Danice is a scrapbooker!

Birthday eve and what am i doing?

2012-01-20T21:34:00.000+13:00

Watching American Idol! I really do enjoy a bit of AI, Jayme is up in the big smoke of Auckland, auspiciously to see a DJ called Andy C, but lo and behold, how handy that Big Day Out is also on today which is where he currently is. He has assured me he has left me a present hidden here at home and he will tell me where tomorrow on my birthday, I know im aging when I say cool! and dont even bother tipping the house upside down to find it!!!!!!!!!!!! also spied a tinge of colour out the window so did a quick dash up the road to capture the sunset, this is the first of 2012 sunsets from me, hoping to see lots more throughout the year too!
Added in a pic of a wood pigeon eating the berries on a tree close to the house, its this time they come out to eat up and get fat for the winter.

Here we go again!

2012-01-17T10:01:00.000+13:00

Hi guys! I have been slack but Im not going to beat myself up over it, it is what it is and I am sad to say that Facebook has taken a much larger slice of my time that what I would like, doesnt mean I shall change my ways much tho!
at the end of last year I was lucky enough to get a couple of things published in Paperchase, and I am stoked at the photography they use of my stuff, its brilliant! one item was a layout called Kissie Kissie, and the other started off as a Twiddleybitz Funky Attic house, This is the wee mini house I started while on the Scrapbook Corner Retreat in October last year, and when I got home, I just kept working on it and it ended up being this cool wee creation on an 8" canvas, and while I was on a roll, I found some even cooler houses via Scrapware!!!! SO without further yapping, I shall post some pics for you all!

Enjoy!

One thing about Challenge me happy

2011-09-05T12:09:00.000+12:00

Is that I need to post my layout on my blog, which means I have to actually update the thing! so updating I am.
*pauses* theres not actually much to update!?? things have been tick ticking along, spring is here and I can smell it in the pines and the beach and the river, snow is still on the distant hills but I was down to ONE layer of clothes on the weekend.
First pic, obviously is my Challenge me happy layout, was a recipe challenge needing 1x c/s, 2 x photos, 3x different alphas, 4x patterned paper, 5x buttons and 6 x staples

Then the other morning I grabbed the camera and took some pics without expecting much and got this moody image which I am in love with.

Then on the way home from Nelson I demanded we stop so I could at least take this photo, it was a STUNNING day in Nelson, and do you think I took any photos while I was there!?? no.

And of course, the obligatory Micky shot, every time we go to the beach, I am compelled to take these photos of his floppy ears, Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) has alot to answer for!!!

A layout

2011-08-23T22:54:00.000+12:00

Cos Brenda told me to: this was my effort at The color room's palette last week, hard but fun and i made a mess which is always a good time!

Oh and a pretty sunset from the snow days last week, just cos I can.

Clever people make for a happy danice!

2011-08-19T12:04:00.000+12:00

Of course, its not me being clever in this case, but Pinterest has provided a few jolly good ideas, one of which caused me to leap out of my seat, vault down the (very short) hallway, whip all my recent layouts off the rope in my scrap room, and then busted a gut getting back to my usual seat to attempt to copy something that Shay posted on her Pinterest board.
Only to realise my thingies werent the same size as those thingies and it was about now I lost all forward propellsion and relaxed onto my seat with a cuppa.
After the adrenaline had subsided, I meandered over to Jayme's workshop and snaffled HIS thingies which are bigger than my thingies and so the cord thingies were created!
Please see below.

Such a clever idea, thats my blackberry USB and my external HD USB cords, tidy and ready to use. Ive also got one for the mouse cord and on the other side are my power cords (for when I switch to the work laptop) but Ill need a bigger bulldog clip for one of them, still its a brilliant idea and goes to show Pinterest does have its uses! (other than being the best time waster since Angry Birds!)

Challenge Me Happy layout

2011-08-14T21:17:00.001+12:00

And not meaning to do it, I called my layout "Happy".
Again, the papers and embellies came from Rachel Tucker's kit, Fancy Pants "It's the little things" paper range is so much fun to work with!

We had to scraplift a layout and as normal, I was doing well with the scraplift until half way through and I went off track a little bit, but was a fun way to fill in a Sunday evening! thanks Challenge me happy!

Scrappin, stuff and Micky

2011-08-11T22:31:00.000+12:00

Have you heard? I have a new puppy!!! actually hes pretty much ancient now seeing as I have had him since early July, he is totally full on but absolutely gorgeous. photos show it better than I can explain:

Micky is a mini foxy, he is currently 10.5 weeks old and hes just adorable, some bullet points:

Having a Puppy is hard work
Having a little dog puppy is a NIGHTMARE
I am thankful that we have an adult dog that is patient (something we didnt expect) and prepared to let a little dog hang of her generous fur coat

And then somewhere in the middle of puppy watching I did the above canvas, I havent done a brilliant job of photographing it, there is alot of texture involved with texture paste and the mask of a Cheery Lynn Italian Flourish doilie. Then Below is a layout I did pretty quickly (for me!) I love the colours used, and I used heaps of stuff from a kit that the kind hearted and generous Rachel Tucker sent me- there is SO much more in the kit this is only the first of many layouts I will be doing, and I really enjoy those Scrapware frames!

Now I have the obligatory beach/sunset/moody photos

Thats the snowy Southern Alps in the background.

And a good shot of the Barber - its a cloud (COLD) that comes down through the Grey valley and over Greymouth alot of the daysthrough winter, its a bit of a freak of nature, only three places in the world have it.A hawk- gorgeous and I love them

And finishing off with another couple of the millions of Micky pics I've taken over the last month!

Oops.

2011-06-26T14:15:00.000+12:00

Its not that I'm lazy. Really! well, maybe.
I get busy and then I end up doing heaps of stuff that I want to blog about and I get overwhelmed and dont end up blogging about anything!!!
So today, I am dedicated to spending a decent amount of time posting photos and updating my blog.
Last week I attended the Left Bank Art Gallery opening night for the Electronet photo comp, I have three photos exhibited!!!!!!!! didnt win anything but thats ok, the winning photos were pretty amazing!
I was meant to be in Auckland for SENZ since Thursday although due to the Chilean volcanic ash cloud, my flight was cancelled, this turned out to be fortuitous for my boss who was happy to have me continue working til Friday night, I was able to rebook my Thurs flights for Saturday, but then that flight was cancelled too, and to be fair, after working 70 odd hours last week I wanted to come home!
These photos are from Stockton Mine. I was up there from Sunday doing whats called a "blanket test" where everyone on site or coming onto site gets drug tested.

These are the vans set up for business, thats mine on the left end!!! poor things never been so grubby!

This is us! on a rare break together. I am the West Coast rep, the others are my boss from Chc, our office admin lady (who rocks) and then theres the part timer from chc and then Greg from Dunedin.

Still can't believe we were allowed to go for a drive on the Haul Max! was awesome!

The Haul Max getting ready to be filled with coal from the conveyor belt.

i think thats a wrigley, heading off down the hill.

Ill finish this post off now, so i have time to go do other stuff! thanks for reading :D

Self Saucing caramel and fruit pud in the crockpot

2011-05-19T07:32:00.000+12:00

So this is a photo of how it looks this morning, god it was yummy last night.
Its from the "Slow" recipe book by Alyson Groft

Let me know and show me a photo if you make it too !!

Caramel sauce
1Lt boiling water
3/4 cup sugar
75 grams butter, diced

Pudding
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
2-3 tsp mixed spice
1 1/2 cups sultanas
1 cup currants or raisins
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cups milk ( i used a bit more to make it like a batter)
50 grams melted butter

Turn the slow cooker on to low to preheat while preparing mix
Stir the water, sugar, and butter together until the sugar has dissoved and the butter melted. Pour into the pre warmed sow cooer and cover with the lid.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and mixed spice into a large bowl. Stir in the sultanas and currants and brown sugar and make a well in the centre.

Pour the milk into the well and, using a wooden spook, sitr gradually to form a thick batter, free of flour lumps. Once all the milk has been added, stir in the butter.

SPoon the batter evenly into the hot sauce and cover with lid.

Cook on high for 1 hour then turn to low for a further 3-4 hours. Do not lift the lid for the first 2 hours of cooking time.

Serves 10-12 (pfft i reckon 8 average or 6 large portions)
Prep time 15 mins
cooking time 4-5 hours using high and low.

hello hello!

2011-05-15T13:32:00.000+12:00

Did you know, I have tried updating my blog about 3 times since I last posted, and for one reason or another, it just hasnt happened. Today I am blogging, and will upload pics and all!
Winter is here, and I am warm and cosy in my scrap room, so I've done 3 layouts in 3 days, AND half arse tidied up, I have been buying pretty papers and actually doing something with them, enjoy!

This lo is for The Colour Room and its Palette #58

These two layouts I did using my new BoBunny Petal Pushers range, it turned into a double layout without me even realising it - go me!

These layouts are 6x6 for National Scrapbooking day with some challenges held over at Scrappin Patch.

extra photos just cos i can

2011-04-30T20:09:00.000+12:00

Stunning sunset when we stopped off at the beach to let Shilo have a run and a swim when we went to get our treat pizza for dimer, while i was waiting for the pizza tho, the sky darkened to a deep bright pinky red, but i was stuck at the pizza shop and unable to bugger off to the waterline to get more pics, but it didnt really worry me, it will happen again especially at this time of year when its so clear and crisp.

Wowser! another month has flown by

2011-04-30T10:47:00.000+12:00

Dont you love the way I just used the word "woswer"? sounds good doesnt it!

And my excuse for my shocking typing all over the place lately is that I bought a new laptop and I'm not entirely used to the keys! And I happen to be a lazy typist :D

I have been doing well with my Project 365, still taking a photo every day and posting it in my facebook gallery and then printing them as a hard copy for my album.
And I've hung out at the end of the house a couple of times, This Birthday Memories layout was done for Scrappin Patch April recipe, and I thought I had uploaded it to their gallery, but obviously, I didnt. oh well.

I have grand ideas (as usual) of getting the odd Project 365 photo onto tiles(ceramic or wooden) of varying sizes and hanging them as artwork in the house. The only issue is that I don't particularly want to spent $25 per little tile, and when I see that a block of MDF would work just as well, I get a bit tight with the wallet!
So instead I went halfsies (kind of- long story) in a canvas of one of the TTD shots, I've never bought or had a photo canvas before so I am looking forward to it!
This fly away layout was done to remind me that I AM pretty, (chubby too) that I AM nice (most of the time) and that its ok for me to be PROUD of myself. (ALL the time!)
I think I will leave this layout on the easel for while. just for those reminders!

Stuff lately

2011-04-11T17:08:00.000+12:00

I saw this and it was pretty, so I just stopped, and took a photo Serpentine Beach.

Stags are in roar , and I feel so sorry for him, cos theres a doe just over the paddock and he reallllllly wants into that paddock and I dont think its cos the grass is greener (even tho I think it really IS greener)

As you will likely know, Shilo loves sticks and this big branch lying over our driveway didnt pose a problem, she attacked it and made it her own, so proud of the lil girlie.

Followed straight after by Jayme stepping onto some moss and sinking right into it then falling over, LOVE that I take the camera everywhere and got this pic- on a side note, he fell over very quietly and it was only because I turned around to call the dog that i even saw him on his knees, and thanks to my quick reflexes, got the hehehe photo of the day :D

Blogspot has changed and its a little bit random

2011-04-07T20:29:00.002+12:00

Im having trouble laying out my photos and the writing, so here are a few pics from yesterday, clearing the garden, id ont think you can see my styley pink socks and brown steel capped work boots tho :(- MASSIVE carrots tho!

TTD Shoot

2011-04-04T13:16:00.000+12:00

This is for those that done have Facebook - Huge thanks to Osiris Developments for giving this a go, a bit different and out of the box from the usual and you have done a great job, cheers!

Seeing as you have had lots of photos

2011-03-25T21:50:00.000+13:00

I decided today I will give a proper blog post.
Update my life as such. Online anyway.
Obviously the most exciting thing that has happened to me recently is the new camera, love love LOVE it.
Even if I have no idea how to use it. That nicely seagues into the next exciting topic, I have entered into an educational agreement, a Diploma in Digital Photography (for beginners) no less. 6 months and I'll be flash as with my camera apparently.... not holding out high hopes but anything is better than nothing!
Things are ticking along nicely, gearing up for a chilly winter in our new cosy house, so much better than the yukky cold draughty s.box of this time last year! And in talking about the wee s.box, I feel for the new owners, They have already had to start lighting the fire to keep warm.
Am on the hunt for some new recipes, hated my round crockpot, was way too small and the shape of it wouldnt allow for lamb shanks to sit nicely, so lo and behold, Mitre 10 had a special on their 3.5 lt oval crockpots, so that is going to be the most used kitchen appliance this winter, perhaps along with the pizza stone!
Am looking forward to heading off up to Auckland for my holiday next week, no doubt will have exciting adventures to report on my return.
Meanwhile, enjoy your weekend everyone and keep warm and if you are one of those people (ie Jenny) that have come to damage this week, take it easy!!!!!

only a few photos today

2011-03-24T21:14:00.000+13:00

Went for a wee drive up the road to Woods Creek Track but I let Jayme hold the camera and hes somehow accidently adjusted a few settings that I am having trouble restoring! so I can take photos far away but not really up close at the moment, good reason to get really stuck into the manual!!

Well, this toadstool was in the driveway, i do like the wee fungi

Woods Creek

Uroquois above Marsden

Here we go again!

2011-03-22T21:38:00.000+13:00

Mt Cook

the water droplets around her paws are cute

Gold flecks, real gold too!

its a crocoshilo.... doggie has learnt to put her head underwater for a stick - its always for a stick!

photos from today

2011-03-21T21:57:00.000+13:00

Seafood platter for one?

Mussel bed

squishy anemone things that cover themselves in wee pebbles

seagull

thanks random dude for giving me a good photo, I think he was a tourist taking advantage of the awesomness of the West Coast

See above

playing with focus again

Moon tonight

Todays photo of the day!

The tide was high up today against the rocks on the way form from Westport

Arent you all lucky today!

2011-03-20T21:21:00.000+13:00

I actually have done a layout, mostly, but I havent quite finished it so no photos yet.
HOwever, I do have some other photos to show, i started off with today being about wings, then it turned into bugs, then back to wings, then bugger it, itll be whatever I want.

Bee on thistle

Shilo at the beach, what a surprise, she has a stick.

A dead fish, some sort of shark I think, the nose really is like that weird dangly thing, if anyone knows what it is, feel free to tell me!

a sea gull.

More photos of stuff

2011-03-19T23:01:00.000+13:00

I am wondering a little bit as to how long I shall be this enthused to be posting photos to the blog, but its such fun! following is some random shots from the last couple of days. I cant wait to learn more about the camera. At this rate, Im having as much fun taking the photos as I usually do scrapping the photos!

A budding Daisy...

Greenstone Park Speedway, Modified Champs

A pippit bouncing around the yard.

Poor Shilo, so hard done by, you might think she needs a pillow, but no, she just likes sleeping on her toys, in this case an old water bottle.

Another photo post!

2011-03-17T21:04:00.000+13:00

But how could I resist when I have HRH photos!

The story goes like this: I went to hang out on the road at Shantytown waiting for his arrival.

All up there was only 12 people including a few kids waiting!

The weather was bloody awful, pouring and windy but not so freezing cold.

He arrived in a convoy, and we had no idea which vehicle he was in, so I was having to try to take pictures of all the vehicles! There were a few girls there, neighbour Colleen had the coolest fluro sign,

But luckily Deb squealed, and I got the general idea it was the second vehicle that we needed to focus on, Colleen lost the camera button, it disappeared while she was having wee heart palpitations and holding up her sign,

SO we got the first pic (very happy!!) Love that WIlliam is smiling (and John Key laughing) at Colleen's sign!

We then went back a bit later when he was due to leave and got more photos, the convoy coming out of Shantytown

Colleen's leaving sign

All in all, an exciting event, and I am really pleased that I braved the rotten weather, possibly putting my cold recovery back a day or two, but whats a day or two for the chance of a lifetime!?

Some Photos

2011-03-17T13:24:00.000+13:00

Thanks for your well wishes yesterday girls! It seems they worked a little bit because I am feeling much better today, still stuffy but far less foggy!!

This is my old camera, Panasonic TZ1, I used this pic as my project 365 photo yesterday.

Yesterday afternoon I went with Jayme to the Gallery, and while there I took a bunch of photos of his work and other peoples work, taking photos was fun before, but now, its AWESOME!

Playing with the lenses

One of Jayme's sculptures, jade is quite translucent need to work on my backgrounds.

Tiki, just seeing what happens with the light

Earrings, love this pic, shows the differences between jade, translucent marsden one side, and dark flower marsden on the other.

Chris Weaver Pottery, I was playing with the shadows.

of course I had to include Shilo, she was camera shy for a second....

Mr sheepie.

Ha, this is a comment sight these days, reading the camera manual!

Today I got...

2011-03-16T20:30:00.000+13:00

the flu really bad. damn thing just landed on me last night and this morning the flu only dampened my excitement a tiny bit.. because today I also got... a new camera!!! am very keen to get into it and spent the rest of my sickly day reading the manual, and its a thick manual!
So stay tuned for some hopefully reallllllly interesting pics soon!

The last week has been...

2011-02-27T17:59:00.005+13:00

tragic, funny, kind, heart breaking, sad, joyous, and heaps of other stuff in between.

Sunday night things started, I had been moaning at Tracy P alllll day that my eyes were blurry, and Im naughty cos I really need my eyes checked moan whinge bleat. Several hours later I was still moaning that I felt funny and my face didnt seem to be doing what I wanted it to do, to cut a reasonably long story short, Jayme ended up realising that my eye wasnt reallllllly working. here is a video from Monday.

After attending the hospital as recommended by the Dr, It has been decided I have Bell's Palsy. Apparently it will go away could be 3 weeks, or 3 months but it will go away.
SO then on Tuesday, we had Nic C and her family came to stay, I was so happy!
Jayme was kind enough to allow me to open his house up for Nic and her family, and for someone like me who is not very social from home I was a little bit concerned at how I would cope with so many people, But I am happy to report it was fine!

My relief at having them safe with me was utterly incomprehensible and I was so grateful that I could be so calm and have so few worries about people I care about. In saying that, unfortunately my work building in Christchurch has taken a hit, and although my boss and Christchurch co workers are all fine as are their families, I am not sure when work will be back to normal for them. Damn it I still have to get up at 4.30am tomorrow to do my work. bugger.THis is a photo taken on Weds at the bread aisle, we had no bread, no basic staples, limited frozen food and no water, but there was plenty at home to go around, and I even tried my hand at making chelsea buns, and an apple pie that we made for Tracy P cos we made it while on Skype with her.

I should note that with the Cotterill influx, there were 4 laptops, an ipod, an android, 2 x blackberrys and assorted other geek stuff, and it was extra heavenly because I just upgraded to 40GB !!!!

Fish n chips for the whole family at Cobden Beach on Friday night.

SO to wrap up, my thoughts are a bit all over the place, happy that everyone I care about is ok, sad that their lives have been so horribly adjusted, happy that my face isnt falling off, even if i will look half saggy and spastic for a while, im ECSTATIC that Im attending Homegrown in Wellington next weekend with Jayme's cousins AND catching up with my big sister at the racing, Im eager to meet the newest member of Eve and Dwayne's family Chole who arrived on Weds but, most of all im grateful for being me.

Thats about as deep as you will get from me so enjoy it while it lasts!!!

thanks for reading!!

Such sadness,

2011-02-22T21:19:00.002+13:00

Christchurch got absolutely hammered today, I was just popping into the New World when Jayme rang me to let me know he had felt the house shake really bad and he said Christchurch had been hit hard again, I literally hung up on him and immediately rung Nic C to make a welfare call, Nic is a pretty strong woman, and is usually cheerful and positive and looking for the good in everything, but when she says shes scared and the quake terrified her, I knew it was pretty rough.
I came home, then realised that was really dumb, and went back into town and stocked up a bit more than usual, Last quake our supermarket shelves were empty, and i coudlnt get gravy for AGES!!! I really dont know why they were short on the gravy, but im happy to say I now have plenty.
I have to get up early (4am) tomorrow morning too but I know that I will have a much bigger post with a bit more added.
But for tonight, please send warm thoughts and positive energy to those that have been affected, not just in Chc, but everywhere.

Had to show a bunch of photos!

2011-02-15T20:40:00.004+13:00

I took some cool pics today for Project 365 and I took lots but am being very stern with myself in only picking ONE to choose as the photo of the day, however I have no rules about sharing as many as I like on my blog! so here goes: first off are some pics of a couple of fantails.

And these pics were from early this morning on the way home after a 4am start. I love this tree thats on the way into town.

And to finish off I will show a (crappy) photo that I took of a sweet layout using pastel colours and a GORGEOUS photo of Cees when he was a wee baby.

Blogging today!

2011-02-06T15:51:00.008+13:00

Hi there!

Not a huge post today but an update at least. Yesterday was the League game between the Warriors and some Aussie team. I went because it was in Greymouth and was in aid of the Pike River Trust, a worthwhile cause indeed.

A minutes silence at the start of the game.
It was absolutely packed! way more people than I imagined, and the local paper said parking in the paddock opposite, plenty of space rah rah... not! it was too boggy so there was literally no parking!

took us ages to park and walk to the place but it was nice to see some hardcore supporters, pity the ref was a bit of an idiot according to some really vocal fans :D Heres some pics, but do remember I am very short and there were alot of people there, We left a bit early because we didnt want to get stuck in the traffic, and we realised Id left the corned beef element on at home (its ok- all safe and sound and tasted delicious!)

I think this is when the Warriors got a try, or a goal or whatever it is that garners points. Nic can tell you much more about this stuff than me!

And today I was playing dress ups again in my dress, I figure I had best try to sort this veil out seeing as I dont really have a good idea on what or how to fix it and the photos date is looming ever closer!! LOVE the styley jandals :D

Jenny Inspires!!!!

2011-01-23T13:33:00.008+13:00

AGAIN!

Jenny has inspired me by posting a lovely sunset photo on facebook, and it reminded me I have some from the other night too, you know when you see the sky, think "oh thats lovely" and by the time you go find the camera and take pics the colours have already changed again??

Meet rattie, Janine mentioned she had the knitting pattern and I jumped at the chance to get one made (seeing as I couldnt knit to save myself) and I got rattie the squished rat bookmark! love it!!
Yesterday Jayme and I and the dog went to Hokitika and on the way home we stopped at the beach- ostensibly so I could get photos because it was so calm, but of course we had to let dogbreath have a play and this is one of my fave photos, and then theres this one that reminds me of the generic Windows blue fluffy clouds pic
And then, the other day when it was stinking hot, we went to the creek for a swim (wont be showing you THOSE photos!!!) but I decided it was a good idea to try gold panning so Jayme got me a wee pan, and this is me trying my luck- unsurprisingly, I still need to work cos I didnt get rich, in fact Im shocking at panning but it did amuse us for a couple of hours and we got at least a few specks!

I was also going to show you a picture of some bikes, but I cant find the pic now and its no fun sharing news without pics so I will wait for another day to explain that!!!!

The Wedding Dress.

2011-01-14T18:02:00.004+13:00

yes, you read right...w-e-d-d-i-n-g d-r-e-s-s... "MY" wedding dress in fact.

but no, its not what youre thinking! haha!

This post is only to explain my Project 365 photo for day 13. I couldve used another photo, but I figured why should I!? this is the picture that made my day (my week really!) but it does come with an explanation that some people already know, but lots don't.

This is my story, you can think im an idiot, you can call me stupid, but I like the idea and its happening.

You may have an inkling that I LOVE wedding photos, I ADORE them, dont care who it is or whether I know the people or not. I just love looking at them!

Last year, Jo and Larry got married.

Then Jo announces shes going to do a TTD shoot. For those that dont know that means Trash The Dress. I was rather excited about this- imagine my two fave things, brides and nature getting together!!! a bit like that yogurt add where the fruit is all smooshed together... anyway I digress.

Jo did her TTD shoot with Perspectives Photography. You can see their TTD gallery here - isnt it amazing!??

So anyway, what I couldnt figure out was that the dress Jo was wearing in the TTD shoot WASNT her wedding dress *gasp* I hear you say! oh no, that was just me, the concept was a very new one- heh why NOT get a second dress for a special shoot? Especially seeing as for water shots and movement, you need a dress with movement IN it, and personally, I like straight skirts, full skirts but not ruffles or fluffy bits... what I mean to say is, the style of wedding dress I would wear would NOT be suitable for a TTD shoot.

So. Anyway to cut a long story short, I made it clear marriage is not on the cards for me (or Jayme) for some time (if ever). What a shame cos I'd be so keen to destroy my wedding dress to get some amazing photos that I could scrapbook...

Jo says "You dont have to be married to do it..."

LIGHTBULB moment! (imagine Gru)

no, no one DOESNT need to be married to do this.

And even better, a professional photographer here in Greymouth has been DYING to do a trash the dress shoot, unfortunately he hasnt had any brides keen yet.. til me!!!!!! im not a bride per se, but that hardly matters does it!

So, I ordered my (custom fit) wedding dress, and a couple of veils, oh and the fake eyelashes.. and in the next month or two I shall have some photos to scrap :D

and.......... ITS SO FLUFFY IM GONNA DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS. Jayme is happy for the whole thing to happen "so long as I dont have to do anything" which he does not :D

Oh I forgot. Project 365

2011-01-11T21:31:00.002+13:00

I'm going to attempt this in my own spesh way, so far its fine, even getting easier, Im sure the original Project 365 was that you SCRAP the photo a day, but bugger that! so MY goal is that I take one photo a day, and upload into an album on facebook. I am wondering if I should upload them on here too??
I know other people are enjoying doing the project too, and using more than one photo a day, but I have decided that the hardest part is picking just ONE photo per day, and I think its really a bit more interesting doing it this way because I have to make a choice- usually with some input from Nic and/or Tracy and then I can scrap the ones that dont make it too.
I have so far printed all my pics out too and will slide them into a slidey in photo album with room on the side for some notes - likely manage to do more journalling like this than i would scrapbooking!
But, if anyone wants to see the photos and isnt a friend of mine on facebook, well. add me!

For the new Year

2011-01-11T20:58:00.004+13:00

I am only posting cos Tracy is doing hers, Mandy is doing hers, and Jenny was lovely enough to encourage me to post- thanks! its appreciated to know people do read my blog!!!

The last week has been (mostly) stunning weather! for the West Coast you might think of grey, overcast yukky rainy cold days, but its the opposite!

I intensely dislike heat so am content to lie in bed reading a book and avoiding the sun at all costs, but thats a bit hard to do when one has a job and has to go outside to clean the work vehicle. bugger it.

But this arvo we went to the creek thats at the bottom of the paddocks, havent been down for a while, and its all changed, Jayme thinking there has been a few flash floods and changed the water pattern, but it was great because it also cleared the bottom and there were lots of sandy spots, so I was brave and went swimming for the first time this year, cant see it happening too often tho! and of course no pics of me OR the creek, except for wee Shilo the stick dog. Ill even post the beach pic I took the other day.

I havent been scrapping too much lately, Ive had a couple of early starts (and i mean like 3am early) puts me out a bit for a few days so i never feel like i have a long enough "block" of time to concentrate on a layout, but this is one that i did using the colorroom palette, i adore the photos that were taken by Maegan McDowell Photography. The makeup on Alesha was a bit much but hey ho, she still looks gorgeous and the lighting in the photos was really unique.

Hmm I have a few things I COULD post about, but I feel like keeping the secret a bit longer so Im not gonna tell (yet) (and definately NOT pregnant)

Well Hello there!

2010-12-30T23:00:00.010+13:00

I'm blogging. Obviously even!

Tracy is doing hers and seeing as I was moaning that I was bored, I agreed to update my blog. I'm a Bad Blogger by being behind blogging. That sentence took me a while to complete with the B's - just to amuse myself you understand!

I have been scrapping a bit, enough to keep me joyful, Oh and the birdcages!! ohh ohh ohhhhh I ADORE my new birdcages!!!!

Isnt it just devine! and I have used it once already, so of course rushed off to get another, and discovered they have the same birdcages in antique!!!!! so got a couple of those too.

Nothing much else happening for Christmas or New Years, just chugging along rather merrily.

The above sentence is pretty much bollocks to be fair, I am so lazy that I can't be bothered finding the pics to go with all the happenings, and anyway, seeing as I believe only scrappers read this blog, thats what I will post photos of, starting with:This is my non Christmas photo with Christmas colours.. Cees was such a cute baby and I have been very lucky to be given a bunch of very cool photos which you will no doubt be seeing more off in the not too distant future!

Next up is one of Jayme's neices all dressed up for her (pre?) school Christmas play last year, still need to get the specific info to fill in the journalling card.

OH and this one is Cees and his mum at the Baby Loves Disco err disco? in Auckland last year, the photographers did some amazing work and I have used several of the shots taken for a few layouts so far, but this particular layout was done for The Colorroom, this place has really inspired me lately not only with their sketchs, but the colour combos are pretty fun to try too!

So then, I scrapped another layout with Cees and Alesha, It's pretty amazing that after scrapbooking girls for so long, I am definately enjoying the change of boy stuff! and these photos were taken by me, and to put it bluntly, I'm a crap photographer, but these photos in a row made ME laugh, and I like them, so I scrapped them.

Enjoy! oh and Happy New Year :D

This is what happens with a bit of inspiration

2010-12-09T17:48:00.003+13:00

Got the inspiration or perhaps "muse" is a better word from a friends 4D scan photos she generously posted on Facebook.. as most will know, anything that a friend posts on FB is fair game!! so i printed it and made this shabby chic card, I don't know Jo and Larry very very well, but they have always been good fun and generous with their friendship so I decided to create a welcome card to the "smidge" and i used things that I *think* suits them all as a family, shabby chic it is!! And tucked in there is the 4D scan - welcome to lil Smidge!

I did have stuff to say.. really!

2010-11-26T19:59:00.007+13:00

But of course I have forgotten what it was, and seeing as I havent updated for a month, one would think I was overflowing with news!!!

I guess I need to mention the Pike River Mine and the fellows that have died underground seeing as its art of where I now live, I knew none of them personally, but obviously the effect on our town and people has been pretty awful.

All I can put out there is that I hope like anything that the men will get to be with their families once again no matter how long it takes.

Tomorrow night the DHL Saloon Series will be making an appearance at the Cobden raceway, with John Keys in attendance and as much as its cool to go watch, it means something else to me- my sister!!!!! My sister will be coming along with her husband who is pit crew for one of the guys racing and I get to see my neices too!!!!!!! can't wait to take lots and lots photos!

I have been crafting a fair bit, of course not alot to show for it seeing as its spread all over the show- hopefully good news from everywhere soon!

This one I just like, not sure if/how I can scrap it, but they are eels, friendly eels at one of Jayme's friends creek, these eels live in a calm eddy created by a fallen tree, and the eels have been there for years!
I was looking through the computer as you do, and came across the CUTEST photo ever:

Of course, now Shilo has grown up to this:

Layouts galore!

2010-10-19T12:58:00.011+13:00

This is pretty Bella, one of Jayme's neices or close enough, using Basic Grey papers.

OHHH and whos this handsome fella?? tis Jayme and I. Or - Him and me even. Using old(er) Basic Grey Marrakesh papers and VERY straight edges, nto sure I love this layout, but I do adore this photo of us, mainly because I will always remember him being so hung over but I made him come with me on a tiki tour up the coast as we had planned BEFORE he got drunk the night before, I'm a bit mean hehehehe :D

Surprise!!!!!!!!!! its Amelia, of course theres a layout of Miggles here, and interestingly, I used scraps of my all time fave papers (prima) that I also used on Amelia's birthday invites. Oh yeah, the reasoning behind this layout was that I had just received my new Prima stamp from Scrappin Patch.. had to use it on SOMETHING.

Niecey poo Nikita up a tree, the photo wasnt fantastic, but I like that using that frame makes it work ok without cropping the hell out of the photo, used Basic Grey papers and a bit of felt stuffs.

Thanks Tess! This is based on a sketch from Little Shop of Sketches and I love this layout, I also love that scraps of my fave Prima was used again too!:D

2010-10-09T20:25:00.002+13:00

Ohhhhhh LOOKIE HERE!!!!!!
I am on Fire this year, Goal number 1 was to be published, and i can tick that off..... and now, I'm on a design team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats two goals ticked this year!!!
I am very grateful for all my encouraging friends, they motivate me and tell me to hurry up and do things. They also know who they are, but I will name them anyway, Tracy P, Nic C and lately Jennie has been keeping me in check nicely too.
SO please! check out Little Shop of Sketches and you can also see some of my latest work :D

quickie update

2010-10-09T08:50:00.003+13:00

I have been so unupdatey, that I forgot my password to log in here today.
But, here I am!
where to start!? well, firstly, we are happily ensconced in our new home, things had to settle down and get "normal" again- oh how i missed a decent kitchen and oven!! I have also started doing two weekly rotating menus for my shopping, and its so useful!
I started doing it and then thought bloody hell, this is going to take for ever just to write up the shopping list etc, but i perservered and ended up with a great list of healthy food that I cook every week AND it makes food shopping pretty blimmin easy, I know whats already in the fridge and pantry and freezer so I ONLY buy things for that weeks meals, so far its saving a heap of money and even more time, considering I live a tad bit rural these days, whipping into the supermarket for a packet of whatever isnt really an option!
I have sorted my scrap room out too, looking ok, not completely set up because we still need to paint the skirting boards in allt he rooms so no point getting too cosy when things are going to be shifted again, I have been creating lots of goodie things tho, but my pc has also busted its network card (thanks lightning!) so i need to replace it before i can get back on my pc with all my scrap pictures on it .
OHHHHH thats right i forgot- i was published!!!!!!!!!!!!! yes in UP2scrap, It was the ugliest layout ever (in my opinion) but I finally acheived a goal from 2008 and that was to get something published! ticked off my list now, maybe my next goal is to get something published in Aussie :D

twice monthly is good??

2010-08-16T14:26:00.003+12:00

If I blog twice a month its better than none a month. but I figure I can throw some more layouts up :This pic is a fluke shot, I was taking photos on the way to Christchurch, and a month or so later when I was playing around with Microsoft ICE and learnt that I have an easy to use Panorama Function and i made this pretty pic from it:

Why didnt anyone tell me!!!!!!!

2010-08-06T20:32:00.003+12:00

Its been months since i blogged, one might think i was away doing great world things, feeding starving children in India or helping to rebuild Haiti and unable to blog because i was nowhere near a computer with internet.

But no. I was just um not feeling in the mood to blog. Then i saw this cool video of the all girl NZ hip hop crew who WON 2010 HipHop Dance Championships, I had no idea it was going on, but im really impressed with the whole thing! and then Lynne blogged and i thought hmm thats a good idea!

So I have been scrapping and arting and other stuffs. i shall show the latest lo's from the scrappin patch Stars in their eyes competition and Scrapbooking Outlets Celebrate NZ comp. It was a little bit embarrassing cos I did some neat layouts that i sent thru for submission so i had to take them OUT of the comp... but no more! I have a decent amount of time to scrapbook andheaps of products to use up so hopefully i should get lots done int he next few weeks!

Heh.

2010-05-06T09:08:00.003+12:00

I just spent a bit of time scrolling back through my blog, and looking at the pictures and reading my bollocks, gave me a bit of a giggle, and I MUST print the entries out and make some sort of hardcopy journal, I know ive seen people that do this, but have no idea how its done so if anyone has any ideas- feel free to let me know how!
On other fronts, I am loving Greymouth, yes, it can be cold, yes, it can be frustrating that the shops are usually shut, and yes especially that theres no scrapbooking shops BUT for all that, its lovely to be without sirens, alarms or traffic lights. I can hear the beach from home, I see the beach on the way to work every morning and the way home, and I have an oven! It is true that I have the odd homesick for the North Island pang, but its nothing i cant deal with, and i reassure myself that its only a flight away! and I do have the net so I can always buy stuff online :D

Fiskateer Crop on today!

2010-04-25T10:33:00.003+12:00

Seeing as I'm incredibly lazy, I just copied and pasted this from Tracy Palmer's Facebook Status.. thanks Tracy!

To all you scrapbookers! There is an Online Crop going on at Fiskateers ... You aren't a Fiskateer?? email Kelly Jo Massicotte At kellyjo@fiskateers.com tell her Danice #1830 sent you ... come and join the fun!!!!

Opps i have neglected it havent i?

2010-04-11T10:36:00.004+12:00

Well to make up for it this is a photo heavy post, mainly with the photos of my recent layouts.

Its Real now!

2010-02-14T09:42:00.003+13:00

My stuff to be freighted is being collected today, and it looks so sad! a big pile of boxes and paper racks filled with clothing (hey he said pack anything anywhere!) and the state of my lingerie drawer was sad- there are knickers in tins, little boxes and scrap drawers, such fun to unpack!
And this is the pile ready to be delivered around the place! Yay for sisters cos Jodie will be safekeeping the majority of my scrapbook albums, when i suggested(ie told) her i was bringing some albums for her, there was happiness for a second until she cleverly realised that no, they werent empty albums hehehehe sorry sis! but yes, I did go through and get my favourite layouts and I was expecting to take just one or two albums, I ended up iwth 4, so even tho it was more than I expected, I'm happy to have discovered I like that many of my layouts!

Basic Grey paper packs for sale

2010-02-06T11:19:00.002+13:00

Im starting the "purge" and found a pile of Basic Grey papers that I havent used so bye bye papers, feel free to check out my listings on Trademe, more to come!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=270226897
Ive listed all the paper packs for $5 reserve, they need to go!

OUTTIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-05T06:29:00.003+13:00

grab a cuppa, sit yourself down and please enjoy my news!
I handed in my resignation at work today
and in my flat because- I'm moving!
not just down the road or to a different suburb, oh nooooo I'm seriously packing my crap and shifting to a different Island, the South Island and I'm going to be an import Coaster!!!!!!!
I've spent the last 3 days doing interviews for two places that i would like to work, and yesterday as I was getting on the bus back to Christchurch to catch a plane home, I was given the happy happy news that I'm in with a company that I want to work for, I am so blimmin lucky to find not only an agency that does the same as where I'm at now, but they do it in a similar manner to what I'm used to and what I believe is a great philosophy to find employment for people with experience of mental illness.
I am STOKED!
Luckily I have an Uncle who has been in the freight industry for ever and he is willing to come and help me out with moving advice (and god I need it!) I dont plan on taking much/any furniture but my scrap stuff is of the utmost importance seeing as the winters are long and pretty dreary down south, and I want to be prepared! (and to be honest, it's not like I will be able to pop up the road to get anything I might need!)
A suggestion i have had is to have a blog garage sale, and i think that could be a good way to go, once i sort out what im taking and what im not! or more to the point, find out just how much its going to cost me to move everything, and go from there!
But YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE for me!

Holy Smoke! i did a layout!!

2010-01-30T20:49:00.004+13:00

with thanks to the other 2 piggies that did the menu with me, i did this layout, admittedly not my finest work, but damn it- i DID A LAYOUT!

Ahh the menu goes like this:
everyone choose their food from the menu, then someone else givest he "scrapbook" version of their menu, we nearly lost this but clever Tracy kept a copy so I figure ill post it so it remains somewhere anyway!

Appetizer
Bruchetta
Bread and Butter
French Onion Soup
Shrimp Cocktail
Hot Wings

Salad
Caesar Salad
Greek Salad
Tomato and Mozzarella
Cobb Salad

Main Entrée
Fettuccini Alfredo
Steak and Lobster
Vegetarian Stir Fry
Fried Chicken
Baked Salmon

Side Dish
Baked Potato
Green Bean Almondine
Mac & Cheese
Rice Pilaf
Glazed Carrots

Dessert
Tiramisu
Cheesecake
Sherbet
Hot Fudge Sundae
Red Velvet Cupcake

Appetizer
Bruchetta –create your own journal spot
Bread and Butter - create a tag for your page
French Onion Soup – distress your paper
Shrimp Cocktail - 6x12
Hot Wings – scallops

Salad
Caesar Salad - flower
Greek Salad - felt piece
Tomato and Mozzarella - chipboard
Cobb Salad - bling

Main Entrée
Fettuccini Alfredo – brown, turquoise, white, gold/yellow
Steak and Lobster – red, blue, white, grey
Vegetarian Stir Fry – orange, white, black, green
Fried Chicken – black, pink, kraft, white
Baked Salmon – orange, purple, white

Side Dish
Baked Potato – 3 or more buttons
Green Bean Almondine - 2 rub ons
Mac & Cheese - stamp
Rice Pilaf - 2 ribbons
Glazed Carrots - brads

Dessert
Tiramisu – use creative type/alphas
Cheesecake - 2 pieces pp (that don't match)
Sherbet – pattern paper background
Hot Fudge Sundae - cardstock only
Red Velvet Cupcake - 3 pieces pp

So other news.
Take too long to explain, but lets just say im flying off to Christchurch tomorrow at 5 bloody am.
fun stuff tho - spending the day with nic and then catching the afternoon shuttle to Greymouth, where i will recharge and enjoy the quiet.
perhaps there might be some news when i get home on Thursday- but nahhh im just teasing :D

My brithday cake

2010-01-21T22:58:00.006+13:00

I never had a barbie cake (i dont think!) so Eve whipped this one up for me, and it was lovely - tasted good too! Barbie's hat lost a bitesworth on the way to the restaurant- oops.

Birthday and Flowers :D

2010-01-21T14:34:00.001+13:00

two of my favourite things! my birthday AND flowers! all on the same day! likely i received the flowers because of my birthday, but what a happy coincidence anyway!!

Cupcake has landed!

2010-01-20T19:19:00.004+13:00

I was so pleased to finish it (finally) that i popped it in its special box ready for posting before i realised that i hadnt taken any photos, so voila!
I got the recipe from Ingvild Bolme who is on the Prima DT team, finding the actual instruction post is a little hard, its from October 2009 - so go to archives and then find it from there - enjoy!

slow for the start of the year!

2010-01-19T20:00:00.002+13:00

I am still in the process of making a cupcake card- ill give all the details WHEN i finish it.. could be 2011 at this rate.
But had some sad news with a friend having a miscarriage 14 weeks in, quite miserable really but i made a card for her and her hubby, hard thing to do too!
Thanks to Nic who gave me the saying inside which i think hits the right note "even the smallest of feet have the power to leave everlasting footprints upon this world"

New Years Eve (Phat 10)

2010-01-06T09:40:00.004+13:00

Right these are rather amusing, Phat is an event that happens every year for new years eve, its in the middle of nowhere (Inangahua, West Coast to be precise) and its just a big rural area where everyone camps for up to 4 nights and they have continuous live music (Drum n Bass) playing up on some higher terraces.
Theres no alcohol or glass to be taken into the site, you can purchase it at the main stages but thats it, but every year its a bit of a fun thing to see how much booze you can sneak in just for the sake of sneaking it in! Jayme and I decided late in the day to go to the thing so we didnt have much time to organise anything, so he cleverly popped a couple of panels off and put some beer in, and then when looking through the photos again i had to laugh at the pics of him putting it in, and the next pic is security searching the car.
The weather on the first night was a bit icky, was raining during the night and honestly, was awesome seeing everyone dancing in gumboots and raincoats - no fashion statements here!This is the aftermath of New Years eve, I didnt take the camera at night because it was packed and im a useless photographer anyway, but was still great fun!

Shantytown Pics

2010-01-06T09:34:00.005+13:00

Shantytown is an old gold rush town that has been recreated for the tourist masses on the west coast, all old buildings and panning for gold and all that stuff. It was drizzling when i went so didnt take too many pics but some nice ones anyway:

Garden stuff

2010-01-06T09:28:00.005+13:00

Im back from my holiday, and feeling it! i am full of enthusiasm for the new year and its my birthday soon!!!!!!!!!!
I have a few pictures so ill do a couple of separate posts so you might actually understand them all!
First up is "my" garden, as you likely know, i live in an apartment with no growing room, and we have a section at work that has always been a kind of garden, so with another workmate we took it upon ourselves to grow stuff and these pics were taken just before Christmas yeah a bit higgledy piggeldy but you get the gist and the snowpeas were beautiful!

Chrstmas always comes early for my family

2009-12-20T09:48:00.005+13:00

Cos my sis and family live outside of Auckland and they always head off on a racing trip on or straight after xmas day, we usually meet up the week or so earlier and do some xmasy stuff much to the disgust of my dear brother in law who HATES opening presents before xmas day - hasnt quite accepted that xmas is for families rather than about the presents, we are working on that (have been working on that for years)
This year the kids didnt get to open anything but seeing as we had a conjoined pressie we at least got to try out the mini fondue set- was tasty choccie and a variety of what ever we could find to eat.
then Dad has some kittens (surprise suprise) up at the shed and Kita loved all of them, beautiful weather and great drive home, except i lost 4th gear in the car close to the motorway home, so i pulled off the motorway and found id also lost 2nd AND reverse- bloody lucky i was able to do a u turn with no reverse! but alls well cos i stopped at the mechanics and voila! fixed it just like that! hes a clever man and if anyone wants a mechanic for toyotas out east tamaki way- let me know!
s

Ohh people still love me!

2009-12-16T20:11:00.005+13:00

So for Tona's pleasure and might i say amusement, ill post my facebook pics from the work party here :)

BOO!

2009-12-13T09:17:00.002+13:00

I decided it was time to post on my poor neglected bloggie again.
I like Facebook but Sonya - you made sense saying how its a good printable way to record stuff, and im lazy so i like printing and having it done!
soooo it means i might just have to finish a layout - yes i know! hold on to your seats boys and girls cos i reckon its the first layout ive done in ageeeeeeeeeees and its still not finished- been a week so far, i imagine i might finish it this week. so YAYA for me :D

ok so i am - this close to deleting my blog

2009-10-05T19:35:00.001+13:00

but i might not.. i figure facebook is just as easy for ppl to see what ive been up to, so feel free to add me as your friend if you think you will miss my blog! name on face book is dana hamilton
and bye bye blog as of soon!

OOOH a new BLOGGGGG

2009-09-07T18:58:00.001+12:00

get over to http://nzatc.wordpress.com/ and join in, either the fortnightly challenges or the monthly snail mail swaps, gotta be good for everyone!!!!!!

nuff said.

Creations

2009-09-03T21:39:00.005+12:00

Ive been naughty for not blogging

2009-08-29T17:19:00.002+12:00

dont even have a reasonable excuse.... oopsie daisy never mind. i think i should post some pics of atc/s and stuff i have done but i think ill wait another week :D

My unplanned holiday!

2009-08-19T18:13:00.003+12:00

You might recall I was planning on going to Christchurch recently and ended up staying home, well, I had a crap time at work last week, to the point that I NEEDED a holiday. So I went off to visit... NIC! lucky girl that she is and we had FUN, Nic even took me to the Cathedral and they have like a temp ice rink etc etc, just one of the highly amusing moments of the day:..... buying lunch which was tres healthy bakery.. and Nic wants a donut... lady asked a long one or a round one? do i even NEED to say where this is going?? ohhh and the donut had cream in it too so think of "long" "cream" "always" and you get the idea - needless to say Nic didnt walk out with a round donut.

So then I jumped on the bus at the ungodly hour of 7am - nic looking stunning in her dressing gown and slippers to see me off (thanks Nic youre a sweet heart!) and i went to West Coast, I have been there before when i was much younger, and I dont have many specific memories except I know I liked it... and the same thing stands, was so beautiful and i took MASSES of photos but I will just show you some of my faves!

2009-07-27T13:00:00.003+12:00

I like my postie almost as much as i like Beth.... I am off on annual leave today (and tomorrow!!) meant to be in chc but Nic reckoned I would bring her household into disrepute so we decided to postpone the visit.. ill forgive her one day.
So while sitting at home doing really awesome scrap things (not even, been online all morning!)
I got a card int he postie box! good timing, so i toddle off to collect my parcel and its a heavy square box... i open heavy square box and crack up- inside is a doggie chewed plastic container protecting a gorgeous flower on the front... (I have HUGE grin on face by now cos im LOVING the D)
and i open it and im laughing my arse off- its a pink mini tool kit.
now for those that might not recall, ive moved from a proper house to a studio apartment, i dont mind it at all but in the process I have left some stuff- such as a bloody screwdriver!!!!!!
so last week i was looking at these types of kits but decided i would just borrow a screwdriver from work (which i didnt do)
So im STOKED! thank you Beth you made a sad day much better!

Well what an honour!!!

2009-07-24T18:19:00.003+12:00

Today was a sad occasion at work, one of our esteemed colleagues finished his time.. working I mean.
And the official ceremony to handover the Health & Safety stuff was held.
the new rep of course is ME.
These are some pics of this most auspicious occasion, please do note the messy desk, the messy corkboard and the size of my coffee cup, people wonder why I prefer drinking decaff.. well theres the reason!And of course, the new work fashion of fluro yellow vest and blue fire warden hat....... OH and mustn't forget the stylish and useful white whistle.

I'm TRYING to blog more often

2009-07-22T21:16:00.006+12:00

It will only last for a week until I get bored ... or maybe not?
anyway. Today's special effort is this leaving card for a colleague... boy cards are so hard!Its kinda cute, used my new tiny attacher for the ribbon and meshed some chipboard and did all manner of things to the poor wee chipboard owl!

UH OH I have just realised, I was meant to do a boy birthday card tonight too... I WAS thinking about that a few hours ago, then got distracted by getting more Twilight Score music (not to be mistaken for the Twilight soundtrack... oh no, the score album is far more fun!)

I forgot to show you my TIN!!!!

2009-07-21T22:12:00.006+12:00

Bloody Carol decided to throw in an OTP (off the page) challenge, so I decided on a tin :D
its really quite cute, considering I've never done one before

Yes Im blogging...

2009-07-19T20:24:00.004+12:00

I have to! I had a great three days at SENZ and met some awesome people, and caught up with a whole heap more awesome people that I haven't seen in ages! I'm not going to list, cos there were so many that Ill likely forget and then offend someone by accident - let me just say, I really did enjoy catching up with every single one of you!!!!
so really it wasn't working as much as umm err AHEM socialising!
and I loved mostly every minute of it- the 6am outta beds were a bit iffy but hey, this morning we were greeted by savoury scones with REAL butter!! still warm - thanks to Debs B !!
So, I was on the Crafty Tart stand yakking to people about scrap stuff.. heaven really! and playing with the product and I can recommend anything - its gotta be the craft mat and the mini mister!
that wee mini mister really does rock m y socks, I was spoiled by Tona (US Fiskateer) who sent me one a while ago, and I've been using it for various things, but NOW i have even more to do with it!!!!! (including the fact I'm now able to use my glugged up nozzle glimmer mist again!)
the craft mat.. well lets just say I will no longer have any burn marks in the shape of a circle on the carpet.. OOPS.
So the obligatory pic of goodies... all can be purchased off Crafty Tart and for BLOODY GOOD PRICES!!!!! (not just saying it- Crafty Tart won the award for Best Newcomer to SENZ with very good reason!)sooo the list is, 3 x sheets of Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous stamps, a sheet of the Prima box card.. cant wait to play with that and to see what Ann does with hers!! umm got a mini Prima stamp (the bricks with wee music notes) umm a single tim holtz stamp.. anyone seeing a theme by now! Inksentials Rub it Scrub it pad- AWESOME value for $10 to clean stamps on! and the wee mini brayer - about time I got one of those, been meaning to for ages, ooh and the frivolous purchase.... the Tim Holts "Tiny Attatcher" ok ok yeah silly but its ADORABLE! such teeny tiny wee staples hehehehe and last but not least- the craft mat. It is amazing. nuff said! (ooh cept if you dont have one - you NEED one!)
So I had masses of fun, feet are sore, and gosh .... I almost forgot the highlight of the weekend...
I met Jilly GG!!! totally randomly (we were both checking out the Tim Holtz stamps) and she mentioned she liked macabre.. and I of course asked about ATC's and she said yes, and I said I'd love to know more about your ATC swaps, she said take my blog and email me.. and started spelling it out.. jillgg and I kinda giggled cos I was like COOL! I follow you on Twitter!!!!!
she prolly freaked out (bit like Lusi Austin last year oops.)
but yeah definately a highlight to meet such an awesome artist and she was so normal.. and funny and you have to check out her bloggie for more cool stuff! ohhh and speaking of blogs - dont forget to check Rachel Tuckers blog too - she was teaching the cutest class ever!

Well yea im alive..

2009-07-06T14:06:00.003+12:00

But thats not the point is it!
I havent blogged in ages, cos i dont really have so much to ramble on about! or maybe i do but i just cant be bothered??? sounds more like me :D
I havent done any scrapping for a while, but have been a busy bee making ATC's
the thing with ATC's tho is that when I make them, I cant post them here because generally they need to be sent somewhere and Id hate for the people involved in the swap to see them online first.. make sense? yeah course it does!
But some themes I've done lately - True Blood (awesome!!!) Twilight, Men, Clear, heh a one off four seasons (on ONE atc!!! drove me bloody nuts) and a one off place name :

Some latest layouts

2009-06-20T18:04:00.003+12:00

using the new Fancypants Delight range, havent put a title on it as such... my sis will kill me if i put what i really want :D so best left blank for the moment!
and this layout Princess (Idiot)- I love, its gorgeous and i was so surprised it came together so easily, used the prima outside border then heidi swapp scraps - these four little photos are a bit special because i had them printed small, then the HDD crashed so I lost the originals so its the only proof! and I cant wait for Anna to be 21 - and these photos to be shown- she was dancing in front of the turned off tv - cos she likes watching herself .. so cute and so spazzy! with thanks to nic and tracy for title suggestions!

Stamps, Paper, Scissors and Donkeysmiles ...

2009-06-15T16:59:00.004+12:00

This is one of Beth's blogs that she haunts, and other than the Very Cool rak (for 75000 blog hits!) Michelle is giving away- check out the cards this lady makes! theyre awesome!!
And I have heard sneaky peek reviews from True Blood Season 2 - it premiered in the USA about 3 hours ago - and oooooh it sounds exciting!!!
Other news, two redundancies at work today - really sad to see one of the consultants take Voluntary redundancy and there has also been an enforced redudandancy. At least it wasnt me - for once!
I'm sure i had something else to blog about but I forgot now.
Oh and Beth (and the others)
the tv= it was Nickelodeon channel, so likely either Spongebob or Billy & Mandy's grim adventures, i tend to watch those when there is nothing else interesting on the normal channels i watch (Documentary/ Crime/ Box)

Apologies!

2009-06-13T10:21:00.005+12:00

I know, its been AGES. but I didn't feel like blogging.
So a catch up post. Where to start!?? Ok, firstly, I've been sick, started as a cold and ended up as flu, much better now, just a little weak after exercise.
This morning I went to the Elizabeth Arden sale - I Adore her stuff, and its my preferred brand of make up and skin care products, and it just so happens that I have run out of moisturiser, and running low on foundation, so it comes at a perfect time! I got some moisturiser, cleanser/toner/primer for $30!! saved me about $120 but unfortunately no foundation so I'll have to cough up and pay full price but I dont feel so bad doing so when I have the moisturiser cheap!
scrap stuff:
Im still doing a bunch of ATC's but slacking off cos I have some due err yesterday and I havent done them- I am totally stumped on what to do!
layouts, well Ive been doing them every week for Crafty Tart, cant remember the last one I showed so Ill show all of them:This one was for Up2Scrap's May challenge (non square shapes)

This one for Prima's may sketch of the monthThis one is home made e mbel lishments for Crafty Tarts weekly challenge- I cut the birds then used cuttlebug to emboss then heat embossed the raised bits, then i stuck a bunch of basic stuff to create a home made cluster - except for th e leaves! and I also made the title frame and made the flourishy bit from felt backing paper.This one is paper scrolls - I was running out of time so yeah, cant say its my favourite layout ever.
and this one is for another Crafty Tart challenge- again a non square layout.
And yes I'm using up all the wedding photos of friends because I dont have many other photos- I havent even USED my camera for a month or so at least!

Busy Busy bee that I am

2009-05-23T10:22:00.004+12:00

Ok, so the Trueblood DVD Series 1 isn't out yet. I am scrapping well, working on lovely lo that I dont want to finish because I enjoy it so much - does anyone else do that!? but at the same time I got suckered into Twilight........ *sigh* its no True Blood thats for sure, but its not bad, basically its a love story and its very cute - although who the HELL thought of casting Carlisle is nuts- hes hideous and not even "movie star handsome" as the book portrays.
thanks to Tracy, I have read the first book, and halfway through the second, but the second is definately harder to get through - not quite as pacey But not bad.
I have also realised that we all have skills/talents in scrapbooking - whether we realise it or not!
but I know what mine is - its changing the colour of stuff - sounds simple, but its knowing WHAT to use and when that makes the difference, and talking to Nic about it who poo poo'd the idea then it was pointed out that shes great at lining stuff up without rulers etc - THAT is a great trait to have!
So because I have no pictures and I need to go to the post office on Monday.. RAK time!
Tell me what your "thing" is and I shall draw a random name on Monday for these cool Oodles of Doodle Fiskars stamps! (international welcome :D)
PS: Beth - Trolley boy/girl - people that collect trolleys in the supermarket carpark (similar in reputation perhaps to the Walmart greeters)

New job stuff.

2009-05-21T15:51:00.003+12:00

Today, I became a "trolley girl".
Yes, you heard me right - a trolley girl. Now don't get me wrong, I have never thought any job to be beneath me or that I'm "better" than a job. But I have to admit that I did not for one second thought I would need to use anything other than a bit of brute force to be good at trolleys.
I WAS WRONG!
Being a trolley boy/girl is SO not easy. First, you have to avoid traffic - lots and lots of traffic, lots of harried mums dying to get the hell OUT of the car park cos they are going to be late to drop munchkin off to kindy.. then theres the sales reps that simply must get out of the carpark for their 11am appointment..
Then theres the retiree's... god almighty, I'm not even going to comment on the ol' dears.
SO yeah, avoiding being made into asphalt covering is a fairly major task all on its own - now, add 7 trolleys (ies!?) together, tie them with a strap and start avoiding the same traffic..... I promise you now, its hard, and even amazing that our cars manage to get out of a supermarket carpark with few dents and scratches (and if you were at a supermarket on the north shore today and your car is now scratched .. umm sorry!!!!!!)
But I must say thank you VERY much to the person who first left a Listener on the trolly.. excellent cos i know now that Kill Bill is on Saturday night .. channel 2.
and then I got a real treat! someone left the latest PC World in the trolley - brilliant cos it had a review of external HDD which was interesting and also a few tips for those wanting a Win 7 but still running Vista.. interesting stuff!
Right so anyway, I popped over to Stampzone in Albany too, just for a squizzzzzzz
and, im one of "them" now. Officially even.
I spent $42 on ONE set of UNMOUNTED stamps.
that so makes me one of "them"
Course i have no freaking clue what to do with them now.. Im waiting for the lovely Dallas to pop online and tell me how simple it is to use them.... I got these ones:

AND! who saw True Blood last night!??? its so cool... I have masses of the music now cos i couldnt wait til the 25th May for the soundtrack, but I'm now considering a trip out to Sylvia Park tonight to get perhaps just ONE of the books... just 1! (and we all know ill read it by the time i go to bed, and by this time next week i will have spent all my money on blimmin books!)

For someone who is finally scrapping again

2009-05-17T12:29:00.004+12:00

I don't have much to show! As is normally the case, I get back into scrapping after a spell of not doing it by entering challenges, and only 1 has come up for viewing so there are another couple on my easel ready for show n tell when the comps open up, this challenge was for the Crafty Tart NZ's Top Trend Scrapper the deal was to use a page - I had a book called "My lurid past" ... and I have been meaning to scrap this pic for years, and its got hidden journalling behind the page which I'm not going to share, but Its probably the most journalling I have ever done.

But to amuse you all, I've got a special "feel good" treat for you!!!!! Photos of my scrap space.
Nic was proud of herself and cleaned up her desk... I asked her to come do mine, but she reckoned mine was going to be realllly bad - hers just had alot of empty cans on it.. can anyone say Jim!?? (hahahaha shes gonna KILL me for that)
But anyway, I took photos right now, boots n all. and yea, thats a lo im working on - hanging half off the keyboard slidey bench thing - I really do scrap like that now! weird thing is, I don't miss my old scrap room at all! I think for me I have realised, so long as I have SOMEWHERE to scrap, I don't care how bad it is, so please - have a giggle on me!

I'll even put photos up!

2009-05-10T08:44:00.004+12:00

Not a realllly eventful weekend, but had a great night last night at Queen: It's a Kind of Magic, this is the second time I've been and although the crowd was smaller, it was still great fun! helps that they supply alcohol in the form of Raro too.
This is me getting the autograph of lead guitarist "Brian May" - he prefers the "crotch" to sign on... nice one Trav! also happens to be my cousin from Aussie - so it was neat to catch up :D
Thanks to Kerry Sue and Scott for Chauffeuring me, Definite bonus to living in town that I'm pretty much on the way to everywhere!
And then this morning I decided to make a quickie card, using the scraps from "The Card" (Which by the way he hasn't received yet, there is an illness in the family and things are all over the place)

Latest LO

2009-05-04T20:38:00.002+12:00

Not the most exciting, I've happened to use the same paper as the LAST lo I did, and um, well, It's certainly not my favourite paper ever (Basic Grey Marakeech), but it does the job.

Look what I made!

2009-05-01T16:05:00.004+12:00

It's taken me hmm, nearly two weeks and countless curse words, and many panicked msn messages to lots of people, but I think I am happy with "the" card.
The story begins like this, new male friend, hes not a mechanic, hes someone I knew many years ago. But... dilemma. Hes new right? and its his BIRTHDAY next week. there is NO way I cant do something special for him, hes a special kinda bloke, OOH and girls! he let the secret formula slip!!! "3 nights in a fortnight and NO more" <- boy secret! of course we have trashed his formula much to both of our suprise, but we have taken it upon ourselves to decree each new day is the start of a new fortnight... I digress. His birthday. what to do what to do!? he KNOWS I make paper stuff, the adorable man even came home and mentioned that he saw Warehouse Stationery doing a photo special for .12c each.. how cute is that!? of course I had to point out that I prefer matt photos only and the Warehouse can only do gloss.. but its the thought that counts right!?
So I took it upon myself to make something nice for him, he has a lovelyframed print in his house that I would love to take my scissors and ink to - its a lovely vintage sepia type print that I think is nice. and I have mentioned I would like to just cut that bit there and distress that edge and ink that bit and make sure the script bit is embossed etc etc... he just nodded politely and smiled. (I think he did wonder if he should perhaps "remove" the print but he left it)
SO in my infinite creativity (that was sarcasm by the way) I decided to recreate the print! in the manner in which *I* think would make it better.
So here it is:

The funny thing is - the one on his wall is NOT pink, NOT cupid, has NO music script, NO hearts .. etc etc - you get the idea?
Anyway. onto other things - who else is doing the CraftyTart Top Trend Scrapper! its gonna be HARD but I havent done anything in ages (see above 2 weeks and its for a 4.5 x3.5" card topper ffs) If you dont know what I'm talking about go subscribe to the emails and you too will be in the know!

ANZAC Day Dawn Parade

2009-04-25T18:34:00.002+12:00

And yup! I was there, at the Domain in Auckland City. It wasn't that cold, and the rain respectfully held of to an unnoticeable drizzle.
I didnt take any photos either, It felt weird to take photos to be honest, and so sad to see the Veteran numbers low, but on the other hand, great to see so many kids there!
And seeing as the shops were closed half the day, I, like thousands of others thought the world was ending so rushed off to the shops this afternoon to ensure the world really WASNT ending, and to buy new winter shoes. Which I did and am too lazy to take pics off - suffice to say they are pretty similar to last years winter shoes and the year before that too... one might say I have a certain "style" that I continue to shop for... black, stiletto heels, platform soles, and rounded toe. Not too hard!
I also tried on a bunch of jeans and was sadly too small for the size 14's :( I then had a moments silence in rememberance of the fat that has gone ..... and now im pissed off cos i cant quite fit my Lee 12's yet. YET. Now I have something really physical to aim for - cos I cant fit other sizes properly!
Also I have decided that in celebration, Im going out tonight. Well I had already decided to go out now I have an excuse is all. Enjoy your anzac evening and hopefully I will be home to blog and create something exciting tomorrow.

Enabler! who got this email?? (post updated)

2009-04-19T18:09:00.007+12:00

The Crafty Tart one? they have the new Kraft Fancy Pants.. and I want it! ALL OF IT! I've had a bit of a "thing" for kraft since before Christmas when I was desperately hunting kraft card, not as easy to find here in NZ as it seems to be overseas, but i love making cards from it cos they always look so cool! And here there is all different patterns and colours of it!!!!!!!!!! AND its FREE SHIPPING on orders over $60 , and I can also personally attest to the fast shipping and good customer service - (not like that other place in the deep south that shall remain nameless!) So, my plug for buying NZ starts here! And yesterday I *did* get something done!!! I KNOW! I'm stoked too, amongst much laughter of anal scrapbookers and quirky habits (mine is my button tray all colour co-ordinated and then again according to size..... dont ask where I get that from cos I sure as hell aren't remotely tidy anywhere else!)I made some nice ATC's again.. prolly not meant to be displayed yet, but pfft you cant see how cool they really are from a photo anyway! hehehe, I'm also working on a similar one for the ATC Dare blog too.
**Updated**
So I didnt finish the dare one yet, but I DID start AND finish another 6 cards, these lot were due to the address on Friday (i think this has to be the first time ive been late!) but they came out pretty good - again same stamp, and I have to credit Nic here- they are her stamps!!!

Saturday morning

2009-04-18T08:54:00.002+12:00

And I am on fire! not Kings of Leon type of on fire either.
But I am up and about totally like a box of fluffies! This is only because I have to leave for all day crop in um well 30 minutes and I've not packed anything, again according to my own set format, I havent decided what I'm taking, hehehehe.
Thank you all for your kind words on my non contagious Face explosion, you will all be HAPPY to know that its healing beautifully, and the bandages are getting smaller and smaller, I think I will find it weird when I dont need a bandage - perhaps Ill continue wearing one anyway?
Right, so thats my faec update, onto more inspiring things, Did everyone know that you cant make cards out of grungeboard? hmm just thought I'd throw that in, cos *I* didnt know that....
Im considering making another plaque, this time not a pink one. I think because its called Grunge board, Its only suitable for boy stuff??
and at the price of it too, its as precious as gold leaf!
Ill show and tell what stunning things (note i say thingS as if im going to create more than one ATC hahaha) later!
Dear Beth, The only photo/s of Adorer I have are not the most flattering, however because of you, I shall enquire if I may take a NICE pic that i can then photo edit and post all over the internet, Im sure he will be fine with it :D
Other than that, keep an eye on your email inbox.

YAY! i dont have anything contagious!

2009-04-16T10:37:00.003+12:00

I was worried, thanks to everyone that pointed out how it looked like impetigo! but under advice I toddled off to the Dr this morning, and for my $40 worth of consultation (including scripts) I have been told it is definately NOT school sores, its an extremely bad infection of a mossie/insect/spider bite. which is really just gross in itself.
I also got two days of work. which means I COULD create stuff.. if i wanted to :D
Dallas helped me out last night while i was doing some ATCS, so now i would like to finish those.. and i still have the bloody Cat ones to do! i think they were meant to be received by tomorrow (oops norty norty me!) so i should be doing those too.
no pics - suffice to say the nurse tried not to make it too bad, but c'mon - how obvious is it when one is walking around with a bright white dressing on her jaw??
Luckily I have an adorer and was bought coffee this morning.... albeit at 5.30am, but coffee is coffee :D

Due to popular request....

2009-04-14T16:14:00.006+12:00

I was gonna post a picture of something reallllly gross, but its hard for me to bring myself to do it.
let me think about it. and meanwhile talk about happy things!
I havent been home that much, finding the outdoors pretty interesting, and no my dearest Beth - it wasnt in a garage, I'm over mechanics - they charge too damn much for too little work!
I didn't bother with easter eggs this year, bought a bag of hershey caramel kisses instead :D much better value. Also accidently fell into the scrapbook shop in Albany thats closing down so having a 50% off sale.... some prima stuff accidently fell into my basket, thanks for pointing out the felt thingies Trina! or not...?
So anyways I got some new stuff! (cue that catchy new tune "new shoes on") so I might be able to scrap seeing as I am now house bound... ohhh yeah the gross thing, well : AND NO, ITS NOT MY BOOB!!!!!!!
that is like a volcano on my jawline.... its THAT swollen. and with much thanks to nurse mason, I am petrified of it taking over my head :( I must say that when I uploaded these photos I actually felt a bit better, cos in my mind this thing is HUGE and it takes up half my face and I'm sure everyone is staring at it etc etc, so in reality - its not actually that bad. (if any of you mean cows say it IS that bad, ima gonna come kick your arses .)
But in happier moments, this is Kim's still untitled layout, I was going to be a smart cow and use a title from the bible, and Kim and Tracey will likely know what i mean considering they know this boy childs name...and considering the story behind the pic too... but I restrained myself!!!!
This page was done using part of the Sketchbook kit with BG Marrakech papers

This one time at Scrap Camp..

2009-04-05T18:51:00.004+12:00

I got home early early this morning from the Sketchbook Retreat, had a great time, and by god, I was successful! I DID A LAYOUT. yes, one whole layout! Don't worry about anyone else who did lots.. . *I* did one.
And that wasn't cos i had to put it aside and do the classes ... oh no, because even tho Faye did a lovely multi pager and the very cool Rachel Tucker did a stunner with prima transparencies, I kept plodding away on mine.
So other highlights.. Oh Huge thanks to Crafty Tart, and I really cannot recommend these guys more, I don't "endorse" too many shops other than those which I have personal fantastic experience of, and I have to sasy Crafty Tart is most definately one of these. They have up to the minute product, FANTASTIC prices and brilliant service, we are so lucky that they come to Sketchbook Retreat cos there would be some unhappy campers if they werent there!
and and and I got a Tim Holtz swirly mask !!!!!!

I honestly didn't think we would see these for ever, and there they were - and SO cheap! $7.20! These are going to fly out the door so if you want one - check out the site, OH and also, I've been searching high and low for the Tim Holtz ink blender foam pads, and have had no luck, but again, Crafty Tart has them too ! and this is to say nothing of the papers and pretties.This is my first use of the mask, using both the inner and outer stencils.

I was a totally organised camper too (if you don't look at the previous post) and I had a cool costume for the fancy dress theme which was "what do you want to be when you grow up" I wore the same dress as last time (last time was Halloween you might recall) so was a prom dress with a "gash" and blood all over it, there were many many things I couldve been - including "cheap" which is pretty accurate I guess.. then I couldve been the Corpse Bride, or the unfaithful bride, etc etc it was funny anyway , the others i was with went as brides and mummies - but nice normal ones, with original tiara's and veils!
There was the ABBA group and the Spice Girls (they as normal had such cool shoes!) and the winners of the night were "The Blokes" absolutely hilarious, particularly when they bumped into the Spice Girls.. good lord I didn't know that darling group of mature ladies knew such language and gestures!
I didnt get any photos but no doubt they will filter through in the next week or so!
To wrap it all up, I nicked off with one of Kim's photos (thank you!) and am just sorting out the finishing touches so really that means I will have done TWO layouts! not bad considering the drought thats been happening!

Sketchbook camp this weekend

2009-04-03T17:47:00.002+13:00

And yeaaaa I haven't packed. Even better, I dont know what I'm even taking, and when I say I don't know what I'm taking, I mean I don't know!!! might be canvas, ATC, or maybeeee some layouts.. who knows!? I sure as hell won't until I arrive there, hopefully On time and not an hour late like last time.. lucky I'm a quick scrapper and can catch up on anything I've missed in the class.... (yeah I am weeing myself laughing at that too!)

So when I don't blog til next week - you will know why... I'm at camp, or more to the point I'm too lazy.
What are YOU doing this weekend?

Move along! nothing to see here!!!

2009-03-30T20:42:00.000+13:00

sorry.

If you are stolen, call police immediately.

2009-03-28T16:31:00.004+13:00

Seriously, that was on a sign in Japan, and I've finished my ATC's but shhhhh I'm not sure I'm meant to put them on blog yet~! so if anyone happens to be in an Asian ATC swap right now - close your eyes!!!!!!!
They are mostly very asian and pretty except for the title saying :D but you have to look quite closely to read it, I am all for humourous stuff and I think I should do funny ATC's all the time, it makes me smile while I'm putting them all together, each time I see the saying, I smile again!
Dumb arse that I am, thinking I had to do 6 atc's... then just before rushing off in the middle of the night to deliver them, I double checked... and I need 10 of the buggers.
SO seeing as I had no more green tinged fabric, I used blue so things got a little different on the last 4. No biggie at all. and I didn't include the writing on the last 4 cos my printer also crapped out (no idea why) so had to run to work to print the atc backs off (that I had emailed to myself) but then DUH, like we have any decent fonts at work? hell no, and no chance of installing any either.
So my advice for today is, double check everything and fix your printers!
Also went to the Stamp n Create sale, everything 30% off, being broke has its advantages.. I bought hardly anything, except i found wacky widgets and I do LOVE wacky widgets and they're hard to find, so I got some of those and some bling (of course) and a new stamp that I'm not showing yet cos I want to play.
enjoy your Saturday and don't forget to turn your lights off for Earth Hour at 8.30pm.. I should be fine, the glare from my TV and PC screen is plenty light enough for me!

A quick card, with thanks to Ann!

2009-03-26T20:46:00.003+13:00

Our adored administrator is leaving on Monday so I said I'd do the card

With thanks going to Ann for the inspiration :D

2009-03-25T23:25:00.005+13:00

Photos of stuff like MY OFFICE. (and thats in big letters for that person WITHOUT an office, even tho I believe your title is Team Leader) Heh, this window view shot is my VERY small opportunity to perve on any hot mechanics that might walk past, although I must say I believe there is one such hot mechanic that is displaying a mean streak by neglecting to tell me if he *might* be walking on any given day, and when I have protested, the comment "your loss" was used. Never fear, there might be a hot plumber that walks past daily, or maybe a chef, or something, suffice to say the damn window is too small to stare out nowdays!!!!!

And then this afternoon, I went for a bit of a shoot, haven't been hunting in forever, and oh my , wasn't it just the most BEAUTIFUL day!!!!!!!!! so I got all artsy and creative and took a shadow shot!

This week is going so quickly!

2009-03-25T11:17:00.002+13:00

Last night I went to NZ Scrapbook's pretty Product Preview, got a free stamp! and some clever ideas to use it with, kinda a duh moment when you see things that are so "obvious" that other people do, and the gorgeous wee canvas take home project is awesome too!
I need to scrap more instead of ATC's cos I feel as if I am losing my touch on all things scrappy. Cannot possibly have that happen. I need to sort some photos out and lock myself away.
(PS: of course I didn't do the project... but i cut some little bits of paper out :D)
On the other hand, thanks to a certain blondie, I am now all obsessed with Twitter. JUST what I needed, another weirdo interweb fixation. It gave her the idea to go to Sale St Bar.. on a Tuesday night no less, because they had "alt country" band playing, and I was considering it when first asked, until the word country came into play - then I was absolutely in! We all know how I do love my country - not in the patriotic sense so much, and if theres an acceptable way to listen to country music without being stigmatised, then I want to find it!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was really cool, The Darlings were playing, with singer Jacquie Clark (forgive the spelling if its wrong) doing her thing - apparently on her birthday too.

Must have been the day for interesting sights, Kerry Sue collected me for the preview, and while waiting for lights to change in Ponsonby, Matthew Ridge ran past, all sweaty and not the most attractive looking male, not sure what people see in him!?

So today is spent looking busy at work, Oh yes, took some photos of my office, will post later on tonight or maybe tomorrow.

And let me know your email so I can add you on Twitter if youre a member!

2009-03-22T05:27:00.002+13:00

Early morning all!
Had a great night Friday, Kingslander had a Blues band playing which was pretty cool, although later in the night they played more “conventional” stuff.
Lovely day for a wedding on Saturday, catching up with family is always fun, and although I did take my camera, I didn’t take many photos, none of which I’d put here anyway!
But I have finished some more ATC’s this is a vintage one – Dallas, close your eyes, you will receive them this week! I did about 4 versions of these, and each time took them apart and did something different, I think I need to use undu or something on a couple because there are some remaining adhesive sticky bits, but I figure once they go into sleeves, it doesn’t really matter so much!

I deserve a nice night and tonights IT!

2009-03-20T09:10:00.000+13:00

Been busy and poor and busy and did I mention busy in the last month of weekends, so havent had much of a chance to go out, god who am I kidding? I never go out anyway. But tonight I am, originally was planning on a night out next weekend, but wont hurt to go out twice in a row - I'll point out that this is mostly Carla's norty but totally acceptable influence.
So Kingsland is having a "street party" tonight, and seeing as I live reallly close and it's not going to be an $80 taxi bill home I have rounded up a few girls and off we go!
Can't be a big one (god how many times have people said this exact thing and staggered home at 9am the next day!???) because I have to leave for a family wedding at 10am tomorrow morning... god help me if I even have one red vein visible in my otherwise pristine eyes.
be more tempted to skip the wedding and straight on to the reception at the farm - I do love being a farm girl at heart - we have the best parties and its an excellent reminder that we really dont need flash DJ's or a nice bar stool to have a rip roaring good time! lucky that, cos hay bales arent always the most comfie seats!
no photos cos I left my camera at home, talking to an old work colleague and mentioned I had to close my office door - he nearly had a heart attack when he realised I really mean "my" office door, so obviously I didn't make a big enough announcement about getting my very own office!
and I look around, and know all the scrapbookers will smile, there are some lovely pink altered art things on the notice board and desk! So thats for next week!

Not the nicest morning start!

2009-03-18T21:00:00.002+13:00

Being all enthused and happy and early! I thought I'd catch the bus to work, and bowled on out the door as enthusiastic as the fluffiest box of fluffies! and wandered past the basement garage, thought I'd best peek in to check the car, and not a pretty sight, "stuff" was near the rear of my car and the car next to it, so I went into and found a huge pile of glass, my car had been broken into, as had the car next to me, I was really dismayed, but pretty relieved that nothing obvious was taken, looked like they had been thru the glove box and possibly the boot, but not taken anything - id taken the stereo faceplate off and left it in the middle console which looks like they didnt look inside, lucky cos all in all the stereo/amps/subs are worth pretty much more than the car, not so important to me these days, although I do especially like music in the car! while i was reporting the incident to the police centre we realised that another two cars had been broken into the other end of the carpark too, made me feel a whole lot better in fact!
so yea couple of police men came along really quickly which i certainly wasn't expecting- and cute they were too!!! that went along way towards cheering my faltering disposition :D
all in all not a huge scary drama, but did p*ss me off, originally the quotes to replace the window was $500 I've gotten it down to $200 which I'm pretty happy about. But I reckon tomorrow will be a fantastic day!
(ps NO, i dont have insurance, I'm lucky if the damn thing has WOF and rego at the same time!)

Some more pics

2009-03-12T20:43:00.003+13:00

I am settling in nicely to my new digs, LOVING that its all my space, and surprisingly, hold on to your seats people cos im finding it easy to ....... keep clean and tidy!!!
in the carpark downstairs you get a lovely view out towards the Waitakeres, and even get a little bit of a sea view. And then a pic of my latest booboo - on my way driving into the carpark itself, and oopsie i scraped the side of the post just another blimmin dent! and this pic just highlights how blimmin dirty the car is!

Im in! what a mission

2009-03-08T09:12:00.004+13:00

So yesterday was very very busy, and I'll note that my scales only changed 100gms since then and now- and after all that work I did! quite disgusted about that.
The move went smoothly, thank god im only on the first floor, cos I had ALOT of stuff to carry up, I'm mostly unpacked except for the scrapbook stuff, thats going to be good fun so I'm saving it as a treat for after I get the old place cleaned up- it was a bombsite! with alot of stuff still there, those random bits and pieces, and - I forgot my coathangers and washing basket! So thats todays mission, here are some pics from late last night - actually it was about 8pm, just felt late. I must point out that i have had such nice support while i was moving, so thankyou to all those who sent texts, and I hope im more alive today! ooh and did I tell you what a wee fairy dropped of to me the night before last?? thanks very very much for the big block of choccie and a WHOLE box of eclairs! they did help to keep the sugar levels consistent hehe!! The brilliant thing about this place is that tall wardrobe you see? fits the scrapbooking drawers perfectly! I opened the blinds just now too and its SO bright, bright enough for me to cringe and consider keeping my papers under cover! OOOHHH and by the way- my wireless internet is a WHOLE lot faster now too! YAY!

So it goes on ........

2009-03-07T05:02:00.003+13:00

Thank goodness I'm moving today! I can't handle much more of this packing stuff! and as i sit here and type, i can hear the happy doggie wandering past my paper racks in the lounge and wagging her tail - I can tell cos I can hear the "booinnnng" sound of the wire.... best I hurry up and clear the house before she starts walking into all the boxes!!

For a treat I thought I would include the "other side", this is all the stuff from in my room packed and ready to go, Thank you Kmart for having the sale on those drawers!!! and I still have two sets that I haven't used, and the boxes they came in are perfect too! So I reckon I shall be offline today, thinking I will pack the pc and printer etc into my car so my wee darlings safe - I would be distraught if I couldn't log on tonight!
Oh and that reminds me for those you that have sky, they are offering the movies for $1 for a month .. just remember to ring and cancel it before the months up!!!

The News continues.

2009-03-05T22:03:00.005+13:00

its haaaaaard packing a scrap room!, the rest of my stuff is totally neglected, I've done as much as sorting out my dressing table and clothes are all ready to get thrown into garbage bags, haven't even LOOKED at the kitchen, but, this is the result of my efforts today, getting there hopefully by tomorrow night this room will be tidied and sorted, and i can concentrate on boxing up the things from the kitchen and bedroom, a little hesitant about packing up the pc.. i think i can throw all my geek stuff in my car at least ill feel more comfortable that way if its all with me.. in other words its so i can connect in the new place asap before i unpack anything!

The News.

2009-03-04T22:01:00.003+13:00

The news, for those that haven't already heard me bleating and excited and sad and apprehensive, Derek and I have decided to go our separate ways due to a number of things, we still get on ok, but after 6 years, I'm going to be moving into a place of my own! !!!!
I know I know, its not THAT exciting, but ya know, it really is to me! I have busy trying to organise a 3 bedroom house into a small pile of stuff to take with me, we all know that my studio apartment (for those that don't know, Studio apartment = big one room place, no separate bedroom) so the studio apartment will be danices scrapbook studio with a bed in it.
this is what my scrapbook room currently looks like: (and I know im going to regret posting these later !!! LOL)
Kerry Sue was kind (or silly) enough to come and assist me last night, we mde good headway on all the stuff closest to the floor - and im getting there with the rest,
I'm moving on Saturday so will be unpacking sunday and enjoying being so close to work - no more horrible southern motorway traffic, perhaps i wont have a million coffee cups in my car anymore either!??
So yaaa things will be changing for me and for the better and I'm feeling alot of different things, but happy is the overall emotion.
So thats my news! haha hope noone is disappointed with it being alll about meeeee!!!

TA DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

2009-03-03T11:22:00.001+13:00

no not really. Well, my car got a WOF.... thats pretty cool, hasn't had one in 6 months. Might even stretch to a rego too... if it behaves itself.
I'm feeling a bit psychic today, and *i* feel something interesting *might* be happening tomorrow, so dare I say, may pay to check back tomorrow :D

oops. I did it again

2009-02-26T21:55:00.003+13:00

I'm not just singing to britney, I went out at the behest of others that call themselves "friends" to the closing down sale of Scrapping Downunder in Papakura, sad that another LSS is closing its doors, but we did get some VERY good deals! including this thingie....

Yeah stuck in the middle of my room doesnt make much sense but it will make sense when I tell you all the HUGE and EXCITING news I have for next week, but until then. Well you can all just be patient and wait for a week or at least a few days, some of you guys already know and have been awesome, gotta say thank you to Nic, Tracy L, and Tracy P - you girls have been pretty cool, and I really really appreciate the support, and even tho I may not say it, I think youre ALL awesome and cool chickies that I'm so pleased to have met and have you in my life.

I have hit a mental block

2009-02-22T17:04:00.003+13:00

But I think it came upon me slowly and then whacked me rather quickly. I went to a crop last night, from 6pm til 10pm.... I am the proud creator of ONE ATC card made for absolutely no reason. Its very nice if I may say so, but yeah a slight waste of time. So Beth, I think youre reasoning is off kilter.
OOH in saying that I have nice white flesh peaches to eat. before I do that heres my wee ATC.. anyone want it? I will also have a yellow one and a blue one and i think a brown one too.
Tonight I will try to do a layout for the first Bossy Scrapper of the year...

Danice is a scrapbooker!

Birthday eve and what am i doing?

Here we go again!

One thing about Challenge me happy

A layout

Clever people make for a happy danice!

Challenge Me Happy layout

Scrappin, stuff and Micky

Oops.

Self Saucing caramel and fruit pud in the crockpot

hello hello!

extra photos just cos i can

Wowser! another month has flown by

Stuff lately

Blogspot has changed and its a little bit random

TTD Shoot

Seeing as you have had lots of photos

only a few photos today

Here we go again!

photos from today

Arent you all lucky today!

More photos of stuff

Another photo post!

Some Photos

Today I got...

The last week has been...

Such sadness,

Had to show a bunch of photos!

Blogging today!

Jenny Inspires!!!!

The Wedding Dress.

Oh I forgot. Project 365

For the new Year

Well Hello there!

This is what happens with a bit of inspiration

I did have stuff to say.. really!

Layouts galore!

quickie update

twice monthly is good??

Why didnt anyone tell me!!!!!!!

Heh.

Fiskateer Crop on today!

To all you scrapbookers! There is an Online Crop going on at Fiskateers ... You aren't a Fiskateer?? email Kelly Jo Massicotte At kellyjo@fiskateers.com tell her Danice #1830 sent you ... come and join the fun!!!!

Opps i have neglected it havent i?

Its Real now!

Basic Grey paper packs for sale

OUTTIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Smoke! i did a layout!!

My brithday cake

Birthday and Flowers :D

Cupcake has landed!

slow for the start of the year!

New Years Eve (Phat 10)

Shantytown Pics

Garden stuff

Chrstmas always comes early for my family

Ohh people still love me!

BOO!

ok so i am *-* this close to deleting my blog

OOOH a new BLOGGGGG

Creations

Ive been naughty for not blogging

My unplanned holiday!

Well what an honour!!!

I'm TRYING to blog more often

I forgot to show you my TIN!!!!

Yes Im blogging...

Well yea im alive..

Some latest layouts

Stamps, Paper, Scissors and Donkeysmiles ...

Apologies!

Busy Busy bee that I am

New job stuff.

For someone who is finally scrapping again

I'll even put photos up!

Latest LO

Look what I made!

ANZAC Day Dawn Parade

Enabler! who got this email?? (post updated)

Saturday morning

ok so i am - this close to deleting my blog