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Back to Reality!

January 19, 2009 By A Spoonful of Sugar - 44 Comments

We returned yesterday from a wonderful family holiday to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It was so relaxing to get away as a family, experience another culture, and explore a new environment. One of the highlights was a visit to an orangatang rehabilitation facility, where we were able to get up close and personal to some young orangatangs in their natural rain forest habitat.

Sarah and I took advantage of the resort activities and took a class in floral arrangement using some gorgeous orchids.

We did some shopping – my favourite purchase was a stack of craft magazines. Some of which I have been unable to find locally – Sew Hip and Stitch!

Sarah and I received a wonderful package of goodies from Christy at Sweet Tidings from a blog giveaway. There were some pretty ribbons and trims, buttons, scrap booking supplies, and the sweetest cupcake fabric! Christy also made us a zippered pouch – the amazing thing is that Christy makes all her projects entirely by hand – her workmanship and presentation is simply beautiful!! Thank you so very much Christy – they will all be put to good use.

We also received a number of awards while we were away. Thanks to Holly at Magnolias and Sunshine; Princess Pudge; and Cindy from The Ramblings of Chippewa Creek. Much appreciated gals!

I have been getting withdrawal symptoms from my lack of crafting lately so today I managed to find time to make up some goodie bags for some young friends of ours who celebrate Chinese New Year. We found some sweet Hello Kitty themed decorations and red envelopes while we were in Malaysia. I popped a couple of decorations in a clear bag with some gold coins (of the chocolate and monetary varieties) and made up a name tag and card header to match!

We now have only 2 weeks of holidays left until we return to work and school – the summer is flying by!

Posted by Lisa

Filed Under: Travel

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Comments

  1. randi says

    January 19, 2009 at 7:21 am

    Welcome home! Enjoy the rest of your holiday!

    Reply
  2. Erin says

    January 19, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    As usual – beyond cuteness! I was wondering why I hadn’t heard from you guys in a while.

    Aren’t the baby orangatangs adorable! I would love go someplace like that – but have found out that I can’t fly until this whole medical issue is resolved. Maybe not even then. Have a great day!

    Erin

    Reply
  3. Linda says

    January 19, 2009 at 3:20 am

    welcome home!! sounds like a wonderful family holiday!!!!

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    January 19, 2009 at 4:33 am

    What a wonderful holiday destination. We visited KK many years ago & would love to return – especially looking at the dismal UK skies here today
    Chris x

    Reply
  5. Janellybelly says

    January 19, 2009 at 4:57 am

    Hey Girls, your holiday sounds like it was amazing & fun – Welcome Home! I have managed to buy some great fabric at work, I find it hard to leave that place empty handed 🙂 Will catch up with you soon
    Janelle xx

    Reply
  6. Christy A. says

    January 19, 2009 at 5:24 am

    I’m glad your goodies arrived in time!Enjoy!

    I love your orchid flower arrangement. It’s beautiful!

    Reply
  7. Suzanne says

    January 19, 2009 at 5:51 am

    Welcome back, nice to hear you had a wonderful holiday.

    Reply
  8. Stephanie says

    January 19, 2009 at 6:12 am

    Welcome Back! What a terrific trip. And how nice to come home to wonderful goodies.

    Reply
  9. Knit and Sew City Girl says

    January 19, 2009 at 6:36 am

    Hi! Welcome back to Blogland! I’m glad you had such a wonderful holiday and what a wonderful surprise to come back to..I like the cupcake fabrics.

    Mary

    Reply
  10. Suzie says

    January 19, 2009 at 6:42 am

    Welcome back! It sounds like you had a wonderful holiday! Then at home such lovely gifts from Christy! I see you can hardly wait to start crafting again!

    Reply
  11. Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crafts says

    January 19, 2009 at 11:05 pm

    Welcome back to reality with the rest of us. What a wonderful place to holiday.

    Reply
  12. Renee says

    January 19, 2009 at 7:16 am

    So glad your back and isn’t it nice to have family holidays?

    The package looks great and I was just thinking I need to find a crafty best friend and then whenever she is finished something, I will sit and drool and maybe she will get the idea that she wants to give me one of everything she makes. ha ha

    Peace

    Renee

    Reply
  13. periwinkle says

    January 19, 2009 at 7:25 am

    what a lovely place to go on holiday… the orangutan is soo cute. Memories that will stay with you a long time I bet
    lisa x

    Reply
  14. Terriaw says

    January 19, 2009 at 7:53 am

    Welcome back home! Looks like you had a wonderful vacation! I have a couple of those magazines too, and I love them, especially Sew Hip. Have fun playing with your giveaway goodies!

    Reply
  15. Yarni Gras! says

    January 19, 2009 at 7:53 am

    a wonderful holiday..and then to come home to some gorgeous goodies! how nice!!

    Reply
  16. Carrie P. says

    January 19, 2009 at 8:18 am

    So glad you had a very nice vacation. Very nice giveaway you recieved.

    Reply
  17. melissa s. says

    January 19, 2009 at 8:23 am

    sounds like you had a lovely time. i’m impressed that you guys found a crafty class to take!

    Reply
  18. Jessica says

    January 19, 2009 at 9:47 am

    I’m glad you’re back-what a wonderful trip you had!

    Reply
  19. Cathy says

    January 19, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    Glad you had a lovely time in Malaysia – lucky you picking up the 2nd Sew Hip – I still haven’t seen it!

    Love the orchid arrangement you did – they are so beautiful.

    Reply
  20. our shabby cottage says

    January 19, 2009 at 3:53 pm

    Welcome home – sounds like you had a great time away!

    Reply
  21. Michelle says

    January 19, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    wow what a wonderful place for a getaway…and i adore the hello kitty tags…i have a hello kitty alarm clock and toaster…i know sad really but it is just too cute…glad your back safe and sound…

    Reply
  22. Philigry says

    January 19, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    enjoy the rest of your summer!
    glad you had a good vacation.

    Reply
  23. Cassie says

    January 20, 2009 at 11:05 am

    I’m envious of the Sew Hip magazines. I haven’t been able to find a copy yet. Lucky you!

    Glad you had a great holiday. Enjoy your remaining weeks of summer. It’s strange to think that you are enjoying summer…we are covered in snow and snuggled in to our homes here in Montana.

    Take care,
    Cassie

    Reply
  24. Soo says

    January 20, 2009 at 3:15 am

    Welcome back! Sounds like a lovely holiday and I love your Chinese New Year treats!

    Reply
  25. Annie says

    January 20, 2009 at 3:32 am

    Loved the look of your mags – I had withdrawal symptoms too when I was away. Enjoy the last 2 weeks.

    Reply
  26. Tracy says

    January 20, 2009 at 5:09 am

    Welcome back from your wonderful trip! You sound happy, and your haul shows good times had too! ;o) Lots of great goodies…I just adore orchids of all kinds. And your arrangement is dazzling! *SIGH* Happy days basking in the glow of your holiday! :o) ((HUGS))

    Reply
  27. Jenny says

    January 20, 2009 at 6:54 am

    I have also been there and loved it-I think it was in 1993-it has probably changed a bit since then. Enjoy the rest of youe holiday.

    Reply
  28. Celia says

    January 20, 2009 at 9:36 am

    What a great mix of magazines!
    Love them all!
    You have the best plan ever for a cold afternoon!
    lol

    Reply
  29. Leanne says

    January 20, 2009 at 3:53 pm

    Looks and sounds like a wonderful holiday. Oh that orangutan looks so sweet how sad they are loosing their homes as the forests are cut down. They look so human.

    Reply
  30. Katy says

    January 20, 2009 at 11:40 pm

    Welcome back!!! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with this year!

    Reply
  31. a friend to knit with says

    January 21, 2009 at 8:09 am

    what a fabulous trip. thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  32. jillytacy says

    January 21, 2009 at 11:29 am

    It looks like you had a wonderful holiday. The flower arrangement is beautiful! Welcome home again!

    Reply
  33. jacquie says

    January 22, 2009 at 7:00 am

    welcome back and what fun to be able to do flower arranging with orchids. beautiful!!

    Reply
  34. LizzieJane says

    January 22, 2009 at 9:33 am

    What a wonderful vacation and what wonderful goodies!
    x

    Reply
  35. nicolette says

    January 22, 2009 at 11:16 am

    Wow, that’s some wonderful holiday!!

    And some gorgeous goodies!!

    Reply
  36. soyee says

    January 22, 2009 at 11:30 am

    dear Sarah and Lisa,

    I have “tagged” you. could you please show/tell us about your fourth picture from your fourth album.
    Thank you

    Reply
  37. soyee says

    January 23, 2009 at 12:36 am

    and do pass the tag on to four other people of your own choice, who then pass it on etc etc…..

    Reply
  38. Chocolate Cat says

    January 23, 2009 at 12:40 am

    Sounds like a wonderful holiday! Love your idea for the Chinese New Year goodie bags. We celebrate with some of the Chinese boarding students from our school and I always try to have a little something for them.

    Reply
  39. Shannon says

    January 23, 2009 at 9:35 am

    It sounds like you had an amazing vacation. One of my children is crazy about animals, and I can’t wait to show him your blog when he gets home from school. The Chinese New Year packets are adorable; we have never celebrated, but I was thinking of having a little informative dinner with the kids for fun cultural awareness. I will have to get some chocolate coins!

    Reply
  40. Catherine says

    January 23, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    Nice to have you back in Blogland! You holiday sounds wonderful! Cathy

    Reply
  41. Jaime says

    January 24, 2009 at 10:33 am

    I love all the pictures of everything. Who doesn’t love new scrapbook supplies, or crafting supplies. So fun. Welcome home.

    Reply
  42. Sonnja says

    January 23, 2009 at 11:55 pm

    A wonderful holiday and then to come home to some gorgeous goodies! how nice!
    Kind regards,

    Sonnja & Bear Zonn

    Reply
  43. Melanie Gray Augustin says

    January 24, 2009 at 12:57 am

    Sounds like a lovely time away! Love your flower arrangements and ooohhh.. all those craft mags!

    Reply
  44. Katherine says

    February 17, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    Oh, what is that sweet house fabric?

    Reply

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