What will the New Year bring??

Hey Happy New Year. I hope you are all out raging and having a fun time. I wanted to go out, but could find no takers, and my husband is a boring home body, hence I am on the couch at home. I have wine and food though, and maybe a DVD. LOL.

I have seen on a few blogs people chosing a word for 2009. I have decided that i would also like to do this, in order to have a focus and some clarity. So my word for next year, 2009 is .....

BALANCE...

this is kinda fitting seens as i am a Libran, and am always trying to keep those scales centered. I was trying to think of a word that would cover all of the things i wanted to achieve next year, including more order in my life, work / family equilibrium with some me time to create, and loose weight. So the word i came up with to encompass all of these things - decluttering, organising and not getting overwhelmed is indeed BALANCE!!

Anyway I will leave you with a very quick, simple card I made with a lovely pack from Annie at scrapbook hub.

Cheers and thank you for sharing 2008 with me, I look forward to more fun and frivolity next year..

I won't say it...

No i won't say well it's over for another year, LOL. cause that is everyone's blog title. Instead I will say how exciting because it isn't long until Easter, hehe. Pre christmas we had a flying visit to Cohuna to share a festive lunch with Dad and the family. We had fun, and stayed at mums. We enjoyed a lovely chrissie day in Torquay with my family after a traditional early start. The kids were happy with their pressies. Emmy got a barbie car off Harry, and a learning centre off us, Harry got a remote batman car off Emmy and the Bat cave off us. They also got their bean bags as you know. Off Santa Harry got a transformer darth vader/death star, massive colouring book, pjs, dvd, 2 books, fireman fire hose (which he wanted last year and they had sold out, LOL), a little buzz light year, hoodie, transformer singlet and a little ben 10 car. Emmy got a pram/doll/high chair/porta cot set (very cute), shorts/ tshirt set, pjs, book, a dress up doll, mega colouring book, drink bottle, and a CD (Santa may have got Emmy less but she was none the wiser). They got lots of good things of family too, including Ben 10, speed racer car, transformers, barbie, tinkerbell costume and dora block set. We then stayed in Geelong at Mark's folks, which was nice to be able to see them too.

I got a Pandora charm for my KK from my family, and I can now say my bracelet is essentially full. Off mark/kids i got (on my behalf) my exercise bike and a suitcase. I also got my ipod and dock recently, so was not short of gifts. Mark bought flowers too which was nice. I may have also snuck in a new 'leather' bag, a real treat as I normally only spend about $30 or 40 on a bag as i tire of them quickly. Mark got a new 2XU suit for running/riding (I call it a leotard, LMAO) and some smellies and slippers (like thongs, he wasn't keen, but I have convinced him they are handy and comfy).

Mark and I then zipped off to Crown promenade to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary. We bummed around crown, had drinks in the bar and watched all of the interesting people, visited DFO and had a yummy dinner at Number 8. We enjoyed a buffet cooked breakfast, a swim in the pool and then back to reality.mark joked at dinner that 'we should do this every 7 years', it was funny, as it almost seems like that is as often as we get out (a huge thanks to Auntie Kim for babysitting)..
Now I will fit in a couple of work days before a week pff where we head to Apollo Bay with the Yates crew.

Ok the pics are of us in the bar at the casino for anniversary, my sister Kim and I xmas day, the kids and their cousins in Cohuna, us christmas day (excuse my poor choice of outfit, very unbecoming) and christmas morning and presents.

Ok cheers, I hope you have all recovered, my house still looks like a bomb, or semi bomb anyway. i had my friend jess and her hubby over for dinner, so had to have it a bit clean. I made prawn cocktails and a delish salmon fritatta. Lovely, always nice catching up with friends.

NIGHT, and enoy your week.

A very very MeRrY ChriStMaS

Well the countdown is almost over. Only 4 more sleeps and the big fat man (actually I am a lady, hehe) will come rolling into Keefer Street, so I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for Christmas and a fabulous 2009. I look forward to all that the New Year has in store, and I can't wait to share it with you.

Mwah.

Stay safe and enjoy

An award

I am very honoured to recieve an award form the very lovely Annie Hilliar (of Scrapbook hub fame http://www.scrapbookhub.com.au/). You are a wonderful woman Annie, so grounded. I admire you very much.

This particular award is called - The Proximity Award.

"These blogs invest and believe in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers, who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."So the 8 bloggers I choose to pass on the award : (BTW, I can't do 8)

The naughty Annie Kofoed -http://greetingsfromannie.blogspot.com/

The naughtier Andrea - http://andreayoung67.blogspot.com/

My SIL Leia http://www.leiacontd.blogspot.com/

and all of my SU buddies, you know who you are..consider your self awarded.

OK off to bed, tired

The truth hits home.

Yea that's right, I had some blood tests recently and the results were not surprising. This obese lard arse has an unhealthy body. Well no surprises there!! But i guess it made me think seriously about my lifestyle. My fasting blood glucose and cholesterol are high, and my Vitamin D level was low. So I need to get a grip and sort my shit.

On a brighter note, our work christmas party was fun, we had lunch mixed in with a murder mystery party. We dressed up for our parts. I was Constance Cheat, an elegently dressed partner in a law firm. I did not guess the murderer, but I was not murdered.

We also had Harry's kinder concert. We missed last years because we were in Surfers. It was really nice to go along and see the kids proudly sing their songs, and harry was very good with his singing.

The kids also got an ealry christmas pressie off us, a bean bag each, they look too cute sitting in them.

All content living together

That's right, all of my Stampin' Up! punches are soo happy living together in perfect harmony in their new home. All snuggled up next to each other. I have all but 1 of the punches, including 2 of the latest releases from the Summer mini, so I am happy about that. Love them, love them, love them. So many choices, so many options.

Ok enought of that waffle. Here is a cute (oh well I like it anyway) card I made for my friend who finally had a girl, after 2 boys (she was desperate).

Night night

tYING uP cHRIStMAS

Firstly the single Stampin' Write marker offer has been extended until the 14th December,

And an extra special, for the whole of December when you spend $20 on any product they'll give you 20% off 12 products that will help tie up Christmas. All of your crafting needs are covered here with this list.

Click here to download the flyer in detail.

Festive Favourites stamp set (p.27) was $45.95 now $36.76
Crazy For Christmas stamp set(p.28) was $39.95 now $31.96
Snow Flurries stamp set(p.29) $20.95 now $16.76
Tag Time stamp set(p.43) $53.95 now $43.16
Many Merry Messages stamp set(p.111) $64.95 now $51.96
12"x12" Days-to-Remember Calendar(p.133) was $20.95 now $16.76
6"x6" Days-to-Remember Calendar(p.133) was $18.95 now $15.16
Winter Bright Simply Scrappinf(p.138) was $36.95 now $29.56
Three for You Punch Box(p.143) was $85.95 now $68.76
Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon(p.146) was $14.95 now $11.96
Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon(p.146) was $14.95 now $11.96
White Square Aluminium Metal Edge tags(p.147) was $7.50 now $6.00

and in even more exciting news the Summer mini is here, leave a comment or email me if you would like a FREE copy. The stamps are really cute, and the punches a MUST have.

Yep, Stampin' Up have some wonderful treats for you.

Ok I will be back later to share a card or 2.

Cheers

As good as it gets!

OK so we attempted to go get some happy snaps (NOT) of the kids and santa. Emmy was hysterical last year and I could not even get her near him, but this year i though she might be better, as we talk about Santa, and she knows who he is etc. So today she hesitatingly went up to him, , but would not get on his knee, or even the chair. So I quickly snapped away. Of which I was only allowed to do, because i said i would buy a pic. In previous years they have let you take your own photos. Anyhoo, I realized i should have had my camera turned the other way. As it turns out the official photo chic had her camera flash still on from the night before, and so the only half decent pic they got was over exposed, and she wouldn't let me have it for half price. We tried again, and there were mega tears. So the first pic is as good as it gets, and the second is the result of trying to be too demanding of my young child. Hehe. Oh well there is always next year.So i am now off for a Thai dinner with a bunch of (scrappy) girls who I really should spend much more time with. I think next year is the year. Looking forward to tonight, yummo. i have been out a bit this month. But is has been more business than pleasure. My goal for next year is a better family / work / me time balance.

Ok have a great weekend peoples. We are off to a 40th in Geelong and a family lunch (pre xmas type number). I am also looking forward to this little weekend away.

SPECIALS ENDING SOON

just wanted to remind any crafty readers about specials finishing at the end of the month -

· individual Stampin’ Write Marker special ends at the end of this month, 30th November,
· 20% off RUB ONS ends 30th November
· SPRING MINI ends at the end of the month too.

Please call or email if you would like to take up any of these special offers,

And just around the corner our yummy new Summer mini. I have to say the new punches are my favourite.
Please email me or leave a comment if you would like a copy.

Stay tuned for my quarterly newsletter, for release 1st December

Cheers Karen

Environmentally friendly me..

Well I am trying to do a little bit. I know i could do more, but you have to start somewhere. I wanted to let you all know my efforts at cooling the globe, and would love to hear what you are doing too.

• obviously I clean chemically free, love my ENJO, and have been using it for about 6 years
• eco friendly laundry detergent
• eco friendly hand wash
• eco friendly dishwashing detergent
• turn lights off when not needed
• those environmentally friendly light globes
• recycled toilet paper (a new move, coping just, and i will persist)
• excess water on pot plants (like what the kids don't drink, or from steaming vegies)
• recycle paper/ cardboard/plastic/ tin etc
• a half arsed compost bin (our local rats and mice love it, LOL)
• avoid using the dryer unless I am desperate
• turning off power points when not in use (still not very good at this)
• free range chicken and eggs

that is it I think. Love to hear what you do, maybe something new for me to do to0.

Cheers Kaz

Ballarat

Well we had a lovely time in Ballarat over the weekend. I took Harry and Emmy to visit my brother, his wife Leia and their son Bain. Jon was 30 and was having a party on Saturday night, hope you had a blast bro. The kids enjoyed their time together as always. Tears when we left as they were going to miss each other. I had the most expensive (and not the nicest) Pad Thai. I also enjoyed some wandering around the shops without kids, such bliss (thanks Jon, sorry about the poo nappy, LMAO). I thought it was a really nice place, and could live there I reckon, if it wasn't bloody freezing. Mark did a half Marathon in Shep on the Sunday, and did it in 5 hours and 10 minutes, 23 minutes off his Geelong time. Awesome effort my darling, you are our super tri man. Okay here are somne snaps of the kids in Ballarat, and one of the adults killing it at guitar hero. No seriously we Rock. Oh I have the go ahead to get a Wii too, hehe, can't wait for that.

Lastly I am depserate to scrap and makes cards, but there is no time in my bloody life for it atm. Soon i hope.

also to my sister, woo hoo, the drought is over, and maybe some real love in your life. Fantastic. just chill and enjoy it.

My new baby

I bought my christmas present yesterday. I got me an Ipod classic. It fits a measly 30,000 songs on it, and a wad of podcasts or dvd's. I have a shuffle, which is great if (yea if) I go walking, and even better if I remeber to put it on. But for some time I have been thinking about a bigger one, which could go in a dock, so I can have more acces to my music. because i rarely listen to music anymore, because i have to have it too loud because of our stereo location (as well as ridding all of Mark's shit), because i try to keep a minimum noise level, so as to ensure where all of the mischief is occuring. Well my need only increased after the retreat and everyone had one, I realised the benefit i would get. Actually it was still sitting in the back of my mind as a strong desire, (but probably could do without) until a special come about in the Big W catalogue. Which I didn't end up getting, because they all sold out, it was that good, but am still on a wait list for one at one Big W if someone wants it (if they ever ring me), they had lost the ket to the cabinet, oh der. Price is only $307 and it comes with a logitech dock. The Ipods on there own are $336.

Anyway enough crapping on about a bloody MP 3 player. he is sexy though. I have spent the day loading songs on it, and so far i have 616 songs, so I have ample to get me throught the days. But shit, I think I could load up my whole CD collection ( although I might leave out MC Hammer, but will put on Sonia dada, hehe). I love listening to old faves.

NiGht kids,

Love ya

Being Single never looked so good....

Firstly thanks for all of your comments, advice and well wishes for Emmy. She looks heaps better ATM. I have chatted to the eczema nurse at RCH, and am following her advice.

OK now for a great offer -

For the first time ever here in Australia, our Stampin' Write markers will be available for you to purchase individually at the bargain price of only $4.95 each!!

This is a great opportunity to grab your favourite colours or replace old ones.
This Promotion Starts on the 10th of November (tomorrow) and only runs until 30th November!

So Don't miss out, jump on the phone or email me now to order what you need.
For the full range of colours, along with their relevant codes for ordering click here!

and maybe if it is popular it will become permanent, so stock up.

Flat out like a lizard drinking

Busy, busy, as always. Trying to prioritise, so bloggy misses out. A few pics and basics to keep you interested. Here is my poor baby girl, she has eczema on her face, (mildly elsewhere), but nasty on her face. Having a bit of trouble getting it under control. Work in progress.
Here are the tarts during the scrapping retreat we went on, stayed at the Black Spur Inn, in Narbethong, so lovely. Christ it rains there though. I got 23 layouts done (including 1 double) and 5 cards (although 2 were the same) and will load them all one day (soon i hope). We enjoyed good food, great company and great wine , oh and some cock sucking cowboys (lots of them, yum)! Thanks to Cathy and the RW girsl for a fab time.

Here is my hubby Mark and I today at oaks day. We celebrated our 9th anniversary of being together on Derby day (but I was hamming it up with the girls), so Oaks day was the next best thing. We had a lovely time and lost all of our money. Emmy was cute when I came downstairs all dressed and put my hat on, she looked up at me and says "Princess", how cute.

POOR little precious girl, she hates her creams and cries.

Ok, night peoples, thanks for stopping by. Chat soon.

Sharing for the hell of it.

Hope you are all having a good week.

A cute purchase

How cute is this little sewing kit, that also comes with bits in it. I have my sewing stuff in a daggy old poxy estee lauder (not even a nice one) make up case, and I always lose it. So when I saw this in the Herald Sun several weeks ago, I had to investigate. So it is from a very groovy store (Leia you will like it) www.larkmade.com.au and I only ordered it on I think Monday and it is here already). I want the First Aid kit next.

Ok at work so best go. Trying to get a pic of my beautiful poster from the conference, except it is a pdf file, and blogger doesn't like it :(

Wanna help us win a vacuum?

Hi All,

If you have a spare 2 minutes, could you please go to this website and nominate Southland Childcare and Kindergarten, so they can win a vacuum

All you have to do is click a few buttons – choose Victoria, choose Cheltenham as the suburb, and then click on Southland childcare and Kindergarten


http://www.kidsbreathebetter.com.au/nomination

forward it on too, as the more nominations the more chance we have.

Cheers

After some inspiration or chat buddies?

To celebrate the launch of Scrapbook Hubs new website, we are giving you the opportunity to win some of the hottest products on the shelves! Scrapbook Hub has got some incredible prize packages up for grabs!


What do you need to do? Just subscribe to Scrapbook Hub between now and November 30th 2008! That's it! That's all, NO MORE!

Three ...yes, THREE LUCKY SUBSCRIBERS will be chosen by random drawing and announced on our website on December 1st, 2008.

Why are you still reading? SUBSCRIBE NOW TO WIN!
But there’s more …Do you have a friend, family member or colleague who is interested in scrapbooking, stamping, card making or any other paper craft activities?For those of you who refer people to join Scrapbook Hub during this time you will be put in a separate draw to win bonus products. Make sure your contacts let us know you referred them to get your name in the draw!

Cheers

I will be back later for an update on the trials and tribulations of my life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

yea yea, i am old , jeez it catches up quick.
Thanks to all who sent happy thoughts on my facebook, via phone, text and email. Very much appreciate your warm wishes.

I have had a relaxing time without kids. Although i had been away at a conference in Sydney since 3 on Sunday, and didn't get home until 9 last night, I needed my me time. Admittedly I was going to keep the kids home with me, as I missed them terribly. But by 0730 this morning, i was over that idea. LOL.

The conference was good, lots of good ideas for improving practice. I presented my poster, which everyone thought was awesome. Most conference posters are very clinical and drab, so i jazzed mine up. i have to thanks Annie K's kids, especially lara for her contribution to the poster. Only 16 out 0f 40 abstracts were accepted to display there posters. Unfortunately my poster did not win the prize, I believe this was because it did not represent any research findings, but instead outlined the program I work for.

I thought i had a pic here, but alas can't find it. I am sooo very tired still from my time away, so off to bed. Catch ya soon.

A quick catch up

Yes, quick, because I am tired and want to go to bed, and only justy realised i best update.

In a nutshell, the wedding was fun, but my first hangover in 6 years was not so pleasant. Glad I don't do that very often. And heading into the MCG on the train with 2 children, to see mark finish the melbourne marathon was certainly a challenge, but one I managed (just)!

Busy week with ENJO and Stampin Up, normal work, my lovely kids activities, house duties and the like.

I head to our enjo seminar at crown tomorrow, that is always motivating to make life full and enriched. Then i fly to Sydney on Sunday for a 2 day conference Mon/Tues. I have aposter being displayed, which I will share when I get back,

We had a very unexpected, but VERY welcome letter from the govt yesterday, yes coulnd't believe it, but we have paid too much tax and childcare with our losses in our businesses and now they are paying us a shitload back (wondered why we have been on the poverty line all year). So we went out for dinner tonight. Our local pub has a lobster festival every year, and so we went there. 3 course dinner (lobster for entree and main) for $49.90 each. It was delish, and we had a lovely time.

Ok I will leave you with the 2 cards we made at my workshop last week. i have to add a number to the star one, for the birthday age, and the other one is a case of as card from the mini catty. I love it actually.

Have a great weekend, and I guess I will see you when I get back

Night

Exciting announcement

Ok i had a busy weekend, with no time to scratch myself. Also had my head in the toilet, but that will have to be another post.

i wanted to just stop by to let you know my exciting news, not only is there a wonderful new website for creative people, but i am on the CONTRIBUTING team. The role of the Scrapbookhub is : "Promoting & Showcasing the Australasian Papercraft Industry”. I am stoked to have been offered this role, and hope i can contribute to this wonderful new community.

So head over to http://www.scrapbookhub.com.au/ for all of your inspiration and sharing needs. It is for scrapbookers and card makers or any other craft hobbie you have. The very lovely Annie H is the founder, and she is keen for your suggestions about what you would like to see, so don't hesitate to leave comments.

OK at work, so best get to it
Cheers Karen

First ever layout

I thought this might be of interest to some of you. i recently shared it over at Mad about Scrappin, and it just bought back memories of 5 years of scrapping, wow what a journey. I was very cute though, LMAO.

On another note, my other blog has been updated with several specials, and a great new book, for all of those environmentally friendly people, or if you are wanting to know more about what you can do around the house...

www.karensenjo.blogspot.com

Sleep tight.

had to share, this is funny

Found this on someone elses blog. I couldn't find if you could copy a code to actually share the real thing, it was too funny not to share. So I had to do individual copy and saves of the pics. The pics don't line up too well in some of the pics but you get the general idea. It shows different looks through the ages. I love it, and think I look like my nana in one (1952) and my mum in another (1968), but my fave is 1974 (which is a bit like my aunite), I always wanted sleek, smooth, long (blonde) hair.

Hope you have a laugh on me, and the site is http://yearbookyourself.com/

Another layout.

Thanks for stopping by, and Annie in Melb, thank you for your kind words, I appreciate it heaps, and my sissy and Jess, taa.

Well it is a quiet Friday night and I am working on a layout, and thought before i head off to bed I would share one of my fave layouts ever. AND can you believe it is not even for me. Jeez I did a photo swap, and I love the layout soo much I am going to have to CASE my own work, LMAO.

The kids and I had a fun day at our local park with my friend Penny. We had a lovely time, and I look forward to spending much more time with her. We really clicked at mothers group and due to our work commintments, can never get a chance to catch up. She is having no 3 soo (crazy i reckon) and so will be home more for me to hang out with.

Right enjoy your weekend, and GO CATS.

(to kim, I know you will be having a hard weekend, I hope all is ok, and you have a great bunch of buddies who can be there for your friend and each other, mwah).

Poppin In.

Hi there,

thanks for your sweet comments, and snoring WHAT!!

I dropped the cards off to the lady today, and she was so wrapped, and was yelling up the drive as i left (after she had already said it) "you are soo talented", LMAO, as long as she is happy.

Now for some layouts for a change. Here are this months MAD (sidebar link) kits, very boy layouts, love them.

A fun weekend..

Whoa, so busy.

had a great weekend in Geelong. Just always so nice to spend time with family, and what better way than to sit back in the back of a pub with a glass of wine (maybe it was a bottle, LOL) and some YUMMO home made hommus and beetroot dip (not mixed together) and all of your family. The kids had a blast just running a muck, although emmy was a bit quiet, with an ear infection. yea I may have forgotten to mention her temp of 41.2 degrees on Wednesday night, now that is what i call a temp!! don't come to this paediatric nurse with anything under 38, LMAO. We then had a reasonably nice dinner at La porchetta, and then kim and i attempted to go to the local pub/club lamby's. Which is the same as when we used to go about 10 years or so ago. by this stage i was a bit over it, and it was just fun to look at all the try hards.

We had THE most delish breakfast on Sunday morning and then a very fun and productive shop. I then said goodbye to my darling sister, and went for a too short visit to my great friend and beautiful sole Jen. She was very sleepy after no sleep post night duty, but managed a delicious oat slice. I must get that recipe Jen! Then i jetted back to DH mum and dad's for afternoon tea for their 40th wedding anniversary. i really admire them, they got married at about 18, and are still going strong. happy to just be together, just wonderful. We didn't get home until 7 pm, totally exhausted, and dumped everything out of the car onto the kitchen floor.

Today i had a very productive day, washing, floors cleaned, and 2 cards made. Tomorrow I need to finish off a layout, that i am just loving, and it is not for me, bugger. I am in a photo swap, and I need some more white thickers, so need to pop down to the local shop tomorrow. just missing a few letters, hate that!!

Here are a couple of cards i have made in the last few days, the girly one i just finished. The boy ones are for a lady who won the business of the fortnight comp at the gym. I was the business and the prize was 2 cards a month for 12 months. pretty good i thought, and pretty easy. No, not when I get requests straight off the bat for 2 boy 18 yo birthday cards, 1 likes the Cats, and one likes to travel. Anyway i think i did a bloody awesome job. the other is for Emmy for her 1st birthday (yes 1st) I always leave my kids, trying to make a perfect, special card, and then i think just bloody make it, it just happens to take my a year to get to that stage, and they don't know, it is the sentiment that is the same, whether we give it on the day or a year later. It will just go in the pile. Actually it will go on her bookshelf, like harry's is. I have use the Nursery Neccesities Bundle, which has the free wheel offer. The alphabet wheel is just too cute, the whole set is really. the colours are regal Rose and Pale Plum, with a silver hodgepodge circle thingy! My friends daughter was also 1 last weekend, so i made a copy for her too.

Ok going to bed to read for a couple fo minutes. Hubby watching the Brownlow (Yawn!!)

catch ya

My colour chart

Started the inside of this a little while ago, and I just kept forgetting it. It is a colour chart which displays all of the Stampin' Up! colour groups, with examples of the ink, marker and cardstock. The patterned paper is the gorgeous fresh 'Summer picnic" out of the Spring Mini.
OK of to get organised for an ENJO demo tonight and a trip to geelong tomorrow for lots of fun and frivolity.
ENJOY your weekend.
Cheers Kaz

This ones for you sissy..

This is a special post for my sister Kim. I just wanted to show her my lovely Jade plant in his new pot. Kim got me this back in April or May, and it has been laying about in the garden in its tiny little seedling container ever since. She has visited me at least twice and seen it in its unpotted state, but I was just getting around to getting a pot I liked, that was the right size and design. Found it today.
I hope you are soo very proud. I love my Jade plant and will endeavour to keep him alive and well. THANK YOU