Hi there my blogging buddies!!! 
Yes! Don’t fall over in a dead faint … but I am back with a 2nd post for today! I just had to pop by to let you all know that Shane is home safe and sound … 7kg lighter … and I am so thankful that God was with him in his travels … and brought him home safely to us! He says he had an “awesome time” … and is keen to experience it all again sometime. He would love to go to India next time … to visit the Christian orphanage where our sponsor child is living. But … his sister has other plans for him! She wants to go on uni exchange for 6 months to Canada with him! She feels it would be safe to go with her brother! But … we will see what God has in mind … and enjoy having Shane at home for a little while before he starts talking about leaving again! I … for one … will be soooooo sad to have 2 kids overseas for 6 months … but I also realise that I can’t live their lives for them.
Click this pic to visit challenge blog!
I have discovered a new challenge site … thanks to the help of a lovely blog friend! (Thanks Kerin!) I was really keen to do the latest challenge and have a go at “auditioning” for the DT spot that is available. So … the card I posted earlier today was my 1st attempt … but … unfortunately (I am such a “goober” 
) … I didn’t read the “fine print” and totally missed the bit that said to theme it “Anniversary”. So … with a little time this afternoon (while Shane was sleeping) … I put another together … and I have to say … I am quite happy with this one! Fingers crossed the DT girls over at Picture Perfect Creations will like it too! 
So … I have a technical question for those photographic geniuses out in cyberland! How is it that the ribbon, twine & embossing dots are in focus … but the flowers aren’t??? You can see the tiny bit of Basic Grey … added to the heart background. Just a touch … … but it is there!
Anyway … it has been a long day … so I am going to say goodnight! I have some lovely comments waiting for responses … but they are going to have to wait until tomorrow morning! C U then! Hugs xxaxx
Andrea this is SO beautiful! I love your take on the challenge, the sweet little heart with flowers is perfect…love the crinkled ribbon too!
Andrea adds: AAawww … that is such a sweet comment. Thanks Kerin! And … thanks for the “tip” on the DT op. Hugs xxaxx
Wow, what a lovely card!!! Absolutely gorgeous, I love it!!!!
Linda
Andrea adds: Oh … how nice of you to stop by and say hi, Linda! Thanks for your lovely comment! Hugs xxaxx
There are so many special touches on this one – two border punches layers, love the twine, the ruffled ribbon and even the simple little gem on the heart!
So glad Shane is safely home. I can’t believe he’s already planning another trip!
Andrea adds: I always love it when my friends notice all the little details! Thanks for taking the time Kim! Hugs xxaxx
I know I have said this a bit of late…but WOW!!! This card has visual impact (most likely to the MM..LOL) Love the sponging BTW!! I am always amazed how the same colour combo can elicit such different results. I love this card too…and has the anniversary thing sorted…but didn’t the other on have a “love” sentiment?? The mixing of textures with the twine and ribbon works real well too.
I am so v v glad that Shane arrived safe and sound. Nest flying is part of growing up. However…isn’t it always the way that when u arrive back m somewhere you have the itchiest feet to go elsewhere?? Take care of you. ooxx
Andrea adds: Another lovely compliment … and thanks, too … for noticing the details! I got the twine from Monika (one of my special blog friends). I’m not sure if she has any left … but … I have 13 gorgeous colours!!! Woo hoo! It is so nice to have Shane home … and yes … he does have itchy feet. Hugs xxaxx
Dah to me….No “love ” sentiment on the other one….it was the En francais (easy mistake to make…right??) Still….I cld feel the love in it…and that’s what counts!! ooxx
Hugs xxaxx
Andrea adds: LOL! You even had me checking to see … cos I couldn’t remember!
Wow – this is very different to your first attempt – I guess that’s what I love about challenges. The fact that there are so many combinations available!
Hugs xxaxx PS Sorry … I haven’t had a chance to answer your email … but will do that asap!
Cheers
Sonia
Andrea adds: Yes! Completely different! Must have come from different parts of my brain!
This is SO pretty – I love the boldness of the melon mambo – against the subtlety of the heart, and bling, and ribbon, and scallop trim border, and popped flowers, and twine, and embossed background. The finer details in the heart are also gorgeous.
This is sweet enough for an anniversary – and equally as cute for probably any occasion.
I love its simplicity, yet the finer details are just beautiful!
Thanks for sharing – I’m sure you are enjoying a busy weekend.
Love Gabbi
Andrea adds: LOL … well … you sure did check this one out thoroughly … Gabbi! Thanks for your lovely comments! Hope you’re still stamping??? Hugs xxaxx
Your card is amazing! Clean, crisp and packed with a whole lot of wow! I am sure glad that you got to join us and came back with the added twist! I really love how you worked our colors on your card! Wish I could help you on the camera bit, hope someone answers you so I can learn too…LOL. Thanks for sharing our special anniversary with us at PPC and good luck with the DT audition.
Have an amazing week!
Tamie – PPC DT
xxaxx
Andrea adds: What a lovely comment, Tamie! Thanks so much for taking the time to give such sweet encouragement. Fingers crossed!
Hellooooo lovely Andrea – apologies for not visiting for sooooo long – am trying my bestest to catch up on all of your GORGEOUS work! Isn’t it fun to find a new challenge site – keeps us on our toes – LOL. Fabulous colour combo – not one I would have chosen but you made it WORK!
Thanks for popping by … but … I thought we had agreed that we don’t need to apologise to each other!? 
Totally understand hunny! You know me … I don’t get stressed … but I am glad to have you pop by and say hi … so I know all is okay in your part of the world! 
Hugs xxaxx
Good luck with your stamping future – there IS life after SU and if the time is right for you to leave then enjoy your decision…
xXx
Andrea adds: Apart from the added responsibilities with my mum & dad … and my soon to be grandchild … it has also meant time for “me” to look after myself! I have joined the gym … something I needed desperately to do!
Gorgeous card! Thanks for playing with us at PPC this week!
Andrea adds: Thanks for setting such a fab challenge! It was fun! Hugs xxaxx
Hi Andrea, Love this card clean and simple love this style. Must give the ribbon a go by pulling the thread.
In regard to the photograph it relates to depth of field – that’s the official term. I did year 12 photography way back in 1988 and sometimes you want the front part to be in focus or the other way around which you have. With a take a shoot camera (which I have) it does this. Try the manual focus if you have the option or like me just take lots of photos some up close and some using the lens.
!!! He knows all the technical stuff. Giggle … I guess that might be a good idea! Hugs xxaxx
Andrea adds: Thanks for the photo hint Kathryn! I have been using the manual focus … on Gav’s camera … so not really sure what else I can do. Perhaps I could ask him???
Oh, this is gorgeous!! Love all the texture and the colors are totally FAB!
Thanks for stopping by, Kay! Hugs xxaxx
Kay
Andrea adds: Hhhmmm … yep … I did love this one! This is one of those very satisfying cards … that makes me smile!