More to come...I promise...

Just to let you know - I've not forgotten you! A bit side tracked with life and all that it offers...I have just started in a new job..so between making the decision / moving on / and starting; not to mention the whole "OMG it's Christmas at the end of THIS month"...it's been a little chaotic to say the least.

However - deep breath -  life seems a bit more on track so there should be some new cards to show soon :)

My latest read.

I didn't realise David Baldacci had a new book out!  Being one of my favourite authors  - I just had to get a copy, and it didn't disappoint me.

It picks up after Zero Day, the first book for the John Puller character - so presumably this will become a series?  If you haven't read the first one, not to worry this stands alone OK, and you can pick up whatever you need to know.  It's an action filled book from beginning to end - just don't think about it too much.

After the first one, I was concerned about comparisons with the Jack Reacher books by Lee Child.... an MP, over 6 foot tall and athletic, a good investigator, diligent, a strong sense of justice...  it's a very similar formula.  So a little disappointing David Baldacci has painted a main character so similarly to a well known existing one.  Having said that, I'm a fan of both authors, and would definitely pick up the next one in the series.

I loved it, and it would be an awesome holiday book!

Title: The Forgotten
Author: David Baldacci
Released: 2012
Publisher: Macmillan
Image by: bookworld.com.au

Halloween anyone?

Now I must admit Halloween is not a big thing at our house, and it's good luck if we actually have anything to give the random child who knocks on our door at Halloween.  Well, I guess it could just also be an excuse to have chocolate in the house!

I do however find I love looking at different crafty things to get ideas...and I noticed on one fav blogs, the   Bakerella link has some amazing things.  Just gorgeous, but way too much work on them for my liking, and being perishable you eat - so you can't admire your handiwork for awhile.

Anyhoo, I love the spiders complete with their own webs...cute creepy!

What a day!

So went up to Mama's to celebrate her birthday, and what a day.  Fabulous weather, family, a feast for lunch and lots of laughs and good company.  A lovely day for all.

Had a bit of a surprise through the week as Mum gave me a pen.  The surprise being the "fairy cape of flowers" won me the best dressed prize (although it was modeled by Mama on the day).  Thanks Ladies who Dress as Fairies in the Park - I loved it ;)

And a pic for the end of a great weekend.  When I got my groceries yesterday, I saw these snapdragons....so pretty and such a beautiful colour.  So you can enjoy them too!

Ta da...

So finally got some craft cupboard pics to show you.  This has worked out great, and I've drawers to spare, so as far as storage goes  - it should grow with me for awhile.

Here it is, (starting with the befores),  a hand-me down cupboard with it's latest paint job. A couple of years ago Dad helped me repaint it, and we used leftover paint.  The trunk on top stores my Chrissy Decs - it was made over to match at the same time.  We put a chalkboard on one side....great for countdowns and quick ideas.

And drum roll for the reveal....in all it's uber organised glory THE craft cupboard

Loads of 2" deep drawers

Ribbon storage system by Da

Stamp rail, and spice racks for bottles + a couple of fairies.

A huge thanks to Da for coming and helping me, well OK it ws more like me watching and him doing for the most part.  It looks AWESOME, and will be great to use.  Thanks you're the best :)

A couple of cards to show you...

Last weekend, my Da (Dad) and I set about making over my craft cupboard.  It was organised OK, but the space could have been used a little better.  I found some drawer inserts to fit into the cupboard, and Da was going to make some shelves to fill in the gap.  The result... TOTAL AWESOMENESS - my Da is soooo handy and clever!

Now I'm glad I had pre purchased the "inserts" as our hot water system went to the big hot water system in the sky last week...so the unexpected cost pushed my other projects back down the priority list. 

I thought I'd have a piccy to post, but upon downloading some photos, I apparently haven't taken one yet.  So I'll endeavour to do that this week, and post next weekend.

As I had to empty my craft cupboard of all my treasures, I found some toys I hadn't played with in a while.  This afternoon, I made up a couple of cards...so.... here they are:

This actually looks better in life, sadly the photo doesn't do it justice.  I was really keen to add ribbon, but it just looked too over the top.  The embossing I used, has a bit of sparkle in it and the brads also have a bit of sparkle. The green "bits" are actually 2x side on flowers, and the green is the base, they are popped up to give some depth.  I wanted it to look like a bunch of flowers.  Should you decide to do something similar to this - be warned there is a lot of cutting out.  

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Reason to Smile / Short and Sweet
INKS: Stampin' Up Whisper White / Pink Pirouette / Rose Red, and Fabrico Black
ACCESSORIES: Stamp World Irridescent Sparkle Emboss Powder + Heat Gun, Stampin' Up Top Note Die, Dimensionals, Brads
PAPER: Beige Card, Spot Embossed Paper, Vellum

My other one, is similar to one I did at a Stampin' Up Launch.  I've been thinking about it as it was simple yet so elegant not to mention easy!  I have also been wondering whether I could tweak it a a bit for Christmas. Hmmmmm - may need more work, but I'm thinking it's definately do-able.

I'm trying to think of alternate stamps, and then to create the Christmassy feel with colours....a bit more thinking required, but I'm off to a good start.  I kept this neutral, so I could use it for a birthday in the interim.

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Mixed Bunch / Short and Sweet
INKS: Stampin' Up Whisper White
ACCESSORIES: Stamp World Irridescent Sparkle Emboss Powder + Heat Gun, Pearl Brad, Stampin' Up Twine, Stampin' Up Top Note Die, Dimensionals
PAPER: Speckled Card, Shimmery Olive Card , Vellum

So, what cha readin...?

So, picked this up as it was on special and in the spirit of trying new things - gave it a shot. Hmmmm.  Loved the ideas: urban fantasy (sans Vampires), some Chinese mythology and some martial arts (sounded promising and I do love a Jackie Chan film!)  This however was just "meh to OK", not all all what I had hoped for.  It was just too predictable and drawn out (400+ pages).  As it's the first in a trilogy there were what I suspect was a lot of plot setting books 2 and 3.

BOOK: White Tiger, Dark Heavens Book 1

AUTHOR: Kylie Chan

RELEASED: 2006

PUBLISHER: Harper Collins

IMAGE BY:angusrobertson.com.au

 

I have however just read through a few old favourites, David Baldacci's Camel Club series. Most recently finishing up with this one, Hell's Corner, book 5 in the Camel Club series.  There's just always a twist in them which you don't see coming, and the plots are great.  Now I'm not saying they are particularly plausible, but they are the book equivalent of action movies which you can watch over and over again. David Baldacci is one of my go to authors when I decide to save money and re read books. I can easily read the books back to back! I suspect it's the eclectic mix of characters fighting for a righteous cause - you know good v evil!

TITLE: Hell's Corner

AUTHOR: David Baldacci

RELEASED: 2010

PUBLISHER: Pan Macmillan

IMAGE BY: booktopia.com.au

Fit for a Fairy

Well, I've been working on a little side project for my Mama last weekend.  You see she needs to go somewhere as a fairy....preferably dressed in purple....and, a little bit of sparkle and bling is never a bad thing.  BTW the sparkle and bling thing are exact words;)  So this post in the spirit of the project - I've decided to post in purple!


So some thinking was required and a decision was made.  I wanted a cape of flowers - I have vague recollections of a Disney princess with birds and a cape of flowers .. Snow White or Cinderella?

After a visit to Crazy Clarkes, I had started my project and had picked up a cheap scarf - a 3 tone purple number for $8, and some purple pearls.  I also found some purple fairy wings for $3 - child sized so elastic may need to be changed but for $3 that is certainly do-able. After this huge investment, I ratted through my craft cupboard for some paper (and found a few diamante & glitter, surely I could work those in too).  I borrowed a stamp set, and matching punch.  Now to see if I could match what I imagined.

I set about stamping and water colouring HEAPS of flowers.  I created a mix of hand coloured ones, some plain white ones, and some plain "inked" ones.  Sounds tedious, but I was watching a movie so it was more problematic to find the floor space to lay out all the paper to dry.

So next morning, when all was dry, I used a punch to "cut" them out and glued them to the scarf.  Voila a beautiful cape of flowers.  I believe there is a parallel project now running at Mama's house involving old garden shoes and a can of silver spray paint.

Here are the results, a cape fit for a fairy.... ta da...

STAMPS:Stampin' Up Mixed Bunch
INKS: Stampin' Up Elegant Eggplant / Perfect Plum / Orchid Opulence, Stazon Timber Brown
ACCESSORIES: Sketch Paper, Stampin Up Blossom 3/4" punch, Stampin' Up White Shimmer / Purple Pearls from Crazy Clarkes / Kindy Glitz in Antique Silver and assort diamante

Sublime Seafood

One of the girls at work finished last week but due to commitments we couldn't do anything last week, so we decided on dinner tonight.  A suggestion was made for Georges Paragon at Eagle St Pier.  I hadn't heard of it, but there were some ooos and ahhhs, so OK.  Apparently if you order between 530 and 630 it is half price...I like the sound of that!

So in we went, and it was great.  A bit more upmarket than my usual fare, but let's face it Eagle St Pier is one of those places where the pretty people hang out and are seen.  The huge picture windows looked out over the river, and the story bridge was all lit up... oh, so pretty.  On the down side a bit noisy but in fairness it was a Friday and everyone was ordering by 630 - I think if you were earlier, or mid week it would be awesome.

I had grilled snapper with king prawns, and there was some sauce which was brandy, garlic and cream, accompanied by a small bowl of chips. Size of the serving was perfect for me, and thoughts of the dessert menu faded as I didn't think I could fit it in.  Everyone loved their meals, and for the people not so happy with seafood there were - as one of the girls put it "farm animals" for the others. 

Now I'm home and feeling quite content.  Maybe a shower and into jammies, with my book.

Similar view (from Jade Buddha)

Crazy Magnet ... ON

As some of you know, My Crazy Magnet (MCM) works well ... so let me tell you about my bus trip home tonight.

 Got to the bus stop with about 10min to spare prior to the bus...OK.  My bus leaves from Queen Street, so being a main Brisbane street it's busy for majority of the day.  I get there and a girl is sitting at the seat at the bus stop..OK...then I realise she is on the phone...OK  Then MCM starts....whilst on this occasion she didn't attract to me, she was in my vacinity, so I'm putting it down to MCM (maybe the battery is low and it's not working to it's full effect- YAY me!)  Anyhoo back to my story, obviously having a fight with someone...but OMG...first she would yell and curse (REALLY loud)...then she'd being crying - you know the same way toddlers do when they can barely breathe 'cos they're worked up...then she hung up.  Obviously not satified with the way things ended she started texting.  But wait still more drama to be had, so she called back and it started again.

So luckily she didn't get on the bus - Whew!  But low and behold, the next stop at Roma St a substitue got on, and ranted at the driver .. then just in general to himself.  So he stopped about 4 stops on and was then quiet until he got off ...and had issues with the card swipe - REALLY not that hard to use!

By now you're thinking wow, that must be it but....NO these things happen in 3s.  A lady got on at Chermside (or busworld as it is more commonly known in our family)...So MCM flicks back on as apparently she had just been release from hospital and had no problems with  telling whoever was on the end of her phone all her medical dramas... of which there were many.

After this memorable journey home imagine my surprise when walking home I checked the night sky for the moon....and it was not even a full moon. 

A new favourite..

Well, I've always been a fan of museli, but have lately been loving Bircher Museli.  A little bit of foresight, and voila.

Those of you who think this involves waaaay too much planning - don't move this is sooooo easy, and those who know me know my favourite recipes always involve super easy, with big results.

Simply throw a few ingredients into a plastic container, put the lid on and chuck it in the fridge. You just have to remember to do this before you go to bed. Easy, huh!

Then, in the morning, you’ll have breakfast ready quicker than you can clean the sleep out of your eyes. It's that easy.   When you wake it will be to sweet, chewy oats that have soaked up the liquid. Then a few additions and you're good to go.  Easy.  I usually add some yoghurt (I am loving Black Swan vanilla bean greek yoghurt) and some fresh fruit  and voila, breakfast is served!

Now, fix yourself a cuppa and feel a little smug about eating so well for so little effort.

Now I make up enough for 2 serves.

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup liquid - I've tried all milk, all apple juice or half and half
small handful of sultanas
some cinnamon - I know that makes 4 ingredients, but it's a good addition if you think of it

Soak overnight

Add a spoonful of yoghurt
Some fruit if you have it, strawberries, bananas, or grated granny smiths are also a bit yum (apples very traditional for Bircher Museli)
When I've had no fresh fruit, I've used dried pineapple / figs / cranberries
I also chuck in some sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch - but I think you could also do almonds/hazelnuts/ whatever you like

Sometimes, if I'm feeling a bit decadent I'll drizzle a bit of honey on it... this can be messy depending on how awake you are...so be warned.

It's pretty forgiving so you can play around with whatever you have on hand.  Be adventurous and try it out.

Enjoy!

My thoughts on my latest read.

I've just finished, my latest book and wanted to share what I thought about it. This is the fourth in the Corinna Chapman Series by Kerry Greenwood, (she also writes the Phryne Fisher series).

So.... I think I want to live in her world, where she has affordable inner city living, in what sounds like a large apartment, with a great goup of people in the same building, not to mention the good food and wine.  Sounds OK....although there are those nasty dramas which befall her - hmmm, so maybe not.

I liked this, although the descriptions of the meals were a problem - I found my attention drifting as I wondered what was in the fridge!  I must admit, I did love the recipes at the back of the book - kinda cool and a bit quirky.

I think about 4/5 stars.  A nice holiday read- but don't give the storyline too much thought ;)

TITLE: Trick or Treat
AUTHOR: Kerry Greenwood
RELEASED: 2007
PUBLISHER: Allen & Unwin
IMAGE: powells.com

And a cheery note to end on - it was Daffodil Day on Friday - fundraising for cancer, a great cause to support, more info available at their site Daffodil Day.  So a good deed, AND daffy's are one of my favs, I got myself a coupla bunches.  They are a creamy colour, which is nice.  So here they are on the table for the birthday brunch we had this morning. Absolutely Gorgeous!

New cards to show...

A few more cards to show... yay!

So, I am loving this one (and really pretty pleased with myself). It's simple, but I think it's the simplicity and the plain colours with the red which really make it pop!

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Triple Treat Flower / Short and Sweet / Wonderfully Worn
INKS: Stampin' Up Close to Cocoa / Creamy Caramel / Choc Chip / Whisper White
ACCESSORIES: Stampin' Up Jewellery Tag Punch / Word Window Punch, Dimensionals, Button (from bottle of random buttons in cupboard), Sew Easy Fancy Floss in Candy Stripe.
CARD: Cream, Chocolate and Beige Card

This is one I've tweaked a bit, but its a favourite....so a workover was probably to be expected. Simple colours, but the focal point is the butterfly...ahhh.  There is a bit of detail, not really picked up in the photo - a veramarked background of "leafy things", and there's some white shimmer over the butterfly.  The background on this uses alot of the same colours as above, and the same Wonderfully Worn stamp as the "first" background.

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Wonderfully Worn / Garden Whimsey / Fresh Cuts
INKS: Stampin' Up Close to Cocoa / Creamy Caramel / Choc Chip / Rose Red / Pretty in Pink, Versamark
ACCESSORIES: Stampin' Up White Shimmer / Stampa-ma-jig, Pearls, Dimensionals
CARD: Beige , Cream, White and Chocolate Card

And my last card for today.  An experiment with some leftovers which worked really well....gotta be happy with that.  Now I did put shimmer spray over this, which lifted the top left corner up a little, but that is now fixed. I used watercolour pencils to colour the flowers and think they look lovely.  I like that it was a bit old fashioned looking, and all the purples and greens are a such great colour combo!

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Fresh Cuts / Apothecary Art
INKS: Stazon Timber Brown
ACCESSORIES: Watercolour Pencils, Dimensionals, Stampin' Up Gold Shimmer
CARD: Caramel, Khaki, and Cream Card

Awwww...

Just had to post about an "awwwww....that's so cute" moment from last night.  Had day off, and as it turns out due to other house circumstances - everyone was home.  After not really having lunch, and everyone being hungry we decided on take out for dinner...and being oh, so decadent decided on Chinese.

Now the Chinese nearest to us, is a bit on the expensive side and so is considered a treat in our house. I would however mention the portions are big, and if dining in - it is absolutely lovely with real flowers on the table and hot towells at the end of the meal. Not to mention the great customer service.

But I digress, after we picked up our take-out and were waiting to back out the car....a taxi pulled up outside the restaurant.  An old man hopped out, and went around to help out an old lady with sticks.  Once out, she put her arm through his crooked elbow and they walked in together.  It looked to be for a special occasion as she was dressed up, and he had on a sports jacket and bow tie.  Awwwwwww, that's so cute!

A few cards...

I've finally got my act together and, voila, a few cards to show.

So first up.. these stamps were purchased on a whim a few years back.  They always come up well, and are good for boys/girls.  Although you can't really see it in the photo, I put some gold shimmer over the guitar to make it look a bit beachy.  I also roughed up the edges of the mount card for the guitar for a more rustic feel - although I think I was maybe to gentle, as it's not very noticeable.  Loving the watercolour effect on the guitar - colours really make it work.

STAMPS: Judikins 2811F (guitar), Great Impressions J84 (hibiscus)
INKS: Stazon Timber Brown, Stampin' Up Close to Cocoa / Ruby Red / Chocolate Chip / Old Olive / Summer Sun
ACCESSORIES: Aqua Pen, Stampin' Up Gold Shimmer
CARD: Cream and Beige Card,WaterColour Paper

Second up involved a bit of recycling.  A few months back at a Stampin' Up mini catlogue launch, (when the cherry stamp was new), I went to a launch party where you made cards with some of the new stamps (in hopes of selling them I guess). In addition to using new stamps, it was also the release of scented embossing powder - which seemed quite the crowd pleaser. Alas the cherry scent just reminded me of Brondecon Cough Mixture - needless to say - I do not have any cherry scented embossing powder.  Anyhoo, whilst I liked some of the card, other parts were a bit "meh".  So I pulled it apart and used what I liked, and well put it back together in a way I liked.

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Mouthwatering / Short and Sweet
INKS: Stampin' Up Real Red / Choc Chip / ?Old Olive..maybe
ACCESSORIES: Stampin' Up Stampa ma jig / 1cm Pleated Ribbon in Riding Hood Red / a few Punches however not sure sizes - Scallop / 2x Circles / Bird Builder (for leaves), Brad / Stampin' Up Cherry Scented Emossing Powder / Dimensionals, Cuttlebug with Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
CARD: Recycled, White, Pink and Green Card

Now my last card for today, is one I'm quite pleased with.  It came up really well, and I know I could give it to lots of different people and they'd be thrilled.  Ironically just about every stamp on this card is discontinued, or as the Stampin' Up folk say "retired".

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Fifth Avenue Floral / Elementary Elegance / Wonderfully Worn / Fresh Cuts
INKS: Stampin' Up Creamy Caramel / Close to Cocoa / Pink Pirouette / Rose Red, Stazon Timber Brown
ACCESSORIES: Aqua Pen, Bronze Embossing Powder, Pearls, Dimensionals, Stampin' Up 1cm Pleated Ribbon in Blushing Bride / Linen Thread
CARD: White and Cream Card, WaterColour Paper

More to come soon... I promise ;)

Tanuki

My family got together for a night out to celebrate a few things. Any excuse is good for my clan to get together over food. Our chosen destination Tanuki, a Japanese restaurant at Strathpine.  

Now for the non-Brisbane folk, this was a bit of a surprise find as Strathpine isn't exactly known for it's big Japanese population.  I've done a little homework and asked a few questions, and so to give you an idea what Tanuki means: a Tanuki is a raccoon dog.  Tanuki is significant in Japanese folklore, and is a symbol of hospitality. 


It was a great night.  We got alot of entrees so everyone could try a variety of dishes. The yakitori was a big hit (and let's face it EVERYONE loves yakitori!) The suprise hit with the fussiest eater was a lotus root burger..I was assured next time we went back this was what my nephew was going to order.

They don't have a website, but for anyone interested:
Tanuki, Japanese homestyle Restaurant at 14B Lincoln St Strathpine

Yakitori being cooked

On a side note we have been going to Jan Powers Market in Mitchelton (when we remember and are motivated on a Sunday morning), and the there is a yakitori stand there, which is operated by the owner of this restaurant.  At the markets he has a portable grill, and you can watch him cook the skewers. YUM!

Cards to come..but first some books..

s

Whilst, I do have some new cards to show off & I will post some this weekend.  I must admit to being a little side tracked with some books.  I wanted a nice easy read, no thinking required & picked up a favourite book for a re read but have ended up working through a triology.

Yup, one of my favourite authors - Matthew Reilly.  I find them a fun read (for I imagine old and young alike).  They are just pure, unadulterated  escapism.  Check logic at the door and strap in for an exciting read.
    
I think just perfect for a Jerry Bruckheimer treatment! (Think movies like Top Gun,The Rock, Pirates of the Caribbean and you're thinking Jerry Bruckheimer).

BOOK: Seven Ancient Wonders

RELEASED: 2005



BOOK:  Six Sacred Stones  

RELEASED: 2007

BOOK: Five Greatest Warriors
RELEASED: 2009


AUTHOR: Matthew Reilly
PUBLISHER: Pan Macmillan Australia
IMAGES: http://www.matthewreilly.com/the-novels

If  you haven't read one - do it!

Now apologies - I previewed this and it looked great in preview.  Images on left side with writing beside it, BUT it doesn't appear to post the same, a random letter S, which I can't seem to move, and some wacky spacing. Hmmmm..technology one and me a bit fat zero!

More reading

So the passionfruit curd didn't happen, did however try out a recipe with mushrooms...but I imagined it to be loads better.  Gotta try these things for yourself right?  I did finish my latest read- the new James Patterson read and my thoughts on it...so you glad you wanted to know.

TITLE: I, Michael Bennett
AUTHOR: James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
RELEASED: 2012
PUBLISHER: Random House

IMAGE: bigw.com.au

I haven't read a James Patterson for a while (years) and whilst this moved along at a good pace, for me it was just OK. Not bad but not fantastic either, just meh, just nothing too unexpected story wise.

What I would however tell you is "beware the finish" - you'll be waiting for the next installment (should you care).  It ends rather abruptly, I actually flicked back a couple of pages to check the page numbers because I thought I had missed a chapter.

So what I thought....3 out 5

BTW I also finished a couple of the those "almost but not quite yet done" cards, so once I've taken pics I'll show you the results.  

A few new cards

It's been a couple of weeks, but I've some half done cards which I had been working on (still about a half dozen waiting in a 95% done pile) - we can blame books, baking & visitors for getting side tracked in the most delilghtful ways. 

 
STAMPS: Stampin' Up Triple Treat Flower / Short and Sweet
INKS: Stampin' Up Real Red, Fabrico Black
ACCESSORIES: Stampin' Up Jewellery Tag Punch / Word Window Punch, Cuttlebug + Bloom Dots Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Organza Ribbon and Brad
PAPER: Grey, Charcoal and White Card

I liked the simplicity of the "flower" dots mimicing the flower stamp.
A little hard to see in the photo...but a lovely card.  I've also created it in a blue and white colour scheme - a classic combo that looks equally good.

This is one I thought could be tweak this easily for various uses (birthdays, get well, congratulations).



And another..  I'm loving the colours together very autumnal.

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Fifth Avenue Floral
INKS: Stampin' Up Whisper White, and Flower done ages ago - so unsure on the inks
ACCESSORIES: Aqua Pen, Versamark Pen, Bronze Emboss + Heat Gun, Organza Ribbon, Dimensionals
PAPER: Recycled and Rust Card, Watercolour Paper

Now off to get a cuppa, and contemplate today's project.  I've been given HEAPS of passionfruit, and I'm going to try passionfruit curd.  Found a couple of easy recipes online.. so game on.

Laid back weekend

What a laid back weekend I've had...just fabulous.  Caught up with some friends on Saturday and went to lunch out to the Eatons Hill Hotel.  A relatively new place, it's only been open - maybe a year(?)  Beautiful food - a couple of people went the entree option - which I would easily be happy with for lunch.  I shared a vege pizza, topped with roasted sweet potato, caramelised onion, fresh spinach and some sour cream..YUMMO! As we were unsure on the size we got some chips to go with it...again YUM!

Then it was home to do a little craft.  My beautiful niece is just soooo popular - so some more thankyou cards were needed.  So what a fantastic excuse, I didn't need to be asked twice.  Here are a few to share..

The first one is one I've tried a few variations on, various sentiments happy birthday / best wishes, and colour waves of purples and pinks.  It also works with/without embossing folder and it's only two stamps with such great results.  A bit of a favourite combo with comes out regularly.

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Garden Whimsey / Short & Sweet
INKS: Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip / Bashful Blue / Not Quite Navy
ACCESSORIES: Cuttlebug + Stampin' Up Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, Stampa Ma Jig, Pearls and Dimensionals
PAPER: White and cream card stock

The next  was one I did at a Stampin' Up Catalogue launch, but whilst I thought the teacup was cute.  The card well, it just wasn't for me...so it's a bit of a do-over using bits and bobs from the craft cupboard & now I'm happy.

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Tea Shoppe / En Francais / Tiny Tags / Wonderfully Worn
INKS: Stampin' Up Pink Pirouette / Pretty in Pink / Rose Red
ACCESSORIES: Jewellry Tag Punch / Word Window Punch / Scallop Trim Border Punch, Pearls, Linen Thread and Dimensionals

PAPER: White, Pink and Grey Card Stock

And last one for today, is one which was a bit of this and that...but I'm loving it and the colours.

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Fifth Avenue Floral / Tiny Tags
INKS: Stazon Timber Brown, Stampin' Up Whisper White, and poss Pink Pirouette and Pretty in Pink
ACCESSORIES: Versamark Pen, Aqua Pen, Stampin' Up Jewellery Tag Punch / Word Window Punch, White embossing powder, Stampin' Up 1cm Luck Limeade Ruffled Ribbon
PAPER: Watercolour, Gloss, White, Pink and Recycled Card Stock.

Well, I think the sun has now hit my lounge - so I'm off to read the Sunday Paper with a cuppa tea.  Ahhh what a Sunday.

Baby it's cold outside

 

Well since the sunshine last weekend, we've seen the cold weather return sans rain.  So yes it was cold but the days were clear and not miserable; so in my opinion a definate improvement on the week before.

So whilst it's been a bit chill, and there's been utter rubbish on TV - I have been reading on the bus to work, finding a place in the sun at lunch and reading, bit more reading on the bus coming home - then well nothing on TV so getting in my flannie jim jams and crawling into bed with a book (and hot water bottle).  Hence I have a few reviews to tell you about.  So....



TITLE: The Forgotten Garden
AUTHOR: Kate Morton
RELEASED: 2008
PUBLISHER: Allen & Unwin
IMAGE: thereadingexperiment.com

On the upside I liked the fairytales interwoven into the story.  I thought the intricate layering of different times and places was clever.  But it felt like pretty much every character had mother/child abandonment issues.

An OK read, but just a bit average.  I'm thinking 3/5.


And then, the girl I sit next to at work and I were having a book discussion, which ended with her lending me a copy of one of her favourite books & me lending her one of my favs. I told her about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - she definately got the better end of the deal.

 TITLE: Tomorrow When the War Began
AUTHOR: John Marsden
RELEASED: 1993
PUBLISHER: Pan Macmillan
IMAGE: books.google.com

So this was a school read for the girl at work, and she has re-read it several times.  I didn't like to tell her I was out of school when it was published - I'd heard of it and that was about it (and truthfully that was probably more due to the movie coming out last year).

It did have convincing teenage characters & I can see it would be great for teenagers.  However I'm thinking if I read it when I was a teenager, it may have been good but I'm suspecting I'm just too old, and don't really go for the dystopian novels.

My thoughts are it was OK, but won't rush out to buy (or even borrow) remaining books in series...2.5/5.


And my last one a bit of a wash out.  Well OK it was the book that never makes you want to try new books.


TITLE: Let's Pretend This Never Happened
AUTHOR: Jenny Lawson
RELEASED: 2012
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins
IMAGE: goodreads.com

Hmmmm, read the reviews which indicated irrevant but a good read.  I wish I could get my money back!  A couple of smirks, but heaps of language and she kept referring to her "fanny".  What is that about?  The couple of smirks just didn't outweigh all the other rubbish for me.

I didn't even finish it because I just didn't care.  For me the title did actually say it all! I've deleted it off my e-reader as there is a snowflakes chance in hell I'd ever be bothered to read it again.

On the upside interesting cover, although I spent more wondering about the photoshoping on the cover than the contents of the book.

Safe to say a 1, and only because there were a couple of chuckles.

So a huge post covering a couple of weeks of books.  Bring on the weekend :)

Bring on the sunshine..

After a week of wet & cold weather, (Brissie just doesn't do well below 20),  it's back to sunshine for the weekend...YAY!  So with a load of washing pegged out, I'm off to enjoy some of that sunshine, but before I do - here's a card I did whilst I was wishing for the sunshine all week.

STAMPS: Great Impressions E507 (thongs)

INKS: Stazon Timber Brown, Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red and Tempting Turquoise

PAPER: Dark Brown Card, Cream Card and Watercolour Paper

ACCESSORIES: Aqua Painter, and Burgundy Organza Ribbon

 You can't see the organza ribbon very well, but it added a nice depth to the card and a bit of shimmer.... and who doesn't love a bit of shimmer!

Well off to soak up some vitamin D.....

Another bub!

Well more baby news...my cousin just had her little girl & everyone is doing well.  It did make me think about my lack of baby cards, so I've been working on a few cards to keep up my sleeve ....here is one, I'm particularly happy with.  I also tried it with pink and it looked great, but I've posted a bit of pink lately, so I thought green was the go.  I have also subsituted the "welcome baby" for "thank you" on a few cards, which also worked out well.

STAMPS: Imaginations! 1840 (rattle), Stampin' Up Short and Sweet
INKS: Encore Brown
PAPER: Cream card, Recycled Card, & a heavy Green Parchment Paper
ACCESSORIES: Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Sewing Machine

Hmm, not sure what was happening with photography, or the "tidy up" of pic prior to posting... possibly a glass of wine?  Anyhoo, you get the idea.

Something special...

Very happy with the results of a special card for our latest family member.

It was a bit tricky photographing due to the glossy card (pink) reflecting the flash, but I kinda like it without - looks a bit sunset at the beach. Pina Coladas anyone?

STAMPS: Stampin' Up Elementary Elegance / Vintage Labels / En Francais
INK: Stazon Timber Brown, Stampin' Up Pretty in Pink / Pink Pirouette / Rose Red / Creamy Caramel / Chocolate Chip
PAPER: Cream Card, Darker Cream Card, Gloss Card
ACCESSORIES: Ribbon and Brads (from Spotlight)

Now, also finished off a book.  I'd read a few reviews on it, and then found it on sale for $10, so I thought I'd try it and see what I thought.  I was about to start a new book, when a friend mentioned she had just read it and enjoyed it...so it jumped to the top of the 'to read' pile. A very good call & I can easily see this being read again and again. 

A beautiful new bub

What an exciting week - I became an Aunt again to a beautiful baby girl.  Went up to visit and everyone is doing well. And I have to say it, "she's gorgeous".  So with a few bubs on the way within family and a couple of friends...I've been working on some thank you cards.  Here's one I did up in a few colours, the traditional pink and blue, but also some green and yellow. I'm very happy with the results - sometimes simple is best.

STAMPS: Sydney Stamp Stall  (feet x2), Stampin' Up Think Happy Thoughts
PAPER: Yellow and white card stock
INKS: Fabrico Black, Stampin' Up Daffodil Delight
ACCESSORIES: Cuttlebug with Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Stampin' Up Stampa-ma-jig,
Stampin' Up 1 ¼" punch, ribbon and dimensionals

I have already gave a little bundle of cards (including a couple of these) to a few new Mums already, and have some aside for a few "almost but not quite" Mums. 

Now off to create something special for our latest family additon - to the craft cupboard!

End of a long weekend...

A long weekend for the Queen's Jubilee - so I celebrated with a cuppa tea, and sent some thoughts Lizzy's way to celebrate her milestone.

But after that, it was a pretty laid back weekend.  It kicked off with a decision to go out for brekky on Sat morning.  My favourite meal out and it wasn't a disappointing choice.  We went out to North Lakes to Watercress Cafe and it was a lovely decadent start to the weekend.  It's turned a little cooler in Brissie - under 20 degrees - so we opted to sit near the heater.    I had the corn fritters with avocado and poached egg....YUM!  The others opted for french toast, grilled banana, a heap of bacon and a few strawberries...I believe that was also declared a YUM! 

Sunday saw it cool off a little more and rainy - weather which continued today (and is forcast for a few more days yet).  So it's been lazy days...sleep ins, brunches, books and boardgames.  With changes about to happen in the household, we need to get them in whilst we still can!

Did finish another Lee Child book, so I've put a review up.  Second in the Jack Reacher series, and loved it.  Just checked the TV guide for tonight and it's looking pretty likely I'll be starting a new book tonight, tucked up warm in bed.  Yup, that  sounds pretty darn good.

I've finished off a few cards today, so once I've downloaded the photos you'll can see some new cards.  Pretty chuffed with myself, they're goodies.