.

Amazing Candy!

2009-04-24T22:57:00.001+01:00

Here: http://passionforcrafts.blogspot.com/

NEC Stash!!!

2008-11-16T22:03:00.003Z

Had a lovely day at the NEC on Sat (hello everyone who was there).

Here's a piccie of what I got. Was on a tight budget because of the boiler blowing up :(.

But still did OK I think! Looking forward to playing with my flock and mask. The alpha stamps were just 1.99 each! And I lurve the xmas Inkadinkado ones.

Another DT creation

2008-05-04T17:52:00.004+01:00

This canvas is for Gus' study and is of his new Godson, Oliver. This is a DT piece so if you want to see destructions see my post on Silly Monkey Crafts blog. I'm really pleased with this one - especially as Gus actually wants to hang it on the wall - high praise indeed from my greatest critic!

More DT work

2008-04-23T22:44:00.003+01:00

Another wee project for Silly Monkey from me here.

Leo is sooooooooooooo cute, isn't he???

Crop fodder

2008-04-09T20:27:00.001+01:00

OK, didn't quite finish this at the crop as there were some things I needed, but only too me a few mins to finish putting it together. Bit bored of the Disney album so doing some more work on my 2005 USA album. Sorry the photo isn't great....

Hope you likes it :)

ATCs

2008-04-05T23:13:00.004+01:00

Didn't feel like scrapping today, so I made a few ATCs instead. The Gusmeister has gone to his mates for the weekend so I could craft away to my hearts content.

Unfortunately, had to go into town this morning, and had a total nightmare trying to find a suit to fit me! It would appear that 'Petite' doesn't mean petite; it means slightly shorter than the average supermodel (either that or I have deformedly short arms....). But enough of that, here is some pretty stuff!

These Basic Grey 'Love' ones and the Egyptian 'Horus' ones are available for trade.

This one is for a swap I am doing with Rosie ((waves to Rosie, hello!)), on the theme of 'wings' :).
Tis late, off to bed for me. Night night bloggers x.

Rabid???

2008-04-04T20:42:00.001+01:00

According to my Boss, I'm one "rabid crafter"!

Now did he mean "avid" or was I inadvertantly foaming at the mouth?

I lurve CJs!

2008-04-01T22:22:00.004+01:00

I just love CJs, and with the one I am hosting coming to an end (one more entry to do) I couldn't wait to join another. This one is hosted by Ruth (aka Roo, aka Phoenix Tears) who was in my teamie CJ and did a fab LO in my book, so am hoping this will be a good one.
I love seeing other people's work in the CJs and also like that they are sometimes outside my comfort zone, which makes me craft in ways I wouldn't normally. One such that comes to mind is '7 Deadly Sins' which I did for my newbie CJ - I chose Wrath, and my LO focussed on a photo of my eyes photoshopped red, and then I inked the whole thing the death!!! Not very 'me' but tons of fun! Am also hoping to meet some interesting folks along the journey.
Enough rambling about the virtues of CJs - here is mine for you to see. The theme is....you guessed it......Disney (think I may be obsessed...........)

2 posts in one day - whatever next?

2008-03-23T19:06:00.003Z

Wanted to show you my altered clock which I did today (I used paint and stuff and got all messy). I love it but the bloody mechanism doesn't work (which I am not best pleased about cos the damn thing was expensive!).

Will email the company I got it from at the NEC, in the meantime it will have to just look pretty. Which is a shame as it's purpose is to stop me scrapping for 8 hrs before I realise the time....

On the plus side Mum liked her album :D.

Off to eat lasagne and easter eggs.* Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

(*not on the same plate, obviously).

A few days off (yay!)

2008-03-23T08:23:00.004Z

First time off work since Xmas, and am doing not a lot (which is in fact the point). After a mammoth scrapping session yesterday I finally completed my Mum's b'day pressie - an 8x8 album of their Egypt holiday last year. Only 14 LOs but those of you who know how slowly I scrap will understand the sense of achievement!

Also decided to have a little play with my new tote I bought at the show. Seeing as R, P and I all now have identical bags, I felt it wise to personalise it before we head of to SAG. (I know it's 3 months yet, but if I don't do these things when the mood takes me they never get done). Here is said creation - mearly a bit of felt and some beads but as I don't sew it took me about an hour!

Oh, and Ruth, I have a confession....

Ellison had a sale....

I spent £35 and broke my stash diet big time....(((hangs head in shame))). In my defense they had dies for £2.50!!!!!!!!!! Who has that much willpower???

Shopping!

2008-03-16T09:29:00.004Z

Wasn't feeling too well yesterday but determined to go to the NEC, I finally got there at 1pm..

Not as much scrapbooking stuff as I would have liked, but still managed to come away with a decent haul of stuff. Especially glad to get hold of the new BG 'Archaic' and am looking forward to making my altered clock for my scraproom! Not been doing lot of scrapping lately, which probably accounts for the very lax blogging too.! Have now booked my classes for S-A-G and getting very excited now (despite the somewhat trying nature of the whole process - they seriously need some better web designers).

All loved up

2008-02-18T21:16:00.004Z

Gus took me out for Valentine's last night, he had a lovely hotel room (they upgraded us to a Suite!) and a very pleasant meal. It was lovely to be able to get all dressed up, I so rarely get to wear a dress and heels! Here we are looking happy (if a little tired - blimey I need something for those eye-bags!!!).

Tonight I finished another Disney page - will this album ever be finished????

A challenge from Alix

2008-02-16T21:40:00.004Z

Alix and I went to the garden centre (where there is also a Hobbycraft) today, and she MADE me buy this MM Ruby paper kit between us. Alix challenged me to create a LO with the kit before the end of the day - so here it is (love a challenge me!). Am actually really chuffed with it, and proves to me that I really should buy kits cos I am rubbish at matching embellies but can do lovely LOs when it is all done for me!

Hope you like it Alix! xxx

Would also appear I have been tagged by Em.

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 Years Ago: I was 22, doing a MA in History of Ceramic Design.

Things on my to-do list today: Scrap.

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire: Buy a NY brownstone, a luxury suite at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, and a private jet - and retire!

3 of my bad habits: nibbling my quicks when I am nervous; speaking my mind even when not appropriate; talking over people.

3 places I have lived: Birmingham, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Malvern.

5 jobs that I have had: Library Asst, Police Analyst, Web Developer, New Media Co-ordinator, Adcopy Controller.

5 Things people don't know about me: 1) I am terrified of wasps; 2) In 2004 I was Young Education Marketer of the Year; 3) Following a deeply scary '80s perm I had the nickname Mrs Mangle for a while; 4) My dream is to go into space; 5) My favourite film of all time is Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rebecca'.

I'll tag - Amy, Alix and Ruth x

Free stash!!!

2008-02-15T16:59:00.003Z

Got home from work today to find an unexpected parcel! Even more exciting, when I opened it up it is full of lovely stash!!! I won a Scrapbook Magazine Giveaway for loads of Christmas stash (OK timing not great (Xmas in Feb!), but on the plus side it is all stuff I will use). Am a bit cross with Mr Postie though, who screwed the packet up to get it in the letterbox, so the paper and cardstock will only be good for scraps. Grrrr.

Thought you might like to see the Valentine's card I made for the Gusmeister too :). He is presently in the good books as he has booked a meal and overnight stay in a hotel for Valentine's Day - isn't he a sweetie! Love u Gusmeister xxx

My Cj is home :)

2008-02-13T20:34:00.006Z

My lovely Nutters Team CJ has come home and am sooooo chuffed with it! Everyone did a lovely page, around the theme of my birth year - and here they are:

My page

Suzy B's page

Lisa's page

Amy's page (Gus approves!)

Alix's Page

Emma's page

Mell's Page

Roo's Page

Gem's Page

Thank you all so much x

CJ'ing

2008-02-09T16:05:00.000Z

If you're in my Disney CJ you might want to LOOK AWAY NOW! For everyone else, here's what I have been mostly doing this week. I loved doing the HSM one but took ages to do all those doodles!!!

Aw, cute bunny

2008-02-03T17:06:00.000Z

Done some more pages for my bunny album. Just one empty page now, am short of a topic. Sure something will come to me (probably in the middle of the night as usual!).

Sweeney Todd a tad disappointing. Beautifully filmed (quite Burton-esque) but I didn't think much of Sondheim's songs and it couldn't seem to decide if it was a black comedy or a tragedy.... But Johnny was gorgeous as ever, so who cares frankly!

Stash!!!

2008-02-02T16:21:00.000Z

Don't you just love it when stash arrives??? Not one, but two lots of loveliness arrived on my doorstep this morning. I saw these papers at Alix's recently and HAD to have them! And the stamps were on sale so they crept into my basket too..... Yummy aren't they? And it was all within budget so didn't break the old stash diet ;).

The Hambly Rub On's are a RAK from the lovely Cleo Evans who has been RAKing things on her bloggie all week. Isn't she a sweetie? Lush aren't they!

Also here is my recent LO for the Florida album (still not finished) , which am well chuffed with :).

In other news, SuzyB has given me an Excellent Blog Award! LOL! Bless ya and your warped sense of humour Suze.

Am passing this on to my pals Alix, Ruth and Paula whose blogs I lurk around regularly :).

Worked out how to do links - did you see that? (((Feels all clever, even though the process consists of clicking one button......))) ;)

Sweeney Todd later tonight, can't wait for that!!! Johnny Depp, serial murder and singing - film perfection!

Finished it!

2008-01-26T15:58:00.000Z

My xmas mini book that is! Here it is! Cute ain't it? Used my Kelly Panacci papers and embellies, and some random other bits and bobs. Snowflake on the cover was rescued from an xmas card from my Mum (I am sure purchased with recycling in mind - bless her).

Quick (???) mini book

2008-01-20T17:20:00.000Z

Whoever said mini books are quick is a big fat liar. Has anyone actually ever done one of these in an hour??? Really??? Am now printing off piccies which I had to make really really small.
Printing is taking sooooooooooooooo long I have time to blog, (and probably write a small novella).

Achievements today = one page which is only 4.5 x 3.75 inches!!!On the plus side it is my Xmas book - yes I have actually started it while it is still winter. Once it actually looks like something resembling anything will post some piccies.

Snot monster

2008-01-19T13:51:00.000Z

Urrrgggghhhh, I feel like poo. My head is full of snot, I can't breathe, my nose is bright red......and I feel sorry for myself. The Gusmeister is as sympathetic as ever - i.e. basically wishes I would stop moaning and asking him for cups of tea.

So am moaning on my blog instead. So there.

Yet more LO's

2008-01-13T15:52:00.000Z

Well had a super fun day at the crop yesterday (((waves to crop buddies))) but as usual got nothing done (although it was noted that productivity increased significantly following Alix's departure!). I did complete this 6x6 Clematis LO and almost finished the Chester Zoo one, which got done and dusted after I got home. Am well on target for my 52 LOs, but didn't get any done for my Florida album.
Will admit to going stash shopping yesterday - all Paula's fault for pointing out that they had half price cardstock at the local shop. I needed some foam pads and a glue runner so of course could not resist looking at the bargains. Didn't break the diet though as I sold £13 of unwanted stash at the crop, and only spent £10 in the sale, so still have the halo intact (unlike some other people I know - I'm keeping my eye on you Ruthie).

Talked to the Gusmeister this morning and there is a slim chance we will get to Florida again this year! Yippeeeeee. Now all I need to do is nag him until he gives in.

Another Florida LO

2008-01-10T22:25:00.000Z

Am determined that I will finish this album this year! My goals for 2008 are: scrap 52 LOs in a year, complete my Disney and Dyson albums :D.

Also here is my Mickey Memories mini book - made with stickers that Alix got me for xmas. Am doing a LO for each year I have been to Disney with space for future visits.

Am too tired to think of anything remotely interesting to write, so that's it from me.

SAD Diet

2008-01-07T19:02:00.001Z

Well, have been making good use of the SAD (Stash Addicted Dieters!) challenges on UKS this week to complete some LOs for my book of my dear departed bunny Dyson. Nearly finished this album now - 3 more LOs should do it. And one week into the stash diet, still haven't spent any pennies on stash (where did I put that halo...).

Oh, and if you haven't seen Enchanted then you should. Is most amusing.

A Christmas Layout

2007-12-30T21:30:00.001Z

My Christmas LO done and dusted already. Will be a mini book to follow at some point. Thank u Alix for the Merry Christmas which ended up here as my title.

Dare I say.....STASH DIET (aaarrggghhhhh)

2007-12-30T08:33:00.000Z

OK I have done a very silly thing and signed up for the UKS stash diet. Here are my rules:

I have a budget for non-essentials of only £5 per month, all other spends I must earn;
I can buy essentials as and when I need them (not counted in budget) - these are: adhesives, mats for robo and sizzix, blades for trimmer and knife, printer inks, photo paper (am tempted to add 'anything by BG' but i'll be good...). Crops also excluded from budget;
I will continue my sub to Scrapmagic but when it ends will either not have a sub or will look for one under £10 a month;
I will only buy one papercrafting mag each month;
I can earn extra stash money by doing LOs using stash I already have:--£2 per 12x12 LO-£1 for smaller LOs-£3 for a mini book - £2 for a CJ entry;
I can earn £2 for every pound in weight I lose BUT can't have any of it until I have lost 5 pounds;
Any money from selling unwanted stash goes back into the stash fund;
I get a bonus £5 if I earn more than 150 points for my team in a single month;
I will make lists of LOs I want to complete and only buy stash needed for these, not randomly buy nice stuff with no purpose in mind;
I can only do one swap at a time. Postage for RAKs and PIFs is excluded from budget;
I can have extra spends for the NEC of £50 BUT only if I stick to the diet between now and the show in March.

Mmmmmm, want to take bets on how long I manage to stick to this?

Such a very Merry Christmas!

2007-12-28T20:45:00.000Z

Am back from Norfolk where we had a wonderful, fabulous Christmas holiday. Walks on the beach, and scrummy pub lunches. Christmas Day it took us three hours open our pressies! I got a new Lumix digicam as my main pressie but Gus really spoiled me with lots of other pressies including a beautiful Radley frame with pics of us and Leo in it, a Nightmare Before Xmas calendar, some little lights for the bath, HSM2 CD, and a divine little birdcage for my scraproom. I also got HSM2 and Hairspray DVD from Gus' parents, a Papermania storage case and shimmer chalks from Gramps and DKNY Be Delicious from my bro. Gus was pleased with his telescope and especially with his chilli hamper and Leo got lots of toys and yummy treats.

Also got a fabulous stuffed stocking from my secret santa on UKS, which was filled with wonderful goodies. Thank you santa. And from my wonderful advent santa I got Chip Chatter Gellies which I have been lusting after for ages and ages! Yay all around for Christmas.

Scrapliftin'

2007-12-14T17:53:00.000Z

Quick post to show you my Nuts team scraplift of my talented teamie Lisa's work (she's been in SI don't you know). Not sure it is worthy of the very lovely original ('Emotions' shown below) but I am pleased with it :). Here is her gallery: http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=9678&thumb=1

Got some lovely crochet ribbon today from my not-very-secret advent Santa, also got a gorgeous Bazziil letter K yesterday which is perfect for my BOM welcome page which I am yet to do.

Xmas shopping tomorrow - am dreading it....bound to be manic....

Crop til u Drop challenge

2007-12-09T17:27:00.000Z

Decided to do Alix's challenge today, instead of making cards which frankly was probably more important (but less interesting). So after filling up on a rather substantial Sunday lunch I set to work. The challenge was to scrap a wish - I scrapped several so I hope that's allowed... It's for my BOM. I used MM Boho Chic PP and my new Sizzix flowers die which I just love to bits!

Busy, busy day

2007-12-09T08:41:00.000Z

Phew, didn't stop yesterday. Cropping with the folks at Upton (missed u Alix!) all day, then shopping for food, just time to eat and off to see Beauty & the Beast on ice.

It was the Christmas Crop and we had nibbles and mulled wine (note to the wise, keep Paula away from the mulled wine at all costs!!!), and Secret Santa. My santa got me Color Me Silly and a fun minibook which of course resulted in a big grin as I love BG and don't have any papers from that collection.

Also managed two LOs, partly because I used sketches and scraplifts but hey, if it works! sorry the pics are really poor.....

Advent Santa update: 7th - Souffle Pen; 8th - Liquorice Alsorts (mmmm, my fav sweeties); today the most gorgeous lush Mickey stickers I haven't seen before, fab vintagy ones :). Thanks Alix :D.

(ETA: think I will make a Mickey thru the Yrs minibook with my stickers - starting at 1986 (first visit) and with spaces for future visits :) :) :).

Advent days 5&6

2007-12-06T20:26:00.000Z

Thank u Alix for more yummy stash :)

Fa lalalala la la la laaaaa

2007-12-04T13:24:00.000Z

Advent pressies are v cool :). Below are my first and third ones for you to see, and a pic of my bauble just for you Alix. Today I got a Sunrise bubble bar - smells edible, and is one i've not had before. Is, appropriately, rather lush :). Am saving the mini book to take on hols as a little portable project, am in the process of getting some black and white pics ready for it.

Am feeling like poo today but Leo is thwarting all my efforts at getting some sleep. Bloody dog.

December=Christmas

2007-12-02T22:36:00.000Z

Don't allow myself to get Christmassy until December, but is now December - woo hoo!!!

Got a ickle tree today (soooooo cute) and a Nightmare Before Xmas bauble for it on Saturday :).

Today I made my Doodlebug house, which you can see below. Am rather pleased with it. Also finished a LO today as the PP I needed was delivered.

And can of course now open my advent santa parcel (which Gus had to hide cos I am a prodder...) - so far the cutest little minibook and some doggie paper which am itching to use already.

Not blogged for a very long time, but not sure where the days have gone. Is the crop again Sat - surely not?!!

Cropping

2007-11-10T19:28:00.000Z

Spent today at Rosie's Upton crop. Had a lovely day - hello Paula, Ruth, Alix, Rosie et all, lovely to see you today :).
I made two LO's, the doggie one for this week's 'A True Friend' blog challenge, which was to scrap those pics you would normally chuck away. My theme is all the pics of Leo where he refuses to look at the camera (which frankly is most of them!). Used my new Sizzix die to make the curly brackets.

Pooped!

2007-11-09T21:04:00.000Z

Been to the NEC Hobbycrafts today from 9.30am to 4.30pm! My feet hurt and I am pooped but I had a fun day with Jo and family. Got lots of new stash, although less scrapbooking choice than I would have liked and no good subs offers on SI or SBM :(. Also got some secret santa pressies but can't show you them else I would have to kill you ;).

Fireworks Fun!

2007-11-07T22:20:00.000Z

On Sat we went to the fireworks display at the Three Counties Showground. Bonfire was impressive and very hot, Angus bought some sparklers to play with and we had a fun evening! Here are some pics I have yet to get around to scrapping.

Am off to the NEC Friday so expect pics of my stash haul later in the week :P

Finally some scrapping time!

2007-11-05T21:28:00.000Z

'Cos poor old Gus was stuck on a train for nearly 5 hours...

But every cloud - here is the result of my unexpected free time. Done for A True Friend where I haven't played for a while but keep meaning to.

Pumpkins and Pals!

2007-10-28T14:25:00.000Z

Not blogged for ages, lots and lots going on that I haven't felt like sharing. But am back!

Last night we had a wee Halloween celebration with Alix and Dave. We had 4 pumpkins!!! I cooked french onion soup with bat croutons, squash risotto, and pecan pie. Then we watched Nightmare Before Christmas - haven't seen that for ages and had forgotten just how fab it is. Had such a fun evening was sad for it to end.

Here is a pumpkin picture:

A very quick update

2007-09-11T22:29:00.000+01:00

Phew, there is such a lot going on at the moment. Not sure if I am coming or going. Barely getting a chance to look at my emails, never mind UKS and my blog...

New job is going quite well, jury still out but I don't dislike it so we will see how things go. Seems to be a wee bit hectic, some peeps need to chill them beans methinks. Surprised how little it is getting to me - gosh I have changed such a lot in the last year! Still not plucked up the courage to talk to many people yet.....

Tonight's first crop was a great success, I had such fun, AND completed a CJ LO. What a lovely bunch of peeps you are my cropping friends. I shall look forward to more evenings of chat and tea drinking.

And finally, I won a prize for my LO on 'A True Friend' pet scrapping blog. Am sooooo chuffed and rather surprised (there were some nice LOs in the competition).

Life is good!

Yet more scrapping

2007-09-08T22:12:00.000+01:00

Actually not done much today, but decided belatedly to enter a competition to be 'DoCrafts Crafter of the Year' (Scrapbooking category, obviously). Perhaps I am driven by my recent success in being published - certainly a confidence boost. Anyway, you have to use DoCrafts bits and bobs so I was stuck with what (limited) stash was available at the local craft shop.

I was suddenly struck with an idea and came up with this. I used - wait for it - peel offs! I really despise peel offs but think these look pretty cool. For once I am really pleased with it, and think I have used the products quite imaginatively.

You can vote for me if you like at http://www.docrafts.co.uk/ :).

A feast of Bazzill (and other things...)

2007-09-06T19:24:00.000+01:00

Am finding the HS:MS prompts very hard at the moment, so today I have totally cheated and have killed 2 birds as the saying goes.

So here is a pic of my smashing Bazzill Mono kit from ScrapMagic. It is a feast of sorts - just not of the edible kind! Am absolutely chuffed with the contents and value. Very pleased I subbed.

Only 1 more day of work to go (hurrah!), and Gus has got Prosecco to celebrate tomorrow night - isn't he a sweetie? Am a bit scared about starting my new job on Monday though...

Love is in the air...

2007-09-02T19:04:00.000+01:00

Wedding Fayre was a bit packed out but we did get some useful bumf and I found someone who might be able to make a dress for me at a very reasonable price. Most of the dresses there were meringue-i-fied; so not me. Also picked up a planner which is scary (HOW much is there to do????).

Of course we spent most of the time talking weddings (poor Gus and Dave) - mine and Alix's weddings will be chalk and cheese but both beautiful :). On the theme of love, I just love Dave and Alix, they are such a perfect couple.

The hotel where the thing was held was very nice (converted glove factory apparently) giving us another possible reception venue to consider.

And if there wasn't already enough love in this room, I also did this LO for the True Friend pet scrapping blog challenge, about our fur baby Leo.

Byeeeeeeeeeeeee

Show off Sunday

2007-09-02T08:04:00.000+01:00

Hewooo peeps,

Up bright and early today, off to a wedding fayre in Worcester with Alix and Dave (well, technically with Alix as Dave and Gus as slinking off to the pub). Hope to find lots of ideas to steal. Some good news too yesterday, Kirsty is able to do my wedding photos, so am chuffed about that. We are fairly sure the venue will be the Cricket Club but just mulling over the pros and cons before we commit.

That's quite enough rambling - here is my SOS photo. I took this on hols in Scotland. Know nothing about photography really, so don't know if it is any good but I was pleased with it :).

SPS

2007-09-01T21:08:00.000+01:00

Mmmmm, I really don't like SPS - who wants to see my ugly mug every week??? Anyway, today you are treated to a picture of my shoes. I love these shoes, but they are getting on a bit now. They saw me through many miles of walking in the USA in 2005 and they are sooooo comfy. Sadly I think they are destined for the bin quite soon...

We went to Witley Court today. This stately home burned down in the 1930s and it is a glorious ruin. English Heritage have restored this awesome fountain which fires on the hour. It is a wonderfully atmospheric place and I love going there.

Finally, that old mojo is still here! Done yet another LO today, based (very loosely) on a sketch I cut out of SI mag.

Doing a happy dance!

2007-08-31T16:14:00.000+01:00

(((Happy happy happy dance)))
Just picked up the latest issue of DoCrafts 'Creativity' mag and there I am in the readers gallery! I did the LO a while ago (using nothing but DoCrafts stuff as per the rules) and forgot to take a pic, so here instead is a scan of the page. I think this means I won a prize too. Woo hooooooooo!

Also finished a challenge LO for the Mojo blog - this one is for my 2008 calendar which will feature past holiday destinations. I figure if I start it now there is a small chance it will be done by 2008! The calendar is a Heidi Swapp one that takes 12x12 LOs - very cute it is too :).

Finally, caught up with HS:MS - here are my pics for 'Dish' (well I think he is) and 'Chew' (featuring Leo's most favourite thing in the world for chewing on, his Kong toy, affectionally know as Kongo).

'Cloud'

2007-08-29T18:39:00.000+01:00

Here is my pic of some rather foreboding clouds over the Malverns. They kind of reflect my mood today. Fed up to the back teeth of weddings - my Mum just won't stop interfering. Today she asked to vet the invitations! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

It's papercrafters club tomorrow so lots of boring stuff to do tonight :(. Would rather drink wine and vegitate....

On the plus side I got a runner-up prize for my 'Dream Scraproom' LO, £10 to spend at Storage4crafts. Pretty pleased with that.

Fun in the sun

2007-08-26T18:26:00.000+01:00

Ooohhh had a nice day today :)

We went to the National Trust Croome Park with the mutt, bit disappointed with the place but we did have a lovely walk and then lunch at the Plough & Harrow (pea and leek risotto, yum).

Also finished yet another LO, this time for the Mojo scraplift blog. It's a scraplift of an Elsie thingie LO - not a fan really, her style is not my 'thing', but still pleased with the results. Never understood this idol worship that surrounds scrapping - if I like someone's work I like it, don't care who has done it! Makes the whole thing feel a bit clique-y to me... Shall prepare to have my mouth washed out with soap and water now, heh heh (my folks actually used to do that to me - it's mega gross).

Off to the fireworks at Upton tonight with Alix and Dave - they are usually pretty spectacular and it's been a while since we saw them so that will be a perfect end to a lovely day :).

And finally, my HS:MS photo is a picture I took of the landscape park through the church gates - not sure how well it works but I like it :).

Good day (ish)

2007-08-25T22:56:00.000+01:00

We planned to go for lunch today, got lost getting to the first pub, arrived to find distinct lack of veggie, went to another pub who stopped serving at 2pm......Anyway we ended up at The Kettle Sings where we were treated to some lovely views and a little snack. Then we went to Earnslaw quarry - very pretty spot. Gus took my pic for the self-portrait on HS:MS, god I am mega fat!!!

Spent the rest of the afternoon doing a LO for the 'Scrap Your Dream Scraproom' challenge on UKS - resulting LO is OK, but left wondering if there was really something better I could have been doing with my evening. Am never hand-stitching on a LO again, it took forever!

Blog RAK

2007-08-24T20:50:00.001+01:00

Am feeling kind :) - a chipboard alpha for the first scrapper (UK) to post a comment on my bloggie.

Be happy :o)

'Stone'

2007-08-24T18:38:00.000+01:00

Today's word is 'Stone', and here is a picture of a tart warmer I got at the Florida Mall last year from the Yankee Candle store. I am burning a Lemon Zest tart at the moment and very nice it is too. The burner is made from carved soapstone.

Only 9 days of work to go until my new job - woo hoo!!! My Disney CJ is now full and due to start soon too, and I am also extending the Malvern papercrafters to include a Tues night crop - 1st one 11th Sept -so looking forward to it.

Also chuffed that my dear friend Alix has got into Crop til you Drop design team - well done Alix, you so deserve it!

How dull is my life!

2007-08-23T21:53:00.000+01:00

Nothing, nowt, nada to blog about :(. Hebe Ambler workshop at Crafty Pastimes is cancelled and am very disappointed about that - was really looking forward to it.

Oh well, I suppose it's only 1 day to the weekend....

Anyway, here is my HS:MS pic. It's a picture of my lush slipper bath, which I love but can't use cos it has a leak at the moment... I always wanted one of these and the bathroom at the new house is big enough for this and a separate shower which is fab!

Here it is!

2007-08-21T21:37:00.001+01:00

All done and in time for an early night!

HS:MS

2007-08-21T18:39:00.000+01:00

Good evening!
Day behind with the HS:MS challenges - so here are two 'Plant' and 'Wet'.

Hope you like them :).

I wanted to take a picture of Gus (well he is pretty wet) but I got pretty short shrift when I made that suggestion! So I took a picture of Leo's little wet button nose instead (all together now - ahhhhhhh). Cute ain't he?

Treated myself to the Hairspray soundtrack today so that is my scrapping tune for this evening. Might BBL with a LO if I get it finished (but must have an earlier night tonight, yawning so much at work doesn't look good!).

Two more!!!

2007-08-19T15:07:00.000+01:00

I think Gus must have slipped something into my tea this morning......

Both for my Disney album which is now coming along well. The Affection Section one is a Mojo Holder blog scraplift. First time I have done one, but is was great fun and a fab way to do a quick LO.

'Cans'

2007-08-19T11:17:00.000+01:00

Here are some cans in my space - evidence of the major overhaul the house has needed in the past 6 months! I braved the spiders in my under-stairs cupboard for this one i'll have you know. Bye for now :).

On a roll!

2007-08-19T10:15:00.000+01:00

Have finished a LO already this morning (10.15am!). Wow! And I quite like it too.

BBL with today's photo - 'Can' - will resist the overwhelming urge to take a photo of the toilet (I swear there is a 6 year old boy inside me somewhere...).

Also got some yummy stash yesterday - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, papery. I love those PP's from Rusty Pickle (Mayflower) and got some older papers at bargain prices too!

Sadly, I have to go and build a shed now :(. Why does life have to get in the way of scrapping???

Nothin' doin'

2007-08-18T20:04:00.000+01:00

Well, not much happening today. Been bored at work as usual (although it was my last Saturday - no weekends in the new job - YAY to that!).

Was determined to finish my challenge LO for the Bazzill Nuts blog and here is it.

Have also decided to try to do Her Space:My Space as well (again). Anyway, today's picture is not very good but it does show my lovely new window film I have in the scraproom. The nutty neighbours (she talks to the local stray cats and has a house full of chucky dolls) loft overlooks ours, and I like to scrap in my nightie sometimes, so I needed some privacy. And this is much cuter than curtains and still lets the light in! The word was 'Fly', so I cheated somewhat, but the alternative was a pic of Gus' crotch so think yourselves lucky!

Bye bye for now :)

Nice!

2007-08-17T16:01:00.000+01:00

I've been tagged by Suze, who sent me this. Isn't it nice? I think this means I am nice, although it could mean I should make an effort to be more nice (hmmmmmmm). Anyway, it was nice of Suze to pick me for this nice award.

Thanks Suze, you are so nice :).

I shall in turn tag Jo, who is the only person with a blog who I know and Suzy doesn't.

Hairspray!

2007-08-17T08:28:00.000+01:00

OMG you HAVE to see Hairspray, it's the most enchanting film I have seen for ages. Usually I fidget like mad at the pictures and drive Angus crackers, but I was totally mesmerised. I have to go again and get the DVD and the soundtrack and see the stage show. I know... - but it really is that good!

Other than raving about the latest musical feast I have not a lot to report, but I expect i'll be back with pics of the boat later :).

Time on my hands

2007-08-16T07:37:00.000+01:00

Well, Gus had to go to work at the crack of dawn, so am up and about with time on my hands. Actually, I have loads to do but Leo gets left at Mum's when we are out all day and so I am there instead of at home where I could be doing something vaguely useful.

Counting down the days until I start my new job on 10th September. Only 16 days of being patronised within an inch of my life to go!

Am being very organised nowadays (scary - but probably a sign I am really getting better): Jo(s) and I are expanding the Club to include a monthly crop, am trying to organise a coach to take us all down to the NEC for Hobbycrafts (how cool would that be???), the Bazzill Nuts blog is re-born (to greater success I hope - no pressure teamies!), and am getting lots of scrapping done. Am toying with a small business idea but may just be toooooo busy for that at the moment. I like that my life is so much fuller since we moved here :).

Tomorrow is my day off as I have to work Sat - plans were to scrap, watch High School Musical (Encore edition, no less, with sing-a-long feature), scrap some more, maybe tidy my scraproom (yeh right) and scrap some more. Apparently though, Angus wants me to help put up the new shed. Great - (although it will mean we can get the lawnmower back and the garden might look less like a jungle). Then in the evening it is off to see the boat we are hoping to book for the wedding reception - very excited, how cool would that be? If we like it, we can book Browns for lunch and that will be all the plans in place. Just need to lose about 2 stone and buy a dress.

Alix and I are going to a wedding fair in Worcester on 2nd Sept (it's so cool to have a wedding buddy) - must take the camera for that one. Not buying anything you understand, just want to pinch ideas for my hand made stationary and flower arrangements. Am thinking of having Anita Mundt style happy flowers for my table dressings - is that just a scrapping step to far I wonder??? I think I have come up with a card design I like now (after 9 abortive attempts).

As I am bored I thought, how about a word of the day?

Today's is: quo·tid·i·an [ kwō tíddee ən ]
1. commonplace: of the most ordinary everyday kind ( formal )
2. done daily: done or experienced on a daily basis ( formal )

Well I didn't know that?! (this particular quirk will probably last about as long as her space my space pics - i.e. about a week).

New stash - yay!

2007-08-14T21:17:00.000+01:00

Been shopping (naughty, naughty Katy) at Willow Tree Crafts. Not shopped b4 but as the v. talented Emz is on the DT thought I would take a look.

Well, Em had done a fab LO for the DT with some Mayflower PPs and they are so Disney I just had to have them (along with several other things - they did have a sale!).

Now it's stalk the postie time....

Rain, rain go away...

2007-08-14T12:49:00.000+01:00

Well, its peeing it down in Malvern again (deep joy), which not only means it's 'orrible but that the TIC is dead as a doornail and I am bored, bored, bored.

I shall fill my head with layouts to pass the day (although when I sketch at the counter I get very funny looks from my colleagues - they think scrapping is what boys do in the playground). Tried to order some stuff this morning and then it was sold out so not a happy bunny about that - NEED to spend some money, it's been at least a week!

Blimey!

2007-08-12T22:04:00.001+01:00

I managed 3 - yes 3! - LOs today. And spent about 3 hours at Mum's house on the patio sipping Chardonnay :).

Two are classes from the mini UKS cyber crop (Mojo Blog and Jillybeans Scrapyard ones), and the Pirates one is my own creation. Disney book is coming along now, maybe it'll be done before the honeymoon!!! The pic of Leo is one I have been wanting to scrap for ages but lacked inspiration.

Being female stinks

2007-08-12T09:10:00.000+01:00

Sometimes, I so wish I was a bloke. Spent all of yesterday morning curled up with a hot water bottle so hot I could barely stand it, feeling very sore and sorry for myself.

This morning, still painful but at least I can actually stand up/move about/breathe without it hurting like hell.

Oh dear, I am feeling sorry for myself aren't I? But I did miss the 12 hr crop at Scrapajack, about which I am gutted, but at least Hebe's class at Crafty Pastimes was moved to 1st Sept else I would have missed that which would have been much worse.

Anyway, I couldn't sit at my scrapping table 'cause I could not get comfy, but Angus allowed me to break the cardinal sin 'Thou shalt not scrap outside the scraproom' and let me bring some bits into the lounge. I got a fab BG sublime kit in the post from Josieanne on UKS and made a wee minibook about our engagement. It was so nice to have the co-ordinating kit so I didn't have to think too hard about matching up embellies and stuff. I kept it simple but am very happy with the results :).

Hoping to do some of the mini cybercrop classes today if I get chance, although we promised to go to Mum's later today. She has to help me eat the choc dipped strawberries I made for the crop (enough for 20 people!)!

Wooo hooo, YAY, Go Katy!!!

2007-08-10T17:56:00.000+01:00

Am feeling VERY pleased with my little self today :)

Have just been offered a permanent job, based in Malvern too. And best of all? It's with the company who publish Craft Stamper mag! How cool is that?

TIC are very peed off with me, but what the hell. I'm trying not to let it spoil my celebrations.

Bottle of Prosecco awaits me in the fridge downstairs, so it's a short and sweet blog entry for me today. Off to pat myself on the back some more :)

Why does it take so loooonnnnnnngggggg???

2007-08-09T20:32:00.001+01:00

Preparing for crops that is. Is it me? Am I totally hopeless (don't answer that). Am preparing for the 12 hr marathon that is Scrapajack's crop on Saturday - not that Jo and I will last the 12 hours you understand.

Target for the day is to get the following at least started towards my Disney 2006 book:
-Halloween DLO
-Mission Space SLO
-BTTF SLO

Likelihood is I will finish none of them as usual, or won't have the right embellie or something (((sigh))). Major issue is that my ink is low on the printer and we have ordered replacements from Amazon, which, of course won't be here on time because they are crap at despatching things on time.

Life seems to be speeding by at breakneck speed lately, hardly know if I am coming or going and there are nowhere near enough hours in the day. Sometimes I so wish I could afford to work PT.

Big day tomorrow too so can't get a late night. Watch this space for (possible) news ;).

All new blog!

2007-08-05T23:17:00.000+01:00

Well, that's 3 hours of my life I'll never get back spent making my bloggie all beautiful. The papers and elements are from a freebie Shabby Princess kit - aren't they lovely?

I do hope you like it :)

Long time no blog

2007-08-05T20:04:00.000+01:00

OK, VERY long time (April apparently - so where did those weeks go???), so long that I expect no-one ever reads my bloggie anymore (all together now - aaaahhhh).

So, what is happening Chez Katy? Well, wedding plans are (sort of) underway. Venue picked and booked - see pictures - gorgeous, gorgeous 15thC merchants house in Worcester.

Malvern Papercrafters club is up and running, and thriving. At least 20 peeps at every meet so far, with plans to start a separate crop if I can find a blinkin' venue!

Work is OK, just OK but bearable. But then I have my secret plan for world domination to keep me company when the days are dull (cue dark evil sounding laugh - ho ho ho ho).

Been scrapping much more recently, which probably means I am a happier bunny. Certainly having stopped taking the happy pills has (perversely) had the effect of making me more happy - what the hell is that all about??!!??

Here is one I made earlier:

My scrap room is nearly done, but there are no pictures as I keep meaning to take some but everytime I think of it it is an almighty mess and I am too embarassed to show you (not, you understand, that anyone is likely to see this - or indeed get this far into my rather dull ramble).

House wise, another room more or less finished today - bathroom cabinets are up and looking smashing.

Oh and I won a competition in Docrafts and had my first published LO. Got a lovely pink tote. And the winner is - this LO:

Nighty night xxx

Been tagged

2007-04-25T22:05:00.000+01:00

Well, about a million years since I updated my blog, but wow has it been hectic! Lots of progress on the house and we move in on Mon and I start my new job Tues. Last day in the temp job tomorrow, then a rest on Friday and cyber cropping on Sat to look forward to.

Right, Suzy has kindly tagged me. The tag is: Start with 7 random facts/habits about yourself. People who are tagged have to write their 7 things on their blog. Then choose another 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment to tell them they have been tagged and to read your blog.

Main problem here is Suzy has tagged all the bloggers I already know!!! But i'll do the prompt anyway.

1) One of my fav films of all times is the slightly obscure 'Mr Blandings Builds His Dream House'

2) I am terrified of wasps

3) I hate avocados with a passion

4) My feet are only a very wee size 3

5) I have a Masters degree in History of Ceramic Design

6) At University my nickname was 'Bob' a la Blackadder (i.e. Kate aka Bob)

7) Despite being in the Brownies for about 5 years I never got a single badge!

Thanks Suze :)

Just stuff

2007-04-01T12:35:00.000+01:00

Not keeping up with the daily photos, but done one this morning of my favourite socks (xmas pressie from Gus). Colours enhanced a bit with PS but yes, they are pretty much that bright :). They might be tasteless but they are cheery.

Should be working on the house by rights, but courtesy of my female-ness, am instead tucked in bed with a hot water bottle as hot as I can stand on my aching tum :(. Did the ceiling in the living room and skirting yesterday, Gus is painting the bathroom at the moment ready for the plumber who is, allegedly, arriving tomorrow (already cancelled twice so not holding my breath). Ordered the carpets yesterday, which are seagrass for the living/dining room and coir on the stairs and landing. Wiped out the savings more or less so hope they are worth it!!!

Been on a bit of a scrapping roll this month (for me anyway), but been neglecting my teamies a bit cos been spending spare time scrapping instead of on UKS (sorry teamies). Need to get a hustle on with my CJ next.

Busy, busy day

2007-03-18T18:09:00.000Z

Have worked hard this weekend. The scraproom now looks like this. The horrid carpet has been removed, and we are in the process of stripping the floorboards which will be exposed with a rug over them. The walls are 'Duck Egg' and the ceiling is 'Parchment'. Am very pleased with it so far.

We have also done the first coat of 'Toffee Cream' on the stairs and landing today, and bought our kitchen doors yesterday - natural walnut with chunky nickel handles, looking forward to seeing it! Due in 3 weeks time.

Feeling a wee bit nauseous from all the fumes (paint stripper plus emulsion is a bileous combination!).

Also picked out my wallpaper, gorgeous peony design :). OOhhhhhh it's all so exciting!

Catching up with photos

2007-03-18T18:06:00.000Z

Done a wee bit of catching up on the Her Space:My Space photos. Here are my attempts at Curvy and Alive. Can anyone guess what the curvy one is???

Way behind with my photos...

2007-03-16T19:33:00.000Z

But here are 'Bricks' and 'Blue' :O)

These are pics of my gorgeous Edwardian house and some anenomes that Gus got me to say sorry I didn't get the job, bless him.

Some progress

2007-03-11T09:38:00.000Z

Craft room now looks like this:

Following an undercoat of paint. Hoping to get the first coat of duck egg on today if I can drag my arse away from the computer.

Anna's tag

2007-03-10T20:38:00.000Z

A - Available or taken: taken, by Angus
B- Best friend(s): Tommy P (luv ya babe)
C - Cake or pie: cake, but would rather have a choccie biccie
D - Drink of choice: vouvray please
E - Essential item you use every day: my Origins face cream
F - Favorite colour: brown
G - Gummy bears or worms: I think i'm gonna eat some worms.
H - Hometown: now Malvern, but originally Brum.
I - Indulgence: vino plonco.
J - January or February: January, like snow.
K - Karma: probably bad...
L - Life is incomplete without: love.
M - Marriage Date: hopefully Sept 08.
N - Number of siblings: 1, my gorgeous bro Paul x.
O - Oranges or Apples: apples, but only if they are English.
P - Phobias or Fears: wasps (((shudder)))
Q - Fave Quote: I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception.
R - Reason to smile: little Leo.
S - Season: summertime.
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: NO!
U - Unknown fact about me: I couldn't tell the time until I was 12!
V - Vegetable you don't like: avocado (that might technically be a fruit).
W - Worst habit: shouting at Gus Gus.
X - x-rays: not that I recall....
Y - Your fave food: Lindor chocs, blue cheese, aubergines.
Z - Zodiac sign: Gemini.

Stuff

2007-03-10T19:34:00.000Z

Scrapajack crop today, went with Jo again. Thanks for a great day Jo, not at ALL envious of all that lush Kuretake stash! Did a CJ and DLO but (as usual) finished neither. Got some lovely PP but was very restrained today. Looking forward to Rosie's crop on 2nd April too. I love having a whole day just for scrap (and, it has to be said, LOTS of chat).

Here is my photo for today - "play" - of my lovely Leo enjoying his favourite toy. Really pleased with today's effort. Isn't he cute!

My space: Her space pics

2007-03-09T20:52:00.000Z

My (poor) efforts....

Retreat

2007-03-08T20:22:00.000Z

Last weekend I joined Suzy, Jude and Elaine at Sarah's Cards retreat in Northwich. Great fun, the girls are such a laugh! Classes were a bit girly for me but enjoyed putting my own slant on the kits (which seemed to attract attention - not sure of the good kind - from the teachers!).

Anita and Julie were such talented scrappers, loved their work and classes. Learnt so much but it was so hectic I didn't manage to finish a single thing!

Was poorly Sunday (IBS, no change there then) after a pretty grim meal in the evening on Saturday (Elaine made sure they knew it too!), and was up at 5am, but at least it gave me a little more time to work on my Lanzarote mini book....

Suzy works on Lianne's page kit

Elaine's ribbon stash - not at all jealous!

Home sweet(?) Home

2007-02-25T17:49:00.000Z

Well, we have started work on the house. ALL the rooms need to be stripped - these were some of lovely sites awaiting us when we first got the keys. The room with the tasteful orange and blue wallpaper will be my scraproom.

There are also some lovely features though - the cast iron fireplaces are stunning. The house is Edwardian, built in c. 1905. We are going to try to keep the decor in keeping and have already ordered a fab slipper bath, something I have always wanted.

We got the whole of the bedroom and bathroom stripped yesterday, but having come down with a horrid cold virus I wasn't up to anything today except resting and sleeping. Am off work tomorrow so hope I am feeling better.

Progress reports to follow!

Finally, a new place

2007-02-22T20:28:00.000Z

We finally got the keys for the new house yesterday. It wasn't as much of a scene of devastation as I expected - actually, although it ALL needs stripping down, it is a lovely, lovely house. My scraproom is a lovely size and cosy as it is in the loft. Can't wait to get it done and move in.

I hope this will be our dream house and we will love it...

Pics to follow!

Snow everywhere!

2007-02-09T20:09:00.000Z

We have about 6 inches of snow here in Malvern, Leo wasn't sure at first but seems to love it!

Not seen so much snow for some time. Had a very long walk home tonight as nothing could get up the hills here! Took about 40 mins but Gus came to meet me, bless him, so didn't have to walk on my own for most of the way.

Malvern looks stunning in all the snow, such a beautiful place, am glad we moved here.

First Scrapajack Crop

2007-01-14T20:03:00.000Z

Went to the scrapajack crop today with Jo. Had a fab day - time flew! Jo is fab and so easy to talk to, relieved we got on so well. Looking forward to the next one now - 10th Feb.

Karen did a fab class with some yum Gin-X PP, made a wall hanging (Disney - of course) and got my CJ cover done. Will be making another wall hanging of Leo for my scraproom wall :D.

First 12x12 of the New Year

2007-01-11T20:59:00.000Z

Fittingly is a LO of - what else? - my poochie Leo, having a wonderful time at Christmas.

Am so pleased with this LO and just love that paper!

Moved out!

2007-01-11T16:47:00.000Z

Up at 5am this morning to meet the removers in Madeley. Finally moved out of the old house - took the camera of course to record for the scrapbook!!! Removals men thought I was bonkers taking pics of the very large lorry which appeared.

Now there is just the small task of completing our purchase and moving into our new home...

New year, new blog

2007-01-07T12:26:00.000Z

Well, one new year resolution should be to update my blog! So will resolve to do so weekly (we will see if that actually happens!).

Lots and lots gone on since November.

Sold the house finally first week in January, we are due to complete next week. New house seems fine, survey showed nothing of concern so we are pressing ahead. Am already trying to decide what to do with my new scraproom - can't wait!!!!!!

Christmas was good - we had a nice time at Jackie and Bob's, very relaxing, and I was just over the cold enough to enjoy myself.

New Year's Eve was fairly hectic, not to bed until 4am (took me a week to recover). Was coerced into doing karaoke on the Playstation, which was very embarrassing (good job I had a drink or two...).

Need to get back into the scrapping. Got some lovely bargains in Lakeland to inspire me to scrap more, and going to a crop with my new friend Jo next week which I can't wait for!

Really surprised how much I am enjoying work, shame it is only a temp post really, but hopefully I will get until end March at the least. Time I started looking for something more permanent I think.

Other thing I must do right now is lose some weight. Am such a chunker after xmas! Hoping to lose a stone, but half is probably more realistic. If I can fit in my trousers i'll be happy. So, no wine in the week and no snacks. One chocolate treat a week. Wine at the weekend of course ;).

Sooooooooooo fed up :(

2006-11-14T18:02:00.000Z

Well days pass, with no contact from solicitors and still no indication of a moving date. Meanwhile I am surrounded by boxes and we can't find things cos we have packed them (we think). I am going slowly insane sitting around the house with nothing to do except fill more boxes. Can't get into scrapping because I can't concentrate for more than five minutes at a time. Haven't even got out for more than one walk today because it has chucked it down all day.

Feeling downright sorry for myself :(.

Ooodles of fun and some exciting news!

2006-10-16T16:09:00.000+01:00

Well, back from Orlando and feeling incredibly jetlagged. Have slept quite a bit which I expect was a bad idea but I am feeling ill and so tired. Oh well...at least I didn't have to go to work this morning.

Had a wonderful time in Orlando, it was really relaxing and I felt so chilled most of the time which was a nice change for me. We did loads of stuff but didn't push it too much so we weren't knackered all the time. Best bits were Mickey's Halloween Party, Mission Space and Soarin' but the highlight was the meal at Victoria and Alberts - probably the best meal I have eaten in my entire life!

On the last night of the holiday Angus proposed to me - I was expecting it but it was still really nice and I couldn't get a stupid grin off my face for hours and most of the next day as well. Ang's Mum was really chuffed and I was pleased cos I wasn't sure she would be that bothered.

Angus has two interviews to go to so we may be moving sooner rather than later which is fabulous news as well.

Today's Blog Prompt

2006-09-28T10:56:00.000+01:00

Today's UKS blog prompt is: Dreams, goals, fantasies, whatever you call them: Describe FIVE things you’d like to accomplish in your (future) lifetime. How do you plan to do them? What are you doing today to prepare for/do each of them?

Right now my only goal is to be happy. I can't focus on anything much except getting through the next day at the moment. With the house sold I hope we can make a new start and put all the problems behind me. Immediate goal is to get a job I like and find a lovely new home. The other thing I want to accomplish is to stop being such a worrier - I procrastinate, I question every decision I make, I fret about little things. And I want to get off these pills cos they make me scatterbrained and forgetful.

Travel Journal

2006-09-27T19:21:00.000+01:00

Well, not long now and raring to go! Mell gave me the idea of doing a travel journal to record my thoughts and keep bits and pieces from my week. I had a notebook from Smiths I bought ages ago so I have decorated it Disney style ready to take on my travels. I am hoping this will help me with my journalling when I come to scrap my photos - especially given how long it is likely to take me to finish my holiday album!

I got another wee pressie from Mell today - a really cute little 7gypsies mini-book made with tiny little envelopes. It is sooooo cute!

Had a wasted morning this morning, spending 2 hours doing a film quiz someone posted a link to on UKS! Still managed to get my application for Connexions finished though, so fingers crossed that all goes OK and I get an interview.

Tues Blog Prompt

2006-09-26T11:03:00.000+01:00

Today's UKS prompt: What are your scrapbook ‘buttons’? What item(s) do you find you can’t enough of? Have too many of? Can’t find ‘the perfect one’ of? Sets you in a rant about? Disappoint you the most?

Brads, brads and more brads! I just love them, I use them all the time and I can't stop buying them. I have three craft caddies full of them, my favs are MM but I also like the Doodlebug ones a lot. I also love ribbons! American Craft being flavour of the month.

I have way too many eyelets, I hardly ever use them but seem to have millions in every colour of the rainbow.

Nothing makes me rant really, but I am not sure what all the fuss over BG is about and I find the range of stock in my local shop frustrating. One thing I dislike is ready-made embellies - things like toppers - because they take the creativity out of the scrapping experience. That said, I have on occasion used Jolee's so nothing is a no-no where I am concerned!

CJ Day - postie bought lovely things.

2006-09-25T12:36:00.000+01:00

Today was the posting day for my Newbie CJ. Mine came early and I got 'True Colours' in the post this morning. I am really enjoying the CJ so far and have joined in the team one as well - theme 1975. Have decided what to do for 'True Colours' already so just need to root through my stash for things of the right colour.

I have got my enthusiasm for scrapping back at last (probably something to do with quitting work!), but I struggled yesterday with my Las Vegas LO. Finished it in the end but not one of my best. Now trying to decide whether to make a start on my Luxor LO today or the CJ or do some more pages of Dyson's album...

I got a lovely present as well in the post today from Mell - it is a little glass plaque that says Friends for Life. I was so touched by it, I haven't got many friends so it meant a lot to me. It's sitting on my dressing table so I can see it each day. Thanks Mell, you are such a sweet person!

My UKS points for this month are my best ever (160) - I think the new team has spurred me on to scrap more.

Need to finish a job application today. Have to go into work tomorrow to hand over which I am not looking forward to much, just want to see the back of the place to be honest.

Also started to pack yesterday - can't wait - I am soooooo stupidly excited. Got some scrapping mags for the airplane and it is such a struggle not to read them!!! Have also been making a shopping list, might spend a wee bit of time

Weight loss so far - a paltry 2 lbs. Can fit in about half my skirts, so I do have something to wear on holiday thank goodness!

I scrapped my shoes!

2006-09-19T11:48:00.000+01:00

I was going to chuck away these trainers cos I never wore them, and then I had a flash of inspiration! I had been wanting to try out fabric in my Big Shot (I wuv u Big Shot) so I thought why not scrap my shoes. I am pleasantly surprised how nice they are, I am really pleased with them :).

Welcome to my blog

2006-09-17T21:46:00.000+01:00

Well, everyone's doing it so here is my blog! Lots of peeps on UKS seem to enjoy blogging so I thought I would give it a go to record my scrapping efforts and other more boring things.

I managed seven LOs today which is a record for me! Started an album about Dyson (my late bunny) today, only an 8x8 which might explain the speed scrapping! I used the Brenda Walton Neopolitan kit I got free with my Scrapbook Inspirations sub, so it was really a no-brainer. Most of it was already co-ordinated, I just added some brads, ribbon and bits. I used my Nouveau alpha today (the one I got for £13.99 cos Ellison made a mistake on their website) and I must say I really like it.

New team the Bazzill Nuts is going well thank goodness. Setting up a new team was a wee bit nerve-racking so I am glad it all went OK. Seems to be a lot going on and plenty of chat too.

About a third of the way through my first CJ at the moment, and loving it. My latest one is 'Scent of a Woman' which I really wasn't sure about at all when I heard the title but it is really fab. I know what I am doing for it, just a case of getting around it.

Started the diet today and it is hell already - had a headache all afternoon, probably hunger. Had 2 squares of choc but otherwise stuck to it including only half a bottle of wine all weekend (which is what I have allowed myself). Went for a lovely long walk today with Leo at Trentham - over an hour so good exercise for lardy old me. Won't be able to wear my swimsuit if I don't get some of the excess pounds off. Had to buy size 14 trousers for the hols so that was IT - I have promised myself I will get back to a size 12!