All About Me, & My World

Im moving!!

2007-12-19T12:39:00.000Z

Not to a new house, but to a new blog! Just fancied a fresh start, as this blog has been a bit depressing this past year.

So, please visit me
HERE.

Bloomin' computers!!!!!

2007-11-12T14:28:00.000Z

Ok, didnt manage to update my blog with any of the crafty bits last week, due to not only the pc being sssooooooooooo sloooooooowww!! But also our internet security sub ran out & the printer was somehow deinstalled...........& I just didnt have the brain power to sort it out!!

But hopefully, that will all be sorted this week. I am having lots of creative tthoughts & ideas..... & a plan that Im putting into action & hope to show soon!!

Thats it for now, esp. due to the fact that Keely is sitting next to me, & judging by the smell, she needs her nappy changed. (Potty training is not going too well!!)

Happy Monday to you all!!

xxxx

I'm still here........

2007-11-04T20:11:00.000Z

Thanks for the lovely comments girlies. xxxx

Im still here, not feeling much better, but thankfully no worse!! Not gonna go into details, as it really isnt interesting!! LOL!!

Anyway, the lovely
SarahJane & Olive have tagged me, so I guess this kicks me up the bum to update my blog!!

Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs

Seven Random Facts....ok here we go!!

1. I have a slight case of OCD, which I can usually control, however it gets worse when Im depressed, causing some very strange symptoms!! Not going into anymore details!!
2. I'm addicted to Coke (thats Coca Cola!!), & get weird withdrawals when I dont drink any!!
3. Obsessed with lip balm, hate having dry lips!
4. Have a phobia about watching people brush their teeth, makes me heave. Although I dont have the same issue when I brush the girls teeth?
5. I despise cleaning, yet work as a cleaner? Always knew I end up as a scrubber, LOL!!!!
6. I really want a pug puppy!! Although J hates them, Im working on him though!!
7. Havent scrapped anything in 2 months!!

Ok, cant really think of 7 people, (I need more friends!), so I tag:

Sarah
Micayla
Nina

Ok, I'm determined to blog every day this week, with something creative, however the main PC here runs slower then a snail & Hubby is taking the lappy away with him, see, I'm making excuses already!!!! But Im determined to be creative this week, so please send any spare creative vibes my way!!

xxxx

Still Here........

2007-10-15T22:37:00.000+01:00

.......just not feeling chatty. Dunno if its just the change in weather (its getting dark way too early) or the dreaded 'D' is returning for a visit.

Anyway, will be kicking myself up the backside to update much more.

Chat soon.

xxxx

Another post!!

2007-09-15T17:08:00.000+01:00

Whilst I was looking through my photos, looking for my Masterchef stuff, I found these pics, which Im pretty sure Ive yet to post. This is my 2nd bag, found the instructions here ( http://tinyhappy.typepad.com/tiny_happy/).

Very easy to follow, & I was so pleased with the final result, esp. as ot was my 2nd attempt at making bags & so far all attempts have turned out very good.

The outer fabric is plain calico, the lining fabric was actually an apron! Used the pocket from the apron inside the bag, & the apron ties became the handles. Think I need to use some stronger interfacing though as Id like it to be stronger (IYKWIM!) Blooming heck I LOVE sewing!! Unfortunately running very low on fabric!! Any ideas where I can get cheap fabrics from? Looking for some vintage, some bright & funky....ooh & would love some pink fabric, maybe with brown dots, as Ive got an old brown tshirt with a great logo that would look fanbloomingtastic on a bag!!

So, halfway through the weekend already!! So far, Ive worked this morning (what fun!!), did a bit of shopping (bought myself a lovely new top!!), went to a 3yr old & a 5yr old birthday party. Will be having takeaway for dinner (prob. fish & chips!) & once the girls are in bed, will be cuddling up on the sofa with J to watch 'My Super Ex-Girlfriend'. No plans for tommorrow as yet, apart from working in the morning again.

Hoping you are having a lovely weekend?

xxxx

Update.......

2007-09-15T16:56:00.000+01:00

These were my entries for the Masterchef DT.

Kind of gutted I was voted out, but hey!! made it through to the 4th round, which was something!!

Its weird, Im getting really discouraged with scrapping lately, never pleased with anything I do. In fact, Im even thinking about giving it up.

Not making any decision yet though, as Im still involved with a cj, but it just isnt fun anymore. maybe I just need to do some scrapping for me, forget the DT & comp stuff, I think that it has just taken all the fun out of it.

MIA

2007-09-12T13:29:00.000+01:00

Im still here, just seem to be really busy, but with nothing to show for it (IYKWIM!)

Keely started nursery, its going well so far. Didnt get through to the next round of Sprinkles. Feeling pretty crap, not sure if Im getting a cold.

So, life is pretty fun!!

Will do a proper post very soon, that is a bit more uplifting!! & with photos!!

xxxx

Back To School.......

2007-09-05T19:49:00.000+01:00

Is it September already?

Megan went back to school today, into Year 1. I was so chuffed that she was excited to go back!! Not counting on it lasting though!

Managed to get 1 photo of her, normally she cant stop herself from showing off to the camera, but she still has a few chicken pox, & is feeling pretty self concious (sp?) about it. She looks really short in the photo but thats because her brand new skirt is slightly (!) too big.

Keely starts nursery tommorrow, not sure how shes going to react to it but Im remaining positive that when she gets there she is gonna love it!!

Although, I wish she didnt have a black eye at the moment!

This is what happens when a certain someone doesnt listen to Mummy & Daddy, & continues to throw herself onto her bed, her wooden bed, her wooden bed with a big wooden headboard.

Today has been a pretty good day, spent yesterday cleaning so didnt have to today!! (always a bonus!), so I browsed the net, chilled with Keely (we are trying to potty train at the mo, not going brilliantly, but we are getting there!), did some washing, took the dog for a walk, baked some cookies (oatmeal, cinnamon & raisin, yummy!!), & got my LO completed for the next round of Sprinkles (nothing like leaving it till the last minute eh!!)

Now, Ive got the remote to myself for the evening, so Im off to lie on the sofa & watch whatever I want to. Yay!!

xxxx

Still here!!

2007-08-30T14:41:00.000+01:00

Just been very busy!!!! Keely & J are finally getting over the Chickenpox, & now Megan has it!! just hoping that she'll be over the worst of it by next week, as she goes back to school.

Been very busy making tutus for my friend Kerry. She runs a fairy business
Fairy Finesse selling gorgeous fairy wings & tutus, as well as offering craft 'make & takes'. This weekend she will be at the Weyfest festival in Surrey, so if you are in the area pop by because it looks really good! Wish I was going!! I have never done so much sewing in my life!! My house is festooned with netting, scraps of material & thread!! But it was fun!!

Now, I kind of dont know what to do with myself. The girls are occupied with Charlie & Lola, so I could a) clean, b) scrap, or c) lie on the sofa with a book??

Im kinda thinking that option a is a no no!! Ive got to get going on my next entry for the Masterchef comp, but have no ideas at the moment. So, it looks like I'll be going with option c)!! Except, I dont know what book to read!!! AARRGGHHH!!!!! But hang on!! I bought a crochet hook the other week, maybe I'll dig out some wool & see what I can create!!

xxxx

Look what I did!!!!

2007-08-20T09:37:00.001+01:00

Thanks to here I made this.

I think I won the battle between & my sewing machine!!

Now, I want to make MORE!!!!

But, I have a Masterchef entry & cj to complete!!

Then, I'll be sewing!!

Have a Happy Monday!!

xxxx

2007-08-19T13:37:00.000+01:00

The lovely Nina & SJ have tagged me, so here goes.......

What were you doing 10 years ago? Working for ELC (toy shop), in a really bad relationship, & very skinny!!

What were you doing 1 year ago? Living in our old house, getting over the PND, getting more into scrapping, being accepted onto my 1st Design Team!!

Five snacks you enjoy- 1) Chocolate, 2) Walkers BBQ Crisps, 3) Jammie Dodgers, 4) costco Cookies!! 5) chip butties!!

Five songs you know all the lyrics - Cant think of any right now!!!!

5 Things you would do if you were a milionaire - 1) Buy our Dream Home, 2) make life easier for my family, 3) Take my girls to Disney World, 4) Get married!! 5) Buy myself a Pug dog!!

5 Bad Habits - 1) Putting myself down, 2) Not taking care of myself, 3) Eating when Im not hungry, 4) Spending too much time on the net! 5) Being untidy!!

5 Things You Like To Do - 1) Scrap, 2) Spend time with J & the girls, 3) Watch Friends, 4) Browse the net, 5) Lie in my bed!!!

5 Things You Will Never Wear Again - 1) Shell suits!!, 2) Ra ra skirts!!, 3) Leggings, as much as I like them, I really dont have the legs for them!!, 4) Short Skirts, see previous entry for reason!, 5) Leg warmers!!!!

5 Favorite Toys - 1) My camera!!, 2)My sewing machine!!, 3) All my scrapping stuff!!, 4) My PC!, 5) J, always fun to play with!!

Ok, I tag,

Anita
Lisa
Olive
Mel aka Tinker

xxxx

Lushness........

2007-08-18T15:49:00.001+01:00

Treated myself to this pack of lushness today!! Thought I deserved it, as I've yet to spend any of my wages from my new job on myself yet & I havent bought any stash in months!! Plus I'm looking after 2 people with chicken pox, 1 healthy drama queen, 1 dog in season & 1 cat who is currently go through 'cold turkey' as he's not allowed out at the mo due to him bringing dead animals into my house, so I think I deserved this, don't you?? Now,all I need to do is figure out how to justify buying the embellies etc to go with it!!

xxxx

Chicken Pox & Hot Fuzz

2007-08-17T09:10:00.000+01:00

Woke up this morning to Megan saying to J ' Daddy, why is your back so spotty?' Upon further investigation (by me) it was noted that he also has the dreaded CP!! Thankfully Megan is still clear.

Watched Hot Fuzz last night, very good!!!!!!! Def. one to watch!!

Thanks for the tags Nina & SJ, will post that one later!!

Off to look after my poorly, spotty family!!

xxxx

In My World.........

2007-08-15T20:38:00.000+01:00

.......things feel pretty chaotic!! (however, this may be due to the fact I am a Drama Queen!), it's been one of those weeks that has felt manically busy, but I don't seem to have done/acheived anything!?!?!

Here is the total randomness of my week:

* Keely woke up this morning with chicken pox, we have counted 15 spots so far.
* Megan is currently CP free, although she has decided hers are invisible.
* It's rained every day.
* My drier isn't working.
* Have tonnes of washing, which in fact will take over the house pretty soon (in fact, if you dont hear from me in a day or so Mum, please pop by just to check we are ok & havent been buried under the huuugggeee pile of dirty washing!!)
* It's still raining, & my drier still isn't working, therefore said pile of washing is not going to be dealt with asap.
* The huuuggeee pile of clean washing that was threatening to overtake the house if I didn't put it away (hate putting it away) was finally put away (all apart from J's washing, which I'm hoping he will put away himself, however the possibility of that is pretty slim)
* My sewing machine will NOT beat me!!!! I will figure the B***** thing out!!! (or possibly throw it against the wall!)
* It's still raining.
* Bought the cat a new collar with a bell to hopefully stop said cat from bringing dead mice & birds into my house.
* It's still raining.
* Cat has already lost said collar, after wearing it for ONE DAY!!
* It's still raining.
* Planning on buying the cat a huuugggeee cow bell to hang around his neck, therefore rendering him unable to chase & catch birds & mouse (or move his body!)
* It's still raining.
* Got through to the next round on Sprinkles!! (YAY ME!!!!)
* It's still raining though.
* The dog is in season, therefore I am following her around the house with a blooming mop all day long!!
* Bought some fanbloomingtastic material from John Lewis yesterday (on sale I might add!) that I have a very good idea on what I am going to use it for (unless sewing machine ends up being thrown against the wall!)
* Still. Raining.
* I'm hungry & I dont know what I want to eat.
* However I shouldn't really be eating due to the vast amount of weight I have put on. Seriously if my backside gets any bigger, I'll block out the sun!! You know it is bad when you stand in front of your tv & your kids ask you to move coz they cant see it. Esp. when you take into account that you have a 63" tv.
* Still raining, seriously someone call Moses!!
* If I drink anymore tea, I'm gonna start pissing it!!
* Still bloody raining!!! Ok, I know this is England but for gawds sake it's August!!
* Still havent finished Megans bedroom (J, please put the shelf up before I smack you round the head with it!!)
* Not supposed to rain tommorrow.

xxxx

Round 2 Voting.....

2007-08-10T07:59:00.000+01:00

........ is underway
here , fingers crossed, this is gonna be a tough round!!!!!!

xxxx

Salcey Forest

2007-08-08T09:15:00.001+01:00

Last week we visited Salcey Forest (http://www.forestry.gov.uk/salceyforest), with its amazing Tree Top Walk, & had a great time!!

Even though Miss Keely isn't looking too impressed in thia photo!! She was definately a Daddy's Girl that day!!

Saw this beautiful butterfly & got attacked by quite a few flies!!

The Tree Top walk was great!! A bit rickety!! But the view was amazing!!

Then we had a lovely picnic & sunbathed for a while, ahhhh, bliss!!!!

xxxx

I will catch up soon....

2007-08-06T21:34:00.000+01:00

................promise!! Just too tired right now!!
xxxx

Been busy......

2007-08-05T21:11:00.000+01:00

It's been a hectic week, with J off work, Megan's birthday, trips to the coast & the forest, deadlines for the next round on Sprinkles, & so on...........

Too tired to catch up now, but will be back tommorrow with a proper catch up.

xxxx

My Girls.....

2007-07-30T21:37:00.000+01:00

They drive me insane sometimes, but I love them more than life itself!!! Today, we took the dog for a walk & stopped by the canal for a mini picnic & quick photo shoot. I actually was brave enough to take my camera out of Auto!! So for once I actually managed to get some photos of them running!!

Miss Megan looking beautiful, as per usual!!

This was the only good photo I got of Miss Keely running as she tends to run looking at the ground!!!! Makes for lots of bumped heads!!!!

She also trips over thin air!! Just like me & my Mum when we were growing up!! She hardly ever cries though, tough cookie!!

The mini picnic/photo shoot was finished by the girls chasing Daddy round screaming their heads off & generally disturbing the peace!!

The rest of our day was filled with a trip to Costco & Tescos, & a yummy chicken ceasar salad dinner, so a lovely day was had by all today!! Tommorrow we are off to the coast, a friend has told us where we can find some quiet little coves & beaches, so the picnic is packed, towels & the huuggeeee blanket are waiting by the door, camera is fully rested & waiting for tommorrows action, & I am off to bed.

Night, night, sweet dreams.

xxxx

Bring On The Next Round!!

2007-07-30T08:04:00.000+01:00

I'm through to the next round of Masterchef!!!! Yay!!!! For those who don't know, Masterchef is a Design Team call for a blog called A Spoonful Of Sprinkles and a forum called Carolinezcrafterz. There has been 2 rounds so far, was really happy with my 1st entry but struggled with the next round as you could only use plain cardstock & ribbon as well as basic equipment. The next round requires more of a kit, so Im not sure if its going to be easier or harder than the last one, but I'm going to give it a blooming good go!!!!

Here are the links to the forum & blog (still cant do the one word link thingy!!)

http://www.carolinezcraftz.co.uk/forums/index.php

http://carolinezcraftz.typepad.com/a_spoonful_of_sprinkles/

Well, its Monday morning & the weather is looking good for the week, which is great as J is off work this week & it's Megans birthday on Weds. Luckily she didn't want a party this year! We are going to the Build A Bear shop so she can get a Hello Kitty teddy, I want one too!!!! We have a few other days out planned, so I've been practising getting my camera out of Auto & actually using the settings in readiness for some photo shoots!! At some point today I need to get out & get some drawing paper as Megan has used every piece with have (& trust me there was loads!), I need to figure out some way to keep all of her drawings, as they are amazing!! She's definately talented!!!!

Ok, 2 posts so far for today!! Have a fantabulous Monday!!!!

xxxx

I've been tagged.....

2007-07-30T07:55:00.000+01:00

By SJ, (http://scrappyfairy.blogspot.com/) apparently I'm a Rockin' Girl Blogger!!!! o now I have to tag another RGB , so I tag.....................................................................................................

Willow!!!!! (http://willowthewysp.blogspot.com/)

xxxx

I've been blog pimped!!!!

2007-07-28T23:02:00.000+01:00

The lovely wonderful super talented SJ has just pimped by blog!!

How blimmin' fantabydozy is it looking!!!!

Love my header!!

My blog counter looks a little sad!! Esp. as I've had this blog for a year!!

Esp. Loving my new pet Ethelbert The Great!! Scroll right down to the bottom to meet him.

Thank you SJ!!!!! (aka http://scrappyfairy.blogspot.com/ )

xxxx

I Want One!!!!!!

2007-07-28T21:36:00.001+01:00

How Cute!!!!! I seriously want one of these, unfortunately they are only sold in the US (Boo Hoo!!) Although its probably good that I don't have one as I'll be fighting with Megan over who gets to use it!!

Door Hanger

2007-07-28T17:28:00.000+01:00

Supplies

1 Wooden Door Hanger (Under £1 from Hobbycraft)

1 Sheet of patterned paper

1 Large Wooden Heart

1 Small Wooden Heart

1 Piece Of Cardboard (from a cardboard or pizza box)

1 Heidi Swapp Ghost Letter

1 Small Heidi Swapp Ghost Heart

1 Heidi Swapp Index Tab with Phrase

1 Large Bloom

Ribbon

Bling

Acrylic Paint (2 different colours, I have used white & pink)

Sandpaper

DS Tape

1) Adhere patterned paper to door hanger, doesn’t need to be perfect. Cut around shape with a craft knife. Use sand paper to sand away the rough edges of the paper.
2) Paint around the edges of the hanger with acrylic paint (you could also use ink if you wished), again this doesn’t need to be a perfect edge, I’ve had gone for a slightly messy look to my hanger!! Leave to dry.

3) Using the acrylic paint, paint the tops of the wooden hearts in one colour , then paint the edges of the hearts in another colour. I have painted the tops in pink & the edges in white. You could also choose to paint them in different shades of the same colour. Leave to dry.
4) Cut a circle out of the cardboard slightly larger than the large heart. Remove the top layer of the cardboard to reveal the corrugated cardboard underneath. Paint the circle the same colour as the tops of the heart. Leave to dry.

5) Paint the edges of the Ghost letter & shape in the same colour as the hearts & the cardboard, you just want to define the shape. Leave to dry.

6) Adhere the bloom to the left of the centre of the hanger, so that it overhangs on one side.
7) Glue the smaller heart to the centre of the large heart, then glue both hearts to the cardboard circle. This will be the flower centre. Adhere to the centre of the bloom.

8) Tie ribbon to a part of the Ghost letter. Adhere the Ghost letter to the bottom left hand side of the hanger underneath the bloom. Add some bling, this can hide the adhesive if need be.

9) Do the same with the Ghost Heart, but adhere to the top right hand side of the hanger. Don’t forget the bling!!
10) Attach the Index tab to the bottom edge of the right hand side of the hanger. Again, add some bling!!
11) Tie 2 pieces of ribbon to the top left hand side of the hanger, just above the bloom.

And there you have, one decorated door hanger!

Apologies for the poor photos (note to self, need better light in crafting area!!)

Please leave a comment regarding the instructions as all feedback is welcome!! (However should you leave negative feedback please word nicely!!)

Thanks.

xx

A Class For You

2007-07-27T21:28:00.000+01:00

Well, I managed to create something today!! This is a door hanger that I've made for Megan's room, which is in the midst of being decorated.

Whilst I was coming up with ideas, I wondered if I could make a 'class' out of it, i.e, photos & instructions to publish on here.

So, I gave it a go!! Took the photos & notes as I went along. Have just finished editing the photos & typing up the notes, which I'll post tommorrow (too tired tonight!!)

The photos that I took whilst making this aren't as bright as the above ones, but that just goes to show that the light in Megan's room is better than the light in my scrap space (i.e under the stairs with no natural light!!)

Any feedback regarding the instructions I'll post (positive or negative!) will be greatly appreciated.

Ok, off to bed!!

Too Many Blogs.......

2007-07-27T15:04:00.000+01:00

I read far too many blogs!! At last count I have 87 blogs saved in my Faves, 87!!!!! Thats ridiculous!! I had a lightbulb moment today, when I actually figured out how to add blogs to my blog (IYKWIM!), so I chose my absolute faves ( narrowed the list down to 14!!) & they are featured in the sidebar under Inspired By . I'm very lucky and honoured to call a few of the authors of those blogs, Friends. These blogs are ones that I read every day, they constantly inspire me & never fail to make me smile :)

Sarah Jane (aka Scrappy Fairy http://scrappyfairy.blogspot.com/) wrote about what was making her happy today, so that prompted me into thinking (that would explain the burning smell then!!), what has made me happy today?

~* Watching Keely dance & sing around the kitchen to her CBeebies CD

~* Watching Megan draw & create

~* Noticing that the weather forcast for today predicted that next week will be dry, praying that this is true as its Megans birthday & J is off work for the week!!

~* My lovely friend Lisa offering to bring over some Hello Kitty goodies from Singapore for Megan next week!!

~* Having a great idea for the perfect present for Megans birthday, one that will be handmade by Mummy!!

~* Re naming my blog, LOVE that phrase!! Even though I have just noticed that I've written it wrong & will have to change it asap!!

~* That J has just text me to say that he has almost finished work, yay!!

~* That once I'm done here, I'm going to go & create something!!

What has made you HAPPY today??

xxxx

Feeling Sick

2007-07-25T12:57:00.000+01:00

Today, tired, sore throat, bunged up, blaming the weather!! I mean seriously I know its England but its July for gawds sake!! Let us have a bit of a break from the blooming rain!! Luckily we havent had any major flooding, some places are complete disasters, so many people away from their homes, without water or power. Quite a few fields around us are flooded but luckily the nearby houses have managed to stay dry & we are well away from anywhere that could possibly flood.

Anyway, thanks to the weather our Summer Holidays were off to a great start, so far the girls have been unwell & I've cleaned the entire house!! Woo hoo!! Need to do some sunshine dances for next week as Hubby is off & its Megans birthday, so Im aiming for a week of fun!!

Just wanted to show this LO, actually one of the 1st in ages that has come out exactly like Id planned in my head!! It was to celebrate Keely turning 3. Wanted to use the glittery letters for ages so took her Minnie Mouse as inspiration, found some great Red spotty pp & used beading to emphasise the candles.

The voting for the next round on Sprinkles http://carolinezcraftz.typepad.com/a_spoonful_of_sprinkles/ starts tommorrow. Loved my entry when i finished it until I saw the others!! LOL!! But Im trying some positive thinking to get me through the next round!! Hurry up Sunday!!

xxxx

Just Finished........

2007-07-22T19:58:00.000+01:00

the final Harry Potter book.

Loved it.

Kind of glad it's the final one.

Although I'm sad about that too!!

Loved how it was so fast moving, nothing was dragged out.

Loved how all my questions were answered.

Loved how I managed not to peek ahead to find out what was going on!!

Loving how I'm going to have to read it AGAIN soon to see if I 'missed' anything!! (LOVE doing this with books!! Always find different meanings, different twists & so on).

LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!

Eye Candy

2007-07-16T20:50:00.000+01:00

Have lots of projects on the go at the mo, so thought I'd show one a day, just to have something remotely interesting on my blog!!

Another Lack mirror from IKEA, I lurrrvvveee these, such a great bargain!! Anyone this one is done for Princess Megan's room, which is being decorated this week, hopefully sometime before her new bed arrives on Thursday!! Her last room was totally pink with splashes of lilac, was amazing at first, but after a while kinda did your brain in!! So, in her new room, we (well, me!!) are going for a more grown up, subtle look. The room is going to be mostly white, with one pink wall, white furniture & her pink table & chairs. I may even paint butterflies on the wall.....not completely sure on that one yet!! The mirror is painted in 'Babe' by Dulux, the wooden Primative Hearts are from Hobbycraft, painted white, the sparkly 'M' is K&Co Twinkle Type (LOVE THESE!!), & the writing is handwritten by Moi!! Megan is so happy with this!! Which at the end of the day is all that matters!!

Some news.....

2007-07-14T13:49:00.000+01:00

Look here: http://carolinezcraftz.typepad.com/a_spoonful_of_sprinkles/

Bring on Round 2!!!!!!

Catch Up

2007-07-13T11:04:00.000+01:00

Yep, i've been a bad blogger!! But I've been busy & haven't had anything really interesting to chat about!!

Heres what I've been up to (well, one of the things). This has been the state of my bedroom since we've moved, the wardrobes we had in our old house unfortunately didn't survive the move so we have been using clothing rails, & have let our room become a dumping ground for everything!!

Not the nicest place to sleep I can tell you!!

So when my friend told me her brother was moving & would be getting rid of his bedroom furniture, did we want it? Well I jumped at the chance!!

So, here it is, 2 wardrobes, a chest of drawers & 2 bedside tables, good condition, needs a bit of fixing, cleaning & TLC.

And here is what my room looks like now!! Clean, tidy & relaxing!! Haven't shown a picture of the wardrobes as tone of the doors needs fixing, but trust me when I say everything is away, you can see the floor, not just piles of clothes!!

I even created a 'dressing table' for myself, have wanted one for longer than I can remember, my Mum had this dressing table when I was growing up with a huge mirror with lights & I can remember watching her getting ready & dreaming that I'd have a dressing table too one day, it's weird, when I think of that memory I can even smell her perfume. The flowers around the mirror are actually fairy lights! Still think the room needs something else, maybe a splash of colour? It's mainly cream & brown with hints of gold (curtains & cushions) so Im thinking a splash of green? Maybe a cushion, or a throw, & definately need something to go above the bed.

Anyway, the first nights sleep in my new room, was amazing, so nice to go to sleep in such a restful room & to wake up to peace, not chaos (that was until the kids got up!!)

So, there you go, my new room!!

Ok, more to tell, but lunchtime is looming & I have a grumpy 3 year old to contend with today!!

xxxx

Finally Finished!!!!!

2007-06-25T18:19:00.001+01:00

~***Here is the finished space!!! Took bloomin' ages to do!!***~

I'd forgotten I had a desk, knew Id bought one just forgot where I'd put it!! Turns out it was under all the stash & mags!! The hanging rail, hooks & baskets are from IKEA, great bargain!! The pots hold pens, pencils, the baskets hold paint, scissors etc, . The shelves were put up by my lovely Hubby!! The pink box is full of coasters & stuff to alter, the white folder is full of stickers & the purple one contains cybercrop classes, templates, etc. The pile of boxes are waiting for me to alter them! The bucket is full of sheets of felt.

Another IKEA buy was the wooden drawer unit, whuich holds my Big Shot dies, chipboard shapes & alphas....just needs decorating, although I have no idea what I want to do with it!! Any clues????

Thats it for now, more photos to come tommorrow.

xxxx

Work In Progress...........

2007-06-23T21:35:00.001+01:00

Well, my craft space is STILL in a complete mess. I started this afternoon got a huugggeee pile of magazines, books & papers tidied away..... but I still cannot see the table surface, which is a pain as I wanted to scrap tonight (got new Junkitz pp with this months SI mag!) But alas, that will not be happening. I could really be clearing it now but CSI:NY is starting shortly & of course it would be rude not to watch it!!

So, instead of more pictures of my slowly improving space (which would be completely pointless as it looks the same as the previous photo!) I'll show you some recent LO's, 2 of Megan, doing her 'thang!' (She's a DIVA @4, whats she gonna be like in her teens???!!!!) & an ever so flattering (ha ha!!) one of me, showing why I really shouldnt leave the house with out make up on, or at least a balaclava!!

Hope your having a fanbloomintastic Saturday night!!!!

xxxx

In Desperate Need Of..........

2007-06-22T13:31:00.000+01:00

Cleaning & organising!! Yes, this is my scrap space, a little alcove under the stairs (one day I WILL have my own studio................~* goes off into a daydream......*~) Anyhoo.. my little space is an absolute mess, definately not an inspiring place to work, so my task for the weekend will be making this into a tidy, organised place to create. It may take ALL weekend!! Esp. as I need to fit in family time, a shoe shopping trip with Megan (Im soooo looking forward to this esp. as she asked if it can just be 'Mummy & Megan'! ) So I'm posting this picture in the hope that it will inspire (oh who am I kidding? Shame me! ) into sorting it out.

Haven't blogged for a while, lots of family stuff going on, job hunting etc. Hopefully things will begin to slow down so I can get back to scrapping. Trying to get prepared for the summer & find lots of stuff for the girls to do. Had a great fathers Day, Hubby was very impressed with the mini book I made him even though I wasn't happy with it & LOVED the cardboard crocodile that Megan made for him. We went to visit my parents, was great to see them esp. my Dad who has been in & out of hospital lately. Made him a mini book as well, but was very happy with how that turned out, will post some pictures soon.

Well, thats it for now, will post more over the weekend, hopefully with pics of my inspiring amazing little space!!

xxxx

GLITTER ATTACK!!!!!!!!!!

2007-05-30T20:54:00.000+01:00

NOTE TO SELF: When trying to occupy 4 yr old daughter whilst you look something up on the net, art & craft may seem the ideal project, but just remember to either make sure the lid to the glitter pot is tightly secure, or remove said pot completely.

Still trying to sweep up the glitter!!

xxxx

Rocking' The Tutu!!

2007-05-29T17:54:00.000+01:00

Been promising to make Megan a tutu for ages, but as my previous posts have shown Im not too good with the sewing. So finding a no-sew tutu pattern was a bloomin' godsend!!All I needed was some tulle & elastic. Picked the tulle up at Hobbycraft for 99p a metre, cut the elastic to loosely
fit her waist & just tied strips of tulle to the band. You need to tie quite a lot of strips (in fact I should have tied more) & tieing the strips at different lenghts gives a great effect. However, the 1st time she wore it, she wasnt feeling like being a model for Mummy (doesnt she realise I need photos to scrap!!) But, after chilling out on the sofa & have some dinner, she was more than thrilled to strut her Diva stuff!!

In fact, the sunglasses are hers! We were in Next at the weekend & whilst I looked around, Megan got dressed up (with Daddys help) with sunnies, heels, a furry scarf & handbag & proceeded to strut her stuff!!!! She was so attached to the sunnies that we bought them for her (they were on sale anyway!)

Anyway, off to print out some photos, so that once they are in bed, Im scrappin'!!

xxxx

Well the day didnt really go to plan.......

2007-05-28T21:23:00.000+01:00

So it's been a pretty much s****y day, not going into too much detail. Didnt get many scrapping done, however Squeaky now has a husband!! Woo hoo!! Whilst the girls were playing, I watched the last Bams Unholy union (the wedding one) & created Mr Squeaky (pictures to follow). megan was very pleased, esp. when i 'married Mr & Mrs Squeaky a little bit later! So the kids were FINALLY to bed, & the house was tidied, pets fed, so on.....I sat down at the pc to print out some photos......well that was the plan!! Found this blog, (http://kaylaaimee.typepad.com/ce_jour/) & laughed so much I nearly spilt my wine (wouldnt have been the best end to my day I can tell you!!

So thank you Kayla Aimee, for making me laugh & making me look even more forward to marrying my 'Hubby'!!

Missing you J!! Love ya!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Been Creative............

2007-05-28T09:43:00.000+01:00

What can you create with 2 pieces of felt, some thread, & some ribbon/ric rak? Well thanks to Heather Bailey (http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/heather_bailey/2006/12/couch_flower.html)
you can make a rumpled felt flower brooch!

Not the greatest picture! Ive attached it to the front of a red bag I bought at Primark, just to jazz it up a bit, what do you think?

I'd like to take a moment to inroduce the newest member of our family, Squeaky The Mouse. Im thinking that Mummy's sewing skills need some work!! But Megan loves her, so much that today I have to make a friend for Squeaky!!

Megan & Squeaky.

Ok, well its a grey & miserable Bank Hol Monday (no surprise there!!) so we will not be leaving the house today!! Instead we'll be having a nice chilled day at home. Hopefully I'll get some more stuff finished, so may be back later with a further update.

Have a good one.
xx

My Celebrity Lookalikes.

2007-05-28T09:04:00.000+01:00

http://www.myheritage.com

I Wish i really did look like some of them!! Esp. natalie!!

Reflections.......

2007-05-26T15:39:00.000+01:00

Have been looking at this blog (http://herspace-myspace.blogspot.com/ ever since it's started but never actually 'joined' in.

Until today.

Todays word was Reflection.

Heres my photo, this is where we feed the ducks, however due to quite a few people feeding said ducks usually they dont want it (the bread that is), so we just end up chucking it in the water. Oh well!!

A Thought For Monday.

2007-05-21T12:31:00.000+01:00

As we grow up,we learn that even the one person who wasn't ever supposed to let you downprobably will.
You will have your heart broken probably more than once.and it's harder everytime.
You will break hearts too, so remember what it felt like when yours was broken.
You'll fight with your best friend,
you'll blame a new love for things an old one did.
you'll cry because time is passing way.too.fast
and you'll eventually lose someone you love.
So...take too many pictures,laugh too much,♥ and love like you've never been hurt ♥because every 60 seconds you spend upset is another minute of happiness that you'll never get back

FromBecca's blog (http://randomthoughtsbybecca.blogspot.com/)

Lazy Sundays.............

2007-05-20T21:12:00.001+01:00

Are the best, a day of just pottering around, chilling out & being with the ones you love. Apart from a quick shopping trip to Asda, it was definately a lazy day. Managed 1 LO, but that is for a scraplift, so cant show it yet. Had dinner cooked for me, which is a real treat! A huge fry up, yummy!! Why does it always taste better when someone else cooks for you??

This photo was taken yesterday, whilst I was trying to get a picture of Keely admiring her new dress, she suddenly became fascinated with whatever I was looking at!! I'm in love with this photo, but I dont know why??

Am going to browse the net for a while, then will try & get a good nights sleep, as I'm hoping that the week ahead will be a creative one!! Please send any spare creative inspiration/vibes my way!! My aim is to do a project a day.........lets see how far I get!!

Cowgirl Megan comes to town.........

2007-05-19T20:00:00.000+01:00

Cowgirl Megan rode into town for Keelys birthday!! This picture is for Nanny & Grandad!! Check out the look on her face!!

Happy Birthday Keely-Weely!!!!!

2007-05-19T19:43:00.000+01:00

My baby was 3 on Friday!! How did that happen?? I swear 5 minutes ago she was a tiny little bubba, now theres a proper little girl running around with a huuggee personality (& temper!!)

Here she is realising that she is in a picture with Charlie & Lola...& Sizzles!!!

Above is said picture!!

Here she is sporting a rather fetching Minnie Mouse creation, courtesy of Auntie Clair!! (She even wanted to wear it to bed!)

Blowing the candle out on her cake (for the 2nd time as Daddy didnt manage to catch it the 1st time!)

Really enjoying her cake!! Happy birthday my Keely-Weely!! Love ya!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

What a great start to the week.......

2007-05-14T17:10:00.000+01:00

........Getting absolutely soaked walking to school, not good!!

Hopefully this doesnt mean the rest of my week is going to be crap!!

This was the 1st LO I did after we moved (& I'd realised I lost all my old stuff!), loving how it turned out, had wanted to scrap this pic of me & Megan for ages, but couldnt get the page right, then one evening, sat down to it & here it is!! Its my 1st attempt at 8.5"x11", liking this size although its cheaper to scrap A4!!

A friend commented to me that my new stuff is very different to my old stuff, so i guess losing everything was a blessing in disguise eh? Allowed me to start afresh & become more creative.

Tonight I'm hopefully going to work on a scraplift challenge that my team over on UKS are doing, Im doing the 1st LO so everyone is going to 'lift' mine, why did I offer to go 1st!?!?!?

xxxx

What once was a plain mirror from IKEA.........

2007-05-13T20:42:00.000+01:00

......is now a funky mirror for Keelys room!! This was inspired by Adrienne Looman (http://acolorfulhouse.typepad.com/a_house_of_color/2007/05/finally_nsd.html) But not as cool as hers, as it is destined for a 3 year olds room!! Not that im saying Keely isnt cool, as she is, but you get what i mean!! Anyway, I have 4 more of these mirrors, so will do 1 for Megans room, then the last 3 are for me!! Mwhaaa ha ha!! (EVIL LAUGH!!)

Well, today was actually quite successful, scrapping wise, made a tag book for J & did a LO for the weekly challenge on UKS. Will post those pics tommorrow. Kids are in bed, fast asleep, house is clean (ish!), so I think the sofa & tv are calling my name!!

xxxx

Latest stuff

2007-05-13T09:25:00.000+01:00

Here is another new LO. Had this idea for a while, just couldnt figure out a way of putting it together, then one night, BAM!! A lightbulb went on (trust me, this doesnt happen a lot!!) & voila!! It was created!! I do LUURRVVVVVEEEEEE this one!! Esp. as it has lots of piccies of my fave people!!

Lots of ideas of things to do today, want to do some more painting (had forgotten how therapeutic it is!), finish a tag book & mini book that Id started & do a few LO's. Shall we take bets on how many I actually do?!

Will be back later with some photos of my Sunday, hope that wherever you are, you are having a good one!!

Finally!!!!

2007-05-10T16:28:00.000+01:00

Finally!! I managed to figure out how to have a B&W photo with one area in COLOUR!!!!!

Thanks to Lisa F (http://thefawcettfamily.blogspot.com/) for the instructions, will definately be buying the book!!

Photo Shoot!!

2007-05-10T15:46:00.000+01:00

Had a photo shoot with the Momiji girls today, lovely girls, a bit wooden though, didnt really want to loosen up & give me loads of different poses, however they were perfectly happy to let me take loads of photos, without moaning that they were bored.

Been collecting these since xmas, only have 6 so far, but love em like crazy!! At the moment they are just sitting on a bookshelf but am definately looking for an appropriate place/item on which these beauties can be displayed perfectly!!

Have just sat through a 20 minute performance by Megan, involving Scooby Doo, a plastic monkey & the packaging from the dolls, where Scooby played a hunter trying to rescue Monkeys family from the dinosaur that kidnapped them!! What a performance, the story needs a bit of work but as the scriptwriter is 4, I think we can make some allowances. I love her imagination, the things she comes up with never fail to make me smile. Right now she is trying to sit in a shoebox (a large shoebox) pretending shes an armadillo!!

Ok, house is tidy, dinner is cooking, got to wake Keely up, then I think I'll chill out with a good book. Have a wonderful evening!!!!

xxxx

NSD!!

2007-05-07T10:38:00.000+01:00

**~Happy National Scrapbooking Day!! ~**

Well, ok, so officially NSD was Saturday, but didnt have a chance to blog then!! Pathetically I only managed 2 LO's. :(

The above LO, Natural Beauty, used a photo that I took near to where we live, its where we feed the ducks & is an amazing relaxing place to be. Its right by the Grand Union canal & there is an old manor house right behind the pond, which, if I won the lottery, I would be buying. Waking up to this everyday would be so inspiring!! I was amazed at how well the photo cam out, & wanted the LO to complement it, not overshadow. I had no pp to go with this so decided to stick with black & white cs, & my Hibiscus die which I love!! Quite pleased with this one!!

The 2nd LO, Megan, is my 1st attempt at 12"x6", not sure if I like this size, think I'll give it a go using it landscape. Used Melissa Frances pp & a 7Gypsies tag. Bit more delicate that Im used to, but like the effect, plus Megan LOVES it & thats the most important thing!!

OK, well it is grey & miserable here today, so Im thinking I'll stay in & scrap instead, haha!! Lots planned, heres hoping I'll get something done!!

Have a wonderful Bank Holiday Monday!!

xxxx

Been painting......

2007-05-02T13:18:00.000+01:00

Been painting, havent painted for years!! Not sure if I like this or not.........happy that Ive done it, not sure if its any good though! I think it needs 'something else', only problem is, I dont know what!!

Definately gonna do more painting thought, will only get better with practice eh? Got an idea for some paintings for the bedroom, just need to find the time to do them!!

Will post more pics later from our trip to the beach on sunday!!

More Pics!!

2007-04-23T18:19:00.000+01:00

Another new LO! Actually Im very happy with the new stuff, bit of a change for me. Loving the A4 size, & the 'Embroodling'!! Took these pics of Megan when we went on a picnic during the Easter hols, how did I end up with such stunning daughters?!?!?!
Of course, Princess Megan HAD to have a crown!! Used DMC Pearlescent Effects Thread & HS Bling.
HS Chipboard Letters painted green, & heart covered in BG, MM Rubons & Princess quote coaster.
HS Photo tabs & HS stars (again covered in BG), used Glue Dots Pop Ups to add a bit of interes. The green spotty paper is from a Costco pack.

Nothing too interesting has happened today, the lovely sunny weather we've had lately has vanished to be replaced by a grey, miserable day!! So we stayed in today, apart from the school run, Keely played all day, & I finished a cj & browsed the net for inspiration. Have got an idea for a minibook, so will be giving that a go once the girls are in bed. If it works out, will post some pics tommorrow. Gotta add that I'm loving the colourful writing, perfect to brighten a miserable day!!

x x x x

Catching Up......

2007-04-20T20:13:00.000+01:00

Thank god it's Friday!!

Well, I suppose this week hasnt been too bad, Ive had worse!! LOL!! Im soooooo glad the weekend is here, have absolutely no plans, just want to chill out, have fun with my girls, scrap a little, eat some yummy food............... The girls have adjusted well to our move & all the upheaval of the past 2 months, occasionally though they can be little MONSTERS & it's been a monter week!!

Not much to talk about actually, so glad to have the net back on, I feel like Im back in contact with the world now!! LOL!!. Been scrapping, done 5 LO's, two were 12"x12", one was 8 1/2"x11", & two were A4, actually like scrapping A4, doesnt feel like there is a huge amount of white space going on. I liked the 81/2"x11", but I have a huge pack of A4 card, so thought Id save money & use that instead. Have no where to actually put my LO's as my scrapbook has disapeared into thin air, but I have a 12"x12" RUB which I'm not using so I think all my finished stuff will be going in there instead. It actually helped not having the net to look at, usually when I stumped & need some inspiration, I use the net but find a lot of the time, I get caught up & no scrapping gets done. This time however, I found myself looking more at the stash I had rather than what other people have used, & Im quite happy with what I came up with!! The above LO is one of the A4 LO's, used my beloved HS chipboard alphas, but just wanted to jazz them up & make them stand out more, so I nabbed some of Megans silver glitter & some PVA glue & made a HUGE mess!! But loved the result! Really need to get a heat gun. Used some BG Lollipop Shoppe & lots of lovely bright colours, & decided to experiment by embroidering the "@ 2 1/2", im liking the result!!

Anyway, it's friday night, & the sofa,tv & a bottle of wine is calling me, so have a good evening, & I'll add more new LO's tommorrow.

xxxxx

Back Online!!!!

2007-04-18T21:12:00.000+01:00

I'm back!!!! Not that anyone missed me, LOL!! No internet for a couple of months does not help a persons sanity!! Neither does losing your scrapbook with every LO you have done since starting scrapping (aarrrrggghhhhh!!! Where has it gone?!?!)

Anyway, will properly update tommorrow with some pics, & some boring waffle by me.

XXXXX

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel.........

2007-02-28T16:13:00.000Z

..........has completely disappeared. Well at least that is what it feels like right now. Our house move has gone completely pear shaped. Right now I do not know what we are going to do. Currently we are staying with my parents, & we are so grateful for them, not only for opening their home to us & the dog, but giving up their bedroom & sleeping on an inflatable mattress so we can be in the same room as the girls. but its not the ideal situation, esp. as Megan is currently not in school, & if I dont have a date to give the education dept. as to when she will be starting a new school soon, Im in big trouble. But I cant give them a date, until I have a blooming date.............just going round in circles right now. I miss my cat, as we couldnt bring him here, so he is in a cattery, which is costing an absolute fortune, & we are missing him like crazy......will he even remember us when he comes back?

AAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been trying so hard to stay positive & not give in, but I can see another bout of depression looming, & I dont know if Im strong enough to fight this one.

I actually did read something today which was very inspiring, on Scrappyfairy's blog (http://www.scrappyfairy.blogspot.com/). I love this blog, as she seems to have an amazing take on life, & the entry in question proved that. Instead of focussing on the bad points, she chose to make a list of all the things in her life that make her happy, to reflect upon when things are bad. This is a great idea, so simple, that Ive decided to do the same, so thanks sarahjane.xx

1) My family. esp. J & the girls. How on earth I ended up with these 2 amazing girls I'll never know, all I can say is that I am very blessed. I love them with all my heart & will love them & protect them till the day I die. They never cease to surprise me, how does Megan know the exact moment I need a hug, as soon as i start to feel blue, shes there with a squidgy hug. How does Keely know the exact thing to do to make me laugh? The list just goes on......................

2) Being creative, scrapping, painting, drawing.........i love feeling inspired & seeing the beauty in everything around me.

3) UKS, Scrapitude, & the million & 1 blogs I read, always someone to chat to, stories to hear, ideas to share.............Im seriously addicted to the net!!

4) Friends, mostly online ones. People that Ive never met, but that are always there when I need them.

5) Chocolate, obvious really!! Esp. when J brings some home for me without me having to ask!!

6) Pink, just love this colour, esp. if its sparkly!!

7) Pampering myself, having clean styled hair, painted nails, make up........making time for myself, having a long soak in a hot bubble bath, with candles & a good book/magazine to read.

8) Blogging, love to look back & see what has happened. love it when people take the time to read & leave a comment.

Well, Im feeling a bit better, & Mum duties call, better go cook dinner!!

xxxxxxx

Update

2007-02-20T08:59:00.000Z

Well, we have descended on my parents, the 4 of us & the dog! As lovely as it is to be staying with them, its getting quite stressful! Hopefully, we'll have a moving date very soon. i miss having my own space, & all my lovely stash has been packed away!! So I cant even relax by scrapping, boo hoo!! Have been reading loads, started to re-read the Harry Potter series, began last Monday, & Im on the 5th book....can't wait for June, even though its the last book!!

Anyway, just a quick post, as Ive nothing interesting to say!!

xx

Sunday Blog Prompt

2007-02-04T13:26:00.000Z

Heres the Sunday blog prompt, from SJ & Maddy:

"What changes do you plan to make in your life in the coming months. Do you like or loath change?"

Lots of changes in the coming months, firstly we are moving home in the next week, unfortunately it isnt going exactly to plan & we may find ourselves sleeping on friends & familys sofas, not the best soloution with 2 kids, a cat & a dog. But hopefully it wont be too long. We are moving to a new area, so it's going to be a fresh start for us all, very scary!! But good scary!! Hopefully it wont take me 3 years to make some friends this time!! Our new home will not be like the chaos we currently live in, I will stop holding onto stuff that has no meaning or value, I wont think "I'll keep it just in case!" It will be a clean & tidy welcoming home. IT WILL!!!! (Stop laughing Mum!!)

Im going to start taking better care of myself. Before kids, I wouldnt leave the house without makeup, hair & nails done, nice clothes etc. Now its hair scraped back, no makeup, jeans or combats...........when did I decide it was ok to stop caring about what I looked like? Its not as if Im happier this way!! So I will make more of an effort, even if its just a bit of makeup, clean hair, not wearing clothes that make me feel fat & frumpy!!

I will be driving in the next few months, so will have more opportunity to have a life!! Will start making 'Mummy & .....' time, given the girls time on their own with just me, doing something fun, definately want to get Megan scrapping, although I will be buying her some stash of her own!!

I want to get more adventurous with my scrapping, trying new things, new sizes, techniques, etc. I might even look into starting my own business, selling hand painted gifts etc..........not sure yet, but worth looking into.

So I guess its gonna be a busy few months!!

Design Team Pieces

2007-02-01T16:35:00.000Z

Here is the first pieces Ive done for the Kraft Stop Design Team : http://www.kraftstop.co.uk/

This is one of the 1st cards Ive made in ages!!!

Loved the colours in this kit! Bright & summery, perfect to cheer me up on a miserable winters day!!

Wasnt sure about this kit at first as it wasnt what I would have picked, but loved having to 'push' myself!! Very happy with the final result!!

Thanks for looking!!

xx

Tag Book

2007-01-31T20:39:00.000Z

This is my 1st attempt at a tag book, made for my friend who has just had a baby. Used a poem I found on 2peas, some BG, HS letters, hearts & bling.

Think I'll be making more of these!!

There you go Mum, have updated my blog!!! Love ya!!!

Feeling YUCKY!!.....& Im covered in pink glitter!!

2007-01-23T14:19:00.000Z

Woke up this morning feeling absolutely yucky, think Ive got another blooming cold coming! My head feels like someone is playing basketball with it, throat is sore & I just want to go back to bed!!

But, then Mr Postie arrived with 2 packages of goodies addressed to lil ol me!! Yippee!! The 1st parcel was a birthday present from my wonderful teammate Anita, it was the large tag die for my Big Shot, perfect for making tag books, cant wait to give it a go!!

The 2nd parcel was from Scrappyfairy, I used my birthday money to treat myself to some K&Co Twinkle Type letters in PINK!! They are absolutely lush & everything is now covered in pink glitter, but hey, if you were gonna be covered in something, pink glitter cant be a bad choice eh?? The lovely SarahJane also included some yummy purple blooms & funky brads, shes such a star!!

Managed to finish a LO today,not sure if Im pleased with it or not though!! Dunno about all of that empty space LOL!!

Used one of my fave photos, me & Megan, taken on my brthday, we were just mucking around making funny faces, etc. Absolutely LOVED this one, esp. after playing around with it in Photoshop, how did I manage to create such a perfect little girl?!?!

Anyway, the little Princess will be finishing school soon, so must get her sister ready & brave the freezing cold (cant wait till Im driving!!).

xx

Sunday Blog Prompt.

2007-01-14T19:57:00.000Z

Heres the Sunday blog prompt:

Sunday bloggers this week is a "practical" one.....Grab your camera - take a walk around your home.. and snap some of the little things that make you happy...Even if its just one thing.... xWe all fill our home with things that make us smile... how about sharing them with us...

So here we go, 1st pic is my bed, with my lovely new bedding, very calming & snuggly!!

My lovely Venetian style mirror, I'd wanted one of these for ages, now all I need is the dressing table to match!!

Finally, my fave pic of my girls, never fails to make me smile!!

.........Could have entered plenty more.......but Im gonna go & eat some summer fruits crumble & custard instead!!

Happy Sunday!!

xx

Happy Birthday To Me!!!!

2007-01-12T15:51:00.000Z

I love my birthday card from Megan!! Not only did she write it herself (with a tiny bit of help!) but Im loving her portrait of me (obviously its me 1st thing in the morning!! LOL!!
My lovely UKS teammates (The Lavender Lovelies!) spoilt me with lots of goodies!!

Including Heidi Swapp stash, blooms, gems, stickers & a gorgeous handmade bracelet & decorated box, Im a lucky girl!!

Last night, some friends visited & bought me the above cake & a bottle of wine (which I will be opening later!!), good job Ive yet to start my diet, as there is only 1 piece left!! Yummy!!

So far, it's been a good day, feeling very loved!! Managed to get some time to myself this afternoon, whilst the girls were taking a nap, & had a nice bath, washed my hair & even managed to paint my toenails (just in case I do go out tonight......I can wear my new shoes!!)

Ok, better cook the girls some dinner!!

xx

Tagged!!

2007-01-12T11:24:00.000Z

Happy Birthday to ME!!

SarahJane (Scrappy Fairy) has kindly tagged me so here goes:

1. grab the book closest to you
2. open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence
3. post the text of the following three sentences on your blog
4. name of the author and book
5. tag three people of you own

'So it's for sale, then? It isnt being kept... for anyone?
Borgin squinted at her. Harry had the nasty feeling he knew exactly what Hermione was up to.

JK Rowling, Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince (yes, Im reading it AGAIN!)

Cant think of 3 people to tag, so will tag Anita : http://anitasplaceinthesun.blogspot.com/

Will be back later to bore you all with tales & pics of my birthday!!

xx

New Shoes!!! ........ & a sneaky peak......

2007-01-11T16:46:00.000Z

Just thought Id show you a sneak peak of my very 1st DT pieces!!

Popped into town today with my lovely friend Alison, wasn't planning on buying anything, but we saw these in a sale & Alison decided to treat me for my birthday!! Yay!! Its the 2nd pair of bright red shoes that Ive got, maybe this is a new 'thing'!! Planning on wearing them with my jeans a long black top.......thats if I do go out!!

Have got friends coming round this evening, which will be a treat, just need to get tidied up, dinner cooked, hair washed & somehow get rid of the headache that has been plagueing me ALL BLOOMING DAY!!

Hopefully it'll be gone for tommorrow!! Only 8 hours to go before Im 29!! Yikes!!

2 Days, 9 Hours & 31 Minutes..........

2007-01-09T15:29:00.000Z

.............................Until I'm 29!!

I'm not sure how I feel about turning 29, it's very scary being this close to 30!! Some days I feel soooo old, & others I still feel 16! Don't really feel like celebrating it, it's not like it's an important birthday, not like 30!! Which is just 1 year, 2 days, 9 hours & about 29 minutes away!! That I WILL celebrate!!

I've made a list of the 30 Things I Want To Do Before Im 30 & I was originally planning to do a LO about it, but now I'm thinking of making a mini book about it, that way when (& if) I acheive each thing, I can do an entry about it. What do you think??

As for what I want for my birthday, well to be honest I DON'T KNOW!!

I don't want to buy any new clothes (or recieve any) until I've lost a bit of weight (diet starts after my birthday!), I do like the look of Troll Beads, the AL Look Book, & the Heidi Swapp Love Your Handwriting Book.................... can't really think of anything else!!

Actually received my 1st present today (thanks Steph!xx) but havent opened it yet, being a good girl (LOL!)

Also, my CJ arrived home today, yay!! Its the 1st cj Ive done & I loved it!! It was with my team on UKS, my theme was 5 Things That Make You Happy & I loved everyones entries!! Will post some pics later. Am hoping to sign up for another cj soon!!

Ok, have rambled enough for now!! Thanks for reading.

xx

Sunday Blog Prompt

2007-01-07T21:45:00.000Z

Ok.. So... Who's layouts made you "stop and go wow!" in 2006.. We have all spent time reflecting on what experiences we have been through in 2006 - but what helped shape you as a scrapper? We all look at other peoples work and see ideas that we think" gosh.. I HAVE to try that like now! but we don't always give credit to the creators, or those who inspire us.. If you had to complie a list of top 5 Layouts of 2006... would the all be from diff people? or would they be one or two designers?

I cant actually pick 5 LO's, as 2006 was the year I started scrapping, then I guess I'd have to pick who has inspired me.

I guess the following people have inspired me this year:

Heidi Swapp
Kristina Contes
Adrienne Looman
Elsie Flanagan
Kirsty Wiseman
Scrappyfairy (SarahJane)
Tracie H

The list could go on.........

You never know, maybe 1 day it'll be me inspiring others!!??

Jan 1st 2007

2007-01-01T22:34:00.000Z

Happy New Year!! Finally finished my xmas exploding box, about time as I started it over a week ago!! Well, its almost finished, need to add a few photos!! Used BG Fruitcake (love em!!) & the glittery letters were from Hobbycraft.

Had a nice quiet day today, didnt get up till 10:45!! Was having weird dreams all night, about my old job, which was a c**p job!! Dont know why I was dreaming about that, why cant I have nice dreams??

Back to reality tommorrow, have to start getting up early, to get the girls back into a routine in preparation for Thurs when Megan is back to school. Have to do some shopping tommorrow, if its dry, will take the girls to the park (with the camera of course!!), let them run around & use up some of their energy as they are driving me mad!! Might get a new hair dye as well, as the one I did before xmas has left parts of my hair with a reddish tint which I dont like. I'd love to have a bright pink streak in my hair, but dont think I could carry it off, Im too old!!

11 days till my birthday!! 29 here I come!!

God that is scary!!

Blogger got a bit overexcited!!

2006-12-31T22:01:00.000Z

& published 2 posts!!

Oh well!!

Roll on 2007!!

Hopefully, I'll be able to figure out how to do a blog banner!! LOL!!

xx

End of year post.

2006-12-31T21:44:00.001Z

What has made 2006 for you!??! What has made you smile, cry, laugh, reflect and what have you learned?

This year has been a bit of a weird one!! At times it feels like its been non-stop & time is flying by....& other times it feels like nothing is happening (IYKWIM!)

A big thing this year has been seeing the difference in my girls. Megan started nursery school, & I was so worried about how she would cope as she had never been to playgroup, she had always been with me, I didnt know how she would cope with being around strangers, plus she seemed too little to go to school!! Little did I know those sleepless nights were in vain, my little girl was a star!! She has blossomed so much in the last year, has learnt so much, has made lots of friends, & made us so proud!! Im slightly worried about her starting full time school next week, but I think Im gonna be more upset than she is as she cannot wait to go back!!

As for Keely, well, she turned 2 in May, but was still not walking & talking. I was trying not to worry, kept thinking that each child was different (Megan was walking on her 1st birthday), but after her 18-24 month check it was decided that she should see a specialist. I was imagining all the worst case scenarios, esp. as it was a 4 month wait for an appt! Then the summer hols began & with Megan home to keep her company all day, things changed & one day my little one got up & walked for the 1st time!! A few weeks later, her speech had improved so much that she was able to ask for things, by the time we saw the specialist, she was running around the waiting room!! They have confirmed that her development is delayed, but its not a major issue, esp. when you compare the difference in her now to what she was like last year.

Sometimes I cannot believe that these 2 beautiful little girls are mine!!

So, I guess my girls have made 2006 for me, they have made me laugh, smile, cry, reflect & bang my head off a wall quite a few times!! But I wouldnt change a thing......& Im so looking forward to seeing what 2007 brings!!

Happy New Year.

xx

End of year post.

2006-12-31T21:44:00.000Z

End of year blog prompt

2006-12-30T22:02:00.000Z

What are you doing now, or what have you done this year, that a year ago would not have seemed possible?

I guess the first thing that comes to mind would be scrapping, I wanted to try new things last year, & Id seen scrapbooking in magazines but wasnt too interested in it. I then found UKS which totally changed my perspective, & I was soon addicted!! My 1st LO was absolutely c**p in my opinion, but my work has definately improved. In the last year, I found a new hobby (addiction!), a forum that Im almost constantly logged into!, Ive made new friends (online!), taken part in a cj, applied for 2 Design Teams, rejected by 1, accepted by 1, all thanks to scrapbooking. (BTW The above LO isnt my first, its the latest thing Ive done, not sure if I like it or not!!)

The second thing that did not seem possible last year, is that this year I have people in my life that I would consider friends, now I know that makes me sound really sad, so I'll explain, after having my eldest DD, I drifted away from my friends as none of them had kids, we didnt seem to have anything in common. Ive lived in this 'village' for 3 & 1/2 years now & for the 1st 2&1/2 years I knew 2 people to say hello to & 1 person, who was someone I could actually speak to. I hardly ventured out of my house, I lived miles away from my family & had no one here to spend time with. I couldnt face the local toddler groups on my own so it was just me & my girls for those years. Anyway, last Jan, Megan started school. After about 2 months of smiling & saying hi to other Mums, one of the Mums began speaking to me, from this we began meeting at each others houses, to going on a Mums Nite Out with the other Mums, to braving Toddlers together, to going for a coffee (or hot choc with whipped cream & a cake) after dropping the kids off at school, to going on days out to the zoo..........all of this did not seem possible this time last year, to now say I have friends, people that I can talk to, spend time with, is something that this time last year, I wouldnt have imagined happening.

Because of both of these things, Ive become much more confident within myself, I find it easier to walk out of the house......& that is a huge difference. But I still have a long way to go, so I wonder what will be different this time next year?

150 Things Done In A Lifetime

2006-12-30T20:38:00.000Z

Ok, heres a list of 150 things people have done in their lifetime, Ive highlighted the things Ive done already:

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink 2. Swam with wild dolphins 3. Climbed a mountain 4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive 5. Been inside the Great Pyramid 6. Held a tarantula 7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone 8. Said “I love you’ and meant it 9. Hugged a tree 10. Bungee jumped 11. Visited Paris 12. Watched a lightning storm at sea 13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise 14. Seen the Northern Lights 15. Gone to a huge sports game (and survived the crush afterwards) 16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa 17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables 18. Touched an iceberg 19. Slept under the stars 20. Changed a baby’s diaper 21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon 22. Watched a meteor shower 23. Gotten drunk on champagne 24. Given more than you can afford to charity 25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope 26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment 27. Had a food fight 28. Bet on a winning horse 29. Asked out a stranger 30. Had a snowball fight 31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can 32. Held a lamb 33. Seen a total eclipse 34. Ridden a roller coaster 35. Hit a home run 36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking 37. Adopted an accent for an entire day 38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment 39. Had two hard drives for your computer 40. Visited all 50 states 41. Taken care of someone who was drunk 42. Had amazing friends 43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country 44. Watched wild whales 45. Stolen a sign 46. Backpacked in Europe 47. Taken a road-trip 48. Gone rock climbing 49. Midnight walk on the beach 50. Gone sky diving 51. Visited Ireland 52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love 53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them 54. Visited Japan 55. Milked a cow 56. Alphabetized your CDs 57. Pretended to be a superhero 58. Sung karaoke 59. Lounged around in bed all day 60. Posed nude in front of strangers 61. Gone scuba diving 62. Kissed in the rain 63. Played in the mud 64. Played in the rain 65. Gone to a drive-in theater 66. Visited the Great Wall of China 67. Started a business 68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken 69. Toured ancient sites 70. Taken a martial arts class 71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight 72. Gotten married 73. Been in a movie 74. Crashed a party 75. Gotten divorced 76. Gone without food for 5 days 77. Made cookies from scratch 78. Won first prize in a costume contest 79. Ridden a gondola in Venice 80. Gotten a tattoo 81. Rafted the Snake River 82. Been on television news programs as an “expert” 83. Got flowers for no reason 84. Performed on stage 85. Been to Las Vegas 86. Recorded music 87. Eaten shark 88. Had a one-night stand 89. Gone to Thailand 90. Bought a house 91. Been in a combat zone 92. Buried one/both of your parents 93. Been on a cruise ship 94. Spoken more than one language fluently 95. Performed in Rocky Horror 96. Raised children (or…raising children) 97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour 98. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country 100. Picked up and moved to another city to start over 101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge 102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking 103. Had plastic surgery 104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived 105. Wrote articles for a large publication 106. Lost over 100 pounds (cumulatively, if you count pregnancy! lol!) 107. Held someone while they were having a flashback 108. Piloted an airplane 109. Petted a stingray 110. Broken someone’s heart 111. Helped an animal give birth 112. Won money on a T.V. game show 113. Broken a bone 114. Gone on an African photo safari 115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced 116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol 117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild 118. Ridden a horse 119. Had major surgery 120. Had a snake as a pet 121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon 122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours 123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states 124. Visited all 7 continents 125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days 126. Eaten kangaroo meat 127. Eaten sushi 128. Had your picture in the newspaper 129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about 130. Gone back to school 131. Parasailed 132. Petted a cockroach 133. Eaten fried green tomatoes ... yum! 134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey 135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read 136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 137. Skipped all your school reunions 138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language 139. Been elected to public office 140. Written your own computer language 141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream 142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care 143. Built your own PC from parts 144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you 145. Had a booth at a street fair 146. Dyed your hair 147. Been a DJ 148. Shaved your head 149. Caused a car accident 150. Saved someone’s life

Well, I think Ive got some catchin up to do!!

How many have you done??

Xmas!!

2006-12-29T11:10:00.000Z

Merry Christmas!! Hope Santa bought you all you wished for?!

Christmas Eve was pretty manic, tracking Santa, preparing reindeer food (see above pic of Megan with said food, how cute does she look in her new dressing gown!), wrapping presents (thats just the presents for the girls at our house, they still had a huge pile at Nanny & Grandads!).

Keely woke up just before 7am, whilst opening her stocking I noticed a slight rash on her cheek, upon further looking, I discovered her whole body was covered in said rash. Unfortunately she had an allergic reaction to her new xmas pjs, so she didnt have the greatest xmas, luckily the rash has now gone, but we did have to get her to a doctor that evening.

Apart from that it was a pretty good xmas, I was completely spoiled (will post pics later), as were we all!!

Have included a sneak peek of my xmas exploding box, inspired by a challenge from the Fairies with 'Tude blog, must get that finished today!! Papers are BG Blitzen (yummy!) & letters were a bargain found in Hobbycraft, just wish Id bought more than 2 packs!!

Xmas Eve!!

2006-12-24T17:43:00.000Z

Sunday Blog Prompt: What are your plans today!?

Well, after bathing the girls this morning, we decided to pop into town to pick up the last few bits of stuff we needed. Popped into a jewellery shop to pick something up for someone & while we were waiting to pay I spotted a white gold, pink diamond ring.......well, to cut a long story short, said ring is now on my finger whilst Im typing!! Yay!!

We've been tracking Santa for a while now, getting very excited!! Soon we will be putting out the reindeer food, snack for Santa, hangin up the stockings, putting our new pjs on & having a hot chocolate with marshmallows & squirty cream!! Then once the girls are in bed, I shall be wrapping pressies!!

So, I shall sign off by wishing you a very Merry Xmas!!

xx

Almost ready!!

2006-12-23T19:04:00.000Z

Have spent the whole day cleaning!! & now Im sitting in a lovely, warm, clean house, that smells of baked apple & spices (scented candles that is!!) Still have a huge pile of ironning to do, but Im sure I an find somewhere to hide that till after xmas!!

Still not feeling Christmassy!! Hate not being excited, usually by now Im worse than the girls, but this year, Im bah humbug!! Am planning on spending my evening wrapping ALL the presents accompanied by a bottle of wine & Love Actually on DVD......fingers crossed that'll awaken my xmas spirit!!

Have got Santa tracking saved to my faves, Megan cant wait to see where Santa is!! If you havent seen it, go here:

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/default.phOk,p

Ok, thats it from me, for now!

Xmas Preparations

2006-12-17T20:58:00.000Z

Sunday Blog Prompt:
Its the 17th today.. only 8 days till christmas... which begs to ask the question:"Where are you in your christmas preperations!?, have you finished? tree up? pressies wrapped?, turkey defrosted lol!?? - whats left to do and how do you feel about this time of year?!"

Where am I in my xmas preperations? DONT ASK!! LOL!!

The big tree in the front room is up & decorated, the little tree in the kitchen still needs to be decorated, have got pretty much all the presents bought for the girls, however still need to get the family ones sorted. No pressies wrapped yet, no xmas cards made, so will have to buy some & get them written asap! Bought the turkey, the biscuits for xmas morning, & the After Eights!! Still have to get the rest of the shopping. Im such a bad Mummy, that the girls havent even written to Father Xmas yet, so will have to do that tommorrow (that gives me time to write the letters back!!)

For some reason though, it doesnt seem remotely like xmas, keep waiting for the excitement to hit!! Might have to go & purchase some new xmas cds, see if I start to feel more christmassy!!

Busy.......

2006-12-16T09:25:00.000Z

Busy, busy,busy.......!!!!!

So much to do!! So why am I blogging??

Still havent finished my xmas shopping! Was all prepared to go out Thurs evening, got to Toys R Us & it was empty, so got everything I needed & was out of there in 10 mins!! Feeling very pleased with myself, I proceeded to the big Argos store where I had reserved 3 of the main pressies I needed to get, it was 7:15, & they shut at 7pm!!!!!!!!! Aarrgggghhhh!!!!!

Managed to get 3 more pressies crossed off my list after that, but then I bumped into my Dad who ordered me to go to the pub with him, & you cant really disobey your dad can you?? LOL!!!

So, still have shopping to do! No idea when Im gonna get it done, as I have sooooo much to do! Fingers crossed, will be going to my Mums tommorrow to finally meet Connor!! Yay!!!

Have a good Saturday!!

Xmas Sunday Prompt No.1

2006-12-11T10:16:00.000Z

Heres Sundays Prompt(a day late!!):

Christmas .... what is your earliest christmas memories?What made christmas for you as a child?If you could have anything for christmas what would it be?

Wow, earliest xmas memories? The one thing that always made it feel xmas when I was growing up was the Market. I grew up near Paddington, central London, right by Church St Market. Every xmas all the stalls would be decorated with lights & tons of tinsel, & I used to love going through the market & seeing all the stalls. Esp. when we would go out with my Dad to pick the xmas tree, every year, without fail, we'd buy one that was too big & we'd have to cut the top off so that it would fit!! Decorating the xmas tree was always a favourite! The best ornament would be a set of 3 baubles, each one decorated with part of a xmas train, in fact I loved it so much that its now on my xmas tree!! I also loved the little china Nativity scene we had, dont know what hapened to that, so this year, I bought one for us, just a little one from Woolies, but Megan absolutely loves it! Esp. as she has just done her Nativity play with Nursery. Wish I could upload some pictures but the pc is playing up, so maybe next time.

Making paperchains with the girls this afternoon, should be fun!!

I love Xmas!!

1st December!!

2006-12-01T21:57:00.000Z

Happy 1st December!! Havent put the decs up yet, only have the advent calendar & nativity scene up so far! Am totally loving this calendar! £20. from Costco, what a bargain!! Megan has been so excited about this, she has been waiting for about 2 weeks to our this up, then when she came home from school today, it was sitting on the fireplace waiting for her. She was equally excited about the Nativity scene, as she is currently practicing her Nativity play at school, she is a star, in fact she is the 'brightest star that shone about the stable', I think its a new style Nativity as Santa is in it(?), cant remember that from the Nativity plays I was in, but no matter, cant wait to see it!!

Ok, well we have a busy weekend ahead of us, cleaning, shopping, looking for xmas tree & decs, an xmas party, putting up said xmas tree/decs, secret santa shopping, mini book to start, cj to complete.........aaarrgghh!!!

Have a relaxing weekend.

Quick Post!

2006-11-30T22:16:00.000Z

Quick post this evening as its been a long day! But also an important day as my sister gave birth this morning to her 1st child, a little boy called Connor, weighing in at a tiny 4lbs 4ozs!! No pics as yet as Connor needs a bit of special care as his sugar levels are low, but will post some soon!!

Also am very happy this evening as Ive finally located a name & stockist of some very cute Japanese wooden dolls that Ive seen around loads! Whilst out this evening, I saw them in John Lewis & took the details down, heres the website:

http://www.momijishop.com/who.htm

How cute!! Im definately going to start collecting these (or accepting them as gifts!) Will be hopefully treating myself to one soon, am loving 'dance dance dance', the groovy retro chick with white hair!!

Ok thats it for tonight!!

xx

Sunday Prompt

2006-11-26T12:56:00.000Z

Heres the Sunday blog prompt from Scrappyfairy:

Apart from scrapping - What do you enjoy doing with your spare time!? And.. do you prefer to spend your free time alone or time with loved ones?

Don't really have much spare time (boo hoo, poor me!) but I guess that would be down to having 2 daughters under 5!!I guess scrapping is my main hobby & it does really keep me sane!! I enjoy just chilling out, any time I can spare where I dont have to be chasing my tail! Just to sit down & read, watch tv, have dinner in peace, have a relaxing bath without an audience!! Dont get me wrong, I love my girls more than anything in the world....but sometimes its nice to revert to being just Lisa.

Ok, quick blog, as Ive got to get back to the CC!!

Exploding Boxes!!

2006-11-21T15:37:00.000Z

Am loving the Exploding Boxes!! Made my 1st one last week, & it was surprisingly easy!! Thanks to Sarah Jane for the instructions http://scrappyfairy.blogspot.com/ (Love this blog!!)

Will definately be making more of these, used Junkitz papers & HS embellies & lots of jewels. Apparently this is my signature (Pink, Black & Bling!) & you know what? I can happily live with that!! Thanks Gail!!

Had my hair cut at the weekend, nothing too drastic but it looks much better, will post some before & after pics very soon!!

Sunday Prompt!!

2006-11-12T20:37:00.000Z

Heres the Sunday blog prompt by Scrappy Fairy:

Where do you find your inspiration? Especially when going through a dry spell?Do you remember a specific moment when a light bulb went on "click" and you knew you had to get home to scrap!!What common day objects do you now view with a scrappers eye?

Well, I tend to get hit with the dreaded scrappers block quite a bit, & when that happens, I get obsessed with scrapping mags & online galleries & blogs just searching for the 1 LO that will break the block!!

What seems to happen more than the scrappers block is that I get too many ideas, & they are shooting around in my head & I cannot get them out & on to paper........very blooming frustrating!! When his happens I need to shut myself off from everything, go for a walk on my own, have a bath, just tr & calm down & relax & that tends to help me through it.

I see loads of things that inspire me, esp. adverts, pictures etc. So I have decided to make myself an inspiration book, something that Id seen on Elsies blog, just a hardbacked book from Paperchase, that I can write in, paint in, draw in, stick pictures in..........just somewhere to keep the many ideas, to hopefully stop e from going insane!!!!!

Anyway, am just waiting for some paint to dry (How exciting am I?), managed to do a LO for this weeks challenge on UKS, but didnt have a bloom & chipboard heart in the right colour.......so I painted them, & now they are taking too long to dry, I want to get it finished so I can start a cj entry that really needs to be done tonight!!!!!

Exciting!!

2006-11-09T19:25:00.000Z

UKS is having another cyber crop!! Very excited becaues a) its the 1st one Im actually going to take part in!! & b) I have no friends or a life!!

The theme this time is Harry Potter, & Im in Gryffindor house, I love HP!! Im a big kid really!!

Roll on the end of November!!

Spent today finalising my UKS teams Secret Santa, just have to wait for Hubby to get home, then he will allocate everyone a SS, & I just need to post the details tommorrow, at least this way I wont know who my SS is! Didnt manage to get any scrapping done, which is a blooming pain as Ive got loads of ideas, 2 cjs, & various gifts etc to start making! I do have a good excuse however, after going to Toddlers with Keely on Tues, I got a nasty migraine, which knocked me out. Thankgod it has now gone, but an still feeling pretty shattered from it, & shall be going to bed very soon. Its ridiculous, I dont think Ive stayed up past 9:30pm at all this week!

Today was 'Dress Up As Your Fave Book Character' at Megans school. We had planned for her to wear her Princess dress, unfortunately the recent growth spurts have resulted in said dress being WAY too small for her, so an emergency trip was made to Asda last night by Megan & Daddy. I expected her to return with a beautiful Princess dress, but as you can see from the above pic, Scooby Doo was the only way to go for her!! was very surprised at her choice, but when I went to pick her up, all the other girls were dressed as Princesses soit definately made her stand out & was a great hit with everyone!! Although the novelty wore off with me when I had to force her to take it off to have dinner, after she had wore it all day, including to go shopping!

Ok....Where The Hell Did October Go??????

2006-11-02T13:22:00.000Z

Cant believe how long its been since Ive blogged!! How exciting is my life? Ok, so a quick reveiew of October: decorated my hall & bathroom, half term came & went, we went to the safari park, & nearly got rammed by a rhino!! Went to the New Forest (how badly do I want to live there??!!), & have done very little scrapping! Although did complete my first coaster book, which I loved doing!! Planning on doing lots more of them! Also have finally sorted my scrapping space, a corner of my bedroom, dedicated to my little obsession! Its all organised, well just need to put up some storage thingy from IKEA, but I dont do drilling......trust me, its better for everyone not to have me in charge of power tools, or any tools, since I took most of the skin off my forehead when I was younger with a wallpaper scraper!!!!!

Can upload any pics at the mo, as my pc isnt working (on the laptop!), this is bugging the hell out of me as I want to set up a flickr account!

Last comment....what a crap post!! Goodjob hardly anyone reads this!! HI MUM!! HI ANITA!!

xx

Blurgh!!!!

2006-09-27T13:05:00.000+01:00

Feeling pretty crappy today!! Bunged up, sore ears & throat, one minute hot, the next cold, feel like I could sleep for a week! Kids have had colds for the past week or so & I think Ive finally caught it............need to take better care of myself, I know, but to do that I need to find that extra hour in the day!!

So, the UKS daily blog prompt for today is: What’s your dream holiday destination? Why? What would you do on your holiday? How much time would you spend there? Who would you take with you?

Im gonna have to say Vegas, that would be my dream holiday destination. Id never really thought about Vegas until I read a book called Divas las Vegas, by Belinda Jones. Its a brilliant chick lit book, by a woman who used to write for More magazine. Its about 2 best friends, who are sick of their lives in England so they pack in their jobs & head to Vegas with the intention of finding husbands. Its one of the funniest books I've ever read, & I love the amount of research that has gone into it. I think that I want to visit every place they talk about in the book!

Id want to stay in a penthouse suite of the Venetian or the Bellagio, with an amazing view of Vegas. I want to go on a helicopter ride along the Strip, I want to visit all the top casinos & attractions like the lions at the MGM Grand, the Aquarium at the Mirage, I want to take a gondola ride at the Venetian..........& lots of shopping!!

I want to take a helicopter ride to over the Grand Canyon, I want to visit the Hoover Dam...... the list just goes on & on & on........I need at least a month there though!!

I'd want James to come with me, to experience this together, then Id want to come home, pick the girls up & get back on the plane to take them on their dream holidayto Disney World!!

Suppose Id better start playing the lottery then!!

Monday......

2006-09-25T15:11:00.000+01:00

It's Monday, & it's raining!! What a great start to the week! So far my day has consisted off washing, walking to school, then going to do food shopping, coming home, more washing, quick browse on UKS, walking back to school, getting caught in the rain coming home, having lunch & getting some scrapping done. Still have to wash up & tidy the house, but that can wait till later!!

Thought Id include a pic of the goodies I bought last week, haven't got round to using it yet!!

This LO is one I completed today, im pretty pleased with it, though Im not sure about the space under the ghost letters, but anything I tried to use just didnt look right so maybe I'll leave it as
it is!! This is for this weeks challenge on UKS, didnt manage to get full points for it, as I couldnt think of a film title for the title or use any hidden journalling.

Think I have another LO planned in my head, so hopefully will be able to complete that one this evening.

Oh well, back to the housework!!

Double post!!

2006-09-24T21:46:00.000+01:00

Spent ages writing the 1st post, then blogger told me it failed! So spent ages rewriting it, to find that both the blooming posts were there!! Aaaarrrggghhhhh!! Good job it's only me & possibly my Mum who read this!!

HI MUM!!!!!!!

xx

Conker Picking!!

2006-09-24T21:34:00.000+01:00

So we went conker picking!! Its supposed to be autumn, but it was boiling!! We brought Megans green bucket, & proceded to pick nearly every conker at the park!! The girls were very happy
with their haul.......the only problem now is what do you do with the conkers?? I love conker picking as it reminds me of being a kid & going to Hyde Park with my Grandad, who could always find the biggest & best conkers!!

Another thing that was brilliant about the day was watching Megan & Keely walking along holding hands! As Keely has just begun to walk & talk, Megan & her have become friends, as well as sisters, & it's amazing watching them play together. Got a great photo, which I shall be scrapping very soon, the only difference with this one is that Im actually going to frame it rather than put all that effort into it, then stick it into an album!! Will post a pic of that once its done.

Went stash shopping this week, bought some lovely goodies, including a corner rounder, which Ive wanted forever (well thats a slight exaggeration!)....but you can't get the same effect with scissors!!

As for today, well its been a lovely relaxing day, pancakes & bacon rolls for breakfast, read the papers, bathed the girls, scrapped for a couple of hours, then we went to Frankie & Benny's for dinner which was YUMMY!! Now Im off to watch tv for a while..........

Sunday

2006-09-24T21:20:00.000+01:00

Im not sure if I like Sundays or not? Sometimes it can be a lovely relaxing day, other times, it can be a manic stressful day, where it just feels like Im chasing my tail!

Today was a lovely relaxing day! Got up & had pancakes & bacon rolls for breakfast, then lounged around reading the papers. Bathed the girls, then spent some time finishing off a cj entry for my UKS team cj. Not sure whether Im happy or not, so Ive packed it away for now & will look at it later to see what i think with a fresh eye. Then, after refusing to cook dinner, we went to Frankie & Benny's for dinner, yummy steak sandwich!!

Went conker picking with the girls this week (will try & add a pic of the girls & their haul!See above), had a great time wondering around the park. The best part was watching Megan & Keely walk hand in hand, now Keely is walking & talking, they have become friends, as well as sisters. Watching them play together is amazing! Got a great pic of them holding hands which obviously Im gonna scrap! But this time, Im going to frame it & hang it up.......why shouldn't I display my work? I put enough time & effort into them, then I just put them into an album where no one can see them!!

So hopefully I'll have some time this week to get this done, will post a pic as soon as its done!! Ooohh!! Also went stash shopping! Bought pp's, cs, ribbons & buttons, & finally I got a corner rounder!! As cutting it with scissors doesnt give the same effect!

UPDATE: Need To Scrap

2006-09-09T22:50:00.000+01:00

Keep forgetting to post the LO I finally got round to doing!

This was the highlight of a trip to Legoland! We're an attractive bunch eh?? The pictures not the greatest, looks much better IRL!!

Ok, am shattered now, so Im off to bed, night night.xx

It's been a long week.......

2006-09-09T22:36:00.000+01:00

The summer is over, back to school time!! Megan settled back into school without too much hassle, thank god!! keely is enjoying having Mummy to herself for a few hours a day, Im still trying to get my head around the change in hours, as Megan now goes in the morning rather than the afternoon. Before Keely would sleep whilst Megan was at school so that meant I had some time to myself in the day, however that was usually spent cleaning etc, but still, it was time to myself! Now though, Megan is home by the time Keely goes for a sleep, so no break for me in the day......no wonder Im shattered!

Managed to have some scrapping time at the beginning of the week before school started, completed 4 LO's!! I was quite pleased with them, a couple of them are a bit 'softer' than my usual stuff, used some neutral colours, but the results were good! Have posted the one about Keely(above), I love the photos that were used, they came out brilliantly considering they are from a camera phone! She does look really sweet & innocent in them!! Not so innocent in real life!!

Went shopping last night & picked up the Oct CK mag, as well as some Basic Grey PP & more cardstock (somehow I managed to run out of cardstock! How is that possible??), love the CK mag, so many ideas & lots of yummy products to gaze upon!

Off to Knebworth tommorrow, on a Dinosaur Hunt! Must remember to take the camera...........

Sunday Blogging

2006-09-03T16:21:00.000+01:00

Yay!! Managed to get some scrapping done!! Spent Fri night scrapping & completed 2 LO's & half of a cj entry, was very happy with myself!! Not sure why but I get really frustrated if I cannot find the time or energy to scrap, when I do it puts me in a great mood!!

Spent yesterday at my parents house.......most of the day was taken up trying to install their BT broadband, its not blooming easy!! & its still not working!! Phoned up their helpline & ended up speaking with someone in Bombay!!

Spent this morning cleaning the house, then rewarded myself with a couple of hours scrapping!! Completed 2 more LOs, just need to photograph them & I'll post them here. Now dinner is cooking (yummy sunday roast!) so Im browsing the net & catching up with UKS.

Scrappyfairy from UKS posted a sunday blogging prompt, so here goes:

BLOGI want you to Blog your Favourite part of youself! We all know we can fill a day describing what we would change - but what wouldnt you change!?!?!?

God, that is a tough one!! I actually dont know the answer to that one, Im pretty critical of myself......a couple of years ago, pre-kids, I would have said my hair or my hands, but that was when I had time to take care of them!! Now, I dunno, wow, how awful is that!! I am actually stumped!! Think that Im gonna have to rack my brains over that one.......

A Colourful World..........

2006-09-01T10:20:00.000+01:00

Ok, so UKScrappers post a blog prompt everyday, but this is the 1st time Ive used it. Todays prompt is about colours & how they affect you, so here goes:

Pink is definately my fave colour, Im not sure when it became my fave, as when I was younger, black was the colour for me, I wore black ALL the time, not because I was a goth or anything, but because I was very self concious & just wanted to blend into the background. Over the years, more colour started to creep into my life& my wardrobe, predominately PINK! Maybe its a genetic thing, as my surname begins with pink & my daughter is as obsessed with pinkas I am!! Even though I am still very self concious & 90% of the time I still want to blend into the background, I find that wearing colours, (esp. pink) really does brighten my day. I still have really bad days & you can spot them a mile off, coz the black is worn head to toe, but I try my best to wear at least one thing a day thats really colourful, could be clothing, bag, nail varnish, jewellery.....it helps bring a smile to my face!!

I cannot think of a colour that I dont like!! I think Ive always been aware of colour around me, as Ive always been an 'arty' person. I do find that Im attracted to different colours & combinations depending on my mood, happy moods encourage bright funky colours (esp. pink & green!), chilled moods go for muted colours, pinks, browns, depressed moods go for pretty much no colours!!

It's raining........

2006-08-29T14:45:00.000+01:00

........I suppose that is the end of our summer?! Schools starts a week tommorrow, part of me is looking forward to it, as it brings some order to my day, it means I have to be organised & get dressed etc, but the bigger part of me will miss having Megan around all day. She'll only be going for the mornings but from Jan she'll be full time, how did that happen? Shes my baby she isnt supposed to go to school for a long time!! Keelys going to miss her loads, I think she has really enjoyed having her big sis at home to play with, it certainly has brought her out of herself, shes walking & talking now, not a baby any more!!

Have spent the morning working my way through the mountain of washing that was about to overtake the house! The only problem is that there is now a mountain of ironning that needs doing! But not today!! Just have to change my bedding & make dinner & Im done for the day. Yay!!

I did get to scrap the other day, did a DLO of us whilst we visited Legoland for Megans birthday, cant post a pic of it as the camera has gone AWOL!! So instead will try to post a pic of the LO I entered for the Kraft Stop DTL (See above) My DD really is a Diva!! Dont know who she gets it from??

Also made my 1st mini book/album from scratch at the weekend, for my dads birthday, but as I was so unorganised I forgot to take photos! So will get some & post at a later date!

Anyway, back to the housework...........

Need To Scrap!!!!!!

2006-08-17T10:48:00.000+01:00

I really need to scrap, haven't had the time to do anything for over a week now & it's driving me crazy. Everytime I think I'll go & scrap, something else needs doing, the kids want something, or Im just too tired & can't get my brain into gear........so Im setting myself a challenge.

Im going to log off the pc, get everything I need to do urgently done in the next hour, i.e cleaning, getting myself & the kids ready, we shall have lunch & then we are going to go out, I shall 'multi task', which means I'll take them to the park & libary, & I'll let Megan bring her new scooter, but on the way back we'll pop to the supermarket & post office so i can get the things I need to do done. I will get dinner organised early, make sure all thewashing up etc is done right away afterwards, then when the kids are in bed, I can switch off & scrap away to my hearts delight!!

Next time I blog, I will have something to show for it!!

Catch Up

2006-08-03T10:06:00.000+01:00

Its August already?? Where has this year gone? Had a busy weekend, eldest DDs birthday, so lots of shopping had to be done, visit to Legoland squeezed in, birthday party to prepare for, friends DDs 1st birthday party to go to................no wonder Im tired!! Haven't done any scrapping either, feeling very uninspired at the minute. Will transfer all the weekends pics from the camera to the pc in a minute, maybe looking at them will inspire me to scrap??

Spent yesterday cleaning the whole house, was supposed to visit a friend but she was unwell so that has been postponed till next week. Hate cleaning, but am loving how nice the house is looking right now, lets see how long that lasts!! Just trying to work my way throught the huge pile of washing that is threatening to engulf my house!! Once that is done there will be a lovely pile of ironing to tackle.......how fun is my life!!

Maybe once that is all done, I might have time to participate in the cyber crop that is being run on the UKScrappers site this week, some of the classes look great, might be exactly what I need to find some inspiration!!

Awaiting the storm.........

2006-07-26T16:15:00.000+01:00

Blooming heck it's hot!!

Spent yesterday morning cleaning (sorry, didn't mean to swear!!), then tried to scrap during the afternoon, managed one layout, but I guess thats better than nothing! Was in bed by 9:30 last night, absolutely shattered. Woke up at 4am to the sound of p*****g down rain, guess who left washing out on the line?? Thought it might cool thinks down, but no, too hot again.

So we braved another visit to the park this afternoon, stopped at the shop for supplies (sweets, drinks, magazines) then we sat in the shade of the trees & had a little picnic, lovely! Unfortunately there was no shade over the playground, so the slide etc was too hot to go on. So we went for a walk through the woods, collecting lots of pine cones, leaves, stones & sticks.

We are apparently due for a nasty storm this afternoon, so that should be fun with two little girls who are afraid of thunder!

Hectic Day

2006-07-24T22:11:00.000+01:00

Phew....what a day!! 1st official day of the summer hols, how I wish that the rest of the hols aren't going to be like today!!

Wanted to get the girls out for a little while today, but relaistically, none of us could really be bothered!! So it took us nearly half the day to get ready.....& off we set for the park. Once we got there all hell broke loose.......kids running off, whining, crying,etc. I gave up after about 30 mins & set off for home. I tried bribing them with the promise of ice cream if they behaved whilst I popped to the Post Office, to send my cj off, but it was packed when we got there, & my darling little ones decided to try & demolish the shop, so the promise of ice cream was quickly withdrawn & they were marched back home!! Luckily I got back to the PO before they closed to post my cj.

What has happened to my lovely little girls?? I swear somebody has swopped them for the little terrors that i spent the day with!!

Fingers crossed, all will be better tommorrow. Will attempt another visit to the park, as well as the libary first thing in the morning, so hopefully will have some scrapping time tommorrow evening. Spent most of last night finishing my cj, cant wait to receive the one that has been sent to me!!

Brand New Blog

2006-07-22T00:30:00.000+01:00

So here is my brand new blog...........had set one up previously, but it would never update properly, no idea why?? One day I WILL learn more about computers!

Did this LO last night, was getting seriously p***** trying to figure out Photoshop, so decided to scrap instead. Cant believe how well this came together!!

Last day of the school term, all the parents got to go into the class to listen to the little ones sing, it was so sweet!! Can't believe she's been there a whole term already!! OMIGOD!! Ive just realised that in about 2 weeks time shes gonna be 4!! NOOOOO!!!! Shes growing up too fast, how do I make it stop?!?!

Its past midnight & it's still boiling.....as much as I love the summer, its just too hot at the moment. I don't know why the heat feels different here to when your abroad?? Abroad its noce & relaxing, here its hot, stuffy, uncomfortable........need I go on......?

Spent the evening finishing my first CJ!! Ok, well haven't actually completely finished it, have done the front cover, intro page & sign in page, all I need to do is my entry! Its a Team CJ, from UKScrappers. My theme is "5 Things That Make You Happy", must finish it this weekend as it needs to be sent on Monday!!

Plans for the weekend.......well will be rushing around tommorrow, to find a fancy dress costume for a party tommorrow night, so that'll be great fun, as for Sunday, well fingers crossed I'll get the time to scrap!!

Night night.
xx