SAR'S SCRAP STORY

January Savvy Sketch

2012-01-25T16:33:00.003+11:00

You have six days left to get your entries in for this month's sketch over at Scrapbook Savvy!

Here's the sketch, designed by Sara and based on a gorgeous layout by Charm...

And my layout, We Love Christmas using the now Sold Out Merry Savvy Brights Kit as well as an awesome xmas button from Purple Pumpkin.

We are cybercropping over in the Savvy forum starting tomorrow which is AUSTRALIA DAY! Head over and get inspired, and get some pages scrapped over the holiday and following week - lots of Savvy spending money up for grabs!!!

January Stuck Sketches!

2012-01-15T16:18:00.006+11:00

It can't be the 15th of the month already, surely?!!! The rest of the year BETTER NOT fly by this fast....

We have already released the second January sketch over on the Stuck blog, so I best be showing you them both at once!

First off, our 1st January Sketch...

And my take, a 52 Week page called Week 51 - Girly laughs using the November She's Savvy Kit (which is still available in the store and actually 30% off until midnight TONIGHT 15/1/2012).

A closeup of my journaling and the awesome photo booth strip from our night at The Villains...

And a closeup of my little embellie cluster up the top...

Next up, the 15th January sketch revealed over on the blog just today!

And my take, you got it right, another 52 Weeks page called Week 49 - The Big Concert Day all about the VLDA Concert.

The first closeup of my gorgeous Bronte girl and the journaling that goes with my layout...

And another closeup of my big bow together with a super awesome BIG (purple) Purple Pumpkin button.

If you want to be in the running to win some awesome sponsor prizes, just load your take on either sketch to the Stuck blog before the end of January. Good luck!

Xmas, New Year & Birthday Catchup

2012-01-15T13:54:00.006+11:00

As did the my house, my business, my schedule, my world...my poor blog got totally neglected over the madness of the Xmas & New Year period! I was actually spending time in my 'real world' with my hubby, kids, family & friends...IT WAS GREAT!

We had a lovely Xmas Day surrounded my family, nothing better than Xmas morning with our babies and then a house full at lunchtime...the house decorated beautifully and everyone enjoying the day.

Here's the layout for Week 52 of my 52 Week Album, 'The Photo' of all of us on Xmas Morning. We actually nearly forgot to take the photo, and Dan had to bring all the bikes back inside especially!!!

A close up of some of the Purple Pumpkin goodness featured on my layout...

The week between Xmas & New Year flew by with hubby working, and the kids & I out & about enjoying time with friends.

New Years Eve was fabulous, spent in at our beautiful Wollongong Harbour with family & friends. The atmosphere was great with music & dancing by all of us, and the highlight of the night being the fireworks at 9.30pm. The kids absolutely LOVED it and this was the first time I think they'll remember actually seeing the fireworks in real life.

The week after New Year was an ongoing birthday celebration for our big 5yo Georgia.

She had a fab birthday on the Thursday spent at Jamberoo Recreation Park...

and then an even fabber (is that actually a word?!) pink party on the Saturday.

A very spoilt girl, but totally deserved in our eyes (of course!).

Four days after Georgie's birthday was Dan's birthday, the big 3-6. The kids loved spending the day with Daddy, even though he had to go off to work that night.

I don't think a full routine will really kick back in for another couple of weeks, with the kids still being on school holidays...but its start to get back to semi normality now with me being back at work, Bronte back at daycare and the other two at holiday care two days a week.

I will be back really soon with another post, and I'll be sure to have some more scrapping to show you!

Thanks for checking in :)

52 Week Catch Up - All Caught Up!

2011-12-24T19:47:00.000+11:00

FINALLY! The last of the 52 week pages I've done so far. Hopefully I'll have some more to show you in the next week or so, as I do them before New Year...reckon I can get them done before the end of 2011?

Week 38 - Savvy Delights Retreat, a little out of order as I was waiting to get my WOW chipboard logo from San at Scrapbooking Delights...I lost my first one, thank goodness she had extras!

Week 43 - New Hairdo, gotta love a visit to the hairdressers.

Week 44 - SFS Scrapbooking Retreat, a big collage of all my scrappy SFS friends, love this page!

And thats it, for now!

Thanks for visiting!

52 Week Catch Up - Part 3

2011-12-24T09:26:00.000+11:00

Promised you there was more!!! Can't believe I haven't shared all of these yet...

Week 37 - Wests, my first landscape orientation 8.5x11 layout. I must do more of these as I LOVE how this turned out. This is a photo that was in our local newspaper when the Wests team won the grand final, and somehow Cooper ended up in the photo, cheeky boy!!

Week 39 - Annika is 5, a Litle Red Riding Party for Georgie's friend from dancing, a great day for the girls!

Week 40 - Eisteddfod Success of the three little VLDA girls when they won 1st (Annika), 2nd (Georgia) & 3rd (Indigo) in the Jazz at Nowra Stage Dance Festival. This was the same day Georgie won 1st in Ballet in her first time ever at at eisteddfod. I have shown this layout previous on the Purple Pumpkin blog.

Week 41 - One Crazy Weekend which included a fun run, day at the races, night out with Dan's work, eisteddfod & birthday parties!

Week 42 - Drunk Fun, a night out with the girls for Tina's birthday, using the leftover bits & pieces from Sandie's class at Peta's Retreat.

You know what, there is still MORE!!! Another post for another day... :)

52 Week Catch Up - Part 2

2011-12-23T16:06:00.000+11:00

Second instalment...more of my 52 week pages before 2011 officially comes to an end next week!

Week 31 - Happy Birthday Dear Poppy, a page of my FIL celebrating his birthday at our house with his grandkids, using a He's Savvy Kit from earlier this year.

Week 32 - We Fight, another page with the Random Kit from SFS, a journalling page about the awesome relationship I have with my hubby :)

Week 34 - 12wbt Transformation...a page that I am NOT showing on my blog as its a tad revealing, but I promise its a cool layout... ;)

Week 35 - He's 7, another page from a He's Savvy Kit, this one being my sample for the November 15th Stuck Sketch.

Week 36 - Fathers Day, another He's Savvy Kit page, this one of my hubby on the morning of Fathers Day 2012 with all his kids plus his best mate's kids who had a sleepover with us that weekend!

But wait, there's more...coming in another blog post soon!! Thanks for visiting!

52 Week Catch Up - Part 1

2011-12-23T10:00:00.001+11:00

It is my aim over the course of my holidays from work to catch up on my 52 week album. I think I'm about 7-8 weeks behind from memory.

I WILL be doing this challenge again come 2012, its so great to be able to look back on this album and remember just how my year went.

I did manage to get lots of these pages done at Peta's Retreat last month though and will share these over the next few posts...too many to put them all in one!

Week 22 - C2S about Dan & I completing the City to Surf 14km run together in August, such a big goal for me to have accomplished!

Week 27 - Women In League about the girls day out to raise money for Breast Cancer.

Week 28 - A Day Out With Thomas, which was a family day out with our friends Jason, Debby & kids. SO cold at the Zig Zag Railway, but an awesome day for everyone.

Week 29 - Dragons @ Kogarah, my first time going to a footy game at WIN Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah, taking Cooper and his friend Clay.

Week 30 - Mojo, about my weekend away at Camp Mojo earlier this year.

I'll be back with more soon!

Random!

2011-12-22T21:12:00.002+11:00

One of my fave ranges of 2011 - Crate Paper Random.

We did feature some of this range in the Special Retreat She's Savvy Kit, and I had so much fun with these papers that I HAD to buy the range again when I was at the SFS Retreat from the SFS store in the Random Collection Kit.

I came up with these four layouts while scrapping at Peta's retreat...one of my fave weekends of the whole year with some of the most beautiful friends a girl could have!

Younga Yoga - a great yoga sesssion bright & early on a Sunday morning with the local 12wbt girls.

Attempting The Pose - Bronte trying to do a model pose just like Georgie does in front of the camera, but not quite pulling it off...

Special Kind of Friendship - Georgia & her beautiful friend Indigo from dancing :)

A closeup of the journalling about Indi...

Katty Cakes - the little girls enjoying morning tea while in Dalby visiting Donna & the girls, they had a ball!

Still some of these kits left in the SFS store here if you NEED one, I know I did!

December 15th Stuck Sketch

2011-12-22T14:05:00.005+11:00

Who has time to scrap at the moment?! If you do, I'm SO jealous!!! Still only at one page scrapped for December...but I promise to do something to remedy this come the 19 days off work I have for Xmas & New Year, starting this afternoon!

If you're one of the lucky ones that will have time to scrap before the end of the month, here is something to get your mojo flowing...another awesome sketch from Stuck!

December 15th Sketch

And my take called Lil' Nipper of my Bronte girl on one of our Sunday mornings on the sand while Cooper is at Nippers, using the Bella Blvd Making The Team Kit from SFS combined with some Purple Pumpkin & A Lil Somethin embellies.

Make sure you upload your take over on the Stuck Blog before the end of December for your chance to win!

Happy Scrapping & Merry Christmas (just in case I don't check in again beforehand, only three sleeps to go!!!)

Peta Challenged Me...

2011-12-19T23:27:00.004+11:00

...at her retreat by giving me one of her awesome VALUE PRICED retreat kits while I was there at the end of October, to see how much I could get out of it. Thanks Peta, I had so much fun with this and got a massive FOUR LAYOUTS out of this kit (which from memory was priced at the $15-$20 mark).

Youth Group...

and a closeup...

Week 43 - New Hairdo

and a closeup...

Lets Go Sumo (which I did show on the Purple Pumpkin blog a little while ago)...

Dressing Room...

and a closeup...

LOVE seeing how much I can get out of a kit! This one works out at less than $5 a layout, how good is that!

TFL!

Sweet Girl

2011-12-16T11:09:00.003+11:00

Sweet is the perfect word to describe this beautiful little girl. My bestie's daughter. A joy, a blessing, a little girl that I love like my own. So beautiful and this photo completely shows that, taken on the day of her little brother's christening last year. I wish this girl nothing but joy and happiness, and will do whatever I need to do to make that happen.

Love you Charlotte!

Sweet Girl using the November We're Savvy Kit (only two left in the store) along with a big Anthea inspired bow!

Thanks for visiting xx

1st December Stuck Sketch...

2011-12-14T20:52:00.004+11:00

Seeing as tomorrow is the 15th and will be the reveal of December's second sketch for Stuck, I thought I better show the one from the 1st!

I won't lie, things are just HECTIC right now and I have hardly had time to scratch myself! Excuses aside, here is the sketch...

And my take - Flags, using the Bella Blvd Making The Team Kit from SFS.

And a closeup...loving the black paint in this one!

You've got till the end of the month to upload your take to the Stuck blog, lots of chances to win!

WARNING Girly post ahead!

2011-12-08T10:25:00.005+11:00

Well our big concert weekend went off without a hitch. The girls had a fab time, the Wonderland show was absolutely AMAZING and Georgie even walked away with her own special trophy for 'Most Consistent in Junior Stretch' which I think is such an awesome achievement for a little girl of just 4! So stoked that her talent is being noticed, and that she is given recognition for her hard work at such a young age. This girl was born to dance and since starting at Vanessa Lee Dance Academy this year she has just blossomed. Bronte is quick to follow in her footsteps and can't wait to do more dancing next year as well.

Here's a couple of pics of my gorgeous dancing girls...

At Interval, both dressed and ready to go!

Ready to go home, trophies in hand and so very proud!

Thanks Vanessa, Chantelle and everyone else at VLDA - so glad we found you and can't imagine the girls dancing anywhere else now!

And for more girliness, I thought I'd share with you my layouts from the latest She's Savvy Kit for November from the Scrapbook Savvy store. There are still some available in the store here.

Model Pose, which was actually for Tara's November CC Challenge...

And a closeup...

Haircuts, some super cute photos of my super cute girls getting their last haircut, its been over a year now cause I haven't wanted to cut it with their dancing and having to get it up in buns!

And a closeup...

And finally, New Ballet School of my Georgia girl on the day she started at VLDA this year, super proud to be wearing her brand new purple ballet leotard!

And a closeup, featuring some gorgeous Words Or Whatever chipboard given to me by the lovely Suzanne from WOW.

Anyway, think thats enough girliness for one day, don't forget to head over and grab yourself a November She's Savvy Kit before they're all gone! At the super cheap price of only $35 this time, you can't go wrong.

December Sketch @ Purple Pumpkin

2011-12-01T11:46:00.005+11:00

The first of December, OMG!

I am happy to say that the chrismas shopping has finally begun this week, although still a lot to do.

Festivities have started with just about every day until Xmas booked with this, that or the other!!!

We are also very busy preparing for the big Concert Day this Saturday with Vanessa Lee Dance Academy! All photo shoots & rehearsal are now done, and Georgie has been counting the sleeps till concert....only two sleeps to go now! I can't wait to see my beautiful big (little) 4yo girl in five dances, and my baby girl in just one this year (but more next year I'm assured!). I'm so grateful that my wonderful hubby has agreed to go backstage with the girls for their second show, so proud Mummy can actually sit in the audience and watch....I CAN'T WAIT!!!

And now as the 1st of the month is here, so are a set of new challenges for this month. I have the new Purple Pumpkin sketch to show you, as well as my page which is appropriately Christmas themed to get you all in the spirit!

I have to admit, I was a little sad scrapping this page last night (yep, last night, totally last minute!!!). This photo was taken on Christmas Eve 2009, and I just can't get over how little my babies were.....and just how big they are now!

And of course, some closeups...

My cluster, featuring a gorgeous bow with some Purple Pumpkin buttons, tickets, twine & a doiley.

And my title, a mix of kraft Thickers which I've painted silver, red Bella alpha and some more Thickers.

I hope you'll play along at Purple Pumpkin this month, always a great chance to get another layout scrapped as well as be in the running for some awesome PP prizes!!!

CC Weekend at Savvy!

2011-11-27T09:49:00.007+11:00

This weekend we are cybercropping at Scrapbook Savvy! Still plenty of time to join in with deadline not until midnight Thursday 1st December.

So far I have managed to get Sara & Kerryn's challenges done, and hope to get some more done today when I head out for a scrappy afternoon with my besties and the kids.

Sara's Challenge is a colour challenge with the colour scheme looking like this...

And my take using the new November He's Savvy Kit, called Cannons.

And a closeup...

Next up is Kerryn's CC Sketch...

My take called Little Climber, using the new We're Savvy Kit for November (only two left in the store so be quick!)

And the token closeup, of course....how nice are these Prima flowers! You get the full pack in the kit, you know... ;)

I'd love to see you playing along, the challenges are super easy and will get your mojo a-flowing for sure...with the chance to win some Savvy spendings, why wouldn't you play along!!!

There is a Witch...

2011-11-10T21:54:00.004+11:00

....that has blessed me with her presence TWICE this year on retreats. I met this Witch online in the Scrapbooking Memories forum probably 8 years or so ago...and from the first online convo with her I just KNEW she was amazing.

This creative, beautiful, kind, free spirited lady means a lot to me...and I can't wait to see her again! Soon, eh Witchy?

I can't believe I haven't shared these yet, but here are a couple of super amazing pieces of artwork that the Scrapwitch - Lisa Oxley - put together for me at the retreats we've been at together. God love her, isn't she special!!

The first one, a page of Georgia she did for me at Camp Mojo, so bright & funky, just love it!

And then to brighten my world even more, and totally spoil me at the same time...a gorgeous canvas, again for Georgia, that she made for me at the Savvy Delights Retreat. I haven't got a close up as it went straight into the girl's room and has pride of place, but here is Witch & I and the beautiful piece she made me.

Thanks so much for your friendship, Lisa (aka Scrapwitch, Witch, Mushy, Kebab Eater!)...it means so much!! xxx

1st November Stuck Sketch

2011-11-10T15:57:00.005+11:00

My take on this months first sketch is now up on the Stuck blog. Here's a look at the sketch...

And my take, again using this gorgeous kit from Scrapbooking From Scratch. And yes, I've used this kit to death...love it!

Make sure you upload your take over on the Stuck blog before the end of the month :)

SFS Retreat 2011

2011-11-02T20:15:00.001+11:00

An awesome weekend with some of the most beautiful ladies on the planet! I always have a ball at Peta's Retreat...I don't have to work but instead get to scrap to my hearts content, and just chill out. Thanks to everyone for making it an amazing break away...and I hope I got photos with everyone (my apologies if I missed you!).

Highlights of the weekend for me...

- Staying at Peta's house, always so welcome and feel 'at home'.
- A photo shoot with the amazing Sandie Mallon, she made me look stunning!
- 34 layouts scrapped, a retreat record for me.
- A weekend with my bestie who had an awesome time and smiled, laughed and had fun all weekend with me.
- Classes with Kel & Sandie, both amazing with 2 gorgeous layouts from each completed in the time, gotta love that!
- Sitting next to my cuz Donna, always have so much fun.
- Walks & chats with Alicia, Sara & Anthea.
- Meeting Emily for the first time, crazy funny girl!
- Hugs for Michelle, she's everyone's favourite ;)
- Cacking at Bev'N'Nat...as per usual!

And lots more, can't remember them all and too many to keep listing...I'd be here all night! Basically four days of fun, laughs and enjoyment while scrapbooking at the same time...nothin' better.

I'll be back soon with some layout shares...just have to edit all the pics and sort them into blog posts first! Thanks for visiting!

Renee's CC Challenge

2011-10-26T15:46:00.003+11:00

Yep thats right, I've completed ALL of the cybercrop challenges over in the Savvy forum! You still have until midnight Thursday 27 October to get yours uploaded in the gallery.

Renee's challenge was for us to go slightly dotty!!! She wanted to see dots and spots on your layouts and projects - think spotty PP - painty dots, misty spots, masking polkas - just get them on there!

Here's my take, a page of me for my hubby's album...which he told me what he wanted it titled and journalled himself. God love him.

And a closeup of Dan's journalling, how lucky am I :)

Still over 24hrs left before our cybercrop is over, get scrapping girls! Its already been our most successful cybercrop in a long time...so come be a part of it!

Kerryn's CC Challenge

2011-10-25T08:20:00.003+11:00

I loved Kerryn's challenge this month for our cybercrop - to choose a layout from the gallery and scraplift it! Not only does it get us in the gallery, but also appreciating the work of our fellow scrappers.

I chose this layout called 'Photographic Memory' by Wendy.

And my take, using an 'Old School' kit from SFS, some Purple Pumpkin and I couldn't do a 'Wendy page' without some Lil' Somethin' now could I!

Winter Uniform - the journalling reads 'As the colder months approach, its time for you to wear your winter uniform to school'.

A closeup of my title using a gorgeous felt embellishment from Purple Pumpkin and some of the new Jillibean Soup alpha you can get from SFS or Scrapbooking Delights for my local girls.

And another Purple Pumpkin button accompanied by a stunning Lil' Somethin' flower.

Make sure you head over to the gallery and choose your favourite layout to life, and upload before midnight this Thursday 27th October for your chance to win some Savvy spending money!

Thanks for visiting!

Anthea's Cybercrop Challenge

2011-10-23T16:56:00.004+11:00

I managed a couple more pages last night for the Savvy Cybercrop which is happening right now in the forum. Head over for some super easy inspiration that'll have you scrapping in no time!

Anthea's Challenge was to use the following on your layout:

- Misting/Painting
- Distressing
- Layering

I have used the current She's Savvy Kit for this one (still a couple of these kits in the store for the super cheap price of $25).

Snazzy, a page of me & Dan all dressed up and ready to party at Donna's 40th earlier this year.

A close up of my title...

And my journalling...

Join in the fun and upload your take over in the Savvy Gallery by midnight Thursday for your chance to win some Savvy spendings.

Savvy Cybercrop...

2011-10-22T20:59:00.004+11:00

...is now underway over in the Savvy Forum!

Right now, we are blind scrapping if you'd like to join us for an easy step by step to get you a layout finished quick smart! Here's a sneak of my blind scrap page...

So far, I've managed to get Sara's CC Sketch Challenge done while scrapping at a Delights Crop this afternoon. The sketch looks like this...

And my layout, My Best Friend, using a gorgeous Jillibean Soup Kit from SFS.

Close up of the title, using some gorgeous new Prima alpha that I just HAD to have at Scrapbooking Delights today.

And the super cute quote block from the Jillibean Paper, so true after over 10 years of friendship with my girls.

Head over and join in the fun, you have until midnight Thursday 27th October to get your layouts into the gallery!

Savvy Design Team Member Needed!

2011-10-20T21:45:00.002+11:00

Do you love to scrapbook, and feel like you have a talent you can share?
Do you love to chat online in a forum environment every single day?
Do you live & breath scrapbooking, and can talk paper & glue for hours?
Do you like to create new and exciting layouts for challenges or classes?
Do you want to be part of a great bunch of girls that share the same hobby as you?

If this sounds like you, then let us know! At Scrapbook Savvy we are looking for a new Design Team Member who wants to be a part of our online forum, share their work via facebook, blogs and any other means possible, and who wants to receive free product each month to play with!

As a Savvy Designer you will receive a generous discount off all product at ALL times, as well as receive a DT kit each month. We will require you to share your DT layouts online in our forum, as well as your own personal blog. Your work will also be used on Facebook and in our regular Savvy newsletters.

We need someone who LOVES TO CHAT in a forum environment – this is a MUST and something that must be upheld to keep your position on the Design Team.

We are looking for someone to join our family for six months, with the possibility of staying for longer at the end of this term.

This position will start on 1st November 2011.

To apply for this position, please email me with the following information:

- name & location
- online personal blog web address
- a quick bio on yourself and your scrapbooking world
- three of your favourite recent layouts which show off your ’scrapbooking style’

I am happy for applicants to be on other Design Teams such as challenge blogs, local scrapbooking stores, sketch sites, manufacturers etc – but please do not apply if you are already on a Design Team with an online store or monthly kit club.

Your email must be received before midnight on Tuesday 25th October, so only FIVE DAYS to get your applications in. You will be put to work immediately with your first challenge commencing at the beginning of November!

Please email Sar at sar@scrapbooksavvy.com.au with all the above information.

We would love to hear from you!

October 15th @ Stuck

2011-10-20T15:32:00.005+11:00

Our second sketch for the month is now up over at the Stuck Sketches blog! A gorgeous sketch it is too, with an all time favourite of mine a key point - circles!

My layout, called Party Uniform...

There is a funny story behind this photo, as the journalling reads...

'This outfit was handed down to Georgia from Charlotte and it is a definite favourite! When she wears it she says to me "I look like I'm wearing my school uniform, don't I Mummy? " If only your uniform was pink, life would be perfect for you!'

I used a gorgeous Pink Paislee Vintage Vogue Kit for this one, which is currently ON SALE over at Scrapbooking From Scratch!

Thanks for visiting and don't forget to upload your take over on the Stuck blog before the end of the month.

:)

The Scrappiest..

2011-10-19T14:00:00.000+11:00

I don't know which one...but this is a sketch from The Scrappiest from a while back...thought it was super cute and suited this scrummy photo of my baby girls butt cheeks!!

A bit 'quilty' and some machine stitching - thanks to whoever took the machine to Camp Mojo, that was fun...I should pull mine out at least once in a blue moon!

Love sketches for a super easy start to a page, always gets my mojo flowing. :)

A double...with stitching...wtf?!

2011-10-19T08:00:00.001+11:00

Yes, I went crazy whilst Mojo-ing and did a DOUBLE layout with STITCHING! What the, I hear you say...as did I as I sat there and worked on this layout while Peta sat across from me and finished about 50 layouts!!! ;)

Its nice but, I think it was worth it...

Playschool - me & Loz took the little girls to see the Playschool show back in 2009, it was a great day but I cannot believe how little they were...and how big they are now, it makes me sad!

A closeup of the super cute Purple Pumpkin felt button flower that just matched perfectly.

And some more Charms Creations lollipops.

God I'm glad I don't do double layouts very often...as much as I love it, what an effort!!! ;)

Just because...

2011-10-18T21:04:00.003+11:00

...I haven't showed you yet, and just because layouts as well!

Thought I should go through my layout folders on the computer as I was sure I haven't shared everything with my readers...and omgoodness, was I right!? I have heaps to show you so will do a few random posts to get them out there...

These three I did at Camp Mojo...

One, Two, Three - Daddy & Cooper on our holiday earlier this year, for my 52 week album.

Certificates - a special Kaiser certificate holder from Scrapbooking Delights, which was perfect for Cooper's merit cards from school, which he is so proud of. I've used some super cute Charms Creations lollipops on this one, as well as my usual Purple Pumpkin buttons.

Cooper's Turn To Bat - using an old He's Savvy Kit (which is still available in the store here) together with some awesome WOW chipboard that I had heaps of fun colouring in and making glossy.

I'll schedule some more posts to show up soon...thanks for visiting!!

LIFE = CRAZY BUSY MADNESS

2011-10-13T10:41:00.004+11:00

This is how I'm feeling right now.

I feel like my world is spinning around and around and around and I'm JUST managing to hold on for the ride. Everywhere I turn there is something else I 'should' be doing, somewhere else I 'have' to be, someone else I 'must' please. Somewhere in all this, I get lost. I lose myself and feel like I'm spiralling...and then something clicks and I start climbing the rope again, pulling myself out of the hole that I feel like is my life at times!

I guess this is part of the whole depression thing that has been a part of my world since having PND with my last baby. I am so proud that I am in control of this and got myself off my meds earlier this year, but put this down to totally being diet & exercise based...feeling it in my mood when these factors are out of whack and pulling myself back into line when I need it. Only I can pick myself up, brush myself off and get myself back to where I need to be for myself and my family.

Sometimes I feel like people don't understand just how busy I am...not that they have to but its something I think about. I don't REALLY care about what anyone else thinks...but I just need to get this down on paper (or blog screen, whatever!) so I have a bit of a handle on just how much myself and my family are doing right now, and also to look back in years to come and remember just WHY I felt like my life was manic!

Me, Sar, aka Mum -
~ work 3 days per week (full days)
~ run my online scrapbooking business (involving stock, orders, kits each month, forum, gallery, facebook posts, newsletters, let alone the paperwork which is so totally and disgustingly behind right now)
~ exercise most days (usually 4-5 gym sessions on a good week & walking/running 3-4 days)
~ dancing mum (take girls to studio two days a week, practice 2-3 dances with them each day, eisteddfods some weekends)
~ playgroup with my girls every Monday morning

Dan, my hubby, aka Dad -
~ works nightshift four days a week
~ involved in mines rescue (lots of training, comps, time at the station, time away)
~ studying for his Undermanagers (time for this is lacking right now)
~ school pickup every single day of the week after only 6hrs sleep per day (god love him)
~ footy/oztag two days per week (coaches Cooper's team)
~ takes Georgia to dancing one day per week (while I'm at work)

Cooper, my boy, 7yo -
~ five days at school
~ two afternoons at oztag/footy
~ cricket on Saturday mornings
~ Nippers on Sunday mornings
~ usual homework, news, reading etc that comes with being in 1st class

Georgia, my eldest daughter, 4yo -
~ 6 dance classes per week (including private for ballet & jazz solos)
~ preschool two days per week

Bronte, my baby girl, 3yo -
~ 2 dance classes per week (including private for jazz solo)
~ preschool two days per week

And this is before my Georgia starts school next year and things get even more hectic with double the home readers, homework etc coming home.

Somedays I wonder how I do it...and this list only really shows the things I HAVE TO DO - let alone the other factors of my life including scrapbooking (what is that again, when did I last scrap?!), socialising with friends (which is of major importance to me), watching True Blood with my hubby (yep, addicted!!), facebook (lol!). There is no downtime in my life really, no rest, no relaxation...who has time for that??

I guess what I want to know is this....is EVERYONE this busy? Does everyone have commitments every single day of the week and wonder just when things are going to slow down? I feel like my life is passing me by at a rate of knots...and there is not a thing I can do about it!

Your thoughts? Would love to hear from you!

1st October Sketch @ Stuck

2011-10-12T21:28:00.003+11:00

An awesome sketch once again this month at Stuck, this is one of my favourites to date!

I have used a gorgeous kit from Scrapbooking From Scratch for this one, a beautiful photo of my girl Georgia with her little dancing friend Annika.

And a closeup...

Make sure you head over and upload your take on the Stuck Blog before the end of the month for your chance to win!

Purple Pumpkin October Sketch

2011-10-05T21:21:00.006+11:00

A gorgeous new sketch released over at Purple Pumpkin this month, I hope you like it! Get your take linked up over at the Purple Pumpkin Blog before the end of the month for your chance to win some gorgeous PP goodness!

And my take, using some of the OA 5 & Dime range.

And some closeups...

Sigh...I don't ever think I was this skinny!

Would love to see you too playing over at Purple Pumpkin, its the place to be for handmade embellishments!

Random Retreat Shares...

2011-09-29T16:51:00.003+10:00

I've found a quick minute to blog, so thought I'd share some randoms from the Savvy Delights Retreat weekend which seems so long ago now but was only really two weeks ago!

For those who came along and want to come again, or for new retreaters, we have booked our retreat once again on the same weekend next year, the dates being September 13th to 16th 2012. More information will be shared very soon, so save the date and be ready to book your spot soon!

These layouts are actually from the Sunday night of retreat weekend, spent with my wonderful friends Donna (ok, she's kinda family!), Kerryn & Sara. Was a great wind down from the weekend and I managed three layouts in the space of only a few hours (and a few strongbows!).

Crazy Silly You - for Dan's album, photos that he took of the kids one day in the car while I was off doing something and they were all waiting for me. Simple special moments of fun & laughter.

Mummy's Little Girl - scraplifted from a layout of Kerryn's that I pinched & copied on the night, thanks Kerryn!

And a closeup of my super awesome chippy title, do NOT even ask how I got that effect (and shhhhh girls, don't spill!!). ;)

Aunty Chris - using the gorgous OA 5 & Dime range, a night out for my Aunty Chris' 60th birthday dinner.

And a closeup of the journalling...

Thanks for visiting, see you again soon!

My Sketch @ Stuck!

2011-09-24T21:26:00.002+10:00

The 15th of Sept sketch at Stuck is one that I designed myself! First time I've actually designed a sketch and had a heap of fun with it. It looks like this...

And my take - a page of my man when we went to Bali in our first year together 2001 for my 21st birthday, such a fab time!

You still have six days left to get your layouts in over at Stuck for your chance to win some awesome sponsor prizes. Happy scrapping!

Retreat & Kits!

2011-09-22T21:18:00.010+10:00

WOW! What a weekend was had by all at the Savvy Delights Retreat last weekend! Once again San did an amazing job of putting it all together, and the shop did amazingly well with the help of all my girls and also with the extra stock brought along by Delights & SFS. Such an AMAZING group of girls that I'm so proud to be a part of, this little ol' scrapbooking world of ours continues to prove to me that it IS a good place and one that I can't imagine not being a part of.

I was so excited to have all of my Savvy Design Team Girls all in the one place, not something that is possible more than once a year really. I would give anything for more time with the gorgeous Renee and her beautiful work, and so so so wished I live closer to Kerryn - that lady is just a gem and someone I adore with all my heart. Sara was there helping me with EVERYTHING - before, during & after - including designing & putting together the gorgeous new September Kits (which I'll show you in a minute!). Anthea was there too...with her girls, bahahaha!

Once again there was a ton of help from my amazing besties, Leesh & Linda...who towed the trailer containing the shop to retreat for me. Thanks girls, I can always count on you. xx

We had an awesome class with the amazing Kerryn - designed with the funky new Halloween range from Bella Blvd. These kits will be released REALLY soon online, giving you the chance to purchase the class with instructions for FOUR projects including 2 layouts and 2 OTP's. I am yet to do my pages but I have the photos printed ready to go, waiting for some spare time! Can't wait!

At retreat we released TWO new kits for September which were this month a super budget price so they were affordable for everyone.

*PLEASE NOTE* all of the pages I'm about to show you are from the month long sketch challenge running over at Scrapbooking from Scratch - make sure you check it out!

We have the She's Savvy Kit - based on the gorgeous new Crate Paper Random & Basic Grey Indie Bloom combined with BRAND NEW THICKERS! So much value for only $25, you can't beat it. Here's the prettiest kit I've seen in ages, and the pages I've managed with it so far...

So Happy - me & Dan on our wedding day, him signing the marriage certificate and me checking out my new bling!! Love this photo, loved that day, love my hubby still with all of my heart.

And a closeup....

Bubble Wand - Miss Georgie at the beginning of last year at Loz & Luke's place, having some pure innocent fun with a bubble wand.

And the awesome He's Savvy Kit - based around the new Fancy Pants Off To School and again Crate Paper Random, with BRAND NEW THICKERS! For only $30 you can't go wrong.

Here it is, along with my layouts - there is another I can't show yet, but I have managed four layouts from it now, how good a value is that!

Three Dress Changes - Dan & his mines rescue team before heading off to QLD last year for the Australian comp.

And a closeup...

Brush Your Teeth - funny boy Coop with some crazy glasses on at a b'day party, but a story about him being a typical boy that 'forgets' to brush his teeth!

And a closeup...

Boys Can Dance Too - Coop & his friend Zach dancing along to musical statues at Blakey's party, funky little dudes!

There is a ton of inspiration over on our Scrapbook Savvy Facebook page from all the DT as well, everyone was playing with something at retreat and the results were amazing!! Get your kits here, and while you're there check out all the new arrivals in the store...its a great week to be Savvy!

Lots more to share but will save it for another day, see you soon!

Random shares!

2011-09-11T15:38:00.004+10:00

Looking back on my layout folders, I still have layouts from Mojo that I haven't shared! Here's a couple, hope you like them!!

Gate 32 - using a Pagemaps sketch, and San handmade flower and some Lou inspiration for the twine wrapping technique!

And a closeup of the twine...

And a 'just because' layout using an old We're Savvy Kit...

See you again soon - lots happening here this week with the Savvy Delights Retreat next weekend! Still a few spots if you wanna come, let me know!

Random Kit Challenge...

2011-09-09T15:23:00.002+10:00

If you purchased any of the August Kits at Scrapbook Savvy, don't forget to get your layout in for our Random Kit Challenge and in the process be in the running to be our GUEST DESIGNER for September, who receives not only a FREE KIT but also a generous DT discount for the month! This month the criteria (apart from using any of the August Kits) is to include the following criteria on your layout...

- paint
- fussy cutting
- a curved title

Here is my example using the SOLD OUT We're Savvy Kit which I just love - there is something about yellow that just makes me happy on the inside!

Smile Like The Sun - Georgia during a photo shoot with my friend Loz at Red Door Photography last year.

And some closeups...

Make sure your layout is up in the gallery before midnight on TUESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2011 to be in the running!

Sept Challenge @ Purple Pumpkin

2011-09-07T19:43:00.000+10:00

It's the first of the month, and that means a new challenge at Purple Pumpkin! We've decided to change things up a bit this time, and the fabulous Belinda from our Design Team suggested we do a 123 challenge. So the challenge is to use:

1 Lollipop/Flower
2 Doilies
3 Buttons

Here's my take, using the newest She's Savvy Kit and a photo of my eldest two sharing a 'Moment'.

You have until the 30th of September to complete this challenge and link it up in the sidebar on the Purple Pumpkin blog. There will be two fabulous Purple Pumpkin prizes - one winner will be chosen by the design team, and the second will be a random prize draw.

Good luck!

Sept 1st Stuck Sketch

2011-09-07T15:02:00.004+10:00

Only a week late, here is the latest Stuck Sketch for your scrapping pleasure!!

And my take - Attack of the Seaweed using the latest She's Savvy Kit for August. There are still two of these kits left in the Scrapbook Savvy store if you'd like one!

Upload your take over at the Stuck blog before the end of September for your chance to win some awesome sponsor prizes.

August He's Savvy

2011-09-06T21:30:00.006+10:00

You may have seen these already on the Scrapbook Savvy Facebook page, but if you haven't...here are the layouts I have managed so far with the latest He's Savvy Kit which is now completely SOLD OUT! I did all of these at the crop last Friday night at Scrapbooking Delights...yep, four layouts in five hours, gotta be happy with that!

The first layout of the night - Boys Play Golf. I needed some inspiration to get me started so scraplifted a layout from the latest Scrapbook Trends magazine.

Cold Rock & Rollerblades - an afternoon spent with my boy of bike riding, rollerblading and a visit to Cold Rock Icecreamery.

Interstate Retreater - me & Donna at Peta's SFS Retreat last October, such a great time!

And a closeup of the gorgeous new Bella! flowers available now at Scrapbooking Delights (these are an extra and not included in the kit).

Last Day of Kindy - my boy on his last day of kindergarten last year, love writing these very important stories down.

And a closeup of my journalling...

Don't forget to get yourself a kit subscription if you'd like to reserve a He's Savvy Kit each month, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Cooper is 7!

2011-08-29T21:35:00.004+10:00

Remember a year ago I did this post with a year to year look at my boy growing up. Well somehow another year has gone by! I don't know where it went, honestly....

Here is Cooper today, 7 years old and so grown up (and yes, for the smart asses, Cooper FINALLY has NEW Dragons pjs this year!!).

And our traditional b'day morning photo (which involves me setting the timer while the camera sits on the steps, and me then running back across the room like a crazy person to get in position before the timer ends!!).

At seven Cooper's world involves the following...

- plays rugby league & rugby union
- loves nerf guns, ds & wii
- is great at reading & writing and progressing in leaps & bounds at school
- loves watching movies (but rarely actually sits & watches the whole thing)
- reads Beast Quest novels for fun
- looks after his sisters (most of the time)
- sets the table every night
- big enough now to not have to have a car seat!
- watches football CONSTANTLY - replays from games 20 years ago to last weekend, all day, from sun up to sun down
- his best friends are still Clay & Jonty from preschool, but his best friends at school are Aiden, Sam & Bailey
- writes all the time, fills up exercise books with stories, or copies from other books, just loves to write
- he is BOSSY! too used to being the halfback in footy and telling everyone what to do all the time
- catch phrase at the moment is 'are you kidding me'
- kicks drop goals over the big posts at rugby training
- has a little issue with lying, but we think we've sorted that ;)

My man in the making, love you dude. And yep, I was the girl he chose to kiss when he touched the bottom while cutting his cake. xx

Purple Pumpking Blog Hop Winner!

2011-08-29T21:25:00.004+10:00

Our winner has now been announced over at the Purple Pumpkin Blog! Check out the post here to see if its you!!

I am so excited to also announce a winner here on my blog, who has won a surprise mixed button pack from Purple Pumpkin!

My winner is...

Congratulations Martine! Please contact Sam from Purple Pumpkin on purplepumpkincrafts@hotmail.com to claim your prize.

Thanks for playing along with our first Purple Pumpkin Blog Hop, it was so great to read all your wonderful & encouraging comments. xx

Lesson from your Big Brother...

2011-08-28T20:27:00.004+10:00

Talk about cracking me & Dan up tonight...omg, this little girl of ours is a character!!!

As you might've seen on my Facebook photos in time gone by, Cooper has a special way of holding onto his stickers when he is playing with a sticker book, so he doesn't lose them. It looks like this...

At bedtime, the kids all choose a book or two to read for 10 minutes before bed. We went in to turn lights off and this is what we found when we checked in on Bronte...

Who says you don't learn anything from big brothers, eh?!

Blind Scrap with Me?

2011-08-28T12:35:00.003+10:00

I hosted a blind scrap session last night over in the Scrapbook Savvy forum as part of our Cybercrop weekend.

If you haven't blind scrapped before - basically you get a list of 'ingredients' for your page and step by step instructions on how to put your layout together. The catch? You can't see the end result and how the page is 'meant' to turn out so everyone's turns out that little bit different in the end. So much fun!

If you'd like to join in, head over to the forum now and check out the instructions here. Load your page into the gallery on Wednesday (not before, so everyone has the chance to do it 'blind') but before midnight Thursday to win yourself some Savvy spending money.

And just cause I can, here's a sneak peek of my page using the new She's Savvy Kit which is still available in the store (but there are only three left so be quick!)...

Hope to see you in the forum!!

Purple Pumpkin Blog Hop!

2011-08-27T11:31:00.004+10:00

Welcome to my blog if you're here for the Purple Pumpkin Blog Hop and my apologies for the lateness of my post! I hope you all had a fun time hopping around the blogs last night and checking out all the gorgeous work with our new Clay Buttons.

I was out with my hubby for the night at his Mines Rescue dinner, where his team once again took out the local competition for the third year in a row. So proud of him!!

Anyhoo, back to the topic at hand...here is my layout using some of the clay buttons sent to me by Sam - this layout is also for Renee's Music Clip Challenge over in the Savvy Forum.

Oh What A Night!

A closeup of a gorgeous red & white clay button and awesome new felt flower...

And closeup of a red & white spotty button as well as a beautiful red doily...

And the questionnaire - hope you learn something new about me!!!

When did you start scrapbooking?
I attended my first Creative Memories party in 2001 but didn't really get into scrapping until after Cooper was born in 2004.

What is your favourite tool?
Border punches without a doubt

When and where do you create?
Usually at the dining room table. I do have my own scrap room but it is downstairs, and I like to create while still being a part of my family

What inspires your creations?
My babies, its all for them and I scrap so they can know all their stories in the future

What is your Favourite Purple Pumpkin Embellie?
Buttons for sure, and such a variety available means there is always one that is perfect for my page!

What is your favourite technique?
Doodling, most of my pages have a doodled border somewhere

What are your top 3 favourite manufacturers?
Crate Paper, October Afternoon & Prima

What is your favourite snack food when scrapping?
Lollies!!

What do you listen to when you are scrapping?
Usually have the music channel on or if the boys are watching footy I'll have iTunes on my computer playing a random mix

What scrapping product couldn't you live without?
Alpha stickers...

What is your favourite colour?
Pink!

What is your favourite food?
Cheese...mmmm....

What's the last book you read?
Um...in the middle of RUN! by Dean Karnazes at the moment...very interesting read.

What are your favourite tv shows?
Everybody Loves Raymond, How I Met Your Mother, Sex & The City and Friends

What is your favourite movie?
The Notebook *sob sob*

What is your favourite song right now?
Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye

If you could go on a holiday to anywhere right now, where would it be?
I would love to the kids to Disneyland - a dream my hubby & I WILL do sometime in the future

Name something (not a person) that you can't live without.
Coffee!

What do you love to do when you're not scrapping?
Spend time with my gorgeous family

Tell us something that not many people know about you!
I am a worrier. BIG TIME. I worry about everything and everyone and want to solve the problems of everyone around me.

Thanks for visiting! Head back to the Purple Pumpkin Blog to comment on our blog hope. xx

Purple Pumpkin Blog Hop

2011-08-26T21:53:00.002+10:00

If you're here for the Purple Pumpkin Blog Hop...welcome!!!! I will be back soon with my questionnaire but be sure to leave me a comment to win an awesome Purple Pumpkin prize!!!!!

Stuck Birthday Blog Hop!!

2011-08-25T12:17:00.002+10:00

If you have arrived here because you are hopping along with the Stuck?! Sketches blog hop, welcome! One lucky winner from those hopping will receive a We’re Savvy kit from Scrapbook Savvy! Who wouldn’t want to win this gorgeous kit?

For your chance to win, leave a comment and collect the words from each blog on the hop. The words are just a list, they do not form a sentence, so no being tricky and skipping any of the blogs. Once you have finished, email the list of words to stucksketches@optusnet.com.au along with your name and location by midnight Sunday August 28th.

If you've just discovered the hop, you can get started HERE.

And, here is the full list just in case you get lost...

Celeste
Chantelle
Charmane
Felicity
Helen
Linda
Melinda
Raquel
Sarah <<< you are here
Tara
Tess

So, your next stop on the hop is Tara!

Don't forget to write down your word, before you go – ENJOY

Two sketches from Stuck!

2011-08-24T11:23:00.005+10:00

Only a week of August left, seriously! Where is the time going...the end of August means my little boy turns seven...I can.not.believe.it. :(

On a good note though, this means you still have a WHOLE WEEK to submit your layouts over at Stuck for your chance to win some awesome prizes. And we're having some fun later in the week with some blog hopping as well, so stay tuned for news on that!

Here's the latest two sketches from Stuck, the first being our 15th August sketch that looks like this...

And my take, of me & my girls at the SFS Retreat last October using the gorgeous Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe range from Scrapbooking Delights.

And then we have the second Bonus Sketch for our Birthday month...

And my take, of Cooper and his Poppy on Christmas Day, using more goodies from Scrapbooking Delights - the Bella! Paper Boy range which I just LOVE!

Load yours to the Stuck blog before the end of August for your chance to win!

Savvy Sketch!

2011-08-19T21:22:00.004+10:00

Yep you read it right...I've actually done the sketch over at Scrapbook Savvy this month! Anyone would think I owned that store... ;p

Here's the sketch by Anthea based on a gorgeous layout by the lovely Anne, thanks Anne for the inspiration you put in the Savvy Gallery.

And my take of my funny middle girl eating broccoli in the middle of the supermarket! (and yes, this page is now journalled, I have no idea why it wasn't when I photographed it!)

Make sure you get your sketch layout in by the end of the month for your chance to win some Savvy spending money, gotta be in it to win it!!!

Savvy Crop Days...

2011-08-13T20:39:00.003+10:00

As much as they were good fun and all, I have to honestly say that I don't really miss them? Is that awful?

I do miss getting together with my girls every week...but thats about all I miss (except the income, of course!).

I don't miss the commitment, the pressure, the stress, the cancellations, the full days of my kids missing out on me.

Here's a layout I did of one of the fun crop days we did have at the start of my Savvy life, a Biggest Morning Tea crop.

I have so much more fun these days cropping at Scrapbooking Delights...not working, just scrapping and being out of my own environment makes a huge difference to my productivity. So happy that my local scrap shop still holds regular crop days and nights each week. Its so important that we support this as without our local scrap shop, our area would be buggered for scrapping inspiration, products & classes.

Speaking of which, I had an awesome time at an all day crop just today...managing FOUR layouts in the five hours I was there! Told you my productivity was good at Delights! Thanks again San for having me...always a good day spent with you. xx

You Make Me Happy

2011-08-12T21:19:00.002+10:00

A just because layout from Mojo...

Journalling reads: Home is wherever you are. You are my life, my world...and I couldn't go on without you. Everything is better when we are together.

Nothing Beats...

2011-08-10T21:53:00.004+10:00

...scrapping with my besties! Have loved spending Tuesdays of late scrapping with Linda & Leesh...wish our worlds would stop mixing it up on us though, this week was the last one for awhile now that Linda will be working on Tuesdays again...sigh. :(

I managed two pages - one I had started the other night but didn't finish.

Bronte The Cute Dinosaur - my little baby girl, seems so long ago now, pretending to be Dorothy and looking very cute whilst doing so! Used the Bella Avalon range on this one from Scrapbooking Delights.

Closeup...

Cheeky Little Girl - this one is totally & utterly scraplifted from the current Scrapbook Trends magazine. With an hour to go I needed to get another page done, so flipped through the mag until I found one I liked....and copied it! Yep I admit it, sometimes I don't think for myself but hey I got a page done for Georgia's album and that is what is important to me. And I won't lie about it, pretending its my own work...cause thats just wrong!

Closeup...

Thanks for visiting me today, leave me a comment so I can come and visit you. xx

Bella Paper Doll!

2011-08-09T20:59:00.003+10:00

God I love this range! Have completely killed the papers that I bought from my friend San at Scrapbooking Delights. Have already shown you a couple of pages with it, but here are another couple of things...

Happy Day Card for one of Bronte's little friends...

And 'My Mum' which is the first drawing of me that came home from Bronte's preschool...

God love her!

Make sure you get into Scrapbooking Delights to get some for yourself...if there are any left!!

New friends = Inspiration!!

2011-08-07T22:55:00.003+10:00

As you can imagine, with nearly 90 women at Camp Mojo I managed to make LOTS of new friends and with that comes new and exciting ideas & inspiration!

One of the major standouts to me was Lisa Pate. I have never met Lisa before, haven't seen her work, haven't heard her name. But OMG, when I saw her work on the challenge tables I was totally & utterly in love with her style. So much so, that I stole one of her ideas for the following layout.

Slurpees - using an awesome method of rolling papers and using them as your a background.

And a closeup...did I say this was one of my fave layouts of the mojo weekend?!

Thanks Lisa for inspiring me, can't wait to see you again soon!

Stuck Bonus Sketch #1

2011-08-06T19:34:00.003+10:00

A sketch every single week of August to celebrate our birthday at Stuck! Hope you have time to play along with all of this extra inspiration this month!

Here is our first bonus sketch...

And my take...

Don't forget to upload yours over at the blog for your chance to win!

Stuck Sketches has a New Look!!!

2011-08-01T21:38:00.005+10:00

A VERY exciting month at Stuck!? with a new Creative Team about to be announced, a brand new look on the blog and EXTRA sketches to celebrate our birthday month! So happy to be a part of it!!

Our first out of FOUR AWESOME SKETCHES this month is this one, designed by Lou...

And my page, another for the 52 weeks album....so happy to be getting through these!

Stay tuned for more awesome-ness from Stuck this month, its all happening!

(oh, and don't forget to upload your take over at the blog for your chance to win!)

August Sketch @ Purple Pumpkin

2011-08-01T21:18:00.004+10:00

1st of the month means lots of new challenges in the online world! I have lots to share with you but first up is a page I finished JUST last night that took me two days to complete....god knows why, think I must've used all my mojo last weekend or something?! ;)

The sketch at Purple Pumpkin this month was designed by the lovely Melinda and looks like this...

And my page for my 52 weeks albums of Kellie & I at Long Point Retreat, using the gorgeous OA Five & Dime range.

Make sure you head over and join us at Purple Pumpkin, and upload your layout by the end of the month for your chance to win some awesome prizes!

Kraft It Up!

2011-07-29T22:07:00.003+10:00

Been a long time since I've done any blog challenges just because...but with Mojo I decided to print some out and do my best to get some done.

I thought I was SO clever when I did my first attempt at the KIU challenge...until I realised that I didn't use any Kraft! Idiot!! Bahahahahaha!!! Here it is, I am still happy with the layout even if it doesn't qualify...

Beautiful Fairy - my littlest girl all dressed up after her birthday party in May.

And a closeup...

And now my ACTUAL entry for the KIU challenge!!

Doll House - Bronte on the morning of her birthday, so very excited to get a doll house all of her own, god love her.

Thanks for visiting!!

6 x 12 Holiday Share

2011-07-28T22:00:00.003+10:00

So I finally pulled some more of my 'little pages' out to scrap of our holiday pre-Bronte.

There was some 'dispute' at Mojo during the Sar vs Peta scrap session as to whether these were actually counted seeing as they were only really half a page...but the lovely Peta decided that seeing as I was SO FAR BEHIND she would let it roll...thanks PJ, mwah! ;)

Kenny The Koala - Dan & his sis Kaz with all the kids, having a photo with Kenny The Koala at Dreamworld, just like they did when they were little.

Its A Shark - its a bit dark, but there is Coop looking at the shark, and just loving how close he is!

Jaws of Death - blowing out at how little Cooper was in this one!

Relax - my absolute FAVE photo from this holiday, of the polar bear at Seaworld just chilling out, god love him.

Thanks for visiting, back with more tomorrow!

52 Week Share...

2011-07-27T21:35:00.006+10:00

The first on the list while away on the weekend was to catch up on my 52 Weeks album once again! I'm all caught up to the week before Long Point, so less than a month to do now (and I'll have to get those pages sorted soon!).

Week 16 - Roadtrip, me & Dan in front of the 3 Sisters in the Blue Mountains on our way to QLD for our family holiday.

Week 17 - Crop Day, in my hotel room while holidaying on the Gold Coast, scrapping with the gorgeous QLD girls Renee, Crystal, Anne & Sara.

Week 19 - The Scrapboom, the week I moved the Savvy store back into my scraproom and gave my family their space back :)

Week 20 - Georgia's First Eisteddfod, my girl all made up and looking WAY too grown up, ready for her first eisteddfod with the Entertainment Troupe for her 'sugar cube dance' (as she calls it).

Week 22 - Fun Run, the first time ever I ran 5km non stop thanks to the encouragement of my bestie Linda.

Week 22 (but should be Week 23, doh!!!) - Baby Jack, my friend Amy's new baby boy, so cute.

Thats the share for today, still orders to pack and nearly my bedtime, catch ya soon!!

Mojo Debrief...

2011-07-26T10:10:00.006+10:00

All I can say is...o.m.g! What a weekend!!

Can't remember the last time I had so much fun. From the winery & chocolate shop visit on Thursday to the five minute photo session on Sunday...everything in between and more. Best.time.ever.

Highlights for me in point form...

- Scrapping with Loz on Wednesday night, the first time in two years she has played with paper and glue.
- Close to $100 spend at the Smelly Cheese Shop with Peta & San, totally worth it!
- Being held accountable by San's team of army men all weekend.
- Seeing Anne-Marie Cox flash her tits...and having the photos to prove it!!!!
- Meeting the gorgeous and totally lovely Lou Nelson, talk about one amazing woman.
- Laughing with and teasing our mushy Lisa Oxley all weekend, so good to scrap with her again after all this time, and having her put a layout together just for me.
- Cheese & wine picnic on the floor of the sewing room with Peta at 12:13pm on Saturday.
- Cracking up with the Tassie girls, god love 'em.
- Watching Marelle grab her crotch on the Glee stage, nothing better!!
- Witnessing Jo Kinder create a handmade chook for Sherry and bring down the house with the 'knock knock motherf***er' blog reference.
- Escorting our drag queen Shazza from her dressing room to the stage in the dark.
- Watching Anne-Marie impersonate her son running at 2am totally pissed, never laughed so much in my life!
- Keeping Peta awake from 2-4am two out of three nights (nah, that wasn't really a highlight but just had to rub it in again!).
- Having the.most.awesome.photo.EVER taken by Loz on Sunday when she stopped in for a visit.
- Competing in the scrap session comp of the century with Peta and getting a total of 31 layouts scrapped, what its all about!
- Driving home and rehashing it all with San, bit by bit.

And lots more as well, which I'll pop up as I remember them....so much buzzing around my head after four days with such amazing, creative, like-minded women!

Now only eight weeks to the Savvy Delights Retreat - be quick if you haven't booked in yet, guaranteed to be another howler of a weekend!

Here's a few pages of the 31 pages I got done, these ones being for some of the Mojo Challenges over the weekend. Don't ask me exactly what the challenges were, I have no idea now...

Big Girl Bed - little Bronte becoming a big girl when we took the sides off her cot, using the Paper Doll range from Bella available at Scrapbooking Delights.

And a closeup of my journalling.

Aunty Leesh's Girl - Georgie with my bestie & her godmother Alicia.

Down On The Farm - Georgie, so little, at the i98fm Convoy For Kids day out enjoying the farm animals.

Lots more to come, I promise! I think about another 10 blog posts to be exact!

Thanks for visiting. xx

I'm going...

2011-07-20T09:36:00.001+10:00

...to Camp Mojo!!

See you on the flipside!!

Not quite...

2011-07-19T21:21:00.005+10:00

...the 'Queen of Doubles' like my bestie, but I can manage to pull one off when I try!

Ok, I admit to needing the help of Pagemap...but shooosh, its a double done & dusted from the Scrapbooking Delights retreat photos taken nearly two years ago!!!

And obligatory closeups of my clusters, which I was super happy with!!

Do you scrap double layouts? I personally HATE them but sometimes they just can't be avoided. TFL!

52 Week Catch-up

2011-07-17T17:51:00.006+10:00

It had to happen...I'm behind on my 52 Weeks album again!! But thats ok, I'll be caught up by the end of next weekend... :)

I have however ended up doing a few this weekend, one I can't show just yet and one I will only show you the sneak of ... but a couple I can show (and even one I'd forgotten to show from months ago!!).

Week 14 - Cross Country Dash about me going to watch Cooper's cross country in my lunchbreak, only to miss his race by about three minutes! He came third (but I've accidentally said he came second, I've just been corrected)...Mummy cried cause she missed it. :(

Week 18 - Donna's 40th of me & Donna all dressed up at her big birthday bash.

Week 21 - 12wbt which is about me starting the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation but I'm not showing you the full layout, as its my before photo and is a tad revealing! You'll have to just check out the sneaks.

Week 25 - Cooper Plays Rugby about Cooper now playing Rugby as well as League, this boy loves his footy so much.

Are you doing a 52 week album this year, and if so how is it going?? Would love to hear about yours, link me in the comments so I can come check it out on your blog.

Thanks for visiting!

Do you want to be a Guest Designer?

2011-07-17T13:36:00.004+10:00

I don't know anyone that wouldn't want to be a Guest Designer over at Purple Pumpkin! The opportunity to play with some of the yummy embellishments on offer...you'd be crazy NOT to give it a go!!

Head over to this post here to find out all the info!

More She's Savvy!

2011-07-17T09:27:00.003+10:00

I managed another three layouts from the June She's Savvy Kit which now makes a total of SEVEN layouts from the kit! For the price of $45, that is a bargain...and all I've really had to add is an extra piece of cardstock and some Purple Pumpkin embellishments.

Here are the new ones I managed yesterday while scrapping with my friend Deslie. :)

She Is A Joey! about the day my baby girl left the nursery and went into the big room at preschool. She was so happy to be able to play outside in the yard with her big sister.

Day Spa With My Besties of Linda when we had the day out for her birthday - day spa, dinner & movies = bliss!

Playing Purple Pumpkin of my girls when we were on holidays, playing with my Purple Pumpkin goodies. They just love them, they look & feel & sort & match...just yesterday we had a Purple Pumpkin trail through my loungeroom as they sorted them all again. Its very cute.

And a closeup :)

Only THREE of these gorgeous kits left now so if you want one, head over the store and get one before they're all gone!

Giveaway!

2011-07-15T12:55:00.001+10:00

Have you seen the giveaway over at Sam's blog? Awesome one, definitely worth a try to win some new papers...

You can look at all Sam's yumminess while you're there, love her work.

=)

June She's Savvy & Stuck!

2011-07-14T22:59:00.005+10:00

I have been waiting with bated breath for the release of the 15th July Stuck Sketch so that I could show you all of my June She's Savvy layouts at once!

Our June She's Savvy Kit is such a bright & happy kit, which could be used for any agegroup. I love how it pops off the white cardstock but also works amazingly well with the black! So versatile!

Here's the whole kit, there are still a few left in the store if you would like one. Or if you're going to Camp Mojo, you could WIN one!

My first two layouts from this kit...the first 'Baby Jazz' which was also the sample page for our June Kit Challenge.

Then we have Charlotte's Concert, the kit worked perfectly with the bright & funky colours in these photos!

And finally my Stuck layout, but first the sketch...

My take...'A Sister Is' featuring my two beautiful baby girls on Bronte's birthday in May. My fave pic to date of my gorgeous girls.

Make sure you enter your layout over at the Stuck Blog before the end of the month for your chance to win some awesome prizes from our sponsors.

Thanks for visiting!!!

FREE Buttons, B'day Giveaway & A Sketch!

2011-07-13T09:49:00.005+10:00

Did you know that just by ENTERING this months sketch over at Purple Pumpkin, you can get free buttons? If you complete the July sketch and link it up on the blog by the sale day - 22 July - you will receive a FREE pack of buttons with your order! You'd be silly NOT to enter!!

Here's the sketch...

And my take using the gorgeous Summer Days kit from Echo Park together with some gorgeous Purple Pumpkin bits & pieces, of course.

Did you know Purple Pumpkin are having a HUGE GIVEAWAY to celebrate their first birthday, with not one, not two, but FOUR PRIZES up for grabs! First prize will be a $50 VOUCHER to spend in the next sale. Second prize will be a $25 voucher, third prize will be a $15 voucher, and fourth prize will be a $10 voucher.

The winners will be drawn on the 22nd of July - just before the next sale!

So how can you enter? It's easy!

1. Be a follower of the Purple Pumpkin blog.

2. Post about this giveaway on your blog with a link back to this post on the PP blog.

3. After you've done that, just leave a comment after this post on the PP blog. For an extra entry, post about this giveaway on facebook, or on any message boards, and then leave an extra comment :)

Lots happening at Purple Pumpkin this month eh, hope you can be a part of it!!

You're Savvy Kit!

2011-07-12T21:23:00.006+10:00

July sees the release of our first ever YOU'RE SAVVY KIT over at Scrapbook Savvy. Due to a stock issue we were unable to release the three kits as planned for July, so these kits have been pushed back to August and Sara created this kit to get us all by for the month without having to do without a kit! I know how much we all love that little Savvy parcel on the doorstep each month, so we are very happy to be able to give you at least one kit for the month!

Here's what it looks like...

And my pages created today whilst I was lucky enough to be scrapping with Linda, Nat & my mum.

Bird Watching - my gorgeous little Bronte sitting outside on the driving, just watching the birds go by, god love her.

Introducing Baby Jack - my friend Amy's new baby announcements with the photo on them that I took at the hospital.

All 7 Grandkids - the rare photo with all of Mum & Dad's grandkids together! And my Dad smiling!!!! ;)

If you want one of these scrummy kits, head over the store and grab one. There are only four left at this point, so be quick!

Long Point Sketch...

2011-07-10T22:47:00.004+10:00

I forgot to share the layout from the sketch challenge at Long Point Retreat! Thanks to Lisa from Inspired Blueprints for providing this one for Belinda, was great to see all the different takes on the sketch.

I have used a He's Savvy Kit from a couple of months ago, was perfect for this page!

TFL!

Stuck Sketch 1st July

2011-07-06T16:47:00.002+10:00

My take on the first Stuck Sketch for July is now up over on the blog. Here's the sketch, this month a hand-drawn sketch by my friend Crystal.

And my take using the latest We're Savvy Kit which is available here (but only three left so be quick!).

Make sure you join in the fun over at Stuck for your chance to win some awesome prizes from our monthly sponsors.

Finally sharing!!!

2011-07-01T22:39:00.006+10:00

WOW, I'm one little blog neglecter at the moment, aren't I! I keep saying that things will get better when life slows down, but that doesn't look like happening anytime soon. Maybe I'll have to start getting organised instead, god forbid!!!

Have had a massive week...with Long Point Retreat last weekend at which both the Savvy & Delights stores did really well thanks to the support of all the girls. Thanks to San for helping me out and to all my friends for helping me unpack and repack the store. Also a BIG thanks to Belinda for actually organising the retreat and making it a fab weekend!

The scrapping count didn't do quite so well with only 7 layouts done, but I managed to get all my DT commitments finished for July which is a bonus! I'll share those soon, but first some older ones I haven't shown you yet...

Georgie Highpants - my crazy girl thinks she is VERY fashionable with her pants pulled up to her armpits!

And a closeup.

And a few layouts from the Pagemaps Book which you can purchase at Scrapbooking Delights, which I NEEDED at the last crop as I left my mojo at home...

Peace Man using an old He's Savvy Kit.

Brand New Swimmers using the 100 Days of Summer Kit from Simple Stories which you can get at Scrapbooking Delights.

15, of Miss Emma on her 15th Birthday using the OA 5 & Dime range.

And a card I made for my friend Amy on the arrival of Baby Jack, using an old We're Savvy Kit.

Thanks for visiting, its a happy relaxing Friday night here, on the lounge in front of the TV with a glass of wine. Hope your weekend has started out as great as mine. xx

Scrapping with my Besties

2011-06-23T16:37:00.003+10:00

I'm very lucky to spend every second Tuesday with my two besties Linda & Leesh, taking turns at eachother's house and scrapping the (school hours) day away. Here's one I managed at Linda's a fortnight ago which I haven't shared yet, using the gorgeous Bella! Avalon range from Scrapbooking Delights.

Time For A Book...

And a closeup...

TFL!

Only a week left...

2011-06-23T11:20:00.004+10:00

...of June and then we are officially halfway through 2011. How the hell did that happen?!

Being the second half of the month, our next sketch is now up at Stuck?! with lots of DT inspiration for you. I have actually completed two layouts for this sketch...I sent the first off to Sara, not really liking it but cutting close to deadline....then managed another one with last months He's Savvy Kit which I'm MUCH happier with!!

Here is the both of them, bet you like the second one the most as well. =)

Dads Wooden Spoons - me & my big brother Dave when I was a little girl xx

Happy Dragons - Coop & Clay at a Dragons game at WIN Stadium, quite obviously having an absolute blast.

And closeups, just cause I LOVED all the embellies in this Boy Kit!

Don't forget to upload your take over at the Stuck blog before the end of the month for your chance to win some great sponsor prizes.

One sleep till retreat here...I can't wait!

Renee's CC Challenge & Kit Week!

2011-06-21T21:23:00.008+10:00

I have only had a chance to get ONE layout done for the June Handmade Cybercrop at Scrapbook Savvy and with my hectic week I can't see me getting the other one I started done. So only one to show off for today. :)

Renee's Challenge was to include a handmade banner on your page, which I had lots of fun making with one of our We're Savvy Kits from a couple of months ago.

Bubby Got Her Ears Pierced

And a closeup of my banner.

Thanks Renee for a great challenge!

Don't forget you have until midnight Thursday 23 June to upload your layouts to the relevant gallery folder for your chance to win some Savvy spending money.

This busy week has so far included the packing, sorting, wrapping, boxing and uploading June Kits! Always a hectic time in my house but so worth it for the awesome response I get from the girls each month. Here's what the kits look like this month...

He's Savvy - ONLY ONE LEFT! Based around two new ranges from MME & Teresa Collins and including some awesome goodness from A Lil' Somethin', Clouds & More, Words or Whatever and Purple Pumpkin twine.

She's Savvy - Such a bright & happy kit to brighten your cold & miserable Winters day. Featuring LYB & MME plus some gorgeousness from Charms Creations, Clouds & More, Words or Whatever and Purple Pumpkin twine.

We're Savvy - Our value kit at only $25 for nearly $30 worth of coordinating product. Featuring Cosmo Cricket Odds & Ends paper range and finished off with Martha Stewart doilies, Clouds & More, Words or Whatever and Purple Pumpkin twine.

Don't forget you can subscribe for a rolling kit at any time for your choice of kits each month, just email me at sar@scrapbooksavvy.com.au to find out more!

Best move my butt, kits to finish off and a store to pack before I head off to Long Point Retreat this weekend. Three more sleeps and I CAN'T WAIT!!

Charms Creations!

2011-06-17T22:22:00.004+10:00

Have you seen the gorgeous goodies that Charm is making over here? They are super cute and look great on the layouts I've managed so far!!!

Mystical Donna - Sam & I when we met the wonderful Donna from Mystical Scrapbooks, the lady who offered me my first store DT gig!

And a closeup :)

And Goggle Fun - Georgie & Charlotte being crazy girls just for the heck of it.

Another closeup...

Charm had a sale tonight, so head on over and check it out before they're all gone!!

Back soon with more, still so much I haven't blogged!!!

Did you...

2011-06-06T20:35:00.003+10:00

...see my post on the Purple Pumpkin Blog today? If not, go check it out and leave me some love!!!

While you're there, check out MY sketch for the month of June, which looks like this...

And my page, using the gorgeous April She's Savvy Kit that you'll still find in the store here.

And a closeup, isn't the blue Purple Pumpkin flower just gorgeous!!

All you have to do to enter is complete your layout by the end of the month and make sure you pop some Purple Pumpkin embellishments on your page somewhere. :)

Looks like an early night for me here, not feeling the best and fighting off a sore throat. I MUST be well tomorrow as I have a day of scrapping planned with my besties Linda & Leesh...with Georgie's big school interview thrown in the mix. A big day for all!

Are you Stuck?!

2011-06-05T19:49:00.005+10:00

I know I have been of late! Stuck for time, stuck for mojo, stuck for inspiration and definitely stuck for layouts to show off! Thankfully I get a little email sent to me each month from the lovely Sara from Stuck?!, with two gorgeous sketches for me to create with. Always gets the mojo flowing and ends up with another two layouts completed for my collection.

Here's the new sketch designed by Lou.

And my take, very simple but highlights just what I wanted it to.

Don't forget to upload your take over at the Stuck?! Blog for your chance to win some great sponsor prizes.

TFL!

Today's the Day...

2011-06-03T11:23:00.004+10:00

...of the June Sale at Purple Pumpkin! Make sure you're online at 7.30pm tonight for some awesome new releases at the Purple Pumpkin blog including the following...

Boy Monkey Kit....so cute!

Little Girl Kit....to die for!

and don't forget the awesome twine Sam has in stock, I can't get enough of this stuff and it is now available in 11 different colours!

See you at the Purple Pumpkin Blog TONIGHT! You don't want to miss this!!

Savvy Sketch With A Twist

2011-06-02T21:50:00.003+10:00

Don't forget to check out all the awesome challenges we have over in the Scrapbook Savvy Forum each month, I will be checking in over the course of the month with my take on each of them.

First up, we have the Savvy Sketch With A Twist by Anthea, who created a sketch from a gorgeous layout of Wendy's in the Savvy Gallery.

And my take, a Christmas layout of all things! So not like me!

And a closeup...

Don't forget to share your take over in the Gallery by the end of the month of June for your chance to win some Savvy spending money.

TFL!

I promise to...

2011-06-01T11:28:00.007+10:00

...scrap more in June! I cannot believe we're in the sixth month of 2011, this year is just flying as is life in general. This month has been a pretty sad state of affairs for me scrap-wise, but I promise to rectify this in June with some scrapbooking as these kids of mine just keep on growing, and keep on doing super cool stuff that needs photographing and therefore scrapping!

I did manage a scrap day with my friend Nat yesterday, a rainy day here in the Gong and got three layouts finished in the process...but only one that I can share today.

For the first time in a while, a 'just because' layout of my little Bronte using some gorgeous October Afternoon papers...my absolute fave manufacturer ever.

Touch of Nature, the title coming from a quote by William Shakespeare.

Hope your scrappy total was better than mine for May, I best be checking my totals and update my sidebar.

Thanks for visiting and see you again soon.

Where Have I Been?

2011-05-27T13:52:00.004+10:00

Certainly not anywhere even close to my scrapbooking world, and thats the honest truth!

Life is hectic, crazy, busier than normal. I have just started my 12 Week Body Transformation with Michelle Bridges so a lot of my time has been taken up with training and food preparation. If you're interested in following my progress feel free to pop over to the 12WBT blog here. I will try to refrain from rambling about that too much here. =)

I haven't been to crops, I haven't even sat in my scrap room for the past two weeks. I hope to change this and make some time this weekend to do SOMETHING!

Until then I can only share what I've got laying around here that is yet to be blogged, such as this layout using the new 100 Days of Summer range from Simple Stories which I was lucky enough to win over on their facebook page.

It was my turn today to post on the Purple Pumpkin blog, here's a sneak but head over here to see my full layout and post about changing up the PP embellishments.

I hope that you've been doing more scrapping than me, and that you are keeping that world turning. I'll be back with some more soon when my world slows the f*** down!

Phew!

2011-05-19T09:55:00.006+10:00

Busy busy week for me! My fourth day in a row at work but we're on the downhill run to the weekend...if only it wasn't looking so busy! I'm starting my weekend with an Activewear Party at my place on Friday night, then Saturday I have my boxing class in the morning followed by Cooper's football and then the School Fete (tired just thinking about Saturday!). Sunday we are celebrating my little Bronte Boo's 3rd Birthday with a little morning tea party at the park, and Georgie has another party on Sunday afternoon. I think I'll need another weekend just to get over the weekend! Crazy times.

I have just finished my latest post over at Purple Pumpkin, so make sure you head on over and check it out! My last two pages for Purple Pumpkin have been created using the latest He's Savvy Kit which looks like it has just sold out! Only a couple of the We're Savvy left and it'll be another total sellout for this month. This makes me happy. =)

Speaking of the We're Savvy Kit, here's the latest Savvy Sketch using the new kit.

And another quick share while I'm here, my boys using an old He's Savvy Kit.

Thanks for visiting, see you again real soon! =)

May 15th Sketch...

2011-05-17T15:23:00.010+10:00

..is now up at Stuck and time is running out to submit your entries! Here's a look at the sketch...

And my take using the gorgeous Crate Paper Restoration range which is one of my fave lines ever.

This week I am a full-time working Mum, with my jobshare partner off on holidays. OMGoodness, as much I love my job and love being here, I don't think I could work full-time permanently. My house is trashed and honestly looks like we've been robbed...the result of a busy weekend and then straight into work on Monday. I usually have a couple of days after my weekend to get the house in order before my working week rolls around...but omg not this week and I'm feeling it! I take my hat off to all you full-time working Mums out there, I don't know how you do it.

On another note, my gorgeous little Georgie performed in her first eisteddfod on Sunday night in the Illawarra Flame Dance Challenge at the IPAC with her dance studio's Entertainment Troupe. My girl did GREAT and I think Mummy was more nervous than Georgia was. She was more than happy for me to leave her backstage and didn't miss a beat on the 'big stage' as she calls it. Our troupe won but by default, I was very disappointed that the other three troupes did not show as it would've been interesting to see what we were up against. I guess they knew the awesome-ness our studio would deliver and ran away with their tails between their legs, right?!

I didn't get any photos of my girl all dressed up in her costume on the night (she is a sugar cube at Alice in Wonderland's tea party), and obviously we couldn't take any while they were onstage...but here is one of my girl at her dress rehearsal last weekend (her 'sugar cube' was yet to be finished off in white). She's just a bit gorgeous, right?

She was SO proud of herself after her performance and you couldn't wipe the smile from her face for the entire night and next day. Very proud Mummy here, and not feeling one bit concerned about the 5 dance classes this girl does each week...she THRIVES on it and loves every minute. I can't take that away from her and have to just smile and shrug it off when people are shocked at the amount she does at the tender age of 4yo. If she didn't want to do it, she wouldn't. =)

Anyhoo, enough from me, hope you're having a fabulous week...I'll be back soon with some more scrappy shares.

Thanks for visiting!

The Big Day Out at Scraploot

2011-05-15T22:44:00.006+10:00

Another great day & night was spent yesterday at the super awesome Scraploot store. I just can't help but be blown away each & every time I walk into Sue's store, its like the David Jones of scrapbooking. So much stuff, everywhere you look there is inspiration and so much gorgeous product.

I started my scrapping day with San's class, which was using the Echo Park Playground range. I love how both of my pages turned out and the techniques I learnt in the class...the inking was fab (and I FINALLY succumbed to the Tim Holtz Distress Inks & blending tool) and the twine...I admire this on a lot of San's pages but have never been able to do it myself before this class.

Here's the main class page, my Bronte with her 'Little Dirty Feet'...

And a closeup...

And then a second layout using the leftover pieces, Cooper on Crazy Hair Day taking his project to school to hand in. =)

There was also a card with the leftovers, which I didn't do...but omg what an awesome value for money class! Loved it, thanks San. xx

I ended up doing 9 layouts in total (including these two). Some are for deadlines and the others I'll show over the next week or so.

Thanks for visiting! =)

A weekend for me!

2011-05-08T16:36:00.009+10:00

This weekend is one just for all of us...both scrapbookers and mothers alike! To start the weekend we had National Scrapbooking Day on Saturday (which I have been accused of making up!) and today in Australia we celebrated Mothers Day. The weekend is just starting to wind down...as am I, currently sitting on the lounge in front of the footy, finding the time to blog while my wine is chilling in the freezer. =)

To celebrate National Scrapbooking Day and to get some mojo happening, some of the DT girls put up some 'mini challenges' in the forum, offering gifts of RAK's for those that took part. Now I can't win the prizes, but I was definitely inspired and got all three challenges done last night whilst cropping at Scrapbooking Delights.

First off I did Anthea's challenge which was to use only Black, White & ONE other colour. Now I may or may not have improvised a little and used cream as well as my other colour, but hey...I can't win so close enough, right?!

This is me & Dan before we went to my bestie Linda's wedding in 2002, before kids, when it was just us. I have used the new October Afternoon 5 & Dime range for this one which is now available in the Scrapbook Savvy store.

And some closeups.

Next up I did Kerryn's challenge which was a card challenge, perfect as I needed a card for my Mum today (although as she was sitting beside me at crop I had to tell her not to look!). Again I've used the OA 5 & Dime.

And lastly (but certainly not leastly) I did Sara's challenge. I've used papers from this kit that I've been using for AGES...finally using up all my scraps now. Anyone who knows me or scraps with me will know that I'm a tad anal about using up my stuff...and will use a kit again & again & again just to get the most value for money.

The journalling on this page read 'At Georgie's 4th B'day party there was a disco and all the little girls were going off! The just loved it. Cooper pretended he didn't...but I snuck around the corner & caught him doing the Macarena on the jumping castle. Busted Coop!'. To me this is what scrapbooking is all about, these funny stories that just don't get told by looking at the photo on its own.

All in all a successful night of scrapping for me. =)

Today, Mothers Day, I was lucky enough to have a sleep in and then was woken at 9am by cries of 'Happy Mothers Day' from my babies, bearing handmade gifts, a present from the mothers day stall at school and flowers fresh from Woolies. So sweet and Cooper showed his thoughtfulness in his choice of present by telling me he knew I liked those 'smelly sticks' (he got me vanilla oil & sticks along with a dayspa gift card, gorgeous boy).

We then spent the day at my Mum & Dad's, a lovely Sunday with all of my family which doesn't happen often enough these days.

Here I am with my babies...

and with my Mummy & big brother & sister...

Happy Mothers day peeps, hope yours was amazing. Till next time. xx

1st May Stuck?! & Purple Pumpkin Sale TONIGHT!

2011-05-06T11:31:00.004+10:00

Back to normality for me...home from our holiday on Tuesday and back to work yesterday...and omg back to the freaking cold weather!!! I thought we had ordinary weather in QLD but no way...it was GREAT compared to the chill in the air here!

I did manage to get a bit more scrapping done while I was spending time at Donna's place, but I am yet to photograph most of them. Will show off soon, I promise!

Here's one I can share now though...the new sketch over at Stuck?! designed by Julie, the first one for May.

I had so much fun with this layout and I just love this Playground range by Echo Park which is now unfortunately sold out at Scrapbook Savvy.

Don't forget to upload your sketches over at the Stuck blog for your chance to win some awesome sponsor prizes!

As you can see I've once again used some gorgeous Purple Pumpkin buttons on my layout (is there many layouts lately that DON'T have PP on them?!!). If you want to get your hands on some of these, make sure you head over to the Purple Pumpkin blog at 7.30pm TONIGHT (Fri 6 May) for the next sale with some super gorgeous new releases. Don't leave it till tomorrow or you'll miss out, they've been selling out so fast!

See you soon, hope your Friday is a happy one!!

I've Been Crystalised!

2011-04-29T08:28:00.004+10:00

Yep thats right....after scrapping with the gorgeous Crystal for two days during my holiday I have well & truly been 'Crystalised' and have started putting paint on my pages! What the?!

In all seriousness though, have learnt a lot scrapping with this girl, she is a super amazing scrapper who just gets the layouts done so quick and they always look stunning!!

Here's my painted layouts...

LOTS of 8.5x11 layouts for my 52 week album, finally getting caught up!

Week 10 - It Fits! using the total last bits & pieces from the March She's Savvy Kit, the girls didn't think I could get another layout from the remnants but I proved them wrong!

Week 11 - Another B'day Party using scraps.

Week 13 - Big School Application using the gorgeous Bella Avalon range from Scrapbooking Delights.

Week 15 - Girls Night again using the Bella Avalon range.

And one 12x12 using the new We're Savvy Kit.

I'm still away, staying with my gorgeous cousin Donna and looking forward to celebrating at her 40th birthday party tomorrow night! But today & tomorrow we prepare...with waxing, hairdresser appointments and a visit to Katty Cakes!! Can't wait!

Thanks for visiting!

A Wonderful Day!

2011-04-23T21:49:00.007+10:00

Sometimes the whole scrapbooking world can be a bit of an effort, with competitiveness and drama, bitchiness and craziness, and conflicts of interest....but not on days like today. On days like today where I get to meet other scrapbookers that I 'know' online and we all instantly click and just laugh for hours, I know its totally worth it. There ARE lots of like-minded souls out there who are just in it for the 'hobby' and want to enjoy their scrapbooking with other happy people without all the crap that sometimes goes with it...and today I was lucky enough to spend the day with four of these absolutely gorgeous girls. Thank you Sara, Crystal, Renee & Anne for coming and playing with me today...I had a total blast!

I managed to get five layouts scrapped, one of which I've just popped up over on the Purple Pumpkin Blog, one which was for the blind scrap at Savvy tonight, two for an upcoming deadline that I can't reveal just yet...and one that I could show if I'd managed to photograph before dark, so you'll just have to wait!

Lets see if I have something else that I haven't shared yet...

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Ooooh, here's one...a page of my boy, just because using some leftovers from one of the class kits at last year's SFS Retreat.

Well the Easter Bunny has visited and its nearly time for this little bunny to get to bed, hope you all have a safe & happy Easter with your family & friends. Thanks for visiting!

Savvy Cybercrop Blog Hop!

2011-04-22T19:49:00.003+10:00

Welcome to my blog if you're here for the first time...hopefully lots of you have been here before though!!

My apologies for the lateness of my blog hop post...I've been very busy holidaying, spending time with my family, bike riding, swimming and just hanging out together.

Looking forward to a happy scrappy day tomorrow with some of the QLD girls...can't wait!!

Hope you get time to do some of the Savvy CC challenges this weekend, I will be trying to as well and hoping that I've packed the right stuff!

See you soon!

Stuck?! on Holidays...

2011-04-20T19:11:00.003+10:00

I know when I'm away on holidays I still need to look for inspiration when I pull my scrapping out...so if you're the same check out the mid month sketch at Stuck and you'll be getting that layout started in no time.

And my take, my man in his element at the beach, using last month's He's Savvy Kit.

Don't forget to upload your take over at Stuck before the end of the month for your chance to win some great prizes!

We've had a great couple of days at Dreamworld & Whitewater World on the Gold Coast, check out my photos here if you're my friend on Facebook....and if you're not my friend, add me! Find my link in the sidebar here on my blog.

Thanks for visiting!

Its my turn...

2011-04-18T16:51:00.002+10:00

...today to post on the Purple Pumpkin Blog! Go check it out!

Road Trip Randoms!

2011-04-16T13:53:00.006+10:00

We are on holidays! Left home early yesterday morning to head to Dubbo. Our first stop, The Three Sisters at Katoomba. The kids have been intrigued by the story of the Three Sisters and I've had to repeat it numerous times. Georgie has even told me she is sad that the girls got turned into stone cause now she can't play with them. Kids eh...

The typical tourist shot of The Three Sisters.

The kids, still in their pjs. :)

And the expected selfie of me & Dan. xx

We had big plans today of spending the day at the Western Plains Zoo. We packed our bikes and a trailer for the girls, but unfortunately the weather had other plans. I had a dream last night that it was raining....and lo & behold I woke up at 6am to the sound of rain. So this morning we went straight to the shops, bought some raincoats and went to the zoo anyway. We had a good few hours there, but not the whole day we had planned. By just after lunch we were wet through, which isn't good for those with the flu (me) and those with ear infections (Georgie) so we headed back to our hotel. We got a few good photos and saw most of the animals, but I'd love to do it again sometime like we planned without the rain & mud dampening the day. Here's a few pics of what we did see.

The rhinos (yes, we did see real ones too!).

The giraffes, which were just AMAZING and so close, being fed & frolicking in the rain. The are just SO big and lanky, and just WOW! The kids were in awe.

And the elephants were another major highlight, well worth the trek through the mud to get to them!

We are off to the Gold Coast tomorrow, and hopefully we will get away from this yukky weather!

And some scrapping, just cause I always have something I haven't shared...

Trouble Wears A Santa Hat - a just because of Cooper a few days before Xmas 2010.

Thanks for visiting, I'll check in again soon!

April Random Kit Challenge

2011-04-12T21:08:00.004+10:00

I have been so busy that I have only had a chance to do ONE lonely little layout so far from my April Savvy kits...but one is all we need to set some criteria for the Random Kit Challenge where all Savvy Kit customers can enter for a chance to be the next Guest Designer who receives not only a FREE kit for the following month but also a generous DT discount for the entire month of their term.

This month, the Kit Challenge criteria is to use the following on your layout...

- bows with string
- layering
- NUMBERS somewhere on your page

And my example, using the SOLD OUT He's Savvy Kit for April...

And a closeup of my journaling...

Make sure you enter your page by the end of the month for your chance to win!

Can't wait till I'm on holidays at the end of this week and will have more of a chance to relax and get some scrapping done (in between spending time with my wonderful family, of course!).

See you soon!

Scrapbooking.com

2011-04-12T11:03:00.002+10:00

I am so excited to have a project published over at the Scrapbooking.com online magazine for April! Check out my article and step by step instructions here.

Thanks for looking! :)

My first post!

2011-04-12T09:15:00.000+10:00

My first post is up on the Purple Pumpkin Blog! Go check it out here!

Its Friday today!

2011-04-08T09:25:00.007+10:00

So glad the weekend is nearly here, and what a weekend its going to be!!!

Tonight I look forward to scrapping with some gorgeous girls at the last Scrapbook Savvy crop. Hopefully I'll finally be able to dig into the new kits and get my kit challenge page done!

Ooooh and the next Purple Pumpkin sale is on tonight as well, so I'll definitely be online waiting with bated breath for the reveal...and I have already had requests for the computer to be available at crop tonight so the girls don't miss out! Make sure you check it out, there is sure to be something for everyone!

Tomorrow is looking a busy day, but I'm so looking forward to it! We have Cooper's footy game in the morning, then an Activewear clothes party at Alicia's before heading over to Scrapbooking Delights with Nat for a visit with San until she finishes work. Then its PARTY TIME for Megan's 40th, gonna be a fab arvo/night and I can't wait!

Dan is taking all the kids to the farm for the night so my whole family will be having a fun time with friends - me with the girls, Dan with the boys, and the kids with their little friends! We're so lucky to be surrounded by such a great group of amazing people who help to make our lives complete.

Sunday morning will hopefully be a lazy one but then an afternoon bbq with some gorgeous friends will make it the perfect day while watching the Dragons game on the big screen.

Gotta love weekends like that! :D

And to bring some scrappy into my post, here's a couple of pages!

Icing Only - a page using scraps from an old She's Savvy kit, love getting the most out of these kits and just keep adding more cardstock until its impossible to get another page out of it!

Her Day - a page of my kids with their 'cousin' Charlotte on her birthday last month. When I say cousin I don't mean by blood. Sometimes friends are more 'family' than real family can be...and we are so lucky to have this family in our life, with Ben & Leesh being godparents to all of our babies and our kids being so close. Love you guys. xx

I used the sold out March We're Savvy Kit for this one.

Have a great Friday, see you soon!

Purple Pumpkin Sneaks...

2011-04-07T11:44:00.005+10:00

I am so excited about the next sale at Purple Pumpkin happening tomorrow night (Friday 8th April). Make sure you check out the blog for all the newest goodies including some gorgeous new twine! Lots of buttons, flowers & other handmade yummies as well. Here's a sneak...

And a link....GET OVER THERE!!

April 1st Stuck Sketch

2011-04-06T10:22:00.004+10:00

Seeing as the first week of April is nearly gone, I thought I better share the latest Stuck Sketch with you! Here is is...

And my take, using the March She's Savvy Kit (yes, AGAIN!).

Make sure you link your entry to this post here for your chance to win some awesome scrappy dollars from the awesome sponsors at Stuck.

Thanks for visiting!

Phew!

2011-04-04T20:48:00.005+10:00

A busy few days has had me not blogging and barely scrapping, life is just so busy!

Amongst other things this weekend I managed to complete my first proper fun run (I've done one before but walked the whole way) for the Kembla Joggers Fitness 5 yesterday. I ran 5km in 32.5 minutes, only stopping to walk a few times to catch my breath. I was so proud of myself but omg thought I was gonna pass out after reaching that finish line! And my legs today! Soooo sore! Thanks to my besties Linda & Leesh for encouraging me to get involved...wouldn't have done it without you (and your nagging!). ;)

Apart from that we've had b'days galore, dinner with friends, Cooper's football and Georgie's eisteddfod rehearsals.

AND my little nephew Spike (1.5yo) broke his arm in two places on Thursday night, so we've been worrying about him and got to visit him on Friday night. Poor little mite has a cast from his shoulder to his wrist. I have to say though, he did look great on Friday night, smiling & laughing & playing...his poor stressed Mummy & Daddy not so much though!

Here he is on the day he was born, I did this layout a little while ago and haven't had the chance to share. This page was actually about my maiden name and how my brother's two boys are the last in the line of Pettett's in our family. So great for my Dad to have these little boys carrying on our family name. xx

Thanks for visiting, see you soon.

So honoured....

2011-04-01T22:29:00.003+11:00

...to be part of the wonderful forum over at Chat with Charm and to be one of the 'Scrappers in the Spotlight' this week! Thanks Charm! xx

Check it out here.

:D

SAR'S SCRAP STORY

January Savvy Sketch

January Stuck Sketches!

Xmas, New Year & Birthday Catchup

52 Week Catch Up - All Caught Up!

52 Week Catch Up - Part 3

52 Week Catch Up - Part 2

52 Week Catch Up - Part 1

Random!

December 15th Stuck Sketch

Peta Challenged Me...

Sweet Girl

1st December Stuck Sketch...

*WARNING* Girly post ahead!

December Sketch @ Purple Pumpkin

CC Weekend at Savvy!

There is a Witch...

1st November Stuck Sketch

SFS Retreat 2011

Renee's CC Challenge

Kerryn's CC Challenge

Anthea's Cybercrop Challenge

Savvy Cybercrop...

Savvy Design Team Member Needed!

October 15th @ Stuck

The Scrappiest..

A double...with stitching...wtf?!

Just because...

LIFE = CRAZY BUSY MADNESS

1st October Sketch @ Stuck

Purple Pumpkin October Sketch

Random Retreat Shares...

My Sketch @ Stuck!

Retreat & Kits!

Random shares!

Random Kit Challenge...

Sept Challenge @ Purple Pumpkin

Sept 1st Stuck Sketch

August He's Savvy

Cooper is 7!

Purple Pumpking Blog Hop Winner!

Lesson from your Big Brother...

Blind Scrap with Me?

Purple Pumpkin Blog Hop!

Purple Pumpkin Blog Hop

Stuck Birthday Blog Hop!!

Two sketches from Stuck!

Savvy Sketch!

Savvy Crop Days...

You Make Me Happy

Nothing Beats...

Bella Paper Doll!

New friends = Inspiration!!

Stuck Bonus Sketch #1

Stuck Sketches has a New Look!!!

August Sketch @ Purple Pumpkin

Kraft It Up!

6 x 12 Holiday Share

52 Week Share...

Mojo Debrief...

I'm going...

Not quite...

52 Week Catch-up

Do you want to be a Guest Designer?

More She's Savvy!

Giveaway!

June She's Savvy & Stuck!

FREE Buttons, B'day Giveaway & A Sketch!

You're Savvy Kit!

Long Point Sketch...

Stuck Sketch 1st July

Finally sharing!!!

Scrapping with my Besties

Only a week left...

Renee's CC Challenge & Kit Week!

Charms Creations!

Did you...

Are you Stuck?!

Today's the Day...

Savvy Sketch With A Twist

WARNING Girly post ahead!