Zaza At Home

{Prettige Feestdagen}

2009-12-25T21:10:00.002+01:00

Merry Christmas girls! i wish i have more time to craft these days. i surely havent forgotten about all you girls, that's for sure. i have been extremely busy studying and mothering and preparing myself for some serious new exciting adventure next year (you guys will know in time!), thus the lack of blogging.

I had one big order, and managed to finish them on time. i've made around 50 cards alltogether, and here are some of them. i used traditional christmas colours for this year's cards. they look pretty simple with lots of scallops!

It has been snowing last week. it was simply gorgeous to see everything white. temp was way below freezing and we had lots of frost and snow. thick white fluffy snow. the boys and i enjoyed building snowcastles and snowmen, throwing snowballs at each other and sleighing! i had to wrap Aidan up really thick almost looking like the snowman himself!

Like every other year, we spend christmas with my family. we drove to UK last wednesday, the weather was clear and traffic was calm and flowing, despite the heavy warnings due to the frost and snow, but as soon as we reached the M25 in England, it was mad! we were stuck in the jam for an hour and a half! we reached my sister's house safely almost 2 hours later than we expected. and tomorrow, the big boxing day sale will start!

It's surely nice to be reunited with my family. my nephew ferran adores aidan and cant seem to let him go anywhere! they do everything together! such a joy to watch them two! the boys are getting ready for bed now, and i think i should go and tuck them to bed...

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas, or as we say it in dutch, Prettige Feestdagen! it is trully the most wonderful time of the year. hope all of you will enjoy yourselves, wrap warm if you're at this part of the world. enjoy the last few days of 2009 and may next year will be a good, healthy year to all of us!

Love,

Sweet ♥

2009-11-12T23:04:00.003+01:00

Just thought i should share a couple of cards with you sweets out there before i call it a day. today's been rather productive. been doing a lot of work today. and then, we went out for dinner the 3 of us since its koopavond (late night shopping- where shops close at 9 instead of 6pm). in need of some new clothes for winter and i was in luck!

Anyway... back to the cards. i simply love working with pastels. stitched the papers and used some of my newest laces.

Here's another simple card i made. this time i used some bold colours.

That's it. i'm going to do a little bit of reading before i call it a day. again, thanks for hopping by! we hope to host a dinner this weekend for our dear, dear friends from den haag. will share what i did for them, soon. have a super fine and fun friday and a wonderful weekend!

{loved}

2009-11-07T10:30:00.007+01:00

It was a crazy couple of weeks. we decided to slow it down a bit by taking a short brake from it all and drove to france. we went to fontainebleau and lyon and had a brilliant time. i so needed a break from it all and i think it did us (me at least) good. lots been happening and i'm really thankful for opportunities and bigger possibilities.

Anyway, there's this one post i've been wanting to write and share. it's about my mum and what i did for her birthday this year.

Mum turned 63 last october. i am extremely fortunate to have her in my life. like most mums, she cares and loves and she carries a big heart. i cant begin to tell you how much she means to all of us- my dad, me and my sister. she is indeed beautiful always, in all ways.

the saying says it all

There was this one day, when we went out to the park to enjoy the last bit of summer, coming into autumn. i managed to catch some candid photos of my parents together with aidan. looking at each and every one of them, you can tell from the photos the amount of love that they have. i'm very proud to be their daughter and i want to give them all the happiness they deserve.

I enjoyed every moment with my mum. i'm ever so grateful that both my parents come and visit us frequently. i cherish every moment when they're playing joyfully with my son. the talks, the giggles, the tickles, the hugs and the touch. i adore them and the times they're together.

The book and a little present i got her was wrapped in a damask fabric. i added a brooch and a little saying that describes her. i hope she liked it.

You're looking (and feeling) good at 63 mum! we all love you loads and wish ALL your sweet, good dreams, wishes, visualisations will be fulfilled.

I'm off to give her a call now... thanks for hopping by today guys.

Love always,

More will be written in my other blog with pictures of our day in the park, soon.

-Heart and Body Warmers-

2009-10-25T19:03:00.001+01:00

I have just had one of the best weekend! we went to see Thomas the train on friday at Simpleveld, we were in Roermond outlet yesterday and today, where did we go? to the kermis (fun fair)!!

Did this out the blue. i have been resting from crafting for more than a couple of days now. i've just finished a big order for cute little Rosey's 1st birthday party. and after a couple of days resting, i have missed my scissors, papers and ribbons and so decided i should sit down and do a little something.

I drew a heart shape on a thick cardstock and make the scalloped edges. lined the olive green paper and backed the back with another sheet of cardstock. embellished with one of my blue fabric roses, lots of thin ribbons and laces at the side, yellow bicycle's fabric sticker.. added a crystal at the bottom and that was it!

I've just had a complete day. amore!

Weather's cooler now that we're in mid autumn. temp between 10-16c, it's gorgeous outside with yellow, brown and golden leaves all scattered. we've been taking walks too and after a long day outside, i had to keep the boys warm. we grow quite a few veges and herbs in our garden. nothing beats the feeling of pulling your own veges from your very own garden! (photo of aidan with our carrots in the garden here).

The best way to keep them warm (and healthy for that matter) is cooking them good warm food! chowders are hearty and filling, they are full of immunieboosting antioxidants, a perfect antidote to cold weather.

My Chunky Vegetable Chowder

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 big onion, finely chopped

1 leek, finely chopped

1 celery stick, finely chopped

3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

8-10 carrots (ours in the garden was rather small sized) chopped

1/2 squash, peeled and diced

3-4 medium sized potatoes (ours was slightly small compared to normal) peeled and diced

1 ltr of vegetable stock

2 handfuls of broccoli florets

1/2 canned of canned tomatoes

150ml soya/fresh melk

salt and pepper

basil leaves to garnish

1. Heat the oil and butter in a large heavy pan. add the onion, leek, celery and garlic and cook gently until softened.

2. Add the carrots, squash and potatoes and stir for about 5 mins.

3. Add the stock and cover with lid. allow to cook for about 10-15 mins.

4. Add the broccoli, tomatoes and cook for 3 mins.

5. Remove from heat and let it to cool slightly.

6. Stir in milk and season with salt and pepper

7. Blend with food processor or handblander to a rough pouree. (the chunkier the better, so dont over do it).

8. Serve with scattered fresh basil leaves.

The boys loved it and so did i! it was filling indeed plus a couple of slices of bruchettas, fuh! we were full!

How was your weekend? i enjoyed my extra hour (clock goes backward an hour today). hope you enjoyed your weekend as well!

Love,

09♥09♥09

2009-10-22T10:20:00.004+02:00

I have a beautiful friend (whom i wish to meet again very soon) who tied the knot on the 9th of september. she ordered her wedding cards and a guest book a year ago, when we met at a Raya gathering in Eindhoven. she was still waiting for some papers back then and for the gementee to confirm with her on the dates available. and in august this year, i received an email from her. the date's been confirmed and it was 9th of september 2009!

The names of the beautiful couple

I've always love creating things for weddings. i used to be in the business for a while when i was back home and loved all the planning and executing involved. i seriously missed those days..

The guest book

I used a lot of pastel papers. my kind of colours. they're very very soft. used lots of trimmings, ribbons and laces as well. different pages had different layouts for their guests to sign and write their best wishes. i had to think of a way so that it'll be easy for them to write and not come up with buldging bows that'd put them in an awkward postition to write!

The pages inside

The last page of the guest book

My stamp at the back

They asked for a pastel sweet cards. that's all they said and left everything all up to me. i'm glad they did cause i was able to explore on a lot of possibilities. glad they had confidence in me! i was toying around with some lanterns in the beginning but opted to go with this one instead. i just love it when everything works together!

The wedding invites

The front details

The scallops

The inside of the card

The envelopes

I snapped way too many photos of them, i just didnt know which ones to share! it was so difficult parting with them, but nothing beats the feeling of a satisfied bride and groom.

Here's to Shannen & Arthur, the wonderful newlyweds. Congratulations! and may your lives be filled with love always. best wishes always!

{Drie}

2009-10-16T23:47:00.003+02:00

My son is now 3. we have had 3 wonderful years of parenting. we have had 3 joyful years of watching him grow. it is my absolute dream to be a mother and i am so blessed to be having this life.

He is crazy over cars. you name it, he's got them all from mini to lamborghini (the small metal ones, of course) and he even sleeps with them, all lined up next to him! i couldnt help myself but to make a car card for him, but no, i'm afraid its no ferrari!

Did this little tag book for him to mark his 3rd. it spells his name and a little something to describe him today.

A - adorable

everything about him is adorable from our eyes.

I- independent

he cleans, helps, doing almost everything on his own now!

D - delightful

there's always something new about him every single day! he is a delight to discover!

A - asks and asks!

oh yes! now's the stage where he showers us with all his amusement and curiosity. i love the way he asks. the tone of his voice is just so pure..

N - nice and neat!

he respects our "nos and not yets". he says his "pleases and thank yous" and he's neat when it comes to his stuff.

He had more than a party. he had 3 parties! and he kept saying "ik ben jarig! aidan is jarig" for almost a week after that! (its my birthday!). we didnt take down the banners and ballons for a more than a week! we had loads of fun now that he's able to understand what a birthday involves - cake, candles, presents, cards and lots of toys!

Here's what i did for his teachers at school. a decorated birdcage filled with tea and chocolates. we drink lots of tea here in holland! and i manage to find a matching flavour for each cage! lemon for yellow, passion fruit for purple, apple for green and blueberry for blue!

And as for his friends at school...

Goody bags filled with snoepjes and some party toys. 3 stars and a note saying "Hoera! Aidan 3 jaar".

An animal themed notebook with crayons, kids scissors, ruler, glitters and stickers for all his friends at school.

A party wouldnt be complete without them! baked some chocolate chip muffins.

21st September 2009

From the look of his face, i'm glad he enoyed his parties (and also he gets to blow the candles, plenty of times!)

Happy 3rd Birthday Aidan. I just cannot tell you how proud and honoured i am to be your mother, and how proud i am of you. believe in your dreams and reach for your goals. nothing is impossible, you can be anything. i wish only the best and all the good things for you. i adore and love you with all my heart and might.

Thank you to you guys who remembered, who texed and thank you for the cards and presents. we love you guys!

Aidan's already fast asleep and i'm curently waiting for Hardy to come home from Barcelona. have a great weekend everyone, cant wait for x factor tomorrow! (yes, i am a sucker when it comes to the x factor!)

Good night, sweet dreams..

What It Really Means

2009-10-11T23:47:00.000+02:00

I am in my own little world when i'm crafting.

It allows me to be beyond what i am.

My parents always tell me, when you want to be something, be the best. it doesnt matter what -let it be a worker, a mother, a crafter, just be the best that you can be, putting all your effort into it.

Crafting is more than just love for me, it has always been a passion.

My craftrom is like a little playground for me where i get to play with a lot of materials. i love the feel of fabrics, papers and other embellishments. i get to explore and push my creative side from ideas in my head into reality, to actually holding them.

I'm the sort who'd stand infront of shop displays and look at how they disply and showcase.when i was small, whenever we're at a shopping mall, i'd run to the stationary department first, checking out the card and gifts section (in fact, i still do!) i make cards and keepsakes since i was in primary school and eversince i was a little, little girl i love collecting gift wrappers and paperbags and paste them on my wall! i remember i used to cut out those beautiful pictures in mum's Home&Garden magazines. i've always

loved boxes and packaging, refusing mum and dad to throw away those perfume boxes, chocolate boxes.... i then put them all together, what i saw and collect, into something. most of the time i love giving presents more than receiving. and when someone asks for help to make something, i'd be the first one to jump out of my seat and say "me! me!"

It allows me to share, share my love and passion. it allows me to inspire and be inspired. it allows me to think. it allows me to challenge myself.

It creates happiness, a satisfaction kind of feeling leaving you feeling all warm and proud of yourself when something's done (no matter how bad it turns at least i've tried!)

It also allows me to 'escape' from the real world for a little while. the real world sometimes can be a little bit harsh and unfair. there might also be some people sticking their noses into someone else's home and business, the gossips and the bad mouths... i am at ease with myself when i craft. i get away from all of these and stay away from all those.

Its tough to find a balance in the beginning. but the most important thing for me are my family, my home and caring and providing for all of them.

Support means everything to me. i am ever so grateful to mum and dad for always encouraging me to be what i want to be. law wasnt at all for me, and i will always be grateful to them for having my back at all times, understanding my passion, having faith and believing in me. and of course thanking my two boys hardy and aidan as well!

Nothing comes close to being a wife and a mother but i enjoy having a little bit of 'me time' once in a while. it allows me to grow into my own person and explore those endless possibilities and creativities within me.

Having said all that, i am grateful that i get to share them with you guys. knowing i've made some smile at some parts of the world makes me want to share more! i enjoyed reading all of your comments. its a wonderful feeling knowing that we share something in common! i wish you all the love and may we all continue doing what we love!

Aidan picked us a winner for my final september giveaway! he picked a "bloemetje" (a little flower) and here's our lucky winner!

Our lucky winner is...

Betsabe!

Congratulations my dear! will get the items ready to be shipped for you!

Thank you girls for playing along. another very special date coming up and i can smell some yummy sweet stuff out for grabs. so do hop by!

Wishing you joy in everything you do.

Love,

{3rd & Final September Giveaway}

2009-09-30T21:36:00.003+02:00

Gosh, where did september go? september passed so quick and before you know it we're almost ending the year! again, as promised, here's the 3rd and final september giveaway! the lot includes papers, girly chipboard (as pictured above), stickers, brads, blooms, cardstock words, ribbons, tags.. plenty to embellish and craft!

Epoxy stickers

Cardstock words

What you need to do is simply write a comment in here with these details:

1. your name and email address

2. your hobby

3. what it means to you

The lucky winner will receive all the items posted to you!

The whole lot of the 3rd giveaway!

And as usual, Aidan will pick one winner on the 11th october. so the draw opens from now to the 11th! good luck girls!

{Dank u well}

2009-09-24T12:28:00.001+02:00

Sorry for the delay girls. the past week's been very busy indeed i havent had the chance to even sit down and even stretch my legs. we have some guests staying over for a week and hardy's away since monday. monday was also Aidan's birthday, he is now 3! we had such a wonderful time and ended the day with a story of what happened exactly 3 years ago. and guess who ended up crying!?

Will share the gifts i've made for him and his friends as well as teachers soon. (p.s: Dank u well is thank you in dutch)

In the meantime, i'd like to thank each and every single one of you for being so incredibly patient. thank you! i know you've been eagerly waiting for the draw but i had to lend my computer to a friend. we did drew up a name last monday, as promised but didnt get the chance to let everyone know who the winner is... to those who joined slightly later, i'm sorry you guys are a tad bit late as we already drew up a winner, but look forward to the next one! i promise there'll still be tonnes of pretty yummy stuff!

I asked Aidan to pick a star and he picked one.... (should have focused on his hand and the star instead!)

... the winner is ...

Ms Daisy!!!!!!

Looks like your lucky star is shinning upon you this time my dear! will email you soon to get your address! hope you'll enjoy all those sweet baby stuff!

One last giveaway at the end of the month guys! thanks ever so much for participating! enjoyed reading each and every one of your favourite childhood memories! i had tonnes! i've had a good childhood and i thank my parents for giving me and showering me with all their love. there's simply too many good memories to share! i wish aidan lots of happy childhood memories from now onwards.. i'll make sure he'll experience new things and will have lots and lots of fun growing up!

Till my next post, much love,

September Giveaway #2

2009-09-14T23:17:00.004+02:00

A week from today, Aidan will turn 3. i cant begin to tell you how much i adore him and how blessed Hardy and i are to see him grow right infront of our eyes. everyday he learns something new. everyday, he'll come up with witty chatty lines, and everyday we learn something new about him. i am ever so grateful and thankful for this blessing and opportunity..

As promised, i'm giving out some beautiful stuff to mark Aidan's 3rd birthday this month. so here are some yummy baby stickers, chipboards, papers, rub ons, tags, laces, metal charms and embellishments.

What you need to do is just simply:

1. write a comment in here

2. include your name and email address

3. spread a word about this giveaway on your blog (if you have one) OR if you dont have a blog, be sure to be a follower on either my facebook page or this blog.

and lastly, for me to get to know you better,

4. what is/are your favourite childhood memory/ies.

The second draw will be on Aidan's birthday 21st September.

The whole lot of september giveaway #2

I know i kept saying this, but i am so behind in replying emails, msgs on facebook and sending out bills. to those who have emailed me with questions and orders, i'd appreciate it if you could email me again and i will reply right away. my inbox is just swamped with msgs! bear with me please..

Good Luck, have a wonderful week ahead!

With much love,

.. and the LUCKY winner is..

2009-09-07T11:26:00.014+02:00

Good morning girls! i woke up today and cant wait for Aidan to pick a winner for our giveaway! he finished his glass of milk and cornflakes and later had a slice of bread and right after he was done with breakfast, i asked him to pick one circle as our winner!Thanks ever so much for participating! i'm now compiling stuff for the second giveaway soon! thanks for letting me know a little bit more about you girls.. it has made me smile indeed!

Almost everything inspire me- from fabrics to music, fresh flowers to gardens... i buy magazines and admire all the home furnishings and interiors. shop windows and displays... and the internet too is my source of inspiration but if you really must know, currently its music! i sometimes sit down with everything around me not knowing how to start, what to do, but once i have my music on, then everything will then flow! the range is from country to rock! french to jazz- (dixie chics to kings of leon, carla bruni to billy taylor) i know!! what a range! all depends on my mood (and the season too! i'd normally put a fast song during winter and a jazzy one in the spring!) i just have to have a background music when i craft.

What about you? what kind of music do you like? do you craft with the music on too?

Anyway... thought i'd share another today. here's a card i made for a friend who welcomed us to her home in Dubai last summer. she bakes cute cupcakes! we had a wonderful time in Dubai even with the temp. of 47c!!

Thanking you for stopping by today! do hop by again for my 2nd and 3rd giveaway! you might be the lucky one!

And the lucky one for September's giveaway #1 is...

NURAIN

Congratulations Nurain!! will be in touch to get your address! enjoy them!

Many thanks girls, and much love,

[Treasure]

2009-09-04T10:26:00.004+02:00

My son and i have enjoyed our thursday outing yesterday.. we went to a pet shop and saw some gorgeous rabbits and hamsters. we then did our groceries and return a few plastic bottles, we bought some books, cars and a tractor at the toy shop. we took our time to stroll... i'm just loving my time with him! i love ending our days with the 3 of us on the bed reading stories, recalling what happened during the day and plan what we're

going to do the next morning! pure bliss!

He is at playschool now, and i have a little bit of time to myself till lunch time. i'm busy helping a friend who just recently opened a shop. she's giving away gifts and gift vouchers for her shop and i need to help her decorate the gifts! a hundred boxes of them!

It was the launching of her new shop last week and i brought flowers and made her this card. a true friend is my most priceless treasure indeed. i'm glad a have a few good 'treasures'!

I love reading the comments for the the giveaway. you girls are the sweetest! i will let you know what and/or who inspires me when i announce the winner. i've got a whole bunch of them!! its still not too late to enter the giveaway, just hop by here. (you know what, i wish i can give all of you a little something!!)

Its almost the weekend, any plans yet girls? i'm off to the market with my boys tomorrow to get some fresh flowers for our home and hopefully will craft some baby stuff this weekend. whatever it is that you plan to do, smile and have a lovely time (yes, even when you do your chores! smile! you'll enjoy them more!)

Love always,

Giveaway #1

2009-09-01T12:02:00.002+02:00

My favourite Belgian lace.

Good morning sweets! gosh! its september! its coming to autumn and one thing i look forward to in september is Aidan's birthday! i've been enjoying him so much lately. we can really have a good conversation now (he speaks rojak - a combination of english, dutch and malay!) and our little converstations makes me smile full of pride and often leave me with a wonderful feeling at the end of the day. he's turning 3 this month and i've decided to share some sweet yummy cottony stuff with you followers of my blog and you guys who are on my Cotton*Candy Facebook page.

I'll be hosting 3 giveaways this month! YES! you read it right, THREE giveaways!

What you need to do is just simple! just leave me a comment here and provide me with these details and the first draw will be on the 7th september 2009. one lucky winner will receive all these sweet items.

Remember to write:

1. name as in your facebook/blog

2. a valid email address

and lastly, what or who inspires you?

Sweet eyelet charms, chipboard stickers and more laces!

Blooms

12 pcs of 6x6 papers - 2 of each design

The whole lot of the 1st giveaway

These will be off to you all the way from our home in holland, as a token of appreciation and love!

Good luck guys, i'm off to fetch Aidan in a hours time. cant wait to show him what i got for him at the shops a while ago!

Good Luck!

[Sweet Summer Muffin]

2009-08-27T16:35:00.004+02:00

I am thrilled to bits that the weather's good and sunny and i'm feeling normal again. Aidan and i walked to the park for a picnic and then later fed the ducks. we had a brilliant time! we're enjoying our last days of summer 2009. we sang while we walked to the park, we giggled and laughed when we fed the ducks, we held hands and we chase after each other. i treasure life's simplest moments, and i'm glad i've got some captured in our new camera!

I wanted to write on my second part of our malaysian holidays at my other blog but i wasnt in the mood (yet), and so i jumped here and thought i'd share these few things with you. i dont bake cupcakes (not seriously), but i adore them (dont we all!). i do however bake muffins! check out these talented friends of mine- wiz, ninie and wati all three serious bakers. (click at their names and look what their talented hands can do!)

I however would stick to papers and ribbons (for now!). although i love eating the real ones!

My cousin K.sha was so kind enough to bake me a box of yummy oreo cupcakes when i was back in malaysia. she just recently started her own business and it looks like its growing really well! i left her a present before i went back. just a token of my appreciation. hope she likes the present as much as i like her cakes!

Anyway, i'm almost drooling just looking at these cakes. we will break our fast at 8.40pm today. "my sweet little muffin" is napping now, i should finish up cleaning my craft room! thanks for dropping by today!

Enjoy your weekend everyone! enjoy the littlest things!

(p.s: k.sha, happy birthday! may all your dreams come true, love and miss you and hope to see you again soon!)

{When Ideas & Talent Combines}

2009-08-24T16:20:00.006+02:00

I work best with my mum. we can sit down for hours and hours talking about crafty things, our feet and hands can cope for hours at the craft stores and fairs, we can come up with tonnes of ideas and how to execute them! and if truth must be told, she is my inspiration. she can make everything possible and fix EVERYTHING!

She makes beautiful necklaces! and her passion are beads and precious gem stones (amongst others)! i mentioned to her that it'll be nice to diversify and try to come up with different things using beads once in a while... and since i have loads, infact tonnes of ribbons, perhaps we should make some female book readers out there a little treat! certainly a treat for me (yes, i am now a bookreader as well, having a couple of books to master!)

These are just some of her beautiful beaded bookmarks. they're lovely for gifts dont you think so? mum and i love every one of them. there's more! just CLICK HERE to enter her world of crafting! do pop by and say hi.. i bet she'll love it!

(p.s: havent been feeling too well. was down since friday and what a bummer! feeling much better now!)

Love and best wishes,

{Dressing Up}

2009-08-17T16:20:00.012+02:00

I have just had the busiest, bright, brilliant and the best week ever! i was so occupied and was really enjoying myself till i almost forgot that i have not said "hi" to all of you for nearly a week!

Hi to you sweet bunch of girls! hope all of you had a good week last week cause mine was simply something! i havent craft for more than week now, and i still havent had the chance to reply some of your mails. i am now in my garden, with my faithful laptop trying to reply most mails while enjoying the last few weeks of sun! we still have a few more colours in our garden but whats been growing really well are our vegetables and herbs!

As much as i love fresh flowers, i also collect artificial ones. one in particular is vintage millinary flowers.. i'm definitely a collector! i found one at an antiques market and it is almost perfect with the exception of normal wear with age. i certainly do not mind! the rest of the flowers are from markets and i also have some new ones as well.

Look at these gorgeous bright colours to celebrate the sun! i bought these lovely paper lanterns early summer and knew straight away what i wanted to do with them!

Dont you just love playing dress up? i used to love playing dolls and dressing them up with various outfits when i was younger. now, i dress books, cards, boxes.. and almost anything plain! i suppose girls will always be girls eh!

I think i should make a few more for my summer party next year!

Three of my heavily decorated paper lanterns! have a lovely week ahead girls! i'll be crafting some wedding cards the whole week this week! how exciting!

Followers Fans and Freebies!

Oh, one more thing, i will host a giveaway this september! giveaway is open to you "followers" of my blog as well as you "fans" at my facebook. i can assure you that this is going to be a big one with lots and lots of stickers, embellishments, papers, ribbons, laces and more (and some of my favourite things!), all for you to craft! more details soon but mark your calenders! this september! there's a Cotton*Candy giveaway! so do hop by!

I should get going, there's a couple of bees flying nearby! till my next post! love always,

The Art of Giving

2009-08-10T00:17:00.003+02:00

I've had a good weekend and hope yours was as good, or even better! we walked to the park, we fed the ducks, went to see the watermill, spent lots of time outdoors and in the garden.. it was just pure bliss! weather's been gorgeous! it was seriously hot last week, temp went up to 30c but it's slightly cooler now... much better!

We have lots of zomermarkt now that it's summer. a lot of antiques markets, outdoors. i just love them! i get this rush everytime i'm at the market! my eyes will be wide open scanning all the things and thinking what i can do with them and how can i decorate them! i saw some beauti

ful chinas the other day at the antiques market in Maastricht. i was so tempted to get them but i told myself not to get carried away! its so easy to overspend!

But guess what i've found! i found these old wooden cotton reels! gosh, they're so pretty i cant take my eyes of them! they came in various sizes and all look so warned out and rustic. i just love the brands and logos on them! most are made in France and some Belgian made.

They look lovely on their own but i just couldnt help myself! they're such a lovely shape and just the right size to dress them up with pearls, petals and papers!

Just in case if you're wondering what it says on the reel-

Have friends not for the sake of receiving, but of giving.

What lovely words! i couldnt agree more! i always get this warm feeling when i give- let it be a small tiny thing to the biggest thing of all. giving is so so rewarding. its says it all when you look at their faces, when you shake their hands, when they kiss you on your cheeks, when they write you a thank you note, when they utter words such as thank you... it certainly means the world to me!

I gave this special one to a dear friend of mine! glad she liked it!

Till next time, enjoy your week ahead! i know i will! lots to look forward too!

Lavender Cupcake

2009-08-04T14:25:00.000+02:00

My lavenders are doing well in the garden! they're gorgeous, every bit of them! from the look, to their smell and even their taste! there are different types and species available. some are edible, most are not. they have such gorgeous colour, dont you think so? so soft and sweet, it makes you want to kiss each and every one of them!

I was curious on how they taste like. i found some cullinary edible lavender flowers in the UK during my last visit and decided to have a go with baking them! found this simple recipe on the net and voila!

You can, of course frost your cupcakes or add a little bit of icing. add a teeny bit of lavender colour in your icing and decorate your cake. should have done it but i was too excited to savour them!

Lavender Cupcakes

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp dried lavender (flowers only)

8tbsp butter (at room temp.)

2 large eggs

1 cup all purpose flour

1-1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp lemon zest

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180c and line your muffun tin with liners.

2. Place sugar and lavender flowers in a food processor and process about a minute.

3. Place the lavender sugar in the bowl and mix with butter (on low speed) until just combined. increase the speed to medium-high and beat the two together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs and beat well after each addition. s

5. Sift the flour into the mixture and then add the milk, vanilla extract and lemon zest. mix until just combined.

6. Spoon the batter into the paper liners and bake for 18-20 mins.

♥ Believe ♥

2009-07-31T10:17:00.002+02:00

The world is small. i received a very warm email one day from a very sweet lady in New York, telling me how much she has enjoyed my craft. that one email made me smile throughout the day! we then exchanged emails (took a while for me to reply her emails) but she was ever so patient in waiting (she understood why!). we then became email friends. good email friends.

We talked about our daily affairs, our crafts (she crafts too!), about our lives being at different part of the world, our travelling and holidays, she talks about her beautiful teenage daughter and i talked about my nearly 3 year old son...

This has been going on for nearly a year! i then mentioned to her last spring that i'm bringing my parents to switzerland. we have a family friend there (perhaps we're relatives?! almost every johorians are cousins!), and we'd love to pay him an overdue visit.. she then mentioned a name. a name we all know of! i mentioned their family name to my parents and yes, the world is very small indeed! we then became closer.

There's something about her that i really love and admire. we share common things. her take on life outside malaysia that i can relate to. her way of thinking despite being away for oh-so-long she's still very much rooted. she's ever so caring towards us.. to name a few..

I made a little something for her before i went back to malaysia last june. i sent her a box of filled with cottony craft and topped it with her initial out front. i'm thrilled she liked them.

♥♥♥♥♥♥

This was made for my other friend who lives here in Holland. she had sent me a box filled with bulbs for our garden. she's ever so sweet, nice and way too kind! i've been wanting to make her a little something for her needlework and patchwork craft (she makes beautiful quilts!) but i still have to come up with some ideas..

She's been very supportive. she offered me a lot of information regarding craft fairs and such. i'm ever so thankful and grateful!

Received an email while i was back in Malaysia, thanking me for the card and the gift. it was written beautifully.. (hope you're enjoying your garden!!!)

To my two dear friends. you're most very welcome! thank YOU for always believing in me! these comes to you with all my love, and many thanks, sincerely...

Have a lovely weekend everybody!

Back!

2009-07-27T00:34:00.001+02:00

Yes!! we are now back in Holland after a very long summer holiday! nothing beats the feeling of coming back to your own home! Malaysia was great and Dubai was certainly hot hot hot! it was really really nice to get to see my close friends again, lovely to catch up with family members, wonderful to be able to shop in Malaysia and eat the things we've missed all these while (its a shame i didnt get to eat goreng pisang and ice kacang!). but nonetheless, we had a brilliant time, it was simply special! (even with all the dramas!).

My cousin tied the knot and it was a beautiful wedding full of fresh pastel flowers! so far i think we've downloaded more than a thousand photos and there's still a few hundreds more to go! will show you some pictures once i get them all sorted.

The house is now in order with loads of ironing to do! hardy did all the washing and i shall do my part to iron everything (god knows when i'll finish them all, wish me luck!). i now have to cook everyday (i've almost forgotten how to cut the onions!) and get us back into routine. the grass in our garden's so tall almost up to our knees! we left the garden with just a few flowers in bloom and came back to a healthy one with full of flowers, apples, bees and pollen! there's even red gladiolas in our garden! and boy! was i shocked!

Aidan's doing really really well, no jet lag and no crankiness at all. our plan had worked! he's missing oma and opa and sleeping with them. i miss my parents and their beautiful home too. very much...

I can get all sentimental when i write (i'm sure most of you can tell by now!) perhaps i should write some of our stories and share some of our photos at our other blog. anyway, just to let you all know that i have thought of you guys since the last post! so here's a project i did just to get me back into the 'groove', the hang of things again, after our 5 weeks of holidays!

It's surely nice to be back!

Sorry i didnt have the chance to check my emails and reply most mails. sorry i didnt get to meet most of you.. i felt extremely touched and humbled with with the invitation to meet up for lunches and dinners... it will be my shout next time k?

Sincerely, all my love,

Home SWEET Home

2009-07-08T10:24:00.002+02:00

Its been really hectic. the past couple of weeks have been lovely, meeting up and catching up with our families and friends but a tad bit hectic for me. We are currently back in Malaysia for our summer holidays. we havent been back since we moved permenantly to Holland. it has been 4 years since we last had those yummy malaysian dishes - nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaves, the real satay, rojak and all those traditional malay cakes... we're enjoying every bit (and bite) of them! we however do miss our home! very much!

Aidan hasnt been well. his tummy's not settling well to all the malaysian food. we took him to the hospital yesterday, he's recovering now. he misses his routine and all the 'normal' food he used to have back home in Holland. his spirits are high though! he loves the toll (KL has got so many tolls!), he's been observing almost everything and he's been enjoying the attention and love poured onto him!

There's so much to share and tell! my cousin's wedding is this weekend! i'm so thrilled for her! i'm so looking forward to meet everyone at the wedding. i have to rush to her house in a couple of mins to help out with stuff. i miss the pre-wedding kecohness! it's so good to be back!

Did this board for my craftroom just before we left for Malaysia. our trip's been filled with sweet stuff so far! we miss home but we're enjoying every minuite of our time here... (time flies so fast! and we're now on our final half of our summer holidays!)

Hope all is well with you guys! i wish i could meet everyone, but with everything going on, we'd have to sort out our priorities and make sure our son is well rested and trip is well balanced (in every way!). Till my next post, take care! hope you're looking forward to the weekend!

Love always,

My Nephew Ferran is 2!

2009-07-04T01:20:00.000+02:00

It's 4th of July! and it's my nephew Ferran's 2nd birthday today! i havent seen him since last january, we miss him oh SO much! we called him up earlier today to wish him happy birthday! we sang to him both in english and in dutch!

I havent been able to log on to the internet lately. 13 days to be exact. cant type long, the internet connection's rather slow. here's a couple of cards we made for ferran.

Happy Birthday che Ferran! we love and miss you soooo much! have a lovely day today! enjoy your party tomorrow, do send all our love to aiesha! have a wonderful time and take lots of photos for us!

p.s: would love to have a slice of iggle piggle and upsy daisy!! ;)

Hope to write again soon! i've got a few to write! enjoy the weekend everyone! till my next post!

Berry Sweet

2009-06-20T00:28:00.004+02:00

Aardbei! Aardbei!!!!! een doosje voor een euro!!!

That's what you hear when you go to the markets! Aidan is now hooked to that phrase!

My boys and i have been enjoying these bunch of sweet berries for the last couple of weeks now! it is now the season and you can get them almost everywhere! they cost 1 euro for the whole box! the smell just captures you! the sweet, sweet smell of strawberries! dont you just love them?!

Thought of making pies but they taste way too good on their own! we had strawberries for breakfast. served with the ever so famous dutch "poffertjes" (aidan's favourite!). ripe bananas and sprinkled with a tiny bit of sugar (aidan prefers his with honey).

And what do you do when it's hot outside? well, there's certainly no need to go to slush parlours or those highly expensive cafes to get your ice blended! make your own! plenty of ice, fresh strawberries and a tad bit of aidan's organic no sugar apple syrup! that should cool anybody down! what's the verdict?

That look on my son's face says it all! i'm so thankful that i have the time to cook and serve my boys! pure satisfaction to see that kind of reaction! have a lovely weekend everyone. it's almost one in the morning and i'm gonna call it a day! what a hectic (but beautiful) week it has been! enjoy the weather, enjoy food, enjoy life!

Love,

Pegs, Plates & its Pouring!

2009-06-08T23:17:00.007+02:00

I've had a wonderful week spending time with my boys. its just one of those quiet times where you just sit, enjoy and take it all in- their smiles, their giggles, their gazing... i managed to finish up all the washing and now left with half of the ironing to go before we go on our summer holidays. washing and ironing... they're never ending! (not that i'm complaining!).

Aidan's on potty training and i find myself mopping the floor at least 3 times a day! he's not getting it (yet) but i'm pretty sure he will very soon! we had quite a bit of a laugh everytime it happened! i smiled to all his "uh-ohhh"s and "mama, basah!"

The weather's been pretty weird lately. it's pouring outside. we've been getting a lot of rain and temp is at an unusual 14c! we're still in our jackets and i'm still wearing my thick socks around the house!unusual for june! but then again, this is holland!

Anyway, just to share with you some of the things i collect - Pegs! i have all kinds of them from the tiniest one to the biggest, from plastic to wooden ones! These lovely pegs serve more than just one purpose! i've had them for quite a while but decided to share with you one of its functions. i use them to store my laces and ribbons. i painted them and now they sit in my pail buckets in my craft room.

I've decided to sell some of the newly painted ones and give some away to a couple of my special crafty friends where i know they'll put it into good use!

The other thing i'm collecting these days are these small plates/coasters. sweet ones. i found these recently while out shopping at one of the outlets. soooo sweet! i love their colours and the curves- unlike the typical round ones. you can do a couple of things with them as well, you can hang them or if you have nice ones like these, you can frame it up! but as for now, i'm just going to enjoy it's original beauty before i decide on what to do with them!

I'm currently busy making a few gifts and some gift bags! will share when they're ready. thanks for hopping by. here's sending all you girls all the sweetest wishes you can think of! enjoy your day!

{H}appiness

2009-05-29T09:48:00.005+02:00

Just a quick post before i fetch my bumble bee from his playschool. it's been a lovely week and we'll be having another long weekend, monday's a public holiday here in holland! loads of spring activities and concerts going on, we might do some cycling and who knows some gardening as well!

I had a quick chat with my best friend yesterday and was inspired to make this card! i also received a couple of emails saying i've inspired them to craft! it made me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy knowing i've inspired someone! thank you, thank you very much! just remember, everyone's creative in their own special way! you wont know it until you try! so go on, give it a shot girls!

Back to the card, i love the bold damask pattern on the paper and how well these 3 colours combine! added a butterfly chipboard and flower. topped with a gem. stitched the paper, added trimmings and a beautiful vellum by one of my favourite designers Anna Griffin!

I should get going.. i will reply emails and comments soon. have a lovely weekend my lovely friends.. as usual, thanking you for all the sweet words and wishing you loads of happiness, always!

Sweet Tweets!

2009-05-26T23:53:00.004+02:00

Are you enjoying the weather? i certainly am! spring's absolutely beautiful! i love the smell of spring and not to mention the sound of spring! birds chirping happily during the day... the smell of fresh flowers and grass... trully blissful! the sun rise very early here this time of the year. birds starts chirping and tweeting everyday at 5 in the morning. i wake up every morning to hear them! lots of them!

I love crochets... i dont make them myself, but i collect them from flea markets and buy them new at the shops. they're so feminine and sweet i wish i know how to make them!

Made this card using one of the new ones i bought at the shops long, long time ago... used a few of my favourite petals and pearls and added velvet ribbon on the side.

For the past one month we have been busy entertaining! its lovely catching up.. chatting (and eating) away with our guests... especially when they're such wonderful company! how i wish we had more time!

Remember i blogged about these daffodils and petals a couple of posts ago? well, i've finally put them to use! our dear dear friends from paris came over with their beautiful newborn baby daugther Eva. it was Eva's first holiday out of France and we were so happy to have them all here at our home!

I wish i had more time to make her a special banner. i did this one to hang on the bedroom door.

We had a brilliant time together! it was a very long weekend, we went sightseeing and did some shopping at the outlets, i had a blast! i was so beat, i slept at 10pm every night for the past 5 days!

It's now past midnight, i guess i've recouperate from the tiredness! it was all worth it, i'd do it all over again! anyway.. i should get going.. waking up to the birds again tomorrow!

Have a lovely day everyone... love always!

{Colour Your Life}

2009-05-19T21:08:00.006+02:00

My son and i have been enjoying each other. we chased butterflies and bugs and hunt for frogs in the garden today. it is such a joy to see him get all excited and trying to converse in 3 languages at once. he cracks me up and i am most of the time in awe, i kept saying "allaaa sayang" to almost everything he says. my face will beam with pride.

Motherhood's been pretty amazing. i am trully utterly blessed to be having such life. i cant be thankful enough. it's really a struggle to find that balance, but when you do (or come close to it), you will enjoy the reward and live even more! i felt that today.

Here are a couple of cards i created today when my little bee was napping. i quite like the striking orange combination, and of course, who doesnt like pastels?!

Such a lovely combination of colours, dont you think? i think this is how we all should colour our lives! pretty, simple, soft and enchanting!

I should get going.. off to watch telly with hardy. will reply to emails bit by bit. do bear with me. have a wonderful week ahead everybody! we'll be having a long weekend and more guests coming over! our special guests are coming all the way from Paris this time! it'll be exciting! i should get the linens ready... and get the baby cot ready! till next time, good night and dont forget to colour your life pretty tomorrow!

~ Voor Mijn Allerliefste Moeder~

2009-05-12T23:52:00.006+02:00

I'm a little teary as i write this. I have a wonderful mum. she is my idol, i think the world of her. she has so so much love in her, she has creative hands, she's warm, gentle, funny, ambitious, strong and everything good in between! she's amazing and i feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have her as my mum.

She inspires me with her creativity. we work well together. i admire and look up to her. we all do....

Our Mother's day was just as sweet as those white peonies i bought for her. we enjoyed our outing last sunday very very much. Hardy and i took her to den Bosch, to a fair for all jewellery makers! oh my god!!! we almost went crazy when we entered the hall! we were there for more than 5 hours and had an excellent time looking at each and every single bead and findings! brilliant! we enjoyed ourselves!

Aidan made a card for Oma as well! does he take after his mum, you reckon? oh well, maybe just the pasting skills!

Coming back from the fair, mum said to us in the car "i am the happiest mother in the world!" and on behalf of my sister and i, i'm sure we think the same, we're the most luckiest and happiest daughters in the world mum! enjoy all your beads and treassures! you're our true gem! we love you!

"No painter's brush, nor poet's pen

In justice to her fame

Has ever reached half high enough

To write a mother's name."

To all mothers, i certainly hope you've had a good Mother's Day!

Love always,

Smiles & Good Times

2009-05-05T22:48:00.004+02:00

Good times! we certainly had some good times in Switzerland and Italy! it was quite a trip but we have had a lovely spring break. snapped more than a thousand good shots and now scratching our heads as to which to chose for printing! sorry I didnt get the chance to write about these few stuff before i left. i did manage to get them posted though! we hosted a dinner and with the packing and all, i just didnt have the chance to blog about them. and now that i'm back, checked my email, boy! i've got so so many emails to reply!

Here's a board and a notebook i made for Zura. she liked the album i did for dad and asked for a similar one but smaller. so this one's a notebook for her to scribble her notes. I love adding metal embellishments to everything these days! they're absolutely charming!

Zura wanted to give an anniversary present to her other half and i told her that i'd make her a board with their initials and she could hang it. the brown center bit is a space where she can add a photo of them together.

Off to another order.. another board. Ema wanted to hang something in her new kitchen. she loves cupcakes (arent they cute?!). i covered the board with fabric and used one of my white doilies (something every kitchen and craftroom should have!) to decorate.

I wasnt sure of the length of the board that would suit the spot in her kitchen. and so i figured the best way is to provide her with a long ribbon and pegged them with a painted peg. that way, she can adjust whatever length she choses.

Apart from buttons, i love pegs! i collect every size from the tinest to the old ones... Added chipboard for her name, cardstock saying, buttons, lace and trimmings i bought at czech republic and voila! i really enjoyed myself working with these two projects!

I should be off now. we currently have a guest staying over and i'm taking her shopping today before i go fetch Aidan at his playschool. thanks for hopping by! i hope the weather there is much much better than what we currently have here in Sittard! the clouds are out today.. i miss the birds and the sun and hope they'll come out pretty soon! regardless the weather, i will surely have a good day! i hope you do too!

~Reaching For Your Dreams~

2009-04-23T10:48:00.003+02:00

Dad tells me everyday to reach for my goals, dream big and think of the nicest things. i am doing it every day. its nice to be reminded of them, it lets your imagination run and just be in your own world for a little while. it's nice and comforting to know that someone else have faith in what you do. dad's been always supportive of me and mum with our crafts. we're the luckiest!

This board is a special one for me. i created it for myself but decided to let Aishah have it instead. this young soft hearted girl emailed me one day, asking me to make a gift for her precious sister before she leaves for UK to further her studies. the way she wrote captured me and all her emails always make me smile!

It's always a nice feeling to create for someone who appreciates, let alone if you have established a 'special bond' (even virtual!). we exchanged emails along the way (she was very patient with me in replying!) and later we found out that our parents and grandparents know of each other! what a small world indeed!

Ribbons, ribbons and ribbons. i have lots of them. they are every papercrafters essential embellishement! you can never have enough of them, you can never know when they might come handy one day! make full use of them!

Aishah will be off to the UK soon and i wish her all the luck in the world (not that she'll need it!). dream big girls! reach for your goals!

I'm off for our spring vacation! will try and see if i can post another one before i leave this weekend! till then... love always!

{Fluttering By}

2009-04-21T16:06:00.006+02:00

I thought i'd flutter by and post a couple of cards i made over the last 3 days. i was at our friend Piet's house over the weekend for some good dutch meal prepared by him and his beautiful girlfriend Clara. he had just been to Malaysia last month and showed us some brilliant shots of the places he visited.. and one of them was the butterfly park in KL!

Every shot of his photos was a brilliant one and we enjoyed our night tremendously! the next day i worked with these two cards for Mother's Day in May, with one theme in mind - Butterflies! i just love them!

Quite a few of layers here, a stamped image of a polka dot flower, accetate and a few cardstock papers. every mother is beautiful in their own special way, just like butterflies!

I think the world of my mom, and i bet you do too. i adore the strength and courage of my mom in law and love her dearly. their love is the greatest to us and simply special beyond words.

Loving every minute of spring and loving every butterfly (and wasps!) that passes by!!

Hugs,

~Spring Has Sprung~

2009-04-15T10:41:00.003+02:00

Spring has definitely sprung here in holland! the first signs of spring are daffodils! then comes magnolias, tulips, blossoms and every other colourful plant! i love april, not just because its my birthday but april's the month for new beginings, buds are out, leaves and shrubs are appearing and they become alive! april's the month of colourful sights, april here is not too cold and not too warm.. april's just nice! every season has its charms but i adore spring!

We brought my parents to Keukenhof, the largest tulip garden last weekend. we had a wonderful time and snapped hundreds and hundreds of colourful photos! this is the time to visit holland! you will see a sea of colours! there were at least 2ooo species of tulips there! it's pretty amazing!

Here are some embellishments i made to celebrate spring! i particularly love the daffodils! i still havent decided how i should use them... but once i do, i will surely share them with you! :)

Happy Spring everyone! Enjoy the colours, the smell, the sun and enjoy yourselves!

~Girly Stuff~

2009-04-10T00:36:00.001+02:00

Although i am a year older, i am still very much a girl! i love girly stuff and girly things and girly colours! I recently fell in love with bright lime green. it's time to brighten out my table with such glorious colours! it's spring anyway!

We've been getting quite a lot of sunshine lately! leaves are almost out, flowers are blooming and soon butterflies will fly in our garden! how exciting! we've planted some herbs and soon start on our vege plot. aidan's been playing gardening a lot lately with his spade and wheelbarrow! i simply love spring!

It's time to pack up all our woolies and put them away for the next 6 months (at least!) and out comes all our summer dresses and sandals! yeayheyy!

I should get going now guys, it's way past midninght. hardy and i have been busy planning our holidays lately! we've been infront of the computer every single day looking for places to go and where to stay! its going to be fun and there'll be lots of food to eat, that's for sure! anyway....

Here's to all you girls, for wishing me those lovely wishes! here's a bunch of hugs and kisses, from me to you! have a lovely weekend everyone! i shall hunt for some eggs in the garden with Aidan, just for the fun of it!

Welterusten, love always,

{Thirty-Two}

2009-04-06T14:17:00.005+02:00

My 4th of April was special. besides my two boys, my parents were here to celebrate my 32nd. i am not a big fan of celebrating my own birthday, but i'd go all out for others!

Woke up with my son singing "lang zal ze leven" and hugs from everybody. went downstairs and saw banners and baloons! the house was filled with flowers almost everywhere!

I had decided to take some time off things and made myself a present! something i normally do every year! i made myself a special board with powerful, beautiful words and sayings.

I once had a dream. little that i know of, it all came into place one by one, after hardships and some sacrifices... it all came true. i now have a bigger dream, and as they say it, the sky is the limit! i hope it will come true and along the way, there would be plenty of love, laughter and joy..

They say the best way to predict your future is to create it. i create my future every single day. i am living life, in my own way. i am doing it, my own way, creating it, my own way and at my own pace and i am most grateful for everything, all the blessings! the journey's been pretty amazing with ups and downs and i shall treasure what i have now, always.

Believe is a strong word. i believe in a lot of things. and most importantly, i believe in the beauty of my dreams! go on girls, dream!

Thanks ever so much for the birthday wishes from calls to emails and texts! from the bottom of my heart, i'm sending you all the best wishes and love always!

~Romantic & Nostalgic~

2009-03-31T15:23:00.006+02:00

I am most inspired by the things around me. whenever i'm in town, i'd always look at the shop windows and how they'd arrange their products. most tiny boutiques here have lovely paper bags, they'd wrap the stuff in lovely tissues and bows... and now that it's spring, flowers! i love fabrics, i love ribbons and laces, i love buttons and i love love love pearls! i bet you can tell those by now!

My collection of boxes are ever increasing! and so are my collection of buttons and laces. i have a lot of things in my room, and i get inspired by them most of the time - let it be shapes or colours.

These are just some of the things lying on my table today. soft colours makes me feel romantic! now, something nostalgic.

I created this board a couple of weeks back. i use a lot of post-it-notes. you know.. those yellow ones... it works for me! i'm sure most of you would agree that some craft papers are just way too nice to be cut and sliced. what do you do with them? well, back when i was in school, i use to wrap shoe boxes with them, but most of the times, i'd put them up piece by piece on my bedroom wall! almost like my very own wall paper! you can also make a post-it-note board like i did!

The best thing about those yellow notes is you wont spoil your lovely beautiful papers! you can stick them up or peel them off without having to worry if they'd tear! i used the crochets i bought at one of the markets last year and turned it into a flower. added stings and strings of laces and ribbons and attached them at a corner.

I love it! feeling very romantic and nostalgic right now *awwww*....

Hope the sun's shining where you are cause it certainly is over here! finally spring is here! will write again soon..

love always!

The Sweetest Thing

2009-03-24T16:18:00.011+01:00

We're back from our early spring break. River Mosel was brilliant! view was spactacular! definitely one of the places to visit for those wine drinkers. for non wine drinkers (like us), well, you'll be in with a huge treat as well! you'll be amazed to see long, very long stretches of vineyards along the entire stretch of river and you'll enjoy the charms of little German villages! and if you're into roman history, well, make sure you go for the tours! lovely!

We went from Trier to Koblenz! wonderful experience!!

Anyway, Aidan's not well since monday. i have only a few mins to spare today before i nurse him. here are a few cards i made just before i left for your German trip.

Made this card for Shannen. a friend of mine who lives up north in den haag. i met her once at a friend's place in Eindhoven. this was made for her mum in law. i am so pleased and happy she and Arthur liked the card! i knew i had to use mild pastel colours and i wanted to add the lace i bought at Czech Repupblic. nice contrast. i hope our birthday girl will like it too!

This second card i made out of scraps. i have pilles and pilles of scrap papers and it will be such a waste to throw them all. you can make a lot out of them. i hardly throw anything! and before you know it, you'll ended up having boxes and boxes of left over papers and ribbons!!

But i can assure you that they will come handy one day!

Last but not least, one special card i made last week for a dear dear friend of mine. a very special person in my life, my very best friend Yoyo. it was her birthday last monday. we were still in Germany at that time, and as soon as Aidan woke up, the first thing he mentioned was "tante yoyo"!

We rushed for my phone and quickly called her. we sang her a couple of birthday songs (one's in dutch and one's in english!) and it was just joyful!

I can never stop telling people about this one special person in my life. she's trully a remarkable person. we share a lot of things together, we've been through quite a life, a journey together, she listens to me whining (she's a really patient!), hardy, well maybe never complaints... she's so encouraging and supportive. we had lots of fun together, we share some common dreams and i will always, always be thankful and remember what she did for me. she stood by me and was really strong for me through the years. all those words on the card meant so so much to me.

She's ever so sweet and a lovely person and i cant wait for us to catch up and meet again. i miss her and i think of her always!

Happy Birthday Yo!

You know what i wish for you... always the best, the very best cause you trully deserve each and every bit of it! love you loads!

Ok girls, i should be off now. most unpacking are almost done, a few laundry to do and a few projects to finish. thanks ever so much for hopping by. thanks for all those lovely comments as always, you brighten out my day! till next time....

{Happy Birthday Dad}

2009-03-19T22:28:00.005+01:00

It was my dad's birthday yesterday. there's so much to write about my dad. so many lovely childhood memories and stories to share. but for now, i shall leave them all for me, myself and my son one day. but one thing that i can share with you is, he is really wonderful, trully remarkable, amazingly wonderful! he's one cool dad, like no other. (most of us would feel that way, huh?!)

Photography's been always been dad's interest since i can even remember (together with music). and eversince both my sister and i moved to this part of the world, we've been taking him places and he's been snapping some pretty amazing shots! its a shame not to print out those photos, and so i made him a photo album. a gift for dad on his 62nd birthday.

Touching phrases and words in subtle colours. i just love the simplicity of the idea and how it turned out. inside are pictures of him during his stay with us and with my sister. we printed pictures of us, the 4 of us (dad, mum, fi and me) before we got married and with us now, the 8 of us now that each have our own families. we printed photos of my dad with both his grandsons.. just wonderful photos that will always remind him of the good fun times we had here!

We've captured so many memories everytime when my parents come for a visit. tonnes of pictures and videos of my parents and my son. i love this one the most. it was just pure love and joy everytime i see my parents with Aidan. a picture of happiness.

I made this for dad to hang in their house back in JB. the colour suited their interior, hope they'll find a spot in the house suitable for it.

We're off for a short early spring break today. we're going to Mossel, Germany later this afternoon. we're going to make sure dad will fill up that album with amazing shots of the place. (yep, hij is hier! hoera!). That's if from me this time, will come back next week and share more. have a lovely weekend you all.. sending you lots of sunshine from holland (yeay! spring is here!)

Happy Birthday Dad!! Here's to you, and to many many many more wonderful, beautiful, successful, fun and joyful years to come! Thank you, thank you for all the love and life you have given us. We love you with all our hearts and wish nothing but the best for you. May all your vision, thoughts, wishes, dreams come true. Now, let's live it and have a wonderful time!

xxx Adek xxx

Happy Spring!

2009-03-14T08:58:00.006+01:00

My favourite season is definitely spring! the past one week's been absolutely gorgeous! the sun is out now and we get more daylight, temp was above 8c most of the days.... you see birds and people all cheerful and colourful! it's just exciting!

I'll be going to Keukenhof again this year and that's something i'm really looking forward to. i love hyacints and hope to see fields and fields of them there. this is definitely the time to fly to amsterdam, and if your flight is in the morning, you might be able to see colourful patches from the aeroplane, i bet it'll be spactacular!

I adore flowers. let them be real, pastic, papers, fabric, ribbon flowers. anything!

I am working on my bird house but somehow so far, i'm stuck. there are so many things i'd like to do and finish up this month! dad's birthday is coming up, and also my bestest friend's at the end of the month. i WILL start soon and finish all the orders on time.. i will i will i will!!! (trying to pump up some good energy in me! hehe).

A couple of candles in cute little pail buckets just to brighten out my space.. i'm doing a few to add to my collection of pail buckets. i have too many of these from the tiniest one to the largest! i am utterly mad to be collecting them!

Anyway, i have to rush.. but i shall leave you with a few more pictures of them and a card i made last week.

I did this card a week ago. used some vellums and some blossoms, and the simplicity says it all - true happiness.

Cotton*Candy blog us up and running (you can click here if you're into cupcakes, and here if you want to see how my kelder basement looks like!) and to those who have joined me in facebook, thank you!

Happiness! i am filled with true happiness! and i hope you are too! thank you to you sweet bunch for all those lovely comments! have a lovely weekend everyone.. lets celebrate and enjoy the sun!

Love,

Cotton*Candy by Zaza Hardy

2009-02-28T23:57:00.007+01:00

I have had a brilliant day today with my boys. Hardy took me for a drive to the countryside, drove into Belgium and had lunch at Tongeren. it was a nice saturday outing. and just before we put our son to bed, the little munchkin couldnt stop kissing me on the lips!

I had a few asking me - how do i manage your time? the truth is, you just have to make the best of what you have. you just have to be focused in all that you're doing. let it be housework or your craftwork. in other words, you just have to be present at what you're doing. i am with my son during the day, a hundred percent with him attending to him. and when he sleeps or when he's at his playschool, then that's my time to create.

Life is sweet. full of sweetness! i guess what dad said was right - when you fill yourself with love, you'll do everything differently, and willingly. you'll see things different, you'd react differently, you'll see people in a different light regardless what they did to you... and hopefully you'd create lovely creations (i sure do hope so dad!).

So now, i would like to share with you some of the sweet, yummy things that i have. i've decided to name my kelder (basement) and all my collection Cotton*Candy. took me a while to figure out a name. so what does cotton*candy means? well, as soft as cotton and as sweet as candy! ;) Cotton*Candy by zaza hardy, well, it just rhymes!!

I've created a page on facebook. if you'd like to join me, you can do so by clicking at the logo above. you can have a sneak peak at Cotton*Candy's Cupcake Collection. I'm still adding some finishing touches to my Cotton*Candy blog, will be ready sometime next week and will announce it then.

Zaza at Home will still remain as my main blog, that's for sure! thanks ever so much for hopping by! have a lovely Sunday and a good week ahead! i'll be off to Koln on Monday (yeay!). enjoy browsing those yummy cakes! lovely to see you in here again... take care now.. love always!

{Read All About It}

2009-02-24T01:03:00.005+01:00

I have been a busy bee. a very busy one! I have been working very very hard these days! Remember i told you about my Cupcake Collection? Well, here's some good news! It's nearly done! I just cant wait to show you the cupcake stuff i have. they're so gorgeous and so yummy! Wait till you see them! They're all up for sale for all you crazy cupcake lovers!

I have been designing my own header as well....

And...

I have created a page on facebook so you lot can join me there!

I've uploaded some photos of my Cupcake Collection there and will announce the link of my facebook page by the end of the week, so that you can have a preview of some of the items i have. To those who join will be updated firsthand on my special offers too! so make sure you join me there!

In the meantime, i hope you bear with me.. as i am nearly finished with the listing! Keep on checking this blog of mine as i will be sharing with you the link!

It's almost half past one in the morning now (see! told you i've been working hard!) and i really should call it a day now... good night everyone!

A Bold Attempt

2009-02-21T11:46:00.000+01:00

The best thing about having a blog is you get to make a lot of new friends! some will surprise you, and some will stay close to your heart. some prefer to remain silent, some expect a lot from you, while some, give their outmost trust on you. of course it has its downsides but its just so wonderful to know there's a few who likes what you do! always, always brings a smile and warms my heart when someone msgs or leave me comments.

I received a very sweet email from Ida one day. she wanted to give a card and something else to go with the card for her husband, giving me all her trust! i cringed! another challenge since flowers and butterflies are a must in almost all my cards! but i'm up for a challenge!

So here's what i did...

A notebook and a card with such bold brave colours! i'm quite pleased with how it turned out! and Ida liked them too! *sigh of relief!* Posted them and hope they'll arrive safely together with a little something for her ;)

Thanks Ida for the trust, and the incredibly super fast payment! i really appreciate it! good luck with your new house, i'm sure everything will go as planned and it'll be a beautiful house!

Hardy's back from Gothenburg so now Aidan and i are going to shower papa with all kisses, smooches, hugs and tickles till he beg us to stop! have a lovely weekend everyone!

From a Mother and a Wife

2009-02-17T11:07:00.006+01:00

Here's the honest truth, i sometimes sit infront of my table not knowing what to do. there's just a million and one things to do and sometimes i dont know which one to start first! there are just some days where my mind just went blank! but not for this paticular case, nope!

I received an email from a friend of mine, K.Muna (whom i havent even met till today, but hope to meet one day..), who lives here in holland. asking if i'd be ok to make her a few cards for her daughter, and her husband. an order i just couldnt refuse! (especially when she mentioned that Elsa's such a girly girl!).

I got straight to work! i really enjoyed working on Elsa's cards.. both her birthday card and her valentine's card.

In one of K.Muna's emails, she mentioned that she was inspired by my mum's breadcraft and decided to have a go at jewellery making. i felt extremely happy and couldnt wait to tell mum! of course just by hearing that, anyone would be overjoyed! it's really nice to know that you've inspired someone. its just a warm feeling in our hearts ;) (i'm very proud of mum, so my heart's pretty warm too!)

Hope the 3 of them had a wonderful Valentine's weekend. thanks so much for trusting me to work with your cards K.Muna! here's sending you and your family loads of love all the way from Sittard!

Sweet Love

2009-02-12T14:36:00.009+01:00

Some days are better than others. today, to be honest, i struggled with Aidan. he was somewhat showing his other side the whole day, while i, tried my very best to keep my calm and be reasonable and reason things out with him the whole day! (some successful than others).

But above all, despite the tiredness and the exhaustion, it is still very very rewarding. and i would do it again and again if i have to! (after a good rest, of course!). as i watch him sleep, clutching his favourite lion pillow his oma gave him when he was born, every tired bone in me was healed. every bit of it was worth it. i even felt guilty for saying no to him wanting another teeny bit of my sap (juice, which contains sugar!!!). i should have given him his 4th sip!

Love is pure. a mother's love is pure. by the way, a good friend of mine just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl 3 days ago. her baby's name is Eva. eva's half french and half malaysian, so just imagine how she looks like!! i cant help but to stare at her pictures everyday! to see a photo of a new mother and a newborn child is just pure bliss. we hope to go visit them in paris one of these days... such a joy!

I received a parcel today from a friend up north. it got me by surprise! i wondered what could it be inside! i know whatever it is coming from her, i knew she was sincere. the kind of friendship that one seek is a sincere one. it doesnt matter how many friends you have in this world, its what type of friends they are and what kind of person they are inside that matters.

I love the gift! with love (and water!), hopefully they (and our friendship) will grow and blossom well! thank you, you know who you are! something's coming your way! i know i've said it once, long time ago... but it will come! i promise!!

Dont we all question what love is at one point in our lives? i've questioned it many many times before i met hardy. it stopped after i met him. and after we got married, up until today,

our actions say it all.

Love is sweet! true, sincere, pure and simple love is even sweeter! it sure is! have a lovely weekend everyone! have a good valentine's day, a wonderful weekend. enjoy, love and cherish one another! good night everyone... tot volgende week! (that's till next week in dutch!)

All my love,

-Simple Love-

2009-02-09T15:40:00.004+01:00

I lead a simple life here. and i have a simple love. they say, less is sometimes more, and i totally agree! so i decided to make some straight forward cards using less. thought i'd share some of them with you today.

It's february and love is all around! shops are all in gear promoting their valentines gifts and such and this time round, florists will be at their busiest, after christmas! are you guys getting anything for your loved ones? i told hardy again and again NOT to get me anything. i was never really into Valentines Day, but i certainly do love seeing everyone all lovey dovey, girls dress in their best, out on a date, or to dinner and guys on their bikes with a bunch of red roses! *bliss*

Anyway, how ever way you wish to spend yours i hope it will be a special one. and i hope it will last throughout and grows even more each day!

love (luv) n.

1. often used as a term of endearment; strong affection for another

2. the fuel used for walking on air

Thanks ever so much to you lot for leaving me with a word or two, always commenting! i smiled reading to each and every one of them! i shall try my outmost best to reply to them.

Pastels coming up next! till my next post, here's wishing all of you love, and lots of love, not just in february, not just during valentines, but always!

BabyBlues*

2009-02-01T23:51:00.001+01:00

We were invited to our dear friend Alberto and Katrien's house in Leuven today to welcome their newborn baby boy Lorenzo. it was a lovely gathering with lovely people and lovely cakes and vlaai!

Baby Lorenzo was such a cutie, and not to mention so good and well behaved! he slept soundly as we all talked and giggled.

I just love making baby things! it is always a joy to welcome a new life into the world. and what more to shower them with gifts and love! and so i prepared them a bucket of gifts. i LOVE these buckets and i currently have a line of them on my shelf to store most of my itsy bitsies. added Lorenzo's initial to personalize it. perhaps later they can use to store his small toys, crayons or socks! i'm sure it'll come handy!

I made a banner for baby Lorenzo's room. very pleased with how it turned out. used loads of papers and ribbons as well as trimmings for this project.

Here's wishing both proud parents all the joy and love in the world with their new addition!

*************

A couple of cards i made last week. this time i decided to work with blue. red's been a little bit too much for me, and i needed the break! I used MM's metal charms, the one i have up on My Honeypot for these two pieces. you honestly wont see the beauty until you've put them onto your cards/projects.

I used some prima flowers and MM small white blossoms with brads and scattered them across the card.

Here's the second card with some MM's charms on them.

Love is definitely in the air! i keep on using hearts and "love" on almost all of the things i do these days! arent they cute?!

Anyway, that's it for tonight! i'm trying my best to reply emails and finishing up most orders in time. but i do hope most of you would understand that my main priority is my role here at home. home is definitely where my heart is!

So till next time, here's sending you lots of love!

~Lets Paint The Town Pink! ~

2009-01-23T12:46:00.007+01:00

Yes! lets paint it pink! It's almost february and Valentine's coming up. I have been rather busy with some orders and my honeypot for the past month i havent even started on Valentine's stuff untill yesterday! and yes, i'm still compiling and listing down the stuff for my Cupcake Collection soon! (perhaps i'm trying a little bit too much, too soon?!). My entire family's been extremely supportive giving me support when i need them the most! Hardy's been incredible as well! he doesnt complain when my table's a mess, doenst complain when i've run out of space on mine and 'spilt' some onto his...

My basement is full of stuff. i have been dumping most of it downstairs and i havent been organizing them! shelves are still not up, will have to do it soon now that the snow's all gone!

Anyway, this was what i made yesterday. i told myself, if i dont sit down and start on something for Valentines, i never will! yesterday's theme was pink! did some favor boxes, decorated them with my favourite laces and ribbons. bought meself a new cuttlebug folder with hearts and used it for the first time yesterday. i love it!

I used lots of layers for the card. used my scraps mainly, and added a couple of embellishments and of course, not to forget, buttons!

Used some of my prima flowers for this one. i'm currently running low on them. listed a couple at my honeypot and have been snapped away! will have another one to share soon! these flowers are so pretty, almost real! you can never have enough of them! trust me!

This is if for this time. this weekend's theme is going to be red! not my favourite colour but we shall see! so see you in my next post! thanks ever so much for the lovely comments, as usual, i smiled from ear to ear reading each and every one of them! take care everyone, have a GREAT weekend (i know i will now that Hardy's back from Milan!), and i wish all of you love!

A Fluttery Dream

2009-01-14T16:13:00.001+01:00

The Card

A few months ago, i received an email, from a lovely lady in Penang, Suriya. she emailed me wanting me to do almost everything for her adorable lil daughter iman's first birthday next month. i couldnt wait to get started!

Made the card first. i then emailed an unfinished photo to suriya and had the green light! i was pleased! girly stuff means scallops, laces, butterflies, flowers and pastels! love them love them! used green stickles to outline the insert flower and used my cricut to cut out her name and the word 'one'.

The Banner

Next i did the birthday banner. i wanted everything with the same theme- scallops and butterflies. used chipboard letters for her name and these lovely MM brads available at my honeypot.

After her birthday, they can hang the banner in her room. just unpeg the "happy birthday" and "1" and all ready to be hung in Iman's room!

The Hanging Frame

I made her a hanging frame as well. a girl can never have enough of decoration in her room! the turquoise heart was cut out freehandedly and then was machine stitched (i should practice more!)

Everything is personalized with Iman's name on it. that just makes it extra special! especially for her first birthday!

The Party Bags

There will be a party for Iman and any parties wouldnt be complete without party giveaways! these are her goody bags. 2o of them. i hope this is a good size. each the paper bag has a butterfly and number 1's on them! how cute!

I hope all her friends and guests will love them and the goodies inside!

The Door HangerFrame

This one can be a door hanger with Iman's picture in it! again, they're pastel coloured. with a butterfly and a big bling!

The Invites

Invitations. i did the invites last. and inside are 3 butterflies, fluttering in the card! what they need to do is just write the day, time and place. and they're ready to be sent out!

The Kit

Suriya also orderd a few kits from my honeypot alongside other embellishments. i have finally figure out how to pack my kits! some pastel coloured feathers and my very own handmade sticker!

It's been a dream to work with Suriya's orders. she's been so easy throughout the whole entire process. leaving everything almost up to me! thank you Suriya, i shall take up that offer on mee sotong in penang!!

Happy 1st Birthday Iman!

May all your wishes come true!

Yumm Yumm!

2009-01-08T14:53:00.007+01:00

It's been a while, hasnt it? come on in and grab yourselves a cupcake, i'll put the kettle on! ;) we've just had some serious snowy weather! it was -18c last tuesday and we're still below freezing tempreature! i know i could do with a hot cuppa! it snowed last monday and what a start to the new year! i love it when it snows, but aidan's not such a big fan (until today!).

Anyway... here's todays post. i am in love with cupcakes. not deeply, just fairly ;) they're cute, adorable and sweet. i had a few plain round boxes lying around, and thought i'd join Aidan on the table while he paints his stuff. so there we were both mother and son on our dining table, painting...

If you must know the truth, as soon as they were dry and ready, i placed them on my bedside table! it sat there for more than a couple of days. very pleased with how it turned out! i sometimes question myself, perhaps i am madly in love with cupcakes!?!

This was so much fun! from cutting the paper napkins to painting the wooden boxes, and later pasting! i first started making decoupage back in JB with my mum. we decorated egg shells and put them on our egg stands and bowls. i wonder if mum still has it!? those were fond memories of me and my mum at our old house.

Oh! before i forget, i'd like to share with you something...

Here's one little announcement:

I have A LOT of cupcake stuff to sell. for you cupcake lovers, you will surely melt when you see them! i will be listing them soon on my honeypot. i've got coasters, doilies, cupcake cases, gift bags, notebooks, glass tumblers, bowls, hooks, metal signs.. plenty! plenty stuff! i just have to sort them out first and hopefully by the end of the month or early next month i'll be listing them.

I've been rather disorganized for the past year. really! and i did not get some christmas gifts out. i wanted to give those christmas trees to some friends in the states and up north in holland but i didnt get to. a lot had happened since my last post. you can read it here. we are now all ok, enjoying the snow and the cold weather whilst i'm trying my best to be much more organized!

I hope with this second memo pad up on the wall will help me to plan things! this one's a little bit too small, perhaps i should write only my wish list on it! tonnes of new crafting gadgets and new lines of scrapbooking stuff this year, i'm sure! how exciting! well, no harm in wishing!

And here's Aidan, asking you to check out the snowman we did! its no joke making one. took longer than i expected! will post more snowy pictures at our other blog.

Happy New Year everyone! hope this year will bring us happiness, joy, more love and laughter and good health! take good care everyone!

{A Treat}

2008-12-21T23:48:00.001+01:00

If you've read my post at Aidantje, you'd probably know by now why i've been quiet for so long. i cant even begin to tell you how miserable i felt being down. it's just a hopeless feeling, you dont get to mum the two boys. i'm feeling much much better now. we went out the whole afternoon today, to treat Aidan on a few rides and see some winter actions in town! and i have had such great fun seeing both boys enjoying themselves!

Despite me being so horribly down for the past week or so, i have received some wonderful gifts! a couple of package to be exact. and today, for the first package, i'm going to share what i got from my dearest, most thoughtful, my auntie rubi. she went to the states recently and sent me a HUGE parcel filled with craft supplies she got me from michael's (one place i'd so want to go one day).

I was like a seven year old kid, opening a birthday present! there were 3 boxes and i was like "gosh!". i opened this one silver box and there was this really nicely wrapped and well packaged jars of pickles! and i was like "yeayyyy!! pickles!". this was just one of the gourmet stuff auntie rubi had used for her raya hampers. (yes, i'd beam with joy with even a jar of pickles!)

I then opened the second box. and there it was! a glitter stamp set. i have always wanted to get my hands on them. an even louder yeayyy!

Then, i thought to myself, it cant get any better than this. i then opened the third box. and my jaw dropped to the floor and then with my body aching, head spinning, i jumped for joy! it was a ribbon organizer box i have always, always wanted. even it wont store even a fifth of all my ribbons but i have always wanted it!and to top it off, the box was filled with ribbons and even more ribbons!

The wordings on the card and all the stuff cured half of the flu!

And now guys, a treat for you lot. a little bit of this and that to share with you this time.

Aidan's been such a great company lately. we love our time together and i'm getting him to craft as well (but he prefers his cars, diggers, politieautos and legos). this was the welcome home banner that we made for Hardy. one whole week without papa was such a long time! and when he came back from his long far east trip, we welcomed him home with this banner and a few signs on the window!

I remember dad and i used to make banners when i was little. i coloured them and cut them up. dad helped me with the rafia strings and then we hung them on our swing back in our old house in JB. i remember i could sit down and watch it all day! and no one could touch them or bring them down unless they're all wet from the rain! i cant believe it that i'm doing it with my son now.

Honestly, you dont need much. all you need is a few coloured papers. a pair of scissors, some strings and here i used some clips. and if you dont have them, you can always use pegs or some glue.

Speaking of pegs, what would you do with your clothespeg now that it's winter? have a look at this!

I did this 2 winters ago. i dont think i've put this one up yet but after i typed about using those cute little pegs, and Auntie Rubi, i just remembered of them! and i remembered i paint about 80 pcs of these wooden pegs back when i was teaching at Auntie Rubi's montessori pre school back in JB. turned them into fireflies and dragonflies for one of the Parent Mornings. i had a blast working there!

This has certainly brought me back to those wonderful times i've had at the school with the lovely kids! i honestly miss those days. that was me. so me. i've had the best time of my life working there.

Arent they pretty?! now, everyone can do this! use them as memo clips, add a magnet and paste them onto your fridge to clip your shopping lists... anything!

Now, of to my next project. i have been supplying Ninie of The Sweetest Thing in Dubai quite a lot of stuff. She bakes and makes cute little cupcakes. she orderd a cupcake apron, oven glove, tea towel and this was what i came up with. her colours are black, white and pink.

I would probably make one for myself! and i must say that these colours are gorgeous. they're classic but sweet! and so is she!

I am so horribly late sending out most of my christmas cards. here are my last batch of cards i made. saving the best for last. i love love love them and i think red, white and green's very special. used vintage laces on all of them just to add to that homey style to it.

I am still working on a few orders and not to mention Valentine's coming up real soon! hardy and i dont celebrate valentine's, so we wont be giving each other any presents or cards. but i'm pretty sure you love birds out there will look forward to the 14th!

Will share some Valentine's ideas and cards in due course! in the meantime, i wish you all well, i wish you all love! it's almost 1 in the morning, i'm going to call it a day. a beautiful day. and what a way to end it by sinking yourself into your fresh, crisp, clean linens... night everyone. hope you've enjoyed this very long post!

{S for Sisters}

2008-12-09T12:57:00.005+01:00

I know.. i know.. i've been a bad girl. sorry i havent been updating as often as i could. i didnt mean to torture! :) but hey! here's a treat for you! 2 cards in one post! i'll see what else i can dig up, there's simply too many to show and share!

I did this couple of sweet cards for the two sisters - sara and soraya. both will be celebrating their birthdays pretty soon. sara's gonna turn 4 and little soraya's gonna be 2!

I created a slot for sara's card. she can hang it up in her room he she wishes. behind it i cut out the number 4 and added some tiny butterflies to remind her that she got this on her 4th birthday!

I just love girly stuff! butterflies, dresses, hearts, petals... i love girly colours - pinks and pastels!

Now here's a card for little soraya whos gonna turn two next month! i've added laces, felt heart, chipboard, cutouts and of course her name! oh, and a little flag with the number 2!

Anyway, you can find this butterfly in most of my scarp kits at My Honeypot. arent they sweet?!

So heres to the girls! happy birthday and may all your dreams come true! thank you seri for the orders!

Beloved

2008-12-02T11:50:00.004+01:00

I have been missing my dear husband. he's currently away on a long business trip, on a different continent! it's lovely to hear that he's having a good time at the same time. but yes, we miss him loads. usually he'll keep me company while i craft.. but since he's been away, i havent been crafting!

I did this card for Seri, who ordered a few from me. posted them last week. she wanted a card for her husband on his birthday and left me with all her trust in the choice of colours etc.

I've had made a few adjustments to it and this is the end result. quite happy with how it turned out. an embossed background, some trimmings on the side and i used vellums with the words 'my beloved'.

I currently have some vellums to share at My Honeypot if you're interested. click here to have a look at the love vellums.

Hardy's coming home tomorrow, actually, he's on his way now! Aidan and i are going to make a banner for papa... cant wait for him to come home with all the goodies! (have a safe flight papa... i'm sure you'll have a good sleep on the plane.. tot morgen!)

{Three}

2008-12-02T11:36:00.003+01:00

We celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary last week, and what a journey it has been for both of us! it has been the most beautiful three years filled with challenges that have pulled us closer, filled with happiness that could shed a few tears, filled with fun and laughter if we recall we could roll over! and most importantly filled with love.

We started our journey together with pure intentions. we started our new life with a fresh start 3 years ago.

I promise to always and forever, love my dear husband unconditionally and will always stand by him through good times and bad. always...

Away & The Winner...

2008-11-29T11:45:00.005+01:00

Something urgent and important came up since earlier this week and i have been on such a rollercoaster! we've been away most of the time and i am sorry, it is trully unavoidable.

Anyway, here's the winner of my first ever giveaway!

come on Aidan, pick us a winner!

oops, sorry, a little bit blur..

there we go! there's our winner!

Congratulations Mai! Drop me an email with your full name and address and i'll ship those goodies right away!

(p.s: Hardy is away and therefore, Aidan had to pick a winner on his own. not a problem since he can now count when i mentioned to him "pick just ONE!")

THANK YOU so much to you guys for playing along in this. perhaps i should have another one once i've reached my 100th sale!? and better luck next time! sending you guys lots of best wishes for everything!

Have a wonderful weekend guys.. will post what i did for Hardy in my next post!

Frrreezzzinnngg!

2008-11-23T12:02:00.006+01:00

This is our second day waking up with white covered grass and trees, snow covered cars and roofs... it's freeeezzzingggg!! but i love it! christmas markets are all on and we think we might go to a few this year since we missed them last year. we heard and read that the Dusseldorf one's pretty awesome! lucky it's just 45 mins away from here!

We have a lake near our home. and if it gets really REALLY cold, the whole lake will be frozen and there will be people scating on the ice! it's so much fun (and scarry) to watch! will dig up a photo of last year and add it in here later when i have the time! remind me if you must!

This is just gonna be a short one from me. i'm off in a bit for some quality family time with the boys. its sunday!!!

Oh, since i mentioned short, did i mention to you that i went to the kapper (hairdressers) and had it cut really short? yep. short! hardy came home and said "theres a schoolgirl in my house!!". hahaha.. i take that as a compliment!

Enjoy your sunday everybody! have a good week ahead. will be posting more yummy stuff at My Honeypot and more a cooking post here soon!

Bambinos

2008-11-20T15:14:00.000+01:00

Here's something a little bit more colourful compared to my previous post! i love making baby stuff. they simply make you happy, chirpy, smiley...

You can dress them up with plenty! you can layer them up or put some glitter glue on them to make them shine!

You can find these stickers at My Honeypot. i chose to cut a couple of them. perhaps you can just simply leave them in its original size, like the last picture. the best thing about these stickers is that you can paste them onto your kid's walls or wardrobe. or simply use them to make greeting cards or any of your scrapbook layouts!

A clear example of you dont need much to craft! now.. isnt he a cutie pie?! ;) GrrRrrrRrrr...

Vintage & Black

2008-11-19T15:35:00.000+01:00

To be honest, i havent been in the mood to blog lately.. everything's fine... we're all doing good, Hardy's back from Portugal, Aidan's well.. its just one of those days... I've been planning on the basement and busy keeping everything else well balanced - chores, hobbies, bringing up a son, family time etc. if you know what i mean... the basement looks wonderful! all my stuff are still on the floor! it's getting exciting!

I must thank each one of you for leaving me a word or two and the response towards My Honeypot's been wonderful! i will be adding more from time to time so be sure to check them out!

And thanks to this blog, i've made a few new friends! its always wonderful to get to know new people, their likes, their crafts and their lives, wherever they are! isnt it wonderful to share?!

Anyway, a couple of wooden plaques with vintage laces for my basement. just one of the few things i've made for a spot downstairs where i'll be storing my stuff. i just love the vintage look! i still can make a couple more if anyone's interested... we can hang them at the door, put them against the wall on your shelves, hang them on your frames (like how i did it in the photo)... put them anywhere!

And here's a card i made last night. whipped this one out before i snuggle both Hardy and the duvet to bed. less is more sometimes, dont you think?

And just incase if you're wondering, 'Prettige Kerstdagen' means Merry Christmas in dutch!

Will share some bright coloured cards after this! thanks for hopping by!

~Stars and Snow~

2008-11-13T15:22:00.005+01:00

Its getting darker as i type. winter is here, it's 4 and it will get dark by 5. and by 6 or so we can get to see the stars! but no, no snow.. it's not snowing yet! we're still in our 10c and sometimes 13c. still cold!

I've been playing and seeing too many stars and making too many snowflakes lately! still on my christmas stuff. i will only stop probably on christmas eve! not that i'll be celebrating anyway!

Some felt ornaments i made last week. i love the fact that the bells jingle everytime i carry them here and there! Aidan loves them and cant stop pulling them! i had to say please at least twice for him to let them go!

I am loving the fact that it's almost the end of the year. simply because the sale starts after christmas! but to resist the temptation to shop is another thing! i am not really a shopper, i'm more of a browser, and i love to look for bargains and i love going to markets! but anything's on sale is definitely good for me! but on the other hand, where did 2008 go?! it went by so fast! am i the only one who's feeling it?!

Here's a card i made last night. i thought i might give light blue and red a go. probably the two colours i've work with the least. i've underestimate them both! i should be more adventurous with my choice of colours next time!

Be happy and merry everyone!

The 'Little' News & a Giveaway

2008-11-11T14:33:00.002+01:00

Over the years since we moved here, i have been collecting a lot of stuff and so we've decided to convert our basement into my craft haven! Hardy is almost done with the basement (i feel so loved!). we hope to start on the flooring now painting and wiring are all done.

I thought i might share some of what i have with you before i 'sayang' and wont let them go even more!

So, some of you might have noticed it, and some of you might have not. but i've created another blog under the same profile with the stuff that i'm willing to sell and share.

My Honeypot

I will update it once a while to add more yummylicious stuff!

It's wonderful to get to hear people tell you that you've inspired them. i'm overjoyed with such comments and emails. grateful to have made new wonderful people in here, and so i've decided to have my first ever giveaway! a step closer to get to know most or, some of you! Hardy and Aidan will both pick a winner on the 26th of November (a very very special date!). we will let you know the next following day. all you have to do is just write to me a couple of lines telling me about yourself/your crafts with your name (or nickname if you chose to be anonymous) as well as your email. and the lucky winner will get to receive these items.

Receiving is certainly nice but nothing can beat the feeling of giving and sharing!

Good Luck! and as they say it here, Success!

Curry in a Hurry

2008-11-06T21:41:00.000+01:00

We've been having simple meals lately. saves me time now that Aidan eats whatever we eat. by simple i mean non malay food! to have such a heavy dish is quite rare for us these days. good, some might say! i am also very selective with what Aidan eats. i try to make his food as interesting and as balanced as possible but he's quite picky with his greens! but mama's smarter! ;)

Anyway.. here's a simple dish i tried last weekend. we normally treat ourselves with prawns once in a while, like a month or once in a couple of months. Aidan is not ready for prawns yet, so this meal was entirely for the two of us - Hardy and i.

My Prawn Curry in a Hurry

400g fresh prawns

1 1/2 cups coconut milk

4 cloves of garlic (whacked and sliced)

4 Kaffir lime leaves (half shreadded and half leave it as a whole)

2-2 1/2 Thai fish sauce

A handful of fresh coriander (chopped)

1/2 tsp fish curry powder

Oil

To blend:

1 lemongrass stalk (bashed and chopped)

4-5 fresh coriander stems (chopped)

2 kaffir lime leaves (shreadded)

3 green chillies (seeded and chopped)

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients into a paste and set aside.

2. Heat wok with oil and add in garlic.

3. When garlic turns slightly brown, add a teaspoon of the fish curry powder. and stir for a tad bit.

5. Pour coconut milk into wok and bring to the boil over a medium heat.

4. Add 1 or 1 1/2 tbsp of green paste and shreadded lime leaves and add fish sauce. stir well.

5. Add prawns and/or other seafood. careful not to overcook them!

6. Just before serving, add fresh coriander and you can adjust the flavour with probably more of the fish sauce or the paste. but not salt!!

Give it a try and let me know!!

Traditional

2008-11-05T16:14:00.000+01:00

Christmas is definitely in the air! i can smell it almost everywhere! we were in Stratford last week, while in the UK and they've already put up the lights on the high street. shops are playing christmas songs, decorations all up for sale! it's glorious! my oh my.. it's already end of the year! can you believe it!?

Anyway, just thought i'd share this with you. made a few cards using the traditional colours - dark green and maroon. i love the simplicity of it all. its always wonderful working with felt! the snowflakes makes it all wintery and snowy!

Here's a couple more! dont just just love the white trimmings at the sides? thanks to the best herbadashary supplier of mine, Harry on Sonja who carries beautiful gorgeous stuff every week!

That's it from me for today! i promise i will be posting a cooking post next! i managed to cook this really nice curry dish, and i'm very excited to share the recipe! oh, and the announcemnt! i almost forgot! so stay tuned!

-Sweet Sofea's Hanging Board-

2008-11-03T21:08:00.003+01:00

It's amazing what the internet can do! it simply connects people! i managed to 'bump into' an old friend early last month. we go way back to uni days, some good 14 years ago! its been really good catching up with him. he has a beautiful family, with 2 beautiful girls.

He then asked me to make his younger daughter, Sofea a card for her 5th birthday. i decided to make something else - a hanging board to hang in her room. i added two tiny little cutest pegs so that they can change the photo or whatever note Sofea wishes to hang.

From the pictures her daddy showed me, Sofea's such a sweetheart. she's really talented, incredibly sweet and a charm that can melt each heart! i'm gonna look out for her in catalogues and brochures when i'm next in the UK!

I simply love making girly stuff! they are so much fun! thank you Azam! its been great catching up! lots of love to all of you in Reading!

* Let it Snow *

2008-10-31T09:20:00.001+01:00

It snowed when we arrived here in Warwick! everything was white and it was just a wonderful feeling! i love it when it snows... you just feel like sitting down on the couch, cover yourself with a fleece blanket drinking hot cocoa and just watch, watch it all fall!

It's freezing here, no more snow but still a lovely day..

I did this card before i left for Wawick... another christmas card for a friend who ordered 50! i still have quite a long way to go and i have to get them all done by the first week of november! i havent even started on mine yet!!

I thought i'd use pastels instead, after working with too many reds, maroons and greens. embossed my baby blue cardstock and cut the word SNOW. used my favourite trimmings (i use them in almost all my cards these days!), and some punched out flakes.

I hope there will be lots of snow this winter! let it snow.. let it snow.. let it snow....

Have a lovely weekend everyone, wherever you are!

{Happy Birthday Fi}

2008-10-29T11:12:00.000+01:00

We surprised my sister Fifi yesterday by turning up on her doorstep in Warwick yesterday! yes, we're now in the UK. we had quite a journey yesterday, the weather was lovely right through the M25, and then it snowed! it snowed and everything was white within minutes!!!

This is my second time working with Laura Ashely's papers and i absolutely love it! i love all their papers, and this one i incorporated it with MM's metal sign and some laces and trimmings. loved the simplicity!

We have the strongest bond. we have quite a relationship. we have a strong love and a really good friendship. 'Togetherness'- that's the best thing any sister could ever have.

Happy 36th Birthday Fi, i'm the luckiest sister in the world! May all your dreams come true! lets enjoy the day, together!

Love you loads,

Adik

-A Reason-

2008-10-25T23:54:00.000+02:00

This was suppose to be yesterday's post but i cant seem to log on to blogger for some reason the whole day yesterday. and before i know it, it was already midnight! arrghh...

Anyway, as promised, here's another couple of cards i made earlier. i am so loving felt at the moment. its just so wintery, so snowy and so christmasy!

The second card is something i whipped up using scraps and leftovers. never, ever throw anything away if you're a crafter! i have a box full of scraps and a whole tin full of tiny bits and ends of ribbons. you can create a lot using just scraps! this is just one example!

I've had quite a good day today. and to top it off, tonight's X factor (the UK version of American Idol) was absolutely brilliant! if you have a few mins, go check them out on youtube, as tonight's big band night simply blew me away! the girls were amazing!! (watch alexandra, laura, diana, rachael and ruth's purple rain) and let me know who's your favourite!

I'm off to finish one card before i call it a day, a beautiful day in fact. everyone's tucked in.. i wish everyone a jolly good weekend!

Making Up

2008-10-23T14:05:00.003+02:00

This is for you lot who always pop by everyday to see what i've been doing. i know i havent been blogging lately, but today and tomorrow and over the weekend, i promise to blog and have at least a couple of cards to share.

Aidan and i went for our usual Thursday walk to the lake to feed the ducks. weather's quite nice, getting colder but at least the sun's out! we love our usual walk. we talked and sang as we walked (his favourite malay song is no longer burung kakak tua, but gelang sipaku gelang! thanks to Hardy!) I often thought to myself, what would i do if i'm not here living the life that i'm currently living. i have been trully blessed.

One of the things that my parents always stress out whenever we're together enjoying our days, just like today was to always be thankful. today, i am thankful for the clean air that we breathe, thankful for the opportunity, yet another day to get to be with my son, thankful for this beautiful weather, thankful for our home being close to the lake and the park, thank you for making us healthy again (Aidan just recovered from a fever), and last but not least, thankful for putting us here.

And, thank YOU, for always listening, reading and commenting! ;) i'd better stop now... can go on and on...

As they say it here, tot morgen (till tomorrow!)

Showing off 2 Today!

2008-10-22T16:22:00.003+02:00

I know i've been quite a bad blogger lately. i havent been updating for almost 5 days now! gosh.. that long! Aidan had quite a bad fever last Saturday, and i've put everything else on hold since. he's much better since yesterday. back to himself, being bubbly, chatty and bouncy!

Anyway, a couple of cards to share this time. i feel like i havent shared for quite a bit, so today i thought i'd share 2! nothing much, nothing fancy, just a couple of straight forward cards...

Was at my favourite herbedashary store last weekend, and met my 2 most favourite shop owners, Harry and Sonja. Bought some supplies and used them right away! i love laces, dont you?

I might have problems fitting this one in the envelope. thats the thing with what i do lately... but i cant let an envelope stop my creative juices from flowing! they'll throw the envelopes away anyway! am i right? hmm...

I am so behind time, i still have tonnes to do. i was almost stressing out last night until my husband said, not to worry, this year, we'll buy our christmas cards, you dont have to make them! err.. that's so not going to happen! haha..

Oopps! that's my call. Aidan's up from his afternoon nap. we're gonna enjoy a koekje or two downstairs before dinner.

Till my next post, which is going to be pastels! and a little announcement!

Button Up!

2008-10-17T14:33:00.004+02:00

Oops oops, i nearly forgot to blog about these. these was sent together with baby Jada's card. made a personalized hanger for her special dress (if baby Jada has one!). added buttons and more buttons (my favourite!), some ribbons, trimmings and some glitters.

Last but not least, her initials! had so much fun doing this! i am now doing another one for my cousin K.Na's newborn baby girl! (oops, i just hope she doesnt read this!) anyway... i dressed up this plain cute little baby shoe!

Making girls stuff is so much fun! it is endless! anyway, i should get going, i promised Aidan now that he's up from his nap that i'd take him out and play with the leaves infront of our house. lets just hope the sun will stay!

Have a lovely weekend everyone, i am so looking forward to tomrrow's x factor and our saturday market to see what flowers they have at the stalls! and yes, dont forget to button up if you're at this part of the world! it's getting a bit chilly!!

| Swamped & Joy |

2008-10-15T21:13:00.007+02:00

Another beautiful autumn day today but ended with some drizzles and slight showers. i have been swamped with work lately. and i'm sure most of you'd agree that a housewife's job is never done. i am that type of person who'd make sure that everything's cleaned and in order before i could get my hands on to my other stuff i.e crafts.

I am not by all means complaining. i am so enjoying my life, being a mum, a wife, and i'm extremely happy to do such chores (in fact, any chores around the house!). lately, i am spending quality time with Aidan discovering new things with him and teaching what's around him (including doing the laundry and folding clothes!). i try my best to make sure everything's well balanced. i thank God for this opportunity to see him grow and the opportunity to make our house a home for both my boys. i am so loving it!

It is such a joy to be in my shoes! i wish every mother would feel the same way, if not, MORE! despite being swamped with housewife's chores and a mother's responsibilities, i am also swamped with orders! christmas is around the corner and i have a huge order of 30 cards by a good friend of mine. (she wanted 50! but i told her i dont think i can cope with 50 by the end of this month!). she asked for it in june, and i only started doing her orders in between other's last week!

I'm rushing against time, especially to reply most mails. but i did manage to reply most comments in here! so for those who waited patiently, i thank you! let me know if i've missed anyone's. i have too many cards to share, but i just could not find the time to sit infront of the computer! will try harder, promise!

Anyway, now that the house is cleaned, clothes all washed and folded (but only some ironed), carpets been hoovered, toys all kept away and house all quiet with our son fast asleep, i shall now continue with work!

So there you have it! i am swamped, but it's still a joy!

{Sixty Two}

2008-10-13T23:09:00.008+02:00

It was my mum's birthday last Saturday - 11th October. she turned 62. i cant begin to tell you how much she means to me, to all of us. i cant begin to tell you how proud i am of her. i cant begin to tell you how wonderful a person, a mother and a friend she is to me.

At 62 she has tasted almost everything. every single spice of life. she's one tough girl, i tell ya! she taught me so much, till this very day. people always ask her of her secret for looking young, one thing's for sure, she doesnt look 62! when most people tell us we look like sisters, she'd blush and i'd sulk! (probably cause i dont look as young as her!). but i can tell you this, her secret of looking young is not the stuff that she eats, not the multi vitamins, not those make up stuff she puts on her face.. it is simply because she has a good heart.

One thing she always stress to me and my sister is, to have a clean, good heart.

For all the things that you did for all of us, for all the love you have showered us, i truly take my hats of for you. you're such an amazing person mum. you really define true beauty and have such strength. now is your time, lets enjoy life, live OUR lives. here's to many many more years to come, i wish you all the happiness and all the joy life may bring, good health and will always be blessed.

Happy Birthday to you,

You are only sixty two,

Happy Birthday to you mum,

There is no one like you!

I love you with all my heart and my soul...

A Card For Baby Jada

2008-10-10T00:53:00.002+02:00

Yeay! there's internet connection in our room in Paris! i've just had a brilliant day today, will write more once i'm back at home in Sittard at our other blog. promised i'll write if there's a connection so here it is!

I did this card last month for a dear friend of mine, Juan who recently gave birth to a healthy and bouncy baby girl Jada. posted this together with other gifts i made, which i will later share the pictures (didnt manage to save it here, its in my computer back at home). i'm sure you'd agree with me that she has a beautiful name. and i just cant help it but to emphasize it more on the card with her initials - JK

You know how i just LOVE creating stuff for girls!! recently, my cousin k.na just gave birth to a baby girl. gosh, i'm so excited to go home and start working on pinks and pastels again!

It's almost 1 in the morning and i'm beat! i'm gonna call it a day and hopefully tomorrow will be an even awesome day! again, thanks for the sweet comments. i'm now off to bed.. missing my ribbons, scissors and papers...

Au revoir!

A Modest One

2008-10-06T23:48:00.005+02:00

Thank you so much for remembering us. those who called, texted and msged us. thank you. our raya was a simple, modest one. most importantly, we're thankful that we can be together, we're glad that we're happy and most importantly healthy!

We received a few Raya cards and it sure did made our day! thank you so much! it was such a joy to be at the receiving end! you have no idea! i will surely reply to all of them!

It has been a long break indeed. i've been quite busy taking care of the family and our home. i havent stop crafting, no. just havent been infront of the computer, that's all. too much to share... but i shall try my best! we're off to Paris tomorrow, but i will try to blog from there, provided that there's an internet connection in our hotel room.

Anyway, i did this one slightly before Raya, for a very special person who captured our hearts from the first time we met him. he is one special person. by this i mean, even with one's status, one's ranking, one's job, what one has, he is one kind and modest soul. it is very rare to come across such a person, i should say!

How i wish he's our ambassador here in the Netherlands! :)

Anyway, how was everyone's Raya this year? i didnt manage to snap photos of what i cooked! it went straight to our tummies even before i could think of getting the camera!! hehe. we had kuah kacang, nasi impit and lodeh for Raya. first attempt, perhaps i was lucky!

I should get going. i have to sort our stuff to bring to Paris. entire house all cleaned. clothes washed and some ironed, son fast asleep, another beautiful day.. and here's to more beautiful days, every single day to all of us!

Good night you all,

Selamat Hari Raya

2008-09-26T10:04:00.007+02:00

This is my 3rd Raya here, in the Netherlands, but probably my 8th time spending raya out of Malaysia. yes i do miss home especially this time around, with all the food you can get, and meeting most family memebers (mostly crazy wicked cousins), i miss going to my best friend Yoyo's house and have leftovers.. i miss the sound of fireworks at night, and the raya songs they play on the radio, i miss the smell of raya (if you know what i mean) - the smell of new curtains, new paint, cookies and cakes in the oven...

But eversince we got here, we havent been really focusing much on raya.

To us, now that we're all grown up and pretty much wiser, raya is not all about food. raya is not all about new things in the house, new clothes, new shoes and what we're gonna wear. raya for us is to be thankful and grateful and most importantly, raya is all about giving and forgiving.

If i have ten hands, i'd send all of you a card. but with everything that's been going on lately, i only managed to make less than half of what i intended to make! we posted our cards, couple of weeks back and hope they have arrived. with or without a card, one thing is for sure, we wish the same for everyone.

I wish everyone will enjoy their time together. i wish everyone a safe journey, and since its all about giving and forgiving, this is what i could give and wish for all of you - i ask for yours, and i give you my forgiveness, and i also wish you all the love.

To all our friends and families who always hop by to 'visit' us here,

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

MAAF ZAHIR BATIN

To Aidan's Friends

2008-09-24T15:19:00.009+02:00

Remember the mess i had on my craft table last week? well, if you been to my other blog, you'd see the mess i've created for several weeks! it was all for the school...

Yes.. yes.. i know i told you that there wasnt any big parties, no big hoo-haa's for Aidan's birthday... but these are not for him! these are for his friends at playschool! i was once a Montessori preschool teacher, and i know how it's like being one. this was just to thank everyone at his school!

The school normally throws the kids a party, celebrating their birthdays. they deocrate the halls with banners and buntings.. they'd play music and make them birthday hats and give them presents. and in return, this was what i made for everyone.

I made bags - 16 of them from scratch. wanted it to be as plain and simple, and nothing of those with baloons and letters sold at the shop. mum said why on earth am i asking for more things to do whereas i've already got too much to make!

Hardy printed the wordings for the paperbags and we filled it up with loads of goodies! not too much sugar i hope- just biscuits with yogurt, plain biscuits, raisins and a tiny dutch traditional cake. i love the packaging! sweet and they're pastel!!!

For the boys, i did flags... it didnt have any sharp elements, tried to make it as safe as i could. had their names on each flag! they have the cutest names! and you should see them in person as well!!

And for the girls, awww... of course.. the girls... life wouldnt be complete without a flower for the girls... and again, each with their names on them!

And to the carers, i had round plain boxes decorated with the most simplest things - ribbons, gems and tiny flowers, with their initials on the boxes.

Aidan came home knackered! i take it as he had a good time at school! will write more on Aidan's day at my other blog...

Thank you guys, thank you to each and every single one of you for all the kind, birthday wishes. you guys never fail to make me smile with each of your comments and well wishes. i will try to reply to all individual comments made (including previous posts) soon..

Love always,

Zaza At Home

{Prettige Feestdagen}

Sweet ♥

{loved}

-Heart and Body Warmers-

09♥09♥09

{Drie}

What It Really Means

{3rd & Final September Giveaway}

{Dank u well}

September Giveaway #2

.. and the LUCKY winner is..

[Treasure]

Giveaway #1

[Sweet Summer Muffin]

{When Ideas & Talent Combines}

{Dressing Up}

The Art of Giving

Lavender Cupcake

♥ Believe ♥

Back!

Home SWEET Home

My Nephew Ferran is 2!

Berry Sweet

Pegs, Plates & its Pouring!

{H}appiness

Sweet Tweets!

{Colour Your Life}

~ Voor Mijn Allerliefste Moeder~

Smiles & Good Times

~Reaching For Your Dreams~

{Fluttering By}

~Spring Has Sprung~

~Girly Stuff~

{Thirty-Two}

~Romantic & Nostalgic~

The Sweetest Thing

{Happy Birthday Dad}

Happy Spring!

Cotton*Candy by Zaza Hardy

{Read All About It}

A Bold Attempt

*From a Mother and a Wife*

Sweet Love

-Simple Love-

*Baby*Blues*

~Lets Paint The Town Pink! ~

A Fluttery Dream

Yumm Yumm!

{A Treat}

{S for Sisters}

Beloved

{Three}

Away & The Winner...

Frrreezzzinnngg!

*Bambinos*

Vintage & Black

~Stars and Snow~

The 'Little' News & a Giveaway

Curry in a Hurry

Traditional

-Sweet Sofea's Hanging Board-

* Let it Snow *

{Happy Birthday Fi}

-A Reason-

*Making Up*

Showing off 2 Today!

Button Up!

| Swamped & Joy |

{Sixty Two}

A Card For Baby Jada

A Modest One

Selamat Hari Raya

To Aidan's Friends

From a Mother and a Wife

BabyBlues*

Bambinos

Making Up