one.

I did mange to complete this weeks colour combo challenge #97. I really liked this weeks colours, so that makes it much easier to work with. I apologise for the picture of the layout it looks a little crooked but everything is actually straight, I just couldn't seem to get a good photo.



Enjoy Life: PP October Afternoon, Bazzill cardstock, heidi Swapp book plate, brads, fancy pants crochet flower, prima flowers, kaiser bling, Alpha: Heidi Swapp, reminisce and carol lees creations.






















Well that's it for the moment thanks for stopping by.

Cheers

Leeanne xxx

Pencil Lines Sketch 111

This weeks sketch was provided by the talented Sarah Jane Dowsett aka Scrappyfairy. I really enjoyed working with this sketch and as soon as I saw it, I thought of this photo which I only I took last weekend when Madeleine and I spent the day shopping. Most of the bags contain clothes that she won't see again until Christmas Day, much to her dismay (hehe). She certainly does like to shop and who wouldn't on someone elses money.


Born to shop: PP: SR; Alpha: Ki Memories & American Craft; Journalling strip and spot Elle's studio, Damask embellishment; Therese Collins: Versa Ink, Ribbon & Lace, assorted buttons and Kaiser bling.























Cheers have a great weekend everyone I'm off now to finish this weeks Colour Combo Challenge. I love the colours this week.

Leeanne xxx

CCG #96

This weeks combo was Purple, green, white and Grey. Purple is such a toughie to work with.... well for me anyway and I don't have a lot of it in my stash. But I guess that is the point of the or any challenge it's supposed to be a little bit.......well challenging (lol). I've also been trying not to buy anything new for these layouts and just use whats in my stash, because quite frankly I have WAY TOO MUCH!!!! Don't get me wrong that previous statement doesn't mean I won't buy anything just that I'm trying not do.

The girls had such a good time at Currumbin Wildlife Park on the Gold Coast we spent the day there, and they did the treetop obstacle course, rode a camel and of course feed the birds. None of these photos are super fantastic but they work ok printed small and grouped together to tell the story. I just wanted to record the looks on their faces that show their enjoyment.


Feed the Birds: PP; Scenic route, doodlebug; Alpha: Heidi Swapp, AC thickers and delish, Grey and purple cardstock, ribbon, photo corners, Kaiser bling, collections bird, 7 gypsies stamp and mini flowers.




















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Saturday: Madeleine's Saturday netball team on their final to advance to the next stage. They just have to win this Saturday to get into the Grand Final the following week. After that we went clothes shopping for Madeleine as part of her xmas goodies. Much to her major disappointment I have hidden them all away until the big day. We got a few really good bargains as some of the stores were having 1 day only sales with some of them taking 50% off.

Saturday night a girlfriend and I headed down to the Cove Hotel for their Karaoke night. We actually only spent a couple of hours there. I didn't hear anyone who sounded like Cameron Diaz in My Best Friends Wedding, so sadly I did not get up. There are certainly some very talented singers out there.

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Sunday: Neil and I headed off to a family reunion with some cousins on his Mum's side of the family at the Vale Hotel. Much to Madeleine's delight it was just oldies, going so she got to go shopping (again) with Alex.

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Monday: Big day at CHOICE Switch.................. Wendy started working with us, welcome aboard it's great to be working with you again.

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Tuesday: Headed off to see Road to Rodanthe with my friends Sue and Julie. We had time for a quick sav blanc and a chat before the show started which was great. The movie was watchable but not great. I didn't even cry............. what can I say a chick flick that doesn't make ME cry...well there just has to be something wrong. The characters just didn't seem developed enough and it was just a bit lack lustre all round. Certainly watchable but nothing more.

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Wednesday: Today did a bit more xmas shopping... Yeah me!! I just want to get most of Madeleine done and dusted before she finishes school on the 5th December. The rest I'll have to sit down and write out a list so its not total aimless meanderings when I shop.

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Ok I tried to keep things short and more in point form..............not sure how well i went actually.

Cheers

Leeannexxx

Pencil Line Sketch #110

This weeks sketch is by the very talented Cecile Lundstad. I really enjoyed working with this one, and I really love this photo of Madeleine and her friends Alex and Laura I took the photo last weekend, at Alex's 13th birthday come dressed as a Villain party. Aren't they gorgeous???? Heaven help us (parents) in a few years.


Products Used: PP: AC metropolitan range Alpha: AC Thickers and EK success Rubons: KI Love Elsie range (roxy), Ribons: Ribbons Galore, Brads (unknown), Kaiser Bling, Round Epoxy flower: KI Love Elsie, Machine Stitching and red and blue Bazzill cardstock. Flowers handcut from AC pp.

Trouble:


















Not a lot has happened so far this week. I have been at home studying MYOB for the past few days, getting ready for my day trip to Sydney next week. I didn't want to look like a complete tool, when I visited the finance department. I'm certainly no Accountant nor even a book keeper, but at least now I have more of an understanding of the terms used, and the workings of the software.

Madeleine's Tuesday night netball team won their way into the Grand Final this week, under extremly hot and stuffy conditions at the indoor centre. I couldn't be there but Neil tells me that they all played a fantastic game.

It's still hot here in Melbourne so Madeleine has gone to Alex's place for a swim, they've recently put in an inground pool, so I guess that's where Madeleine will be most of the summer.

Oh I almost forgot if you haven't already booked into Kim Archers Xmas Extravaganza you really should. It opened yesterday and there will be a project a day for a fortnight unveiled. The first two are very very cute and great gift ideas. Check it out Here it's not to late to book in.

Now I better be off and start preparing dinner.

Bye for now

Cheers

Leeannexxx

Pencil Line Sketch, CCG #95 and a big catch up

Starting from Wednesday week ago and then the weekend before last which was a long weekend here in Melbourne for Melbourne Cup day. Although not officially a long weekend as cup day is Tuesday, most people and schools seem to take the Monday off as well. So if you could just bare with me while I jot the happenings down for my sake.


Wednesday: Caught up with the lovely miss Wendy T for lunch at the Blu Chair which was very very nice. Prior to that we got together to check out each others recent work we hadn't seen IRL. Wendy's work is just beautiful and always inspires me.

Friday: Big excitement after much tension and panicking I managed to get tickets to Pink for Madeleine and her friend Laura and my two nieces for the Saturday show in June. Isn't it crazy that your buying tickets for a concert that far in advance. They were all very excited to hear I'd finally got tickets. Maddy and Laura celebrated by going to Youth Group and Laura slept over our place.

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Saturday: Madeleine went to her friend from School Bree's house for a sleep over and we had dinner at our place with our friends the Brown's. The Pearcedale Browns and The Bentleigh Browns as we affectionately call them. We had such a nice evening Bill has just got a new job in the funeral industry and is really enjoying it. I can imagine he would be fantastic, he has such great people skills. Sheree and her 76 year old mother have not long got back from walking the Kakoda Trail. What an amazing thing for anyone to do let alone someone that age. Sheree's mother is a real inspiration, last year she did around the bay in a day, she runs 10k's a day absolutely outstanding achievements at her age. The photos of Kakoda were so beautiful it took your breath away.

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Sunday: Neil went off to band practice and I stayed home and scrapped. Completed sketch 108 over at Pencil lines.

Champion Team: PP: SEI, Heidi Swapp, Alpha: Jenny Bowlin, Heidi Swapp, Flower chipboard- KI memories; Rubons- Paper Inkling, machine stitching

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Monday: I was supposed to stay home but things are hotting up at the moment getting ready for the launch of the new website on the 17th November. Speaking of which we are getting a new employee on the 17th the lovely miss Wendy T is coming to work for us. I am so happy that Wendy is joining the team and can't wait for her to start.

Madeleine had her friend from school Hannah come over as well to work on their joint Geography project on the Simpson Desert. They headed down the beach to pretend they were in the desert. They had decided to film it like a mini chat show with questions and answers and then Maddie put together a slide show as well with real footage of the desert to go along with it. They have done a pretty good job of it actually, funny sometimes a little random but on the whole really great. Maddie's other friend Tijana (who doesn't got to their school) came over and volunteered to be the camera man for them, which was really nice of her.

Monday night the coffee morning mums went out for a catch up for dinner at Vincents in Beaumaris. It's was a really good night, lots of us are working now so we don't see each other as often anymore.

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Tuesday: Cup Day we dropped Madeleine off at Laura's and then they were heading over to the Chelsea Yacht club to catch up with some of the kids who they went to primary school with. It's an annual event at the Yacht club. Such a beautiful place to hang out on a lovely day. Friends of ours that we have meet through school are on the entertainment committee and always put on a good day.

This year though we decided to go back to our friend Steve's for his annual BBQ. We haven't been for a few years so it was nice to go back and catch up with everyone we used to work with back in the 80's. We don't see these guys very much anymore, but it's always like we saw them yesterday, we just seem to pick up were we left off.

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Friday: Madeleine had her first spray tan after school. My boss's sister does it and she offered to give Madeleine a tan for the party she was going to on Saturday. It is very subtle and just gives her a healthy glow. It was very kind of Kaye to do it for her and especially seeing she didn't charge me.

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Saturday: Netball of course in the afternoon and girls lost their match. They didn't play badly but the poor goalers just couldn't get that pesky ball to actually go in. Then she was off to Laura's to get ready for their good friend Alex's 13th birthday party. The theme of the night was to come dressed as villians, so Laura and Madeleine went as dark angels and Alex went as a spider. The party went from 5:30pm to 10:30pm and by all accounts it was a great night. Alex's parents have just recently put in a pool, so I believe that featured heavily in the entertainment. Here's a couple of snaps of the girls.

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Neil and I had two functions to go to last night, the first was out to dinner in Burwood East for his friend Mark's 50th. We had a lovely night and meet some of his friends, who we have heard about for years but never actually met. Dinner was at a chinese resteraunt and the food was lovely. After that we had a 40th back in Carrum. The party was in full swing by the time we got there and there was lots of fun and dancing happening. It was also a theme night and you had to wear a wig or at least have crazy hair for the night. I must admit to being a party pooper on that one. My excuse was going out to dinner prior didn't lend itself to crazy hair. I think we got home at 1 o'clock. I'll have photos to share soon.

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Sunday: Madeleine was still at Laura's after sleeping over, so Neil and I went to have a wander around the McClelland Gallery and sculpture gardens. What a beautiful, tranquil place it is. It's like a little oasis in suburbia. Well actually it's not that little it's on 17 acres. If you live in Melbourne and haven't been.... do yourself a favour.

Aside from that I killed two birds with one stone and finished off one layout for two different challenges. I used Pencil Line sketch 109 together with CCG Challenge #95 this weeks challenge was to use Sienna, chartreuse, straw and grey and I love how these colours combine and the result.

Good Times: PP- BG, Bazzill Cardstock, Alpha: BG & MM, Embellishments: Tim Holtz grunge board floursihes, Butterfly is Collections, MM button, Heidi Swapp Tape, Versa Ink, Kaiser Bling.

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Well I do believe that's it for now. Till next time

Cheers

Leeanne x

Colour Combo Galore Challenge #94

(edited to say at 10am on Monday morning;- I've just updated the photo of the layout)


A very very quick post to show you this weeks ccg challenge. I apologise for the photo, I forgot to take a photo during the day and have nearly forgotten to post it. So I've just madly taken a photo tonight to post. I'll take another photo tomorrow and re post.


This weeks challenge was to use these colours:-




Layout: Shirley Temple Curls - I found this photo of Madeleine taken when she went to creche back in 1998 and she had the tightest ringlets. I thought her hair was never going to grow long,the curls were that tight. Still she was very very very cute just like Shirley Temple.
http://colorcombosgalore.blogspot.com/

PP: Scenic Route and Doodlebug: Journal ling spot: Scenic Route, Alpha: Jenni Bowling chalkboard and AC Thickers, Heidi Swapp damask sticker, bling, staples, machine sewing and black & orange versa ink.





















Cheers

Have a lovely week.

Leeanne xxx

Pencil Line Sketch #107

Last weeks Pencil Lines sketch was from the very talented Anna Bowkis from the UK. Anna's work is always inspiring,if you'd like to check out her blog click here.

I finally got around to using my KI pop culture papers, they're bright and funky and suited the theme. Wendy pls note FP felt shapes used
The photos are from our day at the Royal Melbourne Show, during the September school holidays.

Fun at the Show:

This weekend was really quite, the only time we went out, was to lunch in Tooradin at a restaurant called Wings and Fins near the airport, with our friends Judith and Alf. Neil and I shared the most magnificent seafood platter for two. Very yummy although we didn't have any lobster, as it is currently $120 a kilo. I like it but not that much. It was fun watching all the light planes take off and land and the constant steam of parachutists landing. Very entertaining.


After that we went to visit our good friends the Browns (Pearcedale variety) who live nearby, and had a lovely afternoon chatting and catching up with them. Sue had picked Madeleine up for us, and taken her back to their place, so she was there when we arrived. Thanks again Sue, I really appreciated it.

Be amazed be very amazed but that's it for today.


Cheers

Leeanne xxx

Colour Combo challenge #93

I've been meaning to have a go at this for a while now, just never got around to it. It's not a sketch site but instead gives you different colour combinations to work with. A new combo is posted every Monday. It can certainly test you, when the colours are something you would never use. But Hey!!! that's what a challenge is all about. Come on give it a go Here.

This weeks colour combo was:

















Orange - Funky Gold- Floral White-Deep orchid

I completed 2 layouts and here's why. The first layout I used more of a goldy yellow colour, because the name on the sample says Funky Gold, but then when I went back to have a look it, it had more of a greeny hue to it. So I did another with that colour, still not sure that's its exactly right but here they are.

2 Old 4 Wiggle World:

PP: Basic Grey, Scenic route; Bazzill cardstock, Alpha: Thickers & Basic Grey, Journalling spots: Scenic Route & Elles Studio, Accent: Bazzill Chip topper, Kaiser Bling and assorted buttons.



















Be Yourself: (no one can tell you you're doing it wrong)

Bazzill Cardstock,PP: Scenic Route; Alpha: Thickers, Carollees creations, Journalling: Elle's Studio, Kaiser Bling, Accent: American Crafts (frame)Daisy D cardstock stickers, K&Co Paper ribbon. Lace and assorted buttons.

So are you up for the challenge????

Have a great weekend everyone.

cheers

Leeanne xxx

Weekend happenings and old perms

Friday afternoon, after work Madeleine and I headed over to my girlfriends place for a beautiful afternoon tea, for her daughter Georgia's 11th birthday. After much snacking,cake eating and one glass of champagne (I was very good) we left there so I could get Madeleine to youth group for a 7pm start. I was very pleased when I got home and Neil said he would go and pick her up at 9pm instead of me having to got out again.
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Saturday Madeleine had netball of course and they had another win but neither Neil or I could make it. The property directly behind us was up for auction at 1pm and we went hoping we could afford to buy it. Unfortunately it went way over the asking price and they got $509,000 for it. Way to expensive for us but on the other hand its good news for the value of our house and land . So it's back to plan A for us, which is maybe to build on the back of our land. That's not going to happen anytime soon though.


Saturday night was actually a quiet night for us as Neil had to prepare for the round a bay in a day bike ride. 10's of thousands of riders participate in the event every year, it's an endurance ride of around 210kilometers.

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Sunday Neil headed off at around 6.30am to ride down to Sorrento to catch the ferry across to Queenscliff and then back into the city, across the west gate bridge and back home again. Remarkably he looked pretty good when he arrived home just before 5pm. Tired of course, knees a bit stiff of course but none the less pretty good. His determination and will power once he decides to do something is one of things I've always admired him for, it's a pretty massive achievement and Madeleine and I are both proud of him.

Here's a couple of photos.

1. Self Portrait or rider Number 4933; He took this himself at 6am. Looks just a teeny bit bizzare with all that zinc cream on and not really that happy either. He takes being sun smart seriously.




















2. West gate bridge (I think)














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Also on Sunday Lynne and I headed over to Debling Design for the breast cancer fundraising crop Deb had organized. We were only there a couple of hours (I needed to get home to ensure Neil had a nice home cooked meal after the ride) but we had a lovely time chatting with the girls, doing a bit of shopping. Deb did an amazing job with all the raffles, gift bags etc.. Not to mention the most beautiful lunch. Melt in your mouth roast beef, salads, rolls and baked potatoes, followed by fruit platter. It was also fantastic to catch up with Connie, who is currently on her own journey dealing with breast cancer. Good news for Connie is that after her last mammogram they couldn't even find a lump. She still has more treatment in front of her but it all looks pretty positive. Head on over to Connie's Blog if you would like to find out more of her story.

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Back to Lynne for a moment, when I had lunch with her last Wednesday I gave her Twilight to read, which she did within a couple of days. I'm proud to say I have another person hooked on Bella and Edwards story and she's now onto book 2 New Moon.

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Yesterday I also finished sketch 106 from the Pencil Line blog. This week you also had the challenge of incorporating OLW (one little word) the word they chose was KEEP. The photo in the layout is of Madeleine and Laura after we'd been to the Royal Show and they brought the wigs, wings, horns and weapons to wear to Alex's 13 birthday party in November. They were having alot of fun hamming it up for the camera.


Layout: Keep it Fun
PP: reminince,ki lace, scalloped paper (I don't remember) Alpha: American Craft, Heidi Swapp Carollees Creations, MM. Emblishments: American Craft, Kaiser Bling, Jenny Bowlin bingo card and assorted buttons, versa mark ink.
























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I've just been over to Kim Archers blog and it made me quite nostalgic for the 80's. Kim has a class over at the Home website called "Do you remember. Alot of the girls have chosen to remember their perms. Come on admit it, YOU had a perm didn't you.

I had many many perms in my day, some not so bad as others but there were some shockers. I remember coming home from the hairdresser after they'd talked me into a spiral perm, and Neil telling me I looked like someone out of roots. Well as you can imagine I wasn't feeling to good about the DO after that.


When I was at the hairdressers and they were talking me into it, of course I'd never seen a spiral perm before and they were trying to explain it, they couldn't think of anything but I was young and naive and wanted to be cool so I said yes. Then at the basin as they were washing the perm solution out, the apprentice finally had an epiphany, and told me the it would look like Dee Schneider from Twisted Sister. Hello!!! talk about FREAK me out, but it was much to late by then.

I can't find a photo of that perm, but I do have one handy from our wedding in 1989. Not only do I have the perm and the high hair happening, it's also strawberry blonde. I loved my hair. You can't see it but iI was also a big big fan of BLUE mascara at the time. You've just gotta luv the 80's.

Kim runs the most fantastic online classes so do yourself a favour and head on over to her website here and join up.

Thanks Kim for sending me down memory lane on this one. Now I'll just have to hunt out some other golden oldies.


28th February 1989........ Awwwwww
















We haven't changed a bit.
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Well I think that's about all for me today, till next time

happy scrapping

cheers

Leeanne xxx

Where do I start.....................

Well first let me start with this.............................

I was very excited as was Madeleine to find this on You Tube today. The final trailer before the Movie's release, still not sure if the release date in Australia, for the movie is the same as the U.S. put rest assured we will be there day one. I've now read each of the four books 3 times. I know I know get a life.... Although I know there's a few of you out there who love the books as well.

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Ok enough of one of my current obsessions and onto the next, a bit of scrapbooking.

Last week I finished my Christmas project for Debling in Design. A Christmas Canvas called Trimming the Tree. Deb is having a Christmas extravaganza over 2 Saturdays the first is on 22nd November starting at 10am and going through until 4pm. Then the following Saturday 10am - 4pm. The very talented Jody White, Rachel Edwards and of course Deb Ross will teaching the other classes. Not all the samples are displayed on the site as yet, but from what I seen and heard about already all the projects look fantastic.

Here's a little sneak peak of the canvas. One of the elements I used on the canvas was inspired from a Kim Archer Christmas class from a couple of years ago. Such cute little baubles.
















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Last Saturday night we went out to dinner with our friends Andi and Steve to a restaurant we used to frequent but haven't been to for at least 10 years I'd say. We had a very nice night but I must say the meal was pretty average. I realized after dinner why we hadn't been for 10 years (lol). We headed back to our place for a coffee and homemade rocky road.

If you like Rocky Road here's the recipe so so simple and very delicious.


Rocky Road


1 1/2 375gm blocks of chocolate (melted) I used cadbury dairy milk
1 1/2 cups of rice bubbles
200gms marshmallows (pink and white) chopped in half
1 packet raspberry lollies

Method:

Melt the chocolate
Put the rest of the ingredients into the melted chocolate and mix well.
Pour the mixture into a lined slice tin and refrigerate until set. (or place in the freezer for half and hour)
Cut into small squares and enjoy.

How simple is that and so so yummy.

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Then on Sunday night a friend of mine told me that Rove was being filmed in Chelsea Heights that night, so we went off to watch the taping of the show. Katy Perry sang a couple of songs and if you're really quick you can see Madeleine in the crowd on the Rove Daily Website. Believe it or not I forgot to take a camera. DOH!!!!!

If you go over to the Rove Daily website and play Katy Pery singing Hot and Cold you can see Madeleine at the 1min 48second mark, but be quick or you'll miss it (hehe) She's in front of a girl in a hot pink top. She's actually in it a few times but you have to know what your looking for of course. So anyway that was a fun night for the kids and it was a beautiful balmy 24 degrees evening the perfect weather really.

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Last night I finally got around to completing sketch 104 over at Pencil Lines. These photos are a few more from our trip up to see Shaun, Amanda and Charlie back in July. The Sunday we were there Shaun took us up to Penny Ridge which is a golf course in Tweed Heads West with the most magnificent views. It set up in the Hinterland and looks over the Tweed Valley across to the ocean. Absolutely stunning views and a very nice restaurant, which just happens to be run by one Shaun and Amanda's neighbours.

Family Ties: PP October afternoon;Scenic Route, Hambly overlay,Alpha: Thickers,Heidi Swapp, MM journalling circle, Heidi Swapp floral, Kaiser Bling, blue ric rac (ribbons galore), assorted buttons, staples.





















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Today I had a great day with Lynne, we headed down to Mornington to Paper2, then back to Carrum for Lunch at the Blue Chair. Always great food there, we both had a Thai Pumpkin Curry and a very nice glass of Seppelt pinot noir (fleur de lys) probably not spelt right.
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Well as Peter Cundall would say thats your Bloomin Lot.... for this post. Thanks for making the distance if you've got this far.

Have a great week

Cheers

Leeanne xxx

Back to School and a busy weekend

Well that's it for another lot of school holidays, Madeleine is back at school tomorrow, should be fun getting her out of bed tomorrow as over the holidays she is lucky to surface before 10:30am.That's teenagers for you.


The last week of the holidays was pretty quite, Madeleine had a couple of friends over on various days, we went shopping and the movies. Last Sunday night the three of went to see Journey to the Centre of the Earth, which was pretty good. It's always good when we can get Neil to come to the movies, he's not much of a movie goer.


This weekend just gone was busy busy busy.


Friday Night: We went out to and Indian restaurant in Parkdale (sithara) for dinner with friends. It was a lovely night and the food just seem to keep on coming. I walked out of there feeling like I'd certainly overindulged.

Saturday: Neil's cousin Susan and her husband Sean had a get together for their daughters 1st birthday. They live over in Ferntree Gully so the new East Link Freeway certainly cut a bit of time off that trip. Neil's cousins are all really lovely people so it always a pleasure to catch up with them. Here's the card I made for Ashley:-

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Saturday Night: Neil's friend Norm came over for drinks with his new friend Linda, who we hadn't meet before. It was nice to finally meet her and get to know her a bit. Because of daylight savings starting here they didn't actually leave until around 1.30am, so I was pretty well zonked (and not by alcohol) by then.

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Sunday: Madeleine and I and a girlfriend of mine and her two daughters went to see a local production of Oliver at the Frankston Arts Centre. It was an excellent show and the talent was phenomenal.

Last night I finally got around to starting and completing this weeks Pencil Line challenge 104. Nothing like leaving things to the last minute. I tried to use some of my older stash in this one so used BG two scoops PP and brads, along with some of the MM noteworthy glitter elements and flowers. The photos are of my niece Charlie when we visited in July. She is such a cutie and she was supposed to be going to sleep, but was more into showing off and having a giggle.

Bedtime? or Playtime?





















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Ok that's it for me today, have a wonderful week everyone and Take Care.


Cheers

Leeanne xxx

School Holidays

Well one week already over for the Vic school holidays.

Mmmmm what have we done.

I took Madeleine her friend Laura and Laura's little sister Emma to the Melbourne Show on Wednesday. We caught the 8.15am train and got to the show around 9:30am. When we arrived at the showgrounds there was no power, something had happened in the show bag pavilion that had caused the blackout of the whole show. Luckily that didn't last long as they have a 2 for 1 offer on the rides between 9:30 and 11am.

We had a great but very exhausting day, the crowds by the afternoon were humongous. The last couple of years we have gone on AFL Grand Final day and the crowds are much more civilized. The day didn't start all that well though, the girls were on their 3rd ride when Emma VOMITED all over Madeleine. Well as you can imagine that took a bit of the shine off first thing (we'd only been there 1/2 hour) I thought Madeleine was going to throw up as well. So anyhoo that took about 30 - 40 minutes to clean up. I had to make sure I really got it all or she was going to stink all day.

After that we decided that the rides were out for a while. Although Emma felt a lot better we just went and did more conventional show things. Like check out the animals etc now Madeleine would like a pair of RATs for pets. Don't know how the cat will feel about that. We also spent alot of time in the big pavilion that you get the food samples. Gotta love that and the girls tried dip and dot ice cream. By 2:30pm we'd all had enough and we headed home.


That evening I was going out for Thai with a couple of girlfriends, which I did and it was lovely but by about 9:30pm I'd had enough and was quickly running out of steam. It's such a big day at the show and all the travelling. All worth it but exhausting. I figure next year the girls will be old enough to go on their own.






















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Thursday we all went out to dinner with our friends the Fagans and the Browns. It was Taylor and ALex's birthdays who are my friend Julie's children. We went to a local hotel and while it was nice to catch up with everyone the food and the service at the hotel wasn't that great. With the prices Pubs charge for meals now days you may as well got to a restaurant where there is table service.
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Friday afternoon I took Madeleine to see the movie wildchild which she really enjoyed and then after that we went clothes shopping. She was one very happy camper after purchasing 3 new tops from Peninsula Surf. One of which she has on in the layout below.
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Saturday we spent the afternoon at a friends house watching the AFL grand final and eating ourselves stupid. Phylliss certainly knows how to put on a spread, the food was very very yummy.

Sunday we had lunch at the Mentone Hotel with Neil's folks and his sister. Do you ever get the feeling we eat out alot??? No wonder I can't loose weight. Ah well I do enjoy all the socialising.
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Layouts

1. These are the beautiful tulips that work gave me as part of my farewell gift when I left in April. The design is from Pencil lines sketch 103.

GIFT: pp: BG Ambrosia line, ALPA: Velvet thickers and BG Ambrosia stickers, Scenic Route journalling tag; Kaiser Bling and BG Ambrosia flourish sticker.






















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2: This layout is from one of the recent workshops over Kim Archers at home website. If you never have you really should head over and sign up for one of her classes. They are all fabulous. I love Kim's design always a delight to work with.


The photos of Madeleine are from this weekend. I've used off cuts from the Love Elsie range of pp's and Love Elsie softie buttons.

















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Well I think I've gone on long enough for one post, have a great week everyone.


cheers

Leeanne xxx

Jumping on the Band Wagon

Inspired by Wendy's beautiful take on sketch 102 over at Pencil Lines, I decided to get on board and have a go myself. Now I've been religiously checking out each new Pencil Line sketch as it comes out, on Monday here for over a year now, but have never actually participated. Wendy has been showing her take on the sketches over the last couple of weeks and they have all been amazing. Her version of this weeks sketch is outstanding and inspired me to have a go. All the PP's I've used are from BG Offbeat range along with the stickers. Alpha's are from the American Craft and Heidi Swapp.






















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Last Monday night we headed off to Madeleine's school 2008 showcase of it's Bands and Choirs at the Frankston Arts Centre. WOW!!!! It was amazing the children are so talented and they are lead by such enthusiastic and also talented teachers. Madeleine plays Bass Guitar in the Training Concert Band and of course it goes without saying they were fantastic.

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It's now School Holidays here for the next two weeks, so I know Madeleine is ready to kick back and have lots of sleep In's. I can't believe we are already heading into the last term of the year. It's scary how quickly time is passing.Mmmmm better start thinking about Christmas. YIKES!!!

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Friday night a girlfriend asked me to go along with her to a workshop at the Brahma Kumaris Centre for Spiritual Learning the following day. The workshop was about exploring the differences between IQ, EQ (Emotional Intelligence) and SQ (Spiritual Intelligence). All very Deep and Meaningful I hear you say. I like to think I'm open to all things so I said I'd go, not really knowing what to expect.


It was a lovely day and it made you look at how and why you react in the way you do to certain events, things, places. They made you break it down and look at each response and how it made you feel, and how by learning to change your perception you can make things better and how you interact with people more meaningful. That's a very condensed version of what it was all about, some of it was quite enlightening and some it I didn't feel was very practical in day to day living. On the whole though it was more than a little interesting to really break down why you do certain things and why you react the way you do. I certainly had a few A HA!! moments or as I like to call them..... OPRAH moments.

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Well I think that's about all, for those of you, who have their team in the Grand Final next Saturday. Good Luck!!! I don't really care, but if I had to chose, I will be supporting Geelong again this year. Go Cats!!!!!

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Cheers

Leeanne xxx

Spring really has Sprung...

What absolutely magnificent, good to be alive weather, we've had the last few days in Melbourne. Just glorious!! all be it a bit windy, but the housewife in me likes a good drying day (hehe). Everything and everyone seems just that little bit brighter.


Anyhoo what's been happening mmmmm.... On the work front all is good. I don't know whether I've mentioned it here but since May the company has been in negotiations with a major organization who were interested in buying a controlling share of uSwitch. Good news is the contracts were all signed last Monday. Now we can start marketing, promoting etc....


The new company is called choiceswitch.com.au and the launch will be in the middle of October. We are thrilled to be affiliated with such a well known trusted organization as Choice, and all that their name/brand bring to our company. It's all really exciting to be a part of something from the ground up and I'm looking forward to seeing it grow and develop over the coming years.


On the home front everyone is finally feeling good and over all the lurgy's that have been hanging around for a while.


We've dined out a couple of times this week. Gotta luv that!! No cooking always works for me.

Thursday night the three of us headed down to our local Indian for dinner. As always the meal was scrumptious. Last night about 5:30pm friends rang to see if we were up for going out for dinner. Well of course I didn't want to be rude so off we went to a Thai restaurant in Chelsea Heights. The food was good, but I have to say not a patch on the Thai restaurant in Patterson Lakes. Then we headed back to our place for a couple of drinks and coffee. All in all a very good night.


Tonight we are off to another a friends for dinner. Kate rang yesterday to say Hi and as we haven't seen her and her hubby for about 6 months it will be great to catch up. Ahhh....... another night not cooking "noice.


Neil at the moment is off on another bike ride, he's training for a around the bay in day which is happening next month. I can't even begin to imagine competing or completing that. He's always up for a challenge though.


Tomorrow night Madeleine is playing at the Frankston Art Centre with the school band (she plays bass guitar). They had an all day rehearsal yesterday down at Tyabb but unfortunately she could only stay until 12o'clock because of netball. At least she got 3 hours of practice in. So I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing that tomorrow night.


Last but not least I'll leave you with a layout I've just finished and a couple of cards made from scraps from previous Layout left overs. The photos are from our trip up to QLD back in July.

Girls just want to have fun: PP:BG offbeat; Alpha: Thickers, carollees creations and BG. Embellishments: BG stickers, bling, prima flower, heidi swapp tape and buttons.



















































Ok that's it for now, hope everyone has had a lovely weekend.

Cheers

Leeanne xxx