Riverfire

I love Riverfire, we all do. This year Ella was that bit older and was so excited about it all, as was Zac. We headed into Southbank late afternoon to get a good position. We met my sister, Kellie and her family for a fun night out!

For anyone that isn't a Brisbane local...Riverfire is part of the River Festival we celebrate each year here in Brisbane. Riverfire is a huge fireworks display that takes place along the Brisbane River. They have fireworks going off on about 14 rooftops and plenty of barges along the river, as well as on landmarks like bridges.
Triple M(one of our radio stations) puts music to the firworks...needless to say it's amazing in every part of the word!
The highlight is the F1-11's dump and burn. That opens the firework show and ends the show with a bang once the fireworks are over...it's sensational.

We enjoyed it last night with an estimated 600,000 other people.

My camera batteries decided to die as night fell, so I've pinched this image from Triple M!
This is the F1-11's dump and burn over the city. It's spectacular!



These are some snaps I took before the dead batteries!

This is the NEW Ferris wheel at Southbank...looking forward to going on it!


The Roulettes...they are amazing!


Settling in to wait for the Fireworks!


Then today, I have spent the afternoon making a Witch's costume for Relay for Life, that I'm participating in next weekend. That'll keep you coming back for more...LOL
You'll have to wait til next weekend to see a pic of me in it...should be a laugh!! Looking forward to it!

I hope you had a great weekend!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Yay...I've got another Award!!

My friend, Kylie has nominated me for a great Award.
Now, I met Kylie when I went to the Paper Arts Festival in Sydney, way back in 2006. I was doing one of Zina Wright's classes, and Kylie and her friend sat behind me. When they didn't have a camera to take a pic of Zina's layout, I had taken a pic and offered to email it to them. They were most grateful and we have been corresonding ever since and checking in on each other's blogs ever since.
The Scrapping thing makes you friends with people far and wide and I love it.
So, Thanks, Kylie for giving me this award...I'm touched!! :)



Here's how it works...

The rules for the award are - (1) The winner can put the logo on their
blog. (2) Link the person you received your award from. (3) Nominate at least 7
other blogs. (4) Put links of those on yours. (5) Leave a message on the blogs
of the girls or boys you’ve nominated.

So I nominate:

1. Nic
2. Maz
3. Pip Prosser
4. Melis
5. Donna
6. Anne Marie
7. Ruby

Enjoy your award, guys!

I had a quick play with my camera this afternoon.
I was playing with the manual settings...something I'd like to master at some stage...better keep playing! LOL

Here's a couple of my favourites.

My two cuties.


Our puss, Rubeun.


And the Bouganvillea bush on the neighbours fence line is flowering...gorgeous colours!!


Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Flashback Friday

Can you believe Winter is nearly over....Woohoo!
We have some lovely weather this past week, and I'm lovin' it!!
It's warming up nicely.

Today's Flashback takes us back to the mid-nineties. It was taken at my friend, Lee-Ann's 21st Birthday party. From L-R is: Kellie(my sister), me, Rach and Kerry-Lee.
This was a great party, and way too many drinks were consumed, but lots of fun!!



In other news, I was voted out of Embellished Idol. The list was cut from 8 to 3 for the final round. Good luck to the girls this week, and we'll see who's crowned The Ebellished Idol for 2008!!

Another competition is about to start, over at Scrapchat with Project Scrap-Away!!
It's a similar competiton and we'll need to complete a layout each week. Should be a ton of fun!

The Stamp Shak Workshop went really well last weekend, although I was totally exhausted on Saturday night. A fun day of teaching, talking and sharing ideas!
We had about 40 ladies who joined us for the day.

Enjoy your friday!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

New Design Team Layouts to share

A few weeks ago, I did some new DT layouts for Anna over at Anna's Craft Cupboard.
I loved all the pp's she sent me.
I also did my first Step-by-Step project for the blog.
Check it out and follow my easy photo instructions.

Here's the layout...
Using some of the beautiful Fancy Pants - Simplicity papers.


And a couple with the Kasier - sublime range.
Totally love this range, so I did 2 layouts!! LOL



The last one is using the Cosmo Cricket - Cogsmo papers.


Have a great Wednesday!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Withdrawal

I think I have withdrawal!
Yep, the Olympics have only been over for 24 hrs and I miss it!
I can't wait til the next one. Pity I have to wait 4 yrs til it starts.

I love sport...ok, there, I'll admit it!
I'll watch just about anything...except golf. I draw the line at golf...not that exciting, unless you're there.

I loved everything about the Olympics. The highs, the lows, the excitement, the hard work, the friendships, the tears, the loss and the victories. But most of all...it restored my belief in human nature. That for 2 weeks we could all get along, no matter where we are from, no matter what we believe in. That's what makes the Olympics so special.

I shed many a tear over the stories behind some of the athletes, what they had to endure...good and bad. They amaze me at their strength and belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
One athlete, who really touched me, was the German weightlifter, Matthius Steiner. His story was so amazing. He was not even a medal chance, or so the comentators thought, but against all odds, he won. He won it for his late wife, who died in a car crash one year earlier. He promised her he'd try and win a gold for her. If you don't know the story, you can read about him here.
Inspiring stuff.

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Flashback Friday and a CJ heading for home...

It just seems like I posted last week's pic. Where did the week go??

This week, I've gone back to my youth! LOL
I was 15, way back in 1989. My family went on a houseboat for a long weekend with another family. A ton of fun, up Noosa way. This is me driving the houseboat!
How skinny was I back then?


I've also finished a CJ for my friend Donna, over in WA!
It's heading for home now, with my entry in it!
I hope you like it, Don!


I created an insert for Donna's album. This pulls out...




I'm teaching 2 classes at The Stamp Shak's BIG WORKSHOP day in Ipswich tomorrow. I'm taking my camera, so I'll post some pics of all the fun, soon!!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Embellished Idol - Round Seven

Well, I've made it further in Embellished Idol than last year, and that was my goal. Anything more now, is an added bonus. There are only 8 creative scrappers left, so I don't like my chances this week.

We'll see how we go...

This week's Challenge we had to create a layout using pp and cardstock, but each piece was to be no bigger than 8cmx8cm. Quite a Challenge, if you ask me!!
I went with a patchwork look, for my layout!
I used Jenny Bowlin pp, which is a little different or me. Not the usual bold and brights for this one...for a change!



The rest of my week has been VERY busy!
The Stamp Shak's Cyber Crop is on tomorrow night, so pop by the forum around 7pm for some fun, a game and some challenges. We have an Olympic theme this month. Should be a ton of fun!! :)

Then, The Stamp Shak's BIG WORKSHOP day is on Saturday. I'm teaching 2 different classes, so I've been busy finishing projects, organising myself and packing a ton of kits! It should be a fun day out, and I'm sure I'll be exhausted at the end of the day. I'd better take my camera and get some pics!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Layout Share

I went to a Fundraising Crop yesterday, hosted by my lovely friend, Scrapmanda. It raised over $400 for the Guides which is great! I had a great day out, caught up with some friends, ate too much chocolate and did a few layouts.

Here's what I got up to...
A page about the Creative Genius of my friend, Lou!


Ella and Daddy


This layout was for the Sketch Challenge over at Scrapchat this month.
Me and my little sis, Kellie!


And the Card Sketch over at Scrapchat.


Today I have spent the morning organising my Tax stuff, ready for the Accountant on Thursday..how exciting??

Then we headed down the park. Zac has hit a milestone...He can ride his bike WITHOUT the training wheels...very exciting for a 5 yr old!! I pushed the stroller, as Ella told me she was too lazy to walk! LOL While Daddy ran along side Zac just in case he fell off. A quick kick of the Soccer ball and the footy, then we headed home for a rest. I added a few finishing touches to my layouts from yesterday, while the kids played outside.
A lovely weekend in all. How was yours?

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Flashback Friday

It's friday, and you know what that means....a blast from the past from me!!

I've picked a photo of my sister Kellie and I making mudpies, way back in the early 80's I'd say. Check out that bright fashion we are wearing?? LOL



Hope you had a great friday and an even better weekend!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Embellished Idol - Round 6

Can you believe it?
I'm still alive!! Woohoo!!

I made it to Round 6 last year, but didn't make it through, so if I go through this week, I've done better than last year!
Wish me luck!!

This week's Challenge was to create a Layout, using embellishments that we made ourselves. They had to include plastic, metal and fabric. We had to include at least 3 embellishments on our layout. I think I've done that!

I used a beautiful pic of my cousin Tim's wedding to the gorgeous Katherine. I loved this pic of them both! Promise, Tim to send you a copy of my pics!!

Here's my layout...


and some close ups...



Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Wylde Woman Award

My adorable friend Amanda has nominated me for a Wylde Women Award...Thanks Manda...you said some lovely things about me, that really touched my heart!!

The Wylde Women Award is for your favorite Wylde Woman blogger. Here are the rules:
1. You can give it to one or one hundred or any number inbetween - it's up to you. Make sure you link to their site in your post.
2. Link back to this blogsite (http://www.TammyVitale.com/) (so she can go visit all these wonderful women.
Purpose of the Award: To send love and acknowledgement to women who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.

I nominate:

Leanne - an amazing scrapper, who's clean layouts are awe-inspiring! She's also a good friend whom I see daily!

Lisa - Who's creative flair blows me away each time I visit her blog...Thanks for inspiring me! You are the Paint Master!!

Kayla - A fabulously talented young Aussie scrapper, who looks like she's been doing it for years!! Love her use of colour!!

Tracey - Such a crack-up!! She makes me laugh every time we catch up, and she creates the most amazing work!! You inspire me, girl!!

I can call all these wonderful girls my friends. Thankyou all for hitting my creative nerve!

Weekend Away at the Gold Coast

We had a fabulous weekend away at the Gold Coast. 3 days of fun with Kylie, Peter and the kids. The kids all get along well, although they have their moments, as all kids do, but on the whole...played together pretty well.
Kylie and I sat up and watched the Opening Ceremony after dinner, along with our bottle of wine to keep us company. The boys had a bonding session at the bar, apparently to watch the footy!!
It was a long night, watching the ceremony. We thought that the Aussies would come in early, being A in the alphabet, as most Opening Ceremonies go, but the Chinese had different ideas. They came in 2nd last!! How does that work??
We gave up at 1am, and headed to bed. Then to find out later they came in at 1.10am!!
I couldn't believe it!!
It was good though...I loved the 2008 drums towards the beginning the best!

Saturday, Kylie and I hit Harbour Town after breakfast and wandered through the door back at the Resort around 5pm, exhausted!! We had shopped our little hearts out!! Got a few nice things. The boys had the kids for the day.

Sunday was our trip to Dreamworld. The kids have been talking about this for weeks, so they were so excited!! The day started well, and everyone one got WET, on either the log ride or the Rapid ride...nothing like wet daks in Winter!! LOL
The day just flew by, with rides, a visit to the Big Brother House and checking out plenty of attractions. My nephew Michael is a bit of a thrillseeker at 11, so we took it in turns going on rides with him. Jase took on the Giant Drop and Tower of Terror, while I did the new Mick Doohan ride and the Wipeout!!
Lots of fun!! We all headed home exhausted, yet again!!

Monday was a quiet start, with breaky then a stroll around Surfers Cavill Mall, before some lunch. Then the kids and I headed for home.
We had a great weekend away. It was just what the Dr ordered.

Kylie and her family flew home to Melbourne today, so probably aren't too far from home as we speak! Safe travelling guys!!

Here's some snaps from the weekend...

Jase and Michael hurtling towards the ground on the Giant Drop...There was NO WAY they were getting me on this. I've done it once, and NEVER again!!


The boys on the log ride...L-R Peter, Jase, Michael and Lachlan


and with WET Daks!!


Ella and me on Dorothy's Tea cup ride...she loved Wiggle world!


Meeting Wags the dog. We also met Captain Feathersword, but she was less than impressed with him! LOL


At the Big Brother House, in the garden outside the Combi van...hence the Peace symbol from me!! LOL L-R Kellie(my sister), me, Kylie and Peter.
The house really is very small. TV makes it look huge, but really it isn't!


Michael and me on the Wipeout...before all the squealing!! LOL


A cute pic of Ella and Brooke


The kids! L-R: Zac, Ella, Lachlan, Brooke and Michael.


Everybody! L-R: Nadine, me, Ella, Jase, Zac, Lachlan, Peter, Brooke, Kylie(front), Kellie and Michael.


And yesterday with my gorgeous cousin, Kylie!


I hope you had a great weekend!!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Embellished Round 5 and today's flashback

Can you believe it??
I made it to Round 5!! I was in shock when I read the list last Sunday night!!

So, then onto Round 5's layout...it had to have a non-person pic, a frame, title and journalling.

This is my finished layout.
My sister Kellie took this amazing pic when we went to Daylesford back in April. I loved it, and HAD to scrap it! I titled it Picture Perfect. To me, it's like a postcard...so beautiful. Thanks Kel, for the great shot!


Please vote for me...I need all the help I can get. We are down to 12 very talented scrappers, so it's getting close and at the business end of the competition now!
You can vote between 5pm Friday and 5 pm Sunday...and you can do it here.
We'll see how we go this week!

Onto today's flashback...
THis is a very old photo. It would be early 1978, I think? The baby is my little sister, Kellie and she was born in Nov 1977. I'm the little girl with the pink cardie. I can see both Zac and Ella in me at this age. I would have been about 3 in this pic. The lady holding Kellie is my Great Nana Woodford, my Mum's Nana(her Mum's Mum). I don't really remember her, so this is a treasured old photo.


I'm off to the Gold Coast after school pick up this afternoon. We are meeting up with my cousin, Kylie and her family for a fun weekend. We can't wait!
Some quality time with my cousin!
So I'll fill you in, on the goings on next week!

Have a great weekend!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

He warms my heart

Zac came home this afternoon and couldn't wait to give me something.
He handed me a cute little card he made me.

This is the front...


and this is what was written inside...


You gotta love that!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

The Great Fete

Zac's school had their fete on Saturday...The Great Fete.
We even made the news, twice!!
They were on Channel Nine on Wednesday night with their opening dance the kids were doing, then again on Channel Seven and Ten on Saturday night!!
The had special guests Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle, so tha't's the reason for all the excitement! They joined in plenty of activities on the day. Six lucky kids got to bowl or bat to Michael Clarke, all through a raffle. While Lara joined in a hula hoop demonstration and did some face painting!
Zac was one of 30 lucky kids to have his photo taken with Michael Clarke and wearing his baggy green. Being a crazy Scrapbooker, I jumped at the opportuntity to have the photo taken, all by a professional.
It was the topic of debate a week earlier on Sunrise and in the Courier Mail here in Brisbane. Seems there wasn't such a big fuss on the day!
I'm looking forward to receiving it, hopefully this week! I promise to share when it's in my hot little hands!! LOL

Other than that...the kids had a ball on the rides, enjoyed the sample bags, Ella had her face painted, ate too much and drank too many fizzy drinks!!
What else do you do at a fete?? LOL

Here's some pics from yesterday...


Zac doing his Prep dance - Footloose


Ella had her face painted. She is Bat girl. She wanted Spiderman, but I was visualising the screaming in the shower, so we talked her into Bat girl. No fairies and butterflies for this Little Miss! I think her brother is rubbing off on her! LOL


I hope you had a good weekend!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx

Flashback Friday

It's been a long week with plenty of sickness in our house...again! Ella has now recovered but Zac has a terrible cough and nose to match. He's been very tired with glassy and puffy eyes. So, he's been home with me the last few days.
I'm so glad it's Friday.
We have Zac's school fete tomorrow, so that will be fun!

Onto today's flashback...
My flashback this week is from 1987, just before we moved to Qld. I had my friend Fleur staying with us(far right), me in the middle and my little sister Kellie on the left. I would have been 12 or 13.
We were out at the Portland(Vic) Lighthouse. My Pa's family(Dad's Dad) ran the Lighthouse when he was young. The house is still there and I've seen lots of pics of my Pa with the Lighthouse in the background. A beautiful place with huge seas at times. It would have been VERY cold out there in Winter time!



I've finally finished my layout for this week's Embellished Challenge. We are now in Round Four, and we had to create a layout attaching our elements to our page using stitching...2 different types of stitching.
A bit of an ask for me...and with the week I've had, I just got it up in time!

Here it is...


and a close up.


I took these pics of Ella just before Christmas last year. I loved them, and this seemed a great time to use them!

Chat soon,
Chelle Xx