A DAY IN TOWN

What a lovely day Wendy and I had yesterday. It was a real treat and so nice to spend the day together scrapbooking, laughing and eating. What more could you ask for. We had the most magnificent club sandwich at the cafe in Crown Plaza along with a Chardonnay for lunch. It was all very civilised. Although a big meal and glass wine in the middle of the day, didn't help my concentration in the last two sessions.

I haven't finished everything but a sneak peak follows. My two fav classes were the making memories little suitcase which houses a very cute travel related mini album. I still have lots of tags and rubons etc to add to this.
The second one is a very cute baindaid tin covered in cardstock that has been put through the cuttlebug, which is very cool to use. Then inside the tin are four gorgeous little mini thankyou cards.

Neil took the camera with him today so I didn't get a chance to photograph the other projects, but I'll update again tomorrow. I saw Wendy taking photos of her projects today so if you head over to her blog, you'll probably see the others. Wendy also finished her little travel album off last night at home.

When I got home from the city yesterday it was also nice to know I didn't have to cook, except for making some mashed potato. Neil had whipped up two meals the night before. The first one was his sensational spaghetti sauce, which has everything bar the kitchen sink in it. The second magnificent dish and which we ate last night was Lamb Ragout with green olives. It was absolutely fabulous the flavours were outstanding the meat was so so tender. He had seen the recipe during the Tour de France. Every night before the race started there was a cooking show on and this recipe featured one evening. I'm just thankful that all those hours spent watching a bike race also inspired him to cook.

Today I've been at the shop teaching the Scraptech Shape class to six lovely ladies. It was a lot of fun and a little frenzied at times. note to self make sure you have sharp shape cutting tools when people are cutting their precious paper. It could have all gone pear shaped, but in the end the girls were just happy that it wasn't just them that couldn't manipulate the tool properly. (I like to test people hehe) They all produced such beautiful pages even in the face of adversity.

I also finished another layout on the weekend for my friend Sue B. This one is of her daughter Stacey who turned 16 back in July. The theme for her party was Fluro so besides everyone dressing in fluro colours they had a thousand glow sticks all over the place as well. It was very funky and retro, hence my layout is very bright. I used the French Twist papers by Autumn leave. I really loved working with such vibrant colours. I have sent an email with the layout through to the girls who tell me they really like the layout and it's ok to share with everyone.

O.k enough rambling for one night I better go and dish up dinner. Which by the way is part there of the spaghetti sauce Neil made. God love him.

Cheers

Leeanne x

Finally

Scrapbooked that is. Yesterday I booked into another of Kim Archer's on line classes, which inspired me to start and complete the last class of hers which I hadn't got around to doing. I love Kim's designs and there is usually some little technique that i haven't done before. This time there was two - the painted frame and the flower cut into 8. Hers designs are fresh and funky and always inspiring. So here are my takes on the class. Both layouts were just using up scraps that you have. I'm really happy with them both. If you haven't tried one of Kim's classes head over to her website and have a look. The new classroom setup is fantastic and really easy to use. If you book in and can't make it you log in and do the class when you can. The other thing I like about on line classes is that you can do them at you own pace and don't have to try and keep up with everyone else.

As I mentioned in my last post Wayne from Dirty Paws Mobile dog wash came around yesterday and gave both Holly and Kelsey the treatment. He was really great with them and they both seemed happier after their grooming. Here is a before and after shot of Holly. Holly wasn't participating in the after shot so I'm not really sure if she likes her new haircut now. It is severe but it grows quickly. I actually think she looks better than the photo would indicate. Anyway you be the judge. You wouldn't know it was the same dog would you?

I've got one more photo to share, this one is of me I was trying to take a photo of my hair colour after going to the hairdresser on Tuesday. I always have a few of those intense red colour foils put in as well as the blonde ones when I go to the hairdresser. Unfortunately the red only last a couple of weeks as I wash my hair everyday the intensity fades really quickly. Going to the hairdresser has to be one of my all time favourite things to do. At Hairven in Edithvale they give you a neck and shoulder massage before they start (got to Luv that) and then my fav fav thing is the wash and head massage at the basin. If I was rich that would be one of the first things I would do. Hire a full time hairdresser that is. Anyway here's the photo its not great it doesn't really show how vibrant the colour is but it gives you some idea.

Well I better head off, have to get ready to take Madeleine to Piano Lessons and then later to Netball. My plan is to scrapbook again this afternoon so fingers crossed I get a chance.

We are going out to dinner tonight with a friends. Guess where... Yes the Blue Chair in Carrum, it really is just a coincidence that I've been there so often lately. Not that I care as already stated I love the food there and the service is fantastic.

Really looking forward to Monday. I'm going into Crown Plaza with Wendy for classes run through Print Blocks. It's from 9am to 4pm and the classes sound really cool.

• Making Memories Mini Album and suitcase.
• Heartflower Layout with Hampton Art Clear stamps, K & Company Hopscotch Girl range and Provo Craft Silent Setter.
• Thank you & Congratulations cards with Karen Foster (CHA Summer release) Sentiments product range.
• Mini Gift tin and thanks using the Cuttlebug embossing plates and cutting dies.

One final share before I leave. This is just hot off the press. Madeleine has just brought Holly in to show me the outfit she has just made fore her. It's a crack up, have a look at this very stylish pooch. No wonder the dog has a few image issues. (lol)

Have a wonderful weekend

Cheers

Leeanne x

Lovin Thursday

What a lovely day I've had today. First off was coffee morning at Paperdoll. Catching up and having lot of laughs with Kim, Jenny, Barb, Wendy, Lynne , Helen and Connie. It got pretty noisy in there for a while. Not a lot of work got done.

Then it was off to the Blue Chair again for lunch, this time with Lynne. I had mentioned to Lynne last week that Neils sister had Lamb Shank s there last week when I went, and she has been hankering for them ever since. Imagine her dismay when we got there and they weren't on the specials board, anyway I told the waitress (who I know) that she was very sad and had come here especially for them. The gods were shining on Lynne today as the waitress confessed they actually had 4 serves of them left, but that wasn't enough to put them on the board, but she could have them if whe wanted. Yeah!! happy ending and they were worth the wait apparently. I had my usual pumpkin and ricotta lasagna, and then we indulged in strawberry crepes with caramel sauce. M mmmmmmmmmm DELICIOUS. Needless to say no dinner was needed tonight.

Believe it or not I will be at the Blue Chair again on Saturday night. Can't have to much of a good thing apparently.

Last week a girlfriend rang asking for an unusual favour. Said friend works, however her dog needed to go the groomers, and the mobile service she uses could only give her an appointment for tomorrow. So she is bringing her pooch over to me tomorrow morning (8am) and the mobile dog wash is coming here. Then Kelsey (the pooch) will be staying for a visit until 4.30pm. Good news for me as Holly is also in desperate need of the groomers, and he can fit her in too. Nothing like jumping on the bandwagon.

In other news I have finally finished the new HP book. I LOVEd it, shed a few tears here and there, but thoroughly enjoyed it. It is sad that Harry won't be taking us on anymore journeys, but I think J K Rowlings tied up all the loose ends nicely and it finished as it should.

Cheers for now

Leeanne x

Weekend Wrap Up

Saturday was very quite except for Basketball training 9am - 10am, Piano lessons 10.30 - 11am and then Netball from 12.45pm - 1.30pm. Then I headed down to Paperdoll to check out the new papers Wendy had just got in, some of the Luxe designs are pretty funky and I picked up a few of course. When I arrived Wendy was teaching a class and Connie and her 2 children were there as well. We gas bagged for ages and had lol it was fun afternoon.

Sunday Madeleine and I and two bus loads of other people from the local netball clubs went into Vodafone arena to see the double header between the Melbourne Kestrels and the Firebirds and the Melbourne Phoenix and the TBirds. Now I have watched the netball on TV lots of time but you don't really get a feel for how quick the game is until you there. The skill and fitness of these girls is just amazing. It was actually the last time both the Phoenix and Kestrels would play as of next season there will only be one Melbourne team. So we were lucky to see both teams final games.

Yesterday I emailed the editor of Scrapbook Creations as I am yet to receive my colour competition layouts back. (they should have been back early July). Only to be told this:-

Hi Leeanne
I’m sorry about the delay in getting your layouts back to you. You were one of our top 30 finalists and as a result we have displayed your layout at the Brisbane convention as well as the Craft & Quilt fair in Melbourne. I hope you don’t mind, we were just so proud of all the fabulous entries that when Expertise approached us we offered our colour finalists. At this stage we are hoping to receive them back by next week, if you need them sooner please let me know and I can arrange something for you.
Have a great day

Kind Regards,

Leanne Mezrani
Editor - Scrapbook Creations

It's certainly been a funny competition as none of the girls who are finalists appeared to be told that they were finalists. What is more intriguing from my point of view is that apparently neither Kim or Willisa who went into the show saw my layouts there. All very strange so here's hoping I get both layouts back.

Other than having a Harry Potter reader thon yesterday not much else to report. Well I better go I'm off to the hairdresser this morning.

Cheers

Leeanne x

Tagged

By Christie.....

7 Random Facts - This was actually pretty hard to come up with. I'm obviously even more boring than I thought I was. Anyway this is what I came up with in the end.

1.Friends joke that I never really ever moved out of home. Rather that Mum and Dad moved out on me. Mum and Dad moved houses so Neil and I decided to move in together and take over the rent. So technically people are right Mum and Dad did move out first.

2. I've been married twice. 1st to Rob who I went out with from age 16, we got married when I was 21 and separated when I was 24. Then to Neil of course in 1989.

3. Neil and I meet at work.

4. When Neil and I were travelling in Europe back in 1986, I fell out of a top bunk in a Berlin Hostel and fractured my elbow. OUCH!!! This cut my trip short by about 3months. I was plastered from the top of my arm down to my hand (including my hand), and couldn't do anything for myself which makes it hard when you're pack packing.

5. I worked for Social Security (Centrelink) for 21 years before having Madeleine.

6. I love lollies (especially Allens Party mix) or homebrand sour worms.

7. When I clean the house I love to play either of 2 cd's very loudly. 1st is the Falling Joys (locket) 2nd is Billy Idols greatest hits.

O.K. that's it for me today. I'm supposed to tag 7 other people but I think most I know have already been tagged. So if there's anyone out there who wants to complete 7 random facts about themselves. I tag YOU.

Cheers

Leeanne x

Quick Catch Up

Not alot has been happening since Madeleine and I came home from Queensland. Just getting back into routine. Madeleine had a curriculum day on Tuesday so we spent most of the day just unwinding from the trip and then she had Basketball in the evening. Wednesday I headed down to the shops to pick up the new Harry Potter book (which I still haven't started) and to visit Wendy who I hadn't seen for a couple of weeks. It was so nice to catch up and have a coffee with her, I also dropped in my DT project, here's a sneak peak. You'll have to drop down to the Shop to see all the great projects the DT have made. They are all fantastic and gorgeous. A clever bunch I must say.

After leaving Wendy's I had to go and pick Madeleine up to take her to Patterson River Secondary College for a Science project the Primary School and the High school are working on together. The Grade 6 kids are working with Year 9 students of the next 5 weeks. Next week they are off in canoes along Kananook creek collecting samples to study etc.. Sounds like lots of fun and the primary kids are totally enjoying working with the high school students. From there it was off to Netball training and so it goes.

Today I went to visit Jackie for her birthday (Happy Birthday Jackie) but unfortunately their whole household is in quarantine with gastro, so I dropped of her pressie and flowers and left. Poor things they are so sick. Following on from there I went to visit another girlfriend who is the proud new owner of a Toyota Prado , so we went for a test drive down the freeway and back to Patterson Lakes for a coffee. The car is lovely to ride in so comfy and roomy of course. Her husband has been looking to buy a 4WD for at least the last 5years and finally his dream has come true.

Madeleine has gone off with her friend TJ and her family tonight to see the new Simpson's Movie. She only got to go on the proviso she finished her homework which is due in tomorrow was finished. I've never seen anyone put their head down and apply themselves so much. (lol) I know she thought I was mean but there was no way she was going if she hadn't fulfilled her responsibilities first.

Last night Wendy had one of her fabulous No Scraps on line classes. If you haven't tried one of these you really should give it a go. As the name implies you have absolutely no scraps left after making 2 layouts and 2 cards it's fantastic.

I love on line classes, because you can work at your own pace and not feel any pressure. You also don't have to do them, then and there as the classroom in left open for a few days. You can complete the class when it suites you. As Molly Meldrum would say "Do yourselves a Favour".

Cheers

Leeanne.

P.s Here is one more photo from QLD it's of Amanda and Charlie. Charlie had just had a big feed and looked like a puppy who had eaten too much, with her full round belly.

QLD Beautiful one day Perfect the Next......

Warning long post ahead.......................

Well we're are back and what a lovely weekend we had. We arrived Thursday afternoon checked in and headed straight over to Shaun and Amanda's to say hello and meet Charlie.












Isn't she cute???

Shaun and Amanda look great all be it a little tired. They certainly have that our baby isn't 6 weeks old yet and therefore we're exhausted, look about them.They are totally besotted with their new baby girl as you would imagine and believe it or not are already talking about the next one. YIKES!!!!

It was so nice to get to hold her and cuddle her for a few days, I love the smell of new babies and all their little noises they make. Although I didn't get to keep her for long as Madeleine was always trying to get her off me and won most times. We got to spend alot of time with them and also do a few things on our own.

We always have to go to Pacific Fair shopping centre, Its such a nice centre with it being indoor/outdoor certainly nicer than most centres anyway. So after a little retail therapy on Friday we ended up back at the resort for a swim.

They have the most beautiful (well actually they have two) lagoon pools only one is heated though. So Madeleine made the most of that and I just sat on the lounge chairs soaking up the sun. It was quite amazing although the temp never got over 20c it was lovely and warm sitting reading my book and watching Madeleine of course.

Where we were staying in Miami is not right on the beach, but its only one street back so its very close. So we headed down on Saturday to the beach for a walk and of course Madeleine decided to paddle and as usually happens when children paddle, ended up completely wet. It was just beautiful, I really love the roar of the sea its so relaxing to sit and listen and watch the roll of the waves as they break onto the beach, and she had so much fun chasing the waves.

After that we spent the afternoon with Shaun's grandparents (his mums side) Don and Nancy and his Aunty Linda . I haven't seen them for a couple of years and it was so nice to catch up. They are such warm, friendly people and so easy to talk to. You just pick up were you left off with them like it was yesterday. Everytime we catch up, I think we should make more of an effort to see them as they don't live that far from us. Life gets busy though and before you know it a couple of years have gone by. Anyhoo we ended up sharing fish and chips with them on Saturday night before heading back to our place. Linda wanted to go out for a drink or two or three, but I had to decline as there was no way I could go out with her and front up for a day at Dreamworld the next day. Shaun had said Madeleine could go to their place while I went but I knew what Linda and I would be like out together and stood firm.

So now you know what we did on Sunday. Dreamworld I love thrill rides (well at least ones that don't go round and round anyway) and although we didn't go on everything we got our moneys worth. First things first though even though neither of us have watched this years Big Brother we went over to have a look, and all you can see is the TV studio part and you can look into the control room we're they edit the show. Not at all exciting. While we were there Daniella who was evicted last week was there signing autographs. As I say not that that meant much to us as we haven't been watching. Then we went on the Log ride and got drenched. From there we went to the Raptor ride which is a very tame version of the Lethal Weapon ride at Movie world. Then Maddy went on the matahorn by herself (see above re whizzy rides). After that she plucked up the courage for the Cyclone rollercoaster, we had to queue for well over 1/2 hour for that but it was worth it. It has two big loops (lots of fun). Here is a picture of the queue, well you can't see the whole queue but you get the feel for how long it was.

It was worth the wait and then we went on another 2 times. We went on a couple of other rides and all day I had been pestering her to go on the Tower of Terror, but she just wouldn't do it. So in the end I went on alone. What a blast, 25 seconds of pure adrenalin you don't really get a chance to get scared its so quick. Then I more or less dragged her on it even though she was still putting up a fight. I knew she'd like it, if I could just get her to have enough courage to try it. Of course she loved it and we had another couple of turns just before the park closed. Next time we go we will have to to try the giant drop. It's so tiring walking around the theme parks I was exhausted by the time we left. We had dinner at Shaun and Amanda's on Sunday night and then headed home to pack and get ready for our flight this morning. It's always hard to say goodbye and now they have Charlie who we are going to miss seeing her on a regular basis and all the new things she'll be doing and learning it makes it even harder to say goodbye.

Thanks again to Deb Ross who organized for me to bring back a car from the airport. Its so nice knowing you have that waiting for you when you arrive home.

Well that's it in summary on the weekend can't wait to do it again soon. I can certainly see why people go up there in our winter. The weather is just glorious especially seeing how cold and wet its been in Melbourne lately.

Last but not least tonight we went to see the new Harry Potter film at Southland. We met Neil up there for the 6.30pm show. It was fabulous we all really enjoyed it. The order of the Phoenix would have to be my least favourite book in the series. However the movie was great and the 138minutes was over before you knew it. If you're a Harry fan you'll love this one.

I'll leave you with one more photo of my gorgeous new grand niece Charlie:- awwww (pretty in pink)

Cheers

Leeanne x