Wednesday 13 June 2012

Winners and holiday pics


Hello Peeps, I'm back to haunt you all again !!

I'm feeling really refreshed after a totally fabby time away, lots of sunshine........and plenty of glasses of  bubbles............but a total culture shock to come from 41deg Monday to 10deg back here in the UK yesterday, but all good things must come to an end and reality kicks back in. No crafting as yet, but some candy and challenge winners and a little surprise to share, plus a few pictures from some of the places we visited.....................

Olympia, Katakolon.............. we were struck by the sheer beauty of the 45 acre site set amongst hundreds of olive trees and despite hoards of visitors roaming the ruins  it retained an air of total peace and tranquilly. The site dates back to 776BC and although there is ongoing restoration works, much of it remains as it fell following the earthquake in the early 4th century AD.

This is the very modest spot where the Olympic flame is lit and starts it's long journey every four years to the host Country of Olympic Games...........we felt very humbled to stand in this historic place knowing the flame is currently on it's journey around the UK.


The Basilica di Santa Croco in Florence....................totally stunning and the largest Franciscan Church is the world and has sixteen chapels. Building of the beautiful building started in 1294 to replace the older ruined building taking may years to complete and was eventually consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV

The Acropolis - Athens, one of the lower sites of the archaeological site currently under repair and right at the top you can see the Parthenon

The Parthenon, at the summit is the Temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena...............the steps up the Temple were beyond me so the picture is borrowed, but even from the lower slope it was a magnificent sight 

The beautiful Greek island of Mykonos taken from the tender as we approached the pretty fishing village. Mykonos is part of the islands known as the Cyclades and is famous for it's white houses scattered across the  hillsides.

And I had to share a little but of Venice, I never tire of it's beauty........this is the view of St Marco as we sailed in via the Grand Canal

Rialto Bridge, hard to think it was only the day before yesterday we sat eating lunch alongside the Grand Canal at the restaurant which you can see just to the left of the green covered water taxi stop by the bridge.

Finally a little bit of edible art, one of the clever arrangements of 'flowers' crafted by the chefs on board  and all from fruit and vegetables.............this one just might pop up again as the inspiration for a challenge !!

Hope you enjoyed and thanks for staying with me, now for some winners....................

Winners of my Timmy goodies is.................


and winner of the the extra prize is.....................


Winner of the images from Ruth at a Passion for Stamps and embellies is......................


And the winner from the prize on my stop of the Allsorts Birthday Blog Hops is.................


Congratulations to you all, please mail me brenda@ibas.co.uk with your full postal addys so I can send your prizes off to you.


And I also have a little surprise to share, one of the many mails waiting on my return was an invitation to join the DT at Craft a Scene. Lots of you know how I love creating little scenes and I can't tell you how excited I am, so a great big thank you to Nancy for your confidence in me and inviting me along. Lots of you often tell me it's a style of crating that appeals to you but you've not yet taken the plunge....................so perhaps now is the time and you will join in this super challenge.

I will be back with some crafty shares just as soon as all washing and ironing is done and I get my crafty head back in place.

59 comments:

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

awesome shots there B. and so glad you had such a super time away... and big congrats to all the winners too! and yes, you are great choice for DT of create a scene as already said last post, love Shaz in oz.x

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Gorgeous photos Brenda, it must have been a fabulous trip. I love the edible flower bouquet! Congratulations on your newest DT post. Looking forward to seeing your scenery creations. Shirleyx

Nikbee said...

Welcome back. The photos are amazing. I would love to go to Athens when the girls are a bit older. Daisy loves hearing about the Greek Gods and would also like to go there. The fruit and veg bouquet is wonderful. Congratulations on your DT post. I look forward to seeing more scene from you.
Nikki x

Tanya said...

Thank you so much Brenda! I just mailed you :)

Tanya xx

Kelly Lloyd said...

The places you visited look wonderful Brenda. Lets hope you have brought some sunshine back to the uk with you..
Congratulations on your new DT position.. Well deserved..
hugs Kelly

Fliss said...

So glad to hear you had a lovely time Brenda and I'm a tad green as Florence is on my wish list.
Sorry about the weather too as my woollies have had to come out again the last few days but hoping you have our sunshine of today.
Congratulations on your new DT to - well deserved with all the lovely scenic cards you create.
Hugs, Fliss xx

Vivi Casale said...

great pics!! love those places!!!
xx

AsilisA MaM said...

ooo, great vojage! nice photo and you know... we was in the same restorant near Realto, but year ago, in May 2011! your photo like hello from Venice - so romantic place... you are so lucky to be there just on days

Helen said...

Congratulations!! Welcome home - thanks for sharing the photos - they look incredible. Would love to see more... I'm a sucker for holiday snaps! I watched the ceremony of them lighting the Olympic flame - and now you've been to the same spot, lucky you!

Michelle J M said...

Thank you so much Brenda, have sent you an email. So enjoyed reading about your travels and looking at the stunning photos. I had seen that you were chosen as DT on the Craft a Scene blog so am looking forward to seeing your fabulous "scene" creations. Michelle x

Marianne said...

So glad to hear you had a wonderful trip Brenda. Although I have been living in Greece for over 3 years now, I've never actually visited Athens. Oh well, maybe we can go for an extended visit next year when we need to renew our passports.
Congrats on your new DT post, sounds like a perfect fit given your love for creating scenes!

Ruth said...

Welcome home, Brenda!! We missed you!Great photos - thanks for sharing, Ruth x

Shazza said...

beautiful pictures x

chillin with Quillin said...

awesome pics,would love to visit places like that and learn the history to them, thanks for sharing !!!
Paula

angelique (anlou) said...

hiya sweetie
amazing photo's sweetie, there great, i wish i was there, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
congrats on your DT job sweetie, well done
thanks for the chance to win hunni
congrats to all you lucky ladies, have fun
hugs angelique

DesignerDiva said...

Well don't hold back there Mrs - just rub it in!! 41 degrees! Champagne! and gorgeous food - Everything I love!!
Welcome home
Hugs Laurie xx

Gail said...

Welcome home!
Thanks for sharing some pictures!
Congratulations on the DT post over at Craft A Scene!

PatR said...

Sounds like you had a great time and visited some wonderful places Brenda. Thank you so much for sharing the lovely pictures with us. Congratulations on your new DT position, it's very well deserved. Looking forward to seeing your projects. xx

MadeByKarla said...

Great photos! we went on a Mediterranean cruise and visited a lot of the same places. Its truly beautiful. TFS :)

Elizabeth Allan said...

Welcome home Brenda! Your trip pics are amazing!

Stamps and Paper said...

Lovely to see you back Brenda your holiday looks wonderful.....

Anne

Sarah said...

Beautiful photos Brenda, looks like you had an amazing time. Many congratulations on being asked to join the DT, I love the scenes you create, they are always amazing xxx

Lau W said...

So beautiful shots, thanks for sharing with us ! Happy to see that it was superb, and warm (aw, i would like to have 40° lol !).
Congrats in your new DT ! :-)))
and congrats to the winners !
xxx

Wendy L said...

Your trip looks gorgeous and it sounds like one we are doing in october for his Big birthday.

Well done to all winners. xxxx

Rhonda Miller said...

Wow, what gorgeous pictures. It looks like you had a great trip. TFS.

sallysbitz2 said...

Looks like you had a fab holiday, beautiful pics x

Congrats on your new DT post, you will be a great asset to them x

Congrats to all the winners, enjoy x

hugs sally x
sallysbitz.blogspot.co.uk

Unknown said...

Welcome back Brenda, such lovely photos, so good to hear you had such a fab time.. so we've both been to Venice :D but I've never been to Greece, it's one place I'd love to go one day. congrats and well done on your new DT. They are so lucky to have you. Hugs xxx

Mervi said...

Welcome back Brenda,
oh what great scenes and pictures, you've got lot of inspiration, i hope;-))m

Jennifer said...

Such wonderful pictures of your holiday! Thanks so much for sharing them! Congratulations on your new position!

jem (jane elizabeth middleton) said...

Glad you had a good holiday,you deserve it,the pictures are amazing,you have missed horrid rain here and know wonder your cold. janex

Vicky said...

Awesome pictures Brenda...glad you has a lovely time hun :o)

big hugs Vicky xx

Wendy Fraser said...

Amazing pics, looks like you had a fab time. I hope you don't take too hard to the change in temperature! xx

Heidi said...

Wow. I'm speechless, this looks like the most amazing holiday ever. you are so lucky. Big congrats to all the winners and big congrats to you for your new dt position.
Good to have you back! hugs heid x

A Casa di Ale said...

COMPLIMENTI ALLE VINCITRICI...SONO CONTENTE CHE L'ITALIA TI SIA PIACIUTA VENEZIA E' STUPENDA MA DA BUONA VERONESE TI POSSO DIRE CHE VERONA E' TUTTA DA SCOPRIRE
CIAO DA ALE

Annmaree of Oz said...

Beautiful pics Brenda, sounds like a wonderful time was had!

Love the veggie flowers, so cool!!!

Beryl said...

First of all - welcome back and congratulations on the DT position. This style is your forte so you'll be a great source of inspiration to us all.
Your photos are fabulous - what a wonderful holiday you have had. Hope it's set you up for the year ahead - at least you've seen some good weather - even if it doesn't make is this far this year.
Beryl xx

iReneM said...

Welcome home, Brenda.
It is lovely to see your holiday pics.
Good luck with the laundry. Unpacking after a holiday is a job I dislike the most :(
Congrats on your new DT post and congrats winners :)
x

Nikki said...

Wow amazing Pic's and congrats to the lucky winners :)

Teresa Carini said...

Congratulations to all the winners of your candy and thanks for showing such beautiful pictures! a hug!

Rufus said...

Wonderful to have you back. Looks and sounds like you had a fantastic time. Congrats on the DT that sounds right up your alley! Congrats to all the winners. Don't undo all the good of the time away by rushing into all that unpacking, laundry, cleaning etc. Take your time...it'll still be there! (I know, 'cause mine always is, lol!)
R/

Jules said...

Hi Brenda

Great to have you back. Fabby photographs.

You seem to have crammed so much into your holiday.

All of those beautiful places to visit and yet I am going to choose the fruit and vegetable flowers as my favourite. How amazing to be able to create something like that. (Culture is wasted on me I know!!).

Congratulations on your new DT spot too! You will have fun with that challenge .. .. right up your street!

Love Jules xx

May said...

Lovely to have you back Brenda, What gorgeous pics from your travels, sounds like you all had a wonderful time.. congrats on the DT Post..looking foward to your makes.. A big congrats to all the winners.. Hugs May x x x

walchowDesign said...

Welcome back, Brenda! How I envy you that you had such a wonderful weather and holiday while it's cold and wet here!! Gorgeous photo shots that you've taken. Congrats on the DT post and looking forward to see more of your "sceneries"! Congrats to all winners!

cheryl said...

oh Hun,welcome back,looks like you had a the most amazing time they are brilliant photos oh so wish I could have a break,gosh its been,20 years since I last went away oh well,I have my dogs,take care Hun,and massive congratulations on your DT post so well deserved hugs Cherylxxxxxxx

Paula (PEP) said...

It looks as if you had a wonderful time & congratulations upon your DT position. That floral creation is astonishing & absolutely beautiful - I trained in Hotel & Catering so know only too well the skill required for such a creation.
Welcome home & take it steady whilst you adjust to being back.
Paula (PEP)

Whisper said...

Looking at your photos of Olympia and Florence brought back wonderful memories for me of when we went there a couple of years ago, again whilst we were on a cruise, glad you had a fabby time, LUv Sam x

Paolchen said...

Welcome back Brenda, and thank you so much!
I'll send you an email.

Hugs
Paola

Lindsay Craftymonster81 said...

Beautiful photo's Brenda it looks as though you must have had a wonderful time and congratulations on your new DT post, your scene's are always so beautiful so I will look forward to seeing your creations
Lindsay xx

Crafty Loops said...

Welcome back Brenda, those photographs are incredible. And congrats on the DT post too. Well done to the very lucky winners to, enjoy your goodies. Lee x

Kat said...

Welcome back Brenda, glad to hear you had such a lovely time and you've come back refreshed and hopefully rested. Fabulous pics, lovely to see the places you've been. Love the pic of the "flowers." At our area WRI bulb, craft and produce show in March one very talented lady had made what looked like a display of flowers from vegetables. Isn't it wonderful what some people can do?

Take care,

Kat xx

Lynne K said...

Great photos, Brenda, glad you had a good time. And congrats on the new DT job!

Lynne x

Julie said...

Hello my lovely B, Looks like you've had a lovely time, you sure seem to have been away for ages lol! We are doing a med cruise in a while and taking in some of the places that you've mentioned, wonder if it the same one. Hope the washing's going well, at least there's some sunshine at last ! Have a great weekend, Julie.x

Anonymous said...

beautiful pics. Made me remember my trip to Greece in 2000 - best school trip ever!
Perhaps you can use some inspirations from your journey for your new DT position. I love your scenes, so I'm looking forward to your new cards.

Merry said...

Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful photos Brenda....you have brought back many fond memories for me. :-) Congratulations on the DT position I am totally sure they have the right person for the job.

Ciacchina said...

Congratulazioni alle fortunate vincitrici
Grazie

Tracy said...

Your so lucky to see so many beautiful places, it all looks so wonderful. Really fabulous photos Brenda, thanks for sharing them with us.

CONGRATULATIONS on your new design team position, you know I LOVE your scenes and I just know you'll be an asset to the team.

Happy crafting
Tracy x

Ardilla said...

Beautiful pics from a beautiful place for vacations... thanks for sharing them with us :)

An'Jenic G. said...

Wow you had a beautiful Trip. Congrats on making the DT and Congrats to the winners. AJ~

Anama Lily said...

Heya Brenda!
Stumbled upon you today through the candy link and was so pleasanlty surprised to see pics of Greece while browsing your blog! I am glad you had a great time visiting my country!!!

I have already started following you and invite you to visit me also at www.paperspirals.com.

Love & Light & Inspiration to you