Scrappin' Cats and Other Obsessions

Phew! I'm back!

2012-01-29T12:55:00.000+13:00

I haven't been able to get into my blog, my normal email address wasn't working with blogger and it just occurred to me that I have been signing in on my phone using my Gmail address! Ahhhh! Sorted, sometimes, wonderful and all the modern technology is, it does cause some confusion LOL!
Anyway back in so coool!
Been trying to do stuff at my table but work's been crazy< (Wedding season) and I've been sick.
They changed my meds and don't know if it was that or I just caught a bug, but last week is all a bit of a fog sadly.
To keep my spirits up I've been drooling over all the beautiful work on the net and planning what I'm going to do on my days off this week, well one day off, one just got eaten up with two more wedding meetings! Can't complain, it keeps the restaurant in business and us all in jobs.
But one day this week I'm going to play....yes I am :)

Nearly time to go home,

2012-01-14T22:45:00.001+13:00

And I'm sitting at my desk playing with my phone waiting to go home. It's been quite a busy night with just me in the restaurant, but a good night.
Aaron and I have been planning decorations, etc for an upcoming wedding and I'm very excited now, want to go home and make a start lol!
But I think as soon as I see my bed I'll be ready to crash.

How cute is this little girl?

2012-01-11T00:28:00.001+13:00

I just love the pose of this little Tilda. I was inspired by the latest Magnolia magazine to make this card and I'm really happy with it.
So many layers but a great effect when it's finished.
I painted her with the Tim Holtz Distress pads, I just smear a little on a tile and use a water brush to paint with. Sometimes I use the refill bottles, I think these are best cos you can just drop a little onto the tile.
I have become very influenced by what I see done in the Magnolia Magazine. the European ladies do such gorgeous work, lots of lace and flowers etc etc. I used the Cheery Lynn Designs Holly branch die behind my flowers, I love this wee die as a base. The lace punch is Martha Stewart and the little sentiment pendant is Spell-binders. I have recently discovered Perfect Pearls and can now see how fabulous they are to add that little something. The butterfly's are assorted punches I've had forever.
Anyway I had some new magnolia stamps arrive yesterday so I'm planning on playing with them today before I go to work.....and then two days off Yah! There will be time to play I hope!
Ltr.

2012-01-10T10:59:00.000+13:00

Just checking out some of the updates on the blogs I visit. Love Mandy's review of the new High-Tea shop she found in Wellington. And of course the morning wouldn't be complete without checking out some of the European blogs with all the gorgeous Magnolia Tilda cards.....whoa what those girls do is stunning. Such inspiration.
I am excitedly awaiting some new Magnolia stamps that my best friend ordered for me for Christmas.......can't wait, they've left America so any day they should arrive, but right now I'm off to play with the ones I've got.
Ltr.

The First for 2012.

2012-01-05T23:15:00.001+13:00

I'm back to my happy place, playing with paper. I got my new Magnolia magazine the other day and it totally inspired me again, and I'm lovin being back to the chaos that is my work room, happy chaos of course. This card I copied from the Magnolia mag, and I have to say I'm thrilled with it. LOVE that cat die, can see I'm going to use it a lot.
Anyway must run, got another one in the go.
Ltr.

2012

2012-01-04T16:22:00.000+13:00

Well here we are 2012. I really can't get my head around this at all. 2012 is going to be a rather significant year for me, I turn 60!!!!!! There I wrote it out loud lol!
I can't quite get my head around this fact to be honest. most of the time I still feel 20...well make that 30, I still want to do everything, go everywhere etc etc. I love everything new, I like to try new things etc etc. I guess as you get older your perception of what it will feel like to be a certain age changes, but whatever I don't care I'm still me and this year I am going to try harder to do more, learn more and enjoy more!!!!
Watch this space.
Happy New Year from Gus and me!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T07:55:00.002+13:00

I haven't been blogging much lately, life has been fairly crazy really. Anyway I have sneaked a look at some of the gorgeous work on the blogs I follow when I've had a spare minute and I love catching up with what everyone is up to and seeing all the gorgeous creations. I hope everyone has a wonderful and peaceful Christmas and my heart goes out to everyone in Christchurch who has had their Christmas disrupted by more earthquakes. These poor people have had so much stress and heart-break I just wish they could have some peace and calm in their lives.
Have a great Christmas everyone, enjoy what matters and don't stress about what doesn't.

Merry Christmas.

Another Christmas Card.

2011-11-24T14:23:00.001+13:00

Saw this type of card on youtube and thought it would be great for those "newsy cards", when you want to include a letter.
My Minds Eye papers, Magnolia and Girls Paperie stamps, Distress Stickles and Perfect Pearls
Now onto the next one!

Ps. Wish I could figure the orientation of the photos when I load them from my phone.

2011-11-24T08:54:00.001+13:00

Twisted Easel Card.

2011-11-24T08:51:00.001+13:00

Very fond of easel cards when they stand nicely and thisbone does. Used one of my gorgeous Tilda stamps and of course Nestabilitie dies, love these dies, they make creating so easy.
Right off to finish the one on my table.

One Month to Go.....

2011-11-24T08:23:00.001+13:00

So here we are the 24th November, one month out from Christmas, but more importantly it's my brother's birthday and even more importantly we have re-found the great relationship we had as children. So this morning we are going out for morning tea, a Thursday tradition we have started and I really look forward to.
But before I go I"m off into my Scrap room to finish a Christmas card I started yesterday, really having a ball with my cards this year thanks to all my Magnolia stamps, how could you not be enthusiastic to make cards when you are surrounded by those little faces.
Tomorrow is going to be crazy here in Dunedin. 35,000 people are going to converge on our new stadium for the Elton John concert, I won't be one of them, never really been an Elton John fan, but I'm excited for those who are going and for our city, Dunedin loves to prove we can "keep up with the big cities" lol!
We will be very busy with pre-show diners at Cargill's, and that will be cool......I hope!
Apart from that life has been pretty hectic of late, a very good friend has been unwell and helping her has been a priority, the restaurant has been busy and I have been hiring and training new staff, a job I love and hate at the same time. I love seeing people develop into the role but I hate when the established staff leave and the whole dynamic changes again. But that's the industry I guess, fairly transient.
Right off to finish that card, I will post a photo of the one I finished yesterday from my phone.
Ltr.

Gorgeous day

2011-11-22T09:43:00.001+13:00

and what's better I have till 2pm to play, so I'm going to get on with my Christmas cards......and it's still November lol!

Exhausted now

2011-11-06T19:43:00.001+13:00

Been working on this all day, and boy am I tired now. Used the Spellbinders dies to make the book and then went nuts decorating ow I need a cuppa and a lie down lol!

Very tired...

2011-11-06T10:54:00.001+13:00

this morning. I sat up very late late last night making a book, very happy so far. Now off to finish it.
Dum de doo..

Starting to look like Christmas

2011-11-04T14:14:00.001+13:00

Have been working on this for a couple of days and I've had fun and now I'm blown away!AmaZing what you can do when you are having fun!

So November...

2011-11-04T11:25:00.001+13:00

I can't believe that it's November already, this year has gone so fast. Although I must admit today you could be forgiven for thinking it was June, it's freezing and trying to snow. I really don't won't it to snow cos my bestie and I are going on a road trip tomorrow...yes another road trip, I am quite addicted to these at the moment. But this one is back to Timaru to revisit Artful Crafts, now that I know what gorgeous-ness awaits there I can't resist.
I have a list....oh dear and it keeps growing :)
I ordered a Cherry-Lyn ???(think that's right), die, anyway it's the most gorgeous Butterfly die I have ever seen. But they also have all these beautiful Christmas papers out. OOh pleeese don't snow.
Right now I'm working on a Christmas Tilda hanger so I must get back to it, I want it done so I can get back to my cards.
Ltr.

It's taken all morning

2011-10-31T13:23:00.001+13:00

But I am so happy with this I don't care. I feel quite blown away, wow I love getting to play!

Magnolia's Back!

2011-10-31T09:10:00.001+13:00

Been very excited this weekend, I've found my focus again and have been very busy in my workroom.
I was very happy as this card came together, I love these papers, they are from the Scrap Cake pad I got at Artful Crafts on our recent visit up there. Also the doiley die is amazing, using it all the time.
I've got my next one on the table ready to put together.
Couldn't sleep last night with all the ideas racing around my head...glad I don't have to go to work tonight lol.
Ltrs.

2011-10-25T18:13:00.003+13:00

The old kitchen window is gone and the new one is in.

2011-10-25T18:13:00.001+13:00

It's been an extremely cold but exciting day, the old kitchen window has been replaced with a gorgeous aluminum one.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

2011-10-23T18:05:00.001+13:00

Well one more week and it's November, time to start Crafting Christmas. This year I am not leaving it to the last minute. Watch this space!

2011-10-17T10:41:00.001+13:00

Well here we are another Monday morning. It was a busy weekend with a wedding at work on Saturday and yesterday....well yesterday I did a Pink Breakfast walk! Yes me, can't believe it actually. It was organised by Norma from Weight Watchers and what an inspiring lady she is, however we started at the Mornington Tavern and walked for around 40-60 mins down the hill to Carisbrook and back up to the tavern for breakfast. It was amazing, by the time we were coming back up I was finding it pretty hard but I was determined to do it and I'm so thrilled that I did. Actually considering I'd had about 4hrs sleep it was probably pretty good, I told Faye that next year she's coming too!
So another week, maybe a bit of a scary one, I have an appointment with my specialist on Wednesday about changing my medication, the one I'm on has decided that it's getting bored with fighting white cells (maybe it's got involved with the rugby!!!!), anyway they are going to change my meds to the new wizzy drug that's around so time for a new adventure I guess.
However I'm determined that I'll take it in my stride and do whatever it takes and my new mantra is NO STRESS! On Thursday last week when Faye and I went on our road trip to Timaru we talked a lot...well she talked for once I listened, about the effect stress can have on my condition so I am determined to "go with the flow" and not let things get me down.
I definitely took that on board on Saturday at work, normally a wedding is really "hi-stress" but I had a ball and still it went like clockwork.
Oh I didn't mention the reason for our trip to Timaru, we went to check out Artful Crafts....oh boy is it an amazing shop, so many gorgeous things but it's the work displayed around the shop that is so exciting, well worth the trip just to see that. Of course came home with goodies.....
So right now I think I might squeeze in some playtime before work.
Enjoy your day.

Love these. ..

2011-10-15T11:42:00.001+13:00

Had to try these new Nestabilities dies, really gorgeous.

I'm baaa ck. ..

2011-10-11T14:37:00.001+13:00

In 7th heaven. Been at my table all morning and can't believe how fast I'm working. A clear head a d total focus. I'm working on a very special album for some very special people. Maybe that's why I'm so fired up!

LIVING DOLL.

2011-10-03T22:41:00.001+13:00

I'm so excited, I'm back to my happy place lol!
This photo is about ten yrs old, Sam and some of the many dolls in this house.
I've used Prima papers, stamp and flowers. K&CO Grand Adhesions. The big flower was made with the Cuttlebug Quilling kit.
Very happy to be back.

Mobile Blogging....

2011-10-02T12:36:00.001+13:00

So yes Mandy it was 1.30am and I couldn't sleep, I had a couple of coffees yesterday, and since I have been not drinking coffee it kinda got me wired and I couldn't sleep. So just playing around with my phone and Voila! Discovered mobile Blogger so of course like a kid had to try it lol! Often I'll think of things to write on my blog when I'm away from my computer and then when I do get home my poor old memory has filed the idea under "forgotten" and it's maddening, so now if time allows I can "blog on the run"! Could make for some funny times at work methinks.
Anyway gorgeous day here, hope everyone else is getting a share of this.
I'm, believe it or not, off to play in my newly tidied and re- organised craft room.
Ltr.

Mobile Blogging

2011-10-02T01:30:00.001+13:00

So have just discovered that I can download Blogger for my phone, very cool.

2011-09-28T11:43:00.000+13:00

Going to the Plastic Box to buy some containers.....I tidied my Craft Room yesterday, well the bit I can use and now I'm off to get some containers to put on my table oh and some empty cd cases to put my clear stamps in....a tip from my clever and super organised sister!
Ltrs.

Craft Trail.

2011-09-27T11:22:00.001+13:00

So our Craft Trail afternoon began at "Jancraft" in Rolleston, but wait before I continue, who knew Rolleston was sooo big? It's a huge suburb on the outskirts of Christchurch, and it has three yes three Scrapbook/Paper-Craft shops!!! It may have more but we tracked down three. Gaylene, my sister, had a list and had looked them up on the map so off we went. Jancraft was the first and oh boy what a treasure trove. A lovely lady owns the shop, and it's jam-packed with goodies. Hard to know where to start really, gorgeous K&K embellishments attracted me straight off but just everywhere you looked there was something gorgeous, including two very elderly cats on cushions and rugs.
When we dragged ourselves away from there we visited Mazz-Jeff, who has a site on Trade-me. Here we found stamps and oodles of stickers and ribbons.
Then it was off to find the third and final one Srappin Patch, OMG!!!!! I thought I'd died and gone to heaven, as some of you know I've well lost my mojo lately and I was going on this trail to have fun with my sister and maybe find some card stuff, but 5 minutes in this place and I was BACK! I went a bit mad I must admit, but the stuff she had was beyond exciting, Prima Prima Prima!!!!
So to cut a long story short, I bought enough stuff that the only way to salve my conscience is to create some beautiful things..... so why am I sitting here, I should be sorting my craft room so I can do just that lol!
Ltr.

2011-09-26T14:54:00.001+13:00

P.S. to that last post, must tell you about the Craft Trail Gaylene organised around Rangiora, it was awesome!!!!
LTR.

Christchurch.

2011-09-26T13:45:00.000+13:00

I have been to Christchurch, well we stayed in Greta Valley, my niece was over for a holiday and it was amazing to catch up with her. I cannot believe she is 16! Such a gorgeous young lady with a wicked sense of humour.
However this post is about the walk we took in actual Christchurch on Friday, it was a beautiful spring day and it just highlighted the absolute devastation around us. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I have seen images on TV and in newspapers but the eeriness of being there was something I'll never forget. The city is deserted except for work crews, the sounds of demolition and the occasional truck.
Cars are still moving round the outskirts but in the city itself the roads are deserted, broken and blocked......unbelievable.

I mean you know it's bad from the TV and people's stories, but until you see it with your own eyes you can't take it in.
We meet this darling elderly lady walking down one street, she stopped to stare at a high rise which is being demolished and we stopped also, she spoke to us and explained how they were demolishing this building, but there is an order they have to to do it, because there are three buildings around it coming down and it has to be done in a particular order so that it is safe. She pointed out here apartment building along the road and explained that it has coped "marvelously" . Then she checked her watch and said she was off to play Bridge so must go, the irony in this stuck with me, in the middle of all this chaos this darling lady was focusing on living her normal life and true to her age timeliness is important.
So I have been there. I have seen a very small part of the city and still I cannot take it in, to be in this amazing bustling city and only be able to hear diggers, drills and trucks is totally surreal......what can it be like for the people who live there?!!!!!

2011-09-12T12:44:00.002+12:00

As those of you who know me know, I haven't been into my crafty stuff for ages. I've dabbled in patchwork and knitting but no scrapping or card-making at all, but I just found this site and I may be inspired to return to the world of paper, scissors and glue.....watch this space!

2011-09-11T14:02:00.001+12:00

These days, sometimes my memory isn't that great lol, but I remember 11th September 2001 like it was yesterday. Although I didn't know it I already had CML, so was really tired all the time plus had a very full-on stressful job, so I usually slept in late in the mornings. I can vividly remember my neighbour banging on the door and bursting in, and turning on our TV, all the time babbling "You won't believe what's happened! I can't believe you haven't got the tv on". When I recovered from the onslaught of her arrival I turned my attention to the story unfolding on the screen in front of me, and it was like the world as we knew it changed forever! How could this be happening? So many unanswered questions spinning around that room. We were still sitting there about two hours later as incredulous as earlier, unable to believe what we were seeing, so much destruction, chaos and despair. The following days / months were spent trying to understand in some tiny way the "whys" and "hows".
I still don't understand it, how could you really? But then so much happens that we don't understand, but today my thoughts are with all those who were effected by this terrible tragedy and that one day the world will really be a better, safer place.

5th September 2011

2011-09-05T09:43:00.002+12:00

A gorgeous day here today, and I'm deliberating what to do..... I know the procrastinating is caused by the fact that I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon and I know I'm going to be in trouble. I had a call from the nurse the other day and my cholesterol levels are through the roof, I was supposed to be on meds for this but they were interfering with my CML meds and making me feel sick so I stopped taking them, but even though I have lost 12kg ( and I thought this would make a difference ) LOL! Clearly it's the one that's not effected by food but your own body.... what has my body got against me I wonder? Anyway I won't be popular this afternoon that's for sure.

Anyway to happier things, it's a gorgeous day here as I said so I must make an effort to enjoy it, but what to do????? So much indecision here today.

Actually I should start washing down the paintwork in the kitchen so that we can start painting it, have decided on a colour finally so now it's just a matter of doing it.

So just curious, is anyone else feeling like me, just not interested in the Rugby World Cup? Just askin' !

Right off to wash walls.

http://maisondecor8.blogspot.com/

2011-08-27T11:39:00.004+12:00

I have just stolen a couple of minutes to sneak a peek at this gorgeous blog, and if you are into "Romantic, shabby chic decorating", I recommend you take a moment to dream and drool over all this absolute gorgeousness! Would take years and squillions of dollars to achieve but it's free to dream right?

It's a beautiful

2011-08-26T12:11:00.002+12:00

Spring day here, just gorgeous. Gus is laying on the deck sunning his tummy and wondering if life could get any better....well I'm guessing, who knows what a cat would be thinking about!

Feeling very jaded today, had a huge function at work last night, 80 5th yr Med students for dinner, well the dinner went fine it was when they hit the bar afterwards that the fun started... boy oh boy do they not teach them that it's not good for their bodies to try and drink that much alcohol? And worse do they not understand that when you try to slow them down or stop them altogether you are only doing your job and actually taking care of them? The answer is no they don't! Ah well some days I feel really old and today's one of those days.

I was going to go to the Dunkley's Craft show today but I've slept a bit long so hopefully I'll get tomorrow, I want to check out the "Sew Pretty" stall.....yes it will feed my new re-found fabric addiction I know, but it will make me feel good.

So I guess it's time for a shower, some lunch and back to work......might just stop for cake on the way.... well it's a legal high isn't it???

Ltr.

It's hard to believe

2011-08-24T13:06:00.002+12:00

that the photo below was taken just 9 days ago! Spring is definitely on it's way, a bit cloudy today but the last couple of days have been really hot.
So maybe it's spring fever or plain madness but I have gone back to doing patchwork, I've been thinking about it for awhile but yesterday I actually cut fabric and this morning I've been sewing....stumped now though cos the pattern isn't working but I'll figure it out eventually.....I hope.
I had forgotten how much I loved to play with fabric and to sew, so glad I didn't get rid of all my books cos they are going to come in handy again.
I ordered some fabric last week from Fabric Fixation a New Zealand site that Suzy put me on too, (thankyou). I ordered and the fabric was here within a couple of days which was great, the cool thing is it matches our fabric in the dining room/ kitchen so I'm happy.

So must go and see if I can get some more done before work.

LTR!

So Winter is

2011-08-15T13:48:00.001+12:00

definitely here for sure. Today Dunedin is pretty much in "shut down" mode. Stuart Street is closed, there are icy roads everywhere, the snow is piled high and I am sitting here listening to snow drifts thudding off the roof. Needless to say I'm not going anywhere, I made the decision this morning that my days of walking down the hill in the snow are over and so here we with the fire on and hunkered d0wn for the day.

Another Week....

2011-08-08T11:59:00.002+12:00

has rushed by, I have not idea where the time goes at the moment. It's been super busy at work, what with our annual Jazz and Shiraz Dinner
last week adding to the business, there hasn't been much time to do anything else. We did manage to do a bit more "re-organising at home last week, so now the lounge is lovely and cosy with the big comfy couch by the fire, oh and the two chairs which Gus alternates between.
So this morning I bought a magazine called "Homestyle New Zealand" and have spent the morning reading it from cover to cover and checking out the list of blogs they have featured in the issue. These blogs belong to the very creative writers for the magazine and wow some very cool stuff to see. Unfortunately one leads to another and two hours have passed in contented drooling before I even noticed. So now I suppose I better think about lunch and getting ready for work.
Hope everyone's keeping warm and remember we are nearly into spring.....wahooo!

A winter's afternoon.....

2011-07-24T16:27:00.000+12:00

Here in Dunedin this afternoon, the forcast was right for once and it has snowed, rather heavily. I couldn't resist going for a walk with the camera. It was really crunchy underfoot and of course really pretty. Cars are struggling unless they have chains, even the four wheel drives are struggling on Stuart St. Of course there are the idiots who are trying to skid.
I have just looked out the window and it's really starting to settle in, I'm so grateful that I haven't had to go to work, so lucky to have such and awesome crew among those who live on the flat.
Right now it's time to turn the fire up and make a coffee.

Before I go...

2011-07-19T10:57:00.000+12:00

I thought I'd share these pics, I just love the colours together.
Going to finish a couple more little bits and bobs and take these to a good home today. Hope they keep some little person warm.

Perfection Takes Effort....

2011-07-19T08:50:00.001+12:00

Even this perfect boy has to exercise LOL! Look at the look on his face, gorgeous.

And on the subject...

2011-07-19T08:40:00.003+12:00

of the boy, I love this photo of him, he looks so sweet and cuddly. Some of his photos I take now really show his age and make me sad, but this ones gorgeous.... but then I'm biased. :)

Winter ........

2011-07-19T08:30:00.001+12:00

Well it certainly is winter here now and with the changes we have made around the house we are really using the front lounge this winter. The fire is on, we have everything warm and snuggly for winter TV and Dvd watching, but the one who enjoys it most of all is of course GUS!
He can be found on the couch, by the fire at any time of the day or night, with this totally blissed out look on his face. I love when he takes over the couch, lol!
I took these photos with my phone, and ok so they probably aren't super good but they certainly hold there own, don't you just love technology?
Today I want to finish the wee baby clothes I've been making and deliver them to Presbyterian Support, where I hope they will go to a good cause. Been loving making these "little people woollies", and I hope someone gets a lot of pleasure out of them.
Speaking of icy, when I took Faye to work this morning at 6.45, it was real "Ice Ice Baby", going down that hill! Wow, no problems but the traffic was sure moving slowly, my trusty little Ford held it's own though no problems.
Right, off to get the day organised.
Ltr.

So no scrapping...

2011-07-07T12:12:00.005+12:00

and not even card making going on here at the moment. I have rediscovered knitting, and find myself sitting by the window in the winter sun, or by the fire knitting baby clothes!!!! I love knitting "quick stuff" and baby clothes fit the bill and also I decided there are a lot of babies out there who need them so these are off to Presbyterian Support when they are done. I have also found myself scouring not "scrappy blogs" but needlework, patchwork and knitting blogs! Maybe cos I can't get to my stuff at the moment? I don't know but as long as my hands are busy and my minds happy I don't care.
As for work it's very erratic, goes from dead quiet to crazy busy in the wink of an eye. Sure put a few through the restaurant last night, and the figures were good too, good food and wine sales.
On the subject of wine I tried the new Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Bubbly Shiraz yesterday, and it is absolutely divine, perfect for a winter meal and I think it would be great with chocolate, well I hope it will cos I'm putting it to the test in a couple of weeks at our annual Jazz and Shiraz dinner we have at work. A complementary glass of this on arrival should get the guests in the mood for some fabulous food and some hot jazz.
Well now it's time to head to the supermarket, Gus is giving me that face.
Ltr.

What a gorgeous day?

2011-07-04T13:46:00.003+12:00

The major frost and ice of this morning has disappeared and it's a beautiful :washing drying: day. The kind of day you open the windows, turn the radio up and go mad with the vacuum cleaner and feel like you are having fun even though it's work. That's how my day is going anyway. Feeling a lot better today, still a bit blocked up but all those hot lemon drinks, and aniseed wheels have definitely helped. Don't know if aniseed helps but it tastes good so it must do some good right?
My brother is home from hospital and feeling much better, just need to keep him off the ciggies, although he's got patches and says they are working well so that's good.
I can't believe that in July I'm getting washing dry outside, the windows are all wide open and the house is warm, it really is a different year weather wise that's for sure.
We watched a DVD the other night to cheer me up, (awwww) anyway it was "Made in Dagenham" and I highly recommend it, if you would like see a pretty accurate account of how life was for women in the early 1960's WATCH THIS MOVIE! I went through all the emotions on this one, it made me realise just how far we have come. I started work in 1968 and believe me this is absolutely how it was, so as well as being highly entertaining, from an historical point of view it is a must see, and oooh the clothes, worth seeing for the clothes! Yep that's how it was all right.
Anyway lunch is calling....
Ltr.

A bad week:

2011-06-30T18:18:00.002+12:00

Well it has been really, I got sick, a real nasty cold bug bit me, Faye's leg swelled up and caused her to spend most of Monday at the hospital, and now my brother's in hospital with respiratory problems. So all in all it's been a bit bleak all round. But then I watch the news and hear that Christchurch can't get insurance for their civic buildings any more, and their rates are going up. People are spending a horrible winter with water filled streets, severely damaged homes, or no home, and job losses etc etc. In other words, what in the world have I got to complain about? So onward and upward, life's not that bad in my world after all.
I really need to go and get that cat inside so I can close that door, cos it's FREEZING!.
Ltr.

Thought for the Day.

2011-06-16T07:37:00.002+12:00

Inside every older person is a younger person -- wondering what the hell
happened.
-Cora Harvey Armstrong-

This really struck a chord with me, I still think of myself as 20 something on a good day, 30 something on a bad one lol! Then someone says something to me that snaps me back to reality and I think "Oh wait, they can't see the real me!".

It's kinda freaky beng snapped back to reality, but as my Mum used to say (and she was the eternal teenager) "You're only as old as you feel", too true Mum, I'm with you girl.

It's a cold wet

2011-06-15T09:31:00.002+12:00

wintry day here in Dunedin New Zealand, and Gus has just walked up and sat in front of the fire and looked at me with that pathetic little look as if to say " I think we need the fire on" and yes I caved and lit it. I must admit I'm in need of a bit of cheer myself this morning, still struggling with decisions about the renovations and not sure how to go forward. It all seems such a drama to start again with more quotes, more waiting for builders who don't show up and more scary decisions, but hey I guess it's not all that when you compare it to the poor people in Christchurch, how awful that must all be and still they are having big aftershocks. You just can't imagine what it must be like, and you just want to do something to help....mmmm that might have made up my mind what to do today.
Ltr.

PS.

2011-06-13T12:10:00.001+12:00

Dreadful photo, and I don't have the card now so I can't take another one. :)

A Gorgeous day!

2011-06-13T11:54:00.003+12:00

It's a gorgeous day here in Dunedin, a bit chilly but very pretty.
We have spent the weekend going over our quote ad have resigned ourselves to the fact that the guy didn't understand what we were meaning when we said "Limitations" lol! Now that we have studied the quote we realise he's talking waaaay more than what we ever imagined or meant and wanted to be done.
So plan "B", a friend of mine is coming up on Wednesday to have a look at the quote and help us decide what we actually NEED, and then we are going to get some more quotes.
Thankyou for the lovely comments on my rather sad last post, and Topcat, your quote has really made me think, you are sooooo right. Mandy thankyou and yes we will do some of it for sure.

Now to fun stuff, I made this card last night for a lady Faye works with, she lent us last weeks episode of "Dounton Abbey", because bless the Lord and pass the whiskey, we taped the wrong time and missed it. Probably more distressing than the quote lol!
But all is right with the world again we have seen it and are now waiting with anticipation for this weeks episode.
Well a gorgeous day as I said must go make the most of it.
Ltr.

Just breath!!!!

2011-06-10T17:38:00.003+12:00

Thant's what we kept saying to each other when we read the quote for the house renovations...... and we are still breathing, but only just. Sadly some of our dreams are going to go out the window, (literally) lol! But at the end of the day if I've learnt anything in my 59 years it's that "You Can't always Get what you Want", ( that's actually a Rolling Stones song, but you can try to get what you need. So that's what we shall do, the things that must be done shall be done and the rest will have to go back into the "dream cupboard".
Note to self: Buy a Lotto ticket tomorrow.

Random Thoughts.

2011-06-09T09:34:00.004+12:00

This morning it is freezing out there, about 0dgs. I took my car over to the service station for it's Warrant check and on my way back, with my walkman in my ear,while I was walking my thoughts drifted as always. These were a few of my musings....
If Mums could convince boys that knee pants in the winter aren't a great idea, it would be a miracle.

Why do cars still think they can screech to a halt at pedestrian crossings in the ice?

What should we do about the house? Decisions decisions.

How excited I am about the note from Sam on Facebook.

How beautiful it really is when everything's so white and sparkly.

How pleased I am about the figures for last month at work.

What a miracle that I got the stocktake done this time without any dramas.

How lucky I am to be walking home and even enjoying it.

And can I get time to play today????

Ah the mind, it's a wonderful thing.

A little somethin' somethin'

2011-06-02T10:01:00.004+12:00

that I made the other day. The instructions were in one of my Magnolia magazines and I couldn't resist.
The new Magnolia mag arrived yesterday wahooo! So many gorgeous ideas, can't wait to try them.
It's been hard to just lose myself and play lately, so much going on at work and with getting quotes, ideas etc for the work around the house it's been a bit hard to focus. So hoping I can lose myself to play sometime today, but right now my brothers waiting so be run.
Ltr.

Happy Happy...

2011-06-01T13:31:00.001+12:00

Joy joy! My new Magnolia Magazine arrived in the mail today, very cool, lots of ideas. Might have to haul out the Cricket and make some boxes. .)

Autumn...

2011-05-23T08:26:00.003+12:00

is definitely here and I can't believe how fast the year is rushing by. Life just seems to be so busy at the moment.
We are still waiting for quotes for our house repairs/ remodeling adventures...but I guess good things take time.
I have been finding it real hard to get into my craft stuff lately, I keep finding other things that have to be done. Sad cos I do miss it. One of the things that is going to happen is I'm going to swap my craft-room and my bedroom, so that my craft room is closer to the kitchen and I can slip in there for the "odd moment" and maybe that will get me motivated again.
Speaking of motivated check out Logan's blog, if you want to have an occasion that involves amazing food, talk to this guy, he's going to do private functions and in-home dinner parties.....and I'm sure he won't leave you with the dishes. LOL!
Anyway off to tidy the kitchen, hang out the washing and make a special birthday card...shhhh!
Ltr.

Chef Knows Best

2011-05-12T09:02:00.000+12:00

I am so proud of this guy, he's an awesome chef, and has a wonderful future in front of him and I recommend you check out his blog, because if you like good food, it's going to be the place to be.
On the home front, I actually played at my table yesterday!!!! I know shocking eh? But I started a very special card and I hope to get it finished today.
Also submitted plans for our kitchen to have them priced and have a "digital plan" created so that we can actually see what it would look like.
OMG! So exciting but so scary.
Speaking of scary the wind here today is horrible, hope it dies down soon it makes me nervous.
Well time to move.
Ltr.

Wow!

2011-05-10T12:47:00.003+12:00

Things have been crazy around here, "crazy busy" to quote Steven Tyler. Work is still really really busy and around home the continuous stream of tradespeople continues. At this stage coming to do quotes which should start arriving in the mailbox in the next week. Am I scared? Well yes I guess I am but also incredibly excited. The more we look at possibilities and the more suggestions we get, the more possible it seems and of course the more scary. But if I've learnt anything it's that you take one step at a time and believe in your decisions and of course question everything lol.
So on the craft front I have done zilch, well I did start a birthday card for my sister and it's still sitting on my table unfinished, (sorry Sis) but it's hard to sit and concentrate and haven't been home much.
It's Scrap Camp this weekend... Yah for the girls that are going, I had to make the call not to go this year. Firstly this Saturday at work is insanely busy and with everything going on at home it's too hard to plan, pack and in fact concentrate, but I'm hoping to visit that's for sure. And if any of the ladies going are reading this, hope you have a wonderful time, lots of laughs and remember "Sleep is over-rated and in some circumstances a waste of time!"
And now for me, must away and get ready for work.
Ciao Bella!

A "Royal" occasion....

2011-04-29T14:47:00.000+12:00

Looks like we are ready for the Wedding of the Century tonight! Candles and napkins from the $2.00 store, vintage dinner set Faye's (was her Mum's), time it took? About half and hour, Effect, Priceless. Can't wait for the girls to see it. And the diner smells amazing too. Soooooo looking forward to tonight.
Hope everyone gets to watch what they want, cos it could be a battle in somes households, what with the Royal Wedding, Rugby, Basketball and American Idol!!!!!!

Today's the BIG Day!

2011-04-29T08:46:00.002+12:00

Can't wait for the big wedding tonight, the only riot in this house is going to be if we switch channels to watch American Idol! My plan is to hide the remote and to cook such an amazing dinner my friends want have the heart to argue with me LOL!

Thought for the Day!

2011-04-25T14:27:00.002+12:00

The tougher the day,
Giving birth or going into hospital with cancer-
the more important the clothes.
How to face the world, one dress at a time!.

I read this quote in a book today and it struck a chord with me, because I really feel it's so true.
When I was facing all those scary hospital appointments, when first diagnosed with CML, and still now when I see my specialist, the effort into how I look is greater than any other time.
Except for the day when I was so out of it on the medication and sick and miserable cos I was losing my hair, that I refused to get dressed and went to my appointment in my PJ's LOL!
But anyway that's my Thought for the Day!

She's leavin'....

2011-04-24T14:05:00.001+12:00

On a jet plane.... oh boy the day I've been dreading for ages, the day my 15yr old niece left for Australia to live with her Dad's family.
It probably wasn't as bad as I'd imagined but wow seeing her disappearing through those doors was soooo hard and watching my sister's face even harder.
Love you baby, take care.

Oh What?!

2011-04-24T14:02:00.001+12:00

Look at this cheeky monkey sound asleep on the table with a coaster for a pillow, talk about naughty, but ohhhhh how could you tell him off!.

Why am I sitting here at the computer..

2011-04-24T11:57:00.002+12:00

when I have brand new un-inked Magnolia stamps sitting on my table? Because I'm too scared to go and do anything in case I forget to go to work lol!
Life has been crazy over the past few weeks, what with people coming to the house to do quotes for the work we need done, my jobs been full on and then of course our trip to Christchurch to see my niece before she flew off to Oz, there hasn't been even time to unpack after our last Scrap Sunday and that was two weeks ago!!!!! :(.
I have been looking at some of the amazing work that some very clever and talented people do and just wish that for a few days I could just sit and play but right now that is not to be.....what days off have I got this week???? Ah maybe, just maybe I could sneak a few hours....hope so.
Ltr.

Happy Easter to All.

2011-04-23T10:08:00.004+12:00

It's definitely Easter/Autumn weather here, still quite warm but with that hint of things to come. It has been another very busy week for me, went to Christchurch on Tuesday morning very early because my 15yr old niece Sam, was leaving for Australia on Wednesday to live with her Dad's family for a while. Lots of mixed emotions going on in that house for sure, my sister's happy to let her try something different but wow such a big change for her, I hope it all works out the way she's planned it.
My sister lives about an hour north of Christchurch and we only traveled around the outskirts of the city so didn't see the devastation in the inner city, this was a choice we made before we went, two reasons, with all the work going on they don't need cars getting in the way and secondly I don't think I could cope with seeing the city, a city that I love, in such a bad state. But the traffic on the arterial roads is amazing, so busy, it took us probably three times as long to get from one side of the city to the other.
On our way in from Gaylene's we went to Paper Peacock in Woodend, what a gorgeous wee shop, lots of cool things to see and what a hive of activity. Two workshops going at once in the shop created an amazing buzz, definitely will make that a place to stop in next time I'm in Christchurch.
We also found a gorgeous little patchwork shop where I saw a quilt that I absolutely fell in love with so now know exactly the colours my room is going to be when I move into the room at the front of the house. Yes there is nothing like a road trip to formulate plans for all sorts of things thats for sure.
But right now I have a bathroom ceiling to clean so must a way.
Ltr.

So Autumn is here and the days are colder, life is still crazy busy and I am enjoying some truly exciting things like organising some long overdue

2011-04-16T10:28:00.005+12:00

house renovations which is incredibly exciting, getting the quotes is the easy part, planning what can and can't be afforded will be the hard bit lol!
Yesterday we went to lunch at Gaslight, anew restaurant, where my friend Logan is the Head Chef, it was fantastic, going to be a fav place to go for sure.
Next week we are going to Christchurch to farewell my niece (15yrs old) moving to Oz to live with family, am I ready for this? Ah no, but trying to be strong for her, life eh ?
Ltr.
PS. Have somes Cards to share, I'll upload them later.
Have a great weekend.

Yah the sun is shining...

2011-04-09T11:31:00.004+12:00

it's been very cold here all week, not like Autumn, more like winter, but today is gorgeous. The sun's out and there is a bit of warmth in it as well.
Well another extremely busy week, but as well as continuing to be busy at work life at home has been crazy as well..... we have decided to take the plunge and decided the time is right, to continue on with our renovations. So stage two will be window frames, weather boards, the front porch and hopefully something done with the kitchen. Oh and then of course painting the house.....mmmmm quite a list I know but needs must so it's going to be exciting if not scary. But the action starts on Monday with a round of visits from trades-people and discussions, quotes decision making etc etc.
But firstly tomorrow I have the day off and I'm going to spend it with my scrap buddies, not scrapping but making cards cos........my new Tilda stamps arrived on Thursday and I haven't had a chance to get them near ink and paper so I'm desperate to play.
So I must go and start packing my stuff so that I don't have chaos in the morning.
Not being awful but I won't mind if work is a teeny bit quieter tonight tee hee.
Oh before I go, anyone in the Dunedin area you must try the new Gaslight cafe that has opened on St Andrew street, their chef is Logan McPherson, a two times Beef and Lamb Ambassador, and a wonderfully creative guy. His menu is based on French and Italian cafe type food and will be amazing. Check it out.
As for me....I'. gone! Ltr.

Well today

2011-04-04T17:45:00.003+12:00

has been a wet miserable Autumn Monday, but the sun's been shining here....cos it's my day off! It's been a really busy weekend, Saturday was busy at the hotel and yesterday we had a stand at a Wedding Show, it was really really great. We had lots of interest at our stand, took lots of names of potential brides who may be interested in having their reception in our restaurant and at the same time had heaps of fun and saw some amazing wedding decorating ideas, so a good day really. We have another one in 4 weeks and I couldn't sleep last night planning the set up and decorations. I didn't have much time to organise for this one but next time it's going to be a stunner....well that's the plan.
Very exciting this morning, finally checking my emails, the first time since Thursday, and found that our next Scrap Sunday is this week and wahoo...... I'm off so Carol, Naomi and the crew make room for me cos I'll be there!
Apart from that Gussie's feeling a lot better, despite the fact that I stopped those tablets, I didn't like the fact that he seemed so "out-of-it", and he kept running away from us which is not like him at all. So touch wood he will keep improving without them.
The other exciting news is that my Magnolia stamps have shipped from the states so watching the post intently, and today made a card with one of my new stamps in mind, so it will be ready when she arrives.... yeah I know thoughts of kid+Christmas come to mind LOL, but you need something in life to be passionate about, it keeps ya sane.
But right now Gus wants his dinner so better run.
Ltr.

So today...

2011-03-30T11:44:00.002+13:00

it's back to work so limited time to play :(. But I have been checking out some of the amazing work out there in blog land and wow it's amazing how all around the world, like-minded people can share ideas, encourage each other and just "ooh and ahh" at all the beautiful things people do. How lucky to have the internet.
So yesterday I had to take Gus back to the vet because he's still snuffly and he's licked all the skin off his beautiful little nose, she's given him some different pills, so we'll see how they go. Poor wee boy, I guess flat nosed Persians are susceptible to breathing problems but I hate to see him unhappy, at the moment he's laying on the deck in the sun so he's enjoying that.
But before I have to get ready for work I'm going to sneak five at my desk.....so
Ltr!

2011-03-29T13:45:00.001+13:00

Just before I do run away, if you love cards, Magnolia and all things gorgeous, check out this blog, it's mind-blowingly-gorgeous!!!!!!!!

Anyone for shopping???

2011-03-29T12:30:00.002+13:00

Just love this little Magnolia image, she makes me want to hit the mall LOL! Been sitting at my desk since 8am this morning, just lost in creativity, gotta love that.

Now it's time for lunch and Gussie's vet appointment, oh boy there go my ears! For a cat that doesn't meow he sure turns up the volume when we get in the car.
Wish me luck.

Wow!

2011-03-29T08:10:00.002+13:00

I'm feeling very humbled by the fabulous comments I've had about my cards. It blows me away to think that people who do gorgeous work would take the time to visit my blog and leave encouraging comments for me, thank you so much it means a lot. Welcome to the new followers as well, it's great to have you here.
So today, another day off (yah!), I need to take Gussie back to the vet, he's still got that cold and he keeps licking the skin off his poor wee nose, he pays for his beauty thats for sure. And I want to get back to my table and finish the card I started last night, so enough sitting, time to go.
Ltr.

On a Roll...

2011-03-28T20:06:00.002+13:00

Ah yes, she's baaack! Been on a roll, finished this one and started another one. So good to be back.

Of course this is a Magnolia Stamp, coloured with Distress Inks, Iv'e used Tattered Rose, Faded Denim and Weathered Wood. I coloured the hair with Marker Pens, following the tutorial in the latest Magnolia Magazine, which now by the way I have subscribed to, and guess what, the day after the March one arrived, the local bookshop where I had had it ordered rang to say they had the first one for 2011 in stock! So I'll end up with the whole year after all.
But back to that "hair tutorial", it was amazing doing it their way what a gorgeous result you end up with, very excited....can ya tell???
Anyway off to finish the next one. I'm toying with the idea of taking them to work and selling them, and the money can go to the Christchurch appeal, just need to figure the how and where questions.

Introducing Molly Bloom!

2011-03-28T14:56:00.003+13:00

I'm baaack! And in more ways than one, I'm back to my craft room, back to being in love with paper, stamps, flowers and inks. I used my Cricut this morning, the first time in ah I don't know how long, my creative juices are flowing and I, the real me, who love to create and discover and play, is back. I've relearned that working is a means to an end, not the "be all " of my life and yah I'm back!!!!!.
This little stamps is an English set which came on the cover of an English mag which I picked up in town one day, purely because I loved the stamp, and slowly but surely it got to me and I had to make a card. And I'm so glad I did, cos the next thing I knew, the Magnolia stamps were on the table and I was away, with inks and pencils etc etc and my whole being knew I had to get back to it.
With my new position at work I've found things a bit full on but since I've got back to my table, I've been calmer, more focused and yet strangely relaxed, even "God-forbid" found myself enjoying my new job...so yah for paper ink and mess....bring it on!!!

And then of course, the other night, with the encouragement of my darling best friend, I ordered some of the NEW, yes New, Magnolia stamps, not actually released intil April 1st, in the States, where I'm getting them from.....so Wahoo I'm going to be having a ball in the next few weeks.

Also in the next few weeks I'm going to be going to Christchurch airport to wave good-bye to my very special niece Sam, who is going to go and live with her Dad's family in Australia and finish her schooling there. This is going to be very hard for not only the obvious reason but it means going to Christchurch, scene of last month's devasting earthquake and seeing first hand the heartbreaking loss of this beautiful and treasured city. I will be brave on both counts, (this has become my mantra at the moment).

Now to lighter stuff, who's watching American Idol??? OMG! Is it not the best ever? And I know I'm not the only one who'se fallen in love with Steven Tyler ! Can that guy really be 63???? Another reason to believe that my generation are going to be eternal teenagers.....yes please!.
Ltr.

I haven't been

2011-03-15T11:31:00.002+13:00

around much lately, works really busy and my time to play has been very limited. With recent events in Christchurch the hotel has been incredibly busy, going from quiet to full in half a day, so consequently when I'm at home all I'm good for is to blob out, oh and try to to keep up with the basic home stuff AND, of course make special time for Gussie.
But I've decided I have to get back to some "paper therapy", because although the world seems a very sad place at the moment, there's got to be some happy time as well.
Anyway enough about all that, going to go and "find my table" for a couple of hours.
Ltr.

So today is Sunday

2011-02-27T19:41:00.003+13:00

the 27th February 2011 and on Tuesday the 22nd February 2011, New Zealand changed forever. At around 12.48, during lunchtime, our third largest city, Christchurch, was devastated by an earthquake measuring 6.4 and very shallow. We live approximately 500kms away and we felt it here very strongly, since that moment it has been hard to think of anything else except the people lost and hurt in the destroyed buildings, the families still looking for loved ones and of course the families that know they will never see their loved ones again. The television has been broadcasting live from Christchurch most of the days since this tragedy happened, the images of broken buildings, twisted roads, shocked and injured people, frantic people looking for their families and friends has become so familiar.
Occasionally there is a story of survival, a happy ending, and so many stories of people being incredibly heroic and trying to help complete strangers, friends, family and loved ones.

Five days later and there are still areas without power, without water and very little shelter, it is hard to believe that this can happen in our world.
The images of all the amazing people from all around, not only our country, but around the world who have converged on Christchurch to help in the search of these destroyed buildings, providing food and the basic human needs to complete strangers is absolutely amazing, and you wonder how it must be for them seeing what they are seeing.
We see so many terrible things on the television every night but they always happen "somewhere else", but even so you feel sad for the people who live there and wish you could help. but the feeling of absolute sadness when you see a city that you are completely familiar with, that you love the most after your own, that you visit two or three times a year is something I, and I'm sure a lot of other people, just wasn't prepared for.
Two weeks ago I was there, I stayed in a small country area about an hour north of Christchurch, where my sister and her family live, but on the way home we spent the day shopping in Christchurch, (they had much better shopping than us) and I was struck while on the second floor of their largest mall, how beautiful everything was, how happy and relaxed the people were, how they had started to relax after the 7.2 earthquake they had on September 4th 2010. Of course while driving around some of the areas, the signs of the devastation were still evident but rebuilding had begun and life was getting back to some sort of normality. Now with this last terrible blow it has to start all over again.
Christchurch is known for it's beautiful English architecture, it's gorgeous stone churches, the Art's centre and mainly it's cathedral, probably the most beautiful building in New Zealand , it's gorgeous old wooden houses, it's parks and gardens, the Avon river drifting through the middle of the city and many cultural attractions.
Christchurch will I'm sure rise again, because the people are made of very strong stuff, but I'm sure it will take a very long time and be a very different place.
And in a very selfish way, I'm sad about that, but my hope for the people is that they can find some comfort in the fact that the rest of the world cares about them and everyone will do whatever it takes to help them recover as best they can, Cantrabrians are made of strong stuff and in the words of their wonderful mayor Bob Parker, "Christchurch will come back from this and be better and stronger than ever".
I truly hope they do.

So a revelation....

2011-02-16T12:24:00.002+13:00

The last few days, well make that weeks, have been a bit strange for me. No matter where I was or who I was with, I kept getting this feeling of total "disconnect", even when I was with people I love I didn't feel connected, I felt that people didn't really want me around, were only being nice etc etc. I have not been able to do anything creative, I'd look at my stuff and think "what am I supposed to do with that", yeah horrible.
Even a couple of weeks ago when my best friend and I went to Greta Valley to see my sister and family, I wandered back to the house, we rented, and watched the news, convinced they didn't want me there. Eventually, after they had made some desperate calls, I went back to the hotel where she works and joined them for dinner, but still this feeling of disconnect.
And my memory, wow, the other day in the mall, couldn't think how to get back to the car. S-C-A-R-Y !!!!
But on Monday night, was watching telly and suddenly this fog lifted, I felt like me again, I was laughing at the programme, "Amazing Race" actually enjoying it.
I went to bed, feeling totally different and awoke yesterday feeling like a new person.
Then I got to thinking about my birthday, On Monday I was 59, and it got me thinking. Even though back in 2002, when i was diagnosed with Leukemia, with the ensuing treatments my periods stopped, it didn't mean that I had bypassed all the other side effects of menopause ah ha! So now I've stopped panicking, thinking clearly and have decided to look at these symptoms differently, if they return, so far they haven't.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't always look on the black side, don't always think the worst, there maybe a simple solution, oh and my creativity is back, had a ball at my table yesterday...pics to follow.
Ltr, have a good day!

It's a LOVE Blog Hop!

2011-02-15T14:33:00.000+13:00

It's a LOVE Blog Hop!

Some gorgeous ideas here. Wow!

A roller-coaster week...

2011-01-28T17:04:00.002+13:00

it has been around here. My dear friend, who I share the house with, had to re-apply for her job due to restructuring, and it has been a week of doing CV's, planning interview techniques and general stress. The poor girl was beside her self by yesterday morning when she was having the interview, to the point that she had a complete mind blank, and was determined the interview went so badly she wouldn't get her job. So last night was very stressful and sad, just watching how scared she was. However this morning she was told that she was successful and she keeps her job. Yah for her because she has worked incredibly hard learning the skills to do this job and she loves it, so in the end a happy ending.
So today has been an awesome day, lunch with her and her sister to celebrate, and now she's sound asleep lol! What stress can do to you eh?
Hope everyone has an awesome weekend.

Shabby Flower Tutorial.

2011-01-27T11:46:00.002+13:00

I just found this tutorial and just had to share, how gorgeous is this?

Where does the time go?

2011-01-27T09:48:00.002+13:00

I have been playing and creating my new header and blog background since about 7.30 this morning...nuts? Yeah I know, but I do love it. Just wish that message from Shabby Blogs would disappear cos I'm sure I've done everything they've said. Oh well time will tell, but now I must move myself and go get productive.
Ltr.

January Nearly Gone!

2011-01-26T07:59:00.002+13:00

Can hardly believe how fast January has flown by. I suppose because I've been working and the weather's been pretty "un-summer-like" I've hardly noticed the time going.
I have been trying to get to my table to play but most days fate seems to have other ideas and I don't make it, but I have a couple of days off coming up so I really want to finish a couple of projects I started before Christmas. I'm in the process of doing a couple of little books for two adorable little girls and I really want to get them finished,partly because I have so many other ideas but want let myself start until I've done these books.
I've found a new site called Scrap That, it's Canadian and wow the work these very talented ladies do is amazing. Somehow the layouts look different to anything I've seen, so much detail and so beautiful I keep going back to have another look.
Anyway for now my oven is calling me I've got friends coming for morning tea.
Ltr.

Where is January rushing off to?

2011-01-17T08:25:00.003+13:00

I can't believe it's the 17th of January. It's weird when you work over Christmas and New Year it's kinda like it's never happened it goes so fast.
It's certainly been an eventful start to the year for so many people, with the floods in Australia. How awful that must be to see everything ruined, my heart goes out to those people and I remind myself to be grateful for everything because life can change in an instant.
I got up early this morning to take Faye to work and decided to stay up, hope I won't be regretting this tonight when I'm at work, but I really want to do some baking, I've got Rhubarb muffins on my mind since I have some gorgeous rhubarb from a friends garden waiting to be made into something delicious.
I also want to start a little book I'm going to make for a certain little girl so what am I doing playing on the computer??? Well the excuse was looking for recipes but as always the "Crafty Blog world" called me, but I think I'm back on track now.
Ltr.

P.S. The crumble is delicious and I'm going to be very naughty and try a muffin well a little one and I guess it won't be too bad, I used a Weight Watcher's recipe. Their recipes are gorgeous btw.!

Friends

2011-01-06T07:18:00.004+13:00

Yesterday I made this card for my best friend, she's been feeling a bit apprehensive of late to to changes in her job, so to cheer her up I made her this. The image is from "Mo's Pencil" and it's a Digi stamp, something I've only just discovered. You can print them any size you want which is really cool. I printed this one onto water-colour paper and coloured it with my marker pens and used a water-pen to blend. I found the printer ink ran a little but just used that for shading LOL! I've used papers from my stash, a little Bling Flourish and those darling little Prima roses which I'm besotted with. Of course some Stickles (wouldn't be a card with out Stickles),also Nestabilities and the Cuttlebug embossing folder and as usual my favourite Martha Stewart lace punch. I love this little image I got another one at the same time, which I think I'll play with today, after I take the Christmas tree down and do a bit of housework. Really can't be bothered because it's raining here again, so much for summer! But at least I guess it could be worse we could have the dreadful flooding they are having in Australia or the icy conditions from the other side of the world, so no complaining. (Note to self).
Anyway off to get started.
Ltr.

P.S.

2011-01-05T09:03:00.001+13:00

Just bought a couple of digital stamps from Mo's Pencil so off to play. Oh boy stamps on the internet....this could be scary.

So Day Off...

2011-01-05T08:26:00.002+13:00

today and tomorrow AND the next day! After last night I feel I've earned it thats for sure. I just wish that when groups (tours) of 50 were dining together they would realise that it is huge pressure on the kitchen to produce 50 meals (3 course) all at once, to a perfect standard and to get them out within an half an hour of them seating, it's no mean feat and all that is asked of them is to sit (as a group and all at the same time)!!!!! Ah well I've been wishing for this miracle for many years and it hasn't happened yet, so I don't think it will but boy it will be a happy day when it does. Last night was diabolical, the tour we had in included two children who proceeded to go around all the tables "licking the cutlery"! Yep you read right, the mother couldn't understand why I was upset about it either which kinda made it worse.
Oh well that was yesterday, today is mine and my little craft room, with freshly washed floors, is calling me so I am going to play.
Just bought a couple of digital stamps from Mo's Pencil, so hoping they will arrive in my inbox real soon. But until then I'm off to Tilda!
Ltr.

I can't believe ...

2011-01-04T11:35:00.002+13:00

it's 2011! It seems inpossible, after all I remember the movie 2001 A Space Odyssey, and always thought that year was a loooong way into the future LOL!
Oh well another year older....So What! Another year to have fun, make the most of life and to discover new and exciting things.
So glad today is my Friday cos I really need some time to do all the chores that are piling up and of course to play, I've got heaps of ideas just eager to be tried so I can't wait.
Ltr.

So another Christmas day done

2010-12-26T12:35:00.002+13:00

and dusted, wow seems like a blurr really. Up at 5.30 at work by 7am, hugely busy day in the restaurant. A tour for breakfast, 40 happy Australians, all very happy and ready to celebrate Christmas and suddenly another "day at the office" became special and I reminded myself what day it was LOL! But not too much time to reflect because there was the breakfast cleanup and then to reset the restaurant and make it look gorgeous (and it did), ready for our 80+ diners we had coming for Christmas Lunch. Lots of table carrying down the stairs, cutlery washing and polishing, napkin fluffing later and it looked amazing. All tables laden with foil wrapped chocolates, sparkling glassware and Christmas serviettes and suddenly we were ready and it was Christmas. The buffet was laid out in the bar area, the white clothed tables trimmed with pretty Fairy lights and lots of Christmas serviettes laid out in Patchwork stars decorated most surfaces and it looked magic. Of course silly me forgot my camera, but Aleisha took lots of photos and has promised faithfully to email me some....can't wait.
So by 5.30 I was home with my friends and ready to celebrate Christmas, but I hadn't taken into account how tired I would feel so although it was a lovely meal and a really nice night it was very low key.
And now today, well off to work soon and normally Boxing Day is very quiet but tonight we have a large party coming in so I guess it won't be. Ah well time to go have a shower and put the party face on again.....
Hope everyone is having an awesome Christmas.
Ltr.

2010-12-24T11:44:00.001+13:00

So this will be my last Christmas card before Christmas. I still have one more very special one to make but was waiting to get the new Magnolia magazine which I got this morning, so my best friend will get her card....late! But hey she's used to me. This one is for my other best friend who spent time in Paris some years ago so anything French is definitely her thing.
I hope everyone has a very Happy, Safe and Peaceful Christmas and look forward to sharing ideas etc next year.

Merry Christmas.

Nearly the last....

2010-12-23T14:04:00.000+13:00

Yep still making cards hopefully finished tonight.

Just had the best Christmas Pressie a very long phone call with my sister....Love ya Babe.

2010-12-21T14:14:00.002+13:00

Hope everyone is enjoying all the craziness and not getting toooo stressed out. I come and go, but on the whole I'm staying calm, still behind but at least this year I'm calm. It's so hot here today that my craft room is the coolest place in the house so I'm off to do those last few cards, decorate a wooden sign, and then get the dining room ready for the big day, clean the kitchen, and make the beds......ah maybe now I'm stressed.

Byeeee!!!!

The Second..

2010-12-16T13:25:00.001+13:00

Really pleased with these, well as I can be considering they are not Tilda and I didn't get to colour them in, but now lunch and off to work.

2010-12-16T13:20:00.000+13:00

The first of my quick cards, made using all the little bits on my table.....could make another 100 and still have stuff on my table LOL!

Cheating...

2010-12-16T13:08:00.002+13:00

today lol! Have made a couple of very quick cards using some little 3 dimensional gift tags I picked up at the Post Shop the other day. getting real close now and starting to panic slightly, so no time to colour Tildas this morning....sigh :(. But these are cute little stickers so I'm happy.

Sad Card

2010-12-14T13:08:00.003+13:00

I love the card, but the ocasion is sad, one of the girls in the restaurant is leaving to continue her working holiday. She is from Germany and such a lovely girl, not to mention a fantastic member of staff, I'll miss her heaps.
I hope she likes her card.

Of course the stamp is Magnolia and I've coloured her with Ranger Distress Inks, the punch is Martha Stewart and I think I need to add some bling, so that will be Sticles. I've used a bit of Glimmer Mist on the doiley shape as well.

2010-12-03T09:26:00.001+13:00

And before I go, another Christmas card using of course Tilda. Just had to try the new Nestabilitie Doiley die we got last week, it's definitely going to be a favourite. Coloured Tilda with Distress Inks and a water brush, the stamps are "Girls Paperie" Xmas collection. The flowers are My Minds Eye and Prima, leaves are punches, bling Kaisercraft. And of course some Ranger Ice Stickles.
Was a lot of fun and off to fit in another one.

Well the end

2010-12-03T08:59:00.002+13:00

of another really busy week, well not quite the end, but it's in sight.
So sad yesterday watching the service on TV for the Pike River miners, your heart goes out to all those families and friends, you can't imagine how horrible it must be for them. Can only hope they can find comfort in all the love that's being sent to them.
Actually got to play yesterday, but as usual I'm doing my usual, when I find time to play I feel so guilty I keep distracting myself and counting the "millions" of things I should be doing, couldn't sleep last night with them all going through my mind. So self-advice today.... Just relax and enjoy, what doesn't get done will get it's turn eventually.
Hope everyone is getting into the holiday season.....stress free!!!!

Chaotic!!!!!!

2010-11-30T13:29:00.002+13:00

Did I say in a recent post that work was going to get even more chaotic???? Well "Hell yeah! It just did"! The main breakfast supervisor is in the awful situation of having a very ill Mum, so she's not around very much and now the Restaurant Manager has broken her ankle. Add to that that all the long term staff are going during the next couple of weeks and you have chaos in spades!!!!!
So not much time for playing in my scrap room sadly, right when I've been on a roll.
But hey it's people that are important so we'll make it through that's for sure.
Just will have to have the occasional play for stress-relief that's for sure.

Another Tilda

2010-11-25T13:02:00.001+13:00

I am so excited about these stamps I just can't stop making cards. And of course finding a copy of the "Tilda Magazine" on Saturday has done nothing to curb my addiction.
I have some more of these little stamps on the way...can't wait.
This one I had a ball making. Those little Paper Doiley hearts I got at Scrapbook Paradise..... very cute eh?
Well off to play...my day off!

Been awhile...

2010-11-23T13:56:00.003+13:00

since I posted here but I've been busy. Had a week away in Moraki staying here, a gorgeous little cottage right across from the harbour and of course Fleur's wonderful restaurant, which of course we had to visit. We went for lots of walks, sat in the sun and had a couple of day trips to nearby Oamaru and then went to Christchurch for just one night.... it was all heavenly, however I don't feel like I've stopped since I came back. Work's been chaotic and looking like to's going to get worse if the next few weeks bookings are anything to go by..... oh well it'll soon be Christmas.
Anyway by way of stress relief I've been making cards with my gorgeous Magnolia stamps and am totally hooked. (Got some more coming by way of an early Christmas pressie methinks).
I have really been going nuts with these cards, I was struggling to come up with ideas for scrapbook pages but the inspiration for these cards seems endless at the moment. The one on this post I used the Cuttlebug embossing "Christmas Tree" folder and then cut around the embossed edge, just love the result.
As I say I seem to be on a roll and have started thinking I need to actually do something with them, it has been suggested that I should sell them and I'm thinking I might and donate the profits to a charity. Any ideas how to go about this would be appreciated.
Anyway off to have a play before work.
Thanks for stopping by.

On a serious note my heart goes out to the people of Greymouth who have that dreadful disaster going on in the mine, can only hope that prayers work and they are rescued soon.