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
randi says
Welcome home! Enjoy the rest of your holiday!
Erin says
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
Linda says
welcome home!! sounds like a wonderful family holiday!!!!
Anonymous says
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
Janellybelly says
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 π Will catch up with you soon
Janelle xx
Christy A. says
I’m glad your goodies arrived in time!Enjoy!
I love your orchid flower arrangement. It’s beautiful!
Suzanne says
Welcome back, nice to hear you had a wonderful holiday.
Stephanie says
Welcome Back! What a terrific trip. And how nice to come home to wonderful goodies.
Knit and Sew City Girl says
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
Suzie says
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!
Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crafts says
Welcome back to reality with the rest of us. What a wonderful place to holiday.
Renee says
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
periwinkle says
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
Terriaw says
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!
Yarni Gras! says
a wonderful holiday..and then to come home to some gorgeous goodies! how nice!!
Carrie P. says
So glad you had a very nice vacation. Very nice giveaway you recieved.
melissa s. says
sounds like you had a lovely time. i’m impressed that you guys found a crafty class to take!
Jessica says
I’m glad you’re back-what a wonderful trip you had!
Cathy says
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.
our shabby cottage says
Welcome home – sounds like you had a great time away!
Michelle says
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…
Philigry says
enjoy the rest of your summer!
glad you had a good vacation.
Cassie says
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
Soo says
Welcome back! Sounds like a lovely holiday and I love your Chinese New Year treats!
Annie says
Loved the look of your mags – I had withdrawal symptoms too when I was away. Enjoy the last 2 weeks.
Tracy says
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))
Jenny says
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.
Celia says
What a great mix of magazines!
Love them all!
You have the best plan ever for a cold afternoon!
lol
Leanne says
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.
Katy says
Welcome back!!! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with this year!
a friend to knit with says
what a fabulous trip. thanks for sharing.
jillytacy says
It looks like you had a wonderful holiday. The flower arrangement is beautiful! Welcome home again!
jacquie says
welcome back and what fun to be able to do flower arranging with orchids. beautiful!!
LizzieJane says
What a wonderful vacation and what wonderful goodies!
x
nicolette says
Wow, thatβs some wonderful holiday!!
And some gorgeous goodies!!
soyee says
dear Sarah and Lisa,
I have “tagged” you. could you please show/tell us about your fourth picture from your fourth album.
Thank you
soyee says
and do pass the tag on to four other people of your own choice, who then pass it on etc etc…..
Chocolate Cat says
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.
Shannon says
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!
Catherine says
Nice to have you back in Blogland! You holiday sounds wonderful! Cathy
Jaime says
I love all the pictures of everything. Who doesn’t love new scrapbook supplies, or crafting supplies. So fun. Welcome home.
Sonnja says
A wonderful holiday and then to come home to some gorgeous goodies! how nice!
Kind regards,
Sonnja & Bear Zonn
Melanie Gray Augustin says
Sounds like a lovely time away! Love your flower arrangements and ooohhh.. all those craft mags!
Katherine says
Oh, what is that sweet house fabric?