This and that and then some

!!WARNING!! very long post ahead

2009-08-28T22:06:00.025+10:00

Looks like this blog thing is going to be monthly at the moment. Or at least that's how it's working out now.

Believe it or not I have actually scrapbooked in the last month. Wendy and I have been getting together to complete our monthly snippet classes designed by the very talented Kim Archer and her Support team girls. Snippets is designed as a year in review album but the layouts could be used for anything.

I have really enjoyed getting back into it and scrapping with Wendy. When we got together a few weeks ago at my place it was actually the first time we had scrapped together outside of Paperdoll boutique. We have another session planned for this Sunday to get another month completed.

Go and check out Kim's at home site if you can there are lots fabulous classes to take and they are always fantastic value. While you're there check out the great retreat Kim has planned for November, sounds like it is going to be a fun fun place to be. I would love to go but as I will be unemployed in a couple of weeks I don't think I can justify it to the family really.

So here is what I've done so far starting with January of course. Each month it's one double layout and one single.

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As you know I am a huge fan of Kim's and love her style so I've really enjoyed doing these and check out Wendy's versions over at her blog here. Her work is amazing, she is such a talented artist.

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O.K. now for a quick catch up

The end of July saw my eldest brother Geoff turn 60 we had a great family night out at the International hotel in Frankston. My other brother Michael came down from Queensland to help celebrate the big event.

I've had a few dinners out with girlfriends which has been great, it's so hard to keep in touch sometimes when your working and you really have to make the effort to catch up sometimes.

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Having said that it won't be so hard in the not to distant future, unfortunately we found out a few weeks ago that we won't have jobs by mid September. CHOICE have decided to move the whole operation up to Sydney, so it is very sad around the office. We had been looking forward to the future in a new office and new fitout etc with new products coming on line soon, so it came as a bit of shock to find out our expectations weren't going to be met. I know we all thought our jobs would be the one we retired in but alas that's not going to happen now. Oh well onwards and upwards everything happens for a reason so I'm sure something will come up.
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Madeleine' s big school production took place earlier this month as well. They had been rehearsing since January so they had all put alot of time and work into it. It was 4 performances at the Drum Street Theatre in Dandenong. It turned out it was a great show and they were all fantastic.

Makeup and hair Rehearsal

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Last weekend we went up to Bright and headed off to Mt Hotham for a day at the snow which was very very cold (as you would expect) but so much fun. The weather wasn't great on Friday while we were there but that was ok we spent the day playing cards with the girls. It's so nice to sit and spend so much time together. Lots of fun.

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Well that's it again gone on way to long.

cheers

Leeanne xxx

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PS: Just wanted to share one last photo. This is how I found Jasper and Hunter (the neighbours cat) last Monday. Is it just me or do they look like they've been caught out. They really love each other. Maybe a little too much me thinkst.

Where do I Start????????????

2009-07-24T20:49:00.005+10:00

Wow!!! not really expecting anyone to actually see this as it's been so long since I've updated. I have to confess I've been more than a little addicted to Facebook for the past few months and so have sadly negelected my BLOG & scrapbooking.

In fact even Neil has noticed the lack of scrapbooking, which really doesn't thrill him. Mainly because of the amount of stuff I have that is not being used. I assured him I hadn't gone off it just that my creativity was on hiatus.
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Obviously I can't really put down all that we have been doing for the past few months it would take to long. Both Madeleine and I have had birthdays. Maddie has now turned 14 is still loving school, netball, friends and Youth Group.

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Work is going well, aside from my good friend Wendy working with me, I now have my long time friend Judy there as well, of course we were very very young when we started working together originaly. Anyhoo we have remained firm friends through out the years and I happened to know she wasn't entirely happy where she was and asked her to come and work for us at CHOICE Switch. Lucky for us she said yes. It's so good to be working with her again we haven't actually worked together for 24years.
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Jasper the kitten is still very very cute and growing up fast. He has become good buddies with Hunter from next door and they seem to spend most days together. In fact Hunter has been having sleep overs at our house off and on. Holly is tolerating them but only just sometimes.

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Neil, myself, Maddie and Alex went up to Queensland in the school holidays to vist baby Charlie. Charlie is now two and very very cute. We had a lovely time visiting Shaun and Amanda and my brother Michael. We only see them once or twice a year so it's always good. This year the girls decided their them park of choice would be wet and wild. So we dropped them off at 11am and picked them up at 4pm. They had a blast and were thoroughly exhausted that night thats for sure.

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During the holidays Madeleine and I saw the proposal (very good) and I took her to see Wicked the musical. Wow what a fantastic show worth every penny I spent on the tickets. I would love to see it again. I was pleasantly surprised as I had not really been desperate to see it, but Maddie wanted to go, so off we went.

We had a couple of parties over the past couple of months. My buddy Lynne's hubby Dave turned 50 in May. I've known Dave since the night Lynne meet him at a party when we were about 16, boy oh boy thats a long time. The theme for the night was 70's or 80's they had a great band playing which Dave enjoyed hogging the microphone with, a mechanical bull for those game enough and great food. It was a great night and it was fun to watch the slide show of all the photos from by gone era's of Dave and his twin brother Johnny as they grew up.

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Our family friends the Browns daughter Stacey turned 18 in July and had a small gathering to celebrate the occassion. It still blows my mind that baby Stacey is already 18. She has grown into a great young lady with everything going for her and the world at her feet.

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Last Saturday night we headed off to our first How to Host a Murder Dinner Party what a hoot that was. I haven't laughed so much in a long time.

Madeleine's school production is Grease as is playing at the Drum Street thearte in August. Maddie is in the chorus but has also just won a spot in the Beauty School Dropout section of the show so she's really excited now.

Well I'm going to leave it that for now. Till next time whenever that may be.

Cheers

Leeannexxxx

Finally!!!! some scrapbooking............

2009-04-11T17:14:00.006+10:00

I can't believe another month has passed and I haven't updated. Well actually I can I just haven't been creative so hadn't felt like updating. But over the last week I have completed 5 layouts and one card. Woo Hoo!!! it feels good to get back into it.

As many of you know I am a huge Kim Archer fan and I have participated in a number of Kim's online classes and always love them. Well I have been still buying classes over the past few months but just haven't been doing them. So 4 of the layouts are from over at Kim's at home site and they have all been designed by the fabulous Mardi Winen. Kim and all her support team girls are also talented and always inspiring.

Mardi's class was called cooking with Mardi and she shared her tips about how she gets organized to scrap by creating her own Kits at home. Just gathering bits and pieces like you would get in a kit you purchased except of course you're using your own stash. Fantastic idea Mardi and I love it. In all the layouts I have only used scraps of paper that I have had lying around for yonks. It was so nice to use some of them up like this, and I'm certain I will using this tecqnique in the future.

Yesterday (Good Friday) my friend Sue came over for a scrapping day. We didn't get much scrapping done one layout each I believe. But we certainly ate alot and then watched a movie to end the day. All very relaxed and civilized.

1. Bike Ride : Neil completed his first around the bay in a day bike ride last October. 210 Kilometers and 10 hours. What a marathon.

2. Cutie Pie: Still using up photos of the last time i saw Charlie back in July when we went to QLD.

3. Fancy Dress: Love these photos of the girls taken just before Alex's villian party started back in November.

4: These photos are from back in the School Holidays in January. Neil and Rick and the girls went on a hike around the Maroondah Dam. Not all the girls thought it was fun as the temperature was around 33 degrees that day.

5. This layout I did for my friend Sheree who became a grandmother back in November. In Thailand they call grannies Yi, so that is what Bailey will be calling her when she can (of course).

The photos got a bit of glare on it because of the glass in the frame so the colours are not really accurate..sorry about that.

6. Lastly a simple little birthday card I did to go along with it.

So much has gone on in the last month we had to have our dear old cat Lulu put down in March.

Old age had got the better of her unfortunately. What a sad day that was 16 1/2 years she had been part of our family and Maddie just adored her, so it was very hard to say goodbye.

A few weeks before hand, when Neil and gone on his weekend away to the Port Fairy Music Festival, Madeleine and I headed down to Frankston to buy shampoo and conditioner, we entered the shopping centre and the first thing we spotted was a cute little kitten in the pet shop. It was the only one left and he was so cute. Long haired tabby with white socks and bib and tummy. So so cute....well you guessed it we couldn't leave him there, he is now well and truly entrenched in the family. Madeleine named him Jasper after one of the vampires from Twilight.

Holly (the dog) has also taken to him and while the kitten chases her, jumps on her from heights (like a ninja) she takes it all in her stride and is really enjoying the company. Here's a couple of photos his now 14 weeks old.

How cute its that, he'll know what to do in a robbery...

Well I better get going this post is long enough already and I have to get ready to go out.

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter.

Love Leeanne xxx

Just for Georgie..................

2009-03-04T21:58:00.002+11:00

Yes I am still in the land of the living Georgie, I've just been really slack with the whole blogging thing. Mainly because I've had nothing to share,as I also haven't really done any scrapbooking.

The only scrapbooking I've done is for Kim Archers round robin, so I've actually scrapbooked for 3 others so far with 2 more to come. It's been fun putting my additions to the other girls layouts and also a little daunting as well.

My other confession is that I've become a little addicted to Facebook. Not really putting much up myself but checking what everyone else is up to. It's certainly not the same as blogging but addictive none the less.

Work is also keeping me busy and Madeleine I joined contours Gym about a month a go. So far we are both really enjoying it, and I love it because having her come with me is keeping me motivated to go. We have been going at least 4 - 5 times a week.

This long weekend Neil is off to the Port Fairy Music Festival and Madeleine and I are planning our girlie weekend. That usually involves Gold Class, breakfast out, hanging around in our jammies watching dvd's and basically doing what we want to whenever the mood takes us. Gotta luv that.

Ok short and sweet as I still don't have anything to share. So I will be back when that scrapbooking bug kicks back in. Hopefully that's sooner than later.

cheers

Leeanne xxx

Still not back in the swing of things

2009-01-24T22:05:00.008+11:00

I'm hoping when Madeleine goes back to school on the 3rd February I'll get back to some kind of routine.

Still can't seem to get really motivated for scrapping. I did sign up for Kim Archer's seven layouts in seven days, and managed to get 3 of them done. All seven layouts (plus one bonus layout) are terrific.

Here's two out the 3 completed.

1. Seriously Cute GIRL- I really love this one, there's a bit of stamping (on calico (title)) I got to pull out my little davis alpha stamps which haven't seen the light of day for quite some time. There's also machine stitching, hand sewing. Good old fashioned brown paper thrown into the mix, an old piece of dressmaking tissue and lastly some very cute frilled gingham trim. Kim's layout used the green version and I just had to go out and get me some of that, It is so cute.

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2. Obsession - This one's all about Madeleine and her Twilight obsession. Yes I know I'm obsessed too, but I thought it might be a bit sad if I was seen kissing a poster of Robert Pattinson. (hehe). Another great design of Kim's this one is the 8x8 format and she encouraged you to use some sort of packing on this one. I used the top of packing from my MM alpha. Now I'm looking at my stash to see if there is some other pieces I can use instead of throwing out when I open a packet of something.

I haven't taken a photo of the third layout yet, so I'll share that next time.
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Now for a quick catch up on other events that have happened over the last couple of weeks.

The 14th was my sister Julie's and brother Michael's birthdays. Michael lives up on the Gold Coast so I gave him a call and sang a lovely rendition of Happy Birthday to him. We caught up with Julie for dinner and went to our fav Thai restaurant in Patterson Lakes.
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The next day Madeleine headed off with Neil's sister to Ballarat. They stayed over night at the Motel at Sovereign Hill to see Blood on the Southern Cross.

It's a sound-and-light show like about the story of the Eureka Rebellion, a dramatic battle between gold miners and Government forces at Ballarat on 3 December, 1854, is retold nightly at Blood on the Southern Cross, Sovereign Hill's acclaimed sound-and-light spectacular.
Set under the night skies at Sovereign Hill, Blood on the Southern Cross involves no actors – just voices, dazzling sound and light effects and a stunning open-air set.

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Then on Saturday Madeleine and I, along with other friends went off to see a local production of Grease at the Frankston Arts Centre. It was brilliant, the company is the Peninsula Light Opera Society (PLOS) and they usually put on around two shows a year, and all are absolutely fantastic.
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Sunday Neil, Madeleine and I headed off to the McClelland Gallery for lunch and a walk around the sculpture park. The food is simple and delicious and some of the exhibits are amazing.

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Other than that it's been a fairly quite week. Oh except for poor Neil who ended up with a severe bout of Gastro Monday night. Not good, I don't think I've ever seen him so sick. Luckily it seemed to be one of those 24hr things and he was back to work by Wednesday.

Madeleine went off to Camp with Youth Group on Thursday morning, so it's been even more quite around here. I got a brief text message this morning telling me camp was awesome!!!
They get back at 1pm tomorrow afternoon so I'll get the low down after that and hopefully she'll have lots of pictures to share.

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Last night we had an impromptu invite out for dinner around 6pm. Luckily I hadn't started dinner so I quickly said yes. We had a beautiful Indian feast.... I so love it when I don't have to cook. Anyhoo then we went and sat out on their decking and it ended up being one of those easy nights where you sit around chatting and laughing and before you know it you've drunk way too much. Needless to say I have been a little weary today.
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Well that's it for me

Have a fantastic week

Cheers

leeanne xxx

Out of Practice

2009-01-09T21:09:00.016+11:00

Re keeping my BLOG up to date.

I've come in to start this so many times and it just felt like I'd left it so long I didn't know where to start again.

So decision made here it is. I'm not going to go into the crazy CRAZY month that was December, except to say we had a wonderful Christmas day with family. Two roast dinners in one day, I don't know how we do it but we somehow manage it.

Boxing day as usual we spent with our wonderful friends and their families (25 in total). The day starts for me at around 8am, shopping, preparing, setting up etc Then the gang starts showing up around 2pm and we finished up around 12:30am. I love boxing day. Seems to me though, that it's taking me longer each year to get over both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

New Years Eve we spent with friends who live walking distance from home and had a lovely evening. Earlier in the day my not quite one month old Laptop decided to completely stop working, and as it turned out I lost everything on it when it was decided it was the Hard Drive that was the problem. To say not Happy Jan would be an understatement.

I had time off work from the 23rd December to 5th January which was fantastic. This week back though has been a little crazy. I've been working 8 - 8 1/2 hours days. Me thinkst having time off is not always a good thing. Neil is still on leave though so he has been home for Madeleine which has been great.

Last Sunday we had our annual Sunday Lunch out for Julie and Sue's birthdays and this year Lynne and her husband joined in as well which was lovely. Lynne and Sue both celebrate (or commiserate) their birthdays on the same day, this year is was another winery down on the Peninsula. The winery is in Merricks North and is called Willow Grove and the restaurant is called Salix. The food was magnificent and presented so beautifully. I only got photos of the desserts but they give you an idea.

So far Madeleine has seen Twilight 6 times and me I've seen it 3. Robert Pattinson is now officially her number one pinup boy and future husband apparently. We went to see it in Gold Class a couple of weeks ago which was very nice. I took a few photos of Madeleine before we left in one of the new dresses she got for Christmas and I also got to take a couple in Gold Class but had to sit down when I was apparently embarrassing her.

We've also been to see Yes Man which I laughed and laughed and then laughed some more in. Bedtime Stories which was a nice film nothing really special.

Madeleine has also been to see Marley and Me we apparently is very sad and you need to take a couple of boxes of tissues along with you. Think I might wait to see that one on DVD.

This week I've also been out to dinner with another couple of girlfriends. One of whose birthday was on the 2nd January. We went up to Vincents in Beaumaris another lovely evening.

Nothing much planned for this weekend although Neil and I may go and see Slumdog Millionaire at the movies which is supposed to be fantastic.

I managed one layout during December (no photo taken yet). Another one of Charlie when we visited the Gold Coast back in July.

I'm going to try and get back into being creative this weekend. I've signed up for another Kim Archer workshop called Seven. Seven layouts in seven days to help get you kick started for 2009.

I've also signed up for Kim's roundrobin layout swap which start this week. There are about 4 or 5 groups participating in this. My group has six girls in it, so I've sent my layout off to the first person on the list and I'm just waiting to receive one. Can't wait to see how my layout turns out after it's visited the other girls so they can add their touches to it.

If you haven't seen this months Tarisota Kit you really should do yourself a favour. The kit is full of absolutely gorgeous goodies. This month the guest DT member is my talented friend Helen Karinfilovski. Go check out the Tarisota Gallery to see her fabulous work along with all the other Beautiful work done by the DT, it's simply stunning.

Ok Ok that's it for now,

Happy Belated New Year to everyone

Cheers

Leeanne xxx

Back shortly with a proper update

2008-12-19T22:30:00.005+11:00

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

2008-12-02T21:46:00.008+11:00

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

2008-11-29T15:48:00.005+11:00

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

2008-11-24T22:45:00.006+11:00

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

2008-11-21T19:51:00.007+11:00

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

2008-11-19T21:09:00.006+11:00

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

2008-11-13T17:03:00.012+11:00

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

2008-11-09T16:44:00.015+11:00

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

2008-11-02T23:48:00.015+11:00

(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

2008-10-27T16:01:00.006+11:00

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

2008-10-25T08:34:00.010+11:00

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

2008-10-20T17:36:00.014+11:00

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.....................

2008-10-15T20:42:00.012+11:00

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

2008-10-06T21:26:00.011+11:00

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

2008-09-29T14:55:00.009+10:00

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

2008-09-21T08:29:00.012+10:00

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...

2008-09-14T11:56:00.007+10:00

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

Layout share and blog award

2008-09-10T14:13:00.007+10:00

Not much has happened since Saturday although I am pleased to say the gastric bug seemed to only last 48hours thank goodness.

I forgot to take any photos on Fathers day...(bad scrapper) Oh well there's always next year. Madeleine got up and made Neil bacon, eggs, sausages, mushies and baked beans on toast. That's what I call a BIG Breakie. Then later in the day made very yummy scones to take around to Neil's folks place for afternoon T. She seems to be taking a bit more interest in cooking lately which is nice and she's quite good at it to boot.

I have managed to complete 3 more layouts over the weekend this time all 12 x12. 2 using new scenic route pp I picked up last week at Debling in Design and the 3rd using a bit more of the Euphoria range from BG.

1.Super Charlie:- Scenic Route Sonoma pp ; Alpha: Lil Davis and BG alpha stickers, Bookplate Heidi swapp, Heidi Swapp Mirror bird and flower.

2.Right Now:- PP Scenic Route Sonoma; Alpha - Thickers, Ek Success and Karen foster, Heidi Swapp book plate; MM crystal brads, prima flower, Ribbons from Fiona Carter

3. Stick Insect- This photo of Madeleine was taken back in 2004 when we went to the Grampians during the Sept school Holidays. She's grown up alot hasn't she?
PP:BG Euphoria, BG Euphoria stickers, Kaiser bling, Jenny Bowling journalling tag; Alpha - BG, buttons

The very talented Wendy T has very kindly nominated my Blog for an award. Thanks Wendy I really appreciate it.

The rules for the award are -
(1) The winner can put the logo on their blog.
(2) Link the person you received your award from.
(3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
(4) Put links of those on yours.
(5) Leave a message on the blogs of the girls or boys you’ve nominated.
So I am nominating these gals (whose blogs I stalk on a regular basis) for the award too:

1. Helen Karanfilovski:- I've only got to know Helen's work this year and I am blown away by her talent. Her work is always stunning, fresh and funky.

2. Sheree:- What a truly talented scrapbooker she does the most beautiful work.

3. Cherie:- Cherie and I have a few things in common and I love reading her blog and catching up with her families antics. Looking forward to catching up IRL at create 08 in Melbourne

4. Jane: I love Jane's work it's always lovely and she even manages to do LO's of herself. Always impressed when girls scrap about themselves. Something I need to do more of.

5. Julie C:- I've been stalking Julies blog for a while now and her work is fantastic.

6. Janelle Wind:- This lady is not only an amazing scrapbooker but her needle work is to die for.

7. Kim Archer :- Kim has been inspiring me with her work and her absolutely amazing online classes since I started scrapbooking a few years ago.

Ok That's it for me today.

cheers

Leeanne x

A Quiet Week

2008-09-06T21:35:00.007+10:00

Another quiet week and weekend so this should be sort and sweet.

. Tuesday night Madeleine had her first game of netball with a new team and they thrashed the other team 52 - 2.

. Wednesday Lynne and I went to see Mama Mia!! there was 4 of us in the cinema. Lynne hadn't seen it before and for me it will be one of those movies that I will watch again and again. Just pure unadultered fluff and lots of fun.

. Thursday I taught my third class at Debling in Design, had a fun night with the girls and spent my wages on the new Scenic Route collection.

. Friday night Madeleine had her hair cut and then coloured for the first time. Well it's only a semi and it's more or less the same colour as her hair. They call it a gloss so it really just makes her hair look shiny.

. Today (saturday) I have spent most of the day in bed recovering from the night before. Seemed to have picked up some kind of gastric bug so have been feeling like the proverbial since 3am when it all started.

Finally here are a couple more layouts I've completed this week. First one is of my great neice Charlie taken when we were up in QLD in July and the second is an old photoof Madeleine taken at Logan's beach in Warrnambool (VIC). The southern white whales come every year with their calves. It's amazing to watch them frolic out in the water just beyond the breakers. I love this photo of Madeleine and it's been on my to do list for a few years. Finally scrapped it the other night.

Love this face: PP: Basic Grey Eva border stickers; Alpha BG Eva ; Journalling spots- Elle's studio & Jenny bowlin. Fancy Pants felt.

Whale Watching:- PP: scenic route, Heidi Swapp tape, Journalling spot: Scenic route, Alpha: Thickers and Heidi Swapp.

Well I think I might head off to bed again.
Happy Father's day to all the dads out there, I hope everyone has a lovley day.

Cheers

Leeanne xxx

A Creative Weekend

2008-09-01T13:00:00.005+10:00

It's amazing what you can achieve when you have a quiet weekend. Besides taking Madeleine to Youth on Friday night and then Netball on Saturday, we had a lovely quiet time with no other commitments. Don't get me wrong I love to go out, but on the rare occasions when we don't have anything planned it's soooooo nice to kick back and relax.

Because of the above, I was inspired to Scrap and managed to achieve 4 layouts and 2 cards. Nothing like some new patterned paper and new photos to get you going. For 3 of the 4 layouts I used the new basic grey Ambrosia line. The 12 x 12 layout shows photos from last Thursday night when some girlfriends got together to celebrate 2 of the girls 50th Birthday. It was such a fun night... so many laughs. The third snow layout I used older Scenic Route Grafton paper and Summer rage and a tiny piece of new October afternoon.

1: Snow Fun

2: Going Going GONE

3: Winters Playground

4: Celebrate 50

Thank you to everyone who has asked about Madeleine she is so much better this week except for a bit of a cough she's well again... and went back to school last Thursday. Lets hope that is it for her she has not had a good year.

That's it for me today, take care everyone and enjoy the week.

Cheers

Leeanne x

There's Snow business like Snow business

2008-08-26T22:54:00.018+10:00

Last weekend we headed off Bright for a few days with friends. For those of you who don't live in Victoria, Bright is approx 308ks north-east of Melbourne and is located on the Ovens River and nestled in the valley below Mount Buffalo.

We had a really lovely weekend and best of all because its been so cold here, there was lots and lots of snow up on Mount Buffalo. Madeleine had never been to the snow before so she was really excited on Saturday at the prospect...and she wasn't disappointed. The weather was just superb and we spent the day tobogganing, building a snowman and having snow fights. Now tobogganing is easy but by the time you've climbed up the hill for the umpteenth time to go back down again you are pretty well exhausted. I haven't laughed so much in long time.

On the Friday we went on one of the beautiful walks at the back on the Bright township, its a lovely hour long walk through a canyon and back. The scenery is just magnificent. Then we headed off the chocolate shop for a milk shake before heading back home.

It was so nice to get away except on Saturday night after the snow Madeleine started complaining about being achy and sore. I just thought at first she was sore from all the exercise she'd been doing, but about an hour later she had a raging temperature and has been really unwell ever since with the fluey thing everyone seems to be getting this year. Poor thing she really has had a bad trot lately.

On the scrapping front I've completed a class by the very talented Helen . You can get this cool class for nothing over at Anna's Craft Cupboards Blog check it out. Except for the scalloped border all the papers are from basic grey... the Eurphoria range.

Inspired by Wendy I decided to make some cards from all the scraps. There are 7 simple cards, I always find cards difficult for some reason. One of the designs is a direct rip off of one the cards Wendy has just made.

Oh I almost forgot last Thursday there was a bit of a Dolly reunion in Frankston. Around 8 of us who used to be regulars at Paper Doll got together to catch up and say hi to Connie. Connie has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, so it was great to see her and chat with her about everything. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she goes through this immense challenge. It was also fantastic to see some of the other girls who I haven't seen since the shop shut back in February. I really miss seeing everyone regularly.

I've also had to postpone my class at Debling in Design from this Thursday night to Thursday 4th September. Sorry about that girls I have a 50th to go to on Thursday night for two friends who have turned the big one recently. I totally forgot..... well I didn't actually forget both events just didn't register in my brain until Monday that they were the same day. I worry about me sometimes.

Well I think that's it for now

Happy Scrapping everyone and have a great week

Cheers

Leeanne xxxxxx

short and sweet

2008-08-15T22:02:00.008+10:00

Still recovering from last Friday when Madeleine's school participated in the Rock Eisteddfod at Hisense arena in the city (aka vodafone arena). We had to get up at 4:30am to get her to :school :15by 5:15am to catch the bus in with everyone. They were first on for rehearsals at 7:15am. What a great experience for them all and it all went really well. They didn't make it through to the finals but a good time was had by all. By 11pm when it finally finished Madeleine had hit a brick wall she was sooooooo tired.

Saturday was pretty much a vegie day except for netball.

Sunday Madeleine and a friend went ice skating at the Olympic ice skating rink in centre rd. Now that place is in a time warp, Lynne and I used to go there as kids; her mum would drop us off and pick us up later. Nothing much has changed I must say. Anyhoo it was Madeleine's first time ice skating and she was a bit nervous, I think she was afraid if she fell over some one might come past and chop of her fingers. I think she had a good time (lol) I went along with her and sat and chatted to her girlfriends mum for a couple of hours while we watched the girls.

Things have been very quite on the scrapping front the past couple of weeks, in fact i've done nothing. It could be because I've read all 4 books in the twilight series in the past week and a half. All four books are great and I thoroughly enjoyed them all...Now bring on the movie another mother and daughter bonding trip to the movies for a good chick flick me thinkst. (hehe)

Here's the teaser trailer

cheers

Leeanne x

Heidi, Kim, Madeleine and Vampires???

2008-08-03T13:54:00.008+10:00

First of all................ Yeah!!! I have a place at Heidi's create08 in December. I'm so thrilled to get to be a part of this, along with lots of my old Dolly friends and some new blog friends (who I'll get to meet in person). I'll have to start a countdown until the 16th December I can't wait.

Here's a layout share, this is another of Kim Archers classes. Love the texture on this one with the fabric. There is also bubble wrap stamping on this, but I didn't have any bubble wrap on hand, so I just used my making memory stamps instead. All the papers are from Cherry arte. The photos are of the girls on the Claw, from our recent trip to Dreamworld.

The only other kind of scrapping I've done is a OTP. I'm a bit of a collector of costume jewellery and for years my necklaces have just hung off my dressing table. When I was shopping with Lynne a couple of weeks ago I came across a set of four hooks that had Marilyn Monroe tiles as their feature. I knew straight off that this would be perfect to hang my collection from and I could see those Jenny Bowlin papers fitting in perfectly. So here tis....

Madeleine was presented with her Class Captain badge this week at assembly and also a certificate to say she had collected the most merit points in her grade. Merit points are handed out for various reasons. The merit points then go to the person's house. Does that make sense???

Madeleine got given a book to read this week from her friend Alex. It's called Twilight.
Has anyone else heard of it or read it? It's a kind of Romeo and Juliet story between a teenage girl and a vampire. Sounds weird I know but I thought I should read it to see what its all about and though I'm sure I'm not in the demographic the book is pitched at, I was hooked straight away. Currently there are 3 books in the series with the 4th installment coming out on Monday. The movie has already been made, and comes out in December. It's the kind of book you just can't put down and so far the second book is just as good. We are both eagerly awaiting the movie now. The guy who played Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter movies has the lead role of the Vampire Edward.

In other Madeleine news her Basketball team won their grand final this morning. 59 - 37. It was a pretty close most of the game until just near the end. Yesterday she didn't play netball because she had all day rehearsals for the Rock Eisteddfod on Friday night at Rod Laver Arena. They're all really looking forward to that.

Since we got home from there I've been baking. I don't bake that often anymore and really enjoy it when I do. I've made a raspberry and coconut slice and a Cinnamon Tea Cake, in preperation for Neil's family who are coming over later for afternoon Tea. While I was on a roll I also made a vege lasagna for dinner.

Ok I think that's about it for now, Neil's folks will be here any minute.

cheers

Leeanne x

I wish......

2008-07-27T21:21:00.008+10:00

I wouldn't leave it so long between posts. The longer you leave it the more daunting it seems to go back and fill in the detail. So grap yourselves a cuppa this may take a bit of time, I will try to keep it as short as possible. That said lets go............................

First week back at school Madeleine was voted Class Captain, she was so excited and thrilled that the kids had voted for her, it's good for a girls ego. Aside from that she is so happy at that school, on the way home one day she said "Mum! I'm so happy at school, thank you for sending me there". You can't get much better than that. It's so good to know she is thriving academically and socially. So far so good.

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Saturday night we went to see the Aussie SYTYCD concert. It was fantastic, and so good to see some of my favourite routines in the flesh. They are all such beautiful dancers. I drove in and then we had dinner in China Town in the city and caught the tram down to Rod Laver Arena.

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Sunday afternoon Madeleine and I went to see the new Batman Movie (couldn't talk Neil into coming along). It's not something I would normally go to see but other friends of ours were going so we headed off to meet them down there. I have to say I pleasantly surprised what a fantastic movie, well the bits i saw anyway (hehe) I closed my eyes when I thought things might get gruesome. Heath Ledger is truly amazing in it and I'm sure even if his life hadn't been cut so tragically short he would have won awards for his portrayal of the Joker. Simply wonderful performance.

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I finished two of the Kim Archer workshops I have recently purchased. I know I always say this but really Do Yourselves a Favour if you've never done one of Kim's classes they are totally awesome. The following two are from her recent Behind the Scenes workshop. $20 gets you 3 layouts so obviously I have one more to do.

The first one I used mainly Love Elsie products, It's been pretty dreary in Melbourne recently so I've found it hard to get good photos of the layouts. The colours are not very good but you'll get the idea.

The second one I used October Afternoon papers and the photo is an old one from when we went to the Grampians about 4 years ago. I've always loved this photo of Madeleine crossing the river at Mackenzie falls. She was half way across and then got nervous, so Neil went back to guide her across. The backdrop of the falls is just beautiful.

In other great news I was also lucky enough to win a class over at the at home site. Gotta love that. Thanks for alerting me to the fact Deb.

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Tuesday night Madeleine's basketball team won its semi final so they are now straight through to the Grand Final next Sunday morning. This is Madeleine's last season for a while so it would be great if they win, no pressure of course.

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Wednesday Lynne and I headed down to Frankston for some retail therapy. We arrived and stopped for a coffee straight away. Then we stopped in to see Wendy at Kumfs and while we were there Kim C turned up so we all headed back for another coffee. It was great to catch up with the girls, so by the time we actually started shopping it was 12 O'Clock. Still it was good to spend the day with Lynne we don't do it often enough. We're always on the phone to one another but don't see each other that often.

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Thursday night I taught my second class at Debling in Design. We had a great time and the girls all really enjoyed learning the beading technique. Deb also had lots of new stuff so I basically just gave her back my wages and called it even (lol).

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Friday, Wendy came over to help me set up MYOB at work, she was only there a couple of hours , but it was fun to have her around even for a short time.

Friday night I finally got around to doing the layout to go into the draw to win a ticket to Heidi Swapps Create08 workshop in December. They are only offering 150 places, so I think it's going to be difficult to get into. I so hope I manage to get a spot,along with other like minded Heidi devotees. (lol). So here is my layout using only Heidi Swapp product (some old some new). The chipboard quote says "Never underestimate the power of cute"

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Saturday was netball (they won) and then Madeleine had a birthday party down at Strike Bowling, and then back at Jame's house for pizza and guitar hero. The adults all sat out in kitchen enjoying the nibblies.

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During the week Neil had suggested to Madeleine that she get a band together and that he would play guitar for them until they find someone their own age. She immediately got on the phone to her girlfriend Alex who has a really sweet singing voice to tee up a jam for this Sunday. They didn't actually have a jam as such, but Neil recorded them. Alex sang and Madeleine played Bass guitar. Eventually they'll have proper jams.. how cool.

Tonight my brother;who is down in Melbourne for the weekend came over for dinner with my sister and her two girls. We had a magnificent lamb roast and apple crumble for dessert. It's been a long long time since I've made roast dinner and I must say I really enjoyed it. Nothing beats a good old fashioned roast.

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Anyway thanks for hanging in there and getting to the end of this post.

Keep Safe, until next time

cheers.

Leeanne x

Qld beautiful one day perfect the next

2008-07-12T21:53:00.006+10:00

What an absolutely fantastic time we had . We arrived last Wednesday afternoon, settled in then headed off to my nephews place for dinner and caught up with delightful baby Charlie. She is so so so so cute... Here's a few photos to show just how cute (no bias of course).

Thursday the girls had a swim in the pool and then we headed off for a days shopping at harbour town, where they shopped till they dropped. Dinner was takeaway at Shaun and Amanda's then we took Amanda off to the movies to see Mama Mia.

The movie was just as much fun as the stage show. Pure unadulterated fluff and so enjoyable. I think we might go and see it again when we get home it was so good.

Friday girls had a swim again in the pool before we headed down to Currumbin Wildlife Park. In the numerous times I have been to the Gold Coast, I've never bothered to go there. Big mistake it was to much fun and a really lovely day. The girls had a camel ride, feed the kangaroos and then went on this really fabulous adventure ride. Well not so much of a ride as a high wire course. The were attached with harnesses and had to walk along a wire while holding the one above and pulling themselves along, then they had to walk along a very wonky suspension bridge, then onto these swingy things and then they had to go along on their backs while hanging from a wire, which lead them to the last part of the course which was a huge flying fox. Terrified and a few bruises later they actually did have a good time. Before we left the girls feed the Lorikeets all in all a great day.

Friday night we ate out at a Malaysian restaurant in Mermaid Waters and then it was back to the unit for a quiet night in. We had an early start the next morning as we were heading out to Dreamworld.

Dreamworld was packed, school holidays, a weekend and lots of extra people in town due to World Youth Day. Most of the time we had to queue for at least 30 - 40 minutes to get on rides. Having said that it was still a great day and jam packed with thrill rides. We all went on the Cyclone roller coaster (2 loops on that one), The Claw, Tower of Terror, and Wipeout. The girls went on a couple of others as well I just can't remember them all. The only one I would say I would probably not go back on is the wipeout. To much of being upside down for my liking.

Then for dinner that night we went to a great Thai restaurant at Nobby Beach and caught up with my brother Michael for dinner. We were all pretty much exhausted after such a big day and crashed once we got home.

Sunday we drove out to Tweed Head West (hinterland) and had lunch at Penny Ridge. The view from up there is just magnificent. You look out right over the Tweed Valley across to the Coast. It was just beautiful.

Monday we left the unit around 8am to go to Shaun and Amanda's to babysit. Sunday night their babysitter called to say her little girl was not well and had foot and mouth. We were going to go out for lunch again with my brother but we jumped at the chance to help out and look after Charlie. Out flight home wasn't until 2:50pm so we were able to look after her until 1:30pm. Then Shaun was coming home to take our place. It's so hard for them as they don't have family near them to help out. Amanda's mum and dad live and work in Brisbane and of course all of Shaun's family (except his dad) live in Melbourne.

So that my dear friends is Queensland in a nutshell. A good time had by all. It was great to get home to see Neil and also to sleep in my own bed. Holly was very excited to see us as was the cat. A warm welcome home.

It was back to work for me yesterday as well as back to school for Madeleine. so we are already back into the daily routine.

I'll leave you with a few more photos , mainly of the girls trip away.

cheers

Leeanne x

We're all going on a Winter Holiday

2008-07-08T21:57:00.003+10:00

Well 2 out of 3 of us are going to QLD tomorrow whoo hoo!!!!!!

Holly had her stitches out this morning and the plastic collar/bucket removed off her head. She is still not using he leg properly but is getting around really well and is certainly a lot happier than she has been over the the last couple of months.

I actually completed one layout on the weekend using one of the new Heidi papers and a hambly transparency and a few other sundry items. I actually scraplifted it from one of Helen K's lovely layouts. Hers was called "Joy"

Speaking of Helen, she has a new class over at the Home website. The classes are called Fresh Vintage and this is the second in the series so far. I love her use of beautiful laces and trims, coupled with ordinary things like masking tape. Head on over for a sneek peek & while you're over there check out the other fantastic classes by Kim Archer they are amazing. I'm always blown away by Kim's layouts; there is always something new to learn and the layouts always have that fresh, funky feel to them. I've got one sitting on my desk that I'm not going to finish :(((( before I go away unfortunately.

The other thing I forgot to mention was a couple of weeks ago I taught my first class over at Debling in Design. I had seven girls in the class and all their layouts looked fantastic, we had such a fun evening. Thanks girls for making the night so enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to the next class in a couple of weeks, the girls will be learning the beading technique. A bit of patience needed but well worth the effort.

Ok that's it for me, I better head off to bed. I've got an early start tomorrow to get out to the airport.

Take Care Everyone

Cheers

Leeanne x

A Winner and How to spend alot of money in one week.

2008-06-30T21:06:00.022+10:00

The winner is:- Jolene Pienaar

Congratulations Jolene, Madeleine picked your name out of the hat this morning (it was actually a tupperware container but don't tell anyne). If you could send me an email with you address I will get your goodie bag to you shortly. You'll be pleased to know I have added even more to it, since I took the photo. Just couldn't stop myself adding to it. I hope you enjoy using all the bit and pieces as much as I had putting it all together.

Now for a recap of the past week, and what a weeks its been. Memorable for lots of reasons not least of which is the large impact on our wallets.

A couple of weeks ago our vacuum cleaner blew up. So Sunday before last I headed off to the Good Guys to buy a Dyson. Neil did the research on the net and I did the buying. Very happy with the purchase so far, picks up like a dream and its bagless to boot. Ka-ching $$$$$$$ $400+ .

Monday Madeleine and I went off to have our eyes tested. Now I've known for quite some time I've needed them, but kept putting it off. I've been using the cheap glasses you get from K-Mart etc. Which have been doing the job but I needed more. The optometrist told me I had done exceptionally well to get to 48 without needing glasses. Like everything in my world apparently the lenses in my eyes are starting to loose their elasticity...mmm just like my body (lol). Ka- ching $$$$$$$$ $300+ Please excuse the scary up close and personal shot that's following.

Madeleine also needed her first pair of reading glasses, and hopefully this will stop the migraines she has been getting on and off since starting high school. Her frames are really cool blue with purple edging very nice. Ka-ching $$$$$$ $300+

Tuesday night I said to Neil, I think we are going to have spend some money on Holly (the dog). I have been noticing for a while that she appeared to fall to one side alot. I thought at first it was because of our polished floors, but then she started barking to come up the back stairs onto the decking, because she wouldn't put weight on her back legs. Anyhoo to cut along story short the poor thing ended up having major surgery last Thursday. She had a total knee reconstruction as she had torn her cruciate ligament. Apparently it will take 4 to 6 months for total recovery and at the moment she is getting around on 3 legs and wearing a lovely plastic collar so she won't chew her stitches. Tomorrow we are back to the Vet, for him to check on her and then she will get the stitches out early next week. It was a perfect time to have it done, as now the school holidays have started there is someone home with her all day to put her outside when needs, so she can go about her business. Ka-ching $$$$$900+

Wednesday no real money spent luckily. (except for a bottle of bubbly). Kim C invited a few of us over to her place, she prepared the most scrumptious lunch. There was a Thai style pumpkin and sweet potato soup or Leek & Cauliflower soup with a touch of bacon. Then a Zucchini slice and chicken and salad. Very very very nice. Kim's house is lovely with the most magnificent views. Thanks again Kim for a great afternoon, and if your reading this, please don't forget to email me the recipes for the soups when you get a chance.

Saturday Madeleine had her birthday party. Madeleine and 13 of her closest friends (hehe) went to see "Get Smart". We made up bags the night before with chips and lollies for each of them and headed down a bit earlier to buy the tickets and a drink for each of them as they went in. I just hung around did a bit of shopping (dropped in on Wendy at work) and then sat in a coffee shop with a couple of Srapbooking mags for an hour or so. Neil had to go home to make sure the dog was o.k. Anyhoo after that they all headed down to "TunzofFun" for around 45 minutes and then it was back to our place for Pizza, a bit of dancing, guitar hero and spot lighting out in the backyard. They all appeared to have a blast and a few of the mums (who are also friends) hung around too, which was really great. The party ended around 9:30pm and well I was pretty tired by then and headed off to bed not long afterwards. Ka-ching $$$$$$ more dollars spent

Sunday we headed off to Wantirna for Neil's cousin Meegan's babies baptism. We decided to risk it and try out the brand new East Link tollway. It was great for us, it knocked off at least 15 minutes from the trip. Bad news was we actually missed the actual baptism and it was all over by the time we got there. DOH!!!! After that, they had a get together at the Knox Club for lunch. Poor baby Mitchell wasn't a very happy camper off and on. I heard his grandmother say that he hadn't done a you know number 2's for over 3 weeks. I know, I know, that's toooooo much info, but really I wouldn't be happy either if I was in that situation. Apparently the health centre nurse said this is normal and not to worry. I don't know, I wouldn't be to pleased if that was my baby, and he clearly was not happy about something. Apart from poor Mitchell though it was a nice afternoon, and it's always lovely to catch up with all the cousins.

The photos from left to right: top row: Maddi, Ashley, Maddi and Me

middle row: Norma (neils mum) & Maddi, Mitchell, Bob (neils dad) & Maddi

bottom row: Maddi & Ashley, Liam, Neil and Maddi.

Today is the start of the School Holidays and Madeleine has had a couple of friends over, tomorrow she's off to Max's place to hang out. Wednesday, is excited because Bree is coming over. Bree is from her college and is the first friend from there, she has had over, so she is really looking forward to that.

Nothing major planned this week, because next Wednesday (9th) Madeleine, me and her friend Alex are off to the Gold Coast for 5 days. We are off to see my nephew and his wife and baby Charlie who turned one a few weeks ago. So looking forward to seeing them all and also my brother Michael who lives up there as well. We are staying in a really great place in Miami, not far from Shaun and Amanda's. It will be great for Madeleine to have a girlfriend with her to keep her company. The only Theme park we are doing is Dreamworld again. Wonder if I can talk Madeleine into the Giant Drop this time. The girls are so excited and the countdown has begun. Sadly Neil isn't coming with us but is staying home to look after the animals:(

Whoa!!! that was a long one, hope you grabbed a cuppa.

Happy New Financial Year

Cheers

Leeanne x

RAK & a Happy Birthday ...................

2008-06-24T21:30:00.002+10:00

to my BLOG that is. Twelve months and 72 posts later.

I didn't really think I would keep it up when I started, I've never been a diary keeper (well not for long anyway) and of course there are some months where I have barely blogged.

So many things have happened over the past year, good and bad and it's great to have it all documented. A reference or witness, if you like to my life.

To celebrate I've decided to have an RAK, to say thanks to those who come and read my ramblings. I had such fun gathering all the bits and pieces last night, there is over 50 goodies in the pack. So if you would like to have them just leave me a comment and I will draw the winner next Tuesday.

(edited to add: To those of you who I know are regular readers, but don't usually leave messages PLEASE don't feel shy, embarrassed or awkward about leaving a comment. This is for you too. As they say in the classics “You’ve got to be in it to WIN it!!:)))))))

Cheers

Leeanne x

Mother of a Teenager...............

2008-06-21T23:28:00.005+10:00

thats me. Madeleine had her birthday on Thursday (19th).I can't believe my baby is 13 years old. My mother told me (a long time ago now), that I was the JOY of her life, and that's exactly how I feel about Madeleine. So Happy Birthday Beautiful girl.

She had a great day, got the new fancy PINK hair straightner and a new PINK dressing gown from Neil and I, and then it was off to school. As soon as she arrived she was greeted and surrounded by friends singing (very loudly) Happy Birthday to her and lots of hugs etc... 4 out of 6 of her teachers that day had the class sing Happy Birthday. Then we got home friends popped over to say hi, lot and lots of phone calls and then out for dinner with Neil's Mum, Dad and sister. Nothing a girl likes better that being spoiled on her big day and spoiled she was.

I'm totally enjoying one of her pressies which was guitar hero for the playstation. Think I may have missed my calling as a heavy metal guitar player. Seriously it loads of fun and a little addictive. But then again maybe thats just me.

Today was a pretty lousy day in Melbourne, wet, cold and miserable. Except down at the Netball courts where. yes it was still wet and cold, but certainly not miserable. Madeleine's netball team WON their Grand Final 17-11. I love this photo of Madeleine and her great friend Alex just after the win. They all played an awesome game and given the conditions it was amazing. So excited for all of them it was great.

Then today more friends dropped over for afternoon tea, again for Madeleine's birthday so all in all she's had a fantastic few days.

Well still no scrapbooking for me, I did however have another clean up today so hopefully I will find some inspiration from that.

Leeanne x

More Inspiration.....+ weekend roundup

2008-06-11T22:03:00.009+10:00

Inspired again by Helen over the weekend, if you head over to Anna's Craft Cupboard you'll find Free, step by step instructions for this really cool layout designed by Helen.

Here's Helen's layout, gorgeous isn't it? Love her Style and her little boy is such a cutie.

This is my version of it, using blues and greens.

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Last Sunday we headed out for Indian in Patterson Lakes with friends, I have to tell you my body was saying ENOUGH after that. The food was absolutely fantastic but after 3 meals out in 2 days I had my share.
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Monday was a fairly lazy day and late afternoon the three of us headed off to see Indiana Jones. I thought it was really good, possibly not as good as the old ones, but still really good. Lots of laughs and chases etc...

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Madeleine has a curriculum day this Friday, but as luck would have it, she's home sick with a really nasty cough and very wheezy. You know the kind of cough that keep on going and sound
like she's swallowed a foghorn. Poor thing really has had a bad time of it of late.

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This week I also signed up for another series of classes over at Kim Archers workshops at home site. This series is called Whats in the Box???? So far 4 boxes have been opened and each of them has a different item to make. I can't tell you their secrets yet, but so far they have all been super cute. It's not to late to sign up to see for yourself Whats in the Box.
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Well I think that's about it for today

Happy Scrapping everyone.:0)

Cheers

Leeanne x

Narnia, A Layout, eating out.& teaching again

2008-06-07T23:07:00.007+10:00

Last night we headed off with Madeleine's friend Victoria and her mum Karen to see the new Narnia film Prince Caspian. The movie goes for nearly 2 1/2 hours and I must say the time just flew, we all really enjoyed it. It is all filmed so beautifully, the costumes and of course the cute little animals from Narnia who talk. This time it's the mice who steal the show. I highly recommend it.

As mentioned in my last post I was hoping to get the kits from Kim Archer so I could start the Fresh Vintage class designed by the very talented Helen Karanfilovski. The kits arrived and I must say they were full of very cute vintage trims, fabric, button and other bits and pieces which were all very yummy.

I really enjoyed taking Helen's class its very freestyle like and random. I really enjoyed putting away the trimmer and actually avoiding cutting straight lines. It was just me and my scissors. Very liberating indeed.

The layout is called Model child for two reasons 1st I'm not sure if all girls are like this but Madeleine and her friend love to take photos of each other, and these 3 photos were taken by Madeleine's friend Tj back in February. the 2nd reason is and I know I know I'm not being biased (she's say with tongue firmly planted in the side of her mouth) but you know Madeleine is a pretty great kid and we are very lucky to have such a caring and loving child and I believe she is great role model. OK enough of that now here's the layout I'm really thrilled with how it came out.

This morning we headed off to breakfast at the Blue Chair to catch up with my sister. It was fantastic to see her after such a long time and catch up. From there Neil and Madeleine went off to the MCG to see Richmond get a beating from Adelaide.

Tonight we headed out with friends to Doyles and had a lovely evening.

Oh and by the way for anyone who may be interested, I have been talked out of retirement (lol) not that I was really in retirement but I haven't taught any classes since August 07. At this stage it is only a short come back of 4 classes. They will be held once a month on a Thursday night over 4 months. Don't quote me but I think the classes are $10 and there are kits available if you want to use the same product.

The classes will be at Debling in Design in Frankston and you can call 0404 789 035 to make a booking. The first class will be on Thursday 26th June at 7pm. Come along if you can and keep me company.

Cheers for now

Leeanne x

Birthdays, Family visits and Friends

2008-06-04T19:23:00.008+10:00

Happy Birthday to Neil's mum Norma on her 90th Birthday last Sunday. We celebrated at Clover Cottage in Berwick for lunch with all the family. Norma's two nieces and their children (all of who are 30 and over now). There was around 18 of us and what a great afternoon it was, they are all good company and the food at Clover Cottage is amazing. Here's a few snaps of the day and a few of Madeleine I took before we left.

I booked flights to the Gold Coast on Sunday to go up and see Shaun, Amanda and Charlie. I made Madeleine's day on two counts as well as uping my chances at being mother of the year. 1st was just the fact that we are going to Qld to see the Ellis's and 2nd was offering to take her friend Alex. They are both really excited about the trip and of course so am I.

The other family visit will be this long weekend when my sister is coming home for 4 days from Darwin. She has been up there since January with work and was supposed to come home at the end of June. Now they have asked her to stay until September which she has said yes too. It's such a great opportunity for her in all ways, I'm really pleased for her. However her two grown up daughters are suffering from not having their mum around for 5 months so she is coming home this Friday for a flying visit (its like reverse homesickness). Anyhoo it will be great to see her, you don't realize when people are always around how much they mean to you, until their gone. Cliched I know but so true.

Today I caught up with my friend Sheree up at Southland. We met for a coffee at 10:30am and at 1:20pm parted company. She had a few things to tell me and we just talked and talked and then talked some more.

Busy weekend coming up. Friday night I'm taking Madeleine and her friend Victoria to see the new Narnia movie and Victoria's mum asked to come along as well, so that should be fun.
Saturday having breakfast with my sister, Saturday night catching up with Rosaleen, Gerry and Thea at Doyles in Mordialloc. We haven't seen them for 12 months so I'm really looking forward to that. Sunday's free at the moment but probably won't stay that way for long. I'm really hoping to get some scrapbooking done. It's been at least month since I've sat down and scrapped and I'm really missing it.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to receive my goodies from Kim Archers workshops at home site. I've purchased a couple of the gorgeous kits she's put together that go with my BLOG friend Helen's workshop. If you haven't been over to have a look at Helen's gorgeous layout do yourself a favour. Helen's work is just fantastic, and I'm really looking forward to doing my version of her layout.

Have a great week eveyone

Cheers

Leeanne x

"insert witty title Here"

2008-05-30T23:30:00.003+10:00

because I certainly can't think of anything.

I have no new layouts to share I don't even have any photos. May was light on for both I'm afraid.

This post will be yet another ramble of whats been happening over the past couple of weeks.

Wednesday week ago, a couple of girlfriends Andi and Karen arranged dinner at the Thai restaurant in Patterson Lakes for my birthday. (Yes yes I know it's the birthday that keeps on keeping on) and then last Saturday night Neil and I headed over to Brighton to the Silver Leaf restaurant with our friends Judith, Alf and Jenny and Trevor. Note to self, avoid Bay Street Brighton at 7:30pm on a Saturday night. Finding a parking spot is somewhat of a challenge.

This week I have been out with my friend Jan, who was also my Manager from Centrelink. We had dinner at Vincents in Beaumaris. It must be at least 10years since I've been there and it looks a little run down now but still the food was quite nice. Nothing to rave about but certainly nice. It was also good to catch up with Jan one on one.

Sunday we are heading off to Clover Cottage in Berwick for lunch to celebrate Neil's mums 90th birthday. What a milestone and while yes she's slowed down over the years, she is a remarkable women for her age, physically and mentally. Lots of the cousins have been invited, so it will be a bit of a family reunion and loads of fun, and lets not mention the absolutely amazing meal they have there. It's the best...mmmmmmmmm......begining to see a bit of a pattern here...no wonder I can't lose weight we're always out.

Popped in briefly to see Wendy in her new job at Kumfs in Frankston on Thursday. From all accounts her first day went really well. My prediction is she will be the first employee of the month there, and the second and the third and so on. (hehe) She looked like she was really enjoying the job, and she had on the most gorgeous pair of Kumf shoes. Gotta luv working in a shoe shop.

Ok well I think that's about it for now, hopefully i will have at least a Layout to show next time or a photo to share.

Take care

cheers

Leeanne x

Weekly roundup....and some layouts

2008-05-17T15:38:00.011+10:00

Firstly thanks to everyone who has left me comments, emailed or called during the week to say Happy Birthday. I had an absolutely lovely day and was very soundly spoiled. Gotta luv that.

Saturday a few friends dropped over in the afternoon to share a champagne and a bit of a giggle, it was one of those impromptu things in that they all turned up at once so it was like a little party and lots of fun.

Saturday night we went out to our local Thai restaurant with Sue, Greg and Julie for dinner. It's always a good night when we get together. Julie unveiled her mid life crisis tattoo..... she assured us it was nothing to do with a mid life crisis but I'm not convinced on that one. (hehe). She has had the St Kilda football club emblem tattooed on the small of her back.

Sunday Mother's day and we had Neil's Mum, Dad and sister over for a roast dinner and for my birthday. All in all a pretty hectic but lovely weekend.

Wednesday Lynne and I caught up and went to the movies to see What Happens in Vegas with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher. It was a really fun movie, predictable like all chick flicks, but still very good. Then we had a nice lunch up at Southland, and dropped into Scraptacular on the way home. All in all a very enjoyable day and it was great to spend the day together. We also managed to fit in a little bit of shopping in before the movie. By the time I dropped Lynne off I just had enough time to get to school to pick up Madeleine.

The new job is great, very very busy as there is still so much to do, putting all the procedures in place. After that it should be smooth sailing. Still busy but at least everything will be as it should.
Friday night Madeleine went to Youth group again and this time took her friends Alex, Laura and Max. They all had a ball, they come out of there so full of smiles and just plain happy. It really is great to see.

While they were there I dropped into Debling in Design to hand in a few Layouts I had completed for Deb. A few weeks ago she asked me to be a guest designer using the new Teresa Collins products. The products are just scrumptious and really easy to work with. I've had them completed for a couple of weeks but hadn't put them up on the BLOG yet because Deb has been away. I figured I should show them to her first. So here they are;

Today Netball got cancelled because of the rain. It hasn't stopped for most of the day which of course is fantastic. Wendy and I caught up at Blue Chair for a bit of lunch and a coffee. We kind of got kicked out around 3pm so they could close up. Congratulations to Wendy on her new job a new and exciting career about to begin.

Tonight we have been out with Andi, Steve, John and their respective children to the Indian Restaurant down at Patterson Lakes for my birthday. You have to love a birthday that just keeps on going. We had a very yummy dinner then headed off back to Andi and Steve's for coffee.

It's now nearly 12am and since I've been home I've been on the WII fit doing 45mins of exercise. What a great piece of equipment. Neil and Madeleine gave it to me for my birthday. It's fantastic, it covers Yoga, aerobic exercises, muscle workouts & balance workouts. As you get better at each exercise it unlocks different workouts. It also weighs you and tells you your bmi etc and helps you to set goals for fitness and weight loss. Pretty cool actually.

Well I think that pretty well covers the whole week.

cheers

Leeanne x

Hands up what day it is??? ooohh oohh I know

2008-05-10T00:01:00.000+10:00

They say it's my birthday, I'm going to have a good day..........Love birthdays just don't like the getting older bit.

Cheers

Leeanne x

M.I.A.

2008-05-07T17:42:00.005+10:00

that's me, whooley dooley I've been slack with the Blog thing. No excuses just haven't got around to it.

sooooooo whats been happening since the 16th April.....................

Long story short.

1. Finished up with Centrelink on 28th April, they were very generous when I left, and gave me these beautiful Tulips along with a $50 gift voucher. I also had two lunches out at the Vietnamese restaurant Yummy.

2. Had a whole week off and caught up with lots of people:-

a. Monday coffee with Julie F and shopping at Frankston
b. Tuesday coffee with Karen H
c. Wednesday coffee with Sue B.
d. Thursday nothing (house work)
e. Friday coffee with all the mums from School and then lunch at the Blue Chair with Lynne.

I also managed 4 layouts but I haven't taken photos yet.

3a. Last weekend my girlfriend Phylliss had free tickets to an advanced screening of Mrs Pettigrews day out up at Southland on Saturday afternoon. The movie is very good and really funny, if you get a chance to see it... Do.

b. The move with Phylliss was kind of a last minute thing and I had already told Madeleine I would take her to the movies that day, so never one to break a promise I took her and her friend Laura along with Laura's two sisters to see Made of Honour in the evening. If you like Chick flicks and also like McDreamy its a must see.

Last weekend was also picture to page but unfortunately I didn't get over there. Saturday was busy with Netball and the Movies obviously, and then Sunday we were going out to lunch but that got cancelled and then Neil's friend Mark and his fiancee Jasmine dropped over in the afternoon. Which was very nice and we ended up having devonshire tea. mmmmm......... I wanted to get over to PTP to see Wendy but alas it wasn't to be.

Monday I started work at Uswitch and so far so good. John is very easy to work for , but boy oh boy I believe I am going to be very very busy once this all starts up in full swing. But that's a good thing.

Today (Wednesday) I've been off and had my hair cut and coloured, as you all know this is one of my all time fav things to do. Love it.

well that's all for now

cheers

Leeanne x

We Interupt normal programming for an unashamed PLUG

2008-04-16T14:57:00.004+10:00

A couple posts ago I told you I was leaving Centrelink, to start work at a new company USWITCH. The company is an online website www.uswitch.com.au and compares your current gas and electricity costs and tells you the cheapest plan for you. By switching ( it costs nothing to switch) you can save anywhere from $50 to $600 per year depending on where you live and usage etc. The website has an easy step by step guide to help you along or if you get stuck, you can call the company directly for help. In this day and age where prices just seem to be going up and up it's nice to think you can make savings somewhere.

Anyhoo last night on A Current Affair they ran a story on USWITCH and the website had in excess of 100,000 hits an hour. WOW!!! what a response and of course you guessed it the server couldn't cope and the website crashed. Today John and the crew have been madly taking calls and ringing people back to help them out. A Choice magazine representative was very impressed with the site and to paraphrase him, said the site was simple to use and good for the industry, and would make the industry more accountable and competitive.

So if you want to have a look at the story from last nights show follow this link http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/general/ and under select video (on the right hand side of the screen) click on USWITCH 15/04/08. So far the only state that can't make use of the Service is WA as they haven't privatized their gas and electricity. Over the next few months you will also be able to use the service to compare your home phone plan as well as broadband/internet.

Well I think that's a big enough plug, switch and save I say.

cheers

Leeanne x

Short and Sweet

2008-04-13T19:10:00.004+10:00

that's what this post will be..... believe it or not. (well by my standards anyway)

Friday: Maddy returned home from camp at Foster tired yet on a high. She had a fantastic time and talked excitedly the whole way home and then some. Then she had time for a quick shower, quick dinner and we were off to Rod Laver Arena to see Matchbox 20. What a great concert that Rob Thomas sure has a sexy voice. I ran into a couple of people I know;the funniest was running into Vicki B in queue for the loos. A quick photo or two later and I was on my way. Not sure what the people in the queue thought about the two mad women taking photos. Anyhoo the support band was Thirsty Merc, and they were fantastic alot More rockier than i thought they would be.

Maddy didn't quite make it thru the whole concert without having to have a bit of a snoozy on my shoulder. I brought the tickets back in early December before I knew the Camp dates, so while she enjoyed what she saw, she really was too tired to take it all in.

Saturday: Was pretty quiet really Back to Netball (they won) then in the afternoon Neil headed off to a jam and I headed down to debling in design. Deb had asked me to judge this months Layout challenge and I had, had the layouts at home for a week, checking them all out and coming to a descion. Boy is that a harder job than you expect. Everyone's layouts were fabulous and they all had little unique touches that I loved. However as they say in the classics there can only be one winner. Can't say who yet as I don't think Deb has announced it. So mums the word here. I also got to catch up with Merle while I was there, I haven't seen her in ages and it was lovely to see her.

I completed a layout last night using the new BG Sugared line. The design is based on a Sketch from the penciline web site from a little while ago.

Ok thats it for me..... see not quite as long as usual.

Cheers

Leeanne x

That was the week that was............

2008-04-09T08:02:00.015+10:00

Wednesday... wow what a great day to have off, that was the day of the wild winds in Melbourne. Hooley Dooley what a day. No real damage done here except for the big gum tree in our backyard near the bungalow; which lost a couple of large limbs from high up in the tree. Because of that it looked like a waterfall of gum leaves around the tree. Then our front nature strip tree also lost a main branch (no photo), which was still attached at the bottom of the tree but had fallen and landed on our front fence, across the footpath and into our front yard. I called the council about that one and they were out within the hour to clear the footpath, then they arrived the next day to pick up the rest of it.

Thursday I went off to physio re my foot, and they gave me another couple of days of work to rest it. To cut along story short my foot is still really sore even after a couple of rounds of physio. They don't really know whats wrong with it so I suppose its a bit hard to treat when they don't know. Thursday was still school holidays here in Melbourne and a friend of Madeleine's Dad took them to Gold Class to see The spiderwick chronicles which from all accounts was pretty FAB. Then we caught up with Neil's folks and his sister at Doyles in Mordialloc to celebrate Neil's birthday.

Saturday morning we headed off to have Madeleine's haircut. The lovely Ally cut and thinned out her hair and then straightened it. It looks absolutely fantastic and Madeleine is so happy with it......it gives her even more reason to always be looking at herself in mirror (lol). Here's a few shots we took before she headed off to one of the girls from her school birthday party that afternoon.

Saturday night we picked up Madeleine for her party in Lang Warren and then headed over to Bentleigh to our good friend Sheree's 50th. I have known Sheree and her husband Bill since I started work at Social Security back in the late 70's (boy that ages me doesn't it). It was so nice to be part of her celebrations she is such a great person and together they are two of the world's loveliest people. So Happy Birthday again Sheree it was a great night.

Tuesday school started back again and this morning I had to drop Madeleine off by 7:30am to catch the bus for school camp. They are heading for 3 days to a camp down near Wilsons Prom. I haven't even got any photos this year, in fact I dropped her off and pretty much left straight away. rrrr the times they are a changin.

So this morning I met up with a girlfriend for coffee at 9am at the Blue Chair and then I was back there again at 1pm to finally catch up with Wendy for her birthday. We had a lovely catch up and then look what I got.

Isn't it yummy. This is my prize for winning the sketch challenge on Wendy's Blog. It has papers from the two scoops range, and the element stickers from the same range. Vinyl alpha from american crafts, chipboard flowers from Cherry Arte, the most divine pink lace ribbon with a velvet centre, jumbo ricrac and the green bling. Thanks Wendy the prize is fantastic. There is a new challenge this month,that went out with the Dolly newsletter (not sure if it's on the blog) the prize this month is a little sister dolly kit.

I also picked up my full kit from Wendy it is absolutely chock a block with cool stuff. Head on over and have a look at the kit and while your there check out the gallery featuring work from Connie Hatch, Willisa Hogarth and of course Wendy using this months kit. If their work doesn't get you all inspired then I'm afraid nothing would.

Ok thats it for now, till next time.

cheers

Leeanne x

Jenni Ballantyne

2008-04-06T14:06:00.005+10:00

The purpose of this post is to direct you to Jenni's blog. Some of you, who read my blog, I know already go and visit Jenni's, but for those of you haven't you really must. Jenni has been fighting cancer for 4 years and is now suffering with stage 4 colon cancer. If you're in need of inspiration and perspective you need look no further that her BLOG. Her honesty is amazing and sometimes confronting, but always insightful and motivating.

Jenni has touched alot of people through her writing, re her journey with cancer. She now has people from here and all over the world leaving her comments. These comments of support and love I know mean so much to her and have helped her through all the pain of the last 6 months. She truly believes that the power of positive thought has helped her get this far.

So I would like to invite you to head over to Jenni's Blog and share in this amazing women's journey and leave her a comment. For those of you who don't normally comment on Blogs please do. The more of us sharing in this with Jenni and supporting her the better.

Cheers

Leeanne x

Ramblings....re the last two weeks

2008-04-02T09:42:00.010+11:00

I’ll try to keep it short, but I can’t make any promises.

Firstly Madeleine’s wrist is slowly getting better, she’s done away with the brace so that’s a good sign.

Neil completed the Ottway bike challenge on Saturday the 11th March. It was a 142k ride over the Ottway Ranges from Lorne to Torquay. He was in remarkably good shape when he arrived home all be it a little tired. That's Neil behind the girl in the yellow helmet.

The following Wednesday I caught up with a few friends at the Blue Chair Restaurant (no blue chair in sight). Its always good to enjoy good food and wine and great company.

Good Friday Neil and his mates had a Jam at Al’s place and my girlfriend Sheree came over and we watched chick flicks all afternoon. Gotta luv that. Then Sheree and her husband Bill (who was at the Jam) came back for home cooked fish and chips.

Easter Saturday I took Madeleine and Alex shopping at Frankston they had lunch with me and then took off like a rocket when I suggested they could have an hour to shop on their own. I had 3 pressies to buy for friends which I managed to do pretty quickly. One of which is for the lovely Wendy, who’s birthday was on the 24th and I still haven’t seen yet. I did ring to say Happy Birthday though. Bad me for not going around yet.

Easter Sunday we had lunch at Neil’s sisters place with his Mum and Dad which was lovely. Then on Sunday night while watching SYTYCD I noticed my foot was a bit sore. Well mainly my second toe you know just a bit stiff sort of. No biggie.

Easter Monday our good friends Sue and Greg dropped in for a quick visit, always enjoy spending time with them. Prior to their visit, I went on a nice big hour along walk along the beach to try and walk out the soreness in my foot. I thought the walk, along with actually wearing my orthodics might do the trick.... Nope sadly by the time I got home my foot was worse very sore and swollen.
To cut a long story short basically it’s still really sore and swollen which makes it hard to walk. I went to the doctor last Wednesday who told me he thought I had tendonitis in the foot and to stay off it and ice it as well. He also gave me anti inflammatory tablets, and two days off work last week but so far no good. Tonight I have an appointment at the Physio so hopefully they will be able to help more. Fingers crossed.

Last Wednesday I also caught up with Marcia who I met in anti natal classes, her and her husband have recently renovated their home, so Madeleine and I went to check it out and have lunch and a catch up. The house looks amazing in fact when we pulled up Madeleine said “This isn’t their home why are you stopping here” it looks like a completely different home, no sign of the old one at all.

Last Saturday we headed down to Phillip Island for the night, friends had invited us down for the weekend. There was about six families down there lots of fun. The kids had a ball. Sunday we took the kids to the wild life park and Amaze and things. Madeleine and Neil were both very brave and went down a free fall slide. You just hang there in mid air, release and fall …. Pretty scary stuff. It appeared that the letting go bit was the hardest part. Didn't get a photo of that (well one that turned out anyway) they moved to fast. I like the one of Madeleine on the gravity ladder.. cool effect.

In other big news I have told my boss at Centrelink that I will not be renewing my contract after this month as I have been offered a job with a new company called USWITCH. It's much more flexible, 5 minutes from home, the same hours as now, or more if I want, more money, and in school holidays I don't have to work as much or I can work from home. I will be the marketing/promotions Manager. I'm really excited and looking forward to the challenge. I'll tell you more about it later.

So I'm finishing up with Centrelink on Thursday 24th April. I've really enjoyed working there over the last 8 months, and only to find I didn't have a job at Centrelink at the end of April either. Centrelink are going through a major overhaul at the moment and are actually cutting jobs rather than employing new people, and usually the casuals are the first to go.

It's Neil's birthday tomorrow and I haven't really got him anything yet, haven't been able to get around the shops with this foot. But will have to go today anyway.

Ok that's more than enough for now.

cheers

Leeanne x

mmm... just between you and me I think I may have broken that I'll try and keep it short promise. Sorry about that

Quick Layout share

2008-03-30T22:24:00.005+11:00

Will be back shortly with a proper update, but here are another couple of class layouts I have completed recently from the very talented Kim Archer.

The first is the Ink it LO from one of the current Shorts workshop. I love these photos of Charlie and her Mum and Dad, such a happy family...mmm good name for a title (hehe)

The second is also from this series of shorts workshops, this time it was all about dreams. Madeleine had relayed this one to me recently about her Emmy wins and marrying Zac Efron. As they say in the classics "Tell her she's dreamin" (well in the Castle anyway) The colours haven't come up well in this photo, but check out the little birdie... Cute hey!!!

and just finally it was like old home week at Frankston recently. I took Madeleine down to get samples of cotton fabric for an assignment in textiles and who should be there but the lovely Cindy and Kade, Vesna , Jasmine and Annabelle and also the talented Sarah doing a fiskars demo. Then we headed off to get lunch and who should be at the next table, but another talented Dolly.... Karen. It was great to see them, all be it even for a short amount of time.

Well that's it for now I will be back with a proper update in the next couple of days.

Cheers

Leeanne x

the good the bad and layouts to share

2008-03-12T18:37:00.014+11:00

( warning long post ahead... may need to get a coffee first)

The BAd: Last Monday at school Madeleine was playing basketball when one of the boys threw the ball so hard it bent her arm back and jarred her wrist (or so we thought) then on Wednesday another boy accidentally tripped her over and she landed on the same wrist and was in a lot more pain. So I took her to the doctors straight after school who had a look at it and decided it needed xrays... Which we did on Thursday after school and then went back to the Doctors on Friday after school.

We couldn't get in to see the Dr who had originally requested the x rays so we saw another. This Dr wasn't happy with the xrays and wanted to get a ct scan. Only place we could get the ct scan done on Saturday morning was St Kilda.

The Bad: On the way to pick up Madeleine from School I got my first ever driving infringement in all my 30 years of driving. Well I suppose there always have to be a first time. I actually got pinged for speeding and pulled over and got an on the spot fine. OUCH!!!! that hurts. Which also meant I was a little bit late in picking up Madeleine.

The Bad: We had to be in St. Kilda by 9am the following morning, which meant NO sleeps in and we had to leave just after 8am to get there. We got to the radiology place and didn't have to wait long and then had to head over to the DR's for him to look at the scans. The Dr we saw on Friday night conveniently had rooms in Balaclava. Anyhoo we waited nearly 1hours to see him only to find out that they had taken more xrays and not a ct scan. After the Dr had abused the staff at Radiology we headed back to get a ct scan. When we arrived the Radiologist took great pains to show me that no where on the Dr's referral did it say CT Scan (point taken). Cut along story short the radiologist told us it wasn't a bone fracture but that a part of the cartilage in her wrist was chipped.

We went back to the Dr's who then sent us off to a medical supply place to get a wrist support, that she will have to wear until it mends. No one actually said how long that would be, and its still pretty sore, which also means no Netball, Basketball or Piano. DOH!!!

That whole exercise took just over 5 hours to complete... not a good start to the long weekend.

The Good: On Friday night after we saw the Dr we decided to go up to Southland and book our tickets for Gold Class on Saturday night. So with our tickets for the 9:30pm on Saturday night showing of Jumper we headed back home and got take away Thai.

The BAD: Saturday night we headed off to Southland at 9pm got to Gold Class sat down with our menus and were just about to order when the Manager came over, and asked to see our tickets. He then kindly told me that the tickets were in fact for the night before. NOT HAPPY JAN!!! Of course I hadn't looked at the tickets as I had specifically said SATURDAY NIGHT to the girl who sold them to us at least 3 times.

The Good: The Manager was very apologetic and offered us our money back and also another 2 complimentary passes to Gold Class. We could have also seen another movie of our choice then and there, but as it was already after 9:45pm and nothing suitable was on we decided to got home. That is after the Manager had booked us in for the Sunday Show.

The Good: Sunday my friend Sue came over and we scrapped all day from about 11am to 7pm. We had a lovely day and I managed to get 3 layouts finished.

The first two are from Kim Archers current series of Shorts workshops.

No:1 is Fabric Frenzy:- Love these self portraits that Madeleine and Tijana took of themselves recently

No: 2 - is a layout of Madeleine and some friends at the movies recently. It was the first time we had allowed her to go alone to the pictures. One of the girls Dad took them and picked them up, they were so excited about going without parents

Then it was on to my favourite monthly class from Wendy NO SCRAPS..

I used on of the newish scenic route range of papers...Lynden. Wendy has out done herself again this month, I love love love these designs.

N0:1 is a double LO called kissin cousins from when baby Charlie came to visit recently. The BW photo is my fav of Charlie and Madeleine

No 2: Smiley.... says it all really, she is such a cute and happy baby

and finally another of Wendy's recent classes. This is my take on her My Girl page which I just loved and I'm really happy with how this turned out.

The Good: We finally got to have a sleep in on Monday (labour day long weekend in Victoria) and Neil came home from Port Fairy Music Festival, where they had had another great weekend. Although Port Fairy was the hottest place in Victoria on Sunday, not so good when you're camping and going to see bands in big tents. Stifling is a word that comes to mind.

I think that's it for now if you've lasted this long well done. I just have three more Kim Archer classes to go and Wendy's Year in Review album and I'm all done for the classes I've paid for recently. It really gets you inspired again when you do classes, I love doing these two ladies classes always something new to learn.

cheers for now

Leeanne x

Round up Time........

2008-03-03T21:45:00.004+11:00

Friday: I took Madeleine to her first Youth Group, it started at 7pm and went until 9pm. I dropped her off and their seemed to be a cast of thousands there. (ok ok well maybe 100 or so). She had an absolutely fantastic time, lots of music, dancing and generally alot of jumping up and down (ala mosh pit style jumping). Stacey who features in this months FK's Lo has been going there for a few years now, so also kept a watchful eye on her to make sure everything was going OK. Madeleine said it was great, she felt like she had a big sister there to watch out for her. So guess what we'll be doing every 2nd Friday night from now on. While Maddy was there, i took the opportunity to drop in to see Deb (her place is 5 minutes from the youth group) and say hello. Haven't caught up with her for a while so it was nice to see her and the rest of the gang.

Saturday: Madeleine played netball in the afternoon and the teams had a draw. They were very evenly matched so it was a pretty tense game. Then I spent the afternoon preparing for Shaun, Amanda and Charlie the next day. I made lasagna... well actually Neil made the spaghetti sauce, I made the rest of it and then made apricot nectar cheesecake, and cleaned as you do....

Then Saturday night Neil and I, Kate and James and John and Denise caught up at Sithara Indian restaurant in Parkdale. The food there is magnificent, if you live in the area do yourself a favour and give it a go. It is so Yummy. After dinner we headed back to Kates place for coffee and gelati and got home around midnight.

Sunday: Madeleine's team played in their first Grand Final. It was a great game and they all played hard but unfortunately were beaten by around 10 points in the end. Straight after the game was a short presentation were the girls were all given trophies for being runners up.

Finally Sunday afternoon arrived.....we had all been hanging out for our visitors from Queensland. I really hate that we live so far apart especially now that baby Charlie is around and we miss out on seeing her more regularly. Ah well!! that's life and you just have to make the most of their company when you can. Charlie is just gorgeous, she is a happy, contented chubby cuddly baby. Between Neil and I we took around 170 photos so watch out for one or two or maybe three or four baby layouts to follow. As always the hardest part of catching up is saying goodbye again and before we knew it, it was time for them to leave. I've put together a little collage of some of my fav photos.... here tis

Last but not least I've just been over visiting Wendy's Blog and discovered I have won the February sketch challenge.... Woo Hoo!!! I'm wrapt thanks to Jen Ballantyne for choosing my layout and a big thanks to Wendy for organizing the challenge and for the prize pack. She will be putting the March sketch challenge up shortly so give it a go... as they say in the classics You have to be in it to win it.

Hope you have had a great weekend... till next time

Cheers

Leeanne x

Just Because really.....

2008-02-29T14:55:00.005+11:00

I wanted to quickly update and Yes OK brag a little bit. Do you remember this layout I did for my girlfriend Sue's daughters 16th. Well if you're flicking through this months For Keeps magazine thumb over to page 25. I'm little excited, this is my first layout published in For Keeps.

Then today in the post I got another commissioning letter this time from Scrapbooking Memories, they have chosen to print the layout I did called Good Mates. Whoo Hoo!!!!
It's the one with Neil and his two friends Mark and Norm, talking about their passion for music. The layout will be in volume 10 issue 3.

OK that's it for now sorry for the blatant bragging, I better head off now and pick Madeleine up from School. I'll update again after the weekend.

Cheers

Leeanne x

Busy Busy Busy.......................

2008-02-26T22:52:00.004+11:00

Busy Busy Busy.... that's life at the moment. Of course that's the way it always is when schools back and all the after school activities kick in as well.

Madeleine is thoroughly enjoying H.S. so far, she has made lots of new friends and is enjoying her classes (well most of them anyway) . There is a fair bit of homework that goes along with it but she is more than coping so far. Monday she tried out to be in a school production later in the year and although it won't be officially announced for a week or so, feedback from those in the know suggest that she got in. Fingers crossed that, that is the case. One of the girls in her textile class this week has invited her to a Youth Group on Friday night, which apparently is awesome and lots of fun. So she's off to that on Friday night to check it all out and see what it's all about.

Last Saturday we let Madeleine go to the movies with a group of friends (boys and girls) to see Definitely Maybe. It's the first time we have let her do something like that and I was a bit nervous. They were taken there and picked up straight after the movie , and they all had a ball. I'm not sure that the boys loved the movie the girls chose though. Next time the boys will have to have first choice.

In sporting news Netball kicked off properly last Saturday after 3 weeks of grading. Madeleine's team had a convincing win and were all pretty happy with themselves. Big news is that tonight she played in a Semi for Basketball and her team will be playing off in the Grand Final at 10am Sunday morning. GO TEAM!!!!!!

On the job front my contract has now been extended until the end of April, and they are saying that will be last extension. You never know though in the Public Service things change every week, every day, every hour, every minute. So guess what I'm saying is there is a slight chance it may get extended again.

Saturday night we went out to dinner at Mark and Jasmine's place, they have a lovely home and the food was just beautiful. Another friend of ours was there with his new girlfriend who none of had met before, and it turns out that her and Neil went to the same primary school. He knew her face as soon as she walked in. Well when I say he knew her they had never actually met he just knew she grew up in Cheltenham and went to OLA. She is younger than us (only a few years) so they never socialised together. Small world sometimes.

Sunday we went out to lunch at the Mentone Hotel for Neil's dad's birthday. The food is quite nice there and we always end up in this little nook, which is nice because it's a little more private. Then it was back to Bob and Norma's for coffee and cake.

A friend of mine's Mum passed away early of Monday morning, she had been sick for along time and has certainly been in intense pain for the last few months. So at least she is not suffering anymore. My thoughts go out to Karen (not mckeown) and her family at this sad time.

In good news.... Shaun, Amanda and baby Charlie are coming down to Melboure from the Gold Coast this weekend. Whoo Hoo!!!!!!!!!! we can't wait to see them. Although we will have to wait until Sunday to actually catch up. They arrive Thursday night, have a wedding on Friday, will catch up with Shaun's grandparents and family on his mum's side and then come and spend the day with us on Sunday. Charlie is now 9 months old, where did that time go.... stay tuned for photos.

Well I think I've rambled on enough for now

cheers until next time.

Leeanne x

FEBRUARY CHALLENGE

2008-02-23T10:47:00.011+11:00

I hope you've all completed your layouts for the February challenge over at Wendy's BLOG, you have until Monday 25th February to get them in. Here's the sketch for this month the winner will receive $30 worth of product, gotta love that.

Here's my take on it. I've flipped the design to suite my photos. The title and journalling is from a Rolling Stones song "You can't always get what you want". When we went to see Mad Violet a couple of weeks ago they did a cover of the song, and it immediately hit me as an idea for a LO.

The journalling is:

You can't always get what You want

But if you try sometimes

You just might find

You get what You need.

I like the sentiment and to me it means you don't always have to have a lot of material things in your life but that sometimes the simple things in life (in this case the beach) are just as good if not better than a theme park for enjoyment. (simplistic view I know but you get what I mean)I've used some of the new tropical range of papers from Making Memories... Love the bright colours.

Paper: Making Memories (tropical),Alpha: Heidi Swapp, American Crafts, carolee creations and EK success; Rubon: Rhonna Farrer autumn leaves; Bookplates: Heidi Swapp; Hambly transperency, Embellishments: Making memory chipboard flower buttons, Heidi Swapp tape, Heidi Swapp corner, making memory hat pin, small tag. Stamp: Elsie Flannigan.

Cheers for now

Leeanne x

Layouts 2 Share and Tagged

2008-02-18T17:44:00.005+11:00

Well today I finally finished the 3 layouts from Wendy's January No Scraps Class. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I really love these classes. If you haven't tried them yet ...what are you waiting for? give them a go, you won't be disappointed. I still have the card to make, No Scraps is really great value at $15 you always get at least 3 layouts and a card or two or three.

TAGGED:-

I've been tagged by my cheeky friend Wendy
You must post the rules before you give your answers. You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name. After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers. At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details).

My middle name is Therese... here goes:

THANKFUL..for my health & family
HAPPY…I choose to be happy so I am (well most of the time anyway)
ENJOYS.. the company of good friends
READING.. nothing like getting lost in a good story.
ENJOYS…good food.
SCRAPBOOKING ...love to create
ENJOYS…a drink or two with good friends along with good food

I tag;- Julie, Joy, I'm not sure who hasn't already had this tag. I think most people so if you haven't done it and would like to share... I tag you too.

Cheers

Leeanne x

February...what the?? What happened to January??

2008-02-05T22:04:00.000+11:00

Well I can't tell you how nice it has been to have the last 2 1/2 weeks off work. The first week was fabulous in Tasmania. What a truly beautiful part of the world it is, the most spectacular scenery and coast line. We did over 1,000 k's in that week and only did the east coast, and we certainly didn't see all there is to see.

I've completed one layout since being home re Tassie. Here tis. I stamped the snowflake images on a transperancy and then added ice stickles to them, and also used a toothbrush to make the transperency for the main photo as well as using the toothbrush to splash paint around the edges of the blue carstock. Then I beaded the question mark and also added some ice stickles. Love that photo of Madeleine trying to taste the snow.

I can't even remember what I did last week, not a lot though...... which I liked. Madeleine was just happy being with her friends before they started school last week, so most of the time I had at least one to three friends here at any given time.

Last Saturday night I like many other mothers around Australia spent a few hours (Ok Ok lets say 6 hours Oh and I'm sure not every mother was doing it on Saturday night) covering text books, labeling folders, naming pencils etc etc....Should I fess up now?... I actually LIKE, yes like doing it. Theraputic some how. I couldn't get Madeleine even a little bit interested in it. She was too busy stressing out about actually going to Secondary School and having NO Friends!!

I can't tell you how scared she was about going, so not looking forward to it, she was also sick of every one telling her it was going to be fine.

We arrived and she found out where her class was and she lined up with the rest of them. As I left she was chatting away to the girl next to her. Good sign I thought, she only needed to meet someone she could chat to and spend recess and lunch with and she'd be happy.

Then at 11:50am I got a call from the registrar at the school asking why Madeleine hadn't turned up for school. Doh!!! What the???? I told her that surprised me as I had dropped her off and watched her walk away with all the other Year 7's and perhaps she would like to go and double check for me, that she was there and call me back asap. Now a few scenarios went through my head none of which Madeleine would do I might add. I was sure they had just marked the role incorrectly or something along those lines. Still I was a teeny weeny bit anxious. Anyway of course all was well and Madeleine was where she was supposed be. Apparently there is another Madeleine in year who hadn't turned up. Bit of a minties moment for all concerned really.

When I picked her up at the end of the day she had made not one but 3 new friends in her class, Paige, Rosie and Jess along with a few year 8 girls. She had had a great time and thought the teachers she had had that day were pretty cool. Her home room teacher plays netball and is a goal keeper like her and also barracks for Richmond, ( I think she's in there). She was given a very small amount of English homework that she has completed I'm pleased to say ready to hand in tomorrow. She's also completed her maths homework that is due in on Friday, so far so good.

Today she had meet quite a few other kids from the other classes in one of her specialist classes. So all in all it's been a fantastic start to High School. Phew!!! what a relief (for all of us).

Here's a couple of first day photos. I was kind to her and didn't really take that many, given how nervous she was, and I promised I wouldn't take the camera to school. Don't you just love the long white socks??

Thursday it's back to work so now I will be working 9:30 to 3:00pm so I can pick Madeleine up from School. I had a phone call from my Manager (and friend) at work today to let me know her Mum had passed away on the weekend. A very sad time for her and her sister and brother.

Ok that's it for now

cheers

Leeanne x

Hello from the apple Isle

2008-01-24T20:57:00.000+11:00

Not happy Jan, I've just spent over two hours uploading photos etc and writing a post and lost the lot. Blogger usually saves everything automatically for you every few minutes. However not this time.

So I'll attempt to attach the photos again but will blog another time.

HOBART:-

B&B and the view from our room

constitution dock

Cascade Brewery:-

Snowing on top of Mt Wellington:- Brrrr it was cold

Freycinet national Park and Wine Glass Bay

The lookout:-

The beach at Peron Dunes... near St. Helen's

Well that's it for me,,hmphhh still annoyed about losing my post. I should go to bed,, tomorrow we are heading out to explore Launceston. Looks very nice from what I saw this evening, when we went out tonight for dinner.

Cheers for tonight

Leeanne x

Interruption to normal programming......

2008-01-19T07:51:00.000+11:00

Well actually you probably won't notice any difference. The family are heading over to Tassie for the next week, so this will be the first and last post for this week.

We are heading off this afternoon and arrive in Hobart later today. As we are only going for 7 days, we are just doing the east coast. Neil and I have both been before, but not for around 20 years or so. Looking forward to the break away together as it's been over 2 years since we've all been away together.

This past week has been busy catching up with friends. Tuesday night I headed of to the Cove Hotel with a few of the girls, to celebrate Karen's birthday. Thursday night we went over to Chadstone to see Ps I Love You again with Sheree, while Neil caught up with Bill (Sheree's hubbie) to record a few of Bill's songs. Loved the movie just as much the second time.

Then last night we went into our friends place next door for dinner ( the ones who went away for 3 weeks and left Madeleine their pool) to catch up with them and all their adventures from Vietnam. Stupidly we didn't leave there until just after midnight (a little worse for wear I might add...not too bad, but still) My plan was to leave by 9:30pm so I could come home and prepare for the trip. eg pack, clean the house etc....Ah well I have no sympathy for me its all self inflicted. Still we had a lovely night.

Oh yeah I almost forgot. I was so excited earlier in week to get my copy of Scapbook Creations and find myself and Madeleine on page 84. It's a bit of a buzz seeing your work in print.

Well that's it I better get going Holly has a Vet appointment in 45 minutes and I haven't had a shower yet. (too much info I know)

Cheers and have a great week.

Leeanne x

I've found my MOJO...........

2008-01-13T22:09:00.001+11:00

.... and it's all thanks to Dolly and her January collection. I can't believe how inspired I've been since getting my hands on this collection, if you haven't already done so, head over to Wendy's new website and have a look at this month's collection. (link in side bar as well)

This months kit is all about rich chocolate, luxurious reds and cool teal. Yummy!!! it's all so fabulous to work with, and certainly takes the guess work out of coordinating papers, ribbons,and embellishments yourself.

The kit officially goes on sale the 15th of this month and is unbelievable value at only $60. This is what you get in it:-

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Patterned Paper :-

Jenni Bowlin Studio - Brown Flower & Vine
Jenni Bowlin Studio - Brown Dot
Jenni Bowlin Studio - Brown Jumbo Flower
My Minds Eye (Bohemia) - Bliss "Love of my Life" Tiny dots/blue (double sided)
My Minds Eye (Bohemia) - Bliss "Make a wish" Medallion Red (double sided)
Mustard Moon - Ledger Brown
EITHER My Minds Eye (Wild Asparagus) - vine/blue OR Dream Street Papers - Delight Simplicity
Jenni Bowlin Studio 12x12 Die Cut Sheet - Brown Label

Cardstock:-

1 Sheet Doodlebug Design Inc Embossed Cardstock White - Dizzy Daisy impressions
1 Sheet Bazzill Fourz Putty (grass texture)
2 Sheets Cobek White (untextured)
2 Sheets Prismatic Blush Red Dark (mottled texture)
2 Sheets Prismatic Suede Brown Dark (mottled texture)
2 Sheets Prismatic Iced Teal (mottled texture)

Lettering:-

Basic Grey SweetPea Jack Collection 12x12 letter sticker sheet - blue & cream
Heidi Swap Newsprint Chipboard letter set - Crimson (175 letters)

Fun Stuff

2 sheets 300gsm 12x12 Chipboard
Kraft Shipping Tag/Envelope
Doo Dhaas Chipboard Flourish
1 Large and 1 Small Jenni Bowlin Studio Chipboard Butterfly
My Minds Eye (Bohemia) 6x4 printed transparent frame EITHER red or brown design (not pictured)
Jenni Bowlin Studio Label Sticker Sheet - Red
12 Teal, 12 Brown & 12 White Mini Brads
1.5m May Arts blue/brown 10mm reversible satin ribbon
1.5m May Arts cream with brown dots 10mm wide woven ribbon
1m 6mm red satin ribbon
1m White 15mm wide cotton twill
60cm Red with white stitched edging 10mm wide grosgrain ribbon
20cm x 20cm Taupe Felt
20cm x 30cm Red/white woven fabric
1 Large & 1 Small cotton lace crochet doily
Paper Doll Exclusives
2 sheets PD Original Designs hand drawn journal blocks printed on heavyweight A5 cream card.

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So far I have completed 5 layouts and still have heaps left over, head on over to the link above and have a look around. While you're there check out the inspiration gallery which features the work of Susan Searle, Kim Campbell and ME.

Here's the five layouts I have completed so far....

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Layout l : Just Married

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Layout 2: Simply Stunning

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Layout 3: Friendship makes life even better

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Layout 4: Friday Morning Coffee Group

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Layout 5: Good Mates

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Wendy has done a great job putting this beautiful kit together, and it works like a dream. While you're over checking out the Dolly collection don't forget to check out the class blog as well. The January classes are awesome.

Ok that's it for today, but before I leave I want all of those who know me well to notice that only one.... Yes that's right ONE, only one layout has Madeleine in it. Impressed!!! I know I am...maybe that's just me though. hehe.

Catch you soon

Cheers

Leeanne x