your {comments} please

Thank you for emaililng me - I now realise there was no place for you to comment!

I messed up when I changed to "new blogger". So looking forward to hearing from you all again!

blessings
{L}

{L}ife is good!!

I love being home, love my house; love our sunshine; love that I am around my scrapbook stash, love that I have some really cool new stuff to play with. Life really is good.

I made it home with all my luggage and it wasn't overweight after all (had an extra piece though) So happy that my big blue suitcase came with me this time and didn't travel alone to Chicago, amongst other places, not on my itinerary.

This has been a totally exhausting trip, but so inspiring. I think this has to be my "Inspiration Trip". Spending time at Martie Jones' store, Scrapbooks Etc. in Arizona and seeing some of the behind the scenes of classes and make & takes, has got me really going.

CHA was amazing. The new products that have come out are calling my name... (loud!) begging to be used in my classes and in layouts. There are some really talented people out there. It was so inspiring walking around the booths, taking in all the ideas.

I had so much fun teaching at Timeless Treasures in California. And they even understood every word... so what accent??

Other sources of inspiration:
IKEA - yes it is all everyone makes it out to be and it was a cheap excursion as there was NO way I could bring any of what I wanted home (purely inspirational!)

Victoria's Secret - yummy colour combos, fresh happy colours.

Skechers - ok no inspiration here, but I'm sure if I wear the shoes I'll feel it!

Anthropolgie - yummy... the home decor stuff is stunning

A ribbon store in Mesa, AZ that was floor to ceiling spools of every conceivable colour and style you could imagine. (Kelli thanks for my gift!)

Target - got lots of inspiration at this amazing store. It's like nothing we have in SA. I want to try and say a mixture of Boardmans, Dions, Loads of Living.... nope, nothing like it!

After this horrible jet lag passes, I'll get straight onto using some of this inspiration. Workshops are up and running next week again and I have a brand new newsletter coming out. If you aren't on my mailing list, please let me know and I'll add you! I'll be sharing something new in each newsletter "Inspired by..."

Let me know what inspires you!

blessings
{L}

Weighty issues...

Just got back from teaching my first international class at Timeless Treasures in California. Thanks so much Nancy and girls - I had a really great time. We made a cute Valentine mini album and there are a couple of kits still available in the store if you missed out (and live close by).

Girls back home in South Africa... I'm on my way back Yay! Remember it's my AAM class this coming Saturday, and I'll be teaching an album project at Scraptifity on Saturday, 24th Feb, using Bazzill's cute zippered albums and the stunning range of Crate paper.

So onto the weighty issues. I think I'm overweight! Well that's what the scale at the gym said before I left, but that's not what I mean. My SUITCASES are overweight (for a change!). So I need to get back to my room and repack for about the third time. Can't be leaving anything behind either. It's that under the covers idea of mine...

Shuttle picks me up at 7am in LA and I fly to Washington DC. Hopefully there are no 3 hour snow delays like when I flew in and I'll be back home on Tuesday evening. Can't wait to unpack and feel my sunshine!

Think of me in that airline seat!

blessings
{L}

{inspiration}

It really is everywhere.

I took the day "off" today and wandered around an outdoor mall called The Block in Orange. There are outlet stores for some of the big brands. Of course, all the shop windows are dressed in Valentine finery. Victoria's Secret have their "Spring" collection unpacked and that's where I saw it - the inspiration. Nope, not what to wear... but the colours! Great colour combinations...

So here's just a quickie to remind you to look out for inspiration (everywhere). New season's fashions have stunning colour combos. Check out your favourite underwear store - even if it's Woolworths and be inspired.

I think I'm going to Hollywood tomorrow, wonder what I could be inspired by there!

blessings
{L}

What's hot!

CHA ended today and boy did I walk my little feet off!

There is so much cute stuff out there. Chipboard is HOT HOT HOT. And that makes me happy, cos I do love chipboard. There are all kinds of shapes of plain chipboard and a new line of gellied chipboard letters. Velvet is popular too right now.

I have a little trick up my sleeve... it involves chipboard (surprise). It's heavy and it's in my suitcase. Can't wait to play... So if you're coming to one of my workshops and it involves chipboard - don't miss out ;)

I have a couple of days in Anaheim to "rest" before I make my American teaching debut - Yay! I'll be teaching a class at a store called Timeless Treasures - thanks Nancy. So if you're in the area, you're invited! I have designed an 8x8 Bazzill Mono Mini album with a Valentine's theme. www.timeless-scrapbooking.com/Class_Samples.htm (check it out here) So come and share the love...

Had a quick walk around Dowtown Disney this evening, but it's really cold outside. I miss my sunshine!

Whatever your weather, enjoy your day.

blessings
{L}

I'm back...

...in blog land that is.

Sorry to my friends who have been checking in with nothing to see. The last 2 months have been filled with so many changes. But.... there are so many exciting things on the horizon.

I had planned to do a "new year's thing", but guess what... today's the last day of the first month. So I'll just start from today, ok!

I might be back in blog land but far away from home in California where I'm visiting CHA to catch up on the Scrapbooking Industy and what's hot and new. I'm sitting in the hotel lobby with live entertainment - piano music that's making me completely home sick.

Last week I was with my special friends the Polka Dot Chicks, Amy Totty and Collins. Have you checked out their blog lately (www.polkadotchicks.typepad.com)? There's a link on the right side of my page. They post fun colour challenges and other great stuff {I've just made a guest appearance too ;) }

{L}ife is in the Details will be growing. There is so much good in my own life, so much that I want to share. I have exciting ideas, I'll be teaching an online class so you can take it anywhere in the world and I have another great event this year. Lots of work to do when I get back home. But that's still a week away, so I'll keep in touch this way (promise!)

I'd love to hear from you.

blessings
{L}

the end of pink 2006...

...what an absolute whirlwind the last 2 weeks have been!

Scrapbooking for Hope 2006 has come to an end with MANY happy moments shared with approximately 800 wonderful South African scrapbookers and our American designers and teachers Amy Totty and Kelli Collins aka the Polka Dot Chicks.

The main event in Johannesburg saw 575 women scrapbooking together in one HUGE ballroom at the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday 28th October.

Then it was off to a rainy eastern Cape to meet 120 scrapbookers at three workshops in East London. Belinda from Pollocks Precious Memories looked after her ladies well! It was great to meet scrapbookers from surrounding areas who had traveled to be with us.

Leaving our gorgeous B&B, Coco Song, it was off to KZN and the beautiful sea view at Umhlanga. After a day shopping with Sue and a day off to walk along the beach (in overcast and somewhat drizzly weather), we were back at work preparing for another four workshops.

Patti from Scrap 'n Patch and Alison from Scrapbook Junction hosted venues for these fun workshops.

Back to Johannesburg and a fantastic class with Tiffany at Scrapbook Emporium where Amy and Kelli showed new ideas using their favourite products.

Then it was strawberries dipped into chocolate fountains... er... I mean another awesome class at Scraptifity where the project wowed! (Amy and I couldn't get away from the choc fountain, and the fact that it had been switched off and the chocolate was hardening didn't really deter us either!) Thanks Rheta for a great evening.

To all my sponsors, a HUGE thank you for being part of Scrapbooking for Hope 2006. Your generosity is much appreciated.

Thank you to all the scrapbookers who joined us countrywide - what an amazing time we had.

Click here to catch up with Amy and Kelli - the Polka Dot Chicks, and keep checking here for details of winners.

blessings
{L}

Crystal Ball Gazing...

... and I know why we're not meant to know what the future holds. I never want to look into a crystal ball, I want the future to be just that - the future. We aren't supposed to know what it holds. I believe we should live every day to its fullest.

I totally LOVED today. There are a couple of hours left of my birthday, and I had a special day shared with my family (my sis, brother inlaw and my parents). Add one special little boy Nkosi, who spent the night with Wawa and Uncle Daze (he talks a lot now!)

Yes, the day started with 4 hours of work! But that's what happens less than a week before a series of country-wide events for a total of more than 800 people!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes, cards and pressies I've received - LOVED it all.

I think this week is going to be a busy one.... I'll take just one day at a time... and as for the future... I'll wait til I get there.

blessings
{L}

2 weeks and counting...

Yes, only two weeks, that's 14 days... until my big day - Scrapbooking for Hope on 28th October.

I can't believe that months and months of work is nearing an end. The next 2 weeks are going to fly by much faster than I would like them to. There's lots still to do, but we're pretty much there.

I can promise that if you're attending, you won't be disappointed. There is a sea of pink in our storage area, our very full storage area! Let the countdown begin!!

P.S. If you're not busy tomorrow (Sunday) lunch time, head down to Nelson Madela Square at Sandton City. We will be welcoming the women who have been "Biking for Breast Health - A Journey of Hope" from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

These women, riding BMW sponsored motorbikes, have traveled through towns and rural communities, sharing the message of the importance of early detection.

Support "Biking for Breast Health – A Journey of Hope" by sending an SMS and the word BIKE to 36655. Each SMS will cost R5-00; the proceeds will be donated to the Breast Health Foundation. The sender will also stand a chance to win a BMW motorcycle and many spot prizes.

P.P.S. And don't forget to sign up for the Celebrity Page Layout raffle (see post below)

blessings
{L}

Celebrity Page Layout

Scrapbooking for Hope brings you… a first in South Africa…
for the Hall of Fame wannabees and Scrapbook Celebrity followers…

Your opportunity to have a layout created especially for you, with your photos, by a scrapbook celebrity or one of the 2006 CK Hall of Fame inductees.

This is how it works:-
Each ticket will be worth a R10 donation to the Breast Health Foundation and gives you one ticket in the big draw. If you donate R50 you get 6 tickets in the draw. If you donate R100 you get 12 tickets in the draw.

My grateful thanks to these talented scrapbookers who have recently been awarded the prestigious title
2006 Hall of Famer and have so generously donated prizes of page layouts.

Wilna Furstenberg - our very own Proudly South African export
Vicki Boutin
Kim Crothers
Elizabeth Dillow
Nisa Fiin
Marla Kress
Tiffany Tillman
Jennifer Olson
Brittany Laakkonen
Mary MacAskill
Amanda Probst
Leora Sanford
Angelia Wigginton
Jessica Sprague
Angi Stevens
Heather Preckel
Jennifer Adams Donnelly

Amy Totty - talented designer and my special friend
Kelli Collins - lover of life and beautiful things and a great friend

Ngaire Bartlam - Australian scrapbook designer and author and breast cancer supporter

Rhonna Farrer - Garden Girl on Two Peas

Margie Romney Aslett - Style Director at Making Memories

Thank you for your support!

blessings
{L}

Updates.....

 

...more awesome, talented scrapbookers to be added to the list. I'll update soon.

 

The response is positive! This is going to be fun. Your photos scrapbooked by one of these talented ladies.

 

blessings

{L}

Saw this on 2Peas today, just what I needed

When people make you cry

When people make you cry, forgive them
For they are the losers in the end
They have missed a chance to encourage
A truly wonderful friend.

When family makes you cry
It is really sad to say
There's nothing you can do
If they are prone to be that way!

Just love them anyway
And make it a point to be
Always the first with love
At any opportunity!

And even if it seems to be
A losing battle to you now
You will be the winner in the end
Some day, somewhere ...somehow!

Never rush to be the one
Who has the cutting remark
But rather be the one to rush ahead
To help heal a hurting heart!

by Thena Smith

THIS is the "SPACE"...

...you've been watching

Scrapbooking for Hope brings you…

a first in South Africa

…for the Hall of Fame wannabees and Scrapbook Celebrity followers…

Your opportunity to have a layout created especially for you, with your photos, by a scrapbook celebrity or one of the 2006 CK Hall of Fame inductees.


This is how it works:

- Each ticket will be worth a R10 donation to the Breast Health Foundation and gives you one ticket in the big draw.

- The number of “tickets” we sell is unlimited.

If you donate R50 you get 6 tickets in the draw
If you donate R100 you get 12 tickets in the draw

Complete your details on the form attached and fax or email together with your proof of payment.

My grateful thanks to these talented scrapbookers who have recently been awarded the prestigious title 2006 Hall of Famer and have so generously donated prizes of page layouts.

Click on their names to see their work and then do your thing to stand in line to win!

Wilna Furstenberg - our very own Proudly South African export

Vicki Boutin

Kim Crothers

Elizabeth Dillow

Nisa Fiin

Marla Kress

Tiffany Tillman

Jennifer Olson

Brittany Laakkonen

Mary MacAskill

Amanda Probst

Leora Sanford

Angelia Wigginton

Jessica Sprague

Angi Stevens

Heather Preckel

Jennifer Adams Donnelly

Amy Totty - talented designer and my special friend

Kelli Collins - lover of life and beautiful things and a great friend

Ngaire Bartlam - Australian scrapbook designer and author and breast cancer supporter

Rhonna Farrer - Garden Girl on Two Peas

Thank you for your support!

blessings

{L}

Scrapbooking For Hope - UPDATES!!!

Everyone's been asking and here it is...drumroll please....

http://www.scrapbookingforhope.za.net (I hope the link works, otherwise it's www.scrapbookingforhope.za.net)

• The website has been updated with details of the additional venues in Durban and East London, and of course Joburg.
• Our list of Sponsors grows, please check them out.
• I am so excited to have Amy Totty and Kelli Collins as our special guests at SFH. Looking so forward to awesome times.

There is also a VERY exciting competition on the cards - involving some really well known scrapbook celebrities. I am just wrapping up a couple of details and will post with the info. Watch this space (please!)

blessings

{L}

I know, I know...

...this is bad! I'm supposed to update often. I thought at least once a week and I didn't even manage once a month just recently. So trying to catch up.

 

What happened in July:

- I taught 3 classes by the sea in Umhlanga at Scrap 'n Patch. Love being there even though it was a quick fly in and fly out.

- Winter got colder!

- We had Rolland & Heidi Baker stay with us for the Father's Love Conference. Such a blessing!

- I went to a kiddies birthday party! Took little Talitia - she was so cute.

- Made a spur of the moment decision to go to Mozambique for 3 days to visit Arco Iris - The Baker's children centre.

 

Been spending lots of time with "our" children from Footprints Children Centre. It's so awesome to be a part of their world. Nkosi has almost got the word "aunty" right!

 

And now it's August and the year will be over * just like that!

 

blessings

{L}

 

 

 

 

Where I went...

Nowhere actually! Been busy, busy. Designing a new project for the class I'll be doing in Umhlanga next month at Scrap 'n Patch. Having fun at my once a week class at Scraptifity, it's awesome meeting new people. And of course my ladies who come to my studio for classes - love the jokes ladies!

Plans for Scrapbooking for Hope are hotting up! There are exciting sponsors coming on board and some VERY exciting competitions being planned with AWESOME prizes (and some firsts for SA)

Trying to keep warm too. I do summer better than I do winter!

blessings
{L}

Monday Morn

Ooooh... it was no fun getting up this morning!

3 days at the coast and my blood got thin. This Joburg winter thing is cold. Can't believe I was running around with a T-shirt on the last 3 days!

 

Umhlanga was such fun! Stayed with my sweet friend Patti who opened her brand new shop Scrap 'n Patch this weekend. She had such special ladies coming in to do my mini album classes. Was such fun to see people I recognise from previous classes I've done in Umhlanga.

 

Also got to teach at Scrapbook Junction. The ladies laugh as I try and stand in the same spot where I can see the sea through the window.

 

I so enjoy sharing with everyone I meet through scrapbooking.

 

Started reading Cathy Z's new book - all I can say is YES!! I totally get it, and I feel so encouraged to scrapbook my moments.

 

Trying to get this photo thing right....

 

blessings

{L}

 

Packing my Bags!

Getting ready to travel...

So excited to be at the opening of a new shop, Scrap 'n Patch in Umhlanga. I'll be teaching a new little spiral album designed with AMM papers. Love the new album - chipboard covers and spiral bound.

 

I'm also teaching at Scrapbook Junction again. Two classes, using BBP mono mini and MM papers. The idea is based on the album my dear friend Kelli Collins made for Scrapbooking for Hope last year.

 

I'll post photos when I get back.

 

blessings

{Lara}

Housekeeping

Going through some REALLY old emails I had saved. Found this one from my Mom from almost exactly a year ago. It was so encouraging. It's been a rough week!

You can tell how strong you are by what it takes to discourage you! Sometimes our discouragement has nothing to do with what God does or doesn't do and everything to do with our mistaken assumptions of how we think thingsshould turn out. When we try to second-guess God, we're usually wrong, because He says, "I don't think the way you think." God always has a plan-and His timing is perfect!

Been really busy this week and it's only Wednesday! Taught classes Monday night, Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. In between finalising last bits for my classes in Durban.

Trying to keep warm - it's freezing here!

blessings
{L}

Friends forever

Over the past while I've realised the importance of having friends, but more importantly maintaining friendships. I don't always have time to be in touch all the time. Yesterday I meant with a primary school friend who I grew up with. Haven't see her in about 20 years. Wow! It was good to catch up.

To have a friend is to be a friend...